Harry Potter, #5
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
The Sorting Hat’s New Song
Overview
Returning to Hogwarts, Harry notices Hagrid’s absence and discovers he and Luna can see skeletal thestrals. The Sorting Hat delivers a rare warning to unite against looming dangers. Dumbledore introduces Umbridge, who makes a controlling, Ministry-flavored speech. That night, Seamus confronts Harry about Voldemort, deepening Harry’s isolation while Ron and Neville stand by him.
Summary
Harry rides the carriages to Hogwarts preoccupied by the skeletal winged horses only he and Luna Lovegood can see. In the Great Hall, Hagrid’s seat is empty and Professor Grubbly-Plank appears, worrying the friends. Harry recognizes Dolores Umbridge from his hearing sitting beside Dumbledore.
The first years enter and the Sorting Hat sings an unusual song warning that Hogwarts faces external danger and must unite or crumble from within. After the Sorting, Dumbledore welcomes all and begins notices.
Dumbledore announces staff changes: Grubbly-Plank for Care of Magical Creatures and Umbridge for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Umbridge pointedly interrupts to deliver a bland yet ominous speech about balancing tradition and change and pruning prohibited practices. Staff react coolly; Hermione discerns the Ministry’s interference behind Umbridge’s words.
After the feast, Hermione and Ron shepherd first years while Harry, stung by whispers, retreats to the common room. In the dormitory, Seamus reveals his mother almost kept him from Hogwarts because she believes the Daily Prophet’s smears about Harry and Dumbledore. The argument escalates; Ron, as prefect, defends Harry, while Dean stays neutral and Neville affirms trust in Harry and Dumbledore.
As lights go out, Harry reels from Seamus’s accusation, wonders how many more such confrontations await, and reflects that he and Dumbledore are jointly doubted. He resolves grimly that the truth will be acknowledged eventually, but feels more isolated than ever.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterNotices thestrals with Luna; worries about Hagrid; recognizes Umbridge; faces dormitory conflict as Seamus doubts his story.
- Dolores UmbridgeNew Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher; interrupts Dumbledore to deliver a Ministry-aligned, controlling speech.
- Hermione GrangerDefends Hagrid; decodes Umbridge’s speech as Ministry interference; helps lead first years.
- Ron WeasleyDefends Hagrid; backs Harry during Seamus’s challenge; asserts prefect authority in the dorm.
- Albus DumbledoreWelcomes students, announces staff changes; lets Umbridge speak; remains a focal point of Ministry skepticism.
- Seamus FinniganInfluenced by his mother and the Daily Prophet; confronts Harry; tensions flare in the dormitory.
- Neville LongbottomSupports Harry and Dumbledore; recalls his gran’s faith; shares the password and tends his plant.
- Luna LovegoodAlso sees thestrals; bluntly critiques Hagrid; reads The Quibbler at the feast.
- Professor McGonagallLeads the Sorting; disapproves of disruptions; enforces order during the ceremony.
- Professor Grubbly-PlankTakes Hagrid’s seat and role, signaling his continued absence.
- Nearly Headless NickExplains the hat’s warnings; spars verbally with Ron; exemplifies inter-House ghost civility.
- Ginny WeasleyArrives with the group; defends Hagrid; sits with friends at Gryffindor table.
- Dean ThomasStays neutral during the dorm row; listens as tensions rise.
- Rubeus HagridAbsent from the feast; his missing status worries friends and prompts speculation.
- Parvati Patil and Lavender BrownGossip at the feast; mock Umbridge’s pink cardigan; greet Harry a bit too brightly.