I just finished reading 400 pages of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. Rowling’s smash hit series has sold over 450 million copies, and she’s earned billions of dollars from the adventures of Harry and company. She currently lives in Scotland with her family. I wanted to re-read all of the Harry Potter books this year, and this is the fifth (and longest) stop in my journey. So far I am loving this series again, and it’s no different with this book.
400 pages into Harry’s 5th year at Hogwarts, things are getting loony. The wizard world seems to be torn in two; there are people who believe the super-villain Voldemort is back, and others who think it’s a crazy story made up by Dumbledore, the head master at Hogwarts, and Harry. The minister of magic himself thinks that Dumbledore is trying to build a private army with his students, and is using his story to scare people. In fright, the minister of magic sends a teacher to Hogwarts under his own personal orders, and in due process prevent students from learning new magic. But Harry along with his friends Ron and Hermione have other plans. They intend to start their own underground magic class, learning and teaching themselves how to prepare for whats out there. But the Consequences are devastating, any student caught doing a club activity without permission are expelled. The 3 kids must find a way to train not only themselves; but friends as well- or their 5th year will be wasted. I noticed how the author made this book different from the first four. I think J.K. Rowling realized that when writing this series people might find it a bit dull if Harry repeats the same routine at the same school with the same teachers 7 years in a row. Starting with this book, Harry and his friends are spending less and less time at school, and more in other places (and in most cases places they shouldn’t be). But I don’t get why she made it boring; J.K. Rowling had the opportunity to make something exciting and suspenseful in the beginning of the book when Harry’s away from home, but instead it’s rather sub-par from what I’ve come to expect from this series. I wish it had more action.
Here is a passage that I found interesting,
“Who, then?” said Harry, frowning at her.
Hermione heaved a very deep sigh
“Isn’t it obvious?” she said. “I’m talking about you Harry.”
There was a moment’s silence. A light night breeze rattle the windowpanes behind Ron and the fire guttered.
“About me what?” said Harry
“I’m talking about you teaching us defense against the dark arts.”
Harry stared at her. Then he turned to Ron, ready to exchange the exasperated looks they sometimes shared when Hermione elaborated on far-fetched schemes like S.P.E.W. To Harry’s consternation, however, Ron did not look exasperated. He was frowning slightly, apparently thinking. Then he said, That’s an idea.”
“What’s an idea?” said Harry
“You,” said Ron. “Teaching us to do it.”
“But…”
Harry was grinning now, sure the pair of them were pulling his leg.
“But I’m not a teacher, I can’t-
“Harry, you’re the best in the year at defense against the dark arts,” said Hermione.
“Me?” said Harry, now grinning more broadly than ever. “No I’m not, you’ve beaten me in every test-”
“Actually, I haven’t,” said Hermione cooly. “You beat me in our third year- the only year we both sat the test and had a teacher who actually knew the subject. But I’m not talking about test results, Harry. Look at what you’ve done!” (p.326)
I found this paragraph interesting because its an example of irony, a tool that J.K. Rowling uses often. Hermione, the smartest person in the whole school, is telling Harry that he should teach her and tutor her. Throughout the book the author keeps you on your toes for things like this, and it’s one of the things that makes this series great.
Overall this is a great book. Personally, I think its the worst book in the series, but that’s not saying much, considering all of them are amazing. I would rate it an 8.5 out of 10. I recommend this series to everyone: Harry Potter is a series that the whole world should know about.
Sincerely,
Colin