How we cite our quotes: (chapter.paragraph)
Quote #7
"I don't think you should be an Auror, Harry," said Luna unexpectedly. Everybody looked at her. "The Aurors are part of the Rotfang Conspiracy, I thought everyone knew that. They're working to bring down the Ministry of Magic from within using a combination of Dark Magic and gum disease."
Oh, Luna. A party is never boring if you are around. Here, we get an interesting glimpse into the idea of truth-telling. After witnessing the Ministry of Magic arrest people in order to deceive the community into believing they're winning the war against Voldemort, Luna presents an even more extreme version of truth. Luna's conspiracy-loving cautiousness seems ridiculous at first, but also makes us think twice about what we know for sure and about what Harry knows for sure. Her dedication to seeing beyond the surface makes us perk up and pay closer attention to what "truth" is and means in the world of this story.
Quote #8
"Well, of course, to you it will matter enormously," said Scrimgeour with a laugh. "But to the Wizarding community at large…it's all perception, isn't it? It's what people believe that's important." (16.189)
Whoa, whoa, whoa. This Scrimgeour dude is really a fan of "perception," which, might we add, conveniently rhymes with "deception." We know he has fought Dark Magic and Dark wizards all of his life, so why is he having such a hard time with Voldemort? What gives, Scrimgeour?
Quote #9
"If you were to be seen popping in and out of the Ministry from time to time, for instance, that would give the right impression. And of course, while you were there, you would have ample opportunity to speak to Gawain Robards, my successor as Head of the Auror office. Dolores Umbridge has told me that you cherish an ambition to become an Auror. Well, that could be arranged very easily…" (16.194).
Hold the phone, is Scrimgeour trying to bribe Harry Potter? This guy is crazy. Here he goes again talking about "the right impression." Does the Minister of Magic care about the reality or the truth of what is going on? Why is he talking to Harry Potter rather than working on figuring out how to defeat Voldemort's army? We somehow get the feeling that this guy hasn't finished manipulating Harry. Something tells us he is desperate to get Harry on the Ministry's side. But, that's just the Luna Lovegood conspiracy theorist in us.