The Half-Blood McGuffin

[Chys Sage Lattes]

No: HPFGUIDX 126599


Steve/bboyminn-

> > So, I suspect that the HBP must be a real-time figure, that is, 
> a living person. It's easy to see Harry or Tom/Voldemort in that 
> role, both half-blood, both significant characters, both with yet 
> untold backstories, both with yet unfulfilled destinies, but JKR 
> has already ruled them out. 
> > 

Chys:

The word 'prince' makes me think that it's someone younger, 
though I know the word has nothing to do with age, but it's just 
an American thing I grew up with. Prince is below King, and King 
should be older, but that's just a stereotype from storybooks. But 
perhaps she did this to make us think it's one of the students, 
rather than an adult?  Prince seems to define male, or else 
wouldn't it be mentioned as Princess or some other form of title 
defining female? 

While I don't give very much to the possibility that it's blood 
royalty it can't be ruled out, but I think it could be a simple 
title that someone has earned, out of his previous actions or 
respect given to him for his past deeds.

There are many students that are half-blooded, and I don't think 
it's any of the established full bloods. That just wouldn't be 
right, unless there's some kind of scandal involved in their 
heritage that becomes a plot device for the next book. I think of 
one student in the books which this could be, but that's already 
been discussed here indepth.

Popular ideas:
I've decided it's not Hagrid- he's half giant, not half-blooded. 
Though he could potentially be of royal blood in giant terms, we 
learned in OoTP that that is a wavering right- and royalty amongst 
giants is a fickle thing, to be changed daily if need be.

I don't think it's Neville, it's been established many times in 
the books that he's full-blooded wizard, regardless of the fact 
he's not that 'magical'.

I don't think it's Ron, or any of the Weasleys. They seem to have 
alternative roles to play.

Snape? No, I don't think it's him because he seems to be a full-
blooded, and he's in the DE.

New teacher? Well we'll only have to wait and see, won't we? It 
does seem to be a trend for JKR to invent a new character to 
influence the flow of the next book, doesn't it?

Peter? I hope not, personally I dislike him for his weakness and 
I can't see him being a major plot device being as weak as he is, 
without somehow hurting Harry in some way, again. If that's just 
a repeat of book 4, then I don't personally want to see it.

Godric Gryffindor/Salazar Slytherin? I have no idea. Perhaps, but 
how would that further the plot unless it has something to do with 
COS and something from the past conflicts or involving Hogwarts in 
some way? I can't see how it would be an important life-altering 
plot device unless it has to do with Harry's magic and his 
developing occlumency/eye magic he sees to be focusing on, which 
he inherited either from his mother, Voldemort, or both. 

Will the pensieve show up again and more adventuring in the 
chamber be essential to the plot? I'd like to see what the small 
Mirror would have to do with the next book, and an induction into 
the order since everything is out in the open and it's obvious 
Harry is a part of everything. DD mentioned he didn't want to 
notice that Harry was growing up, and so maybe now that he's seen 
what he's capable of without proper guidance, he's going to keep 
him under his wing a little tighter, to better prepare him and keep 
him safe? Making him a part of everything in the order might just 
keep him occupied enough, and better prepared for what's to come, 
as well as allowing everyone to keep a better eye on him. I'm not 
sure, just speculation.

Chys