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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

Sirius Black and Harry Potter: two peas in a (Snargaluff) pod

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Harry and Sirius by the Black family tapestry at number twelve, Grimmauld Place

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## Childhoods more unstable than a cursed broom

Unlike James Potter, neither Sirius nor Harry were raised by loving parents. Harry was brought up – very begrudgingly – by his aunt and uncle and suffered years of neglect and bullying before finally escaping to Hogwarts. Sirius was brought up by his own parents, but never fitted in with the Black family stereotype – he was sorted into Gryffindor, which didn’t get him many Black family brownie points, and refused to accept their ‘pure-blood mania’. 

Although Harry was an only child like his father, he didn’t really grow up as one. More in common with Sirius, Harry was constantly reminded of how he didn’t measure up to Dudley, just as Sirius was told that his brother, Regulus, was a much better son. Sirius and Harry’s home lives were so unhappy at points that they both ran away from home. Harry ran away after he blew up his Aunt Marge and Sirius left home for good at sixteen. And where did he go? The Potters’.


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## The Marauders' legacy

James Potter and Sirius Black weren’t exactly model students at Hogwarts.  For starters, they created a map that was effectively a tool to help them make mischief without getting caught. Arguably Sirius was the biggest rebel of them all – he owned a flying motorbike for goodness sake! When Harry was given the Marauder’s Map by Fred and George in his third year, he was already breaking rules left, right and centre, thanks to his very own rule-breaking tool – his father’s Invisibility Cloak. 

Sirius was delighted to find a fellow rebel in Harry, and Sirius lived vicariously through Harry’s exploits at Hogwarts. Padfoot thoroughly approved of the underground Defence against the Dark Arts group – Dumbledore’s Army – delighted that Harry was taking a stand against Umbridge. We’ll never know whether James Potter would have encouraged the same kind of rule breaking in his son, but Sirius and Harry definitely shared a certain disregard for toeing the line.



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Harry looking at the Marauders Map in his dormitory

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## Fiery tempers worthy of a Hungarian Horntail

The very first time we met Sirius Black he was in a murderous rage, determined to kill Peter Pettigrew – disguised as Ron’s rat – who had betrayed Lily and James Potter. But this wasn’t the only time we saw Sirius lose his temper. Snape, Kreacher and even Mrs Weasley all felt the heat of his temper. And Harry isn’t exactly cool-headed either. Remember that time when he shouted – in glorious capital letters – at Ron and Hermione for keeping him in the dark all summer when they’d been hanging out with the Order? And he just couldn’t keep his anger for Umbridge under control at all – even after Professor McGonagall warned him of the danger.

We don’t know much about James Potter’s temper, but we do know that he was the Marauder who rescued Snape from a potential run-in with Lupin in werewolf form, even though the two hated each other. Perhaps he had a more rational head on his shoulders than Sirius or Harry? 



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Sirius Black pointing his finger in the Shrieking Shack

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## Fame’s a fickle friend to both of them 

James Potter was popular at Hogwarts – a great Quidditch player and head boy – but he wasn’t more widely known until after his devastating death at the hands of Lord Voldemort. His son though, experienced fame throughout Hogwarts and beyond, and his best friend Sirius Black’s name was familiar to witches and wizards everywhere – he even made it onto Muggle TV. Harry and Sirius both suffered for their fame at one time or another. 

For most of *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, Harry was accused of lying about Voldemort’s return in the Daily Prophet, and later he was targeted as Undesirable Number One by the Ministry of Magic. Like Sirius, Harry had to go into hiding when a price was put on his head by the Ministry in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*. As a result, Harry and Sirius most likely learned to distrust the authority of the Ministry in a way that James never did.  


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Sirius trapped in the Top Tower from the Prisoner of Azakban 

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## Transfiguring friends into family

Perhaps as a result of their unhappy upbringings, both Sirius and Harry’s friendships run deeper than your average playground pals. Arguably, James and Sirius acted like brothers, as well as best friends, emphasised particularly by the fact that Sirius actually moved in with the Potters when he ran away from the Black family home. Sirius was also best man at James and Lily’s wedding, a place often taken up by the groom’s brother.

Harry is similar in this way, and through his friendship with Ron, was adopted into the Weasley family to such an extent that Ron’s mother sent him Christmas presents and thought of him like a son. Sirius and Harry’s relationship is an interesting mix of friends and family too: Sirius is Harry’s godfather and sometimes treats him like a son, but at other times he seems to forget Harry isn’t his best friend, James Potter. ‘You’re less like your father than I thought’ Sirius told Harry when he refused to risk Sirius’ safety and meet his godfather in Hogsmeade. A harsh put-down that muddies the family-friend boundary between them. 



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Moony Padfoot Prongs and Wormtail at Hogwarts by the lake

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## Brave Gryffindors to the last 

Along with James, Harry and Sirius showed unimaginable courage in the face of evil. Sirius, still a wanted man, didn’t hesitate to leave Grimmauld Place and go after Harry at the Ministry of Magic. Sirius was also determined to give Harry help and advice via owl and in the Gryffindor fireplace throughout his time at Hogwarts, risking being thrown back into Azkaban if caught. 

Harry stood up to bullies, fought dragons, and faced Lord Voldemort whilst still trying to attend classes at Hogwarts. And in the end, just like James and Sirius, Harry was willing to give up his life to protect the people – and wizarding world – that he loved.


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Harry and Sirius standing in the Department of Mysteries 

Revolting reads: the most nauseating moments from the Harry Potter series

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*In honour of Hallowe’en treats, the Scourgify Scale has three levels based on the Skiving Snackboxes created by the masters of mayhem, Fred and George Weasley:*
- Fainting Fancy *for the lowest level of yuck*
- Nosebleed Nougat *for Flesh-Eating Slug levels of repellent*
- Puking Pastille *for the pass me the slug-bucket moments.*



### Slug vomit

*Scourgify Scale – Puking Pastille*

>'The Gryffindors were gathered around Ron, who kept belching large, glistening slugs. Nobody seemed to want to touch him.’
><br>*Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*  

And who’d blame them? Nothing says Hallowe’en horror more than slug slime mixed with Ron Weasley’s vomit, right? Poor Ron was only trying to curse Draco Malfoy for calling Hermione a Mudblood. If only the spell hadn’t backfired... we would have enjoyed Malfoy vomiting slugs over the cups in the trophy room far more than watching Ron suffer. 

### Bubotuber pus 

*Scourgify Scale – Nosebleed Nougat*

On to greenhouse three with Professor Sprout and ‘the ugliest plants Harry had ever seen’. Although apparently Bubotubers look ‘less like plants than thick black giant slugs protruding vertically out of the soil’ – delightful. But in our assessment of all things vomit-worthy, we’re more interested in the Bubotuber pus that the plants themselves. Not unlike the pimples that the plant goo is a remedy for, Harry and his classmates had to squeeze a ‘thick yellowish green liquid’ from the slug-like swellings on the plant and collect it in bottles. It might have been higher on our Scourgify Scale if squeezing the plants didn’t sound quite so satisfying.
<br>

### Harry’s boneless arm

*Scourgify Scale – Fainting Fancy* 

Do you remember when all Harry had to worry about was his teacher removing the bones in his arm? Those were the days, eh? It makes our own arms feel tingly just thinking about how Harry's was described as a ‘thick, flesh-coloured rubber glove’. Apart from a boneless arm sounding more like a  grotesque Hallowe’en costume idea than a Quidditch injury, Madam Pomfrey also had to give Harry Skele-Gro to regrow the bones. And we don’t think it tasted like pumpkin juice.
<br>

### Stinksap

*Scourgify Scale – Nosebleed Nougat*

Neville’s Mimbulus mimbletonia caused an almighty scene on the Hogwarts Express. The little grey cactus might have looked fairly harmless – even though it was covered in boils –but it seriously damaged Harry’s chances with Cho Chang when Neville activated its defence mechanism. 

>‘Liquid squirted from every boil on the plant; thick, stinking, dark green jets of it.’ 
><br>*Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

Harry received a faceful of the disgusting Stinksap – it even got in his mouth –just as the Ravenclaw heart-throb opened the door of the carriage compartment to say hello. Don’t worry, Harry, it could have been worse. Wait... could it?

### Deathday Party food

*Scourgify Scale – Fainting Fancy*

When we say party food, perhaps your mind fills with images of cocktail sausages on sticks, party rings, homemade chocolate bunsand a beautifully iced birthday cake? Hold your Hippogriffs: there ain’t no party like a Deathday Party. The food at Sir Nicholas de Mimsy - Porpington’s 500th death anniversary most definitely makes it onto this nauseating list. Delights included cakes burned charcoal black, a great maggoty haggis, mouldy cheese and a grey cake shaped like a tombstone. Not much of a spread, but then Nearly Headless Nick did have his head – almost – chopped off on Hallowe’en.
<br>

### Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans

*Scourgify Scale – Nosebleed Nougat*

When it comes to Wizarding World confectionary, there are quite a few unpleasant choices. Blood-flavoured lollipops meant for vampires, Cockroach Clusters and Puking Pastilles. So why choose Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans? Let’s just think about them for a second. Every flavour. That’s *every* flavour. There’s no way raspberry or lemon would make it onto this unpleasant list, but just think about the flavours Dumbledore shared with us: a vomit-flavoured bean in his youth; earwax in Harry’s first year. What other flavours could be out there? We shudder to think. Like Dumbledore, we think we’ve lost our liking for them, too.
<br>

### Troll bogeys

*Scourgify Scale – Puking Pastille*

A twelve-foot mountain troll could probably make it onto this list without the bogeys. But we are all about the revolting this Hallowe’en, and how do you make an encounter with a stinking, club-wielding giant worse? You shove a brown stick up its nostrils and then get covered in lumpy, grey troll bogeys, of course! At least Harry had the sense to wipe his wand on the troll’s own trousers rather than his robes – although not quite enough sense not to hang from the troll’s neck in the first place. 
<br>

### Polyjuice Potion

*Scourgify Scale – Nosebleed Nougat* 

We’re not saying Polyjuice Potion isn’t useful – it helped Harry, Ron and Hermione on their way to solving many a mystery. But despite its ability to change you into someone else for a while, drinking the potion itself sounds less tempting than swigging Skele-Gro. The basic ingredients alone make us want to retch: Lacewing flies, leeches, Boomslang skin, powdered horn of a Bicorn just to name a few. Who’d want to swallow any of those ingredients on their own? Let alone after they’ve all been mixed together in a cauldron and left to stew for a month. But that isn’t the worst part of Polyjuice Potion – it also requires a bit of whoever you want to change into. Hermione settles on hair rather than toenails but still... pretty disgusting all round.
<br>

### Brains from the Department of Mysteries 

*Scourgify Scale – Puking Pastille*

>‘Glimmering eerily, they drifted in and out of sight in the depths of the green liquid, looking something like slimy cauliflowers.’
><br>*Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

Creepy and revolting, just the sight of the green tank displaying lazily drifting brains has to be very high up on our Scourgify scale. Add to this the fact the brains have tentacles (giant squid – you’ve got competition), and when Ron summons one it tries to suffocate him... we think the brains are a nasty Hallowe’en surprise we could definitely live without.

Happy Hurl-owe’en!

Fantastic Beasts puppeteer reveals how the Zouwu works

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Bringing a fantastic beast to life can be physically exhausting, especially when it's as big as a Zouwu. Robin Guiver gives us a glimpse at what it's like to grapple with a larger-than-life puppet and explains how Eddie Redmayne is an 'endurance athlete' of the imagination.

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7 moments in Goblet of Fire that changed everything

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*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Illustrated Edition* is now available in the UK and US. Illustrated in meticulous detail by Jim Kay, the fourth Harry Potter story follows Harry through his fourth year at Hogwarts, the daunting tasks of the Triwizard Tournament, to the return of the Dark Lord himself. 

Take a look at the 7 moments when *Goblet of Fire* changed everything – brought to life by Jim Kay's stunning illustrations.

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From Bagman and Crouch to Cedric and dragons, Jim Kay describes the *Goblet of Fire* characters and creatures he illustrated for the first time. Which one is your favourite?

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The illustrated edition of *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* is out now from Bloomsbury Publishing [in the UK](https://bit.ly/2ATuCfq) and Scholastic [in the US](https://kids.scholastic.com/kids/books/harry-potter/).

My Gryffindor identity crisis by Scarlett Cayford

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With no science or Sorting behind it, I had always identified as a Ravenclaw. I’m the person who excelled in school and coasted off that one prize for First in English ever since; the voracious reader who would really struggle to correctly identify more than 10 flags. Both brazenly brainy and secretly petrified that one day someone might discover that I have never, not once, spelled “guard” correctly the first time around. It’s important that people think I’m smart, so they remain a bit scared, and never find out that I have no idea whether Germany has a sea border. Let’s put it another way: Hermione would have seen through me in a heartbeat. As would the Sorting Hat.  

And so: Gryffindor. What does it even mean as a classification?  

Once upon a Wizarding World, Gryffindor was considered elite. Hung about with gold and scarlet (undeniably the superior colour combination). Emblazoned with that proud lion. Gryffindors are associated with bravery and courage and daring and nerve, which sounds brilliant up top - but as any good Ravenclaw would point out, thesaurus in hand, all those words are pretty much synonyms, and shouldn’t 25% of the magically-endowed population have more than one dominant character trait?  

It’s very hard to objectively consider your own bravery, unless you are a firefighter. My life is not rife with danger. There have been no recent situations of mortal peril into which I have contemplated whether or not to thrust myself. Sometimes I get the train at rush hour (brave). Sometimes I leave the house for ten minutes to buy an ice cream when a package delivery is due (brave, reckless). I like to think that I would save my cat from a burning building, but until I’ve truly faced the flames I don’t really know whether I’d behave like Harry-in-the-Fiendfyre or err on the side of Snape-with-his-robes-ablaze.  

The Sorting Hat doesn’t sing about it, of course, but Gryffindors have been externally judged to have other, less favourable characteristics. Notable Slytherin, Severus Snape, considered certain Gryffindors to be self-righteous and arrogant, with no regard for rules. They’re the sort of qualities that go hand in hand with ignorant bravery, running headlong into battle safe in the knowledge that you’ll likely be saved from harm by the power of privilege and/or the love of your parents and/or the superior wit and talent of your friends.  

If forced to sit down and think about it (a Ravenclaw would never have to be forced), I have to confess some serious similarities to the most famous of the Gryffindors circa Order of the Phoenix, during which Harry is, yes, brave, but also a tiny whiny Mandrake of a human, hurt and strung out and sore in a very identifiable muddled Millennial Muggle way. Ron is often guilty of the same kind of hurt, jealous effrontery; Hagrid too. It’s not what I’d like to see in the Mirror of Erised, but it’s not an inaccurate reflection of behaviours and vulnerabilities I’ve been guilty of.

Gryffindors distinguish themselves by being highly motivated by a crisis. There’s a reason they made up the backbone of Dumbledore’s Army: because it was necessary. If we’d encountered the Hogwarts crew during peacetime, I’ve no doubt that Ron and Harry and their posse of lionhearted pals would have spent all the years of their schooling playing Gobstones and Quidditch lakeside, with nary a care given to personal development or career progression. I identify with that.

Ultimately, the way in which Gryffindors most frequently set themselves apart isn’t bravery, but loyalty. Harry’s a flawed hero, but he’s defined by steadfastness, from pulling Godric’s sword from the Sorting Hat in the Basilisk’s lair to easily laying down his life along with a seventh of Voldemort’s soul. Dumbledore’s formidable intellect is only thwarted when matters of the heart interfere, as in the case of his sister, Grindelwald, and Harry himself. And Hermione, who could probably have recited Hogwarts: A History from memory by the time she sat under the hat and went the way of the lion, is a Gryffindor because she prioritises loyalty over learning, and when push comes to shove chooses to go camping on a desolate hillside rather than attend school.  

And then there is Mr Longbottom, another interesting leonine-leaning case study, because his brand of bravery wasn’t one readily noticeable at the outset. Uncertain and odd, he took a while to lean into boldness, first by standing up to his friends, then by standing up to his enemies, and finally by beheading a snake with a sword. He was proof that courage and daring aren’t necessarily evident from the first but might grow in you, quietly, like Gillyweed in a dark lake. He is cut from Creevey-cloth: awkward and annoying and anything but a hero, until struck by a monster after risking death to sit by the bedside of a friend, or lifeless in a school hall after fighting in a doomed army. 

So, while I have no doubt that Gryffindors are often bullish, somewhat arrogant, and rather too convinced of their own importance, I’m OK with professing my allegiance. Partly because the common room really does sound great, partly because I look good in red, and partly because loyalty is a character trait worth being proud of; but mainly because if it’s good enough for Hermione and Professor McGonagall and little Dennis Creevey, then it’s certainly good enough for me. 

The stories of the Hogwarts founders

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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# Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin. Who were they, exactly? 
<br>

From duels to DRAGONs, evil warlocks to goblin rebellions - the wizarding world is full of ancient stories. Let's delve into four of the oldest: the tales of the Hogwarts founders. 

### Godric Gryffindor 
Godric Gryffindor, as his name suggests, lived in Godric's Hollow - the future home of Bathilda Bagshot, as well as the famous Dumbledore and Potter families. Gryffindor was known for his skills as an accomplished dueller.  

He duelled with both a wand and a sword, as using wands against Muggles was considered unsporting, and he carried an enchanted sword that was made to his specifications. This is the legendary sword that would go on to help both Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom fight Lord Voldemort. Created for him by Ragnuk the First, the finest of the goblin silversmiths, the sword was ‘gleaming silver’ with ‘rubies the size of eggs’ and so beautiful that Ragnuk tried to take it back, accusing Godric of stealing it. Thankfully, Godric was not one to be trifled with, and eventually took back what was his from the goblin community. This didn’t stop the goblins creating a ‘fake myth’ of Gryffindor theft, however, but it was simply a bit of old BALDERDASH.

Gryffindor actively fought against Muggle discrimination, and it was his disagreement with Salazar Slytherin that lead to Slytherin leaving the school. Gryffindor's views were certainly ahead of his time, and his boldness and sense of justice became a key Gryffindor house trait for the centuries that followed. 
<br>


### Helga Hufflepuff 
As the Sorting Hat's song says, Helga Hufflepuff was from 'valley broad', but little more is known about her birthplace.  

Much more is known about her life at Hogwarts, where she showed an exceptional talent at Charms. Hufflepuff used her magical skills to create great feasts for the students, and her recipes were still being used in the school kitchens by the time Harry, Ron and Hermione arrived at the castle.  

Hufflepuff's association with feasting extends to the only known relic of hers still in existence by the 20th century: her golden cup adorned with a BADGER. It's this cup that made its way down to distant descendant Hepzibah Smith, a witch whose vast collection of historical trinkets attracted the attention of young Tom Riddle.  

Hufflepuff, who vowed to 'teach the lot' and not discriminate between students, would no doubt be appalled to know that her cup ended up in the hands of the most infamous Muggle-hating wizard. 
<br>


### Rowena Ravenclaw 
Rowena Ravenclaw, ‘from glen’, was the most brilliant witch of her time. She favoured wit and learning above all else, so picked the cleverest and most gifted students for her Hogwarts house. 

While Ravenclaw saw bright futures for her students, her own story is one of tragedy. Ravenclaw's famous DIADEM, which was said to grant wisdom to the wearer, was stolen by her daughter Helena in a fit of jealousy. The man sent to find Helena and the diadem and return them both to Ravenclaw stabbed Helena in a rage when she refused to leave with him. 

Legend says that Rowena Ravenclaw died of a broken heart soon after. Her daughter's ghost went on to haunt Hogwarts: also known as The Grey Lady, she became the resident ghost of Ravenclaw house.   
<br>

### Salazar Slytherin 
The shrewdest founder, SALAZAR Slytherin, was 'from fen', and was highly skilled in rare magical abilities such as Legilimency and speaking Parseltongue. These skills would be passed onto his descendants: most notably Tom Marvolo Riddle. 

While the four founders worked in harmony together for many years, Slytherin's hostile nature towards some wizards eventually caused conflict. He believed that only witches and wizards from magical families deserved a place at Hogwarts, and a final row with Godric Gryffindor lead to him leaving the school for good. 

Part of Slytherin's legacy is the infamous Chamber of Secrets, which legend says can only be opened by Slytherin's heir. The myth was proven true by the actions of Tom Riddle, who unleashed the monster from the Chamber and succeeded in killing a Muggle-born student centuries after Slytherin's time.  

Luckily, Slytherin's pure-blood views are not shared by everyone in Slytherin house. From Severus Snape to Horace Slughorn, the house has had its fair share of good-hearted wizards over the years.

Arguments from the Harry Potter books that left us feeling frustrated 

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For those saying that friendship was one of the highest values any character could hold in the Harry Potter series – Merlin’s pants, our favourite characters still knew how to bicker! From little fall-outs to big, blow-out arguments in Gryffindor Tower, here are some of the choicest fights from the book series, and why we found them ever-so-slightly infuriating…

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## Seamus Finnigan and Harry Potter: Voldemort’s return 

If only Seamus hadn’t read the *Daily Prophet* like his mother. If only Harry hadn’t had such a temper. Unfortunately, fifth year was a trying time for our characters. While Seamus’s mum didn’t want him to go back to Hogwarts because she believed the *Daily Prophet*’s lies, Harry had faced radio silence from all of his friends and family while still struggling to come to terms with Voldemort’s recent return. So, it’s understandable that their emotions ran a little too high when they finally saw each other. 

Although Seamus definitely shouldn’t have accused Harry of making up the return of Voldemort, Harry really shouldn’t have retaliated by insulting Seamus’s mum – it was never going to end well! 


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Seamus holding his cloak from the Goblet of Fire 

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## Mrs Weasley and Hermione Granger: Rita Skeeter

Before realising that Rita Skeeter and her quill were about as reliable as Peter Pettigrew acting as a Secret Keeper, Mrs Weasley was a fan of her articles, and was outraged on Harry’s behalf when she read an article that accused Hermione of playing the field between Harry and Viktor Krum. As such, she treated Hermione very coolly (by giving her a tiny Easter egg of all things, how passive-aggressive can you get?), and was only placated when Harry told her that he and Hermione were never romantically involved. Why couldn’t Molly have just asked Hermione? This one definitely had us rolling our eyes! 

> ‘Hello, Hermione,’ said Mrs Weasley, much more stiffly than usual.<br> 
> Hello,’ said Hermione, her smile faltering at the cold expression on Mrs Weasley’s face.<br> 
> Harry looked between them, then said, ‘Mrs Weasley, you didn’t believe that rubbish Rita Skeeter wrote in Witch Weekly, did you? Because Hermione’s not my girlfriend.’<br>
> ‘Oh!’ said Mrs Weasley. ‘No – of course I didn’t!’<br> 
> But she became considerably warmer towards Hermione after that.<br> 
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* 



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## Ron Weasley and Harry Potter: the Triwizard Tournament 

We get that Ron’s anger at Harry being chosen as a Hogwarts champion in the Triwizard Tournament was the product of three years of being overshadowed, but after all they had been through together, how could he have ever had thought that Harry would willingly put his name into the Goblet of Fire? Of course, there had to be at least one time that Ron and Harry had a tiff – they were attending boarding school and spent more or less every minute together after all, but it doesn’t mean we weren’t fuming when Ron wasn’t there for Harry when he needed him the most. And as readily as Harry was to forgive Ron following the first task, we were a little less willing...


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## Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger: Viktor Krum 

Ron fell out with Hermione in their fourth year when she attended the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum, and it was admittedly pretty annoying. After all, he had attempted to woo Hermione with the infamous line, ‘you’re a girl’, which didn’t make her feel too great, and then ruined the night for her anyway when she went with someone who actually wanted to go with her. But what really gets us is that he continued to treat her horribly in the sixth year when Ginny told him that Hermione and Viktor probably kissed each other at some point. Honestly, Ron had his moments, but this was probably him at his worst. Jealousy in its ugliest form:

> ‘You go!’ said Hermione, blinking back tears. ‘I’m sick of Ron at the moment, I don’t know what I’m supposed to have done …’ And she stormed out of the changing room, too.<br> 
> Harry walked slowly back up the grounds towards the castle through the crowd, many of whom shouted congratulations at him, but he felt a great sense of let-down; he had been sure that if Ron won the match, he and Hermione would be friends again immediately. He did not see how he could possibly explain to Hermione that what she had done to offend Ron was kiss Viktor Krum, not when the offence had occurred so long ago.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* 


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## Harry Potter and Hermione Granger: the Firebolt 

It wasn’t often that Harry and Hermione had a fall-out with one another, since it was usually Ron who picked the fights. But this one particular fall-out made us sad, as Hermione had only been trying to make sure Harry wasn’t about to get murdered, via a potentially cursed broom, and Harry could only think about his precious Firebolt rather than his friend’s worries.

Yes, this was the occasion where Harry had been gifted the best broomstick ever for seemingly no reason, and Hermione had the audacity to think that this was suspicious (at the time, they all thought that Sirius Black was trying to murder Harry at any given opportunity). So, a rightfully concerned Hermione grassed him up to Professor McGonagall, and Harry was mortified when the broom was taken away to be ‘stripped’ for hexes. This led to him giving Hermione the silent treatment, rather than being appreciative of his close friend looking out for him. As it turned out, the broom was fine and anti-jinx tests didn’t do anything to it whatsoever. After all that, Hermione had been half-right anyway: the broom had been from Sirius Black, but thankfully he didn’t turn out to be a heinous murderer. Harry nearly accepted a gift from a complete stranger without any regards for the consequences, and then went on to take it all out on Hermione. Boys.

> He had been the owner of the best broom in the world for a few short hours, and now, because of her interference, he didn’t know whether he would ever see it again. He was positive that there was nothing wrong with the Firebolt now, but what sort of state would it be in once it had been subjected to all sorts of anti-jinx tests?<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* 


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## Percy Weasley and the Weasley family: Voldemort’s return

Less of a spat and more of a family-wide fall-out was Percy turning his back on his parents, brothers and sister after they chose to believe Harry saw Voldemort’s return. He chose to stick with the Ministry and call Harry a liar. Although we knew Percy was pretty pompous, he was still part of our favourite family, and it was painful to see him treat them the way he did, especially when he sent Ron the letter suggesting that he ‘sever ties’ with Harry. But the bigger the fall-out, the bigger the reunion, and Percy’s return to the Weasley fold by joining in at the Battle of Hogwarts was a moment to remember:

> ‘I was a fool!’ Percy roared, so loudly that Lupin nearly dropped his photograph. ‘I was an idiot, I was a pompous prat, I was a – a –’<br>
> ‘Ministry-loving, family-disowning, power-hungry moron,’ said Fred.<br> 
> Percy swallowed.<br>
> ‘Yes, I was!’<br> 
> ‘Well, you can’t say fairer than that,’ said Fred, holding out his hand to Percy.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

Of course, there were a few more incidents involving Ron compared to everyone else, but hey, who’s counting? As important as friendship was in J.K. Rowling’s novels, these little fights and fall-outs were an unmissable part of them. So, we’ll have to let it slide, especially since they always sorted it out in the end.


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Every Harry Potter puzzle Hermione solved that made us kick ourselves

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Hermione - Jim Kay[1]

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If we’d been at Hogwarts alongside Harry, we like to think we’d have been the best of friends and had some role to play in his many and varied challenges of Hogwarts life. We’re certainly capable of a cheeky quip or two. But we’d have a way to go to match Hermione's incredible intelligence and her crucial problem-solving abilities that were key to Harry’s survival on so many occasions. While Harry was usually just appreciative of the help, we were kicking ourselves we didn’t figure some plot twists out first.

Don’t you hate it when a fictional character solves a problem before you?

## Snape’s potions riddle

Hermione showed early on just how cool she could be in the face of danger. When she, Ron and Harry entered the third-floor corridor in a bid to stop Quirrell stealing the Philosopher's Stone, she immediately saved Ron and Harry from death-by-Devil’s Snare with a well-timed spell.

But she really proved her brainpower when she and Harry were faced with Snape's logic puzzle. Presented with seven bottles containing a variety of liquids including poison, Hermione’s reaction surprised Harry: she smiled and said, ‘A lot of the greatest wizards haven’t got an ounce of logic, they’d be stuck in here for ever.’

Meanwhile, it took Hermione mere minutes to identify which two would help them. This is one of the first times we witnessed Hermione’s ability to think logically and quickly under extreme pressure. Suffice to say, we would definitely have picked the wrong potion and died.

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The seven potions testing logic that protect the Philosopher's Stone.

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## The Basilisk mystery

Like us and a cryptic crossword on a Sunday afternoon, Hermione never gave up on a puzzle – and managed to solve the puzzling mystery of the Basilisk in only her second year. 

When Hermione first realised that the beast had been getting round Hogwarts via the pipes, Harry and Ron possessed exactly the same facts: they knew Harry was a [Parselmouth](/feature/everything-you-didnt-know-about-parseltongue "Everything you didn’t know about Parseltongue"); they’d discovered Hagrid was accused of opening the Chamber; they knew this was because Hagrid was rearing a huge, hairy monster. Yet when Harry heard the Basilisk’s hissed words again, neither he or Ron put it together – and you’d think Harry might have, given he was the one who could actually speak to snakes – and oh, the fact the noise came from the walls. Hermione managed to suss it, even if she did get Petrified on her way to telling Ron and Harry. Thankfully, she tended to write things down.

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## That Lupin was a werewolf

To be fair, Snape deliberately dropped hints to the Hogwarts students, hoping that their sudden homework on werewolves might make them realise their Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher was one. As it was, Hermione was the only one in the class who got the message. 

Looking back, it seemed obvious – the regular absences, Lupin's fear of the moon seen in his Boggart. But then again, Hermione was the only one to realise the ‘silvery white orb’ was, indeed, a moon. Harry supposed it was a crystal ball; something he only questioned vaguely. Hermione, on the other hand, questioned everything thoughtfully, which was perhaps why she got to the solution quicker than anyone else.

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A werewolf snarling under a full moon from the Prisoner of Azkaban 

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## Rita Skeeter’s Animagus status

Speaking of Hermione’s efforts, she was also (apparently) the only one to look up the Ministry’s list of registered Animagi as part of some homework for Professor McGonagall. Harry might have marvelled at her commitment, but without that research it’s possible Hermione might not have solved another problem that was buzzing around during their fourth year: Rita Skeeter.

Once again, Hermione’s realisation of Rita’s secret came after several months of observation. Struck by how apparently impossible it was for Rita to have overheard the conversations she’d reported, it was Harry’s flippant reference to magical bugging that led Hermione to identify Rita as an unregistered Animagus. A beetle, no less. Literally, a magical bug.

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Rita Skeeter looking quizical from the Goblet of Fire 

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## The Half-Blood Prince’s heritage

Harry might have dismissed Hermione’s suggestion about the Half-Blood Prince being female and/or having the surname Prince, but although she wasn’t entirely right, Harry should have known it was never wise to ignore her ideas. Still, when she showed Harry the clipping of one Eileen Prince, he laughed at her for suggesting Eileen could be the Half-Blood Prince. 

But as we found out, Eileen was Snape’s mother – a [witch who married a Muggle](/feature/tragedies-of-wizard-muggle-romances "The sometimes-tragic romances between Muggles and wizards"). This gave rise to the name Snape chose for himself: the Half-Blood Prince. So, as she says herself, Hermione was ‘sort of’ right.

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Front page of the Half-Blood Prince's book

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## Why Dumbledore left Harry the sword of Gryffindor

The items Dumbledore left in his will were all a bit of a puzzle at first. What use would a Deluminator, a Snitch, and a book of wizarding fairy tales be in pursuit of Horcruxes? The Sword of Gryffindor was even more puzzling, given that Harry couldn’t take physical hold of it. 

Meanwhile, Hermione had prepared for hunting Horcruxes by packing a lot of books. Going through them, she told Ron and Harry the only way to destroy a Horcrux was to use ‘something so destructive that the Horcrux can’t repair itself’. Something like Basilisk venom.

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Again, Hermione retained these pieces of information and the minute she heard the sword in Snape’s office was fake, she and Harry knew something was up. When Phineas Nigellus confirmed Dumbledore used the sword to destroy the Horcrux ring, they knew for sure:

> ‘Harry – that sword’s impregnated with Basilisk venom!’ 
<br> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* </br>

So, there might be more important things than books and cleverness, but one thing Hermione taught us was never to underestimate either.

Every puzzle Hermione solved that made us kick ourselves

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