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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

Pottermore’s guide to ghosts

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Nearly Headless Nick greeting guests to his Deathday party 

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This melancholic quote from Nearly Headless Nick sums up the fate of a wizarding world ghost rather well.

> ‘I was afraid of death,’ said Nick softly. ‘I chose to remain behind. I sometimes wonder whether I oughtn’t to have ... well, that is neither here nor there ... in fact, I am neither here nor there ...’ He gave a small sad chuckle. ‘I know nothing of the secrets of death, Harry, for I chose my feeble imitation of life instead.’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* 

How does Nick’s definition of what it is to be a ghost apply to the other depictions of the undead in fiction?

## Ghosts usually come back because of ‘unfinished business’

A ghost’s strange half-life isn’t unique to the wizarding world. The concept of someone returning as a ghost is rooted in the belief that the spirit exists independently from the body. Variances in culture and religion aside, in the ancient world many believed in some form of life after death.

How that post-death life was shaped could be determined by how an individual lived, how they were disposed of, and how they were remembered. This is partly why funeral rites developed, because improper burial was seen as one of the reasons the dead might return.

All cultures tend to agree on one main reason for the existence of ghosts: unfinished business. Whether it is avenging murder or fulfilling some other desire, those that return as ghosts often do so in order to finish something. The only unfinished business on Hogwarts teacher Professor Binns’ mind was the next day’s lessons, but Moaning Myrtle came back expressly to haunt her tormentor.

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## One of the earliest examples of a ghost comes from the Bible

In the first book of Samuel, Saul, King of Israel, visits a medium. He asks her to conjure up the dead prophet Samuel, who appears ‘as an old man covered in a mantle’. This is said to have inspired the image of a white, flapping ghost, like the sheet-covered trick-or-treaters you see at Halloween.

The actual word ‘ghost’ has been in use since the late 16th century, although it comes from the Old English word ‘gast', which had its roots in western Germany. Fear of ghosts has just as long a history. Even when the ghost in question was much-loved in life, their reappearance is rarely welcome. In the ancient world, for the dead to cross back was a sign something was wrong. This comes across in the earliest tales and has largely remained the case in everything from Victorian ghost stories to modern horror films.

## Ghosts aren’t always scary, unless they have reason to be

This fear comes despite the fact that there are benevolent ghosts as well as malevolent ones. At Hogwarts, most of the ghosts mean no harm. They might be quiet and sad, like Ravenclaw’s Grey Lady, but they’re not all angry and vengeful.

In folklore, dangerous ghosts are usually the ones whose unfinished business is connected to something violent. They are angry about being dead, in contrast to the more emotionally neutral ghosts who have returned for other, more benign reasons. Still, receiving a visit from any ghost isn’t usually a cause of celebration.

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## Ghosts’ appearances can depend on circumstances

As a ghost’s nature follows what happened to them in life and death, so does their appearance. Although by definition a ghost is a spirit separated from a body, most ghosts usually look like pale, translucent versions of their pre-death selves. They can sometimes carry reminders of their lives or the means of their death, like Slytherin’s Bloody Baron who, we learn in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*, returned to the world as a ghost wearing chains, as an act of penance for the murder of Helena Ravenclaw.

## Ghosts tend to haunt specific places

Most myths tell us we’re likely to sense ghosts in a place that meant something to them in life, or is associated with their death, for example the place a murdered person returns to in order to seek vengeance, or the location of a tragic accident in which the now-ghost died. They are usually associated with one place, or at least with one person or group of people.

In modern popular culture most ghosts don’t travel round much, so the Hogwarts ghosts are something of an exception, although it’s fair to assume that the school meant something to them in life.

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The Great Hall at Halloween with the ghosts

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## But not all ghosts want to haunt you

The Victorians pretty much invented the ghost story as a genre, but ghosts have been popping up in stories for centuries. From Samuel in the Bible or the ghost of Hamlet’s father in *Hamlet*, to Susan Hill’s *Woman in Black* and the titular character in *Beloved*, they started out being depicted as frightening, vengeful and surprising.

There are exceptions, and one comes in the form of the famous ghost story by Charles Dickens. *A Christmas Carol* drew on the Victorian fascination with all things spiritual, as his Ebenezer Scrooge faces three ghosts, ranging from jolly to fearsome. All the ghosts help Scrooge travel through time and space to see his past, present and future.

So ghosts aren’t all that bad. It just depends which one you bump into.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, every Friday Pottermore will explore themes, moments, characters and much more from the very first Harry Potter story. Come back next week when we look at [Pottermore’s guide to wizarding world pets.](/features/pottermore-guide-to-wizarding-world-pets "Pottermore's guide to wizarding world pets")

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

Every time Draco Malfoy was just too Draco

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## The first time he met Harry in Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions

How many 11-year-old children do you know of who would randomly start up a conversation with another child, during the supremely awkward experience of being fitted for clothes? The answer is: exactly one, and it was Draco Malfoy in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.*

You should also be reminded that during this conversation Draco did not a) introduce himself to Harry or b) ask Harry *his* name. Rather, he immediately started going on about how he was really good at flying, because even at 11 Malfoy’s ego was large enough to create tides on the Black Lake if he walked past it too quickly.

During this very short conversation, Draco also mentioned his father three times, setting up a pattern of behaviour that Draco fans came to know and love.

## When he showed off the brooms his father bought the Slytherin team... and they still lost

As we’ve already seen, Draco considered himself one hot Skrewt when it came to flying a broom. In second year Draco ‘My father…’ Malfoy got his dad to get the whole Slytherin Quidditch team new Nimbus Two Thousand and One brooms, and thus bought his way onto the team. He even told Fred and George: ‘You could raffle off those Cleansweep Fives, I expect a museum would bid for them.’ 

Yeah, all right Draco, calm down, we’re not all massive fans of broomstick exhibits. Does your family have a museum wing named after it somewhere? This moment was especially good because Slytherin lost the match to Gryffindor anyway, due to Draco not paying attention to the Snitch hovering by his ear.

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Draco on his broom beofre quidditch match 

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## Duelling Harry, cheating at duelling Harry

Draco, in his illustrious career, challenged Harry to a duel not once but twice. Challenging people to duels was *very* Draco: a grand, pompous and dramatic gesture. *Actually* duelling was not Draco. That’s why it was no surprise that on the first occasion, in *Philosopher’s Stone*, it was a trick. On the second occasion he cheated by attacking early and by getting help from Snape. So predictable, Draco.

## When he was attacked by Buckbeak

Draco was raised in a manor house. A manor house with grounds. A manor house with grounds that had *peacocks.* And yet he lacked the basic decorum to not insult a Hippogriff, a giant eagle crossed with a horse that has giant talons. It’s a miracle he even managed to bow at all.

## Receiving instant karma via Hermione Granger

Hermione had to put up with a lot from Malfoy over the years: he taunted her, made fun of her teeth and on more than one occasion called her a ‘Mudblood’. The one time she responded violently was when she overheard Malfoy making fun of Hagrid in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, and consequently slapped Malfoy right around the face. Draco’s response was just the height of classic Draco behaviour, because he had no response at all. Darling Draco talked a talk, but he could rarely back it up. On this occasion he did walk the walk – away from Hermione.

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## That time he was turned into a ferret

In year four Draco tried to jinx Harry from behind, and Professor Moody turned him into a ferret for his trouble. It was brilliant because Draco, with his pointed face, was just so… ferrety. If he were an animal, a ferret is definitely what he’d be. Maybe his Patronus was a ferret, and he summoned it by thinking about himself. 

Once he’d been returned to human form he ‘muttered something in which the words “my father” were distinguishable’, so the only way the entire debacle could have been any more Draco is if he’d been losing to Harry at Quidditch at the same time.

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Moody punishes Draco by transfiguring him into a ferret.

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## The time he mass-produced ‘Potter Stinks’ badges

Draco *clearly* looked down on Hufflepuffs (he insulted the entire house the first time he met Harry), so the only reason he supported Cedric Diggory in the Triwizard Tournament was because he hated Harry that much. The ‘Potter Stinks’ badges were an iconic Draco move, firstly because he really was the sort of person who thought badges were some kind of epic burn, and secondly because there was a possibility that Draco sat in his dorm room in his free time carefully making loads of magical badges. Imagine him, sat on his bed, bleakly drawing the name of his worst enemy over and over again. Who’d have thought he was that creative?

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## When he couldn’t find a large group of students meeting under his nose

Malfoy was on the Inquisitorial Squad in his fifth year and spent weeks not being able to find Dumbledore’s Army. Even though they were a huge group of students, and even though they were sneaking around under his nose the whole time. There were loads of them, Draco. Loads! It should have been harder to *not* catch them! Honestly, aren’t Slytherins supposed to be cunning?

## When Harry was somehow a better Slytherin than he was 

Harry, the pride of Gryffindor house, entered the lair of Salazar Slytherin, spoke Parseltongue, actually managed to follow through on his cunning plans, and only missed being sorted into Slytherin by the skin of his teeth. Malfoy was a good Slytherin by dint of being sorted into Slytherin. But despite this, Draco never stopped trying. Blimey, maybe he should have been in Hufflepuff instead?

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Clues J.K. Rowling gave us about the Harry Potter books before they came out: heroes, villains and Hogwarts

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Voldemort casts a spell in front of his Death Eaters at Malfoy Manor in a film still from The Deathly Hallows Part 1 

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Time for another hark back to the sneaky clues J.K. Rowling gave us before the books were published that gave us miniature prophecies of things to come. How many of these did you spot at the time?

Once again, there will be spoilers.

> ‘You see a lot of old characters in book five.’ 
 *CBBC *Newsround*, 8 July 2000* 

It was always great knowing when our favourite characters would be coming back. But these were no mere cameos – they were secretly reforming the Order of the Phoenix. 

> ‘Why did Dumbledore have a look of triumph in his eyes at the end of book four?’ 
> JKR: ‘Good question... excellent question, in fact...’ 
 *America Online chat, 19 October 2000* 

> ‘That's still enormously significant... that's for seven.’ 
 *The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet interview, 16 July 2005* 

Ah, the gleam of triumph – didn’t we all wonder what that was about? Dumbledore knew that by using Harry’s blood, Voldemort had effectively tethered Harry to life thanks to Lily’s protection. All was revealed in the chapter ‘King’s Cross’. He was a sharp one, that Dumbledore!

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Dumbledore and Harry watch Tom Riddle as a child in a memory.

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> ‘… for theories you should read six again.’ 
 *The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet interview, 16 July 2005* 

When asked what Dumbledore’s Boggart would look like, J.K. Rowling stated that the answer would give too much away. Knowing his tragic family history, we can probably imagine what form it took. She also refused to comment on what Dumbledore would see in the Mirror of Erised before *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*. You mean it wasn’t woolly socks?

> ‘Can we have a book just on Dumbledore? Like a life story?’ 
> JKR: ‘Oh, all right then.’ 
 *The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet interview, 16 July 2005* 

Careful what you wish for! *The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore* might have been a bestseller, but Rita Skeeter wasn’t exactly known for accurate portrayals.

> ‘Whatever happened to Sirius’s flying motorbike?’ 
> JKR: ‘Ah, good question. You’ll find out, but the real sleuths among you might be able to guess.’ 
 *World Book Day Chat, 4 March 2004* 

Who in the world would be tinkering with an enchanted Muggle vehicle? Arthur Weasley of course, and the bike’s new features came in pretty handy for Harry and Hagrid.

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> ‘… I have been spending nearly all my time sitting in front of my computer writing, re-writing and taking the occasional break to bang my head off the desk in frustration or else rub my hands together in fiendish glee.’ 
 *J.K. Rowling’s website, 10 December 2004* 

In a later interview J.K. Rowling was asked which section inspired the gleeful hand rubbing. It was revealed to be Luna Lovegood’s unique approach to Quidditch commentary.

> ‘… you know that they are a member, but you haven’t really met them properly yet...’ 
 *Edinburgh ‘cub reporter’ press conference, ITV, 16 July 2005* 

This elusive member of the Order turned out to be Aberforth Dumbledore. We hadn’t met him ‘properly’, however we did briefly see him behind the bar in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, as some astute readers noted: 

> ‘Why is the barman of the Hog’s Head vaguely familiar to Harry? Is he Dumbledore’s brother?’ 
> JKR: ‘Ooh – you are getting good.’ 
 *Edinburgh Book Festival, 15 August 2004*

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The first Dumbledore's Army meeting is held in the Hog's Head

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> ‘Has Voldemort or Tom Riddle ever cared for or loved anyone?’ 
> JKR: ‘Now, that’s a cracking question… you will find out a lot more about that.’ 
 *Edinburgh Book Festival, 15 August 2004* 

Short answer – no. But it was better to find out through Voldemort’s life story in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.*

> Jeremy Paxman: ‘What else are you willing to tell us about what's in book five?’ 
> JKR: ‘Obviously a new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher.’ 
> Jeremy Paxman: ‘Is that going to be a woman?’ 
> JKR: ‘Yes. And it’s not Fleur, which everyone on the internet speculates about. And it’s not… Who’s the other one they keep asking about? Mrs Figg. It’s not Mrs Figg.’ 
 *BBC Newsnight, 19 June 2003* 

If only! Fleur certainly knew her defensive spells and we’d rather have Mrs Figg’s cats prowling Hogwarts than Dolores Umbridge’s sickening kitten plates. Unfortunately, this was not the last we’d see of old toad-features...

> ‘… she (Umbridge) is going to side with the people who give her the authority.’ 
 *Edinburgh ‘cub reporter’ press conference, ITV, 16 July 2005* 

She certainly did, and she used that authority as head of the Muggle-Born Registration Commission to become an even bigger bully than ever.

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> ‘If you could travel to Hogwarts for an hour, what would you do there?’ 
> JKR: ‘Go straight into a certain room, mentioned in book four, which has certain magical properties Harry hasn’t discovered yet!’ 
 *Red Nose Day chat, BBC Online, 12 March 2001* 

The real question is, what would our favourite author find in the Room of Requirement? We’re guessing a writing desk, a Time-Turner (to make the most of that hour) and endless supplies of tea, coffee and sherbet lemons. 

> ‘Do Hogwarts chefs accommodate vegetarians?’ 
> JKR: ‘If you ask them very nicely. You’ll find out something about that in book four as well...’ 
 *South West News Service, 8 July 2000* 

To our surprise (and Hermione’s horror), we discovered all those extravagant Hogwarts banquets had been lovingly prepared by a team of house-elves. Plus we learned that Dobby and Winky managed to find work after all.

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> ‘Have any of the Hogwarts professors had spouses?’ 
> JKR: ‘Good question – yes, a few of them.’ 
 *Red Nose Day chat, BBC Online, 12 March 2001* 

Not familiar with the life and loves of Professor McGonagall? Read *Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide* or [click here.](/writing-by-jk-rowling/professor-mcgonagall "Professor McGonagall")

> ‘What was Professor Trelawney’s first genuine prediction?’ 
> JKR: ‘You’ll find out!’ 
 *Red Nose Day chat, BBC Online, 12 March 2001* 

Oh, now that would be telling! We knew by the end of book three that Trelawney had made a grand total of two. Her first prophecy was stored away safely in the Ministry of Magic, though perhaps not quite safely enough.

> ‘…we’ve hardly seen anything of Firenze.’ 
> JKR: ‘Well, just keep your eyes open.’ 
 *CBBC *Newsround*, 8 July 2000* 

Who could have guessed Firenze would teach Divination at Hogwarts? Maybe we should have kept our inner eyes open!

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Firenze asks Harry to stay behind after his Divination lesson to discuss Hagrid

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> ‘Ravenclaw will have its day.’ 
> 
> ‘She’s called the Grey Lady. But you don’t know that yet.’ 
 *Interview with Owen Jones, ITV Network, 17 of July 2005* 

While many readers felt the house that prized ‘wit beyond measure’ had been somewhat neglected, plans were in place for a quest involving a prized Ravenclaw artefact. In *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* Harry finally spoke to the Grey Lady, uncovered the Ravenclaw family history and discovered the house founder’s long lost diadem. Let’s not forget the support Harry got from the Ravenclaw students at the Battle of Hogwarts.

> ‘Will HP and his friends discover the other house common rooms in future books?’ 
> JKR: [teasingly] ‘Maybe…’ 
 *South West News Service, 8 July 2000* 

Harry paid a visit to Ravenclaw Tower while hunting Horcruxes, but sadly we never got to see the cosy common room for Hufflepuff. Fancy a peek? [It’s right here on Pottermore.](/writing-by-jk-rowling/hufflepuff-common-room "Hufflepuff Common Room")

*Read part one to discover what J.K. Rowling revealed about [Harry’s friends and family here](/feature/clues-jkr-gave-us-about-the-harry-potter-books-harrys-friends-and-family) before the later books came out. Our final part of the series explores [death and redemption.](/feature/clues-jkr-gave-us-about-the-harry-potter-books-death-and-redemption)

Clues J.K. Rowling gave us about the Harry Potter books: heroes, villains and Hogwarts

35 thoughts Trevor the toad might have had during Philosopher’s Stone

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## 1. Finally, Master Neville is taking me on some sort of trip. Some toad exhibition, no doubt.

## 2. Toads are all the fashion these days. We’ll be in with the popular crowd in no time.

*Smoke from the engine drifted over the heads of the chattering crowd, while cats of every colour wound here and there between their legs.*

## 3. Pretty funny looking toads, if you ask me.

*Owls hooted to each other in a disgruntled sort of way over the babble and the scraping of heavy trunks.*

## 4. Hmm, not a fan of those talons. Might be time for a little stroll. Or hop, I should say.

*Harry pushed his trolley off down the platform in search of an empty seat. He passed a round-faced boy who was saying, ‘Gran, I’ve lost my toad again.’* 
*‘Oh, Neville,’ he heard the old woman sigh.*

## 5. No offence, Master Neville, but I do have my own life, you know.

## 6. Everyone seems to be excited about this ‘Harry Potter’ fellow. If he’s that popular, he must be a toad.

*‘Saw his scar. It’s really there – like lightning.’*
 

## 7. Do you know what happens to a toad when it’s struck by lightning? Neither do I, but it sounds horrific.

*‘Listen, we’re going down the middle of the train – Lee Jordan’s got a giant tarantula down there.’*
 

## 8. Kids today and their new-fangled fancy pets.

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*‘Anything off the trolley, dears?’*

## 9. Wonderful! How about a lift? We’ll find the others in no time. To the toad compartment, good woman!

## 10. No toads yet, but this chocolate coloured frog sitting in that wrapper might be up for a chat.

## 11. ‘How do you do? Funny weather we’ve been having… hello?’

## 12. These frogs don’t have much to say, apparently. Perhaps they’re shy.

## 13. I’ll say this for the frogs – the children seem keen on them. That’s quite understandable. Not everyone is fortunate enough to own a toad.

## 14. Oh good lord, they’re eating the frogs.

## 15. These aren’t children, they’re barbarians! I need a place to hide so I don’t end up like my fallen froggy brethren.

## 16. Did those boys over there just buy the entire trolley? Well, if nobody wants these corned beef sandwiches I’ll gladly relieve them of their burden.

*He had just raised his wand when the compartment door slid open again. The toadless boy was back, but this time he had a girl with him. She was already wearing her new Hogwarts robes.  
‘Has anyone seen a toad? Neville’s lost one,’ she said.*

## 17. Oh how embarrassing, he’s summoned a search party. I can’t go back now – I’ve had my first taste of freedom and discarded corned beef!

## 18. My intrepid expeditions have been halted by Master Neville and some bushy-haired accomplice. But they can’t stop my travels forever.

*And the fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass.*

## 19. Oh look, a pair of abnormally large hands. How inter-

*‘Oy, you there! Is this your toad?’ said Hagrid, who was checking the boats as people climbed out of them.  
 ‘Trevor!’ cried Neville blissfully, holding out his hands.*

## 20. Oh, great. Thanks. Thanks a lot.

*They walked up a flight of stone steps and crowded around the huge, oak front door.  
‘Everyone here? You there, still got yer toad?’* 

## 21. Yes, I’m still here. Call off the search parties.

*When Neville Longbottom, the boy who kept losing his toad, was called, he fell over on his way to the stool. The hat took a long time to decide with Neville.*

## 22. ‘The boy who kept losing his toad’ – I’d like to see some of the young lads around here match that legacy.

*When it finally shouted ‘GRYFFINDOR’, Neville ran off still wearing it, and had to jog back amid gales of laughter to give it to ‘MacDougal, Morag’.*

## 23. I knew it, bravo us! But do calm down, Master Neville. Even with a fine pet toad at your side, you’ve still got your street cred to think of.

## 24. The food here leaves a lot to be desired. Any chance of some snails? Or crickets? Or corned beef?

*‘And you should have seen their faces when I got in here – they thought I might not be magic enough to come, you see. Great-uncle Algie was so pleased he bought me my toad.'*

## 25. And might I add that Great-uncle Algie had great taste.

*Even better, Professor Flitwick announced in Charms that he thought they were ready to start making objects fly, something they had all been dying to try since they’d seen him make Neville’s toad zoom around the classroom.*  

## 26. A lesson I’d sooner forget, thank you very much.

*‘What are you doing?’ said a voice from the corner of the room.*

*Neville appeared from behind an armchair, clutching Trevor the toad, who looked as though he’d been making another bid for freedom.* 

## 27. Can’t a toad go on a midnight hop and be at one with his thoughts in peace?

*‘You don’t understand,’ said Harry, ‘this is important.’  
But Neville was clearly steeling himself to do something desperate.  
‘I won’t let you do it,’ he said, hurrying to stand in front of the portrait hole. ‘I’ll – I’ll fight you!’*  

## 28. You tell them, Master Neville. I’ve got your back, don’t you worry.

*He took a step forward and Neville dropped Trevor the toad, who leapt out of sight.*

## 29. Fear not – I’ve still got your back from behind this armchair.

*‘Go on then, try and hit me!’ said Neville, raising his fists. ‘I’m ready!’*

## 30. Gasp! I can’t watch…

*‘Neville,’ she said, ‘I’m really, really sorry about this.’  
She raised her wand.  
‘Petrificus Totalus!’ she cried, pointing it at Neville.  
Neville’s arms snapped to his sides. His legs sprang together. His whole body rigid, he swayed where he stood and then fell flat on his face, stiff as a board. *

## 31. Master Neville, this is no time for a lie down.

## 32. Are we off to the hospital wing again? Perhaps we should just save a bit of time next year and move in there permanently.

*‘There are all kinds of courage,’ said Dumbledore, smiling. ‘It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr Neville Longbottom.’*

## 33. Bravo, Master Neville. Always knew you had it in you. That’s why I had to keep leaving you alone to figure stuff out.

## 34. Does this school not do house points for toads?

*‘And suddenly, their wardrobes were empty, their trunks were packed, Neville’s toad was found lurking in a corner of the toilets…’*

## 35. Just needed to stretch my legs one more time before the journey. What? I wasn’t trying to escape, honestly.


Unsung Heroes: Filius Flitwick

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First and foremost, Filius Flitwick was an educator. His long-term tenure, going back at least as far as the time when Severus Snape and James Potter were pupils, was distinguished by a love of knowledge and a desire to pass on his considerable skill to generations of Hogwarts students. Although often portrayed as a loveable, harmless character, Flitwick was an incredibly important asset to the stories. And here is exactly why. 
 
### He genuinely seemed to love his job

He was so excited about teaching Harry Potter he audibly squeaked when he first read the young wizard’s name on the register. Indeed, he went on to teach Potter’s class the very Summoning Charm that enabled the Boy Who Lived to win the first of his Triwizard Tournament tasks. He also rather wonderfully taught students how to turn vinegar into wine, and the Cheering Charm (which exists simply to make people happy). He also taught the Banishing Charm, and even though hapless Neville Longbottom misfired and flung the diminutive master across the room, Flitwick took it with customary patience and good grace.

As well as indulging less-gifted pupils – preferring to set extra homework over punitive detentions – Flitwick always made a special point of rewarding good performance with warm words. ‘Oh, well done!’ he gushed when Hermione mastered the relatively elementary levitation charm. ‘Everyone see here, Miss Granger’s done it!’

This friendly approach is a marked contrast with more serious teachers such as Severus Snape or Minerva McGonagall. As head of Ravenclaw house, Flitwick was known to always have his door open to any of his charges who found school life tough. When Hermione was feeling blue about her exam performance Flitwick was more than happy to cheer her up with the news that not only had she passed – she’d scored an impressive 112 per cent. As Fred Weasley once observed: ‘Old Flitwick… usually gets everyone through their exams all right.’ Not half.
 
### He just made Hogwarts a lovely place 

His cheery demeanour was also expressed in creativity. At Christmas he delighted in making decorations, even enlisting live fairies into the festive fun. He also didn’t mind letting his students play a few cheeky games in his lesson before the Yule Ball. In fact, no matter what his students were up to, Flitwick always has an appreciation of great skill. For instance, when Fred and George Weasley flounced out of Hogwarts leaving a Portable Swamp in a corridor, Filius Flitwick took care to preserve a small puddle when charged to remove it, just because it was a ‘really good bit of magic’.

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### But he’s no pushover

But don’t be fooled into thinking the Charms master was a soft touch – when it came to defending Hogwarts, he was ruthless.

On the most subtle level, when Dolores Umbridge took over as headmistress he continued teaching to his usual impeccable standard – again, Flitwick was an educator above all else. But when Fred and George set off fireworks in his classroom, the sneaky head of Ravenclaw preferred to let Umbridge waste her time extinguishing them, even though he was perfectly capable himself. 

As the final showdown with the Death Eaters approached Flitwick used his considerable talents to cast a series of intricate protective spells (including *Protego horribilis*).

When the castle was fearfully anticipating the recently escaped Sirius Black paying a visit, Flitwick helped secure the premises by teaching the oak front doors to recognise a picture of the Azkaban escapee.

When he awoke after being Stupefied by Snape he rushed straight back to work. In the climactic final skirmish, the former duelling champion took down Antonin Dolohov – some feat, as Dolohov had already bested the formidable Alastor Moody, and killed Remus Lupin.

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In sum, the avuncular professor exemplified the virtues of diligence, creativity and committed defence of the school. So let’s raise a glass of his preferred tipple – the appropriately eccentric ‘cherry syrup and soda with ice and umbrella’ – to Filius Flitwick.


Clues J.K. Rowling gave us about the Harry Potter books: Harry’s friends and family

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Harry about to go into Tom Riddle's diary 

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> ‘The best questions – the ones from really attentive and thoughtful readers – are always the ones I can’t answer: they give too much away!’ 
 *Red Nose Day chat, BBC Online, 12 March 2001* 

J.K. Rowling had a whole wizarding world in her head, but there was only so much she could share with her readers. In this three-part series we look back over the many hints the author dropped about future books during interviews.

Obviously, there will be spoilers. As the author was so careful to keep her plot twists secret, we’d strongly suggest finishing the books before going any further.

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Harry showing his scar to Ron on the Hogwarts Express 

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> ‘The shape is not the most significant aspect of that scar, and that’s all I’m going to say!’ 
 *World Book Day chat, 4 March 2004* 

It makes sense now, doesn’t it? What was really important about the scar was that it marked Harry as a Horcrux. Admittedly, that lightning bolt shape is still pretty cool.

> ‘People are always wondering who Harry might be related to…’ 
 *World Book Day chat, 4 March 2004* 

Many readers suspected Harry might be descended from a powerful wizard like Godric Gryffindor. Book seven would reveal his famous ancestor was Ignotus Peverell, the youngest sibling from ‘The Tale of the Three Brothers’.

> ‘Where did James get his Invisibility Cloak?’ 
> JKR: ‘That was inherited from his own father – a family heirloom!’ 
 *America Online chat, 19 October 2000* 

Specifically, it was a Peverell family heirloom and a strong indicator of Harry’s heritage. Plus it allowed Harry to carry on the Potter family tradition of sneaking around Hogwarts.

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> ‘You’ll find out more about both Harry’s parents later…’ 
 *America Online chat, 19 October 2000* 

> ‘… it’s important to a later plot.’ 
 *Scholastic online chat, 3 February 2000* 

J.K. Rowling couldn’t tell us what Harry’s parents did for a living before book five but stressed it was significant plot-wise. All became clear at Grimmauld Place when we learned about James and Lily’s work with the Order of the Phoenix.

> ‘… he has his mother’s eyes and that’s very important in a future book.’ 
 *Boston Globe, 18 October 1999* 

After ‘The Prince’s Tale’, how could we possibly forget about Lily’s eyes? Speaking of Lily…

> ‘… you’'ll find out something very significant about her [Lily] in book five, and you’ll find out something incredibly important about her in book seven.’ 
 *‘The Connection’, WBUR Radio, 12 October 1999* 

We did indeed. Lily Evans intervened in a horrible bullying incident, shown in book five through the memories of Severus Snape. When the Pensieve was revisited in book seven, we learned so much more about both characters.

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> ‘You won’t need a prequel; by the time I am finished, you will know enough.’ 
 *Edinburgh Book Festival, 15 August 2004* 

Book seven connected the dots with the previous Hogwarts generation. Still, we’d gladly hear more about Lily, Snape and the Marauders given the chance.

> ‘If Harry’s aunt and uncle hate him so much, why don’t they just throw him out?’ 
> JKR: ‘Well, that’s a very shrewd point, and it will only be explained in book five.’ 
 *Book Links, July 1999* 

Four words: ‘Remember my last, Petunia!’ And while we’re on the subject...

> ‘There is a little more to Aunt Petunia than meets the eye and you will find out what that is in book seven …’ 
 *Radio City Music Hall, New York, 2 August 2006*


We also found out that Petunia was definitely a Muggle, rather than a Squib.

> ‘She is not a Squib, although that is a very good guess.’ 
> *Edinburgh Book Festival, 15 August 2004*

In the end, the answer was a lot more simple. Poor Petunia desperately wanted to attend Hogwarts with her sister, but it was never meant to be. Given her disdain for the magical world in later life, we’d never have guessed that she once longed to be part of it.

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