Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

  • Submitted By: lunalovegud
  • Date Submitted: 02/10/2009 4:54 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 521
  • Page: 3
  • Views: 478

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Dolores Umbridge chooses to only teach the basic principles of the subject in her classes in lieu of practical applications, due to Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge's erroneous fear that Albus Dumbledore is preparing to assemble a student army in order to overthrow him. This is widely unpopular among the students, especially those characters like Harry, who are in their fifth year and have to take their O.W.L.s on the subject later in the term. Harry also believes that lack of practical experience makes them more vulnerable to Lord Voldemort's forces, though the Ministry staunchly refuses to accept that Voldemort has returned. This prompts Hermione to suggest founding a student group where Harry would teach practical Defence Against the Dark Arts.

Hermione and Ron recruit of students from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw who all meet with Harry, Ron, and Hermione at the Hog's Head inn to discuss founding the group. When Umbridge learns about the meeting, she bans all unapproved student organisations, and meetings are secretly held in the Room of Requirement once a week for several months. Members communicate by enchanted fake Galleons created by Hermione. Cho Chang suggests the Defence Association, shortened to "D.A.," as the official name for the group, but Ginny Weasley's suggestion of Dumbledore's Army, in order to mock the Ministry's paranoia and to show the group's loyalty to Dumbledore, is chosen.

Cho's friend Marietta Edgecombe betrays the group to Umbridge. To prevent Harry's expulsion and the incrimination of other members, Dumbledore claims he himself organised the group, then escapes when Ministry officials attempt to arrest him. Though the D.A. stops meeting following these events, a small group of members - Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna- battle Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries towards the end of the fifth book. In Harry...

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