Half-Blood Prince discussion

Present and accounted for.

I picked up the book last weekend, went to the beach and read. Finished it, along with a bottle of coconut rum about 8 pm.

 

Interesting, I am not certian that Dumbeldore is dead. I look for him to return, also wouldn't be surprised to see Sirius return for the big shootout.

I think you've hit on something with Snape and Lily.

 

I actually don't think that Dumbledore can come back. I don't think there is a way to fake and unforgivable curse.

 

That was my thought, too. I think JKR could easily stretch all that into at least 2 more books, if not 3.

Teaching DADA is certainly an option for him, and probably his best one, despite his aspirations to be an auror. I just don't see him developing into a 'Ministry man'. And Harry teaching at Hogwarts after vanquishing Voldemort would be a huge catalyst to get the school back on its feet.

 

Of all Harry's trips into Dumbledore's penseive, that was the memory I wanted him to be able to see most. Dumbledore kept mentioning Snape's remorse, but I wanted to really see it.

Wow. Are you saying that Dumbledore's act might have been an effort to somehow enhance the protection Harry's mother placed on him when she died to save him?

 

I was thinking it was one of the Blacks, too.

 

That was my feeling as well. Harry seems to be fresh out of mentors, doesn't he? And no way he's good enough (or smart enough) to find and destroy the other 4 horcruxes by himself.

The Order was getting their collective ass kicked by the Death Eaters, too. If they're going to have any chance of winning this war, they'll need to find a way to get trained up, and in a hurry.

Does it seem to anyone else like every battle between the OoP and the DE seems like one side's bringing tazers and pepper spray to a gun fight?

 

They may find a way to get Sirius back, but I think Dumbledore's gone. He was blasted off the top of the astronomy tower with Snape's killing curse, and he was seriously weakened already by the horcrux potion from the cave. Not to mention Hagrid carrying his body and laying it in the casket at the funeral, and his sudden appearance in the new painting in the headmaster's office.

I think he'll continue to have a significant influence on the Order through that painting. Maybe they'll be able to set up another one for him to visit in Harry's/Sirius' place, too.

 

The feeling I got from Dumbledore, after his lecture to Harry about why he was the ultimate weapon against (and created by) Voldemort, leads me to think that he thinks Harry won't 'step up' if Dumbledore is around. I don't know how else to say it.

 

Hmm.

I can sort of see that (maybe Harry lying back and trusting AD to be the power and lead the Order), but Harry's just not up to the challenge yet -- in power, discipline, or knowledge. Not even close. And frankly, I don't see anyone in the Order who really is.