Cue No. 9

As Aunt Muriel begins talking about the Dumbledores and associated rumors in the press, the Rita Skeeter theme enters in quiet pizzicato strings underneath. The theme is then answered in the clarinet, a faint memory of the reporter from Goblet of Fire. Changing minor chords move around under rising violins. A Fawkes B Theme plays inside the texture as the conversation turns to Dumbledore’s faults. The music holds for a moment, then more string chords continue as the oboe laments the apparent smearing of Dumbledore’s name with another Fawkes B. One last Rita theme plays in the bassoon, almost reluctant to give her any such attention. 

The 3-note motif is heard as transitional material between the topics of Dumbledore, Godric’s Hollow, and the mystery that has just become even more complicated right in front of Harry’s eyes. One last falling Fawkes B theme plays as Murial digs at the topic more, then the Fawkes A theme ends the conversation, emphasizing Harry’s widened perspective on the Dumbledore family. 

Dissonance enters the texture as Harry looks to the sky. Something bright is fast approaching the tent. Upon the Patronus' arrival, it triggers a semi-violent suspended cymbal and crotales, ushering in the choir. The ethereal sounds wander a bit as Kingsley announces to everyone that the Ministry has fallen and “they are coming.” The tempo picks up, timpani thumping faster and faster until the Ministry Theme reflects the panic at the party. Death Eaters arrive almost immediately, and their theme takes over with flurries and accents to bring out the battle that is now taking place. 

The entire sonic landscape changes at the moment Harry, Ron, and Hermione apparate from the Burrow to the middle of London. Insistent rhythmic pulses bring out the urgency they feel as well as the business of the London streets at night. Muted horns hold over this heavily punctuated music as the trio tries to get out of sight. In an alleyway, low strings hold until Hermione reaches into her bag. A small whimsical flourish is played over her entire arm somehow fitting into her small bag, reaching for new clothes for them to change into. Even in these dark times, magic can surprise and delight, much like it did in the first film. Hermione’s theme gets a statement in the strings as she once again proves an invaluable part of the team.