Harry Potter, #6

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

by J. K. Rowling

Genre

Fantasy, Young Adult, Children's

Year

2005

Pages

640

Contents

Chapter 16: AVeryFrosty Christmas

Previous: Chapter 15: The Unbreakable Vow Next: Chapter 17: A Sluggish Memory

Overview

At the Burrow for Christmas, Harry reports Snape’s Unbreakable Vow to protect Draco. Lupin defends Dumbledore’s trust in Snape and reveals his infiltration of werewolves led by Fenrir Greyback.

Harry dates the Half-Blood Prince’s book to decades earlier. Percy arrives with Minister Scrimgeour, who tries to recruit Harry as a Ministry symbol; Harry refuses, declaring loyalty to Dumbledore and condemning Stan Shunpike’s imprisonment.

Summary

In the Burrow’s kitchen, Harry recounts to Ron overhearing Snape offer Draco help under an Unbreakable Vow. Ron explains breaking such a vow means death. Harry plans to tell Dumbledore and Arthur Weasley, anticipating others will claim Snape only sought information.

On Christmas Eve, amid Celestina Warbeck’s broadcast, Harry tells Arthur what he heard; Lupin listens and insists Dumbledore’s trust in Snape should stand. Lupin describes living among werewolves for Dumbledore, revealing Fenrir Greyback leads them and bit Lupin as a child. Discussing the Half-Blood Prince, Lupin says the name isn’t James or Sirius; later, Harry dates the Potions book to about fifty years earlier.

Christmas morning brings gifts: Ron hides a gaudy “My Sweetheart” necklace from Lavender, and Kreacher sends Harry a box of maggots. At lunch, tensions surface over Tonks and Fleur. Mrs. Weasley spots Percy arriving—with Minister Scrimgeour, who uses the visit as a pretext to meet Harry.

In the snowy garden, Scrimgeour probes Harry about the prophecy and asks him to be seen supporting the Ministry, offering access and career help. Harry refuses to be a mascot, criticizes Stan Shunpike’s imprisonment, and warns Scrimgeour not to interfere with Dumbledore. When Scrimgeour calls him “Dumbledore’s man,” Harry agrees and walks away.

Who Appears

Harry Potter

Reports Snape’s Unbreakable Vow, questions the Half-Blood Prince, rejects Scrimgeour’s recruitment, and affirms loyalty to Dumbledore.
Rufus Scrimgeour

Minister of Magic; visits under Percy’s pretext, presses Harry to be a Ministry symbol; rebuffed.
Remus Lupin

Defends Dumbledore’s trust in Snape; reveals undercover work among werewolves and Greyback’s role in biting him.
Ron Weasley

Discusses Unbreakable Vows with Harry; embarrassed by Lavender’s necklace; present through holiday scenes.
Arthur Weasley

Hears Harry’s report about Snape and Draco; cautious; hosts Scrimgeour’s unexpected visit.
Molly Weasley

Festive yet tense hostess; emotional at Percy’s arrival; bristles over Fleur and mentions Tonks.
Ginny Weasley

Joins holiday games; teases Harry while removing a maggot from his hair.
Fred Weasley

Jokes with Ron, plays Exploding Snap, gifts their mother jewelry; present at family gathering.
George Weasley

Mocks Ron, joins holiday mischief, and supports family banter.
Bill Weasley

Calms mishaps at lunch; affectionate with fiancée Fleur.
Fleur Delacour

Bill’s fiancée; clashes subtly with Molly; present during family lunch.
Percy Weasley

Arrives stiffly with Scrimgeour as pretext for the Minister’s private talk with Harry.
Lavender Brown

Ron’s girlfriend; sends him a gaudy ‘My Sweetheart’ necklace, embarrassing him.
Kreacher

Sends Harry a vindictive Christmas gift: a box of maggots.
Celestina Warbeck

Her wireless performance underscores the Weasley Christmas gathering.