Ch. 321Starting a New Book—Please Support Me and Add It to Your Favorites
Key Plot Points and Events
- Harry returns to the Dursleys for the summer, where he's subjected to the Ministry of Magic's propaganda against Dumbledore and Harry's claims about Voldemort's return.
- Harry learns about the 'Order of the Phoenix,' a secret organization dedicated to fighting Voldemort, and that his godfather, Sirius Black, is a member.
- Harry, Ron, and Hermione are selected for the new Defense Against the Dark Arts position, taught by Professor Dolores Umbridge, who refuses to teach practical magic.
- Harry experiences visions of Voldemort's thoughts and actions, leading him to believe that Voldemort is regaining his powers and body.
Character Developments
- Harry struggles with feelings of isolation and paranoia, exacerbated by the lack of support from the magical community and the Dursleys.
- Ron and Hermione grow more independent and confident, taking the initiative to learn and practice Defense Against the Dark Arts on their own.
- Professor Umbridge is introduced as a cruel, manipulative, and power-hungry bureaucrat who will stop at nothing to maintain her control over Hogwarts.
Significant Themes
- Propaganda and Misinformation: The Ministry's use of propaganda to control public opinion and discredit Harry and Dumbledore.
- Fear and Paranoia: Harry's struggle with fear and paranoia, and how it affects his relationships and decisions.
- Power and Corruption: Umbridge's abuse of power and the corrupting influence of authority.
Character Interactions
- Harry, Ron, and Hermione's friendship deepens as they face adversity together, with Hermione taking a more assertive role.
- Harry's relationship with Sirius becomes more strained due to Sirius's overprotectiveness and Harry's frustration with his lack of freedom.
- Harry's interactions with Umbridge highlight her cruelty and his growing rebelliousness, setting the stage for their future confrontations.