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

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

## The Leaky Cauldron is the oldest pub in London

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

## Muggles used to frequent the Leaky Cauldron

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

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

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

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

## A pub was the headquarters of a rebellion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every quote to live by from your favourite witches

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

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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## The importance of keeping things in perspective

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

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

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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

## Don’t be afraid to be bold

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

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

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Ginny Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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

## Be proud of who you are

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

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

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Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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

## There is always hope

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

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

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Luna Lovegood: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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

## Don’t be afraid to dream big

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

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

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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

## An excellent reminder

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

‘A good first impression can work wonders.'

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Molly Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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

## Do what is right, not what is easy

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

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

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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

## Protect what is important

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

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

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Pomona Sprout: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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

## Don’t judge a book by its cover

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

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

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Fleur Delacour: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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

## Boundaries are good

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

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

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Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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

Your birth month tells us your Harry Potter soulmate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

## July: Your perfect match is loyal Neville Longbottom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

## October: Fiery Ginny Weasley is your magical match

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For beginners, for novices, for Harry Potter superfans going 20 years-strong, dig deep into the wizarding world with our collection of features.

Features - Wizarding World

Things you may not have noticed about Lord Voldemort

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

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[You-Know-Who](/features/lord-voldemort "Lord Voldemort") wasn’t going to feature on any magazine covers or sign any glamorous product endorsements – this side of hell freezing over, anyway. But nonetheless it’s fair to admit – however begrudgingly – that the Dark Lord *was* kind of a celebrity. He was, and is, stupendously famous. Okay, if you prefer: infamous. 

But despite Lord Voldemort’s high profile, and the grim shadow he cast over the affairs of Hogwarts and its inhabitants for decades, there’s still plenty of trivia and offbeat analysis that many people, even Harry Potter fans, might be unaware of. 

Here’s a look at the stranger aspects of an already pretty odd character…

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Voldemort and Nagini illustration by Jessica Roux

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Illustration of Voldemort and Nagini by Jessica Roux

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## His name alone is a whole can of worms

We’re all too familiar with the taboo around saying ‘Voldemort’ aloud, hence his bountiful selection of nicknames. Remember when Minister for Magic [Cornelius Fudge](/features/cornelius-fudge "Cornelius Fudge") refused to say He Who Must Not Be Named’s… er, name… in the office of the [Muggle](/collection/muggles "Muggles") Prime Minister, instead cravenly scrawling it on parchment and sliding it across the desk?

Even Lord Voldemort introducing himself wasn’t quite so simple. It’s hardly a massive spoiler to point out that, in the books, ‘I am Lord Voldemort’ is a nifty anagram of the Dark Lord’s prior name, [Tom Marvolo Riddle](/features/tom-riddle "Tom Riddle"). But have you ever wondered how that works out for fans reading in other languages? ‘I am’, for instance, translates in French to ‘je suis’.

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So what is Voldemort’s given name in France? Wait for it… Tom Elvis Jedusor.

*Don’t Be Cruel* crooner Elvis Presley would probably be stunned to discover his association with the forces of evil. (By the way, the Danish version is the much racier, if just as incongruous, ‘Romeo G Detlev.’ Wherefore art thou, Dark Lord?)

Back to the French though – J.K. Rowling blew everyone’s minds on Twitter a couple of years ago with the bombshell revelation that [the final ‘t’ in Voldemort is silent](/features/harry-potter-names-and-words-we-got-wrong-for-years "Harry Potter names and words we pronounced wrongly for years"), as in standard French pronunciation. This actually makes loads of sense, as it’s consistent with the rather poetic idea that the final syllable of his name, ‘mort’ means ‘death’, as it does in the Gallic tongue.

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Voldemort grabbing Harry's face in the Deathly Hallows part 2

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## He was driven, intelligent… but also sloppy 

Young Voldemort’s bitterness at being refused his favoured career choice as Defence Against the Dark Arts master at [Hogwarts](/features/hogwarts "Hogwarts") not once but twice (by Armando Dippet and later [Albus Dumbledore](/features/albus-dumbledore "Albus Dumbledore")) made him furious, and it was strongly suspected that he jinxed the position in revenge. The upshot of the alleged jinx was that Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers only lasted a maximum of one year in the post. 

A generous – to him, anyway – interpretation of this move was that Voldemort was cannily working to undermine the standard of teaching, so that in due course Defence Against the Dark Arts talent would be so lacklustre among the next generation of wizards that the Dark Lord could overcome resistance almost at his leisure. If there was a plan at all, that is. 

Or, another often-overlooked angle – several teachers who occupied the post were, to various extents, his ‘plants’. You could argue that point for [Snape](/features/severus-snape "Severus Snape") and to a lesser extent [Quirrell](/writing-by-jk-rowling/professor-quirrell "Professor Quirrell by J.K. Rowling") all succumbed after a year, *when they could have arguably served him better* by more actively undermining standards in the classroom, or spying on the more gifted students. 

Think he spotted that one?

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His arrogance, too, made the Dark Lord sloppy. Voldemort considered [house-elves](/features/house-elves "House-elves") as socially inferior and so he gave them little consideration. But think about it – on two separate occasions their lowly kind got the better of him: when [Kreacher](/features/kreacher "Kreacher") deprived him of [Salazar Slytherin’s locket](/features/salazar-slytherins-locket "Salazar Slytherin's locket"), and when [Dobby](/features/dobby "Dobby") managed to escape imprisonment at [Malfoy Manor](/features/malfoy-manor "Malfoy Manor"), enabling his friends to mount what turned into a pretty effective resistance. 

## For somebody without a nose, he was kind of vain

Ever noticed how he referred to himself in third person (to, at different points, [Frank Bryce](/features/frank-bryce "Frank Bryce"), [Peter Pettigrew](/features/peter-pettigrew "Peter Pettigrew") and [Walden Macnair](/features/walden-macnair "Walden Macnair"))? What’s with that?

It was a way of reinforcing his power. As we’ve seen, many others were too terrified to say his name. By uttering it firmly himself he confirmed his dominion over them, and lent credence to his own self-appointed mastery. Didn’t work out so well in the end for him though, did it?

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Lord Voldemort is killed by his own rebounding spell in a battle against Harry in the great hall from the Deathly Hallows. 

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The Dark Lord’s ultimate undoing could be attributed to his vanity, and the oversights that followed from it. Voldemort’s mortal destiny was tied in to the [Horcruxes](/features/the-horcruxes "The Horcruxes") – his only meaningful vulnerability. However, a wizard with sufficient talent could supposedly make a Horcrux out of anything. You-Know-Who deliberately selected objects of personal significance – [Rowena Ravenclaw’s diadem](/features/rowena-ravenclaws-diadem "Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem"), [Helga Hufflepuff’s cup](/features/helga-hufflepuffs-cup "Helga Hufflepuff's cup"), [Marvolo Gaunt’s ring](/features/marvolo-gaunts-ring "Marvolo Gaunt's ring") – to prop up his own myth-making. Had he not been so vain, and instead chosen, say, a humble pebble on an obscure beach, perhaps he would have prevailed. 

For all Voldemort’s undoubted talent, power and courage (remember, even mortal nemesis [Harry Potter](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter") briefly felt ‘resentful admiration’ for his foe when watching Riddle as a fearless young man in Dumbledore’s [Pensieve](/writing-by-jk-rowling/pensieve "Pensieve by J.K. Rowling")), it was these obscure, oft-ignored details that ultimately sealed his fate.

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Voldemort in the Ministry of Magic from the Order of the Phonix 

Things you probably never realised about Lord Voldemort

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

The witches who shaped Quidditch

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For many years – until recently, at least, as it seems to be changing now – one area of [Muggle](/collection/muggles "Muggles") sport had always seemed unfair. Why did we never hear about the women’s World Cups as much as the men’s? Or at all, for that matter? Women’s sports have, more often than not, been totally overlooked in the Muggle media, yet in the wizarding world, female members of a sports team are never questioned over their skillset because of their sex. 

When you look at the history of [Quidditch](/collection/quidditch "Quidditch"), as published in *Quidditch Through the Ages*, the first references to the sport surround a place named Queerditch Marsh (which eventually mutated into the word ‘Quidditch’). While it wasn’t the first sport to be played on broomsticks, it was the one that stuck. And this initial mention of what would become Quidditch was first brought to us by Gertie Keddle, an 11th-century Saxon witch, who provided us with the initial records of the game that was being played over the marsh, with her friend, Gwenog, saying she also often played. Thus Gertie ensured, through her documentation, that the very origins of the biggest sport in the wizarding world can be traced back to a woman.

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Illustration of the Quidditch World Cup final from Read the Magic

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Of course, witches have always been associated with riding [brooms](/features/broomsticks "Broomsticks"). Hallowe’en costumes traditionally show wizards in their starry, pointed hats and long beards, and witches in rags upon a broom (even within the pages of *Quidditch Through the Ages* does Kennilworthy Whisp acknowledge that a Muggle representation of a witch, not wizard, is always with a broom). You wouldn’t see [Merlin](/writing-by-jk-rowling/order-of-merlin "Order of Merlin by J.K. Rowling") hopping about on a glorified cleaning product. 

Centuries later, it was the written word of Madam Modesty Rabnott that recorded the origins of the [Golden Snitch](/features/golden-snitch "Golden Snitch"). A captured [Snidget](/features/snidget "Snidget") – a now-protected bird – was released at the game by Chief of the Wizards’ Council, Barberus Bragge, who said that the person who caught the unfortunate creature would receive an extra prize of 150 Galleons (this later became the 150 points contemporary wizards play for). Rabnott didn’t settle for this, however, causing a ruckus at the game by [summoning](/features/summoning-charm "Accio") the Snidget to herself to save it. While she did not stop the capture of other Snidgets (until they began to run out, at least), the rule was imposed that one person, then known as the Hunter, would be nominated to catch the creature instead of the masses. Later, witch Elfrida Clagg outlawed the use of the Golden Snidget in the game, resulting in the invention of the Golden Snitch used today. 

Therefore, the most prized element of the game of Quidditch was influenced by the actions of two women, and the final piece of the Quidditch puzzle then fell into place.

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An open Golden Snitch, revealing the Resurrection Stone inside

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As time moved on, more women became involved with Quidditch, often surrounding the cataloguing and recording the game. For instance, the knowledge of there being at least 12 different incarnations of the Bludger comes down to Agatha Chubb, an ancient wizarding artefact expert. As the history of Quidditch appears to dictate, the recorded information largely comes from women, so the knowledge that modern wizards have been able to obtain is because of female input. Witch Jocunda Sykes is also attributed as the first person to ever fly over the Atlantic Ocean on a broom in 1935, with wizards previously preferring to take ships across such a distance – which would explain why [Newt Scamander](/features/newt-scamander "Newt Scamander") travelled that way in *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* (2016). Gladys Boothby was credited with the invention of the Moontrimmer broom, which is regarded as a massive leap forward in terms of broom manufacturing.

Founded in the early 13th century, the Holyhead Harpies are the only team to be solely dedicated to women in the sport and their seven-day win over the Heidelberg Harriers in 1953 is regarded one of the finest wins in the history of the game. Unlike some Muggle sports, Quidditch is usually always played with mixed-gender teams, but the Harpies’ legacy is profound nonetheless. Other great witches from the [British and Irish league](/features/the-british-and-irish-quidditch-league "The British and Irish Quidditch League") include Pride of Portree team caption Catriona McCormack, whose daughter also became involved in Quidditch.

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McGonagall Smiling having a drink from the Philosopher's Stone 

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But it isn’t just in the wider world of Quidditch that the witches have held all the sway. When you look more closely at [Hogwarts](/features/hogwarts "Hogwarts")’ Quidditch teams throughout the history of the school, for example, you can see that [Minerva McGonagall](/features/minerva-mcgonagall "Minerva McGonagall") is famed for her love of the sport. Her overruling pride (perhaps what makes her such a devout [Gryffindor](/collection/all-about-gryffindor "Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor"), reaching the prestigious position of Head of House) sees her always want to overrule [Slytherin](/collection/all-about-slytherin "Hogwarts houses: Slytherin") in the House Cup. 

And her drive runs deeper than her adoration of her house. On Pottermore, J.K. Rowling explored the [life of Professor McGonagall](/writing-by-jk-rowling/professor-mcgonagall "Professor McGonagall by J.K. Rowling") and her tragic history with the sport. During McGonagall’s final year on the team she was sadly injured – a foul from Slytherin saw her fall from her broom, breaking several bones and ultimately resulting in Gryffindor losing the House Cup – leaving her with an overwhelming desire to see Slytherin crushed on the school Quidditch pitch. This would clearly explain why she was so happy to discover a talented Seeker in [Harry](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter").

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Illustration of Ginny Weasley from the Dumbledore's Army infographic

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The most recent example of women ruling the Quidditch field, of course, came in the form of [Ginny Weasley](/features/ginny-weasley "Ginny Weasley"). The Weasleys’ only daughter not only took her school team by storm – making it as a reserve Seeker when Harry was banned by [Umbridge](/features/dolores-umbridge "Dolores Umbridge") in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, and later as a full team Chaser – but she went on after the war to join the Holyhead Harpies, the only all-female team in the British league, and later became Quidditch correspondent for the *[Daily Prophet](/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-daily-prophet "The Daily Prophet by J.K. Rowling").* 

Whisp ends *Quidditch Through the Ages* as we will, thinking of old Gertie Keddle, and how amazed she would have been to know that those early notes she took chronicled the biggest sport in the wizarding world. What we must add, however, is how she – and others like her – clearly inspired so many great women.

What we learned from Rubeus Hagrid

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Hagrid, Slughorn and Harry at Aragog's burial

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When we first met Hagrid he wasn’t a Professor but, as Keeper of Keys, he was already a Hogwarts fixture. We learnt a lot from the incredibly kind half-giant over the years, and we’re not talking about the intricacies of a Blast-Ended Skrewt. Although, well, that too.

## Loyalty breeds trust

Could there be any better person to introduce Harry to the wizarding world than Hagrid? He’s at once integral to Hogwarts and also something of an outsider. We first knew Hagrid was important when we saw him drop baby Harry off at the Dursleys’. Dumbledore stated he’d trust Hagrid with his life, despite Professor McGonagall questioning Hagrid’s abilities. For Dumbledore, Hagrid’s loyalty outweighed any concerns. Sure enough, when it came to fetching Harry, it was Hagrid on a flying motorbike that Dumbledore trusted.

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Hagrid flying into Privet Drive with a baby Harry.

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## How to navigate the magical community

Our very first glimpses into the wizarding world, from owl post to The Daily Prophet, were supplied by Hagrid. But nothing could quite prepare Harry for the wonders of Diagon Alley, that magical corner of wizarding London with its goblin-run bank and wandmaker’s shop and people tripping over themselves to speak to him in the Leaky Cauldron. Hagrid, with his kind smile and his no-nonsense explanations, was the perfect person to counter Harry’s anxieties about how little he knew. He was also pretty good at screaming at Uncle Vernon for trying to ‘stamp’ the magic out of him. 

## You don’t always need magic to be a bit magical

Hagrid might introduce Harry to the magical community, but – despite his pink flowery umbrella – he isn’t supposed to do magic, strictly speaking, having been expelled from Hogwarts rather early on. Without magic Hagrid is much more physical than the other Professors, from carrying Christmas trees to hand-rearing magical creatures to pouring tea. Despite this, we’re under no illusions that his pink flowery umbrella most likely contains the pieces of Hagrid’s broken wand, given what he can do with it…

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Harry and Hagrid put out Hagrid's hut using Aguamenti, after Hagrid rescues Fang from the blaze.

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Harry and Hagrid put out Hagrid's hut with Aguamenti, after Hagrid rescues Fang from the blaze.

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## Appearances can be deceptive

At first glance, Hagrid might seem frightening – a giant of a man with long, shaggy hair, a wild beard, beetle-like eyes and pockets full of cake and dormice. For his friends, though, he’s anything but scary. His loyalty is fierce and he’s kind to a fault, because Hagrid never judges on appearance – on the contrary, the scarier reputation a creature has, the more likely Hagrid is to sympathise. He almost always chooses to believe the best in others.

## Your future isn't determined by your background

In *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*, Rita Skeeter reveals Hagrid is half-giant, a fact he has kept hidden because he fears the reaction, knowing giants have a reputation for violence as previous allies of Lord Voldemort. Hagrid, with his fondness for all creatures and disgust for Dark Magic, is about as far from an ally of Lord Voldemort as it’s possible to be. His friends know this, with Hermione, Harry and Ron persuading him not to resign and Dumbledore refusing to let him. That’s why it’s important for Hagrid that Harry win the Triwizard Tournament. He says it best: ‘It’d show ’em all… yeh don’ have to be pure-blood ter do it.’

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## Listen to your friends…

Hagrid being persuaded not to resign is an example of a very valuable lesson – listen to your friends, they have your best interests at heart. Hermione, Harry and Ron also persuade him to give up Norbert, realising that a wooden hut is not the best home for a dragon, and Hagrid returns the favour on more than one occasion. In *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, he tells Ron to make up with Hermione, saying: ‘People can be a bit stupid abou’ their pets.’

## … and listen to the experts

Hagrid may not have finished school but he is extraordinarily knowledgeable about magical creatures, so whether it’s instructing his class about approaching a Hippogriff or treating the centaurs of the Forbidden Forest with respect, only someone very foolish would deny he knows what he’s talking about. If someone more informed than you tells you something, pay attention. Draco Malfoy learnt this the hard way.

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## Family is important – and it isn’t always defined by blood

His mother might have abandoned him, but family is important to Hagrid. We can tell from the affectionate way he talks about his father and the heroic efforts he makes with his not-so-little half-brother, Grawp. But family is more than just blood. Hogwarts is Hagrid’s home, as it is Harry’s, and that’s largely due to the community Dumbledore has built through trust and kindness. In both cases, these are relationships Hagrid honours and defends.

## True loyalty is unwavering

If Dumbledore is the centre of Hogwarts, it is because of the unswerving loyalty he inspires. Hagrid epitomises this. It is enough for Hagrid that Dumbledore trusts Snape, despite any evidence to the contrary. When Dumbledore is removed from Hogwarts, Hagrid protests. When Dumbledore asks Hagrid to reach out to the giants, he goes. Hagrid is loyal to all his friends, especially Harry, and to the creatures he loves, from Norbert to Aragog. It’s a loyalty he never questions, which may occasionally lead to trouble but – Aragog’s man-eating family aside – Hagrid’s friendship is a prize worth winning.

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The egg Hagrid was given by a stranger sits in the fire in his hut, waiting to hatch

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## To always face up to the truth

His belief in the people around him gives Hagrid the strength to be brave, and his practical, no-nonsense approach endows him with wisdom. Whether it’s being sent to Azkaban for a crime he didn’t commit or fronting up to Rita Skeeter, Hagrid doesn’t allow himself long to wallow. It’s not that he’s not sad or scared, it’s just that he faces things head-on.

As he says in *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*: ‘What’s comin’ will come, an’ we’ll meet it when it does.’

*Want to join the Wizarding World Book Club? [Sign up here](https://my.pottermore.com/wizarding-world-book-club "Join the Wizarding World Book Club") to read along, gain awards and discover new content every week. You can also [join the conversation](https://twitter.com/wwbookclub "Wizarding World Book Club on Twitter") over on Twitter.*

Hogwarts students who would’ve made great teachers

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Moody's empty Defence Against The Dark Arts classroom 

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## Hermione Granger

We’ll kick off with Hermione, because, well – of course she would’ve made an amazing teacher. And it makes sense that she went into politics, since she was the most level-headed, even-tempered, sensible-seeming of her entire Hogwarts year. And she had a thorough and wise understanding of ethics, which can’t be said for some people who worked at the Ministry. But we can’t help but feel sorry for the future students of Hogwarts, who never got to experience what Harry and Ron took for granted: the kind of teacher who educates, who cares, who shares her own knowledge without ever being overbearing. Well, Harry and Ron may challenge us on that point.

We picture Hermione as the heir to the McGonagall throne, strict but fair. And if Fudge and his lot taught us anything, it was that the magical political world was no place for anyone with any sort of common sense! (Dumbledore was notorious for avoiding the top job). Hermione might well have brought sense to the Ministry, but we doubt it makes up for what Hogwarts lost in not having her as Headmistress. 

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Illustration of Hermione Granger from the Dumbledore's Army infographic

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## Lavender Brown

As we learned from Hermione’s experience in [Divination](/features/in-defence-of-divination "In defence of Divination"), success in the art of future-telling relied very strongly on a lack of any kind of analytical approach to the subject. [Miss Brown](/features/lavender-brown "Lavender Brown") had three defining characteristics: a love of gossip, a penchant for being a bit overly sentimental, and an abiding respect for the art of Divination. 

From the very minute she entered the classroom, and had Friday the sixteenth of October ruined for her forever, she had the markings of a great Divination teacher – from her ability to read tea leaves through to her passion for crystal balls. We have no doubt at all that, once the fates had ushered [Professor Trelawney](/features/sybill-trelawney "Sybill Trelawney") onto her next destiny, Lavender Brown would have stepped competently, if a little tremulously, into her hot classroom, and instilled amorphous dread into the hearts of many students to come. She even has similar eccentric taste in jewellery to Trelawney. We all remember the ‘My Sweetheart’ necklace.

> ‘Ooooo!’ said Lavender suddenly, making everyone start. ‘Oooooo, Professor Trelawney, I’ve just remembered! You saw her leaving, didn’t you? Didn’t you, Professor? “Around Easter, one of our number will leave us forever!” You said it ages ago, Professor!’						
> Professor Trelawney gave her a dewy smile.  
> ‘Yes, my dear, I did indeed know that Miss Granger would be leaving us. One hopes, however, that one might have mistaken the Signs ... the Inner Eye can be a burden, you know ...’  
> Lavender and Parvati looked deeply impressed, and moved over so that Professor Trelawney could join their table instead. 
<br> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* </br>

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## Percy Weasley 

Ol’ Percival is another sound example of a brilliant brain that went to politics – what is it about the wizarding world that channels its best and brightest into positions of power, rather than letting them work their brand of academic magic on aspiring young sorcerers? 

Percy might not have had Hermione’s personal charms, but there was no denying his intelligence – nor his instincts to lead. We all remember his Pinhead, sorry, Head Boy badge. And bearing that in mind, we wonder how well the earnest Percy would deal with Fred and George style students!

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JKR Peeves and Percy illustration

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## Luna Lovegood			

There are plenty of qualities that make for good teachers. People tend to recognise the most obvious ones: cleverness, a willingness to pass that on, genuine interest in the wellbeing of others, radish earrings... Oh wait, no, no that last one. Just as important, though, is an open mind and an interest in outside-the-box thinking, and Luna had both of those things in spades. And radish earrings! But enough about those. Who better to teach than someone so immune to farce and falsehood that not even a Polyjuice potion could stymie her? Let’s not forget that for all of Luna’s whimsical ways, she was also a very savvy Ravenclaw.

Throughout her interactions with Harry, what set Luna apart was a complete refusal to judge him, together with strong beliefs in her own principles, and these are the qualities that make us certain that she would have made an excellent teacher. Perhaps Luna could take on Care of Magical Creatures, where she could finally reveal to the world what Blibbering Humdingers actually are. And, failing those, we do know that she went on to marry Newt Scamander’s grandson, Rolf Scamander, so a few magizoologists in the family would probably help her with the syllabus.

At any rate, one thing is for certain: later generations of Hogwarts students will have been entering an institution that nearly crumbled because people were afraid to speak freely – and having a teacher in place who always spoke her mind, no matter how much people laughed at her, could do nothing but good.

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Luna wearing her Spectre Specs and clutching the Quibbler 

Inspirational women of the Harry Potter stories

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Ginny playing Quidditch Jessica Roux

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## You don’t have to dumb yourself down – Hermione Granger

From that first day at Hogwarts, there was one very notable hand up in class. Hermione’s intelligence and outright love of learning instantly won over most teachers and even scored her a rare smile from Professor McGonagall. But others weren’t impressed. Professor Snape famously called Miss Granger ‘an insufferable know-it-all’, and Ron’s rant about her ‘Levi-o-sa’ pronunciation nearly ruined any potential friendship forever. 

While it might have been easier for Hermione to take a back seat in class, we’re so glad she stuck to her guns. Otherwise she just wouldn’t be Hermione. Instead, she continued to raise the bar for women and Muggle-borns everywhere.

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Snape teaching potions from the Philosopher's Stone 

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