Finished HBP; spoilers behind cut

[dreamflower]

Well, I finished reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince just a short while ago, so



First of all, it is my considered opinion that Dumbledore is just about as gone as Gandalf was in Moria. It is very obvious that he had something going on with Snape, a *reason* he trusted him implicitly, and I do not believe that reason was misplaced. I think his death was a set-up. I could, of course, be wrong.

Much of the rest fell in with my expectations: Ron and Hermione have realized their feelings toward one another; Harry and Ginny as well--though I also pretty much was sure of the "break-up" at the end--the noble hero protecting his loved one.

I also knew that Ron and Hermione would not forsake Harry--much like Sam, they will follow him anywhere.

I knew someone major would bite the dust--I wasn't sure if it would be Dumbledore or Snape, but I'm glad it was Dumbledore, as *him* I expect to come back in some form or other. Snape would have been just as gone as Sirius.

I would like to have seen more of Neville.

And I wonder what Draco is going to do now that he failed?

It was a very absorbing read, very well done, and better I think, than Order of the Phoenix.

And now I will get back to my hobbits....

Comments

[rabidsamfan.livejournal.com]

LoL! I think you're right about Dumbledore, too, but we'll find out eventually.

I wonder what it was like having read The Two Towers and knowing you had to wait for The Return of the King...

[dreamflower]

I had to wait a week, which was horrible enough! I was reading the copies at my H.S. library, and RotK was checked out, LOL! I can't imagine having to wait nearly a year.
According to JRRT in Letter #170, he feared for his very life if the next book didn't come out soon. *grin*

[isil-elensar.livejournal.com]

I gave in and read this... trying to avoid the spoiler. But I'm a sucker for them. At least now I know... and I'll still read it, but Dumbledore dying... wow...

That'll be an interesting bit for the movies...

[dreamflower]

As I said, I expect Dumbledore to be back, just like Gandalf was.

But yeah, these have each gotten progressively darker. I think they are going to be looking at PG-13 ratings when you deal with a major character death like this. Even GoF, I think, is going to be far too intense for younger kids.

[duckie-710.livejournal.com]

I honestly think that Dumbledore is gone for good. I don't think that the killing curse can be faked and Dumbledore definitely was hit and flew off the astronomy tower.

I would have loved more Neville, too. And more Luna.

:)

[piplover.livejournal.com]

I think Dumbledore is gone, but I think he will be back in some form or another, either as his painting in the Headmaster's office, or in spirit. Also, I think you are right about Snape. I think Dumbledore's plea right before he was killed was him asking Snape to finish it quicky, as though it had been arranged. Which would make sense, if they both knew it was one of the only ways to get to Voldemort. However, I still think Snape is a jerk and a slimebucket, so if he truly is evil, I won't be surprised.