Thank for the latest chapter, which I have again enjoyed and thank you for your kind thoughts on my previous review.
As you promised things have moved along somewhat. Tonks, after investigating Harry's thoughts and Snape's 'lessons' can see which way the wind is blowing regarding he and Hermione, so offers them both the same advice that Luna did previously. Unfortunately neither of them have yet plucked up the courage to act - their own feelings of insecurity overiding their instincts. I hope that this will soon be resolved for everyone's relief particularly our three main participants.
I like your somewhat unique way of ensuring that any occlumency performed by our misguided headmaster in avoided and the way Moody encouraged Harry towards the use of Occam's razor. At least one person seems to have a modicum of logic:-).
As usual, the old manipulator cannot leave well alone and has to try and interfere yet again, resulting in Fawkes once more deserting him for Harry, who is currently more attuned to the light. I think that this was probably Dumbledore's last chance - but as always, 'tempus omnia revelat'.
As expected Dumbledore again defends Snape with Snape's non-existent death eater who cast the curse at Minerva.
It seems that Dumbledore will soon be completely out in the cold - apart from Molly and the younger Weasleys of course:-)observabimus.
It would also appear that Hermione's natural curiosity may well lead Harry and the rest to have yet another weapon if they can learn and understand the Swedish versions of their normal spells.
Tibi grates ago capitulo novo; observabo pensioni insequentis, probe et vale, Clivius
Author's response
Hello again,
I can't say how long it's going to take things to move along, as that would be too big a spoiler, but... The way I think of Harry's personality, I picture him as someone that doesn't always have the confidence to put himself forward, but once he sees the need, he is quite prepared to take charge. Case in point; the DA. He had to be basically bullied into it, yet once the need was established, he gave in and did the best he could.
Now that Harry's managed to lose the guilt, and had a few other confidence building things occur - not to mention new responsibilities as Lord Black, I can see him being more inclined to step up and initiate or challenge what's going on around him. Moody's trying to encourage that as well of course, which is what his prompting was about this chapter.
I guess everything will be revealed in time.
I will make a mention of Snape's house guest though. Can you not think of who the guest might be, and why Dumbledore deliberately didn't name him? Hint: I have been following HBP canon so far... Hint 2: Even without hidden passages behind bookcases, this guest would have had a way of hiding in a small room...
Learning to cast in Swedish is only one of the spell-based plot twists I'm adding. The other is going to be quite a while before it comes out I think, but you are welcome to try and work out what I have in mind. If you want to take up the challenge, here are a couple of things to consider: Firstly; Harry now knows that stunned death eaters can easily be ennervated in a battle (as per DoM). Secondly; what is the likelihood that teens would be prepared to deliberately attempt to kill and maim their opponents? Even if Harry thinks he can justify it to himself, would he want his friends to be murderers?
Brian