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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

Spells all Muggles wish existed in real life 

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Dumbledore casting a red spell in the Ministry of Magic

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The thing about reading Harry Potter is that it’s just so vivid and magical, everyone wants to actually be in it. But if we really could use magic, which spells would be the most useful in our Muggle world? 

## Accio – the spell to summon things 

If wizards and Muggles have one thing in common, it’s that sitting down in comfortable chairs is fantastic. As such, the Summoning Charm – the spell that makes things fly towards you – is the ultimate dream. 

Think of it: ‘Accio remote.’ ‘Accio cup of tea.’ ‘Accio something stronger!’ The possibilities are endless when it comes to random objects flying toward you. 

We know this spell should be used for more productive situations, such as evading a fire-breathing Hungarian Horntail that’s about to set fire to you, but imagine being able to summon an ice cream without actually getting up.

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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and the Goblet of Fire

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## Alohomora – the spell to open doors 

A spell to open doors would certainly open a lot of, er, doors for Muggles, especially ones that have locked themselves outside of their house. However, access to such a spell may see an upsurge in Muggle theft. Maybe wizards have excellent Neighbourhood Watch schemes?

## Expelliarmus – the Disarming Charm 

Expelliarmus is one of Harry’s most used spells in the Harry Potter books, (seriously, Harry, mix things up a little) and we suspect this would also be the most used among Muggles too. Why? Because knocking things out of people’s hands is never not funny. This is probably why Harry used it on Voldemort all the time.

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Lord Voldemort is killed by his own rebounding spell in a battle against Harry in the great hall from the Deathly Hallows. 

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## The Permanent Sticking Charm 

The days of Blu Tack would finally be over. Yes, the Permanent Sticking Charm is one for all the DIY lovers out there, as it allows the user to forever attach something to something else. The Black family used such a charm to allow the portrait of Sirius’s pure-blood obsessed mother Walburga to remain stuck to the walls of number twelve, Grimmauld Place forever; the ultimate dream of any DIY enthusiast. 

Mind you, Muggles should think twice about sticking things to themselves, such as their favourite hats or favourite romantic partners. 

## Obliviate – the memory charm 

Although memories are precious, this charm wouldn’t half come in useful for a couple of things. Say for instance, you get someone’s name wrong at a party. ‘Obliviate!’ Or you get fired. ‘Obliviate!’ No problem can’t be fixed. 

## Expecto Patronum – a spell that conjures a guardian to protect us 

We all know that Expecto Patronum is the spell that helps banish Dementors – the dark, joy-devouring, will-to-live-sucking creatures that guard Azkaban. Although we don’t come across these creatures *ourselves* very much, having a silver guardian which basically takes on the animal image of our soul would still be really cool. Yep, that’s our entire argument on this one.

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Harry teaches Dumbledore's Army how to do the Patronus spell.

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## Scourgify – the cleaning spell

Wizards can do many great and inspiring things, but the fact that there is a piece of magic that makes dishes clean themselves is a genuine miracle. 

## Wingardium Leviosa – the spell that makes things float 

It is one of the first charms that Harry ever learns, and we can see why. How great would it be to make anything fly around whenever we want? Like ourselves, for example. Also, we’ve been eyeing up those floating candles for our own dinner parties for years.

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## Silencio – the spell that silences another 

You know when you’re talking to someone and you just wish they weren’t making sound anymore? Silencio would make life so much easier. 

## Glisseo – the slide spell 

It is probably the most important spell in the entire wizarding world, and yet it doesn’t get the recognition it so sorely deserves. We are, of course, talking about Glisseo – the spell that turns staircases into slides. What could be more important? In fact, forget the other spells, let’s just make everything into slides forever.

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

Things you may not have noticed about Hermione 

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Snape teaching potions from the Philosopher's Stone 

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Here are some things you might not know about [Miss Granger](/features/hermione-granger "Hermione Granger"), plus a few details you may have missed on your first read…

## Her name has roots in Greek mythology… 

‘Hermione’ is the female derivative of ‘Hermes’, a messenger god known for his sharp wit and ability to transition between worlds. Quite fittingly, Hermione transitioned between the Muggle and wizarding worlds, delivered information (seriously, has nobody else read *Hogwarts: A History*?) and was pretty sharp-witted herself.

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Hermione - Jim Kay[1]

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## … and was a bit tricky for some readers

Did you have trouble pronouncing Hermione's name when you first read the books? Well, we weren’t the only ones. In an interview from 1999, J.K. Rowling admitted that quite a lot of people ask her how you actually say it. Eventually, in *Goblet of Fire*, Hermione confirmed the phonetics of her name once and for all for Viktor Krum (and some of us at home too). And no, it wasn’t pronounced ‘Herm-own-ninny.’

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Viktor Krum and Hermione Dancing at the Yule Ball

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## She nearly had a sister

When [Harry](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter") and [Ron](/features/ron-weasley "Ron Weasley") first met Hermione on the [Hogwarts Express](/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-hogwarts-express "The Hogwarts Express by J.K. Rowling"), she told them: ‘Nobody in my family’s magic at all.’ While it’s possible she meant her extended family, there may be a reason Hermione didn’t say: ‘My parents aren’t magic.’ In a 2004 interview with the BBC on World Book Day, J.K. Rowling revealed the following: 

‘I always planned that Hermione would have a younger sister but she’s never made an appearance and somehow it feels like it might be too late now.’

Darn.

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Hermione opens her hate mail from readers of the Daily Prophet.

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## She wasn’t good at everything! 

Hermione may have been the brightest witch of her age, but there were one or two things she never got the hang of. For example, unlike Harry, she struggled a little when it came to producing a [Patronus](/features/expecto-patronum "Expecto Patronum"). She often lost at [wizard chess](/features/wizard-chess "Wizard chess") (which Ron and Harry thought was ‘very good for her’) and she wasn’t much of a knitter if her [house-elf](/features/house-elves "House-elves") fashion line was anything to go by. Oh, and her first flying lesson didn’t go too smoothly either:

> Hermione Granger’s had simply rolled over on the ground and Neville’s hadn’t moved at all. Perhaps brooms, like horses, could tell when you were afraid, thought Harry. 
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

Let’s not forget the short-lived spell in [Professor Trelawney’s](/features/sybill-trelawney "Sybill Trelawney") Divination class. Ron touched a nerve when he said Hermione didn’t like ‘being rubbish at something for a change’. But looking back to the first book, she was always sceptical about Divination. 

> ‘Anyway, who says the centaurs are right? It sounds like fortune-telling to me, and Professor McGonagall says that’s a very imprecise branch of magic.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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## Her greatest fear was probably failure

> ‘I wish I could have had a turn with the Boggart –’ 
> ‘What would it have been for you?’ said Ron, sniggering. ‘A piece of homework that only got nine out of ten?’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

Ron was joking (as he often does) but he was actually very close to the truth. Part of the reason Hermione worked so hard was that she was terrified of getting things wrong and letting people down – a common trait among high achievers. 

Hermione did everything perfectly until she reached the trunk with the [Boggart](/features/boggarts "Boggarts") in it. After about a minute inside it, she burst out again, screaming. 

> ‘Hermione!’ said Lupin, startled. ‘What’s the matter?’ 
> 
> ‘P-P-Professor McGonagall!’ Hermione gasped, pointing into the trunk. ‘Sh-she said I’d failed everything!’ 
*Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

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## Something made her blush during Potions…

You might have noticed that Hermione detected an unnamed third scent in the [Amortentia](/features/love-potion-guide-hogwarts-most-intoxicating-tonic "The love potion: a guide to Hogwarts’ most intoxicating tonic"):

> ‘It’s the most powerful love potion in the world!’ said Hermione. 
> ‘Quite right! You recognised it, I suppose, by its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen?’ 
> ‘And the steam rising in characteristic spirals,’ said Hermione enthusiastically, ‘and it’s supposed to smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us, and I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and –’ 
> But she turned slightly pink and did not complete the sentence. 
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*

In a 2007 webchat, J.K. Rowling identified the smell as being Ron’s hair, saying: ‘Every individual has very distinctive-smelling hair, don’t you find?’ No wonder Hermione went quiet!

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## … and her Patronus was quite revealing, too 

> Hermione’s Patronus, a shining silver otter, was gambolling around her. 
> ‘They are sort of nice, aren’t they?’ she said, looking at it fondly. 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

Otters, as you may know, are J.K. Rowling’s favourite animal. But did you know that the otter happens to be a member of the weasel family? How fascinating when we consider Hermione’s [future family ties!](/features/the-weasley-family-tree "The Weasley family tree")

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">I voted on this orphaned otter&#39;s name. My favourite animal named for one of my favourite characters! <a href="https://t.co/L8E9fueN7M">https://t.co/L8E9fueN7M</a>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/646716649031233536">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
## Her jibe to the Minister became a tad ironic

> ‘Are you planning to follow a career in Magical Law, Miss Granger?’ asked Scrimgeour. 
> ‘No I’m not,’ retorted Hermione. ‘I’m hoping to do some good in the world!’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

In the end, she managed to do both. Driven by her earlier efforts to liberate house-elves, one of Hermione’s early jobs post-Hogwarts was at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures to further their cause. After that, she went directly against what she said to Scrimgeour and worked in the actual Department of Magical Law Enforcement where she became ‘a progressive voice who ensured the eradication of oppressive, [pro-pureblood](/writing-by-jk-rowling/pure-blood "Pure-Blood by J.K. Rowling") laws’ (J. K. Rowling, in a 2007 Bloomsbury webchat).

In fact, Hermione ended up having quite a few jobs in the magical law ballpark... Those who have seen or read *Cursed Child* will know what we mean!

The best Lavender Brown-isms

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Lavender Brown writes a love message to Ron on the window of the Hogwarts Express.

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She’d been around since Harry’s first year, but for a while we didn’t hear much from good ol’ Lavender. Once we did we discovered a wise, profound character who had a way of making us think a little deeper about life. Okay, not really. But nonetheless, Lavender Brown was a witch with quite the turn of phrase.

Funny, gullible, and often smitten: here are some of our favourite Lavenderisms…

## Her inner eye 

In their first Divination class, Professor Trelawney famously discovered the Grim in Harry’s cup. From that moment on, Lavender and Parvati spent the majority of the year speaking to Harry in hushed tones as if he were about to die. Nice.

> 
> There was an intake of breath from behind him and both Lavender and Parvati whispered, ‘Oooh, no, Harry, remember your tea leaves!’ 
 *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

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## Believing the unbelievable

Professor Trelawney predicted that the ‘moment she was dreading’ would come on 16 October. Using true Lavender-logic, she was immediately convinced that the untimely demise of her pet rabbit on this very date (well, technically the day before, but she *found out* on the sixteenth) was definitely something ‘she had been dreading’ and not a total coincidence. 

> ‘The sixteenth of October! “That thing you’re dreading, it will happen on the sixteenth of October!” Remember? She was right, she was right!’
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

## Stepping right in it

Who could forget this classic moment when Lavender and Ron enjoyed a bit of planet-spotting? 

> Seamus and Dean, who were working nearby, sniggered loudly, though not loudly enough to mask the excited squeals from Lavender Brown – ‘Oh, Professor, look! I think I’ve got an unaspected planet! Oooh, which one’s that, Professor?’ 

> ‘It is Uranus, my dear,’ said Professor Trelawney, peering down at the chart. 

> ‘Can I have a look at Uranus, too, Lavender?’ said Ron.
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

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## The squeal and giggle combo

Alongside her words of wisdom, Lavender also came with her own sound effects, most commonly the squeal and the giggle.

She squealed at the Blast-Ended Skrewts, the Hippogriffs and the predictions of Professor Trelawney (to name but a few). The rest of the time, Lavender-life was a laugh riot. She giggled at many inappropriate moments, such as when Harry asked her to go to the ball with Ron, or when Umbridge told the students they would all be friends (this was actually fantastic comic timing). 

One of the best was when Professor McGonagall tried to be the life of the party. A Lavender giggle could perfectly articulate any Hogwarts moment.

> ‘The Yule Ball is of course a chance for us all to – er – let our hair down,’ she said, in a disapproving voice. 

> Lavender giggled harder than ever, with her hand pressed hard against her mouth to stifle the sound. Harry could see what was funny this time: Professor McGonagall, with her hair in a tight bun, looked as though she had never let her hair down in any sense. 
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

## Terms of endearment

The big one. The one that might have had adult Lavender put her head in her hands and wish it had never happened. A nickname for the ages, more iconic than ‘The Boy Who Lived’...

> But at that moment there was a loud squeal of ‘Won-Won!’ and Lavender Brown came hurtling out of nowhere and flung herself into Ron’s arms.
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*

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## The chronicles of Won-Won

Ah, the great love story that never quite was: Ron and Lavender. 

Who could forget some of their classic moments together, like that time when Ron got poisoned and Lavender was totally sensitive about it? We can’t believe these guys never worked it out.

> ‘Friends, don’t make me laugh,’ said Lavender scornfully. ‘She didn’t talk to him for weeks after he started going out with me! But I suppose she wants to make up with him now he’s all interesting …’ 

> ‘Would you call getting poisoned being interesting?’ asked Harry.
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*

Lav-Lav, never change.

33 thoughts Crookshanks must have had during Prisoner of Azkaban 

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> ‘You bought that monster?’ said Ron, his mouth hanging open. 
> ‘He’s gorgeous, isn’t he?’ said Hermione, glowing. 
> That was a matter of opinion, thought Harry. The cat’s ginger fur was thick and fluffy, but it was definitely a bit bow-legged and its face looked grumpy and oddly squashed, as though it had run headlong into a brick wall. Now that Scabbers was out of sight, however, the cat was purring contentedly in Hermione’s arms. 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

1. Hmm, there seems to be a rat in Animagus form over there. Someone should probably sort that.
2. Thank goodness this Hermione girl seems smarter than that one.
3. He clearly fancies her, by the way. 
4. I will keep a close watch on these two. 

> A small wickerwork basket stood beside the heap of trunks, spitting loudly. 
> ‘It’s all right, Crookshanks,’ Hermione cooed through the wickerwork, ‘I’ll let you out on the train.’ 
> ‘You won’t,’ snapped Ron. ‘What about poor Scabbers, eh?’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

5. This wicker basket is making a mockery of me.
6. What does Hermione see in this guy? Seriously? 

> The Hogwarts Express moved steadily north and the scenery outside the window became wilder and darker while the clouds overhead thickened… Crookshanks had now settled in an empty seat, his squashed face turned towards Ron, his yellow eyes on Ron’s top pocket. 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

7. Peace at last. 
8. I will now proceed to stare out this Animagus fool for the entirety of the journey. 

> George Weasley made a lunge for Crookshanks but missed; Scabbers streaked through twenty pairs of legs and shot beneath an old chest of drawers. Crookshanks skidded to a halt, crouched low on his bandy legs and started making furious swipes beneath the chest of drawers with his front paw. 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

9. That’s right, foolish humans. Protect the traitor Animagus. 

> ‘There’s something funny about that animal!’ said Ron, who was trying to persuade a frantically wiggling Scabbers back into his pocket. ‘It heard me say that Scabbers was in my bag!’ 
> ‘Oh, what rubbish,’ said Hermione impatiently. 
*Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

10. Well done, silly human. Well done. 

> ‘You know, I reckon Ron was right about you,’ Harry told Crookshanks suspiciously. ‘There are plenty of mice around this place, go and chase them.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

11. Some ‘Boy Who Lived’ you are, kid. 

> Hermione had just come in, wearing her dressing-gown and carrying Crookshanks, who was looking very grumpy, with a string of tinsel tied around his neck. 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

12. This is the worst day of my life.

> ‘HE’S GONE! AND YOU KNOW WHAT WAS ON THE FLOOR?’ 
> …Ron threw something down onto Hermione’s Rune translation… Lying on top of the weird, spiky shapes were several long, ginger cat hairs. 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

13. Trust me, humans. If I’d caught the Animagus traitor I’d be doing little cat backflips right now.

> …it had emerged: a gigantic, shaggy black dog, moving stealthily across the lawn, Crookshanks trotting at its side. 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

14. Of course the best conversation I have all year is with a guy everyone thinks is a bloodthirsty murderer.

> Crookshanks darted forwards. He slithered between the battering branches like a snake and placed his front paws upon a knot on the trunk… 
> ‘Crookshanks!’ Hermione whispered uncertainly. She now grasped Harry’s arm painfully hard. ‘How did he know –?’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

15. Come on Hermione, it’s not rocket science. Not that rocket science is hard in the slightest.

> ‘He’s friends with that dog,’ said Harry grimly. ‘I’ve seen them together.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

16. Don’t call my intellectual equal ‘that dog’, foolish human.
17. I’m looking for a ‘You were totally right, Crookshanks!’ party when all this is over, by the way. 

> On a magnificent four-poster bed with dusty hangings, lay Crookshanks, purring loudly at the sight of them. On the floor beside him, clutching his leg, which stuck out at a strange angle, was Ron. 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

18. I should feel bad for him, but I kind of don’t. Sorry not sorry. 

> …Crookshanks sank his claws into Black’s robes and wouldn’t shift. He turned his ugly, squashed face to Harry, and looked up at him with those great yellow eyes. To his right, Hermione gave a dry sob. 
> Harry stared down at Black and Crookshanks, his grip tightening on the wand. So what if he had to kill the cat, too? It was in league with Black… 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

19. You will not kill us, foolish human. 
20. Do I have to wear a ‘Sirius Black did not betray your parents’ sign?

> ‘That’s not a rat,’ croaked Sirius Black suddenly. 
> ‘What d’you mean – of course he’s a rat –’ 
> ‘No, he’s not,’ said Lupin quietly. ‘He’s a wizard.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

21. TOLD YOU. HONESTLY. 

> ‘An Animagus,’ said Black, ‘by the name of Peter Pettigrew.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

22. Oh sorry, what’s that sound?
23. Sounds peculiarly like a penny dropping. How strange.

> ‘Peter Pettigrew’s dead!’ said Harry. ‘He killed him twelve years ago!’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

24. Oh come on, we’re going to be here all day. 
 25. It’s like trying to teach the alphabet to three trolls. 

> ‘He’s the most intelligent of his kind I’ve ever met. He recognised Peter for what he was straight away. And when he met me, he knew I was no dog.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

26. FINALLY. 
27. My brilliance is recognised. All hail me, humans!

> ‘He tried to bring Peter to me, but couldn’t... so he stole the passwords into Gryffindor Tower for me... As I understand it, he took them from a boy’s bedside table...’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

28. Sometimes I’m so clever I surprise myself.
29. Just kidding, I’m never surprised. 

> ‘But Peter got wind of what was going on and ran for it... this cat – Crookshanks, did you call him? – told me Peter had left blood on the sheets... I suppose he bit himself... well, faking his own death had worked once.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

30. Not that I didn’t enjoy being yelled at and thrown about like a sack every time I tried to catch him for you, though. 
31. Come along, foolish humans. All hail Crookshanks. 

> 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. 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

32. Oh, yes, that’s right. Just rub my nose against any old thing every time you want to check someone’s not an Animagus traitor. 
33. I better be getting some delicious dead spiders after this godawful year.

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Crookshanks Carousel 

The top 9 coolest pubs and shops in the wizarding world

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The Weasleys and the Malfoys square up to each other in a crowded bookshop.

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From Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade, there were an enticing variety of unusual emporiums to visit in the wizarding world. From joke shops to sweet shops, from apothecaries to banks, there was truly something for every witch or wizard. Here are some of the shops and pubs that would make for the ultimate day out.

## Ollivanders

Ollivanders was the cramped, dusty hotspot for wizards hoping to get their hands on a wand (or, rather, for the wand to get its hands on a wizard). Ollivanders was a pivotal moment for Harry realising his wizarding potential. After all, it was one of the first places he visited in Diagon Alley and where he acquired his all-important 11-inch holly and phoenix feather wand. But there was also a lot of personal value for Harry at Ollivanders. The misty-eyed, soft-spoken owner was also one of the first people in the wizarding world to talk to Harry about his parents. For an orphan who had only recently learned the truth about his mum and dad, this must’ve been a really special moment.

> ‘You have your mother’s eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work.’  
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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DiagonAlley PM B1C5M4 HarryAtOllivanders Moment

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## The apothecary 

The walls of the apothecary were lined with unicorn horns and black beetle eyes. The shop had an… interesting aroma to it, but it was a perfect spot for stocking up on potion ingredients. If you had a proper rummage around, who knew what manner of oddities lay on its shelves?

> Then they visited the apothecary’s, which was fascinating enough to make up for its horrible smell, a mixture of bad eggs and rotted cabbages. Barrels of slimy stuff stood on the floor, jars of herbs, dried roots and bright powders lined the walls, bundles of feathers, strings of fangs and snarled claws hung from the ceiling.  
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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

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## Honeydukes

Where else could you pick up a Chocolate Frog or a jar of Pepper Imps or even some of Dumbledore’s favourite goodies, Acid Pops, but in Honeydukes? The famous Hogsmeade establishment was one of Harry, Ron and Hermione’s most-frequented places and it was well known by Hogwarts students for the oodles of exotic confectionery it stocked. Ron, especially, was a strong advocate for its business.

> ‘It’s this sweetshop,’ said Ron, a dreamy look coming over his face, ‘where they’ve got everything ...’  
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

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Honeydukes PM B3C10M2 HoneydukesInterior Moment

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## The Magical Menagerie

Filled to the gunwales with all manner of magical creatures, the Magical Menagerie was best-known for being the place where Hermione met Crookshanks, the once-neglected ginger cat. It was exactly the kind of unkempt, slightly chaotic establishment that fit well into Diagon Alley.

> There wasn’t much room inside. Every inch of wall was hidden by cages. It was smelly and very noisy because the occupants of these cages were all squeaking, squawking, jabbering or hissing.  
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

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## Flourish and Blotts

A good bookshop is something to treasure and, despite being in the wizarding world, Flourish and Blotts was no different. A dusty treasure trove of literature, it was absolutely perfect for any budding wizard hoping to catch up on their reading (providing you could actually open the book, in the case of *The Monster Book of Monsters*).

> The shelves were stacked to the ceiling with books as large as paving stones bound in leather; books the size of postage stamps in covers of silk; books full of peculiar symbols and a few books with nothing in them at all.  
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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Queues spiral around the shop to meet Lockhart at his book signing in Flourish and Blotts. 

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## Gringotts

While strictly not a shop, you certainly couldn’t shop without it. Gringotts was an essential part of Diagon Alley experience, and the street would be a lesser place without the grand bank, which was run by a team of grumpy goblins. Also, who doesn’t love a rollicking, slightly dangerous-sounding cart ride in order to draw out a bit of cash?

> ‘Gringotts is the safest place in the world fer anything yeh want ter keep safe – ’cept maybe Hogwarts.’  
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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Harry and Hagrid enter Gringotts for the first time.

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## The Leaky Cauldron

The Leaky Cauldron was never just your standard joint for a quick pint of Butterbeer. Without this iconic little pub, you’d be short of the gateway going into Diagon Alley, so we don’t think we’d be going out on a limb by saying that this is probably more than the average London pub offers. This was also the place where Harry truly realised he was kind of a big deal, and who doesn’t love good old Tom?

> It was a tiny, grubby-looking pub. If Hagrid hadn’t pointed it out, Harry wouldn’t have noticed it was there.  
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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Concept illustration of the Leaky Cauldron entrance

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