Joanne Rowling

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"

Chapter One: The Rise of the Dark Lord

Snape rendezvouses with Yaxley, a Death Eater, outside the residence of Lucius Malfoy. Together, they enter the house and join Voldemort and his loyal followers already gathered around a table. Suspended above them, a captive figure hangs upside down, restrained by a rope.

Seated at the table, Snape informs Voldemort that Harry Potter is scheduled to be relocated from his secure location on the upcoming Saturday at nightfall. However, Yaxley claims to possess conflicting information, stating that Harry's move is planned for the thirtieth day of the month. Voldemort reveals his awareness of the source of Snape's intelligence, expressing his trust in Snape over Yaxley.

Eager to earn Voldemort's favor, Yaxley discloses his success in corrupting a member of the Ministry of Magic, Pius Thicknesse. Yaxley reveals that numerous Death Eaters have infiltrated the Department of Magical Transport, enhancing their ability to track Harry should he attempt to use magical means of travel. Voldemort declares his intention to capture Harry during his transportation.

The gathering is abruptly interrupted by a loud wail emanating from beneath the floor. Voldemort dispatches Wormtail to attend to the noise and silence "the prisoner." This prisoner is different from the captive suspended above the table, as Wormtail must leave the room to address the disturbance.

Voldemort coerces Lucius Malfoy into lending him his wand, taking the

opportunity to mock Lucius and his family, accusing them of discomfort in his presence. Bellatrix Lestrange, Narcissa Malfoy's sister, passionately asserts her delight at Voldemort's presence. However, Voldemort taunts them all regarding the recent marriage of Narcissa and Bellatrix's niece, Nymphadora Tonks, to Remus Lupin, a werewolf.

Eventually, Voldemort directs the attention of the room towards the captive figure above the table, revealing her to be Charity Burbage, a Hogwarts professor who taught Muggle Studies. Burbage promoted the idea that Muggles were not fundamentally different from wizards and that the integration of "Mudbloods" was beneficial. Despite her pleas for help directed at Snape, he remains impassive, and Voldemort ends her life with the Killing Curse.

Chapter Two: In Remembrance

In a state of disarray, Harry stumbles out of his room at the Dursleys' residence, clutching his injured hand. Along the way to the bathroom, he inadvertently steps on a forgotten cup of tea left outside his bedroom door. After tending to his wound and cleaning up the broken cup, he returns to his room. There, he spends the morningorganizing his school trunk, separating items he no longer needs from those he intends to keep as he departs from Hogwarts and prepares to leave the Dursleys behind. While handling a shard of the mirror Sirius gave him in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," Harry accidentally cuts his finger, leaving only this single remnant of the once-complete mirror.

Harry comes across two newspaper articles paying tribute to Albus Dumbledore. The first article, titled "Remembering Albus Dumbledore" by Elphias Doge, one of Dumbledore's schoolmates and long-time friends, chronicles Dumbledore's exceptional academic achievements despite his father's imprisonment in Azkaban for attacking Muggles. It delves into his relationship with his intellectually inferior younger brother, Aberforth, his struggles following the deaths of his mother and sister, and his triumphant duel against the Dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945. The article also praises Dumbledore's illustrious tenure as the headmaster of Hogwarts. Harry laments his lack of knowledge about

Dumbledore's life, wishing he had asked him more about himself.

The second article features an interview with the journalist Rita Skeeter, who has just penned a biography titled "The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore." In the interview, Skeeter claims to expose fabricated accomplishments attributed to Dumbledore, unveils dark secrets about his family, and portrays his relationship with Harry Potter in a malicious and distorted light. Disgusted by Skeeter's deceitful narrative, Harry sets the paper aside.

Examining the broken shard of the mirror, Harry's thoughts turn bitter as he reflects on Rita Skeeter's falsehoods. Suddenly, a flash of vibrant blue catches his eye within the shard, reminding him of Dumbledore's piercing blue gaze. Assuming it to be a figment of his imagination, Harry dismisses it, as there is nothing blue in the room that could have caused such a reflection.

Chapter Three: Farewell to the Dursleys

Harry's uncle Vernon summons him from his room. Descending the stairs, Harry finds the entire Dursley family - Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley - gathered in the living room, dressed for a journey. Uncle Vernon declares a change of heart, disbelieving Harry's claims about their imminent danger and rejecting the assistance of the Order of the Phoenix to go into hiding. Recounting a familiar argument they have had numerous times, Harry explains that once he turns seventeen, the protective charm safeguarding them will cease to exist, leaving them vulnerable to Voldemort and the Death Eaters. The Ministry of Magic cannot shield them asit has already been infiltrated by the Death Eaters.

Dudley interjects, announcing his decision to accompany the Order's representatives, leaving Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia with no choice but to relent. Members of the Order of the Phoenix, Hestia Jones and Dedalus Diggle, arrive to escort the Dursleys to a safe location. Surprising both his own family and Harry, Dudley inquires about Harry's future whereabouts. To everyone's astonishment, Dudley declares that despite Harry's belief that the Dursleys despise him, he does not

consider Harry "a waste of space" and acknowledges that Harry saved his life. Harry realizes that Dudley is genuinely grateful for his intervention during the dementor attack the previous summer and that the cup of tea outside his bedroom door was Dudley's clumsy attempt at showing concern. Harry and Dudley shake hands, and the Dursleys depart.

Chapter Four: The Flight of the Seven

Harry gazes around the familiar house, reminiscing about his younger days and the life he once led in that very place. Suddenly, a surprisingly large group of wizards appears in the backyard, ready to escort Harry to his new safe haven. Among them are Hagrid, Ron, Hermione, Fleur Delacour, Mad-Eye Moody, Fred and George Weasley, Bill Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Remus Lupin, Tonks, Kingsley, and Mundungus Fletcher. Moody informs them that their plans had to change due to Pius Thicknesse's defection to Voldemort, rendering Ministry-approved means of transportation perilous.

Moody reveals a new strategy: Harry will be sent to Tonks's parents' house, while six decoys disguised as Harry will be dispatched to different locations. Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, Fleur, and Mundungus will take Polyjuice Potion to assume Harry's appearance and each will fly with an escort. Harry objects, fearing for his friends' safety as decoys, but everyone willingly accepts the risks, and Harry reluctantly agrees. Harry provides his hair for the potion, and the chosen decoys transform into replicas of himself. Accompanied by Hagrid in a flying motorbike's sidecar, the party ascends into the sky.

Almost immediately, Harry and Hagrid find themselves pursued by at least thirty hooded Death Eaters. They flee, with the Death Eaters relentlessly casting Killing Curses in their direction. Tragically, one of the curses claims the life of Harry's loyal owl, Hedwig. Harry attempts to defend against their attackers, but when Hagrid unleashes dragon fire from the motorbike, the sidecar detaches. Among the pursuers, Harry recognizes Stan Shunpike, while an unfamiliar Death Eater identifies him as thereal Harry Potter. The Death Eaters momentarily retreat but return

swiftly with Voldemort himself, hell-bent on personally killing Harry. Hagrid jumps onto a Death Eater's broomstick but crashes to the ground. With Voldemort threatening him at close range, Harry's wand hand reacts instinctively, casting an unknown protective spell that shatters Voldemort's wand. Eventually, Harry crashes the bike into a pond.

Chapter Five: The Fallen Hero

Harry regains consciousness, finding his injuries from the chase fully healed. He discovers himself at Tonks's parents' house, where Ted Tonks has tended to both him and Hagrid. The house's protective enchantments prevented Voldemort and the Death Eaters from breaching its boundaries. Harry pledges to inform Mr. Tonks about the well-being of his daughter, and they use a Portkey to travel to the Burrow, the Weasley family's home.

Anxious Mrs. Weasley awaits Harry and Hagrid at the Burrow. However, the rest of the party involved in transporting Harry has not yet arrived. Lupin appears with George Weasley, who has lost an ear due to Snape's curse during the attack. Realizing that they were betrayed, Lupin tests Harry's identity by asking what creature was present when they first met in his office, and Harry correctly answers a grindylow. Lupin and Harry discuss the events, concluding that Harry inadvertently revealed his true identity to the Death Eaters when he disarmed Stan Shunpike without intending to cause harm to someone potentially under the Imperius Curse. Lupin urges Harry to stop holding back, particularly as Disarming has become his predictable signature spell. Kingsley and Hermione arrive safely, followed by Mr. Weasley and Fred, then Ron and Tonks, and finally Bill and Fleur. Bill and Fleur recount how Mundungus Fletcher panicked and Disapparated, leaving Mad-Eye to fall victim to Voldemort's curse right at the beginning of the chase.

The group deliberates over the possible betrayal of their plans to Voldemort, realizing that he was unaware of the use of the six Harry decoys. Frustrated that his presence endangers his allies, Harry contemplates leaving the Burrow, but his friends vehemently oppose the idea.

As his scar throbs, Harry steps outside for some fresh air. The pain intensifies, allowing him to hear Voldemort berating and torturing Ollivander, the renowned wand maker. Ollivander had suggested a scheme to circumvent the connection between Harry's wand and Voldemort's by having Voldemort attack Harry with a borrowed wand, but the plan failed, leaving Voldemort with a shattered and useless wand. Harryconfides in Ron and Hermione about his vision, and Hermione angrily insists on keeping the dangerous mental connection between Harry and Voldemort closed.

Chapter Six: The Ghoul in Pyjamas

With the desire to leave Mad-Eye Moody's death in the past, Harry yearns to embark on his mission to destroy the Horcruxes - objects in which Voldemort has hidden fragments of his soul, rendering him immortal as long as these items remain intact. Eager to discuss the quest with Ron and Hermione, who have agreed to accompany him since the previous book, Harry's plans are disrupted by Mrs. Weasley's interference. She approaches each of them individually, attempting to dissuade them from leaving Hogwarts, and keeps them occupied with preparations for Bill Weasley and Fleur's upcoming wedding. However, the three friends manage to find a stolen moment in Ron's room, where Ron and Hermione reveal the extent of their preparations for the quest.

Hermione has used magic to alter the memories of her Muggle parents, causing them to forget their daughter's existence, change their names, and relocate to Australia. This measure ensures that Voldemort will be unable to find and harm them. Ron, on the other hand, has enchanted the household's ghoul by dressing it in his own pyjamas and giving it red hair and pustules. In Ron's absence from Hogwarts, his parents can claim that he is suffering from an infectious disease called spattergroit, using the presence of the enchanted ghoul in his bed as evidence. Anyone who checks on Ron will assume he is genuinely ill and flee to avoid contagion.

Most significantly, Hermione reveals that she used a spell to pilfer the books on Horcruxes from Dumbledore's office after his demise.

Voldemort is unlikely to attempt reassembling his own soul by destroying the Horcruxes himself, as this process demands the perpetrator to experience the agony of remorse, which goes against Voldemort's nature. However, for Harry and his companions to eliminate the Horcruxes, they will face significant challenges, as only highly destructive and perilous objects - like the basilisk's fang that Harry used to vanquish Tom Riddle's diary, the first Horcrux, in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" - can guarantee success.

Mr. and Mrs. Delacour, Fleur's parents, arrive, and Harry experiences guilt over the strain that his presence and increased security measures impose on Mrs. Weasley.

Chapter Seven: Albus Dumbledore's Last Will

Harry finds himself dreaming of wandering in the mountains, searching for a manwho holds the solution to a troubling problem. Ron wakes him up, informing Harry that he was murmuring the name Gregorovitch in his sleep. Harry realizes that he was once again seeing through Voldemort's eyes in his dream, recalling a vague familiarity with the name Gregorovitch but unable to recall where he heard it before.

Feeling a surge of excitement, Harry remembers that it's his seventeenth birthday, marking the breaking of the Trace - a Ministry of Magic spell that monitors the use of magic by underage wizards. Now, Harry can freely practice magic. As Harry's friends and Ron's family shower him with birthday gifts, Ginny leads him into her room and passionately kisses him. Their intimate moment is abruptly interrupted by an angry Ron, who reprimands Harry for toying with his sister. Harry promises not to kiss Ginny again.

During Harry's birthday dinner, the festivities are interrupted by the arrival of Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister of Magic. Scrimgeour insists on speaking to Harry, Ron, and Hermione privately, presenting each of them with a bequest from Dumbledore's will. Ron receives a device called a Deluminator, capable of extinguishing or restoring light in a room.

Hermione is gifted with a copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a collection of fairy tales well-known among wizard-raised individuals. As for Harry, Dumbledore bequeathed him the first Golden Snitch he ever caught, preserved from his inaugural Quidditch match. Additionally, Dumbledore's will states that Harry is the rightful owner of the sword of Godric Gryffindor, though Scrimgeour argues that the sword was not Dumbledore's to give.(Presumably, Scrimgeour intended to mention that it rightfully belongs in the headmaster's study at Hogwarts, but is interrupted before finishing his statement.)

Hermione compels Scrimgeour to admit that he had kept these items for the full thirty-one days permitted by law to examine willed possessions for Dark magic or curses. Failing to uncover any relevant information, Scrimgeour interrogates the trio about Dumbledore's reasons for bestowing these seemingly trivial and inappropriate gifts. Harry, Ron, and Hermione offer flippant and unhelpful responses, concealing their own confusion regarding the bequests. Scrimgeour suspects that there may be something concealed within the Snitch, speculating that it will only open at Harry's touch. He watches closely as Harry takes it in his hand, but the Snitch remains closed, frustrating Scrimgeour, who then departs.

After Scrimgeour leaves, Harry recalls that he caught his first Snitch in his mouth, adetail he avoided sharing in front of the Minister. Placing the Snitch in his mouth once again, it fails to open, but words materialize on its surface: "I open at the close."

Chapter Eight: The Joyous Union

On the afternoon following Harry's birthday, the Weasleys host the long-awaited wedding of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour. In order to conceal his presence at the Weasley residence, Harry resorts to Polyjuice Potion, assuming the appearance of a red-haired village boy and introducing himself as the Weasleys' "Cousin Barny."

Among the guests are Luna Lovegood and her father, Xenophilius Lovegood, both donned in vibrant yellow robes. Luna effortlessly sees

through Harry's disguise, while her father remains less perceptive.

To Ron's dismay, Viktor Krum, the professional Quidditch player with whom Hermione once had a fleeting infatuation in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," arrives as Fleur's companion. After the wedding ceremony, Krum takes a seat beside Harry and initiates a conversation about Xenophilius Lovegood. Krum becomes infuriated upon spotting the symbol Xenophilius wears - a symbol associated with the dark wizard Grindelwald, who once terrorized the Continental European magical community until his eventual defeat at the hands of Dumbledore in a renowned duel. Krum's grandfather fell victim to Grindelwald's atrocities, and he recalls seeing the triangular eye symbol carved into the walls of his school, Durmstrang. Growing increasingly agitated, Krum taps his wand menacingly against his leg, prompting Harry to recall where he had previously heard the name "Gregorovitch." It turns out that Gregorovitch is the renowned wand maker who crafted Krum's wand, a fact Harry had learned during the events of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."

Following the wedding ceremony, Harry recognizes Elphias Doge, the author of the sympathetic obituary for Dumbledore that he had read in Chapter Two. Harry takes a seat beside Doge, hoping to glean some insights into the accusations made by Rita Skeeter about Dumbledore's involvement in the Dark Arts during his youth. Doge vehemently denies these claims, but Harry senses that Doge is withholding part of the story. Before he can delve deeper into the topic, their conversation is interrupted by Ron's obnoxious Aunt Muriel, who inserts herself between them, proudly professing her admiration for Rita Skeeter and needling Doge over his avoidance of sensitive aspects in Dumbledore's life.

Aunt Muriel seems to possess an abundance of vile rumors surrounding Dumbledore's personal history. Despite Doge's growing indignation and his fervent denials,Aunt Muriel spills them all in front of Harry. According to these rumors, Dumbledore's sister, Ariana, was a Squib - a wizard-born child without magical abilities. Allegedly, Dumbledore's mother, Kendra, a formidable woman, confined Ariana to the basement out of shame for her abnormality, and Dumbledore did nothing to intervene. It is uncertain whether Ariana killed her mother out of desperation, but it is likely that Albus himself later killed Ariana after Kendra's passing. At Ariana's funeral, Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth, even went so far as to

break Albus's nose.

Aunt Muriel attributes these rumors to Bathilda Bagshot, a resident of Godric's Hollow - the very town where Harry was born and where his parents met their tragic end. Bathilda lived there during the same period when Dumbledore's family resided in the area, encompassing the time following Dumbledore's father's imprisonment and extending to the deaths of his mother and sister. Aunt Muriel claims to have heard these rumors directly from Bathilda, who is now quite senile and happens to be Rita Skeeter's primary source.

Harry is profoundly shaken by these revelations about his deceased friend, especially learning that Dumbledore had lived in Godric's Hollow, the same place as Harry, and that both of them have family buried there - facts Dumbledore never saw fit to share with Harry.

The wedding festivities are abruptly interrupted by the appearance of Kingsley Shacklebolt's Patronus - a silver lynx. The ethereal animal, as explained in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," is a protective charm that witches and wizards use to manifest a representation of themselves in the form of an animal. It can transmit messages and serves as one of the few defenses against Dementors. The lynx conveys distressing news to the guests: Scrimgeour's demise, the fall of the Ministry, and the imminent arrival of the Death Eaters.

Chapter Nine: Finding Refuge

Amidst the chaos and panic, the crowd scatters as the ominous figures of the Death Eaters emerge. Harry, Ron, and Hermione grasp each other's hands and Disapparate under Hermione's guidance, reappearing on Tottenham Court Road - a bustling Muggle street in London, far from the wizarding world.

Despite their abrupt departure from the Weasley residence, Hermione reveals that they are better equipped than Ron and Harry realize. She unveils her resourcefulness, having packed essential items such as clothes, Harry's Invisibility Cloak, relevant books, a magical tent, their

supply of Polyjuice Potion, and various other necessities - allcleverly stored in a tiny beaded handbag that occupies minimal space and weight.

The trio seeks refuge in a café, contemplating their next steps while grappling with the question of where to go now that Voldemort has seized control of the Ministry. Suddenly, two seemingly ordinary workmen draw their wands and launch an attack, revealing themselves as Death Eaters. Harry, Ron, and Hermione fiercely defend themselves, although they struggle against their assailants. Puzzled by how the Death Eaters swiftly tracked them down and unsure of how to evade them more effectively in the future, they face a formidable challenge.

Deciding on their course of action, Harry and his friends choose to seek sanctuary at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place - the house bequeathed to Harry by Sirius Black. They can only hope that the protective jinxes and enchantments placed on the house will suffice in concealing them from Snape and the other Death Eaters. Upon entering, they notice subtle signs, like a toppled umbrella stand, hinting at recent intrusion, but the house appears empty. Suddenly, they experience a peculiar sensation as their tongues momentarily tie and untie - a result of Mad-Eye Moody's Tongue-Tying charm, previously cast to prevent them from revealing the house's secrets. Though Snape, having been a trusted confidant of Dumbledore, has entered the house in the past, Mad-Eye's spell should prevent him from divulging any information to others.

As Harry's scar sears with a burning pain, he once again shares a psychic connection with Voldemort, sensing his fury. Ron anxiously presses Harry for details, concerned that Voldemort may have targeted his family, while Hermione chastises Harry for recklessly exposing himself to a dangerous connection that he had previously strived to seal through Occlumency.

A Patronus, conjured by Ron's father, arrives to assure them that the Weasley family is safe but under surveillance. Overwhelmed by the distressing sensation in his scar, Harry excuses himself and seeks solace in the restroom, desiring a moment of privacy to delve into his visions. Within the depths of his mind, Harry witnesses Voldemort torturing one of the Death Eaters who had attacked them at the café, punishing him

for summoning Voldemort but allowing Harry to escape.

Chapter Ten: Kreacher's Account

With the break of dawn, Harry awakens early and takes the opportunity to explore the house. Venturing into Sirius's room, adorned with Gryffindor banners and photographs of Muggle women, he revels in the rebellious spirit that sets himapart from his own family. It is within this room that Harry discovers the first page of a letter penned by his mother, Lily Potter, addressed to Sirius. The letter unveils a revelation: Sirius had gifted Harry his very first broomstick on his first birthday. Moreover, Lily's words hint at connections between Sirius, Harry's parents, and Bathilda Bagshot, along with a mysterious mention of Dumbledore borrowing James Potter's Invisibility Cloak shortly after Harry's first year - a period coinciding with his parents' tragic demise.

Driven by curiosity, Harry continues his search and uncovers a torn piece of a photograph mentioned in the letter. It captures a one-year-old Harry happily perched on a broomstick while standing beside his father. However, the remaining sections of the letter and photograph are absent.

Determined to journey to Godric's Hollow, where Bathilda Bagshot resides and his parents are buried, Harry hopes to gather information about his own lineage and delve into Dumbledore's enigmatic past. Yet, when he confides in Hermione about his plans, she dismisses the idea as a wasteful distraction, emphasizing that Harry possessed a deeper understanding of Dumbledore than Aunt Muriel or Rita Skeeter. Hermione reminds him that their urgent mission revolves around locating and destroying the Horcruxes - the key to defeating Voldemort.

Notably, Harry and Hermione stumble upon the room belonging to Sirius's deceased younger brother, Regulus Arcturus Black, who had once been a Death Eater. Spotting his name inscribed on the door, a revelation dawns upon them - Regulus might be the mysterious R.A.B. who signed the false locket, the very locket they recovered from the cave in their previous adventure.

A sudden recollection grips Hermione - a memory of a locket she had encountered during a previous visit to the house. It had been passed around among the occupants, but no one could unlock its secrets. Regrettably, the locket is now missing.

Their only hope lies with Kreacher, the cantankerous house-elf who came with the inherited property. Kreacher, known for his kleptomaniac tendencies, would often pilfer objects associated with the house whenever Sirius attempted to discard them. Eagerly, they summon Kreacher.

Confessing his past actions, Kreacher admits to stealing the locket after it was discarded two years ago, but he reveals that it has since been stolen by Mundungus Fletcher. Kreacher refers to the locket as "Master Regulus's," prompting Harry to demand an explanation. He compels Kreacher to divulge everything he knows about the locket.

Kreacherrecounts the tale of Regulus Black, Sirius's younger brother, who, after Sirius fled their home and severed ties with his family, delved deeper into the Dark Arts. At the age of sixteen, Regulus joined forces with Lord Voldemort. A year later, Regulus instructed Kreacher to serve Voldemort, leading the house-elf to fulfill the Dark Lord's commands.

Voldemort required Kreacher's assistance in testing the defenses protecting the locket Horcrux within an underground cavern - the very defenses Harry and Dumbledore had faced in their previous encounter. For this purpose, Voldemort compelled Kreacher to consume the potion in the basin until it was depleted. He then placed the locket Horcrux within it and refilled the basin. Abandoning Kreacher to die as thirst consumed him, the house-elf desperately sought water from the lake, only to be seized by the dead hands of the Inferi.

Yet, Voldemort gravely underestimated the nature of house-elf magic. Bound by the loyalty instilled by his master, Regulus, Kreacher was compelled to return. Moreover, while witches and wizards cannot Apparate into or out of the cavern, house-elf magic operates differently, enabling Kreacher to Disapparate from beneath the water's depths and return to his master, Regulus.

Soon after, Regulus experienced a change of heart regarding his allegiance to Voldemort. He ordered Kreacher to guide him back to the underground cavern and reveal the basin containing the locket. Regulus consumed the potion himself, stole the locket, and substituted it with the counterfeit one bearing the initials "R.A.B." discovered by Harry. Regulus then commanded Kreacher to return home, sworn to silence about the events transpiring and tasked with destroying the locket, hindered by the formidable enchantments protecting it.

Although Harry harbors resentment toward Kreacher for betraying Sirius in the past, Hermione implores him to acknowledge Kreacher's unwavering loyalty. Regulus never explicitly conveyed his change of heart to the devoted house-elf, while Sirius himself had seemingly abandoned his family and household by departing.

Determined to retrieve the locket, Harry instructs Kreacher to locate Mundungus Fletcher and bring him back to Grimmauld Place. Before Kreacher departs, Harry presents him with Regulus's false locket as a memento, acknowledging his allegiance. Filled with gratitude, Kreacher departs to carry out Harry's commands.

Chapter Eleven: A Price to Pay

Kreacher's return takes longer than anticipated, leaving Harry filled with impatience and frustration. Hours turn into days, yet there is no sign of the loyal house-elf. Through the windows, Death Eaters stand guard outside the house,their presence a constant reminder of the danger that surrounds them.

While the Death Eaters are aware of the house's existence and Harry's ownership, their attempts to enter are thwarted by the powerful enchantments shielding the premises. The Ministry of Magic possesses copies of every wizard's will, thus confirming Harry's association with the house, but they remain unable to breach its defenses.

Amid this tense atmosphere, Lupin arrives, bearing news from the outside world. The Ministry is intensifying its hunt for Harry, summoning

all wizards for interrogations to establish their lineage. Individuals practicing magic without wizarding parents, derogatorily referred to as "Mudbloods" like Hermione, are presumed guilty of stealing magical knowledge and face potential prosecution.

Lupin offers his assistance on the quest, understanding the need for protection even if he remains unaware of their precise objectives. He reveals that Tonks, his wife, is pregnant and seeking refuge at her parents' home. Lupin expresses regret over their union, fearing the challenges their half-werewolf child may face as an outcast in society.

However, Harry vehemently rejects Lupin's proposition, fueled by anger and disappointment. He accuses Lupin of cowardice, condemning him for considering abandonment of his own child. The heated exchange culminates in Lupin's departure.

Still seething with fury, Harry peruses a newspaper Lupin left behind, stumbling upon an excerpt from Rita Skeeter's controversial biography of Dumbledore. Bathilda Bagshot's words provide insight into Dumbledore's family history, unveiling Kendra Dumbledore's isolation and Ariana's hidden existence in Godric's Hollow. Bathilda implies that Ariana lacked magical abilities and may have been a Squib.

At long last, Kreacher returns, accompanied by Mundungus Fletcher. Unleashing a barrage of forceful questioning, Harry coerces Mundungus into confessing his theft of the locket. Mundungus recounts his ill-fated attempt to sell it in Diagon Alley, resulting in its confiscation by a toad-like Ministry official donning a distinctive bow on her head - Dolores Umbridge, unmistakably.

Chapter Twelve: The Power Unleashed

As August unfolds, the elusive house at number twelve Grimmauld Place remains shrouded from sight, while cloaked figures continue to linger nearby. During this period, Kreacher, transformed into a remarkably industrious and helpful house-elf, dedicates himself to cleaning, cooking, and maintaining personal hygiene.

Extracting information from newspapers, Harry and his companions discover that Snape has been appointed as Hogwarts' headmaster, accompanied by two new professors - siblings named Amycus and Alecto Carrow, both loyal Death Eaters.

Recalling that the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black, which hangs within the house, connects to anotherportrait in the headmaster's office at Hogwarts, Hermione takes the precaution of removing it from the wall and securing it within her bag. This prevents the painting from spying on them and divulging their secrets to Snape.

Under the cover of the Invisibility Cloak, Harry, Ron, and Hermione commence their surveillance of Ministry of Magic employees. Their aim is to observe their movements, familiarize themselves with the routines, and strategize a means of infiltrating the Ministry, specifically targeting Umbridge's office in search of the locket. Sooner than anticipated, Harry declares that they are as prepared as they will ever be and proposes launching their break-in the following day.

During dinner, Harry's scar sears with pain, forcing him to excuse himself and seek privacy in the bathroom, where he experiences a vision of Voldemort. Through the Dark Lord's eyes, Harry witnesses Voldemort knocking on a door in an unidentified European location, adorned with decorated gables. He inquires about Gregorovitch's whereabouts, and upon receiving a negative response from the woman who answers, Voldemort ruthlessly murders her in front of her young children, though the fate of the children remains uncertain.

Hermione scolds Harry for allowing Voldemort to infiltrate his mind once again. Harry explains to his friends that Voldemort is likely seeking Gregorovitch to unearth the secrets behind Harry's wand, recognizing that his own abilities alone did not enable him to fend off Voldemort during their previous encounter.

The subsequent day, the trio breaches the Ministry of Magic using Polyjuice Potion. Intercepting unsuspecting employees on their way to work, they incapacitate them, collect hair samples, and assume their identities through the potion's transformation. Hermione adopts the

guise of Mafalda Hopkirk, an assistant whom they render unconscious. Ron assumes the persona of Cattermole, an ordinary support services worker driven by a strong desire to attend work, even after Hermione administers an enchanted pastille that induces uncontrollable vomiting. Harry becomes Runcorn, a highly regarded senior member of the Ministry, commanding both respect from the Death Eaters and fear from ordinary individuals.

Applying the techniques they have diligently honed, they employ enchanted portals within public restrooms to teleport into the Ministry. Upon their arrival and entry into the elevator, Death Eater Yaxley instructs Ron(disguised as Cattermole) to address a maintenance issue - an enchanted rainfall in Yaxley's office. Threatening Ron/Cattermole, Yaxley alludes to the accusation against Cattermole's wife, who is scheduled for a hearing that very day, accused of beinga Mudblood.

Chapter Thirteen: Unmasking the Oppressors

As the elevator carries Harry and Hermione to Level One, they encounter Dolores Umbridge. Umbridge assigns Hermione(disguised as Mafalda) to serve as a note-taker at the Muggle-Born Registration Commission.

Pius Thicknesse, the newly appointed Minister of Magic, approaches Harry(disguised as Runcorn). Harry pretends to be seeking Arthur Weasley's whereabouts, but once alone, he dons the Invisibility Cloak and stealthily makes his way to Umbridge's office.

Adjacent to Umbridge's office, a room is filled with employees producing pamphlets that propagate the dangers allegedly posed by Muggle-born wizards. Mad-Eye Moody's magical eye, fixed on the office door, vigilantly observes the workers. Harry diverts their attention with a Decoy Detonator, granting him access to the office.

Inside, Harry retrieves Moody's eye, carefully placing it in his pocket. While searching the office, he discovers Arthur Weasley's file and realizes that Weasley is under surveillance. Above the words

"Undesirable Number One," Harry's own photograph looms on a poster, annotated by Umbridge with the phrase "to punish." A copy of Rita Skeeter's latest book on Dumbledore catches his eye. However, the elusive locket remains nowhere to be found.

Pius Thicknesse enters the office, prompting Harry, unable to locate his desired item, to surreptitiously slip out of the door and return to the elevator. There, he encounters Ron, who is still grappling with Yaxley's rain predicament. Harry also crosses paths with Arthur Weasley, warning him of being watched, inadvertently leading Weasley to perceive Runcorn as a threat.

Proceeding to the chamber where Umbridge conducts hearings for suspected Muggle-borns, Harry finds Dementors guarding the accused individuals. Hermione is present, diligently taking notes, alongside Yaxley. Umbridge commences the interrogation of Mary Cattermole, accusing her of wand theft. Attempting to flatter Umbridge, Mary compliments a locket adorning Umbridge's neck - a locket that Harry recognizes as the Horcrux. Umbridge fabricates a tale about the initials on the locket representing her pureblood lineage. Enraged, Harry swiftly casts Stun spells at Umbridge and Yaxley. Hermione skillfully replaces the locket with a decoy through magic, and together they guide Mary Cattermole and the other captives toward safety. Reuniting with Ron, they urge the prisoners to escape and seek refuge, forming a tight circle as they Disapparate to a secure location.

Chapter Fourteen: A Desperate Retreat

Harry awakens to find himself in a forest, accompanied by Hermione and Ron, who is grievously wounded with a substantial chunk of his side missing. Hermione explains that Ron hasbeen Splinched, leaving a part of himself behind during Disapparition. They swiftly tend to his injury using a potion from Hermione's bag. She recounts how they were transported to Grimmauld Place, but Yaxley unintentionally accompanied them, breaching the protective enchantments surrounding the house. Hermione managed to slip away from Yaxley's grasp, leading them to their current location - the woods that once hosted the Quidditch World

Cup. However, now that Yaxley has infiltrated Grimmauld Place, returning there is no longer an option.

Harry and Hermione set up the tent, reinforcing it with protective charms. They assess their predicament. The Horcrux is in their possession, thanks to Hermione successfully acquiring the locket from Umbridge. However, they cannot open it, nor do they have any knowledge of how to destroy it. For the time being, Harry decides to wear it on a chain around his neck for safekeeping. Moreover, they are clueless about the whereabouts of the other Horcruxes, and they face a scarcity of food as they grapple with their next steps.

A prickling sensation in Harry's scar alerts him to a connection with Voldemort's mind. He witnesses Voldemort interrogating the wand maker Gregorovitch. Despite Gregorovitch's insistence that he no longer possesses what Voldemort seeks, Voldemort delves into his mind, discovering a memory of a young, attractive blond man stealing the wand. The man stuns Gregorovitch and escapes through a window. Voldemort withdraws from Gregorovitch's mind, leaving the wand maker screaming in agony before ending his life with a flash of green light.

Hermione, angered by Harry's allowance of the vision, refuses to hear the details. Harry shares the vision with Ron, perplexed by its meaning. If Voldemort visited Gregorovitch seeking a new and more powerful wand to defeat Harry, why did he kill the wand maker without mentioning his intention?

Harry contemplates that the mischievous-looking blond individual must be Voldemort's next target. Although Harry feels a sense of familiarity, he cannot recall where he has encountered this person before.

Chapter Fifteen: The Goblin's Vengeance

In the forest, Harry gives Moody's eye a proper burial. The trio relocates their camp closer to a market town. Harry attempts to steal food but encounters dementors, rendering him unable to summon his Patronus for protection. Disheartened, he returns empty-handed. Hermione

realizes that the Horcrux, worn by Harry, is dampening his positive emotions and hindering his ability to produce a Patronus. They agree to take turns wearing the Horcrux, but itadversely affects the wearer, making them irritable and argumentative.

Their quest enters a challenging phase as they navigate through different locations, struggling to procure food and unable to reach a consensus on their next steps. Tensions mount among the friends, with disagreements becoming more frequent.

One night, amidst Ron and Hermione's quarrel, they overhear nearby voices. Investigating the source, they discover Tonks's father, a young wizard named Dean, and two goblins who are all fugitives from Voldemort and the Ministry. One of the goblins, a former employee of Gringotts bank, shares a remarkable tale of his revenge against the Ministry wizards.

According to the goblin, Ginny, Neville, and Luna trespassed into Snape's office at Hogwarts and stole the Sword of Gryffindor, but they were apprehended and punished. Snape subsequently sent the sword to Gringotts, but the goblins recognized it as a counterfeit. However, they kept this knowledge hidden from Snape.

To gather more information, Harry, Ron, and Hermione interrogate the portrait of Phineas Black, blindfolding him to ensure his cooperation. They inquire whether Phineas witnessed the removal or replacement of the sword from the headmaster's office. Phineas recalls the last time he saw the sword, which was when Dumbledore used it to destroy the ring of Marvolo Gaunt, a Horcrux. They deduce that the Sword of Gryffindor possesses the ability to eradicate Horcruxes due to its exposure to basilisk venom. The sword absorbs qualities that make it stronger, and Harry had used it to slay a basilisk. They surmise that Dumbledore bequeathed the sword to Harry in his will as a significant clue, substituting it with a fake in the office. The only lingering question is the whereabouts of the genuine sword.

Despite this breakthrough, Ron remains unimpressed with their progress. Frustrated and disappointed, especially due to the Horcrux's influence, he engages in a heated argument with Harry. Ron removes the Horcrux

and confronts Hermione, asking if she will stand by Harry or join him instead. Hermione chooses to stay with Harry, and Ron Disapparates in his frustration.

Chapter Sixteen: The Secret of Godric's Hollow

Hermione and Harry consciously avoid discussing Ron, acknowledging that he won't be able to locate them once they Disapparate from their current location. However, as Ron fails to return, they come to terms with his absence and move on to a new hiding spot. Uncertain about their next course of action, Harry and Hermione frequently engage in conversations with Phineas Nigellus's portrait,seeking any useful insights. From Phineas, they learn that Ginny, Neville, and Luna are attempting to carry on Dumbledore's Army at Hogwarts, engaging in acts of minor rebellion against Snape.

Hermione shares her knowledge of The Tales of Beedle the Bard with Harry, highlighting an unexplained symbol that someone had drawn on one of the book's pages - an emblem resembling a triangular eye with a vertical line as the pupil. Harry recognizes it as the same symbol Luna's father had worn at the wedding and recalls Krum's remark about it being Grindelwald's mark.

To Harry's surprise, Hermione agrees to his suggestion of visiting Godric's Hollow, despite previously considering it a futile endeavor. She speculates that Godric's Hollow, being the birthplace of Godric Gryffindor, might hold significance regarding the location of Gryffindor's sword. They recall Aunt Muriel's mention of Bathilda Bagshot residing in Godric's Hollow and entertain the possibility of Dumbledore entrusting the sword to her.

Carefully planning their trip and utilizing their remaining Polyjuice Potion, Harry and Hermione disguise themselves as middle-aged Muggles, further concealing their identities under the Invisibility Cloak. Arriving in Godric's Hollow, they realize it's Christmas Eve. They make their way to the graveyard, where they first encounter the graves of Kendra and

Ariana Dumbledore. Hermione discovers a tombstone bearing the triangular symbol beneath the name Ignotus Peverell. However, Harry remains focused on finding his parents' grave.

Finally, they locate it - the resting place of Lily and James Potter, marked by an inscription that reads, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." Realizing he didn't bring anything to offer at their grave, Harry is surprised when Hermione conjures a wreath for him to lay. They then leave the graveyard, heading back towards the town.

Chapter Seventeen: The Revelation of Bathilda

Sensing someone approaching, Harry and Hermione leave the graveyard and slip the Invisibility Cloak back on. As they stroll down the street, they stumble upon what appears to be James and Lily Potter's house. Neglected and overgrown for sixteen years, the ruins bear witness to the destructive force of Voldemort's failed curse.

Upon touching the gate, a commemorative wooden sign emerges, adorned with golden letters explaining that the house, hidden from Muggle eyes, stands as a memorial to the Potters and a reminder of the violence that tore their family apart.

An elderly woman, heavily cloaked and hunched over, approaches them, signaling them to follow despite their concealed presence under theInvisibility Cloak. Harry asks if she is Bathilda, to which the woman silently nods and gestures for them to enter another house.

Inside Bathilda's abode, the atmosphere is foul, permeated with unpleasant odors. Harry notices several empty picture frames, missing the photographs they once held. Among them, he recognizes a picture of the young man who stole the wand from Gregorovitch - an individual he had glimpsed in Rita Skeeter's book, arm in arm with a youthful Dumbledore. It dawns on Harry that Rita Skeeter must have taken these photographs to include in her publication.

Curious, Harry inquires about the young man in the picture, but Bathilda remains unresponsive. Instead, she motions for Harry to accompany her upstairs while Hermione remains downstairs. In the noxious room upstairs, Harry hopes that Bathilda will give him Gryffindor's sword, but instead, he endures another unsettling vision through Voldemort's perspective. Voldemort commands someone to "hold him there" before soaring through the night sky. Returning to the room, Harry is horrified to witness Voldemort's snake, Nagini, emerge from Bathilda's lifeless body, lunging towards him. It becomes apparent that Bathilda had long been deceased, and the snake was manipulating her corpse. Hermione rushes into the room, and together, they engage in a fierce struggle against the serpent, employing both physical and magical efforts. Hermione manages to repel Nagini with a powerful blasting curse and quickly Disapparates, taking Harry along.

In the moment of their disappearance, Harry sees through Voldemort's eyes as he arrives at the scene, witnessing Harry and Hermione(in their disguises) vanishing and escaping. Harry can sense Voldemort's seething rage and frustration. Then, a flashback ensues, still through Voldemort's perspective, revealing the night Voldemort murdered Harry's parents and attempted to kill him. Voldemort haunts Godric's Hollow on Halloween, terrorizing a child before approaching the Potter residence. Seeing the defenseless James and Lily through the window, he swiftly eliminates James with the Killing Curse. Expecting Lily to step aside, Voldemort is surprised when she valiantly shields Harry, begging to sacrifice herself in his place. Voldemort ends Lily's life before aiming his wand at Harry's face. However, instead of slaying Harry, the curse backfires, leaving Voldemort severed from his body and consumed by anguish and dread.

Emerging from the flashback, Harry once again gazes through Voldemort's eyes as he retrieves the photograph of the thief who stole from Gregorovitch - the very individual Voldemort has been relentlessly pursuing. Harry berates himselffor dropping the photograph but realizes he is now back in his own body, liberated from Voldemort's consciousness. Hermione informs him that he has been unconscious for hours, and she had to employ a severing charm to detach the Horcrux that had clung to his flesh.

Despite their weariness, Harry offers to keep watch while Hermione rests. Unfortunately, Hermione reveals that her errant curse shattered Harry's wand. Attempting to repair it proves futile, leaving Harry despondent and resentful toward Hermione for inadvertently destroying his wand. Nonetheless, with unwavering determination, Harry borrows Hermione's wand and assumes the duty of standing guard.

Chapter Eighteen: The Truth Unveiled

Harry is overwhelmed with grief and fear after the loss of his wand. Knowing that both his and Voldemort's wands share the same core - tail feathers from Albus Dumbledore's loyal phoenix, Fawkes - he feels a deep sense of vulnerability. In the past, this connection had saved Harry, as his wand repelled Voldemort's curse. Now, without his wand, he fears being defenseless.

A surge of anger towards Dumbledore engulfs Harry, as he realizes the late Headmaster had withheld crucial information necessary for his mission, leaving him clueless about the location of the sword. Simply trying to decipher Dumbledore's cryptic bequest has resulted in the loss of his wand, inadvertently providing Voldemort with a valuable lead.

Hermione brings Harry a book she found at Bathilda's house - Rita Skeeter's The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore. Harry eagerly anticipates delving into the secrets of his deceased friend, without the need for Dumbledore's permission.

Flipping through the pages, Harry stumbles upon pictures that astound him and Hermione. The young man who stole the wand from Gregorovitch is none other than Gellert Grindelwald, the Dark wizard whom Dumbledore had triumphed over in a legendary duel. Yet, the photographs depict a seemingly strong friendship between the teenage Grindelwald and Dumbledore.

Seeking an explanation, Harry and Hermione peruse the book's text, discovering an excerpt that sheds light on their findings. According to Rita Skeeter's claims, after Dumbledore's graduation from Hogwarts, he

returned home upon learning of his mother's death, ensuring the continued confinement of his sister. At that time, Bathilda Bagshot was the sole resident of Godric's Hollow who maintained a relationship with Dumbledore's mother. During that eventful summer, Bathilda was visited by her great-nephew, Gellert Grindelwald, a prodigious Dark Arts student recently expelled from Durmstrang Institute for his illicit experiments. In Godric's Hollow, Grindelwald andDumbledore formed a close bond.

Skeeter's book includes a letter from Dumbledore to Grindelwald during this period, expressing the belief that wizards should control and dominate Muggles for their own benefit - a stark contrast to Dumbledore's later principles and values. The book reveals that Dumbledore and Grindelwald parted ways two months later, not due to a change of heart on Dumbledore's part, but following the sudden death of Ariana, his sister. Bathilda recounts a heated confrontation between Dumbledore and his brother Aberforth at Ariana's funeral, culminating in Aberforth breaking Dumbledore's nose and blaming him for Ariana's demise. Grindelwald swiftly departed Godric's Hollow, commencing his terrifying reign on the Continent, while Dumbledore failed to intervene for five long years. Skeeter speculates on the potential roles played by both men in Ariana's death and the significance of their hidden connection.

Hermione reminds Harry that the book is written by Rita Skeeter, a notorious fabricator and malicious writer, casting doubt on its authenticity. She argues that Dumbledore was young at the time, and his entire life contradicts the sentiments expressed in the letter. However, Harry remains unsettled, realizing that he is now the same age as Dumbledore was then and already risking his life in the fight against Dark wizards. Despite Hermione's attempt to reassure him of Dumbledore's love, Harry struggles to believe her.

Chapter Nineteen: The Guiding Doe

On a cold, snowy night, while Harry keeps watch in the frost-covered forest, a magnificent silver doe materializes before him, its ethereal glow resembling moonlight. Instinctively, Harry feels drawn to follow, his gut

assuring him that it is not an illusion or a malicious enchantment. With unwavering determination, he trails the doe deep into the forest until it vanishes, leaving Harry standing beside a frozen pool. Illuminating the scene with his wand, Harry discovers the Sword of Gryffindor resting at the bottom, encased in ice.

Recalling that only a true Gryffindor can retrieve the sword, defined by bravery, nerve, and chivalry, Harry sheds his clothes and bravely dives into the frigid water. As he submerges, the Horcrux around his neck constricts, causing him to lose consciousness. When he awakens, he finds himself by the pool's edge, saved by the valiant efforts of Ron Weasley, who has retrieved the sword and severed the Horcrux from Harry's neck. Ron expresses his desire to rejoin the quest, seeking Harry's acceptance.

Harry insists that Ron, as the sword's retriever, should be the oneto wield it and destroy the locket Horcrux. A sudden realization strikes Harry - he must command the locket to open in Parseltongue, the language of snakes, which he possesses the ability to speak. Harry warns Ron to strike swiftly before the locket can retaliate, and he opens it.

The locket maliciously taunts Ron, playing upon his deepest insecurities and fears. It claims that he is unloved compared to his siblings, forever overshadowed by Harry, and that Hermione favors Harry over him. Two illusory bubbles emerge from the locket, depicting the heads of Harry and Hermione, who mock and deride Ron, ridiculing his perceived inadequacies, cowardice, and his audacity to vie for Hermione's affections while Harry is present. The two heads merge in a mocking kiss.

Filled with determination, Ron brings down the sword, obliterating the locket. Witnessing Ron's fears manifested so vividly, Harry reassures his friend that there is nothing romantic between him and Hermione. Ron sincerely apologizes for his departure, and they embrace, reconciling their friendship.

Returning to the safety of the tent, Hermione erupts in anger, launching an attack on Ron. When Ron finally manages to speak, he recounts his

ordeal - how he had desperately wanted to return after Disapparating, only to be apprehended by a gang of Snatchers, ruthless individuals who capture Muggle-borns and blood traitors for a reward from the Ministry. Ron barely escaped their clutches, and by the time he was free, Harry and Hermione had relocated to a new hideout.

Demanding an explanation, Hermione seeks to understand how Ron managed to find them. Ron reveals that a few days earlier, he heard Hermione's voice emanating from the Deluminator, mentioning his name and something about a wand. It was the first time they had mentioned Ron since his departure, and Hermione had recalled how his wand had never functioned properly after it was shattered years ago in the flying car. A radiant ball of light emerged from the Deluminator, leading Ron to follow its path. As the light entered Ron, he intuitively knew where to Disapparate, eventually finding them. The same guiding silver doe appeared to him, just as it had to Harry, leading him to the pool in the nick of time.

Hermione finally accepts Ron's account and his return to their group. Ron presents Harry with a spare wand he acquired during their escape from the Snatchers, and they retire for the night, strengthened by theirreunion.

Chapter Twenty: The Wisdom of Xenophilius Lovegood

While Hermione continues to harbor anger towards Ron, the destruction of a Horcrux fills Ron and Harry with newfound hope. Ron shares valuable information with Harry, revealing that a Trace has been placed on Voldemort's name by the Ministry, enabling them to track anyone who utters it. As a precaution, Harry and Hermione have adopted the habit of referring to Voldemort as "You-Know-Who."

Hermione suggests paying a visit to Xenophilius Lovegood, intrigued by the presence of the triangular symbol associated with Grindelwald in his signature, as mentioned in Skeeter's book. Ron agrees, recognizing Xenophilius's unwavering support for Harry through his underground

newspaper, The Quibbler, despite the dangers it poses.

The trio locates the tower where the Lovegoods reside, but Xenophilius appears wary and hesitant to welcome them or provide assistance. Reluctantly, he permits their entry. Ron confronts Xenophilius, pointing out the contradiction of advocating for help for Harry in his newspaper while seeming unwilling to help him directly. Eventually, Xenophilius relents and agrees to offer his aid. He excuses himself momentarily to summon Luna, who, according to him, is fishing outside. Meanwhile, Xenophilius serves the trio a peculiar-tasting infusion brewed from roots. Curiosity piqued, Harry asks Xenophilius about the symbol they are investigating. In response, Xenophilius reveals that it is the mark of the Deathly Hallows.

Chapter Twenty-One: The Legend of the Deathly Hallows

The concept of the Deathly Hallows leaves Harry, Ron, and Hermione perplexed, as they have never heard of them before. Xenophilius clarifies that the Deathly Hallows are not associated with Dark Magic, but rather a legend involving three powerful objects, symbolized by the symbol they have been investigating. To shed light on the matter, Xenophilius instructs Hermione to read a familiar fairy tale from The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

The tale tells the story of three brothers who encounter Death while crossing a river. Death offers each brother a reward. The eldest asks for a wand that ensures victory in duels, the second desires a stone capable of resurrecting the dead, and the youngest requests an Invisibility Cloak that shields him from Death's pursuit. The brothers each receive their chosen prizes, but their fates differ. The eldest brother is slain by a thief seeking his wand's power, the second brother reunites with a deceased loved one but ultimately takes his own life, and the youngest brother lives a long life, passing the Invisibility Cloakto his descendants before embracing Death.

Xenophilius explains that the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and

the Cloak of Invisibility represent the Deathly Hallows. Those familiar with the legend believe that possessing all three objects grants mastery over Death. Hermione questions the existence of these artifacts, but Xenophilius inadvertently points out the striking resemblance between Harry's cloak and the one in the story. While proof of the stone's existence is lacking, Xenophilius highlights the widely known history of the Elder Wand, which has been passed down from one powerful wizard to another through acts of conquest.

The group ponders the significance and potential reality of the three objects. Hermione brings up the Peverell family, noticing the symbol on Ignotus Peverell's gravestone in Godric's Hollow. Xenophilius reveals that many believe the Peverell brothers to be the individuals from the fairy tale. He excuses himself to prepare dinner, leaving the trio to engage in a heated discussion.

Curiosity gets the better of Harry, and he explores Luna's room upstairs. He discovers dusty paintings of himself and Luna's friends, along with a photograph capturing Luna and her mother. Startled, Harry realizes that the room has remained unoccupied for months. Confronting Xenophilius about his deception, Harry learns that Luna has been abducted by the Ministry due to Xenophilius's pro-Potter articles. Earlier, when Xenophilius went outside, he had actually sent an owl to alert the Ministry of their presence.

Soon, Death Eaters arrive, and Xenophilius attempts to subdue Harry and his companions with a spell. However, the spell inadvertently triggers an explosive Erumpent horn on the wall, causing a massive explosion that separates the trio from Xenophilius, leaving them trapped upstairs amidst the rubble. The Death Eaters confront Xenophilius, berating him for his false summons. Hermione casts a Forgetting spell on Xenophilius to erase his memory while also allowing the Death Eaters to catch a glimpse of Harry, proving that Xenophilius had not been lying. Before the situation escalates further, Ron, Harry, and Hermione Disapparate to safety.

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Quest Unveiled

After safely Apparating to an empty field, Ron, Harry, and Hermione engage in a heated discussion about the existence of the Deathly Hallows. While Hermione dismisses it as mere nonsense, Harry starts connecting the dots, becoming increasingly obsessed with the Hallows.

Recalling Marvolo Gaunt's claim of being a descendant of the Peverells and the presence of their symbol on Gaunt's ring, which Dumbledore destroyed as a Horcrux, Harry theorizes thatGaunt must be linked to one of the brothers in the tale. He deduces that the Resurrection Stone is concealed within the Snitch, a treasure they have yet to unlock. Furthermore, Harry realizes that Voldemort's pursuit of Ollivander, Gregorovitch, and Grindelwald is driven by his desire for the Elder Wand, not merely for a replacement wand or information on overcoming Harry's wand.

Convinced that his own Invisibility Cloak, passed down from his father, is the cloak mentioned in the story, Harry believes himself to be the descendant of the third brother, residing in the same town as the Peverells. Recalling a fragment of his mother's letter that mentions Dumbledore borrowing the cloak, Harry concludes that Dumbledore knew it was one of the Hallows and had intentions of assembling them all. With a growing conviction, Harry believes that by obtaining the Hallows, he will gain the power to defeat Voldemort, rendering his Horcruxes powerless.

Harry realizes that Voldemort, unaware of the Hallows due to his Muggle upbringing, is solely focused on the Elder Wand's power without recognizing its connection to the Hallows. If Voldemort knew about the Hallows, he would have pursued them instead of creating Horcruxes and turning one of the Hallows into a Horcrux itself, such as the ring containing the Resurrection Stone.

While Harry is passionate about his deductions, Hermione resists, arguing that Dumbledore would have informed Harry if the Hallows were real and emphasizing the importance of locating and destroying Horcruxes based on Dumbledore's instructions. Ron sides with Hermione, seemingly closing the discussion. However, Harry lies awake that night, consumed by thoughts of what he could accomplish with the Resurrection Stone and the Elder Wand, including speaking to

Dumbledore and liberating Luna from Azkaban. In the following days, the division between Harry, Ron, and Hermione intensifies.

One night, Ron manages to tune into the underground radio program "Potterwatch," operated by members of the Order of the Phoenix. The trio eagerly listens as familiar voices share news about the ongoing conflict, revealing the deaths of Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, and a goblin. Xenophilius is reported to be imprisoned, while Hagrid narrowly escapes arrest. Muggles are falling victim to Death Eaters in increasing numbers, and rumors circulate about Voldemort's sightings outside of England.

As the program concludes, Harry seizes on the information about Voldemort's possible search for the Elder Wand in Europe. However, his slip of Voldemort's name breaks the Trace, exposing their locationto the Ministry's agents. A voice outside the tent commands them to surrender, as a dozen wizards surround them with their hands raised.

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Rescue and Loss

Under Hermione's quick thinking, she uses her wand to distort Harry's face, making it unrecognizable, just as they are captured by a group of Snatchers. One of them, Fenrir Greyback, a werewolf, interrogates them about their identities. Harry assumes the alias of Vernon Dudley, Ron becomes Barny Weasley, and Hermione poses as Penelope Clearwater.

While the Snatchers cross-check their names with wanted lists, the trio discovers that Dean Thomas, a Gryffindor student, is also among the captives. Dean reveals that these Snatchers are capturing Hogwarts students to sell them to the Ministry for a reward.

The Snatchers return empty-handed as they didn't find the given names on their lists. Harry manages to convincingly lie that he is a Slytherin and his father works in the Ministry. However, when the Snatchers identify Hermione from a picture in the newspaper stating that she is traveling with Harry Potter, they also discover the Sword of Gryffindor and Harry's glasses. Throughout the ordeal, Harry continues to have

visions through Voldemort's eyes, seeing the Dark Lord at Nurmengard, a black fortress, interrogating Grindelwald.

At Malfoy Manor, Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy attempt to coerce Draco into confirming Harry's identity, but Draco, fearful and hesitant, refuses to do so. Although Narcissa and Lucius suspect it is Harry, as they recognize Hermione and Ron, they are hesitant to contact Voldemort without certainty. Bellatrix Lestrange enters the room and initially seems willing to summon Voldemort herself to settle the matter. However, her shock at discovering the Sword of Gryffindor, which she believed was safely stored in her vault at Gringotts, convinces her that they are all in grave danger. As a result, Bellatrix orders Harry and Ron to be thrown into the dark basement while she interrogates Hermione and plans her next move.

While Bellatrix tortures Hermione to extract information about the sword's origin and accuses her of breaking into her Gringotts vault, Harry and Ron discover Luna, Ollivander, Dean, and Griphook, the Gringotts goblin, also imprisoned in the basement. Luna unties them using a nail, and Ron uses his Deluminator to provide some light. Amidst Hermione's agonizing screams, Harry desperately searches for an escape route. Emptying his pouch, he unexpectedly finds a shard of Sirius's magic mirror, through which he communicates with Dumbledore's eye. Harryimplores the eye for assistance, and it vanishes.

Hermione claims that the sword is a fake, leading to Bellatrix's decision to interrogate Griphook. Harry asks Griphook to lie and declare the sword as counterfeit. They extinguish the lights just as Malfoy arrives to escort Griphook to Bellatrix. Ron and Harry struggle to overpower Wormtail but find themselves in danger when Wormtail's silver hand wraps around Harry's throat. Harry reminds Wormtail of the debt he owes him, persuading him to loosen his grip. However, Wormtail's silver hand, bestowed upon him by Voldemort, turns against him, strangling him as punishment for his hesitation.

Upstairs, Griphook assures Bellatrix that the sword is a fake, which reassures her. She summons Voldemort by touching the Dark Mark on her forearm. Through Voldemort's perspective, Harry witnesses the Dark Lord's fury at being summoned and his impulsive killing of Grindelwald.

Bellatrix declares that she is finished with Hermione and offers her to Greyback as prey. Harry and Ron rush in, disarming Bellatrix and incapacitating Lucius. However, Bellatrix holds a knife to Hermione's throat, forcing Harry and Ron to drop their wands, which Draco retrieves. Sensing Voldemort's imminent arrival, Harry grabs Draco's wand and the two wands Draco had picked up.

The chandelier above them starts to descend with a grinding sound. Bellatrix narrowly evades it, but Hermione and Griphook, who is holding the Sword of Gryffindor, are struck. In a swift move, Harry seizes Draco's wand and the other wands, and chaos erupts. Narcissa realizes that Dobby, her former house-elf, aided Harry and his friends. As Bellatrix demands Dobby's death, Dobby seizes Narcissa's wand.

Harry, Ron, Griphook, and Dobby Disapparate to Bill Weasley's cottage. Tragically, Dobby arrives mortally wounded, as Bellatrix had thrown her silver knife into his body before his departure. Harry cradles Dobby, trying to save him, but the beloved house-elf breathes his last in Harry's arms, whispering his name.

Chapter Twenty-Four: Pursuing Horcruxes

With the assistance of Bill and Fleur, the group tends to the aftermath of their escape from Malfoy Manor. Harry places his jacket over Dobby's lifeless body, shielding him with care. Despite the enraged presence of Voldemort that lingers in his mind, Harry finds solace in his grief for Dobby and deliberately chooses to block out the Dark Lord's presence, refusing to listen to his thoughts. Harry personally digs Dobby's grave, using a shovel instead of magic, while the others observe. They hold a brief funeral service forthe beloved house-elf. Harry takes one of the wands he acquired and inscribes a stone, honoring Dobby with the words, "Here Lies Dobby, A Free Elf."

During the process of digging the grave, Harry reflects on Dumbledore's intentions and realizes that he should prioritize the pursuit of Horcruxes over the Hallows, as instructed by the late Headmaster. He understands that Dumbledore kept the knowledge of the Hallows from him to ensure

that Harry would resist the temptation and come to the realization on his own.

Harry decides to consult Griphook, seeking his assistance in breaking into Bellatrix's vault at Gringotts. Impressed by Harry's respectful treatment of elves and goblins, Griphook agrees to consider the request. Harry shares his suspicions that the vault might contain a Horcrux since Voldemort trusted Bellatrix and often chose significant locations to safeguard his Horcruxes. Noticing Bellatrix's concern when she heard about a potential break-in, Harry becomes more convinced of his theory.

The trio then visits Ollivander to gather more information. Ollivander reveals that Harry's broken wand is beyond repair and identifies the wands Harry and Ron took from Bellatrix and Draco. He explains that when a wand is captured, its allegiance typically shifts to the new owner, regardless of the previous owner's survival. Ollivander confirms that Voldemort had captured and tortured him, seeking a way to defeat Harry with the wand that shared the same phoenix-feather core. Initially, Ollivander suggested that Voldemort borrow a wand, but Harry's wand destroyed the borrowed one. Voldemort then sought a more powerful wand, leading him to search for the Elder Wand. However, Ollivander is unaware of the Deathly Hallows or the wand's connection to them.

Drawing from his observations and visions, Harry deduces that if Grindelwald had stolen the Elder Wand from Gregorovitch, and Dumbledore had defeated Grindelwald in their famous duel, then the ownership of the Elder Wand must have transferred to Dumbledore. Harry realizes that Voldemort must have also deduced this and has likely already gone to Dumbledore's grave to claim the wand. Accepting this reality, Harry remains calm and committed to pursuing Horcruxes rather than Hallows. He had chosen to speak with Griphook before Ollivander, solidifying his determination.

Meanwhile, at Hogwarts, Voldemort enters Dumbledore's grave, seizing the Elder Wand from the deceased Headmaster's hands.

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Cottage's Secret

Griphook reluctantly agrees to assist Harry and his friends in breaking into Bellatrix Lestrange's heavily guarded vault at Gringotts. However, he demands the prizedSword of Gryffindor as payment, creating a dilemma for Harry and his companions. If they refuse to hand over the sword, they will be unable to access the vault and search for a Horcrux. On the other hand, surrendering the sword would leave them defenseless against any Horcrux they might find. Harry devises a plan to deceive the goblin, assuring Griphook that he can have the sword once they break into the vault without specifying a time frame. Although feeling a twinge of guilt, Harry gives his word to Griphook, and they spend several weeks meticulously preparing for the daring heist.

During their stay at Shell Cottage, Lupin pays them a visit, bringing news that Tonks has given birth to their baby. He requests that Harry become the godfather, a responsibility Harry willingly accepts.

Before embarking on their dangerous mission, Bill takes Harry aside for a private conversation. Although unaware of the details of Harry's plan or the involvement of Griphook, Bill cautions Harry to exercise caution when dealing with goblins. He reveals that goblins hold deep mistrust towards wizards, believing that wizards often disregard agreements related to treasures and trample upon goblin rights. Bill explains the goblin perspective, stating that goblins believe manufactured items rightfully belong to their creators and that ownership of goblin-made goods should not pass from wizard to wizard but instead revert to the goblins after the original owner's demise. Bill warns Harry about the potential dangers of breaking a deal with a goblin, emphasizing the importance of being mindful and respectful during their interaction with Griphook.

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Break-In

To infiltrate Gringotts, Hermione disguises herself as Bellatrix Lestrange, while Ron's appearance is altered to render him unrecognizable. Harry and Griphook remain hidden under the Invisibility Cloak as they all make their way to Diagon Alley. The once vibrant street is now filled with destitute witches and wizards who have been stripped of their wands by

the Ministry.

An encounter with a Death Eater named Travers poses a challenge, as he questions Hermione/Bellatrix about her supposed confinement and loss of her wand. Hermione, successfully mimicking Bellatrix's mannerisms, dismisses his inquiries disdainfully. Unfortunately, Travers is also heading to Gringotts, and they all enter the bank together.

The first obstacle they encounter is the Probity Probes, rods that detect Concealment spells and magical items. Harry, under the Invisibility Cloak, silently incapacitates the guards operating the probes with Confusion spells.

At the customer service counter,Hermione requests access to Bellatrix's vault, prompting the goblin attendant to ask for identification. When the goblin suggests her wand will suffice, Harry realizes that they are aware of Bellatrix's wand loss and anticipate an imposter. He uses the Imperius Curse to control the goblin's mind. The goblin admires Hermione's new wand, which raises Travers's suspicion, leading Harry to also control him.

Under the influence of the mind-controlled goblin, the group boards a rail cart and descends into the deep vaults. Harry berates himself for their risky strategy, realizing that the Death Eaters are aware of the theft of Bellatrix's wand and that their guise as Bellatrix has already attracted unwanted attention. Passing through a waterfall, their Disguising spells unravel, and Griphook warns them that the Gringotts employees have activated defenses, indicating that they are aware of imposters.

A formidable dragon obstructs their path, but Griphook brandishes Clankers, metal instruments that the dragon fears, and it retreats. The mind-controlled goblin presses his palm to the vault door, causing it to open.

Knowing from his conversations with Dumbledore that the Horcrux must be either the Hufflepuff cup or an unidentified object, Harry and his companions begin their search. However, touching any item within the vault burns them and spawns worthless duplicates. It becomes clear that continuing to touch items will result in being overwhelmed and crushed. Despite their efforts to avoid touching anything, it proves impossible.

Finally, they spot the cup situated out of reach. With the dragon roaring outside the door and the intense heat from the multiplied treasure becoming unbearable, Hermione levitates Harry toward the cup. In his attempt, he accidentally knocks over a suit of armor, triggering a cascade of scorching objects burying them. Using the sword, Harry impales the cup by its handle as Griphook succumbs to the burning treasure. Harry pauses to save him, releasing his grip on the sword, allowing Griphook to seize it and fling the cup into the air. Realizing that Griphook never believed he would honor their agreement, Harry manages to catch the cup just as Griphook disappears.

A swarm of goblins emerges, intent on apprehending Harry and his companions. Harry employs his wand to free the chained dragon, and the three of them climb onto its back. Together, they ride the dragon through the tunnel, eventually emerging in the bank's bustling lobby. They swiftly exit the bank and soar into the sky above Diagon Alley, escapingtheir pursuers.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Final Hideout

The dragon carries Harry and his friends across the countryside, eventually descending near a mountainous lake. Bruised, burned, and battered, they make their way to the shore, clutching the stolen cup tightly.

During a vision, Harry sees through Voldemort's eyes and gains insight into his thoughts. Voldemort interrogates a goblin about the break-in, and upon learning that Harry Potter is the thief who took the cup, he flies into a furious rage. Voldemort mercilessly kills the goblin and any wizards who fail to escape in time, wielding the power of the Elder Wand. Unaware that Harry is aware of his Horcruxes and is actively destroying them, Voldemort finally realizes that Harry may be targeting his remaining Horcruxes, given Dumbledore's potential assistance. He vows to check the safety of his ring and locket, both of which are Horcruxes, and to keep Nagini, his snake and another Horcrux, constantly by his side. Lastly, he plans to verify the security of the last and most protected Horcrux, located at Hogwarts.

Harry shares this crucial information with his friends, emphasizing the limited time they have. Voldemort will likely discover the missing ring and locket within hours and may relocate the final Horcrux to a new hiding place. However, the positive revelation is that they now know the last Horcrux is at Hogwarts. With their sights set on the village of Hogsmeade, they begin their journey.

Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Lost Mirror

Harry, Ron, and Hermione materialize in Hogsmeade, unintentionally triggering a magical alarm that reverberates like piercing screams. A dozen Death Eaters emerge from the Three Broomsticks pub, scouring the area in search of the trio. Concealed beneath the Invisibility Cloak, they find themselves with no place to hide. Judging from the Death Eaters' comments, they deduce that enchantments prevent them from apparating away again. The Death Eaters release dementors to aid in their search, and Harry summons his Patronus, potentially compromising their position.

Before the Death Eaters can discover them, however, a door opens in a nearby house, and a gruff voice beckons them inside, leading them to a room above the Hog's Head Inn. Still concealed by the cloak, they peer through the window down at the street below, where the man who saved them - whom Harry recognizes as the Hog's Head bartender - engages in a confrontation with the Death Eaters. The man claims responsibility for triggering the alarm, explaining thathe released his cat after curfew. He insists that the Patronus they witnessed was his own goat Patronus, not Harry's stag, and points out that summoning Voldemort over a cat would be inconsequential. Aware that the Hog's Head bar serves as a hub for illicit transactions, the Death Eaters leave the man unharmed.

Harry recognizes the man's piercing blue eyes as those he has seen through the magical mirror. He realizes that this man is Aberforth, Dumbledore's brother, and that Aberforth was the one who sent Dobby to their aid. Aberforth admits that he has been keeping a watchful eye on Harry, though he wasn't the one to guide them to the sword.

Aberforth attempts to persuade Harry to abandon his quest, believing that Voldemort has already triumphed. He advises Harry to flee the country before he meets the same fate as Dumbledore. Aberforth highlights his brother's tendency for lies and secrecy, suggesting that many of those Dumbledore cared for suffered worse outcomes than if he had left them alone.

Hermione, sensing an untold story, prods Aberforth to reveal the truth about his sister, Ariana. Contrary to Rita Skeeter's claims, Ariana was not a Squib. When she was six years old, her magical abilities began to manifest, but before she could control them, she was attacked by three much older Muggle boys. The precise nature of the attack remains undisclosed, but it left Ariana permanently traumatized. Dumbledore's father was imprisoned in Azkaban for seeking revenge against these boys, and Dumbledore's early fascination with the idea of wizard dominance over Muggles stemmed from his anger over what had happened to his sister and father. He yearned to create a world where Ariana wouldn't have to conceal her magical abilities.

Dumbledore returned home after the death of their mother, Kendra, and assumed responsibility for Ariana. It was during this time that he encountered Grindelwald, and together they concocted grand plans to reshape the world. However, Aberforth confronted them, highlighting Ariana's fragile state and the impossibility of leaving her alone or embarking on their desired endeavors. As the argument escalated, Aberforth drew his wand, and Grindelwald subjected him to the Cruciatus Curse. Amidst the chaos, Ariana intervened, and in the crossfire of the curses exchanged between the three wizards, she tragically lost her life. Grindelwald promptly departed, leaving Dumbledore free to pursue his future.

Harry shares with Aberforth that Dumbledore was never able to escape his haunting past.He recounts how, in a previous book, Dumbledore pleaded with an unseen figure to harm him instead of "them," a clear recollection of witnessing Grindelwald's cruelty towards Aberforth and Ariana. Harry asserts his unwavering commitment to the Order of the Phoenix and his determination to defeat Voldemort. Eventually, Aberforth agrees to assist them in gaining access to Hogwarts.

Aberforth directs his attention to an oil painting of Ariana on the wall and instructs the portrait to act. Ariana turns around within the painting and disappears down a tunnel, gradually reemerging through the image accompanied by a bedraggled and scarred Neville Longbottom, who steps out from the painting into the room.

Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Vanished Tiara

Neville inquires about the rumors he's heard regarding Harry's break-in at Gringotts, and Harry confirms their veracity. Neville proceeds to detail the grim state of affairs at Hogwarts: the appointment of the Carrow siblings, Amycus and Alecto, as professors in charge of discipline. Amycus teaches students the Cruciatus Curse, while Alecto imparts anti-Muggle sentiments through her Muggle Studies classes.

With pride, Neville displays the scars he earned from standing up against the Carrows. He recalls how Harry's defiance against unjust authority figures instilled hope in other students, and he endeavored to fill that role after Harry's departure. Luna was taken away from school, and Ginny never returned after Easter break, leaving Neville increasingly isolated in his underground resistance against the new regime. The Death Eaters attempted to halt Neville's activities by targeting his grandmother, who fought back, incapacitating one of the Death Eaters and going on the run. Realizing the need to go into hiding, Neville sought refuge in the Room of Requirement, the very room they utilized during Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Neville guides Harry and his companions through the portrait and into the Room of Requirement, where approximately twenty students, all members of Dumbledore's Army and loyal supporters of Harry, are hiding. They erupt with joy upon seeing Harry and his friends. Soon after, Luna Lovegood and Dean join them. The students are eager to assist Harry and harbor discontentment upon learning that Harry, Ron, and Hermione are embarking on a secretive mission without accepting help or divulging its details. Prompted by Ron and Hermione, Harry realizes that he can deviate from Dumbledore's cryptic nature and recruit aid in the search for the Horcrux without revealing its exact nature.

Harry addresses the gathered students, informingthem that they are seeking a distinct object without knowing its precise identity, but suspect it may be linked to Ravenclaw, given the associations of other objects with different houses. Luna interjects, sharing a legend surrounding a lost diadem of Ravenclaw, which has been missing for centuries. Luna recalls seeing a replica of the diadem on the statue of Rowena Ravenclaw in the Ravenclaw common room.

Under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry and Luna venture towards the room to observe the diadem. Instead of a conventional password, the door to the Ravenclaw common room requires the answer to a profound question. The knocker poses the query, "Which came first, the phoenix or the flame?" Luna opens the door by responding, "A circle has no beginning."

As Harry ascends the statue to gain a closer look at the tiara, he is unexpectedly apprehended by Alecto Carrow, who activates her Dark Mark, summoning Voldemort.

Chapter Thirty: The Fall of Severus Snape

Harry experiences a vivid vision of Voldemort responding to the summoning call. Luna takes decisive action, stunning Alecto and rousing the Ravenclaw students who join them in the common room. Amycus, lacking the intellect to answer the doorknocker's question, fails to gain entry. Harry delves into Voldemort's mind and learns that he plans to check on the locket Horcrux before heading to Hogwarts, granting Harry some additional time.

Outside the room, Professor McGonagall encounters Amycus and allows him access. Harry and Luna, concealed under the Invisibility Cloak, remain unnoticed as Amycus only sees his unconscious sister on the floor. His primary concern is evading punishment for the false alarm, and he ponders blaming the Ravenclaw students, hoping Voldemort will be satisfied with executing a few of them. Amycus spits in Professor McGonagall's face, provoking Harry to step out from under the Cloak and unleash a Cruciatus Curse on Amycus.

Professor McGonagall urges Harry to escape, but when he reveals that he is searching for Ravenclaw's lost diadem on Dumbledore's orders, she assures him that the teachers will protect the school against Voldemort while he continues his quest. Harry's visions disclose that Voldemort has discovered the missing locket and is en route to the school.

Swiftly, Harry and Professor McGonagall devise a plan to alert the other heads of houses and evacuate any students unwilling or too young to engage in combat against Voldemort. Under the cloak, Harry and Luna accompany McGonagall as they encounter Severus Snape in the corridor.Snape demands to know if McGonagall has seen Harry Potter, resulting in her attacking him. They engage in a duel, with McGonagall successfully holding Snape at bay. Eventually, Professors Sprout and Flitwick arrive to reinforce her, compelling Snape to flee by leaping out of a window and soaring away on bat-like wings.

Professor McGonagall rallies the other professors to establish magical defenses and evacuate students, assigning those capable of fighting to defend the school, including members of Dumbledore's Army. The Weasley family, along with Lupin, enter the school to lend their aid. Percy expresses remorse for his past allegiance to the Ministry, while Lupin proudly shares pictures of his and Tonks's baby.

Ginny informs Harry that Ron and Hermione mentioned heading to a bathroom. As Harry sets out to find them, he suddenly envisions Voldemort's arrival at the school gates, Nagini coiled around his shoulders.

Chapter Thirty-One: The Clash at Hogwarts

Amidst the brewing chaos, Voldemort's chilling voice reverberates throughout Hogwarts, issuing an ultimatum to hand over Harry Potter by midnight if they wish to spare the school. Pansy Parkinson from Slytherin House suggests seizing Harry, but the united front of Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws stands in his defense. While the Slytherins depart the school, Professor McGonagall must forcibly remove the

underage students from other houses who are determined to fight alongside Harry.

As the professors take their battle positions, Harry resumes his search for Ravenclaw's lost diadem. Recalling that the diadem has not been seen "in living memory," he realizes he can seek assistance from the deceased - the Gray Lady, the ghost of Ravenclaw House. Harry locates the Gray Lady, who initially refuses to aid him until he emphasizes the imminent threat to Hogwarts. Eventually, she confesses that she is Helena Ravenclaw, the daughter of the house's founder. Helena had stolen the diadem with the hope of elevating her intelligence and importance above her mother. Fleeing to a forest in Albania, Helena's theft remained concealed by her mother, Rowena. On her deathbed, Rowena desired a final meeting with her daughter, prompting her to send a man who loved Helena in search of her. However, Helena refused to return, leading the man to murder her in a fit of rage before taking his own life. The man later became the ghost known as the Bloody Baron, while the diadem was left hidden in the forest.

Pressed by Harry, the Gray Lady reluctantly discloses that shedivulged her story to Tom Riddle(Voldemort's name during his time at Hogwarts). Harry deduces that Riddle found the diadem in the forest and transformed it into a Horcrux, ultimately hiding it back at Hogwarts. Knowing from his visions that the diadem is currently within the school, Harry reasons that the day Riddle sought employment from Dumbledore would have been his only opportunity to conceal it.

Departing Ravenclaw Tower, Harry encounters Hagrid accompanied by his giant dog, Fang, and his giant half-brother, Grawp. Together, they set off in search of Ron and Hermione, witnessing the escalating battle for Hogwarts as they traverse the school. A sudden realization strikes Harry - he had seen the diadem in the Room of Requirement, disguised as "the room where everything is hidden," when he stashed his own Potions book there during his sixth year.

Finally reuniting with Ron and Hermione, who ventured into the Chamber of Secrets to retrieve basilisk fangs for destroying Horcruxes, Harry learns that Ron successfully accessed the room by mimicking his Parseltongue ability. They have already destroyed the cup Horcrux. The

trio heads to the Room of Requirement, fully aware of the intensifying battle raging outside. Amidst the maze of concealed objects, Harry locates the diadem but is unexpectedly confronted by Draco Malfoy and his cohorts, Crabbe and Goyle. Intent on capturing Harry to hand him over to Voldemort, Crabbe and Goyle disregard Draco's authority and launch a deadly attack. In the ensuing struggle, the diadem is dropped, and Crabbe's uncontrolled fire curse engulfs the room. Harry and Ron swiftly seize broomsticks, rescuing Hermione, Goyle, Malfoy, and the diadem. Tragically, Crabbe perishes in the blaze.

As they exit the Room of Requirement, a disturbance in the corridor signals the infiltration of Death Eaters into Hogwarts. They rush to aid the defenders of the school, but the harrowing battle claims the life of Fred Weasley.

Chapter Thirty-Two: The Wand of Destiny

As chaos envelops Hogwarts, giant spiders emerge from the Forbidden Forest, aligning themselves with the Death Eaters. Amidst the mayhem, Harry, Ron, and the Weasley family strive to relocate Fred's lifeless body to a secure location. Ron's desire for vengeance clashes with Hermione's insistence on staying focused on their ultimate objective: the destruction of Nagini, the final known Horcrux. Harry taps into his connection with Voldemort, gaining a glimpse of the Dark Lord in the Shrieking Shack at Hogsmeade. He witnesses Voldemort commanding Lucius Malfoy, whois consumed by worry for Draco, to summon Snape.

Making their way towards the Whomping Willow to access the passage leading to the Shrieking Shack, they confront attacking Death Eaters and rescue Draco Malfoy from a mistaken assault. Before reaching the Willow, they confront the arrival of giants who have joined the battle, intensifying the already perilous situation. Facing a hundred dementors, Luna, Ernie, and Seamus lend their expertise in conjuring Patronuses to aid Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Silently entering the passageway, the trio positions themselves to observe the proceedings inside the Shrieking Shack. Voldemort voices

his dissatisfaction with the Elder Wand, which has not granted him the extraordinary power he expected, deeming himself unworthy of its true mastery since Snape killed its previous possessor. Convinced that he must eliminate Snape to claim the wand's allegiance, Voldemort orders Nagini to execute the fatal act. The colossal snake sinks its fangs into Snape's neck, delivering a mortal blow. Satisfied, Voldemort departs.

Approaching Snape's lifeless form, Harry is met with his final moments. Severus, on the brink of death, implores Harry to "Take it" and releases a silver substance from his mouth, nose, and ears. Harry carefully collects the ethereal substance in a flask provided by Hermione. Before succumbing to his wounds, Snape instructs Harry to look at him, his eyes reflecting his demise.

Chapter Thirty-Three: The Memory of the Prince

Amidst the aftermath of the battle, Voldemort grants the Hogwarts community a brief respite to tend to their fallen comrades and tend to the wounded. He issues an ultimatum to Harry, demanding a solitary meeting in the Forbidden Forest within an hour, or else he will recommence the battle and annihilate all who aided Harry.

Inside the Great Hall, the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for Harry's cause are laid out in solemn display. Among them, Lupin and Tonks are mourned deeply. Setting aside his grieving friends, Harry makes his way to Dumbledore's office, intending to delve into Snape's memories held within the Pensieve. Through these memories, Harry witnesses the true life story of Severus Snape.

The memories transport Harry to Snape's childhood, where a young Snape, infatuated with Lily Evans, discovers her magical abilities and awkwardly tries to befriend her. Snape's friendship with Lily develops over time, but conflicts arise due to his association with Dark magic and Lily's disapproval of his friends. The strain between them deepens when Snape uses a derogatory term to describeLily's heritage, causing their paths to diverge.

As the memories progress, Snape's allegiance to Voldemort emerges. Realizing that Voldemort plans to kill Lily and her family, Snape secretly aligns with Dumbledore, swearing to protect her at any cost. Harry witnesses Snape's unwavering devotion to Lily, even after her tragic demise. Dumbledore, aware of Snape's undying love for Lily, tasks him with safeguarding her son, Harry. Snape's tears of remorse and grief flow as he fulfills this solemn vow.

Subsequent memories unveil Snape's interactions with Dumbledore and his role as a double agent. Snape's Potions expertise buys Dumbledore time after he dons the cursed ring, ultimately leading to his own demise. Dumbledore extracts a promise from Snape to protect the students at Hogwarts, aid Draco in avoiding danger, and, when the moment arises, end Dumbledore's life.

Further revelations expose the connection between Harry and Voldemort, as Snape learns that a piece of Voldemort's soul latched onto Harry when the Dark Lord attempted to kill him as a baby. Snape's fury towards Dumbledore intensifies as he deems Harry a mere sacrificial lamb, manipulated under the guise of protection.

In the wake of Dumbledore's death, the portrait of the late headmaster imparts instructions to Snape. Acting on Dumbledore's guidance, Snape provides Voldemort with accurate information about Harry's departure from the Dursleys and subtly suggests the use of decoys to aid Harry's escape. In the ensuing pursuit, Snape inadvertently inflicts harm upon George Weasley while trying to shield Lupin from a Death Eater attack.

Driven by his attachment to Lily, Snape proceeds to steal a torn fragment of a letter that Harry discovered, a piece that bears Lily's signature. He carefully removes her picture from the photograph featuring Lily, James, and Harry.

Finally, Phineas Nigellus's portrait reveals to Snape the whereabouts of Harry and Hermione, who have sought refuge in the Forest of Dean. Dumbledore's portrait urges Snape to deliver the Sword of Gryffindor under specific conditions, prompting Snape to embark on his mission, concealing the sword beneath ice and employing his Patronus, a silver

doe, to guide Harry.

Chapter Thirty-Four: Facing Fate in the Forest

Filled with a deep sense of foreboding, Harry embraces his destiny and the sacrifice he must make. Recognizing Dumbledore's understanding of his character, he acknowledges that the wise wizard knew he would willingly lay down his life to save others. Harry realizes that while Dumbledore may have overestimated his abilities, he trusts that Ron and Hermionewill find a way to destroy the undamaged snake, Nagini.

Cloaked in the Invisibility Cloak, Harry descends the stairs and narrowly avoids encountering his grieving friends. However, he seeks out Neville, who is assisting in carrying the lifeless body of Colin Creevey, a devoted admirer of Harry. Harry imparts crucial information to Neville, urging him to destroy Nagini if the opportunity arises and if Ron and Hermione are unable to fulfill the task. With these words, Harry enters the forest, accepting his fate.

In the depths of the forest, Harry retrieves the Snitch left to him by Dumbledore. As he speaks of his impending demise, the Snitch responds by opening, revealing the cracked Resurrection Stone. The spirits of his parents, along with Sirius and Lupin, materialize before him, assuring Harry of their pride and support. They pledge to remain by his side throughout his trial, though they remain invisible to all but him.

Pressing onward, Harry encounters powerless dementors who are unable to affect him, as the presence of his loved ones' shades acts as a protective force. In a clearing, Voldemort awaits, surrounded by his loyal followers. The allotted hour has passed, and Voldemort assumes that Harry will not appear. However, Harry boldly steps out from under the Invisibility Cloak, dropping the Resurrection Stone, causing the shades to vanish. He deliberately keeps his wand sheathed.

A tense silence envelops the scene, with everyone awaiting Voldemort's next move. Even Hagrid, taken captive and bound, attempts to shout at

Harry, only to be silenced. With Ginny's face and her kiss on his mind, Harry prepares himself. Voldemort casts the Killing Curse, and the world fades away for Harry.

Chapter Thirty-Five: The Crossing at King's Cross

Gradually regaining consciousness, Harry finds himself in a hazy and ethereal realm. In this enigmatic place, he hears unsettling sounds and witnesses the presence of a battered and gasping child. Although he wishes to offer aid, he recoils from the child. Dumbledore's voice resonates, explaining that Harry cannot help it.

Guided by Dumbledore, Harry is led to a pair of seats, where he is praised for his courage. Dumbledore acknowledges that Harry is deceased, but suggests that his own fate may be different. With Dumbledore's guidance, Harry begins to comprehend that while Voldemort destroyed the fragment of his own soul within Harry, Harry remains alive due to Voldemort's use of his blood to resurrect himself in the past. This peculiar connection between themensures that as long as Voldemort is alive, Harry cannot perish at his hand. Thus, while Harry had to experience death for Voldemort's downfall, he cannot die as long as Voldemort lives. Their destinies are intertwined, with Voldemort's soul residing within Harry and Harry's blood flowing within Voldemort.

Dumbledore elucidates the mystery surrounding the triumph of Harry's wand over Voldemort's, even when the Dark wizard possessed Lucius Malfoy's wand. During their initial confrontation, Harry's bravery prevailed, causing his wand to absorb a fragment of Voldemort's essence. As a result of their bond and the affinity between their wands, Harry's wand recognized Voldemort as a mortal enemy. When confronted, Harry's wand repelled Voldemort's magic and ultimately destroyed Lucius's wand.

The conversation turns to the Deathly Hallows, and Dumbledore confesses that he was enticed by their allure, believing they could grant him mastery over death. Years ago, the pursuit of the Hallows brought

Dumbledore and Grindelwald together, but their plans were abandoned upon realizing the responsibility of caring for Ariana. Recognizing his own dangerous desire for power, Dumbledore declined the position of Minister of Magic and remained at Hogwarts throughout his career.

Dumbledore evaded a confrontation with Grindelwald for as long as possible, fearing that the truth about Ariana's death would be revealed. Eventually, he defeated Grindelwald and claimed the Elder Wand. Dumbledore relinquished his search for the Hallows when he learned that Harry's father possessed the Cloak of Invisibility, which he borrowed out of curiosity. The ring, housing the Resurrection Stone, tempted Dumbledore to commune with his deceased loved ones, resulting in the curse that eventually claimed his life. He admits that he could never unite the Hallows, as he acquired them out of curiosity and selfishness, only demonstrating the true purpose of the Wand by keeping it away from unscrupulous hands. Conversely, Harry desired the Hallows for noble reasons.

Concluding his explanation, Dumbledore reveals that he had relied on Hermione to slow Harry's pursuit of the Hallows, preventing him from impulsively embracing them for misguided purposes. Voldemort's desire for a powerful wand to defeat Harry overshadowed his understanding of the Hallows. Dumbledore acknowledges that his plan to have Snape kill him was intended to protect the Wand from falling into the wrong hands, but circumstances did not unfold as expected.

Finally, Dumbledore presents Harry with a choice: to return to life or to move on. In response to Harry's query, Dumbledore acknowledges that their conversationtakes place within Harry's mind, but emphasizes that its significance is not diminished by this fact.

Chapter Thirty-Six: The Final Confrontation

Regaining consciousness at the expected site of his demise, Harry maintains the appearance of being lifeless. He listens and observes, discovering that Voldemort has also fallen unconscious, mirroring Harry's condition. Voldemort sends Narcissa to ascertain Harry's fate, and as she

checks for a heartbeat, instead of exposing his survival, she quietly queries whether Draco is still alive within Hogwarts. Harry whispers a confirmation, and Narcissa declares that Harry is deceased.

Voldemort's followers rejoice, and he subjects Harry to the Cruciatus Curse, toying with his body, yet Harry remains impervious to the pain he should feel. Voldemort commands Hagrid to carry Harry alongside them to Hogwarts.

Inside the castle, Voldemort proclaims that Harry was slain while attempting to flee and demands that everyone kneel before him or face death. Defying Voldemort's orders, the crowd resists, managing to overcome the silencing curse he casts. McGonagall, Ron, and Hermione defiantly challenge Voldemort.

Neville Longbottom steps forward to confront Voldemort, who attempts to win Neville's allegiance by offering him a high-ranking position as a Death Eater. Neville staunchly refuses.

Summoning the Sorting Hat, Voldemort declares its obsolescence and asserts that Hogwarts will now belong entirely to Slytherin. He places the hat on Neville's head, igniting it with fire.

From within the hat, Neville retrieves the Gryffindor Sword and slays Nagini, sparking a fresh wave of battle between Harry's allies and Voldemort's forces.

Amidst the chaos, Harry dons his Invisibility Cloak and launches spells at the Death Eaters. While Voldemort holds McGonagall, Kingsley, and Slughorn at bay, Bellatrix faces off against Hermione, Ginny, and Luna. Mrs. Weasley intervenes, engaging Bellatrix in a one-on-one duel and ultimately killing her, enraging Voldemort. Harry employs a Shield charm to safeguard Mrs. Weasley from Voldemort's assault, then reveals himself, revealing his survival for the first time.

The room falls silent as Harry and Voldemort circle each other. Voldemort tries to dismiss Harry's triumphs as mere accidents or results of others shielding him and manipulating events. In response, Harry explains that by sacrificing himself for everyone at Hogwarts, he invoked a protective

charm akin to the one his mother bestowed upon him, causing Voldemort's curses to rebound harmlessly. He reveals that there are crucial details Voldemort remains unaware of.

Harry informs Voldemort that Dumbledore's death was not orchestrated by him because Dumbledore had planned his demise months prior. Hereveals that Snape had been Dumbledore's loyal spy throughout his career, driven by his unwavering love for Lily Potter since childhood. Most significantly, Voldemort is not the true master of the Elder Wand, as he never defeated its previous owner. Snape did not vanquish Dumbledore but rather assisted him in his death. The individual who inadvertently defeated Dumbledore, unbeknownst to him, was Draco Malfoy during their encounter in the past. The Elder Wand recognized Draco as its master, though he was unaware and never possessed the wand. Following this revelation, Harry recalls that he disarmed Draco weeks earlier, which, if the Elder Wand is aware, would make Harry its true master. He challenges Voldemort to test this hypothesis.

Voldemort unleashes a Killing Curse while Harry simultaneously casts a Disarming Curse. The two spells collide, with Voldemort's rebounding upon him, resulting in his demise, and the Elder Wand flying into Harry's grasp.

Hogwarts erupts in triumph and jubilation. At the earliest opportunity, Harry dons his Cloak and accompanies Ron and Hermione to the headmaster's office. The portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses applaud him. Addressing Dumbledore's portrait, Harry reveals his plans to leave the Resurrection Stone where it fell in the forest, return the Elder Wand to Dumbledore's tomb, hoping its power will cease with his natural death, and retain possession of his Cloak. Dumbledore approves of Harry's decisions.

Epilogue: Nineteen Years Later

Nineteen years have passed, and Harry finds himself at the train station, bidding farewell to his youngest son as he embarks on his journey to Hogwarts. Alongside him stands his loving wife, Ginny, and their three children. James, their eldest, is already a student at Hogwarts, while Albus Severus is about to begin his magical education. Lily, their

youngest, eagerly awaits her turn in the coming years.

As they gather at the station, they are joined by their loyal friends Ron and Hermione, who are now married with two children of their own. Their daughter, Rose, is also starting her first year at Hogwarts, and their son, Hugo, looks on with curiosity.

Draco Malfoy, accompanied by his wife and son, Scorpius, is present as well. There is a cool exchange between Harry and Draco, marked by a nod before Draco averts his gaze.

Amidst the bustling platform, James shares the news that Teddy Lupin, the son of the late Lupin and Tonks, is romantically involved with their cousin Victoire, the daughter of Bill and FleurWeasley.

Ginny relays her affectionate regards to Neville Longbottom, now the esteemed Hogwarts Professor of Herbology.

Harry takes a moment to reassure his son, Albus Severus, who is concerned about being sorted into Slytherin. He reminds him that bravery knows no House, citing Severus Snape, one of the headmasters he was named after, as an example of immense courage despite his affiliation with Slytherin.

As the train departs, Harry offers a final wave to his son. He exchanges a reassuring glance with Ginny before gently touching his scar, which has remained pain-free for the past nineteen years. With a sense of peace and contentment, Harry utters the comforting words, "All is well."