Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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Chapter 29: Career advice

There are only six weeks to exams and the students are getting nervous. Harry is particularly troubled by how he saw his father behaving. For years, James had kept Harry happy but now he was a source of confusion. Harry just wants to talk with Sirius. The only possible way seems to be to talk to Sirius through the Floo system but using Umbridge’s own fireplace, the only fire not being watched.

All fifth years are required to attend career advice meetings with their heads of houses. Harry goes to meet McGonagall but Umbridge is there as well. They talk about the possibility of Harry being an Auror (a dark wizard catcher). Umbridge suggests that Harry might not have what it takes to do the job. McGonagall is quite insulting to Umbridge and defends Harry’s abilities. Umbridge makes it clear she will try to stop Harry becoming an Auror but McGonagall says that she will make him an Auror if it is the last thing she does.

Fred and George have created a distraction so that Harry can use her fireplace. Sirius explains that James was acting foolishly but he was only a fifteen-year-old boy, like Harry is now. Sirius and Lupin both seem ashamed of their behavior. When they find out that Snape is no longer giving Harry Occlumency lessons, they get very angry. Harry just escapes from Umbridge’s office before he is caught.

Harry discovers that Fred and George had turned a corridor into a swamp. As Umbridge is about to punish them, they summon their brooms and take off, announcing that they are opening their new shop, “Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes” at 93 Diagon Alley. The students cheer and applaud as the Weasleys fly off. Even Peeves salutes them!