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

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

## The Leaky Cauldron is the oldest pub in London

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

## Muggles used to frequent the Leaky Cauldron

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

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

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

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

## A pub was the headquarters of a rebellion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every quote to live by from your favourite witches

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

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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## The importance of keeping things in perspective

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

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

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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

## Don’t be afraid to be bold

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

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

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Ginny Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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

## Be proud of who you are

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

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

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Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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

## There is always hope

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

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

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Luna Lovegood: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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

## Don’t be afraid to dream big

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

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

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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

## An excellent reminder

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

‘A good first impression can work wonders.'

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Molly Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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

## Do what is right, not what is easy

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

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

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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

## Protect what is important

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

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

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Pomona Sprout: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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

## Don’t judge a book by its cover

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

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

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Fleur Delacour: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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

## Boundaries are good

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

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

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Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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

Your birth month tells us your Harry Potter soulmate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

## July: Your perfect match is loyal Neville Longbottom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

## October: Fiery Ginny Weasley is your magical match

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

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

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

![HP-F8-harry-lake-web-header](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3SzHQWDxZAPjea1KYpaIO0/cc24a62a6e35937f165b190cf14df8e6/harry_heaer.png)

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

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

![HP-F2-chamber-of-secrets-moaning-myrtle-girls-bathroom-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2HdGuqY9aOgGStQJii0yVY/5013a2d38cecb8e9f536e42f6dbf0036/HP-F2-chamber-of-secrets-moaning-myrtle-girls-bathroom-web-landscape.jpg)

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

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

Features - Wizarding World

Who is the coolest Weasley child?

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## 7. Percy Weasley

__Coolest moment:__ ‘Hello, Minister!’ …. ‘Did I mention I’m resigning?’

__Verdict:__ We’re absolutely not saying you can’t be cool and be a Prefect, but Percy wasn’t exactly the most gracious of authority figures. He regularly threatened Ron with detention, and liked to remind everyone exactly what his title was – whether that be Prefect or Head Boy. And after he left Hogwarts and joined the Ministry, it was very not cool to be in league with Fudge and Umbridge and turn his back on his family. He definitely redeemed himself in the end, and the moment he announced his resignation in a duel was fantastic, but unfortunately that wasn't enough to tip the balance of Percy ending up at the bottom of the pile in the coolest Weasley child rankings.
 
## 6. Ron Weasley

__Coolest moment:__ ‘Weasley can save anything, He never leaves a single ring, That’s why Gryffindors all sing: Weasley is our King.’

__Verdict:__ Ron had a tough time staying cool under pressure, and we don’t blame him: three-headed dogs, giant spiders, Azkaban escapees – he really did have a lot to deal with during his time at Hogwarts. The great thing about Ron was that he had true courage – he was often afraid but conquered his fear and fought for good anyway. Unfortunately, that meant he wasn’t always exactly cool – remember those slugs? And it was supremely uncool of him to abandon Harry and Hermione on their Horcrux hunt. That being said, he did have some pretty cool moments – saving Harry from freezing water and destroying a Horcrux, that epic chess game in Philosophers Stone – but we picked the moment that the song – started as a taunt by the Slytherins – was taken over by Gryffindors to reflect Ron’s Quidditch Keeping success.
 
## 5. Charlie Weasley

__Coolest moment:__ ‘How are you? Thanks for the letter – I’d be glad to take the Norwegian Ridgeback, but it won’t be easy getting him here. I think the best thing will be to send him over with some friends of mine who are coming to visit me next week.’

__Verdict:__ This quote is taken from a letter Charlie wrote to Ron, who had asked him for help with Hagrid’s pet dragon. Pretty cool of an elder brother not to question this odd request, and ever cooler just to be able to just casually mention that you have friends who can help out with a Norwegian Ridgeback! Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see too much of Charlie, although we heard all about him working with dragons in Romania (also a very cool job!). He isn’t much higher on the rankings as we just can’t judge how cool he really was from the information we have – however according to Fred he did have to take his Apparition test twice because he ‘Apparated five miles south of where he meant to, right on top of some poor old dear doing her shopping, remember?’ Not cool, Charlie. Not cool.
 
## 4. George Weasley

__Coolest moment:__ ‘Saint-like,’ repeated George, opening his eyes and looking up at his brother. ‘You see ... I’m holy. Holey, Fred, geddit?’

__Verdict:__ Even after losing his ear, this Weasley twin was cracking jokes and trying to make everyone laugh – can you get any cooler than that? That being said, the rankings are getting pretty close together on the cool factor front as we reach the twins – though they did many of their coolest deeds together, so we’ve penalised them slightly for that (remember giving Harry the Marauder’s Map? Umbridge and the fireworks? Leaving that swamp in a corridor at Hogwarts with no instructions for how to get rid of it?). Legends.
 
## 3. Fred Weasley

__Coolest moment:__ ‘George,’ said Fred, ‘I think we’ve outgrown full-time education.’

__Verdict:__ Fred just edges ahead of his twin brother in these rankings, as he is often the ring-leader of the two. He’s usually the one with the witty one-liners, and therefore comes across as ‘cooler’ in his confidence – the quote above is said directly to Umbridge before they leave Hogwarts behind on their broomsticks. He’s also often the instigator – for example, he was the one driving the flying car in Chamber of Secrets, and it was his idea to use an Ageing Potion to try to enter their names in the Goblet of Fire. You might not think that makes him cooler – but we had to decide whether Gred or Forge came higher in the rankings somehow! If you want to find out more about the differences between Fred and George, you can read an article we wrote about them [here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/differences-between-fred-and-george-weasley) 
 
## 2. Ginny Weasley

__Coolest moment:__ ‘The thing about growing up with Fred and George,’ said Ginny thoughtfully, ‘is that you sort of start thinking anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.’

__Verdict:__ Ginny almost makes it to the top of the Weasley rankings for coolness. She trained herself at Quidditch when her brothers never let her play, she had the meanest Bat Bogey Hex around (and wasn’t afraid to use it), and continued to cause havoc at Hogwarts to rebel against the Death Eaters in Deathly Hallows. She befriended Luna Lovegood, and stuck up for her, even though she wasn’t exactly the coolest Hogwarts student around, and when asked if Harry had a tattoo, completely styled it out and told everyone it was a Hungarian Horntail. Need we go on?
 
## 1. Bill Weasley

__Coolest moment:__ ‘However, Bill was – there was no other word for it – cool.’

__Verdict:__ He was always going to win this one, wasn’t he? He was a curse-breaker for Gringotts – how cool does that sound? And that was after being Head Boy and getting about a million OWLs, as well as sporting that ponytail and fang earring. This kind of pirate-style coolness was evident in something he said to Mrs Weasley when she was fussing over his appearance: ‘Mum, no one at the bank gives a damn how I dress as long as I bring home plenty of treasure,’ – so casual. Not to mention he married someone equally as cool and attractive as himself – Fleur Delacour – who was a Triwizard Champion and half-Veela. If that wasn’t enough, he took being attacked by Fenrir Greyback completely in his stride: … ‘in personality he seemed just the same as ever. All that appeared to have changed was that he now had a great liking for very rare steaks.’ Bill, we bow to your superior coolness.

Hidden entrances of the wizarding world

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## The entrance to Diagon Alley

*Location:*

Through a wall at the back of the Leaky Cauldron pub in London.

*How to enter:*

Tap the brick in the wall that is three up and two across three times – preferably with a pink umbrella but we’re not sure that’s strictly required… 

*Favourite moment:*

> ‘The brick he had touched quivered – it wriggled – in the middle, a small hole appeared – it grew wider and wider – a second later they were facing an archway large enough even for Hagrid, an archway on to a cobbled street which twisted and turned out of sight.
> 
> ‘Welcome,’ said Hagrid, ‘to Diagon Alley.’’

## Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place

*Location:* 

Grimmauld Place, London.

*How to enter:* 

Protected by a Fidelius Charm with Albus Dumbledore as Secret Keeper. Location must be revealed by the Secret Keeper orally or in writing. 

*Favourite moment:*

> ‘Harry thought, and no sooner had he reached the part about
number twelve, Grimmauld Place, than a battered door emerged out of nowhere between numbers eleven and thirteen, followed swiftly by dirty walls and grimy windows. It was as though an extra house had inflated, pushing those on either side out of its way. Harry gaped at it. The stereo in number eleven thudded on. Apparently the Muggles inside hadn’t felt anything.’

## The entrance to St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries

*Location:*

Near Purge & Dowse Ltd, an old department store in London.

*How to enter:*

Approach a glass window of Purge & Dowse Ltd and speak very quietly to the ugliest dummy you can see in the window display, with a green pinafore dress. The dummy will nod and beckon you through the glass. Step through the glass and into the hospital. 

*Favourite moment:* 

> ‘They nodded, clustering around her. Moody gave Harry another shove between the shoulder blades to urge him forward and Tonks leaned close to the glass, looking up at the very ugly dummy, her breath steaming up the glass. ‘Wotcher,’ she said, ‘we’re here to see Arthur Weasley.’’


## Ministry of Magic: visitor entrance 

*Location:*

The heart of London.

*How to enter:*

Find the old red telephone box, step inside and then dial 62442. When asked by a cool female voice to state your name and business, do so. If you are accepted as a visitor, you should put on the silver badge provided. The telephone box will then take you down into the Ministry of Magic. 

*Favourite moment:*

> ‘The further they walked, the smaller and less imposing the buildings became, until finally they reached a street that contained several rather shabby-looking offices, a pub and an overflowing skip. Harry had expected a rather more impressive location for the Ministry of Magic.’ 

## Entrance to the Chamber of Secrets

*Location:*

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, girls’ bathroom, first floor.

*How to enter:*

Look for the tiny snake scratched on one of the copper taps. Speak Parseltongue – ‘Open up’ would do. The tap will spin and the sink will move downwards, exposing a large pipe for you to slide through.  

*Favourite moment:*

> ‘‘Harry,’ said Ron, ‘say something. Something in Parseltongue.’
> 
> ‘But –’ Harry thought hard. The only times he’d ever managed to speak Parseltongue were when he’d been faced with a real snake. He stared hard at the tiny engraving, trying to imagine it was real.
> 
> ‘Open up,’ he said.
> He looked at Ron, who shook his head.
> ‘English,’ he said.’’  

## Entrance to the Shrieking Shack

*Location:*

Grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Whomping Willow. 

*How to enter:*

Touch a specific knot on the trunk of the Whomping Willow. This will freeze its dangerous branches and allow you to enter a passageway through a gap in the tree’s roots. The tunnel will take you to the Shrieking Shack. 

*Favourite moment:*

> ‘Crookshanks darted forwards. He slithered between the battering branches like a snake and placed his front paws upon a knot on the trunk.
Abruptly, as though the tree had been turned to marble, it stopped moving. Not a leaf twitched or shook.
>
> ‘Crookshanks!’ Hermione whispered uncertainly. She now grasped Harry’s arm painfully hard. ‘How did he know –?’
> 
> ‘He’s friends with that dog,’ said Harry grimly. ‘I’ve seen them
together. Come on – and keep your wand out –’’ 

## The entrance to the Hogwarts kitchens

*Location:*

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, behind a picture of a giant fruit bowl. On the same corridor as the Hufflepuff common room. 

*How to enter:*

Approach the painting of the fruit bow. Tickle the huge green pear. It will giggle and then turn into a green door handle. Enter. 

*Favourite moment:*  

> ‘‘How do you get in there?’ Hermione said, in an innocently casual sort of voice.
> 
> ‘Easy,’ said Fred, ‘concealed door behind a painting of a bowl of fruit. Just tickle the pear, and it giggles and –’ He stopped, and looked suspiciously at her. ‘Why?’
> 
> ‘Nothing,’ said Hermione quickly..’’

10 times Remus Lupin made us wish he was our teacher

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## 1) When he gave chocolate to Harry on the train to help him recover and wards off the Dementor

Although Lupin’s entrance on the Hogwarts Express is not a flashy one, (he’s asleep and “rather shabby looking”), his first actions are very impressive. Not only does he calmly deal with the dreaded Dementors, he gives a traumatised Harry some chocolate because of its healing powers. To quote Madame Pomfrey, “We’ve finally got a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies.” Mind you, if we’d been given a Chocolate Frog every time we had a headache at school, instead of a cold compress, we would have never had left the nurse’s room!

![lupin-train-2.0](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5SKLxPyOHnSpJg0qtF7amp/4b031565b51cfd84ba86c49425b58684/lupin_train_2.0.png)
 
## 2) When he stuck up for Neville in front of Snape

It’s very rare to see people being nice to Neville because so often he’s the butt of everyone’s jokes or being horrendously tortured by Snape, so we all cheered when Lupin not only defended Neville but praised him after Snape’s casual bullying comments about Neville’s capabilities. There is a great parallel between laughter defeating both Boggarts and bullies - the rebel in Lupin encourages his class to laugh at Boggart Snape, trussed up and stuffed into Mrs Longbottom’s stuffed vulture outfit, taking the sting out of his tail in Neville’s eyes, for a little while at least.
 
## 3) When he gave all of us our first, decent, practical DADA lesson!

After Quirrell and Lockhart, it is such a relief to have a teacher who actually knows how to repel dark, magical creatures, and we finally get to meet some of them - the first lesson with the Boggart is so exciting because we get a little peek at everyone’s deepest fears (and mummies, banshees and severed hands are all pretty terrifying), while learning how to combat those fears. No wonder Lupin’s lessons soon become the most popular in the school. All together now...Riddikulus!
 
## 4) When he taught Harry how to repel Dementors

Having extra lessons is never much fun but learning something that is literally life-saving definitely beats having to figure out quadratic equations after school. Not only does Lupin make it explicitly clear that Harry’s stomach-churning experience with Dementors is not a weakness when Harry pops in for a cuppa, but his patience during Patronus practice really does save Harry’s life when he sees himself almost succumbing to the Dementor’s kiss across the lake. These extra-curricular classes also lay the groundwork for Harry’s future as the leader of Dumbledore’s Army. Lupin must have been incredibly proud of his former pupil when he heard the news that Harry was following in his footsteps with the DA.

![harry-dementors-lupin-office](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6qmPS48v32aKtwCY6K7nUl/d463025b4e6da61d09672648a7b1c80c/harry_wand.png)
 
## 5) When he told Harry he was disappointed in him after the Marauder's Map incident

Lupin’s admonishments to Harry are equally as important as his praise. Harry has such a deep respect for his teacher so the moment when Lupin makes Harry squirm by questioning his eagerness to gamble away his parents’ sacrifice has a far greater impact than any telling off by Snape. Poor Harry - disappointing Lupin would be the worst feeling in the world. Even when Sirius and Lupin are reminiscing about James with Harry’s head in the fire, Sirius clearly remembers Lupin’s ability to make him feel ashamed of himself at school. His good opinion clearly carries a lot of weight.
 
## 6) When he made an exam into an engaging obstacle course

One of Lupin’s greatest achievements at Hogwarts was making the dreaded end-of-year exam into a fun and thrilling obstacle course, involving battling Grindylows, Hinkypunks and Boggarts, all of which come in very useful for Harry during his next year at Hogwarts during the Triwizard Tournament. The care and effort that Lupin puts into inspiring his pupils at a time that would normally be horribly stressful is worth celebrating as is the fact that it also marks the very memorable occasion when Harry beat Hermione in a test.
 
## 7) When he and Sirius gave Harry books on how to teach practical defensive magic

This is possibly the only time when Harry is excited to receive books that aren’t about Quidditch. It’s an incredibly useful and thoughtful present from two of the most important men in Harry’s life - not only are the books invaluable to Harry’s teaching DADA but the fact that it’s a present from his own, (favourite) teacher emphasises that Lupin fully supports him in his rebellion against Umbridge and this encouragement spurs Harry on in terms of confidence and teaching ability. When Harry muses about getting a Boggart for the DA to try out their Patronuses, he’s basically just channeling Lupin’s enthusiasm for lesson planning.

![lupin-office-2.0](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4HZ1HGIAwM8tFyeF5hr64k/d71da637ebc18a550b8a5ea67f533269/lupin_2.0.png)
 
## 8) When he wisely cautioned Harry not to be blinded by his hatred of Snape

If there is a better lesson from a teacher, you’d be hard pushed to find it! Lupin being so magnanimous about Snape, even professing admiration and gratitude for his Wolfsbane potion is essentially a forerunner to Harry not only forgiving Snape but naming his son after his former enemy. One of Lupin’s strengths is the way he is able to see beyond ideas of good and bad, empathising with others, even trying to understand the actions of the werewolf who bit him. He teaches Harry to always look for the good in people, no matter how hard it is to find.
 
## 9) When he *almost* apologised to Harry on Potterwatch

It takes a big man and an even bigger teacher to admit to their mistakes, especially so publicly. Considering that the search for Horcruxes is THE most dangerous, frightening and isolating thing that Harry, Hermione and Ron undertake, the praise that Lupin - sorry, Romulus - gives Harry over the magical airwaves is a huge turning point. One of the worst moments in The Deathly Hallows (and there are many to choose from) is the argument that breaks out between Harry and Lupin over the unborn Teddy which threatens one of Harry’s last remaining ties to his father. This reconciliation is the boost we all needed.
 
## 10) When he asked Harry to be Teddy’s godfather

This tear-jerking moment is such a beautiful, concise way of solidifying all the years of mentoring and friendship between Lupin and Harry. It means so much to Harry (and all of us), because the role of godfather is a big deal. Harry’s own godfather, Sirius, was the closest thing he had to a father because of James’ tragic death. Although they don’t know it, Lupin is carving out a similar father-figure role for Harry, as he will die only a few months later, which makes this exhilarating exchange as bittersweet as they come. The trust and respect that Lupin shows towards his favourite pupil is huge and proves once again that he is one of the best teachers to ever pass through Hogwarts.

![tonks-lupin-2.0](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6koqJNcj9ywAhiVcLdyUVk/b5392c05c8edafb175ed767f6d001bc3/lupin_tonks_2.0.png)

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What if Neville had become the Chosen One?

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Would Voldemort still have fallen? Would Harry have had a more ‘traditional’ life? Would Neville have still fulfilled the prophecy, or would the wizarding war still have waged on? And most importantly, would Neville still have had quite the same passion for Herbology with all this extra admin to take care of?! Of course, this is all hypothetical, so Accio a pinch of salt! But what if, indeed... 
 
## ‘As the seventh month dies’ 

![WB-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-harry-dumbledore-in-his-office](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3q3GrHeA28mnLmDlwvW8Ty/84a7411ee8500dacaa29d679508ea786/WB-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-harry-dumbledore-in-his-office.jpg)
 
In *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, Harry is faced with a shocking revelation: his fate with Lord Voldemort was always sealed. It was told in a prophecy when he was just a baby. 
 
>‘The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches … born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies … and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not … and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives … the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies …’
> *Sybill Trelawney, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
 
In one of Professor Trelawney’s rare prophecies that actually came to pass, she spoke of ‘the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord’, with a specific description of who that could be. Although the prophecy was told to Albus Dumbledore, quite unexpectedly in a pub no less, Severus Snape overheard it, relayed the information back to Lord Voldemort, who, in turn, interpreted this mysterious future assassin to be Lily and James Potter’s child. However, as Dumbledore explains to Harry, it could have meant another. Neville Longbottom, Harry’s classmate, was also born at the end of July, and also born to parents who had thrice defied Lord Voldemort. 

Nonetheless, Voldemort picked Harry for the reasons Dumbledore theorises here. 

> ‘But he might have chosen wrong!’ said Harry. ‘He might have marked the wrong person!’ 
>
> ‘He chose the boy he thought most likely to be a danger to him,’ said Dumbledore. ‘And notice this, Harry: he chose, not the pureblood (which, according to his creed, is the only kind of wizard worth being or knowing) but the half-blood, like himself. He saw himself in you before he had ever seen you, and in marking you with that scar, he did not kill you, as he intended, but gave you powers, and a future, which have fitted you to escape him not once, but four times so far – something that neither your parents, nor Neville’s parents, ever achieved.’ 
> 
 *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
 
So, that was that. But what if the variables were different, and it had been Neville, who also grew up to play a vital part in Lord Voldemort’s eventual defeat? 
 
## Would Neville’s parents have died, like Harry’s did? And would Voldemort still have fallen? 

![HP7-deathly-hallows-part-one-harry-hermione-visit-james-and-lily-potters-grave](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1ZdV4qSU1OLSrJvMA2j0eW/033190271c51fbbb9cf6bfb0712bcf70/HP7-deathly-hallows-part-one-harry-hermione-visit-james-and-lily-potters-grave.jpg)
 
Much like Harry, Neville also grew up without his parents, albeit in a very different sort of way. While [both his mum, Alice, and dad, Frank](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/unsung-heroes-of-harry-potter-stories-frank-and-alice-longbottom), were still alive, they had been tortured to insanity by Death Eaters soon after Lord Voldemort’s fall from power and spent the rest of their days at St Mungo’s Hospital. But if Neville’s family had been targeted, and Lord Voldemort had gone after them instead, there is a chance that the Longbottoms could’ve been killed straight after Lord Voldemort learnt of the prophecy. After all, the Potters had been hidden by Albus Dumbledore, after Snape tipped him off and begged him to try and protect the woman he loved, Lily. 
 
Snape did not have the same connection to the Longbottoms, and may well have not interfered, meaning nobody would’ve known the attack on them was coming. Although, perhaps Albus Dumbledore, after hearing the prophecy, would’ve put his own protective measures in place on both families (the Longbottoms and the Potters) anyway. But even without a Peter Pettigrew-type to betray anybody, Lord Voldemort has his ways of finding people. And there are no guarantees that Neville’s parents wouldn’t have tried to protect their son in a similar way that Harry’s parents did. Would a similar protective magic, forged from love, have saved Neville? 
 
It’s quite possible. Dumbledore does explain to Harry that Lord Voldemort went to Godric’s Hollow not knowing that by going to attack Harry, there would be a possibility the event would end in his downfall. This is because Snape never heard the entire prophecy. 
 
>‘He heard only the beginning, the part foretelling the birth of a boy in July to parents who had thrice defied Voldemort. 
>
>Consequently, he could not warn his master that to attack you would be to risk transferring power to you, and marking you as his equal. So Voldemort never knew that there might be danger in attacking you, that it might be wise to wait, to learn more. He did not know that you would have power the Dark Lord knows not –’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* 
 
So, if Lord Voldemort *had* chosen Neville, maybe a similar phenomenon would have occurred... 
 
## Would Neville still have been friends with Harry, Ron and Hermione? And would they have all been friends? 

![WB-F8-Deathly-Hallows-Neville-Harry-Ron-Hermione-enter-Hogs-Head](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5RRBIPJGEQP8Eq1AXXD4Wq/64934a156e0e5f6efa906110a100efe7/WB-F8-Deathly-Hallows-Neville-Harry-Ron-Hermione-enter-Hogs-Head.jpg)
 
Let’s say it did, and Lord Voldemort *was* still thwarted, and it *was* poor Neville who lost his parents, not Harry. Unlike Harry, Neville would’ve still grown up knowing he was a wizard, as [presumably his grandmother Augusta](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-characters-we-would-like-to-learn-more-about) would’ve still taken care of him. 
 
And maybe we can also assume Neville would’ve still been the same nervous, clumsy child if he was still brought up by his strict, often chiding, grandmother. And let’s assume he was still in Gryffindor. What is not clear is how Harry’s life would’ve been different, and how that would’ve dictated events. 
 
Beyond that, what would Harry’s Hogwarts experience have been like? Would he still have pursued the same interests, still joined the Gryffindor Quidditch team? Still fallen for Ginny? Malfoy wouldn’t have bothered him so much without his fame, surely. And would he still have been friends with Ron and Hermione? Harry’s parents certainly knew the Weasleys, at any rate. But either way, we imagine Harry and Neville would’ve both still been in Gryffindor, and hence would’ve become friends through their house. And we simply can’t imagine a world where Harry and Ron don’t befriend each other eventually. And no matter what timeline of events – the defiant Hermione would always team up with Neville to find his lost toad, Trevor. So those friendships may have found a way...
 
## How would Neville have dealt with Harry’s Hogwarts adventures? 

![WB-F5-neville-and-dumbledores-army](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4C5Cb8NebT41WTvfUB2b7H/5a6236dc838f7e80b5e6a5cec5d5a53b/WB-F5-neville-and-dumbledores-army.jpg)
 
Finding the Philosopher’s Stone... Discovering the mysteries of the Chamber of Secrets... Taking part in the Triwizard Tournament... It's a lot. And in his younger years, lovely Neville was definitely not the first Hogwarts student that leapt to mind when it came to saving the castle from certain peril, or indeed, dodging Hungarian Horntails. He could barely keep Trevor under control, let alone a giant, scaly dragon. 
 
Neville only truly came into his own when Harry, Ron and Hermione started up Dumbledore’s Army in their fifth year. And it’s not likely Harry would’ve started up Dumbledore’s Army if he’d been living a considerably calmer Hogwarts life, not having had to learn extra defensive spells, not having had to grow up far quicker than usual with the looming threat of a Dark wizard on his back. But it’s possible Umbridge would’ve still been around, and some sort of alliance would’ve still been needed. Maybe Hermione, who we can definitely still see being friends with Neville, would’ve started it up with Neville in tow? 

In fact, with all of the challenges Harry faced at Hogwarts and beyond, he had his friends (friends like Neville!) to help him. We can only imagine Neville would've got the same support network.
 

## And how would things have ended? 

![NevilleLongbottom WB F8 NevilleHoldingSwordOfGryffindorAtHogwarts Still 100615 Land](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3TG2z3LcOkOuC6qswm6sWC/46e4a3ce08a8e39d063efd9c4c18db61/NevilleLongbottom_WB_F8_NevilleHoldingSwordOfGryffindorAtHogwarts_Still_100615_Land.jpg)
 
When all is said and done, Lord Voldemort would’ve still had his Horcruxes, and Neville would’ve still known that neither must live while the other survives. We imagine Dumbledore would’ve still tutored Neville about Voldemort’s history – and we can still imagine Dumbledore dying, albeit maybe through Malfoy or the Death Eaters rather than Snape. More on Snape in a moment. 
 
With the assumption Hermione and Neville would’ve still been friends... and Neville’s growing confidence shaping him into a great wizard... it is feasible Neville would’ve still fulfilled the prophecy. And if Harry ever found out that it could’ve been him, you’d have to think that he would’ve been on hand to help Neville? 
 
Of course, we’ll never truly know what would have really happened, but never forget the courage that Neville displayed, from a young, nervous first-year trying to stop Harry Potter sneaking around Hogwarts to a war-beaten hero who destroyed one of Lord Voldemort’s most precious Horcruxes. No matter what the prophecy truly meant, Neville would always have a huge part to play in the battle against darkness in the Wizarding World. 
 
## A note about Snape 
 
We can’t help but think about how Severus Snape’s life might’ve changed during this altered chain of events, especially as it could’ve resulted in Lily Potter never dying. In our eyes, we can imagine Lily and James would’ve continued to be married happily, and perhaps Snape would’ve simply continued to support Voldemort and never become a double-spy for Dumbledore. After all, his love of Lily and the grief of losing her is very much what shaped Snape’s story. Without that grief driving him on, would Snape really have changed his ways? Maybe that’s a conversation for another day...

Best dad moments in the Harry Potter series 

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## James Potter 

For James Potter, we’ve picked a moment we didn’t actually get to see, as sadly he didn’t get much time with his son, Harry. But we heard about this adorable dad moment in a letter Lily Potter wrote to Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black. Here’s when Harry saw the enclosed photograph: 

> 'A black-haired baby was zooming in and out of the picture on a tiny broom, roaring with laughter, and a pair of legs that must have belonged to James were chasing after him.' 

We’re so glad that Harry found this carefree photograph of himself and his dad – especially as it showed an early shared love of Quidditch. A special shout-out should also go to Sirius Black whilst we’re talking about Harry. Sirius was a real father figure for the Boy Who Lived – and it’s lovely to read in Lily’s letter that Sirius bought this baby broomstick for Harry, just like he bought him his Firebolt in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 
 
## Arthur Weasley 

There are plenty of amazing examples of Arthur Weasley being a wizarding dad to be proud of, from hilariously asking the twins whether his flying car went alright, to standing up to Lucius Malfoy in Flourish and Blotts. But we’ve chosen a more emotional moment – one that shows the power of this father’s love, even when his son, Percy, had made an awful lot of mistakes: 

> “I’m sorry, Dad,’ Percy said. 
>
> Mr Weasley blinked rather rapidly, then he, too, hurried to hug his son.'

This reunion came in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, when Percy finally saw the error of his ways at the Ministry. Of all the family, we think Mr Weasley probably suffered the most when it came to Percy’s betrayal. It must have been so difficult for Arthur having to see Percy every day at the Ministry of Magic, and have his own son ignore him. The power of forgiveness really was demonstrated by this hug between father and son. 

![arthur-weasley-article-image](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5kFBOzbB361iZkZxEYFZil/3032727a4093f8f0ae333e6a05088a17/arthur.png)

## Xenophilius Lovegood 

Xenophilius Lovegood might have been an unconventional dad, but the bond between him and his daughter, Luna was strong and beautiful. We loved this moment at Bill and Fleur’s wedding in Deathly Hallows (when you read it, you have to picture them wearing their matching bright yellow outfits!): 

> “Bidding the wizard farewell, he turned to his daughter, who held up her finger and said, ‘Daddy, look – one of the gnomes actually bit me!’ 
> 
> ‘How wonderful! Gnome saliva is enormously beneficial!’ said Mr Lovegood…'

As we said, unconventional but very loving, Xenophilius and Luna really understood each other. And when it came down to saving his daughter later on in Deathly Hallows, there was nothing Xenophilius wouldn’t do to get Luna back – even betray the Chosen One.

![xenophilius-lovegood-article-insert](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4iu3neqXbSsN0CLCI2tT8h/15eb97d76e4dfa8667c3aba8c8513835/xeno.png)

## Amos Diggory 

Cedric might have been a shining example of a humble Hufflepuff, but Amos wasn’t at all shy about telling everyone just how wonderful his son was. Here’s how it went down when Amos met Harry in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and the subject of that Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff Quidditch match came up: 

> “Harry fell off his broom, Dad,’ he muttered. ‘I told you ... it was an accident ...’ 
>
> ‘Yes, but you didn’t fall off, did you?’ roared Amos genially, slapping his son on his back. ‘Always modest, our Ced, always the gentleman ... but the best man won, I’m sure Harry’d say the same, wouldn’t you, eh? One falls off his broom, one stays on, you don’t need to be a genius to tell which one’s the better flier!” 

It was a little embarrassing for Cedric, but we loved the moment this father was bursting with pride at his son out-flying the famous Harry Potter. 
 
## Remus Lupin 

Like James Potter, Lupin didn’t get long with his son, Teddy but we wanted to shine a light on a lovely dad moment of Lupin’s, not long after Tonks gave birth to their son: 

> “I can’t stay long, I must get back,’ said Lupin, beaming around at them all: he looked years younger than Harry had ever seen him. ‘Thank you, thank you, Bill.’ 
>
> Bill had soon filled all of their goblets; they stood and raised them high in a toast. 
>
> ‘To Teddy Remus Lupin,’ said Lupin, ‘a great wizard in the making!” 

Lupin had been extremely worried about Tonks’ pregnancy, given he was a werewolf – so it’s no wonder he stayed at Shell Cottage to toast his son in celebration. And we’re sure anyone, whether they’ve been a new parent or not, can relate to Lupin’s unbridled joy at the birth of his child. Heart-warming, or what? 

![lupin-article-web-insert](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4y0DD9NtRBZmfYkNEfUP3z/3e9d83c585ec07f1c72f5674b02fbc5f/lupin.png)

## Harry Potter 

In the final chapter of Deathly Hallows, we got a glimpse of Harry Potter, the father. And he had some particularly sage advice for his son, Albus, who was worrying that he’d be sorted into Slytherin: 

> "But just say –’ 
>
> ‘– then Slytherin house will have gained an excellent student, won’t it? It doesn’t matter to us, Al. But if it matters to you, you’ll be able to choose Gryffindor over Slytherin. The Sorting Hat takes your choice into account.’ 
>
> ‘Really?’ 
>
> ‘It did for me,’ said Harry.' 

Seeing the worry about being sorted into Slytherin in Harry’s son was a really special moment – something shared across time and generations. We loved that Harry could help Albus as he boarded the Hogwarts Express, in a way his own parents weren’t able to, and share this piece of wisdom from his own Hogwarts journey. It really is enough to bring a tear to anyone’s eye! 

Go wizard Dads!

Polyjuice Potion adventures: ranked

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## 8 – That time Harry pretended to be Barny Weasley

Fleur and Bill’s wedding had a lot of memorable moments. Great Aunt Muriel telling Hermione she had skinny ankles. Viktor Krum. Luna Lovegood and her dad wearing matching yellow robes. Viktor Krum. Oh, and the fact that the famous Harry Potter AKA the Boy Lived Who Lived AKA the Chosen One took Polyjuice Potion and became… Ron’s cousin Barny. Weirdest of all was that Luna seemed to see right through Harry’s Polyjuice disguise. Well, she is a Ravenclaw.
 
## 7 – That time Newt impersonated his brother to get into the French Ministry of Magic

In an alley outside the Ministry of Magic in Paris, Newt took out a tiny bottle containing a small amount of Polyjuice Potion. Luckily, he was able to find a hair belonging to his brother, Theseus, and changed into him to make it through the doors with Tina. Unfortunately, he was then spotted by the real Theseus, and the Polyjuice Potion wore off in very little time …
 
## 6 – That time it was used by a Death Eater everyone thought was dead

It wasn’t as though Mad-Eye Moody’s teaching style at Hogwarts was exactly normal, and sure, he did keep swigging something out of a hip-flask. But come on – that could’ve been Firewhisky! What a plot twist therefore, when it turned out that not only was he NOT the real Mad-Eye Moody, but he was Barty Crouch junior, who everyone thought had died a year after he entered Azkaban prison. Wild.

![HP-F4-moody-crouch-polyjuice](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4IqXigSbxW1S7IoiGT0xeH/c404ffa0d5fcb7ab72b6334e40a96a01/moody.png)
 
## 5 – That time Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy impersonated some very recognisable characters

If you aren’t familiar with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child then skip down to the next one, but we just had to include this Polyjuice Potion adventure that would blow any Harry Potter fan’s mind. Harry Potter’s son impersonating Ron Weasley, and Draco Malfoy’s son impersonating … just wait for it … Harry Potter! Priceless. And what were they doing? Sneaking into the Ministry of Magic, of course!

## 4 – That time Hermione impersonated Bellatrix Lestrange

It was all for a good cause – breaking into the Lestrange vault – but we have to admit it was downright disturbing when Hermione Granger took Polyjuice Potion so she could trick the Gringotts goblins into thinking she was one of Voldemort’s closest Death Eaters. Though we did love that on this Polyjuice adventure, Hermione had to be reminded not to be too polite!

![HP-F7-hermione-bellatrix-polyjuice](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5nmOktj46TPEU9Jq4pxtVk/f4bfa3505ca1330cf73ae5892b0b8eb3/bellatrix_ron_hermione.png)


## 3 – That time Hermione got herself a tail…

Ah yes. The first time we ever met Polyjuice Potion. Brewed by Hermione of course in Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom. Harry and Ron changed into Crabbe and Goyle, but unfortunately the hair that Hermione had taken from Millicent Bulstrode’s robes actually belonged to her cat. Given Polyjuice Potion isn’t supposed to be used for animal transformations, Hermione had a rather furry surprise…

## 2 – That time the Golden Trio used Polyjuice Potion to break into the Ministry of Magic

Mafalda Hopkirk, Reg Cattermole and Albert Runcorn – otherwise known as the three Ministry of Magic employees Hermione, Ron and Harry changed into in order to get into the Ministry and locate Slytherin’s locket. This adventure almost came top of the rankings, with its nail-biting and hilarious twists in equal measure. Ron accidentally got himself a wife, Hermione was taken down to the courtroom to assist Umbridge, and Harry accidentally chose one of the nastiest Death Eaters to impersonate. Oh, and let’s not forget all those Dementors they had to fight off!

![HP-F7-trio-break-in-ministry-polyjuice](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4QX8ayROAK00FRb8LgZShX/92632f3884c90d821c02783a9f30921c/breaking_in_to_gringotts.png)

## 1 – That time there were seven Harry Potters at Privet Drive

And top of the rankings for Polyjuice Potion adventures is when Harry left Privet Drive for the last time. Seven of Harry’s friends and allies volunteered to change into him for the flight, in an attempt to confuse the Death Eaters as to the true Potter’s identity. We loved this moment for the lightness it brought to a very dangerous situation. Remember when Fred and George drank it down and said, ‘Wow - we’re identical!’? And when Fleur said, ‘Bill, don’t look at me – I’m ’ideous.’ Unlucky Harry! But we also loved it for what it said about friendship and loyalty. Harry’s friends were willing to turn into him – the person Voldemort wanted to capture the most – in order to protect him.

![HP-F7-seven-harrys-polyjuce](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3L4z1Z3Uk0DnJTgGRXHDop/323aa68fb464b6dad8b5c528453a06b8/polyjuice.png)

Learn how to make your own lightning bolt keyring

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Growing up with the Dursleys, Harry’s lightning bolt scar was the only thing he really liked about his appearance. Fast forward to Harry’s first year at Hogwarts, and his scar was just about as famous as him!

Watch this video tutorial and learn how to make your very own lightning bolt keyring.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eKGbT2a0-GY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

For more of our arts and crafts videos, check out our [Crafting Magic page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/crafting-magic "Crafting Magic"), as well as our [Wizarding World YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChPRO1CB_Hvd0TvKRU62iSQ "Youtube").

Harry Potter’s relationship with his scar

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Harry showing his scar to Ron on the Hogwarts Express 

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## Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Growing up with the Dursleys, Harry’s scar was ‘*The only thing Harry liked about his own appearance*’. But once he met Hagrid, Harry’s relationship with his scar began to change. Not only did he find out that it was a mark made by Dark magic and by his parents’ murderer, but he also realised that it was a mark that made him recognisable. Time and time again through *Philosopher’s Stone*, it was Harry’s scar that identified him as the Boy Who Lived, identified him as an orphan, or even a victim, of Lord Voldemort. Harry’s scar also changed from dormant to active throughout the first book. Whilst he was growing up, it was merely part of his appearance, but soon after his arrival at Hogwarts it started to cause him physical pain. With his entry into the wizarding world, it was almost as though the scar came alive, and with its awakening came a searing pain in Harry’s forehead that would follow him for many years to come.
 
## Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

In his second year, comments by Lockhart and Malfoy, emphasised to Harry that his scar was the physical sign that brought him fame and attention that he didn’t want at all. It was part of the tale of Harry Potter that he couldn’t even remember, adding to the mystery surrounding him – when all he really wanted to be known for was catching the Snitch. It wasn’t until Tom Riddle’s diary had been destroyed that Harry’s relationship with his scar shifted again – towards Voldemort. Dumbledore told Harry that ‘*Unless I’m much mistaken, he transferred some of his own powers to you the night he gave you that scar*’. Harry could speak Parseltongue; the Sorting Hat tried to put him in Slytherin – Harry learned that the scar wasn’t just linked to his past– it was linked to his present, and to a Voldemort who was determined to return.
 
## Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

In *Prisoner of Azkaban*, Harry became increasingly irritated with his scar. Running away from the Dursleys after he’d blown up Aunt Marge, Harry was barely able to conceal his identity from Stan Shunpike on the Knight Bus, and was then exposed once Fudge collected him and Stan was able to see the mark clearly: ‘I can see ‘is scar’. Gawping at Harry’s scar, which didn’t seem to bother Harry that much in the first two books, in *Prisoner of Azkaban*, became something he wanted to absolutely avoid: ‘*Er – no, thanks, Colin,’ said Harry, who wasn’t in the mood to have a lot of people staring avidly at the scar on his forehead’.*
 
## Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

*Goblet of Fire* was the first time that the pain in Harry’s scar caused him real anxiety. In his first year at Hogwarts, he’d put his scar hurting down to being a ‘warning’ and then, of course, he’d come face-to-face with Lord Voldemort, which had made sense of it all. But in *Goblet of Fire* his scar started to hurt whilst he was in Privet Drive, with no Voldemort in sight. It was something new… and more threatening, and Harry’s relationship with his scar shifted again. But despite this, Harry’s scar hurting was something he first tried to keep to himself – at the beginning of *Goblet of Fire* he didn’t want to worry Ron, Hermione, even Dumbledore – the pain alienated him, and he isolated himself with it – though he was unable to keep his friends in the dark for long even though he might have preferred to. The pain, coupled by his dreams that seemed to link to Voldemort, started to mean that more than ever Harry’s scar was becoming a living link to Lord Voldemort. And when he was finally confronted with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in the graveyard, the pain in Harry’s scar was excruciating, unbearable – something that Lord Voldemort could use against him.
 
## Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

This idea of his scar as a weakness was something that solidified in *Order of the Phoenix*. Whilst Harry had previously viewed his scar as something to be proud of, the scar was now not only causing him physical pain, but emotional trauma too. Throughout his fifth year at Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic used it as a way to discredit and mock him. The Daily Prophet, following Rita Skeeter’s article about Harry collapsing all over the place, included lines such as, ‘*Let’s hope he hasn’t got a scar on his forehead or we’ll be asked to worship him next*’. Whilst in previous years, pain in Harry’s scar had been something unusual, in *Order of the Phoenix*, the prickling sensation in his forehead became commonplace, a constant reminder that Lord Voldemort had returned – contrary to the lies the Ministry were disseminating. In short, Harry’s relationship with his scar – with the varying levels of pain that came with visions, dreams, Voldemort’s emotions, and Ministry mockery – took over his whole life. This was something that came out in anger when Hermione urges him to tell Dumbledore that it’s hurting: ‘*Yeah,’ said Harry, before he could stop himself, ‘that’s the only bit of me Dumbledore cares about, isn’t it, my scar?’* He wasn’t the boy with the scar anymore, the scar was defining him.
 
## Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

At the end of *Order of the Phoenix*, Harry found out more about his scar and what Dumbledore had been keeping from him about it for years, and this changed his relationship with the mark of Dark magic even further. Dumbledore revealed these particular words of the Prophecy that were relevant to the scar: ‘*and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not…*’ And Harry could not stop thinking about the fact that Neville Longbottom could have been marked with the scar instead, could have been the boy whose family Voldemort decided to hunt down.

Half-Blood Prince was where it really sunk in for Harry that his scar wasn’t just meant for the past, it marked him as the one who must kill Lord Voldemort – ‘*neither can live whilst the other survives*’. The scar wasn’t just a battle-wound anymore; it was a target.
 
## Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

A poignant moment at Bill and Fleur’s wedding near the beginning of *Deathly Hallows* was Harry harking back to time spent with Ginny at the end of Half-Blood Prince. Watching the ceremony, Harry equated having a normal life, with one without a scar: … ‘*he had been stealing shining hours from a normal person’s life, a person without a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead ...*’ Harry’s relationship with his scar at this point was not one he prized – it hadn’t been for a long time – but one that he wished he didn’t have. The scar was now intrinsically linked to finding the Horcruxes, destroying Voldemort, and walking the path Dumbledore set for him.

Interestingly in *Deathly Hallows*, the connection with Voldemort’s thoughts and even actions that so plagued Harry in Order of the Phoenix, started to become a source of strength and knowledge for him. He used the insights into You-Know-Who’s emotions and whereabouts to assist in his own hunt for the Horcruxes and Hallows. For the first time since *Philosopher’s Stone*, Harry’s relationship with his scar became slightly more positive, useful – a warning, again. And then, as he buried Dobby, Harry gained something else: control – ‘*On Harry dug, deeper and deeper into the hard, cold earth, subsuming his grief in sweat, denying the pain in his scar*’.

At King’s Cross, meeting Dumbledore again, Harry’s scar actually disappeared. He had wished it gone so many times. But, as we know, Harry decided to return; return to fight Voldemort and regain the scar on his head and enter battle once again. 
 
## Nineteen years later

Nineteen years later, the relationship between Harry and his scar was still there, in the background, but the scar was dormant again, more like the thin lightning bolt that was once the only thing the boy Harry Potter liked about his appearance. But in adult Harry Potter, its silence also signals an end to Harry’s trials and troubles in the wizarding world: *‘The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well’.*

Want to watch to Noma Dumezweni reading Chapter Two of Philosopher’s Stone, where we hear the first ever description of Harry’s lightning bolt scar? [Find it here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-vanishing-glass)

Was Ron Weasley always destined to need the Deluminator?

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*... “to Ronald Bilius Weasley, I leave my Deluminator, in the hope that he will remember me when he uses it.”*

Albus Dumbledore left Ron the Deluminator in his will, but besides it being useful for taking the light from a place, it was unclear exactly why he had bequeathed it to Ron… until he did something devastating. He abandoned Harry and Hermione on their hunt for Horcruxes.  

We found out once he returned, of course, that he almost immediately regretted his decision and wanted to come back. Ron told Harry and Hermione that he’d heard Hermione’s voice somehow. And that a ball of light from the Deluminator had guided him – had floated right into his chest, right by his heart and brought him back to them.  

Harry mulls this over when thinking about Dumbledore: *‘You gave Ron the Deluminator. You understood him ... you gave him a way back ...’* And now we’re mulling it over too. What exactly did Dumbledore understand about the youngest Weasley brother? Were there any clues in Ron’s life at Hogwarts, from his personality, from the trials and tribulations he’d faced, that meant he was going to leave his friends – but always want to return?  

Young Ron Weasley was a firm friend to Harry Potter from the start, though he was unsure of himself and his family – within moments of meeting Harry he defended his mum making him sandwiches, uncomfortably saying she didn’t have a lot of time. This feeling of inadequacy followed Ron around right from the start – not helped by Draco Malfoy spouting things like: ‘*No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles and more children than they can afford.’*

And it wasn’t just other witches and wizards Ron couldn’t help but compare himself to. Ron had his five older brothers to contend with. Once he arrived at Hogwarts, Percy was already a Prefect, and later became Head Boy. Fred and George were known for being hilarious but also played excellently on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Not to mention that Bill was also Head Boy and Charlie was captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team in their Hogwarts years. Unsurprising therefore that young Ron Weasley saw himself as the best of all his brothers in the Mirror of Erised – succeeding as they had and more – revealing the depth of the superiority complex he had already no doubt developed.  

By Harry and Ron’s fourth year, being friends with the famous Harry Potter was starting to grate on Ron, and it became a wedge that drove them apart quickly and easily. Ron had shown his stubbornness and his unwillingness to see a different point of view at times, back in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* – refusing to speak to Hermione for ages because he thought her cat had killed Scabbers. But then in *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*, being in Harry Potter’s shadow became far too much when Harry was somehow entered into the Triwizard Tournament. During their weeks of silence, Hermione tried to explain it to Harry, which gave us a good insight into Ron’s character: *“... Ron’s got all those brothers to compete against at home, and you’re his best friend, and you’re really famous – he’s always shunted to one side whenever people see you, and he puts up with it, and he never mentions it, but I suppose this is just one time too many ...”* 

 

Ron’s superiority complex only got worse with the onset of teenage hormones. And it wasn’t just about Harry specifically anymore, it was anyone. His temper was very easily raised by Ginny teasing him about not having kissed anyone – she used Harry kissing Cho, and Hermione kissing Krum, as examples, which can’t have helped at all. And then suddenly in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*, Harry was the Chosen One, and Ron was… well… still just Ron Weasley, Harry Potter’s best friend. And it just wasn’t enough anymore. Interestingly, this didn’t seem to bother Hermione, but perhaps it was because she – unlike Ron – was hyper logical. She could rationalise out those feelings, whereas Ron was more of an emotional person (some might say hot-headed) – plus, she was an only child and had her own thing – being the brightest witch of her age.  

It’s likely that the strength of Ron’s superiority complex, combined with his stubbornness, made it easy for someone or something to get inside Ron’s head and make him do some*thing* he didn’t really, at base, want to do. It comes as no surprise therefore that Slytherin’s necklace affected him so badly, and once all those feelings of inadequacy had built up he couldn’t shake them, even without the necklace on.  

But Dumbledore giving Ron the Deluminator wasn’t just about him being the most likely of the Golden Trio to walk away from the other three. It was about him wanting to come back – after all, why give someone a magical object that means they can return to those they love, if they’re not going to use it? Of course we can only guess, but it’s hard to imagine Hermione – once she’d made up her mind – going back on a decision to leave, as she would have reasoned the whole thing out far too hard for that. 

Ron was brave, like a true Gryffindor, but he was also very humble. It might have taken him a while to apologise when he was angry at Harry or Hermione, but he wasn’t afraid to admit his mistakes. He was also an extremely loyal friend, and always did the right thing, in the end. And Dumbledore would have known this. Even in Ron’s very first year at Hogwarts he volunteered to sacrifice himself in McGonagall’s giant chess game, so that Harry could rescue the Philosopher’s Stone. In *Chamber of Secrets*, he was mortally afraid of spiders but followed Harry into the Forbidden Forest anyway – because he’d  never have thought to truly abandon a friend to their fate. He fought for and alongside his friends time and time again – in Dumbledore’s Army, in the Battle of Hogwarts – and he was afraid, but he fought anyway.  

And Dumbledore would have known this too.  

The Patronuses of witches and wizards take their forms for a reason, and Ron’s terrier is one of the most tenacious, loving and loyal dogs around. Ron might have left Hermione and Harry in a moment of jealousy and bad judgment – but he was always going to come back. It was decided the moment he faced that mountain troll alongside Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. 

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