Harry Potter, #6
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J. K. Rowling
Contents
Chapter 14: Felix Felicis
Overview
Harry manages Quidditch turmoil after Katie’s injury by adding Dean to the team, while Ron’s nerves and jealousy strain friendships. Before the Slytherin match, Harry pretends to spike Ron with Felix Felicis, boosting Ron’s confidence; Gryffindor wins as Malfoy is mysteriously absent. The victory sparks Ron’s public romance with Lavender, devastating Hermione, who retaliates with conjured birds, deepening the trio’s rift.
Summary
On the way to Herbology, Harry recounts Dumbledore’s latest memories of Tom Riddle to Ron and Hermione. In class, Ron and Hermione bicker over Slughorn’s “Slug Club” and a possible party date, hinting at unspoken feelings. Harry worries about the impact on their friendship if they date.
With Katie Bell still hospitalized, Harry appoints Dean Thomas as temporary Chaser, provoking some House grumbling and Seamus’s displeasure. Practice shows strong Chasers and Beaters but a rattled Ron, who accidentally injures Demelza and grows volatile. Later, Harry and Ron catch Ginny kissing Dean; Ron and Ginny fight, while Harry discovers unexpected jealousy toward Ginny.
As Ron’s temper and poor Keeping worsen, Harry warns he may drop him. The night before the match, Harry seeks a way to restore Ron’s confidence. At breakfast, Hermione thinks Harry slips Felix Felicis into Ron’s drink; Ron, believing he’s dosed, perks up despite Hermione’s protests.
Pre-match, Ginny reports Slytherin’s Vaisey and Malfoy are both out, which Harry finds suspicious. During the game, Zacharias Smith’s snide commentary contrasts with Ron’s excellent saves and Gryffindor’s scoring run. After Harper fouls Harry and then spots the Snitch, Harry distracts him by shouting about Malfoy, seizes the Snitch, and secures victory. Ginny crashes the commentary podium; Harry briefly hugs her, then pulls away.
In the changing room, Hermione confronts Harry about illegal luck potion use. Harry reveals he never used Felix; he only staged it so Ron would feel lucky. Ron, elated, needles Hermione and storms off. At the common-room party, Harry sees Ron passionately kissing Lavender; a devastated Hermione flees. In a classroom, her conjured canaries circle as Ron barges in with Lavender. Hermione unleashes the birds to attack Ron and departs in tears, leaving the friendship fractured.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterGryffindor Captain; appoints Dean as Chaser; fakes dosing Ron with Felix to boost confidence; wins the Snitch; wrestles jealousy over Ginny.
- Ron WeasleyInsecure Keeper; clashes with Ginny and Hermione; believes he had Felix, performs brilliantly; starts dating Lavender; is attacked by Hermione’s birds.
- Hermione GrangerExcels in magic; invites Ron to Slughorn’s party; suspects Felix cheating; heartbroken by Ron/Lavender; attacks Ron with conjured canaries.
- Ginny WeasleyChaser; scores heavily; argues with Ron over her dating Dean; crashes the commentator’s podium; briefly hugged by Harry.
- Dean ThomasChosen as temporary Chaser; flies well; publicly kisses Ginny, angering Ron and sparking Harry’s jealousy.
- Lavender BrownPublicly cheers Ron; begins an intense romance with him after the match.
- Zacharias SmithHufflepuff commentator; delivers snide, biased commentary during the match; podium is wrecked by Ginny.
- Cormac McLaggenReferenced Slug Club favorite; rival Hermione mentions when arguing with Ron.
- Demelza RobinsGryffindor Chaser; hit accidentally by Ron in practice; plays well in match.
- Jimmy Peakes and Ritchie CooteGryffindor Beaters; improve steadily; Coote targets Harper with a Bludger in match.
- HarperSlytherin Seeker substitute; spots the Snitch first but is distracted by Harry, loses it.
- UrquhartNew Slytherin Captain/Chaser; leads attacks on goal; shakes hands with Harry pre-match.
- Professor SproutHerbology teacher; oversees Snargaluff lesson and scolds for chatting.
- Professor McGonagallIntervenes after Ginny crashes the commentator’s podium.
- Madam HoochReferees the Gryffindor–Slytherin match.