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

by J.K. Rowling

‘Harry Potter, do you know what unicorn blood is used for?’ ‘No,’ said Harry, startled by the odd question. ‘We’ve only used the horn and tail-hair in Potions.’ ‘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.’ Harry stared at the back of Firenze’s head, which was dappled silver in the moonlight. ‘But who’d be that desperate?’ he wondered aloud. ‘If you’re going to be cursed for ever, death’s better, isn’t it?’ ‘It is,’ Firenze agreed, ‘unless all you need is to stay alive long enough to drink something else – something that will bring you back to full strength and power – something that will mean you can never die. Mr Potter, do you know what is hidden in the school at this very moment?’ ‘The Philosopher’s Stone! Of course – the Elixir of Life! But I don’t understand who –’ ‘Can you think of nobody who has waited many years to return to power, who has clung to life, awaiting their chance?’