Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Snape's Occlumency and Battle in the Department of Mysteries
Alright my little wizards and witches, might as well start off with Snape. Since he will be the character readers are most curious about (good or evil?) in Deathly Hallows, we might as well give a little more evidence on his behalf.
If you have not read Half-Blood Prince, you may want to stop reading. That being said, here we go:
1. Occlumency!
Nobody knows what side Snape is playing, though his most recent actions would prove that he is a noble servant to the Dark Lord; that is, if you believe Snape actually killed Dumbledore. Except for mistakes admitted by Dumbledore, the Head of Hogwarts has always been correct in his assumptions. Take for instance Snape, a wizard who Dumbledore used as a spy among the Death Eaters and Voldemort.
The only problem with that assumption is that Snape is gifted in a little trade known as Occlumency. Not only he admits he is one of the best, but so does Lupin and Dumbledore. For those of you who forget, Occlumency not only allows you to invade a person's mind and guess their intentions, but also allows you to keep secrets and hide whether you are lying or not. Voldemort and Dumbledore both have a knack for knowing when they are being lied to (Legilimency), except when it is someone as unemotional as Snape. Below is a snippet take from pp. 530-531:
"Now, Occlumency. As I told you back in your dear godfather's kitchen, this branch of magic seals the mind against magical intrusion and influence."
"And why does Professor Dumbledore think I need it sir?"
Snape looked back at him for a moment and then said contemptuously, "Surely even you could have worked that out by now, Potter? The Dark Lord is highly skilled at Legilimency."
"What's that? Sir?"
"It is the ability to extract feelings and memories from another person's mind."
...
"It is true, however, that those who have mastered Legilimency are able, under certain conditions, to delve into the minds of their victims and to interpret their findings correctly. The Dark Lord, for instance, almost always knows when somebody is lying to him. Only those skilled at Occlumency are able to shut down those feelings and memories that contradict the lie, and so utter falsehoods in the presence without detection."
Working as a spy for possibly both sides, Snape was a master at this. If anything, Occlumency could be the evidence needed to suggest that even Dumbledore was fooled by Snape's loyalties. Since the debate still remains on whether Snape actually fired the Avada Kedavra (could have used a silent spell), it is hard to move onto where his loyalties really lie.
2. Silent Spells
Though we don't get our first lesson on silent spells until Half-Blood Prince, we have seen them used before. Dumbledore uses them on a continual basis, as does the other professors. We also get to see a spell fired silently during the battle in the Department of Mysteries. Hermione gets hit by this same spell.
"Silencio!" cried Hermione, and the man's voice was extinguished. He continued to mouth through the hole in his mask, but no sound came out; he was thrust aside by his fellow.
...
"Well done, Ha -"
But the Death Eater Hermione had just struck dumb made a sudden slashing movement with his wand from which flew a streak of what looked like purple flame. It passed right through Hermione's chest; she gave a tiny "oh!" as though of surprise and then crumpled onto the floor where she lay motionless.
The spell had been fired by Antonin Dolohov and has yet to be given an official name. Judging by Hermione's reaction to it, the spell causes serious internal injury. It is possible that the spell could be weakened through lack of vocal command, meaning it could also be fatal if spoken aloud. Dolohov, however, uses this spell later on and, though he has his voice, again does it silently.
3. Blow Shit Up
One of the best parts to Order of the Phoenix will be the final battle that takes place in the Department of Mysteries. Not only will we get to see all sorts of spells being fired (each with different effect), but JK Rowling has no problem blowing shit up. As the scene is detailed, one would have to assume a director like Michael Bay would salivate for a chance to helm this battle sequence. Everything gets blown up including furniture, doors and concrete.
So completes the final three items that stood out as I finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Feel free to check out my opening impressions as well.
Stay tuned for more (Potter) updates.
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