The True Half-Blood Prince

Chapter 20: Arachnoburial

A/N: the above picture is not my own art, but I edited the comics in a way that makes it look like a scene from 'The True Half-Blood Prince'. The actual art, however, was drawn by one of my favourite fan-artists, Viria (I really hope her art appears on one of Rick Riordan's book covers some day).

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Dear Percy

I would like to have a quick talk with you this evening. It's about something concerning Harry.

Yours Sincerely
Albus Dumbledore

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Harry lifted the vial of Felix Felisis into his mouth and took a measured gulp of the liquid. Ron, Hermoine and Percy stood around him impatiently, waiting for the magic to kick in. Suddenly, Harry's face lit up with a smile and he got to his feet, brimming with confidence.

"I'm going to Aragog's funeral this evening," Harry announced, hands on hips.

"What?!" Ron and Hermione said together, looking aghast.

They gave each other worried looks whilst Percy just nodded uncertainly as if Harry just said an inspirational speech but it was difficult to interpret.

"I have a good feeling about going to Hagrid's," Harry explained confidently, taking his Invisibility Cloak out of his bag.

They decided not to directly question Harry's decision because maybe it was the Felix Felisis taking action...then again, maybe it wasn't a lucky potion at all- just an essence of insanity.

"I already told you that I'm not coming," Ron reminded.

"Same here," Hermione added.

"So I guess it's just the two of us," Harry said to Percy, "If you're not comfortable when we get to Hagrid's then you can leave at any time..."

Not comfortable? Percy had dealt with various monsters he had fought on his quests: a Minotaur, Hydra, Gorgon, Fury, Drakon, Cyclops, Giant... Not a single fight was he able to just leave at any time. But Harry did not know that.

"I'll go," Percy said, "but I had gotten a letter from Dumbledore earlier today. He wanted me to see him this evening for something important."

"Something important?" Harry asked, a bit confused upon the fact that Dumbledore didn't want to meet with him instead.

"Don't worry," Percy assured, "I'll be there for the funeral as soon as my meeting with Dumbledore ends."

"At Hagrid's cabin," Harry replied, "I'll see you there."

* * *

"Good evening, Professor."

"Merlin's beard, Harry, you made me jump!" Slughorn said, "How did you get out of the castle?"

"Filch must've forgotten to lock the doors," Harry answered cheerfully, delighted to see Slughorn's scowl.

"But why are you out here, Harry?"

Harry told Slughorn about Aragog's funeral and how Hagrid needed company. Slughorn's large, droopy eyes fixed upon the distant lights of Hagrid's cabin.

"Touching, touching," the professor said absentmindedly, "But acromantula venom is very valuable... If the beast only just died it might not have dried out..."