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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

![HP-F8-harry-lake-web-header](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3SzHQWDxZAPjea1KYpaIO0/cc24a62a6e35937f165b190cf14df8e6/harry_heaer.png)

[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

![HP-F2-chamber-of-secrets-moaning-myrtle-girls-bathroom-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2HdGuqY9aOgGStQJii0yVY/5013a2d38cecb8e9f536e42f6dbf0036/HP-F2-chamber-of-secrets-moaning-myrtle-girls-bathroom-web-landscape.jpg)

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

My Ravenclaw pride taught me it's cool to be smart by Alim Kheraj

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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For me, growing up, blue was associated with all the things that I felt I was not: masculine, sporty, *Thomas the Tank Engine*. In fact, it was purple, that majestic and mysterious colour, that I was drawn to. I loved how it stood somewhere between the binaries of pink and blue and everything those two colours have come to represent in modern society.  

When I was sorted into a Hogwarts house, I was convinced I would be in Hufflepuff. At school I had never really excelled in anything beyond English, and I felt it inevitable that when it came to the theories and practicalities of subjects like Potions and Transfiguration, I would be left floundering. Like Seamus Finnigan or Neville Longbottom, I felt the practicalities of those subjects would escape me. Neither did I have the brawn needed for Defence Against the Dark Arts. Instead, I believed something like Muggle Studies or even History of Magic would be my forté. I might, perhaps, be competent at Charms.  

Life, however, is unpredictable, and it seems that the Sorting Hat had other plans for me. I was placed in Ravenclaw. Blue. I felt a searing sense of disappointment, the kind you get when you’re a kid and instead of getting that toy you’ve been obsessing over for months, you receive juggling balls – or, as my mother was wont to do, deodorant. You smile and say how wonderful it is, while internally you wonder whether the people giving you the gift really know you at all. It’s spoilt perhaps, but that feeling can leave you isolated and alone. That’s what I felt when I was sorted into Ravenclaw.  

Traditionally, Ravenclaw has been overshadowed by the titans that are Gryffindor and Slytherin. The former seems to embody the traits that most people strive for: intelligence, wit, bravery and kindness, even if, when combined, they can graze arrogance. The latter, despite its predilection towards darkness, also feels emblematic of greatness, even if it is so often wrought with terror. Even Hufflepuffs, despite their foppishness, seem to have heart. Ravenclaw house, to me at least, always felt so utilitarian. Intelligence is important, yes, but in my mind, there were blinders on, preventing those who enter its hallowed halls from seeing beyond their own intellect.  

While we all love Dumbledore, I’m not sure that I could live with a brain that complicated. Likewise, Hermione’s smarts intimidate me a little (honestly, who can read that many books in such a short space of time and also do homework while simultaneously helping to overthrow Voldemort? Jeez). However, what I didn’t realise was that I had misunderstood entirely what it meant to be wise and intelligent.  

I think Luna Lovegood is a good example of this. Loony Lovegood, they called her, but in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* she provides more than just a funny aside. Her creativity has opened her up to the kind of wisdom that Hermione lacks. Take, for example, when she speaks candidly to Harry about grief and loss. Her comments about life after death of course come from the loss of her mother, but also a belief in something intangible and ethereal. Even Gilderoy Lockhart, bless his cottons, utilised his (overactive) imagination to carve out a space for himself. Yes, he was a charlatan, but he was a mighty imaginative one. What both these characters have in common, however, is that they’re anything but utilitarian or boring. The opposite, in fact.  

Growing up as a gay person, I think I always felt like I had to somehow fit into some mould. I put restraints on myself out of shame about who I was. I dampened who I wanted to be because I was fearful of retribution and bullying. In essence, I became lesser, chipping away at the person I wanted to be.  

My life is no longer like that. It’s filled with colour and variety and excitement. But when I was placed in Ravenclaw house, I believed, for a moment, that vibrant person I thought I’d become was overcast with the restrictions of the blue coat of arms. But I’ve realised that while being a Ravenclaw doesn’t necessarily come with the glory or gravitas of the other Hogwarts houses, it does offer up something that the other three cannot: a space to incubate and celebrate your uniqueness.  

As a writer, being creative is something I feel personifies who I am. I create worlds and stories through words. When I play music, too, I feel like I’m partaking in some kind of ancient magic far more powerful than we truly know. Both of these things require intelligence. After all, isn’t that what being creative is? Being intellectual?  

I question, however, whether I’m wise. Luna’s wisdom came from her beliefs. I’m not sure I’m that open. I also don’t feel I have the life experience of someone like Dumbledore or even Mrs Weasley to provide wisdom. Yet, sometimes I do feel wise. I feel wise because I’ve taken the experiences of my past, the pain and repression, and applied that to how I live now, without restrictions and with the realisation that who I am is someone worth being.  

I’ve also realised that the person who muddled their way through school and university is actually someone who works diligently and relentlessly, especially when that work is something I love. Hours may pass, but when I’m writing it doesn’t matter; it feels like the first time Harry held his wand, brimming with possibilities. I’m also – dare I say it – competitive, too.  

The biggest change of all? As I sit here writing this, I’m wearing blue. Being a Ravenclaw, however much I felt like it didn’t represent me, now fits like a glove. Also, blue is actually quite a nice colour.  

How I learned to stop worrying and love being a Slytherin by Amelia Tait

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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and the Philosopher's Stone 

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It was 2013 and I just had completed Pottermore’s Sorting Experience. ‘Congratulations on being sorted into Slytherin,’ the page read – but I didn’t feel there was anything worth celebrating. I had very recently hurt somebody close to me, so in my eyes, the Sorting Hat might as well have said: ‘You’re a bad person, and everything you feared about yourself is true.’ Embarrassing as it is to admit now, I cried. 

Why did I have such a strong reaction to being sorted with the serpents? Merlin aside, and before the events of *Cursed Child*, Slytherin alumni don’t have the best of reputations. ‘There’s not a single witch or wizard who went bad who wasn’t in Slytherin,’ Hagrid famously said – but just because nearly all bad wizards are Slytherins doesn’t mean all Slytherins are bad wizards. Severus Snape, Horace Slughorn, and Regulus Black were all Slytherin heroes in their own way, and the ‘evil house’ is full of great traits such as resourcefulness, determination, cleverness, and – in the words of Albus Dumbledore – ‘a certain disregard for the rules’.  

Maud is a 17-year-old Potter fan who felt ‘insecure’ when she was sorted into Slytherin six years ago, at the same age Harry was when he muttered ‘not Slytherin’ in front of the Great Hall. ‘I thought I would be a Ravenclaw,” Maud says now, ‘When I first found out I was a Slytherin, it was a mixture of feeling insecure – comparing myself to the most famous Slytherins and asking myself if I was a bully like them – and pride in being an ambitious, hard-working person.’ Nearly all of the bullies in the books are Slytherins, and the house has a negative reputation for valuing self-preservation above all else. ‘They were always made out to be monsters, so being grouped with that was a little saddening,’ says Maud. She and I are not the only people who felt sad after being sorted.

‘When my Slytherin result popped up, my stomach sank,’ says 39-year-old Sharann, who had also assumed she was a Ravenclaw. ‘I felt like deleting my account and starting over. I am not a particularly ambitious person in the traditional sense, I was raised in poverty, and since Draco is really the main Slytherin we see throughout the books, I just felt out of place.’ Draco Malfoy also meant that 19-year-old Stephanie Adams was ‘confused and upset’ by her result. “He was one of my least favourite characters,” she says, ‘and I didn’t want to be sorted in the same house he was in, as I saw it as a kind of “bad” house.’

Unsurprisingly, the Harry Potter books are very much told from Harry Potter’s perspective, so it makes sense that the Boy Who Lived doesn’t see many redeeming qualities in the house of his enemies. Outside of the books, J.K. Rowling has given a fuller picture of Slytherins and their traits. In an interview with *Leaky Cauldron* in 2007, Rowling clarified that some Slytherins were among the reinforcements Horace Slughorn bought to the Battle of Hogwarts. ‘They’re not all bad,’ she said at the time, ‘A part of the final battle that made me smile was Slughorn galloping back with the Slytherins.’ 

‘They’d gone off to get reinforcements first … But yes, they came back, they came back to fight. I’m sure that many people would say “Well, that’s common sense, isn’t it? Isn’t that smart, to get out, get more people and come back with them?”’

Slytherins are brave, then, they are just more calculated (and some might say cleverer) than wand-happy Gryffindors. Reading more about Slytherin helped Sharann come to terms with her house. ‘I even looked up the Sorting Hat songs,’ she says. ‘Cunning isn’t so bad, I’m crafty and I think humour does fall into that type of person.’ ‘And while I’m not ambitious to get that fancy car or big house, I’m ambitious in having fun, and helping people have a good time and be cheery. I just needed to realise that ambition isn’t always about material goods.’

Joff is a 40-year-old who was sorted into Slytherin three years ago and was initially ‘surprised and a little disappointed’. However, he now says he is ‘proud’ of his house. ‘I changed my mind when I saw the welcome letter (on Pottermore),’ he says. ‘I’ve seen it said that Slytherins are achievement-oriented and that resonates with me. I always push myself to succeed in anything I do.’ Stephanie came to terms with being a Slytherin when she realised that the house she initially wanted to be in – brave and true Gryffindor – wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.  

'Being brave can sometimes mean that you are, in a way, stupid,’ she says. ‘A Gryffindor would die for their friend, while a Slytherin would find a way for both of them to survive. I think that is a smarter way to protect your friends, because you can protect them over and over… I’m proud to be a Slytherin now!’ Maud says being a Slytherin makes her “feel like a leader”.  

In *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*, Ron Weasley declared that he would’ve ‘got the train straight back home’ if he was sorted into Slytherin. But it is words from the last book, not the first, that we must remember. A sentiment that was explored in *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*. ‘Albus Severus,’ a grown Harry told his son quietly, so that nobody but Ginny could hear, ‘you were named for two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew.’  

Ranked: the best and worst Hogwarts Quidditch players 

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Cormac McLaggen close-up in front of the Quidditch goal hoops

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We have taken a look back at the [Quidditch](/collection/quidditch) players, ranking them from best to worst. Players get points for reliability, professionalism and results. And we’re not counting professional internationals in this list, because that seems somewhat unfair. Sorry, Krum.

## Cormac McLaggen

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Sure, he was a talented player, but that arrogance! How are you meant to be a Keeper if you keep trying to tell everyone else how to do their roles properly? How are you meant to be on a team if you can’t even listen to your captain? For these reasons, we’re glad that Cormac’s stint in [Gryffindor’s](/collection/characters-gryffindors) team was so quick and painless (well, not for Harry).

It has to be said, we’re also very relieved that Hermione had the smarts to Confund him during the trials as well, even though that was technically cheating.

## Marcus Flint (tied with Crabbe and Goyle)

[Slytherin](/collection/characters-slytherins) captain Marcus Flint really personified the Slytherin team’s personality: they weren’t afraid to play dirty to win a game.

> Angelina was nearly thrown from her broom as Marcus Flint
went smashing into her.
>‘Sorry!’ said Flint, as the crowd below booed. ‘Sorry, didn’t see
her!’
 *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* 

Sure, you didn’t, Flint. As a flyer, he seemed adept enough (remember, Slytherin were reigning champions before Harry joined the Gryffindor team...) but didn’t seem to be the smartest captain in the world, opting for ‘size rather than skill’ when picking his team. 

Take Crabbe and Goyle for instance... not so much Beaters as lumbering trolls on brooms.

## Ron Weasley

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Cormac McLaggen and Ron Weasley face off in the Great Hall

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Poor Ron couldn’t play Quidditch in front of a crowd to save his life, and that wasn’t helpful. As much as he tried to do a good job as Gryffindor’s Keeper, and we knew that he could be excellent – particularly after he thought he was given [Felix Felicis](/features/felix-felicis) and played like a champ – his struggle with confidence has let him down on this occasion. Sorry, Ron!

## Draco Malfoy

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Draco on his broom beofre quidditch match 

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Placing Draco higher than Ron?! This is perhaps unfair, seeing as Draco was gifted with a fancy broom by his dad and most likely bought his way on to the Slytherin Quidditch team in the first place. Suffice to say, though, Draco did hold his own against the Gryffindor Seeker during games, but seemed to only get into Quidditch to spite Harry rather than anything else.

## Fred and George Weasley

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Great Beaters, bad tempers. The pair couldn’t keep their cheeky antics from getting in the way of their performance on the pitch from time to time. One example of this was when Fred fouled the Slytherin captain, Marcus Flint, after he had fouled Angelina. Why lower Gryffindor to Slytherin’s dirty tactics? 

Of course this all came to a head when they were banned at the same moment as Harry for attacking Draco, Crabbe and Goyle, and they never played Quidditch for Gryffindor again after leaving the school in a blaze of glory. 

>‘Sorry!’ said Flint, as the crowd below booed. ‘Sorry, didn’t see her!’ 

>Next moment, Fred Weasley had chucked his Beater’s club at the back of Flint’s head. Flint’s nose smashed into the handle of his broom and began to bleed.

>‘That will do!’ shrieked Madam Hooch, zooming between them. ‘Penalty to Gryffindor for an unprovoked attack on their Chaser! Penalty to Slytherin for deliberate damage to their Chaser!’ *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* 

## Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet (tied)

Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet, the old reliables. These two proved that working together well is just as important as flying brilliantly solo. The two Chasers always played a strong game, always scored a few goals to keep under their belts, and quite happily put up with Oliver Wood and Angelina Johnson’s demanding antics. As far as we’re concerned, they were Quidditch saints.

## Cho Chang

The Ravenclaw Seeker knocked Harry for six when she competed against him in [Prisoner of Azkaban](/collection/harry-potter-prisoner-of-azkaban-collection) and seemed to be a very smart flier. In her first match against Harry, she used canny moves to get him to change direction on the pitch. No wonder Harry ended up fancying her off the pitch. If Cho had a better broom (she rode a Comet Two Sixty) and wasn’t so dogged by injury, maybe [Ravenclaw](/collection/characters-ravenclaws) would’ve faired a little higher in their matches.

## Cedric Diggory

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Cedric stands in the maze prepared to take on the horrors that lie within.

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>‘Yes, but you didn’t fall off, did you?’ roared Amos genially, slapping his son on his back. ‘Always modest, our Ced, always the gentleman … but the best man won, I’m sure Harry’d say the same, wouldn’t you, eh? One falls off his broom, one stays on, you don’t need to be a genius to tell which one’s the better
flier!’
 *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* 

Alright, so without taking [Amos Diggory’s](/features/amos-diggory) biased words too seriously, it is still fair to say Cedric seemed like a fantastic Quidditch player during his short-lived time at Hogwarts. The [Hufflepuff](/features/hufflepuff-common-room) captain did indeed beat Harry on the Quidditch pitch (albeit not intentionally) but seemed to show genuinely graceful sportsmanship, even offering a rematch after Harry fell off his broom due to an impromptu Dementor invasion. 

## Oliver Wood

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Oliver Wood and Harry Potter before Harry's first Quidditch match

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Oliver was an excellent and dedicated Keeper, and always did well on the pitch. He was also a passionate captain, and was always coming up with new game plays and strategy that definitely helped lead the team to victory. But he was intense, and at times too intense. Remember when he was happy to risk Harry’s life if it just meant that he could fly his [Firebolt](/writing-by-jk-rowling/firebolt) broomstick? As much as we admired his spirit, there’s a line between wanting to win and being willing to hospitalise your team mates for a shot at the cup.

>‘Bad news, Harry. I’ve just been to see Professor McGonagall about the Firebolt. She – er – got a bit shirty with me. Told me I’d got my priorities wrong. Seemed to think I cared more about winning the Cup than I do about you staying alive. Just because I told her I didn’t care if it threw you off, as long as you caught the Snitch on it first.’
 *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* 

## Charlie Weasley 

Harry was compared to Charlie in terms of skill as a Seeker, and it was even suggested that the second eldest Weasley brother could have played the game on an internationally professional level if he hadn’t chosen to take care of dragons instead. Since we know Charlie won at least one championship for Gryffindor during his time at Hogwarts, he ranks more or less on the same level as Harry.

## Harry Potter (and an honorary mention to James Potter)

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Harry and Draco race to the snitch in a quidditch match 

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As Ludo Bagman once said, ‘Great Scott, he can fly!’ And indeed, he really could. Harry only ever lost two matches during his time at Hogwarts – once when [Dementors](/features/dementors) infiltrated the stadium, and once when Cormac hit him around the head with a Beater’s club, it was several extenuating circumstances that led to Harry not winning more trophies.

Harry was said to have inherited his Quidditch prowess from his dad, [James](/features/james-potter), and was even known to fly around on a toy broomstick as a baby. Throughout the books, we see Harry adopt several impressive moves on his broom, which seems to come from a genuine, natural flair and passion for flying. His skinny stature also suited him to the Seeker position perfectly, and Harry was often described as nimble and speedy – not to mention the fact he had the best broom going, a [Firebolt](/writing-by-jk-rowling/firebolt). In another life, one not dogged by [Lord Voldemort](/features/lord-voldemort), we wonder if Harry would’ve gone into the Quidditch profession like his future wife did. 

## Angelina Johnson 

After being made captain in her final year, Angelina took it as seriously (and dramatically) as Oliver before her, and yet was very much aware when she took things a little too far – like screaming at Harry at breakfast for getting a detention. As such, we’re going to give her the runner-up place on the list, if not for her attitude towards the game, than for what we learned about her thanks to [Lee Jordan’s ](/features/lee-jordan)commentary (although he does sound a little biased, we must admit).

>‘And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor – what an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive, too –’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* 

## Ginny Weasley

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Ginny playing Quidditch Jessica Roux

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Thank Merlin for Ginny. After Harry got banned from playing the game in book five, and when he was stuck serving detention with [Snape ](/features/severus-snape)in book six, Ginny stepped up and helped take Gryffindor to victory in not one but two Quidditch Cups, one more than Harry! Since she never missed a match when she was needed, always kept a cool head and was clearly talented (so talented she went on to play professionally with the Holyhead Harpies), it seems only fair to give her the top spot.

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Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

The most enviable friendships in Harry Potter 

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Beware! __Spoilers__ for *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*.

The Harry Potter series is all about friendship – after all, where would Harry be without Ron and Hermione? (Probably still trying to solve Snape’s potion riddle protecting the *Philosopher’s Stone* in book one, that’s where.) But the famous trio aren’t the only friendship that we wanted in on when reading the books. 

Here are the most enviable friendships in Harry Potter. 

## James Potter, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin

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Moony Padfoot Prongs and Wormtail at Hogwarts by the lake

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If there’s one thing fans of the series always wanted to read more about, it’s Moony, Padfoot and Prongs (come on, no one wants Wormtail) having some banter around Hogwarts in their halcyon days of youth. 

James, Sirius and Remus were the Fred and George of their day – sneaking out when they were supposed to be in bed, stealing midnight snacks from the kitchens and creating incredibly complex magical artefacts just for fun. (Can you imagine the complicated spell work the Marauder’s Map required? That’s a lot of effort to insult Snape in the future.) 

But their friendship isn’t just based on fun. Once the friends discover that Remus is a werewolf, they don’t reject him – like Remus always feared they would. In fact they take it upon themselves to turn into unregistered Animagi so that they can keep Remus company as animals while he deals with his ‘furry little problem’. That’s true friendship. 

> ‘You think I’m a fool?’ demanded Harry. 
> ‘No, I think you’re like James,’ said Lupin, ‘who would have regarded it as the height of dishonour to mistrust his friends.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 
 

## Fred and George Weasley... and Lee Jordan

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Fred and George inside Weasley Wizard Wheezes.

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While having one best friend is pretty great, having two is even better. Fred and George have their finishing-each-other's-sentences brotherly bond, but while at Hogwarts they had an honorary member of their uncontrollable, trickster team: Lee Jordan. Given the closeness between Fred and George, it would have taken a pretty magnetic personality to become a part of their circle – and Lee Jordan had magnetism in spades. 

Whether rushing off to see Lee’s alleged giant tarantula on the Hogwarts Express, or sneaking around because he thinks he’s discovered a new secret passageway out of the school, Fred and George – while still a troublesome twosome – always had room for one more in the friendship. 

> Harry watched Fred, George and Lee Jordan juggling empty Butterbeer bottles for a moment. 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
> 
 

## Albus Severus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy

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Albus and Scorpius Broadway Cursed Child

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One of our absolute favourite friendships in the wizarding world is also one of its newest additions. Was there anyone who wasn’t completely charmed by the open, touching friendship between Albus and Scorpius in *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*? Albus boarded the Hogwarts Express for the first time with a worried, ‘So we need to choose now who to be friends with for life?’, and we’re so glad he was won over by Scorpius singing about sweets. 

One of the things we adore most about this duo is that they don’t play it cool. They are best friends, and they don’t mind telling each other that. Scorpius tells Albus, ‘All I ever wanted to do was go to Hogwarts and have a mate to get up to mayhem with. Just like Harry Potter. And I got his son. How crazily fortunate is that... you're my best friend, Albus. And this is mayhem to the nth degree.’

And what about that moment when Albus tells Scorpius, ‘Because I don't think Voldemort is capable of having a kind son – and you're kind, Scorpius. To the depths of your belly, to the tips of your fingers.’ 

We’re not crying. You’re crying. 

## Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall

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Dumbledore and McGonagall leave baby Harry at Privet Drive 

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Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall have already known each other for years by the time we meet them dropping baby Harry off at number four, Privet Drive. For many years she was his Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts – but their relationship was much more than that of mere colleagues who happened to get along. 

When Cornelius Fudge tried to arrest Dumbledore in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, McGonagall is prepared to fight the Aurors that he has brought with him. And then in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* (2009), McGonagall is the first to raise her wand to the sky after Dumbledore’s death – to honour his memory, and to drive away the Dark Mark that hangs ominously in the sky. 

> Albus Dumbledore discovered Minerva in tears in her classroom late that evening, and she confessed the whole story to him. Albus Dumbledore offered both comfort and wisdom, and told Minerva some of his own family history, previously unknown to her. The confidences exchanged that night between two intensely private and reserved characters were to form the basis of a lasting mutual esteem and friendship. 
> *'Professor McGonagall' by J.K. Rowling - Pottermore*
> 
 

## Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom

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Luna and Neville have a truly sweet friendship – it’s Luna who helps the stricken Neville find his seat at Dumbledore’s funeral in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* – but we don’t envy these two just for their friendship with each other. We love the extended circle, a family of sorts, that Harry starts to form around himself. A circle of people who will help him fight Voldemort, yes; but more importantly, of people who will care for him and support him no matter what. 

It all started with Dumbledore’s Army. For characters like Luna and Neville especially – who were considered a little bit out-of-place by many of their peers – the DA gave them a place in the world. It taught them to fight, but also gave them something to fight for. It gave them a place. Luna tells Harry in *Half-Blood Prince*, ‘I enjoyed the meetings, too. It was like having friends.’

> Luna had decorated her bedroom ceiling with five beautifully painted faces: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville. They were not moving as the portraits at Hogwarts moved, but there was a certain magic about them all the same: Harry thought they breathed. What appeared to be fine golden chains wove around the pictures, linking them together, but after examining them for a minute or so, Harry realised that the chains were actually one word, repeated a thousand times in golden ink: friends... friends... friends... 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 
 

## Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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and the Half-Blood Prince

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And of course, there’s these three. Yes, the friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione is at the core of the series. From the moment when Harry sits down next to Ron on the Hogwarts Express in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* – and is overjoyed to share his pasties, cakes and candies because he’d never had anyone to share with before – it was clear that Harry and Ron were going to be BFFs.

Becoming friends with Hermione took a little bit longer, but their three-way friendship was just as strong. After all, there are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other – and knocking out a 12-foot mountain troll is one of them.

> But the mere fact that they were still there on either side of him, speaking bracing words of comfort, not shrinking from him as though he were contaminated or dangerous, was worth more than he could ever tell them. 
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*
>

The treatment of intelligent magical creatures in Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter 

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Dobby clicking his fingers to cast a spell 

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Dobby and Winky in the Hogwarts kitchens with the other elves.

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The general gist of the wizarding world, which Hermione was most stringently opposed to, was that witches and wizards were at the top of the magical food chain, while other creatures with their own powerful magic and intelligence were somehow second-rate. 

Whether they worked in servitude or were denied the same rights as witches and wizards, circumstances seemed both very similar and very different in a variety of ways. This occurred across two different countries and time periods in *Fantastic Beasts* vs Harry Potter. 

We thought we’d take a look at some examples.

## Goblins

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Griphook holds the Sword of Gryffindor at Shell Cottage. 

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We never exactly warmed to the goblins who made an appearance in the Harry Potter stories. From employees at Gringotts bank to that bunch going after Ludo Bagman when he couldn’t pay his bets following the Quidditch World Cup, goblins weren’t presented as a friendly bunch. At all. 

In fact, goblin viewpoints were very much explained by Bill Weasley, when Harry, Ron and Hermione were hoping that Griphook would help them break into Gringotts: 

> ‘We are talking about a different breed of being,’ said Bill. ‘Dealings between wizards and goblins have been fraught for centuries – but you’ll know all that from History of Magic. There has been fault on both sides, I would never claim that wizards have been innocent. However, there is a belief among some goblins, and those at Gringotts are perhaps most prone to it, that wizards cannot be trusted in matters of gold and treasure, that they have no respect for goblin ownership.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* 
> 
 

In the Harry Potter series, the goblins we met were never happy with their lot, a theme that cropped up time and time again with intelligent magical creatures. For goblins, it was because witches and wizards refused to share their magical knowledge with them, or let them bear wands, despite goblins being just as intelligent as witches and wizards. This led to all of the Goblin Rebellions that Professor Binns droned on about, and seemed like a pretty rough deal for the goblins... particularly when you also consider the Fountain of Magical Brethren in the foyer of the Ministry of Magic. It showed goblins looking up to humans. 

> Tallest of them all was a noble-looking wizard with his wand pointing straight up in the air. Grouped around him were a beautiful witch, a centaur, a goblin and a house-elf. The last three were looking adoringly up at the witch and wizard. 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
>

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WB FB Gnarlak, Tina and Newt in The Blind Pig

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In the magical world of 1920s New York City, things seemed a whole lot worse for goblin-kind. Two goblins operated in the NYC underground world at a speakeasy. While one was a performer at the club, the other was a gangster named Gnarlak, who ran a hard bargain with Newt and Tina for information while secretly selling them out to MACUSA. Although his motives were never exactly clear (other than he was a nasty piece of work) it sent a message; goblins weren’t even close to being as respected by witches and wizards as they were in the Harry Potter stories, and even then, it left a lot to be desired. 

And, despite their known intelligence, the only other goblin we met was Red, a bellboy. Although there’s nothing wrong with being a bellboy, the working-class position in MACUSA sums up goblins’ positions in 1920s NYC in comparison to 1990s Great Britain. 

## House-elves

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Dobby and Kreacher deilver Mundungus to Ron, Hermione and Harry in Grimmauld Place.

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House-elf welfare was as puzzling for us as it was for Hermione in the Harry Potter series. Although they technically worked without pay and in servitude until they were released by being given clothes, most house-elves – aside from one brilliant, genius, irreplaceable exception – actually liked it. They thought that being paid for their work was dishonourable, and were shocked and horrified when the brilliant, genius, irreplaceable house-elf, Dobby, wanted pay for his work. 

> At least a hundred little elves were standing around the kitchen, beaming, bowing and curtseying as Dobby led Harry past them. 
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*
> 
 

Although we heard very little about house-elves in the first *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* film, they were still present. In fact, we saw one who worked a machine at MACUSA headquarters that polished wands for the witches and wizards, who seemed to be the magical substitute of a shoeshine. Since house-elves have their own, powerful brand of magic, this doesn’t exactly seem like the best sort of work they could have been doing. 

But we also met a house-elf who most certainly didn't fit the usual description of the eager-to-please, sweet house-elves who live to take care of witches and wizards: a house-elf bartender at the Blind Pig speakeasy. The house-elf was brash, rude to Jacob and certainly didn’t seem to be serving anyone (except the customers, of course). 

> ‘What? Ain’t you ever seen a house-elf before?’ 
> *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay*
> 
 

Either way, it certainly seemed that the American house-elves didn’t have the same reverence towards witches and wizards as British ones. But why? Could it simply have been a cultural difference, or were there circumstances that led house-elves to where they are now in the two different countries and time periods? 

In *Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald*, we were introduced to Irma – half house-elf, half human, which is the first time we’d seen the like in the wizarding world. We don’t know much about ‘part elves’ yet, mind you...

## Centaurs

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Firenze asks Harry to stay behind after his Divination lesson to discuss Hagrid

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Perhaps it’s because the story has been set in New York City and Paris where there are no forests, but centaurs have yet to make an appearance in the *Fantastic Beasts* series. Chances are, this was because Newt helped magical creatures, and yet centaurs rarely, if ever, require help from witches or wizards. As Newt’s *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* Hogwarts library book says: ‘The centaurs’ habits are not human-like; they live in the wild, refuse clothing, prefer to live apart from wizards and Muggles alike and yet have intelligence equal to theirs.’ 

The centaurs we met in Harry Potter were also exactly how Newt described. They stuck to their own kind, with the only exception being Firenze after he was forced out of the pack, and managed all of their own affairs, only intervening with witches and wizards at the Battle of Hogwarts when absolutely necessary. 

Centaurs aren’t the only ones who have entered the ‘beast or being’ debate. Creatures such as sphinxes and Acromantula can also talk – but their intelligence also comes with violent behaviour, hence their classification as beasts. 

It’s an interesting and layered topic, certainly. And when you look at people like Professor Umbridge and her attitude towards centaurs, there’s still a lot of work to be done in the wizarding world when it comes to intelligent creatures and prejudice.

The treatment of creatures in Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter 

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