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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
It’s the fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for Harry and his friends and one that proves more dangerous than the previous years. This year sets up the consummate battle between good and evil.
Harry is the target of the Minister of Magic who does not believe his story of the return of The Dark Lord Voldemort. Stories spread that Harry has been lying and many in the community and at Hogwarts look at young Potter differently now. He is considered a lying young man, but Harry, Dumbledore, and his friends know the truth. Voldemort is back and intent on causing chaos.
The Minister of Magic installs his own “eyes” in Hogwarts. Professor Umbridge is part of the ministry and gradually changes all aspects of the school, with “Ministry-approved” courses and all new rules. Meanwhile, Harry and his friends worry that the new school courses will not prepare them to defend themselves against Voldemort, so they form their own secret resistance force, “Dumbledore’s Army,” with Harry instructing them on the many aspects of wizardry and magic.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron are growing up and this film showcases their more mature attitude and outlook. They learn about the Order of the Phoenix, a group of wizards who have always been on the side of good, and who now are the protectors of the young boy whose parents were themselves part of the Order.
Screenwriter Michael Goldenberg states, “Obviously, it was very important to stay true to the spirit of the book. This story, in particular, is so much about Harry’s journey. It’s about Harry coming of age and realizing that things aren’t as black and white as they initially appeared … and the adults he idealized are perhaps more flawed and human than the thought.”
New characters are introduced in this story that has Harry haunted by nightmares and finally understanding his connection to Voldemort, who now has the ability to get inside Potter’s mind. This has Harry worried that he is more like the Dark Lord than he would like to be, but soon discovers that he has “something worth fighting for,” unlike Voldemort. The next chapter in their lives will be the fight between the dark and the light, and the climax of the prophecy that involves Harry and Voldemort.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a pivotal storyline for the characters.
© 2007 Francine Brokaw
Photos © 2007 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and J.K.R. All Rights Reserved.
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