The Ghoul in Pajamas

The death of Mad-Eye Moody shocks Harry to the core. Harry feels “that he ought to set out on his mission to find and destroy Horcruxes as soon as possible.” Destroying all of the Horcruxes is the only way to destroy Voldemort. Unfortunately, Harry is unable to leave for a few more days because he is not yet seventeen. The Ministry of Magic tracks every underage wizard until that time. In addition, Harry, Ron, and Hermione feel obligated to stay for the wedding of Bill and Fleur.

Even though Harry was given this mission by Dumbledore, Mrs. Weasley seems to be in denial about the efforts of Harry, Ron, and Hermione to help destroy Voldemort. “You’re barely of age, any of you! It is utter nonsense!” In an effort to prevent them from leaving, Mrs. Weasley gives them interminable chores to prepare for the upcoming wedding.

At one point, Ginny and Harry find themselves alone and Harry admits the plan to Ginny. The two aren’t alone for long, however. The Burrow is the new headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix because Grimmauld Place is no longer safe, and the members of the Order are always milling around. As everyone gathers for dinner, the members of the Order admit how powerful Voldemort has become. Unfortunately, the new Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, is not willing to admit this.

Eventually, Ron and Hermione and Harry steal a moment alone to plan their departure. Harry feels guilty including his two best friends, but they insist: “We’re coming with you. That was decided months ago—years, really.” Hermione does shed some tears, though, with Ron comforting her. Hermione even alters her parents' memories so that they will be safe in their move to Australia. Ron bewitches the ghoul in the attic to look like a sick Ron in case anyone comes looking for him. With Hermione in charge of packing, the three are “ready to leave at a moment’s notice.”

The basic plan is to begin in Godric’s Hollow, where Harry lived until he lost his parents to Voldemort. The three admit they do not have any idea where to find the Horcruxes or how to destroy them, but they have to start somewhere. Through Hermione’s research, she does know that to destroy a Horcrux, “it has to be something so destructive that the Horcrux cannot repair itself,” such as the use of Basilisk fang venom.

Mrs. Weasley interrupts the conversation and continues the hustle and bustle for the wedding. The Delacours arrive, and the wedding preparations reach fever pitch. To add to the frantic feel of the time, Mrs. Weasley also admits that she wants to throw a birthday party for Harry since he is coming of age in the wizarding world. Even though Mrs. Weasley is quite annoying, Harry still feels bad for all of the trouble and hurt he is causing her.