The message from [[../../../Characters/Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]] informs [[../../../Characters/Harry Potter|Harry]] that [[../../../Characters/Aragog|Aragog]], the giant spider, has died. He asks if Harry, Ron, and Hermione could attend the funeral. Hermione and Ron suggest that Harry drink the [[../../../Magic/Felix Felicis|Felix Felicis potion]] to help him get [[../../../Characters/Horace Slughorn|Professor Slughorn]]'s memory. He does, and is compelled by the potion to head for Hagrid's cabin. On his way there, he luckily triggers the incidents that will break up the relationships of [[../../../Characters/Ginny Weasley|Ginny]] and [[../../../Characters/Dean Thomas|Dean]], and ofalso Ron and [[../../../Characters/Lavender Brown|Lavender]]. Following a detour that the potion seems to suggest, he runs into Slughorn who, upon learning of Aragog's death, notes that acromantula venom is particularly valuable. Recognizing thisthat ashe amay be wayable to entice Slughorn to share his memory about [[../../../Characters/Tom Marvolo Riddle|Tom Riddle]], Harry invites him to attend the funeral. Slughorn arrives at Hagrid's hut well dressed and with bottles of mead. After an emotional service, Hagrid and Slughorn get drunk. Knowing Slughorn will not remember the incident the morning after, Harry attempts to get the memory by recounting his parents' death. Slughorn sadly hears how his favorite student, [[../../../Characters/Lily Potter|Lily Evans]], died. Harry then persuades Slughorn to yield his memory of Tom Riddle. Slughorn falls asleep after handing over the wisps of memory to Harry.
