Harry Potter, #7
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
CHAPTER TWO
Overview
At Privet Drive, Harry sorts his belongings and finds Sirius’s broken mirror, stirring grief. He reads Elphias Doge’s obituary of Dumbledore and an interview previewing Rita Skeeter’s scandalous biography. Shaken by doubts and anger, Harry questions how well he knew Dumbledore, then fleetingly glimpses a bright blue eye in the mirror shard.
Summary
Harry, still unable to use magic for four days, cleans out his school trunk and cuts his finger on a shard of the enchanted two-way mirror Sirius had given him. The discovery rekindles grief and regret as he sorts what to take on his imminent departure from Privet Drive.
Seeking distraction, Harry rereads Elphias Doge’s obituary of Albus Dumbledore, learning more about Dumbledore’s youth, family tragedies, brilliance, and leadership than he had ever known. Realizing he had rarely asked Dumbledore about his own life, Harry feels he barely knew the man who guided him.
Turning to the day’s Daily Prophet, Harry finds a promotional interview for Rita Skeeter’s forthcoming biography, promising sensational revelations that malign Dumbledore’s past, achievements, and relationship with Harry. Outraged and disgusted, Harry rejects Skeeter’s claims but is unsettled by how little he truly knows.
As his anger ebbs, Harry picks up the mirror shard again and, for a split second, thinks he sees a flash of the brightest blue within it. Convinced it must be his imagination—Dumbledore is dead—Harry is left with unresolved questions and a lingering, inexplicable glimpse that hints at unseen watchers.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterAt Privet Drive, organizes belongings, cuts his finger on Sirius’s mirror shard, reads Doge’s obituary and Skeeter’s smear, and glimpses a blue eye.
- Albus DumbledoreSubject of Doge’s obituary and Skeeter’s insinuations; his hidden past and legacy trouble Harry’s understanding.
- Elphias DogeAuthor of Dumbledore’s obituary, recounting his youth, family tragedies, achievements, and character.
- Rita SkeeterPromotes an exposé alleging Dumbledore’s dark past and questionable ties to Harry, provoking Harry’s fury.
- Sirius BlackRemembered through the broken mirror he gifted Harry; the shard injures Harry and later shows a blue flash.
- HedwigHarry’s owl; dozes in her cage while Harry sorts newspapers and broods.