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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

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[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

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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

How Fred and George Weasley surprised everyone with common sense 

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Whether stumbling upon secret passageways out of the castle, or using their natural talent for causing chaos to help undermine Voldemort, there was more to ‘Gred’ and ‘Forge’ than just managing mischief. Their tricks often required intelligence, bravery… and sometimes even, most shockingly of all, common sense. 

## They proved that two heads were better than one

The twins may have only achieved three O.W.L.s each during their Hogwarts exams, but those boys were smarter in ways far deeper than the academic sense. When inventing, trialling and perfecting the various products they sold at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, for example, they proved they had more brain power than most.

And when the products started to sell, even their family were surprised. As Ron says in *Goblet of Fire*, ‘It was brilliant, I never knew they’d been inventing all that...’

> ‘We’ve been hearing explosions out of their room for ages, but we never thought they were actually making things,’ said Ginny, ‘we thought they just liked the noise.’<br>
>*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

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## We solemnly swear that they were secret hard workers

When the twins revealed the existence of the Marauder’s Map to Harry in *Prisoner of Azkaban*, the reader never questions how the twins actually figured out how to use the map. Fred and George were almost the ‘Marauders’ of a new generation, after all. 

But when you think about, it must have taken Fred and George no small amount of investigating, testing and spell-casting to discover that the phrase ‘I solemnly swear that I am up to no good’ was the key to unlocking the map. Did they stay up ‘til the early hours just saying various rebellious catchphrases until they fell upon the right one? This all just goes to show that Fred and George were able to apply themselves and work hard on the things that really mattered. Like spying on people.

> ‘And you know how to work it?’  
> ‘Oh yes,’ said Fred, smirking. ‘This little beauty’s taught us more than all the teachers in this school.’<br>  
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

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## They had creative solutions for their problems

Some wizards just shout ‘stupefy’ whenever a problem comes their way. (Harry, we’re looking at you.) But if Fred and George were to write a curriculum vitae, there’s no doubt that ‘creative problem-solving skills’ would be listed under personal attributes. The twins had a way of coming up with chaotic, incredible solutions to problems that no one else would even want to tackle.

For example, when faced with a problem such as Professor Umbridge, what could be a more logical response than placing a Portable Swamp in the hallway outside her office? 

> ‘So!’ said Umbridge triumphantly. Harry realised she was standing just a few stairs in front of him, once more looking down upon her prey. ‘So – you think it amusing to turn a school corridor into a swamp, do you?’<br>
> ‘Pretty amusing, yeah,’ said Fred, looking up at her without the slightest sign of fear.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

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Fred and George inside Weasley Wizard Wheezes.

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## Their plotting was positively Slytherin-esque

We’ve already established that the twins were far smarter than their O.W.L.s suggested, but some of their more nefarious schemes involved a great deal of strategy – and a ‘get out of Azkaban free’ card. 

When Fred and George gave Dudley Dursley his comeuppance in *Goblet of Fire*, they did so in a way that meant Dudley was the architect of his own misery – so that they were not entirely culpable. When the Weasleys picked Harry up from number four, Privet Drive for the Quidditch World Cup, and the twins ‘accidentally’ dropped toffees they were carrying and Dudley was quick to dive in.

> A bag of sweets had spilled out of Fred’s pocket and the contents were now rolling in every direction – big, fat toffees in brightly coloured wrappers.<br>
> Harry wheeled around. Dudley was no longer standing beside his parents. He was kneeling beside the coffee table, and he was gagging and sputtering on a foot long, purple, slimy thing that was protruding from his mouth. <br>
>*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

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## They commanded respect from the most unlikely of suspects

Fred and George’s names weren’t exactly synonymous with ‘respectability’ – but that all depended on who they were trying to get respect from. While the teachers of Hogwarts didn’t hold the twins in very high esteem (although we suspect that Professor McGonagall secretly loved them), there was one figure in the castle who certainly listened to what the twins had to say. 

When Fred and George made their dramatic exit from Hogwarts in *Order of the Phoenix* – unable to take any more of Umbridge being in charge – Peeves took their parting words to heart. 

> ‘Give her hell from us, Peeves.’<br>
> 
> And Peeves, whom Harry had never seen take an order from a student before, swept his belled hat from his head and sprang to a salute as Fred and George wheeled about to tumultuous applause from the students below and sped out of the open front doors into the glorious sunset.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

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## Their pranks had something of a snowball effect…

Fred and George carried out innumerable pranks during their years at Hogwarts – some more memorable than others. But even their smaller tomfooleries had serious potential... Take, for example, the time in *Philosopher’s Stone* when 13-year-old Fred and George bewitched snowballs to follow Professor Quirrell around, bouncing off the back of his turban. 

Professor Quirrell. Back of turban. 

The twins repeatedly hit Voldemort in the face. 

> The Weasley twins were punished for bewitching several snowballs, so that they followed Quirrell around, bouncing off the back of his turban.<br>
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

How Fred and George surprised everyone with common sense 

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

4 reasons you should become best friends with a Gryffindor

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## A Gryffindor is a friend for life

...Although *some* Gryffindors have their faults and may be vain or arrogant; remember that for every Neville Longbottom, there was a Cormac McLaggen. But as the enduring friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione proved, Gryffindors can also be the most devoted of friends. 

Not only did the friendship between the golden trio survive a Dark wizard, multiple near-death experiences and Ron and Hermione’s bickering, it also survived the test of time. As we saw in the epilogue in *Deathly Hallows*, Harry, Ron and Hermione still banded together at platform nine and three-quarters – this time sending their children off to Hogwarts. Yes, we cried. 

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## A Gryffindor friendship can overcome (almost) anything

One of the other most enduring friendships seen in the series was between the Marauders. James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew sure did wreak havoc and mayhem at Hogwarts – but we think they would also have done anything for each other when the laughs were over. When they discovered that Lupin was a werewolf, for example, the others spent three long years becoming unregistered Animagi just to support him. Talk about your squad goals.

The camaraderie between Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs was the stuff of Hogwarts legend – until, of course, Peter Pettigrew betrayed Lily and James. While that act well and truly cut him out of the friendship circle, the bond between Sirius and Remus survived. A moving scene in *Prisoner of Azkaban* sees the two old friends – rather the worse for wear – forgiving each other for their mistakes in the past. 

> ‘Not if he thought I was the spy, Peter,’ said Lupin. ‘I assume that’s why you didn’t tell me, Sirius?’ he said casually over Pettigrew’s head.<br>
> ‘Forgive me, Remus,’ said Black.<br>
> ‘Not at all, Padfoot, old friend,’ said Lupin, who was now rolling up his sleeves. ‘And will you, in turn, forgive me for believing you were the spy?’<br>
> ‘Of course,’ said Black, and the ghost of a grin flitted across his
> gaunt face.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

## True friendship requires bravery 

Bravery tends to come in useful when you’re duelling Dark wizards, but it also really helps when you’re confronting your friends.  

After all, true, lasting friendship means sometimes having to let the people you love know when they’re being an annoying git. And, seeing as Gryffindors can sometimes cross that fine line between chivalry and being said annoying git, it’s good to have a comrade on the sidelines to give it to you straight. 

Gryffindors are capable of being honest with you, because they’re courageous. But the reason they do it is because they care about you. 

> ‘There are all kinds of courage,’ said Dumbledore, smiling. ‘It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr Neville Longbottom.’<br>
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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Neville defies Lord Voldemort and holds the sword of Gryffindor in the aftermath of the Battle at Hogwarts.

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## Gryffindors protect their friends

You’ve got to hand it to Gryffindors: they will burn Hogwarts house points like nobody’s business when it comes to protecting their friends. 

Throughout the series, Gryffindors were seen sticking up for their pals in a whole manner of difficult and downright dangerous situations. There was Harry retrieving Neville’s Remembrall in *Philosopher’s Stone*, or Ron risking certain house point-culling by defending Hermione when Snape called her a know-it-all. 

And then there was the more serious stuff: like Hermione and Ron never letting Harry face Voldemort alone, right from when he tried to sneak past Fluffy in their first year to when they left the safety of their families to hunt Horcruxes. 

So Gryffindors may end up in a lot of sticky situations – but at least they’ll stick with you once you’re in one.

> ‘That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger,’ said Snape coolly. ‘Five more points from Gryffindor for being an insufferable know-it-all.’<br>
> Hermione went very red, put down her hands, and stared at the floor with her eyes full of tears. It was a mark of how much the class loathed Snape that they were all glaring at him, because every one of them had called Hermione a know-it-all at least once, and Ron, who told Hermione she was a know-it-all at least twice a week, said loudly, ‘You asked us a question and she knows the answer! Why ask if you don't want to be told?’<br>
>*Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

Get yourself a Gryffindor best friend. Those lion-hearted folk have got your back.  

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4 reasons your bestie should be a Gryffindor

Fred and George Weasley: Troublemakers-in-Chief

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Fred and George: Troublemakers in Chief

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[Full version](https://images.pottermore.com/bxd3o8b291gf/37FeGqjnK8Aou0gYWeQMw8/8464e58de1cb333c65f27966bd6a153b/Fred_and_George__Troublemakers_in_Chief.jpg)

[Text version](/about/fred-and-george-weasley-troublemakers-in-chief-infographic-text)

*Fred and George really knew their way around Hogwarts. [Discover the secret passages of Hogwarts here.](/feature/secret-passageways-and-hiding-places-infographic "Secret Passageways and Hiding Places of Hogwarts")*

Why being sorted is perhaps not as simple as it seems 

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Whenever the Sorting Hat sorted a brand-new, terrified and quivering Hogwarts student, it usually based its decision on a number of traits seen inside that person’s head. You all know the drill by this point, but just in case: students who were Gryffindors tended to be brave, Ravenclaws tended to be smart, Hufflepuffs tended to be kind, and Slytherins tended to be, contrary to popular belief, cunning and resourceful.

But it wasn’t necessarily that black and white…

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The Sorting Ceremony

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## Some Hogwarts students seemed to lean towards other houses 

Certain Hogwarts students we met seemed immediately perfect for their house – can you imagine Draco Malfoy in Hufflepuff? Exactly. There’d be chaos.

But then there were people like Hermione, as brave as she was smart, who must have been picked for Gryffindor over Ravenclaw on a knife’s edge. It’s not a surprise to learn that the hat took four minutes to sort her into one or the other – nearly resulting in a ‘Hatstall’, which is when the Sorting Hat takes more than five minutes to sort a student.

Neville was in a similar boat: although he was picked for Gryffindor, Neville often displayed traits of a Hufflepuff – especially with his endless kindness. He even asked the Sorting Hat to consider him for the house, resulting in another near-Hatstall. In his final year, after being known as meek and forgetful for most of his time at Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat proved it had been right in sorting Neville into Gryffindor. After all, he destroyed Nagini the snake with the Sword of Gryffindor itself at the Battle of Hogwarts: possibly the most Gryffindor thing someone could do.

But a little bit of Hufflepuff tradition always seemed alive in Neville, especially as he went on to become the Professor of Herbology – succeeding Professor Sprout, the former head of Hufflepuff. He also married a Hufflepuff, Hannah Abbott. So although Neville was one of the bravest characters in the series, we could always see a little glimmer of yellow residing inside him.



## Even the Sorting Hat could get stumped sometimes

Even holding an impossible, all-encompassing amount of knowledge didn’t mean the hat could just snap its fingers (if it had fingers, of course) and instantly know your house. Take the case of Minerva McGonagall, who took five and a half minutes to be sorted into Gryffindor over Ravenclaw; a testament to Minerva’s equal helpings of bravery and vast intelligence.

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## If students were sorted when they were older, would they be in different houses? 

First-year Hogwarts students were usually 11 when they started school and got sorted. But Peter Pettigrew, who wasn’t exactly an example of noble valour, was sorted into Gryffindor. As we know all too well, when Pettigrew got a little older, he became so invested in the Dark Lord that he betrayed Lily and James Potter – again, not really a sign of bravery. Although the hat is known to stubbornly reject any suggestion it may have picked wrongly, would Pettigrew really still have been a Gryffindor so many years later?



## A student’s house will often be the same as other family members – but not always

The Weasleys were notorious for usually turning out to be Gryffindors, and although the majority of this family of redheads were certainly very chivalrous, it took a long time for Percy Weasley to show his true red and gold colours. When Harry first met him, he was usually head-deep in a book, which was far more a trait of Ravenclaw. He was also known as furiously ambitious, which was much more the work of a Slytherin – especially when he became estranged from his family due to his work in the Ministry.

In the end, however, Percy’s Gryffindor stripes returned to him at the Battle of Hogwarts, where he hexed the Minister for Magic, Pius Thicknesse, and promptly resigned. Very Gryffindor.

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Bill and Charlie fight with tables in the Burrow's garden.

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## A student’s house preference makes a difference

Of course, where you’re destined to be is only one part of being sorted. Harry, for example, was plagued with horror stories about Slytherin before he even reached the Hogwarts gates, and desperately asked the hat to consider otherwise. Neville also struggled to believe he deserved to be a Gryffindor, the poor mite. 

Eventually the hat took into account Harry’s suggestion, a fact that Harry would later go on to tell his son, Albus Severus Potter. 

It goes to show that Dumbledore was right: ‘It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.’

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101 thoughts we had while watching Chamber of Secrets for the millionth time

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1.	The clouds! The clouds are parting…! 
2.	It’s the Harry Potter font, guys. Fist-bump. 
3.	‘I’ll be in my bedroom, making no noise, and pretending that I don’t exist.’ Even at this age D-Rad has such perfect, deadpan delivery.  
4.	Imagine being Harry and seeing a pointy-nosed, bat-eared creature jumping on your bed screeching delightedly. If it weren’t for the whole ‘magic’ thing you would assume malnutrition made him delirious. 
5.	It’s great how Dobby trying to ‘save Harry Potter’s life’ is always more like Dobby ‘trying to murder Harry Potter’. But he means well, bless him. 
6.	Uncle Vernon calling Ron and Hermione Harry’s ‘freaky little friends’, which is such a rubbish burn. 
7.	Fitting bars on his bedroom window is slightly more of a burn, admittedly.  
8.	It’s *that* flying Ford Anglia! Possibly our favourite bewitched vehicle ever. 
9.	The nerve of Uncle Vernon referring to Hedwig as a ‘bloody pigeon’ when Hedwig is probably more intelligent than his own son. 
10.	‘By the way, Harry – happy birthday.’ Ron remembers, because Harry’s friends are his family.  
11.	The Burrow is just how we always imagined it. Dishes magically washing themselves, Molly Weasley’s knitting magically click-clacking away.

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The outside of the Burrow from the Goblet of Fire 

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12.	The Weasley clock is always the best bit of The Burrow, though. Imagine actually owning one and stalking your room mates all the time.  
13.	Oh, Ginny. Just imagine running downstairs in your fluffy dressing gown and having your ultimate crush The Boy Who Lived sitting RIGHT THERE in your kitchen. 
14.	‘Okay, Harry, all you have to do is say “Diagon Alley.”’ ‘Diagonally,’ Harry replies. Great. Well done.  
15.	We’re totally digging Hermione’s ‘plait your hair whilst it’s wet’ self-crimping vibes in this movie. A lot of us have been there, Hermione.  
16.	And now for the first appearance of the charming, the adventurous, the famous… 
17.	And the smarmy, cowardly, and deceitful… 
18.	Gilderoy Lockhart! Played by Kenneth Branagh’s lovely face. 
19.	Even Hermione fancies Kenneth Branagh! Sorry, we mean Lockhart. 
20.	Meanwhile, there’s Malfoy just ripping a page out of a book he didn’t buy. Anarchy in the UK. 
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22.	Good one, Lucius. Intimidating a bunch of 12-year-olds. That’ll get you on a Chocolate Frog Card in no time.
23.	Amazing shade-throwing battle ensues in this scene. Arthur Weasley is staring down Lucius, Lucius to Harry, Harry to Draco, Draco to Hermione. And a bit of bonus shade from Ginny at the end too. Good shade game, one and all. 
24. Also, how has nobody noticed Harry? There’s a lone child with an owl, everybody. 
25. Hey boys, you could just wait for Ron’s parents to come back rather than set off in a flying Ford Anglia and risk certain expulsion… 
26.	Nope? Okay then, have fun. 
27.	Hedwig’s shocked expression when the train pulls up behind the car is priceless. Oscar snub.
28.	Ron Pulls His Scared Frog-Mouth Face count: 67,543 
29.	The Hogwarts theme song is playing as they soar towards the castle and we are not crying.
30.	Every time the boys’ voices crack – even when screaming in terror – we can’t help but go ‘aww’ in an embarrassing auntie sort of way. 
31.	The flying Ford Anglia kicking the boys out and ejecting their luggage is the purest of sass. ‘I don’t know you.’  
32.	Ladies and gentleman, Snape has entered the room.  
33.	Draco’s slicked back hair is so slicked back we can’t believe there wasn’t a serious, nationwide hair gel shortage back in 2002.  
34.	If we got a Howler at age 12, in front of the entire school, it would genuinely be the end of our lives.

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35.	Harry and Ron’s faces when Gilderoy Lockhart introduces himself as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher… An O for Outstanding in your acting skills, boys. 
36.	Immobulus! Hermione to the rescue with a spell no one else knows, as per usual. Isn’t it a bit worrying that Hermione seems to know more than the actual teacher of this class?
37. Lockhart, you may be beautiful, but come on now. 
38. Is it us or do the Slytherin Quidditch team’s Nimbus Two Thousand and Ones even look a bit evil? Did Lucius Malfoy get them customised to suit Draco’s terrible personality? 
39. Ron totally defending Hermione’s honour when Draco calls her a ‘mudblood’. He’s totally going to fancy her when he’s older. 
40. We really envy Rupert Grint in the slug vomiting scene, surely every child’s dream. Apparently it was chocolate-flavoured slug vomit.  
41. ‘They’ve yet to think up a spell that our Hermione can’t do.’ Hagrid, you angel.
42. How genuinely harrowing must it be for a 12-year-old to start hearing murderous voices in the walls? Did no one ever think to offer Harry some counselling? 
43. It’s never nice to see a cat in peril, even if it is owned by Filch. Sorry for your pain, Mrs Norris.
44. Hermione with a truth bomb: ‘No, Harry. Even in the wizarding world hearing voices isn’t a good sign.’ 
45. To The Casual Observer It Would Seem Like Harry Is Definitely the Heir to Slytherin count: 1.

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46. Professor McGonagall is teaching the class how to turn animals into water goblets, as you do. You never know when you might be surrounded by animals, without a water goblet in sight. 
47. The fact that Hermione doesn’t think Draco Malfoy is the heir of Slytherin is frankly absurd. Like, innocent until proven guilty and all that. But look at his SLICKED-BACK HAIR AND WIDOW’S PEAK. 
48. Yesssss, time for a Quidditch match, with Harry vs Draco in the role of Seeker! This, in our humble opinion, is one of the best Hogwarts matches in the movies. The enchanted Bludger going after Harry lends itself to amazing cinematography and flying choreography. 
49. ‘All right there, Scarhead?’ C’mon, Draco, that’s poor even for your standards. 
50. Harry’s got the Snitch! Butterbeers all round! Oh hang on a minute, Lockhart’s managed to remove all the bones from Harry’s arm instead. 
51. Harry’s boneless rubber arm is really, truly disgusting. 
52. Poor, petrified Colin Creevey still holding his camera must be a terrifying image for all Instagram users everywhere. 
53. Moaning Myrtle alert! So amazing that Shirley Henderson was 37 when she played the Hogwarts student.   
54. Harry vs. Draco duelling match, yes please. 
55. ‘Scared, Potter?’ ‘You wish.’ You guys really need to get better burns.  
56. Daniel Radcliffe really does have a snake-like, Dark wizard expression on his face as he talks to the snake. Which means…

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Lochart attempts to curse the snake that Snape has conjured.

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57. To The Casual Observer It Would Seem Like Harry Is Definitely the Heir to Slytherin count: 2. 
58. Oh, wait, Petrified student alert.  
59. To The Casual Observer It Would Seem Like Harry Is Definitely the Heir to Slytherin count: 3. 
60. Don’t worry Harry, we’re sure it’s just harmless school rumours banter. 
61. The seriousness with which Professor McGonagall says ‘sherbet lemon’ and sends Harry to see Professor Dumbledore is a little bit funny. 
62. Harry’s face as Fawkes bursts into flames and shrivels into nothing in front of his eyes is priceless. It’s been such a bad day that now random objects are just bursting into flame. 
63. BABY FAWKES ALERT. 
64. Hermione, drugging students is usually frowned upon.
65.  ‘Essence of Crabbe’: available at all good perfume retail stores this summer.
66. The Polyjuice transformation scene is one of the most fun things to watch in this movie. Although Harry’s bubbling face is the screensaver of our nightmares.

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67. Harry and Ron are terrible as Crabbe and Goyle – randomly defending Dumbledore, etc. You guys had one job. 
68. Malfoy casually stealing someone else’s gift in the common room there. How does he even have friends? 
69. CAT HERMIONE. Catermione! Ah, the ol’ cat hair in the Polyjuice Potion. We’ve all been there.
70. Actually, no we’ve not.  
71. Harry stumbles across a mysterious, blank notebook that ends up having instant messenger abilities but only specifically with some guy called Tom Riddle.
72. Even though we already know Tom Riddle is evil, we can’t help but find him a little bit charming in these flashbacks. That chiselled jawline, anyone? 
73. ‘Hey Harry, Quidditch is cancelled. Also your best friend Hermione Granger has been Petrified.’ – A day in the life of Harry Potter.  
74. Just in case you missed it: shot in the Gryffindor common room of Ginny looking a bit shifty which may become important later.
75. Yeah, remove Dumbledore from Hogwarts. That’ll make this situation better…
76. ‘Follow the spiders?’ Hagrid, now is not the time to be cryptic. 
77. Just a simple ‘Yer a wizard, ’Arry’-style response is all we’re asking for here.  
78. ‘Of course I’ll enter a narrow tunnel crawling with millions of tiny baby spiders crawling over me!’ – Said no one ever. 
79. Enter Aragog. Exeunt Ron.

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80. Credit to the special effects team here. This was made in the early noughties and Aragog still looks like he’s going to crawl out of the screen. 
81. The flying Ford Anglia to the rescue!
82. Ron could do with a bit of counselling too, actually.
83. Harry and Ron realise that Hermione is miles ahead of everyone else, as per usual. 
84. This is the best bit! The bit where all the clues come together and we go ‘Ohhh’ in a stupid voice. 
85. Harry can hear voices in the walls because he’s a Parselmouth and it’s a Basilisk in the walls! Not because he’s traumatised! That’s a minor win, right? 
86. When McGonagall and Snape team up to sarcastically insult Lockhart, it really shows what can be accomplished when Gryffindors and Slytherins work together. 
87. Ginny’s first year at Hogwarts, and of course she is possessed by a Dark wizard and kidnapped by a giant snake. AND your main crush is the one who saves her. Every 11-year-old girl’s dream.  
88. Oh, what, Gilderoy is a terrible fraud? What a surprise.
89. How come when we do OUR creepy snake voices it never opens anything?  
90. Harry is so polite throughout all of Myrtle’s come-ons. Bless his cotton socks. 
91. ‘This is an odd sort of place isn’t it. Do you live here?’ We love memory-loss Lockhart so much more than actual Lockhart.
92. Why did Salazar Slytherin go to all this trouble to build an ornately-decorated, Art Deco-inspired chamber just for a snake? Bit weird. 
93. Tom Riddle doing that classic movie villain shtick of listing out all of his clever plans instead of actually killing the person he’s captured. 
94. Oooh, love a good anagram. We’re really scared. Actually, fair play.

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95. If we were Harry, I would be a little bit annoyed that all the help Dumbledore sent me was a bird and an old hat.  
96. Let’s take a moment to appreciate one of the best scenes in the movie: the diary bleeding out ink, and Tom Riddle’s face dissolving into fissures of volcanic light. Classic cinema.  
97. Dumbledore says he could expel Ron and Harry, instead gives them ‘Special Awards for Services to the School’. Only at Hogwarts. 
98. Dobby being set free is an emotional milestone of a moment. Crying, us? We’ve been crying since the opening credits.
99. Then Hermione returns to the Great Hall and runs to Ron and Harry with the biggest smile. Still crying.
100. Dumbledore announces that the ferocious beast terrorising the school has been caught. Polite clapping. Dumbledore announces that all exams have been cancelled. Everyone bursts into rapturous applause.
101. Aaaaand pan out on that beautiful castle. Aaaand we’re crying again. Seriously, what’s wrong with us? 
	

*You can watch* Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, *and all of the eight Harry Potter movies, currently on demand on Sky Movies.*

5 reasons why you should find yourself a Slytherin BFF  

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Draco lounges in front of Crabbe and Goyle in Slytherin common room.

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Sure, stereotypically Slytherin qualities mean that a slightly-higher-than-average number of house members become Dark wizards – but haven’t we all felt that temptation in the past? Here’s why we think you should have a Slytherin bestie…

## They’re good leaders, and every squad needs one

As everyone knows, there’s nothing worse than having a best friend who is just as indecisive as you. (‘What movie do you want to watch?’ ‘I don’t know, what movie do *you* want to watch?’)

You’re unlikely to ever have this problem with a Slytherin BFF. Slytherins are the ones who will take charge and help order for the table at a share-plate restaurant. Gryffindors, on the other hand, might spend too much time arguing to order anything, Ravenclaws will obsessively research the best takeout places on Yelp, and Hufflepuffs, who just want to be kind to everyone, will probably end up buying everything on the menu and then going bankrupt.

Yes, Slytherins have been known to take ‘strong leadership’ into Dark, dictatorial territory – but most of the time you’ll be glad that your Slytherin best friend is around to make the tough decisions.

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## They’ll help plot against your arch-enemy 

Slytherin’s house emblem is a snake for a reason, people. Even before Draco Malfoy was old enough to officially join the Dark Lord, his constant plotting against Harry, Ron and Hermione was basically like his training wheels.

But cunning isn’t a personality characteristic that can only be used for so-called ‘evil’. Think about it. Cunning also comes in handy when you’re trying to strategise in many areas, whether that be writing a Five Year Plan for the future, or playing a particularly difficult board game. When you have a Slytherin best friend, they’ll help you get ahead – because they care about you. And what do friends do for each other when they care?

Take down their arch-enemy, of course!

> Or perhaps in Slytherin<br>
> You’ll make your real friends,<br>
> Those cunning folk use any means to achieve their ends.<br>
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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## They will push you to achieve

Ambition is a loaded word. It’s got more baggage than Hermione’s seemingly bottomless beaded bag. But, really, what’s wrong with someone knowing their strengths, taking pride in what they can do well, and wanting recognition for that? Remember, before Harry Potter arrived at Hogwarts, the Slytherins were on a six-year winning streak for the House Cup. Six. Years.

Slytherins are often self-assured and confident of their own competence, but we like to think that this also means that they can be confident on your behalf. They’re good at recognising when someone excels, and will push you to keep excelling.

While not always warm and cuddly, Slytherins could in fact be your biggest cheerleaders when it comes to achieving your goals.

> And power-hungry Slytherin<br>
> Loved those of great ambition.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

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## They have a certain disregard for the rules

There’s an old saying that goes ‘A good friend will bail you out of jail, a best friend will be sitting right beside you laughing’ – or something to that effect. We’re not trying to convince you to go and break into Gringotts or anything. But your Slytherin best friend will most likely be up for a bit of good, clean rebellion when you hang out. You only live once, after all.

> ‘Listen to me, Harry. You happen to have many qualities Salazar Slytherin prized in his hand-picked students. His own very rare gift, Parseltongue ... resourcefulness ... determination ... a certain disregard for rules,’ he added, his moustache quivering again.<br>
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

## They can be just as loyal as Hufflepuffs

The way that Harry is internally screaming ‘please not Slytherin’ into the Sorting Hat during *Philosopher’s Stone*, you’d be forgiven for thinking Slytherin are a bunch of monsters. But Harry, who keeps getting nearly murdered by a previous Slytherin student, was never going to have the greatest opinion on this matter.

Take Professor Horace Slughorn, who – while he may have played favourites with the students – was a genuinely passionate teacher and wanted to help promising students from every house live up to their potential. There’s also Narcissa Malfoy; when it came down to it, she cared more about finding her son than following Voldemort’s orders, and she also saved Harry’s life. 

And, of course, there’s Severus Snape who had his flaws and foibles, like everyone does. However he also spent almost two decades of his life trying to atone for past sins, and all for a long abiding love of a woman he would never see again.

Just try telling us that Slytherins can’t be as loyal as Hufflepuffs.

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