BOOK: The Half-Blood Prince
CHAPTER: 1-3
SYNOPSIS: In which the Muggle Prime Minister recounts his encounters with Cornelius Fudge, Fudge visits him again with Scrimgeour, and we learn that Scrimgeour is the new Minister for Magic. We also hear of the wizarding world's open war with Voldemort - dozens of Muggles have been killed along with Amelia Bones and Emmeline Vance, the Dementors and giants have joined Voldemort, and the Ministry is struggling to fight. Narcissa calls on Snape in secret against Voldemort's orders, while Bellatrix tries to stop her but joins her at Snape's house anyway. Snape prevents Wormtail's eavesdropping and tells Bellatrix his story, though she still refuses to trust him; Narcissa then reveals that Voldemort has ordered Draco to do something difficult, and asks Snape to make an Unbreakable Vow - which he then does, saying that he will help Draco carry out the deed, and perform the deed himself if Draco fails. The Daily Prophet tells us about the wizarding public's perception of Harry and the steps the Ministry has taken to provide safety in the war, and Dumbledore returns to Privet Drive. Before leaving, Dumbledore sits with Harry and the Dursleys, updates Harry on his inheritance from Sirius and gives him Kreacher, determining that he has indeed come into Harry's possession. Dumbledore then chastises the Dursleys for their treatment of Harry but asks that he be allowed to return to Privet Drive one final time, and he and Harry depart.
FOR TOMORROW: 4
POSSIBLE DISCUSSION TOPICS
* Which Prime Minister of Magic do you like less? Why?
* How do you feel about this book opening without any major characters like the books all have in the past?
* How do you feel about Snape making the Unbreakable Vow in terms of his loyalty to Dumbledore?
* What do you think Dumbledore's treatment of the Dursley's says about his actually feelings toward them, in general?
Am I the only one miserably behind? I am still reading book 5.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what to say about the vow that wouldn't be a possible spoiler other than I think it fits.
ReplyDeleteI got off track and totally derailed when school started last month...I'm very far behind and getting behinder...but homework must come first.
ReplyDeleteromana
As you guys can no doubt tell by my sporadic posting, I'm a bit off kilter with this as well. But we're still chugging along and, if nothing else, this is helping me keep my eye on the shrinking amount of time between me and the new movie!
ReplyDelete