I finished reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. As I read the last page of chapter 37, “The Lost Prophecy”, I couldn’t help feeling sad because I know what’s coming in Half-Blood Prince. Dumbledore cares so much for Harry, more than Harry can or will ever know. His love seems so unconditional. His greatest desire is for Harry to be safe and not to carry the burden that he has to.
I know it was hard for Harry when Sirius died, but I feel much more of a loss knowing Dumbledore will die at the end of Half-Blood Prince and not able to help Harry in Deathly Hallows. I tried to cry when Sirius died, but I find myself more teary-eyed as I read the last two paragraphs of chapter 37.
“I feel I owe you another explanation, Harry,” said Dumbledore hesitantly. “You may, perhaps, have wondered why I never chose you as a prefect? I must confess … that I rather thought … you had enough responsibility to be going on with.”
Harry looked up at him and saw a tear trickling down Dumbledore’s face into his long silver beard.
I love Dumbledore, though my faith in his purpose faltered in the seventh book. I think that Dumbledore had a harder job than any of the other wizards in the war against Voldemort.