Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Review

[@ropecrewman36]

I cry every time I read about Neville visiting his parents. That was such an important moment for his character.

[@The1RealDarek]

And the candy wrap! Every! Darn! Time! ;(

[@namansharma090909]

Same😭😭

[@Anyafrightx]

It would’ve been such an easy scene to slip into the films too, he got done dirty

[@Missielou66]

I read this for the first time recently and it broke my heart

[@emmaclaire6759]

ropecrewman36 me too I just read the book and as soon as they went to st Mungos I was like no no no noo

[@emmaelizabeth3373]

One of my favorite moments from this book comes really early on, when Petunia lets slip her knowledge of the dementors. Then she and Harry have this moment, and while I don’t recall the exact line, it was something like “Harry realized someone else in the room understood what it meant that Voldemort was back.” Again, another great instance of adding layers to side characters.

[@sophiad9365]

Emma Elizabeth yeahh!! And she knows about the Dementors because she overheard a conversation between Snape and Lily when they were young. She stated ”that horrible boy told her” (something like this) and Harry thinks she’s refering to his father

[@netagenis7235]

@@sophiad9365 foreshadowing haha

[@thulanihlatshwayo78]

We only get to find out years later that it was Snape.

[@jenniferwettervik4495]

Yeeah Harry realizes that he had not only lost a mom, but Petunia had lost a sister.

[@Anyafrightx]

“Have a biscuit potter” has always been a stand out line for me. Magonagoll was the mother figure for Harry in a way that Molly couldn’t be, and she’s always been one of my favourite characters. When she flips out during Harry’s career meeting, just because Umbridge is trying to say he stands no chance at becoming an aurora, and when stands up for Dumbledoor, Sybil and Hagrid, even taking 4 stuns to the chest? Legendary

[@smoshbooz]

Magonagoll? Lmao

[@wayhvee]

There’s too many things to correct that i’m too lazy to do so

[@BigBadMadDog.]

Oh that biscuit line is gold

[@PHSDM104]

​@@BigBadMadDog. It's up there with the cough drop line.

[@Cinnamon0209]

What I noticed this time around with the twins is how poorly they're treated by Molly at times. Remember how she said that all of her kids got the prefect badge when Ron got his? And then I think Fred said 'What are we, neighbours?' I felt so bad for them when I read that...

[@namansharma090909]

It was funny though😂😂

[@isakdahl7054]

I found it really funny.

[@klaudiagrob]

I guess it's mostly because Molly wanted a girl and she had boys.

[@seaof_stars]

it was sad, but it was funny

[@JJ_5289]

I think its pretty clear over the whole series that she loves the twins very much. She just doesn't approve of some of the things they do even if it's unfair to them. She wants them to be successful and have a good future

[@crosbycruz495]

I love how the most feared villain of all literature, a character who's name was not even spoken, had been reduced to voldy. Best part of these videos.

[@harrisonzachar]

I think Peeve's said it best: “We did it, we bashed them wee Potter's the one, and Voldy's gone moldy, so now let's have fun!”

[@isakdahl7054]

I wouldn’t call him the most feared villain of all literature, but that is certainly amusing.

[@jessicawatson7360]

Isak Dahl children’s lit.

[@ginge641]

"most feared villain of all literature" Not even close.

[@sorakh4119]

@@ginge641 I think they meant in the HP books(I hope they mean that).

[@kathleenbrashier2579]

Something to consider about Sirius' behavior being juvenile: He'd been in prison for 10 years (11 years? however old Harry is), and when he'd gone in he hadn't been that far out of school himself. I think Sirius was still juvenile in many ways because most of his adult life had been in the presence of evil witches and wizards, plus dementors, while being tortured. His time in Azkaban probably felt like a pain-filled nightmare that didn't fit in with his previous existence as a Hogwarts student and then young adult at war with Voldemort and crew. Especially with Harry looking so much like James, Sirius' sudden freedom outside of prison undoubtedly looked something like a flashback to an earlier time. I don't think Sirius could act like an adult. He hadn't really had any practice at it, yet, except for learning how to survive in prison, which didn't really prepare him for knowing how to interact with anyone, let alone a teenage godson. Not excusing Sirius' actions, just thinking about why he might have been the way he was.

[@lusinebaghyan8864]

He has been in prison for 12 years. Harry was 13 when he breaks free and he was one year old when Voldemort killed his parents.

[@thecaremel4821]

12 years. Because- “IVE DONE MY WAITING...12 YEARS OF IT...IN AZKABAN”

[@klaudiagrob]

He acts better in the movie.

[@ginge641]

Oh yeah. James and Lilly were like 20 when they died.

[@Pictureithell]

I feel attacked at the lack of Luna Lovegood in this video.

[@merphynapier42]

she is an incredible character! I just didn't have time to cover everything unfortunately

[@fra2459]

Literally came here to find this comment. I agreeeee

[@alysonserenastone2917]

I honestly saw this one as being the characters' transition from kids to adults. This is the book where they grow up a lot. The series would not be the same without this book.

[@grimmraith7753]

Growing up the third book was always my favorite, however over the last few years Order of the Phoenix has overtaken it and it's mostly because of the side characters. The twins and Neville beginning to reach their potential, Molly being a mother, Snape not just being the abusive teacher, Ginny being able to actually have a conversation with Harry and, perhaps most important of all, Dumbledore not handling a bad situation with perfection (keeping his distance and information from Harry after what he has been through). In the past these characters seemed kind of one dimensional to me but this is the book where so many of the side characters really get to shine, be flawed and vulnerable or, to put it more succinctly, be human.

[@aislingcooney1371]

Couldn't have said it better myself :)

[@merphynapier42]

So true!

[@CD-603]

I'm the exact same

[@hi-kx5fo]

literally same wow

[@killer92173]

I can understand why certain people don't like this book like Movieflame who was too spoiled of the movie to really enjoy the book, but when I reread the book during a dark time in my life I actually really enjoyed the book, and now it's one of my favorites in the series!!

I am so glad you give Harry a fair shot in this book everybody only calling this angsty

[@dailycarolina.]

I laughed when McGonagall told to Umbridge if she needs a cough drop after all that annoying Hem, hem...🤣. I hate Kreacher because of lies, Harry lost his godfather .

[@thulanihlatshwayo78]

Daily Carolina did you get to ever read Kreacher’s Tale? Anyone that ever did knows exactly why he is, the way he is.

[@sofie4045]

Have you read the next two books? I prefer Kreacher to Dobby lol

[@Alice-gr1kb]

Thulani Hlatshwayo what’s that?

[@jessicawatson7360]

Thulani Hlatshwayo how do u read this?

[@jessicawatson7360]

Sofie Sinead what!

[@theactorsnetflix9800]

This is my favourite book in the series. I feel like it resonated with me much more as a teenager than more of the other books. Strong themes of death, depression, self-deprecation and friendship.

[@alejandroelcid]

It is not my favorite book in the series, but it is not the worst. One of the things I liked that was not mentioned was Luna Lovegood. She is introduced as an oddball character, yet she has an enormous insight of everyone's character. The most memorable moment is with Harry in the final chapter, she was the only one he felt comfortable talking to and brought him some perspective.

[@merphynapier42]

Luna is an incredible character!

[@ropecrewman36]

Luna's one of my favorite characters...and that's not just because she's a fellow Ravenclaw. Though, now that I say it, she's probably one of the most important Ravenclaws in the later half of the series!

[@cgl-osl_]

I always loved order of the Phoenix. Never understood why people are so hard on harry regarding this book. He's going through trauma and is also kept away from info on what's happening. I would be furious too

[@Nasser851000]

Harry in book 5: I'M IN A RAGE! THIS IS THE MADDEST I'VE EVER BEEN!

[@merphynapier42]

But for good reason!

[@ninjasonic8921]

Starkid!! Omg

[@netagenis7235]

@@merphynapier42 yesss finally someone can see that

[@levid888]

Look at you, Moon Shoes Potter, Harry Starkid Potter,

[@lizlezzario6977]

Yesss, exactly, that's the only thing I hate in this book

[@merphynapier42]

At least we all know what I'd look like as a Vampire now 🤷 Also, sorry about the blank screen 3 mins into the vid, something happened with the export I guess, but it's only for a couple seconds!

[@matthewkemmer7943]

I thought it was for dramatic effect

[@gmischel70]

Merphy Napier I absolutely agree! I would offer this thought though in terms of Sirius being a flawed character. Yes Sirius is a flawed Character, no doubt! But if we can give Harry an understanding of PTSD, I would ask why not Sirius? Betrayed and framed by a friend for the death of his best friend. He suffers away in Azkaban prison with Dementors for 13 years (I Assume levels of insanity or PTSD come with this), but more importantly his life is put on pause for 13 years. He doesn’t get to spend time with Harry as an infant and raising him. He doesn’t get time to live actual life without James and develop as an adult, dealing with grief, and responsibilities like say Snape, who has been in the real world. Soon after his escape, finding himself back at Hogwarts and all the memories attached, for a year with Harry, who resembles his best friend, who was more a brother, that he so desperately misses. This doesn’t excuse his flaws but in my mind makes them more realistic and believable. When OOTP came out in middle school everyone thought I was nuts for loving it as much as I did. I loved this review and agreed with you on every level! Love your Channel - Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 🎅🏼

[@shamitsharma7304]

Gilbert Mischel Ya I think his character should have been like Edmond Dantes(I don’t know if there’s an accent on”e” ) in The Count of Monte Cristo

[@TheDAPler]

Sparkling.

[@merphynapier42]

@@gmischel70 I very much agree that Sirius has PTSD as well. Quite a few characters do in this series. But it's his bullying and he never fully grows out of that is his biggest flaw. I would say that's in part do to time stolen from him in Askaban, but should still be addressed and discussed ya know?

[@arksine]

Peeves was actually the mvp of this book! The scene where McGonagall tells Peeves how to unscrew the chandelier, and when the Weasley twins ask him to take over for them in their absence are way too memorable ❤️ I read the books just before the final movie came out; until that point I was just strictly watching the movies. And man, Order of the Phoenix movie was the most confusing one for me! I did not understand so many things in the film, which is probably why I loved the book so much more when I finally got to it!

[@merphynapier42]

So true!

[@deiyaerin7273]

I think it makes a lot of sense why can Sirius be so immature considering his tragic life. It's like he's mentally stuck in his adolescence. He grew up in an abusive household, lost all of his friends, he was in Azkaban for 12 years, and after escaping was forced to once again live in that house he hates so much. His years at Hogwarts were his happiest, and the memories he made with his friends kept him going through so much trauma. He doesn't want to let it go. I cry 😭

[@merphynapier42]

100% Sirius has been through a lot and guys flaws are well within reason. I just think that the fandom tends to put him on a pedestal and it's important to talk about his flaws too

[@deiyaerin7273]

@@merphynapier42 Absolutely! His flaws are what makes him so interesting. Especially in this book.

[@selantrian]

To me, Sirius and snape have always seemed like 2 sides of the same coin: both abused as children, both who never quite grew up from it. The difference being that Sirius had friends in school who he could go to when he escaped, and Snape never did-he had bullies, and the people who became Death Eaters. He had Lily but that ended pretty quickly. There’s also a parallel between those two and Harry, and for me one of the reasons The Cursed Child was sooo disappointing was bc Harry was supposed to be better than them, but he wasn’t. He treated his son cruelly and he and Draco devolved into the same squabbling as Sirius and Snape. For me, the point of Harry Potter was to rise above such abuse and hardships and be better than your parents. To see Harry behave so un-Harrylike seemed like a wasted arc. Full agree on the order novellas! I’ve always said that that’s the only extra content I’d be interested in, especially the downfall of the first order, culminating with the death of the Potters. It would’ve accentuated the series waaaay more in my opinion rather than seeing the Marauders bully Snape or the extra “content” no one asked for that Rowling has put out anyways

[@janhavi1977]

Absolutely agree! I think Snape, Sirius, Dumbledore, Harry, and Tom Riddle are very interesting. They have all been abused or have had difficult home lives, and have reacted and adapted to it in different ways. Sirius is arrogant because some of his parents' influences definitely rubbed off on him, but he's also very rebellious and outspoken against his parents' prejudiced beliefs. I think that is the reason he was so horrible to Snape, because of his aversion to anything Slytherin. And Snape being bullied by his parents and his classmates, has led him to become pretty cruel and a bully himself. Harry doesn't go to any teachers for help and prefers to do everything himself, because while living with the Dursleys, he could never depend on any of the adults to take care of him. Dumbledore had the responsibility to look after his siblings at a young age, which has led him to believe he knows best. And for Tom Riddle growing up in an orphanage alone caused him to believe that he doesn't need friends or family. I don't think people fully appreciate the fact that these characters have a lot of depth. Especially Harry. What they did to his character in Cursed Child really pissed me off.

[@netagenis7235]

@@janhavi1977 agree so much accept for voldemort, the reason he didn't love was becauae his dad was under a love potion. But all of them are such interesting characters, it arcs me when people say harry is boring (he's my favourite character) because he has so much depth and emotion and he is just so... Amazing and human. Ugh. And the thing that makes him different from snape or sirius is that he never let it effect his kindness and his love to other. I just love him. And i hate cursed child it's in no way canon.

[@BlackXSunlight]

harry potter that “Voldemort is a sociopath because he was conceived by a love potion” theory was disproved years ago.

[@netagenis7235]

@@BlackXSunlight i thought that jk Rowling said it though?

[@netagenis7235]

@@BlackXSunlight and the whole fandom believes it's true so i'm pretty sure she did say that

[@arksine]

Also, Merphy, careful what you wish for with a Order of Phoenix novella, because JK seems intent on destroying what she created and you're just giving her ideas 😂😅

[@merphynapier42]

Yikes this couldn't be more accurate

[@nehasbiju7104]

I don't understand ?

[@TheAayush17]

I have read Harry Potter books multiple times and still can't get enough of them

[@sethhale235]

I didn't read this until I was in college after a friend of mine darn near forced me to read the HP series. It's been one of my favorites since then. Didn't realize I was in the minority on that. As far as Sirius, I give him a lot of leeway because the guy has been through a lot. He's had to deal with losing his friends, betrayal and being in Azkaban, wrongly convicted, for so long. I think he's surprisingly mentally and emotionally well-adjusted after all that and took on what might have been way too much responsibility way too quickly, when he's not yet acclimated to his freedom. And the Neville with his parents scene is my favorite in the whole series. Also, hope you feel better! Get well soon and all that jazz.

[@johntousseau9380]

"If you want to know what a man's like, take a look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." -Sirius Black We get to see a lot of what Sirius is like in book 5. Like how he treats Kreacher. Harry wasn't willing to see any faults in Sirius, but Hermione was right when she said he was reckless and cruel. Sirius also had a pretty messed up life. He came from an abusive and twisted family his best friends are betrayed and murdered, and he was blamed and imprisoned in a place where people slowly go insane for 12 years.

[@Widdekuu91]

Not even slowly, most go insane within weeks.

[@jupianking]

Book five is so good. I’m so glad someone is giving voice to how great this book is! Thanks! I love your channel!

[@ZielonaPastela]

Dumbledore's death never hit me the way Sirius's death did. I remember a specific reread I did on The Order of the Phoenix when I fully understood the scope of the loss that Harry felt. I cried my eyes out, it broke my heart. Their relationship wasn't allowed to last, to grow, to be the pillar of support they both needed. It only takes imagining how their lives would have looked like, had Sirius lived. Harry lost his parents, the only relatives he had were the Dursleys (who don't count as family), and then he found a family again in Sirius and was deprived of it. AGAIN. Deprived of their future together. The adult he could trust. The adult that connected him to his parents. The adult that could give him the acceptance and unconditional love he craved. Who could play quidditch with him. And God, the way Voldemort used Sirius to lure Harry, the fact that despite it all being forged, Sirius still died in the Ministry like the visions suggested... the tragedy of it all makes me cry every time. Worst gut-kicking I've ever experienced while consuming fiction.

[@TheWordN3rd]

I feel like my experience with Snape has only gotten worse with reread 😂 when I first went into my opinion was very much influenced by what I'd been seeing in fan takes, but each time I read these books i get more and more frustrated by the fact that this a grown ass man -- and a TEACHER -- who is bullying a child.

[@namansharma090909]

TheWordN3rd snape is so bad in the books like in the films they have diluted his bad behaviour

[@TheWordN3rd]

@@namansharma090909 I think the actors added depth to a lot of characters that didn't really have it in the books.

[@xMRxZEROx]

@@namansharma090909 They really did. The movies chose to portray Snape in a way that makes him a tragic hero and I think that's why so many people sympathize with him. But Snape was a purely spiteful, hateful, mean, vengeful, obsessive little asshole who took out his own childhood trauma on an innocent kid purely becuase he was the son of a man he hated and married the woman he obsessively loved. Yes, Snape WAS a very brave man for everything he did behind the scenes throughout the series working with Dumbledore in secret to be a double agent. I'll give him credit for playing the bad guy when he was really fighting for the good guys. But his problem was, he did it a little too well. I believe his actions fighting for the good guys was purely becuase he was obsessed with Lily and she was on the side of good. If it weren't for that, he never would have done any of it. Plain and simple. And to me, that makes him bad. That very first time we meet him in Philosopher's Stone when he starts berating Harry in his first class and making him look stupid. Pissed me off so badly. Snape acted as though Harry kicked down his door bragging about how awesome he was for being "the boy who lived" and somehow deserved to be spit upon in front of everyone. Little bastard.

[@kyriss12]

@@xMRxZEROx His re4asons for turning double agent was even worse than honoring Lily's memory. If I remember right he pretty much states the moment he changed sides was when Voldamort killed her. Had he killed James and baby Harry, and turned Lily into an obedient sex slave for Snape's use, he probably would have been one of the most devout death eaters.

[@xMRxZEROx]

@@kyriss12 EXACTLY! That's my point. If it weren't for Lily dying by Voldemort's hand, he'd have stayed pure evil happily. He's not redeemable. Not in my eyes.

[@TylerStout35]

I'm guilty of not liking harry in this book for being angsty. It's been a little while since I've read it but I've never thought of the PTSD. That combined with everyone ignoring him suddenly makes harry in OOTP an incredibly well written character. Great review!

[@lostinabookcase3796]

this has always been my favorite Harry Potter book cuz puberty + social outcast + evil voice in your head + Umbridge = miserable time for Harry but fun time for me!

[@yanxiawu1759]

yes we love watching harry suffer

[@mm3andersen1]

Two things: I literally just said to myself “I wonder when she will finish with OOTP and post her review” and super cute shirt.

[@leraron]

Merphy, thank you so much for filming this long review for us even though you're sick, i really appreciate it. Get well soon!

[@merphynapier42]

I'm glad you enjoyed it ❤️

[@cameront8572]

As I get older I found that boggart REALLY emotional too!!! Also always wanted to see a series on the original Order- so much content there!

[@geonunes10]

The revolving doors at the entrance of the department of mysteries are for outsiders. Harry accidentally cracks the code of how to navigate it at the end. You just say where you want to go and the door opens.

[@betwixttales]

OotP has been my favorite in the series since it came out. 🖤🔥 I love that it got darker. Umbridge is, without a doubt, my favorite villain, and we are introduced to Luna, whom I love so dearly. And the scene in the hospital with Neville's parents is by far the most heartbreaking and beautiful. Alice giving Neville the only pretty thing she has to give to show her love. I'm tearing up just writing this. And I really enjoyed the scene in the Department of Mystery, I remember sitting at the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down even though it was the middle of the night, the first time I read it. I just had to find out how it ended. I never felt that way with any other climax. Also, speaking as an orphan, I loved seeing Harry getting angry, Back then, I still had moments of anger toward the man who killed my parents, and Harry had been a mirror for me, so I found comfort in him reacting in ways I was never able to.

[@robertgronewold3326]

The revolving wall in the Department of Mysteries only randomizes the doors for non-employees of the department.

[@xilrondo2907]

given the classified nature and divisional nature, it's likely that there's a security clearance system in place being an unspeakable in and of itself would probably have still got you turned around and ultimately killed by other unspeakables for entering a division you were not granted access to for instance we know the love chamber is both constantly studied and the door is locked to an extent that there's no known magic capable of forcing the door open

[@xilrondo2907]

@ULGROTHA more what most people think goes down at area 51 there's not really a good comparison, because no government in the world would let an organization like the department of ministries exist in it's borders they're essentially a research department that was given the power to study whatever it pleases even ignoring laws to do so with the ability for the government to intervene being almost entirely non existent irl such a department would've been dismantled quickly, wizard or muggle having a research department that can legally ignore 99.9% of government oversight including congress and the president would immediately result in there being armed forces beating (or blasting) the door down and killing anyone that resists

[@xilrondo2907]

@ULGROTHA corporations skirt the law and oversight, and get punished when they break them they're not given free reign and organized crime is..well criminal, they get away with it because they hide their activities and regularly pay officials to look the other way none are given free reign and when they get to a point where they attract too much attention, pose a threat or cease abiding by the laws or agreements paid off officials have set they're cut down quicker than a notably diseased tree in an orchard

[@xilrondo2907]

@ULGROTHA apparently you haven't been. corruption allows cartels to move relatively freely, but when they overstep their bounds even corrupt officials turn on them using the legal system and when crimes are caught they're still punished, albeit it's often by framing someone else for the crime instead more importantly, in mexico it's caused by low level cops, and individuals such as the DA being paid off..something that isn't particularly difficult to do when there's a combination of low wages and existing issues prosecuting people for murder the same thing is true in russia, the majority of the organized crime problem comes specifically from people being paid to look the other way when the demands aren't met, or the deal is no longer favourable to government officials they turn on them neither of those countries let criminals or companies run wild, they allow them to do shit they shouldn't, but that's the key bit they ALLOW it that's not the same thing as the department of ministiries where law enforcement has no authority and even the minister of magic demanding something might as well be a mute man yelling orders to the blind

[@monstergal2241]

Thank you sooooo much for defending Harry in this book. I've had too many conversations with other readers who all complain that Harry is "angsty" in this book and they don't like him, and I can't understand it! He's been through so much: all the trauma you mentioned, plus having to deal with constant crap from most of the wizarding community who believe he's a gloryhound and a liar, he's got no guidance in processing it all, and he's only 15! But readers rag on him as "annoying" and "whiny" and it drives me nuts. Thank you, thank you, thank you for pointing out that we as a community need to call that out and put a stop to it. He's written so HUMAN in this book. Rowling's made mistakes in her writing, but I think she did a great job with his character in this book, and I wish more readers would recognize it.

[@wafflingmean4477]

"You just want them to pass tests and figure out life on their own?' Seems Umbridge went to muggle school.

[@marin3933]

The end part of the book always makes me sad 😔 AKA The part when Harry talks to Dumbledore (and destroys his office) after Sirius dies

[@QuestLegacy]

So PTSD is definitely a large part of it, but I also, in hindsight, assumed that part of the situation was after such a close proximity to more of Voldemort’s power, the fact that he was a living horcrux played a large part in his attitude (similar to the final book with the folks wearing the necklace)

[@sarafina1263]

That is such an interesting perspective!!

[@selantrian]

That’s how I interpreted it too! Especially because Voldemort was trying to use it to possess him. It may have been more clear in the movie

[@merphynapier42]

A very good point!

[@zombiegaby]

I also heard a theory that the Dursley family was so mean because they'd been living with a horcrux for 10 years.

[@netagenis7235]

@@zombiegaby this theory is wrong and stupid, the dursly's were just shitty people from the begining. If it was true then everyone would be like this around harry, but other then the dursly's, umbridge, snape and draco no one seems to hate him or be mean to him, he has friends and he people that loves him. This theory is baisicly victim blaming and it's wrong.

[@CozyReaderKelly]

I wonder with Sirius if some of his flaws and immaturity are a result of his time in prison. It sounds like everyone in Azkaban is in solitary confinement, and we know from research how much that affects a person’s psyche. So to me it makes sense that he lives in the past (viewing Harry as James) and has trouble being a true adult. He’s probably dealing with a lot of issues from years of seclusion.

[@merphynapier42]

for sure it is! I think most of his flaws are understandable for what he's been through. I just think the fandom often puts him on a pedestal but we shouldn't because he has his flaws as well

[@krazo4Christ]

You quoting from right after Sirius' death had my eyes stinging a little bit, oooh the feels 💔 I have to disagree with you though, aside from Deathly Hallows, this was my favorite climax to a HP book.

[@lucaleone4331]

This book always made me so mad! (Not in a negative way but because of how I felt for the characters. It did such a good job evoking empathy for the kids) The injustice and bad treatments of the kids is infuriating. I just wanted to reach into the pages and slap those ridiculous adults!

[@merphynapier42]

So true!

[@misskeisha9105]

The fact that Neville's worst fear is Snape rather than Bellatrix speaks volumes

[@Widdekuu91]

Well he's never seen her, she took his parents away when he was young. Snape regularly took away his dignity and pride and selfesteem.

[@JustPassingThrough98]

The last thing the 3 would ever be thinking in a moment of crisis is, “Oh Snape could help us!” But I understand the logical frustration

[@TitoTimTravels]

I would have expected Hermione to remember him, but probably know better than to mention Snape to Harry.

[@JustPassingThrough98]

@@TitoTimTravels Haha that's a fair point

[@ASHLEY.397]

Also I don’t think they fully trusted snape that’s why they didn’t go to him?

[@klaudiamalinowska7774]

I still think Sirius' behaviour is more justified than Snape's. First, Sirius was imprisoned at the age of 21 and, although innocent, kept in the most horrible prison for 12 years, after his breakout his life didn't improve much so no wonder he didn't really mature, he just didn't have the chance to grow up when being isolated from the society. Secondly, he first heard about Snape again in the shrieking shack from Lupin and first thing Snape tried to do after their first meeting was to try and get Sirius kissed by dementors although he knew from the trio he wasn't guilty. Snape himself on the other hand had a good job at Hogwarts and Dumbledore's support at hand. He could've matured but he chose to be that abusive jerk. Sirius only stayed horrible to Snape while he continued to bully his innocent students and why? Beacuse Harry looked like James and Neville was bad at potions? He's just a horrible person and doing one good thing isn't enough to make up for all the bad things he's done imo

[@TitoTimTravels]

Yeah, although I love Snape's character, he is a horrible person (which is why I love his character). There is no reason he could not have matured if he tried. Sirius really never had time.

[@juhajuppi1920]

Just finished reading this book a second time and your review was so lovely to hear! I do enjoy that characters have more layers in this book and you raise a good point about Dumbledoor.. despite him admitting he hasn’t told Harry everything he should have, he continues not telling Harry everything he should have. You helped me see this book a little better, thanks!

[@ZaddyGohan]

My favorite line from this book is probably Minerva saying “well… he achieved top marks in DADA when he had a competent teacher!” Right in front of Umbridge

[@jawstrock2215]

You have to remember that Sirius had been in prison for years.. and now he feels imprisoned in his old house again, an house that reminds me of his Slivering, pure blood loving family all the time, something he wanted to run away from. So just the idea of an excuse to get out is what was driving him the most when suggesting going as a dog again to meet Harry directly.

[@jettqk1]

I love how imperfect the characters are throughout the series. I feel like readers unfairly expect too much from these people who are not going to be perfect. Sirius did have friends at school, but he also spent 10 years in Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit. I would think that would stunt anybody's ability to be a functional adult. And Snape never let go of his insecurities from adolescence. That combined with his guilt over feeling his actions led to Lily's death, and I totally understand why it took him so long to grow up. Furthermore, everyone seems to forget that the main characters are kids, and 15 year olds don't make the greatest decisions. Yes, what Hermione did in tricking people to sign that contract wasn't good, but she's also a kid. We see her make another foolish decision at the end of the book when she thinks she can get the centaurs to solve the problem of Umbridge. And it almost kills her and Harry. Kids make bad decisions (and for that matter, so do many adults) and I think people expect too much from the cast of characters. Everybody has flaws. And I love that JK Rowling highlights these flaws consistently throughout the series.

[@dcembervesalius]

This is my all-time favorite book, and I'm lowkey offended you think the whole sequence in the Department of Mysteries is a mess haha. That is like my favorite part of the book. I think it's so thrilling and the first time I read it, even if I had seen the film, I was so worried and into it.

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

Can I bring up some interesting symbolism here, too? I'm ALMOST positive, though don't quote me on this, but I'm almost positive that every gift Sirius ever gives Harry ends up lost or broken by the end of the series. Representative of a broken life, maybe...? Harry's and Sirius's lives, actually, both of them.

[@GothBiDemiGirl]

Even the broomstick he gave him? The second one.

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

Harry lost the Firebolt during the Flight of the Seven Potters sequence. It fell off Hagrid's motorbike.

[@GothBiDemiGirl]

@@ActiveAdvocate1 did he lose the mirror?

[@britlitsch6571]

@@GothBiDemiGirl the mirror is broken at the end of OotPim pretty sure. When Harry's packing his trunk it shatters and he pulls it out and thinks about trying to use the shards to talk to Sirius. He realizes Sirius wouldn't have had it with him when he fell through the veil.

[@DanicaChristin]

Just re-reading Harry Potter myself and everytime I finish a book I go and watch your review to see your thoughts as well. Your reviews are so well done and I appreciate the time you take to dive deep into each novel. I'm looking forward to your reviews of book 6 & 7 💙

[@ri_grossmann]

My favorite aspect of this book is Ginny and how much she grows and we really get to see her, I specifically love the moment where she calls Harry out, when he claims that no one understands what it's like to be possessed by Voldemort. She reminds him that she was, and when he tells her he forgot about that, and she's like, "lucky you." That hit, cause it's so easy to forget how much trauma she went through in the chamber of Secrets.

[@autumnhess6729]

It was very interesting to hear you say that you used to really dislike this book- I only read them this past summer but it’s actually one of my favorite books in this series because of all the development and because it’s so different from the others. Anyway, hope you have a great day!

[@shreyanikil]

3:02 I legit thought there was something wrong with my phone! 😂 Great review, Merphy! This is my second favourite book in the series!

[@RonnyLive19881]

I favorite segments in this book that actually make OotP my favorite in the series are the scenes where Harry, Ron and Hermione are spending time together in the Common Room around the fire. Brings a cozy feeling I get when thinking back to camp outs with friends or the hype before Christmas morning being with family around the tree. I really loved the war they lost against cleaning Grimmauld Place. The banter between everyone was at its best in those parts of the books.

[@SavannahSedai]

Order of the Phoenix made me fall in love with books. Also. I’m a Snape lover. His complexities are the reason I love him. He is terrible, I agree, but its part of my love for for him.

[@geminithetwins]

I found myself in harry(after calling him arrogant for years) in this book because his behavior was so reasonable . He was going through adolescence and just saw his friend die. I felt the same kind of emotion when my father died. I didn't know why I was angry all the time. Also,Harry used to get appreciation and win from his very first days at Hogwarts. But he failed to do anything in the last two years(escape of Pettigrew and death of Cedric). Also the famous Harry became a liar to everybody . In the midst of this,there was nobody to console him overcome his hard time. And he still was treated like a child. I think That's why Harry got angry all the tine,not because Voldemort set up a connection with him. Also, Merphy, I am crossing my fingers to see you review The Cursed Child. I wonder how big the vid will be 😛

[@merphynapier42]

So true! And no worries, I'll be reviewing that one too when I'm finished with this reread. I'm not looking forward to it 😅

[@albertsiochimarasigan6105]

@@merphynapier42 my two favorite Harry Potter novels are the goblet of fire and the half blood prince

[@pixxie643]

I also feel like Sirius was never given the chance to grow up, or at least not completely. I mean, he's obviously a very flawed character but whilst Snape had the 15 years after Lilly's death to reflect and grow as a person (which he didn't, really), Sirius found out 2 of his closest friends died and then he spent 12 years in Azkaban. I think it's not unreasonable that Sirius probably glorified his days with the Marauders, and James in particular, whilst going through that dark time so he never really grew out of it. It's not like he was going to be locked up for a decade and spend the whole time thinking about how horrible of a person he was (especially since he was locked up unjustly), it's more likely he saw that time of his life in a very positive light because it was his only source of happiness/hope. Does that make sense?

[@danecobain]

Always amazed by how much detail you're able to go into with these!

[@PokeLSouma]

McGonagall is my favorite character in the series and book 5 did her so much justice. Her sass is too real here.

[@daniel_arevalo_6490]

I would love to see a mini series of the Order! Harry Potter fan for life ⚡️

[@tifftargaryen490]

When I was kid I loved Sirius so much. Now as an adult I understand Molly better. I still love Sirus. However, it would be hard to mature in Azkaban and in constant hiding.

[@jaquan6499]

OOTF was my favorite book, I just finished it today. Mann I love Prof McGonogall, the scene with Neville and his parents had me emotional, Harry's raging in Dumbledore's office should have been the movies, Sirius death, and I really like Luna. I got a little emotional at the end, when she was putting up signs about getting her stuff back. Idk, she comes across as very wise although people underestimate her and don't take her seriously. But she's so sweet. I love how unbothered she is during many instances in the book. her introverted personality reminds of myself.

[@thebakedpriestess]

Umbridge's methology in school is literally what school functions like in real life.

[@LoyalSage]

I find the situation with Moody's character really weird, because after the 4th book, we've barely met him, but I feel like everyone (myself included) just sort of assumes he's pretty much like how Crouch depicted him, but like, less a bit less extreme. So he just fits in as if he had been fully introduced in the last book. I feel like if I had written it I would have wanted to make more of a point of him being treated like a new character in the 5th book.

[@michaelwithay]

Not just grief, but he also had to fight for his life against the person who killed his parents and just barely escaped after seeing the ghost of his dead parents. Then he got sent back to an abusive home. That's a messed up situation

[@sophiad9365]

My points - it's stupid that the Ministry of Magic condemns Harry so much for performing magic in front of a Muggle. However the Muggle is Duddley who actually knows Harry is a wizard!! - Umbridge for me resembles the 1984 story line. She wants everyone to be fully obidient. And she’s evil!! - The twins are awesome. Mrs Weasley boggart is even sadder after reading all 7 books. - I too want some series/story about the first order of phoenix. I would love to meet more about Neville’s parents - Maybe Dumbledore was crying in the end of the book because he knew the hardest part and didnt disclosed it to Harry (the Horcrux stuff) - DA contract: it makes sense Hermione didnt tell them about the curse, as they were not supposed to denounce them. Also, the contract eas made after the Hog’S meeting because it was only after they first met that groups were not allowed to form without autorization

[@McMerlin11]

I honestly loved seeing some real, raw emotion out of Harry in this book

[@nola3963]

This book is so far my favorite 😭 I loved the emotional terminal Harry went through. He is also 15, a teenager whose emotions are all over the place in a normal circumstances. So yeah I loved Harry in this book. I loved how at the end everyone came to Harry’s defense against the Dursley’s.

[@ronwevsleys]

WHO ELSE ACTUALLY LOVE THIS BOOK ? 👇

[@AndYouWillBeWithMe]

@S.L. Farrell it's my favorite

[@madisongracedeluise]

It’s my favorite all the way

[@flugsven]

Harry James Potter Love it, but the third is my favourite!

[@gonkdroid5412]

@@flugsven I agree!

[@TitoTimTravels]

Not sure of the exact placement... but Phoenix and Half Blood are tied for best of the series. Books & movies (mostly books)

[@mrfrancysschoolforangelics8077]

What a blessing to find your channel. I've practically been binge watching your reviews all week (both sides) and what I love is how passionate you are about these books which reminds me of how I was when I read them all (first, second, third and forth time). Sadly I don't have time to read anymore these days as I'm so busy. But your reviews are by far and away the best I have seen so far. Not only are they about the books as opposed to the films but again the passion that you have to really go into all the detail and details that you do has made this such an enjoyable experience. I wish I knew you while I was reading the series as we would have so much to discuss. I also appreciate your dedication to keep going even while sick (been there, it's not easy). Can't wait for the next 2 HBP (both videos). Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

[@Vortex4K]

22:29 For security, when people walk in they don’t know where to go or what to do. They can’t get to where they want to go and they ALSO couldn’t escape as easy as if they didn’t have the revolving doors.

[@kaboost1528]

This book develops each and every character extremely well. It sets up all the characters for 6 and 7.

[@sofievb1994]

I have the same sweater, love it! And I laughed out loud when you said Sirius was egging Harry on, you're so right!

[@53prime]

To be fair to Sirius, he did go into literal HELL PRISON when he was still relatively young and his personal growth basically stopped until he got out so he now that he's free he's basically a 22 year old with a lot of pent up emotion. Like, he didn't grow up.

[@caseyc2497]

Thirty minutes straight of Merphy AND Harry Potter?? It really IS Christmas!

[@ShannonLynn21]

This is my favorite book of the series. The McGonagall and Twins moments and interactions alone make it.

[@shilpagiridhar4705]

Sirius ‘s behaviour makes sense as he spent 12 years in azkaban but after that has to be on a run for about an year , after that he gets stuck at his childhood home which he hates and he can’t help the order and he hates that since everyone he cares about is fighting. Apart from that he still has to deal with that grief and pain of losing lily and James , cause 12 years in azkaban can’t be helpful for that which explains why he keeps treating Harry like James. As much as I would like to defend him from his actions towards I can’t as he was git to him.

[@qbanboi069]

I legit feel like I'm coming down with something as I watch you fight through this video. xD I hope you feel better soon!

[@merphynapier42]

oh no! Don't get sick! It's the worst!

[@florenceb1031]

In the scene where it's revealed that Mrs. Weasley's boggart is her dead family, there are a couple things to note about who is included. (1) The list includes Harry, showing that she fully meant it when she said that he was as good as her son. (2) Each member of her family is explicitly stated to appear on their own, except Fred and George. Each time she tries to banish the boggart, the current corpse is replaced with the corpse of a different family member. When it's the twin's turn, they appear together. Not even in her worst nightmares could Mrs. Weasley imagine the twins being separated, even by death.

[@thedoc4114]

That Dumbledore scene at the end was brilliant. So interesting seeing the events of all the books through Dumbledore’s eyes finding out what he was thinking about everything and why he’s done some of the stuff he’s done This book might be my favorite of the series

[@paisleyjane9606]

This has always been my favorite. I love the time they spend at Grimauld Place, trying to get the place more habitable--so relatably domestic! Also, maybe because he's spending more time with more Weasleys. Come to think of it, time spent with the fam, degnoming, preparing for the wedding, etc. are also favorites. Molly, Molly, Molly! Harry needed a mother so badly. If I were JK, looking to write another book, I'd have gone into a Weasley prequel. I think their characters would have supported it.

[@TitoTimTravels]

One of my favorites of the series. Phoenix and Half Blood are tied for 1 & 2 (still unsure which is better). I loved the Hermione/contract bit. Yeah... maybe not right... but wonderful! The whole mirror thing was pretty stupid. I think the revolving doors have a way of working for people that know how, but work as a security measure against intruders. If Voldy shows up at the end... why didn't just go get the prophecy in the beginning and we could skip the whole book - oh yeah, then we would not have needed the book ha ha

[@AshleeSage1998]

The reason that Hagrid's wand was snapped when he got expelled and why they were planning on snapping Harry's was because they were underage wizards and hadn't taken either of the big tests at Hogwarts. Newt was also expelled but because he was older his wand wasn't snapped. They only seem to snap the wands of underage wizards

[@abrilakgun]

I'm only two minutes in, I'm re reading the order right now. I just finished the grawp chapter and I had to stop because my son got up from his nap. Oh my god. I can't agree with more. I used to hate this book and was so annoyed by Harry but reading it again GIVE THE BOY A BREAK!! He has been through so much in his young life and now the whole Voldemort returning and killing Cedric has obviously affected him big time. He is left totally alone and even though Dumbledore has his reasons as far as Harry knows he is being very unfairly treated by everyone around him. C'mon, making Ron prefect??? That was so unfair and until now I couldn't understand it, it's unfair, not even Ron himself can believe that it wasn't Harry who was chosen for prefect, like c'mon!!! He deals with it incredibly well actually trying to support and be happy for his friend, even though he feels betrayed by Dumbledore. Seriously the amount of crap Harry has to deal with in this book.... He is coping better than most would. Rant over, now I'll continue watching the video. 😂

[@AmeliaOak]

Harry does not annoy me ever in this book because I was right there with him and I adore Neville too

[@avekatumba4794]

Yay! A long video. I was so bored. My day got better! 🤗

[@shyguy9615]

This is my second favorite HP book. I think part of the reason why is that age 15 was not a good year for me so I think I identify with Harry. I Love the scenes with the Order. We are introduced to Luna Lovegood, my favorite Ravenclaw and one of my favorite characters! I love the D.A helping students become better Wizards, and the rebellion against the ministry. McGonnagall is a badass in this book taking no crap from Umbridge. One of my favorite all time female villains, Bellatrix Lestrange, is introduced. Always loved this book and I love how long it it!

[@tonel.9967]

First, I've always hated it when people calls Harry angsty in this book. He has just survived another attack from the biggest bad wizard in the wizarding history, who also killed his parents, and a fellow student dies because Harry brought him to Voldemort - yes, _we_ know it isn't Harrys fault, but _Harry_ doesen't. Then he's isolated at his abusive family for the summer, just to be brought back and learn a big part of the magical community doesn't belive him, they think he lies, that he's attention seeking, or straight out damaged by the attack from he was a baby. Harry being angry and frustrated is natural. Second, the James and Sirius-bully-thing. I can't remember any evidence they bullied anyone else than Snape. No, it is not ok to bully even Snape, but to anyone else who talkes about them, they seemed a bit more like the Weasley-twins than f.ex Draco, Crab and Goyle. I feel like the James and Sirius are bullies are more a defense of Snape, than an actual thing. Yeah, I know I'm gonna get some backlash because of that. The third, of course Sirius isn't without flaws, no one in the Harry Potter series is. Sirius is arrogant, he have a mean streak about him, and he is childish, there's no denying that. But, how he behaves when he is locked up in a house he ran away from as a teenager, is just another prison sentence to him. Let that sink in. A prison who contains not only this picture of his insane mother who cries out abusive comments on everyone she sees, but also this stinking little house-elf. And, on top of that, the one man he's been fighting with since the first year at Hogwarts, the one man who's the direct cause to why Voldemort wanted to kill his best friend and his family, the one man who didn't want to hear how Peter Pettigrew was the one who actually did the crimes Sirius sat 12 years in Azkaban for, the one man who bullies his godson - this man gets to goad him every time he sees him. I too would have called Snape snivilus. No, I am not a Snape-fan in any way, shape or form. I love this book. This is my favourite in the series, there is so much going on, and we get to know so many of the characters better.

[@merphynapier42]

For sure Sirius has way more reason for the ways in which he's flawed, I just think it's important to discuss his flaws as well because he seems to be put in a pedestal often

[@tonel.9967]

@@merphynapier42 The flaws in the Harry Potter-characters are the reason I love them, so of course! :)

[@TheBrookerFamily]

I am reading the series for the first time, and just got through Order of the Phoenix. I hated that the book ended without Umbridge being held accountable for her actions. Being left in the forest wasn't enough for me. 😆

[@jackwriter1908]

There is actually this theory I heard about that Snape only got a semi redemntion arc, because Rowling wanted desperatly for Alan Rickman to play Snape, but Rickman denied the role, because he had no interest to play another one dimensional villain. So Rowling talked with him about Snape "revealing" to Rickman that Snape is actually good. But only after that talk Snape became a litter less of a jerk in the books until it was revealed that he was a good guy. So the theory basically says that Rowling came up with Snapes love for Lily and all that stuff to comvince Rickman to take the role.

[@PopularShortsOcean]

12:28 I was expecting a "he's going to work his longbottom off" hhahaa

[@whitgreuber]

On the Molly's bogart, I'd say she had a bit of ptsd with her side of the family. I think it was her brother, was killed by deatheaters, and in the last book she gives his watch to Harry. Neville got a really raw deal too. His parents there, but gone really, how publicized it all was, and Snape always being horrible to him. I can't remember where I heard it but it really struck me when they said Snapes hatred of Neville could have steamed from him hating him for not being the chosen one. If Voldemort had gone after Neville, probably what Snape assumed, 2 dark wizard catchers and pure bloods, then Lily would have still been safe.

[@i_am_stephan]

I'm rereading he series at the moment and every time I finish one of the books I make sure to come check the videos you made about them!

[@krypto1390]

Order of the Phoenix is actually my favorite book in the series

[@BlackXSunlight]

I don’t blame Hermione at all for the contract. It’s war time, snitches get hexed.

[@grafffuller3265]

Great video review of this book. It has been a while since I reread this series. It may be time to do my own reread. I love this series SO much. Interestingly enough...I came to this series when I was in my 30s. My children started reading them, and I wanted to know what they were reading. I actually didn’t like Harry in the first book because he lied so much. My wife (who had read them first) gently explained to me...that I was raised in.a nurturing environment, Harry was not. So, a lot of his manifestations of poor character choices stem from his poor home environment. Then, seeing that the book (series) had layered characters (not just black and white), I really grew to love it. Thanks for your insightful thoughts on this book.

[@carlmarx7855]

I love the conversations in this comment section!!

[@moncala7787]

The thing with Sirius is when he looks at Harry he doesn’t really see Harry he sees James.

[@jelielm.8103]

Order of the Phoenix (And goblet of fire) is one of my top favorites of the series simply because of how immersive it is. J.K. Rowling was smart on putting a bunch of useless scenes of them just hanging out and going to class and etc in this book, because by the time the reader gets here, to book five, he/she is already in love with the world/Hogwarts and reading about simple scenes that makes you feel like you're inside the book with them is so great