It was nearing midnight and the Prime Minister was sitting alone in his office reading a long memo that was slipping through his brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind He was waiting for a call from the president of a far-distant country and between wondering when the wretched man would telephone and trying to suppress unpleasant memories of what had been a very long tiring and difficult week there was not much space in his head for anything else The more he attempted to focus on the print on the page before him the more clearly the Prime Minister could see the gloating face of one of his political opponents This particular opponent had appeared on the news that very day not only to enumerate all the terrible things that had happened in the last week as though anyone needed reminding but also to explain why each and every one of them was the government’s fault The Prime Minister’s pulse quickened at the very thought of these accusations for they were neither fair nor true How on earth was his government supposed to have stopped that bridge collapsing It was outrageous for anybody to suggest that they were not spending enough on bridges The bridge was less than ten years old and the best experts were at a loss to explain why it had snapped cleanly in two sending a dozen cars into the watery depths of the river below And how dared anyone suggest that it was lack of policemen that had resulted in those two very nasty and well-publicised murders Or that the government should have somehow foreseen the freak hurricane in the West Country that had caused so much damage to both people and property And was it his fault that one of his Junior Ministers Herbert Chorley had chosen this week to act so peculiarly that he was now going to be spending a lot more time with his family A grim mood has gripped the country the opponent had concluded barely concealing his own broad grin And unfortunately this was perfectly true The Prime Minister felt it himself people really did seem more miserable than usual Even the weather was dismal all this chilly mist in the middle of July it wasn’t right it wasn’t normal He turned over the second page of the memo saw how much longer it went on and gave it up as a bad job Stretching his arms above his head he looked around his office mournfully It was a handsome room with a fine marble fireplace facing the long sash windows firmly closed against the unseasonable chill With a slight shiver the Prime Minister got up and moved over to the windows looking out at the thin mist that was pressing itself against the glass It was then as he stood with his back to the room that he heard a soft cough behind him He froze nose-to-nose with his own scared-looking reflection in the dark glass He knew that cough He had heard it before He turned very slowly to face the empty room Hello he said trying to sound braver than he felt For a brief moment he allowed himself the impossible hope that nobody would answer him However a voice responded at once a crisp decisive voice that sounded as though it were reading a prepared statement It was coming as the Prime Minister had known at the first cough from the froglike little man wearing a long silver wig who was depicted in a small and dirty oil-painting in the far corner of the room To the Prime Minister of Muggles Urgent we meet Kindly respond immediately Sincerely Cornelius The man in the painting looked enquiringly at the Prime Minister Er said the Prime Minister listen it’s not a very good time for me I’m waiting for a telephone call you see from the president of That can be rearranged said the portrait at once The Prime Minister’s heart sank He had been afraid of that But I really was rather hoping to speak We shall arrange for the president to forget to call He will telephone tomorrow night instead said the little man Kindly respond immediately to Mr Cornelius I oh very well said the Prime Minister weakly Yes I’ll see Cornelius He hurried back to his desk straightening his tie as he went He had barely resumed his seat and arranged his face into what he hoped was a relaxed and unfazed expression when bright green flames burst into life in the empty grate beneath his marble mantelpiece He watched trying not to betray a flicker of surprise or alarm as a portly man appeared within the flames spinning as fast as a top Seconds later he had climbed out on to a rather fine antique rug brushing ash from the sleeves of his long pinstriped cloak a lime-green bowler hat in his hand Ah Prime Minister said Cornelius striding forwards with his hand outstretched Good to see you again The Prime Minister could not honestly return this compliment so said nothing at all He was not remotely pleased to see Cornelius whose occasional appearances apart from being downright alarming in themselves generally meant that he was about to hear some very bad news Furthermore Cornelius was looking distinctly careworn He was thinner balder and greyer and his face had a crumpled look The Prime Minister had seen that kind of look in politicians before and it never boded well How can I help you he said shaking Fudge’s hand very briefly and gesturing towards the hardest of the chairs in front of the desk Difficult to know where to begin muttered Cornelius pulling up the chair sitting down and placing his green bowler upon his knees What a week what a week Had a bad one too have you asked the Prime Minister stiffly hoping to convey by this that he had quite enough on his plate already without any extra helpings from Cornelius Yes of course said Cornelius rubbing his eyes wearily and looking morosely at the Prime Minister I’ve been having the same week you have Prime Minister The Brockdale bridge the Amelia and Emmeline murders not to mention the ruckus in the West Country You er your I mean to say some of your people were were involved in those those things were they Cornelius fixed the Prime Minister with a rather stern look Of course they were he said Surely you’ve realised what’s going on I hesitated the Prime Minister It was precisely this sort of behaviour that made him dislike Fudge’s visits so much He was after all the Prime Minister and did not appreciate being made to feel like an ignorant schoolboy But of course it had been like this from his very first meeting with Cornelius on his very first evening as Prime Minister He remembered it as though it were yesterday and knew it would haunt him until his dying day He had been standing alone in this very office savouring the triumph that was his after so many years of dreaming and scheming when he had heard a cough behind him just like tonight and turned to find that ugly little portrait talking to him announcing that the Minister for Magic was about to arrive and introduce himself Naturally he had thought that the long campaign and the strain of the election had caused him to go mad He had been utterly terrified to find a portrait talking to him though this had been nothing to how he had felt when a self-proclaimed wizard had bounced out of the fireplace and shaken his hand He had remained speechless throughout Fudge’s kindly explanation that there were witches and wizards still living in secret all over the world and his reassurances that he was not to bother his head about them as the Ministry of Magic took responsibility for the whole wizarding community and prevented the non-magical population from getting wind of them It was said Cornelius a difficult job that encompassed everything from regulations on responsible use of broomsticks to keeping the dragon population under control the Prime Minister remembered clutching the desk for support at this point Cornelius had then patted the shoulder of the stilldumbstruck Prime Minister in a fatherly sort of way Not to worry he had said it’s odds on you’ll never see me again I’ll only bother you if there’s something really serious going on our end something that’s likely to affect the Muggles the non-magical population I should say Otherwise it’s live and let live And I must say you’re taking it a lot better than your predecessor He tried to throw me out of the window thought I was a hoax planned by the opposition At this the Prime Minister had found his voice at last You’re you’re not a hoax then It had been his last desperate hope No said Cornelius gently No I’m afraid I’m not Look And he had turned the Prime Minister’s teacup into a gerbil But said the Prime Minister breathlessly watching his teacup chewing on the corner of his next speech but why why has nobody told me The Minister for Magic only reveals him or herself to the Muggle Prime Minister of the day said Cornelius poking his wand back inside his jacket We find it the best way to maintain secrecy But then bleated the Prime Minister why hasn’t a former Prime Minister warned me At this Cornelius had actually laughed My dear Prime Minister are you ever going to tell anybody Still chortling Cornelius had thrown some powder into the fireplace stepped into the emerald flames and vanished with a whooshing sound The Prime Minister had stood there quite motionless and realised that he would never as long as he lived dare mention this encounter to a living soul for who in the wide world would believe him The shock had taken a little while to wear off For a time he had tried to convince himself that Cornelius had indeed been a hallucination brought on by lack of sleep during his gruelling election campaign In a vain attempt to rid himself of all reminders of this uncomfortable encounter he had given the gerbil to his delighted niece and instructed his Private Secretary to take down the portrait of the ugly little man who had announced Fudge’s arrival To the Prime Minister’s dismay however the portrait had proved impossible to remove When several carpenters a builder or two an art historian and the Chancellor of the Exchequer had all tried unsuccessfully to prise it from the wall the Prime Minister had abandoned the attempt and simply resolved to hope that the thing remained motionless and silent for the rest of his term in office Occasionally he could have sworn he saw out of the corner of his eye the occupant of the painting yawning or else scratching his nose even once or twice simply walking out of his frame and leaving nothing but a stretch of muddybrown canvas behind However he had trained himself not to look at the picture very much and always to tell himself firmly that his eyes were playing tricks on him when anything like this happened Then three years ago on a night very like tonight the Prime Minister had been alone in his office when the portrait had once again announced the imminent arrival of Cornelius who had burst out of the fireplace sopping wet and in a state of considerable panic Before the Prime Minister could ask why he was dripping all over the Axminster Cornelius had started ranting about a prison the Prime Minister had never heard of a man named Serious Sirius something that sounded like Hogwarts and a boy called Harry none of which made the remotest sense to the Prime Minister I’ve just come from Azkaban Cornelius had panted tipping a large amount of water out of the rim of his bowler hat into his pocket Middle of the North Sea you know nasty flight the Dementors are in uproar he shuddered they’ve never had a breakout before Anyway I had to come to you Prime Minister Black’s a known Muggle killer and may be planning to rejoin You-Know-Who but of course you don’t even know who You-Know-Who is He had gazed hopelessly at the Prime Minister for a moment then said Well sit down sit down I’d better fill you in have a whisky The Prime Minister had rather resented being told to sit down in his own office let alone offered his own whisky but he sat nevertheless Cornelius had pulled out his wand conjured two large glasses full of amber liquid out of thin air pushed one of them into the Prime Minister’s hand and drawn up a chair Cornelius had talked for over an hour At one point he had refused to say a certain name aloud and wrote it instead on a piece of parchment which he had thrust into the Prime Minister’s whisky-free hand When at last Cornelius had stood up to leave the Prime Minister had stood up too So you think that he had squinted down at the name in his left hand Lord Vol He Who Must Not Be Named snarled Cornelius I’m sorry you think that He Who Must Not Be Named is still alive then Well Albus says he is said Cornelius as he had fastened his pinstriped cloak under his chin but we’ve never found him If you ask me he’s not dangerous unless he’s got support so it’s Sirius we ought to be worrying about You’ll put out that warning then Excellent Well I hope we don’t see each other again Prime Minister Goodnight But they had seen each other again Less than a year later a harassed-looking Cornelius had appeared out of thin air in the Cabinet Room to inform the Prime Minister that there had been a spot of bother at the Kwidditch or that was what it had sounded like World Cup and that several Muggles had been involved but that the Prime Minister was not to worry the fact that You-Know-Who’s Mark had been seen again meant nothing Cornelius was sure it was an isolated incident and the Muggle Liaison Office was dealing with all memory modifications as they spoke Oh and I almost forgot Cornelius had added We’re importing three foreign dragons and a sphinx for the Triwizard Tournament quite routine but the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures tells me that it’s down in the rulebook that we have to notify you if we’re bringing highly dangerous creatures into the country I what dragons spluttered the Prime Minister Yes three said Cornelius And a sphinx Well good day to you The Prime Minister had hoped beyond hope that dragons and sphinxes would be the worst of it but no Less than two years later Cornelius had erupted out of the fire yet again this time with the news that there had been a mass breakout from Azkaban A mass breakout the Prime Minister had repeated hoarsely No need to worry no need to worry Cornelius had shouted already with one foot in the flames We’ll have them rounded up in no time just thought you ought to know And before the Prime Minister had been able to shout Now wait just one moment Cornelius had vanished in a shower of green sparks Whatever the press and the opposition might say the Prime Minister was not a foolish man It had not escaped his notice that despite Fudge’s assurances at their first meeting they were now seeing rather a lot of each other nor that Cornelius was becoming more flustered with each visit Little though he liked to think about the Minister for Magic or as he always called Cornelius in his head the Other Minister the Prime Minister could not help but fear that the next time Cornelius appeared it would be with graver news still The sight therefore of Cornelius stepping out of the fire once more looking dishevelled and fretful and sternly surprised that the Prime Minister did not know exactly why he was there was about the worst thing that had happened in the course of this extremely gloomy week How should I know what’s going on in the er wizarding community snapped the Prime Minister now I have a country to run and quite enough concerns at the moment without We have the same concerns Cornelius interrupted The Brockdale bridge didn’t wear out That wasn’t really a hurricane Those murders were not the work of Muggles And Herbert Chorley’s family would be safer without him We are currently making arrangements to have him transferred to St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries The move should be effected tonight What do you I’m afraid I what blustered the Prime Minister Cornelius took a great deep breath and said Prime Minister I am very sorry to have to tell you that he’s back He Who Must Not Be Named is back Back When you say back he’s alive I mean The Prime Minister groped in his memory for the details of that horrible conversation of three years previously when Cornelius had told him about the wizard who was feared above all others the wizard who had committed a thousand terrible crimes before his mysterious disappearance fifteen years earlier Yes alive said Cornelius That is I don’t know is a man alive if he can’t be killed I don’t really understand it and Albus won’t explain properly but anyway he’s certainly got a body and is walking and talking and killing so I suppose for the purposes of our discussion yes he’s alive The Prime Minister did not know what to say to this but a persistent habit of wishing to appear well-informed on any subject that came up made him cast around for any details he could remember of their previous conversations Is Serious Sirius with er He Who Must Not Be Named Sirius Sirius said Cornelius distractedly turning his bowler rapidly in his fingers Sirius you mean Merlin’s beard no Black’s dead Turns out we were er mistaken about Sirius He was innocent after all And he wasn’t in league with He Who Must Not Be Named either I mean he added defensively spinning the bowler hat still faster all the evidence pointed we had more than fifty eye-witnesses but anyway as I say he’s dead Murdered as a matter of fact On Ministry of Magic premises There’s going to be an inquiry actually To his great surprise the Prime Minister felt a fleeting stab of pity for Cornelius at this point It was however eclipsed almost immediately by a glow of smugness at the thought that deficient though he himself might be in the area of materialising out of fireplaces there had never been a murder in any of the government departments under his charge not yet anyway While the Prime Minister surreptitiously touched the wood of his desk Cornelius continued But Black’s by-the-by now The point is we’re at war Prime Minister and steps must be taken At war repeated the Prime Minister nervously Surely that’s a little bit of an overstatement He Who Must Not Be Named has now been joined by those of his followers who broke out of Azkaban in January said Cornelius speaking more and more rapidly and twirling his bowler so fast that it was a lime-green blur Since they have moved into the open they have been wreaking havoc The Brockdale bridge he did it Prime Minister he threatened a mass Muggle killing unless I stood aside for him and Good grief so it’s your fault those people were killed and I’m having to answer questions about rusted rigging and corroded expansion joints and I don’t know what else said the Prime Minister furiously My fault said Cornelius colouring up Are you saying you would have caved in to blackmail like that Maybe not said the Prime Minister standing up and striding about the room but I would have put all my efforts into catching the blackmailer before he committed any such atrocity Do you really think I wasn’t already making every effort demanded Cornelius heatedly Every Auror in the Ministry was and is trying to find him and round up his followers but we happen to be talking about one of the most powerful wizards of all time a wizard who has eluded capture for almost three decades So I suppose you’re going to tell me he caused the hurricane in the West Country too said the Prime Minister his temper rising with every pace he took It was infuriating to discover the reason for all these terrible disasters and not to be able to tell the public almost worse than it being the government’s fault after all That was no hurricane said Cornelius miserably Excuse me barked the Prime Minister now positively stamping up and down Trees uprooted roofs ripped off lampposts bent horrible injuries It was the Death Eaters said Cornelius He Who Must Not Be Named’s followers And and we suspect giant involvement The Prime Minister stopped in his tracks as though he had hit an invisible wall What involvement Cornelius grimaced He used giants last time when he wanted to go for the grand effect The Office of Misinformation has been working round the clock we’ve had teams of Obliviators out trying to modify the memories of all the Muggles who saw what really happened we’ve got most of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures running around Somerset but we can’t find the giant it’s been a disaster You don’t say said the Prime Minister furiously I won’t deny that morale is pretty low at the Ministry said Cornelius What with all that and then losing Amelia Losing who Amelia Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement We think He Who Must Not Be Named may have murdered her in person because she was a very gifted witch and and all the evidence was that she put up a real fight Cornelius cleared his throat and with an effort it seemed stopped spinning his bowler hat But that murder was in the newspapers said the Prime Minister momentarily diverted from his anger Our newspapers Amelia it just said she was a middle-aged woman who lived alone It was a a nasty killing wasn’t it It’s had rather a lot of publicity The police are baffled you see Cornelius sighed Well of course they are Killed in a room that was locked from the inside wasn’t she We on the other hand know exactly who did it not that that gets us any further towards catching him And then there was Emmeline maybe you didn’t hear about that one Oh yes I did said the Prime Minister It happened just round the corner from here as a matter of fact The papers had a field day with it Breakdown of law and order in the Prime Minister’s back yard And as if all that wasn’t enough said Cornelius barely listening to the Prime Minister we’ve got Dementors swarming all over the place attacking people left right and centre Once upon a happier time this sentence would have been unintelligible to the Prime Minister but he was wiser now I thought Dementors guard the prisoners in Azkaban he said cautiously They did said Cornelius wearily But not any more They’ve deserted the prison and joined He Who Must Not Be Named I won’t pretend that wasn’t a blow But said the Prime Minister with a sense of dawning horror didn’t you tell me they’re the creatures that drain hope and happiness out of people That’s right And they’re breeding That’s what’s causing all this mist The Prime Minister sank weak-kneed into the nearest chair The idea of invisible creatures swooping through the towns and countryside spreading despair and hopelessness in his voters made him feel quite faint Now see here Cornelius you’ve got to do something It’s your responsibility as Minister for Magic My dear Prime Minister you can’t honestly think I’m still Minister for Magic after all this I was sacked three days ago The whole wizarding community has been screaming for my resignation for a fortnight I’ve never known them so united in my whole term of office said Cornelius with a brave attempt at a smile The Prime Minister was momentarily lost for words Despite his indignation at the position into which he had been placed he still rather felt for the shrunken-looking man sitting opposite him I’m very sorry he said finally If there’s anything I can do It’s very kind of you Prime Minister but there is nothing I was sent here tonight to bring you up-to-date on recent events and to introduce you to my successor I rather thought he’d be here by now but of course he’s very busy at the moment with so much going on Cornelius looked round at the portrait of the ugly little man wearing the long curly silver wig who was digging in his ear with the point of a quill Catching Fudge’s eye the portrait said He’ll be here in a moment he’s just finishing a letter to Albus I wish him luck said Cornelius sounding bitter for the first time I’ve been writing to Albus twice a day for the past fortnight but he won’t budge If he’d just been prepared to persuade the boy I might still be well maybe Rufus will have more success Cornelius subsided into what was clearly an aggrieved silence but it was broken almost immediately by the portrait which suddenly spoke in its crisp official voice To the Prime Minister of Muggles Requesting a meeting Urgent Kindly respond immediately Rufus Minister for Magic Yes yes fine said the Prime Minister distractedly and he barely flinched as the flames in the grate turned emeraldgreen again rose up and revealed a second spinning wizard in their heart disgorging him moments later on to the antique rug Cornelius got to his feet and after a moment’s hesitation the Prime Minister did the same watching the new arrival straighten up dust down his long black robes and look around The Prime Minister’s first foolish thought was that Rufus looked rather like an old lion There were streaks of grey in his mane of tawny hair and his bushy eyebrows he had keen yellowish eyes behind a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles and a certain rangy loping grace even though he walked with a slight limp There was an immediate impression of shrewdness and toughness the Prime Minister thought he understood why the wizarding community preferred Rufus to Cornelius as a leader in these dangerous times How do you do said the Prime Minister politely holding out his hand Rufus grasped it briefly his eyes scanning the room then pulled out a wand from under his robes Cornelius told you everything he asked striding over to the door and tapping the keyhole with his wand The Prime Minister heard the lock click Er yes said the Prime Minister And if you don’t mind I’d rather that door remained unlocked I’d rather not be interrupted said Rufus shortly or watched he added pointing his wand at the windows so that the curtains swept across them Right well I’m a busy man so let’s get down to business King of all we need to discuss your security The Prime Minister drew himself up to his fullest height and replied I am perfectly happy with the security I’ve already got thank you very Well we’re not Rufus cut in It’ll be a poor lookout for the Muggles if their Prime Minister gets put under the Imperius Curse The new secretary in your outer office I’m not getting rid of Kingsley if that’s what you’re suggesting said the Prime Minister hotly He’s highly efficient gets through twice the work the rest of them That’s because he’s a wizard said Rufus without a flicker of a smile A highly trained Auror who has been assigned to you for your protection Now wait a moment declared the Prime Minister You can’t just put your people into my office I decide who works for me I thought you were happy with Kingsley said Rufus coldly I am that’s to say I was Then there’s no problem is there said Rufus I well as long as Shacklebolt’s work continues to be er excellent said the Prime Minister lamely but Rufus barely seemed to hear him Now about Herbert Chorley your Junior Minister he continued The one who has been entertaining the public by impersonating a duck What about him asked the Prime Minister He has clearly reacted to a poorly performed Imperius Curse said Rufus It’s addled his brains but he could still be dangerous He’s only quacking said the Prime Minister weakly Surely a bit of a rest maybe go easy on the drink A team of Healers from St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries is examining him as we speak So far he has attempted to strangle three of them said Rufus I think it best that we remove him from Muggle society for a while I well he’ll be all right won’t he said the Prime Minister anxiously Rufus merely shrugged already moving back towards the fireplace Well that’s really all I had to say I will keep you posted of developments Prime Minister or at least I shall probably be too busy to come personally in which case I shall send Cornelius here He has consented to stay on in an advisory capacity Cornelius attempted to smile but was unsuccessful he merely looked as though he had toothache Rufus was already rummaging in his pocket for the mysterious powder that turned the fire green The Prime Minister gazed hopelessly at the pair of them for a moment then the words he had fought to suppress all evening burst from him at last But for heaven’s sake you’re wizards You can do magic Surely you can sort out well anything Rufus turned slowly on the spot and exchanged an incredulous look with Cornelius who really did manage a smile this time as he said kindly The trouble is the other side can do magic too Prime Minister And with that the two wizards stepped one after the other into the bright green fire and vanished Many miles away the chilly mist that had pressed against the Prime Minister’s windows drifted over a dirty river that wound between overgrown rubbish-strewn banks An immense chimney relic of a disused mill reared up shadowy and ominous There was no sound apart from the whisper of the black water and no sign of life apart from a scrawny fox that had slunk down the bank to nose hopefully at some old fish-and-chip wrappings in the tall grass But then with a very faint pop a slim hooded figure appeared out of thin air on the edge of the river The fox froze wary eyes fixed upon this strange new phenomenon The figure seemed to take its bearings for a few moments then set off with light quick strides its long cloak rustling over the grass With a second and louder pop another hooded figure materialised Wait The harsh cry startled the fox now crouching almost flat in the undergrowth It leapt from its hiding place and up the bank There was a flash of green light a yelp and the fox fell back to the ground dead The second figure turned over the animal with its toe Just a fox said a woman’s voice dismissively from under the hood I thought perhaps an Auror Cissy wait But her quarry who had paused and looked back at the flash of light was already scrambling up the bank the fox had just fallen down Cissy Narcissa listen to me The second woman caught the first and seized her arm but the other wrenched it away Go back Bella You must listen to me I’ve listened already I’ve made my decision Leave me alone The woman called Narcissa gained the top of the bank where a line of old railings separated the river from a narrow cobbled street The other woman Bella followed at once Side by side they stood looking across the road at the rows and rows of dilapidated brick houses their windows dull and blind in the darkness He lives here asked Bella in a voice of contempt Here In this Muggle dunghill We must be the first of our kind ever to set foot But Narcissa was not listening she had slipped through a gap in the rusty railings and was already hurrying across the road Cissy wait Bella followed her cloak streaming behind and saw Narcissa darting through an alley between the houses into a second almost identical street Some of the streetlamps were broken the two women were running between patches of light and deep darkness The pursuer caught up with her prey just as she turned another corner this time succeeding in catching hold of her arm and swinging her round so that they faced each other Cissy you must not do this you can’t trust him The Dark Lord trusts him doesn’t he The Dark Lord is I believe mistaken Bella panted and her eyes gleamed momentarily under her hood as she looked around to check that they were indeed alone In any case we were told not to speak of the plan to anyone This is a betrayal of the Dark Lord’s Let go Bella snarled Narcissa and she drew a wand from beneath her cloak holding it threateningly in the other’s face Bella merely laughed Cissy your own sister You wouldn’t There is nothing I wouldn’t do any more Narcissa breathed a note of hysteria in her voice and as she brought down the wand like a knife there was another flash of light Bella let go of her sister’s arm as though burned Narcissa But Narcissa had rushed ahead Rubbing her hand her pursuer followed again keeping her distance now as they moved deeper into the deserted labyrinth of brick houses At last Narcissa hurried up a street called Spinner’s End over which the towering mill chimney seemed to hover like a giant admonitory finger Her footsteps echoed on the cobbles as she passed boarded and broken windows until she reached the very last house where a dim light glimmered through the curtains in a downstairs room She had knocked on the door before Bella cursing under her breath had caught up Together they stood waiting panting slightly breathing in the smell of the dirty river that was carried to them on the night breeze After a few seconds they heard movement behind the door and it opened a crack A sliver of a man could be seen looking out at them a man with long black hair parted in curtains around a sallow face and black eyes Narcissa threw back her hood She was so pale that she seemed to shine in the darkness the long blonde hair streaming down her back gave her the look of a drowned person Narcissa said the man opening the door a little wider so that the light fell upon her and her sister too What a pleasant surprise Severus she said in a strained whisper May I speak to you It’s urgent But of course He stood back to allow her to pass him into the house Her still-hooded sister followed without invitation Severus she said curtly as she passed him Bellatrix he replied his thin mouth curling into a slightly mocking smile as he closed the door with a snap behind them They had stepped directly into a tiny sitting room which had the feeling of a dark padded cell The walls were completely covered in books most of them bound in old black or brown leather a threadbare sofa an old armchair and a rickety table stood grouped together in a pool of dim light cast by a candle-filled lamp hung from the ceiling The place had an air of neglect as though it were not usually inhabited Severus gestured Narcissa to the sofa She threw off her cloak cast it aside and sat down staring at her white and trembling hands clasped in her lap Bellatrix lowered her hood more slowly Dark as her sister was fair with heavily lidded eyes and a strong jaw she did not take her gaze from Severus as she moved to stand behind Narcissa So what can I do for you Severus asked settling himself in the armchair opposite the two sisters We we are alone aren’t we Narcissa asked quietly Yes of course Well Wormtail’s here but we’re not counting vermin are we He pointed his wand at the wall of books behind him and with a bang a hidden door flew open revealing a narrow staircase upon which a small man stood frozen As you have clearly realised Wormtail we have guests said Severus lazily The man crept hunchbacked down the last few steps and moved into the room He had small watery eyes a pointed nose and wore an unpleasant simper His left hand was caressing his right which looked as though it were encased in a bright silver glove Narcissa he said in a squeaky voice and Bellatrix How charming Wormtail will get us drinks if you’d like them said Severus And then he will return to his bedroom Wormtail winced as though Severus had thrown something at him I am not your servant he squeaked avoiding Snape’s eye Really I was under the impression that the Dark Lord placed you here to assist me To assist yes but not to make you drinks and and clean your house I had no idea Wormtail that you were craving more dangerous assignments said Severus silkily This can be easily arranged I shall speak to the Dark Lord I can speak to him myself if I want to Of course you can said Severus sneering But in the meantime bring us drinks Some of the elf-made wine will do Wormtail hesitated for a moment looking as though he might argue but then turned and headed through a second hidden door They heard banging and a clinking of glasses Within seconds he was back bearing a dusty bottle and three glasses upon a tray He dropped these on the rickety table and scurried from their presence slamming the book-covered door behind him Severus poured out three glasses of blood-red wine and handed two of them to the sisters Narcissa murmured a word of thanks whilst Bellatrix said nothing but continued to glower at Severus This did not seem to discompose him on the contrary he looked rather amused The Dark Lord he said raising his glass and draining it The sisters copied him Severus refilled their glasses As Narcissa took her second drink she said in a rush Severus I’m sorry to come here like this but I had to see you I think you are the only one who can help me Severus held up a hand to stop her then pointed his wand again at the concealed staircase door There was a loud bang and a squeal followed by the sound of Wormtail scurrying back up the stairs My apologies said Severus He has lately taken to listening at doors I don’t know what he means by it you were saying Narcissa She took a great shuddering breath and started again Severus I know I ought not to be here I have been told to say nothing to anyone but Then you ought to hold your tongue snarled Bellatrix Particularly in present company Present company repeated Severus sardonically And what am I to understand by that Bellatrix That I don’t trust you Severus as you very well know Narcissa let out a noise that might have been a dry sob and covered her face with her hands Severus set his glass down upon the table and sat back again his hands upon the arms of his chair smiling into Bellatrix’s glowering face Narcissa I think we ought to hear what Bellatrix is bursting to say it will save tedious interruptions Well continue Bellatrix said Severus Why is it that you do not trust me A hundred reasons she said loudly striding out from behind the sofa to slam her glass upon the table Where to start Where were you when the Dark Lord fell Why did you never make any attempt to find him when he vanished What have you been doing all these years that you’ve lived in Dumbledore’s pocket Why did you stop the Dark Lord procuring the Philosopher’s Stone Why did you not return at once when the Dark Lord was reborn Where were you a few weeks ago when we battled to retrieve the prophecy for the Dark Lord And why Severus is Harry still alive when you have had him at your mercy for five years She paused her chest rising and falling rapidly the colour high in her cheeks Behind her Narcissa sat motionless her face still hidden in her hands Severus smiled Before I answer you oh yes Bellatrix I am going to answer You can carry my words back to the others who whisper behind my back and carry false tales of my treachery to the Dark Lord Before I answer you I say let me ask a question in turn Do you really think that the Dark Lord has not asked me each and every one of those questions And do you really think that had I not been able to give satisfactory answers I would be sitting here talking to you She hesitated I know he believes you but You think he is mistaken Or that I have somehow hoodwinked him Fooled the Dark Lord the greatest wizard the most accomplished Legilimens the world has ever seen Bellatrix said nothing but looked for the first time a little discomfited Severus did not press the point He picked up his drink again sipped it and continued You ask where I was when the Dark Lord fell I was where he had ordered me to be at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry because he wished me to spy upon Albus You know I presume that it was on the Dark Lord’s orders that I took up the post She nodded almost imperceptibly and then opened her mouth but Severus forestalled her You ask why I did not attempt to find him when he vanished For the same reason that Avery Corban the Carrows Fenrir Lucius he inclined his head slightly to Narcissa and many others did not attempt to find him I believed him finished I am not proud of it I was wrong but there it is if he had not forgiven we who lost faith at that time he would have very few followers left He’d have me said Bellatrix passionately I who spent many years in Azkaban for him Yes indeed most admirable said Severus in a bored voice Of course you weren’t a lot of use to him in prison but the gesture was undoubtedly fine Gesture she shrieked in her fury she looked slightly mad While I endured the Dementors you remained at Hogwarts comfortably playing Dumbledore’s pet Not quite said Severus calmly He wouldn’t give me the Defence Against the Dark Arts job you know Seemed to think it might ah bring about a relapse tempt me into my old ways This was your sacrifice for the Dark Lord not to teach your favourite subject she jeered Why did you stay there all that time Severus Still spying on Albus for a master you believed dead Hardly said Severus although the Dark Lord is pleased that I never deserted my post I had sixteen years of information on Albus to give him when he returned a rather more useful welcome-back present than endless reminiscences of how unpleasant Azkaban is But you stayed Yes Bellatrix I stayed said Severus betraying a hint of impatience for the first time I had a comfortable job that I preferred to a stint in Azkaban They were rounding up the Death Eaters you know Dumbledore’s protection kept me out of jail it was most convenient and I used it I repeat the Dark Lord does not complain that I stayed so I do not see why you do I think you next wanted to know he pressed on a little more loudly for Bellatrix showed every sign of interrupting why I stood between the Dark Lord and the Philosopher’s Stone That is easily answered He did not know whether he could trust me He thought like you that I had turned from faithful Death Eater to Dumbledore’s stooge He was in a pitiable condition very weak sharing the body of a mediocre wizard He did not dare reveal himself to a former ally if that ally might turn him over to Albus or the Ministry I deeply regret that he did not trust me He would have returned to power three years sooner As it was I saw only greedy and unworthy Quirinus attempting to steal the Stone and I admit I did all I could to thwart him Bellatrix’s mouth twisted as though she had taken an unpleasant dose of medicine But you didn’t return when he came back you didn’t fly back to him at once when you felt the Dark Mark burn Correct I returned two hours later I returned on Dumbledore’s orders On Dumbledore’s she began in tones of outrage Think said Severus impatient again Think By waiting two hours just two hours I ensured that I could remain at Hogwarts as a spy By allowing Albus to think that I was only returning to the Dark Lord’s side because I was ordered to I have been able to pass information on Albus and the Order of the Phoenix ever since Consider Bellatrix the Dark Mark had been growing stronger for months I knew he must be about to return all the Death Eaters knew I had plenty of time to think about what I wanted to do to plan my next move to escape like Igor didn’t I The Dark Lord’s initial displeasure at my lateness vanished entirely I assure you when I explained that I remained faithful although Albus thought I was his man Yes the Dark Lord thought that I had left him for ever but he was wrong But what use have you been sneered Bellatrix What useful information have we had from you My information has been conveyed directly to the Dark Lord said Severus If he chooses not to share it with you He shares everything with me said Bellatrix firing up at once He calls me his most loyal his most faithful Does he said Severus his voice delicately inflected to suggest his disbelief Does he still after the fiasco at the Ministry That was not my fault said Bellatrix flushing The Dark Lord has in the past entrusted me with his most precious if Lucius hadn’t Don’t you dare don’t you dare blame my husband said Narcissa in a low and deadly voice looking up at her sister There is no point apportioning blame said Severus smoothly What is done is done But not by you said Bellatrix furiously No you were once again absent while the rest of us ran dangers were you not Severus My orders were to remain behind said Severus Perhaps you disagree with the Dark Lord perhaps you think that Albus would not have noticed if I had joined forces with the Death Eaters to fight the Order of the Phoenix And forgive me you speak of dangers you were facing six teenagers were you not They were joined as you very well know by half of the Order before long snarled Bellatrix And while we are on the subject of the Order you still claim you cannot reveal the whereabouts of their Headquarters don’t you I am not the Secret Keeper I cannot speak the name of the place You understand how the enchantment works I think The Dark Lord is satisfied with the information I have passed him on the Order It led as perhaps you have guessed to the recent capture and murder of Emmeline and it certainly helped dispose of Sirius though I give you full credit for finishing him off He inclined his head and toasted her Her expression did not soften You are avoiding my last question Severus Harry You could have killed him at any point in the past five years You have not done it Why Have you discussed this matter with the Dark Lord asked Severus He lately we I am asking you Severus If I had murdered Harry the Dark Lord could not have used his blood to regenerate making him invincible You claim you foresaw his use of the boy she jeered I do not claim it I had no idea of his plans I have already confessed that I thought the Dark Lord dead I am merely trying to explain why the Dark Lord is not sorry that Harry survived at least until a year ago But why did you keep him alive Have you not understood me It was only Dumbledore’s protection that was keeping me out of Azkaban Do you disagree that murdering his favourite student might have turned him against me But there was more to it than that I should remind you that when Harry first arrived at Hogwarts there were still many stories circulating about him rumours that he himself was a great Dark wizard which was how he had survived the Dark Lord’s attack Indeed many of the Dark Lord’s old followers thought Harry might be a standard around which we could all rally once more I was curious I admit it and not at all inclined to murder him the moment he set foot in the castle Of course it became apparent to me very quickly that he had no extraordinary talent at all He has fought his way out of a number of tight corners by a simple combination of sheer luck and more talented friends He is mediocre to the last degree though as obnoxious and self-satisfied as was his father before him I have done my utmost to have him thrown out of Hogwarts where I believe he scarcely belongs but kill him or allow him to be killed in front of me I would have been a fool to risk it with Albus close at hand And through all this we are supposed to believe Albus has never suspected you asked Bellatrix He has no idea of your true allegiance he trusts you implicitly still I have played my part well said Severus And you overlook Dumbledore’s greatest weakness he has to believe the best of people I spun him a tale of deepest remorse when I joined his staff fresh from my Death Eater days and he embraced me with open arms though as I say never allowing me nearer the Dark Arts than he could help Albus has been a great wizard oh yes he has for Bellatrix had made a scathing noise the Dark Lord acknowledges it I am pleased to say however that Albus is growing old The duel with the Dark Lord last month shook him He has since sustained a serious injury because his reactions are slower than they once were But through all these years he has never stopped trusting Severus and therein lies my great value to the Dark Lord Bellatrix still looked unhappy though she appeared unsure how best to attack Severus next Taking advantage of her silence Severus turned to her sister Now you came to ask me for help Narcissa Narcissa looked up at him her face eloquent with despair Yes Severus I I think you are the only one who can help me I have nowhere else to turn Lucius is in jail and She closed her eyes and two large tears seeped from beneath her eyelids The Dark Lord has forbidden me to speak of it Narcissa continued her eyes still closed He wishes none to know of the plan It is very secret But If he has forbidden it you ought not to speak said Severus at once The Dark Lord’s word is law Narcissa gasped as though he had doused her with cold water Bellatrix looked satisfied for the first time since she had entered the house There she said triumphantly to her sister Even Severus says so you were told not to talk so hold your silence But Severus had got to his feet and strode to the small window peered through the curtains at the deserted street then closed them again with a jerk He turned round to face Narcissa frowning It so happens that I know of the plan he said in a low voice I am one of the few the Dark Lord has told Nevertheless had I not been in on the secret Narcissa you would have been guilty of great treachery to the Dark Lord I thought you must know about it said Narcissa breathing more freely He trusts you so Severus You know about the plan said Bellatrix her fleeting expression of satisfaction replaced by a look of outrage You know Certainly said Severus But what help do you require Narcissa If you are imagining I can persuade the Dark Lord to change his mind I am afraid there is no hope none at all Severus she whispered tears sliding down her pale cheeks My son my only son Draco should be proud said Bellatrix indifferently The Dark Lord is granting him a great honour And I will say this for Draco he isn’t shrinking away from his duty he seems glad of a chance to prove himself excited at the prospect Narcissa began to cry in earnest gazing beseechingly all the while at Severus That’s because he is sixteen and has no idea what lies in store Why Severus Why my son It is too dangerous This is vengeance for Lucius’s mistake I know it Severus said nothing He looked away from the sight of her tears as though they were indecent but he could not pretend not to hear her That’s why he’s chosen Draco isn’t it she persisted To punish Lucius If Draco succeeds said Severus still looking away from her he will be honoured above all others But he won’t succeed sobbed Narcissa How can he when the Dark Lord himself Bellatrix gasped Narcissa seemed to lose her nerve I only meant that nobody has yet succeeded Severus please you are you have always been Draco’s favourite teacher you are Lucius’s old friend I beg you you are the Dark Lord’s favourite his most trusted advisor will you speak to him persuade him The Dark Lord will not be persuaded and I am not stupid enough to attempt it said Severus flatly I cannot pretend that the Dark Lord is not angry with Lucius Lucius was supposed to be in charge He got himself captured along with how many others and failed to retrieve the prophecy into the bargain Yes the Dark Lord is angry Narcissa very angry indeed Then I am right he has chosen Draco in revenge choked Narcissa He does not mean him to succeed he wants him to be killed trying When Severus said nothing Narcissa seemed to lose what little self-restraint she still possessed Standing up she staggered to Severus and seized the front of his robes Her face close to his her tears falling on to his chest she gasped You could do it You could do it instead of Draco Severus You would succeed of course you would and he would reward you beyond all of us Severus caught hold of her wrists and removed her clutching hands Looking down into her tear-stained face he said slowly He intends me to do it in the end I think But he is determined that Draco should try first You see in the unlikely event that Draco succeeds I shall be able to remain at Hogwarts a little longer fulfilling my useful role as spy In other words it doesn’t matter to him if Draco is killed The Dark Lord is very angry repeated Severus quietly He failed to hear the prophecy You know as well as I do Narcissa that he does not forgive easily She crumpled falling at his feet sobbing and moaning on the floor My only son my only son You should be proud said Bellatrix ruthlessly If I had sons I would be glad to give them up to the service of the Dark Lord Narcissa gave a little scream of despair and clutched at her long blonde hair Severus stooped seized her by the arms lifted her up and steered her back on to the sofa He then poured her more wine and forced the glass into her hand Narcissa that’s enough Drink this Listen to me She quietened a little slopping wine down herself she took a shaky sip It might be possible for me to help Draco She sat up her face paper-white her eyes huge Severus oh Severus you would help him Would you look after him see he comes to no harm I can try She flung away her glass it skidded across the table as she slid off the sofa into a kneeling position at Snape’s feet seized his hand in both of hers and pressed her lips to it If you are there to protect him Severus will you swear it Will you make the Unbreakable Vow The Unbreakable Vow Snape’s expression was blank unreadable Bellatrix however let out a cackle of triumphant laughter Aren’t you listening Narcissa Oh he’ll try I’m sure the usual empty words the usual slithering out of action oh on the Dark Lord’s orders of course Severus did not look at Bellatrix His black eyes were fixed upon Narcissa’s tear-filled blue ones as she continued to clutch his hand Certainly Narcissa I shall make the Unbreakable Vow he said quietly Perhaps your sister will consent to be our Bonder Bellatrix’s mouth fell open Severus lowered himself so that he was kneeling opposite Narcissa Beneath Bellatrix’s astonished gaze they grasped right hands You will need your wand Bellatrix said Severus coldly She drew it still looking astonished And you will need to move a little closer he said She stepped forwards so that she stood over them and placed the tip of her wand on their linked hands Narcissa spoke Will you Severus watch over my son Draco as he attempts to fulfil the Dark Lord’s wishes I will said Severus A thin tongue of brilliant flame issued from the wand and wound its way around their hands like a red-hot wire And will you to the best of your ability protect him from harm I will said Severus A second tongue of flame shot from the wand and interlinked with the first making a fine glowing chain And should it prove necessary if it seems Draco will fail whispered Narcissa Snape’s hand twitched within hers but he did not draw away will you carry out the deed that the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform There was a moment’s silence Bellatrix watched her wand upon their clasped hands her eyes wide I will said Severus Bellatrix’s astounded face glowed red in the blaze of a third tongue of flame which shot from the wand twisted with the others and bound itself thickly around their clasped hands like a rope like a fiery snake Harry was snoring loudly He had been sitting in a chair beside his bedroom window for the best part of four hours staring out at the darkening street and had finally fallen asleep with one side of his face pressed against the cold window-pane his glasses askew and his mouth wide open The misty fug his breath had left on the window sparkled in the orange glare of the streetlamp outside and the artificial light drained his face of all colour so that he looked ghostly beneath his shock of untidy black hair The room was strewn with various possessions and a good smattering of rubbish Owl feathers apple cores and sweet wrappers littered the floor a number of spellbooks lay higgledy-piggledy among the tangled robes on his bed and a mess of newspapers sat in a puddle of light on his desk The headline of one blared HARRY POTTER THE CHOSEN ONE Rumours continue to fly about the mysterious recent disturbance at the Ministry of Magic during which He Who Must Not Be Named was sighted once more We’re not allowed to talk about it don’t ask me anything said one agitated Obliviator who refused to give his name as he left the Ministry last night Nevertheless highly placed sources within the Ministry have confirmed that the disturbance centred on the fabled Hall of Prophecy Though Ministry spokeswizards have hitherto refused even to confirm the existence of such a place a growing number of the wizarding community believe that the Death Eaters now serving sentences in Azkaban for trespass and attempted theft were attempting to steal a prophecy The nature of that prophecy is unknown although speculation is rife that it concerns Harry the only person ever known to have survived the Killing Curse and who is also known to have been at the Ministry on the night in question Some are going so far as to call Harry the Chosen One believing that the prophecy names him as the only one who will be able to rid us of He Who Must Not Be Named The current whereabouts of the prophecy if it exists are unknown although cont page 2 column 5 A second newspaper lay beside the first This one bore the headline SCRIMGEOUR SUCCEEDS FUDGE Most of this front page was taken up with a large black-andwhite picture of a man with a lionlike mane of thick hair and a rather ravaged face The picture was moving the man was waving at the ceiling Rufus previously Head of the Auror Office in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has succeeded Cornelius as Minister for Magic The appointment has largely been greeted with enthusiasm by the wizarding community though rumours of a rift between the new Minister and Albus newly reinstated Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot surfaced within hours of Rufus taking office Scrimgeour’s representatives admitted that he had met with Albus at once upon taking possession of the top job but refused to comment on the topics under discussion Albus is known to cont page 3 column 2 To the left of this paper sat another which had been folded so that a story bearing the title MINISTRY GUARANTEES STUDENTS SAFETY was visible Newly appointed Minister for Magic Rufus spoke today of the tough new measures taken by his Ministry to ensure the safety of students returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this autumn For obvious reasons the Ministry will not be going into detail about its stringent new security plans said the Minister although an insider confirmed that measures include defensive spells and charms a complex array of counter-curses and a small task force of Aurors dedicated solely to the protection of Hogwarts School Most seem reassured by the new Minister’s tough stand on student safety Said Mrs Augusta My grandson Neville a good friend of Harry Potter’s incidentally who fought the Death Eaters alongside him at the Ministry in June and But the rest of this story was obscured by the large birdcage standing on top of it Inside it was a magnificent snowy owl Her amber eyes surveyed the room imperiously her head swivelling occasionally to gaze at her snoring master Once or twice she clicked her beak impatiently but Harry was too deeply asleep to hear her A large trunk stood in the very middle of the room Its lid was open it looked expectant yet it was almost empty but for a residue of old underwear sweets empty ink bottles and broken quills that coated the very bottom Nearby on the floor lay a purple leaflet emblazoned with the words Issued on Behalf of the Ministry of Magic PROTECTING YOUR HOME AND FAMILY AGAINST DARK FORCES The wizarding community is currently under threat from an organisation calling itself the Death Eaters Observing the following simple security guidelines will help protect you your family and your home from attack 1 You are advised not to leave the house alone 2 Particular care should be taken during the hours of darkness Wherever possible arrange to complete journeys before night has fallen 3 Review the security arrangements around your house making sure that all family members are aware of emergency measures such as Shield and Disillusionment Charms and in the case of under-age family members Side-AlongApparition 4 Agree security questions with close friends and family so as to detect Death Eaters masquerading as others by use of Polyjuice Potion see page 2 5 Should you feel that a family member colleague friend or neighbour is acting in a strange manner contact the Magical Law Enforcement Squad at once They may have been put under the Imperius Curse see page 4 6 Should the Dark Mark appear over any dwelling place or other building DO NOT ENTER but contact the Auror Office immediately 7 Unconfirmed sightings suggest that the Death Eaters may now be using Inferi see page 10 Any sighting of an Inferius or encounter with same should be reported to the Ministry IMMEDIATELY Harry grunted in his sleep and his face slid down the window an inch or so making his glasses still more lopsided but he did not wake up An alarm clock repaired by Harry several years ago ticked loudly on the sill showing one minute to eleven Beside it held in place by Harry’s relaxed hand was a piece of parchment covered in thin slanting writing Harry had read this letter so often since its arrival three days ago that although it had been delivered in a tightly furled scroll it now lay quite flat Dear Harry If it is convenient to you I shall call at number four Privet Drive this coming Friday at eleven p m to escort you to The Burrow where you have been invited to spend the remainder of your school holidays If you are agreeable I should also be glad of your assistance in a matter to which I hope to attend on the way to The Burrow I shall explain this more fully when I see you Kindly send your answer by return of this owl Hoping to see you this Friday I am yours most sincerely Albus Though he already knew it by heart Harry had been stealing glances at this missive every few minutes since seven o’clock that evening when he had first taken up his position beside his bedroom window which had a reasonable view of both ends of Privet Drive He knew it was pointless to keep rereading Dumbledore’s words Harry had sent back his yes with the delivering owl as requested and all he could do now was wait either Albus was going to come or he was not But Harry had not packed It just seemed too good to be true that he was going to be rescued from the Dursleys after a mere fortnight of their company He could not shrug off the feeling that something was going to go wrong his reply to Dumbledore’s letter might have gone astray Albus could be prevented from collecting him the letter might turn out not to be from Albus at all but a trick or joke or trap Harry had not been able to face packing and then being let down and having to unpack again The only gesture he had made to the possibility of a journey was to shut his snowy owl Hedwig safely in her cage The minute hand on the alarm clock reached the number twelve and at that precise moment the streetlamp outside the window went out Harry awoke as though the sudden darkness was an alarm Hastily straightening his glasses and unsticking his cheek from the glass he pressed his nose against the window instead and squinted down at the pavement A tall figure in a long billowing cloak was walking up the garden path Harry jumped up as though he had received an electric shock knocked over his chair and started snatching anything and everything within reach from the floor and throwing it into the trunk Even as he lobbed a set of robes two spellbooks and a packet of crisps across the room the doorbell rang Downstairs in the living room his Uncle Vernon shouted Who the blazes is calling at this time of night Harry froze with a brass telescope in one hand and a pair of trainers in the other He had completely forgotten to warn the Dursleys that Albus might be coming Feeling both panicky and close to laughter he clambered over the trunk and wrenched open his bedroom door in time to hear a deep voice say Good evening You must be Mr Vernon I daresay Harry has told you I would be coming for him Harry ran down the stairs two at a time coming to an abrupt halt several steps from the bottom as long experience had taught him to remain out of arm’s reach of his uncle whenever possible There in the doorway stood a tall thin man with waist-length silver hair and beard Half-moon spectacles were perched on his crooked nose and he was wearing a long black travelling cloak and a pointed hat Vernon whose moustache was quite as bushy as Dumbledore’s though black and who was wearing a puce dressing-gown was staring at the visitor as though he could not believe his tiny eyes Judging by your look of stunned disbelief Harry did not warn you that I was coming said Albus pleasantly However let us assume that you have invited me warmly into your house It is unwise to linger overlong on doorsteps in these troubled times He stepped smartly over the threshold and closed the front door behind him It is a long time since my last visit said Albus peering down his crooked nose at Uncle Vernon I must say your agapanthuses are flourishing Vernon said nothing at all Harry did not doubt that speech would return to him and soon the vein pulsing in his uncle’s temple was reaching danger point but something about Albus seemed to have robbed him temporarily of breath It might have been the blatant wizardishness of his appearance but it might too have been that even Uncle Vernon could sense that here was a man whom it would be very difficult to bully Ah good evening Harry said Albus looking up at him through his half-moon glasses with a most satisfied expression Excellent excellent These words seemed to rouse Uncle Vernon It was clear that as far as he was concerned any man who could look at Harry and say excellent was a man with whom he could never see eye to eye I don’t mean to be rude he began in a tone that threatened rudeness in every syllable yet sadly accidental rudeness occurs alarmingly often Albus finished the sentence gravely Best to say nothing at all my dear man Ah and this must be Petunia The kitchen door had opened and there stood Harry’s aunt wearing rubber gloves and a housecoat over her nightdress clearly halfway through her usual pre-bedtime wipe-down of all the kitchen surfaces Her rather horsy face registered nothing but shock Albus said Albus when Uncle Vernon failed to effect an introduction We have corresponded of course Harry thought this an odd way of reminding Aunt Petunia that he had once sent her an exploding letter but Aunt Petunia did not challenge the term And this must be your son Dudley Dudley had that moment peered round the living-room door His large blond head rising out of the stripy collar of his pyjamas looked oddly disembodied his mouth gaping in astonishment and fear Albus waited a moment or two apparently to see whether any of the Dursleys were going to say anything but as the silence stretched on he smiled Shall we assume that you have invited me into your sitting room Dudley scrambled out of the way as Albus passed him Harry still clutching the telescope and trainers jumped the last few stairs and followed Albus who had settled himself in the armchair nearest the fire and was taking in the surroundings with an expression of benign interest He looked quite extraordinarily out of place Aren’t aren’t we leaving sir Harry asked anxiously Yes indeed we are but there are a few matters we need to discuss first said Albus And I would prefer not to do so in the open We shall trespass upon your aunt and uncle’s hospitality only a little longer You will will you Vernon had entered the room Petunia at his shoulder and Dudley skulking behind them both Yes said Albus simply I shall He drew his wand so rapidly that Harry barely saw it with a casual flick the sofa zoomed forwards and knocked the knees out from under all three of the Dursleys so that they collapsed upon it in a heap Another flick of the wand and the sofa zoomed back to its original position We may as well be comfortable said Albus pleasantly As he replaced his wand in his pocket Harry saw that his hand was blackened and shrivelled it looked as though his flesh had been burned away Sir what happened to your Later Harry said Albus Please sit down Harry took the remaining armchair choosing not to look at the Dursleys who seemed stunned into silence I would assume that you were going to offer me refreshment Albus said to Uncle Vernon but the evidence so far suggests that that would be optimistic to the point of foolishness A third twitch of the wand and a dusty bottle and five glasses appeared in midair The bottle tipped and poured a generous measure of honey-coloured liquid into each of the glasses which then floated to each person in the room Madam Rosmerta’s finest oak-matured mead said Albus raising his glass to Harry who caught hold of his own and sipped He had never tasted anything like it before but enjoyed it immensely The Dursleys after quick scared looks at each other tried to ignore their glasses completely a difficult feat as they were nudging them gently on the sides of their heads Harry could not suppress a suspicion that Albus was rather enjoying himself Well Harry said Albus turning towards him a difficulty has arisen which I hope you will be able to solve for us By us I mean the Order of the Phoenix But first of all I must tell you that Sirius’s will was discovered a week ago and that he left you everything he owned Over on the sofa Uncle Vernon’s head turned but Harry did not look at him nor could he think of anything to say except Oh Right This is in the main fairly straightforward Albus went on You add a reasonable amount of gold to your account at Gringotts and you inherit all of Sirius’s personal possessions The slightly problematic part of the legacy His godfather’s dead said Uncle Vernon loudly from the sofa Albus and Harry both turned to look at him The glass of mead was now knocking quite insistently on the side of Vernon’s head he attempted to beat it away He’s dead His godfather Yes said Albus He did not ask Harry why he had not confided in the Dursleys Our problem he continued to Harry as if there had been no interruption is that Sirius also left you number twelve Grimmauld Place He’s been left a house said Uncle Vernon greedily his small eyes narrowing but nobody answered him You can keep using it as Headquarters said Harry I don’t care You can have it I don’t really want it Harry never wanted to set foot in number twelve Grimmauld Place again if he could help it He thought he would be haunted for ever by the memory of Sirius prowling its dark musty rooms alone imprisoned within the place he had wanted so desperately to leave That is generous said Albus We have however vacated the building temporarily Why Well said Albus ignoring the mutterings of Uncle Vernon who was now being rapped smartly over the head by the persistent glass of mead Sirius family tradition decreed that the house was handed down the direct line to the next male with the name of Sirius Sirius was the very last of the line as his younger brother Regulus predeceased him and both were childless While his will makes it perfectly plain that he wants you to have the house it is nevertheless possible that some spell or enchantment has been set upon the place to ensure that it cannot be owned by anyone other than a pure-blood A vivid image of the shrieking spitting portrait of Sirius’s mother that hung in the hall of number twelve Grimmauld Place flashed into Harry’s mind I bet there has he said Quite said Albus And if such an enchantment exists then the ownership of the house is most likely to pass to the eldest of Sirius’s living relatives which would mean his cousin Bellatrix Without realising what he was doing Harry sprang to his feet the telescope and trainers in his lap rolled across the floor Bellatrix Sirius’s killer inherit his house No he said Well obviously we would prefer that she didn’t get it either said Albus calmly The situation is fraught with complications We do not know whether the enchantments we ourselves have placed upon it for example making it unplottable will hold now that ownership has passed from Sirius’s hands It might be that Bellatrix will arrive on the doorstep at any moment Naturally we had to move out until such time as we have clarified the position But how are you going to find out if I’m allowed to own it Fortunately said Albus there is a simple test He placed his empty glass on a small table beside his chair but before he could do anything else Uncle Vernon shouted Will you get these ruddy things off us Harry looked round all three of the Dursleys were cowering with their arms over their heads as their glasses bounced up and down on their skulls the contents flying everywhere Oh I’m so sorry said Albus politely and he raised his wand again All three glasses vanished But it would have been better manners to drink it you know It looked as though Uncle Vernon was bursting with any number of unpleasant retorts but he merely shrank back into the cushions with Aunt Petunia and Dudley and said nothing keeping his small piggy eyes on Dumbledore’s wand You see Albus said turning back to Harry and again speaking as though Uncle Vernon had not uttered if you have indeed inherited the house you have also inherited He flicked his wand for a fifth time There was a loud crack and a house-elf appeared with a snout for a nose giant bat’s ears and enormous bloodshot eyes crouching on the Dursleys shagpile carpet and covered in grimy rags Aunt Petunia let out a hair-raising shriek nothing this filthy had entered her house in living memory Dudley drew his large bare pink feet off the floor and sat with them raised almost above his head as though he thought the creature might run up his pyjama trousers and Uncle Vernon bellowed What the hell is that Kreacher finished Albus Kreacher won’t Kreacher won’t Kreacher won’t croaked the house-elf quite as loudly as Uncle Vernon stamping his long gnarled feet and pulling his ears Kreacher belongs to Miss Bellatrix oh yes Kreacher belongs to the Blacks Kreacher wants his new mistress Kreacher won’t go to the Harry brat Kreacher won’t won’t won’t As you can see Harry said Albus loudly over Kreacher’s continued croaks of won’t won’t won’t Kreacher is showing a certain reluctance to pass into your ownership I don’t care said Harry again looking with disgust at the writhing stamping house-elf I don’t want him Won’t won’t won’t won’t You would prefer him to pass into the ownership of Bellatrix Bearing in mind that he has lived at the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix for the past year Won’t won’t won’t won’t Harry stared at Albus He knew that Kreacher could not be permitted to go and live with Bellatrix but the idea of owning him of having responsibility for the creature that had betrayed Sirius was repugnant Give him an order said Albus If he has passed into your ownership he will have to obey If not then we shall have to think of some other means of keeping him from his rightful mistress Won’t won’t won’t WON’T Kreacher’s voice had risen to a scream Harry could think of nothing to say except Kreacher shut up It looked for a moment as though Kreacher was going to choke He grabbed his throat his mouth still working furiously his eyes bulging After a few seconds of frantic gulping he threw himself face forwards on to the carpet Aunt Petunia whimpered and beat the floor with his hands and feet giving himself over to a violent but entirely silent tantrum Well that simplifies matters said Albus cheerfully It seems that Sirius knew what he was doing You are the rightful owner of number twelve Grimmauld Place and of Kreacher Do I do I have to keep him with me Harry asked aghast as Kreacher thrashed around at his feet Not if you don’t want to said Albus If I might make a suggestion you could send him to Hogwarts to work in the kitchen there In that way the other house-elves could keep an eye on him Yeah said Harry in relief yeah I’ll do that Er Kreacher I want you to go to Hogwarts and work in the kitchens there with the other house-elves Kreacher who was now lying flat on his back with his arms and legs in the air gave Harry one upside-down look of deepest loathing and with another loud crack vanished Good said Albus There is also the matter of the Hippogriff Buckbeak Rubeus has been looking after him since Sirius died but Buckbeak is yours now so if you would prefer to make different arrangements No said Harry at once he can stay with Rubeus I think Buckbeak would prefer that Rubeus will be delighted said Albus smiling He was thrilled to see Buckbeak again Incidentally we have decided in the interests of Buckbeak’s safety to rechristen him Witherwings for the time being though I doubt that the Ministry would ever guess he is the Hippogriff they once sentenced to death Now Harry is your trunk packed Erm Doubtful that I would turn up Albus suggested shrewdly I’ll just go and er finish off said Harry hastily hurrying to pick up his fallen telescope and trainers It took him a little over ten minutes to track down everything he needed at last he had managed to extract his Invisibility Cloak from under the bed screwed the top back on his jar of Colour-Change Ink and forced the lid of his trunk shut on his cauldron Then heaving his trunk in one hand and holding Hedwig’s cage in the other he made his way back downstairs He was disappointed to discover that Albus was not waiting in the hall which meant that he had to return to the living room Nobody was talking Albus was humming quietly apparently quite at his ease but the atmosphere was thicker than cold custard and Harry did not dare look at the Dursleys as he said Professor I’m ready now Good said Albus Just one last thing then And he turned to speak to the Dursleys once more As you will no doubt be aware Harry comes of age in a year’s time No said Aunt Petunia speaking for the first time since Dumbledore’s arrival I’m sorry said Albus politely No he doesn’t He’s a month younger than Dudley and Dudders doesn’t turn eighteen until the year after next Ah said Albus pleasantly but in the wizarding world we come of age at seventeen Uncle Vernon muttered preposterous but Albus ignored him Now as you already know the wizard called Lord has returned to this country The wizarding community is currently in a state of open warfare Harry whom Lord has already attempted to kill on a number of occasions is in even greater danger now than the day when I left him upon your doorstep fifteen years ago with a letter explaining about his parents murder and expressing the hope that you would care for him as though he were your own Albus paused and although his voice remained light and calm and he gave no obvious sign of anger Harry felt a kind of chill emanating from him and noticed that the Dursleys drew very slightly closer together You did not do as I asked You have never treated Harry as a son He has known nothing but neglect and often cruelty at your hands The best that can be said is that he has at least escaped the appalling damage you have inflicted upon the unfortunate boy sitting between you Both Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon looked around instinctively as though expecting to see someone other than Dudley squeezed between them Us mistreat Dudders What d’you began Uncle Vernon furiously but Albus raised his finger for silence a silence which fell as though he had struck Uncle Vernon dumb The magic I evoked fifteen years ago means that Harry has powerful protection while he can still call this house home However miserable he has been here however unwelcome however badly treated you have at least grudgingly allowed him houseroom This magic will cease to operate the moment that Harry turns seventeen in other words the moment he becomes a man I ask only this that you allow Harry to return once more to this house before his seventeenth birthday which will ensure that the protection continues until that time None of the Dursleys said anything Dudley was frowning slightly as though he was still trying to work out when he had ever been mistreated Uncle Vernon looked as though he had something stuck in his throat Aunt Petunia however was oddly flushed Well Harry time for us to be off said Albus at last standing up and straightening his long black cloak Until we meet again he said to the Dursleys who looked as though that moment could wait for ever as far as they were concerned and after doffing his hat he swept from the room Bye said Harry hastily to the Dursleys and followed Albus who paused beside Harry’s trunk upon which Hedwig’s cage was perched We do not want to be encumbered by these just now he said pulling out his wand again I shall send them to The Burrow to await us there However I would like you to bring your Invisibility Cloak just in case Harry extracted his Cloak from his trunk with some difficulty trying not to show Albus the mess within When he had stuffed it into an inside pocket of his jacket Albus waved his wand and the trunk cage and Hedwig vanished Albus then waved his wand again and the front door opened on to cool misty darkness And now Harry let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress adventure Despite the fact that he had spent every waking moment of the past few days hoping desperately that Albus would indeed come to fetch him Harry felt distinctly awkward as they set off down Privet Drive together He had never had a proper conversation with his headmaster outside Hogwarts before there was usually a desk between them The memory of their last face-to-face encounter kept intruding too and it rather heightened Harry’s sense of embarrassment he had shouted a lot on that occasion not to mention doing his best to smash several of Dumbledore’s most prized possessions Albus however seemed completely relaxed Keep your wand at the ready Harry he said brightly But I thought I’m not allowed to use magic outside school sir If there is an attack said Albus I give you permission to use any counter-jinx or curse that might occur to you However I do not think you need worry about being attacked tonight Why not sir You are with me said Albus simply This will do Harry He came to an abrupt halt at the end of Privet Drive You have not of course passed your Apparition test he said No said Harry I thought you had to be seventeen You do said Albus So you will need to hold on to my arm very tightly My left if you don’t mind as you have noticed my wand arm is a little fragile at the moment Harry gripped Dumbledore’s proffered forearm Very good said Albus Well here we go Harry felt Dumbledore’s arm twist away from him and redoubled his grip the next thing he knew everything went black he was being pressed very hard from all directions he could not breathe there were iron bands tightening around his chest his eyeballs were being forced back into his head his eardrums were being pushed deeper into his skull and then He gulped great lungfuls of cold night air and opened his streaming eyes He felt as though he had just been forced through a very tight rubber tube It was a few seconds before he realised that Privet Drive had vanished He and Albus were now standing in what appeared to be a deserted village square in the centre of which stood an old war memorial and a few benches His comprehension catching up with his senses Harry realised that he had just Apparated for the first time in his life Are you all right asked Albus looking down at him solicitously The sensation does take some getting used to I’m fine said Harry rubbing his ears which felt as though they had left Privet Drive rather reluctantly But I think I might prefer brooms Albus smiled drew his travelling cloak a little more tightly around his neck and said This way He set off at a brisk pace past an empty inn and a few houses According to a clock on a nearby church it was almost midnight So tell me Harry said Albus Your scar has it been hurting at all Harry raised a hand unconsciously to his forehead and rubbed the lightning-shaped mark No he said and I’ve been wondering about that I thought it would be burning all the time now Voldemort’s getting so powerful again He glanced up at Albus and saw that he was wearing a satisfied expression I on the other hand thought otherwise said Albus Lord has finally realised the dangerous access to his thoughts and feelings you have been enjoying It appears that he is now employing Occlumency against you Well I’m not complaining said Harry who missed neither the disturbing dreams nor the startling flashes of insight into Voldemort’s mind They turned a corner passing a telephone box and a bus shelter Harry looked sideways at Albus again Professor Harry Er where exactly are we This Harry is the charming village of Budleigh Babberton And what are we doing here Ah yes of course I haven’t told you said Albus Well I have lost count of the number of times I have said this in recent years but we are once again one member of staff short We are here to persuade an old colleague of mine to come out of retirement and return to Hogwarts How can I help with that sir Oh I think we’ll find a use for you said Albus vaguely Left here Harry They proceeded up a steep narrow street lined with houses All the windows were dark The odd chill that had lain over Privet Drive for two weeks persisted here too Thinking of Dementors Harry cast a look over his shoulder and grasped his wand reassuringly in his pocket Professor why couldn’t we just Apparate directly into your old colleague’s house Because it would be quite as rude as kicking down the front door said Albus Courtesy dictates that we offer fellow wizards the opportunity of denying us entry In any case most wizarding dwellings are magically protected from unwanted Apparators At Hogwarts for instance you can’t Apparate anywhere inside the buildings or grounds said Harry quickly Hermione told me And she is quite right We turn left again The church clock chimed midnight behind them Harry wondered why Albus did not consider it rude to call on his old colleague so late but now that conversation had been established he had more pressing questions to ask Sir I saw in the Daily Prophet that Cornelius has been sacked Correct said Albus now turning up a steep sidestreet He has been replaced as I am sure you also saw by Rufus who used to be Head of the Auror Office Is he do you think he’s good asked Harry An interesting question said Albus He is able certainly A more decisive and forceful personality than Cornelius Yes but I meant I know what you meant Rufus is a man of action and having fought Dark wizards for most of his working life does not underestimate Lord Harry waited but Albus did not say anything about the disagreement with Rufus that the Daily Prophet had reported and he did not have the nerve to pursue the subject so he changed it And sir I saw about Madam Amelia Yes said Albus quietly A terrible loss She was a great witch Just up here I think ouch He had pointed with his injured hand Professor what happened to your I have no time to explain now said Albus It is a thrilling tale I wish to do it justice He smiled at Harry who understood that he was not being snubbed and that he had permission to keep asking questions Sir I got a Ministry of Magic leaflet by owl about security measures we should all take against the Death Eaters Yes I received one myself said Albus still smiling Did you find it useful Not really No I thought not You have not asked me for instance what is my favourite flavour of jam to check that I am indeed Professor Albus and not an impostor I didn’t Harry began not entirely sure whether he was being reprimanded or not For future reference Harry it is raspberry although of course if I were a Death Eater I would have been sure to research my own jam-preferences before impersonating myself Er right said Harry Well on that leaflet it said something about Inferi What exactly are they The leaflet wasn’t very clear They are corpses said Albus calmly Dead bodies that have been bewitched to do a Dark wizard’s bidding Inferi have not been seen for a long time however not since Lord was last powerful he killed enough people to make an army of them of course This is the place Harry just here They were nearing a small neat stone house set in its own garden Harry was too busy digesting the horrible idea of Inferi to have much attention left for anything else but as they reached the front gate Albus stopped dead and Harry walked into him Oh dear Oh dear dear dear Harry followed his gaze up the carefully tended front path and felt his heart sink The front door was hanging off its hinges Albus glanced up and down the street It seemed quite deserted Wand out and follow me Harry he said quietly He opened the gate and walked swiftly and silently up the garden path Harry at his heels then pushed the front door very slowly his wand raised and at the ready Lumos Dumbledore’s wand-tip ignited casting its light up a narrow hallway To the left another door stood open Holding his illuminated wand aloft Albus walked into the sitting room with Harry right behind him A scene of total devastation met their eyes A grandfather clock lay splintered at their feet its face cracked its pendulum lying a little further away like a dropped sword A piano was on its side its keys strewn across the floor The wreckage of a fallen chandelier glittered nearby Cushions lay deflated feathers oozing from slashes in their sides fragments of glass and china lay like powder over everything Albus raised his wand even higher so that its light was thrown upon the walls where something darkly red and glutinous was spattered over the wallpaper Harry’s small intake of breath made Albus look round Not pretty is it he said heavily Yes something horrible has happened here Albus moved carefully into the middle of the room scrutinising the wreckage at his feet Harry followed gazing around half-scared of what he might see hidden behind the wreck of the piano or the overturned sofa but there was no sign of a body Maybe there was a fight and and they dragged him off Professor Harry suggested trying not to imagine how badly wounded a man would have to be to leave those stains spattered halfway up the walls I don’t think so said Albus quietly peering behind an overstuffed armchair lying on its side You mean he’s Still here somewhere Yes And without warning Albus swooped plunging the tip of his wand into the seat of the overstuffed armchair which yelled Ouch Good evening Horace said Albus straightening up again Harry’s jaw dropped Where a split second before there had been an armchair there now crouched an enormously fat bald old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at Albus with an aggrieved and watery eye There was no need to stick the wand in that hard he said gruffly clambering to his feet It hurt The wand-light sparkled on his shiny pate his prominent eyes his enormous silver walrus-like moustache and the highly polished buttons on the maroon velvet jacket he was wearing over a pair of lilac silk pyjamas The top of his head barely reached Dumbledore’s chin What gave it away he grunted as he staggered to his feet still rubbing his lower belly He seemed remarkably unabashed for a man who had just been discovered pretending to be an armchair My dear Horace said Albus looking amused if the Death Eaters really had come to call the Dark Mark would have been set over the house The wizard clapped a pudgy hand to his vast forehead The Dark Mark he muttered Knew there was something ah well Wouldn’t have had time anyway I’d only just put the finishing touches to my upholstery when you entered the room He heaved a great sigh that made the ends of his moustache flutter Would you like my assistance clearing up asked Albus politely Please said the other They stood back to back the tall thin wizard and the short round one and waved their wands in one identical sweeping motion The furniture flew back to its original place ornaments re-formed in midair feathers zoomed into their cushions torn books repaired themselves as they landed upon their shelves oil lanterns soared on to side tables and reignited a vast collection of splintered silver picture frames flew glittering across the room and alighted whole and untarnished upon a desk rips cracks and holes healed everywhere and the walls wiped themselves clean What kind of blood was that incidentally asked Albus loudly over the chiming of the newly unsmashed grandfather clock On the walls Dragon shouted the wizard called Horace as with a deafening grinding and tinkling the chandelier screwed itself back into the ceiling There was a final plunk from the piano and silence Yes dragon repeated the wizard conversationally My last bottle and prices are sky-high at the moment Still it might be reusable He stumped over to a small crystal bottle standing on top of a sideboard and held it up to the light examining the thick liquid within Hm Bit dusty He set the bottle back on the sideboard and sighed It was then that his gaze fell upon Harry Oho he said his large round eyes flying to Harry’s forehead and the lightning-shaped scar it bore Oho This said Albus moving forwards to make the introduction is Harry Harry this is an old friend and colleague of mine Horace Horace turned on Albus his expression shrewd So that’s how you thought you’d persuade me is it Well the answer’s no Albus He pushed past Harry his face turned resolutely away with the air of a man trying to resist temptation I suppose we can have a drink at least asked Albus For old times sake Horace hesitated All right then one drink he said ungraciously Albus smiled at Harry and directed him towards a chair not unlike the one that Horace had so recently impersonated which stood right beside the newly burning fire and a brightly glowing oil lamp Harry took the seat with the distinct impression that Albus for some reason wanted to keep him as visible as possible Certainly when Horace who had been busy with decanters and glasses turned to face the room again his eyes fell immediately upon Harry Humph he said looking away quickly as though frightened of hurting his eyes Here He gave a drink to Albus who had sat down without invitation thrust the tray at Harry and then sank into the cushions of the repaired sofa and a disgruntled silence His legs were so short that they did not touch the floor Well how have you been keeping Horace Albus asked Not so well said Horace at once Weak chest Wheezy Rheumatism too Can’t move like I used to Well that’s to be expected Old age Fatigue And yet you must have moved fairly quickly to prepare such a welcome for us at such short notice said Albus You can’t have had more than three minutes warning Horace said half-irritably half-proudly Two Didn’t hear my Intruder Charm go off I was taking a bath Still he added sternly seeming to pull himself back together again the fact remains that I’m an old man Albus A tired old man who’s earned the right to a quiet life and a few creature comforts He certainly had those thought Harry looking around the room It was stuffy and cluttered yet nobody could say it was uncomfortable there were soft chairs and footstools drinks and books boxes of chocolates and plump cushions If Harry had not known who lived there he would have guessed at a rich fussy old lady You’re not yet as old as I am Horace said Albus Well maybe you ought to think about retirement yourself said Horace bluntly His pale gooseberry eyes had found Dumbledore’s injured hand Reactions not what they were I see You’re quite right said Albus serenely shaking back his sleeve to reveal the tips of those burned and blackened fingers the sight of them made the back of Harry’s neck prickle unpleasantly I am undoubtedly slower than I was But on the other hand He shrugged and spread his hands wide as though to say that age had its compensations and Harry noticed a ring on his uninjured hand that he had never seen Albus wear before it was large rather clumsily made of what looked like gold and was set with a heavy black stone that had cracked down the middle Slughorn’s eyes lingered for a moment on the ring too and Harry saw a tiny frown momentarily crease his wide forehead So all these precautions against intruders Horace are they for the Death Eaters benefit or mine asked Albus What would the Death Eaters want with a poor brokendown old buffer like me demanded Horace I imagine that they would want you to turn your considerable talents to coercion torture and murder said Albus Are you really telling me that they haven’t come recruiting yet Horace eyed Albus balefully for a moment then muttered I haven’t given them the chance I’ve been on the move for a year Never stay in one place more than a week Move from Muggle house to Muggle house the owners of this place are on holiday in the Canary Islands It’s been very pleasant I’ll be sorry to leave It’s quite easy once you know how one simple Freezing Charm on these absurd burglar alarms they use instead of Sneakoscopes and make sure the neighbours don’t spot you bringing in the piano Ingenious said Albus But it sounds a rather tiring existence for a broken-down old buffer in search of a quiet life Now if you were to return to Hogwarts If you’re going to tell me my life would be more peaceful at that pestilential school you can save your breath Albus I might have been in hiding but some funny rumours have reached me since Dolores left If that’s how you treat teachers these days Professor Dolores ran afoul of our centaur herd said Albus I think you Horace would have known better than to stride into the Forest and call a horde of angry centaurs filthy half-breeds That’s what she did did she said Horace Idiotic woman Never liked her Harry chuckled and both Albus and Horace looked round at him Sorry Harry said hastily It’s just I didn’t like her either Albus stood up rather suddenly Are you leaving asked Horace at once looking hopeful No I was wondering whether I might use your bathroom said Albus Oh said Horace clearly disappointed Second on the left down the hall Albus crossed the room Once the door had closed behind him there was silence After a few moments Horace got to his feet but seemed uncertain what to do with himself He shot a furtive look at Harry then strode to the fire and turned his back on it warming his wide behind Don’t think I don’t know why he’s brought you he said abruptly Harry merely looked at Horace Slughorn’s watery eyes slid over Harry’s scar this time taking in the rest of his face You look very like your father Yeah I’ve been told said Harry Except for your eyes You’ve got My mother’s eyes yeah Harry had heard it so often he found it a bit wearing Humph Yes well You shouldn’t have favourites as a teacher of course but she was one of mine Your mother Horace added in answer to Harry’s questioning look Lily Evans One of the brightest I ever taught Vivacious you know Charming girl I used to tell her she ought to have been in my house Very cheeky answers I used to get back too Which was your house I was Head of Salazar said Horace Oh now he went on quickly seeing the expression on Harry’s face and wagging a stubby finger at him don’t go holding that against me You’ll be Godric like her I suppose Yes it usually goes in families Not always though Ever heard of Sirius You must have done been in the papers for the last couple of years died a few weeks ago It was as though an invisible hand had twisted Harry’s intestines and held them tight Well anyway he was a big pal of your father’s at school The whole Sirius family had been in my house but Sirius ended up in Godric Shame he was a talented boy I got his brother Regulus when he came along but I’d have liked the set He sounded like an enthusiastic collector who had been outbid at auction Apparently lost in memories he gazed at the opposite wall turning idly on the spot to ensure an even heat on his backside Your mother was Muggle-born of course Couldn’t believe it when I found out Thought she must have been pure-blood she was so good One of my best friends is Muggle-born said Harry and she’s the best in our year Funny how that sometimes happens isn’t it said Horace Not really said Harry coldly Horace looked down at him in surprise You mustn’t think I’m prejudiced he said No no no Haven’t I just said your mother was one of my all-time favourite students And there was Dirk in the year after her too now Head of the Goblin Liaison Office of course another Muggle-born a very gifted student and still gives me excellent inside information on the goings-on at Gringotts He bounced up and down a little smiling in a self-satisfied way and pointed at the many glittering photograph frames on the dresser each peopled with tiny moving occupants All ex-students all signed You’ll notice Barnabas Cuffe editor of the Daily Prophet he’s always interested to hear my take on the day’s news And Ambrosius Flume of Honeydukes a hamper every birthday and all because I was able to give him an introduction to Ciceron Harkiss who gave him his first job And at the back you’ll see her if you just crane your neck that’s Gwenog who of course captains the Holyhead Harpies people are always astonished to hear I’m on first-name terms with the Harpies and free tickets whenever I want them This thought seemed to cheer him up enormously And all these people know where to find you to send you stuff asked Harry who could not help wondering why the Death Eaters had not yet tracked down Horace if hampers of sweets Quidditch tickets and visitors craving his advice and opinions could find him The smile slid from Slughorn’s face as quickly as the blood from his walls Of course not he said looking down at Harry I have been out of touch with everybody for a year Harry had the impression that the words shocked Horace himself he looked quite unsettled for a moment Then he shrugged Still the prudent wizard keeps his head down in such times All very well for Albus to talk but taking up a post at Hogwarts just now would be tantamount to declaring my public allegiance to the Order of the Phoenix And while I’m sure they’re very admirable and brave and all the rest of it I don’t personally fancy the mortality rate You don’t have to join the Order to teach at Hogwarts said Harry who could not quite keep a note of derision out of his voice it was hard to sympathise with Slughorn’s cosseted existence when he remembered Sirius crouching in a cave and living on rats Most of the teachers aren’t in it and none of them has ever been killed well unless you count Quirinus and he got what he deserved seeing as he was working with Lord Harry had been sure Horace would be one of those wizards who could not bear to hear Voldemort’s name spoken aloud and was not disappointed Horace gave a shudder and a squawk of protest which Harry ignored I reckon the staff are safer than most people while Dumbledore’s headmaster he’s supposed to be the only one Lord ever feared isn’t he Harry went on Horace gazed into space for a moment or two he seemed to be thinking over Harry’s words Well yes it is true that He Who Must Not Be Named has never sought a fight with Albus he muttered grudgingly And I suppose one could argue that as I have not joined the Death Eaters He Who Must Not Be Named can hardly count me a friend in which case I might well be safer a little closer to Albus I cannot pretend that Amelia Bones’s death did not shake me if she with all her Ministry contacts and protection Albus re-entered the room and Horace jumped as though he had forgotten he was in the house Oh there you are Albus he said You’ve been a very long time Upset stomach No I was merely reading the Muggle magazines said Albus I do love knitting patterns Well Harry we have trespassed upon Horace’s hospitality quite long enough I think it is time for us to leave Not at all reluctant to obey Harry jumped to his feet Horace seemed taken aback You’re leaving Yes indeed I think I know a lost cause when I see one Lost Horace seemed agitated He twiddled his fat thumbs and fidgeted as he watched Albus fastening his travelling cloak and Harry zipping up his jacket Well I’m sorry you don’t want the job Horace said Albus raising his uninjured hand in a farewell salute Hogwarts would have been glad to see you back again Our greatly increased security notwithstanding you will always be welcome to visit should you wish to Yes well very gracious as I say Goodbye then Bye said Harry They were at the front door when there was a shout from behind them All right all right I’ll do it Albus turned to see Horace standing breathless in the doorway to the sitting room You will come out of retirement Yes yes said Horace impatiently I must be mad but yes Wonderful said Albus beaming Then Horace we shall see you on the first of September Yes I daresay you will grunted Horace As they set off down the garden path Slughorn’s voice floated after them I’ll want a pay rise Albus Albus chuckled The garden gate swung shut behind them and they set off back down the hill through the dark and the swirling mist Well done Harry said Albus I didn’t do anything said Harry in surprise Oh yes you did You showed Horace exactly how much he stands to gain by returning to Hogwarts Did you like him Er Harry wasn’t sure whether he liked Horace or not He supposed he had been pleasant in his way but he had also seemed vain and whatever he said to the contrary much too surprised that a Muggle-born should make a good witch Horace said Albus relieving Harry of the responsibility to say any of this likes his comfort He also likes the company of the famous the successful and the powerful He enjoys the feeling that he influences these people He has never wanted to occupy the throne himself he prefers the back seat more room to spread out you see He used to handpick favourites at Hogwarts sometimes for their ambition or their brains sometimes for their charm or their talent and he had an uncanny knack for choosing those who would go on to become outstanding in their various fields Horace formed a kind of club of his favourites with himself at the centre making introductions forging useful contacts between members and always reaping some kind of benefit in return whether a free box of his favourite crystallised pineapple or the chance to recommend the next junior member of the Goblin Liaison Office Harry had a sudden and vivid mental image of a great swollen spider spinning a web around him twitching a thread here and there to bring its large and juicy flies a little closer I tell you all this Albus continued not to turn you against Horace or as we must now call him Professor Horace but to put you on your guard He will undoubtedly try to collect you Harry You would be the jewel of his collection the Boy Who Lived or as they call you these days the Chosen One At these words a chill that had nothing to do with the surrounding mist stole over Harry He was reminded of words he had heard a few weeks ago words that had a horrible and particular meaning to him Neither can live while the other survives Albus had stopped walking level with the church they had passed earlier This will do Harry If you will grasp my arm Braced this time Harry was ready for the Apparition but still found it unpleasant When the pressure disappeared and he found himself able to breathe again he was standing in a country lane beside Albus and looking ahead to the crooked silhouette of his second favourite building in the world The Burrow In spite of the feeling of dread that had just swept through him his spirits could not help but lift at the sight of it Ron was in there and so was Mrs Ron who could cook better than anyone he knew If you don’t mind Harry said Albus as they passed through the gate I’d like a few words with you before we part In private Perhaps in here Albus pointed towards a run-down stone outhouse where the Weasleys kept their broomsticks A little puzzled Harry followed Albus through the creaking door into a space a little smaller than the average cupboard Albus illuminated the tip of his wand so that it glowed like a torch and smiled down at Harry I hope you will forgive me for mentioning it Harry but I am pleased and a little proud at how well you seem to be coping after everything that happened at the Ministry Permit me to say that I think Sirius would have been proud of you Harry swallowed his voice seemed to have deserted him He did not think he could stand to discuss Sirius It had been painful enough to hear Uncle Vernon say His godfather’s dead even worse to hear Sirius’s name thrown out casually by Horace It was cruel said Albus softly that you and Sirius had such a short time together A brutal ending to what should have been a long and happy relationship Harry nodded his eyes fixed resolutely on the spider now climbing Dumbledore’s hat He could tell that Albus understood that he might even suspect that until his letter arrived Harry had spent nearly all his time at the Dursleys lying on his bed refusing meals and staring at the misted window full of the chill emptiness that he had come to associate with Dementors It’s just hard Harry said finally in a low voice to realise he won’t write to me again His eyes burned suddenly and he blinked He felt stupid for admitting it but the fact that he had had someone outside Hogwarts who cared what happened to him almost like a parent had been one of the best things about discovering his godfather and now the post owls would never bring him that comfort again Sirius represented much to you that you had never known before said Albus gently Naturally the loss is devastating But while I was at the Dursleys interrupted Harry his voice growing stronger I realised I can’t shut myself away or or crack up Sirius wouldn’t have wanted that would he And anyway life’s too short look at Madam Amelia look at Emmeline it could be me next couldn’t it But if it is he said fiercely now looking straight into Dumbledore’s blue eyes gleaming in the wand-light I’ll make sure I take as many Death Eaters with me as I can and Lord too if I can manage it Spoken both like your mother and father’s son and Sirius’s true godson said Albus with an approving pat on Harry’s back I take my hat off to you or I would if I were not afraid of showering you in spiders And now Harry on a closely related subject I gather that you have been taking the Daily Prophet over the last two weeks Yes said Harry and his heart beat a little faster Then you will have seen that there have been not so much leaks as floods concerning your adventure in the Hall of Prophecy Yes said Harry again And now everyone knows that I’m the one No they do not interrupted Albus There are only two people in the whole world who know the full contents of the prophecy made about you and Lord and they are both standing in this smelly spidery broom shed It is true however that many have guessed correctly that Lord sent his Death Eaters to steal a prophecy and that the prophecy concerned you Now I think I am correct in saying that you have not told anybody that you know what the prophecy said No said Harry A wise decision on the whole said Albus Although I think you ought to relax it in favour of your friends Mr Ronald Ron and Miss Hermione Yes he continued when Harry looked startled I think they ought to know You do them a disservice by not confiding something this important to them I didn’t want to worry or frighten them said Albus surveying Harry over the top of his half-moon spectacles Or perhaps to confess that you yourself are worried and frightened You need your friends Harry As you so rightly said Sirius would not have wanted you to shut yourself away Harry said nothing but Albus did not seem to require an answer He continued On a different though related subject it is my wish that you take private lessons with me this year Private with you said Harry surprised out of his preoccupied silence Yes I think it is time that I took a greater hand in your education What will you be teaching me sir Oh a little of this a little of that said Albus airily Harry waited hopefully but Albus did not elaborate so he asked something else that had been bothering him slightly If I’m having lessons with you I won’t have to do Occlumency lessons with Severus will I Professor Severus Harry and no you will not Good said Harry in relief because they were a He stopped careful not to say what he really thought I think the word fiasco would be a good one here said Albus nodding Harry laughed Well that means I won’t see much of Professor Severus from now on he said because he won’t let me carry on Potions unless I get Outstanding in my O W L which I know I haven’t Don’t count your owls before they are delivered said Albus gravely Which now I think of it ought to be some time later today Now two more things Harry before we part Firstly I wish you to keep your Invisibility Cloak with you at all times from this moment onwards Even within Hogwarts itself Just in case you understand me Harry nodded And lastly while you stay here The Burrow has been given the highest security the Ministry of Magic can provide These measures have caused a certain amount of inconvenience to Arthur and Molly all their post for instance is being searched at the Ministry before being sent on They do not mind in the slightest for their only concern is your safety However it would be poor repayment if you risked your neck while staying with them I understand said Harry quickly Very well then said Albus pushing open the broom-shed door and stepping out into the yard I see a light in the kitchen Let us not deprive Molly any longer of the chance to deplore how thin you are Harry and Albus approached the back door of The Burrow which was surrounded by the familiar litter of old Wellington boots and rusty cauldrons Harry could hear the soft clucking of sleepy chickens coming from a distant shed Albus knocked three times and Harry saw sudden movement behind the kitchen window Who’s there said a nervous voice that he recognised as Mrs Weasley’s Declare yourself It is I Albus bringing Harry The door opened at once There stood Mrs Ron short plump and wearing an old green dressing-gown Harry dear Gracious Albus you gave me a fright you said not to expect you before morning We were lucky said Albus ushering Harry over the threshold Horace proved much more persuadable than I had expected Harry’s doing of course Ah hello Nymphadora Harry looked around and saw that Mrs Ron was not alone despite the lateness of the hour A young witch with a pale heart-shaped face and mousy-brown hair was sitting at the table clutching a large mug between her hands Hello Professor she said Wotcher Harry Hi Nymphadora Harry thought she looked drawn even ill and there was something forced in her smile Certainly her appearance was less colourful than usual without her customary shade of bubblegum-pink hair I’d better be off she said quickly standing up and pulling her cloak around her shoulders Thanks for the tea and sympathy Molly Please don’t leave on my account said Albus courteously I cannot stay I have urgent matters to discuss with Rufus No no I need to get going said Nymphadora not meeting Dumbledore’s eyes Night Dear why not come to dinner at the weekend Remus and Mad-Eye are coming No really Molly thanks anyway goodnight everyone Nymphadora hurried past Albus and Harry into the yard a few paces beyond the doorstep she turned on the spot and vanished into thin air Harry noticed that Mrs Ron looked troubled Well I shall see you at Hogwarts Harry said Albus Take care of yourself Molly your servant He made Mrs Ron a bow and followed Nymphadora vanishing at precisely the same spot Mrs Ron closed the door on the empty yard and then steered Harry by the shoulders into the full glow of the lantern on the table to examine his appearance You’re like Ron she sighed looking him up and down Both of you look as though you’ve had Stretching Jinxes put on you I swear Ron’s grown four inches since I last bought him school robes Are you hungry Harry Yeah I am said Harry suddenly realising just how hungry he was Sit down dear I’ll knock something up As Harry sat down a furry ginger cat with a squashed face jumped on to his knees and settled there purring So Hermione’s here he asked happily as he tickled Crookshanks behind the ear Oh yes she arrived the day before yesterday said Mrs Ron rapping a large iron pot with her wand it bounced on to the stove with a loud clang and began to bubble at once Everyone’s in bed of course we didn’t expect you for hours Here you are She tapped the pot again it rose into the air flew towards Harry and tipped over Mrs Ron slid a bowl neatly beneath it just in time to catch the stream of thick steaming onion soup Bread dear Thanks Mrs Ron She waved her wand over her shoulder a loaf of bread and a knife soared gracefully on to the table As the loaf sliced itself and the soup pot dropped back on to the stove Mrs Ron sat down opposite him So you persuaded Horace to take the job Harry nodded his mouth so full of hot soup that he could not speak He taught Arthur and me said Mrs Ron He was at Hogwarts for ages started around the same time as Albus I think Did you like him His mouth now full of bread Harry shrugged and gave a non-committal jerk of the head I know what you mean said Mrs Ron nodding wisely Of course he can be charming when he wants to be but Arthur’s never liked him much The Ministry’s littered with Slughorn’s old favourites he was always good at giving legups but he never had much time for Arthur didn’t seem to think he was enough of a high-flier Well that just shows you even Horace makes mistakes I don’t know whether Ron’s told you in any of his letters it’s only just happened but Arthur’s been promoted It could not have been clearer that Mrs Ron had been bursting to say this Harry swallowed a large amount of very hot soup and thought he could feel his throat blistering That’s great he gasped You are sweet beamed Mrs Ron possibly taking his watering eyes for emotion at the news Yes Rufus has set up several new offices in response to the present situation and Arthur’s heading the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects It’s a big job he’s got ten people reporting to him now What exactly Well you see in all the panic about You-Know-Who odd things have been cropping up for sale everywhere things that are supposed to guard against You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters You can imagine the kind of thing so-called protective potions that are really gravy with a bit of Bubotuber pus added or instructions for defensive jinxes that actually make your ears fall off well in the main the perpetrators are just people like Mundungus who’ve never done an honest day’s work in their lives and are taking advantage of how frightened everybody is but every now and then something really nasty turns up The other day Arthur confiscated a box of cursed Sneakoscopes that were almost certainly planted by a Death Eater So you see it’s a very important job and I tell him it’s just silly to miss dealing with spark-plugs and toasters and all the rest of that Muggle rubbish Mrs Ron ended her speech with a stern look as if it had been Harry suggesting that it was natural to miss spark-plugs Is Mr Ron still at work Harry asked Yes he is As a matter of fact he’s a tiny bit late he said he’d be back around midnight She turned to look at a large clock that was perched awkwardly on top of a pile of sheets in the washing basket at the end of the table Harry recognised it at once it had nine hands each inscribed with the name of a family member and usually hung on the Weasleys sitting-room wall though its current position suggested that Mrs Ron had taken to carrying it around the house with her Every single one of its nine hands was now pointing at mortal peril It’s been like that for a while now said Mrs Ron in an unconvincingly casual voice ever since You-Know-Who came back into the open I suppose everybody’s in mortal peril now I don’t think it can be just our family but I don’t know anyone else who’s got a clock like this so I can’t check Oh With a sudden exclamation she pointed at the clock’s face Mr Weasley’s hand had switched to travelling He’s coming And sure enough a moment later there was a knock on the back door Mrs Ron jumped up and hurried to it with one hand on the doorknob and her face pressed against the wood she called softly Arthur is that you Yes came Mr Weasley’s weary voice But I would say that even if I were a Death Eater dear Ask the question Oh honestly Molly All right all right what is your dearest ambition To find out how aeroplanes stay up Mrs Ron nodded and turned the doorknob but apparently Mr Ron was holding tight to it on the other side because the door remained firmly shut Molly I’ve got to ask you your question first Arthur really this is just silly What do you like me to call you when we’re alone together Even by the dim light of the lantern Harry could tell that Mrs Ron had turned bright red he himself felt suddenly warm around the ears and neck and hastily gulped soup clattering his spoon as loudly as he could against the bowl Mollywobbles whispered a mortified Mrs Ron into the crack at the edge of the door Correct said Mr Ron Now you can let me in Mrs Ron opened the door to reveal her husband a thin balding red-haired wizard wearing horn-rimmed spectacles and a long and dusty travelling cloak I still don’t see why we have to go through that every time you come home said Mrs Ron still pink in the face as she helped her husband out of his cloak I mean a Death Eater might have forced the answer out of you before impersonating you I know dear but it’s Ministry procedure and I have to set an example Something smells good onion soup Mr Ron turned hopefully in the direction of the table Harry We didn’t expect you until morning They shook hands and Mr Ron dropped into the chair beside Harry as Mrs Ron set a bowl of soup in front of him too Thanks Molly It’s been a tough night Some idiot’s started selling Metamorph-Medals Just sling them around your neck and you’ll be able to change your appearance at will A hundred thousand disguises all for ten Galleons And what really happens when you put them on Mostly you just turn a fairly unpleasant orange colour but a couple of people have also sprouted tentacle-like warts all over their bodies As if St Mungo’s didn’t have enough to do already It sounds like the sort of thing Fred and George would find funny said Mrs Ron hesitantly Are you sure Of course I am said Mr Ron The boys wouldn’t do anything like that now not when people are desperate for protection So is that why you’re late Metamorph-Medals No we got wind of a nasty Backfiring Jinx down in Elephant and Castle but luckily the Magical Law Enforcement Squad had sorted it out by the time we got there Harry stifled a yawn behind his hand Bed said an undeceived Mrs Ron at once I’ve got Fred and George’s room all ready for you you’ll have it to yourself Why where are they Oh they’re in Diagon Alley sleeping in the little flat over their joke shop as they’re so busy said Mrs Ron I must say I didn’t approve at first but they do seem to have a bit of a flair for business Come on dear your trunk’s already up there Night Mr Ron said Harry pushing back his chair Crookshanks leapt lightly from his lap and slunk out of the room G’night Harry said Mr Ron Harry saw Mrs Ron glance at the clock in the washing basket as they left the kitchen All the hands were once again at mortal peril Fred and George’s bedroom was on the second floor Mrs Ron pointed her wand at a lamp on the bedside table and it ignited at once bathing the room in a pleasant golden glow Though a large vase of flowers had been placed on a desk in front of the small window their perfume could not disguise the lingering smell of what Harry thought was gunpowder A considerable amount of floor space was devoted to a vast number of unmarked sealed cardboard boxes amongst which stood Harry’s school trunk The room looked as though it was being used as a temporary warehouse Hedwig hooted happily at Harry from her perch on top of a large wardrobe then took off through the window Harry knew she had been waiting to see him before going hunting Harry bade Mrs Ron goodnight put on pyjamas and got into one of the beds There was something hard in the pillowcase He groped inside it and pulled out a sticky purple and orange sweet which he recognised as a Puking Pastille Smiling to himself he rolled over and was instantly asleep Seconds later or so it seemed to Harry he was woken by what sounded like cannon-fire as the door burst open Sitting bolt upright he heard the rasp of the curtains being pulled back the dazzling sunlight seemed to poke him hard in both eyes Shielding them with one hand he groped hopelessly for his glasses with the other Wuzzgoinon We didn’t know you were here already said a loud and excited voice and he received a sharp blow to the top of the head Ron don’t hit him said a girl’s voice reproachfully Harry’s hand found his glasses and he shoved them on though the light was so bright he could hardly see anyway A long looming shadow quivered in front of him for a moment he blinked and Ron came into focus grinning down at him All right Never been better said Harry rubbing the top of his head and slumping back on to his pillows You Not bad said Ron pulling over a cardboard box and sitting on it When did you get here Mum’s only just told us About one o’clock this morning Were the Muggles all right Did they treat you OK Same as usual said Harry as Hermione perched herself on the edge of his bed They didn’t talk to me much but I like it better that way How’re you Hermione Oh I’m fine said Hermione who was scrutinising Harry as though he was sickening for something He thought he knew what was behind this and as he had no wish to discuss Sirius’s death or any other miserable subject at the moment he said What’s the time Have I missed breakfast Don’t worry about that Mum’s bringing you up a tray she reckons you look underfed said Ron rolling his eyes So what’s been going on Nothing much I’ve just been stuck at my aunt and uncle’s haven’t I Come off it said Ron You’ve been off with Albus It wasn’t that exciting He just wanted me to help him persuade this old teacher to come out of retirement His name’s Horace Oh said Ron looking disappointed We thought Hermione flashed a warning look at Ron and Ron changed tack at top speed we thought it’d be something like that You did said Harry amused Yeah yeah now Dolores has left obviously we need a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher don’t we So er what’s he like He looks a bit like a walrus and he used to be Head of Salazar said Harry Something wrong Hermione She was watching him as though expecting strange symptoms to manifest themselves at any moment She rearranged her features hastily in an unconvincing smile No of course not So um did Horace seem like he’ll be a good teacher Dunno said Harry He can’t be worse than Dolores can he I know someone who’s worse than Dolores said a voice from the doorway Ron’s younger sister slouched into the room looking irritable Hi Harry What’s up with you Ron asked It’s her said Ginny plonking herself down on Harry’s bed She’s driving me mad What’s she done now asked Hermione sympathetically It’s the way she talks to me you’d think I was about three I know said Hermione dropping her voice She’s so full of herself Harry was astonished to hear Hermione talking about Mrs Ron like this and could not blame Ron for saying angrily Can’t you two lay off her for five seconds Oh that’s right defend her snapped Ginny We all know you can’t get enough of her This seemed an odd comment to make about Ron’s mother starting to feel that he was missing something Harry said Who are you But his question was answered before he could finish it The bedroom door flew open again and Harry instinctively yanked the bedcovers up to his chin so hard that Hermione and Ginny slid off the bed on to the floor A young woman was standing in the doorway a woman of such breathtaking beauty that the room seemed to have become strangely airless She was tall and willowy with long blonde hair and appeared to emanate a faint silvery glow To complete this vision of perfection she was carrying a heavily laden breakfast tray Arry she said in a throaty voice Eet as been too long As she swept over the threshold towards him Mrs Ron was revealed bobbing along in her wake looking rather cross There was no need to bring up the tray I was just about to do it myself Eet was no trouble said Fleur setting the tray across Harry’s knees and then swooping to kiss him on each cheek he felt the places where her mouth had touched him burn I ave been longing to see im You remember my seester Gabrielle She never stops talking about Arry Harry She will be delighted to see you again Oh is she here too Harry croaked No no silly boy said Fleur with a tinkling laugh I mean next summer when we but do you not know Her great blue eyes widened and she looked reproachfully at Mrs Ron who said We hadn’t got around to telling him yet Fleur turned back to Harry swinging her silvery sheet of hair so that it whipped Mrs Ron across the face Bill and I are going to be married Oh said Harry blankly He could not help noticing how Mrs Ron Hermione and Ginny were all determinedly avoiding each other’s gaze Wow Er congratulations She swooped down upon him and kissed him again Bill is very busy at ze moment working very ard and I only work part-time at Gringotts for my Eenglish so he brought me ere for a few days to get to know is family properly I was so pleased to ear you would be coming zere isn’t much to do ere unless you like cooking and chickens Well enjoy your breakfast Arry With these words she turned gracefully and seemed to float out of the room closing the door quietly behind her Mrs Ron made a noise that sounded like tchah Mum hates her said Ginny quietly I do not hate her said Mrs Ron in a cross whisper I just think they’ve hurried into this engagement that’s all They’ve known each other a year said Ron who looked oddly groggy and was staring at the closed door Well that’s not very long I know why it’s happened of course It’s all this uncertainty with You-Know-Who coming back people think they might be dead tomorrow so they’re rushing all sorts of decisions they’d normally take time over It was the same last time he was powerful people eloping left right and centre Including you and Dad said Ginny slyly Yes well your father and I were made for each other what was the point in waiting said Mrs Ron Whereas Bill and Fleur well what have they really got in common He’s a hard-working down-to-earth sort of person whereas she’s A cow said Ginny nodding But Bill’s not that downto-earth He’s a curse-breaker isn’t he he likes a bit of adventure a bit of glamour I expect that’s why he’s gone for Phlegm Stop calling her that Ginny said Mrs Ron sharply as Harry and Hermione laughed Well I’d better get on eat your eggs while they’re warm Harry Looking careworn she left the room Ron still seemed slightly punch-drunk he was shaking his head experimentally like a dog trying to rid its ears of water Don’t you get used to her if she’s staying in the same house Harry asked Well you do said Ron but if she jumps out at you unexpectedly like then It’s pathetic said Hermione furiously striding away from Ron as far as she could go and turning to face him with her arms folded once she had reached the wall You don’t really want her around for ever Ginny asked Ron incredulously When he merely shrugged she said Well Mum’s going to put a stop to it if she can I bet you anything How’s she going to manage that asked Harry She keeps trying to get Nymphadora round for dinner I think she’s hoping Bill will fall for Nymphadora instead I hope he does I’d much rather have her in the family Yeah that’ll work said Ron sarcastically Listen no bloke in his right mind’s going to fancy Nymphadora when Fleur’s around I mean Nymphadora is OK-looking when she isn’t doing stupid things to her hair and her nose but She’s a damn sight nicer than Phlegm said Ginny And she’s more intelligent she’s an Auror said Hermione from the corner Fleur’s not stupid she was good enough to enter the Triwizard Tournament said Harry Not you as well said Hermione bitterly I suppose you like the way Phlegm says Arry do you asked Ginny scornfully No said Harry wishing he hadn’t spoken I was just saying Phlegm I mean Fleur I’d much rather have Nymphadora in the family said Ginny At least she’s a laugh She hasn’t been much of a laugh lately said Ron Every time I’ve seen her she’s looked more like Moaning That’s not fair snapped Hermione She still hasn’t got over what happened you know I mean he was her cousin Harry’s heart sank They had arrived at Sirius He picked up a fork and began shovelling scrambled eggs into his mouth hoping to deflect any invitation to join in this part of the conversation Nymphadora and Sirius barely knew each other said Ron Sirius was in Azkaban half her life and before that their families never met That’s not the point said Hermione She thinks it was her fault he died How does she work that one out asked Harry in spite of himself Well she was fighting Bellatrix wasn’t she I think she feels that if only she had finished her off Bellatrix couldn’t have killed Sirius That’s stupid said Ron It’s survivor’s guilt said Hermione I know Lupin’s tried to talk her round but she’s still really down She’s actually having trouble with her Metamorphosing With her She can’t change her appearance like she used to explained Hermione I think her powers must have been affected by shock or something I didn’t know that could happen said Harry Nor did I said Hermione but I suppose if you’re really depressed The door opened again and Mrs Ron popped her head in Ginny she whispered come downstairs and help me with the lunch I’m talking to this lot said Ginny outraged Now said Mrs Ron and withdrew She only wants me there so she doesn’t have to be alone with Phlegm said Ginny crossly She swung her long red hair around in a very good imitation of Fleur and pranced across the room with her arms held aloft like a ballerina You lot had better come down quickly too she said as she left Harry took advantage of the temporary silence to eat more breakfast Hermione was peering into Fred and George’s boxes though every now and then she cast sideways looks at Harry Ron who was now helping himself to Harry’s toast was still gazing dreamily at the door What’s this Hermione asked eventually holding up what looked like a small telescope Dunno said Ron but if Fred and George’ve left it here it’s probably not ready for the joke shop yet so be careful Your mum said the shop’s going well said Harry Said Fred and George have got a real flair for business That’s an understatement said Ron They’re raking in the Galleons I can’t wait to see the place We haven’t been to Diagon Alley yet because Mum says Dad’s got to be there for extra security and he’s been really busy at work but it sounds excellent And what about Percy asked Harry the third-eldest Ron brother had fallen out with the rest of the family Is he talking to your mum and dad again Nope said Ron But he knows your dad was right all along now about Lord being back Albus says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right said Hermione I heard him telling your mum Ron Sounds like the sort of mental thing Albus would say said Ron He’s going to be giving me private lessons this year said Harry conversationally Ron choked on his bit of toast and Hermione gasped You kept that quiet said Ron I only just remembered said Harry honestly He told me last night in your broom shed Blimey private lessons with Albus said Ron looking impressed I wonder why he’s His voice tailed away Harry saw him and Hermione exchange looks Harry laid down his knife and fork his heart beating rather fast considering that all he was doing was sitting in bed Albus had said to do it why not now He fixed his eyes on his fork which was gleaming in the sunlight streaming on to his lap and said I don’t know exactly why he’s going to be giving me lessons but I think it must be because of the prophecy Neither Ron nor Hermione spoke Harry had the impression that both had frozen He continued still speaking to his fork You know the one they were trying to steal at the Ministry Nobody knows what it said though said Hermione quickly It got smashed Although the Prophet says began Ron but Hermione said Shh The Prophet’s got it right said Harry looking up at them both with a great effort Hermione seemed frightened and Ron amazed That glass ball that smashed wasn’t the only record of the prophecy I heard the whole thing in Dumbledore’s office he was the one the prophecy was made to so he could tell me From what it said Harry took a deep breath it looks like I’m the one who’s got to finish off Lord at least it said neither of us could live while the other survives The three of them gazed at each other in silence for a moment Then there was a loud bang and Hermione vanished behind a puff of black smoke Hermione shouted Harry and Ron the breakfast tray slid to the floor with a crash Hermione emerged coughing out of the smoke clutching the telescope and sporting a brilliantly purple black eye I squeezed it and it it punched me she gasped And sure enough they now saw a tiny fist on a long spring protruding from the end of the telescope Don’t worry said Ron who was plainly trying not to laugh Mum’ll fix that she’s good at healing minor injuries Oh well never mind that now said Hermione hastily Harry oh Harry She sat down on the edge of his bed again We wondered after we got back from the Ministry obviously we didn’t want to say anything to you but from what Lucius said about the prophecy how it was about you and Lord well we thought it might be something like this oh Harry She stared at him then whispered Are you scared Not as much as I was said Harry When I first heard it I was but now it seems as though I always knew I’d have to face him in the end When we heard Albus was collecting you in person we thought he might be telling you something or showing you something to do with the prophecy said Ron eagerly And we were kind of right weren’t we He wouldn’t be giving you lessons if he thought you were a goner wouldn’t waste his time he must think you’ve got a chance That’s true said Hermione I wonder what he’ll teach you Harry Really advanced defensive magic probably powerful counter-curses anti-jinxes Harry did not really listen A warmth was spreading through him that had nothing to do with the sunlight a tight obstruction in his chest seemed to be dissolving He knew that Ron and Hermione were more shocked than they were letting on but the mere fact that they were still there on either side of him speaking bracing words of comfort not shrinking from him as though he were contaminated or dangerous was worth more than he could ever tell them and evasive enchantments generally concluded Hermione Well at least you know one lesson you’ll be having this year that’s one more than Ron and me I wonder when our O W L results will come Can’t be long now it’s been a month said Ron Hang on said Harry as another part of the previous night’s conversation came back to him I think Albus said our O W L results would be arriving today Today shrieked Hermione Today But why didn’t you oh my God you should have said She leapt to her feet I’m going to see whether any owls have come But when Harry arrived downstairs ten minutes later fully dressed and carrying his empty breakfast tray it was to find Hermione sitting at the kitchen table in great agitation while Mrs Ron tried to lessen her resemblance to half a panda It just won’t budge Mrs Ron was saying anxiously standing over Hermione with her wand in her hand and a copy of The Healer’s Helpmate open at Bruises Cuts and Abrasions This has always worked before I just can’t understand it It’ll be Fred and George’s idea of a funny joke making sure it can’t come off said Ginny But it’s got to come off squeaked Hermione I can’t go around looking like this for ever You won’t dear we’ll find an antidote don’t worry said Mrs Ron soothingly Bill told me ow Fred and George are very amusing said Fleur smiling serenely Yes I can hardly breathe for laughing snapped Hermione She jumped up and started walking round and round the kitchen twisting her fingers together Mrs Ron you’re quite quite sure no owls have arrived this morning Yes dear I’d have noticed said Mrs Ron patiently But it’s barely nine there’s still plenty of time I know I messed up Ancient Runes muttered Hermione feverishly I definitely made at least one serious mistranslation And the Defence Against the Dark Arts practical was no good at all I thought Transfiguration went all right at the time but looking back Hermione will you shut up you’re not the only one who’s nervous barked Ron And when you’ve got your ten Outstanding O W L s Don’t don’t don’t said Hermione flapping her hands hysterically I know I’ve failed everything What happens if we fail Harry asked the room at large but it was again Hermione who answered We discuss our options with our Head of House I asked Professor Minerva at the end of last term Harry’s stomach squirmed He wished he had eaten less breakfast At Beauxbatons said Fleur complacently we ad a different way of doing things I think eet was better We sat our examinations after six years of study not five and then Fleur’s words were drowned in a scream Hermione was pointing through the kitchen window Three black specks were clearly visible in the sky growing larger all the time They’re definitely owls said Ron hoarsely jumping up to join Hermione at the window And there are three of them said Harry hastening to her other side One for each of us said Hermione in a terrified whisper Oh no oh no oh no She gripped both Harry and Ron tightly around the elbows The owls were flying directly at The Burrow three handsome tawnies each of which it became clear as they flew lower over the path leading up to the house was carrying a large square envelope Oh no squealed Hermione Mrs Ron squeezed past them and opened the kitchen window One two three the owls soared through it and landed on the table in a neat line All three of them lifted their right legs Harry moved forwards The letter addressed to him was tied to the leg of the owl in the middle He untied it with fumbling fingers To his left Ron was trying to detach his own results to his right Hermione’s hands were shaking so much she was making her whole owl tremble Nobody in the kitchen spoke At last Harry managed to detach the envelope He slit it open quickly and unfolded the parchment inside ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESULTS Pass Grades Outstanding O Fail Grades Poor P Exceeds Expectations E Dreadful D Acceptable A Troll T HARRY JAMES POTTER HAS ACHIEVED Astronomy A Care of Magical Creatures E Charms E Defence Against the Dark Arts O Divination P Herbology E History of Magic D Potions E Transfiguration E Harry read the parchment through several times his breathing becoming easier with each reading It was all right he had always known that he would fail Divination and he had had no chance of passing History of Magic given that he had collapsed halfway through the examination but he had passed everything else He ran his finger down the grades he had passed well in Transfiguration and Herbology he had even Exceeded Expectations at Potions And best of all he had achieved Outstanding in Defence Against the Dark Arts He looked round Hermione had her back to him and her head bent but Ron was looking delighted Only failed Divination and History of Magic and who cares about them he said happily to Harry Here swap Harry glanced down Ron’s grades there were no Outstandings there Knew you’d be top in Defence Against the Dark Arts said Ron punching Harry on the shoulder We’ve done all right haven’t we Well done said Mrs Ron proudly ruffling Ron’s hair Seven O W L s that’s more than Fred and George got together Hermione said Ginny tentatively for Hermione still hadn’t turned round How did you do I not bad said Hermione in a small voice Oh come off it said Ron striding over to her and whipping her results out of her hand Yep nine Outstandings and one Exceeds Expectations in Defence Against the Dark Arts He looked down at her half-amused half-exasperated You’re actually disappointed aren’t you Hermione shook her head but Harry laughed Well we’re N E W T students now grinned Ron Mum are there any more sausages Harry looked back down at his results They were as good as he could have hoped for He felt just one tiny twinge of regret this was the end of his ambition to become an Auror He had not secured the required Potions grade He had known all along that he wouldn’t but he still felt a sinking in his stomach as he looked again at that small black E It was odd really seeing that it had been a Death Eater in disguise who had first told Harry he would make a good Auror but somehow the idea had taken hold of him and he couldn’t really think of anything else he would like to be Moreover it had seemed the right destiny for him since he had heard the prophecy a month ago neither can live while the other survives wouldn’t he be living up to the prophecy and giving himself the best chance of survival if he joined those highly trained wizards whose job it was to find and kill Lord Harry remained within the confines of The Burrow’s garden over the next few weeks He spent most of his days playing two-a-side Quidditch in the Weasleys orchard he and Hermione against Ron and Ginny Hermione was dreadful and Ginny good so they were reasonably well-matched and his evenings eating triple helpings of everything Mrs Ron put in front of him It would have been a happy peaceful holiday had it not been for the stories of disappearances odd accidents even of deaths now appearing almost daily in the Prophet Sometimes Bill and Mr Ron brought home news before it even reached the paper To Mrs Weasley’s displeasure Harry’s sixteenth birthday celebrations were marred by grisly tidings brought to the party by Remus who was looking gaunt and grim his brown hair streaked liberally with grey his clothes more ragged and patched than ever There have been another couple of Dementor attacks he announced as Mrs Ron passed him a large slice of birthday cake And they’ve found Igor Karkaroff’s body in a shack up north The Dark Mark had been set over it well frankly I’m surprised he stayed alive for even a year after deserting the Death Eaters Sirius’s brother Regulus only managed a few days as far as I can remember Yes well said Mrs Ron frowning perhaps we should talk about something diff Did you hear about Florean Florian Remus asked Bill who was being plied with wine by Fleur The man who ran the ice-cream place in Diagon Alley Harry interrupted with an unpleasant hollow sensation in the pit of his stomach He used to give me free ice creams What’s happened to him Dragged off by the look of his place Why asked Ron while Mrs Ron pointedly glared at Bill Who knows He must’ve upset them somehow He was a good man Florean Talking of Diagon Alley said Mr Ron looks like Ollivander’s gone too The wand-maker said Ginny looking startled That’s the one Shop’s empty No sign of a struggle No one knows whether he left voluntarily or was kidnapped But wands what’ll people do for wands They’ll make do with other makers said Remus But Garrick was the best and if the other side have got him it’s not so good for us The day after this rather gloomy birthday tea their letters and book lists arrived from Hogwarts Harry’s included a surprise he had been made Quidditch Captain That gives you equal status with prefects cried Hermione happily You can use our special bathroom now and everything Wow I remember when Charlie wore one of these said Ron examining the badge with glee Harry this is so cool you’re my captain if you let me back on the team I suppose ha ha Well I don’t suppose we can put off a trip to Diagon Alley much longer now you’ve got these sighed Mrs Ron looking down Ron’s book list We’ll go on Saturday as long as your father doesn’t have to go into work again I’m not going there without him Mum d’you honestly think You-Know-Who’s going to be hiding behind a bookshelf in Flourish and Blotts sniggered Ron Florian and Garrick went on holiday did they said Mrs Ron firing up at once If you think security’s a laughing matter you can stay behind and I’ll get your things myself No I wanna come I want to see Fred and George’s shop said Ron hastily Then you just buck up your ideas young man before I decide you’re too immature to come with us said Mrs Ron angrily snatching up her clock all nine hands of which were still pointing at mortal peril and balancing it on top of a pile of just-laundered towels And that goes for returning to Hogwarts as well Ron turned to stare incredulously at Harry as his mother hoisted the laundry basket and the teetering clock into her arms and stormed out of the room Blimey you can’t even make a joke round here any more But Ron was careful not to be flippant about Lord over the next few days Saturday dawned without any more outbursts from Mrs Ron though she seemed very tense at breakfast Bill who would be staying at home with Fleur much to Hermione and Ginny’s pleasure passed a full money-bag across the table to Harry Where’s mine demanded Ron at once his eyes wide That’s already Harry’s idiot said Bill I got it out of your vault for you Harry because it’s taking about five hours for the public to get to their gold at the moment the goblins have tightened security so much Two days ago Arkie Philpott had a Probity Probe stuck up his well trust me this way’s easier Thanks Bill said Harry pocketing his gold E is always so thoughtful purred Fleur adoringly stroking Bill’s nose Ginny mimed vomiting into her cereal behind Fleur Harry choked over his cornflakes and Ron thumped him on the back It was an overcast murky day One of the special Ministry of Magic cars in which Harry had ridden once before was awaiting them in the front yard when they emerged from the house pulling on their cloaks It’s good Dad can get us these again said Ron appreciatively stretching luxuriously as the car moved smoothly away from The Burrow Bill and Fleur waving from the kitchen window He Harry Hermione and Ginny were all sitting in roomy comfort in the wide back seat Don’t get used to it it’s only because of Harry said Mr Ron over his shoulder He and Mrs Ron were in front with the Ministry driver the front passenger seat had obligingly stretched into what resembled a two-seater sofa He’s been given top-grade security status And we’ll be joining up with additional security at the Leaky Cauldron too Harry said nothing he did not much fancy doing his shopping while surrounded by a battalion of Aurors He had stowed his Invisibility Cloak in his backpack and felt that if that was good enough for Albus it ought to be good enough for the Ministry though now he came to think of it he was not sure the Ministry knew about his Cloak Here you are then said the driver a surprisingly short while later speaking for the first time as he slowed in Charing Cross Road and stopped outside the Leaky Cauldron I’m to wait for you any idea how long you’ll be A couple of hours I expect said Mr Ron Ah good he’s here Harry imitated Mr Ron and peered through the window his heart leapt There were no Aurors waiting outside the inn but instead the gigantic black-bearded form of Rubeus the Hogwarts gamekeeper wearing a long beaverskin coat beaming at the sight of Harry’s face and oblivious to the startled stares of passing Muggles Harry he boomed sweeping Harry into a bone-crushing hug the moment Harry had stepped out of the car Buckbeak Witherwings I mean yeh should see him Harry he’s so happy ter be back in the open air Glad he’s pleased said Harry grinning as he massaged his ribs We didn’t know security meant you I know jus like old times innit See the Ministry wanted ter send a bunch o Aurors but Albus said I’d do said Rubeus proudly throwing out his chest and tucking his thumbs into his pockets Let’s get goin then after yeh Molly Arthur The Leaky Cauldron was for the first time in Harry’s memory completely empty Only Tom the landlord wizened and toothless remained of the old crowd He looked up hopefully as they entered but before he could speak Rubeus said importantly Jus passin through today Tom sure yeh understand Hogwarts business yeh know Tom nodded gloomily and returned to wiping glasses Harry Hermione Rubeus and the Weasleys walked through the bar and out into the chilly little courtyard at the back where the dustbins stood Rubeus raised his pink umbrella and rapped a certain brick in the wall which opened at once to form an archway on to a winding cobbled street They stepped through the entrance and paused looking around Diagon Alley had changed The colourful glittering window displays of spellbooks potion ingredients and cauldrons were lost to view hidden behind the large Ministry of Magic posters that had been pasted over them Most of these sombre purple posters carried blown-up versions of the security advice on the Ministry pamphlets that had been sent out over the summer but others bore moving black-and-white photographs of Death Eaters known to be on the loose Bellatrix was sneering from the front of the nearest apothecary A few windows were boarded up including those of Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour On the other hand a number of shabby-looking stalls had sprung up along the street The nearest one which had been erected outside Flourish and Blotts under a striped stained awning had a cardboard sign pinned to its front Amulets Effective Against Werewolves Dementors and Inferi A seedy-looking little wizard was rattling armfuls of silver symbols on chains at passers-by One for your little girl madam he called at Mrs Ron as they passed leering at Ginny Protect her pretty neck If I were on duty said Mr Ron glaring angrily at the amulet seller Yes but don’t go arresting anyone now dear we’re in a hurry said Mrs Ron nervously consulting a list I think we’d better do Madam Malkin’s first Hermione wants new dress robes and Ron’s showing much too much ankle in his school robes and you must need new ones too Harry you’ve grown so much come on everyone Molly it doesn’t make sense for all of us to go to Madam Malkin’s said Mr Ron Why don’t those three go with Rubeus and we can go to Flourish and Blotts and get everyone’s school books I don’t know said Mrs Ron anxiously clearly torn between a desire to finish the shopping quickly and the wish to stick together in a pack Rubeus do you think Don fret they’ll be fine with me Molly said Rubeus soothingly waving an airy hand the size of a dustbin lid Mrs Ron did not look entirely convinced but allowed the separation scurrying off towards Flourish and Blotts with her husband and Ginny while Harry Ron Hermione and Rubeus set off for Madam Malkin’s Harry noticed that many of the people who passed them had the same harried anxious look as Mrs Ron and that nobody was stopping to talk any more the shoppers stayed together in their own tightly knit groups moving intently about their business Nobody seemed to be shopping alone Migh be a bit of a squeeze in there with all o us said Rubeus stopping outside Madam Malkin’s and bending down to peer through the window I’ll stand guard outside all righ So Harry Ron and Hermione entered the little shop together It appeared at first glance to be empty but no sooner had the door swung shut behind them than they heard a familiar voice issuing from behind a rack of dress robes in spangled green and blue not a child in case you haven’t noticed Mother I am perfectly capable of doing my shopping alone There was a clucking noise and a voice Harry recognised as that of Madam Malkin said Now dear your mother’s quite right none of us is supposed to go wandering around on our own any more it’s nothing to do with being a child Watch where you’re sticking that pin will you A teenage boy with a pale pointed face and white-blond hair appeared from behind the rack wearing a handsome set of dark green robes that glittered with pins around the hem and the edges of the sleeves He strode to the mirror and examined himself it was a few moments before he noticed Harry Ron and Hermione reflected over his shoulder His light grey eyes narrowed If you’re wondering what the smell is Mother a Mudblood just walked in said Draco I don’t think there’s any need for language like that said Madam Malkin scurrying out from behind the clothes rack holding a tape measure and a wand And I don’t want wands drawn in my shop either she added hastily for a glance towards the door had shown her Harry and Ron both standing there with their wands out and pointing at Draco Hermione who was standing slightly behind them whispered No don’t honestly it’s not worth it Yeah like you’d dare do magic out of school sneered Draco Who blacked your eye Hermione I want to send them flowers That’s quite enough said Madam Malkin sharply looking over her shoulder for support Madam please Narcissa strolled out from behind the clothes rack Put those away she said coldly to Harry and Ron If you attack my son again I shall ensure that it is the last thing you ever do Really said Harry taking a step forwards and gazing into the smoothly arrogant face that for all its pallor still resembled her sister’s He was as tall as she was now Going to get a few Death Eater pals to do us in are you Madam Malkin squealed and clutched at her heart Really you shouldn’t accuse dangerous thing to say wands away please But Harry did not lower his wand Narcissa smiled unpleasantly I see that being Dumbledore’s favourite has given you a false sense of security Harry But Albus won’t always be there to protect you Harry looked mockingly all around the shop Wow look at that he’s not here now So why not have a go They might be able to find you a double cell in Azkaban with your loser of a husband Draco made an angry movement towards Harry but stumbled over his overlong robe Ron laughed loudly Don’t you dare talk to my mother like that Harry Draco snarled It’s all right Draco said Narcissa restraining him with her thin white fingers upon his shoulder I expect Harry will be reunited with dear Sirius before I am reunited with Lucius Harry raised his wand higher Harry no moaned Hermione grabbing his arm and attempting to push it down by his side Think you mustn’t you’ll be in such trouble Madam Malkin dithered for a moment on the spot then seemed to decide to act as though nothing was happening in the hope that it wouldn’t She bent towards Draco who was still glaring at Harry I think this left sleeve could come up a little bit more dear let me just Ouch bellowed Draco slapping her hand away watch where you’re putting your pins woman Mother I don’t think I want these any more He pulled the robes over his head and threw them on to the floor at Madam Malkin’s feet You’re right Draco said Narcissa with a contemptuous glance at Hermione now I know the kind of scum that shops here we’ll do better at Twilfitt and Tatting’s And with that the pair of them strode out of the shop Draco taking care to bang as hard as he could into Ron on the way out Well really said Madam Malkin snatching up the fallen robes and moving the tip of her wand over them like a vacuum cleaner so that it removed the dust She was distracted all through the fitting of Ron and Harry’s new robes tried to sell Hermione wizard’s dress robes instead of witch’s and when she finally bowed them out of the shop it was with an air of being glad to see the back of them Got ev’rything asked Rubeus brightly when they reappeared at his side Just about said Harry Did you see the Malfoys Yeah said Rubeus unconcerned Bu they wouldn dare make trouble in the middle o Diagon Alley Harry don worry abou them Harry Ron and Hermione exchanged looks but before they could disabuse Rubeus of this comfortable notion Mr and Mrs Ron and Ginny appeared all clutching heavy packages of books Everyone all right said Mrs Ron Got your robes Right then we can pop in at the apothecary and Eeylops on the way to Fred and George’s stick close now Neither Harry nor Ron bought any ingredients at the apothecary seeing that they were no longer studying Potions but both bought large boxes of owl nuts for Hedwig and Pigwidgeon at Eeylops Owl Emporium Then with Mrs Ron checking her watch every minute or so they headed further along the street in search of Weasleys Wizard Wheezes the joke shop run by Fred and George We really haven’t got too long Mrs Ron said So we’ll just have a quick look around and then back to the car We must be close that’s number ninety-two ninety-four Whoa said Ron stopping in his tracks Set against the dull poster-muffled shop fronts around them Fred and George’s windows hit the eye like a firework display Casual passers-by were looking back over their shoulders at the windows and a few rather stunned-looking people had actually come to a halt transfixed The left-hand window was dazzlingly full of an assortment of goods that revolved popped flashed bounced and shrieked Harry’s eyes began to water just looking at it The right-hand window was covered with a gigantic poster purple like those of the Ministry but emblazoned with flashing yellow letters Why Are You Worrying About You-Know-Who You SHOULD Be Worrying About U-NO-POO the Constipation Sensation That’s Gripping the Nation Harry started to laugh He heard a weak sort of moan beside him and looked round to see Mrs Ron gazing dumbfounded at the poster Her lips moved silently mouthing the name U-No-Poo They’ll be murdered in their beds she whispered No they won’t said Ron who like Harry was laughing This is brilliant And he and Harry led the way into the shop It was packed with customers Harry could not get near the shelves He stared around looking up at the boxes piled to the ceiling here were the Skiving Snackboxes that the twins had perfected during their last unfinished year at Hogwarts Harry noticed that the Nosebleed Nougat was most popular with only one battered box left on the shelf There were bins full of trick wands the cheapest merely turning into rubber chickens or pairs of pants when waved the most expensive beating the unwary user around the head and neck boxes of quills which came in Self-Inking Spell-Checking and SmartAnswer varieties A space cleared in the crowd and Harry pushed his way towards the counter where a gaggle of delighted ten-year-olds was watching a tiny little wooden man slowly ascending the steps to a real set of gallows both perched on a box that read Reusable Hangman Spell It Or He’ll Swing Patented Daydream Charms Hermione had managed to squeeze through to a large display near the counter and was reading the information on the back of a box bearing a highly coloured picture of a handsome youth and a swooning girl who were standing on the deck of a pirate ship One simple incantation and you will enter a top-quality highly realistic thirty-minute daydream easy to fit into the average school lesson and virtually undetectable side-effects include vacant expression and minor drooling Not for sale to undersixteens You know said Hermione looking up at Harry that really is extraordinary magic For that Hermione said a voice behind them you can have one for free A beaming Fred stood before them wearing a set of magenta robes that clashed magnificently with his flaming hair How are you Harry They shook hands And what’s happened to your eye Hermione Your punching telescope she said ruefully Oh blimey I forgot about those said Fred Here He pulled a tub out of his pocket and handed it to her she unscrewed it gingerly to reveal a thick yellow paste Just dab it on that bruise’ll be gone within the hour said Fred We had to find a decent bruise-remover we’re testing most of our products on ourselves Hermione looked nervous It is safe isn’t it Course it is said Fred bracingly Come on Harry I’ll give you a tour Harry left Hermione dabbing her black eye with paste and followed Fred towards the back of the shop where he saw a stand of card and rope tricks Muggle magic tricks said Fred happily pointing them out For freaks like Dad you know who love Muggle stuff It’s not a big earner but we do fairly steady business they’re great novelties oh here’s George Fred’s twin shook Harry’s hand energetically Giving him the tour Come through to the back Harry that’s where we’re making the real money pocket anything you and you’ll pay in more than Galleons he added warningly to a small boy who hastily whipped his hand out of the tub labelled Edible Dark Marks They’ll Make Anyone Sick George pushed back a curtain beside the Muggle tricks and Harry saw a darker less crowded room The packaging on the products lining these shelves was more subdued We’ve just developed this more serious line said Fred Funny how it happened You wouldn’t believe how many people even people who work at the Ministry can’t do a decent Shield Charm said George Course they didn’t have you teaching them Harry That’s right well we thought Shield Hats were a bit of a laugh You know challenge your mate to jinx you while wearing it and watch his face when the jinx just bounces off But the Ministry bought five hundred for all its support staff And we’re still getting massive orders So we’ve expanded into a range of Shield Cloaks Shield Gloves I mean they wouldn’t help much against the Unforgivable Curses but for minor to moderate hexes or jinxes And then we thought we’d get into the whole area of Defence Against the Dark Arts because it’s such a moneyspinner continued George enthusiastically This is cool Look Instant Darkness Powder we’re importing it from Peru Handy if you want to make a quick escape And our Decoy Detonators are just walking off the shelves look said Fred pointing at a number of weird-looking black hooter-type objects that were indeed attempting to scurry out of sight You just drop one surreptitiously and it’ll run off and make a nice loud noise out of sight giving you a diversion if you need one Handy said Harry impressed Here said George catching a couple and throwing them to Harry A young witch with short blonde hair poked her head round the curtain Harry saw that she too was wearing magenta staff robes There’s a customer out here looking for a joke cauldron Mr Ron and Mr Ron she said Harry found it very odd to hear Fred and George called Mr Ron but they took it in their stride Right you are Verity I’m coming said George promptly Harry you help yourself to anything you want all right No charge I can’t do that said Harry who had already pulled out his money-bag to pay for the Decoy Detonators You don’t pay here said Fred firmly waving away Harry’s gold But You gave us our start-up loan we haven’t forgotten said George sternly Take whatever you like and just remember to tell people where you got it if they ask George swept off through the curtain to help with the customers and Fred led Harry back into the main part of the shop to find Hermione and Ginny still poring over the Patented Daydream Charms Haven’t you girls found our special WonderWitch products yet asked Fred Follow me ladies Near the window was an array of violently pink products around which a cluster of excited girls was giggling enthusiastically Hermione and Ginny both hung back looking wary There you go said Fred proudly Best range of love potions you’ll find anywhere Ginny raised an eyebrow sceptically Do they work Certainly they work for up to twenty-four hours at a time depending on the weight of the boy in question and the attractiveness of the girl said George reappearing suddenly at their side But we’re not selling them to our sister he added becoming suddenly stern not when she’s already got about five boys on the go from what we’ve Whatever you’ve heard from Ron is a big fat lie said Ginny calmly leaning forwards to take a small pink pot off the shelf What’s this Guaranteed Ten-Second Pimple Vanisher said Fred Excellent on everything from boils to blackheads but don’t change the subject Are you or are you not currently going out with a boy called Dean Yes I am said Ginny And last time I looked he was definitely one boy not five What are those She was pointing at a number of round balls of fluff in shades of pink and purple all rolling around the bottom of a cage and emitting high-pitched squeaks Pygmy Puffs said George Miniature puffskeins we can’t breed them fast enough So what about Michael I dumped him he was a bad loser said Ginny putting a finger through the bars of the cage and watching the Pygmy Puffs crowd around it They’re really cute They’re fairly cuddly yes conceded Fred But you’re moving through boyfriends a bit fast aren’t you Ginny turned to look at him her hands on her hips There was such a Mrs Weasley-ish glare on her face that Harry was surprised Fred didn’t recoil It’s none of your business And I’ll thank you she added angrily to Ron who had just appeared at George’s elbow laden with merchandise not to tell tales about me to these two That’s three Galleons nine Sickles and a Knut said Fred examining the many boxes in Ron’s arms Cough up I’m your brother And that’s our stuff you’re nicking Three Galleons nine Sickles I’ll knock off the Knut But I haven’t got three Galleons nine Sickles You’d better put it all back then and mind you put it on the right shelves Ron dropped several boxes swore and made a rude hand gesture at Fred that was unfortunately spotted by Mrs Ron who had chosen that moment to appear If I see you do that again I’ll jinx your fingers together she said sharply Mum can I have a Pygmy Puff said Ginny at once A what said Mrs Ron warily Look they’re so sweet Mrs Ron moved aside to look at the Pygmy Puffs and Harry Ron and Hermione momentarily had an unimpeded view out of the window Draco was hurrying up the street alone As he passed Weasleys Wizard Wheezes he glanced over his shoulder Seconds later he moved beyond the scope of the window and they lost sight of him Wonder where his mummy is said Harry frowning Given her the slip by the looks of it said Ron Why though said Hermione Harry said nothing he was thinking too hard Narcissa would not have let her precious son out of her sight willingly Draco must have made a real effort to free himself from her clutches Harry knowing and loathing Draco was sure the reason could not be innocent He glanced around Mrs Ron and Ginny were bending over the Pygmy Puffs Mr Ron was delightedly examining a pack of Muggle marked playing cards Fred and George were both helping customers On the other side of the glass Rubeus was standing with his back to them looking up and down the street Get under here quick said Harry pulling his Invisibility Cloak out of his bag Oh I don’t know Harry said Hermione looking uncertainly towards Mrs Ron Come on said Ron She hesitated for a second longer then ducked under the Cloak with Harry and Ron Nobody noticed them vanish they were all too interested in Fred and George’s products Harry Ron and Hermione squeezed their way out of the door as quickly as they could but by the time they gained the street Draco had disappeared just as successfully as they had He was going in that direction murmured Harry as quietly as possible so that the humming Rubeus would not hear them C’mon They scurried along peering left and right through shop windows and doors until Hermione pointed ahead That’s him isn’t it she whispered Turning left Big surprise whispered Ron For Draco had glanced round then slid into Knockturn Alley and out of sight Quick or we’ll lose him said Harry speeding up Our feet’ll be seen said Hermione anxiously as the Cloak flapped a little around their ankles it was much more difficult hiding all three of them under it nowadays It doesn’t matter said Harry impatiently just hurry But Knockturn Alley the side street devoted to the Dark Arts looked completely deserted They peered into windows as they passed but none of the shops seemed to have any customers at all Harry supposed it was a bit of a giveaway in these dangerous and suspicious times to buy Dark artefacts or at least to be seen buying them Hermione gave his arm a hard pinch Ouch Shh Look He’s in there she breathed in Harry’s ear They had drawn level with the only shop in Knockturn Alley that Harry had ever visited Borgin and Burkes which sold a wide variety of sinister objects There in the midst of the cases full of skulls and old bottles stood Draco with his back to them just visible beyond the very same large black cabinet in which Harry had once hidden to avoid Draco and his father Judging by the movements of Malfoy’s hands he was talking animatedly The proprietor of the shop Mr Borgin an oily-haired stooping man stood facing Draco He was wearing a curious expression of mingled resentment and fear If only we could hear what they’re saying said Hermione We can said Ron excitedly Hang on damn He dropped a couple more of the boxes he was still clutching as he fumbled with the largest Extendable Ears look Fantastic said Hermione as Ron unravelled the long flesh-coloured strings and began to feed them towards the bottom of the door Oh I hope the door isn’t Imperturbable No said Ron gleefully Listen They put their heads together and listened intently to the ends of the strings through which Malfoy’s voice could be heard loud and clear as though a radio had been turned on you know how to fix it Possibly said Borgin in a tone that suggested he was unwilling to commit himself I’ll need to see it though Why don’t you bring it into the shop I can’t said Draco It’s got to stay put I just need you to tell me how to do it Harry saw Borgin lick his lips nervously Well without seeing it I must say it will be a very difficult job perhaps impossible I couldn’t guarantee anything No said Draco and Harry knew just by his tone that Draco was sneering Perhaps this will make you more confident He moved towards Borgin and was blocked from view by the cabinet Harry Ron and Hermione shuffled sideways to try and keep him in sight but all they could see was Borgin looking very frightened Tell anyone said Draco and there will be retribution You know Fenrir He’s a family friend he’ll be dropping in from time to time to make sure you’re giving the problem your full attention There will be no need for I’ll decide that said Draco Well I’d better be off And don’t forget to keep that one safe I’ll need it Perhaps you’d like to take it now No of course I wouldn’t you stupid little man how would I look carrying that down the street Just don’t sell it Of course not sir Borgin made a bow as deep as the one Harry had once seen him give Lucius Not a word to anyone Borgin and that includes my mother understand Naturally naturally murmured Borgin bowing again Next moment the bell over the door tinkled loudly as Draco stalked out of the shop looking very pleased with himself He passed so close to Harry Ron and Hermione that they felt the Cloak flutter around their knees again Inside the shop Borgin remained frozen his unctuous smile had vanished he looked worried What was that about whispered Ron reeling in the Extendable Ears Dunno said Harry thinking hard He wants something mended and he wants to reserve something in there could you see what he pointed at when he said that one No he was behind that cabinet You two stay here whispered Hermione What are you But Hermione had already ducked out from under the Cloak She checked her hair in the reflection in the glass then marched into the shop setting the bell tinkling again Ron hastily fed the Extendable Ears back under the door and passed one of the strings to Harry Hello horrible morning isn’t it Hermione said brightly to Borgin who did not answer but cast her a suspicious look Humming cheerily Hermione strolled through the jumble of objects on display Is this necklace for sale she asked pausing beside a glassfronted case If you’ve got one and a half thousand Galleons said Borgin coldly Oh er no I haven’t got quite that much said Hermione walking on And what about this lovely um skull Sixteen Galleons So it’s for sale then It isn’t being kept for anyone Borgin squinted at her Harry had the nasty feeling he knew exactly what Hermione was up to Apparently Hermione felt she had been rumbled too because she suddenly threw caution to the winds The thing is that er boy who was in here just now Draco well he’s a friend of mine and I want to get him a birthday present but if he’s already reserved anything I obviously don’t want to get him the same thing so um It was a pretty lame story in Harry’s opinion and apparently Borgin thought so too Out he said sharply Get out Hermione did not wait to be asked twice but hurried to the door with Borgin at her heels As the bell tinkled again Borgin slammed the door behind her and put up the Closed sign Ah well said Ron throwing the Cloak back over Hermione Worth a try but you were a bit obvious Well next time you can show me how it’s done Master of Mystery she snapped Ron and Hermione bickered all the way back to Weasleys Wizard Wheezes where they were forced to stop so that they could dodge undetected around a very anxious-looking Mrs Ron and Rubeus who had clearly noticed their absence Once in the shop Harry whipped off the Invisibility Cloak hid it in his bag and joined in with the other two when they insisted in answer to Mrs Weasley’s accusations that they had been in the back room all along and that she could not have looked properly Harry spent a lot of the last week of the holidays pondering the meaning of Malfoy’s behaviour in Knockturn Alley What disturbed him most was the satisfied look on Malfoy’s face as he had left the shop Nothing that made Draco look that happy could be good news To his slight annoyance however neither Ron nor Hermione seemed quite as curious about Malfoy’s activities as he was or at least they seemed to get bored of discussing it after a few days Yes I’ve already agreed it was fishy Harry said Hermione a little impatiently She was sitting on the windowsill in Fred and George’s room with her feet up on one of the cardboard boxes and had only grudgingly looked up from her new copy of Advanced Rune Translation But haven’t we agreed there could be a lot of explanations Maybe he’s broken his Hand of Glory said Ron vaguely as he attempted to straighten his broomstick’s bent tail twigs Remember that shrivelled-up arm Draco had But what about when he said Don’t forget to keep that one safe asked Harry for the umpteenth time That sounded to me like Borgin’s got another one of the broken objects and Draco wants both You reckon said Ron now trying to scrape some dirt off his broom handle Yeah I do said Harry When neither Ron nor Hermione answered he said Malfoy’s father’s in Azkaban Don’t you think Malfoy’d like revenge Ron looked up blinking Draco revenge What can he do about it That’s my point I don’t know said Harry frustrated But he’s up to something and I think we should take it seriously His father’s a Death Eater and Harry broke off his eyes fixed on the window behind Hermione his mouth open A startling thought had just occurred to him Harry said Hermione in an anxious voice What’s wrong Your scar’s not hurting again is it asked Ron nervously He’s a Death Eater said Harry slowly He’s replaced his father as a Death Eater There was a silence then Ron erupted in laughter Draco He’s sixteen Harry You think You-Know-Who would let Draco join It seems very unlikely Harry said Hermione in a repressive sort of voice What makes you think In Madam Malkin’s She didn’t touch him but he yelled and jerked his arm away from her when she went to roll up his sleeve It was his left arm He’s been branded with the Dark Mark Ron and Hermione looked at each other Well said Ron sounding thoroughly unconvinced I think he just wanted to get out of there Harry said Hermione He showed Borgin something we couldn’t see Harry pressed on stubbornly Something that seriously scared Borgin It was the Mark I know it he was showing Borgin who he was dealing with you saw how seriously Borgin took him Ron and Hermione exchanged another look I’m not sure Harry Yeah I still don’t reckon You-Know-Who would let Draco join Annoyed but absolutely convinced he was right Harry snatched up a pile of filthy Quidditch robes and left the room Mrs Ron had been urging them for days not to leave their washing and packing until the last moment On the landing he bumped into Ginny who was returning to her room carrying a pile of freshly laundered clothes I wouldn’t go in the kitchen just now she warned him There’s a lot of Phlegm around I’ll be careful not to slip in it smiled Harry Sure enough when he entered the kitchen it was to find Fleur sitting at the kitchen table in full flow about plans for her wedding to Bill while Mrs Ron kept watch over a pile of self-peeling sprouts looking bad-tempered Bill and I ave almost decided on only two bridesmaids Ginny and Gabrielle will look very sweet togezzer I am theenking of dressing zem in pale gold pink would of course be orrible with Ginny’s air Ah Harry said Mrs Ron loudly cutting across Fleur’s monologue Good I wanted to explain about the security arrangements for the journey to Hogwarts tomorrow We’ve got Ministry cars again and there will be Aurors waiting at the station Is Nymphadora going to be there asked Harry handing over his Quidditch things No I don’t think so she’s been stationed somewhere else from what Arthur said She as let erself go zat Nymphadora mused Fleur examining her own stunning reflection in the back of a teaspoon A big mistake if you ask Yes thank you said Mrs Ron tartly cutting across Fleur again You’d better get on Harry I want the trunks ready tonight if possible so we don’t have the usual lastminute scramble And in fact their departure the following morning was smoother than usual The Ministry cars glided up to the front of The Burrow to find them waiting trunks packed Hermione’s cat Crookshanks safely enclosed in his travelling basket and Hedwig Ron’s owl Pigwidgeon and Ginny’s new purple Pygmy Puff Arnold in cages Au revoir Arry said Fleur throatily kissing him goodbye Ron hurried forwards looking hopeful but Ginny stuck out her foot and Ron fell sprawling in the dust at Fleur’s feet Furious red-faced and dirt-spattered he hurried into the car without saying goodbye There was no cheerful Rubeus waiting for them at King’s Cross Station Instead two grim-faced bearded Aurors in dark Muggle suits moved forwards the moment the cars stopped and flanking the party marched them into the station without speaking Quick quick through the barrier said Mrs Ron who seemed a little flustered by this austere efficiency Harry had better go first with She looked enquiringly at one of the Aurors who nodded briefly seized Harry’s upper arm and attempted to steer him towards the barrier between platforms nine and ten I can walk thanks said Harry irritably jerking his arm out of the Auror’s grip He pushed his trolley directly at the solid barrier ignoring his silent companion and found himself a second later standing on platform nine and threequarters where the scarlet Hogwarts Express stood belching steam over the crowd Hermione and the Weasleys joined him within seconds Without waiting to consult his grim-faced Auror Harry motioned to Ron and Hermione to follow him up the platform looking for an empty compartment We can’t Harry said Hermione looking apologetic Ron and I’ve got to go to the prefect carriage first and then patrol the corridors for a bit Oh yeah I forgot said Harry You’d better get straight on the train all of you you’ve only got a few minutes to go said Mrs Ron consulting her watch Well have a lovely term Ron Mr Ron can I have a quick word said Harry making up his mind on the spur of the moment Of course said Mr Ron who looked slightly surprised but followed Harry out of earshot of the others nevertheless Harry had thought it through carefully and come to the conclusion that if he were to tell anyone Mr Ron would be the right person firstly because he worked at the Ministry and was therefore in the best position to make further investigations and secondly because he thought that there was not too much risk of Mr Ron exploding with anger He could see Mrs Ron and the grim-faced Auror casting the pair of them suspicious looks as they moved away When we were in Diagon Alley Harry began but Mr Ron forestalled him with a grimace Am I about to discover where you Ron and Hermione disappeared to while you were supposed to be in the back room of Fred and George’s shop How did you Harry please You’re talking to the man who raised Fred and George Er yeah all right we weren’t in the back room Very well then let’s hear the worst Well we followed Draco We used my Invisibility Cloak Did you have any particular reason for doing so or was it a mere whim Because I thought Draco was up to something said Harry disregarding Mr Weasley’s look of mingled exasperation and amusement He’d given his mother the slip and I wanted to know why Of course you did said Mr Ron sounding resigned Well Did you find out why He went into Borgin and Burkes said Harry and started bullying the bloke in there Borgin to help him fix something And he said he wanted Borgin to keep something else for him He made it sound like it was the same kind of thing that needed fixing Like they were a pair And Harry took a deep breath There’s something else We saw Draco jump about a mile when Madam Malkin tried to touch his left arm I think he’s been branded with the Dark Mark I think he’s replaced his father as a Death Eater Mr Ron looked taken aback After a moment he said Harry I doubt whether You-Know-Who would allow a sixteen-year-old Does anyone really know what You-Know-Who would or wouldn’t do asked Harry angrily Mr Ron I’m sorry but isn’t it worth investigating If Draco wants something fixing and he needs to threaten Borgin to get it done it’s probably something Dark or dangerous isn’t it I doubt it to be honest Harry said Mr Ron slowly You see when Lucius was arrested we raided his house We took away everything that might have been dangerous I think you missed something said Harry stubbornly Well maybe said Mr Ron but Harry could tell that Mr Ron was humouring him There was a whistle behind them nearly everyone had boarded the train and the doors were closing You’d better hurry said Mr Ron as Mrs Ron cried Harry quickly He hurried forwards and Mr and Mrs Ron helped him load his trunk on to the train Now dear you’re coming to us for Christmas it’s all fixed with Albus so we’ll see you quite soon said Mrs Ron through the window as Harry slammed the door shut behind him and the train began to move You make sure you look after yourself and The train was gathering speed be good and She was jogging to keep up now stay safe Harry waved until the train had turned a corner and Mr and Mrs Ron were lost from view then turned to see where the others had got to He supposed Ron and Hermione were cloistered in the prefect carriage but Ginny was a little way along the corridor chatting to some friends He made his way towards her dragging his trunk People stared shamelessly as he approached They even pressed their faces against the windows of their compartments to get a look at him He had expected an upswing in the amount of gaping and gawping he would have to endure this term after all the Chosen One rumours in the Daily Prophet but he did not enjoy the sensation of standing in a very bright spotlight He tapped Ginny on the shoulder Fancy trying to find a compartment I can’t Harry I said I’d meet Dean said Ginny brightly See you later Right said Harry He felt a strange twinge of annoyance as she walked away her long red hair dancing behind her He had become so used to her presence over the summer that he had almost forgotten that Ginny did not hang around with him Ron and Hermione while at school Then he blinked and looked around he was surrounded by mesmerised girls Hi Harry said a familiar voice from behind him Neville said Harry in relief turning to see a round-faced boy struggling towards him Hello Harry said a girl with long hair and large misty eyes who was just behind Neville Luna hi how are you Very well thank you said Luna She was clutching a magazine to her chest large letters on the front announced that there was a pair of free Spectrespecs inside The Quibbler still going strong then asked Harry who felt a certain fondness for the magazine having given it an exclusive interview the previous year Oh yes circulation’s well up said Luna happily Let’s find seats said Harry and the three of them set off along the train through hordes of silently staring students At last they found an empty compartment and Harry hurried inside gratefully They’re even staring at us said Neville indicating himself and Luna because we’re with you They’re staring at you because you were at the Ministry too said Harry as he hoisted his trunk into the luggage rack Our little adventure there was all over the Daily Prophet you must’ve seen it Yes I thought Gran would be angry about all the publicity said Neville but she was really pleased Says I’m starting to live up to my dad at long last She bought me a new wand look He pulled it out and showed it to Harry Cherry and unicorn hair he said proudly We think it was one of the last Garrick ever sold he vanished next day oi come back here Trevor And he dived under the seat to retrieve his toad as it made one of its frequent bids for freedom Are we still doing DA meetings this year Harry asked Luna who was detaching a pair of psychedelic spectacles from the middle of The Quibbler No point now we’ve got rid of Dolores is there said Harry sitting down Neville bumped his head against the seat as he emerged from under it He looked most disappointed I liked the DA I learned loads with you I enjoyed the meetings too said Luna serenely It was like having friends This was one of those uncomfortable things Luna often said and which made Harry feel a squirming mixture of pity and embarrassment Before he could respond however there was a disturbance outside their compartment door a group of fourth-year girls was whispering and giggling together on the other side of the glass You ask him No you I’ll do it And one of them a bold-looking girl with large dark eyes a prominent chin and long black hair pushed her way through the door Hi Harry I’m Romilda Romilda she said loudly and confidently Why don’t you join us in our compartment You don’t have to sit with them she added in a stage whisper indicating Neville’s bottom which was sticking out from under the seat again as he groped around for Trevor and Luna who was now wearing her free Spectrespecs which gave her the look of a demented multicoloured owl They’re friends of mine said Harry coldly Oh said the girl looking very surprised Oh OK And she withdrew sliding the door closed behind her People expect you to have cooler friends than us said Luna once again displaying her knack for embarrassing honesty You are cool said Harry shortly None of them was at the Ministry They didn’t fight with me That’s a very nice thing to say beamed Luna and she pushed her Spectrespecs further up her nose and settled down to read The Quibbler We didn’t face him though said Neville emerging from under the seat with fluff and dust in his hair and a resignedlooking Trevor in his hand You did You should hear my gran talk about you That Harry Potter’s got more backbone than the whole Ministry of Magic put together She’d give anything to have you as a grandson Harry laughed uncomfortably and changed the subject to O W L results as soon as he could While Neville recited his grades and wondered aloud whether he would be allowed to take a Transfiguration N E W T with only an Acceptable Harry watched him without really listening Neville’s childhood had been blighted by Lord just as much as Harry’s had but Neville had no idea how close he had come to having Harry’s destiny The prophecy could have referred to either of them yet for his own inscrutable reasons Lord had chosen to believe that Harry was the one meant Had Lord chosen Neville it would be Neville sitting opposite Harry bearing the lightning-shaped scar and the weight of the prophecy or would it Would Neville’s mother have died to save him as Lily had died for Harry Surely she would but what if she had been unable to stand between her son and Lord Would there then have been no Chosen One at all An empty seat where Neville now sat and a scarless Harry who would have been kissed goodbye by his own mother not Ron’s You all right Harry You look funny said Neville Harry started Sorry I Wrackspurt got you asked Luna sympathetically peering at Harry through her enormous coloured spectacles I what A Wrackspurt they’re invisible they float in through your ears and make your brain go fuzzy she said I thought I felt one zooming around in here She flapped her hands at thin air as though beating off large invisible moths Harry and Neville caught each other’s eye and hastily began to talk of Quidditch The weather beyond the train windows was as patchy as it had been all summer they passed through stretches of the chilling mist then out into weak clear sunlight It was during one of the clear spells when the sun was visible almost directly overhead that Ron and Hermione entered the compartment at last Wish the lunch trolley would hurry up I’m starving said Ron longingly slumping into the seat beside Harry and rubbing his stomach Hi Neville hi Luna Guess what he added turning to Harry Malfoy’s not doing prefect duty He’s just sitting in his compartment with the other Slytherins we saw him when we passed Harry sat up straight interested It was not like Draco to pass up the chance to demonstrate his power as prefect which he had happily abused all the previous year What did he do when he saw you The usual said Ron indifferently demonstrating a rude hand gesture Not like him though is it Well that is he did the hand gesture again but why isn’t he out there bullying first-years Dunno said Harry but his mind was racing Didn’t this look as though Draco had more important things on his mind than bullying younger students Maybe he preferred the Inquisitorial Squad said Hermione Maybe being a prefect seems a bit tame after that I don’t think so said Harry I think he’s But before he could expound on his theory the compartment door slid open again and a breathless third-year girl stepped inside I’m supposed to deliver these to Neville and Harry P-Potter she faltered as her eyes met Harry’s and she turned scarlet She was holding out two scrolls of parchment tied with violet ribbon Perplexed Harry and Neville took the scroll addressed to each of them and the girl stumbled back out of the compartment What is it Ron demanded as Harry unrolled his An invitation said Harry Harry I would be delighted if you would join me for a bite of lunch in compartment C Sincerely Professor H E F Horace Who’s Professor Horace asked Neville looking perplexedly at his own invitation New teacher said Harry Well I suppose we’ll have to go won’t we But what does he want me for asked Neville nervously as though he were expecting detention No idea said Harry which was not entirely true though he had no proof yet that his hunch was correct Listen he added seized by a sudden brainwave let’s go under the Invisibility Cloak then we might get a good look at Draco on the way see what he’s up to This idea however came to nothing the corridors which were packed with people on the lookout for the lunch trolley were impossible to negotiate while wearing the Cloak Harry stowed it regretfully back in his bag reflecting that it would have been nice to wear it just to avoid all the staring which seemed to have increased in intensity even since he had last walked down the train Every now and then students would hurtle out of their compartments to get a better look at him The exception was Cho who darted into her compartment when she saw Harry coming As Harry passed the window he saw her deep in determined conversation with her friend Marietta who was wearing a very thick layer of makeup that did not entirely obscure the odd formation of pimples still etched across her face Smirking slightly Harry pushed on When they reached compartment C they saw at once that they were not Slughorn’s only invitees although judging by the enthusiasm of Slughorn’s welcome Harry was the most warmly anticipated Harry m’boy said Horace jumping up at the sight of him so that his great velvet-covered belly seemed to fill all the remaining space in the compartment His shiny bald head and great silver moustache gleamed as brightly in the sunlight as the golden buttons on his waistcoat Good to see you good to see you And you must be Mr Neville Neville nodded looking scared At a gesture from Horace they sat down opposite each other in the only two empty seats which were nearest the door Harry glanced around at their fellow guests He recognised a Salazar from their year a tall black boy with high cheekbones and long slanting eyes there were also two seventh-year boys Harry did not know and squashed in the corner beside Horace and looking as though she was not entirely sure how she had got there Ginny Now do you know everyone Horace asked Harry and Neville Blaise is in your year of course Blaise did not make any sign of recognition or greeting and nor did Harry or Neville Godric and Salazar students loathed each other on principle This is Cormac perhaps you’ve come across each other No Cormac a large wire-haired youth raised a hand and Harry and Neville nodded back at him and this is Marcus I don’t know whether Marcus who was thin and nervous-looking gave a strained smile and this charming young lady tells me she knows you Horace finished Ginny grimaced at Harry and Neville from behind Slughorn’s back Well now this is most pleasant said Horace cosily A chance to get to know you all a little better Here take a napkin I’ve packed my own lunch the trolley as I remember it is heavy on Liquorice Wands and a poor old man’s digestive system isn’t quite up to such things pheasant Marcus Marcus started and accepted what looked like half a cold pheasant I was just telling young Marcus here that I had the pleasure of teaching his Uncle Damocles Horace told Harry and Neville now passing around a basket of rolls Outstanding wizard outstanding and his Order of Merlin most welldeserved Do you see much of your uncle Marcus Unfortunately Marcus had just taken a large mouthful of pheasant in his haste to answer Horace he swallowed too fast turned purple and began to choke Anapneo said Horace calmly pointing his wand at Marcus whose airway seemed to clear at once Not not much of him no gasped Marcus his eyes streaming Well of course I daresay he’s busy said Horace looking questioningly at Marcus I doubt he invented the Wolfsbane Potion without considerable hard work I suppose said Marcus who seemed afraid to take another bite of pheasant until he was sure that Horace had finished with him Er he and my dad don’t get on very well you see so I don’t really know much about His voice tailed away as Horace gave him a cold smile and turned to Cormac instead Now you Cormac said Horace I happen to know you see a lot of your Uncle Tiberius because he has a rather splendid picture of the two of you hunting Nogtails in I think Norfolk Oh yeah that was fun that was said Cormac We went with Bertie Higgs and Rufus this was before he became Minister obviously Ah you know Bertie and Rufus too beamed Horace now offering around a small tray of pies somehow Marcus was missed out Now tell me It was as Harry had suspected Everyone here seemed to have been invited because they were connected to somebody well-known or influential everyone except Ginny Blaise who was interrogated after Cormac turned out to have a famously beautiful witch for a mother from what Harry could make out she had been married seven times each of her husbands dying mysteriously and leaving her mounds of gold It was Neville’s turn next this was a very uncomfortable ten minutes for Neville’s parents well-known Aurors had been tortured into insanity by Bellatrix and a couple of Death Eater cronies At the end of Neville’s interview Harry had the impression that Horace was reserving judgement on Neville yet to see whether he had any of his parents flair And now said Horace shifting massively in his seat with the air of a compére introducing his star act Harry Where to begin I feel I barely scratched the surface when we met over the summer He contemplated Harry for a moment as though he were a particularly large and succulent piece of pheasant then said The Chosen One they’re calling you now Harry said nothing Marcus Cormac and Blaise were all staring at him Of course said Horace watching Harry closely there have been rumours for years I remember when well after that terrible night Lily James and you survived and the word was that you must have powers beyond the ordinary Blaise gave a tiny little cough that was clearly supposed to indicate amused scepticism An angry voice burst out from behind Horace Yeah Blaise because you’re so talented at posing Oh dear chuckled Horace comfortably looking round at Ginny who was glaring at Blaise around Slughorn’s great belly You want to be careful Blaise I saw this young lady perform the most marvellous Bat Bogey Hex as I was passing her carriage I wouldn’t cross her Blaise merely looked contemptuous Anyway said Horace turning back to Harry Such rumours this summer Of course one doesn’t know what to believe the Prophet has been known to print inaccuracies make mistakes but there seems little doubt given the number of witnesses that there was quite a disturbance at the Ministry and that you were there in the thick of it all Harry who could not see any way out of this without flatly lying nodded but still said nothing Horace beamed at him So modest so modest no wonder Albus is so fond you were there then But the rest of the stories so sensational of course one doesn’t know quite what to believe this fabled prophecy for instance We never heard a prophecy said Neville turning geraniumpink as he said it That’s right said Ginny staunchly Neville and I were both there too and all this Chosen One rubbish is just the Prophet making things up as usual You were both there too were you said Horace with great interest looking from Ginny to Neville but both of them sat clamlike before his encouraging smile Yes well it is true that the Prophet often exaggerates of course Horace continued sounding a little disappointed I remember dear Gwenog telling me Gwenog I mean of course Captain of the Holyhead Harpies He meandered off into a long-winded reminiscence but Harry had the distinct impression that Horace had not finished with him and that he had not been convinced by Neville and Ginny The afternoon wore on with more anecdotes about illustrious wizards Horace had taught all of whom had been delighted to join what he called the Slug Club at Hogwarts Harry could not wait to leave but couldn’t see how to do so politely Finally the train emerged from yet another long misty stretch into a red sunset and Horace looked around blinking in the twilight Good gracious it’s getting dark already I didn’t notice that they’d lit the lamps You’d better go and change into your robes all of you Cormac you must drop by and borrow that book on Nogtails Harry Blaise any time you’re passing Same goes for you miss he twinkled at Ginny Well off you go off you go As he pushed past Harry into the darkening corridor Blaise shot him a filthy look that Harry returned with interest He Ginny and Neville followed Blaise back along the train I’m glad that’s over muttered Neville Strange man isn’t he Yeah he is a bit said Harry his eyes on Blaise How come you ended up in there Ginny He saw me hex Zacharias said Ginny you remember that idiot from Helga who was in the DA He kept on and on asking about what happened at the Ministry and in the end he annoyed me so much I hexed him when Horace came in I thought I was going to get detention but he just thought it was a really good hex and invited me to lunch Mad eh Better reason for inviting someone than because their mother’s famous said Harry scowling at the back of Zabini’s head or because their uncle But he broke off An idea had just occurred to him a reckless but potentially wonderful idea in a minute’s time Blaise was going to re-enter the Salazar sixth-year compartment and Draco would be sitting there thinking himself unheard by anybody except fellow Slytherins if Harry could only enter unseen behind him what might he not see or hear True there was little of the journey left Hogsmeade station had to be less than half an hour away judging by the wildness of the scenery flashing by the windows but nobody else seemed prepared to take Harry’s suspicions seriously so it was down to him to prove them I’ll see you two later said Harry under his breath pulling out his Invisibility Cloak and flinging it over himself But what’re you asked Neville Later whispered Harry darting after Blaise as quietly as possible though the rattling of the train made such caution almost pointless The corridors were almost completely empty now Nearly everyone had returned to their carriages to change into their school robes and pack up their possessions Though he was as close as he could get to Blaise without touching him Harry was not quick enough to slip into the compartment when Blaise opened the door Blaise was already sliding it shut when Harry hastily stuck out his foot to prevent it closing What’s wrong with this thing said Blaise angrily as he smashed the sliding door repeatedly into Harry’s foot Harry seized the door and pushed it open hard Blaise still clinging on to the handle toppled over sideways into Gregory Goyle’s lap and in the ensuing ruckus Harry darted into the compartment leapt on to Zabini’s temporarily empty seat and hoisted himself up into the luggage rack It was fortunate that Gregory and Blaise were snarling at each other drawing all eyes on to them for Harry was quite sure his feet and ankles had been revealed as the Cloak had flapped around them indeed for one horrible moment he thought he saw Malfoy’s eyes follow his trainer as it whipped upwards out of sight but then Gregory slammed the door shut and flung Blaise off him Blaise collapsed into his own seat looking ruffled Vincent returned to his comic and Draco sniggering lay back down across two seats with his head in Pansy Parkinson’s lap Harry lay curled uncomfortably under the Cloak to ensure that every inch of him remained hidden and watched Pansy stroke the sleek blond hair off Malfoy’s forehead smirking as she did so as though anyone would have loved to have been in her place The lanterns swinging from the carriage ceiling cast a bright light over the scene Harry could read every word of Crabbe’s comic directly below him So Blaise said Draco what did Horace want Just trying to make up to well-connected people said Blaise who was still glowering at Gregory Not that he managed to find many This information did not seem to please Draco Who else had he invited he demanded Cormac from Godric said Blaise Oh yeah his uncle’s big in the Ministry said Draco someone else called Marcus from Rowena Not him he’s a prat said Pansy and Neville Harry and that Ron girl finished Blaise Draco sat up very suddenly knocking Pansy’s hand aside He invited Neville Well I assume so as Neville was there said Blaise indifferently What’s Neville got to interest Horace Blaise shrugged Harry precious Harry obviously he wanted a look at the Chosen One sneered Draco but that Ron girl What’s so special about her A lot of boys like her said Pansy watching Draco out of the corner of her eyes for his reaction Even you think she’s good-looking don’t you Blaise and we all know how hard you are to please I wouldn’t touch a filthy little blood traitor like her whatever she looked like said Blaise coldly and Pansy looked pleased Draco sank back across her lap and allowed her to resume the stroking of his hair Well I pity Slughorn’s taste Maybe he’s going a bit senile Shame my father always said he was a good wizard in his day My father used to be a bit of a favourite of his Horace probably hasn’t heard I’m on the train or I wouldn’t bank on an invitation said Blaise He asked me about Nott’s father when I first arrived They used to be old friends apparently but when he heard he’d been caught at the Ministry he didn’t look happy and Nott didn’t get an invitation did he I don’t think Slughorn’s interested in Death Eaters Draco looked angry but forced out a singularly humourless laugh Well who cares what he’s interested in What is he when you come down to it Just some stupid teacher Draco yawned ostentatiously I mean I might not even be at Hogwarts next year what’s it matter to me if some fat old hasbeen likes me or not What do you mean you might not be at Hogwarts next year said Pansy indignantly ceasing grooming Draco at once Well you never know said Draco with the ghost of a smirk I might have er moved on to bigger and better things Crouched in the luggage rack under his Cloak Harry’s heart began to race What would Ron and Hermione say about this Vincent and Gregory were gawping at Draco apparently they had had no inkling of any plans to move on to bigger and better things Even Blaise had allowed a look of curiosity to mar his haughty features Pansy resumed the slow stroking of Malfoy’s hair looking dumbfounded Do you mean Him Draco shrugged Mother wants me to complete my education but personally I don’t see it as that important these days I mean think about it when the Dark Lord takes over is he going to care how many O W L s or N E W T s anyone’s got Of course he isn’t it’ll be all about the kind of service he received the level of devotion he was shown And you think you’ll be able to do something for him asked Blaise scathingly Sixteen years old and not even fully qualified yet I’ve just said haven’t I Maybe he doesn’t care if I’m qualified Maybe the job he wants me to do isn’t something that you need to be qualified for said Draco quietly Vincent and Gregory were both sitting with their mouths open like gargoyles Pansy was gazing down at Draco as though she had never seen anything so awe-inspiring I can see Hogwarts said Draco clearly relishing the effect he had created as he pointed out of the blackened window We’d better get our robes on Harry was so busy staring at Draco he did not notice Gregory reaching up for his trunk as he swung it down it hit Harry hard on the side of the head He let out an involuntary gasp of pain and Draco looked up at the luggage rack frowning Harry was not afraid of Draco but he still did not much like the idea of being discovered hiding under his Invisibility Cloak by a group of unfriendly Slytherins Eyes still watering and head still throbbing he drew his wand careful not to disarrange the Cloak and waited breath held To his relief Draco seemed to decide that he had imagined the noise he pulled on his robes like the others locked his trunk and as the train slowed to a jerky crawl fastened a thick new travelling cloak round his neck Harry could see the corridors filling up again and hoped that Hermione and Ron would take his things out on to the platform for him he was stuck where he was until the compartment had quite emptied At last with a final lurch the train came to a complete halt Gregory threw the door open and muscled his way out into a crowd of second-years punching them aside Vincent and Blaise followed You go on Draco told Pansy who was waiting for him with her hand held out as though hoping he would hold it I just want to check something Pansy left Now Harry and Draco were alone in the compartment People were filing past descending on to the dark platform Draco moved over to the compartment door and let down the blinds so that people in the corridor beyond could not peer in He then bent down over his trunk and opened it again Harry peered down over the edge of the luggage rack his heart pumping a little faster What had Draco wanted to hide from Pansy Was he about to see the mysterious broken object it was so important to mend Petrificus Totalus Without warning Draco pointed his wand at Harry who was instantly paralysed As though in slow motion he toppled out of the luggage rack and fell with an agonising floor-shaking crash at Malfoy’s feet the Invisibility Cloak trapped beneath him his whole body revealed with his legs still curled absurdly into the cramped kneeling position He couldn’t move a muscle he could only gaze up at Draco who smiled broadly I thought so he said jubilantly I heard Goyle’s trunk hit you And I thought I saw something white flash through the air after Blaise came back His eyes lingered for a moment upon Harry’s trainers That was you blocking the door when Blaise came back in I suppose He considered Harry for a moment You didn’t hear anything I care about Harry But while I’ve got you here And he stamped hard on Harry’s face Harry felt his nose break blood spurted everywhere That’s from my father Now let’s see Draco dragged the Cloak out from under Harry’s immobilised body and threw it over him I don’t reckon they’ll find you till the train’s back in London he said quietly See you around Harry or not And taking care to tread on Harry’s fingers Draco left the compartment Harry could not move a muscle He lay there beneath the Invisibility Cloak feeling the blood from his nose flow hot and wet over his face listening to the voices and footsteps in the corridor beyond His immediate thought was that someone surely would check the compartments before the train departed again But at once came the dispiriting realisation that even if somebody looked into the compartment he would be neither seen nor heard His best hope was that somebody else would walk in and step on him Harry had never hated Draco more than as he lay there like an absurd turtle on its back blood dripping sickeningly into his open mouth What a stupid situation to have landed himself in and now the last few footsteps were dying away everyone was shuffling along the dark platform outside he could hear the scraping of trunks and the loud babble of talk Ron and Hermione would think that he had left the train without them Once they arrived at Hogwarts and took their places in the Great Hall looked up and down the Godric table a few times and finally realised that he was not there he no doubt would be halfway back to London He tried to make a sound even a grunt but it was impossible Then he remembered that some wizards like Albus could perform spells without speaking so he tried to Summon his wand which had fallen out of his hand by saying the words Accio wand over and over again in his head but nothing happened He thought he could hear the rustling of the trees that surrounded the lake and the far-off hoot of an owl but no hint of a search being made or even he despised himself slightly for hoping it panicked voices wondering where Harry had gone A feeling of hopelessness spread through him as he imagined the convoy of Thestral-drawn carriages trundling up to the school and the muffled yells of laughter issuing from whichever carriage Draco was riding in where he would be recounting his attack on Harry to his fellow Slytherins The train lurched causing Harry to roll over on to his side Now he was staring at the dusty underside of the seats instead of the ceiling The floor began to vibrate as the engine roared into life The Express was leaving and nobody knew he was still on it Then he felt his Invisibility Cloak fly off him and a voice overhead said Wotcher Harry There was a flash of red light and Harry’s body unfroze he was able to push himself into a more dignified sitting position hastily wipe the blood off his bruised face with the back of his hand and raise his head to look up at Nymphadora who was holding the Invisibility Cloak she had just pulled away We’d better get out of here quickly she said as the train windows became obscured with steam and the train began to move out of the station Come on we’ll jump Harry hurried after her into the corridor Nymphadora pulled open the train door and leapt on to the platform which seemed to be sliding underneath them as the train gathered momentum Harry followed her staggered a little on landing then straightened up in time to see the gleaming scarlet steam engine pick up speed round the corner and disappear from view The cold night air was soothing on his throbbing nose Nymphadora was looking at him he felt angry and embarrassed that he had been discovered in such a ridiculous position Silently she handed him back the Invisibility Cloak Who did it Draco said Harry bitterly Thanks for well No problem said Nymphadora without smiling From what Harry could see in the darkness she was as mousy-haired and miserable-looking as she had been when he had met her at The Burrow I can fix your nose if you stand still Harry did not think much of this idea he had been intending to visit Madam Poppy the matron in whom he had a little more confidence when it came to Healing spells but it seemed rude to say this so he stayed stock-still and closed his eyes Episkey said Nymphadora Harry’s nose felt very hot and then very cold He raised a hand and felt it gingerly It seemed to be mended Thanks a lot You’d better put that Cloak back on and we can walk up to the school said Nymphadora still unsmiling As Harry swung the Cloak back over himself she waved her wand an immense silvery four-legged creature erupted from it and streaked off into the darkness Was that a Patronus asked Harry who had seen Albus send messages like this Yes I’m sending word to the castle that I’ve got you or they’ll worry Come on we’d better not dawdle They set off towards the lane that led to the school How did you find me I noticed you hadn’t left the train and I knew you had that Cloak I thought you might be hiding for some reason When I saw the blinds were drawn down on that compartment I thought I’d check But what are you doing here anyway Harry asked I’m stationed in Hogsmeade now to give the school extra protection said Nymphadora Is it just you who’s stationed up here or No Proudfoot Savage and John are here too John that Auror Albus attacked last year That’s right They trudged up the dark deserted lane following the freshly made carriage tracks Harry looked sideways at Nymphadora under his Cloak Last year she had been inquisitive to the point of being a little annoying at times she had laughed easily she had made jokes Now she seemed older and much more serious and purposeful Was this all the effect of what had happened at the Ministry He reflected uncomfortably that Hermione would have suggested he say something consoling about Sirius to her that it hadn’t been her fault at all but he couldn’t bring himself to do it He was far from blaming her for Sirius’s death it was no more her fault than anyone else’s and much less than his but he did not like talking about Sirius if he could avoid it And so they tramped on through the cold night in silence Tonks’s long cloak whispering on the ground behind them Having always travelled there by carriage Harry had never before appreciated just how far Hogwarts was from Hogsmeade station With great relief he finally saw the tall pillars on either side of the gates each topped with a winged boar He was cold he was hungry and he was quite keen to leave this new gloomy Nymphadora behind But when he put out a hand to push open the gates he found them chained shut Alohomora he said confidently pointing his wand at the padlock but nothing happened That won’t work on these said Nymphadora Albus bewitched them himself Harry looked around I could climb a wall he suggested No you couldn’t said Nymphadora flatly Anti-intruder jinxes on all of them Security’s been tightened a hundredfold this summer Well then said Harry starting to feel annoyed at her lack of helpfulness I suppose I’ll just have to sleep out here and wait for morning Someone’s coming down for you said Nymphadora Look A lantern was bobbing at the distant foot of the castle Harry was so pleased to see it he felt he could even endure Filch’s wheezy criticisms of his tardiness and rants about how his timekeeping would improve with the regular application of thumbscrews It was not until the glowing yellow light was ten feet away from them and Harry had pulled off his Invisibility Cloak so that he could be seen that he recognised with a rush of pure loathing the uplit hooked nose and long black greasy hair of Severus Well well well sneered Severus taking out his wand and tapping the padlock once so that the chains snaked backwards and the gates creaked open Nice of you to turn up Harry although you have evidently decided that the wearing of school robes would detract from your appearance I couldn’t change I didn’t have my Harry began but Severus cut across him There is no need to wait Nymphadora Harry is quite ah safe in my hands I meant Rubeus to get the message said Nymphadora frowning Rubeus was late for the start-of-term feast just like Harry here so I took it instead And incidentally said Severus standing back to allow Harry to pass him I was interested to see your new Patronus He shut the gates in her face with a loud clang and tapped the chains with his wand again so that they slithered clinking back into place I think you were better off with the old one said Severus the malice in his voice unmistakeable The new one looks weak As Severus swung the lantern about Harry saw fleetingly a look of shock and anger on Tonks’s face Then she was covered in darkness once more Goodnight Harry called to her over his shoulder as he began the walk up to the school with Severus Thanks for everything See you Harry Severus did not speak for a minute or so Harry felt as though his body was generating waves of hatred so powerful that it seemed incredible that Severus could not feel them burning him He had loathed Severus from their first encounter but Severus had placed himself for ever and irrevocably beyond the possibility of Harry’s forgiveness by his attitude towards Sirius Whatever Albus said Harry had had time to think over the summer and had concluded that Snape’s snide remarks to Sirius about remaining safely hidden while the rest of the Order of the Phoenix were fighting Lord had probably been a powerful factor in Sirius rushing off to the Ministry the night that he had died Harry clung to this notion because it enabled him to blame Severus which felt satisfying and also because he knew that if anyone was not sorry that Sirius was dead it was the man now striding next to him in the darkness Fifty points from Godric for lateness I think said Severus And let me see another twenty for your Muggle attire You know I don’t believe any house has ever been in negative figures this early in the term we haven’t even started pudding You might have set a record Harry The fury and hatred bubbling inside Harry seemed to blaze white-hot but he would rather have been immobilised all the way back to London than tell Severus why he was late I suppose you wanted to make an entrance did you Severus continued And with no flying car available you decided that bursting into the Great Hall halfway through the feast ought to create a dramatic effect Still Harry remained silent though he thought his chest might explode He knew that Severus had come to fetch him for this for the few minutes when he could needle and torment Harry without anyone else listening They reached the castle steps at last and as the great oaken front doors swung open on to the vast flagged Entrance Hall a burst of talk and laughter and of tinkling plates and glasses greeted them through the doors standing open into the Great Hall Harry wondered whether he could slip his Invisibility Cloak back on thereby gaining his seat at the long Godric table which inconveniently was the furthest from the Entrance Hall without being noticed As though he had read Harry’s mind however Severus said No Cloak You can walk in so that everyone sees you which is what you wanted I’m sure Harry turned on the spot and marched straight through the open doors anything to get away from Severus The Great Hall with its four long house tables and its staff table set at the top of the room was decorated as usual with floating candles that made the plates below glitter and glow It was all a shimmering blur to Harry however who walked so fast that he was passing the Helga table before people really started to stare and by the time they were standing up to get a good look at him he had spotted Ron and Hermione sped along the benches towards them and forced his way in between them Where’ve you blimey what’ve you done to your face said Ron goggling at him along with everyone else in the vicinity Why what’s wrong with it said Harry grabbing a spoon and squinting at his distorted reflection You’re covered in blood said Hermione Come here She raised her wand said Tergeo and siphoned off the dried blood Thanks said Harry feeling his now clean face How’s my nose looking Normal said Hermione anxiously Why shouldn’t it Harry what happened we’ve been terrified I’ll tell you later said Harry curtly He was very conscious that Ginny Neville Dean and Seamus were listening in even Nearly the Godric ghost had come floating along the bench to eavesdrop But said Hermione Not now Hermione said Harry in a darkly significant voice He hoped very much that they would all assume he had been involved in something heroic preferably involving a couple of Death Eaters and a Dementor Of course Draco would spread the story as far and wide as he could but there was always a chance it wouldn’t reach too many Godric ears He reached across Ron for a couple of chicken legs and a handful of chips but before he could take them they vanished to be replaced with puddings You missed the Sorting anyway said Hermione as Ron dived for a large chocolate gateau Sorting say anything interesting asked Harry taking a piece of treacle tart More of the same really advising us all to unite in the face of our enemies you know Albus mentioned Lord at all Not yet but he always saves his proper speech for after the feast doesn’t he It can’t be long now Severus said Rubeus was late for the feast You’ve seen Severus How come said Ron between frenzied mouthfuls of gateau Bumped into him said Harry evasively Rubeus was only a few minutes late said Hermione Look he’s waving at you Harry Harry looked up at the staff table and grinned at Rubeus who was indeed waving at him Rubeus had never quite managed to comport himself with the dignity of Professor Minerva Head of Godric House the top of whose head came up to somewhere between Hagrid’s elbow and shoulder as they were sitting side by side and who was looking disapproving at this enthusiastic greeting Harry was surprised to see the Divination teacher Professor Sybill sitting on Hagrid’s other side she rarely left her tower room and he had never seen her at the start-of-term feast before She looked as odd as ever glittering with beads and trailing shawls her eyes magnified to enormous size by her spectacles Having always considered her a bit of a fraud Harry had been shocked to discover at the end of the previous term that it had been she who had made the prediction that caused Lord to kill Harry’s parents and attack Harry himself The knowledge had made him even less eager to find himself in her company but thankfully this year he would be dropping Divination Her great beacon-like eyes swivelled in his direction he hastily looked away towards the Salazar table Draco was miming the shattering of a nose to raucous laughter and applause Harry dropped his gaze to his treacle tart his insides burning again What he would not give to fight Draco one on one So what did Professor Horace want Hermione asked To know what really happened at the Ministry said Harry Him and everyone else here sniffed Hermione People were interrogating us about it on the train weren’t they Ron Yeah said Ron All wanting to know if you really are the Chosen One There has been much talk on that very subject even amongst the ghosts interrupted Nearly inclining his barely connected head towards Harry so that it wobbled dangerously on its ruff I am considered something of a Harry authority it is widely known that we are friendly I have assured the spirit community that I will not pester you for information however Harry knows that he can confide in me with complete confidence I told them I would rather die than betray his trust That’s not saying much seeing as you’re already dead Ron observed Once again you show all the sensitivity of a blunt axe said Nearly in affronted tones and he rose into the air and glided back towards the far end of the Godric table just as Albus got to his feet at the staff table The talk and laughter echoing around the Hall died away almost instantly The very best of evenings to you he said smiling broadly his arms opened wide as though to embrace the whole room What happened to his hand gasped Hermione She was not the only one who had noticed Dumbledore’s right hand was as blackened and dead-looking as it had been on the night he had come to fetch Harry from the Dursleys Whispers swept the room Albus interpreting them correctly merely smiled and shook his purple and gold sleeve over his injury Nothing to worry about he said airily Now to our new students welcome to our old students welcome back Another year full of magical education awaits you His hand was like that when I saw him over the summer Harry whispered to Hermione I thought he’d have cured it by now though or Madam Poppy would’ve done It looks as if it’s died said Hermione with a nauseated expression But there are some injuries you can’t cure old curses and there are poisons without antidotes and Mr Argus our caretaker has asked me to say that there is a blanket ban on any joke items bought at the shop called Weasleys Wizard Wheezes Those wishing to play for their house Quidditch teams should give their names to their Heads of House as usual We are also looking for new Quidditch commentators who should do likewise We are pleased to welcome a new member of staff this year Professor Horace Horace stood up his bald head gleaming in the candlelight his big waistcoated belly casting the table below into shadow is a former colleague of mine who has agreed to resume his old post of Potions master Potions Potions The word echoed all over the Hall as people wondered whether they had heard right Potions said Ron and Hermione together turning to stare at Harry But you said Professor Severus meanwhile said Albus raising his voice so that it carried over all the muttering will be taking over the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher No said Harry so loudly that many heads turned in his direction He did not care he was staring up at the staff table incensed How could Severus be given the Defence Against the Dark Arts job after all this time Hadn’t it been widely known for years that Albus did not trust him to do it But Harry you said that Horace was going to be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts said Hermione I thought he was said Harry racking his brains to remember when Albus had told him this but now that he came to think of it he was unable to recall Albus ever telling him what Horace would be teaching Severus who was sitting on Dumbledore’s right did not stand up at the mention of his name merely raised a hand in lazy acknowledgement of the applause from the Salazar table yet Harry was sure he could detect a look of triumph on the features he loathed so much Well there’s one good thing he said savagely Snape’ll be gone by the end of the year What do you mean asked Ron That job’s jinxed No one’s lasted more than a year Quirinus actually died doing it Personally I’m going to keep my fingers crossed for another death Harry said Hermione shocked and reproachful He might just go back to teaching Potions at the end of the year said Ron reasonably That Horace bloke might not want to stay long-term Alastor didn’t Albus cleared his throat Harry Ron and Hermione were not the only ones who had been talking the whole Hall had erupted in a buzz of conversation at the news that Severus had finally achieved his heart’s desire Seemingly oblivious to the sensational nature of the news he had just imparted Albus said nothing more about staff appointments but waited a few seconds to ensure that the silence was absolute before continuing Now as everybody in this Hall knows Lord and his followers are once more at large and gaining in strength The silence seemed to tauten and strain as Albus spoke Harry glanced at Draco Draco was not looking at Albus but making his fork hover in midair with his wand as though he found the Headmaster’s words unworthy of his attention I cannot emphasise strongly enough how dangerous the present situation is and how much care each of us at Hogwarts must take to ensure that we remain safe The castle’s magical fortifications have been strengthened over the summer we are protected in new and more powerful ways but we must still guard scrupulously against carelessness on the part of any student or member of staff I urge you therefore to abide by any security restrictions that your teachers might impose upon you however irksome you might find them in particular the rule that you are not to be out of bed after hours I implore you should you notice anything strange or suspicious within or outside the castle to report it to a member of staff immediately I trust you to conduct yourselves always with the utmost regard for your own and each other’s safety Dumbledore’s blue eyes swept over the students before he smiled once more But now your beds await as warm and comfortable as you could possibly wish and I know that your top priority is to be well-rested for your lessons tomorrow Let us therefore say goodnight Pip pip With the usual deafening scraping noise the benches were moved back and the hundreds of students began to file out of the Great Hall towards their dormitories Harry who was in no hurry at all to leave with the gawping crowd nor to get near enough to Draco to allow him to retell the story of the nose-stamping lagged behind pretending to retie the lace on his trainer allowing most of the Gryffindors to draw ahead of him Hermione had darted ahead to fulfil her prefect’s duty of shepherding the first-years but Ron remained with Harry What really happened to your nose he asked once they were at the very back of the throng pressing out of the Hall and out of earshot of anyone else Harry told him It was a mark of the strength of their friendship that Ron did not laugh I saw Draco miming something to do with a nose he said darkly Yeah well never mind that said Harry bitterly Listen to what he was saying before he found out I was there Harry had expected Ron to be stunned by Malfoy’s boasts With what Harry considered pure pigheadedness however Ron was unimpressed Come on Harry he was just showing off for Pansy what kind of mission would You-Know-Who have given him How d’you know Lord doesn’t need someone at Hogwarts It wouldn’t be the first I wish yeh’d stop sayin tha name Harry said a reproachful voice behind them Harry looked over his shoulder to see Rubeus shaking his head Albus uses that name said Harry stubbornly Yeah well tha’s Albus innit said Rubeus mysteriously So how come yeh were late Harry I was worried Got held up on the train said Harry Why were you late I was with Grawp said Rubeus happily Los track o the time He’s got a new home up in the mountains now Albus fixed it nice big cave He’s much happier than he was in the Forest We were havin a good chat Really said Harry taking care not to catch Ron’s eye the last time he had met Hagrid’s half-brother a vicious giant with a talent for ripping up trees by the roots his vocabulary had comprised five words two of which he was unable to pronounce properly Oh yeah he’s really come on said Rubeus proudly Yeh’ll be amazed I’m thinkin o trainin him up as me assistant Ron snorted loudly but managed to pass it off as a violent sneeze They were now standing beside the oak front doors Anyway I’ll see yeh tomorrow firs lesson’s straight after lunch Come early an yeh can say hello ter Buck I mean Witherwings Raising an arm in cheery farewell he headed out of the front doors into the darkness Harry and Ron looked at each other Harry could tell that Ron was experiencing the same sinking feeling as himself You’re not taking Care of Magical Creatures are you Ron shook his head And you’re not either are you Harry shook his head too And Hermione said Ron she’s not is she Harry shook his head again Exactly what Rubeus would say when he realised his three favourite students had given up his subject he did not like to think Harry and Ron met Hermione in the common room before breakfast next morning Hoping for some support for his theory Harry lost no time in telling Hermione what he had overheard Draco saying on the Hogwarts Express But he was obviously showing off for Pansy wasn’t he interjected Ron quickly before Hermione could say anything Well she said uncertainly I don’t know it would be like Draco to make himself seem more important than he is but that’s a big lie to tell Exactly said Harry but he could not press the point because so many people were trying to listen in to his conversation not to mention staring at him and whispering behind their hands It’s rude to point Ron snapped at a particularly minuscule first-year as they joined the queue to climb out of the portrait hole The boy who had been muttering something about Harry behind his hand to his friend promptly turned scarlet and toppled out of the hole in alarm Ron sniggered I love being a sixth-year And we’re going to be getting free time this year Whole periods when we can just sit up here and relax We’re going to need that time for studying Ron said Hermione as they set off down the corridor Yeah but not today said Ron today’s going to be a real doss I reckon Hold it said Hermione throwing out an arm and halting a passing fourth-year who was attempting to push past her with a lime-green disc clutched tightly in his hand Fanged Frisbees are banned hand it over she told him sternly The scowling boy handed over the snarling Frisbee ducked under Hermione’s arm and took off after his friends Ron waited for him to vanish then tugged the Frisbee from Hermione’s grip Excellent I’ve always wanted one of these Hermione’s remonstration was drowned by a loud giggle Lavender had apparently found Ron’s remark highly amusing She continued to laugh as she passed them glancing back at Ron over her shoulder Ron looked rather pleased with himself The ceiling of the Great Hall was serenely blue and streaked with frail wispy clouds just like the squares of sky visible through the high mullioned windows While they tucked into porridge and eggs and bacon Harry and Ron told Hermione about their embarrassing conversation with Rubeus the previous evening But he can’t really think we’d continue Care of Magical Creatures she said looking distressed I mean when has any of us expressed you know any enthusiasm That’s it though innit said Ron swallowing an entire fried egg whole We were the ones who made the most effort in classes because we like Rubeus But he thinks we liked the stupid subject D’you reckon anyone’s going to go on to N E W T Neither Harry nor Hermione answered there was no need They knew perfectly well that nobody in their year would want to continue Care of Magical Creatures They avoided Hagrid’s eye and returned his cheery wave only half-heartedly when he left the staff table ten minutes later After they had eaten they remained in their places awaiting Professor McGonagall’s descent from the staff table The distribution of timetables was more complicated than usual this year for Professor Minerva needed first to confirm that everybody had achieved the necessary O W L grades to continue with their chosen N E W T s Hermione was immediately cleared to continue with Charms Defence Against the Dark Arts Transfiguration Herbology Arithmancy Ancient Runes and Potions and shot off to a first-period Ancient Runes class without further ado Neville took a little longer to sort out his round face was anxious as Professor Minerva looked down his application and then consulted his O W L results Herbology fine she said Professor Pomona will be delighted to see you back with an Outstanding O W L And you qualify for Defence Against the Dark Arts with Exceeds Expectations But the problem is Transfiguration I’m sorry Neville but an Acceptable really isn’t good enough to continue to N E W T level I just don’t think you’d be able to cope with the coursework Neville hung his head Professor Minerva peered at him through her square spectacles Why do you want to continue with Transfiguration anyway I’ve never had the impression that you particularly enjoyed it Neville looked miserable and muttered something about my grandmother wants Humph snorted Professor Minerva It’s high time your grandmother learned to be proud of the grandson she’s got rather than the one she thinks she ought to have particularly after what happened at the Ministry Neville turned very pink and blinked confusedly Professor Minerva had never paid him a compliment before I’m sorry Neville but I cannot let you into my N E W T class I see that you have an Exceeds Expectations in Charms however why not try for a N E W T in Charms My grandmother thinks Charms is a soft option mumbled Neville Take Charms said Professor Minerva and I shall drop Augusta a line reminding her that just because she failed her Charms O W L the subject is not necessarily worthless Smiling slightly at the look of delighted incredulity on Neville’s face Professor Minerva tapped a blank timetable with the tip of her wand and handed it now carrying details of his new classes to Neville Professor Minerva turned next to Parvati whose first question was whether Firenze the handsome centaur was still teaching Divination He and Professor Sybill are dividing classes between them this year said Professor Minerva a hint of disapproval in her voice it was common knowledge that she despised the subject of Divination The sixth year is being taken by Professor Sybill Parvati set off for Divination five minutes later looking slightly crestfallen So Harry Harry said Professor Minerva consulting her notes as she turned to Harry Charms Defence Against the Dark Arts Herbology Transfiguration all fine I must say I was pleased with your Transfiguration mark Harry very pleased Now why haven’t you applied to continue with Potions I thought it was your ambition to become an Auror It was but you told me I had to get an Outstanding in my O W L Professor And so you did when Professor Severus was teaching the subject Professor Horace however is perfectly happy to accept N E W T students with Exceeds Expectations at O W L Do you wish to proceed with Potions Yes said Harry but I didn’t buy the books or any ingredients or anything I’m sure Professor Horace will be able to lend you some said Professor Minerva Very well Harry here is your timetable Oh by the way twenty hopefuls have already put down their names for the Godric Quidditch team I shall pass the list to you in due course and you can fix up trials at your leisure A few minutes later Ron was cleared to do the same subjects as Harry and the two of them left the table together Look said Ron delightedly gazing at his timetable we’ve got a free period now and a free period after break and after lunch excellent They returned to the common room which was empty apart from half a dozen seventh-years including Katie the only remaining member of the original Godric Quidditch team that Harry had joined in his first year I thought you’d get that well done she called over pointing at the Captain’s badge on Harry’s chest Tell me when you call trials Don’t be stupid said Harry you don’t need to try out I’ve watched you play for five years You mustn’t start off like that she said warningly For all you know there’s someone much better than me out there Good teams have been ruined before now because captains just kept playing the old faces or letting in their friends Ron looked a little uncomfortable and began playing with the Fanged Frisbee Hermione had taken from the fourthyear It zoomed around the common room snarling and attempting to take bites of the tapestry Crookshanks’s yellow eyes followed it and he hissed when it came too close An hour later they reluctantly left the sunlit common room for the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom four floors below Hermione was already queuing outside carrying an armful of heavy books and looking put-upon We got so much homework for Runes she said anxiously when Harry and Ron joined her A fifteen-inch essay two translations and I’ve got to read these by Wednesday Shame yawned Ron You wait she said resentfully I bet Severus gives us loads The classroom door opened as she spoke and Severus stepped into the corridor his sallow face framed as ever by two curtains of greasy black hair Silence fell over the queue immediately Inside he said Harry looked around as they entered Severus had imposed his personality upon the room already it was gloomier than usual as curtains had been drawn over the windows and was lit by candlelight New pictures adorned the walls many of them showing people who appeared to be in pain sporting grisly injuries or strangely contorted body parts Nobody spoke as they settled down looking around at the shadowy gruesome pictures I have not asked you to take out your books said Severus closing the door and moving to face the class from behind his desk Hermione hastily dropped her copy of Confronting the Faceless back into her bag and stowed it under her chair I wish to speak to you and I want your fullest attention His black eyes roved over their upturned faces lingering for a fraction of a second longer on Harry’s than anyone else’s You have had five teachers in this subject so far I believe You believe like you haven’t watched them all come and go Severus hoping you’d be next thought Harry scathingly Naturally these teachers will all have had their own methods and priorities Given this confusion I am surprised so many of you scraped an O W L in this subject I shall be even more surprised if all of you manage to keep up with the N E W T work which will be much more advanced Severus set off around the edge of the room speaking now in a lower voice the class craned their necks to keep him in view The Dark Arts said Severus are many varied ever-changing and eternal Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster which each time a neck is severed sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before You are fighting that which is unfixed mutating indestructible Harry stared at Severus It was surely one thing to respect the Dark Arts as a dangerous enemy another to speak of them as Severus was doing with a loving caress in his voice Your defences said Severus a little louder must therefore be as flexible and inventive as the Arts you seek to undo These pictures he indicated a few of them as he swept past give a fair representation of what happens to those who suffer for instance the Cruciatus Curse he waved a hand towards a witch who was clearly shrieking in agony feel the Dementor’s Kiss a wizard lying huddled and blank-eyed slumped against a wall or provoke the aggression of the Inferius a bloody mass upon the ground Has an Inferius been seen then said Parvati in a high-pitched voice Is it definite is he using them The Dark Lord has used Inferi in the past said Severus which means you would be well-advised to assume he might use them again Now He set off again around the other side of the classroom towards his desk and again the class watched him as he walked his dark robes billowing behind him you are I believe complete novices in the use of nonverbal spells What is the advantage of a non-verbal spell Hermione’s hand shot into the air Severus took his time looking around at everybody else making sure he had no choice before saying curtly Very well Miss Hermione Your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic you’re about to perform said Hermione which gives you a split-second advantage An answer copied almost word for word from The Standard Book of Spells Grade 6 said Severus dismissively over in the corner Draco sniggered but correct in essentials Yes those who progress to using magic without shouting incantations gain an element of surprise in their spell-casting Not all wizards can do this of course it is a question of concentration and mind power which some his gaze lingered maliciously upon Harry once more lack Harry knew Severus was thinking of their disastrous Occlumency lessons of the previous year He refused to drop his gaze but glowered at Severus until Severus looked away You will now divide Severus went on into pairs One partner will attempt to jinx the other without speaking The other will attempt to repel the jinx in equal silence Carry on Although Severus did not know it Harry had taught at least half the class everyone who had been a member of the DA how to perform a Shield Charm the previous year None of them had ever cast the Charm without speaking however A reasonable amount of cheating ensued many people were merely whispering the incantation instead of saying it aloud Typically ten minutes into the lesson Hermione managed to repel Neville’s muttered Jelly-Legs Jinx without uttering a single word a feat that would surely have earned her twenty points for Godric from any reasonable teacher thought Harry bitterly but which Severus ignored He swept between them as they practised looking just as much like an overgrown bat as ever lingering to watch Harry and Ron struggling with the task Ron who was supposed to be jinxing Harry was purple in the face his lips tightly compressed to save himself from the temptation of muttering the incantation Harry had his wand raised waiting on tenterhooks to repel a jinx that seemed unlikely ever to come Pathetic Ron said Severus after a while Here let me show you He turned his wand on Harry so fast that Harry reacted instinctively all thought of non-verbal spells forgotten he yelled Protego His Shield Charm was so strong Severus was knocked offbalance and hit a desk The whole class had looked round and now watched as Severus righted himself scowling Do you remember me telling you we are practising nonverbal spells Harry Yes said Harry stiffly Yes sir There’s no need to call me sir Professor The words had escaped him before he knew what he was saying Several people gasped including Hermione Behind Severus however Ron Dean and Seamus grinned appreciatively Detention Saturday night my office said Severus I do not take cheek from anyone Harry not even the Chosen One That was brilliant Harry chortled Ron once they were safely on their way to break a short while later You really shouldn’t have said it said Hermione frowning at Ron What made you He tried to jinx me in case you didn’t notice fumed Harry I had enough of that during those Occlumency lessons Why doesn’t he use another guinea pig for a change What’s Albus playing at anyway letting him teach Defence Did you hear him talking about the Dark Arts He loves them All that unfixed indestructible stuff Well said Hermione I thought he sounded a bit like you Like me Yes when you were telling us what it’s like to face Lord You said it wasn’t just memorising a bunch of spells you said it was just you and your brains and your guts well wasn’t that what Severus was saying That it really comes down to being brave and quick-thinking Harry was so disarmed that she had thought his words as well worth memorising as The Standard Book of Spells that he did not argue Harry Hey Harry Harry looked round Jack one of the Beaters on the previous year’s Godric Quidditch team was hurrying towards him holding a roll of parchment For you panted Jack Listen I heard you’re the new Captain When’re you holding trials I’m not sure yet said Harry thinking privately that Jack would be very lucky to get back on the team I’ll let you know Oh right I was hoping it’d be this weekend But Harry was not listening he had just recognised the thin slanting writing on the parchment Leaving Jack in mid-sentence he hurried away with Ron and Hermione unrolling the parchment as he went Dear Harry I would like to start our private lessons this Saturday Kindly come along to my office at eight p m I hope you are enjoying your first day back at school Yours sincerely Albus P S I enjoy Acid Pops He enjoys Acid Pops said Ron who had read the message over Harry’s shoulder and was looking perplexed It’s the password to get past the gargoyle outside his study said Harry in a low voice Ha Snape’s not going to be pleased I won’t be able to do his detention He Ron and Hermione spent the whole of break speculating on what Albus would teach Harry Ron thought it most likely to be spectacular jinxes and hexes of the type the Death Eaters would not know Hermione said such things were illegal and thought it much more likely that Albus wanted to teach Harry advanced defensive magic After break she went off to Arithmancy while Harry and Ron returned to the common room where they grudgingly started Snape’s homework This turned out to be so complex that they still had not finished when Hermione joined them for their after-lunch free period though she considerably speeded up the process They had only just finished when the bell rang for the afternoon’s double Potions and they beat the familiar path down to the dungeon classroom that had for so long been Snape’s When they arrived in the corridor they saw that there were only a dozen people progressing to N E W T level Vincent and Gregory had evidently failed to achieve the required O W L grade but four Slytherins had made it through including Draco Four Ravenclaws were there and one Helga Ernie whom Harry liked despite his rather pompous manner Harry Ernie said portentously holding out his hand as Harry approached didn’t get a chance to speak in Defence Against the Dark Arts this morning Good lesson I thought but Shield Charms are old hat of course for us old DA lags and how are you Ron Hermione Before they could say more than fine the dungeon door opened and Slughorn’s belly preceded him out of the door As they filed into the room his great walrus moustache curved above his beaming mouth and he greeted Harry and Blaise with particular enthusiasm The dungeon was most unusually already full of vapours and odd smells Harry Ron and Hermione sniffed interestedly as they passed large bubbling cauldrons The four Slytherins took a table together as did the four Ravenclaws This left Harry Ron and Hermione to share a table with Ernie They chose the one nearest a gold-coloured cauldron that was emitting one of the most seductive scents Harry had ever inhaled somehow it reminded him simultaneously of treacle tart the woody smell of a broomstick handle and something flowery he thought he might have smelled at The Burrow He found that he was breathing very slowly and deeply and that the potion’s fumes seemed to be filling him up like drink A great contentment stole over him he grinned across at Ron who grinned lazily back Now then now then now then said Horace whose massive outline was quivering through the many shimmering vapours Scales out everyone and potion kits and don’t forget your copies of Advanced Potion-Making Sir said Harry raising his hand Harry m’boy I haven’t got a book or scales or anything nor’s Ron we didn’t realise we’d be able to do the N E W T you see Ah yes Professor Minerva did mention not to worry my dear boy not to worry at all You can use ingredients from the store cupboard today and I’m sure we can lend you some scales and we’ve got a small stock of old books here they’ll do until you can write to Flourish and Blotts Horace strode over to a corner cupboard and after a moment’s foraging emerged with two very battered-looking copies of Advanced Potion-Making by Libatius Borage which he gave to Harry and Ron along with two sets of tarnished scales Now then said Horace returning to the front of the class and inflating his already bulging chest so that the buttons on his waistcoat threatened to burst off I’ve prepared a few potions for you to have a look at just out of interest you know These are the kind of thing you ought to be able to make after completing your N E W T s You ought to have heard of em even if you haven’t made em yet Anyone tell me what this one is He indicated the cauldron nearest the Salazar table Harry raised himself slightly in his seat and saw what looked like plain water boiling away inside it Hermione’s well-practised hand hit the air before anybody else’s Horace pointed at her It’s Veritaserum a colourless odourless potion that forces the drinker to tell the truth said Hermione Very good very good said Horace happily Now he continued pointing at the cauldron nearest the Rowena table this one here is pretty well-known featured in a few Ministry leaflets lately too who can Hermione’s hand was fastest once more It’s Polyjuice Potion sir she said Harry too had recognised the slow-bubbling mudlike substance in the second cauldron but did not resent Hermione getting the credit for answering the question she after all was the one who had succeeded in making it back in their second year Excellent excellent Now this one here yes my dear said Horace now looking slightly bemused as Hermione’s hand punched the air again It’s Amortentia It is indeed It seems almost foolish to ask said Horace who was looking mightily impressed but I assume you know what it does It’s the most powerful love potion in the world said Hermione Quite right You recognised it I suppose by its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen And the steam rising in characteristic spirals said Hermione enthusiastically and it’s supposed to smell differently to each of us according to what attracts us and I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and But she turned slightly pink and did not complete the sentence May I ask your name my dear said Horace ignoring Hermione’s embarrassment Hermione sir Hermione Hermione Can you possibly be related to Hector Dagworth-Granger who founded the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers No I don’t think so sir I’m Muggle-born you see Harry saw Draco lean close to Nott and whisper something both of them sniggered but Horace showed no dismay on the contrary he beamed and looked from Hermione to Harry who was sitting next to her Oho One of my best friends is Muggle-born and she’s the best in our year I’m assuming this is the very friend of whom you spoke Harry Yes sir said Harry Well well take twenty well-earned points for Godric Miss Hermione said Horace genially Draco looked rather as he had done the time Hermione had punched him in the face Hermione turned to Harry with a radiant expression and whispered Did you really tell him I’m the best in the year Oh Harry Well what’s so impressive about that whispered Ron who for some reason looked annoyed You are the best in the year I’d’ve told him so if he’d asked me Hermione smiled but made a shush’ing gesture so that they could hear what Horace was saying Ron looked slightly disgruntled Amortentia doesn’t really create love of course It is impossible to manufacture or imitate love No this will simply cause a powerful infatuation or obsession It is probably the most dangerous and powerful potion in this room oh yes he said nodding gravely at Draco and Nott both of whom were smirking sceptically When you have seen as much of life as I have you will not underestimate the power of obsessive love And now said Horace it is time for us to start work Sir you haven’t told us what’s in this one said Ernie pointing at a small black cauldron standing on Slughorn’s desk The potion within was splashing about merrily it was the colour of molten gold and large drops were leaping like goldfish above the surface though not a particle had spilled Oho said Horace again Harry was sure that Horace had not forgotten the potion at all but had waited to be asked for dramatic effect Yes That Well that one ladies and gentlemen is a most curious little potion called Felix Felicis I take it he turned smiling to look at Hermione who had let out an audible gasp that you know what Felix Felicis does Miss Hermione It’s liquid luck said Hermione excitedly It makes you lucky The whole class seemed to sit up a little straighter Now all Harry could see of Draco was the back of his sleek blond head because he was at last giving Horace his full and undivided attention Quite right take another ten points for Godric Yes it’s a funny little potion Felix Felicis said Horace Desperately tricky to make and disastrous to get wrong However if brewed correctly as this has been you will find that all your endeavours tend to succeed at least until the effects wear off Why don’t people drink it all the time sir said Terry eagerly Because if taken in excess it causes giddiness recklessness and dangerous overconfidence said Horace Too much of a good thing you know highly toxic in large quantities But taken sparingly and very occasionally Have you ever taken it sir asked Michael with great interest Twice in my life said Horace Once when I was twentyfour once when I was fifty-seven Two tablespoonfuls taken with breakfast Two perfect days He gazed dreamily into the distance Whether he was playacting or not thought Harry the effect was good And that said Horace apparently coming back to earth is what I shall be offering as a prize in this lesson There was a silence in which every bubble and gurgle of the surrounding potions seemed magnified tenfold One tiny bottle of Felix Felicis said Horace taking a minuscule glass bottle with a cork in it out of his pocket and showing it to them all Enough for twelve hours luck From dawn till dusk you will be lucky in everything you attempt Now I must give you warning that Felix Felicis is a banned substance in organised competitions sporting events for instance examinations or elections So the winner is to use it on an ordinary day only and watch how that ordinary day becomes extraordinary So said Horace suddenly brisk how are you to win my fabulous prize Well by turning to page ten of Advanced Potion-Making We have a little over an hour left to us which should be time for you to make a decent attempt at the Draught of Living Death I know it is more complex than anything you have attempted before and I do not expect a perfect potion from anybody The person who does best however will win little Felix here Off you go There was a scraping as everyone drew their cauldrons towards them and some loud clunks as people began adding weights to their scales but nobody spoke The concentration within the room was almost tangible Harry saw Draco riffling feverishly through his copy of Advanced Potion-Making It could not have been clearer that Draco really wanted that lucky day Harry bent swiftly over the tattered book Horace had lent him To his annoyance he saw that the previous owner had scribbled all over the pages so that the margins were as black as the printed portions Bending low to decipher the ingredients even here the previous owner had made annotations and crossed things out Harry hurried off towards the store cupboard to find what he needed As he dashed back to his cauldron he saw Draco cutting up valerian roots as fast as he could Everyone kept glancing around at what the rest of the class was doing this was both an advantage and a disadvantage of Potions that it was hard to keep your work private Within ten minutes the whole place was full of bluish steam Hermione of course seemed to have progressed furthest Her potion already resembled the smooth blackcurrant-coloured liquid mentioned as the ideal halfway stage Having finished chopping his roots Harry bent low over his book again It was really very irritating having to try and decipher the directions under all the stupid scribbles of the previous owner who for some reason had taken issue with the order to cut up the Sopophorous Bean and had written in the alternative instruction Crush with flat side of silver dagger releases juice better than cutting Sir I think you knew my grandfather Abraxas Harry looked up Horace was just passing the Salazar table Yes said Horace without looking at Draco I was sorry to hear he had died although of course it wasn’t unexpected dragon pox at his age And he walked away Harry bent back over his cauldron smirking He could tell that Draco had expected to be treated like Harry or Blaise perhaps even hoped for some preferential treatment of the type he had learned to expect from Severus It looked as though Draco would have to rely on nothing but talent to win the bottle of Felix Felicis The Sopophorous Bean was proving very difficult to cut up Harry turned to Hermione Can I borrow your silver knife She nodded impatiently not taking her eyes off her potion which was still deep purple though according to the book ought to be turning a light shade of lilac by now Harry crushed his bean with the flat side of the dagger To his astonishment it immediately exuded so much juice he was amazed the shrivelled bean could have held it all Hastily scooping it all into the cauldron he saw to his surprise that the potion immediately turned exactly the shade of lilac described by the textbook His annoyance with the previous owner vanishing on the spot Harry now squinted at the next line of instructions According to the book he had to stir counter-clockwise until the potion turned clear as water According to the addition the previous owner had made however he ought to add a clockwise stir after every seventh counter-clockwise stir Could the old owner be right twice Harry stirred counter-clockwise held his breath and stirred once clockwise The effect was immediate The potion turned palest pink How are you doing that demanded Hermione who was red-faced and whose hair was growing bushier and bushier in the fumes from her cauldron her potion was still resolutely purple Add a clockwise stir No no the book says counter-clockwise she snapped Harry shrugged and continued what he was doing Seven stirs counter-clockwise one clockwise pause seven stirs counter-clockwise one stir clockwise Across the table Ron was cursing fluently under his breath his potion looked like liquid liquorice Harry glanced around As far as he could see no one else’s potion had turned as pale as his He felt elated something that had certainly never happened before in this dungeon And time’s up called Horace Stop stirring please Horace moved slowly between the tables peering into cauldrons He made no comment but occasionally gave the potions a stir or a sniff At last he reached the table where Harry Ron Hermione and Ernie were sitting He smiled ruefully at the tarlike substance in Ron’s cauldron He passed over Ernie’s navy concoction Hermione’s potion he gave an approving nod Then he saw Harry’s and a look of incredulous delight spread over his face The clear winner he cried to the dungeon Excellent excellent Harry Good Lord it’s clear you’ve inherited your mother’s talent she was a dab hand at Potions Lily was Here you are then here you are one bottle of Felix Felicis as promised and use it well Harry slipped the tiny bottle of golden liquid into his inner pocket feeling an odd combination of delight at the furious looks on the Slytherins faces and guilt at the disappointed expression on Hermione’s Ron looked simply dumbfounded How did you do that he whispered to Harry as they left the dungeon Got lucky I suppose said Harry because Draco was within earshot Once they were securely ensconced at the Godric table for dinner however he felt safe enough to tell them Hermione’s face became stonier with every word he uttered I s’pose you think I cheated he finished aggravated by her expression Well it wasn’t exactly your own work was it she said stiffly He only followed different instructions to ours said Ron Could’ve been a catastrophe couldn’t it But he took a risk and it paid off He heaved a sigh Horace could’ve handed me that book but no I get the one no one’s ever written in Puked on by the look of page fifty-two but Hang on said a voice close by Harry’s left ear and he caught a sudden waft of that flowery smell he had picked up in Slughorn’s dungeon He looked round and saw that Ginny had joined them Did I hear right You’ve been taking orders from something someone wrote in a book Harry She looked alarmed and angry Harry knew what was on her mind at once It’s nothing he said reassuringly lowering his voice It’s not like you know Riddle’s diary It’s just an old textbook someone’s scribbled in But you’re doing what it says I just tried a few of the tips written in the margins honestly Ginny there’s nothing funny Ginny’s got a point said Hermione perking up at once We ought to check that there’s nothing odd about it I mean all these funny instructions who knows Hey said Harry indignantly as she pulled his copy of Advanced Potion-Making out of his bag and raised her wand Specialis revelio she said rapping it smartly on the front cover Nothing whatsoever happened The book simply lay there looking old and dirty and dog-eared Finished said Harry irritably Or d’you want to wait and see if it does a few back flips It seems all right said Hermione still staring at the book suspiciously I mean it really does seem to be just a textbook Good Then I’ll have it back said Harry snatching it off the table but it slipped from his hand and landed open on the floor Nobody else was looking Harry bent low to retrieve the book and as he did so he saw something scribbled along the bottom of the back cover in the same small cramped handwriting as the instructions that had won him his bottle of Felix Felicis now safely hidden inside a pair of socks in his trunk upstairs This Book is the Property of the Half-Blood Eileen For the rest of the week’s Potions lessons Harry continued to follow the Half-Blood Prince’s instructions wherever they deviated from Libatius Borage’s with the result that by their fourth lesson Horace was raving about Harry’s abilities saying that he had rarely taught anyone so talented Neither Ron nor Hermione was delighted by this Although Harry had offered to share his book with both of them Ron had more difficulty deciphering the handwriting than Harry did and could not keep asking Harry to read aloud or it might look suspicious Hermione meanwhile was resolutely ploughing on with what she called the official instructions but becoming increasingly bad-tempered as they yielded poorer results than the Prince’s Harry wondered vaguely who the Half-Blood Eileen had been Although the amount of homework they had been given prevented him from reading the whole of his copy of Advanced Potion-Making he had skimmed through it sufficiently to see that there was barely a page on which the Eileen had not made additional notes not all of them concerned with potion-making Here and there were directions for what looked like spells that the Eileen had made up himself Or herself said Hermione irritably overhearing Harry pointing some of these out to Ron in the common room on Saturday evening It might have been a girl I think the handwriting looks more like a girl’s than a boy’s The Half-Blood Eileen he was called Harry said How many girls have been princes Hermione seemed to have no answer to this She merely scowled and twitched her essay on The Principles of ReMaterialisation away from Ron who was trying to read it upside-down Harry looked at his watch and hurriedly put the old copy of Advanced Potion-Making back into his bag It’s five to eight I’d better go I’ll be late for Albus Ooooh gasped Hermione looking up at once Good luck We’ll wait up we want to hear what he teaches you Hope it goes OK said Ron and the pair of them watched Harry leave through the portrait hole Harry proceeded through deserted corridors though he had to step hastily behind a statue when Professor Sybill appeared round a corner muttering to herself as she shuffled a pack of dirty-looking playing cards reading them as she walked Two of spades conflict she murmured as she passed the place where Harry crouched hidden Seven of spades an ill omen Ten of spades violence Knave of spades a dark young man possibly troubled one who dislikes the questioner She stopped dead right on the other side of Harry’s statue Well that can’t be right she said annoyed and Harry heard her reshuffling vigorously as she set off again leaving nothing but a whiff of cooking sherry behind her Harry waited until he was quite sure she had gone then hurried off again until he reached the spot in the seventh-floor corridor where a single gargoyle stood against the wall Acid Pops said Harry The gargoyle leapt aside the wall behind it slid apart and a moving spiral stone staircase was revealed on to which Harry stepped so that he was carried in smooth circles up to the door with the brass knocker that led to Dumbledore’s office Harry knocked Come in said Dumbledore’s voice Good evening sir said Harry walking into the Headmaster’s office Ah good evening Harry Sit down said Albus smiling I hope you’ve had an enjoyable first week back at school Yes thanks sir said Harry You must have been busy a detention under your belt already Er began Harry awkwardly but Albus did not look too stern I have arranged with Professor Severus that you will do your detention next Saturday instead Right said Harry who had more pressing matters on his mind than Snape’s detention and now looked around surreptitiously for some indication of what Albus was planning to do with him that evening The circular office looked just as it always did the delicate silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables puffing smoke and whirring portraits of previous headmasters and headmistresses dozed in their frames and Dumbledore’s magnificent phoenix Fawkes stood on his perch behind the door watching Harry with bright interest It did not even look as though Albus had cleared a space for duelling practice So Harry said Albus in a businesslike voice You have been wondering I am sure what I have planned for you during these for want of a better word lessons Yes sir Well I have decided that it is time now that you know what prompted Lord to try and kill you fifteen years ago for you to be given certain information There was a pause You said at the end of last term you were going to tell me everything said Harry It was hard to keep a note of accusation from his voice Sir he added And so I did said Albus placidly I told you everything I know From this point forth we shall be leaving the firm foundation of fact and journeying together through the murky marshes of memory into thickets of wildest guesswork From hereon in Harry I may be as woefully wrong as Humphrey Belcher who believed the time was ripe for a cheese cauldron But you think you’re right said Harry Naturally I do but as I have already proven to you I make mistakes like the next man In fact being forgive me rather cleverer than most men my mistakes tend to be correspondingly huger Sir said Harry tentatively does what you’re going to tell me have anything to do with the prophecy Will it help me survive It has a very great deal to do with the prophecy said Albus as casually as if Harry had asked him about the next day’s weather and I certainly hope that it will help you to survive Albus got to his feet and walked around the desk past Harry who turned eagerly in his seat to watch Albus bending over the cabinet beside the door When Albus straightened up he was holding a familiar shallow stone basin etched with odd markings around its rim He placed the Pensieve on the desk in front of Harry You look worried Harry had indeed been eyeing the Pensieve with some apprehension His previous experiences with the odd device that stored and revealed thoughts and memories though highly instructive had also been uncomfortable The last time he had disturbed its contents he had seen much more than he would have wished But Albus was smiling This time you enter the Pensieve with me and even more unusually with permission Where are we going sir For a trip down Bob Ogden’s memory lane said Albus pulling from his pocket a crystal bottle containing a swirling silvery-white substance Who was Bob He was employed by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement said Albus He died some time ago but not before I had tracked him down and persuaded him to confide these recollections to me We are about to accompany him on a visit he made in the course of his duties If you will stand Harry But Albus was having difficulty pulling out the stopper of the crystal bottle his injured hand seemed stiff and painful Shall shall I sir No matter Harry Albus pointed his wand at the bottle and the cork flew out Sir how did you injure your hand Harry asked again looking at the blackened fingers with a mixture of revulsion and pity Now is not the moment for that story Harry Not yet We have an appointment with Bob Albus tipped the silvery contents of the bottle into the Pensieve where they swirled and shimmered neither liquid nor gas After you said Albus gesturing towards the bowl Harry bent forwards took a deep breath and plunged his face into the silvery substance He felt his feet leave the office floor he was falling falling through whirling darkness and then quite suddenly he was blinking in dazzling sunlight Before his eyes had adjusted Albus landed beside him They were standing in a country lane bordered by high tangled hedgerows beneath a summer sky as bright and blue as a forget-me-not Some ten feet in front of them stood a short plump man wearing enormously thick glasses that reduced his eyes to molelike specks He was reading a wooden signpost that was sticking out of the brambles on the left-hand side of the road Harry knew this must be Bob he was the only person in sight and he was also wearing the strange assortment of clothes so often chosen by inexperienced wizards trying to look like Muggles in this case a frock-coat and spats over a striped one-piece bathing costume Before Harry had time to do more than register his bizarre appearance however Bob had set off at a brisk walk down the lane Albus and Harry followed As they passed the wooden sign Harry looked up at its two arms The one pointing back the way they had come read Great Hangleton 5 miles The arm pointing after Bob said Little Hangleton 1 mile They walked a short way with nothing to see but the hedgerows the wide blue sky overhead and the swishing frock-coated figure ahead then the lane curved to the left and fell away sloping steeply down a hillside so that they had a sudden unexpected view of a whole valley laid out in front of them Harry could see a village undoubtedly Little Hangleton nestled between two steep hills its church and graveyard clearly visible Across the valley set on the opposite hillside was a handsome manor house surrounded by a wide expanse of velvety green lawn Bob had broken into a reluctant trot due to the steep downward slope Albus lengthened his stride and Harry hurried to keep up He thought Little Hangleton must be their final destination and wondered as he had done on the night they had found Horace why they had to approach it from such a distance He soon discovered that he was mistaken in thinking that they were going to the village however The lane curved to the right and when they rounded the corner it was to see the very edge of Ogden’s frock-coat vanishing through a gap in the hedge Albus and Harry followed him on to a narrow dirt track bordered by higher and wilder hedgerows than those they had left behind The path was crooked rocky and potholed sloping downhill like the last one and it seemed to be heading for a patch of dark trees a little below them Sure enough the track soon opened up at the copse and Albus and Harry came to a halt behind Bob who had stopped and drawn his wand Despite the cloudless sky the old trees ahead cast deep dark cool shadows and it was a few seconds before Harry’s eyes discerned the building half-hidden amongst the tangle of trunks It seemed to him a very strange location to choose for a house or else an odd decision to leave the trees growing nearby blocking all light and the view of the valley below He wondered whether it was inhabited its walls were mossy and so many tiles had fallen off the roof that the rafters were visible in places Nettles grew all around it their tips reaching the windows which were tiny and thick with grime Just as he had concluded that nobody could possibly live there however one of the windows was thrown open with a clatter and a thin trickle of steam or smoke issued from it as though somebody was cooking Bob moved forwards quietly and it seemed to Harry rather cautiously As the dark shadows of the trees slid over him he stopped again staring at the front door to which somebody had nailed a dead snake Then there was a rustle and a crack and a man in rags dropped from the nearest tree landing on his feet right in front of Bob who leapt backwards so fast that he stood on the tails of his frock-coat and stumbled You’re not welcome The man standing before them had thick hair so matted with dirt it could have been any colour Several of his teeth were missing His eyes were small and dark and stared in opposite directions He might have looked comical but he did not the effect was frightening and Harry could not blame Bob for backing away several more paces before he spoke Er good morning I’m from the Ministry of Magic You’re not welcome Er I’m sorry I don’t understand you said Bob nervously Harry thought Bob was being extremely dim the stranger was making himself very clear in Harry’s opinion particularly as he was brandishing a wand in one hand and a short and rather bloody knife in the other You understand him I’m sure Harry said Albus quietly Yes of course said Harry slightly nonplussed Why can’t Bob But as his eyes found the dead snake on the door again he suddenly understood He’s speaking Parseltongue Very good said Albus nodding and smiling The man in rags was now advancing on Bob knife in one hand wand in the other Now look Bob began but too late there was a bang and Bob was on the ground clutching his nose while a nasty yellowish goo squirted from between his fingers Morfin said a loud voice An elderly man had come hurrying out of the cottage banging the door behind him so that the dead snake swung pathetically This man was shorter than the first and oddly proportioned his shoulders were very broad and his arms overlong which with his bright brown eyes short scrubby hair and wrinkled face gave him the look of a powerful aged monkey He came to a halt beside the man with the knife who was now cackling with laughter at the sight of Bob on the ground Ministry is it said the older man looking down at Bob Correct said Bob angrily dabbing his face And you I take it are Mr Marvolo S right said Marvolo Got you in the face did he Yes he did snapped Bob Should’ve made your presence known shouldn’t you said Marvolo aggressively This is private property Can’t just walk in here and not expect my son to defend himself Defend himself against what man said Bob clambering back to his feet Busybodies Intruders Muggles and filth Bob pointed his wand at his own nose which was still issuing large amounts of what looked like yellow pus and the flow stopped at once Mr Marvolo spoke out of the corner of his mouth to Morfin Get in the house Don’t argue This time ready for it Harry recognised Parseltongue even while he could understand what was being said he distinguished the weird hissing noise that was all Bob could hear Morfin seemed to be on the point of disagreeing but when his father cast him a threatening look he changed his mind lumbering away to the cottage with an odd rolling gait and slamming the front door behind him so that the snake swung sadly again It’s your son I’m here to see Mr Marvolo said Bob as he mopped the last of the pus from the front of his coat That was Morfin wasn’t it Ar that was Morfin said the old man indifferently Are you pure-blood he asked suddenly aggressive That’s neither here nor there said Bob coldly and Harry felt his respect for Bob rise Apparently Marvolo felt rather differently He squinted into Ogden’s face and muttered in what was clearly supposed to be an offensive tone Now I come to think about it I’ve seen noses like yours down in the village I don’t doubt it if your son’s been let loose on them said Bob Perhaps we could continue this discussion inside Inside Yes Mr Marvolo I’ve already told you I’m here about Morfin We sent an owl I’ve no use for owls said Marvolo I don’t open letters Then you can hardly complain that you get no warning of visitors said Bob tartly I am here following a serious breach of wizarding law which occurred here in the early hours of this morning All right all right all right bellowed Marvolo Come in the bleeding house then and much good it’ll do you The house seemed to contain three tiny rooms Two doors led off the main room which served as kitchen and living room combined Morfin was sitting in a filthy armchair beside the smoking fire twisting a live adder between his thick fingers and crooning softly at it in Parseltongue Hissy hissy little snakey Slither on the floor You be good to Morfin Or he’ll nail you to the door There was a scuffling noise in the corner beside the open window and Harry realised that there was somebody else in the room a girl whose ragged grey dress was the exact colour of the dirty stone wall behind her She was standing beside a steaming pot on a grimy black stove and was fiddling around with the shelf of squalid-looking pots and pans above it Her hair was lank and dull and she had a plain pale rather heavy face Her eyes like her brother’s stared in opposite directions She looked a little cleaner than the two men but Harry thought he had never seen a more defeated-looking person M’daughter Merope said Marvolo grudgingly as Bob looked enquiringly towards her Good morning said Bob She did not answer but with a frightened glance at her father turned her back on the room and continued shifting the pots on the shelf behind her Well Mr Marvolo said Bob to get straight to the point we have reason to believe that your son Morfin performed magic in front of a Muggle late last night There was a deafening clang Merope had dropped one of the pots Pick it up Marvolo bellowed at her That’s it grub on the floor like some filthy Muggle what’s your wand for you useless sack of muck Mr Marvolo please said Bob in a shocked voice as Merope who had already picked up the pot flushed blotchily scarlet lost her grip on the pot again drew her wand shakily from her pocket pointed it at the pot and muttered a hasty inaudible spell that caused the pot to shoot across the floor away from her hit the opposite wall and crack in two Morfin let out a mad cackle of laughter Marvolo screamed Mend it you pointless lump mend it Merope stumbled across the room but before she had time to raise her wand Bob had lifted his own and said firmly Reparo The pot mended itself instantly Marvolo looked for a moment as though he was going to shout at Bob but seemed to think better of it instead he jeered at his daughter Lucky the nice man from the Ministry’s here isn’t it Perhaps he’ll take you off my hands perhaps he doesn’t mind dirty Squibs Without looking at anybody or thanking Bob Merope picked up the pot and returned it hands trembling to its shelf She then stood quite still her back against the wall between the filthy window and the stove as though she wished for nothing more than to sink into the stone and vanish Mr Marvolo Bob began again as I’ve said the reason for my visit I heard you the first time snapped Marvolo And so what Morfin gave a Muggle a bit of what was coming to him what about it then Morfin has broken wizarding law said Bob sternly Morfin has broken wizarding law Marvolo imitated Ogden’s voice making it pompous and singsong Morfin cackled again He taught a filthy Muggle a lesson that’s illegal now is it Yes said Bob I’m afraid it is He pulled from an inside pocket a small scroll of parchment and unrolled it What’s that then his sentence said Marvolo his voice rising angrily It is a summons to the Ministry for a hearing Summons Summons Who do you think you are summoning my son anywhere I’m Head of the Magical Law Enforcement Squad said Bob And you think we’re scum do you screamed Marvolo advancing on Bob now with a dirty yellow-nailed finger pointing at his chest Scum who’ll come running when the Ministry tells em to Do you know who you’re talking to you filthy little Mudblood do you I was under the impression that I was speaking to Mr Marvolo said Bob looking wary but standing his ground That’s right roared Marvolo For a moment Harry thought Marvolo was making an obscene hand gesture but then realised that he was showing Bob the ugly black-stoned ring he was wearing on his middle finger waving it before Ogden’s eyes See this See this Know what it is Know where it came from Centuries it’s been in our family that’s how far back we go and pure-blood all the way Know how much I’ve been offered for this with the Ignotus coat of arms engraved on the stone I’ve really no idea said Bob blinking as the ring sailed within an inch of his nose and it’s quite beside the point Mr Marvolo Your son has committed With a howl of rage Marvolo ran towards his daughter For a split second Harry thought he was going to throttle her as his hand flew to her throat next moment he was dragging her towards Bob by a gold chain around her neck See this he bellowed at Bob shaking a heavy gold locket at him while Merope spluttered and gasped for breath I see it I see it said Bob hastily Slytherin’s yelled Marvolo Salazar Slytherin’s We’re his last living descendants what do you say to that eh Mr Marvolo your daughter said Bob in alarm but Marvolo had already released Merope she staggered away from him back to her corner massaging her neck and gulping for air So said Marvolo triumphantly as though he had just proved a complicated point beyond all possible dispute Don’t you go talking to us as if we’re dirt on your shoes Generations of pure-bloods wizards all more than you can say I don’t doubt And he spat on the floor at Ogden’s feet Morfin cackled again Merope huddled beside the window her head bowed and her face hidden by her lank hair said nothing Mr Marvolo said Bob doggedly I am afraid that neither your ancestors nor mine have anything to do with the matter in hand I am here because of Morfin Morfin and the Muggle he accosted late last night Our information he glanced down at his scroll of parchment is that Morfin performed a jinx or hex on the said Muggle causing him to erupt in highly painful hives Morfin giggled Be quiet boy snarled Marvolo in Parseltongue and Morfin fell silent again And so what if he did then Marvolo said defiantly to Bob I expect you’ve wiped the Muggle’s filthy face clean for him and his memory to boot That’s hardly the point is it Mr Marvolo said Bob This was an unprovoked attack on a defenceless Ar I had you marked out as a Muggle-lover the moment I saw you sneered Marvolo and he spat on the floor again This discussion is getting us nowhere said Bob firmly It is clear from your son’s attitude that he feels no remorse for his actions He glanced down at his scroll of parchment again Morfin will attend a hearing on the fourteenth of September to answer the charges of using magic in front of a Muggle and causing harm and distress to that same Mugg Bob broke off The jingling clopping sounds of horses and loud laughing voices were drifting in through the open window Apparently the winding lane to the village passed very close to the copse where the house stood Marvolo froze listening his eyes wide Morfin hissed and turned his face towards the sounds his expression hungry Merope raised her head Her face Harry saw was starkly white My God what an eyesore rang out a girl’s voice as clearly audible through the open window as if she had stood in the room beside them Couldn’t your father have that hovel cleared away Tom It’s not ours said a young man’s voice Everything on the other side of the valley belongs to us but that cottage belongs to an old tramp called Marvolo and his children The son’s quite mad you should hear some of the stories they tell in the village The girl laughed The jingling clopping noises were growing louder and louder Morfin made to get out of his armchair Keep your seat said his father warningly in Parseltongue Tom said the girl’s voice again now so close they were clearly right beside the house I might be wrong but has somebody nailed a snake to that door Good Lord you’re right said the man’s voice That’ll be the son I told you he’s not right in the head Don’t look at it Cecilia darling The jingling and clopping sounds were now growing fainter again Darling whispered Morfin in Parseltongue looking at his sister Darling he called her So he wouldn’t have you anyway Merope was so white Harry felt sure she was going to faint What’s that said Marvolo sharply also in Parseltongue looking from his son to his daughter What did you say Morfin She likes looking at that Muggle said Morfin a vicious expression on his face as he stared at his sister who now looked terrified Always in the garden when he passes peering through the hedge at him isn’t she And last night Merope shook her head jerkily imploringly but Morfin went on ruthlessly Hanging out of the window waiting for him to ride home wasn’t she Hanging out of the window to look at a Muggle said Marvolo quietly All three of the Gaunts seemed to have forgotten Bob who was looking both bewildered and irritated at this renewed outbreak of incomprehensible hissing and rasping Is it true said Marvolo in a deadly voice advancing a step or two towards the terrified girl My daughter pure-blooded descendant of Salazar hankering after a filthy dirtveined Muggle Merope shook her head frantically pressing herself into the wall apparently unable to speak But I got him Father cackled Morfin I got him as he went by and he didn’t look so pretty with hives all over him did he Merope You disgusting little Squib you filthy little blood traitor roared Marvolo losing control and his hands closed around his daughter’s throat Both Harry and Bob yelled No at the same time Bob raised his wand and cried Relashio Marvolo was thrown backwards away from his daughter he tripped over a chair and fell flat on his back With a roar of rage Morfin leapt out of his chair and ran at Bob brandishing his bloody knife and firing hexes indiscriminately from his wand Bob ran for his life Albus indicated that they ought to follow and Harry obeyed Merope’s screams echoing in his ears Bob hurtled up the path and erupted on to the main lane his arms over his head where he collided with the glossy chestnut horse ridden by a very handsome dark-haired young man Both he and the pretty girl riding beside him on a grey horse roared with laughter at the sight of Bob who bounced off the horse’s flank and set off again his frock-coat flying covered from head to foot in dust running pell-mell up the lane I think that will do Harry said Albus He took Harry by the elbow and tugged Next moment they were both soaring weightlessly through darkness until they landed squarely on their feet back in Dumbledore’s now twilit office What happened to the girl in the cottage said Harry at once as Albus lit extra lamps with a flick of his wand Merope or whatever her name was Oh she survived said Albus reseating himself behind his desk and indicating that Harry should sit down too Bob Apparated back to the Ministry and returned with reinforcements within fifteen minutes Morfin and his father attempted to fight but both were overpowered removed from the cottage and subsequently convicted by the Wizengamot Morfin who already had a record of Muggle attacks was sentenced to three years in Azkaban Marvolo who had injured several Ministry employees in addition to Bob received six months Marvolo Harry repeated wonderingly That’s right said Albus smiling in approval I am glad to see you’re keeping up That old man was Voldemort’s grandfather yes said Albus Marvolo his son Morfin and his daughter Merope were the last of the Gaunts a very ancient wizarding family noted for a vein of instability and violence that flourished through the generations due to their habit of marrying their own cousins Lack of sense coupled with a great liking for grandeur meant that the family gold was squandered several generations before Marvolo was born He as you saw was left in squalor and poverty with a very nasty temper a fantastic amount of arrogance and pride and a couple of family heirlooms that he treasured just as much as his son and rather more than his daughter So Merope said Harry leaning forwards in his chair and staring at Albus so Merope was sir does that mean she was Voldemort’s mother It does said Albus And it so happens that we also had a glimpse of Voldemort’s father I wonder whether you noticed The Muggle Morfin attacked The man on the horse Very good indeed said Albus beaming Yes that was Tom Senior the handsome Muggle who used to go riding past the Marvolo cottage and for whom Merope cherished a secret burning passion And they ended up married Harry said in disbelief unable to imagine two people less likely to fall in love I think you are forgetting said Albus that Merope was a witch I do not believe that her magical powers appeared to their best advantage when she was being terrorised by her father Once Marvolo and Morfin were safely in Azkaban once she was alone and free for the first time in her life then I am sure she was able to give full rein to her abilities and to plot her escape from the desperate life she had led for eighteen years Can you not think of any measure Merope could have taken to make Tom forget his Muggle companion and fall in love with her instead The Imperius Curse Harry suggested Or a love potion Very good Personally I am inclined to think that she used a love potion I am sure it would have seemed more romantic to her and I do not think it would have been very difficult some hot day when Tom was riding alone to persuade him to take a drink of water In any case within a few months of the scene we have just witnessed the village of Little Hangleton enjoyed a tremendous scandal You can imagine the gossip it caused when the squire’s son ran off with the tramp’s daughter Merope But the villagers shock was nothing to Marvolo’s He returned from Azkaban expecting to find his daughter dutifully awaiting his return with a hot meal ready on his table Instead he found a clear inch of dust and her note of farewell explaining what she had done From all that I have been able to discover he never mentioned her name or existence from that time forth The shock of her desertion may have contributed to his early death or perhaps he had simply never learned to feed himself Azkaban had greatly weakened Marvolo and he did not live to see Morfin return to the cottage And Merope She she died didn’t she Wasn’t Lord brought up in an orphanage Yes indeed said Albus We must do a certain amount of guessing here although I do not think it is difficult to deduce what happened You see within a few months of their runaway marriage Tom reappeared at the manor house in Little Hangleton without his wife The rumour flew around the neighbourhood that he was talking of being hoodwinked and taken in What he meant I am sure is that he had been under an enchantment that had now lifted though I daresay he did not dare use those precise words for fear of being thought insane When they heard what he was saying however the villagers guessed that Merope had lied to Tom pretending that she was going to have his baby and that he had married her for this reason But she did have his baby Yes but not until a year after they were married Tom left her while she was still pregnant What went wrong asked Harry Why did the love potion stop working Again this is guesswork said Albus but I believe that Merope who was deeply in love with her husband could not bear to continue enslaving him by magical means I believe that she made the choice to stop giving him the potion Perhaps besotted as she was she had convinced herself that he would by now have fallen in love with her in return Perhaps she thought he would stay for the baby’s sake If so she was wrong on both counts He left her never saw her again and never troubled to discover what became of his son The sky outside was inky black and the lamps in Dumbledore’s office seemed to glow more brightly than before I think that will do for tonight Harry said Albus after a moment or two Yes sir said Harry He got to his feet but did not leave Sir is it important to know all this about Voldemort’s past Very important I think said Albus And it it’s got something to do with the prophecy It has everything to do with the prophecy Right said Harry a little confused but reassured all the same He turned to go then another question occurred to him and he turned back again Sir am I allowed to tell Ron and Hermione everything you’ve told me Albus considered him for a moment then said Yes I think Mr Ron and Miss Hermione have proved themselves trustworthy But Harry I am going to ask you to ask them not to repeat any of this to anybody else It would not be a good idea if word got around how much I know or suspect about Lord Voldemort’s secrets No sir I’ll make sure it’s just Ron and Hermione Goodnight He turned away again and was almost at the door when he saw it Sitting on one of the little spindle-legged tables that supported so many frail-looking silver instruments was an ugly gold ring set with a large cracked black stone Sir said Harry staring at it That ring Yes said Albus You were wearing it when we visited Professor Horace that night So I was Albus agreed But isn’t it sir isn’t it the same ring Marvolo showed Bob Albus bowed his head The very same But how come Have you always had it No I acquired it very recently said Albus A few days before I came to fetch you from your aunt and uncle’s in fact That would be around the time you injured your hand then sir Around that time yes Harry Harry hesitated Albus was smiling Sir how exactly Too late Harry You shall hear the story another time Goodnight Goodnight sir As Hermione had predicted the sixth-years free periods were not the hours of blissful relaxation Ron had anticipated but times in which to attempt to keep up with the vast amount of homework they were being set Not only were they studying as though they had exams every day but the lessons themselves had become more demanding than ever before Harry barely understood half of what Professor Minerva said to them these days even Hermione had had to ask her to repeat instructions once or twice Incredibly and to Hermione’s increasing resentment Harry’s best subject had suddenly become Potions thanks to the Half-Blood Eileen Non-verbal spells were now expected not only in Defence Against the Dark Arts but in Charms and Transfiguration too Harry frequently looked over at his classmates in the common room or at mealtimes to see them purple in the face and straining as though they had overdosed on U-No-Poo but he knew that they were really struggling to make spells work without saying incantations aloud It was a relief to get outside into the greenhouses they were dealing with more dangerous plants than ever in Herbology but at least they were still allowed to swear loudly if the Venomous Tentacula seized them unexpectedly from behind One result of their enormous workload and the frantic hours of practising non-verbal spells was that Harry Ron and Hermione had so far been unable to find time to go and visit Rubeus He had stopped coming to meals at the staff table an ominous sign and on the few occasions when they had passed him in the corridors or out in the grounds he had mysteriously failed to notice them or hear their greetings We’ve got to go and explain said Hermione looking up at Hagrid’s huge empty chair at the staff table the following Saturday at breakfast We’ve got Quidditch tryouts this morning said Ron And we’re supposed to be practising that Aguamenti charm for Filius Anyway explain what How are we going to tell him we hated his stupid subject We didn’t hate it said Hermione Speak for yourself I haven’t forgotten the Skrewts said Ron darkly And I’m telling you now we’ve had a narrow escape You didn’t hear him going on about his gormless brother we’d have been teaching Grawp how to tie his shoelaces if we’d stayed I hate not talking to Rubeus said Hermione looking upset We’ll go down after Quidditch Harry assured her He too was missing Rubeus although like Ron he thought that they were better off without Grawp in their lives But trials might take all morning the number of people who have applied He felt slightly nervous at confronting the first hurdle of his captaincy I dunno why the team’s this popular all of a sudden Oh come on Harry said Hermione suddenly impatient It’s not Quidditch that’s popular it’s you You’ve never been more interesting and frankly you’ve never been more fanciable Ron gagged on a large piece of kipper Hermione spared him one look of disdain before turning back to Harry Everyone knows you’ve been telling the truth now don’t they The whole wizarding world has had to admit that you were right about Lord being back and that you really have fought him twice in the last two years and escaped both times And now they’re calling you the Chosen One well come on can’t you see why people are fascinated by you Harry was finding the Great Hall very hot all of a sudden even though the ceiling still looked cold and rainy And you’ve been through all that persecution from the Ministry when they were trying to make out you were unstable and a liar You can still see the marks where that evil woman made you write with your own blood but you stuck to your story anyway You can still see where those brains got hold of me in the Ministry look said Ron shaking back his sleeves And it doesn’t hurt that you’ve grown about a foot over the summer either Hermione finished ignoring Ron I’m tall said Ron inconsequentially The post owls arrived swooping down through rainflecked windows scattering everyone with droplets of water Most people were receiving more post than usual anxious parents were keen to hear from their children and to reassure them in turn that all was well at home Harry had received no mail since the start of term his only regular correspondent was now dead and although he had hoped that Remus might write occasionally he had so far been disappointed He was very surprised therefore to see the snowy-white Hedwig circling amongst all the brown and grey owls She landed in front of him carrying a large square package A moment later an identical package landed in front of Ron crushing beneath it his minuscule and exhausted owl Pigwidgeon Ha said Harry unwrapping the parcel to reveal a new copy of Advanced Potion-Making fresh from Flourish and Blotts Oh good said Hermione delighted Now you can give that graffitied copy back Are you mad said Harry I’m keeping it Look I’ve thought it out He pulled the old copy of Advanced Potion-Making out of his bag and tapped the cover with his wand muttering Diffindo The cover fell off He did the same thing with the brand new book Hermione looked scandalised He then swapped the covers tapped each and said Reparo There sat the Prince’s copy disguised as a new book and there sat the fresh copy from Flourish and Blotts looking thoroughly second-hand I’ll give Horace back the new one He can’t complain it cost nine Galleons Hermione pressed her lips together looking angry and disapproving but was distracted by a third owl landing in front of her carrying that day’s copy of the Daily Prophet She unfolded it hastily and scanned the front page Anyone we know dead asked Ron in a determinedly casual voice he posed the same question every time Hermione opened her paper No but there have been more Dementor attacks said Hermione And an arrest Excellent who said Harry thinking of Bellatrix Stan said Hermione What said Harry startled Stanley Stan conductor on the popular wizarding conveyance the Knight Bus has been arrested on suspicion of Death Eater activity Mr Stan 21 was taken into custody late last night after a raid on his Clapham home Stan a Death Eater said Harry remembering the spotty youth he had first met three years before No way He might have been put under the Imperius Curse said Ron reasonably You never can tell It doesn’t look like it said Hermione who was still reading It says here he was arrested after he was overheard talking about the Death Eaters secret plans in a pub She looked up with a troubled expression on her face If he was under the Imperius Curse he’d hardly stand around gossiping about their plans would he It sounds like he was trying to make out he knew more than he did said Ron Isn’t he the one who claimed he was going to become Minister for Magic when he was trying to chat up those Veela Yeah that’s him said Harry I dunno what they’re playing at taking Stan seriously They probably want to look as though they’re doing something said Hermione frowning People are terrified you know the Parvati twins parents want them to go home And Eloise Midgeon has already been withdrawn Her father picked her up last night What said Ron goggling at Hermione But Hogwarts is safer than their homes bound to be We’ve got Aurors and all those extra protective spells and we’ve got Albus I don’t think we’ve got him all the time said Hermione very quietly glancing towards the staff table over the top of the Prophet Haven’t you noticed His seat’s been empty as often as Hagrid’s this past week Harry and Ron looked up at the staff table The Headmaster’s chair was indeed empty Now Harry came to think of it he had not seen Albus since their private lesson a week ago I think he’s left the school to do something with the Order said Hermione in a low voice I mean it’s all looking serious isn’t it Harry and Ron did not answer but Harry knew that they were all thinking the same thing There had been a horrible incident the day before when Hannah had been taken out of Herbology to be told her mother had been found dead They had not seen Hannah since When they left the Godric table five minutes later to head down to the Quidditch pitch they passed Lavender and Parvati Remembering what Hermione had said about the Parvati twins parents wanting them to leave Hogwarts Harry was unsurprised to see that the two best friends were whispering together looking distressed What did surprise him was that when Ron drew level with them Parvati suddenly nudged Lavender who looked round and gave Ron a wide smile Ron blinked at her then returned the smile uncertainly His walk instantly became something more like a strut Harry resisted the temptation to laugh remembering that Ron had refrained from doing so after Draco had broken Harry’s nose Hermione however looked cold and distant all the way down to the stadium through the cool misty drizzle and departed to find a place in the stands without wishing Ron good luck As Harry had expected the trials took most of the morning Half of Godric house seemed to have turned up from first-years who were nervously clutching a selection of the dreadful old school brooms to seventh-years who towered over the rest looking coolly intimidating The latter included a large wiry-haired boy Harry recognised immediately from the Hogwarts Express We met on the train in old Sluggy’s compartment he said confidently stepping out of the crowd to shake Harry’s hand Cormac Keeper You didn’t try out last year did you asked Harry taking note of the breadth of Cormac and thinking that he would probably block all three goalhoops without even moving I was in the hospital wing when they held the trials said Cormac with something of a swagger Ate a pound of Doxy eggs for a bet Right said Harry Well if you wait over there He pointed over to the edge of the pitch close to where Hermione was sitting He thought he saw a flicker of annoyance pass over McLaggen’s face and wondered whether Cormac expected preferential treatment because they were both old Sluggy’s favourites Harry decided to start with a basic test asking all applicants for the team to divide into groups of ten and fly once around the pitch This was a good decision the first ten was made up of first-years and it could not have been plainer that they had hardly ever flown before Only one boy managed to remain airborne for more than a few seconds and he was so surprised he promptly crashed into one of the goalposts The second group comprised ten of the silliest girls Harry had ever encountered who when he blew his whistle merely fell about giggling and clutching each other Romilda was amongst them When he told them to leave the pitch they did so quite cheerfully and went to sit in the stands to heckle everyone else The third group had a pile-up halfway around the pitch Most of the fourth group had come without broomsticks The fifth group were Hufflepuffs If there’s anyone else here who’s not from Godric roared Harry who was starting to get seriously annoyed leave now please There was a pause then a couple of little Ravenclaws went sprinting off the pitch snorting with laughter After two hours many complaints and several tantrums one involving a crashed Comet Two Sixty and several broken teeth Harry had found himself three Chasers Katie returned to the team after an excellent trial a new find called Demelza who was particularly good at dodging Bludgers and Ginny who had outflown all the competition and scored seventeen goals to boot Pleased though he was with his choices Harry had also shouted himself hoarse at the many complainers and was now enduring a similar battle with the rejected Beaters That’s my final decision and if you don’t get out of the way for the Keepers I’ll hex you he bellowed Neither of his chosen Beaters had the old brilliance of Fred and George but he was still reasonably pleased with them Jimmy a short but broad-chested third-year who had managed to raise a lump the size of an egg on the back of Harry’s head with a ferociously hit Bludger and Ritchie who looked weedy but aimed well They now joined Katie Demelza and Ginny in the stands to watch the selection of their last team member Harry had deliberately left the trial of the Keepers until last hoping for an emptier stadium and less pressure on all concerned Unfortunately however all the rejected players and a number of people who had come down to watch after a lengthy breakfast had joined the crowd by now so that it was larger than ever As each Keeper flew up to the goalhoops the crowd roared and jeered in equal measure Harry glanced over at Ron who had always had a problem with nerves Harry had hoped that winning their final match last term might have cured it but apparently not Ron was a delicate shade of green None of the first five applicants saved more than two goals apiece To Harry’s great disappointment Cormac saved four penalties out of five On the last one however he shot off in completely the wrong direction the crowd laughed and booed and Cormac returned to the ground grinding his teeth Ron looked ready to pass out as he mounted his Cleansweep Eleven Good luck cried a voice from the stands Harry looked around expecting to see Hermione but it was Lavender He would have quite liked to have hidden his face in his hands as she did a moment later but thought that as the Captain he ought to show slightly more grit and so turned to watch Ron do his trial Yet he need not have worried Ron saved one two three four five penalties in a row Delighted and resisting joining in the cheers of the crowd with difficulty Harry turned to Cormac to tell him that most unfortunately Ron had beaten him only to find McLaggen’s red face inches from his own He stepped back hastily His sister didn’t really try said Cormac menacingly There was a vein pulsing in his temple like the one Harry had often admired in Uncle Vernon’s She gave him an easy save Rubbish said Harry coldly That was the one he nearly missed Cormac took a step nearer Harry who stood his ground this time Give me another go No said Harry You’ve had your go You saved four Ron saved five Ron’s Keeper he won it fair and square Get out of my way He thought for a moment that Cormac might punch him but he contented himself with an ugly grimace and stormed away growling what sounded like threats to thin air Harry turned round to find his new team beaming at him Well done he croaked You flew really well You did brilliantly Ron This time it really was Hermione running towards them from the stands Harry saw Lavender walking off the pitch arm in arm with Parvati a rather grumpy expression on her face Ron looked extremely pleased with himself and even taller than usual as he grinned around at the team and at Hermione After fixing the time of their first full practice for the following Thursday Harry Ron and Hermione bade goodbye to the rest of the team and headed off towards Hagrid’s A watery sun was trying to break through the clouds now and it had stopped drizzling at last Harry felt extremely hungry he hoped there would be something to eat at Hagrid’s I thought I was going to miss that fourth penalty Ron was saying happily Tricky shot from Demelza did you see had a bit of spin on it Yes yes you were magnificent said Hermione looking amused I was better than that Cormac anyway said Ron in a highly satisfied voice Did you see him lumbering off in the wrong direction on his fifth Looked like he’d been Confunded To Harry’s surprise Hermione turned a very deep shade of pink at these words Ron noticed nothing he was too busy describing each of his other penalties in loving detail The great grey Hippogriff Buckbeak was tethered in front of Hagrid’s cabin He clicked his razor-sharp beak at their approach and turned his huge head towards them Oh dear said Hermione nervously He’s still a bit scary isn’t he Come off it you’ve ridden him haven’t you said Ron Harry stepped forwards and bowed low to the Hippogriff without breaking eye contact or blinking After a few seconds Buckbeak sank into a bow too How are you Harry asked him in a low voice moving forwards to stroke the feathery head Missing him But you’re OK here with Rubeus aren’t you Oi said a loud voice Rubeus had come striding round the corner of his cabin wearing a large flowery apron and carrying a sack of potatoes His enormous boarhound Fang was at his heels Fang gave a booming bark and bounded forwards Git away from him He’ll have yer fingers oh It’s yeh lot Fang was jumping up at Hermione and Ron attempting to lick their ears Rubeus stood and looked at them all for a split second then turned and strode into his cabin slamming the door behind him Oh dear said Hermione looking stricken Don’t worry about it said Harry grimly He walked over to the door and knocked loudly Rubeus Open up we want to talk to you There was no sound from within If you don’t open the door we’ll blast it open Harry said pulling out his wand Harry said Hermione sounding shocked You can’t possibly Yeah I can said Harry Stand back But before he could say anything else the door flew open again as Harry had known it would and there stood Rubeus glowering down at him and looking despite the flowery pinny positively alarming I’m a teacher he roared at Harry A teacher Harry How dare yeh threaten ter break down my door I’m sorry sir said Harry emphasising the last word as he stowed his wand inside his robes Rubeus looked stunned Since when have yeh called me sir Since when have you called me Harry Oh very clever growled Rubeus Very amusin That’s me outsmarted innit All righ come in then yeh ungrateful little Mumbling darkly he stood back to let them pass Hermione scurried in after Harry looking rather frightened Well said Rubeus grumpily as Harry Ron and Hermione sat down around his enormous wooden table Fang laying his head immediately upon Harry’s knee and drooling all over his robes What’s this Feelin sorry for me Reckon I’m lonely or summat No said Harry at once We wanted to see you We’ve missed you said Hermione tremulously Missed me have yeh snorted Rubeus Yeah Righ He stomped around brewing up tea in his enormous copper kettle muttering all the while Finally he slammed down three bucket-sized mugs of mahogany-brown tea in front of them and a plate of his rock cakes Harry was hungry enough even for Hagrid’s cooking and took one at once Rubeus said Hermione timidly when he joined them at the table and started peeling his potatoes with a brutality that suggested that each tuber had done him a great personal wrong we really wanted to carry on with Care of Magical Creatures you know Rubeus gave another great snort Harry rather thought some bogies landed on the potatoes and was inwardly thankful that they were not staying for dinner We did said Hermione But none of us could fit it into our timetables Yeah Righ said Rubeus again There was a funny squelching sound and they all looked around Hermione let out a tiny shriek and Ron leapt out of his seat and hurried around the table away from the large barrel standing in the corner that they had only just noticed It was full of what looked like foot-long maggots slimy white and writhing What are they Rubeus asked Harry trying to sound interested rather than revolted but putting down his rock cake all the same Jus giant grubs said Rubeus And they grow into said Ron looking apprehensive They won grow inter nuthin said Rubeus I got em ter feed ter Aragog And without warning he burst into tears Rubeus cried Hermione leaping up hurrying around the table the long way to avoid the barrel of maggots and putting an arm around his shaking shoulders What is it It’s him gulped Rubeus his beetle-black eyes streaming as he mopped his face with his apron It’s Aragog I think he’s dyin he got ill over the summer an he’s not gettin better I don know what I’ll do if he if he we’ve bin tergether so long Hermione patted Hagrid’s shoulder looking at a complete loss for anything to say Harry knew how she felt He had known Rubeus to present a vicious baby dragon with a teddy bear seen him croon over giant scorpions with suckers and stings attempt to reason with his brutal giant of a halfbrother but this was perhaps the most incomprehensible of all his monster fancies the gigantic talking spider Aragog that dwelled deep in the Forbidden Forest and which he and Ron had only narrowly escaped four years previously Is there is there anything we can do Hermione asked ignoring Ron’s frantic grimaces and head-shakings I don think there is Hermione choked Rubeus attempting to stem the flood of his tears See the rest o the tribe Aragog’s family they’re gettin a bit funny now he’s ill bit restive Yeah I think we saw a bit of that side of them said Ron in an undertone I don reckon it’d be safe fer anyone but me ter go near the colony at the mo Rubeus finished blowing his nose hard on his apron and looking up But thanks fer offerin Hermione it means a lot After that the atmosphere lightened considerably for although neither Harry nor Ron had shown any inclination to go and feed giant grubs to a murderous gargantuan spider Rubeus seemed to take it for granted that they would have liked to have done and became his usual self once more Ar I always knew yeh’d find it hard ter squeeze me inter yeh timetables he said gruffly pouring them more tea Even if yeh applied fer Time-Turners We couldn’t have done said Hermione We smashed the entire stock of Ministry Time-Turners when we were there in the summer It was in the Daily Prophet Ar well then said Rubeus There’s no way yeh could’ve done it I’m sorry I’ve bin yeh know I’ve jus bin worried abou Aragog an I did wonder whether if Professor Wilhelmina had bin teachin yeh At which all three of them stated categorically and untruthfully that Professor Wilhelmina who had substituted for Rubeus a few times was a dreadful teacher with the result that by the time Rubeus waved them off the premises at dusk he looked quite cheerful I’m starving said Harry once the door had closed behind them and they were hurrying through the dark and deserted grounds he had abandoned the rock cake after an ominous cracking noise from one of his back teeth And I’ve got that detention with Severus tonight I haven’t got much time for dinner As they came into the castle they spotted Cormac entering the Great Hall It took him two attempts to get through the doors he ricocheted off the frame on the first attempt Ron merely guffawed gloatingly and strode off into the Hall after him but Harry caught Hermione’s arm and held her back What said Hermione defensively If you ask me said Harry quietly Cormac looks like he was Confunded And he was standing right in front of where you were sitting Hermione blushed Oh all right then I did it she whispered But you should have heard the way he was talking about Ron and Ginny Anyway he’s got a nasty temper you saw how he reacted when he didn’t get in you wouldn’t have wanted someone like that on the team No said Harry No I suppose that’s true But wasn’t that dishonest Hermione I mean you’re a prefect aren’t you Oh be quiet she snapped as he smirked What are you two doing demanded Ron reappearing in the doorway to the Great Hall and looking suspicious Nothing said Harry and Hermione together and they hurried after Ron The smell of roast beef made Harry’s stomach ache with hunger but they had barely taken three steps towards the Godric table when Professor Horace appeared in front of them blocking their path Harry Harry just the man I was hoping to see he boomed genially twiddling the ends of his walrus moustache and puffing out his enormous belly I was hoping to catch you before dinner What do you say to a spot of supper tonight in my rooms instead We’re having a little party just a few rising stars I’ve got Cormac coming and Blaise the charming Melinda Bobbin I don’t know whether you know her Her family owns a large chain of apothecaries and of course I hope very much that Miss Hermione will favour me by coming too Horace made Hermione a little bow as he finished speaking It was as though Ron was not present Horace did not so much as look at him I can’t come Professor said Harry at once I’ve got a detention with Professor Severus Oh dear said Horace his face falling comically Dear dear I was counting on you Harry Well now I’ll just have to have a word with Severus and explain the situation I’m sure I’ll be able to persuade him to postpone your detention Yes I’ll see you both later He bustled away out of the Hall He’s got no chance of persuading Severus said Harry the moment Horace was out of earshot This detention’s already been postponed once Severus did it for Albus but he won’t do it for anyone else Oh I wish you could come I don’t want to go on my own said Hermione anxiously Harry knew that she was thinking about Cormac I doubt you’ll be alone Ginny’ll probably be invited snapped Ron who did not seem to have taken kindly to being ignored by Horace After dinner they made their way back to Godric Tower The common room was very crowded as most people had finished dinner by now but they managed to find a free table and sat down Ron who had been in a bad mood ever since the encounter with Horace folded his arms and frowned at the ceiling Hermione reached out for a copy of the Evening Prophet which somebody had left abandoned on a chair Anything new said Harry Not really Hermione had opened the newspaper and was scanning the inside pages Oh look your dad’s in here Ron he’s all right she added quickly for Ron had looked round in alarm It just says he’s been to visit the Malfoys house This second search of the Death Eater’s residence does not seem to have yielded any results Arthur of the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects said that his team had been acting upon a confidential tip-off Yeah mine said Harry I told him at King’s Cross about Draco and that thing he was trying to get Borgin to fix Well if it’s not at their house he must have brought whatever it is to Hogwarts with him But how can he have done Harry said Hermione putting down the newspaper with a surprised look We were all searched when we arrived weren’t we Were you said Harry taken aback I wasn’t Oh no of course you weren’t I forgot you were late well Argus ran over all of us with Secrecy Sensors when we got into the Entrance Hall Any Dark object would have been found I know for a fact Vincent had a shrunken head confiscated So you see Draco can’t have brought in anything dangerous Momentarily stymied Harry watched Ginny playing with Arnold the Pygmy Puff for a while before seeing a way around this objection Someone’s sent it to him by owl then he said His mother or someone All the owls are being checked too said Hermione Argus told us so when he was jabbing those Secrecy Sensors everywhere he could reach Really stumped this time Harry found nothing else to say There did not seem to be any way Draco could have brought a dangerous or Dark object into the school He looked hopefully at Ron who was sitting with his arms folded staring over at Lavender Can you think of any way Draco Oh drop it Harry said Ron Listen it’s not my fault Horace invited Hermione and me to his stupid party neither of us wanted to go you know said Harry firing up Well as I’m not invited to any parties said Ron getting to his feet again I think I’ll go to bed He stomped off towards the door to the boys dormitories leaving Harry and Hermione staring after him Harry said the new Chaser Demelza appearing suddenly at his shoulder I’ve got a message for you From Professor Horace asked Harry sitting up hopefully No from Professor Severus said Demelza Harry’s heart sank He says you’re to come to his office at half past eight tonight to do your detention er no matter how many party invitations you’ve received And he wanted you to know you’ll be sorting out rotten Flobberworms from good ones to use in Potions and and he says there’s no need to bring protective gloves Right said Harry grimly Thanks a lot Demelza Where was Albus and what was he doing Harry caught sight of the Headmaster only twice over the next few weeks He rarely appeared at meals any more and Harry was sure Hermione was right in thinking that he was leaving the school for days at a time Had Albus forgotten the lessons he was supposed to be giving Harry Albus had said that the lessons were leading to something to do with the prophecy Harry had felt bolstered comforted and now he felt slightly abandoned Halfway through October came their first trip of the term to Hogsmeade Harry had wondered whether these trips would still be allowed given the increasingly tight security measures around the school but was pleased to know that they were going ahead it was always good to get out of the castle grounds for a few hours Harry woke early on the morning of the trip which was proving stormy and whiled away the time until breakfast by reading his copy of Advanced Potion-Making He did not usually lie in bed reading his textbooks that sort of behaviour as Ron rightly said was indecent in anybody except Hermione who was simply weird that way Harry felt however that the Half-Blood Prince’s copy of Advanced Potion-Making hardly qualified as a textbook The more Harry pored over the book the more he realised how much was in there not only the handy hints and short cuts on potions that were earning him such a glowing reputation with Horace but also the imaginative little jinxes and hexes scribbled in the margins which Harry was sure judging by the crossings-out and revisions that the Eileen had invented himself Harry had already attempted a few of the Prince’s selfinvented spells There had been a hex that caused toenails to grow alarmingly fast he had tried this on Vincent in the corridor with very entertaining results a jinx that glued the tongue to the roof of the mouth which he had twice used to general applause on an unsuspecting Argus and perhaps most useful of all Muffliato a spell that filled the ears of anyone nearby with an unidentifiable buzzing so that lengthy conversations could be held in class without being overheard The only person who did not find these charms amusing was Hermione who maintained a rigidly disapproving expression throughout and refused to talk at all if Harry had used the Muffliato spell on anyone in the vicinity Sitting up in bed Harry turned the book sideways so as to examine more closely the scribbled instructions for a spell that seemed to have caused the Eileen some trouble There were many crossings-out and alterations but finally crammed into a corner of the page the scribble Levicorpus n-vbl While the wind and sleet pounded relentlessly on the windows and Neville snored loudly Harry stared at the letters in brackets N-vbl that had to mean non-verbal Harry rather doubted he would be able to bring off this particular spell he was still having difficulty with non-verbal spells something Severus had been quick to comment on in every DADA class On the other hand the Eileen had proved a much more effective teacher than Severus so far Pointing his wand at nothing in particular he gave it an upward flick and said Levicorpus inside his head Aaaaaaaargh There was a flash of light and the room was full of voices everyone had woken up as Ron had let out a yell Harry sent Advanced Potion-Making flying in panic Ron was dangling upside-down in midair as though an invisible hook had hoisted him up by the ankle Sorry yelled Harry as Dean and Seamus roared with laughter and Neville picked himself up from the floor having fallen out of bed Hang on I’ll let you down He groped for the potion book and riffled through it in a panic trying to find the right page at last he located it and deciphered one cramped word underneath the spell praying that this was the counter-jinx Harry thought Liberacorpus with all his might There was another flash of light and Ron fell in a heap on to his mattress Sorry repeated Harry weakly while Dean and Seamus continued to roar with laughter Tomorrow said Ron in a muffled voice I’d rather you set the alarm clock By the time they had got dressed padding themselves out with several of Mrs Weasley’s hand-knitted sweaters and carrying cloaks scarves and gloves Ron’s shock had subsided and he had decided that Harry’s new spell was highly amusing so amusing in fact that he lost no time in regaling Hermione with the story as they sat down for breakfast and then there was another flash of light and I landed on the bed again grinned Ron helping himself to sausages Hermione had not cracked a smile during this anecdote and now turned an expression of wintry disapproval upon Harry Was this spell by any chance another one from that potion book of yours she asked Harry frowned at her Always jump to the worst conclusion don’t you Was it Well yeah it was but so what So you just decided to try out an unknown handwritten incantation and see what would happen Why does it matter if it’s handwritten said Harry preferring not to answer the rest of the question Because it’s probably not Ministry of Magic-approved said Hermione And also she added as Harry and Ron rolled their eyes because I’m starting to think this Eileen character was a bit dodgy Both Harry and Ron shouted her down at once It was a laugh said Ron up-ending a ketchup bottle over his sausages Just a laugh Hermione that’s all Dangling people upside-down by the ankle said Hermione Who puts their time and energy into making up spells like that Fred and George said Ron shrugging it’s their kind of thing And er My dad said Harry He had only just remembered What said Ron and Hermione together My dad used this spell said Harry I Remus told me This last part was not true in fact Harry had seen his father use the spell on Severus but he had never told Ron and Hermione about that particular excursion into the Pensieve Now however a wonderful possibility occurred to him Could the Half-Blood Eileen possibly be Maybe your dad did use it Harry said Hermione but he’s not the only one We’ve seen a whole bunch of people use it in case you’ve forgotten Dangling people in the air Making them float along asleep helpless Harry stared at her With a sinking feeling he too remembered the behaviour of the Death Eaters at the Quidditch World Cup Ron came to his aid That was different he said robustly They were abusing it Harry and his dad were just having a laugh You don’t like the Eileen Hermione he added pointing a sausage at her sternly because he’s better than you at Potions It’s got nothing to do with that said Hermione her cheeks reddening I just think it’s very irresponsible to start performing spells when you don’t even know what they’re for and stop talking about the Eileen as if it’s his title I bet it’s just a stupid nickname and it doesn’t seem as though he was a very nice person to me I don’t see where you get that from said Harry heatedly if he’d been a budding Death Eater he wouldn’t have been boasting about being Half-Blood would he Even as he said it Harry remembered that his father had been pure-blood but he pushed the thought out of his mind he would worry about that later The Death Eaters can’t all be pure-blood there aren’t enough pure-blood wizards left said Hermione stubbornly I expect most of them are half-bloods pretending to be pure It’s only Muggle-borns they hate they’d be quite happy to let you and Ron join up There is no way they’d let me be a Death Eater said Ron indignantly a bit of sausage flying off the fork he was now brandishing at Hermione and hitting Ernie on the head My whole family are blood traitors That’s as bad as Muggle-borns to Death Eaters And they’d love to have me said Harry sarcastically We’d be best pals if they didn’t keep trying to do me in This made Ron laugh even Hermione gave a grudging smile and a distraction arrived in the shape of Ginny Hey Harry I’m supposed to give you this It was a scroll of parchment with Harry’s name written upon it in familiar thin slanting writing Thanks Ginny it’s Dumbledore’s next lesson Harry told Ron and Hermione pulling open the parchment and quickly reading its contents Monday evening He felt suddenly light and happy Want to join us in Hogsmeade Ginny he asked I’m going with Dean might see you there she replied waving at them as she left Argus was standing at the oak front doors as usual checking off the names of people who had permission to go into Hogsmeade The process took even longer than normal as Argus was triple-checking everybody with his Secrecy Sensor What does it matter if we’re smuggling Dark stuff OUT demanded Ron eyeing the long thin Secrecy Sensor with apprehension Surely you ought to be checking what we bring back IN His cheek earned him a few extra jabs with the Sensor and he was still wincing as they stepped out into the wind and sleet The walk into Hogsmeade was not enjoyable Harry wrapped his scarf over his lower face the exposed part soon felt both raw and numb The road to the village was full of students bent double against the bitter wind More than once Harry wondered whether they might not have had a better time in the warm common room and when they finally reached Hogsmeade and saw that Zonko’s Joke Shop had been boarded up Harry took it as confirmation that this trip was not destined to be fun Ron pointed with a thickly gloved hand towards Honeydukes which was mercifully open and Harry and Hermione staggered in his wake into the crowded shop Thank God shivered Ron as they were enveloped by warm toffee-scented air Let’s stay here all afternoon Harry m’boy said a booming voice from behind them Oh no muttered Harry The three of them turned to see Professor Horace who was wearing an enormous furry hat and overcoat with matching fur collar clutching a large bag of crystallised pineapple and occupying at least a quarter of the shop Harry that’s three of my little suppers you’ve missed now said Horace poking him genially in the chest It won’t do m’boy I’m determined to have you Miss Hermione loves them don’t you Yes said Hermione helplessly they’re really So why don’t you come along Harry demanded Horace Well I’ve had Quidditch practice Professor said Harry who had indeed been scheduling practices every time Horace had sent him a little violet-ribbon-adorned invitation This strategy meant that Ron was not left out and they usually had a laugh with Ginny imagining Hermione shut up with Cormac and Blaise Well I certainly expect you to win your first match after all this hard work said Horace But a little recreation never hurt anybody Now how about Monday night you can’t possibly want to practise in this weather I can’t Professor I’ve got er an appointment with Professor Albus that evening Unlucky again cried Horace dramatically Ah well you can’t evade me for ever Harry And with a regal wave he waddled out of the shop taking as little notice of Ron as though he had been a display of Cockroach Cluster I can’t believe you’ve wriggled out of another one said Hermione shaking her head They’re not that bad you know they’re even quite fun sometimes But then she caught sight of Ron’s expression Oh look they’ve got Deluxe Sugar Quills those would last hours Glad that Hermione had changed the subject Harry showed much more interest in the new extra-large Sugar Quills than he would normally have done but Ron continued to look moody and merely shrugged when Hermione asked him where he wanted to go next Let’s go to the Three Broomsticks said Harry It’ll be warm They bundled their scarves back over their faces and left the sweet shop The bitter wind was like knives on their faces after the sugary warmth of Honeydukes The street was not very busy nobody was lingering to chat just hurrying towards their destinations The exceptions were two men a little ahead of them standing just outside the Three Broomsticks One was very tall and thin squinting through his rain-washed glasses Harry recognised the barman who worked in the other Hogsmeade pub the Hog’s Head As Harry Ron and Hermione drew closer the barman drew his cloak more tightly around his neck and walked away leaving the shorter man to fumble with something in his arms They were barely feet from him when Harry realised who the man was Mundungus The squat bandy-legged man with long straggly ginger hair jumped and dropped an ancient suitcase which burst open releasing what looked like the entire contents of a junk shop window Oh ello Arry said Mundungus with a most unconvincing stab at airiness Well don’t let me keep ya And he began scrabbling on the ground to retrieve the contents of his suitcase with every appearance of a man eager to be gone Are you selling this stuff asked Harry watching Mundungus grabbing an assortment of grubby-looking objects from the ground Oh well gotta scrape a living said Mundungus Gimme that Ron had stooped down and picked up something silver Hang on Ron said slowly This looks familiar Thank you said Mundungus snatching the goblet out of Ron’s hand and stuffing it back into the case Well I’ll see you all OUCH Harry had pinned Mundungus against the wall of the pub by the throat Holding him fast with one hand he pulled out his wand Harry squealed Hermione You took that from Sirius’s house said Harry who was almost nose-to-nose with Mundungus and was breathing in an unpleasant smell of old tobacco and spirits That had the Sirius family crest on it I no what spluttered Mundungus who was turning slowly purple What did you do go back the night he died and strip the place snarled Harry I no Give it to me Harry you mustn’t shrieked Hermione as Mundungus started to turn blue There was a bang and Harry felt his hands fly off Mundungus’s throat Gasping and spluttering Mundungus seized his fallen case then CRACK he Disapparated Harry swore at the top of his voice spinning on the spot to see where Mundungus had gone COME BACK YOU THIEVING There’s no point Harry Nymphadora had appeared out of nowhere her mousy hair wet with sleet Mundungus will probably be in London by now There’s no point yelling He’s nicked Sirius’s stuff Nicked it Yes but still said Nymphadora who seemed perfectly untroubled by this piece of information you should get out of the cold She watched them through the door of the Three Broomsticks The moment he was inside Harry burst out He was nicking Sirius’s stuff I know Harry but please don’t shout people are staring whispered Hermione Go and sit down I’ll get you a drink Harry was still fuming when Hermione returned to their table a few minutes later holding three bottles of Butterbeer Can’t the Order control Mundungus Harry demanded of the other two in a furious whisper Can’t they at least stop him stealing everything that’s not fixed down when he’s at Headquarters Shh said Hermione desperately looking around to make sure nobody was listening there were a couple of warlocks sitting close by who were staring at Harry with great interest and Blaise was lolling against a pillar not far away Harry I’d be annoyed too I know it’s your things he’s stealing Harry gagged on his Butterbeer he had momentarily forgotten that he owned number twelve Grimmauld Place Yeah it’s my stuff he said No wonder he wasn’t pleased to see me Well I’m going to tell Albus what’s going on he’s the only one who scares Mundungus Good idea whispered Hermione clearly pleased that Harry was calming down Ron what are you staring at Nothing said Ron hastily looking away from the bar but Harry knew he was trying to catch the eye of the curvy and attractive barmaid Rosmerta for whom he had long nursed a soft spot I expect nothing s in the back getting more Firewhisky said Hermione waspishly Ron ignored this jibe sipping his drink in what he evidently considered to be a dignified silence Harry was thinking about Sirius and how he had hated those silver goblets anyway Hermione drummed her fingers on the table her eyes flickering between Ron and the bar The moment Harry drained the last drops in his bottle she said Shall we call it a day and go back to school then The other two nodded it had not been a fun trip and the weather was getting worse the longer they stayed Once again they drew their cloaks tightly around them rearranged their scarves pulled on their gloves then followed Katie and a friend out of the pub and back up the High Street Harry’s thoughts strayed to Ginny as they trudged up the road to Hogwarts through the frozen slush They had not met up with her undoubtedly thought Harry because she and Dean were cosily closeted in Madam Puddifoot’s teashop that haunt of happy couples Scowling he bowed his head against the swirling sleet and trudged on It was a little while before Harry became aware that the voices of Katie and her friend which were being carried back to him on the wind had become shriller and louder Harry squinted at their indistinct figures The two girls were having an argument about something Katie was holding in her hand It’s nothing to do with you Leanne Harry heard Katie say They rounded a corner in the lane sleet coming thick and fast blurring Harry’s glasses Just as he raised a gloved hand to wipe them Leanne made to grab hold of the package Katie was holding Katie tugged it back and the package fell to the ground At once Katie rose into the air not as Ron had done suspended comically by the ankle but gracefully her arms outstretched as though she were about to fly Yet there was something wrong something eerie her hair was whipped around her by the fierce wind but her eyes were closed and her face was quite empty of expression Harry Ron Hermione and Leanne had all halted in their tracks watching Then six feet above the ground Katie let out a terrible scream Her eyes flew open but whatever she could see or whatever she was feeling was clearly causing her terrible anguish She screamed and screamed Leanne started to scream too and seized Katie’s ankles trying to tug her back to the ground Harry Ron and Hermione rushed forwards to help but even as they grabbed Katie’s legs she fell on top of them Harry and Ron managed to catch her but she was writhing so much they could hardly hold her Instead they lowered her to the ground where she thrashed and screamed apparently unable to recognise any of them Harry looked around the landscape seemed deserted Stay there he shouted at the others over the howling wind I’m going for help He began to sprint towards the school he had never seen anyone behave as Katie had just done and could not think what had caused it he hurtled round a bend in the lane and collided with what seemed to be an enormous bear on its hind legs Rubeus he panted disentangling himself from the hedgerow into which he had fallen Harry said Rubeus who had sleet trapped in his eyebrows and beard and was wearing his great shaggy beaverskin coat Jus bin visitin Grawp he’s comin on so well yeh wouldn Rubeus someone’s hurt back there or cursed or something Wha said Rubeus bending lower to hear what Harry was saying over the raging wind Someone’s been cursed bellowed Harry Cursed Who’s bin cursed not Ron Hermione No it’s not them it’s Katie this way Together they ran back along the lane It took them no time to find the little group of people around Katie who was still writhing and screaming on the ground Ron Hermione and Leanne were all trying to quieten her Get back shouted Rubeus Lemme see her Something’s happened to her sobbed Leanne I don’t know what Rubeus stared at Katie for a second then without a word bent down scooped her into his arms and ran off towards the castle with her Within seconds Katie’s piercing screams had died away and the only sound was the roar of the wind Hermione hurried over to Katie’s wailing friend and put an arm around her It’s Leanne isn’t it The girl nodded Did it just happen all of a sudden or It was when that package tore sobbed Leanne pointing at the now sodden brown-paper package on the ground which had split open to reveal a greenish glitter Ron bent down his hand outstretched but Harry seized his arm and pulled him back Don’t touch it He crouched down An ornate opal necklace was visible poking out of the paper I’ve seen that before said Harry staring at the thing It was on display in Borgin and Burkes ages ago The label said it was cursed Katie must have touched it He looked up at Leanne who had started to shake uncontrollably How did Katie get hold of this Well that’s why we were arguing She came back from the bathroom in the Three Broomsticks holding it said it was a surprise for somebody at Hogwarts and she had to deliver it She looked all funny when she said it oh no oh no I bet she’d been Imperiused and I didn’t realise Leanne shook with renewed sobs Hermione patted her shoulder gently She didn’t say who’d given it to her Leanne No she wouldn’t tell me and I said she was being stupid and not to take it up to school but she just wouldn’t listen and and then I tried to grab it from her and and Leanne let out a wail of despair We’d better get up to school said Hermione her arm still around Leanne we’ll be able to find out how she is Come on Harry hesitated for a moment then pulled his scarf from around his face and ignoring Ron’s gasp carefully covered the necklace in it and picked it up We’ll need to show this to Madam Poppy he said As they followed Hermione and Leanne up the road Harry was thinking furiously They had just entered the grounds when he spoke unable to keep his thoughts to himself any longer Draco knows about this necklace It was in a case at Borgin and Burkes four years ago I saw him having a good look at it while I was hiding from him and his dad This is what he was buying that day when we followed him He remembered it and he went back for it I I dunno Harry said Ron hesitantly Loads of people go to Borgin and Burkes and didn’t that girl say Katie got it in the girls bathroom She said she came back from the bathroom with it she didn’t necessarily get it in the bathroom itself Minerva said Ron warningly Harry looked up Sure enough Professor Minerva was hurrying down the stone steps through swirling sleet to meet them Rubeus says you four saw what happened to Katie upstairs to my office at once please What’s that you’re holding Harry It’s the thing she touched said Harry Good Lord said Professor Minerva looking alarmed as she took the necklace from Harry No no Argus they’re with me she added hastily as Argus came shuffling eagerly across the Entrance Hall holding his Secrecy Sensor aloft Take this necklace to Professor Severus at once but be sure not to touch it keep it wrapped in the scarf Harry and the others followed Professor Minerva upstairs and into her office The sleet-spattered windows were rattling in their frames and the room was chilly despite the fire crackling in the grate Professor Minerva closed the door and swept round her desk to face Harry Ron Hermione and the still-sobbing Leanne Well she said sharply What happened Haltingly and with many pauses while she attempted to control her crying Leanne told Professor Minerva how Katie had gone to the bathroom in the Three Broomsticks and returned holding the unmarked package how Katie had seemed a little odd and how they had argued about the advisability of agreeing to deliver unknown objects the argument culminating in the tussle over the parcel which tore open At this point Leanne was so overcome there was no getting another word out of her All right said Professor Minerva not unkindly go up to the hospital wing please Leanne and get Madam Poppy to give you something for shock When she had left the room Professor Minerva turned back to Harry Ron and Hermione What happened when Katie touched the necklace She rose up in the air said Harry before either Ron or Hermione could speak And then began to scream and collapsed Professor can I see Professor Albus please The Headmaster is away until Monday Harry said Professor Minerva looking surprised Away Harry repeated angrily Yes Harry away said Professor Minerva tartly But anything you have to say about this horrible business can be said to me I’m sure For a split second Harry hesitated Professor Minerva did not invite confidences Albus though in many ways more intimidating still seemed less likely to scorn a theory however wild This was a life and death matter though and no moment to worry about being laughed at I think Draco gave Katie that necklace Professor On one side of him Ron rubbed his nose in apparent embarrassment on the other Hermione shuffled her feet as though quite keen to put a bit of distance between herself and Harry That is a very serious accusation Harry said Professor Minerva after a shocked pause Do you have any proof No said Harry but and he told her about following Draco to Borgin and Burkes and the conversation they had overheard between him and Borgin When he had finished speaking Professor Minerva looked slightly confused Draco took something to Borgin and Burkes for repair No Professor he just wanted Borgin to tell him how to mend something he didn’t have it with him But that’s not the point the thing is that he bought something at the same time and I think it was that necklace You saw Draco leaving the shop with a similar package No Professor he told Borgin to keep it in the shop for him But Harry Hermione interrupted Borgin asked him if he wanted to take it with him and Draco said no Because he didn’t want to touch it obviously said Harry angrily What he actually said was How would I look carrying that down the street said Hermione Well he would look a bit of a prat carrying a necklace interjected Ron Oh Ron said Hermione despairingly it would be all wrapped up so he wouldn’t have to touch it and quite easy to hide inside a cloak so nobody would see it I think whatever he reserved at Borgin and Burkes was noisy or bulky something he knew would draw attention to him if he carried it down the street and in any case she pressed on loudly before Harry could interrupt I asked Borgin about the necklace don’t you remember When I went in to try and find out what Draco had asked him to keep I saw it there And Borgin just told me the price he didn’t say it was already sold or anything Well you were being really obvious he realised what you were up to within about five seconds of course he wasn’t going to tell you anyway Draco could’ve sent off for it since That’s enough said Professor Minerva as Hermione opened her mouth to retort looking furious Harry I appreciate you telling me this but we cannot point the finger of blame at Mr Draco purely because he visited the shop where this necklace might have been purchased The same is probably true of hundreds of people that’s what I said muttered Ron and in any case we have put stringent security measures in place this year I do not believe that necklace can possibly have entered this school without our knowledge but and what is more said Professor Minerva with an air of awful finality Mr Draco was not in Hogsmeade today Harry gaped at her deflating How do you know Professor Because he was doing detention with me He has now failed to complete his Transfiguration homework twice in a row So thank you for telling me your suspicions Harry she said as she marched past them but I need to go up to the hospital wing now to check on Katie Good day to you all She held open her office door They had no choice but to file past her without another word Harry was angry with the other two for siding with Minerva nevertheless he felt compelled to join in once they started discussing what had happened So who do you reckon Katie was supposed to give the necklace to asked Ron as they climbed the stairs to the common room Goodness only knows said Hermione But whoever it was has had a narrow escape No one could have opened that package without touching the necklace It could’ve been meant for loads of people said Harry Albus the Death Eaters would love to get rid of him he must be one of their top targets Or Horace Albus reckons Lord really wanted him and they can’t be pleased that he’s sided with Albus Or Or you said Hermione looking troubled Couldn’t have been said Harry or Katie would’ve just turned round in the lane and given it to me wouldn’t she I was behind her all the way out of the Three Broomsticks It would have made much more sense to deliver the parcel outside Hogwarts what with Argus searching everyone who goes in and out I wonder why Draco told her to take it into the castle Harry Draco wasn’t in Hogsmeade said Hermione actually stamping her foot in frustration He must have used an accomplice then said Harry Vincent or Gregory or come to think of it another Death Eater he’ll have loads better cronies than Vincent and Gregory now he’s joined up Ron and Hermione exchanged looks that plainly said there’s no point arguing with him Dilligrout said Hermione firmly as they reached the Fat The portrait swung open to admit them to the common room It was quite full and smelled of damp clothing many people seemed to have returned from Hogsmeade early because of the bad weather There was no buzz of fear or speculation however clearly the news of Katie’s fate had not yet spread It wasn’t a very slick attack really when you stop and think about it said Ron casually turfing a first-year out of one of the good armchairs by the fire so that he could sit down The curse didn’t even make it into the castle Not what you’d call foolproof You’re right said Hermione prodding Ron out of the chair with her foot and offering it to the first-year again It wasn’t very well-thought-out at all But since when has Draco been one of the world’s great thinkers asked Harry Neither Ron nor Hermione answered him Katie was removed to St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries the following day by which time the news that she had been cursed had spread all over the school though the details were confused and nobody other than Harry Ron Hermione and Leanne seemed to know that Katie herself had not been the intended target Oh and Draco knows of course said Harry to Ron and Hermione who continued their new policy of feigning deafness whenever Harry mentioned his Malfoy-is-a-Death-Eater theory Harry had wondered whether Albus would return from wherever he had been in time for Monday night’s lesson but having had no word to the contrary he presented himself outside Dumbledore’s office at eight o’clock knocked and was told to enter There sat Albus looking unusually tired his hand was as black and burned as ever but he smiled when he gestured to Harry to sit down The Pensieve was sitting on the desk again casting silvery specks of light over the ceiling You have had a busy time while I have been away Albus said I believe you witnessed Katie’s accident Yes sir How is she Still very unwell although she was relatively lucky She appears to have brushed the necklace with the smallest possible amount of skin there was a tiny hole in her glove Had she put it on had she even held it in her ungloved hand she would have died perhaps instantly Luckily Professor Severus was able to do enough to prevent a rapid spread of the curse Why him asked Harry quickly Why not Madam Poppy Impertinent said a soft voice from one of the portraits on the wall and Phineas Sirius’s great-greatgrandfather raised his head from his arms where he had appeared to be sleeping I would not have permitted a student to question the way Hogwarts operated in my day Yes thank you Phineas said Albus quellingly Professor Severus knows much more about the Dark Arts than Madam Poppy Harry Anyway the St Mungo’s staff are sending me hourly reports and I am hopeful that Katie will make a full recovery in time Where were you this weekend sir Harry asked disregarding a strong feeling that he might be pushing his luck a feeling apparently shared by Phineas Nigellus who hissed softly I would rather not say just now said Albus However I shall tell you in due course You will said Harry startled Yes I expect so said Albus withdrawing a fresh bottle of silver memories from inside his robes and uncorking it with a prod of his wand Sir said Harry tentatively I met Mundungus in Hogsmeade Ah yes I am already aware that Mundungus has been treating your inheritance with light-fingered contempt said Albus frowning a little He has gone to ground since you accosted him outside the Three Broomsticks I rather think he dreads facing me However rest assured that he will not be making away with any more of Sirius’s old possessions That mangy old half-blood has been stealing Sirius heirlooms said Phineas Nigellus incensed and he stalked out of his frame undoubtedly to visit his portrait in number twelve Grimmauld Place Professor said Harry after a short pause did Professor Minerva tell you what I told her after Katie got hurt About Draco She told me of your suspicions yes said Albus And do you I shall take all appropriate measures to investigate anyone who might have had a hand in Katie’s accident said Albus But what concerns me now Harry is our lesson Harry felt slightly resentful at this if their lessons were so very important why had there been such a long gap between the first and second However he said no more about Draco but watched as Albus poured the fresh memories into the Pensieve and began swirling the stone basin once more between his long-fingered hands You will remember I am sure that we left the tale of Lord Voldemort’s beginnings at the point where the handsome Muggle Tom had abandoned his witch wife Merope and returned to his family home in Little Hangleton Merope was left alone in London expecting the baby who would one day become Lord How do you know she was in London sir Because of the evidence of one Caractacus said Albus who by an odd coincidence helped found the very shop whence came the necklace we have just been discussing He swilled the contents of the Pensieve as Harry had seen him swill them before much as a gold prospector sifts for gold Up out of the swirling silvery mass rose a little old man revolving slowly in the Pensieve silver as a ghost but much more solid with a thatch of hair that completely covered his eyes Yes we acquired it in curious circumstances It was brought in by a young witch just before Christmas oh many years ago now She said she needed the gold badly well that much was obvious Covered in rags and pretty far along going to have a baby see She said the locket had been Slytherin’s Well we hear that sort of story all the time Oh this was Merlin’s this was his favourite teapot but when I looked at it it had his mark all right and a few simple spells were enough to tell me the truth Of course that made it near enough priceless She didn’t seem to have any idea how much it was worth Happy to get ten Galleons for it Best bargain we ever made Albus gave the Pensieve an extra-vigorous shake and Caractacus descended back into the swirling mass of memory whence he had come He only gave her ten Galleons said Harry indignantly Caractacus was not famed for his generosity said Albus So we know that near the end of her pregnancy Merope was alone in London and in desperate need of gold desperate enough to sell her one and only valuable possession the locket that was one of Marvolo’s treasured family heirlooms But she could do magic said Harry impatiently She could have got food and everything for herself by magic couldn’t she Ah said Albus perhaps she could But it is my belief I am guessing again but I am sure I am right that when her husband abandoned her Merope stopped using magic I do not think that she wanted to be a witch any longer Of course it is also possible that her unrequited love and the attendant despair sapped her of her powers that can happen In any case as you are about to see Merope refused to raise her wand even to save her own life She wouldn’t even stay alive for her son Albus raised his eyebrows Could you possibly be feeling sorry for Lord No said Harry quickly but she had a choice didn’t she not like my mother Your mother had a choice too said Albus gently Yes Merope Tom chose death in spite of a son who needed her but do not judge her too harshly Harry She was greatly weakened by long suffering and she never had your mother’s courage And now if you will stand Where are we going Harry asked as Albus joined him at the front of the desk This time said Albus we are going to enter my memory I think you will find it both rich in detail and satisfyingly accurate After you Harry Harry bent over the Pensieve his face broke the cool surface of the memory and then he was falling through darkness again Seconds later his feet hit firm ground he opened his eyes and found that he and Albus were standing in a bustling old-fashioned London street There I am said Albus brightly pointing ahead of them to a tall figure crossing the road in front of a horsedrawn milk cart This younger Albus Dumbledore’s long hair and beard were auburn Having reached their side of the street he strode off along the pavement drawing many curious glances due to the flamboyantly cut suit of plum velvet that he was wearing Nice suit sir said Harry before he could stop himself but Albus merely chuckled as they followed his younger self a short distance finally passing through a set of iron gates into a bare courtyard that fronted a rather grim square building surrounded by high railings He mounted the few steps leading to the front door and knocked once After a moment or two the door was opened by a scruffy girl wearing an apron Good afternoon I have an appointment with a Mrs Cole who I believe is the matron here Oh said the bewildered-looking girl taking in Dumbledore’s eccentric appearance Um just a mo MRS COLE she bellowed over her shoulder Harry heard a distant voice shouting something in response The girl turned back to Albus Come in she’s on er way Albus stepped into a hallway tiled in black and white the whole place was shabby but spotlessly clean Harry and the older Albus followed Before the front door had closed behind them a skinny harassed-looking woman came scurrying towards them She had a sharp-featured face that appeared more anxious than unkind and she was talking over her shoulder to another aproned helper as she walked towards Albus and take the iodine upstairs to Martha Billy Stubbs has been picking his scabs and Eric Whalley’s oozing all over his sheets chicken pox on top of everything else she said to nobody in particular and then her eyes fell upon Albus and she stopped dead in her tracks looking as astonished as if a giraffe had just crossed her threshold Good afternoon said Albus holding out his hand Mrs Cole simply gaped My name is Albus I sent you a letter requesting an appointment and you very kindly invited me here today Mrs Cole blinked Apparently deciding that Albus was not a hallucination she said feebly Oh yes Well well then you’d better come into my room Yes She led Albus into a small room that seemed part sitting room part office It was as shabby as the hallway and the furniture was old and mismatched She invited Albus to sit on a rickety chair and seated herself behind a cluttered desk eyeing him nervously I am here as I told you in my letter to discuss Tom and arrangements for his future said Albus Are you family asked Mrs Cole No I am a teacher said Albus I have come to offer Tom a place at my school What school’s this then It is called Hogwarts said Albus And how come you’re interested in Tom We believe he has qualities we are looking for You mean he’s won a scholarship How can he have done He’s never been entered for one Well his name has been down for our school since birth Who registered him His parents There was no doubt that Mrs Cole was an inconveniently sharp woman Apparently Albus thought so too for Harry now saw him slip his wand out of the pocket of his velvet suit at the same time picking up a piece of perfectly blank paper from Mrs Cole’s desktop Here said Albus waving his wand once as he passed her the piece of paper I think this will make everything clear Mrs Cole’s eyes slid out of focus and back again as she gazed intently at the blank paper for a moment That seems perfectly in order she said placidly handing it back Then her eyes fell upon a bottle of gin and two glasses that had certainly not been present a few seconds before Er may I offer you a glass of gin she said in an extrarefined voice Thank you very much said Albus beaming It soon became clear that Mrs Cole was no novice when it came to gin-drinking Pouring both of them a generous measure she drained her own glass in one Smacking her lips frankly she smiled at Albus for the first time and he didn’t hesitate to press his advantage I was wondering whether you could tell me anything of Tom Riddle’s history I think he was born here in the orphanage That’s right said Mrs Cole helping herself to more gin I remember it clear as anything because I’d just started here myself New Year’s Eve and bitter cold snowing you know Nasty night And this girl not much older than I was myself at the time came staggering up the front steps Well she wasn’t the first We took her in and she had the baby within the hour And she was dead in another hour Mrs Cole nodded impressively and took another generous gulp of gin Did she say anything before she died asked Albus Anything about the boy’s father for instance Now as it happens she did said Mrs Cole who seemed to be rather enjoying herself now with the gin in her hand and an eager audience for her story I remember she said to me I hope he looks like his papa and I won’t lie she was right to hope it because she was no beauty and then she told me he was to be named Tom for his father and Marvolo for her father yes I know funny name isn’t it We wondered whether she came from a circus and she said the boy’s surname was to be Tom And she died soon after that without another word Well we named him just as she’d said it seemed so important to the poor girl but no Tom nor Marvolo nor any kind of Tom ever came looking for him nor any family at all so he stayed in the orphanage and he’s been here ever since Mrs Cole helped herself almost absent-mindedly to another healthy measure of gin Two pink spots had appeared high on her cheek-bones Then she said He’s a funny boy Yes said Albus I thought he might be He was a funny baby too He hardly ever cried you know And then when he got a little older he was odd Odd in what way asked Albus gently Well he But Mrs Cole pulled up short and there was nothing blurry or vague about the inquisitorial glance she shot Albus over her gin glass He’s definitely got a place at your school you say Definitely said Albus And nothing I say can change that Nothing said Albus You’ll be taking him away whatever Whatever repeated Albus gravely She squinted at him as though deciding whether or not to trust him Apparently she decided she could because she said in a sudden rush He scares the other children You mean he is a bully asked Albus I think he must be said Mrs Cole frowning slightly but it’s very hard to catch him at it There have been incidents nasty things Albus did not press her though Harry could tell that he was interested She took yet another gulp of gin and her rosy cheeks grew rosier still Billy Stubbs’s rabbit well Tom said he didn’t do it and I don’t see how he could have done but even so it didn’t hang itself from the rafters did it I shouldn’t think so no said Albus quietly But I’m jiggered if I know how he got up there to do it All I know is he and Billy had argued the day before And then Mrs Cole took another swig of gin slopping a little over her chin this time on the summer outing we take them out you know once a year to the countryside or to the seaside well Amy Benson and Dennis Bishop were never quite right afterwards and all we ever got out of them was that they’d gone into a cave with Tom He swore they’d just gone exploring but something happened in there I’m sure of it And well there have been a lot of things funny things She looked at Albus again and though her cheeks were flushed her gaze was steady I don’t think many people will be sorry to see the back of him You understand I’m sure that we will not be keeping him permanently said Albus He will have to return here at the very least every summer Oh well that’s better than a whack on the nose with a rusty poker said Mrs Cole with a slight hiccough She got to her feet and Harry was impressed to see that she was quite steady even though two-thirds of the gin was now gone I suppose you’d like to see him Very much said Albus rising too She led him out of her office and up the stone stairs calling out instructions and admonitions to helpers and children as she passed The orphans Harry saw were all wearing the same kind of greyish tunic They looked reasonably wellcared-for but there was no denying that this was a grim place in which to grow up Here we are said Mrs Cole as they turned off the second landing and stopped outside the first door in a long corridor She knocked twice and entered Tom You’ve got a visitor This is Mr Dumberton sorry Dunderbore He’s come to tell you well I’ll let him do it Harry and the two Dumbledores entered the room and Mrs Cole closed the door on them It was a small bare room with nothing in it except an old wardrobe a wooden chair and an iron bedstead A boy was sitting on top of the grey blankets his legs stretched out in front of him holding a book There was no trace of the Gaunts in Tom Riddle’s face Merope had got her dying wish he was his handsome father in miniature tall for eleven years old dark-haired and pale His eyes narrowed slightly as he took in Dumbledore’s eccentric appearance There was a moment’s silence How do you do Tom said Albus walking forwards and holding out his hand The boy hesitated then took it and they shook hands Albus drew up the hard wooden chair beside Tom so that the pair of them looked rather like a hospital patient and visitor I am Professor Albus Professor repeated Tom He looked wary Is that like doctor What are you here for Did she get you in to have a look at me He was pointing at the door through which Mrs Cole had just left No no said Albus smiling I don’t believe you said Tom She wants me looked at doesn’t she Tell the truth He spoke the last three words with a ringing force that was almost shocking It was a command and it sounded as though he had given it many times before His eyes had widened and he was glaring at Albus who made no response except to continue smiling pleasantly After a few seconds Tom stopped glaring though he looked if anything warier still Who are you I have told you My name is Professor Albus and I work at a school called Hogwarts I have come to offer you a place at my school your new school if you would like to come Riddle’s reaction to this was most surprising He leapt from the bed and backed away from Albus looking furious You can’t kid me The asylum that’s where you’re from isn’t it Professor yes of course well I’m not going see That old cat’s the one who should be in the asylum I never did anything to little Amy Benson or Dennis Bishop and you can ask them they’ll tell you I am not from the asylum said Albus patiently I am a teacher and if you will sit down calmly I shall tell you about Hogwarts Of course if you would rather not come to the school nobody will force you I’d like to see them try sneered Tom Hogwarts Albus went on as though he had not heard Riddle’s last words is a school for people with special abilities I’m not mad I know that you are not mad Hogwarts is not a school for mad people It is a school of magic There was silence Tom had frozen his face expressionless but his eyes were flickering back and forth between each of Dumbledore’s as though trying to catch one of them lying Magic he repeated in a whisper That’s right said Albus It’s it’s magic what I can do What is it that you can do All sorts breathed Tom A flush of excitement was rising up his neck into his hollow cheeks he looked fevered I can make things move without touching them I can make animals do what I want them to do without training them I can make bad things happen to people who annoy me I can make them hurt if I want to His legs were trembling He stumbled forwards and sat down on the bed again staring at his hands his head bowed as though in prayer I knew I was different he whispered to his own quivering fingers I knew I was special Always I knew there was something Well you were quite right said Albus who was no longer smiling but watching Tom intently You are a wizard Tom lifted his head His face was transfigured there was a wild happiness upon it yet for some reason it did not make him better-looking on the contrary his finely carved features seemed somehow rougher his expression almost bestial Are you a wizard too Yes I am Prove it said Tom at once in the same commanding tone he had used when he had said tell the truth Albus raised his eyebrows If as I take it you are accepting your place at Hogwarts Of course I am Then you will address me as Professor or sir Riddle’s expression hardened for the most fleeting moment before he said in an unrecognisably polite voice I’m sorry sir I meant please Professor could you show me Harry was sure that Albus was going to refuse that he would tell Tom there would be plenty of time for practical demonstrations at Hogwarts that they were currently in a building full of Muggles and must therefore be cautious To his great surprise however Albus drew his wand from an inside pocket of his suit jacket pointed it at the shabby wardrobe in the corner and gave the wand a casual flick The wardrobe burst into flames Tom jumped to his feet Harry could hardly blame him for howling in shock and rage all his worldly possessions must have been in there but even as Tom rounded on Albus the flames vanished leaving the wardrobe completely undamaged Tom stared from the wardrobe to Albus then his expression greedy he pointed at the wand Where can I get one of them All in good time said Albus I think there is something trying to get out of your wardrobe And sure enough a faint rattling could be heard from inside it For the first time Tom looked frightened Open the door said Albus Tom hesitated then crossed the room and threw open the wardrobe door On the topmost shelf above a rail of threadbare clothes a small cardboard box was shaking and rattling as though there were several frantic mice trapped inside it Take it out said Albus Tom took down the quaking box He looked unnerved Is there anything in that box that you ought not to have asked Albus Tom threw Albus a long clear calculating look Yes I suppose so sir he said finally in an expressionless voice Open it said Albus Tom took off the lid and tipped the contents on to his bed without looking at them Harry who had expected something much more exciting saw a mess of small everyday objects a yo-yo a silver thimble and a tarnished mouth-organ among them Once free of the box they stopped quivering and lay quite still upon the thin blankets You will return them to their owners with your apologies said Albus calmly putting his wand back into his jacket I shall know whether it has been done And be warned thieving is not tolerated at Hogwarts Tom did not look remotely abashed he was still staring coldly and appraisingly at Albus At last he said in a colourless voice Yes sir At Hogwarts Albus went on we teach you not only to use magic but to control it You have inadvertently I am sure been using your powers in a way that is neither taught nor tolerated at our school You are not the first nor will you be the last to allow your magic to run away with you But you should know that Hogwarts can expel students and the Ministry of Magic yes there is a Ministry will punish lawbreakers still more severely All new wizards must accept that in entering our world they abide by our laws Yes sir said Tom again It was impossible to tell what he was thinking his face remained quite blank as he put the little cache of stolen objects back into the cardboard box When he had finished he turned to Albus and said baldly I haven’t got any money That is easily remedied said Albus drawing a leather money-pouch from his pocket There is a fund at Hogwarts for those who require assistance to buy books and robes You might have to buy some of your spellbooks and so on second-hand but Where do you buy spellbooks interrupted Tom who had taken the heavy money-bag without thanking Albus and was now examining a fat gold Galleon In Diagon Alley said Albus I have your list of books and school equipment with me I can help you find everything You’re coming with me asked Tom looking up Certainly if you I don’t need you said Tom I’m used to doing things for myself I go round London on my own all the time How do you get to this Diagon Alley sir he added catching Dumbledore’s eye Harry thought that Albus would insist upon accompanying Tom but once again he was surprised Albus handed Tom the envelope containing his list of equipment and after telling Tom exactly how to get to the Leaky Cauldron from the orphanage he said You will be able to see it although Muggles around you non-magical people that is will not Ask for Tom the barman easy enough to remember as he shares your name Tom gave an irritable twitch as though trying to displace an irksome fly You dislike the name Tom There are a lot of Toms muttered Tom Then as though he could not suppress the question as though it burst from him in spite of himself he asked Was my father a wizard He was called Tom too they’ve told me I’m afraid I don’t know said Albus his voice gentle My mother can’t have been magic or she wouldn’t have died said Tom more to himself than Albus It must’ve been him So when I’ve got all my stuff when do I come to this Hogwarts All the details are on the second piece of parchment in your envelope said Albus You will leave from King’s Cross Station on the first of September There is a train ticket in there too Tom nodded Albus got to his feet and held out his hand again Taking it Tom said I can speak to snakes I found out when we’ve been to the country on trips they find me they whisper to me Is that normal for a wizard Harry could tell that he had withheld mention of this strangest power until that moment determined to impress It is unusual said Albus after a moment’s hesitation but not unheard of His tone was casual but his eyes moved curiously over Riddle’s face They stood for a moment man and boy staring at each other Then the handshake was broken Albus was at the door Goodbye Tom I shall see you at Hogwarts I think that will do said the white-haired Albus at Harry’s side and seconds later they were soaring weightlessly through darkness once more before landing squarely in the present-day office Sit down said Albus landing beside Harry Harry obeyed his mind still full of what he had just seen He believed it much quicker than I did I mean when you told him he was a wizard said Harry I didn’t believe Rubeus at first when he told me Yes Tom was perfectly ready to believe that he was to use his word special said Albus Did you know then asked Harry Did I know that I had just met the most dangerous Dark wizard of all time said Albus No I had no idea that he was to grow up to be what he is However I was certainly intrigued by him I returned to Hogwarts intending to keep an eye upon him something I should have done in any case given that he was alone and friendless but which already I felt I ought to do for others sake as much as his His powers as you heard were surprisingly well-developed for such a young wizard and most interestingly and ominously of all he had already discovered that he had some measure of control over them and begun to use them consciously And as you saw they were not the random experiments typical of young wizards he was already using magic against other people to frighten to punish to control The little stories of the strangled rabbit and the young boy and girl he lured into a cave were most suggestive I can make them hurt if I want to And he was a Parselmouth interjected Harry Yes indeed a rare ability and one supposedly connected with the Dark Arts although as we know there are Parselmouths among the great and the good too In fact his ability to speak to serpents did not make me nearly as uneasy as his obvious instincts for cruelty secrecy and domination Time is making fools of us again said Albus indicating the dark sky beyond the windows But before we part I want to draw your attention to certain features of the scene we have just witnessed for they have a great bearing on the matters we shall be discussing in future meetings Firstly I hope you noticed Riddle’s reaction when I mentioned that another shared his first name Tom Harry nodded There he showed his contempt for anything that tied him to other people anything that made him ordinary Even then he wished to be different separate notorious He shed his name as you know within a few short years of that conversation and created the mask of Lord behind which he has been hidden for so long I trust that you also noticed that Tom was already highly self-sufficient secretive and apparently friendless He did not want help or companionship on his trip to Diagon Alley He preferred to operate alone The adult Lord is the same You will hear many of his Death Eaters claiming that they are in his confidence that they alone are close to him even understand him They are deluded Lord has never had a friend nor do I believe that he has ever wanted one And lastly I hope you are not too sleepy to pay attention to this Harry the young Tom liked to collect trophies You saw the box of stolen articles he had hidden in his room These were taken from victims of his bullying behaviour souvenirs if you will of particularly unpleasant bits of magic Bear in mind this magpie-like tendency for this particularly will be important later And now it really is time for bed Harry got to his feet As he walked across the room his eyes fell upon the little table on which Marvolo Gaunt’s ring had rested last time but the ring was no longer there Yes Harry said Albus for Harry had come to a halt The ring’s gone said Harry looking around But I thought you might have the mouth-organ or something Albus beamed at him peering over the top of his half-moon spectacles Very astute Harry but the mouth-organ was only ever a mouth-organ And on that enigmatic note he waved to Harry who understood himself to be dismissed Harry had Herbology first thing the following morning He had been unable to tell Ron and Hermione about his lesson with Albus over breakfast for fear of being overheard but he filled them in as they walked across the vegetable patch towards the greenhouses The weekend’s brutal wind had died out at last the weird mist had returned and it took them a little longer than usual to find the correct greenhouse Wow scary thought the boy You-Know-Who said Ron quietly as they took their places around one of the gnarled Snargaluff stumps that formed that term’s project and began pulling on their protective gloves But I still don’t get why Dumbledore’s showing you all this I mean it’s really interesting and everything but what’s the point Dunno said Harry inserting a gum shield But he says it’s all important and it’ll help me survive I think it’s fascinating said Hermione earnestly It makes absolute sense to know as much about Lord as possible How else will you find out his weaknesses So how was Slughorn’s latest party Harry asked her thickly through the gum shield Oh it was quite fun really said Hermione now putting on protective goggles I mean he drones on about famous ex-pupils a bit and he absolutely fawns on Cormac because he’s so well-connected but he gave us some really nice food and he introduced us to Gwenog Gwenog Gwenog said Ron his eyes widening under his own goggles The Gwenog Captain of the Holyhead Harpies That’s right said Hermione Personally I thought she was a bit full of herself but Quite enough chat over here said Professor Pomona briskly bustling over and looking stern You’re lagging behind everybody else has started and Neville’s already got his first pod They looked round sure enough there sat Neville with a bloody lip and several nasty scratches along the side of his face but clutching an unpleasantly pulsating green object about the size of a grapefruit OK Professor we’re starting now said Ron adding quietly when she had turned away again Should’ve used Muffliato Harry No we shouldn’t said Hermione at once looking as she always did intensely cross at the thought of the Half-Blood Eileen and his spells Well come on we’d better get going She gave the other two an apprehensive look they all took deep breaths and then dived at the gnarled stump between them It sprang to life at once long prickly bramble-like vines flew out of the top and whipped through the air One tangled itself in Hermione’s hair and Ron beat it back with a pair of secateurs Harry succeeded in trapping a couple of vines and knotting them together a hole opened in the middle of all the tentacle-like branches Hermione plunged her arm bravely into this hole which closed like a trap around her elbow Harry and Ron tugged and wrenched at the vines forcing the hole to open again and Hermione snatched her arm free clutching in her fingers a pod just like Neville’s At once the prickly vines shot back inside and the gnarled stump sat there looking like an innocently dead lump of wood You know I don’t think I’ll be having any of these in my garden when I’ve got my own place said Ron pushing his goggles up on to his forehead and wiping sweat from his face Pass me a bowl said Hermione holding the pulsating pod at arm’s length Harry handed one over and she dropped the pod into it with a look of disgust on her face Don’t be squeamish squeeze it out they’re best when they’re fresh called Professor Pomona Anyway said Hermione continuing their interrupted conversation as though a lump of wood had not just attacked them Slughorn’s going to have a Christmas party Harry and there’s no way you’ll be able to wriggle out of this one because he actually asked me to check your free evenings so he could be sure to have it on a night you can come Harry groaned Ron meanwhile who was attempting to burst the pod in the bowl by putting both hands on it standing up and squashing it as hard as he could said angrily And this is another party just for Slughorn’s favourites is it Just for the Slug Club yes said Hermione The pod flew out from under Ron’s fingers and hit the greenhouse glass rebounding on to the back of Professor Sprout’s head and knocking off her old patched hat Harry went to retrieve the pod when he got back Hermione was saying Look I didn’t make up the name Slug Club Slug Club repeated Ron with a sneer worthy of Draco It’s pathetic Well I hope you enjoy your party Why don’t you try getting off with Cormac then Horace can make you King and Queen Slug We’re allowed to bring guests said Hermione who for some reason had turned a bright boiling scarlet and I was going to ask you to come but if you think it’s that stupid then I won’t bother Harry suddenly wished the pod had flown a little further so that he need not have been sitting there with the pair of them Unnoticed by either he seized the bowl that contained the pod and began to try and open it by the noisiest and most energetic means he could think of unfortunately he could still hear every word of their conversation You were going to ask me asked Ron in a completely different voice Yes said Hermione angrily But obviously if you’d rather I got off with Cormac There was a pause while Harry continued to pound the resilient pod with a trowel No I wouldn’t said Ron in a very quiet voice Harry missed the pod hit the bowl and it shattered Reparo he said hastily poking the pieces with his wand and the bowl sprang back together again The crash however appeared to have awoken Ron and Hermione to Harry’s presence Hermione looked flustered and immediately started fussing about for her copy of Flesh-Eating Trees of the World to find out the correct way to juice Snargaluff pods Ron on the other hand looked sheepish but also rather pleased with himself Hand that over Harry said Hermione hurriedly it says we’re supposed to puncture them with something sharp Harry passed her the pod in the bowl he and Ron both snapped their goggles back over their eyes and dived once more for the stump It was not as though he was really surprised thought Harry as he wrestled with a thorny vine intent upon throttling him he had had an inkling that this might happen sooner or later But he was not sure how he felt about it he and Cho were now too embarrassed to look at each other let alone talk to each other what if Ron and Hermione started going out together then split up Could their friendship survive it Harry remembered the few weeks when they had not been talking to each other in the third year he had not enjoyed trying to bridge the distance between them And then what if they didn’t split up What if they became like Bill and Fleur and it became excruciatingly embarrassing to be in their presence so that he was shut out for good Gotcha yelled Ron pulling a second pod from the stump just as Hermione managed to burst the first one open so that the bowl was full of tubers wriggling like pale green worms The rest of the lesson passed without further mention of Slughorn’s party Although Harry watched his two friends more closely over the next few days Ron and Hermione did not seem any different except that they were a little politer to each other than usual Harry supposed he would just have to wait to see what happened under the influence of Butterbeer in Slughorn’s dimly lit room on the night of the party In the meantime however he had more pressing worries Katie was still in St Mungo’s Hospital with no prospect of leaving which meant that the promising Godric team Harry had been training so carefully since September was one Chaser short He kept putting off replacing Katie in the hope that she would return but their opening match against Salazar was looming and he finally had to accept that she would not be back in time to play Harry did not think he could stand another full-house tryout With a sinking feeling that had little to do with Quidditch he cornered Dean after Transfiguration one day Most of the class had already left although several twittering yellow birds were still zooming around the room all of Hermione’s creation nobody else had succeeded in conjuring so much as a feather from thin air Are you still interested in playing Chaser Wha Yeah of course said Dean excitedly Over Dean’s shoulder Harry saw Seamus slamming his books into his bag looking sour One of the reasons why Harry would have preferred not to have to ask Dean to play was that he knew Seamus would not like it On the other hand he had to do what was best for the team and Dean had out-flown Seamus at the tryouts Well then you’re in said Harry There’s a practice tonight seven o’clock Right said Dean Cheers Harry Blimey I can’t wait to tell Ginny He sprinted out of the room leaving Harry and Seamus alone together an uncomfortable moment made no easier when a bird dropping landed on Seamus’s head as one of Hermione’s canaries whizzed over them Seamus was not the only person disgruntled by the choice of Katie’s substitute There was much muttering in the common room about the fact that Harry had now chosen two of his classmates for the team As Harry had endured much worse mutterings than this in his school career he was not particularly bothered but all the same the pressure was increasing to provide a win in the upcoming match against Salazar If Godric won Harry knew that the whole house would forget that they had criticised him and swear that they had always known it was a great team If they lost well Harry thought wryly he had still endured worse mutterings Harry had no reason to regret his choice once he saw Dean fly that evening he worked well with Ginny and Demelza The Beaters Jimmy and Ritchie were getting better all the time The only problem was Ron Harry had known all along that Ron was an inconsistent player who suffered from nerves and a lack of confidence and unfortunately the looming prospect of the opening game of the season seemed to have brought out all his old insecurities After letting in half a dozen goals most of them scored by Ginny his technique became wilder and wilder until he finally punched an oncoming Demelza in the mouth It was an accident I’m sorry Demelza really sorry Ron shouted after her as she zigzagged back to the ground dripping blood everywhere I just Panicked Ginny said angrily landing next to Demelza and examining her fat lip You prat Ron look at the state of her I can fix that said Harry landing beside the two girls pointing his wand at Demelza’s mouth and saying Episkey And Ginny don’t call Ron a prat you’re not the captain of this team Well you seemed too busy to call him a prat and I thought someone should Harry forced himself not to laugh In the air everyone let’s go Overall it was one of the worst practices they had had all term though Harry did not feel that honesty was the best policy when they were this close to the match Good work everyone I think we’ll flatten Salazar he said bracingly and the Chasers and Beaters left the changing room looking reasonably happy with themselves I played like a sack of dragon dung said Ron in a hollow voice when the door had swung shut behind Ginny No you didn’t said Harry firmly You’re the best Keeper I tried out Ron Your only problem is nerves He kept up a relentless flow of encouragement all the way back to the castle and by the time they reached the second floor Ron was looking marginally more cheerful When Harry pushed open the tapestry to take their usual short cut up to Godric Tower however they found themselves looking at Dean and Ginny who were locked in a close embrace and kissing fiercely as if glued together It was as though something large and scaly erupted into life in Harry’s stomach clawing at his insides hot blood seemed to flood his brain so that all thought was extinguished replaced by a savage urge to jinx Dean into a jelly Wrestling with this sudden madness he heard Ron’s voice as though from a great distance away Oi Dean and Ginny broke apart and looked round What said Ginny I don’t want to find my own sister snogging people in public This was a deserted corridor till you came butting in said Ginny Dean was looking embarrassed He gave Harry a shifty grin that Harry did not return as the new-born monster inside him was roaring for Dean’s instant dismissal from the team Er c’mon Ginny said Dean let’s go back to the common room You go said Ginny I want a word with my dear brother Dean left looking as though he was not sorry to depart the scene Right said Ginny tossing her long red hair out of her face and glaring at Ron let’s get this straight once and for all It is none of your business who I go out with or what I do with them Ron Yeah it is said Ron just as angrily D’you think I want people saying my sister’s a A what shouted Ginny drawing her wand A what exactly He doesn’t mean anything Ginny said Harry automatically though the monster was roaring its approval of Ron’s words Oh yes he does she said flaring up at Harry Just because he’s never snogged anyone in his life just because the best kiss he’s ever had is from our Auntie Muriel Shut your mouth bellowed Ron bypassing red and turning maroon No I will not yelled Ginny beside herself I’ve seen you with Phlegm hoping she’ll kiss you on the cheek every time you see her it’s pathetic If you went out and got a bit of snogging done yourself you wouldn’t mind so much that everyone else does it Ron had pulled out his wand too Harry stepped swiftly between them You don’t know what you’re talking about Ron roared trying to get a clear shot at Ginny around Harry who was now standing in front of her with his arms outstretched Just because I don’t do it in public Ginny screamed with derisive laughter trying to push Harry out of the way Been kissing Pigwidgeon have you Or have you got a picture of Auntie Muriel stashed under your pillow You A streak of orange light flew under Harry’s left arm and missed Ginny by inches Harry pushed Ron up against the wall Don’t be stupid Harry’s snogged Cho shouted Ginny who sounded close to tears now And Hermione snogged Viktor it’s only you who acts like it’s something disgusting Ron and that’s because you’ve got about as much experience as a twelve-year-old And with that she stormed away Harry quickly let go of Ron the look on his face was murderous They both stood there breathing heavily until Mrs Norris Filch’s cat appeared round the corner which broke the tension C’mon said Harry as the sound of Filch’s shuffling feet reached their ears They hurried up the stairs and along a seventh-floor corridor Oi out of the way Ron barked at a small girl who jumped in fright and dropped a bottle of toad-spawn Harry hardly noticed the sound of shattering glass he felt disorientated dizzy being struck by a lightning bolt must be something like this It’s just because she’s Ron’s sister he told himself You just didn’t like seeing her kissing Dean because she’s Ron’s sister But unbidden into his mind came an image of that same deserted corridor with himself kissing Ginny instead the monster in his chest purred but then he saw Ron ripping open the tapestry curtain and drawing his wand on Harry shouting things like betrayal of trust supposed to be my friend D’you think Hermione did snog Viktor Ron asked abruptly as they approached the Fat Harry gave a guilty start and wrenched his imagination away from a corridor in which no Ron intruded in which he and Ginny were quite alone What he said confusedly Oh er The honest answer was yes but he did not want to give it However Ron seemed to gather the worst from the look on Harry’s face Dilligrout he said darkly to the Fat and they climbed through the portrait hole into the common room Neither of them mentioned Ginny or Hermione again indeed they barely spoke to each other that evening and got into bed in silence each absorbed in his own thoughts Harry lay awake for a long time looking up at the canopy of his four-poster and trying to convince himself that his feelings for Ginny were entirely older-brotherly They had lived had they not like brother and sister all summer playing Quidditch teasing Ron and having a laugh about Bill and Phlegm He had known Ginny for years now it was natural that he should feel protective natural that he should want to look out for her want to rip Dean limb from limb for kissing her no he would have to control that particular brotherly feeling Ron gave a great grunting snore She’s Ron’s sister Harry told himself firmly Ron’s sister She’s out of bounds He would not risk his friendship with Ron for anything He punched his pillow into a more comfortable shape and waited for sleep to come trying his utmost not to allow his thoughts to stray anywhere near Ginny Harry awoke next morning feeling slightly dazed and confused by a series of dreams in which Ron had chased him with a Beater’s bat but by midday he would have happily exchanged the dream Ron for the real one who was not only cold-shouldering Ginny and Dean but also treating a hurt and bewildered Hermione with an icy sneering indifference What was more Ron seemed to have become overnight as touchy and ready to lash out as the average Blast-Ended Blast-ended Harry spent the day attempting to keep the peace between Ron and Hermione with no success finally Hermione departed for bed in high dudgeon and Ron stalked off to the boys dormitory after swearing angrily at several frightened first-years for looking at him To Harry’s dismay Ron’s new aggression did not wear off over the next few days Worse still it coincided with an even deeper dip in his Keeping skills which made him still more aggressive so that during the final Quidditch practice before Saturday’s match he failed to save every single goal the Chasers aimed at him but bellowed at everybody so much that he reduced Demelza to tears You shut up and leave her alone shouted Jimmy who was about two-thirds Ron’s height though admittedly carrying a heavy bat ENOUGH bellowed Harry who had seen Ginny glowering in Ron’s direction and remembering her reputation as an accomplished caster of the Bat Bogey Hex soared over to intervene before things got out of hand Jimmy go and pack up the Bludgers Demelza pull yourself together you played really well today Ron he waited until the rest of the team were out of earshot before saying it you’re my best mate but carry on treating the rest of them like this and I’m going to kick you off the team He really thought for a moment that Ron might hit him but then something much worse happened Ron seemed to sag on his broom all the fight went out of him and he said I resign I’m pathetic You’re not pathetic and you’re not resigning said Harry fiercely seizing Ron by the front of his robes You can save anything when you’re on form it’s a mental problem you’ve got You calling me mental Yeah maybe I am They glared at each other for a moment then Ron shook his head wearily I know you haven’t got any time to find another Keeper so I’ll play tomorrow but if we lose and we will I’m taking myself off the team Nothing Harry said made any difference He tried boosting Ron’s confidence all through dinner but Ron was too busy being grumpy and surly with Hermione to notice Harry persisted in the common room that evening but his assertion that the whole team would be devastated if Ron left was somewhat undermined by the fact that the rest of the team was sitting in a huddle in a distant corner clearly muttering about Ron and casting him nasty looks Finally Harry tried getting angry again in the hope of provoking Ron into a defiant and hopefully goal-saving attitude but this strategy did not appear to work any better than encouragement Ron went to bed as dejected and hopeless as ever Harry lay awake for a very long time in the darkness He did not want to lose the upcoming match not only was it his first as Captain but he was determined to beat Draco at Quidditch even if he could not yet prove his suspicions about him Yet if Ron played as he had done in the last few practices their chances of winning were very slim If only there was something he could do to make Ron pull himself together make him play at the top of his form something that would ensure that Ron had a really good day And the answer came to Harry in one sudden glorious stroke of inspiration Breakfast was the usual excitable affair next morning the Slytherins hissed and booed loudly as every member of the Godric team entered the Great Hall Harry glanced at the ceiling and saw a clear pale blue sky a good omen The Godric table a solid mass of red and gold cheered as Harry and Ron approached Harry grinned and waved Ron grimaced weakly and shook his head Cheer up Ron called Lavender I know you’ll be brilliant Ron ignored her Tea Harry asked him Coffee Pumpkin juice Anything said Ron glumly taking a moody bite of toast A few minutes later Hermione who had become so tired of Ron’s recent unpleasant behaviour that she had not come down to breakfast with them paused on her way up the table How are you both feeling she asked tentatively her eyes on the back of Ron’s head Fine said Harry who was concentrating on handing Ron a glass of pumpkin juice There you go Ron Drink up Ron had just raised the glass to his lips when Hermione spoke sharply Don’t drink that Ron Both Harry and Ron looked up at her Why not said Ron Hermione was now staring at Harry as though she could not believe her eyes You just put something in that drink Excuse me said Harry You heard me I saw you You just tipped something into Ron’s drink You’ve got the bottle in your hand right now I don’t know what you’re talking about said Harry stowing the little bottle hastily in his pocket Ron I warn you don’t drink it Hermione said again alarmed but Ron picked up the glass drained it in one and said Stop bossing me around Hermione She looked scandalised Bending low so that only Harry could hear her she hissed You should be expelled for that I’d never have believed it of you Harry Hark who’s talking he whispered back Confunded anyone lately She stormed up the table away from them Harry watched her go without regret Hermione had never really understood what a serious business Quidditch was He then looked round at Ron who was smacking his lips Nearly time said Harry blithely The frosty grass crunched underfoot as they strode down to the stadium Pretty lucky the weather’s this good eh Harry asked Ron Yeah said Ron who was pale and sick-looking Ginny and Demelza were already wearing their Quidditch robes and waiting in the changing room Conditions look ideal said Ginny ignoring Ron And guess what That Salazar Chaser Vaisey he took a Bludger in the head yesterday during their practice and he’s too sore to play And even better than that Malfoy’s gone off sick too What said Harry wheeling round to stare at her He’s ill What’s wrong with him No idea but it’s great for us said Ginny brightly They’re playing Harper instead he’s in my year and he’s an idiot Harry smiled vaguely back but as he pulled on his scarlet robes his mind was far from Quidditch Draco had once before claimed he could not play due to injury but on that occasion he had made sure the whole match was rescheduled for a time that suited the Slytherins better Why was he now happy to let a substitute go on Was he really ill or was he faking Fishy isn’t it he said in an undertone to Ron Draco not playing Lucky I call it said Ron looking slightly more animated And Vaisey off too he’s their best goal-scorer I didn’t fancy hey he said suddenly freezing halfway through pulling on his Keeper’s gloves and staring at Harry What I you Ron had dropped his voice he looked both scared and excited My drink my pumpkin juice you didn’t Harry raised his eyebrows but said nothing except We’ll be starting in about five minutes you’d better get your boots on They walked out on to the pitch to tumultuous roars and boos One end of the stadium was solid red and gold the other a sea of green and silver Many Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws had taken sides too amidst all the yelling and clapping Harry could distinctly hear the roar of Luna Lovegood’s famous lion-topped hat Harry stepped up to Madam Rolanda the referee who was standing ready to release the balls from the crate Captains shake hands she said and Harry had his hand crushed by the new Salazar Captain Urquhart Mount your brooms On the whistle three two one The whistle sounded Harry and the others kicked off hard from the frozen ground and they were away Harry soared around the perimeter of the grounds looking for the Snitch and keeping one eye on Harper who was zigzagging far below him Then a voice that was jarringly different from the usual commentator’s started up Well there they go and I think we’re all surprised to see the team that Potter’s put together this year Many thought given Ronald Weasley’s patchy performance as Keeper last year that he might be off the team but of course a close personal friendship with the Captain does help These words were greeted with jeers and applause from the Salazar end of the pitch Harry craned round on his broom to look towards the commentator’s podium A tall skinny blond boy with an upturned nose was standing there talking into the magical megaphone that had once been Lee Jordan’s Harry recognised Zacharias a Helga player whom he heartily disliked Oh and here comes Slytherin’s first attempt on goal it’s Urquhart streaking down the pitch and Harry’s stomach turned over Ron saves it well he’s bound to get lucky sometimes I suppose That’s right Zacharias he is muttered Harry grinning to himself as he dived amongst the Chasers with his eyes searching all around for some hint of the elusive Snitch With half an hour of the game gone Godric were leading sixty points to zero Ron having made some truly spectacular saves some by the very tips of his gloves and Ginny having scored four of Gryffindor’s six goals This effectively stopped Zacharias wondering loudly whether the two Weasleys were only there because Harry liked them and he started on Jimmy and Ritchie instead Of course Ritchie isn’t really the usual build for a Beater said Zacharias loftily they’ve generally got a bit more muscle Hit a Bludger at him Harry called to Ritchie as he zoomed past but Ritchie grinning broadly chose to aim the next Bludger at Harper instead who was just passing Harry in the opposite direction Harry was pleased to hear the dull thunk that meant the Bludger had found its mark It seemed as though Godric could do no wrong Again and again they scored and again and again at the other end of the pitch Ron saved goals with apparent ease He was actually smiling now and when the crowd greeted a particularly good save with a rousing chorus of the old favourite Ron is our King he pretended to conduct them from on high Thinks he’s something special today doesn’t he said a snide voice and Harry was nearly knocked off his broom as Harper collided with him hard and deliberately Your bloodtraitor pal Madam Hooch’s back was turned and though Gryffindors below shouted in anger by the time she looked round Harper had already sped off His shoulder aching Harry raced after him determined to ram him back And I think Harper of Slytherin’s seen the Snitch said Zacharias through his megaphone Yes he’s certainly seen something Harry hasn’t Zacharias really was an idiot thought Harry hadn’t he noticed them collide But next moment his stomach seemed to drop out of the sky Zacharias was right and Harry was wrong Harper had not sped upwards at random he had spotted what Harry had not the Snitch was speeding along high above them glinting brightly against the clear blue sky Harry accelerated the wind was whistling in his ears so that it drowned all sound of Smith’s commentary or the crowd but Harper was still ahead of him and Godric was only a hundred points up if Harper got there first Godric had lost and now Harper was feet from it his hand outstretched Oi Harper yelled Harry in desperation How much did Draco pay you to come on instead of him He did not know what made him say it but Harper did a double take he fumbled the Snitch let it slip through his fingers and shot right past it Harry made a great swipe for the tiny fluttering ball and caught it YES Harry yelled wheeling round he hurtled back towards the ground the Snitch held high in his hand As the crowd realised what had happened a great shout went up that almost drowned the sound of the whistle that signalled the end of the game Ginny where’re you going yelled Harry who had found himself trapped in the midst of a mass midair hug with the rest of the team but Ginny sped right on past them until with an almighty crash she collided with the commentator’s podium As the crowd shrieked and laughed the Godric team landed beside the wreckage of wood under which Zacharias was feebly stirring Harry heard Ginny saying blithely to an irate Professor Minerva Forgot to brake Professor sorry Laughing Harry broke free of the rest of the team and hugged Ginny but let go very quickly Avoiding her gaze he clapped a cheering Ron on the back instead as all enmity forgotten the Godric team left the pitch arm in arm punching the air and waving to their supporters The atmosphere in the changing room was jubilant Party up in the common room Seamus said yelled Dean exuberantly C’mon Ginny Demelza Ron and Harry were the last two in the changing room They were just about to leave when Hermione entered She was twisting her Godric scarf in her hands and looked upset but determined I want a word with you Harry She took a deep breath You shouldn’t have done it You heard Horace it’s illegal What are you going to do turn us in demanded Ron What are you two talking about asked Harry turning away to hang up his robes so that neither of them would see him grinning You know perfectly well what we’re talking about said Hermione shrilly You spiked Ron’s juice with lucky potion at breakfast Felix Felicis No I didn’t said Harry turning back to face them both Yes you did Harry and that’s why everything went right there were Salazar players missing and Ron saved everything I didn’t put it in said Harry now grinning broadly He slipped his hand inside his jacket pocket and drew out the tiny bottle that Hermione had seen in his hand that morning It was full of golden potion and the cork was still tightly sealed with wax I wanted Ron to think I’d done it so I faked it when I knew you were looking He looked at Ron You saved everything because you felt lucky You did it all yourself He pocketed the potion again There really wasn’t anything in my pumpkin juice Ron said astounded But the weather’s good and Vaisey couldn’t play I honestly haven’t been given lucky potion Harry shook his head Ron gaped at him for a moment then rounded on Hermione imitating her voice You added Felix Felicis to Ron’s juice this morning that’s why he saved everything See I can save goals without help Hermione I never said you couldn’t Ron you thought you’d been given it too But Ron had already strode past her out of the door with his broomstick over his shoulder Er said Harry into the sudden silence he had not expected his plan to backfire like this shall shall we go up to the party then You go said Hermione blinking back tears I’m sick of Ron at the moment I don’t know what I’m supposed to have done And she stormed out of the changing room too Harry walked slowly back up the grounds towards the castle through the crowd many of whom shouted congratulations at him but he felt a great sense of let-down he had been sure that if Ron won the match he and Hermione would be friends again immediately He did not see how he could possibly explain to Hermione that what she had done to offend Ron was kiss Viktor not when the offence had occurred so long ago Harry could not see Hermione at the Godric celebration party which was in full swing when he arrived Renewed cheers and clapping greeted his appearance and he was soon surrounded by a mob of people congratulating him What with trying to shake off the Colin brothers who wanted a blow-by-blow match analysis and the large group of girls that encircled him laughing at his least amusing comments and batting their eyelids it was some time before he could try and find Ron At last he extricated himself from Romilda who was hinting heavily that she would like to go to Slughorn’s Christmas party with him As he was ducking towards the drinks table he walked straight into Ginny Arnold the Pygmy Puff riding on her shoulder and Crookshanks mewing hopefully at her heels Looking for Ron she asked smirking He’s over there the filthy hypocrite Harry looked into the corner she was indicating There in full view of the whole room stood Ron wrapped so closely around Lavender it was hard to tell whose hands were whose It looks like he’s eating her face doesn’t it said Ginny dispassionately But I suppose he’s got to refine his technique somehow Good game Harry She patted him on the arm Harry felt a swooping sensation in his stomach but then she walked off to help herself to more Butterbeer Crookshanks trotted after her his yellow eyes fixed upon Arnold Harry turned away from Ron who did not look like surfacing soon just in time to see the portrait hole closing With a sinking feeling he thought he saw a mane of bushy brown hair whipping out of sight He darted forwards sidestepped Romilda again and pushed open the portrait of the Fat The corridor outside seemed to be deserted Hermione He found her in the first unlocked classroom he tried She was sitting on the teacher’s desk alone except for a small ring of twittering yellow birds circling her head which she had clearly just conjured out of midair Harry could not help admiring her spellwork at a time like this Oh hello Harry she said in a brittle voice I was just practising Yeah they’re er really good said Harry He had no idea what to say to her He was just wondering whether there was any chance that she had not noticed Ron that she had merely left the room because the party was a little too rowdy when she said in an unnaturally highpitched voice Ron seems to be enjoying the celebrations Er does he said Harry Don’t pretend you didn’t see him said Hermione He wasn’t exactly hiding it was The door behind them burst open To Harry’s horror Ron came in laughing pulling Lavender by the hand Oh he said drawing up short at the sight of Harry and Hermione Oops said Lavender and she backed out of the room giggling The door swung shut behind her There was a horrible swelling billowing silence Hermione was staring at Ron who refused to look at her but said with an odd mixture of bravado and awkwardness Hi Harry Wondered where you’d got to Hermione slid off the desk The little flock of golden birds continued to twitter in circles around her head so that she looked like a strange feathery model of the solar system You shouldn’t leave Lavender waiting outside she said quietly She’ll wonder where you’ve gone She walked very slowly and erectly towards the door Harry glanced at Ron who was looking relieved that nothing worse had happened Oppugno came a shriek from the doorway Harry spun round to see Hermione pointing her wand at Ron her expression wild the little flock of birds was speeding like a hail of fat golden bullets towards Ron who yelped and covered his face with his hands but the birds attacked pecking and clawing at every bit of flesh they could reach Gerremoffme he yelled but with one last look of vindictive fury Hermione wrenched open the door and disappeared through it Harry thought he heard a sob before it slammed Snow was swirling against the icy windows once more Christmas was approaching fast Rubeus had already singlehandedly delivered the usual twelve Christmas trees for the Great Hall garlands of holly and tinsel had been twisted around the banisters of the stairs everlasting candles glowed from inside the helmets of suits of armour and great bunches of mistletoe had been hung at intervals along the corridors Large groups of girls tended to converge underneath the mistletoe bunches every time Harry went past which caused blockages in the corridors fortunately however Harry’s frequent night-time wanderings had given him an unusually good knowledge of the castle’s secret passageways so that he was able without too much difficulty to navigate mistletoefree routes between classes Ron who might once have found the necessity of these detours a cause for jealousy rather than hilarity simply roared with laughter about it all Although Harry much preferred this new laughing joking Ron to the moody aggressive model he had been enduring for the last few weeks the improved Ron came at a heavy price Firstly Harry had to put up with the frequent presence of Lavender who seemed to regard any moment that she was not kissing Ron as a moment wasted and secondly Harry found himself once more the best friend of two people who seemed unlikely ever to speak to each other again Ron whose hands and forearms still bore scratches and cuts from Hermione’s bird attack was taking a defensive and resentful tone She can’t complain he told Harry She snogged Viktor So she’s found out someone wants to snog me too Well it’s a free country I haven’t done anything wrong Harry did not answer but pretended to be absorbed in the book they were supposed to have read before Charms the following morning Quintessence A Quest Determined as he was to remain friends with both Ron and Hermione he was spending a lot of time with his mouth shut tight I never promised Hermione anything Ron mumbled I mean all right I was going to go to Slughorn’s Christmas party with her but she never said just as friends I’m a free agent Harry turned a page of Quintessence aware that Ron was watching him Ron’s voice tailed away in mutters barely audible over the loud crackling of the fire though Harry thought he caught the words Viktor and can’t complain again Hermione’s timetable was so full that Harry could only talk to her properly in the evenings when Ron was in any case so tightly wrapped around Lavender that he did not notice what Harry was doing Hermione refused to sit in the common room while Ron was there so Harry generally joined her in the library which meant that their conversations were held in whispers He’s at perfect liberty to kiss whomever he likes said Hermione while the librarian Madam Irma prowled the shelves behind them I really couldn’t care less She raised her quill and dotted an i so ferociously that she punctured a hole in her parchment Harry said nothing He thought his voice might soon vanish from lack of use He bent a little lower over Advanced Potion-Making and continued to make notes on Everlasting Elixirs occasionally pausing to decipher the Prince’s useful additions to Libatius Borage’s text And incidentally said Hermione after a few moments you need to be careful For the last time said Harry speaking in a slightly hoarse whisper after three-quarters of an hour of silence I am not giving back this book I’ve learned more from the Half-Blood Eileen than Severus or Horace have taught me in I’m not talking about your stupid so-called Eileen said Hermione giving his book a nasty look as though it had been rude to her I’m talking about earlier I went into the girls bathroom just before I came in here and there were about a dozen girls in there including that Romilda trying to decide how to slip you a love potion They’re all hoping they’re going to get you to take them to Slughorn’s party and they all seem to have bought Fred and George’s love potions which I’m afraid to say probably work Why didn’t you confiscate them then demanded Harry It seemed extraordinary that Hermione’s mania for upholding rules could have abandoned her at this crucial juncture They didn’t have the potions with them in the bathroom said Hermione scornfully They were just discussing tactics As I doubt whether even the Half-Blood Eileen she gave the book another nasty look could dream up an antidote for a dozen different love potions at once I’d just invite someone to go with you that’ll stop all the others thinking they’ve still got a chance It’s tomorrow night they’re getting desperate There isn’t anyone I want to invite mumbled Harry who was still trying not to think about Ginny any more than he could help despite the fact that she kept cropping up in his dreams in ways that made him devoutly thankful that Ron could not perform Legilimency Well just be careful what you drink because Romilda looked like she meant business said Hermione grimly She hitched up the long roll of parchment on which she was writing her Arithmancy essay and continued to scratch away with her quill Harry watched her with his mind a long way away Hang on a moment he said slowly I thought Argus had banned anything bought at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes And when has anyone ever paid attention to what Argus has banned asked Hermione still concentrating on her essay But I thought all the owls were being searched So how come these girls are able to bring love potions into school Fred and George send them disguised as perfumes and cough potions said Hermione It’s part of their Owl Order Service You know a lot about it Hermione gave him the kind of nasty look she had just given his copy of Advanced Potion-Making It was all on the back of the bottles they showed Ginny and me in the summer she said coldly I don’t go around putting potions in people’s drinks or pretending to either which is just as bad Yeah well never mind that said Harry quickly The point is Argus is being fooled isn’t he These girls are getting stuff into the school disguised as something else So why couldn’t Draco have brought the necklace into the school Oh Harry not that again Come on why not demanded Harry Look sighed Hermione Secrecy Sensors detect jinxes curses and concealment charms don’t they They’re used to find Dark magic and Dark objects They’d have picked up a powerful curse like the one on that necklace within seconds But something that’s just been put in the wrong bottle wouldn’t register and anyway love potions aren’t Dark or dangerous Easy for you to say muttered Harry thinking of Romilda so it would be down to Argus to realise it wasn’t a cough potion and he’s not a very good wizard I doubt he can tell one potion from Hermione stopped dead Harry had heard it too Somebody had moved close behind them among the dark bookshelves They waited and a moment later the vulture-like countenance of Madam Irma appeared round the corner her sunken cheeks her skin like parchment and her long hooked nose illuminated unflatteringly by the lamp she was carrying The library is now closed she said Mind you return anything you have borrowed to the correct what have you been doing to that book you depraved boy It isn’t the library’s it’s mine said Harry hastily snatching his copy of Advanced Potion-Making off the table as she lunged at it with a clawlike hand Despoiled she hissed Desecrated Befouled It’s just a book that’s been written in said Harry tugging it out of her grip She looked as though she might have a seizure Hermione who had hastily packed her things grabbed Harry by the arm and frogmarched him away She’ll ban you from the library if you’re not careful Why did you have to bring that stupid book It’s not my fault she’s barking mad Hermione Or d’you think she overheard you being rude about Argus I’ve always thought there might be something going on between them Oh ha ha Enjoying the fact that they could speak normally again they made their way along the deserted lamp-lit corridors back to the common room arguing about whether or not Argus and Madam Irma were secretly in love with each other Baubles said Harry to the Fat this being the new festive password Same to you said the Fat with a roguish grin and she swung forwards to admit them Hi Harry said Romilda the moment he had climbed through the portrait hole Fancy a Gillywater Hermione gave him a What-did-I-tell-you look over her shoulder No thanks said Harry quickly I don’t like it much Well take these anyway said Romilda thrusting a box into his hands Chocolate Cauldrons they’ve got Firewhisky in them My gran sent them to me but I don’t like them Oh right thanks a lot said Harry who could not think what else to say Er I’m just going over here with He hurried off behind Hermione his voice tailing away feebly Told you said Hermione succinctly Sooner you ask someone sooner they’ll all leave you alone and you can But her face suddenly turned blank she had just spotted Ron and Lavender who were entwined in the same armchair Well goodnight Harry said Hermione though it was only seven o’clock in the evening and she left for the girls dormitory without another word Harry went to bed comforting himself that there was only one more day of lessons to struggle through plus Slughorn’s party after which he and Ron would depart together for The Burrow It now seemed impossible that Ron and Hermione would make up with each other before the holidays began but perhaps somehow the break would give them time to calm down think better of their behaviour But his hopes were not high and they sank still lower after enduring a Transfiguration lesson with them both next day They had just embarked upon the immensely difficult topic of human transfiguration working in front of mirrors they were supposed to be changing the colour of their own eyebrows Hermione laughed unkindly at Ron’s disastrous first attempt during which he somehow managed to give himself a spectacular handlebar moustache Ron retaliated by doing a cruel but accurate impression of Hermione jumping up and down in her seat every time Professor Minerva asked a question which Lavender and Parvati found deeply amusing and which reduced Hermione to the verge of tears again She raced out of the classroom on the bell leaving half her things behind Harry deciding that her need was greater than Ron’s just then scooped up her remaining possessions and followed her He finally tracked her down as she emerged from a girls bathroom on the floor below She was accompanied by Luna who was patting her vaguely on the back Oh hello Harry said Luna Did you know one of your eyebrows is bright yellow Hi Luna Hermione you left your stuff He held out her books Oh yes said Hermione in a choked voice taking her things and turning away quickly to hide the fact that she was wiping her eyes on her pencil case Thank you Harry Well I’d better get going And she hurried off without giving Harry any time to offer words of comfort though admittedly he could not think of any She’s a bit upset said Luna I thought at first it was Moan ing Moaning in there but it turned out to be Hermione She said something about that Ron Yeah they’ve had a row said Harry He says very funny things sometimes doesn’t he said Luna as they set off down the corridor together But he can be a bit unkind I noticed that last year I s’pose said Harry Luna was demonstrating her usual knack of speaking uncomfortable truths he had never met anyone quite like her So have you had a good term Oh it’s been all right said Luna A bit lonely without the DA Ginny’s been nice though She stopped two boys in our Transfiguration class calling me Loony the other day How would you like to come to Slughorn’s party with me tonight The words were out of Harry’s mouth before he could stop them he heard himself say them as though it were a stranger speaking Luna turned her protuberant eyes upon him in surprise Slughorn’s party With you Yeah said Harry We’re supposed to bring guests so I thought you might like I mean He was keen to make his intentions perfectly clear I mean just as friends you know But if you don’t want to He was already half-hoping that she didn’t want to Oh no I’d love to go with you as friends said Luna beaming as he had never seen her beam before Nobody’s ever asked me to a party before as a friend Is that why you dyed your eyebrow for the party Should I do mine too No said Harry firmly that was a mistake I’ll get Hermione to put it right for me So I’ll meet you in the Entrance Hall at eight o’clock then AHA screamed a voice from overhead and both of them jumped unnoticed by either of them they had just passed right underneath Peeves who was hanging upside-down from a chandelier and grinning maliciously at them Potty asked Loony to go to the party Potty lurves Loony Potty luuuuurves Looooooony And he zoomed away cackling and shrieking Potty loves Loony Nice to keep these things private said Harry And sure enough in no time at all the whole school seemed to know that Harry was taking Luna to Slughorn’s party You could’ve taken anyone said Ron in disbelief over dinner Anyone And you chose Loony Luna Don’t call her that Ron snapped Ginny pausing behind Harry on her way to join friends I’m really glad you’re taking her Harry she’s so excited And she moved on down the table to sit with Dean Harry tried to feel pleased that Ginny was glad he was taking Luna to the party but could not quite manage it A long way along the table Hermione was sitting alone playing with her stew Harry noticed Ron looking at her furtively You could say sorry suggested Harry bluntly What and get attacked by another flock of canaries muttered Ron What did you have to imitate her for She laughed at my moustache So did I it was the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen But Ron did not seem to have heard Lavender had just arrived with Parvati Squeezing herself in between Harry and Ron Lavender flung her arms around Ron’s neck Hi Harry said Parvati who like him looked faintly embarrassed and bored by the behaviour of their two friends Hi said Harry How’re you You’re staying at Hogwarts then I heard your parents wanted you to leave I managed to talk them out of it for the time being said Parvati That Katie thing really freaked them out but as there hasn’t been anything since oh hi Hermione Parvati positively beamed Harry could tell that she was feeling guilty for having laughed at Hermione in Transfiguration He looked around and saw that Hermione was beaming back if possible even more brightly Girls were very strange sometimes Hi Parvati said Hermione ignoring Ron and Lavender completely Are you going to Slughorn’s party tonight No invite said Parvati gloomily I’d love to go though it sounds like it’s going to be really good you’re going aren’t you Yes I’m meeting Cormac at eight and we’re There was a noise like a plunger being withdrawn from a blocked sink and Ron surfaced Hermione acted as though she had not seen or heard anything we’re going up to the party together Cormac said Parvati Cormac you mean That’s right said Hermione sweetly The one who almost she put a great deal of emphasis on the word became Godric Keeper Are you going out with him then asked Parvati wideeyed Oh yes didn’t you know said Hermione with a most un-Hermione-ish giggle No said Parvati looking positively agog at this piece of gossip Wow you like your Quidditch players don’t you King Viktor then Cormac I like really good Quidditch players Hermione corrected her still smiling Well see you got to go and get ready for the party She left At once Lavender and Parvati put their heads together to discuss this new development with everything they had ever heard about Cormac and all they had ever guessed about Hermione Ron looked strangely blank and said nothing Harry was left to ponder in silence the depths to which girls would sink to get revenge When he arrived in the Entrance Hall at eight o’clock that night he found an unusually large number of girls lurking there all of whom seemed to be staring at him resentfully as he approached Luna She was wearing a set of spangled silver robes that was attracting a certain amount of giggling from the onlookers but otherwise she looked quite nice Harry was glad in any case that she had left off her radish earrings her Butterbeer-cork necklace and her Spectrespecs Hi he said Shall we get going then Oh yes she said happily Where is the party Slughorn’s office said Harry leading her up the marble staircase away from all the staring and muttering Did you hear there’s supposed to be a vampire coming Rufus asked Luna I what said Harry disconcerted You mean the Minister for Magic Yes he’s a vampire said Luna matter-of-factly Father wrote a very long article about it when Rufus first took over from Cornelius but he was forced not to publish by somebody from the Ministry Obviously they didn’t want the truth to get out Harry who thought it most unlikely that Rufus was a vampire but who was used to Luna repeating her father’s bizarre views as though they were fact did not reply they were already approaching Slughorn’s office and the sounds of laughter music and loud conversation were growing louder with every step they took Whether it had been built that way or because he had used magical trickery to make it so Slughorn’s office was much larger than the usual teacher’s study The ceiling and walls had been draped with emerald crimson and gold hangings so that it looked as though they were all inside a vast tent The room was crowded and stuffy and bathed in the red light cast by an ornate golden lamp dangling from the centre of the ceiling in which real fairies were fluttering each a brilliant speck of light Loud singing accompanied by what sounded like mandolins issued from a distant corner a haze of pipe smoke hung over several elderly warlocks deep in conversation and a number of house-elves were negotiating their way squeakily through the forest of knees obscured by the heavy silver platters of food they were bearing so that they looked like little roving tables Harry m’boy boomed Horace almost as soon as Harry and Luna had squeezed in through the door Come in come in so many people I’d like you to meet Horace was wearing a tasselled velvet hat to match his smoking jacket Gripping Harry’s arm so tightly he might have been hoping to Disapparate with him Horace led him purposefully into the party Harry seized Luna’s hand and dragged her along with him Harry I’d like you to meet Eldred Worple an old student of mine author of Blood Brothers My Life Amongst the Vampires and of course his friend Sanguini Worple who was a small bespectacled man grabbed Harry’s hand and shook it enthusiastically the vampire Sanguini who was tall and emaciated with dark shadows under his eyes merely nodded He looked rather bored A gaggle of girls was standing close to him looking curious and excited Harry I am simply delighted said Worple peering short-sightedly up into Harry’s face I was saying to Professor Horace only the other day Where is the biography of Harry for which we have all been waiting Er said Harry were you Just as modest as Horace described said Worple But seriously his manner changed it became suddenly businesslike I would be delighted to write it myself people are craving to know more about you dear boy craving If you were prepared to grant me a few interviews say in four or five-hour sessions why we could have the book finished within months And all with very little effort on your part I assure you ask Sanguini here if it isn’t quite Sanguini stay here added Worple suddenly stern for the vampire had been edging towards the nearby group of girls a rather hungry look in his eye Here have a pasty said Worple seizing one from a passing elf and stuffing it into Sanguini’s hand before turning his attention back to Harry My dear boy the gold you could make you have no idea I’m definitely not interested said Harry firmly and I’ve just seen a friend of mine sorry He pulled Luna after him into the crowd he had indeed just seen a long mane of brown hair disappear between what looked like two members of the Weird Sisters Hermione Hermione Harry There you are thank goodness Hi Luna What’s happened to you asked Harry for Hermione looked distinctly dishevelled rather as though she had just fought her way out of a thicket of Devil’s Snare Oh I’ve just escaped I mean I’ve just left Cormac she said Under the mistletoe she added in explanation as Harry continued to look questioningly at her Serves you right for coming with him he told her severely I thought he’d annoy Ron most said Hermione dispassionately I debated for a while about Zacharias but I thought on the whole You considered Zacharias said Harry revolted Yes I did and I’m starting to wish I’d chosen him Cormac makes Grawp look a gentleman Let’s go this way we’ll be able to see him coming he’s so tall The three of them made their way over to the other side of the room scooping up goblets of mead on the way realising too late that Professor Sybill was standing there alone Hello said Luna politely to Professor Sybill Good evening my dear said Professor Sybill focusing upon Luna with some difficulty Harry could smell cooking sherry again I haven’t seen you in my classes lately No I’ve got Firenze this year said Luna Oh of course said Professor Sybill with an angry drunken titter Or Dobbin as I prefer to think of him You would have thought would you not that now I am returned to the school Professor Albus might have got rid of the horse But no we share classes it’s an insult frankly an insult Do you know Professor Sybill seemed too tipsy to have recognised Harry Under cover of her furious criticisms of Firenze Harry drew closer to Hermione and said Let’s get something straight Are you planning to tell Ron that you interfered at Keeper tryouts Hermione raised her eyebrows Do you really think I’d stoop that low Harry looked at her shrewdly Hermione if you can ask out Cormac There’s a difference said Hermione with dignity I’ve got no plans to tell Ron anything about what might or might not have happened at Keeper tryouts Good said Harry fervently Because he’ll just fall apart again and we’ll lose the next match Quidditch said Hermione angrily Is that all boys care about Cormac hasn’t asked me one single question about myself no I’ve just been treated to A Hundred Great Saves Made by Cormac non-stop ever since oh no here he comes She moved so fast it was as though she had Disapparated one moment she was there the next she had squeezed between two guffawing witches and vanished Seen Hermione asked Cormac forcing his way through the throng a minute later No sorry said Harry and he turned quickly to join in Luna’s conversation forgetting for a split second to whom she was talking Harry said Professor Sybill in deep vibrant tones noticing him for the first time Oh hello said Harry unenthusiastically My dear boy she said in a very carrying whisper The rumours The stories The Chosen One Of course I have known for a very long time the omens were never good Harry but why have you not returned to Divination For you of all people the subject is of the utmost importance Ah Sybill we all think our subject’s most important said a loud voice and Horace appeared at Professor Trelawney’s other side his face very red his velvet hat a little askew a glass of mead in one hand and an enormous mince pie in the other But I don’t think I’ve ever known such a natural at Potions said Horace regarding Harry with a fond if bloodshot eye Instinctive you know like his mother I’ve only ever taught a few with this kind of ability I can tell you that Sybill why even Severus And to Harry’s horror Horace threw out an arm and seemed to scoop Severus out of thin air towards them Stop skulking and come and join us Severus hiccoughed Horace happily I was just talking about Harry’s exceptional potion-making Some credit must go to you of course you taught him for five years Trapped with Slughorn’s arm around his shoulders Severus looked down his hooked nose at Harry his black eyes narrowed Funny I never had the impression that I managed to teach Harry anything at all Well then it’s natural ability shouted Horace You should have seen what he gave me first lesson the Draught of Living Death never had a student produce finer on a first attempt I don’t think even you Severus Really said Severus quietly his eyes still boring into Harry who felt a certain disquiet The last thing he wanted was for Severus to start investigating the source of his new-found brilliance at Potions Remind me what other subjects you’re taking Harry asked Horace Defence Against the Dark Arts Charms Transfiguration Herbology All the subjects required in short for an Auror said Severus with the faintest sneer Yeah well that’s what I’d like to be said Harry defiantly And a great one you’ll make too boomed Horace I don’t think you should be an Auror Harry said Luna unexpectedly Everybody looked at her The Aurors are part of the Rotfang Conspiracy I thought everyone knew that They’re working from within to bring down the Ministry of Magic using a combination of Dark magic and gum disease Harry inhaled half his mead up his nose as he started to laugh Really it had been worth bringing Luna just for this Emerging from his goblet coughing sopping wet but still grinning he saw something calculated to raise his spirits even higher Draco being dragged by the ear towards them by Argus Professor Horace wheezed Argus his jowls aquiver and the maniacal light of mischief-detection in his bulging eyes I discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor He claims to have been invited to your party and to have been delayed in setting out Did you issue him with an invitation Draco pulled himself free of Filch’s grip looking furious All right I wasn’t invited he said angrily I was trying to gatecrash happy No I’m not said Argus a statement at complete odds with the glee on his face You’re in trouble you are Didn’t the Headmaster say that night-time prowling’s out unless you’ve got permission didn’t he eh That’s all right Argus that’s all right said Horace waving a hand It’s Christmas and it’s not a crime to want to come to a party Just this once we’ll forget any punishment you may stay Draco Filch’s expression of outraged disappointment was perfectly predictable but why Harry wondered watching him did Draco look almost equally unhappy And why was Severus looking at Draco as though both angry and was it possible a little afraid But almost before Harry had registered what he had seen Argus had turned and shuffled away muttering under his breath Draco had composed his face into a smile and was thanking Horace for his generosity and Snape’s face was smoothly inscrutable again It’s nothing nothing said Horace waving away Malfoy’s thanks I did know your grandfather after all He always spoke very highly of you sir said Draco quickly Said you were the best potion-maker he’d ever known Harry stared at Draco It was not the sucking up that intrigued him he had watched Draco do that to Severus for a long time It was the fact that Draco did after all look a little ill This was the first time he had seen Draco close up for ages he now saw that Draco had dark shadows under his eyes and a distinctly greyish tinge to his skin I’d like a word with you Draco said Severus suddenly Oh now Severus said Horace hiccoughing again it’s Christmas don’t be too hard I’m his Head of House and I shall decide how hard or otherwise to be said Severus curtly Follow me Draco They left Severus leading the way Draco looking resentful Harry stood there for a moment irresolute then said I’ll be back in a bit Luna er bathroom All right she said cheerfully and he thought he heard her as he hurried off into the crowd resume the subject of the Rotfang Conspiracy with Professor Sybill who seemed sincerely interested It was easy once out of the party to pull his Invisibility Cloak out of his pocket and throw it over himself for the corridor was quite deserted What was more difficult was finding Severus and Draco Harry ran down the corridor the noise of his feet masked by the music and loud talk still issuing from Slughorn’s office behind him Perhaps Severus had taken Draco to his office in the dungeons or perhaps he was escorting him back to the Salazar common room but Harry pressed his ear against door after door as he dashed down the corridor until with a great jolt of excitement he crouched down to the keyhole of the last classroom in the corridor and heard voices cannot afford mistakes Draco because if you are expelled I didn’t have anything to do with it all right I hope you are telling the truth because it was both clumsy and foolish Already you are suspected of having a hand in it Who suspects me said Draco angrily For the last time I didn’t do it OK That Katie girl must’ve had an enemy no one knows about don’t look at me like that I know what you’re doing I’m not stupid but it won’t work I can stop you There was a pause and then Severus said quietly Ah Aunt Bellatrix has been teaching you Occlumency I see What thoughts are you trying to conceal from your master Draco I’m not trying to conceal anything from him I just don’t want you butting in Harry pressed his ear still more closely against the keyhole what had happened to make Draco speak to Severus like this Severus towards whom he had always shown respect even liking So that is why you have been avoiding me this term You have feared my interference You realise that had anybody else failed to come to my office when I had told them repeatedly to be there Draco So put me in detention Report me to Albus jeered Draco There was another pause Then Severus said You know perfectly well that I do not wish to do either of those things You’d better stop telling me to come to your office then Listen to me said Severus his voice so low now that Harry had to push his ear very hard against the keyhole to hear I am trying to help you I swore to your mother I would protect you I made the Unbreakable Vow Draco Looks like you’ll have to break it then because I don’t need your protection It’s my job he gave it to me and I’m doing it I’ve got a plan and it’s going to work it’s just taking a bit longer than I thought it would What is your plan It’s none of your business If you tell me what you are trying to do I can assist you I’ve got all the assistance I need thanks I’m not alone You were certainly alone tonight which was foolish in the extreme wandering the corridors without lookouts or backup These are elementary mistakes I would’ve had Vincent and Gregory with me if you hadn’t put them in detention Keep your voice down spat Severus for Malfoy’s voice had risen excitedly If your friends Vincent and Gregory intend to pass their Defence Against the Dark Arts O W L this time around they will need to work a little harder than they are doing at pres What does it matter said Draco Defence Against the Dark Arts it’s all just a joke isn’t it an act Like any of us need protecting against the Dark Arts It is an act that is crucial to success Draco said Severus Where do you think I would have been all these years if I had not known how to act Now listen to me You are being incautious wandering around at night getting yourself caught and if you are placing your reliance on assistants like Vincent and Gregory They’re not the only ones I’ve got other people on my side better people Then why not confide in me and I can I know what you’re up to You want to steal my glory There was another pause then Severus said coldly You are speaking like a child I quite understand that your father’s capture and imprisonment has upset you but Harry had barely a second’s warning he heard Malfoy’s footsteps on the other side of the door and flung himself out of the way just as it burst open Draco was striding away down the corridor past the open door of Slughorn’s office round the distant corner and out of sight Hardly daring to breathe Harry remained crouched down as Severus emerged slowly from the classroom His expression unfathomable he returned to the party Harry remained on the floor hidden beneath the Cloak his mind racing So Severus was offering to help him He was definitely offering to help him If you ask that once more said Harry I’m going to stick this sprout I’m only checking said Ron They were standing alone at The Burrow’s kitchen sink peeling a mountain of sprouts for Mrs Ron Snow was drifting past the window in front of them Yes Severus was offering to help him said Harry He said he’d promised Malfoy’s mother to protect him that he’d made an Unbreakable Oath or something An Unbreakable Vow said Ron looking stunned Nah he can’t have are you sure Yes I’m sure said Harry Why what does it mean Well you can’t break an Unbreakable Vow I’d worked that much out for myself funnily enough What happens if you break it then You die said Ron simply Fred and George tried to get me to make one when I was about five I nearly did too I was holding hands with Fred and everything when Dad found us He went mental said Ron with a reminiscent gleam in his eyes Only time I’ve ever seen Dad as angry as Mum Fred reckons his left buttock has never been the same since Yeah well passing over Fred’s left buttock I beg your pardon said Fred’s voice as the twins entered the kitchen Aaah George look at this They’re using knives and everything Bless them I’ll be seventeen in two and a bit months time said Ron grumpily and then I’ll be able to do it by magic But meanwhile said George sitting down at the kitchen table and putting his feet up on it we can enjoy watching you demonstrate the correct use of a whoops-adaisy You made me do that said Ron angrily sucking his cut thumb You wait when I’m seventeen I’m sure you’ll dazzle us all with hitherto unsuspected magical skills yawned Fred And speaking of hitherto unsuspected skills Ronald said George what is this we hear from Ginny about you and a young lady called unless our information is faulty Lavender Ron turned a little pink but did not look displeased as he turned back to the sprouts Mind your own business What a snappy retort said Fred I really don’t know how you think of them No what we wanted to know was how did it happen What d’you mean Did she have an accident or something What Well how did she sustain such extensive brain damage Careful now Mrs Ron entered the room just in time to see Ron throw the sprouts knife at Fred who turned it into a paper aeroplane with one lazy flick of his wand Ron she said furiously Don’t you ever let me see you throwing knives again I won’t said Ron let you see he added under his breath as he turned back to the sprout mountain Fred George I’m sorry dears but Remus is arriving tonight so Bill will have to squeeze in with you two No problem said George Then as Charlie isn’t coming home that just leaves Harry and Ron in the attic and if Fleur shares with Ginny that’ll make Ginny’s Christmas muttered Fred everyone should be comfortable Well they’ll have a bed anyway said Mrs Ron sounding slightly harassed Percy definitely not showing his ugly face then asked Fred Mrs Ron turned away before she answered No he’s busy I expect at the Ministry Or he’s the world’s biggest prat said Fred as Mrs Ron left the kitchen One of the two Well let’s get going then George What are you two up to asked Ron Can’t you help us with these sprouts You could just use your wand and then we’ll be free too No I don’t think we can do that said Fred seriously It’s very character-building stuff learning to peel sprouts without magic makes you appreciate how difficult it is for Muggles and Squibs and if you want people to help you Ron added George throwing the paper aeroplane at him I wouldn’t chuck knives at them Just a little hint We’re off to the village there’s a very pretty girl working in the paper shop who thinks my card tricks are something marvellous almost like real magic Gits said Ron darkly watching Fred and George setting off across the snowy yard Would’ve only taken them ten seconds and then we could’ve gone too I couldn’t said Harry I promised Albus I wouldn’t wander off while I’m staying here Oh yeah said Ron He peeled a few more sprouts and then said Are you going to tell Albus what you heard Severus and Draco saying to each other Yep said Harry I’m going to tell anyone who can put a stop to it and Dumbledore’s top of the list I might have another word with your dad too Pity you didn’t hear what Malfoy’s actually doing though I couldn’t have done could I That was the whole point he was refusing to tell Severus There was silence for a moment or two then Ron said Course you know what they’ll all say Dad and Albus and all of them They’ll say Severus isn’t really trying to help Draco he was just trying to find out what Malfoy’s up to They didn’t hear him said Harry flatly No one’s that good an actor not even Severus Yeah I’m just saying though said Ron Harry turned to face him frowning You think I’m right though Yeah I do said Ron hastily Seriously I do But they’re all convinced Snape’s in the Order aren’t they Harry said nothing It had already occurred to him that this would be the most likely objection to his new evidence he could hear Hermione now Obviously Harry he was pretending to offer help so he could trick Draco into telling him what he’s doing This was pure imagination however as he had had no opportunity to tell Hermione what he had overheard She had disappeared from Slughorn’s party before he returned to it or so he had been informed by an irate Cormac and she had already gone to bed by the time he returned to the common room As he and Ron had left for The Burrow early the next day he had barely had time to wish her a Happy Christmas and to tell her that he had some very important news when they got back from the holidays He was not entirely sure that she had heard him though Ron and Lavender had been saying a thoroughly non-verbal goodbye just behind him at the time Still even Hermione would not be able to deny one thing Draco was definitely up to something and Severus knew it so Harry felt fully justified in saying I told you so which he had done several times to Ron already Harry did not get the chance to speak to Mr Ron who was working very long hours at the Ministry until Christmas Eve night The Weasleys and their guests were sitting in the living room which Ginny had decorated so lavishly that it was rather like sitting in a paper-chain explosion Fred George Harry and Ron were the only ones who knew that the angel on top of the tree was actually a garden gnome that had bitten Fred on the ankle as he pulled up carrots for Christmas dinner Stupefied painted gold stuffed into a miniature tutu and with small wings glued to its back it glowered down at them all the ugliest angel Harry had ever seen with a large bald head like a potato and rather hairy feet They were all supposed to be listening to a Christmas broadcast by Mrs Weasley’s favourite singer Celestina Warbeck whose voice was warbling out of the large wooden wireless Fleur who seemed to find Celestina very dull was talking so loudly in the corner that a scowling Mrs Ron kept pointing her wand at the volume control so that Celestina grew louder and louder Under cover of a particularly jazzy number called A Cauldron Full of Hot Strong Love Fred and George started a game of Exploding Snap with Ginny Ron kept shooting Bill and Fleur covert looks as though hoping to pick up tips Meanwhile Remus who was thinner and more ragged-looking than ever was sitting beside the fire staring into its depths as though he could not hear Celestina’s voice Oh come and stir my cauldron And if you do it right I’ll boil you up some hot strong love To keep you warm tonight We danced to this when we were eighteen said Mrs Ron wiping her eyes on her knitting Do you remember Arthur Mphf said Mr Ron whose head had been nodding over the satsuma he was peeling Oh yes marvellous tune With an effort he sat up a little straighter and looked round at Harry who was sitting next to him Sorry about this he said jerking his head towards the wireless as Celestina broke into the chorus Be over soon No problem said Harry grinning Has it been busy at the Ministry Very said Mr Ron I wouldn’t mind if we were getting anywhere but of the three arrests we’ve made in the last couple of months I doubt that one of them is a genuine Death Eater only don’t repeat that Harry he added quickly looking much more awake all of a sudden They’re not still holding Stan are they asked Harry I’m afraid so said Mr Ron I know Dumbledore’s tried appealing directly to Rufus about Stan I mean anybody who has actually interviewed him agrees that he’s about as much a Death Eater as this satsuma but the top levels want to look as though they’re making some progress and three arrests sounds better than three mistaken arrests and releases but again this is all top secret I won’t say anything said Harry He hesitated for a moment wondering how best to embark on what he wanted to say as he marshalled his thoughts Celestina Warbeck began a ballad called You Charmed the Heart Right Out of Me Mr Ron you know what I told you at the station when we were setting off for school I checked Harry said Mr Ron at once I went and searched the Malfoys house There was nothing either broken or whole that shouldn’t have been there Yeah I know I saw in the Prophet that you’d looked but this is something different well something more And he told Mr Ron everything he had overheard between Draco and Severus As Harry spoke he saw Lupin’s head turn a little towards him taking in every word When he had finished there was silence except for Celestina’s crooning Oh my poor heart where has it gone It’s left me for a spell Has it occurred to you Harry said Mr Ron that Severus was simply pretending Pretending to offer help so that he could find out what Malfoy’s up to said Harry quickly Yeah I thought you’d say that But how do we know It isn’t our business to know said Remus unexpectedly He had turned his back on the fire now and faced Harry across Mr Ron It’s Dumbledore’s business Albus trusts Severus and that ought to be good enough for all of us But said Harry just say just say Dumbledore’s wrong about Severus People have said it many times It comes down to whether or not you trust Dumbledore’s judgement I do therefore I trust Severus But Albus can make mistakes argued Harry He says it himself And you He looked Remus straight in the eye do you honestly like Severus I neither like nor dislike Severus said Remus No Harry I am speaking the truth he added as Harry pulled a sceptical expression We shall never be bosom friends perhaps after all that happened between James and Sirius and Severus there is too much bitterness there But I do not forget that during the year I taught at Hogwarts Severus made the Wolfsbane Potion for me every month made it perfectly so that I did not have to suffer as I usually do at the full moon But he accidentally let it slip that you’re a werewolf so you had to leave said Harry angrily Remus shrugged The news would have leaked out anyway We both know he wanted my job but he could have wreaked much worse damage on me by tampering with the Potion He kept me healthy I must be grateful Maybe he didn’t dare mess with the Potion with Albus watching him said Harry You are determined to hate him Harry said Remus with a faint smile And I understand with James as your father with Sirius as your godfather you have inherited an old prejudice By all means tell Albus what you have told Arthur and me but do not expect him to share your view of the matter do not even expect him to be surprised by what you tell him It might have been on Dumbledore’s orders that Severus questioned Draco and now you’ve torn it quite apart I’ll thank you to give back my heart Celestina ended her song on a very long high-pitched note and loud applause issued out of the wireless which Mrs Ron joined in with enthusiastically Eez eet over said Fleur loudly Thank goodness what an orrible Shall we have a nightcap then asked Mr Ron loudly leaping to his feet Who wants egg-nog What have you been up to lately Harry asked Remus as Mr Ron bustled off to fetch the egg-nog and everybody else stretched and broke into conversation Oh I’ve been underground said Remus Almost literally That’s why I haven’t been able to write Harry sending letters to you would have been something of a give-away What do you mean I’ve been living among my fellows my equals said Remus Werewolves he added at Harry’s look of incomprehension Nearly all of them are on Voldemort’s side Albus wanted a spy and here I was ready-made He sounded a little bitter and perhaps realised it for he smiled more warmly as he went on I am not complaining it is necessary work and who can do it better than I However it has been difficult gaining their trust I bear the unmistakeable signs of having tried to live among wizards you see whereas they have shunned normal society and live on the margins stealing and sometimes killing to eat How come they like Lord They think that under his rule they will have a better life said Remus And it is hard to argue with Fenrir out there Who’s Fenrir You haven’t heard of him Lupin’s hands closed convulsively in his lap Fenrir is perhaps the most savage werewolf alive today He regards it as his mission in life to bite and to contaminate as many people as possible he wants to create enough werewolves to overcome the wizards Lord has promised him prey in return for his services Fenrir specialises in children bite them young he says and raise them away from their parents raise them to hate normal wizards Lord has threatened to unleash him upon people’s sons and daughters it is a threat that usually produces good results Remus paused and then said It was Fenrir who bit me What said Harry astonished When when you were a kid you mean Yes My father had offended him I did not know for a very long time the identity of the werewolf who had attacked me I even felt pity for him thinking that he had had no control knowing by then how it felt to transform But Fenrir is not like that At the full moon he positions himself close to victims ensuring that he is near enough to strike He plans it all And this is the man Lord is using to marshal the werewolves I cannot pretend that my particular brand of reasoned argument is making much headway against Greyback’s insistence that we werewolves deserve blood that we ought to revenge ourselves on normal people But you are normal said Harry fiercely You’ve just got a a problem Remus burst out laughing Sometimes you remind me a lot of James He called it my furry little problem in company Many people were under the impression that I owned a badly behaved rabbit He accepted a glass of egg-nog from Mr Ron with a word of thanks looking slightly more cheerful Harry meanwhile felt a rush of excitement this last mention of his father had reminded him that there was something he had been looking forward to asking Remus Have you ever heard of someone called the Half-Blood Eileen The Half-Blood what Eileen said Harry watching him closely for signs of recognition There are no wizarding princes said Remus now smiling Is this a title you’re thinking of adopting I should have thought being the Chosen One would be enough It’s nothing to do with me said Harry indignantly The Half-Blood Eileen is someone who used to go to Hogwarts I’ve got his old Potions book He wrote spells all over it spells he invented One of them was Levicorpus Oh that one had a great vogue during my time at Hogwarts said Remus reminiscently There were a few months in my fifth year when you couldn’t move for being hoisted into the air by your ankle My dad used it said Harry I saw him in the Pensieve he used it on Severus He tried to sound casual as though this was a throwaway comment of no real importance but he was not sure he had achieved the right effect Lupin’s smile was a little too understanding Yes he said but he wasn’t the only one As I say it was very popular you know how these spells come and go But it sounds like it was invented while you were at school Harry persisted Not necessarily said Remus Jinxes go in and out of fashion like everything else He looked into Harry’s face and then said quietly James was a pure-blood Harry and I promise you he never asked us to call him Eileen Abandoning pretence Harry said And it wasn’t Sirius Or you Definitely not Oh Harry stared into the fire I just thought well he’s helped me out a lot in Potions classes the Eileen has How old is this book Harry I dunno I’ve never checked Well perhaps that will give you some clue as to when the Eileen was at Hogwarts said Remus Shortly after this Fleur decided to imitate Celestina singing A Cauldron Full of Hot Strong Love which was taken by everyone once they had glimpsed Mrs Weasley’s expression to be the cue to go to bed Harry and Ron climbed all the way up to Ron’s attic bedroom where a camp bed had been added for Harry Ron fell asleep almost immediately but Harry delved into his trunk and pulled out his copy of Advanced PotionMaking before getting into bed There he turned its pages searching until he finally found at the front of the book the date that it had been published It was nearly fifty years old Neither his father nor his father’s friends had been at Hogwarts fifty years ago Feeling disappointed Harry threw the book back into his trunk turned off the lamp and rolled over thinking of werewolves and Severus Stan and the Half-Blood Eileen and finally falling into an uneasy sleep full of creeping shadows and the cries of bitten children She’s got to be joking Harry woke with a start to find a bulging stocking lying over the end of his bed He put on his glasses and looked around the tiny window was almost completely obscured with snow and in front of it Ron was sitting bolt upright in bed and examining what appeared to be a thick gold chain What’s that asked Harry It’s from Lavender said Ron sounding revolted She can’t honestly think I’d wear Harry looked more closely and let out a shout of laughter Dangling from the chain in large gold letters were the words My Sweetheart Nice he said Classy You should definitely wear it in front of Fred and George If you tell them said Ron shoving the necklace out of sight under his pillow I I I’ll Stutter at me said Harry grinning Come on would I How could she think I’d like something like that though Ron demanded of thin air looking rather shocked Well think back said Harry Have you ever let it slip that you’d like to go out in public with the words My Sweetheart round your neck Well we don’t really talk much said Ron It’s mainly Snogging said Harry Well yeah said Ron He hesitated a moment then said Is Hermione really going out with Cormac I dunno said Harry They were at Slughorn’s party together but I don’t think it went that well Ron looked slightly more cheerful as he delved deeper into his stocking Harry’s presents included a sweater with a large Golden Snitch worked on to the front hand-knitted by Mrs Ron a large box of Weasleys Wizard Wheezes products from the twins and a slightly damp mouldy-smelling package which came with a label reading To Master from Kreacher Harry stared at it D’you reckon this is safe to open he asked Can’t be anything dangerous all our mail’s still being searched at the Ministry replied Ron though he was eyeing the parcel suspiciously I didn’t think of giving Kreacher anything Do people usually give their house-elves Christmas presents asked Harry prodding the parcel cautiously Hermione would said Ron But let’s wait and see what it is before you start feeling guilty A moment later Harry had given a loud yell and leapt out of his camp bed the package contained a large number of maggots Nice said Ron roaring with laughter Very thoughtful I’d rather have them than that necklace said Harry which sobered Ron up at once Everybody was wearing new sweaters when they all sat down for Christmas lunch everyone except Fleur on whom it appeared Mrs Ron had not wanted to waste one and Mrs Ron herself who was sporting a brand new midnightblue witch’s hat glittering with what looked like tiny starlike diamonds and a spectacular golden necklace Fred and George gave them to me Aren’t they beautiful Well we find we appreciate you more and more Mum now we’re washing our own socks said George waving an airy hand Parsnips Remus Harry you’ve got a maggot in your hair said Ginny cheerfully leaning across the table to pick it out Harry felt goosebumps erupt up his neck that had nothing to do with the maggot Ow orrible said Fleur with an affected little shudder Yes isn’t it said Ron Gravy Fleur In his eagerness to help her he knocked the gravy boat flying Bill waved his wand and the gravy soared up in the air and returned meekly to the boat You are as bad as zat Nymphadora said Fleur to Ron when she had finished kissing Bill in thanks She is always knocking I invited dear Nymphadora to come along today said Mrs Ron setting down the carrots with unnecessary force and glaring at Fleur But she wouldn’t come Have you spoken to her lately Remus No I haven’t been in contact with anybody very much said Remus But Nymphadora has got her own family to go to hasn’t she Hmmm said Mrs Ron Maybe I got the impression she was planning to spend Christmas alone actually She gave Remus an annoyed look as though it was all his fault she was getting Fleur for a daughter-in-law instead of Nymphadora but Harry glancing across at Fleur who was now feeding Bill bits of turkey off her own fork thought that Mrs Ron was fighting a long-lost battle He was however reminded of a question he had with regard to Nymphadora and who better to ask than Remus the man who knew all about Patronuses Tonks’s Patronus has changed its form he told him Severus said so anyway I didn’t know that could happen Why would your Patronus change Remus took his time chewing his turkey and swallowing before saying slowly Sometimes a great shock an emotional upheaval It looked big and it had four legs said Harry struck by a sudden thought and lowering his voice Hey it couldn’t be Arthur said Mrs Ron suddenly She had risen from her chair her hand was pressed over her heart and she was staring out of the kitchen window Arthur it’s Percy What Mr Ron looked round Everybody looked quickly at the window Ginny stood up for a better view There sure enough was Percy striding across the snowy yard his horn-rimmed glasses glinting in the sunlight He was not however alone Arthur he’s he’s with the Minister And sure enough the man Harry had seen in the Daily Prophet was following along in Percy’s wake limping slightly his mane of greying hair and his black cloak flecked with snow Before any of them could say anything before Mr and Mrs Ron could do more than exchange stunned looks the back door opened and there stood Percy There was a moment’s painful silence Then Percy said rather stiffly Merry Christmas Mother Oh Percy said Mrs Ron and she threw herself into his arms Rufus paused in the doorway leaning on his walking stick and smiling as he observed this affecting scene You must forgive this intrusion he said when Mrs Ron looked round at him beaming and wiping her eyes Percy and I were in the vicinity working you know and he couldn’t resist dropping in and seeing you all But Percy showed no sign of wanting to greet any of the rest of the family He stood poker-straight and awkwardlooking and stared over everybody else’s heads Mr Ron Fred and George were all observing him stony-faced Please come in sit down Minister fluttered Mrs Ron straightening her hat Have a little purkey or some tooding I mean No no my dear Molly said Rufus Harry guessed that he had checked on her name with Percy before they entered the house I don’t want to intrude wouldn’t be here at all if Percy hadn’t wanted to see you all so badly Oh Perce said Mrs Ron tearfully reaching up to kiss him we’ve only looked in for five minutes so I’ll have a stroll around the yard while you catch up with Percy No no I assure you I don’t want to butt in Well if anybody cared to show me your charming garden ah that young man’s finished why doesn’t he take a stroll with me The atmosphere around the table changed perceptibly Everybody looked from Rufus to Harry Nobody seemed to find Scrimgeour’s pretence that he did not know Harry’s name convincing or find it natural that he should be chosen to accompany the Minister around the garden when Ginny Fleur and George also had clean plates Yeah all right said Harry into the silence He was not fooled for all Scrimgeour’s talk that they had just been in the area that Percy wanted to look up his family this must be the real reason that they had come so that Rufus could speak to Harry alone It’s fine he said quietly as he passed Remus who had halfrisen from his chair Fine he added as Mr Ron opened his mouth to speak Wonderful said Rufus standing back to let Harry pass through the door ahead of him We’ll just take a turn around the garden and then Percy and I’ll be off Carry on everyone Harry walked across the yard towards the Weasleys overgrown snow-covered garden Rufus limping slightly at his side He had Harry knew been Head of the Auror Office he looked tough and battle-scarred very different from portly Cornelius in his bowler hat Charming said Rufus stopping at the garden fence and looking out over the snowy lawn and the indistinguishable plants Charming Harry said nothing He could tell that Rufus was watching him I’ve wanted to meet you for a very long time said Rufus after a few moments Did you know that No said Harry truthfully Oh yes for a very long time But Albus has been very protective of you said Rufus Natural of course natural after what you’ve been through especially what happened at the Ministry He waited for Harry to say something but Harry did not oblige so he went on I have been hoping for an occasion to talk to you ever since I gained office but Albus has most understandably as I say prevented this Still Harry said nothing waiting The rumours that have flown around said Rufus Well of course we both know how these stories get distorted all these whispers of a prophecy of you being the Chosen One They were getting near it now Harry thought the reason Rufus was here I assume that Albus has discussed these matters with you Harry deliberated wondering whether he ought to lie or not He looked at the little gnome prints all around the flowerbeds and the scuffed-up patch that marked the spot where Fred had caught the gnome now wearing the tutu at the top of the Christmas tree Finally he decided on the truth or a bit of it Yeah we’ve discussed it Have you have you said Rufus Harry could see out of the corner of his eyes Rufus squinting at him so pretended to be very interested in a gnome that had just poked its head out from underneath a frozen rhododendron And what has Albus told you Harry Sorry but that’s between us said Harry He kept his voice as pleasant as he could and Scrimgeour’s tone too was light and friendly as he said Oh of course if it’s a question of confidences I wouldn’t want you to divulge no no and in any case does it really matter whether you are the Chosen One or not Harry had to mull that one over for a few seconds before responding I don’t really know what you mean Minister Well of course to you it will matter enormously said Rufus with a laugh But to the wizarding community at large it’s all perception isn’t it It’s what people believe that’s important Harry said nothing He thought he saw dimly where they were heading but he was not going to help Rufus get there The gnome under the rhododendron was now digging for worms at its roots and Harry kept his eyes fixed upon it People believe you are the Chosen One you see said Rufus They think you quite the hero which of course you are Harry chosen or not How many times have you faced He Who Must Not Be Named now Well anyway he pressed on without waiting for a reply the point is you are a symbol of hope for many Harry The idea that there is somebody out there who might be able who might even be destined to destroy He Who Must Not Be Named well naturally it gives people a lift And I can’t help but feel that once you realise this you might consider it well almost a duty to stand alongside the Ministry and give everyone a boost The gnome had just managed to get hold of a worm It was now tugging very hard on it trying to get it out of the frozen ground Harry was silent so long that Rufus said looking from Harry to the gnome Funny little chaps aren’t they But what say you Harry I don’t exactly understand what you want said Harry slowly Stand alongside the Ministry what does that mean Oh well nothing at all onerous I assure you said Rufus If you were to be seen popping in and out of the Ministry from time to time for instance that would give the right impression And of course while you were there you would have ample opportunity to speak to Gawain Robards my successor as Head of the Auror Office Dolores has told me that you cherish an ambition to become an Auror Well that could be arranged very easily Harry felt anger bubbling in the pit of his stomach so Dolores was still at the Ministry was she So basically he said as though he just wanted to clarify a few points you’d like to give the impression that I’m working for the Ministry It would give everyone a lift to think you were more involved Harry said Rufus sounding relieved that Harry had cottoned on so quickly The Chosen One you know it’s all about giving people hope the feeling that exciting things are happening But if I keep running in and out of the Ministry said Harry still endeavouring to keep his voice friendly won’t that seem as though I approve of what the Ministry’s up to Well said Rufus frowning slightly well yes that’s partly why we’d like No I don’t think that’ll work said Harry pleasantly You see I don’t like some of the things the Ministry’s doing Locking up Stan for instance Rufus did not speak for a moment but his expression hardened instantly I would not expect you to understand he said and he was not as successful at keeping anger out of his voice as Harry had been These are dangerous times and certain measures need to be taken You are sixteen years old Dumbledore’s a lot older than sixteen and he doesn’t think Stan should be in Azkaban either said Harry You’re making Stan a scapegoat just like you want to make me a mascot They looked at each other long and hard Finally Rufus said with no pretence at warmth I see You prefer like your hero Albus to disassociate yourself from the Ministry I don’t want to be used said Harry Some would say it’s your duty to be used by the Ministry Yeah and others might say it’s your duty to check people really are Death Eaters before you chuck them in prison said Harry his temper rising now You’re doing what Barty did You never get it right you people do you Either we’ve got Cornelius pretending everything’s lovely while people get murdered right under his nose or we’ve got you chucking the wrong people into jail and trying to pretend you’ve got the Chosen One working for you So you’re not the Chosen One said Rufus I thought you said it didn’t matter either way said Harry with a bitter laugh Not to you anyway I shouldn’t have said that said Rufus quickly It was tactless No it was honest said Harry One of the only honest things you’ve said to me You don’t care whether I live or die but you do care that I help you convince everyone you’re winning the war against Lord I haven’t forgotten Minister He raised his right fist There shining white on the back of his cold hand were the scars which Dolores had forced him to carve into his own flesh I must not tell lies I don’t remember you rushing to my defence when I was trying to tell everyone Lord was back The Ministry wasn’t so keen to be pals last year They stood in silence as icy as the ground beneath their feet The gnome had finally managed to extricate its worm and was now sucking on it happily leaning against the bottommost branches of the rhododendron bush What is Albus up to said Rufus brusquely Where does he go when he is absent from Hogwarts No idea said Harry And you wouldn’t tell me if you knew said Rufus would you No I wouldn’t said Harry Well then I shall have to see whether I can’t find out by other means You can try said Harry indifferently But you seem cleverer than Cornelius so I’d have thought you’d have learned from his mistakes He tried interfering at Hogwarts You might have noticed he’s not Minister any more but Dumbledore’s still Headmaster I’d leave Albus alone if I were you There was a long pause Well it is clear to me that he has done a very good job on you said Rufus his eyes cold and hard behind his wire-rimmed glasses Dumbledore’s man through and through aren’t you Harry Yeah I am said Harry Glad we straightened that out And turning his back on the Minister for Magic he strode back towards the house Late in the afternoon a few days after New Year Harry Ron and Ginny lined up beside the kitchen fire to return to Hogwarts The Ministry had arranged this one-off connection to the Floo Network to return students quickly and safely to the school Only Mrs Ron was there to say goodbye as Mr Ron Fred George Bill and Fleur were all at work Mrs Ron dissolved into tears at the moment of parting Admittedly it took very little to set her off lately she had been crying on and off ever since Percy had stormed from the house on Christmas Day with his glasses splattered with mashed parsnip for which Fred George and Ginny all claimed credit Don’t cry Mum said Ginny patting her on the back as Mrs Ron sobbed into her shoulder It’s OK Yeah don’t worry about us said Ron permitting his mother to plant a very wet kiss on his cheek or about Percy He’s such a prat it’s not really a loss is it Mrs Ron sobbed harder than ever as she enfolded Harry in her arms Promise me you’ll look after yourself stay out of trouble I always do Mrs Ron said Harry I like a quiet life you know me She gave a watery chuckle and stood back Be good then all of you Harry stepped into the emerald fire and shouted Hogwarts He had one last fleeting view of the Weasleys kitchen and Mrs Weasley’s tearful face before the flames engulfed him spinning very fast he caught blurred glimpses of other wizarding rooms which were whipped out of sight before he could get a proper look then he was slowing down finally stopping squarely in the fireplace in Professor McGonagall’s office She barely glanced up from her work as he clambered out over the grate Evening Harry Try not to get too much ash on the carpet No Professor Harry straightened his glasses and flattened his hair as Ron came spinning into view When Ginny had arrived all three of them trooped out of McGonagall’s office and off towards Godric Tower Harry glanced out of the corridor windows as they passed the sun was already sinking over grounds carpeted in deeper snow than had lain over The Burrow garden In the distance he could see Rubeus feeding Buckbeak in front of his cabin Baubles said Ron confidently when they reached the Fat who was looking rather paler than usual and winced at his loud voice No she said What d’you mean no There is a new password she said And please don’t shout But we’ve been away how’re we supposed to Harry Ginny Hermione was hurrying towards them very pink-faced and wearing a cloak hat and gloves I got back a couple of hours ago I’ve just been down to visit Rubeus and Buck I mean Witherwings she said breathlessly Did you have a good Christmas Yeah said Ron at once pretty eventful Rufus Scrim I’ve got something for you Harry said Hermione neither looking at Ron nor giving any sign that she had heard him Oh hang on password Abstinence Precisely said the Fat in a feeble voice and swung forwards to reveal the portrait hole What’s up with her asked Harry Overindulged over Christmas apparently said Hermione rolling her eyes as she led the way into the packed common room She and her friend Violet drank their way through all the wine in that picture of drunk monks down by the Charms corridor Anyway She rummaged in her pocket for a moment then pulled out a scroll of parchment with Dumbledore’s writing on it Great said Harry unrolling it at once to discover that his next lesson with Albus was scheduled for the following night I’ve got loads to tell him and you Let’s sit down But at that moment there was a loud squeal of Won-Won and Lavender came hurtling out of nowhere and flung herself into Ron’s arms Several onlookers sniggered Hermione gave a tinkling laugh and said There’s a table over here coming Ginny No thanks I said I’d meet Dean said Ginny though Harry could not help noticing that she did not sound very enthusiastic Leaving Ron and Lavender locked in a kind of vertical wrestling match Harry led Hermione over to the spare table So how was your Christmas Oh fine she shrugged Nothing special How was it at Won-Won’s I’ll tell you in a minute said Harry Look Hermione can’t you No I can’t she said flatly So don’t even ask I thought maybe you know over Christmas It was the Fat who drank a vat of five-hundred-yearold wine Harry not me So what was this important news you wanted to tell me She looked too fierce to argue with at that moment so Harry dropped the subject of Ron and recounted all that he had overheard between Draco and Severus When he had finished Hermione sat in thought for a moment and then said Don’t you think he was pretending to offer help so that he could trick Draco into telling him what he’s doing Well yes said Hermione Ron’s dad and Remus think so Harry said grudgingly But this definitely proves Malfoy’s planning something you can’t deny that No I can’t she answered slowly And he’s acting on Voldemort’s orders just like I said Hmm did either of them actually mention Voldemort’s name Harry frowned trying to remember I’m not sure Severus definitely said your master and who else would that be I don’t know said Hermione biting her lip Maybe his father She stared across the room apparently lost in thought not even noticing Lavender tickling Ron How’s Remus Not great said Harry and he told her all about Lupin’s mission among the werewolves and the difficulties he was facing Have you heard of this Fenrir Yes I have said Hermione sounding startled And so have you Harry When History of Magic You know full well I never listened No no not History of Magic Draco threatened Borgin with him said Hermione Back in Knockturn Alley don’t you remember He told Borgin that Fenrir was an old family friend and that he’d be checking up on Borgin’s progress Harry gaped at her I forgot But this proves Malfoy’s a Death Eater how else could he be in contact with Fenrir and telling him what to do It is pretty suspicious breathed Hermione Unless Oh come on said Harry in exasperation you can’t get round this one Well there is the possibility it was an empty threat You’re unbelievable you are said Harry shaking his head We’ll see who’s right you’ll be eating your words Hermione just like the Ministry Oh yeah I had a row with Rufus as well And the rest of the evening passed amicably with both of them abusing the Minister for Magic for Hermione like Ron thought that after all the Ministry had put Harry through the previous year they had a great nerve asking him for help now The new term started next morning with a pleasant surprise for the sixth-years a large sign had been pinned to the common-room noticeboards overnight APPARITION LESSONS If you are seventeen years of age or will turn seventeen on or before 31st August you are eligible for a twelve-week course of Apparition Lessons from a Ministry of Magic Apparition Instructor Please sign below if you would like to participate Cost 12 Galleons Harry and Ron joined the crowd that was jostling around the notice and taking it in turns to write their names underneath Ron was just taking out his quill to sign after Hermione when Lavender crept up behind him slipped her hands over his eyes and trilled Guess who Won-Won Harry turned to see Hermione stalking off he caught up with her having no wish to stay behind with Ron and Lavender but to his surprise Ron caught them up only a little way beyond the portrait hole his ears bright red and his expression disgruntled Without a word Hermione sped up to walk with Neville So Apparition said Ron his tone making it perfectly plain that Harry was not to mention what had just happened Should be a laugh eh I dunno said Harry Maybe it’s better when you do it yourself I didn’t enjoy it much when Albus took me along for the ride I forgot you’d already done it I’d better pass my test first time said Ron looking anxious Fred and George did Charlie failed though didn’t he Yeah but Charlie’s bigger than me Ron held his arms out from his body as though he were a gorilla so Fred and George didn’t go on about it much not to his face anyway When can we take the actual test Soon as we’re seventeen That’s only March for me Yeah but you wouldn’t be able to Apparate in here not in the castle Not the point is it Everyone would know I could Apparate if I wanted Ron was not the only one to be excited at the prospect of Apparition All that day there was much talk about the forthcoming lessons a great deal of store was set by being able to vanish and reappear at will How cool will it be when we can just Seamus clicked his fingers to indicate disappearance Me cousin Fergus does it just to annoy me you wait till I can do it back he’ll never have another peaceful moment Lost in visions of this happy prospect he flicked his wand a little too enthusiastically so that instead of producing the fountain of pure water that was the object of that day’s Charms lesson he let out a hoselike jet that ricocheted off the ceiling and knocked Professor Filius flat on his face Harry’s already Apparated Ron told a slightly abashed Seamus after Professor Filius had dried himself off with a wave of his wand and set Seamus lines I am a wizard not a baboon brandishing a stick Dum er someone took him Side-Along-Apparition you know Whoa whispered Seamus and he Dean and Neville put their heads a little closer to hear what Apparition felt like For the rest of the day Harry was besieged with requests from the other sixth-years to describe the sensation of Apparition All of them seemed awed rather than put off when he told them how uncomfortable it was and he was still answering detailed questions at ten to eight that evening when he was forced to lie and say that he needed to return a book to the library so as to escape in time for his lesson with Albus The lamps in Dumbledore’s office were lit the portraits of previous headmasters were snoring gently in their frames and the Pensieve was ready upon the desk once more Dumbledore’s hands lay either side of it the right one as blackened and burned-looking as ever It did not seem to have healed at all and Harry wondered for perhaps the hundredth time what had caused such a distinctive injury but did not ask Albus had said that he would know eventually and there was in any case another subject he wanted to discuss But before Harry could say anything about Severus and Draco Albus spoke I hear that you met the Minister for Magic over Christmas Yes said Harry He’s not very happy with me No sighed Albus He is not very happy with me either We must try not to sink beneath our anguish Harry but battle on Harry grinned He wanted me to tell the wizarding community that the Ministry’s doing a wonderful job Albus smiled It was Fudge’s idea originally you know During his last days in office when he was trying desperately to cling to his post he sought a meeting with you hoping that you would give him your support After everything Cornelius did last year said Harry angrily After Dolores I told Cornelius there was no chance of it but the idea did not die when he left office Within hours of Scrimgeour’s appointment we met and he demanded that I arrange a meeting with you So that’s why you argued Harry blurted out It was in the Daily Prophet The Prophet is bound to report the truth occasionally said Albus if only accidentally Yes that was why we argued Well it appears that Rufus found a way to corner you at last He accused me of being Dumbledore’s man through and through How very rude of him I told him I was Albus opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again Behind Harry Fawkes the phoenix let out a low soft musical cry To Harry’s intense embarrassment he suddenly realised that Dumbledore’s bright blue eyes looked rather watery and stared hastily at his own knees When Albus spoke however his voice was quite steady I am very touched Harry Rufus wanted to know where you go when you’re not at Hogwarts said Harry still looking fixedly at his knees Yes he is very nosy about that said Albus now sounding cheerful and Harry thought it safe to look up again He has even attempted to have me followed Amusing really He set John to tail me It wasn’t kind I have already been forced to jinx John once I did it again with the greatest regret So they still don’t know where you go asked Harry hoping for more information on this intriguing subject but Albus merely smiled over the top of his half-moon spectacles No they don’t and the time is not quite right for you to know either Now I suggest we press on unless there’s anything else There is actually sir said Harry It’s about Draco and Severus Professor Severus Harry Yes sir I overheard them during Professor Slughorn’s party well I followed them actually Albus listened to Harry’s story with an impassive face When Harry had finished he did not speak for a few moments then said Thank you for telling me this Harry but I suggest that you put it out of your mind I do not think that it is of great importance Not of great importance repeated Harry incredulously Professor did you understand Yes Harry blessed as I am with extraordinary brainpower I understood everything you told me said Albus a little sharply I think you might even consider the possibility that I understood more than you did Again I am glad that you have confided in me but let me reassure you that you have not told me anything that causes me disquiet Harry sat in seething silence glaring at Albus What was going on Did this mean that Albus had indeed ordered Severus to find out what Draco was doing in which case he had already heard everything Harry had just told him from Severus Or was he really worried by what he had heard but pretending not to be So sir said Harry in what he hoped was a polite calm voice you definitely still trust I have been tolerant enough to answer that question already said Albus but he did not sound very tolerant any more My answer has not changed I should think not said a snide voice Phineas Nigellus was evidently only pretending to be asleep Albus ignored him And now Harry I must insist that we press on I have more important things to discuss with you this evening Harry sat there feeling mutinous How would it be if he refused to permit the change of subject if he insisted upon arguing the case against Draco As though he had read Harry’s mind Albus shook his head Ah Harry how often this happens even between the best of friends Each of us believes that what he has to say is much more important than anything the other might have to contribute I don’t think what you’ve got to say is unimportant sir said Harry stiffly Well you are quite right because it is not said Albus briskly I have two more memories to show you this evening both obtained with enormous difficulty and the second of them is I think the most important I have collected Harry did not say anything to this he still felt angry at the reception his confidences had received but could not see what was to be gained by arguing further So said Albus in a ringing voice we meet this evening to continue the tale of Tom whom we left last lesson poised on the threshold of his years at Hogwarts You will remember how excited he was to hear that he was a wizard that he refused my company on a trip to Diagon Alley and that I in turn warned him against continued thievery when he arrived at school Well the start of the school year arrived and with it came Tom a quiet boy in his second-hand robes who lined up with the other first-years to be Sorted He was placed in Salazar house almost the moment that the Sorting touched his head continued Albus waving his blackened hand towards the shelf over his head where the Sorting sat ancient and unmoving How soon Tom learned that the famous founder of the house could talk to snakes I do not know perhaps that very evening The knowledge can only have excited him and increased his sense of selfimportance However if he was frightening or impressing fellow Slytherins with displays of Parseltongue in their common room no hint of it reached the staff He showed no sign of outward arrogance or aggression at all As an unusually talented and very good-looking orphan he naturally drew attention and sympathy from the staff almost from the moment of his arrival He seemed polite quiet and thirsty for knowledge Nearly all were most favourably impressed by him Didn’t you tell them sir what he’d been like when you met him at the orphanage asked Harry No I did not Though he had shown no hint of remorse it was possible that he felt sorry for how he had behaved before and was resolved to turn over a fresh leaf I chose to give him that chance Albus paused and looked enquiringly at Harry who had opened his mouth to speak Here again was Dumbledore’s tendency to trust people in spite of overwhelming evidence that they did not deserve it But then Harry remembered something But you didn’t really trust him sir did you He told me the Tom who came out of that diary said Albus never seemed to like me as much as the other teachers did Let us say that I did not take it for granted that he was trustworthy said Albus I had as I have already indicated resolved to keep a close eye upon him and so I did I cannot pretend that I gleaned a great deal from my observations at first He was very guarded with me he felt I am sure that in the thrill of discovering his true identity he had told me a little too much He was careful never to reveal as much again but he could not take back what he had let slip in his excitement nor what Mrs Cole had confided in me However he had the sense never to try and charm me as he charmed so many of my colleagues As he moved up the school he gathered about him a group of dedicated friends I call them that for want of a better term although as I have already indicated Tom undoubtedly felt no affection for any of them This group had a kind of dark glamour within the castle They were a motley collection a mixture of the weak seeking protection the ambitious seeking some shared glory and the thuggish gravitating towards a leader who could show them more refined forms of cruelty In other words they were the forerunners of the Death Eaters and indeed some of them became the first Death Eaters after leaving Hogwarts Rigidly controlled by Tom they were never detected in open wrong-doing although their seven years at Hogwarts were marked by a number of nasty incidents to which they were never satisfactorily linked the most serious of which was of course the opening of the Chamber of Secrets which resulted in the death of a girl As you know Rubeus was wrongly accused of that crime I have not been able to find many memories of Tom at Hogwarts said Albus placing his withered hand on the Pensieve Few who knew him then are prepared to talk about him they are too terrified What I know I found out after he had left Hogwarts after much painstaking effort after tracing those few who could be tricked into speaking after searching old records and questioning Muggle and wizard witnesses alike Those whom I could persuade to talk told me that Tom was obsessed with his parentage This is understandable of course he had grown up in an orphanage and naturally wished to know how he came to be there It seems that he searched in vain for some trace of Tom Senior on the shields in the trophy room on the lists of prefects in the old school records even in the books of wizarding history Finally he was forced to accept that his father had never set foot in Hogwarts I believe that it was then that he dropped the name for ever assumed the identity of Lord and began his investigations into his previously despised mother’s family the woman whom you will remember he had thought could not be a witch if she had succumbed to the shameful human weakness of death All he had to go upon was the single name Marvolo which he knew from those who ran the orphanage had been his mother’s father’s name Finally after painstaking research through old books of wizarding families he discovered the existence of Slytherin’s surviving line In the summer of his sixteenth year he left the orphanage to which he returned annually and set off to find his Marvolo relatives And now Harry if you will stand Albus rose and Harry saw that he was again holding a small crystal bottle filled with swirling pearly memory I was very lucky to collect this he said as he poured the gleaming mass into the Pensieve As you will understand when we have experienced it Shall we Harry stepped up to the stone basin and bowed obediently until his face sank through the surface of the memory he felt the familiar sensation of falling through nothingness and then landed upon a dirty stone floor into almost total darkness It took him several seconds to recognise the place by which time Albus had landed beside him The Gaunts house was now more indescribably filthy than anywhere Harry had ever seen The ceiling was thick with cobwebs the floor coated in grime mouldy and rotting food lay upon the table amidst a mass of crusted pots The only light came from a single guttering candle placed at the feet of a man with hair and beard so overgrown Harry could see neither eyes nor mouth He was slumped in an armchair by the fire and Harry wondered for a moment whether he was dead But then there came a loud knock on the door and the man jerked awake raising a wand in his right hand and a short knife in his left The door creaked open There on the threshold holding an old-fashioned lamp stood a boy Harry recognised at once tall pale dark-haired and handsome the teenage Lord Voldemort’s eyes moved slowly around the hovel and then found the man in the armchair For a few seconds they looked at each other then the man staggered upright the many empty bottles at his feet clattering and tinkling across the floor YOU he bellowed YOU And he hurtled drunkenly at Tom wand and knife held aloft Stop Tom spoke in Parseltongue The man skidded into the table sending mouldy pots crashing to the floor He stared at Tom There was a long silence while they contemplated each other The man broke it You speak it Yes I speak it said Tom He moved forwards into the room allowing the door to swing shut behind him Harry could not help but feel a resentful admiration for Voldemort’s complete lack of fear His face merely expressed disgust and perhaps disappointment Where is Marvolo he asked Dead said the other Died years ago didn’t he Tom frowned Who are you then I’m Morfin ain’t I Marvolo’s son Course I am then Morfin pushed the hair out of his dirty face the better to see Tom and Harry saw that he wore Marvolo’s blackstoned ring on his right hand I thought you was that Muggle whispered Morfin You look mighty like that Muggle What Muggle said Tom sharply That Muggle what my sister took a fancy to that Muggle what lives in the big house over the way said Morfin and he spat unexpectedly upon the floor between them You look right like him Tom But he’s older now i’n e He’s older’n you now I think on it Morfin looked slightly dazed and swayed a little still clutching the edge of the table for support He come back see he added stupidly Lord was gazing at Morfin as though appraising his possibilities Now he moved a little closer and said Tom came back Ar he left her and serve her right marrying filth said Morfin spitting on the floor again Robbed us mind before she ran off Where’s the locket eh where’s Slytherin’s locket Lord did not answer Morfin was working himself into a rage again he brandished his knife and shouted Dishonoured us she did that little slut And who’re you coming here and asking questions about all that It’s over innit it’s over He looked away staggering slightly and Lord moved forwards As he did so an unnatural darkness fell extinguishing Voldemort’s lamp and Morfin’s candle extinguishing everything Dumbledore’s fingers closed tightly around Harry’s arm and they were soaring back into the present again The soft golden light in Dumbledore’s office seemed to dazzle Harry’s eyes after that impenetrable darkness Is that all said Harry at once Why did it go dark what happened Because Morfin could not remember anything from that point onwards said Albus gesturing Harry back into his seat When he awoke next morning he was lying on the floor quite alone Marvolo’s ring had gone Meanwhile in the village of Little Hangleton a maid was running along the high street screaming that there were three bodies lying in the drawing room of the big house Tom Senior and his mother and father The Muggle authorities were perplexed As far as I am aware they do not know to this day how the Riddles died for the Avada Kedavra Curse does not usually leave any sign of damage the exception sits before me Albus added with a nod to Harry’s scar The Ministry on the other hand knew at once that this was a wizard’s murder They also knew that a convicted Muggle-hater lived across the valley from the Tom house a Muggle-hater who had already been imprisoned once for attacking one of the murdered people So the Ministry called upon Morfin They did not need to question him to use Veritaserum or Legilimency He admitted to the murder on the spot giving details only the murderer could know He was proud he said to have killed the Muggles had been awaiting his chance all these years He handed over his wand which was proved at once to have been used to kill the Riddles And he permitted himself to be led off to Azkaban without a fight All that disturbed him was the fact that his father’s ring had disappeared He’ll kill me for losing it he told his captors over and over again He’ll kill me for losing his ring And that apparently was all he ever said again He lived out the remainder of his life in Azkaban lamenting the loss of Marvolo’s last heirloom and is buried beside the prison alongside the other poor souls who have expired within its walls So Lord stole Morfin’s wand and used it said Harry sitting up straight That’s right said Albus We have no memories to show us this but I think we can be fairly sure what happened Lord Stupefied his uncle took his wand and proceeded across the valley to the big house over the way There he murdered the Muggle man who had abandoned his witch mother and for good measure his Muggle grandparents thus obliterating the last of the unworthy Tom line and revenging himself upon the father who never wanted him Then he returned to the Marvolo hovel performed the complex bit of magic that would implant a false memory in his uncle’s mind laid Morfin’s wand beside its unconscious owner pocketed the ancient ring he wore and departed And Morfin never realised he hadn’t done it Never said Albus He gave as I say a full and boastful confession But he had this real memory in him all the time Yes but it took a great deal of skilled Legilimency to coax it out of him said Albus and why should anybody delve further into Morfin’s mind when he had already confessed to the crime However I was able to secure a visit to Morfin in the last weeks of his life by which time I was attempting to discover as much as I could about Voldemort’s past I extracted this memory with difficulty When I saw what it contained I attempted to use it to secure Morfin’s release from Azkaban Before the Ministry reached their decision however Morfin had died But how come the Ministry didn’t realise that Lord had done all that to Morfin Harry asked angrily He was under age at the time wasn’t he I thought they could detect under-age magic You are quite right they can detect magic but not the perpetrator you will remember that you were blamed by the Ministry for the Hover Charm that was in fact cast by Dobby growled Harry this injustice still rankled So if you’re under age and you do magic inside an adult witch or wizard’s house the Ministry won’t know They will certainly be unable to tell who performed the magic said Albus smiling slightly at the look of great indignation on Harry’s face They rely on witch and wizard parents to enforce their offspring’s obedience while within their walls Well that’s rubbish snapped Harry Look what happened here look what happened to Morfin I agree said Albus Whatever Morfin was he did not deserve to die as he did blamed for murders he had not committed But it is getting late and I want you to see this other memory before we part Albus took from an inside pocket another crystal phial and Harry fell silent at once remembering that Albus had said it was the most important one he had collected Harry noticed that the contents proved difficult to empty into the Pensieve as though they had congealed slightly did memories go off This will not take long said Albus when he had finally emptied the phial We shall be back before you know it Once more into the Pensieve then And Harry fell again through the silver surface landing this time right in front of a man he recognised at once It was a much younger Horace Harry was so used to him bald that he found the sight of Horace with thick shiny straw-coloured hair quite disconcerting it looked as though he had had his head thatched though there was already a shiny Galleon-sized bald patch on his crown His moustache less massive than it was these days was gingery-blond He was not quite as rotund as the Horace Harry knew though the golden buttons on his richly embroidered waistcoat were taking a fair amount of strain His little feet resting upon a velvet pouffe he was sitting well back in a comfortable winged armchair one hand grasping a small glass of wine the other searching through a box of crystallised pineapple Harry looked around as Albus appeared beside him and saw that they were standing in Slughorn’s office Half a dozen boys were sitting around Horace all on harder or lower seats than his and all in their mid-teens Harry recognised Tom at once His was the most handsome face and he looked the most relaxed of all the boys His right hand lay negligently upon the arm of his chair with a jolt Harry saw that he was wearing Marvolo’s gold and black ring he had already killed his father Sir is it true that Professor Merrythought is retiring Tom asked Tom Tom if I knew I couldn’t tell you said Horace wagging a reproving sugar-covered finger at Tom though ruining the effect slightly by winking I must say I’d like to know where you get your information boy more knowledgeable than half the staff you are Tom smiled the other boys laughed and cast him admiring looks What with your uncanny ability to know things you shouldn’t and your careful flattery of the people who matter thank you for the pineapple by the way you’re quite right it is my favourite As several of the boys tittered something very odd happened The whole room was suddenly filled with a thick white fog so that Harry could see nothing but the face of Albus who was standing beside him Then Slughorn’s voice rang out through the mist unnaturally loudly you’ll go wrong boy mark my words The fog cleared as suddenly as it had appeared and yet nobody made any allusion to it nor did anybody look as though anything unusual had just happened Bewildered Harry looked around as a small golden clock standing upon Slughorn’s desk chimed eleven o’clock Good gracious is it that time already said Horace You’d better get going boys or we’ll all be in trouble Bellatrix I want your essay by tomorrow or it’s detention Same goes for you Avery Horace pulled himself out of his armchair and carried his empty glass over to his desk as the boys filed out Tom however stayed behind Harry could tell he had dawdled deliberately wanting to be last in the room with Horace Look sharp Tom said Horace turning round and finding him still present You don’t want to be caught out of bed out of hours and you a prefect Sir I wanted to ask you something Ask away then m’boy ask away Sir I wondered what you know about about Horcruxes And it happened all over again the dense fog filled the room so that Harry could not see Horace or Tom at all only Albus smiling serenely beside him Then Slughorn’s voice boomed out again just as it had done before I don’t know anything about Horcruxes and I wouldn’t tell you if I did Now get out of here at once and don’t let me catch you mentioning them again Well that’s that said Albus placidly beside Harry Time to go And Harry’s feet left the floor to fall seconds later back on to the rug in front of Dumbledore’s desk That’s all there is said Harry blankly Albus had said that this was the most important memory of all but he could not see what was so significant about it Admittedly the fog and the fact that nobody seemed to have noticed it was odd but other than that nothing seemed to have happened except that Tom had asked a question and failed to get an answer As you might have noticed said Albus reseating himself behind his desk that memory has been tampered with Tampered with repeated Harry sitting back down too Certainly said Albus Professor Horace has meddled with his own recollections But why would he do that Because I think he is ashamed of what he remembers said Albus He has tried to rework the memory to show himself in a better light obliterating those parts which he does not wish me to see It is as you will have noticed very crudely done and that is all to the good for it shows that the true memory is still there beneath the alterations And so for the first time I am giving you homework Harry It will be your job to persuade Professor Horace to divulge the real memory which will undoubtedly be our most crucial piece of information of all Harry stared at him But surely sir he said keeping his voice as respectful as possible you don’t need me you could use Legilimency or Veritaserum Professor Horace is an extremely able wizard who will be expecting both said Albus He is much more accomplished at Occlumency than poor Morfin and I would be astonished if he has not carried an antidote to Veritaserum with him ever since I coerced him into giving me this travesty of a recollection No I think it would be foolish to attempt to wrest the truth from Professor Horace by force and might do much more harm than good I do not wish him to leave Hogwarts However he has his weaknesses like the rest of us and I believe that you are the one person who might be able to penetrate his defences It is most important that we secure the true memory Harry how important we will only know when we have seen the real thing So good luck and goodnight A little taken aback by the abrupt dismissal Harry got to his feet quickly Goodnight sir As he closed the study door behind him he distinctly heard Phineas Nigellus say I can’t see why the boy should be able to do it better than you Albus I wouldn’t expect you to Phineas replied Albus and Fawkes gave another low musical cry The next day Harry confided in both Ron and Hermione the task that Albus had set him though separately for Hermione still refused to remain in Ron’s presence longer than it took to give him a contemptuous look Ron thought that Harry was unlikely to have any trouble with Horace at all He loves you he said over breakfast waving an airy forkful of fried egg Won’t refuse you anything will he Not his little Potions Eileen Just hang back after class this afternoon and ask him Hermione however took a gloomier view He must be determined to hide what really happened if Albus couldn’t get it out of him she said in a low voice as they stood in the deserted snowy courtyard at break Horcruxes Horcruxes I’ve never even heard of them You haven’t Harry was disappointed he had hoped that Hermione might have been able to give him a clue as to what Horcruxes were They must be really advanced Dark magic or why would Lord have wanted to know about them I think it’s going to be difficult to get the information Harry you’ll have to be very careful about how you approach Horace think out a strategy Ron reckons I should just hang back after Potions this afternoon Oh well if Won-Won thinks that you’d better do it she said flaring up at once After all when has Won-Won’s judgement ever been faulty Hermione can’t you No she said angrily and stormed away leaving Harry alone and ankle-deep in snow Potions lessons were uncomfortable enough these days seeing as Harry Ron and Hermione had to share a desk Today Hermione moved her cauldron around the table so that she was close to Ernie and ignored both Harry and Ron What’ve you done Ron muttered to Harry looking at Hermione’s haughty profile But before Harry could answer Horace was calling for silence from the front of the room Settle down settle down please Quickly now lots of work to get through this afternoon Golpalott’s Third Law who can tell me But Miss Hermione can of course Hermione recited at top speed Golpalott’s-Third-Lawstates-that-the-antidote-for-a-blended-poison-will-be-equal-tomore-than-the-sum-of-the-antidotes-for-each-of-the-separatecomponents Precisely beamed Horace Ten points for Godric Now if we accept Golpalott’s Third Law as true Harry was going to have to take Slughorn’s word for it that Golpalott’s Third Law was true because he had not understood any of it Nobody apart from Hermione seemed to be following what Horace said next either which means of course that assuming we have achieved correct identification of the potion’s ingredients by Scarpin’s Revelaspell our primary aim is not the relatively simple one of selecting antidotes to those ingredients in and of themselves but to find that added component which will by an almost alchemical process transform these disparate elements Ron was sitting beside Harry with his mouth half-open doodling absently on his new copy of Advanced PotionMaking Ron kept forgetting that he could no longer rely on Hermione to help him out of trouble when he failed to grasp what was going on and so finished Horace I want each of you to come and take one of these phials from my desk You are to create an antidote for the poison within it before the end of the lesson Good luck and don’t forget your protective gloves Hermione had left her stool and was halfway towards Slughorn’s desk before the rest of the class had realised it was time to move and by the time Harry Ron and Ernie returned to the table she had already tipped the contents of her phial into her cauldron and was kindling a fire underneath it It’s a shame that the Eileen won’t be able to help you much with this Harry she said brightly as she straightened up You have to understand the principles involved this time No short cuts or cheats Annoyed Harry uncorked the poison he had taken from Slughorn’s desk which was a garish shade of pink tipped it into his cauldron and lit a fire underneath it He did not have the faintest idea what he was supposed to do next He glanced at Ron who was now standing there looking rather gormless having copied everything Harry had done You sure the Eileen hasn’t got any tips Ron muttered to Harry Harry pulled out his trusty copy of Advanced Potion-Making and turned to the chapter on Antidotes There was Golpalott’s Third Law stated word for word as Hermione had recited it but not a single illuminating note in the Prince’s hand to explain what it meant Apparently the Eileen like Hermione had had no difficulty understanding it Nothing said Harry gloomily Hermione was now waving her wand enthusiastically over her cauldron Unfortunately they could not copy the spell she was doing because she was now so good at non-verbal incantations that she did not need to say the words aloud Ernie however was muttering Specialis revelio over his cauldron which sounded impressive so Harry and Ron hastened to imitate him It took Harry only five minutes to realise that his reputation as the best potion-maker in the class was crashing around his ears Horace had peered hopefully into his cauldron on his first circuit of the dungeon preparing to exclaim in delight as he usually did and instead had withdrawn his head hastily coughing as the smell of bad eggs overwhelmed him Hermione’s expression could not have been any smugger she had loathed being out-performed in every Potions class She was now decanting the mysteriously separated ingredients of her poison into ten different crystal phials More to avoid watching this irritating sight than anything else Harry bent over the Half-Blood Prince’s book and turned a few pages with unnecessary force And there it was scrawled right across a long list of antidotes Just shove a bezoar down their throats Harry stared at these words for a moment Hadn’t he once long ago heard of bezoars Hadn’t Severus mentioned them in their first ever Potions lesson A stone taken from the stomach of a goat which will protect from most poisons It was not an answer to the Golpalott problem and had Severus still been their teacher Harry would not have dared do it but this was a moment for desperate measures He hastened towards the store cupboard and rummaged within it pushing aside unicorn horns and tangles of dried herbs until he found at the very back a small card box on which had been scribbled the word Bezoars He opened the box just as Horace called Two minutes left everyone Inside were half a dozen shrivelled brown objects looking more like dried-up kidneys than real stones Harry seized one put the box back in the cupboard and hurried back to his cauldron Time’s UP called Horace genially Well let’s see how you’ve done Blaise what have you got for me Slowly Horace moved around the room examining the various antidotes Nobody had finished the task although Hermione was trying to cram a few more ingredients into her bottle before Horace reached her Ron had given up completely and was merely trying to avoid breathing in the putrid fumes issuing from his cauldron Harry stood there waiting the bezoar clutched in a slightly sweaty hand Horace reached their table last He sniffed Ernie’s potion and passed on to Ron’s with a grimace He did not linger over Ron’s cauldron but backed away swiftly retching slightly And you Harry he said What have you got to show me Harry held out his hand the bezoar sitting on his palm Horace looked down at it for a full ten seconds Harry wondered for a moment whether he was going to shout at him Then he threw back his head and roared with laughter You’ve got a nerve boy he boomed taking the bezoar and holding it up so that the class could see it Oh you’re like your mother well I can’t fault you a bezoar would certainly act as an antidote to all these potions Hermione who was sweaty-faced and had soot on her nose looked livid Her half-finished antidote comprising fifty-two ingredients including a chunk of her own hair bubbled sluggishly behind Horace who had eyes for nobody but Harry And you thought of a bezoar all by yourself did you Harry she asked through gritted teeth That’s the individual spirit a real potion-maker needs said Horace happily before Harry could reply Just like his mother she had the same intuitive grasp of potion-making it’s undoubtedly from Lily he gets it yes Harry yes if you’ve got a bezoar to hand of course that would do the trick although as they don’t work on everything and are pretty rare it’s still worth knowing how to mix antidotes The only person in the room looking angrier than Hermione was Draco who Harry was pleased to see had spilled something that looked like cat sick over himself Before either of them could express their fury that Harry had come top of the class by not doing any work however the bell rang Time to pack up said Horace And an extra ten points to Godric for sheer cheek Still chuckling he waddled back to his desk at the front of the dungeon Harry dawdled behind taking an inordinate amount of time to do up his bag Neither Ron nor Hermione wished him luck as they left both looked rather annoyed At last Harry and Horace were the only two left in the room Come on now Harry you’ll be late for your next lesson said Horace affably snapping the gold clasps shut on his dragonskin briefcase Sir said Harry reminding himself irresistibly of Lord I wanted to ask you something Ask away then my dear boy ask away Sir I wondered what you know about about Horcruxes Horace froze His round face seemed to sink in upon itself He licked his lips and said hoarsely What did you say I asked whether you know anything about Horcruxes sir You see Albus put you up to this whispered Horace His voice had changed completely It was not genial any more but shocked terrified He fumbled in his breast pocket and pulled out a handkerchief mopping his sweating brow Dumbledore’s shown you that that memory said Horace Well Hasn’t he Yes said Harry deciding on the spot that it was best not to lie Yes of course said Horace quietly still dabbing at his white face Of course well if you’ve seen that memory Harry you’ll know that I don’t know anything anything he repeated the word forcefully about Horcruxes He seized his dragonskin briefcase stuffed his handkerchief back into his pocket and marched to the dungeon door Sir said Harry desperately I just thought there might be a bit more to the memory Did you said Horace Then you were wrong weren’t you WRONG He bellowed the last word and before Harry could say another word slammed the dungeon door behind him Neither Ron nor Hermione was at all sympathetic when Harry told them of this disastrous interview Hermione was still seething at the way Harry had triumphed without doing the work properly Ron was resentful that Harry hadn’t slipped him a bezoar too It would’ve just looked stupid if we’d both done it said Harry irritably Look I had to try and soften him up so I could ask him about Lord didn’t I Oh will you get a grip he added in exasperation as Ron winced at the sound of the name Infuriated by his failure and by Ron and Hermione’s atti tudes Harry brooded for the next few days over what to do next about Horace He decided that for the time being he would let Horace think that he had forgotten all about Horcruxes it was surely best to lull him into a false sense of security before returning to the attack When Harry did not question Horace again the Potions master reverted to his usual affectionate treatment of him and appeared to have put the matter from his mind Harry awaited an invitation to one of his little evening parties determined to accept this time even if he had to reschedule Quidditch practice Unfortunately however no such invitation arrived Harry checked with Hermione and Ginny neither of them had received an invitation and nor as far as they knew had anybody else Harry could not help wondering whether this meant that Horace was not quite as forgetful as he appeared simply determined to give Harry no additional opportunities to question him Meanwhile the Hogwarts library had failed Hermione for the first time in living memory She was so shocked she even forgot that she was annoyed at Harry for his trick with the bezoar I haven’t found one single explanation of what Horcruxes do she told him Not a single one I’ve been right through the restricted section and even in the most horrible books where they tell you how to brew the most gruesome potions nothing All I could find was this in the introduction to Magick Moste Evile listen of the Horcrux wickedest of magical inventions we shall not speak nor give direction I mean why mention it then she said impatiently slamming the old book shut it let out a ghostly wail Oh shut up she snapped stuffing it back into her bag The snow melted around the school as February arrived to be replaced by cold dreary wetness Purplish-grey clouds hung low over the castle and a constant fall of chilly rain made the lawns slippery and muddy The upshot of this was that the sixth-years first Apparition lesson which was scheduled for a Saturday morning so that no normal lessons would be missed took place in the Great Hall instead of in the grounds When Harry and Hermione arrived in the Hall Ron had come down with Lavender they found that the tables had disappeared Rain lashed against the high windows and the enchanted ceiling swirled darkly above them as they assembled in front of Professors Minerva Severus Filius and Pomona the Heads of House and a small wizard whom Harry took to be the Apparition Instructor from the Ministry He was oddly colourless with transparent eyelashes wispy hair and an insubstantial air as though a single gust of wind might blow him away Harry wondered whether constant disappearances and reappearances had somehow diminished his substance or whether this frail build was ideal for anyone wishing to vanish Good morning said the Ministry wizard when all the students had arrived and the Heads of House had called for quiet My name is Wilkie Twycross and I shall be your Ministry Apparition Instructor for the next twelve weeks I hope to be able to prepare you for your Apparition test in this time Draco be quiet and pay attention barked Professor Minerva Everybody looked round Draco had flushed a dull pink he looked furious as he stepped away from Vincent with whom he appeared to have been having a whispered argument Harry glanced quickly at Severus who also looked annoyed though Harry strongly suspected that this was less because of Malfoy’s rudeness than the fact that Minerva had reprimanded one of his house by which time many of you may be ready to take your test Twycross continued as though there had been no interruption As you may know it is usually impossible to Apparate or Disapparate within Hogwarts The Headmaster has lifted this enchantment purely within the Great Hall for one hour so as to enable you to practise May I emphasise that you will not be able to Apparate outside the walls of this Hall and that you would be unwise to try I would like each of you to place yourselves now so that you have a clear five feet of space in front of you There was a great scrambling and jostling as people separated banged into each other and ordered others out of their space The Heads of House moved among the students marshalling them into position and breaking up arguments Harry where are you going demanded Hermione But Harry did not answer he was moving quickly through the crowd past the place where Professor Filius was making squeaky attempts to position a few Ravenclaws all of whom wanted to be near the front past Professor Pomona who was chivvying the Hufflepuffs into line until by dodging around Ernie he managed to position himself right at the back of the crowd directly behind Draco who was taking advantage of the general upheaval to continue his argument with Vincent standing five feet away and looking mutinous I don’t know how much longer all right Draco shot at him oblivious to Harry standing right behind him It’s taking longer than I thought it would Vincent opened his mouth but Draco appeared to secondguess what he was going to say Look it’s none of your business what I’m doing Vincent you and Gregory just do as you’re told and keep a lookout I tell my friends what I’m up to if I want them to keep a lookout for me Harry said just loud enough for Draco to hear him Draco spun round on the spot his hand flying to his wand but at that precise moment the four Heads of House shouted Quiet and silence fell again Draco turned slowly to face the front Thank you said Twycross Now then He waved his wand Old-fashioned wooden hoops instantly appeared on the floor in front of every student The important things to remember when Apparating are the three Ds said Twycross Destination Determination Deliberation Step one fix your mind firmly upon the desired destination said Twycross In this case the interior of your hoop Kindly concentrate upon that destination now Everybody looked around furtively to check that everyone else was staring into their hoop then hastily did as they were told Harry gazed at the circular patch of dusty floor enclosed by his hoop and tried hard to think of nothing else This proved impossible as he couldn’t stop puzzling over what Draco was doing that needed lookouts Step two said Twycross focus your determination to occupy the visualised space Let your yearning to enter it flood from your mind to every particle of your body Harry glanced around surreptitiously A little way to his left Ernie was contemplating his hoop so hard that his face had turned pink it looked as though he was straining to lay a Quaffle-sized egg Harry bit back a laugh and hastily returned his gaze to his own hoop Step three called Twycross and only when I give the command turn on the spot feeling your way into nothingness moving with deliberation On my command now one Harry glanced around again lots of people were looking positively alarmed at being asked to Apparate so quickly two Harry tried to fix his thoughts on his hoop again he had already forgotten what the three Ds stood for THREE Harry spun on the spot lost his balance and nearly fell over He was not the only one The whole Hall was suddenly full of staggering people Neville was flat on his back Ernie on the other hand had done a kind of pirouetting leap into his hoop and looked momentarily thrilled until he caught sight of Dean roaring with laughter at him Never mind never mind said Twycross dryly who did not seem to have expected anything better Adjust your hoops please and back to your original positions The second attempt was no better than the first The third was just as bad Not until the fourth did anything exciting happen There was a horrible screech of pain and everybody looked around terrified to see Susan of Helga wobbling in her hoop with her left leg still standing five feet away where she had started The Heads of House converged on her there was a great bang and a puff of purple smoke which cleared to reveal Susan sobbing reunited with her leg but looking horrified Splinching or the separation of random body parts said Wilkie Twycross dispassionately occurs when the mind is insufficiently determined You must concentrate continually upon your destination and move without haste but with deliberation thus Twycross stepped forwards turned gracefully on the spot with his arms outstretched and vanished in a swirl of robes reappearing at the back of the Hall Remember the three Ds he said and try again one two three But an hour later Susan’s Splinching was still the most interesting thing that had happened Twycross did not seem discouraged Fastening his cloak at his neck he merely said Until next Saturday everybody and do not forget Destination Determination Deliberation With that he waved his wand Vanishing the hoops and walked out of the Hall accompanied by Professor Minerva Talk broke out at once as people began moving towards the Entrance Hall How did you do asked Ron hurrying towards Harry I think I felt something the last time I tried a kind of tingling in my feet I expect your trainers are too small Won-Won said a voice behind them and Hermione stalked past smirking I didn’t feel anything said Harry ignoring this interruption But I don’t care about that now What d’you mean you don’t care don’t you want to learn to Apparate said Ron incredulously I’m not fussed really I prefer flying said Harry glancing over his shoulder to see where Draco was and speeding up as they came into the Entrance Hall Look hurry up will you there’s something I want to do Perplexed Ron followed Harry back to Godric Tower at a run They were temporarily detained by Peeves who had jammed a door on the fourth floor shut and was refusing to let anyone pass until they set fire to their own pants but Harry and Ron simply turned back and took one of their trusted short cuts Within five minutes they were climbing through the portrait hole Are you going to tell me what we’re doing then asked Ron panting slightly Up here said Harry and he crossed the common room and led the way through the door to the boys staircase Their dormitory was as Harry had hoped empty He flung open his trunk and began to rummage in it while Ron watched impatiently Harry Malfoy’s using Vincent and Gregory as lookouts He was arguing with Vincent just now I want to know aha He had found it a folded square of apparently blank parchment which he now smoothed out and tapped with the tip of his wand I solemnly swear that I am up to no good or Draco is anyway At once the Marauder’s Map appeared on the parchment’s surface Here was a detailed plan of every one of the castle’s floors and moving around it the tiny labelled black dots that signified each of the castle’s occupants Help me find Draco said Harry urgently He laid the map upon his bed and he and Ron leaned over it searching There said Ron after a minute or so He’s in the Salazar common room look with Pansy and Blaise and Vincent and Gregory Harry looked down at the map disappointed but rallied almost at once Well I’m keeping an eye on him from now on he said firmly And the moment I see him lurking somewhere with Vincent and Gregory keeping watch outside it’ll be on with the old Invisibility Cloak and off to find out what he’s He broke off as Neville entered the dormitory bringing with him a strong smell of singed material and began rummaging in his trunk for a fresh pair of pants Despite his determination to catch Draco out Harry had no luck at all over the next couple of weeks Although he consulted the map as often as he could sometimes making unnecessary visits to the bathroom between lessons to search it he did not once see Draco anywhere suspicious Admittedly he spotted Vincent and Gregory moving around the castle on their own more often than usual sometimes remaining stationary in deserted corridors but at these times Draco was not only nowhere near them but impossible to locate on the map at all This was most mysterious Harry toyed with the possibility that Draco was actually leaving the school grounds but could not see how he could be doing it given the very high level of security now operating within the castle He could only suppose that he was missing Draco amongst the hundreds of tiny black dots upon the map As for the fact that Draco Vincent and Gregory appeared to be going their different ways when they were usually inseparable these things happened as people got older Ron and Hermione Harry reflected sadly were living proof February moved towards March with no change in the weather except that it became windy as well as wet To general indignation a sign went up on all common-room noticeboards that the next trip into Hogsmeade had been cancelled Ron was furious It was on my birthday he said I was looking forward to that Not a big surprise though is it said Harry Not after what happened to Katie She had still not returned from St Mungo’s What was more further disappearances had been reported in the Daily Prophet including several relatives of students at Hogwarts But now all I’ve got to look forward to is stupid Apparition said Ron grumpily Big birthday treat Three lessons on Apparition was proving as difficult as ever though a few more people had managed to Splinch themselves Frustration was running high and there was a certain amount of ill-feeling towards Wilkie Twycross and his three Ds which had inspired a number of nicknames for him the politest of which were Dog-breath and Dung-head Happy birthday Ron said Harry when they were woken on the first of March by Seamus and Dean leaving noisily for breakfast Have a present He threw the package across on to Ron’s bed where it joined a small pile of them that must Harry assumed have been delivered by house-elves in the night Cheers said Ron drowsily and as he ripped off the paper Harry got out of bed opened his own trunk and began rummaging in it for the Marauder’s Map which he hid after every use He turfed out half the contents of his trunk before he found it hiding beneath the rolled-up socks in which he was still keeping his bottle of lucky potion Felix Felicis Right he murmured taking it back to bed with him tapping it quietly and murmuring I solemnly swear that I am up to no good so that Neville who was passing the foot of his bed at the time would not hear Nice one Harry said Ron enthusiastically waving the new pair of Quidditch Keeper’s gloves Harry had given him No problem said Harry absent-mindedly as he searched the Salazar dormitory closely for Draco Hey I don’t think he’s in his bed Ron did not answer he was too busy unwrapping presents every now and then letting out an exclamation of pleasure Seriously good haul this year he announced holding up a heavy gold watch with odd symbols around the edge and tiny moving stars instead of hands See what Mum and Dad got me Blimey I think I’ll come of age next year too Cool muttered Harry sparing the watch a glance before peering more closely at the map Where was Draco He did not seem to be at the Salazar table in the Great Hall eating breakfast he was nowhere near Severus who was sitting in his study he wasn’t in any of the bathrooms or in the hospital wing Want one said Ron thickly holding out a box of Chocolate Cauldrons No thanks said Harry looking up Malfoy’s gone again Can’t have done said Ron stuffing a second Cauldron into his mouth as he slid out of bed to get dressed Come on if you don’t hurry up you’ll have to Apparate on an empty stomach might make it easier I suppose Ron looked thoughtfully at the box of Chocolate Cauldrons then shrugged and helped himself to a third Harry tapped the map with his wand muttered Mischief managed though it hadn’t been and got dressed thinking hard There had to be an explanation for Malfoy’s periodic disappearances but he simply could not think what it could be The best way of finding out would be to tail him but even with the Invisibility Cloak this was an impractical idea he had lessons Quidditch practice homework and Apparition he could not follow Draco around school all day without his absence being remarked upon Ready he said to Ron He was halfway to the dormitory door when he realised that Ron had not moved but was leaning on his bedpost staring out of the rain-washed window with a strangely unfocused look on his face Ron Breakfast I’m not hungry Harry stared at him I thought you just said Well all right I’ll come down with you sighed Ron but I don’t want to eat Harry scrutinised him suspiciously You’ve just eaten half a box of Chocolate Cauldrons haven’t you It’s not that Ron sighed again You you wouldn’t understand Fair enough said Harry albeit puzzled as he turned to open the door Harry said Ron suddenly What Harry I can’t stand it You can’t stand what asked Harry now starting to feel definitely alarmed Ron was rather pale and looked as though he was about to be sick I can’t stop thinking about her said Ron hoarsely Harry gaped at him He had not expected this and was not sure he wanted to hear it Friends they might be but if Ron started calling Lavender Lav-Lav he would have to put his foot down Why does that stop you having breakfast Harry asked trying to inject a note of common sense into the proceedings I don’t think she knows I exist said Ron with a desperate gesture She definitely knows you exist said Harry bewildered She keeps snogging you doesn’t she Ron blinked Who are you talking about Who are you talking about said Harry with an increasing sense that all reason had dropped out of the conversation Romilda said Ron softly and his whole face seemed to illuminate as he said it as though hit by a ray of purest sunlight They stared at each other for almost a whole minute before Harry said This is a joke right You’re joking I think Harry I think I love her said Ron in a strangled voice OK said Harry walking up to Ron to get a better look at the glazed eyes and the pallid complexion OK say that again with a straight face I love her repeated Ron breathlessly Have you seen her hair it’s all black and shiny and silky and her eyes Her big dark eyes And her This is really funny and everything said Harry impatiently but joke’s over all right Drop it He turned to leave he had got two steps towards the door when a crashing blow hit him on the right ear Staggering he looked round Ron’s fist was drawn right back his face was contorted with rage he was about to strike again Harry reacted instinctively his wand was out of his pocket and the incantation sprang to mind without conscious thought Levicorpus Ron yelled as his heel was wrenched upwards once more he dangled helplessly upside-down his robes hanging off him What was that for Harry bellowed You insulted her Harry You said it was a joke shouted Ron who was slowly turning purple in the face as all the blood rushed to his head This is insane said Harry What’s got into And then he saw the box lying open on Ron’s bed and the truth hit him with the force of a stampeding troll Where did you get those Chocolate Cauldrons They were a birthday present shouted Ron revolving slowly in midair as he struggled to get free I offered you one didn’t I You just picked them up off the floor didn’t you They’d fallen off my bed all right Let me go They didn’t fall off your bed you prat don’t you understand They were mine I chucked them out of my trunk when I was looking for the map They’re the Chocolate Cauldrons Romilda gave me before Christmas and they’re all spiked with love potion But only one word of this seemed to have registered with Ron Romilda he repeated Did you say Romilda Harry do you know her Can you introduce me Harry stared at the dangling Ron whose face now looked tremendously hopeful and fought a strong desire to laugh A part of him the part closest to his throbbing right ear was quite keen on the idea of letting Ron down and watching him run amok until the effects of the potion wore off but on the other hand they were supposed to be friends Ron had not been himself when he had attacked and Harry thought that he would deserve another punching if he permitted Ron to declare undying love for Romilda Yeah I’ll introduce you said Harry thinking fast I’m going to let you down now OK He sent Ron crashing back to the floor his ear did hurt quite a lot but Ron simply bounded to his feet again grinning She’ll be in Slughorn’s office said Harry confidently leading the way to the door Why will she be in there asked Ron anxiously hurrying to keep up Oh she has extra Potions lessons with him said Harry inventing wildly Maybe I could ask if I can have them with her said Ron eagerly Great idea said Harry Lavender was waiting beside the portrait hole a complication Harry had not foreseen You’re late Won-Won she pouted I’ve got you a birthday Leave me alone said Ron impatiently Harry’s going to introduce me to Romilda And without another word to her he pushed his way out of the portrait hole Harry tried to make an apologetic face to Lavender but it might have turned out simply amused because she looked more offended than ever as the Fat swung shut behind them Harry had been slightly worried that Horace might be at breakfast but he answered his office door at the first knock wearing a green velvet dressing-gown and matching nightcap and looking rather bleary-eyed Harry he mumbled This is very early for a call I generally sleep late on a Saturday Professor I’m really sorry to disturb you said Harry as quietly as possible while Ron stood on tiptoe attempting to see past Horace into his room but my friend Ron’s swallowed a love potion by mistake You couldn’t make him an antidote could you I’d take him to Madam Poppy but we’re not supposed to have anything from Weasleys Wizard Wheezes and you know awkward questions I’d have thought you could have whipped him up a remedy Harry an expert potioneer like you asked Horace Er said Harry somewhat distracted by the fact that Ron was now elbowing him in the ribs in an attempt to force his way into the room well I’ve never mixed an antidote for a love potion sir and by the time I get it right Ron might’ve done something serious Helpfully Ron chose this moment to moan I can’t see her Harry is he hiding her Was this potion within date asked Horace now eyeing Ron with professional interest They can strengthen you know the longer they’re kept That would explain a lot panted Harry now positively wrestling with Ron to keep him from knocking Horace over It’s his birthday Professor he added imploringly Oh all right come in then come in said Horace relenting I’ve got the necessary here in my bag it’s not a difficult antidote Ron burst through the door into Slughorn’s overheated crowded study tripped over a tasselled footstool regained his balance by seizing Harry around the neck and muttered She didn’t see that did she She’s not here yet said Harry watching Horace opening his potion kit and adding a few pinches of this and that to a small crystal bottle That’s good said Ron fervently How do I look Very handsome said Horace smoothly handing Ron a glass of clear liquid Now drink that up it’s a tonic for the nerves keep you calm when she arrives you know Brilliant said Ron eagerly and he gulped the antidote down noisily Harry and Horace watched him For a moment Ron beamed at them Then very slowly his grin sagged and vanished to be replaced by an expression of utmost horror Back to normal then said Harry grinning Horace chuckled Thanks a lot Professor Don’t mention it m’boy don’t mention it said Horace as Ron collapsed into a nearby armchair looking devastated Pick-me-up that’s what he needs Horace continued now bustling over to a table loaded with drinks I’ve got Butterbeer I’ve got wine I’ve got one last bottle of this oak-matured mead hmm meant to give that to Albus for Christmas ah well he shrugged he can’t miss what he’s never had Why don’t we open it now and celebrate Mr Weasley’s birthday Nothing like a fine spirit to chase away the pangs of disappointed love He chortled again and Harry joined in This was the first time he had found himself almost alone with Horace since his disastrous first attempt to extract the true memory from him Perhaps if he could just keep Horace in a good mood perhaps if they got through enough of the oak-matured mead There you are then said Horace handing Harry and Ron a glass of mead each before raising his own Well a very happy birthday Ralph Ron whispered Harry But Ron who did not appear to be listening to the toast had already thrown the mead into his mouth and swallowed it There was one second hardly more than a heartbeat in which Harry knew there was something terribly wrong and Horace it seemed did not and may you have many more Ron Ron had dropped his glass he half-rose from his chair and then crumpled his extremities jerking uncontrollably Foam was dribbling from his mouth and his eyes were bulging from their sockets Professor Harry bellowed Do something But Horace seemed paralysed by shock Ron twitched and choked his skin was turning blue What but spluttered Horace Harry leapt over a low table and sprinted towards Slughorn’s open potion kit pulling out jars and pouches while the terrible sound of Ron’s gargling breath filled the room Then he found it the shrivelled kidney-like stone Horace had taken from him in Potions He hurtled back to Ron’s side wrenched open his jaw and thrust the bezoar into his mouth Ron gave a great shudder a rattling gasp and his body became limp and still So all in all not one of Ron’s better birthdays said Fred It was evening the hospital wing was quiet the windows curtained the lamps lit Ron’s was the only occupied bed Harry Hermione and Ginny were sitting around him they had spent all day waiting outside the double doors trying to see inside whenever somebody went in or out Madam Poppy had only let them enter at eight o’clock Fred and George had arrived at ten past This isn’t how we imagined handing over our present said George grimly putting down a large wrapped gift on Ron’s bedside cabinet and sitting beside Ginny Yeah when we pictured the scene he was conscious said Fred There we were in Hogsmeade waiting to surprise him said George You were in Hogsmeade asked Ginny looking up We were thinking of buying Zonko’s said Fred gloomily A Hogsmeade branch you know but a fat lot of good it’ll do us if you lot aren’t allowed out at weekends to buy our stuff any more but never mind that now He drew up a chair beside Harry and looked at Ron’s pale face How exactly did it happen Harry Harry retold the story he had already recounted what felt like a hundred times to Albus to Minerva to Madam Poppy to Hermione and to Ginny and then I got the bezoar down his throat and his breathing eased up a bit Horace ran for help Minerva and Madam Poppy turned up and they brought Ron up here They reckon he’ll be all right Madam Poppy says he’ll have to stay here a week or so keep taking Essence of Rue Blimey it was lucky you thought of a bezoar said George in a low voice Lucky there was one in the room said Harry who kept turning cold at the thought of what would have happened if he had not been able to lay hands on the little stone Hermione gave an almost inaudible sniff She had been exceptionally quiet all day Having hurtled white-faced up to Harry outside the hospital wing and demanded to know what had happened she had taken almost no part in Harry and Ginny’s obsessive discussion about how Ron had been poisoned but merely stood beside them clench-jawed and frightened-looking until at last they had been allowed in to see him Do Mum and Dad know Fred asked Ginny They’ve already seen him they arrived an hour ago they’re in Dumbledore’s office now but they’ll be back soon There was a pause while they all watched Ron mumble a little in his sleep So the poison was in the drink said Fred quietly Yes said Harry at once he could think of nothing else and was glad for the opportunity to start discussing it again Horace poured it out Would he have been able to slip something into Ron’s glass without you seeing Probably said Harry but why would Horace want to poison Ron No idea said Fred frowning You don’t think he could have mixed up the glasses by mistake Meaning to get you Why would Horace want to poison Harry asked Ginny I dunno said Fred but there must be loads of people who’d like to poison Harry mustn’t there The Chosen One and all that So you think Slughorn’s a Death Eater said Ginny Anything’s possible said Fred darkly He could be under the Imperius Curse said George Or he could be innocent said Ginny The poison could have been in the bottle in which case it was probably meant for Horace himself Who’d want to kill Horace Albus reckons Lord wanted Horace on his side said Harry Horace was in hiding for a year before he came to Hogwarts And he thought of the memory Albus had not yet been able to extract from Horace and maybe Lord wants him out of the way maybe he thinks he could be valuable to Albus But you said Horace had been planning to give that bottle to Albus for Christmas Ginny reminded him So the poisoner could just as easily have been after Albus Then the poisoner didn’t know Horace very well said Hermione speaking for the first time in hours and sounding as though she had a bad head-cold Anyone who knew Horace would have known there was a good chance he’d keep something that tasty for himself Er-my-nee croaked Ron unexpectedly from between them They all fell silent watching him anxiously but after muttering incomprehensibly for a moment he merely started snoring The dormitory doors flew open making them all jump Rubeus came striding towards them his hair rain-flecked his bearskin coat flapping behind him a crossbow in his hand leaving a trail of muddy dolphin-sized footprints all over the floor Bin in the Forest all day he panted Aragog’s worse I bin readin to him didn get up ter dinner till jus now an then Professor Pomona told me abou Ron How is he Not bad said Harry They say he’ll be OK No more than six visitors at a time said Madam Poppy hurrying out of her office Rubeus makes six George pointed out Oh yes said Madam Poppy who seemed to have been counting Rubeus as several people due to his vastness To cover her confusion she hurried off to clear up his muddy footprints with her wand I don believe this said Rubeus hoarsely shaking his great shaggy head as he stared down at Ron Jus don believe it look at him lyin there who’d want ter hurt him eh That’s just what we were discussing said Harry We don’t know Someone couldn have a grudge against the Godric Quidditch team could they said Rubeus anxiously Firs Katie now Ron I can’t see anyone trying to bump off a Quidditch team said George Oliver might’ve done the Slytherins if he could’ve got away with it said Fred fairly Well I don’t think it’s Quidditch but I think there’s a connection between the attacks said Hermione quietly How d’you work that out asked Fred Well for one thing they both ought to have been fatal and weren’t although that was pure luck And for another neither the poison nor the necklace seems to have reached the person who was supposed to be killed Of course she added broodingly that makes the person behind this even more dangerous in a way because they don’t seem to care how many people they finish off before they actually reach their victim Before anybody could respond to this ominous pronouncement the dormitory doors opened again and Mr and Mrs Ron hurried up the ward They had done no more than satisfy themselves that Ron would make a full recovery on their last visit to the ward now Mrs Ron seized hold of Harry and hugged him very tightly Dumbledore’s told us how you saved him with the bezoar she sobbed Oh Harry what can we say You saved Ginny you saved Arthur now you’ve saved Ron Don’t be I didn’t muttered Harry awkwardly Half our family does seem to owe you their lives now I stop and think about it Mr Ron said in a constricted voice Well all I can say is that it was a lucky day for the Weasleys when Ron decided to sit in your compartment on the Hogwarts Express Harry Harry could not think of any reply to this and was almost glad when Madam Poppy reminded them again that there were only supposed to be six visitors around Ron’s bed he and Hermione rose at once to leave and Rubeus decided to go with them leaving Ron with his family It’s terrible growled Rubeus into his beard as the three of them walked back along the corridor to the marble staircase All this new security an kids are still gettin hurt Dumbledore’s worried sick he don say much but I can tell Hasn’t he got any ideas Rubeus asked Hermione desperately I spect he’s got hundreds of ideas brain like his said Rubeus staunchly But he doesn know who sent that necklace nor who put poison in that wine or they’d’ve bin caught wouldn they Wha worries me said Rubeus lowering his voice and glancing over his shoulder Harry for good measure checked the ceiling for Peeves is how long Hogwarts can stay open if kids are bein attacked Chamber o Secrets all over again isn it There’ll be panic more parents takin their kids outta school an nex thing yeh know the board o governors Rubeus stopped talking as the ghost of a long-haired woman drifted serenely past then resumed in a hoarse whisper the board o governors’ll be talkin about shuttin us up fer good Surely not said Hermione looking worried Gotta see it from their point o view said Rubeus heavily I mean it’s always bin a bit of a risk sendin a kid ter Hogwarts hasn it Yer expect accidents don yeh with hundreds of under-age wizards all locked up tergether but attempted murder tha’s diff’rent S no wonder Dumbledore’s angry with Sn Rubeus stopped in his tracks a familiar guilty expression on what was visible of his face above his tangled black beard What said Harry quickly Dumbledore’s angry with Severus I never said tha said Rubeus though his look of panic could not have been a bigger give-away Look at the time it’s gettin on fer midnight I need ter Rubeus why is Albus angry with Severus Harry asked loudly Shhhh said Rubeus looking both nervous and angry Don shout stuff like that Harry d’you wan me ter lose me job Mind I don suppose you’d care would yeh not now you’ve given up Care of Mag Don’t try and make me feel guilty it won’t work said Harry forcefully What’s Severus done I dunno Harry I shouldn’ta heard it at all I well I was comin outta the Forest the other evenin an I overheard em talkin well arguin Didn’t like ter draw attention to meself so I sorta skulked an tried not ter listen but it was a well a heated discussion an it wasn easy ter block it out Well Harry urged him as Rubeus shuffled his enormous feet uneasily Well I jus heard Severus sayin Albus took too much fer granted an maybe he Severus didn wan ter do it any more Do what I dunno Harry it sounded like Severus was feelin a bit overworked tha’s all anyway Albus told him flat out he’d agreed ter do it an that was all there was to it Pretty firm with him An then he said summat abou Severus makin investigations in his house in Salazar Well there’s nothin strange abou that Rubeus added hastily as Harry and Hermione exchanged looks full of meaning All the Heads o House were asked ter look inter that necklace business Yeah but Dumbledore’s not having rows with the rest of them is he said Harry Look Rubeus twisted his crossbow uncomfortably in his hands there was a loud splintering sound and it snapped in two I know what yeh’re like abou Severus Harry an I don want yeh ter go readin more inter this than there is Look out said Hermione tersely They turned just in time to see the shadow of Argus looming over the wall behind them before the man himself turned the corner hunchbacked his jowls aquiver Oho he wheezed Out of bed so late this’ll mean detention No it won Argus said Rubeus shortly They’re with me aren they And what difference does that make asked Argus obnoxiously I’m a ruddy teacher aren I yeh sneakin Squib said Rubeus firing up at once There was a nasty hissing noise as Argus swelled with fury Mrs Norris had arrived unseen and was twisting herself sinuously around Filch’s skinny ankles Get goin said Rubeus out of the corner of his mouth Harry did not need telling twice he and Hermione both hurried off Rubeus and Filch’s raised voices echoing behind them as they ran They passed Peeves near the turning into Godric Tower but he was streaking happily towards the source of the yelling cackling and calling When there’s strife and when there’s trouble Call on Peevsie he’ll make double The Fat was snoozing and not pleased to be awoken but swung forwards grumpily to allow them to clamber into the mercifully peaceful and empty common room It did not seem that people knew about Ron yet Harry was very relieved he had been interrogated enough that day Hermione bade him goodnight and set off for the girls dormitory Harry however remained behind taking a seat beside the fire and looking down into the dying embers So Albus had argued with Severus In spite of all he had told Harry in spite of his insistence that he trusted Severus completely he had lost his temper with him he did not think that Severus had tried hard enough to investigate the Slytherins or perhaps to investigate a single Salazar Draco Was it because Albus did not want Harry to do anything foolish to take matters into his own hands that he had pretended there was nothing in Harry’s suspicions That seemed likely It might even be that Albus did not want anything to distract Harry from their lessons or from procuring that memory from Horace Perhaps Albus did not think it right to confide suspicions about his staff to sixteenyear-olds There you are Harry Harry jumped to his feet in shock his wand at the ready He had been quite convinced that the common room was empty he had not been at all prepared for a hulking figure to rise suddenly out of a distant chair A closer look showed him that it was Cormac I’ve been waiting for you to come back said Cormac disregarding Harry’s drawn wand Must’ve fallen asleep Look I saw them taking Ron up to the hospital wing earlier Didn’t look like he’ll be fit for next week’s match It took Harry a few moments to realise what Cormac was talking about Oh right Quidditch he said putting his wand back into the belt of his jeans and running a hand wearily through his hair Yeah he might not make it Well then I’ll be playing Keeper won’t I said Cormac Yeah said Harry Yeah I suppose so He could not think of an argument against it after all Cormac had certainly performed second best in the trials Excellent said Cormac in a satisfied voice So when’s practice What Oh there’s one tomorrow evening Good Listen Harry we should have a talk beforehand I’ve got some ideas on strategy you might find useful Right said Harry unenthusiastically Well I’ll hear them tomorrow then I’m pretty tired now see you The news that Ron had been poisoned spread quickly next day but it did not cause the sensation that Katie’s attack had done People seemed to think that it might have been an accident given that he had been in the Potion master’s room at the time and that as he had been given an antidote immediately there was no real harm done In fact the Gryffindors were generally much more interested in the upcoming Quidditch match against Helga for many of them wanted to see Zacharias who played Chaser on the Helga team punished soundly for his commentary during the opening match against Salazar Harry however had never been less interested in Quidditch he was rapidly becoming obsessed with Draco Still checking the Marauder’s Map whenever he got a chance he sometimes made detours to wherever Draco happened to be but had not yet detected him doing anything out of the ordinary And still there were those inexplicable times when Draco simply vanished from the map But Harry did not get a lot of time to consider the problem what with Quidditch practice homework and the fact that he was now being dogged wherever he went by Cormac and Lavender He could not decide which of them was more annoying Cormac kept up a constant stream of hints that he would make a better permanent Keeper for the team than Ron and that now Harry was seeing him play regularly he would surely come around to this way of thinking too he was also keen to criticise the other players and provide Harry with detailed training schemes so that more than once Harry was forced to remind him who was Captain Meanwhile Lavender kept sidling up to Harry to discuss Ron which Harry found almost more wearing than McLaggen’s Quidditch lectures At first Lavender had been very annoyed that nobody had thought to tell her that Ron was in the hospital wing I mean I am his girlfriend but unfortunately she had now decided to forgive Harry this lapse of memory and was keen to have lots of in-depth chats with him about Ron’s feelings a most uncomfortable experience that Harry would have happily forgone Look why don’t you talk to Ron about all this Harry asked after a particularly long interrogation from Lavender that took in everything from precisely what Ron had said about her new dress robes to whether or not Harry thought that Ron considered his relationship with Lavender to be serious Well I would but he’s always asleep when I go and see him said Lavender fretfully Is he said Harry surprised for he had found Ron perfectly alert every time he had been up to the hospital wing both highly interested in the news of Albus and Snape’s row and keen to abuse Cormac as much as possible Is Hermione still visiting him Lavender demanded suddenly Yeah I think so Well they’re friends aren’t they said Harry uncomfortably Friends don’t make me laugh said Lavender scornfully She didn’t talk to him for weeks after he started going out with me But I suppose she wants to make up with him now he’s all interesting Would you call getting poisoned being interesting asked Harry Anyway sorry got to go there’s Cormac coming for a talk about Quidditch said Harry hurriedly and he dashed sideways through a door pretending to be solid wall and sprinted down the short cut that would take him off to Potions where thankfully neither Lavender nor Cormac could follow him On the morning of the Quidditch match against Helga Harry dropped in on the hospital wing before heading down to the pitch Ron was very agitated Madam Poppy would not let him go down to watch the match feeling it would overexcite him So how’s Cormac shaping up he asked Harry nervously apparently forgetting that he had already asked the same question twice I’ve told you said Harry patiently he could be world class and I wouldn’t want to keep him He keeps trying to tell everyone what to do he thinks he could play every position better than the rest of us I can’t wait to be shot of him And speaking of getting shot of people Harry added getting to his feet and picking up his Firebolt will you stop pretending to be asleep when Lavender comes to see you She’s driving me mad as well Oh said Ron looking sheepish Yeah All right If you don’t want to go out with her any more just tell her said Harry Yeah well it’s not that easy is it said Ron He paused Hermione going to look in before the match he added casually No she’s already gone down to the pitch with Ginny Oh said Ron looking rather glum Right Well good luck Hope you hammer McLag I mean Zacharias I’ll try said Harry shouldering his broom See you after the match He hurried down through the deserted corridors the whole school was outside either already seated in the stadium or heading down towards it He was looking out of the windows he passed trying to gauge how much wind they were facing when a noise ahead made him glance up and he saw Draco walking towards him accompanied by two girls both of whom looked sulky and resentful Draco stopped short at the sight of Harry then gave a short humourless laugh and continued walking Where’re you going Harry demanded Yeah I’m really going to tell you because it’s your business Harry sneered Draco You’d better hurry up they’ll be waiting for the Chosen Captain the Boy Who Scored whatever they call you these days One of the girls gave an unwilling giggle Harry stared at her She blushed Draco pushed past Harry and she and her friend followed at a trot turning the corner and vanishing from view Harry stood rooted on the spot and watched them disappear This was infuriating he was already cutting it fine to get to the match on time and yet there was Draco skulking off while the rest of the school was absent Harry’s best chance yet of discovering what Draco was up to The silent seconds trickled past and Harry remained where he was frozen gazing at the place where Draco had vanished Where have you been demanded Ginny as Harry sprinted into the changing room The whole team was changed and ready Ritchie and Jimmy the Beaters were both hitting their clubs nervously against their legs I met Draco Harry told her quietly as he pulled his scarlet robes over his head So So I wanted to know how come he’s up at the castle with a couple of girlfriends while everyone else is down here Does it matter right now Well I’m not likely to find out am I said Harry seizing his Firebolt and pushing his glasses straight Come on then And without another word he marched out on to the pitch to deafening cheers and boos There was little wind the clouds were patchy every now and then there were dazzling flashes of bright sunlight Tricky conditions Cormac said bracingly to the team Ritchie Jimmy you’ll want to fly out of the sun so they don’t see you coming I’m the Captain Cormac shut up giving them instructions said Harry angrily Just get up by the goalposts Once Cormac had marched off Harry turned to Ritchie and Jimmy Make sure you do fly out of the sun he told them grudgingly He shook hands with the Helga Captain and then on Madam Hooch’s whistle kicked off and rose into the air higher than the rest of his team streaking around the pitch in search of the Snitch If he could catch it good and early there might be a chance he could get back up to the castle seize the Marauder’s Map and find out what Draco was doing And that’s Zacharias of Helga with the Quaffle said a dreamy voice echoing over the grounds He did the commentary last time of course and Ginny flew into him I think probably on purpose it looked like it Zacharias was being quite rude about Godric I expect he regrets that now he’s playing them oh look he’s lost the Quaffle Ginny took it from him I do like her she’s very nice Harry stared down at the commentator’s podium Surely nobody in their right mind would have let Luna commentate But even from above there was no mistaking that long dirty-blonde hair or the necklace of Butterbeer corks Beside Luna Professor Minerva was looking slightly uncomfortable as though she was indeed having second thoughts about this appointment but now that big Helga player’s got the Quaffle from her I can’t remember his name it’s something like Bibble no Buggins It’s Cadwallader said Professor Minerva loudly from beside Luna The crowd laughed Harry stared around for the Snitch there was no sign of it Moments later Cadwallader scored Cormac had been shouting criticism at Ginny for allowing the Quaffle out of her possession with the result that he had not noticed the large red ball soaring past his right ear Cormac will you pay attention to what you’re supposed to be doing and leave everyone else alone bellowed Harry wheeling round to face his Keeper You’re not setting a great example Cormac shouted back red-faced and furious And Harry Potter’s now having an argument with his Keeper said Luna serenely while both Hufflepuffs and Slytherins below in the crowd cheered and jeered I don’t think that’ll help him find the Snitch but maybe it’s a clever ruse Swearing angrily Harry spun round and set off around the pitch again scanning the skies for some sign of the tiny winged golden ball Ginny and Demelza scored a goal apiece giving the redand-gold-clad supporters below something to cheer about Then Cadwallader scored again making things level but Luna did not seem to have noticed she appeared singularly uninterested in such mundane things as the score and kept attempting to draw the crowd’s attention to such things as interestingly shaped clouds and the possibility that Zacharias who had so far failed to maintain possession of the Quaffle for longer than a minute was suffering from something called Loser’s Lurgy Seventy forty to Helga barked Professor Minerva into Luna’s megaphone Is it already said Luna vaguely Oh look The Godric Keeper’s got hold of one of the Beater’s bats Harry spun round in midair Sure enough Cormac for reasons best known to himself had pulled Peakes’s bat from him and appeared to be demonstrating how to hit a Bludger towards an oncoming Cadwallader Will you give him back his hat and get back to the goalposts roared Harry pelting towards Cormac just as Cormac took a ferocious swipe at the Bludger and mis-hit it A blinding sickening pain a flash of light distant screams and the sensation of falling down a long tunnel And the next thing Harry knew he was lying in a remarkably warm and comfortable bed and looking up at a lamp that was throwing a circle of golden light on to a shadowy ceiling He raised his head awkwardly There on his left was a familiarlooking freckly red-haired person Nice of you to drop in said Ron grinning Harry blinked and looked around Of course he was in the hospital wing The sky outside was indigo streaked with crimson The match must have finished hours ago as had any hope of cornering Draco Harry’s head felt strangely heavy he raised a hand and felt a stiff turban of bandages What happened Cracked skull said Madam Poppy bustling up and pushing him back against his pillows Nothing to worry about I mended it at once but I’m keeping you in overnight You shouldn’t overexert yourself for a few hours I don’t want to stay here overnight said Harry angrily sitting up and throwing back his covers I want to find Cormac and kill him I’m afraid that would come under the heading of overexertion said Madam Poppy pushing him firmly back on to the bed and raising her wand in a threatening manner You will stay here until I discharge you Harry or I shall call the Headmaster She bustled back into her office and Harry sank back into his pillows fuming D’you know how much we lost by he asked Ron through clenched teeth Well yeah I do said Ron apologetically Final score was three hundred and twenty to sixty Brilliant said Harry savagely Really brilliant When I get hold of Cormac You don’t want to get hold of him he’s the size of a troll said Ron reasonably Personally I think there’s a lot to be said for hexing him with that toenail thing of the Prince’s Anyway the rest of the team might’ve dealt with him before you get out of here they’re not happy There was a note of badly suppressed glee in Ron’s voice Harry could tell he was nothing short of thrilled that Cormac had messed up so badly Harry lay there staring up at the patch of light on the ceiling his recently mended skull not hurting precisely but feeling slightly tender underneath all the bandaging I could hear the match commentary from here said Ron his voice now shaking with laughter I hope Luna always commentates from now on Loser’s Lurgy But Harry was still too angry to see much humour in the situation and after a while Ron’s snorts subsided Ginny came in to visit while you were unconscious he said after a long pause and Harry’s imagination zoomed into overdrive rapidly constructing a scene in which Ginny weeping over his lifeless form confessed her feelings of deep attraction to him while Ron gave them his blessing She reckons you only just arrived in time for the match How come You left here early enough Oh said Harry as the scene in his mind’s eye imploded Yeah well I saw Draco sneaking off with a couple of girls who didn’t look like they wanted to be with him and that’s the second time he’s made sure he isn’t down on the Quidditch pitch with the rest of the school He skipped the last match too remember Harry sighed Wish I’d followed him now the match was such a fiasco Don’t be stupid said Ron sharply You couldn’t have missed a Quidditch match just to follow Draco you’re the Captain I want to know what he’s up to said Harry And don’t tell me it’s all in my head not after what I overheard between him and Severus I never said it was all in your head said Ron hoisting himself up on an elbow in turn and frowning at Harry but there’s no rule saying only one person at a time can be plotting anything in this place You’re getting a bit obsessed with Draco Harry I mean thinking about missing a match just to follow him I want to catch him at it said Harry in frustration I mean where’s he going when he disappears off the map I dunno Hogsmeade suggested Ron yawning I’ve never seen him going along any of the secret passageways on the map I thought they were being watched now anyway Well then I dunno said Ron Silence fell between them Harry stared up at the circle of lamplight above him thinking If only he had Rufus Scrimgeour’s power he would have been able to set a tail upon Draco but unfortunately Harry did not have an office full of Aurors at his command he thought fleetingly of trying to set something up with the DA but there again was the problem that people would be missed from lessons most of them after all still had full timetables There was a low rumbling snore from Ron’s bed After a while Madam Poppy came out of her office this time wearing a thick dressing-gown It was easiest to feign sleep Harry rolled over on to his side and listened to all the curtains closing themselves as she waved her wand The lamps dimmed and she returned to her office he heard the door click behind her and knew that she was off to bed This was Harry reflected in the darkness the third time that he had been brought to the hospital wing because of a Quidditch injury Last time he had fallen off his broom due to the presence of Dementors around the pitch and the time before that all the bones had been removed from his arm by the incurably inept Professor Lockhart that had been his most painful injury by far he remembered the agony of regrowing an armful of bones in one night a discomfort not eased by the arrival of an unexpected visitor in the middle of the Harry sat bolt upright his heart pounding his bandage turban askew He had the solution at last there was a way to have Draco followed how could he have forgotten why hadn’t he thought of it before But the question was how to call him What did you do Quietly tentatively Harry spoke into the darkness Kreacher There was a very loud crack and the sounds of scuffling and squeaks filled the silent room Ron awoke with a yelp What’s going Harry pointed his wand hastily at the door of Madam Pomfrey’s office and muttered Muffliato so that she would not come running Then he scrambled to the end of his bed for a better look at what was going on Two house-elves were rolling around on the floor in the middle of the dormitory one wearing a shrunken maroon jumper and several woolly hats the other a filthy old rag strung over his hips like a loincloth Then there was another loud bang and Peeves the poltergeist appeared in midair above the wrestling elves I was watching that Potty he told Harry indignantly pointing at the fight below before letting out a loud cackle Look at the ickle creatures squabbling bitey bitey punchy punchy Kreacher will not insult Harry in front of Dobby no he won’t or Dobby will shut Kreacher’s mouth for him cried Dobby in a high-pitched voice kicky scratchy cried Peeves happily now pelting bits of chalk at the elves to enrage them further Tweaky pokey Kreacher will say what he likes about his master oh yes and what a master he is filthy friend of Mudbloods oh what would poor Kreacher’s mistress say Exactly what Kreacher’s mistress would have said they did not find out for at that moment Dobby sank his knobbly little fist into Kreacher’s mouth and knocked out half of his teeth Harry and Ron both leapt out of their beds and wrenched the two elves apart though they continued to try to kick and punch each other egged on by Peeves who swooped around the lamp squealing Stick your fingers up his nosey draw his cork and pull his earsies Harry aimed his wand at Peeves and said Langlock Peeves clutched at his throat gulped then swooped from the room making obscene gestures but unable to speak owing to the fact that his tongue had just glued itself to the roof of his mouth Nice one said Ron appreciatively lifting Dobby into the air so that his flailing limbs no longer made contact with Kreacher That was another Eileen hex wasn’t it Yeah said Harry twisting Kreacher’s wizened arm into a half-nelson Right I’m forbidding you to fight each other Well Kreacher you’re forbidden to fight Dobby Dobby I know I’m not allowed to give you orders Dobby is a free house-elf and he can obey anyone he likes and Dobby will do whatever Harry wants him to do said Dobby tears now streaming down his shrivelled little face on to his jumper OK then said Harry and he and Ron both released the elves who fell to the floor but did not continue fighting Master called me croaked Kreacher sinking into a bow even as he gave Harry a look that plainly wished him a painful death Yeah I did said Harry glancing towards Madam Pomfrey’s office door to check that the Muffliato spell was still working there was no sign that she had heard any of the commotion I’ve got a job for you Kreacher will do whatever Master wants said Kreacher sinking so low that his lips almost touched his gnarled toes because Kreacher has no choice but Kreacher is ashamed to have such a Master yes Dobby will do it Harry squeaked Dobby his tennis-ball-sized eyes still swimming with tears Dobby would be honoured to help Harry Come to think of it it would be good to have both of you said Harry OK then I want you to tail Draco Ignoring the look of mingled surprise and exasperation on Ron’s face Harry went on I want to know where he’s going who he’s meeting and what he’s doing I want you to follow him around the clock Yes Harry said Dobby at once his great eyes shining with excitement And if Dobby does it wrong Dobby will throw himself off the topmost tower Harry There won’t be any need for that said Harry hastily Master wants me to follow the youngest of the Malfoys croaked Kreacher Master wants me to spy upon the pureblood great-nephew of my old mistress That’s the one said Harry foreseeing a great danger and determining to prevent it immediately And you’re forbidden to tip him off Kreacher or to show him what you’re up to or to talk to him at all or to write him messages or or to contact him in any way Got it He thought he could see Kreacher struggling to see a loophole in the instructions he had just been given and waited After a moment or two and to Harry’s great satisfaction Kreacher bowed deeply again and said with bitter resentment Master thinks of everything and Kreacher must obey him even though Kreacher would much rather be the servant of the Draco boy oh yes That’s settled then said Harry I’ll want regular reports but make sure I’m not surrounded by people when you turn up Ron and Hermione are OK And don’t tell anyone what you’re doing Just stick to Draco like a couple of wart plasters Harry and Ron left the hospital wing first thing on Monday morning restored to full health by the ministrations of Madam Poppy and now able to enjoy the benefits of having been knocked out and poisoned the best of which was that Hermione was friends with Ron again Hermione even escorted them down to breakfast bringing with her the news that Ginny had argued with Dean The drowsing creature in Harry’s chest suddenly raised its head sniffing the air hopefully What did they row about he asked trying to sound casual as they turned into a seventh-floor corridor which was deserted but for a very small girl who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus She looked terrified at the sight of the approaching sixth-years and dropped the heavy brass scales she was carrying It’s all right said Hermione kindly hurrying forwards to help her Here She tapped the broken scales with her wand and said Reparo The girl did not say thank you but remained rooted to the spot as they passed and watched them out of sight Ron glanced back at her I swear they’re getting smaller he said Never mind her said Harry a little impatiently What did Ginny and Dean row about Hermione Oh Dean was laughing about Cormac hitting that Bludger at you said Hermione It must’ve looked funny said Ron reasonably It didn’t look funny at all said Hermione hotly It looked terrible and if Ritchie and Jimmy hadn’t caught Harry he could have been very badly hurt Yeah well there was no need for Ginny and Dean to split up over it said Harry still trying to sound casual Or are they still together Yes they are but why are you so interested asked Hermione giving Harry a sharp look I just don’t want my Quidditch team messed up again he said hastily but Hermione continued to look suspicious and he was most relieved when a voice behind them called Harry giving him an excuse to turn his back on her Oh hi Luna I went to the hospital wing to find you said Luna rummaging in her bag But they said you’d left She thrust what appeared to be a green onion a large spotted toadstool and a considerable amount of what looked like cat litter into Ron’s hands finally pulling out a rather grubby scroll of parchment that she handed to Harry I’ve been told to give you this It was a small roll of parchment which Harry recognised at once as another invitation to a lesson with Albus Tonight he told Ron and Hermione once he had unrolled it Nice commentary last match said Ron to Luna as she took back the green onion the toadstool and the cat litter Luna smiled vaguely You’re making fun of me aren’t you she said Everyone says I was dreadful No I’m serious said Ron earnestly I can’t remember enjoying commentary more What is this by the way he added holding the onionlike object up to eye-level Oh it’s a Gurdyroot she said stuffing the cat litter and the toadstool back into her bag You can keep it if you like I’ve got a few of them They’re really excellent for warding off Gulping Plimpies And she walked away leaving Ron chortling still clutching the Gurdyroot You know she’s grown on me Luna he said as they set off again for the Great Hall I know she’s insane but it’s in a good He stopped talking very suddenly Lavender was standing at the foot of the marble staircase looking thunderous Hi said Ron nervously C’mon Harry muttered to Hermione and they sped past though not before they had heard Lavender say Why didn’t you tell me you were getting out today And why was she with you Ron looked both sulky and annoyed when he appeared at breakfast half an hour later and though he sat with Lavender Harry did not see them exchange a word all the time they were together Hermione was acting as though she was quite oblivious to all of this but once or twice Harry saw an inexplicable smirk cross her face All that day she seemed to be in a particularly good mood and that evening in the common room she even consented to look over in other words finish writing Harry’s Herbology essay something she had been resolutely refusing to do up to that point because she had known that Harry would then let Ron copy his work Thanks a lot Hermione said Harry giving her a hasty pat on the back as he checked his watch and saw that it was nearly eight o’clock Listen I’ve got to hurry or I’ll be late for Albus She did not answer but merely crossed out a few of his feebler sentences in a weary sort of way Grinning Harry hurried out through the portrait hole and off to the Headmaster’s office The gargoyle leapt aside at the mention of toffee éclairs and Harry took the spiral staircase two steps at a time knocking on the door just as a clock within chimed eight Enter called Albus but as Harry put out a hand to push the door it was wrenched open from inside There stood Professor Sybill Aha she cried pointing dramatically at Harry as she blinked at him through her magnifying spectacles So this is the reason I am to be thrown unceremoniously from your office Albus My dear Sybill said Albus in a slightly exasperated voice there is no question of throwing you unceremoniously from anywhere but Harry does have an appointment and I really don’t think there is any more to be said Very well said Professor Sybill in a deeply wounded voice If you will not banish the usurping nag so be it perhaps I shall find a school where my talents are better appreciated She pushed past Harry and disappeared down the spiral staircase they heard her stumble halfway down and Harry guessed that she had tripped over one of her trailing shawls Please close the door and sit down Harry said Albus sounding rather tired Harry obeyed noticing as he took his usual seat in front of Dumbledore’s desk that the Pensieve lay between them once more as did two more tiny crystal bottles full of swirling memory Professor Sybill still isn’t happy Firenze is teaching then Harry asked No said Albus Divination is turning out to be much more trouble than I could have foreseen never having studied the subject myself I cannot ask Firenze to return to the Forest where he is now an outcast nor can I ask Sybill to leave Between ourselves she has no idea of the danger she would be in outside the castle She does not know and I think it would be unwise to enlighten her that she made the prophecy about you and Lord you see Albus heaved a deep sigh then said But never mind my staff problems We have much more important matters to discuss Firstly have you managed the task I set you at the end of our previous lesson Ah said Harry brought up short What with Apparition lessons and Quidditch and Ron being poisoned and getting his skull cracked and his determination to find out what Draco was up to Harry had almost forgotten about the memory Albus had asked him to extract from Professor Horace Well I asked Professor Horace about it at the end of Potions sir but er he wouldn’t give it to me There was a little silence I see said Albus eventually peering at Harry over the top of his half-moon spectacles and giving Harry the usual sensation that he was being X-rayed And you feel that you have exerted your very best efforts in this matter do you That you have exercised all of your considerable ingenuity That you have left no depth of cunning unplumbed in your quest to retrieve the memory Well Harry stalled at a loss for what to say next His single attempt to get hold of the memory suddenly seemed embarrassingly feeble Well the day Ron swallowed love potion by mistake I took him to Professor Horace I thought maybe if I got Professor Horace in a good enough mood And did that work asked Albus Well no sir because Ron got poisoned which naturally made you forget all about trying to retrieve the memory I would have expected nothing else while your best friend was in danger Once it became clear that Mr Ron was going to make a full recovery however I would have hoped that you returned to the task I set you I thought I made it clear to you how very important that memory is Indeed I did my best to impress upon you that it is the most crucial memory of all and that we will be wasting our time without it A hot prickly feeling of shame spread from the top of Harry’s head all the way down his body Albus had not raised his voice he did not even sound angry but Harry would have preferred him to yell this cold disappointment was worse than anything Sir he said a little desperately it isn’t that I wasn’t bothered or anything I’ve just had other other things Other things on your mind Albus finished the sentence for him I see Silence fell between them again the most uncomfortable silence Harry had ever experienced with Albus it seemed to go on and on punctuated only by the little grunting snores of the portrait of Armando over Dumbledore’s head Harry felt strangely diminished as though he had shrunk a little since he had entered the room When he could stand it no longer he said Professor Albus I’m really sorry I should have done more I should have realised you wouldn’t have asked me to do it if it wasn’t really important Thank you for saying that Harry said Albus quietly May I hope then that you will give this matter higher priority from now on There will be little point our meeting after tonight unless we have that memory I’ll do it sir I’ll get it from him Harry said earnestly Then we shall say no more about it just now said Albus more kindly but continue with our story where we left off You remember where that was Yes sir said Harry quickly Lord killed his father and his grandparents and made it look as though his uncle Morfin did it Then he went back to Hogwarts and he asked he asked Professor Horace about Horcruxes he mumbled shamefacedly Very good said Albus Now you will remember I hope that I told you at the very outset of these meetings of ours that we would be entering the realms of guesswork and speculation Yes sir Thus far as I hope you agree I have shown you reasonably firm sources of fact for my deductions as to what Lord did until the age of seventeen Harry nodded But now Harry said Albus now things become murkier and stranger If it was difficult to find evidence about the boy Tom it has been almost impossible to find anyone prepared to reminisce about the man Lord In fact I doubt whether there is a soul alive apart from himself who could give us a full account of his life since he left Hogwarts However I have two last memories that I would like to share with you Albus indicated the two little crystal bottles gleaming beside the Pensieve I shall then be glad of your opinion as to whether the conclusions I have drawn from them seem likely The idea that Albus valued his opinion this highly made Harry feel even more deeply ashamed that he had failed in the task of retrieving the Horcrux memory and he shifted guiltily in his seat as Albus raised the first of the two bottles to the light and examined it I hope you are not tired of diving into other people’s memories for they are curious recollections these two he said This first one came from a very old house-elf by the name of Hokey Before we see what Hokey witnessed I must quickly recount how Lord left Hogwarts He reached the seventh year of his schooling with as you might have expected top grades in every examination he had taken All around him his classmates were deciding which jobs they were to pursue once they had left Hogwarts Nearly everybody expected spectacular things from Tom prefect Head Boy winner of the Special Award for Services to the School I know that several teachers Professor Horace amongst them suggested that he join the Ministry of Magic offered to set up appointments put him in touch with useful contacts He refused all offers The next thing the staff knew Lord was working at Borgin and Burkes At Borgin and Burkes Harry repeated stunned At Borgin and Burkes repeated Albus calmly I think you will see what attractions the place held for him when we have entered Hokey’s memory But this was not Voldemort’s first choice of job Hardly anyone knew of it at the time I was one of the few in whom the then Headmaster confided but Lord first approached Professor Armando and asked whether he could remain at Hogwarts as a teacher He wanted to stay here Why asked Harry more amazed still I believe he had several reasons though he confided none of them to Professor Armando said Albus Firstly and very importantly Lord was I believe more attached to this school than he has ever been to a person Hogwarts was where he had been happiest the first and only place he had felt at home Harry felt slightly uncomfortable at these words for this was exactly how he felt about Hogwarts too Secondly the castle is a stronghold of ancient magic Undoubtedly Lord had penetrated many more of its secrets than most of the students who pass through the place but he may have felt that there were still mysteries to unravel stores of magic to tap And thirdly as a teacher he would have had great power and influence over young witches and wizards Perhaps he had gained the idea from Professor Horace the teacher with whom he was on best terms who had demonstrated how influential a role a teacher can play I do not imagine for an instant that Lord envisaged spending the rest of his life at Hogwarts but I do think that he saw it as a useful recruiting ground and a place where he might begin to build himself an army But he didn’t get the job sir No he did not Professor Armando told him that he was too young at eighteen but invited him to reapply in a few years if he still wished to teach How did you feel about that sir asked Harry hesitantly Deeply uneasy said Albus I had advised Armando against the appointment I did not give the reasons I have given you for Professor Armando was very fond of Lord and convinced of his honesty but I did not want Lord back at this school and especially not in a position of power Which job did he want sir What subject did he want to teach Somehow Harry knew the answer even before Albus gave it Defence Against the Dark Arts It was being taught at the time by an old Professor by the name of Galatea Merrythought who had been at Hogwarts for nearly fifty years So Lord went off to Borgin and Burkes and all the staff who had admired him said what a waste it was a brilliant young wizard like that working in a shop However Lord was no mere assistant Polite and handsome and clever he was soon given particular jobs of the type that only exist in a place like Borgin and Burkes which specialises as you know Harry in objects with unusual and powerful properties Lord was sent to persuade people to part with their treasures for sale by the partners and he was by all accounts unusually gifted at doing this I’ll bet he was said Harry unable to contain himself Well quite said Albus with a faint smile And now it is time to hear from Hokey the house-elf who worked for a very old very rich witch by the name of Hepzibah Albus tapped a bottle with his wand the cork flew out and he tipped the swirling memory into the Pensieve saying as he did so After you Harry Harry got to his feet and bent once more over the rippling silver contents of the stone basin until his face touched them He tumbled through dark nothingness and landed in a sitting room in front of an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her giving her the look of a melting iced cake She was looking into a small jewelled mirror and dabbing rouge on to her already scarlet cheeks with a large powder puff while the tiniest and oldest house-elf Harry had ever seen laced her fleshy feet into tight satin slippers Hurry up Hokey said Hepzibah imperiously He said he’d come at four it’s only a couple of minutes to and he’s never been late yet She tucked away her powder puff as the house-elf straightened up The top of the elf’s head barely reached the seat of Hepzibah’s chair and her papery skin hung off her frame just like the crisp linen sheet she wore draped like a toga How do I look said Hepzibah turning her head to admire the various angles of her face in the mirror Lovely madam squeaked Hokey Harry could only assume that it was down in Hokey’s contract that she must lie through her teeth when asked this question because Hepzibah looked a long way from lovely in his opinion A tinkling doorbell rang and both mistress and elf jumped Quick quick he’s here Hokey cried Hepzibah and the elf scurried out of the room which was so crammed with objects that it was difficult to see how anybody could navigate their way across it without knocking over at least a dozen things there were cabinets full of little lacquered boxes cases full of gold-embossed books shelves of orbs and celestial globes and many flourishing pot plants in brass containers in fact the room looked like a cross between a magical antique shop and a conservatory The house-elf returned within minutes followed by a tall young man Harry had no difficulty whatsoever in recognising as Lord He was plainly dressed in a black suit his hair was a little longer than it had been at school and his cheeks were hollowed but all of this suited him he looked more handsome than ever He picked his way through the cramped room with an air that showed he had visited many times before and bowed low over Hepzibah’s fat little hand brushing it with his lips I brought you flowers he said quietly producing a bunch of roses from nowhere You naughty boy you shouldn’t have squealed old Hepzibah though Harry noticed that she had an empty vase standing ready on the nearest little table You do spoil this old lady Tom sit down sit down where’s Hokey ah The house-elf had come dashing back into the room carrying a tray of little cakes which she set at her mistress’s elbow Help yourself Tom said Hepzibah I know how you love my cakes Now how are you You look pale They overwork you at that shop I’ve said it a hundred times Lord smiled mechanically and Hepzibah simpered Well what’s your excuse for visiting this time she asked batting her lashes Mr Caractacus would like to make an improved offer for the goblin-made armour said Lord Five hundred Galleons he feels it is a more than fair Now now not so fast or I’ll think you’re only here for my trinkets pouted Hepzibah I am ordered here because of them said Lord quietly I am only a poor assistant madam who must do as he is told Mr Caractacus wishes me to enquire Oh Mr Caractacus phooey said Hepzibah waving a little hand I’ve something to show you that I’ve never shown Mr Caractacus Can you keep a secret Tom Will you promise you won’t tell Mr Caractacus I’ve got it He’d never let me rest if he knew I’d shown it to you and I’m not selling not to Caractacus not to anyone But you Tom you’ll appreciate it for its history not how many Galleons you can get for it I’d be glad to see anything Miss Hepzibah shows me said Lord quietly and Hepzibah gave another girlish giggle I had Hokey bring it out for me Hokey where are you I want to show Mr Tom our finest treasure in fact bring both while you’re at it Here madam squeaked the house-elf and Harry saw two leather boxes one on top of the other moving across the room as if of their own volition though he knew the tiny elf was holding them over her head as she wended her way between tables pouffes and footstools Now said Hepzibah happily taking the boxes from the elf laying them in her lap and preparing to open the topmost one I think you’ll like this Tom oh if my family knew I was showing you they can’t wait to get their hands on this She opened the lid Harry edged forwards a little to get a better view and saw what looked like a small golden cup with two finely wrought handles I wonder whether you know what it is Tom Pick it up have a good look whispered Hepzibah and Lord stretched out a long-fingered hand and lifted the cup by one handle out of its snug silken wrappings Harry thought he saw a red gleam in his dark eyes His greedy expression was curiously mirrored on Hepzibah’s face except that her tiny eyes were fixed upon Voldemort’s handsome features A badger murmured Lord examining the engraving upon the cup Then this was Helga Hufflepuff’s as you very well know you clever boy said Hepzibah leaning forwards with a loud creaking of corsets and actually pinching his hollow cheek Didn’t I tell you I was distantly descended This has been handed down in the family for years and years Lovely isn’t it And all sorts of powers it’s supposed to possess too but I haven’t tested them thoroughly I just keep it nice and safe in here She hooked the cup back off Voldemort’s long forefinger and restored it gently to its box too intent upon settling it carefully back into position to notice the shadow that crossed Voldemort’s face as the cup was taken away Now then said Hepzibah happily where’s Hokey Oh yes there you are take that away now Hokey The elf obediently took the boxed cup and Hepzibah turned her attention to the much flatter box in her lap I think you’ll like this even more Tom she whispered Lean in a little dear boy so you can see of course Caractacus knows I’ve got this one I bought it from him and I daresay he’d love to get it back when I’m gone She slid back the fine filigree clasp and flipped open the box There upon the smooth crimson velvet lay a heavy golden locket Lord reached out his hand without invitation this time and held it up to the light staring at it Slytherin’s mark he said quietly as the light played upon an ornate serpentine S That’s right said Hepzibah delighted apparently at the sight of Lord gazing at her locket transfixed I had to pay an arm and a leg for it but I couldn’t let it pass not a real treasure like that had to have it for my collection Caractacus bought it apparently from a ragged-looking woman who seemed to have stolen it but had no idea of its true value There was no mistaking it this time Voldemort’s eyes flashed scarlet at her words and Harry saw his knuckles whiten on the locket’s chain I daresay Caractacus paid her a pittance but there you are pretty isn’t it And again all kinds of powers attributed to it though I just keep it nice and safe She reached out to take the locket back For a moment Harry thought Lord was not going to let go of it but then it had slid through his fingers and was back on its red velvet cushion So there you are Tom dear and I hope you enjoyed that She looked him full in the face and for the first time Harry saw her foolish smile falter Are you all right dear Oh yes said Lord quietly Yes I’m very well I thought but a trick of the light I suppose said Hepzibah looking unnerved and Harry guessed that she too had seen the momentary red gleam in Voldemort’s eyes Here Hokey take these away and lock them up again the usual enchantments Time to leave Harry said Albus quietly and as the little elf bobbed away bearing the boxes Albus grasped Harry once again above the elbow and together they rose up through oblivion and back to Dumbledore’s office Hepzibah died two days after that little scene said Albus resuming his seat and indicating that Harry should do the same Hokey the house-elf was convicted by the Ministry of poisoning her mistress’s evening cocoa by accident No way said Harry angrily I see we are of one mind said Albus Certainly there are many similarities between this death and that of the Riddles In both cases somebody else took the blame someone who had a clear memory of having caused the death Hokey confessed She remembered putting something in her mistress’s cocoa that turned out not to be sugar but a lethal and little-known poison said Albus It was concluded that she had not meant to do it but being old and confused Lord modified her memory just like he did with Morfin Yes that is my conclusion too said Albus And just as with Morfin the Ministry was predisposed to suspect Hokey because she was a house-elf said Harry He had rarely felt more in sympathy with the society Hermione had set up S P E W Precisely said Albus She was old she admitted to having tampered with the drink and nobody at the Ministry bothered to enquire further As in the case of Morfin by the time I traced her and managed to extract this memory her life was almost over but her memory of course proves nothing except that Lord knew of the existence of the cup and the locket By the time Hokey was convicted Hepzibah’s family had realised that two of her greatest treasures were missing It took them a while to be sure of this for she had many hiding places having always guarded her collection most jealously But before they were sure beyond doubt that the cup and the locket were both gone the assistant who had worked at Borgin and Burkes the young man who had visited Hepzibah so regularly and charmed her so well had resigned his post and vanished His superiors had no idea where he had gone they were as surprised as anyone at his disappearance And that was the last that was seen or heard of Tom for a very long time Now said Albus if you don’t mind Harry I want to pause once more to draw your attention to certain points of our story Lord had committed another murder whether it was his first since he killed the Riddles I do not know but I think it was This time as you will have seen he killed not for revenge but for gain He wanted the two fabulous trophies that poor besotted old woman showed him Just as he had once robbed the other children at his orphanage just as he had stolen his uncle Morfin’s ring so he ran off now with Hepzibah’s cup and locket But said Harry frowning it seems mad risking everything throwing away his job just for those Mad to you perhaps but not to Lord said Albus I hope you will understand in due course exactly what those objects meant to him Harry but you must admit that it is not difficult to imagine that he saw the locket at least as rightfully his The locket maybe said Harry but why take the cup as well It had belonged to another of Hogwarts founders said Albus I think he still felt a great pull towards the school and that he could not resist an object so steeped in Hogwarts history There were other reasons I think I hope to be able to demonstrate them to you in due course And now for the very last recollection I have to show you at least until you manage to retrieve Professor Slughorn’s memory for us Ten years separate Hokey’s memory and this one ten years during which we can only guess at what Lord was doing Harry got to his feet once more as Albus emptied the last memory into the Pensieve Whose memory is it he asked Mine said Albus And Harry dived after Albus through the shifting silver mass landing in the very office he had just left There was Fawkes slumbering happily on his perch and there behind the desk was Albus who looked very similar to the Albus standing beside Harry though both hands were whole and undamaged and his face was perhaps a little less lined The one difference between the present-day office and this one was that it was snowing in the past bluish flecks were drifting past the window in the dark and building up on the outside ledge The younger Albus seemed to be waiting for some thing and sure enough moments after their arrival there was a knock on the door and he said Enter Harry let out a hastily stifled gasp Lord had entered the room His features were not those Harry had seen emerge from the great stone cauldron almost two years before they were not as snakelike the eyes were not yet scarlet the face not yet masklike and yet he was no longer handsome Tom It was as though his features had been burned and blurred they were waxy and oddly distorted and the whites of the eyes now had a permanently bloody look though the pupils were not yet the slits that Harry knew they would become He was wearing a long black cloak and his face was as pale as the snow glistening on his shoulders The Albus behind the desk showed no sign of surprise Evidently this visit had been made by appointment Good evening Tom said Albus easily Won’t you sit down Thank you said Lord and he took the seat to which Albus had gestured the very seat by the looks of it that Harry had just vacated in the present I heard that you had become Headmaster he said and his voice was slightly higher and colder than it had been A worthy choice I am glad you approve said Albus smiling May I offer you a drink That would be welcome said Lord I have come a long way Albus stood and swept over to the cabinet where he now kept the Pensieve but which then was full of bottles Having handed Lord a goblet of wine and poured one for himself he returned to the seat behind his desk So Tom to what do I owe the pleasure Lord did not answer at once but merely sipped his wine They do not call me Tom any more he said These days I am known as I know what you are known as said Albus smiling pleasantly But to me I’m afraid you will always be Tom It is one of the irritating things about old teachers I am afraid that they never quite forget their charges youthful beginnings He raised his glass as though toasting Lord whose face remained expressionless Nevertheless Harry felt the atmosphere in the room change subtly Dumbledore’s refusal to use Voldemort’s chosen name was a refusal to allow Lord to dictate the terms of the meeting and Harry could tell that Lord took it as such I am surprised you have remained here so long said Lord after a short pause I always wondered why a wizard such as yourself never wished to leave school Well said Albus still smiling to a wizard such as myself there can be nothing more important than passing on ancient skills helping hone young minds If I remember correctly you once saw the attraction of teaching too I see it still said Lord I merely wondered why you who is so often asked for advice by the Ministry and who has twice I think been offered the post of Minister Three times at the last count actually said Albus But the Ministry never attracted me as a career Again something we have in common I think Lord inclined his head unsmiling and took another sip of wine Albus did not break the silence that stretched between them now but waited with a look of pleasant expectancy for Lord to talk first I have returned he said after a little while later perhaps than Professor Armando expected but I have returned nevertheless to request again what he once told me I was too young to have I have come to you to ask that you permit me to return to this castle to teach I think you must know that I have seen and done much since I left this place I could show and tell your students things they can gain from no other wizard Albus considered Lord over the top of his own goblet for a while before speaking Yes I certainly do know that you have seen and done much since leaving us he said quietly Rumours of your doings have reached your old school Tom I should be sorry to believe half of them Voldemort’s expression remained impassive as he said Greatness inspires envy envy engenders spite spite spawns lies You must know this Albus You call it greatness what you have been doing do you asked Albus delicately Certainly said Lord and his eyes seemed to burn red I have experimented I have pushed the boundaries of magic further perhaps than they have ever been pushed Of some kinds of magic Albus corrected him quietly Of some Of others you remain forgive me woefully ignorant For the first time Lord smiled It was a taut leer an evil thing more threatening than a look of rage The old argument he said softly But nothing I have seen in the world has supported your famous pronouncements that love is more powerful than my kind of magic Albus Perhaps you have been looking in the wrong places suggested Albus Well then what better place to start my fresh researches than here at Hogwarts said Lord Will you let me return Will you let me share my knowledge with your students I place myself and my talents at your disposal I am yours to command Albus raised his eyebrows And what will become of those whom you command What will happen to those who call themselves or so rumour has it the Death Eaters Harry could tell that Lord had not expected Albus to know this name he saw Voldemort’s eyes flash red again and the slitlike nostrils flare My friends he said after a moment’s pause will carry on without me I am sure I am glad to hear that you consider them friends said Albus I was under the impression that they are more in the order of servants You are mistaken said Lord Then if I were to go to the Hog’s Head tonight I would not find a group of them Nott Evan Mulciber Antonin awaiting your return Devoted friends indeed to travel this far with you on a snowy night merely to wish you luck as you attempted to secure a teaching post There could be no doubt that Dumbledore’s detailed knowledge of those with whom he was travelling was even less welcome to Lord however he rallied almost at once You are omniscient as ever Albus Oh no merely friendly with the local barmen said Albus lightly Now Tom Albus set down his empty glass and drew himself up in his seat the tips of his fingers together in a very characteristic gesture let us speak openly Why have you come here tonight surrounded by henchmen to request a job we both know you do not want Lord looked coldly surprised A job I do not want On the contrary Albus I want it very much Oh you want to come back to Hogwarts but you do not want to teach any more than you wanted to when you were eighteen What is it you’re after Tom Why not try an open request for once Lord sneered If you do not want to give me a job Of course I don’t said Albus And I don’t think for a moment you expected me to Nevertheless you came here you asked you must have had a purpose Lord stood up He looked less like Tom than ever his features thick with rage This is your final word It is said Albus also standing Then we have nothing more to say to each other No nothing said Albus and a great sadness filled his face The time is long gone when I could frighten you with a burning wardrobe and force you to make repayment for your crimes But I wish I could Tom I wish I could For a second Harry was on the verge of shouting a pointless warning he was sure that Voldemort’s hand had twitched towards his pocket and his wand but then the moment had passed Lord had turned away the door was closing and he was gone Harry felt Dumbledore’s hand close over his arm again and moments later they were standing together on almost the same spot but there was no snow building on the window-ledge and Dumbledore’s hand was blackened and dead-looking once more Why said Harry at once looking up into Dumbledore’s face Why did he come back Did you ever find out I have ideas said Albus but no more than that What ideas sir I shall tell you Harry when you have retrieved that memory from Professor Horace said Albus When you have that last piece of the jigsaw everything will I hope be clear to both of us Harry was still burning with curiosity and even though Albus had walked to the door and was holding it open for him he did not move at once Was he after the Defence Against the Dark Arts job again sir He didn’t say Oh he definitely wanted the Defence Against the Dark Arts job said Albus The aftermath of our little meeting proved that You see we have never been able to keep a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher for longer than a year since I refused the post to Lord Harry racked his brains over the next week as to how he was to persuade Horace to hand over the true memory but nothing in the nature of a brainwave occurred and he was reduced to doing what he did increasingly these days when at a loss poring over his Potions book hoping that the Eileen would have scribbled something useful in a margin as he had done so many times before You won’t find anything in there said Hermione firmly late on Sunday evening Don’t start Hermione said Harry If it hadn’t been for the Eileen Ron wouldn’t be sitting here now He would if you’d just listened to Severus in our first year said Hermione dismissively Harry ignored her He had just found an incantation Sectumsempra scrawled in a margin above the intriguing words For Enemies and was itching to try it out but thought it best not to in front of Hermione Instead he surreptitiously folded down the corner of the page They were sitting beside the fire in the common room the only other people still up were fellow sixth-years There had been a certain amount of excitement earlier when they had come back from dinner to find a new sign on the noticeboard that announced the date for their Apparition test Those who would be seventeen on or before the first test date the twenty-first of April had the option of signing up for additional practice sessions which would take place heavily supervised in Hogsmeade Ron had panicked on reading this notice he had still not managed to Apparate and feared he would not be ready for the test Hermione who had now achieved Apparition twice was a little more confident but Harry who would not be seventeen for another four months could not take the test whether ready or not At least you can Apparate though said Ron tensely You’ll have no trouble come July I’ve only done it once Harry reminded him he had finally managed to disappear and rematerialise inside his hoop during their previous lesson Having wasted a lot of time worrying aloud about Apparition Ron was now struggling to finish a viciously difficult essay for Severus that Harry and Hermione had already completed Harry fully expected to receive low marks on his because he had disagreed with Severus on the best way to tackle Dementors but he did not care Slughorn’s memory was the most important thing to him now I’m telling you the stupid Eileen isn’t going to be able to help you with this Harry said Hermione more loudly There’s only one way to force someone to do what you want and that’s the Imperius Curse which is illegal Yeah I know that thanks said Harry not looking up from the book That’s why I’m looking for something different Albus says Veritaserum won’t do it but there might be something else a potion or a spell You’re going about it the wrong way said Hermione Only you can get the memory Albus says That must mean you can persuade Horace where other people can’t It’s not a question of slipping him a potion anyone could do that How d’you spell belligerent said Ron shaking his quill very hard while staring at his parchment It can’t be B U M No it isn’t said Hermione pulling Ron’s essay towards her And augury doesn’t begin O R G either What kind of quill are you using It’s one of Fred and George’s Spell-Checking ones but I think the charm must be wearing off Yes it must said Hermione pointing at the title of his essay because we were asked how we’d deal with Dementors not Dugbogs and I don’t remember you changing your name to Roonil Wazlib either Ah no said Ron staring horror-struck at the parchment Don’t say I’ll have to write the whole thing out again It’s OK we can fix it said Hermione pulling the essay towards her and taking out her wand I love you Hermione said Ron sinking back in his chair rubbing his eyes wearily Hermione turned faintly pink but merely said Don’t let Lavender hear you saying that I won’t said Ron into his hands Or maybe I will then she’ll ditch me Why don’t you ditch her if you want to finish it asked Harry You haven’t ever chucked anyone have you said Ron You and Cho just Sort of fell apart yeah said Harry Wish that would happen with me and Lavender said Ron gloomily watching Hermione silently tapping each of his misspelled words with the end of her wand so that they corrected themselves on the page But the more I hint I want to finish it the tighter she holds on It’s like going out with the Giant Squid There said Hermione some twenty minutes later handing back Ron’s essay Thanks a million said Ron Can I borrow your quill for the conclusion Harry who had found nothing useful in the Half-Blood Prince’s notes so far looked around the three of them were now the only ones left in the common room Seamus having just gone up to bed cursing Severus and his essay The only sounds were the crackling of the fire and Ron scratching out one last paragraph on Dementors using Hermione’s quill Harry had just closed the Half-Blood Prince’s book yawning when Crack Hermione let out a little shriek Ron spilled ink all over his essay and Harry said Kreacher The house-elf bowed low and addressed his own gnarled toes Master said he wanted regular reports on what the Draco boy is doing so Kreacher has come to give Crack Dobby appeared alongside Kreacher his tea-cosy hat askew Dobby has been helping too Harry he squeaked casting Kreacher a resentful look And Kreacher ought to tell Dobby when he is coming to see Harry so they can make their reports together What is this asked Hermione still looking shocked by these sudden appearances What’s going on Harry Harry hesitated before answering because he had not told Hermione about setting Kreacher and Dobby to tail Draco house-elves were always such a touchy subject with her Well they’ve been following Draco for me he said Night and day croaked Kreacher Dobby has not slept for a week Harry said Dobby proudly swaying where he stood Hermione looked indignant You haven’t slept Dobby But surely Harry you didn’t tell him not to No of course I didn’t said Harry quickly Dobby you can sleep all right But has either of you found out anything he hastened to ask before Hermione could intervene again Master Draco moves with a nobility that befits his pure blood croaked Kreacher at once His features recall the fine bones of my mistress and his manners are those of Draco is a bad boy squeaked Dobby angrily A bad boy who who He shuddered from the tassel of his tea cosy to the toes of his socks and then ran at the fire as though about to dive into it Harry to whom this was not entirely unexpected caught him around the middle and held him fast For a few seconds Dobby struggled then went limp Thank you Harry he panted Dobby still finds it difficult to speak ill of his old masters Harry released him Dobby straightened his tea cosy and said defiantly to Kreacher But Kreacher should know that Draco is not a good master to a house-elf Yeah we don’t need to hear about you being in love with Draco Harry told Kreacher Let’s fast forward to where he’s actually been going Kreacher bowed again looking furious and then said Master Draco eats in the Great Hall he sleeps in a dormitory in the dungeons he attends his classes in a variety of Dobby you tell me said Harry cutting across Kreacher Has he been going anywhere he shouldn’t have Harry sir squeaked Dobby his great orblike eyes shining in the firelight the Draco boy is breaking no rules that Dobby can discover but he is still keen to avoid detection He has been making regular visits to the seventh floor with a variety of other students who keep watch for him while he enters The Room of Requirement said Harry smacking himself hard on the forehead with Advanced Potion-Making Hermione and Ron stared at him That’s where he’s been sneaking off to That’s where he’s doing whatever he’s doing And I bet that’s why he’s been disappearing off the map come to think of it I’ve never seen the Room of Requirement on there Maybe the Marauders never knew the Room was there said Ron I think it’ll be part of the magic of the Room said Hermione If you need it to be unplottable it will be Dobby have you managed to get in to have a look at what Malfoy’s doing said Harry eagerly No Harry that is impossible said Dobby No it’s not said Harry at once Draco got into our Headquarters there last year so I’ll be able to get in and spy on him no problem But I don’t think you will Harry said Hermione slowly Draco already knew exactly how we were using the Room didn’t he because that stupid Marietta had blabbed He needed the Room to become the Headquarters of the DA so it did But you don’t know what the Room becomes when Draco goes in there so you don’t know what to ask it to transform into There’ll be a way around that said Harry dismissively You’ve done brilliantly Dobby Kreacher’s done well too said Hermione kindly but far from looking grateful Kreacher averted his huge bloodshot eyes and croaked at the ceiling The Mudblood is speaking to Kreacher Kreacher will pretend he cannot hear Get out of it Harry snapped at him and Kreacher made one last deep bow and Disapparated You’d better go and get some sleep too Dobby Thank you Harry sir squeaked Dobby happily and he too vanished How good’s this said Harry enthusiastically turning to Ron and Hermione the moment the room was elf-free again We know where Malfoy’s going We’ve got him cornered now Yeah it’s great said Ron glumly who was attempting to mop up the sodden mass of ink that had recently been an almost completed essay Hermione pulled it towards her and began siphoning the ink off with her wand But what’s all this about him going up there with a variety of students said Hermione How many people are in on it You wouldn’t think he’d trust lots of them to know what he’s doing Yeah that is weird said Harry frowning I heard him telling Vincent it wasn’t Crabbe’s business what he was doing so what’s he telling all these all these Harry’s voice tailed away he was staring at the fire God I’ve been stupid he said quietly It’s obvious isn’t it There was a great vat of it down in the dungeon he could’ve nicked some any time during that lesson Nicked what said Ron Polyjuice Potion He stole some of the Polyjuice Potion Horace showed us in our first Potions lesson there aren’t a whole variety of students standing guard for Draco it’s just Vincent and Gregory as usual yeah it all fits said Harry jumping up and starting to pace in front of the fire They’re stupid enough to do what they’re told even if he won’t tell them what he’s up to but he doesn’t want them to be seen lurking around outside the Room of Requirement so he’s got them taking Polyjuice to make them look like other people those two girls I saw him with when he missed Quidditch ha Vincent and Gregory Do you mean to say said Hermione in a hushed voice that that little girl whose scales I repaired Yeah of course said Harry loudly staring at her Of course Draco must’ve been inside the Room at the time so she what am I talking about he dropped the scales to tell Draco not to come out because there was someone there And there was that girl who dropped the toad-spawn too We’ve been walking past him all the time and not realising it He’s got Vincent and Gregory transforming into girls guffawed Ron Blimey no wonder they don’t look too happy these days I’m surprised they don’t tell him to stuff it Well they wouldn’t would they if he’s shown them his Dark Mark said Harry Hmmm the Dark Mark we don’t know exists said Hermione sceptically rolling up Ron’s dried essay before it could come to any more harm and handing it to him We’ll see said Harry confidently Yes we will Hermione said getting to her feet and stretching But Harry before you get all excited I still don’t think you’ll be able to get into the Room of Requirement without knowing what’s there first And I don’t think you should forget she heaved her bag on to her shoulder and gave him a very serious look that what you’re supposed to be concentrating on is getting that memory from Horace Goodnight Harry watched her go feeling slightly disgruntled Once the door to the girls dormitories had closed behind her he rounded on Ron What d’you think Wish I could Disapparate like a house-elf said Ron staring at the spot where Dobby had vanished I’d have that Apparition test in the bag Harry did not sleep well that night He lay awake for what felt like hours wondering how Draco was using the Room of Requirement and what he Harry would see when he went in there the following day for whatever Hermione said Harry was sure that if Draco had been able to see the Headquarters of the DA he would be able to see Malfoy’s what could it be A meeting place A hideout A storeroom A workshop Harry’s mind worked feverishly and his dreams when he finally fell asleep were broken and disturbed by images of Draco who turned into Horace who turned into Severus Harry was in a state of great anticipation over breakfast the following morning he had a free period before Defence Against the Dark Arts and was determined to spend it trying to get into the Room of Requirement Hermione was rather ostentatiously showing no interest in his whispered plans for forcing entry into the Room which irritated Harry because he thought she might be a lot of help if she wanted to Look he said quietly leaning forwards and putting a hand on the Daily Prophet which she had just removed from a post owl to stop her opening it and vanishing behind it I haven’t forgotten about Horace but I haven’t got a clue how to get that memory off him and until I get a brainwave why shouldn’t I find out what Malfoy’s doing I’ve already told you you need to persuade Horace said Hermione It’s not a question of tricking him or bewitching him or Albus could have done it in a second Instead of messing around outside the Room of Requirement she jerked the Prophet out from under Harry’s hand and unfolded it to look at the front page you should go and find Horace and start appealing to his better nature Anyone we know asked Ron as Hermione scanned the headlines Yes said Hermione causing both Harry and Ron to gag on their breakfast but it’s all right he’s not dead it’s Mundungus he’s been arrested and sent to Azkaban Something to do with impersonating an Inferius during an attempted burglary and someone called Octavius Pepper has vanished oh and how horrible a nine-year-old boy has been arrested for trying to kill his grandparents they think he was under the Imperius Curse They finished their breakfast in silence Hermione set off immediately for Ancient Runes Ron for the common room where he still had to finish his conclusion on Snape’s Dementor essay and Harry for the corridor on the seventh floor and the stretch of wall opposite the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy teaching trolls to do ballet Harry slipped on his Invisibility Cloak once he had found an empty passage but he need not have bothered When he reached his destination he found it deserted Harry was not sure whether his chances of getting inside the Room were better with Draco inside it or out but at least his first attempt was not going to be complicated by the presence of Vincent or Gregory pretending to be an eleven-year-old girl He closed his eyes as he approached the place where the Room of Requirement’s door was concealed He knew what he had to do he had become most accomplished at it last year Concentrating with all his might he thought I need to see what Malfoy’s doing in here I need to see what Malfoy’s doing in here I need to see what Malfoy’s doing in here Three times he walked past the door then his heart pounding with excitement he opened his eyes and faced it but he was still looking at a stretch of mundanely blank wall He moved forwards and gave it an experimental push The stone remained solid and unyielding OK said Harry aloud OK I thought the wrong thing He pondered for a moment then set off again eyes closed concentrating as hard as he could I need to see the place where Draco keeps coming secretly I need to see the place where Draco keeps coming secretly After three walks past he opened his eyes expectantly There was no door Oh come off it he told the wall irritably That was a clear instruction fine He thought hard for several minutes before striding off once more I need you to become the place you become for Draco He did not immediately open his eyes when he had finished his patrolling he was listening hard as though he might hear the door pop into existence He heard nothing however except the distant twittering of birds outside He opened his eyes There was still no door Harry swore Someone screamed He looked around to see a gaggle of first-years running back round the corner apparently under the impression that they had just encountered a particularly foul-mouthed ghost Harry tried every variation of I need to see what Draco is doing inside you that he could think of for a whole hour at the end of which he was forced to concede that Hermione might have had a point the Room simply did not want to open for him Frustrated and annoyed he set off for Defence Against the Dark Arts pulling off his Invisibility Cloak and stuffing it into his bag as he went Late again Harry said Severus coldly as Harry hurried into the candlelit classroom Ten points from Godric Harry scowled at Severus as he flung himself into the seat beside Ron half the class was still on its feet taking out books and organising its things he could not be much later than any of them Before we start I want your Dementor essays said Severus waving his wand carelessly so that twenty-five scrolls of parchment soared into the air and landed in a neat pile on his desk And I hope for your sakes they are better than the tripe I had to endure on resisting the Imperius Curse Now if you will all open your books at page what is it Mr Seamus Sir said Seamus I’ve been wondering how do you tell the difference between an Inferius and a ghost Because there was something in the Prophet about an Inferius No there wasn’t said Severus in a bored voice But sir I heard people talking If you had actually read the article in question Mr Seamus you would have known that the so-called Inferius was nothing but a smelly sneak-thief by the name of Mundungus I thought Severus and Mundungus were on the same side muttered Harry to Ron and Hermione Shouldn’t he be upset Mundungus has been arrest But Harry seems to have a lot to say on the subject said Severus pointing suddenly at the back of the room his black eyes fixed on Harry Let us ask Harry how we would tell the difference between an Inferius and a ghost The whole class looked round at Harry who hastily tried to recall what Albus had told him the night that they had gone to visit Horace Er well ghosts are transparent he said Oh very good interrupted Severus his lip curling Yes it is easy to see that nearly six years of magical education have not been wasted on you Harry Ghosts are transparent Pansy let out a high-pitched giggle Several other people were smirking Harry took a deep breath and continued calmly though his insides were boiling Yeah ghosts are transparent but Inferi are dead bodies aren’t they So they’d be solid A five-year-old could have told us as much sneered Severus The Inferius is a corpse that has been reanimated by a Dark wizard’s spells It is not alive it is merely used like a puppet to do the wizard’s bidding A ghost as I trust that you are all aware by now is the imprint of a departed soul left upon the earth and of course as Harry so wisely tells us transparent Well what Harry said is the most useful if we’re trying to tell them apart said Ron When we come face to face with one down a dark alley we’re going to be having a shufti to see if it’s solid aren’t we we’re not going to be asking Excuse me are you the imprint of a departed soul There was a ripple of laughter instantly quelled by the look Severus gave the class Another ten points from Godric said Severus I would expect nothing more sophisticated from you Ronald Ron the boy so solid he cannot Apparate half an inch across a room No whispered Hermione grabbing Harry’s arm as he opened his mouth furiously There’s no point you’ll just end up in detention again leave it Now open your books at page two hundred and thirteen said Severus smirking a little and read the first two paragraphs on the Cruciatus Curse Ron was very subdued all through the class When the bell sounded at the end of the lesson Lavender caught up with Ron and Harry Hermione mysteriously melted out of sight as she approached and abused Severus hotly for his jibe about Ron’s Apparition but this seemed merely to irritate Ron and he shook her off by making a detour into the boys bathroom with Harry Snape’s right though isn’t he said Ron after staring into a cracked mirror for a minute or two I dunno whether it’s worth me taking the test I just can’t get the hang of Apparition You might as well do the extra practice sessions in Hogsmeade and see where they get you said Harry reasonably It’ll be more interesting than trying to get into a stupid hoop anyway Then if you’re still not you know as good as you’d like to be you can postpone the test do it with me over the summ Moaning this is the boys bathroom The ghost of a girl had risen out of the toilet in a cubicle behind them and was now floating in midair staring at them through thick white round glasses Oh she said glumly It’s you two Who were you expecting said Ron looking at her in the mirror Nobody said Moaning picking moodily at a spot on her chin He said he’d come back and see me but then you said you’d pop in and visit me too she gave Harry a reproachful look and I haven’t seen you for months and months I’ve learned not to expect too much from boys I thought you lived in that girls bathroom said Harry who had been careful to give the place a wide berth for some years now I do she said with a sulky little shrug but that doesn’t mean I can’t visit other places I came and saw you in your bath once remember Vividly said Harry But I thought he liked me she said plaintively Maybe if you two left he’d come back again we had lots in common I’m sure he felt it And she looked hopefully towards the door When you say you had lots in common said Ron sounding rather amused now d’you mean he lives in an S-bend too No said Moaning defiantly her voice echoing loudly around the old tiled bathroom I mean he’s sensitive people bully him too and he feels lonely and hasn’t got anybody to talk to and he’s not afraid to show his feelings and cry There’s been a boy in here crying said Harry curiously A young boy Never you mind said Moaning her small leaky eyes fixed on Ron who was now definitely grinning I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone and I’ll take his secret to the not the grave surely said Ron with a snort The sewers maybe Moaning gave a howl of rage and dived back into the toilet causing water to slop over the sides and on to the floor Goading Moaning seemed to have put fresh heart into Ron You’re right he said swinging his schoolbag back over his shoulder I’ll do the practice sessions in Hogsmeade before I decide about taking the test And so the following weekend Ron joined Hermione and the rest of the sixth-years who would turn seventeen in time to take the test in a fortnight Harry felt rather jealous watching them all get ready to go into the village he missed making trips there and it was a particularly fine spring day one of the first clear skies they had seen in a long time However he had decided to use the time to attempt another assault on the Room of Requirement You’d do better said Hermione when he confided this plan to Ron and her in the Entrance Hall to go straight to Slughorn’s office and try and get that memory from him I’ve been trying said Harry crossly which was perfectly true He had lagged behind after every Potions lesson that week in an attempt to corner Horace but the Potions master always left the dungeon so fast that Harry had not been able to catch him Twice Harry had gone to his office and knocked but received no reply though on the second occasion he was sure he had heard the quickly stifled sounds of an old gramophone He doesn’t want to talk to me Hermione He can tell I’ve been trying to get him on his own again and he’s not going to let it happen Well you’ve just got to keep at it haven’t you The short queue of people waiting to file past Argus who was doing his usual prodding act with the Secrecy Sensor moved forwards a few steps and Harry did not answer in case he was overheard by the caretaker He wished Ron and Hermione luck then turned and climbed the marble staircase again determined whatever Hermione said to devote an hour or two to the Room of Requirement Once out of sight of the Entrance Hall Harry pulled out the Marauder’s Map and his Invisibility Cloak from his bag Having concealed himself he tapped the map murmured I solemnly swear that I am up to no good and scanned it carefully As it was Sunday morning nearly all the students were inside their various common rooms the Gryffindors in one tower the Ravenclaws in another the Slytherins in the dungeons and the Hufflepuffs in the basement near the kitchens Here and there a stray person meandered around the library or up a corridor there were a few people out in the grounds and there alone in the seventh-floor corridor was Gregory There was no sign of the Room of Requirement but Harry was not worried about that if Gregory was standing guard outside it the Room was open whether the map was aware of it or not He therefore sprinted up the stairs slowing down only when he reached the corner into the corridor when he began to creep very slowly towards the very same little girl clutching her heavy brass scales that Hermione had so kindly helped a fortnight before He waited until he was right behind her before bending very low and whispering Hello you’re very pretty aren’t you Gregory gave a high-pitched scream of terror threw the scales up into the air and sprinted away vanishing from sight long before the sound of the scales smashing had stopped echoing around the corridor Laughing Harry turned to contemplate the blank wall behind which he was sure Draco was now standing frozen aware that someone unwelcome was out there but not daring to make an appearance It gave Harry a most agreeable feeling of power as he tried to remember what form of words he had not yet tried Yet this hopeful mood did not last long Half an hour later having tried many more variations of his request to see what Draco was up to the wall was just as doorless as ever Harry felt frustrated beyond belief Draco might be just feet away from him and there was still not the tiniest shred of evidence as to what he was doing in there Losing his patience completely Harry ran at the wall and kicked it OUCH He thought he might have broken his toe as he clutched it and hopped on one foot the Invisibility Cloak slipped off him Harry He spun round one-legged and toppled over There to his utter astonishment was Nymphadora walking towards him as though she frequently strolled up this corridor What’re you doing here he said scrambling to his feet again why did she always have to find him lying on the floor I came to see Albus said Nymphadora Harry thought she looked terrible thinner than usual her mouse-coloured hair lank His office isn’t here said Harry it’s round the other side of the castle behind the gargoyle I know said Nymphadora He’s not there Apparently he’s gone away again Has he said Harry putting his bruised foot gingerly back on the floor Hey you don’t know where he goes I suppose No said Nymphadora What did you want to see him about Nothing in particular said Nymphadora picking apparently unconsciously at the sleeve of her robe I just thought he might know what’s going on I’ve heard rumours people getting hurt Yeah I know it’s all been in the papers said Harry That little kid trying to kill his The Prophet’s often behind the times said Nymphadora who didn’t seem to be listening to him You haven’t had any letters from anyone in the Order recently No one from the Order writes to me any more said Harry not since Sirius He saw that her eyes had filled with tears I’m sorry he muttered awkwardly I mean I miss him as well What said Nymphadora blankly as though she had not heard him Well I’ll see you around Harry And she turned abruptly and walked back down the corridor leaving Harry to stare after her After a minute or so he pulled the Invisibility Cloak on again and resumed his efforts to get into the Room of Requirement but his heart was not in it Finally a hollow feeling in his stomach and the knowledge that Ron and Hermione would soon be back for lunch made him abandon the attempt and leave the corridor to Draco who hopefully would be too afraid to leave for some hours to come He found Ron and Hermione in the Great Hall already halfway through an early lunch I did it well kind of Ron told Harry enthusiastically when he caught sight of him I was supposed to be Apparating to outside Madam Puddifoot’s teashop and I overshot it a bit ended up near Scrivenshaft’s but at least I moved Good one said Harry How’d you do Hermione Oh she was perfect obviously said Ron before Hermione could answer Perfect deliberation divination and desperation or whatever the hell it is we all went for a quick drink in the Three Broomsticks after and you should’ve heard Twycross going on about her I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t pop the question soon And what about you asked Hermione ignoring Ron Have you been up at the Room of Requirement all this time Yep said Harry And guess who I ran into up there Nymphadora Nymphadora repeated Ron and Hermione together looking surprised Yeah she said she’d come to visit Albus If you ask me said Ron once Harry had finished describing his conversation with Nymphadora she’s cracking up a bit Losing her nerve after what happened at the Ministry It’s a bit odd said Hermione who for some reason looked very concerned She’s supposed to be guarding the school why’s she suddenly abandoning her post to come and see Albus when he’s not even here I had a thought said Harry tentatively He felt strange about voicing it this was much more Hermione’s territory than his You don’t think she can have been you know in love with Sirius Hermione stared at him What on earth makes you say that I dunno said Harry shrugging but she was nearly crying when I mentioned his name and her Patronus is a big fourlegged thing now I wondered whether it hadn’t become you know him It’s a thought said Hermione slowly But I still don’t know why she’d be bursting into the castle to see Albus if that’s really why she was here Goes back to what I said doesn’t it said Ron who was now shovelling mashed potato into his mouth She’s gone a bit funny Lost her nerve Women he said wisely to Harry They’re easily upset And yet said Hermione coming out of her reverie I doubt you’d find a woman who sulked for half an hour because Rosmerta didn’t laugh at their joke about the hag the Healer and the Mimbulus mimbletonia Ron scowled Patches of bright blue sky were beginning to appear over the castle turrets but these signs of approaching summer did not lift Harry’s mood He had been thwarted both in his attempts to find out what Draco was doing and in his efforts to start a conversation with Horace that might lead somehow to Horace handing over the memory he had apparently suppressed for decades For the last time just forget about Draco Hermione told Harry firmly They were sitting with Ron in a sunny corner of the courtyard after lunch Hermione and Ron were both clutching a Ministry of Magic leaflet Common Apparition Mistakes and How to Avoid Them for they were taking their tests that very afternoon but by and large the leaflets had not proved soothing to the nerves Ron gave a start and tried to hide behind Hermione as a girl came round the corner It isn’t Lavender said Hermione wearily Oh good said Ron relaxing Harry said the girl I was asked to give you this Thanks Harry’s heart sank as he took the small scroll of parchment Once the girl was out of earshot he said Albus said we wouldn’t be having any more lessons until I got the memory Maybe he wants to check on how you’re doing suggested Hermione as Harry unrolled the parchment but rather than finding Dumbledore’s long narrow slanting writing he saw an untidy sprawl very difficult to read due to the presence of large blotches on the parchment where the ink had run Dear Harry Ron and Hermione Aragog died last night Harry and Ron you met him and you know how special he was Hermione I know you’d have liked him It would mean a lot to me if you’d nip down for the burial later this evening I’m planning on doing it round dusk that was his favourite time of day I know you’re not supposed to be out that late but you can use the Cloak Wouldn’t ask but I can’t face it alone Rubeus Look at this said Harry handing the note to Hermione Oh for heaven’s sake she said scanning it quickly and passing it to Ron who read it through looking increasingly incredulous He’s mental he said furiously That thing told its mates to eat Harry and me Told them to help themselves And now Rubeus expects us to go down there and cry over its horrible hairy body It’s not just that said Hermione He’s asking us to leave the castle at night and he knows security’s a million times tighter and how much trouble we’d be in if we were caught We’ve been down to see him by night before said Harry Yes but for something like this said Hermione We’ve risked a lot to help Rubeus out but after all Aragog’s dead If it were a question of saving him I’d want to go even less said Ron firmly You didn’t meet him Hermione Believe me being dead will have improved him a lot Harry took the note back and stared down at the inky blotches all over it Tears had clearly fallen thick and fast upon the parchment Harry you can’t be thinking of going said Hermione It’s such a pointless thing to get detention for Harry sighed Yeah I know he said I s’pose Hagrid’ll have to bury Aragog without us Yes he will said Hermione looking relieved Look Potions will be almost empty this afternoon with us all off doing our tests try and soften Horace up a bit then Fifty-seventh time lucky you think said Harry bitterly Lucky said Ron suddenly Harry that’s it get lucky What d’you mean Use your lucky potion Ron that’s that’s it said Hermione sounding stunned Of course Why didn’t I think of it Harry stared at them both Felix Felicis he said I dunno I was sort of saving it What for demanded Ron incredulously What on earth is more important than this memory Harry asked Hermione Harry did not answer The thought of that little golden bottle had hovered on the edges of his imagination for some time vague and unformulated plans that involved Ginny splitting up with Dean and Ron somehow being happy to see her with a new boyfriend had been fermenting in the depths of his brain unacknowledged except during dreams or the twilight time between sleeping and waking Harry Are you still with us asked Hermione Wha Yeah of course he said pulling himself together Well OK If I can’t get Horace to talk this afternoon I’ll take some Felix and have another go this evening That’s decided then said Hermione briskly getting to her feet and performing a graceful pirouette Destination determination deliberation she murmured Oh stop that Ron begged her I feel sick enough as it is quick hide me It isn’t Lavender said Hermione impatiently as another couple of girls appeared in the courtyard and Ron dived behind her Cool said Ron peering over Hermione’s shoulder to check Blimey they don’t look happy do they They’re the Montgomery sisters and of course they don’t look happy didn’t you hear what happened to their little brother said Hermione I’m losing track of what’s happening to everyone’s relatives to be honest said Ron Well their brother was attacked by a werewolf The rumour is that their mother refused to help the Death Eaters Anyway the boy was only five and he died in St Mungo’s they couldn’t save him He died repeated Harry shocked But surely werewolves don’t kill they just turn you into one of them They sometimes kill said Ron who looked unusually grave now I’ve heard of it happening when the werewolf gets carried away What was the werewolf’s name said Harry quickly Well the rumour is that it was that Fenrir said Hermione I knew it the maniac who likes attacking kids the one Remus told me about said Harry angrily Hermione looked at him bleakly Harry you’ve got to get that memory she said It’s all about stopping Lord isn’t it These dreadful things that are happening are all down to him The bell rang overhead in the castle and both Hermione and Ron jumped to their feet looking terrified You’ll do fine Harry told them both as they headed towards the Entrance Hall to meet the rest of the people taking their Apparition test Good luck And you too said Hermione with a significant look as Harry headed off to the dungeons There were only three of them in Potions that afternoon Harry Ernie and Draco All too young to Apparate just yet said Horace genially Not turned seventeen yet They shook their heads Ah well said Horace cheerily as we’re so few we’ll do something fun I want you all to brew me up something amusing That sounds good sir said Ernie sycophantically rubbing his hands together Draco on the other hand did not crack a smile What do you mean something amusing he said irritably Oh surprise me said Horace airily Draco opened his copy of Advanced Potion-Making with a sulky expression It could not have been plainer that he thought this lesson was a waste of time Undoubtedly Harry thought watching him over the top of his own book Draco was begrudging the time he could otherwise be spending in the Room of Requirement Was it his imagination or did Draco like Nymphadora look thinner Certainly he looked paler his skin still had that greyish tinge probably because he so rarely saw daylight these days But there was no air of smugness or excitement or superiority none of the swagger that he had had on the Hogwarts Express when he had boasted openly of the mission he had been given by Lord there could be only one conclusion in Harry’s opinion the mission whatever it was was going badly Cheered by this thought Harry skimmed through his copy of Advanced Potion-Making and found a heavily corrected Half-Blood Prince’s version of An Elixir to Induce Euphoria which seemed not only to meet Slughorn’s instructions but which might Harry’s heart leapt as the thought struck him put Horace into such a good mood that he would be prepared to hand over that memory if Harry could persuade him to taste some Well now this looks absolutely wonderful said Horace clapping his hands together an hour and a half later as he stared down into the sunshine-yellow contents of Harry’s cauldron Euphoria I take it And what’s that I smell Mmmm you’ve added just a sprig of peppermint haven’t you Unorthodox but what a stroke of inspiration Harry Of course that would tend to counterbalance the occasional sideeffects of excessive singing and nose-tweaking I really don’t know where you get these brainwaves my boy unless Harry pushed the Half-Blood Prince’s book deeper into his bag with his foot it’s just your mother’s genes coming out in you Oh yeah maybe said Harry relieved Ernie was looking rather grumpy determined to outshine Harry for once he had most rashly invented his own potion which had curdled and formed a kind of purple dumpling at the bottom of his cauldron Draco was already packing up sour-faced Horace had pronounced his Hiccoughing Solution merely passable The bell rang and both Ernie and Draco left at once Sir Harry began but Horace immediately glanced over his shoulder when he saw that the room was empty but for himself and Harry he hurried away as fast as he could Professor Professor don’t you want to taste my po called Harry desperately But Horace had gone Disappointed Harry emptied the cauldron packed up his things left the dungeon and walked slowly back upstairs to the common room Ron and Hermione returned in the late afternoon Harry cried Hermione as she climbed through the portrait hole Harry I passed Well done he said And Ron He he just failed whispered Hermione as Ron came slouching into the room looking most morose It was really unlucky a tiny thing the examiner just spotted that he’d left half an eyebrow behind how did it go with Horace No joy said Harry as Ron joined them Bad luck mate but you’ll pass next time we can take it together Yeah I s’pose said Ron grumpily But half an eyebrow Like that matters I know said Hermione soothingly it does seem really harsh They spent most of their dinner roundly abusing the Apparition examiner and Ron looked fractionally more cheerful by the time they set off back to the common room now discussing the continuing problem of Horace and the memory So Harry you going to use the Felix Felicis or what Ron demanded Yeah I s’pose I’d better said Harry I don’t reckon I’ll need all of it not twelve hours worth it can’t take all night I’ll just take a mouthful Two or three hours should do it It’s a great feeling when you take it said Ron reminiscently Like you can’t do anything wrong What are you talking about said Hermione laughing You’ve never taken any Yeah but I thought I had didn’t I said Ron as though explaining the obvious Same difference really As they had only just seen Horace enter the Great Hall and knew that he liked to take time over meals they lingered for a while in the common room the plan being that Harry should go to Slughorn’s office once the teacher had had time to get back there When the sun had sunk to the level of the treetops in the Forbidden Forest they decided the moment had come and after checking carefully that Neville Dean and Seamus were all in the common room sneaked up to the boys dormitory Harry took out the rolled-up socks at the bottom of his trunk and extracted the tiny gleaming bottle Well here goes said Harry and he raised the little bottle and took a carefully measured gulp What does it feel like whispered Hermione Harry did not answer for a moment Then slowly but surely an exhilarating sense of infinite opportunity stole through him he felt as though he could have done anything anything at all and getting the memory from Horace seemed suddenly not only possible but positively easy He got to his feet smiling brimful of confidence Excellent he said Really excellent Right I’m going down to Hagrid’s What said Ron and Hermione together looking aghast No Harry you’ve got to go and see Horace remember said Hermione No said Harry confidently I’m going to Hagrid’s I’ve got a good feeling about going to Hagrid’s You’ve got a good feeling about burying a giant spider asked Ron looking stunned Yeah said Harry pulling his Invisibility Cloak out of his bag I feel like it’s the place to be tonight you know what I mean No said Ron and Hermione together both looking positively alarmed now This is Felix Felicis I suppose said Hermione anxiously holding up the bottle to the light You haven’t got another little bottle full of I don’t know Essence of Insanity suggested Ron as Harry swung his Cloak over his shoulders Harry laughed and Ron and Hermione looked even more alarmed Trust me he said I know what I’m doing or at least he strolled confidently to the door Felix does He pulled the Invisibility Cloak over his head and set off down the stairs Ron and Hermione hurrying along behind him At the foot of the stairs Harry slid through the open door What were you doing up there with her shrieked Lavender staring right through Harry at Ron and Hermione emerging together from the boys dormitories Harry heard Ron spluttering behind him as he darted across the room away from them Getting through the portrait hole was simple as he approached it Ginny and Dean came through it and Harry was able to slip between them As he did so he brushed accidentally against Ginny Don’t push me please Dean she said sounding annoyed You’re always doing that I can get through perfectly well on my own The portrait swung closed behind Harry but not before he had heard Dean make an angry retort his feeling of elation increasing Harry strode off through the castle He did not have to creep along for he met nobody on his way but this did not surprise him in the slightest this evening he was the luckiest person at Hogwarts Why he knew that going to Hagrid’s was the right thing to do he had no idea It was as though the potion was illuminating a few steps of the path at a time he could not see the final destination he could not see where Horace came in but he knew that he was going the right way to get that memory When he reached the Entrance Hall he saw that Argus had forgotten to lock the front door Beaming Harry threw it open and breathed in the smell of clean air and grass for a moment before walking down the steps into the dusk It was when he reached the bottom step that it occurred to him how very pleasant it would be to pass the vegetable patch on his walk to Hagrid’s It was not strictly on the way but it seemed clear to Harry that this was a whim on which he should act so he directed his feet immediately towards the vegetable patch where he was pleased but not altogether surprised to find Professor Horace in conversation with Professor Pomona Harry lurked behind a low stone wall feeling at peace with the world and listening to their conversation I do thank you for taking the time Pomona Horace was saying courteously Most authorities agree that they are at their most efficacious if picked at twilight Oh I quite agree said Professor Pomona warmly That enough for you Plenty plenty said Horace who Harry saw was carrying an armful of leafy plants This should allow for a few leaves for each of my third-years and some to spare if any body overstews them well good evening to you and many thanks again Professor Pomona headed off into the gathering darkness in the direction of her greenhouses and Horace directed his steps to the spot where Harry stood invisible Seized with an immediate desire to reveal himself Harry pulled off the Cloak with a flourish Good evening Professor Merlin’s beard Harry you made me jump said Horace stopping dead in his tracks and looking wary How did you get out of the castle I think Argus must’ve forgotten to lock the doors said Harry cheerfully and was delighted to see Horace scowl I’ll be reporting that man he’s more concerned about litter than proper security if you ask me but why are you out here Harry Well sir it’s Rubeus said Harry who knew that the right thing to do just now was to tell the truth He’s pretty upset but you won’t tell anyone Professor I don’t want trouble for him Slughorn’s curiosity was evidently aroused Well I can’t promise that he said gruffly But I know that Albus trusts Rubeus to the hilt so I’m sure he can’t be up to anything very dreadful Well it’s this giant spider he’s had it for years it lived in the Forest it could talk and everything I heard rumours there were Acromantula in the Forest said Horace softly looking over at the mass of black trees It’s true then Yes said Harry But this one Aragog the first one Rubeus ever got it died last night He’s devastated He wants company while he buries it and I said I’d go Touching touching said Horace absent-mindedly his large droopy eyes fixed upon the distant lights of Hagrid’s cabin But Acromantula venom is very valuable if the beast has only just died it might not yet have dried out of course I wouldn’t want to do anything insensitive if Rubeus is upset but if there were any way to procure some I mean it’s almost impossible to get venom from an Acromantula while it’s alive Horace seemed to be talking more to himself than Harry now seems an awful waste not to collect it might get a hundred Galleons a pint to be frank my salary is not large And now Harry saw clearly what was to be done Well he said with a most convincing hesitancy well if you wanted to come Professor Rubeus would probably be really pleased give Aragog a better send-off you know Yes of course said Horace his eyes now gleaming with enthusiasm I tell you what Harry I’ll meet you down there with a bottle or two we’ll drink the poor beast’s well not health but we’ll send it off in style anyway once it’s buried And I’ll change my tie this one is a little exuberant for the occasion He bustled back into the castle and Harry sped off to Hagrid’s delighted with himself Yeh came croaked Rubeus when he opened the door and saw Harry emerging from the Invisibility Cloak in front of him Yeah Ron and Hermione couldn’t though said Harry They’re really sorry Don don matter he’d’ve bin touched yeh’re here though Harry Rubeus gave a great sob He had made himself a black armband out of what looked like a rag dipped in boot polish and his eyes were puffy red and swollen Harry patted him consolingly on the elbow which was the highest point of Rubeus he could easily reach Where are we burying him he asked The Forest Blimey no said Rubeus wiping his streaming eyes on the bottom of his shirt The other spiders won let me anywhere near their webs now Aragog’s gone Turns out it was on’y on his orders they didn eat me Can yeh believe that Harry The honest answer was yes Harry recalled with painful ease the scene when he and Ron had come face to face with the Acromantula they had been quite clear that Aragog was the only thing that stopped them eating Rubeus Never bin an area o the Forest I couldn go before said Rubeus shaking his head It wasn easy gettin Aragog’s body out o there I can tell yeh they usually eat their dead see but I wanted ter give im a nice burial a proper send-off He broke into sobs again and Harry resumed the patting of his elbow saying as he did so for the potion seemed to indicate that it was the right thing to do Professor Horace met me coming down here Rubeus Not in trouble are yeh said Rubeus looking up alarmed Yeh shouldn be outta the castle in the evenin I know it it’s my fault No no when he heard what I was doing he said he’d like to come and pay his last respects to Aragog too said Harry He’s gone to change into something more suitable I think and he said he’d bring some bottles so we can drink to Aragog’s memory Did he said Rubeus looking both astonished and touched Tha’s tha’s righ nice of him tha is an not turnin you in either I’ve never really had a lot ter do with Horace before comin ter see old Aragog off though eh Well he’d’ve liked that Aragog would Harry thought privately that what Aragog would have liked most about Horace was the ample amount of edible flesh he provided but he merely moved to the rear window of Hagrid’s hut where he saw the rather horrible sight of the enormous dead spider lying on its back outside its legs curled and tangled Are we going to bury him here Rubeus in your garden Jus beyond the pumpkin patch I thought said Rubeus in a choked voice I’ve already dug the you know grave Jus thought we’d say a few nice things over him happy memories yeh know His voice quivered and broke There was a knock on the door and he turned to answer it blowing his nose on his great spotted handkerchief as he did so Horace hurried over the threshold several bottles in his arms and wearing a sombre black cravat Rubeus he said in a deep grave voice So very sorry to hear of your loss Tha’s very nice of yeh said Rubeus Thanks a lot An thanks fer not givin Harry detention neither Wouldn’t have dreamed of it said Horace Sad night sad night where is the poor creature Out here said Rubeus in a shaky voice Shall we shall we do it then The three of them stepped out into the back garden The moon was glistening palely through the trees and its rays mingled with the light spilling from Hagrid’s window to illuminate Aragog’s body lying on the edge of a massive pit beside a ten-foot-high mound of freshly dug earth Magnificent said Horace approaching the spider’s head where eight milky eyes stared blankly at the sky and two huge curved pincers shone motionless in the moonlight Harry thought he heard the tinkle of bottles as Horace bent over the pincers apparently examining the enormous hairy head It’s not ev’ryone appreciates how beau’iful they are said Rubeus to Slughorn’s back tears leaking from the corners of his crinkled eyes I didn know yeh were int’rested in creatures like Aragog Horace Interested My dear Rubeus I revere them said Horace stepping back from the body Harry saw the glint of a bottle disappear beneath his cloak though Rubeus mopping his eyes once more noticed nothing Now shall we proceed to the burial Rubeus nodded and moved forwards He heaved the gigantic spider into his arms and with an enormous grunt rolled it into the dark pit It hit the bottom with a rather horrible crunchy thud Rubeus started to cry again Of course it’s difficult for you who knew him best said Horace who like Harry could reach no higher than Hagrid’s elbow but patted it all the same Why don’t I say a few words He must have got a lot of good-quality venom from Aragog Harry thought for Horace wore a satisfied smirk as he stepped up to the rim of the pit and said in a slow impressive voice Farewell Aragog king of arachnids whose long and faithful friendship those who knew you won’t forget Though your body will decay your spirit lingers on in the quiet web-spun places of your Forest home May your many-eyed descendants ever flourish and your human friends find solace for the loss they have sustained Tha was tha was beau’iful howled Rubeus and he collapsed on to the compost heap crying harder than ever There there said Horace waving his wand so that the huge pile of earth rose up and then fell with a muffled sort of crash on to the dead spider forming a smooth mound Let’s get inside and have a drink Get on his other side Harry that’s it up you come Rubeus well done They deposited Rubeus in a chair at the table Fang who had been skulking in his basket during the burial now came padding softly across to them and put his heavy head into Harry’s lap as usual Horace uncorked one of the bottles of wine he had brought I have had it all tested for poison he assured Harry pouring most of the first bottle into one of Hagrid’s bucketsized mugs and handing it to Rubeus Had a house-elf taste every bottle after what happened to your poor friend Rupert Harry saw in his mind’s eye the expression on Hermione’s face if she ever heard about this abuse of house-elves and decided never to mention it to her One for Harry said Horace dividing a second bottle between two mugs and one for me Well he raised his mug high to Aragog Aragog said Harry and Rubeus together Both Horace and Rubeus drank deeply Harry however with the way ahead illuminated for him by Felix Felicis knew that he must not drink so he merely pretended to take a gulp and then set the mug back on the table before him I had him from an egg yeh know said Rubeus morosely Tiny little thing he was when he hatched Bout the size of a Pekinese Sweet said Horace Used ter keep him in a cupboard up at the school until well Hagrid’s face darkened and Harry knew why Tom had contrived to have Rubeus thrown out of school blamed for opening the Chamber of Secrets Horace however did not seem to be listening he was looking up at the ceiling from which a number of brass pots hung and also a long silky skein of bright white hair That’s never unicorn hair Rubeus Oh yeah said Rubeus indifferently Gets pulled out of their tails they catch it on branches an stuff in the Forest yeh know But my dear chap do you know how much that’s worth I use it fer bindin on bandages an stuff if a creature gets injured said Rubeus shrugging It’s dead useful very strong see Horace took another deep draught from his mug his eyes moving carefully around the cabin now looking Harry knew for more treasures that he might be able to convert into a plentiful supply of oak-matured mead crystallised pineapple and velvet smoking jackets He refilled Hagrid’s mug and his own and questioned him about the creatures that lived in the Forest these days and how Rubeus was able to look after them all Rubeus becoming expansive under the influence of the drink and Slughorn’s flattering interest stopped mopping his eyes and entered happily into a long explanation of Bowtruckle husbandry The Felix Felicis gave Harry a little nudge at this point and he noticed that the supply of drink that Horace had brought was running out fast Harry had not yet managed to bring off the Refilling Charm without saying the incantation aloud but the idea that he might not be able to do it tonight was laughable indeed Harry grinned to himself as unnoticed by either Rubeus or Horace now swapping tales of the illegal trade in dragon eggs he pointed his wand under the table at the emptying bottles and they immediately began to refill After an hour or so Rubeus and Horace began making extravagant toasts to Hogwarts to Albus to elf-made wine and to Harry bellowed Rubeus slopping some of his fourteenth bucket of wine down his chin as he drained it Yes indeed cried Horace a little thickly Parry Otter the Chosen Boy Who well something of that sort he mumbled and drained his mug too Not long after this Rubeus became tearful again and pressed the whole unicorn tail upon Horace who pocketed it with cries of To friendship To generosity To ten Galleons a hair And for a while after that Rubeus and Horace were sitting side by side arms around each other singing a slow sad song about a dying wizard called Odo Aaargh the good die young muttered Rubeus slumping low on to the table a little cross-eyed while Horace continued to warble the refrain Me dad was no age ter go nor were your mum an dad Harry Great fat tears oozed out of the corners of Hagrid’s crinkled eyes again he grasped Harry’s arm and shook it bes wiz and witchard o their age I never knew terrible thing terrible thing Horace sang plaintively And Odo the hero they bore him back home To the place that he’d known as a lad They laid him to rest with his hat inside out And his wand snapped in two which was sad terrible Rubeus grunted and his great shaggy head rolled sideways on to his arms and he fell asleep snoring deeply Sorry said Horace with a hiccough Can’t carry a tune to save my life Rubeus wasn’t talking about your singing said Harry quietly He was talking about my mum and dad dying Oh said Horace repressing a large belch Oh dear Yes that was was terrible indeed Terrible terrible He looked quite at a loss for what to say and resorted to refilling their mugs I don’t don’t suppose you remember it Harry he asked awkwardly No well I was only one when they died said Harry his eyes on the flame of the candle flickering in Hagrid’s heavy snores But I’ve found out pretty much what happened since My dad died first Did you know that I I didn’t said Horace in a hushed voice Yeah Lord murdered him and then stepped over his body towards my mum said Harry Horace gave a great shudder but he did not seem able to tear his horrified gaze away from Harry’s face He told her to get out of the way said Harry remorselessly He told me she needn’t have died He only wanted me She could have run Oh dear breathed Horace She could have she needn’t that’s awful It is isn’t it said Harry in a voice barely more than a whisper But she didn’t move Dad was already dead but she didn’t want me to go too She tried to plead with Lord but he just laughed That’s enough said Horace suddenly raising a shaking hand Really my dear boy enough I’m an old man I don’t need to hear I don’t want to hear I forgot lied Harry Felix Felicis leading him on You liked her didn’t you Liked her said Horace his eyes brimming with tears once more I don’t imagine anyone who met her wouldn’t have liked her very brave very funny it was the most horrible thing But you won’t help her son said Harry She gave me her life but you won’t give me a memory Hagrid’s rumbling snores filled the cabin Harry looked steadily into Slughorn’s tear-filled eyes The Potions master seemed unable to look away Don’t say that he whispered It isn’t a question if it were to help you of course but no purpose can be served It can said Harry clearly Albus needs information I need information He knew he was safe Felix was telling him that Horace would remember nothing of this in the morning Looking Horace straight in the eye Harry leant forwards a little I am the Chosen One I have to kill him I need that memory Horace turned paler than ever his shiny forehead gleamed with sweat You are the Chosen One Of course I am said Harry calmly But then my dear boy you’re asking a great deal you’re asking me in fact to aid you in your attempt to destroy You don’t want to get rid of the wizard who killed Lily Evans Harry Harry of course I do but You’re scared he’ll find out you helped me Horace said nothing he looked terrified Be brave like my mother Professor Horace raised a pudgy hand and pressed his shaking fingers to his mouth he looked for a moment like an enormously overgrown baby I am not proud he whispered through his fingers I am ashamed of what of what that memory shows I think I may have done great damage that day You’d cancel out anything you did by giving me the memory said Harry It would be a very brave and noble thing to do Rubeus twitched in his sleep and snored on Horace and Harry stared at each other over the guttering candle There was a long long silence but Felix Felicis told Harry not to break it to wait Then very slowly Horace put his hand in his pocket and pulled out his wand He put his other hand inside his cloak and took out a small empty bottle Still looking into Harry’s eyes Horace touched the tip of his wand to his temple and withdrew it so that a long silver thread of memory came away too clinging to the wand-tip Longer and longer the memory stretched until it broke and swung silvery bright from the wand Horace lowered it into the bottle where it coiled then spread swirling like gas He corked the bottle with a trembling hand and then passed it across the table to Harry Thank you very much Professor You’re a good boy said Professor Horace tears trickling down his fat cheeks into his walrus moustache And you’ve got her eyes just don’t think too badly of me once you’ve seen it And he too put his head on his arms gave a deep sigh and fell asleep Harry could feel the Felix Felicis wearing off as he crept back into the castle The front door had remained unlocked for him but on the third floor he met Peeves and only narrowly avoided detection by diving sideways through one of his short cuts By the time he got up to the portrait of the Fat and pulled off his Invisibility Cloak he was not surprised to find her in a most unhelpful mood What sort of time do you call this I’m really sorry I had to go out for something important Well the password changed at midnight so you’ll just have to sleep in the corridor won’t you You’re joking said Harry Why did it have to change at midnight That’s the way it is said the Fat If you’re angry go and take it up with the Headmaster he’s the one who’s tightened security Fantastic said Harry bitterly looking around at the hard floor Really brilliant Yeah I would go and take it up with Albus if he was here because he’s the one who wanted me to He is here said a voice behind Harry Professor Albus returned to the school an hour ago Nearly was gliding towards Harry his head wobbling as usual upon his ruff I had it from the Bloody who saw him arrive said Nearly He appeared according to the Bloody to be in good spirits though a little tired of course Where is he said Harry his heart leaping Oh groaning and clanking up on the Astronomy Tower it’s a favourite pastime of his Not the Bloody Albus Oh in his office said Nearly I believe from what the Bloody said that he had business to attend to before turning in Yeah he has said Harry excitement blazing in his chest at the prospect of telling Albus he had secured the memory He wheeled about and sprinted off again ignoring the Fat who was calling after him Come back All right I lied I was annoyed you woke me up The password’s still tapeworm But Harry was already hurtling back along the corridor and within minutes he was saying toffee éclairs to Dumbledore’s gargoyle which leapt aside permitting Harry entrance on to the spiral staircase Enter said Albus when Harry knocked He sounded exhausted Harry pushed open the door There was Dumbledore’s office looking the same as ever but with black star-strewn skies beyond the windows Good gracious Harry said Albus in surprise To what do I owe this very late pleasure Sir I’ve got it I’ve got the memory from Horace Harry pulled out the tiny glass bottle and showed it to Albus For a moment or two the Headmaster looked stunned Then his face split in a wide smile Harry this is spectacular news Very well done indeed I knew you could do it All thought of the lateness of the hour apparently forgotten he hurried around his desk took the bottle with Slughorn’s memory in his uninjured hand and strode over to the cabinet where he kept the Pensieve And now said Albus placing the stone basin upon his desk and emptying the contents of the bottle into it now at last we shall see Harry quickly Harry bowed obediently over the Pensieve and felt his feet leave the office floor once again he fell through darkness and landed in Horace Slughorn’s office many years before There was the much younger Horace with his thick shiny straw-coloured hair and his gingery-blond moustache sitting again in the comfortable winged armchair in his office his feet resting upon a velvet pouffe a small glass of wine in one hand the other rummaging in a box of crystallised pineapple And there were the half a dozen teenage boys sitting around Horace with Tom in the midst of them Marvolo’s gold and black ring gleaming on his finger Albus landed beside Harry just as Tom asked Sir is it true that Professor Merrythought is retiring Tom Tom if I knew I couldn’t tell you said Horace wagging his finger reprovingly at Tom though winking at the same time I must say I’d like to know where you get your information boy more knowledgeable than half the staff you are Tom smiled the other boys laughed and cast him admiring looks What with your uncanny ability to know things you shouldn’t and your careful flattery of the people who matter thank you for the pineapple by the way you’re quite right it is my favourite Several of the boys tittered again I confidently expect you to rise to Minister for Magic within twenty years Fifteen if you keep sending me pineapple I have excellent contacts at the Ministry Tom merely smiled as the others laughed again Harry noticed that he was by no means the eldest of the group of boys but that they all seemed to look to him as their leader I don’t know that politics would suit me sir he said when the laughter had died away I don’t have the right kind of background for one thing A couple of the boys around him smirked at each other Harry was sure they were enjoying a private joke undoubtedly about what they knew or suspected regarding their gang leader’s famous ancestor Nonsense said Horace briskly couldn’t be plainer you come from decent wizarding stock abilities like yours No you’ll go far Tom I’ve never been wrong about a student yet The small golden clock standing upon Slughorn’s desk chimed eleven o’clock behind him and he looked round Good gracious is it that time already You’d better get going boys or we’ll all be in trouble Bellatrix I want your essay by tomorrow or it’s detention Same goes for you Avery One by one the boys filed out of the room Horace heaved himself out of his armchair and carried his empty glass over to his desk A movement behind him made him look round Tom was still standing there Look sharp Tom you don’t want to be caught out of bed out of hours and you a prefect Sir I wanted to ask you something Ask away then m’boy ask away Sir I wondered what you know about about Horcruxes Horace stared at him his thick fingers absent-mindedly caressing the stem of his wine glass Project for Defence Against the Dark Arts is it But Harry could tell that Horace knew perfectly well that this was not schoolwork Not exactly sir said Tom I came across the term while reading and I didn’t fully understand it No well you’d be hard-pushed to find a book at Hogwarts that’ll give you details on Horcruxes Tom That’s very Dark stuff very Dark indeed said Horace But you obviously know all about them sir I mean a wizard like you sorry I mean if you can’t tell me obviously I just knew if anyone could tell me you could so I just thought I’d ask It was very well done thought Harry the hesitancy the casual tone the careful flattery none of it overdone He Harry had had too much experience of trying to wheedle information out of reluctant people not to recognise a master at work He could tell that Tom wanted the information very very much perhaps had been working towards this moment for weeks Well said Horace not looking at Tom but fiddling with the ribbon on top of his box of crystallised pineapple well it can’t hurt to give you an overview of course Just so that you understand the term A Horcrux is the word used for an object in which a person has concealed part of their soul I don’t quite understand how that works though sir said Tom His voice was carefully controlled but Harry could sense his excitement Well you split your soul you see said Horace and hide part of it in an object outside the body Then even if one’s body is attacked or destroyed one cannot die for part of the soul remains earthbound and undamaged But of course existence in such a form Slughorn’s face crumpled and Harry found himself remembering words he had heard nearly two years before I was ripped from my body I was less than spirit less than the meanest ghost but still I was alive few would want it Tom very few Death would be preferable But Riddle’s hunger was now apparent his expression was greedy he could no longer hide his longing How do you split your soul Well said Horace uncomfortably you must understand that the soul is supposed to remain intact and whole Splitting it is an act of violation it is against nature But how do you do it By an act of evil the supreme act of evil By committing murder Killing rips the soul apart The wizard intent upon creating a Horcrux would use the damage to his advantage he would encase the torn portion Encase But how There is a spell do not ask me I don’t know said Horace shaking his head like an old elephant bothered by mosquitoes Do I look as though I have tried it do I look like a killer No sir of course not said Tom quickly I’m sorry I didn’t mean to offend Not at all not at all not offended said Horace gruffly It’s natural to feel some curiosity about these things wizards of a certain calibre have always been drawn to that aspect of magic Yes sir said Tom What I don’t understand though just out of curiosity I mean would one Horcrux be much use Can you only split your soul once Wouldn’t it be better make you stronger to have your soul in more pieces I mean for instance isn’t seven the most powerfully magical number wouldn’t seven Merlin’s beard Tom yelped Horace Seven Isn’t it bad enough to think of killing one person And in any case bad enough to divide the soul but to rip it into seven pieces Horace looked deeply troubled now he was gazing at Tom as though he had never seen him plainly before and Harry could tell that he was regretting entering into the conversation at all Of course he muttered this is all hypothetical what we’re discussing isn’t it All academic Yes sir of course said Tom quickly But all the same Tom keep it quiet what I’ve told that’s to say what we’ve discussed People wouldn’t like to think we’ve been chatting about Horcruxes It’s a banned subject at Hogwarts you know Dumbledore’s particularly fierce about it I won’t say a word sir said Tom and he left but not before Harry had glimpsed his face which was full of that same wild happiness it had worn when he had first found out that he was a wizard the sort of happiness that did not enhance his handsome features but made them somehow less human Thank you Harry said Albus quietly Let us go When Harry landed back on the office floor Albus was already sitting down behind his desk Harry sat too and waited for Albus to speak I have been hoping for this piece of evidence for a very long time said Albus at last It confirms the theory on which I have been working it tells me that I am right and also how very far there is still to go Harry suddenly noticed that every single one of the old headmasters and headmistresses in the portraits around the walls was awake and listening in on their conversation A corpulent red-nosed wizard had actually taken out an eartrumpet Well Harry said Albus I am sure you understood the significance of what we just heard At the same age as you are now give or take a few months Tom was doing all he could to find out how to make himself immortal You think he succeeded then sir asked Harry He made a Horcrux And that’s why he didn’t die when he attacked me He had a Horcrux hidden somewhere A bit of his soul was safe A bit or more said Albus You heard Lord what he particularly wanted from Horace was an opinion on what would happen to the wizard who created more than one Horcrux what would happen to the wizard so determined to evade death that he would be prepared to murder many times rip his soul repeatedly so as to store it in many separately concealed Horcruxes No book would have given him that information As far as I know as far I am sure as Lord knew no wizard had ever done more than tear his soul in two Albus paused for a moment marshalling his thoughts and then said Four years ago I received what I considered certain proof that Lord had split his soul Where asked Harry How You handed it to me Harry said Albus The diary Riddle’s diary the one giving instructions on how to reopen the Chamber of Secrets I don’t understand sir said Harry Well although I did not see the Tom who came out of the diary what you described to me was a phenomenon I had never witnessed A mere memory starting to act and think for itself A mere memory sapping the life out of the girl into whose hands it had fallen No something much more sinister had lived inside that book a fragment of soul I was almost sure of it The diary had been a Horcrux But this raised as many questions as it answered What intrigued and alarmed me most was that that diary had been intended as a weapon as much as a safeguard I still don’t understand said Harry Well it worked as a Horcrux is supposed to work in other words the fragment of soul concealed inside it was kept safe and had undoubtedly played its part in preventing the death of its owner But there could be no doubt that Tom really wanted that diary read wanted the piece of his soul to inhabit or possess somebody else so that Slytherin’s monster would be unleashed again Well he didn’t want his hard work to be wasted said Harry He wanted people to know he was Slytherin’s heir because he couldn’t take credit at the time Quite correct said Albus nodding But don’t you see Harry that if he intended the diary to be passed to or planted on some future Hogwarts student he was being remarkably blasé about that precious fragment of his soul concealed within it The point of a Horcrux is as Professor Horace explained to keep part of the self hidden and safe not to fling it into somebody else’s path and run the risk that they might destroy it as indeed happened that particular fragment of soul is no more you saw to that The careless way in which Lord regarded this Horcrux seemed most ominous to me It suggested that he must have made or been planning to make more Horcruxes so that the loss of his first would not be so detrimental I did not wish to believe it but nothing else seemed to make sense Then you told me two years later that on the night that Lord returned to his body he made a most illuminating and alarming statement to his Death Eaters I who have gone further than anybody along the path that leads to immortality That was what you told me he said Further than anybody And I thought I knew what that meant though the Death Eaters did not He was referring to his Horcruxes Horcruxes in the plural Harry which I do not believe any other wizard has ever had Yet it fitted Lord had seemed to grow less human with the passing years and the transformation he had undergone seemed to me to be only explicable if his soul was mutilated beyond the realms of what we might call usual evil So he’s made himself impossible to kill by murdering other people said Harry Why couldn’t he make a Philosopher’s Stone or steal one if he was so interested in immortality Well we know that he tried to do just that five years ago said Albus But there are several reasons why I think a Philosopher’s Stone would appeal less than Horcruxes to Lord While the Elixir of Life does indeed extend life it must be drunk regularly for all eternity if the drinker is to maintain his immortality Therefore Lord would be entirely dependent on the Elixir and if it ran out or was contaminated or if the Stone was stolen he would die just like any other man Lord likes to operate alone remember I believe that he would have found the thought of being dependent even on the Elixir intolerable Of course he was prepared to drink it if it would take him out of the horrible part-life to which he was condemned after attacking you but only to regain a body Thereafter I am convinced he intended to continue to rely on his Horcruxes he would need nothing more if only he could regain a human form He was already immortal you see or as close to immortal as any man can be But now Harry armed with this information the crucial memory you have succeeded in procuring for us we are closer to the secret of finishing Lord than anyone has ever been before You heard him Harry Wouldn’t it be better make you stronger to have your soul in more pieces isn’t seven the most powerfully magical number Isn’t seven the most powerfully magical number Yes I think the idea of a seven-part soul would greatly appeal to Lord He made seven Horcruxes said Harry horror-struck while several of the portraits on the walls made similar noises of shock and outrage But they could be anywhere in the world hidden buried or invisible I am glad to see you appreciate the magnitude of the problem said Albus calmly But firstly no Harry not seven Horcruxes six The seventh part of his soul however maimed resides inside his regenerated body That was the part of him that lived a spectral existence for so many years during his exile without that he has no self at all That seventh piece of soul will be the last that anybody wishing to kill Lord must attack the piece that lives in his body But the six Horcruxes then said Harry a little desperately how are we supposed to find them You are forgetting you have already destroyed one of them And I have destroyed another You have said Harry eagerly Yes indeed said Albus and he raised his blackened burned-looking hand The ring Harry Marvolo’s ring And a terrible curse there was upon it too Had it not been forgive me the lack of seemly modesty for my own prodigious skill and for Professor Snape’s timely action when I returned to Hogwarts desperately injured I might not have lived to tell the tale However a withered hand does not seem an unreasonable exchange for a seventh of Voldemort’s soul The ring is no longer a Horcrux But how did you find it Well as you now know I have made it my business for many years to discover as much as I can about Voldemort’s past life I have travelled widely visiting those places he once knew I stumbled across the ring hidden in the ruin of the Gaunts house It seems that once Lord had succeeded in sealing a piece of his soul inside it he did not want to wear it any more He hid it protected by many powerful enchantments in the shack where his ancestors had once lived Morfin having been carted off to Azkaban of course never guessing that I might one day take the trouble to visit the ruin or that I might be keeping an eye open for traces of magical concealment However we should not congratulate ourselves too heartily You destroyed the diary and I the ring but if we are right in our theory of a seven-part soul four Horcruxes remain And they could be anything said Harry They could be old tin cans or I dunno empty potion bottles You are thinking of Portkeys Harry which must be ordinary objects easy to overlook But Lord use tin cans or old potion bottles to guard his own precious soul You are forgetting what I have shown you Lord liked to collect trophies and he preferred objects with a powerful magical history His pride his belief in his own superiority his determination to carve for himself a startling place in magical history these things suggest to me that Lord would have chosen his Horcruxes with some care favouring objects worthy of the honour The diary wasn’t that special The diary as you have said yourself was proof that he was the heir of Salazar I am sure that Lord considered it of stupendous importance So the other Horcruxes said Harry Do you think you know what they are sir I can only guess said Albus For the reasons I have already given I believe that Lord would prefer objects that in themselves have a certain grandeur I have therefore trawled back through Voldemort’s past to see if I can find evidence that such artefacts have disappeared around him The locket said Harry loudly Hufflepuff’s cup Yes said Albus smiling I would be prepared to bet perhaps not my other hand but a couple of fingers that they became Horcruxes three and four The remaining two assuming again that he created a total of six are more of a problem but I will hazard a guess that having secured objects from Helga and Salazar he set out to track down objects owned by Godric or Rowena Four objects from the four founders would I am sure have exerted a powerful pull over Voldemort’s imagination I cannot answer for whether he ever managed to find anything of Ravenclaw’s I am confident however that the only known relic of Godric remains safe Albus pointed his blackened fingers to the wall behind him where a ruby-encrusted sword reposed within a glass case Do you think that’s why he really wanted to come back to Hogwarts sir said Harry To try and find something from one of the other founders My thoughts precisely said Albus But unfortunately that does not advance us much further for he was turned away or so I believe without the chance to search the school I am forced to conclude that he never fulfilled his ambition of collecting four founders objects He definitely had two he may have found three that is the best we can do for now Even if he got something of Ravenclaw’s or of Gryffindor’s that leaves a sixth Horcrux said Harry counting on his fingers Unless he got both I don’t think so said Albus I think I know what the sixth Horcrux is I wonder what you will say when I confess that I have been curious for a while about the behaviour of the snake Nagini The snake said Harry startled You can use animals as Horcruxes Well it is inadvisable to do so said Albus because to confide a part of your soul to something that can think and move for itself is obviously a very risky business However if my calculations are correct Lord was still at least one Horcrux short of his goal of six when he entered your parents house with the intention of killing you He seems to have reserved the process of making Horcruxes for particularly significant deaths You would certainly have been that He believed that in killing you he was destroying the danger the prophecy had outlined He believed he was making himself invincible I am sure that he was intending to make his final Horcrux with your death As we know he failed After an interval of some years however he used Nagini to kill an old Muggle man and it might then have occurred to him to turn her into his last Horcrux She underlines the Salazar connection which enhances Lord Voldemort’s mystique I think he is perhaps as fond of her as he can be of anything he certainly likes to keep her close and he seems to have an unusual amount of control over her even for a Parselmouth So said Harry the diary’s gone the ring’s gone The cup the locket and the snake are still intact and you think there might be a Horcrux that was once Ravenclaw’s or Gryffindor’s An admirably succinct and accurate summary yes said Albus bowing his head So are you still looking for them sir Is that where you’ve been going when you’ve been leaving the school Correct said Albus I have been looking for a very long time I think perhaps I may be close to finding another one There are hopeful signs And if you do said Harry quickly can I come with you and help get rid of it Albus looked at Harry very intently for a moment before saying Yes I think so I can said Harry thoroughly taken aback Oh yes said Albus smiling slightly I think you have earned that right Harry felt his heart lift It was very good not to hear words of caution and protection for once The headmasters and headmistresses around the walls seemed less impressed by Dumbledore’s decision Harry saw a few of them shaking their heads and Phineas Nigellus actually snorted Does Lord know when a Horcrux is destroyed sir Can he feel it Harry asked ignoring the portraits A very interesting question Harry I believe not I believe that Lord is now so immersed in evil and these crucial parts of himself have been detached for so long he does not feel as we do Perhaps at the point of death he might be aware of his loss but he was not aware for instance that the diary had been destroyed until he forced the truth out of Lucius When Lord discovered that the diary had been mutilated and robbed of all its powers I am told that his anger was terrible to behold But I thought he meant Lucius to smuggle it into Hogwarts Yes he did years ago when he was sure he would be able to create more Horcruxes but still Lucius was supposed to wait for Voldemort’s say-so and he never received it for Lord vanished shortly after giving him the diary No doubt he thought that Lucius would not dare do anything with the Horcrux other than guard it carefully but he was counting too much upon Lucius’s fear of a master who had been gone for years and whom Lucius believed dead Of course Lucius did not know what the diary really was I understand that Lord had told him the diary would cause the Chamber of Secrets to reopen because it was cleverly enchanted Had Lucius known he held a portion of his master’s soul in his hands he would undoubtedly have treated it with more reverence but instead he went ahead and carried out the old plan for his own ends by planting the diary upon Arthur Weasley’s daughter he hoped to discredit Arthur have me thrown out of Hogwarts and get rid of a highly incriminating object in one stroke Ah poor Lucius what with Voldemort’s fury about the fact that he threw away the Horcrux for his own gain and the fiasco at the Ministry last year I would not be surprised if he is secretly glad to be safe in Azkaban at the moment Harry sat in thought for a moment then asked So if all of his Horcruxes are destroyed Lord could be killed Yes I think so said Albus Without his Horcruxes Lord will be a mortal man with a maimed and diminished soul Never forget though that while his soul may be damaged beyond repair his brain and his magical power remain intact It will take uncommon skill and power to kill a wizard like Lord even without his Horcruxes But I haven’t got uncommon skill and power said Harry before he could stop himself Yes you have said Albus firmly You have a power that Lord has never had You can I know said Harry impatiently I can love It was only with difficulty that he stopped himself adding Big deal Yes Harry you can love said Albus who looked as though he knew perfectly well what Harry had just refrained from saying Which given everything that has happened to you is a great and remarkable thing You are still too young to understand how unusual you are Harry So when the prophecy says that I’ll have power the Dark Lord knows not it just means love asked Harry feeling a little let down Yes just love said Albus But Harry never forget that what the prophecy says is only significant because Lord made it so I told you this at the end of last year Lord singled you out as the person who would be most dangerous to him and in doing so he made you the person who would be most dangerous to him But it comes to the same No it doesn’t said Albus sounding impatient now Pointing at Harry with his black withered hand he said You are setting too much store by the prophecy But spluttered Harry but you said the prophecy means If Lord had never heard of the prophecy would it have been fulfilled Would it have meant anything Of course not Do you think every prophecy in the Hall of Prophecy has been fulfilled But said Harry bewildered but last year you said one of us would have to kill the other Harry Harry only because Lord made a grave error and acted on Professor Trelawney’s words If Lord had never murdered your father would he have imparted in you a furious desire for revenge Of course not If he had not forced your mother to die for you would he have given you a magical protection he could not penetrate Of course not Harry Don’t you see Lord himself created his worst enemy just as tyrants everywhere do Have you any idea how much tyrants fear the people they oppress All of them realise that one day amongst their many victims there is sure to be one who rises against them and strikes back Lord is no different Always he was on the lookout for the one who would challenge him He heard the prophecy and he leapt into action with the result that he not only handpicked the man most likely to finish him he handed him uniquely deadly weapons But It is essential that you understand this said Albus standing up and striding about the room his glittering robes swooshing in his wake Harry had never seen him so agitated By attempting to kill you Lord himself singled out the remarkable person who sits here in front of me and gave him the tools for the job It is Voldemort’s fault that you were able to see into his thoughts his ambitions that you even understand the snakelike language in which he gives orders and yet Harry despite your privileged insight into Voldemort’s world which incidentally is a gift any Death Eater would kill to have you have never been seduced by the Dark Arts never even for a second shown the slightest desire to become one of Voldemort’s followers Of course I haven’t said Harry indignantly He killed my mum and dad You are protected in short by your ability to love said Albus loudly The only protection that can possibly work against the lure of power like Voldemort’s In spite of all the temptation you have endured all the suffering you remain pure of heart just as pure as you were at the age of eleven when you stared into a mirror that reflected your heart’s desire and it showed you only the way to thwart Lord and not immortality or riches Harry have you any idea how few wizards could have seen what you saw in that mirror Lord should have known then what he was dealing with but he did not But he knows it now You have flitted into Lord Voldemort’s mind without damage to yourself but he cannot possess you without enduring mortal agony as he discovered in the Ministry I do not think he understands why Harry but he was in such a hurry to mutilate his own soul he never paused to understand the incomparable power of a soul that is untarnished and whole But sir said Harry making valiant efforts not to sound argumentative it all comes to the same thing doesn’t it I’ve got to try and kill him or Got to said Albus Of course you’ve got to But not because of the prophecy Because you yourself will never rest until you’ve tried We both know it Imagine please just for a moment that you had never heard that prophecy How would you feel about Lord now Think Harry watched Albus striding up and down in front of him and thought He thought of his mother his father and Sirius He thought of Cedric He thought of all the terrible deeds he knew Lord had done A flame seemed to leap inside his chest searing his throat I’d want him finished said Harry quietly And I’d want to do it Of course you would cried Albus You see the prophecy does not mean you have to do anything But the prophecy caused Lord to mark you as his equal in other words you are free to choose your way quite free to turn your back on the prophecy But Lord continues to set store by the prophecy He will continue to hunt you which makes it certain really that That one of us is going to end up killing the other said Harry Yes But he understood at last what Albus had been trying to tell him It was he thought the difference between being dragged into the arena to face a battle to the death and walking into the arena with your head held high Some people perhaps would say that there was little to choose between the two ways but Albus knew and so do I thought Harry with a rush of fierce pride and so did my parents that there was all the difference in the world Exhausted but delighted with his night’s work Harry told Ron and Hermione everything that had happened during next morning’s Charms lesson having first cast the Muffliato spell upon those nearest them They were both satisfyingly impressed by the way he had wheedled the memory out of Horace and positively awed when he told them about Voldemort’s Horcruxes and Dumbledore’s promise to take Harry along should he find another one Wow said Ron when Harry had finally finished telling them everything Ron was waving his wand very vaguely in the direction of the ceiling without paying the slightest bit of attention to what he was doing Wow You’re actually going to go with Albus and try and destroy wow Ron you’re making it snow said Hermione patiently grabbing his wrist and redirecting his wand away from the ceiling from which sure enough large white flakes had started to fall Lavender Harry noticed glared at Hermione from a neighbouring table through very red eyes and Hermione immediately let go of Ron’s arm Oh yeah said Ron looking down at his shoulders in vague surprise Sorry looks like we’ve all got horrible dandruff now He brushed some of the fake snow off Hermione’s shoulder Lavender burst into tears Ron looked immensely guilty and turned his back on her We split up he told Harry out of the corner of his mouth Last night When she saw me coming out of the dormitory with Hermione Obviously she couldn’t see you so she thought it had just been the two of us Ah said Harry Well you don’t mind it’s over do you No Ron admitted It was pretty bad while she was yelling but at least I didn’t have to finish it Coward said Hermione though she looked amused Well it was a bad night for romance all round Ginny and Dean split up too Harry Harry thought there was a rather knowing look in her eye as she told him that but she could not possibly know that his insides were suddenly dancing the conga keeping his face as immobile and his voice as indifferent as he could he asked How come Oh something really silly she said he was always trying to help her through the portrait hole like she couldn’t climb in herself but they’ve been a bit rocky for ages Harry glanced over at Dean on the other side of the classroom He certainly looked unhappy Of course this puts you in a bit of a dilemma doesn’t it said Hermione What d’you mean said Harry quickly The Quidditch team said Hermione If Ginny and Dean aren’t speaking Oh oh yeah said Harry Filius said Ron in a warning tone The tiny little Charms master was bobbing his way towards them and Hermione was the only one who had managed to turn vinegar into wine her glass flask was full of deep crimson liquid whereas the contents of Harry’s and Ron’s were still murky brown Now now boys squeaked Professor Filius reproachfully A little less talk a little more action let me see you try Together they raised their wands concentrating with all their might and pointed them at their flasks Harry’s vinegar turned to ice Ron’s flask exploded Yes for homework said Professor Filius reemerging from under the table and pulling shards of glass out of the top of his hat practise They had one of their rare joint free periods after Charms and walked back to the common room together Ron seemed to be positively light-hearted about the end of his relationship with Lavender and Hermione seemed cheery too though when asked what she was grinning about she simply said It’s a nice day Neither of them seemed to have noticed that a fierce battle was raging inside Harry’s brain She’s Ron’s sister But she’s ditched Dean She’s still Ron’s sister I’m his best mate That’ll make it worse If I talked to him first He’d hit you What if I don’t care He’s your best mate Harry barely noticed that they were climbing through the portrait hole into the sunny common room and only vaguely registered the small group of seventh-years clustered together there until Hermione cried Katie You’re back Are you OK Harry stared it was indeed Katie looking completely healthy and surrounded by her jubilant friends I’m really well she said happily They let me out of St Mungo’s on Monday I had a couple of days at home with Mum and Dad and then came back here this morning Leanne was just telling me about Cormac and the last match Harry Yeah said Harry well now you’re back and Ron’s fit we’ll have a decent chance of thrashing Rowena which means we could still be in the running for the Cup Listen Katie He had to put the question to her at once his curiosity even drove Ginny temporarily from his brain He dropped his voice as Katie’s friends started gathering up their things apparently they were late for Transfiguration that necklace can you remember who gave it to you now No said Katie shaking her head ruefully Everyone’s been asking me but I haven’t got a clue The last thing I remember was walking into the ladies in the Three Broomsticks You definitely went into the bathroom then said Hermione Well I know I pushed open the door said Katie so I suppose whoever Imperiused me was standing just behind it After that my memory’s a blank until about two weeks ago in St Mungo’s Listen I’d better go I wouldn’t put it past Minerva to give me lines even if it is my first day back She caught up her bag and books and hurried after her friends leaving Harry Ron and Hermione to sit down at a window table and ponder what she had told them So it must have been a girl or a woman who gave Katie the necklace said Hermione to be in the ladies bathroom Or someone who looked like a girl or a woman said Harry Don’t forget there was a cauldronful of Polyjuice Potion at Hogwarts We know some of it got stolen In his mind’s eye he watched a parade of Crabbes and Goyles prance past all transformed into girls I think I’m going to take another swig of Felix said Harry and have a go at the Room of Requirement again That would be a complete waste of potion said Hermione flatly putting down the copy of Spellman’s Syllabary she had just taken out of her bag Luck can only get you so far Harry The situation with Horace was different you always had the ability to persuade him you just needed to tweak the circumstances a bit Luck isn’t enough to get you through a powerful enchantment though Don’t go wasting the rest of that potion You’ll need all the luck you can get if Albus takes you along with him She dropped her voice to a whisper Couldn’t we make some more Ron asked Harry ignoring Hermione Tt’d be great to have a stock of it have a look in the book Harry pulled his copy of Advanced Potion-Making out of his bag and looked up Felix Felicis Blimey it’s seriously complicated he said running an eye down the list of ingredients And it takes six months you’ve got to let it stew Typical said Ron Harry was about to put his book away again when he noticed the corner of a page folded down turning to it he saw the Sectumsempra spell captioned For Enemies that he had marked a few weeks previously He had still not found out what it did mainly because he did not want to test it around Hermione but he was considering trying it out on Cormac next time he came up behind him unawares The only person who was not particularly pleased to see Katie back at school was Dean because he would no longer be required to fill her place as Chaser He took the blow stoically enough when Harry told him merely grunting and shrugging but Harry had the distinct feeling as he walked away that Dean and Seamus were muttering mutinously behind his back The following fortnight saw the best Quidditch practices Harry had known as Captain His team was so pleased to be rid of Cormac so glad to have Katie back at last that they were flying extremely well Ginny did not seem at all upset about the break-up with Dean on the contrary she was the life and soul of the team Her imitations of Ron anxiously bobbing up and down in front of the goalposts as the Quaffle sped towards him or of Harry bellowing orders at Cormac before being knocked out cold kept them all highly amused Harry laughing with the others was glad to have an innocent reason to look at Ginny he had received several more Bludger injuries during practice because he had not been keeping his eyes on the Snitch The battle still raged inside his head Ginny or Ron Sometimes he thought that the post-Lavender Ron might not mind too much if he asked Ginny out but then he remembered Ron’s expression when he had seen her kissing Dean and was sure that Ron would consider it base treachery if Harry so much as held her hand Yet Harry could not help himself talking to Ginny laughing with her walking back from practice with her however much his conscience ached he found himself wondering how best to get her on her own it would have been ideal if Horace had given another of his little parties for Ron would not be around but unfortunately Horace seemed to have given them up Once or twice Harry considered asking for Hermione’s help but he did not think he could stand seeing the smug look on her face he thought he caught it sometimes when Hermione spotted him staring at Ginny or laughing at her jokes And to complicate matters he had the nagging worry that if he didn’t do it somebody else was sure to ask Ginny out soon he and Ron were at least agreed on the fact that she was too popular for her own good All in all the temptation to take another gulp of Felix Felicis was becoming stronger by the day for surely this was a case for as Hermione put it tweaking the circumstances The balmy days slid gently through May and Ron seemed to be there at Harry’s shoulder every time he saw Ginny Harry found himself longing for a stroke of luck that would somehow cause Ron to realise that nothing would make him happier than his best friend and his sister falling for each other and to leave them alone together for longer than a few seconds There seemed no chance of either while the final Quidditch game of the season was looming Ron wanted to talk tactics with Harry all the time and had little thought for anything else Ron was not unique in this respect interest in the Godric Rowena game was running extremely high throughout the school for the match would decide the championship which was still wide open If Godric beat Rowena by a margin of three hundred points a tall order and yet Harry had never known his team fly better then they would win the championship If they won by less than three hundred points they would come second to Rowena if they lost by a hundred points they would be third behind Helga and if they lost by more than a hundred they would be in fourth place and nobody Harry thought would ever ever let him forget that it had been he who had captained Godric to their first bottom-of-the-table defeat in two centuries The run-up to this crucial match had all the usual features members of rival houses attempting to intimidate opposing teams in the corridors unpleasant chants about individual players being rehearsed loudly as they passed the team members themselves either swaggering around enjoying all the attention or else dashing into bathrooms between classes to throw up Somehow the game had become inextricably linked in Harry’s mind with success or failure in his plans for Ginny He could not help feeling that if they won by more than three hundred points the scenes of euphoria and a nice loud after-match party might be just as good as a hearty swig of Felix Felicis In the midst of all his preoccupations Harry had not forgotten his other ambition finding out what Draco was up to in the Room of Requirement He was still checking the Marauder’s Map and as he was often unable to locate Draco on it deduced that Draco was still spending plenty of time within the Room Although Harry was losing hope that he would ever succeed in getting inside the Room he attempted it whenever he was in the vicinity but no matter how he reworded his request the wall remained firmly doorless A few days before the match against Rowena Harry found himself walking down to dinner alone from the common room Ron having rushed off into a nearby bathroom to throw up yet again and Hermione having dashed off to see Professor Septima about a mistake she thought she might have made in her last Arithmancy essay More out of habit than anything Harry made his usual detour along the seventh-floor corridor checking the Marauder’s Map as he went For a moment he could not find Draco anywhere and assumed he must indeed be inside the Room of Requirement again but then he saw Malfoy’s tiny labelled dot standing in a boys bathroom on the floor below accompanied not by Vincent or Gregory but by Moaning Harry only stopped staring at this unlikely coupling when he walked right into a suit of armour The loud crash brought him out of his reverie hurrying from the scene lest Argus should turn up he dashed down the marble staircase and along the passageway below Outside the bathroom he pressed his ear against the door He couldn’t hear anything He very quietly pushed the door open Draco was standing with his back to the door his hands clutching either side of the sink his white-blond head bowed Don’t crooned Moaning Myrtle’s voice from one of the cubicles Don’t tell me what’s wrong I can help you No one can help me said Draco His whole body was shaking I can’t do it I can’t it won’t work and unless I do it soon he says he’ll kill me And Harry realised with a shock so huge it seemed to root him to the spot that Draco was crying actually crying tears streaming down his pale face into the grimy basin Draco gasped and gulped and then with a great shudder looked up into the cracked mirror and saw Harry staring at him over his shoulder Draco wheeled round drawing his wand Instinctively Harry pulled out his own Malfoy’s hex missed Harry by inches shattering the lamp on the wall beside him Harry threw himself sideways thought Levicorpus and flicked his wand but Draco blocked the jinx and raised his wand for another No No Stop it squealed Moaning her voice echoing loudly around the tiled room Stop STOP There was a loud bang and the bin behind Harry exploded Harry attempted a Leg-Locker Curse that backfired off the wall behind Malfoy’s ear and smashed the cistern beneath Moaning who screamed loudly water poured everywhere and Harry slipped over as Draco his face contorted cried Cruci SECTUMSEMPRA bellowed Harry from the floor waving his wand wildly Blood spurted from Malfoy’s face and chest as though he had been slashed with an invisible sword He staggered backwards and collapsed on to the waterlogged floor with a great splash his wand falling from his limp right hand No gasped Harry Slipping and staggering Harry got to his feet and plunged towards Draco whose face was now shining scarlet his white hands scrabbling at his blood-soaked chest No I didn’t Harry did not know what he was saying he fell to his knees beside Draco who was shaking uncontrollably in a pool of his own blood Moaning let out a deafening scream MURDER MURDER IN THE BATHROOM MURDER The door banged open behind Harry and he looked up terrified Severus had burst into the room his face livid Pushing Harry roughly aside he knelt over Draco drew his wand and traced it over the deep wounds Harry’s curse had made muttering an incantation that sounded almost like song The flow of blood seemed to ease Severus wiped the residue from Malfoy’s face and repeated his spell Now the wounds seemed to be knitting Harry was still watching horrified by what he had done barely aware that he too was soaked in blood and water Moaning was still sobbing and wailing overhead When Severus had performed his counter-curse for the third time he half-lifted Draco into a standing position You need the hospital wing There may be a certain amount of scarring but if you take dittany immediately we might avoid even that come He supported Draco across the bathroom turning at the door to say in a voice of cold fury And you Harry you wait here for me It did not occur to Harry for a second to disobey He stood up slowly shaking and looked down at the wet floor There were bloodstains floating like crimson flowers across its surface He could not even find it in himself to tell Moaning to be quiet as she continued to wail and sob with increasingly evident enjoyment Severus returned ten minutes later He stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind him Go he said to Moaning and she swooped back into her toilet at once leaving a ringing silence behind her I didn’t mean it to happen said Harry at once His voice echoed in the cold watery space I didn’t know what that spell did But Severus ignored this Apparently I underestimated you Harry he said quietly Who would have thought you knew such Dark magic Who taught you that spell I read about it somewhere Where It was a library book Harry invented wildly I can’t remember what it was call Liar said Severus Harry’s throat went dry He knew what Severus was going to do and he had never been able to prevent it The bathroom seemed to shimmer before his eyes he struggled to block out all thought but try as he might the Half-Blood Prince’s copy of Advanced Potion-Making swam hazily to the forefront of his mind And then he was staring at Severus again in the midst of this wrecked soaked bathroom He stared into Snape’s black eyes hoping against hope that Severus had not seen what he feared but Bring me your schoolbag said Severus softly and all of your school books All of them Bring them to me here Now There was no point arguing Harry turned at once and splashed out of the bathroom Once in the corridor he broke into a run towards Godric Tower Most people were walking the other way they gaped at him drenched in water and blood but he answered none of the questions fired at him as he ran past He felt stunned it was as though a beloved pet had turned suddenly savage What had the Eileen been thinking to copy such a spell into his book And what would happen when Severus saw it Would he tell Horace Harry’s stomach churned how Harry had been achieving such good results in Potions all year Would he confiscate or destroy the book that had taught Harry so much the book that had become a kind of guide and friend Harry could not let it happen he could not Where’ve you Why are you soaking Is that blood Ron was standing at the top of the stairs looking bewildered at the sight of Harry I need your book Harry panted Your Potions book Quick give it to me But what about the Half-Blood I’ll explain later Ron pulled his copy of Advanced Potion-Making out of his bag and handed it over Harry sprinted off past him and back to the common room Here he seized his schoolbag ignoring the amazed looks of several people who had already finished their dinner threw himself back out of the portrait hole and hurtled off along the seventh-floor corridor He skidded to a halt beside the tapestry of dancing trolls closed his eyes and began to walk I need a place to hide my book I need a place to hide my book I need a place to hide my book Three times he walked up and down in front of the stretch of blank wall When he opened his eyes there it was at last the door to the Room of Requirement Harry wrenched it open flung himself inside and slammed it shut He gasped Despite his haste his panic his fear of what awaited him back in the bathroom he could not help but be overawed by what he was looking at He was standing in a room the size of a large cathedral whose high windows were sending shafts of light down upon what looked like a city with towering walls built of what Harry knew must be objects hidden by generations of Hogwarts inhabitants There were alleyways and roads bordered by teetering piles of broken and damaged furniture stowed away perhaps to hide the evidence of mishandled magic or else hidden by castleproud house-elves There were thousands and thousands of books no doubt banned or graffitied or stolen There were winged catapults and Fanged Frisbees some still with enough life in them to hover half-heartedly over the mountains of other forbidden items there were chipped bottles of congealed potions hats jewels cloaks there were what looked like dragon-egg shells corked bottles whose contents still shimmered evilly several rusting swords and a heavy bloodstained axe Harry hurried forwards into one of the many alleyways between all this hidden treasure He turned right past an enormous stuffed troll ran on a short way took a left at the broken Vanishing Cabinet in which Montague had got lost the previous year finally pausing beside a large cupboard which seemed to have had acid thrown at its blistered surface He opened one of the cupboard’s creaking doors it had already been used as a hiding place for something in a cage that had long-since died its skeleton had five legs He stuffed the Half-Blood Prince’s book behind the cage and slammed the door He paused for a moment his heart thumping horribly gazing around at the clutter would he be able to find this spot again amidst all this junk Seizing the chipped bust of an ugly old warlock from on top of a nearby crate he stood it on the cupboard where the book was now hidden perched a dusty old wig and a tarnished tiara on the statue’s head to make it more distinctive then sprinted back through the alleyways of hidden junk as fast as he could go back to the door back out on to the corridor where he slammed the door behind him and it turned at once back into stone Harry ran flat out towards the bathroom on the floor below cramming Ron’s copy of Advanced Potion-Making into his bag as he did so A minute later he was back in front of Severus who held out his hand wordlessly for Harry’s schoolbag Harry handed it over panting a searing pain in his chest and waited One by one Severus extracted Harry’s books and examined them Finally the only book left was the Potions book which he looked at very carefully before speaking This is your copy of Advanced Potion-Making is it Harry Yes said Harry still breathing hard You’re quite sure of that are you Harry Yes said Harry with a touch more defiance This is the copy of Advanced Potion-Making that you purchased from Flourish and Blotts Yes said Harry firmly Then why asked Severus does it have the name Roonil Wazlib written inside the front cover Harry’s heart missed a beat That’s my nickname he said Your nickname repeated Severus Yeah that’s what my friends call me said Harry I understand what a nickname is said Severus The cold black eyes were boring once more into Harry’s he tried not to look into them Close your mind close your mind but he had never learned how to do it properly Do you know what I think Harry said Severus very quietly I think that you are a liar and a cheat and that you deserve detention with me every Saturday until the end of term What do you think Harry I I don’t agree sir said Harry still refusing to look into Snape’s eyes Well we shall see how you feel after your detentions said Severus Ten o’clock Saturday morning Harry My office But sir said Harry looking up desperately Quidditch the last match of the Ten o’clock whispered Severus with a smile that showed his yellow teeth Poor Godric fourth place this year I fear And he left the bathroom without another word leaving Harry to stare into the cracked mirror feeling sicker he was sure than Ron had ever felt in his life I won’t say I told you so said Hermione an hour later in the common room Leave it Hermione said Ron angrily Harry had never made it to dinner he had no appetite at all He had just finished telling Ron Hermione and Ginny what had happened not that there seemed to have been much need The news had travelled very fast apparently Moaning had taken it upon herself to pop up in every bathroom in the castle to tell the story Draco had already been visited in the hospital wing by Pansy who had lost no time in vilifying Harry far and wide and Severus had told the staff precisely what had happened Harry had already been called out of the common room to endure fifteen highly unpleasant minutes in the company of Professor Minerva who had told him he was lucky not to have been expelled and that she supported whole-heartedly Snape’s punishment of detention every Saturday until the end of term I told you there was something wrong with that Eileen person Hermione said evidently unable to stop herself And I was right wasn’t I No I don’t think you were said Harry stubbornly He was having a bad enough time without Hermione lecturing him the looks on the Godric team’s faces when he had told them he would not be able to play on Saturday had been the worst punishment of all He could feel Ginny’s eyes on him now but did not meet them he did not want to see disappointment or anger there He had just told her that she would be playing Seeker on Saturday and that Dean would be rejoining the team as Chaser in her place Perhaps if they won Ginny and Dean would make up during the postmatch euphoria the thought went through Harry like an icy knife Harry said Hermione how can you still stick up for that book when that spell Will you stop harping on about the book snapped Harry The Eileen only copied it out It’s not like he was advising anyone to use it For all we know he was making a note of something that had been used against him I don’t believe this said Hermione You’re actually defending I’m not defending what I did said Harry quickly I wish I hadn’t done it and not just because I’ve got about a dozen detentions You know I wouldn’t’ve used a spell like that not even on Draco but you can’t blame the Eileen he hadn’t written Try this out it’s really good he was just making notes for himself wasn’t he not for anyone else Are you telling me said Hermione that you’re going to go back And get the book Yeah I am said Harry forcefully Listen without the Eileen I’d never have won the Felix Felicis I’d never have known how to save Ron from poisoning I’d never have got a reputation for Potions brilliance you don’t deserve said Hermione nastily Give it a rest Hermione said Ginny and Harry was so amazed so grateful he looked up By the sound of it Draco was trying to use an Unforgivable Curse you should be glad Harry had something good up his sleeve Well of course I’m glad Harry wasn’t cursed said Hermione clearly stung but you can’t call that Sectumsempra spell good Ginny look where it’s landed him And I’d have thought seeing what this has done to your chances in the match Oh don’t start acting as though you understand Quidditch snapped Ginny you’ll only embarrass yourself Harry and Ron stared Hermione and Ginny who had always got on together very well were now sitting with their arms folded glaring in opposite directions Ron looked nervously at Harry then snatched up a book at random and hid behind it Harry however though he knew he little deserved it felt unbelievably cheerful all of a sudden even though none of them spoke again for the rest of the evening His light-heartedness was short-lived There were Salazar taunts to be endured next day not to mention much anger from fellow Gryffindors who were most unhappy that their Captain had got himself banned from the final match of the season By Saturday morning whatever he might have told Hermione Harry would have gladly exchanged all the Felix Felicis in the world to be walking down to the Quidditch pitch with Ron Ginny and the others It was almost unbearable to turn away from the mass of students streaming out into the sunshine all of them wearing rosettes and hats and brandishing banners and scarves to descend the stone steps into the dungeons and walk until the distant sounds of the crowd were quite obliterated knowing that he would not be able to hear a word of commentary or a cheer or groan Ah Harry said Severus when Harry had knocked on his door and entered the unpleasantly familiar office that Severus despite teaching floors above now had not vacated it was as dimly lit as ever and the same slimy dead objects were suspended in coloured potions all around the walls Ominously there were many cobwebbed boxes piled on a table where Harry was clearly supposed to sit they had an aura of tedious hard and pointless work about them Mr Argus has been looking for someone to clear out these old files said Severus softly They are the records of other Hogwarts wrongdoers and their punishments Where the ink has grown faint or the cards have suffered damage from mice we would like you to copy out the crimes and punishments afresh and making sure that they are in alphabetical order replace them in the boxes You will not use magic Right Professor said Harry with as much contempt as he could put into the last three syllables I thought you could start said Severus a malicious smile on his lips with boxes one thousand and twelve to one thousand and fifty-six You will find some familiar names in there which should add interest to the task Here you see He pulled out a card from one of the topmost boxes with a flourish and read James and Sirius Apprehended using an illegal hex upon Bertram Aubrey Aubrey’s head twice normal size Double detention Severus sneered It must be such a comfort to think that though they are gone a record of their great achievements remains Harry felt the familiar boiling sensation in the pit of his stomach Biting his tongue to prevent himself retaliating he sat down in front of the boxes and pulled one towards him It was as Harry had anticipated useless boring work punctuated as Severus had clearly planned with the regular jolt in the stomach that meant he had just read his father or Sirius’s names usually coupled together in various petty misdeeds occasionally accompanied by those of Remus and Peter And while he copied out all their various offences and punishments he wondered what was going on outside where the match would have just started Ginny playing Seeker against Cho Harry glanced again and again at the large clock ticking on the wall It seemed to be moving half as fast as a regular clock perhaps Severus had bewitched it to go extra slowly He could not have been here for only half an hour an hour an hour and a half Harry’s stomach started rumbling when the clock showed half past twelve Severus who had not spoken at all since setting Harry his task finally looked up at ten past one I think that will do he said coldly Mark the place you have reached You will continue at ten o’clock next Saturday Yes sir Harry stuffed a bent card into the box at random and hurried out of the door before Severus could change his mind racing back up the stone steps straining his ears to hear a sound from the pitch but all was quiet it was over then He hesitated outside the crowded Great Hall then ran up the marble staircase whether Godric had won or lost the team usually celebrated or commiserated in their own common room Quid agis he said tentatively to the Fat wondering what he would find inside Her expression was unreadable as she replied You’ll see And she swung forwards A roar of celebration erupted from the hole behind her Harry gaped as people began to scream at the sight of him several hands pulled him into the room We won yelled Ron bounding into sight and brandishing the silver Cup at Harry We won Four hundred and fifty to a hundred and forty We won Harry looked around there was Ginny running towards him she had a hard blazing look in her face as she threw her arms around him And without thinking without planning it without worrying about the fact that fifty people were watching Harry kissed her After several long moments or it might have been half an hour or possibly several sunlit days they broke apart The room had gone very quiet Then several people wolf-whistled and there was an outbreak of nervous giggling Harry looked over the top of Ginny’s head to see Dean holding a shattered glass in his hand and Romilda looking as though she might throw something Hermione was beaming but Harry’s eyes sought Ron At last he found him still clutching the Cup and wearing an expression appropriate to having been clubbed over the head For a fraction of a second they looked at each other then Ron gave a tiny jerk of the head that Harry understood to mean Well if you must The creature in his chest roaring in triumph Harry grinned down at Ginny and gestured wordlessly out of the portrait hole A long walk in the grounds seemed indicated during which if they had time they might discuss the match The fact that Harry was going out with Ginny seemed to interest a great number of people most of them girls yet Harry found himself newly and happily impervious to gossip over the next few weeks After all it made a very nice change to be talked about because of something that was making him happier than he could remember being for a very long time rather than because he had been involved in horrific scenes of Dark magic You’d think people had better things to gossip about said Ginny as she sat on the common-room floor leaning against Harry’s legs and reading the Daily Prophet Three Dementor attacks in a week and all Romilda does is ask me if it’s true you’ve got a Hippogriff tattooed across your chest Ron and Hermione both roared with laughter Harry ignored them What did you tell her I told her it’s a Hungarian Horntail said Ginny turning a page of the newspaper idly Much more macho Thanks said Harry grinning And what did you tell her Ron’s got A Pygmy Puff but I didn’t say where Ron scowled as Hermione rolled around laughing Watch it he said pointing warningly at Harry and Ginny Just because I’ve given my permission doesn’t mean I can’t withdraw it Your permission scoffed Ginny Since when did you give me permission to do anything Anyway you said yourself you’d rather it was Harry than Michael or Dean Yeah I would said Ron grudgingly And just as long as you don’t start snogging each other in public You filthy hypocrite What about you and Lavender thrashing around like a pair of eels all over the place demanded Ginny But Ron’s tolerance was not to be tested much as they moved into June for Harry and Ginny’s time together was becoming increasingly restricted Ginny’s O W L s were approaching and she was therefore forced to revise for hours into the night On one such evening when Ginny had retired to the library and Harry was sitting beside the window in the common room supposedly finishing his Herbology homework but in reality reliving a particularly happy hour he had spent down by the lake with Ginny at lunch-time Hermione dropped into the seat between him and Ron with an unpleasantly purposeful look on her face I want to talk to you Harry What about said Harry suspiciously Only the previous day Hermione had told him off for distracting Ginny when she ought to be working hard for her examinations The so-called Half-Blood Eileen Oh not again he groaned Will you please drop it He had not dared to return to the Room of Requirement to retrieve his book and his performance in Potions was suffering accordingly though Horace who approved of Ginny had jocularly attributed this to Harry being lovesick But Harry was sure that Severus had not yet given up hope of laying hands on the Prince’s book and was determined to leave it where it was while Severus remained on the lookout I’m not dropping it said Hermione firmly until you’ve heard me out Now I’ve been trying to find out a bit about who might make a hobby of inventing Dark spells He didn’t make a hobby of it He he who says it’s a he We’ve been through this said Harry crossly Eileen Hermione Eileen Right said Hermione red patches blazing in her cheeks as she pulled a very old piece of newsprint out of her pocket and slammed it down on the table in front of Harry Look at that Look at the picture Harry picked up the crumbling piece of paper and stared at the moving photograph yellowed with age Ron leaned over for a look too The picture showed a skinny girl of around fifteen She was not pretty she looked simultaneously cross and sullen with heavy brows and a long pallid face Underneath the photograph was the caption Eileen Captain of the Hogwarts Gobstones Team So said Harry scanning the short news item to which the picture belonged it was a rather dull story about inter-school competitions Her name was Eileen Eileen Harry They looked at each other and Harry realised what Hermione was trying to say He burst out laughing No way What You think she was the Half-Blood Oh come on Well why not Harry there aren’t any real princes in the wizarding world It’s either a nickname a made-up title somebody’s given themselves or it could be their actual name couldn’t it No listen If say her father was a wizard whose surname was Eileen and her mother was a Muggle then that would make her a half-blood Eileen Yeah very ingenious Hermione But it would Maybe she was proud of being half a Eileen Listen Hermione I can tell it’s not a girl I can just tell The truth is that you don’t think a girl would have been clever enough said Hermione angrily How can I have hung round with you for five years and not think girls are clever said Harry stung by this It’s the way he writes I just know the Eileen was a bloke I can tell This girl hasn’t got anything to do with it Where did you get this anyway The library said Hermione predictably There’s a whole collection of old Prophets up there Well I’m going to find out more about Eileen if I can Enjoy yourself said Harry irritably I will said Hermione And the first place I’ll look she shot at him as she reached the portrait hole is records of old Potions awards Harry scowled after her for a moment then continued his contemplation of the darkening sky She’s just never got over you outperforming her in Potions said Ron returning to his copy of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi You don’t think I’m mad wanting that book back do you Course not said Ron robustly He was a genius the Eileen Anyway without his bezoar tip he drew his finger significantly across his own throat I wouldn’t be here to discuss it would I I mean I’m not saying that spell you used on Draco was great Nor am I said Harry quickly But he healed all right didn’t he Back on his feet in no time Yeah said Harry this was perfectly true although his conscience squirmed slightly all the same Thanks to Severus You still got detention with Severus this Saturday Ron continued Yeah and the Saturday after that and the Saturday after that sighed Harry And he’s hinting now that if I don’t get all the boxes done by the end of term we’ll carry on next year He was finding these detentions particularly irksome because they cut into the already limited time he could have been spending with Ginny Indeed he had frequently wondered lately whether Severus did not know this for he was keeping Harry later and later every time while making pointed asides about Harry having to miss the good weather and the varied opportunities it offered Harry was shaken from these bitter reflections by the appearance at his side of Jimmy who was holding out a scroll of parchment Thanks Jimmy hey it’s from Albus said Harry excitedly unrolling the parchment and scanning it He wants me to go to his office as quick as I can They stared at each other Blimey whispered Ron You don’t reckon he hasn’t found Better go and see hadn’t I said Harry jumping to his feet He hurried out of the common room and along the seventh floor as fast as he could passing nobody but Peeves who swooped past in the opposite direction throwing bits of chalk at Harry in a routine sort of way and cackling loudly as he dodged Harry’s defensive jinx Once Peeves had vanished there was silence in the corridors with only fifteen minutes left until curfew most people had already returned to their common rooms And then Harry heard a scream and a crash He stopped in his tracks listening How dare you aaaaargh The noise was coming from a corridor nearby Harry sprinted towards it his wand at the ready hurtled round another corner and saw Professor Sybill sprawled upon the floor her head covered in one of her many shawls several sherry bottles lying beside her one broken Professor Harry hurried forwards and helped Professor Sybill to her feet Some of her glittering beads had become entangled with her glasses She hiccoughed loudly patted her hair and pulled herself up on Harry’s helping arm What happened Professor You may well ask she said shrilly I was strolling along brooding upon certain Dark portents I happen to have glimpsed But Harry was not paying much attention He had just noticed where they were standing there on the right was the tapestry of dancing trolls and on the left that smoothly impenetrable stretch of stone wall that concealed Professor were you trying to get into the Room of Requirement omens I have been vouchsafed what She looked suddenly shifty The Room of Requirement repeated Harry Were you trying to get in there I well I didn’t know students knew about Not all of them do said Harry But what happened You screamed it sounded as though you were hurt I well said Professor Sybill drawing her shawls around her defensively and staring down at him with her vastly magnified eyes I wished to ah deposit certain um personal items in the Room And she muttered something about nasty accusations Right said Harry glancing down at the sherry bottles But you couldn’t get in and hide them He found this very odd the Room had opened for him after all when he had wanted to hide the Half-Blood Prince’s book Oh I got in all right said Professor Sybill glaring at the wall But there was somebody already in there Somebody in Who demanded Harry Who was in there I have no idea said Professor Sybill looking slightly taken aback at the urgency in Harry’s voice I walked into the Room and I heard a voice which has never happened before in all my years of hiding of using the Room I mean A voice Saying what I don’t know that it was saying anything said Professor Sybill It was whooping Whooping Gleefully she said nodding Harry stared at her Was it male or female I would hazard a guess at male said Professor Sybill And it sounded happy Very happy said Professor Sybill sniffily As though it was celebrating Most definitely And then And then I called out Who’s there You couldn’t have found out who it was without asking Harry asked her slightly frustrated The Inner Eye said Professor Sybill with dignity straightening her shawls and many strands of glittering beads was fixed upon matters well outside the mundane realms of whooping voices Right said Harry hastily he had heard about Professor Trelawney’s Inner Eye all too often before And did the voice say who was there No it did not she said Everything went pitch black and the next thing I knew I was being hurled headfirst out of the Room And you didn’t see that coming said Harry unable to help himself No I did not as I say it was pitch She stopped and glared at him suspiciously I think you’d better tell Professor Albus said Harry He ought to know Malfoy’s celebrating I mean that someone threw you out of the Room To his surprise Professor Sybill drew herself up at this suggestion looking haughty The Headmaster has intimated that he would prefer fewer visits from me she said coldly I am not one to press my company upon those who do not value it If Albus chooses to ignore the warnings the cards show Her bony hand closed suddenly around Harry’s wrist Again and again no matter how I lay them out And she pulled a card dramatically from underneath her shawls the lightning-struck tower she whispered Calamity Disaster Coming nearer all the time Right said Harry again Well I still think you should tell Albus about this voice and everything going dark and being thrown out of the Room You think so Professor Sybill seemed to consider the matter for a moment but Harry could tell that she liked the idea of retelling her little adventure I’m going to see him right now said Harry I’ve got a meeting with him We could go together Oh well in that case said Professor Sybill with a smile She bent down scooped up her sherry bottles and dumped them unceremoniously in a large blue and white vase standing in a nearby niche I miss having you in my classes Harry she said soulfully as they set off together You were never much of a Seer but you were a wonderful Object Harry did not reply he had loathed being the Object of Professor Trelawney’s continual predictions of doom I am afraid she went on that the nag I’m sorry the centaur knows nothing of cartomancy I asked him one Seer to another had he not too sensed the distant vibrations of coming catastrophe But he seemed to find me almost comical Yes comical Her voice rose rather hysterically and Harry caught a powerful whiff of sherry even though the bottles had been left behind Perhaps the horse has heard people say that I have not inherited my great-great-grandmother’s gift Those rumours have been bandied about by the jealous for years You know what I say to such people Harry Would Albus have let me teach at this great school put so much trust in me all these years had I not proved myself to him Harry mumbled something indistinct I well remember my first interview with Albus went on Professor Sybill in throaty tones He was deeply impressed of course deeply impressed I was staying at the Hog’s Head which I do not advise incidentally bed bugs dear boy but funds were low Albus did me the courtesy of calling upon me in my room at the inn He questioned me I must confess that at first I thought he seemed ill-disposed towards Divination and I remember I was starting to feel a little odd I had not eaten much that day but then And now Harry was paying attention properly for the first time for he knew what had happened then Professor Sybill had made the prophecy that had altered the course of his whole life the prophecy about him and Lord but then we were rudely interrupted by Severus What Yes there was a commotion outside the door and it flew open and there was that rather uncouth barman standing with Severus who was waffling about having come the wrong way up the stairs although I’m afraid that I myself rather thought he had been apprehended eavesdropping on my interview with Albus you see he himself was seeking a job at the time and no doubt hoped to pick up tips Well after that you know Albus seemed much more disposed to give me a job and I could not help thinking Harry that it was because he appreciated the stark contrast between my own unassuming manners and quiet talent compared to the pushing thrusting young man who was prepared to listen at keyholes Harry dear She looked back over her shoulder having only just realised that Harry was no longer with her he had stopped walking and they were now ten feet from each other Harry she repeated uncertainly Perhaps his face was white to make her look so concerned and frightened Harry was standing stock-still as waves of shock crashed over him wave after wave obliterating everything except the information that had been kept from him for so long It was Severus who had overheard the prophecy It was Severus who had carried the news of the prophecy to Lord Severus and Peter together had sent Lord hunting after Lily and James and their son Nothing else mattered to Harry just now Harry said Professor Sybill again Harry I thought we were going to see the Headmaster together You stay here said Harry through numb lips But dear I was going to tell him how I was assaulted in the Room of You stay here Harry repeated angrily She looked alarmed as he ran past her round the corner into Dumbledore’s corridor where the lone gargoyle stood sentry Harry shouted the password at the gargoyle and ran up the moving spiral staircase three steps at a time He did not knock upon Dumbledore’s door he hammered and the calm voice answered Enter after Harry had already flung himself into the room Fawkes the phoenix looked round his bright black eyes gleaming with reflected gold from the sunset beyond the window Albus was standing at the window looking out at the grounds a long black travelling cloak in his arms Well Harry I promised that you could come with me For a moment or two Harry did not understand the conversation with Sybill had driven everything else out of his head and his brain seemed to be moving very slowly Come with you Only if you wish it of course If I And then Harry remembered why he had been eager to come to Dumbledore’s office in the first place You’ve found one You’ve found a Horcrux I believe so Rage and resentment fought shock and excitement for several moments Harry could not speak It is natural to be afraid said Albus I’m not scared said Harry at once and it was perfectly true fear was one emotion he was not feeling at all Which Horcrux is it Where is it I am not sure which it is though I think we can rule out the snake but I believe it to be hidden in a cave on the coast many miles from here a cave I have been trying to locate for a very long time the cave in which Tom once terrorised two children from his orphanage on their annual trip you remember Yes said Harry How is it protected I do not know I have suspicions that may be entirely wrong Albus hesitated then said Harry I promised you that you could come with me and I stand by that promise but it would be very wrong of me not to warn you that this will be exceedingly dangerous I’m coming said Harry almost before Albus had finished speaking Boiling with anger at Severus his desire to do something desperate and risky had increased tenfold in the last few minutes This seemed to show on Harry’s face for Albus moved away from the window and looked more closely at Harry a slight crease between his silver eyebrows What has happened to you Nothing lied Harry promptly What has upset you I’m not upset Harry you were never a good Occlumens The word was the spark that ignited Harry’s fury Severus he said very loudly and Fawkes gave a soft squawk behind them Snape’s what’s happened He told Lord about the prophecy it was him he listened outside the door Sybill told me Dumbledore’s expression did not change but Harry thought his face whitened under the bloody tinge cast by the setting sun For a long moment Albus said nothing When did you find out about this he asked at last Just now said Harry who was refraining from yelling with enormous difficulty And then suddenly he could not stop himself AND YOU LET HIM TEACH HERE AND HE TOLD VOLDEMORT TO GO AFTER MY MUM AND DAD Breathing hard as though he were fighting Harry turned away from Albus who still had not moved a muscle and paced up and down the study rubbing his knuckles in his hand and exercising every last bit of restraint to prevent himself knocking things over He wanted to rage and storm at Albus but he also wanted to go with him to try and destroy the Horcrux he wanted to tell him that he was a foolish old man for trusting Severus but he was terrified that Albus would not take him along unless he mastered his anger Harry said Albus quietly Please listen to me It was as difficult to stop his relentless pacing as to refrain from shouting Harry paused biting his lip and looked into Dumbledore’s lined face Professor Severus made a terrible Don’t tell me it was a mistake sir he was listening at the door Please let me finish Albus waited until Harry had nodded curtly then went on Professor Severus made a terrible mistake He was still in Lord Voldemort’s employ on the night he heard the first half of Professor Trelawney’s prophecy Naturally he hastened to tell his master what he had heard for it concerned his master most deeply But he did not know he had no possible way of knowing which boy Lord would hunt from then onwards or that the parents he would destroy in his murderous quest were people that Professor Severus knew that they were your mother and father Harry let out a yell of mirthless laughter He hated my dad like he hated Sirius Haven’t you noticed Professor how the people Severus hates tend to end up dead You have no idea of the remorse Professor Severus felt when he realised how Lord had interpreted the prophecy Harry I believe it to be the greatest regret of his life and the reason that he returned But he’s a very good Occlumens isn’t he sir said Harry whose voice was shaking with the effort of keeping it steady And isn’t Lord convinced that Snape’s on his side even now Professor how can you be sure Snape’s on our side Albus did not speak for a moment he looked as though he was trying to make up his mind about something At last he said I am sure I trust Severus completely Harry breathed deeply for a few moments in an effort to steady himself It did not work Well I don’t he said as loudly as before He’s up to something with Draco right now right under your nose and you still We have discussed this Harry said Albus and now he sounded stern again I have told you my views You’re leaving the school tonight and I’ll bet you haven’t even considered that Severus and Draco might decide to To what asked Albus his eyebrows raised What is it that you suspect them of doing precisely I they’re up to something said Harry and his hands curled into fists as he said it Professor Sybill was just in the Room of Requirement trying to hide her sherry bottles and she heard Draco whooping celebrating He’s trying to mend something dangerous in there and if you ask me he’s fixed it at last and you’re about to just walk out of school without Enough said Albus He said it quite calmly and yet Harry fell silent at once he knew that he had finally crossed some invisible line Do you think that I have once left the school unprotected during my absences this year I have not Tonight when I leave there will again be additional protection in place Please do not suggest that I do not take the safety of my students seriously Harry I didn’t mumbled Harry a little abashed but Albus cut across him I do not wish to discuss the matter any further Harry bit back his retort scared that he had gone too far that he had ruined his chance of accompanying Albus but Albus went on Do you wish to come with me tonight Yes said Harry at once Very well then listen Albus drew himself up to his full height I take you with me on one condition that you obey any command I might give you at once and without question Of course Be sure to understand me Harry I mean that you must follow even such orders as run hide or go back Do I have your word I yes of course If I tell you to hide you will do so Yes If I tell you to flee you will obey Yes If I tell you to leave me and save yourself you will do as I tell you I Harry They looked at each other for a moment Yes sir Very good Then I wish you to go and fetch your Cloak and meet me in the Entrance Hall in five minutes time Albus turned back to look out of the fiery window the sun was now a ruby-red glare along the horizon Harry walked quickly from the office and down the spiral staircase His mind was oddly clear all of a sudden He knew what to do Ron and Hermione were sitting together in the common room when he came back What does Albus want Hermione said at once Harry are you OK she added anxiously I’m fine said Harry shortly racing past them He dashed up the stairs and into his dormitory where he flung open his trunk and pulled out the Marauder’s Map and a pair of balledup socks Then he sped back down the stairs and into the common room skidding to a halt where Ron and Hermione sat looking stunned I haven’t got much time Harry panted Albus thinks I’m getting my Invisibility Cloak Listen Quickly he told them where he was going and why He did not pause either for Hermione’s gasps of horror or for Ron’s hasty questions they could work out the finer details for themselves later so you see what this means Harry finished at a gallop Albus won’t be here tonight so Malfoy’s going to have another clear shot at whatever he’s up to No listen to me he hissed angrily as both Ron and Hermione showed every sign of interrupting I know it was Draco celebrating in the Room of Requirement Here He shoved the Marauder’s Map into Hermione’s hand You’ve got to watch him and you’ve got to watch Severus too Use anyone else who you can rustle up from the DA Hermione those contact Galleons will still work right Albus says he’s put extra protection in the school but if Snape’s involved he’ll know what Dumbledore’s protection is and how to avoid it but he won’t be expecting you lot to be on the watch will he Harry began Hermione her eyes huge with fear I haven’t got time to argue said Harry curtly Take this as well He thrust the socks into Ron’s hands Thanks said Ron Er why do I need socks You need what’s wrapped in them it’s the Felix Felicis Share it between yourselves and Ginny too Say goodbye to her from me I’d better go Dumbledore’s waiting No said Hermione as Ron unwrapped the tiny little bottle of golden potion looking awestruck We don’t want it you take it who knows what you’re going to be facing I’ll be fine I’ll be with Albus said Harry I want to know you lot are OK don’t look like that Hermione I’ll see you later And he was off hurrying back through the portrait hole towards the Entrance Hall Albus was waiting beside the oaken front doors He turned as Harry came skidding out on to the topmost stone step panting hard a searing stitch in his side I would like you to wear your Cloak please said Albus and he waited until Harry had thrown it on before saying Very good Shall we go Albus set off at once down the stone steps his own travelling cloak barely stirring in the still summer air Harry hurried alongside him under the Invisibility Cloak still panting and sweating rather a lot But what will people think when they see you leaving Professor Harry asked his mind on Draco and Severus That I am off into Hogsmeade for a drink said Albus lightly I sometimes offer Rosmerta my custom or else visit the Hog’s Head or I appear to It is as good a way as any of disguising one’s true destination They made their way down the drive in the gathering twilight The air was full of the smells of warm grass lake water and wood smoke from Hagrid’s cabin It was difficult to believe that they were heading for anything dangerous or frightening Professor said Harry quietly as the gates at the bottom of the drive came into view will we be Apparating Yes said Albus You can Apparate now I believe Yes said Harry but I haven’t got a licence He felt it best to be honest what if he spoiled everything by turning up a hundred miles from where he was supposed to go No matter said Albus I can assist you again They turned out of the gates into the twilit deserted lane to Hogsmeade Darkness descended fast as they walked and by the time they reached the High Street night was falling in earnest Lights twinkled from windows over shops and as they neared the Three Broomsticks they heard raucous shouting and stay out shouted Rosmerta forcibly ejecting a grubby-looking wizard Oh hello Albus you’re out late Good evening Rosmerta good evening forgive me I’m off to the Hog’s Head no offence but I feel like a quieter atmosphere tonight A minute later they turned the corner into the side street where the Hog’s Head’s sign creaked a little though there was no breeze In contrast to the Three Broomsticks the pub appeared to be completely empty It will not be necessary for us to enter muttered Albus glancing around As long as nobody sees us go now place your hand upon my arm Harry There is no need to grip too hard I am merely guiding you On the count of three one two three Harry turned At once there was that horrible sensation that he was being squeezed through a thick rubber tube he could not draw breath every part of him was being compressed almost past endurance and then just when he thought he must suffocate the invisible bands seemed to burst open and he was standing in cool darkness breathing in lungfuls of fresh salty air Harry could smell salt and hear rushing waves a light chilly breeze ruffled his hair as he looked out at moonlit sea and star-strewn sky He was standing upon a high outcrop of dark rock water foaming and churning below him He glanced over his shoulder A towering cliff stood behind a sheer drop black and faceless A few large chunks of rock such as the one upon which Harry and Albus were standing looked as though they had broken away from the cliff face at some point in the past It was a bleak harsh view the sea and the rock unrelieved by any tree or sweep of grass or sand What do you think asked Albus He might have been asking Harry’s opinion on whether it was a good site for a picnic They brought the kids from the orphanage here asked Harry who could not imagine a less cosy spot for a daytrip Not here precisely said Albus There is a village of sorts about halfway along the cliffs behind us I believe the orphans were taken there for a little sea air and a view of the waves No I think it was only ever Tom and his youthful victims who visited this spot No Muggle could reach this rock unless they were uncommonly good mountaineers and boats cannot approach the cliffs the waters around them are too dangerous I imagine that Tom climbed down magic would have served better than ropes And he brought two small children with him probably for the pleasure of terrorising them I think the journey alone would have done it don’t you Harry looked up at the cliff again and felt goosebumps But his final destination and ours lies a little further on Come Albus beckoned Harry to the very edge of the rock where a series of jagged niches that made footholds led down to boulders that lay half-submerged in water and closer to the cliff It was a treacherous descent and Albus hampered slightly by his withered hand moved slowly The lower rocks were slippery with sea water Harry could feel flecks of cold salt spray hitting his face Lumos said Albus as he reached the boulder closest to the cliff face A thousand flecks of golden light sparkled upon the dark surface of the water a few feet below where he crouched the black wall of rock beside him was illuminated too You see said Albus quietly holding his wand a little higher Harry saw a fissure in the cliff into which dark water was swirling You will not object to getting a little wet No said Harry Then take off your Invisibility Cloak there is no need for it now and let us take the plunge And with the sudden agility of a much younger man Albus slid from the boulder landed in the sea and began to swim with a perfect breaststroke towards the dark slit in the rock face his lit wand held in his teeth Harry pulled off his Cloak stuffed it into his pocket and followed The water was icy Harry’s waterlogged clothes billowed around him and weighed him down Taking deep breaths that filled his nostrils with the tang of salt and seaweed he struck out for the shimmering shrinking light now moving deeper into the cliff The fissure soon opened into a dark tunnel that Harry could tell would be filled with water at high tide The slimy walls were barely three feet apart and glimmered like wet tar in the passing light of Dumbledore’s wand A little way in the passageway curved to the left and Harry saw that it extended far into the cliff He continued to swim in Dumbledore’s wake the tips of his benumbed fingers brushing the rough wet rock Then he saw Albus rising out of the water ahead his silver hair and dark robes gleaming When Harry reached the spot he found steps that led into a large cave He clambered up them water streaming from his soaking clothes and emerged shivering uncontrollably into the still and freezing air Albus was standing in the middle of the cave his wand held high as he turned slowly on the spot examining the walls and ceiling Yes this is the place said Albus How can you tell Harry spoke in a whisper It has known magic said Albus simply Harry could not tell whether the shivers he was experiencing were due to his spine-deep coldness or to the same awareness of enchantments He watched as Albus continued to revolve on the spot evidently concentrating on things Harry could not see This is merely the ante-chamber the entrance hall said Albus after a moment or two We need to penetrate the inner place now it is Lord Voldemort’s obstacles that stand in our way rather than those nature made Albus approached the wall of the cave and caressed it with his blackened fingertips murmuring words in a strange tongue that Harry did not understand Twice Albus walked right around the cave touching as much of the rough rock as he could occasionally pausing running his fingers backwards and forwards over a particular spot until finally he stopped his hand pressed flat against the wall Here he said We go on through here The entrance is concealed Harry did not ask how Albus knew He had never seen a wizard work things out like this simply by looking and touching but Harry had long since learned that bangs and smoke were more often the marks of ineptitude than expertise Albus stepped back from the cave wall and pointed his wand at the rock For a moment an arched outline appeared there blazing white as though there was a powerful light behind the crack You’ve d-done it said Harry through chattering teeth but before the words had left his lips the outline had gone leaving the rock as bare and solid as ever Albus looked round Harry I’m so sorry I forgot he said he pointed his wand at Harry and at once Harry’s clothes were as warm and dry as if they had been hanging in front of a blazing fire Thank you said Harry gratefully but Albus had already turned his attention back to the solid cave wall He did not try any more magic but simply stood there staring at it intently as though something extremely interesting was written on it Harry stayed quite still he did not want to break Dumbledore’s concentration Then after two solid minutes Albus said quietly Oh surely not So crude What is it Professor I rather think said Albus putting his uninjured hand inside his robes and drawing out a short silver knife of the kind Harry used to chop potion ingredients that we are required to make payment to pass Payment said Harry You’ve got to give the door something Yes said Albus Blood if I am not much mistaken Blood I said it was crude said Albus who sounded disdainful even disappointed as though Lord had fallen short of the standards Albus expected The idea as I am sure you will have gathered is that your enemy must weaken him or herself to enter Once again Lord fails to grasp that there are much more terrible things than physical injury Yeah but still if you can avoid it said Harry who had experienced enough pain not to be keen for more Sometimes however it is unavoidable said Albus shaking back the sleeve of his robes and exposing the forearm of his injured hand Professor protested Harry hurrying forwards as Albus raised his knife I’ll do it I’m He did not know what he was going to say younger fitter But Albus merely smiled There was a flash of silver and a spurt of scarlet the rock face was peppered with dark glistening drops You are very kind Harry said Albus now passing the tip of his wand over the deep cut he had made in his own arm so that it healed instantly just as Severus had healed Malfoy’s wounds But your blood is worth more than mine Ah that seems to have done the trick doesn’t it The blazing silver outline of an arch had appeared in the wall once more and this time it did not fade away the bloodspattered rock within it simply vanished leaving an opening into what seemed total darkness After me I think said Albus and he walked through the archway with Harry on his heels lighting his own wand hastily as he went An eerie sight met their eyes they were standing on the edge of a great black lake so vast that Harry could not make out the distant banks in a cavern so high that the ceiling too was out of sight A misty greenish light shone far away in what looked like the middle of the lake it was reflected in the completely still water below The greenish glow and the light from the two wands were the only things that broke the otherwise velvety blackness though their rays did not penetrate as far as Harry would have expected The darkness was somehow denser than normal darkness Let us walk said Albus quietly Be very careful not to step into the water Stay close to me He set off around the edge of the lake and Harry followed close behind him Their footsteps made echoing slapping sounds on the narrow rim of rock that surrounded the water On and on they walked but the view did not vary on one side of them the rough cavern wall on the other the boundless expanse of smooth glassy blackness in the very middle of which was that mysterious greenish glow Harry found the place and the silence oppressive unnerving Professor he said finally Do you think the Horcrux is here Oh yes said Albus Yes I’m sure it is The question is how do we get to it We couldn’t we couldn’t just try a Summoning Charm Harry said sure that it was a stupid suggestion but much keener than he was prepared to admit on getting out of this place as soon as possible Certainly we could said Albus stopping so suddenly that Harry almost walked into him Why don’t you do it Me Oh OK Harry had not expected this but cleared his throat and said loudly wand aloft Accio Horcrux With a noise like an explosion something very large and pale erupted out of the dark water some twenty feet away before Harry could see what it was it had vanished again with a crashing splash that made great deep ripples on the mirrored surface Harry leapt backwards in shock and hit the wall his heart was still thundering as he turned to Albus What was that Something I think that is ready to respond should we attempt to seize the Horcrux Harry looked back at the water The surface of the lake was once more shining black glass the ripples had vanished unnaturally fast Harry’s heart however was still pounding Did you think that would happen sir I thought something would happen if we made an obvious attempt to get our hands on the Horcrux That was a very good idea Harry much the simplest way of finding out what we are facing But we don’t know what the thing was said Harry looking at the sinisterly smooth water What the things are you mean said Albus I doubt very much that there is only one of them Shall we walk on Professor Yes Harry Do you think we’re going to have to go into the lake Into it Only if we are very unfortunate You don’t think the Horcrux is at the bottom Oh no I think the Horcrux is in the middle And Albus pointed towards the misty green light in the centre of the lake So we’re going to have to cross the lake to get to it Yes I think so Harry did not say anything His thoughts were all of water-monsters of giant serpents of demons kelpies and sprites Aha said Albus and he stopped again this time Harry really did walk into him for a moment he toppled on the edge of the dark water and Dumbledore’s uninjured hand closed tightly around his upper arm pulling him back So sorry Harry I should have given warning Stand back against the wall please I think I have found the place Harry had no idea what Albus meant this patch of dark bank was exactly like every other bit as far as he could tell but Albus seemed to have detected something special about it This time he was running his hand not over the rocky wall but through the thin air as though expecting to find and grip something invisible Oho said Albus happily seconds later His hand had closed in midair upon something Harry could not see Albus moved closer to the water Harry watched nervously as the tips of Dumbledore’s buckled shoes found the utmost edge of the rock rim Keeping his hand clenched in midair Albus raised his wand with the other and tapped his fist with the point Immediately a thick coppery green chain appeared out of thin air extending from the depths of the water into Dumbledore’s clenched hand Albus tapped the chain which began to slide through his fist like a snake coiling itself on the ground with a clinking sound that echoed noisily off the rocky walls pulling something from the depths of the black water Harry gasped as the ghostly prow of a tiny boat broke the surface glowing as green as the chain and floated with barely a ripple towards the place on the bank where Harry and Albus stood How did you know that was there Harry asked in astonishment Magic always leaves traces said Albus as the boat hit the bank with a gentle bump sometimes very distinctive traces I taught Tom I know his style Is is this boat safe Oh yes I think so Lord needed to create a means to cross the lake without attracting the wrath of those creatures he had placed within it in case he ever wanted to visit or remove his Horcrux So the things in the water won’t do anything to us if we cross in Voldemort’s boat I think we must resign ourselves to the fact that they will at some point realise we are not Lord Thus far however we have done well They have allowed us to raise the boat But why have they let us asked Harry who could not shake off the vision of tentacles rising out of the dark water the moment they were out of sight of the bank Lord would have been reasonably confident that none but a very great wizard would have been able to find the boat said Albus I think he would have been prepared to risk what was to his mind the most unlikely possibility that somebody else would find it knowing that he had set other obstacles ahead that only he would be able to penetrate We shall see whether he is right Harry looked down into the boat It really was very small It doesn’t look like it was built for two people Will it hold both of us Will we be too heavy together Albus chuckled Lord will not have cared about the weight but about the amount of magical power that crossed his lake I rather think an enchantment will have been placed upon this boat so that only one wizard at a time will be able to sail in it But then I do not think you will count Harry you are under age and unqualified Lord would never have expected a sixteen-year-old to reach this place I think it unlikely that your powers will register compared to mine These words did nothing to raise Harry’s morale perhaps Albus knew it for he added Voldemort’s mistake Harry Voldemort’s mistake age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth now you first this time and be careful not to touch the water Albus stood aside and Harry climbed carefully into the boat Albus stepped in too coiling the chain on to the floor They were crammed in together Harry could not comfortably sit but crouched his knees jutting over the edge of the boat which began to move at once There was no sound other than the silken rustle of the boat’s prow cleaving the water it moved without their help as though an invisible rope were pulling it onwards towards the light in the centre Soon they could no longer see the walls of the cavern they might have been at sea except that there were no waves Harry looked down and saw the reflected gold of his wandlight sparkling and glittering on the black water as they passed The boat was carving deep ripples upon the glassy surface grooves in the dark mirror And then Harry saw it marble-white floating inches below the surface Professor he said and his startled voice echoed loudly over the silent water Harry I think I saw a hand in the water a human hand Yes I am sure you did said Albus calmly Harry stared down into the water looking for the vanished hand and a sick feeling rose in his throat So that thing that jumped out of the water But Harry had his answer before Albus could reply the wand-light had slid over a fresh patch of water and showed him this time a dead man lying face up inches beneath the surface his open eyes misted as though with cobwebs his hair and his robes swirling around him like smoke There are bodies in here said Harry and his voice sounded much higher than usual and most unlike his own Yes said Albus placidly but we do not need to worry about them at the moment At the moment Harry repeated tearing his gaze from the water to look at Albus Not while they are merely drifting peacefully below us said Albus There is nothing to be feared from a body Harry any more than there is anything to be feared from the darkness Lord who of course secretly fears both disagrees But once again he reveals his own lack of wisdom It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness nothing more Harry said nothing he did not want to argue but he found the idea that there were bodies floating around them and beneath them horrible and what was more he did not believe that they were not dangerous But one of them jumped he said trying to make his voice as level and calm as Dumbledore’s When I tried to Summon the Horcrux a body leapt out of the lake Yes said Albus I am sure that once we take the Horcrux we shall find them less peaceable However like many creatures that dwell in cold and darkness they fear light and warmth which we shall therefore call to our aid should the need arise Fire Harry Albus added with a smile in response to Harry’s bewildered expression Oh right said Harry quickly He turned his head to look at the greenish glow towards which the boat was still inexorably sailing He could not pretend now that he was not scared The great black lake teeming with the dead it seemed hours and hours ago that he had met Professor Sybill that he had given Ron and Hermione the Felix Felicis he suddenly wished he had said a better goodbye to them and he hadn’t seen Ginny at all Nearly there said Albus cheerfully Sure enough the greenish light seemed to be growing larger at last and within minutes the boat had come to a halt bumping gently into something that Harry could not see at first but when he raised his illuminated wand he saw that they had reached a small island of smooth rock in the centre of the lake Careful not to touch the water said Albus again as Harry climbed out of the boat The island was no larger than Dumbledore’s office an expanse of flat dark stone on which stood nothing but the source of that greenish light which looked much brighter when viewed close to Harry squinted at it at first he thought it was a lamp of some kind but then he saw that the light was coming from a stone basin rather like the Pensieve which was set on top of a pedestal Albus approached the basin and Harry followed Side by side they looked down into it The basin was full of an emerald liquid emitting that phosphorescent glow What is it asked Harry quietly I am not sure said Albus Something more worrisome than blood and bodies however Albus pushed back the sleeve of his robe over his blackened hand and stretched out the tips of his burned fingers towards the surface of the potion Sir no don’t touch I cannot touch said Albus smiling faintly See I cannot approach any nearer than this You try Staring Harry put his hand into the basin and attempted to touch the potion He met an invisible barrier that prevented him coming within an inch of it No matter how hard he pushed his fingers encountered nothing but what seemed to be solid and inflexible air Out of the way please Harry said Albus He raised his wand and made complicated movements over the surface of the potion murmuring soundlessly Nothing happened except perhaps that the potion glowed a little brighter Harry remained silent while Albus worked but after a while Albus withdrew his wand and Harry felt it was safe to talk again You think the Horcrux is in there sir Oh yes Albus peered more closely into the basin Harry saw his face reflected upside-down in the smooth surface of the green potion But how to reach it This potion cannot be penetrated by hand Vanished parted scooped up or siphoned away nor can it be Transfigured Charmed or otherwise made to change its nature Almost absent-mindedly Albus raised his wand again twirled it once in midair and then caught the crystal goblet that he had conjured out of nowhere I can only conclude that this potion is supposed to be drunk What said Harry No Yes I think so only by drinking it can I empty the basin and see what lies in its depths But what if what if it kills you Oh I doubt that it would work like that said Albus easily Lord would not want to kill the person who reached this island Harry couldn’t believe it Was this more of Dumbledore’s insane determination to see good in everyone Sir said Harry trying to keep his voice reasonable sir this is Lord we’re I’m sorry Harry I should have said he would not want immediately to kill the person who reached this island Albus corrected himself He would want to keep them alive long enough to find out how they managed to penetrate so far through his defences and most importantly of all why they were so intent upon emptying the basin Do not forget that Lord believes that he alone knows about his Horcruxes Harry made to speak again but this time Albus raised his hand for silence frowning slightly at the emerald liquid evidently thinking hard Undoubtedly he said finally this potion must act in a way that will prevent me taking the Horcrux It might paralyse me cause me to forget what I am here for create so much pain I am distracted or render me incapable in some other way This being the case Harry it will be your job to make sure I keep drinking even if you have to tip the potion into my protesting mouth You understand Their eyes met over the basin each pale face lit with that strange green light Harry did not speak Was this why he had been invited along so that he could force-feed Albus a potion that might cause him unendurable pain You remember said Albus the condition on which I brought you with me Harry hesitated looking into the blue eyes that had turned green in the reflected light of the basin But what if You swore did you not to follow any command I gave you Yes but I warned you did I not that there might be danger Yes said Harry but Well then said Albus shaking back his sleeves once more and raising the empty goblet you have my orders Why can’t I drink the potion instead asked Harry desperately Because I am much older much cleverer and much less valuable said Albus Once and for all Harry do I have your word that you will do all in your power to make me keep drinking Couldn’t Do I have it But Your word Harry I all right but Before Harry could make any further protest Albus lowered the crystal goblet into the potion For a split second Harry hoped that he would not be able to touch the potion with the goblet but the crystal sank into the surface as nothing else had when the glass was full to the brim Albus lifted it to his mouth Your good health Harry And he drained the goblet Harry watched terrified his hands gripping the rim of the basin so hard that his fingertips were numb Professor he said anxiously as Albus lowered the empty glass How do you feel Albus shook his head his eyes closed Harry wondered whether he was in pain Albus plunged the glass blindly back into the basin refilled it and drank once more In silence Albus drank three gobletfuls of the potion Then halfway through the fourth goblet he staggered and fell forwards against the basin His eyes were still closed his breathing heavy Professor Albus said Harry his voice strained Can you hear me Albus did not answer His face was twitching as though he were deeply asleep but dreaming a horrible dream His grip on the goblet was slackening the potion was about to spill from it Harry reached forwards and grasped the crystal cup holding it steady Professor can you hear me he repeated loudly his voice echoing around the cavern Albus panted and then spoke in a voice Harry did not recognise for he had never heard Albus frightened like this I don’t want don’t make me Harry stared into the whitened face he knew so well at the crooked nose and half-moon spectacles and did not know what to do don’t like want to stop moaned Albus You you can’t stop Professor said Harry You’ve got to keep drinking remember You told me you had to keep drinking Here Hating himself repulsed by what he was doing Harry forced the goblet back towards Dumbledore’s mouth and tipped it so that Albus drank the remainder of the potion inside No he groaned as Harry lowered the goblet back into the basin and refilled it for him I don’t want to I don’t want to let me go It’s all right Professor said Harry his hand shaking It’s all right I’m here Make it stop make it stop moaned Albus Yes yes this’ll make it stop lied Harry He tipped the contents of the goblet into Dumbledore’s open mouth Albus screamed the noise echoed all around the vast chamber across the dead black water No no no no I can’t I can’t don’t make me I don’t want to It’s all right Professor it’s all right said Harry loudly his hands shaking so badly he could hardly scoop up the sixth gobletful of potion the basin was now half-empty Nothing’s happening to you you’re safe it isn’t real I swear it isn’t real take this now take this And obediently Albus drank as though it was an antidote Harry offered him but upon draining the goblet he sank to his knees shaking uncontrollably It’s all my fault all my fault he sobbed please make it stop I know I did wrong oh please make it stop and I’ll never never again This will make it stop Professor Harry said his voice cracking as he tipped the seventh glass of potion into Dumbledore’s mouth Albus began to cower as though invisible torturers surrounded him his flailing hand almost knocked the refilled goblet from Harry’s trembling hands as he moaned Don’t hurt them don’t hurt them please please it’s my fault hurt me instead Here drink this drink this you’ll be all right said Harry desperately and once again Albus obeyed him opening his mouth even as he kept his eyes tight shut and shook from head to foot And now he fell forwards screaming again hammering his fists upon the ground while Harry filled the ninth goblet Please please please no not that not that I’ll do anything Just drink Professor just drink Albus drank like a child dying of thirst but when he had finished he yelled again as though his insides were on fire No more please no more Harry scooped up a tenth gobletful of potion and felt the crystal scrape the bottom of the basin We’re nearly there Professor drink this drink it He supported Dumbledore’s shoulders and again Albus drained the glass Harry was on his feet once more refilling the goblet as Albus began to scream in more anguish than ever I want to die I want to die Make it stop make it stop I want to die Drink this Professor drink this Albus drank and no sooner had he finished than he yelled KILL ME This this one will gasped Harry Just drink this it’ll be over all over Albus gulped at the goblet drained every last drop and then with a great rattling gasp rolled over on to his face No shouted Harry who had stood to refill the goblet again instead he dropped the cup into the basin flung himself down beside Albus and heaved him over on to his back Dumbledore’s glasses were askew his mouth agape his eyes closed No said Harry shaking Albus no you’re not dead you said it wasn’t poison wake up wake up Rennervate he cried his wand pointing at Dumbledore’s chest there was a flash of red light but nothing happened Rennervate sir please Dumbledore’s eyelids flickered Harry’s heart leapt Sir are you Water croaked Albus Water panted Harry yes He leapt to his feet and seized the goblet he had dropped in the basin he barely registered the golden locket lying curled beneath it Aguamenti he shouted jabbing the goblet with his wand The goblet filled with clear water Harry dropped to his knees beside Albus raised his head and brought the glass to his lips but it was empty Albus groaned and began to pant But I had some wait Aguamenti said Harry again pointing his wand at the goblet Once more for a second clear water gleamed within it but as he approached Dumbledore’s mouth the water vanished again Sir I’m trying I’m trying said Harry desperately but he did not think that Albus could hear him he had rolled on to his side and was drawing great rattling breaths that sounded agonising Aguamenti Aguamenti AGUAMENTI The goblet filled and emptied once more And now Dumbledore’s breathing was fading His brain whirling in panic Harry knew instinctively the only way left to get water because Lord had planned it so He flung himself over to the edge of the rock and plunged the goblet into the lake bringing it up full to the brim of icy water that did not vanish Sir here Harry yelled and lunging forwards he tipped the water clumsily over Dumbledore’s face It was the best he could do for the icy feeling on his arm not holding the cup was not the lingering chill of the water A slimy white hand had gripped his wrist and the creature to whom it belonged was pulling him slowly backwards across the rock The surface of the lake was no longer mirrorsmooth it was churning and everywhere Harry looked white heads and hands were emerging from the dark water men and women and children with sunken sightless eyes were moving towards the rock an army of the dead rising from the black water Petrificus Totalus yelled Harry struggling to cling on to the smooth soaked surface of the island as he pointed his wand at the Inferius that had his arm it released him falling backwards into the water with a splash He scrambled to his feet but many more Inferi were already climbing on to the rock their bony hands clawing at its slippery surface their blank frosted eyes upon him trailing waterlogged rags sunken faces leering Petrificus Totalus Harry bellowed again backing away as he swiped his wand through the air six or seven of them crumpled but more were coming towards him Impedimenta Incarcerous A few of them stumbled one or two of them bound in ropes but those climbing on to the rock behind them merely stepped over or on the fallen bodies Still slashing at the air with his wand Harry yelled Sectumsempra SECTUMSEMPRA But though gashes appeared in their sodden rags and their icy skin they had no blood to spill they walked on unfeeling their shrunken hands outstretched towards him and as he backed away still further he felt arms enclose him from behind thin fleshless arms cold as death and his feet left the ground as they lifted him and began to carry him slowly and surely back to the water and he knew there would be no release that he would be drowned and become one more dead guardian of a fragment of Voldemort’s shattered soul But then through the darkness fire erupted crimson and gold a ring of fire that surrounded the rock so that the Inferi holding Harry so tightly stumbled and faltered they did not dare pass through the flames to get to the water They dropped Harry he hit the ground slipped on the rock and fell grazing his arms but scrambled back up raising his wand and staring around Albus was on his feet again pale as any of the surrounding Inferi but taller than any too the fire dancing in his eyes his wand was raised like a torch and from its tip emanated the flames like a vast lasso encircling them all with warmth The Inferi bumped into each other attempting blindly to escape the fire in which they were enclosed Albus scooped the locket from the bottom of the stone basin and stowed it inside his robes Wordlessly he gestured to Harry to come to his side Distracted by the flames the Inferi seemed unaware that their quarry was leaving as Albus led Harry back to the boat the ring of fire moving with them around them the bewildered Inferi accompanying them to the water’s edge where they slipped gratefully back into their dark waters Harry who was shaking all over thought for a moment that Albus might not be able to climb into the boat he staggered a little as he attempted it all his efforts seemed to be going into maintaining the ring of protective flame around them Harry seized him and helped him back to his seat Once they were both safely jammed inside again the boat began to move back across the black water away from the rock still encircled by that ring of fire and it seemed that the Inferi swarming below them did not dare resurface Sir panted Harry sir I forgot about fire they were coming at me and I panicked Quite understandable murmured Albus Harry was alarmed to hear how faint his voice was They reached the bank with a little bump and Harry leapt out then turned quickly to help Albus The moment that Albus reached the bank he let his wand hand fall the ring of fire vanished but the Inferi did not emerge again from the water The little boat sank into the water once more clanking and tinkling its chain slithered back into the lake too Albus gave a great sigh and leaned against the cavern wall I am weak he said Don’t worry sir said Harry at once anxious about Dumbledore’s extreme pallor and his air of exhaustion Don’t worry I’ll get us back lean on me sir And pulling Dumbledore’s uninjured arm around his shoulders Harry guided his headmaster back around the lake bearing most of his weight The protection was after all well designed said Albus faintly One alone could not have done it you did well very well Harry Don’t talk now said Harry fearing how slurred Dumbledore’s voice had become how much his feet dragged save your energy sir we’ll soon be out of here The archway will have sealed again my knife There’s no need I got cut on the rock said Harry firmly just tell me where Here Harry wiped his grazed forearm upon the stone having received its tribute of blood the archway reopened instantly They crossed the outer cave and Harry helped Albus back into the icy sea water that filled the crevice in the cliff It’s going to be all right sir Harry said over and over again more worried by Dumbledore’s silence than he had been by his weakened voice We’re nearly there I can Apparate us both back don’t worry I am not worried Harry said Albus his voice a little stronger despite the freezing water I am with you Tower Once back under the starry sky Harry heaved Albus on to the top of the nearest boulder and then to his feet Sodden and shivering Dumbledore’s weight still upon him Harry concentrated harder than he had ever done upon his destination Hogsmeade Closing his eyes gripping Dumbledore’s arm as tightly as he could he stepped forwards into that feeling of horrible compression He knew it had worked before he opened his eyes the smell of salt the sea breeze had gone He and Albus were shivering and dripping in the middle of the dark High Street in Hogsmeade For one horrible moment Harry’s imagination showed him more Inferi creeping towards him around the sides of shops but he blinked and saw that nothing was stirring all was still the darkness complete but for a few streetlamps and lit upper windows We did it Professor Harry whispered with difficulty he suddenly realised that he had a searing stitch in his chest We did it We got the Horcrux Albus staggered against him For a moment Harry thought that his inexpert Apparition had thrown Albus off-balance then he saw his face paler and damper than ever in the distant light of a streetlamp Sir are you all right I’ve been better said Albus weakly though the corners of his mouth twitched That potion was no health drink And to Harry’s horror Albus sank on to the ground Sir it’s OK sir you’re going to be all right don’t worry He looked around desperately for help but there was nobody to be seen and all he could think was that he must somehow get Albus quickly to the hospital wing We need to get you up to the school sir Madam Poppy No said Albus It is Professor Severus whom I need but I do not think I can walk very far just yet Right sir listen I’m going to knock on a door find a place you can stay then I can run and get Madam Severus said Albus clearly I need Severus All right then Severus but I’m going to have to leave you for a moment so I can Before Harry could make a move however he heard running footsteps His heart leapt somebody had seen somebody knew they needed help and looking around he saw Rosmerta scurrying down the dark street towards them on high-heeled fluffy slippers wearing a silk dressing-gown embroidered with dragons I saw you Apparate as I was pulling my bedroom curtains Thank goodness thank goodness I couldn’t think what to but what’s wrong with Albus She came to a halt panting and stared down wide-eyed at Albus He’s hurt said Harry Rosmerta can he come into the Three Broomsticks while I go up to the school and get help for him You can’t go up there alone Don’t you realise haven’t you seen If you help me support him said Harry not listening to her I think we can get him inside What has happened asked Albus Rosmerta what’s wrong The the Dark Mark Albus And she pointed into the sky in the direction of Hogwarts Dread flooded Harry at the sound of the words he turned and looked There it was hanging in the sky above the school the blazing green skull with a serpent tongue the mark Death Eaters left behind whenever they had entered a building wherever they had murdered When did it appear asked Albus and his hand clenched painfully upon Harry’s shoulder as he struggled to his feet Must have been minutes ago it wasn’t there when I put the cat out but when I got upstairs We need to return to the castle at once said Albus Rosmerta and though he staggered a little he seemed wholly in command of the situation we need transport brooms I’ve got a couple behind the bar she said looking very frightened Shall I run and fetch No Harry can do it Harry raised his wand at once Accio Rosmerta’s brooms A second later they heard a loud bang as the front door of the pub burst open two brooms had shot out into the street and were racing each other to Harry’s side where they stopped dead quivering slightly at waist height Rosmerta please send a message to the Ministry said Albus as he mounted the broom nearest him It might be that nobody within Hogwarts has yet realised anything is wrong Harry put on your Invisibility Cloak Harry pulled his Cloak out of his pocket and threw it over himself before mounting his broom Rosmerta was already tottering back towards her pub as Harry and Albus kicked off from the ground and rose up into the air As they sped towards the castle Harry glanced sideways at Albus ready to grab him should he fall but the sight of the Dark Mark seemed to have acted upon Albus like a stimulant he was bent low over his broom his eyes fixed upon the Mark his long silver hair and beard flying behind him in the night air And Harry too looked ahead at the skull and fear swelled inside him like a venomous bubble compressing his lungs driving all other discomfort from his mind How long had they been away Had Ron Hermione and Ginny’s luck run out by now Was it one of them who had caused the Mark to be set over the school or was it Neville or Luna or some other member of the DA And if it was he was the one who had told them to patrol the corridors he had asked them to leave the safety of their beds would he be responsible again for the death of a friend As they flew over the dark twisting lane down which they had walked earlier Harry heard over the whistling of the night air in his ears Albus muttering in some strange language again He thought he understood why as he felt his broom shudder for a moment when they flew over the boundary wall into the grounds Albus was undoing the enchantments he himself had set around the castle so that they could enter at speed The Dark Mark was glittering directly above the Astronomy Tower the highest of the castle Did that mean the death had occurred there Albus had already crossed the crenellated ramparts and was dismounting Harry landed next to him seconds later and looked around The ramparts were deserted The door to the spiral staircase that led back into the castle was closed There was no sign of a struggle of a fight to the death of a body What does it mean Harry asked Albus looking up at the green skull with its serpent’s tongue glinting evilly above them Is it the real Mark Has someone definitely been Professor In the dim green glow from the Mark Harry saw Albus clutching at his chest with his blackened hand Go and wake Severus said Albus faintly but clearly Tell him what has happened and bring him to me Do nothing else speak to nobody else and do not remove your Cloak I shall wait here But You swore to obey me Harry go Harry hurried over to the door leading to the spiral staircase but his hand had only just closed upon the iron ring of the door when he heard running footsteps on the other side He looked round at Albus who gestured to him to retreat Harry backed away drawing his wand as he did so The door burst open and somebody erupted through it and shouted Expelliarmus Harry’s body became instantly rigid and immobile and he felt himself fall back against the Tower wall propped like an unsteady statue unable to move or speak He could not understand how it had happened Expelliarmus was not a Freezing Charm Then by the light of the Mark he saw Dumbledore’s wand flying in an arc over the edge of the ramparts and understood Albus had wordlessly immobilised Harry and the second he had taken to perform the spell had cost him the chance of defending himself Standing against the ramparts very white in the face Albus still showed no sign of panic or distress He merely looked across at his disarmer and said Good evening Draco stepped forwards glancing around quickly to check that he and Albus were alone His eyes fell upon the second broom Who else is here A question I might ask you Or are you acting alone Harry saw Malfoy’s pale eyes shift back to Albus in the greenish glare of the Mark No he said I’ve got back-up There are Death Eaters here in your school tonight Well well said Albus as though Draco was showing him an ambitious homework project Very good indeed You found a way to let them in did you Yeah said Draco who was panting Right under your nose and you never realised Ingenious said Albus Yet forgive me where are they now You seem unsupported They met some of your guard They’re having a fight down below They won’t be long I came on ahead I I’ve got a job to do Well then you must get on and do it my dear boy said Albus softly There was silence Harry stood imprisoned within his own invisible paralysed body staring at the two of them his ears straining to hear sounds of the Death Eaters distant fight and in front of him Draco did nothing but stare at Albus who incredibly smiled Draco Draco you are not a killer How do you know said Draco at once He seemed to realise how childish the words had sounded Harry saw him flush in the Mark’s greenish light You don’t know what I’m capable of said Draco more forcefully you don’t know what I’ve done Oh yes I do said Albus mildly You almost killed Katie and Ronald Ron You have been trying with increasing desperation to kill me all year Forgive me Draco but they have been feeble attempts so feeble to be honest that I wonder whether your heart has been really in it It has been in it said Draco vehemently I’ve been working on it all year and tonight Somewhere in the depths of the castle below Harry heard a muffled yell Draco stiffened and glanced over his shoulder Somebody is putting up a good fight said Albus conversationally But you were saying yes you have managed to introduce Death Eaters into my school which I admit I thought impossible how did you do it But Draco said nothing he was still listening to whatever was happening below and seemed almost as paralysed as Harry was Perhaps you ought to get on with the job alone suggested Albus What if your back-up has been thwarted by my guard As you have perhaps realised there are members of the Order of the Phoenix here tonight too And after all you don’t really need help I have no wand at the moment I cannot defend myself Draco merely stared at him I see said Albus kindly when Draco neither moved nor spoke You are afraid to act until they join you I’m not afraid snarled Draco though he still made no move to hurt Albus It’s you who should be scared But why I don’t think you will kill me Draco Killing is not nearly as easy as the innocent believe so tell me while we wait for your friends how did you smuggle them in here It seems to have taken you a long time to work out how to do it Draco looked as though he was fighting down the urge to shout or to vomit He gulped and took several deep breaths glaring at Albus his wand pointing directly at the latter’s heart Then as though he could not help himself he said I had to mend that broken Vanishing Cabinet that no one’s used for years The one Montague got lost in last year Aaaah Dumbledore’s sigh was half a groan He closed his eyes for a moment That was clever there is a pair I take it The other’s in Borgin and Burkes said Draco and they make a kind of passage between them Montague told me that when he was stuck in the Hogwarts one he was trapped in limbo but sometimes he could hear what was going on at school and sometimes what was going on in the shop as if the Cabinet was travelling between them but he couldn’t make anyone hear him in the end he managed to Apparate out even though he’d never passed his test He nearly died doing it Everyone thought it was a really good story but I was the only one who realised what it meant even Borgin didn’t know I was the one who realised there could be a way into Hogwarts through the Cabinets if I fixed the broken one Very good murmured Albus So the Death Eaters were able to pass from Borgin and Burkes into the school to help you a clever plan a very clever plan and as you say right under my nose Yeah said Draco who bizarrely seemed to draw courage and comfort from Dumbledore’s praise Yeah it was But there were times Albus went on weren’t there when you were not sure you would succeed in mending the Cabinet And you resorted to crude and badly judged measures such as sending me a cursed necklace that was bound to reach the wrong hands poisoning mead there was only the slightest chance I might drink Yeah well you still didn’t realise who was behind that stuff did you sneered Draco as Albus slid a little down the ramparts the strength in his legs apparently fading and Harry struggled fruitlessly mutely against the enchantment binding him As a matter of fact I did said Albus I was sure it was you Why didn’t you stop me then Draco demanded I tried Draco Professor Severus has been keeping watch over you on my orders He hasn’t been doing your orders he promised my mother Of course that is what he would tell you Draco but He’s a double-agent you stupid old man he isn’t working for you you just think he is We must agree to differ on that Draco It so happens that I trust Professor Severus Well you’re losing your grip then sneered Draco He’s been offering me plenty of help wanting all the glory for himself wanting a bit of the action What are you doing Did you do the necklace that was stupid it could have blown everything But I haven’t told him what I’ve been doing in the Room of Requirement he’s going to wake up tomorrow and it’ll all be over and he won’t be the Dark Lord’s favourite any more he’ll be nothing compared to me nothing Very gratifying said Albus mildly We all like appreciation for our own hard work of course but you must have had an accomplice all the same someone in Hogsmeade someone who was able to slip Katie the the aaaah Albus closed his eyes again and nodded as though he was about to fall asleep of course Rosmerta How long has she been under the Imperius Curse Got there at last have you Draco taunted There was another yell from below rather louder than the last Draco looked nervously over his shoulder again then back at Albus who went on So poor Rosmerta was forced to lurk in her own bathroom and pass that necklace to any Hogwarts student who entered the room unaccompanied And the poisoned mead well naturally Rosmerta was able to poison it for you before she sent the bottle to Horace believing that it was to be my Christmas present yes very neat very neat poor Mr Argus would not of course think to check a bottle of Rosmerta’s tell me how have you been communicating with Rosmerta I thought we had all methods of communication in and out of the school monitored Enchanted coins said Draco as though he was compelled to keep talking though his wand hand was shaking badly I had one and she had the other and I could send her messages Isn’t that the secret method of communication the group that called themselves Dumbledore’s Army used last year asked Albus His voice was light and conversational but Harry saw him slip an inch lower down the wall as he said it Yeah I got the idea from them said Draco with a twisted smile I got the idea of poisoning the mead from the Mudblood Hermione as well I heard her talking in the library about Argus not recognising potions Please do not use that offensive word in front of me said Albus Draco gave a harsh laugh You care about me saying Mudblood when I’m about to kill you Yes I do said Albus and Harry saw his feet slide a little on the floor as he struggled to remain upright But as for being about to kill me Draco you have had several long minutes now We are quite alone I am more defenceless than you can have dreamed of finding me and still you have not acted Malfoy’s mouth contorted involuntarily as though he had tasted something very bitter Now about tonight Albus went on I am a little puzzled about how it happened you knew that I had left the school But of course he answered his own question Rosmerta saw me leaving she tipped you off using your ingenious coins I’m sure That’s right said Draco But she said you were just going for a drink you’d be back Well I certainly did have a drink and I came back after a fashion mumbled Albus So you decided to spring a trap for me We decided to put the Dark Mark over the Tower and get you to hurry up here to see who’d been killed said Draco And it worked Well yes and no said Albus But am I to take it then that nobody has been murdered Someone’s dead said Draco and his voice seemed to go up an octave as he said it One of your people I don’t know who it was dark I stepped over the body I was supposed to be waiting up here when you got back only your Phoenix lot got in the way Yes they do that said Albus There was a bang and shouts from below louder than ever it sounded as though people were fighting on the actual spiral staircase that led to where Albus Draco and Harry stood and Harry’s heart thundered unheard in his invisible chest someone was dead Draco had stepped over the body but who was it There is little time one way or another said Albus So let us discuss your options Draco My options said Draco loudly I’m standing here with a wand I’m about to kill you My dear boy let us have no more pretence about that If you were going to kill me you would have done it when you first Disarmed me you would not have stopped for this pleasant chat about ways and means I haven’t got any options said Draco and he was suddenly as white as Albus I’ve got to do it He’ll kill me He’ll kill my whole family I appreciate the difficulty of your position said Albus Why else do you think I have not confronted you before now Because I knew that you would have been murdered if Lord realised that I suspected you Draco winced at the sound of the name I did not dare speak to you of the mission with which I knew you had been entrusted in case he used Legilimency against you continued Albus But now at last we can speak plainly to each other no harm has been done you have hurt nobody though you are very lucky that your unintentional victims survived I can help you Draco No you can’t said Draco his wand hand shaking very badly indeed Nobody can He told me to do it or he’ll kill me I’ve got no choice Come over to the right side Draco and we can hide you more completely than you can possibly imagine What is more I can send members of the Order to your mother tonight to hide her likewise Your father is safe at the moment in Azkaban when the time comes we can protect him too come over to the right side Draco you are not a killer Draco stared at Albus But I got this far didn’t I he said slowly They thought I’d die in the attempt but I’m here and you’re in my power I’m the one with the wand you’re at my mercy No Draco said Albus quietly It is my mercy and not yours that matters now Draco did not speak His mouth was open his wand hand still trembling Harry thought he saw it drop by a fraction But suddenly footsteps were thundering up the stairs and a second later Draco was buffeted out of the way as four people in black robes burst through the door on to the ramparts Still paralysed his eyes staring unblinkingly Harry gazed in terror upon four strangers it seemed the Death Eaters had won the fight below A lumpy-looking man with an odd lopsided leer gave a wheezy giggle Albus cornered he said and he turned to a stocky little woman who looked as though she could be his sister and who was grinning eagerly Albus wandless Albus alone Well done Draco well done Good evening Amycus said Albus calmly as though welcoming the man to a tea party And you’ve brought Alecto too charming The woman gave an angry little titter Think your little jokes’ll help you on your death bed then she jeered Jokes No no these are manners replied Albus Do it said the stranger standing nearest to Harry a big rangy man with matted grey hair and whiskers whose black Death Eater’s robes looked uncomfortably tight He had a voice like none that Harry had ever heard a rasping bark of a voice Harry could smell a powerful mixture of dirt sweat and unmistakeably of blood coming from him His filthy hands had long yellowish nails Is that you Fenrir asked Albus That’s right rasped the other Pleased to see me Albus No I cannot say that I am Fenrir grinned showing pointed teeth Blood trickled down his chin and he licked his lips slowly obscenely But you know how much I like kids Albus Am I to take it that you are attacking even without the full moon now This is most unusual you have developed a taste for human flesh that cannot be satisfied once a month That’s right said Fenrir Shocks you that does it Albus Frightens you Well I cannot pretend it does not disgust me a little said Albus And yes I am a little shocked that Draco here invited you of all people into the school where his friends live I didn’t breathed Draco He was not looking at Fenrir he did not seem to want to even glance at him I didn’t know he was going to come I wouldn’t want to miss a trip to Hogwarts Albus rasped Fenrir Not when there are throats to be ripped out delicious delicious And he raised a yellow fingernail and picked at his front teeth leering at Albus I could do you for afters Albus No said the fourth Death Eater sharply He had a heavy brutal-looking face We’ve got orders Draco’s got to do it Now Draco and quickly Draco was showing less resolution than ever He looked terrified as he stared into Dumbledore’s face which was even paler and rather lower than usual as he had slid so far down the rampart wall He’s not long for this world anyway if you ask me said the lopsided man to the accompaniment of his sister’s wheezing giggles Look at him what’s happened to you then Dumby Oh weaker resistance slower reflexes Amycus said Albus Old age in short one day perhaps it will happen to you if you are lucky What’s that mean then what’s that mean yelled the Death Eater suddenly violent Always the same weren’t yeh Dumby talking and doing nothing nothing I don’t even know why the Dark Lord’s bothering to kill yeh Come on Draco do it But at that moment there were renewed sounds of scuffling from below and a voice shouted They’ve blocked the stairs Reducto REDUCTO Harry’s heart leapt so these four had not eliminated all opposition but merely broken through the fight to the top of the Tower and by the sound of it created a barrier behind them Now Draco quickly said the brutal-faced man angrily But Malfoy’s hand was shaking so badly that he could barely aim I’ll do it snarled Fenrir moving towards Albus with his hands outstretched his teeth bared I said no shouted the brutal-faced man there was a flash of light and the werewolf was blasted out of the way he hit the ramparts and staggered looking furious Harry’s heart was hammering so hard it seemed impossible that nobody could hear him standing there imprisoned by Dumbledore’s spell if he could only move he could aim a curse from under the Cloak Draco do it or stand aside so one of us screeched the woman but at that precise moment the door to the ramparts burst open once more and there stood Severus his wand clutched in his hand as his black eyes swept the scene from Albus slumped against the wall to the four Death Eaters including the enraged werewolf and Draco We’ve got a problem Severus said the lumpy Amycus whose eyes and wand were fixed alike upon Albus the boy doesn’t seem able But somebody else had spoken Snape’s name quite softly Severus The sound frightened Harry beyond anything he had experienced all evening For the first time Albus was pleading Severus said nothing but walked forwards and pushed Draco roughly out of the way The three Death Eaters fell back without a word Even the werewolf seemed cowed Severus gazed for a moment at Albus and there was revulsion and hatred etched in the harsh lines of his face Severus please Severus raised his wand and pointed it directly at Albus Avada Kedavra A jet of green light shot from the end of Snape’s wand and hit Albus squarely in the chest Harry’s scream of horror never left him silent and unmoving he was forced to watch as Albus was blasted into the air for a split second he seemed to hang suspended beneath the shining skull and then he fell slowly backwards like a great rag doll over the battlements and out of sight Harry felt as though he too were hurtling through space it had not happened it could not have happened Out of here quickly said Severus He seized Draco by the scruff of the neck and forced him through the door ahead of the rest Fenrir and the squat brother and sister followed the latter both panting excitedly As they vanished through the door Harry realised he could move again what was now holding him paralysed against the wall was not magic but horror and shock He threw the Invisibility Cloak aside as the brutal-faced Death Eater last to leave the Tower top was disappearing through the door Petrificus Totalus The Death Eater buckled as though hit in the back with something solid and fell to the ground rigid as a waxwork but he had barely hit the floor when Harry was clambering over him and running down the darkened staircase Terror tore at Harry’s heart he had to get to Albus and he had to catch Severus somehow the two things were linked he could reverse what had happened if he had them both together Albus could not have died He leapt the last ten steps of the spiral staircase and stopped where he landed his wand raised the dimly lit corridor was full of dust half the ceiling seemed to have fallen in and a battle was raging before him but even as he attempted to make out who was fighting whom he heard the hated voice shout It’s over time to go and saw Severus disappearing round the corner at the far end of the corridor he and Draco seemed to have forced their way through the fight unscathed As Harry plunged after them one of the fighters detached themself from the fray and flew at him it was the werewolf Fenrir He was on top of Harry before Harry could raise his wand Harry fell backwards with filthy matted hair in his face the stench of sweat and blood filling his nose and mouth hot greedy breath at his throat Petrificus Totalus Harry felt Fenrir collapse against him with a stupendous effort he pushed the werewolf off and on to the floor as a jet of green light came flying towards him he ducked and ran headfirst into the fight His feet met something squashy and slippery on the floor and he stumbled there were two bodies lying there lying face down in a pool of blood but there was no time to investigate Harry now saw red hair flying like flames in front of him Ginny was locked in combat with the lumpy Death Eater Amycus who was throwing hex after hex at her while she dodged them Amycus was giggling enjoying the sport Crucio Crucio you can’t dance for ever pretty Impedimenta yelled Harry His jinx hit Amycus in the chest he gave a piglike squeal of pain was lifted off his feet and slammed into the opposite wall slid down it and fell out of sight behind Ron Professor Minerva and Remus each of whom was battling a separate Death Eater beyond them Harry saw Nymphadora fighting an enormous blond wizard who was sending curses flying in all directions so that they ricocheted off the walls around them cracking stone shattering the nearest window Harry where did you come from Ginny cried but there was no time to answer her He put his head down and sprinted forwards narrowly avoiding a blast that erupted over his head showering them all in bits of wall Severus must not escape he must catch up with Severus Take that shouted Professor Minerva and Harry glimpsed the female Death Eater Alecto sprinting away down the corridor with her arms over her head her brother right behind her Harry launched himself after them but his foot caught on something and next moment he was lying across someone’s legs looking around he saw Neville’s pale round face flat against the floor Neville are you M’all right muttered Neville who was clutching his stomach Harry Severus n Draco ran past I know I’m on it said Harry aiming a hex from the floor at the enormous blond Death Eater who was causing most of the chaos the man gave a howl of pain as the spell hit him in the face he wheeled round staggered and then pounded away after the brother and sister Harry scrambled up from the floor and began to sprint along the corridor ignoring the bangs issuing from behind him the yells of the others to come back and the mute call of the figures on the ground whose fate he did not yet know He skidded round the corner his trainers slippery with blood Severus had an immense head-start was it possible that he had already entered the Cabinet in the Room of Requirement or had the Order made steps to secure it to prevent the Death Eaters retreating that way He could hear nothing but his own pounding feet his own hammering heart as he sprinted along the next empty corridor but then spotted a bloody footprint which showed that at least one of the fleeing Death Eaters was heading towards the front doors perhaps the Room of Requirement was indeed blocked He skidded round another corner and a curse flew past him he dived behind a suit of armour which exploded he saw the brother and sister Death Eaters running down the marble staircase ahead and aimed jinxes at them but merely hit several bewigged witches in a portrait on the landing who ran screeching into neighbouring paintings as he leapt over the wreckage of armour Harry heard more shouts and screams other people within the castle seemed to have awoken He pelted towards a short cut hoping to overtake the brother and sister and close in on Severus and Draco who must surely have reached the grounds by now remembering to leap the vanishing step halfway down the concealed staircase he burst through a tapestry at the bottom and out into a corridor where a number of bewildered and pyjama-clad Hufflepuffs stood Harry We heard a noise and someone said something about the Dark Mark began Ernie Out of the way yelled Harry knocking two boys aside as he sprinted towards the landing and down the remainder of the marble staircase The oak front doors had been blasted open there were smears of blood on the flagstones and several terrified students stood huddled against the walls one or two still cowering with their arms over their faces the giant Godric hour-glass had been hit by a curse and the rubies within were still falling with a loud rattle on to the flagstones below Harry flew across the Entrance Hall and out into the dark grounds he could just make out three figures racing across the lawn heading for the gates beyond which they could Disapparate by the looks of them the huge blond Death Eater and some way ahead of him Severus and Draco The cold night air ripped at Harry’s lungs as he tore after them he saw a flash of light in the distance that momentarily silhouetted his quarry he did not know what it was but continued to run not yet near enough to get a good aim with a curse Another flash shouts retaliatory jets of light and Harry understood Rubeus had emerged from his cabin and was trying to stop the Death Eaters escaping and though every breath seemed to shred his lungs and the stitch in his chest was like fire Harry sped up as an unbidden voice in his head said not Rubeus not Rubeus too Something caught Harry hard in the small of the back and he fell forwards his face smacking the ground blood pouring out of both nostrils he knew even as he rolled over his wand ready that the brother and sister he had overtaken using his short cut were closing in behind him Impedimenta he yelled as he rolled over again crouching close to the dark ground and miraculously his jinx hit one of them who stumbled and fell tripping up the other Harry leapt to his feet and sprinted on after Severus And now he saw the vast outline of Rubeus illuminated by the light of the crescent moon revealed suddenly from behind clouds the blond Death Eater was aiming curse after curse at the gamekeeper but Hagrid’s immense strength and the toughened skin he had inherited from his giantess mother seemed to be protecting him Severus and Draco however were still running they would soon be beyond the gates able to Disapparate Harry tore past Rubeus and his opponent took aim at Snape’s back and yelled Stupefy He missed the jet of red light soared past Snape’s head Severus shouted Run Draco and turned twenty yards apart he and Harry looked at each other before raising their wands simultaneously Cruc But Severus parried the curse knocking Harry backwards off his feet before he could complete it Harry rolled over and scrambled back up again as the huge Death Eater behind him yelled Incendio Harry heard an explosive bang and a dancing orange light spilled over all of them Hagrid’s house was on fire Fang’s in there yeh evil Rubeus bellowed Cruc yelled Harry for the second time aiming for the figure ahead illuminated in the dancing firelight but Severus blocked the spell again Harry could see him sneering No Unforgivable Curses from you Harry he shouted over the rushing of the flames Hagrid’s yells and the wild yelping of the trapped Fang You haven’t got the nerve or the ability Incarc Harry roared but Severus deflected the spell with an almost lazy flick of his arm Fight back Harry screamed at him Fight back you cowardly Coward did you call me Harry shouted Severus Your father would never attack me unless it was four on one what would you call him I wonder Stupe Blocked again and again and again until you learn to keep your mouth shut and your mind closed Harry sneered Severus deflecting the curse once more Now come he shouted at the huge Death Eater behind Harry It is time to be gone before the Ministry turns up Impedi But before he could finish this jinx excruciating pain hit Harry he keeled over in the grass someone was screaming he would surely die of this agony Severus was going to torture him to death or madness No roared Snape’s voice and the pain stopped as suddenly as it had started Harry lay curled on the dark grass clutching his wand and panting somewhere above him Severus was shouting Have you forgotten our orders Harry belongs to the Dark Lord we are to leave him Go Go And Harry felt the ground shudder under his face as the brother and sister and the enormous Death Eater obeyed running towards the gates Harry uttered an inarticulate yell of rage in that instant he cared not whether he lived or died pushing himself to his feet again he staggered blindly towards Severus the man he now hated as much as he hated Lord himself Sectum Severus flicked his wand and the curse was repelled yet again but Harry was mere feet away now and he could see Snape’s face clearly at last he was no longer sneering or jeering the blazing flames showed a face full of rage Mustering all his powers of concentration Harry thought Levi No Harry screamed Severus There was a loud BANG and Harry was soaring backwards hitting the ground hard again and this time his wand flew out of his hand He could hear Rubeus yelling and Fang howling as Severus closed in and looked down on him where he lay wandless and defenceless as Albus had been Snape’s pale face illuminated by the flaming cabin was suffused with hatred just as it had been before he had cursed Albus You dare use my own spells against me Harry It was I who invented them I the Half-Blood Eileen And you’d turn my inventions on me like your filthy father would you I don’t think so no Harry had dived for his wand Severus shot a hex at it and it flew feet away into the darkness and out of sight Kill me then panted Harry who felt no fear at all but only rage and contempt Kill me like you killed him you coward DON’T screamed Severus and his face was suddenly demented inhuman as though he was in as much pain as the yelping howling dog stuck in the burning house behind them CALL ME COWARD And he slashed at the air Harry felt a white-hot whiplike something hit him across the face and was slammed backwards into the ground Spots of light burst in front of his eyes and for a moment all the breath seemed to have gone from his body then he heard a rush of wings above him and something enormous obscured the stars Buckbeak had flown at Severus who staggered backwards as the razor-sharp claws slashed at him As Harry raised himself into a sitting position his head still swimming from its last contact with the ground he saw Severus running as hard as he could the enormous beast flapping behind him and screeching as Harry had never heard him screech Harry struggled to his feet looking around groggily for his wand hoping to give chase again but even as his fingers fumbled in the grass discarding twigs he knew it would be too late and sure enough by the time he had located his wand he turned only to see the Hippogriff circling the gates Severus had managed to Disapparate just beyond the school’s boundaries Rubeus muttered Harry still dazed looking around HAGRID He stumbled towards the burning house as an enormous figure emerged from out of the flames carrying Fang on his back With a cry of thankfulness Harry sank to his knees he was shaking in every limb his body ached all over and his breath came in painful stabs Yeh all righ Harry Yeh all righ Speak ter me Harry Hagrid’s huge hairy face was swimming above Harry blocking out the stars Harry could smell burnt wood and dog hair he put out a hand and felt Fang’s reassuringly warm and alive body quivering beside him I’m all right panted Harry Are you Course I am take more’n that ter finish me Rubeus put his hands under Harry’s arms and raised him up with such force that Harry’s feet momentarily left the ground before Rubeus set him upright again He could see blood trickling down Hagrid’s cheek from a deep cut under one eye which was swelling rapidly We should put out your house said Harry the charm’s Aguamenti Knew it was summat like that mumbled Rubeus and he raised a smouldering pink flowery umbrella and said Aguamenti A jet of water flew out of the umbrella tip Harry raised his wand arm which felt like lead and murmured Aguamenti too together he and Rubeus poured water on the house until the last flame was extinguished S not too bad said Rubeus hopefully a few minutes later looking at the smoking wreck Nothin Albus won be able to put righ Harry felt a searing pain in his stomach at the sound of the name In the silence and the stillness horror rose inside him Rubeus I was bindin up a couple o Bowtruckle legs when I heard em comin said Rubeus sadly still staring at his wrecked cabin They’ll’ve bin burnt ter twigs poor little things Rubeus But what happened Harry I jus saw them Death Eaters runnin down from the castle but what the ruddy hell was Severus doin with em Where’s he gone was he chasin em He Harry cleared his throat it was dry from panic and the smoke Rubeus he killed Killed said Rubeus loudly staring down at Harry Severus killed What’re yeh on abou Harry Albus said Harry Severus killed Albus Rubeus simply looked at him the little of his face that could be seen completely blank uncomprehending Albus wha Harry He’s dead Severus killed him Don say that said Rubeus roughly Severus kill Albus don be stupid Harry Wha’s made yeh say tha I saw it happen Yeh couldn have I saw it Rubeus Rubeus shook his head his expression was disbelieving but sympathetic and Harry knew that Rubeus thought he had sustained a blow to the head that he was confused perhaps by the after-effects of a jinx What musta happened was Albus musta told Severus ter go with them Death Eaters Rubeus said confidently I suppose he’s gotta keep his cover Look let’s get yeh back up ter the school Come on Harry Harry did not attempt to argue or explain He was still shaking uncontrollably Rubeus would find out soon enough too soon As they directed their steps back towards the castle Harry saw that many of its windows were lit now he could imagine clearly the scenes inside as people moved from room to room telling each other that Death Eaters had got in that the Mark was shining over Hogwarts that somebody must have been killed The oak front doors stood open ahead of them light flooding out on to the drive and the lawn Slowly uncertainly dressing-gowned people were creeping down the steps looking around nervously for some sign of the Death Eaters who had fled into the night Harry’s eyes however were fixed upon the ground at the foot of the tallest tower He imagined that he could see a black huddled mass lying in the grass there though he was really too far away to see anything of the sort Even as he stared wordlessly at the place where he thought Dumbledore’s body must lie however he saw people beginning to move towards it What’re they all lookin at said Rubeus as he and Harry approached the castle front Fang keeping as close as he could to their ankles Wha’s tha lyin on the grass Rubeus added sharply heading now towards the foot of the Astronomy Tower where a small crowd was congregating See it Harry Righ at the foot o the Tower Under where the Mark blimey yeh don think someone got thrown Rubeus fell silent the thought apparently too horrible to express aloud Harry walked alongside him feeling the aches and pains in his face and his legs where the various hexes of the last half an hour had hit him though in an oddly detached way as though somebody near him was suffering them What was real and inescapable was the awful pressing feeling in his chest He and Rubeus moved dreamlike through the murmuring crowd to the very front where the dumbstruck students and teachers had left a gap Harry heard Hagrid’s moan of pain and shock but he did not stop he walked slowly forwards until he reached the place where Albus lay and crouched down beside him Harry had known there was no hope from the moment that the Body-Bind Curse Albus had placed upon him lifted known that it could have happened only because its caster was dead but there was still no preparation for seeing him here spread-eagled broken the greatest wizard Harry had ever or would ever meet Dumbledore’s eyes were closed but for the strange angle of his arms and legs he might have been sleeping Harry reached out straightened the half-moon spectacles upon the crooked nose and wiped a trickle of blood from the mouth with his own sleeve Then he gazed down at the wise old face and tried to absorb the enormous and incomprehensible truth that never again would Albus speak to him never again could he help The crowd murmured behind Harry After what seemed like a long time he became aware that he was kneeling upon something hard and looked down The locket they had managed to steal so many hours before had fallen out of Dumbledore’s pocket It had opened perhaps due to the force with which it had hit the ground And although he could not feel more shock or horror or sadness than he felt already Harry knew as he picked it up that there was something wrong He turned the locket over in his hands This was neither as large as the locket he remembered seeing in the Pensieve nor were there any markings upon it no sign of the ornate S that was supposed to be Slytherin’s mark Moreover there was nothing inside but for a scrap of folded parchment wedged tightly into the place where a portrait should have been Automatically without really thinking about what he was doing Harry pulled out the fragment of parchment opened it and read by the light of the many wands that had now been lit behind him To the Dark Lord I know I will be dead long before you read this but I want you to know that it was I who discovered your secret I have stolen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can I face death in the hope that when you meet your match you will be mortal once more R A B Harry neither knew nor cared what the message meant Only one thing mattered this was not a Horcrux Albus had weakened himself by drinking that terrible potion for nothing Harry crumpled the parchment in his hand and his eyes burned with tears as behind him Fang began to howl C’mere Harry No You can stay here Harry come on now No He did not want to leave Dumbledore’s side he did not want to move anywhere Hagrid’s hand on his shoulder was trembling Then another voice said Harry come on A much smaller and warmer hand had enclosed his and was pulling him upwards He obeyed its pressure without really thinking about it Only as he walked blindly back through the crowd did he realise from a trace of flowery scent on the air that it was Ginny who was leading him back into the castle Incomprehensible voices battered him sobs and shouts and wails stabbed the night but Harry and Ginny walked on back up the steps into the Entrance Hall faces swam on the edges of Harry’s vision people were peering at him whispering wondering and Godric rubies glistened on the floor like drops of blood as they made their way towards the marble staircase We’re going to the hospital wing said Ginny I’m not hurt said Harry It’s McGonagall’s orders said Ginny Everyone’s up there Ron and Hermione and Remus and everyone Fear stirred in Harry’s chest again he had forgotten the inert figures he had left behind Ginny who else is dead Don’t worry none of us But the Dark Mark Draco said he stepped over a body He stepped over Bill but it’s all right he’s alive There was something in her voice however that Harry knew boded ill Are you sure Of course I’m sure he’s a a bit of a mess that’s all Fenrir attacked him Madam Poppy says he won’t won’t look the same any more Ginny’s voice trembled a little We don’t really know what the after-effects will be I mean Fenrir being a werewolf but not transformed at the time But the others there were other bodies on the ground Neville’s in the hospital wing but Madam Poppy thinks he’ll make a full recovery and Professor Filius was knocked out but he’s all right just a bit shaky He insisted on going off to look after the Ravenclaws And a Death Eater’s dead he got hit by a Killing Curse the huge blond one was firing off everywhere Harry if we hadn’t had your Felix potion I think we’d all have been killed but everything seemed to just miss us They had reached the hospital wing pushing open the doors Harry saw Neville lying apparently asleep in a bed near the door Ron Hermione Luna Nymphadora and Remus were gathered around another bed near the far end of the ward At the sound of the doors opening they all looked up Hermione ran to Harry and hugged him Remus moved forwards too looking anxious Are you all right Harry I’m fine how’s Bill Nobody answered Harry looked over Hermione’s shoulder and saw an unrecognisable face lying on Bill’s pillow so badly slashed and ripped that he looked grotesque Madam Poppy was dabbing at his wounds with some harsh-smelling green ointment Harry remembered how Severus had mended Malfoy’s Sectumsempra wounds so easily with his wand Can’t you fix them with a charm or something he asked the matron No charm will work on these said Madam Poppy I’ve tried everything I know but there is no cure for werewolf bites But he wasn’t bitten at the full moon said Ron who was gazing down into his brother’s face as though he could somehow force him to mend just by staring Fenrir hadn’t transformed so surely Bill won’t be a a real He looked uncertainly at Remus No I don’t think that Bill will be a true werewolf said Remus but that does not mean that there won’t be some contamination Those are cursed wounds They are unlikely ever to heal fully and and Bill might have some wolfish characteristics from now on Albus might know something that’d work though Ron said Where is he Bill fought those maniacs on Dumbledore’s orders Albus owes him he can’t leave him in this state Ron Dumbledore’s dead said Ginny No Remus looked wildly from Ginny to Harry as though hoping the latter might contradict her but when Harry did not Remus collapsed into a chair beside Bill’s bed his hands over his face Harry had never seen Remus lose control before he felt as though he was intruding upon something private indecent he turned away and caught Ron’s eye instead exchanging in silence a look that confirmed what Ginny had said How did he die whispered Nymphadora How did it happen Severus killed him said Harry I was there I saw it We arrived back on the Astronomy Tower because that’s where the Mark was Albus was ill he was weak but I think he realised it was a trap when we heard footsteps running up the stairs He immobilised me I couldn’t do anything I was under the Invisibility Cloak and then Draco came through the door and Disarmed him Hermione clapped her hands to her mouth and Ron groaned Luna’s mouth trembled more Death Eaters arrived and then Severus and Severus did it The Avada Kedavra Harry couldn’t go on Madam Poppy burst into tears Nobody paid her any attention except Ginny who whispered Shh Listen Gulping Madam Poppy pressed her fingers to her mouth her eyes wide Somewhere out in the darkness a phoenix was singing in a way Harry had never heard before a stricken lament of terrible beauty And Harry felt as he had felt about phoenix song before that the music was inside him not without it was his own grief turned magically to song that echoed across the grounds and through the castle windows How long they all stood there listening he did not know nor why it seemed to ease their pain a little to listen to the sound of their mourning but it felt like a long time later that the hospital door opened again and Professor Minerva entered the ward Like all the rest she bore marks of the recent battle there were grazes on her face and her robes were ripped Molly and Arthur are on their way she said and the spell of the music was broken everyone roused themselves as though coming out of trances turning again to look at Bill or else to rub their own eyes shake their heads Harry what happened According to Rubeus you were with Professor Albus when he when it happened He says Professor Severus was involved in some Severus killed Albus said Harry She stared at him for a moment then swayed alarmingly Madam Poppy who seemed to have pulled herself together ran forwards conjuring a chair from thin air which she pushed under Minerva Severus repeated Minerva faintly falling into the chair We all wondered but he trusted always Severus I can’t believe it Severus was a highly accomplished Occlumens said Remus his voice uncharacteristically harsh We always knew that But Albus swore he was on our side whispered Nymphadora I always thought Albus must know something about Severus that we didn’t He always hinted that he had an iron-clad reason for trusting Severus muttered Professor Minerva now dabbing at the corners of her leaking eyes with a tartan-edged handkerchief I mean with Snape’s history of course people were bound to wonder but Albus told me explicitly that Snape’s repentance was absolutely genuine wouldn’t hear a word against him I’d love to know what Severus told him to convince him said Nymphadora I know said Harry and they all turned to stare at him Severus passed Lord the information that made Lord hunt down my mum and dad Then Severus told Albus he hadn’t realised what he was doing he was really sorry he’d done it sorry that they were dead And Albus believed that said Remus incredulously Albus believed Severus was sorry James was dead Severus hated James And he didn’t think my mother was worth a damn either said Harry because she was Muggle-born Mudblood he called her Nobody asked how Harry knew this All of them seemed to be lost in horrified shock trying to digest the monstrous truth of what had happened This is all my fault said Professor Minerva suddenly She looked disorientated twisting her wet handkerchief in her hands My fault I sent Filius to fetch Severus tonight I actually sent for him to come and help us If I hadn’t alerted Severus to what was going on he might never have joined forces with the Death Eaters I don’t think he knew they were there before Filius told him I don’t think he knew they were coming It isn’t your fault Minerva said Remus firmly We all wanted more help we were glad to think Severus was on his way So when he arrived at the fight he joined in on the Death Eaters side asked Harry who wanted every detail of Snape’s duplicity and infamy feverishly collecting more reasons to hate him to swear vengeance I don’t know exactly how it happened said Professor Minerva distractedly It’s all so confusing Albus had told us that he would be leaving the school for a few hours and that we were to patrol the corridors just in case Remus Bill and Nymphadora were to join us and so we patrolled All seemed quiet Every secret passageway out of the school was covered We knew nobody could fly in There were powerful enchantments on every entrance into the castle I still don’t know how the Death Eaters can possibly have entered I do said Harry and he explained briefly about the pair of Vanishing Cabinets and the magical pathway they formed So they got in through the Room of Requirement Almost against his will he glanced from Ron to Hermione both of whom looked devastated I messed up Harry said Ron bleakly We did like you told us we checked the Marauder’s Map and we couldn’t see Draco on it so we thought he must be in the Room of Requirement so me Ginny and Neville went to keep watch on it but Draco got past us He came out of the Room about an hour after we started keeping watch said Ginny He was on his own clutching that awful shrivelled arm His Hand of Glory said Ron Gives light only to the holder remember Anyway Ginny went on he must have been checking whether the coast was clear to let the Death Eaters out because the moment he saw us he threw something into the air and it all went pitch black Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder said Ron bitterly Fred and George’s I’m going to be having a word with them about who they let buy their products We tried everything Lumos Incendio said Ginny Nothing would penetrate the darkness all we could do was grope our way out of the corridor again and meanwhile we could hear people rushing past us Obviously Draco could see because of that Hand thing and was guiding them but we didn’t dare use any curses or anything in case we hit each other and by the time we’d reached a corridor that was light they’d gone Luckily said Remus hoarsely Ron Ginny and Neville ran into us almost immediately and told us what had happened We found the Death Eaters minutes later heading in the direction of the Astronomy Tower Draco obviously hadn’t expected more people to be on the watch he seemed to have exhausted his supply of Darkness Powder at any rate A fight broke out they scattered and we gave chase One of them Gibbon broke away and headed up the Tower stairs To set off the Mark asked Harry He must have done yes they must have arranged that before they left the Room of Requirement said Remus But I don’t think Gibbon liked the idea of waiting up there alone for Albus because he came running back downstairs to rejoin the fight and was hit by a Killing Curse that just missed me So if Ron was watching the Room of Requirement with Ginny and Neville said Harry turning to Hermione were you Outside Snape’s office yes whispered Hermione her eyes sparkling with tears with Luna We hung around for ages outside it and nothing happened we didn’t know what was going on upstairs Ron had taken the Marauder’s Map it was nearly midnight when Professor Filius came sprinting down into the dungeons He was shouting about Death Eaters in the castle I don’t think he really registered that Luna and I were there at all he just burst his way into Snape’s office and we heard him saying that Severus had to go back with him and help and then we heard a loud thump and Severus came hurtling out of his room and he saw us and and What Harry urged her I was so stupid Harry said Hermione in a high-pitched whisper He said Professor Filius had collapsed and that we should go and take care of him while he while he went to help fight the Death Eaters She covered her face in shame and continued to talk into her fingers so that her voice was muffled We went into his office to see if we could help Professor Filius and found him unconscious on the floor and oh it’s so obvious now Severus must have Stupefied Filius but we didn’t realise Harry we didn’t realise we just let Severus go It’s not your fault said Remus firmly Hermione had you not obeyed Severus and got out of the way he would probably have killed you and Luna So then he came upstairs said Harry who in his mind’s eye was watching Severus running up the marble staircase his black robes billowing behind him as ever pulling his wand from under his cloak as he ascended and he found the place where you were all fighting We were in trouble we were losing said Nymphadora in a low voice Gibbon was down but the rest of the Death Eaters seemed ready to fight to the death Neville had been hurt Bill had been savaged by Fenrir it was all dark curses flying everywhere the Draco boy had vanished he must have slipped past up the stairs to the Tower then more of them ran after him but one of them blocked the stairs behind them with some kind of curse Neville ran at it and got thrown up into the air None of us could break through said Ron and that massive Death Eater was still firing off jinxes all over the place they were bouncing off the walls and barely missing us And then Severus was there said Nymphadora and then he wasn’t I saw him running towards us but that huge Death Eater’s jinx just missed me right afterwards and I ducked and lost track of things said Ginny I saw him run straight through the cursed barrier as though it wasn’t there said Remus I tried to follow him but was thrown back just like Neville He must have known a spell we didn’t whispered Minerva After all he was the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher I just assumed that he was in a hurry to chase after the Death Eaters who’d escaped up to the Tower He was said Harry savagely but to help them not to stop them and I’ll bet you had to have a Dark Mark to get through that barrier so what happened when he came back down Well the big Death Eater had just fired off a hex that caused half the ceiling to fall in and also broke the curse blocking the stairs said Remus We all ran forwards those of us who were still standing anyway and then Severus and the boy emerged out of the dust obviously none of us attacked them We just let them pass said Nymphadora in a hollow voice we thought they were being chased by the Death Eaters and next thing the other Death Eaters and Fenrir were back and we were fighting again I thought I heard Severus shout something but I don’t know what He shouted It’s over said Harry He’d done what he’d meant to do They all fell silent Fawkes’s lament was still echoing over the dark grounds outside As the music reverberated upon the air unbidden unwelcome thoughts slunk into Harry’s mind had they taken Dumbledore’s body from the foot of the Tower yet What would happen to it next Where would it rest He clenched his fists tightly in his pockets He could feel the small cold lump of the fake Horcrux against the knuckles of his right hand The doors of the hospital wing burst open making them all jump Mr and Mrs Ron were striding up the ward Fleur just behind them her beautiful face terrified Molly Arthur said Professor Minerva jumping up and hurrying to greet them I am so sorry Bill whispered Mrs Ron darting past Professor Minerva as she caught sight of Bill’s mangled face Oh Bill Remus and Nymphadora had got up hastily and retreated so that Mr and Mrs Ron could get nearer to the bed Mrs Ron bent over her son and pressed her lips to his bloody forehead You said Fenrir attacked him Mr Ron asked Professor Minerva distractedly But he hadn’t transformed So what does that mean What will happen to Bill We don’t yet know said Professor Minerva looking helplessly at Remus There will probably be some contamination Arthur said Remus It is an odd case possibly unique we don’t know what his behaviour might be like when he wakes up Mrs Ron took the nasty-smelling ointment from Madam Poppy and began dabbing at Bill’s wounds And Albus said Mr Ron Minerva is it true is he really As Professor Minerva nodded Harry felt Ginny move beside him and looked at her Her slightly narrowed eyes were fixed upon Fleur who was gazing down at Bill with a frozen expression on her face Albus gone whispered Mr Ron but Mrs Ron had eyes only for her eldest son she began to sob tears falling on to Bill’s mutilated face Of course it doesn’t matter how he looks it’s not r really important but he was a very handsome little b boy always very handsome and he was g going to be married And what do you mean by zat said Fleur suddenly and loudly What do you mean e was going to be married Mrs Ron raised her tear-stained face looking startled Well only that You theenk Bill will not wish to marry me any more demanded Fleur You theenk because of these bites he will not love me No that’s not what I Because e will said Fleur drawing herself up to her full height and throwing back her long mane of silver hair It would take more zan a werewolf to stop Bill loving me Well yes I’m sure said Mrs Ron but I thought perhaps given how how he You thought I would not weesh to marry him Or per’aps you oped said Fleur her nostrils flaring What do I care how e looks I am good-looking enough for both of us I theenk All these scars show is zat my husband is brave And I shall do zat she added fiercely pushing Mrs Ron aside and snatching the ointment from her Mrs Ron fell back against her husband and watched Fleur mopping up Bill’s wounds with a most curious expression upon her face Nobody said anything Harry did not dare move Like everybody else he was waiting for the explosion Our Great Auntie Muriel said Mrs Ron after a long pause has a very beautiful tiara goblin-made which I am sure I could persuade her to lend you for the wedding She is very fond of Bill you know and it would look lovely with your hair Thank you said Fleur stiffly I am sure zat will be lovely And then Harry did not quite see how it happened both women were crying and hugging each other Completely bewildered wondering whether the world had gone mad he turned round Ron looked as stunned as Harry felt and Ginny and Hermione were exchanging startled looks You see said a strained voice Nymphadora was glaring at Remus She still wants to marry him even though he’s been bitten She doesn’t care It’s different said Remus barely moving his lips and looking suddenly tense Bill will not be a full werewolf The cases are completely But I don’t care either I don’t care said Nymphadora seizing the front of Lupin’s robes and shaking them I’ve told you a million times And the meaning of Tonks’s Patronus and her mousecoloured hair and the reason she had come running to find Albus when she had heard a rumour someone had been attacked by Fenrir all suddenly became clear to Harry it had not been Sirius that Nymphadora had fallen in love with after all And I’ve told you a million times said Remus refusing to meet her eyes staring at the floor that I am too old for you too poor too dangerous I’ve said all along you’re taking a ridiculous line on this Remus said Mrs Ron over Fleur’s shoulder as she patted her on the back I am not being ridiculous said Remus steadily Nymphadora deserves somebody young and whole But she wants you said Mr Ron with a small smile And after all Remus young and whole men do not necessarily remain so He gestured sadly at his son lying between them This is not the moment to discuss it said Remus avoiding everybody’s eyes as he looked around distractedly Albus is dead Albus would have been happier than anybody to think that there was a little more love in the world said Professor Minerva curtly just as the hospital doors opened again and Rubeus walked in The little of his face that was not obscured by hair or beard was soaking and swollen he was shaking with tears a vast spotted handkerchief in his hand I’ve I’ve done it Professor he choked M moved him Professor Sprout’s got the kids back in bed Professor Flitwick’s lyin down but he says he’ll be all right in a jiffy an Professor Horace says the Ministry’s bin informed Thank you Rubeus said Professor Minerva standing up at once and turning to look at the group around Bill’s bed I shall have to see the Ministry when they get here Rubeus please tell the Heads of House Horace can represent Salazar that I want to see them in my office forthwith I would like you to join us too As Rubeus nodded turned and shuffled out of the room again she looked down at Harry Before I meet them I would like a quick word with you Harry If you’ll come with me Harry stood up murmured See you in a bit to Ron Hermione and Ginny and followed Professor Minerva back down the ward The corridors outside were deserted and the only sound was the distant phoenix song It was several minutes before Harry became aware that they were not heading for Professor McGonagall’s office but for Dumbledore’s and another few seconds before he realised that of course she had been Deputy Headmistress apparently she was now Headmistress so the room behind the gargoyle was now hers In silence they ascended the moving spiral staircase and entered the circular office He did not know what he had expected that the room would be draped in black perhaps or even that Dumbledore’s body might be lying there In fact it looked almost exactly as it had done when he and Albus had left it mere hours previously the silver instruments whirring and puffing on their spindle-legged tables Gryffindor’s sword in its glass case gleaming in the moonlight the Sorting on a shelf behind the desk But Fawkes’s perch stood empty he was still crying his lament to the grounds And a new portrait had joined the ranks of the dead headmasters and headmistresses of Hogwarts Albus was slumbering in a golden frame over the desk his half-moon spectacles perched upon his crooked nose looking peaceful and untroubled After glancing once at this portrait Professor Minerva made an odd movement as though steeling herself then rounded the desk to look at Harry her face taut and lined Harry she said I would like to know what you and Professor Albus were doing this evening when you left the school I can’t tell you that Professor said Harry He had expected the question and had his answer ready It had been here in this very room that Albus had told him that he was to confide the contents of their lessons to nobody but Ron and Hermione Harry it might be important said Professor Minerva It is said Harry very but he didn’t want me to tell anyone Professor Minerva glared at him Harry Harry registered the renewed use of his surname in the light of Professor Dumbledore’s death I think you must see that the situation has changed somewhat I don’t think so said Harry shrugging Professor Albus never told me to stop following his orders if he died But There’s one thing you should know before the Ministry gets here though Madam Rosmerta’s under the Imperius Curse she was helping Draco and the Death Eaters that’s how the necklace and the poisoned mead Rosmerta said Professor Minerva incredulously but before she could go on there was a knock on the door behind them and Professors Pomona Filius and Horace traipsed into the room followed by Rubeus who was still weeping copiously his huge frame trembling with grief Severus ejaculated Horace who looked the most shaken pale and sweating Severus I taught him I thought I knew him But before any of them could respond to this a sharp voice spoke from high on the wall a sallow-faced wizard with a short black fringe had just walked back into his empty canvas Minerva the Minister will be here within seconds he has just Disapparated from the Ministry Thank you Everard said Professor Minerva and she turned quickly to her teachers I want to talk about what happens to Hogwarts before he gets here she said quickly Personally I am not convinced that the school should reopen next year The death of the Headmaster at the hands of one of our colleagues is a terrible stain upon Hogwarts history It is horrible I am sure Albus would have wanted the school to remain open said Professor Pomona I feel that if a single pupil wants to come then the school ought to remain open for that pupil But will we have a single pupil after this said Horace now dabbing his sweating brow with a silken handkerchief Parents will want to keep their children at home and I can’t say I blame them Personally I don’t think we’re in more danger at Hogwarts than we are anywhere else but you can’t expect mothers to think like that They’ll want to keep their families together it’s only natural I agree said Professor Minerva And in any case it is not true to say that Albus never envisaged a situation in which Hogwarts might close When the Chamber of Secrets reopened he considered the closure of the school and I must say that Professor Dumbledore’s murder is more disturbing to me than the idea of Slytherin’s monster living undetected in the bowels of the castle We must consult the governors said Professor Filius in his squeaky little voice he had a large bruise on his forehead but seemed otherwise unscathed by his collapse in Snape’s office We must follow the established procedures A decision should not be made hastily Rubeus you haven’t said anything said Professor Minerva What are your views ought Hogwarts to remain open Rubeus who had been weeping silently into his large spotted handkerchief throughout this conversation now raised puffy red eyes and croaked I dunno Professor that’s fer the Heads of House an the Headmistress ter decide Professor Albus always valued your views said Professor Minerva kindly and so do I Well I’m stayin said Rubeus fat tears still leaking out of the corners of his eyes and trickling down into his tangled beard It’s me home it’s bin me home since I was thirteen An if there’s kids who wan me ter teach em I’ll do it But I dunno Hogwarts without Albus He gulped and disappeared behind his handkerchief once more and there was silence Very well said Professor Minerva glancing out of the window at the grounds checking to see whether the Minister was yet approaching then I must agree with Filius that the right thing to do is to consult the governors who will take the final decision Now as to getting students home there is an argument for doing it sooner rather than later We could arrange for the Hogwarts Express to come tomorrow if necessary What about Dumbledore’s funeral said Harry speaking at last Well said Professor Minerva losing a little of her briskness as her voice shook I I know that it was Dumbledore’s wish to be laid to rest here at Hogwarts Then that’s what’ll happen isn’t it said Harry fiercely If the Ministry thinks it appropriate said Professor Minerva No other headmaster or headmistress has ever been No other headmaster or headmistress ever gave more to this school growled Rubeus Hogwarts should be Dumbledore’s final resting place said Professor Filius Absolutely said Professor Pomona And in that case said Harry you shouldn’t send the students home until the funeral’s over They’ll want to say The last word caught in his throat but Professor Pomona completed the sentence for him Goodbye Well said squeaked Professor Filius Well said indeed Our students should pay tribute it is fitting We can arrange transport home afterwards Seconded barked Professor Pomona I suppose yes said Horace in a rather agitated voice while Rubeus let out a strangled sob of assent He’s coming said Professor Minerva suddenly gazing down into the grounds The Minister and by the looks of it he’s brought a delegation Can I leave Professor said Harry at once He had no desire at all to see or be interrogated by Rufus tonight You may said Professor Minerva and quickly She strode towards the door and held it open for him He sped down the spiral staircase and off along the deserted corridor he had left his Invisibility Cloak at the top of the Astronomy Tower but it did not matter there was nobody in the corridors to see him pass not even Argus Mrs Norris or Peeves He did not meet another soul until he turned into the passage leading to the Godric common room Is it true whispered the Fat as he approached her Is it really true Albus dead Yes said Harry She let out a wail and without waiting for the password swung forwards to admit him As Harry had suspected it would be the common room was jam-packed The room fell silent as he climbed through the portrait hole He saw Dean and Seamus sitting in a group nearby this meant that the dormitory must be empty or nearly so Without speaking to anybody without making eyecontact at all Harry walked straight across the room and through the door to the boys dormitories As he had hoped Ron was waiting for him still fully dressed sitting on his bed Harry sat down on his own fourposter and for a moment they simply stared at each other They’re talking about closing the school said Harry Remus said they would said Ron There was a pause So said Ron in a very low voice as though he thought the furniture might be listening in Did you find one Did you get it A a Horcrux Harry shook his head All that had taken place around that black lake seemed like an old nightmare now had it really happened and only hours ago You didn’t get it said Ron looking crestfallen It wasn’t there No said Harry Someone had already taken it and left a fake in its place Already taken Wordlessly Harry pulled the fake locket from his pocket opened it and passed it to Ron The full story could wait it did not matter tonight nothing mattered except the end the end of their pointless adventure the end of Dumbledore’s life R A B whispered Ron but who was that Dunno said Harry lying back on his bed fully clothed and staring blankly upwards He felt no curiosity at all about R A B he doubted that he would ever feel curious again As he lay there he became aware suddenly that the grounds were silent Fawkes had stopped singing And he knew without knowing how he knew it that the phoenix had gone had left Hogwarts for good just as Albus had left the school had left the world had left Harry All lessons were suspended all examinations postponed Some students were hurried away from Hogwarts by their parents over the next couple of days the Parvati twins were gone before breakfast on the morning following Dumbledore’s death and Zacharias was escorted from the castle by his haughty-looking father Seamus on the other hand refused point-blank to accompany his mother home they had a shouting match in the Entrance Hall which was resolved when she agreed that he could remain behind for the funeral She had difficulty in finding a bed in Hogsmeade Seamus told Harry and Ron for wizards and witches were pouring into the village preparing to pay their last respects to Albus Some excitement was caused among the younger students who had never seen it before when a powder-blue carriage the size of a house pulled by a dozen giant winged palominos came soaring out of the sky in the late afternoon before the funeral and landed on the edge of the Forest Harry watched from a window as a gigantic and handsome oliveskinned black-haired woman descended the carriage steps and threw herself into the waiting Hagrid’s arms Meanwhile a delegation of Ministry officials including the Minister for Magic himself was being accommodated within the castle Harry was diligently avoiding contact with any of them he was sure that sooner or later he would be asked again to account for Dumbledore’s last excursion from Hogwarts Harry Ron Hermione and Ginny were spending all of their time together The beautiful weather seemed to mock them Harry could imagine how it would have been if Albus had not died and they had had this time together at the very end of the year Ginny’s examinations finished the pressure of homework lifted and hour by hour he put off saying the thing that he knew he must say doing what he knew it was right to do because it was too hard to forgo his best source of comfort They visited the hospital wing twice a day Neville had been discharged but Bill remained under Madam Pomfrey’s care His scars were as bad as ever in truth he now bore a distinct resemblance to Mad-Eye Alastor though thankfully with both eyes and legs but in personality he seemed just the same as ever All that appeared to have changed was that he now had a great liking for very rare steaks so eet ees lucky e is marrying me said Fleur happily plumping up Bill’s pillows because ze British overcook their meat I ave always said this I suppose I’m just going to have to accept that he really is going to marry her sighed Ginny later that evening as she Harry Ron and Hermione sat beside the open window of the Godric common room looking out over the twilit grounds She’s not that bad said Harry Ugly though he added hastily as Ginny raised her eyebrows and she let out a reluctant giggle Well I suppose if Mum can stand it I can Anyone else we know died Ron asked Hermione who was perusing the Evening Prophet Hermione winced at the forced toughness in his voice No she said reprovingly folding up the newspaper They’re still looking for Severus but no sign Of course there isn’t said Harry who became angry every time this subject cropped up They won’t find Severus till they find Lord and seeing as they’ve never managed to do that in all this time I’m going to go to bed yawned Ginny I haven’t been sleeping that well since well I could do with some sleep She kissed Harry Ron looked away pointedly waved at the other two and departed for the girls dormitories The moment the door had closed behind her Hermione leaned forwards towards Harry with a most Hermione-ish look on her face Harry I found something out this morning in the library R A B said Harry sitting up straight He did not feel the way he had so often felt before excited curious burning to get to the bottom of a mystery he simply knew that the task of discovering the truth about the real Horcrux had to be completed before he could move a little further along the dark and winding path stretching ahead of him the path that he and Albus had set out upon together and which he now knew he would have to journey alone There might still be as many as four Horcruxes out there somewhere and each would need to be found and eliminated before there was even a possibility that Lord could be killed He kept reciting their names to himself as though by listing them he could bring them within reach the locket the cup the snake something of Gryffindor’s or Ravenclaw’s the locket the cup the snake something of Gryffindor’s or Ravenclaw’s This mantra seemed to pulse through Harry’s mind as he fell asleep at night and his dreams were thick with cups lockets and mysterious objects that he could not quite reach though Albus helpfully offered Harry a rope ladder that turned to snakes the moment he began to climb He had shown Hermione the note inside the locket the morning after Dumbledore’s death and although she had not immediately recognised the initials as belonging to some obscure wizard about whom she had been reading she had since been rushing off to the library a little more often than was strictly necessary for somebody who had no homework to do No she said sadly I’ve been trying Harry but I haven’t found anything there are a couple of reasonably wellknown wizards with those initials Rosalind Antigone Bungs Rupert Axebanger Brookstanton but they don’t seem to fit at all Judging by that note the person who stole the Horcrux knew Lord and I can’t find a shred of evidence that Bungs or Axebanger ever had anything to do with him no actually it’s about well Severus She looked nervous even saying the name again What about him asked Harry heavily slumping back in his chair Well it’s just that I was sort of right about the Half-Blood Eileen business she said tentatively D’you have to rub it in Hermione How d’you think I feel about that now No no Harry I didn’t mean that she said hastily looking around to check that they were not being overheard It’s just that I was right about Eileen once owning the book You see she was Snape’s mother I thought she wasn’t much of a looker said Ron Hermione ignored him I was going through the rest of the old Prophets and there was a tiny announcement about Eileen marrying a man called Tobias and then later an announcement saying that she’d given birth to a murderer spat Harry Well yes said Hermione So I was sort of right Severus must have been proud of being half a Eileen you see Tobias was a Muggle from what it said in the Prophet Yeah that fits said Harry He’d play up the pure-blood side so he could get in with Lucius and the rest of them he’s just like Lord Pure-blood mother Muggle father ashamed of his parentage trying to make himself feared using the Dark Arts gave himself an impressive new name Lord the Half-Blood Eileen how could Albus have missed He broke off looking out of the window He could not stop himself dwelling upon Dumbledore’s inexcusable trust in Severus but as Hermione had just inadvertently reminded him he Harry had been taken in just the same in spite of the increasing nastiness of those scribbled spells he had refused to believe ill of the boy who had been so clever who had helped him so much Helped him it was an almost unendurable thought now I still don’t get why he didn’t turn you in for using that book said Ron He must’ve known where you were getting it all from He knew said Harry bitterly He knew when I used Sectumsempra He didn’t really need Legilimency he might even have known before then with Horace talking about how brilliant I was at Potions shouldn’t have left his old book in the bottom of that cupboard should he But why didn’t he turn you in I don’t think he wanted to associate himself with that book said Hermione I don’t think Albus would have liked it very much if he’d known And even if Severus pretended it hadn’t been his Horace would have recognised his writing at once Anyway the book was left in Snape’s old classroom and I’ll bet Albus knew his mother was called Eileen I should’ve shown the book to Albus said Harry All that time he was showing me how Lord was evil even when he was at school and I had proof Severus was too Emeric is a strong word said Hermione quietly You were the one who kept telling me the book was dangerous I’m trying to say Harry that you’re putting too much blame on yourself I thought the Eileen seemed to have a nasty sense of humour but I would never have guessed he was a potential killer None of us could’ve guessed Severus would you know said Ron Silence fell between them each of them lost in their own thoughts but Harry was sure that they like him were thinking about the following morning when Dumbledore’s body would be laid to rest Harry had never attended a funeral before there had been no body to bury when Sirius had died He did not know what to expect and was a little worried about what he might see about how he would feel He wondered whether Dumbledore’s death would be more real to him once the funeral was over Though he had moments when the horrible fact of it threatened to overwhelm him there were blank stretches of numbness where despite the fact that nobody was talking about anything else in the whole castle he still found it difficult to believe that Albus had really gone Admittedly he had not as he had with Sirius looked desperately for some kind of loophole some way that Albus would come back he felt in his pocket for the cold chain of the fake Horcrux which he now carried with him everywhere not as a talisman but as a reminder of what it had cost and what remained still to do Harry rose early to pack the next day the Hogwarts Express would be leaving an hour after the funeral Downstairs he found the mood in the Great Hall subdued Everybody was wearing their dress robes and no one seemed very hungry Professor Minerva had left the thronelike chair in the middle of the staff table empty Hagrid’s chair was deserted too Harry thought that perhaps he had not been able to face breakfast but Snape’s place had been unceremoniously filled by Rufus Harry avoided his yellowish eyes as they scanned the Hall Harry had the uncomfortable feeling that Rufus was looking for him Among Scrimgeour’s entourage Harry spotted the red hair and horn-rimmed glasses of Percy Ron gave no sign that he was aware of Percy apart from stabbing pieces of kipper with unwonted venom Over at the Salazar table Vincent and Gregory were muttering together Hulking boys though they were they looked oddly lonely without the tall pale figure of Draco between them bossing them around Harry had not spared Draco much thought His animosity was all for Severus but he had not forgotten the fear in Malfoy’s voice on that Tower top nor the fact that he had lowered his wand before the other Death Eaters arrived Harry did not believe that Draco would have killed Albus He despised Draco still for his infatuation with the Dark Arts but now the tiniest drop of pity mingled with his dislike Where Harry wondered was Draco now and what was Lord making him do under threat of killing him and his parents Harry’s thoughts were interrupted by a nudge in the ribs from Ginny Professor Minerva had risen to her feet and the mournful hum in the Hall died away at once It is nearly time she said Please follow your Heads of House out into the grounds Gryffindors after me They filed out from behind their benches in near silence Harry glimpsed Horace at the head of the Salazar column wearing magnificent long emerald-green robes embroidered with silver He had never seen Professor Pomona Head of the Hufflepuffs looking so clean there was not a single patch on her hat and when they reached the Entrance Hall they found Madam Irma standing beside Argus she in a thick black veil that fell to her knees he in an ancient black suit and tie reeking of mothballs They were heading as Harry saw when he stepped out on to the stone steps from the front doors towards the lake The warmth of the sun caressed his face as they followed Professor Minerva in silence to the place where hundreds of chairs had been set out in rows An aisle ran down the centre of them there was a marble table standing at the front all chairs facing it It was the most beautiful summer’s day An extraordinary assortment of people had already settled into half of the chairs shabby and smart old and young Most Harry did not recognise but there were a few that he did including members of the Order of the Phoenix Kingsley Mad-Eye Alastor Nymphadora her hair miraculously returned to vividest pink Remus with whom she seemed to be holding hands Mr and Mrs Ron Bill supported by Fleur and followed by Fred and George who were wearing jackets of black dragonskin Then there was Madame Olympe who took up two-and-a-half chairs on her own Tom the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron Arabella Harry’s Squib neighbour the hairy bass player from the wizarding group the Weird Sisters Ernie driver of the Knight Bus Madam Malkin of the robe shop in Diagon Alley and some people whom Harry merely knew by sight such as the barman of the Hog’s Head and the witch who pushed the trolley on the Hogwarts Express The castle ghosts were there too barely visible in the bright sunlight discernible only when they moved shimmering insubstantially in the gleaming air Harry Ron Hermione and Ginny filed into seats at the end of a row beside the lake People were whispering to each other it sounded like a breeze in the grass but the birdsong was louder by far The crowd continued to swell with a great rush of affection for both of them Harry saw Neville being helped into a seat by Luna They alone of all the DA had responded to Hermione’s summons the night that Albus had died and Harry knew why they were the ones who had missed the DA most probably the ones who had checked their coins regularly in the hope that there would be another meeting Cornelius walked past them towards the front rows his expression miserable twirling his green bowler hat as usual Harry next recognised Rita who he was infuriated to see had a notebook clutched in her red-taloned hand and then with a worse jolt of fury Dolores an unconvincing expression of grief upon her toadlike face a black velvet bow set atop her iron-coloured curls At the sight of the centaur Firenze who was standing like a sentinel near the water’s edge she gave a start and scurried hastily into a seat a good distance away The staff were seated at last Harry could see Rufus looking grave and dignified in the front row with Professor Minerva He wondered whether Rufus or any of these important people were really sorry that Albus was dead But then he heard music strange otherworldly music and he forgot his dislike of the Ministry in looking around for the source of it He was not the only one many heads were turning searching a little alarmed In there whispered Ginny in Harry’s ear And he saw them in the clear green sunlit water inches below the surface reminding him horribly of the Inferi a chorus of merpeople singing in a strange language he did not understand their pallid faces rippling their purplish hair flowing all around them The music made the hair on Harry’s neck stand up and yet it was not unpleasant It spoke very clearly of loss and of despair As he looked down into the wild faces of the singers he had the feeling that they at least were sorry for Dumbledore’s passing Then Ginny nudged him again and he looked round Rubeus was walking slowly up the aisle between the chairs He was crying quite silently his face gleaming with tears and in his arms wrapped in purple velvet spangled with golden stars was what Harry knew to be Dumbledore’s body A sharp pain rose in Harry’s throat at this sight for a moment the strange music and the knowledge that Dumbledore’s body was so close seemed to take all warmth from the day Ron looked white and shocked Tears were falling thick and fast into both Ginny and Hermione’s laps They could not see clearly what was happening at the front Rubeus seemed to have placed the body carefully upon the table Now he retreated down the aisle blowing his nose with loud trumpeting noises that drew scandalised looks from some including Harry saw Dolores but Harry knew that Albus would not have cared He tried to make a friendly gesture to Rubeus as he passed but Hagrid’s eyes were so swollen it was a wonder he could see where he was going Harry glanced at the back row to which Rubeus was heading and realised what was guiding him for there dressed in a jacket and trousers each the size of a small marquee was the giant Grawp his great ugly boulder-like head bowed docile almost human Rubeus sat down next to his half-brother and Grawp patted Rubeus hard on the head so that his chair legs sank into the ground Harry had a wonderful momentary urge to laugh But then the music stopped and he turned to face the front again A little tufty-haired man in plain black robes had got to his feet and stood now in front of Dumbledore’s body Harry could not hear what he was saying Odd words floated back to them over the hundreds of heads Nobility of spirit intellectual contribution greatness of heart it did not mean very much It had little to do with Albus as Harry had known him He suddenly remembered Dumbledore’s idea of a few words nitwit oddment blubber and tweak and again had to suppress a grin what was the matter with him There was a soft splashing noise to his left and he saw that the merpeople had broken the surface to listen too He remembered Albus crouching at the water’s edge two years ago very close to where Harry now sat and conversing in Mermish with the Merchieftainess Harry wondered where Albus had learned Mermish There was so much he had never asked him so much he should have said And then without warning it swept over him the dreadful truth more completely and undeniably than it had until now Albus was dead gone he clutched the cold locket in his hand so tightly that it hurt but he could not prevent hot tears spilling from his eyes he looked away from Ginny and the others and stared out over the lake towards the Forest as the little man in black droned on there was movement among the trees The centaurs had come to pay their respects too They did not move into the open but Harry saw them standing quite still half-hidden in shadow watching the wizards their bows hanging at their sides And Harry remembered his first nightmarish trip into the Forest the first time he had ever encountered the thing that was then Lord and how he had faced him and how he and Albus had discussed fighting a losing battle not long thereafter It was important Albus said to fight and fight again and keep fighting for only then could evil be kept at bay though never quite eradicated And Harry saw very clearly as he sat there under the hot sun how people who cared about him had stood in front of him one by one his mother his father his godfather and finally Albus all determined to protect him but now that was over He could not let anybody else stand between him and Lord he must abandon for ever the illusion he ought to have lost at the age of one that the shelter of a parent’s arms meant that nothing could hurt him There was no waking from his nightmare no comforting whisper in the dark that he was safe really that it was all in his imagination the last and greatest of his protectors had died and he was more alone than he had ever been before The little man in black had stopped speaking at last and resumed his seat Harry waited for somebody else to get to their feet he expected speeches probably from the Minister but nobody moved Then several people screamed Bright white flames had erupted around Dumbledore’s body and the table upon which it lay higher and higher they rose obscuring the body White smoke spiralled into the air and made strange shapes Harry thought for one heart-stopping moment that he saw a phoenix fly joyfully into the blue but next second the fire had vanished In its place was a white marble tomb encasing Dumbledore’s body and the table on which he had rested There were a few more cries of shock as a shower of arrows soared through the air but they fell far short of the crowd It was Harry knew the centaurs tribute he saw them turn tail and disappear back into the cool trees Likewise the merpeople sank slowly back into the green water and were lost from view Harry looked at Ginny Ron and Hermione Ron’s face was screwed up as though the sunlight was blinding him Hermione’s face was glazed with tears but Ginny was no longer crying She met Harry’s gaze with the same hard blazing look that he had seen when she had hugged him after winning the Quidditch Cup in his absence and he knew that at that moment they understood each other perfectly and that when he told her what he was going to do now she would not say Be careful or Don’t do it but accept his decision because she would not have expected anything less of him And so he steeled himself to say what he had known he must say ever since Albus had died Ginny listen he said very quietly as the buzz of conversation grew louder around them and people began to get to their feet I can’t be involved with you any more We’ve got to stop seeing each other We can’t be together She said with an oddly twisted smile It’s for some stupid noble reason isn’t it It’s been like like something out of someone else’s life these last few weeks with you said Harry But I can’t we can’t I’ve got things to do alone now She did not cry she simply looked at him Lord uses people his enemies are close to He’s already used you as bait once and that was just because you’re my best friend’s sister Think how much danger you’ll be in if we keep this up He’ll know he’ll find out He’ll try and get to me through you What if I don’t care said Ginny fiercely I care said Harry How do you think I’d feel if this was your funeral and it was my fault She looked away from him over the lake I never really gave up on you she said Not really I always hoped Hermione told me to get on with life maybe go out with some other people relax a bit around you because I never used to be able to talk if you were in the room remember And she thought you might take a bit more notice if I was a bit more myself Smart girl that Hermione said Harry trying to smile I just wish I’d asked you sooner We could’ve had ages months years maybe But you’ve been too busy saving the wizarding world said Ginny half-laughing Well I can’t say I’m surprised I knew this would happen in the end I knew you wouldn’t be happy unless you were hunting Lord Maybe that’s why I like you so much Harry could not bear to hear these things nor did he think his resolution would hold if he remained sitting beside her Ron he saw was now holding Hermione and stroking her hair while she sobbed into his shoulder tears dripping from the end of his own long nose With a miserable gesture Harry got up turned his back on Ginny and on Dumbledore’s tomb and walked away around the lake Moving felt much more bearable than sitting still just as setting out as soon as possible to track down the Horcruxes and kill Lord would feel better than waiting to do it Harry He turned Rufus was limping rapidly towards him around the bank leaning on his walking stick I’ve been hoping to have a word do you mind if I walk a little way with you No said Harry indifferently and set off again Harry this was a dreadful tragedy said Rufus quietly I cannot tell you how appalled I was to hear of it Albus was a very great wizard We had our disagreements as you know but no one knows better than I What do you want asked Harry flatly Rufus looked annoyed but as before hastily modified his expression to one of sorrowful understanding You are of course devastated he said I know that you were very close to Albus I think you may have been his favourite ever pupil The bond between the two of you What do you want Harry repeated coming to a halt Rufus stopped too leaned on his stick and stared at Harry his expression shrewd now The word is that you were with him when he left the school the night that he died Whose word said Harry Somebody Stupefied a Death Eater on top of the Tower after Albus died There were also two broomsticks up there The Ministry can add two and two Harry Glad to hear it said Harry Well where I went with Albus and what we did is my business He didn’t want people to know Such loyalty is admirable of course said Rufus who seemed to be restraining his irritation with difficulty but Albus is gone Harry He’s gone He will only be gone from the school when none here are loyal to him said Harry smiling in spite of himself My dear boy even Albus cannot return from the I am not saying he can You wouldn’t understand But I’ve got nothing to tell you Rufus hesitated then said in what was evidently supposed to be a tone of delicacy The Ministry can offer you all sorts of protection you know Harry I would be delighted to place a couple of my Aurors at your service Harry laughed Lord wants to kill me himself and Aurors won’t stop him So thanks for the offer but no thanks So said Rufus his voice cold now the request I made of you at Christmas What request Oh yeah the one where I tell the world what a great job you’re doing in exchange for for raising everyone’s morale snapped Rufus Harry considered him for a moment Released Stan yet Rufus turned a nasty purple colour highly reminiscent of Uncle Vernon I see you are Dumbledore’s man through and through said Harry That’s right Rufus glared at him for another moment then turned and limped away without another word Harry could see Percy and the rest of the Ministry delegation waiting for him casting nervous glances at the sobbing Rubeus and Grawp who were still in their seats Ron and Hermione were hurrying towards Harry passing Rufus going in the opposite direction Harry turned and walked slowly on waiting for them to catch up which they finally did in the shade of a beech tree under which they had sat in happier times What did Rufus want Hermione whispered Same as he wanted at Christmas shrugged Harry Wanted me to give him inside information on Albus and be the Ministry’s new poster boy Ron seemed to struggle with himself for a moment then he said loudly to Hermione Look let me go back and hit Percy No she said firmly grabbing his arm It’ll make me feel better Harry laughed Even Hermione grinned a little though her smile faded as she looked up at the castle I can’t bear the idea that we might never come back she said softly How can Hogwarts close Maybe it won’t said Ron We’re not in any more danger here than we are at home are we Everywhere’s the same now I’d even say Hogwarts is safer there are more wizards inside to defend the place What d’you reckon Harry I’m not coming back even if it does reopen said Harry Ron gaped at him but Hermione said sadly I knew you were going to say that But then what will you do I’m going back to the Dursleys once more because Albus wanted me to said Harry But it’ll be a short visit and then I’ll be gone for good But where will you go if you don’t come back to school I thought I might go back to Godric’s Hollow Harry muttered He had had the idea in his head ever since the night of Dumbledore’s death For me it started there all of it I’ve just got a feeling I need to go there And I can visit my parents graves I’d like that And then what said Ron Then I’ve got to track down the rest of the Horcruxes haven’t I said Harry his eyes upon Dumbledore’s white tomb reflected in the water on the other side of the lake That’s what he wanted me to do that’s why he told me all about them If Albus was right and I’m sure he was there are still four of them out there I’ve got to find them and destroy them and then I’ve got to go after the seventh bit of Voldemort’s soul the bit that’s still in his body and I’m the one who’s going to kill him And if I meet Severus along the way he added so much the better for me so much the worse for him There was a long silence The crowd had almost dispersed now the stragglers giving the monumental figure of Grawp a wide berth as he cuddled Rubeus whose howls of grief were still echoing across the water We’ll be there Harry said Ron What At your aunt and uncle’s house said Ron And then we’ll go with you wherever you’re going No said Harry quickly he had not counted on this he had meant them to understand that he was undertaking this most dangerous journey alone You said to us once before said Hermione quietly that there was time to turn back if we wanted to We’ve had time haven’t we We’re with you whatever happens said Ron But mate you’re going to have to come round my mum and dad’s house before we do anything else even Godric’s Hollow Why Bill and Fleur’s wedding remember Harry looked at him startled the idea that anything as normal as a wedding could still exist seemed incredible and yet wonderful Yeah we shouldn’t miss that he said finally His hand closed automatically around the fake Horcrux but in spite of everything in spite of the dark and twisting path he saw stretching ahead for himself in spite of the final meeting with Lord he knew must come whether in a month in a year or in ten he felt his heart lift at the thought that there was still one last golden day of peace left to enjoy with Ron and Hermione