OotP: Sneaks and Spies

[Richard Thorp]

No: HPFGUIDX 64861

Message: 21
   Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2003 21:22:37 -0700
   From: "Wendy St John" <hebrideanblack at earthlink.net>
Subject: RE: OotP: Sneaks and Spies

> The one about whom I'm wondering is McGonagall - she's not mentioned as?
> being in the photo. Later, Harry and Co. certainly consider her to be a
> member of the Order, but is there actually any reference the book that
> states she is? In previous books, I found her absence at key moments as
> being rather conspicuous (for example, when Dumbledore sends her on a task
> before Sirius reveals himself). Is she actually a member of the Order, or
> are we just assuming she is because of her brilliant defiance of Umbridge?
> I've only read the book through once, so I'll be looking for this on my
> second go, unless someone else can remember specifically a place where
> Dumbledore acknowledges her as an actual member of the Order.

I think McGonnagall not being in the Order is for the protection of
the school - she is the strongest teacher there after DD, and if DD
was to be removed (by the MoM or whoever), then it'd be sensible to
have a good, strong candidate to take over from him. All in all this
was a bit of a bad plan as Umbrage turned up and usurped it all
(though DD did make one of the coolest scenes I've read :). My reading
would be that McGonnagall will be in the Order by book 6, as there is
no need for the Order to hide anymore, with the Ministry acknowledging
the truth.

-Rich
msn: obbles at hotmail.com