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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

Exploring Lavender Brown’s unexpected effect on Hermione

PMARCHIVE-Exploring Lavender Brown’s unexpected effect on Hermione

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Hermione Granger was as cool as a cucumber. She was a witch who prided herself on being logical. She was a defender of the underdog, loyal to a fault and her lack of giggling and gossipy-ness meant she didn’t fall into any teenage girl clichés. She wasn’t mean, she didn’t talk behind her friends’ backs and she didn’t lust dreamily after every boy she saw.  

Step forward, Lavender Brown. 

Lavender just did something to Hermione. Granted, the three-way awkwardness that was Ron’s snog-fest with Lavender couldn’t have helped matters, but Lavender was pushing Hermione’s buttons well before that.  

Add to that the fact that the Gryffindor girls had to share a room for, like, seven years. SEVEN YEARS. With all that ‘Won-Won’ business going on, it was a wonder Hermione didn’t crack before then.  

Let’s take a look back at all the unexpectedly un-Hermione moments provoked by Lavender over the years.

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## Rabbit-gate

Lavender was a big fan of Divination, which Hermione thought was a load of old codswollop. Lavender was particularly blown away by Professor Trelawney when she was told the ‘thing that she’s been dreading’ would happen on a certain date. On the dreaded Friday in question, Lavender’s pet rabbit, Binky, kicked the bucket, and Lavender inevitably put two and two together to give Professor Trelawney an easy win. However, Hermione wasn’t having any of it.

> ‘Well, look at it logically,’ said Hermione, turning to the rest of the group. ‘I mean, Binky didn’t even die today, did he, Lavender just got the news today –’ Lavender wailed loudly ‘– and she can’t have been dreading it, because it’s come as a real shock –’  
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

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A steam filled divination class room from the Prisoner of Azakban 

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## The You-Know-Who problem

In fourth year, Hermione got annoyed with Lavender for doubting Harry’s account of Voldemort’s return after the Triwizard Tournament. When Lavender said she reckoned Harry was lying, Hermione told her roommate to ‘keep her big fat mouth shut’. Oooh! Scandalous!  

## Da-Doo-Ron-Ron

But of course what really got Hermione hot under the collar was Lavender’s relationship with Ron. Watching the pair of them, as Ginny delicately put it, ‘thrashing around like a pair of eels all over the place’ led Hermione to extremes. That night in sixth year after Ron’s Quidditch-match success was a case in point. After seeing ‘Won-Won’ and Lavender trying to find a quiet corner together, Hermione sent some cute but sharp-clawed birds to attack him.  

> Harry spun round to see Hermione pointing her wand at Ron, her expression wild: the little flock of birds was speeding like a hail of fat golden bullets towards Ron, who yelped and covered his face with his hands, but the birds attacked, pecking and clawing at every bit of flesh they could reach.  
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*

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## What denial?

Hermione may not have been a bleeding heart but she was normally honest and upfront about her feelings, with Harry at least. But where Lavender and ‘Won-Won’ were concerned, Hermione appeared to stuff all emotions inwards, and wouldn’t even admit her distress to her best mate. But try as she might, her real emotions popped up unexpectedly and made her appear most un-Hermione-like. 

> ‘He’s at perfect liberty to kiss whomever he likes,’ said Hermione, while the librarian, Madam Pince, prowled the shelves behind them. ‘I really couldn’t care less.’ She raised her quill and dotted an ‘i’ so ferociously that she punctured a hole in her parchment.  
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*

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## Love’s a game

In jealousy, Hermione decided she needs to fight fire with fire and invited Ron’s Quidditch rival Cormac McLaggen to Slughorn’s party. Quite the extent of her intrigue is apparent from they way she uncharacteristically gossiped with Parvati Patil about her taste in boys. What next, Hermione? Wearing pink on Wednesdays?

> ‘Oh – yes – didn’t you know?’ said Hermione, with a most un-Hermione-ish giggle.  
> ‘No!’ said Parvati, looking positively agog at this piece of gossip. ‘Wow, you like your Quidditch players, don’t you? First Krum, then McLaggen ...’  
> ‘I like really good Quidditch players,’ Hermione corrected her, still smiling. ‘Well, see you ... got to go and get ready for the party…’  
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*

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## Success!

We know Hermione and Ron were meant to be together, and taking the increasingly clingy Lavender out of the equation happened during a timely near-death experience on Ron’s part (he was accidentally poisoned by mead intended for Dumbledore). Ron uttered her name in his ailing stupor. Trust Ron to dump someone while unconscious. 

In the film, Hermione snapped, ‘He’s been poisoned, you daft dimbo!’ at Lavender when she accused Hermione of only wanting to make up to him ‘now he’s all interesting’. While in the books Hermione might not have gone quite that far, maybe she was secretly saying it in her head.

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## Tragedy strikes

Boys aside, Lavender and Hermione certainly didn’t hate each other – they were just total opposites. Hermione did her best to step in and save her during the Battle of Hogwarts, when Fenrir Greyback pounced on Lavender after she fell from an overhead balcony. The tragic scene certainly put things into perspective.

> Two bodies fell from the balcony overhead as they reached the ground and a grey blur that Harry took for an animal sped four-legged across the hall to sink its teeth into one of the fallen.  
> ‘NO!’ shrieked Hermione, and with a deafening blast from her wand, Fenrir Greyback was thrown backward from the feebly stirring body of Lavender Brown.  
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

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Lavender Brown’s unexpected effect on Hermione

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

The hardest wizarding world spells

PMARCHIVE-The hardest wizarding world spells

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Ginny pointing her wand in the Room of Requiremnt 

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Magic, by its very nature, is difficult. That’s why witches and wizards go to Hogwarts – to learn how to control it. But there are certain spells that go beyond the capabilities of the average wizard; that require more than just knowing how to perform magic, but how to master it.

Here are some of the toughest…

## Apparition and Disapparition

Apparition – the magical form of teleportation – is not the spell of masters. In fact, it’s a fairly common sight in the world of Harry Potter. But it is a spell that’s notoriously tricky to get right, and particularly bloody if it goes wrong. Hence why, to Apparate and Disapparate, wizards need to be over 17 and have a licence from the Department of Magical Transportation, which requires them to pass a test. Similar to Muggles and driving tests, but with slightly more chance of leaving your legs at home.

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Ron Splinched Homepage Carousel

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Apparition is so tricky because it requires a high level of mental skill – a level that most wizards, especially kids, are not capable of. When teaching Harry’s class in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*, Apparition Instructor Wilkie Twycross described the spell as consisting of three Ds: ‘Destination, Determination and Deliberation’. This, as you can imagine, leads to some wizards having their minds in two places at once, which usually ends in Splinching – having body parts in two places at once, as Ron gruesomely demonstrated in *Deathly Hallows*.

## Non-verbal spells and wandless magic

As already established, magic is a difficult thing. But for difficulty level extreme, you need to go silent, or even hands-free.

Non-verbal spells are those typically performed with a wand, but without saying the incantation out loud. The advantage, according to Professor Snape, is that ‘those who progress to using magic without shouting incantations gain an element of surprise in their spell-casting’. But it’s a feat that requires enormous ‘concentration and mind power’, with the spell-caster having to summon the spell in their mind, rather than out loud. It’s the difference between learning the alphabet, and having to read *War and Peace* – the students of Hogwarts experience it in their sixth year, when they’re expected to perform only non-verbal spells from then on.

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Even harder than that, however, is wandless magic. To perform magic without a wand is beyond most wizards. As much like fire, magic can be raging, chaotic and volatile – that’s why wizards use wands to channel it – and requires the utmost skill and discipline to control. Wandless magic is like riding a bike with no hands. During an earthquake.

## Patronus Charm

To cast the Patronus Charm successfully, the wizard casting it must concentrate, with all their might, on the happiest memory they have: it’s fuel for the Patronus, which is a projection of positive energy. They must then draw circles with their wand, and say the incantation ‘Expecto Patronum’. If it works, then there are two forms of Patronus that can be cast. A non-corporeal one, which is just a burst of silver light from the wand; or a fully formed corporeal guardian, taking the shape of the animal that best reflects the caster’s personality.

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Harry's stag patronus charges across the lake towards the Dementors.

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To cast either is an achievement, although the latter is so difficult as to be considered unusual. This is because very few wizards possess the skill to concentrate on both the spell and their emotions. Even so, Harry Potter was able to master the spell in his own time at Hogwarts – making him one of the youngest wizards to do so – and he even taught it to members of Dumbledore’s Army, way beyond their years.

## Occlumency

A spell that Harry certainly did not master during his time at Hogwarts was Occlumency, the obscure and ancient art of closing your mind against Legilimens, those who intrude upon other people’s minds. In terms of difficulty, it is probably on the same level as the Patronus Charm, but both demand very different disciplines, one which Harry excelled at, and one he just couldn’t nail.

Because while the Patronus Charm requires you to embrace emotion, Occlumency requires you to empty yourself of it – to clear your mind. Only then will you be able to prevent a Legilimens from discovering any feeling or thought, because there are no feelings or thoughts to discover.

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Draco Malfoy attempts to attack Dumbledore under Lord Voldemort's instruction.

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So Occlumency requires a certain type of mentality to work. This is why Draco Malfoy, who had to use Occlumency to hide his plan to kill Dumbledore in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*, excelled where Harry had failed.

In an interview in 2005, J.K. Rowling even confirmed as much: ‘I think Draco would be very gifted in Occlumency,’ she said, ‘unlike Harry. Harry’s problem with it was always that his emotions were too near the surface and that he is in some ways too damaged. But he’s also very in touch with his feelings about what’s happened to him. He’s not repressed, he’s quite honest about facing them, and he couldn’t suppress them, he couldn’t suppress these memories. But I thought of Draco as someone who is very capable of compartmentalising his life and his emotions, and always has done.’

## Flight

If Lord Voldemort wasn’t one of the most evil wizards the wizarding world has ever known, then he would surely be remembered as one of its most brilliant. Case in point: he achieved what was long thought to be a magical impossibility, and invented a spell that allows the user to fly. Not levitate, not ride a broom, but fly unaided high among the clouds. How incredible is that? It’s just a shame that his first public display of it was an attempt to kill Harry.

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It happened during the chapter ‘The Seven Potters’, when the Order of the Phoenix were trying to move Harry to a safe location, but were attacked on the way. 

> And then Harry saw him. Voldemort was flying like smoke on the wind, without broomstick or Thestral to hold him, his snake-like face gleaming out of the blackness, his white fingers raising his wand again.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

Given that only Voldemort could perform it, there’s no way of knowing for sure how difficult flying is. But given that he was the first wizard in all of history to create such a spell, it’s safe to assume that Madam Hooch has nothing to worry about.

## Creating a Horcrux

And so we arrive at creating a Horcrux, one of the – if not the – most difficult and extreme pieces of magic the wizarding world has to offer, for various reasons.

A Horcrux is created when a wizard takes an object and binds a piece of their soul to it. The purpose is immortality, with the logic going that as long as a piece of your soul survives within the object, then you can never truly die. It’s magic so Dark, so heinous, that it was kept a secret from most of the wizarding world. Yet despite many trying, there are only two known wizards to have discovered how to perform it: an Ancient Greek Dark wizard called Herpo the Foul, who created one Horcrux; and Voldemort, who mastered the spell and created seven. Again, as with flight, it’s an example of how Tom Riddle’s exceptional talents were twisted into evil.

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Slytherin's Locket and Voldemort's Horcrux 

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The actual process of creating a Horcrux is unknown; according to J.K. Rowling, it involves a spell and a ‘series of things you would have to do’ that are ‘too horrible’ to say out loud. What we do know, however, is how to split a soul – murder. According to Horace Slughorn, murder is, ‘the supreme act of evil... Killing rips the soul apart. The wizard intent upon creating a Horcrux would use the damage to his advantage: he would then encase the torn portion.’

As with the Unforgivable Curses, the difficulty of splitting your soul depends upon what kind of person you are – on how easy you would find it to kill.

But then, beyond splitting your soul, beyond the mysterious process of welding a piece of it on to an object, there’s also the matter of simply existing. For to split your soul means to have less of a soul to live with. By splitting his into seven parts, the remnant of Voldemort’s soul was said to have become unstable – which is part of the reason why it finally broke apart when he tried to murder baby Harry in Godric’s Hollow. What followed next was the toughest part of creating a Horcrux – the physical body being destroyed. You live on, you see, but in a non-corporeal form. Voldemort described it in *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*: ‘I was ripped from my body, I was less than spirit, less than the meanest ghost… but still, I was alive.’

As Professor Slughorn once said, ‘Death would be preferable.’

Pottermore’s guide to throwing a Harry Potter party

PMARCHIVE-Pottermore’s guide to throwing a Harry Potter party

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Luna speaking to Sanguine at Slughorn's party 

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In celebration of [Harry Potter Book Night](http://www.harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/uk/harry-potter-book-night/), we’re not letting the kids have all the fun.

If you are to throw a Harry Potter party, Pottermore decrees that you take the time to Potter-ise your party in the following ways. Otherwise no one will show up and everyone will stop being your friend. Okay, we’re joking. (Or are we?)

## Invitations

Before the party has even begun, make sure you get your guests on-side as soon as possible for the greatest Potter extravaganza there ever was. This could only mean one thing. No, not going round to their house and humming *Hedwig’s Theme* on your knees for five hours. Writing out your invitations in the style of Hogwarts letters, of course!

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ML Hogwarts Letters close up Graphic Art of the Harry Potter films

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For this, we recommend a green pen/felt-tip and some teabags. Not to make a weird cup of tea, but to create the desired effect to emulate the iconic Hogwarts invitations. Simply stain a normal piece of paper with a used teabag and leave it to dry. Voila: you have some makeshift parchment. The Hogwarts letters are famously written in green ink, so unless you want to lose points for authenticity, invest in some more exciting stationery. Extra house points if you name a specific room they’re likely to be in.

If you wanted to go a little off-kilter, you could try the Weasley method of mail, and smother your invites in hundreds of stamps, if you don’t mind buying hundreds of stamps for a hilarious joke.

Failing all of this: Facebook.

## Decor

First of all, you must make sure your home is suitably magical and up to scratch for all to see. After all, you’ve got Hogwarts to live up to, and Hogwarts is a giant castle with endless possibilities, moving staircases and an enchanted ceiling that looks like the actual sky. No pressure, but you don’t have any of this.

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decorations in the Great Hall for the Yule Ball 

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So you can’t have talking portraits or floating candles or even a suit of armour (unless you recently struck gold at your local car boot sale), but don’t let your Muggle feng shui hinder you. Be creative. Buy toy owls and place them at strategic points of your home. Go for a green, blue, yellow and red colour scheme to honour the Hogwarts houses.

And for heaven’s sake, if you really want to try your hand at floating candles, get some artificial tea lights like a responsible adult hosting a Harry Potter party.

## Snacks

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WB F6 Slughorn Christmas food table HP6D-05624

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Food is a very important part of the wizarding world, and only 80 per cent of it is eaten by Ron Weasley. If you are to throw the ultimate Harry Potter party, you will need to have the ultimate Harry Potter party snacks – but what the heck are Harry Potter snacks and can you get them from the shop down the road?

Never fear. Now, we’re not asking you to bake a batch of Pumpkin Pasties from scratch (feel free to send some over in the post if you do), but there are hundreds of ways you can feed your guests and have them feel like they’re over at one of Slughorn’s legendary Christmas parties rather than just your house. Lay out some sherbet lemons, Professor Dumbledore’s favourite. Get some corned beef sandwiches, Ron Weasley style. Make your own ‘Happy Birthday ’Arry’ cake! Eat half the snacks and say that Crabbe and Goyle popped by beforehand!

If you want to go for more detail, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London has a number of themed Harry Potter confectioneries, such as actual Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs, but if you don’t fancy unexpected sausage-flavoured sweets, you could buy normal jelly beans and tell everyone Bertie’s been cutting corners.

## Music

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*Hedwig’s Theme* on loop over and over, until your guests descend into insanity, of course! Or you could arrange everyone into a rousing singalong to ‘Hoggy Warty Hogwarts’. Remember, any tune is allowed, so if you ever fancied singing the lyrics along to your favourite Rihanna track – that time has finally come. We would’ve been so cool at Hogwarts.

## Drinks

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Now, we know Gigglewater isn’t real, but any drink can be Gigglewater if you really put your mind to it. 

The art of Harry Potter punning and cocktails is a time-honoured tradition for Harry Potter party planners, so do invent a bunch of drinks and label them wisely.

We’re loath to take away this chance for you to be creative, but if you don’t have any Voldemortinis, Tom Collins Creeveys, Aunt Marge-ritas, White Wine Hagrid-zers, Daiquiri-us Smiths, Tequila Mad-Eye-ze, or Ginny Weasley ‘n’ tonics, then you’ve only got yourself to blame.

## Outfits

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Ron and Harry looking at their dress robes from the Goblet of Fire

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Yes, you could all purchase some robes or draw a scar on your forehead in eyeliner. But you could also make yourself some actual radish earrings, à la Luna Lovegood, or even get the old PVA glue out and try your hand at creating her famous Gryffindor lion hat. Think outside the box! Draw spiders on your face like you’re about to be devoured by some Acromantula! Cover yourself in pretend Splinch wounds! Just have a bit of fun, is all we’re saying.

## Games

PMARCHIVE-WB F1 Wizards Chess Harry Ron Hermione Crossing chess board 8637 YW24X63JssAOeeycsOke6-b3

WB F1 Wizards Chess Harry Ron Hermione Crossing chess board 8637

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In the wizarding world, the characters love to wind down with some Exploding Snap, Gobstones or a bit of wizard chess. Now, we hasten to remind you that you have none of these.

But never fear, there are tonnes of Muggle ways to also have fun – and that’s our story and we’re sticking to it. Try some drinking games, like sitting in a circle and trying to name as many Harry Potter characters beginning with M as you can. The loser must be punished with a Voldemortini. Will his reign of terror ever end?

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Voldemort WB F7 VoldemortAndDeathEatersInMalfoyManor Still 080615 Land

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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We hope these tips help provide you with the ultimate Harry Potter party, with the Pottermore stamp of approval. We will be patiently waiting for our invite.

The chapter that made us fall in love with… Professor McGonagall 

PMARCHIVE-The chapter that made us fall in love with… Professor McGonagall 

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WB F8 Battle of Hogwarts Weasleys McGonagall students Great Hall HPDH2-06525

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It was very tough to sift through the impossibly tall and swaying stack of rousing moments Professor McGonagall gave us during Harry’s Hogwarts years. After all, the steely Head of Gryffindor house had always been a winning combination of no-nonsense and compassion: she was a character carefully crafted with light and shade all wrapped up in a neat, tight bun. 

We’ve always enjoyed the subtle wink of Professor McGonagall, that wink that told us she wasn’t all strict – and despite her resolute veneer, she was actually one of the most supportive and considerate teachers in Hogwarts. When Neville Longbottom was dismayed with his O.W.L. results, McGonagall, in her very matter-of-fact way, supported him. When Harry Potter yelled at Professor Umbridge vowing Lord Voldemort had returned, McGonagall reacted to a student waging war with a fellow teacher by offering him a biscuit. 

We must also commend McGonagall for being the rock that Professor Dumbledore needed. On the terrible night of Lily and James Potter’s deaths, for example, it was she who was by his side to deliver a baby Harry on to his new life.

Eventually, we landed on the penultimate chapter of tension in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*, right before the Battle of Hogwarts, where McGonagall shone brighter than ever. 

## ‘The Sacking of Severus Snape’ 

After a broken year at Hogwarts, with Severus Snape appointed headmaster, and the awful Alecto and Amycus Carrow replacing Professor McGonagall as deputy headmasters (don’t even get us started on this…), the Head of Gryffindor house was somehow still a tower of strength when we bumped into her again, on the cusp of a great battle.

PMARCHIVE-Hogwarts PM B7C36M1 BigBattleAtHogwarts Moment 3zMynBy1EAG88EI8CEMgK4-b2

Hogwarts PM B7C36M1 BigBattleAtHogwarts Moment

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It’s not actually the Battle of Hogwarts itself for which we choose to commend McGonagall, but those stolen minutes before Voldemort stormed the castle, when Harry returned and the revolt began. Before all of that got going, McGonagall had some staff restructuring to do.

## A natural leader 

As you know, for the majority of the books Professor McGonagall gracefully played second fiddle to Albus Dumbledore’s headmaster. After his death at the hands of her own colleague Snape (for reasons she didn’t realise at the time), we can’t even fathom how horrendous Hogwarts must have been during Harry’s would-have-been final year, especially having to work under the man who killed her good friend.

In the wake of Voldemort’s ascent, Hogwarts became a shadow of its former self, with the Dark wizard having more control over the wizarding world. This particularly came into play when we saw that the Carrow siblings were now employed at the school, a pair of Death Eaters whose teaching methods included encouraging Unforgiveable Curses and using Muggle Studies as a platform to try to teach students that those without magic were inferior.

After a year of hell, Harry returned to Hogwarts to hunt down a Horcrux in Ravenclaw Tower, inevitably leading Voldemort towards the castle. He quickly found McGonagall in a deeply unpleasant altercation with Amycus Carrow, whose sister Alecto had just summoned the Dark Mark. We saw McGonagall use only words against Amycus, as the abhorrent Death Eater worried about not being able to find Harry, and suggested blaming Hogwarts students for triggering Alecto’s Dark Mark accidentally. However, Professor McGonagall wasn’t having any of it.

> ‘Only the difference between truth and lies, courage and cowardice,’ said Professor McGonagall, who had turned pale, ‘a difference, in short, which you and your sister seem unable to appreciate. But let me make one thing very clear. You are not going to pass off your many ineptitudes on the students of Hogwarts. I shall not permit it.’<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

There must have been many final straws for the always astute Minerva during this year, but she somehow managed to keep her cool in the face of such horrors, even when Amycus spat in her face. A far more emotionally lax Harry (hidden under his Invisibility Cloak) couldn’t take this, though, and instantly cursed Alecto. Unsurprisingly, McGonagall didn’t seem phased, and even scolded Harry for putting himself in danger. Even in the path of such cruel mistreatment, McGonagall was still intent on protecting those around her.

However, Harry’s return seemed to ignite a fire in McGonagall, who quickly went to find her abhorred boss Snape to curtly inform him of events.

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A head shot of Snape looking sideways from the Deathly Hallows Part 2 

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