Umbridge treats the Centaurs poorly, insulting their intelligence and
traditions, but the Centaurs refuse to accept this kind of treatment
and challenge Umbridge’s rash demands—something the bullied Hogwarts
students are unable to do. The Centaurs, unlike the students, aren’t
cowed into submission by the power of Umbridge’s credentials.
Since the Centaurs operate by their own rules and don’t respond
to any lone governing body, such as the Ministry of Magic, Umbridge’s
credentials and titles are meaningless to them. Instead, the Centaurs
have established their own system of justice, which seems to change
depending on the circumstances. When Harry and Hermione were in
the woods with Hagrid, for example, the Centaurs left them alone,
deeming them “innocents.” Now, even though only a few weeks have
passed, they find Harry and Hermione suddenly too old to be shielded
by childhood. The Centaurs’ rules are pliable, but cruelty generally
begets cruelty, and Umbridge is finally, rightfully punished for
her arrogance and presumptiveness. Umbridge has brought so much unhappiness
over so many months, but it takes the Centaurs only a few moments
to dispense with her.
Harry’s desperation to be successful in his search for
Sirius leads him to make several foolish errors and reveals the
depth of Harry’s devotion. Harry never fully considers Hermione’s
warning that Voldemort may be luring Harry into a trap, and he doesn’t
stop to figure out why it’s so urgent for him to learn Occlumency.
Having been through dangerous adventures before, Harry should, at
the very least, suspect Occlumency is important for a reason and
that this whole rescue of Sirius might be a hoax or a trap. Despite
Harry’s past experiences, he allows himself to be driven not by
logic but by fear. He believes Sirius is in grave, immediate danger,
and this fear overshadows rational thought. Though Harry’s friends
may realize they should stop and consider possibilities, they, too,
are propelled forward by Harry’s urgency.
