Warning: Official policy states that no spoiler tags should exist on recap pages. Read at your own risk.
An Interesting Start of Term
School begins again, and on the train, Ginny leads everyone in rescuing Luna Lovegood from bullies, which quickly draws Luna into their circle. The Sorting Hat sends her to Gryffindor, as agreed, although it seems unenthusiastic. Harry also brings her into their exercises and Occlumency practice, although he is surprised to discover that her mind is already almost unreadable because of its unusual structure.
Professor Lockhart remains as incompetent as ever (though Harry and his friends are much better able to cope with the Cornish pixies), but also pulls Harry aside for a discussion about managing his fame. Harry turns down his offered help in disgust, but is able to use the conversation to help in convincing Hermione that Lockhart is a fraud.
- Cargo Envy: Harry sees Ginny stroking Crookshanks on her lap and is momentarily jealous of the cat.
- Psychic Static: Harry can enter Luna's mind, but all the images and associations are so mixed up that he gets nothing except a headache. His conclusion is that "Either she's a genius or a functioning schizophrenic. Either way she's difficult to read."
- Spit Take: Luna speculates on whether Professor McGonagall gets hairballs in cat form — while Ron is drinking juice. Hermione, who was in Ron's firing line, is not amused.
