Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Review
J K Rowling Introduces Dumbledore’s Army to the Halls of Hogwarts
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has plenty of startling revelations. Many might complain that in the beginning Harry Potter is annoying and a bit of a prat, but one must understand that he has just lived through the death of Cedric Diggory and faced Voldemort for the second time and lived to tell the tale in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Hoping to hear news, he is instead cut off from the wizarding world and that can be infuriating.
J K Rowling Expands on the Government of the Wizarding World
While the Ministry of Magic was first introduced in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, it comes into its own in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Every country needs a government that supports and protects its people and the wizarding community is no different.
The Ministry of Magic is just like the real government, with a magical twist, it features the Auror Department (a group of wizards dedicated to fighting the Dark Arts), the Improper Use of Magic Office, the Wizengamot (the high court of law), the Magical Law Enforcement Squad and even the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, where Arthur Weasley, Ron’s father, is the head.
The Plot of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter prepares for his OWLs (Ordinary Wizarding Level exams) amidst the return of Voldemort, falling in love, forming Dumbledore’s army and dealing with the stand in headmaster Dolores Umbridge, who is appointed by the Ministry of Magic to “fix” Hogwarts.
The fifth book has plenty of action, especially with Voldemort reappearing at the Ministry of Magic in order to steal a prophecy about himself and Harry Potter. With the help of the Dumbledore, Harry fights another epic battle with Voldemort, hoping to thwart Voldermort from retrieving the prophecy and gaining an advantage over Harry.
New Characters that Support or Fight Against Dumbledore's Army
While there are many that join Dumbledore’s Army, the two who stand and fight the Death Eater’s with Harry are newcomer Luna Lovegood of Ravenclaw and Neville Longbottom, Harry’s classmate, who belongs to Gryffindor. Luna’s nickname is Loony, a sweet creature who has lost a few of her marbles, while Neville is shy individual, who proves his bravery by facing his fears despite his anxiety.
Harry’s love interest in the book is Cho Chang of Ravenclaw, who dated Cedric Diggory before he died. Harry and Cho finally hook up after one of the Dumbledore Army training sessions, but eventually have a falling out during the book.
Perhaps the most despicable of all the characters in Harry Potter, other than Voldemort himself, is Dolores Umbridge. Dolores takes on the position as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, but is mostly in Hogwarts to spy on the headmaster and to ensure that the Ministry of Magic meddles with the students.
Dolores replaces Dumbledore as acting headmaster for a short time before being removed from office by a clever group of students and some help from their forest friends.
Conclusion
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix really drives the story forward, although Voldemort has returned, many are trying to fight against the idea rather than face the truth. Harry creates Dumbledore’s Army to help prepare those who are willing to believe him, thereby proving this battle involves everyone – not just Harry and Voldemort.
Publication Information
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: June 2003
ISBN: 978-0439358064
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
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