written by Karolina Avalon
Chapter 29 – The Lost Diadem
Harry, Hermione and Ron find their way back to Neville, who is ecstatic to see them alive, although they are distressed by his appearance. They quickly let each other know what’s been going on (Ron tells Neville that the dragon has been released to the wild) and Neville lets them know the state of Hogwarts- and the reign of terror of the Carrows (two death eaters). The three heroes listen in horror as Neville tells them of how drastically classes have changed . Reaching Hogwarts, they enter an unfamiliar room to find a cheering crowd inside.
Chapter 30: The Sacking of Severus Snape
Pain explodes in Harry’s scar, and he finds himself on a rocky outcrop under a cliff. A loud crack brings him back to himself as Luna stuns Alecto Carrow. The noise awakens the Ravenclaw students, and Harry dives back under the Invisibility Cloak with Luna. Students begin milling about, unnerved by the unconscious teacher. Amycus is heard ordering Professor McGonagall to fetch Professor Flitwick, but then tells her to open the door.
Chapter 31: The battle for Hogwarts
The enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall is dark with twinkling stars; the tables below are filled with students in dressing gowns or traveling cloaks. Every Hogwarts being, living or dead, is listening to Professor McGonagall giving instructions from the raised platform at the end of the room. Harry anxiously searches the room for Ron and Hermione, Voldemort’s loud commanding voice, seemingly from nowhere, states that the only way to save the school is for Harry Potter to surrender by midnight. The members of Slytherin move to obey Voldemort’s wishes, but are apprehended by Professor McGonagall and the other houses. McGonagall urges Harry to search of the Horcrux
Chapter 32: The Elder Wand
There is no time to mourn Fred’s passing. As curses fly overhead, Harry, Ron, and Hermione dive to the floor while Percy covers Fred’s body with his own to protect it. Ron tries pulling Percy away, but he refuses to budge. Hermione screams, and turning, Harry sees a giant spider, crawling through the hole blown through the castle’s outer wall. Harry and Ron simultaneously blast the spider. Peering out the hole, Harry sees more spiders climbing up the wall and fires stunning spells at them. Pushing Hermione and Ron on ahead, Harry stoops to lift Fred’s body. Percy releases his protective grip and helps him hide it in a wall niche. Harry takes off after Ron and Hermione down the corridor. People are running everywhere, and Percy spots Rookwood and runs after.
Read more of the summaries of each chapter here.
Questions
How has Neville changed from his first year at Hogwarts?
Why do you think Harry is reluctant to turn to his friends for help?
Why do you think McGonagall states that Slytherin must choose a side?
Did the history of the diadem and horcrux surprise you?
Why does Snape tell Harry to look at him as he dies?
What do you think the ramifications of Snape’s death are going to be, if any?
