Draco's Deadly Mission

Draco Malfoy, under Voldemort's orders, attempts to assassinate Dumbledore through a series of failed schemes, culminating in the Astronomy Tower.

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The Cursed Necklace

The First Attempt The Plot Draco Malfoy, tasked by Lord Voldemort to kill Albus Dumbledore, devises a plan using a cursed opal necklace. He places the Imperius Curse on Madam Rosmerta, who then gives the necklace to Katie Bell in the bathroom of the Three Broomsticks, instructing her to deliver it to Dumbledore. The Accident Katie Bell touches the necklace and is cursed, rising into the air and screaming. She is saved by Professor Snape, but the attack fails to reach Dumbledore. Harry Potter witnesses the incident and suspects Malfoy, but lacks proof. Investigation Professor McGonagall questions Harry, but Malfoy has an alibi: he was in detention with her. Harry's theory is dismissed. The necklace is traced to Borgin and Burkes, but no direct link to Malfoy is found.

The Poisoned Mead

The Second Attempt The Plan Draco Malfoy again uses Madam Rosmerta, who is under the Imperius Curse, to send a bottle of poisoned mead to Horace Slughorn, intended as a Christmas present for Dumbledore. The poison is deadly, but Slughorn keeps the bottle for himself. The Accident Ron Weasley, celebrating his birthday with Slughorn, drinks the poisoned mead and collapses. Harry Potter saves him by forcing a bezoar down his throat. Ron survives, but the attack again fails to reach Dumbledore. Aftermath Ron is hospitalized. Dumbledore and McGonagall investigate, but the poison's origin is traced to Rosmerta, who is later discovered to be under the Imperius Curse. Harry's suspicion of Malfoy grows, but he still has no evidence.

The Vanishing Cabinet

The Final Plan The Repaired Cabinet Draco Malfoy spends the year repairing a Vanishing Cabinet in the Room of Requirement. Its pair is in Borgin and Burkes, creating a secret passage into Hogwarts. He plans to bring Death Eaters into the school to help him kill Dumbledore. The Infiltration On the night Dumbledore is lured to the Astronomy Tower by the Dark Mark, Malfoy lets the Death Eaters in through the Cabinet. They engage the Order of the Phoenix in battle, while Malfoy confronts Dumbledore alone. The Confrontation Malfoy disarms Dumbledore but hesitates to kill him. Dumbledore tries to persuade him to change sides. However, Snape arrives and performs the Killing Curse on Dumbledore, fulfilling the Unbreakable Vow he made with Narcissa Malfoy. Malfoy's mission ends in a way he did not anticipate.

early October, during the Hogsmeade weekend

late February, around Ron's birthday

early June, leading up to the final battle