Letter from the Dais
Dear Delegates,
It is our pleasure to welcome you all to the wonderfully magical Wizarding world of Harry Potter otherwise known as Security Council Simulation at Yale 2017 for what should be a great committee full of nostalgia, magic and creativity. Growing up with Harry Potter, each of us are excited to finally be able bring the books and movies to life.
Without further ado, here are your chairs:
My name is Joyce Ho and I am a sophomore in Ezra Stiles college. I am particularly excited about chairing this Harry Potter specialized committee because it merges my childhood love for Harry Potter with Model UN and debate. Outside of YIRA, I like to be involved with as much activities related to social justice as possible, such as the Chinese-American Students Association, the Yale Student Environmental Coalition, and grassroots politics. If there are any questions, please free to contact me at joyce.ho@yale.edu! Looking forward to seeing all of you soon!
My name is Zalma Vivanco and I am a sophomore in Ezra Stiles College. Having never been involved with Model UN or YIRA, I am excited to participate in this crisis simulation. Moreover, as I still am an avid Harry Potter fan, chairing this committee will be perfect. My other activities include mentoring and tutoring through the Jones Zimmerman Academic Mentoring Program, and counseling for IvyHurdle. You can reach me anytime at zalma.vivanco@yale.edu. Looking forward to meeting you all!
My name is Jessica Ainooson and I am also sophomore in Ezra Stiles College. While I am excited to combine my love for Harry Potter and Model UN, I am the most excited to work with other college students to create the best Harry Potter simulation! Outside of this conference, I am the Under Secretariat General of Specialized Committees for YMUN. When I’m not in business casual clothes, I can be found dancing with my African Dance Group Dzana or sharing poetry with my spoken word group. Looking forward to seeing your faces this fall, but also feel free to email me at jessica.ainooson@yale.edu!
We look forward to meeting you all in the fall in order to save the wizarding world from darkness! After all, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light...
Best of luck,
Jessica, Joyce and Zalma
Topic History
The Ministry of Magic filled with corrupt officials who refuse to see the truth headed by the ultimate coward Cornelius Fudge. Blood tensions are as high as they were before the First Wizarding World War. Death Eaters terrorizing the wizarding world at large with Hogwarts as one of the few strongholds. The Order of the Phoenix is needed more than ever. However, with the world refusing to believe He Who Must Not Be Named has returned, the Order of Phoenix has been forced to hide in Number 12 Grimmauld Place, the home of Sirius Black. This brave order is tasked with protecting the wizarding world from those who wish to see it destroyed. Our first priority is preventing the rise of the Death Eaters, led by He Must Not Be Named. Though shrouded in secrecy, each of member of the Order of the Phoenix, including our leader Dumbledore and other brave figures such as Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, and Arthur Weasley, will do whatever it takes to protect the Boy Who Lived and save the wizarding world from darkness.
Current Situation
The Order of the Phoenix has a long history. The original Order was a secret society created in the 1970s by Albus Dumbledore. This was before the First Wizarding War. Its goal was to oppose Voldemort when he returned from abroad in order to take over the Ministry of Magic and persecute Muggleborns. Unlike today, the Order worked with the Ministry, playing a crucial role in the war that ended in 1981. A picture of the original order can be seen on the left.
First Wizarding War:
"Imagine that Voldemort's powerful now. You don't know who his supporters are, you don't know who's working for him and who isn't; you know he can control people so that they do terrible things without being able to stop themselves. You're scared for yourself, and your family, and your friends.” - Sirius Black on the First Wizarding War
The First Wizarding War began in 1970 with Death Eaters attacking Muggles and Muggle-borns. During the war, aurors from the Ministry of Magic joined the Order to participate in secret attacks. This led Dumbledore to create a new method of communication for Order members by finding a way to make Patronuses speak. Despite Order efforts, Death Eaters began attacking “blood traitors” including Order members. Fabian and Gideon Prewett, brothers of Molly Weasley, were murdered by 6 Death Eaters led by Antonin Dolohov. The Bones family was destroyed. Caradoc Dearborn disappeared along with countless other brave Order members. Voldemort’s reign came to abrupt end on October 31, 1981 when Voldemort travelled to Godric’s Hollow to kill the Potters. Both Lily and James were killed, but Harry managed to survive the killing curse and become the Boy Who Lived.
After the difficult victory of the First Wizarding War, the Death Eaters did not disappear. Some were caught and sentenced to Azkaban. Others dodged prison like Lucius Malfoy who claimed to only serve He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named under the Imperius Curse. Others still continued to their evil mission; the Lestrange brothers, Bellatrix, and Barty Crouch Jr. attacked the Longbottoms and drove them insane with the Cruciatus Curse.Therefore, Dumbledore and Severus Snape, a spy for the Order, were concerned that Voldemort had not been permanently defeated. In order to protect Harry from his return, Minerva McGonagall, Arabella Figg, and Dedalus Diggle were tasked with keeping safe until he matured. The Order disbanded subsequently due to rising internal pressure without the presence of clear threat with which they could band together behind.
Voldemort’s Return:
Snape and Dumbledore were correct; the war against evil was far from over. On June 24, 1995, He Who Must Not Be Named returned. Barty Crouch Jr, a Death Eater, disguised himself as Alastor Moody. From there, he turned the Triwizard Cup into a portkey transporting Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory to a graveyard. Cedric was killed soon after by Peter Pettigrew who performed a ritual to resurrect Voldemort. Luckily, Harry was able to escape and tell Dumbledore what had happened. The Order reconvened under the new threat and set up headquarters at 12 Grimmauld Place-- the home of Sirius Black.
Important Aspects of This Issue:
The most important part to comprehending this issue is knowing how each element of the situation is a part of a larger narrative. In understanding this larger issue, not only can we have a better grasp on these complicated and convoluted history, but we can also be more informed when predicting the future.
The Potential Revival of Death Eaters
The events that took place at the Triwizard tournament reflect the various entangled alliances, betrayals, and sides that are involved in the matter that have not yet come to light. First and foremost, it raises a major concern for the Order of the Phoenix, the return of previous Death Eaters believed to be dead, contained, or inactive. After the first Wizarding War, it seemed that most death eaters had been subdued. However, it seems that the return of such an inactive and exiled Death Eater such as Barty Crouch Jr not only forebodes the return of more Death Eaters but also their capacity to truly wreak havoc. As was the case with Pettigrew, myths of the past may not be as definitively settled as we thought. A lack of trust and reliability presents a larger problem for the Order which largely operates through clandestine networks. A loss of assuredness and transparency as loyalties to Dumbledore and severances with Voldemort are questioned means that the Order must operate with an even greater sense of caution. The members of Voldemort’s inner circle who have survived may prove to be less reformed than they claim.
Severus Snape and Potential Spies
With the second coming of Voldemort and the revival of the Death Eaters, the Order cannot be sure of anyone’s loyalties. A spy within the Order could compromise future plans and raids. One alleged traitor that is worth noting is Severus Snape whose questionable past as a death-eater may be in conflict with his current position in the Order. While Snape is still trusted by the rest of the Order because Dumbledore trusts him as well, Harry is suspicious of him. This is not only due to the hostile nature of their relationship but also because Harry saw Snape speaking with Karkaroff (another alleged former-death-eater) about the “comeback” of some unknown entity. All in all, all allegiances and credibilities are up for questioning at this point.
The Ministry’s Denial of Voldemort’s Return
While Dumbledore accepted Harry’s account of all that took place during the triwizard tournament, Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, refused to believe that what Harry said was true. First and foremost, Fudge believes that Professor Dumbledore is after is job as Minister of Magic, seeing as many throughout the wizarding world have advocated for his ascension into the position for awhile. Due to Fudge’s own insecurities, he now refuses to listen to Dumbledore’s advice. This is a departure from his former dependence on Dumbledore who was practically an informal advisor to the ministry. The lack of influence that Dumbledore now has over the Ministry makes it harder for the Order to directly impact the Ministry from top-down. This shift in alliance also means that the Order will have to work through members who have lower-level jobs in the Ministry.
Throughout the entire year, there were several indications that could’ve foretold the future, such as the casting of the dark mark during the Quidditch World Cup, Winky, Barty Crouch Sr.’s house-elf being accused of casting said mark, an alleged attack on Alastor aka. Mad-Eye-Moody’s house, etc. It is precisely the unlikelihood for such events to happen, that made these events happen. These aforementioned events can suggest the coming danger of continuing to be blind to very threatening and unbelievable but very real realities.
Dissemination of False News
We have seen that in the past with Rita Skeeter during the Triwizard Tournament, the media has great ability to manipulate the truth and influence public opinion. Since the prolonged end of the First Wizarding War, the Ministry has finally managed to bring the long-yearned for peace to the region. Due to Fudge's own desire to project an image of enduring stability and safety, both the Ministry of Magic and the Daily Prophet, the most prominent news publication of the Wizarding World, have vehemently denied the return of Voldemort. They have also branded Harry, Dumbledore, and other allies as either liars or nutters. Harry's infamous alternative moniker "The Boy Who Lived" was reworked to be dubbed "The Boy Who Lies." The widely propagated and contentious headlines are more than a mere nuisance for the Order. They distract from real issues, allowing the Death Eaters to move more swiftly and less prudently. Considering that public opinion is under the sway of the prejudiced media, this also makes it even harder for the Order and Harry himself to garner support from skeptics.
Protecting the Boy Who Lived
Harry Potter’s claim to fame has always been that he was the boy who evaded Voldemort and the allegedly inescapable “killing” curse. During the peak of Voldemort’s reign of terror, there was a prophecy made by Sybil Trelawney to Professor Dumbledore at the Hog’s Head Pub about the ultimate decline of thee Dark One. While the specifics of the prophecy are not known, there was a supposed spy at the pub that night who heard parts of prophecy and reported it to Lord Voldemort. What Voldemort knew was that the boy who could potentially defeat him would be born in the July to parents who have “defied” him three times. Voldemort thought that it was Harry to whom the prophecy referred. Thus, Lord Voldemort showed up at the Potter home, intending to kill the Potter family. While he was successful in killing the parents, Harry’s mother, Lily’s loving sacrifice in order saved her son. This also gravely incapacitated Lord Voldemort. From this point on, Lord Voldemort was intent on killing Harry Potter, and thereby securing an undisturbed reemergence into power. Accordingly, Professor Dumbledore, who is also aware of the prophecy, took great measures to consistently protect Harry throughout his life: placing Harry with his muggle family, sending him to Hogwarts, and letting him live a somewhat normal childhood. However, as truths of the past are slowly coming into the light, the burden of protecting Harry has extended beyond Professor Dumbledore; the Order must protect Harry from Voldemort and his following. For larger societal reasons, ensuring that Harry lives leaves hope that Harry may someday defeat Lord Voldemort once and for all.
Department of Mysteries
The Department of Mysteries is a classified department within the Ministry of Magic that carries out confidential research with some of the greatest “mysteries” of the world. Very few ministry officials even know about the existence of the department. The workers in this department are called Unspeakables. The Department of Mysteries was established in the late 17th century, prior to the creation of the Ministry of Magic. The department was created during the emergence of the British Empire, when people feared that muggle minds’ were sharper than wizards had imagined. The Department of mysteries has various division including the brain room, the hall of prophecies, the love chamber, the space chamber, and the time room. The most integral chamber to this committee is the Hall of prophecies, where records of prophecies are stored in glass orbs. Only the Keeper of the Hall of Prophecies or the subjects of the individual prophecy can lift the orbs.
When Lord Voldemort failed to kill Harry for the third time during the Triwizard tournament, he became determined to hear the full prophecy in order to know how to defeat Harry. There had been multiple attempts to break-ins to the Department of Mysteries. Sturgis Podmore had once been placed under the Imperius Curse to attempt to steal the prophecy, but was arrested trying to. Lucius Malfoy also placed Broderick Bode, an Unspeakable, under the Imperius Curse to force him to steal the prophecy. However, he did not have access because who was not mentioned in the prophecy. As a side effect, Bode was afflicted with a mind-confusing curse.
Why does this topic warrant our attention?
The implications of the revival of Voldemort and his Death Eaters is frighteningly similar to that of the first Wizarding War. Lord Voldemort's primary objective in obtaining such power was to create a new world order where purebloods are in charge, while muggle-borns are completely exterminated or kept in bondage. In terms of actual execution, this could mean countless cruel murders of innocent muggles and defenders of muggles. With regard to actual wizards, Voldemort's revival could intimate the return of the torture and murders of muggle-born wizards and witches as well as Blood Traitors (Purebloods who married non Purebloods).
The comeback of Lord Voldemort may also suggest rising antagonisms with other species of magical beings. Similar to muggleborns, Death Eaters have also been known to ruthlessly treat magical beings such as house elves and goblins like vermin. Death Eaters have previously collaborated with violent and uncontrollable species such as werewolves and mountain trolls. Working in tandem with the Dark Lord, these animals are given the permission to recklessly destruct, kill, and attack whomever they please, so as long as they are not a Death-Eater as well.
The potential revival or Lord Voldemort also means that the Ministry of Magic may fall under the direct control of Death Eaters or employees being controlled by Death Eaters under the Imperius curse. This means that the Dark Side can inconspicuously bring about an entire reign of terror under the pretense of the official administration. The Imperius Curse is one of the Death Eaters’ most powerful tool as it allows them to control key and trustworthy figures in other networks beyond their own. As seen with Barty Crouch Sr., with the Imperius Curse, Death Eaters’ can expand their influence, destabilize the government, and execute their own plans efficiently through trustworthy agents.
The return of Lord Voldemort and his supporters have significant consequences not only for the Order but society as a whole. According to Remus Lupin, at the height of the Wizarding War, “The last time Voldemort had power he almost destroyed everything we hold most dear.” That is also what is at stake again --all that we hold most dear.
What has happened related to this topic within the last 6 months?
When Harry returned from the graveyard at the end of the Triwizard Tournament, clutching the body of Cedric Diggory and claiming that He Who Must Not Be Named had returned, people were not sure what to believe. No one had seen what happened. No one wanted to believe it could be true. Above all, Cornelius Fudge did not want it to be true. Fear had already once gripped the wizarding world, and he refused to accept that history was repeating itself under his jurisdiction. Consequently, the Daily Prophet, calls Harry “The Boy Who Lies” and “Plotter”, convincing the majority of the wizarding world that the his claim was absolutely absurd. Of course, Dumbledore knows better and reconvenes the Order of Phoenix. Lastly, even though most of the wizarding world was in denial in the beginning, once people start disappearing and dark incidents take place, most realize that it can be the work of no one but He Who Must Not Be Named. Most recently, there was a mass breakout from Azkaban, where several high profile prisoners, including Bellatrix Lestrange, escaped. The Order knows Voldemort was behind it and it is now up to them to figure out what his next move is.
How are such events and developments relevant to potential solutions and crises?
Unfortunately, with He Who Must Not Be Named at large again, there are many opportunities for potential crises and solutions. Death Eaters are running amuck, harming innocent people and evoking fear and panic. The situation will get worse before it gets better, and the Order will need to confront the Death Eaters for it to do so. With the Ministry in the hands of Fudge, it would be quite easy for the Death Eaters to take control. If the Ministry were to lose control, there would be a power vacuum and the consequences could be disastrous. The Order will need to go above and beyond to stop the dark forces. The last time this happened, Order members were targeted and many extraordinary wizards and witches were killed. No one could see an end to all the turmoil. Last time, Harry Potter was the solution. This time, it is up to the Order to find one.
Portfolio Powers
Chairs will be playing the role of Albus Dumbledore, the founder of the Order of the Phoenix and one of the strongest magic beings the wizarding world has ever seen.
Sirius Black
Role: Harry Potter’s godfather who is dog Animagus and former Marauder
Description: Sirius Black is the only person to escape Azkaban unassisted after 12 years in the prison after being framed by his once close friend Peter Pettigrew. As Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black is personally invested in Harry’s safety maybe more than defeating Voldemort, but he is also hellbent on getting revenge on Peter Pettigrew, leading to reckless behavior.
Portfolio Powers: As unregistered Animagus, Sirius can often use his form of black dog as a disguise and a great asset for information gathering. In addition, Sirius is talented in non-verbal magic, dueling, and even has some talent in healing magic. In addition, Sirius has a talent for Magical Creatures as seen in his interaction with Buckbeak. Though he is not an Auror, Sirius is a great tactical thinker, making a key player in the war against Voldemort.
Kingsley Shacklebolt
Role: Auror of the Ministry of Magic
Description: As an Auror, Shacklebolt shared information about Ministry’s movements with the Order. In addition, he also slowed efforts to track down Sirius Black, an invaluable gift for the Order. Shacklebolt, unlike many pureblood wizards, has mastered interacting with Muggles.
Portfolio Powers: Shacklebolt has strong magic abilities including apparition and flying; he is a strong duelist. He also has the ability to modify memory, a rare skill that could be helpful in keeping Order secrets. His skill in blending into the Muggle world could also be useful in the upcoming war.
Nymphadora Tonks
Role: Auror of the Ministry of Magic and Metamorphmagus
Description: Tonks graduated Hogwarts the same year as Charlie Weasley and immediately joined the Aurors, training under Mad-Eye Moody. As a half-blood and a metamorphmagus, she has a personal stake in the war ahead.
Portfolio Powers: Tonks is a talented wizard in both offensive and defensive; she can also summon a Patronus which can useful in defeating Dementors and communicating with other Order members. As a metamorphmagus, Tonks can easily change her experience making her the perfect witch for espionage. In addition to these talents, Tonks is a great detective making a great Auror and a great asset to the Order of the Phoenix. Her apparaton skills could also be useful for getting out of sticky situations.
Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody
Role: Auror of the Ministry of Magic
Description: Moody became a member of the second Order after he was kidnapped Barty Crouch Jr. who disguised himself as Moody. Always cautious and paranoid, Moody has been a great asset in the War. Throughout his time as an Auror, he has arrested numerous dark wizards, even sacrificing his eye, a leg, and part of nose.
Portfolio Powers: Moody is hailed as one of the best Aurors of all time, talented in defensive and offensive magic. He has the ability to cast protective enchantments so strong that not even Voldemort is able to penetrate them. Moody was also skilled at nonverbal magic and able to perform the Disillusionment Charm allowing to complete many covert operations. He also owns numerous items that could be helpful to the Order including Magical Eye, Secrecy Sensor, and Foe-Glass.
Bill Weasley
Role: Curse Breaker for Gringotts Wizarding Bank
Description: Having left to work in Egypt immediately after graduation, Bill has only just returned to England. Though born to pure blood family, much like the rest of family, Bill has always stood in the defence of Muggle rights. His stake in the issue is even greater because of his relationship with Fleur Delacour.
Portfolio Powers: As a Curse Breaker, Bill Weasley is highly adept in counter-curses that could be useful in duels, breaking curses on magic items, and entering warded places. Bill also has strong ties with the goblins through his employment at Gringotts along with strong relationships with Hogwart professor having graduated as prefect and Head Boy.
Arthur Weasley
Role: Employee of the Ministry of Magic and Father of the Weasley family
Description: Despite being a pure-blood wizard, Arthur Weasley may be the biggest admirer of Muggles out there. He has worked in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office for years, and has always believed in equality between wizards and muggles alike. One of his duties in the Order includes guarding the Department of Mysteries.
Portfolio Powers: Having worked and tinkered with muggle artifacts for years, Arthur has expansive knowledge on how to modify them to fit one’s need, a prime example being the Ford Anglia he enchanted to fly. He is also an excellent dueller and is proficient with charms, non-verbal magic, and apparition.
Rubeus Hagrid
Role: Gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts
Description: Rubeus Hagrid knows the terror that Voldemort can bring and has opposed the Dark Lord and his followers from a very young age. He joined the original Order of Phoenix and became a trusted member and friend to Albus Dumbledore.
Portfolio Powers: Considering that he’s a half-giant himself, Hagrid is able to manage relations with magical creatures such as giants and centaurs. His experiences with other untamed creatures like giant spiders, dragons, and a three-headed dog, has taught him how to handle them. As Gamekeeper, Hagrid is very knowledgable on the Forbidden Forest and who it inhabits. Though he is prohibited from using magic, his trusty “umbrella” and flying motorcycle have proven to be useful gadgets. Lastly, Hagrid’s size provides him with some protection, as a single spell isn’t usually strong enough to disorient him.
Minerva Mcgonagall
Role: Professor of Transfiguration and Head of Gryffindor at Hogwarts
Description: Minerva Mcgonagall is second in command at Hogwarts and is revered as one of the most powerful and intelligent witches in the wizarding world. She is a strict disciplinarian with an unbreakable moral code. She adored her father who was a muggle, and has stood by them since.
Portfolio Powers: Minerva Mcgonagall is known for his expertise in Transfiguration. She is a registered Animagus, shifting into a cat, ideal for spying and undercover activities. Mcgonagall is also a skillful duellist, especially with Charms and non-verbal magic.
Severus Snape
Role: Professor of Potions and Head of Slytherin at Hogwarts
Description: Since the death of Lily Potter, Severus Snape has been a faithful spy for Dumbledore. He was a member of the original Order, and has been tasked with protecting and guiding Harry as well as remaining in the good graces of Voldemort so as to be able to relay information to the Order.
Portfolio Powers: Snape’s ability to perform occlumency and legilimency is what has enabled him to conceal his mind from Voldemort. He is very knowledgeable in the Dark Arts, but is also a talented potioneer. Snape is a noteworthy duellist, who has a knack for creating spells as well. Apart from Voldemort, he is the only other wizard capable of flying .
Questions to Consider
Despite all the evidence that Voldemort has returned, the Ministry and the general wizarding has denied all the proof. How can the Order get the Ministry to admit the truth which would change public sentiment?
Given the recent set of attacks at the Triwizard tournament and the outbreak of prisoners from Azkaban, security is becoming an increasing priority. How can the Order take measures to prevent random terrorist-like attacks against the general public, including muggles?
Since the Triwizard Tournament, the Order has been on the defensive. How do we strengthen our information gathering on the movements of Death Eaters and even the Ministry without opening ourselves to counter espionage and traitors?
In order to see that Voldemort’s goals do not come into fruition, how can the Order better protect Harry Potter beyond stifling babysitting sessions? How can the Order better connect with Harry Potter in order to ensure that he can better cooperate with the Order?
Hogwarts has always been known as a stable and safe haven in the wizarding world, particularly under the guidance of Albus Dumbledore. However, due to the the Ministry’s increased antagonism with Dumbledore “and his lot,” how can the Order protect Hogwarts from the infiltration of antagonistic enforces but include but may not be limited to Ministry sycophants or even Death eaters?
The Department of Mysteries has recently become of interest to Lord Voldemort. How can the Order better protect the department in order to ensure that Lord Voldemort and his followers do not infiltrate? How or should the Order gain more knowledge about the specifics of the Department of Mysteries in order to better understand Lord Voldemort and his motives?
As the number of Death eaters rise with Voldemort’s return, how can the Order strengthen its own organization in order to be better prepared to deflect their attacks? Is there a way to improve the organization’s internal communication, membership count, decision-making process in order to operate as a more cohesive and efficient unit?
Further Research
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban. London: Bloomsbury, 2014.
"Home - Pottermore". 2017. Pottermore. Accessed August 30 2017. https://www.pottermore.com/.
"Harry Potter Wiki". 2017. Harrypotter.Wikia.Com. Accessed August 30 2017. http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page.
