HP moment #2: A Very Weasley Withdrawal

The following is #2 in a series of blog posts counting down my ten favorite Harry Potter moments leading up to the release of Deathly Hallows, pt. 2 this Friday.
 
I can't get enough of students sticking it to Umbridge. Somebody could psycho-analyze my displeasure with her, I'm sure. There are just those cathartic moments in life that anybody can relate to regardless of whether they are intimately involved or not. For me, the most cathartic moment in the series is absolutely, undoubtedly the Weasley twins exit from Hogwarts.

It's one thing to leave; it's quite another to put on a show on your way out. It's the difference between the retirements of Brett Favre and Shaq. One was awkward (especially by the third time); the other was just plain fun. The Weasleys are always fun--even when George loses his ear. They stand in contrast to a world that is sometimes too serious. The way they leave Hogwarts stands in such stark contrast to the rest of Order of the Phoenix. It was such a breath of relief for those of us stuck with a frustrating, teenage Harry, and a Hogwarts whose magic was being restrained--quite literally--by Umbridge and the Ministry.

When Hogwarts is at its worst the twins are at their best. Always mischievous yet always faithful, Fred and George might not be the deepest characters Rowling crafts but they may be the most entertaining. The swamp they leave behind is the most appropriate bit of magic, the teachers' non-reaction priceless. Umbridge tries desperately to keep order, but when the dam breaks it comes in force. It makes sense finally that it is the Weasleys--who else?

Levity is one of Rowling's strongest gifts. During Dumbledore's funeral Harry can't help but remember some of the sillier times in his life. He wonders what's wrong with him. The answer, according to Rowling, is nothing. If you can laugh at fear--like a boggart--it has no power over you. When Fred dies it is symbolic in part because laughter is not immune to evil, but it does triumph over it.