He has worried that Voldemort would use that connection to possess Harry and provoke a confrontation between Harry and Dumbledore himself.

Dumbledore explains that, recently, he has become concerned that Voldemort would become aware of Harry's connection with him through his curse scar.

He can't believe it, and leaves his portrait frame to look for Sirius.

Phineas Nigellus asks, 'Am I to understand that my great-great-grandson – the last of the Blacks – is dead?' (37.62).

He sits back down to hear Dumbledore out.

Harry stands stunned, his hand on the doorknob.

If I had been open with you, Harry, as I should have been, you would have known a long time ago that Voldemort might try and lure you to the Department of Mysteries That blame lies with me, and with me alone' (37.58). Nevertheless, you should never have believed for an instant that there was any necessity for you to go to the Department of Mysteries tonight. Sirius was a brave, clever and energetic man, and such men are not usually content to sit at home in hiding while they believe others to be in danger. Dumbledore informs Harry, 'It is my fault that Sirius died Or should I say, almost entirely my fault – I will not be so arrogant as to claim responsibility for the whole.

He starts tearing up Dumbledore's office and shouting that he doesn't understand, he can't understand.

But Harry can't hear what Dumbledore is saying right now – he is in so much pain that he just wants it to stop.

Dumbledore tells Harry, 'There's no shame in what you're feeling the fact that you can feel pain like this is your greatest strength' (37.29).

Dumbledore assures Harry that none of his fellow students are going to be permanently damaged by their injuries this evening.

Dumbledore appears in the fireplace of his office, welcomed by the portraits of the wizards and witches on his wall.

He can't say the words aloud, or they'll be real.

Harry can't bring himself to tell Phineas Nigellus that Sirius is dead.

Or has Dumbledore sent you here? Oh, don't tell me Another message for my worthless great-great-grandson?' (37.8).

He asks Harry snidely, 'And what brings you here in the early hours of the morning? This office is supposed to be barred to all but the rightful Headmaster.

A picture behind him suddenly addresses him: it's Phineas Nigellus, Sirius's ancestor.

Harry cannot bear to think about this any longer.

Voldemort took advantage of Harry's ' love of playing the hero' (37.4), and Sirius died as a result.

Harry paces around, thinking 'it was his fault Sirius had died it was all his fault' (37.4).

Dumbledore's office is empty and peaceful.

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