HBP Analysis (SPOILERS FOR THE WHOLE BOOK)

[LordTBT]

This is my analysis of the HBP.

In my opinion, JKR bites off more than she can chew when she writes these books. She is incredibly wordy. There is no need for this book to be 600-some-odd pages whatsoever. While the tales are enjoyable, their length is just ridiculous. Chapter 1 of this book could have been completely cut. It was an overdrawn introduction of Scrimgeour that was unnecessary.

On top of this, she just can't keep track of what shes writing. She has too many things happening that she forgets whats going on and forgets to explain something.

Whomever is in charge of titling these books does an incredibly poor job. OoTP should have been titled "Harry Potter and the Great Prophecy", as the book had very little to do with the Order. Likewise, while a character referred to as the HBP was in this book, it did not revolve around this, it revolved around Voldemort's life. Thus, I feel "Harry Potter and the Tragedy of Lord Voldemort" is a more appropriate title.

Getting back to the 'forgetting' problem Rowling has, here's some examples.

-We hardly see Neville Longbottom is this book, who was quite prominent int he last one.

-Harry seems to stop trying to find out who the HBP is, or forgets to.

-We hardly see the Order in this book, we don't find out where their new base is, and Harry doesn't go to Sirius's house, which is his.

-We never find out if Draco is in fact a Death Eater. We can only assume his mission was to kill Dumbledore, but we in fact have no idea what Voldemort assigned him to do.

-I think it was still unclear why Dumbledore trusted Snape. The reasons Rowling gave, about Snape "feeling sorry" were ridiculous. The world's greatest wizard just accepts that? Yeah right. Now we'll never know. I thought the opening scene of Snape talking to the other Death Eaters was a trick, and he would turn out good. Snape has no valid reason for not killing Dumbledore or Potter at any other time in the past 5-6 years.

- The D.A. was prominent in the previous book, now it's non-existent.

-Hermione disapproves of hexing Slughorn to get his memory, but she approves of getting him drunk?

- I noticed Snape never flat out attacks Potter with magic in the closing chapters of the book. He only deflects Harry's attacks.

- Snape has craved the DADA position forever. And yet, when he gets the position, we hardly see any of the classes he teaches.

- Why couldnt Fawkes cause Dumbledore to come back to life?

- Why wasnt Dumbledore asked about the HBP at any of Harry's meetings? He kept bringing up Draco, yet this just slips his mind?

-Rowling says that Snape called himself the HBP to have a "cool" nickname, basically. Why would he call himself HB when Dark Wizards don't like non-pureblood wizards? The man is openly saying he's not a pureblood, and they accept him? What? And why would a man take his mother;s maiden name?

Finally, I had my own hunch that Harry would not be returning to Hogwarts his 7th year, and that he would not be an Auror. I knew that from the moment he said he wanted to be one. It was just a moronic pipedream, like Cho.

I also find it coincidental that Rowling killed Dumbledore, and his original actor died recently.


Also, Mugglenet.com, a very reliable HP source, had the following "facts" listed under HP6(prior to the book's release, theyre still there now though):


-We will find out what happened to Sirius's motorbike.

-We'll learn more about Harry's scar in the last 2 books

-We will find out what happened to Hagrid's half brother Grawp. He will be a bit more controllable in book 6.

-We will find out what happened to Wormtail AKA Peter Pettigrew

-JK has said that giving away the form of Snape's boggart and patronus says too much. We'll definitely find out what Snape's worst fear is, and it'll be important.

-We will find out what exactly Dudley saw when he looked at the dementors.

-Something HUGE will be revealed about Lily Potter.


Um, none of those are true. Except that Lily is good at Potions. And Graw is a bit more controllable. But I'd hardly call any of those huge at all.

[Jodan]

-I think it was still unclear why Dumbledore trusted Snape. The reasons Rowling gave, about Snape "feeling sorry" were ridiculous. The world's greatest wizard just accepts that? Yeah right. Now we'll never know. I thought the opening scene of Snape talking to the other Death Eaters was a trick, and he would turn out good. Snape has no valid reason for not killing Dumbledore or Potter at any other time in the past 5-6 years.

Dumbledore is an incredibly noble person, and believes that everyone, with the exception of Voldemort, can change and redeem their past mistakes. There was something in there about that, and I think he might have been telling Harry that about himself.

The D.A. was prominent in the previous book, now it's non-existent.

The DA was all about sticking it to the man, which means flouting the rules, and for trying to get an education in DADA when they were not receiving one. They didn't need the DA, because Snape was actually teaching, and there was no reason to stick it to the man.

Why couldnt Fawkes cause Dumbledore to come back to life?

Pheonix tears have healing powers, which can heal an injury, but Snape used the Killing Curse. Instant death, no way to heal that.

Rowling says that Snape called himself the HBP to have a "cool" nickname, basically. Why would he call himself HB when Dark Wizards don't like non-pureblood wizards? The man is openly saying he's not a pureblood, and they accept him? What? And why would a man take his mother;s maiden name?

I believe it was because he was trying to pull a Voldemort, and show the Dark Lord how similar they were, to gain favor with him.

Also, Mugglenet.com, a very reliable HP source, had the following "facts" listed under HP6(prior to the book's release, theyre still there now though):


-We will find out what happened to Sirius's motorbike.

-We'll learn more about Harry's scar in the last 2 books

-We will find out what happened to Hagrid's half brother Grawp. He will be a bit more controllable in book 6.

-We will find out what happened to Wormtail AKA Peter Pettigrew

-JK has said that giving away the form of Snape's boggart and patronus says too much. We'll definitely find out what Snape's worst fear is, and it'll be important.

-We will find out what exactly Dudley saw when he looked at the dementors.

-Something HUGE will be revealed about Lily Potter.


Um, none of those are true. Except that Lily is good at Potions. And Graw is a bit more controllable. But I'd hardly call any of those huge at all.

No one knew anything about the book. That was kind of the point. People could speculate, surely, but no concrete details were given. It was to increase demand for wanting to know what happens.

I think you were reading into it a bit too much. All those details didn't stop the story from being enjoyable and intense.

[LordTBT]

Dumbledore is an incredibly noble person, and believes that everyone, with the exception of Voldemort, can change and redeem their past mistakes. There was something in there about that, and I think he might have been telling Harry that about himself.

Noble, yes. But not a moron.


The DA was all about sticking it to the man, which means flouting the rules, and for trying to get an education in DADA when they were not receiving one. They didn't need the DA, because Snape was actually teaching.

This wasn't evident at all. We see 1 or 2 DADA classes, and we don't know how any of the students perform in the class.

Pheonix tears have healing powers, which can heal an injury, but Snape used the Killing Curse. Instant death, no way to heal that.


I'm not sure if it's been said whether or not Phoenix tears can't heal the dead.

I believe it was because he was trying to pull a Voldemort, and show the Dark Lord how similar they were, to gain favor with him.

I don't see how telling the Dark Lord you're not pureblood would help one's cause.

[Jodan]

I'm not sure if it's been said whether or not Phoenix tears can't heal the dead.

If they could, then anyone who dies can be revived. That's just dumb. Pheonix tears have healing powers, which means healing injuries, like being bitten by the basilisk in CoS. Healing doesn't mean reviving from death. The Avada Kedavra doesn't injure someone, it kills them without leaving any marks, excluding Harry's. There's nothing to heal.

[Wormerwing]

Hermione disapproves of hexing Slughorn to get his memory, but she approves of getting him drunk?

She didn't exactly know about it until it was done, and anyway, it was "nonviolent".

I noticed Snape never flat out attacks Potter with magic in the closing chapters of the book. He only deflects Harry's attacks.

I believe later on Snape says something about leaving him to Voldemort. Remember, they had only heard half of the prophecy, and didn't know what would happen if they killed Harry.

Why wasnt Dumbledore asked about the HBP at any of Harry's meetings? He kept bringing up Draco, yet this just slips his mind?

It wasn't considered urgent, or crucial to survival. Harry just wanted to know...

[Ferahgo the Assassin]

I think it was still unclear why Dumbledore trusted Snape. The reasons Rowling gave, about Snape "feeling sorry" were ridiculous.

I agree. I thought it was almost a pathetic mockery of Dumbledore, and his intelligence, that he trusted Snape so blindly (without being given a decent reason why) - leading to his death. I never thought that Dumbledore would make such an awful mistake.

Hermione disapproves of hexing Slughorn to get his memory, but she approves of getting him drunk?

I thought they discussed the possibility, and decided that hexing him or slipping him a potion was unwise because he is such a powerful and accomplished wizard; a 16-year-old attempting to hex a Potions professor was foolishness.

Why wasnt Dumbledore asked about the HBP at any of Harry's meetings? He kept bringing up Draco, yet this just slips his mind?

If he told Dumbledore about the HBP, two things would happen: Dumbledore would know why Harry is doing so well in Potions, and maybe tell Slughorn; and he may be suspicious enough to ask to see the book, and upon looking at it he'd see the dangerous dark magic in it, thus confiscating it.

[LordTBT]

I thought it was almost a pathetic mockery of Dumbledore


Indeed! It makes Dumbledore appear quite stupid if you ask me.


a 16-year-old attempting to hex a Potions professor was foolishness.


But getting him intoxicated is clever?

[Ferahgo the Assassin]

But getting him intoxicateed is clever?
Well, no. But it worked. And anyway, Harry doesn't seem to be known for his cleverness - luck, maybe, but not cleverness.

[LordTBT]

Well, no. But it worked. And anyway, Harry doesn't seem to be known for his cleverness - luck, maybe, but not cleverness.

Agreed, which is why he won't be an Auror. If you think about it Harry's not very bright at all.

[Chelki Sureshot]

That was so sad. Poor Dumbledore. I think it was very rude of him to hex Harry like that; Harry could have saved his life. Idiot. The Iferi were really creepy, and I agree with you TBT, there wasn't enough in this book. I'm really disapointed in it. And in Harry. Him going out with Ginny. Sick,. :mad: He needs to go out wityh Hermione. I wanted more Quidditch.n I wanted more everything,. I can't believe Harry's not goingback to school. I hate Ginny. Why does she call Fleur, Phlegm? Fleur is really nice, and it was so cool at the end how Fleur still wanted to marry him, even though he was a wreck, True devotion. The whole Ron/Lavender thing was really wierd. This is a totally useless post, but I've only read the book once, and I'm still is shock. . .poor Dumbledore. . .cries. ..

[LordTBT]

They call Fleur 'Phlegm' because they are jealous of her good looks.

[Jodan]

They weren't jealous, they didn't like her engagement to Bill, so they called her Phlegm.

[Bladeswift]

I had to wait til Sunday to get my hands on a copy. I just finished about half an hour ago.

I didn't care for all the romance going on, but I figured that would inevitably happen sooner or later.

I'm still neutral on which side Snape is really working for. Part of me feels that Dumbledore couldn't really be that naive, while the other part is laughing and saying he got what he deserved for being so blind and that he was obviously playing him for a fool.

Harry's curiosity has begun to annoy me. I am fully aware that Potter was right about Malfoy all along, but his paranoidal obsession with spying on him for the slightest excuse made me want to throttle him.

The insight into Voldemort's past was both interesting yet mildly disturbing, not least of all because I apparently share several things in common with "The Dark Lord."

I didn't see much importance in "The Half-Blood Prince" affair. All that disussion over who the Prince will be for a pseudonym?

Poor Dumbledore. I think it was very rude of him to hex Harry like that; Harry could have saved his life. Idiot.
At the time, hexing him was the best course of action. Well...from a "loving father-figure's" point of view anyway. Strategically speaking, yes, it was a dumb move on his part.

[LordTBT]

They weren't jealous, they didn't like her engagement to Bill, so they called her Phlegm.


Fleur is an incredibly attractive woman. That's what theyre jealous of.

I didn't care for all the romance going on, but I figured that would inevitably happen sooner or later.

I'd hardly call it "romance".

At the time, hexing him was the best course of action.

Dumbledore knew he had to die.

[Bladeswift]

I'd hardly call it "romance".
Very well. I didn't care for all the "snogging" going on, but I figured that would inevitably happen sooner or later.

[Jodan]

Fleur is an incredibly attractive woman. That's what theyre jealous of.

No, they didn't want her marrying Bill.

[LordTBT]

No, they didn't want her marrying Bill.

For no reasoning whatsoever.

[Jodan]

But that's the reason. It was specifically written in the book that Mrs. Weasely and Ginny didn't want her marrying Bill. They were never jealous of Fleur.

[LordTBT]

But that's the reason. It was specifically written in the book that Mrs. Weasely and Ginny didn't want her marrying Bill. They were never jealous of Fleur.

Reading between the lines, it is my professional opinion that the Weasley females are jealous of Fleur's good looks, which causes them to act in a manner of disgust around her.

[Fenglaz the Cannibal]

I believe the reason for this anger may be spawned by the fact Fleur is part Veela. If the Veela are positive to males, it would make sense if they were negative to females, no?

[Ferahgo the Assassin]

I definitely think that they were jealous of Fleur, but they also didn't want her marrying Bill. A good indicator of this is near the end, when Harry says something like, "She's not that bad," to Ginny, who gets in a huff and Harry quickly says, "But ugly, of course." Ginny was obviously jealous, and so was Hermione (probably because she likes Ron, who was obsessed with Fleur. And yes, I think there are many indications in the book that Hermione has a silly crush on Ron).

From Mrs. Weasley's perspective, I think it was far less jealousy and far more protectiveness of Bill. Still, there was jealousy involved, and Fleur's aloof, arrogant nature certainly didn't help.

[Jodan]

Hermione was jealous, true, because of her buried attraction to Ron, but I don't think Ginny or Molly were. They were only worried about Bill.

[KitsuneRose]

Chapter 1 of this book could have been completely cut. It was an overdrawn introduction of Scrimgeour that was unnecessary.
I disagree. First of all, she has said that she had been planning this chapter for 13 years. It was obviously important to her and the story if it's been in the works that long and almost went into others of the series. Also, it gives the reader an insight to what extent the Ministry to Magic will go to during times of crisis. And, it shows that Muggles are noticing the effects of Voldemort's return as well. And it was an introduction to Scrimgeour and you seem to get a good idea about his character. I think it served it's purpose quite well.

Whomever is in charge of titling these books does an incredibly poor job. OoTP should have been titled "Harry Potter and the Great Prophecy", as the book had very little to do with the Order.
And that wouldn't be spoiling the major secret of the novel, and basically series, at all. Also, I thought it had a fair amount to do with the Order. Perhaps because the story was told in Harry's POV, we don't see as much as the Order as we think, but I think they were a very prominent part of OotP. We saw what the side of light puts against the dark and who is in on the fight (past and present). I'd go on, but once more, my thoughts are spinning around in my head from HBP.

Likewise, while a character referred to as the HBP was in this book, it did not revolve around this, it revolved around Voldemort's life. Thus, I feel "Harry Potter and the Tragedy of Lord Voldemort" is a more appropriate title.
I agree... and disagree. I think the Half-Blood Prince played a bigger role than is initially realized. Had Harry not had that book, he probably would not have been able to save Ron, he wouldn't have won the Felix Felicis, which probably saved his friends lives during the attack on Hogwarts, and in the end, it gives us some insight into Snape's ever-evolving character.

And now, we get to my conjecture:
-We hardly see Neville Longbottom is this book, who was quite prominent int he last one.
I think that was on purpose. I think that there is something major in store for Neville in the final book, so making him more of a background character than usual might serve to make the reader forget him, so if there is a major event revolving around him, it will come as more of a surprise. He find out he got a new wand and what it was made of, yet we never hear how Luna's expedition to Sweden went. That, I think, is significant.

-Harry seems to stop trying to find out who the HBP is, or forgets to.
Yeah, it's not like he had a lot of other stuff on his mind as it was. I mean, the Half-Blood Prince, as was said earlier, did not seem to play a major role in the story, so Harry sort of left it with just having his book. Besides, there wasn't a whole lot he could have done anyway, after checking the date on the book.

-We hardly see the Order in this book, we don't find out where their new base is, and Harry doesn't go to Sirius's house, which is his.
It would probably be too painful for Harry at this point to visit 12 Grimmauld Place. Though we only get a few instinces of Harry's pain, I think he's still in mourning for his godfather and visiting the place that he (Sirius) had lived and hated, then returned, only to die, would be hard on his psyche. Also, again, this is from Harry's POV. How much would Harry be seeing the Order (though we see many of the prominent members throughout, each doing their part; Lupin and the werewolves, the Aurors guarding Harry and Hogwarts, Dumbledore doing what he does, etc...)

-We never find out if Draco is in fact a Death Eater. We can only assume his mission was to kill Dumbledore, but we in fact have no idea what Voldemort assigned him to do.
Again, I think not finding out whether he became a Death Eater or not was intentional. We see Harry at the end beginning to feel a little pity for Malfoy, as he had lowered his wand, being unable to kill Dumbledore. I think it's pretty obvious that was what Voldemort had assigned him to do, according to what the Death Eaters say when the show up as Malfoy has Dumbledore cornered. I believe Draco's heart will be a theme of the 7th book.

-I think it was still unclear why Dumbledore trusted Snape. The reasons Rowling gave, about Snape "feeling sorry" were ridiculous. The world's greatest wizard just accepts that? Yeah right. Now we'll never know. I thought the opening scene of Snape talking to the other Death Eaters was a trick, and he would turn out good. Snape has no valid reason for not killing Dumbledore or Potter at any other time in the past 5-6 years.
I think there is more to Dumbledore's trust of Snape than we see. After all, this is from Harry's POV, not Dumbledore's. I don't think Dumbledore, who knew better than to trust Voldemort with teaching at Hogwarts, would trust Snape with only the setiment that he (Snape) was sorry over the Potter's death. Dumbledore may be falible, but he's not that foolish.

- The D.A. was prominent in the previous book, now it's non-existent.
Well, Dumbledore's Army was something of an Anti-Umbridge League, wasn't it? Now that Umbridge is gone, what's the point? Also, I think it's important to remember who responded to the call when the Death Eaters attacked: Neville and Luna. I believe their roles will be important in book 7.

-Hermione disapproves of hexing Slughorn to get his memory, but she approves of getting him drunk?
Well, not only is getting him drunk non-violent, he wouldn't remember giving the memory in the morning and how it happened. Had Harry cursed him, he would definitely remember that. Plus, that caters to Slughorn's personality as it was. Slughorn was the one who didn't stop drinking when he felt himself getting drunk. In that respect, he has no one to blame but himself.

- I noticed Snape never flat out attacks Potter with magic in the closing chapters of the book. He only deflects Harry's attacks.
Here is where my theory really comes into play: While Snape gives an excuse of leaving Harry to Voldemort, they could have easily taken him with them and right to Voldemort. But no, they left him. I think Snape is still working for the Order (or it's cause anyway) in some way, shape, or form. During the 'battle' with Harry, he gives him (albeit snide) advice ("'Blocked again and again and again until you learn to keep your mouth shut and your mind closed, Potter!' sneered Snape, deflecting the curse once more...) I think in his own way, Snape was telling Harry to use nonverbal spells, or he would fail. That, and perhaps a mention of Occlumency. While I don't think Snape is especially good, I think he sees the necessity of Harry's existence, to kill Voldemort, so would keep him alive, though under pretenses.

- Snape has craved the DADA position forever. And yet, when he gets the position, we hardly see any of the classes he teaches.
But we see key things in his classes (the use of nonverbal spells, for instance). Also, in his first day of classes, notice what he is showing the class: explaining the severity of the Dark Arts, Unforgivable Curses, Dementors, and Inferi; all things Voldemort has at his disposal and will use. Thus, those who know Voldemort best know what to teach to defend against him.

- Why couldnt Fawkes cause Dumbledore to come back to life?
In the first book, we find out there is nothing that can bring back the dead. Phoenix tears have healing powers, (aka, healing wounds, not death) but nothing can heal death.

- Why wasnt Dumbledore asked about the HBP at any of Harry's meetings? He kept bringing up Draco, yet this just slips his mind?
I think he was more concerned that Draco was a Death Eater than a mysterious book owner who seemed to be getting his excellent grades in Potions and had, for the most part, done no harm (spell on Malfoy not included, of course).

-Rowling says that Snape called himself the HBP to have a "cool" nickname, basically. Why would he call himself HB when Dark Wizards don't like non-pureblood wizards? The man is openly saying he's not a pureblood, and they accept him? What? And why would a man take his mother;s maiden name?
That's more of a character interpretation, isn't it? How many of the Death Eaters knew Snape was the HBP? Besides, Prince was the witch in Snape's life. Seemed to be playing up his wizarding heritage rather than his Muggle.

Also, Mugglenet.com, a very reliable HP source, had the following "facts" listed under HP6(prior to the book's release, theyre still there now though)
<snip>
Um, none of those are true. Except that Lily is good at Potions. And Graw is a bit more controllable. But I'd hardly call any of those huge at all.
They were listed under books 6 and 7, so they may apply to book 7 as well. The thread on book 7 from HP Lexicon has several of those same facts listed for the final book. But they were wrong in the description of the HBP.

Ah, the wonderful debate that JK Rowling's work causes. What fun:D

[LordTBT]

They were listed under books 6 and 7, so they may apply to book 7 as well.

The ones I listed were explicitly from the 'book 6 facts' page.

I disagree. First of all, she has said that she had been planning this chapter for 13 years.


Bull. She hadn't been planning that first chapter for 13 years. The only solid chapters of the entire series are the 1st one, and the very last one.


And that wouldn't be spoiling the major secret of the novel, and basically series, at all. Also, I thought it had a fair amount to do with the Order. Perhaps because the story was told in Harry's POV, we don't see as much as the Order as we think, but I think they were a very prominent part of OotP. We saw what the side of light puts against the dark and who is in on the fight (past and present). I'd go on, but once more, my thoughts are spinning around in my head from HBP


A book's title is supposed to explain what it is about. End of story. The Order was not the focal point of book 5, the prophecy was.


Yeah, it's not like he had a lot of other stuff on his mind as it was. I mean, the Half-Blood Prince, as was said earlier, did not seem to play a major role in the story, so Harry sort of left it with just having his book.


As everyone seems to agree with me, the HBP does not play a major role, thus the title is WRONG.

Well, Dumbledore's Army was something of an Anti-Umbridge League, wasn't it?


I certainly don't think so. I thought it was a "actually learn useful magic" group.

Anyone notice we haven't seen any AniMagus type stuff recently? I wonder how/if that will figure into book 7.

Well, not only is getting him drunk non-violent, he wouldn't remember giving the memory in the morning and how it happened


:lol: one could argue that getting someone drunk can:

A) Cause violence

B) Not necessarily cause someone to black out or have no memory.

Phoenix tears have healing powers, (aka, healing wounds, not death) but nothing can heal death.



Considering Rowling refused to speak on the role of Fawkes in the next book, who's to say that?

[Lyrian Aryns]

Bull. She hadn't been planning that first chapter for 13 years. The only solid chapters of the entire series are the 1st one, and the very last one. Sorry, but... no. http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=6 Though of course, knowing you, you'll probably find some reason to accuse the author herself of being wrong.

As for that book six fact page... it also has the book listed as having thirty more pages than it actually does. I'm assuming some stuff in HBP got shuffled around at the last moment.

[LordTBT]

Sorry, but... no. http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/e...f_view.cfm?id=6 Though of course, knowing you, you'll probably find some reason to accuse the author herself of being wrong.

If that weak and worthless chapter took her 13 years, there's problems.

[Jodan]

Considering Rowling refused to speak on the role of Fawkes in the next book, who's to say that?

If Pheonix tears could heal death, and bring someone back to life, don't you think Fawkes would have come and revived Dumbledore? It doesn't make sense for Pheonix tears to revive the dead.

[Fenglaz the Cannibal]

(A side note: This is idle banter.) Jeez, TBT, why don't you make your avatar a shrew?

[LordTBT]

Considering a phoenix is an animal that comes back from death, I'd say anything's possible.

Fenglaz, not sure if you got the memo, or clicked my profile, but my character is obviously a badger.

[Jodan]

He said make it a shrew, not that it was one.

I still think you're wrong about the Pheonix tears.

[LordTBT]

He said make it a shrew, not that it was one.

I still think you're wrong about the Pheonix tears.

I know what he said. Why would I make it a shrew if I'm a badger?

[Jodan]

I believe he was referring to your feisty nature.

[Aubretia]

Okay, its wild guess and stab-in-the-dark time.
Was Lily (Harry's mother) adopted? she's so different from Petunia.
Was Harry's first patronus a lion or something? The one he attacked Malfoy with.
Is Snape really bad? Wasn't Dumbledore reminding him of his oath to kill him when he was 'pleading'?
How will Wormtail help Harry in the seventh book? he owes his life to harry.

Just a few thoughts.... :p

[KitsuneRose]

A book's title is supposed to explain what it is about. End of story. The Order was not the focal point of book 5, the prophecy was.
Yes, but we didn't know that until the end. Part of the whole mystery was what was in the Department of Mysteries. If we want a focal point, maybe it should have been called Harry Potter and the Mysterious Dreams.


As everyone seems to agree with me, the HBP does not play a major role, thus the title is WRONG.
I doubt everyone agrees with you (as I don't, anyway). I agree the role wasn't huge, but the effects were still there and played a role. There's no reason to go balistic over the title of the book. It's the content of the story that's important.

I certainly don't think so. I thought it was a "actually learn useful magic" group.
Learn useful magic because Umbridge wouldn't teach it to them. Had they had a proper DADA teacher, the group wouldn't have been necessary. And I seem to recall Cho (or someone) wanting to call it the "Anti-Umbridge League" or something to that effect. Now that they had a proper DADA teacher in Snape, the group wasn't necessary anymore.

Anyone notice we haven't seen any AniMagus type stuff recently? I wonder how/if that will figure into book 7.
That's true, though there wasn't really much place for it in this one. There were what, seven registered Animagi, McGonagall being one of them. Two unregistered are dead, one is with his master, and one is Rita Skeeter. Maybe we'll meet a new one, or find out a character we already had been introduced to is one.

:lol: one could argue that getting someone drunk can:

A) Cause violence

B) Not necessarily cause someone to black out or have no memory.
A) Not necessarily.

B) pg. 490: "He knew he was safe: Felix was telling him that Slughorn would remember nothing of this in the morning."

Considering Rowling refused to speak on the role of Fawkes in the next book, who's to say that?
She's pretty much refused to speak on the role of any of the characters in the next book. Had Fawkes been able to revive Dumbledore, he would have done it before the funeral.