HBP, Chapter Sixteen - A Very Frosty Christmas
Harry, via Ron learns what an Unbreakable Vow is. Apparently, the twins tried to get Ron to one when he was five and Arthur was not impressed.
Ron gets some of his own medicine as the twins start to rib him about Lavender Brown. Soon the friendly banter gets out of hand as Ron throws a knife at Fred just in time for his mother to walk in and see.
Harry however, has more important matters on his mind. He is desperate to find out what Snape does or doesn't know and wants to speak eagerly to someone about it.
Harry gets his chance to talk to Arthur Christmas Eve, whilst the others sit around listening to the wireless and playing games. Arthur informs Harry that a sweep of the Malfoys turned up nothing and that he also thinks that Snape is pretending to help Draco and only Dumbledore knows the real answer. Even Lupin feels that Harry's feelings towards Snape are clouding his judgement.
We do learn that Lupin has been residing amongst other werewolves as a spy. The werewolves are under the impression that their lives would be better if Voldemort was in charge. Lupin also informs Harry of Greyback, whose mission it seems is to 'create enough werewolves to overcome the wizards' worse still is his preference for children, including the young Remus Lupin himself.
Harry and Lupin do share a little joke about the Half Blood Prince 'Is this a title you are thinking of adopting? I should have thought being 'the Chosen One' would be enough.' Harry is not amused and he quickly informs Lupin of the text book he has managed to get his hands on. Lupin informs Harry that it was not his father, Sirius or himself that previously owned the book and that certain jinxes come and go as fashion dictates.
Christmas presents are always fun and Ron's present from Lavender is a lovely necklace with the words 'My Sweetheart' on it, Harry doesn't fair much better with his present from Kreacher being a package of maggots.
Breakfast talk soon turns to Tonks. Molly and Lupin have a small exchange regarding Tonks and her whereabouts and more importantly how her patronus has changed form. However, before Harry gets a chance to say a word, Percy, along with the Minister arrive at the Burrow.
On the guise of Percy missing his family, it doesn't take long for the Minister to show the real reason he is there and invites Harry out for a walk.
The conversation soon turns to what Scrimgeour wanted all along, Harry to be working for the Ministry. Harry has other ideas. He doesn't like what the Ministry is up to at all and does not want to be seen as their mascot. Harry is supporting the man who has always supported him, Dumbledore.