A Sluggish Memory

The Floo Network Returns Students to Hogwarts After Christmas
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Ginny Weasley return to Hogwarts through the Floo Network, which the Ministry of Magic arranged as a one-time connection for students. Molly Weasley tearfully bids them farewell, upset after Percy Weasley's dramatic departure on Christmas Day. Harry, Ron, and Ginny arrive at Hogwarts - Minerva McGonagall's Office and proceed to Gryffindor Tower.
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Hogwarts - Minerva McGonagall's Office: The Trio Returns to School
Upon their return, Harry, Ron, and Ginny emerge from the Floo Network in Hogwarts - Minerva McGonagall's Office. They are greeted curtly by McGonagall, who doesn't look up from her work but reminds Harry to avoid getting ash on the carpet. The trio makes their way to Gryffindor Tower.
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The Gryffindor Tower Password and Hermione's Arrival
When Harry, Ron, and Ginny arrive at Gryffindor Tower, they discover the password has changed to “Abstinence.” As they struggle to gain entry, Hermione Granger arrives, warmly greeting them and providing the new password. Hermione mentions that she has just returned from visiting Hagrid and Buckbeak (now called Buckbeak).
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Hermione Has a Message for Harry from Dumbledore
Once inside the Gryffindor common room, Hermione gives Harry a scroll from Dumbledore, notifying him of their next lesson the following night. Harry is eager to tell Dumbledore about the conversation between Snape and Malfoy at Slughorn's party and to share his news with Hermione.
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Lavender Brown Interferes as Harry Tries to Speak with Hermione
As Harry is about to tell Hermione about his Christmas holiday, Lavender Brown interrupts by throwing herself at Ron and calling him “Won-Won.” Hermione, visibly annoyed, leads Harry to a quieter table to discuss what he overheard at Slughorn's party regarding Snape and Malfoy.
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Harry Tells Hermione About Snape and Malfoy
Harry recounts his eavesdropping on Snape and Malfoy at Slughorn's Christmas party, revealing that Snape has promised to help Malfoy and even made an Unbreakable Vow. Hermione, however, is skeptical, suggesting that Snape could have been pretending to trick Malfoy into revealing his plans.
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The Revelation of Fenrir Greyback's Connection to Draco Malfoy
Harry tells Hermione about Remus Lupin's mission among the werewolves and the notorious werewolf Fenrir Greyback. Hermione connects the dots, recalling that Draco Malfoy had previously threatened Borgin with Greyback, which further convinces Harry that Malfoy is a Death Eater.
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Hermione's Skepticism About Malfoy's Death Eater Status
Hermione remains cautious, suggesting that Draco's threat to Borgin about Fenrir Greyback may have been an empty one, despite Harry's insistence that it proves Malfoy's association with Death Eaters. Harry remains adamant that Malfoy is planning something for Lord Voldemort.
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Apparition Lessons Announcement
The Gryffindor sixth years find a notice for Apparition lessons, and Ron enthusiastically signs up, eager to prove himself by passing the test on his first try. Harry and Ron discuss the challenges of Apparition, and Ron anxiously compares himself to Fred, George, and Charlie Weasley.
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Harry's Apparition Experience Becomes the Topic of the Day
After Harry mentions that he has already Apparated with Dumbledore's assistance, his classmates, including Seamus, Neville, and Dean, are eager to hear about the experience. Harry describes Apparition as uncomfortable, but the others remain fascinated.
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Harry Meets Dumbledore for His Lesson
Harry leaves for his lesson with Dumbledore, where he first discusses his meeting with Minister Rufus Scrimgeour over Christmas. Harry proudly tells Dumbledore that he stood up to the Minister and declared himself “Dumbledore's man through and through.” Dumbledore is touched by Harry's loyalty.
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Dumbledore Dismisses Harry's Concerns About Snape and Malfoy
Harry informs Dumbledore about the conversation he overheard between Snape and Malfoy at Horace Slughorn's party. Dumbledore listens patiently but insists that Harry shouldn't worry about it, suggesting that it is not of great importance. Harry is frustrated by Dumbledore's refusal to take the information seriously and becomes suspicious of why Dumbledore seems unconcerned about Snape's involvement.
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Dumbledore Shifts the Focus to Lord Voldemort's Past
Despite Harry's frustration, Dumbledore changes the topic to their main task of exploring Lord Voldemort's past. Dumbledore prepares to show Harry two more important memories. The first memory reveals Tom Riddle's arrival at Hogwarts and his Sorting into Slytherin House, along with his early years at the school. Dumbledore explains how Riddle gathered a group of followers who would eventually become the first Death Eaters.
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Dumbledore Describes Tom Riddle's Search for His Family
Dumbledore continues recounting Tom Riddle's obsession with his parentage. As a student at Hogwarts, Riddle searched for any trace of his father, only to discover that his father had never attended the school. He then turned his attention to his mother's family, uncovering his connection to Salazar Slytherin. This discovery fueled Riddle's sense of superiority and led him to adopt the name “Lord Voldemort.”
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Dumbledore's Memory of Lord Voldemort Meeting Morfin Gaunt
Dumbledore shares a crucial memory with Harry, showing Lord Voldemort's encounter with Morfin Gaunt. Lord Voldemort, as a teenager, visits his uncle Morfin to learn more about his family. Morfin recognizes the resemblance between Lord Voldemort and his father, Tom Riddle Sr., and becomes enraged. Lord Voldemort learns about the family heirlooms, including Slytherin's locket.
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Lord Voldemort Frames Morfin for Murder
Dumbledore explains that Lord Voldemort framed Morfin for the murder of Tom Riddle Sr. and his grandparents. Lord Voldemort used Morfin's wand to commit the murders and implanted a false memory in his uncle, making Morfin believe he was responsible. Morfin was arrested and imprisoned for the murders, never realizing the truth.
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Dumbledore's Attempt to Free Morfin Fails
Dumbledore recounts his attempt to free Morfin from Azkaban many years later, after extracting the real memory from him. However, by the time Dumbledore submitted the memory as evidence, Morfin had already died in prison, having spent years believing he was the murderer.
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Harry Learns About the Limitations of Magic Detection
Dumbledore explains to Harry why the Ministry didn't realize Lord Voldemort was behind the Riddle murders. The Ministry can detect magic but cannot identify who performed it, especially when it occurs in the presence of adult witches or wizards. Harry is outraged by the injustice of this system, drawing parallels to his own experiences with underage magic detection.
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Dumbledore Prepares to Show Harry Another Memory
Dumbledore introduces another memory, which he claims to be the most important one he has collected. This memory concerns Horace Slughorn and Tom Riddle, and Dumbledore emphasizes its significance to their understanding of Lord Voldemort's rise to power.
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Harry Enters Slughorn's Altered Memory
Harry enters a memory of Horace Slughorn hosting a group of students, including a young Tom Riddle, in his office. Riddle questions Slughorn about Galatea Merrythought's retirement and flatters him, much to Slughorn's amusement. However, the memory becomes foggy and distorted as Slughorn clearly attempts to hide something.
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Tom Riddle Asks Slughorn About Mystery - Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes
After the other students leave, Tom Riddle lingers behind to ask Horace Slughorn about Mystery - Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. Slughorn's voice becomes unnaturally loud as he denies knowing anything about Mystery - Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes and demands that Riddle never ask him about them again. The memory becomes distorted again, suggesting that Slughorn tampered with it.
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Dumbledore Reveals the Memory is Tampered
After viewing the altered memory, Dumbledore explains that Horace Slughorn tampered with the memory because he is ashamed of what really happened. Dumbledore tasks Harry with persuading Slughorn to reveal the true memory, as it is crucial to understanding Lord Voldemort's plans and Mystery - Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes.
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Harry Receives a New Mission: Get the True Memory from Slughorn
Dumbledore assigns Harry the critical task of retrieving the true memory from Horace Slughorn. He explains that Harry must use persuasion rather than force, as Slughorn is likely prepared to defend against magical coercion. Harry leaves Dumbledore's office with a sense of urgency, knowing how important this memory could be to their fight against Lord Voldemort.
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