Harry
It was Malfoy.
McGonagall
That is a very serious accusation, Potter!
Snape
Indeed. Your evidence?
Harry
I just know.
Snape
You just know? [pause] Once again you astonish with your gifts Potter, gifts mere mortals can only dream of possessing. How grand it must be... to be the Chosen One.
Dragon Tartare?
Hermione
No, I’m fine, thank you.
Probably just as well, they give one horrible breath.
Hermione
On second thoughts... [Grabs tray and gobbles one] Maybe it'll keep Cormac at bay... oh God, here he comes!
Harry
I think she just went to powder her nose.
Slippery little minx your friend is. Likes to work her mouth, too, doesn’t she?
What is this I'm eating, by the way?
Harry
Dragon Balls.
Snape
You've just bought yourself a month's detention, McLaggen - [Harry tries to leave] not... so quick, Potter!
Harry
Sir, I really think I should rejoin the party. My date...
Snape
Can surely survive another minute or two. Besides, I only wish to convey a message.
Harry
Message?
Snape
From Professor Dumbledore. He asked me to give you his best and he hopes you enjoy your holiday. You see, he’s traveling, and he won’t return until term resumes.
Harry
Traveling where?
[Snape is silent and then walks off.]
Dumbledore
Good evening, Draco. What brings you here on this fine, spring evening?
Malfoy
Who else is here? I heard you talking.
Dumbledore
I often talk aloud to myself. I find it extraordinarily useful. Have you been whispering to you yourself, Draco? Draco, you are no assassin.
Malfoy
How do you know what I am?! I've done things that would shock you!
Dumbledore
Like cursing Katie Bell and hoping that, in return, she would bear a cursed necklace to me? Like replacing a bottle of mead with one laced with poison? Forgive me, Draco, but I cannot help feeling these actions are so weak that your heart can't really have been in them.
Malfoy
He trusts me! I was chosen! [reveals the Dark Mark on his left arm]
Dumbledore
I shall make it easy for you... [raises his wand]
Malfoy
Expelliarmus!
Dumbledore
Very good, very good. [door opens in the distance] You're not alone? There are others? How?
Malfoy
The Vanishing Cabinet in the Room of Requirement. I've been mending it.
Dumbledore
Let me guess; It has a sister? A twin?
Malfoy
At Borgin & Burke's. They form a passage.
Dumbledore
Ingenius. Draco, years ago, I knew a boy who made all the wrong choices. Please let me help you.
Malfoy
I don't want your help! Don't you understand? I have to do this! I have to kill you! Or he's gonna kill me...
Well, look what we have here. Well done, Draco!
Dumbledore
Good evening, Bellatrix. I think introductions are in order, don't you think?
Love to, Albus, but I'm afraid we're on a bit of a tight schedule. [to Draco] Do it!
He doesn't have the stomach... just like his father. Let me finish him in my own way.
No! The Dark Lord was clear; The boy's to do it. This is your moment. Do it! Go on, Draco! NOW!
Snape
No. [steps in]
Dumbledore
Severus... please.
Snape
Avada Kedavra!
[The spell hits Dumbledore. He is knocked over the rail behind him and falls from the tower, as Harry witnesses everything]
Harry
Incarcerous! [Snape blocks the spell] Fight back! You coward, fight back!
Snape
No! He belongs to the Dark Lord!
Harry
Sectumsempra!
Snape
You dare use my own spells against me, Potter? [Harry stares in horror] Yes. I'm the Half-Blood Prince. [Kicks Harry's wand away and leaves]
I know I'm not to be here. The Dark Lord himself forbid me to speak of this...
Snape
If the Dark Lord has forbidden it, you are not to speak... [turns to Bellatrix fooling around with his things] Put it down, Bella. We mustn't touch what isn't ours. [to Narcissa] As it so happens, I'm aware of your situation.
You? The Dark Lord told you?
Snape
Your sister doubts me. Over the years I've played my part well, so well I've deceived one of the greatest wizards of all time.
Huh!
Snape
Dumbledore is a great wizard. Only a fool would question it.
I don't doubt you, Severus.
You should be honored, Cissy, as should Draco.
He's just a boy.
Snape
I can't change the Dark Lord's mind. But it might be possible for me to help Draco.
Severus...
Swear to it... make the Unbreakable Vow. [walking over to Snape] It's just empty words. He'll give it his best effort, when it matters most. He'll just slither back into his hole... coward.
Snape
Take out your wand.
Will you, Severus Snape, watch over Draco Malfoy, as he attempts to fulfill the Dark Lord's wishes?
Snape
I will.
And will you, to the best of your ability, protect him from harm?
Snape
I will.
And, if Draco should fail, will you yourself carry out the deed the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform?
Snape
I will.
[She stops circling their hands with her wand, and they let go]
