I think that werewolf inflicted injuries are incredibly difficult to treat, and a Phoenix cannot act as a cure or even a help for those particular injuries. Like a beozar, I think Phoenix's aren't a cure for all ills.

You do not have to be a pureblood to be sorted into Slytherin. Blood doesn't determine which house you get sorted into. Though, to some extend, the attiudes you have about our blood might be a factor. For example, Voldemort had quite a bit of pureblood envy. And, it seems, so did Snape.

Am I the only one who thought that Crabbe and Goyle turning into 11 year old girls was a little..erm...wrong...as well? I was a little surprised at some of the content of the book, considering the audience it is intended for. (ex, Voldemort's grandfather calling his mom a slut, and all the "snogging" going around)

I loved that part, actually. And I thought the use of the word "slut" was sad and appalling, but appropriate. I do think, for 16 year olds, it was all fine. But many a 12 year old is reading up to this poing.

I'm not much for censorship, even for kids. Generally, I think if they can understand something, they can read about it. But the book definitely kicked things up, and it was the first time I thought, "Wow, some kids are not ready for this."

I certainly would have been totally fine and prepared to read a book like this when I was in high school.

Yeah, I was fine and dandy with it all, I hear and see much worse everyday at school. However, I think the book is a little intense for some of the kids I saw in line with me. I was surprised at the content of this book compared to the previous ones, espcially the references to flipping people off and swearing, considering this book is intended for a 10-12 year old audience.

I don't thnk these books *are* intended for a 10-12 year old audience. She ages her writing along with the Trio. I belive Book 1 was for 11 and older. And Book 3 for 13 and older. And Book 6 for 16 and older, etc. I think that's her intention. Of course it's ultimately up to the parent's, or to kids who are not allowed sneaking the book, but I do think that HBP was intended for older teens and not pre-teens.

It was the "Empire Strikes Back" of Potter books. I stayed up until 1:30 am this morning finishing it. (Alarm goes off at 5am, so I have a bit of a Harry Potter hangover this morning.) I don't even know what to say. I'm hoping my husband finishes it today so we can commiserate together.

I'm holding out a wee bit of hope -- Dumbledore's pleading at the end was quite out of character for him, no? I can't imagine him pleading for his life. I *can* imagine him pleading for his death. Plus, as already mentioned, there's the hint that Dumbledore's reason for trusting Snape has not yet been revealed.

Me, too Prudence. Me, too. And I do agree with you about Dumbledore's plea. Ah, I'm grasping at any straw until I know otherwise. Of course, I've always thought she could go either way and that she's written the character so well, neither way would be a betrayal. I told myself I'd be happy with whatever she chose so long as it was well written, and I really loved the book. It *was* the Empire Strikes Back of the series, I think. Heeee. Azkaban and HPB are definitely my favorites because of how emotionally involved I was. Well, okay, I'm pretty emotionally involved in the series to a nearing unhealthy degree. But, let's ignore that. I lied to myself, because I really, really do want this to be a redemptive arc. Not just because I wanted to think better of the character, but also because the idea that a mean, crappy, bastard of a person can still do what's right. But, sadly, maybe this is a case of Snape doing what he thought was easiest...falling back into old habits, assuming he'd ever really abandoned them.

But, you're right. We still don't really know why Dumbledore trusted him. Assuming that he didn't trust him to do something awful like this. Heh.

I want to know what other little things you liked or disliked about the book, when you have time. Hermione smelling mowed grass and fresh parchment when she smelled the love potion made me SO happy. And Harry smelling something floral at the Burrow. Le sigh. Kreacher throwing a hissy fit when he had to accept Harry as his master. LOL. Sectumsemper (scary!). A cut that lasts forever...or, until the bastard who invented the spell reverses it. Draco confiding in Moaning Myrtle. God, I LOVED that. So much. Snape's filthy house, the walls lined with books and bookshelves. Oh, don't make me have to hate, hate, hate him Rowling! If he's really evil, rereading these books will be an entirely different experience. The first chapter with the Prime Minister. Fantastic!

All the Ron and Lavender snogging? Blech!

But Hermione's bird halo attacking Ron? Priceless.

Fave Ron/Hermione moment (though the birds were great) was when Ron said her name in his sleep after he had been poisoned- at least for me.
I have enjoyed reading all these because I now know I am not the only one who suspects Dumbledore would not plead for his life and therefore there must be more to this than meets the eye.
I am going to read them all at least 2 more times between now and the next book- and go a little crazy with waiting!

I will be going crazy along with you.

I LOVED that as well. Calling out her name in his sleep. Awwww.