Harry Potter, #6
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
Chapter 6: Draco’s Detour
Overview
Harry’s sixteenth birthday is overshadowed by grim wartime news, then he is named Quidditch Captain. During a tense Diagon Alley trip, Harry confronts Draco and Narcissa Malfoy and later tails Draco to Borgin and Burkes. Overhearing Draco coercing Borgin to fix and reserve mysterious items, Harry suspects Draco’s involvement in a dangerous mission.
Summary
At the Burrow, Harry enjoys a quiet routine until grim news intrudes: Lupin reports fresh dementor attacks and Karkaroff’s murder; others reveal Florean Fortescue abducted and wandmaker Ollivander missing. Hogwarts letters arrive, and Harry learns he’s been made Quidditch Captain, buoying spirits amid the unease.
The family travels to Diagon Alley under Ministry security, meeting Hagrid at the Leaky Cauldron. Diagon Alley is subdued, plastered with Ministry warnings and wanted posters. In Madam Malkin’s, Harry, Ron, and Hermione encounter Draco and Narcissa Malfoy. Insults escalate into a standoff until the Malfoys leave in contempt, rattling Madam Malkin and heightening tensions.
They proceed through their shopping and visit Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which is thriving with joke items and a profitable line of defensive products. Fred and George showcase Shield apparel, Instant Darkness Powder, and Decoy Detonators, while Hermione tries a bruise-removal paste and Ginny eyes Pygmy Puffs. The bustling shop contrasts starkly with the fearful alley outside.
Spotting Draco slipping away alone, Harry leads Ron and Hermione under the Invisibility Cloak to Knockturn Alley. At Borgin and Burkes, using Extendable Ears, they overhear Draco demanding instructions to fix an unnamed object that must remain in place, and ordering Borgin to keep “that one” reserved. Draco threatens Borgin with visits from Fenrir Greyback, forcing compliance, and forbids telling Narcissa.
Hermione’s attempt to bluff Borgin into revealing the reserved item fails, and Borgin ejects her. The trio returns to the joke shop, covering their absence. Harry, convinced Draco is on a secret and dangerous mission, leaves with new suspicions amid the war-darkened Diagon Alley.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterReceives news of war, becomes Quidditch Captain, confronts the Malfoys, and clandestinely follows Draco to Borgin and Burkes.
- Draco MalfoyInsults Hermione, then secretly coerces Borgin to repair and reserve items, invoking Fenrir Greyback to threaten compliance.
- Hermione GrangerCounsels restraint at Madam Malkin’s, admires WWW products, and unsuccessfully probes Borgin for information.
- Ron WeasleyBacks Harry in the shop confrontation, enjoys the twins’ store, and helps eavesdrop with Extendable Ears.
- Narcissa MalfoyColdly defends Draco at Madam Malkin’s and taunts Harry about Sirius; later absent when Draco slips away.
- Mr. BorginCowardly proprietor intimidated by Draco; refuses details to Hermione and agrees to keep and fix items.
- Fred WeasleyCo-owner of WWW; shows defensive product line, gifts items, and bans selling love potions to Ginny.
- George WeasleyCo-owner of WWW; demonstrates Decoy Detonators and defensive wares; enforces payment with Ron.
- Molly WeasleyAnxious chaperone; scolds Ron, shops cautiously, and nearly discovers the trio’s disappearance.
- Arthur WeasleyArranges secure transport, notes tightened goblin security, and admires Muggle tricks at WWW.
- Rubeus HagridActs as security escort in Diagon Alley and guards outside shops, unaware of the trio’s pursuit.
- Remus LupinBrings grim birthday news of dementor attacks and Karkaroff’s death.
- Bill WeasleyProvides Harry’s Gringotts funds amid tightened security; stays home with Fleur.
- Fleur DelacourSeen doting on Bill before the Diagon Alley trip.
- Ginny WeasleyPlays Quidditch, visits WWW, defends her dating life, and wants a Pygmy Puff.
- VerityWWW shop assistant who calls Fred and George to help a customer.