Errors, or plot points?

[tinyjo]

I read the new Potter on Sunday evening by illegal means (I plan to buy the paperback but didn't want to be spoilered) so it's possible these items weren't in the published text but there are two things nagging at me vaguely and I can't decide whether they're mistakes on JKR's part or are hooks for cunning tricks in the next book.

1) Harry rules out his father or his friends as possibilities for the Half Blood Prince based on the printing date of the book. Now this is slightly shaky logic because it assumes the prince was the first owner of the book but if we accept it then doesn't that also rule out Snape? He was at school at the same time as they were. If we rule out Snape on the basis of timing, I suspect Voldemort to be honest. Could even be another horcrux.

2) Kreacher and Dobby apparate and disapparate inside Hogwarts. I don't know why I've never noticed this before. Does the prohibition not apply to house-elves? Can either side use that information?

Comments

[angelsk.livejournal.com]

1. it was Snape's mothers before him.

2. It must be a different kind of magic.

[crschmidt.livejournal.com]

Prohibition doesn't apply to house-elves. Since they're not going to be at Hogwarts next year anyway, I don't know that it matters all that much. (And now I'm really hoping you finished the book.)

[jennifer.livejournal.com]

The book belonged to Snape's mother. I hope you've read this far, but Hermione mentions his mother twice - once early on when she suspects her of being the Prince, and again towards the very end when she explains the family line a bit.