The Phoenix Lament
Ginny leads Harry to the Hospital Wing where everyone is gathered. Harry, remembering the Dark Mark, fearfully asks who is dead. Ginny tells him nobody, but Harry recalls falling over a body. Ginny says that was Bill, and he is a bit of a mess, but he will survive. Apparently, he was savagely mauled by Fenrir Greyback. It is unknown what the long-term effects will be, but it is not believed that Bill will be a werewolf because Fenrir was not transformed at the time, though it is believed now that he will never heal completely and is permanently disfigured.
Because Ginny, Ron, and Hermione took the Felix Felicis potion, they were safe, and only Professor Dumbledore and one Death Eater were killed – the big blond Death Eater was firing curses indiscriminately and accidentally hit his ally.
Ron and Lupin are stunned when Harry informs them that Dumbledore is dead. Professor McGonagall arrives and asks Harry if he witnessed what happened. Harry says Snape killed Dumbledore. McGonagall wonders aloud why Dumbledore ever trusted Snape. Harry replies that Snape relayed the Prophecy's contents to Voldemort, and later claimed remorse that Voldemort killed his father and mother. McGonagall blames herself; she sent Professor Flitwick to fetch Snape. Lupin reassures her that they were all glad to believe that Snape would be joining them.
At the main battle, Draco disappeared, apparently going up the tower. Four Death Eaters followed him, leaving behind a barrier and, "that big blond death eater," who was firing curses in all directions. Snape reappeared and went through the barrier. Then, after the big one had brought down about half the ceiling and knocked out the barrier, Snape and Draco returned, and both sides in the battle just let him pass.
Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, and Fleur Delacour now arrive. Mrs. Weasley immediately tends to Bill's injuries. She believes Fleur will end the engagement because Bill is disfigured. Angry, Fleur declares she loves Bill and still plans to marry him. This act bonds her with Mrs. Weasley. Tonks reveals she has been in love with Remus Lupin who, because he is a werewolf and older, had discouraged her feelings. Harry suddenly realizes that Tonks' new Patronus is a wolf. Lupin is still reluctant, but Mr. Weasley points out that the future is always uncertain.
Hagrid reports that he moved Dumbledore's body, the students are back in bed, and the Ministry has been notified. Professor McGonagall takes over as interim Headmistress and calls a meeting with the House Heads plus Hagrid, suggesting that Horace Slughorn should represent Slytherin. McGonagall first meets with Harry in the Headmaster's office, where Dumbledore's sleeping portrait now hangs among the other past Headmasters. McGonagall asks Harry what happened after he and Dumbledore left the school, but Harry, still honoring his vow to Dumbledore, reveals nothing and says, "Professor Dumbledore never told me to stop following his orders if he died." He warns McGonagall that Madam Rosmerta is under the Imperius curse. The House Heads troop in, and McGonagall canvasses them as to whether Hogwarts should stay open, given that their Headmaster was just murdered by a teacher. All agree it should remain open. Professor McGonagall will consult the Governors, who will make the final decision.
On a completely separate subject, the author makes several statements on the nature of love and relationships in this chapter.
First, we again see the romance between Harry and Ginny. When Hagrid tells Harry that he must leave Dumbledore's body, Harry does not move; it is only when Ginny leads him away by the hand that Harry moves. Also, in the Hospital Wing, Ginny stays next to Harry, possibly to give him comfort if he needs it, possibly to get some comfort from him herself. He does not leave her side until Professor McGonagall summons him to the headmaster's office.
We additionally see previously unsuspected strength in Fleur, who to date has seemed very self-centered, as well as being somewhat weak in witchcraft, despite having been named Beauxbatons Champion in the fourth book of the series. Her willingness to take on Bill's care is totally unexpected, both by Mrs. Weasley and by us, and shows us an aspect of Fleur that we had not previously seen.
Additionally, the romantic situation that has left Tonks depressed and grey for the entire length of the book is finally resolved. The catalyst here is Mr. Weasley pointing out that times are always hard, with the implication that if the race had waited for a guaranteed good time to raise children, it probably would have died out. The strength of love to overcome adversity is highlighted here by Lupin's finally accepting Tonks' love.
It should also be mentioned that at this point it is uncertain whether Hogwarts will even be re-opened next year. We are certain by now that there will be a seventh and final book, but McGonagall does not seem to be certain whether the school will re-open, saying that decision will be left to the governors. Many readers assume that McGonagall will be Headmistress if the school does re-open, but that decision, as well, is one that will be made by the governors.
Because Ginny, Ron, and Hermione took the Felix Felicis potion, they were safe, and only Professor Dumbledore and one Death Eater were killed – the big blond Death Eater was firing curses indiscriminately and accidentally hit his ally.
Ron and Lupin are stunned when Harry informs them that Dumbledore is dead. Professor McGonagall arrives and asks Harry if he witnessed what happened. Harry says Snape killed Dumbledore. McGonagall wonders aloud why Dumbledore ever trusted Snape. Harry replies that Snape relayed the Prophecy's contents to Voldemort, and later claimed remorse that Voldemort killed his father and mother. McGonagall blames herself; she sent Professor Flitwick to fetch Snape. Lupin reassures her that they were all glad to believe that Snape would be joining them.
At the main battle, Draco disappeared, apparently going up the tower. Four Death Eaters followed him, leaving behind a barrier and, "that big blond death eater," who was firing curses in all directions. Snape reappeared and went through the barrier. Then, after the big one had brought down about half the ceiling and knocked out the barrier, Snape and Draco returned, and both sides in the battle just let him pass.
Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, and Fleur Delacour now arrive. Mrs. Weasley immediately tends to Bill's injuries. She believes Fleur will end the engagement because Bill is disfigured. Angry, Fleur declares she loves Bill and still plans to marry him. This act bonds her with Mrs. Weasley. Tonks reveals she has been in love with Remus Lupin who, because he is a werewolf and older, had discouraged her feelings. Harry suddenly realizes that Tonks' new Patronus is a wolf. Lupin is still reluctant, but Mr. Weasley points out that the future is always uncertain.
Hagrid reports that he moved Dumbledore's body, the students are back in bed, and the Ministry has been notified. Professor McGonagall takes over as interim Headmistress and calls a meeting with the House Heads plus Hagrid, suggesting that Horace Slughorn should represent Slytherin. McGonagall first meets with Harry in the Headmaster's office, where Dumbledore's sleeping portrait now hangs among the other past Headmasters. McGonagall asks Harry what happened after he and Dumbledore left the school, but Harry, still honoring his vow to Dumbledore, reveals nothing and says, "Professor Dumbledore never told me to stop following his orders if he died." He warns McGonagall that Madam Rosmerta is under the Imperius curse. The House Heads troop in, and McGonagall canvasses them as to whether Hogwarts should stay open, given that their Headmaster was just murdered by a teacher. All agree it should remain open. Professor McGonagall will consult the Governors, who will make the final decision.
On a completely separate subject, the author makes several statements on the nature of love and relationships in this chapter.
First, we again see the romance between Harry and Ginny. When Hagrid tells Harry that he must leave Dumbledore's body, Harry does not move; it is only when Ginny leads him away by the hand that Harry moves. Also, in the Hospital Wing, Ginny stays next to Harry, possibly to give him comfort if he needs it, possibly to get some comfort from him herself. He does not leave her side until Professor McGonagall summons him to the headmaster's office.
We additionally see previously unsuspected strength in Fleur, who to date has seemed very self-centered, as well as being somewhat weak in witchcraft, despite having been named Beauxbatons Champion in the fourth book of the series. Her willingness to take on Bill's care is totally unexpected, both by Mrs. Weasley and by us, and shows us an aspect of Fleur that we had not previously seen.
Additionally, the romantic situation that has left Tonks depressed and grey for the entire length of the book is finally resolved. The catalyst here is Mr. Weasley pointing out that times are always hard, with the implication that if the race had waited for a guaranteed good time to raise children, it probably would have died out. The strength of love to overcome adversity is highlighted here by Lupin's finally accepting Tonks' love.
It should also be mentioned that at this point it is uncertain whether Hogwarts will even be re-opened next year. We are certain by now that there will be a seventh and final book, but McGonagall does not seem to be certain whether the school will re-open, saying that decision will be left to the governors. Many readers assume that McGonagall will be Headmistress if the school does re-open, but that decision, as well, is one that will be made by the governors.
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