YES SOMEONE FINALLY SAID IT. I've always thought that Harry was completely in his right to be angry and upset considering everything he has been through. I mean he's seen terrible things and then Dumbledore just starts ignoring him without any explanation whatsoever. I do agree that he went a bit out of line with Ron and Hermione though.
I always thought that people blew the number of Harry's outbursts out of proportion. I believe there are two scenes where he actually loses his temper. Not all that much in an 870 page book. I'm glad you brought this discussion up! Great video :)
I’d like to point out that scene at the end of Order of the Phoenix when Harry sees Luna putting up posters because people take her things. I love how Harry feels sorry for her and has this understanding of Luna. I think it finally hit Harry that he had some things in common with her. Luna is essentially bullied(her things being taken) due to her odd personality, and people saw Harry as crazy for thinking that Voldemort was back, and how he witnessed Cedric dying. Also, Harry felt comfortable talking about Sirius with Luna because she had lost someone very close to her as well. I don’t know, I just loved that scene between these two characters who were somewhat indifferent to each other for the longest time. Wonderful review, Emma!!
mary r The fact that Luna was so used to it made me so sad. I also kinda felt that that scene showed that while yes, Harry did strive to be like his father, he proved that he wanted to almost rectify his father’s mistakes (the fact that he had bullied Snape). Luna was, in my eyes, a reflection of Snape in the moment, and even though Harry hates Snape, he understood how hurtful it was to be bullied, and decided to try and help out rather than brushing over it.
It upsets me to no end when people complain about OotP because of how “angsty” Harry is...and you’re right, he’s not! The poor guy clearly has PTSD and I can’t help but feel sorry for him, especially since he’s dealing with most of it on his own
It's also the book that makes it clear that the fun, magical adventure is over. Life is about to get real not just for Harry, but all of magical Great Britain again and this time they're not going to be coming out unscathed.
Meredith Glenn Ikr and I mean, in half blood prince he regrets all his shouting anyways 😂 I merely found OOTF funny in my opinion as I read it at 14 thinking Harry turned into some weirdo. When I turned 15 I noticed that I lost quite a bit of friends in school and soon realised it was because of my moodiness (and having to admit) my toxicity due to anger. I soon remembered the fifth book not long after reading the sixth and was like ‘uhh...puberty...ok’ 😂 but then again he did suffer PTSD so that’s that.
Finding out about the prophecy was one of my favorite things in the series. A lot of people hate the 'Chosen One' trope and group Harry Potter in as one of the books that did it, but it's really a subversion of the trope. It didn't have to be Harry, the prophecy didn't even have to come true if Voldemort simply thought Divination was BS, and it's outright stated that 99% of Divination is BS. Prophecy is only powerful if people believe in it, and I think it's a very underappreciated plot point.
The Luna scenes were truly powerful in making Harry realise he can't do everything on his own, and how it's okay that he's different to everyone else. And THANK YOU for pointing out how the beginning of Harry and Ginny's romance started in Order of the Phoenix
I totally agree that Sirius isn't the best father figure for Harry. I love him so much, but I've always thought of Lupin as more of the mature fatherly figure for Harry and Sirius as more of the fun uncle. I will say in his defense, as far as wanting Harry to be reckless to spend time with him, Sirius had all those years in prison knowing of Harry's existence and longing to be his godfather and parental figure. Whereas, Harry didn't know about Sirius so he hasn't had as long to stew in the need to know the other better. And YES! I love McGonagall's snark towards Umbridge! She's the best
I've, as an adult, always found it so satisfying when Harry throw Dumbledores belongings all over the place and almost breaks his entire office. He finally gets to vent all of the anger he has felt towards Dumbledore. Basically if Dumbledore had come clean to Harry and told him everything he needed to know in regards to the prophecy in the department of mysteries and how Voldemort would be very likely to attempt luring him there by any means possible. Nobody would have needed to die and no students would have been put in danger because of Harry panicking and feeling the need to protect himself from more psychological damage. And ultimately we would have had much less of a story :P I like Sirius as a character. I'm not saying he is flawless, but how sane can you be from wasting 12 years in Azkaban? It does hurt how he tries to live through Harry and the others. It hurts every time he tells Harry that James woulde have done it differently. His entire existence is just sad.
Thank you. You're one of the few people I've heard admit they prefer the relationships as they were written. People seem to LOVE to grasp onto the fact that JK made a comment about how she considered putting Harry and Hermione together and seem to think that's unequivocal proof she regrets not doing it and they should be the real couple. But I thoroughly disagree. I've always felt Harry and Hermione were very much a BFF brother & sister type relationship. I've never seen a single hint that either of them had an attraction to each other. If you really pay attention, there has been hints at feelings between Ron and Hermione as well as Harry and Ginny since basically the beginning. But you're definitely right about Harry and his feelings for Ginny starting to really materialize here in Order. I think Jo definitely made the right choices as far as the couples are concerned. Though I've heard some people say they would have liked to see Hermione end up with Viktor Krum. And I could see that be interesting. But I never got the vibe she was super into him either.
I'm a little over two years late, but I have to mention how on point your reviews are! Specially about "Harry's angst," it bothers me to no end that he's judged for his behavior. And, I looooved your output about Harry and Ginny. I sometimes wonder if there are different versions of the book when people say that "Hinny" came out of nowhere. Or when people say Ginny became cool all of a sudden just to force Harry noticing her. Since book 2 it's mentioned how outgoing she is and it's clearly stated how strange it is for her to be shy and how unlike her she behaves in front of Harry, which is our point of view. So, no! She's always been a cool girl, we just hadn't interacted with her properly.
I didn't read Harry Potter until I was 26, in 2015 and Order of the phoenix was my favorite! I got so upset about people saying they hate how "angsty" Harry is in this book, the poor guy has been through so much crap, clearly has PTSD and is dealing with it as a teen all on his own! I felt so bad for him. Of course I also have ptsd and through-out this book I just wanted to hug him
OotP is actually one of my favorite Harry Potter books. I just love so many things about it. Especially I love that we have so much more of Luna here. Luna is such an angel. And also Dumbledore's army. Fred and George's epic prank, teachers and students uniting in revolting against Umbridge. Talking about your review, I loved the details you picked up on. The fat phobia and racial slurs. I did not even think about that. Your reviews are always so informative and enlightening ❤️
By the way, I totally share your point of view on this book. Dumbledore makes me sick, and I hate the fact that nobody understands Harry, and yeah in this book I can already ship Giny and Harry
I completely agree about Sirius! Knowing what would happen to him and how much he means to Harry and the impact of his loss, I hate the way Sirius is to Harry throughout a lot of this book.
I thought the same thing about Sirius when I first read it (or my mum read it to me, but still) and me and my mum were both so convinced that there was going to be a way to bring Sirius back! I think we might have both just been in denial though because they'd gone through so much to save him. Also, I think a lot of the reason people don't ship Hinny has to be to do with the movies right? Because they're so good together in the books!
(Deathly Hallows spoilers) The reason Harry was able to survive while the Horcrux within him was destroyed was that Voldemort had taken Harry's blood, and thus put Lily's protection inside himself. I think that's what the gleam of triumph in Dumbledore's eye was about. He wasn't happy that his theory was proven correct, he was happy because he realized that Harry wasn't going to have to die to defeat Voldemort.
Order and the Phoenix is a great book. I find Harry at his most sympathetic in this book. And it only makes him such a great protagonist. Harry goes through hell in this book, and it's realistic. It's not unnecessary. And Dumbledore and Harry's conversation is honestly the most heartbreaking and sympathetic scene in the books.
Re-reading this in university also made me appreciate OOTP a lot more and it is definitely one of my favourite books in the series now! Aside from all the other obvious things, however, my least favourite part about this book is when Harry is banned from Quidditch. Even after all these years I get so upset when that happens, it actually hurts to read about that haha great review! :)
Thank you so much for touching on Harry's PTSD. I've always thought that I was the only one who realized that Harry isn't just being a jerk for the sake of being a jerk, he's suffering and none of the adults around him are helping him.
This is my first time reading through the series and I'm so glad you're reviewing them at the same time it makes the experience so much more fulfilling!!!
One of my favorite parts of this book is how it shows the adults in your life can let you down. Before OotP, Harry thought his father walked on water. All he ever heard was how James was cool and loyal to the bone. Which was true. But he also had this ugly side and even Harry was disgusted as how much of an arrogant jerk he was. Harry will usually never let anyone say a word against Sirius and completely ignores his flaws, but he couldn't practice what he preached in treating those of lower stations as equals, which is what bit him in the ass with Preacher. And Dumbledore, the man many of us came to think always had the right answer, couldn't give Harry _any_ comfort for the entire year. Not to mention how the Ministry was so busy running a smear campaign on Harry that it actively helped Voldemort infiltrate it. Adults just screwed up in this book and Harry was the one who caught nearly all the damage.
Order of the Phoenix has always been my favorite because I love how much more we get to see of Ginny and Neville. I actually think the part with Harry and Ginny on the train was the beginning of Half-Blood Prince, pg 136 in my old school edition. I'm re-reading and I just read that part yesterday and made the same note that you did! =) I also made a huge note while reading about how boys can't go up the stairs to the girls dormitories because even when Hogwarts was created, they didn't think boys were trustworthy.
I definitely hate that all the remaining marauders died and harry never really got to speak to them about his parents or have any real down time with them and get to know them, and one of my friends told me that that was kinda the point but it still makes me really upset
I really love your discussions of the Harry Potter Series. You definitely made me see things in a different light and I always think you have very good things to say. Very much looking forward to your discussions on the last two books :D:D
can you do individual reviews of vampire academy? I reading them and i am in the middle of blood promise. Also i know you have live streams about TMI but can you do videos like these for them?
I never thought that Harry's feeling for Ginger came out of nowhere! And I love the both of them together!! I love the dynamic Ambrigth and McConigel (I don't know how you write them...:D) as well:D And I agree with you on the Dumbeldor and Harry situation.
The Order of the Phoenix is my favourite book in the HP series and honestly one of my favourite books in general. First of all we have Harry finally standing up to his abusers, that's always pleasing to read. Then we have Umbridge, who is such a fantastically written villain. I heard that even Stephen King was impressed by how hateable Umbridge was made. And who didn't love McGonagall roasting Umbridge?? And the Dumbledore's Army moments too, God it was so good I loved the film too but I just wish they had tried to stay more true to the book. They could've easily made this film into two parts like they did with the Deathly Hallows. I'd say my favourite film in the series is the Prisoner of Azkaban
I would be so interested to reread the fifth book now, because I always associated it with the bad things that happened too. This review was so great, I loved how you looked deeper at Harry and the book. Thanks for the review!
I've watched this review thrice because ohmygod I love how you've spoken about the minute details that I've noticed over the years while re-reading the Harry Potter series! Can't wait for your review of the last two books!
I LOVED Neville in this book !!!! He was soooo so cute & precious when he saw his mother at the hospital & he the way he fought with his friends, so brave! This book made me love him so much I can't even describe my feelings. I also loved the developpement of Ginny's character and how she ended up being the seeker: SERIOUSLY, HOW COOL IS THAT? I love this book, definitely one of the best in series
Thanks Emma for this amazing review! I really liked Mcgonagall before but after Order of the Phoenix I absolutely loved her, I really feel like she is so underrated.
I love your review Emma!! I never really noticed the micro aggressions or the PTSD that Harry has. I was also one of those people saying that Harry is angsty throughout this book which is really not the case as you pointed out. OMG THE TWO WAY MIRROR. It could have been avoided, Harry.. Why??? I also love McGonagall's shade towards Umbridge. I LIVED FOR IT!! Funniest part of the whole book. I do agree that Dumbledore's relationship with Harry started to frustrate me around book 6. I didn't really detect in Book 5. THE GLEAM OF TRIUMPH JUST MADE ME SO MAD JUST USGQIHEWKA. It wasn't really necessary. Super excited for your next reviews because I loved the last two books!
Theory of the triumph thing: I thought it was because dumbledore knew harry had to die but when he hears the blood thing he knows there's a chance he will survive the horcrux being killed
that's a good theory!! but to my understanding, harry's mother's protection broke as soon as he left the dursleys? i always thought the reason he survived is because he was the master of the elder wand so it wouldn't betray him!
emmmabooks on the reread I did this summer I think dumbledore says he has hoped that because Lily's blood was out into Voldemort it would tether Harry to earth when he died
What do u think the centaurs did with Umbridge after they captured her? Why do u think D'dore rescued Umbridge from the centaurs? It's indicative of the level of loathing that the Hogwarts staff (except Filch) felt for Umbridge that Ron was able to taunt a clearly traumatized patient Umbridge with with soft clip-clopping sounds (imitating centaurs) in the hospital wing & agitating her & usually strict Madam Pomfrey, who usually looked out for the best interests of her patients, not doing a thing about it.
The mirror thing makes me so angry too. Every time I re read the book and Sirius gives him the gift and I think about how lonely Sirius must have been waiting to hear from Harry and he never did it hurts my soul
I agree, just read order of the phoenix for the second time since it came out lol, and i agree Harry has every right to be angry is this book. I also agree with you a bit about Sirius
That was the best review ever, normally I don't like to watch reviews because they're so boooring to me, but this one was soooo cool, and interesting and everything! Now I want to see all your reviews
I just finished rereading Half-Blood Prince and like this time I really noticed and appreciated Dumbledore's humour, sass and passive-aggressiveness (in a good way) like how he talked to the Dursleys in the beginning of the book. (I also noticed it in OotP but a lot more in HBP). I know that he is a very controversial character and I see his issues but I just appreciated those things in these books. Also, I am so excited for the next two reviews, but I also don't want them to stoooop😔😂 Loved to hear your thoughts
I feel bad as all her harry potter books look brand new and all have the same cover while as i have read mine so much times its basically falling apart and they all have different covers.I really need to update my collection but my mom sees it as wasting money as I already have it. What do you think?
I just finished my reread of the series and was writing in my journal about it and I mentioned that part where Harry realised Ginny doesn't hang out with them in school. I always say that it's Harry's reaction to Sirius's death that's the emotional part to read not the actual death too.
Oh boy, this is going to be a long comment, so bear with me. I definitely understand why a lot of the fandom hates Dumbledore or else just has a lot of problems with his character, as he certainly is very flawed and often didn't go about his guidance role to Harry in a productive or nurturing way. However, I think that these things make Dumbledore a much more complex and realistic character and they actually inevitably add to my liking of him. Eventually, in deathly hallows, through Harry's viewing of Snape's memories, we learn that Harry was supposed to sacrifice himself to Voldemort all along so the final Horcrux inside of him would be destroyed. I feel like there's a lot of room to empathize with him and his position- he has the weight of this knowledge from the beginning of the series that an eleven-year-old child coming to Hogwarts is the one destined to save the entire wizarding world by defeating voldemort and dying in the process. The fact that he struggled for so long with telling Harry the truth about the prophecy and how he never really told the truth about the Horcrux that was inside of him definitely caused Dumbledore to act in less than admirable ways, but on the other hand, how does one even go about something like that in the best way possible? The best way possible doesn't even exist in this scenario. And given all of that, Dumbledore fully owns up to his flaws and his misguidance. In the scene at the end of order of the phoenix and the king's cross scene in deathly hallows, he expresses great remorse of his actions and the mistakes he's made, which I personally think make him ultimately redeemable. The fact that jkr made him so much more human and flawed than the stereotypical wise, all-knowing, but essentially two-dimensional mentor makes me love this series and Dumbledore's character all the more.
I would completely agree, if it wasn't for the small detail of him LEAVING INFANT HARRY TO THE CARE OF A KNOWN ABUSIVE FAMILY. Yeah, there was the blood protection, I get it, but why couldn't he check up on him at least once in those 10 years?! I can see Dumbledore as a complex but ultimately redeemable character if it wasn't for that.
I don't remember if it is said in the books, I've read them 5 times mind you lol, but definitely in the movie right before Sirius dies he goes "nice one James". I think this is terrible that he never actually sees Harry as Harry but as not only his old best friend but Harry's father nevertheless. What do you all think? Why can he not see Harry past James?
I am so sorry, but I'm going to ramble because I have thought about this A LOT :P I think it has a lot to do with Sirius' own trauma and how he never actually got a chance to fully mature. He was in a war straight out of Hogwarts, went to Azkaban when he was 21, got all his happiness sucked out and just barely managed to hold on to his sanity. Then he escapes and doesn't have anyone to talk to for a year, then spends a year on the run with only limited contact to mostly Harry and then gets locked up again, this time in the childhood home he despised. I mean that has to do something to you mentally. I do think Sirius loves Harry, but I don't think he's capable completely separating him from James, because he associates James very strongly with the happiest time in his life, and considering the rest of it has been rather shitty, it's probably hard for him to let that go. This also means that he can't be a good parental figure for Harry, it's not that he doesn't want to be, but he has no frame of reference, no life experience to help him in guiding Harry except for his teenage years, which were again, heavily associated with James and the other Marauders. This does not mean that it is fair on Harry, because it's absolutely not. It is terrible. But I also think it's understandable when you think about all that Sirius has gone through.
Loved this review! I think especially now as the Fantastic Beast movies are coming out people are realizing Dumbledore isn’t the perfect saint he seemed to be. After all, he shared beliefs and goals with Grindelwald! That ambitious part of him doesn’t just go away. Sure, he would later be considered a “good” wizard (as opposed to evil) and has good intentions but the things he did that you talked about that were a bit “off” aren’t that surprising considering his previous actions and what he was like before the time of Harry Potter.
Order of the Phoenix has always been my absolute FAVOURITE in the entire series, but people never understand why! Harry's "angst" (yes, PTSD) never bothered me at all I love how dark it is, but as you said, all the funny moments (particularly with McGonagall) are SO GREAT ALSO CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE SCENE IN ST MUNGOS WITH FRANK AND ALICE LONGBOTTOM???? SO MANY CHAPTERS IN OOTP DESTROY ME BUT THIS ONE IS UP THERE WITH THE WORST
I have just finished Order of the Phoenix and it is my favorite book so far, in the Harry Potter series and ever. Many people I’ve discussed the book with are turned off by it because of Harry’s attitude. For a large portion of the book he was very angry and when things finally started to get better his only connection left to his family, died. This entire book instead of being annoyed with how rude and saddened Harry was, I felt very bad for him. He had every right to be sad and upset, there is no excuse that it was just being a teenager, although that may have played a part in it (coming from a young teen). If anything I like this book even more because of Harry’s feelings, he is showing raw emotion and it is actually realistic. Not to mention, Harry was going through PTSD at this time from seeing one of his classmates, let alone FRIEND die. This book is beautifully written and it really captures what it’s like to be a teenager, although the magic and wizardry is fake, their emotions are so real and not just one sided. I could easily write ten more paragraphs about how beautiful and deep this book was, but, I’ll keep it at one.
I just finished listening to the audiobook and got so emotional during the last chapter when Harry’s mourning Sirius and then most of the Order shows up at the train station to stand up against the Dursley’s for him 😭
I love the moment when McGonagall pulls out her wand and is ready to throw down for Dumbledore! So hyped! lol and I love when Dumbledore is constantly striding towards Voldemort during their duel while casually speaking to him and calling him Tom haha
you may don't like dumbledore for his mistakes but everyone has flaws and it tells us that no one is a perfect hero. i love dumbledore's character so much tho.
Yes, I agree, most people (myself included) associate OotF with all the dark stuff that started at the end of the forth book and there is just so much more than the darkness😊 Fred and George tho❤❤
I'm early to this review! I know this book is most people's least favorite, but it is personally one of my favorites (after deathly Hallows)! Loving this review Emma!
Order o Fenix is my favorite of all the Harry Potter series, but I feel like people underestimate it because of that horrible movie adaptation. I love than in this book we get to see how difficult it is for Harry to handle the situation as a teen and how much he needs an adult to help him. I feel like this book is where we start to understand what Dumbledore’s intentions are and how much of a badass he is
Harry has reasons to be very angry. Harry went through so much trouble over the past 4 years and all everyone is doing is ignoring him and calling him an idiot.
I loved the boggart scene in this one. Remember Molly seeing the vision of dead Harry? Eh? Poor Sirius wasn't meant to be a parental figure. He was a case of suspended development. He was in Azkaban since the age of 22. That line "Tell them I mean no harm..." is in the movie, not the book. Dumbledore and Voldemort's duel is a lot better than the kids and Death Eater combats. Time Turners were too powerful a plot device to be allowed to remain. The super time turner in Cursed Child is a game changer that totally invalidates the series. You can't remember whether or not Dumbledore has gleams of triumph in Half-Blood Prince and Order of the Phoenix? It is intriguing to me how most people can read books and not remember all the details the way I can. I'm obnoxious. Usually when someone can't remember stuff that I can, I taunt them, but I'd never taunt you. I liked Order of the Phoenix a lot. Matters which had seemed black and white now come out in shades of grey. The Ministry loses it's bumbling amiability and gains a sinister hue. Revered childhood idols and mentor figures now turn out to be flawed human beings. What more could you want?
1) hermione is a fucking boss in this book, more than ever before. the da, the coins, her analysis of sirius, her guessing about voldy's plan, helping harry with cho, "i've read the whole book" and SO MUCH MORE, she's just so amazing in this book. 2) mcgonagall and umbridge is peak comedy 3) there's this ronmione scene which NOBODY talks about, which is when after cho and harry kiss and he's discussing it with ron and hermione. he says that cho was crying and ron is like "are you that bad at it" or something, and hermione is like "no he's fine at it" or whatever and ron's just like "hOW DO yoU KNow thAT" like ron boiiii its not what you think. 4) jordan's commentary always has me on the floor
Dumbledore has a look of glee when Harry tells him Voldemort used harry's blood *because* he realises that VOLDEMORT MADE THE WORST MISTAKE. Dumbledore knew that Harry would have to die in order for the bit of Voldemort's soul to be gone but in that moment he understood that that was no longer the case (because of the blood that is inside of Voldemort now, as long as he is alive so is Harry) THAT"S WHY DUMBLEDORE IS HAPPY GAHHHH
Rereading this as an adult I just feel SO TERRIBLE for Harry????? Like, it's overwhelming how he just really deserves none of this? Sure, he gets mad, but who wouldn't? All things consdiered, I think he handled his shit lot in life pretty damn well. And Harry knows and feels guilty when he takes his anger out on his friends. But Hermione and Ron get it. Harry really is blessed that he had so many wonderful friends like them, Ginny,Fred, George, Neville and Luna, who truly stood by him through everything. And it's so sad, because all he wants is to be loved, to be parented, but pretty much all his parental figures let him down (and almost all died)? First with the Dursleys with their cruelty, then Sirius with his (understandable) selfishness, then Dumbledore with his manipulations, then Lupin with his lack of backbone, his own father when he sees Snape's memory... The only ones who truly never disappoint Harry are Prof Mcgonagall, the Weasleys and Hagrid (and even Hagrid is a little reckless but his love for Harry was pure). I just LOVE how JK Rowling wrote these stories as Harry discovering that adults are human too and have their faults. And we see with Cursed Child that even Harry, who tried SO HARD to give his children what he didn't have, makes mistakes too. So, so deep. I love Dumbledore as a character because he's just so supremely manipulative and focused on his goal. Dumbledore swears to himself that he left the "Greater Good" mentality behind him after parting ways with Grindelward but... You realise that that isn't the case at all. he's just lucky that Harry was so deeply good, or Harry could have turned on him at any point and it would have been understandable. And Snape.... goodness I also can't get over how he stopped out of embarassment. And how neither Dumbledore nor Lupin came back in book 6 to tell him to try again? Like, bro, suck it up, Harry could DIE. And he should have realised that Harry was too good a person to hold this over his head. But as much as I love Snape as a character and find him to be so interesting, it's pretty clear that he's just an awful human. JK just portrays humanness so well. It's incredible. I only wished that she portrayed at least one Slytherin student as NOT being an asshole? Like, Pansy is so awful (and yeah, I was shocked when I saw that line about Angelina too. I can't believe I didn't pick that blatant racism up as a kid). Draco is Draco and Draco tried to be Harry's friend but was just such a brat. I mean, minus Snape, the only Slytherin that Harry even vaguely sees as being "on his side" for the sake of the good of the world is Andromeda Tonks and that's only for one page? That's a reason I actually really liked the Cursed Child. mostly Slytherin main characters. *inhales* I'm so glad you're making these reviews because I just have so many feelings about these books XD XD Thank you for providing me with an outlet for this.
I don't know why, but I find myself unable to point my finger at Dumbledore to accuse him. Everyone made their decisions, so did he. We're only blaming him because of hindsight. If nothing bad had happened, none of this dislike will appear as well. I found myself admiring his logic, actually.
YES SOMEONE FINALLY SAID IT. I've always thought that Harry was completely in his right to be angry and upset considering everything he has been through. I mean he's seen terrible things and then Dumbledore just starts ignoring him without any explanation whatsoever. I do agree that he went a bit out of line with Ron and Hermione though.
Books Michelle I never realized most folks felt differently! Is there really widespread sentiment that Harry is just an angst teen in this book?
Order of the Phoenix is my favorite book in the series!!!
unfortunately, yes. :l
I always thought that people blew the number of Harry's outbursts out of proportion. I believe there are two scenes where he actually loses his temper. Not all that much in an 870 page book. I'm glad you brought this discussion up! Great video :)
ADVENTURES OF A BOOKWORM mine too
I’d like to point out that scene at the end of Order of the Phoenix when Harry sees Luna putting up posters because people take her things. I love how Harry feels sorry for her and has this understanding of Luna. I think it finally hit Harry that he had some things in common with her. Luna is essentially bullied(her things being taken) due to her odd personality, and people saw Harry as crazy for thinking that Voldemort was back, and how he witnessed Cedric dying. Also, Harry felt comfortable talking about Sirius with Luna because she had lost someone very close to her as well. I don’t know, I just loved that scene between these two characters who were somewhat indifferent to each other for the longest time. Wonderful review, Emma!!
oh yes i love your perspective !!!!
This scene always upsets me. I feel so bad for Luna. I love how Harry is nice to her and connects with her.
mary r me too ... I kinda looked at Luna differently after that.
mary r The fact that Luna was so used to it made me so sad. I also kinda felt that that scene showed that while yes, Harry did strive to be like his father, he proved that he wanted to almost rectify his father’s mistakes (the fact that he had bullied Snape). Luna was, in my eyes, a reflection of Snape in the moment, and even though Harry hates Snape, he understood how hurtful it was to be bullied, and decided to try and help out rather than brushing over it.
That moment when McGonagall tells Peeves the chandelier unscrews the other way 😂😂 one of my fav scene in the serie ! I love her 😍
It upsets me to no end when people complain about OotP because of how “angsty” Harry is...and you’re right, he’s not! The poor guy clearly has PTSD and I can’t help but feel sorry for him, especially since he’s dealing with most of it on his own
YES YES YES
It's also the book that makes it clear that the fun, magical adventure is over. Life is about to get real not just for Harry, but all of magical Great Britain again and this time they're not going to be coming out unscathed.
Meredith Glenn Ikr and I mean, in half blood prince he regrets all his shouting anyways 😂 I merely found OOTF funny in my opinion as I read it at 14 thinking Harry turned into some weirdo. When I turned 15 I noticed that I lost quite a bit of friends in school and soon realised it was because of my moodiness (and having to admit) my toxicity due to anger. I soon remembered the fifth book not long after reading the sixth and was like ‘uhh...puberty...ok’ 😂 but then again he did suffer PTSD so that’s that.
Finding out about the prophecy was one of my favorite things in the series. A lot of people hate the 'Chosen One' trope and group Harry Potter in as one of the books that did it, but it's really a subversion of the trope. It didn't have to be Harry, the prophecy didn't even have to come true if Voldemort simply thought Divination was BS, and it's outright stated that 99% of Divination is BS. Prophecy is only powerful if people believe in it, and I think it's a very underappreciated plot point.
The Luna scenes were truly powerful in making Harry realise he can't do everything on his own, and how it's okay that he's different to everyone else. And THANK YOU for pointing out how the beginning of Harry and Ginny's romance started in Order of the Phoenix
I love Ginny and Harry so much
me too :)))
I totally agree that Sirius isn't the best father figure for Harry. I love him so much, but I've always thought of Lupin as more of the mature fatherly figure for Harry and Sirius as more of the fun uncle.
I will say in his defense, as far as wanting Harry to be reckless to spend time with him, Sirius had all those years in prison knowing of Harry's existence and longing to be his godfather and parental figure. Whereas, Harry didn't know about Sirius so he hasn't had as long to stew in the need to know the other better.
And YES! I love McGonagall's snark towards Umbridge! She's the best
Yay! This is why I love rereading books. Your perspective changes so much as you get older.
i totally agree!!
I never really thought about the fat-phobic comments. Thank you for pointing that out!
you're welcome!
Yeah me either but I couldn’t but help noticed how he describe a black person lol BlACK lol idk lol just me ...
I've, as an adult, always found it so satisfying when Harry throw Dumbledores belongings all over the place and almost breaks his entire office.
He finally gets to vent all of the anger he has felt towards Dumbledore.
Basically if Dumbledore had come clean to Harry and told him everything he needed to know in regards to the prophecy in the department of mysteries and how Voldemort would be very likely to attempt luring him there by any means possible. Nobody would have needed to die and no students would have been put in danger because of Harry panicking and feeling the need to protect himself from more psychological damage. And ultimately we would have had much less of a story :P
I like Sirius as a character. I'm not saying he is flawless, but how sane can you be from wasting 12 years in Azkaban? It does hurt how he tries to live through Harry and the others. It hurts every time he tells Harry that James woulde have done it differently. His entire existence is just sad.
Thank you. You're one of the few people I've heard admit they prefer the relationships as they were written. People seem to LOVE to grasp onto the fact that JK made a comment about how she considered putting Harry and Hermione together and seem to think that's unequivocal proof she regrets not doing it and they should be the real couple. But I thoroughly disagree. I've always felt Harry and Hermione were very much a BFF brother & sister type relationship. I've never seen a single hint that either of them had an attraction to each other. If you really pay attention, there has been hints at feelings between Ron and Hermione as well as Harry and Ginny since basically the beginning. But you're definitely right about Harry and his feelings for Ginny starting to really materialize here in Order. I think Jo definitely made the right choices as far as the couples are concerned. Though I've heard some people say they would have liked to see Hermione end up with Viktor Krum. And I could see that be interesting. But I never got the vibe she was super into him either.
totally agree!!
I'm a little over two years late, but I have to mention how on point your reviews are! Specially about "Harry's angst," it bothers me to no end that he's judged for his behavior.
And, I looooved your output about Harry and Ginny. I sometimes wonder if there are different versions of the book when people say that "Hinny" came out of nowhere. Or when people say Ginny became cool all of a sudden just to force Harry noticing her. Since book 2 it's mentioned how outgoing she is and it's clearly stated how strange it is for her to be shy and how unlike her she behaves in front of Harry, which is our point of view. So, no! She's always been a cool girl, we just hadn't interacted with her properly.
you know it's going to be a good day when emma uploads a harry potter video
I didn't read Harry Potter until I was 26, in 2015 and Order of the phoenix was my favorite! I got so upset about people saying they hate how "angsty" Harry is in this book, the poor guy has been through so much crap, clearly has PTSD and is dealing with it as a teen all on his own! I felt so bad for him. Of course I also have ptsd and through-out this book I just wanted to hug him
i hope you enjoy your next reread :) thanks for sharing your reading experience with me!
OotP is actually one of my favorite Harry Potter books. I just love so many things about it. Especially I love that we have so much more of Luna here. Luna is such an angel. And also Dumbledore's army. Fred and George's epic prank, teachers and students uniting in revolting against Umbridge. Talking about your review, I loved the details you picked up on. The fat phobia and racial slurs. I did not even think about that. Your reviews are always so informative and enlightening ❤️
YES I LOVE LUNAAAAA
Asfiya Afzal, Luna is definitely one of my favorites. She is so kind
By the way, I totally share your point of view on this book. Dumbledore makes me sick, and I hate the fact that nobody understands Harry, and yeah in this book I can already ship Giny and Harry
SO HAPPY TO FIND SOMEONE THAT CAN RELATE
I completely agree about Sirius! Knowing what would happen to him and how much he means to Harry and the impact of his loss, I hate the way Sirius is to Harry throughout a lot of this book.
YES YES YES
I thought the same thing about Sirius when I first read it (or my mum read it to me, but still) and me and my mum were both so convinced that there was going to be a way to bring Sirius back! I think we might have both just been in denial though because they'd gone through so much to save him. Also, I think a lot of the reason people don't ship Hinny has to be to do with the movies right? Because they're so good together in the books!
(Deathly Hallows spoilers) The reason Harry was able to survive while the Horcrux within him was destroyed was that Voldemort had taken Harry's blood, and thus put Lily's protection inside himself. I think that's what the gleam of triumph in Dumbledore's eye was about. He wasn't happy that his theory was proven correct, he was happy because he realized that Harry wasn't going to have to die to defeat Voldemort.
Order and the Phoenix is a great book. I find Harry at his most sympathetic in this book. And it only makes him such a great protagonist. Harry goes through hell in this book, and it's realistic. It's not unnecessary. And Dumbledore and Harry's conversation is honestly the most heartbreaking and sympathetic scene in the books.
Wow, I never recognized all of those details you picked out!! Your reviews are so thoughtful and wonderful.
thank you
I honestly love order of the Phoenix because of how action packed it is
Re-reading this in university also made me appreciate OOTP a lot more and it is definitely one of my favourite books in the series now!
Aside from all the other obvious things, however, my least favourite part about this book is when Harry is banned from Quidditch. Even after all these years I get so upset when that happens, it actually hurts to read about that haha great review! :)
Thank you so much for touching on Harry's PTSD. I've always thought that I was the only one who realized that Harry isn't just being a jerk for the sake of being a jerk, he's suffering and none of the adults around him are helping him.
This is my first time reading through the series and I'm so glad you're reviewing them at the same time it makes the experience so much more fulfilling!!!
that is so wonerful!! hhaha
One of my favorite parts of this book is how it shows the adults in your life can let you down. Before OotP, Harry thought his father walked on water. All he ever heard was how James was cool and loyal to the bone. Which was true. But he also had this ugly side and even Harry was disgusted as how much of an arrogant jerk he was. Harry will usually never let anyone say a word against Sirius and completely ignores his flaws, but he couldn't practice what he preached in treating those of lower stations as equals, which is what bit him in the ass with Preacher. And Dumbledore, the man many of us came to think always had the right answer, couldn't give Harry _any_ comfort for the entire year. Not to mention how the Ministry was so busy running a smear campaign on Harry that it actively helped Voldemort infiltrate it. Adults just screwed up in this book and Harry was the one who caught nearly all the damage.
Off topic but I love your hair!
Order of the Phoenix has always been my favorite because I love how much more we get to see of Ginny and Neville. I actually think the part with Harry and Ginny on the train was the beginning of Half-Blood Prince, pg 136 in my old school edition. I'm re-reading and I just read that part yesterday and made the same note that you did! =) I also made a huge note while reading about how boys can't go up the stairs to the girls dormitories because even when Hogwarts was created, they didn't think boys were trustworthy.
I was thinking the same about the harry and ginny thing!
YES THE STAIRS TURN INTO A SLIDE I LOVE THAT MOMENT HAHA
The thing I hate the most about order of the phoenix is the fact that Sirius dies...
i definitely feel that :/
I definitely hate that all the remaining marauders died and harry never really got to speak to them about his parents or have any real down time with them and get to know them, and one of my friends told me that that was kinda the point but it still makes me really upset
I love your cute little “English” accents when you recite your favorite lines😂
My favourite bit in Order of the Phoenix was when they learnt how to do the Patronous and it's also my favourite part in the movie.
I really love your discussions of the Harry Potter Series. You definitely made me see things in a different light and I always think you have very good things to say. Very much looking forward to your discussions on the last two books :D:D
awh thank you so much
can you do individual reviews of vampire academy? I reading them and i am in the middle of blood promise. Also i know you have live streams about TMI but can you do videos like these for them?
It’s also through Dumbledore’s doing that Sirius Black was alive at the end of the third book in the first place, though.
very good point!!
I never thought that Harry's feeling for Ginger came out of nowhere! And I love the both of them together!!
I love the dynamic Ambrigth and McConigel (I don't know how you write them...:D) as well:D
And I agree with you on the Dumbeldor and Harry situation.
i totally agree!
it's umbridge and mcgonagall :))
thanks:):D
This has always been my favorite book in the whole series since the beginning and everyone always looks at me like I'm crazy.
Me too! I used to hate order of the Phoenix but I also loved it so much this time! it moved up a lot on my rankings of the books in the series!
i'm so glad someone else feels the same!
The Order of the Phoenix is my favourite book in the HP series and honestly one of my favourite books in general. First of all we have Harry finally standing up to his abusers, that's always pleasing to read. Then we have Umbridge, who is such a fantastically written villain. I heard that even Stephen King was impressed by how hateable Umbridge was made. And who didn't love McGonagall roasting Umbridge?? And the Dumbledore's Army moments too, God it was so good
I loved the film too but I just wish they had tried to stay more true to the book. They could've easily made this film into two parts like they did with the Deathly Hallows. I'd say my favourite film in the series is the Prisoner of Azkaban
Hello just come across this channel and enjoying all your harry potter reviews, did you ever do a video ranking them all?
I always love hearing your thoughts on these wonderful books! Love you Emma
thank you so mcuh!
I always love hearing your thoughts in book reviews-your videos, in general. Always so well constructed. 👏💕
you are so kind!!!!
I have always loved the 4th-7th books of Harry Potter! So good! And I love watching your reviews about them, makes me want to reread them myself!
they just get better as they go on!
Love this!! You should do this for the mortal instruments!!!
maybe in the future :)
I would be so interested to reread the fifth book now, because I always associated it with the bad things that happened too. This review was so great, I loved how you looked deeper at Harry and the book. Thanks for the review!
thank you!
You say you're so tired but you're still doing this video awwww I really love you
i love you too!!! xx
I've watched this review thrice because ohmygod I love how you've spoken about the minute details that I've noticed over the years while re-reading the Harry Potter series! Can't wait for your review of the last two books!
omg you are so sweet
I LOVED Neville in this book !!!! He was soooo so cute & precious when he saw his mother at the hospital & he the way he fought with his friends, so brave! This book made me love him so much I can't even describe my feelings.
I also loved the developpement of Ginny's character and how she ended up being the seeker: SERIOUSLY, HOW COOL IS THAT?
I love this book, definitely one of the best in series
Thanks Emma for this amazing review!
I really liked Mcgonagall before but after Order of the Phoenix I absolutely loved her, I really feel like she is so underrated.
YES YES YES
I love your review Emma!! I never really noticed the micro aggressions or the PTSD that Harry has. I was also one of those people saying that Harry is angsty throughout this book which is really not the case as you pointed out. OMG THE TWO WAY MIRROR. It could have been avoided, Harry.. Why??? I also love McGonagall's shade towards Umbridge. I LIVED FOR IT!! Funniest part of the whole book. I do agree that Dumbledore's relationship with Harry started to frustrate me around book 6. I didn't really detect in Book 5. THE GLEAM OF TRIUMPH JUST MADE ME SO MAD JUST USGQIHEWKA. It wasn't really necessary. Super excited for your next reviews because I loved the last two books!
Theory of the triumph thing: I thought it was because dumbledore knew harry had to die but when he hears the blood thing he knows there's a chance he will survive the horcrux being killed
that's a good theory!! but to my understanding, harry's mother's protection broke as soon as he left the dursleys? i always thought the reason he survived is because he was the master of the elder wand so it wouldn't betray him!
emmmabooks on the reread I did this summer I think dumbledore says he has hoped that because Lily's blood was out into Voldemort it would tether Harry to earth when he died
What do u think the centaurs did with Umbridge after they captured her?
Why do u think D'dore rescued Umbridge from the centaurs?
It's indicative of the level of loathing that the Hogwarts staff (except Filch) felt for Umbridge that Ron was able to taunt a clearly traumatized patient Umbridge with with soft clip-clopping sounds (imitating centaurs) in the hospital wing & agitating her & usually strict Madam Pomfrey, who usually looked out for the best interests of her patients, not doing a thing about it.
Harry basically defined how it feels to be a Teenager. - Always angry and mostly confused / misunderstood 🔥
I love Order of the Phoenix and I love your review!
After you're done with the reviews, will you share your new ranking of the series?
i might mention it in my final review :)
I can't be the only one who sings the intro "Hey what's up hello!" As the song by Fetty wap 😂
This is my favorite Harry Potter book hands down.
so glad you love it as well!
The mirror thing makes me so angry too. Every time I re read the book and Sirius gives him the gift and I think about how lonely Sirius must have been waiting to hear from Harry and he never did it hurts my soul
I agree, just read order of the phoenix for the second time since it came out lol, and i agree Harry has every right to be angry is this book. I also agree with you a bit about Sirius
What i don't get is why does the ministry need trial for everything when there is such a thing as truth potion and the pensieve?
That was the best review ever, normally I don't like to watch reviews because they're so boooring to me, but this one was soooo cool, and interesting and everything! Now I want to see all your reviews
awh thank you so so much
:)
I just finished rereading Half-Blood Prince and like this time I really noticed and appreciated Dumbledore's humour, sass and passive-aggressiveness (in a good way) like how he talked to the Dursleys in the beginning of the book. (I also noticed it in OotP but a lot more in HBP). I know that he is a very controversial character and I see his issues but I just appreciated those things in these books. Also, I am so excited for the next two reviews, but I also don't want them to stoooop😔😂 Loved to hear your thoughts
yes yes he has a great sense of humor!!!
I feel bad as all her harry potter books look brand new and all have the same cover while as i have read mine so much times its basically falling apart and they all have different covers.I really need to update my collection but my mom sees it as wasting money as I already have it. What do you think?
I LIVE FOR THESE REVIEWS
you are so kind!!!
I just finished my reread of the series and was writing in my journal about it and I mentioned that part where Harry realised Ginny doesn't hang out with them in school.
I always say that it's Harry's reaction to Sirius's death that's the emotional part to read not the actual death too.
YES I TOTALLY AGREE
Oh boy, this is going to be a long comment, so bear with me. I definitely understand why a lot of the fandom hates Dumbledore or else just has a lot of problems with his character, as he certainly is very flawed and often didn't go about his guidance role to Harry in a productive or nurturing way. However, I think that these things make Dumbledore a much more complex and realistic character and they actually inevitably add to my liking of him. Eventually, in deathly hallows, through Harry's viewing of Snape's memories, we learn that Harry was supposed to sacrifice himself to Voldemort all along so the final Horcrux inside of him would be destroyed. I feel like there's a lot of room to empathize with him and his position- he has the weight of this knowledge from the beginning of the series that an eleven-year-old child coming to Hogwarts is the one destined to save the entire wizarding world by defeating voldemort and dying in the process. The fact that he struggled for so long with telling Harry the truth about the prophecy and how he never really told the truth about the Horcrux that was inside of him definitely caused Dumbledore to act in less than admirable ways, but on the other hand, how does one even go about something like that in the best way possible? The best way possible doesn't even exist in this scenario. And given all of that, Dumbledore fully owns up to his flaws and his misguidance. In the scene at the end of order of the phoenix and the king's cross scene in deathly hallows, he expresses great remorse of his actions and the mistakes he's made, which I personally think make him ultimately redeemable. The fact that jkr made him so much more human and flawed than the stereotypical wise, all-knowing, but essentially two-dimensional mentor makes me love this series and Dumbledore's character all the more.
i really love your viewpoint :))
I would completely agree, if it wasn't for the small detail of him LEAVING INFANT HARRY TO THE CARE OF A KNOWN ABUSIVE FAMILY. Yeah, there was the blood protection, I get it, but why couldn't he check up on him at least once in those 10 years?!
I can see Dumbledore as a complex but ultimately redeemable character if it wasn't for that.
I don't remember if it is said in the books, I've read them 5 times mind you lol, but definitely in the movie right before Sirius dies he goes "nice one James". I think this is terrible that he never actually sees Harry as Harry but as not only his old best friend but Harry's father nevertheless. What do you all think? Why can he not see Harry past James?
I am so sorry, but I'm going to ramble because I have thought about this A LOT :P
I think it has a lot to do with Sirius' own trauma and how he never actually got a chance to fully mature. He was in a war straight out of Hogwarts, went to Azkaban when he was 21, got all his happiness sucked out and just barely managed to hold on to his sanity. Then he escapes and doesn't have anyone to talk to for a year, then spends a year on the run with only limited contact to mostly Harry and then gets locked up again, this time in the childhood home he despised. I mean that has to do something to you mentally. I do think Sirius loves Harry, but I don't think he's capable completely separating him from James, because he associates James very strongly with the happiest time in his life, and considering the rest of it has been rather shitty, it's probably hard for him to let that go.
This also means that he can't be a good parental figure for Harry, it's not that he doesn't want to be, but he has no frame of reference, no life experience to help him in guiding Harry except for his teenage years, which were again, heavily associated with James and the other Marauders.
This does not mean that it is fair on Harry, because it's absolutely not. It is terrible. But I also think it's understandable when you think about all that Sirius has gone through.
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR PERSPECTIVE
so excited for this!!
Now i'm thinking about making these HP book reviews.
Mcgonagall is a boss in this book well she always is
you totally should!!
Loved this review! I think especially now as the Fantastic Beast movies are coming out people are realizing Dumbledore isn’t the perfect saint he seemed to be. After all, he shared beliefs and goals with Grindelwald! That ambitious part of him doesn’t just go away. Sure, he would later be considered a “good” wizard (as opposed to evil) and has good intentions but the things he did that you talked about that were a bit “off” aren’t that surprising considering his previous actions and what he was like before the time of Harry Potter.
Probably my favorite HP book. 😃 You say that you're tired, but then give us this amazing review.
PS: You forgot to talk about Harry and Cho's date.
I KNOW UGH I REALLY WANTED TO
Order of the Phoenix has always been my absolute FAVOURITE in the entire series, but people never understand why! Harry's "angst" (yes, PTSD) never bothered me at all
I love how dark it is, but as you said, all the funny moments (particularly with McGonagall) are SO GREAT
ALSO CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE SCENE IN ST MUNGOS WITH FRANK AND ALICE LONGBOTTOM???? SO MANY CHAPTERS IN OOTP DESTROY ME BUT THIS ONE IS UP THERE WITH THE WORST
Why does no one ever mention the hospital scene with Neville and his parents in their reviews? :( It must be one of my favorites, at least...
I have just finished Order of the Phoenix and it is my favorite book so far, in the Harry Potter series and ever. Many people I’ve discussed the book with are turned off by it because of Harry’s attitude. For a large portion of the book he was very angry and when things finally started to get better his only connection left to his family, died. This entire book instead of being annoyed with how rude and saddened Harry was, I felt very bad for him. He had every right to be sad and upset, there is no excuse that it was just being a teenager, although that may have played a part in it (coming from a young teen). If anything I like this book even more because of Harry’s feelings, he is showing raw emotion and it is actually realistic. Not to mention, Harry was going through PTSD at this time from seeing one of his classmates, let alone FRIEND die. This book is beautifully written and it really captures what it’s like to be a teenager, although the magic and wizardry is fake, their emotions are so real and not just one sided. I could easily write ten more paragraphs about how beautiful and deep this book was, but, I’ll keep it at one.
Amazing Emma,
thank you
I agree with your points, but I still got upset at Sirius's death.
oh same here!
I just finished listening to the audiobook and got so emotional during the last chapter when Harry’s mourning Sirius and then most of the Order shows up at the train station to stand up against the Dursley’s for him 😭
MY HEART
I just finished the book last night a 2:30am after 7 hours of reading
Did you know, that in other languages (or maybe just polish) some scenes are cut out? I guess now I really have to read it in english ;)
This was the best review ever 😍 it brings me so much memories. And I love your mug! 🌲 so much! Thank you Emma! Ur the best!
I love the moment when McGonagall pulls out her wand and is ready to throw down for Dumbledore! So hyped! lol and I love when Dumbledore is constantly striding towards Voldemort during their duel while casually speaking to him and calling him Tom haha
Hey Emma, do you listen to the audiobooks by Jim Dale or Stephen Fry? I lovee Jim Dale!
currently jim dale!!!
I just read 10 chapters today and finished the book! How long does it take for you guys to finish a book?
you may don't like dumbledore for his mistakes but everyone has flaws and it tells us that no one is a perfect hero. i love dumbledore's character so much tho.
Yes, I agree, most people (myself included) associate OotF with all the dark stuff that started at the end of the forth book and there is just so much more than the darkness😊
Fred and George tho❤❤
So many great points👌
i totally agree!!
I'm early to this review! I know this book is most people's least favorite, but it is personally one of my favorites (after deathly Hallows)! Loving this review Emma!
so happy it's one of your favs! thank you :)
Ilysm are u going to be doing videos related to Christmas?
yes i have a few planned already :)
emmmabooks yayyyy
God dang I love you Emma you amazing loved the review lol
I can't believe I still haven't watche the movies or finish the book series
you totally should!
Order o Fenix is my favorite of all the Harry Potter series, but I feel like people underestimate it because of that horrible movie adaptation. I love than in this book we get to see how difficult it is for Harry to handle the situation as a teen and how much he needs an adult to help him. I feel like this book is where we start to understand what Dumbledore’s intentions are and how much of a badass he is
i totally agree with you!!!!
Harry has reasons to be very angry. Harry went through so much trouble over the past 4 years and all everyone is doing is ignoring him and calling him an idiot.
Also All of these Harry Potter reviews keep coming out after I reread the series lol and we share a lot of the same opinions on the series☺️
i'm so glad to hear it!
I loved the boggart scene in this one. Remember Molly seeing the vision of dead Harry?
Eh? Poor Sirius wasn't meant to be a parental figure. He was a case of suspended development. He was in Azkaban since the age of 22.
That line "Tell them I mean no harm..." is in the movie, not the book.
Dumbledore and Voldemort's duel is a lot better than the kids and Death Eater combats.
Time Turners were too powerful a plot device to be allowed to remain. The super time turner in Cursed Child is a game changer that totally invalidates the series.
You can't remember whether or not Dumbledore has gleams of triumph in Half-Blood Prince and Order of the Phoenix? It is intriguing to me how most people can read books and not remember all the details the way I can. I'm obnoxious. Usually when someone can't remember stuff that I can, I taunt them, but I'd never taunt you.
I liked Order of the Phoenix a lot. Matters which had seemed black and white now come out in shades of grey. The Ministry loses it's bumbling amiability and gains a sinister hue. Revered childhood idols and mentor figures now turn out to be flawed human beings. What more could you want?
1) hermione is a fucking boss in this book, more than ever before. the da, the coins, her analysis of sirius, her guessing about voldy's plan, helping harry with cho, "i've read the whole book" and SO MUCH MORE, she's just so amazing in this book.
2) mcgonagall and umbridge is peak comedy
3) there's this ronmione scene which NOBODY talks about, which is when after cho and harry kiss and he's discussing it with ron and hermione. he says that cho was crying and ron is like "are you that bad at it" or something, and hermione is like "no he's fine at it" or whatever and ron's just like "hOW DO yoU KNow thAT" like ron boiiii its not what you think.
4) jordan's commentary always has me on the floor
I'd like to echo what Books Michelle said. There's no reason for Dumbledore to not at least tell Harry something! Makes me mad!
i agree!!!
Dumbledore has a look of glee when Harry tells him Voldemort used harry's blood *because* he realises that VOLDEMORT MADE THE WORST MISTAKE. Dumbledore knew that Harry would have to die in order for the bit of Voldemort's soul to be gone but in that moment he understood that that was no longer the case (because of the blood that is inside of Voldemort now, as long as he is alive so is Harry) THAT"S WHY DUMBLEDORE IS HAPPY GAHHHH
Rereading this as an adult I just feel SO TERRIBLE for Harry????? Like, it's overwhelming how he just really deserves none of this? Sure, he gets mad, but who wouldn't? All things consdiered, I think he handled his shit lot in life pretty damn well. And Harry knows and feels guilty when he takes his anger out on his friends. But Hermione and Ron get it. Harry really is blessed that he had so many wonderful friends like them, Ginny,Fred, George, Neville and Luna, who truly stood by him through everything.
And it's so sad, because all he wants is to be loved, to be parented, but pretty much all his parental figures let him down (and almost all died)?
First with the Dursleys with their cruelty, then Sirius with his (understandable) selfishness, then Dumbledore with his manipulations, then Lupin with his lack of backbone, his own father when he sees Snape's memory... The only ones who truly never disappoint Harry are Prof Mcgonagall, the Weasleys and Hagrid (and even Hagrid is a little reckless but his love for Harry was pure). I just LOVE how JK Rowling wrote these stories as Harry discovering that adults are human too and have their faults. And we see with Cursed Child that even Harry, who tried SO HARD to give his children what he didn't have, makes mistakes too.
So, so deep.
I love Dumbledore as a character because he's just so supremely manipulative and focused on his goal. Dumbledore swears to himself that he left the "Greater Good" mentality behind him after parting ways with Grindelward but... You realise that that isn't the case at all. he's just lucky that Harry was so deeply good, or Harry could have turned on him at any point and it would have been understandable.
And Snape.... goodness I also can't get over how he stopped out of embarassment. And how neither Dumbledore nor Lupin came back in book 6 to tell him to try again? Like, bro, suck it up, Harry could DIE. And he should have realised that Harry was too good a person to hold this over his head. But as much as I love Snape as a character and find him to be so interesting, it's pretty clear that he's just an awful human.
JK just portrays humanness so well. It's incredible. I only wished that she portrayed at least one Slytherin student as NOT being an asshole? Like, Pansy is so awful (and yeah, I was shocked when I saw that line about Angelina too. I can't believe I didn't pick that blatant racism up as a kid). Draco is Draco and Draco tried to be Harry's friend but was just such a brat. I mean, minus Snape, the only Slytherin that Harry even vaguely sees as being "on his side" for the sake of the good of the world is Andromeda Tonks and that's only for one page? That's a reason I actually really liked the Cursed Child. mostly Slytherin main characters.
*inhales* I'm so glad you're making these reviews because I just have so many feelings about these books XD XD Thank you for providing me with an outlet for this.
Yeihh this is my favorite Harry Potter book!
so happy to hear it!
I don't know why, but I find myself unable to point my finger at Dumbledore to accuse him. Everyone made their decisions, so did he. We're only blaming him because of hindsight. If nothing bad had happened, none of this dislike will appear as well. I found myself admiring his logic, actually.
also love your top in this video!
Same I love order of the Phoenix after rereading it❤️❤️
that's great!