The Battle of Hogwarts

The Battle of Hogwarts collection

hp-f8-piertotem-locomotor-armour-great-hall-web-landscape

Protect Hogwarts and unlock a special Portrait Maker item

web-collection-page-promo-battle-of-hogwarts-unlock

Homepage Tile Unlockable item Shield over Hogwarts background

How would you fight during the Battle of Hogwarts?

WEB-FEATURE-how-would-you-fight-during-the-battle-of-hogwarts

hp-f8-great-hall-battle-hogwarts-mcgonagall-molly-george-fleur-percy-HERO

how-would-you-fight-during-the-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-1

## If you think you’d be a great army general… your Battle of Hogwarts inspiration would be Professor McGonagall 

She was the undisputed Queen of Transfiguration, and Professor Minerva McGonagall certainly used that skill to great effect during the Battle of Hogwarts. In fact, one of the very first things McGonagall did after Harry caught her up on the whole Voldemort-is-coming situation was cast a spell to animate the Hogwarts statues and suits of armour. Then, like a general marshalling her troops, she sent them off to guard the castle, brandishing swords and spiked balls on chains as they clattered and clashed through the corridors. Later, we also witnessed McGonagall shepherding a herd of galloping desks, hair askew as she screamed ‘CHARGE!’, and that is something we won’t forget in a hurry.

Whether in battle or at the front of her classroom, Professor McGonagall was always at the top of the Transfiguration game. You could also say the same of another Hogwarts Transfiguration teacher and Deputy Headmistress, [Professor Matilda Weasley](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/all-the-hogwarts-legacy-characters-we-know-about). Professor Weasley, who taught at Hogwarts in the 1890s, appears in [Hogwarts Legacy](https://www.wizardingworld.com/hogwarts-legacy) – and if you’ve ever fancied yourself as a star Transfiguration student, she might just be the one to help you realise those ambitions. We cannot promise galloping desks, but if you like the idea of turning one thing into something else then Hogwarts Legacy could be your ticket to ride.

## If you’d focus on protection before attack… your Battle of Hogwarts inspiration would be Professor Flitwick

Whilst his fellow teachers readied for battle, Professor Filius Flitwick’s complicated charms focused on layering up Hogwarts’ defences. He might have worked from a distance, but his spells were by no means insignificant. Quite the opposite: when he pointed his wand through the Snape-smashed window and began muttering his complex incantations it was, as Harry noted, as if he had *‘…unleashed the power of the wind into the grounds…’*

And although he understood the importance of defence, Flitwick was also prepared to fight when needed. He was actually the first to attack Snape – also by animating a suit of armour – when he, Sprout and Slughorn discovered McGonagall and Snape mid-duel. Later on in the battle, he duelled Death Eaters with the rest of them and even felled Dolohov, the Azkaban escapee who’d previously murdered Molly Weasley’s brothers. 

But Flitwick's protections were Hogwarts’ first line of defence, and they bought Harry valuable time. So if you, too, are able to think calmly under pressure and focus on the bigger picture, Flitwick would be your battle guide.

HP-F2-chamber-of-secrets-sprout-in-greenhouse-holding-mandrake-up-web-landscape

Professor Sprout is teaching a Herbology class in the greenhouse. She is holding a Mandrake up in the air.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

HP-F2

and the Chamber of Secrets

how-would-you-fight-during-the-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-2

## If you’re a creative thinker (with a love of plants)… your Battle of Hogwarts inspiration would be Professor Sprout

As Professor Pomona Sprout said when Flitwick worried they couldn’t keep Voldemort out for long: *‘…we can hold him up.’*

When McGonagall explained the impending battle situation to her fellow professors, Professor Sprout knew what was what. She didn’t panic or dwell on anxieties but immediately turned her attention towards possible solutions. She also drew on her extensive subject knowledge to identify plants that could be used defensively – Venemous Tentacula, Devil’s Snare, Snargaluff pods. Now that’s someone who knew her subject inside out, and was not afraid to use her knowledge in unexpected ways. 

If you’re also able to think on your feet, and particularly if you’ve ever wanted to throw Venemous Tentacula at an enemy and watch it reel them in, we know a way to channel your inner Professor Sprout. [Hogwarts Legacy](https://www.wizardingworld.com/hogwarts-legacy) allows players to experience the Herbology style of fighting just as Professor Sprout (and Neville) did during the Battle of Hogwarts. You can take down enemies using combat plants including Chinese Chomping Cabbages, Mandrakes, and – yes – Venomous Tentaculas. So put those wands away, get your Herbology thinking hats on, and arm yourself with some of the wizarding world’s best defensive plantlife. 

## If you’d be willing to use whatever tools were at your disposal… your Battle of Hogwarts inspiration would be Professor Trelawney 

Professor Sybill Trelawney’s credentials as a Seer might have been as foggy as the future she attempted to interpret, but her crystal balls did have one clear use: they made great weapons. During the Battle of Hogwarts, Trelawney’s tennis serve of a throw saw her hit Fenrir Greyback squarely on the head, right after Hermione’s spell had blasted him away from Lavender Brown. Knocked out cold by a crystal ball. Nobody saw that one coming, now, did they? 

But desperate times call for desperate measures, and for all her vaguely hysterical and often inaccurate predictions, Trelawney knew when to cut the act and join the action. The fact that she used her precious crystal balls as weapons in order to help defend her home shows she knew where her loyalties were. And if you, too, would use whatever means necessary in defence of something or someone you loved: well, grab a crystal ball.


HP-F8-voldemort-death-eaters-HPDH2-03177rv2

how-would-you-fight-during-the-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-3

## If you’ve ever secretly fancied trying out an Unforgivable Curse… your Battle of Hogwarts inspiration would be the Death Eaters

Look, we’re not judging – at the beginning of the Battle of Hogwarts even Harry tried out an Unforgivable Curse, using Crucio on Amycus Carrow after he spat in McGonagall’s face.


quote-hp7-deathly-hallows-harry-cursing-carrows-got-to-mean-it

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

‘I see what Bellatrix meant,’ said Harry, the blood thundering through his brain, ‘you need to really mean it.’

how-would-you-fight-during-the-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-4

Think you could cast an Unforgivable Curse and really mean it? Get on [Hogwarts Legacy](https://www.wizardingworld.com/hogwarts-legacy) – you can try out curses and all manner of other of Dark Arts-infused spells and charms. Because we get it. Sometimes you’ve just got to try these things for yourself. After all, seeing someone spit in the face of the Queen of Transfiguration herself, for example: well, that would really get our blood boiling.

How your house helped defeat Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts

WEB-FEATURE-how-your-house-helped-defeat-voldemort-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts

HP-F8-web-header-battle-hogwarts

how-your-house-helped-defeat-voldemort-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-1

__Warning! There are some spoilers ahead. If you haven’t read all the Harry Potter books, you might want to turn back now…__

how-your-house-helped-defeat-voldemort-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-2

## Gryffindor
Well, we all know how this house contributed to winning the Battle of Hogwarts… particularly how a certain [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) defeated one of the Darkest wizards of all time. Yes, if it wasn’t for Harry Potter, the wizarding world could have looked rather different – and a lot bleaker. And obviously his two best friends, Ron and Hermione, who fought alongside him, were instrumental in Voldemort’s downfall.

<img align="left" style="padding:10px;" src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5iQ9UAYNO5ndxpDcRVFw2L/edbcb3522acb0ded411a183f2e4d67af/gryffindor-logo-small-transparent.png">

Then you have Neville, who defied Voldemort, drew the [sword of Gryffindor](/fact-file/objects/the-sword-of-gryffindor) and beheaded Nagini – a Horcrux and one of Voldemort’s most cherished companions (as much as Voldemort could cherish something). Then there were the Weasleys, Remus Lupin, Professor McGonagall, the memory of Dumbledore – the list goes on and on. Honestly, if we were to list all the ways that Gryffindor helped to win the Battle of Hogwarts, we would be here all day. Instead, let us tell you about one of our favourite Gryffindor moments. 

How could we talk about the Battle of Hogwarts without mentioning one of its most iconic moments? Molly Weasley, wracked with grief from the death of her son, stood up and defeated Bellatrix while delivering *that* line: ‘NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH’. Her rage and her power in that moment were quite something to behold. This witch, who was easily underestimated, defeated Voldemort’s right-hand woman and proved that you should *never* mess with the [Weasleys](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-weasleys).

how-your-house-helped-defeat-voldemort-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-3

## Hufflepuff
As a house that it is often overlooked, it’s easy to, well, overlook the important role of [Hufflepuff](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hufflepuff) in the Battle of Hogwarts. When the time came to fight, Hufflepuff rose to the challenge – exemplifying their house trait of loyalty. Out of all the houses, only Gryffindor had more students who decided to remain behind at Hogwarts and face the evil before them. While this house did a lot as a whole, there were a couple of individuals who stood out. 

<img align="right" style="padding:10px;" src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6sANCCupOlmaeD1XcWhaD/b5250d0f73e04bc8679d3c9f1b36f85e/hufflepuff-logo-small-transparent.png">

Firstly, you have Nymphadora Tonks. What you need to remember is that Tonks had only recently given birth to her son, Teddy. She had every reason to stay behind and away from danger, but she didn’t. Instead, she chose to set an example for Teddy by doing what she could to ensure that her son grew up in a better world. She may have lost her life that day, but she didn’t go quietly and fought until the bitter end. 

Then you have the Head of Hufflepuff, [Pomona Sprout](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/pomona-sprout). Not once did her loyalty to the school waver. She knew that she wouldn’t be able to stop Voldemort from breaching the walls, but she could slow him and his cronies down with the ways she knew best: using magical plants as weapons, including screaming Mandrakes to boot. Ingenious.

how-your-house-helped-defeat-voldemort-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-4

## Ravenclaw
When it comes to a battle, you need brains as well as brawn to emerge victorious. It’s lucky then that Hogwarts has a house well known for its intelligence and wisdom. And it is even luckier that many of its members decided to stay and face Voldemort. 

<img align="left" style="padding:10px;" src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1gvaijipsSYdTzclxhnJUu/38dc4f8d8ab9eeee472844e56d0b46b6/ravenclaw-logo-small-transparent.png">

One such clever soul was the Head of Ravenclaw, Filius Flitwick. He used his Charms expertise to perform incredibly complex magic to stop Voldemort and his supporters from breaching the walls of Hogwarts for as long as possible. His actions allowed Harry time to try and find the lost diadem of Ravenclaw which contained a piece of Voldemort’s soul. When the Death Eaters did breach the walls of Hogwarts, he used his considerable wit and excellent combat skills to take down the likes of Yaxley and Dolohov – not an easy feat.

Then there was Luna Lovegood. She did so much for Harry and the wizarding world in the Battle of Hogwarts, it’s hard to know where to begin. She was the one who helped Harry find the [diadem](/fact-file/objects/ravenclaws-diadem). She was the one who helped him thwart a pack of Dementors with words of gentle encouragement and her own hare Patronus. And she was the one who knew Harry needed space and time in the aftermath of the battle, and caused a distraction so he could slip away. Without her, Harry would have been lost. 

Finally, it wasn’t just the living members of [Ravenclaw](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/ravenclaw) that played their part on this fateful night – the dead did to. Specifically, Helena Ravenclaw, otherwise known as the [Grey Lady](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/the-grey-lady). She had spent centuries tormented by the regret and shame that came with stealing her mother’s diadem. More recently, she had the regret and shame of telling a certain Tom Riddle about the location of the diadem. But she found redemption at the Battle of Hogwarts, sharing her closely guarded story with Harry which helped move him along the path to defeating Voldemort.

how-your-house-helped-defeat-voldemort-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-5

## Slytherin
Last but by no means least, let’s talk about the way [Slytherin](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/slytherin) contributed to defeating Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts. Obviously, we have to address the elephant in the room first. Yes, the Slytherins were led out of the castle at the beginning of the battle. And yes, Voldemort and most of his Death Eaters were former members of this house… But that doesn’t mean there weren’t those that played an important part in defeating Voldemort. 

<img align="right" style="padding:10px;" src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/20hnoY8PqE1v5bBMfMODhi/70f7d386023952a0a563a76687de1d81/slytherin-logo-small-transparent.png">

First there was Severus Snape. While Voldemort thought he was on his side, it turns out that Severus had secretly been working on bringing an end to Voldemort’s terror for years. When the battle was at its peak, Snape gave Harry the key to unlocking what he needed to end Voldemort once and for all – his memories. Without them, Harry would never have known that he was another of Voldemort’s Horcruxes and that he would have to sacrifice himself to destroy that piece of Voldemort’s soul. Without Snape importing that knowledge, the battle would have had a very different outcome.

Then there is the other Slytherin we think deserves to be called out – [Horace Slughorn](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/horace-slughorn). Yes, he might have left to lead the rest of his house out of Hogwarts… but he came back. When he arrived in Hogsmeade, he didn’t run from the fight, instead he helped to rally the villagers and returned to Hogwarts bringing reinforcements. In fact, he was one of the final three people (alongside Professor McGonagall and [Kingsley Shacklebolt](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/kingsley-shacklebolt)) to duel with Voldemort before his final showdown with Harry. This might appear to be somewhat out of character for Slughorn, who was known to be a little lazy and had perfected the art of running away. However, he had felt genuinely remorseful for telling a young Tom Riddle about Horcruxes and wanted to redeem himself. Fundamentally, he was good person, and that night he became somebody that Slytherin house could be proud to call their own.

Incidentally, it was his actions during the battle that helped to change the wider wizarding world’s perception of Slytherin – which had been unshakeable for hundreds of years. His courage lifted some of the stigma from his house and his portrait now hangs in pride of place in the Slytherin common room.

Some of the most poignant film scenes from the Battle of Hogwarts

WEB-FEATURE-some-of-the-most-poignant-film-scenes-in-the-battle-of-hogwarts

WB-HP-F8-deathly-hallows-hogwarts-shielded

some-of-the-most-poignant-film-scenes-in-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-1

WB-HP-F8-tonks-and-lupin-before-battle-of-hogwarts

some-of-the-most-poignant-film-scenes-in-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-2

One of the casualties of the Battle of Hogwarts that hit the hardest was learning that the newlywed couple Lupin and Tonks didn’t make it to the end. It really felt like the lives of these two Order of the Phoenix members was just beginning, having just had their son, Teddy Lupin, and Harry promising to be godfather. But the battle was cruel and took away as many beloved characters as it did evil ones. This fleeting moment of calm before the storm shows just how strong their union was - after nearly not getting together at all. 

## ‘Always’ 

WB-F8-deathly-hallows-pt2-snape-lily-pensieve

some-of-the-most-poignant-film-scenes-in-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-3

The Battle of Hogwarts is shrouded in darkness and muted colours throughout many of the scenes, so it’s quite a shock to the system to suddenly be plunged into bright colours and pretty greenery. This, of course, is the moment Harry enters the memories of the recently-killed Severus Snape, learning all about his secret love of his mother, Lily, and the allegiance he made with Dumbledore after her death. After seeing Snape portrayed as a villain throughout the Harry Potter stories, this visit into the Pensieve showed us his true colours.

## Luna goes to sit next to Neville  

WB-F8-deathly-hallows-neville-and-luna

some-of-the-most-poignant-film-scenes-in-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-4

Of course, the Harry Potter books and films have many differences, but here was a huge one that surprised fans during the Battle of Hogwarts. Neville’s starring role in the battle saw him deliver an inspiring speech and eventually destroy Nagini, one of Voldemort’s pivotal Horcruxes, but it was his sudden admission that he was crazy about Luna Lovegood that book-readers didn’t see coming. 

Dedicated Potter Fans know all too well the futures of these two characters, with Luna going on to marry Rolf Scamander, Newt’s grandson, and Neville setting up a comfy life with fellow Hogwarts student Hannah Abbott. But we like the idea of Neville and Luna at least going on a date off-screen, after everything they’d been through together. This quiet, gentle moment after the battle was a welcomingly cute scene after so much tragedy.

## Protecting Hogwarts 

some-of-the-most-poignant-film-scenes-in-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-5

With Hogwarts in danger, Professor McGonagall gallantly guards the castle, with the help of several protective charms and her fellow teachers. She even brings the suits of armour to life in a thrilling sequence, her memorable line, ‘I’ve always wanted to use that spell’ bringing a joyous flash of comic relief on Hogwarts’ darkest day.

This beautiful orange, flaming globe that envelops the castle is just one of the stunning special effects we saw in this final film.

As explained in *Harry Potter: Page to Screen*, the visual effects team even created a virtual miniature version of Hogwarts, so they could visually explore the castle further, rather than be confined to the ruined set.

## ‘I open at the close’

WB-HP-F8-deathly-hallows-harry-lupin-sirius-james-lily-forbidden-forest

some-of-the-most-poignant-film-scenes-in-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-6

After discovering that Dumbledore has left him the Resurrection Stone inside his first ever Golden Snitch, Harry uses it to be surrounded by those he has loved and lost. Having the echoes of James, Lily, Lupin and Sirius watching over him as he bravely steps towards his own ending reminded us of just how many hardships Harry had suffered by this point in the story.

## Narcissa Malfoy makes a big decision 

WB-HP-F8-deathly-hallows-narcissa-malfoy-forbidden-forest

some-of-the-most-poignant-film-scenes-in-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-7

Down in the Forbidden Forest, Voldemort (alongside his Death Eaters) finally seems to have cornered Harry and casts the Killing Curse once and for all. However, of all the people to go and check if the deed has been done, it is Narcissa Malfoy, Draco’s mother, who goes to check the body. Of course, Harry is still very much alive, which Narcissa swiftly realises. Nonetheless, she tells Voldemort that Harry is dead anyway. 

Narcissa’s choice to lie to Lord Voldemort caused gasps among book readers and film viewers alike. Upon learning that her son is alive, Narcissa decides that the fate of her family is more important than Voldemort’s victory, despite her family being so intertwined in the Dark Arts for so long. Narcissa’s U-turn is one of many moments that changes the course of events at the Battle of Hogwarts, with Harry now able to take on one final duel with Lord Voldemort, face to face.

## The final showdown

WB-HP-F8-deathly-hallows-harry-duels-voldemort

WB-HP-F8-deathly-hallows-narcissa-malfoy-forbidden-forest-text-section-final

Harry and Lord Voldemort were always bound together ever since Harry was a baby, and every time they faced each other since, Lord Voldemort couldn’t understand that it was love that gave Harry his great power over him. 

In their final duel, the pair relentlessly attack each other in a shower of red and green, with the weight of everything falling on this moment. As Harry says to Lord Voldemort (or “Tom”) himself, “let’s finish this the way we started it – together.”

In *Harry Potter: Page to Screen*, Production Designer Stuart Craig talked about the look the filmmakers were trying to achieve in this scene.

“The final standoff between Voldemort and Harry in the ruined courtyard in front of the school with what is essentially the sun rising behind them and the smoke seen through the walls is so emotionally effective,” he says. “It was a big challenge, but a very enjoyable one.” 

But it is the look of determination on Harry’s face, barely holding on in the final embers of the fight, that just says everything about the long, overbearing struggle this character has had to endure throughout his young life. But in the end, the prophecy about Lord Voldemort turned true.

*Which moment from the Battle of Hogwarts resonated the most with you?*

The smaller heroic moments you may have missed from the Battle of Hogwarts

WEB-FEATURE-smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts

PMARCHIVE-WB F8 Battle of Hogwarts Weasleys McGonagall students Great Hall HPDH2-06525 4CuPOD4NduIOuCsEm4wIwo-b18

WB F8 Battle of Hogwarts Weasleys McGonagall students Great Hall HPDH2-06525

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-1

__If you are re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which of these moments stand out for you?__

PMARCHIVE-WB F8 Order members prepare to fight at Battle of Hogwarts HP72-FP-00434 2XB4jzg3y10YoaYUOV4j6M-b5

WB F8 Order members prepare to fight at Battle of Hogwarts HP72-FP-00434

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-1.5

## The Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws shielding Harry
Harry often worried whether he asked too much from other people – which made this moment all the more significant. To see the majority of the school rally around and shield him from the Slytherins was incredibly poignant. While a lot of these students were too young to join the battle itself, it did demonstrate that they were ultimately ready to stand up for what was right.
>
>Then a figure rose from the Slytherin table and he recognised Pansy Parkinson as she raised a shaking arm and screamed, ‘But he’s there! Potter’s there! Someone grab him!
>
>Before Harry could speak, there was a massive movement. The Gryffindors in front of him had risen and stood facing, not Harry, but the Slytherins. Then the Hufflepuffs stood, and, almost at the same moment, the Ravenclaws, all of them with their backs to Harry, all of them looking towards Pansy instead, and Harry, awe- struck and overwhelmed, saw wands emerging everywhere, pulled from beneath cloaks and from under sleeves.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-2

## Percy apologising to his family and joining the fight
Percy Weasley was not one to easily admit when he was wrong – but he couldn’t have been more wrong about the return of Lord Voldemort. Yet when it came down to it, Percy climbed through that passageway to join the rest of his family and fight. He even gave them a long overdue apology, admitting he was at fault (and a fool). The Weasleys, being a wonderful and loving bunch, accepted him back, no questions asked. We were so pleased he managed to make up with his entire family while they were all still living. 
>
>‘I was a fool!’ Percy roared, so loudly that Lupin nearly dropped his photograph. ‘I was an idiot, I was a pompous prat, I was a – a –’
>
>‘Ministry-loving, family-disowning, power-hungry moron,’ said Fred.
>
>Percy swallowed.
>
>‘Yes, I was!’
>
>‘Well, you can’t say fairer than that,’ said Fred, holding out his hand to Percy.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

WB-HP-F2-chamber-of-secrets-colin-creevey-camera

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-3

## Colin Creevey sneaking back despite being underage 

We should have all realised that Colin would not stay away from Hogwarts when it was being attacked. Having looked up to Harry the entire time he was at school, and as a proud member of Dumbledore’s Army, there was no way that he wouldn’t have stayed to do what he could. Despite the fact he was too young, we reckon he gave the battle everything he had. When he died, we were absolutely devastated. Colin lost his life fighting to help secure a better future for the wizarding world. While his death is only mentioned fleetingly, it doesn’t mean he was any less of a hero.

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-4

## Ron remembering the house-elves

There’s certainly no shortage of heroic Ron moments in the Battle of Hogwarts, but this is one that we believe deserves a little more recognition. In Harry’s time at Hogwarts, we saw that house-elves were often forgotten by the wizarding community – despite all they did for them behind the scenes. It often seemed like Hermione was the only person who really cared about what rights they had. So, it was a very welcome surprise when Ron remembered them and wanted to ensure they were safe. We know Hermione was certainly impressed – if her reaction was anything to go by.
>
>‘Hang on a moment!’ said Ron sharply. ‘We’ve forgotten someone!’
>
>‘Who?’ asked Hermione.
>
>‘The house-elves, they’ll all be down in the kitchen, won’t they?’
>
>‘You mean we ought to get them fighting?’ asked Harry.
>
>‘No,’ said Ron seriously, ‘I mean we should tell them to get out. We don’t want any more Dobbys, do we? We can’t order them to die for us –’
>
>There was a clatter as the Basilisk fangs cascaded out of Hermione’s arms. Running at Ron, she flung them around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

PMARCHIVE-WB F8 Professor Slughorn Argus Filch Voldemort speech HP72-FP-00573 2XB4jzg3y10YoaYUOV4j6M-b9

WB F8 Professor Slughorn Argus Filch Voldemort speech HP72-FP-00573

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-5

## Slughorn facing Voldemort himself
Horace Slughorn really exemplified the Slytherin skill for self-preservation. He didn’t seem to do anything that wouldn’t benefit him, so you’d be forgiven for thinking he might not wish to stick around and risk his life. But he did – and faced Voldemort himself. 
>
>Voldemort was now duelling McGonagall, Slughorn and Kingsley all at once, and there was cold hatred in his face as they wove and ducked around him, unable to finish him
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

Not only were we impressed that he managed to survive a duel with Voldemort, but the fact he went against his very nature to do what was right raised our expectations of Slughorn considerably.

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-6

## Hermione holding it together for Ron and Harry after Fred’s death
Fred’s death was awful and had a major impact on so many characters. It must have felt nigh on impossible for those who loved him to keep fighting through their grief. Both Harry and Ron (understandably) lost focus momentarily and wanted revenge. However, Hermione realised that they didn’t have a choice, they had to keep going, and she needed to be strong for Ron in that moment. She put his needs and feelings before hers and made sure that the three of them remembered the bigger picture. 
>
>‘Harry, in here!’ Hermione screamed.
>
>She had pulled Ron behind a tapestry. They seemed to be wrestling together, and for one mad second Harry thought that they were embracing again; then he saw that Hermione was trying to restrain Ron, to stop him running after Percy.
>‘Listen to me – LISTEN, RON!’
>
>‘I wanna help – I wanna kill Death Eaters –’
>
>His face was contorted, smeared with dust and smoke, and he was shaking with rage and grief.
>
>‘Ron, we’re the only ones who can end it! Please – Ron – we need the snake, we’ve got to kill the snake!’ said Hermione.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

PMARCHIVE-HarryPotter WB F5 DumbledoresArmyGroupImage Promo 080615 Land 12E4fN4cO86YAYeCmOegak

HarryPotter WB F5 DumbledoresArmyGroupImage Promo 080615 Land

Harry and Dumbledore's Army in the Room of Requirement 

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-7

## When Dumbledore’s Army put their skills to the ultimate test 
In the midst of battle when you’ve lost people you have loved (or are unsure of their fate), summoning the strength to cast a Patronus feels pretty inconceivable. When Harry, Ron and Hermione found themselves surrounded by Dementors, it seemed like they were not going to be able to walk away without losing their souls. However, Dumbledore’s Army came to the rescue with some excellent spell work, with Luna becoming the teacher that Harry once was to her. Not only did they save our favourite trio but gave them enough strength and encouragement to continue.
>
>And then a silver hare, a boar and a fox soared past Harry, Ron and Hermione’s heads: the Dementors fell back before the creatures’ approach. Three more people had arrived out of the darkness to stand beside them, their wands outstretched, continuing to cast their Patronuses: Luna, Ernie and Seamus.
>
>‘That’s right,’ said Luna encouragingly, as if they were back in the Room of Requirement and this was simply spell practice for the DA. ‘That’s right, Harry ... come on, think of something happy ...’
>
>‘Something happy?’ he said, his voice cracked.
>
>‘We’re all still here,’ she whispered, ‘we’re still fighting. Come on, now ...’
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-8

## Grawp helping to protect Hogwarts
The majority of the giants may have fought for Voldemort, but Grawp was different. His personality seemed to be more like his half-brother Hagrid’s. While it is unclear whether he understood the reason behind the battle, he still fought for Hogwarts – even though was so much smaller than any of the giants he faced. Grawp demonstrated that not all of his kind were gruesome monsters to be feared, and proved they were capable of so much more. 

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-9

## Ginny comforting an injured student
When Voldemort momentarily called off his attack during the Battle of Hogwarts, it allowed those who were still able to check on the wounded and move the bodies of the dead. It takes a huge amount of bravery to fight, but it also takes courage to reassure and care for those left behind – especially when you are exhausted. Ginny found the strength she needed to do this and demonstrated real compassion when she held the hand of an injured student and comforted her, especially when she probably needed comforting herself.
>
>She was crouching over a girl who was whispering for her mother.
>
>‘It’s all right,’ Ginny was saying. ‘It’s OK. We’re going to get you inside.’
>
>‘But I want to go home,’ whispered the girl. ‘I don’t want to fight any more!’
>
>‘I know,’ said Ginny, and her voice broke. ‘It’s going to be all right.’
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

PMARCHIVE-NarcissaMalfoy WB F8 NarcissaCheckingIfHarryIsDead Still 080615 Land 5jiPr13GRqu4Iu6AQekmgq

NarcissaMalfoy WB F8 NarcissaCheckingIfHarryIsDead Still 080615 Land

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-10

## Narcissa Malfoy not telling Voldemort Harry was alive
Although Narcissa’s motivation was to protect her family rather than go against Voldemort, the courage it took to lie to him can’t be underestimated. The untruth she told him probably saved Harry’s life – and sealed Voldemort’s fate. Ultimately, it demonstrated that family was Narcissa’s real focus, and the love she had for her son outweighed the fear or support she had for Voldemort.

smaller-heroic-moments-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section-11

## Luna causing a distraction so nobody would bother Harry 
When Harry finally defeated Voldemort, unsurprisingly, everybody wanted to be near him to celebrate such a momentous occasion. However, having fought a long hard battle – that really started the moment Voldemort returned a few years before – it was not surprising that Harry was completely drained and overwhelmed. Luna was one of the only people to realise this. She quietly helped Harry out by causing a distraction so he could slip away, and she did it in the most Luna-way possible.
>
>After a while, exhausted and drained, Harry found himself sitting on a bench beside Luna.
>
>‘I’d want some peace and quiet, if it were me,’ she said.
>
>‘I’d love some,’ he replied.
>
>‘I’ll distract them all,’ she said. ‘Use your Cloak.’
>
>And before he could say a word she had cried, ‘Oooh, look, a Blibbering Humdinger!’ and pointed out of the window. Everyone who heard looked around, and Harry slid the Cloak up over himself, and got to his feet.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

The characters that made us proud at the Battle of Hogwarts 

PMARCHIVE-The characters that made us proud at the Battle of Hogwarts 

PMARCHIVE-Hogwarts PM B7C36M1 BigBattleAtHogwarts Moment 3zMynBy1EAG88EI8CEMgK4-b2

Hogwarts PM B7C36M1 BigBattleAtHogwarts Moment

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-characters-that-made-us-proud-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-0

Rest assured, Harry, Ron and Hermione’s involvement in the Battle of Hogwarts goes without saying – and, really, we were proud of all of our Hogwarts favourites during the climactic ending of *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*.

But here’s a closer look at a couple of characters in particular who really prospered in the face of this bloody battle. 

## Ginny Weasley

PMARCHIVE-GinnyWeasley WB F5 GinnyWeasleyPointingWand Still 080615 Land 6F6K9MosOAkm4qG6YwEkoo-b3

GinnyWeasley WB F5 GinnyWeasleyPointingWand Still 080615 Land

Ginny pointing her wand in the Room of Requiremnt 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-characters-that-made-us-proud-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-2

> ‘I can’t go home!’ Ginny shouted, angry tears sparkling in her eyes. ‘My whole family’s here, I can’t stand waiting there alone and not knowing and –’ 
> Her eyes met Harry’s for the first time. 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 

She was told she was too young, she was told to stay safe, but Ginny Weasley was not to be underestimated. Always overprotected due to her age throughout all the Potter books, Ginny grew up to be ferociously stubborn, clever, funny, and an accomplished witch, despite how much her mum tried to keep her away from the darker side of the wizarding world.

In the Battle of Hogwarts, Ginny was still underage, so required to stay out of the conflict. Of course, this didn’t stop her, and she snuck back into the main throng of the fight not before long. While Ginny fought valiantly, she also showed compassion for a crying Hogwarts student, as Harry witnessed under his Invisibility Cloak. Because, of course, kindness for those in distress is just as vital as the battle at hand. 

## Molly Weasley

PMARCHIVE-MollyWeasley WB F8 MollyWeasleyPointingWandFinalBattle Still 080615 Land 2IvTuSEm9OQU6eMUIGEYYy-b9

MollyWeasley WB F8 MollyWeasleyPointingWandFinalBattle Still 080615 Land

Molly Weasley pointing her wand in the final battle 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-characters-that-made-us-proud-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-4

> ‘OUT OF MY WAY!’ shouted Mrs Weasley to the three girls, and with a swipe of her wand she began to duel. 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 

Molly had arguably one of the most famous moments of the entire battle of Hogwarts, showing a merciless edge when she saw her children in danger. With a cry of ‘NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!’, she slaughtered the witch who had brought so many hardships to not just her family, but the whole wizarding world: Bellatrix Lestrange. 

Seeing Molly in battle was a side to her we’d never quite seen before – and showed that being the matriarch of a huge family isn’t just about being a whizz in the kitchen, making sure everyone’s doing well in their studies and keeping the house in order – but protecting her family at whatever cost. 

## Kingsley Shacklebolt

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-characters-that-made-us-proud-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-6

> ‘We’ve only got half an hour until midnight, so we need to act fast! A battle plan has been agreed between the teachers of Hogwarts and the Order of the Phoenix.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 

One of the more commanding members of the Order of the Phoenix had an important part to play in the battle – and it’s not surprising he was appointed Minister of Magic not soon after the events of Voldemort’s downfall. Kingsley was instrumental in helping to organise the school’s battle plan and was seen duelling valiantly once the fight began. 

## Luna Lovegood

PMARCHIVE-WB F8 LunaLovegood LunaAtShellCottageLookingSad HPDH1-02884A 4X3dJKhF8Ay4aWi4Uuu06o-b9

WB F8 LunaLovegood LunaAtShellCottageLookingSad HPDH1-02884A

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-characters-that-made-us-proud-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-8

> ‘I’d want some peace and quiet, if it were me,’ she said. 
> ‘I’d love some,’ he replied. 
> ‘I’ll distract them all,’ she said. ‘Use your Cloak.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 

Along with other loyal members of Dumbledore’s Army, Luna was vital during the Battle of Hogwarts – even leading Harry to one of the final Horcruxes he needed to destroy. Luna’s part to play in the battle required brains beyond brawn, such as helping Harry enter the Ravenclaw common room – and then helping him achieve some much-needed peace and quiet once the battle was won. Although Luna was still very active in the battle itself (such as producing her silver hare Patronus to thwart the Dementors), it was her calmer, quieter moments that were vital to Harry’s success. 

## Professor Flitwick 

> ‘No!’ squealed Flitwick, raising his wand. ‘You’ll do no more murder at Hogwarts!’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 

Who knew Professor Flitwick, so pleasant and so kindly, could be so ruthless and so tactical in the face of combat? First of all, he took down Snape with a smart charm on a suit of armour, then he performed complex incantations through a smashed window, then got into the heart of the battle, facing off Death Eaters such as Dolohov and Yaxley successfully. Flitwick combined his tremendous intellect with his immense level of expertise in his field to succeed in the battle – the mark of a Ravenclaw through and through. 

## Professor Slughorn

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-characters-that-made-us-proud-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-10

> Voldemort was now duelling McGonagall, Slughorn and Kingsley all at once, and there was cold hatred in his face as they wove and ducked around him, unable to finish him – 
>*Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
>

Slughorn’s involvement in the Battle of Hogwarts was perhaps more significant, as it concluded his path of redemption. After all, our journey with Slughorn was a tricky one – this is the man that favoured famous witches and wizards over others, the man who seemed to only help out when he had an ulterior motive, the man who told Tom Riddle what a Horcrux was. Slughorn’s help on the battlefield (where he joined the other professors in the many duels against the Death Eaters) and representing Slytherin house in place of Snape showed that the Potions professor had heart – even if it took him a while to properly come through. 

## Hagrid

PMARCHIVE-undefined 6NkQSi7jaMg2OEqiOg2goY-g0

WB F6 HagridAndSlughorn HagridsHutDrinkingAtTable HP6-FP-00313

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-characters-that-made-us-proud-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-12

> Beyond Hagrid, out in the dark night, Harry saw bursts of light in the distance and heard a weird, keening scream. He looked down at his watch: it was midnight. The battle had begun. 
> ‘Blimey, Harry,’ panted Hagrid, ‘this is it, eh? Time ter fight?’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 

The man who welcomed Harry into the wizarding world had to be there at the very end – when all hope looked lost – and he was. Hagrid’s appearance at Hogwarts surprised Harry, after the half-giant had been hiding in a nearby cave avoiding arrest for hosting a ‘Support Harry Potter party’, but of course, Hagrid was never going to miss the Battle of Hogwarts. 

Inevitably, Hagrid had a part to play in the physical side of the fight but was perhaps most significant for his anguish carrying Harry’s ‘body’ after his face-off with Voldemort seemed to end in tragedy. Of course, it didn’t, but Hagrid’s fierce love for Harry never felt more raw than right here. 

## Professor Sprout

> ‘And as she jogged out of sight, they could hear her muttering, ‘Tentacula. Devil’s Snare. And Snargaluff pods ... yes, I’d like to see the Death Eaters fighting those.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 

Much like Flitwick, Professor Sprout applied her specialist subject skills to great results during the battle, choosing to take on Lord Voldemort with Mandrakes and exploding Snargaluff pods. Sprout’s unorthodox approach worked a treat – and the boisterous Herbology professor provided a wall of strength along with the other Heads of House. 

## Neville Longbottom

PMARCHIVE-NevilleLongbottom WB F8 NevilleHoldingSwordOfGryffindorAtHogwarts Still 100615 Land iiam8XhZtuGKCACSsMSmg

NevilleLongbottom WB F8 NevilleHoldingSwordOfGryffindorAtHogwarts Still 100615 Land

Neville defies Lord Voldemort and holds the sword of Gryffindor in the aftermath of the Battle at Hogwarts.

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-characters-that-made-us-proud-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-14

> ‘I’ll join you when hell freezes over,’ said Neville. ‘Dumbledore’s Army!’ he shouted, and there was an answering cheer from the crowd, whom Voldemort’s silencing charms seemed unable to hold. 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 

Neville’s inspirational story came to a stunning climax during the Battle of Hogwarts – with Harry returning to the school to find the formerly timid student a battle-worn hero, who’d kept Dumbledore’s Army afloat during his absence. Neville even got one of the most important parts in the entire battle, finishing off Nagini, perhaps Voldemort’s most beloved Horcrux – and rejecting Voldemort’s offer to join his army in a thrilling face-off. How far he had come, from standing up to Harry, Ron and Hermione in *Philosopher’s Stone*, to standing up to the most powerful Dark wizard of the wizarding world. 

## Professor McGonagall

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-characters-that-made-us-proud-at-the-battle-of-hogwarts-16

Without Professor McGonagall, would Hogwarts have stood so strong against Lord Voldemort? With Snape disgraced, it was up to the deputy headmistress to stand strong in the face of devastating peril, get the castle ready for impending attack, and be magnificent throughout. McGonagall’s strength was evident from the very first time we met her. But in times of trouble, she rose to the top. Despite a year of misery at Hogwarts, despite losing Dumbledore, despite blaming herself for Snape’s apparent betrayal, despite having a school full of terrified students to take care of, truly nothing phased McGonagall – and Hogwarts was safe under her wing.

An inspiration to the very end.

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

Watch episode two of Hogwarts Hangout: What if Neville had been the Chosen One?

WEB-FEATURE-watch-episode-two-of-hogwarts-hangout-what-if-neville-was-the-chosen-one

hogwarts-hangout-episode-two-hero-web

hogwarts-hangout-episode-two-hero

watch-hogwarts-hangout-episode-two-neville-longbottom-text-section-1

Welcome to episode two of Hogwarts Hangout featuring Annie and Reece, two of our editorial team. Today they are talking all things Neville from his clumsy beginnings to his heroic glow-up. Most importantly, they’re discussing what happened to Neville’s pet toad Trevor. Discover the answer to that mystery here… 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/qXqFAcGxSRQ?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

What do you think? Do you agree with Annie and Reece? Or do you have a rather different opinion. Whether you think you think Neville never had what it took to defeat Voldemort or always thought he would be a Horcrux-destroying, sword-swinging star, we want to know. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to visit our Harry Potter YouTube channel for future episodes or to catch up on our first episode where we dived into the world of the Marauders. If you’re old enough, don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments. 

You can check out more of our videos at our [official Harry Potter YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@harrypotter) too.

Ten inspirational moments from the Battle of Hogwarts

WEB-2020-FEATURE-ten-inspirational-moments-from-the-battle-of-hogwarts

WEB-2020-FEATURE-ten-inspirational-moments-from-the-battle-of-hogwarts-text-section

## When the statues and suits of armour awoke to defend their school… 

“Hogwarts is threatened!’ shouted Professor McGonagall. ‘Man the boundaries, protect us, do your duty to our school!’ 
Clattering and yelling, the horde of moving statues stampeded past Harry: some of them smaller, others larger than life.’

## When the forces for good throughout Harry’s life joined the fight together… 

‘There was a great roar and a surge towards the foot of the stairs; he was pressed back against the wall as they ran past him, the mingled members of the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore’s Army and Harry’s old Quidditch team, all with their wands drawn, heading up into the main castle.’

## When Percy saw sense and the Weasleys showed us the beauty of forgiveness… 

"I was a fool!’ Percy roared, so loudly that Lupin nearly dropped his photograph. ‘I was an idiot, I was a pompous prat, I was a – a –’ 

‘Ministry-loving, family-disowning, power-hungry moron,’ said Fred. 
Percy swallowed. ‘Yes, I was!’

‘Well, you can’t say fairer than that,’ said Fred, holding out his hand to Percy.

Mrs Weasley burst into tears. She ran forwards, pushed Fred aside and pulled Percy into a strangling hug, while he patted her on the back, his eyes on his father.

‘I’m sorry, Dad,’ Percy said. Mr Weasley blinked rather rapidly, then he, too, hurried to hug his son.' 

## When Harry was shielded, not by magic, but by three whole Hogwarts houses… 

‘But he’s there! Potter’s there! Someone grab him!’ 

Before Harry could speak, there was a massive movement. The Gryffindors in front of him had risen and stood facing, not Harry, but the Slytherins. Then the Hufflepuffs stood, and, almost at the same moment, the Ravenclaws, all of them with their backs to Harry, all of them looking towards Pansy instead, and Harry, awe- struck and overwhelmed, saw wands emerging everywhere, pulled from beneath cloaks and from under sleeves.’

## When Harry went back for Malfoy and Goyle in the Room of Requirement…  

"IF WE DIE FOR THEM, I’LL KILL YOU, HARRY!’ roared Ron’s voice, and as a great, flaming Chimaera bore down upon them he and Hermione dragged Goyle on to their broom and rose, rolling and pitching, into the air once more as Malfoy clambered up behind Harry.'

## When Percy Weasley resigned from the Ministry in the most perfect way… 

"Hello, Minister!’ bellowed Percy, sending a neat jinx straight at Thicknesse, who dropped his wand and clawed at the front of his robes, apparently in awful discomfort. ‘Did I mention I’m resigning?’ 

‘You’re joking, Perce!’ shouted Fred, as the Death Eater he was battling collapsed under the weight of three separate Stunning Spells. Thicknesse had fallen to the ground with tiny spikes erupting all over him; he seemed to be turning into some form of sea urchin. Fred looked at Percy with glee.' 

## When love (finally) prevailed in the midst of the battle – with a little help from house-elves…

 "No,’ said Ron seriously, ‘I mean we should tell them to get out. We don’t want any more Dobbys, do we? We can’t order them to die for us –’ 

There was a clatter as the Basilisk fangs cascaded out of Hermione’s arms. Running at Ron, she flung them around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth. Ron threw away the fangs and broomstick he was holding and responded with such enthusiasm that he lifted Hermione off her feet.'

## When Harry’s DA students saved his life with a spell he’d taught them … 

‘And then a silver hare, a boar and a fox soared past Harry, Ron and Hermione’s heads: the Dementors fell back before the creatures’ approach. Three more people had arrived out of the darkness to stand beside them, their wands outstretched, continuing to cast their Patronuses: Luna, Ernie and Seamus.

‘That’s right,’ said Luna encouragingly, as if they were back in he Room of Requirement and this was simply spell practice for the DA. ‘That’s right, Harry ... come on, think of something happy ...’ 

‘Something happy?’ he said, his voice cracked. 

‘We’re all still here,’ she whispered, ‘we’re still fighting. Come on, now ...’ 

## When Molly Weasley took on Bellatrix Lestrange to protect her family…

"NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!’

Mrs Weasley threw off her cloak as she ran, freeing her arms. Bellatrix spun on the spot, roaring with laughter at the sight of her new challenger. 

‘OUT OF MY WAY!’ shouted Mrs Weasley to the three girls, and with a swipe of her wand she began to duel. Harry watched with terror and elation as Molly Weasley’s wand slashed and twirled, and Bellatrix Lestrange’s smile faltered, and became a snarl.’

## When Harry learned the truth about Severus Snape and love changed everything…

‘But this is touching, Severus,’ said Dumbledore seriously. ‘Have you grown to care for the boy, after all?’

‘For him?’ shouted Snape. ‘Expecto patronum!’ 

From the tip of his wand burst the silver doe: she landed on the office floor, bounded once acrossthe office and soared out of the window. Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears. 

‘After all this time?’

‘Always,’ said Snape.'

What is the story behind each of Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes?

WEB-FEATURE-history-of-the-horcruxes

WB-HP-F8-deathly-hallows-part-2-harry-with-ravenclaw-diadem-horcrux-web-landscape

Harry Potter sits down with Ravenclaw's diadem, a blue tiara, alongside various other trinkets.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

HP-F8

and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

history-of-horcruxes-text-section-1

## But first, a reminder: what is a Horcrux?

To create a Horcrux is to commit a horrific sin in the wizarding world. A Dark wizard of yesteryear called [Herpo the Foul was known as the first to dabble with Horcruxes](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/the-hardest-wizarding-world-spells) and would be one of the rare ones to do so. For this magic involves carrying out a terrible atrocity, which then begins to tear apart your soul. 

For Lord Voldemort, he callously murdered several people in order to invest a piece of his soul into (what he considered to be) a valuable object. Committing such a horror meant that Lord Voldemort could prolong his life, unless the Horcrux was destroyed. 

While researching the topic, Hermione could barely uncover any information about this profoundly Dark magic (and you know that Hermione is usually good at this sort of thing!) apart from a sinister slice of text from one book aptly named *Magick Moste Evile...*

horcrux-extract-magicke-most-evile

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

...of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction.

history-of-horcruxes-text-section-2

This is how taboo the topic of Horcruxes was, not that this stopped Voldemort from endeavouring to have seven pieces of his soul, as seven is usually considered to be the most magical number. Here is the story behind each object he chose.

__And as you’ve probably guessed from even being here, you can expect to stumble upon many a spoiler.__

## The diary 

HP-F2-chamber-of-secrets-diary-harry-horcrux-memory-web-landscape

history-of-horcruxes-text-section-3

__Who was murdered to create it? Myrtle Warren 
Destroyed by who? Harry Potter__

Lord Voldemort’s first Horcrux was created when he was still at Hogwarts, known then as Tom Riddle. After murdering a [schoolgirl called Myrtle](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/ten-moaning-myrtle-moments), with the help of the ancient monster that dwelled within the castle, the Basilisk, his soul was split for the first time. The object that enveloped a piece of his soul was a simple diary, one that he attained from a Muggle bookshop. Years later, when others came across the diary, such as a young, impressionable Ginny Weasley, she would meet an echo of a young Lord Voldemort at the time he created the Horcrux, that was able to communicate through the object. In fact, the diary had the ability to take hold of Ginny’s strength, even nearly killing her.

The diary was the first of Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes to be destroyed, by Harry Potter in the [Chamber of Secrets](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/chamber-of-secrets), who stabbed it with the fang of the very Basilisk that was used to commit murder in the first place. Basilisk venom is extremely rare and powerful, one of the few things powerful enough to destroy a Horcrux.

As for Myrtle, she did not go quietly, and would go on to haunt the girls’ bathroom of Hogwarts mournfully for many decades to come, eventually helping Harry to avenge her murder. 

## Marvolo Gaunt’s ring

WB-HP-F6-half-blood-prince-dumbledore-cursed-hand-gaunt-ring-web-landscape

HP-F6

and the Half-Blood Prince

history-of-horcruxes-text-section-4

__Who was murdered to create it? Tom Riddle Sr. 
Destroyed by who? Albus Dumbledore__

Okay, this will be a long one! Albus Dumbledore, the man who discovered Voldemort’s Horcrux plan and deigned to destroy them, long suspected that many of said Horcruxes would hold some sort of historical or personal value to the Dark wizard, and that was extremely true of this Horcrux, a family heirloom, and transformed by murdering his own father. 

Lord Voldemort’s family stretched back centuries and were known as one of the last ‘pure-blood’ wizarding clans, [the Gaunts](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/the-sad-history-of-merope-gaunt). The Gaunts’ ancestry stemmed all the way back to Hogwarts house founder Salazar Slytherin, with a lot of his values imprinted on the generations to come. 

Lord Voldemort’s immediate family were a despicable lot, obsessed with their heritage, cruel and violent to each other and instilled with a burning hatred of anyone who wasn’t pure blood. The awful Marvolo, the head of the household, along with his son Morfin, tormented the timid Merope, the youngest of the family, while committing foul acts of violence against Muggles. These tensions rose to a climax when Merope fell in love with a local, rich Muggle called (you guessed it…) Tom Riddle. Albus Dumbledore theorised that Merope used love potions in order to attract him, and eventually, she fell pregnant with the future Lord Voldemort. The magical enhancements didn’t last forever, though, and once they were gone, so was Tom Riddle, leaving a pregnant Merope to give birth, then die of a broken heart. 

Years later, Tom Riddle Jr. returned to his old family home, only to find a lone Morfin, with his grandfather Morvolo long since dead after a spell in Azkaban for his crimes against Muggles. There, he took the only object in the house worth any value, an ancient ring, encrusted with a mysterious stone. That stone would later turn out to be the Resurrection Stone, one of the Deathly Hallows, with the power to bring back people from the dead, showing just how old the heirloom was. After a time of wearing the ring himself, Voldemort eventually transformed the ring into a Horcrux, and buried it deep within the ruins of his old family home, protecting it with enchantments. However, all of this was no match for Albus Dumbledore who was able to retrieve the Horcrux and destroy it with the Sword of Gryffindor. For his troubles, he discovered the ring to be cursed, which blackened his hand and left him with a death sentence placed upon him. However, he was able to retrieve the [Resurrection Stone](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/what-truly-is-the-best-deathly-hallow), and was able to coach a young Harry Potter to finish what he started. 

## Slytherin’s locket

WB-HP-F7-deathly-hallows-slytherin-locket-horcrux

Slytherin's locket lies on the floor among grass and dead leaves.

history-of-horcruxes-text-section-5

__Who was murdered to create it? A homeless Muggle 
Destroyed by who? Ron Weasley__

Beyond the ring, another heirloom was transformed into a Horcrux, and was one of the hardest to find and destroy. This immaculate piece of jewellery, encrusted with emeralds in the shape of a serpentine S, was once the possession of Salazar Slytherin. Again, this heirloom passed down to the Gaunt family, but was taken by Merope when she eventually escaped her cruel household. Not knowing the true value of such a trinket, Merope sold it for ‘a pittance’ to Knockturn Alley’s local wheeler and dealer Caractacus Burke, one half of Borgin and Burke, who owned a shop of Dark and mysterious artefacts. 

There, the locket was acquired by a boastful collector by the name of Hepzibah Smith, but it didn’t remain with her for long when she met a young Lord Voldemort, then a handsome and charming Tom Riddle. After befriending Hepzibah, he soon killed her, pinning the death on her house-elf, Hokey. 

Once again, Voldemort chose a personal place to hide the Horcrux. In his youth, Riddle had tortured two children from his orphanage in a nearby cave. It was here, he chose to return to, and thus hid the locket once he had turned it into a Horcrux. For this kill, he simply chose a local Muggle to be his victim. It would be one of his former followers, Regulus Black, who would be the one to eventually find the locket, after he defected from being a Death Eater. After making a copy of the locket and leaving a note, he took it away to destroy it, but was killed before getting the chance.

While the locket remained at Regulus’s family home for some time undisturbed, (at one point, we frustratingly come across it in an old cupboard while Mrs Weasley is tidying the house!) one of the less trustworthy members of the Order of the Phoenix, Mundungus Fletcher, eventually stole it. However, this was in turn stolen from him, by Dolores Umbridge – leading to a dramatic break-in at the Ministry of Magic to find it. 

However, it would not be easy to destroy the locket. After such hardship finding the copy, finally seeking the original, Harry, Ron and Hermione found that the Horcrux instilled terrible thoughts in the one who possessed it, nearly driving a particularly vulnerable Ron to madness. Eventually, he would be the one to destroy it, after Severus Snape sent his Patronus to guide Ron into finding a weapon that would help him: the [Sword of Gryffindor. ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-sword-of-gryffindor)

## Hufflepuff’s cup

Harry Potter holds a sword aloft in a vault full of treasure

WB-HP-F8-harry-sword-gringotts-hufflepuff-cups-web-landscape

history-of-horcruxes-text-section-6

__Who was murdered to create it? Hepzibah Smith 
Destroyed by who? Hermione Granger__

You may have been wondering why Tom Riddle did not use Hepzibah Smith’s murder to create a Horcrux out of the locket. This is because he acquired one other item from her. A fervent collector of priceless items, Hepzibah loved to show things off, and piqued Tom’s interest with another curio, again once owned by a Hogwarts house founder. This time, it was a cheerful golden cup, embossed with Hufflepuff’s animal, the badger, which was an heirloom from Hepzibah’s own family, once owned by Helga Hufflepuff herself.

horcrux-extract-hufflepuff-cup

‘A badger,’ murmured Voldemort, examining the engraving upon the cup. ‘Then this was ...?’ 
‘Helga Hufflepuff’s, as you very well know, you clever boy!’ said Hepzibah, leaning forwards with a loud creaking of corsets and actually pinching his hollow cheek. ‘Didn’t I tell you I was distantly descended? This has been handed down in the family for years and years. Lovely, isn’t it? And all sorts of powers it’s supposed to possess, too, but I haven’t tested them thoroughly, I just keep it nice and safe in here ...

history-of-horcruxes-text-section-7

Eventually, Harry, Ron and Hermione would find this Horcrux’s whereabouts within Bellatrix Lestrange’s Gringotts vault, and it would come down to Hermione to take care of that one. But why Hufflepuff in the first place? For Lord Voldemort was a staunch Slytherin through and through.

In his research, Dumbledore deduced that Voldemort ‘could not resist an object so steeped in Hogwarts history’, leading on to our next Horcrux...

## Ravenclaw’s Diadem 


history-of-horcruxes-text-section-8

__Who was murdered to create it? An Albanian peasant 
Destroyed by who? Vincent Crabbe__

Not content with having so much Hogwarts paraphernalia already, Lord Voldemort was able to secure the tiara of the Ravenclaw house founder, Rowena, whose daughter Helena was murdered at the hands of Slytherin’s house ghost, [the Bloody Baron](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/hogwarts-ghosts).

The sad story goes that Helena was jealous of her mother’s great wisdom that comes with the diadem and stole it, then going into hiding. Distraught, Rowena sent The Bloody Baron to go and find her. However, the Baron was intensely in love with Helena, and ended up finding her in the forests of Albania and murdering her instead, when she did not return his feelings. He then killed himself shortly thereafter. As for the diadem? Helena had already hidden it in a hollowed tree. Both Helena’s ghost (otherwise known as the Grey Lady) and the Bloody Baron’s haunted Hogwarts for centuries after. 

Lord Voldemort managed to find this ancient diadem, that supposedly brings wisdom to the wearer, by persuading Helena to tell him. Out in the forests of Albania is where Lord Voldemort eventually uncovered it, bringing it back to Hogwarts.

Again, somewhat infuriatingly, Harry had passed by this very tiara before knowing what Horcruxes were, as it was living amongst all manner of junk in [the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts!](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-room-of-requirement) 

Upon recovering it, a showdown between Harry’s enemies Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle ensued, with Crabbe using the cursed flames of Fiendfyre to destroy the room. However, he ended up both dying in the ensuing struggle – and destroying the diadem, as Fiendfyre was another Dark magic that could take on a Horcrux.

## Nagini

HP-F8-deathly-hallows-part-2-neville-sword-of-gryffindor-battle-of-hogwarts-web-landscape

history-of-horcruxes-text-section-9

__Who was murdered to create it? Bertha Jorkins 
Destroyed by who? Neville Longbottom__

It wasn’t just inanimate objects that could become Horcruxes. Lord Voldemort’s beloved snake companion, Nagini, was also transformed into one, and Dumbledore seemed to know it, ominously predicting that a day would come where Voldemort would ‘fear for his snake’. 

It was the [Ministry of Magic](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/ministers-for-magic) employee Bertha Jorkins that fell to Voldemort on this occasion, after Voldemort found out valuable information from her regarding the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts.

At this stage, Voldemort did not have a body, and was working with Nagini and defector [Peter Pettigrew](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/everything-we-know-about-the-marauders) in order to devise a plan to return to one. It would be during the Triwizard Tournament that Voldemort was able to execute his idea, and it all started with the murder of poor Bertha. 

It would come down to Harry’s class mate Neville Longbottom, to destroy Nagini, heroically using the Sword of Gryffindor at the Battle of Hogwarts.

## Harry

HP-F8-deathly-hallows-part-2-harry-lily-james-remus-sirius-forbidden-forest-battle-of-hogwarts-web-landscape

history-of-horcruxes-text-section-10

__Who was murdered to create it? Lily Potter 
Destroyed by who? Lord Voldemort__

And then, as it transpired, came the knowledge that not all Horcruxes are forcibly made. And in fact, Lord Voldemort’s downfall happened right at the beginning of Harry’s story.

During Voldemort’s attack on Godric’s Hollow, where the Potter family had lived, his killing of Harry’s parents inadvertently created another Horcrux, one that would dwell on inside Harry.

This explained everything – why Harry’s lightning bolt scar pained him every time Lord Voldemort was up to something, why Voldemort had a psychic link to him, why Harry could speak [Parseltongue](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/everything-you-didnt-know-about-parseltongue), a skill usually known throughout Slytherin’s lineage. When Harry was told his mother ‘died to save him’, he had no idea just how poignant this was. In killing Lily, Lord Voldemort created a Horcrux within Harry, creating a connection between them that one day be severed. 

When Lord Voldemort eventually found himself face to face with Harry to finally kill him in the Forbidden Forest, he instead ended up destroying his last Horcrux, the final shield between himself and his inability to die.

In the end, Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes ended up being his undoing, leaving him a husk of the Dark wizard he once was.

Who did what during the Battle of Hogwarts?

WEB-QUIZ-who-did-what-during-the-battle-of-hogwarts-the-quiz

WB-HP-F8-arthur-ginny-george-at-battle-of-hogwarts-web-landscape

quiz_background

quiz-foreground

difficult-quiz

2023-05-06-FEED-QUIZ-who-did-what-during-the-battle-of-hogwarts-the-quiz

Who made the suit of armour behind which Snape was hiding come to life?

who-did-what-during-the-battle-of-hogwarts-the-quiz-q1

Who oversaw the evacuation of students before the first wave of battle?

who-did-what-during-the-battle-of-hogwarts-the-quiz-q2

From the trio arriving in the Room of Requirement to the final showdown between Harry and Voldemort, a lot happened during the Battle of Hogwarts. But can you remember who exactly did what? Try your hand at our bumper battle quiz…

The 2nd of May marks the day the Battle of Hogwarts was fought and won. Students and teachers fought bravely alongside the Order of the Phoenix, bringing peace to the wizarding world and the end of Voldemort's power. To honour the anniversary, here's a page all about this momentous day in magical history. 

TRENDING SEARCHES

The Battle of Hogwarts

The ultimate Battle of Hogwarts quiz

Test your history of magic

Who did what during the Battle of Hogwarts?

What happened next? Battle of Hogwarts edition

The Battle of Hogwarts spells wordsearch

How well do you remember Neville's speech in Deathly Hallows Part Two?

The Battle of Hogwarts wordsearch