No: HPFGUIDX 128619
> 1. Who will be the most major character to die?
Dumbledore. I think his passing, leaving Harry and the WW to fight V
"alone" will be the big cliffhanger at the end of this book.
> 2. Who is the Half-Blood Prince? (If "The Old Lion Guy,"
> describe more.)
The Half-Blood Prince is a "What" not a "Who". *Exactly* what I'm not
as sure of... I'm going to guess it's a pub with some special magical
quality. (I hope I get half-marks if I'm at least right about HBP's
inanimate status.)
> 3. What is Lily's big secret? (This question will be eliminated
> and full credit given to everyone if no big secret is revealed.)
She was a reverse-animagus ("anthropagus"?) -- She was a unicorn who
could assume human form and was adopted by Muggles. (Dumbledore is
the only living person who knows this.) This revelation will have some
connection to Lily's "purity" and the spell that protected Harry.
> 4. Who will be the new DADA teacher?
Aberforth, whom I also think is the "Old Lion" guy.
> 5. With whom will Harry have a romantic relationship?
No one, though Harry and Ginny will become more intimate. (The Shape
of Things to Come.)
> 6. Who will be the new Minister of Magic?
Amelia Bones. (Percy will take over at Dept. of Magical
Law Enforcement -- See below.)
> 7. What is that bowl-thing on the green U.S. HBP cover?
It seems increasingly difficult to deny that it's a pensieve, but just
to be subversive, I'm going to say it's an elaborate advanced magical
device, in the same class as the Goblet of Fire.
> 8. Will Harry take Advanced Potions?
Yes. Dumbledore will force Snape to take him.
> 9. Will Neville take Advanced Potions?
No.
> 10. How many OWLs did Harry get?
He got passing marks in everything except Divination and
History of Magic.
> Predictions (0-10 points each):
1. Perseus Evans *is* a real character, with *some* connection
to Lily, Snape, and Andromeda Tonks.
2. Both sides will be working to build up their respective "Creature"
armies (e.g. Giants, Hippogriffs, Dragons, Blast-Ended Skrewts, etc.)
3. Harry will have to face a Lethifold.
4. We will find out why House Elves have been oppressed all these
centuries, and that it's related to their powers, which in
some ways exceed those of Wizards.
5. As head of Magical Law Enforcement, Percy will follow in Crouch
Sr's footsteps and impose draconic measures, authorize use of the
Unforgivables, lock up people (including a member of his
family!) without trial or even charging them with a crime,
and other human rights abuses that would make Voldemort proud, all
in the name of fighting him.
> Comments? Suggestions?
Thnaks for doing this -- I'm having fun reading everyone's
speculations!
--
Dave