Harry Encounters Slughorn on His Way to Hagrid's

PAGES: 479-480

Following an instinct, Harry detours to the vegetable patch, where he unexpectedly finds Horace Slughorn talking with Pomona Sprout. Listening to their conversation from behind a stone wall, Harry hears Slughorn expressing interest in acromantula venom. Harry reveals himself and convinces Slughorn to join him at Hagrid's for Aragog's burial, appealing to Slughorn's desire to collect valuable venom.