CHAPDISC: HBP4, Horace Slughorn

[Constance Vigilance]

No: HPFGUIDX 143512


<snip chapter summary>
> 
> QUESTIONS.
> 

<snip all the questions except the one I want to discuss>

> 6. Slughorn claims that he spilled dragon blood on the walls, when 
> he was preparing his little charade. He also says that it may still 
> be reusable. How do you think it could be reusable after already 
> being spilled? Dragon blood keeps showing up in the series. Do you 
> think it may play important role in the ending? Do you think it 
> already played the important role in the beginning, but we may not 
> know about it yet?
> What do you think?


I  believe this is the single most important part of the chapter.
Let's review: we have a carefully constructed fake death scene. The
death scene is quite convincing except for the lack of one dark mark
in the sky. There is a dash of blood on the wall for effect. We learn
that it is dragon's blood.

At the end of the book, we have another death scene. The scene is very
convincing, and this time it includes a dark mark in the sky. There is
even a dash of blood on the face. Is it a real death scene, or has
Dumbledore learned from his experience at Slughorn's? The vast
majority of readers believe the death scene is real. Exactly *because*
of the presence of dragon's blood at Slughorn's is the reason I
believe Dumbledore's death is faked. Who is the master of dragon's
blood? Add to that the fact that the death occured out of view - over
the parapet - and I think we can make a good case for Dumbledore's
survival. Combine that with another point that Alla makes:

> 1. Consider the following quote from this chapter:
> Dumbledore: "However, I do not think you need worry about being 
> attacked tonight."
> Harry: "Why not, sir?"
> "You are with me," said Dumbledore simply.   
>  Now look at this quote in chapter 26,"The Cave:"
>  "I am not worried Harry," said Dumbledore, his voice a little 
> stronger despite the freezing water. "I am with you." 
> 
> Do you see any symbolic connection between these two quotes?
> 

I agree strongly that there is a symbolic connection in these two
quotes. By the end of the book, Dumbledore knows that Harry is ready
to take over as The Only One who can defeat Voldemort and that he must
do it alone. It is important for the final battle that Harry not
expect any rescue, so Dumbledore must take himself out of the picture.

CV