The Ministry's Pressure Campaign

Rufus Scrimgeour tries to use Harry as a symbol for the Ministry, but Harry refuses to cooperate, maintaining his loyalty to Dumbledore.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Christmas Visit

The Minister's Offer The Visit Rufus Scrimgeour, accompanied by Percy Weasley, visits the Burrow on Christmas Day. He pretends to be there for Percy, but his real target is Harry Potter. The Proposition Scrimgeour takes Harry for a walk in the garden. He asks Harry to be seen as a symbol of the Ministry's fight against Voldemort, to give people hope. He offers to make it easier for Harry to become an Auror. The Refusal Harry refuses, saying he does not want to be used. He criticizes the Ministry for arresting Stan Shunpike and for not believing him in the past. Scrimgeour leaves angry, realizing Harry is 'Dumbledore's man through and through'.

The Post-Funeral Encounter

The Final Attempt The Confrontation After Dumbledore's funeral, Scrimgeour intercepts Harry near the lake. He again asks for information about Dumbledore's final mission and offers Ministry protection. The Defiance Harry refuses to reveal anything. He tells Scrimgeour that he is 'Dumbledore's man through and through' and that he will not cooperate. Scrimgeour is frustrated. The Aftermath Scrimgeour leaves, knowing he cannot control Harry. The Ministry's attempts to influence Harry fail. Harry is now fully independent, determined to follow Dumbledore's path.

late December, during the Christmas holidays

late June, after Dumbledore's funeral