Harry Potter, #6
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J. K. Rowling
Contents
Chapter 29: The Pheonix Lament
Overview
In the stunned aftermath of the tower ambush, Hogwarts reels: Bill is mauled by Greyback, but Fleur insists on marrying him. Tonks declares her love for Lupin, who resists. McGonagall assumes leadership, debates keeping the school open, and agrees to hold Dumbledore’s funeral at Hogwarts as the Minister arrives.
Harry confirms Snape killed Dumbledore and reveals the Death Eaters’ entry via Vanishing Cabinets. Fawkes’s lament ends as the phoenix leaves, mirroring Harry’s loss.
Summary
Ginny leads a shattered Harry from Dumbledore’s body to the hospital wing, where friends gather amid injuries. Bill Weasley lies horribly mauled by Greyback; Madam Pomfrey says the cursed wounds will not fully heal. Harry reports that Snape killed Dumbledore after Malfoy disarmed him on the Astronomy Tower.
Fawkes’s lament fills the castle as McGonagall arrives. The group grapples with Snape’s betrayal and Dumbledore’s trust in him. Harry explains the Vanishing Cabinets that let Death Eaters into Hogwarts and recounts the chaos that split the defenders from the tower while Snape slipped through a cursed barrier to complete the killing.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Fleur rush in. After a tense exchange, Fleur fiercely commits to marrying Bill despite his scars, softening Molly. Tonks confronts Lupin, declaring love; Lupin resists as too old, poor, and dangerous, but McGonagall notes Dumbledore would welcome more love in the world. Hagrid reports Dumbledore’s body has been moved and the Ministry informed.
In Dumbledore’s office, now McGonagall’s, they find his sleeping portrait. Harry refuses to divulge his mission but warns Rosmerta was Imperiused. The Heads of House debate keeping Hogwarts open; they agree to consult governors and honor Dumbledore’s wish to be buried at Hogwarts, keeping students for the funeral. As the Minister approaches, Harry slips away, tells Ron the locket was a fake signed R.A.B., and senses Fawkes’s song end as the phoenix departs.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterWitness to Dumbledore’s death; explains Snape’s betrayal and Vanishing Cabinets; refuses to reveal his mission; brings R.A.B. locket to Ron.
- Minerva McGonagallAssumes leadership; questions Harry; convenes Heads of House; supports funeral at Hogwarts and consulting governors.
- Ginny WeasleyGuides Harry from the scene; fought Death Eaters; reports on the battle; watches Fleur and her mother reconcile.
- Remus LupinShaken by Dumbledore’s death; recounts the battle; resists Tonks’s love, citing age, poverty, and danger.
- Ron WeasleyFought Death Eaters; later hears about the fake locket and R.A.B. from Harry.
- Hermione GrangerKept watch by Snape’s office; realizes too late he Stupefied Flitwick; grieves and debriefs events.
- Rubeus HagridMoves Dumbledore’s body; mourns deeply; pledges to remain at Hogwarts and teach.
- Nymphadora TonksHelps in the fight; openly declares love for Lupin despite his objections.
- Fleur DelacourDefends her commitment to Bill despite his mauling; reconciles with Molly.
- Molly WeasleyDistraught over Bill; initially doubts the marriage; then embraces Fleur.
- Arthur WeasleySupports Bill; urges Lupin to reconsider Tonks, noting life’s uncertainties.
- Madam PomfreyTreats Bill’s cursed wounds; confirms no charm can heal werewolf attacks.
- Horace SlughornShocked by Snape’s betrayal; argues parents may withdraw students; informs Ministry.
- Pomona SproutWants Hogwarts to remain open; backs a Hogwarts funeral; helps settle students.
- Filius FlitwickInjured but recovering; urges following procedures; was Stupefied by Snape before the fight.
- Neville LongbottomInjured in the battle; had tried to break a cursed barrier.
- Luna LovegoodKept watch with Hermione; narrowly avoided danger from Snape.
- Bill WeasleySavaged by Greyback; lies grievously wounded; future effects uncertain.