Key Chapters in Harry Potter II by Lana Whited, Melissa Aaron, and Lorrie Kim

Lana Whited, Melissa Aaron, and Lorrie Kim Present: Key Chapters in Harry Potter II

Harry Potter Academic Conference 2024

Abstract: Whited (moderator) discusses chapter 37 of Order of the Phoenix, “The Lost Prophecy.” After his godfather’s death at the Ministry of Magic, Harry returns to Dumbledore’s office, distraught and volatile. Dumbledore finally answers questions concerning Harry’s past and future: why Voldemort attacked him, how the attack marked the two as mortal enemies, why Harry must return to the Dursleys each summer, and how Voldemort’s interpretation of the prophecy has shaped his interactions with Harry and their destinies. Dumbledore also confesses that his own interactions with Harry have been influenced too much by his own emotions.

Aaron discusses chapter 11 of Deathly Hallows, “The Bribe.” Remus Lupin brings Harry, Ron, and Hermione a copy of the Daily Prophet and the news of their friends, their family, and what is going on in the outside world. He appears at his worst, as he reveals the extent of his identification as a werewolf and the depths of his toxic self-hatred. Finally, he makes Harry an appalling offer. In rejecting him, Harry makes a moral judgment that he claims is easy but is one more loss on his way to the Forbidden Forest and his death: the last of his parental figures.

Kim discusses chapter 24 of Order of the Phoenix, “Occlumency.” Dumbledore orders Snape to teach Harry Occlumency, so Snape attacks Harry’s mind while not explaining how Harry is supposed to defend himself. We’ll reread and understand everything in this chapter about one of the greatest defenses against the Dark Arts.