Harry Potter, #6
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J. K. Rowling
Contents
Chapter 6: Draco’s Detour
Overview
Harry’s sixteenth birthday is overshadowed by rising Dark activity, including attacks and disappearances. On a tense Diagon Alley trip, the group confronts the Malfoys and visits Fred and George’s thriving shop. Harry secretly follows Draco to Borgin and Burkes, overhearing Draco coercing Borgin to fix a hidden object and safeguard another, hinting at a dangerous plan.
Summary
Harry spends quiet weeks at the Burrow, playing Quidditch and celebrating his sixteenth birthday, but the Prophet reports dementor attacks, Igor Karkaroff’s murder, and the disappearances of Florean Fortescue and wandmaker Ollivander. Hogwarts letters arrive, naming Harry Quidditch Captain, prompting a guarded shopping trip to Diagon Alley with Hagrid as security.
In a subdued, poster-plastered Diagon Alley, the group splits: Harry, Ron, and Hermione go to Madam Malkin’s, where they encounter Draco and Narcissa Malfoy. Insults escalate until Hermione restrains Harry from dueling. The Malfoys depart in contempt, and the trio finishes fittings amid Madam Malkin’s nerves.
They reconvene with the Weasleys, buy supplies, and visit Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, now bustling with joke wares and a lucrative line of protective products. Fred and George show Harry their Defense items, while Ginny eyes WonderWitch goods and Pygmy Puffs, sparking sibling bickering.
Spotting Draco slipping away alone, Harry, Ron, and Hermione duck under the Invisibility Cloak and follow him into Knockturn Alley. At Borgin and Burkes, using Extendable Ears, they overhear Draco demanding instructions to mend something he cannot move and ordering Borgin to reserve another item. Draco threatens Borgin with Fenrir Greyback to ensure compliance.
Hermione’s attempt to learn what Draco reserved fails when Borgin throws her out. The trio sneaks back to the shop, evading the worried Mrs. Weasley and Hagrid, convinced Draco is engaged in a covert, dangerous task.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterTurns sixteen, made Quidditch Captain; clashes with the Malfoys; follows Draco to Knockturn Alley and overhears his threats to Borgin.
- Draco MalfoyInsults the trio at Madam Malkin’s; secretly coerces Borgin to fix a hidden object and reserve another, invoking Fenrir Greyback.
- Hermione GrangerUrges restraint at Madam Malkin’s; admires Daydream Charms; uses Extendable Ears and then probes Borgin, but is expelled.
- Ron WeasleyBacks Harry against Draco; enjoys the twins’ shop; helps eavesdrop on Draco using Extendable Ears.
- Narcissa MalfoyTrades threats with Harry at Madam Malkin’s; leaves with Draco, who later gives her the slip.
- Mr. BorginShopkeeper at Borgin and Burkes; cowed by Draco’s threats; refuses to divulge reserved items to Hermione.
- Molly WeasleyAnxious about safety; organizes shopping; scolds Ron; worries when the trio disappears.
- Arthur WeasleyArranges Ministry car; notes tightened security; helps with schoolbook shopping.
- Rubeus HagridAssigned as security for the trip; escorts the group through Diagon Alley.
- Fred WeasleyCo-owner of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes; showcases Defense products and WonderWitch line; charges Ron for merchandise.
- George WeasleyCo-owner; gives Harry free items; promotes Shield gear and Dark Defense products.
- Ginny WeasleyBrowses WonderWitch and Pygmy Puffs; confirms dating Dean; rebukes brothers’ meddling.
- Remus LupinBrings grim news at Harry’s birthday: dementor attacks and Karkaroff’s death.
- Bill WeasleyProvides Harry’s withdrawn gold; appears with Fleur, to Molly and Ginny’s annoyance.
- Fleur DelacourAt the Burrow with Bill; dotes on him, irking Ginny and Hermione.
- Madam MalkinRobe shop owner; flustered during the confrontation; fits Harry and Ron.
- VerityAssistant at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes; alerts the twins to customers.
- Tom (Leaky Cauldron landlord)Gloomy and alone in an empty Leaky Cauldron as the group passes through.