Harry Potter, #5
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
by J.K. Rowling
Contents
The Lion and the Serpent
Overview
Hermione equips Dumbledore’s Army with Protean-charmed Galleons while Quidditch preparations intensify. In the Gryffindor–Slytherin match, Ron is rattled by taunts, but Harry still secures victory by catching the Snitch.
After Malfoy’s insults provoke a fight, Umbridge invokes a new decree to ban Harry, Fred, and George from Quidditch for life, devastating Gryffindor. That night, Hermione reveals Hagrid is back.
Summary
In the weeks after forming Dumbledore’s Army, Harry takes heart from their secret progress. Hermione creates fake Galleons linked by a Protean Charm to discreetly schedule meetings, impressing members and ensuring flexibility. Practices pause as Gryffindor’s first Quidditch match against Slytherin nears, with Ron increasingly unnerved by Slytherin intimidation.
On match day, Slytherins unveil “Weasley Is Our King” badges and launch a mocking song that targets Ron. He concedes early goals, intensifying Harry’s urgency to find the Snitch. Despite setbacks, Gryffindor narrows the gap, and Harry outpaces Malfoy to seize the Snitch, effectively securing the win.
Moments later, Crabbe illegally smashes a Bludger into Harry after the whistle. Malfoy then insults Harry’s and the Weasleys’ families. Provoked, Harry and George physically attack Malfoy until Madam Hooch stops them and sends them to Professor McGonagall.
In McGonagall’s office, Umbridge arrives with a new Educational Decree granting her supreme authority over student punishments. Overruling McGonagall, Umbridge imposes a lifetime Quidditch ban on Harry, George, and, preemptively, Fred, and orders their brooms confiscated. The common room reels; the team is devastated and leaderless despite the day’s technical victory.
Late that night, a guilt-ridden Ron returns from wandering in the snow, intent on resigning. Harry reveals the bans, and Hermione recounts Umbridge’s actions. As tensions subside, Hermione brings a sliver of hope: Hagrid has returned.
Who Appears
- Harry PotterLeads the DA, catches the Snitch to win, then punches Malfoy; receives a lifetime Quidditch ban from Umbridge.
- Ron WeasleyNew Keeper, rattled by Slytherin taunts; concedes goals and later blames himself, considering resignation.
- Dolores UmbridgeInvokes a new decree to overrule McGonagall and bans Harry, Fred, and George from Quidditch for life.
- Hermione GrangerDevises Protean-charmed Galleons for DA communication and later reveals Hagrid’s return.
- Draco MalfoyLeads taunts with “Weasley Is Our King,” insults families after the match, provoking Harry and George.
- Angelina JohnsonGryffindor captain; drives rigorous practices, celebrates win, then despairs over the bans.
- Fred WeasleyBeater restrained from attacking Malfoy; banned for life alongside Harry and George.
- George WeasleyBeater who joins Harry in attacking Malfoy; receives a lifetime Quidditch ban.
- Professor McGonagallReprimands Harry and George but is overruled by Umbridge’s decree; furious and powerless.
- Luna LovegoodSupports Gryffindor with a roaring lion hat, boosting morale during the match.
- Vincent CrabbeNew Slytherin Beater; hits Harry with a Bludger after the whistle, earning only lines.
- Gregory GoyleNew Slytherin Beater who lands a key Bludger on Katie Bell.
- Lee JordanMatch commentator who tries to drown out Slytherin’s taunting song.
- Alicia SpinnetGryffindor Chaser; returns after a prior jinx, helps restrain Fred after the match.
- Katie BellGryffindor Chaser; scores and is later hit by a Bludger from Goyle.
- Madam HoochQuidditch umpire who stops the brawl and penalizes players on the pitch.
- MontagueSlytherin captain; fields Crabbe and Goyle as Beaters and clashes during the game.
- Miles BletchleySlytherin Keeper who blocks early shots and joins in the taunts.
- Pansy ParkinsonLeads Slytherin supporters’ chorus of “Weasley Is Our King.”
- Ginny WeasleySupports the team, reports Crabbe’s light punishment, shares the common room’s dismay.