Chapter 27: The Lightning-Struck Tower

Harry Apparates a severely weakened Dumbledore to Hogsmeade, where Madam Rosmerta alerts them to the Dark Mark over Hogwarts. Dumbledore orders brooms to the Astronomy Tower and tells Harry to fetch Snape, but first immobilizes Harry under the Invisibility Cloak as footsteps approach.

Draco Malfoy bursts in and Disarms Dumbledore. With Dumbledore wandless and calm, Draco admits he brought Death Eaters into Hogwarts by repairing the Vanishing Cabinet linked to Borgin and Burkes. He also reveals Madam Rosmerta was under the Imperius Curse, used to pass the cursed necklace and poison the mead, and that he learned of Dumbledore’s absence via enchanted coins.

Dumbledore urges Draco to lower his wand, offering protection for Draco and his family, arguing Draco is not a killer. Sounds of battle climb the staircase. Draco hesitates, terrified of Voldemort’s retribution, while Dumbledore notes Order members are resisting below.

Four Death Eaters arrive: Amycus, Alecto, Fenrir Greyback, and a brutal-faced man. They press Draco to finish the task; Greyback tries to advance but is checked by his ally. Dumbledore slides weaker against the wall; Harry remains frozen, unable to intervene.

Severus Snape enters. At Dumbledore’s soft plea, Snape steps forward, pushes Draco aside, and, with apparent hatred, casts Avada Kedavra. The green jet strikes Dumbledore, who is blasted over the battlements beneath the Dark Mark, falling out of sight as Harry watches, silent and immobilized.