Harry Potter, #6
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
Chapter 4: Horace Slughorn
Overview
Dumbledore Apparates Harry to Budleigh Babberton to recruit Horace Slughorn, who initially refuses but relents after seeing Harry’s value to his "collection." Along the way, Dumbledore confirms Voldemort is blocking Harry’s scar link and explains Inferi. At the Burrow, Dumbledore urges Harry to tell Ron and Hermione about the prophecy, announces private lessons, and emphasizes security.
Summary
Dumbledore collects Harry from Privet Drive and Apparates with him to the village of Budleigh Babberton, noting Harry’s scar is quiet because Voldemort is using Occlumency. As they walk, Dumbledore discusses the new Minister, Amelia Bones’s murder, and explains Inferi. Dumbledore’s hand is injured, but he postpones the story.
They find a ransacked Muggle house where Dumbledore exposes an armchair as Horace Slughorn, who has staged the chaos with dragon’s blood. Over drinks, Slughorn complains of age and danger, reveals he’s been hiding in Muggle homes, and displays pride in former pupils and well-placed connections. Dumbledore presses him to return to Hogwarts; Slughorn refuses.
Left alone with Harry, Slughorn reminisces about Lily Evans, reveals his Slytherin ties, and shows mild prejudice while praising talented Muggle-borns he “collected.” Harry argues Hogwarts is safest under Dumbledore. When Dumbledore prepares to leave, Slughorn abruptly accepts the post.
Departing, Dumbledore explains Slughorn’s penchant for cultivating the famous and warns that Slughorn will try to “collect” Harry, now widely rumored as the “Chosen One.” They Apparate to the Burrow.
In a private talk, Dumbledore gently addresses Harry’s grief over Sirius and urges him not to withdraw. He clarifies that only he and Harry know the full prophecy and advises Harry to tell Ron and Hermione. Dumbledore announces private lessons with Harry, ends Occlumency with Snape, instructs Harry to keep his Invisibility Cloak always, and notes heightened Ministry security at the Burrow.
Who Appears
- Albus DumbledoreHeadmaster; Apparates with Harry, recruits Slughorn, explains Inferi and Voldemort’s Occlumency, offers private lessons, and urges caution and confiding in friends.
- Harry PotterAccompanies Dumbledore, helps sway Slughorn, processes grief for Sirius, resolves to fight, agrees to private lessons, and is told to inform Ron and Hermione.
- Horace SlughornRetired professor in hiding; vain collector of talented students. Initially refuses Hogwarts but accepts, tempted by proximity to influence and Harry’s fame.