This is the first time Harry's powers of persuasion have been truly seen, although he was under the influence of Felix Felicis at the time. ItThis is also the first time that Harry has spoken about his parent's death in this way, and probably the only time without extreme emotion, knowing it will help fight Voldemort. Readers should recall that some chapters back, that [[../../../Characters/Albus Dumbledore|Professor Dumbledore]] had said Harry was uniquely equipped to obtain Slughorn's memory. It is possible that Dumbledore knew about the Felix Felicis, although thatit may behave been unnecessary; Dumbledore knows that Harry having Lily's eyes, and Lily being Slughorn's favorite student when she was in his class willwould be a powerful persuasive tactic. That, and being well plied with alcohol, is enough to coax Slughorn to divulge the memory; remembering Lily's sacrifice in fighting Voldemort also helpshelped.
