A blazing green skull with a serpent tongue hangs ominously in the sky above the school—the dreaded mark left by Death Eaters wherever they have murdered.

When Dumbledore arrives at Privet Drive one summer night to collect Harry Potter, his wand hand is blackened and shriveled, but he offers no explanation. Secrets and suspicion are spreading through the wizarding world, and even Hogwarts is not safe.

Harry is convinced that Malfoy bears the Dark Mark; there is a Death Eater among them. As he delves into Voldemort's darkest secrets, he will need powerful magic and true friends. Dumbledore prepares him to face his destiny...