2بخش

That was fun.

Do you mind if I use the loo? No, of course.

Don’t think I don’t know why you’re here, Albus.

The answers still no. Absolutely and unequivocally, no.

You’re very like your father.

Except for the eyes. You have your… My mothers eyes. Yeah.

Lily. Lovely Lily. She was exceedingly bright, your mother.

Even more impressive when one considers she was Muggle-born.

One of my best friends is Muggle-born. Best in our year.

Please don’t think I’m prejudiced. No, no.

Your mother was one of my absolute favorites. Look, there she is.

Right at the front.

All mine. Each and every one.

Ex-students, I mean.

You recognize Barnabas Cuffe, editor of The Daily Prophet.

Always takes my owl, should I wish to register an opinion on the news of the day.

Gwenog Jones, captain of the Holyhead Harpies.

Free tickets whenever I want them.

Of course, I haven’t been to a match in some time.

Ah, yes.

Regulus Black.

You no doubt know of his older brother Sirius; Died a few weeks ago.

I taught the whole Black family, except Sirius.

Its a shame. Talented boy.

I got Regulus when he came along, of course, but Id have liked the set.

Horace?

Do you mind if I take this?

I do love knitting patterns. Yes, of course. But you’re not leaving?

I think I know a lost cause when I see one. Regrettable.

I would have considered it a personal triumph had you consented to return to Hogwarts. Oh, well.

You’re like my friend Mr. Potter here, one of a kind.

Well, bye-bye, Horace.

Bye.

All right. I’ll do it.

But I want Professor Merrythoughts old office, not the water closet I had before.

And I expect a raise. These are mad times we live in. Mad!

They are indeed.

Sir, exactly what was all that about?

You are talented, famous and powerful. Everything Horace values.

Professor Slughorn is gonna try to collect you, Harry.

You would be his crowning jewel.

That’s why he’s returning to Hogwarts. And it’s crucial he should return.

I fear I may have stolen a wondrous night from you, Harry.

She was, truthfully, very pretty, the girl.

It’s all right, sir. I’ll go back tomorrow, make some excuse.

Oh, you’ll not be returning to Little Whinging tonight, Harry.

But, sir, what about Hedwig? And my trunk?

Both are waiting for you.

Hedwig.

Mum?

Ginny, what is it?

I was only wondering when Harry got here.

What? Harry? Harry who? Harry Potter, of course.

I think Id know if Harry Potter was in my house, wouldn’t I?

His trunks in the kitchen, and his owl. No, dear, I seriously doubt that.

Harry? Did someone say Harry?

Me, nosy. Is he up there with you?

Of course not. Id know if my best friend was in my room, wouldn’t I?

Is that an owl? You haven’t seen him, have you?

He’s wandering about the house.

Really? Really.

Harry!

Harry!

Hello.

What a lovely surprise.

Why didn’t you let us know you were coming?

I didn’t know. Dumbledore. Oh, that man.

But then, what would we do without him?

Got a bit of toothpaste.

So when did you get here?

A few days ago.

Though for a while, I wasn’t sure I was coming.

Mum sort of lost it last week.

Said Ginny and I had no business going back to Hogwarts.

That its too dangerous.

Oh, come on. She’s not alone.

Even my parents, and they’re Muggles, know something bad’s happening.

Anyway, Dad stepped in, told her she was being barmy…

…and it took a few days, but she came around.

But this is Hogwarts were talking about. It’s Dumbledore. What could be safer?

There’s been a lot of talk recently that…

…Dumbledore’s got a bit old.

Rubbish! Well, he’s only…

What is he?

Hundred and fifty? Give or take a few years.

Cissy! You cant do this! He can’t be trusted!

The Dark Lord trusts him.

The Dark Lords mistaken. Pfft.

Run along, Wormtail.

I know I ought not to be here.

The Dark Lord himself forbade me to speak of this.

If the Dark Lord has forbidden it, you ought not to speak.

Put it down, Bella. We mustn’t touch what isn’t ours.

As it so happens, I’m aware of your situation, Narcissa.

You?

The Dark Lord told you?

Your sister doubts me.

Understandable. Over the years I’ve played my part well.

So well, I’ve deceived one of the greatest wizards of all time.

Dumbledore is a great wizard. Only a fool would question it.

I don’t doubt you, Severus.

You should be honored, Cissy. As should Draco.

He’s just a boy.

I can’t change the Dark Lords mind.

But it might be possible for me to help Draco.

Severus. Swear to it.

Make the Unbreakable Vow.

It’s just empty words.

He’ll give it his best effort.

But when it matters most…

…he’ll just slither back into his hole.

Coward.

Take out your wand.