"You've been reckless this summer, Harry." "I like riding around the trains." "Takes my mind off things." "All unpleasant to be old, isn't it?" "The tale is thrilling, if I say so myself." "But now is not the time to tell it." "Take my arm." "Do as I say." "I hardly just Apparated, didn't I?" "Indeed." "Quite successfully too, I might add." "Most people vomit the first time." "Can't imagine why." "Welcome to the charming village of Budleigh Babberton." "Harry, I assume right about now you must be wondering... why I brought you here?" "Am I right?" "Actually sir, after all these years, I just, sort of, go with it." "Wands on, Harry." "Horace!" "Horace." "Merlin's beard!" "You don't need to disfigure me, Albus." "Well I must say you made a very convincing armchair, Horace." "It's all in the upholstery." "I come by this stuffing naturally." "What gave me away?" "Dragon's blood." "Oh yes, introductions." "Harry, I'd like you to meet an old friend and colleague of mine" "Horace Slughorn." "Horace..." "Well you know who this is." "Harry Potter." "So for love of theatrics, Horace..." "You're, by any chance, waiting for someone else, were you?" "Someone else?" "I'm sure I don't know what you mean." "Alright." "The Death Eaters have been trying to recruit me for over a year." "Do you know what's that like?" "You can only say no to these people so many times." "So I never stay anywhere more than a week." "The Muggles who own this place are in the Canary Islands." "Well, I think we should put it back in order for them," " don't you?" " Yes." "Fine." "That was fun." "Do you mind if I use the loo?" "No, of course." "Don't think I don't know why you're here, Albus." "The answer is still no." "Absolutely, and unequivanetly, no." "You're very like your father." "Except the eyes, of course." " You have your" " My mother's eyes, yeah." "Lily, lovely Lily." "She's exceedingly bright, your mother." "Even more impressive even though I could say that she was Muggle-born." "One of my best friends is Muggle-born." " She's the best in our year." " Oh please don't think" "I'm prejudiced." "No, no, no." "Your mother was one of my absolute favorites." "Look, there she is." "Right at the front." "All mine." "Each and every one." "Ex-students, I mean." "You recognise Barnabas Cuffe?" "Editor of the Daily Prophet." "Always takes my owl should I wish to register an opinion on the news of the day." "Gwenog Jones, captain of the Holyhead Harpies." "Free tickets whenever I want them." "Of course, I haven't been to a match in some time." "Ah, yes!" "Regulus Black." "No doubt, there is his older brother Sirius, died a few weeks ago." "I taught the whole Black family, except Sirius." "It's a shame." "A talented boy." "I got Regulus when he came along, of course, but... but I'd like to set." "Horace!" "Do you mind if I take this?" "I do love knitting patterns." "Yes, of course, but you're not leaving, are you?" "Oh, I think I know a lost cause when I see one." "Regrettable, I would have considered it a very personal triumph if you consented to return to Hogwarts." "Ah well, you're like my friend Mr. Potter here." "One of a kind." "Well, bye-bye Horace." "Bye." "Alright." "I'll do it." "But I want Professor Merrythought's old office, not the water closet I had before." "And I expect a raise." "These are mad times we're living, mad!" "They are, indeed." "Sir, exactly what was all that about?" "You are talented, famous and powerful." "Everything Horace values." "Professor Slughorn's gonna try to collect you, Harry." "You would be his crowning jewel." "That's why he's returning to Hogwarts." "And it's crucial he should return." "I fear I may have stolen a wondrous night from you, Harry." "She was truthfully... very pretty." "The girl." "It's alright, sir." "I'll go back tomorrow, make some excuse." "Oh you'll not be returning to Little Whinging tonight, Harry." "But sir, what about Hedwig?" "And my trunk?" "Both are waiting for you." "Hedwig?" "Mom?" "Ginny, what is it?" "I was only wondering when Harry got here." "What?" "Harry" " Harry, who?" "Harry Potter, of course." "I think I'd know if Harry Potter was in my house, wouldn't I?" "His trunk's in the kitchen..." "and his owl." "But no, dear." "I seriously doubt that." "Harry?" "Did someone say Harry?" "Me, nosey." "Is he up there with you?" "Of course not." "I think I'll know if my best friend's in my room, wouldn't I?" "Is that an owl I heard?" "You haven't seen him, have you?" "Apparently, he's wandering about the house." " Really?" " Really." "Harry!" "Harry." "What a lovely surprise!" "Why didn't you let us know you were coming?" "I didn't know." "Dumbledore." "Oh, that man!" "What we won't do without him?" "A bit of... toothpaste." "So when did you get here?" "A few days ago." "Day or for a while, I wasn't sure I was coming." "Mum..." "sort of lost it, last week." "Said Ginny and I have no business going back to Hogwarts." "It's too dangerous." "Oh, come on." "She's not alone." "Even my parents." "They're Muggles, know something bad's happening." "Anyway, Dad stepped in." "Told us she was being barmy and..." "Took a few days, but she came around." "But, this is Hogwarts we're talking about." "It's Dumbledore." "What could be safer?" "There's been a lot of talk recently that..." "Dumbledore's got a bit old." "What rubbish!" "Well, he's only..." "How old is he?" "150?" "Give or take a few years?" "Cissy, you can't do this!" "He can't be trusted." "The Dark Lord trusts him." "The Dark Lord is mistaken." "Run along, Wormtail." "I-I know I ought not to be here." "The Dark Lord himself forbade me to speak of this." "If the Dark Lord has forbidden it, you would not to speak." "Put it down, Bella, we mustn't touch what isn't ours." "As it, so happens, I'm aware of your situation, Narcissa." "You?" "The Dark Lord told you?" "Your sister darts me." "Understandable, over the years, I've played my part well." "So well, I've deceived one of the greatest wizards of all time." "Dumbledore is a great wizard." "Only a fool would question it." "I don't doubt you, Severus." "You should be honored, Cissy." "As should Draco." "He's just a boy." "I can't change the Dark Lord's mind." "But it might be possible for me to help Draco." "Severus." "Swear to it." "Make the Unbreakable Vow." "It's just empty words." "You'll give it his best effort..." "when it matters most." "He'll just slither back to his hole." "Coward." "Take out your wand." "Will you, Severus Snape, watch over Draco Malfoy as he attempts to fulfill the Dark Lord's wishes?" "I will." "And will you, to the best of your ability, protect him from harm?" "I will." "And if Draco should fail, will you yourself carry out the deed the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform?" "I will." "Step up, step up!" "We got fating fancies." " And he's made me go." " At just in for time for school." "Puking Pastilles." "Meeting's in the cauldron, Hanson." " Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder." " How real many spinned it at that one?" "Handy if you need to make a quick getaway." "Hello, ladies." "Love potions, eh?" "Yeah." "They really do work." "Then again the way we heard you, sis..." "You're doing just fine on your own." "Meaning?" "Are you not currently dating Dean Thomas?" "It's none of your business." "How much for this?" " Five galleons." " Five galleons." "How much for me?" " Five galleons." " Five galleons." "I'm your brother." " Ten galleons." " Ten galleons." "Come on, let's go." "Hi, Ron." "Hi." "How are Fred and George doing it?" "Half the alley's closed down." "Fred reckons people need a laugh these days." "I reckon he's right." "Oh, no." "Everyone got their wands from Ollivanders." "Harry..." "Is it me or do Draco and Mummy look like two people who don't want to be followed?" "Quibbler!" "Quibbler." "He's lovely." "They've been known to sing at Boxing Day, you know?" " Quibbler?" " Oh, please." "What's a Wrackspurt?" "Invisible creatures, they flow in your ears and make your brain go fuzzy." "Quibbler!" "So what was Draco doing with that weird-looking cabinet?" "And who were all those people?" "Don't you see?" "It was a ceremony." " An initiation." " Stop it, Harry." " I know where you're going with this." " It happened." " He's one of them." " One of who?" "Harry's under the impression Draco Malfoy is now a Death Eater." "You're barking." "What would You-Know-Who want with a sod like Malfoy?" "Oh, then what's he doing in Borgin and Burkes?" "Browsing for furniture?" "It's a creepy shop." "He's a creepy blood." "Blood?" "His father is a Death Eater." "It only makes sense." "Besides, Hermione saw it with her own eyes." "I told you, I don't know what I saw." "I need some air." " What's going on?" " What's in that?" "What's that?" "What is it?" " I don't know." " What was that?" "Relax, boys." "It's probably just a phantom messing around." "Come, Draco." "Sit down." "We'll be at Hogwarts soon." "You two go on." "Wanna check something." " Where's Harry?" " He's probably on the platform." "Come on." "Didn't Mummy ever tell you it was rude to eavesdrop, Potter?" "Petrificus Totalus!" "Oh yeah..." "She was dead before you could wipe the drool off your chin." "That's for my father." "Enjoy your ride back to London." "Ennervate!" "Hello, Harry!" "Luna." "How'd you know where I was?" "Wrackspurts, your head's full of them." "Sorry I made you miss the carriages, by the way, Luna." "That's alright." "It was like being with a friend." "Well, I am your friend, Luna." "That's nice." "Oh, about time." "I've been looking all over for you two." "Right..." "Names?" "Professor Flitwick, you know me for five years." "No exceptions, Potter." " Who are those people?" " Aurors." "Security." "What's this cane here then?" "It's not a cane, you cretin." "It's a walking stick." "And what exactly will you be doing with all... be construed as an offensive weapon." "It's alright, Mr. Filch." "I can vouch for Mr. Malfoy." "Nice face, Potter." "Would you like me to fix it for you?" "Personally, I think you look a bit more... devil may care this way but..." "It's up to you." "Well, have you ever fixed a nose before?" "No, but I've done several toes..." "How different are they really?" "Um, okay, yeah." "Give it a go." "Episkey!" " How do I look?" " Exceptionally ordinary." "Brilliant!" "Hermione..." "I'm here in a minute." "Will you stop eating?" "Your best friend is missing." "Why won't you turn around, you lunatic?" "He's covered in blood again." "Why is it he's always covered in blood?" "Looks like it's his own this time." "Where have you been?" "What happened to your face?" "Later." "What did I miss?" "The Sorting Hat says we ought to be brave and strong in these trouble times." "Easy for it to say, though." "It's a hat, isn't it?" " Very best of evenings to you all." " Thanks." "First off, let me introduce the newest member of our staff." "Horace Slughorn." "Professor Slughorn, I'm happy to say, has agreed to resume his old post... as Potions Master." "Meanwhile, the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts... will be taken by Professor Snape." "As you know, each and every one of you were searched upon your arrival here tonight." "And you have the right to know why." "Once, there was a young man." "Like you, sat in this very hall." "Walked this castle's corridors." "Slept under it's roof." "You see, to all the world, a student like any other." "His name:" "Tom Riddle." "Today of course, is known all over the world by another name." "Which is why as I stand, looking out upon you all tonight," "I'm reminded of a sobering fact." "Every day, every hour, this very minute, perhaps... dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle's walls." "But in the end, that greatest weapon... is you." "Just something to think about." "Now off to bed, beep beep." "That was cheerful." "History of Magic is upstairs, ladies, not down." "Mr. Davis, Mr. Davis, that is the girls' lavatory." "Potter." "Oh, this can't be good." "Enjoying ourselves, are we?" "I had a free period this morning, Professor." "So I noticed." "I would think you would want to fill it with Potions." "Or is it no longer your ambition to become an Auror?" "Well, it was, but I was told to have to get an Outstanding in my O.W.L." "So you did, when Professor Snape was teaching Potions." "However, Professor Slughorn's perfectly happy to accept N.E.W.T. students with "Exceeds Expectations"." "Brilliant, um..." "Well, I'll head there straight away." "Oh, good, good." "Potter, take Weasley with you." "He looks far too happy over there." "I don't want to take Potions." "There's Quidditch trials coming up, I need to practice." "Attention to detail in the preparation is the prerequisite of all plan." "Harry, my boy, I've been beginning to worry." "You brought someone with us, I see." "Ron Weasley, sir." "But I'm dead awful at Potions." "A menace, actually so." "I'm probably just gonna" "Nonsense, we'll sort you out." "Any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine." "Get your books out." "I'm sorry, sir, I haven't actually got my book yet and nor is Ron." "Not to worry, get what you want from the cupboard." "Now as I was saying," "I prepared some concoctions this morning." "Any ideas what these might be?" " Yes, Miss...?" " Granger, sir." "That one there is Veritaserum." "It's a truth-telling serum." "And that one" "It's terribly tricky to make." "This is Amortentia." "The most powerful love potion in the world." "It's rumored to smell differently to each person according to what attracts them." "For example, I smell..." "Freshly mown grass and new parchment and..." "Spearmint toothpaste." "Now Amortentia doesn't create actual love." "That would be impossible, but it does cause powerful infatuation or obsession." "And for that reason, it is probably the most dangerous potion in this room." "Sir, you haven't told us what's in that one." "Oh yes." "What you see before you, ladies and gentlemen, is a curious little potion, known as Felix Felicis." "But it is more commonly known referred to as" " Liquid luck." " Yes, Miss Granger." "Liquid luck." "Desperately tricky to make, disastrous should you get it wrong." "One sip and you'll find that all of your endeavours succeed." "At least until the effects wear off." "So this is what I offer each of you today." "One tiny vial of liquid luck to the student who in the hour that remains, manages to brew an acceptable Draught of Living Dead." "Recipes for which can be found on page 10 of your books." "Issue one doubt, however." "Only one set of student manage to brew a potion of sufficient quality to claim this prize." "Nevertheless, good luck to you all." "Let the brewing commence." "How did you do that?" "You crush it, don't cut it." "No, the instructions specifically says to cut." "No, really." "Merlin's beard!" "It is perfect!" "So perfect I'd just say one drop would kill us all!" "Here we are then, as promised." "One vial of Felix Felicis." "Congratulations." "Use it well." "Oh Harry, you got my message?" "Come in." "How are you?" "I'm fine, sir." "Enjoying your classes?" "I know Professor Slughorn is most impressed with you." "I think he overestimates my abilities, sir." "Do you?" "Definitely." "What about your activities outside the classroom?" "Sir?" "Well, I notice you've spent a great deal of time with Miss Granger." "I can't help wondering if" "Oh, no, no, I mean..." "She's brilliant and we're friends." " But no." " Forgive me." "I was only being curious." "But enough chit-chat." "You must be wondering why I summoned you here tonight." "The answer lies here." "What you're looking at are memories." "In this case, pertaining to one individual:" "Voldemort." "Or as he was known, then:" "Tom Riddle." "This vial contains the most particular memory." "On the day I first met him." "I'd like you to see it." "If you want." "I'm to admit to some confusion for receiving your letter, Mr. Dumbledore." "In all the years Tom's been here, he's never once had a family visitor." "There have been incidents with the other children" "Nasty things." "Tom, you have a visitor." "How'd you do, Tom?" "Don't." "You're the doctor, aren't you?" "No, I'm a professor." "I don't believe you." "She wants me looked at." "They think I'm..." "different." "Or perhaps they're right." "I'm not mad." "Hogwarts is not a place for mad people." "Hogwarts is a school." "School of magic." "You can do things, can't you, Tom?" "Things other children can't." "I can make things move without touching them." "I can make animals do what I want without training them." "I can make bad things happen to people who mean to me." "Can make them hurt." "If I want." "Who are you?" "Well, I'm like you, Tom." "I'm different." "Prove it." "I think there's something in your wardrobe trying to get out, Tom." "Thievery is not tolerated at Hogwarts, Tom." "At Hogwarts, we'll be taught not only how to use magic, but how to control it." "You understand me?" "I can speak to snakes too." "They find me." "Whisper things." "Is that normal for someone like me?" "Did you know, sir, then?" "Did I know I just met the most dangerous dark wizard of all time?" "No." "If I had, I..." "Over time while here at Hogwarts," "Tom Riddle grew close to one particular teacher." "Can you guess who that teacher might be?" "You didn't bring Professor Slughorn back simply to teach potions, did you, sir?" "No, I did not." "You see, Professor Slughorn possesses something that I desire very dearly." "He will not give it out easily." "You said Professor Slughorn would try to collect to me." "I did." "Do you want me to let him?" "Yes." "Okay, so this morning," "I'm gonna be putting you all for a few drills just to assess you straight." "Quiet, please!" "Shut it!" "Thanks." "Alright, um, now then, remember, just because you made the team last year does not guarantee you a spot this year." "Is that clear?" "Good." " No hard feelings, Weasley, alright?" " Hard feelings?" "Yeah, I'll be going out for Keeper's, well," "It's..." "nothing personal." "Really?" "Such a big guy like you?" "You've got more of a Beater's build, don't you think?" "Keepers need to be quick, agile." "I'll have my chances." "Say, um, you think you could introduce me to your friend, Granger?" "Wouldn't mind, eh, getting on a first-hand base, you know what I mean?" "Come on, come on." "Go, Cormac." "Come on, Ron!" "Come on, Ron." "Confundus." "He's brilliant." "I have to admit I thought I was going to miss that last one." "I hope Cormac's not taking it too hard." "He's got a bit of a thing for you, Hermione" " Cormac." "He's vile." "Have you ever heard of the spell:" "Sectumsempra?" "No, I haven't." "If you had a shred of self-respect, you'd hand that book in." "Not bloody likely." "He's top of the class." "He's even better than you, Hermione." "Slughorn thinks he's a genius." "I'd like to know who's that book was." " Let's have a look, shall we?" " No." "Why not?" "The binding is fragile." " "The binding is fragile"?" " Yeah." " Who's the Half-Blood Prince?" " Who?" "That's what it says right here." "This book is property of the Half-Blood Prince." "For weeks, you carry around this book." "Practically, sleep with it, and yet you have no desire to find out who the Half-Blood Prince is." "I didn't say I wasn't curious and I don't sleep with it." "Well, it's true." "Well, I got a nice chat before I go to bed." "And all you do is that bloody book." "It's like being with Hermione." "Well, I was curious So, I went to" " The library?" " The library?" "And?" "And nothing." "I couldn't find a reference anywhere to the Half-Blood Prince." "There we go." "That settles it, then." "Yeah, uh... hoping to find you in the Three Broomsticks." "Uh no, emergency choir practice from the freighthorse." "Does anyone fancy a butterbeer?" "A chum of mine was sledging down Clagsby Hill." "We had a very long, home-made Norwegian style sledge." "We hurtled down, we hit what most..." "Katie, we don't know what it could be." " Harry, what..." " I know what I'm doing." "Did you hear what she was saying back in the pub there on me and her snogging?" "I warned her." "I warned her not to touch it." "Don't get any closer!" "Get back, all of you." "Oh no, no, no." "Do not touch that, except for the wrappings." "Do you understand?" "You're sure Katie did not have this in her possession when she entered the Three Broomsticks?" "It's like I said." "She left to go to the loo." "And when she came back, she had the package." "She said it was important that she deliver it." " Did she say to whom?" " To Professor Dumbledore." "Very well." "Thank you, Leanne." "You may go." "Why is it when something happens, it is always you three?" "Believe me, Professor," "I've been asking myself the same question for six years." "Oh, Severus." "What do you think?" "I think Ms. Bell is lucky to be alive." "She was cursed, wasn't she?" "I know Katie." "Off the Quidditch pitch, she wouldn't hurt a fly." "If she was delivering that to Professor Dumbledore, she wasn't doing it knowingly." "Yes, she was cursed." "It was Malfoy." "That is a very serious accusation, Potter." "Indeed." "Your evidence?" "I just know." "You "just" know." "Once again, you astonish with your gifts, Potter." "Gifts mere mortals can only dream of possessing." "How grand it must be to be the Chosen One." "I suggest you go back to your dormitories." "All of you." "So tell me, Cormac, do you see anything of your uncle Tiberius these days?" "Yes, sir, in fact I'm meant to go hunting with him and the Minister of Magic over the holidays." "Oh, well, be sure to give them both my best." "And what about your uncle, Belby?" "For those of you who don't know well," "Marcus' uncle invented the Wolfsbane Potion." "Is he working on anything new?" "I don't." "He and my dad don't get along." "'Prolly cause my dad says potions are rubbish." "His only potion worth having is a stiff one at the end of the day." "And what about you, Ms. Granger, what exactly does your family do in the Muggle world?" "My parents are dentists." " They attend to people's teeth." " Fascinating." "And is that considered a dangerous profession?" "No." "Although, one boy, Robby Fenwich, did bite my father once." "He needed ten stitches." "Ah, Ms. Weasley." "Come in, come in." "Look, her eyes." "They've been fighting again." "Her and Dean." "Sorry, I'm not usually late." "No matter, just in time for dessert." "That is if Belby has left you any." " What?" " Nothing." "Goodbye." "Bye-bye." "Potter!" "I'm sorry, sir, I was just admiring your hourglass." "Ah yes, most intriguing object." "The sand runs in accordance with the quality of the conversation." "It is stimulating, the sand runs slowly." " If it is not..." " I think I'll be going, then." "Nonsense." "You have nothing to fear, dear boy." "Actually, some of your classmates..." "Well, let's just say they're unlikely to make the shelf." "Shelf, sir?" "Anyone who aspires to be anyone hopes to end up here." "But then again, you already are someone, aren't you, Harry?" "Did Voldemort ever make the shelf, sir?" "You knew him, didn't you, sir?" "Tom Riddle?" "You were his teacher." "Mr. Riddle had a number of teachers who was here at Hogwarts." "What was he like?" "I'm sorry, sir." "Forgive me." "He killed my parents." "Of course, it's only natural you should want to know more." "But I'm afraid I must disappoint you, Harry." "When I first met young Mr. Riddle, he was a quiet, albeit brilliant boy, committed to becoming a first-grade wizard." "Not unlike others I've known." "Not unlike yourself, in fact." "If the monster existed, it was very deep within." "You okay, Ron?" "I'm counting on you, Ron." "I've 2 games on Gryffindor, ya?" " Be good, Ron." " Loser!" "What's he wearing?" " So how was it, then?" " How is what?" " Your dinner party?" " Pretty boring actually." "But I think Harry enjoyed dessert." "Slughorn's having Christmas, do you know?" "I'm about to bring someone." "I expect you'll be bringing McLaggen." "He's in the Slug Club, isn't he?" "Actually, I was going to ask you." "Really?" "Good luck today, Ron." "I know you'll be brilliant." "I'm resigning." "After today's match, McLaggen can have my spot." "Are you alright?" " Juice?" " Sure." "Hello, everyone." "You look dreadful, Ron." "Is that why you put something in his cup?" "Is it a tonic?" "Liquid luck." "Don't drink it, Ron." " You could be expelled for that." " What are we talking about?" "Come on, Harry, we've got a game to win." " Weasley!" "Weasley!" "Weasley!" " Weasley!" "Weasley!" "Weasley!" "You shouldn't have done it." "I know." "I supposed I could have just used the Confundus charm." "That was different." "That was try-outs, this was a natural game." "You didn't put in?" "Ron only thought you did." "Charm spell." "Just practising." "Very good." "How does it feel, Harry?" "When you see Dean with Ginny?" "I know." "I see the way you look at her." "You're my best friend." "Oops!" "I think this room's taken." "What's with the birds?" "Oppugno." "It feels like this." "I can't help it if she's got her knickers in a twist." "What Lav and I have, well, let's just say, there's no stopping it." "It's chemical." "Will it last?" "Who knows?" "Point is I'm a free agent." "He's at perfect liberty to kiss whomever he likes." "I really couldn't care less." "Was I under the impression he and I would be attending Slughorn's Christmas party together?" "Yes." "Now, given the circumstances," "I had to make other arrangements." " Have you?" " Yes." "Why?" "Well, I just thought seeing is not the risk at going with who we'd really like to." "We should go together, as friends." "Why didn't I think of that?" "Who are you going with?" "Um, it's a surprise." "Anyways, you have got to worry about." "You can't take anyone." "You see that girl over there?" "That's Romilda Vane." "Harry, she's been been trying to smuggle you a love potion." "Really?" "Hey!" "She's only interested in you because she thinks you're the Chosen One." "But I am the Chosen One." "Okay, sorry, um..." "Kidding." "I'll ask someone I like." "Someone cool." "I've never been to this part of the castle." "At least, not while awake." "I sleep-walk, you see." "That's why I wear shoes to bed." "Harmonia nictere passus." "Harmonia nictere passus." "Harmonia nictere passus." "Drink?" "Neville." "I didn't get into the Slug Club." "It's okay, though." "He's got Melvin hanging up towels in the looroom." "I'm--I'm fine, mate." "Thanks." "Okay." "Hermione, what are you doing?" "What happened to you?" "No, I've just escaped." "I mean, I left Cormac under the mistletoe." "Cormac?" "That's who you invited?" "I thought it would annoy Ron the most." "Thank you very much." "We will catch up with you." "He's got more tentacles than a Snargaluff plant." " Dragon tails?" " No, I'm fine, thank you." "Just this one." "They give one horribly bad breath." "On second thoughts, it might keep Cormac away." "God, here he comes." "I think she just went to paddle her nose." "She's a little minx, your friend." "Nice to work." "How nasty isn't she?" "Yeah, yeah, yeah." "What is this I'm eating, by the way?" "Dragon balls." "You've just brought yourself a month's detention, McLaggen." "Not so quick, Potter." "Sir, I really think I should rejoin the party." "My date" "Can surely survive your absence for another minute or two." "Besides, I only wish to convey a message." " Message?" " From Professor Dumbledore." "He asked me to give you his best and he hopes you enjoy your holidays." "He..." "He's travelling." "And he won't return until term resumes." "Travelling where?" "How are you?" "Get your hands off me, you filthy Squibb." "Professor Slughorn, sir." "I just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor." "He claims to have been invited to your party." "Okay, okay, I was gate-crashing." "Happy?" "I'll escort him out." "Certainly, Professor." "Alright, everyone carry on, carry on." "Maybe I did hex that Bell girl." "Maybe I didn't." "What about you?" "I swore to protect you." "I made the Unbreakable Vow." "I don't need protection." "I was chosen for this." "I don't know what all this mean," " but I won't fail him." " You're afraid, Draco." "You attempt to consider, but it's obvious," " let me assist you." " No." "I was chosen." "This is my moment." "Unbreakable Vow." "You sure that's what Snape said?" "Positive." "Why?" "It's just, you can't break an Unbreakable Vow." "I-I worked that much out for myself, funny enough." "I don't understand." "Oh bloody hell." "I miss you." "Lovely." "All she wants to do is snog me." "My lips are getting chapped, look." "Then I'll take your word for it." "So what happens to you?" "What happens if you break an Unbreakable Vow?" "You die." "Voldemort has chosen Draco Malfoy for a mission?" " I know it sounds mad." " Has it occured to you, Harry, that Snape was simply pretending to offer Draco help so he could find out what he was up to?" "Ginny!" "That's not what it sounded like." "Perhaps Harry is right, Remus." "I mean to make an Unbreakable Vow" "It comes down to whether or not you trust Dumbledore's judgement." "Dumbledore trusts Snape, therefore, I do." "Dumbledore can make mistakes." " He said so himself." " You are blinded by hatred." " I'm not." " Yes, you are." "People are disappearing, Harry." "Daily." "We could only place our trust in a handful of people." "If we started fighting amongst ourselves, we're doomed." "Ginny!" "Open up, you." "Don't you trust me?" "It's good." "Just, uh, get..." " Pie?" " Not for me." "No." "You'll have to forgive Remus." "It takes its toll, his condition." "Are you alright, Mr. Weasley?" "We're being followed, all of us." "Most days, Molly doesn't leave the house." "It's not been easy." "Did you get my owl?" "Yes, I did." "If Dumbledore is traveling, then perhaps news to the Ministry, but perhaps that's the way Dumbledore wants it." "As for Draco Malfoy..." "I know a bit more." " Go on." " I sent an agent to Borgin and Burkes." "I think from what you described..." "What you and Ron saw at the end of summer, the object that Draco is so interested in, is a Vanishing Cabinet." "A "Vanishing Cabinet"?" "They were all the rage when Voldemort first rose to power." "You can see the appeal." "Should the Death Eaters come knocking, one simply have to slip inside and disappear for an hour or two." "It transports you practically anywhere." "Tricky contraptions, though." "Very temperamental." "What happened to it?" "The one at Borgin and Burkes?" "Nothing." "It's still there." "It was delicious, Molly, really." "Are you sure you won't stay?" "No, we should go." "The first night of the cycle's always the worst." "Remus?" "Sweetheart." "Has Ron gone to bed?" "Um, not yet." "No." "Shoelace..." "Merry Christmas, Harry." "Merry Christmas." " Harry, no!" " Harry!" "Remus." "Ginny!" "I killed Sirius Black!" "I killed Sirius Black!" "You coming to get me?" "Get me!" "He's trying to get me!" "Harry?" "Stupefy!" "Harry!" "Ginny!" "Molly." "It's so easy for them to get to you." "You're bloody lucky you weren't killed." "You have to realise who you are, Harry!" "I know who I am, Hermione, alright." "Sorry." "Hon, go somewhere." "That's my Won-Won." "Excuse me, I have to go and vomit." "...Always you ruin half the start." "Sir, is it true that Professor Merrythought is retiring?" "Tom, I couldn't tell you if I knew, could I?" "And by the way, thank you for the pineapple." "You're quite right." "It is my favorite." "But how did you know?" "Intuition." "Good gracious, is it that time already?" "Off you go, boys, or Professor Dippett will have us all in detention." "Look sharp, Tom." "Don't be caught out of bed after hours." "Is something on your mind, Tom?" "Yes, sir." "See, I couldn't think of anyone else to go to." "The other professors..." "Well, they're not like you." "They might misunderstand." "Go on." "I was in the library the other night." "In the restricted section." "And I picked something rather odd about this rare magic." "I thought perhaps, you could illuminate me." "It's called, as I understand it, Hor..." "I beg your pardon?" "I don't know anything about such things and if I did, I wouldn't tell you." "Now get out of here at once and don't let me ever catch you mentioning them again!" "Confused?" "I'd be surprised if you weren't." "I don't understand." "What happened?" "This is perhaps the most important memory I had collected." "It is also a lie." "This memory has been tempered with by the same person whose memory it is." "Our old friend, Professor Slughorn." "But why would he temper with his own memory?" "I suspect he's ashamed of it." "Why?" "Why, indeed." "I asked you to get to know Professor Slughorn and you had done so." "Now I want you to persuade him to divulge his true memory." "Any way you can." "I don't know him that well, sir." "This memory is everything." "Without it, we are blind." "Without it, we leave the fate of our world to chance." "You have no choice." "You must not fail." "I highly recommend, reacquaint yourself with the chapter on antidotes." "Now, I'll tell you more about bezoars in our next class." "Right, off you go." "Elise, don't forget your rat tail." "Aha!" "It isn't the Prince of Potions himself!" "What do I owe this pleasure?" "Oh, sir, I wondered if I wanted to ask you something." "Ask away, dear boy." "Ask away." "Well, you see the other day, I was in the library in the restricted section, and I came across something rather odd about a very rare piece of magic." "Yes, what was this rare piece of magic?" "Well, I don't know, but I can't remember the name exactly." "But it just got me wondering, are there some kinds of magic you're not allowed to teach us?" "I'm Potions Master, Harry," "I think your question better be posed to Professor Snape." "Yes, he and I don't exactly see eye-to-eye, sir." "What I mean to say is..." "Well, he's not like you." "He might misunderstand." "Yes, it would be no light without the dark." "And so it is with magic, myself I always strive to live within the light." "I suggest you do the same." "Is that what you told Tom Riddle, sir, when he came asking questions?" "Dumbledore put you up to this, didn't he?" "Didn't he?" "Yes?" "Oh, it's you, Potter." "I-I'm sorry, I'm busy at the moment." "That's beautiful, isn't it?" "The moon." "Divine." "Had ourselves a little late night snack, did we?" "It was on your bed, the box." "I just thought I'd try one." "Or twenty?" "I can't stop thinking about her, Harry." "Honestly, you know, I reckon she was starting to annoy you." "She could never annoy me." "I think I love her." "Well, brilliant." "Do you think she knows I exist?" "I very well hope so." "She's been snogging you for three months." "Snogging?" "Who are you talking about?" "Who are you talking about?" "Romilda, of course." "Romilda Vane." "Okay, very funny." "What was that for?" "It's no joke." " I'm in love with her!" " Alright, fine." "You're in love with her." "Have you ever actually met her?" "No." "Can you introduce me?" "Come on, Ron." "I will introduce you to Romilda Vane." "I'm sorry, sir." "I wouldn't bother you if it weren't absolutely essential." " Where's Romilda?" " What's the matter with Wimby?" "Very powerful love potion." "Very well, better bring him in." "I always thought you could whip up a remedy for this is in no time, Harry." "Well, I-I thought this called for more practised hands, sir." "Hello, darling." "Fancy a drink?" "Perhaps, you're right." "I'm sorry, by the way, Professor, about earlier today." "Our misunderstanding." "Oh, not at all." "Old water under the bridge, you know." "Correct?" "Well, I expect you're tired a bit, after all these years." "And the questions about Voldemort." "Don't use that name!" "Here you go, boy." "Bottom's up." " What's this?" " Tonic for the nerves." "What happened to me?" " A love potion." " A bloody strong one at there." " I feel really bad." " You need to pick me up, my boy." "Got butterbeer, wine, dazzling oak-matured mead." "I had other intentions for this, but I think, given the circumstances." "Here you are, Potter." "To life!" "Ron!" "Ron!" "Professor, do something." "I-I don't understand!" "Come on, Ron, breathe!" "These girls..." "They're gonna kill me." "Quick thinking on your part, Harry, using a bezoar." "You should be very proud of your student, Horace." "Ah, yes." "Very proud." "I think we agree Potter's actions were heroic." "The question is:" "Why were they necessary?" "I, indeed." "This appears to be a gift, Horace." "You don't remember who gave you this bottle?" "By the way, it possesses remarkably subtle hints of liquorice and cherry." "When not polluted with poison." "Actually, I had intended to give it as a gift, myself." "To whom, might I ask?" "To you, headmaster." "Where is he?" "Where's my Won-Won?" "Has he been asking for me?" "What's she doing here?" "I might ask you the same question." "I happen to be his girlfriend." "And I happen to be his..." "friend." "Don't make me laugh." "You haven't spoken in weeks." "I suppose you want to make up with him now that he's suddenly all interesting." "He's been poisoned, you daft dimbo!" "And for the record, I've always found him interesting." "See?" "He senses my presence." "Don't worry, Won-Won." "I'm here." "I'm here." "Hermione." "Hermione." "Hermione." "Oh to be young and to feel love's keen sting." "Well, come over, everybody." "Mr. Weasley's well attended." "About time, don't you think?" "Thank you." "Just shut up." "Stop it, Ron." "You're making it snow." "Tell me how I broke up with Lavender again." "Well, she came to visit you in the hospital." "And you talked." "I don't believe it was a particularly long conversation." "Don't get me wrong." "I'm bloody thrilled to be shot of her's." "She seems a bit..." "put out." "Yes, um..." "She does, isn't she?" "You say you don't remember anything from that night." "Anything at all?" "There is something." "It can't be." "I was completely boogum, didn't I?" "Harry..." "Harry..." "That's Katie." "Katie Bell." "Katie, how are you?" "I know you're going to ask, Harry." "But I don't know who cursed me." "I've been trying to remember." "Honestly." "But I just can't." "Katie." "I know what you did, Malfoy." "You hexed it, didn't you?" "Sectumsempra!" "You have to get rid of it." "Today." "Take my hand." "It's the Room of Requirement." "We need to hide the Half-Blood Prince's book." "Where no one'll ever find it." "Including you." " What was that?" " What was that?" "See, you never know what you'll find up here." "Alright, close your eyes." "That way you can't be tempted." "Close your eyes." "S u B:" "V e R d i K T" "That can stay hidden up here too if you like." "So, did you and Ginny do it then?" "What?" "Well, hide the book?" "Oh, yeah." "Oh, g" "Still no luck with Slughorn then, I take it?" "Luck." "That's it." "All I need is a bit of luck." "Well, how do you feel?" "Excellent." "Really excellent." "Remember, Slughorn usually leaves early, takes a walk, and then returns to his office." "Right." "I'm going down to Hagrid's." "What?" "No, Harry, you've got to go to speak to Slughorn." "We have a plan." "I know but I've got a really good feeling about Hagrid's." "I feel it's--it's the place to be tonight." "Do you know what I mean?" " No." " No." "Well, trust me." "I know what I'm doing." "Or Felix does." "Hi!" "Horace." "Merlin's beard!" "Is that an actual Acromantula?" "A dead one, I think, sir." "Good God." "Dear fellow, however did you manage to kill it?" ""Kill it"?" "My oldest friend, he was." "I'm so sorry, I didn't" "Ah, don't worry yourself." "You're not alone." "Seriously misunderstood creatures, spiders are." "The eyes I reckon, they unnerve some folk." "Not to mention the pincers." "Yeah, I reckon that too." "Hagrid..." "The last thing I wish to be is indelicate but Acromantula venom is uncommonly rare." "Would you allow me to extract a vial or two, purely for academic purposes, you understand?" "Well I don't suppose it's gonna do him much good now is it." "My thoughts exactly." "I have a ampoule or two about my person for just such occassions as this." "Old..." "Potion master's habit, you know?" "I wish you could have seen him with his prime." "Magnificent, he was." "Just magnificent." "Would you like me to say a few words?" "Yes." "Had a family, I trust?" "Oh, yeah." " Farewell..." " Aragog." "Farewell, Aragog." "King of the arachnids." "Your body will decay... but your spirit lingers on and your human friends find solace, the loss they have sustained." "# Laid to rest, #" "# And his wand, snapped in two, #" "# Which was sad, #" "I had him from an egg, you know?" "Tiny little thing he was when he hatched." "No bigger than a Pekingese." "A Pekingese, mind you." "How sweet!" "I once had a fish." "Francis." "He was very dear to me." "One afternoon, I came downstairs and... it vanished." "Poof." "That's very odd, isn't it?" "Yes, doesn't it?" "But that's life!" "I suppose, you--you go along with and suddenly..." "poof." "Poof." "Poof." "It was a student who gave me Francis." "One spring afternoon, I discovered the bowl on my desk..." "With just a few inches of clear water in it..." "And floating on the surface was a flower petal." "As I watched, it sank." "But just before it reached the bottom, it transformed into a wee fish." "It was beautiful magic." "Wondrous to behold." "The flower petal had come from a lily." "Your mother." "The day I came downstairs, day's the bowl was empty." "That's the day your mother..." "I know why you're here." "But I can't help you." "It would ruin me." "Do you know why I survived, Professor?" "The night I got this?" "Because of her, because she sacrificed herself..." "Because she refused to step aside." "Because her love was more powerful than Voldemort." " Don't say his name." " I'm not afraid of the name, Professor." "I'm going to tell you something." "Something others have only guessed at." "It's true." "I am the Chosen One." "Only I can destroy him, but in order to do so," "I need to know what Tom Riddle asked you all those years ago in your office and I need to know what you told him." "Be brave, Professor." "Be brave like my mother." "Otherwise, you disgrace her." "Otherwise, she died for nothing." "Otherwise, the bowl will remain empty." "Forever." "Please, don't think badly of me when you say it." "I had no idea what he was like, even then." "I was in the library the other day." "In the restricted section... and I read something rather odd about this rare magic." "It's called, as I understand it, a Horcrux." " I beg your pardon?" " Horcrux." "I came across the term while reading... and I didn't fully understand it." "I'm not sure what you were reading, Tom, but this is very dark stuff." "Very dark, indeed." "Which is..." "why I came to you." "A horcrux is an object in which a person has concealed part of their soul." "But I don't understand how that works, sir." "One splits one's soul and hides part of it in an object." "By doing so, you are protected, should you be attacked and your body destroyed." "Protected?" "That part of your soul which is hidden lives on." "In other words, you cannot die." "And how does one splits his soul, sir?" "I think you already know the answer to that, Tom." "Murder." "Yes, killing rips the soul apart and it is a violation against nature." "Can you only split the soul once?" "For instance, isn't seven" "Seven?" "Merlin's beard, Tom!" "Isn't it bad enough to consider killing one person?" "To rip the soul in seven pieces!" "This is all hypothetical, isn't it, Tom?" "All academic?" "Of course, sir." "It'll be our little secret." "Sir." "This is beyond anything I imagined." "Do you mean, sir, he succeeded, sir?" " In making a Horcrux?" " Oh yes, he succeeded, alright." " And not just once." " What are they exactly?" "It could be anything." "Most common place of objects." "A ring, for example, or a book." "Tom Riddle's diary." "It's a horcrux, yes." "Four years ago when you saved Ginny Weasley's life in the Chamber of Secrets, you brought me this." "I knew then, this was a different kind of magic." "Very dark, very powerful." "But until tonight, I had no idea just how powerful..." " And the ring?" " Belonged to Voldemort's mother." "Difficult to find." "Even more difficult to destroy." "But if you could find them all, if you did destroy each Horcrux" "One destroys Voldemort." "How would you find them?" "They could be hidden anywhere, couldn't they?" "True, but magic, especially dark magic... leaves traces." "It's where you've been going, isn't it, sir?" "When you leave the school." "Yes, and I think perhaps, I may have found another." "But this time, I cannot hope to destroy it alone." "Once again, I must ask too much of you, Harry." "Have you ever considered that you ask too much, that you take too much for granted?" "Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don't want to do this anymore?" "Whether it has or hasn't is irrelevant." "I will not negotiate with you, Severus." "You agreed." "Nothing more to discuss." "Oh, Harry..." "You need a shave, my friend." "You know, at times, I forget how much you've grown." "At times, I still see the small boy from the cupboard." "Forgive my mawkishness, Harry." "I'm an old man." "You still look the same to me, sir." "Just like your mother, you are unfailingly kind." "A trait people never fail to undervalue, I'm afraid." "The place to which we journey tonight is extremely dangerous." "I promise you for the company of me and I stand by that promise." "But there's one condition." "You must obey every command I give you without question." "Yes, sir." "You do understand what I'm saying." "Should I tell you to hide, you hide." "Should I tell you to run, you run." "Should I tell you to abandon me and save yourself, you must do so." "Your word, Harry." "My word." "Take my arm." "Sir, I thought you couldn't Apparate within Hogwarts." "Well, being me has its privileges." "This is the place." "Oh, yes." "This place has known magic." "Sir." "In order to gain passage, payment must be made." "Payment intended to weaken any intruder." "You should have let me, sir." "No, no, Harry." "Your blood's much more precious than mine." "Voldemort would not have made it easy to discover his hiding place." "He would put certain defenses in position." "Careful." "There it is." "The only question is how do we get there?" "If you would, Harry." "Do you think the Horcrux is in there, sir?" "Oh, yes." "It has to be drunk." "All of it has to be drunk." "You remember the conditions on which I brought you with me?" "This potion might paralyze me." "I may risk to get what I'm here." "I'd cause me so much pain that I'd beg for relief." "You are not to indulge these requests." "It's your job, Harry, to make sure I keep drinking this potion." "Even if you have to force it down my throat." "Understood?" "Why can't I drink it, sir?" "Because I'm much older, much cleverer and much less valuable." "Your good health, Harry." "Professor." "Professor!" "Professor." "Can you hear me?" "Professor!" "You have to keep drinking like you said, remember?" " Stop." " I will stop." "I will stop." "But only-- only if you keep drinking." " Don't make me" " Kill me." " I'm sorry, sir." "Kill me!" "All my fault." "My fault." "Just one more, sir." "One more, I promise." " I promise I'll do what you say." " No, no." "I promise!" "Please!" "Harry." "Water." " Water." " Water." "Look, you did it, sir." "Look." "Harry..." "water." "Aguamenti!" "Water." "Lumos." "Lumos maxima!" "Stupefy!" "Stupefy!" "Sectumsempra!" " Harry..." " Incarcerous!" " Stupefy!" " Harry..." "Harry..." "Partis Temporus!" "Go to your houses!" "No toddling!" "We need to get you to the hospital wing, sir." "To Madam Pomfrey." "No..." "Severus, Severus is awakening." "Wake him." "Tell him what happened." "Speak to no one else." "Severus, Harry." "Hide yourself below, Harry." "Don't speak or be seen by anybody without my permission." "Whatever happens, it's imperative you stay below." "Harry, do as I say." "Trust me." "Trust me." "Good evening, Draco." "What brings you here on this fine spring evening?" "Who else is here?" "I heard you talking." "I often talk aloud to myself." "I find it extraordinarily useful." "Have you always been to yourself, Draco?" "Draco, you are no assassin." "How do you know what I am?" "I've done things that would shock you." "Oh, like cursing Katie Bell and hoping that in return she would bear a cursed necklace to me?" "Like replacing a bottle of mead with one lace with poison." "Forgive me, Draco, I cannot help feel these actions are so weak that your... heart can't really have been in." "He trusts me." "I was chosen." "I shall make it easy for you." "Expelliarmus!" "Very good." "Very good." "You're not alone." "There are others." "How?" "The Vanishing Cabinet in the Room of Requirement." "I've been mending it." "Let me guess, it has a sister." "A twin." "In Borgin and Burkes." " They form a passage." " Ingenious." "Draco, years ago, I knew a boy who made all the wrong choices." "Please let me help you." "I don't want your help." "Don't you understand?" "I have to do this." "I have to kill you." "Oh, look what we have here." "Well done, Draco." "Good evening, Bellatrix." "I think introductions aren't over, don't you?" "Love to, Albus, but I'm afraid we're on a bit of tight schedule." "Do it!" "He doesn't have the stomach." "Just like his father." "Let me finish him in my own way." "No, the Dark Lord was clear the boy has to do it." "This is your moment, Draco." "Do it!" "Go on, Draco, now!" "No." "Severus." "Please..." "Avada Kedavra." "Hagrid!" "Snape, he trusted you!" "Go on!" "Incarcerous!" "Fight back, you coward!" "Fight back!" "No, he belongs to the Dark Lord." "Sectumsempra!" "You dare use my own spells against me, Potter?" "Yes, I'm the Half-Blood Prince." "Potter..." "Enlighten what has happened." "If you should have the need to talk to someone..." "You should know..." "Professor Dumbledore..." "You meant a great deal to him." "Do you think he would have done it?" "Draco." "No." "No, he was lowering his wand." "In the end, it was Snape." "It was always Snape." "I did nothing." "It was fake." "Open it." "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." " R.A.B.?" " Don't know." "But whoever they are, they have the real Horcrux." "It means it was all a waste." "All of it." "Ron's okay with you, you know." "You and Ginny." "If I were you when he's around, I'd keep snogging to a minimum." "I'm not coming back, Hermione." "I got to finish whatever Dumbledore started." "And I don't know where that'll leave me, but I'll let you and Ron know where I am... when I can." "I've always admired your courage, Harry." "But sometimes, you can be really thick." "You don't really think you're going to be able to find all those Horcruxes by yourself, do you?" "You need us, Harry." "I never realised how beautiful this place was."