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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

Nine of the scariest creatures we meet in Fantastic Beasts

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Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

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The Crimes of Grindelwald

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There is no arguing that Newt Scamander has a real gift for connecting with all manner of magical creatures. He can make the most ferocious beast look as harmless as a kitten. However, that shouldn’t lull you into a false sense of security. These fantastic beasts are imposing, scary and can cause some serious damage – and should always be treated with the respect and fear that they deserve.

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## Occamy
When we first meet the baby Occamies in *Fantastic Beasts*, they were teeny tiny and rather sweet – what with their beautiful colouring, wings and graceful serpentine forms. However, don’t be fooled, these little fellows are rather aggressive – especially when it comes to defending their eggs (whose shells are made of the purest silver). They are also choranaptyxic – which means they shrink or grow to fit the available space. Which we soon learnt, when one escaped and found itself in an attic and grew to a rather gargantuan size. No matter what anyone (Newt) says, standing next to what looks like a giant, winged snake is bound to be rather alarming. 

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Four baby Occamies curled up but awake in their nest 

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

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and Where to Find Them

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## Zouwu
It would be nothing short of petrifying to meet one of these massive, powerful and speedy creatures out in the wild. Not only do they resemble lions with their scraggly manes but are also the size of an elephant, with a tail the length of a python. Their fangs curl up out of their mouths and their snarling roar will make you jump out of your skin. Did we mention that they are fast? They can cover up to 1000 miles a day – so you would have no chance of outrunning one. The Zouwu we met in Crimes of Grindelwald had been held captive in the Circus Arcanus, where it was treated horribly. It’s no wonder it was angry upon escaping and took swipes at passers-by. Luckily, Newt was on hand and was able to tempt this majestic animal into the safety of his case… with nothing more than a little toy bird on a stick and rope. 

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## Erumpent
While the Erumpent in *Fantastic Beasts* seemed to take a real shine to Jacob, they’re generally rather dangerous… and scary. These large, grey beasts are originally from Africa and resemble a rhino from a distance. They don’t attack unless provoked but once they do the results are usually disastrous. Though the scariest thing about an Erumpent is definitely the horn on the front of their head. Those things can pierce anything – from skin to metal. They also contain a deadly fluid which will cause whatever is injected with it to blow up! In fact, the reason that Erumpent numbers are so low, is that during mating season males in competition with each other frequently explode one another…

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## Kappa
In *Crimes of Grindelwald*, we came across this Japanese water demon in none other than the awful Circus Arcanus. When they are not held in captivity, you can find Kappas dwelling in shallow ponds and rivers. These strange looking beasts are said to resemble monkeys which are covered in fish scales rather than fur. As well as looking creepy, they also like to feed on human blood. However, you can stop a Kappa from drinking you dry with one simple trick. Simply carve your name into a cucumber and toss it to the demon. It will be persuaded not to harm you. Yep, that’s right, your life could be saved thanks to a humble vegetable…

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## Matagot
These little cats, that hang out around the French Ministry of Magic, might seem cute… but appearances can be deceiving. When provoked, these spirit familiars turn from docile housecats into big menacing wildcats. With their razor-sharp teeth and claws they are dangerous.  If that wasn’t bad enough, when they change, they also multiply – you can quickly find yourself surrounded by ferocious felines who are ready to attack. So, tread carefully and try to not get on the wrong side of these moggies… the results won’t be pretty (as Newt and Tina soon found out).

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Several Matagots in their big cat form angrily charging forward in the French Ministry of Magic 

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## Kelpie 
Though Newt might appear to have control of the Kelpie that lives in his menagerie, they are normally lethal. Kelpies are British and Irish water demons. They can take various shapes but tend to favour the form of a horse with a mane made of bulrushes. They trick unsuspecting victims into climbing up onto their backs and then drag them down to the bottom of their river or lake – where they consume them. The entrails of their prey then float to the surface (which sounds like something straight out of a horror film). Though they can be controlled if a bridle is put over their head with a Placement Charm… we wouldn’t take the risk as we’d like to keep our innards where they belong.

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Newt riding the Kelpie he takes care of underwater

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## Swooping Evil
The name says it all really. Something with evil as its moniker is hardly going to be as warm and fuzzy as a Pygmy Puff. When flying, they resemble giant butterfly-esque reptiles with spikey, skeletal wings. When they are not gliding through the air, they shrink into a green, spiny cocoon. Oh, they also like to suck out brains, cementing their spot in our list of scariest beasts. But to be fair, Newt’s one did help to rescue Tina from MACUSA, so they’re probably not all bad.

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Newt and Tina watching the Swooping Evil fly through the halls of MACUSA

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## Graphorn
Jacob was right to scream when he first saw Newt’s Graphorns (though yet again, his were very well behaved). They are extremely aggressive creatures which are hard to train. They’re also rather unattractive – large and greyish purple, with a humped back and two very long, very sharp horns. Their hides are tougher than a dragon’s and are able to repel most spells… so good luck trying to stop one that has you in its sights.

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## Nundu
Finally, we have arguably the most dangerous beast in the wizarding world, the Nundu… and of course Newt has one in his case. These giant cats have seriously bad breath – no really – their breath can cause a disease that is contagious enough to wipe out an entire village. If one crept up on you it would be too late, they move silently and even the most gifted witch or wizard wouldn’t be able to take one down on their own. It would take at least one hundred to do that – if that’s not a scary magical creature we don’t know what is.

How Quidditch made me realise my own sporting potential  

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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and the Philosopher's Stone 

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As a noughties teen obsessed with sport, I often felt adrift in what felt like a sea of girls who were more interested in ‘inside’ activities. I was the first one on the hockey pitch, the last person to leave the netball courts. I cut up oranges for half time matches, collected bibs from the store cupboard and taped pictures of my favourite football players to the inside of my locker.

Back in the early 2000s, there was no Emma Radacanu, Sky Brown or Simone Biles to look up to – and in the UK, women’s football was far less visible than it is now. Without social media or TV coverage, we had to wait for the Olympics to roll around once every four years to find new sporting heroes – especially women. The message in the UK seemed to be: Girls don’t play sport. They’re not interested in watching it and probably, they don’t understand it. I knew that wasn’t true and treasured every crumb of evidence to prove otherwise. I rented the DVD of *Sisterhood the Travelling Pants* and watched Bridget fall in love with Eric on the soccer pitch, I went to the cinema three times for *Bend it Like Beckham* and watched gleefully as girls (!) in London (!) played football (!). Sure, the stars of the film were as interested in their love lives as they were in scoring goals on the pitch and sure, Keira Knightly somehow managed to maintain a post-game glow rather than melt into a ketchup-coloured heap, but seeing young women passionate about sport, learning how to curl free kicks and launch themselves into sliding tackles was inspirational.

But it still felt limiting. The early noughties were crying out for something more for girls. Something that didn’t hinge on romantic peril to make the story work. And then I found Quidditch. I opened *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* and discovered that Harry would be joining not just the boys on the Quidditch pitch but would be flying alongside girls who were as quick, agile and strong as any their male teammates. Angelina Johnson was keen to remind Captain of the Gryffindor team, Oliver Wood that it was women as well as men in his pre-match team talk, and then strode out onto the pitch ready to destroy the opposition. The Hogwarts’ flying coach and referee, Madam Hooch was a powerful female leader. She had the fortitude to decide the outcome of a game with one sharp shriek on her whistle and could make or break a house team’s title challenge. Watching her take charge of that first flying lesson showed me that I had finally found a home for my sporty little heart. 

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Whilst some teams (Slytherin, we’re looking at you) were a less exciting all-male affair in Harry’s first year, Gryffindor showed that having girls on the team wasn’t a compromise. In the first match of the season, Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet brought speed and agility as Chasers. It was up to newcomer Harry to secure the victory over the Slytherin team - but even he had a little help from Hermione, who magically assisted from the stands as Harry’s broom started to behave erratically… 

As the stories progressed, so did the girls’ impact on the sport. From Cho Chang to Katie Bell, some of the finest Quidditch players Hogwarts saw were female. Ginny Weasley was the one, however, to prove that Quidditch could be more than a hobby. As a young girl, her older brothers dismissed her ambitions to be a Quidditch player, but Ginny was undeterred and borrowed her brothers’ broomsticks to practice without their knowledge. This paid off once she arrived at Hogwarts and was selected for the Gryffindor team. A star Chaser and Seeker, she went on to become a professional player for the all-female Holyhead Harpies before retiring as the senior Quidditch correspondent for the Daily Prophet. Ginny’s determination, ambition and physicality were the qualities she needed to take her passion to the next level and into professionalism.

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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and the Half-Blood Prince

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As a keen keep-fit person myself, I might never literally leave the ground, but Harry Potter proved to me that with the right attitude and the right environment I could fly as a sportswoman. And so, I strove harder to score goals, win games and take home gold.

But Quidditch was more than just about trophies. The Hogwarts students discovered that friendship, teamwork and loyalty were at the heart of success, not only for the players, but the supporters as well. From Luna’s home-made lion hat to the cheering fans in the rain to McGonagall’s generous rule breaking in allowing Harry to even try out for the team as a lowly first year, the Harry Potter stories made it clear, that excelling at sport was something to be celebrated and encouraged as a community.

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This was a message that I took to heart. Even when the support at my hockey matches had dwindled to the janitor and his spaniel, even when I was travelling solo to the outskirts of Uxbridge just to play hockey on a Wednesday night, even when the girls’ football team were relegated to using the netball posts for goals, even when we were losing games into the double digits, I thought of the Gryffindor team flying in every weather and the way that Quidditch bonded them. From then on, I knew it would all be worth it in the long run. Or in the Quidditch players case, the long flight! 

There are many heroes in Harry Potter – but the wizarding world’s sporting heroes were just as inspirational – writes Becca Langton 

Your Wizarding World: Q&A with Sean Biggerstaff 

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A close up of Oliver Wood who is wearing Quidditch robes and holding a broomstick.

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Sean Biggerstaff had an absolute ball playing Oliver Wood (pun absolutely intended) – and as it’s the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone film’s 20th anniversary, we asked Sean 20 questions about his time working on Harry Potter, what it feels like to ‘play’ Quidditch – and how he once did a line reading for Tom Riddle, AKA Lord Voldemort.

Take a look. 

## 1. Firstly, how does it feel knowing Philosopher’s Stone came out 20 years ago?

The first film does actually feel like an awfully long time ago.  The last film feels like it was last week, which is really scary, given that I was last on set well over a decade ago. 

## 2. And what is your relationship with the Harry Potter fans two decades later?

I’ve probably had more interaction with Potter fans over the last five years than all the preceding years, the demand for cast to appear at events all over the world having not dimmed in the slightest – something I’m incredibly grateful for but still quite baffled by. It’s hard for me to understand that experience from the other side but it’s always lovely when you can see that just saying hello has totally made a kid’s day.

## 3. What was the moment for you during Philosopher’s Stone where you realised this movie was going to be a big deal? 

It happened in a few stages, like seeing the main sets, or when the first packages of fan mail started arriving at my house before we’d even finished filming, but it was only when I got out of the car in Leicester Square at the first premiere that I really understood the scale of what was happening. And even then, I could never have guessed that the level of interest would be sustained for the next two decades (and counting).

## 4. You’re known as a sportsman in the Harry Potter films – what’s your relationship with sport in real life? 

Well, right now it’s non-existent as an old back injury has flared up something terrible! Historically I’ve been pretty athletic, but in a very different way from Oliver Wood. I’m a cyclist – 1st Under 14 in the Scottish Road Race Championships in 1996! - and a martial artist to some degree.  I’ve never had any interest in team ball games, but if there really was one where you could fly, that might be different…

## 5. What is your favourite Wizarding World memory? 

Impossible to narrow it down to one. In general, my favourite memories aren’t from the few scenes that I was heavily involved in – that was too much like hard work – they’re from just being in that world for all that time, seeing all the amazing sets that were built, watching some of the greatest actors in the world do their thing, watching incredible stunts being filmed etc. 

## 6. You revealed recently that you originally auditioned to be Percy – are you happy you landed with Oliver?

Yes and no. Percy would’ve been a lot of fun, more of a stretch, and I’d have been in more movies! But I was hardly going to argue when they said I was more suited to Wood, and I had an absolute ball playing him. I’ve never known a big blockbuster to get so much specific praise from critics for the casting. I reckon they knew what they were doing. 

## 7. Besides Percy, what other characters do you think it would’ve been interesting to play?

I would have loved to have played Tom Riddle, especially since I sort of did: Christian Coulson hadn’t signed on yet when we had the read through for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and David Heyman asked me to read in. That was a lot of fun. 

## 8. Do you still stay in touch with any of the cast? 

Yes, Christian Coulson for one! There’s no one I see in the flesh on a regular basis, simply because we all live in different countries, but I still talk to a lot of folk and see them at events all over the place. The last TV job I did before the pandemic was a thing about Orson Welles with Robbie Coltrane. 

## 9. And what actors do you remember working with the most on set? Any starstruck moments? 

By far the most intimidating star quality on the Harry Potter set was that of Alan Rickman, and I’d already known him for years since he directed me in *The Winter Guest*, so that was ok...more or less! A lot of people seem terrified of Maggie Smith but I always found her really approachable. Most of my scenes were with Harry himself and Dan was an absolute joy to work with. 

## 10. If you could have one spell or one type of magic that you could use in day-to-day life, what would you pick? 

Flying, for sure. 


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## 11. Why do you think people still love Harry Potter all these years later? 

The fact that people love it makes sense to me – it’s a wonderfully vivid fantasy universe – but the sheer scale of its success isn’t something I fully understand. I only really came to know what Harry Potter was from the inside of the behemoth, and I find it impossible to imagine what I’d think about it all if I was only ever looking in from the outside. I know what it means to me, but that’s obviously different. 

## 12. When was the last time you watched the first film? What’s your impression of watching it now?

Honestly? The last time I watched it was at the Scottish premiere on November 5th 2001! I almost never watch things that I’m in. When I’ve seen snippets of it, I’ve thought that it’s aged remarkably well for something that had cutting edge visual effects for its time, and I still think Chris Columbus gets far too little credit for how perfectly he recreated that world on the screen. 

## 13. Let’s talk Quidditch! Oliver Wood is a the Quidditch captain for Gryffindor – how was it filming those famous flying scenes? 

Long, boring and physically uncomfortable! It’s kind of a general rule that the more spectacular what you’re putting on the screen is, the more laborious the process is. Quidditch involved 12-hour days sitting on a stick in the air in front of a blue screen to get a few seconds of finished footage.

They only got round to making the broomsticks comfortable after I’d left! The moment where I finally had a really visceral experience of flying over the Quidditch pitch came the same way it did for thousands of others: going on the Hogwarts ride at the [Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida](https://www.wizardingworld.com/discover/experiences/the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-universal-orlando-resort). That was really something. 

## 14. If the Wizarding World was real, and you could have any magical profession, what would you pick? Or would you be a Quidditch player like Oliver Wood? 

Probably something really undignified in wizard terms, like being the Muggle world’s greatest magician. 

## 15. Were you a fan of the Harry Potter books? Do you have a favourite book or film? 

I only started reading them when I was asked to audition for the films, but I did really enjoy them, yeah. My favourite book was *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* and my favourite film was *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.*

## 16. Is there a particular Wizarding World moment from when you were working on the films that still sticks out? 

The first DVD launch was actually staged on Platform 9(3/4) at King’s Cross, and the cast arrived on the train. I’ll never forget passing through north London stations in the evening rush hour, and the faces of all the commuters as the characters from Harry Potter waved at them from the actual Hogwarts Express.

## 17.Harry had Ron & Hermione.  Which two people would you ask to help you defeat Lord Voldemort? (They can be people in your life, characters from Harry Potter – or famous/fictional people!) 

Severus Snape and my pal Kev. 

## 18. What would be your Boggart? (AKA – the creature that turns into your greatest fear?) 

Probably a Boggart. Wrap your head around that.

## 19. What was your proudest moment playing Oliver Wood?

I am regularly asked how we did the bit where I’m wrestling the Bludger back into the box, and I enjoy answering that it was nothing but mime! All those years of drama games at youth theatre weren’t wasted, it turns out. 

## 20. And finally, we simply must know your Hogwarts house – or the house you most relate to. 

[I did the test](https://my.wizardingworld.com/sorting-hat), and I got Gryffindor. Obviously. 

*For more "Your Wizarding World" interviews, [try our chat with the Phelps brothers next!](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/your-wizarding-world-interview-with-james-and-oliver-phelps-the-weasley-twins)*

***

__This week, we’re celebrating Harry’s first Quidditch match in our [20 Years of Movie Magic hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/harrypottermovie20). Fly on over to discover more content around the unpredictable wizarding sport, such as quizzes, puzzles and other features.__

As Gryffindor Quidditch ace Oliver Wood, Sean Biggerstaff became a household name when the first Harry Potter film debuted nearly 20 years ago. As we lead up to that all-important anniversary, we chatted to Sean about some of his favourite memories.

Which Hogwarts ghost are you most like?

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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## If you have trouble letting things go… you’re like Nearly Headless Nick
Are you someone that holds grudges? Do you find it difficult move past things – however big or small? If someone else were to take the last biscuit from the tin, would you never forgive them? If the answer to those questions is yes, then you’re like Nearly Headless Nick. Despite not meeting the vital criteria, Nick couldn’t get over the fact he was never allowed to join the Headless Hunt (despite having been struck in the neck with a blunt axe forty-five times) and would happily complain to you about it. That was a grudge which had lasted centuries and was set to last for centuries more. He simply couldn’t move on – though that is quite common for ghosts. And if you find yourself sympathising and understanding his position, we reckon you’re most like him.

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## If you love nothing more than a good moan… you’re like Moaning Myrtle (of course)
Moaning Myrtle was always one for… well, moaning. She moped during her time as a human and that certainly continued with gusto when she joined the afterlife. And while we do understand that being a ghost is not the happiest way to exist, she really did seem to enjoy wallowing in misery. In fact, she even had plans to share her toilet with Harry if he didn’t make it back from the Chamber of Secrets, as misery truly does love company. If you’re someone that searches for things to be annoyed about, gets a thrill out of complaining about the weather, your neighbours, or anything really, then you’re most like Moaning Myrtle.

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## If you are a fan of a statement necklace… you’re like the Bloody Baron
Do you like your fashion choices to make a big statement? Do you never go anywhere without a chunky, eye-catching necklace? Then you’re like the Bloody Baron. He’s worn the same chains for years. And yes, he did wear them to punish himself (for unforgivably murdering Helena Ravenclaw), but they certainly caught your eye. We don’t think your story is as dark as the Baron’s and we doubt you have such a profound reason for your choice of neckwear. But if you can’t bear to leave the house without a bit of bling, then he’s the ghost you’re most similar to.

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## If you have a certain air of mystery… you’re like the Grey Lady
The Grey Lady managed to slip under the radar for quite a few years. As a ghost we never really saw her or heard about her until the diadem came into play. And as a human, she managed to sneak off and escape to live in a forest when she stole that precious artefact from her mother (though she was eventually tracked down). If you’re someone who knows how to quietly slink away when you don’t want to be around people, then you’re most like the Grey Lady. We can imagine that you’re the type of person who plays their cards close to their chest, isn’t very likely to text back and knows exactly how to keep people at arm’s length.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

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## If mischief is your middle name… you’re like Peeves
Ok, so Peeves was a poltergeist rather than a ghost, but we reckon he still counts. One of the most disruptive forces in the school, nobody (apart from Fred, George or maybe the Marauders) could come close to his trickster ways. Whether he was swinging from (or unscrewing) chandeliers, bursting out of blackboards, loosening the carpet to trip people up or smashing cabinets as a distraction – he was an expert in causing chaos. If you have been known to get into mischief yourself or think there is nothing more hilarious than a practical joke, then we reckon you and Peeves are like two pesky peas in a pod.

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## If you’re always in a good mood… you’re like the Fat Friar 
The Fat Friar always seemed to be rather jolly. Even though he was a ghost destined to be stuck as nothing more than a mere imprint for the rest of eternity – he never seemed bothered. What always stood out was the way he smiled and affectionately chatted to students. He was also one of the only people in the school to think Peeves deserved a second chance. His good-humoured nature was his defining feature. And if you’re like the Friar, we reckon you are someone that is known for their sunny smile, unshakeable positivity and laidback nature.

Five times Wingardium Leviosa came in handy

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## When it first appeared…
The lesson where the Harry and his classmates learnt Wingardium Leviosa might not seem like an obvious example of a time when this spell was useful. Yet it was this lesson that acted as the catalyst for Harry, Ron and Hermione becoming the golden trio. If it weren’t for Ron being irritated by Hermione and her excellent spellcasting, he (probably) wouldn’t have insulted her after the lesson. And if he hadn’t done that and upset Hermione, she wouldn’t have hidden in the girls’ bathroom. Harry and Ron wouldn’t have gone to warn her about the troll… and we all know how that ended up…

>‘You’re saying it wrong,’ Harry heard Hermione snap. ‘It’s Wing-gar-dium Levi-*o*-sa, make the “gar” nice and long.’
>
>‘You do it, then, if you’re so clever,’ Ron snarled.
>
>Hermione rolled up the sleeves of her gown, flicked her wand and said, ‘*Wingardium Leviosa!*’
>
>Their feather rose off the desk and hovered about four feet above their heads.
>
>‘Oh, well done!’ cried Professor Flitwick, clapping. ‘Everyone see here, Miss Granger’s done it!’
>
>Ron was in a very bad temper by the end of the class.
>
>‘It’s no wonder no one can stand her,’ he said to Harry as they pushed their way into the crowded corridor. ‘She’s a nightmare, honestly.’
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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## When the trio used it to knock out a troll
When Harry and Ron found Hermione in the girls’ bathroom, she had some company in the form of an ugly, smelly, large and dangerous troll. As three first-years, they were no match for such a scary creature. Yet they managed to defeat him. And it was mainly due to Ron remembering his earlier lesson and using Wingardium Leviosa to knock the troll out with its own club. 

>Hermione had sunk to the floor in fright; Ron pulled out his own wand – not knowing what he was going to do he heard himself cry the first spell that came into his head: ‘*Wingardium Leviosa!*’
>
>The club flew suddenly out of the troll’s hand, rose high, high up into the air, turned slowly over – and dropped, with a sickening crack, on to its owner’s head. The troll swayed on the spot and then fell flat on its face, with a thud that made the whole room tremble.
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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Mountain Troll WB F1 Wand Up Trolls Nose Still 080615 Land

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## When Harry used it to stop the brains from getting him
The Department of Mysteries was home to some very sinister and strange things. The brains that lurked in one of the rooms were no exception. With their long creeping tentacles, you would do well to avoid them – as Ron discovered when they left their mark on him. However, Harry was luckier. As he was chasing Bellatrix after Sirius’s death, she tried to stop him by using the brains. Thanks to this savvy spell Harry was able to dodge them.

>And he was off, scrambling up the stone benches; people were shouting behind him but he did not care. The hem of Bellatrix’s robes whipped out of sight ahead and they were back in the room where the brains were swimming...
>
>She aimed a curse over her shoulder. The tank rose into the air and tipped. Harry was deluged in the foul-smelling potion within: the brains slipped and slid over him and began spinning their long coloured tentacles, but he shouted, ‘*Wingardium Leviosa!*’ and they flew off him up into the air.
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

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## When Harry used it to keep the sidecar airborne
When Harry left 4 Privet Drive for the final time, he found it to be a trickier journey than anticipated – what with being surrounded and attacked by a whole bunch of Death Eaters. As the Dark wizards tried to find the real Potter (amongst the seven that were flying across the sky), a battle broke out. With spells flying everywhere, it was only because of Harry’s quick thinking and this useful Levitation Charm that he didn’t meet a sticky end… 

>There was a deafening bang and the sidecar broke away from
the bike completely: Harry sped forwards, propelled by the impetus of the bike’s flight, then the sidecar began to lose height – 
>
>In desperation Harry pointed his wand at the sidecar and shouted, ‘*Wingardium Leviosa!*’
>
>The sidecar rose like a cork, unsteerable but at least still airborne: he had but a split second’s relief, however, as more curses streaked past him: the three Death Eaters were closing in.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

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## When Ron used it to freeze the Whomping Willow
In the midst of the Battle of Hogwarts, it was crucial that Harry, Ron and Hermione made it to the Shrieking Shack to find and slay Nagini. Without the death of the snake, Voldemort could not be vanquished. And while we know that they did not kill the snake at this particular moment, it was when Harry collected vital memories from a dying Snape. Nevertheless, with the Whomping Willow guarding the tunnel that led to the shack, they had to find a way to get past it. Luckily Ron remembered he was a wizard and used the spell that had brought them all together in the first place…

>Panting and gasping Harry slowed down, skirting the Willow’s swiping branches, peering through the darkness towards its thick trunk, trying to see the single knot in the bark of the old tree that would paralyse it. Ron and Hermione caught up, Hermione so out of breath she could not speak.
>
>‘How – how’re we going to get in?’ panted Ron. ‘I can – see the place – if we just had – Crookshanks again –’
>
>‘Crookshanks?’ wheezed Hermione, bent double, clutching her chest. ‘Are you a wizard, or what?’
>
>‘Oh – right – yeah –’
>
>Ron looked around, then directed his wand at a twig on the ground and said, ‘*Wingardium Leviosa!*’ The twig flew up from the ground, spun through the air as if caught by a gust of wind, then zoomed directly at the trunk through the Willow’s ominously swaying branches. It jabbed at a place near the roots and at once, the writhing tree became still.
>
>‘Perfect!’ panted Hermione.’
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

From knocking out trolls to helping motorbike sidecars stay afloat, Wingardium Leviosa is one spell that has popped up time and time again. We take a look at five times it proved to be very handy indeed…

What would be your signature spell?

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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## If you’re a clean freak… your signature spell would be Scourgify
Dirty dishes piled up in the sink. Clothes dumped on the floor. Cobwebs left undusted and undisturbed. If any of this fills you with horror and makes you break out into a cold sweat, then your signature charm would definitely be Scourgify. As someone who can only function when things are spick and span, and whose house always looks like a show home, we believe you’d derive real satisfaction and joy from this helpful spell. Dust and dirt would be nothing but a distant memory – with a flick of your wand it would be banished. And unlike Tonks who never really got the hang of household magic, we reckon you would master it straight away.

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## If you’re the mischievous type… your signature spell would be Wingardium Leviosa 
If Fred and George Weasley are your idols and you’re a master of tomfoolery – we think you’d love nothing more than using the Levitation Charm to help you with your hijinks. We can imagine you hiding out of sight and causing all sorts of chaos with this spell. Just imagine the look of surprise on your friend’s face as the cup of tea they’re holding floats out of their grasp. Or your parent’s bewilderment as the newspaper they were reaching for suddenly flies up in the air. With a simple swish and flick, you’ll find the opportunities for practical jokes are endless. Just remember, it’s Levi-*o*-sa not Levi-o-SA.

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