Harry Potter, #7

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

by J.K. Rowling

Genre

Fantasy, Young Adult, Children's

Pages

701

Contents

CHAPTER SEVEN

Previous: CHAPTER SIX Next: CHAPTER EIGHT

Overview

On his seventeenth birthday, Harry dreams that Voldemort hunts someone named Gregorovitch. At the Burrow, Minister Scrimgeour delivers Dumbledore’s will: Ron receives a Deluminator, Hermione The Tales of Beedle the Bard, and Harry a Snitch inscribed "I open at the close"; the Ministry withholds Gryffindor’s sword.

Harry and Ginny share a brief, interrupted kiss. That night, Harry, Ron, and Hermione privately test the gifts and debate Dumbledore’s intentions, leaving with new mysteries on the eve of the wedding.

Summary

At dawn Harry wakes from a vivid dream of Voldemort traveling abroad in search of “Gregorovitch.” Newly of age, Harry revels in using magic freely and receives birthday gifts, including a watch from Mrs. Weasley and a mokeskin pouch from Hagrid. Ginny privately gives Harry a passionate goodbye kiss, which Ron and Hermione interrupt, prompting Ron to warn Harry against rekindling Ginny’s hopes; Harry promises it will not happen again.

That evening, the Burrow hosts Harry’s birthday dinner. A Patronus from Mr. Weasley announces he is arriving with Minister Scrimgeour, causing Lupin and Tonks to leave discreetly. Scrimgeour summons Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the sitting room regarding Dumbledore’s will, which the Ministry delayed and examined.

Scrimgeour reads the bequests: Ron receives the Deluminator; Hermione receives The Tales of Beedle the Bard; Harry receives the first Snitch he ever caught. Scrimgeour suggests the Snitch could hide something via its flesh memory, but when he forces Harry to hold it, nothing opens. Scrimgeour also states Dumbledore intended Harry to have the sword of Gryffindor, but claims it is an artifact the Ministry cannot release, pressing Harry about its purpose and Harry’s role against Voldemort. Harry rebukes him over Ministry failures; Scrimgeour loses his temper, then withdraws.

Later, the trio examine the items in Ron’s attic. The Deluminator works as expected, but its deeper purpose remains unclear. Remembering he had once nearly swallowed his first Snitch, Harry presses it to his mouth; invisible ink appears and vanishes, reading “I open at the close.” Unable to decipher the phrase or the reason for the sword bequest, they also note Hermione’s unfamiliarity with Beedle’s children’s tales despite Ron’s knowledge of them. With no answers, they resolve to sleep before the wedding.

Who Appears

Harry Potter

Turns seventeen; dreams Voldemort seeks Gregorovitch; receives a Snitch inscribed “I open at the close”; clashes with Scrimgeour; kisses Ginny; puzzles over Dumbledore’s gifts.
Rufus Scrimgeour

Minister of Magic; delivers Dumbledore’s will, withholds Gryffindor’s sword, probes the trio’s intentions, and confronts Harry.
Ron Weasley

Gives Harry a dating guide; defends Ginny; receives Dumbledore’s Deluminator; helps analyze the bequests.
Hermione Granger

Challenges the Ministry’s seizure of the will; receives The Tales of Beedle the Bard; identifies Snitch flesh-memory and helps interpret clues.
Ginny Weasley

Gives Harry a private birthday kiss as a keepsake; maintains composure after Ron interrupts.
Arthur Weasley

Sends a Patronus announcing arrival with Scrimgeour; hosts the gathering; concerned during the confrontation.
Molly Weasley

Gives Harry a traditional watch; manages the party; anxious about the Minister’s visit.
Rubeus Hagrid

Attends the party; gifts Harry a rare mokeskin pouch; sets up his own tent for the wedding.
Remus Lupin

Arrives with Tonks; leaves quickly when the Minister is coming; appears worried.
Nymphadora Tonks

Arrives radiant; departs with Lupin before the Minister’s arrival.
Bill Weasley

Present at Harry’s birthday dinner on the eve of his wedding.
Fleur Delacour

Present with her family; contributes gifts; observes the tense visit.
Charlie Weasley

Arrives before the wedding; endures a forced haircut; lightens the evening.
Fred Weasley

Attends, decorates, and supplies joke items; jokes despite George’s injury.
George Weasley

Attends with a healing ear wound; joins in party humor.
Monsieur Delacour

Attends; chats with Harry; gives grooming advice with enchanted razor gift.
Madame Delacour

Attends the party; surprised by magical events like the Patronus message.
Gabrielle Delacour

Present with family at the Burrow during the festivities.