but Dumbledore refuses to disclose the reason behind it just yet. When Harry leaves the living room to pack his trunk, Dumbledore reminds the Dursleys that when he left Harry on their doorstep sixteen years ago, he cast a spell on the house, ensuring powerful protection as long as Harry considers it his home.

Although Harry's time at Four Privet Drive has been miserable, it has kept him safe. Now Dumbledore asks the Dursleys to allow Harry to return home one more time before he turns seventeen and the protective spell is broken. Reluctantly, they comply, and Harry departs with Dumbledore. Since Harry has not yet learned Apparition(the ability to teleport through magic), he holds onto Dumbledore's arm as they travel, feeling as if he is being squeezed through a rubber tube. Dumbledore and Harry arrive at the home of one of Dumbledore's old acquaintances, Horace Slughorn. Harry assumes that Slughorn will be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, replacing Dolores Umbridge. Slughorn, focused on befriending influential young wizards, is unknowingly enticed by Harry to accept Dumbledore's offer to return to Hogwarts.

Once again, Harry and Dumbledore Apparate, this time arrivingat the Burrow where Ron Weasley, Harry's schoolmate, lives with his family. Dumbledore reminds Harry that, despite what the Daily Prophet may claim about Harry being the "Chosen One," only Harry and Dumbledore know the true contents of the prophecy. Dumbledore suggests that Harry share the prophecy with his two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. He also informs Harry that he will receive private lessons this year, and that their O.W.L. scores will be arriving soon. Dumbledore asks Harry to keep his Invisibility Cloak with him at all times.

Inside the Burrow, Harry encounters Tonks, an Auror from the Order of the Phoenix. Despite her typically cheerful demeanor, Tonks appears downcast and unwell. Harry stays in the room shared by Fred and George Weasley, twin brothers who have opened a joke shop called Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. In the morning, he is awoken by the excited voices of his best friends, Ron and Hermione. They eagerly inquire about Harry's night with Dumbledore, and he fills them in on his visit to Horace Slughorn. Ginny, Ron's younger sister, joins the conversation and complains about her brother Bill's fiancée, Fleur, whom she mockingly

calls "Phlegm." Ginny, Hermione, and Mrs. Weasley all harbor dislike toward the beautiful Fleur. After Ginny departs, Harry reveals that he will be receiving private lessons from Dumbledore and shares the contents of the prophecy with his friends. He also reminds them that their O.W.L. scores will soon be delivered. Hermione, being the diligent student she is, becomes anxious and rushes downstairs. Hermione receives all Outstanding grades except for an Exceeds Expectations in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry and Ron both perform well, passing seven O.W.L.s each. Harry earns an Outstanding in Defense Against the Dark Arts. While he is pleased with his scores, he feels a tinge of sadness as his Potions mark, though Outstanding, falls short of the requirement to become an Auror.

Chapters 6 and 7

Harry receives the news that he will be the Quidditch Captain for the upcoming year. Mrs. Weasley organizes a trip to Diagon Alley to purchase school supplies, but the once bustling area appears deserted. Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid, who provides added security, head to Madam Malkin's for robe fittings. Hagrid waits outside while the trio enters the shop, only to find Draco Malfoy being fitted for robes as well. Malfoy insults Hermione, calling her a Mudblood, a derogatory termfor a wizard born to Muggle parents. Eventually, Malfoy storms out of the shop, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione complete their fittings before reuniting with the rest of the Weasleys. When they reach Fred and George's joke shop, it is packed with customers. Harry spots Draco hurrying up the street alone. Pulling Ron and Hermione under his Invisibility Cloak, they follow Draco into Borgin and Burkes, a store filled with Dark objects.

Harry and his friends eavesdrop on Draco's conversation with Borgin. Draco asks Borgin to repair something, using veiled threats and emphasizing his family's connection to Fenir Greyback. Draco hints at the existence of two objects, one of which needs to be kept safe in the shop. Borgin swears to keep the secret, and Draco departs. Hermione attempts to investigate further, but Borgin grows suspicious and orders her out. Before boarding the Hogwarts Express, Harry shares his

suspicions about Draco being a Death Eater with Mr. Weasley. On the train, Harry becomes the center of attention as students stare at him. He spots Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom and joins them in a compartment.

Ron and Hermione later enter the compartment, having finished their prefect duties. A young woman delivers scrolls to Harry and Neville, inviting them to join Professor Slughorn for lunch. Ginny, too, has received an invitation. Slughorn has assembled a group of influential students in the hopes of cultivating relationships with them, repeatedly inquiring about their family connections. After escaping from Slughorn's company, Harry questions Ginny about her involvement, considering that the Weasley family is not particularly influential. Ginny reveals that Slughorn was impressed by her hexing of Zacharias Smith. Inspired by an idea, Harry excuses himself and retrieves his Invisibility Cloak, then follows Zabini, a Slytherin who had also attended lunch with Slughorn.

Harry sneaks into the Slytherin compartment as Zabini enters, quickly hiding in the luggage rack. Harry worries that one of his sneakers may have slipped from under the cloak during his dive, and he notices Draco scanning the racks. Draco boasts about the possibility of not returning to Hogwarts the following year, suggesting he has moved on to bigger things. His cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, appear dumbfounded. Draco continues to discuss how things will change when Voldemort ultimately takes control. As the train nears Hogwarts, the Slytherins retrieve their trunks. Goyle's trunk accidentally hits Harry on the head, causing him to gasp in pain. Malfoylooks up at the luggage racks, and once his classmates leave, he turns around and unexpectedly casts a paralyzing spell at the racks. Harry tumbles down, frozen in place. Draco kicks Harry in the face and covers his immobile body with the invisibility cloak.

Chapters 8-9

Helped by Tonks, Harry sheds his Invisibility Cloak and rushes towards Hogwarts. As he enters the Great Hall, all eyes turn to him. Dumbledore introduces Professor Slughorn as the new Potions teacher, while Snape takes over Defense Against the Dark Arts, much to the surprise and

concern of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They discuss Draco's potential connection to Voldemort, but Ron remains skeptical about the matter. Hagrid encounters them and mentions the Care of Magical Creatures class, unaware that his three best students have not signed up for it. Harry shares what he overheard in the Slytherin compartment with Ron and Hermione.

The following morning, Harry informs Hermione about Draco's conversation. Hermione shares Ron's doubts regarding Draco's involvement with Voldemort, but she is more concerned about Hagrid's reaction when he discovers they have not enrolled in his class. Before classes begin, students' schedules are finalized, and Harry meets with Professor McGonagall to discuss his options. McGonagall informs Harry that he can continue with Potions, despite his reservations about his O.W.L. score. She assures him that he can borrow the necessary books and ingredients. Ron also receives clearance for his chosen subjects, including Potions, and they proceed to their Defense Against the Dark Arts class, where they start practicing nonverbal spells. Harry earns a detention for speaking out against Snape.

Later, Harry receives a message from Dumbledore, announcing their first private lesson on Saturday night. Excited to have a legitimate excuse to skip Snape's detention, Harry attends Slughorn's Potions class instead. He asks Slughorn if he can borrow two Potions textbooks, and Slughorn obliges by providing used books from a cupboard. During the class, Slughorn announces that the student with the best potion will be rewarded with a vial of Felix Felicis, a luck-enhancing potion. Harry opens his textbook, only to find extensive notes scribbled throughout the pages. He decides to follow the additional instructions in the margins, resulting in a perfectly brewed potion. Slughorn is pleased and awards Harry the vial of Felix Felicis. However, Hermione accuses Harry of cheating when she sees the writing on the back cover of the textbook, which declares it as theproperty of the Half-Blood Prince.

Chapters 10 and 11

Harry visits Dumbledore's office, where Dumbledore reveals his plan to

teach Harry more about Lord Voldemort's past to aid in his survival. They use the Pensieve, a stone basin that allows them to experience others' memories. Dumbledore retrieves a vial containing one of Bob Ogden's memories. In the memory, they find themselves in a country lane observing Bob Ogden, an employee of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Ogden approaches a house where Morfin, a man in tattered clothes, speaks Parseltongue to warn Ogden away. Morfin jinxes Ogden, and his father, Gaunt, emerges from the cabin. Ogden informs them that he is investigating Morfin's use of magic against a Muggle.

Ogden encounters Merope, Gaunt's daughter, and presents a summons for a Ministry hearing. Gaunt becomes furious and shows Ogden his ring and locket, both bearing the symbol of Salazar Slytherin. Gaunt reveals that they are the last descendants of Slytherin and admits that his son attacked a Muggle, accusing Merope of being in love with the Muggle boy, Tom. Gaunt tries to strangle Merope, but Ogden intervenes. Morfin, armed with a knife and wand, forces Ogden to flee.

Back at Hogwarts, Dumbledore explains that Ogden returned with reinforcements to arrest Morfin and Gaunt. Gaunt received a six-month sentence, while Morfin was sentenced to three years in Azkaban. Dumbledore reveals that Voldemort's grandfather was Marvolo Gaunt and his mother was Merope. Voldemort's father was Tom, the Muggle whom Morfin attacked. Merope had used a love potion on Tom, but after their marriage, Tom left her when the effects of the potion wore off. Merope was pregnant with Voldemort when Tom abandoned her. Harry asks if he can share this information with Ron and Hermione, and Dumbledore grants permission.

Before leaving, Harry notices the black and gold ring, the same one Marvolo showed Ogden and that Dumbledore had been wearing. Dumbledore acquired the ring recently and injured his hand around the same time. Hermione observes that Dumbledore's seat in the Great Hall has often been empty. At Quidditch tryouts, Harry selects Ron as Keeper, despite his inconsistent performance. Afterward, they visit Hagrid, who is initially upset with them for not enrolling in his class. However, Hagrid forgives them when Hermione offers to accompany him to see his giant spider friend, Aragog. Hagrid declines, fearing the rest of the spider tribe would harm Hermione. Hermione agrees to attenda party hosted by

Professor Slughorn, while Harry must serve detention with Snape.

Chapters 12 and 13

The students anticipate their first trip to Hogsmeade, and Ginny delivers a note from Dumbledore regarding their next lesson. They brave the terrible weather, bundled up in cloaks and scarves. Along the way, Harry encounters Mundungus, who is struggling with a pile of items that include some belongings of Sirius. Harry is furious and ready to attack, but Tonks intervenes, preventing him from breaking Magical Law. Inside the Three Broomsticks, they find the day to be disappointing and decide to head back to Hogwarts. They follow Katie Bell and her friend out of the pub and into the cold sleet.

Suddenly, Katie is propelled into the air, screaming in pain while holding a package. Harry, Ron, and Hermione rush to her aid and carry her away. Harry races to Hogwarts for help and encounters Hagrid, who swiftly carries Katie toward the school. Leanne explains that Katie returned from the Three Broomsticks with the package, refusing to reveal who gave it to her. When they fought over it, the package opened, exposing a silver and opal necklace. Harry recognizes it from Borgin and Burkes and reports the incident to Professor McGonagall. He suspects Draco Malfoy as the culprit, but McGonagall dismisses his theory, revealing that Draco was with her in detention all day.

Katie is taken to St. Mungo's for further treatment, and Harry heads to Dumbledore's office for their next lesson. They delve into the Pensieve, exploring the memory of Caractacus Burke, the co-owner of Borgin and Burkes. They witness Caractacus discussing his purchase of Merope's gold locket for a meager sum, exploiting her desperation. Dumbledore believes Merope stopped using magic due to her devastation over Tom's abandonment.

In another memory, a young Dumbledore visits an orphanage and speaks to Mrs. Cole, the house matron. Dumbledore offers Tom Marvolo Riddle a place at Hogwarts, but Mrs. Cole warns him of Tom's troubling behavior. Tom regularly bullies other children and has a sinister influence

over them. Dumbledore meets Tom, who is handsome but rude. Dumbledore showcases his magic by setting Tom's wardrobe on fire when challenged. He asks Tom to return stolen items from his fellow orphans before enrolling at Hogwarts. Although Dumbledore offers to accompany him to Diagon Alley, Tom insists on going alone and expresses his dislike for his common name.

Harry and Dumbledore return to Hogwarts,and as Harry leaves Dumbledore's office, he notices that Marvolo's ring is no longer there.

Chapters 14 and 15

Returning from Quidditch practice, Harry and Ron stumble upon Ginny and Dean Thomas kissing in the entranceway to the common room. The sight makes Harry feel uneasy. Ron loses his temper and starts yelling at Ginny, leading to a heated argument. Ginny retaliates by reminding Ron of his lack of experience with girls, mentioning Harry's kiss with Cho Chang the previous year and Hermione's kiss with Victor Krum. Ron feels embarrassed and outraged. The tension lingers, and the next day Ron continues to ignore Hermione.

Meanwhile, Harry attempts to boost Ron's confidence for the upcoming Quidditch match against Slytherin but struggles to make a difference. However, Harry comes up with an idea to make Ron feel lucky. The following morning at breakfast, Harry hands Ron a cup of pumpkin juice, secretly holding a small glass vial in his other hand. Hermione notices and assumes Harry slipped Felix Felicis into Ron's drink. She reprimands Harry for using the powerful potion. Later, Ron confronts Harry, questioning whether he spiked the juice with Felix Felicis. Harry raises his eyebrows in response, refusing to confirm or deny. The match begins, and Gryffindor performs exceptionally well, with Ron effortlessly saving goals and Harry catching the Snitch, securing their victory. Hermione once again accuses Harry of using Felix Felicis, but he explains that he only pretended to spike Ron's drink to instill confidence in him. At the Gryffindor celebration, Harry witnesses Ron kissing Lavender Brown and notices Hermione storming out of the room. Harry follows her to an empty classroom, where she angrily practices spells and expresses her

frustration about Ron. Shortly after, Ron and Lavender enter the same room, and Hermione walks out, leaving behind hints of sadness.

As Christmas approaches, Ron and Hermione's arguments persist. Ron insists that Hermione has no right to be angry because she kissed Victor Krum. Meanwhile, Hermione warns Harry about girls planning to slip him love potions. Romilda Vane offers Harry a box of Chocolate Cauldrons, which he stashes in his trunk. Harry decides to ask Luna to accompany him to Slughorn's Christmas party as friends. Later, Harry, Ron, and Lavender encounter Hermione, who announces that she will attend the party with Cormac McLaggen. Ron becomes furious. During the party, Harry observes Draco Malfoy being dragged into the room by Filch, who caught himsneaking around. Slughorn allows Draco to stay, but Snape insists on speaking with him privately. Harry, wearing the Invisibility Cloak, follows them to an empty classroom, where Snape warns Draco to be more cautious. Draco reacts angrily and defensively, shouting back at Snape and asserting his independence. Malfoy storms out of the room, followed shortly after by Snape.

Chapters 16 and 17

During the Christmas break at the Burrow, Harry confides in Ron about what he overheard between Snape and Draco. Ron suggests that Snape may have been pretending to help Draco in order to gain information about Voldemort's plans. At dinner, Remus Lupin informs Harry that he has been living among the werewolves, gathering intelligence on their activities with Voldemort. Lupin shares the story of Fenrir Greyback, the werewolf who bit him and now lurks near children's homes during the full moon. Harry asks Lupin if his father, James Potter, ever referred to himself as the Half-Blood Prince, but Lupin denies any knowledge of such a title, leaving Harry disappointed. On Christmas morning, Mrs. Weasley spots Percy, her estranged son who works at the Ministry, approaching the Burrow, and becomes emotional. Percy, accompanied by Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour, coldly apologizes for the interruption. Scrimgeour requests a tour of the grounds from Harry. However, Harry refuses to share information about the prophecy and declines to align himself with the Ministry, expressing his disagreement with their

methods. Scrimgeour accuses Harry of being Dumbledore's follower, to which Harry openly agrees.

After New Year's, the students return to Hogwarts, and Hermione delivers a message from Dumbledore arranging their next lesson. Harry shares with Hermione what he overheard between Snape and Draco. The following morning, a sign is posted in the common room, announcing Apparition lessons for all seventeen-year-old students. That night, Harry visits Dumbledore's office as scheduled. Harry recounts his encounter with the Minister, including Scrimgeour's accusation, which caused Dumbledore to tear up unexpectedly. Harry reveals all the details he overheard between Snape and Draco, but Dumbledore appears unfazed. Dumbledore proceeds to explain Tom Riddle's time at Hogwarts. Tom was sorted into Slytherin and garnered praise for his talent and attractiveness. Obsessed with his parentage, Tom discovered his half-blood status and adopted the name Lord Voldemort after learning about his lineage as a direct descendant of Slytherin. Dumbledore and Harry enter the Pensieve, finding themselves in Gaunt's filthy house. Morfin, the man in the house,lunges at Tom when he arrives, but Tom commands him to stop using Parseltongue. Tom seeks Marvolo, but Morfin reveals that he is deceased. Morfin accuses Tom of resembling the Muggle his sister loved. Suddenly, the scene darkens, and Dumbledore guides Harry out of the memory, explaining that Tom stunned Morfin, stole his wand, and went to murder the man who abandoned his mother and grandparents, effectively erasing the Riddle bloodline. Tom returned to Morfin, manipulating him with a false memory of the murders. Morfin was subsequently convicted and imprisoned in Azkaban, where he died before his release. Dumbledore retrieves another memory vial, but it is unusually cloudy. They reenter the Pensieve, witnessing a younger Horace Slughorn in a room with Tom Riddle and several other students. Tom asks Slughorn about Horcruxes, and as Slughorn responds, the room becomes distorted and Slughorn's voice sounds oddly amplified, denying knowledge of Horcruxes. Returning to Dumbledore's office, Dumbledore reveals that Slughorn tampered with the memory to hide the true conversation about Horcruxes. Dumbledore asks Harry to retrieve the genuine memory from Slughorn.

Chapters 18 and 19

The following day in Potions class, the students are given the task of preparing antidotes. Unfortunately, Harry finds no useful information in the Half-Blood Prince's textbook. After searching desperately, he comes across the words "Just shove a bezoar down their throats" scribbled in the margin. Harry quickly rummages through the supply cupboard and manages to find a bezoar, a stone from a goat's stomach. He rushes back to his seat just in time for Slughorn's approach. Harry hands over the bezoar, and Slughorn bursts into laughter. Once class is over, Harry seizes the opportunity to inquire about Horcruxes with Slughorn. However, Slughorn's demeanor changes abruptly as he realizes that Dumbledore has sent Harry. He refuses to provide any answers.

The students then proceed with their Apparition lessons. Although Apparition is usually prohibited within Hogwarts, the restrictions are temporarily lifted within the Great Hall for an hour to allow the students to practice. After the Apparition session, Ron and Harry return to their dormitory. Harry takes out the Marauder's Map, hoping to locate Draco Malfoy within Hogwarts. With the map's help, Ron spots Draco in the Slytherin common room. Harry continues to consult the Marauder's Map regularly to keep track of Draco's whereabouts, although sometimes he fails to locate him at all.

On the morning of Ron's birthday, he excitedly opens hispresents while Harry searches for the Marauder's Map in his trunk. Ron begins munching on Chocolate Cauldrons and leans against his bedpost, appearing distant. It is then revealed that Ron has unknowingly consumed Chocolate Cauldrons spiked with a love potion, courtesy of Romilda Vane. The chocolates had fallen out of Harry's trunk, and Ron mistook them for his own gifts. Realizing the situation, Harry takes Ron to Slughorn, who promptly prepares an antidote. Ron drinks it quickly, averting any further harm. Slughorn then offers Ron a glass of oak-matured mead, originally intended as a Christmas gift for Dumbledore. Ron gulps down the drink before the toast concludes, but suddenly, he shoots up in the air, his eyes bulging, and foam spewing from his mouth. Slughorn is bewildered, and Harry rushes to the cabinet to retrieve a bezoar. He swiftly inserts it into Ron's throat, causing him to gasp and

become still.

In the hospital wing, Fred, George, Ginny, Hermione, Hagrid, and Harry gather to attend to Ron. Ginny speculates that if Slughorn had intended to give the mead to Dumbledore, the poison might have been meant for him as well. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley arrive, and Harry, Hagrid, and Hermione decide to leave. On their way, Cormac McLaggen approaches Harry, expressing his desire to replace Ron as the Quidditch Keeper. Harry reluctantly agrees. As they head towards the Quidditch pitch for a match against Hufflepuff, Harry catches sight of Draco walking away with two young girls. He desperately wants to know where Draco is heading, but he is already running late for the match. During the game, Harry is struck by a Bludger and later wakes up in the hospital wing, lying next to Ron. Madam Pomfrey informs him that he has a cracked skull. Ron reveals that Gryffindor lost the match by a significant margin. Harry recalls seeing Malfoy before the match and promptly summons Kreacher, who appears alongside Dobby, the Hogwarts House Elf. Harry instructs the two elves to trail Malfoy, emphasizing that Kreacher must not alert or interact with him in any way.

Chapters 20 and 21

In their next lesson, Dumbledore questions Harry about his progress in obtaining the memory from Slughorn. Harry admits that he hasn't succeeded yet but assures Dumbledore that he will make a greater effort. Disappointed, Dumbledore continues their studies on Voldemort. He reveals that Voldemort was an exceptional student and had been encouraged byseveral professors to apply for a position at the Ministry of Magic after graduation. However, Voldemort had a different request - he wanted to stay at Hogwarts and teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. Then-Headmaster Dippet denied him due to his young age but suggested reapplying in the future. Voldemort then found employment at Borgin and Burkes, where he convinced people to part with Dark or peculiar objects. To delve deeper into Voldemort's past, Harry and Dumbledore enter the Pensieve to witness a memory involving Hokey, a House Elf in the service of Hepzibah Smith, a wealthy old witch.

In the memory, Hepzibah becomes infatuated with Voldemort and shows him two rare objects - a small golden cup that once belonged to Helga Hufflepuff, one of Hogwarts' founders, and a locket bearing Slytherin's mark. Hephzibah explains how she acquired the locket from Borgin and Burkes, refusing to give it up. Voldemort's eyes turn scarlet, indicating his intense interest. After witnessing this visit, Harry and Dumbledore return to Hogwarts. Dumbledore reveals that Hepzibah Smith died shortly after their observed encounter, allegedly poisoned by Hokey, who later confessed to the crime. Harry and Dumbledore suspect that Voldemort actually murdered Hepzibah and manipulated Hokey's memory to make her take the blame. Following Hokey's conviction, Hepzibah's family discovered that both the locket and the cup were missing. Simultaneously, Voldemort resigned from his position at Borgin and Burkes and vanished for a significant period. Dumbledore notes that Voldemort has now committed another murder, this time for personal gain rather than revenge.

The next memory they explore is one of Dumbledore's, ten years after Hepzibah's death. Dumbledore is seated in his office at Hogwarts when Voldemort, now preferring to be called by his true name, Tom Riddle, approaches and requests to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. Dumbledore, skeptical of Voldemort's intentions, refuses him. Harry and Dumbledore return to the present-day office. Dumbledore reminds Harry that since he rejected Voldemort for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, Hogwarts has been unable to retain a teacher for that subject for more than a year. Later, Harry discovers a new spell, Sectumsempra, scribbled in the margins of his Potions textbook with the words "For Enemies." Kreacher and Dobby reappear to give their report. Dobby informs Harry that although Draco isn't breaking any rules, he frequently visits the seventh floor, accompanied by other students acting as guards. Harry recalls theRoom of Requirement on the seventh floor, which transforms to suit the needs of its user.

Determined to uncover Draco's activities, Harry contemplates surprising him in the Room of Requirement. However, Hermione cautions that unless Harry precisely knows what Draco requires from the room, he won't be able to summon it. Kreacher and Dobby depart. Harry suspects that Draco has stolen Polyjuice Potion from Slughorn and has been using it on Crabbe and Goyle, disguising them as first-year girls to avoid

suspicion.

On the next weekend, while Ron and Hermione head to Hogsmeade to practice Apparition, Harry attempts to gain entry into the Room of Requirement to uncover Draco's actions. Despite his efforts for half an hour, Harry fails to access the room. Frustrated, he impulsively rushes towards the wall, causing his Invisibility Cloak to slip off. To his surprise, Tonks suddenly appears, looking weary and thin. Tonks inquires if Harry has received any communication from members of the Order, but Harry explains that no one contacts him anymore since Sirius's death. Tonks's eyes well up with tears. Later, Harry shares his encounter with Tonks and speculates that she may have had romantic feelings for Sirius.

Chapters 22 and 23

Upon receiving a tear-stained letter from Hagrid, informing them of Aragog's death and inviting them to the funeral, Harry, Ron, and Hermione decide it's too risky to venture outside of Hogwarts at night. Ron suggests that Harry should use Felix Felicis to obtain Slughorn's memory, a suggestion supported by Hermione. While Ron and Hermione head to Hogsmeade for their Apparition tests, Harry consumes a gulp of Felix Felicis, feeling a warm glow envelop him. Under the cover of his Invisibility Cloak, Harry informs his friends that he's decided to attend Hagrid's gathering.

On his way to Hagrid's place, Harry unexpectedly encounters Slughorn. Harry explains the reason for his visit and shares the news about Aragog. Slughorn reveals to Harry that acromantula venom is incredibly rare and challenging to acquire. Harry extends an invitation to Slughorn to join them at the funeral. Together, Harry, Hagrid, and Slughorn enter Hagrid's backyard, where a grave has been dug. As Hagrid mourns, Slughorn approaches the giant spider and collects a vial of venom. After the burial, they sit down for drinks.

Sensing the effects of Felix Felicis wearing off, Harry decides to refrain from consuming too much alcohol. He discreetly casts a Refilling Charm to keep Slughorn and Hagrid's glassesfull. As the two continue to drink

heavily, Harry engages Slughorn in a conversation about the premature deaths of his parents and emphasizes how fond Slughorn was of Harry's mother, Lily. In his inebriated state, Slughorn admits that the true memory Harry seeks is not something he's proud of but hands it over nonetheless.

With the effects of Felix Felicis fading, Harry walks back to the castle. Dumbledore is delighted by Harry's success and pours Slughorn's memory into the Pensieve. This time, there is no mist or overpowering voices. In the memory, Voldemort inquires about Horcruxes, and Slughorn explains that they are objects in which a person conceals a fragment of their soul. Even if the person's body is destroyed, a piece of their soul remains intact, rendering them immortal. Slughorn adds that only a select few would desire such an existence, as death is often preferable. Splitting one's soul through Horcruxes is an unnatural act that can only be accomplished by committing the ultimate act of evil: murder.

Slughorn warns Voldemort not to disclose anything he has just revealed, and the memory ends. Dumbledore informs Harry that he suspects Voldemort has split his soul into seven fragments, and no wizard has ever attempted multiple Horcruxes. To defeat Voldemort, all seven Horcruxes must be destroyed. Dumbledore believes that Voldemort's regenerated body serves as the seventh Horcrux and should be the final one destroyed. Of the remaining six, two have already been eliminated - the diary destroyed by Harry in his first year at Hogwarts and Marvolo's ring, which Dumbledore destroyed while withering his hand. Harry suggests Slytherin's locket and Hufflepuff's cup as potential Horcruxes. Dumbledore ponders whether one of the remaining two Horcruxes is connected to Ravenclaw since Gryffindor's known relic, the sword, is safely stored in his office. Dumbledore suspects that Nagini, the snake, is the sixth Horcrux. It is revealed that when Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for extended periods, he is on a quest to locate and destroy the Horcruxes. Dumbledore believes they are close to finding another one and invites Harry to accompany him on the mission. Dumbledore reminds Harry that his capacity for love makes him a remarkable and powerful wizard, as it is this ability that has prevented him from succumbing to the Dark Arts.

Chapters 24 and 25

Ron and Lavender have ended their relationship, as have Ginny and Dean. Harry is overjoyed by the news. KatieBell recovers and returns to school, adding to the building tension surrounding the Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw match. A few days prior to the game, Harry checks the Marauder's Map and notices Draco's presence in the boys' bathroom with Moaning Myrtle. Alarmed, Harry rushes to the bathroom where he finds Draco crying at the sink, expressing his fear of imminent death. When Draco spots Harry, he draws his wand, prompting Harry to impulsively cast the "Sectumsempra" hex from the Half-Blood Prince's book. Draco is grievously wounded, blood spurting from his face and chest, and Myrtle starts screaming. Snape enters the scene and swiftly heals Draco's injuries before rushing him to the hospital wing. Snape instructs Harry to stay behind and interrogates him about the origin of the spell, demanding that Harry retrieve his Potions textbook. Harry encounters Ron and borrows his Potions book before sprinting to the seventh floor, discovering the broken Vanishing Cabinet previously used by Montague. Harry hides the Half-Blood Prince's book and hurriedly returns to the bathroom.

Snape remains doubtful about Ron's book and assigns Harry detention every Saturday until the end of the term, meaning he will miss the Quidditch match scheduled for that day. Harry's teammates are devastated by the news. Upon completing his final detention, Harry realizes that the match has already concluded. Returning to the Gryffindor common room, he is greeted with a grand celebration as Gryffindor emerges victorious and secures the championship. Ginny rushes toward Harry and embraces him in elation. Without thinking, Harry kisses her, sparking immediate gossip among the students. Ron playfully scolds the new couple but conveys his acceptance. During lunch, Hermione presents Harry with a newspaper article discussing Eileen Prince and suggests that she might be the Half-Blood Prince. Suddenly, Harry receives a scroll urgently summoning him to Dumbledore's office.

On his way, Harry encounters a distressed Professor Trelawney. Concerned, he inquires about her well-being, and she explains that she

attempted to access the Room of Requirement to hide her sherry bottles but was surprised to find someone already inside, exclaiming with excitement. Trelawney was swiftly ejected from the room. Harry advises her to inform Dumbledore of the incident and accompanies her to the headmaster's office. Along the way, Trelawney recounts her initial interview with Dumbledore, which took place in her room at the Hog's Head inn. Harry realizes that this was when Trelawney made the prophecy about him and Voldemort,although Trelawney only recalls feeling peculiar during the encounter. Their conversation was interrupted by Snape, who was caught eavesdropping by the innkeeper. Harry deduces that it was Snape who relayed Trelawney's prophecy to Voldemort, leading him to target Harry and his parents. Leaving Trelawney in the hallway, Harry hastens to Dumbledore's office. Before he can confront the headmaster, Dumbledore reveals that he has discovered a Horcrux and intends for Harry to accompany him to destroy it. Dumbledore discloses that the Horcrux is hidden in a coastal cave, the same cave where Voldemort once terrorized two children from his orphanage.

Harry confronts Dumbledore about Snape's involvement in the prophecy. Dumbledore defends Snape, asserting that he was still under Voldemort's control and unaware that Voldemort would kill Harry's parents. Despite his outrage, Harry implores Dumbledore to explain why he trusts Snape, to which Dumbledore simply replies that he does. Harry proceeds to inform Dumbledore about Draco's excitement in the Room of Requirement. However, Dumbledore remains unperturbed, assuring Harry that Hogwarts will be protected during their absence. Prior to embarking on their mission to destroy the Horcrux, Dumbledore instructs Harry to follow all his orders. Harry retrieves his Invisibility Cloak and encounters Ron and Hermione in the common room. He entrusts them with the Marauder's Map and a vial of Felix Felicis, instructing them to monitor Snape and Draco while using special Galleons to contact any members of the D.A. who could offer assistance. Harry and Dumbledore walk together to Hogsmeade and Apparate to the shoreline.

Chapters 26 and 27

The entrance to the cave remains concealed, and Dumbledore discovers that it requires a blood offering to open. Cutting his hand, Dumbledore allows his blood to drip onto the stone, unveiling the passageway. They reach a small pool of water emitting a green glow from its center. Harry attempts to summon the glow, but a large and formidable creature emerges from the water, guarding the Horcrux. Dumbledore informs Harry that the creature poses no immediate threat, as creatures dwelling in darkness fear warmth and light.

At the water's edge, Dumbledore summons a tiny boat on a copper chain using his wand. Harry and Dumbledore embark on the boat, sailing towards the green light. Harry observes lifeless bodies floating in the water, but Dumbledore assures him that they need not worry about them at the moment, as these creatures fear warmth and light.

The source of the glow isrevealed - a stone basin filled with green liquid. Dumbledore conjures a crystal goblet and explains that they must drink the green potion before retrieving the object at the basin's bottom. Dumbledore entrusts Harry with the task of ensuring that he continues drinking, regardless of the pain it inflicts. Hesitant but bound by their agreement, Harry complies. Dumbledore consumes three and a half goblets of the potion before collapsing. Carefully, Harry lifts the goblet to Dumbledore's lips and pours the remaining liquid down his throat. This process is repeated eight more times until Dumbledore collapses completely, pleading for water. Harry attempts to conjure water with an Aquamenti spell, but the water vanishes as soon as it reaches Dumbledore's mouth. Forced to act swiftly, Harry plunges the goblet into the lake, causing a disturbance that repels the bodies, known as Inferi, back into the water.

Harry defends against the advancing bodies to the best of his ability while Dumbledore retrieves the locket from the basin. They then climb back into Voldemort's boat and retreat. Harry Apparates back to Hogsmeade, bringing a weakened Dumbledore with him. Unable to walk, Dumbledore informs Harry that he requires Snape's assistance. Madam Rosmerta, the owner of the Three Broomsticks, rushes to their aid. Meanwhile, the Dark Mark hovers ominously over Hogwarts. Dumbledore requests brooms from Rosmerta, and together with Harry, they fly towards the school. Upon reaching the Astronomy Tower, beneath the