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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 Luna Lovegood

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Harry and Luna look at Thestrals in the forest in a still from the Order of the Phoenix.

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## She’s the ‘anti-Hermione’

While this does sound a bit sinister at first – surely the polar opposite of Hermione is somebody like [Bellatrix](/features/bellatrix-lestrange "Bellatrix Lestrange")? – it was something said by J.K. Rowling that makes total sense. She said that Luna was ‘the anti-Hermione. [Hermione’s](/features/hermione-granger "Hermione Granger") so logical and inflexible in so many ways and Luna is likely to believe ten impossible things before breakfast’. 

It’s true in countless ways – [Luna](/features/luna-lovegood "Luna Lovegood") was just such a free spirit in a way that Hermione wasn’t. That’s not to say Hermione wasn’t capable of a little fun, but she depended on common sense and reason whereas Luna was… let’s say, a little more airy-fairy.

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An illustration of Luna in a purple outfit 

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Luna was a girl who believed in the Blibbering Humdinger and Crumple-Horned Snorkack, while Hermione was someone who disliked ‘woolly’ subjects like Divination. Both were wonderful in their own ways but they walked different (yet totally brilliant) paths in life. 

> ‘I enjoyed the meetings, too,’ said Luna serenely. ‘It was like having friends.’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*

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## Luna and Neville were almost a couple

Luna didn’t really end up with anyone at the end of *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* but there was oodles of chemistry between her and [Neville](/features/neville-longbottom "Neville Longbottom") (something the movie versions did play with). In the end this didn’t amount to anything, but J.K. Rowling has revealed that they were almost an item. 

She once told *USA Today* that she started to ‘feel a bit of a pull’ between them but added that if they were together by the end it would have ‘felt too neat’. Additionally, she stated that ‘Neville would always find Luna’s wilder flights of fancy alarming,’ despite their close friendship. It would have been an adorable partnership, but Luna married someone else who was also pretty cool.

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Neville at Hogwarts from the Deathly Hallows 

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## She married Newt Scamander’s grandson

Now that we know so much more about [Newt](/features/newt-scamander "Newt Scamander"), thanks to *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* (2016), it carries extra weight that Luna married into the Scamander family. They were both Magizoologists and went ‘globetrotting and looking for [weird creatures](/collection/creatures "Creatures")’, which makes total sense for an animal-loving outsider like Luna.

In a Bloomsbury webchat, J.K. Rowling confirmed that Luna ‘discovered and classified many new species of animals (though, alas, she never did find a Crumple-Horned Snorkack and had, finally, to accept that [her father](/features/xenophilius-lovegood "Xenophilius Lovegood") might have made that one up)’. It’s a bittersweet moment as we’re thrilled for Luna, but rather sad that Crumple-Horned Snorkacks aren’t real.

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WB FB Newt Bowtruckle Jacob inside case 

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## Her name matches her personality

Luna’s name does, of course, mean ‘moon’ in Latin and throughout history the moon has been portrayed as causing people to go insane. Luna was continually teased at [Hogwarts](/features/hogwarts "Hogwarts") for being eccentric, for being a bit of a free agent and for following the beat of her own drum, so much so that she was perceived as being not all there. Other students nicknamed her ‘Loony’ and we would wager that this connection isn’t a coincidence. 

> ‘Don’t worry. You’re just as sane as I am.’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

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Luna wearing her Spectre Specs and clutching the Quibbler 

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## She was originally a completely different character

If you were paying very close attention during Harry’s [Sorting Ceremony](/features/the-sorting-hat "The Sorting Hat") then you would have heard the famous grumpy hat shout the surname, ‘Moon’. J.K. Rowling later confirmed this character was supposed to be called [Lily Moon](/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-original-forty "The Original Forty by J.K. Rowling"), an earlier iteration of Luna. Lily’s forename was never confirmed in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* as the name ‘Lily’ was, of course, used for [Harry’s mother](/features/lily-potter "Lily Potter").

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Illustration of Luna Lovegood from the Dumbledore's Army infographic

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Lily Moon may [never have existed](/writing-by-jk-rowling/ghost-plots "Ghost Plots by J.K. Rowling") as a main character – although she was at Hogwarts since she was namechecked at the Sorting Ceremony – but she gave Rowling the idea for ‘a fey, dreamy girl’ who would later become Luna, so we have Lily to thank for that. 

> There weren’t many people left now. 
> ‘Moon’ … ‘Nott’ … ‘Parkinson’ … then a pair of twin girls, ‘Patil’ and ‘Patil’ … then ‘Perks, Sally-Anne’ … and then, at last – 
> ‘Potter, Harry!’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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## Her eccentricities masked a fierce intellect

This one may seem like a given but because of her odd disposition Luna was often assumed to be not especially bright. She would totally be willing to believe ten impossible things before breakfast but she picked things up easily, like when she helped Harry get into the [Ravenclaw common room](/features/ravenclaw-common-room "Ravenclaw common room") when it was most important.

> ‘Yeah ... trouble is, we can’t really afford to wait for anyone else, Luna.’ 
> ‘No, I see what you mean,’ said Luna seriously. ‘Well then, I think the answer is that a circle has no beginning.’ 
> ‘Well reasoned,’ said the voice, and the door swung open. 
 *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

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Luna conjuring her rabbit Patronus in the Room of Requirment 

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She also came to Harry’s aid again in the same book – at a time when we would say he needed help the most – when she gave him the support to cast his [Patronus](/features/expecto-patronum "Expecto Patronum"). 

> ‘That’s right,’ said Luna encouragingly, as if they were back in the Room of Requirement and this was simply spell practice for the DA. ‘That’s right, Harry ... come on, think of something happy ...’ 
> ‘Something happy?’ he said, his voice cracked. 
> ‘We’re all still here,’ she whispered, ‘we’re still fighting. Come on, now ...’ 
> There was a silver spark, then a wavering light, and then, with the greatest effort it had ever cost him, the stag burst from the end of Harry’s wand. 
 *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

Every time Harry Potter should have been expelled from Hogwarts

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Draco lying on the bathroom floor after Harry's curse 

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[Harry Potter](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter") was known, of course, for breaking the rules, but usually got the benefit of the doubt because he was trying to do the right thing. But we’re here to tell you that that is wrong – that Harry Potter was, in fact, a public menace, and should have been expelled many times over during his time at [Hogwarts](/features/hogwarts "Hogwarts"). But, of course, you won’t read about THAT in the biased [Albus Dumbledore](/features/albus-dumbledore "Albus Dumbledore")-loving media. 

So here, below, are just a few of the occasions when The Boy Who Lived should have become The Boy Who Has Been Expelled Due to Gross Breaches of the Hogwarts Code of Conduct. Although note that we have not included that time in *Order of the Phoenix* where Harry actually did get expelled, because that was ironically a moment where he shouldn’t have. See? We’re firm but fair here at Pottermore. The other times, however… 

## When he assisted in the cover-up of an illegally kept dragon

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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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If there was any justice in the wizarding world, Harry Potter would have been expelled in his first year – when he and [Hermione](/features/hermione-granger "Hermione Granger") tried to smuggle out Hagrid’s illegally kept dragon, [Norbert](/features/norbert "Norbert"). Sure, it was [Hagrid](/features/rubeus-hagrid "Rubeus Hagrid") who should have gotten the blame and sure, they were punished; [Professor McGonagall](/features/minerva-mcgonagall "Minerva McGonagall") sharply removed 150 Gryffindor house points, which made the duo very unpopular. But get this: what they did was probably, definitely ILLEGAL. What kind of school is this anyway?

## When Ron crashed the Ford Anglia

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On this occasion, this offence was technically [Ron’s](/features/ron-weasley "Ron Weasley") doing – but you didn’t exactly see Harry rushing to stop him, did you? After [Dobby the house-elf](/features/dobby "Dobby") blocked Harry and Ron from crossing through to [platform nine and three-quarters](/writing-by-jk-rowling/platform-nine-and-three-quarters "Platform Nine and Three-Quarters by J.K. Rowling"), the boys had no choice but to… steal [Mr Weasley’s](/features/arthur-weasley "Arthur Weasley") flying car and illegally use a magical object in plain view of Muggles? Wait… this was plan A? Not to wait for assistance, maybe? Or send an [owl](/features/owls "Owls"), perhaps? Nope, illegally steal a flying car and then crash it into a [giant tree](/features/whomping-willow "The Whomping Willow") – that was the plan. And you’re saying that we’re supposed to be rooting for this guy? 

## When he attacked a teacher

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The empty bedroom of the Shrieking Shack 

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Admittedly, with good reason. But that doesn’t change the fact that Harry, alongside Ron and Hermione, full-on attacked [Professor Snape](/features/severus-snape "Severus Snape") in *Prisoner of Azkaban*, during the altercation at the [Shrieking Shack](/features/shrieking-shack "The Shrieking Shack"). Doomed, right? No one could possibly get away with that – not even the great Harry Potter! But what you’re forgetting is that this is Harry Potter’s world, and we’re just living in it. So yes, of course Snape ended up claiming that the three must have been under the [Confundus Charm](/features/confundo "Confundo") at the time; of course Harry ended up travelling [back in time](/features/time-turner "Time-Turner"), illegally freeing a to-be-executed prisoner in the process, and returned a hero. Aw well. We’ll let this one pass. It’s not like he nearly killed a fellow student or anything. 

## When he literally nearly killed a fellow student

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Draco Malfoy in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom

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Yeah, yeah, we know Harry didn’t mean it, we know that he was horrified by the whole thing, but cursing someone from a random scribble in an old textbook is not only stupid – it shows a dangerous lack of judgement. The incident we’re referring to, of course, was the one between Harry and [Draco Malfoy](/features/draco-malfoy "Draco Malfoy") in *Half-Blood Prince*, where Harry unknowingly (but also kind of knowingly) cast [Sectumsempra](/features/sectumsempra "Sectumsempra") on his Hogwarts nemesis – a spell he spotted in the textbook of a former student, the Half-Blood Prince, under the label, ‘For enemies’. The curse ended up shredding Malfoy, leaving him bleeding heavily on the floor. Luckily, Professor Snape was nearby and healed Draco. Then he marched Harry to [Dumbledore’s office](/features/dumbledores-office "Dumbledore's office"), and Harry was expelled and – oh no, wait, Snape didn’t actually do anything; he let Harry go free after he nearly killed someone. Huh?

## Not to mention getting through an entire year of Potions class through cheating

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Speaking of the Half-Blood Prince, it might not be as serious as nearly killing someone, but are we all going to gloss over the fact that, for most of his sixth year, Harry was basically cheating his way through [Potions](/writing-by-jk-rowling/potions "Potions by J.K. Rowling")? That by copying his answers from the textbook of another student, he should be expelled from wizarding society forever, doomed to spend the rest of his life performing magic tricks at children’s parties? Of course we are. Because he’s Harry bloody Potter.

How loyal is a wand to a wizard?

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Ollivanders shop in Diagon Alley

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Even legendary wandmaker Ollivander didn’t know everything about wandlore, but he was adamant that the wand chooses the wizard. Was that the whole story, though? Harry’s wand connected with him instantly, but it still had its moments. Riddle used it to reveal he was Voldemort, Barty Crouch Jr used it to cast the Dark Mark and, of course, there was its connection to Voldemort’s own wand. 

Harry’s wasn’t the only one to occasionally betray its owner, either. That’s the problem with wands. They could be as unpredictable as their owners. 

## Ron’s first wand

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Ollivander told Harry that the best results come from wands that have chosen their owner. If that was the case, then it wasn’t surprising that Ron’s first wand betrayed him quite spectacularly. It was, after all, a hand-me-down from his older brother Charlie,

Charlie’s wand went particularly wrong for Ron after it snapped in half following an accident with the Whomping Willow. Mending it with Spellotape did not improve its performance, and as it backfired its way through second year, Ron’s hand-me-down wand showed him no loyalty at all. The ‘eat slugs’ spell was the worst: it should have been Malfoy vomiting up slime, but instead it was Ron burping slugs over Hagrid’s hut.

There was perhaps another reason for the misbehaviour of Ron’s first wand. It was made of ash wood and, as Ollivander himself recorded:

> ‘The ash wand cleaves to its one true master and ought not to be passed on or gifted from the original owner, because it will lose power and skill. This tendency is extreme if the core is of unicorn.’ 
 [*‘Wand Woods’ by J.K. Rowling*](/writing-by-jk-rowling/wand-woods "Wand Woods by J.K. Rowling")

Charlie’s wand had a unicorn core. So Ron never stood a chance with it, really.

## Isolt Sayre’s stolen wand

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When Ilvermorny founder Isolt Sayre fled her unpleasant Aunt Gormlaith in 1620 she took Gormlaith’s wand, not knowing it had originally been owned by Salazar Slytherin or that it contained a fragment of a Basilisk’s horn.

The stolen wand worked faithfully enough as Isolt began her life in America, but when Gormlaith tracked her to Mount Greylock it turned dramatically against Isolt. The wand obeyed Gormlaith’s command, delivered in Parseltongue, to ‘sleep’, and refused to work. That may have been because although Isolt took her aunt’s wand, she did not win it, so never earned its allegiance. As Ollivander said:

> ‘Subtle laws govern wand ownership, but the conquered wand will usually bend its will to its new master.’
 [*‘Wand Woods’ by J.K. Rowling*](/writing-by-jk-rowling/wand-woods "Wand Woods by J.K. Rowling")

Gormlaith’s wand worked well enough for Isolt when she was the only Slytherin descendant around, but when called upon in its ancestral tongue its loyalty immediately shifted. Moral of the story: never trust a stolen wand.

## Harry and Draco’s wand

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A conquered wand, on the other hand – that is, a wand acquired directly from its owner, as Harry did with Draco’s at Malfoy Manor – was another story. 

Harry had far more success with Draco’s wand than the blackthorn wand given to him by Ron, because he never won the blackthorn wand’s allegiance. The spells Harry cast with that wand were weaker. It felt ‘intrusively unfamiliar’. Draco’s, on the other hand, showed Harry plenty of loyalty once he’d won it: it even helped to kill Voldemort.

## Hermione and Bellatrix’s wand

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Ollivander described Bellatrix Lestrange’s wand as ‘unyielding’, and when Hermione used it during their Gringotts break-in she found it hard to get to grips with:

> ‘It feels all wrong, it doesn’t work properly for me … it’s like a bit of her.’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* 

Harry’s theory was that Hermione failed to master Bellatrix’s wand because she had not won its allegiance, in the same way that he failed with the blackthorn wand. And yet, interestingly, Hermione seemed to have no problems using Bellatrix’s own wand against her during the Battle of Hogwarts.

## Harry and Voldemort’s twin-core wands

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Harry learned of his wand’s relationship to Voldemort’s on the day he acquired it, but given it went on to save his life on several occasions he never had cause for complaint.

It took Voldemort longer to learn of the connection, but he became certain that, coupled with Lily’s sacrifice, was why he was unable to kill Harry. Voldemort’s wand failed him several times: it didn’t kill Harry as a baby, it didn’t kill Harry as a teenager, it didn’t protect Voldemort from the rebounding spells that spilled out as Harry fought him in the graveyard after the Triwizard Tournament. So Voldemort tried other wands, never realising the damage was already done. His wand hadn’t just failed him, it had actively betrayed him, as Dumbledore explained to Harry:

> ‘I believe that your wand imbibed some of the power and qualities of Voldemort’s wand that night, which is to say that it contained a little of Voldemort himself. So your wand recognised him when he pursued you, recognised a man who was both kin and mortal enemy, and it regurgitated some of his own magic against him…’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* 

And when you set this alongside Ollivander’s observations about conquered wands, Voldemort really does seem to have been barking up the wrong tree with his Elder Wand obsession.

Hogwarts prefects ranked in order of usefulness

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JKR Peeves and Percy illustration

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[Hogwarts](/features/hogwarts "Hogwarts") prefects were chosen to set an example to their fellow students as the best and brightest of their year, but it didn’t always quite work out that way. As they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and there were some prefects who let even the slightest bit of authority go straight to their heads. Here are the Hogwarts prefects ranked in order of their usefulness…

## Hermione Granger

[Hermione](/features/hermione-granger "Hermione Granger") had to be the most effective of all of the prefects (no surprises there). She upheld the school rules that she saw as reasonable ([Umbridge’s](/features/dolores-umbridge "Dolores Umbridge") reign notwithstanding, because not even Hermione wanted to respect that pink toad lady). She never worried about trying to look cool, and would follow the rules to the letter of Hogwarts law. She even knew the best way to threaten [Gryffindor’s](/collection/all-about-gryffindor "Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor") biggest troublemakers, [Fred](/features/fred-weasley "Fred Weasley") and [George](/features/george-weasley "George Weasley"), with the only thing they were truly afraid of: [their mother](/features/molly-weasley "Molly Weasley"). Fred and George could barely get their [Wizard Wheezes](/features/weasleys-wizard-wheezes "Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes") off the ground under Hermione’s watchful gaze! 

## Ernie Macmillan

We all know that [Ernie](/features/ernie-macmillan "Ernie Macmillan") was somewhat pompous, but he took his prefect duties very seriously, so much so that he almost chickened out of joining [Dumbledore’s Army](/collection/dumbledores-army "Dumbledore’s Army"). He did this despite claiming it to be the most important thing they could do to fight against [Voldemort](/features/lord-voldemort "Lord Voldemort") and his [Death Eaters](/collection/characters-deatheaters "Death Eaters"). Yes, Ernie almost put his role as a prefect above learning how to defend himself against certain evil, he took it THAT seriously. As such, he deserves to be at the top of this list.

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Illustration of Ernie Macmillan from the Dumbledore's Army infographic

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## Percy Weasley

Everyone and their [owl](/features/owls "Owls") knows that [Percy](/features/percy-weasley "Percy Weasley") freaking loved being a prefect during his school days. He only went on about it every three minutes. But enjoying a position of power doesn’t necessarily mean you’re good at it. For example, Percy most certainly could have been more modest. However, he did the best he could to be a good prefect who stuck to the rules, and even docked points off his own house and brother.

## Cedric Diggory

Oh poor, perfect [Cedric](/features/cedric-diggory "Cedric Diggory"). Like everything he did, Cedric was a quietly modest and presumably very good prefect, and even loaned out their bathroom to [Harry](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter") to repay a favour and to help him figure out the riddle of the [golden egg](/features/golden-egg "Golden egg"). What a prefect. What a guy!

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## Penelope Clearwater

We don’t know much about Penelope other than that she was caught snogging Percy and was Petrified by the [Basilisk](/features/basilisks "Basilisks") alongside Hermione Granger. However, we will say that it was very responsible of her to heed Hermione’s advice and peer around corners with a mirror, so she gets a good place on the list. Seriously, that’s how irresponsible most Hogwarts prefects are at this point! 

## Lucius Malfoy

He was nice to [Snape](/features/severus-snape "Severus Snape") when he was sorted into [Slytherin](/collection/all-about-slytherin "Hogwarts houses: Slytherin"), so at least he did well in his duties to welcome new students…? Yes, we know, we’re clutching at straws here. Hogwarts has had some truly *terrible* prefects.

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## Ron Weasley

We love you, [Ron](/features/ron-weasley "Ron Weasley"), but you were not a good prefect. Not only was Ron too scared to give his brothers a talking-to when they were breaking the rules, he also wanted to underage drink in [Hogsmeade](/features/hogsmeade "Hogsmeade"), threatened [Seamus Finnigan](/features/seamus-finnigan "Seamus Finnigan") with a detention when he was only speaking his mind (Seamus was being irritating, but still) and always forgot about his duties around the school.

## Remus Lupin

[Lupin](/features/remus-lupin "Remus Lupin") might have been book smart, and certainly the best-behaved of his Hogwarts friends, but the fact that [Professor Dumbledore](/features/albus-dumbledore "Albus Dumbledore") thought that making him prefect would encourage him to exert control over [James Potter](/features/james-potter "James Potter") and [Sirius Black](/features/sirius-black "Sirius Black") is, frankly, laughable. Instead, the group actually upped the ante on their mischief the year Lupin was made a prefect by learning how to become [Animagi](/feature/everything-you-didnt-know-about-animagi "Everything you didn’t know about Animagi"). Basically they went from creating [sarcastic maps](/features/marauders-map "Marauder's Map") for fun to sneaking out of the castle to partake in actual life-threatening activities by running around with Lupin on a full moon: that’s how effective Lupin was as a prefect.

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## Draco Malfoy

If there was any prefect who abused his power for no other reason than to lord it over the other characters, it was [Draco](/features/draco-malfoy "Draco Malfoy"). Naturally, getting ahead of Harry in anything brought Draco untold joy, so he couldn’t resist showing off about his new status in front of his school enemy, even though Harry still managed to get the (excellent) last word in.

## Voldemort

No one abused their prefect powers quite as effectively as [Tom Marvolo Riddle](/features/tom-riddle "Tom Riddle"). While giving all of his professors the impression that he was practically perfect in every way, [Voldemort](/features/lord-voldemort "Lord Voldemort") literally set a Basilisk loose in a castle, got a [Muggle-born witch](/features/moaning-myrtle "Moaning Myrtle") killed, had [Hagrid](/features/rubeus-hagrid "Rubeus Hagrid") expelled and wormed the truth about [Horcruxes](/features/the-horcruxes "The Horcruxes") out of [Professor Slughorn](/features/horace-slughorn "Horace Slughorn"). We’re fairly sure that he would have ranked highly on Percy’s *Prefects Who Gained Power* book, but maybe not quite in the right way.

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Tom Riddle looking menacing in a Slughorn's Office 

5 Muggle inventions that wizards and witches are missing out on

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While we all still want to run away to Hogwarts, there are probably some comforts of Muggle life that we’d miss when we got there. Here are a few Muggle inventions that the wizarding community should give a second chance.

## The internet 

Look, we know wizards appreciate the rustic and the old-fashioned, but it still feels like a wizarding world internet should be a thing. The wizarding world web, if you will.

Although researchers in the field of Muggle Studies do use the internet, J.K. Rowling does have a reasonable explanation for why it never caught on properly: ‘When your [newspaper](/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-daily-prophet "The Daily Prophet by J.K. Rowling") has moving pictures and everyday objects sometimes talk to you, then the internet does not seem a particularly exciting place.’

5 Muggle inventions that wizards are missing out on

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