- Chapter 23 -

MALFOY MANOR

While discussing their plan to find the remaining Horcruxes, Harry let slip the word "Voldemort" which Ron quickly tells him was a taboo word because the Death Eaters have hexed it so they know immediately when the word is spoken, and where.

Hermione acts fast and casts a spell on Harry to disguise his face so the Death Eaters will not recognize him.

Presently, the trio is surrounded by a group of Death Eaters, who take them to the Malfoy Manor while waiting for Voldemort to return from Bulgaria.

The Death Eaters ask Draco if he will identify the trio since they are not 100% sure it is Harry and don't want to call Voldie if they're wrong. Draco is non-committal and does not positively identify them, instead saying, "It could be him."

Bellatrix notices the sword in their possession and becomes frightened that they should perhaps not call the Dark Lord back because he might be very angry and kill them in his wrath. They decide to torture Hermione to try to find out where they got the sword.

Ron and Harry are taken to the basement, where they find Dean Thomas, Luna Lovegood, Griphook the Goblin, and Olivander the wandmaker.