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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

Fluffy and other creatures inspired by classical mythology

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The forbidden corridor with an open door that reveals Fluffy the three-headed dog.

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## The three-headed dog

There are examples of many-headed creatures throughout mythology, like the Hydra, the chimera and Cerberus – the dog that guards the gates of the Underworld and eats anyone who dares to leave. 

Descriptions vary; Hesiod says the creature has 50 heads but Cerberus is often depicted with just the three. Seneca also writes that the hell hound has a serpent for a tail. One hero from Greek myth, Orpheus, used music to lull Cerberus to sleep and sneak into Hades to save his dead love Eurydice, so this monstrous mutt does have his weaknesses. 

Fluffy was also partial to a spot of music. J.K. Rowling revealed on Twitter that the three-headed pup who guarded the Philosopher’s Stone was eventually ‘repatriated to Greece’.

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## The Basilisk

Reputed to have the power to kill with a single glance, the Basilisk’s name comes from the Greek word basilískos or ‘little king’. 

One of the earliest references to this beast was Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder who described it as ‘being not more than 12 fingers in length’ with a white spot on its head that looked like a crown – hence its name. Legend has it that you can dispatch a Basilisk with the odour of a weasel. 

The Basilisk found within the [Chamber of Secrets](/writing-by-jk-rowling/chamber-of-secrets) was responsible for the death of 'Moaning’ Myrtle Warren, as well as the Petrification of Hermione, Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Nearly Headless Nick. It was said to flee ‘only from the crowing of the rooster, which is fatal to it’.

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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## The Hippogriff

Half-horse, half-giant eagle, the Hippogriff is a representation of the god Apollo and has often been depicted in art.

French philosopher Descartes used Hippogriffs as a crucial example in his *Meditations*, arguing that because we can understand the notion of a half-horse, half-eagle we somehow prove its existence. Deep.

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## The phoenix

Phoenixes can burst into flames and then rise up, regenerated, from the ashes. They are one of the most enduring and inspirational creatures in mythology. The story of the phoenix stretches back so far, it has been told by everyone who is anyone in the mythological Hall of Fame. From Herodotus (extremely wise Greek historian, a mate of Socrates) to Ovid (famous Roman poet) and Pliny the Elder (yup, him again).

In the Harry Potter stories, the only known antidote to Basilisk venom is phoenix tears; which as Hermione tells us are ‘incredibly rare’. Luckily there is a phoenix at Hogwarts – trust Dumbledore to have possibly the coolest pet ever.

Most people recognise unicorns, centaurs, giants and werewolves but some of the creatures in the wizarding world have roots in classical mythology you might not be as familiar with…

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

How Peeves the poltergeist wreaked havoc at Hogwarts

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Student and teachers find the slashed Fat lady 

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## ‘Ickle firsties! What fun!’
The first time [Harry Potter](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter") met [Peeves](/writing-by-jk-rowling/peeves), he was floating cross-legged in the air, ready to swoop and pelt the unsuspecting first-years with walking sticks. [Percy Weasley](/features/percy-weasley "Percy Weasley") warned them to watch out for this pesky poltergeist – he could only be controlled by the [Bloody Baron](/features/bloody-baron "The Bloody Baron") and, to Percy’s astonishment, ‘won’t even listen to us Prefects’. Oh, Percy. 

## ‘GOT YOUR CONK!’
The new arrivals at [Hogwarts](/features/hogwarts "Hogwarts") had plenty to get their head around, with [common room](/collection/hogwarts-common-rooms "Hogwarts common rooms") passwords to memorise, [Quidditch](/collection/quidditch) rules to remember and spells to learn. Added to that was the risk of an invisible [Peeves](/features/peeves "Peeves") sneaking up behind them, grabbing their noses and screeching, ‘GOT YOUR CONK!’ Just what you need when running late to [Potions](/writing-by-jk-rowling/potions "Potions by J.K. Rowling") class… 

## ‘Naughty, naughty, you’ll get caughty...’
Sneaking around the castle corridors at night was doubly tricky when there was a poltergeist ready to pounce. Especially one who took great delight in telling tales – and the more desperate you were for him to keep quiet, the louder he became…

> ‘Peeves cackled. ‘Wandering around at midnight, ickle firsties? Tut, tut, tut. Naughty, naughty, you’ll get caughty.’  
>  ‘Not if you don’t give us away, Peeves, please.’  
> ‘Should tell Filch, I should,’ said Peeves in a saintly voice, but his eyes glittered wickedly. ‘It’s for your own good, you know.’  
> ‘Get out of the way,’ snapped Ron, taking a swipe at Peeves – this was a big mistake.  
> ‘STUDENTS OUT OF BED!’ Peeves bellowed. ‘STUDENTS OUT OF BED DOWN THE CHARMS CORRIDOR!’  
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

## ‘Heard you talking about poor Myrtle...’
Gossiping was a dangerous habit when there was a menace like Peeves waiting – or hovering – in the wings. And he had no qualms in making social situations as awkward as inhumanly possible:  

> ‘Rude you was about poor Myrtle.’ He took a deep breath and bellowed, ‘OY! MYRTLE!’  
> ‘Oh, no, Peeves, don’t tell her what I said, she’ll be really upset,’ Hermione whispered frantically. ‘I didn’t mean it, I don’t mind her – er, hello, Myrtle.’  
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*  

As if embarrassing [Hermione](/features/hermione-granger "Hermione Granger") and making [Moaning Myrtle](/features/moaning-myrtle "Moaning Myrtle") even moanier wasn’t enough, Peeves chased after the sobbing ghost, pelting her with mouldy peanuts, yelling, ‘Spotty! Spotty!’ Talk about adding insult to injury.

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Guests dancing at Nearly Headless Nick's deathday party 

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## ‘Why, it’s potty wee Potter!’
When [Justin Finch-Fletchley](/features/justin-finch-fletchley "Justin Finch-Fletchley") and [Nearly Headless Nick](/features/nearly-headless-nick "Nearly Headless Nick") were discovered in a Petrified state, rumours abounded that Harry was to blame. Unsurprisingly, Peeves was happy to perpetuate the myth:  

> As the teachers bent over Justin and Nearly Headless Nick, examining them, Peeves broke into song:  
> ‘Oh Potter, you rotter, oh what have you done?  
> You’re killing off students, you think it’s good fun –’  
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*  

And Peeves, being Peeves, wasn’t going to let it go either:
> ‘He kept popping up in the crowded corridors singing ‘Oh Potter, you rotter ...’, now with a dance-routine to match.’  
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

## ‘Loony, loopy Lupin!’
Peeves tended to show a degree of respect towards the teachers, so it was something of a surprise when he started taunting [Professor Remus Lupin](/features/remus-lupin "Remus Lupin") while stuffing the nearest keyhole with chewing gum. Fortunately, [Lupin](/writing-by-jk-rowling/remus-lupin) took it all in his stride; with one deft *‘Waddiwasi!’* the chewing gum was in Peeves’s left nostril and he zoomed away, cursing. Reason to love Remus #108.  

## ‘Little squirts! Wheeeeeeeeee!’
Being yelled at by an angry [Professor McGonagall](/features/minerva-mcgonagall "Minerva McGonagall") would stop us in our tracks; not so Peeves. Upon [Ron’s](/features/ron-weasley "Ron Weasley") arrival for his fourth year, he was left drenched from Peeves’s water bomb, before the cackling poltergeist soaked some second-years. He was warned off by McGonagall in the end, but somehow we doubt he cared:
> Peeves stuck out his tongue, threw the last of his water bombs into the air, and zoomed off up the marble staircase, cackling insanely.  
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

## ‘Give her hell from us, Peeves.’
Peeves took [Fred Weasley’s](/features/fred-weasley "Fred Weasley") parting order very seriously, and for that we salute him. For once he was harnessing his destructive energy towards someone who deserved it, tormenting [Dolores Umbridge](/features/dolores-umbridge):
> Peeves smashed lanterns and snuffed out candles, juggled burning torches over the heads of screaming students, caused neatly stacked piles of parchment to topple into fires or out of windows; flooded the second floor when he pulled off all the taps in the bathrooms, dropped a bag of tarantulas in the middle of the Great Hall during breakfast and, whenever he fancied a break, spent hours at a time floating along after Umbridge and blowing loud raspberries every time she spoke.<br> 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

In fact, even Professor McGonagall quietly endorsed Peeves’s behaviour:
> Indeed, a week after Fred and George’s departure Harry witnessed Professor McGonagall walking right past Peeves, who was determinedly loosening a crystal chandelier, and could have sworn he heard her tell the poltergeist out of the corner of her mouth, ‘It unscrews the other way.’   
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

## ‘. . .  wheeeeeeeeeeee!’
During the Battle of Hogwarts, Peeves threw himself into defending the castle with his usual gusto, *‘...dropping Snargaluff pods down on to the Death Eaters, whose heads were suddenly engulfed in wriggling, green tubers like fat worms.’*  

Even amidst the grief and celebration of [Voldemort’s](/features/lord-voldemort "Lord Voldemort") defeat, Peeves put his own final, mischievous stamp on proceedings:  

*‘We did it, we bashed them, wee Potter’s the One,  
And Voldy’s gone mouldy, so now let’s have fun!’*

As Ron noted, it: ‘Really gives a feeling for the scope and tragedy of the thing, doesn’t it?’ 

From Peeves, we wouldn’t have expected anything less.

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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. 

Unlocking the secrets of the Fantastic Beasts logo

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[*Fantastic Beasts*](/fantastic-beasts "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them") is real. It’s filming right now and we’ve just had our first sneak peek at what the filmmakers have in store, in the shape of this enigmatic new logo.

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One thing seems clear: it belongs squarely within J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, yet is a very different beast. It is going to be absurdly fun to try to unlock its secrets before the film comes out in November 2016. I spoke with one of the design team about the process. 

‘With [Harry Potter](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter"), the books existed and so the fans knew what the lightning bolt represented going into the film,’ they say. ‘With *Fantastic Beasts* there is the anthology that J.K. Rowling wrote, but the story is unknown. It’s a mystery.’

And boy does that raise a lot of questions. 

‘And that’s exciting!’ they enthuse. ‘It’s part of the fun and we’re fans, too. If we were seeing this for the first time, what would excite us? That’s how we have to think. You’re trying to capture a lot of different imaginations, but the logo – that’s for everybody. 

‘If you think of Harry Potter, that logo instantly comes into your mind: the lightning bolt “P” and the shape of the words. So we wanted this one to feel like it was born of that same world. We were trying to come up with something that drafted similarly off that iconography but in a new way. In a *Fantastic Beasts* way.’

So what about the beasts which inspired them? The designers remain tight-lipped on potential spoilers, but can reveal that the ‘S’ was inspired by a [creature](/features/occamys "Occamys") that does appear in the film.

‘The logo is a blend of beasts, it’s not just one takeaway. When we arrived on idea for the “S”, it excited us. So we thought there must be a way to accent these other letters with claws or ribs — hints to other beasts, while this one is the logo’s centrepiece.’

And as you may have heard, *Fantastic Beasts* is set in the [Roaring Twenties](/features/pottermore-guide-to-the-twenties-20-things-that-happened-first-in-the-1920s "Pottermore's guide to the twenties: 20 things that happened first in the 1920s") – a fertile playground for any creative team. So with the backdrop of the [Jazz Age](/features/pottermore-guide-to-the-twenties-20-jazz-age-film-stars "Pottermore's guide to the twenties: 20 jazz age film stars") within grasp, was it tempting to go for a full-on period piece with the artwork? 

‘If you think of [New York in the 1920s](/features/pottermore-guide-to-the-twenties-1920s-new-york "Pottermore's guide to the twenties: 1920s New York") you have Deco architecture, the [subway systems](/features/city-hall-subway "City Hall Subway") and this kind of a burgeoning metropolis. The Roaring Twenties has a visual identity that you can borrow from, and what would that world look like through the lens of the J.K. Rowling’s mind? You want the logo to feel iconic and timeless. So while Deco and the 1920s setting are things to think about, we don’t know exactly where the story is going to take us.’

Where indeed…

Some of our favourite Hallowe’en moments

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The Great Hall at Halloween with the ghosts

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## Troll in the dungeons

> A thousand live bats fluttered from the walls and ceiling while a thousand more swooped over the tables in low black clouds, making the candles in the pumpkins stutter. The feast appeared suddenly on the golden plates, as it had at the start-of-term banquet.  
> Harry was just helping himself to a jacket potato when Professor Quirrell came sprinting into the Hall, his turban askew and terror on his face. Everyone stared as he reached Professor Dumbledore’s chair, slumped against the table and gasped, ‘Troll – in the dungeons – thought you ought to know.’
> He then sank to the floor in a dead faint.  
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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## Happy Deathday to Nick

> ‘My dear friends,’ he said mournfully, ‘welcome, welcome ... so pleased you could come ...’  
> He swept off his plumed hat and bowed them inside.  
> It was an incredible sight. The dungeon was full of hundreds of pearly-white, translucent people, mostly drifting around a crowded dance floor, waltzing to the dreadful, quavering sound of thirty musical saws, played by an orchestra on a black-draped platform. A chandelier overhead blazed midnight blue with a thousand more black candles. Their breath rose in a mist before them; it was like stepping into a freezer.  
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

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Nearly Headless Nick greeting guests to his Deathday party 

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## Enemies of the Heir, Beware

> Something was shining on the wall ahead. They approached, slowly, squinting through the darkness. Foot-high words had been daubed on the wall between two windows, shimmering in the light cast by the flaming torches.  
> THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE.  
> ‘What’s that thing – hanging underneath?’ said Ron, a slight quiver in his voice.  
> As they edged nearer, Harry almost slipped over: there was a large puddle of water on the floor. Ron and Hermione grabbed him, and they inched towards the message, eyes fixed on a dark shadow beneath it. All three of them realised what it was at once, and leapt backwards with a splash.  
> Mrs Norris, the caretaker’s cat, was hanging by her tail from the torch bracket. She was stiff as a board, her eyes wide and staring.  
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

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## Sirius Black attacks

> ‘Ashamed, Your Headship, sir. Doesn’t want to be seen. She’s a horrible mess. Saw her running through the landscape up on the fourth floor, sir, dodging between the trees. Crying something dreadful,’ he said happily. ‘Poor thing,’ he added, unconvincingly.  <br>
> ‘Did she say who did it?’ said Dumbledore quietly.  <br>
> ‘Oh, yes, Professorhead,’ said Peeves, with the air of one cradling a large bombshell in his arms. ‘He got very angry when she wouldn’t let him in, you see.’ Peeves flipped over, and grinned at Dumbledore from between his own legs. ‘Nasty temper he’s got, that Sirius Black.’  
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

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## Choosing the champions

> The Hallowe’en feast seemed to take much longer than usual. Perhaps because it was their second feast in two days, Harry didn’t seem to fancy the extravagantly prepared food as much as he would normally have done. Like everyone else in the Hall, judging by the constantly craning necks, the impatient expressions on every face, the fidgeting and the standing up to see whether Dumbledore had finished eating yet, Harry simply wanted the plates to clear, and to hear who had been selected as champions.  
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

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## Voldemort’s defeat at Godric’s Hollow

> ‘You-Know-Who killed ’em. An’ then – an’ this is the real myst’ry of the thing – he tried to kill you, too. Wanted ter make a clean job of it, I suppose, or maybe he just liked killin’ by then. But he couldn’t do it. Never wondered how you got that mark on yer forehead? That was no ordinary cut. That’s what yeh get when a powerful, evil curse touches yeh – took care of yer mum an’ dad an’ yer house, even – but it didn’t work on you, an’ that’s why yer famous, Harry. No one ever lived after he decided ter kill ’em, no one except you, an’ he’d killed some o’ the best witches an’ wizards of the age – the McKinnons, the Bones, the Prewetts – an’ you was only a baby, an’ you lived.’  <br>
> Something very painful was going on in Harry’s mind. As Hagrid’s story came to a close, he saw again the blinding flash of green light, more clearly than he had ever remembered it before – and he remembered something else, for the first time in his life – a high, cold, cruel laugh.  
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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Mrs Weasley’s defining moments from Boggarts to Bellatrix

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An illustration of Molly Weasley from the Philosopher's Stone.

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She was the strong-willed mother of seven children and welcomed Harry into [The Burrow](/features/the-burrow) as though he were one of her own. Her Christmas jumpers were legendary and the Battle of Hogwarts proved just how skilled a witch she was. Here are some of her defining moments.

## Outrage
Nobody did outrage like [Mrs Weasley](/features/molly-weasley "Molly Weasley"). So when Ron, [Fred](/features/fred-weasley) and [George](/features/george-weasley) stole Mr Weasley’s flying car, she gave them a piece of her mind in the morning. 

> ‘Beds empty! No note! Car gone ... could have crashed ... out of my mind with worry ... did you care? ... never, as long as I’ve lived ... you wait until your father gets home, we never had trouble like this from Bill or Charlie or Percy ...’  
> ‘Perfect Percy,’ muttered Fred.  
> ‘YOU COULD DO WITH TAKING A LEAF OUT OF PERCY’S BOOK!’ yelled Mrs Weasley, prodding a finger in Fred’s chest. ‘You could have died, you could have been seen, you could have lost your father his job –’  
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

And, of course, the famous [Howler](/features/howler) Ron received for crashing the car into the [Whomping Willow](/features/whomping-willow "The Whomping Willow").

> ‘... ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED, YOUR FATHER’S FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, IT’S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT AND IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE WE’LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT BACK HOME.’  
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

## Crushing on Lockhart
[Gilderoy Lockhart](/features/gilderoy-lockhart) gave the first glimpse into a younger, sillier Mrs Weasley who giggled like a schoolgirl when faced with his gleaming grin. She was shown patting her hair and tidying up with a blush at [Flourish and Blotts](/features/flourish-and-blotts "Flourish and Blotts") at the beginning of Harry’s second year at [Hogwarts](/features/hogwarts "Hogwarts"). 

> Harry, Ron and Hermione squeezed inside. A long queue wound right to the back of the shop, where Gilderoy Lockhart was signing his books. They each grabbed a copy of Break with a Banshee, and sneaked up the line to where the rest of the Weasleys were standing with Mr and Mrs Granger.  
> ‘Oh, there you are, good,’ said Mrs Weasley. She sounded breathless and kept patting her hair. ‘We’ll be able to see him in a minute ...’  
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

## Questionable taste in music
Molly was an avid fan of old-fashioned crooner [Celestina Warbeck](/writing-by-jk-rowling/celestina-warbeck "Celestina Warbeck by J.K. Rowling"). 

> ‘Oh, come and stir my cauldron,  
> And if you do it right  
> I’ll boil you up some hot, strong love  
> To keep you warm tonight.’  
> ‘We danced to this when we were eighteen!’ said Mrs Weasley, wiping her eyes on her knitting. ‘Do you remember, Arthur?’  
> ‘Mphf?’ said Mr Weasley, whose head had been nodding over the satsuma he was peeling. ‘Oh yes … marvellous tune …’  
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*

## Tasty wand work
Nobody could whip up a delicious dish with wonderful wand work like Mrs Weasley. She was a dab hand at feasts with just a swish of her [wand](/features/wands "Wands").

> By seven o’clock, the two tables were groaning under dishes and dishes of Mrs Weasley’s excellent cooking, and the nine Weasleys, Harry and Hermione were settling themselves down to eat beneath a clear, deep-blue sky. To somebody who had been living on meals of increasingly stale cake all summer, this was paradise, and at first, Harry listened rather than talked, as he helped himself to chicken-and-ham pie, boiled potatoes and salad.  
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

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The outside of the Burrow from the Goblet of Fire 

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## Exceptional mothering skills
This moment needs little introduction and captured the powerful love Mrs Weasley had for [Harry](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter"), and her innate understanding of exactly what he needed to feel better.

> Mrs Weasley set the potion down on the bedside cabinet, bent down, and put her arms around Harry. He had no memory of ever being hugged like this, as though by a mother. The full weight of everything he had seen that night seemed to fall in upon him as Mrs Weasley held him to her. His mother’s face, his father’s voice, the sight of Cedric, dead on the ground, all started spinning in his head until he could hardly bear it, until he was screwing up his face against the howl of misery fighting to get out of him.  
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

## Boggarts
After [Voldemort’s](/features/lord-voldemort "Lord Voldemort") return, Mrs Weasley was understandably worried about her children. A simple [Boggart](/writing-by-jk-rowling/boggart) defeated her usually first-rate skills.

> Someone was cowering against the dark wall, her wand in her hand, her whole body shaking with sobs. Sprawled on the dusty old carpet in a patch of moonlight, clearly dead, was Ron.  
> All the air seemed to vanish from Harry’s lungs; he felt as though he were falling through the floor; his brain turned icy cold – Ron dead, no, it couldn’t be –  
> But wait a moment, it couldn’t be – Ron was downstairs –  
> ‘Mrs Weasley?’ Harry croaked.  
> ‘R – r – riddikulus!’ Mrs Weasley sobbed, pointing her shaking wand at Ron’s body. Crack.  
> Ron’s body turned into Bill’s, spread-eagled on his back, his eyes wide open and empty. Mrs Weasley sobbed harder than ever.  
> ‘R – riddikulus!’ she sobbed again.  
> Crack.  
> Mr Weasley’s body replaced Bill’s, his glasses askew, a trickle of blood running down his face.  
> ‘No!’ Mrs Weasley moaned. ‘No … riddikulus! Riddikulus! RIDDIKULUS!’  
> Crack. Dead twins. Crack. Dead Percy. Crack. Dead Harry …  
> ‘Mrs Weasley, just get out of here!’ shouted Harry, staring down at his own dead body on the floor.   
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

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## Mollywobbles
And what password made everyone giggle and see Mrs Weasley in an entirely new light?

> Mrs Weasley nodded and turned the doorknob, but apparently Mr Weasley was holding tight to it on the other side, because the door remained firmly shut.  
> ‘Molly! I’ve got to ask you your question first!’  
> ‘Arthur, really, this is just silly …’  
> ‘What do you like me to call you when we’re alone together?’  
> Even by the dim light of the lantern Harry could tell that Mrs Weasley had turned bright red; he himself felt suddenly warm around the ears and neck, and hastily gulped soup, clattering his spoon as loudly as he could against the bowl.  
> ‘Mollywobbles,’ whispered a mortified Mrs Weasley into the crack at the edge of the door.  
> ‘Correct,’ said Mr Weasley. ‘Now you can let me in.’    
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*


## Accepting Phlegm
Mrs Weasley wasn’t completely enamoured with her son [Bill’s](/features/bill-weasley "Bill Weasley") part-Veela fiancée [Fleur Delacour](/features/fleur-delacour "Fleur Delacour"), until one fateful night.

> ‘You thought I would not weesh to marry him? Or per’aps, you ’oped?’ said Fleur, her nostrils flaring. ‘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! And I shall do zat!’ she added fiercely, pushing Mrs Weasley aside and snatching the ointment from her.  
> Mrs Weasley fell back against her husband and watched Fleur mopping up Bill’s wounds with a most curious expression upon her face. Nobody said anything; Harry did not dare move. Like everybody else, he was waiting for the explosion.  
> ‘Our Great Auntie Muriel,’ said Mrs Weasley after a long pause, ‘has a very beautiful tiara – goblin-made – which I am sure I could persuade her to lend you for the wedding. She is very fond of Bill, you know, and it would look lovely with your hair.’  
> ‘Thank you,’ said Fleur stiffly. ‘I am sure zat will be lovely.’  
> And then – Harry did not quite see how it happened – both women were crying and hugging each other.   
> *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*

## Duelling with Bellatrix
Perhaps Molly’s finest hour was when she took on [Bellatrix Lestrange](/features/bellatrix-lestrange "Bellatrix Lestrange") when the Death Eater fired a [Killing Curse](/features/killing-curse "Avada Kedavra") an inch from [Ginny](/features/ginny-weasley). 

> ‘NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!’  
> Mrs Weasley threw off her cloak as she ran, freeing her arms. Bellatrix spun on the spot, roaring with laughter at the sight of her new challenger.  
> ‘OUT OF MY WAY!’ shouted Mrs Weasley to the three girls, and with a swipe of her wand she began to duel. Harry watched with terror and elation as Molly Weasley’s wand slashed and twirled, and Bellatrix Lestrange’s smile faltered, and became a snarl. Jets of light flew from both wands, the floor around the witches’ feet became hot and cracked; both women were fighting to kill.  
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

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Molly Weasley pointing her wand in the final battle 

Cursed Child creatives on collaborating with J.K. Rowling

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John Tiffany first met J.K. Rowling in 1995. One of the Edinburgh cafés in which she wrote Harry Potter was in the Traverse Theatre, where he worked. They were about to make it big – she in literature, he in theatre – but back then they were just strangers who exchanged the odd smile. 

‘Once the book came out, she wasn’t hanging around cafés so I never saw her since Harry Potter became Harry Potter, until last January,’ John tells me, beaming and leaning back slightly on his chair with a boyish restlessness. He spent those 20 years becoming the celebrated director of productions *Black Watch* and *Once*, amongst others. 

It’s just one of those exquisite little twists of fate that the next time they met was to collaborate on *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*. 

‘I’d asked both sets of kids in my life, my three nephews and my godchildren, whether I should do this show. They’d all gone through Harry Potter and they all said, “We’ll kill you if you don’t.” So the journey began. 

‘I knew he was the writer I wanted to work with,’ John continues, pointing at the man across the table – British writer Jack Thorne. They worked together on the 2013 theatre adaptation of *Let the Right One In*, which accounts for the infectious camaraderie between them. 

Right now, John and Jack are on a lunch break between workshops for the *Cursed Child*. We’re sitting at a table covered in scripts, highlighters and blunt lead pencils. 

‘I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’d do anything he asked me to do,’ Jack says, pointing his thumb back at John. 

‘Oh, stop it,’ John says and turns to me. ‘We went to Edinburgh to Jo’s house – Jack and I. Then I sort of watched the love affair begin. You know, it’s like taking your best friend to meet your new partner and then realising... Well, it was two writers meeting, you don’t get a look-in.’

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J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany

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‘I’d read all the books in my twenties and I’d go to the cinema and watch all the films by myself. I was deeply in love with Potter already, so the chance to do this...’ says Jack, like he still can’t believe J.K. Rowling has given him characters from those books and films to write onto the stage. 

‘We started talking about ideas and her generosity in the way she listened to what was inside our heads, and then fed into that with her brilliant mind, was incredible. You were very clear back then, John, that you didn’t want to do something historical.’

‘No prequels!’ says John, echoing J.K. Rowling’s Twitter account. ‘But also, I knew from seeing the excitement in the kids I’d shared the books with that we had to bring darkness back. There had to be new jeopardy.’ 

The three of them set the plot that day in J.K. Rowling’s writing room. They strung together the narrative then and there in notebooks and then Jack and John flew back to London to get started. 

‘We talked a lot, which was really helpful,’ says Jack, when I ask him about the task of writing dialogue for Harry Potter. ‘I read the books over and over and then tried to write things down on paper...’ He sighs. ‘Ah, it’s awesome, I mean, it’s so much fun.’ 

Once Jack, John and J.K. Rowling had locked in a story, they had to find a stage to play it out on. Why did they choose the Palace Theatre, then, I ask.

‘It chose us, I think,’ says John. ‘I mean, it’s exciting to imagine anyone going to see Harry Potter there. It’s a Gothic theatre, there’s a majesty there and it has this [Hogwarts](/features/hogwarts) feel to it.’

The excitement in John’s face is real. The quivering is Jack’s voice is genuine. These are two accomplished and talented men but on this play, more than anything they’ve ever worked on, they’re making magic and are both enchanted by that. 

It’s obvious why J.K. Rowling has entrusted Harry Potter’s future to Jack and John: they’re the perfect pair to bring Harry Potter back. 

*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* comes to London’s West End summer 2016.

Cursed Child creatives on bringing Harry Potter to the stage

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My phone rings. I let the Harry Potter ringtone play for a couple beats before I pick up, just to set the scene.

‘Hello, it’s John,’ comes a lovely, lilting voice. 

John Tiffany, that is. The award-winning director currently working on *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*. He’s been in workshops for the play all day. It’s evening when he calls and there’s a weary happiness in his voice. 

‘In all my years working in the theatre, I have never experienced anything like this,’ he says.

‘What we’re doing here is taking the biggest literary franchise the world has ever seen into theatre and it’s... Well, people are so stoked up about it. I’m conscious of bringing the fans what they love, doing this story justice and exploring the psychology of a grown-up [Harry Potter](/features/harry-potter) with the same epic sweep as the books and the films, but in a different way.’

This is a man with a Tony, an Olivier, a Drama Desk and an Obie award on his mantelpiece and yet, on the phone right now, what I hear most is a smitten Harry Potter fan deep in a project that he cares about profoundly. 

‘Jack went away and came back with the first 40 pages. The big thing had happened. He’d written dialogue for Jo’s characters and they sounded like themselves. He’d brought them back. I can’t tell you what it was like to see that.’

The ‘Jack’ to which J.K. Rowling has entrusted Harry is writer Jack Thorne who, as well being a world-class wordsmith, is a huge Potter fan. When he calls, he is relieved to be able to talk about the production with someone new. I know that because he tells me.

‘It’s such a relief to talk about the play with someone new,’ Jack says with infectious enthusiasm. ‘Sometimes I can’t believe it; the idea that we have written the eighth story of Harry Potter. The whole time, I’ve felt this great responsibility to the previous seven stories. Theatre is very different to film; we’ve had to find our own way into the stories. We are starting to see it all come together in workshops now and it’s just wonderful.’

If Jack and John are this excited now, imagine how that will build as we get closer to showtime... 

[Read part two](/feature/cursed-child-creatives-on-collaborating-with-jk-rowling) of the Pottermore Correspondent’s interview with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany.

33 excuses to watch a Harry Potter movie marathon

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Harry Hermione Ron and Scabbers in the Shrieking Shack 

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Sadly, adulthood means we can’t take a duvet day to watch them at the drop of a hat. But we’ve created a list of good reasons to go for it. 

1. It’s been at least a month since your last one.
2. It’s raining.
3. You left the house yesterday and see no reason why you should do it again today.
4. You found a bruise on your arm and it looks a bit like the Dark Mark.
5. It’s your birthday.
6. It’s your friend’s birthday.
7. It’s your cat’s birthday.
8. You’ve tried to make your own Butterbeer.
9. You’re still recovering from trying to make your own Butterbeer.
10. You were doing the washing up and found yourself pondering the emotional range of a teaspoon.
11. You found a single sock and it reminded you of Dobby.

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Dobby clicking his fingers to cast a spell 

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12. You had a cup of tea and thought you saw the Grim.
13. You have a tonne of work you should actually be doing.
14. A colleague was wearing a particularly festive jumper and you immediately thought of the Weasleys.  
15. You bought some Sherbet Lemons.
16. It occurred to you that your boss is ‘such a Slytherin’ and you just had to check.
17. You’re convinced there’s a Nargle infestation outside and have decided to ride it out.
18. It’s 31 July.
19. You thought you saw a ghost

33 excuses for a Harry Potter movie marathon

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