Flies and Spiders
Mirkwood proved to be every bit as dangerous as Beorn had warned. The company was soon ensnared by giant spiders, and it was only through Bilbo's bravery and quick thinking that they were able to escape. Bilbo used his sword, Sting, and the invisibility granted by the ring to free the dwarves from the webs of the spiders, marking a turning point in his role within the company. The dwarves, who had previously doubted him, began to respect Bilbo's resourcefulness and courage.

Barrels Out of Bond
After escaping the spiders, the company was captured by the Wood-elves and imprisoned in their underground halls. Once again, Bilbo came to the rescue. Using his ring to become invisible, he devised a daring plan to escape by hiding the dwarves in barrels and floating them down the river to Lake-town, a human settlement near the Lonely Mountain.

A Warm Welcome
In Lake-town, the company was welcomed by the Master and the townspeople, who believed that Thorin's quest would restore the prosperity of their region. With new supplies and hope, the company prepared for the final leg of their journey to the Lonely Mountain.

On the Doorstep
The company reached the Lonely Mountain and searched for the secret entrance described on the map. After many days of searching, they discovered the door just as Durin's Day arrived, allowing them to use the key to unlock it. Beyond the door lay Smaug, the dragon who had stolen their treasure and driven the dwarves from their home.

Inside Information
Bilbo, now fully embracing his role as the company's burglar, ventured into the dragon's lair. He marveled at the vast treasure hoard but was soon confronted by Smaug. Using the ring to remain invisible, Bilbo engaged in a game of wits with the dragon, learning much about Smaug's vulnerabilities. He discovered a weak spot in the dragon's armor, which would later prove crucial. Bilbo escaped with this information, but Smaug, enraged, flew off to exact his revenge on Lake-town.

Not at Home
With Smaug gone, the company entered the mountain and claimed the treasure. However, Thorin, consumed by greed, became increasingly obsessed with the hoard. Bilbo, uneasy with the growing tension, took the Arkenstone—a precious gem Thorin sought above all others—and kept it hidden, hoping to use it as a bargaining tool.

As winter approached, Hogwarts saw the usual festivities, though the looming threat of Voldemort cast a shadow over the celebrations. In the depths of the castle, Dumbledore continued to show Harry memories of Voldemort’s past. One night, Harry witnessed a memory in which Voldemort, while still a student at Hogwarts, learned about Horcruxes from Slughorn.

Dumbledore revealed to Harry that they must retrieve this memory from Slughorn himself, but the old wizard was reluctant to give up the truth. Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy’s behavior became more erratic, and Harry grew increasingly convinced that Draco was planning something sinister within the castle.

The truth about Draco’s secret was revealed when Harry overheard a conversation between Snape and Malfoy. It was then he learned that Snape had made an Unbreakable Vow to assist Draco in carrying out a mission for Voldemort. For Harry, this revelation was deeply unsettling; Snape's loyalties were more questionable than ever, and Draco was far more involved with Voldemort than anyone had thought.

Discovering the Horcruxes

Dumbledore finally managed to acquire the memory from Slughorn, and the truth was more horrifying than Harry had imagined. Voldemort had created multiple Horcruxes, splitting his soul into seven parts to ensure his immortality. Dumbledore explained that they had already destroyed two – Tom Riddle’s diary and Marvolo Gaunt’s ring – but there were still others out there, waiting to be found.

Determined to stop Voldemort once and for all, Dumbledore took Harry on a journey to retrieve another Horcrux. Their destination was a cave on the coast, where Voldemort had hidden one of his soul fragments. The journey was perilous, and Harry watched in horror as Dumbledore, weakened by the cursed potion guarding the Horcrux, struggled to maintain his strength.

They managed to retrieve the locket Horcrux, but as they returned to Hogwarts, a terrible sight awaited them: the Dark Mark glowing above the castle. The moment Harry dreaded had finally arrived.