Peach Waser

The rumours and speculations about ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’ are spreading fast. Millions of readers can’t wait to get their copy of the book, in stores on July 16. Let’s have a look at possible new plot twists!

The most discussed question is: Who is the mysterious prince? Since Neville Longbottom was repeatedly described as ‘pure blood’, the best guess is Dean Thomas. He fits perfectly into JK Rowling’s pattern of building up a surprise plot twist. During their first dinner at Hogwarts, Dean tells his new Gryffindor mates that he’s ‘half muggle and half wizard’. Random remark or a disguised clue?

Another point of interest is the howler Albus Dumbledore sent to Harry’s aunt Petunia. It’s unusual that a muggle receives a screaming letter. But it’s amazing that the well-mannered headmaster called her ‘Petunia’ and not ‘Mrs Dursley’. The odd wording “Remember my last, Petunia” suggests that there had been more correspondence. Does this mean that Petunia is a witch, too? Did she go to Hogwarts like her sister Lily Potter, but got expelled when she messed with dark magic? Was that the reason she decided to turn her back on the wizard world for good? It would explain her extremely uptight ways and why she acts as though the mere presence of her nephew caused her discomfort. Will the mysterious howler change her behaviour from now on?

Harry turns 16 during the summer holiday. It’s about time for his first girlfriend. The puppy love he experienced with Cho Chang was rather confusing for him. Harry should look for a mate who speaks her mind rather than play girly games. His perfect match would be Luna Lovegood. After all, they grew from curious interest to mutual respect. Luna does things her own way, just like Harry. Will they realise that they are soulmates?

Finally: Has JK Rowling already given away the end of the saga? In ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, Lord Voldemort slayed a unicorn to drink its blood. After that ‘he could not die’. In ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ the same bad guy is after a prophecy which concerns himself and Harry Potter. Voldemort never hears it, but we learn that it says, “One can’t live while the other exists”. This means that Harry will either have to kill Lord Voldemort or give his life trying to stop him. Combining both pieces of information, one wonders. Has the Dark Lord lost the unicorn-induced immortality when he repeatedly transformed his physical appearance? Or will JK Rowling have the last laugh and say, “Had you read the books attentively, you’d have known from the start?”