_BlackJack_

In the fifth novel the Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge is convinced that Albus Dumbledore is trying to take over the Ministry. He, thus, develops a paranoia which enforces his decision to find prove against Dumbledore and imprison him. Harry and some other students start a secret society called Dumbledor’s Army in which they learn to use defensive spells without Dumbledore’s knowledge. When one of the members of this group comes forward to report their actions to Fudge, postules appear on her face which she is trying to hide from the Minister:

“’Well, come on, now, dear, look up, don’t be shy, let’s hear what you’ve got to – galloping gargoyles!’ As Marietta raised her head, Fudge leapt backwards in shock, nearly landing himself in the fire.”[1]

The exclamation ‘galloping gargoyles’ is added to the already existing ‘gulping gargoyles’. Once again this expression is used to mimic the reaction of the speaker. Gallop is defined as “to run rapidly by leaps”[2] and as already mentioned in the book Fudge’s reaction is to leap backwards as quickly as possible. In this magical world gargoyles might be able to move some of their body parts like their heads and arms but they are rooted to the spot and could not gallop away. ‘Galloping gargoyles’ is, thus, an antithesis.

— Великолепно, просто великолепно! — с восхищением сказал Фадж. — Дочурка вся в мать, а? Ну, поди сюда, милочка, взгляни на меня, не смущайся, давай послушаем, что ты можешь… Ах, разорви меня горгулья!