Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince Synopsis

Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information.

From Dumbledore, Harry learns that he must use his connection to the new potions teacher, Professor Slughorn, in order to obtain important information that the professor does not want to reveal. The task is hard enough, but is made even more difficult since Harry has become consumed by his suspicions about the dark deeds of Draco Malfoy and disturbing questions concerning Professor Snape -- not to mention his being preoccupied with Quidditch games and the romantic travails of himself and his friends. As the Death Eaters wreak havoc all around and Voldemort becomes stronger, Dumbledore continues to impress upon Harry the importance of his mission. Should Harry fail, they may never uncover the most important key to defeating Voldemort forever. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simpering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.