Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Review 

I cry every time I read about Neville visiting his parents. That was such an important moment for his character.

One of my favorite moments from this book comes really early on, when Petunia lets slip her knowledge of the dementors. Then she and Harry have this moment, and while I don’t recall the exact line, it was something like “Harry realized someone else in the room understood what it meant that Voldemort was back.” Again, another great instance of adding layers to side characters.

I feel attacked at the lack of Luna Lovegood in this video.

I love how the most feared villain of all literature, a character who's name was not even spoken, had been reduced to voldy. Best part of these videos.

“Have a biscuit potter” has always been a stand out line for me. Magonagoll was the mother figure for Harry in a way that Molly couldn’t be, and she’s always been one of my favourite characters. When she flips out during Harry’s career meeting, just because Umbridge is trying to say he stands no chance at becoming an aurora, and when stands up for Dumbledoor, Sybil and Hagrid, even taking 4 stuns to the chest? Legendary

What I noticed this time around with the twins is how poorly they're treated by Molly at times. Remember how she said that all of her kids got the prefect badge when Ron got his? And then I think Fred said 'What are we, neighbours?' I felt so bad for them when I read that...

Something to consider about Sirius' behavior being juvenile: He'd been in prison for 10 years (11 years? however old Harry is), and when he'd gone in he hadn't been that far out of school himself. I think Sirius was still juvenile in many ways because most of his adult life had been in the presence of evil witches and wizards, plus dementors, while being tortured. His time in Azkaban probably felt like a pain-filled nightmare that didn't fit in with his previous existence as a Hogwarts student and then young adult at war with Voldemort and crew. Especially with Harry looking so much like James, Sirius' sudden freedom outside of prison undoubtedly looked something like a flashback to an earlier time. I don't think Sirius could act like an adult. He hadn't really had any practice at it, yet, except for learning how to survive in prison, which didn't really prepare him for knowing how to interact with anyone, let alone a teenage godson. Not excusing Sirius' actions, just thinking about why he might have been the way he was.

I laughed when McGonagall told to Umbridge if she needs a cough drop after all that annoying Hem, hem...🤣. I hate Kreacher because of lies, Harry lost his godfather .

Growing up the third book was always my favorite, however over the last few years Order of the Phoenix has overtaken it and it's mostly because of the side characters. The twins and Neville beginning to reach their potential, Molly being a mother, Snape not just being the abusive teacher, Ginny being able to actually have a conversation with Harry and, perhaps most important of all, Dumbledore not handling a bad situation with perfection (keeping his distance and information from Harry after what he has been through). In the past these characters seemed kind of one dimensional to me but this is the book where so many of the side characters really get to shine, be flawed and vulnerable or, to put it more succinctly, be human.

I honestly saw this one as being the characters' transition from kids to adults. This is the book where they grow up a lot. The series would not be the same without this book.

Harry in book 5: I'M IN A RAGE! THIS IS THE MADDEST I'VE EVER BEEN!

I think it makes a lot of sense why can Sirius be so immature considering his tragic life. It's like he's mentally stuck in his adolescence. He grew up in an abusive household, lost all of his friends, he was in Azkaban for 12 years, and after escaping was forced to once again live in that house he hates so much. His years at Hogwarts were his happiest, and the memories he made with his friends kept him going through so much trauma. He doesn't want to let it go. I cry 😭

To me, Sirius and snape have always seemed like 2 sides of the same coin: both abused as children, both who never quite grew up from it. The difference being that Sirius had friends in school who he could go to when he escaped, and Snape never did-he had bullies, and the people who became Death Eaters. He had Lily but that ended pretty quickly. There’s also a parallel between those two and Harry, and for me one of the reasons The Cursed Child was sooo disappointing was bc Harry was supposed to be better than them, but he wasn’t. He treated his son cruelly and he and Draco devolved into the same squabbling as Sirius and Snape. For me, the point of Harry Potter was to rise above such abuse and hardships and be better than your parents. To see Harry behave so un-Harrylike seemed like a wasted arc. Full agree on the order novellas! I’ve always said that that’s the only extra content I’d be interested in, especially the downfall of the first order, culminating with the death of the Potters. It would’ve accentuated the series waaaay more in my opinion rather than seeing the Marauders bully Snape or the extra “content” no one asked for that Rowling has put out anyways

It is not my favorite book in the series, but it is not the worst. One of the things I liked that was not mentioned was Luna Lovegood. She is introduced as an oddball character, yet she has an enormous insight of everyone's character. The most memorable moment is with Harry in the final chapter, she was the only one he felt comfortable talking to and brought him some perspective.

I always loved order of the Phoenix. Never understood why people are so hard on harry regarding this book. He's going through trauma and is also kept away from info on what's happening. I would be furious too

At least we all know what I'd look like as a Vampire now 🤷 Also, sorry about the blank screen 3 mins into the vid, something happened with the export I guess, but it's only for a couple seconds!

Also, Merphy, careful what you wish for with a Order of Phoenix novella, because JK seems intent on destroying what she created and you're just giving her ideas 😂😅

Peeves was actually the mvp of this book! The scene where McGonagall tells Peeves how to unscrew the chandelier, and when the Weasley twins ask him to take over for them in their absence are way too memorable ❤️ I read the books just before the final movie came out; until that point I was just strictly watching the movies. And man, Order of the Phoenix movie was the most confusing one for me! I did not understand so many things in the film, which is probably why I loved the book so much more when I finally got to it!

This is my favourite book in the series. I feel like it resonated with me much more as a teenager than more of the other books. Strong themes of death, depression, self-deprecation and friendship.

I have read Harry Potter books multiple times and still can't get enough of them

Dumbledore's death never hit me the way Sirius's death did. I remember a specific reread I did on The Order of the Phoenix when I fully understood the scope of the loss that Harry felt. I cried my eyes out, it broke my heart. Their relationship wasn't allowed to last, to grow, to be the pillar of support they both needed. It only takes imagining how their lives would have looked like, had Sirius lived. Harry lost his parents, the only relatives he had were the Dursleys (who don't count as family), and then he found a family again in Sirius and was deprived of it. AGAIN. Deprived of their future together. The adult he could trust. The adult that connected him to his parents. The adult that could give him the acceptance and unconditional love he craved. Who could play quidditch with him. And God, the way Voldemort used Sirius to lure Harry, the fact that despite it all being forged, Sirius still died in the Ministry like the visions suggested... the tragedy of it all makes me cry every time. Worst gut-kicking I've ever experienced while consuming fiction.

Ah, snuck this on us. Been waiting for this review. Some thoughts: Sirius was stuck in Azkaban from his early 20's to early 30's. He spent years thinking about vengeance, not maturing. Could sort of explain his risk taking mentality. Harry also got a bad rap this book because he had the entire ministry working to destroy his rep in the wizarding world and umbridge ruining school and almost literal torture. He handled it all quite well given the conditions. I do agree with your thoughts on the 2 way mirror. Kinda troublesome harry wouldnt open a gift from Sirius. Good review. Thanks

I didn't read this until I was in college after a friend of mine darn near forced me to read the HP series. It's been one of my favorites since then. Didn't realize I was in the minority on that. As far as Sirius, I give him a lot of leeway because the guy has been through a lot. He's had to deal with losing his friends, betrayal and being in Azkaban, wrongly convicted, for so long. I think he's surprisingly mentally and emotionally well-adjusted after all that and took on what might have been way too much responsibility way too quickly, when he's not yet acclimated to his freedom. And the Neville with his parents scene is my favorite in the whole series. Also, hope you feel better! Get well soon and all that jazz.

this has always been my favorite Harry Potter book cuz puberty + social outcast + evil voice in your head + Umbridge = miserable time for Harry but fun time for me!

I feel like my experience with Snape has only gotten worse with reread 😂 when I first went into my opinion was very much influenced by what I'd been seeing in fan takes, but each time I read these books i get more and more frustrated by the fact that this a grown ass man -- and a TEACHER -- who is bullying a child.

I'm guilty of not liking harry in this book for being angsty. It's been a little while since I've read it but I've never thought of the PTSD. That combined with everyone ignoring him suddenly makes harry in OOTP an incredibly well written character. Great review!

The fact that Neville's worst fear is Snape rather than Bellatrix speaks volumes

"If you want to know what a man's like, take a look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." -Sirius Black We get to see a lot of what Sirius is like in book 5. Like how he treats Kreacher. Harry wasn't willing to see any faults in Sirius, but Hermione was right when she said he was reckless and cruel. Sirius also had a pretty messed up life. He came from an abusive and twisted family his best friends are betrayed and murdered, and he was blamed and imprisoned in a place where people slowly go insane for 12 years.

The revolving wall in the Department of Mysteries only randomizes the doors for non-employees of the department.

Two things: I literally just said to myself “I wonder when she will finish with OOTP and post her review” and super cute shirt.

"You just want them to pass tests and figure out life on their own?' Seems Umbridge went to muggle school.

So PTSD is definitely a large part of it, but I also, in hindsight, assumed that part of the situation was after such a close proximity to more of Voldemort’s power, the fact that he was a living horcrux played a large part in his attitude (similar to the final book with the folks wearing the necklace)

I still think Sirius' behaviour is more justified than Snape's. First, Sirius was imprisoned at the age of 21 and, although innocent, kept in the most horrible prison for 12 years, after his breakout his life didn't improve much so no wonder he didn't really mature, he just didn't have the chance to grow up when being isolated from the society. Secondly, he first heard about Snape again in the shrieking shack from Lupin and first thing Snape tried to do after their first meeting was to try and get Sirius kissed by dementors although he knew from the trio he wasn't guilty. Snape himself on the other hand had a good job at Hogwarts and Dumbledore's support at hand. He could've matured but he chose to be that abusive jerk. Sirius only stayed horrible to Snape while he continued to bully his innocent students and why? Beacuse Harry looked like James and Neville was bad at potions? He's just a horrible person and doing one good thing isn't enough to make up for all the bad things he's done imo

WHO ELSE ACTUALLY LOVE THIS BOOK ? 👇

The revolving doors at the entrance of the department of mysteries are for outsiders. Harry accidentally cracks the code of how to navigate it at the end. You just say where you want to go and the door opens.

This book always made me so mad! (Not in a negative way but because of how I felt for the characters. It did such a good job evoking empathy for the kids) The injustice and bad treatments of the kids is infuriating. I just wanted to reach into the pages and slap those ridiculous adults!

I wonder with Sirius if some of his flaws and immaturity are a result of his time in prison. It sounds like everyone in Azkaban is in solitary confinement, and we know from research how much that affects a person’s psyche. So to me it makes sense that he lives in the past (viewing Harry as James) and has trouble being a true adult. He’s probably dealing with a lot of issues from years of seclusion.

The end part of the book always makes me sad 😔 AKA The part when Harry talks to Dumbledore (and destroys his office) after Sirius dies

Can I bring up some interesting symbolism here, too? I'm ALMOST positive, though don't quote me on this, but I'm almost positive that every gift Sirius ever gives Harry ends up lost or broken by the end of the series. Representative of a broken life, maybe...? Harry's and Sirius's lives, actually, both of them.

Thank you sooooo much for defending Harry in this book. I've had too many conversations with other readers who all complain that Harry is "angsty" in this book and they don't like him, and I can't understand it! He's been through so much: all the trauma you mentioned, plus having to deal with constant crap from most of the wizarding community who believe he's a gloryhound and a liar, he's got no guidance in processing it all, and he's only 15! But readers rag on him as "annoying" and "whiny" and it drives me nuts. Thank you, thank you, thank you for pointing out that we as a community need to call that out and put a stop to it. He's written so HUMAN in this book. Rowling's made mistakes in her writing, but I think she did a great job with his character in this book, and I wish more readers would recognize it.

Book five is so good. I’m so glad someone is giving voice to how great this book is! Thanks! I love your channel!

OotP has been my favorite in the series since it came out. 🖤🔥 I love that it got darker. Umbridge is, without a doubt, my favorite villain, and we are introduced to Luna, whom I love so dearly. And the scene in the hospital with Neville's parents is by far the most heartbreaking and beautiful. Alice giving Neville the only pretty thing she has to give to show her love. I'm tearing up just writing this. And I really enjoyed the scene in the Department of Mystery, I remember sitting at the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down even though it was the middle of the night, the first time I read it. I just had to find out how it ended. I never felt that way with any other climax. Also, speaking as an orphan, I loved seeing Harry getting angry, Back then, I still had moments of anger toward the man who killed my parents, and Harry had been a mirror for me, so I found comfort in him reacting in ways I was never able to.

My favorite line from this book is probably Minerva saying “well… he achieved top marks in DADA when he had a competent teacher!” Right in front of Umbridge

As I get older I found that boggart REALLY emotional too!!! Also always wanted to see a series on the original Order- so much content there!

You quoting from right after Sirius' death had my eyes stinging a little bit, oooh the feels 💔 I have to disagree with you though, aside from Deathly Hallows, this was my favorite climax to a HP book.

I love how imperfect the characters are throughout the series. I feel like readers unfairly expect too much from these people who are not going to be perfect. Sirius did have friends at school, but he also spent 10 years in Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit. I would think that would stunt anybody's ability to be a functional adult. And Snape never let go of his insecurities from adolescence. That combined with his guilt over feeling his actions led to Lily's death, and I totally understand why it took him so long to grow up. Furthermore, everyone seems to forget that the main characters are kids, and 15 year olds don't make the greatest decisions. Yes, what Hermione did in tricking people to sign that contract wasn't good, but she's also a kid. We see her make another foolish decision at the end of the book when she thinks she can get the centaurs to solve the problem of Umbridge. And it almost kills her and Harry. Kids make bad decisions (and for that matter, so do many adults) and I think people expect too much from the cast of characters. Everybody has flaws. And I love that JK Rowling highlights these flaws consistently throughout the series.

The last thing the 3 would ever be thinking in a moment of crisis is, “Oh Snape could help us!” But I understand the logical frustration

This is my all-time favorite book, and I'm lowkey offended you think the whole sequence in the Department of Mysteries is a mess haha. That is like my favorite part of the book. I think it's so thrilling and the first time I read it, even if I had seen the film, I was so worried and into it.

My favorite aspect of this book is Ginny and how much she grows and we really get to see her, I specifically love the moment where she calls Harry out, when he claims that no one understands what it's like to be possessed by Voldemort. She reminds him that she was, and when he tells her he forgot about that, and she's like, "lucky you." That hit, cause it's so easy to forget how much trauma she went through in the chamber of Secrets.

You have to remember that Sirius had been in prison for years.. and now he feels imprisoned in his old house again, an house that reminds me of his Slivering, pure blood loving family all the time, something he wanted to run away from. So just the idea of an excuse to get out is what was driving him the most when suggesting going as a dog again to meet Harry directly.

Order of the Phoenix made me fall in love with books. Also. I’m a Snape lover. His complexities are the reason I love him. He is terrible, I agree, but its part of my love for for him.

Just finished reading this book a second time and your review was so lovely to hear! I do enjoy that characters have more layers in this book and you raise a good point about Dumbledoor.. despite him admitting he hasn’t told Harry everything he should have, he continues not telling Harry everything he should have. You helped me see this book a little better, thanks!

I also feel like Sirius was never given the chance to grow up, or at least not completely. I mean, he's obviously a very flawed character but whilst Snape had the 15 years after Lilly's death to reflect and grow as a person (which he didn't, really), Sirius found out 2 of his closest friends died and then he spent 12 years in Azkaban. I think it's not unreasonable that Sirius probably glorified his days with the Marauders, and James in particular, whilst going through that dark time so he never really grew out of it. It's not like he was going to be locked up for a decade and spend the whole time thinking about how horrible of a person he was (especially since he was locked up unjustly), it's more likely he saw that time of his life in a very positive light because it was his only source of happiness/hope. Does that make sense?

OOTF was my favorite book, I just finished it today. Mann I love Prof McGonogall, the scene with Neville and his parents had me emotional, Harry's raging in Dumbledore's office should have been the movies, Sirius death, and I really like Luna. I got a little emotional at the end, when she was putting up signs about getting her stuff back. Idk, she comes across as very wise although people underestimate her and don't take her seriously. But she's so sweet. I love how unbothered she is during many instances in the book. her introverted personality reminds of myself.

I found myself in harry(after calling him arrogant for years) in this book because his behavior was so reasonable . He was going through adolescence and just saw his friend die. I felt the same kind of emotion when my father died. I didn't know why I was angry all the time. Also,Harry used to get appreciation and win from his very first days at Hogwarts. But he failed to do anything in the last two years(escape of Pettigrew and death of Cedric). Also the famous Harry became a liar to everybody . In the midst of this,there was nobody to console him overcome his hard time. And he still was treated like a child. I think That's why Harry got angry all the tine,not because Voldemort set up a connection with him. Also, Merphy, I am crossing my fingers to see you review The Cursed Child. I wonder how big the vid will be 😛

Merphy, thank you so much for filming this long review for us even though you're sick, i really appreciate it. Get well soon!

It was very interesting to hear you say that you used to really dislike this book- I only read them this past summer but it’s actually one of my favorite books in this series because of all the development and because it’s so different from the others. Anyway, hope you have a great day!

McGonagall is my favorite character in the series and book 5 did her so much justice. Her sass is too real here.

Umbridge's methology in school is literally what school functions like in real life.

I favorite segments in this book that actually make OotP my favorite in the series are the scenes where Harry, Ron and Hermione are spending time together in the Common Room around the fire. Brings a cozy feeling I get when thinking back to camp outs with friends or the hype before Christmas morning being with family around the tree. I really loved the war they lost against cleaning Grimmauld Place. The banter between everyone was at its best in those parts of the books.

Always amazed by how much detail you're able to go into with these!

Not just grief, but he also had to fight for his life against the person who killed his parents and just barely escaped after seeing the ghost of his dead parents. Then he got sent back to an abusive home. That's a messed up situation

Just re-reading Harry Potter myself and everytime I finish a book I go and watch your review to see your thoughts as well. Your reviews are so well done and I appreciate the time you take to dive deep into each novel. I'm looking forward to your reviews of book 6 & 7 💙

What a blessing to find your channel. I've practically been binge watching your reviews all week (both sides) and what I love is how passionate you are about these books which reminds me of how I was when I read them all (first, second, third and forth time). Sadly I don't have time to read anymore these days as I'm so busy. But your reviews are by far and away the best I have seen so far. Not only are they about the books as opposed to the films but again the passion that you have to really go into all the detail and details that you do has made this such an enjoyable experience. I wish I knew you while I was reading the series as we would have so much to discuss. I also appreciate your dedication to keep going even while sick (been there, it's not easy). Can't wait for the next 2 HBP (both videos). Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

When I was kid I loved Sirius so much. Now as an adult I understand Molly better. I still love Sirus. However, it would be hard to mature in Azkaban and in constant hiding.

Omg I've been waiting for this for forever!!! So excited!

I have the same sweater, love it! And I laughed out loud when you said Sirius was egging Harry on, you're so right!

I would love to see a mini series of the Order! Harry Potter fan for life ⚡️

As always, great video! Thanks for sharing. Keep ‘em coming!

I'm rereading he series at the moment and every time I finish one of the books I make sure to come check the videos you made about them!

You did such a great job with this review. Love you, Merf. :)

Just woke up to this vid and it made me so happy ( I love Harry Potter ) thanks Murphy!!!

Sirius ‘s behaviour makes sense as he spent 12 years in azkaban but after that has to be on a run for about an year , after that he gets stuck at his childhood home which he hates and he can’t help the order and he hates that since everyone he cares about is fighting. Apart from that he still has to deal with that grief and pain of losing lily and James , cause 12 years in azkaban can’t be helpful for that which explains why he keeps treating Harry like James. As much as I would like to defend him from his actions towards I can’t as he was git to him.

I legit feel like I'm coming down with something as I watch you fight through this video. xD I hope you feel better soon!

I honestly loved seeing some real, raw emotion out of Harry in this book

I don’t blame Hermione at all for the contract. It’s war time, snitches get hexed.

Yay! A long video. I was so bored. My day got better! 🤗

12:28 I was expecting a "he's going to work his longbottom off" hhahaa

This book develops each and every character extremely well. It sets up all the characters for 6 and 7.

The reason that Hagrid's wand was snapped when he got expelled and why they were planning on snapping Harry's was because they were underage wizards and hadn't taken either of the big tests at Hogwarts. Newt was also expelled but because he was older his wand wasn't snapped. They only seem to snap the wands of underage wizards

Order of the Phoenix is actually my favorite book in the series

This book is so far my favorite 😭 I loved the emotional terminal Harry went through. He is also 15, a teenager whose emotions are all over the place in a normal circumstances. So yeah I loved Harry in this book. I loved how at the end everyone came to Harry’s defense against the Dursley’s.

I love the conversations in this comment section!!

Great video review of this book. It has been a while since I reread this series. It may be time to do my own reread. I love this series SO much. Interestingly enough...I came to this series when I was in my 30s. My children started reading them, and I wanted to know what they were reading. I actually didn’t like Harry in the first book because he lied so much. My wife (who had read them first) gently explained to me...that I was raised in.a nurturing environment, Harry was not. So, a lot of his manifestations of poor character choices stem from his poor home environment. Then, seeing that the book (series) had layered characters (not just black and white), I really grew to love it. Thanks for your insightful thoughts on this book.

Still my favourite book in the series

Wow! Tq for the review Merphy!

Always on time. Your consistency is overwhelming... lol

The thing with Sirius is when he looks at Harry he doesn’t really see Harry he sees James.

I'm only two minutes in, I'm re reading the order right now. I just finished the grawp chapter and I had to stop because my son got up from his nap. Oh my god. I can't agree with more. I used to hate this book and was so annoyed by Harry but reading it again GIVE THE BOY A BREAK!! He has been through so much in his young life and now the whole Voldemort returning and killing Cedric has obviously affected him big time. He is left totally alone and even though Dumbledore has his reasons as far as Harry knows he is being very unfairly treated by everyone around him. C'mon, making Ron prefect??? That was so unfair and until now I couldn't understand it, it's unfair, not even Ron himself can believe that it wasn't Harry who was chosen for prefect, like c'mon!!! He deals with it incredibly well actually trying to support and be happy for his friend, even though he feels betrayed by Dumbledore. Seriously the amount of crap Harry has to deal with in this book.... He is coping better than most would. Rant over, now I'll continue watching the video. 😂

I know you already spoke about it at length, but I really liked that you shone a light on how Sirius treats Harry in Book 5, specifically the comparison between Harry and James. To paraphrase something you already said, how rude to compare an orphan boy to the father he desperately wants to know/emulate, and not only that but to be so disparaging, and tell this child in no uncertain terms that not only have you disappointed me, but if your father were alive he’d definitely be disappointed too. As a reader, we fall so easily into Harry’s mindset that we sometimes don’t notice how forgiving he can be to some people who have genuinely done him harm. Sirius is a big perpetrator in this, but also Hagrid I find to be problematic. Through Harry’s eyes, Hagrid is this well meaning but reckless person who feels first and thinks later, and is therefore never held accountable for his actions. Harry will fight and fall out with Ron for feeling jealousy (as almost anyone would be as a sixth son and best friend to a celebrity would) and yet Sirius and Hagrid will consistently say and do damaging things but be forgiven.

To be fair to Sirius, he did go into literal HELL PRISON when he was still relatively young and his personal growth basically stopped until he got out so he now that he's free he's basically a 22 year old with a lot of pent up emotion. Like, he didn't grow up.

My points - it's stupid that the Ministry of Magic condemns Harry so much for performing magic in front of a Muggle. However the Muggle is Duddley who actually knows Harry is a wizard!! - Umbridge for me resembles the 1984 story line. She wants everyone to be fully obidient. And she’s evil!! - The twins are awesome. Mrs Weasley boggart is even sadder after reading all 7 books. - I too want some series/story about the first order of phoenix. I would love to meet more about Neville’s parents - Maybe Dumbledore was crying in the end of the book because he knew the hardest part and didnt disclosed it to Harry (the Horcrux stuff) - DA contract: it makes sense Hermione didnt tell them about the curse, as they were not supposed to denounce them. Also, the contract eas made after the Hog’S meeting because it was only after they first met that groups were not allowed to form without autorization

Thirty minutes straight of Merphy AND Harry Potter?? It really IS Christmas!

This was a great video. I wish you would have discussed the introduction of Bellatrix Lestrange. I watched the movies before reading the books, and the moment I saw her I was instantly fascinated by this new character, and then I read the books and she is even more fascinating. Up to the Order of the Phoenix, her name is mentioned here and there but we know she did horrible things to Neville's parents, but actually seeing her use dark magic and listening to her makes you realize how terrifying the Death Eaters actually are when they are in a position of power. The Death Eaters in the first books that we meet like the Malfoys are portrayed as bad people but they pretended to side with the Ministry and although sneaky they aren't a big enough threat yet. But when Bellatrix comes onto the scene, she is one of Voldemort's followers who had too much devotion to him to hide it from the authorities; she would sacrifice anything for him and she will do the worst things openly because she has nothing to lose. She's definitely a character that doesn't feel right in the first few books because these are children's books and they steer away from getting too dark, but now the characters and their storylines are more mature and the evil that is Voldemort and his followers is finally rising to the forefront of the story. That's the end of my spiel. lol

Far and away my favorite book of the series. I remember reading it in 3 days all those years ago.

Hope you are feeling better. Liking the love for the twins. I particularly enjoy the fact that Hermione indirect helps them complete a snack box - she gives murtlap essence to Harry for his hand post detention, Harry tells Lee about it after he’s had detention and Lee, of course, tells the twins. Genius, Jo, genius! One note, the revolving door is a defence against intrusion into the DoM. When Harry is chasing Bellatrix, he calls for the way out and gets it: “Where’s the exit?” he shouted desperately (....) The room seemed to have been waiting for him to ask. The door right behind him flew open and the corridor towards the lifts stretched ahead of him,” You just need to ask.

This is my favorite book of the series. The McGonagall and Twins moments and interactions alone make it.

This is my second favorite HP book. I think part of the reason why is that age 15 was not a good year for me so I think I identify with Harry. I Love the scenes with the Order. We are introduced to Luna Lovegood, my favorite Ravenclaw and one of my favorite characters! I love the D.A helping students become better Wizards, and the rebellion against the ministry. McGonnagall is a badass in this book taking no crap from Umbridge. One of my favorite all time female villains, Bellatrix Lestrange, is introduced. Always loved this book and I love how long it it!

I love your voice .. even if you are sick .. get well soon ♡

This has always been my favorite. I love the time they spend at Grimauld Place, trying to get the place more habitable--so relatably domestic! Also, maybe because he's spending more time with more Weasleys. Come to think of it, time spent with the fam, degnoming, preparing for the wedding, etc. are also favorites. Molly, Molly, Molly! Harry needed a mother so badly. If I were JK, looking to write another book, I'd have gone into a Weasley prequel. I think their characters would have supported it.