This is the first time we have truly seen Harry's powers of persuasion have been truly seen, although he was under the influence of Felix Felicis at the time. It is also the first time that Harry has spoken about his parent's death in this way. Readers should recall that some chapters back, [[../../../Characters/Albus Dumbledore|Professor Dumbledore]] had said Harry was uniquely equipped to obtain Slughorn's memory. It is possible that Dumbledore knows about the Felix Felicis, butalthough that ismay be unnecessary; Dumbledore knowsrealizes that Harry has Lily's eyes, and Lily was Slughorn's favorite student when she was in his class. That, and being well plied with alcohol, is enough to persuade Slughorn to divulge the memory; that, and the sacrifice that Lily's made in the battlesacrifice againstfighting Voldemort.
