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Re: Draco, Slughorn, Snape, the romance. Camilla Send a noteboard - 04/11/2010 02:16:17 PM
Malfoy: he is showing the strain. And we know Harry is wrong that the mission is going badly. The paleness and thinness are therefore signs that he is not happy about the mission progressing as planned. The swagger and self-assurance is gone, not because he is failing, but probably because the horror of what he has to do is getting to him. This is confirmed, of course, in the bathroom scene.

Agreed. There were indications before that Malfoy wasn't entirely as Harry saw him, but these few paragraphs here completely alter our view of his character (well, okay, not ours because we knew it was coming, but that of the new reader). Draco's reaction mirrors that of his mother early in the book in terms of lashing out to hide his pain from outsiders, but there are limits to his self-control so he can't do so coldly and calmly as no doubt he'd like to do. And it's tempting to see the influence of aunt Bellatrix - who he must have been distancing himself from over the course of the year as he starts to realize he's really not cut out to be a DE - resurface in his attempted use of the Cruciatus.


Indeed.

What's interesting is that Draco mentions that "unless I do it soon, he says he'll kill me". That's even worse than what Narcissa had been fearing early on in the book - which was that Draco would die trying, one supposes by the hand of Dumbledore (which also makes one wonder just how badly Narcissa knows Dumbledore, but I digress). It's also a bizarre kind of threat, something that as far as I'm aware we don't see Voldemort telling anyone else. It would have made far more sense if he'd said "unless I do it soon, he'll kill my father", but no. Strange.


Yes, I was wondering about that, too.

And on the topic of the Cruciatus, it does make psychological sense in the scene, but still in a way it's Rowling letting Harry off easy. He had been intending to use Sectumsempra on an "enemy" who annoyed or irritated him, which would've essentially been unprovoked attempted murder, but now ends up merely doing it in reaction to an Unforgiveable curse. The result still shakes him up rather badly, but it's a far cry from what it would've been if he had done it to McLaggen for nagging at him, or to Draco during an exchange of more innocent hexes.


I agree. Just the idea of using it on McLaggen...

It's a good lesson to Harry on the meaning of the word "enemy", though. Evidently, Snape has rather more serious enemies as a schoolboy than just people annoying him, or at least expects to have such serious enemies in the future.


Yes. Or, rather, I think Harry does not imagine that anyone else could have enemies like he does. His idea of the Prince is one of schoolboy pranks (like the levitating spell). Not of someone needing to hurt someone bad. There are enemies outside of Hogwarts (evil, that will try to kill him), and then there are enemies inside Hogwarts (who will give him some sort of unpleasant but ultimately harmless trouble). His problem is that he confuses the two.

Ron and Hermione: their being in the boys' dormitories apparently alone must look suspicious to Lavender. While I am glad the whole absurde relationship is over, Hermione is right that Ron is a bit of a coward. Still, it is nice to see her cheery. And she so knows that Harry has a crush on Ginny. Hermione knows. And I like their reactions when Harry and Ginny finally get to it.

She definitely knows - he did give her a few hints even apart from his wandering eyes. Hermione's gloating over Ron and Lavender breaking up is a tad mean, but understandable.


I wouldn't say it is mean. There was never really anything there, I think.

Slughorn: he is such a delightful mix of the good and the bad. I like him. He is horrible in his calculating and downright greedy approach to Hagrid's grief. And his reference to having had house elves taste all the bottles in case they were poisoned is horrible. And the casual nature of it makes it worse. He is apparently not aware that it is wrong. But then he does give Harry the memory. Pressed and drunk, yes. But I am not sure that is to be held against him here. I like how he in contradictory. There is too much good vs evil in fantasy writing. His reason for keeping it secret is also interesting. Guilt or shame clearly plays a part. But it would also seem that he is reluctant to help kill Voldemort. Probably because he remembers Tom as a good student who treated him well. And his horror at the thought of Horcruxes show that while he is perhaps not a thoroughly decent fellow, he has a moral compass.

It is rather heartless to abuse Hagrid's confidence so, though on the other hand he does show his worth in exchange, by doing the little speech and joining Hagrid in his drinking binge. His prejudices show again in the memory scene (the "decent wizarding stock" remark), and again with the house elves thing. Quite grey character, yes.


Yes.

Snape: Using that type of deep legilimency (not just a surface skim to see if someone is lying or not) on a student without permission seems like a violation which should not be permitted. Still, the situation is quite singular. And he is surprisingly lenient when it comes to punishment, considering.

He is, isn't he? Especially considering how he wanted Harry expelled in earlier books - this is his best chance yet. I think we have to conclude he realizes it's too dangerous to expel Harry at this point.


Yes. It is now about protecting Lily's son again, I think.

He so knows about the HBP book thing, now. Or suspects, at least.


Oh, he knows.
I also noticed that the problematic spell checker quill in the beginning of the book finally had a plot point: the name is not recognisable as Ron's.

What I like about Harry there is that he doesn't look for excuses. He does of course say that he didn't know what the spell would do, but he doesn't mention the Cruciatus at all, nor does he use that as an excuse to justify his action to himself.


True.

Ginny: why is her face described as hard when she is approaching Harry to embrace him?

I think it just means she's determined.


Probably. It didn't work for me, though.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
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The Great Harry Potter Re-read: Book Six, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - 18/10/2010 06:12:40 PM 2738 Views
General comments on the book. - 18/10/2010 06:14:10 PM 1585 Views
I am enjoying this a lot more than I thought I would. - 22/10/2010 07:25:17 PM 1707 Views
Yes, I'm loving that I can read in English again. - 22/10/2010 10:10:32 PM 1820 Views
Me too - 01/11/2010 02:11:28 PM 1570 Views
Suggestions. - 18/10/2010 06:18:46 PM 1630 Views
Re: Suggestions. - 20/10/2010 03:20:18 PM 1780 Views
*cough* - 09/11/2010 09:24:21 AM 1505 Views
Oh yes. I'm being distracted by Towers of Midnight. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:11:22 PM 934 Views
Shocking. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:43 PM 878 Views
Are we having a break right now? - 12/11/2010 06:48:10 PM 1675 Views
Re: Are we having a break right now? - 12/11/2010 10:05:30 PM 1946 Views
Chapters 1-3: The Other Minister, Spinner's End, Will and Won't. - 18/10/2010 06:21:55 PM 1847 Views
Characters: The three Ministers, Snape, Narcissa, Bellatrix, Harry, Dumbledore, the Dursleys. - 18/10/2010 06:25:12 PM 1852 Views
Re: Characters: The three Ministers, Snape, Narcissa, Bellatrix, Harry, Dumbledore, the Dursleys. - 18/10/2010 06:55:06 PM 1854 Views
(minor book seven spoilers) - 19/10/2010 11:27:53 AM 1815 Views
Re: (minor book seven spoilers) - 19/10/2010 05:26:50 PM 1582 Views
*spoilers for book 7* an assortment of characters - 19/10/2010 01:01:35 AM 1806 Views
Re: *spoilers for book 7* an assortment of characters - 19/10/2010 11:39:44 AM 1611 Views
Re: *spoilers for book 7* an assortment of characters - 19/10/2010 11:48:45 AM 1904 Views
I rather enjoyed the new characters. - 22/10/2010 07:30:03 PM 1596 Views
Re: I rather enjoyed the new characters. - 22/10/2010 08:33:44 PM 1712 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 18/10/2010 06:28:16 PM 790 Views
Dumbledore-centered. - 19/10/2010 01:03:05 AM 1724 Views
Re: Dumbledore-centered. - 22/10/2010 07:31:56 PM 1689 Views
Re: Dumbledore-centered. - 22/10/2010 07:33:34 PM 1686 Views
Chapters 4-6: Horace Slughorn, An Excess of Phlegm, Draco's Detour. *NM* - 20/10/2010 03:44:39 PM 938 Views
Characters: Slughorn, Fleur, the Trio, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy,... - 20/10/2010 03:46:47 PM 1765 Views
Re: Characters: Slughorn, Fleur, the Trio, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy,... - 20/10/2010 05:27:26 PM 1770 Views
(Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 09:25:20 PM 1801 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 09:46:08 PM 1723 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:20:28 PM 1597 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 21/10/2010 12:04:23 AM 1338 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 10:20:28 PM 1709 Views
Re: (Mostly) on Slughorn, Narcissa and Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:23:38 PM 1603 Views
Re: Characters: Slughorn, Fleur, the Trio, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy,... - 20/10/2010 10:15:58 PM 1739 Views
On Ron's reaction to Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:30:48 PM 1677 Views
Re: On Ron's reaction to Fleur... - 20/10/2010 11:58:45 PM 1737 Views
Fleur - 23/10/2010 05:11:08 PM 1560 Views
Dumbledore, Slughorn, Tonks, Mr & Mrs Weasley, Hermione, Narcissa and the twins. - 20/10/2010 09:23:04 PM 1627 Views
Characters. - 25/10/2010 03:10:35 AM 1554 Views
Plotting and writing. - 20/10/2010 03:47:55 PM 1681 Views
*minor spoilers for book 7* - 20/10/2010 09:23:44 PM 1724 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 20/10/2010 03:48:07 PM 780 Views
Dumbledore's Stephen Fry moment... or maybe that's just me. - 22/10/2010 07:35:59 PM 1516 Views
It's not just you - 22/10/2010 08:34:25 PM 1504 Views
Chapters 7-9: Slug Club, Snape Victorious, The Half-Blood Prince *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:03 PM 932 Views
Characters *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:24 PM 876 Views
Harry, Romilda, Malfoy (in luuuve), Snape, Lavender Brown, McGonagall, Hermione and Slughorn. - 22/10/2010 07:26:19 PM 1763 Views
Thoughts about your thoughts. - 23/10/2010 05:28:10 PM 1515 Views
Re: Thoughts about your thoughts. - 24/10/2010 09:18:37 AM 1545 Views
More characters. - 25/10/2010 03:21:33 AM 1523 Views
Re: More characters. - 25/10/2010 10:27:33 AM 1521 Views
Love is in the air, evidently. - 22/10/2010 07:54:35 PM 1701 Views
Re: Love is in the air, evidently. - 22/10/2010 09:04:24 PM 1632 Views
Re: Love is in the air, evidently. - 22/10/2010 09:54:46 PM 1561 Views
Slytherin had been in need of new blood for a long time. (And assorted other comments.) - 22/10/2010 10:34:49 PM 1718 Views
Neville. - 23/10/2010 05:30:39 PM 1619 Views
Re: Neville. - 08/11/2010 02:35:57 PM 1703 Views
NEWT Potions - 24/10/2010 03:24:42 AM 1693 Views
Re: Characters - 24/10/2010 03:41:30 AM 1760 Views
Re: Characters - 25/10/2010 10:44:00 AM 1587 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:37 PM 878 Views
Dumbledore, patronuses and the DADA job. - 22/10/2010 07:27:23 PM 1644 Views
Malfoy and the DADA job. - 22/10/2010 10:51:03 PM 1551 Views
Re: Malfoy and the DADA job. - 25/10/2010 11:31:57 AM 1577 Views
Re: Dumbledore, patronuses and the DADA job. - 23/10/2010 05:32:27 PM 1567 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 22/10/2010 07:23:50 PM 898 Views
I believe in Wrackspurts, too. And some questions. - 22/10/2010 07:28:04 PM 1520 Views
Re: I believe in Wrackspurts, too. And some questions. - 23/10/2010 05:33:27 PM 1644 Views
Re: I believe in Wrackspurts, too. And some questions. - 25/10/2010 03:06:43 AM 1628 Views
Chapters 10-12: The House of Gaunt, Hermione's Helping Hand, Silver and Opals. *NM* - 25/10/2010 05:00:02 PM 934 Views
Characters: The Gaunts, the Trio, Hagrid, and many more. *NM* - 25/10/2010 05:02:07 PM 902 Views
Harry's continued insistence about Malfoy really irritates me (even though he's right). - 25/10/2010 06:15:23 PM 1794 Views
*lol* - 25/10/2010 06:39:19 PM 1653 Views
I don't hide from my faults. - 25/10/2010 08:01:39 PM 1490 Views
Re: I don't hide from my faults. - 28/10/2010 04:59:54 AM 1660 Views
Re: *lol* - 26/10/2010 09:50:09 AM 1646 Views
~geeky moment~ - 26/10/2010 03:14:52 PM 1540 Views
Re: ~geeky moment~ - 26/10/2010 09:49:12 PM 1503 Views
Trelawny, Ogden, Gaunt, Ron, Hermione, Ron and Harry - 25/10/2010 10:23:55 PM 1588 Views
Re: Trelawny, Ogden, Gaunt, Ron, Hermione, Ron and Harry - 26/10/2010 11:56:59 PM 1679 Views
Re: Trelawny, Ogden, Gaunt, Ron, Hermione, Ron and Harry - 27/10/2010 08:14:42 AM 1687 Views
Plotting and writing. - 25/10/2010 05:03:16 PM 1652 Views
Amazing amounts of accurate guesswork here, in hindsight. - 25/10/2010 05:37:28 PM 1689 Views
Re: Amazing amounts of accurate guesswork here, in hindsight. - 26/10/2010 09:46:47 AM 1589 Views
The smuggling and Trelawney's rambling. - 27/10/2010 12:05:48 AM 1635 Views
Re: The smuggling and Trelawney's rambling. - 27/10/2010 08:10:46 AM 1560 Views
Things - 25/10/2010 10:24:19 PM 1662 Views
Re: Things - 27/10/2010 12:01:17 AM 1684 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 25/10/2010 05:03:32 PM 722 Views
Dumbledore still sounds like Stephen Fry. And reflections on the nature of Potions class. - 25/10/2010 05:11:24 PM 1505 Views
It's like baking, I think. - 25/10/2010 05:32:42 PM 1638 Views
Good analogy - 25/10/2010 05:52:38 PM 1487 Views
Yes, exactly like baking - and advanced baking involves experimenting, substituting, improvising. - 25/10/2010 06:42:42 PM 1691 Views
But not at high school. - 25/10/2010 07:57:44 PM 1600 Views
Also - 04/11/2010 09:29:47 AM 1560 Views
Also, Parseltongue - is Harry that thick, or is it a magic thing? - 25/10/2010 05:18:41 PM 1621 Views
I think it's a magic thing. - 25/10/2010 05:34:09 PM 1608 Views
It can be learned actually. Dumbledore implies he knows it and Ron uses it in book 7 - 25/10/2010 05:55:28 PM 1572 Views
Huh. I completely missed that. Good thing we're doing a reread. - 25/10/2010 05:57:38 PM 1571 Views
Speaking of Dumbledore and Parseltongue. - 28/10/2010 05:03:10 AM 1847 Views
parseltongue - 25/10/2010 10:24:46 PM 1723 Views
Interesting how many of our remarks are along similar lines. *NM* - 25/10/2010 10:27:30 PM 764 Views
Indeed - 26/10/2010 09:20:43 AM 1616 Views
Chapters 13-15: The Secret Riddle, Felix Felicis, The Unbreakable Vow *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:16:28 PM 891 Views
Characters: The Trio, Ginny, Tom Riddle, Draco,... *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:17:12 PM 877 Views
Dumbledore, Voldemort, Ron & Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Luna - 27/10/2010 10:31:39 PM 1591 Views
My take on Ginny is rather different, I must say... at least this time around. - 29/10/2010 01:47:20 PM 1565 Views
Girls. - 29/10/2010 05:54:25 PM 1600 Views
Draco: Not as confident as he appears, surely. - 29/10/2010 02:02:01 PM 1757 Views
Re: Draco: Not as confident as he appears, surely. - 29/10/2010 09:01:56 PM 1729 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:17:26 PM 694 Views
plot and writing. - 27/10/2010 10:30:14 PM 1619 Views
Re: plot and writing. - 28/10/2010 05:07:03 AM 1771 Views
Draco can dissemble rather well, just like his parents. - 29/10/2010 02:08:35 PM 1639 Views
Re: Draco can dissemble rather well, just like his parents. - 29/10/2010 09:00:36 PM 1648 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 27/10/2010 04:17:42 PM 726 Views
Re: Anything else? - 27/10/2010 10:30:55 PM 1755 Views
Re: Anything else? - 28/10/2010 04:56:10 AM 1702 Views
Harry comments on that when in Snape's memories in book five. - 28/10/2010 10:42:08 AM 1559 Views
I wonder if that's actually true, though. - 28/10/2010 10:39:20 AM 1745 Views
Re: I wonder if that's actually true, though. - 28/10/2010 10:44:22 AM 1609 Views
It's more than that, though. - 28/10/2010 10:55:49 AM 1669 Views
Re: It's more than that, though. - 28/10/2010 11:48:19 AM 1491 Views
Chapters 16-18: A Very Frosty Christmas, A Sluggish Memory, Birthday Surprises *NM* - 29/10/2010 05:40:39 PM 865 Views
Characters: The Trio, Fleur, Scrimgeour, Percy, Remus, Slughorn,... *NM* - 29/10/2010 05:43:02 PM 953 Views
Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 29/10/2010 08:51:58 PM 1751 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 29/10/2010 11:24:02 PM 1575 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 29/10/2010 11:51:06 PM 1585 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 31/10/2010 09:14:46 PM 1822 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 31/10/2010 09:07:19 PM 1679 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 02/11/2010 06:23:04 PM 1640 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 02/11/2010 07:20:26 PM 1335 Views
Re: Mr Weasley, Lupin, Fleur, Harry and Scrimgeour - 04/11/2010 04:03:02 AM 1575 Views
And - 04/11/2010 10:46:37 AM 1593 Views
Plotting and writing. - 29/10/2010 05:43:49 PM 1517 Views
Re: Plotting and writing. - 29/10/2010 08:52:34 PM 1673 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 29/10/2010 05:44:04 PM 761 Views
My comments on Potions class were heeded! Excellent. - 29/10/2010 11:28:43 PM 1588 Views
Re: My comments on Potions class were heeded! Excellent. - 29/10/2010 11:52:12 PM 1673 Views
Chapters 19-21: Elf Tails, Lord Voldemort's Requests, The Unknowable Room *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:00:22 PM 657 Views
Characters: The Trio, the elves, Draco, Dumbledore,... *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:00:56 PM 983 Views
the twins, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Voldemort, Draco and Tonks - 01/11/2010 02:08:32 PM 1482 Views
Re: the twins, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Voldemort, Draco and Tonks - 01/11/2010 05:10:11 PM 1729 Views
Re: the twins, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Voldemort, Draco and Tonks - 01/11/2010 05:16:30 PM 1810 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:01:13 PM 764 Views
Dumbledore, little girls and the house-elf issue again. - 01/11/2010 02:09:35 PM 1803 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 01/11/2010 02:01:27 PM 782 Views
Chapters 22-24: After the Burial, Horcruxes, Sectumsempra - 03/11/2010 09:50:17 PM 1888 Views
Characters. *NM* - 03/11/2010 09:50:33 PM 905 Views
Malfoy, Ron & Hermione, Slughorn, Voldemort, Snape and Ginny. - 04/11/2010 12:12:57 AM 1649 Views
Draco, Slughorn, Snape, the romance. - 04/11/2010 02:02:04 PM 1671 Views
Re: Draco, Slughorn, Snape, the romance. - 04/11/2010 02:16:17 PM 1686 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 03/11/2010 09:50:50 PM 797 Views
Harry wrong again, house elves, horcruxes, free will, well hidden clues and some irony *DH spoiler* - 03/11/2010 10:35:20 PM 1613 Views
Re: Stuff. - 04/11/2010 04:28:04 AM 1664 Views
Re: Stuff. *spoilers for book 7* - 04/11/2010 09:10:19 AM 1675 Views
This "we'll see in book seven" thing is getting old, but still that's what I have to say here... - 04/11/2010 01:23:01 PM 1510 Views
Yes, I think you are right - 04/11/2010 01:24:41 PM 1673 Views
Well, I'm back. Some comments inside. *DH Spoilers* - 08/11/2010 02:28:11 PM 1649 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 03/11/2010 09:51:04 PM 780 Views
Chapters 25-27: The Seer Overheard, The Cave, The Lightning-Struck Tower - 05/11/2010 05:37:42 PM 1502 Views
Plotting and writing. - 05/11/2010 05:39:27 PM 1341 Views
*spoilers for book 7* - 05/11/2010 07:55:07 PM 1552 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 05/11/2010 05:39:43 PM 805 Views
I like how good magic is not flashy. Also, a Tolkien thing - 05/11/2010 07:55:27 PM 1591 Views
I didn't take the comparison as far, but the gate thing did remind me of Moria, yes. (DH spoilers) - 05/11/2010 10:03:16 PM 1821 Views
yes - 05/11/2010 10:06:43 PM 1578 Views
Chapters 28-30: Flight of the Prince, The Phoenix Lament, The White Tomb. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:12 PM 906 Views
Characters. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:25 PM 743 Views
Plotting and writing. *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:40 PM 872 Views
Spoilers. - 09/11/2010 02:26:38 PM 1522 Views
Re: Spoilers. - 09/11/2010 04:49:06 PM 1576 Views
I'm assuming not even the Ministry knows 100% what she did. - 13/11/2010 12:26:14 AM 1673 Views
Very true. - 15/11/2010 01:48:36 PM 1663 Views
Not much, no, but there's one fairly crucial mention. - 15/11/2010 04:37:23 PM 1634 Views
Re: Spoilers. - 13/11/2010 12:22:22 AM 1781 Views
Re: Spoilers. - 13/11/2010 09:38:09 AM 1922 Views
Anything else? *NM* - 09/11/2010 02:13:53 PM 751 Views
We did the Harry Potter marathon thing on Sunday - 09/11/2010 02:28:08 PM 1648 Views
I vaguely remember something of the sort, yes. - 09/11/2010 02:57:56 PM 1845 Views
Re: I vaguely remember something of the sort, yes. - 09/11/2010 02:58:56 PM 1545 Views
This is definitely the most painfully altered of the movies. - 09/11/2010 04:34:33 PM 1668 Views
Re: This is definitely the most painfully altered of the movies. - 09/11/2010 04:36:29 PM 1647 Views
Very true. - 09/11/2010 04:40:24 PM 1888 Views
Re: Very true. - 09/11/2010 04:43:45 PM 2119 Views
Agreed. - 09/11/2010 04:53:46 PM 1656 Views
Re: Agreed. - 09/11/2010 04:58:59 PM 1758 Views

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