The Ministry of Magic Order on Dementors Patrolling Hogsmeade (Book 3)
The overreaction and recklessness of the Ministry of Magic is apparent in this order that appeared in the streets of Hogsmeade shortly before Christmas in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Chapter 10). This is the first taste of Rowling's theme of official incompetence hiding behind a mask of authority which is developed further in Books 4, 5, and 6.
However, unlike the official notices posted by Dolores Umbridge in Book 5 (see the order banning student organisations), which are couched in the oppressive language of unchallengeable authority (school authorities are in a position to directly order students around), this notice adopts the somewhat more polite language of a 'friendly reminder' from the authorities to the general public. This difference is particularly noticeable in the Japanese version.
English
BY ORDER OF THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC Customers are reminded that until further notice, Dementors will be patrolling the streets of Hogsmeade every night after sundown. This measure has been put in place for the safety of Hogsmeade residents and will be lifted upon the capture of Sirius Black. It is therefore advisable that you complete your shopping well before nightfall. Merry Christmas! |
Simplified Chinese (China)
奉魔法部命令 顾客注意：在另有通知之前，摄魂怪将于每天日落后在霍格莫德街道上巡逻。此举纯为霍格莫德居民之安全而设，一俟小天狼星布莱克再度被捉拿归案即予取消。望顾客于傍晚之前采购完毕是幸。 圣诞快乐！ |
Traditional Chinese (Taiwan)
奉魔法部命令 在此提醒消費者注意，在新的公告發佈之前，崔狂魔將會於每天日落後，開始巡邏活米村街道。這項措施是爲了維護活米村居民們的安全，並將於重新捕獲天狼星 布萊克之後宣告解除。因此我們在此恭請各位於天黑前採購完畢。 聖誕快樂！ |
Japanese
魔法省よりのお達し お客様へ 先般お知らせいたしましたように 、日没後、ホグズミードの街路には毎晩ディメンターのパトロールが入ります。この措置はホグズミード住人の安全のためにとられたものであり、シリウス・ブラックが逮捕されるまで続きます。お客様におかれましては、買い物を暗くならないうちにお済ませくださいますようお進めいたします。 メリー・クリスマス！ |
Vietnamese
THEO LỆNH CỦA BỘ PHÁP THUẬT Khách hàng được nhắc nhở rằng, cho đến khi có thông báo mới, thì các viên giám ngục Azkaban sẽ tuần hành trên đường phố làng Hogsmeade mỗi tối sau khi mặt trời lặn. Biện pháp này được đặt ra vì sự an toàn của cư dân Hogsmeade và sẽ được bãi bỏ khi bắt được Sirius Black. Vì vậy xin khuyến cáo quí khách nên hoàn tất chuyện mua sắm trước khi trời sụp tối. Chúc quí khách Giáng sinh hạnh phúc. |
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