Harry Potter and the half-blood prince part 2 AUDIOBOOK
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Narrator: James Dobinson
Narrator: James Dobinson
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00:00:00Chapter 4 – Horace Slughorn
00:00:04Despite the fact that he had spent every waking moment of the past few days hoping desperately
00:00:09that Dumbledore would indeed come to fetch him, Harry felt distinctly awkward as they
00:00:13set off down Privet Drive together. He had never had a proper conversation with his headmaster
00:00:17outside Hogwarts before. There was usually a desk between them. The memory of their last
00:00:22face-to-face encounter kept intruding, too, and it rather heightened Harry's sense of
00:00:26accomplishment. He had shouted a lot on that occasion, not to mention doing his best to
00:00:30smash several of Dumbledore's most prized possessions. Dumbledore, however, seemed completely
00:00:35relaxed.
00:00:36Keep your wand at the ready, Harry, he said brightly, but I thought I'm not allowed to
00:00:42use magic outside school, sir. If there is an attack, said Dumbledore, I give you permission
00:00:46to use any counter-jinx or curse that might occur to you. However, I do not think you
00:00:51need worry about being attacked tonight.
00:00:54Why not, sir?
00:00:55You are with me, said Dumbledore simply. This will do, Harry. He came to an abrupt halt
00:01:00at the end of Privet Drive.
00:01:01You have not, of course, passed your apparition test, he said.
00:01:06No, said Harry. I thought you had to be seventeen.
00:01:09You do, said Dumbledore, so you will need to hold on to my arm very tightly. My left,
00:01:14if you don't mind, as you have noticed my wand-arm is a little fragile at the moment.
00:01:20Harry gripped Dumbledore's preferred forearm.
00:01:22Very good, said Dumbledore. Well, here we go.
00:01:26Harry felt Dumbledore's arm twist away from him and redoubled his grip. The next thing
00:01:30he knew, everything went black. He was being pressed very hard from all directions. He
00:01:34could not breathe. There were iron bands tightening around his chest. His eyeballs were being
00:01:39forced back into his head. His eardrums were being pushed deeper into his skull. And then
00:01:44he gulped great lungfuls of cold night air and opened his streaming eyes. He felt as
00:01:50though he had just been forced through a very tight rubber tube. It was a few seconds
00:01:53before he realised that Privet Drive had vanished.
00:01:56He and Dumbledore were now standing in what appeared to be a deserted village square,
00:02:01in the centre of which stood an old war memorial and a few benches. His comprehension catching
00:02:06up with his senses, Harry realised that he had just apparated for the first time in his
00:02:10life.
00:02:11Are you all right? asked Dumbledore, looking down at him solicitously.
00:02:15The sensation does take some getting used to.
00:02:18I'm fine, said Harry, rubbing his ears, which felt as though they had left Privet Drive
00:02:23rather reluctantly. But I think I might prefer brooms.
00:02:27Dumbledore smiled, drew his travelling cloak a little more tightly around his neck and
00:02:30said, This way.
00:02:32He set off at a brisk pace, past an empty inn and a few houses, according to a clock
00:02:37on a nearby church. It was almost midnight.
00:02:40So tell me, Harry, said Dumbledore, your scar. Has it been hurting at all?
00:02:44Harry raised a hand unconsciously to his forehead and rubbed the lightning-shaped mark.
00:02:49No, he said, and I've been wondering about that. I thought it would be burning all the
00:02:53time now Voldemort's getting so powerful again.
00:02:56He glanced up at Dumbledore and saw that he was wearing a satisfied expression.
00:03:00I, on the other hand, thought otherwise, said Dumbledore. Lord Voldemort has finally realised
00:03:06the dangerous access to his thoughts and feelings you have been enjoying. It appears that he
00:03:10is now employing oculum and seal against you.
00:03:14Well, I'm not complaining, said Harry, who missed neither the disturbing dreams nor the
00:03:18startling flashes of insight into Voldemort's mind.
00:03:21They turned a corner, passing a telephone box and a bus shelter. Harry looked sideways
00:03:26at Dumbledore again.
00:03:27Professor?
00:03:28Harry?
00:03:29Er, where exactly are we?
00:03:32This, Harry, is the charming village of Budleigh-Beverton.
00:03:36And what are we doing here?
00:03:37Ah, yes, of course, I haven't told you, said Dumbledore.
00:03:40Well, I have lost count of the number of times I have said this in recent years, but we are,
00:03:45once again, one member of Staff Short. We are here to persuade an old colleague of mine
00:03:50to come out of retirement and return to Hogwarts.
00:03:53How can I help with that, sir?
00:03:55Oh, I think we'll find a use for you, said Dumbledore vaguely.
00:03:59Left here, Harry.
00:04:01They proceeded up a steep, narrow street lined with houses. All the windows were dark. The
00:04:06odd chill that had lain over Privet Drive for two weeks persisted here too. Thinking
00:04:11of Dementors, Harry cast a look over his shoulder and grasped his wand reassuringly in his pocket.
00:04:17Professor, why couldn't we just apparate directly into your old colleague's house?
00:04:21Because it would be quite as rude as kicking down the front door, said Dumbledore. Courtesy
00:04:26dictates that we offer fellow wizards the opportunity of denying us entry. In any case,
00:04:31most wizarding dwellings are magically protected from unwanted apparators. At Hogwarts, for
00:04:36instance.
00:04:37You can't apparate anywhere inside the buildings or grounds, said Harry quickly. Hermione Granger
00:04:41told me.
00:04:42And she is quite right. We turn left again.
00:04:45The church clock chimed midnight behind them. Harry wondered why Dumbledore did not consider
00:04:50it rude to call on his old colleague so late. But now that conversation had been established,
00:04:55he had more pressing questions to ask.
00:04:57Sir, I saw in the Daily Prophet that Fudge has been sacked.
00:05:01Correct, said Dumbledore, now turning up a steep side street. He has been replaced, as
00:05:06I am sure you also saw by Rufus Scrimgeour, who used to be head of the Aura Office.
00:05:12Is he—do you think he's good? asked Harry.
00:05:15An interesting question, said Dumbledore. He is able, certainly. A more decisive and
00:05:19forceful personality than Cornelius. Yes, but—I meant—I know what you meant. Rufus
00:05:25is a man of action, and having fought dark wizards for most of his working life, does
00:05:29not underestimate Lord Voldemort.
00:05:31Harry waited, but Dumbledore did not say anything about the disagreement with Scrimgeour that
00:05:36the Daily Prophet had reported, and he did not have the nerve to pursue the subject,
00:05:40so he changed it.
00:05:41And sir, I saw about Madame Bones.
00:05:44Yes, said Dumbledore quietly. A terrible loss. She was a great witch.
00:05:48Just up here, I think. Ouch! he had pointed with his injured hand.
00:05:52Professor, what happened to your—
00:05:54I have no time to explain now, said Dumbledore. It's a thrilling tale. I wish to do it
00:05:59justice.
00:06:00He smiled at Harry, who understood that he was not being snubbed, and that he had permission
00:06:04to keep asking questions.
00:06:06Sir, I got a ministry of magic leaflet by Al, about security measures we should all
00:06:12take against the Death Eaters.
00:06:13Yes, I received one myself, said Dumbledore, still smiling. Did you find it useful?
00:06:18Not really. No, I thought not. You have not asked me, for instance, what is my favourite
00:06:23flavour of jam, to check that I am indeed Professor Dumbledore, and not an imposter.
00:06:27I didn't, Harry began, not entirely sure whether he was being reprimanded or not.
00:06:32For future reference, Harry, it is raspberry. Although, of course, if I were a Death Eater,
00:06:37I would have been sure to research my own jam preferences before impersonating myself.
00:06:41Er, right, said Harry. Well, on that leaflet, it said something about, in theory. What exactly
00:06:46are they? The leaflet wasn't very clear.
00:06:49They are corpses, said Dumbledore calmly. Dead bodies that have been bewitched to do
00:06:53a dark wizard's bidding, in theory have not been seen for a long time. However, not since
00:06:58Voldemort was last powerful. He killed enough people to make an army of them, of course.
00:07:04This is the place, Harry, just here.
00:07:06They were nearing a small, neat stone house, set in its own garden. Harry was too busy
00:07:11digesting the horrible idea of, in theory, to have much attention left for anything else.
00:07:15But as they reached the front gate, Dumbledore stopped dead, and Harry walked into him.
00:07:20Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, dear, dear.
00:07:23Harry followed his gaze up the carefully tended front path, and felt his heart sink. The front
00:07:28door was hanging off its hinges. Dumbledore glanced up and down the street. It seemed
00:07:32quite deserted.
00:07:33Wand out, and follow me, Harry, he said quietly.
00:07:37He opened the gate and walked swiftly and silently up the garden path, Harry at his
00:07:42heels, then pushed the front door very slowly, his wand raised and at the ready.
00:07:47PUMMUS!
00:07:48Dumbledore's wand tip ignited, casting its light up a narrow hallway. To the left another
00:07:52door stood open.
00:07:54Holding his illuminated wand aloft, Dumbledore walked into the sitting room, with Harry right
00:07:58behind him.
00:07:59A scene of total devastation met their eyes. A grandfather clock lay splintered at their
00:08:04feet, its face cracked, its pendulum lying a little further away like a dropped sword.
00:08:09A piano was on its side, its keys strewn across the floor. The wreckage of a fallen chandelier
00:08:14glittered nearby. Cushions lay deflated, feathers oozing from slashes in their sides. Fragments
00:08:19of glass and china lay like powder over everything. Dumbledore raised his wand even higher so
00:08:25that its light was thrown upon the walls, where something darkly red and glutinous was
00:08:29spattered over the wallpaper. Harry's small intake of breath made Dumbledore look around.
00:08:35Not pretty, is it? he said heavily. Yes, something horrible has happened here.
00:08:40Dumbledore moved carefully into the middle of the room, scrutinizing the wreckage at
00:08:43his feet. Harry followed, gazing around, half scared of what he might see hidden behind
00:08:47the wreck of the piano or the overturned sofa. But there was no sign of a body.
00:08:52Maybe there was a fight and they dragged him off, Professor, Harry suggested, trying not
00:08:57to imagine how badly wounded a man would have to be to leave those stains spattered halfway
00:09:02up the walls.
00:09:03I don't think so, said Dumbledore quietly, peering behind an overstuffed M. armchair
00:09:07lying on its side. You mean he's still here somewhere?
00:09:11Yes, and without warning Dumbledore swooped, plunging the tip of his wand into the seat
00:09:16of the overstuffed armchair, which yelled, Ouch!
00:09:19Good evening, Horace, said Dumbledore, straightening up again.
00:09:23Harry's jaw dropped. Where a split second before there had been an armchair there now
00:09:27crouched an enormously fat, bald old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting
00:09:31up at Dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye.
00:09:35There was no need to stick the wand in that hard, he said gruffly, clambering to his feet.
00:09:39It hurt!
00:09:40The wand light sparkled on his shiny pate, his prominent eyes, his enormous silver walrus-like
00:09:46moustache and the highly polished buttons on his maroon velvet jacket. He was wearing
00:09:51over a pair of lilac silk pyjamas. The top of his head barely reached Dumbledore's chin.
00:09:58What gave it away, he grunted as he staggered to his feet, still rubbing his lower belly.
00:10:03He seemed remarkably unabashed for a man who had just been discovered pretending to be
00:10:07an armchair.
00:10:08My dear Horace, said Dumbledore, looking amused, if the Death Eaters really had come to call,
00:10:12the Dark Mark would have been set over the house.
00:10:15The wizard clapped a pudgy hand to his vast forehead.
00:10:19The Dark Mark, he muttered. Knew there was something. Ah, well, wouldn't have had time
00:10:24anyway. I'd only just put the finishing touches to my upholstery when you went to the room.
00:10:30He heaved a great sigh that made the ends of his moustache flutter.
00:10:34Would you like any assistance clearing up? asked Dumbledore politely.
00:10:38Please, said the other.
00:10:39They stood back to back, the tall thin wizard and the short round one, and waved their wands
00:10:44in one identical sweeping motion.
00:10:46The furniture flew back to its original place. Ornaments reformed in mid-air. Feathers zoomed
00:10:52into their cushions. Torn books repaired themselves as they landed upon their shelves. Oil lanterns
00:10:57soared onto the side tables and reignited. A vast collection of splintered silver picture
00:11:01frames flew, glittering across the room, and alighted, whole and untarnished. Upon
00:11:07a desk, rips, cracks and holes healed everywhere, and the walls wiped themselves clean.
00:11:13What kind of blood was that, incidentally? asked Dumbledore loudly, over the chiming
00:11:17of the newly unsmashed grandfather clock.
00:11:19On the walls? Dragon! shouted the wizard called Horace, as, with a deafening grinding and
00:11:25tinkling, the chandelier screwed itself back into the ceiling. There was a final plunk
00:11:29from the piano, and silence.
00:11:32Yes, Dragon! repeated the wizard conversationally. My last bottle, and prices are sky-high at
00:11:37the moment. Still, it might be reusable.
00:11:40He stumped over to a small crystal bottle standing on top of a sideboard, and held it
00:11:44up to the light, examining the thick liquid within.
00:11:47Bit dusty. He set the bottle back on the sideboard and sighed. It was then that his gaze fell
00:11:54upon Harry.
00:11:55A-ho! he said, his large round eyes flying to Harry's forehead, and the lightning-shaped
00:12:00scar it bore. A-ho!
00:12:02This, said Dumbledore, moving forwards to make the introduction, is Harry Potter. Harry,
00:12:08this is an old friend and colleague of mine, Horace Slughorn.
00:12:12Slughorn turned on Dumbledore, his expression shrewd.
00:12:14So that's how you thought you'd persuade me, is it? Well, the answer's no, Albus.
00:12:19He pushed past Harry, his face turned resolutely away with the air of a man trying to resist
00:12:24temptation.
00:12:25I suppose we can have a drink at least, asked Dumbledore, for old time's sake.
00:12:30Slughorn hesitated.
00:12:31All right, then. One drink, he said ungraciously.
00:12:34Dumbledore smiled at Harry and directed him towards a chair not unlike the one that Slughorn
00:12:38had so recently impersonated, which stood right beside the newly-burning fire and a
00:12:43brightly glowing oil lamp.
00:12:45Harry took the seat with the distinct impression that Dumbledore, for some reason, wanted to
00:12:49keep him as visible as possible. Certainly when Slughorn, who had been busy with decanters
00:12:53and glasses, turned to face the room again, his eyes fell immediately upon Harry.
00:12:59Mmm, he said, looking very quickly as though frightened of hurting his eyes.
00:13:03Here! he gave a drink to Dumbledore, who had sat down without invitation, thrust the tray
00:13:08at Harry and then sank into the cushions of the repaired sofa with a disgruntled silence.
00:13:14His legs were so short that he did not touch the floor.
00:13:16Well, how have you been keeping, Horace? Dumbledore asked.
00:13:21Not so well, said Slughorn at once. Weak chest. Wheezy. Rheumatism, too. Can't move like I
00:13:27used to. Well, that's to be expected. Old age. Fatigue.
00:13:31And yet you must have moved fairly quickly to prepare such a welcome for us at such short
00:13:37notice, said Dumbledore. You can't have had more than three minutes' warning, Slughorn
00:13:41said, half irritably, half proudly. Two. Didn't hear any intruder or charm go off. I was taking
00:13:47a bath still, he added sternly, seeming to pull himself back together again. The fact
00:13:52remains that I'm an old man, Albus, a tired old man who's earned the right to a quiet
00:13:57life and a few creature comforts. He certainly had those, thought Harry, looking
00:14:02around the room. It was stuffy and cluttered, yet nobody could say it was uncomfortable.
00:14:06There were soft chairs and footstools, drinks and books, boxes of chocolates and plump cushions.
00:14:11If Harry had not known who lived there, he would have guessed at a rich, fussy old lady.
00:14:16You're not as old as I am, Horace, said Dumbledore. Well, maybe you ought to think about retirement
00:14:21yourself, said Slughorn bluntly. His pale, gooseberry eyes had found Dumbledore's injured
00:14:27hand. Reactions not what they were, I see. You're quite right, said Dumbledore serenely,
00:14:32shaking back his sleeve to reveal the tips of those burned and blackened fingers. The
00:14:36sight of them made the back of Harry's neck prickle unpleasantly. I'm undoubtedly slower
00:14:41than I was. But on the other hand, he shrugged and spread his hands wide, as though to say
00:14:47that age had its compensations, and Harry noticed a ring on his uninjured hand that
00:14:52he had never seen Dumbledore wear before. It was large, rather clumsily made of what
00:14:57looked like gold, and was set with a heavy black stone that had cracked down the middle.
00:15:01Slughorn's eyes lingered for a moment on the ring too, and Harry saw a tiny frown momentarily
00:15:06crease his wide forehead.
00:15:09So, all these precautions against intruders, Horace, are they for the Death Eaters' benefit
00:15:14or mine? asked Dumbledore. What would the Death Eaters want with a poor broken-down
00:15:19old buffer like me? demanded Slughorn. I imagine that they would want you to turn your considerable
00:15:25talents to coercion, torture and murder, said Dumbledore. Are you really telling me that
00:15:30they haven't come recruiting yet?
00:15:32Slughorn eyed Dumbledore balefully for a moment, and then muttered, I haven't given
00:15:36them the chance. I've been on the move for a year, never stay in one place more than
00:15:40a week. A move from muggle house to muggle house? The owners of the place are on holiday
00:15:45in the Canary Islands. It's been very pleasant. I'll be sorry to leave, it's quite easy once
00:15:50you know how. One simple freezing charm on those absurd burglar alarms they use instead
00:15:55of sneakerscopes, and make sure the neighbours don't spot you bringing in the piano.
00:15:59Ingenious, said Dumbledore, but it sounds a rather tiring existence for a broken-down
00:16:04old buffer in search of a quiet life. Now, if you were to return to Hogwarts, if you're
00:16:09going to tell me my life will be more peaceful at that pestilential school, you could save
00:16:14your breath, Albus. I might have been in hiding, but some funny rumours have reached me since
00:16:18Dolores Umbridge left. If that's how you treat teachers these days—
00:16:22Professor Umbridge ran afoul of our centaur herd, said Dumbledore. I think Hugh Horace
00:16:28would have known better than to stride into the forest and call a horde of angry centaurs
00:16:32filthy half-breeds. That's what she did, did she? said Slughorn.
00:16:37Idiotic woman, never liked her. Harry chuckled and both Dumbledore and Slughorn
00:16:42looked around at him. Sorry, Harry said hastily, it's just I didn't
00:16:46like her either. Dumbledore stood up rather suddenly. Are you leaving? asked Slughorn
00:16:51at once, looking hopeful. No, I was wondering whether I might use your
00:16:55bathroom, said Dumbledore. Oh, said Slughorn, clearly disappointed, second
00:16:59on the left down the hall. Dumbledore crossed the room. Once the door had closed behind
00:17:04him, there was a silence. After a few moments, Slughorn got to his feet, but seemed uncertain
00:17:08what to do with himself. He shot a furtive look at Harry, then strode to the fire and
00:17:12turned his back on it, warming his wide behind. Don't think I don't know why he's brought
00:17:18you, he said abruptly. Harry merely looked at Slughorn. Slughorn's
00:17:22watery eyes slid over Harry's scar, this time taking in the rest of his face.
00:17:26You look very like your father. Yeah, I've been told, said Harry.
00:17:30Except for your eyes. You've got... my mother's eyes, yeah. Harry had heard this so often,
00:17:35he found it a bit wearying. Hmm, yes, well, you shouldn't have favourites
00:17:40as a teacher, of course, but she was one of mine, your mother, Slughorn added in an answer
00:17:44to Harry's questioning look. Lily Evans, one of the brightest I ever taught. Vivacious,
00:17:49you know, charming girl. I used to tell her she ought to have been in my house. Very cheeky
00:17:53answers I used to get back to... Which was your house?
00:17:57I was head of Slytherin, said Slughorn. Oh, now, he went on quickly, seeing the expression
00:18:02on Harry's face, and wagging a stubby finger at him. Don't go holding that against me.
00:18:06You'll be Gryffindor like her, I suppose. Yes, it's usually... usually goes in families.
00:18:11Not always, though. Ever heard of Sirius Black? You must have done. Been in the papers for
00:18:15the last couple of years. Died a few weeks ago. It was as though an invisible hand had
00:18:20twisted Harry's intestines and held them tight. Well, anyway, he was a big pal of your father's
00:18:25at school. The whole Black family had been in my house, but Sirius ended up in Gryffindor.
00:18:30Shame. He was a talented boy. I got his brother Regulus when he came along, but I'd have liked
00:18:35the set. He sounded like an enthusiastic collector, who had been outbid at auction. Apparently
00:18:41lost in memories, he gazed at the opposite wall, turning idly on the spot to ensure an
00:18:45even heat on his backside. Your mother was Muggle-born, of course. Couldn't believe it
00:18:50when I found out. Thought she must have been pureblood. She was so good.
00:18:54One of my best friends is Muggle-born, said Harry, and she's the best in our year.
00:18:58Funny how that sometimes happens, isn't it? said Slughorn. Not really, said Harry coldly.
00:19:03Slughorn looked down at him in surprise. You mustn't think I'm prejudiced, he said. No,
00:19:08no, no. Haven't I just said your mother was one of my all-time favourite students?
00:19:12And there was Dirk Cresswell in the year after her, too. Now head of the Goblin Liaison Office,
00:19:17of course. Another Muggle-born. A very gifted student, and still gives me excellent insider
00:19:22information on the goings-on at Gringotts. He bounced up and down a little, smiling in a
00:19:28self-satisfied way, and pointed at the many glittering photograph frames on the dresser,
00:19:33each peopled with tiny moving occupants. All ex-students, all signed. You'll notice Barnabas
00:19:40Cuff, editor of the Daily Prophet, he's always interested to hear my take on the day's news,
00:19:45and Ambrosius Flume of Honeydukes, a hamper every day, and all because I was able to give him an
00:19:52introduction to Ciceron Harkis, who gave him his first job. And at the back you'll see here,
00:19:58if you just crane your neck, that's Gwenog Jones, who of course captains the Hollyhead
00:20:04Harpies. People are always astonished to hear I'm on first-name terms with the Harpies.
00:20:09Free tickets whenever I want them. This thought seemed to cheer him up enormously.
00:20:14And all those people know where to find you. To send you stuff, asked Harry, who could not help
00:20:20wondering why the Death Eaters had not yet tracked down Slughorn, if hampers of sweets,
00:20:24Quidditch tickets, and visitors craving his advice and opinions could find him. The smile slid from
00:20:30Slughorn's face as quickly as the blood from his walls. Of course not, he said, looking down at
00:20:35Harry. I have been out of touch with everybody for a year. Harry had the impression that the
00:20:39words shocked Slughorn himself. He looked quite unsettled for a moment, and then he shrugged.
00:20:45Still, the prudent wizard keeps his head down in such times. All very well for Dumbledore to talk,
00:20:50but taking up a post at Hogwarts just now would be tantamount to declaring my public allegiance
00:20:56to the Order of the Phoenix. And while I'm sure they're very admirable and brave and all the rest
00:21:01of it, I don't personally fancy the mortality rate. You don't have to join the Order to teach
00:21:06at Hogwarts, said Harry, who could not quite keep a note of derision out of his voice. It was hard
00:21:12to sympathise with Slughorn's cosseted existence when he remembered Sirius, crouching in a cave
00:21:17and living on rats. Most of the teachers aren't in it, and none of them has ever been killed,
00:21:22well, unless you count Quirrell, and he got what he deserved, seeing as he was working
00:21:26with Voldemort. Harry had been sure Slughorn would be one of those wizards who could not
00:21:31bear to hear Voldemort's name spoken aloud, and was not disappointed. Slughorn gave a shudder
00:21:36and a squawk of protest, which Harry ignored. I reckon the staff are safer than most people,
00:21:43while Dumbledore's headmaster. He's supposed to be the only one Voldemort ever feared, isn't he?
00:21:47Harry went on. Slughorn gazed into space for a moment or two. He seemed to be thinking over
00:21:52Harry's words. Well, yes, it is true that he who must not be named has never sought a fight
00:21:58with Dumbledore, he muttered grudgingly, and I suppose one could argue that as I have not joined
00:22:03the Death Eaters, he who must not be named can hardly count me a friend, in which case I might
00:22:08well be safer a little closer to Albus. I cannot pretend that Amelia Bone's death did not shake me,
00:22:14if she, with all her ministry contacts and protection... Dumbledore re-entered the room,
00:22:19and Slughorn jumped as though he had forgotten he was in the house.
00:22:22Oh, there you are, Albus, he said. You've been a very long time. Upset stomach?
00:22:26No, I was merely reading the Muggle magazines, said Dumbledore. I do love knitting patterns.
00:22:32Well, Harry, we have trespassed upon Horace's hospitality quite long enough. I think it is
00:22:37time for us to leave. Not at all reluctant to obey, Harry jumped to his feet. Slughorn
00:22:43seemed taken aback. You're leaving? Yes, indeed. I think I know a lost cause when I see one.
00:22:49Lost? Slughorn seemed agitated. He twiddled his fat thumbs and fidgeted as he watched Dumbledore
00:22:55fastening his travelling cloak, with Harry zipping up his jacket. Well, I'm sorry you
00:23:01don't want the job, Horace, said Dumbledore, raising his uninjured hand in a farewell salute.
00:23:06Hogwarts would have been glad to see you back again. Our greatly increased security,
00:23:11notwithstanding, you will always be welcome to visit, should you wish to.
00:23:15Yes, well, very gracious, as I say. Goodbye, then.
00:23:19Bye, said Harry. They were at the front door, when there was a shout from behind them. All
00:23:24right, all right, I'll do it. Dumbledore turned to see Slughorn, standing breathless in the doorway
00:23:29to the sitting room. You will come out of retirement? Yes, yes, said Slughorn impatiently.
00:23:36I must be mad, but yes. Wonderful, said Dumbledore, beaming. Then, Horace, we shall see you
00:23:41on the 1st of September. Yes, I dare say you will, grunted Slughorn. As they set off down
00:23:47the garden path, Slughorn's voice floated after them. I'll want a pay rise, Dumbledore.
00:23:53Dumbledore chuckled. The garden gates swung shut behind them, and they set off back down the hill,
00:23:58through the dark and the swirling mist. Well done, Harry, said Dumbledore.
00:24:03I didn't do anything, said Harry in surprise. Oh, yes, you did. You showed Horace exactly how
00:24:08much he stands to gain by returning to Hogwarts. Did you like him?
00:24:13Harry wasn't sure whether he liked Slughorn or not. He supposed he had been pleasant in his way,
00:24:18but he had also seemed vain, and whatever he said to the contrary,
00:24:21much too surprised that a muggle-born should make a good witch.
00:24:25Horace, said Dumbledore, relieving Harry of the responsibility to say any of this,
00:24:30likes his comfort. He also likes the company of the famous, the successful and the powerful.
00:24:35He enjoys the feeling that he influences these people. He has never wanted to occupy the throne
00:24:40himself. He prefers the back seat. More room to spread out, you see. He used to hand-pick favourites
00:24:47at Hogwarts, sometimes for their ambition or their brains, sometimes for their charm or their talent,
00:24:52and he had an uncanny knack for choosing those who would go on to become outstanding in their
00:24:57various fields. Horace formed a kind of club of his favourites, with himself at the centre,
00:25:03making introductions, forging useful contacts between members, and always reaping some kind of
00:25:08benefit in return, whether a free box of his favourite crystallised pineapple, or the chance
00:25:14to recommend the next junior member of the Goblin Liaison Office. Harry had a sudden and vivid mental
00:25:20image of Great Swollen Spider, spinning a web around him, twitching a thread here and there
00:25:25to bring its large and juicy flies a little closer. I tell you all this, Dumbledore continued,
00:25:31not to turn you against Horace, or, as we must now call him, Professor Slughorn, but to put you
00:25:37on your guard. He will undoubtedly try to collect you, Harry. You would be the jewel of his collection,
00:25:42the boy who lived, or as they call you these days, the Chosen One. Of these words, a chill that had
00:25:48nothing to do with the surrounding mist, stole over Harry. He was reminded of words he had heard
00:25:53a few weeks ago, words that had a horrible and particular meaning to them. Neither can live,
00:25:59while the other survives. Dumbledore had stopped walking, level with the church they had passed
00:26:04earlier. This will do, Harry, if you will grasp my arm. Braced this time, Harry was ready for the
00:26:10apparition, but still found it unpleasant. When the pressure disappeared, and he found himself able to
00:26:15breathe again, he was standing in a country lane beside Dumbledore, and looking ahead to the crooked
00:26:20silhouette of his second favourite building in the world, the Burrow. In spite of the feeling of dread
00:26:25that had just swept through him, his spirits could not help but lift at the sight of it.
00:26:29Ron was in there, and so was Mrs Weasley, who could cook better than anyone he knew.
00:26:34If you don't mind, Harry, said Dumbledore, as they passed through the gate, I'd like a few
00:26:38full words with you before we part, in private, perhaps in here. Dumbledore pointed towards a
00:26:44run-down stone outhouse, where the Weasleys kept their broomsticks. A little puzzled, Harry followed
00:26:50Dumbledore through the creaking door, into a space a little smaller than the average cupboard.
00:26:55Dumbledore illuminated the tip of his wand, so that it glowed like a torch, and smiled down at
00:27:00Harry. I hope you will forgive me for mentioning it, Harry, but I am pleased, and a little proud,
00:27:05at how well you seem to be coping after everything that happened at the Ministry.
00:27:10Permit me to say that I think Sirius would have been proud of you.
00:27:14Harry swallowed. The voice seemed to have deserted him. He did not think
00:27:18he could stand to discuss Sirius. It had been painful enough to hear Uncle Vernon say his
00:27:23godfather's dead, even worse to hear Sirius's name thrown out casually by Slughorn.
00:27:28It was cruel, said Dumbledore softly, that you and Sirius had such a short time together,
00:27:33a brutal ending to what should have been a long and happy relationship.
00:27:38Harry nodded, his eyes fixed resolutely on the spider now climbing Dumbledore's hat. He could
00:27:43tell that Dumbledore understood, that he might even suspect, that until his letter arrived Harry
00:27:48had spent nearly all his time at the Dursleys lying on his bed, refusing meals and staring at
00:27:53the misted window, full of the chill, emptiness that he had come to associate with Dementors.
00:28:01It's just hard, Harry said finally, in a low voice, to realise he won't write to me again.
00:28:07His eyes burned suddenly and he blinked. He felt stupid for admitting it, but the fact that he had
00:28:13someone outside Hogwarts who cared what happened to him, almost like a parent, had been one of the
00:28:18best things about discovering his godfather, and now the post-owls would never bring him that
00:28:23comfort again. Sirius represented much to you that you had never known before, said Dumbledore
00:28:29gently. Naturally the loss is devastating. But while I was at the Dursleys, interrupted Harry,
00:28:35his voice growing stronger, I realised I can't shut myself away or crack up. Sirius wouldn't
00:28:41have wanted that, would he? And anyway, life's too short. Look at Madame Bones, look at Emmeline
00:28:45Vance. It could be me next, couldn't it? But if it is, he said fiercely, now looking straight into
00:28:50Dumbledore's blue eyes, gleaming in the wand light, I'll make sure I take as many Death Eaters with me
00:28:55as I can, and Voldemort too, if I can manage it. Spoken both like your mother and father's son,
00:29:01and Sirius's true godson, said Dumbledore, with an approving pat on Harry's back, I take my hat
00:29:07off to you, or I would, if I were not afraid of showering you in spiders. And now, Harry,
00:29:13on a closely related subject, I gather that you have been taking the Daily Prophet over the last
00:29:19two weeks? Yes, said Harry, and his heart beat a little faster. Then you will have seen that there
00:29:24have been not so much leaks as floods concerning your adventure in the Hall of Prophecy. Yes,
00:29:29said Harry again, and now everyone knows that I am the One. No, they do not, interrupted Dumbledore,
00:29:35there are only two people in the world, the whole world, who know the full contents of the prophecy
00:29:40made about you and Lord Voldemort, and they are both standing in this smelly, spidery broomshed.
00:29:45It is true, however, that many have guessed, correctly, that Voldemort sent his Death Eaters
00:29:50to steal a prophecy, and that the prophecy concerned you. Now, I think I am correct in
00:29:55saying that you have not told anybody that you know what the prophecy said. No, said Harry,
00:30:01a wise decision on the whole, said Dumbledore, although I think you ought to relax it in
00:30:06favour of your friends, Mr Ronald Weasley and Miss Hermione Granger. Yes, he continued,
00:30:11when Harry looked startled, I think they ought to know. You do them a disservice by not confiding
00:30:16something this important to them. I didn't want to worry or frighten them, said Dumbledore,
00:30:22surveying Harry over the top of his half-moon spectacles, or perhaps to confess that you
00:30:27are worried and frightened. You need your friends, Harry, and so, you so rightly said, Sirius would
00:30:33not have wanted you to shut yourself away. Harry said nothing, but Dumbledore did not
00:30:39seem to require an answer. He continued, on a different, though related subject, it is my wish
00:30:44that you take private lessons with me this year. Private, with you, said Harry, surprised out of
00:30:50his preoccupied silence. Yes, I think it is time that I took a greater hand in your education.
00:30:57What will you be teaching me, Sir? Oh, a little of this, a little of that, said Dumbledore,
00:31:01airily. Harry waited, hopefully, but Dumbledore did not elaborate, so he asked something else
00:31:06that had been bothering him slightly. If I'm having lessons with you, I won't have to do
00:31:11oculomancy lessons with Snape, will I? Professor Snape, Harry! And no, you will not. Good,
00:31:17said Harry in relief, because they were a—he stopped, careful not to say what he really thought.
00:31:23I think the word fiasco would be a good one here, said Dumbledore, nodding. Harry laughed.
00:31:28Well, that means I won't see much of Professor Snape from now on, he said, because he won't
00:31:32let me carry on potions unless I get outstanding in my owl, which I know I haven't. Don't count
00:31:37your owls before they are delivered, said Dumbledore gravely, which, now I think of it,
00:31:42ought to be some time later today. Now, two more things, Harry, before we part. Firstly,
00:31:47I wish you to keep your invisibility cloak with you at all times from this moment onwards,
00:31:52even within Hogwarts itself, just in case you understand me, Harry nodded. And lastly,
00:31:57while you stay here, the burrow has been given the highest security the Ministry of Magic can
00:32:02provide. These measures have caused a certain amount of inconvenience to Arthur and Molly.
00:32:07All their post, for instance, is being searched at the Ministry before being sent on. They do
00:32:12not mind in the slightest, for their only concern is your safety. However, it would be poor repayment
00:32:18if you risked your neck while staying with them. I understand, said Harry quickly. Very well then,
00:32:23said Dumbledore, pushing open the broom-shed door and stepping out into the yard. I see a
00:32:28light in the kitchen. Let us not deprive Molly any longer of the chance to deplore how thin you are.
00:32:35Chapter 5 An Excess of Phlegm
00:32:37Harry and Dumbledore approached the back door of the burrow, which was surrounded by the familiar
00:32:41litter of old wellington boots and rusty cauldrons. Harry could hear the soft clucking of sleepy
00:32:47chickens coming from the distant shed. Dumbledore knocked three times and Harry saw sudden movement
00:32:51behind the kitchen window. Who's there? said a nervous voice that he recognised as Mrs Weasley's.
00:32:57Declare yourself! It is I, Dumbledore, bringing Harry to his senses.
00:33:02Dumbledore, bringing Harry. The door opened at once. There stood Mrs Weasley, short, plump,
00:33:08and wearing an old green dressing gown. Harry, dear, gracious Albus, you gave me a fright.
00:33:13You said not to expect you before morning. We were lucky, said Dumbledore, ushering Harry over
00:33:19the threshold. Slughorn proved much more pleasurable and persuadable than I had expected.
00:33:24Harry's doing, of course. Ah, hello, Nymphadora. Harry looked around and saw that Mrs Weasley was
00:33:30not alone. Despite the lateness of the hour, a young witch with a pale, heart-shaped face and
00:33:34mousy brown hair was sitting at the table clutching a large mug between her hands.
00:33:39Hello, Professor, she said. Watcha, Harry? Hi, Tonks.
00:33:42Harry thought she looked drawn, even ill, and there was something forced in her smile.
00:33:47Certainly her appearance was less colourful than usual, without her customary shade of
00:33:51bubblegum pink hair. I'd better be off, she said quickly, standing up and pulling her
00:33:55cloak around her shoulders. Thanks for the tea and sympathy, Molly.
00:33:58Please don't leave on my account, said Dumbledore courteously. I cannot stay. I have urgent
00:34:03matters to discuss with Rufus Scrimgeour. No, no, I need to get going, said Tonks,
00:34:08not meeting Dumbledore's eyes. Night.
00:34:11Dear, why not come to dinner at the weekend? Remus and Mad Eye are coming.
00:34:16No, really, Molly, thanks anyway. Good night, everyone.
00:34:19Tonks hurried past Dumbledore and Harry into the yard. A few paces beyond the doorstep,
00:34:23she turned on the spot and vanished into thin air. Harry noticed that Mrs Weasley looked
00:34:27troubled. Well, I shall see you at Hogwarts, Harry, said Dumbledore.
00:34:32Take care of yourself, Molly, your servant. He made Mrs Weasley a bow and followed Tonks,
00:34:38vanishing at precisely the same spot. Mrs Weasley closed the door on the empty yard
00:34:42and then steered Harry by the shoulders into the full glow of the lantern on the table
00:34:46to examine his appearance. You're like Ron, she sighed, looking him up and down.
00:34:51Both of you look as though you've had stretching jinxes put on you. I swear Ron's grown four
00:34:55inches since I last bought him school robes. Are you hungry, Harry?
00:34:59Yeah, I am, said Harry, suddenly realizing just how hungry he was.
00:35:03Sit down, dear, I'll knock something up. As Harry sat down, a furry ginger cat with
00:35:08a squashed face jumped to his knees and settled their purring.
00:35:12So Hermione's here, he asked happily as he tickled Crookshanks behind the ear.
00:35:16Oh, yes, she arrived the day before yesterday, said Mrs Weasley,
00:35:20wrapping a large iron pot with her wand. It bounced onto the stove with a loud clang
00:35:25and began to bubble at once. Everyone's in bed, of course, we didn't expect you for hours.
00:35:29Here you are. She tapped the pot again. It rose into the air, flew towards Harry and tipped over.
00:35:34Mrs Weasley slid a bowl neatly beneath it, just in time to catch the stream of thick,
00:35:39streaming onion soup. Bread, dear?
00:35:43Thanks, Mrs Weasley. She waved her wand over her shoulder,
00:35:46a loaf of bread and a knife soared gracefully onto the table. As the loaf sliced itself and
00:35:50the soup pot dropped back onto the stove, Mrs Weasley sat down opposite him.
00:35:55So you persuaded Horace Slughorn to take the job, Harry nodded, his mouth so full of hot soup
00:36:00that he could not speak. He taught Arthur and me, said Mrs Weasley. He was at Hogwarts for ages,
00:36:05started around the same time as Dumbledore, I think. Did you like him?
00:36:09His mouth was now full of bread. Harry shrugged and gave a non-committal jerk of the head.
00:36:13I know what you mean, said Mrs Weasley, nodding wisely. Of course, he can be charming when he
00:36:18wants to be, but Arthur's never liked him much. The Ministry's littered with Slughorn's old
00:36:22favourites. He was always good at giving leg-ups, but he never had much time for Arthur,
00:36:26didn't seem to think he was enough of a high flyer. Well, that just shows you,
00:36:30even Slughorn makes mistakes. I don't know whether Ron's told you in any of his letters,
00:36:34it's only just happened, but Arthur's been promoted.
00:36:37It could not have been clearer that Mrs Weasley had been bursting to say this.
00:36:41Harry swallowed a large amount of very hot soup and thought he could feel his throat blistering.
00:36:46That's great, he gasped. You are sweet,
00:36:49beamed Mrs Weasley, possibly taking his watering eyes for her emotion at the news.
00:36:53Yes, Rufus Scrimgeour has set up several new offices in response to the present situation,
00:36:58and Arthur's heading the office for detection and confiscation of counterfeit defensive spells
00:37:03and protective objects. It's a big job, he's got ten people reporting to him now.
00:37:07What's he exactly? Well, you see, in all the panic about you-know-who,
00:37:11odd things have been cropping up, for sale everywhere. Things that are supposed to guard
00:37:16against the you-know-who and the Death Eaters. You can imagine the kind of things, so-called
00:37:20protective potions, that are really gravy, with a bit of bug-bubba-tuba and pus added,
00:37:25and... or instructions for defensive jinxes that actually make your ears fall off.
00:37:29Well, in the main, the perpetrators are just people like Mundungus Fletcher,
00:37:33who've never done an honest day's work in their lives, and are taking advantage of
00:37:36how frightened everybody is. But every now and then, something really nasty turns up.
00:37:40The other day, Arthur confiscated a box of cursed sneakerscopes,
00:37:44that were almost certainly planted by a Death Eater. So you see, it's a very important job,
00:37:48and I tell him it's just silly to miss dealing with spark plugs and toasters and all the rest
00:37:53of that muggle rubbish. Mrs Weasley ended her speech with a stern look, as if it had been Harry
00:37:58suggesting that it was natural to miss spark plugs.
00:38:01Is Mr Weasley still at work? Harry asked.
00:38:04Yes, he is. As a matter of fact, he's a tiny bit late. He said he'd be back around midnight.
00:38:09She turned to look at a large clock, that was perched awkwardly on top of a pile of sheets,
00:38:13in the washing basket at the end of the table. Harry recognised it at once. It had nine hands,
00:38:19each inscribed with the name of a family member, and usually hung on the Weasley's sitting room
00:38:23wall, though its current position suggested that Mrs Weasley had taken to carrying it around the
00:38:27house with her. Every single one of its nine hands was now pointing at Mortal Peril.
00:38:33It's been like that for a while now, said Mrs Weasley, in an unconvincingly casual voice.
00:38:38Ever since you-know-who came back into the open, I suppose everybody's in Mortal Peril now. I don't
00:38:43think it can be just our family, but I don't know anyone else who's got a clock like this,
00:38:47so I can't check. Oh! With a sudden exclamation, she pointed at the clock's face. Mr Weasley's
00:38:53hand had switched to travelling. He's coming! And sure enough, a moment later, there was a
00:38:58knock on the back door. Mrs Weasley jumped up and hurried to it. With one hand on the doorknob,
00:39:02and her face pressed against the wood, she called softly. Arthur, is that you?
00:39:07Yes, came Mr Weasley's weary voice, but I would say that that's even if I were a Death Eater,
00:39:12dear. Ask the question. Oh, honestly, Molly! All right, all right. What is your dearest ambition?
00:39:19To find out how aeroplanes stay up. Mrs Weasley nodded and turned the doorknob,
00:39:24but apparently Mr Weasley was holding tight to it on the other side, because the door remained
00:39:28firmly shut. Molly, I've got to ask you your question first. Arthur, really, this is just silly.
00:39:34What do you like me to call you when we're alone together? Even by the dim light of the lantern,
00:39:40Harry could tell that Mrs Weasley had turned bright red. He himself felt suddenly warm around
00:39:45the ears and neck, and hastily gulped soup, clattering his spoon as loudly as he could
00:39:49against the bowl. Molly Wobbles, whispered a mortified Mrs Weasley into the crack of the
00:39:54edge of the door. Correct, said Mr Weasley. Now you can let me in. Mrs Weasley opened the door
00:39:59to reveal her husband, a thin, balding, red-haired wizard, wearing horn-rimmed spectacles and a long
00:40:06and dusty travelling cloak. I still don't see why we have to go through that every time you come
00:40:10home, said Mrs Weasley, still pink in the face as she helped her husband out of his cloak. I mean,
00:40:16a deaf eater might have forced the answer out of you before impersonating you. I know, dear,
00:40:20but it's ministry procedure and I have to set an example. Something smells good. Onion soup?
00:40:26Mr Weasley turned hopefully in the direction of the table. Harry, we didn't expect you until
00:40:30morning. They shook hands and Mr Weasley dropped into the chair beside Harry, as Mrs Weasley set
00:40:36a bowl of soup in front of him too. Thanks, Molly. It's been a tough night. Some idiots started selling
00:40:41metamorph medals. Just sling them around your neck and you'll be able to change your appearance at
00:40:45will. A hundred thousand disguises, all for ten galleons. And what really happens when you put
00:40:51them on? Mostly you just turn a fairly unpleasant orange colour, but a couple of people have also
00:40:57sprouted tentacle-like warts all over their bodies, as if some mongos didn't have enough to do already.
00:41:02It sounds like the sort of thing Fred and George would find funny, said Mrs Weasley hesitantly.
00:41:07Are you sure? Of course I am, said Mr Weasley. The boys wouldn't do anything like that now,
00:41:12not when people are desperate for protection. So is that why you're late? Metamorph medals?
00:41:17No, we got wind of a nasty backfiring jinx down in Elephant and Castle, but luckily the magical
00:41:22law enforcement squad had sorted it out by the time we got there. Harry stifled a yawn behind his hand.
00:41:29Bed, said an undeceived Mrs Weasley at once. I've got Fred and George's room all ready for you.
00:41:35You'll have it to yourself. Why? Where are they? Oh, they're in Diagon Alley, sleeping in the little
00:41:40flat over there, joke shoppers. They're so busy, said Mrs Weasley. I must say I didn't approve at
00:41:45first, but they do seem to have a bit of a flair for business. Come on, dear, your trunk's already up there.
00:41:50Night, Mr Weasley, said Harry, pushing back his chair. Crookshanks leapt lightly from his lap
00:41:56and slunk out of the room. Good night, Harry, said Mr Weasley. Harry saw Mrs Weasley glance at the
00:42:01clock in the washing basket as they left the kitchen. All the hands were once again at mortal
00:42:06peril. Fred and George's bedroom was on the second floor. Mrs Weasley pointed her wand at a lamp on
00:42:11the bedside table and reignited it at once, bathing the room in pleasant golden glow.
00:42:17Though a large vase of flowers had been placed on a desk in front of the small window,
00:42:21their perfume could not disguise the lingering smell of what Harry thought was gunpowder.
00:42:25A considerable amount of floor space was devoted to a vast number of unmarked, sealed cardboard
00:42:30boxes, amongst which stood Harry's school trunk. The room looked as though it was being used as a
00:42:35temporary warehouse. Hedwig hooted happily at Harry from her perch on top of a large wardrobe,
00:42:41then took off through the window. Harry knew she had been waiting to see him before going hunting.
00:42:45Harry made Mrs Weasley good night, put on pyjamas and got into one of the beds. There was something
00:42:50hard in the pillowcase. He groped inside it and pulled out a sticky purple and orange sweet,
00:42:55which he recognised as a puking pastel. Smiling to himself, he rolled over and was instantly asleep.
00:43:01Seconds later, or so it seemed to Harry, he was woken by what sounded like cannon fire
00:43:07as the door burst open. Sitting bolt upright, he heard the rasp of the curtains being pulled back.
00:43:12The dazzling sunlight seemed to poke him hard in both eyes. Shielding them with one hand,
00:43:17he groped hopelessly for his glasses with the other.
00:43:19What was going on?
00:43:21We didn't know you were here already, said a loud and excited voice,
00:43:25and he received a sharp blow to the top of his head.
00:43:27Ron, don't hit him, said a girl's voice reproachfully.
00:43:31Harry's hand found his glasses and he shoved them on,
00:43:33though the light was so bright he could hardly see anyway.
00:43:36A long, looming shadow quivered in front of him for a moment.
00:43:39He blinked and Ron Weasley came into focus, grinning down at him.
00:43:43All right?
00:43:44Never been better, said Harry, rubbing the top of his head and slumping back onto his pillows.
00:43:48You?
00:43:49Not bad, said Ron, pulling over a cardboard box and sitting on it.
00:43:52When did you get here? Mum's only just told us.
00:43:55About one o'clock this morning.
00:43:57Were the muggles all right? Did they treat you okay?
00:44:00Same as usual, said Harry, as Hermione perched herself on the edge of his bed.
00:44:03They didn't talk to me much, but I like it better that way.
00:44:06How are you, Hermione?
00:44:07Oh, I'm fine, said Hermione, who was scrutinizing Harry as though he was sickening for something.
00:44:13He thought he knew what was behind this,
00:44:15and as he had no wish to discuss Sirius's death or any other miserable subject at the moment,
00:44:20he said,
00:44:20What's the time? Have I missed breakfast?
00:44:23Don't worry about that.
00:44:24Mum's bringing you up a tray.
00:44:25She reckons you look underfed, said Ron, rolling his eyes.
00:44:28So, what's been going on?
00:44:30Nothing much.
00:44:31I've just been stuck at my aunts and uncles, haven't I?
00:44:33Come off it, said Ron.
00:44:35You've been off with Dumbledore.
00:44:36It wasn't that exciting.
00:44:37He just wanted me to help him persuade this old teacher to come out of retirement.
00:44:41His name's Horace Slughorn.
00:44:43Oh, said Ron, looking disappointed.
00:44:45We thought…
00:44:46Hermione flashed a warning look at Ron, and Ron changed tack at top speed.
00:44:50We thought it'd be something like that.
00:44:52You did, said Harry, amused.
00:44:54Yeah, yeah, now Umbridge is left.
00:44:56Obviously we need a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, don't we?
00:44:59So, uh, what's he like?
00:45:00He looks a bit like a walrus, and he used to be head of Slytherin, said Harry.
00:45:04Something wrong, Hermione?
00:45:05She was watching him as though expecting strange symptoms to manifest themselves at any moment.
00:45:10She rearranged her features hastily in an unconvincing smile.
00:45:14No, of course not.
00:45:15So, um, did Slughorn seem like he's… he'll be a good teacher?
00:45:19Dunno, said Harry.
00:45:20He can't be worse than Umbridge, can he?
00:45:22I know someone who's worse than Umbridge, said a voice from the doorway.
00:45:25Ron's younger sister slouched into the room, looking irritable.
00:45:30Hi, Harry.
00:45:31What's up with you, Ron asked.
00:45:33It's her, said Ginny, plonking herself down on Harry's bed.
00:45:36She's driving me mad.
00:45:37What's she done now, asked Hermione sympathetically.
00:45:40She talks to me.
00:45:41You'd think I was about three.
00:45:43I know, said Hermione, dropping her voice.
00:45:45She's so full of herself.
00:45:47Harry was astonished to hear Hermione talking about Mrs Weasley like this,
00:45:50and could not blame Ron for saying angrily.
00:45:53Can't you two lay off her for five seconds?
00:45:55Oh, that's right, defend her, snapped Ginny.
00:45:57We all know you can't get enough of her.
00:46:00This seemed an odd comment to make about Ron's mother,
00:46:02starting to feel that he was missing something, Harry said.
00:46:06Who are you?
00:46:07But his question was answered before he could finish it.
00:46:10The bedroom door flew open again,
00:46:12and Harry instinctively yanked the bed covers up to his chin so hard
00:46:15that Hermione and Ginny slid off the bed onto the floor.
00:46:18A young woman was standing in the doorway,
00:46:20a woman of such breathtaking beauty that the room seemed to have become strangely airless.
00:46:25She was tall and willowy, with long blonde hair,
00:46:27and appeared to emanate a faint silvery glow.
00:46:30To complete the vision of perfection, she was carrying a heavily laden breakfast tray.
00:46:35Harry, she said in a throaty voice, it has been too long.
00:46:39As she swept over the threshold towards him,
00:46:41Mrs Weasley was revealed, bobbing along in her wake, looking rather cross.
00:46:46There was no need to bring up the tray, I was just about to do it myself.
00:46:49It was no trouble, said Fleur Delacour, setting the tray across Harry's knees,
00:46:54and then swooping to kiss him on each cheek.
00:46:56He felt the places where her mouth had touched him burn.
00:46:59I have been longing to see him.
00:47:00You remember my sister, Gabrielle?
00:47:02She never stops talking about Harry Potter.
00:47:05She will be delighted to see you again.
00:47:07Oh, is she here too, Harry croaked?
00:47:09No, no, no, silly boy, said Fleur, with a tinkling laugh.
00:47:12I mean next summer, when we...
00:47:14But do you not know?
00:47:16Her great blue eyes widened, and she looked reproachfully at Mrs Weasley, who said,
00:47:21We hadn't got around to telling him yet.
00:47:23Fleur turned back to Harry, swinging her silvery sheet of hair,
00:47:26so that it whipped Mrs Weasley across the face.
00:47:29Bill and I are going to be married.
00:47:31Oh, said Harry, blankly.
00:47:33He could not help noticing how Mrs Weasley, Hermione and Ginny
00:47:36were all determinedly avoiding each other's gaze.
00:47:39Wow!
00:47:40Congratulations!
00:47:41She swooped down upon him and kissed him again.
00:47:44Bill is very busy at the moment, working very hard,
00:47:47and only worked part-time at Gringotts for my English,
00:47:50so he brought me here for a few days to get to know his family properly.
00:47:54I was so pleased to hear you would be coming.
00:47:56There isn't much to do here, unless you like cooking and chickens.
00:48:00Well, enjoy your breakfast, Harry.
00:48:02With those words, she turned gracefully and seemed to float out of the room,
00:48:06closing the door quietly behind her.
00:48:08Mrs Weasley made a noise that sounded like,
00:48:11Mum hates her, said Ginny quietly.
00:48:14I do not hate her, said Mrs Weasley in a cross whisper.
00:48:17I just think they've hurried into this engagement, that's all.
00:48:20They've known each other over a year, said Ron,
00:48:23who looked oddly groggy and was staring at the closed door.
00:48:26Well, that's not very long.
00:48:27I know why it's happened, of course.
00:48:29It's all this uncertainty with you-know-who coming back.
00:48:32People think they might be dead tomorrow,
00:48:34so they're rushing all sorts of decisions they'd normally take time over.
00:48:37It was the same last time he was powerful.
00:48:39People eloping left, right and centre.
00:48:42Including you and Dad, said Ginny shyly.
00:48:45Yes, well, your father and I were made for each other.
00:48:48What was the point in waiting, said Mrs Weasley,
00:48:50whereas Bill and Fleur, well, what have they really got in common?
00:48:53He's a hard-working, down-to-earth sort of person,
00:48:55whereas she's a cow, said Ginny nodding.
00:48:58But Bill's not that down-to-earth.
00:49:00He's a curse-breaker, isn't he?
00:49:02He likes a bit of adventure, a bit of glamour.
00:49:04I suspect that's why he's gone for phlegm.
00:49:07Stop calling her that, Ginny, said Mrs Weasley sharply,
00:49:10as Harry and Hermione laughed.
00:49:12Well, I'd better get on.
00:49:13Eat your eggs while they're warm, Harry.
00:49:15Looking careworn, she left the room.
00:49:18Ron still seemed slightly punch-drunk.
00:49:20He was shaking his head experimentally,
00:49:21like a dog trying to rid its ears of water.
00:49:24Don't you get used to her, if she's staying in the same house?
00:49:27Harry asked.
00:49:27Well, you do, said Ron,
00:49:29but if she jumps out at you unexpectedly like that, then...
00:49:32It's pathetic, said Hermione furiously,
00:49:35striding away from Ron as far as she could go
00:49:37and turning to face him with her arms folded
00:49:39once she had reached the wall.
00:49:42You don't really want her around forever, Ginny asked Ron incredulously.
00:49:46When he merely shrugged, she said,
00:49:48Well, Mum's going to put a stop to it, if she can, I bet you anything.
00:49:51How's she going to manage that? asked Harry.
00:49:54She keeps trying to get Tonks around for dinner.
00:49:56I think she's hoping Bill will fall for Tonks instead.
00:49:59I hope he does.
00:49:59I'd much rather have her in the family.
00:50:01Yeah, that'll work, said Ron sarcastically.
00:50:04Listen, no bloke in his right mind's going to fancy Tonks when Fleur's around.
00:50:08I mean, Tonks is okay looking,
00:50:10when she isn't doing stupid things with her hair and her nose, but...
00:50:13She's a damn sight nicer than phlegm, said Ginny.
00:50:16And she's more intelligent.
00:50:18She's an aura, said Hermione from the corner.
00:50:20Fleur's not stupid.
00:50:21She was good enough to enter the Triwizard Tournament, said Harry.
00:50:24Not you as well, said Hermione bitterly.
00:50:26I suppose you like the way Phlegm says Harry, do you? asked Ginny scornfully.
00:50:31No, said Harry, wishing he hadn't spoken.
00:50:33I was just saying, Phlegm, I mean, Fleur...
00:50:36I'd much rather have Tonks in the family, said Ginny.
00:50:39At least she's a laugh.
00:50:41She hasn't been much of a laugh lately, said Ron.
00:50:43Every time I've seen her, she's looked more like moaning Myrtle.
00:50:46That's not fair, snapped Hermione.
00:50:48She still hasn't got over what happened.
00:50:50You know, I mean, he was her cousin.
00:50:52Harry's heart sank.
00:50:54They had arrived at Sirius.
00:50:55He picked up a fork and began shoveling scrambled eggs into his mouth,
00:50:58hoping to deflect any invitation to join in this part of the conversation.
00:51:03Tonks and Sirius barely knew each other, said Ron.
00:51:05Sirius was in Azkaban, half her life.
00:51:08And before that, their families never met.
00:51:10That's not the point, said Hermione.
00:51:11She thinks it was her fault he died.
00:51:13How does she work that one out? asked Harry, in spite of himself.
00:51:17Well, she was fighting Bellatrix Lestrange, wasn't she?
00:51:19I think she feels that if only she had finished her off,
00:51:22Bellatrix couldn't have killed Sirius.
00:51:24That's stupid, said Ron.
00:51:25It's survivors' guilt, said Hermione.
00:51:27I know Lupin's tried to talk to her around, but she's still really down.
00:51:31She's actually having trouble with her metamorphosing.
00:51:37With her?
00:51:38She can't change her appearance like she used to, explained Hermione.
00:51:42I think her powers must have been affected by shock or something.
00:51:46I don't know.
00:51:47I didn't know that could happen, said Harry.
00:51:48Nor did I, said Hermione.
00:51:50But I suppose if you're really depressed...
00:51:52The door opened again and Mrs. Weasley popped her head in.
00:51:55Ginny, she whispered.
00:51:56Come downstairs and help me with the lunch.
00:51:58I'm talking to this lot, said Ginny, outraged.
00:52:01Now, said Mrs. Weasley, and withdrew.
00:52:03She only wants me there so she doesn't have to be alone with phlegm, said Ginny crossly.
00:52:07She swung her long red hair around, in a very good imitation of Fleur,
00:52:11and pranced across the room, with her arms held aloft like a ballerina.
00:52:15You lots had better come down quickly too, she said as she left.
00:52:18Harry took advantage of the temporary silence to eat more breakfast.
00:52:21Hermione was peering into Fred and George's boxes,
00:52:24though every now and then she cast sideways looks at Harry.
00:52:27Ron, who was now helping himself to Harry's toast, was still gazing dreamily at the door.
00:52:32What's this? Hermione asked eventually, holding up what looked like a small telescope.
00:52:37Dunno, said Ron, but if Fred and George have left it here,
00:52:40it's probably not ready for the joke shop yet, so be careful.
00:52:43Your mum said the shop's going well, said Harry.
00:52:46Said Fred and George have got a real flair for business.
00:52:49That's an understatement, said Ron.
00:52:51They're raking in the galleons.
00:52:53I can't wait to see the place.
00:52:54We haven't been down to Diagon Alley yet,
00:52:56because mum says dad's got to be there for extra security,
00:52:59and he's been really busy at work, but it sounds excellent.
00:53:03And what about Percy? asked Harry.
00:53:05The third eldest Weasley brother had fallen out with the rest of the family.
00:53:08Is he talking to your mum and dad again?
00:53:10Nope, said Ron, but he knows your dad was right all along about how Voldemort,
00:53:15you know, him being back.
00:53:16Dumbledore says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong
00:53:21than being right, said Hermione.
00:53:22I heard them telling your mum.
00:53:24Ron, sounds like the sort of mental thing Dumbledore would say, said Ron.
00:53:28He's going to be giving me private lessons this year, said Harry conversationally.
00:53:32Ron choked on his bit of toast, and Hermione gasped.
00:53:35You kept that quiet, said Ron.
00:53:37I only just remembered, said Harry honestly.
00:53:39He told me last night in your broom shed.
00:53:41Blimey, private lessons with Dumbledore, said Ron, looking impressed.
00:53:45I wonder why he's...
00:53:47His voice trailed away.
00:53:49Harry saw him and Hermione exchange looks.
00:53:51Harry laid down his knife and fork, his heart beating rather fast,
00:53:55considering that all he was doing was sitting in bed.
00:53:58Dumbledore had said to do it.
00:54:00Why not now?
00:54:01He fixed his eyes on his fork, which was gleaming in the sunlight,
00:54:04streaming onto his lap and said,
00:54:05I don't know exactly why he's going to be giving me lessons,
00:54:08but I think it must be because of the prophecy.
00:54:11Neither Ron nor Hermione spoke.
00:54:13Harry had the impression that both had frozen.
00:54:16He continued, still speaking to his fork.
00:54:18You know, the one they were trying to steal at the ministry.
00:54:21Nobody knows what it said, though, said Hermione quickly.
00:54:24It got smashed.
00:54:25Although, the prophet says, began Ron, but Hermione said,
00:54:30Shh, the prophet's got it right, said Harry, looking up at them both with a great effort.
00:54:34Hermione seemed frightened and Ron amazed.
00:54:36That glass ball that smashed wasn't the only record of the prophecy.
00:54:40I heard the whole thing in Dumbledore's office.
00:54:42He was the one the prophecy was made to,
00:54:44so he could tell me.
00:54:46From what it said, Harry took a deep breath.
00:54:50It looks like I'm the one who's got to finish off Voldemort.
00:54:53At least it said neither of us could live while the other survives.
00:54:56The three of them gazed at each other in silence for a moment.
00:54:59Then there was a loud bang and Hermione vanished again in a puff of black smoke.
00:55:03Hermione, shouted Harry and Ron.
00:55:05The breakfast tray slid to the floor of a crash.
00:55:08Hermione emerged coughing out of the smoke,
00:55:11clutching the telescope and sporting a brilliantly purple black eye.
00:55:15I squeezed it and it, it punched me, she gasped.
00:55:19And sure enough, they now saw a tiny fist on a long spring
00:55:23protruding from the end of the telescope.
00:55:25Don't worry, said Ron, who was plainly trying not to laugh.
00:55:28Mum will fix that.
00:55:29She's good at healing minor injuries.
00:55:31Oh, well, never mind that now, said Hermione hastily.
00:55:34Harry, oh Harry, she sat down on the edge of his bed again.
00:55:38We wondered after we got back from the ministry.
00:55:40Obviously, we didn't want to say anything to you.
00:55:42But from what Lucius Malfoy said about the prophecy,
00:55:45how it was about you and Voldemort, well, we thought it might be something like this.
00:55:49Oh, Harry, she stared at him, then whispered.
00:55:51Are you scared?
00:55:53Not as much as I was, said Harry.
00:55:55When I first heard it, I was.
00:55:56But now it seems as though I always knew I'd have to face him in the end.
00:56:01When we heard Dumbledore was collecting you in person,
00:56:03we thought he might be telling you something
00:56:05or showing you something to do the prophecy, said Ron eagerly.
00:56:08And we were kind of right, weren't we?
00:56:10He wouldn't be giving you lessons if he thought you were a goner.
00:56:13Wouldn't waste his time.
00:56:14He must think you've got a chance.
00:56:15That's true, said Hermione.
00:56:17I wonder what he'll teach you, Harry.
00:56:19Really advanced defensive magic, probably.
00:56:21Powerful countercurses, anti-jinxes.
00:56:24Harry did not really listen.
00:56:26A warmth was spreading through him that had nothing to do with the sunlight.
00:56:29A tight obstruction in his chest seemed to be dissolving.
00:56:32He knew that Ron and Hermione were more shocked than they were letting on.
00:56:35But the mere fact that they were still there on either side of him,
00:56:38speaking bracing words of comfort, not shrinking from him
00:56:41as though he were contaminated or dangerous,
00:56:44was worth more than he could ever tell them.
00:56:46And evasive enchantments, generally, concluded Hermione.
00:56:49Well, at least you know one lesson you'll be having this year.
00:56:52That's one more than Ron and me.
00:56:53I wonder when our owl results will be coming.
00:56:56Can't be long now.
00:56:57It's been a month, said Ron.
00:56:59Hang on, said Harry, as another part of the previous night's conversation came back to him.
00:57:03I think Dumbledore said our owl results will be coming today.
00:57:06Today, shrieked Hermione.
00:57:08Today?
00:57:09But why didn't you?
00:57:10Oh, my God, you should have said.
00:57:12She leapt to her feet.
00:57:13I'm going to see whether my owls have come.
00:57:16But when Harry arrived downstairs ten minutes later,
00:57:18fully dressed and carrying his empty breakfast tray,
00:57:21it was to find Hermione sitting at the kitchen table in great agitation,
00:57:24while Mrs. Weasley tried to lessen her resemblance to half a panda.
00:57:29It just won't budge, Mrs. Weasley was saying anxiously,
00:57:33standing over Hermione with her wand in her hand
00:57:35and a copy of the healer's help mate open at bruises, cuts and abrasions.
00:57:39This has always worked before.
00:57:41I just can't understand it.
00:57:42It'll be Fred and George's idea of a funny joke,
00:57:45making sure it can't come off, said Ginny.
00:57:47But it's got to come off, squeaked Hermione.
00:57:49I can't go around looking like this forever.
00:57:51You won't, dear.
00:57:52We'll find an antidote.
00:57:54Don't worry, said Mrs. Weasley soothingly.
00:57:57Bill told me Alfred and George are very amusing, said Fleur, smiling serenely.
00:58:04Yes, I can hardly breathe for laughing, snapped Hermione.
00:58:08She jumped up and started walking around and around the kitchen,
00:58:10twisting her fingers together.
00:58:12Mrs. Weasley, you're quite, quite sure no owls have arrived this morning?
00:58:16Yes, dear, I'd have noticed, said Mrs. Weasley patiently.
00:58:19But it's barely nine.
00:58:20There's still plenty of time.
00:58:22I know I've messed up ancient runes, muttered Hermione feverishly.
00:58:25I definitely made at least one serious mistranslation,
00:58:28and the defence against the dark arts practical was no good at all.
00:58:31I thought transfiguration went all right at the time, but looking back...
00:58:35Hermione, will you shut up?
00:58:37You're not the only one who's nervous, barked Ron.
00:58:40And when you've got your ten outstanding owls...
00:58:43Don't, don't, don't, said Hermione, flapping her hands hysterically.
00:58:46I know I've failed everything.
00:58:48What happens if we fail?
00:58:49Harry asked the room at large.
00:58:51But it was again Hermione who answered.
00:58:53We discuss our options with our head of house.
00:58:55I asked Professor McGonagall at the end of last term.
00:58:57Harry's stomach squirmed.
00:58:59He wished he had eaten less breakfast.
00:59:01At Beaubaton, said Fleur complacently, we had a different way of doing things.
00:59:05I think it was better.
00:59:07We sat our examinations after six years of study, not five, and then...
00:59:10Fleur's words were drowned in a scream.
00:59:13Hermione was pointing through the kitchen window.
00:59:15Three black specks were clearly visible in the sky, growing larger all the time.
00:59:20They're definitely owls, said Ron hoarsely, jumping up to join Hermione at the window.
00:59:25And, uh, and there are three of them, said Harry, hastening to her other side.
00:59:29One for each of us, said Hermione in a terrified whisper.
00:59:33Oh no, oh no, oh no.
00:59:35She gripped both Harry and Ron tightly around the elbows.
00:59:38The owls were flying directly at the burrow.
00:59:40Three handsome tawnies, each of which, it became clear as they flew lower over the path
00:59:45leading up to the house, was carrying a large square envelope.
00:59:48Oh no, squealed Hermione.
00:59:50Mrs Weasley squeezed past them and opened the kitchen window.
00:59:53One, two, three.
00:59:55The owls soared through it and landed on the table in a neat line.
00:59:59All three of them lifted their right legs.
01:00:01Harry moved forwards.
01:00:02The letter addressed to him was tied to the leg of the owl in the middle.
01:00:05He untied it with fumbling fingers.
01:00:07To his left, Ron was trying to detach his own results.
01:00:10To his right, Hermione's hands were shaking so much she was making a whole owl tremble.
01:00:15Nobody in the kitchen spoke.
01:00:17At last, Harry managed to detach the envelope.
01:00:19He slit it open quickly and unfolded the parchment inside.
01:00:24Ordinary Wizarding Level Results
01:00:26Pass Grades
01:00:27Outstanding, O.
01:00:28Exceeds Expectations, E.
01:00:31Acceptable, A.
01:00:32Poor, P.
01:00:33Dreadful, D.
01:00:35Troll, T.
01:00:36Harry James Potter is Achieved.
01:00:39Astronomy, A.
01:00:40Care of Magical Creatures, E.
01:00:43Charms, E.
01:00:45Defence Against the Dark Arts, O.
01:00:48Divination, P.
01:00:49Herbology, E.
01:00:51History of Magic, D.
01:00:53Potions, E.
01:00:55Transfiguration, E.
01:00:58Harry read the parchment through several times,
01:01:00his breathing becoming easier with each reading.
01:01:02He was alright.
01:01:03He had always known that he would fail Divination,
01:01:05and he had no chance of passing History of Magic,
01:01:08given that he had collapsed halfway through the examination.
01:01:11But he had passed everything else.
01:01:13He ran his finger down the grades.
01:01:14He had passed well in Transfiguration and Herbology.
01:01:17He had even exceeded expectations at Potions.
01:01:20And best of all, he'd achieved Outstanding in Defence Against the Dark Arts.
01:01:24He looked around.
01:01:25Hermione had her back to him, and her head bent,
01:01:27but Ron was looking delighted.
01:01:29I only failed Divination and History of Magic,
01:01:31and who cares about them?
01:01:32He said happily to Harry.
01:01:34Here, swap.
01:01:35Harry glanced down Ron's grades.
01:01:37There was no Outstandings there.
01:01:39Knew you'd be topping Defence Against the Dark Arts, said Ron,
01:01:42punching Harry in the shoulder.
01:01:44We've done alright, haven't we?
01:01:45Well done, said Mrs Weasley proudly,
01:01:48ruffling Ron's hair.
01:01:49Seven Owls!
01:01:50That's more than Fred and George got together!
01:01:53Hermione, said Ginny tentatively,
01:01:55for Hermione still hadn't turned around.
01:01:57How did you do?
01:01:58I, uh, not bad, said Hermione in a small voice.
01:02:02Oh, come off it, said Ron, striding over to her
01:02:04and whipping her results out of her hand.
01:02:06Yep, nine Outstandings and one exceeds expectations
01:02:10in Defence Against the Dark Arts.
01:02:12He looked down at her, half amused, half exasperated.
01:02:16You're actually disappointed, aren't you?
01:02:18Hermione shook her head, but Harry laughed.
01:02:20Well, we're newt students now, grinned Ron.
01:02:23Mum, are there any more sausages?
01:02:25Harry looked back down at his results.
01:02:28They were as good as he could have hoped for.
01:02:30He felt just one tiny twinge of regret.
01:02:33This was the end of his ambition to become an Auror.
01:02:35He had not secured the required Potions grade.
01:02:37He had known all along that he wouldn't,
01:02:39but he still felt a sinking in his stomach
01:02:41as he looked again at the small black E.
01:02:44It was odd, really,
01:02:45seeing that it had been a Death Eater in disguise
01:02:48who had first told Harry he would make a good Auror,
01:02:50but somehow the idea had taken hold of him
01:02:53and he couldn't really think of anything else
01:02:54he would like to be.
01:02:56Moreover, it had seemed the right destiny for him
01:02:58since he had heard the prophecy a month ago.
01:03:01Neither can live while the other survives.
01:03:03Wouldn't he be living up to the prophecy
01:03:05and giving himself the best chance of survival
01:03:07if he joined those highly trained wizards
01:03:09whose job it was to find and kill Voldemort?