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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

Care of Magical Creatures series: unconventional pets

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Runespoor PM paper model COMC series Unconventional Pets

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Pottermore are recreating every magical creature from Newt Scamander’s textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, in new and imaginative ways. Today, we’re looking at unconventional wizarding world pets. 

## Runespoor

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Why on earth would anyone want a Runespoor for a pet, you ask? After all, according to *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them*, this is an African three-headed serpent that can reach a length of six or seven feet. Not great if you’re trying to save space. However, the creature has garnered popularity with Dark wizards, ‘no doubt because of its striking and intimidating appearance’, theorises Newt Scamander. 

## Crup

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Crup PM paper model COMC series Unconventional Pets

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A Crup may seem like an innocent Jack Russell terrier, but if you look closely, you’ll realise he’s got a little forked tail. To ensure Muggles are none the wiser, a young Crup should have its unusual tail removed with a painless Severing Charm. 

## Kneazle

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Kneazle PM paper model COMC series Unconventional Pets

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Again, on first inspection, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Kneazle was simply a flamboyant cat – but it is so much more. Kneazles are great little detectives and can sense suspicious activity nearby, like Crookshanks could whenever he was near Scabbers. 

## Streeler

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Streeler PM paper model COMC series Unconventional Pets

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A creature that resembles a giant snail might not be everyone’s idea of a pet (especially considering Streelers leave behind venomous trails that shrivel and burn vegetation) but they are, at the very least, aesthetically pleasing. Streelers can change colour on an hourly basis, so it’s pretty much like owning a living lava lamp. 

## Niffler

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Niffler PM paper model COMC series Unconventional Pets

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Although Hagrid would advise against it (‘they wreck houses, Nifflers’), a lovely Niffler sounds like a great pet choice. Known for their keen interest in anything glittery, Nifflers are known to be ‘gentle and affectionate’, according to Newt Scamander. Sure, they may get you into trouble every now and then, but how could you stay mad at that little snouted face? 

## Bowtruckle

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Bowtruckle PM paper model COMC series Unconventional Pets

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Bowtruckles may be small, but they are also rather resilient. These little twig-like creatures are usually found protecting wand wood trees, and are known to gouge out the eyes of tree surgeons, woodcutters and the like. But as we see in the film *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them*, one tiny Bowtruckle can’t bear to leave the side of Newt Scamander – showing these guardians can also make for good friends. Just stay away from their trees...

## Puffskein

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Puffskein PM paper model COMC series Unconventional Pets

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Fluffy, adorable Puffskeins are found worldwide, and seem pretty peaceful, easy-to-care-for creatures. Despite their enjoyment for sticking their tongue up sleeping wizards’ noses and eating their bogeys, they are very popular pets in the wizarding world. Better than owning a three-headed dog, we suppose.

*These models are created by artist Andy Singleton. To see more of Andy’s work, check out his take on [beasts that live in the Forbidden Forest.](/features/care-of-magical-creatures-illustrations-forbidden-forest)*

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

How Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone tackled bullying

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To be bullied is a constant nightmare. It’s feeling cold, as though Dementors are near, because you’re dreading what certain people will say or do. It’s when laughter cuts you like the Sectumsempra curse, because you know they’re going to humiliate you. It’s wishing you could throw an Invisibility Cloak around yourself and run. Even then, you wouldn’t feel safe – there’s always the next encounter to worry about.

Bullying leaves us in a dark and lonely place. In that darkness, we often turn to fiction for solace. Books don’t judge, they’re always there for you, and sometimes you find that special story to help you through. For such readers, *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* holds some powerful messages.

## It’s okay to be different

Right from the beginning, we saw Harry Potter bullied by his own family. When he wasn’t locked in a cupboard, Uncle Vernon shouted at him, Aunt Petunia treated him as though he was worthless and his cousin beat him up for fun. As he had no friends or other family to turn to, Harry was completely alone.

Why did the Dursleys hate him? Because Vernon and Petunia saw their nephew as ‘different’. Yes, this was an extreme case of different – it’s not every day you find out you’re a wizard. But nonetheless, bullies can feel intimidated by people they don’t understand, so they put them down to feel better about themselves. It’s cruel, selfish and – unfortunately – common.

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The Dursley family photo, Dudley is wearing his Smeltings school uniform

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There was another layer to Petunia that is common among bullies: jealousy. We heard it when she talked about Lily, whom she described as a ‘freak’. But Petunia’s opinion shouldn’t matter. To the rest of the world, Lily was special and so was Harry, both not just for their magical powers but for their talent, bravery and kindness.

The Dursleys did whatever they could to suppress Harry’s spirit, but they couldn’t break him. Harry had a bright future ahead and wouldn’t be held back by horrible, petty people. Besides, if the Dursleys were ‘normal’, who’d want to be normal anyway?

## Nobody is born better

On his first trip to Diagon Alley, Harry realised that not all wizards were nice, whimsical people.

> ‘I really don’t think they should let the other sort in, do you? They’re just not the same…’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* 

Draco Malfoy dismissed Hagrid as a ‘savage’ and called the Weasleys ‘riff-raff’. Worse still, the Malfoys believed that pure-blood wizards were superior to Muggle-borns. For the first time, Harry noticed prejudice within the wizarding world and he was wary of Draco from here onwards.

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Sorting Hat WB F1 Draco Malfoy In The Sorting Hat Land

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What’s interesting is that Harry had a choice. Draco would have accepted him in a heartbeat and even extended a hand of friendship. However, Harry refused. Draco may have been a wizard but Harry saw him for what he was – a bully, like the Dursleys.

Being told he was special didn’t go to Harry’s head. He’d befriend who he likes, regardless of blood status or social class, and Draco’s foul comments wouldn’t make any difference.

## Do your best, even when people are being unreasonable

Sadly, bullying isn’t always done by children. Sometimes adults can be equally guilty.

> By the end of the first Potions lesson, he knew he’d been wrong. Snape didn’t dislike Harry – he hated him. 
 *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* 

Professor Snape was notorious for his harsh teaching style but this took on a whole new level with Harry. ‘Mister Potter’ was singled out at the start of his first Potions lesson, mocked by his teacher and sniggered at by the Slytherins. Snape’s hostility didn’t diminish over the school year, either.

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Snape teaching potions from the Philosopher's Stone 

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Harry didn’t suffer in silence. He talked to his friends, who insisted he shouldn’t take it personally, and Dumbledore also shed some light on the matter. Still, this didn’t excuse Snape’s behaviour – he should have known better than to mistreat a pupil just because he looked like his father.

Though treated unfairly, Harry didn’t shout back or storm out of the classroom. Like it or not, he had to learn Potions. Harry persevered and passed his exams, showing true strength of character and mastering skills that wouuld help him in the future.

## One small act of kindness can mean the world

Harry wasn’t the only one persecuted by bullies. Malfoy and his cronies were particularly cruel to Neville Longbottom, who was too terrified to do anything about it. Though Neville’s mishaps were often comical, there’s nothing funny about the pain he suffered.

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Neville falls victim to Hermione's Petrificus Totalus spell

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In one particularly bad incident, Draco trapped Neville in a Leg-Locker Curse. Hermione advised him to tell a teacher but Neville didn’t want any more trouble. Ron told Neville to stand up to Malfoy, but that was easier said than done. Harry did something different – instead of offering advice, he listened to what Neville had to say and assured him he was worth ‘twelve of Malfoy’. He also offered Neville his last Chocolate Frog — a small gesture that almost moved him to tears. Such actions have an impact, as seen later during a Quidditch match:

> Neville went bright red but turned in his seat to face Malfoy. ‘I’m worth twelve of you, Malfoy,’ he stammered. 
 *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* 

Reaching out to someone who’s being bullied won’t make their problems disappear, but it can help undo the damage to their confidence. A few words of support and a Chocolate Frog go a long way.

## You hold the greatest power of all, even if they don’t understand

> ‘There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it ...’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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Quirrell and Harry in front of the Mirror of Erised.

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Quirrell’s words under Voldemort’s influence echo those of many bullies seeking to justify their actions. They view themselves as strong and successful for doing what they want at the expense of others. To them, any display of mercy or charity is a sign of weakness or stupidity. This is a terrible pity, as they’re missing the greatest magic in the world:

> ‘If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love.’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* 

Compassion is all too often misunderstood as weakness. It takes real strength and courage to stay true to yourself and to support those in need. Real cowards are the ones who group together to pick on others.

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 some [important dialogue from Philosopher's Stone](/features/important-pieces-of-dialogue-from-philosophers-stone "Important pieces of dialogue from Philosopher’s Stone").

Sentences from the Harry Potter books that ended up being rather important

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Quill of Acceptance and Book of Admittance

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Here are just a few we’ve found:

## ‘... Thanksss, amigo.’

> As the snake slid swiftly past him, Harry could have sworn a low, hissing voice said, ‘Brazil, here I come ... Thanksss, amigo.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

Back before Harry had even heard of Hogwarts, his chinwag with a boa constrictor was our very first sign that Harry was a Parselmouth. Good thing too – how else would he have opened the Chamber of Secrets?

## ‘Caution: Do Not Touch’

Harry’s first brush with Floo Powder whisked him off to the sinister Knockturn Alley. There, he saw Draco Malfoy browsing a few choice items:

> He paused to examine a long coil of hangman’s rope and to read, smirking, the card propped on a magnificent necklace of opals: Caution: Do Not Touch. Cursed – Has Claimed the Lives of Nineteen Muggle Owners to Date. 
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

Sound familiar? Four years later a similar opal necklace almost killed Gryffindor student Katie Bell. They really weren’t kidding with that sign!

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## ‘…a really rather magnificent collection of chamberpots.’


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

Isn’t it obvious now that Dumbledore was talking about the Room of Requirement? The film *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* (2007) reminded us of this when Ron asked what would happen to the room if you really needed the toilet.

## ‘…that awful boy’ 

> ‘I heard – that awful boy – telling her about them – years ago,’ she said jerkily. 
> ‘If you mean my mum and dad, why don’t you use their names?’ said Harry loudly, but Aunt Petunia ignored him. 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* 

We naturally assumed the ‘awful boy’ Petunia mentioned was James Potter and we’re pretty sure the Dursleys called his dad far worse things over the years. But thanks to ‘The Prince’s Tale’, we know that the boy telling Lily about Dementors was actually her old pal Severus. Would Snape be pleased to hear he’d been mistaken for James Potter? Probably not!

## ‘… a heavy locket that none of them could open’

Who knew that this locket found among the junk at Grimmauld Place just happened to be a Horcrux? Oh wait, Kreacher knew...

>Several times Kreacher sidled into the room and attempted to smuggle things away under his loincloth, muttering horrible curses every time they caught him at it. 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
 
Just think – that Horcrux nearly went in the bin.

## ‘… a grumpy-looking old man’

> The barman sidled towards them out of a back room. He was a grumpy-looking old man with a great deal of long grey hair and beard. He was tall and thin and looked vaguely familiar to Harry. 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

Maybe the bartender just had one of those faces, or maybe he just happened to be Professor Dumbledore’s estranged brother. So only potentially a very important sentence…

## ‘… a dusty old wig and a tarnished tiara’

When Harry’s annotated copy of *Advanced Potion-Making* got him in trouble, he hid it in the Room of Requirement: 

> Seizing the chipped bust of an ugly old warlock from on top of a nearby crate, he stood it on the cupboard where the book was now hidden, perched a dusty old wig and a tarnished tiara on the statue’s head to make it more distinctive... 
> *Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince*

Wait a minute… what did he put on the statue? Harry not only stumbled across Rowena Ravenclaw’s lost diadem (minus the Billywig wings, don’t tell Luna), but also another Horcrux. He just kept letting them slip past, didn’t he?

## A tale of two Vanishing Cabinets

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The vanishing cabinet in the Room of Requirement  

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In *Half-Blood Prince*, Draco used a pair of Vanishing Cabinets to let Death Eaters infiltrate Hogwarts. But did you notice they’d popped up many times already?

First, Harry used one as a hiding place in Borgin and Burkes …

> Harry looked quickly around and spotted a large black cabinet to his left; he shot inside it and pulled the doors to, leaving a small crack to peer through. 
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

… meanwhile, the other one was safely tucked away at Hogwarts…

> But as Filch lowered his quill, there was a great BANG! on the ceiling of the office, which made the oil lamp rattle.
> ‘PEEVES!’ Filch roared, flinging down his quill in a transport of rage. ‘I’ll have you this time, I’ll have you!’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

Oops! Looks like it wasn’t that safe.

> ‘That vanishing cabinet was extremely valuable!’ he was saying gleefully to Mrs Norris. ‘We’ll have Peeves out this time, my sweet.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

It was still broken when Fred and George stuffed Montague inside …

> ‘He never managed to get all the words out,’ said Fred, ‘due to the fact that we forced him head-first into that Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

… and thanks to that, Montague discovered the link between them and informed fellow Slytherin Draco. 

The rest, as they say, is history.

The Harry Potter pets we wish we could adopt

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So, here’s the question: given the choice, which Potter pet would we take home? Hagrid’s already talked us out of getting a Niffler – solid advice, coming from the previous owner of a three-headed dog and a baby dragon – so let’s stick to the ones who probably wouldn’t wreck the house.

## Arnold

Who would say no to a Puffskein? Given the chance, we’d buy a whole poffle.

Puffskeins come in many forms, from standard ‘custard-colour’ to the American Appaloosa, but best of all had to be Ginny Weasley’s purple Pygmy Puff, a modified Puffskein bred by Fred and George. Wouldn’t you love to have that little guy riding around on your shoulder? And if Luna Lovegood could be believed – which in this case, we really hope she could – he might just have started singing on Boxing Day. 

But why was he named Arnold? That’s maybe Ginny’s little joke, inspired by a typo of her dad’s name in the *Daily Prophet* (it’s ‘Arthur’, you hacks!).

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## Buckbeak

Just imagine: an awesome, loyal pet who can also take you to work.

Our pick of the [Hippogriff](/features/hippogriffs) herd would be good ol’ Buckbeak (aka Witherwings), because he was such a trooper. Not only did he help Sirius escape a worse-than-death sentence (while escaping one himself), the two of them stuck together afterwards, even while Sirius had no fixed abode and very little food. Buckbeak, you were a friend for both the good times and the bad. Have a dead ferret on us.

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## Crookshanks

Want a pet that’s sassy and smart? A cat-Kneazle cross isn’t just cuddlesome, it’s a highly intelligent animal that can instantly tell friend from foe by sensing deception. In *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, [Crookshanks](/features/crookshanks) proved he could smell a rat, especially when it wasn’t actually a rat. He would help to keep his owner on the straight and narrow, too – anything to avoid that judgemental stare.

Crookshanks could easily claw his way into our hearts like he did with Hermione; that witch definitely had a thing for gingers.

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## Fawkes

So what would make our list for the most insane demands on a pet bird? Pretty plumage, check. Ability to carry immensely heavy loads, check. Magical tears with healing powers, check. But what about that inevitable time when your beloved bird grows old and tired? No worries: he’ll just be reborn as a tiny chick, even supplying his own pyrotechnics for the occasion.

The phoenix is an awesome creature. So awesome, in fact, Dumbledore even named the Order after it. Its American relative, the [Thunderbird](/features/thunderbirds), is admittedly pretty nifty too. Fawkes, Dumbledore’s own phoenix, had all this going for him along with unfaltering loyalty and a gorgeous singing voice. Trust Dumbledore to find a pet as brilliant as himself.

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## Pigwidgeon

When we think ‘owls’, we think ‘Hedwig’. Because, obviously, Hedwig. But let’s show a little bit of love for lil’ Pigwidgeon, who’d see all your mail delivered promptly with a happy hoot.

What Pig lacked in size, he made up for in seemingly endless enthusiasm. He came to stay with Ron because he was so eager for a delivery job, plus Sirius kindly thought he’d make a good replacement for Scabbers the rat. Now that’s what we call trading up in the pet department! Plus Pigwidgeon came 100 per cent Crookshanks-approved.

> He looked closely at the owl for a moment, then, to Harry and Hermione’s great surprise, he held him out for Crookshanks to sniff. 
> ‘What d’you reckon?’ Ron asked the cat. ‘Definitely an owl?’ 
> Crookshanks purred. 
> ‘That’s good enough for me,’ said Ron happily. 
 *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

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Harry, Ron, Herminone on Hogwarts express

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## Fang

Yes, he was a bit jumpy, and would probably quiver with fear at the tiniest crack of a twig, but Fang was still a legend in the wizarding world. He was friendly, loyal and sensitive – and probably Hagrid’s most sensible pet.

In terms of other wizarding world canines, perhaps Fluffy the three-headed dog would be an interesting choice, but bear in mind that he had two extra heads to feed.

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Harry Potter characters who got a bit of a raw deal

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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We know the main protagonist of the Harry Potter books didn’t have the easiest time of it in life, seeing as when we first properly met him he was sleeping in a cupboard. But while Harry grew older, made good friends and became a truly great wizard, it feels like these other poor characters definitely drew a short straw.

## Sirius Black

Although he was blessed with rugged handsomeness, a cool Animagus form and some great childhood friends (bar the not-so-great one), life didn’t end up being all that fun for Sirius. And the injustice of it all still stings.

First off, he grew up as a rare, lonely Gryffindor kid in his Slytherin-loving, pure-blood obsessed family household, which included décor decisions such as mounted house-elf heads. He was then subsequentally burnt out of the family tapestry for daring to be different.

Next up: he was imprisoned in Azkaban for over a decade for the murder of 12 Muggles and his former best friend Peter Pettigrew, who actually framed him and faked his own death. He then had to cope with the unbearable pain of the death of his best friend James Potter and his wife Lily, which everyone in the wizarding world believed was down to him betraying them.

When he finally escaped he was confined to a life of solitude, endlessly in hiding, living off scraps, and eventually ending up back at his loathed family home, where he must have lived with his despised childhood memories and a never-dying incarnation of his screaming, disapproving mother mounted on the wall. 

Then, after finally finding a hopeful new life outside of Azkaban, working with the Order of the Phoenix, and forging a beautiful bond with his godson who reminded him so fondly of his old best friend James, he was killed by his very own deranged cousin, Bellatrix. 

Those happy days of singing *God Rest Ye, Merry Hippogriffs* at Christmas didn’t last long.

## Cedric Diggory

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Cedric stands in the maze prepared to take on the horrors that lie within.

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Speaking of beautiful fictional wizards dying before their time, here’s another one. Poor Cedric Diggory had everything going for him: chiselled good looks, popularity, Hufflepuff pride, and enough wizarding talent to be chosen as Hogwarts champion at the Triwizard Tournament. All good so far.

Alas, this special time for Cedric got royally tainted when that Harry Potter kid also joined the tournament due to an elaborate secret plot by Lord Voldemort. Now the new ending of the Tournament led to a Triwizard cup-turned-Portkey that would lead Harry straight to the Dark Lord. 

Cedric’s reward for getting to the cup first? Totally unfair, randomised murder. Pretty sure it was meant to be a cash prize and a fancy trophy.

Suffice to say, Cedric’s death remains one of the most shocking and hard-to-swallow losses of the entire series.

## Colin Creevey

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