Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Chapter 1: Dudley Demented
In this chapter... It’s the summer holidays, and Harry is, as usual, stuck at Privet Drive. He listens to the “Muggle News” by lying in the flowerbed, listening to it through the open window. It is the hottest day of the summer. Harry is concerned that he has had no news about how Lord Voldemort’s power is growing. Hermione and Ron write to him – but they seem to be hiding something from Harry. Harry is haunted by terrible dreams – of what happened to Cedric Diggory at the Triwizard Tournament – and also dreaming about locked rooms and dark corridors. Harry slowly begins to move away from the flowerbeds – when startled by a sudden noise close by, Harry jumps up and cracks his head on the window frame. Vernon threatens Harry, and Harry storms off. He sees Dudley saying goodbye to his friends – Dudley and his gang have been bullying the younger children as usual. Harry accompanies Dudley back to Privet Drive, both tormenting each other – Dudley gets the upper hand when he says he hears Harry calling out in his sleep. All of a sudden it goes even darker than usual and to Harry’s horror, two Dementors advance towards the boys. Harry manages to produce a Patronus on his third attempt – only when he remembers Ron and Hermione – and the Dementors vanish. The summer night returns and Harry is just drawing breath and trying to rouse Dudley when Mrs Figg appears at a run. Her remarks make it clear that the eccentric old Muggle neighbour Harry has known almost all his life really belongs to the wizarding world.
“What d’you mean I’m not brave when I’m in bed?” said Harry, completely nonplussed. “What am I supposed to be frighten of, pillows of something?”
“I heard you last night,” said Dudley breathlessly. “Talking in your sleep. Moaning.”
What does Vernon Dursley believe all kids should do? Not watch the news
Chapter 2: A Peck Of Owls
In this chapter... Harry is amazed to learn Mrs Figg – who used to baby-sit him – is actually a Squib. A Squib is a witch or wizard but who cannot perform magic, just like Argus Filch, the caretaker at Hogwarts. Mrs Figg had left one of her cats on guard, watching Harry. Another guard – a Mundungus Fletcher – was supposed to be watching him but he left in order to buy stolen cauldrons. Mrs Figg is furious about Mundungus. Mundungus eventually appears, and after Mrs Figg batters him with tins of cat food, Mundungus is dispatched to tell Albus Dumbledore all what has happened.
Harry and Dudley finally get to the relative calm of 4 Privet Drive. His aunt and uncle are horrified at the state of Dudley – who is still isn shock after almost being kissed by a Dementor – and predictably blame Harry. Harry is bombarded by a succession of owls, the first from the Ministry of Magic expelling him from Hogwarts for doing Underage Magic. Then another one saying that he is not expelled, just suspened and requiring his attendance at a disciplinary hearing on August 12. He gets two more Owls – one from Arthur Weasley and one from Sirius, telling him not to leave Privet Drive under no circumstances. As he tries to explain the situation to Uncle Vernon he receives even more owls from Mr. Weasley and Sirius, both warning him to stay in the house and do no more magic.
Harry tells his aunt and uncle what had happened – about the Dementors in Little Whinging, about Lord Voldemort coming back to power – knowing that they will not believe him. Just when Harry thinks the night can hold no more drama, it's discovered that Aunt Petunia knows more about the wizarding world than she's ever let on before. She knows all about Azkaban, and Lord Voldemort too. Vernon wants Harry to leave the house instantly. However, to make Harry even more confused, his aunt Petunia recieves a Howler from someone. Harry, Vernon and Dudley hear the howler's mysterious message: "REMEMBER MY LAST, PETUNIA". Petunia, for once, overrides her husband's wishes and declares, in no uncertain terms, that Harry will stay. Harry goes to his bedroom, even more confused.
Mrs Figg raised the arm from which her string bag dangled and whacked Mundungus around the face and neck with it; judging by the clanging noise it made it was full of cat food.
“Ouch – gerroff – gerroff, you mad old bat! Someone’s gotta tell Dumbledore!”
“Yes – they – have!” yelled Mrs Figg, swinging the bag of cat food at every bit of Mundungus she could reach. “And – it – had – better – be – you – and – you – can – tell – him – why – you – weren’t – there – to – help!”
What date and at what time is Harry’s disciplinary hearing? 9 am, August 12th
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