Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Chapter Notes

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Chapter 15: The Hogwarts High Inquisitor

• “As recently as 30th August, Educational Decree Number Twenty-two was passed, to ensure that, in the event of the current Headmaster being unable to provide a candidate for a teaching post, the Ministry should select an appropriate person.” – For one thing this means there are at least 21 other educational decrees, meaning that Hogwarts had never been completely independent, and that the Ministry had some influence to a certain degree. Still, it seemed that up until now Fudge had Dumbledore do whatever he wanted, trusting his judgement. The other thing is the decree itself: we know that Dumbledore had trouble in the past finding a new DADA teacher every year (this has been mentioned since book 2 and Lockhart), but now the Ministry uses this to get a bigger influence on Hogwarts and to have someone who spies for them. Even after Fudge resigned the decree would still be in place, which might explain why Dumbledore finally gave the job to Snape. Rather him then another teacher chosen by the Ministry.

• “‘Rumours abound, of course, that Albus Dumbledore, once Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, is no longer up to the task of managing the prestigious school of Hogwarts.” – Of all the titles Dumbledore has or had Supreme Mugwump is my favourite.

• Also, Umbridge has been around for a week when she gets promoted to become High Inquisitor, so I think the whole thing was planned from the start.

• Is the Griselda Marchbanks mentioned here the same Madame Marchbanks that once travelled in the Knight Bus?

• I can’t believe that Harry’s potion essay was that bad that it deserved a “D” (standing for “Dreadful”). We know he couldn’t give it the proper time and concentration because of the detention he got, but Ron got a “P” (“Poor”) and Harry and Ron are usually at the same level in Potions. So I think this was yet another attempt of Snape sabotaging Harry’s marks, making sure he would not be good enough to pass his O.W.L. in Potions. What a great teacher.

• Again Professor Trelawney’s predictions aren’t entirely wrong. Umbridge was indeed in grave danger, considering whatever happened to her in the Forbidden Forrest. And Harry does die a gruesome and early death, he just comes back after.

• “I am here to teach you using a Ministry-approved method that does not include inviting students to give their opinions on matters about which they understand very little.” – How dare for students to have their own minds and opinions.

• Are you ever sad that Harry spent almost an entire school year teaching DADA and then decided to become an Auror? Give me all the teacher!Harry AU’s now.

• “You don’t know what it’s like! You – neither of you – you’ve never had to face him, have you? You think it’s just memorising a bunch of spells and throwing them at him, like you’re in class or something? The whole time you know there’s nothing between you and dying except your own – your own brain or guts or whatever – like you can think straight when you know you’re about a nanosecond from being murdered, or tortured, or watching your friends die – they’ve never taught us that in their classes, what it’s like to deal with things like that […].” – But that’s the point. Neither Ron or Hermione know how that feels like, and you can’t teach it either. But they know, with Voldemort back, that it is only a matter of time until they have to face such a situation. That this isn’t about passing the O.W.L. exam, but about a government refusing to acknowledge that a war is going on, that people are in danger, leaving them unknowing and without protection. This isn’t just about Harry being good at DADA, it is about him facing those situations, facing near death, and surviving it. Because it takes more than just memorizing spells and skill. And it is more than just luck that got Harry through these situations. Harry is a survivor, is a fighter, someone who never gives up. And it is this above all other things why Ron and Hermione need him.

• “‘Harry,’ she said timidly, ‘don’t you see? This … this is exactly why we need you … we need to know what it’s r-really like … facing him … facing V-Voldemort.’ It was the first time she had ever said Voldemort’s name and it was this, more than anything else, that calmed Harry.” – I never quite understood why Hermione was afraid to say Voldemort’s name. She was raised by Muggles, therefore she lacks the cultural background. And she is quite logical, knowing very well that there is nothing terrifying about a name, that in avoiding it, it just gives Voldemort more power. But it also shows Harry how serious she is; that she faces her own fear to convince him to help them.