A Peck of Owls

Harry is absolutely amazed that strange old Mrs. Figg has anything to do with the wizarding world at all. In fact, he is completely shocked that she even knows what a “dementor” is.

Mrs. Figg finally admits to Harry that she is “a Squib,” which is a person born to a wizarding family who is unable to do magic. It is Albus Dumbledore himself who asked Mrs. Figg to watch over Harry. Unfortunately, Mundungus Fletcher has left his post for the night.

Mundungus returns and Mrs. Figg yells at him furiously for leaving his post and putting Harry Potter in danger. This whole exchange makes Harry even more angry. A screaming match ensues. Not only does Harry not know anything about Voldemort’s doings, but he also didn’t know that Albus Dumbledore was having him followed.

Harry finally takes Dudley back to Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. Of course Harry is blamed for Dudley’s delirium. As Harry and the Dursleys yell back and forth, an owl arrives carrying a message for Harry: Harry has performed magic while under age, is expelled from Hogwarts, and will have his wand destroyed momentarily.

As Harry panics and tries to leave, another owl arrives. This one is from Arthur Weasley (Ron Weasley’s father) and demands that Harry stay at the Dursleys, refrain from doing more magic, and not give up his wand to anyone.

A third owl arrives as well. The message from this final owl reveals that Harry’s expulsion from Hogwarts will depend on the outcome of a hearing at the Ministry of Magic on August 12.

Harry begrudgingly complies with Arthur Weasley’s request to stay at the Dursley’s house. A second screaming match ensues between Harry and the Dursleys. Because of Uncle Vernon’s repeated abusive requests for information, Harry finally tells him that Voldemort has returned.

Uncle Vernon knows that Voldemort killed Harry’s parents and sent creatures after Dudley (which is the reason why Uncle Vernon’s son is curled up in a fetal position and in a delirious state). To protect Aunt Petunia and Dudley, Uncle Vernon wants to throw Harry out on the street.

At that very moment, Aunt Petunia receives a special letter via owl called a “Howler” that says “REMEMBER MY LAST, PETUNIA.” Petunia, after looking “as though she might faint,” demands that Harry stay in his room and go to bed. Harry begs for more information, but the Dursleys will have none of it.