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The Seer wordsearch

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The importance of snakes in the wizarding world

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Harry Potter looking at the door to the Chamber of Secrets which is covered in carved snakes

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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## They were the symbol of Slytherin house
First, let’s start with the obvious connection, one of the four Hogwarts houses were represented by a serpent – [Slytherin](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/slytherin). Founded by [Salazar Slytherin](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/salazar-slytherin), this house prided itself on its ambition and cunning. Interestingly, if we circle back to the Lunar New Year and the Chinese zodiac, those who are born in the Year of the Snake are supposedly shrewd, wily and curious – which fits quite nicely with the Slytherin identity. 


Salazar Slytherin Fact File Image salazar-slytherin_1_1800x1248

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## Plus, Ilvermorny had strong ties to serpents too
Yes! Snakes weren’t only a staple of Hogwarts, they also played an important role in the wizarding school across the pond, [Ilvermorny](/fact-file/locations/ilvermorny). Hidden in Massachusetts in the USA, this school had more the one tie to our slithering friends. Firstly, one of their houses is named after the wizarding creature, the Horned Serpent, and is supposed to represent the mind. It was chosen because it was founder Isolt Sayre’s favourite magical creature. Apparently, Isolt could communicate with the Horned Serpent, and it offered her shavings from its horn which became the core of the first ever American-made wand.

Did we mention that Isolt was a descendant of Salazar Slytherin? That goes a long way to explain why she had such an affinity for serpents and her curious ability to communicate with them.

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## Some witches and wizards talk to snakes
Speaking of communicating with snakes, there is a whole language that enables certain witches and wizards to talk to them, [Parseltongue](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/parseltongue). If you can’t speak it, the sound of it is quite unpleasant, as it just sounds like a series of snake-like hisses. 

It is rare to find a Parselmouth (someone with this ability) and most are direct descendants of Salazar himself. Harry Potter was one glaring exception rule – his ability was tied to his connection to Voldemort. This was also not a language embraced by the wizarding community because many believed it to have strong associations to the [Dark Arts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/dark-arts). They regarded those who could speak it with great serious suspicion. 


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## They had ties to Dark magic
Out of all the animals that have become totems or symbols in the wizarding world, the snake is arguably the one most often associated with Dark magic. Most notably, it was often tied to Voldemort. The [Dark Mark](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-dark-mark) (his symbol) prominently featured a snake emerging from the mouth of a skull. Plus, there was his pet snake, [Nagini](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/nagini), who devoured more than her fair share of Voldemort’s victims.  Beyond that, there was the [Basilisk](/fact-file/creatures/basilisk) in the [Chamber of Secrets](/fact-file/locations/the-chamber-of-secrets), Salazar Slytherin whose house was known for turning out Dark witches and wizards and not forgetting the suspicion around those who could talk to them. If any animal was in need of some good PR in the wizarding world, it was snakes. 

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## One snake was a Horcrux
There was one serpent that never left Voldemort’s side, Nagini. Having once been human, she was a [Maledictus](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/maledictus) – condemned by a blood curse to eventually turn into an animal forever. In her case, that was a giant snake. Once a witch who lived in America in the 1920s, she eventually became Voldemort’s snake and quite possibly his closest companion. In fact, Voldemort even showed affection towards her (unprecedented really) and regarded her so highly that he concealed part of his soul in her making her a [Horcrux](/fact-file/objects/horcrux). From that moment on, she rarely left his side. 

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Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

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## Hogwarts was terrorised by a giant snake
Otherwise known as the Basilisk or the ‘King of Serpents’, this giant snake had the ability to kill you with just one look. Curiously, to hatch a Basilisk, a chicken egg had to be hatched beneath a toad. Hatching such creatures was forbidden, but Salazar Slytherin had one tucked away in the Chamber of Secrets deep in the bowels of Hogwarts. This particular serpent could only be controlled by the heir of Slytherin and used the castle plumbing to cause all sorts of terror throughout the school. It was simply *Petrifying*.


Basilisk Fact File Image basilisk_1_1800x1248

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## One of our first glimpses of Harry’s magic involved a snake
Harry might not have been a Dark wizard or a Slytherin, but serpents seemed to slither into his life quite frequently. The very first time we saw him do magic, it involved a zoo, [Dudley’s ](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/dudley-dursley)disastrous birthday trip, some vanishing glass and a grateful Boa Constrictor from Brazil. Harry may not have meant to free the snake from its enclosure, but it was rather grateful. With a quick ‘Thanksss, amigo’ it slithered off into the sunset with the dream of heading home to Brazil. We like to imagine it made it and is now living a chilled life where it can spend its days basking in the sunshine totally free.  


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Watch: Ten minutes of sublime Severus Snape moments

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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and the Goblet of Fire

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Severus Snape was a rather slippery sort but like the trifle Harry had four helpings of, he had layers. Not entirely a hero but not entirely a villain, his wonderful complexity was brought to life by Alan Rickman – his delivery of ‘Turn to page 394’ will forever be iconic. Actually, Snape had *so* many moments that could be called iconic. See for yourself with ten full minutes of Snape being sensational. 

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Which moment was your favourite? No matter if it was his… unusual methods when it came to getting Harry and Ron to focus on their homework, his perfect deadpan delivery when Umbridge asked him a few questions or the moment that he revealed who his heart belonged to, Snape's moments were memorable… *always*. 


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

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Debate club: Arthur and Molly or Lupin and Tonks, who was the more iconic wizarding world couple?

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## Molly and Arthur were simply the best
If we were to sum up what the term ‘couple goals’ meant, we would just show you a photo of [Molly](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley) and [Arthur Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/arthur-weasley). We can confidently say they were the strongest couple in the wizarding world. Yes, they might not have the most dramatic story of how they got together but that doesn’t matter. What *does* matter is their dedication to maintaining a loving partnership that could withstand anything.

Firstly, this was a duo who have spent the majority of their lives together and you can’t discount that shared life experience. They grew from two Hogwarts students who got caught on a night-time stroll by caretaker, Apollyon Pringle, to two adults who shared responsibilities and a family. They were clearly destined to be – Molly even said so herself about their decision to elope: 

‘Yes, well, your father and I were made for each other, what was the point in waiting?’ 

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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Molly’s quite right, we can’t think of another wizarding couple that worked as well as they did.

And ok, this was a pair who had their fair share of bickering and disagreements – especially when your husband likes to tinker with illegal flying cars and other [Muggle](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) objects as a hobby – but it never truly got between them. They were a team. They might not always understand where the other was coming from, but they always supported each other with a united front.

When Harry first arrived at [The Burrow](/fact-file/locations/the-burrow) in said flying car, Molly looked to Arthur to back her up when it came to disciplining their wayward kids. Yes, he might have been more interested in how the car handled, but he quickly corrected himself echoing his wife’s sentiments. Likewise, Molly might never fully understand Arthur’s love for rubber ducks, spark plugs and everything Muggle, but she always supported his job in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts office and when he got a promotion, she was his biggest cheerleader.

Plus, nothing is going to test you like raising seven highly spirited children… especially when they are children capable of magic. Yet, they were a solid family unit, and every single child (yes, even [Percy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/percy-weasley)) was an excellent reflection of Molly and Arthur and their love. And let’s not forget, if it wasn’t for Molly and Arthur choosing to be together, Harry would never have had his best friend, [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) or the love of his life, [Ginny](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ginny-weasley).

You might argue that Tonks and Lupin had more to overcome to be together and that is why their love is strongest. However, Mr and Mrs Weasley weren’t just handling mundane everyday issues, they had their fair share of tragedy. From the loss of Molly’s brothers to the return of Voldemort, to Percy’s estrangement and most tragically of all, Fred’s death, this was a pair who had more than their fair share of tests. Again, nothing could shake this unbreakable couple. If anything, their love expanded, and that love enabled them to bring others into their family – like Harry.

Ultimately, there was nothing quite like Molly and Arthur’s love. Their love stood the test of time. The test of everyday life. The test of unfathomable pain and loss. Theirs might not have been as dramatic or flashy as other love, but theirs was certainly one for the ages.

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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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## Lupin and Tonks were the heart and soul

As we make our case for this particular pairing, we do so with a heavy heart, knowing all too well that [Lupin](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/remus-lupin) and[ Tonks’](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/nymphadora-tonks-fact-file) love was powerful, yet ephemeral. They simply didn’t have enough time. 

Unlike Molly and Arthur, these two [Order of the Phoenix](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/order-of-the-phoenix) members had a rocky road to their romance, with Tonks pining for a man too ashamed to open himself up to the sheer possibility of love. As a [werewolf](/fact-file/creatures/werewolf), Lupin had learnt to close himself off from relationships, preferring to operate alone, fearful of the danger he might inflict upon others. When it transpired that the lovable Nymphadora Tonks, so peppy, so full of zest, held a torch for the ex-Marauder, Lupin didn’t exactly whisk her off her feet and take her to [Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop](/fact-file/locations/madam-puddifoots). Who remembers turning each page of their Harry Potter books with sheer frustration at Lupin? Why couldn’t he just let this talented, funny, clever Metamorphmagus into his life? They were perfect for each other! But poor Lupin had simply been too wounded by his condition to believe it. 

Nonetheless, Tonks’ infatuation with Lupin pursued – even her [Patronus](/fact-file/spells/the-patronus-charm) changed form, into a wolf, just like him. And as a Patronus is a manifestation of our very soul, you knew her love was achingly true. Despite Lupin’s protestations (he was too old, too poor, too dangerous, he despaired!) the pair finally found their way into each other’s arms, despite the loss of Dumbledore and the threat of war dancing around them. 

Theirs was a relationship very much forged in fire. But it was also this romance that gave us glimmers of hope throughout the darker moments of the stories. Right before a dangerous Order of the Phoenix mission, Tonks shocked us all with a big, shiny wedding ring. While Harry sought refuge at Shell Cottage after Dobby’s death, it was in this moment Lupin arrived to tell everyone of the birth of Teddy Lupin. With Voldemort on the ascent, friends dispersed, and times looking desolate, Lupin and Tonks’ union gave everyone something to root for. 

Alas, much like the chaos that swirled around them, Lupin struggled with domestic bliss. When we learnt that Tonks was pregnant, the former [Defence Against the Dark Arts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/defence-against-the-dark-arts) teacher let his old fears rule him once again, afraid his son would be a werewolf like him, or that he was too damaged to be a good father. It took a young, vehement teenager to snap him out of his malaise, with Harry chastising Lupin for daring to run out on Tonks, saving their relationship, leading us to Teddy.

Alas, the ‘tidings of new life’ would only last so long for Lupin and Tonks – and we all know how it would have to end. Casualties of the [Battle of Hogwarts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-battle-of-hogwarts), the couple battled valiantly in the face of Voldemort’s evil – and in the end, died together, side-by-side. 

But as tragic as their ending was, there is still something deeply poetic that this pair found each other in the flames of conflict and left this world saving it. As for Teddy, who would never know his brilliant parents, he stood as a beacon, representing everything they fought for – with his godfather Harry on hand to guide him, just as Lupin had done for him.

Of course, Lupin and Tonks are the most iconic couple – their story is one for the ages.

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Lupin and Tonks standing outside The Burrow. Lupin has his arm around Tonks and they both look concerned.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

The Ministry of Magic wordsearch

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Watch episode four of Hogwarts Hangout: Does Draco Malfoy deserve redemption?

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Welcome to episode four of Hogwarts Hangout featuring Annie and Reece, two of our editorial team. Today they are putting their Gryffindor sensibilities aside to discuss all things [Malfoy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/draco-malfoy). From Draco's [horrid family](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-malfoys), to his… difficult personality to his rivalry with Harry. Most importantly, they’re chatting about whether Draco deserves redemption…

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What do you think? Do you think the actions of a teenager shouldn’t be held against him? Did he ever have a chance with [Lucius Malfoy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lucius-malfoy) as a father? Did you also enjoy when Hermione punched him in the face? Whatever your view of the unscrupulous Malfoy, we want to know!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to visit our Harry Potter YouTube channel to catchup on our first three episodes where we dived into the world of the Marauders, discussed what if Neville had been the Chosen One and pondered everything Christmas in the wizarding world. If you’re old enough, don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments. 

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


Every tea leaves symbol from Harry’s Divination classes – and if they came into effect  

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*WARNING: Seeing as this is an article about looking into the beyond, you may just encounter some spoilers along the way.* 

Hermione called the subject “woolly” while the likes of Lavender and Parvati swore by it. Harry and Ron had more of a lackadaisical approach to the lesson. Whichever way you slice it; [Divination](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/divination) wasn’t everyone’s... cup of tea. 

But during their tea leaves-reading sessions in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, equipped with a copy of *Unfogging the Future*, Harry and Ron discovered some interesting suggestions of their future in the form of ‘some soggy brown stuff’, to use Harry’s words. 

While Ron and Harry analysed their tea leaves one way, [Professor Trelawney](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sybill-trelawney) conveniently re-interpreted some of their findings with the most depressing outcomes possible – so you can certainly take this practice with a pinch of salt. (But don’t be adding it to your tea.)   

Whether you endorse Professor Trelawney’s Divination methods or not, here’s a quick reminder of what the pair discovered during their foray – just in case you fancy having a quick look next time you’re enjoying a cuppa yourself. 


Swill these around the cup three times with the left hand, then turn the cup upside-down on its saucer; wait for the last of the tea to drain away, then give your cup to your partner to read.

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## The cross: trials and suffering  
The first symbol that Harry identified with his Divination partner Ron was a ‘wonky cross’, which apparently means ‘trials and suffering’. Alas, being friends with [Harry Potter](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) means that ‘trials and suffering’ are part and parcel of the relationship. Ron would indeed be put through his paces in many adventures to come – and we’re not just talking about his mum’s corned beef sandwiches. 

## The sun: great happiness  
Thankfully, Harry also spotted a sun symbol for [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) shortly afterwards. The sun means ‘great happiness’ according to their textbook. A bit vague, sure, but maybe *Unfogging the Future* author Cassandra Vablatsky threw in a cheery one to offset many of the more pessimistic symbols. 

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## The acorn: a windfall, unexpected gold  

It makes sense that an acorn, the nut of oak trees, would represent such a fruitful fortune – with *Unfogging the Future* decreeing an acorn meant a windfall. 

Of course, Harry’s [Gringotts](/fact-file/locations/gringotts) vault wasn’t exactly modest, but he would indeed acquire even more gold in only the next book, due to technically winning the [Triwizard Tournament](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/triwizard-tournament).  

Happily for all of us, Harry gave the Galleons to Ron’s brothers, Fred & George, to kickstart their positively nutty joke shop business.  

## The falcon: a deadly enemy  

Sometimes Divination truly did penetrate the depths of the deep beyond... on other occasions, it didn’t half state the obvious.  

Upon finding a falcon in Harry’s teacup, [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) called Trelawney out on such rudimentary fortune-telling. Of course, as the setting for this scene was *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, it could also have referred to the looming [Peter Pettigrew](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/peter-pettigrew).

‘The falcon ... my dear, you have a deadly enemy.’ 

‘But everyone knows that,’ said Hermione in a loud whisper. 

Professor Trelawney stared at her. 

‘Well, they do,’ said Hermione. ‘Everybody knows about Harry 

and You-Know-Who.’  

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## The club: an attack  
Perhaps another basic assessment from Professor Trelawney was identifying a club symbol in Harry’s teacup, signifying an attack was on the horizon. But she wasn’t wrong. In the crescendo of *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, Harry, Ron and Hermione would indeed find themselves in a shocking showdown between Peter Pettigrew, [Sirius Black](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sirius-black), [Severus Snape](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/severus-snape), a werewolf-changing [Remus Lupin](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/remus-lupin), and later, an onslaught of Dementors. Just another day in the office for a young Harry Potter. 

Also worth mentioning that Ron initially thought this symbol was a ‘bowler hat’, which he joked may mean that Harry would become Minister of Magic in a cheeky reference to [Cornelius Fudge’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/cornelius-fudge) preferred choice of headwear. But he wasn’t far off. Harry didn’t get the top job...  but in *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*, we did find him working at the Ministry, while their best friend Hermione *did* get the gig.

## The skull: danger in your path   
We imagine at this point, you’re starting to get the picture. But of course, we would soon learn in the following book, *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*, that the skull symbol would be a significant omen in Harry’s story – Lord Voldemort’s [Dark Mark](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-dark-mark).

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The Grim made of tea leaves in divination 

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## The Grim: you all know this one 

And finally, the big black dog was the thing that really sent Professor Trelawney into a tailspin. ‘The omen of death’, as she relished explaining to the class, was yet another of Harry’s ill-fated tea leaves. But thankfully, in the case of Harry, a big black dog also just so happened to be the Animagus form of his lovely dogfather – sorry godfather, Sirius Black. So at least it wasn’t all bad.  

*** 

Much to consider when you next pop the kettle on.

The Dursley crossword

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Gilderoy Lockhart’s life lessons

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While it would be great to have the power of [Legilimency](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/legilimency) and see the inside of [Gilderoy Lockhart’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/gilderoy-lockhart) mind, unfortunately we don’t. Instead, we’ve had a think about what life lessons would be important to him and we guess it would go something like this…

## It’s what’s on the outside that counts
Has somebody told you that you are enough? You are perfect the way you are? Personality is worth more than looks? Forget all that! Nobody cares about the content of your character, they’re too busy judging the contents of your wardrobe. It’s all about first impressions people! Your hair needs to be perfectly coiffed – like Lockhart’s luscious locks. Your robes need to come in array of dazzling colours from forget-me-not blue to turquoise. And don’t forget the accessories! Remember how fabulous Lockhart looked with his turquoise hat with gold trim? Nobody is going care if you are the most boring person on the planet if you can dazzle them with your appearance. There’s a reason Lockhart won *Witch Weekly’s* Most-Charming-Smile Award five time in a row.


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## Fake it until you make it
People might say there’s nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it and they would be *half* right. Really, there is nothing you can’t get people to *believe* you can do if you put your mind to it. It is all about confidence. If you act like you know what you’re doing, then who needs to know differently? Need a rocket scientist or a brain surgeon? Just make up some scientific sounding words and bluff your way through.  You never know, you might pick up some of those skills along the way. It’s what Lockhart did. Despite his lack of experience in battling Dark forces or his dearth of teaching skills he *still* ended up as a [Defence Against the Dark Arts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/defence-against-the-dark-arts) teacher at the prestigious [Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts). He fixed a smile to his face, pretended he knew exactly what he was doing and didn’t let a few simple mishaps – like escaped [Cornish Pixies](/fact-file/creatures/cornish-pixie) or disappearing arm bones bring him down. 

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## It’s not about what you know… it’s about who knows you
It is all well and good being smart (even Lockhart was a [Ravenclaw](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/ravenclaw) of above average intelligence) but in the grand scheme of things? It doesn’t really matter at all. It isn’t about being the cleverest or the brainiest it is about being the *most famous*. And while that does take some strategy and planning, nobody will be starstruck by your ability to memorise boring facts, but they will faint at your feet if they see your face on the cover of books, magazines, billboards and TV. Get out there, get recognise and eventually, like Lockhart, you’ll have to carry around a little stack of signed photos just for your swathes of fans. Imagine how *powerful* that would make you feel.

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## Work smarter and not harder
Gilderoy Lockhart might have been known for his globetrotting adventures where he battled banshee and vanquished vampires – he did write *multiple* bestsellers after all. Yet things were not quite as they seemed. Lockhart wasn’t some multi-talented wizarding whiz and who would want to be? That just sounds draining. Life is all about working smarter and not harder. Pick one skill, become excellent at it and it will see you through your life. Jack of all trades are so passé. Lockhart happened to be particularly nifty at [Memory Charms](/fact-file/spells/the-memory-charm). All he had to do, was meet those adventurous wizards, get them to tell him their story, wipe their memories and then write a book saying *he* was the one who had gone on an epic quest. It’s genius really. Lockhart could get the reputation he craved, and he never had to put himself in any danger or uncomfortable situation. What a guy. 


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## You are more important that anyone else
The world doesn’t revolve around the sun, it revolves around *you*. You are the main character in your story, and you should act like it. From the moment Lockhart was born into a family where he was the only sibling with magical ability, he knew he was special. His witch mother liked to always remind him of that fact – he was her favourite. Everyone’s attention should always be on you and if they’re not, you should do something dramatic to make sure they are. While at Hogwarts, Lockhart created a huge, illuminated projection of his own face, which he would send skywards – that’s the energy we are talking about.

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Harry replies to Lockhart's fanmail during detention.

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## If all else fails, there’s always hair products
Well, Lockhart said it was his goal to rid the world of evil and develop a line of hair-care potions. You’ve got to admire that hustle. 

The wizarding wardrobe crossword

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Albus Dumbledore is sat down on the steps in his office at Hogwarts.

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and the Half-Blood Prince

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The Advanced Potion Making wordsearch

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The Snakes crossword

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