Harry Potter, #5
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
Percy and Padfoot
Overview
Harry secretly writes Sirius, then has an awkward but heartening meeting with Cho before Filch falsely accuses him of ordering Dungbombs. The Daily Prophet hints Sirius is in London and reports Sturgis Podmore’s arrest. Gryffindor practice goes poorly amid Slytherin taunts, Katie is injured, and Ron’s confidence falters. That night Percy urges Ron to sever ties with Harry, but Sirius contacts them via the fire, discussing Harry’s scar, Umbridge’s restrictions, Fudge’s paranoia, Hagrid’s delay, and warning them not to draw attention.
Summary
At dawn, Harry composes a carefully coded letter to Sirius and sends it with Hedwig. In the Owlery, he briefly sees a thestral-like winged horse over the Forest, then meets Cho Chang, who praises his stand against Umbridge. Filch bursts in, wrongly accusing Harry of ordering Dungbombs, but Cho confirms Harry has already mailed a harmless letter, driving Filch away.
At breakfast, the Daily Prophet claims Sirius is hiding in London. A tiny notice reports Sturgis Podmore’s arrest for trespassing at the Ministry and a six-month Azkaban sentence, prompting speculation about a frame-up or Order business. Harry and Ron postpone homework for Quidditch practice despite Hermione’s warnings.
Ron practices early with Harry and does decently, but during team training Slytherins heckle relentlessly. Ron’s nerves show; he misses passes, bleeds confidence, and Angelina scolds his positioning. A mishap and Fred’s product leave Katie Bell with a severe nosebleed, ending practice early as Fred and George escort her to the hospital wing.
That night, homework stalls until Hermes delivers Percy’s letter. Percy congratulates Ron but urges him to distance himself from Harry, support Umbridge and the Ministry, and hints Dumbledore may be ousted. Ron rips up the letter, and Hermione, moved, helps correct their essays.
As they work, Sirius’s head appears in the fire. He downplays Harry’s scar pain as a side effect of Voldemort’s return, dismisses a link to Umbridge, and describes her anti–part-human bigotry. He says Fudge fears Dumbledore is training a private army and is curtailing practical Defense. Sirius reports Hagrid is overdue but likely fine and warns them not to ask questions. When Sirius suggests meeting in Hogsmeade, Harry and Hermione refuse due to the Prophet’s tip and Malfoy’s suspicion; Sirius bristles, comparing Harry unfavorably to James, then departs.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterWrites to Sirius, meets Cho, is accused by Filch, practices Quidditch, and speaks with Sirius via the fire about his scar and Umbridge.
- Sirius BlackAppears in the fire; advises on Harry’s scar, criticizes Umbridge, explains Fudge’s paranoia, updates on Hagrid, and proposes a risky meeting.
- Ron WeasleyNervous new Keeper who struggles at practice; receives Percy’s letter urging him to shun Harry; destroys it; accepts Hermione’s help.
- Hermione GrangerPushes homework, spots Prophet items, comforts and then helps correct essays; warns Sirius against risks and defends Kreacher.
- Cho ChangMeets Harry in the Owlery, praises his bravery, and defends him against Filch’s accusation.
- Argus FilchStorms into the Owlery accusing Harry of ordering Dungbombs; retreats when Cho confirms the letter is already sent.
- Angelina JohnsonCaptain running practice; instructs Ron, ends session when Katie is injured.
- Fred WeasleyBeater; gives Katie a product that worsens bleeding; helps escort her to the hospital wing.
- George WeasleyBeater; assists during practice and helps take Katie to the hospital wing.
- Katie BellChaser accidentally hit; suffers severe nosebleed and is sent to the hospital wing.
- Draco MalfoyLeads Slytherin taunts from the stands, undermining Ron’s confidence.
- Pansy ParkinsonJoins Slytherin jeers, mocking Angelina’s hair.
- Nearly Headless NickWarns Harry about a Peeves trap on his way to the Owlery.
- HedwigDelivers Harry’s coded letter to Sirius.
- Mrs. NorrisFilch’s watchful cat, seen tailing Harry before the Owlery confrontation.