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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

9 times when Muggles should have noticed magic, but didn’t

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Hagrid flying into Privet Drive with a baby Harry.

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The Brazilian Boa Constrictor in the zoo from The Philosopher's Stone

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## The day that snake mysteriously managed to escape
How often does glass just vanish in a reptile house? While [the Dursleys](/collection/the-dursley "The Dursley Family") knew perfectly well what happened, they stayed tight-lipped. Let’s be honest, there was only one explanation for that mysterious phenomenon.

## When all that strange animal activity was going on
A flurry of [nocturnal birds](/features/owls "Owls") zooming in on one house? Letters making their way into milk bottles and eggs? That was either the prank to end all pranks, or there was magic afoot.

## And that flying car…
A couple of eagle-eyed Muggles spotted a mysterious [Ford Anglia flying](/image/approaching-the-burrow) around but nowhere near as many as should have done. Especially considering that it was floating above London when the invisibility booster stopped working. 

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## Anyone seen a Knight Bus?
This triple-decker, violently purple bus flung itself all around the country with an almighty bang, yet remained on the down-low. [The Knight Bus](/features/behind-the-scenes-knight-bus) appeared whenever a witch or wizard threw out their wand arm at the kerb, and then vanished. According to [Stan Shunpike](/features/stan-shunpike "Stan Shunpike"), Muggles ‘Don’ listen properly, do they? Don’ look properly either. Never notice nuffink, they don’.’

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## The house that nobody could see
We accept that [Number 12, Grimmauld Place](/features/number-twelve-grimmauld-place) was heavily protected with charms to keep its residents safe from Dark wizards. But come on, neighbours! Did you really not hear the portrait of Mrs Black bawling or notice the flurry of [mysteriously cloaked people](/collection/members-of-the-order-of-the-phoenix "Members of The Order of the Phoenix") appearing outside and then disappearing as quickly?

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Members of the Order of the Phoenix stand outside Grimmauld Place.

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## What about all those visitors to the wizard hospital?
Far from being hidden deep underground like the Ministry of Magic, [St Mungo’s Hospital](/features/st-mungos) was accessed via a disused department store in London. Yet while complaining that it was never open, Muggles didn’t seem to notice groups of people conversing with a mannequin and then clambering through a plate-glass window to visit their loved ones. Use your eyes, people.

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Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny in the permanent or long-lasting damage ward.

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## The grand rescue mission from Hogwarts to the Ministry of Magic
When six teenagers flew across the country on Thestrals, you’d think the odd Muggle might have done a double-take. Granted, only those who have witnessed death could see [Thestrals](/features/thestrals), but then they’d still see people zooming through mid-air, apparently unsupported, toward London – which would be an even weirder sight to get your head around.

## The final journey from Privet Drive
First of all, how self-involved were the residents of [Privet Drive](/features/number-four-privet-drive "Number Four, Privet Drive") that they hadn’t noticed six years’ worth of weird and wonderful goings-on? But the occurrence of 13 people – several of which looked exactly like the kid next door, and one of whom was a half-[giant](/features/giants "Giants") – departing the garden in an airborne convoy that included a motorbike and sidecar would, you’d think, grab your attention. And if that didn’t, the mid-air battle that featured blasts of fire and countless jets of red and green light would surely cause a few skyward glances. Fireworks perhaps…?

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## And that sudden arrival in Tottenham Court Road
Hermione had no idea why she’d chosen this busy spot to Apparate to after the [Death Eaters](/collection/characters-deatheaters "Death Eaters") crashed [Bill and Fleur’s wedding](/image/patronus-at-bill-and-fleurs-wedding), but she thought they were less likely to be found out in the [Muggle](/collection/muggles "Muggles") world. She was right on one account at least; the Muggles didn’t notice a thing. The instant appearance out of nowhere of three disorientated and frightened-looking teenagers should have been enough to stop any Muggle in their tracks.

9 times when Muggles were oblivious to magic

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

The 10 scariest Harry Potter villains

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Voldemort stares ahead while in Malfoy Manor in a film still from the Deathly Hallows Part .

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Voldemort in the Ministry of Magic from the Order of the Phonix 

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## Lord Voldemort

[Tom Marvolo Riddle](/image/young-riddle) started both Wizarding Wars, created the [Death Eaters](/collection/characters-deatheaters "Death Eaters") and killed [Harry Potter’s parents](/features/behind-the-scenes-james-and-lily-potter "Behind the scenes: James & Lily Potter"). We could go on – he was the most dangerous Dark wizard of all time – but we won’t. His horrific achievements are well known. 

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## Dolores Umbridge

[Dolores Umbridge](/features/dolores-umbridge) was spiteful, prissy and said to resemble a ‘large, pale [toad](/writing-by-jk-rowling/toads "Toads by J.K. Rowling")’. She may have behaved like a monster but, technically speaking, she was a human being. Getting a student in her care to scratch blood-red lines into his own flesh was surely as stone-cold cruel as it gets. Or was it?

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## Gellert Grindelwald

‘For the greater good’ reads the icy-hearted motto of history’s second-most-famous Dark wizard. Highly intelligent and fiercely idealistic, his considerable gifts were nonetheless warped by malice. His defeat in 1945 by [Albus Dumbledore](/features/albus-dumbledore "Albus Dumbledore") was legendary.

## Bellatrix Lestrange

Sadistic, tempestuous and fiercely loyal to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, [Bellatrix](/features/bellatrix-lestrange) thought nothing of murdering her own family when they stood in her way. Responsible for the deaths of [Sirius Black](/features/sirius-black "Sirius Black") and [Dobby](/features/dobby "Dobby") the house-elf, as well as the torture of [Alice and Frank Longbottom](/features/unsung-heroes-of-harry-potter-stories-frank-and-alice-longbottom "Unsung Heroes: Frank and Alice Longbottom"), Lestrange met a gratifyingly sticky end at the hands of [Molly Weasley](/features/molly-weasley "Molly Weasley").

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Bellatrix Lestrange casts a spell in the Ministry of Magic.

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## Peter Pettigrew

Proof, perhaps, that mediocrity mixed with cowardice could be as dangerous as outright evil, [Pettigrew](/features/peter-pettigrew) defected from the [Order of the Phoenix](/collection/members-of-the-order-of-the-phoenix "Members of The Order of the Phoenix") and betrayed those closest to him. That he spent years in hiding as Scabbers – the Weasleys’ pet rodent – prompted a withering Sirius Black to remark: ‘If you made a better rat than human, it’s not much to boast about, Peter.’

## Fenrir Greyback

A savage werewolf whose speciality was biting children (most notably a young [Remus Lupin](/features/remus-lupin "Remus Lupin")), [Fenrir Greyback](/features/fenrir-greyback) was said to consume human flesh even when there wasn’t a full moon. Ick.

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## Barty Crouch Jr

Sent to [Azkaban](/features/azkaban "Azkaban") by his own father, [Barty Crouch Jr](/features/barty-crouch-jr) let his mother take his place and led [Cedric Diggory](/features/cedric-diggory "Cedric Diggory") to his death at the hands of Voldemort. Fiercely loyal to the D[ark Lord](/features/lord-voldemort "Lord Voldemort"), his intelligence and cunning were ruthlessly applied in the deception of others; as he put it, ‘decent people are so easy to manipulate’.

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## Amycus Carrow

The sadistic, hot-tempered Professor of the Dark Arts was so vile during his stormy term at Hogwarts in 1997 that he prompted Harry Potter to employ the dreaded [Cruciatus Curse](/features/cruciatus-curse) to keep him at bay, after Carrow spat in [McGonagall’s](/features/minerva-mcgonagall "Minerva McGonagall") face. 

## Alecto Carrow

The equally awful sister of [Amycus](/features/amycus-carrow "Amycus Carrow"), [Alecto](/features/alecto-carrow "Alecto Carrow") somehow gained a position teaching Muggle Studies at Hogwarts. Dim, but still brighter than her brother, Alecto deserves her place on this list for slashing [Neville Longbottom’s](/features/neville-longbottom "Neville Longbottom") face.

## Lucius Malfoy

Aristocratic, wealthy and elitist, Lucius Malfoy tried to sabotage [Arthur Weasley’s](/features/arthur-weasley "Arthur Weasley") career by slipping [Ginny](/features/ginny-weasley "Ginny Weasley") a copy of [Tom Riddle’s diary](/features/tom-riddles-diary "Tom Riddle's diary"). He may have been a senior Death Eater, but Lucius’s Achilles heel, mercifully, proved to be his love for his family. In the end, [Lucius](/features/lucius-malfoy) was more concerned with the safety of his son [Draco](/features/draco-malfoy "Draco Malfoy") than the outcome of the Battle of Hogwarts.

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Behind the scenes: How the wands were made

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Harry's wand and glasses resting on the Marauders map on a desk 

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Extracted from *Harry Potter Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey*.  
___

‘I think it must be a wonderful moment for the actors,’ says concept designer Adam Brockbank, ‘when they put on their costumes for the first time and wield their [wands](/features/wands "Wands"), which are the sheerest expressions of their characters.’

[Snape’s](/features/severus-snape "Severus Snape") wand is slim and spare, with no embellishments, while [Bellatrix Lestrange’s](/features/bellatrix-lestrange "Bellatrix Lestrange") has a curve in it, almost like the talon of a bird of prey. Embedded in [Dolores Umbridge’s](/features/dolores-umbridge "Dolores Umbridge") wand is a jewel – pink, of course.

‘On the handle end of [Horace Slughorn’s](/features/horace-slughorn "Horace Slughorn") wand,’ art director Hattie Storey notes, ‘are two little antennae, like a slug or a snail.’

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Brockbank designed [Narcissa Malfoy’s](/features/narcissa-malfoy "Narcissa Malfoy") wand to echo her husband, [Lucius’s](/features/lucius-malfoy "Lucius Malfoy"). ‘I took the same black wood that was used for Lucius’s cane,’ he says, ‘and embedded silver studs, essentially doing a more feminine version of his wand.’

Brockbank also designed [Voldemort’s](/features/lord-voldemort "Lord Voldemort") wand. ‘I had this idea that it was carved to resemble a bone, probably a human one. The tapered tip leads to a thicker section, where you can see the honeycomb of the bone. That comes to a “knuckle joint”, and then there’s a hook on the end, like a claw, which Ralph Fiennes actually tucks around his little finger. It’s quite an evil shape.’

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Three Death Eaters Wands from the Goblet of Fire.

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Some wands were immediately fixed upon first design, but others evolved during the course of the films, including [Harry’s](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter"). While directing *Prisoner of Azkaban*, Alfonso Cuarón offered the young principal actors a selection of new wands to choose from. 

Art director Hattie Storey approved of Daniel Radcliffe’s choice of a wand with a tree trunk-type handle. ‘I think the more successful wands are organic looking, maybe whittled out of a bit of root or branch,’ she says. ‘To me they are more mysterious and magical.’

The [Death Eaters’ wands](/image/dark-magic-wands), in contrast, exhibit ‘showy aesthetics’, says Storey. ‘Their masks are made out of filigreed silver, and their costumes are quite intricate, so the idea was that they show off with their wands too.’

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Three of the Death Eaters wands from the Goblet of Fire

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Once the look of each wand was decided, a master copy was made – which often occasioned a search for special materials. ‘We looked for interesting pieces of precious woods, with burrs or interesting shapes,’ says supervising modeller Pierre Bohanna. ‘Then we’d make a mould and replace it in resin. Duplicates were created in case a wand broke, and rubber versions were made for stunt work.’

Not all wands were tailored to their owners, though. For crowd scenes, such as the gathering in the courtyard after [Dumbledore’s](/features/albus-dumbledore "Albus Dumbledore") death in *Half-Blood Prince*, where more than 150 additional wands were needed, Storey admits there was a selection of generic wands. ‘We had three different types of handles and sticks that Pierre cast in different colours and materials,’ she recalls.

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Hermione holding up her wand from the Chamber of Secrets 

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6 times Neville Longbottom proved he was a true Gryffindor

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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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He was timid and clumsy, but he developed the very useful habit of showing enormous courage at crucial moments. Here are some of our favourite moments of [Longbottom](/features/neville-longbottom) bravery. 

## Standing up to Harry, Hermione and Ron when they tried to sneak out of the Gryffindor common room

>‘You can’t go out,’ said Neville, ‘you’ll be caught again. [Gryffindor](/collection/characters-gryffindors "Gryffindors") will be in even more trouble.’  
>‘You don’t understand,’ said [Harry](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter"), ‘this is important.’  
>But Neville was clearly steeling himself to do something desperate.  
>‘I won’t let you do it,’ he said, hurrying to stand in front of the [portrait](/features/hogwarts-portraits "Hogwarts Portraits") hole. ‘I’ll – I’ll fight you!’  
>‘Neville,’ [Ron](/features/ron-weasley "Ron Weasley") exploded, ‘get away from that hole and don’t be an idiot –’  
>‘Don’t you call me an idiot!’ said Neville. ‘I don’t think you should be breaking any more rules! And you were the one who told me to stand up to people!’  
>‘Yes, but not to us,’ said Ron in exasperation. ‘Neville, you don’t know what you’re doing.’  
>He took a step forward and Neville dropped [Trevor the toad](/features/trevor-the-toad "Trevor the toad"), who leapt out of sight.  
>‘Go on then, try and hit me!’ said Neville, raising his fists. ‘I'm ready!’<br> 
>*<cite>Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone</cite>*

## Refusing to obey the Carrows

>‘[Amycus](/features/amycus-carrow "Amycus Carrow"), the bloke, he teaches what used to be Defence Against the Dark Arts, except now it’s just the [Dark Arts](/collection/the-dark-arts "The Dark Arts"). We’re supposed to practise the [Cruciatus Curse](/features/cruciatus-curse "Crucio") on people who’ve earned detentions –’  
>‘What?’ Harry, Ron and [Hermione’s](/features/hermione-granger "Hermione Granger") united voices echoed up and down the passage.  
>‘Yeah,’ said Neville. ‘That’s how I got this one,’ he pointed at a particularly deep gash in his cheek, ‘I refused to do it. Some people are into it, though; [Crabbe](/features/vincent-crabbe "Vincent Crabbe") and [Goyle](/features/gregory-goyle "Gregory Goyle") love it. First time they’ve ever been top in anything, I expect.  
>‘[Alecto](/features/alecto-carrow "Alecto Carrow"), Amycus’s sister, teaches [Muggle](/collection/muggles "Muggles") Studies, which is compulsory for everyone. We’ve all got to listen to her explain how Muggles are like animals, stupid and dirty, and how they drove wizards into hiding by being vicious towards them, and how the natural order is being re-established. I got this one,’ he indicated another slash to his face, ‘for asking her how much Muggle blood she and her brother have got.’  
>‘Blimey, Neville,’ said Ron, ‘there’s a time and a place for getting a smart mouth.’<br> 
>*<cite>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</cite>*

## When he reminded Harry, Hermione and Ron that they had back-up

>‘We were [all in the DA](/collection/dumbledores-army "Dumbledore’s Army") together,’ said Neville quietly. ‘It was all supposed to be about fighting [You-Know-Who](/features/lord-voldemort "Lord Voldemort"), wasn’t it? And this is the first chance we’ve had to do something real – or was that all just a game or something?’   
>‘No – of course it wasn’t –’ said Harry impatiently.  
>‘Then we should come too,’ said Neville simply. ‘We want to help.’<br> 
>*<cite>Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix</cite>*

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Neville at Hogwarts from the Deathly Hallows 

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## Bringing down the fearsome Fenrir Greyback

>Harry saw [Yaxley](/features/corban-yaxley "Corban Yaxley") slammed to the floor by [George](/features/george-weasley "George Weasley") and [Lee Jordan](/features/lee-jordan "Lee Jordan"), saw [Dolohov](/features/antonin-dolohov "Antonin Dolohov") fall with a scream at [Flitwick’s](/features/filius-flitwick "Filius Flitwick") hands, saw [Walden Macnair](/features/walden-macnair "Walden Macnair") thrown across the room by [Hagrid](/features/rubeus-hagrid "Rubeus Hagrid"), hit the stone wall opposite and slide unconscious to the ground.   
>He saw Ron and Neville bringing down [Fenrir Greyback](/features/fenrir-greyback "Fenrir Greyback"), [Aberforth](/features/aberforth-dumbledore "Aberforth Dumbledore") Stunning [Rookwood](/features/augustus-rookwood "Augustus Rookwood"), [Arthur](/features/arthur-weasley "Arthur Weasley") and [Percy](/features/percy-weasley "Percy Weasley") flooring Thicknesse, and [Lucius](/features/lucius-malfoy "Lucius Malfoy") and [Narcissa Malfoy](/features/narcissa-malfoy "Narcissa Malfoy") running through the crowd, not even attempting to fight, screaming for their son.<br> 
>*<cite>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</cite>*

## Facing down Bellatrix Lestrange (who tortured his parents to insanity)

>‘Longbottom?’ repeated [Bellatrix](/features/bellatrix-lestrange "Bellatrix Lestrange"), and a truly evil smile lit her gaunt face. ‘Why, I have had the pleasure of meeting [your parents](/features/unsung-heroes-of-harry-potter-stories-frank-and-alice-longbottom "Unsung Heroes: Frank and Alice Longbottom"), boy.’  
>‘I DOE YOU HAB!’ roared Neville, and he fought so hard against his captor’s encircling grip that the Death Eater shouted, ‘Someone Stun him!’  
>‘No, no, no,’ said Bellatrix. She looked transported, alive with excitement as she glanced at Harry, then back at Neville. ‘No, let’s see how long Longbottom lasts before he cracks like his parents... unless Potter wants to give us the prophecy.’
>
>‘DON’D GIB ID DO DEM!’ roared Neville, who seemed beside himself, kicking and writhing as Bellatrix drew nearer to him and his captor, her [wand](/features/wands "Wands") raised. ‘DON’D GIB ID DO DEM, HARRY!’<br>  
>*<cite>Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix</cite>*

## Destroying Nagini, the final Horcrux
 
>In one swift, fluid motion Neville broke free of the [Body-Bind Curse](/features/full-body-bind-curse "Petrificus Totalus") upon him; the flaming [Hat](/features/the-sorting-hat "The Sorting Hat") fell off him and he drew from its depths something silver, with a [glittering, rubied handle](/features/the-sword-of-gryffindor "The Sword of Gryffindor") –  
>The slash of the silver blade could not be heard over the roar of the oncoming crowd, or the sounds of the clashing [giants](/features/giants "Giants"), or of the stampeding [centaurs](/features/behind-the-scenes-centaurs "Behind the scenes: Centaurs"), and yet it seemed to draw every eye. With a single stroke, Neville sliced off the [great snake’s](/features/nagini "Nagini") head, which spun high into the air, gleaming in the light flooding from the Entrance Hall, and Voldemort’s mouth was open in a scream of fury that nobody could hear, and the snake’s body thudded to the ground at his feet – <br> 
>*<cite>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</cite>*

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Harry and Neville in the Room of Requirement from the Order of the Phoenix  

Romance in the classrooms of Hogwarts

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

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Decorating the Great Hall for St. Valentine's day.

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## Percy and Penelope Clearwater

Even pompous prefects like Percy Weasley could find love – much to the astonishment of his brothers. 

When Percy started avoiding Quidditch and locking himself in his room, claiming to be too busy, they knew something was going on. Fred explained to Harry: ‘He’s not himself. His exam results came the day before you did; twelve O.W.L.s and he hardly gloated at all.’

Finally, his baffling behaviour was explained – it was love! His lucky lady was Ravenclaw prefect Penelope Clearwater, making them the perfect match. Ginny discovered his secret when she walked in on them kissing in an empty classroom one afternoon. Fred dropped a stack of books on George’s head when they found out.

## Moaning Myrtle and Harry
Having a crush is all part of being a teenager, and not even being dead can stop hormones from raging for some. Hogwarts student Myrtle Elizabeth Warren was killed by the Basilisk back when the [Chamber of Secrets](/writing-by-jk-rowling/chamber-of-secrets) was first opened. She haunted the toilet she died in ever since – and took a shine to Harry.

When he and Ron emerged from the Chamber, having killed the great serpent, she seemed a little disappointed that Harry had survived. In fact, she’d already been making plans for his afterlife, telling him: ‘Oh, well ... I’d just been thinking. If you had died, you’d have been welcome to share my toilet.’

When she bumped into Harry again in the [prefects’ bathroom](/features/the-5-strangest-things-to-ever-happen-in-a-hogwarts-bathroom "The 5 strangest things to ever happen in a Hogwarts bathroom"), she complained that Harry hadn’t been to see her for ages.  

> ‘Will you come and visit me in my bathroom again sometime?’ Moaning Myrtle asked mournfully, as Harry picked up the Invisibility Cloak.   
> ‘Er ... I’ll try,’ Harry said, though privately thinking the only way he’d be visiting Myrtle’s bathroom again was if every other toilet in the castle got blocked.  
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*  

Unrequited love, flushed down the u-bend.   

## The Harry-Cho-Cedric love triangle
The course of true love never did run smooth, as Harry found out in his fourth year at Hogwarts. When he met Ravenclaw seeker Cho Chang, ‘Harry couldn't help noticing, nervous as he was, that she was extremely pretty ...’

However, he didn’t pluck up the courage to ask her out until the Yule Ball, and by that point, she’d already agreed to go with Cedric Diggory.

The love triangle was brought to a tragic end with Cedric’s death but even then, Cho and Harry never quite got together. The pair went on a date on Valentine’s Day to Hogsmeade, but Harry annoyed her by arranging to see Hermione and she cut the date short. It was only later, when Hermione explained how Cho was feeling, that Harry realised where he’d been going wrong. 

Don’t worry about Cho, though: she found comfort with Ravenclaw Michael – a former boyfriend of Ginny Weasley – and eventually married a Muggle.

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## Hermione and Krum 
Even hard-working Hermione wasn’t immune to a bit of teenage romance and astonished everyone – especially Ron – when she turned up to the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum, the Bulgarian Quidditch star. The pair spent the dance deep in conversation, barely noticing their food. 

Hermione was taken hostage in the second task of the Triwizard Tournament because she was the person Krum would miss the most. After he rescued her, he asked her to visit him over the summer.

Even after Krum and the rest of Durmstrang departed Hogwarts, Hermione and Krum remained pen-pals, much to Ron’s agitation. And according to Ginny Weasley, the two most definitely snogged. 

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## Ginny and Michael... and Ginny and Dean
When Hermione casually dropped into conversation that Ginny was going out with Michael Corner, Ron wasn’t happy at all, immediately saying: ‘I didn’t like him.’ Like most teenage romances, it didn’t last for long. When Michael became grumpy after Gryffindor beat Ravenclaw at Quidditch, Ginny dumped him.

However, she didn’t stay single for long and started a new relationship with Dean Thomas, which horrified Ron further when he saw the new couple ‘locked in a close embrace and kissing fiercely as if glued together’.

Ron wasn’t the only one who didn’t like Ginny’s new romance. Harry experienced (although he may not have recognised it) a surge of jealousy, where ‘hot blood seemed to flood his brain, so that all thought was extinguished, replaced by a savage urge to jinx Dean into a jelly’.

Thankfully, Ginny eventually saw sense and broke up with Dean as well, leaving her free to get together with Harry.

## Ron and Lavender
Lavender Brown had a crush on Ron since the start of their sixth year. Ron’s triumphant first Quidditch match as Gryffindor Keeper led to a huge party, where he ended up ‘wrapped so closely around Lavender Brown it was hard to tell whose hands were whose’.

The couple spent the next few weeks locked at the lips and this constant snogging left Hermione furious and hurt. The pair parted company before the end of the school year, after she became jealous of his friendship with Hermione. Lavender was left with very red eyes, but Ron was just relieved. So cruel, Won-Won.

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The highs, lows and health hazards of Herbology

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Sprout holds a mandrake in her greenhouse.

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A screaming mandrake seedling in a Herbology Lesson 

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From studying [Mandrakes](/feature/behind-the-scenes-mandrakes "Behind the scenes: Mandrakes"), whose screams can literally kill you, to the rather unpleasant task of harvesting Bubotuber pus, it’s amazing that student wizards ever made it out of the school alive, much less with their O.W.L.s!

__Working with plants at Hogwarts could be, simply, disgusting...__  
Extracting the Bubotuber’s thick, yellowy pus, for example, is not a task for those of a delicate constitution.

__…and very, very messy__  
A generous coating of Stinksap, the smell of which is like ‘rancid manure’, may turn some green-fingered wizards and witches equally green-faced.

__Plants are packed full of magical uses...__  
From solving skincare problems with acne-banishing Bubotuber pus, to pursuing underwater adventures with gill-growing [Gillyweed](/features/gillyweed "Gillyweed").

__…though they can be quite violent__  
Fanged Geraniums are nasty nippers, and Bouncing Bulbs are heavy hitters. Beware!

__Some plants are painful, others lethal...__  
It is common knowledge that the cry of a fully matured Mandrake, if heard, is likely to be fatal. Earmuffs on!

__…and the dangers can be difficult to spot...__  
Devil’s Snare and Flitterbloom look strikingly similar to each other. Unfortunately, one savagely strangles its victims with dextrous vines, whilst the other is completely harmless.

__…but the rewards are vast__  
Sourcing your own [potion](/writing-by-jk-rowling/potions "Potions by J.K. Rowling") ingredients can save a Galleon or two, for starters. But some herbs could actually heal serious afflictions. Dittany can quickly cure nasty wounds, and mistletoe berries are essential to a well-brewed antidote to common poisons. Very helpful!

5 things we learned from wise Mr Ollivander

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

HP-F1

and the Philosopher's Stone 

Mr Ollivander was the most respected wandmaker in the wizarding world. Here's five things we learnt from him.

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