Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Chapter Notes

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Chapter 27: The Centaur and the Sneak

• There is a huge difference between the kind of divination Professor Trelawney teaches and the kind Firenze teaches. As Firenze explains what Trelawney did was nothing more than fortune-telling, whereas centaurs study the stars to foretell big changes. Divination is the most vague subject at Hogwarts. Obviously true seers exist, such as prophecies that can come true. And moving ahead we learn that there are dozen of prophecies in the Department of Mysteries. But they still remain vague. The prophecy about Harry and Voldemort could have been about Neville as well. The centaurs saw that they are in a brief period between two wars, but they can’t tell details. Of course the more vague a prophecy is, the easier it can become true, because it allows more interpretations. It is the most unscientific branch of magic; no wonder Hermione isn’t interested in it.

• I wonder why Hermione’s Patronus would have the form of an otter, as we know that the form of one’s Patronus has a special meaning. Interesting enough Harry produced a stag before he knew that this was the Animagus form of his father (it is only when he sees his Patronus that he realizes why his father was nicknamed ‘Prongs’), so this might work on a subconscious level.

• Harry gives Dobby an order, forbidding him to hurt himself, but I wonder how that works since Harry is not Dobby’s master. Can he, as a free elf, choose from who he accepts orders besides his master? Is there a special bond between them because Harry freed Dobby? Or is it simply because Dobby respects and admires Harry that he accepts his orders? Dobby also mentions that the house elves were forbidden to warn Harry (or any other member of the DA), that Umbridge would come, but who gave that order? It is very unlikely that it was Dumbledore, but rather Umbridge herself, meaning that not only the headmaster but every teacher at Hogwarts functions as a master to the house elves, giving them the right to give them orders.

• “’[…] Well, Potter … I expect you know why you are here?’ Harry fully intended to respond with a defiant ‘yes’: his mouth had opened and the word was half-formed when he caught sight of Dumbledore’s face. Dumbledore was not looking directly at Harry – his eyes were fixed on a point just over his shoulder – but as Harry stared at him, he shook his head a fraction of an inch to each side. Harry changed direction mid-word.” – Seriously how could the Sorting Hat ever consider to put Harry in Slytherin? He is the least cunning person ever. And look, he is brave and kind and all of these things, but imagine all the headaches Dumbledore and McGonagall had over the years because the kid didn’t know when it was best to shut his mouth or to lie. Fudge has no evidence, and yet Harry almost admitted that he had broken the school law.

• “As it swung closed behind them, Harry heard Phineas Nigellus’s voice. ‘You know, Minister, I disagree with Dumbledore on many counts … but you cannot deny he’s got style …’” – No, you can’t.