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

The five places we’d most want to visit at Hogwarts

PMARCHIVE-The five places we’d most want to visit at Hogwarts

PMARCHIVE-HogwartsCastle WB F3 HogwartsCourtyardWithHarryAndHedwig Still 100615 Land 18wrxpjSzaCcw8UqA6G8Wy-b1

HogwartsCastle WB F3 HogwartsCourtyardWithHarryAndHedwig Still 100615 Land

Hogwarts courtyeard with Harry and Hedwig

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-five-places-we-would-most-want-to-visit-at-hogwarts-0

However, if we could only pick a handful of locations to pay a fleeting visit to, these are the ones we’d be debating between. 

## The Gryffindor Common Room

What about the other common rooms, we hear you cry? Well, as we saw the most of Gryffindor’s during the books, we’ve opted for this one – plus Fred and George’s raucous parties could probably not be beaten by the other houses. Yes, this room full of squishy arm chairs and roaring log fires was the scene of scraps and snogs and of a hundred rambunctious all-nighters, and we want nothing more than to approach the Fat Lady, say something weird, and be admitted into that noisy, wonderful sanctuary. We’d even accept the possibility of being turned into a canary, sharing our room with a rat-shaped turncoat, or being visited by an escaped prisoner from Azkaban in the middle of the night. It’d be worth it for those squishy chairs.

PMARCHIVE-GryffindorCommonRoom PM B1C13M1 GryffindorCommonRoomFireplace Moment 3vIn3bJAXSGEAuaKsCsOYw

GryffindorCommonRoom PM B1C13M1 GryffindorCommonRoomFireplace Moment

The fireplace in the Gryffindor Common Room 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-five-places-we-would-most-want-to-visit-at-hogwarts-2

> Sure enough, when they entered the Gryffindor common room it exploded with cheers and yells again. There were mountains of cakes and flagons of pumpkin juice and Butterbeer on every surface; Lee Jordan had let off some Dr Filibuster’s Fabulous No-Heat, Wet-Start Fireworks, so that the air was thick with stars and sparks; and Dean Thomas, who was very good at drawing, had put up some impressive new banners, most of which depicted Harry zooming around the Horntail’s head on his Firebolt, though a couple showed Cedric with his head on fire. 
> Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

## Hagrid’s Hut

First of all, Fang was there most of the time, and even if he was large and slobbery, we can all agree that a room with a dog in it is invariably better than a room without. Hagrid’s hut was something of a haven for Harry throughout his long years at Hogwarts; somewhere he could escape from the familiar flick of eyes to his forehead, and break his teeth on rock cakes in peace.

PMARCHIVE-WB F5 HagridsHut FangHarryRonHermione HP5D-4087 5oydzR1NgAKk2ow6o08UCI-b3

WB F5 HagridsHut FangHarryRonHermione HP5D-4087

Ron, Hermione, Harry and Fang sit in Hagrid's hut

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

HP-F5

and the Order of the Phoenix

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-five-places-we-would-most-want-to-visit-at-hogwarts-4

Sure, it was occasionally home to writhing barrels of mealworms, or dragons, but it was also home to Hagrid, the most soothing half-giant in all the land. Hagrid’s hut might have been a bit small and bit out of the way, but it was also more home to Harry than most of the places he rested his head, even if the trade-off was sometimes having to eat stoat sandwiches. 

## Dumbledore’s Office

If a venue is sealed off by a secret password and a magically moving staircase, you know it has to be special, and Dumbledore’s secret abode was no exception. Tucked away up a tower, Dumbledore’s office was home to even more magic and mystery than the rest of Hogwarts.

PMARCHIVE-Sorting Hat in Dumbledore's office tQjyGpHQUCOasW4M42y8S

SortingHat-PM-B2C12M1-DumbledoreOffice-Moment

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-five-places-we-would-most-want-to-visit-at-hogwarts-6

Left to our devices in there, we’d be certain to have a cheeky dive inside his Pensieve, and hang out with Fawkes, of course. So perhaps it’s good that it was password protected. We’d have also relished the opportunity to have a word with the oil-renderings of past headmasters or convince the Sorting Hat to put us in another house, just for kicks. 

> One thing was certain: of all the teachers’ offices Harry had visited so far this year, Dumbledore’s was by far the most interesting. If he hadn’t been scared out of his wits that he was about to be thrown out of school, he would have been very pleased to have a chance to look around it.
> It was a large and beautiful circular room, full of funny little noises. A number of curious silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables, whirring and emitting little puffs of smoke. The walls were covered with portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses, all of whom were snoozing gently in their frames. There was also an enormous, claw-footed desk, and, sitting on a shelf behind it, a shabby, tattered wizard’s hat – the Sorting Hat. 
> Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

## The prefects’ bathroom 

Much of being a prefect sounds about as fun as a singalong with a Mandrake, but between the prefects’ carriage on the train and the prefects’ bathroom, the elite segregated spaces might just about have made it worth it. Hogwarts positions itself as a meritocracy, but there’s nothing fair about the comparison between the prefects’ bathroom and the one for the ordinary witches and wizards of the school. On the one hand, you have rainbow-hued bubbles, perfumed water and a bath the size of a classroom; on the other hand, dingy sodden spaces populated by trolls, spiders and giant, murderous snakes.

PMARCHIVE-WBSTL Goblet of Fire Prefects Taps lowres 270318-6%5b5%5d 5oydzR1NgAKk2ow6o08UCI-b7

Prefect bathroom taps from the Warner Bros Studio Tour, London

WBSTL Goblet of Fire Prefects Taps lowres 270318-6%5b5%5d

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-five-places-we-would-most-want-to-visit-at-hogwarts-8

At least they both have Moaning Myrtle, though. 

> About a hundred golden taps stood all around the pool’s edges, each with a different-coloured jewel set into its handle. There was also a diving board. Long white linen curtains hung at the windows; a large pile of fluffy white towels sat in a corner, and there was a single golden-framed painting on the wall. It featured a blonde mermaid, who was fast asleep on a rock, her long hair fluttering over her face every time she snored. 
> Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

## The Room of Requirement

There’s no competition, really, since how could any other room possibly contest a space that becomes whatever you want it to? Pay the mere price of pacing backwards and forwards while thinking hard, and you’d be rewarded with the location of your wildest dreams: a safe space to practice magic, a place in which to hide a secret item or – in our case – a sunny beach on the shores of a sea made of Butterbeer, populated only by Dobby, serving treacle tart with a smile.

PMARCHIVE-HarryPotter PM B6C24M1 HarryLookingForDiademInRoomOfRequirement Moment 674odZd5YsSMUusoksm8wC

HarryPotter PM B6C24M1 HarryLookingForDiademInRoomOfRequirement Moment

Harry hides his copy of Advanced Potion-Making in the Room of Requirement

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-five-places-we-would-most-want-to-visit-at-hogwarts-10

It was one aspect of the castle that we can’t help but feel was somewhat underused – because once you knew it was there, surely you’d never want to leave? 

To explore the many states of the Room of Requirement, [we've reimagined them all for you here.](/features/room-of-requirement-infographic)

> ‘Oh, I would never dream of assuming I know all Hogwarts’ secrets, Igor,’ said Dumbledore amicably. ‘Only this morning, for instance, I took a wrong turning on the way to the bathroom and found myself in a beautifully proportioned room I have never seen before, containing a really rather magnificent collection of chamberpots. When I went back to investigate more closely, I discovered that the room had vanished. But I must keep an eye out for it. Possibly it is only accessible at five thirty in the morning. Or it may only appear at the quarter moon – or when the seeker has an exceptionally full bladder.’ 
> Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

What is the significance of Harry's weirdest dreams?

PMARCHIVE-What is the significance of Harry's weirdest dreams?

PMARCHIVE-WB F7 Grimmauld Place Harry wakes up 3nuRvHTasmQPKZeWYYZg0e-b7

WB F7 Grimmauld Place Harry wakes up 

PMARCHIVE-undefined 5lUR5JHSnuUoaoi6CyeWSi-g0

HarryPotter WB F3 HarryPotterInBedWithWandMaraudersMapAndHedwig Still 100615 Land

Harry looking at the Marauders Map in his dormitory

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-significance-of-harrys-weirdest-dreams-0

Although we – as readers – were able to follow Harry’s adventures closely, understanding his thoughts and actions, it was his dreams throughout the books that gave us a deeper understanding of what was going on in his head. He was, for example, often haunted by nightmares of the deaths in his life, from Cedric to recurring ones about his own parents, and sometimes his ‘dreams’ were not actually dreams at all, but his mind being infiltrated by Lord Voldemort. 

Suffice to say, there was a lot going on up there. We’ve analysed some of Harry’s oddest ones – although we’ve left the Voldemort-influenced ‘dreams’ for another day.

## ‘A good one’ with a flying motorbike

PMARCHIVE-undefined 5icfzz85NmQAikuWQIiGSI-g0

PrivetDrive PM B1C1M3 HagridFlyingMotorbike Moment

Hagrid flying into Privet Drive with a baby Harry.

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-significance-of-harrys-weirdest-dreams-2

Right at the beginning of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*, even before Harry knew he was a wizard, the magic in his life had already started seeping into his subconscious. During one morning at the Dursleys, Harry awoke in his cupboard from a ‘good’ dream about a flying motorbike – one he felt like he’d had before. To be fair, he kind of had, except it had been real: a memory from when Hagrid first took him to the Dursleys as a baby, on Sirius Black’s enchanted motorbike. No wonder, when he told Vernon about the dream, his uncle’s reaction was more unreasonably outraged than usual – he must have been terrified there was magic on Harry’s mind...

## Professor Quirrell’s talking turban

PMARCHIVE-QuirinusQuirrell WB F1 QuirrellAndHarry Still 080615 Land zcNygnmVOYSgIzCBuqUzu-b19

QuirinusQuirrell WB F1 QuirrellAndHarry Still 080615 Land

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-significance-of-harrys-weirdest-dreams-4

> He was wearing Professor Quirrell’s turban, which kept talking to him, telling him he must transfer to Slytherin at once, because it was his destiny. Harry told the turban he didn’t want to be in Slytherin; it got heavier and heavier; he tried to pull it off but it tightened painfully – and there was Malfoy, laughing at him as he struggled with it – then Malfoy turned into the hook-nosed teacher, Snape, whose laugh became high and cold – there was a burst of green light and Harry woke, sweating and shaking. 
> Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

On Harry’s first night at Hogwarts, after being introduced to so many impossibly magical things in such a short space of time, he had a particularly weird dream. It connected quite a few important elements that shaped his first year: meeting Professor Quirrell, his rivalry with Draco Malfoy, his anxiety over the Sorting Hat, his uneasiness around Professor Snape, and a familiar ‘burst of green light’ – the latter of which would haunt Harry for a long, long time. 

The events of his dream presented a distorted version of Harry’s reality, all fused together by his insecurities of the time. First, there was Professor Quirrell, who Harry didn’t really know yet, and particularly the involvement of his strange turban.

PMARCHIVE-undefined 3Abdqr65ugmuwOmIyieyY0-g0

The Sorting Ceremony

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-significance-of-harrys-weirdest-dreams-6

In the dream, the turban took on the role of the Sorting Hat, who Harry had only just met the same day of his dream. The fact that his dream combined his fears of being sorted into Slytherin with Quirrell’s turban, which would eventually be revealed to be concealing Lord Voldemort, is quite interesting. The fact that Malfoy, his new school rival, was laughing at him, and then turned into Snape, who he had not yet met, was also rather telling. In his mind, Harry had merged the two main bullies in his life, even though he didn’t yet know it. 

The inclusion of the flash of green light connected everything back to Lord Voldemort. In essence, this dream combined the typical schoolboy fears of not fitting in, worries about bullies and an over-arching dread of evil drawing near. (Okay, maybe that last one isn’t a typical schoolboy fear...)

## The forest dream

PMARCHIVE-ForbiddenForest PM B1C15M2 NightInTheForbiddenForest Moment 5lUR5JHSnuUoaoi6CyeWSi-b7

ForbiddenForest PM B1C15M2 NightInTheForbiddenForest Moment

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-significance-of-harrys-weirdest-dreams-8

> He was walking through a forest, his Firebolt over his shoulder, following something silvery white. It was winding its way through the trees ahead, and he could only catch glimpses of it between the leaves. Anxious to catch up with it, he sped up, but as he moved faster, so did his quarry. Harry broke into a run and ahead, he heard hooves gathering speed. Now he was running flat out, and ahead he could hear galloping. Then he turned a corner into a clearing and – 
> Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry’s third year was defined by Sirius Black and the Dementors – the latter of whom affected him badly. After going through some anti-Dementor lessons with Professor Lupin, Harry finally got to use the Patronus Charm on three Dementors who’d come to interrupt his Quidditch game. As it turned out, it was only Malfoy and his cronies playing a trick, but it was still the first time he had successfully cast his Patronus, even if he was too busy catching the Snitch to notice what form it took. That night, he dreamt of ‘following something silvery white’ and heard the sound of hooves...

Even though Harry did not know his Patronus was a stag yet, this dream was his first clue. The fact that Harry couldn’t catch up to his stag could mean a few things: the fact he had been struggling to cast the Patronus Charm, or maybe even the unconscious fretfulness of never knowing his father, who the stag could be representing. You never know.

## The Grimmauld Place dream

PMARCHIVE-Kreacher WB F5 KreacherAtGrimmauldPlace Illust 080615 Port 5lUR5JHSnuUoaoi6CyeWSi-b9

Kreacher WB F5 KreacherAtGrimmauldPlace Illust 080615 Port

Kreacher at Grimmauld Place from the Order of the Pheonix

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-significance-of-harrys-weirdest-dreams-10

> Harry had a troubled night’s sleep. His parents wove in and out of his dreams, never speaking; Mrs Weasley sobbed over Kreacher’s dead body, watched by Ron and Hermione who were wearing crowns, and yet again Harry found himself walking down a corridor ending in a locked door. 
> Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Although the latter part of this dream was Voldemort invading Harry’s thoughts, the rest was based on his first night at Grimmauld Place, where Hermione and Ron were made Prefects and Harry witnessed poor Mrs Weasley’s Boggart, which took the shape of all of her loved ones – dead. After initially being jealous of Ron and Hermione’s elevated status (seen here as them wearing crowns), Harry’s jealousy was put into perspective when he saw the things that troubled Molly. The suspicious presence of Kreacher in the house also inhabited this dream. Harry was right to have this worrisome house-elf on his mind.

## Cho and the Chocolate Frogs

PMARCHIVE-WB F5 ChoChang 6SCrRlIdjNa0iTIq6xEHVH-b3

Cho Chang in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

WB F5 ChoChang

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-significance-of-harrys-weirdest-dreams-12

> Harry dreamed he was back in the DA room. Cho was accusing him of luring her there under false pretences; she said he had promised her a hundred and fifty Chocolate Frog Cards if she showed up. Harry protested ... Cho shouted, ‘Cedric gave me loads of Chocolate Frog Cards, look!’ And she pulled out fistfuls of Cards from inside her robes and threw them into the air. Then she turned into Hermione, who said, ‘You did promise her, you know, Harry ... I think you’d better give her something else instead ... how about your Firebolt?’ And Harry was protesting that he could not give Cho his Firebolt, because Umbridge had it, and anyway the whole thing was ridiculous, he’d only come to the DA room to put up some Christmas baubles shaped like Dobby’s head ... 
> Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

When he wasn’t worried about Lord Voldemort, Harry was just a teenage boy at heart. During his relationship with Cho in Order of the Phoenix, the short-lived romance was overshadowed by her ex-boyfriend’s death. We can see those concerns in this dream, with the Chocolate Frog cards representing Harry’s worth vs Cedric’s worth – Harry was clearly worried he couldn’t live up to a dead man’s legacy. The other many troubles of Harry’s fifth year, such as Professor Umbridge always stifling him and his secret DA lessons, seemed to congeal into abstract disarray. Poor Dobby! 

## The Horcrux dream

PMARCHIVE-PM 7.19.2 Destroyed Locket 03VG illustration Horcrux 4yruDIn7h6meYCGACGam4W-b11

Illustration of Salazar Slytherin's broken locket

PM 7.19.2 Destroyed Locket 03VG illustration Horcrux

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-the-significance-of-harrys-weirdest-dreams-14

> This mantra seemed to pulse through Harry’s mind as he fell asleep at night, and his dreams were thick with cups, lockets and mysterious objects that he could not quite reach, though Dumbledore helpfully offered Harry a rope ladder that turned to snakes the moment he began to climb ... 
> Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 

In *Deathly Hallows*, Harry’s hunt to track down Voldemort’s Horcruxes took over his entire life – and seeped into his subconscious as a result. This particular dream saw Albus Dumbledore offer Harry a ladder to the Horcruxes, which then turn into snakes; at this point in the story, Harry had lost trust for his deceased headmaster, due to finding out things about Dumbledore’s past that the old wizard never divulged. The ladder must represent the help Dumbledore tried to give Harry, and the snakes must represent the betrayal Harry felt at this point in the story. Clever.

## Oh, and this one?

> He dreamed that Neville and Professor Sprout were waltzing around the Room of Requirement while Professor McGonagall played the bagpipes. He watched them happily for a while, then decided to go and find the other members of the DA. 
> Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

Okay, we have no idea about this one. Maybe sometimes dreams don't mean much.

The significance of Harry's weirdest dreams 

Why the Philosopher’s Stone Sorting Ceremony was basically the best one

PMARCHIVE-Why the Philosopher’s Stone Sorting Ceremony was basically the best one

PMARCHIVE-WB F1 HarryAndMcGonagall HarryIsSorted 00356412 5tls6FOVzy42US4GskkiSU-b9

WB F1 HarryAndMcGonagall HarryIsSorted 00356412

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-why-the-philosophers-stone-sorting-ceremony-was-basically-the-best-one-0

## It’s way more ‘fun’ to get to the ceremony as a first year

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-why-the-philosophers-stone-sorting-ceremony-was-basically-the-best-one-2

Whoever said, ‘It’s the journey, not the destination’ didn’t consider the first years’ trip to Hogwarts. Sure, Harry enjoyed the Hogwarts Express part; friendships were formed, runaway toads were recaptured and many, many sweets were eaten. But it also involves a soggy boat trip to the school across the Great Lake, chaperoned by Hagrid – a special treat reserved strictly for first years. 

## The Sorting Hat was on form

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-why-the-philosophers-stone-sorting-ceremony-was-basically-the-best-one-4

While the Sorting Hat composed a new song every year, the one at Harry’s Sorting was a real crowd-pleaser, earning a well-deserved round of applause from the Great Hall. Hat-isfaction.

>‘Oh, you may not think I’m pretty, 
>But don’t judge on what you see, 
>I’ll eat myself if you can find 
>A smarter hat than me.’
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*
>

Future Sorting Hat songs would take a more sombre tone, warning of dangerous times that lay ahead, even lamenting the fact that the students had to be separated at all. But back then, this jolly ditty was the perfect introduction to the four houses and managed to ‘cap it off’ in terms of hat-related humour. It was a simpler time. 

## It revealed a lot about the characters

PMARCHIVE-SortingHat WB F1 DracoMalfoyInTheSortingHat Still 100615 Land 3Abdqr65ugmuwOmIyieyY0-b5

SortingHat WB F1 DracoMalfoyInTheSortingHat Still 100615 Land

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-why-the-philosophers-stone-sorting-ceremony-was-basically-the-best-one-6

Harry’s first Sorting Ceremony revealed more about certain students than just their houses. Remember how cocky Draco ‘swaggered’ to the front? We knew right then he belonged in Slytherin. Or how about the moment Neville ran off to the table still wearing the hat? Nervous and awkward as he was, Neville was put in Gryffindor for a reason and we couldn’t wait for him to show his true colours. 

The banquet banter also gave us a bit of insight into the characters’ families. Seamus Finnigan told us about his ‘half-and-half’ parentage while Neville recounted his Great Uncle Algie’s attempts to ‘force’ magic out of him – for the record, pushing a small child off Blackpool pier is not cool. All the while, Hermione was just looking forward to her lessons. Because that’s Hermione for you.

## Harry made a big decision very early on

PMARCHIVE-WB F1 HarryAndMcGonagall HarryIsSorted 00356412 3Abdqr65ugmuwOmIyieyY0-b7

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-why-the-philosophers-stone-sorting-ceremony-was-basically-the-best-one-8

A wise old wizard once said that our choices show who we really are, not just our abilities. Dumbledore was, of course, talking about Harry’s sorting.

Having been raised by Muggles, Harry didn’t arrive knowing much about the houses. All he’d really heard was that Hufflepuff had a reputation as ‘a lot o’ duffers’ (Newt Scamander would beg to differ) and that Slytherin house had turned out some Dark wizards, including Lord Voldemort. When it was Harry’s turn to be sorted, he would have been happy to belong in any house… except one.

>‘Not Slytherin, eh?’ said the small voice. ‘Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it’s all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that – no? Well, if you’re sure – better be GRYFFINDOR!’ 
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*
>

Cue the biggest cheer of the whole ceremony. Sorry, Slytherins!

## Dumbledore’s speech was short and sweet

PMARCHIVE-AlbusDumbledore WB F1 DumbledoreAddressingStudentsInGreatHall Still 080615 Port 3Abdqr65ugmuwOmIyieyY0-b9

AlbusDumbledore WB F1 DumbledoreAddressingStudentsInGreatHall Still 080615 Port

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-why-the-philosophers-stone-sorting-ceremony-was-basically-the-best-one-10

Ever get put off by boring speeches at formal occasions, especially when you’re waiting to be fed? Don’t worry, Professor Dumbledore wouldn’t do a thing like that. While he made some important points later that evening, mostly about not getting killed at school, his pre-feast introduction was brief, bizarre and brilliant. 

>‘Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! 
>‘Thank you!’ 
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*
>

## Food, glorious food

While Hogwarts had no shortage of banquets (we’re surprised the last book wasn’t *Harry Potter and the Elasticated Waistband*), the first feast in Philosopher’s Stone was presented in mouthwatering detail. We got to share the joy with Harry, who’d spent his life being starved for more than attention, at having so many wonderful dishes put in front of him.

>He had never seen so many things he liked to eat on one table: roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, chips, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup and, for some strange reason, mint humbugs. 
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*
>

We were so hungry we nearly ate our books. 

## The much-missed ‘Hoggy Warty Hogwarts’ song

What better way to round off a great evening than with musical chaos? As the rest of the teachers maintained ‘fixed’ smiles, Professor Dumbledore conducted the school in a rousing anthem, with everyone singing their tune of choice. We can only imagine the din.

>‘Ah, music,’ he said, wiping his eyes. ‘A magic beyond all we do here!’ 
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*
>

So why didn’t we get a rendition of ‘Hoggy Warty Hogwarts’ at every feast? Apparently the headmaster only called for this song when he felt ‘particularly buoyant’, so he must have been on top form that evening. Another reason why this Sorting Ceremony was the best.

A helpful guide to Legilimency 

PMARCHIVE-A helpful guide to Legilimency 

PMARCHIVE-FB WB Queenie Goldstein at Dinner Table Set with Candles 2Aus3hhImAsg0Qa86uwaqE

Queenie Goldstein sits at the dinner table in candlelight

FB WB Queenie Goldstein at Dinner Table Set with Candles

Queenie Goldstien rests her chin on her hand as she sits at a candlelit dinner table 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-a-guide-to-legilimency-0

Legilimency might have been associated with Voldemort – the world’s most accomplished Legilimens, according to Snape – but not every Legilimens was a terrible Dark wizard. Dumbledore was pretty good at Legilimency, and *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them*’s Queenie Goldstein was born with the ability to extract other people's memories and feelings.

So it wasn’t always a Dark Art – it’s just that, as with all magical skills, the important thing was how it was used.

## What was Legilimency?

Legilimency was the practise of using magic to enter another person’s mind. It was more than mind-reading, as it often involved interpreting another person’s thoughts – as when Queenie identified the story behind Newt’s reaction to Leta Lestrange – or even turning a person’s mind against them, as Voldemort did to Harry when he planted his false vision of Sirius.

PMARCHIVE-SiriusBlack WB F5 HarryAndSiriusStandingDepartmentOfMysteries Still 080615 Land 6ff58S2z1mKWmuy64iIe0i

SiriusBlack WB F5 HarryAndSiriusStandingDepartmentOfMysteries Still 080615 Land

Harry and Sirius standing in the Department of Mysteries 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-a-guide-to-legilimency-2

## How was it performed?

Most Legilimens needed to be near the person whose mind they wanted to invade in order to read it. As Snape told Harry, ‘Time and space matter in magic...’ 

That wasn’t always the case though. Harry’s connection with Voldemort, forged when Voldemort failed to kill him as a baby, left the two of them with a link that had no regard for the usual rules. Harry’s ability to invade Voldemort’s mind often happened at great distances – when he was asleep at Hogwarts, or when he was out hunting Horcruxes. Theirs was a special case though. Even for Voldemort, Harry’s was the only mind he could enter from a distance.

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-a-guide-to-legilimency-4

Those learning Legilimency began with a spell and an incantation – Legilimens. Snape demonstrated this to Harry during their first Occlumency lesson, in a bid to teach him the skills needed to shut his mind to Voldemort’s Legilimency attacks. Once the spell was cast, if the victim was not sufficiently accomplished in Occlumency they would feel their minds being invaded, just as Harry did, with often unwanted memories forced to the surface.

However, accomplished Legilimens like Snape, Queenie and Voldemort needed neither incantation or wand to enter another person’s mind. For them, a glance was often enough.

## Was it a learned skill?

Most Legilimens learned the skill, but there were exceptions. Queenie was one. The fact that she was born able to see into other peoples’ minds was very rare, but for her it was something she did without trying. There was no malicious intent in Queenie’s Legilimency and yet in its way, it could be as intrusive as Voldemort’s. Newt certainly didn’t like it, but Queenie often seemed unable to stop herself. As she said to Newt:

>‘I know, I’m sorry, I can’t help it. People are easiest to read when they’re hurting.’ 
>*Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)*

## Why was it useful?

Newt might have found it intrusive but there’s no doubt that Legilimency did have some uses. Without it, Dumbledore would not have discovered the truth about Kreacher, and Harry wouldn’t have been able to warn the Order of the Phoenix about Voldemort’s attack on Arthur Weasley. Even Queenie’s observations had their uses, as they helped both Goldstein sisters understand Newt in a different way.

Legilimency could also be passed onto objects, as the four founders of Hogwarts did with the Sorting Hat. The Hat was then able to look into the minds of students and so determine which house they should be placed in – certainly useful, if not a bit of a strange way to start your first year.

PMARCHIVE-Voldemort WB F5 VoldemortInMinistryOfMagic Still 080615 Land 6YmafSb4eQk4eIK2oQGEQs-b5

Voldemort WB F5 VoldemortInMinistryOfMagic Still 080615 Land

Voldemort holding his wand in the Ministry of Magic from the Order of the Phoneix 

PMARCHIVE-BODY-OF-a-guide-to-legilimency-6

But, of course, Legilimency was useful to Dark wizards too. Voldemort’s skill as a Legilimens enabled him to lure Harry to the Department of Mysteries; it helped him kill unsuspecting Muggle Frank Bryce in the Riddle House, and it probably led to the deaths of many others, given he used it to determine who was lying to him.

## How could it be dangerous?

Mostly Legilimency was dangerous for those it was used against. Without mastering Occlumency – the art of defending your brain against Legilimency attacks – a victim was likely to have all their feelings and memories ransacked. If the ransacking was being done by Voldemort it was particularly dangerous, especially if you happened to be lying to him at the time.

PMARCHIVE-HarryPotter WB F5 HarryAndMcGonagallNearFireplace Still 080615 Land 6YmafSb4eQk4eIK2oQGEQs-b7

HarryPotter WB F5 HarryAndMcGonagallNearFireplace Still 080615 Land

Harry and McGonagall in Dumbledore's Office 

TRENDING SEARCHES

Features