Matters concerning Delilah had come to a temporary close, but Dumbledore knew that the magical array was the key to understanding her true intentions.
He memorized the somewhat fragmented array, then returned to the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts Castle, carrying the battered, ancient Sword of Gryffindor, which looked rather like a discarded kitchen cleaver.
Dumbledore opened his office cabinet, hauled out the deeply slumbering Sorting Hat, and placed it upon the desk.
Chapter 167