Harry Potter, #6
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
Chapter 17: A Sluggish Memory
Overview
Students return to Hogwarts and learn Apparition lessons are starting. Harry reports overhearing Draco and Snape, but Dumbledore remains confident in Snape. Through Morfin Gaunt’s memory, Harry sees how Voldemort framed Morfin and stole Marvolo’s ring after murdering the Riddles. A second, altered memory shows Slughorn hiding a conversation about Horcruxes, and Dumbledore tasks Harry with obtaining the unedited truth.
Summary
Harry, Ron, and Ginny return to Hogwarts via a special Floo connection, leaving a tearful Mrs. Weasley. At Gryffindor Tower, Hermione meets them, supplies the password, and mentions the Fat Lady’s holiday overindulgence. Harry recounts overhearing Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape; Hermione remains cautious but recalls Malfoy invoking Fenrir Greyback, fueling Harry’s suspicions.
Next morning a notice announces optional, paid Apparition lessons for those turning seventeen. Students, including Harry, Ron, and Hermione, sign up amid excitement. Tension persists as Lavender clings to Ron, irritating Hermione. Classes resume with chatter about Apparition.
That evening, Harry meets Dumbledore. They discuss Scrimgeour’s attempt to recruit Harry; Dumbledore is touched that Harry called himself “Dumbledore’s man.” When Harry presses concerns about Malfoy and Snape, Dumbledore dismisses them as unimportant and reaffirms trust in Snape, insisting they continue Voldemort’s history.
In the Pensieve, Harry sees teenage Tom Riddle visit Morfin Gaunt, learning of Tom Riddle Sr. Riddle stuns Morfin, steals his wand and Marvolo’s ring, murders the Riddle family, and implants false memories. Morfin confesses and dies in Azkaban. Dumbledore later extracted the buried true memory but too late to save Morfin. They discuss the Ministry’s inability to identify underage magic performers in wizarding homes.
In a second memory, a younger Slughorn hosts select students, including Riddle, who wears the Gaunt ring. Riddle asks about Horcruxes; the scene clouds with obvious tampering as Slughorn denies knowledge. Back in the office, Dumbledore explains Slughorn altered the memory out of shame. He assigns Harry to obtain the unmodified memory, calling it crucial, and reiterates that force (Legilimency or Veritaserum) would fail against Slughorn.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterReturns to Hogwarts; reports Malfoy–Snape exchange; views memories revealing Voldemort’s crimes; tasked to secure Slughorn’s true Horcrux memory.
- Albus DumbledoreDiscusses Scrimgeour, trusts Snape, presents Morfin and Slughorn memories, and assigns Harry to retrieve the unedited Horcrux memory.
- Tom Riddle (Voldemort)As a teenager, learns of his father, murders the Riddles using Morfin’s wand, steals Marvolo’s ring, and asks Slughorn about Horcruxes.
- Horace SlughornSeen in a past memory hosting students; his recollection is tampered to hide a Horcrux discussion with Tom Riddle.
- Morfin GauntDrunk and unstable; confronted by Riddle; later falsely confesses to the Riddle murders and dies in Azkaban.
- Hermione GrangerGreets the trio, recalls Malfoy’s Greyback threat, signs up for Apparition, and pointedly avoids Ron amid Lavender drama.
- Ron WeasleySigns up for Apparition; embarrassed by Lavender’s clinginess; tensions with Hermione continue.
- Lavender BrownPublicly fawns over Ron, worsening his issues with Hermione.
- Ginny WeasleyReturns to Hogwarts; mentions meeting Dean; observes Ron and Lavender’s display.
- Professor McGonagallReceives students arriving by Floo in her office.
- Phineas Nigellus BlackInterrupts from his portrait, doubting Harry’s task; overheard after the lesson.
- Professor FlitwickKnocked over during Charms mishap; disciplines Seamus.
- Seamus FinniganOverenthusiastic Charms attempt drenches Flitwick; discusses Apparition.
- Molly WeasleyEmotional farewell; worries for Harry and her children.