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Pub trivia – fun facts you didn't know about wizarding inns

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__Spoiler warning! There are some mild spoilers ahead – turn back now if you’re not familiar with the stories…__

## The Leaky Cauldron is the oldest pub in London

Despite what many [Muggles](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) think, the title of oldest pub in London goes to this well-loved wizarding establishment. Found on Charing Cross Road, the [Leaky Cauldron](/fact-file/locations/the-leaky-cauldron) was built in the 1500s – long before Charing Cross Road was even planned! Its true address is number one, [Diagon Alley](/fact-file/locations/diagon-alley).

## Muggles used to frequent the Leaky Cauldron

This wizarding institution wasn’t always a place that where only magical folk congregated. As it was built two centuries before the imposition of the International Statute of Secrecy, it was initially visible to Muggle eyes too. Muggles weren’t made to feel unwelcome or turned away. Having said that, thanks to the *interesting* conversations and even more *interesting* magical pets, many scarpered before finishing their mead.

![LeakyCauldron WB F1 SomeoneOutsideLeakyCauldron Illust 080615 Land](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5sxx5inySIAWsKA0gcuUEG/ca736eb81e715e092136f42c579a2719/LeakyCauldron_WB_F1_SomeoneOutsideLeakyCauldron_Illust_080615_Land.jpg)

## Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott lived above the Leaky Cauldron

In a turn of events that we find extremely adorable, after leaving [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) not only did [Neville](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom) continue his passion for magical plants as [Herbology](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/herbology) professor, but he also married [Hufflepuff](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hufflepuff), [Hannah Abbott](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hannah-abbott-fact-file). The happy couple decided to make a home for themselves living above the one-and-only Leaky Cauldron.

## A pub was the headquarters of a rebellion

Although we never learnt which one it was, according to *Sites of Historical Sorcery*, one of the wizarding pubs in [Hogsmeade](/fact-file/locations/hogsmeade) was said to have been the headquarters of the 1612 [goblin](/fact-file/creatures/goblin) rebellion. Could it have been the [Hog’s Head Inn](/fact-file/locations/the-hogs-head) which was known for its dubious dealings and schemes? Or perhaps it was the cosiness of the [Three Broomsticks](/fact-file/locations/the-three-broomsticks) that convinced the goblins to make it their base?

![pottermore-moments-hp-b5-hogs-head-homepage-hero](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2zygTLqXtChkWM7Asbbca3/14624eac244b6e0d0dd667458176dd1a/pottermore-moments-hp-b5-hogs-head-homepage-hero.jpg)

## The Hog’s Head Inn was run by a Dumbledore

While [Albus Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) ran Hogwarts, just down the road his brother, [Aberforth Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/aberforth-dumbledore-fact-file), ran the Hog’s Head Inn. Crochety and a big fan of goats, he and his brother didn’t always see eye-to-eye. Ultimately, they were both extremely good people and Aberforth even helped the resistance at Hogwarts after Albus’ death – thanks to a secret passage that connected the [Room of Requirement](/fact-file/locations/the-room-of-requirement) to his pub.

## Sybill Trelawney made her infamous prediction at the Hog’s Head Inn

The Hog’s Head Inn was the location of many crucial story moments from the founding of [Dumbledore’s Army](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/dumbledores-army) to [Hagrid](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/rubeus-hagrid) winning a dragon egg in a game of cards. However, there was one particular moment that changed the course of wizarding history forever. On a gloomy night, Albus Dumbledore went to interview [Sybill Trelawney](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sybill-trelawney) for the role of [Divination](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/divination) teacher. He was thoroughly unimpressed until, among the ramshackle décor and sticky floor, she made her prediction about the boy destined to end [Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) and rid the world of his evil!

![pottermore-moments-three-broomsticks-homepage-hero](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/YvfQFf3Sc7Y1rQNcmqoKm/7278f0704d0a659047a66375127ed129/pottermore-moments-three-broomsticks-homepage-hero.jpg)

## Katie Bell was given the cursed opal necklace at The Three Broomsticks

Run by Madam Rosmerta, the Three Broomsticks was a warm and welcoming establishment in Hogsmeade. Yet Dark Magic still managed to worm its way in there in the form of the cursed opal necklace. Part of a clumsy attempt on Dumbledore’s life, [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) Quidditch team member, [Katie Bell](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/katie-bell), took the necklace from the pub while under the influence of the [Imperius Curse](/fact-file/spells/the-imperius-curse) and narrowly escaped its deadly power.

## It wasn’t just witches and wizards who frequented the Three Broomsticks

Said to be as old as the only all-wizard village in Britain, the Three Broomsticks was a bit of a haven for all sorts of magical beings, such as hags, who couldn’t disguise themselves particularly well in the Muggle world. In fact, Ron and Hermione once thought they spotted an ogre!

Every quote to live by from your favourite witches

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Hermione wearing a red dress and smiling at Bill and Fleur's wedding.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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## The importance of keeping things in perspective

![HP-F1-philosophers-stone-hermione-charms-learning-classroom-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/qVjLFPXczR2mwGR54M1JK/5ffbc10854b90be415e66d18504a0f56/HP-F1-philosophers-stone-hermione-charms-learning-classroom-web-landscape)

‘Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery…’

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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Despite being known for her exceptional brain power, [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) also knew the importance of nurturing the other elements of her personality too. It’s a lesson she learnt in her first year after finding genuine friendship. It is also one that we could do with remembering too.

## Don’t be afraid to be bold

![HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-ginny-da-wand-determined-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3yxtbUPaKL5YRyOXEmcss7/b5f3840e6afd0c2e76548570d0532593/HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-ginny-da-wand-determined-web-landscape)

‘…anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.'

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Ginny Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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If you don’t ask you don’t get! As [Ginny](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ginny-weasley) reminds us, if we shy away from a challenge, we’re never going to achieve our dreams. If we find our courage? Well, the world is our oyster.

## Be proud of who you are

![HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-mcgonagall-desk-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/71JqjFqxFPKBLmoFUGKYJD/22d4d28400d268c5d1382d675b5ce1ae/HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-mcgonagall-desk-web-landscape)

‘It’s high time your grandmother learned to be proud of the grandson she’s got, rather than the one she thinks she ought to have...’

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Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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The no-nonsense [McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall) was a witch worth listening to! It’s all too easy to get caught up in the comparison trap, trying to think about who you *should* be and feeling inadequate next to others. However, you are brilliant just the way you are. You are one-of-a-kind. If the Head of [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) can see that – so can you.

## There is always hope

![HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-luna-da-room-of-requirement-casting-patronus-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5zrwB81bovDEUXWbMyCWia/26babee3a72e41ff8557681a28703f5a/HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-luna-da-room-of-requirement-casting-patronus-web-landscape)

‘The things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end. If not always in the way we expect.’

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Luna Lovegood: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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When times are hard, it can be easy to give up hope and become despondent. Yet this poignant point from the wonderfully eccentric [Ravenclaw](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/ravenclaw) is a reminder that good days are on the horizon – even if we can’t quite see them yet.

## Don’t be afraid to dream big

![WB-HP-F7-hermione-reading-promo-crop](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7uWvZ2RIgkybj8J1lCs5RA/39672ce02de6ff4e27d39381deb3c05f/WB-HP-F7-hermione-reading-promo-crop.jpg)

‘I’m hoping to do some good in the world!’

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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No matter who you are, you *can* make a difference. If you channel Hermione’s determination, we’re sure you will go on to do great and brilliant things.

## An excellent reminder

![HP-F5-molly-weasley-harry-potter-web-10744](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1ugOAEKJsmxHxy7rDSEkO8/d6f828346ab08de9e2eb69ed086fdf71/weasley-quiz-title-.jpg)

‘A good first impression can work wonders.'

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Molly Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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A sage piece of advice from [Mrs Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley)! She might have said this to Harry before his [Ministry](/fact-file/locations/the-ministry-of-magic) hearing, but we think this is something that can be applied to many different areas of your life. From making friends to job interviews, things are always easier if you start off on the right foot.

## Do what is right, not what is easy

![WB-HP-F2-hermione-examining-potion-ingredients-with-cauldron-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4L5hkIozTd68acqd3hpP2I/27590dc492caea34621b56bdd472e45b/WB-HP-F2-hermione-examining-potion-ingredients-with-cauldron-web-landscape.jpg)

‘Well, if you two are going to chicken out, fine… I don’t want to break rules, you know. I think threatening Muggle-borns is far worse than brewing up a difficult potion.’

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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Hermione was the witch who once declared being expelled to be a fate worse than death. To hear her trying to convince [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) and [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) to break the rules was rather shocking. Yet she raises an extremely valuable point. Sometimes you need to push the boundaries to do what is right. Following the rules can only go so far – especially if those rules cause more harm than good. It can be hard to stand up and be counted but we should all try to do so.

## Protect what is important

![WB-HP-F8-professor-sprout-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6PcDR4xjlhQ8xtErVUHYBc/198864f4ef4413d1ed6e50f91411088e/WB-HP-F8-professor-sprout-web-landscape.jpg)

‘I feel that if a single pupil wants to come, then the school ought to remain open for that pupil.’

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Pomona Sprout: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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This was a brave statement from [Professor Sprout](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/pomona-sprout) in the wake of [Dumbledore’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) death. [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) was so much more than a school. For many like Harry, it was a sanctuary and place they could call home. A place that should be protected. This is a sentiment we could all take on board. We should all work hard to take care of what, and who, is important to us.

## Don’t judge a book by its cover

![hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7L4Bw903CP5Rnv0MuCknWF/16abc8334d6185d0b8be2af4c5f93c45/hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape.jpg)

‘What do I care how ’e looks? I am good-looking enough for both of us, I theenk! All these scars show is zat my husband is brave!’

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Fleur Delacour: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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You might think glamorous and goodlooking [Fleur Delacour](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fleur-delacour) would also be extremely vain. Yet she wasn’t. Filled with self-confidence, she didn’t judge her husband based on his appearance – she knew it was the content of his character that truly mattered. That attitude is one we think everyone should embody.

## Boundaries are good

![mcgonagall-web-header-wand](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6J6heLMpK9Lee0eL8faPnj/18ebb3e1a6694c1ed440bf094b02a127/mcgonagall-web-headrer.jpg)

‘I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking.’

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Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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Quite right too! Don’t let anybody try to take your voice or diminish you. If someone tries to talk over you, channel your inner McGonagall and lay down the law – they’ll soon learn a valuable lesson.

Your birth month tells us your Harry Potter soulmate

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## January: The determined and dedicated Oliver Wood is your perfect match

![WB-HP-F1-philosophers-stone-oliver-wood-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7iJHeRIUbca989dspC4c2t/a8eae533de5cb364c2b8ef17aa39c857/WB-HP-F1-philosophers-stone-oliver-wood-web-landscape.jpg)

When considering your ideal partner, you don’t want someone who is afraid of commitment and isn’t willing to put the work in. You want someone who is going to give the relationship their all. This is why you and [Oliver Wood](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/oliver-wood) make a perfect pair. This [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) proved his determination time and time again as [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch) Captain. He was always coming up with training techniques and drills to make the team better. Yes, some of his teammates might have complained about the early starts, but it didn’t put Oliver off… and it worked. That’s the type of dedication you admire.

## February: Your soulmate is the creative and eccentric Luna Lovegood

![WB-HP-F5-luna-lovegood-wears-spectrespecs-with-quibbler-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5jiVEF9rz3GdDt6go666da/6431193cd66631881320a9921f2913fe/WB-HP-F5-luna-lovegood-wears-spectrespecs-with-quibbler-web-landscape.jpg)

There is nothing that bores you more than blending into the crowd. From your curious insights to your wacky wardrobe, you march to the beat of your own drum. You are proud to celebrate your uniqueness, and you are looking for a partner that doesn’t shy away from their individuality too. This is why [Luna Lovegood](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/luna-lovegood) with her [Spectrespecs](/fact-file/objects/spectrespecs) and radish-like earrings is your ideal match. The two of you would have a joyful relationship that celebrated creativity, eccentricity and a shared belief in the Crumple-Horned Snorkack.

## March: The brilliantly hilarious Ron Weasley is the one for you

![HP-F6-ron-in-bed-smiling-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/51khMqIDGh7ltBpFgDIet4/4390b7228f2368b128a11304e8a73108/HP-F6-ron-in-bed-smiling-web-landscape.jpg)

Life’s too short not to have fun. Who wants to be miserable? Yes, serious things happen but you still want to find the joy in life, and you want a partner who can do that too. This is why you and [Ron Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) would make the perfect pair. From his ‘Merlin's most baggy Y-fronts’ exclamations to quippy ‘Oh, of course… I forgot we’ll be hunting down [Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) in a mobile library’ comebacks – his quick with would keep you entertained for life.

## April: The elegant and poised Fleur Delacour is your ideal soulmate

![hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7L4Bw903CP5Rnv0MuCknWF/16abc8334d6185d0b8be2af4c5f93c45/hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape.jpg)

Graceful, elegant and gliding through life – that’s the ultimate dream. You aren’t interested in awkward situations and embarrassing encounters; you want life to be as serene as possible. As you want this from your partner too, you and [Fleur Delacour](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fleur-delacour) would make a flawless duo. No matter what situation she faced – from walking into the [Great Hall](/fact-file/locations/the-great-hall) for the first time to rejecting [Yule Ball](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/yule-ball) dates, she was always perfectly poised which is something you appreciate.

## May: The thoroughly good Cedric Diggory is who you’re drawn to

![HP-F4-goblet-fire-cho-cedric-walking-into-yule-ball-together-happy-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7Gg3rW3wpho401kh28ueXG/2ce6bdeb293a9f962407b31ab38c3c2b/HP-F4-goblet-fire-cho-cedric-walking-into-yule-ball-together-happy-web-landscape)

You have no time for people that like to play games in relationships. You abhor anyone who has a mean streak. You really can’t stand when people are rude to those around them. This is why [Cedric Diggory](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/cedric-diggory) is the perfect person for you. Despite being handsome, intelligent and an extremely talented wizard, this [Hufflepuff](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hufflepuff) was also humble. He was *good*. He helped Harry despite him being his [Triwizard](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/triwizard-tournament) rival and never let being the rising star at [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) go to his head. Cedric is a partner you would always feel safe with… and he is perfect for you.

## June: Your soulmate is Lavender Brown who wears her heart on her sleeve

![HP-F6-half-blood-prince-weasleys-wizard-wheezes-lavendar-looking-at-ron-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/41iicwNjHTdrMVNZoiTdoC/ddf961f7074d912a9307c0dc9e2716aa/HP-F6-half-blood-prince-weasleys-wizard-wheezes-lavendar-looking-at-ron-web-landscape)

As someone who is often described as vivacious and an open book, you have real difficulty bonding with people who are closed off or reserved. You find those who keep their cards close to their chest rather unsettling – which is why [Lavender Brown](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lavender-brown) is your soulmate. Whether she was snogging Ron in front of the whole [Gryffindor common room](/fact-file/locations/the-gryffindor-common-room) or giving him gaudy necklaces as a token of her affection, she was not afraid of her emotions or letting everyone else see them. This type of openness is something you can’t help but be drawn to.

## July: Your perfect match is loyal Neville Longbottom

![HP WB F4 Neville and his plant crop ](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/66z5lwGFVYTJTiW2dNdKfw/e99e49796545303b7dec644c11004840/NevilleLongbottom_WB_F4_NevilleLongbottomWithPlantPromoShot_Promo_080615_CROP.jpg)

Don’t underestimate [Neville](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom). He might have initially been a clumsy underdog, but he soon surpassed that and became a [sword-of-Gryffindor-wielding](/fact-file/objects/the-sword-of-gryffindor) hero. One who was loyal to his friends, his school and loyal to what was right. As someone born in July, this is what you would like to find in a partner. You don’t want a person who could easily be swayed. You want someone who is as committed to you as Neville is to his [Mimbulus mimbletonia](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/mimbulus-mimbletonia), which is why he is the one for you.

## August: The logical and intelligent Hermione Granger is the one for you

![HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-hermione-bill-fleur-wedding-red-dress-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5aJclseoYsrr4a0y0XPiQY/be44e1bfabc2a5f7422ed6e87a5df30e/HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-hermione-bill-fleur-wedding-red-dress-web-landscape)

As somebody who is known for their sharp mind and love of learning, we think you and the [cleverest witch of her age](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger), who takes the largest books out of the [Hogwarts library](/fact-file/locations/the-hogwarts-library) for ‘light reading’, would get on like a house on fire. Your days would be spent verbally sparring with each other, debating Ancient Rune translations and generally broadening your minds and you wouldn’t want it any other way.

## September: The discerning Draco Malfoy is your wizarding soulmate

![WB-F3-draco-in-care-of-magical-creatures-with-monster-book-of-monsters-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4FeDA9gWYlkm3iFXZMUOF5/47927d38da6fcc8d4660a5cd92a7e6d6/WB-F3-draco-in-care-of-magical-creatures-with-monster-book-of-monsters-web-landscape.jpg)

There’s nothing wrong with being shrewd or ambitious, these are traits that you rather admire. In fact, you find someone who knows exactly what they want and how to get it extremely attractive. This is why [Draco Malfoy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/draco-malfoy) is the one for you. We are in no way saying you are prejudiced or a bully like he was. However, the embodiment of [Slytherin](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/slytherin) traits, he was not afraid to openly say he liked the finer things in life or believe he deserved them – just like you.

## October: Fiery Ginny Weasley is your magical match

![GinnyWeasley WB F6 GinnyAtSlughornsParty Still 080615 Land](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4otWY19HKE4WyOOy4Q0wSu/66177ea78a84f5e28b9fb79b2b961e51/GinnyWeasley_WB_F6_GinnyAtSlughornsParty_Still_080615_Land.jpg)

If there was a witch that knew exactly who she was, it was [Ginny Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ginny-weasley). Having had a rough start at Hogwarts she blossomed into a fierce and phenomenal person – with an excellent talent for the [Bat-Bogey Hex](/fact-file/spells/the-bat-bogey-hex). That self-assuredness is something that you are looking for in a partner. You don’t want somebody who doesn’t take the time to work on being the best version of themselves. You want someone who is confident and powerful – exactly like Ginny.

## November: Harry Potter’s bravery is what makes him your soulmate

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[Harry Potter](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) is not afraid to confront the difficult things in life. He doesn’t shy away from a challenge or let fear stop him. He puts himself out there whether that’s soaring through the sky on his [broomstick](/fact-file/objects/broomstick), fighting the forces of evil or summoning up the courage to ask his crush to the Yule Ball. This is something that you strongly relate to. You’re not one to be called timid and you can’t stand cowardice. We’re not saying you’re necessarily an extrovert, but you stand up when it matters and that’s why Harry is your ultimate wizarding soulmate.

## December: The glass half-empty Moaning Myrtle is your perfect match

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There is no person that gets on your nerves more than the one who is relentlessly optimistic. You don’t have time from all that chirpiness and being constantly told to look on the bright side. In fact, being stuck with someone like that would be your worst nightmare. You want someone who will always look on the gloomy side – which is why [Moaning Myrtle](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/moaning-myrtle) (emphasis on the *Moaning*) is your perfect match. Despite her crush on Harry Potter, with your maudlin outlook, we’re sure you could win her over and many (un)happy centuries sitting in the [u-bend of a Hogwarts toilet](/fact-file/locations/moaning-myrtles-bathroom) discussing all the reasons why everything is awful.

For beginners, for novices, for Harry Potter superfans going 20 years-strong, dig deep into the wizarding world with our collection of features.

Features - Wizarding World

15 playful puns from the Harry Potter stories you might’ve missed 

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Hermione sitting at a desk with a quill, looking thoughtful.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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## 1.	Diagon Alley 
Read the name of this very famous wizarding destination quickly… can you hear it? [Diagon Alley](/fact-file/locations/diagon-alley) is a play on the word diagonally! However, Harry soon found out the perils of these two words sounding so similar when he tried to travel to Diagon Alley using Floo Powder. Unfortunately, he ended up in an entirely different location which happens to be our next pun.

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## 2.	Knockturn Alley 
Yep! Our next piece of wording wizardry references the seedy street next to Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley. As before, run the first word into the second and you’ll see that it sounds just like nocturnally. And with Dark shops like Borgin and Burkes, random Death Eaters casually browsing creepy magical objects and general not-so-pleasant vibes, the word nocturnally certainly suits this shady street.

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## 3.	Grimmauld Place 
[Number twelve, Grimmauld Place](/fact-file/locations/number-twelve-grimmauld-place) was dark, dank and dusty. Filled with gruesome relics, you could hardly call ‘The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black’ cosy (despite Molly Weasley’s best efforts). We would even be tempted to call it a ‘grim old place’ – just like the name suggests! 

Number twelve, Grimmauld Place Fact File Image number-twelve-grimmauld-place_1_1800x1248

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## 4.	Riddikulus 
Imagine Snape dressed in the clothes of Neville’s grandmother – hat topped with a stuffed vulture and all. Just [Riddikulus](/fact-file/spells/the-boggart-banishing-charm)… sorry, we mean ridiculous, right? And there’s our next play on words... To banish a Boggart, you need to turn your worst nightmare into something ridiculous using this incantation, turning your fear into mirth. We reckon we might be able to guess what inspired its name!

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## 5.	Avada Kedavra 
[The Killing Curse](/fact-file/spells/the-killing-curse) might be the most heinous spell in the wizarding world, but have you noticed that it sounds just like the more innocent Abracadabra? This incantation favoured by Muggle magicians has been around for centuries and is usually used quite generally for any sort of magical trick or illusion. In an interview in 2004, J.K. Rowling explained that this term comes from the ancient language Aramaic, and she reinterpreted the phrase for one of her most famous spells.

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## 6.	Dolores Umbridge 
A true villain with a supremely narrow mind, [Dolores Umbridge](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/dolores-umbridge) would often take offence or be annoyed at every little thing… you could say she often took *umbrage*. Oh look, that sounds just like her name!

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Umbridge is sat at her desk in her office and looking up at someone of shot. She is holding a pencil in her hands.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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## 7.	Spellotape
Even the tiniest details and everyday wizarding items often involve some secret wit. Take Spellotape, which sounds like a very famous British brand of tape… Sellotape! Need we say more? Other tape brands are, of course, available. 

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## 8.	Professor Sinistra
We might not have seen much of Professor Sinistra, but her name is rather intriguing. Not only does Sinistra sound like sinister (though whether this Hogwarts teacher was a disturbing presence, we just don’t know) but did you know that ‘sinistra’ is also the Italian for left hand? And (we might be making a leap here) isn’t it interesting that the teacher of Astronomy has a name rooted in Italian, when one of the most famous astronomers in history was Galileo, happened to be Italian?

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## 9.	Severus
The surly Potions Master could be quite stern or *severe* as his first name suggests. If you were to explore further, you’d find that Snape’s first name has its roots in Latin and means ‘harsh’ or ‘stern’. Well, doesn’t that suit his personality perfectly?


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## 10.	Pensieve
The [Pensieve](/fact-file/objects/pensieve) is a play on two words. Firstly, the word pensive, which means reflective or deeply thoughtful – appropriate for an object that shows and stores memories. Secondly, the word sieve. According to J.K. Rowling, this is ‘alluding to the object’s function of sorting meanings from a mass of thoughts or memories’. 

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## 11.	Sirius Black
Sirius might sound like ‘serious’ but that’s not the answer to this particular piece of wordplay (especially as Harry’s roguish and mischievous godfather was anything *but* solemn). For this one we need to dig a little deeper. Did you know that Sirius is also a star? In fact, it is the Dog Star which sits within the ‘Great Dog’ constellation – rather fitting for an Animagus whose form is a black dog! 


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## 12.	The Knight Bus
This is another interesting one. According to J.K. Rowling, the [Knight Bus](/fact-file/objects/the-knight-bus) was named for two punny reasons. The first, knight is a homonym of night. In Britain, there are night buses that continue to run when normal public transport stops – a bit like a knight in shining armour rescuing those who are stranded. This also happens to be the second meaning behind the name ‘Knight Bus’. It too rides to the rescue of a stranded witch or wizard!


The Knight Bus Fact File Image the-knight-bus_2_1800x1248

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## 13.	Mirror or Erised
This is another which is a bit of a thinker. Read the word ‘Erised’ backwards and you’ll see why we have included it. Yes! ‘Erised’ backwards is ‘desire’ (the mirror image if you will). And ‘desire’ sums this mirror up perfectly. When you gaze into its depths – it reflects your deepest dreams and what your heart longs for. The longer inscription across the frame of the [mirror](/fact-file/objects/the-mirror-of-erised) is also a full backwards message: 'Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi' becomes 'I show not your face, but your heart’s desire.'


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## 14.	Kreacher 
Rather straightforward, this one. The once inhospitable house-elf that dwelled in Grimmauld place was called [Kreacher](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/kreacher) and that sounds like… creature! Simple, yet effective.

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## 15.	Remus Lupin
Finally, we have Remus Lupin. Every part of his name means wolf. In Roman mythology, Remus was one of two brothers (the other being Romulus) who were raised by wolves. The name Lupin (or lupine) is rooted in Latin and means wolf. Finally, even his father’s name reflects Remus’ ‘furry little problem’. Lyall has Norse origins and, weirdly, means fluorescent bouncing unicorn!… just kidding, it also means wolf.

Remus Lupin Fact File Image remus-lupin_2_1800x1248

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The Quirinus Quirrell crossword

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Professor Quirrell is standing with his back to the Mirror of Erised in a stone room.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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and the Philosopher's Stone 

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The Pomona Sprout wordsearch

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Some of our favourite moments from wizarding world witches

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## When McGonagall protected Hogwarts
If there is one witch that we think would be an incredible role model, it’s [Minerva McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall). No nonsense, talented and always on hand with a biscuit… she was a formidable force. It was difficult to pick just one moment that celebrated her greatness, but we must admit, we get choked up every time we watch her protect her school…

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## That time Molly said ‘Not my daughter’
Do not underestimate [Molly Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley). Not only was she an incredible mother and gifted witch (with a real talent for keeping the unruliest folk like Fred and George in line), but she also possessed the strength needed to defeat [Voldemort’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) right-hand woman. Even though she had lost her son moments before (and must have been consumed by grief), her protective instinct was as strong as ever. She made sure that nobody would *ever* touch a hair on any of her children’s heads again.

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## How Luna knew how to help Harry
Many might have called [Luna](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/luna-lovegood) ‘Loony’, but they clearly didn’t know anything about her. She was kind, wise and highly perceptive. Out of all of Harry’s friends, she was one who knew how to reach him in the wake of [Sirius’](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sirius-black) death – having lost her mother at a young age. As well as truly understanding the pain that Harry felt, she also knew exactly what to do, say and when he might need a hand to hold…

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/FHE3pxEtVn0?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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## The time Hermione did… well anything
[Hermione Granger](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) was about as brilliant as a person could be. We watched her grow from a bright (if misunderstood) child to an incredibly powerful and intelligent witch. Her journey contained many, many moments that demonstrated her fabulousness – whether that was solving the potions puzzle in her first year, helping to save Sirius *and* [Buckbeak](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/buckbeak) in her third or, you know, being instrumental in overthrowing one of the Darkest wizards of all time… Let’s be honest, Harry and Ron would have been lost without her. 

As you can imagine, it was nigh on impossible to pick just one Hermione clip… yet we have. And we think it is a moment that sums up her brains, bravery and that slightly terrifying streak of hers that Ron sometimes noticed…

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## Ginny’s natural flair for spellwork 
She might have been the youngest of the Weasley siblings, but [Ginny](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ginny-weasley) was also the mightiest. You certainly wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of one of her [Bat-Bogey Hexes](/fact-file/spells/the-bat-bogey-hex)… it was this skill that scored her an invite into *the* Slug Club. That wasn’t the only spell the witch was a whizz at. Have you seen Ginny cast Reducto? It’s a powerful sight indeed. Have a look and see…

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## The unflappable Professor Sprout 
We think that the down-to-earth Head of Hufflepuff is often overlooked – and that’s a real shame! We all have a lot we could learn from the practical professor and a lot we can admire – those plants can be deadly. Speaking of plants that like to kill you, we were in awe of the way [Professor Sprout](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/pomona-sprout) grew and tended to the lethal Mandrakes. Without her, those who had been Petrified by the [Basilisk](/fact-file/creatures/basilisk) might have remained frozen forever. We also have to respect her bravery for allowing a group of 12-year-olds tend to these wailing shrubs. She didn’t bat a single eyelid when a certain Gryffindor fainted…

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## A whole host of incredible witches
Haven’t had enough of amazing moments from some of our favourite witches? Neither have we. Luckily, we have a whole compilation of them all being incredible. Enjoy!

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Lupin's Defence Against the Dark Arts crossword

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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The Cedric Diggory wordsearch

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A close up of Cedric Diggory who is smiling.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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and the Goblet of Fire

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Why Remus Lupin was the perfect man

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## His compassion is unparalleled
We’re sure you would all agree that the ‘perfect man’ needs kindness and compassion. Luckily for us, [Remus Lupin](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/remus-lupin) took those attitudes and nurtured them. Having struggled to be accepted in wizarding society (thanks to his ‘furry little problem’), he was as empathetic and considerate as they come. The moment that sealed it for us? Giving Neville the chance to shine in [Defence Against the Dark Arts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/defence-against-the-dark-arts). He saw how he was often belittled and allowed him to stand on his own two feet… Seeing Snape in the clothes of Neville’s grandmother? Well, that was just the cherry on the top.

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## Intelligence is always an attractive quality
Some people might be a fan of the strong and silent type, but we favour a little more conversation.  [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) may have said ‘books and cleverness – there are more important things’ but for Lupin, we loved that he was always eager to learn. We probably don’t need to list out a whole load of examples to demonstrate this, but we will, because it’s fun! There was the fact he was one of the inventors of the [Marauders Map](/fact-file/objects/the-marauders-map). Then there was how wise he could be – his words on fearing fear itself certainly stuck with us. Then there was the fact that he was the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Harry ever had… Admittedly there was some weak competition (like those who wanted to kill Harry, resurrect Voldemort or who would only wear pink), but nevertheless he was still brilliant and pretty much perfect.


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## His bravery is something to be admired 
Is there anything as swoon-worthy as a dashing hero coming to the rescue? While Lupin didn’t come galloping along on a noble steed, he consistently showed he was a worthy [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor). Whilst there were the showier examples of his bravery (working for the [Order](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/order-of-the-phoenix), not shrinking away from the Battle of Hogwarts and so on), we think his most impressive act of courage was facing the world every day. A world that turned its back on him because he had been bitten by a werewolf. Others like him often lived on the fringes of society as eternal outcasts, but Lupin worked hard to avoid that fate. He carved a place for himself within the wizarding community, didn’t cave into the hatred and suspicion directed his way and even found his family – which we find just as swoon-worthy as any knight in shining armour.


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Lupin and Tonks standing outside The Burrow. Lupin has his arm around Tonks and they both look concerned.

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## Who doesn’t love a man of mystery? 
When Remus Lupin rocked up in *Prisoner of Azkaban* with his tattered case, bar of chocolate and sage advice, we wanted to know more about this enigmatic man. He was clearly keeping a secret… but what was it? Why was he so frequently ill? Why did he seem so haunted? And did he always carry a bar of chocolate around with him? Of course, we discovered he was a [werewolf](/fact-file/creatures/werewolf), who had suffered his fair share of tragedy and happened to be very good at his job (hence the chocolate), but that initial air of mystery had us hooked. Afterall, life would be very dull if everyone was an open book… and Lupin had that je ne sais quoi that made him that bit more exciting. 

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## We love a shabby chic style icon
The rumpled cardigan, the tousled hair, the haven’t-had-a-good-night’s-sleep-in-a-year look – Remus Lupin knew how to work that shabby chic vibe. In fact, we would go so far as to call him the master of it. You can keep your immaculate dress robes (or ones that make you look like your Great-Aunt Tessie). You can keep your finely manicured, [Vernon Dursley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/vernon-dursley) moustaches. And you can definitely keep your lime-green bowler hats. All we want is a man in a brown tweed blazer with a book under one arm and a smile.

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Every time Ron Weasley reminded us of Pisces energy 

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In Harry Potter’s world, there’s Divination, Astronomy and prophecies – all used to make sense of the mysteries of the universe and the great beyond. But what about astrology? We know Professor Trelawney did touch upon it, but do any of our favourite characters happen to display personality traits that are unique to their star sign?

Well, we thought it would be fun to find out! As it is Pisces season, we’re looking at our king, Ron Weasley. Of course, any similarities may be a total coincidence. We’ll leave that up to you to decide. Why not share this with your Pisces friends and see what they think?

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## Goes with the flow
Pisces are considered Water signs by astrologers. However, they’re not just any Water sign – they are the ‘mutable’ Water sign. Put simply, like the ocean, Pisces are able to adapt to any given situation and go with the flow.

That ability to go with the flow was something we saw [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) demonstrated time and time again. Any dangerous and hare-brained scheme that Harry would come up with (like following a bunch of spiders into the [Forbidden Forest](/fact-file/locations/the-forbidden-forest)), that was likely to get them killed (or worse, expelled), Ron would be there. And yes, sometimes he’d complain (mostly about a lack of food on the Horcrux hunt) but Ron would take whatever was thrown at him and adapt to his surroundings – often with his sense of humour still intact.


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