Let's think about this logically

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Chapter 28

Whatever happened to those cute kids walking through the wall at Platform 9 3/4? And riding the train to Hogwarts while eating too many sweets? And buying school supplies in Diagon Alley? And drinking butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks? And ...

The age of innocence is completely gone. This is not the same story it has been for almost six full books. Yes, until now we have seen a bit of violence and treachery. But the new narrative is suddenly heartbreaking, horrifying and deadly. And it's only going to get more intense.

We do know more about who's on whose side. Voldemort has his death-eating mafia. Not sure who will emerge as the leader of the order formerly run by Dumbledore. Could be Harry. He's young. Experience, though, has to count for something.

I might have previously written about my next point, but it has been 10 years since I started this journey so forgive me if I don't remember. Voldemort is stupid. His ego will be his downfall.

Criminals who have followings and lots of big, stupid henchmen make the same mistake in story after story. There was a chance to kill Harry. But the Half-Blood Prince (formerly known as Snape) stopped the other Death Eaters. He reminded them that Harry's death was to come only at the wand of Voldemort. smh

This is a job for Voldemort alone! He has to be the one. When bad guys do this it always comes back to bite them. The Riddler, the Joker, all of them, in the old "Batman" series used to do this. And what happened? Batman had them in handcuffs by the end of the next show. Darth Vader called off his squadron and said Luke was his alone to shoot down. We all know how that turned out.

Dumbledore is dead, but was the trip completely in vain? In one sense the answer is yes. They went for the Horcrux and didn't get it. However, the message from R.A.B contained in the fake locket said he or she was going to destroy the Horcrux. So the Horcrux might have already been destroyed. And, don't forget, Voldemort doesn't know it if we are to believe what the note says. Which means that Voldemort might still think he has six Horcruxes hidden around the continent like Easter eggs.

That's my logic and I'm sticking to it.

R.I.P. Dumbledore

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Chapter 27

Dumbledore is dead.

Yes, that took a few hours to sink in. I know people die down the stretch of this story. But Dumbledore? I envisioned an epilogue of Harry and Dumbledore sipping Butterbeers on the veranda at the old folks home for wizards and reminiscing about the old days at Hogwarts and of obliterated Horcruxes.

The shock of Dumbledore's murder should reverberate throughout the magic kingdom. It should kick Scrimgeour into some real action against Voldemort and the Death Eaters. But we shall see. He might try to cover the whole thing up.

My faith in Snape as a good guy has been severed. But what I don't get is why now? Snape could have found a way to eliminate Dumbledore long ago. It doesn't add up. Add it to the list of things to be confused about. But the next time (if there is one) someone works both sides I'm assuming they are with Voldemort. Fool me once ...

If you didn't trust Snape, a tip of the Sorting Hat to you.

What will become of Draco Malfoy? He cleverly used magic to set up the showdown with Dumbledore. But he clearly didn't want to go through with killing Dumbledore, and for that he might die. Perhaps Snape will shield him somehow.

I almost forgot about Harry standing there frozen and unable to help. I guess whatever charm froze him will thaw with Dumbledore's death. Also, as I recall, Dumbledore had the Horcrux locket in his pocket. How will Harry get it and kill a piece of Voldemort's soul?

And does Voldemort feel it when a piece of his soul dies? Or will he be surprised some day to be completely dead (yes, I'm sure he dies in the end)?

How will Harry ever recover the remaining Horcruxes without Dumbledore? Were any instructions left?

What will happen to Hogwarts? Too many possibilities to speculate. One thing is for sure. Snape won't be in class tomorrow.

The closer it seems we get to answers the more questions we get. This is wearing me out, but it's time to look forward and form a battle plan.

The fight has come to your doorstep, Harry. And this ain't Quidditch.