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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

All the times Hermione Granger secretly liked breaking the rules

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From the moment we first met [Hermione](/features/hermione-granger "Hermione Granger") we knew all about her relationship with school rules. One of the first things she ever talked to [Ron](/features/ron-weasley "Ron Weasley") and [Harry](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter") about was getting changed into their Hogwarts robes. What can we say? Hermione loved not getting expelled. 

Except for these times, however, when she threw the rulebook aside for the sake of her friends or saving the wizarding world...  

## Using logic to rescue the Philosopher’s Stone

After *that* incident with a [troll](/features/mountain-trolls "Mountain Trolls"), Hermione’s rule-breaking stepped up a gear in the first book – using her bluebell flames against [Snape](/features/severus-snape "Severus Snape") and helping to get rid of [Norbert](/features/norbert "Norbert") the dragon, for example – but it was when Harry persuaded her and Ron to help rescue the [Philosopher’s Stone](/features/philosophers-stone "The Philosopher’s Stone") that she began to appreciate rules were not always great. 

She didn’t enjoy [cursing Neville](/features/full-body-bind-curse "Petrificus Totalus") or facing McGonagall’s [giant chess set](/features/wizard-chess "Wizard chess"), but she did both because she knew that helping Harry was more important. And she seemed to enjoy the chance to use her brain in situations of great danger: saving Ron and Harry from Devil’s Snare and facing Snape’s Potions riddle with a calmness [Dumbledore](/features/albus-dumbledore "Albus Dumbledore") later praised. Sometimes, at Hogwarts, good behaviour didn’t necessarily mean doing the obvious thing.

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The seven potions testing logic that protect the Philosopher's Stone.

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## Successfully brewing Polyjuice Potion

Okay, there was a minor error in execution, but Hermione turning into a human version of Millicent Bulstrode’s feline friend was not the fault of the [Polyjuice Potion](/features/polyjuice-potion "Polyjuice Potion") she so expertly masterminded. Breaking ‘about fifty school rules’ was a price she was willing to pay to help figure out why [Squibs](/feature/everything-you-need-to-know-about-squibs "Everything you need to know about Squibs") and Muggle-borns were being attacked at Hogwarts – an early example of Hermione working to her own moral code at least as much as the established rules:

> ‘I don’t want to break rules, you know. I think threatening Muggle-borns is far worse than brewing up a difficult potion.’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets* 

Hermione was keen to do something, and brewing Polyjuice Potion gave her a focus. As a Muggle-born herself she must have felt a particular sense of urgency around the [Chamber of Secrets](/writing-by-jk-rowling/chamber-of-secrets "Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling") – which is maybe why she insisted on stealing the ingredients and focused her energies on brewing the potion.

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Polyjuice ready to drink fro the  Chamber of Secrets 

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## Breaking actual wizarding time law

Hermione spent most of *Prisoner of Azkaban* secretly breaking one of the most important laws of the wizarding world, just so that she could attend more classes. The fact that she was granted a [Time-Turner](/features/time-turner "Time-Turner") at all shows how much her teachers thought of her, which must have provided a bit of a boost despite her punishing timetable. She was quick to break that law even further when Dumbledore suggested she use the Time-Turner to rescue [Buckbeak](/features/buckbeak "Buckbeak") and [Sirius](/features/sirius-black "Sirius Black") – again, because she knew that not breaking it would be far worse.

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Harry and Hermione using the Time Turner in the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## Capturing and imprisoning Rita Skeeter

After Hermione worked out that [Rita Skeeter](/features/rita-skeeter "Rita Skeeter") was using her ability as an [unregistered Animagus](/feature/wizarding-world-illegal-animagi "Unregistered Animagi from Rita Skeeter to Peter Pettigrew") to eavesdrop on secret conversations and talk to informants, she was happy to capture Rita in beetle form after spotting her spying on Harry in hospital following those post-Triwizard-final events. Still, Rita might have been breaking the law, but by imprisoning her rather than going to the authorities, Hermione wasn’t exactly following it to the letter. She was happy to do it, though, to stop Rita writing more biased coverage.

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Rita Skeeter looking quizical from the Goblet of Fire 

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## Founding Dumbledore’s Army

The organisation that became [Dumbledore’s Army](/collection/dumbledores-army "Dumbledore’s Army") was all Hermione’s idea. Persuading Harry to teach them, organising the first meeting, creating a secret method of communication and hexing the paper her fellow students signed without telling them – setting up this group necessitated breaking several rules and Educational Decrees. She did it all with Hermione-like focus. After all, how did breaking a few unnecessary Educational Decrees compare with learning how to beat Voldemort?

## Breaking into the Ministry of Magic…

Hermione took part in a couple of break-ins at the [Ministry of Magic](/features/the-ministry-of-magic "The building from which the magical community is governed and its laws enforced") – again with a specific goal in mind, whether helping a mistaken Harry rescue Sirius or stealing back the [Horcrux](/features/the-horcruxes "The Horcruxes") taken by Umbridge. It’s probably fair to say she wouldn’t have chosen to take part in such activities had she not seen the necessity, but there had to have been a small part of Hermione that enjoyed getting one over on [Umbridge](/features/dolores-umbridge "Dolores Umbridge").

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The Death Eaters attack Dumbledore's Army in the Hall of Prophecy.

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## …and Gringotts

Breaking into [Gringotts](/features/gringotts "Gringotts") was even more audacious, given it involved impersonating [Bellatrix Lestrange](/features/bellatrix-lestrange "Bellatrix Lestrange"), stealing a Horcrux and smashing up the building by leaving on a dragon. The Hermione who crossly told Ron and Harry ‘we could all have been killed – or worse, expelled’ in the first year would have been horrified, but by this point Hermione was far past caring. On the run, having failed to register as Muggle-born, subjected to torture at [Malfoy Manor](/features/malfoy-manor "Malfoy Manor")… Hermione knew that wizarding law was so corrupt she was duty-bound to break it, even if it meant breaking into a bank. By *Deathly Hallows*, Hermione was a card-carrying rule-breaker and she didn’t care.

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## Honourable mentions

For someone so initially hard-line, Hermione broke the rules a lot. We haven’t even mentioned her Confunding [McLaggen](/features/cormac-mclaggen "Cormac McLaggen") or punching Malfoy. While she may not have admitted to having enjoyed either of those bouts of rule-breaking, let us just say we did. You go, Hermione.

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

Unsung heroes: Andromeda Tonks

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Andromeda was never quite like her other relations, many of whom were pure-blood obsessed, such as her sisters Narcissa and Bellatrix. Famously, anyone who dared betray the Black family's ideals got burnt out of the family tapestry. [Andromeda was one such case.](/features/andromeda-narcissa-and-bellatrix-a-tale-of-three-sisters)

Of course, one of the more famous Black rebels was [Sirius Black](/features/sirius-black), who actively fought against Voldemort in the First Wizarding War by joining the Order of the Phoenix – and named Andromeda as his favourite cousin. It seems safe to assume that this might be because she was less prejudiced than the rest of her family members – which we know because she went on to marry a Muggle-born wizard, Ted Tonks. 

> ‘You and Tonks are related?’ Harry asked, surprised. 
> ‘Oh, yeah, her mother Andromeda was my favourite cousin,’ said Sirius, examining the tapestry carefully. ‘No, Andromeda’s not on here either, look –’ 
> He pointed to another small round burn mark between two names, Bellatrix and Narcissa. 
> ‘Andromeda’s sisters are still here because they made lovely, respectable pure-blood marriages, but Andromeda married a Muggle-born, Ted Tonks, so –’ 
> Sirius mimed blasting the tapestry with a wand and laughed sourly. 
 *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

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Harry and Sirius by the Black family tapestry at number twelve, Grimmauld Place

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By the time the Second Wizarding War rolled around, Andromeda and her husband were allies of the Order, not least because their daughter Nymphadora (aka one of the greatest Hufflepuffs of all time) was a member. But Andromeda suffered two great losses during *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.* First, her husband was murdered by Snatchers, bounty hunters brought together by Voldemort to arrest Muggle-borns. And then, during the Battle of Hogwarts, her daughter Nymphadora was killed. 

Remus was also killed, and Andromeda was left as the only surviving family member of her new grandson: Teddy Lupin. 

> ‘To Teddy Remus Lupin,’ said Lupin, ‘a great wizard in the making!’ 
> ‘’Oo does ’e look like?’ Fleur enquired. 
> ‘I think he looks like Dora, but she thinks he is like me. Not much hair. It looked black when he was born, but I swear it’s turned ginger in the hour since. Probably be blond by the time I get back. Andromeda says Tonks’s hair started changing colour the day that she was born.’ He drained his goblet. ‘Oh, go on then, just one more,’ he added, beaming, as Bill made to fill it again. 
 *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

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While Andromeda only appears directly in one scene in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,* we get a very clear idea of her character from just that snippet – and there is so much more that we can read between the lines. 

It would have taken a great deal of courage for Andromeda to disobey her relatives and flaunt tradition. No matter how much she disagreed with their stance on Muggle-born witches and wizards, they were still her family – and she knew they would disown her over her marriage to Ted Tonks. She was burned off her family tapestry, and both Bellatrix and Narcissa considered her to be a ‘blood traitor’. 

> ‘She is no niece of ours, my Lord,’ she cried over the outpouring of mirth. ‘We – Narcissa and I – have never set eyes on our sister since she married the Mudblood. This brat has nothing to do with either of us, nor any beast she marries.’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* 

Although Andromeda and her husband never joined the Order of the Phoenix, they were close allies of the group during the Second Wizarding War. This may have only been because their daughter was a member; but as a couple made up of a pure-blood witch and a Muggle-born wizard, it’s likely that the fight against Voldemort hit home for Andromeda and Ted Tonks. 

The pair of them play an important role in the escape of the ‘seven Harrys’ in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,* when they act as a halfway house during Hagrid and Harry’s flight from Privet Drive. At first, Harry mistakes Andromeda for Bellatrix – which she seems understandably miffed about. The clearest aspect of Andromeda’s personality that the reader gets from this scene, however, is how very much she loves her daughter. 

> As she moved forwards into the room, Mrs Tonks’s resemblance to her sister Bellatrix became much less pronounced: her hair was a light, soft brown and her eyes were wider and kinder. Nevertheless, she looked a little haughty after Harry’s exclamation. 
> “What happened to our daughter?” she asked. “Hagrid said you were ambushed; where is Nymphadora?” 
> “I don’t know,” said Harry. “We don’t know what happened to anyone else.” 
> She and Ted exchanged looks. A mixture of fear and guilt gripped Harry at the sight of their expressions; if any of the others had died, it was his fault, all his fault. He had consented to the plan, given them his hair… 
> “The Portkey,” he said, remembering all of a sudden. “We’ve got to get back to The Burrow and find out – then we’ll be able to send you word, or – or Tonks will, once she’s –“ 
 *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

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Tonks turning around with her wand from the Deathly Hallows 

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Once the dust had settled on the Battle of Hogwarts, the survivors – still grieving their dead – had to start rebuilding. For Andromeda, that meant building a life for herself and Teddy Lupin. We know that Teddy was raised primarily by his grandmother, with frequent visits to the house of his godfather – Harry Potter. Andromeda Tonks fiercely loved her daughter, and there would never have been any doubt that she would raise Teddy after the death of his parents – but it still takes a remarkable woman to raise a baby on her own after losing her husband and daughter in the same year, and never falter in providing a loving and stable environment. 

> ‘He already comes round for dinner about four times a week,’ said Harry. ‘Why don’t we just invite him to live with us and have done with it?’ 
> ‘Yeah!’ said James enthusiastically. ‘I don’t mind sharing with Al – Teddy could have my room!’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* 

Andromeda Tonks is an unsung hero of the Harry Potter series because she is driven first and foremost by love. Love was the reason she left her family and married a Muggle-born wizard. Love was the reason she and her husband felt compelled to become allies of the Order in the Second Wizarding War. And love was the why she raised her daughter’s son, in the tragic years after Tonks and Remus’s deaths. 

We all know that the Harry Potter books are very deeply concerned with the power of love – it’s what saved Harry at Godric’s Hollow, after all. And Andromeda Tonks is just one more character who shows that our upbringing doesn’t have to define us; it’s how we choose to live our lives that matters. With hate, or with love.

7 wizarding keep-fit tips to live your life by 

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Harry is being chased by the rogue bludger during quidditch  

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Although his skinny frame may not suggest it, [Harry Potter](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter") was quite the athlete. Despite years of probable malnourishment and only sleeping in a tiny cupboard under the stairs, Harry made it as a Seeker in the Gryffindor Quidditch team in his first year at [Hogwarts](/features/hogwarts "Hogwarts"), and then, later on, defeated [Lord Voldemort](/features/lord-voldemort "Lord Voldemort") – which is probably a huge workout in itself.

So here’s a quick guide to getting as fit as Harry Potter, the Boy With The Most Inspiring Aerobic Skills.

## Weights 

Instead of boring old bench pressing, try some heavy lifting with Harry as your inspiration – you can hoist cumbersome trunks and [owl](/features/owls "Owls") cages. And there was that time he had to carry a limp Dudley home after a run-in with some Dementors. Not to mention carrying all those heavy burdens of responsibility.

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Molly embraces Harry when he returns from Hogwarts

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## Jumping 

For someone with no official coach and little-to-no time surrounded by crash mats, Harry Potter spent a great deal of his life jumping, albeit mostly from surprise. To replicate those adrenaline boosts yourself, why not ask a friend to stand behind you and shout sudden, deadly threats about monstrous snakes and [spiders](/features/acromantula "Acromantula")? Extra muscle mass may be built by having the friend do a convincing [Snape](/features/severus-snape "Severus Snape") impersonation.

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## Dancing 

Exercise doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Get yourself to the Muggle equivalent of a [Yule Ball](/features/behind-the-scenes-at-the-yule-ball "Behind the scenes: crafting the Yule Ball") and turn your gym session into a party. It’s a four-hour workout, but you can vary your tempo to match how all of the Harry Potter characters danced at the Yule Ball, including a slow opening number or an ungainly two-step, to a graceful waltz or an energetic jig that’ll clear the dance floor in its entirety.

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Ron dancing with Professor McGonagall from the Goblet of Fire 

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## Swimming 

A great exercise for low-impact fitness, swimming also offers a range of locations. Wizards, however, must be sure to stay clear of [mermaids](/features/merpeople "Merpeople"), [Grindylows](/features/behind-the-scenes-grindylows "Behind the scenes: Grindylows") and giant squids. Thankfully, you won’t have that problem. We hope.

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Illustration of Harry swimming in the lake for the second task.

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## Flying 

While this may lack the startup ease of some other workouts, taking even a basic Shooting Star broom for a spin with good posture would massively strengthen a wizard’s core. Just think of broomsticks as a giant bucking bronco in the sky. And while broomsticks aren’t quite as readily available for us Muggles, we can at least try to emulate flying – with, er, star jumps, perhaps.

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Birds eye view of the rainy Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch 

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## Wrestling 

An old-school exercise option, wrestling Harry-Potter-style actually offers some fascinating new twists to the sport. Unlike most people, who would favour wrestling a human of equal weight, Harry usually opts for [mountain trolls](/features/mountain-trolls "Mountain Trolls"), tentacle-like vines and, of course, giant [Basilisks](/features/basilisks "Basilisks"). Hermione favours boxing, such as punching Draco Malfoy in the face. For you, we recommend a punch bag as a healthier alternative.

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## Running 

Frankly, it’s amazing that Harry went on to become an Auror and not a [Muggle](/collection/muggles "Muggles") multi-gold-medal-winning Olympian. To be fair, we wouldn’t recommend the method Harry used to become such a good runner, which seemed to be a lot of running away from Dudley and his friends. Harry also built up many years’ experience running away from other various things, such as cantankerous [caretakers](/features/argus-filch "Argus Filch"), an oversized [three-headed dog](/features/fluffy "Fluffy"), and a mountain troll who suddenly appeared in a bathroom.

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So there you go: some keep-fit tips for you. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. And [Butterbeer](/features/butterbeer "Butterbeer") doesn’t count!

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New Year’s resolutions inspired by Harry Potter characters

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Harry and Dumbledore's Army in the Room of Requirement 

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## Join a club (inspired by Neville and Dumbledore’s Army)

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Alright, so we *don’t* have the problem of Lord Voldemort knocking about, so we wouldn’t need to join a club specifically like Dumbledore’s Army, learning defensive spells and what-have-you. But any sort of club is a great way of meeting people, as well as taking in a bit of self-improvement. Just look at Harry: by instigating Dumbledore’s Army (well, it was Hermione really, but anyway…) he finally got to know his crush, Cho Chang. Yes, it didn’t end well, but the point is that Harry actually got to hang out with people from the other Hogwarts houses for once.

The same goes for you: joining a club may put you in a situation a bit outside of your comfort zone, but you might get some new mates out of it – or even more. Who knows? The whole point of joining a club is to pick up a new skill or learn about something new – such as discovering a new book in a book club, learning to act in an amateur dramatics society, or smoothing out a lovely vase in a pottery class (shame it’s not a Harry Potter-y class, but there you go). Whatever it is, you’re sure to get something really useful out of the experience. Just look how Neville benefited from joining Dumbledore’s Army – he became a much more skilful wizard thanks to the encouragement of his friends, something he struggled with on his own. If you’re muddling through something, best to muddle through it with a bunch of other confused people for moral support.

## Do something that scares you (inspired by Lupin)

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Ever said ‘no’ to something a bit too quickly? Or held back on doing something different, just because you’ve got used to living life a certain way? Or maybe you’ve just got a bit set in your ways and don’t want to do anything a bit daunting. This happened to Lupin: he let his werewolf status hinder him and led a relatively quiet life. Just think of when he resigned his post as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher when the word got out about his ‘furry little problem’ – nobody fired him, but Lupin preferred to step into the shadows because he was scared of the reaction. He also put off having a relationship with Tonks, even though he liked her, and she liked him – saying Tonks deserved someone ‘young and whole’; in other words, someone who wasn’t a werewolf.

Eventually, after a lot of goading from his friends, Lupin finally entered into a relationship with Tonks. And although his anxiety about being a werewolf never really went away, he did something new that scared him – he let someone else into his life. Remember that if you feel that anything is holding *you* back, it shouldn’t put you off living your life to the fullest. Take your insecurities and try and own them. We’re not saying you have to go skydiving or anything, but don’t hesitate to do something that could, ultimately, make you happier, like [Lupin](/writing-by-jk-rowling/remus-lupin "Remus Lupin by J.K. Rowling") almost did.

## Be more assertive (inspired by Ginny)

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Self-confidence is hard to come by, sometimes. It’s not like you can pick it up from the local shop. But with time and a little bit of conviction, you really can become a more self-assured person – and other people will notice too. Ginny was a good example of this: in the first few books, she was portrayed as a blushing young girl grappling with a huge crush on Harry. It didn’t help that she was possessed by Lord Voldemort in her first year of Hogwarts either – as if pre-teens didn’t have enough problems.

But as the terms wore on, especially in Ginny’s third year, she began to really grow as a person, integrating herself more in Harry’s friendship group, developing a killer sense of humour, a deeper inner strength, *and* a sterling talent for Bat-Bogey Hexes. She also didn’t follow the crowd, such as when she refused to take no for an answer when it came to joining Harry for a showdown at the Ministry of Magic at the end of *Order of the Phoenix.* And after Hermione gave Ginny some advice to start going out with other boys rather than waiting for Harry, Ginny decided to focus on doing nice things for herself, rather than pining for others. Conveniently, the second Ginny found her self-confidence, Harry started fancying her. Oh, boys.

Anyway, Ginny’s growth taught us that no matter what people’s perception of you might be, you are the only person who truly knows yourself, and your own potential. Take a leaf out of Ginny’s book and learn to focus on your own personal story, not other people’s. 

## Kill Lord Voldemort and end a wizarding war (inspired by Harry)

Oh fine, we’re only joking. But boy, what a way to start a year!

The Harry Potter parties we ALL wanted to go to

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decorations in the Great Hall for the Yule Ball 

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Partying was serious business in the Harry Potter series; after all, there’s no better way to get a party going than actual, literal *magic*. Here are a selection of the best bashes we all wish we could have gone to... 

## Every Gryffindor common room party

Every time Gryffindor won so much as a Quidditch match, let alone the actual House Cup, the common room descended into chaos. With Fred & George always having the mysterious means to provide endless party food, and Gryffindors in general being a rowdy bunch, you can just imagine the hijinks they must have got up to. 

Thanks to a couple of Quidditch House Cup wins, we saw some glimpses into a few of these celebrations, which always cooked up some great Hogwarts gossip, such as Harry and Ginny's first kiss, or Ron and Lavender's first, er, heavily misjudged kiss.

Such parties were known to go on all night long – or at least until Professor McGonagall turned up in her tartan pyjamas. Come on, Minerva, let your hair down!

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## Nearly Headless Nick’s Deathday party

Although this particular party sounded incredibly awkward for Harry, Ron and Hermione, it also sounded like one of the most interesting. Sure, the food wasn’t much to sniff at (no, really, don’t sniff it – that cheese was very mouldy) but the guests seemed pretty fascinating. After all, the vast majority of them were dead.

While we can understand why Harry and co. weren’t exactly into it, the idea of a ghost orchestra playing musical saws under a chandelier made of black candles sounds like a gothic extravaganza – and far better than our flimsy Hallowe’en party decorations. And Nearly Headless Nick seemed pleased. Plus, the Wailing Widow popped up to the bash all the way from Kent! *Kent!*

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## The death of Lord Voldemort. Well, the first one

A very different deathday was celebrated in *Philosopher’s Stone,* or at least everyone thought it was at the time. This was the demise of Voldemort, of course; the night when poor baby Harry lost his parents and was delivered to a miserable childhood at the Dursleys. Little did he know that at the same time a Dark, terrible wizard’s reign of chaos was now over – and what better excuse for a party than that?

While hushed toasts to Harry were secretly going on all over the country, certain wizards were hardly being discreet – Dedalus Diggle's celebratory shooting stars made the Muggle news. Even Dumbledore, who had the huge task of delivering baby Harry to safety, ‘passed a dozen feasts and parties’ on his way to Privet Drive. Professor McGonagall was not amused, but despite the bittersweet circumstances, there’s no denying this must have been a truly historical night in the wizarding world.

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## The Yule Ball

So Harry and Ron didn’t exactly have the best of times at the Yule Ball due to their disastrous dates, but if they’d just been able to put their hormones aside for five seconds, it still sounded like one of the best Christmas parties ever.

First of all there were the Hogwarts decorations. While real-life fairies adorned every rose bush, the Great Hall looked resplendent in mistletoe, ivy and sparkly frost. There were the outfits, from Hermione in her show-stopping periwinkle dress, to Fleur's enchanting silver satin robes, to Draco's bizarre velvet vicar get-up. Then there was the food: magical plates that conjured up any food you could possibly wish for – pork chops in Dumbledore's case.

The music was provided by popular wizarding world band The Weird Sisters. Then, like any good party, there was all the drama. Hermione and Ron’s full-blown row about Krum was pure soap opera stuff, as was Hagrid's not-so-shock revelation that he was a half-giant. Harry and Ron also stumbled upon a very dodgy sounding conversation with Snape and Karkaroff about something getting ‘clearer and clearer’. As it turned out, Karkaroff was talking about his Dark Mark and the looming return of Lord Voldemort. Now *that’s* a party.

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