Lee Jordan: Unappreciated Hero
One of the greatest parts of Harry Potter is how J.K. Rowling crafts complex characters across her world, weaving sub-plots and storylines for even minor or side characters. This is what makes her world so rich in detail and the experience of re-reading an absolute pleasure. Heroes are found in all shapes and sizes, shining in the spotlight or hiding beneath our noses, their true worth not yet discovered. Here’s why Lee Jordan fits right in with the heroes of the story – and a look at his bravery and his message to never be afraid of speaking out for what is right.
1. Calling Out in Quidditch
Lee’s Quidditch commentaries often bring some much-appreciated, light-hearted humor into the mix. His “call-it-as-I-see-it” attitude and Minerva McGonagall’s often outraged reactions form a comedic duo that we all enjoy. But at the heart of it, Lee is willing to publicly call out foul play and fight his own small-scale battle for fairness in a competitive and often vicious sport. Even in these small acts, we can see Lee Jordan’s heroic qualities start to shine through.
‘So after that obvious and disgusting bit of cheating–’
‘Jordan!’ growled Professor McGonagall.
‘I mean, after that open and revolting foul–’
‘Jordan, I’m warning you–’
‘All right, all right. Flint nearly kills the Gryffindor Seeker, which could happen to anyone, I’m sure.” (SS 188)
2. Carrying on the Campaigns
The Weasley twins earned legendary status at Hogwarts from their fight against Umbridge, aided by an amazing stock of fireworks and a portable swamp. But what is less remembered is how Lee continues the fight after they’ve gone. Nifflers through one’s window may not seem like the revenge of the century, but they certainly keep Umbridge on her toes, letting her know that there will always be strong resistance against her and her ilk at Hogwarts.
Someone’s put another Niffler in Umbridge’s office, I don’t know how they got it through that new door, but I just walked past there and Umbridge is shrieking her head off – by the sound of it, it tried to take a chunk out of her leg –” (OotP 715)
3. Inspiring with Potterwatch
How can we talk about Lee Jordan and neglect perhaps his most important contribution across the series? Potterwatch, the illicit radio station during Voldemort’s reign, brings hope and humor back to those living in constant fear for their lives. That’s not to mention that it cuts through the misinformation and propaganda campaigns of the Daily Prophet and Ministry of Magic, bringing the wizarding community news about their friends, family members, and the continued attempts to bring Voldemort and his Death Eaters down. Lee, along with other members of the Order of the Phoenix and the DA, put their lives at constant risk, broadcasting under existing radio waves and moving from place to place as they keep one step ahead of pursuing Death Eaters. At a time when silence and uncertainty were dominating the wizarding world, Lee Jordan’s program illuminated their reality and encouraged them all to remain compassionate, determined and vigilant.
Listeners, that brings us to the end of another Potterwatch. We don’t know when it will be possible to broadcast again, but you can be sure we shall be back. Keep twiddling those dials: The next password will be ‘Mad-Eye.’ Keep each other safe: Keep faith. Goodnight.” (DH 444)
Lee Jordan is an all-around hero when you consider his exploits throughout the series – and seeing as we see so little of his life, we can only assume that they only touch on who he is as a character. Lee teaches us that to speak out against tyranny and the problems of our world is such an important attribute to have – and that a little humor never hurt either!
