Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (SPOILER THREAD)- Page 14

[Plum]

Posted: 8/9/05 at 6:57pm

I think the Harry-Malfoy scene is small beans compared with the scene in the Horcrux cave, which was absolutely harrowing without any blood.

[Taryn]

Posted: 8/9/05 at 11:39pm

The GoF film being PG-13 isn't a rumor--WB's CONFIRMED it, to my delight. I'm glad they're not pulling any punches. These books just keep getting darker and more frightening, and I think it's good that WB isn't forcing the movies to be kiddified at all.

Matt, I would disagree with your assessment that Harry and Hermione would be a good romantic match. Harry and Hermione just don't have fun together; Harry and Ron can have fun, and we see hints that Ron and Hermione can have fun, but we especially see in Goblet of Fire when Ron and Harry are not speaking, Harry and Hermione just don't have a lot of fun together. I actually had this unshakeable kind of feeling from when I first read the books that Harry and Hermione were just so utterly platonic, and it wasn't until I read this essay (https://www.sugarquill.net/index.php?action=goodshiprh&st=angua) that I could really pinpoint WHY they weren't romantically suited. It's got some excellent, realistic points about Harry's needs as a person and Hermione's role in his life. Of course, you may not have really commented on Harry/Hermione with the desire for a huge discussion on it, so I apologize if I'm getting too into things.

With the Lupin/Tonks thing, I was more thrilled for LUPIN to be in a relationship. He's a favorite character of mine, still vying for the favorite spot with Sirius, and his life has been so difficult and tragic that he DESERVES some love in his life. Tonks, from what we've seen of her, will be good for him, IMO.

[kangaroo]

Posted: 8/10/05 at 1:09am

I honestly thought Tonks was a bit annoying in the fourth and fifth book, but agreeing with taryn... I like Lupin because there have been so many things that have gone wrong in his life that he needs to have some TLC. I mean, think about it... he lost one of his best friends [James Potter], and for a long time he thought that it was his other best friend [Sirius]. Then, after he found out that Sirius was innocent, he dies a little while later. On top of that, he's a werewolf! My love is definitely geared towards Lupin and not so much of Tonks. And I agree that Harry and Hermione together would be weird... and probably something everyone wanted from the first book. I say that Ginny & Harry seem to be on the same page... with their interests and their ability to have a laugh. Plus, he is really close to the Weasley family anyway.

~kangaroo

[Sunfish]

Posted: 8/10/05 at 4:16am

Good God!!! I just read this entire thread, and it is 3 in the morning. I wish I had know it was here when I finished the book, as I was in a deep depression. And had no one to talk to, as my husband was just starting it.

He believes DD is not really dead. I know he is wrong.

I think the reason Dumbledore absolutely knew Snape could be trusted is that when he left the Death Eaters, Dumbledore required the Unbreakable Vow from him, that he would always protect Harry and do what Dumbledore required of him.

That is the only possible reason I can think that this totally despicable man could be trusted. He really does seem to hate Harry, yet is compelled to ultimately protect him.

I think the theory that he was deeply in love with Lily is very likely.

I am terrified that someone else close to Harry will have to die in the next one, and no one is closer than Ron and Hermione. Now that they are clearly a couple, though, maybe JK will spare them. I don't know. But it was one of my first thoughts...one of them will die.

And on that cheery note, I have to try to get some sleep.

Very interresting theories all around.

Posted: 8/10/05 at 5:15am

I don't think anyone in the Trio will die, w/ teh exception of Harry himself. But if Harry dies, I believe he'll take Voldemort with him, so they both die.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 8/10/05 at 10:07am

Taryn - I think Harry and Hermione are similar enough in conviction, yet opposite enough in personality to be a great match. She's a bit reserved, but willing to take risks or bend the rules when necessary. He's always diving in head-first, but she helps him learn to reason out some problems before reacting. I don't remember any hints that Ron and Hermione can have fun unless Harry is with them. The only time they are together without Harry is at the burrow waiting for him to arrive or when he is on a mission or in the hospital and it's never been anything worth mentioning. I never noticed anything that made them seem a good match. Ron's just a little too dopey, clumsy and self-deprecating. I always thought Hermione needed a stronger personality or else she'll get bored or frustrated. I mean, if all it took to be a good couple was having fun together, then Harry and Ron would be snogging everywhere in this book.

[Plum]

Posted: 8/10/05 at 10:16am

I always wondered what happened to chess-playing Ron. He must be able to think a few steps ahead in order to be so good at the game, but he's never really showed it otherwise.

Anyway, there's been heavy hints (practically anvils) that Ron and Hermione liked each since the fourth book at least, so it's really no surprise. Plus, from a pure writing point of view, if any two members of the trio could get together it had to be them, because otherwise the third party would be a very diminished third wheel. Harry can't fade into the background because he's the main character.

[Millie42]

Posted: 8/10/05 at 11:39am

I could see it being Harry and Hermoine in the end.

But, the way I see it is, they are 16. Who is the same as an adult as they are at 16? Ron and Hermoine could work now, but they are just kids! I don't think anyone can predict what would truly work.

Yes, I just spoke about them as if they are real...

[yodamarie78]

Posted: 8/10/05 at 11:50am

This shipping talk reminded me of this article which was posted on The-Leaky-Cauldron.org last week. It struck me as very funny especially considering the insane theories that have been floating around HPforGrownups lately (there is literally a debate going on about Harry as an abusive boyfriend). Enjoy!
Shipping Article

[Millie42]

Posted: 8/10/05 at 12:03pm

That was terribly amusing, yodamarie!

They need to calm down.... and they will all still end up buying the last book.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 8/10/05 at 1:10pm

Ok, I have a question: Were there ever collector's editions sold for books 3 and 4? I have only seen 1 and 2 (leather) and 5 and 6 (in sleeve). What happened to 3 and 4?

[CurtainUp]

Posted: 8/10/05 at 3:15pm

I think Ron and Hermione hvae the perfect Odd Couple romance. They sort of epitomize the opposites attract idea-and JK Rowling doesn't write Harry and Hermione as having ANYTHING but platonic chemistry. I think Ron and Hermione even each other out.

[Sunfish]

Posted: 8/10/05 at 6:31pm

Damn, I just wasted a couple hours at the Leaky Cauldron...I dunno if I want to thank you for that link or not!!! LOL! It was that Emerson that kept inserting the word "delusional".

The Ron/Hermione thing was forshadowed WAY back, I was surprised when others came on the scene. Of course, in #6, I saw the use of the jealousy aspect quite early.

I did always wonder who would be there for Harry. Ginny was a surprise...she was a fan-struck kid, not even old enough to go to Hogwarts when we first met her. Of course, now she is 15 to his 16, and with the next book comes another year.