![[CLOSED] - The Harry Potter Book Club! Your Notes for Chapter 19 & 20 of The Order of the Phoenix!](https://img5.samuzai.com/storage/4/qx/im/ee0934-019e8403-d5e6-7b21-bd0a-86838e41b320.jpg)
[CLOSED] - The Harry Potter Book Club! Your Notes for Chapter 19 & 20 of The Order of the Phoenix!
Added 2025-12-03 17:09:43 +0000 UTC
Comments
I liked seeing Hermione draw inspiration from the enemy (the Dark Mark) I loved Harry’s encouragement when Ron called his save in training an accident: “Well, a few more accidents like that and the game’s in the bag.” Harry isn’t always great as a friend, especially in this book, but this was a really nice moment. I’ve been understanding of Harry’s outbursts in this book and even liked his line about Quirrell in Umbridge’s class, but his moment with Malfoy is the most disappointed I’ve been with him. I know Harry’s been struggling, is a hothead, and Malfoy was being incredibly mean (even by Malfoy standards), but it was still frustrating. Harry should’ve dismissed it as pathetic loser provocation or replied with the same wit he showed before the match, when he made fun of Warrington’s bad aim. Gryffindor had already won, but Harry let Malfoy get a win too. Be smarter, Harry! Apparently, Ron has grown so much that he is struggling to keep his feet from showing under the cloak, which means his already massive feet are even bigger now. 😮 It's fully understandable why Hagrid's tale was cut from the movies, but his adventure would be peak content for the new series.
Me Here
2026-01-04 13:37:32 +0000 UTCHello Veggie!! First time commenting here so I hope you don't mind the length... I know half of this comment was for last month book club but I was so surprised that there were multiple comments saying it was wrong for Hermione not to tell the people signing the parchment that she put a hex on it. Hermione clearly says to everyone that ”if you sign, you’re agreeing not to tell Umbridge or anybody else what we’re up to” so I really don’t see why people are so upset about the curse/hex she put and not telling them. I mean they know that Lord Voldemort is back and from the way he works it’s good to know who is trustworthy and who is not. Chapter 19: Not a sports fan at all so had to ask ChatGPT what the consequences would be in other sports such as football and ice hockey for Goyle, Harry, George, Fred and Malfoy if this would happen irl and according to ChatGPT Goyle would have gotten a red card for hitting the bludger after Harry caught the snitch, Harry and George would also get red cards but Fred and Malfoy would get yellow cards. So suspending them for 1 maybe 2 games would be fair in this case for Harry, George and Goyle. I think that the punishment is to harsh and political since only griffindors get punished and Goyles punishment hasn’t anything to do with the sport (detention). Does any of these punishments make sense to anyone? Harry could definitely use some anger management though. Thanks for doing this later than usually! I completely forgot to actually post my comment 😆
Fanný
2026-01-04 13:02:38 +0000 UTC"We three kings of Orient are my dears!" Rather a big chapter on Quidditch which is primarily just character building and Ron's feet making an unexpected appearance. Umbridge reactions to situations really comes under the cat the got the cream description, she really does savour her power. Hagrid's tale should have been in the film, of all the books this is the one that should have been split into two movies they miss so much out that fleshes out the world and character building. Nice to get a bit more info on giants and what is happening outside Hogwarts.
Simon audsley
2026-01-03 11:36:22 +0000 UTCHey Woozles Hooman! Hagrid is back!!!!!!!!! It's adorable how much the three really love him and run to him the moment they see the lights on. And on top of all the work she is already having, Hermione seriously considering writing his lesson plans? ❤️❤️❤️ Maximes and Hagrids cover story is such a strange idea to me. They first went to the south of france to pretend that Hagrid wants to see Beauxbatons - and then they are nowhere near the school for months? And then they went to Poland and Minsk... so from there it's either keep going east to the Ural Mountains in Russia, or go north to the Scandinavian Mountains in Finland... Urals are more likely I think. That dip to southern France is so strange to me... In my opinion it would have been way less suspicious if they pretended to see Europe together: we Muggles city hop, they could magic community hop. It would make sense, and noone would wonder why they aren't at the one place they said they would be! Also. who took care of Fang the whole time? Hagrid obviously just got back, so either Fang was on his own the whole time, or Hagrid didn't wait till morning to get him from whoever had him. And I doubt Hagrid would have taken him with him to the giants. So who took care of the bestest boy? What do you think is Hagrids plan for his lessons? The only domesticated herd? Sounds ominous... Give some love to the noodle, please :)
PumpkinSparks
2026-01-03 10:26:07 +0000 UTCHey there Veggie! I love love love These Chapters! I’ll keep my comment fairly short as I saw that most things I wanted to say have already been said :) I bet when people told you the books were very different from the films you didn’t expect harry to beat up malfoy. And oh my god hagrids story Just so so much of everything I needed! The differences in umbridge really scare me, because if you thought she was evil in the films you’ll absolutely hate her by the end of OotP! The scene with hagrid to me is maybe the most evil she’s been For one because she acts like that even when she doesn’t think she’s seen by others And it’s written so good how complacent she plays with her power around hagrid! Wishing you all the best and have a lovely day!
Bennet
2026-01-02 13:52:50 +0000 UTCHi Veggie! This is my first time in the book club! Missed the last one, but I didn't have much to say about those chapters anyway, so it turned out well. The DA coins are so cool. Right now they are used just to pass along dates, but if the concept is just that changes are reflected to all the coins, normal text should be possible as well. They can basically be magic texting. I wonder if any other characters we know had the hat seriously considering a different house than what they got in the end. Is it just me or does 'muggle dueling' get a bigger reaction than just spells and jinxes? Like it's a more unhinged way of fighting. I suppose it does reflect the fact they were so mad that they either forgot they have wands, or wanted to do it with their own hands. Love your book reviews! The next few chapters are some of my favorite in the series, can't wait to hear your thoughts on them.
Khely
2026-01-02 11:38:25 +0000 UTCThere's a spoiler comment coming, Harry. And we all best be ready when it does.
H
2026-01-01 00:27:47 +0000 UTCFor balance (even though it's not needed): Those chapters from the next book are probably my favourite chapters!
H
2026-01-01 00:11:03 +0000 UTCI don't want to be rude, but who the ruddy hell are you, Veggie? (I love that Hagrid quote) 19: - "Warrington's aim is so pathetic I'd be more worried if he was aiming for the person next to me" is a better comeback than what we're used to from Harry – maybe because he at this point was feeling quite happy and optimistic because of Dumbledore's Army. - I was surprised to read about a kiss on Ron's cheek from Hermione here – haven't re-read this book in years, and I'm not sure I can remember reading that before! I must've been too focussed on the match. It was sweet, though. Hold yer Hippogriffs, I haven't finished my comment yet! 20: - "A pound of mince instead of a face" – such a Ron line - I love Hermione's excitement about Hagrid mentioning Dijon. Her "Did you see (...)" before seeing Ron's look is so funny. - I wonder what Hagrid's slight disagreement with a vampire in a pub in Minsk was, and if "slight disagreement" is an understatement or actually just a slight disagreement. - No "there's a storm coming, Harry" line from Hagrid – of course. I'm not a big fan of movie lines that are so obviously written just for the film trailer. It takes me a bit out of the whole world, and into the writing room. - Hagrid and Maxime are SO brave. - "I'll plan his lessons for him if I have to" – the monthly reminder that Hermione is the greatest friend in the Universe
H
2026-01-01 00:09:11 +0000 UTCNamaskaram, hope u had a biscuit ! U r right, pic is a fanart from CoS &the most I like after OotP. Thoughts on DA galleons & Hat's decision to sort Hermy in Gryffndr. At this point, I questioned Snape's willingness to be a double agent for good side when he turns a blind eye to the injustice. Though this is fav book, there r few down/boring chapters(in my opinion). Chapters telling short flashback feel this way(for me). Seems the action happened offscreen(off page), I have no attachment to the characters introduced & it doesn't interest me. Would prefer if it (defeating trolls at Polish border, disagreement with Vampire, scuffle with Giants etc.) is told from a different POV as written in the 1st ch of GoF. This is my main gripe with next book, don't get me wrong I like certain moments from them but don't want to revisit them often (or at all). Will post better comments when the book picks up &have planned some really good discussion points for moments that r about to happen. Wish u a verry haRRy xmas. Get it ! U will next time.
Civilized_Saint
2025-12-31 18:45:17 +0000 UTCHi Veggie and Woozle, and Happy New Year! I've been busy recently with work as the school year started it got hectic, so I missed a few book clubs.. Hermione's idea with the galleons is genius imo. But I probably would spend it accidentally 😅 knowing the things she has done already, it is a surprise that her idea was so tame in comparison to the death eaters'.. I love how McGonagall is not giving them homework so they can practice more. But Snape not taking witnesses seriously about Alicia being cursed is insane.. I do love Snape as a character, but while re-reading this book as an adult and a teacher myself, I see his flaws even more.. I was never a big sports fan irl, so it's insane to me how serious the rivalry is, and how bullying and cursing each other is just part of it all.. As someone who struggles with confidence myself, I can relate to Ron. Were you surprised that Crabbe and Goyle are on the Slytherin team? While I don't condone violence, after Malfoy's insults and the whole Slytherin team, I don't blame Harry and George.. but I also understand the harsh punishment to some extent, although a lifetime ban AND confiscating their brooms is too far.. I love all the interactions between Umbridge and McGonagall. She is amazing! (McGonagall of course, if it wasn't clear... 😅) I love Hagrid's story and I really hope we will see a flashback or even a cartoonish portrayal in the series, like the tale about the Deathly Hallows in the movie.
Réka Kovács
2025-12-31 00:06:41 +0000 UTCI hope you had nice Christmas and a smooth transition into the New Year Veggie and Woozle! I love the chapter about the giants and how much we hear about their way of life! Do you think it was smart to sent Hagrid on this mission? He has an emotional bond because of his mother, he even asked if she was still alive and we find out she has been dead for a long time. That means they knew Hagrids mother. If i was Dumbledore i would have been scared the Giants will turn on him, because maybe they will see him as the child of a "traitor" since his mom had a child with a wizard. It is sad to hear about the fates of the giants, being forced to live together, even though they would prefer to live in smaller groups or alone. Hope you have a lovely day and i cant wait to hear your thoughts!
Jonas (Methanoutput)
2025-12-30 12:59:49 +0000 UTCMerry Christmas and Happy New Year Veggie! I have a lot to say about this chapter, so I'll have to cut down my thoughts. We finally get confirmation from Hermoine that the Sorting Hat talks to everyone and considered putting her in Ravenclaw, which I think makes the fact that it shouted Slytherin for Malfoy that much creepier, no conversation needed. We finally get some Quidditch after a whole book without it and just like that it's over. I'm not saying violence will solve your problems, but if anyone deserves to be in an "exhibition of Muggle dueling" it's Malfoy, which I think you'll agree that Movie Harry would NEVER fist fight Malfoy. We get some great insight from Hagrid about how Wizards feel about non-wizards, Giants specifically, and a little bit from how Umbridge treats Hagrid. My hatred for her grows the more I have to read about her.
Dustin Baum
2025-12-29 19:38:29 +0000 UTChi all Hermione impressing the students when she showed she knew the spell to create the Proteon Charm for the DA coins. "Why aren't you in Ravenclaw?" She got the idea from Lord Mouldybutt branding his Death Eaters with their "come here" scars. "Better to have them engraved on the coins, not bare skin" The twins considering admitting to being related to Ron because of his good Quidditch games. Harry being worried for whoever was standing next to him when told Warrington was going to take a potshot at him, as his aim was so poor. I would've loved Luna's hat in the 6th film to roar like a lion. Love Jordan's commentary of the Quidditch match, but not the song being sung by the Slytherins Draco getting barrels of crap beat out of him. YAY Lifelong Quidditch ban though :( Hagrid's back :) Hermione wearing one of her own k nobbly woolly bladders. "It's cold!" Branch of Galbraithian Fire sounds good. Not looking forward to Hagrid getting inspected by old toadface
Nessy-Bobs
2025-12-29 18:01:03 +0000 UTCYou're right about Crabbe's reaction being unusual, him and Goyle are normally supposed to get in between Malfoy and anyone trying to attack him (like when Neville tried to beat him up a few chapters ago). It kind of suggests that it might have been premeditated, with Malfoy intending to get attacked and hurt so he could use it against Harry and the Weasleys (like when he got attacked by Buckbeak in PoA).
Alias93
2025-12-29 00:59:02 +0000 UTCHi Veggie! If McGonagall doesn't give the Gryffindors homework, she must REALLY care about winning Quidditch! It seems very convenient that Umbridge just happens to be walking around with her new decree during/after the Quidditch match. Why take it with her? Did she expect Harry's temper to rise? Or could she even have planned to provoke him? What if she actually told Malfoy to keep taunting Harry untill he snapped, so she has an excuse to use her decree on him? This might be a bit far-fetched, but I honestly wouldn't put it past her. Dutch fun fact of the month (although my comments haven't really been monthly lately): the Room of Requirement is translated to Kamer van Hoge Nood ("Room of High Need"). However, "hoge nood" is also a Dutch phrase used to indicate someone really needs to use the bathroom. So this name is an amazing reference to Dumbledore talking about the Room filled with chamber pots in Goblet of Fire! Happy new year!
Dobby Delfstoffer
2025-12-28 21:58:21 +0000 UTCHi there Veggie and Woozle! It has been a long time since I got to comment, life has been crazy this year. I had a very big exam in April and straight after passing it I got into my last year of medical studies here in Germany. Only six more months and I am a doctor 😱 (not THE doctor though^^). Anyways, as my mental health is down the drain again with 120% work for 8 months straight now, and my copy of the book is a very sloppy translation, I thought I'd only chime in to leave a sign of life and thank you for these reviews, you really bring some joy back to me with them! Also, isn't it fantastic to hear how well Neville and everyone else is doing in the DA? Much love and see you in 2026! P.S. I can only recommend the full cast audiobook editions. I just finished the second book and I can't wait for the third to be published in January. Imagine how flabbergasted I was to find out that Kit Harington (Jon Snow) voices Lockhart!
DreamMyselfAway (Dreamy)
2025-12-28 21:33:21 +0000 UTCHey Veggie! First time commentor, I've been speeding through your book reviews since I found you through your hunger games reactions! This comment may be a bit long as my first but I promise to keep it snappy in the future, I have dyslexia and I understand the struggle! I also just want to say thank you so much for your videos, especially these book reviews. I'm in my final year of a History degree at Oxford so it's been a turbulent time and these have been a consistent for me, and are very important to me, so, thank you! I only had time for chapter 19 this time: I find the parallel between how Ron is being treated in this chapter and how Harry was treated in Goblet intresting. Unlike Harry, Ron isn't used to feeling like a large chunk of the school is out for him... they even have badges again! I guess Malfoy isn't super inventive! I find Crabbes reaction to the fight unusual... He was cackling while Malfoy was rolling on the floor in agony? Even if Malfoy was pretending to be in pain it seems like an unusual reaction to your friend bleeding. Also another sign that the author isn't familiar with sport in my opinion: chants and offensive chants are very common in sports, and the fact the teachers did nothing about it suggest it's tolerated and possibly reasonably common. As such, I'm suprised Fred and George allowed themselves to be psyched out by Malfoy (a student younger than them who they usually look down on). Apologies again for length!
Heather Judge
2025-12-28 03:13:47 +0000 UTCG’day Veggie! Hope you are having a lovely break and wish you all the best for 2026! Chapter 19 * I kinda wish Hermione had been put into Ravenclaw and Ron in Hufflepuff. Would have been a good opportunity for an inter house friendship to be front and centre of the story. * Ron seemed to come to himself from Hermione’s kiss. I wish the movies had put in more foreshadowing regarding R+H Chapter 20 * Umbridge can go **** herself, messing with Hagrid! Love from Australia
CJ Haaay
2025-12-24 09:47:32 +0000 UTCSuper late as I was on vacation then recovering from jet lag. Haven't been able to go through all comments to see whats been said, but I love Hermione creating those coins. It's so genius. What an easy way to communicate without words!
Kunzite Blossom
2025-12-20 20:34:27 +0000 UTCGreetings, Chapter – 19 - I remembered it being farther in the book. Harry could not find a regular time for DA meetings. So, the DA does not count as a club under “Educational Decree 24”. - Luna’s hat is GRRREAT. - On what grounds are their brooms being confiscated? They are being banned from Quidditch not from flying. They can fly during their free time. Ron was “practicing” before he was on the team. Chapter – 20 - How does the High Inquisitor have authority to demand answers about what someone was doing when not working? Happy Christmas and a marry new year. reminder of Educational Decree 24 if needed. the pertinent sentence is...."An Organisation, Society, Team, Group, or Club is hereby defined as a regular meeting of three or more students."
Garfnob
2025-12-18 03:44:14 +0000 UTCHi Woozle! And Veggie. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I love the fact that now both Lucius and Draco had their butts kicked by Weasley family members on separate occasions. McGonagall had a good point about Malfoy being a sore loser and that's why he was being a spiteful little *bleep* and Harry and the twins should not have stooped down to his level, but the petty part of me thinks that Malfoy definitely had it coming. I also like how McGonagall was very put out when Umbridge appeared and offered her "assistance". I wish we'd seen more of her reaction to the ban. Do you think she would have argued for a less harsh punishment despite how furious she was at Harry and George? Lastly, I find it adorable how eager and keen Hagrid was when telling his story considering how he was firmly refusing to tell the trio about it at first. It's really sweet that Hagrid's return helped lift Harry and Ron's moods.
Maddie
2025-12-16 14:41:33 +0000 UTCHi V&W! I want to clarify something from the last book club. When I said "I don't believe we get any indication that Harry explained to Hermione what was happening with Dobby" (paraphrasing). I meant we don't get any indication in those chapters. I wasn't making a statement about whether or not Hermione ever finds out (and I'm not going to confirm or deny whether it happens in the future either). I apologize for the poor choice of words. Ch 19: Veggie finally gets what he always wanted. That overrated "try-hard" Gryffindor seeker is out of the way and he is no longer getting preferential treatment. Now the field is clear for Hufflepuff to dominate the Quidditch Cup for the next decade! (sarcasm) I just want to say I agree with your assessment of Quidditch being a bad sport. I have ideas for how to "fix" it but we'll discuss that later. Ch 20: Its a shame the movie couldn't take a little more time let Hagrid recount his interactions with the giants. Btw, any predictions for the Care of Magical Creatures lesson Hagrid is so excited to teach?
jolt45
2025-12-14 03:53:08 +0000 UTCIt's not about winning or losing tho. He saw what Malfoy did emotionally to Ron with that song, and Malfoy was super offensive to the Weasleys and Harry's mom.
Jo Winters
2025-12-10 04:34:00 +0000 UTCHello, Veggie! If I’m repeating someone’s point, feel free to skip that part. I have a dog at home now! I found him in such a state that I was 99% sure he was dead. But he will recover. He’s a white rat-cha with some brown patches. No idea what to name him. I’ve never had a dog before. Chapter 19 If I were a captain, I wouldn’t pick Ron for the team. The captain is supposed to make the most efficient team. He’s the opposite of Harry. Harry loves flying so much that even during the task with the dragon, the moment he was in the air, his anxiety melted away. The Slytherins should have been removed from the stadium for singing that song, don’t you think? Teachers, as all authorities, are supposed to avoid escalation. Allowing this to go on, allowed for escalation. As you mentioned, Umbridge is much more comedic in the film, and I think Malfoy is as well. In the book, both of them are properly nasty. Which version do you find more interesting, the book or the film? Chapter 20 Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the giants' lore. I’ll just ask: which of the gifts Hagrid gave would you like best? Hagrid’s father always gives me nails-on-a-blackboard feelings. If giants behave like this, how on earth are you meant to get into a romance with one of them? No, sir. No. Poor Hermione, not Hagrid causing her more work AGAIN.
Jo Winters
2025-12-10 04:31:28 +0000 UTCthis is my new headcannon now *laughs * I always think people tend to forget Snapes childhood a LOT He still is not a good teacher - but once we get into more chappters Ican share my insight of why he is suoer protecvtive over Slytherin house. (still not a good teacher)
Dara Jeeling
2025-12-09 08:33:12 +0000 UTCHi Veggie, Woozle and everyone before I do some smallish omment, I already excuse typing mistakes. I recently had eye surgery and my sight is still poor, sadly (well... I see like 40%) so I try to focus hard, but small typing is not that good. Chapter 19 Is Luna not th best ? "I wanted it that chew up a serpent to represent Slytherin" - even with mw being Slyther(puff) I love her so much - showing support to her Gryffindor friends. Also... I wish they had included a single part of the song in the movie XD Chapter 20 what do you think of Umbridge? * evil grin * I think she is a brilliantly written character - just saying
Dara Jeeling
2025-12-09 08:29:27 +0000 UTCHappy Holidays Veggie and all who celebrate🌲 Chapter 17 How much can you say about this Harry receives a “lifetime ban” Fred somehow gets kicked off the team for not doing anything. Weasley is our king maybe a bit cruel but also gives me a bit of a chuckle every time. Chapter 18 Absolutely absolutely love this chapter were you a bit surprised about how much more detail this chapter has in the book JK does such a wonderful job of making you feel in the story I remember reading this part for the first time and really feeling there with Hagrid. The Gurg getting taken down and having to deal with the new Gurg most specific favorite part of the whole chapter.
Howiedoing
2025-12-09 03:13:43 +0000 UTCWell technically Harry's broom was purchased by Hermione's cat with Sirius Black's money. I wonder what Umbridge would do with that information, she would probably decide that Gryffindor winning the Quidditch cup in book 3 was invalid because Harry was using an illegally purchased broom and take their title away.
Alias93
2025-12-08 10:29:54 +0000 UTCHi veggie, happy Christmas and new years! Just going to discuss 19, 20 was interesting to learn about giants but I don't have anything to add. Chapter 19 I loved that the next movie included Luna in the lions head from this book. I remember in book one you had said Ron is the king, and I had commented weasley is our king 🎶 not knowing if you had gotten to that part yet, you hadn't so you didn't know I was quoting a later book, sorry about the almost spoiler back than. I was so mad when I read this the first time, this was when I realized that Umbridge could be hated more than she was in the movies, how is it possible for her to take their brooms being that they are their own property purchased with their own money, I was fuming!
Cari Ann
2025-12-07 16:49:24 +0000 UTCHey Veggie! How did you FEEL when you read this chapter? I remember vividly my feelings reading it for the first time as a teenager. Absolute bliss when Hermione kissed Ron on the cheek and his reaction to it. Then hatred towards the slitherins when I read the lyrics to the song. And finally Umbrige. Do you remember people telling you that you will reach another level of hate towards her reading the book? That in the films she is not as мерзкая и невыносимая as she is in the books. Now you see why readers hate her even more. I can not express ненависть и бешенство that I was feeling. I wish we had these moments in the films. And I hope we get them in the series. We must!
Natasha
2025-12-06 13:25:10 +0000 UTCHi Veggie, Chapter 19 we have another example of Snape being a bad teacher. There is a legendary german youtuber by the name of coldmirror, who did a lot of Harry Potter Stuff who came up with a mock theory of how it came to be from Snape being such a bad person to the Hero he is described in the later books. When casted in philosopher's Stone Alan Rickman asked J.K. Rowling what she had in mind for Snape later so he could do a good portrail of the character. And this is how it went according to the theory: Alan: So where does this hatred for Harry come from, yhy does he torment this small child? I am sure, you as an author did think of a good reason and didn't create him to be evil for for there to be a nemesis, right Ms Rowling. J.K.: uhhm, well he was in love with Harry's mom! Alan: yeah but ... J.K: Wait, wait and Harry's dad took her away from him! Alan: Still no reason to treat a small child ... J.K: Oh and he was also a target of mobbing by him and his friends. And now everytime he sees Harry he is remebering this. Alan: Oh I see. Did he have a bad childhood as well? J.K.: Oh yeah, really bad childhood, I was about to say that. That led him to become evil and indirectly responsible for the death of Harrys mother. And because he loved her he, uhhh he ... Alan: feels overwhelmed by guilt? J.K.: Oh yeah, a lot of guilt, such a tortued soul and deep character! Alan: Ok, then that is the way I will portray him and I will tell no one don't worry. Alan leaves the room. J.K.: Dammit, now I have to write this.
Florian Krause
2025-12-06 11:01:38 +0000 UTCHi Veggie, Merry Christmas or Happy New Year! I love Hagrid's story about going to visit the giants! I feel like that could have been a book all on its own. I also think there's a subtle message in the story about how wizard's treat non-human magical beings, and how that kind of abuse backfires on them. For example, the fear the giants have of wizard's using magic. This sort of thing is an underlying theme in these books, but I wish JKR explored it in more detail. In regards to the fight between Draco, Harry, and George, I agree that Harry and George should have been punished, but a lifetime ban is too extreme. I also think its wild that none of the Slytherin players were punished for their actions in these chapters. We hear early in chapter 19 that the Gryffindor players are being hexed in the corridors leading up to the game, but Snape refuses to punish any Slytherins or accept evidence that they were responsible. No one was punished for the badges/song insulting Ron or the bludger that hit Harry, and I doubt Malfoy would have punished for his insults. So, I do think Gryffindor is being treated unfairly here. I wonder if they were punished more harshly because they engaged in "Muggle dueling;" maybe if they had used a spell, they would have gotten away with just detention. Also, I love Luna's lion hat! She's so creative. However, I'm glad she skipped putting a snake in its mouth.
Maria
2025-12-05 01:07:53 +0000 UTCHonestly I always forget how much of an insufferable (insert swear word here) Draco is until I reread the books. I hope the show is actually accurate about this. Particularly his behavior towards Hermione and Ron is much much worse in the books, something I’m sure you have noticed as you’ve been reading them. We better see these fights in the tv show, it still bothers me that they cut basically every physical altercation with the Malfoy family from the films. I mean who doesn’t want to watch Arthur and Dracos moron father get in a fist fight. (Second book) They deserve it honestly with their pure blood mania. Ron mentions in the second book how ridiculous it is saying that if wizards and witches hadn’t started married Muggle’s they’d have died out by now. So it really seems like the magical population has dwindled by a large amount by Harry’s generation. Speaking as someone who has a lifetime ban from a particular college (don’t worry I graduated from somewhere else) I felt the Gryffindor outrage, and just in case you ask the college totally overreacted. They just kept recommending new anxiety medication instead of helping me manage it properly and caused serious health and behavioral problems. It was a long long time ago and I’m in perfect health now, but the point is I relate to Harry’s problems this year. Sometimes we just reach a point where everything is pilling up and so it’s easy to lose control over our emotions when we don’t understand how to deal with them.
Josh Z
2025-12-04 15:20:08 +0000 UTCHi Veggie! Always nice to hear people liking my name, thanks. :D This is such a nice start to especially this particular chapter. Harry having positive vibes about his DA classes and all the accomplishments that his friends and classmates has had. Going back to my last comment this again shows what I like about these chapters that Harry has interactions and/or thoughts about other students than his main friendgroup. While we've had it before I feel not to this extent with Harry taking on more of a leader role with DA. Hermione casually admitting that the Death Eater tattoos are a nice way of communicating but going "See, I used gold coins instead", I just find it funny. :D Part of me wants to admit that Harry and George was right, and to some extent I feel like they were; Draco having been a douche for nearly 5 years, with every year seeming to get more rough and frankly even sadistic at times I cannot blame them too much. Still, physical violence is hard (impossible?) to justify in any case involving simply taunts and mental teasing especially from a known troublemaker who just lost a game. I do understand the teachers reaction however and for once seeing McGonagall genuinely furious is actually interesting. Umbridge though being a jerk (mildly put) but if you seriously break the rules even in real life sports you don't get to play, that part I get. Hagrid's tale is actually super interesting and I feel it's safe to say the giants reside in the Ural mountain range deep within Russia. They go down to France to lose the ministerys followers, then up through Europe to the Polish border and then Minsk, where Hagrid appareantly had a pubfight with a vampire, such a funny little detail. So logically they would continue east as Hagrid even said that the rest of the trip wasn't all that bad. Generally 2 very solid chapters in my mind. Please tell me what you think of the length of the comment. Hope you feel well and can't wait for the next book club! :)
Keary Smith
2025-12-04 14:53:40 +0000 UTCWeasley cannot save a thing, He cannot block a single ring, That's why Slytherins all sing: Weasley is our king! 👑 I kinda think Harry attacking Draco would feel more in-character to me if Harry had just lost the match, since it would add an extra layer to his anger. Like he's never let Malfoy's insults get to him before, but here he is physically beating him over words. 😬 I've heard JK Rowling got bored of writing Quidditch scenes so she kept coming up with ways to not include them, and Harry's lifetime ban would definitely do the trick. 😂 I admit I'm not a fan of the giant subplot, and I tend to skip this chapter on re-reads. That said, what sort of magical creature do you think Hagrid has planned to show the class?
Madikuma95
2025-12-04 11:54:26 +0000 UTCWFFTITWFF Veggie! I absolutely love that the members of the DA are really impressed with Hermoone doing NEWT-level spells with the galleons. She really deserves some more respect for her prowess!😊 Also: This is the first time I noticed that Umbridge is wearing green during the Quidditch match. So does this mean she's openly supporting Slytherin? Also, by the life of me, I can't picture Umbridge in anything else than pink...Imelda Staunton's look in the movies is just to iconoc to me🙈😅!
Diego Zenhäusern
2025-12-04 09:44:04 +0000 UTCHello woozlepup & the Vegistator (ignore me) This is a hard one to talk about, i was 12 when this book was released. During my early years at secondary school I was bullied ALOT in some extremely crual horrible ways. I remember celebrating the acts of violence against malfoy in this chapter. The desire for revenge was real. To this day i mentally associate the face of someone very real within this chapter. My mum taught me an important lesson from this about not wishing violence against others "an eye for an eye ans one day we will all be blind" In the end, all of these experiences made me stronger and who i am today. But its surprising how strongly these feelings came back when i just listened to this chapter. Sorry for the long comment, but on a slightly happier note, i love hagrids tale and look forward to seeing your notes
Alex
2025-12-04 03:48:37 +0000 UTCSpoilers below
Alias93
2025-12-03 23:10:02 +0000 UTCHey Veggie! - This is my favourite Quidditch chapter (although that isn’t a hard task). The fight between Harry, the twins and Malfoy feels so different to what we usually see - no wands, no spells, just straight fists; by Gawd what a slobberknocker! - I like how Fred & George actually get separated for a change, and Harry shares a scene with just one of the twins when he’s with George in McGonagall’s office. Fred & George sometimes feel like one half of the same person, so it was nice to see them as individuals. - I absolutely love Hagrid’s Tale. The descriptions are very vivid and the giant culture & society is really interesting. I felt like I was in the room with the trio and listening to Hagrid tell his story.
Andrew K
2025-12-03 23:08:34 +0000 UTCHello Veggie and Woozle, The future of Gryffindor Quidditch just got interesting in this book. I'm sorry but I'm about to make everybody who hasn't played or even seriously watched a competitive team sport angry. Umbridge was completely in the right here. Harry had better make it as an Auror because he is too soft for professional Quidditch, that goes for Fred and George too but with the joke shop in their case. That wasn't even particularly good trash talk by Draco after the game, just standard predictable and obvious bait. It's even worse because Harry's on the winning team and not even during the heat of the game so the punishment absolutely should be extra harsh on Gryffindor. I don't even disagree with Crabbe getting off light just because it adds insult to injury to Gryffindor, and that's exactly what they deserve here. Harry was lucky Umbridge was for some reason merciful enough to only give him a Quidditch ban, at a real school he likely would have been expelled (this happened to one of my high school teammates after a similar post game fight) and considering Umbridge voted for Harry's expulsion at the trial earlier the only reason he wasn't expelled was probably plot armor considering Harry just gave her a golden opportunity to chuck him out of the school. Even Fred deserved his ban too, there's a rule in the NBA and NFL where you get automatically suspended if you even get off the bench and just go on the field/court during a fight let alone needing to be restrained to make the assault three on one. He only had two games left in his Hogwarts Quidditch career anyway because Quidditch is only a three game season there and it was his final year there. You have any odds on Angelina attempting to Avada Kedavra Harry and/or George in one of these upcoming chapters? We have some really good chapters coming up by the way, especially 22 and 23, I'll never forgive the movies for omitting certain parts of those chapters and I'm saying that right after a fantastic book exclusive chapter in Hagrid's Tale though in the case of Hagrid's Tale I get why it wasn't in the movie.
Gugurupurasu Daikirai
2025-12-03 22:48:31 +0000 UTCHi Veggie! I'm watching your reviews on YouTube once per month because I'm not sure how long I will stay a patron, so I'm behind (just saw the Percy one, where I made my first comment), but I will comment in advance when I have something to say. Btw, I love how you pronounced my "name" (It's actually just the junction of my first name and surname "Felipe Luzzardi", I'm also the one who sent the Thai covers for the cover review). On to the comment: I love Madam Hooch's character and personality, I really do, but I have to say, she sucks as an Umpire. Every single time something went wrong in Quidditch, like Harry's jinxed broom in Book 1, Dobby's jinxed bludger in Book 2, and Draco's dementor prank in Book 3, she never did anything. And here as well, she was away talking with Crabbe when the whole thing happened. McGonagall said that Harry and George should have let Hooch handle the situation, and while I don't condone what they did, Hooch was not even hearing what Draco was saying, and by the time she came close, he would have stopped. Then again, in the Philosopher's Stone Game Boy Advance game, there is a moment when she comments that her broomstick was "singed during the Great War." Assuming the Great War does refer to World War I, she must be very old by now. Perhaps it's time to start thinking about retirement. Maybe her replacement could be one Oliver Wood?
felipeluzz
2025-12-03 22:25:27 +0000 UTCGreetings, Veggie, hope you had a great Christmas and here’s to a wonderful New Year! Ch 19 - Does creating fake Galleons count as counterfeiting money? - I think Harry and George were wrong for responding to Draco‘s taunts, but I also think none of the teachers would’ve done anything about it. They didn’t seem to have any problem with the lyrics to the song that was being sung. Ch 20 - Hagrid’s story about the giants is so interesting, and bless him but he is no match for Umbridge. As always, thanks for all you do for us!
Badger Kat
2025-12-03 22:21:01 +0000 UTCHalfway in terms of chapters is Chapter 8 or 9 of this book. Not sure in terms of words or audiobook time.
S1lm4r1l
2025-12-03 21:12:36 +0000 UTCS'mae Weggle! Chapter 19 "It would look suspicious if people from different houses kept crossing the great hall to talk to each other" - the house system really is toxic. For all Dumbledore's talk of unity at the end of last year, students aren't encouraged to fraternise outside their house? Imagine being in Hufflepuff and forced to talk to Zacharias Smith every day just because a patchy old hat decided you had similar traits... And speaking of toxic... Umbitch is at it again. Her Severus Snape-like tunnel vision in only punishing the Gryffindors, despite others having witnessed at the very least Crabbe's attack, is infuriating. I'd suggest Hogwarts seriously needs an Ofsted inspection, but given the state of the Wizarding government at the moment, I'm not sure it'd help... Quote of the chapter goes to McGonagall, though- "Not another one!" Chapter 20 Oh look, Ron's feet have cropped up again! Is Hagrid's tale the Wizarding equivalent of a holiday snaps presentation? XD The most important question, though- where was dozy Fang all this time!? Not left with Aragog, I hope... Wishing you both a very happy new year!
Jake M
2025-12-03 19:57:45 +0000 UTCHope you had a wonderful Christmas Veggie! Hermione counterfeiting Goblin Gold might land her in real trouble. People often compare Rowling's description of Goblins to certain racial stereotypes, but to me they seem more analogous to organised crime. Ludo Bagman crossed them and he hasn't been heard from since. He might even be "sleeping with the fishes". This is Harry's 5th year at Hogwarts and 4th year playing Quidditch, but he's only played against Ravenclaw once in all that time. Crazy eh? Hagrid mentions that Karkus was decapitated by Golgomath who then threw his head in a lake. In Biblical Greek, Golgomath roughly translates as "The Skull Lesson," just goes to show the level of detail in these books. As is tradition, here's your quickfire questions: Do you think anyone we know will replace Harry and the Twins on the team? Do you think anyone in Gryffindor will try and get revenge on Malfoy for his antics at the match? Does Umbridge know where Hagrid has been? +1 to a Silence of the Lambs reaction. A lot of the criticism of it comes from people not correctly understanding one of the characters in it. Hopkins' Academy Award is well deserved, although the film itself is an acquired taste. *Might Edit*
S1lm4r1l
2025-12-03 18:27:14 +0000 UTCHi Veggie! You were asking why Fred and George didn’t step in to defend Ron from the Slytherins, turns out it was because they couldn’t let anyone know they were related! (I’m pretty sure Fred was joking when he said that to Harry). They do react when Draco starts insulting their entire family though, especially their mother. Harry might pretend he’s mad at Umbridge for banning him from playing Quidditch, but we all know he’s secretly glad to have an excuse not to play against Hufflepuff and risk losing a second time in a row. I understand why the movie skipped Hagrid’s story with the giants since it didn’t work out in the end, but it would have been really cool to see a montage of his trip with Madame Maxime and of their encounter with the giants and the death eaters that were there. PS: this is the 50th Harry Potter book review video! Depending on how many single chapter videos you decide to do, you might reach 100 videos by the end of the series, so we're about halfway through.
Alias93
2025-12-03 17:30:01 +0000 UTC
