The lightning-struck tower

           Oncebackunderthestarrysky,HarryheavedDumbledoreontothetopofthenearestboulderandthentohisfeet.Soddenandshivering,Dumbledore’sweightstilluponhim,Harryconcentratedharderthanhehadeverdoneuponhisdestination:Hogsmeade.Closinghiseyes,grippingDumbledore’sarmastightlyashecould,hesteppedforwardsintothatfeelingofhorriblecompression.

           Heknewithadworkedbeforeheopenedhiseyes:thesmellofsalt,theseabreezehadgone.HeandDumbledorewereshiveringanddrippinginthemiddleofthedarkHighStreetinHogsmeade.ForonehorriblemomentHarry’simaginationshowedhimmoreInfericreepingtowardshimaroundthesidesofshops,butheblinkedandsawthatnothingwasstirring;allwasstill,thedarknesscompletebutforafewstreetlampsandlitupperwindows.

           "Wedidit,Professor!"Harrywhisperedwithdifficulty;hesuddenlyrealisedthathehadasearingstitchinhischest."Wedidit!WegottheHorcrux!"

           Dumbledorestaggeredagainsthim.Foramoment,HarrythoughtthathisinexpertApparitionhadthrownDumbledoreoff-balance;thenhesawhisface,paleranddamperthaneverinthedistantlightofastreetlamp.

           "Sir,areyouallright?"

           "I’vebeenbetter,"saidDumbledoreweakly,thoughthecornersofhismouthtwitched."Thatpotion...wasnohealthdrink..."

           AndtoHarry’shorror,Dumbledoresankontotheground.