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[CLOSED] -The Harry Potter Book Club! - Your Notes for Chapters 1 & 2 of The Order of the Phoenix! (Patreon)

Published:
2025-02-11 20:46:09
Edited:
2025-03-01 15:50:39
Imported:
2026-08
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Content

THIS PART OF THE BOOK CLUB IS NOW COMPLETE! Thanks for taking part and se you next time! :)

HI GUYS!! NEW BOOK START! I have decided to make this first episode 2 chapters long. They are both fairly long ones, and considering how late these book reviews have been getting, it should help get us back on track if we limit it to 2 this time. I hope you understand! Note - PLEASE GET YOUR COMMENTS DONE WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS OR SO!  I really want to get these to be getting completed by the end of the month again! Even if just a short comment, they will all count! :)

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Oof-Tee-Poof, everyone!! 👋

Here is a chance to get your comment read out in the next Book review video!

If you are reading along with the reviews, we are covering chapters "Dudley Demented" & "A Peck of Owls"! So if you have any thoughts, opinions, comparisons or questions regarding these, please leave a comment below!

I do have to ask, try to keep them fairly short, like 4 or 5 sentences.  That way I can cover more when making the video.  Also try to keep them on subject and not referencing anything that we are yet to cover. Ideally, keep it to 1 comment each if you can (if you have more to say after commenting, you can edit it and add to it! :) ).  These are just rough guidelines rather than rules, I want to be able to fit in as many of you as possible! :)

NEW FEATURE!! - As some of you may want to make a comment, but not have it replied to by others, you can now Message me your thoughts on the chapters by DM'ing me on here.  If you do, please follow all the above rules, especially avoiding mentioning things in future chapters or books!  Oh and please start your DM message with "Book Club -"!

To anyone that does reply to comments below, please make sure you are being friendly and respectful!  A lot of tone and meaning can be lost in text, after all!  If you disagree with someone on something, keep it polite and remember the golden rule in life - Sometimes you have to just agree to disagree! :)

Thanks, guys!! :)

Files

Comments

K

Bring on the teen angst! I found Harry’s attitude very annoying when I read this as a child, but now I have a lot of empathy for him. He’s been through so much, and leaving him completely isolated with his abusive family after all that is just cruel. It’s no wonder he’s frustrated. I love how sassy he is with all of the Dursleys now, and it's interesting to see him picking a fight with Dudley. I have a lot of sympathy for Dudley. He's also a kid, and the way that he's been raised hasn't given him much of a chance. But Harry is a traumatized teenager lashing out at a peer who made his childhood miserable. I love that every character in this series has flaws that are portrayed very clearly. It's why I sometimes get frustrated that fandom seems to spend so much time trying to judge or justify the individual actions of every single character. A perfect person is a boring character. I want characters that are layered and realistic and whose actions drive forward a compelling story. I'm much less interested in whether a character's behaviour is "right" or "wrong" than I am in whether it makes their character and the story more interesting.

Alex Hopps

*comment removed due to spoilers. Will rewrite later*

Andrew K

Hey Veggie! Cero Miedo Chapter 1 - One of my favourite Harry chapters. His frustration & anxiety is written so well. You can really get inside his head and see why he’s feeling all these different emotions. I think he goes too far with Dudley (although Dudley deserves it), but it’s nice to see shades of grey given Harry’s mental state. Love it! Chapter 2 - The difference in Mundungus’ appearance between movie & book is wild. I think they changed it due to him being amongst all the red-headed Weasleys in the Deathly Hallows movie, so making him bald was to avoid confusion. The Dursley’s are on great form in this chapter and Vernon is hilarious - I can imagine Richard Griffiths playing the role perfectly in the scene. “You’re on the run from the law”, “OWLS!!” Everything with Petunia is fascinating - what do you think the howler meant by saying, “Remember my last, Petunia.” I’d love to hear your theories!

Cj Hayes

G’day Veggie! I’m so excited, I absolutely love this book! Bit surprising about Petunia, isn’t it? Who knew she was sitting on that piece of info? I wonder what else she knows? Love from Aus

Andrew K

Spoiler barrier 🪄

Andrew K

Hey Alex! I would probably suggest removing it, only because I remember reading that line from Dumbledore for the first time (without reading the blurb) and I got chills during the scene, so it’s probably a bit of a spoiler

Alias93

Hi Veggie! It's interesting how the situation is reversed from what we saw in the movie: Harry is the one bullying Dudley, and he was actually hoping that he and his friends would confront him just so he could vent his frustration... Once again, movie Harry must be without flaws, but to be fair it would have been difficult to convey the reason for his anger without the inner monologue, and it might have resulted in the audience thinking that Harry was being mean to Dudley for no reason (we haven't really seen Dudley bullying Harry since the first movie, it's more his parents who mistreat Harry in the films). Mundungus is here! After a few mentions here and there in previous books, he finally shows up in person (only to be almost taken out by Mrs Figg's shopping bag a few seconds later). And from his description, he doesn't look at all like his movie counterpart in DH, I was a bit disappointed when he was finally introduced. We get some fascinating character moments with Petunia who somehow knows what Dementors and Azkaban are. And who sent her that howler?

Alias93

Yes, we should only talk about the contents of chapters 1 and 2 in this book club. Veggie said he would prefer not to know about stuff that will happen in future chapters, so that quote will unfortunately have to wait for 18 more months, until we get to chapter 37.

Marianne

Hiya Veggie! I have been so excited for you to read Order of the Phoenix! It has some brilliant stories in it that the film left out. It's the longest book so there is so much detail and lore in here! Is there anything in particular you are hoping will be expanded on or shown more?

Kattie Martin

Hi Veggie. I'm always amazed by the Dursleys being so concerned about what the neighbors think and yet they're fine with openly abusing Harry. Also, I found myself snickering everytime they referred to Harry's "thing" even though 1) it's not what they meant and 2) it wouldn't be funny if it was. Poor Vernon loosing his mind and mustache over owls and a mysterious howler for Petunia. Last thing, we are doing a 9 3/4 month photoshoot for Sylvia where she will get to choose her temporary house. I'm Ravenclaw, her dad is Slytherin, and her brother Hufflepuff. What house do you vote for my little witch? Until next time.

Katherine

Hey Veggie & Woozle, you have now arrived at the longest book. ! Must say this will be interesting for me too as I have never watched this books film adaptation nor have I read it since it was first published!. I do remember not liking Umbridge at all. So thanks for doing these book reviews!

Diego Zenhäusern

I was thinking the same thing when they talked about Harry's "thing"🙈😅

Diego Zenhäusern

WFFTITWFF Veggie! I don't always writte it (since it goes without saying to me) but I really love your coverage of this series. It's so in depth and so fascinating and I really enjoy all the weird tangents you get on to sometimes😅. But on to the chapters: I always forget how much stuff happens right at the beginning of the book that we don't get to see in the movies. I'm sure other people will talk about many specific things but I just have two more general thoughts: 1. I really love how much more character Mrs Figg has got in the book. She really got the Fleur (and Krum) treatment in terms of character depth. 2. The scene with the Dursleys in chapter 2 is at once absolutely hillarious (with Vernon getting more and more crazy over time) and also bone-chillingly serious (once Petunia starts to reveal how well she might actually understand the severity of the situation).

Alias93

I'm curious, did you stop watching the movies after the 4th one, or just didn't watch any of them? I think the movie did a decent job at capturing the essence of this book, much better than the 4th one, but it obviously had to leave some stuff out due to the length of the book.

Katherine

No, I've watched every other film, just not the 5th, as I did not enjoy the book. The pacing was terrible to me.

Jake M

S'mae Veggie! We're on to the book I affectionately called "Harry Potter and the Endless Series of Temper Tantrums". I remember buying it on day 1 in ASDA, whereas the first 4 books I got as a boxset for Christmas (I think 2001). Thus it holds a special place in my heart! Chapter 2 I just this week realised: there is a subtle clue in the first book that someone from the wizarding world lives near the Dursleys! In the very first chapter, "none of them noticed a large tawny owl flutter past the window" during breakfast, in broad daylight. Presumably, it's delivering the news of Voldemort's demise to Mrs Figg! I'm curious to know how many readers realised the "Arabella Figg" who Dumbledore tells Sirius to contact at the end of book 4 was Mrs Figg the crazy cat lady from book 1! I don't think I picked up on it at all- Harry certainly didn't. I hope Dumbledore forewarned her that Sirius was innocent- otherwise, he showed up at her door all "Hi, I know you think I'm a mass murderer, but I'm not. Also, Voldemort is back." I'd have had a heart attack! Mrs Figg claims Mr Tibbles told her Mundungus left- can squibs communicate with animals? Filch and Mrs Norris seem to have a similar connection. Perhaps this is instead of their lack of magical ability? Finally- whoever sent Petunia that howler must have heard Vernon's threats. Does that mean Harry's house has been magically bugged, somehow? Who do you think sent it?

Jake M

SPOILER BLOCK

Jake M

NB- As an adult I totally understand his volatility, since he's likely suffering from PTSD - but I don't think that makes his behaviour or attitude excusable, especially towards Hermione, Ron and Cho "I wish this girl would stop crying about her dead ex, it's such a turnoff" Chang.

Alias93

I agree this book does tend to drag a bit, but I feel like it's intentionnal, this year is meant to be exhausting for Harry to get through and the reader gets to experience it too. I actually think the pacing is something the movie improves upon compared to the book.

S1lm4r1l

Of all the books, this is arguably the most divisive and controversial, many people will say its their favourite, but others (including myself,) aren't a massive fan of it. I read book 5 to get to the absolute gold of book 6. Harry's difficulty in working the Patronus spell is so real and human. It really sells Cedric's death as something that is having an impact on Harry. Magic isn't like riding a bike. Performing a spell is no guarantee you will be able to use it next time. It's a shame people aren't more empathetic towards Petunia. Magic stole her sister away from her, multiple times. Lily was at Hogwarts for most of her school years. Lily married a wizard, someone Petunia didn't understand or relate to in the slightest. Voldemort murders Lily when she was only 21. Harry is the living embodiment of how Magic has blighted Petunia's life over the past 20+ years. Interesting that after learning of Voldemort's return, Petunia's orders are similar to Arthur and Sirius's. "Stay in the house, don't leave your room" etc. Why is Harry dreaming about long, dark corridors? Why were the Dementors there? What have Ron and Hermione been busy doing? What "Last" is the Howler referring to? *Might Edit*

Alias93

I feel like Harry and Cho were doomed from the start. It seems like Harry had a crush on her because he found her attractive, but he was never attracted to or interested in her personality.

Jake M

I don't think we learn much about her, unfortunately, since we're Harry's POV- she likes Quidditch and tea rooms. That's about it? Definitely agree, doomed from the start!

Josh Z

To me this book does a fantastic job at putting the reader squarely in Harry's shoes and it starts from the very beginning. He's coming off the worst experience of his life. It's hot and miserable weather and his friends who are normally very specific and straightforward are being very secretive. Harry is not used to not knowing, full disclosure I will probably defend his attitude this entire book, because for me there is something I really like how human it is that he is struggling and having the inner monologue of the book really adds so much more weight to everything I remember how much Petenuia knowing about Askban shocked me on my first read and it still does. You know something is up if Petunia is overruling her husband because they have wanted to be rid of Harry for years. Any early guesses about this? I like hearing your thoughts.

Snowspeeders and Space Shuttles

Hi Veggie! So excited to start Order of the Phoenix, this one is my favourite book in the series. Chapter 1 How on earth does a Budgie learn to waterski? I know that sometimes Harry can be a bit short with people but I think his anger towards everyone here is perfectly justified. It must be so frustrating to be effectively quarantined from the wizarding world whilst everyone else is keeping up to date. Don’t get me wrong, the dementor attack in the film does a decent job, but the scene in the book is properly scary. The fact it went completely pitch black is terrifying. Being able to see an approaching dementor would be horrifying enough but not being able to see it all, only going off sound, it’s a really intense way to start off the story. Chapter 2 Why would Dumbledore entrust Mundungus with watching Harry? Surely he would know that he would do this? Did Mrs Figg try to convince Dumbledore otherwise? Aunt Petunia knowing about dementors and Azkaban caught me completely off guard the first time I read it. I thought she would have learned some things from Lily, but that she would have forgotten them, either over time or on purpose. That’s all from me for now. Just wanted to add that I couldn’t wait for you to start this one as I have the Stephen Fry audiobook on CD (24 discs!) and it is very nostalgic to listen to it again, changing the discs between chapters, or sometimes during them.

itsanursething

Hi Veggie and Woozle! I know it’s been said by a lot of us, but I wanted to say too, we really appreciate you and this book club. Please don’t feel like you need to rush to get these done by the end of every month. I can see how hard you’re working and I was glad to hear you say in the last book club that you split up making the recording. No matter how long it takes you to get a video out, we still love it and will enjoy it! Take care of yourself (and Woozle) first and foremost. We can wait :) Now! Onto Order! I forgot just how jam packed these first couple of chapters are! This is my favorite book of the series because SASS! Harry is definitely in his sassy mode and I am living for it! A couple of big things stood out to me in my re-read. First, Dudley seems like he is becoming increasingly more violent. Not necessarily toward Harry, but just in general. I can’t really say I’m surprised given who raised him, but it is worrying. Second, Petunia coming in with the knowledge bomb! And of course the howler. That one short line, “remember my last Petunia”…CHILLS! I can hear that voice in my head. I can see the color drain from her face. That image is and always has been so strong for me. It’s one of the few lines I remember from the book word for word even after all these years. Who do you think it was from?

CDMellow

Ahoy, Veggie! I don’t have too much to say about these two chapters—I'm sure everyone else will cover everything worth mentioning. Instead, I’ll say this: this book has given me the biggest "I can't believe this wasn’t in the movie!" moment in the entire story. So, I’m curious—what has that moment been for you so far? Anyway, keep well, stay safe, and best to you and Woozle!

Isis Peoples

I am sooooooo excited for you to get to this book. I’ve been waiting since we started Philosopher’s Stone. I know people don’t like this book but personally its my third favorite in the series. The "filler" and "fluff" is objectively the best parts of the story! The dive into the mundane areas of the wizarding world is gonna be so fun to see you experience. Also, the kids get to be teenagers and that provides many opportunity for relatable comedy. A Peck of Owls is one of my most favorite chapters in the series. The chaos is so kinetic and entertaining. OWLS OWLS OWLS!!!!!!! All while Harry’s thoughts are fighting for his life! Oh and PATUNIA – releasing her veil of false ignorance and understanding the gravity of dementors! Order of the Phoenix has a multitude of chaotic kinetic and utterly hilarious chapters. Some of my favorite charter moments happen in this book. I don’t often comment but i see myself becoming a more active part of the bookclub review now that we’ve reached book 5. I’m so excited to say so much more but of course you’ve got to read it first. I know the “Harry is Moody” Warriors are already in chat – but let me put my cape on and Stand for my boy Harry. Harry – a 15 yr old – who’s suffering though insane PTSD. Yes he’s moody, yes he makes rash childish decisions, yes he is angry, yes he feels alone [as no one has lived through what he’s lived through], PLUS PEOPLE WONT TELL HIM BASIC INFORMATION! Yes Harry is indeed a bit insufferable and angsty – but show some lets show some compassion for my boy! Harry isnt perfect - and I thank that makes him a strong protagonist to follow through the series. And someone pleaseee get him a therapist

Garfnob

Greetings Woozle, Time for one of the best villains in all of media. Just my opinion. Chapter – 1 - what had Harry done? The list of things where all things that were done to him, not his doing. - if St. Brutus’s is secure and for the incurable. How would anybody believe Harry was sent home for the summer? Chapter – 2 (owls come in parliaments, not pecks) - how do squibs have the apparently supernatural connection to their cats? first Filch, now Miss Figg. Every squid we know about uses a cat for reconnaissance. - how would Mundungus being there have changed anything. It would still be magic use near Harry and would set off the trace. Just like Dobby did in chamber of secrets. - how does Dudley count as a muggle for the statute of secrecy? He already knows about magic. Also how does the ministry know a muggle was there? - Vernon has a point. P.S. Woozle told me it is snack time.

Garfnob

"Who sent the Dementors?" - should be something like "where the dementors sent, if so by whom?" Veggie does not know they where sent yet, they could be free roaming. he does read the paper, at least the part he cares about. Voldemort would be on the front page as Harry sees it, and i agree. Voldemort is all harry cares about. this is a mistake. what motivation would he have to go to tea at Mrs Figg's? they where before he know she was a squib.

Garfnob

"he's suffering from PTSD" - where to you get that? PTSD is a complicated thing to diagnose. nightmares can be a sign of PTSD or they can just be nightmares. no everyone that goes through trauma gets PTSD. we never get enough info to make that determination about Harry. please be careful throwing PTSD around. using too often when it does not apply diminishes the vary real problem. when people hear it used inappropriately they think it is not as serious as it is.

Andrew K

To be fair @Garfnob given that Harry has seen someone murdered in front of his eyes, fought off death multiple times and now in fear of his life, I’d say it is reasonable to thing that Harry’s anxiety, anger, change in personality, mood swings, jumping at noises, and vivid nightmares are symptoms of PTSD. At the very least simply “trauma”.

Jake M

I agree it shouldn't be misused Garfnob, having a diagnosis myself; however I'm not the one who came up with that- it's a popular online opinion (i'm not even the only one here who has said it) with which I do see the merit. Personally I don't think in this case using it diminishes the meaning, as he does share a lot of the symptoms with an undiagnosed case (as Andrew lists some of)- it's not being used flippantly. If you look online you might see there are articles by much more qualified people than me arguing for this diagnosis - so please don't accuse me of 'throwing it around', because it's something I've read into quite a lot while trying to understand my own diagnosis- though admittedly, mine is a lot more mundane and doesn't involve an evil wizard.

Jake M

I assumed the 'peck' was a joke based on what he asks Hedwig to do to the others? 🤔

John Phillips

Now we've arrived at Order of the Phoenix. This one is in my top 3 favorite Harry Potter books. The other two are Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows. Most of the chapters in this book are very long. Others have already pointed this out, but we start out with Harry very angsty and moody and after the events of the previous book, it makes sense. Not to mention, this summer has been even worse for him than the previous summers and no one seems to be giving him any real answers as to what's been going on in the Wizarding World now that Voldemort's back. In the previous book, one of the people Dumbledore mentioned as "the old guard" was Arabella Figg. Now we know she's a squib and has been keeping an eye on Harry all these years on Dumbledore's orders. What do you think Dudley's fears were that the dementors brought out?

itsanursething

I hope you’re doing well Jake! I appreciate your vulnerability and willingness to share your diagnosis. It seems silly to say this because we’ve never met, but please let me know if you need anything 😊

Florian

Hi Veggie, In the first chapter we can see Harry going full puberty rebellious phase xD Since the Dementors are covered in the movie, the 2nd chapter is of more interest to me. What did you think about the Dursleys, especially Petunia's reaction to the whole sitation. How much did it suprise you, that she knew roughly what a dementor is. Also you thoughts on the howler? Really looking forward to the review :)

Florian

Spoiler Block!

Andrew K

@Jake I appreciate you sharing that too. I’ve also had a diagnosis for PTSD, so I’ve also read into it quite a bit. Mine is certainly not at the level of what people assume as the typical PTSD cases like someone returning from war (or an evil wizard knocking about haha), because there’s varying levels of PTSD as you probably know. So I don’t think you used it flippantly at all - quite accurately in fact!

S1lm4r1l

I wouldn't call glancing at the front page, "reading the Newspaper." At the very least he might be able to watch some News or scrounge a Newspaper from Mrs Figg.

Alicia P

So, I've been wanting to be part of these HP book club posts but haven't really been able to get fully caught up to where you are on my re-reads until now! I love that we are shown how frustrated and angry Harry has become with his situation, and that we see it expressed in some bad behavior right away. Harry is the one who initiates the negativity with Dudley, in a much more overt way than was portrayed in the movie. He's trying to exert some power and control where he can since he feels so powerless in regards to everything else. You can also see a cynical mindset beginning to take hold and being expressed through his wonderfully savage (and deserved) insults of Vernon and Petunia. He can barely dredge up enough good feelings to produce a Patronus. All completely understandable given the position he is in. And it only gets worse in chapter 2, with all of the letters he gets basically just telling him to Do Nothing. Lastly, it's fascinating to see that Petunia's memories of her sister and connections to the wizarding world are more complex than she lets on. "Remember my last, Petunia!"

Jake M

@itsanursething thank you so much! 🥰 I won't go into detail but, just saw a psychiatrist after a 5 year wait (COVID+ NHS waiting lists 🙄) so things might start improving soon 🙃 for now, Harry potter is one of my escapes so this book club is ever so helpful, especially when there's nice people like you guys here!

Andrew K

I agree with you on the book club Jake, it’s such a nice distraction and the community is positive too for the most part, so it’s a good escape. This is why I prefer the 6 hour book reviews 😅!! The NHS waiting lists are a joke at the moment, I don’t blame them of course but yeah it look a long time for me too. Sending all my best and really hope things improve for you!

Jake M

@Andrew K thanks Andrew - I hope things improve for you too! Ah, if only we had Obliviate in the real world ...

Mel

Oh, that's exactly the question I was going to ask Veggie about Dudley. It's always intrigued me!

Gugurupurasu Daikirai

Oof-tee-poof. Some people had a hard time getting started with this book because Harry is understandably in a foul, even toxic mood considering the events of last book. After the first 4 books no one would have imagined there would ever be an interaction between Dudley and Harry where Harry is kind of the A hole. I find it interesting that Dudley seemed to instinctively try to guard his mouth around the dementor. That makes me wonder if Dudley might have just a little bit of latent magical affinity, though obviously not enough to get a letter from Hogwarts. This book is worth it, though. Chapters 22 and 23 are book exclusives that I consider the most unforgivable omissions from any of the movies.

Nessy-Bobs

Hi everyone 👋 I hope the Dursley's bay windows aren't Crittal windows, otherwise Harry would need a few hours in a&e having his scalp stapled back together. When Vernon reached through the window to try to throttle Harry, I see an image of Bart Simpson getting throttled and sticking his tongue out which makes me laugh. I'd love to know what Little Dudlykins is forced to see when the Dementors close in on him. I hope he's forced to see himself as the bullying git he's been brought up to be and learns to change his ways. Petunia revealing something she subconsciously remembers from childhood after all this time (Always) The weatherman on the TV in the film was played by Miles Jupp, stalwart of Radio 4 but more importantly, Archie from Balamory 😄 I love the interactions between Figgy and Dung. Have you heard of Bunny Suicides? It's a series of cartoons featuring suicidal bunnies. Here is a link for the "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" cartoon https://waffler.wordpress.com/2007/10/18/harry-potter-and-the-bunny-suicide/

Mel

Protection for spoilers ✨

Mel

Oh, I'm very curious to know what this moment is? :D There's one chapter in particular that I can't wait for him to discover, and that's the one with Gilderoy at St Mungo's.

Louisa

This is by far my most favourite book!! These first two chapters are reasons that I so much love the books more than the movies. I was so disappointed seeing how they rushed through the first chapters.

Josh Z

As a logical person I think that it's reasonable to say that Harry has a level of PTSD reasonable for his age and experiences. Unless Garfnob is trying to say that everything he has been through doesn't qualify as “traumatic stress” which is a bit ridiculous to suggest. I mean I know it's fiction but if almost being killed by a murderous psychopath multiple times doesn't qualify for PTSD what does?

Andrew K

Spoiler barrier 🪄

Andrew K

Yeah it would be fascinating to know what Dudley sees, but I think you may be right. From this moment on he doesn’t seem to be the same - case in point in Deathly Hallows. He may very well have had a big realisation about himself after this incident

Marie-Louise

Hiii! I think this is actually my first book-club comment, though I have been watching since your Philosopher movie reaction (was my first christmas after moving to a new city) I am very excited for this book even though it is not my favourite movie (by a long shot) I love how the book really introduces us to the world and politics that form the remainder of the story.

Garfnob

"At the very least he might be able to watch some News or scrounge a Newspaper from Mrs Figg." - point

Garfnob

but Harry does that in chapter 3. the chapter name come from Vernon miss speaking "a pack of owls".

Garfnob

@jake "so please don't accuse me of 'throwing it around'" - apologizes, no accusation intended. just pointing out diagnosing PTSD or and condition without sitting down with the person is near impossible. people try and do this all the time with people on TV.

Jake M

Apologies - the first few chapters blur together in my memory!

Garfnob

@Josh "Unless Garfnob is trying to say that everything he has been through doesn't qualify as “traumatic stress”" - i am not saying that at all. Harry has defiantly been through trauma, but going through trauma does not automatically mean PTSD fallows, and we do not have anywhere close to the info we need to make a diagnosis. "if almost being killed by a murderous psychopath multiple times doesn't qualify for PTSD what does? " - no, that would not count for PTSD. the event is not PTSD how you react to the event is possibly PTSD. the "symptoms" could also be... anxiety - he KNOWS he is being hunted, simple stress response anger - shitty home life, and no one believing him about Voldemort change in personality - being 15, and needing to grow up fast mood swings - being 15 (hormones), also i do not see mood swings, he is just angry. jumping at noises - in his mind and to some extent for real he is in a war. that will make you tense. jumping at noises when you are safe is a sign of PTSD, jumping at noises when you are being hunted is a survival reflex. vivid nightmares - short term nightmares after a traumatic event is normal and not PTSD. we never hear about them again. so, in short, yes he could have PTSD or not. a professional would need to sit down with him.

Garfnob

no need to apologize :)

Kunzite Blossom

Honestly, Dudley being counted towards the secrecy thing has always annoyed me. I get it counts as underage magic which they aren't supposed to do, but it shouldn't count as a breach in secrecy if its done in front of a muggle that is family! Makes 0 sense.

Kunzite Blossom

I actually feel for Harry. He's not really being told anything yet and just told to sit still and don't cause trouble. As the person who is the reason anyone even knows about Voldemort's return, you would think he'd be told something. Though I guess it's fair not to say much in a letter. However him having guessed Ron and Hermione are together and he's stuck being alone in a place he hates, must really feel lonely.

Jo Winters

Hello Veggie! My favourite book is the last one, but I think this one is also amazing. Your videos pulled me through some dark moments, like when my young cat died on my birthday last year. So, thank you. Chapter 1 "We're not stupid, you know." "Well, that's news to me." It's one of my favourite of Harry's sassy comebacks! The change in Harry that happened between the last chapter of the previous book and here is huge. He has started his descent into bitterness and resentment. I think that had he spent this time with Weasleys and not with Dursleys, he would have coped much better. I feel sorry for him. I rarely see it mentioned how impressive it is that, despite his state, Harry is still able to create a Patronus this impressive here. The light in him is stronger than anything — that's the proof. Chapter 2 What do you think Dudley saw when the Dementor attacked him that traumatised him so much? I am not surprised at all that Vernon is kicking Harry out. The fact that he didn't do it before is more surprising, but I think we can see that Petunia is the one calling the shots in that family.

Jo Winters

Absolutely, isolation in a hostile environment after such deep trauma is extremely dangerous.

Connor Wilkinson

**Chapter 1** * You can see that Harry is experiencing teenage angst, but you can understand it as he is being kept in the dark about everything. * I didn’t realise that you could talk to your Patronus. **Chapter 2** * I like Mrs. Figg; she has a no-nonsense attitude. * I wonder what Dudley’s worst memory was that he had to relive.

Music Here

"He’d love to vent some of his frustration on the boys who had once made his life hell" That's one of the many great lines that tell us how Harry is feeling. He's feeling trapped, frustrated and traumatized. You said Harry's healing started at the end of the last book, but his experiences were so terrible it's understandable they don't instantly fade away. I think Harry being so alone contributed to the setback in his healing. Do you believe Dumbledore was right to essentially lock Harry up and leave him alone? I think Harry's frustrations are conveyed much better by the book than the movie. Some of it is down to the medium. The book allows us to get inside his head which the movie can't. But I think it's also just done better. For example I like that HARRY is the one taking his frustrations on Dudley, or maybe I should call him the 'Junior Heavyweight Inter-School Boxing Champion of the "noble sport"' 😁 Harry being the instigator gives us a different side of his and Dudley's dynamic. The movie couldn't have "perfect Harry" be the one picking on Dudley, which is a shame. I also love that despite all his frustrations on Ron and Hermione, the thought of THEM prompted him to successfully cast the patronus charm! Although these two chapters are serious in tone, JK is able mix in funny moments as well. I really like that about her as a writer.

Howiedoing

“Yeah? Did he say you look like a pig being taught to walk on its hind legs? ‘Cause that’s not cheek, Dud, that’s true.’ This and Mrs. fig had me laughing quite a bit. Surprised it took you four books to mark Harry as your favorite character besides Dumbledore Harry’s always been my favorite. 🦅🏆

Kattie Martin

My guess is he was scared and Harry telling him whatever he did he needed to keep his mouth shut might have somewhat clicked but considering how muggleborns exist maybe it’s not so simple.

Kunzite Blossom

Especially for what we know is to come. Harry is just constantly put into the dark because of his age. Dumbledore feels being distant will help and the Order keeps Harry even more in the dark (probably mostly due to Molly since we know Sirius would tell him everything) but I really feel the adults are just messing up here. If only Harry had been told more, I feel so much could have been avoided (like Sirius dying). It's the one thing that frustrates me every time I read this book.

jolt45

Ch. 1: Enter Harry "the Sass-Master" Potter. He dishes out several sarcastic remarks and insults in this chapter. I think its notable that he provokes Dudley rather than the movie where Harry seems to be minding his own business. Side note: The dementors seem extra terrifying in this scene. Ch. 2: "REMEMBER MY LAST, PETUNIA." ... who do you think sent that howler? Petunia knows about dementors? I'd love to hear your thoughts about the revelations regarding Petunia in this chapter. PS: You were sorting out what my icon was last time. You're right, it is Jolteon, the electric pokemon Eevee evolves into. I just love that spiky yellow guy. Always have.

Alias93

At least we do get an in-depth explaination about why he wasn't told anything...

Alias93

@Jake M In the french version the chapter title is "Prise de bec", which is a phrase about people shouting at each other, and I just assumed the meaning was similar in the original version.

Tawny Owl

Hi Woozle and Veggie! Others have already said a lot about Petunia and I too love how this chapter gives more depth to her character. I really want to be happy for Dudley finding a talent in boxing - if only he would use the sport as a healthy outlet of energy and learn some good values and sportsmanship instead of training to beat up children and be an even bigger bully. 😔 Very interesting that Harry's wand lit up when he said 'lumos' without even holding it. I can't recall if we've ever seen something like this before. I wonder how that works. The magic system is a bit wonky overall but still extremely fun to analyse. :D

Jake M

@Alias93 Interesting! There's an expression in English "no need to bite my head off", meaning don't snap/shout at me- maybe it's similar to that? No need to peck my head off? XD

Emory

Oofteepoof! Hi Veggie and Woozle! I cant believe we’ve made it all the way to Order of the Phoenix with the book reviews! Just in this first chapter, we see so much of an evolution in Harry’s character to pushing back and messing with Dudley in a way he never used to. Like in the beginning of COS, he’s frustrated by a lack of communication from the wizarding world, but the way in which he’s interacting with the Dursleys and venting his feelings has evolved so much. Petunia and Vernon generally maintain a stark polarization between their world and Harry’s, but in chapter 2, Petunia breaks this when she answers Vernon’s question about what dementors are. She says she heard “that awful boy” telling “her” about them years ago. Harry assumes that she is referring to his father, but she never specifies. Who do you think the “awful boy” she was talking about might have been?

Kunzite Blossom

I mean ya, but the reasoning to me just was never good enough. Had Harry known from the start what was going on, so much could have changed and been avoided. Even Dumbledore admitted distancing himself was a mistake, and that a big part of it was he didn't want to burden Harry, to let him enjoy his youth. The reasoning may be there, but that doesn't mean it's good reasoning.

Astrid

So hyped! This is easily my favourite HP book. I read it approximately one thousand times when I was a kid. Sort of hate the movie though...

Rod

Protego spoilers

Rod

I wouldn't mention Snape directly in this comment. Either Veggie will make that connection now, just by reading, or it will be fun to watch him connecting the dots in book 7, when we see Snape talking to Lily about Azkaban (which isn't in the movie). If it's the former, he'll mention Snape in the video. If it's the latter, reading about Snape in the comments here might spoil it for him later.

Alias93

I agree with Rod, this isn't something that is made clear by the movies since they never talk about dementors in the flashbacks, so we should let Veggie make the connection himself or find out about it when he gets to the end of book 7. There was a similar situation in the previous book with someone "speculating" about the disturbance at Moody's house being the moment when he got replaced by BCJ, which lead to Veggie having to skip their comment since it was referencing elements that had not yet been established by the book.

Emory

Edited to remove Snape’s name

Mel

Hello Veggie :) For the first time in a long time, we remember that Petunia is not just a Dursley but also comes from the same family as Lily and has her own origins. And, the person who sent the letter only writes to her, making the difference clear. Which makes me wonder. Do you think that if she didn't have Vernon in her life, she would have raised Harry in love? And for that matter, do you think she loves Harry? Where Vernon rejects the wizarding world out of ignorance, fear, hatred or whatever, I think Petunia is trying hard to reject her painful past and the death of her sister (she associates wizards with her sister), so there is love... I think if she'd raised Harry on her own, she would have loved him over time. Maybe she's also afraid of becoming attached to Harry and that if something happens to him, the last remaining part of his sister will be gone. On another note, I totally understand the urgency of Sirius, Arthur, etc. but the way they handle the situation with Harry by not explaining anything to him, without giving him a little sentence like ‘You did the right thing BUT stay where you are’ does nothing to help his anger and sense of isolation. It gives the impression that they're just cleaning up his mess when, poor guy, it's not his fault. He's treated like an adult when he's a teenager in need of reassurance, and he's treated like a teenager to be brooded over when he's ready to fight. But in the end, who's right and who's wrong? He remains a child with adult problems.

Alias93

[spoilers below]

Alias93

Not a big spoiler, but have the movies ever mentionned Lily's maiden name? I'm pretty sure the first time we hear it in the books is during Snape's worst memory. It might confuse Veggie if he doesn't know/remember, especially since there is a random muggle named Mark Evans mentionned in the first chapter.

Simon audsley

"The royal penis is clean, your Highness" Man I forgot just how good the opening chapter of this book is, and it really is different from the film both in tone and execution. Bet you didn't expect it to be Harry that would be antagonising Dudley into a fight rather than the other way round like in the film and the dementor scene in the film pales in comparison how it's executed in the book, The sheer terror and confusion that is happening in the pitch black would have been amazing to see on the big screen not sure it will be the same as a tv acene. Then a chapter of pure chaos, This is a chapter that really brings the muggle and wizard worlds together, in TGOF we saw that neither the old or young are safe from Voldemort and now with the clash of both the muggle and wizarding world we're also shown that nowhere is safe anymore. I can still see where Uncle Vernon is coming from in this chapter he has raised (begrudgingly and possibly under threat of force) why should he risk his sons and wife's lives for a child he has no direct familial connection with and he doesn't care for. Can't wait for Christmas when we'll be getting to my favourite chapters, looking forward to getting to the rest of Harry Potter and The Onset of the puberty

Mel

Yes, you're right, it's not mentioned in the film. But it seemed so obvious to me that it just came naturally. I'm going to rephrase my sentence and let Veggie figure it out over time.

Gugurupurasu Daikirai

How I interpreted it was the Ministry was looking for any excuse to go after Harry because of Fudge. In POA Fudge seemed to completely blow off the underage magic use for Harry but now that he was in full denial of Voldy's return he went after Harry unreasonably hard with the Ministry

Garfnob

i do not think that is your interpretation. if i remember correctly that is all but stated in the trial. will see when we get there :)

PumpkinSparks

Heyo Veggie! I guess I missed nearly all of book 4 🤷🏼‍♀️ I had a really bad year brain wise and just couldn't handle long format anything... but I'm getting better and the start of a new book (one of my favourites) feels like a good point to get back in. As a kid I absolutely loved chapter two. First we get the whole Mrs Figgs revelation, that just leaves you gobsmacked. And then we get pure chaos with all the owls, and the back-and-forth with the letters, and the Dursleys being absolutely non-plussed by the mention of Voldemort, and Harrys realization that "woah, Petunia is my moms sister!" 😂🙈, and then he just calmly explains to them a magical incident in Little Whinging - that just tickles my bones! Especially the latter half of that chapter lives rent free in my head for more than 20 years now and resurfaces every once in a while, giving me the giggles. All my love to Woozle ❤️

rreowenn

Hi Veggie! I find Mrs Figg to be quite different in these chapters compared to the film. She seems much more capable and less clueless in the book, sort of Mrs Weasley ish if you compare their anger. Actually, in a way Mrs Figg was Harry's guardian long before Mrs Weasley adopted that role, just in a more sneaky way. Everything to do with Petunia really gets to me. She is seen as such a doting mother and wife in the first few books that you forget she had a whole life before then. Gives me chills!

emmainkeri

I'm curious too! For me it was the entire book I feel :D Can't believe they butchered the Department of Mysteries. Can't believe they left out Harry crying and trashing Dumbledore's office. Can't believe they left out St Mungo's. Can't believe they left out Quidditch. Can't believe they left out Dobby (again). And the list continues!

Madikuma95

Hi Veggie, first time commenting in the Book Club! I figured I'd join once you started a new book. :) I love this scene with the Dursleys! We've got Vernon ranting about owls, accusing Harry of criminal activities, and his repeated mispronunciation of "dementors", to Petunia knowing facts about the wizarding world, her understanding the gravity of Voldemort's return, and the mysterious howler addressed to her. Truly Harry's magical life and muggle life have collided in a way that's chaotic, funny, and foreboding all at once. Also, I kinda do appreciate Vernon's protectiveness over his family, despite coming at the expense of Harry. Do you think Petunia only let him stay because of the howler? Or was she genuinely scared for Harry's safety? Either way, I hope you enjoy Order of the Phoenix!

emmainkeri

JKR said this in an interview years ago: "I think that when Dudley was attacked by the Dementors he saw himself, for the first time, as he really was. This was an extremely painful, but ultimately salutary lesson, and began the transformation in him."

emmainkeri

"I think that when Dudley was attacked by the Dementors he saw himself, for the first time, as he really was. This was an extremely painful, but ultimately salutary lesson, and began the transformation in him." -JKR

emmainkeri

I believe Veggie has learned from playing Hogwarts Legacy that wandless magic is preferred at Uagadou School of Magic :) Wandless magic is mentioned in the books too.

emmainkeri

Hey Big V! A long ass comment as promised, even after deleting a bunch. Kiitos ja anteeksi! 1. I wanna begin by saying that this is the book that means to me the most, always has. It may not be the best “objectively”, but it is MY book. I saw the movie in theaters with my dad and sister, and felt personally offended by the filmmakers :D I kept making snide comments and saying things like “THAT’S NOT RIGHT” out loud. My dad tried to hush me, but I was too angry to care :D Harry as a character, and this entire 1st chapter, feel different compared to the four that came before it. (I wonder if you felt that way?) Little me was experiencing big life changes and depression when book 5 came out, and much like the ones before, it offered me escapism. Only it wasn’t happy escapism that time, it was sad and defiant and melancholy. There’s this underlying feeling of sadness that seeps through the pages. The book felt like a hug from someone who truly understood the anger and hopelessness I was experiencing in my body. Looking back, that is probably the reason it became MY book. My copy went through a lot too admittedly, its pages are all wavy from me reading it in the shower too often. 2. About Harry’s dream. The dream included details that didn’t happen in reality, like Harry crying for his parents’ help and begging for Cedric’s life. Our brains process experiences and feelings in our sleep, so I can't look at the dream as just a nightmare. Harry’s brain is still processing seeing his parents at the graveyard. He probably feels like they should still be alive and there for him to rely on and to save him from harm, so he wouldn’t have to. You know, how children often view their parents? Like they can solve any issue and confront any bad guy? Harry is still just a kid too. 3. Apologies in advance for bringing this back, but I want to end on a lighter note! “You just wait till I tell dad you had that thing out –“ “Running to daddy now, are you? Is his ickle boxing champ frightened of nasty Harry’s willy?” :)

Margarita Pizza

1. Here is where we see book!Harry REALLY diverge from his movie counterpart. In the movie, Dudley picks on Harry unprovoked. In the book, Harry bullies a scared Dudley, provoking him into retaliating. Movie!Harry worries he’s “becoming bad” because he feels angry all the time, but the book actually SHOWS us how Harry’s anger makes him nasty. His character is so real because people DO react to trauma in ugly ways. 2. Speaking of Harry not being his Best Self in these chapters: I love the detail of him feeling offended that Mr. Weasley and Sirius are “acting as though he’d misbehaved” when, from an adult perspective, they are not acting like that at ALL. 3. I think the most sinister detail of these chapters is Mr. Weasley telling Harry (in capital letters) NOT TO SURRENDER HIS WAND. It suggests Mr. Weasley, who works for the Ministry, knows they have no legal right to take Harry’s wand. It’s disturbing that the government is trying to intimidate and coerce a teenager who doesn’t know his rights and it hints at some of the corruption to come. 4. Finally, this exchange absolutely SENT me as a teenager: “Listening to the news! Again?” “Well, it changes every day, you see,” said Harry. Hope you and Woozle are doing well! Sending you both much love from New York!

Karen

Long time since I been able to make a comment on the book club, life been so busy with my son who was born in November. So thought the beginning of OOTP be a good time to start again with the book club. I will say that the movie 5 and 6 are my least favorite so when I started reading OOTP I did not expect to enjoy it. Let me tell you I was wrong and so I hope you thoroughly enjoy it! I feel so sorry for Harry he witnessed his fellow school mate die and now he is left in the dark about what’s going on. No wonder why he trying to listen to the news. I would be freaking out myself knowing Voldemort is back and I’d feel like a sitting duck. You really start to see the beginning of angst Harry, just remember reading this book HE IS ONLY 15! Poor kid.

Maddie

Hi Veggie and Woozle! Have you noticed that this is the first book in the entire series that has no recap and summary of Harry's back story? It just delved right into the action. I just love how everything feels so intense right from the start, but with just the right amount of humor courtesy of Sassy/Angsty Harry. It's crazy how Vernon is ranting about all the unpleasant things that happened to them since Harry found out he's a wizard, without realizing that those things happened (except for the dementors) beacause they've been so nasty to him , and could have been avoided if only they treated Harry decently. Lastly, my favorite moment is Mrs.Figg just losing it at Mundungus.

Luci Love

Hiya Veg! Hope you're well. I remember when this book came out, I didn't have enough money to pay rent let alone buy a new book, but I went to the midnight release with a couple of friends anyway. In the following week they got so annoyed that they couldn't talk about the book around me that they bought me a copy so we could all read together. It was so nice. Funnily enough, I ended up not really liking the book. (I think it might be my least favorite.) Mostly because of a certain Toady in Pink we will meet shortly. I'm thinking the re-read will be more enjoyable now that I know what's coming to her.. I'm glad for the reintroduction of Ms. Figg. I had pictured her so differently from how the movie portrayed her. Movie version was good, but book version is awesome! I may be wrong about this, but I heard people in the UK use the noun 'strokes' instead of 'pets' that we use in the USA in reference to petting animals. Is this true? In either case, give Woozle lots of strokes (or pets) from me :)

Dara Jeeling

Hallo Veggie and Woozle another new book, exciting. Since the most interesting questions have been asked already just a few words I like Umbridge - she is a well written character, so don't worry. Looking forward to some of the lter chapters it's going to be interesting!

Kristen Campbell

Hi Veggie, I haven’t commented much but will now as you’re getting into my favorite book. There is an important part of the second chapter I want you to remember. When Patunia said “I heard that awful boy telling her a couple years ago.” Who do you think she is referring to? Harry says his parents but she doesn’t confirm or deny. Also who do you think sent the howler to Patunia? This chapter shows Patunia may hate her sister overheard a lot and may know more then we give her credit for. Vernon is a lot worse than in the movies. The fact he was a bit happy to want to know if they have the death penalty is crazy. He would want Harry to die. Patunia really is the only reason he is alive. Sorry for the long comment, I love your book reviews and can’t wait for the next two chapters.

Raider Max

Angry Teenage Harry is my favorite Harry and we are going to get him a lot in these final three books......OH NO WE ONLY HAVE 3 BOOKS LEFT 😭😭😭

Alias93

Only 3 books left, but if we go by the audiobooks length we're only 43% of the way through, so still a lot to come :-)

Raider Max

I like your way of thinking 🤘🤘🤘🤘

Alias93

[spoilers below]

Alias93

I think your comment about not realizing who Petunia was referring to kind of reveals that it wasn't James, since it's the obvious option. I would also recommend not mentionning anything being confirmed by later books since that is something Veggie has asked us not to do.

H

Hi Veggie! - It's understandable because of years of bullying and the understandable anger/bitterness he's feeling at this point, but he's really nasty to Dudley in this chapter! Still: when danger is there, he's really worried about Dudley as well, which is nice to see. And Dudley clearly isn't exactly innocent here. - The whole conversation with the Dursleys about the magical world is so satisfying, somehow. - "Did Mrs Polkiss give you something foreign for tea?" is such a fantastic Vernon question. It's as if someone have tried to make a man out of Daily Mail newspapers. The dementor attack reminds me of of a Veggie moment that really made me laugh. When you were first introduced to the dementor on the train in the Prisoner of Azkaban movie, when it opened the door, and your reaction was a worried "ticket, please...?!"

H

[Mundungus and Mrs. Figg is here, making sure there are no spoilers]

Music Here

I wanted to bring Veggie's attention to that too because it's one of the coolest writing moments of the whole series. But yeah...it's a bit of a spoiler the way you phrase it. I'd recommend you to delete the last two sentences of that paragraph ("I grew up with reading Harry Potter..." and "You do find out in the last book...")

Steven

Hey Veggie! I can’t remember large portions of this book except for some standout moments that stuck with me, so I’m looking forward to going through it again. One of the moments that stuck with me after I read this book for the first time was Petunia in chapter 2. She is FASCINATING and although I can’t forgive her for the way she treats both Harry & Dudley, I do feel terrible for her. Her reaction to hearing that Voldemort was back is heartbreaking, and I do get the feeling that somewhere deep down, she is worried about losing the only piece of her sister she has left, her nephew. I do wish this scene was in the movie because it really does do wonders to develop her character, and quite frankly, we don’t get enough development for the Dursleys in general (excluding Dudley.) Fiona Shaw is a fantastic actor and could have done this scene so well (the deathly hallows deleted scene being proof.) ‘Remember my last, Petunia’ Who do you think sent the howler? Were you expecting to get this kind of character moment for her? It’s one of the standout moments in all of the books to me, to see that theres more to her than we see at the surface.

Alexandra

So excited for this book, I remember your movie reaction and I thought it was great because you really were interested and frustrated by the corruption in it which is I think key to this story, so I can't wait to see how you feel about it throughout the book. I love how much attitude Harry has towards the Dursley's in these chapters, really showing his confidence in himself as he's gotten older. I love that Mrs. Figg gets brought back and that we have a very different Squib character now, someone who didn't become bitter about being non-magical in this world. I do completely understand how upsetting that would be but I think having a positive Squib character was important. I have always found the Dementor-Dudley experience fascinating! What does that feel like when you're being attacked by something you can't see? What did the Dementor's make him re-live? Might this experience affect him in the future, in a good or bad way? I also love that Petunia's character is given dimension here with her knowing what Dementors are and the Howler. I remember having the same feeling as Harry where he had the moment of connection to his mother. I hadn't really thought about the fact that this woman grew up with and at the same time as Lily and had her own experiences with the Wizarding World that would have been very different from Lily's and Harry's. It just felt like a very big realization to me. Sorry this is a little long, I hope you and Woozle are well!

Dobby Delfstoffer

Hi Veggie, Just call me Dobby if you have trouble pronouncing my name, “Delfstoffer” is Dutch for “Niffler”. I’m not completely caught up with the reviews yet, but I didn’t want to miss the start of a new book, so I finally subscribed! This book features Harry being exceptionally teenagery, a lot of injustice, and don’t even get me started on Umbridge. Since everything is so well-written, I just feel so frustrated every time something like that happens, which is why this is my least favourite book of the series (still love it though). Why on earth does the Daily Prophet get delivered at 5 in the morning??? Surely there is a better way to manage this than setting your alarm that early every day to pay the owl? I never would subscribe if I had to get out of my bed that early, haha. I wonder why Mrs Figg is walking around with a bag full of cat food, it seems a bit late to go grocery shopping? I would love it if she deliberately took it as a “weapon” when she found out Mundungus had disapparated. Greetings from the Netherlands!

Grace S

Hi Veggie! Chapter 1 Notes: I would love to read a fanfiction about Harry and Dudley having each other's backs growing up, they could've been as close as brothers. We immediately get sassy Harry and I love it! Chapter 2 Notes: Do you think Mrs. Figg's cats are magical? How else could they warn her about what was going on? Mundungus is here already! We didn't see him until the 7th movie. There's a theory that when Dudley was attacked by the dementors, the horrible things he saw were the things he did, and how bad of a person he was, since he didn't have a lot of bad memories. Petunia and Lily are such an interesting dynamic, and I wish we learned more about it with Petunia. Hope you and Woozle have a fantastic day!

Alias93

[spoilers below]

Alias93

It was made pretty clear in "the prince's tale" in book 7 that it was Snape who told Lily about the dementors, and Petunia overheard them, it's one of the first memories Harry sees. I think it would be better not to mention Snape at all here, or even the fact that it could not be James, and let Veggie figure it out (or find out) himself.

Grace S

Oh thank you, I must not have been remembering that chapter correctly.

Janie

Hi Veggie! I have to admit that this is not my favourite book, it's actually my least favourite. That doesn't mean I don't like it, it's just that the other books are better, in my opinion :) Still, OotP has some of my absolute favourite scenes in the whole series. Anyway, back to these two chapters. It seems that Petunia knows quite a lot about the wizarding world. I like the very brief connection she has with Harry when she finds out Voldemort is back. We meet Mundungus already! Were you surprised to see him so early? I love Mrs. Figg yelling at him for not watching over Harrry. Though I'm not sure him being there would have changed much. The Ministry would have still accused Harry of conjuring the Patronus since Harry was supposed to be the only wizard in Privet Drive and they didn't know Mundungus was there.

Methanoutput

Hey Veggie, these beginning chapters somehow feel weirdly like some of the saddest chapters to me! In the first books, Harry still thought about why the Dursleys might not like him etc. Right here, he fully understands everything and just seems depressed (also by other things but still). And I also think that listening this time, was the first time that I understood that the cat in the beginning, after the loud sound was Mrs Figgs cat? I somehow never clocked that 😅 hope you and woozle have a nice day!

Kristen Campbell

Ok thanks. I deleted the last two and just asked who she was referring to since she didn’t confirm or deny

Kristen Campbell

Thanks. I deleted the last point and just asked the question.

DreamMyselfAway (Dreamy)

Heya Veggie and Woozle! All of my points have more or less already been made, so I'll condense this to one serious and one kinda funny point: These first chapters are what I meant a few book clubs ago with the depth in which we experience Harry's Trauma in. Take a barely 15 year old teenager with his experiences... I just got loads of empathy for him. It is kinda funny to see the actual English mispronounciations for the Dementors. One I always find hilarious in German is "Demontöre" which basically sounds similar to De-Monteur (Monteur being a commonly used noun for a fitter, so basically a de-fitter). I don't know why, but it makes me laugh every time, even being in this wonderfully chaotic and serious chapter. Can't wait for your journey through the chunkiest of these books! Love from Germany <3

WulfricsGong

Hi Veggie! First time commenter, here. I immensely enjoy these Harry Potter discussions, and the longer the videos, the better! 😁 As for this book it’s my 3rd favorite, right after Deathly Hallows and Half-Blood Prince. I can’t wait to hear all your thoughts on these upcoming books! Sorry in advance for my long message! Chapter 1: - I do wonder how Mundungus heard about those stolen cauldrons. - Since Dementors can physically interact with the world (in one of the previous chapters it is told that they bring the prisoners food, the thought of a dementor cook is hilarious to me), I do wonder if Dementors can feel pain if they are hit - Do you think after last summer’s events, Harry’s boggart is now changed to Voldemort? (asking because Harry started hearing Voldy from the graveyard scene when the Dementors were affecting him) Chapter 2: - “Dumbledore said we were to keep you from doing magic at all costs.” This suggests to me that Dumbledore was expecting Fudge to jump on any opportunity he can find to have Harry expelled. - I like to think Petunia might have liked bonding a bit more with her sister over the fact that they both were pregnant at the same time. And she probably heard that Lilly had to go into hiding because Voldy was after them, so Petunia probably does have quite a bit of unresolved emotions towards Voldy, which now that she hears from Harry that he is back and after Harry, might be coming up All the best to you and Woozle!

WulfricsGong

Well the papers get delivered around 5am where I live too, I guess because people like to read them as part of their morning routine. Plus owls delivering papers might get less noticed at such early hours 😅

Dobby Delfstoffer

Yeah that's a good point, I guess that the difference with us muggles is that we don't have to be awake for the paper to be delivered because we don't have to pay the deliverer in cash, since we have other ways to pay. The owls not getting noticed is definetely a good reason to keep it early, I didn't think about that :)

SavageKim

Hi Veggie! New book, yay! Sassy Harry, yay! But also emotional, frustrated, and a bit mean. A very human Harry therefore. Chapter 1 - Even though he had just been mean and angry at Dudley, and Dudley had hit him (out of fear), he still shouted at Dudley to cover his mouth when he knew it was dementors. And carried him home. Chapter 2 - We learn so much about all the Dursley's, but Vernon seems to think it wouldn't be a bad idea if Harry might get sentenced harshly. So far as he can tell Harry just magically made Dudley sick and dazed/confused and he wonders if the Wizarding world gives out the death penalty! Hope you're well!

Ziro the Hutt

I know this is late, but I'm going through the Book Club now, and the comments on Petunia kind of echo my thoughts on her. I think she feels ashamed deep down, though she's too proud to admit it, for how she shunned Lily after finding out she was a witch. She again doesn't admit it to herself, but she would have loved to have been a witch too, and I suppose Lily coming back from school after months away and chatting about all the things she learnt, would embitter Petunia towards her, and drive a wedge between the sisters; one that can't be taken back (well it might have had she given Harry love, but its too late now). Then when Lily is killed and Harry is brought to her doorstep, he becomes that living embodiment of something she never had in talent, and of her memories of her sister. She is an awful woman, but someone to be pitied more than reviled. On Dudley's behaviour and becoming more violent, I think its because he's been spoiled when he was getting raised. He's been told he is better - more superior - to others (he'd make a fine Slytherin ;) ) and the boxing is bringing this out that he can go around flouting himself and bullying others. When people are raised like that, they tend to lash out on others - we are seeing this right now in the political world with a couple of individuals (poor Zelensky the other day). The thing is, there is always someone out there stronger, who gives these bullies a bloody nose. Dudley's time will come and it will either get him to grow up, or it will break him.

Ziro the Hutt

Yes St Mungo's is a hell of a few chapters - especially THAT scene. Also yes, Harry going apeshit with Dumbledore, its so raw.

Hilde

18 more months 😱 What a wild - though absolutely correct - thought 🤯

Hilde

Agreed: the more «fluff» the better 💕

Elizabeth D

I somehow remember the explanation of the magic being used near Harry (set of by Dobby) as being his “fault” because of the prejudice against near-human creatures. So the Trace would clock Mundungus as a wizard but not Dobby. I could be misremembering!

Garfnob

i do not remember anything of the kind, but it is a plausible post hoc explanation.

Snowspeeders and Space Shuttles

Hi Veggie! Chapter 3 The return of Lupin! My own reaction was pretty similar to yours in the movie reaction. I do wonder what he was up to during the events of Goblet, surely he was in contact with Dumbledore and Sirius so he would have a good idea what was going on. We meet lots of interesting characters here, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Tonks, the real Mad-Eye and more. Chapter 4 We find out that Percy has abandoned his family in favour of the ministry. You may recall on the last Goblet book club, I said that Fudge may have intentionally got rid of Crouch with the Dementor. This, in my opinion, is another example of Fudge “playing the pieces” so to speak. He knows that the Weasleys are very close to Dumbledore, and I’m willing to bet he got to know a good deal about Percy during all the questioning about Crouch. Fudge is often shown as a bumbling politician, it’s mentioned that he used to bombard Dumbledore with owls asking for advice. But that was in the past. Fudge, despite what appearances suggest, is a very clever and cunning politician, in that he knows how to play his cards. This “promotion” is exactly what Arthur says it is, Fudge wants a spy in Dumbledore’s inner circle. But failing that, he also wants to create discord between Dumbledore’s supporters. By using Percy, he intends to drive a wedge into the order – potentially causing members to turn away. Obviously this sort of backfires as all the Weasleys agree that Percy is the one who is out of line and not Dumbledore. Another point I will raise about Percy, this one really wipes out the last of my sympathy for him. During his time at Hogwarts Percy was made a prefect and Head Boy, clearly showing that Dumbledore trusts in Percy’s ability to be trustworthy and responsible, but when he asks (not directly of course) for Percy to apply that to the order, he cannot be counted on. These are just my thoughts, feel free to contradict me, I may have it completely wrong. Anyway, that’s all for now. So happy we meet Tonks. Seriously, how does a Budgie learn to waterski?!