Finishing Harry Potter

It's completely ridiculous that I haven't finished talking about Harry Potter and I'm currently bored subbing in an Aquatic Science class.

Half-Blood Prince:

This book is probably my favorite of the series. I loved learning about the complexities and history of Tom Riddle. Also, Harry is angsty and suspicious of Snape and Draco, Ron and Hermione's sexual tension hits new highs, and the book begins with an interesting peak into the effects this Wizarding War has on the Muggle world. All of these elements combine to create a story with a multitude of facets that any person can enjoy. There's mystery, romance, history, teenage hormones everywhere, and character development beyond what we've seen before. This book is a little bit trashy and a little bit literary, just like Harry (or any other 16 year-old).

One of my favorite elements of this novel is the focus on Draco Malfoy. We see the journey he's traveled since his childhood. He's gone from a spoiled child to a young man who has pressure from not only his family, but the Dark Lord, on his shoulders. He is trying to do what he thinks is right: serve Lord Voldemort. He was raised by people who partake in these separatist views and now he is trying to make them proud with his work and service. He finally is feeling a man's burden. Even though his goals are not noble, it is easy for the reader to understand Draco's motivation.

This book helps establish Draco as a foil to Harry. While the two boys have opposing views and fight frequently, they are both just trying to do right by their parents and mentors. Harry is trying to avenge his parents and honor their memories. He is also trying to follow Dumbledore and his ideals. In this novel, he tells Scrimgeour that he is "Dumbledore's man, through and through". Harry and Fawkes the phoenix have a special relationship because of Harry's loyalty to Dumbledore. Draco is also trying to do right by his parents. He is willing to commit murder for him. The difference is that he does not fully commit himself to Voldemort's cause. He doesn't consider murder because he wants Voldemort to be proud of him. He wants to protect his parents from Voldemort. He was chosen for the task of murdering Dumbledore as a punishment for his father's mistakes. The two boys are foils to one another and are two sides of the same coin.