Harry Potter, #6
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
Chapter 29: The Pheonix Lament
Overview
In the aftermath of Dumbledore’s murder, grief sweeps Hogwarts. Bill survives Greyback’s mauling; Fleur insists on marrying him, winning Molly over, while Tonks declares love for Lupin. McGonagall assumes command, plans Dumbledore’s funeral at Hogwarts, and debates the school’s future. Harry refuses to reveal his mission, reports Rosmerta’s coercion, and recognizes the locket is a fake as Fawkes departs.
Summary
Ginny leads a stunned Harry from Dumbledore’s body to the hospital wing, where the wounded gather. She updates him: Bill was mauled by Greyback but lives; Neville and Flitwick are hurt; one Death Eater is dead. Harry tells Ron, Hermione, Lupin, Tonks, McGonagall, and others that Snape cast the Killing Curse on Dumbledore after Draco disarmed him.
As Fawkes sings a mourning lament, McGonagall reels at Snape’s betrayal. Harry reveals Snape’s past role in Voldemort targeting his parents and confirms Rosmerta was under the Imperius Curse. The defenders recount how Malfoy used Vanishing Cabinets, Darkness Powder, and the Hand of Glory to bring in Death Eaters, how the battle unfolded, and how Snape bypassed a barrier and then escaped.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Fleur arrive. Fleur fiercely vows to marry Bill despite his scars, winning Molly’s respect and reconciliation. Tonks declares her love for Lupin; Lupin resists, citing age, poverty, and danger, but McGonagall notes Dumbledore would have approved of more love in dark times.
McGonagall convenes the Heads of House and Slughorn in Dumbledore’s office, where Dumbledore’s portrait now hangs. They debate keeping Hogwarts open; they agree to consult governors. Harry insists Dumbledore be buried at Hogwarts and convinces them to keep students until the funeral so they can say goodbye. As the Minister approaches, Harry departs to avoid interrogation.
Back in Gryffindor Tower, Harry tells Ron the cave locket was a fake and shows the note signed R.A.B. As Fawkes’s song falls silent and the phoenix leaves, Harry feels the finality of Dumbledore’s absence.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterWitness to Dumbledore’s death; reports Snape’s betrayal, withholds mission details, confirms fake Horcrux, and urges a Hogwarts funeral.
- Minerva McGonagallAssumes leadership, reels at Snape’s treachery, convenes staff, plans to consult governors, and supports a Hogwarts funeral.
- Ginny WeasleyLeads Harry from the tower, reports battle outcomes, and fought during the attack.
- Remus LupinRecounts the battle, condemns Snape, resists Tonks’s love out of caution and self-doubt.
- Nymphadora TonksPublicly declares love for Lupin, challenging his fears after Fleur’s devotion to Bill.
- Ron WeasleyFought in the battle; learns the locket is fake and worries for Bill.
- Hermione GrangerWatched Snape’s office; blames herself for letting him go; supports Harry.
- Bill WeasleySeverely mauled by Greyback; survives with lasting scars and uncertain aftereffects.
- Fleur DelacourDefiantly commits to marrying Bill, earning Molly’s acceptance.
- Molly WeasleyGrieves for Bill; reconciles with Fleur and supports Tonks’s stance.
- Arthur WeasleySupports Molly; counsels Lupin that safety is never guaranteed.
- Rubeus HagridMoves Dumbledore’s body, grieves deeply, and pledges to remain at Hogwarts.
- Madam PomfreyTreats Bill’s cursed wounds; explains limits of healing werewolf attacks.
- Horace SlughornShocked by Snape; participates in the debate on reopening Hogwarts.
- Pomona SproutAdvocates keeping Hogwarts open and supporting a Hogwarts funeral.
- Filius FlitwickInjured but present; urges consulting governors; had been Stupefied by Snape.
- Luna LovegoodStands vigil with Hermione; nearly endangered by Snape’s ruse.
- Neville LongbottomInjured fighting Death Eaters; helped guard the Room of Requirement.
- FawkesSings a mourning lament and then leaves Hogwarts, symbolizing Dumbledore’s passing.
- The Fat LadyConfirms the news of Dumbledore’s death and admits Harry without a password.