The Undisclosed Incidents: Did the Entire School Know About Harry’s Almost Killing of Draco in The Half-Blood Prince?

One of the most intense and pivotal moments in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the confrontation where Harry almost kills Draco Malfoy. This intense spellcasting leads to a serious injury for Draco. However, the details of the incident were not immediately known to all members of the Hogwarts community. Let's delve into who knew about this almost fatal event and the impact it had on the school.

Key Figures Who Knew of the Event

Moaning Myrtle and Pansy Parkinson: After the gruesome event in the Room of Requirement, Moaning Myrtle, who was there when the duel took place, went around to all the bathrooms to spread the news. Her deafening scream of "Murder" echoed through the school, while Pansy Parkinson, visiting Draco in the infirmary, relayed the story to many other students. This ensured that the information spread through the student body.

Head of House, Deputy Headmistress, and Potions Master: Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape, being key figures in the school, were also aware of the incident. Professor Snape, in particular, reacted with great intensity and urgency upon hearing about the event.

HBP Chapter 24 — Sectumsempra

This chapter describes the intense moment and afterward:

"No —" gasped Harry.
Slipping and staggering, Harry got to his feet and plunged toward Malfoy whose face was now shining scarlet and his white hands scrabbling at his blood-soaked chest.
"No — I didn’t —"
Harry did not know what he was saying; he fell to his knees beside Malfoy, who was shaking uncontrollably in a pool of his own blood.

Moaning Myrtle let out a deafening scream: "MURDER! MURDER IN THE BATHROOM! MURDER!"
The door banged open behind Harry, and he looked up, terrified:
Snape had burst into the room
his face livid. Pushing Harry roughly aside, he knelt over Malfoy, drew his wand, and traced it over the deep wounds Harry’s curse had made, muttering an incantation that sounded almost like song. The flow of blood seemed to ease, and Snape wiped the residue from Malfoy’s face and repeated his spell. Now the wounds seemed to be knitting.

Harry was still watching, horrified by what he had done, barely aware that he too was soaked in blood and water. Moaning Myrtle was still sobbing and wailing overhead.

This passage vividly describes the aftermath and the reaction of key figures. What happens next is equally impactful.

The Spread of News

The news spread quickly, not only through Moaning Myrtle and Pansy Parkinson but also through the actions of school faculty. As a result, several events took place to address the situation:

Harry's Lack of Apperance at Dinner: Harry, still emotionally and physically affected by the event, did not make it to dinner due to his overwhelming guilt and fear. He later shared the story with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, the news having already traveled fast. McGonagall's Confrontation: Professor McGonagall, upon learning of the incident, called Harry to the headmaster's office. She pointed out that Harry was fortunate not to be expelled, supporting Snape's punishment of detention every Saturday until the end of term. Faculty's Awareness: Professor Snape, being aware of the situation, informed the faculty about the event, which further contributed to the tension and fear among the students.

The Impact on the School and Harry's Fellow Students

The news of the almost fatal event spread through the corridors of Hogwarts. Harry was amidst a pack of students, each gazing at him in shock. This moment symbolizes a deeper rift in the school, a tension that extends beyond the immediate encounter:

He felt stunned; it was as though a beloved pet had turned suddenly savage. What had the Prince been thinking to copy such a spell into his book? And what would happen when Snape saw it? Would he tell Slughorn? Harry’s stomach churned. How had he been achieving such good results in Potions all year? Would he confiscate or destroy the book that had taught Harry so much?... the book that had become a kind of guide and friend. Harry could not let it happen…

He could not…

The incident affected Harry deeply, causing him immense guilt and anxiety. It also strained his relationship with Snape. Despite the fear for detention and the potential loss of the book, Harry's concern for the book is implicit in his need to retain the knowledge it provided.

Conclusion

The incident involving Harry almost killing Draco Malfoy in the Room of Requirement was a devastating event that impacted both the immediate stakeholders and the broader Hogwarts community. While the full details were not known to the entire school, key figures such as Moaning Myrtle, Pansy Parkinson, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Snape were aware of the situation. This event contributed to the tense atmosphere at Hogwarts, leaving a lasting impact on Harry's psyche and the dynamics within the school.

Summary Points

1. Moaning Myrtle and Pansy Parkinson were key in spreading the news.

2. Professor McGonagall and Snape, as key figures, were informed of the event.

3. The school atmosphere became tense, affecting Harry's relationships and mindset.

4. The news spread quickly, causing panic and anxiety among students.