The "Boy Who Lived" and a fifth-year student at Hogwarts who is struggling with feelings of isolation, anger, and trauma following Voldemort's return. He feels abandoned by his friends and mentors while stuck at his aunt and uncle’s house during the summer.

Harry's loyal best friend and a Gryffindor prefect who has spent his summer at the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. He is anxious to reunite with Harry but has been strictly forbidden by Dumbledore from sharing specific news in his letters.

Harry's brilliant, Muggle-born best friend who has also been named a Gryffindor prefect. She is staying with the Weasleys at the Order's headquarters and is deeply concerned about Harry's emotional state and the Ministry's interference at Hogwarts.

Harry's godfather and an escaped convict who is innocent of the crimes he is accused of. He has offered his family's ancestral home to serve as the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix but feels trapped and useless because he cannot leave the house without risking capture.

The Headmaster of Hogwarts and the leader of the reinstated Order of the Phoenix. Despite previously being a mentor to Harry, he has inexplicably distanced himself and refuses to make eye contact or speak directly to Harry.

The Dark Lord who has recently regained his physical body and is operating in secrecy to rebuild his army of Death Eaters. Because the Ministry of Magic refuses to acknowledge his return, he is able to gather power while the wizarding community remains in denial.

Ron's younger sister and a talented witch who has grown significantly more confident and outspoken. She becomes a key member of the student resistance group Harry forms and often provides a voice of reason to him.

A high-ranking Ministry of Magic official with a falsely sweet demeanor who is appointed as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. She refuses to teach practical magic and acts as the Ministry's spy to police the students and staff at Hogwarts.

An eccentric and dreamy Ravenclaw student who is introduced as an outcast due to her strange beliefs and odd behavior. She becomes a steadfast ally to Harry, believing his account of Voldemort's return when few others do.

A clumsy and often timid Gryffindor student who begins to find his footing and confidence during his fifth year. He remains a loyal friend to Harry and is deeply affected by the news of the Death Eaters' activities due to his own parents' tragic past.