early in the story, a few days before the start of term
The Other Minister Meeting
The Muggle Prime Minister is alone in his office, troubled by a series of inexplicable disasters: a bridge collapse, two murders, a freak hurricane, and the strange behavior of his Junior Minister Herbert Chorley. He is startled by a portrait that announces the arrival of Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. Fudge appears via the Floo Network and reveals that these events are the work of Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Fudge explains that he has been sacked and introduces his successor, Rufus Scrimgeour. Scrimgeour, a lion-like man, takes a hard line, informing the Prime Minister that his secretary is actually an Auror assigned for protection and that Chorley is under the Imperius Curse. The meeting underscores the escalating war and the wizarding world's desperation.
the same night as the Other Minister meeting
Narcissa's Plea to Snape
Narcissa Malfoy, accompanied by her sister Bellatrix Lestrange, travels to the dilapidated house of Severus Snape in Spinner's End. Narcissa is desperate, fearing for her son Draco's life after Lord Voldemort assigned him a dangerous mission. Bellatrix is openly suspicious of Snape's loyalty, but Snape calmly defends his actions, explaining his role as a spy for the Dark Lord. Narcissa begs Snape to protect Draco and, if necessary, to complete the task himself. Snape agrees, and they make an Unbreakable Vow, with Bellatrix as the Bonder. Snape swears to watch over Draco, protect him from harm, and carry out the deed if Draco fails.
late July, a few weeks before the start of term
Dumbledore Collects Harry
Harry Potter, waiting at the Dursleys' house, is surprised when Albus Dumbledore arrives to escort him to the Burrow. Dumbledore reveals that Sirius Black has left Harry everything, including number twelve, Grimmauld Place and the house-elf Kreacher. He tests Harry's ownership by ordering Kreacher to be silent, which works. Dumbledore also informs Harry that he has inherited Buckbeak the hippogriff. Before leaving, Dumbledore warns the Dursleys that Harry's magical protection will last only until his seventeenth birthday and asks them to allow him to return one last time. Harry and Dumbledore then Apparate away, beginning their journey.
the same night as Dumbledore collects Harry
Persuasion of Horace Slughorn
Dumbledore takes Harry to the village of Budleigh Babberton to recruit Horace Slughorn, a former Hogwarts professor, back into teaching. They find Slughorn's house seemingly ransacked, but it is a ruse; Slughorn himself is hiding, disguised as an armchair. Dumbledore exposes him, and after a conversation where Slughorn expresses reluctance due to the danger, Harry's presence and words about Dumbledore's protection convince him to accept the post of Potions master. Slughorn agrees, and they leave. Dumbledore later explains to Harry that Slughorn is a collector of talented and influential people, and warns Harry that he will try to add him to his collection.
late at night, after persuading Slughorn
Arrival at the Burrow
Harry and Dumbledore Apparate to the Burrow. They are greeted by a worried Molly Weasley and a subdued Nymphadora Tonks, who seems depressed and leaves quickly. Harry learns that Arthur Weasley has been promoted to head the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects. He also sees the Weasleys' family clock, with all hands pointing to 'mortal peril'. After a late supper, Harry is sent to bed in Fred and George's room, which is filled with joke shop products. He falls asleep quickly, exhausted from the night's events.
the morning after Harry's arrival at the Burrow
The O.W.L. Results Arrive
Harry wakes to find Ron, Hermione, and Ginny in his room. They discuss the new teacher, Horace Slughorn, and the presence of Fleur Delacour, who is engaged to Bill Weasley. Ginny and Hermione express their dislike for Fleur, calling her 'Phlegm'. The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of their O.W.L. results via owl. Harry passes with an 'Outstanding' in Defense Against the Dark Arts and 'Exceeds Expectations' in Potions, among others. Hermione achieves ten 'Outstandings' and one 'Exceeds Expectations'. Ron also passes, failing only Divination and History of Magic. Harry is disappointed that his Potions grade is not high enough to continue to N.E.W.T. level under Snape.
a Saturday during the summer holidays, during a trip to Diagon Alley
Draco's Detour in Knockturn Alley
Harry, Ron, and Hermione, accompanied by Hagrid, go shopping in Diagon Alley. They encounter Draco Malfoy and his mother Narcissa in Madam Malkin's robe shop. A tense confrontation occurs, with Narcissa threatening Harry. Later, Harry spots Malfoy sneaking off alone and, using his Invisibility Cloak, follows him into Knockturn Alley. They observe Malfoy threatening Mr. Borgin in Borgin and Burkes, demanding he fix something and keep another item safe. Malfoy mentions Fenrir Greyback as a family friend to ensure Borgin's compliance. Hermione attempts to investigate but is quickly thrown out. Harry is convinced Malfoy is up to something sinister.
on the Hogwarts Express, the first day of term
The Slug Club Invitation
On the train to Hogwarts, Harry, Neville, and Luna share a compartment. Harry is approached by Romilda Vane, who wants to sit with him but is rebuffed. Later, a third-year girl delivers invitations from Horace Slughorn to Harry and Neville for lunch in his compartment. Harry, Neville, and Ginny attend, meeting other students like Blaise Zabini, Cormac McLaggen, and Marcus Belby. Slughorn quizzes them about their famous relatives and connections, clearly trying to collect talented or well-connected students for his 'Slug Club'. Harry is uncomfortable with the attention but learns that Slughorn is interested in him because of the 'Chosen One' rumors.
later on the Hogwarts Express, after the Slug Club lunch
Harry Spies on Malfoy
After the lunch, Harry uses his Invisibility Cloak to follow Blaise Zabini into the Slytherin compartment, hoping to overhear Draco Malfoy. He hides in the luggage rack and listens as Malfoy boasts about having a mission from the Dark Lord and hints that he might not return to Hogwarts next year. Malfoy dismisses the importance of N.E.W.T.s, saying the Dark Lord cares only about service and devotion. When the train arrives at Hogsmeade Station, Malfoy, suspecting Harry's presence, casts Petrificus Totalus on him, causing him to fall from the rack. Malfoy then stamps on Harry's face, breaking his nose, and leaves him under the Invisibility Cloak.
immediately after Malfoy leaves Harry on the train
Tonks Rescues Harry
As the Hogwarts Express begins to leave, Nymphadora Tonks finds Harry, still paralyzed and bleeding under his Invisibility Cloak. She unfreezes him and mends his nose with a spell. They jump off the train together. Tonks explains she is stationed in Hogsmeade for extra protection. They walk to the Hogwarts gates, which are chained and magically protected. Tonks summons help, and Severus Snape arrives to escort Harry to the castle. Snape makes snide remarks about Harry's lateness and deducts points from Gryffindor. Harry is furious but remains silent, his hatred for Snape intensifying.
the start-of-term feast, the first evening of term
Snape Victorious
Harry arrives late to the start-of-term feast in the Great Hall. Dumbledore announces that Horace Slughorn will be the new Potions master and that Severus Snape will finally be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry is outraged, as he had hoped Slughorn would teach that subject. Dumbledore then gives a serious speech about the return of Lord Voldemort and the need for increased security. He urges students to report anything suspicious. The announcement of Snape's new position causes a stir, and Harry vows that Snape will be gone by the end of the year, as the Defense Against the Dark Arts job is jinxed.
the first Potions lesson of the term
The Half-Blood Prince's Book
In their first Potions lesson with Slughorn, Harry and Ron, who did not buy new textbooks, are given old copies from the cupboard. Harry's copy is filled with handwritten notes and corrections by a previous owner, the 'Half-Blood Prince'. Following the Prince's instructions, Harry successfully brews a Draught of Living Death, winning a bottle of Felix Felicis as a prize. Hermione is suspicious of the book, but Harry defends it. Later, Harry discovers the book is inscribed 'This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince'. He becomes intrigued by the Prince's identity and the many spells and potion tips written in the margins.
a Saturday evening, during Harry's first private lesson with Dumbledore
The Hour of Gaunt
Dumbledore begins showing Harry memories of Voldemort's past using the Pensieve. They first view a memory of Bob Ogden, a Ministry official, visiting the Gaunt family. The Gaunts are the last descendants of Salazar Slytherin, living in poverty and squalor. Marvolo Gaunt, his son Morfin, and his daughter Merope are introduced. Morfin attacks a Muggle, Tom Riddle Sr., and is later arrested. The memory reveals that Merope is in love with the Muggle, and that she is Voldemort's mother. Dumbledore explains that Merope used a love potion to ensnare Tom Riddle Sr., but he abandoned her when she stopped using it. She died shortly after giving birth to Tom Riddle Jr. in an orphanage.
a few weeks into the term, during Quidditch tryouts
Hermione's Helping Hand
Harry holds Quidditch tryouts for the Gryffindor team. Cormac McLaggen performs well as Keeper, but Ron, with a bit of hidden help from Hermione (who Confunded McLaggen), saves five penalties and wins the position. Harry selects Ginny, Katie Bell, and Demelza Robins as Chasers, and Jimmy Peakes and Ritchie Coote as Beaters. Later, Harry, Ron, and Hermione visit Hagrid, who is upset because they dropped Care of Magical Creatures. He is also worried about his pet spider, Aragog, who is dying. They console him, and the visit ends on a better note. Harry also tells Mr. Weasley about his suspicions regarding Malfoy, but Mr. Weasley is skeptical.
a Hogsmeade weekend in October
Silver and Opals
During a trip to Hogsmeade, Harry, Ron, and Hermione encounter Mundungus Fletcher, who is selling stolen items from Sirius's house. Harry confronts him, but Mundungus Disapparates. Later, on the way back to Hogwarts, they witness Katie Bell being cursed by a cursed opal necklace. She rises into the air, screams, and collapses. Harry, Ron, and Hermione help, and Harry covers the necklace with his scarf. They report the incident to Professor McGonagall, who is skeptical of Harry's theory that Draco Malfoy is behind it, as Malfoy was in detention with her at the time. The attack is a clear attempt to smuggle a deadly object into the school.
a Monday evening, during Harry's second private lesson with Dumbledore
The Secret Riddle
Dumbledore shows Harry another memory: his own visit to the orphanage where Tom Riddle grew up. The young Tom Riddle is a handsome, intelligent, but cold and manipulative boy. He has already discovered his magical abilities and uses them to terrorize other children. Dumbledore tells him he is a wizard and offers him a place at Hogwarts. Riddle is excited but refuses Dumbledore's help, preferring to go to Diagon Alley alone. Dumbledore warns him against thievery. The memory reveals Riddle's early cruelty, his desire to be special, and his contempt for his Muggle father. Dumbledore notes Riddle's tendency to collect trophies from his victims.
the day of the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch match
Felix Felicis
On the morning of the Quidditch match, Harry secretly pretends to add Felix Felicis to Ron's pumpkin juice to boost his confidence. Ron plays brilliantly, saving every goal, and Gryffindor wins decisively. After the match, Hermione confronts Harry, accusing him of using the potion, but Harry reveals he did not actually use it; Ron's success was his own. The victory celebration is marred by Ron's new relationship with Lavender Brown, which he flaunts in front of Hermione. Hermione, hurt and angry, attacks Ron with a flock of conjured canaries before storming off. The incident deepens the rift between Ron and Hermione.
the night of Slughorn's Christmas party
The Unbreakable Vow Revealed
At Slughorn's Christmas party, Harry notices Draco Malfoy trying to gate-crash. Snape takes Malfoy aside for a private conversation. Harry, using his Invisibility Cloak, follows and eavesdrops. He overhears Snape offering to help Malfoy, revealing he made an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa to protect him and complete his task if he fails. Malfoy refuses Snape's help, insisting he has a plan and does not need interference. He accuses Snape of wanting to steal his glory. The conversation confirms Harry's suspicions that Malfoy is on a mission for Voldemort and that Snape is deeply involved, though his true loyalties remain ambiguous.
Christmas holidays at the Burrow
A Very Frosty Christmas
Harry spends Christmas at the Burrow with the Weasleys. The holiday is tense, with Percy Weasley briefly visiting with the new Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour. Scrimgeour takes Harry aside for a private conversation, asking him to be seen as a symbol of hope for the Ministry and to give the impression he is working with them. Harry refuses, criticizing the Ministry's actions, such as imprisoning Stan Shunpike. Scrimgeour accuses Harry of being 'Dumbledore's man through and through', and Harry proudly agrees. The conversation ends in a stalemate. Harry also learns more about Remus Lupin's dangerous mission among the werewolves and the threat of Fenrir Greyback.
a Monday evening, during Harry's third private lesson with Dumbledore
A Sluggish Memory
Dumbledore shows Harry a tampered memory from Horace Slughorn. In the original memory, a young Tom Riddle asks Slughorn about Horcruxes. Slughorn, looking troubled, explains that a Horcrux is an object in which a wizard hides a piece of their soul, achieved through murder. Riddle then asks if it would be better to make multiple Horcruxes, specifically seven, the most magical number. Slughorn is horrified and cuts the conversation short. Dumbledore explains that Slughorn has altered the memory to hide his shame. He tasks Harry with retrieving the true, unaltered memory from Slughorn, as it is crucial to understanding Voldemort's plans.
Ron's birthday, March 1st
Birthday Surprises
On Ron's birthday, Harry accidentally gives Ron a box of Chocolate Cauldrons that were spiked with a love potion by Romilda Vane. Ron becomes infatuated with Romilda and attacks Harry when he tries to explain. Harry uses the Levicorpus spell to subdue him and then takes him to Slughorn for an antidote. While there, Slughorn offers them a drink of oak-matured mead. Ron drinks his and is immediately poisoned. Harry saves Ron's life by forcing a bezoar down his throat. The incident is a near-fatal attack, and Harry suspects the poison was meant for Dumbledore or Slughorn himself. Ron is hospitalized but recovers.
the evening after Ron's poisoning
Elf Tails
Harry, Hermione, and Ginny visit Ron in the hospital wing. They discuss the poisoning and the earlier attack on Katie Bell, concluding that both were likely attempts on Dumbledore's life. Hagrid reveals that Dumbledore had a heated argument with Snape, which Harry finds deeply suspicious. Later, Harry sets Kreacher and Dobby to tail Draco Malfoy. They report that Malfoy has been making regular visits to the seventh floor, entering a room with other students standing guard. Harry realizes Malfoy is using the Room of Requirement. He is determined to find out what Malfoy is doing there, despite Hermione's skepticism.
a Monday evening, during Harry's fourth private lesson with Dumbledore
Lord Voldemort's Request
Dumbledore shows Harry two more memories. The first, from the house-elf Hokey, shows Voldemort (then Tom Riddle) working at Borgin and Burkes and visiting the wealthy witch Hepzibah Smith. He charms her into showing him Hufflepuff's cup and Slytherin's locket, which he later steals, murdering her and framing Hokey. The second memory is Dumbledore's own, showing a later meeting where Voldemort, now a powerful Dark wizard, requests the Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching post at Hogwarts. Dumbledore refuses, knowing Voldemort's true intentions. The meeting ends with Voldemort's anger and Dumbledore's sadness. Dumbledore explains that Voldemort likely created multiple Horcruxes, using significant magical objects.
a few weeks after the poisoning, during the spring term
The Unknowable Room
Harry repeatedly tries to enter the Room of Requirement to spy on Malfoy, but fails because he does not know what Malfoy is using it for. He encounters Tonks, who seems depressed and is looking for Dumbledore. Harry also has a tense Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson with Snape, who mocks Ron's inability to Apparate. Later, Harry and Ron discuss Malfoy's activities. Harry realizes that Malfoy is using Polyjuice Potion to disguise Crabbe and Goyle as other students to act as lookouts. He is determined to find a way into the room, but Hermione advises him to focus on getting the memory from Slughorn instead.
an evening in late spring
After the Burial
Harry receives a note from Hagrid asking him to attend Aragog's burial. He decides to use Felix Felicis to help him get the memory from Slughorn. Under the potion's influence, he feels a strong urge to go to Hagrid's. There, he finds Slughorn, who has come to collect acromantula venom. Harry manipulates the situation, and after a night of drinking and conversation, he appeals to Slughorn's guilt and fear. He reminds Slughorn of his mother's sacrifice and his own destiny as the Chosen One. Finally, Slughorn, overcome with emotion, extracts the true memory from his own head and gives it to Harry. The mission is a success.
late that same night, in Dumbledore's office
Horcruxes Revealed
Harry brings the true memory to Dumbledore. They view it together, seeing the full conversation where Tom Riddle asks Slughorn about creating multiple Horcruxes. Dumbledore confirms his theory: Voldemort has been splitting his soul into seven pieces, creating six Horcruxes. He reveals that he has already destroyed two: Tom Riddle's diary and Marvolo Gaunt's ring. He believes the remaining Horcruxes are Hufflepuff's cup, Slytherin's locket, Nagini the snake, and possibly an object from Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. Dumbledore tells Harry that he has been searching for them and is close to finding another. He promises to take Harry with him when he does.
a few days before the final Quidditch match
Sectumsempra
Harry, still unable to enter the Room of Requirement, stumbles upon Draco Malfoy crying in a bathroom. Malfoy reveals he is terrified of his mission and fears Voldemort will kill him if he fails. A duel erupts, and Harry, in a panic, uses an unknown spell from the Half-Blood Prince's book: Sectumsempra. The spell slashes Malfoy's face and chest, causing severe bleeding. Snape arrives and heals Malfoy, then demands Harry's schoolbooks. Harry swaps his copy of Advanced Potion-Making with Ron's, but Snape finds the name 'Roonil Wazlib' inside and knows it is not Harry's. Snape gives Harry detention every Saturday for the rest of the term, preventing him from playing in the Quidditch final.
the evening before Dumbledore's death
The Seer Overheard
Harry is summoned to Dumbledore's office. On the way, he finds Professor Trelawney, who has been thrown out of the Room of Requirement by a mysterious, celebrating voice. She mentions that she was trying to hide her sherry bottles. Harry realizes Malfoy must be inside, celebrating the completion of his task. Trelawney then reveals a crucial piece of information: it was Severus Snape who overheard the prophecy and passed it to Voldemort. Harry is furious and confronts Dumbledore, who confirms Snape's past mistake but insists he trusts Snape completely. Dumbledore then tells Harry they are going to retrieve a Horcrux, and Harry agrees to obey his orders.
the night of Dumbledore's death
The Cave Ordeal
Dumbledore and Harry Apparate to a sea cave. They enter through a hidden passage and find a vast underground lake with a green light in the center. Dumbledore summons a boat, and they cross to a small island. There, they find a basin filled with a potion. Dumbledore determines it must be drunk to reach the Horcrux at the bottom. He drinks the potion, which causes him immense pain and suffering, forcing Harry to make him continue. After Dumbledore drinks it all, they retrieve a locket from the basin. As they leave, Inferi attack, but Dumbledore uses fire to repel them. They escape the cave, but Dumbledore is severely weakened.
immediately after returning from the cave
The Lightning-Struck Tower
Harry and Dumbledore Apparate to Hogsmeade, where they see the Dark Mark over Hogwarts. They fly to the Astronomy Tower, where Dumbledore is confronted by Draco Malfoy. Dumbledore calmly talks to Malfoy, revealing he knows about his mission and offers him protection. Malfoy hesitates, but then Death Eaters, including Fenrir Greyback, arrive. Snape appears, and Dumbledore pleads with him. Snape, with a look of revulsion and hatred, casts the Killing Curse, Avada Kedavra, at Dumbledore, blasting him off the tower. Harry, immobilized by Dumbledore's own spell, is forced to watch. The Death Eaters flee, and Harry, now free, pursues them.
immediately after Dumbledore's death
Flight of the Prince
Harry chases Snape and Malfoy through the castle and into the grounds. He confronts Snape, who reveals he is the Half-Blood Prince. Snape mocks Harry and his father, and a duel ensues. Snape easily deflects Harry's spells and, after a brief struggle, Disapparates just beyond the school boundaries. Harry is left devastated and furious. He returns to find Dumbledore's body at the foot of the Astronomy Tower. He also discovers that the locket they retrieved is a fake, containing a note from someone named R.A.B., who claims to have stolen the real Horcrux. The night ends in tragedy and confusion.
the night of Dumbledore's death and the following days
The Phoenix Lament
In the hospital wing, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the others learn the full extent of the battle. Bill Weasley was attacked by Fenrir Greyback and is badly scarred, but Fleur insists on marrying him anyway. Tonks reveals her love for Remus Lupin, who initially rejects her due to his werewolf nature. Professor McGonagall becomes acting headmistress and discusses the possibility of closing Hogwarts. Harry is questioned about his activities with Dumbledore but refuses to reveal anything. He is left alone with the fake Horcrux and the knowledge that he must continue the mission. Fawkes the phoenix sings a lament and then leaves Hogwarts forever.
the day of Dumbledore's funeral
The White Tomb
Dumbledore's funeral is held at Hogwarts on a beautiful summer's day. A large crowd gathers, including students, staff, Ministry officials, and magical creatures. Hagrid carries Dumbledore's body, wrapped in purple velvet, to a marble table. After a eulogy, Dumbledore's body is consumed by white flames, and a white marble tomb appears in its place. The centaurs and merpeople pay their respects. After the funeral, Harry tells Ginny they must end their relationship to protect her from Voldemort. He also tells Ron and Hermione that he will not return to Hogwarts and plans to hunt down the remaining Horcruxes. They vow to join him.
