![[CLOSED] - [PLEASE READ CAREFULLY] - Your Notes for Chapter 14 of The Order of the Phoenix!](https://img5.xaiju.com/storage/4/qx/im/d38796-019e8403-d5e6-7b21-bd0a-86838e41b320.jpg)
[CLOSED] - [PLEASE READ CAREFULLY] - Your Notes for Chapter 14 of The Order of the Phoenix!
Added 2025-09-03 16:54:40 +0000 UTCThis part of the Book Review is now complete! Thank you so much for taking part and see you next time! :)
HI GUYS. I HAVE CHECKED THE TIMES FOR THE NEXT BUNCH OF CHAPTERS, AND IF I WERE TO DO THE NEXT (14) IN A SINGLE EPISODE, IT WILL MEAN WE GET SHORTER CHAPTERS BACK TO BACK FOR A WHILE (UNTIL 21, WHICH I HAVE BEEN ADVISED SHOULD PROBABLY ALSO GET THE SINGLE TREATMENT). I AM SO SORRY TO THOSE HOPING WE WOULD BE BACK TO 2 CHAPTERS STRAIGHT AWAY, BUT IT WOULD REALLY HELP ME OUT IF WE CAN JUST TO THE NEXT ONE SINGLE, THEN THE FOLLOWING THREE DOUBLES! DON'T WORRY, SINGLES WILL NEVER TAKE OVER AS 'THE USUAL', IT JUST MAKES SENSE FOR THIS NEXT ONE. SORRY, AGAIN, I KNOW THIS ISN'T IDEAL!!
Oof-Tee-Poof, everyone!! đ
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Comments
Oh, you can totally make a vegan apple strudel. It's just that making apple strudel from scratch is a pain!!!
PumpkinSparks
2025-10-03 13:36:45 +0000 UTCI was today years old when I realized that your name is a Tolkien reference. Since Veggie always calls you Slim my brain made your name into Slimer... But it's Silmaril, is it not? Or is my jetlegged brain going off the rails right now?
PumpkinSparks
2025-10-03 12:24:16 +0000 UTCRacism in the magical world is actually an interesting topic and it all depends on your definition of racism (which is an actual debate in the real world: when does something "count" as racism? It's not as clear cut as some people believe!) In the magical world they clearly don't seem to discriminate against colour of skin or country of origin - you mentioned Blaize, there is never a mention of slurs being thrown at the Patil sisters (who very obviously are of south asian decent), during the fourth book there was just school rivalry but no negative feelings towards the french or eastern europeans, to name a few examples. BUT I would make the argument that this society is still deeply racist. They separate by "blood status" and human vs "half-human". The deatheaters, Malfoy and his posse, Umbridge - they are all 100% racist! Now, I agree that Pansys comments about Angelinas hair do not have a root in racism, that is just an example of her not being smart enough to come up with any good heckles so she reverts to superficial comments. I would still argue that Pansy is a racist, that is just a poor example to choose...
PumpkinSparks
2025-09-30 13:58:34 +0000 UTC"Who is this who is coming?" greetings from a not so warm caravan in Berwick, thought I'd go for a ghostly quote since your supposed to be doing this in October. also passed a place called snape on the coach here. considering the length of the chapter there is mostly small seeds of mystery dotted in it what with sturgis. not sure I agree with sirius I'm sure anyone with half a brain could figure out what harry was on about in his letter as long as they knew a few details about what was happening overall with hagrid missing and voldemort. Percy being a pompous ass as usual, if that guy was a traffic warden he'd give you a ticket for being a fraction of a second late.
Simon audsley
2025-09-30 08:09:02 +0000 UTCHey Veggie and Woozle Looking forward to your thoughts. Will you be listening to the new audiobook coming out later in the year? I have pre-ordered the first 2 on Audible. Percy really infuriates me with his letter, Hermione is so amazing helping Harry and Ron with their homework. Love that Sirius uses the fire to talk to Harry. Look after yourself and Woozle, Veggie.
Liz
2025-09-29 23:02:26 +0000 UTCHey Veggie and Woozle! I love the scene with Cho here! She has an big interest in Quidditch and that lets them have a lot more chemistry than in the movies. Also that she tells him, that she believes him and finds it disgusting, what Umbridge did to him, shows that she also thought about him alot. For her it is probably also a disgusting feeling, that Cedrics death is being wrongly displayed as an accident. Also i love the inner monologue from Harry around Cho, showing how he is falling for Cho more and more. Hope you and Woozle do have wonderful day and can't wait to hear your thoughts!
Jonas (Methanoutput)
2025-09-29 17:00:54 +0000 UTCFalse accusation and its consequences is a subject matter that has been brought up again and again in the HP series. If you look back at the past books, you'll see it was a big part of the plot of every single one of them. I'd say it's one of the main themes of the series as a whole. That's why I find it so difficult NOT to see the parallels between the past instances and the current ones. And while I can't speak for JKR, I think she wanted the readers to draw those parallels as well, because to me, they are very obvious. In this chapter, people are very frustrated with Percy. Why? Because he heard a false accusation and believed it. Tell me, how is Percy any different from Ron and Hermione? They heard a false accusation and believed it as well. Hermione even acted on it. She assaulted a completely innocent man. To me, that's way worse than Percy's self-important letter which wasn't even intended for Harry's eyes. Ron and Hermione have no business criticizing Percy. They're no better than him. As for Harry, I find it deeply ironic and somewhat amusing that the boy who has spent so much time falsely accusing his teacher ends up falsely accused. Getting a taste of his own medicine. I think it's one of the best examples of karma in the Harry Potter series.
Hawwah
2025-09-29 16:55:18 +0000 UTCI admit that as a kid I drew some rather unflattering "fanart" of Umbridge and Percy to vent my frustration at these last two chapters. đ It's sad how Percy went from getting along with Harry and giving him advice, to now believing he's a dangerous lunatic. The way Jim Dale reads Harry's line: "I swear I won't get violent." is pretty great, though. đ I disagree with the comments calling Pansy racist. She's always bullied Gryffindors based on their looks (Neville's weight, Hermione's teeth, now Angelina's hair), regardless of race. Plus she was hanging out with Blaise on the train in Movie 6. I really appreciate Hermione taking pity on Harry and Ron and checking their homework, despite her warnings that she wouldn't. It's such a nice friendship moment, and it feels like something I would've done. How many house-elves do you think have been set free by Hermione's hats?
Madikuma95
2025-09-29 00:43:17 +0000 UTCHey Veggie! Just a short message to say that I really dislike how Sirius acts at the end of this chapter. I understand that heâs getting tired of being stuck seeing the same four walls all day everyday but the comments he made to Harry were appalling and just go to show how he hasnât really grown up at all. Also I took your recommendation and started watching Jeeves & Wooster, so cozy!
Steven
2025-09-28 09:36:24 +0000 UTCHi Veggie and Woozle! Just some random thoughts reading this chapter, as everyone has already covered the important bits. - Pansy Parkinson mocking Angelina's hairstyle (which sounds like dreadlocks or similar) came off very racist to me. Do we think pure-blood-obsessed wizards are racist too? I wonder what is their stance on race relations. - The students have so many essays to write! Is it normal for UK schools? I never wrote essays in school except for literature class. - It rubs me the wrong way how much Percy talks about loyalty - to the ministry vs to Dumbledore. Feels weird to ask a 15-year-old to be loyal to his school principal. - I really like Harry associating himself with Sirius as they both are living in the world where everyone else thinks they are dangerous. It's a connection between them I haven't thought of - "The world isn't split into good people and death eaters" has a completely different connotation here when talking about Umbridge compared to the movie, where it was connected to Harry's feelings. I personally prefer the movie interpretation Hope you two have a lovely October!
Kate Bogd
2025-09-27 20:03:28 +0000 UTCHi Veggie! - "Thanks a million, Hermione" Ahh! A million â so that's one for each time he should've said thank you to Hermione in the whole series so far, I guess? "You should hear Remus talk about her." Yes, Sirius, let's hear Remus talk about Umbridge. In fact; why not spend the rest of the book following Lupin instead, so we can find out what he thinks about most things?
H
2025-09-27 01:10:24 +0000 UTCHi Veggie! Harryâs ability to understand the subtle personality of a cat when he can be so dense on people is something to marvel at. Being an adult itâs very hard to accept the childish personality Sirius has at times. While I understand why he acts the way he does, that was a low blow to hurt Harry that way just because Harry cares more about his safety than taking unnecessary risks. However I really enjoyed Siriusâs comment on how the world isnât separated between good people and Deatheaters, a complex character at times. Lastly, thereâs a creater who makes skits comparing scenes from the books to the movies and itâs hilarious. I think you would enjoy them but youâd have to be careful to only watch ones that are where youâre at book wise.
Kattie Martin
2025-09-26 13:09:42 +0000 UTCBuffer comment
Howiedoing
2025-09-25 23:36:50 +0000 UTCNot really too much to say on this chapter why is Slytherin even allowed at their practice anyway do they really not have anything better to do? Of course not. Percyâs letter is pompous and quite irritating to me sometimes makes me really wonder why he was in Gryffindor. He always just seems so much different than the rest of his family work before family. Slytherin ambition? Happy NFL season.
Howiedoing
2025-09-25 23:36:36 +0000 UTCHi Woozles Hooman! I'm on vacation right now, so I will not do my usual schtick of scanning the comments already posted. So if this is a repeat I do apologize, I just can't be bothered right now... I will actually come in defense of Percy! Obviously I do not agree with anything he says. BUT we should consider this letter from his point of view. Percy is someone who really values rule following and his academic/career pursuits. The one thing he always cares just as much about is his family. So I truly believe that he sincerely wants to help his little brother - he is so scared for him. Even before the fallout I feel like he always understood that his siblings see him as a bit of a laughing stock. And while he seemed to understand it, he never seemed to understand why. Weren't Bill and Charlie just as successful in their Hogwarts career? Where is the difference? Then he got his first job in the field of his dreams. Now, I don't think that back then there was any malice from the higher-ups to give him a job. While it was a promising entry with the very real possibility to climb the ladder, it wasn't the best job - Crouch didn't even know his name! And I totally can see him getting that job (and very quickly given more responsibility during the 4th book) due to a combination of his academic resume and his family name (let's not forget the Weasleys are considered one of the last pure blood families. And while Arthur wasn't very high in the ministries hierarchy, he WAS well respected and connected) And what happened after Voldemorts return? Fudge understood very quickly that the Weasley family stands with Dumbledore, but then thereâs also Percy - a young, impressionable kid who has a deep need to be needed and wanted, and who already has loyalty towards the ministry because finally someone appreciates his hard work. And what did they do? They give him even more work (which makes him feel even more needed AND exhausts him, which makes him more open to manipulation), they are overtly nice to him ("Umbridge is a delightful person"), they start to separate him from his support network, and they start feeding him their own beliefs and propaganda - that is how cults work! The only thing missing is food restriction. Other than that this is 101: How to indoctrinate someone to my cause!!! So yeah, while I do not agree with anything he wrote, I absolutely see where he is coming from. He drank that ministry cool-aid and truly wants to save his little brother from a (in his mind) bad situation. But yeah, Percy, darling: you're in a cult, call you're dad! (if anyone get's that reference, I'll be utterly amazed!!!)
PumpkinSparks
2025-09-25 20:06:35 +0000 UTCGreetings, Chapter â 14 - and now prof Azkaban is not only for life sentences.
Garfnob
2025-09-23 16:58:05 +0000 UTCHey Veggie! I don't have much to say about this chapter that others probably haven't, but being a huge Fred & George defender, I can't defend them on this one, they're real big idiots sometimes. I can't wait to hear you try and defend Percy though, oof. However, I cannot abide by your slander of the greatest fruit and pastry confection, the Apple Pie. You can't even blame it on me being an American, the first recorded recipe of the modern apple pie comes from 14th century England and it's delicious. Although an authentic German apple strudel is my personal favorite, unfortunately for you it's not vegan.
Dustin Baum
2025-09-22 16:25:38 +0000 UTC*Spoilers below*
S1lm4r1l
2025-09-18 19:31:40 +0000 UTCWhat's up Veggie and lovely Woozle? This chapter should be titled "Percy, Padfoot, and Pumpkin Pasty" Percy: Percy seems to think his opinion is more important to Ron than Harry's, the foolish boy. Have you ever received advice from someone about another person but you trusted the person being spoken about behind their back more than the one giving advice? I have, but its a long story about a romantic relationship in college that I daresay you don't want me to bore you with. Let's just say I respect Ron's reaction here more than my own back then. Padfoot: Sirius' has a serious (pun intended) sense of spite for people who are allowed to walk free. His comment to Harry about how he's "less like his father than he thought" is probably the first time an adult Harry respects has criticized him for not being more like his parents. Its a pretty childish comment. Pumpkin Pasty: "Who cares about a stupid flying horse, Cho thought he had been really brave..." is a hilarious and relatable thought. Harry is a great "coming of age" character for a lot of reasons, his romantic arc chief among them.
jolt45
2025-09-18 00:12:08 +0000 UTCOoftypoof, Veggie and Woozle! I missed last book club since Iâd already written my comment for both chapters, and then I couldnât remember which things came from which chapter to separate them 𤣠It doesnât matter too much, I didnât have much to say that wasnât said by someone. The only exception was that I am surprised at Hermione for not understanding how cruel it is to try and free house elves against their will, since she saw how Winky reacted. Hermioneâs whole problem with Barty Crouch was how cruel it was for him to dismiss Winky when she wasnât at fault. Now she wants to do the exact same thing to the Hogwarts elves Back to this chapter, oh, no, Percy called Deloris a âdelightful womanâ, that might be his worst sin 𤣠Iâm not sure how theyâll ever forgive that one 𤣠And this might be Siriusâs worst chapter too. I understand that he is going stir crazy, but it does feel like heâs almost still stuck in the mindset he would have had as a teenager. Itâs like Azkaban really prevented him from actually growing up. Once again, he is so different from the film version.
Ashley Evers
2025-09-17 22:25:19 +0000 UTCYou can be whatever you want to be, Kat!
Jake M
2025-09-15 21:17:02 +0000 UTCI read somewhere once, that we (Brits) talk about the weather inordinately more than most, because it's so temperamental when compared to other countries- so unlike if we lived in, say, California, it's not the same answer every day.
Jake M
2025-09-15 21:15:28 +0000 UTCHey Veggie! I finally caught up after being stuck on Goblet somewhere in the middle due to life getting in the way. "who cared about a stupid flying horse; Cho thought he had been really brave." cracks me up everytime! On the other hand: "...she did not hate him for being alive..." hit really hard, as he was the one who made it out of the labyrinth. I don't know if that has been clarified yet, but I believe the question how to subscribe the Daily Prophet was once a topic in your Book reviews. So here's my explanation I guess: You probably write to the prophet and then give your delivery owl a Knut for continuation (maybe?) I like the description of Harry's inner monologue thinking about percy's letter. And it hitting hard, because it was someone rather close to him. Also that letter is so pompously Percy I love it. I find Sirius' attitude understandable, as he's been kept in Prison for 13 years and is now in some way imprisoned again. But still, he's not the godfather Harry needs right now sadly. Thank you for giving us this amazing Book Club! You have my utmost respect for bringing it this far and please take all the time you need! Stay healthy! Till next time!
Bennet
2025-09-13 10:54:16 +0000 UTCG'day Veggie! Hope you are having a wonderful week As you are a Percy stan, I have been waiting a long time for you to get to this chapter and hear your thoughts on the infamous letter. What do you think is going on with Filch and his Dungbomb story? It's a bit weird that the article about Sturgis Podmore published his home address. You know some randoms are going to show up at his house. I have a feeling that if the Slytherins were not at the Quidditch practice, F+G would definitely have teased Ron about dropping the quaffle. They may ridicule Ron a lot, but even they know not to do it in front of people like that. I think Molly is right, Sirius does think he's got his best friend back. "you're less like your father than I thought" he said, a definite coolness in his voice. You have mentioned before how we always call Rons parents Mr/s Weasley instead of Molly and Arthur, but I think that's because we are reading it through Harrys perspective and that's what he calls them, and also most of us read this as kids. I have made a more conscious effort to use their first names though! Till next time!
Cj Hayes
2025-09-13 07:59:43 +0000 UTC[reply below]
Alias93
2025-09-10 16:01:57 +0000 UTCHey, Veggie. Man, no matter how often I read this chapter, Percy´s letter still strikes me. before your view on him i was ever against him. Only since the Book Club i can feel for his situation. I´ve got to say Only because we know such persons one can relate, I know, adding faults makes a characer look human. Somehow though Rowling herself doesn´t want to write Percy likeable. Lol before HP books I didn´t know what a ¨git¨was. Have heard it plenty in some British sitcom. Especially by Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses I think. And though i have read HP in English since I was 20, only know i realise how beloved a curse word this is for Rowling. Harry, Harry (spoken in Lockheart, s voice). ..Your mind surely wandered when penning down Jupiter´s moon being covered by mice. Haha. Till next time.
Embran
2025-09-10 12:46:29 +0000 UTCAn interesting theory, but IMO the phrasing is EXACTLY what I expect from Percy. And Wormtail I feel can´t come up such a letter. Plus content not at all his character. One has to be pompous by nature. Now if Percy was under the spell of whatever employee of the Ministry or even Lucius Malfoy than yeah. Still , i feel when under the Curse one is mentally freed just enough to write a letter themselves so it won´t go against character avoiding suspicion.
Embran
2025-09-10 12:21:23 +0000 UTCIâve missed a few book clubs and I really wanted to share a fan theory that Iâve come across regarding Percy. I hope you donât feel like this is a spoiler so making sure I post this quite early so others can help me if I should edit my comment. Well here goes. What if Percy was worried for his boss when he out of nowhere was so sick that he (mr Crouch) couldnât come to work for several weeks. Someone that has never missed a day in the office in his entire career. What if Percy was so worried that he went to mr Crouchâs house to check on him and instead of finding a sick mr Crouch he found Wormtail who put Percy under the imperious curse and is now being controlled by Wormtail? Thereâs more that support this theory but wonât say more yet. đ Not defending Percy but the letter might not fully be Percyâs own words.
SnjĂłfriĂ°ur (Snow)
2025-09-10 10:23:18 +0000 UTCHere is the Percy turning point. I know many others covered this but I get why Percy turns on his family, but position in work should never come before family who cares for you!
Kunzite Blossom
2025-09-09 16:10:41 +0000 UTCHi Veggie, what do you think of sirius's behaviour in the fire. Trying to goad Harry to do something dangerous, taunting him with his father. he is very reckless. I know he is away from the action for a while, but considering how much he risks for a bit of "excitement" is worrying in my opinion.
Florian Krause
2025-09-07 06:08:39 +0000 UTCDid you refill Woozleâs treat box Veggie? I hope youâre not depriving that poor baby of delicious treats đ SighâŚItâs things like this that make me embarrassed to share a birthday with Percy (which was in August btw). Percyâs desperate need to be important and seen by âimportantâ people is really damaging to actual important relationships. Makes me sad mad. I did like Harry trying to cheer Ron up a little after the letter though, âif you want to - er - what is it?âŚâsever tiesâ with me, I swear I wonât get violent.â This is probably going to be a bit of a controversial opinion here, but I still donât find the twins to be dangerous. Did they give Katie the wrong sweet? Yes. BUT!! They were trying to help her and she clearly trusted them both implicitly. To me, this says they are ultimately good guys who make mistakes just like the rest of us, and honestly never mean to cause any true harm. I will give the movie a small flower here, there were a few lines from the book that were said verbatim in the movie đ¸ Well, most of my notes have been covered in other comments, just wanted to elaborate a little more on a couple important ones to me. Iâll end with this: JUSTICE FOR LUPIN!! đş
itsanursething
2025-09-06 09:22:23 +0000 UTCFor some reason I picture Mr Dursley ripping up Harry's letters in PS when I read Ron ripping up Percy's letter.
itsanursething
2025-09-06 09:05:45 +0000 UTCFair enough Veg, just don't take a month to do this for every single chapter, otherwise we'll be here until Doomsday! ;)
Saltire
2025-09-06 00:28:54 +0000 UTCHi Veggie, greetings from Brazil! Been following since the beginning, but just now got the Patreon to watch the Avatar reactions, so I'm a bit behind in Harry Potter, but wanted to make this post to talk about Percy. Apologies for making a long comment criticizing your favorite character! When I read this chapter as a kid, it made Percy my least favorite character. Don't get me wrong, I was just like you, loved him before, and wished he had more screen time, but this book destroyed him for me. Let me try to be as quick as I can about why: the Weasleys are in a very enviable position in the Wizarding World in that they are very deep inside both the order and the ministry, so they have all the information they could ever want, and direct access to Dumbledore and Harry, with whom Percy was a close acquaintance. Also, the things the Daily Prophet publishes are very sensationalist, and they work because, as the series seems to always show, wizards are generally naive and gullible, but Percy was always portrayed as very smart and responsible. This all leads me to believe that he, even if only deep down, does know the order is correct and Voldemort is back, but he thinks that, since this is not the ministry's position right now, it's not useful to follow that train of thought; it will only harm his prospects. Right now, what is best for a career is to pretend Harry is a lunatic, so that's what he is going to do. When he said to Arthur that they were only poor because of Arthur's lack of ambition, he was basically saying, "If you stopped playing hero and acted on ambition, you would get further in your job". Indeed, in his letter here, that was basically his advice to Ron, "Ditch your best friend to go further as it's not convenient to be his friend right now". The reason this makes me hate him is that he is a good guy; he is not a villain, but he is not someone you can count on because if something is too dangerous for his career, he will not do it. It's too real, as there are plenty of politicians that do that (put the votes before their beliefs), and even some friends can do this, like a friend ditching you because he thinks being your friend can harm their prospects, it happened to me and it hurts a lot, just like it hurt Harry in this chapter. A villain is a villain, and bad people like Umbridge you expect to be bad, but your friends you expect to be there for you, and when they are not it hurts much more. Again, sorry for the long comment, it will be a while until I post again!
felipeluzz
2025-09-05 20:48:08 +0000 UTCOof-Tee-Poof Veggie and Woozle. At the beginning of this chapter, Harry writing to 'Snuffles' and trying to hide information incase it is intercepted is smart for a teenager. Also appreciate he now understands how hard it was for Ron and Hermione to write him over the summer. Harry not being nice to Mrs Norris on his way to the owlery. Give her some gentle scratches, I would. 'Cho thought he had been really brave'. Lol his reaction to that always made me laugh. Feel bad for Ron and his sheer lack of confidence when it comes to Quidditch and his brothers don't help. Didn't help that Hermione didnt beleive Ron wasn't the reason the practice was bad. Percys letter..... he is not doing well this book. I know you like him so that's all I'll say lol. We are collecting Susies ashes next week. Will be adopting another dog in the next few months once we get in the right head space. Love dogs too much to not have one. Dogs Trust is the stop there. Have a good day/night Veggie and Woozle from Dave
Brannas86
2025-09-05 13:34:57 +0000 UTCChapter 14 Hi Woozle and Human! Just a few thoughts this time - Harryâs letter to Sirius taking a long time to write for just a few lines is so real. It sometimes takes me hours just to write a short text (Iâm also dyslexic so that doesnât help) - As if we needed another reason to dislike pansy, she is also racist, saying Angelinaâs hair looks like worms! - Poor Ron, I hope he gets more confidence with quidditch - the letter from Percy⌠Oh boy⌠some people think he might be under the imperious curse, but I think he is just Old Fashioned Brainwashed. He has always had some slytherin traits, mainly ambition, and I think it is just that ambition blinding him to the truth and believing everything the ministry says. I hope you have a wonderful day! -Alex/Axel
Axel Dalmo
2025-09-05 05:45:50 +0000 UTCHi Veg, We finally have an example of a Gryffindor getting along with a Slytherin with Nearly Headless Nick wanting to call the Bloody Baron on Peeves. Mrs. Norris definitely has some sort of magical connection with Argus. Speaking of odd couples what you you think about the revelation that Hagrid was out with Madame Maxime? Only as I got older and had to deal with workplaces did I really understand how Percy became like this, and I love that you latch on to him because he really is an interesting character. Percy felt unappreciated for a long time, his two older brothers took the shine off off his achievements. Fred & George ganged up to bully him. I think he even somewhat resents the preferential treatment Dumbledore has shown Harry in the past. That Percy would write to Ron even at this point was a sign that Ron was his favorite brother and he does still care for him and wants to rekindle the relationship. And unlike when Arthur insinuated he was being groomed to spy on the Order with the promotion, in his letter Percy actually was doing the opposite and giving Ron inside information. Percy's particular position really affects this storyline. Percy is the assistant to Fudge himself, this makes him one of the most powerful people in the Ministry, period. He has the most direct line to the big guy and he is responsible for doing most of the work for him because the big guy never does the actual work, and he has some control over every department. Almost everyone at the Ministry will kiss his ass now, Umbridge included, and after feeling so unappreciated for so long it's not surprising that suddenly having everyone kiss his ass has made Percy completely insufferable at this point. It's not a coincidence in the letter that Umbridge contacted Fudge to let him know Ron became a prefect. She is very uncomfortable with the fact that Harry is very close friends with the favorite younger brother of one of the only people at the ministry who could make her life miserable if he wanted to. Umbridge contacted Fudge likely with the intention to ask Fudge to give Percy the Ron news and ask Percy to write Ron a letter discouraging the friendship with Harry and a way for Umbridge to kiss Percy's ass even more to stay on his good side. Saw a different side of Sirius at the end of the chapter
Gugurupurasu Daikirai
2025-09-04 22:56:00 +0000 UTCExcellent points!
Badger Kat
2025-09-04 17:31:25 +0000 UTCHello, Veggie! I am new to the book club, but has been on the entire Harry Potter journey on your YT channel since the beginning! I have listen to the audiobooks for over 5 years now, and been analyzing things as much as you do (which is why I love listening to your thoughts) Is it just me who feels that Percy almost seemed overjoyed that he gets to write Ron, and that Percy is excited to talk to one of his family members, and tell bits and pieces that he would have told Arthur if they were still talking? Mind, it must be so weird for him going from having a big family, to having no contact with any of them. For me at least, the way he words himself in the letter he seems pretty brainwashed by the propeganda. I mentioned in one of the YT videos comments that it would not be strange, knowing how much Percy works and how he in the past was almost never home after getting a job at the Ministry.
Elinaboo
2025-09-04 16:54:14 +0000 UTCHi Veggie, I have been waiting for you to get this chapter since you announced your "undying love" for Percy so much earlier in the series. How do you feel about Percy and his behavior now. Just FYI I don't dislike Percy, I just feel he is misguided and have basically let the power and prestige of his role in the ministry go-to his head.
Eshi
2025-09-04 15:10:07 +0000 UTCApple Pie is delicious Veggie, I won't hear a word against it! :D Your undying appreciation for Percy has encouraged me to read him in a new light. For all Percy's faults, he does love his brother and doesn't want Ron to attract trouble. Given he has worked alongside Umbridge in Fudge's office for several months, he must know what she's about. He knows there are Ministry bullets headed Harry's way and is keen to ensure Ron isn't collateral damage. Percy tells Ron to read the Daily Prophet detailing Umbridge's new powers. Harry's focus is naturally on what Percy says about him and his own relationship with Percy, not Percy's relationship with the rest of his family. Percy's perspective might be more nuanced than it seems. His hostility to his parents and the twins might not extend to Ron. I think believing Percy is loyal to Umbridge and Fudge at any cost is a mistake. The act of writing Ron a letter trying to keep him safe is not done by someone who has broken all family ties. Harry said "Thank you" to Hermione in this chapter. Wonders never cease! Umbridge forced through anti-werewolf legislation 2 years ago that makes it almost impossible for Lupin to get a job. By outing Lupin and criminalizing his disability, Snape and Umbridge are directly responsible for Lupin's current poverty. Why was Sturgis Podmore trying to force open a locked door at the Ministry?
S1lm4r1l
2025-09-04 14:36:19 +0000 UTCHi Woozle! And Veggie. So I get that Percy has a right to feel bitter and resentful over his father's reaction to his promotion and I understand that he acts that way because he was really hurt, but calling Dolores Umbridge a delightful woman is just crossing the line! I feel bad for Harry over Sirius' remarks, considering he was the only adult that Harry truly confides in, and yet he chose to act like a petty teenager. But I guess that's what makes Sirius such a compelling character. He's so messed up and unpredictable but he's still so insightful and he obviously cares about Harry even if he's struggling to accept that Harry is not James. I love that we are already having tiny glimpses of Hermione and Ron's (very slowly) budding romance. I think their snarky banter is their own brand of flirting. And lastly, kudos to Harry for refusing to say anything negative about Ron's Quidditch abilities.
Maddie
2025-09-04 14:05:01 +0000 UTCHey Veggie! I had to put my sweet cat Gabby to sleep this month. She was 19, and been with me for all that time. Your videos, as always, have helped to distract and comfort in a tough time. Thank you. Harryâs coded letter to Sirius was pretty good! âProfessor Umbridge, sheâs nearly as nice as your mum.â âFor a moment he considered accidentally-on-purpose showing her his cut hand.â Oh Harry and your teenage hormones. It makes me want to die every time Harry sees Cho, he completely loses his senses. Percy is being used by the Ministry to create division and isolate Harry. Of course, Percy should know better - heâs known and liked Harry for years. I canât defend Percy for calling Umbridge a âdelightful womanâ no matter how young and foolish he may be. He has conflict - he didnât want to criticise his parents and he is proud of Ron, but he must unfortunately be blamed for his black-and-white views on Harry. Percy certainly is a Gryffindor with his loyalty - though it is for the wrong people. I hate Sirius taking his anger and bitterness out on Harry, especially since Harry has had such a tough year. (Is it too late to take Mrs. Weasleyâs side in their argument đ)
Andrew K
2025-09-04 09:44:35 +0000 UTCAs far as I know, Hermione only revises what they have already written which I think is perfectly acceptable especially because revising is best done by someone who didn't write the work. I also think it's a sign of Hermione's growth because she can tell Harry and Ron are overwhelmed and is offering help. These three have so many throw away moments that show how close they are it's my favorite thing about the books.
Josh Z
2025-09-04 05:00:23 +0000 UTCHi Veggie! As much as I love Sirius, I have to say that I was disappointed in him here. He needs to remember that he's the adult in this situation and Harry is a child. "The world isnât split into good people and Death Eaters" is a great quote though, and a good lesson for Harry to learn. I won't talk about Percy because I'm sure others have covered my thoughts already, but what did you think about Katie Bell's nosebleed? Fred and George are really playing with fire here. She could have actually died! I never really noticed details like that when I was a kid; looking at this as an adult, I think I have a Molly-ish point of view on the twins' experiments. Also, we finally get confirmation that you can be sentenced to Azkaban for a short time (not a life sentence). It seems like cruel and unusual punishment to me; what are your thoughts? (P.S. I am loving your Avatar the Last Airbender reactions. Thank you for all wonderful content you create!)
Maria
2025-09-04 01:25:55 +0000 UTCHi Veggie, I find Percy's letter ridiculous and nasty. He KNOWS Harry, and as head boy, I'm sure he KNOWS Dumbedore. Percy's ambition is Slytherin level. Have you ever procrastinated as much as Harry and Ron did in this chapter? I find it so irresponsible, and I wish Hermione hadn't bailed them out. Why do you think Ron played so badly? He must have done ok at tryouts with people watching. If he really can't handle jeering, how do you think he'll perform in a game?
Esmeralda Joy
2025-09-04 01:04:45 +0000 UTCRon slowly calling Percy a git as he tears the letter is so satisfying, because it demonstrates his loyalty and that despite his occasional immaturity Ron is not easily swayed by outside influences. He is very much an independent thinker. Percy is arguably the most immature Weasley in a family that includes Fred and George. He is painfully arrogant and naive and I remember that the first time I read this book I hated him by this point. He makes it sound like Ron is five years old and Harry is a plague. No defending him this time.
Josh Z
2025-09-03 23:35:20 +0000 UTCHi fellow potterites "Umbitch is nearly as nice as your mum" The bust of Paracelcus is going to land on someone's head courtesy of Peeves. Harry to cho: nice weather What is it with brits talking about the weather? Who tipped off Filch about the dung bombs? "Why would anyone put a flying charm on a mouldy old log like that" Ron is wearing Oliver's old robes, but I feel sorry more for Ginny, as she has to wear trousers which used to belong to one of her brothers. not lol lol Ron trying to take out one of his own teammates with the quaffle, Fred finishing her off with a blood blister pod. Percy giving "advice" to Ron, to distance himself from Harry and snitch on him. "He is the world's biggest git" "You're less like your father than I thought. The risk would've been what made it fun for James"
Nessy-Bobs
2025-09-03 19:22:12 +0000 UTCWFFTITWFF Veggie! First off: No worries whatsoever about only doing 1 chapter (You're actually helping me out, since I hadn't read 15 yetđđ ). Sturgis' story proves that there are also non- lifelong sentences at Azkaban. I've previously thought I'd heard about it but could never remember where I'd heard it and whom it concerned. In the book we get Sirius' line "the world is not split into good people and death eaters" here when he talks about Umbridge, but in the movie he's talking to Harry about him being afraid of turning bad. Which version do you prefere? Lastly a little nitpick that always bugged me: Aren't Fred and George's Skiving Sweets colour coded? So how could they have given Katie a sweet that increased her bleading when all the purple sweets should end ilnesses instead of starting them? Are we supposed to assume they've put the wrong ingredients into the wrong colour of their sweets? If so, Hermione might have been even more right to worry about the two of them testing their sweetsđ¤.... Edited to remove some spelling mistakesđđ
Diego Zenhäusern
2025-09-03 19:13:17 +0000 UTCHi Veggie! The things Percy said to his father were in the context of a heated argument where he (Percy) was taken by surprise, but the situation is very different with the letter. If I was Harry, I donât know if I would ever be able to forgive him. Percy calling Umbridge a ââdelightful womanââ makes me wonder if he doesnât know anything about her and is just saying that out of respect for her authority, or if he has just seen her around Fudge pretending to be nice and hiding her true nature. I doubt he would agree with her methods if he knew about it. I understand why the movie makers decided to make Sirius a very warm and caring character towards Harry, it was necessary for the ending to work, but the dynamic is so different in the book. The Harry/James situation is not really a healthy one when it comes to Sirius in my opinion.
Alias93
2025-09-03 18:01:39 +0000 UTCI agree with you, well said!
Badger Kat
2025-09-03 17:21:17 +0000 UTCGreetings, Veggie and Woozle! Sorry itâs a little longer this time! You wondered last time if my name was because I am a Hufflepuff. The Badger in my name is a reference to Hufflepuff and I feel like that is where I belong, but sadly, that is the only house I have never been sorted into by an online quiz. I originally sorted as a Ravenclaw and when I tried to retake the test and answer to try to force it to put me in Hufflepuff, it put me in Slytherin instead. Then when the official website was redone, I had to test again so I am officially now a Gryffindor. Enough side chatter, on to the chapter! - Harry and Ron putting off their homework gives me anxiety. - Poor Percy, he is trying to do what he feels is right but is letting himself be influenced and misled by those around him. - A good time to mention that I love how much you love Percy. Nice demonstration of your Hufflepuff loyalty! - I appreciate Ronâs appreciation for Hermioneâs homework assistance. - ââŚthe world isnât split into good people and Death Eaters,â a mature and insightful quote from Sirius. - Unfortunately followed by Sirius being immature and wanting to take risks and taking it out on Harry for being responsible. - Umbridge is responsible for anti-werewolf legislation, supposedly two years ago which would have been right after the end of Harryâs third year. Perhaps because of Lupin being revealed as a werewolf at the end of the year? Thank you for your continued efforts in the book club!
Badger Kat
2025-09-03 17:19:42 +0000 UTCHi Veggie, This is my favourite book in the series. Iâve just started your OotP reviews, so, Iâm not caught up to this point yet. However, I saw you were on this chapter and just wanted to say, that while I think Percy is being an idiot for believing the ministry over HP, his family etc, it is clear that he thinks heâs doing the right thing. I thought his letter was actually pretty sweet and shows how much he still cares for Ron. Probably not a popular opinion but thatâs how it came across to me. Love that you do these reviews, thanks for all the time and effort you put into it.
Delia P
2025-09-03 17:19:23 +0000 UTCHi veggie. Its hard to know what to say about this chapter nut im sure lots of us have been waiting for it. Its hard for me to be sympathetic to percy after this
Alex
2025-09-03 17:04:23 +0000 UTCI've been waiting for this Percy moment ever since you first said he was one of your favorite characters. He's actually one of my favorites as well, but this letter is the angriest I've ever felt when reading Harry Potter, and the series has Umbridge... The utter betrayal, the choice of words, the smug confidence even though he's wrong etc. It makes my blood boil.
Me Here
2025-09-03 17:04:03 +0000 UTCS'mae Voozie! Chapter 14 Percy sent a letter via Hermes- it's a miracle it reached him fine and didn't end up in next door's garden. Fascinated to hear your excuses for Wetherby this time! ;P Personal gripe, I wish Harry would say please and thank you to Hedwig. Manners! What, was he raised in a cupboard or something? Just as Harry is trying to impress Cho, it seems Ron is trying to impress Hermo-ninny by coming up with reasons for Sturgis' arrest! "âThanks a million, Hermione,â said Harry weakly, passing over his essay and sinking back into his armchair, rubbing his eyes."- REJOICE! HE'S FINALLY SAID THANK YOU TO HERMIONE! I think this is my shortest ever comment... I'm sure I'll be back to normal next time XD All the best to you both!
Jake M
2025-09-03 17:01:00 +0000 UTCâThe world isnât split into good people and Death Eatersâ is probably my favourite quote from this book, and then Sirius has to go and ruin it by being a prat. Iâll skip talking about Percy in this chapter (as a fellow Percy lover, this is a rough one!) and say that I find Cho and Harryâs little flirtations very charming. And we start to get a better idea of what really draws Harry to her! Sheâs got that fiery energy for sure.
K
2025-09-03 17:00:31 +0000 UTC
