Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)

by J.K. Rowling

‘That is because it is a monstrous thing, to slay a unicorn,’ said Firenze. ‘Only one who has nothing to lose, and everything to gain, would commit such a crime. The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but at a terrible price. You have slain something pure and defenceless to save yourself and you will have but a half life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches your lips.’

After all, to the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure.

the trouble is, humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things which are worst for them.’

Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.’

‘The truth.’ Dumbledore sighed. ‘It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.