The Order of the Phoenix Re-Read: Chapter 7

[slowfox]

Y'know, it's only on this read through that I realised what the significance of the telephone number:

"No, no, I'm sure it's fine," said Mr Weasley, holding the receiver above his head and peering at the dial. "Let's see... six..." he dialled the number, "two ... four ... and another four ... and another two ..."

I know this is more prevalent in the States than here, but veteran texters will recognise 'magic' from that sequence. I'm ashamed to say that it's taken me this long to spot it. D'oh!

I do wonder what Muggles see as the telephone box does its Journey to the Centre of the Earth impression. I mean, they must notice, surely? Or maybe there are some of those Muggle-repelling charms they had at the World Cup spread about the place?

One of the things I've noticed about the series is that the whimsical humour with which the first book opened gets toned down and down as the books progress. Still something of a disappointment, then, to see that the Ministry have both an Official Gobstones Club and a Ludicrous Patents Office.

"Ah," he said, grinning, as he extracted a copy of a magazine called The Quibbler from its midst...

First name-check for The Quibbler, and a short while later, Bode gets name-checked, too.

One can't help but wonder what arrangements would've been made for Harry had he remained (as initially instructed) at the Dursleys? Presumably the Ministry knows that Harry's with the Weasleys, but if Grimmauld Place is Unplottable, do they actually know where that is? And given that this is Harry, wouldn't they want to?

Feels like a short chapter, this one, heavy on background info, perhaps a little light on progession?

Comments

[cynthia_black]

I know this is more prevalent in the States than here, but veteran texters will recognise 'magic' from that sequence. I'm ashamed to say that it's taken me this long to spot it. D'oh!

I hadn't spotted that at all! Thank you for pointing it out!

It seems Fudge wanted to convict Harry in his absence - hence the last-minute change in time and place - so I'm not sure how much they really cared where he was. They certainly did know he was with the Weasleys, because they sent the memo about the change to Arthur's office.

[cynthia_black]

Oh, and first ever mention of Scrimgeour in this chapter too.

[slowfox]

Indeed so, although not enough to tell us whether or not he proves important...

[slowfox]

It doesn't leave one reassured about the mechanisms of wizarding justice, does it?

They certainly did know he was with the Weasleys, because they sent the memo about the change to Arthur's office.


Good point!