Harry Potter, #7
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Overview
At Shell Cottage, Harry buries Dobby without magic, regains focus, and chooses Horcruxes over the Hallows. He seeks Griphook’s help to break into the Lestrange vault, suspecting a Horcrux, and consults Ollivander about wand allegiance and the Elder Wand. Meanwhile, Voldemort desecrates Dumbledore’s tomb and claims the Elder Wand.
Summary
Harry arrives at Shell Cottage with allies, mourning Dobby, and insists on burying the elf by hand to honor him. Working through grief, Harry gains clarity, controls his scar connection, and resolves to act with purpose. After a simple, heartfelt funeral with Ron, Hermione, Luna, Dean, Bill, and Fleur, Harry marks the grave “Here Lies Dobby, A Free Elf.”
Inside, Bill secures the cottage under the Fidelius Charm, but Harry asserts he must speak with Griphook and Ollivander. Choosing action, Harry prioritizes Griphook and, with Ron and Hermione present, asks the goblin to help break into the Lestrange vault at Gringotts. Griphook deems it impossible but is intrigued by Harry’s respect for non-wizards; he neither agrees nor refuses, leaving them waiting.
Harry explains to Ron and Hermione that Bellatrix’s panic implies a Horcrux in her vault. They then question Ollivander, who confirms Harry’s holly wand cannot be repaired and identifies Bellatrix’s and Draco’s wands. Ollivander explains wand allegiance shifts when a wand is won, and discusses the Elder Wand’s bloody history and allure. He admits Voldemort now seeks it, believing it the only way to defeat Harry.
Harry concludes Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald and won the Elder Wand, which was buried with Dumbledore. As Harry resists and then yields to his scar’s visions, he witnesses Voldemort reach Hogwarts, open Dumbledore’s tomb, and take the Elder Wand. Despite the temptation, Harry reaffirms Dumbledore’s intent: they must hunt Horcruxes, not chase the Hallows.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterGrieves Dobby, buries him by hand, chooses Horcruxes over Hallows, seeks Griphook’s aid, questions Ollivander, witnesses Voldemort seize the Elder Wand.
- GriphookRescued goblin; evaluates Harry’s request to break into the Lestrange vault; withholds decision; notes Harry’s unusual respect.
- Mr. OllivanderEmaciated wandmaker; confirms wand allegiance rules, identifies captured wands, validates Elder Wand’s history; cannot mend Harry’s wand.
- Hermione GrangerRecovering from torture; argues for equality, reveals Bellatrix’s cut; supports Gringotts plan; learns about wand lore and Elder Wand.
- Ron WeasleyHelps bury Dobby, offers clothes; pushes to pursue Elder Wand, then accepts Harry’s Horcrux-first decision.
- VoldemortIn Harry’s vision, reaches Hogwarts, violates Dumbledore’s tomb, and claims the Elder Wand to secure invincibility.
- Bill WeasleyHosts at Shell Cottage; secures it under Fidelius; coordinates family safety; defers to Harry’s urgent interviews.
- Fleur DelacourCares for the wounded; administers Skele-Gro; tries to delay interviews; supports protection efforts at the cottage.
- Luna LovegoodGives Dobby a tender eulogy and closes his eyes; present after rescue from Malfoy Manor.
- Dean ThomasRecently freed captive; assists at Dobby’s burial and settles at Shell Cottage.
- DobbyHouse-elf savior; dies from Bellatrix’s knife; honored with a nonmagical burial, marked “A Free Elf.”
- Severus SnapeSeen in Voldemort’s approach at Hogwarts; dismissed before Voldemort desecrates Dumbledore’s tomb.