Editor's note: No staff member actually knows what is going to happen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. All opinions listed below are purely speculation on our part. Please be cautious of spoilers, including the name of the person who has been rumored to die.

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Rachael, Editorials

General thoughts on happenings of book 6: With a war breaking out, things should be changing everywhere (Hogwarts, Hogsmeade) due to security reasons. And, Harry may be in a situation similar to that of PoA, where he's always under close watch by teachers and not allowed to go anywhere.

Will there be romance?: Yep.

If yes, between which characters?: Hermione/Ron, Ginny/Dean I'm thinking.

Any deaths?: Ya.

If yes, how many and who?: Two, though I'm not sure who. Hagrid and McGonagall seem likely, though.

Sheri, Info Section

General thoughts on happenings of book 6: Looking at the recent interviews with publishers, editors, and the few questions Jo has answered, I think this book may be a little more lighthearted than we might expect. On the good side, I believe there will be some romance for our favorite trio, and I also expect to see the return of Quidditch (Harry hasn’t played Quidditch “normally” for two years now). It may also be possible that Dumbledore will take a more personal approach with Harry, now that the second Wizarding War is getting into full swing -- mentoring him directly (rather than indirectly as in the past) on academic subjects (especially Occlumency/Legilimency), moral issues, general philosophies, and possible strategies to defeat Voldemort.

I also think it very possible that we get at least a partial answer as to why Dumbledore trusts Snape, and we might even get a glimpse of our Potions Master’s mysteriously well-kept secrets, such as his Patronus, boggart, etc. I can only hope we find out “what’s up” with Snape as well…if he isn’t a vampire (a rumor quashed by Jo), then why so many suggestive hints leaning in that general direction? One mystery I do believe will definitely be cleared up about Snape is his controversial and much discussed role in Goblet of Fire…and I don’t think he was one of the three “missing Death Eaters“…I think it’s extremely likely he was actually present in that circle, undercover.

Another thing I think will get cleared up is the estrangement of Percy. Whether he comes back to his family or not, some kind of closure may be made on that subplot. Percy is a little too ambitious for my taste, and I worry that he may get involved much too deeply with the wrong crowd -- I sincerely hope he finds his way down from his pedestal of arrogance and rejoins his family.

Lastly, I theorize that Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, and Ginny Weasley will become even more prominent and important in the trio’s lives. In fact, I believe where there were once three, now there will be six. The trio will be extended to include Neville, Luna, and Ginny. Also, Dumbledore’s Army will continue to practice, although now, with Dumbledore back, it may be much more accessible to the rest of the student body and accepted as a valid club.

On the bad side, I know (no theorizing here) that the death toll will rise; who will die and when, I honestly have no clue. Refer to the last question to see who I think is at “high risk.” The second Wizarding War will really get into full swing, and tensions about Voldemort (and the correct politics to deal with the situation) will run high. One of the major themes I believe (as suggested by the new title and the entire series) will be bigotry and racism, and the effect that has, and will have, on the war and on wizardkind as a whole. S.P.E.W may come into focus and become a larger part of the plot. I would also pay attention to such characters as Dobby, Winky, Remus Lupin and Firenze, who all must deal with the ignorance of bigotry every day. And obviously, we should keep watch on any “Mudbloods” or “half-bloods” as well, since they will likely be at some kind of risk and a major part of the story.

Also, we should keep our eyes on Azkaban. I just know those nasty Death Eaters will “escape” (i.e., get set free by the Dementors), and come slithering back to Voldemort’s side. Where they will set up and maintain a headquarters, I’m not sure. Azkaban? Durmstrang? The Malfoy Mansion? Also, the storyline concerning 12 Grimmauld Place will get some closure; my question is whether it will remain in the property of the Order, or if it will go to Bellatrix or Narcissa. Definite problems could arise there!

Another place to watch is the Chamber of Secrets. I think something may pop up concerning that particular underground locale…

Now as to who the half-blood prince is…I just don’t know. Between my own instincts and ideas, and the rumors that were released, I’m pretty unsure.

Will there be romance?: Yes! I *think* Jo said herself that there would be a “little romance” for Harry, and this also seems to be a subject that comes up frequently in interviews with publishers, editors, etc.

If yes, between which characters?: Firstly, I think it very possible that Ron and Hermione will finally reveal romantic feelings for each other, and I theorize it will happen toward the middle, or near-end, of the book. Also, if this happens, it has the potential to create problems and tensions within the trio that will need to be solved (good major sub-plot material). I think that with this particular installment of the series, all the “shippers” out there may finally get a little of what they’ve been hoping for. As far as a “little romance” for Harry, I personally believe his new significant other will be Ginny Weasley, a new character we have not yet met, or someone who has only been distantly mentioned.

Any deaths?: Absolutely.

If yes, how many and who?: I don’t like making death predictions -- I’m rarely right. But here is a small list of who I think is at “high risk” -- Peter Pettigrew, Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore, Bellatrix Lestrange, Ludo Bagman, Cornelius Fudge, Sybill Trelawney, Percy Weasley, Lucius Malfoy, Winky, and Petunia Dursley. I think the trio will survive intact at least until book 7, and most likely until the end of the series.

Tom, General Content

General thoughts on happenings of book 6: I have a theory about the new Minister of Magic. Basically, in the year or so that Voldemort laid low, he had to be doing something productive for the future. Now, he knew that once he came into the open, Fudge would be kicked out of office for denying that Voldemort was back for so long. Now, Voldemort, once again, had a year of secret activity, and I believe that he was positioning someone to take over the position of MoM. Now, I don't think it's a character we know because they are either in the Order and are good, or they are in Azkaban (at least for now). So yes, I think it will be a new character. However, now that Dumbledore and Harry are in the spotlight again and basically loved by everyone, Voldemort will tell his lackey to pretend to be helping the Order while secretly making way for Voldemort to gain power. It sounds very J.K.-ish to do, and would definitely make for an interesting plot.

Will there be romance?: Of course.

If yes, between which characters?: Now, this is a tricky one. Personally, I think Ron and Hermione will end up together somewhere, but in this book, I'm sure it's not going to happen. Now, I think Ron and Hermione might even date other people. Even though Hermione has said she doesn't like Krum that way, who knows, he might make another appearance. As for Harry, I think he might take interest in a few girls, but who is to say if he ends up dating anyone or not?

Any deaths?: What would a war be without any deaths?

If yes, how many and who?: Well, once again, this is a war, so there will surely be more deaths than any of the other books. I'm sure there will be hundreds as Voldemort and his supporters once again try to scare the wizard world into submission, but those mostly will be faceless deaths -- at the most, friends or family of those at Hogwarts that aren't one of the main characters. Now rumors of Dumbledore dying have been persistent, but I think that if Dumbledore dies in this book, he will have certainly left a pensieve of some sort to let Harry know of his great plans and anything else Harry would want to know. I'm about 75/25 in favor of Dumbledore surviving this book though. I can also see Hagrid dying trying to protect Harry, but that's just a suspicion, too. To tell the truth, I can't think of anything more than just suspicions to lead me to who will die.

Rach, General Content

General thoughts on happenings of book 6: Half-Blood Prince is going to bring in so much more adventure and havoc for our boy wizard. With Voldemort as powerful as ever this time around, I feel that this book is going to bring Harry into a completely different level in life. Harry is truly growing up too fast, I believe. I am excited about having new characters introduced and how they will affect the outcome of the story. I cannot wait to find out who the next Minister of Magic is going to be! All in all, I believe that this book will carry more responsibility towards Harry, more hostility towards Harry's enemies, and a significant amount of loyalty will be needed from those who care for Harry. So I'm ready for any surprises!

Will there be romance?: It's time that there is!

If yes, between which characters?: Although this might sound very far-fetched, I have a feeling that the quirky Luna Lovegood might just win Harry Potter's affection (Harry can relate to Luna in many aspects). Ron and Hermione might have even more tension between the two, but I doubt that anything serious will happen in this book. It is probable that definite romancing and dating will happen in this story. What can I say, the kids are growing up!

Any deaths?: I'm afraid so...

If yes, how many and who?: I seriously have no idea who might just die in this book. I do have a feeling that it might just be someone very important -- either Dumbledore or Lupin, I'm afraid. Death is more than likely to occur between the bad and the good, I believe.

K’lyssa, General Content

General thoughts on happenings of book 6: With Voldemort back and in full power, Harry’s definitely going to be having a more challenging year than he’s ever had before. I really think he’s going to be forced to grow up and he’s going to miss being as carefree as many of his classmates. I think this book will follow with a little bit of the mood of OotP, but the entire novel isn’t going to be as dark as everyone expects it to be. I think Snape, among others, will be a lot easier on Harry because now everyone knows that Voldemort really is back and the world they thought they knew has changed forever.

The title seems to show that wizarding “racism” is going to play a big role in this book, particularly because of Voldemort’s return. Those children who have parents that are Death Eaters (such as Draco Malfoy) may find themselves being a little less smug and a lot more on edge. When the title of the book was first released, my first thought for the half-blood prince was that it was either Dean or Seamus. There have been many interesting theories about the two of them -- and both seem very plausible. However, beyond those two..I really have no idea!

Will there be romance?: Of course. Although the Second War has just begun, we can’t forget that Harry and the gang are teenagers. Romance is part of being a teenager -- and J.K. herself alluded to the fact that we will be seeing some romance for Harry, as well as some of the other characters.

If yes, between which characters?: Ron/Hermione is my OTP -- so of course I’m going to say them. And although I’m not sure it’ll happen, I’d love to see something with Harry/Ginny.

Any deaths?: Unfortunately, yes.

If yes, how many and who?: I don’t think there will be quite as many deaths in HBP as there will be in book 7, however I do think one of the last remaining Marauders (Peter or Remus) may kick the bucket. I don’t see more than two or three characters dying in HBP, though.

Andrew, General Content and News

General thoughts on happenings of book 6: What's there to say? In OotP we left off with a huge war going on between the Ministry of Magic -- and basically Harry. I'm picturing rage and anger all over the place, and if it's anything like OotP, it's gonna be great.

Will there be romance?: Yeah...I'm a Ron/Hermione shipper! Woo!

If yes, between which characters?: Ron and Hermione!

Any deaths?: Without a doubt.

If yes, how many and who?: I wouldn't be surprised that this time we saw more than one person kicking the can. What looks to be a more intense book than any other, I can only imagine what's going to happen throughout the story. There's gotta be one, and based on news articles I'm going to have to go with Seamus getting the cut as choice one. As for other people, I could see Dumbledore dying after a fight between him and Voldemort. Ron is a possibility because he's very vulnerable to anything. I could also see Neville dying because, let's face it, the kid is weak and even more vulnerable than Ron.

Ciaran, General Content and News

General thoughts on happenings of book 6: There will be, of course, chaos in the wizarding world -- including in the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. I believe the atmosphere in Hogwarts will be similar to how it was when Sirius Black was on the run in book 3. That's how I think the beginning chapters of the book will be, but I'm not sure about the remainder.

Will there be romance?: I think so...it's been hinted that there would be some in a few different interviews.

If yes, between which characters?: Hermione/Ron

Any deaths?: Probably.

If yes, how many and who?: I think Hagrid might die. I think so because Jo hasn't talked about how the death in HBP (if there is any) has had an effect on her. Whereas, before OotP she mentioned how upset she was after killing Sirius. This could possibly mean that this death isn't as important. And, in my opinion, Hagrid isn't quite as important to the plot as Sirius is. I think he might die trying to recruit more giants.

Andy, Info Section

General thoughts on happenings of book 6: OotP left the series in a position where it could go one of two ways, and there may be a big difference between what I think will happen in book 6 and what I'd like to happen in book 6. There's war brewing of course, and although Voldemort currently has a vast army of two followers at his disposal (Bellatrix and Pettigrew, although possibly Goyle as well, as he wasn't mentioned in the battle in the Department of Mysteries), the others will no doubt soon be out of Azkaban. This could lead to a book with something of a siege mentality where fear and unhappiness rule the school as Voldemort tries to get to Harry to extract his bloodthirsty revenge. This would no doubt lead to a dark, tense book with a trademark showdown between Harry and the Dark Lord at the end, and to be honest I'd much rather that didn't happen.

PoA is my favourite book, quite simply because it was a little different to the others and didn't all build up to the big H/V showdown at the end. I think it would be refreshing if HBP showed an ability not to be formulaic and find a different route through Voldemort's inevitable attempts to kill Harry off. Whatever happens, it should definitely be borne in mind that Voldemort failed in his quest to hear the full prophecy and his actions will be governed by the fact that he doesn't know the end of it. He doesn't know that his enemy has power that he knows not, and he doesn't know that either must die at the hand of the other. This may make him over-confident in his ability to prevail and lead to his downfall.

The other thing is that it's still not time to discount Neville, in my opinion. This might go against what JK seems to have said on her site, but we know that she's an expert at saying one thing and meaning another, and there might be more to this one than meets the eye. He still could be the subject of the prophecy, despite what Dumbledore says. I think Dumbledore believes what he told Harry at the end of OOTP, but there's something he hasn't thought of. The prophecy says that the Dark Lord will mark his opponent as his equal. It doesn't say when he will do it. Harry's scar might be incidental -- Neville might be his true opponent and he just hasn't been marked yet. This is worth keeping an eye on, as the whole H/V thing could be a smokescreen for the real contest, with the irony being that it could be Harry who, through the DA, ends up teaching Neville how to defeat Voldemort.

I think we will find some more out about Snape, as J.K. must realize that love him or loathe him, he's certainly the most interesting character in the series. We might find out more about his background and his post-GoF mission, but I'm afraid I can't agree with Sheri about him being back spying on the Death Eaters. We don't know who might have heard about Dumbledore's announcement of Snape's double-agent role to the Council of Magical Law; there were no Death Eaters present except Karkaroff, and he's very unlikely to have told Voldemort anything, but at the same time the likes of Lucius Malfoy are very likely to have heard about it. Whatever the truth of that one, though, the fact remains that Snape himself repeatedly lectured Quirrell about how he should not be siding with the Dark Lord when unbeknownst to Snape, all the time Voldemort himself was hiding under Quirrell's turban listening. It may well be that Snape's mission is indeed shown to be spying on the Death Eaters and posing as loyal to Voldemort, but I'd like to see how Jo justifies that one!

My honest opinion is that we'll see a dark novel with little levity which builds up to a H/V confrontation at the end. Voldemort will spend the year attempting to kill Harry and taking risks as a result of his lack of knowledge of the prophecy, and they'll end up face to face again. I hope it goes a little differently than that, though.

Will there be romance?: Yes! That's already been confirmed by Jo.

If yes, between which characters?: I don't believe Ron and Hermione will get together in book 6. I think she's saving that for book 7. I think they might get a quick snog or something though that leads to awkwardness between the two of them. Ron will start to grow up, but not quickly enough for things to get sorted by the end of this book. As for Harry, yes he'll get a bit of girlfriend action. The runners and riders as I see them are: Luna, Ginny, Cho. Probably in that order of likelihood. I have an inkling for Luna, as J.K. has consistently tried to introduce acceptance for people with unusual traits or those that might lead them to be picked on (deliberately giving Harry glasses, Hermione big teeth and unmanageable hair, making Ron all gangly, etc.).

Any deaths?: Again, yes.

If yes, how many and who?: The darkness of the series is building and I think it's significant that Voldemort is attacking and destroying anyone who Harry has regarded as family. First his parents, then Sirius. I think it's all designed to add to his hate and anger enough to make him strong enough to kill the Dark Lord off when the time comes (assuming of course that this is his job rather than Neville's). This places anyone who Harry sees as family under threat. Now Sirius is gone, this is really the Weasleys. Sad to say, but Molly and Arthur are looking shaky for me. Ron is almost family too, but he'll survive right to the end in my opinion. I'd be surprised if his whole family makes it. Despite whatever rumours we've heard, it makes no sense to me for Dumbledore to die in book 6. Given his views on sacrifice and death, it seems likely that he will meet his doom in book 7, giving his own life in order for Harry to defeat the Dark Lord, and doing so quite happily at that. For him to die before the grand finale seems pointless so I'm not going with that one.

Sara, Editorials

General thoughts on happenings of book 6: I believe that Dumbledore and Harry will spend tons of time together preparing for the Second War. Harry isn’t ready for a final showdown and he’ll need his mentor’s help before he is. Dumbledore will teach him advanced magic, tell him more about the First War, his parents and other pertinent back story. All of this must take place in book 6 before...well, see below.

Will there be romance?: There better be a little!

If yes, between which characters? Something more will develop between Ron and Hermione. J.K. has told us so many times how obvious they are. More importantly, I believe Harry will find a steady, independent, and passionate friend in Ginny.

Any deaths?: Sadly, yes.

If yes, how many and who?: I don’t believe there will be as many deaths in HBP as there will be in book 7, however, the death to come in HBP will feel as bad as the deaths of many. Sadly, I believe this will be Dumbledore’s last appearance, at least physically, in the series. He will spend this installment preparing Harry for the battle that he knows he will not be present for. Dumbledore knows more than he divulges, and rightly so, as he never misses a trick.

Laura, General Content

General thoughts on happenings of book 6: I have a strong feeling that we're going to see as much (or more) of the political corruption we saw in book 5. Harry has had to grow and mature at a much faster rate than his classmates, so there will definitely be some resentment there. However, I think we might see a less moody Harry this time around.

Will there be romance?: Yes, there will be. However, I think many fans are expecting too much in the romance department. Keep in mind that Ron and Hermione getting together is not the goal of the series.

If yes, between which characters?: I think we'll see continued tension between Ron and Hermione, but I doubt they'll begin dating until book 7. I'm not an extreme shipper, but if I had to choose, my OTP is Harry/Luna.

Any deaths?: Ah, the ugliness the power-hungry cause when unjustified war is called upon. You can count on it.

If yes, how many and who?: I can't be sure, but I know I'll die if Remus does!

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7/5/05

Posted by: Sara

Compiled by: Claire and Andrew

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