HBP Theory on Mugglenet

[Gwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 104538

I just read a very intersting editorial on Mugglenet regarding the 
identity of the HBP.  It brought to mind quotes from several JKR 
interviews.

The actual editorial (in The Burrow section of Mugglenet and written 
by Corinne), poses the theory that Dudley is the Half-Blood Prince.  
It's quite an interesting read, but the salient points are these:

a.  Petunia is a squib
b.  She feared her child having magical powers and struck a bargain 
with Dumbledore:  she would take Harry in if Dudley was essentially 
stricken from the wizarding world.
c.  Dudley was seriously affected by the dementors.  Although Lupin 
says that even Muggles can sense them, I had the impression that they 
would not react to the extent that Dudley did.

In re: the quotes I remembered, one was from a Barnes and Noble 
interview with JKR in March 1999.  When asked what Dudley eventually 
does with his life, JKR responds "That is a question i would love to 
answer, but it will ruin some surprises."  Then she goes on to say 
that Dudley's privileged existence will change for the worse in Book 
4 (when The Diet strikes).

The second was at a Harry Pottermania conference in Vancouver on Nov. 
16, 2000.  JKR said:  "You should keep an eye on Dudley.  It's 
probably too late for Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon."

Check out the editorial on Mugglenet.  It's quite good.