<P> Harry Potter and the Half - Blood Prince is a fantasy novel written by British author J.K. Rowling and the sixth and penultimate novel in the Harry Potter series . Set during protagonist Harry Potter 's sixth year at Hogwarts , the novel explores the past of Harry 's nemesis , Lord Voldemort , and Harry 's preparations for the final battle against Voldemort alongside his headmaster and mentor Albus Dumbledore . </P>
when does harry potter and the half blood prince take place
Harry Potter 's sixth year at Hogwarts