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Pub trivia – fun facts you didn't know about wizarding inns

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

## The Leaky Cauldron is the oldest pub in London

Despite what many [Muggles](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) think, the title of oldest pub in London goes to this well-loved wizarding establishment. Found on Charing Cross Road, the [Leaky Cauldron](/fact-file/locations/the-leaky-cauldron) was built in the 1500s – long before Charing Cross Road was even planned! Its true address is number one, [Diagon Alley](/fact-file/locations/diagon-alley).

## Muggles used to frequent the Leaky Cauldron

This wizarding institution wasn’t always a place that where only magical folk congregated. As it was built two centuries before the imposition of the International Statute of Secrecy, it was initially visible to Muggle eyes too. Muggles weren’t made to feel unwelcome or turned away. Having said that, thanks to the *interesting* conversations and even more *interesting* magical pets, many scarpered before finishing their mead.

![LeakyCauldron WB F1 SomeoneOutsideLeakyCauldron Illust 080615 Land](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5sxx5inySIAWsKA0gcuUEG/ca736eb81e715e092136f42c579a2719/LeakyCauldron_WB_F1_SomeoneOutsideLeakyCauldron_Illust_080615_Land.jpg)

## Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott lived above the Leaky Cauldron

In a turn of events that we find extremely adorable, after leaving [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) not only did [Neville](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom) continue his passion for magical plants as [Herbology](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/herbology) professor, but he also married [Hufflepuff](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hufflepuff), [Hannah Abbott](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hannah-abbott-fact-file). The happy couple decided to make a home for themselves living above the one-and-only Leaky Cauldron.

## A pub was the headquarters of a rebellion

Although we never learnt which one it was, according to *Sites of Historical Sorcery*, one of the wizarding pubs in [Hogsmeade](/fact-file/locations/hogsmeade) was said to have been the headquarters of the 1612 [goblin](/fact-file/creatures/goblin) rebellion. Could it have been the [Hog’s Head Inn](/fact-file/locations/the-hogs-head) which was known for its dubious dealings and schemes? Or perhaps it was the cosiness of the [Three Broomsticks](/fact-file/locations/the-three-broomsticks) that convinced the goblins to make it their base?

![pottermore-moments-hp-b5-hogs-head-homepage-hero](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2zygTLqXtChkWM7Asbbca3/14624eac244b6e0d0dd667458176dd1a/pottermore-moments-hp-b5-hogs-head-homepage-hero.jpg)

## The Hog’s Head Inn was run by a Dumbledore

While [Albus Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) ran Hogwarts, just down the road his brother, [Aberforth Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/aberforth-dumbledore-fact-file), ran the Hog’s Head Inn. Crochety and a big fan of goats, he and his brother didn’t always see eye-to-eye. Ultimately, they were both extremely good people and Aberforth even helped the resistance at Hogwarts after Albus’ death – thanks to a secret passage that connected the [Room of Requirement](/fact-file/locations/the-room-of-requirement) to his pub.

## Sybill Trelawney made her infamous prediction at the Hog’s Head Inn

The Hog’s Head Inn was the location of many crucial story moments from the founding of [Dumbledore’s Army](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/dumbledores-army) to [Hagrid](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/rubeus-hagrid) winning a dragon egg in a game of cards. However, there was one particular moment that changed the course of wizarding history forever. On a gloomy night, Albus Dumbledore went to interview [Sybill Trelawney](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sybill-trelawney) for the role of [Divination](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/divination) teacher. He was thoroughly unimpressed until, among the ramshackle décor and sticky floor, she made her prediction about the boy destined to end [Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) and rid the world of his evil!

![pottermore-moments-three-broomsticks-homepage-hero](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/YvfQFf3Sc7Y1rQNcmqoKm/7278f0704d0a659047a66375127ed129/pottermore-moments-three-broomsticks-homepage-hero.jpg)

## Katie Bell was given the cursed opal necklace at The Three Broomsticks

Run by Madam Rosmerta, the Three Broomsticks was a warm and welcoming establishment in Hogsmeade. Yet Dark Magic still managed to worm its way in there in the form of the cursed opal necklace. Part of a clumsy attempt on Dumbledore’s life, [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) Quidditch team member, [Katie Bell](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/katie-bell), took the necklace from the pub while under the influence of the [Imperius Curse](/fact-file/spells/the-imperius-curse) and narrowly escaped its deadly power.

## It wasn’t just witches and wizards who frequented the Three Broomsticks

Said to be as old as the only all-wizard village in Britain, the Three Broomsticks was a bit of a haven for all sorts of magical beings, such as hags, who couldn’t disguise themselves particularly well in the Muggle world. In fact, Ron and Hermione once thought they spotted an ogre!

Every quote to live by from your favourite witches

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Hermione wearing a red dress and smiling at Bill and Fleur's wedding.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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## The importance of keeping things in perspective

![HP-F1-philosophers-stone-hermione-charms-learning-classroom-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/qVjLFPXczR2mwGR54M1JK/5ffbc10854b90be415e66d18504a0f56/HP-F1-philosophers-stone-hermione-charms-learning-classroom-web-landscape)

‘Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery…’

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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Despite being known for her exceptional brain power, [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) also knew the importance of nurturing the other elements of her personality too. It’s a lesson she learnt in her first year after finding genuine friendship. It is also one that we could do with remembering too.

## Don’t be afraid to be bold

![HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-ginny-da-wand-determined-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3yxtbUPaKL5YRyOXEmcss7/b5f3840e6afd0c2e76548570d0532593/HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-ginny-da-wand-determined-web-landscape)

‘…anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.'

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Ginny Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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If you don’t ask you don’t get! As [Ginny](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ginny-weasley) reminds us, if we shy away from a challenge, we’re never going to achieve our dreams. If we find our courage? Well, the world is our oyster.

## Be proud of who you are

![HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-mcgonagall-desk-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/71JqjFqxFPKBLmoFUGKYJD/22d4d28400d268c5d1382d675b5ce1ae/HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-mcgonagall-desk-web-landscape)

‘It’s high time your grandmother learned to be proud of the grandson she’s got, rather than the one she thinks she ought to have...’

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Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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The no-nonsense [McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall) was a witch worth listening to! It’s all too easy to get caught up in the comparison trap, trying to think about who you *should* be and feeling inadequate next to others. However, you are brilliant just the way you are. You are one-of-a-kind. If the Head of [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) can see that – so can you.

## There is always hope

![HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-luna-da-room-of-requirement-casting-patronus-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5zrwB81bovDEUXWbMyCWia/26babee3a72e41ff8557681a28703f5a/HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-luna-da-room-of-requirement-casting-patronus-web-landscape)

‘The things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end. If not always in the way we expect.’

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Luna Lovegood: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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When times are hard, it can be easy to give up hope and become despondent. Yet this poignant point from the wonderfully eccentric [Ravenclaw](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/ravenclaw) is a reminder that good days are on the horizon – even if we can’t quite see them yet.

## Don’t be afraid to dream big

![WB-HP-F7-hermione-reading-promo-crop](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7uWvZ2RIgkybj8J1lCs5RA/39672ce02de6ff4e27d39381deb3c05f/WB-HP-F7-hermione-reading-promo-crop.jpg)

‘I’m hoping to do some good in the world!’

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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No matter who you are, you *can* make a difference. If you channel Hermione’s determination, we’re sure you will go on to do great and brilliant things.

## An excellent reminder

![HP-F5-molly-weasley-harry-potter-web-10744](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1ugOAEKJsmxHxy7rDSEkO8/d6f828346ab08de9e2eb69ed086fdf71/weasley-quiz-title-.jpg)

‘A good first impression can work wonders.'

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Molly Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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A sage piece of advice from [Mrs Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley)! She might have said this to Harry before his [Ministry](/fact-file/locations/the-ministry-of-magic) hearing, but we think this is something that can be applied to many different areas of your life. From making friends to job interviews, things are always easier if you start off on the right foot.

## Do what is right, not what is easy

![WB-HP-F2-hermione-examining-potion-ingredients-with-cauldron-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4L5hkIozTd68acqd3hpP2I/27590dc492caea34621b56bdd472e45b/WB-HP-F2-hermione-examining-potion-ingredients-with-cauldron-web-landscape.jpg)

‘Well, if you two are going to chicken out, fine… I don’t want to break rules, you know. I think threatening Muggle-borns is far worse than brewing up a difficult potion.’

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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Hermione was the witch who once declared being expelled to be a fate worse than death. To hear her trying to convince [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) and [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) to break the rules was rather shocking. Yet she raises an extremely valuable point. Sometimes you need to push the boundaries to do what is right. Following the rules can only go so far – especially if those rules cause more harm than good. It can be hard to stand up and be counted but we should all try to do so.

## Protect what is important

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

‘I feel that if a single pupil wants to come, then the school ought to remain open for that pupil.’

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Pomona Sprout: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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This was a brave statement from [Professor Sprout](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/pomona-sprout) in the wake of [Dumbledore’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) death. [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) was so much more than a school. For many like Harry, it was a sanctuary and place they could call home. A place that should be protected. This is a sentiment we could all take on board. We should all work hard to take care of what, and who, is important to us.

## Don’t judge a book by its cover

![hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7L4Bw903CP5Rnv0MuCknWF/16abc8334d6185d0b8be2af4c5f93c45/hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape.jpg)

‘What do I care how ’e looks? I am good-looking enough for both of us, I theenk! All these scars show is zat my husband is brave!’

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Fleur Delacour: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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You might think glamorous and goodlooking [Fleur Delacour](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fleur-delacour) would also be extremely vain. Yet she wasn’t. Filled with self-confidence, she didn’t judge her husband based on his appearance – she knew it was the content of his character that truly mattered. That attitude is one we think everyone should embody.

## Boundaries are good

![mcgonagall-web-header-wand](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6J6heLMpK9Lee0eL8faPnj/18ebb3e1a6694c1ed440bf094b02a127/mcgonagall-web-headrer.jpg)

‘I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking.’

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Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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Quite right too! Don’t let anybody try to take your voice or diminish you. If someone tries to talk over you, channel your inner McGonagall and lay down the law – they’ll soon learn a valuable lesson.

Your birth month tells us your Harry Potter soulmate

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## January: The determined and dedicated Oliver Wood is your perfect match

![WB-HP-F1-philosophers-stone-oliver-wood-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7iJHeRIUbca989dspC4c2t/a8eae533de5cb364c2b8ef17aa39c857/WB-HP-F1-philosophers-stone-oliver-wood-web-landscape.jpg)

When considering your ideal partner, you don’t want someone who is afraid of commitment and isn’t willing to put the work in. You want someone who is going to give the relationship their all. This is why you and [Oliver Wood](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/oliver-wood) make a perfect pair. This [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) proved his determination time and time again as [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch) Captain. He was always coming up with training techniques and drills to make the team better. Yes, some of his teammates might have complained about the early starts, but it didn’t put Oliver off… and it worked. That’s the type of dedication you admire.

## February: Your soulmate is the creative and eccentric Luna Lovegood

![WB-HP-F5-luna-lovegood-wears-spectrespecs-with-quibbler-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5jiVEF9rz3GdDt6go666da/6431193cd66631881320a9921f2913fe/WB-HP-F5-luna-lovegood-wears-spectrespecs-with-quibbler-web-landscape.jpg)

There is nothing that bores you more than blending into the crowd. From your curious insights to your wacky wardrobe, you march to the beat of your own drum. You are proud to celebrate your uniqueness, and you are looking for a partner that doesn’t shy away from their individuality too. This is why [Luna Lovegood](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/luna-lovegood) with her [Spectrespecs](/fact-file/objects/spectrespecs) and radish-like earrings is your ideal match. The two of you would have a joyful relationship that celebrated creativity, eccentricity and a shared belief in the Crumple-Horned Snorkack.

## March: The brilliantly hilarious Ron Weasley is the one for you

![HP-F6-ron-in-bed-smiling-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/51khMqIDGh7ltBpFgDIet4/4390b7228f2368b128a11304e8a73108/HP-F6-ron-in-bed-smiling-web-landscape.jpg)

Life’s too short not to have fun. Who wants to be miserable? Yes, serious things happen but you still want to find the joy in life, and you want a partner who can do that too. This is why you and [Ron Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) would make the perfect pair. From his ‘Merlin's most baggy Y-fronts’ exclamations to quippy ‘Oh, of course… I forgot we’ll be hunting down [Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) in a mobile library’ comebacks – his quick with would keep you entertained for life.

## April: The elegant and poised Fleur Delacour is your ideal soulmate

![hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7L4Bw903CP5Rnv0MuCknWF/16abc8334d6185d0b8be2af4c5f93c45/hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape.jpg)

Graceful, elegant and gliding through life – that’s the ultimate dream. You aren’t interested in awkward situations and embarrassing encounters; you want life to be as serene as possible. As you want this from your partner too, you and [Fleur Delacour](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fleur-delacour) would make a flawless duo. No matter what situation she faced – from walking into the [Great Hall](/fact-file/locations/the-great-hall) for the first time to rejecting [Yule Ball](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/yule-ball) dates, she was always perfectly poised which is something you appreciate.

## May: The thoroughly good Cedric Diggory is who you’re drawn to

![HP-F4-goblet-fire-cho-cedric-walking-into-yule-ball-together-happy-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7Gg3rW3wpho401kh28ueXG/2ce6bdeb293a9f962407b31ab38c3c2b/HP-F4-goblet-fire-cho-cedric-walking-into-yule-ball-together-happy-web-landscape)

You have no time for people that like to play games in relationships. You abhor anyone who has a mean streak. You really can’t stand when people are rude to those around them. This is why [Cedric Diggory](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/cedric-diggory) is the perfect person for you. Despite being handsome, intelligent and an extremely talented wizard, this [Hufflepuff](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hufflepuff) was also humble. He was *good*. He helped Harry despite him being his [Triwizard](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/triwizard-tournament) rival and never let being the rising star at [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) go to his head. Cedric is a partner you would always feel safe with… and he is perfect for you.

## June: Your soulmate is Lavender Brown who wears her heart on her sleeve

![HP-F6-half-blood-prince-weasleys-wizard-wheezes-lavendar-looking-at-ron-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/41iicwNjHTdrMVNZoiTdoC/ddf961f7074d912a9307c0dc9e2716aa/HP-F6-half-blood-prince-weasleys-wizard-wheezes-lavendar-looking-at-ron-web-landscape)

As someone who is often described as vivacious and an open book, you have real difficulty bonding with people who are closed off or reserved. You find those who keep their cards close to their chest rather unsettling – which is why [Lavender Brown](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lavender-brown) is your soulmate. Whether she was snogging Ron in front of the whole [Gryffindor common room](/fact-file/locations/the-gryffindor-common-room) or giving him gaudy necklaces as a token of her affection, she was not afraid of her emotions or letting everyone else see them. This type of openness is something you can’t help but be drawn to.

## July: Your perfect match is loyal Neville Longbottom

![HP WB F4 Neville and his plant crop ](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/66z5lwGFVYTJTiW2dNdKfw/e99e49796545303b7dec644c11004840/NevilleLongbottom_WB_F4_NevilleLongbottomWithPlantPromoShot_Promo_080615_CROP.jpg)

Don’t underestimate [Neville](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom). He might have initially been a clumsy underdog, but he soon surpassed that and became a [sword-of-Gryffindor-wielding](/fact-file/objects/the-sword-of-gryffindor) hero. One who was loyal to his friends, his school and loyal to what was right. As someone born in July, this is what you would like to find in a partner. You don’t want a person who could easily be swayed. You want someone who is as committed to you as Neville is to his [Mimbulus mimbletonia](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/mimbulus-mimbletonia), which is why he is the one for you.

## August: The logical and intelligent Hermione Granger is the one for you

![HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-hermione-bill-fleur-wedding-red-dress-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5aJclseoYsrr4a0y0XPiQY/be44e1bfabc2a5f7422ed6e87a5df30e/HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-hermione-bill-fleur-wedding-red-dress-web-landscape)

As somebody who is known for their sharp mind and love of learning, we think you and the [cleverest witch of her age](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger), who takes the largest books out of the [Hogwarts library](/fact-file/locations/the-hogwarts-library) for ‘light reading’, would get on like a house on fire. Your days would be spent verbally sparring with each other, debating Ancient Rune translations and generally broadening your minds and you wouldn’t want it any other way.

## September: The discerning Draco Malfoy is your wizarding soulmate

![WB-F3-draco-in-care-of-magical-creatures-with-monster-book-of-monsters-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4FeDA9gWYlkm3iFXZMUOF5/47927d38da6fcc8d4660a5cd92a7e6d6/WB-F3-draco-in-care-of-magical-creatures-with-monster-book-of-monsters-web-landscape.jpg)

There’s nothing wrong with being shrewd or ambitious, these are traits that you rather admire. In fact, you find someone who knows exactly what they want and how to get it extremely attractive. This is why [Draco Malfoy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/draco-malfoy) is the one for you. We are in no way saying you are prejudiced or a bully like he was. However, the embodiment of [Slytherin](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/slytherin) traits, he was not afraid to openly say he liked the finer things in life or believe he deserved them – just like you.

## October: Fiery Ginny Weasley is your magical match

![GinnyWeasley WB F6 GinnyAtSlughornsParty Still 080615 Land](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4otWY19HKE4WyOOy4Q0wSu/66177ea78a84f5e28b9fb79b2b961e51/GinnyWeasley_WB_F6_GinnyAtSlughornsParty_Still_080615_Land.jpg)

If there was a witch that knew exactly who she was, it was [Ginny Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ginny-weasley). Having had a rough start at Hogwarts she blossomed into a fierce and phenomenal person – with an excellent talent for the [Bat-Bogey Hex](/fact-file/spells/the-bat-bogey-hex). That self-assuredness is something that you are looking for in a partner. You don’t want somebody who doesn’t take the time to work on being the best version of themselves. You want someone who is confident and powerful – exactly like Ginny.

## November: Harry Potter’s bravery is what makes him your soulmate

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[Harry Potter](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) is not afraid to confront the difficult things in life. He doesn’t shy away from a challenge or let fear stop him. He puts himself out there whether that’s soaring through the sky on his [broomstick](/fact-file/objects/broomstick), fighting the forces of evil or summoning up the courage to ask his crush to the Yule Ball. This is something that you strongly relate to. You’re not one to be called timid and you can’t stand cowardice. We’re not saying you’re necessarily an extrovert, but you stand up when it matters and that’s why Harry is your ultimate wizarding soulmate.

## December: The glass half-empty Moaning Myrtle is your perfect match

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There is no person that gets on your nerves more than the one who is relentlessly optimistic. You don’t have time from all that chirpiness and being constantly told to look on the bright side. In fact, being stuck with someone like that would be your worst nightmare. You want someone who will always look on the gloomy side – which is why [Moaning Myrtle](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/moaning-myrtle) (emphasis on the *Moaning*) is your perfect match. Despite her crush on Harry Potter, with your maudlin outlook, we’re sure you could win her over and many (un)happy centuries sitting in the [u-bend of a Hogwarts toilet](/fact-file/locations/moaning-myrtles-bathroom) discussing all the reasons why everything is awful.

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

What would Wizarding World characters be thankful for?

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HP WB F4 Neville and his plant crop 

Neville poses with a plant in the Goblet of Fire.

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## Luna Lovegood
For Luna, we’ve chosen Dumbledore’s Army. The anti-Umbridge Defence Against the Dark Arts group run by Harry meant so much to this free-spirited Ravenclaw. Treated unkindly by fellow students due to her eccentric ways, Luna told Harry that the DA ‘was like having friends’. Luna made lifelong friends thanks to the DA – as well as learning some handy defensive magic. 

Luna may have been thankful for the DA, but we’re pretty sure her new pals were thankful for her fiercely loyal friendship too. 


## Newt Scamander 
If we could ask our favourite Magizoologist he’d probably find it tricky to choose only one kind of fantastic beast to be thankful for. So we’re making his mind up for him. How about Salamanders – fire-dwelling lizards that feed on flame? But why choose this creature above all his others? What about Pickett and Bowtruckles? Or the baby Nifflers? Or Mooncalves? We’re so thankful for those unbearably cute creatures! Ultimately we think it would be Salamanders. For Newt, the creatures were inextricably linked to Tina Goldstein. ‘She has eyes just like a Salamander’, Newt told Jacob. And although his friend warned against telling Tina this, we’re so glad Newt did. And she didn’t seem to mind either… 


## Gilderoy Lockhart
We think Professor Lockhart would claim to be thankful for all sorts of things: his bravery fighting off banshees, his fearlessness against ghouls, his ability to save people from vampires, hags, yetis, trolls… But that was all a lie. We think that deep down, Gilderoy would be most thankful for Witch Weekly magazine. He really did win Witch Weekly’s Most-Charming-Smile Award five times in a row. It’s possibly the only achievement he was famous for that he actually earned himself. 


## Hedwig
Harry’s precious snowy owl, Hedwig, often had a worse time than Harry at number four, Privet Drive. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Harry was locked in his room by the Dursleys, poor Hedwig wasn’t allowed out of her cage. The only food available to her was soggy vegetables from Harry’s stone-cold soup. After all this, we think Hedwig would be thankful for Hogwarts. There she had the owlery to catch up with all of her feathered friends and the freedom to spread her snowy wings across the wide-open skies of the Scottish Highlands – as well as a constant supply of prey from the Forbidden Forest!


## Jacob Kowalski
To say that Jacob was a little overwhelmed by his trips into Newt’s suitcase might be an understatement. But who wouldn’t be with all those fantastic beasts gadding about? It might be strange then that we’ve chosen the Occamy – a small snake-like bird – as something Jacob would be thankful for. But Occamy egg shells are solid silver, and this was the thank you Newt left behind for Jacob after their first adventure together ended: 
‘Dear Mr Kowalski, You are wasted in a canning factory. Please take these Occamy eggshells as collateral for your bakery. A well-wisher.’

Baked goods for everyone, all thanks to an Occamy! Little did Jacob know that his adventures with magical creatures were only just beginning… 


## Hermione Granger
We’re sure Hermione would be thankful for Harry and Ron, for Crookshanks and for the beautiful dress robes she wowed everyone with at the Yule Ball. But we reckon that Hermione would be most thankful for the Hogwarts library. The library and its books were there for her, even when she’d fallen out with her friends. It played a crucial role, not just to get her top marks, but also to help her solve many-a-mystery. And don’t forget it was also the place where Viktor Krum liked to watch her work. How romantic!  To prove our point here’s what Ron had to say on the matter: 
‘Because that’s what Hermione does,’ said Ron, shrugging. ‘When in doubt, go to the library’. 


## Fred & George Weasley
Fred and George’s joke-shop dream may have stayed as elusive as a Crumple-Horned Snorkack without Harry’s helping hand in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. So we’ve chosen Harry’s Triwizard Tournament winnings as something the twins would be thankful for. Without it, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes may never have existed so we’re pretty grateful for those thousand Galleons too. Imagine how many laughs we would have missed out on? U-No-Poo – a modern classic. And who doesn’t want a Pygmy Puff for a pet?


## Remus Lupin
Given Lupin’s ‘furry little problem’ as his friend James Potter used to call it, we think Remus would be thankful for the Wolfsbane Potion. The potion made Werewolves like Lupin ‘safe’, which meant he was able to keep his mind when he transformed, and curl up in his office as ‘a harmless wolf’. However, because it was a fairly modern invention, Lupin didn’t always have the potion and used to turn into a ‘fully fledged monster once a month’. Without the Wolfsbane Potion, Lupin never would have been able to take up a post at Hogwarts.   


## Neville Longbottom
It’s fair to say that Neville struggled with many of his classes at Hogwarts. Even by his second year he was afraid the Heir of Slytherin would come after him, because he claimed he was ‘almost a Squib’. But there was one area that Neville excelled in: Herbology. Right at the beginning of his journey, a good Herbology mark meant Neville scraped it through end-of-year exams. Then in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows we found out that he became a Herbology Professor at Hogwarts! Herbology really did help Neville blossom into the Horcrux-slaying Gryffindor we all know and love. We think he would be very thankful for the existence of this green-fingered subject. And Stinksap to anyone who says otherwise!


## Ron Weasley & Harry Potter
Saving them both from Devil’s Snare; figuring out the identity of Slytherin’s monster and passing on the information whilst petrified; helping Harry beat a dragon by relentlessly teaching him Accio; getting them through their homework and O.W.L.s.; coming up with Dumbledore’s Army; saving them both from Bill and Fleur’s wedding… The list goes on. 
We think Harry and Ron would be eternally thankful for Hermione Jean Granger. 
Perhaps Ron most of all, who was lucky enough to marry her in the end.  


We’ll leave you with a quote from Dumbledore:
‘We have much to be thankful for. Would you care for a sherbet lemon?’


Things we notice watching Harry Potter films ten years on

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## Neville’s Remembrall scene actually reveals what he forgot 


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All eight Harry Potter films are loaded with miniscule details you’d have to pause to notice. But here’s one from *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)* that really amused. During the scene where Neville is telling Harry and co. about his Remembrall (the magical object that glows red upon forgetting something), Neville wonders why his is glowing on that occasion. Looking at the scene again reveals why – Neville is the only character not wearing his Hogwarts robes. In the books, we didn’t get this little nuance, and it’s one of many moments that the film-makers hid in plain sight, ready for us to spot!

## So. Much. Knitwear. 


WB HP F3 Harry Ron Hermione knitwear 

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For those who enjoy a healthy game of Harry Potter movie bingo, a recommended check box would be to spot all the glorious knitwear. We know Hogwarts is based somewhere in Scotland, so everyone is freezing at all times, but once you notice all the cardigans, jumpers, cardigans over jumpers and Neville’s fetching sweater vests, you can’t stop noticing them. In fact, we wrote about our favourite [woolly fashion here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/an-appreciation-of-harry-potter-knitwear-web) 

## In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, all the boys are clearly going through an indie band phase


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Ron and Harry looking at their dress robes from the Goblet of Fire

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In the fourth Harry Potter adventure, a lot of the male characters have opted for the same hairstyle. Harry, Ron, Neville and the Weasley twins are *all* rocking a Beatles-style mop top we remember quite well from our own teenage days. Then, in *Order of the Phoenix*, everyone’s clearly got it out of their system and had a haircut. Ah, to be young. 

## The significance of seven 


WB HP F6 Harry and the Gryffindor Quidditch team 

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Just like in the books, there are many instances of the number seven scattered throughout the films, alluding to Voldemort’s comment that seven is the most magical number. In the end, there are seven Horcruxes. But there are smaller mentions too; Harry’s Quidditch uniform is splayed with the number seven. In *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, (2009)*, during the orphanage scene, a young Tom Riddle even has seven rocks on his windowsill. 

This theme is true in the books too. Seven Hogwarts years. Seven Weasley children. Seven socks owned by Dobby... [the list goes on. ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/the-significance-of-seven-infographic)

## Making plans for Nigel  


WB HP5 Order of the Phoenix Nigel flying 

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The Harry Potter films are famously extremely loyal to their book counterparts, but sometimes, unexpected joys pop up that us book-readers weren’t expecting. One example of this? Lovely, completely random, Nigel. A helpful young student who first crops up in *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2004)*. He’s a lad of few words, but his adorably endearing presence made quite the statement. 

## Sirius’s ‘Nice one James’ line was quietly devastating

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Harry and Sirius standing in the Department of Mysteries 

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Another moment from the films not in the books was this sucker-punch line from Sirius, just before we lost him. When Harry’s duelling skills impress Sirius, he says, ‘Nice one, James’ just before being hit by Bellatrix’s deadly curse.

The line reminds us of the argument Molly and Sirius have in the book, *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, where Molly accuses Sirius of seeing Harry as his old best friend, James, not Harry himself. This line seems to allude to that – in a subtle, devastating fashion. 

## Professor Slughorn’s fish, Francis 



WB HP F6 Professor Slughorn at Aragog's funeral

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Francis the fish! How on earth could we forget Francis the fish?! In the film, *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)*, Professor Slughorn tells us the story of Francis, created from a clever charm that Harry’s mother, Lily, had performed, in which she turned a flower (a lily, in fact) into a ‘wee fish’. This sweet story turns into something far more poignant when Slughorn reveals that the fish disappeared on the day Lily died.

## Neville fancies Luna! 


WB HP8 Harry Neville Ron Hermione Deathly Hallows 

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In the final instalment, *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2* (2011), we all remember the thrilling sequences of the Battle of Hogwarts, the tragic deaths and the shocking twists. But book-readers who haven’t seen the last film since its release may have forgotten a passing remark from Neville Longbottom, where he suddenly reveals he’s crazy about Luna – and goes off to find her. In the books, no such admission is made at all, leaving book-readers collectively surprised, confused, overjoyed or outraged depending on preference. 

Whether or not Luna and Neville ever made a go at it has not been revealed, but we do know that Neville eventually goes on to marry Hannah Abbott and works at Hogwarts as Herbology Professor many years later, while Luna marries Newt Scamander’s grandson, Rolf. What could have been!

# The Warner Bros. logo gets darker and darker 


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Again, it’s the little things that we love realising about the Harry Potter films the most. Take the very opening seconds of each film, emblazoned with the Warner Bros. logo. When you re-watch, you’ll spot that the logo gets darker and becomes covered in cracks and blemishing as the film series goes on. As the adventures get more and more dark and dangerous, it’s only fair that the Warner Bros. logo follows suit! 


What does your Patronus say about you?

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Luna conjuring her rabbit Patronus in the Room of Requirment 

Discover which Patronuses are most popular among Wizarding World fans, which are the rarest, and what your Patronus might say about you.

What does your Patronus say about you? | Wizarding World

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Ranked: most significant wizarding world duels

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A green beam comes from Voldemort's wand after he casts a killing curse.

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## Gilderoy Lockhart vs Severus Snape: *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

You might think it’s curious that we’ve chosen to include this duel in this list. Lockhart, despite starting the Duelling Club, was disarmed by Snape almost immediately. But this duel marked the very first time Harry witnessed the Disarming Charm, Expelliarmus. Snape was desperate to loathe Harry, despite his promises to Dumbledore about Lily’s son. Isn’t it interesting that it was the Potions professor that first showed Harry the spell that saved his life countless times?

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## Tina Goldstein vs Theseus Scamander: *Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald*

We absolutely loved this duel between Tina and Newt Scamander’s brother, Theseus, at the French Ministry of Magic. In answer to a curse, Tina cast a spell that slammed Theseus into a chair, bound his hands and then made him fly backwards – still sitting on the chair – into a wall. Goldstein had serious moves. Newt summed it up: ‘I think that might have been the best moment of my life.’ 


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## Harry Potter vs Lord Voldemort: *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

As though the first Harry versus Voldemort duel – Avada Kedavra versus Expelliarmus – wasn’t dramatic enough, the duellers’ wands shared the same core – a feather from the tail of Fawkes the Phoenix – and a rare phenomenon, Priori Incantatem, occurred. Also known as the reverse spell effect, Harry forced Voldemort’s wand to regurgitate spells it had performed, and ghosts emerged from the Dark Lord’s wand tip. Harry’s parents, amongst others, helped give him enough time to escape.

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## Percy Weasley vs Pius Thicknesse: *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

This duel happened after Percy finally – FINALLY – saw sense and joined his family in fighting against Lord Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts. Whatever the jinx Percy used against Thicknesse, it looked pretty uncomfortable. But this duel is mainly in this list because Percy Weasley finally made a joke:

*‘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?’* 

Perfect Percy came good in the end.  


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## Harry Potter vs Draco Malfoy: *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Part One)*

A Harry versus Draco showdown isn’t exactly a rare occurrence in the wizarding world. In fact, Draco and Harry agreed to duel in his very first year at Hogwarts – although Draco never turned up. We’ve chosen this duel in *Cursed Child* though, because it was about more than Slytherin versus Gryffindor or DA versus Inquisitorial Squad: it was dad versus dad. They’d also improved a lot since their encounter at the Duelling Club in their second year. This duel was a masterclass in wand work, with at least ten different spells cast.  

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## Albus Dumbledore vs Lord Voldemort: *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

Enchanted statues. Silver shields. A Phoenix swallowing a killing curse. A rope turning into a snake. Wisps of dark smoke. Water rising. You wouldn’t want to be caught in the middle of a duel like this one. This was a significant duel in the wizarding world, not just because of the awe-inspiring magic performed, but because it was the only time Dumbledore fought Voldemort head on. It also finally persuaded Cornelius Fudge that You-Know-Who had returned.

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## Severus Snape vs Minerva McGonagall: *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

Secretly, we reckon most people hoped McGonagall and Snape’s underlying dislike for each other – remember their Quidditch rivalry? – would come to a head. And what better way than this wizard duel? And this one was pretty special. One of the most impressive moves from McGonagall was transforming a black serpent into smoke, and then solidifying it into ‘a swarm of pursuing daggers’.

McGonagall was cooler than Hogwarts in the snow about her duelling prowess though: when asked where Snape had gone by a Slytherin student she simply announced that he’d ‘done a bunk’. A round of applause for magnificent Minerva. 


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## Molly Weasley vs Bellatrix Lestrange: *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

When Molly duelled Bellatrix after she attacked Ginny, it became clear very quickly why she belonged in the Order of the Phoenix, and also that she’d been hiding her duelling light under a bushel across the previous six books. We loved the way Bellatrix’s face changed as she realised that she’d met her match in Molly. And of course, there was that unforgettable line: ‘NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU...' – you know the rest.

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## Harry Potter vs Lord Voldemort: *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

In a mirroring of the spells they used in their first duel against each other, Voldemort shrieked Avada Kedavra and Harry relied on his trusty Expelliarmus in their final showdown:

*Harry saw Voldemort’s green jet meet his own spell, saw the Elder Wand fly high, dark against the sunrise, spinning across the enchanted ceiling like the head of Nagini, spinning through the air towards the master it would not kill, who had come to take full possession of it at last.* 

Who was the true master of the Elder Wand? If you don’t know... then you’ll find the answer in the chapter ‘The Flaw in the Plan’ from *Deathly Hallows*. 


An appreciation of knitwear in the Harry Potter films 

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WB HP F3 Ron in knitted hat from Prisoner of Azkaban

WB HP3 F3 Ron in knitted hat from Prisoner of Azkaban

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So, as the winter months draw in, let’s celebrate our favourite Harry Potter characters rocking their favourite cosy clothes. Who wore it best? And, not looking at Ron, who needs a Switching Spell on their wardrobe?

## Maroon season

WB HP F3 Hermione and Ron in Prisoner of Azkaban

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We all know that Ron hates maroon more than Lord Voldemort hates not-murdering people. And yet, Molly insists on this brownish-red shade being the colour that would haunt Ron for many knitted jumpers to come. Be this as it may, Ron wouldn’t be Ron without his maroon ensembles, and we wouldn’t have him any other way. Here’s a lovely diagonal patterned number from *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* to celebrate. 

## A-Gryffin-dorable

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While Ron was confined to his inevitable maroon doom, it’s nice to see his best friends syncing up with him in this lovely colour-combined red effort. This is just what Gryffindor mates do for each other when they’re not Horcrux hunting, taking down the Dark Lord, etc. 

## Vest is best

WB HP F5 Malfoy Neville Crabbe Hermione in Umbridge's office 

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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Now, you could argue that a sweater vest is the most pointless member of the knitwear family, as it’s basically a jumper where your arms remain cold. Nonetheless, one Neville Longbottom is here to prove us all wrong, championing the sweater vest on a number of occasions in the films. Neville really is doing his best to bring the 70s back with a vengeance here. Or maybe he just really enjoys golf, secretly. Who knows!

Either way, you’ve got to respect him for becoming the great wizard he becomes when his arms must have been absolutely freezing the whole time. Can someone try casting Expelli-ARM-us?

Draco’s so mad at this look he’s pointing a wand at him. Yes, this is definitely what this scene is about.

## Getting Ravenclaw-ready

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It’s a wonder anyone at Hogwarts ever heard anyone else talk, seeing as how popular ear-covering bobblehats seem to be in the castle. Here’s Luna and Cho flaunting some corresponding sea-blue knitted looks, maybe getting ready to launch their Ravenclaw-themed girl band?

## Taking umbrage with Umbridge



WB HP F5 Dolores Umbridge in her office in Order of the Phoenix 

WB HP F5 Dolores Umbridge in Order of the Phoenix 

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You thought Fluffy the three-headed dog was scary? You clearly haven’t met the other fluffy: the pink cardigan of Dolores Umbridge. The film’s costume designers clearly had a lot of fun designing Professor Umbridge’s sickeningly pink wardrobe, with her various outfits from Order of the Phoenix being both brilliant and ghastly. Also, observe the cat brooch.

## Fighting Voldemort in a cable knit

WB HP F1 Harry Ron and Hermione in Philosopher's Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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If you’re on your way to defeat one of the Darkest wizards of the wizarding world... it’s important to be comfortable. This is just what Harry did during his epic rescue of the Philosopher’s Stone in his first year. Voldemort was no match for this cosy, red cable knit–and Harry certainly pulled the wool over his eyes when he ended up defying him of the Philosopher’s Stone. 

## Wait, a fleece cardigan OVER a Weasley jumper?

WB HP F4 Ron Weasley outside in Goblet of Fire

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Ron, we know it’s Scotland, but it really cannot be that cold.

## Tassle hassle 

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Here’s Ron, yet again, and this time he is wearing a very silly hat. As the woolly hat laws strictly decree, you can only wear these tasselled things at festivals. 10 points from Gryffindor for wearing such a hat indoors. 5 points back for those very cosy-looking, thick woollen socks, though. Dumbledore would love those.

## The Horcrux-killing cardy look

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

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But when all is said and done, the most iconic knitwear moment of all time in Harry Potter surely must be Neville Longbottom doing his part to take down Lord Voldemort... in this really cosy-looking cardy! See, Neville? When you invest in some winterwear which keeps your arms warm, you can be invincible. 

Yes, you cardi-can.

*Which wizarding woolly is your favourite?*

How the Weasleys changed my life as a redhead  

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WB HP4 Goblet of Fire Fred and George Weasley twins

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that redheads didn't generally have the best time in primary school. Having red hair, even without hand-me-down robes, was basically an invitation to be picked on, whether you went to a wizarding school or your standard comprehensive. As much as I insisted that my hair was actually *auburn* (or titian, depending on one's preference), unfortunately more things rhymed with ginger, so that was that. Then when I was introduced to not just one ginger hero in the Harry Potter series, but a whole family of them, you can imagine how delighted I was. Here's how the Weasleys helped me to live my best redheaded life...

It was 2001 and during 'circle time' in my year 6 classroom, our teacher asked which fictional character we would most like to be. I proudly opted for Ginny Weasley. Despite one classmate’s snarky cry of 'who?!', I was pleased with my choice. For the first time in a long time, there was a ginger character to get on board with. After all, Ginny was in one of the coolest wizarding families! She lived in the Burrow! She could cast a mean Bat-Bogey Hex! She became slowly possessed by the spirit of Lord Voldemort! OK, maybe not that last one.

Ginny wasn't the only redheaded Harry Potter character to inspire me. Ron, after all, was Harry's best friend, and he’s not teased about his hair in the books, not really. It wasn't a personality point, nor was it an invitation for the rest of the characters to treat him badly. In fact, the only character to point out his hair is Draco Malfoy, who then gets superbly taken down by Harry Potter, marking the end of any chance of them becoming friends. It made me realise that hair colour isn't nearly as important as being good at something; like Ron with his chess, or being a great friend, or sticking your neck out to help someone. Just because my hair colour was what my classmates zoned in on, it didn't need to define me.  

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GinnyWeasley WB F6 GinnyAtSlughornsParty Still 080615 Land

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Suddenly, the classmates that picked on me were just a bunch of mini Dracos. And who wants to be Draco, running to tell the teacher every time he wanted to get Harry in trouble and buying his way into the Quidditch team, when you can be ginger and winning the House Cup?   

Then there was the Weasley family beyond Ginny and Ron. Fred and George were easily the funniest and most likeable characters in the novels (in my opinion, anyway). Hilarious, charming and massively popular, it made me feel smug that we had at least one thing in common. Not to mention Bill, who especially made being a redhead cool, what with his ponytail and his fang earring.

Of course, I'm not the only one to feel like the Weasley family seriously helped me out as a youngster. Speaking about how J.K. Rowling helped her to love her red tresses, Laura, 33, said: "She inspired me when she said she loved ginger people at the *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2* premiere. I also love the fact that all the main characters are ginger like Lily, Ron, all of the Weasleys." Hayley, 28, added that thanks to the Weasleys, she's never dyed her hair a different colour. She said: "There wasn’t really anyone else who I knew in my year at school who was a redhead and people would always make jokes about me being ginger and I always desperately wanted to change my hair colour. But then the Weasleys got a bit of a cult following and became cool, so it helped me embrace my colour rather than hate it - haven’t touched hair dye since!"  

Even Rupert Grint himself had a lot to say about the Weasleys being up front and centre in the novels. Speaking at the *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2* premiere, saying to J.K. Rowling: "What you've done for ginger people … I can't put it into words. So, thank you, Jo," to the ecstatic screaming of what I assume was the ginger part of the crowds at Trafalgar Square.

Going from a hair colour that went from being widely mocked to coveted was great. With countless people dressing up for Hallowe’en sporting red hair and a broken wand as Ron, it can most definitely be said that the Weasley family contributed to the rise of the redheads, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of that crowd.  

Now, who wants to talk about Spattergroit?

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