Joanne Rowling
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
Chapter 1
Beneath the open living room window of his Aunt Petunia and Uncle
Vernon's home on Four Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey,
Harry Potter conceals himself in the flowerbed. His aim is to
eavesdrop on the evening news broadcast. With immense relief, he
discovers that there is no mention of mass destruction or any other
sign pointing to the dark wizard Lord Voldemort's nefarious
activities. Suddenly, a thunderous crack splits the air, causing
Harry to spring up so swiftly that he bangs his head against the
window, inadvertently alerting his aunt and uncle to his presence
in the garden. Convinced that the sound came from someone
Apparating or Disapparating, Harry departs from Privet Drive to
investigate its source.
Wandering off to a nearby playground, Harry feels unsettled by the
lack of news from his closest friends and schoolmates, Hermione and
Ron. He settles on a swing, observing his cousin Dudley leading a
gang of troublemakers as they skulk past. Knowing Dudley's fear of
his magical abilities, Harry resists the temptation to taunt him
with his wand. After Dudley passes, Harry rises and tails Dudley
back home. Confronting him, the two boys engage in a heated
argument. As they reach the alley off Magnolia Crescent, the night
descends into an eerie darkness, accompanied by bone-chilling cold.
Harry realizes that dementors are about to attack. After a fierce
struggle, Harry employs his wand to summon a Patronus stag, which
comes to the rescue of both boys. Mrs. Figg, Harry's neighbor,
hurries toward them, prompting Harry to instinctively conceal his
wand. Mrs. Figg implores him to keep his wand out, in case more
dementors lurk nearby.
Chapter 2
Revealing herself as a Squib, Mrs. Figg explains that she was born
to magical parents but lacks magical abilities of her own. She
informs Harry that someone named Mundungus Fletcher had been
assigned to watch over him and ensure his safety, but Mundungus
likely abandoned his duty to engage in illicit activities. Mrs.
Figg warns Harry that Dumbledore will soon become aware of his use
of magic outside of Hogwarts. Suddenly, another crack reverberates,
and Mundungus materializes. Mrs. Figg insists that Mundungus return
to Hogwarts immediately and explain to Dumbledore why Harry had to
resort to using his magic.
Harry and Dudley make their way back to Privet Drive. As they ring
the doorbell, Dudley becomes sick and collapses. Aunt Petunia and
Uncle Vernon open thedoor, fussing over Dudley and demanding a detailed explanation.
Dudley points at Harry, and as Harry begins to recount the events,
an owl swoops in through an open window, dropping a letter that
expels Harry from Hogwarts for improper use of magic. The letter
also announces that someone will soon arrive to confiscate Harry's
wand. Moments later, another letter arrives, this time from Ron's
father, Arthur Weasley. The letter informs Harry that Dumbledore is
working to resolve the issue with the Ministry of Magic and advises
him not to surrender his wand or leave the house. Harry persists in
his attempts to explain the dementor attack to his aunt and uncle.
Surprisingly, Aunt Petunia confirms that dementors serve as guards
at Azkaban prison, referring to a conversation she once overheard
between Harry's parents. Another owl arrives, carrying a second
letter from the Ministry of Magic. This letter grants Harry
permission to retain his wand until a disciplinary hearing
scheduled for August 12. Yet another owl arrives, bearing a letter
from Harry's godfather, Sirius. Sirius warns Harry not to leave the
house. Aunt Petunia's reaction to Harry's revelation of Lord
Voldemort's return puzzles him, as she had previously shown no
acknowledgement or interest in the world of magic. Uncle Vernon,
disturbed by the threat of dementors and Voldemort, orders Harry to
leave the house immediately. A fifth owl arrives, delivering a
special kind of letter known as a Howler, which unleashes a
piercing howl as its message is proclaimed. The owl bypasses Harry
and deposits the letter on Petunia's head. The letter howls,
"Remember my last, Petunia." Petunia insists that Harry stay,
defying Vernon's wishes. She refuses to disclose the meaning of the
message and insists that Harry remain in his room.
Chapter 3
Instructing his loyal owl, Hedwig, to deliver messages to Ron,
Hermione, and Sirius, Harry urges her to persistently peck at each
recipient until they provide substantial replies. With the Dursleys
off to attend an award ceremony for the All-England Best Kept
Suburban Lawn Competition, Harry finds himself alone when he hears
a resounding crash. His door unlocks and swings open, prompting him
to venture downstairs and discover a gathering of nine wizards:
Mad-Eye Moody, Professor Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley
Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis
Podmore, and Hestia Jones. They have come to whisk him away to a
safe location where he can await his hearingwithout any further threat. As he packs his belongings, Harry
learns that Tonks possesses the ability to alter her appearance at
will as a Metamorphmagus. Lupin pens a letter for the Dursleys,
assuring them of Harry's safety and promising his return home the
following summer. Mounting their broomsticks, Harry and the group
soar through the chilly night sky until they touch down in a
dilapidated section of London. Moody hands Harry a note bearing the
words, "The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found
at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London," and insists that Harry
commit it to memory.
Chapter 4
The wizards hastily guide Harry into number twelve. The building
exudes a dilapidated aura, with peeling wallpaper and worn-out
carpets. Ron's mother, Mrs. Weasley, emerges from a doorway,
rushing towards them and enveloping Harry in a warm embrace. She
instructs him to go upstairs, assuring him that Ron and Hermione
will fill him in on everything. His friends greet him with
excitement, but Harry's anger still lingers as he unleashes his
frustration on them for keeping him in the dark throughout the
summer. He notices the marks left by Hedwig's pecks on their hands
and feels a fleeting sense of relief. Ron and Hermione explain that
Dumbledore had made them promise not to send Harry any specific
news and reveal that the Order of the Phoenix is a clandestine
society dedicated to thwarting Voldemort's resurgence. The Order
has been diligently tracking known Death Eaters and safeguarding
Harry. Harry also discovers that Ron's brother, Percy, has betrayed
his own family to support the corrupted Cornelius Fudge at the
Ministry of Magic. Hermione informs Harry about the Daily Prophet's
campaign to vilify him, portraying him as a conceited liar.
Together, Ron, Hermione, and Harry descend to the dining area where
Harry catches sight of his godfather, Sirius Black.
Chapter 5
Sirius explains that number twelve was once his parents' house and
now belongs to him. He offered it to Dumbledore as a meeting place
for the Order. During dinner, Sirius engages in a heated argument
with Mrs. Weasley concerning the amount of information Harry should
be privy to. While Mrs. Weasley prefers to keep Harry in the dark,
Sirius and Lupin convince her that certain things need to be
revealed. Sirius informs Harry that while Dumbledore believes
Voldemort is rebuilding his army, the Ministry of Magic adamantly
refuses to accept hisreturn. Instead, Fudge fears that Dumbledore is plotting to
overthrow him and seize the Ministerial position. Harry also learns
that Voldemort is attempting to acquire a mysterious weapon, but
Mrs. Weasley interrupts the conversation before he can learn
more.
Chapter 6
In their ongoing efforts to clean up number twelve, Mrs. Weasley,
Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ron's mischievous twin brothers, Fred and
George, encounter resistance from Kreacher, the Black House Elf.
Kreacher covertly snatches items he wishes to keep and mutters
insults under his breath. Members of the Order of the Phoenix come
and go, sharing news and checking in. Sirius shows Harry the Black
family tapestry, which traces their lineage back to the Middle
Ages. Sirius's name has been burned off by his mother, who disowned
him when he rejected Voldemort's pureblood ideology. Harry also
discovers that Sirius is related to both Tonks and Lucius Malfoy.
The Blacks are connected to the Lestrange family, a name that rings
a faint bell in Harry's mind, though he can't quite place it.
Meanwhile, Fred and George continue scheming for the opening of
their joke shop, funded by the gold Harry won in the Triwizard
Tournament. As they clean, the mischievous twins secretly pocket
select items to mine for jokes later on. Harry realizes that this
is the first time he has experienced any fun all summer,
momentarily forgetting about his impending hearing until Sirius
asks if he can accompany him to the Ministry. However, Dumbledore
sends Mr. Weasley instead, leaving Sirius confined within the walls
of number twelve. Harry changes into clean clothes, washes his
hair, and tries to mentally prepare himself for the possibility of
expulsion.
Chapter 7
On the morning of his hearing, Harry rises early and heads
downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley,
Sirius, Tonks, and Lupin await him there, offering their well
wishes. Accompanied by Mr. Weasley, Harry makes his way to the
Ministry of Magic. They enter the Ministry through a phone booth,
and Mr. Weasley escorts Harry to his office to wait. There, they
encounter Mr. Weasley's colleague, Perkins, who breathlessly
informs them that the time and location of Harry's hearing have
changed. Realizing they are already running late, Mr. Weasley
rushes Harry toward the courtroom and leaves him there.
Chapter 8
Stepping into the courtroom, Harry experiences a sense of déjà vu.
He recognizes it as the same place where he witnessed the
sentencingof the Lestrange family while inside Dumbledore's Pensieve.
Cornelius Fudge chastises Harry for his tardiness. The Wizengamot,
comprising around fifty wizards and witches, including Fudge and a
toadlike woman named Dolores Umbridge, preside over the hearing.
Percy Weasley is present to transcribe the proceedings. As the
hearing commences, Dumbledore strides into the room, positioning
himself as a witness for the defense. However, he avoids making eye
contact with Harry. The proceedings unfold, with members of the
Wizengamot expressing awe at Harry's ability to conjure a full
Patronus but remaining skeptical of his account of dementors
appearing in Little Whinging. Dumbledore calls Mrs. Figg as a
witness, and though nervous, she supports Harry's story. Fudge
stubbornly refuses to believe that dementors, who are under the
Ministry's strict control, could have escaped Azkaban to terrorize
a Muggle neighborhood. The Wizengamot votes, ultimately clearing
Harry of all charges. Before Harry can express his gratitude to
Dumbledore, the latter hastily exits the dungeon.
Chapter 9
Following the hearing, Mr. Weasley and Harry make their way back to
number twelve, where the Order has arranged a joyful feast. Sirius
maintains politeness, but there's a hint of unhappiness in his
demeanor regarding Harry's return to Hogwarts. Hermione suspects
that Sirius secretly desired Harry to live with him at number
twelve.
A day before the young wizards are set to resume school, Hogwarts
sends out the booklists. Both Ron and Hermione are chosen as
Gryffindor prefects for the upcoming year. The entire house is
astounded that Harry wasn't bestowed with the same honor. Mrs.
Weasley is overjoyed by Ron's achievement and purchases a new broom
for him. Meanwhile, Harry becomes increasingly infuriated that
Dumbledore overlooked him for the prefect position, mentally
recounting all the instances where he has proven himself to be a
superior wizard compared to Ron.
Later, Moody produces a photograph of the former members of the old
Order and shows it to Harry, explaining the cause of death for each
person who has passed away. Among the faces, Harry spots Neville's
parents and eventually his own parents. The sight of his mother and
father upsets him greatly. Annoyed with Moody for displaying the
photograph, Harry retreats upstairs.
Chapter 10
Harry has a troubled night's sleep, plagued by dreams of Mrs.
Weasley in tears and Ron and Hermione wearing crowns. He awakens to
Ron informing him that they're running late for the train to
Hogwarts. Harry requires a guardto accompany him. When they are unable to find Sturgis Podmore
to take up the position, Sirius volunteers, transforming into a
black dog named Padfoot, in direct defiance of Dumbledore's orders
to stay indoors. Before boarding the train, Harry, Ron, Hermione,
the twins, and Ginny are cautioned by the Order not to mention the
Order in their letters. Ron and Hermione settle in the prefect
cabin, while Ginny and Harry come across Neville. The three of them
reluctantly share a compartment with Luna "Loony" Lovegood, who is
engrossed in reading the wizard tabloid, The Quibbler, edited by
her father. Eventually, Ron and Hermione join them. Ron informs
Harry that Draco Malfoy has become a Slytherin prefect. Malfoy
barges into their compartment and threatens Harry, subtly alluding
to Sirius as a dog, but only Harry and Hermione catch the
reference. The train arrives at Hogwarts, and the students
disembark. Harry anticipates seeing Hagrid guiding the first-years,
but instead, Professor Grubbly-Plank is present. Approaching the
typically horseless carriages that transport the students to the
castle, Harry realizes that they are being pulled by skeletal,
winged creatures resembling horses. Harry inquires about the
horse-like beings to Ron, who is unable to see them. Luna confirms
that she can see them too, mentioning that she has been able to
since her first year at Hogwarts.
Chapter 11
As the first-year students arrive, the Sorting Hat, responsible for
assigning them to one of the four houses, breaks into song,
cautioning the students against internal division. Nearly Headless
Nick, the resident ghost, explains that the Hat only gives such
warnings when it senses a threat to Hogwarts. After the meal,
Dumbledore announces that Professor Grubbly-Plank will be taking
over Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class, and that Professor
Umbridge, the toadlike woman from Harry's trial, is the new Defense
Against the Dark Arts teacher. Professor Umbridge interrupts
Dumbledore's speech to deliver a long and tedious introduction,
confirming Harry's dislike for her. Only a few students pay
attention to the speech, but Hermione deduces that the Ministry
will be meddling in Hogwarts affairs this year. As Harry walks back
to the dormitories, he notices students pointing, staring, and
whispering about him as he passes by.
Chapter 12
At Hogwarts, all fifth-year students are required to take O.W.L.s,
or Ordinary Wizard Level exams. The professors assign an excessive
amount of homework to prepare them. Ron, Harry, and Hermione attend
their firstDefense Against the Dark Arts class with Professor Umbridge. On
the blackboard, Umbridge has written the course objectives, which
Hermione notices lack any mention of practical spellcasting and
focus solely on studying. Umbridge explains that the Ministry does
not want underage wizards engaging in dangerous and unnecessary
spellcasting. Harry explodes, emphasizing the need to be prepared
to combat Voldemort. Umbridge insists that Voldemort has not
returned and punishes Harry with detention every night for a week.
Harry is directed to speak with Professor McGonagall, who advises
him to be cautious of Umbridge and her superiors.
Chapter 13
To avoid the whispers of other students, Harry, Ron, and Hermione
leave dinner early. In the Gryffindor common room, Hermione catches
Fred and George testing their joke products on first-year students
and threatens to inform Mrs. Weasley. Before bed, Hermione places
small knitted hats for the House Elves, believing they should be
freed if they find their own clothing. As always, Hermione seems
more concerned about liberating the elves than considering their
own desires.
Gryffindor Quidditch captain Angelina Johnson scolds Harry for
missing Keeper tryouts due to his detention. After dinner, Harry
heads to Umbridge's office for his detention, where she assigns him
the task of repeatedly writing "I must not tell lies" on a piece of
parchment. She provides him with a special quill that causes the
words to appear in blood on the parchment. The phrase also etches
itself into the back of Harry's hand, causing a cut. As Harry
observes the wound, it heals over, albeit slightly redder. The
process is excruciatingly painful, but Harry refuses to show
weakness and refrains from complaining or asking questions.
Eventually, Umbridge releases him. It is well past midnight, and he
hasn't had the opportunity to complete any of his homework.
Harry keeps the details of his detention hidden from Ron and
Hermione. On his way back to the dormitory after his third night
with Umbridge, he encounters Ron, who has been secretly practicing
for Keeper tryouts. Harry is thrilled. Ron notices the mark on
Harry's hand, prompting Harry to finally disclose the truth about
his detention. Ron suggests reporting the situation to Dumbledore,
but Harry adamantly refuses. During his final detention on Friday,
Harry strains to catch a glimpse of Ron's Keeper tryout through the
window. Umbridge grabs his hand to assess his progress. As she
touches him, Harry's scar sears with intense pain, accompanied
bya strange sensation in his abdomen. Upon returning to the
dormitory, Harry discovers that Ron has made the Gryffindor
Quidditch team. He confides in Hermione about his detention and the
pain in his scar. Like Ron, she suggests seeking Dumbledore's help,
but Harry declines, mentioning that he may consider reaching out to
Sirius instead. Hermione quickly reminds him of the Order's warning
regarding letters.
Chapter 14
On Saturday morning, Harry rises early and writes a letter to
Sirius, cleverly hinting at Umbridge, the pain in his scar, and
Hagrid. He takes the letter to the Owlery and entrusts it to
Hedwig. During breakfast, Harry comes across an article in the
Daily Prophet announcing Sturgis Podmore's six-month sentence in
Azkaban for attempting to break into the Ministry. Ron speculates
that Sturgis was lured to the Ministry and arrested due to his
involvement with the Order. After breakfast, Ron and Harry head out
for Quidditch practice, while Hermione dedicates her time to
studying. During practice, Malfoy and the Slytherin team taunt and
target the Gryffindor players, with Ron being the primary
victim.
The following night, Harry and Ron study in the common room while
Hermione focuses on her knitting. Percy's owl, Hermes, arrives with
a letter from Percy. The letter congratulates Ron on becoming a
prefect but warns him to distance himself from Harry Potter. Ron
brushes off the letter, and the three continue studying until Harry
glimpses Sirius's head appearing in the fireplace. Sirius reassures
Harry not to worry too much about his scar, explaining that it
tingles whenever Voldemort experiences intense emotions. Sirius
agrees that Umbridge is unpleasant but doesn't believe she is a
Death Eater. Regarding Hagrid's whereabouts, Sirius admits he
doesn't know but assures Harry that Hagrid is likely safe. When
Sirius suggests transforming into a dog and joining Harry on his
next visit to Hogsmeade, both Harry and Hermione vehemently object.
Sirius mentions that Harry's father would have relished the risk
and vanishes back into the fire.
Chapter 15
Hermione receives her copy of the Daily Prophet, revealing that
Dolores Umbridge has been appointed as the High Inquisitor,
granting the Ministry of Magic unprecedented control over Hogwarts.
Umbridge will be present in all classes, monitoring the professors.
In Divination, Umbridge patrols the classroom with a clipboard,
scrutinizing Professor Trelawney and demanding predictions. Later,
in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Harry loses his temper again,
resulting in another week of detention.Umbridge reappears in Transfiguration, and Professor McGonagall
clearly expresses her disdain. Umbridge also attends Care of
Magical Creatures and appears pleased with Professor Grubbly-Plank.
After classes, Harry heads to Umbridge's office for yet another
detention. Later, Hermione proposes that the students form their
own study group for Defense Against the Dark Arts, with Harry as
their instructor. Initially skeptical, Harry is reminded of his
accomplishments, including his encounter with Voldemort. He agrees
to consider Hermione's proposal.
Chapter 16
Hermione asks Harry if he has given more thought to teaching
Defense Against the Dark Arts. After much persuasion, Harry finally
agrees to lead the group. Hermione discreetly spreads the word
about a meeting to discuss a student-led Defense Against the Dark
Arts group during the next trip to Hogsmeade. She arranges for
everyone to gather at the Hog's Head, a pub, to discuss the
details. Hermione anticipates only a few attendees, but to their
surprise, twenty-five students show up. Hermione introduces Harry,
explaining the necessity for the students to learn practical
defense as Voldemort has returned. While some students voice
dissent, they all show interest in Harry's account of facing
Voldemort firsthand. Hermione passes around a piece of parchment,
and everyone signs their names, demonstrating their commitment to
the cause.
Chapter 17
Umbridge issues an Education Decree that prohibits all student
organizations, including the Quidditch teams, from meeting without
her approval. Ron and Harry suspect that Umbridge is aware of their
Defense group, but Hermione assures them that she placed a jinx on
the parchment, making it known if anyone had revealed their secret.
In History of Magic, Harry spots Hedwig at the window, looking
disheveled and holding her wing strangely. Concerned, Harry takes
Hedwig to Professor Grubbly-Plank, who agrees to mend her and finds
a letter attached to her leg. The letter is from Sirius,
instructing Harry to meet at the usual time and place.
Umbridge attends the Potions class, visibly irritating Snape.
Later, in the Common Room, Harry, Ron, and Hermione study until
everyone else has retired to bed. Sirius appears in the fireplace,
revealing that he is aware of their hidden Defense Against the Dark
Arts group and encourages them to continue meeting. Their
conversation is abruptly interrupted when Sirius spots Umbridge's
hand reaching through the flames, attempting to grasp him.
Chapter 18
Hermione blames Hedwig's injuries on Umbridge reading Harry's mail,
a sentiment Harry agrees with. After their classes, Angelina
receivespermission to reform the Gryffindor Quidditch team and arranges
a practice for that evening. When Harry and Ron arrive at the
Pitch, the weather is cold and rainy. Harry's scar begins to ache,
indicating that Voldemort is agitated due to something not
progressing as quickly as he desires. Later, while studying in the
Common Room, Harry dozes off by the fire. He is awakened by Dobby,
the House Elf. Harry inquires if there is a room where the students
can practice Defense discreetly. Dobby informs him about the Room
of Requirement, which only appears when it is needed. Harry calls
for a meeting the following night, and students gather. Hermione
suggests they decide on a name, with Cho Chang proposing "D.A." for
Defense Association, and Ginny adding that it can also stand for
Dumbledore's Army. Hermione writes "Dumbledore's Army" on a
parchment, listing everyone's names, and hangs it on the wall. They
begin their practice sessions, and Harry is impressed by their
dedication.
Chapter 19
The first Quidditch match of the season, Gryffindor versus
Slytherin, approaches. On the day of the match, Ron is too nervous
to speak. The Slytherin team wears badges that read "Weasley is our
King." From the stands, the Slytherins mockingly sing a song with
the same title, targeting Ron's skills as a Keeper. Embarrassed,
Ron misses several shots during the game. Thankfully, Harry catches
the snitch, leading Gryffindor to victory.
Malfoy and his cronies hurl insults, prompting Harry and George to
confront Malfoy, resulting in them being sent to McGonagall's
office. Each receives a week of detention. Umbridge appears, armed
with another Decree from the Ministry, granting her authority over
all punishments. Although infuriated, McGonagall is unable to
prevent Umbridge from banning Harry, George, and even Fred(who was
not involved in the altercation) from ever playing Quidditch again.
Umbridge confiscates their brooms. Harry is devastated. Later,
Hermione realizes that Hagrid has returned.
Chapter 20
Harry, Ron, and Hermione hastily grab Harry's Invisibility Cloak
and make their way to Hagrid's cabin. They find Hagrid with a badly
bruised and bleeding face. Hagrid reveals that he ventured into the
mountains to speak with Giants and gather their support for
Dumbledore but failed to persuade them. Just as they arrive,
Umbridge knocks on the door, prompting Harry, Ron, and Hermione to
hide under the Invisibility Cloak in a corner. Umbridge forces her
way into Hagrid's cabin, demanding information about the
Giants.However, Hagrid adamantly refuses to divulge anything. After
Umbridge departs, Hermione warns Hagrid about Umbridge's class
inspections and advises him to be cautious about teaching anything
too dangerous or unconventional. Hagrid, however, seems
unconcerned.
Chapter 21
The next day, Hagrid leads his class into the forest. The eerie
horse-like creatures that Harry previously saw pulling carriages
reappear, and Hagrid inquires who can see them. Harry, Neville, and
a Slytherin student raise their hands. Hagrid explains that these
creatures are called thestrals and are only visible to those who
have witnessed death. Angelina, the Gryffindor Quidditch captain,
selects Ginny Weasley as Harry's replacement as Gryffindor Seeker.
During the final D.A. meeting before the Christmas break, Harry
finds himself alone with Cho Chang. Cho begins to cry and admits
that she has been thinking about Cedric, her late boyfriend who was
killed by Voldemort in the previous book. Under the mistletoe,
Harry and Cho share a kiss.
Returning to the Common Room, Harry recounts the events to Ron and
Hermione before falling asleep, his mind consumed with thoughts. In
his dream, he experiences a sense of smooth and powerful movement
as he transforms into a snake. He slithers toward a man sitting on
the floor, guarding a door. Harry lunges at the man, sinking his
fangs into the flesh. Awakened by Ron standing over him, Harry is
drenched in sweat and extreme pain. His scar burns more intensely
than ever. Neville arrives with McGonagall, and Harry informs her
that Ron's father has been attacked by a snake. McGonagall nods and
escorts Harry to Dumbledore's office.
Chapter 22
Harry reveals his vision and how he inhabited the snake's body
during the attack to Dumbledore. Seeking assistance, Dumbledore
calls upon the portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses
hanging on the walls of his office. He asks them to raise the
alarm. When the portraits return, they explain that members of the
Order have located Mr. Weasley at the Ministry and taken him to St.
Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. McGonagall
wakes the other Weasley children, and they prepare to travel to
Twelve Grimmauld Place using a Portkey. Just as they are about to
depart, Harry's scar begins to burn. He looks at Dumbledore with an
intense hatred, struggling against the urge to attack him.
Suddenly, they are transported back to number twelve. Harry
confides in Fred, Ginny, George, and Sirius about his vision but
omitsthe fact that he actually inhabited the snake's body. A letter
arrives from Mrs. Weasley, bringing the news that Mr. Weasley is
still alive. Mrs. Weasley returns from St. Mungo's and expresses
her gratitude to Harry, believing that his vision saved Mr.
Weasley's life. The Weasley family and Harry agree to spend the
holidays with Sirius. Harry opens up to Sirius, revealing the
complete truth about his vision and the anger he felt towards
Dumbledore right before leaving Hogwarts. Sirius reassures him not
to worry. The group visits Mr. Weasley at St. Mungo's, where he is
heavily bandaged but in high spirits. After a brief visit, Harry
and the Weasley children leave to allow Tonks and Mad-Eye their
turn. Outside, Harry, Ron, and the twins decide to use Extendable
Ears to eavesdrop on their conversation. To their shock, they
overhear Mad-Eye suggesting that Harry might be possessed by
Voldemort. Harry drops his ear and looks at the others, their faces
filled with fear.
Chapter 23
Harry contemplates the possibility that he himself might be the
weapon Voldemort is searching for. Back at Grimmauld Place, he
decides that the safest course of action is to leave Hogwarts
forever and return to Little Whinging. As he begins packing his
trunk, Phineas Nigellus appears in his portrait and delivers a
message from Dumbledore, urging Harry to stay where he is.
Reluctantly, Harry agrees to remain in bed, but he feels
conflicted.
The following evening, Hermione interrupts Harry's seclusion,
scolding him for his behavior. Ron and Ginny join them, and Ginny
shares her unique perspective as someone who has experienced
possession by Voldemort. She doesn't believe Harry is going through
the same thing, bringing him some relief. Finally, Harry decides to
join in the festivities. During a visit to St. Mungo's, they
encounter Neville and his grandmother, who are visiting Neville's
parents. Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom were driven to madness by
Bellatrix Lestrange.
Chapter 24
Snape arrives to speak with Harry, revealing that Dumbledore has
assigned him the task of teaching Harry Occlumency, the art of
defending the mind against intrusion. Although Harry is displeased
about having extra lessons with Snape, he agrees to learn. Before
leaving for Hogwarts, Sirius hands him a wrapped package, advising
him to use it only if necessary.
Back at Hogwarts, Harry schedules a Hogsmeade date with Cho for
Valentine's Day. He heads to Snape's office for his Occlumency
lessons. Snape explains theimportance of blocking Voldemort's expertise in Legilimency, the
ability to extract thoughts and memories from another person's
mind. Snape clears his thoughts into a Pensieve, and Harry prepares
himself. Snape delves into Harry's mind, searching through his
memories. Harry resists, struggling to return to the present, but
he falls to his knees in the process. They try again, but Harry
fails to block Snape once more. On the next attempt, Harry is
dragged into his recurring dream, running alongside Mr. Weasley in
a corridor that he recognizes as leading to the Department of
Mysteries. Harry asks Snape about the Department, but Snape
dismisses the question. Later that night, Harry's scar starts to
burn, signaling Voldemort's intense happiness.
Chapter 25
The following morning, Hermione reads in the Daily Prophet about a
mass breakout at Azkaban, with ten former Death Eaters, including
Bellatrix Lestrange, on the loose. Harry realizes that this is the
reason behind Voldemort's happiness the previous night. They also
learn that a Ministry worker named Bode died at St. Mungo's after
being strangled by a dangerous plant. Ron recalls his father
mentioning Bode and his work in the Department of Mysteries.
Umbridge enforces a new Educational Decree, forbidding Hogwarts
teachers from discussing anything unrelated to their subjects with
students.
Umbridge attends every Divination and Care of Magical Creatures
class, leading students to speculate about the potential firing of
Trelawney or Hagrid. Hagrid forbids Harry, Ron, and Hermione from
visiting his cabin, citing it as too dangerous.
Harry's Valentine's Day date with Cho turns out to be a disaster.
Harry mentions his meeting with Hermione, causing Cho to feel
jealous and upset. The date ends with Cho in tears. Confused, Harry
heads to the Three Broomsticks to meet Hermione, who is accompanied
by Luna Lovegood and Rita Skeeter, a reporter from the Daily
Prophet whom Hermione strongly dislikes. Hermione uses Rita's
unregistered Animagus status to blackmail her into writing an
honest cover story about Harry for The Quibbler.
Chapter 26
Harry's Quibbler article is published, but Umbridge swiftly
responds by issuing a decree banning students from reading or
possessing the Quibbler. That night, Harry's scar starts to ache,
and he has another vision in which he sees himself as Voldemort
discussing Bode's death with Rockwood, an escaped Death Eater.
Harry wakes up screaming, and Ron suggests once again that he
should seek Dumbledore's help. However, Harry stubbornly refuses.
The next morning, Hermione deduces thatBode was likely under the Imperius Curse when he tried to
retrieve the mysterious weapon Voldemort is after, resulting in his
madness and hospitalization at St. Mungo's.
Harry continues his Occlumency lessons with Snape but makes little
progress. However, he does manage to briefly invade Snape's mind.
Their lesson is interrupted by Professor Trelawney's screams in the
entrance hall. Umbridge has fired her, but Dumbledore intervenes,
allowing Trelawney to stay and reside at Hogwarts, though her
teaching position remains revoked. Dumbledore then introduces the
new Divination teacher, a Centaur named Firenze.
Chapter 27
Firenze takes over Trelawney's responsibilities, reminding the
students that even centaurs' knowledge is not infallible. After
class, Firenze asks Harry to convey a message to Hagrid, urging him
to abandon his current endeavor as it is not working. Harry
delivers the message, but Hagrid disregards the advice.
The D.A. continues their training, focusing on conjuring
Patronuses. Dobby interrupts their session to warn them of
Umbridge's impending arrival, prompting the students to scatter.
However, Malfoy trips Harry and hands him over to Umbridge. She
forcefully takes Harry to Dumbledore's office, where Cornelius
Fudge awaits, and summons her informant, Marietta, a Ravenclaw
student. Due to Hermione's jinx on the D.A. scroll, Marietta's face
is covered in large purple pimples that spell out the word "Sneak."
Marietta refuses to uncover her face to speak. Dumbledore assumes
full responsibility for the D.A. and points to the parchment, which
clearly identifies the group as "Dumbledore's Army." When the
Minister attempts to arrest Dumbledore, he disappears in a flash of
silver light.
Chapter 28
Umbridge becomes the new Headmistress, wielding her authority and
appointing an Inquisitorial Squad consisting mainly of Slytherin
students, including Draco Malfoy, to enforce her rules. The Squad
has the power to deduct points from other Houses, and Malfoy
relishes in this newfound authority. Fred and George, however, vow
to make Umbridge's time at Hogwarts as challenging as possible.
They unleash a crate of fireworks in the Great Hall, and to
Umbridge's frustration, her magic has no effect on the mischievous
fireworks. The faculty refuses to intervene as explosions continue
throughout the afternoon.
Harry has another dream about the Department of Mysteries, this
time managing to enter a room filled with dusty glass spheres. As
he approaches one of the spheres, he abruptly wakes up. The next
day, Harry resumes his lessons with Snape, but their session is
interrupted by Malfoy, who informs Snape thatUmbridge requires his assistance. Taking advantage of Snape's
absence, Harry decides to explore the Pensieve in hopes of gaining
insight into the Department of Mysteries. Inside the Pensieve,
Harry witnesses Snape taking his O.W.L. exams and then observes his
father, James Potter, along with Sirius, Lupin, and Moody. To
Harry's dismay, he witnesses James and Sirius tormenting and
humiliating Snape in front of other students. Lily, Harry's mother,
tries to intervene, but Snape cruelly insults her, causing her to
withdraw. Snape pulls Harry out of the Pensieve in a fit of rage,
leaving Harry devastated by his father and Sirius' behavior.
Chapter 29
Harry is denied further Occlumency lessons by Snape and
contemplates discussing what he saw in the Pensieve with Sirius,
but he knows it's too risky. A notice for Career Advice is posted,
and fifth-year students must schedule meetings with their Heads of
House. Fred and George propose a plan to create a distraction so
Harry can communicate with Sirius through Umbridge's office
fireplace. Hermione is concerned about the danger involved. Harry
attends his Career Advice meeting with McGonagall, where Umbridge
is also present. McGonagall supports Harry's aspiration to become
an Auror and encourages him to work hard. Umbridge suggests an
alternative path, as she doubts the Ministry would employ him.
Harry prepares for his secret communication with Sirius,
contemplating his father's risk-taking nature and questioning
whether he wants to emulate him.
Harry sneaks into Umbridge's office and uses the Floo Network to
talk to Sirius through the fireplace at Grimmauld Place. Harry
shares his Pensieve experience with Sirius, who dismisses the
behavior as youthful foolishness. Harry mentions Snape's
discontinuation of the Occlumency lessons, prompting Lupin to urge
Harry to convince Snape to resume them. After their conversation,
Harry returns to find that Fred and George have transformed the
school into a swamp. Umbridge threatens severe punishment, but the
mischievous twins decide to abandon Hogwarts instead. They retrieve
their brooms from Umbridge's office and fly off, bidding farewell
to Peeves, the Hogwarts poltergeist.
Chapter 30
Harry and Hermione attend the final Quidditch match of the season
between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Hagrid unexpectedly approaches
them and leads them into the Forbidden Forest. They encounter a
Giant that Hagrid has brought back from the mountains, believing
him to be his half-brother. The Giant, named Grawp, had been
mistreated by other Giants due to his small size. Hagrid introduces
Harry and Hermione to Grawp,who displays his strength by uprooting trees. Hagrid asks the
young wizards to visit Grawp and help him learn English in case
Hagrid gets dismissed from his position. On their way out of the
forest, Hagrid is confronted by a hostile group of Centaurs,
angered by his bringing Grawp to their territory. Harry and
Hermione return to the Quidditch pitch to witness the revised
version of the song "Weasley is our King." Gryffindor emerges as
the victor, winning the Quidditch cup, and Ron is overjoyed.
Chapter 31
Harry and Hermione share Hagrid's request with Ron, who is
initially horrified but doesn't want to disappoint Hagrid. The
students begin their O.W.L. exams, and while filling in their star
charts in the Astronomy Tower, Harry spots a group of six
individuals entering Hagrid's cabin. They attempt to stun Hagrid
simultaneously, but he manages to deflect their spells. Professor
McGonagall rushes to his aid and is hit by four red beams, leaving
her injured. Hagrid escapes beyond the school gates. Professor
Trelawney escorts the injured McGonagall to the hospital wing.
Harry gets little sleep that night.
The next day, Harry is exhausted during his History of Magic exam
and even falls asleep. He experiences another vision, reaching the
room with the glass spheres, where he hears Voldemort's voice
instructing a black figure to retrieve a specific sphere. The
figure, who is revealed to be Sirius, refuses and declares he would
rather die. Harry realizes that Sirius is being tortured by
Voldemort, leaving him deeply distressed.
Chapter 32
Leaving the Great Hall, Harry seeks out McGonagall but learns that
she has been taken to St. Mungo's. With no one else to turn to, he
rushes to find Ron and Hermione. Hermione cautions Harry about the
possibility of Voldemort luring him to the Department of Mysteries,
exploiting his desire to save Sirius.
Not willing to take any chances, Harry insists they go to the
Ministry as soon as possible. Ginny and Luna join them, offering
their assistance. Hermione convinces Harry to first use the
fireplace in Umbridge's office to verify if Sirius is truly at
Grimmauld Place. Ginny and Luna agree to keep watch in the hallway,
while Ron creates a diversion. Inside Umbridge's office, Harry uses
Floo powder to transport himself to Grimmauld Place. Kreacher
appears and reveals that Sirius is at the Department of Mysteries.
Before Harry can react, Umbridge pulls him out of the fireplace,
demandingto know whom he was talking to. Harry realizes that Ginny,
Hermione, Ron, Luna, and Neville have been captured by Umbridge's
squad. Snape enters the office, and Harry desperately shouts, "He's
got Padfoot at the place where it's hidden!" hoping that Snape will
contact someone from the Order.
Umbridge confesses that she was responsible for sending the
dementors to Little Whinging the previous summer. Just as she is
about to use the illegal Cruciatus Curse on Harry, Hermione
intervenes, claiming that Harry was trying to contact Dumbledore.
Hermione explains that Dumbledore had instructed the students to
prepare a weapon for him and they needed to inform him it was
ready. Umbridge appears to believe her and demands that Harry and
Hermione lead her to the weapon.
Chapter 33
Harry follows Hermione out of Hogwarts, with Umbridge trailing
behind. He has no idea where Hermione is leading them. They enter
the Forbidden Forest but take a different path from Grawp's
location. Suddenly, a group of Centaurs surrounds them. Umbridge
insults the Centaurs, and they seize her and carry her away. Grawp
emerges and recognizes Hermione. In broken English, he demands to
know Hagrid's whereabouts. Hermione screams that she doesn't know,
and amidst the chaos, she and Harry manage to escape to safety. As
they make their way out of the forest, they encounter Ron, Ginny,
Neville, and Luna, who had escaped their captors using defensive
skills and ventured into the forest to find Harry and Hermione.
Harry initially wants to go to the Ministry alone, but his friends
insist on helping him save Sirius. Luna spots a herd of thestrals,
capable of taking them to the Ministry.
Chapter 34
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville, and Ginny ride the thestrals
to the Ministry and use the elevators to reach the Department of
Mysteries. Recognizing the corridor from his dreams, Harry knows
which door to enter. In the next chamber, they encounter multiple
doors, uncertain of which one to choose. They try several doors,
discovering a room filled with brains in a tank and another
containing an ancient archway with worn-out black curtains. Harry
hears whispers emanating from behind the curtains. Finally, they
find the correct door and proceed toward the dusty spheres,
realizing that Sirius is not present. Harry starts to consider
Hermione's suspicions as valid. Ron notices a dusty sphere with
both Harry's and Voldemort's names on it. Harry picks it up, and
momentslater, Lucius Malfoy commands him to hand it over.
Chapter 35
Harry demands to know Sirius's whereabouts, but Malfoy attempts to
persuade him to hand over the prophecy. Refusing to surrender the
sphere, Harry threatens to destroy it if the approaching Death
Eaters harm his friends. Malfoy reveals that the prophecy contains
the story of Harry's scar and explains that only those about whom a
prophecy has been made can safely retrieve it. Voldemort could not
personally come to the Ministry due to the risk of being captured,
so they manipulated Harry's dreams to make him believe Sirius was
in danger and lure him there.
Upon Harry's signal, the students use their wands to shatter the
rows of spheres. Harry sprints from the chamber, tightly clutching
the prophecy. The Death Eaters give chase. In the chaos, Hermione
is stunned and falls, while Neville suffers a broken nose. Ron
falls under the influence of a lunacy spell, and Ginny's ankle is
broken by a Death Eater. Dragging Hermione along, they continue to
move, but they are cornered by five Death Eaters in the brain room.
Ron grabs a brain jar, which retaliates with tentacles attempting
to strangle him. The Death Eaters stun Ginny and toss Luna into a
desk, rendering them unconscious. Now, only Neville and Harry
remain to face the remaining Death Eaters. As Harry clings to the
prophecy, he enters the arch room. Neville follows, and Bellatrix
Lestrange begins torturing Neville with the Cruciatus Curse.
Suddenly, Sirius, Lupin, Moody, Tonks, and Kingsley arrive. Sirius
urgently instructs Harry to take Neville and the prophecy and flee.
In the midst of the chaos, the prophecy slips from Harry's robes
and shatters. Dumbledore materializes and confronts the Death
Eaters, while Bellatrix, engaged in a duel with Sirius, strikes him
with a jet of red light, causing him to fall through the curtains.
Harry rushes toward the arch, but Lupin restrains him. Lupin
reveals to Harry that Sirius is gone.
Chapter 36
Refusing to accept Sirius's death, Harry spots Bellatrix and gives
chase, vowing to avenge Sirius's murder. He confronts her in the
Atrium, declaring that the prophecy is destroyed and she will have
to kill him. Voldemort and Dumbledore appear. Voldemort strikes
Dumbledore, but Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, intercepts the
attack. Voldemort vanishes, and Harry's scar bursts open. Using
Harry's voice, Voldemort speaks to Dumbledore, asking him to kill
Harry and thereby kill Voldemort himself. Suddenly, Harrysenses Voldemort leaving his body, and he collapses to the
floor. Harry learns that Voldemort had seized Bellatrix and
Disapparated from the Ministry. Cornelius Fudge arrives,
bewildered, demanding an explanation. Dumbledore promises to
provide one after sending Harry back to Hogwarts. Still in shock,
Dumbledore gives Harry a Portkey, and in an instant, Harry is
transported back to Dumbledore's office.
Chapter 37
Harry reunites with Dumbledore in his office, visibly distraught
over Sirius's death. Dumbledore tells Harry that this pain is his
greatest strength. Dumbledore admits that Sirius's death is partly
his fault for not revealing the full truth about Harry's scar.
Dumbledore explains that on the night Harry witnessed Mr. Weasley's
attack, Voldemort realized that Harry's scar enabled him to access
Voldemort's thoughts and actions. Believing that this connection
worked both ways, Voldemort began invading Harry's mind, prompting
Dumbledore to assign Snape to teach Harry Occlumency. Voldemort
knew that Harry would go to great lengths to save Sirius, so he
projected the illusion of Sirius's torture into Harry's mind.
Voldemort needed Harry to retrieve the prophecy because he couldn't
risk entering the Ministry himself, and nobody else would be able
to touch it.
Harry's presence with the Dursleys instead of a wizarding family
when he was a baby was due to a protection spell. Hagrid brought
him there because being near his mother's blood, which came in the
form of Aunt Petunia, kept him safe. As long as Harry considers the
place where his mother's blood resides as home, he remains
protected. Dumbledore sent the Howler to Petunia to remind her of
this bond.
Dumbledore continues his explanation, revealing that sixteen years
ago, Sybill Trelawney made a prophecy about a boy born at the end
of July to parents who had defied Voldemort three times. This part
of the prophecy could have applied to either Harry or Neville, both
born at the end of July to Order members. However, the prophecy
stated that Voldemort would mark the child as his equal and choose
the one he believed would pose the greatest threat. Dumbledore
believes that Voldemort chose Harry because he, like Voldemort, is
a half-blood. However, Voldemort only heard the first part of the
prophecy. The second part proclaimed that the child would possess
powers that the Dark Lord knew not and that either must die at the
hand of the other, as neither can live while the other survives.
Dumbledore explainsto Harry that the power distinguishing him is love.
Chapter 38
Harry finds himself in the hospital wing, surrounded by Ron,
Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna. Umbridge, saved by Dumbledore
from the Centaurs, is also recovering in the same ward. Keeping the
prophecy to himself, Harry tells his friends that he plans to visit
Hagrid. However, instead of going to Hagrid, he sits alone at the
edge of the lake, overcome with sadness.
Professor McGonagall makes a full recovery and returns to Hogwarts.
On the day before the end of term, Umbridge departs from the
school. Ron eagerly rushes off to attend the Great Feast, while
Harry remains behind to pack his belongings. Amidst his packing,
Harry comes across the wrapped package Sirius had given him at
Christmas. He tears off the paper and discovers a mirror with an
inscription on the back, instructing him to use it for
communication with Sirius. Harry calls out into the mirror, but
there is no response. Devastated, he hurls the mirror to the
ground, shattering it. Feeling lost, Harry decides to seek advice
from a Hogwarts ghost and encounters Nearly Headless Nick. Nick
explains that not all deceased wizards become ghosts. Distraught,
Harry crosses paths with Luna, who inquires about Sirius. Recalling
Luna's ability to see thestrals, he asks if she has experienced the
loss of someone she knew. Luna reveals that her mother passed away
when she was nine and shares her belief that the voices behind the
curtain in the Department of Mysteries belong to deceased wizards.
Unsure of whether to believe her or not, Harry ponders her
words.
The following day, all the Hogwarts students board the Hogwarts
Express. Cho walks past Harry, but he avoids meeting her gaze. He
informs Ron that there is nothing going on between him and Cho
anymore, and Hermione gently informs him that Cho is now dating
Michael Corner. The news doesn't faze Harry. Upon arriving at Kings
Cross, Harry spots several members of the Order awaiting him. Lupin
notices the presence of the Dursleys, and Moody, Tonks, and Mr.
Weasley insist that they treat Harry fairly during his summer stay.
Moody assures Harry that if he doesn't hear from him for three
consecutive days, someone will be sent to check on him. Ron and
Hermione promise to see him soon, and Harry heads back to Four
Privet Drive.