Can’t believe nobodys started this yet.
Room for preview
Dumbledore dies
Snape is evil
A more detailed analysis:
Personally, I thought this story was far weaker than the previous attempts. While it’s nice to see the page count finally coming down, and there was a definate tightening of the writing, I think what let it down in the end was the lack of a really satisfying climax. Each book has lead me to care less and less about the death of another charecter. Cedric was tragic, Sirius was confused and muddled, Dumbledore was just a yawn. I just wanted to get it over with. I was more concerned during Fleurs speech about Bill than about everyone moping over Dumbledore.
The entire deal with the relationships didn’t seem espeically inspired to me. It seemed a lot of “okay, I know you fans want it, so lets get this over with”. All of the obvious people ended up with each other in the end with the requisite amount of jealously, humerous misunderstanding and co-incidental circumstances that bring 2 people together.
Obviously, the biggest loose end this story left hanging was the motivations of Snape, what exactly made Dumbledore trust him so much and is he really evil or is it a huge, elaborate triple bluff. To me, there doesn’t really seem like a satisfying resolution to this. If Snape does turn out to be evil, then the whole “We trust Snape” ruse was and incompetant sham and the hundreds of big and small hints that JKR dropped along the way would be for naught. If it was some elaborate ruse thing where dumbledore agreed to sacrfice his own life for the sake of Snape keeping up his cover in order to gain the trust of Voldermort to do… something, then it’s all just so… unsatisfyingly cliched. Right now, I feel much the same way as I did at the end of Matrix 2. Unlike most people, I saw real promise in what the 3rd movie could have been, events seemed to be leading up to a huge and elaborate plot twist that would have vindicated the entire series. Instead, the W brothers just dropped a massive turd for a 3rd movie which left nothing resolved. Hopefully, JKR will be a better writer than that and cleverly tie up all the little niggling loose ends.
Also, Harry says that the book was written 50 years ago. Yet Snape was in the same year as James and Lily which was clearly much more recent than that. Did he inherit the book from his mother or something? And what school goes 50 years without changing their textbooks? Clearly Hogwarts publishers operate under a different business model from Muggles publishers.
So who is R.B.A? What is the 4th Hexacrus? What’s going to happen to Malfoy? Is there going to be any more Hogwarts in the 7th book? How the hell is Harry going to start finding any more of the Hexacrus?
Oh, and it seems the prophecy still holds, Yet again, no DADA teacher has lasted more than a year.
It’s R.A.B., and I’m betting my bottom dollar it’s Regulus Alphard Black.
Re Snape – I’m leaning toward a third possibility: the Dark Arts are an addictive substance and he’s been, basically, a dry drunk all of these years, but putting him in the DADA position was far and away too much temptation. (I’m expecting him to kick the habit in Book Seven, or more likely, die trying.)
I liked the book on the whole – it was a hell of a stomach-churning roller-coaster ride – but I preferred OotP’s more leisurely pace, and I feel like we got cheated out of some character development because everything outside of the Harry-Dumbledore-Riddle plot seemed to get cut to the bone.
Thrilled but not surprised by Lupin / Tonks (but I am stunned that I predicted Snape’s reaction to it, more or less spot-on, in a fanfic that I wrote more than a year ago. That was pretty much my only “channeling JKR” moment, though – just about all of my other predictions were off by miles. Well, I did guess that the Dark Lord wasn’t going to let Karkaroff live, but that’s been obvious since the graveyard scene.)
Very VERY surprised that we didn’t see more of Peter Pettigrew. That life-debt is a huge loose end that’s been hanging out there since Book Three.
Well, that was damn good. A spoiler-filled post to follow.
Lots of romance, huh? The Harry/Ginny scene was redolent of the end of Spider-Man, of course. And I didn’t think Tonks/Lupin was necessary except as a sop to the shippers, but maybe I’ll see it differently in Book Seven. Speaking of which, I’m very interested to know just how far JKR will be departing from the a-year-at-Hogwarts structure in the final book, now that Harry, Ron, and Hermione have stated they won’t be attending.
Bigger spoilers and speculation:
I’m sure that R.A.B. will turn out to be Regulus Black. Fascinating.
Given the importance of Horcruxes and the talk of Voldemort putting one of his into Nagini, it can’t be a coincidence that Dumbledore’s totem is a phoenix. I’m putting it on record that Dumbledore has a Horcrux in Fawkes, and thus will be back in some form in Book Seven. Yes, I know that means he must have killed someone to get it.
And I’ll also state here that Snape is not truly a Death Eater; when you peel away all the layers, he’s working to defeat Voldemort. He killed Dumbledore because he made the Unbreakable Vow that he would do so, and the reason he was comfortable making that vow is because he knew Dumbledore had a Horcrux stashed away. Also, my speculation is that the reason Dumbledore has continued to trust Snape in the face of all reason is that Snape made an Unbreakable Vow to him, way back when, that he would be true to the cause. JKR made a lot of hay over the course of the book about how Unbreakable Vows are, in fact, unbreakable, and something like that would justify Dumbledore’s trust. Better that, narratively, than finding out that Dumbledore was just fooled all along.
I’ll post some more impressions in a bit.
I just finished. Holy cow!
[spoiler]I was vaguely annoyed by the Spiderman redux at the end. Hasn’t Harry seen Spiderman 2? You have to let the girl make up her own mind!
I think Snape is still a good guy, too, and Dumbledore wouldn’t mind being a martyr to the cause. Snape is working for the destruction of Voldemort and if he has to kill Dumbledore to do it, that’s acceptable.
May come up with more later, as I’m still in shock over Dumbledore’s death and H, R, and H’s decision not to return to Hogwarts.[/spoiler]
I’d just like to point out that my prediction, which was pooh-poohed by everyone else, actually came true! I will admit that I pumped my fist in the air in triumph when I saw that Harry was named Quidditch captain. That’s right, Dopers! I know how to call 'em.
Gadarene,
I’m thinking the same things.
I finished the book at 3:30, and when I lay down to sleep I was pondering who RAB could possibly be. The thought came rather quickly that it’s Regulus Black. Could that mean that one of the horcruxes is at Harry’s house on Grimmauld Place?
I also think that Snape and Dumbledore have an Unbreakable Oath together, and that Snape had to kill Dumbledore. I don’t think Snape is a nice guy or a good guy, but I do think he’s fighting on the right side in this war.
Interesting thought that Fawkes might be Dumbledore’s horcrux. I’m not sure that I buy it, but it’s certainly not out of the question. If not, I do hope that Fawkes goes to Harry. Harry has certainly been loyal to Dumbledore.
Also, Regarding Percy, I’m wondering more and more if he actually is going to rejoin his family, or continue to be an intolerable prat. And yay for Gred and Forge! I love that they’re doing so well, and that their work is turning out to have greater impact than that just caused by the jokes and gags.
The Tonks thing was interesting. I had thoughts that she was under an imperius curse. I also wondered if Draco hadn’t polyjuiced himself into her. I like that Lupin is not going to be alone. I thought it was cool. I detested the thought of Won-won and Lavender together, and I’m glad that didn’t last long.
And last, but not least, At the funeral, I was appreciative of the homage paid by the merpeople and the centaurs, despite everything. I also was very touched by Grawp patting Hagrid in the head and forcing the chair to sink down into the ground.
I’m getting ready to re-read the book. Few of my speculations came about, but I am pleased with where she took things. The next few years are going to be long!!!
I got the book around two last night, got home and started reading around three, and didn’t sleep or stop till I finished by eight. …Wow. So much more intense and just… man. I’m still in shock Dumbledore died… I’m planning on rereading the book tonight or something, but just… wow.*
*Bear in mind I haven’t slept since Thursday so if there are any mistakes or it doesn’t mistakes, that’s why.
Lots of random thoughts about all that happens in this book. So very dark.
Professor Slughorn: Finally, a Slytherin who isn’t in league with Voldemort. Apart from Snape, of course. I don’t know if I think this is all some grand plan Snapehad with Voldemort, or with Dumbledore. Obviously he will figure mightily in book 7.
Regarding RAB: It wouldmake sense that it is Regulus. It certainly gives an explanation as to why Lord Thingy would kill him. I predict that Hermione will be the first to figure it out (not a stretch of imagination there…)
I don’t know if I can buy into the thought that Dumbldore would do a Horcrux for himself. But then, the only thing about this book that I was spot on about was that Harry would be Quidditch Capt.
I never guessed who the Half-Blood Prince was, though. Seems obvious now. :smack:
I need to re-read it. Words got blurry around 5:00 am…but I couldn’t stop!
I don’t think Dumbledore would have made a Horcrux. Splitting ones soul apart was spoken of very negatively, and I couldn’t see Dumbledore doing it. He certainly doesn’t seem to have that not-quite-living thing Voldemort has.
Did anyone else love the start with Tony Blair? Ok, sure, it only said “Prime Minister,” but I was definitely picturing Tony Blair.
And finally, this theory could be way-off - there are many things wrong with it, but is it possible Harry could be one of Voldemort’s horcruxes? Perhaps the bit of Voldemort in him is a horcrux, perhaps created when V killed Lily? Which would mean the only way to get rid of Voldemort fully is for Harry to sacrifice himself.
Just an idea.
vtynos, I have to admit that I thought the same thing-maybe it’s in the scar but I think it’s unlikely b/c I’m pretty sure he committed the 7 murders he wanted to commit before he went off to kill Harry. I think the “collecting trophies” aspect will be very important in the future. Did anyone else get a serial killer vibe off of Voldemort-the early years? The trophy thing seemed like a really significant detail in that regard.
It was good but it gave off a set-up vibe too it. I didn’t even really see the significance of half-blooded prince.
I was sad but not disappointed about the death. It seems in line with Volds stripping Harry of every last family he ever had.
More Neville and Luna, I say!!! Luna was an awesome character that Rowling added last time and I’m sorry she wasn’t used more-everything that comes out of her mouth makes me crack up.
I have to say that I’m really disappointed at the portent at the end of the book. It’s going to strip the series of the Mallory Towers + Magic charm that I enjoy so much.
And finally, still no background on Harry’s lineage ahhhhhh! Who are the Potters beyond the fact that they are purebloods? Why isn’t Harry even remotely curious about it??? Why doesn’t anyone else seem to blither on endlessly about them even though they’re happy enough to tell him about every other detail of his own life?
Fully agree on the identity of R.A.B. Futhermore, I think Harry’s already seen that locket. There was a heavy locket that could not be opened in the closet they cleaned out in book 5…which Sirius was trying to throw out.
I wonder if Kreacher might have saved it in his nest, or if it’s going to require alot more than just going back to Grimmauld Place to find it, since Sirius got rid of it.
I do not generally cry over books. I am now.
I knew it would happen… but I never thought it would be Snape. But I agree with Gadarene and Kyla, there are underlying reasons, I’m sure. Of course I could just be clinging to a fictitious image of Snape… I really don’t want him to be evil!
That scene in the cave was extremely dark, far more so than I have come to expect from Rowling. “KILL ME!” - “Just drink this … It’ll be all over!” ::shudder::
No way in heck is Ginny going to accept that Spiderman BS.
I think Harry, Ron and Hermione have definitely grown up. Now I am deathy afraid one or more of them is doomed in the next book…
::sniff::
Poor Hagrid…
I…I’m in shock. I cried when Dumbledore was drinking that elixir and Harry was feeding it to him. And Dumbledore was in pain and Harry painfully said, “Here, have this…it’ll be over if you have this…” 
That was so terrible (Dumbledore’s death, I mean). I mean, I sort of suspected that Dumbledore was going to die, but…but I wasn’t expecting it. And where is this supposedly huge thing about Lily Potter that we were supposed to have found out? Weren’t we also supposed to find out why Sirius died? And who’s R.A.B.?!
I wasn’t surprised that Harry said he won’t be coming back, but I was kind of jolted by Hermione also saying that she and Ron won’t be back either. I wonder what their seventh year is going to be like. And there was so much romance. When are Ron and Hermione going to get together? And that last scene between Harry and Ginny (Voldemort using the people that he loves to get to him) was very Spiderman-ish.
I thought Harry was a Horcrux of Voldemort’s, but then Voldemort can’t die unless all of his Horcruxes are destroyed, right?
I had a strange dream last night that Hermione died and I woke up thinking that I had read the book and that she really had died. Now, I’m not so sure about what’s going to happen in the seventh book…
God, I’m still in shock…Excuse me…
I got it this morning at about 9:30 and finished it about an hour ago.
All right, a few things:
-No way Dumbledore has a Horcrux. Splitting one’s soul will destroy it, or at least, curse yourself, much like drinking unicorn blood. IF Snape is still on the good side, then Dumbledore went down like a martyr. He’ll be there, of course, in that his portrait will hang in McGonagall’s office, but no, I can’t see him trying to return from the dead.
-R. A. B. is so obviously Regulus Black. I was shocked that Harry hadn’t figured it out.
-I don’t believe that Ginny and Harry won’t be together. Yes, he’s saying, I can’t let you be with me, you’ll be in danger, but that doesn’t mean he won’t stop caring for her, nor she for him.
-Tony Blair’s cameo in the beginning was awesome.
-I have more speculation that Snape is constantly switching sides. He doesn’t know WHO to be loyal to.
-I found myself feeling so incredibly sorry for poor Merope Gaunt Riddle.
-Lupin and Tonks is just perfect! I still wonder though if Sirius is now her Patronus. Or if Harry’s Patronus will change?
-Where was Charlie?
I’ve finished the book and loved it. I predicted Dumbledore’s death! What’s my prize? 
I didn’t like Harry dumping Ginny. It seemed rather pointless and “Oh our tragic hero must now go it alone!” I hope there back together in the next book.
I liked all the relationship stuff. It’s only 4 years since I was 16 myself. It brought back a few memories.
Anyone have any idea when JK is planning to do the next book?
Re Tonks’ Patronus:
I think it was a wolf when Harry saw it – Harry just thought it was a dog. (Snape, on the other hand, seems to have caught on right away.)
Miscellaneous thoughts:
[spoiler]Really really pleased with the character development for Tonks – she’s older and wiser and sadder than when we met her, but she’s got spirit. Love the bit where she grabs Lupin by the robes in the hospital wing and tries to shake some sense into him 
Pretty much all of my guesses about this book were wrong (except for Lupin / Tonks, and Regulus defecting from the Death Eaters out of principle rather than cowardice – I think I nailed those two beyond my wildest dreams). And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. What a ride.
Snape: I suspect the Dark Arts are an addictive substance, and he’s been the equivalent of a dry drunk for sixteen years.[/spoiler]
I made the mistake of surfing the internet before finishing the book, and I came across the major spoiler. It put a damper on it, but I still loved the book. (In case you haven’t read the any of the other 2 Harry Potter threads )
I don’t think Dumbledore has a horcrux. He spoke about it far too negatively.
Who cried when Dumbly died? I sure did. My friends and I went to Spellbound! then went back home and we were on a big bed reading all night but eventually I was the only one still up and I just sat there crying while my two friends snored gently beside me. I can’t imagine Hogwarts or Harry without Dumbledore. The Order… My friends better finish reading it soon; I need to talk about this!