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Do you know what the Hogwarts houses are called in other languages?

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Harry gets a letter delivered to Gryffindor Common room

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## Albanian

Kicking things off, the [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) houses look rather different in Albanian. Gryffindor becomes Grifarti, Hufflepuff is Baldoskuqi, Ravenclaw is Korbziu and Slytherin is known as Gjarpërblerti.

## Azerbaijani

In Azerbaijani, [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) is only slightly different as Qriffindor. It’s a similar story for Hufflepuff and Slytherin which are Haflpaff and Slizerin. The house which appears to be most different is Ravenclaw which is Reyvnklou. 

## Brazilian Portuguese

In Brazil, the only house that sounds similar to the original English is Gryffindor which becomes Grifinória.  Despite their mascot being an eagle, [Ravenclaw](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/ravenclaw) becomes Corvinal – taking inspiration from the Latin word for Raven, corvinus. Slytherin is Sonserina. Our favourite of these translations has to be Hufflepuff which becomes the jolly sounding Lufa-Lufa!

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## Czech

In Czech, [Slytherin](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/slytherin) becomes Zmijozel. With zmije being a Czech word for viper, it suits the serpent house perfectly. Gryffindor is known as Nebelvir. Ravenclaw is Havraspar. Finally, Hufflepuff becomes Mrzimor.  

## Dutch

The translations of the Hogwarts houses in Dutch are similar sounding to the English originals.  The translation of Gryffindor is Griffoendor, [Hufflepuff](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hufflepuff) is known as Huffelpuf and Ravenclaw becoming Ravenklauw. The one which is the most different is Slytherin which becomes Zwadderich. 

## Finnish

As the house known for its bravery, it makes sense that the Finnish translation for Gryffindor, Rohkelikko, contains their word for courageous, rohkea. In this version, Slytherin is Luihuinen, Hufflepuff is Puuskupuh and Ravenclaw is known as Korpinkynsi.

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## French

In French, Hufflepuff has what we think is the most adorable sounding translation becoming Poufsouffle! Interestingly, Ravenclaw is Serdaigle, which is taken from serre d'aigle and means eagle claw – matching their house mascot! Slytherin becomes Serpentard and Gryffindor is Gryffondor. 

## Hungarian

This is another language where the translation for Gryffindor seems fairly similar to the original English – Griffendél. The other houses do sound rather different with Ravenclaw becoming Hollóhát, Slytherin known as Mardekár and Hufflepuff as Hugrabug. 

## Italian

Another translation that uses a house mascot is the Italian version of Hufflepuff, Tassofrasso, with tasso meaning badger. Slytherin goes one step further, containing both the house’s colour and their mascot with Serpeverde – green snake. Gryffindor becomes Grifondoro and Ravenclaw is Corvonero.

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## Latvian

In Latvia, the houses are also known by different names with Ravenclaw called Kraukļanagu, Gryffindor becoming Grifidoru, Elšpūti for Hufflepuff and Slīdeni for Slytherin.  

## Lithuanian

In Lithuanian, the name for Gryffindor isn’t just one word but two – Grifo Gūžta! Hufflepuff almost seems more Slytherin-esque as Švilpynė. Ravenclaw becomes Varnanagė. Last but not least, Slytherin becomes Klastūnynas. 

## Māori

In Māori, the translation for Slytherin is Nanakita, taking inspiration from the word nanakia, meaning crafty – fitting for the shrewd members of this house. The other houses are Kiritoa which is Gryffindor, Hahupahu which is Hufflepuff and Rawekoi which is Ravenclaw.

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## Norwegian

Playing on their cunning house trait, the Norwegian translation of Slytherin, Smygard, contains their word for sneak, smyge. The other houses are different to the English versions with Ravenclaw as Ravnklo, Gryffindor as Griffing and Hufflepuff as Håsblås. 

## Serbian

In Serbian, while the house names have been changed from the original English, they are still recognisable. Ravenclaw is Rejvenklo, Hufflepuff is Haflpaf, Slytherin is Sliterin and Gryffindor is possibly the most similar as Grifindor. 

## Slovak

It’s a totally different case for the Slovak translations where the houses are almost totally unrecognisable! Gryffindor becomes Chrabromil, Hufflepuff is Bifl'omor, Ravenclaw is known as Bystrohlav and Slytherin is Slizolin. 

## Slovenian

Last, but by no means least, we have Slovenian where Gryffindor is Gryfondom, Ravenclaw is Drznvraan, Hufflepuff is Pihpuff and Slytherin is Spolzgad!

Which Snape are you today?

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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__*Spoiler warning! There are some mild spoilers ahead – turn back now if you’re not familiar with the stories…*__

## If you’re a hopeless romantic… you’re unrequited love Snape

![HP-F8-deathly-hallows-part-2-snape-lily-sitting-happy-grass-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6yRCyj16IZ3OzKWN0GnOXy/7ae40ed3ac11bd2e9277902a587bf504/HP-F8-deathly-hallows-part-2-snape-lily-sitting-happy-grass-web-landscape)

Your bookshelves are filled with romance novels. You’re endlessly lost in daydreams about your crush. You thought [Lockhart’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/gilderoy-lockhart) singing cupids for Valentine’s Day were inspired. In short, you *love* love. This is why we think you’re unrequited love [Snape](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/severus-snape). He might have seemed all sharp and surly, but his heart melted the moment he met [Lily Evans](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lily-potter), and he loved her for the rest of his life. This is something that you relate to. You might have had your fair share of heartbreak, but you believe in epic love, and you will never stop searching for it.

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## Find most people insufferable? You’re Head of house Snape

![HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-snape-harry-ron-great-hall-shoving-heads-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4jd2nJ82SjdjzZPgaiw215/41582feb71480d53023fbdccc63a8530/HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-snape-harry-ron-great-hall-shoving-heads-web-landscape)

Nobody would ever describe you as a people person. You’re extremely selective when it comes to your friends, preferring to have a small circle of carefully chosen confidantes rather than a large group of acquaintances. This is why we think you’re most like Head of house Snape. At [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts), if you weren’t a member of his house (or one of a few professors), Snape would have no time for you. You’d be met with eye rolls, sneers and a look of disdain.

We’re not saying you’re prejudiced like the [Potions](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/potions) professor – you would never judge a person based on their background. However, you do relate to the feeling of finding 99% of people extremely annoying. 

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## If you have a quick wit… you’re sassy Snape

![hp-f5-snape-mcgonagall-umbridge-teachers-table-homepage-hero-MOBILE](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2lGmtZTEpn7UFkkepfJxLx/c4b997d1a987783c6e0ef50e00ebbc2a/hp-f5-snape-mcgonagall-umbridge-teachers-table-homepage-hero-MOBILE.jpg)

With your keen mind and sharp tongue, there’s nobody whose one-liners are as legendary as yours. You don’t need pranks or silly gags to have everybody rolling around the floor in hysterics – you just need your words. We think you share this sassy streak with a certain surly [Slytherin](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/slytherin).

Yes, Snape might not seem like a wizard blessed with a sense of humour. Nevertheless, from his cutting comebacks about the transparency of ghosts, to the sympathy he had for anyone who wanted to poison Harry Potter (plus his perfect delivery of the word ‘obviously’), Snape’s dry wit proved otherwise. Honestly? The pair of you are like two sarcastic peas in a pod.

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## All about the goth aesthetic? You’re fashion icon Snape

![WB-HP-F7-deathly-hallows-snape-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4TNQGyTQO46BTXLyj0R02C/183f23066637e87eb1674f47869e6f4b/WB-HP-F7-deathly-hallows-snape-web-landscape.jpg)

Your wardrobe is a sea of darkness. Just the thought of bright colours brings you out in hives. Flobberworms will fly before you’ll be caught wearing pastel. In short, you are a gothic vision – an icon in your own, macabre way. You know who else was? Severus Snape. Swanning round the walls of Hogwarts in his flowing black robes – he was even compared to a bat. So, if you have always admired the Head of Slytherin’s unique sense of fashion, we think this is the Snape you’re most like.

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## Known for your brilliant-but-scary mind? You’re Half-Blood Prince Snape

![HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-young-snape-reading-tree-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/60fQ6xADYbInuRWbCLyQ7G/dba568a64d574e5f495a519fcd3692dd/HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-young-snape-reading-tree-web-landscape)

Growing up, you were always the top of your class and knew the answer to every question. Your brain made connections that others missed and there was no problem that you couldn’t solve. Bearing all this in mind, you would probably think you were similar to [Hermione Granger](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger). Yet, we think you’re also a bit like Severus Snape – specifically when he was embracing his Half-Blood Prince identity.

In his copy of *Advanced Potion-Making*, from the ingenious tips for brewing the perfect concoction to spells he had invented himself, his scribbled notes revealed his true genius. However, as his invention of Sectumsempra shows, his brilliance could also be terrifying. With great power comes great responsibility – something you would do well to remember.

Your birth month is your Harry Potter New Year's resolution

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Hermione, Harry and Ron stand shoulder to shoulder in that order. Harry is smiling and they are wearing their Hogwarts school uniforms.

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## January: Like Severus Snape, you could work on being a little less judgemental

![HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-snape-quizzical-look-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6vlLQUix4Yuem2eVxPwMDX/e623d344a5363b5efefd91ad8d87e18e/HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-snape-quizzical-look-web-landscape)

We get it – you think most people are morons. Your eyes are always rolling, the snark is constantly flowing and the sigh is endless. You think you don’t suffer fools gladly but in reality? That kind of attitude isn’t one that will make you a lot of friends.

You know who else shared that attitude? [Severus Snape](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/severus-snape). He sneered at nearly everyone and it left him rather lonely. His judgemental attitude pushed his closest friend, [Lily Potter](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lily-potter), away and that was devastating for him.

So don’t be a sourpuss like Snape. When you feel that urge to be sarcastic and cutting, take a deep breath instead. We promise you, a small change in demeanour will unlock a whole new world of friendship.

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## February: Channel your inner Luna Lovegood and stop caring what people think

![HP-F6-half-blood-prince-luna-in-her-quibbler-spectacles](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5UsIvZnkkZmIz86ETAJzQA/09f4a5b632a0b29be7fe56c77827ffd4/HP-F6-half-blood-prince-luna-in-her-quibbler-spectacles.jpg)

Have you found yourself holding back because of what people might say? Do you hide your passions because you worry others find them silly? Do you make yourself smaller to take up less space? If yes, then we think you should look to [Luna Lovegood](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/luna-lovegood) for your 2026 resolution.

She did not care what anyone thought. She wore her [Spectrespecs](/fact-file/objects/spectrespecs) and radish earrings with pride. She shared her belief in the Crumple-Horned Snorkack without embarrassment. She said what was on her mind and didn’t care if people thought she was weird.

Luna was her total, brilliant self – and you should be too! Yes, it can be tricky to find the confidence to embrace who you are. However, it is so worth it, and we guarantee you’ll be happier for it.

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## March: As Ron Weasley learnt, be honest with your feelings when it comes to your love life

![HP-F6-half-blood-prince-ron-pyjamas-smirking-love-potion-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5Xpzr1HK3TCNJOTBvD2okc/a16952f5548e490a91e9f78e1be97caa/HP-F6-half-blood-prince-ron-pyjamas-smirking-love-potion-web-landscape)

Hermione once said that [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) had the emotional range of a teaspoon. With his jealous outburst at the [Yule Ball](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/yule-ball) and his entire relationship with [Lavender Brown](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lavender-brown) – we’re inclined to agree. If only he could have been more honest with Hermione, perhaps it wouldn’t have taken a dramatic final battle between good and evil to finally get him to open up.

We think this also applies to you. There have been far too many times where you have kept your feelings hidden, lost opportunities or ended up wondering about the ‘what ifs’. Speaking to the person you fancy is akin to your worst nightmare and just the thought of it makes you put your guard up.

This year, don’t let it get to the point where it takes a bottle of poisoned oak-matured mead to get you and your crush talking again. Take the initiative, be brave and tell them how you feel. You never know, they might just feel the same.

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## April: You and Horace Slughorn could do with being a little more we and a little less me

![HP-F6-horace-slughorn-food](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2EKc0oex6NqMYfUFJZ3Gxc/5b70ed6a504dbfb52dc6eb117d61b97b/slughorn.jpg)

[Horace Slughorn](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/horace-slughorn) was excellent at taking care of himself. A mix of shrewd and jolly, he managed to cultivate quite the comfortable, dare we say, elite lifestyle. With friends in high places and a lifetime supply of crystallised pineapple it appears he had it made.

This is something that you relate to. You’re the type of person who values connections, is always ‘networking’ and knows how to schmooze with the best of them.

Yet could you call any of these relationships a true friendship? Would they be there for you in a moment of crisis? Or, like when Slughorn was on the run, do you find yourself on your own? We think that if you make this the year when you stop focusing on what someone can do for you, but what you can also do for them, then you’ll soon find your people.

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## May: Take a leaf out of Pomona Sprout’s book and get gardening

![WB-HP-F8-professor-sprout-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6PcDR4xjlhQ8xtErVUHYBc/198864f4ef4413d1ed6e50f91411088e/WB-HP-F8-professor-sprout-web-landscape.jpg)

If there was one word that you would use to sum up your 2025, it would be ‘stressful’. It was a year of intensity, when nothing seemed to go your way and you found yourself unable to switch off.

For 2026, we think you could do with working on being more grounded, which is why you should follow [Professor Sprout’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/pomona-sprout) example. If there was anyone who understood the calming power of nature it was her. Despite working in a school full of teenagers, she remained unflappable.

It’s this energy that you should channel. It doesn’t matter if you have a window box or a garden, roll up your sleeves, get planting and create your own peaceful idyll. A place where you can switch off from the rest of the world, a place that you made and that you can feel proud of.

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## June: You and Draco Malfoy could do with being a little more humble

![HP-F6-draco-malfoy-slug-club-party-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6ByZxOEIdMeDvRIKDrXmDT/d855b3b61f7a2a7cc0ed9a275f93f4d8/HP-F6-draco-malfoy-slug-club-party-web-landscape.png)

If there was one thing that [Draco Malfoy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/draco-malfoy) was an expert in, it was bragging. Whether it was his new [broomstick](/fact-file/objects/broomstick), [his father’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lucius-malfoy) powerful connections or his belief in his superiority – he wouldn’t stop going on about it. Perhaps this is something you can see in yourself too?

You just can’t help but namedrop that celebrity you once bumped into. You’re unable to resist showing off the latest, expensive gadget that you bought. Plus, you have habit of trying get one up on those around you – you just want to be top dog.

However, this is a rather off-putting trait. It’s absolutely wonderful that you are so accomplished and you should absolutely be satisfied with yourself. However, if you only talk about *you*, people are going to stop caring about your achievements. This should be the year where you embrace humility. Keep shouting about your wins but remember to shine the spotlight on others too – there’s room for everyone to be a star.

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## July: As Harry Potter needs to remember, it’s ok to put yourself first

![hp-f6-harry-smiling-great-hall-table-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/38Lb2p1Aq6cLF2QidfwV0Y/6022b1c3deed9daae4d6e8cf80a42dda/hp-f6-harry-smiling-great-hall-table-web-landscape.jpg)

[Harry Potter](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) would do absolutely anything for his loved ones – he was even willing to sacrifice himself to bring about the end of [Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort). Harry put others before himself and in a lot of ways, it’s incredibly admirable.

Nevertheless, being a people pleaser is not sustainable. It can also make you seem as though you have a bit of a… hero complex. As you’re someone who struggles with boundaries, having to be available every moment of the day could make you a bit resentful too.

We want you to remember that it is absolutely fine to sometimes put yourself first. It speaks to your wonderfully kind-hearted nature that you go above and beyond for your loved ones… but would they do the same for you? If you keep going this way, will you burn out? We don’t want you to suddenly become Scrooge – we just want to make sure that you are taking care of *you*.

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## August: As Ginny Weasley proved, you can’t let one mistake define you

![Fact File ginny-weasley_3_1800x1248](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2gLG1c21U1NigisKwPq2GJ/9006f27bda86ec54cfd28de9c89c6e51/ginny-weasley_3_1800x1248.png)

As mistakes go, opening [Tom Riddle’s diary](/fact-file/objects/tom-riddles-diary) and pouring your heart into it is a big one. Becoming known as the girl who reopened the [Chamber of Secrets](/fact-file/locations/the-chamber-of-secrets) is not the accolade you want – as [Ginny](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ginny-weasley) unfortunately discovered.

We wouldn’t be surprised if just mentioning this incident has brought back painful memories for you too. Memories of the time that you messed up. Memories that keep you awake at night. Memories that make you want to hide away.

Do not let them. Instead, follow Ginny’s lead. She did not let one bad year define her. She dusted herself off and got back up again. She went from being a timid first-year to a talented witch, [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch) star and a force to be reckoned with. It’s time to leave the past in the past and make 2026 a year to remember.

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## September: You and Hermione Granger should make sure you don’t let work consume you

![HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-hermione-great-hall-smiling-book-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4tNCXEveHBZWp1AgccZg52/39c30ab4bc67842362b78ca5ab8e0eef/HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-hermione-great-hall-smiling-book-web-landscape)

If there is one thing that you and [Hermione Granger](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) have in common, it’s your work ethic. This was the witch that used a [Time-Turner](/fact-file/objects/time-turner) just to increase her workload and made the [Hogwarts library](/fact-file/locations/the-hogwarts-library) her second home.

Like Hermione, you have incredibly high standards for yourself and refuse to do things by half measures. You’re often the first person to arrive at work at the last person to leave. Your mood is dictated by how well your latest project is going. Nobody would ever call you unreliable.

Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing wrong with working hard to achieve your dreams. However, there *is* something wrong with letting it consume you and becoming your whole personality. When you think about it, do you have anything else going on in your life? To paraphrase Ron Weasley, you need to sort out your priorities – make 2026 the year you find balance.

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## October: Embrace the Molly Weasley vibe and get cooking 

![WB F5 MollyWeasleyGrimmauldPlace CupsHarrysFaceInHands HP5D-10744](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6en4hNYsbSYeMSgKmiI4Yi/028ec1a9a2bfbfa6bc6e79ac32d05d7e/WB_F5_MollyWeasleyGrimmauldPlace_CupsHarrysFaceInHands_HP5D-10744.jpg)

2025 was the year that you found yourself in a bit of a rut. Every day you would wake up to the same old breakfast, the same old routine and you found yourself slowly losing your sense of self.

2026 should be the year which you change things! The year that you start a new hobby. The year you look to [Molly Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley) for a bit of inspiration. From her homemade fudge to her dazzling [Golden Snitch](/fact-file/objects/golden-snitch) birthday cake – this was a witch whose cooking ability was a thing of legend.

Why not make your new thing cooking? Be creative with ingredients and dream up ingenious dishes that will make mouths water. Host dinner parties full of dazzling conversation. Most importantly, use it as an opportunity to find yourself again.

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## November: You and Sirius Black could do with thinking before you act

![HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-sirius-black-leaning-doorframe-smiling-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3ip1gIfEVpRUJmf2ONYdmR/2de144052d426c9a5c94c1e5c142d7bb/HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-sirius-black-leaning-doorframe-smiling-web-landscape)

Daring and courage are your middle names. You look fear in the eye, and you never cower. You’re certainly not afraid to try something new. If we’re being honest, you are Harry’s godfather, [Sirius](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sirius-black), are very much alike – always ready to leap into action.

However, from his schoolboy prank that almost killed Severus Snape to being spotted seeing Harry off on the [Hogwarts Express](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hogwarts-express), Sirius was also reckless – and so are you. You have a habit of rushing into things without much thought and that can often leave you in hot water.

This is why we think you should work on the thinking side of things in 2026. We’re not saying that you need to suddenly be scared of everything or that you should dampen your spark, but we do think you should take a beat before you leap. If you do? That troublemaking reputation will soon be a thing of the past!

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## December: You and Hagrid do not need another pet

![fact-file-hero-care-of-magical-creatures-buckbeak-class-hagrid-forest-clearing-f3](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6X3X3Sr0MJ8TV8I3JlqkKF/eada49818d94f90ebd5740bdac3d6422/fact-file-hero-care-of-magical-creatures-buckbeak-class-hagrid-forest-clearing-f3.jpg)

From naughty [Nifflers](/fact-file/creatures/niffler) to the *unusual* Blast-Ended Skrewts, one of Hagrid’s most admirable traits was his ability to see beauty in all creatures. There was nobody who loved animals as much as him… except perhaps you.

However, that adoration can be your downfall. Like [Hagrid](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/rubeus-hagrid) convincing himself that it’s totally reasonable to raise a *dragon* in a *wooden* hut, you also get carried away when it comes to adding to your menagerie.

This year, your New Year’s resolution should be to not get another pet. You don’t need another cat, dog or goldfish – you have too many already! Yes, yes, they’re all adorable and we know it will be an extremely difficult challenge for you… but you can do it.

For beginners, for novices, for Harry Potter superfans going 20 years-strong, dig deep into the wizarding world with our collection of features.

Features - Wizarding World

10 of Sybill Trelawney's most unhinged predictions

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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__Spoiler warning! There are some mild spoilers ahead – turn back now if you’re not familiar with the stories…__

## Predicting a student would die every year

![WB-F3-trelawney-in-divination-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/177FgF8r43RLqkcMzGPHQo/fe943b84e7cca54559a8b4ff4d30bf2a/WB-F3-trelawney-in-divination-web-landscape__1_.jpg)

‘Then you should know, Potter, that Sybill Trelawney has predicted the death of one student a year since she arrived at this school. None of them has died yet.’

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[Sybill Trelawney](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sybill-trelawney) really did have a flair for the dramatic. Well, predicting grisly deaths is one way to get a class full of teenagers to pay attention. Even though it never came to pass, it’s a rather genius crowd control move!

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## The Grim
![fact-file-hero-divination-ron-harry-classroom-teacups-f3](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3U4ltfHsoUZL9V3k6s0KUs/7533839fd47ba6eb48a3ee5a9611f849/fact-file-hero-divination-ron-harry-classroom-teacups-f3.jpg)

‘The Grim, my dear, the Grim!' cried Professor Trelawney, who looked shocked that Harry hadn't understood. 'The giant, spectral dog that haunts churchyards! My dear boy, it is an omen – the worst omen – of death!'

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Here Sybill goes again with her gloomy predictions. Well, it’s true [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) did see a rather large dog… but that turned out to be [Sirius](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sirius-black) and not some insidious omen that guaranteed a gruesome end!

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## Augusta Longbottom being poorly
![SybilTrelawney PM B3C6M2 TrelawneyTeachingFirstDivinationLessonToHarryRonHermione Moment](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1teSQairvKqS6YGA4GsWI2/b9bab9a4424e1adb5574248d7fb4eeb7/SybilTrelawney_PM_B3C6M2_TrelawneyTeachingFirstDivinationLessonToHarryRonHermione_Moment.jpg)

‘You, boy,' she said suddenly to Neville, who almost toppled off his pouffe, 'is your grandmother well?'

'I think so,' said Neville tremulously.

'I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, dear,' said Professor Trelawney, the firelight glinting on her long emerald earrings. 

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This is one prediction that we know Sybill made up. Augusta Longbottom? Ill? Not likely! [Neville’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom) gran was a force to be reckoned with – she would make germs quake with fear. We would happily bet she’s never been sick a day in her life!

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## Her ominous warning to Parvati
![HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-ron-harry-bored-divination-crystal-ball-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7F9rr7O5VA4fXgNDCqbwtj/9de97b20390c4119d369781240a7baac/HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-ron-harry-bored-divination-crystal-ball-web-landscape)

‘By the way, my dear,' she shot suddenly at Parvati Patil, 'beware a red-haired man.'

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Well, seeing as [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) did end up getting together with [Parvati’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/parvati-patil) best friend, [Lavender](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lavender-brown), and then the pair spent so much time snogging each other they forget they had other friends… this prediction might actually be accurate!

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## She would get the flu in February
![hp-f5-umbridge-trelawney-crying-mcgonagall-comforting-her-filch-courtyard-app-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5Xg9gxRDE6ABDxeMt0l7Po/c71f2cc02cb2d422dfa68709be61caaa/hp-f5-umbridge-trelawney-crying-mcgonagall-comforting-her-filch-courtyard-app-landscape.jpg)

‘Unfortunately, classes will be disrupted in February by a nasty bout of flu. I myself will lose my voice.’

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In both the books and the films there’s no mention of Trelawney being struck down by something as mundane as the flu… it’s Sybill’s inner eye that was on the blink! 

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## A spring departure
![SybilTrelawney WB F3 TrelawneyInDivinationClassroomWithStudents Illust 080615 Land](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3gYmnD4cbuekWGGSmOokYc/afe3615f1c01e4d6166a1beec3f7d9f9/SybilTrelawney_WB_F3_TrelawneyInDivinationClassroomWithStudents_Illust_080615_Land.jpg)

‘And around Easter, one of our number will leave us for ever.’

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Actually… [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) *did* leave [Divination](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/divination) for the last time in the spring – could Trelawney have been using her Seer abilities here? Possibly, though it was most likely a lucky guess!

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## Beware the 16th October
![HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-divination-classroom-trelawney-harry-whole-class-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2WucRFiczykWOykrwikFjI/90f3b14b221f2117a747e3352a620056/HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-divination-classroom-trelawney-harry-whole-class-web-landscape)

‘Thank you, my dear. Incidentally, that thing you are dreading – it will happen on Friday the sixteenth of October.’

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We have to agree with Hermione on this one. Yes, Lavender might have received the letter telling her that her beloved pet, Binky, had died on the 16th. Yet the demise of her poor rabbit actually happened *before* that date. So, we would put this down to another example of Sybill’s showmanship rather than any actual talent.

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## Mind the teacups

![WEB-PROMO-collection-page-trelwaney-class-divination-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1LWmFZHNsIHVJUQqLEu4DR/bb4c89ef64debfb2de4124873e8f7695/WEB-PROMO-collection-page-trelwaney-class-divination-landscape)

Oh, and dear –’ she caught Neville by the arm as he made to stand up, ‘after you’ve broken your first cup, would you be so kind as to select one of the blue patterned ones? I’m rather attached to the pink.’

Sure enough, Neville had no sooner reached the shelf of teacups than there was a tinkle of breaking china…

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This is rather a self-fulfilling prophecy – don’t you think? Telling the clumsiest kid in the class not to break something is guaranteed to end with them breaking something… especially if that kid is Neville!

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## Thirteen at the dinner table
![HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-sybil-trelawney-class-excitable-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4eWrWQ58CwOMQIVJu3Wr1U/6c773b539ffd2b3e560202ad40c28875/HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-sybil-trelawney-class-excitable-web-landscape)

‘I dare not, Headmaster! If I join the table, we shall be thirteen! Nothing could be more unlucky! Never forget that when thirteen dine together, the first to rise will be the first to die!’

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Once again, we maintain that Trelawney was never happier than when she was coming up with the most maudlin of predictions! This was another dud – seeing as Harry and Ron were the first to rise from Christmas dinner and they both survived!

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## What she predicted would be in their exam
![HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-hermione-trelawney-divination-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/13VYKKMgRcrWyd7hqHgug2/e6eafe3a407212dd7a01ab6ec6344d33/HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-hermione-trelawney-divination-web-landscape)

‘I have decided to introduce the crystal ball a little earlier than I had planned,’ said Professor Trelawney, seating herself with her back to the fire and gazing around. ‘The fates have informed me that your examination in June will concern the Orb, and I am anxious to give you sufficient practice.’

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It doesn’t take a gifted Seer to foresee what’s in an exam that you wrote yourself. Of course Trelawney knew crystal balls were on the horizon! It was her decision!

Seven festive Harry Potter moments you'll only find in the books

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## Dumbledore wearing a bonnet 

![pottermore-moments-great-hall-christmas-dinner-homepage-hero](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/33XBWPqo5k51P2yU5PweQs/668717989f13839af267c76f24a85e7a/pottermore-moments-great-hall-christmas-dinner-homepage-hero.jpg)

One thing we never saw in the Harry Potter films was Christmas dinner and, quite frankly, we were robbed…

Harry pulled a wizard cracker with Fred and it didn’t just bang, it went off with a blast like a cannon and engulfed them all in a cloud of blue smoke, while from the inside exploded a rear-admiral’s hat and several live, white mice. Up on the High Table, Dumbledore had swapped his pointed wizard’s hat for a flowered bonnet and was chuckling merrily at a joke Professor Flitwick had just read him.

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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Fun, festivities and fantastic headwear? No that’s a celebration we can get on board with!

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## The Christmas presents Harry got from the Dursleys 

![Scholastic-Christmas-Book-Crop](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7twB3dkNLhMoKjGlRHqRP6/2b24471aa9e513fc4ea733f63eeb7081/Christmas-at-Hogwarts-Cover-Final.jpg)

Christmas presents from the Dursleys? The miserable [Muggles](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) who made [Harry’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) life a misery? Yes! Harry did used to get gifts from his rotten relatives! They weren’t exactly *high quality* though…

A second, very small parcel contained a note. 

We received your message and enclose your Christmas present. From Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. Sellotaped to the note was a fifty-pence piece. 

‘That’s friendly,’ said Harry. 

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50 pence, how… *generous*. At least [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) found the Muggle coin fascinating! Although, it was better than the toothpick and single tissue they gave Harry in later years.

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## Speaking of Christmas presents… Kreacher had an interesting one for Harry  

![GrimmauldPlace PM B5C4M1 OrderOfPhoenixOutsideGrimmauldPlace Moment](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3mSjbr95m0yIIOeOgGE8qE/7c2c406f143ebf4bccae17db759a5a2e/GrimmauldPlace_PM_B5C4M1_OrderOfPhoenixOutsideGrimmauldPlace_Moment.jpg)

Harry’s relationship with the [house-elf](/fact-file/creatures/house-elf) that he inherited was *complicated*. In what appeared to be a festive olive branch, [Kreacher](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/kreacher) sent his new master a Christmas present. However, we bet Harry wished he hadn’t.

‘I didn’t think of giving Kreacher anything! Do people usually give their house-elves Christmas presents?’ asked Harry, prodding the parcel cautiously.

‘Hermione would,’ said Ron. ‘But let’s wait and see what it is before you start feeling guilty.’ 

A moment later, Harry had given a loud yell and leapt out of his camp bed; the package contained a large number of maggots. 

‘Nice,’ said Ron, roaring with laughter. ‘Very thoughtful.’ 

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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Yeah… we’d rather have a pair of [Uncle Vernon’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/vernon-dursley) old socks instead!

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## Percy Weasley and Rufus Scrimgeour gate-crashed The Burrow  

![Burrow homepage carousel ](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5CKdyMIblYYgAu2iqeM4iw/062d8e063e6b6ea505ca4561df4232c3/burrow_home.jpg)

Things were decidedly frosty between [Percy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/percy-weasley) and the rest of the [Weasley family](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-weasleys) after [Voldemort’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) return to power. When he appeared at [The Burrow ](/fact-file/locations/the-burrow)on Christmas Day with the [Minister for Magic](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/minister-for-magic), we hoped it was some sort of attempt at a family reunion.

Rufus Scrimgeour paused in the doorway, leaning on his walking stick and smiling as he observed this affecting scene.

‘You must forgive this intrusion,’ he said, when Mrs Weasley looked round at him, beaming and wiping her eyes. ‘Percy and I were in the vicinity – working, you know – and he couldn’t resist dropping in and seeing you all.’ 

But Percy showed no sign of wanting to greet any of the rest of the family. He stood, poker-straight and awkward- looking, and stared over everybody else’s heads. Mr Weasley, Fred and George were all observing him, stony-faced.

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Unfortunately, as demonstrated by Percy’s mashed-parsnip-splattered glasses, it wasn’t. Turns out it wasn’t the season of goodwill after all.

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## A Firebolt-shaped delivery  

![HarryPotter PM B3C11M1 McGonagallConfiscatingHarrysFireboltInGryffindorCommonRoomWithRonHermione Moment](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/67VpGOW18sYyGQqeiMEk4i/142af94662604b1c6b5e725878de34fe/HarryPotter_PM_B3C11M1_McGonagallConfiscatingHarrysFireboltInGryffindorCommonRoomWithRonHermione_Moment.jpg)

While the end of the third film saw Harry get his precious Firebolt and immediately take to the skies, in the books this moment was quite different… and caused far more drama.

It was a Firebolt, identical to the dream broom Harry had gone to see every day in Diagon Alley. Its handle glittered as he picked it up. He could feel it vibrating, and let go; it hung in mid-air, unsupported, at exactly the right height for him to mount it. His eyes moved from the golden registration number at the top of the handle right down to the perfectly smooth, streamlined birch twigs that made up the tail.

‘Who sent it to you?’ said Ron in a hushed voice. ‘Look and see if there’s a card,’ said Harry.

Ron ripped apart the Firebolt’s wrappings.

‘Nothing! Blimey, who’d spend that much on you?’

‘Well,’ said Harry, feeling stunned, ‘I’m betting it wasn’t the Dursleys.’ 

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In the books, this present arrived on Christmas morning. While we all know that [Sirius](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sirius-black) was the mysterious Father Christmas-like figure behind the gift, at the time, the sender seemed to be anonymous. With Harry’s safety a huge concern, [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) rightly questioned the motives behind such an extravagant present and reported it to [McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall). Unfortunately, that led to a not-very-festive falling out between the trio – ho ho ho indeed!

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## When Christmas was spent at St. Mungo’s 

![ (Lockhart ObliviateHERO StMungos PM B5C23M1 ChristmasAtStMungos Moment](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/54uIqxAe1iOkaUEMaGAWiu/2ad4d0da069d2bbb63bcfec143555f90/Lockhart_ObliviateHERO_StMungos_PM_B5C23M1_ChristmasAtStMungos_Moment.jpg)

In the fifth film, [Arthur](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/arthur-weasley) may have spent Christmas Day in [Grimmauld Place](/fact-file/locations/number-twelve-grimmauld-place) but in the books, he was still in [St. Mungo’s](/fact-file/locations/st-mungos-hospital) recovering from [Nagini’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/nagini) vicious attack. Despite being a hospital, they did try to bring the festive cheer with their decorations.

The reception area looked pleasantly festive: the crystal orbs that illuminated St Mungo’s had been coloured red and gold to become gigantic, glowing Christmas baubles; holly hung around every doorway; and shining white Christmas trees covered in magical snow and icicles glittered in every corner, each one topped with a gleaming gold star. It was less crowded than the last time they had been there, although halfway across the room Harry found himself shunted aside by a witch with a satsuma jammed up her left nostril.

‘Family argument, eh?’ smirked the blonde witch behind the desk. ‘You’re the third I’ve seen today ... Spell Damage, fourth floor.’

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This book moment was also when we got to meet [Neville’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom) parents and gained further insight into his tragic backstory.

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## Trelawney’s gloomy dining superstition  

![christmas-at-hogwarts-book-great-hall-article-hero](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5HqxE2uZofc14swmqZM2oG/f393940b4cafcbcd6adbaae5da99addb/christmas-at-hogwarts-book-great-hall-article-hero.jpg)

Harry’s third Christmas was a rather quiet affair – what with a supposed mass murderer on the loose. With many fleeing [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) for the holidays, Christmas dinner was a much smaller event. There were only 13 at the table – much to [Trelawney’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sybill-trelawney) dismay!

‘I dare not, Headmaster! If I join the table, we shall be thirteen! Nothing could be more unlucky! Never forget that when thirteen dine together, the first to rise will be the first to die!’

‘We’ll risk it, Sybill,’ said Professor McGonagall impatiently. ‘Do sit down, the turkey’s getting stone cold.’ 

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As Harry and Ron were the first to rise and they very much remained alive… we think Sybill’s Inner Eye was on the blink.

Ask us anything… the Harry Potter team answer all your Christmassy questions

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## Did Hermione ever visit her parents on Christmas? 

![HP-F1-philosophers-stone-ron-harry-hermione-great-hall-chess-christmas-decorated-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2DrzUL4vRTtBkVc67pd0FU/4e4fea44a248055cc5bba01adafd5277/HP-F1-philosophers-stone-ron-harry-hermione-great-hall-chess-christmas-decorated-web-landscape)

Yes! In both her first and sixth year at Hogwarts, [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) spent the festive season with her parents. In *Philosopher’s Stone*, we imagine she just couldn’t wait to fill them in on all the adventures she’d had during her first term at a wizarding school. However, her trip home in *Half-Blood Prince* was under circumstances that were far less merry.  

You see, that was the Christmas when things were rather frosty between her and [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley). Thanks to his relationship with [Lavender Brown](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lavender-brown), some miscommunication about feelings and being divebombed by a flock of tiny birds, they weren’t talking. As [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) and Ron spent that particular holiday at [The Burrow](/fact-file/locations/the-burrow), we imagine she wanted to be at home rather than on her own at Hogwarts. 

There was also the Christmas she *nearly* spent with her parents. In *Order of the Phoenix*, Hermione was supposed to go skiing with her family. However, after [Mr Weasley’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/arthur-weasley) attack (and realising taking to the slopes wasn’t her thing) she spent Christmas at [Grimmauld Place](/fact-file/locations/number-twelve-grimmauld-place) instead.

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## Does Father Christmas ACTUALLY exist in the wizarding world? 

![HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-weasleys-christmas-grimmauld-place-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/yzOg13hw0sgBTcoyqVEcy/e7060d6cca54531097bc2ff35653c5ea/HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-weasleys-christmas-grimmauld-place-web-landscape)

Unlike the [Muggle](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) world, where we hang up stockings for Father Christmas to fill with presents, at Hogwarts it’s the [house-elves](/fact-file/creatures/house-elf) that are responsible for delivering presents to the students. 

However, that’s not to say he didn’t exist in the wizarding world – witches and wizards still knew about him. At the [Yule Ball](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/yule-ball), there were statues of Father Christmas and his reindeer. Ron causally mentioned him in passing. And, rather gruesomely, during Christmas at Grimmauld Place, the stuffed elf-heads all wore Father Christmas hats. 

There were also quite a few characters that had real Father Christmas energy… [why not see for yourself?](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/could-any-of-these-harry-potter-characters-be-father-christmas)

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## How do they get all the food in the Great Hall? 

![WB-HP-F2-christmas-at-hogwarts-wide-shot-great-hall-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/iEVeGIMgKgnFzU7EoL6ZO/9356d8bc77636d9f4c65ececc089866c/WB-HP-F2-christmas-at-hogwarts-wide-shot-great-hall-web-landscape.jpg)

This is a brilliant question and as you can probably guess… the answer involves magic. As we all know, thanks to Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration, food can’t be conjured out of thin air – even if it seems to have been.

At [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts), it was (once again) the house-elves that were responsible for creating all the fantastic feasts. They prepared the dishes in the [Hogwarts kitchens](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts-kitchens) that were directly below the [Great Hall](/fact-file/locations/the-great-hall). Once they had finished making the mouthwatering meals, the dishes were placed on long tables that were identical to the ones in the hall. The dishes were then magically sent up and appeared on the corresponding tables above.

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## Where would you rather spend Christmas. Hogwarts or The Burrow?

![HP-F6-half-blood-prince-harry-ginny-talking-the-burrow-christmas-christmas-tree-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/wjNlVCrwkL9sxCSIsiTk6/843ebc6c2dfecb411914070a52dfd652/HP-F6-half-blood-prince-harry-ginny-talking-the-burrow-christmas-christmas-tree-web-landscape)

This is a question that we at Harry Potter HQ have often debated! Do we want to have a cosy Christmas with one of our [favourite wizarding families](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-weasleys)? Or do we want to be dazzled by the towering Christmas trees and singing suits of armour at Hogwarts? To throw a curveball out there… would we want to spend Christmas at Grimmauld Place?

In fact, we spent so long discussing it, [we even wrote about it](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/where-would-you-spend-a-wizarding-christmas). From [Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) in a flowered bonnet, to family fun featuring the dulcet tones of Celestina Warbeck… which team member do you agree with?

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## Is there a book containing the recipes for all the treats that Mrs. Weasley sent Harry for Christmas over the years? I am asking because... they all sounded delicious.

![WB F6 Snowman Dancing on Cake Christmas HP6-VFX-00149](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6HjV0lERgWSWqoo4MWqMIa/7a12df387a63f04b5d74677c09b5decc/WB_F6_Snowman_Dancing_on_Cake_Christmas_HP6-VFX-00149.jpg)

We agree – [Molly Weasley’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley) collection of Christmas goodies always sounded extremely yummy. Luckily for us, we do know a few of the books that she kept at The Burrow! For example, there was *Charm Your Own Cheese*, *Enchantment in Baking* and also *One Minute Feasts – It’s Magic!*

Unluckily for us, as these books only exist in the wizarding world, we’ll never be able to try the magical recipes for ourselves!

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## What was Harry’s favourite Christmas present?

![Fact File the-invisibility-cloak_1_1800x1248](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4dtIDCA65YwqHvjlk1IeiL/f93227f42e5d2d54f068540ec2bca7b8/the-invisibility-cloak_1_1800x1248.png)

While we can’t definitively answer this question, we can make an educated guess… and we can certainly say it wasn’t the toothpick sent by the Dursleys.

Harry’s [Invisibility Cloak](/fact-file/objects/the-invisibility-cloak) *must* be up there as one of his favourite gifts. Not only was it an extremely rare magical artefact that helped him get up to all sorts of mischief, but it had once belonged to [his dad](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/james-potter). Having that connection to his father must have been extremely meaningful.

Then there was the [Firebolt](/fact-file/objects/broomstick) from [Sirius](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sirius-black). Yes, it might have been confiscated by [McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall) initially. And yes, that might have caused tensions between the trio… but to own the fastest racing broom in the world? How could it not be considered one of his best presents.

Finally, we have to mention Weasley jumpers. Harry hadn’t expected to get any presents during his first wizarding Christmas. However, he woke up to find that Molly Weasley had spent time and effort lovingly knitting him his own woolly masterpiece. From that moment on, he was an honorary Weasley and had found a place that he belonged – and *that* was priceless.

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## Did Hagrid celebrate Christmas by himself? 

![hp-f1-philosophers-stone-hagrid-fang-outside-hagrids-hut-playing-flute-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6MYGoPvMPUJz2biUkBUyxJ/72829bf3386bb2e0046036c565d54813/hp-f1-philosophers-stone-hagrid-fang-outside-hagrids-hut-playing-flute-web-landscape.jpg)

Never fear! Our favourite half-giant did *not* spend Christmas alone in [his hut](/fact-file/locations/hagrids-hut) on the Hogwarts grounds. Instead, he threw himself into all the festivities in the castle. [Hagrid](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/rubeus-hagrid) brought the giant Christmas trees into the Great Hall. He ate Christmas dinner alongside the staff and remaining students. He thoroughly got into the festive spirit – even kissing [Minerva McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall) on the cheek! And who could forget him dancing with [Madam Maxime](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/olympe-maxime) at the Yule Ball?

Hagrid was all about Christmas and he brought the festive joy.

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