NEW! Language translations
For English, continue on this page. For others, choose your language below. Part 1 of 6 in our chapter-by-chapter analysis of The Half-Blood Prince!
In this series, we promise not to give away HUGE spoilers (like who the HBP is, who dies, ships, etc.) but you will discover the basic plot.
For a full
guide to book 6, complete with spoilers and images (there will be no secrets left), visit
the Library.
You have been warned... Chapter 1
THE OTHER MINISTER
The U.K. Prime Minister gets a visit from Fudge who introduces him to the new Minister of Magic: *hint* lion-like creature *hint*
They discuss the state of the world and explain that the wizarding world is in a war against you-know-who.
It is clear that many murders have been commited and some innocent people, including muggles, are dying.
Chapter 2
SPINNER'S END
Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy (sisters) visit a certain Order-member for help. It is made distinctly clear that Bellatrix both dislikes and distrusts this individual, but Narcissa insists that he/she is the only one who can help her protect Draco, who has been given a special task by the Dark Lord.
The Order-member makes an Unbreakable Vow to watch, protect and replace Draco in his objective, if he need do so. A visual of the Unbreakable Vow can be seen on the
inside flap of the U.K. Children's edition.
Chapter 3
WILL AND WON'T
Dumbledore picks Harry up from the Dursleys and explains to them (as teacups hover over their heads) that Harry must return to them one final time, after this school year, to keep Harry in the protective charm that Dumbledore placed when he was young. He also explains to them that this protection will only last until Harry comes "of age" at 17. One more year.
Chapter 4
HORACE SLUGHORN
On their way to the Burrow, Dumbledore takes Harry to help recruit a new Hogwarts teacher, Horace Slughorn, who Harry assumes is to replace Umbridge.
To Harry's great delight (and surprise), Dumbledore tells Harry that he will be giving him private lessons to help prepare him for his confrontation with You-know-who.
Chapter 5
AN EXCESS OF PHLEGM
You would never guess who Harry meets at the Burrow! That's right, Phlegm = Fleur Delaceur. Ginny and Hermione call her Phlegm because they can't stand her. She is romantically engaged with one of the Weasleys.
Hermione, Harry and Ron all get their OWL report cards. Harry is relieved to have done better than he expected, but fears the scores aren't good enough to get him trained to be an Auror. Hermione is disappointed with her results.
Following Dumbledore's advice to share his secret with his two close friends, Harry tells Hermone and Ron about the Prophecy.
Speculate and discuss this here if you like, but if you are among those who have completed the book, DO NOT SPOIL IT FOR OTHERS by revealing anything more than we have spelled out in this post.
The forum for discussing spoilers can be found here:
Half-Blood Prince Spoilers Forum (you must have the book to learn the password)
This thread will remain spoiler-free. Continue on to part two (chapters 6-10) 
HBP Chapter-By-Chapter: 1-5 (minor spoilers) 
