feature

Features

Hero Features Hub Texture

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

WEB-FEATURE-pub-trivia-fun-facts-you-did-not-know-about-wizarding-inns

pottermore-moments-three-broomsticks-homepage-hero

pub-trivia-fun-facts-you-did-not-know-about-wizarding-inns-text-section-1

__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

WEB-FEATURE-every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches

HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-hermione-bill-fleur-wedding-red-dress-web-landscape

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

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

HP-F7

and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-1

## 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…’

EXCERPT-HP-B1-hermione-books-and-cleverness-quote

Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-2

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.'

EXCERPT-HP-B5-ginny-anything-possible-quote

Ginny Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-3

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...’

EXCERPT-HP-B6-mcgonagall-augusta-should-be-proud-quote

Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-4

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.’

EXCERPT-HP-F5-luna-things-we-lose-quote

Luna Lovegood: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-5

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!’

EXCERPT-HP-B7-hermione-hoping-to-do-some-good-quote

Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-6

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.'

EXCERPT-HP-B5-molly-weasley-first-impression-quote

Molly Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-7

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.’

EXCERPT-HP-B2-threatening-muggle-borns-hermione-quote

Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-8

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.’

EXCERPT-HP-B6-professor-sprout-hogwarts-remain-open-quote

Pomona Sprout: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-9

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!’

EXCERPT-HP-B6-fleur-delacour-good-looking-enough-for-both-quote

Fleur Delacour: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-10

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.’

EXCERPT-HP-B5-mcgonagall-do-not-permit-people-to-talk-when-she-is-quote

Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

every-quote-to-live-by-from-your-favourite-witches-text-section-11

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

WEB-FEATURE-your-birth-month-tells-us-your-harry-potter-soulmate

PMARCHIVE-Ron Hermione homepage carousel 3Npf2yAQfKUWUUKCGuS6K6-b7

Ron Hermione homepage carousel

your-birth-month-tells-us-your-harry-potter-soulmate-text-section-1

## 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

8 spells to make January a tad more bearable 

PMARCHIVE-8 spells to make January a tad more bearable 

PMARCHIVE-WB F5 Hermione DA Lesson cH4ILJjdFPxuQcqoHR4Vd-b5

WB F5 Hermione DA Lesson

Hermione during a Dumbledore's Army meeting 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-8-spells-to-make-january-a-little-more-bearable-0

PMARCHIVE-WB F6 MollyWeasleyLeaningOnStaircase HP6D-04638 ecqMgBIEI6eWsWzl5e6Kd-b1

WB F6 MollyWeasleyLeaningOnStaircase HP6D-04638

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

HP-F6

and the Half-Blood Prince

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-8-spells-to-make-january-a-little-more-bearable-2

With Christmas long gone, and a never-ending supply of scrunched up wrapping paper successfully in the recycling, we still keep finding odd chocolate wrappers and glitter all over the place. January is meant to be a cleansing month – out with the old, in with the new and all that. But instead of doing the big pre-spring clean ourselves, the Scourgify spell (the cleaning charm, and one of Mrs Weasley’s staples) would be really, really helpful right about now. Please.

## Reparo

PMARCHIVE-RonWeasley WB F2 RonWeasleyAndHisBrokenWand Still 100615 Land cH4ILJjdFPxuQcqoHR4Vd-b3

RonWeasley WB F2 RonWeasleyAndHisBrokenWand Still 100615 Land

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-8-spells-to-make-january-a-little-more-bearable-4

On this point, it would also be great if we could fix all of the buttons that have fallen off our clothes, sort out our broken glasses, and just a nice quick charm to fix all of the various other Muggle items in our household that didn’t survive our Christmas parties. Maybe we could cast it on ourselves and see what happens? Our brains aren’t really functioning at 100% this month. 

## Alohomora

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-8-spells-to-make-january-a-little-more-bearable-6

Ever heard of January-brain? Where you’re just a little bit more forgetful than usual? Countless times this month we’ve already forgot our keys – we’re a little bit slower on the uptake than usual, probably still recovering from all those endless aforementioned  festive parties. It’d be pretty great to have Alohomora (the door unlocking charm) to hand, just to help us...not get locked out of our house.

## The bluebell flames spell

PMARCHIVE-Hermione - Jim Kay 1 6fgGj0zEXf8LKiXwQHgECj-b3

Hermione - Jim Kay[1]

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-8-spells-to-make-january-a-little-more-bearable-8

It’s cold, it’s grey, we need some blue fire in a jar. There’s only so many steaming mugs of tea we can possibly drink in one day.  

## Cheering Charm

PMARCHIVE-WB F3 Firebolt HarryReceivesAFirebolt HP3D-1700 UP HPE3 5LfuKgg2SQgu2weUGaayua-b4

WB F3 Firebolt HarryReceivesAFirebolt HP3D-1700 UP HPE3

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-8-spells-to-make-january-a-little-more-bearable-10

It goes without saying, really. We’re tired, we’re sluggish, and we need some fast-laughter, stat. Harry and co. learn this particularly fun spell in their third year, and we want in. And it’s probably best if we learn the counter-charm for hiccoughs too, just in case.

## Confundus

PMARCHIVE-CormacQuidditchKeeper WB F6 CormacMcLaggenLookingSmugInGoalpost HP6-VFX-00384 cH4ILJjdFPxuQcqoHR4Vd-b11

Cormac McLaggen looking smug at the Quidditch goalpost

CormacQuidditchKeeper WB F6 CormacMcLaggenLookingSmugInGoalpost HP6-VFX-00384

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-8-spells-to-make-january-a-little-more-bearable-12

January tends to be the time of year where we get our admin sorted out – paperwork, tax returns, all that kind of thing. Why do other humans insist on needing things from us? If only we could Confund them all so we can just avoid doing any sort of mundane task ever again. 

## Muffliato

PMARCHIVE-SeverusSnape WB F6 SnapeHoldingFingerToMouth Still 080615 Port 4VbCrNtXkcEEuUSamKmsyK-b10

SeverusSnape WB F6 SnapeHoldingFingerToMouth Still 080615 Port

Snape telling Harry to be quiet at the Tallest Tower 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-8-spells-to-make-january-a-little-more-bearable-14

January just feels noisier, it feels like. We all just want a bit of peace and quiet. Casting Muffliato would magically put us into a nice, little muffled bubble for a while – and we could also avoid all of those ‘I haven’t been to the gym ALL YEAR!’ jokes. 

## Weather modifying charm / Atmospheric charm

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-8-spells-to-make-january-a-little-more-bearable-16

The nights draw in early, and we’re a bit gloomy about the distinct lack of sunshine. But it would appear that witches and wizards actually have the power to [change the weather](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/weather-crossword). Once, absent-mindedly, Ron makes the Great Hall’s enchanted ceiling snow, for example. The Ministry of Magic has also been known to have some trouble with raining offices. We’re not sure how much say the wizarding world has on changing the weather (because surely it would be a different weather-type every second, if this was the case?) but in confined spaces, it certainly seems possible. If we could have the sun shining directly over our heads, the extra bit of Vitamin D would be lovely, ta. 

## Not a spell but... a bit of Polyjuice Potion might be nice

PMARCHIVE-WB F2 PolyjuicePotion HarryAndRonDrinkPolyjuice 3533 cH4ILJjdFPxuQcqoHR4Vd-b17

WB F2 PolyjuicePotion HarryAndRonDrinkPolyjuice 3533

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-8-spells-to-make-january-a-little-more-bearable-18

Commuting in January just feels that little bit extra difficult, doesn’t it? With the morning air slightly more brisk than usual, it’s just that little bit more tempting to stay in bed. Wouldn’t it be nice if...you could just make a deal with a very, very good friend to take your place, with the help of a drop of Polyjuice Potion? Just for a week or so while you enjoy some hot-water-bottle time? [In fact, there's quite a few other potions that might make life a bit easier...](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/wizarding-world-potions-we-want-in-real-life)

Failing this, one of Fred and George’s Skiving Snackboxes would also work. We’re open to all possibilities when it comes to staying in bed!

What spells would you like to use to survive the start of the year?

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

Why Seamus Finnigan deserves a little love 

PMARCHIVE-Why Seamus Finnigan deserves a little love 

PMARCHIVE-SeamusFinnigan WB F5 SeamusFinniganWithHandsInPockets Promo 080615 Port 4TY6qqYZZ6WUcKeW0YOK8w

SeamusFinnigan WB F5 SeamusFinniganWithHandsInPockets Promo 080615 Port

Seamus in his school uniform from the Order of the Pheonix 

PMARCHIVE-undefined 7yWZyHJIVaIegSCAGQQQO8-g0

Illustration of Seamus Finnigan from the Dumbledore's Army infographic

PM Seamus Finnigan illustration DA infographic

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-why-seamus-finnigan-deserves-a-little-love-0

While Harry Potter and Ron Weasley were running around saving the day, Neville Longbottom was busy being a whizz at Herbology and Dean Thomas was occupied with his romance with Ginny Weasley, it seemed like the life and times of their fellow common room companion Seamus Finnigan fell through the cracks. 

Although Seamus gave himself a bit of a bad rep over the years at Hogwarts, most notably when he didn’t believe Harry about Voldemort’s return, his positive contributions to the wizarding world certainly outweighed the bad – so we at Pottermore think he deserves a little love. Here’s why… 

## He came from an unusual family situation 

Seamus’s dad accidentally marrying into the Wizarding World had to be one of the most underrated shocks of the whole series. It was incredibly downplayed by Seamus, who mentioned it once over dinner in their first year, and although it sounds like Seamus’s dad settled into the Wizarding World pretty quickly, how could Seamus’s mum have kept a secret like that? We need to know!

> ‘Me dad's a Muggle. Mam didn't tell him she was a witch ’til after they were married. Bit of a nasty shock for him.’ 
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*
> 
>

## His mother wasn't incredibly helpful

PMARCHIVE-SeamusFinnigan WB F2 SeamusDeanGinnyCloseup Still 080615 Land 7yWZyHJIVaIegSCAGQQQO8-b1

SeamusFinnigan WB F2 SeamusDeanGinnyCloseup Still 080615 Land

Seamus Ginny and Dean in the Gryffindor Common Room from the Chamber of Secrets 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-why-seamus-finnigan-deserves-a-little-love-2

Following on from Seamus’s understatement of the year that his father didn’t know what he was marrying into, we think it’s safe to say that Seamus’s one magical parent was clearly someone he looked up to, and his only real guide into the Wizarding World when he was growing up. 

As such, it seems almost reasonable that he would stick with her rather than his dorm mate when Harry was accused of making up Lord Voldemort’s return. But despite spending all summer being told by the *Daily Prophet* and his own mum that Harry was full of fibs, it showed true strength of character that Seamus would finally think for himself and believe Harry (along with a little help from *The Quibbler*, of course). Not only that, but he told his mother as much. As Dumbledore once said, ‘There are all kinds of courage. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.’ We think family should probably be included in that, too. 

> No sooner had he arrived outside Transfiguration than something just as good happened: Seamus stepped out of the queue to face him. 
> ‘I just want to say,’ he mumbled, squinting at Harry’s left knee, ‘I believe you. And I’ve sent a copy of that magazine to me mam.’ 
>*Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* 
> 
>

## He attended Hogwarts in year seven

PMARCHIVE-SeamusFinnigan WB F4 SeamusFinniganGrabbingHisCloak Promo 080615 Port 7yWZyHJIVaIegSCAGQQQO8-b3

SeamusFinnigan WB F4 SeamusFinniganGrabbingHisCloak Promo 080615 Port

Seamus holding his cloak from the Goblet of Fire 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-why-seamus-finnigan-deserves-a-little-love-4

Although we’ll probably never know what went down when Seamus returned home for the summer holidays after Dumbledore’s death, we do know that his mother came all the way out to Hogwarts to try to drag him home, which led to a public argument. 

> Seamus Finnigan, on the other hand, refused point-blank to accompany his mother home; they had a shouting match in the Entrance Hall which was resolved when she agreed that he could remain behind for the funeral. 
>*Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*
> 
>

As such, it seemed beyond belief that Seamus would have been able to return to Hogwarts for his seventh and final year under the Carrows, particularly when he technically had half-blood status. Even though attendance was mandatory, surely someone as cautious as Seamus’s mum would never have let him get himself into that sort of danger? We’re guessing that Seamus must have done something big to evade her so he could be there for that final year of Hogwarts. 

## Dumbledore’s Army and the Battle of Hogwarts

PMARCHIVE-WB F8 GeorgeRonPercyHermioneMollyKingsley Battle of Hogwarts HPDH2-08662 7yWZyHJIVaIegSCAGQQQO8-b5

WB F8 GeorgeRonPercyHermioneMollyKingsley Battle of Hogwarts HPDH2-08662

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-why-seamus-finnigan-deserves-a-little-love-6

Although it took longer for Seamus to join Dumbledore’s Army than its other members, he eventually joined with gusto and became one of the secret society’s most crucial members, particularly in his seventh year when Harry, Ron and Hermione were absent. The proof of his Gryffindor courage was evidenced by his injuries which, as Neville told the trio, were inflicted when people spoke up against the teachings of the Carrows. This means that Seamus must have been even more outspoken than Neville to the Carrow siblings, if you can believe that. 

> ‘What? This?’ Neville dismissed his injuries with a shake of the head. ‘This is nothing. Seamus is worse. You’ll see.’ 
>*Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 
>


He also threw himself into the thick of the fighting at the Battle of Hogwarts, and saved Harry, Ron and Hermione’s lives with the help of Ernie Macmillan and Luna Lovegood when they were ambushed by Dementors and unable to conjure their Patronuses. Harry later returned the favour by casting a shield between Seamus and Voldemort. Yep, VOLDEMORT. You can’t get deeper into the action than that! 

> Harry cast more Shield Charms, and Voldemort’s would-be victims, Seamus Finnigan and Hannah Abbott, darted past him into the Great Hall, where they joined the fight already flourishing inside it. 
>*Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 
>

Although Seamus fought; saved Ron, Harry and Hermione; kept Dumbledore’s Army going; stuck it to the Carrows AND defied his mum to stick up for his friend (ahem, eventually), this boy does not get the credit he deserves. Sure, he had his flaws, but remember when Harry had that year of angst in *Order of the Phoenix*? No one is perfect, after all, but Seamus did end up being the perfect example of a true Gryffindor.

The light and shade of Severus Snape

PMARCHIVE-The light and shade of Severus Snape

PMARCHIVE-Severus Snape WB F5 Snape In Potions Classroom Still 080615 Land 5Oh7eFSfFmUmyYGSUOA6Gu

SeverusSnape WB F5 SnapeInPotionsClassroom Still 080615 Land

Snape in his potions class room from the Order of the Pheonix 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-a-complex-man-exploring-the-light-and-shade-of-severus-snape-0

For Snape sympathisers, he was an ambitious and cunning Slytherin hero with a tragic ending. For those who can simply never forgive him, Snape was an unnecessarily cruel teacher who wanted to make everyone’s lives as miserable as his own. Of course it’s a big question, but an important one: was Snape actually a good guy, or a bad guy? Is it even possible to measure? Probably not, but let's unpick one of the wizarding world's most textured characters anyway.

## He despised Harry at first sight…

PMARCHIVE-PM Severus Snape illustration OOTP infographic 4ykt2kryMgUEgi60As6a0S-b7

Illustration of Severus Snape from the second Order of the Phoenix infographic

PM Severus Snape illustration OOTP infographic

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-a-complex-man-exploring-the-light-and-shade-of-severus-snape-2

When we first met Snape, it was all very pantomime villain, with his hooked nose and his greasy hair. We know that Snape hated Harry because he reminded him of James, his childhood bully, and yet Harry did absolutely nothing to warrant Snape’s disdain. As Dumbledore once pointed out, Harry’s personality was much more like his mother’s, and yet Snape could only see what he wanted to see – and for some reason that was a vain, smug 11-year-old. As such, Snape was a constant source of misery in Harry’s life, and since Hogwarts was meant to be a place of refuge for the Boy Who Lived after his childhood with the Dursleys, we’re not sure we can forgive him in a hurry. That being said… 

## ...he was forced to care for the carbon copy of his childhood bully

PMARCHIVE-Homepage Carousel Harry Ron Snape funny 6qKBOT5kIMmEEAKwaYW4Ss-b3

Homepage Carousel Harry Ron Snape funny

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-a-complex-man-exploring-the-light-and-shade-of-severus-snape-4

Just imagine, for a moment, that you committed yourself to spend over a decade watching over the child of someone who had made your life a living hell. And not only that, but the child in question just happened to be the spitting image of them. It would be hard not to gain pleasure from failing them at Potions at the very least, right? 

> The office dissolved but re-formed instantly. Snape was pacing up and down in front of Dumbledore. 
> ‘– mediocre, arrogant as his father, a determined rule-breaker, delighted to find himself famous, attention-seeking and impertinent –’ 
> ‘You see what you expect to see, Severus,’ said Dumbledore, without raising his eyes from a copy of *Transfiguration Today*. ‘Other teachers report that the boy is modest, likeable and reasonably talented. Personally, I find him an engaging child.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
> 
> 

## He was cruel to Neville and Hermione for no reason

PMARCHIVE-WB F3 Riddikulus SnapeBoggart HP3-FX-24 1cdPehkn2aAIaqC8Uws6O0-b16

WB F3 Riddikulus SnapeBoggart HP3-FX-24

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-a-complex-man-exploring-the-light-and-shade-of-severus-snape-6

Say we accept and understand why Snape treated Harry like leftover Bubotuber pus while teaching him at Hogwarts. There was, however, no excuse for why he was so cruel to poor old Neville. And Hermione even got a horrific remark at one point, too, when Snape dubbed an ambitious, intelligent young teenager an insufferable know-it-all.

But Neville seemed to bear the brunt of Snape’s disdain when he wasn’t occupied with Harry and his friend. Neville might not have been the most apt at potions in his first year, but which of us hasn’t messed up ingredients while cooking, for example, with disappointing results? Neville needed help, not to be constantly berated. And worse – Snape even threatened the life of Trevor the toad! 

Neville’s fear of Snape was so great that even his Boggart took Snape’s form, and it's pretty upsetting to think that a child’s worst fear was one of his teachers.

However, as this is a debate, we’ll say this: since Neville could also have been the subject of the prophecy that eventually led to Lily Potter’s death, it could be that Snape hated him as much as Harry due to this. Because if the prophecy had been interpreted to have been about Neville, Lily would have lived.

…But still. It’s a stretch. And also: *Trevor*!

## He was a product of his childhood

PMARCHIVE-SiriusBlack WB F5 MaraudersMoonyPadfootProngsWormtail Still 080615 Land 2CxZn4lxrmUACekWcECuku

SiriusBlack WB F5 MaraudersMoonyPadfootProngsWormtail Still 080615 Land

Moony Padfoot Prongs and Wormtail at Hogwarts by the lake

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-a-complex-man-exploring-the-light-and-shade-of-severus-snape-8

Although we don’t know too much about Snape’s home life, he most certainly came from a broken family. In the memories of Lily that Harry watches in the Pensieve, he doesn’t seem particularly joyful when Lily asks him about his parents, and Snape briefly mentions how much they have been arguing. There’s another terse remark made about Snape’s Muggle father, who ‘doesn’t like anything much’ apparently.

As such, Hogwarts should have been the place where Snape could have a fresh start. As a particularly talented student, he should have thrived at the wizarding school, but he didn’t, and it was all because of James and Sirius choosing him as a target from the very first day. How could anyone not be embittered by that irreplaceable loss of happiness and possibilities thanks to a couple of popular, rule-breaking Gryffindors? 

## His love for Lily

PMARCHIVE-Young Snape and Lily illustration Read the Magic B7 6qKBOT5kIMmEEAKwaYW4Ss-b9

Illustration of young Severus Snape and Lily Evans from Read the Magic

Young Snape and Lily illustration Read the Magic B7

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-a-complex-man-exploring-the-light-and-shade-of-severus-snape-10

Possibly Snape’s saving grace was his endless love for, and devotion to, Lily Potter. Her friendship was one of the most important things in his life, and it destroyed him to watch his main nemesis pursue her as well. Of course, it was eventually Snape’s descent into the Dark Arts and his admiration for Voldemort that caused Lily to turn her back on him once and for all. After her death, for which he felt responsible, he dedicated the rest of his life to protecting her only son. What could be more heroic and self-sacrificing than that? Yay, team Snape! Oh, but… 

## He would have let James and Harry die

PMARCHIVE-AlbusDumbledore WB F8 DumbledoreAndSnapeTalking Still 080615 Port 23aLkAMxqoeyyOYYGiOii0-b9

AlbusDumbledore WB F8 DumbledoreAndSnapeTalking Still 080615 Port

Dumbledore and Snape talking from the Deathly Hallows Part 2

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-a-complex-man-exploring-the-light-and-shade-of-severus-snape-12

Since this didn’t happen, it’s hard to say for sure, but when Snape realised that he had accidentally told Voldemort about the prophecy concerning Harry and realised that the Dark Lord intended to kill the family, he ran to Dumbledore… only so that he would save Lily. As Dumbledore pointed out, he would have been quite happy to have let Voldemort go after his enemies, just so long as the woman he loved was protected. Which, we have to say, is the ‘having Luna commentate Quidditch’ of bad moves.

> ‘If she means so much to you,’ said Dumbledore, ‘surely Lord Voldemort will spare her? Could you not ask for mercy for the mother, in exchange for the son?’ 
> ‘I have – I have asked him –’ 
> ‘You disgust me,’ said Dumbledore, and Harry had never heard so much contempt in his voice. Snape seemed to shrink a little. 
> ‘You do not care, then, about the deaths of her husband and child? They can die, as long as you have what you want?’ 
> Snape said nothing, but merely looked up at Dumbledore. 
> ‘Hide them all, then,’ he croaked. ‘Keep her – them – safe. Please.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* 
> 

There is so much more that can be said about Snape’s anti-heroism, his terrible mistakes, his antagonistic personality. Of course, he eventually ended up being Dumbledore’s man through and through, and spent his final years fighting for what was right. He was outraged when he discovered that Harry himself had to die to defeat Voldemort, after spending years protecting him, yet still taught Potions in a cruel, bullying and domineering way.

So, could you ever define Snape as good or bad?

Well, as you might have guessed, the answer to that will never, ever be that simple. Sorry to be a killjoy, but you knew we could never truly pin down Snape. We’re sure you all have your own opinions on his actions, but really, we think the true answer is that no one is truly good or bad in the end: just made up of many different shades. Snape did terrible things and also amazing things: both of these facts can be true at the same time. That’s the thing about Snape – he was almost impossible to label, which is why his character is such a triumph, and a character we are still debating over twenty years later.

So we’ll let you make your own mind up about Snape, but heed these words from Sirius Black in the *Order of the Phoenix* film: ‘We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are.’

Tips on how to be a terrible father with Lucius Malfoy

PMARCHIVE-Tips on how to be a terrible father with Lucius Malfoy

PMARCHIVE-DracoMalfoy WB F7 LuciusMalfoyHoldingDracosNeckMalfoyManor Still 080615 Land 5qw0xpbFhmKEA2guOGI8q0-b3

DracoMalfoy WB F7 LuciusMalfoyHoldingDracosNeckMalfoyManor Still 080615 Land

Lucius smiles at Draco and presses his nape affectionately in order to persuade Draco to identify Harry Potter.

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-tips-on-how-to-be-a-terrible-father-with-lucius-malfoy-0

[Lucius Malfoy’s](/features/lucius-malfoy "Lucius Malfoy") parenting methods were… a choice. When he wasn’t trying to bestow [Horcruxes](/features/the-horcruxes "The Horcruxes") on young children, or feed his son [Draco](/writing-by-jk-rowling/draco-malfoy "Draco Malfoy by J.K. Rowling") with anti-Muggle sentiment, he was probably doing something else terrible. [No wonder Draco was so, well, Draco.](/features/like-father-like-son-examining-potter-characters-and-their-dads)

Anyway, here are the top paternal tips from Lucius Malfoy, that you should never, ever follow. 

## Encourage your child to socialise 

Ensuring that your child is able to make friends is an absolute must. For instance, when being fitted for their school uniform, a great technique is to make sure they know where you stand when it comes to blood supremacy, so they make the right choices later. And on their first day at their new school, making snide remarks about palling around with ‘the wrong sort’ of person is a really great way to go about making firm friends for life.

PMARCHIVE-draco-malfoy-B1-IllustratedEdition-JimKay 5XjN4gryScwwcmWMUU0wgO-b1

draco-malfoy-B1-IllustratedEdition-JimKay

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-tips-on-how-to-be-a-terrible-father-with-lucius-malfoy-2

## Introduce yourself to their friends

As Lucius does in *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*, introducing yourself to your child’s classmates is a great way to integrate yourself into their lives. In fact, flinging your social standing and your wealth in their faces will ensure they don’t forget you in a hurry. Likewise, goading 12-year-olds in front of their parents – whom you have also just insulted – is a brilliant example to set your son. Of course, planting a [possessed diary](/features/tom-riddles-diary "Tom Riddle's diary") into the belongings of a pre-teen – and nearly causing her death –  will commit you to their memories forever.

(Seriously, what is wrong with Lucius?!)

PMARCHIVE-FlourishAndBlotts PM B2C4M3 ArthurWeasleyAndLuciusMalfoyArguingInFlourishAndBlotts Moment 3nF5Yb4jpukGYSmYGyC4qo-b6

FlourishAndBlotts PM B2C4M3 ArthurWeasleyAndLuciusMalfoyArguingInFlourishAndBlotts Moment

The Weasleys and the Malfoys square up to each other in a crowded bookshop.

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-tips-on-how-to-be-a-terrible-father-with-lucius-malfoy-4

## Perform acts of charity

Give to those who have less than you. For instance, buying your son’s way onto the [Quidditch](/collection/quidditch "Quidditch") team by purchasing the whole squad the latest [brooms](/features/broomsticks "Broomsticks") will make you exceedingly popular with those receiving them. Nothing like aimlessly throwing money at a situation to improve your child’s self-esteem.

PMARCHIVE-WB F2 Nimbus2001 DracoMalfoyMarcusFlintAdrianPucey 8577r 5dhTbpFTbUa2OKMwyOSaCi-b6

WB F2 Nimbus2001 DracoMalfoyMarcusFlintAdrianPucey 8577r

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-tips-on-how-to-be-a-terrible-father-with-lucius-malfoy-6

## Be involved with their school

Often parents get involved with their child’s school – Lucius was on the board of governors (akin to the Muggle Parent-Teacher Association) and was actively involved in the goings-on at [Hogwarts](/features/hogwarts "Hogwarts"). One of the best ways to make an impact in this position is to instil your fear and hatred into the other governors, forcing them to sign on the dotted line to pass any motions you may suggest. This might include trying to get the headmaster of your child’s school deposed and one of the teachers sent to [Azkaban](/features/azkaban "Azkaban"). And supporting the children being taught how to *commit* [Dark Arts](/collection/the-dark-arts "The Dark Arts"), rather than defend themselves from them, is also a top-notch parenting tip.

PMARCHIVE-LuciusMalfoy WB F2 LuciusMalfoyMidshot V2 Promo 080615 Port 612QM2ZrbO8oqsOKageaCS-b7

Lucius looks intimidating holding his cane from the Chamber of Secrets 

TRENDING SEARCHES

Features