Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix Summary

Description

Here you will find a Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix summary (J.K. Rowling's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

P.S.: As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from purchases made through links in this page. But the summaries are totally free!

Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix Summary Overview

The young wizard Harry Potter once again endures a dull summer with his unpleasant relatives until he is ambushed by malevolent entities known as "dementors." After defending himself with magic, he is escorted by a group of wizards to a secret location in London, the residence of his godfather, Sirius Black. This location also serves as the base for the Order of the Phoenix, a clandestine organization of wizards devoted to combating the infamous Lord Voldemort and his followers, led by the wise Albus Dumbledore. The organization operates covertly due to the Ministry of Magic's refusal to acknowledge Voldemort's return, led by the obtuse Cornelius Fudge. After defending himself against the dementors using magic, Harry must attend a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry of Magic as use of magic is forbidden for underage wizards outside school premises. With Dumbledore's support, Harry is acquitted and allowed to recommence his studies at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Upon his return, Harry learns his new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is Dolores Umbridge, a Ministry employee. As she refuses to instruct students in defense spells, Harry, along with his best friends Hermione and Ron, form their own group known as the D.A., or Dumbledore's Army, to learn and practice defensive spells. Despite obstacles and persecution from Umbridge, they press on, their determination only further fueled by unjust articles in the wizard newspaper and the ban on Harry from the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Throughout this period, Harry is haunted by recurring dreams about the Department of Mysteries inside the Ministry of Magic, particularly a room full of glass spheres. The disturbing dreams culminate in a vision of him attacking Ron's father as a snake, which leads to Harry being taught Occlumency by Professor Snape to safeguard his mind against Voldemort. The struggle continues with the D.A. being discovered, Dumbledore's resignation, and the onset of their O.W.L. exams. Harry's decision to save Sirius from a vision of torture leads to a confrontation at the Ministry with Death Eaters where Sirius is tragically killed. Despite the grief, the prophecy contained in the sphere reveals that Harry possesses a power unknown to Voldemort: love. He learns that he must remain with his disagreeable relatives during the summers as his mother's sacrificial love provides him protection. With this revelation, he returns to his relatives for another arduous summer.

chapter 1

Harry Potter is tucked away in the flowerbed beneath his relatives' living room window at 4 Privet Drive, surreptitiously listening to the evening news. Despite the lack of reported catastrophes or actions linked to Lord Voldemort, an abrupt, loud crack disrupts the calm, causing Harry to hit his head on the window and alert his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon to his presence. Convinced that the noise signifies magic, Harry departs to figure out its origin. Following the noise, Harry ends up at a nearby playground. Feeling frustrated due to the limited communication from his best friends, Hermione and Ron, he occupies a swing and watches his cousin Dudley and his troublemaking friends sneak by. Though tempted to scare Dudley with his magical abilities, Harry refrains. Once Dudley moves on, Harry trails him home. An argument ensues between Harry and Dudley. Suddenly, the surrounding area plunges into darkness and a chill settles in, signalling the arrival of dementors. Despite the struggle, Harry conjures a Patronus stag with his wand, which repels the dementors. As Harry's neighbor Mrs. Figg rushes towards them, Harry instinctively tries to conceal his wand. Mrs. Figg, however, insists he keep it out, wary of more dementors lurking around.

chapter 2

Mrs. Figg, a Squib with no magic despite her magical heritage, discloses that Mundungus Fletcher deserted his duty of protecting Harry to purchase more illicit cauldrons. She warns Harry that his unauthorized magic usage will soon be known to Dumbledore. Suddenly, Fletcher arrives at the scene and Mrs. Figg sends him to report to Dumbledore about the situation. After arriving back at Privet Drive, a sick Dudley vomits and collapses, causing a worried Petunia and Vernon Dursley to demand an explanation from Harry. Amid his explanation, a letter arrives, expelling Harry from Hogwarts and threatening wand destruction due to his magic misuse. Shortly after, another letter, this time from Arthur Weasley, clarifies that Dumbledore is trying to settle the matter with the Ministry of Magic. He advises Harry to keep his wand and remain at home. As Harry continues his explanation about the dementor attack, Aunt Petunia surprisingly admits knowledge about Azkaban's dementor guards. Soon, another owl delivers a letter stating that Harry could keep his wand until a hearing on August 12. Sirius's letter follows, warning Harry not to leave the house. The news about Voldemort's return leaves Aunt Petunia visibly shocked, and Uncle Vernon, concerned about the dementor and Voldemort threats, asks Harry to leave immediately. However, Petunia insists on Harry staying after receiving a howling letter - a Howler - that loudly delivers the message: “Remember my last, Petunia.” She refuses to share the letter's meaning but insists that Harry should stay indoors.

chapter 3

Harry sends Hedwig with notes to Ron, Hermione, and Sirius, demanding substantial responses. The Dursleys exit to an award event for the best suburban garden, leaving Harry alone. Hearing a crash, Harry's door is opened by nine wizards - Mad-Eye Moody, Professor Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, and Hestia Jones. They've come to take Harry to a safer location until his hearing. Harry discovers that Tonks can alter her looks at will as they prepare to leave. Lupin leaves a letter for the Dursleys, promising Harry's safety and return. The group flies off into the chilly night, alighting in a dilapidated London area. Moody gives Harry an address, “The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London,” instructing him to commit it to memory.

chapter 4

Harry is swiftly ushered into the shabby number twelve by the wizards. He is immediately met by Mrs. Weasley, Ron's mother, who embraces him tightly before sending him upstairs, assuring him that his friends will explain everything. Ron and Hermione excitedly welcome him, but Harry, still upset, yells at them for leaving him uninformed throughout summer. He observes their hands, marked by Hedwig's pecks, and momentarily feels satisfaction. They clarify that their silence was due to Dumbledore's instruction, as part of their involvement in the Order of the Phoenix, a clandestine group fighting against Voldemort's resurgence. They have been keeping tabs on the Death Eaters and maintaining surveillance over Harry. Further, he learns of Percy's betrayal to the family by siding with the unscrupulous Cornelius Fudge at the Ministry of Magic. Hermione shares how the Daily Prophet has been discrediting Harry, painting him as a self-obsessed fabricator. Following the revelation-filled conversation, Ron, Hermione, and Harry descend for dinner where Harry is reunited with his godfather, Sirius Black.

chapter 5

Sirius discloses that his inherited residence, number twelve, is now a gathering place offered to Dumbledore. An argument ensues during dinner between Sirius and Mrs. Weasley regarding the extent of information that should be shared with Harry. Despite Mrs. Weasley's reservations, Sirius and Lupin persuade her of the necessity for Harry to be informed of certain matters. Sirius reveals that Dumbledore suspects Voldemort is amassing his forces again. However, the Ministry of Magic, due to Fudge's paranoia of Dumbledore usurping his position as Minister, refuses to recognise Voldemort's return. Additionally, Harry is informed of Voldemort's attempts to obtain a mysterious weapon, but the discussion is abruptly ended by Mrs. Weasley before further details can be shared.

chapter 6

Mrs. Weasley, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and the twins, Fred and George, are attempting to tidy up number twelve, but Kreacher, the Black family Elf, is being a nuisance, secretly saving items they wanted to discard and muttering rude things. Various members of the Order visit, bringing updates and touching base. In the midst of all these, Sirius reveals the Black family tree to Harry, which dates back to the Middle Ages. After Sirius rejected Voldemort's pureblood supremacy ideas, his name was removed from the tapestry by his mother. Harry is surprised to learn that Sirius is related to both Tonks and Lucius Malfoy, and also the infamous Lestrange family. Harry has a vague recollection of the last name. While all this is happening, Fred and George are scheming about their future joke shop, funded by the Triwizard Tournament winnings given to them by Harry. They pocket certain items while cleaning, to use as material for their pranks. For the first time in months, Harry is enjoying himself and momentarily forgets about his upcoming trial. When Sirius offers to accompany Harry to the Ministry for the hearing, Dumbledore sends Mr. Weasley in his stead, leaving Sirius stuck indoors again. Harry gets himself ready, puts on fresh clothes, and washes his hair, bracing himself for the potential outcome of being expelled.

chapter 7

Harry awakens early on the day of his tribunal and joins Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Sirius, Tonks, and Lupin for breakfast. They express their good wishes before he and Mr. Weasley head to the Ministry of Magic via a phone booth. In his office, Mr. Weasley and his colleague, Perkins, learn that the details of Harry's hearing have been altered. They're already overdue by the time Mr. Weasley notes the time. Hurrying, Mr. Weasley escorts Harry to the courtroom, arriving belatedly.

chapter 8

Harry recognizes the courtroom from a past memory he saw in Dumbledore's Pensieve, a scene where the Lestranges were sentenced. The court, composed of fifty wizards and witches, headed by Cornelius Fudge, scolds Harry for his tardiness. Fudge sits next to Delores Umbridge, a woman resembling a toad, while Percy Weasley records the proceedings. Unexpectedly, Dumbledore arrives, claiming to be a defense witness but avoids eye contact with Harry. The trial starts and Harry's ability to conjure a full Patronus raises eyebrows among the members of the Wizengamot. However, they are skeptical of his account of dementors in Little Whinging. Dumbledore summons Mrs. Figg, who hesitantly backs up Harry's narrative. Despite her testimony, Fudge brushes off the possibility of dementors, under Ministry control, leaving Azkaban to hassle a Muggle area. After voting, the Wizengamot acquits Harry of all accusations. Before Harry can express his gratitude, Dumbledore hastily leaves the room.

chapter 9

Following the court meeting, Harry and Mr. Weasley head back to the Order's base where they are met with a celebratory meal. Sirius, although polite, doesn't seem overly thrilled about Harry's departure for Hogwarts. Hermione infers that Sirius had a hidden desire for Harry to stay with him. On the eve of their return to Hogwarts, the students receive their booklists. It is revealed that Ron and Hermione have been appointed as Gryffindor prefects for the upcoming academic year. The news leaves everyone surprised as they assumed Harry would get the recognition. Ron's accomplishment makes Mrs. Weasley very proud and she treats him to a new broom. Harry, however, becomes increasingly bitter about Dumbledore's decision to overlook him for the prefect role, considering himself a superior wizard to Ron based on his past experiences. Subsequently, Moody presents an old photo of the Order's previous members to Harry, detailing how each deceased member met their end. Among those pictured are Neville’s parents and Harry's. Seeing his deceased parents stirs a wave of emotion in Harry, making him upset with Moody for causing him this distress. He afterwards withdraws to his room in annoyance.

chapter 10

Harry dreams about a weeping Mrs. Weasley and crowned Ron and Hermione before waking up to Ron's warning about their impending late arrival for the Hogwarts train. Missing guard Sturgis Podmore forces Sirius to assume the guard duty and turn into his black dog form, Padfoot, against Dumbledore's instructions. The Order warns Harry, Ron, Hermione, the twins, and Ginny not to mention the organization in any letters. As prefects, Ron and Hermione sit separately, while Harry and Ginny encounter Neville and reluctantly share a compartment with Luna Lovegood, a reader of her father's wizard tabloid, The Quibbler. The news of Draco Malfoy as a Slytherin prefect is shared by Ron when he and Hermione join them. Draco's subtle threat to Harry involving dogs is noticed only by Harry and Hermione, hinting at Sirius. Upon arrival at Hogwarts, instead of Hagrid, Professor Grubbly-Plank is seen directing the first-years. Harry is surprised to see the previously 'horseless' carriages being yanked by skeletal, winged horses. Ron fails to see these creatures, but Luna confirms she can see them too and has been able to since her first year.

chapter 11

When the new students arrive, the Sorting Hat sings a cautionary song about unity, hinting there may be danger looming for Hogwarts. The school's ghost, Nearly Headless Nick, clarifies that such warnings from the Hat are rare. At dinner, Dumbledore reveals that Professor Grubbly-Plank will replace Hagrid in teaching Magical Creature Care, and Professor Umbridge, who was at Harry's trial, is the new teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry's dislike for Umbridge deepens when she interrupts Dumbledore with a lengthy and dull introduction. Most students ignore her speech, but Hermione predicts the Ministry might start meddling with Hogwarts. As Harry heads back to his dorm, he is aware of the whispers and stares from the other students.

chapter 12

Fifth-year students at Hogwarts are preparing for their Ordinary Wizard Level (O.W.L.) exams and are swamped with homework. In their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class with Professor Umbridge, they discover that there's no practical application of the defensive spells on her syllabus, only theory. Umbridge justifies this by saying the Ministry doesn't want young wizards using potentially dangerous spells. Harry gets upset, arguing the need to be ready to combat Voldemort. Umbridge, denying Voldemort's return, punishes Harry with a week's worth of nightly detentions. A meeting with Professor McGonagall follows, where she advises Harry to be cautious due to Umbridge's connections.

chapter 13

Harry, Ron, and Hermione leave the dining hall to avoid gossiping schoolmates. In their dormitory lounge, Hermione scolds Fred and George for trying out their prank items on new students, warning them about informing their mother. Before going to bed, Hermione leaves knitted hats for the House Elves, hoping they will pick them up and become free, despite their potential lack of desire for freedom. After missing Keeper tryouts due to detention, Harry is chastised by Gryffindor Quidditch captain Angelina Johnson. In detention, Umbridge instructs Harry to write "I must not tell lies" repeatedly on paper. This is done with a unique quill, resulting in the words appearing in blood on both the paper and Harry's hand. Despite the excruciating pain, Harry remains stoic and silent. Once dismissed, he realizes he missed out on doing his homework. Harry chooses not to disclose his detention to Ron and Hermione. One night, he encounters Ron practicing for the Keeper tryouts. When Ron notices Harry's hand, he finally reveals the truth about his detention. Ron advises him to approach Dumbledore, but Harry declines. During his last detention, Harry sneakily watches Ron's tryout from a window. When Umbridge checks his progress, Harry's scar starts burning, and he feels a strange sensation in his abdomen. Upon returning to the dorm, he finds out that Ron made the Quidditch team. He shares his detention experiences and scar pain with Hermione, who, like Ron, suggests speaking to Dumbledore. Once again, Harry declines, hinting at asking Sirius instead. Hermione swiftly reminds him of the Order's letter warning.

chapter 14

Waking early on the weekend, Harry writes Sirius a cryptic letter hinting at Umbridge, his scar's ache, and Hagrid's situation. He delivers the letter to Hedwig in the Owlery. During breakfast, Harry reads in the Daily Prophet about Sturgis Podmore's six-month Azkaban sentence for attempting a Ministry break-in. Ron speculates that Sturgis was entrapped due to his Order connections. Following breakfast, Ron and Harry go for Quidditch practice, where they face taunts from Malfoy and the Slytherin team, especially targeting Ron, while Hermione opts to study. That evening, Harry and Ron are engrossed in their studies while Hermione knits. Percy’s owl, Hermes, brings a letter from Percy, praising Ron for his prefect status but cautioning him to avoid Harry. Unfazed, Ron disregards the letter, and they return to their studies. Sirius's head appearing in the fireplace interrupts them. He tells Harry not to worry about his scar, explaining it's linked to Voldemort's strong emotions. He also acknowledges Umbridge's nastiness but doesn't think she's a Death Eater. Although Sirius doesn't know Hagrid's location, he assures Harry that Hagrid is likely safe. He suggests turning into a dog to accompany Harry to Hogsmeade, but both Harry and Hermione object. Sirius reminds Harry that his father would've appreciated the adventure before vanishing back into the flames.

chapter 15

Hermione gets her copy of the Daily Prophet, revealing Dolores Umbridge as the new High Inquisitor. This gives the Ministry of Magic an unusual amount of power in Hogwarts. Umbridge now observes all classes. She's present in Divination, scrutinizing Professor Trelawney and requesting her to give predictions. Harry loses control once more in Defense Against the Dark Arts, resulting in another round of detention. Umbridge also attends Transfiguration and Care of Magical Creatures, showing clear favoritism towards Professor Grubbly-Plank. Post classes, Harry goes for detention at Umbridge's office. Hermione proposes a student-led study group for Defense Against the Dark Arts, asking Harry to teach. Despite his initial doubts, reminded of his past victories including eluding Voldemort, Harry contemplates Hermione's idea.

chapter 16

Upon Hermione's insistence, Harry agrees to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. Hermione discreetly informs students about an upcoming meeting to plan a student-led Defense group during the next Hogsmeade visit. The meeting spot is the Hog’s Head pub. Despite Hermione's belief that only a handful would show, a crowd of twenty-five students turn up. Hermione introduces Harry, reasoning the necessity of practical Defense lessons due to Voldemort's return. There's some disagreement among students, but Harry's encounter with Voldemort piques their interest. Hermione circulates a parchment for everyone to sign their names.

chapter 17

Umbridge issues a decree banning all student clubs, including Quidditch, until she gives the green light. Harry and Ron believe Umbridge is aware of their Defense group, but Hermione reassures them with a jinx she put on their agreement document, which reveals any betrayers. In a History of Magic class, Harry spots Hedwig, his owl, looking injured at the window. Harry takes her to Professor Grubbly-Plank who agrees to heal her and finds a note on Hedwig's leg. Sirius sent it, and it reads: "Today, same time, same place." During Potions class, Umbridge observes and Snape is noticeably annoyed. Harry, Ron, and Hermione later study in the Common Room until late. Sirius then appears in the fireplace and supports their secret Defense Against the Dark Arts group. However, their conversation ends abruptly as Sirius sees Umbridge's hand reaching through the fire, trying to seize him.

chapter 18

Hermione attributes Hedwig's harm to Umbridge tampering with Harry's letters, with Harry concurring. Post lessons, Angelina gets approval to restart the Gryffindor Quidditch team and sets a practice for the night. The weather conditions on the Pitch during Ron and Harry's arrival are unfavorable, with a chilling downpour. Harry's scar aches, indicating Voldemort's displeasure over a delayed event. Harry dozes off while studying in the Common Room, only to be awakened by Dobby, the House Elf. He queries Dobby about a secret place for Defense practice. Dobby introduces him to the Room of Requirement, a room that materializes when needed. Harry arranges a gathering for the succeeding night. As attendees assemble, Hermione proposes they should pick a name. Harry's longtime crush, Cho Chang, recommends the D.A., standing for Defense Association, while Ginny implies it could mean Dumbledore’s Army. Hermione inscribes Dumbledore’s Army on a parchment with all names and fixes it to the wall. The practice commences, and Harry admires their dedication.

chapter 19

Gryffindor faces Slytherin in the season's inaugural Quidditch match. On the day, Ron is engulfed by nerves. Slytherin supporters don badges declaring “Weasley is our King” and jeer at Ron’s ability as Keeper. Ron, disconcerted, lets several shots through. But Harry snags the snitch, ensuring Gryffindor's victory. After the game, Malfoy hurls abuse, which prompts Harry and George to confront him. This results in them being sent to McGonagall's office, where they receive a week's worth of detention. Umbridge arrives, wielding a new Ministry Decree that gives her control over all disciplinary actions. Despite McGonagall's outrage, she cannot prevent Umbridge from banning Harry, George and Fred – who didn't participate in the skirmish – from playing Quidditch forever. Their brooms are seized. Harry is heartbroken. Later on, Hermione discovers that Hagrid has returned.

chapter 20

Under the concealment of Harry's Invisibility Cloak, Harry, Ron, and Hermione rush to Hagrid's hut. They find Hagrid with a battered and bleeding face, a result of his unsuccessful attempt to secure the Giants' allegiance for Dumbledore during his trip to the mountains. When Umbridge barges into Hagrid's cabin uninvited, the trio hide. Despite Umbridge's intrusive questioning, Hagrid keeps silent about his mission with the Giants. Upon her departure, Hermione advises Hagrid to exercise caution during Umbridge's classroom inspections and to avoid teaching anything too risky or unusual. Hagrid, however, seems unfazed.

chapter 21

Hagrid guides his students into the forest, where the eerie horse-like entities pulling the carriages, known as Thestrals, make another appearance. He reveals to the class that only those who have experienced death can see these creatures. Harry, Neville, and a Slytherin student acknowledge their visibility. Then, Angelina, the captain of Gryffindor's Quidditch team, appoints Ginny Weasley as the new Seeker to fill Harry's position. During the final D.A. meeting before the holiday break, Harry is left alone with Cho Chang. Emotional, Cho confesses that she's been reminiscing about Cedric, her deceased boyfriend. As they stand under the mistletoe, Harry and Cho share a kiss. Afterwards, Harry confides in Ron and Hermione about the encounter. That night, Harry dreams of turning into a snake and attacking a man. He is violently awakened, his scar ablaze with pain. Seeing his distress, Neville fetches McGonagall. Harry discloses his vision of Ron's father being assaulted by a snake. With a nod of understanding, McGonagall escorts Harry to Dumbledore's office.

chapter 22

Harry conveys his recent vision to Dumbledore and admits that he was in the form of the snake during the attack. The portraits of past headmasters and headmistresses are summoned by Dumbledore to raise an alarm. They return with news that members of the Order have found Mr. Weasley at the Ministry and transported him to St. Mungo's hospital. McGonagall stirs the other Weasley children, and they prepare for a Portkey journey to Twelve Grimmauld Place. Harry's scar intensifies in pain as he looks at Dumbledore, attempting to suppress a sudden hatred towards him. Back at Grimmauld Place, Harry informs Fred, Ginny, George, and Sirius about his vision but leaves out the part of him being the snake. News from Mrs. Weasley confirms that Mr. Weasley is alive. Mrs. Weasley, grateful to Harry who she believes saved Mr. Weasley's life through his vision, returns from the hospital. They all decide to spend the holidays with Sirius. Harry discloses the full details of his vision to Sirius, including the intense hatred he felt towards Dumbledore. Sirius reassures him not to fret. The group pays a visit to Mr. Weasley, who despite wrapped in bandages, remains in an upbeat mood. After a brief time, Harry and the Weasley children step out for Tonks and Mad-Eye's visit. Outside, Harry, Ron and the twins use Extendable Ears to overhear their interaction. On hearing Mad-Eye's suspicion about Harry being possessed by Voldemort, a startled Harry looks up to see fear-filled faces of the others.

chapter 23

Harry starts suspecting that he might be the weapon Voldemort is after. While at Grimmauld Place, he considers leaving Hogwarts permanently and going back to Little Whinging. As he's packing, Phineas Nigellus delivers a message from Dumbledore through his portrait, advising him not to go. Harry listens and stays, though he stays in his bed. The next night, Hermione interrupts Harry’s solitude, criticizing his attitude. Ron and Ginny join them, and Ginny highlights that she’s the only one who has experienced Voldemort's possession and assures Harry that his current experience is not the same. Feeling reassured, Harry decides to join the party. During a visit to St. Mungo’s, the group encounters Neville and his grandmother visiting Neville’s parents, who were driven insane by Bellatrix Lestrange.

chapter 24

Snape visits Harry to instruct him in Occlumency, a mental defense skill, at Dumbledore's request. Though reluctant, Harry agrees to learn. Before he departs for school, Sirius gives him a concealed package, emphasizing that it should only be used in dire circumstances. Upon his return to Hogwarts, Harry plans a Hogsmeade trip with Cho on Valentine's Day. He starts his Occlumency lessons with Snape, who enlightens him about Voldemort's mastery of Legilimency - the ability to delve into another's mind and extract memories and emotions. To protect his thoughts, Snape uses a Pensieve. He forces himself into Harry's mind using Legilimency, exploring his memories. Each time, Harry tries to resist but fails. During one attempt, he's pulled back into a repeated dream of him and Mr. Weasley in the Ministry of Magic, recognizing the hallway leading to the Department of Mysteries. His inquiry about the Department gets dismissed by Snape. That night, Harry's scar burns, signaling Voldemort's elation.

chapter 25

Hermione's Daily Prophet reveals a mass escape from Azkaban, including ten Death Eaters like Lestrange. Harry deduces this as the reason for Voldemort's elation the previous night. The paper also reports a Ministry employee, Bode, was strangled by a deadly plant at St. Mungo’s. Ron remembers his dad mentioning Bode, who worked in the Department of Mysteries. Umbridge introduces a new rule preventing teachers from discussing non-curricular topics with students. Umbridge monitors every Divination and Care of Magical Creatures class, leading students to speculate who between Trelawney and Hagrid would be dismissed first. Hagrid discourages Harry, Ron, and Hermione from visiting his cabin, citing it’s unsafe. Harry's Valentine's Day date with Cho goes horribly wrong. When Harry mentions a meeting with Hermione, Cho gets jealous and the date concludes with her in tears. A perplexed Harry meets Hermione at the Three Broomsticks, who's sat with Luna Lovegood and Rita Skeeter, a reporter she dislikes. Hermione coerces Rita, an unregistered Animagus, into penning a truthful front-page story about Harry for the Quibbler.

chapter 26

Harry's interview gets published in the Quibbler. However, by mid-morning, Umbridge enacts a new decree prohibiting students from reading or having the Quibbler. Feeling pain in his scar at bedtime, Harry sees himself as Voldemort in another vision. He's conversing with Rockwood, an escaped Death Eater, about Bode's death. Coming out of the vision, Harry screams. Despite Ron's suggestion to talk to Dumbledore, Harry declines. The following day, Hermione deduces that Bode was probably under an Imperius Curse. His attempt to retrieve a secret weapon for Voldemort led to his insanity and subsequent admission to St. Mungo’s. Harry's Occlumency lessons with Snape continue with little improvement. In one instance, he briefly penetrates Snape’s mind. Their session gets interrupted when Professor Trelawney yells from the entrance hall - she's been sacked by Umbridge and ordered off the campus. Dumbledore intervenes, allowing her to reside at Hogwarts but unable to return her to her teaching post. Dumbledore then introduces Firenze, a Centaur, as the new Divination teacher.

chapter 27

Firenze steps into Trelawney's role, teaching the students that even centaurs' knowledge isn't completely reliable. Post class, he requests Harry to convey to Hagrid that his endeavour is failing and it's time to quit. Despite passing on the message, Harry's words fall on deaf ears with Hagrid. The D.A starts practicing Patronus charms. Dobby halts the session, alerting them of Umbridge's impending arrival, causing a swift dispersal. Harry is tripped by Malfoy and handed to Umbridge. She hauls Harry to Dumbledore's office where Cornelius Fudge is present and brings forth her source of information, a Ravenclaw student, Marietta. She remains silent, her face hidden due to a curse Hermione cast on the D.A. roster scroll to deter traitors, manifesting as purple pimples spelling "Sneak" on her face. Dumbledore assumes all blame for the D.A, interpreting the group's name as Dumbledore's Army from the list. As Fudge tries to apprehend him, Dumbledore unleashes a flash of silver light and vanishes from his office.

chapter 28

Umbridge assumes the role of Headmistress and forms an Inquisitional Squad of mostly Slytherin students, including Malfoy, to execute her commands. The Squad can deduct points from Houses, a privilege Malfoy enjoys. Fred and George promise to cause trouble for Umbridge and ignite a box of fireworks in the Great Hall. Umbridge’s attempts to control the fireworks fail, and the faculty doesn't interfere. The fireworks continue to explode throughout the afternoon. Harry dreams of the Department of Mysteries, making it through the doors to a room filled with dusty glass spheres. He approaches one but wakes abruptly. Resuming lessons with Snape the following day, they're interrupted by Malfoy, who announces Umbridge needs Snape's assistance. In Snape's absence, Harry explores the Pensieve, hoping it will reveal more about the Department of Mysteries. He watches Snape's O.W.L.s exam and witnesses his father, James Potter, along with Sirius, Lupin, and Moody, bullying Snape. Lily, Harry's mother, tries to stop them, but after Snape insults her, she retreats. Snape returns, finds Harry in the Pensieve, and angrily pulls him out. Harry is deeply upset by his father and Sirius’s actions.

chapter 29

Snape declines to continue Occlumency sessions with Harry. Harry yearns to discuss his Pensieve visions with Sirius, mindful of the risks. An announcement for Career Advice appears, expecting Fifth-years to consult their House Heads soon. Fred and George propose causing a commotion enabling Harry to use Umbridge's office fireplace to contact Sirius. Hermione expresses her concern about the potential danger. Harry heads to his career counselling session with McGonagall, with Umbridge joining. McGonagall backs Harry's dream to be an Auror and advises him to study diligently. Umbridge, however, recommends other career options, arguing the Ministry will not hire Harry. Harry exits, gearing up for his daring plan, reflecting on Sirius's revelation of James enjoying taking risks and questioning his desire to emulate his father. Using Floo powder, Harry sneaks into Umbridge's office, projecting his head to the fireplace at number twelve. He talks to Sirius about the Pensieve memories, with Sirius excusing their youthful foolishness. Harry discloses Snape's cessation of Occlumency sessions, and Lupin urges Harry to persuade Snape to resume. Harry leaves the fireplace, discovering the school transformed into a swamp by Fred and George. Umbridge warns of severe consequences. Fred and George, however, opt to leave Hogwarts. They magically retrieve their brooms from Umbridge's office and depart, paying homage to Peeves, the school's poltergeist.

chapter 30

Harry and Hermione are watching the final Quidditch game, Gryffindor against Ravenclaw, when Hagrid secretly leads them into the Forest. They encounter a Giant, Grawp, who Hagrid claims is his half-brother and is attempting to teach him English. Despite being ridiculed by his fellow Giants for his small size, Grawp is strong enough to uproot trees. Hagrid introduces the pair to Grawp and pleads that they assist him in learning English if Hagrid were to lose his job. Leaving the forest, they find Hagrid confronted by an irate group of Centaurs, furious at him for bringing Grawp into their territory. Harry and Hermione get back to the Quidditch field in time to witness Gryffindor's victory and hear a fresh rendition of “Weasley is our King.” They have won the game and the Quidditch cup, leaving Ron overjoyed.

chapter 31

Harry and Hermione reveal Hagrid's request to Ron, resulting in Ron's fear of interacting with a Giant, however he doesn't want to disappoint Hagrid. The students commence their O.W.L tests. While observing the stars in the Astronomy Tower, Harry notices a group of six infiltrating Hagrid's cabin. They try to incapacitate Hagrid with their wands but fail. In a bid to aid Hagrid, Professor McGonagall rushes over, only to be hit by four red spells. Hagrid escapes through the gates, while McGonagall, severely injured, is escorted to the hospital by Professor Trelawney. Harry barely sleeps that night. The next morning, Harry is fatigued during his History of Magic O.W.L, and dozes off during the exam. He experiences another vision. He sees himself in a room filled with glass orbs and hears Voldemort's voice commanding a dark figure to retrieve an orb. The figure declines, stating he'd rather die. Harry then identifies the shape as Sirius, who is being tortured by Voldemort.

chapter 32

Harry departs the Great Hall in search of McGonagall, only to learn from Madam Pomfrey that she was moved to St. Mungo’s. With no one else to approach, Harry rushes to find Ron and Hermione. Hermione suggests that Voldemort might be trying to entrap Harry in the Department of Mysteries by using Sirius as bait. Despite the risks, Harry is adamant about heading to the Ministry immediately. Ginny and Luna join them, offering their assistance. Hermione persuades Harry to verify Sirius' location at number twelve using the fireplace in Umbridge’s office. Ginny and Luna keep watch outside while Ron causes a diversion. Harry uses Floo powder to communicate with number twelve where Kreacher confirms Sirius is at the Department of Mysteries. He's interrupted by Umbridge who pulls him out of the fire, demanding answers. To his surprise, he finds Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Luna, and Neville have been apprehended by Umbridge’s Squad. Snape enters the scene, and Harry shouts “He’s got Padfoot at the place where it’s hidden!” hoping Snape would alert the Order. Umbridge confesses to sending the dementors to Little Whinging the previous summer. Before she can cast an illegal Cruciatus Curse on Harry, Hermione intervenes, tricking Umbridge into believing Harry was attempting to inform Dumbledore that a weapon he commissioned the students to build was ready. Umbridge falls for it and orders Hermione and Harry to lead her to the supposed weapon.

chapter 33

Harry and Hermione, unknowingly followed by Umbridge, venture into the Forbidden Forest. They soon find themselves surrounded by Centaurs. When Umbridge offends them, they whisk her away. The giant, Grawp, shows up and asks about Hagrid's whereabouts. Amidst the confusion, Harry and Hermione manage to escape. As they leave the forest, they cross paths with Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna, who used their Defense skills to escape and were trying to locate Harry and Hermione. Harry intends to go to the Ministry alone to rescue Sirius, but his friends are determined to assist him. Luna then sees a group of thestrals, that can transport them to the Ministry.

chapter 34

Harry and his squad, composed of Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville, and Ginny, use thestrals to get to the Ministry. In the Department of Mysteries, Harry identifies a corridor from his dreams, guiding them through the right door. In the subsequent room, filled with additional doors, Harry is unsure where to proceed. They try a few, one containing a brain-filled tank, another, an old archway with worn black draperies where Harry hears whispers. They eventually locate the correct door, leading them to a collection of dusty spheres. Sirius, however, is nowhere to be found, causing doubt in Harry about Hermione's warnings. Ron points out a sphere marked with Harry's and Voldemort's names. As Harry grabs the sphere, Lucius Malfoy's voice demands him to surrender it.

chapter 35

Harry demands Sirius's whereabouts. He holds a prophecy and threatens to shatter it if the Death Eaters harm his friends, despite Malfoy's urge to hand it over. Malfoy reveals the prophecy contains Harry's scar story and only those whom the prophecy is about can retrieve it safely. Voldemort couldn't come himself fearing the Ministry's Aurors, so Harry was deceived into thinking Sirius was in danger. At Harry's command, the students use magic to break the prophecy spheres. Harry escapes from the room with his prophecy. Hermione is hit by a Death Eater and collapses; Neville's nose breaks; Ron falls under a bizarre spell; and Ginny's ankle breaks by a Death Eater. They manage to escape but are cornered by five Death Eaters in the brain room. Ron picks up a brain, which attacks him. Ginny and Luna are attacked and fall unconscious, leaving Harry and Neville to face the Death Eaters. Harry and Neville escape into the room with the arch, where Lestrange tortures Neville. Suddenly, Sirius, Lupin, Moody, Tonks, and Kingsley arrive. Sirius urges Harry to run with Neville and the prophecy. As Harry tries to take Neville, the prophecy falls and breaks. Dumbledore enters and takes control of the Death Eaters. Lestrange's magic hits Sirius, who falls into the curtains. Lupin restrains Harry from following Sirius and informs him that Sirius is no more.

chapter 36

After seeing Sirius die, Harry is consumed with rage and chases after Lestrange, determined to make her pay. They meet in the Atrium, where Harry tells Lestrange that the prophecy is lost and he's ready to die. Suddenly, Voldemort appears along with Dumbledore. Voldemort attacks Dumbledore, but the blow is intercepted by Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix. However, Voldemort disappears, leaving Harry in excruciating pain as his scar unexpectedly bursts open. Surprisingly, Voldemort uses Harry's voice to communicate with Dumbledore, urging him to kill Harry and him. As Voldemort exits Harry's body, Harry collapses and learns that Voldemort had whisked Lestrange away. Just then, a bewildered Cornelius Fudge walks in, demanding an explanation. Dumbledore promises to explain everything once he sends Harry back to Hogwarts. Still in shock, Harry is given a Portkey by Dumbledore and is transported back to his office.

chapter 37

Dumbledore comforts an anguished Harry, attributing his pain over Sirius's death as his greatest strength. He confesses his fault in Sirius's demise, for not revealing the full truth about Harry's scar. Dumbledore explains that Voldemort discovered the scar's unique connection during Harry's vision of Mr. Weasley's attack. Assuming the link was mutual, Voldemort breached Harry's thoughts, prompting Dumbledore to assign Snape to teach Harry Occlumency. Exploiting Harry's bond with Sirius, Voldemort manipulated Harry into retrieving the prophecy as he couldn't risk entering the Ministry himself and no one else was capable of touching it. Hagrid delivered infant Harry to the Dursleys, and not a Wizarding family, to ensure his safety through his mother’s bloodline, represented by Aunt Petunia. Harry's protection is maintained as long as he considers his mother's bloodline's dwelling as home. Dumbledore used the Howler to remind Petunia of this vital bond. Dumbledore further reveals a prophecy made by Sybill Trelawney sixteen years prior. It spoke of a boy born at July's end, to parents who had thrice defied Voldemort. This could have referred to either Harry or Neville, but Voldemort chose Harry, believing him to be the most threatening due to their shared half-blood status. Unbeknownst to Voldemort, the prophecy also stated that the chosen child would possess unknown powers to the Dark Lord and that one must die at the hands of the other. Dumbledore claims Harry's unique power is his capacity for love.

chapter 38

Harry, with his friends Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna, are in the hospital wing. Umbridge, saved by Dumbledore from the Centaurs, is also there. Harry lies to his friends about visiting Hagrid, choosing instead to sit by the lake in solitude and weep. McGonagall fully recovers and resumes her duties at Hogwarts. Umbridge departs the school on the eve of term's end. Ron hurries to the Great Feast while Harry remains behind to pack. Among his belongings, he discovers a wrapped gift from Sirius - a mirror with instructions to use for communication. He desperately tries to connect with Sirius, but fails. Heartbroken, he smashes the mirror. Seeking understanding, Harry encounters Nearly Headless Nick, who tells him not all wizards become ghosts after death. Luna then approaches, and their conversation about Sirius leads to Luna sharing that her mother passed away when she was nine. She explains the voices beyond the curtain at the Department of Mysteries are those of deceased wizards. Harry is unsure whether to trust her words. The following day, the Hogwarts students embark on the Hogwarts Express. Cho passes by without Harry meeting her gaze. He admits to Ron that his relationship with Cho has ended, and Hermione softly reveals that Cho is now seeing Michael Conner. The information doesn't distress Harry. As they arrive at Kings Cross, Harry spots the Order members. Lupin confronts the Dursleys, and along with Moody, Tonks, and Mr. Weasley, demands they treat Harry right during his summer stay. Moody threatens to send someone if he doesn't hear from Harry for three consecutive days. Ron and Hermione assure him they'll see each other soon before Harry heads back to Four Privet Drive.

Enjoying this summary?
Buy the book! (it's better)

People who recommended Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Lists that recommended Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Best Harry Potter Books

Best JK Rowling Books