OP37: The Lost Prophecy – Harry Potter Lexicon

"I am afraid," said Dumbledore slowly, looking as though every word cost him a great effort, "that there is no doubt that it is you."
-- Albus Dumbledore (OP37)

Harry has his final outburst in anguish over Sirius’ death, and Dumbledore tells him everything – about why he must return to the Dursleys every year, about the prophecy, about how Voldemort marked him as his equal, about how it could as easily have been Neville, and about how either Harry or Voldemort must die. Dumbledore also admits to allowing his emotions to blur his judgement with Harry.

Calendar and Dates

The entire chapter takes place early Friday morning (we know this because Harry sees the sun rising), the day after the final day of O.W.L.s.

Interesting facts and notes

This chapter answered some long-standing questions, but introduced other questions to keep matters in balance.

"I hope this means," said the corpulent, red-nosed wizard who hung on the wall behind the Headmaster's desk, "that Dumbledore will soon be back among us?"

This is Fortescue, who earlier told Fudge and his minions that in his day the Ministry did not cut deals with petty criminals (OP27).

Several of the pictures let out yells of anger and fright, and the portrait of Armando Dippet said, "Really!"

We've met Armando Dippet before, in the memory called up by Tom Riddle's diary (CS13); he was Headmaster when Riddle framed Hagrid for opening the Chamber of Secrets.

Exceptional character moments

Dumbledore's guilt over his actions with regard to Harry that set the chain of events in motion that led to Sirius' death.

Harry's anguish at Sirius' death.

Memorable lines

"You will," said Dumbledore steadily. "Because you are not nearly as angry with me as you ought to be. If you are to attack me, as I know you are close to doing, I would like to have thoroughly earned it."