Five Questionable Moments in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
Since I previously examined the questionable moments in the first five books, today I look at the dubious moments in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Love Potions
Amortentia doesn’t really create love, of course. It is impossible to manufacture or imitate love. No, this will simply cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. It is probably the most dangerous and powerful potion in this room – ” (HBP 186)
Love potions are used several times in the books: They’re in Fred and George’s shop, in the Cauldron Cakes given by Romilda Vane, and used on Tom Riddle, Sr. by Merope Gaunt. The use of a love potion on anybody is definitely ethically questionable and should not be done since it takes away the drinker’s consent and free will.
Percy Weasley’s Actions
But Percy showed no sign of wanting to greet any of the rest of the family. He stood, poker-straight and awkward-looking, and stared over everybody else’s heads.” (HBP 341)
Percy’s reactions to his family are completely terrible in this installment. Despite knowing the truth, he completely shunned his relatives and friends, all with the illusion that the Ministry is correct. His arrogance not only affected him, but also deeply hurt his loved ones, and they deserved better than that.
Hermione Using Magic on Cormac McLaggen
‘I was better than that McLaggen anyway,’ said Ron in a highly satisfied voice. ‘Did you see him lumbering off in the wrong direction on his fifth? Looked like he’d been Confunded. . . .’
To Harry’s surprise, Hermione turned a very deep shade of pink at these words.” (HBP 227)
I know that Hermione was just trying to help Ron out, but her casting a spell on Cormac was not very fair to him.
Ron’s Behavior Toward Lavender
‘And speaking of getting shot of people,’ Harry added, getting to his feet and picking up his Firebolt, ‘will you stop pretending to be asleep when Lavender comes to see you? She’s driving me mad as well.'” (HBP 411)
Ron’s choice to get together with her in the first place was all wrong, but the way he treated her was terrible. She might not have been a favorite character, but she definitely deserved better than Ron leading her on, then refusing to properly break up with her when he wanted to end it.
Harry Blindly Following the Book’s Instruction
‘Hang on,’ said a voice close by Harry’s left ear and he caught a sudden waft of that flowery smell he had picked up in Slughorn’s dungeon. He looked around and saw that Ginny had joined them.
‘Did I hear right? You’ve been taking orders from something someone wrote in a book, Harry?'” (HBP 192)
After the events of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, he refused to learn not to trust something when he didn’t know where the instructions came from. His blind faith led to him using Sectumsempra on Draco, severely injuring him in the process – something Harry did not intend and definitely would not have done had he known the results.
Are there any other questionable moments in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”? Let us know in the comments!
