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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

The best dogs of the wizarding world 

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> The rock cakes almost broke their teeth, but Harry and Ron pretended to be enjoying them as they told Hagrid all about their first lessons. Fang rested his head on Harry’s knee and drooled all over his robes. 
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*
>
 

Hagrid’s beloved boarhound Fang was probably Hagrid’s least ferocious animal friend, and for that, we thank him. In fact, the not-so-aptly named Fang seemed terrified of Hagrid’s interest in dangerous things – whelping in fear whenever he had to take a little trip to the Forbidden Forest. Fair play, Fang. If anything, the dog was probably more sensible than Hagrid – and was usually to be found in his basket, being moody about various situations, usually drooling. Fang, we’re right there with you, buddy.
 
## Fluffy

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> Hermione had got both her breath and her bad temper back again. 
> ‘You don’t use your eyes, any of you, do you?’ she snapped. ‘Didn’t you see what it was standing on?’ 
> ‘The floor?’ Harry suggested. ‘I wasn’t looking at its feet, I was too busy with its heads.’ 
>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*
>
 

If three is a crowd, then every day was a busy day for Fluffy the dog – a three-headed canine Hagrid bought from a bloke in the pub, naturally. Fluffy was a key character in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*, of course, protecting a mysterious trapdoor and scaring the living daylights out of Harry, Ron and Hermione. Despite having three heads and being larger than your average hound, however, Fluffy could have his adorable moments, such as falling asleep to the sound of music.

Fluffy shares its distinct physical attributes with the Greek mythological creature Cerberus, another three-headed dog, who guarded the gates to the underworld. 

## Sirius

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> For one brief moment, the great black dog reared on to its hind legs and placed its front paws on Harry’s shoulders, but Mrs Weasley shoved Harry away towards the train door, hissing, ‘For heaven’s sake, act more like a dog, Sirius!’ 
>*Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
>
 

This one might be somewhat of an anomaly, but we saw so much of Sirius Black in his dog form it seems unfair not to mention him. Taking the guise of a shaggy black dog in his Animagus state, Sirius was able to use his animal disguise to move around undetected after his escape from Azkaban. Of course, he did slip up a few times – such as getting on his hind legs to try and give Harry a slightly human-looking hug once. But still, as a dog, Sirius was able to move around freely, just as he should have been able to do as a human if justice had been served. 

Of course, Sirius’s Animagus form as a dog makes perfect sense, seeing as his name is taken from the Dog Star.

## Ripper

> By the time he got back to the kitchen, Aunt Marge had been supplied with tea and fruitcake and Ripper was lapping noisily in the corner. Harry saw Aunt Petunia wince slightly as specks of tea and drool flecked her clean floor. Aunt Petunia hated animals. 
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* 
> 
 

Alright, even though Ripper was certainly not the friendliest of dogs, it wouldn’t be fair to exclude him here. After all, it’s likely that Vernon Dursley’s sister Aunt Marge encouraged Ripper’s more vicious ways with her own vicious personality – not to mention the constant feeding of brandy. [J.K. Rowling has said in the past that she regrets giving Aunt Marge bulldogs](/writing-by-jk-rowling/marge-dursley) – as her sister had a lovely one as a pet. Maybe with another owner, Ripper would’ve been a stand-up chap. 

## Other doggy facts from the wizarding world 

- Of course, beyond the doggy characters, there was the constant presence of canines in the wizarding world, including a magical version: a Crup. That’s a dog (resembling a Jack Russell terrier) with a forked tail. 

- Thanks to one particular dog, a group of Muggles accidentally stumbled upon a Portkey (disguised as an old trainer) that took them to a Celestina Warbeck concert. Of course, their memories were appropriately modified, but kudos to the dog in question who gave the Muggles quite an interesting evening.

- Aunt Marge once got Harry dog biscuits as a gift – because that’s just the sort of lady she was.

- A dog-shaped symbol is called a ‘Grim’ in Divination – a figure known as the sign of death. When a similar-looking dog started tailing Harry in *Prisoner of Azkaban*, he thought the worst – but thankfully, the dog Harry kept seeing around Hogwarts happened to be Sirius in Animagus form. Blame the typical morbid behaviour of Professor Trelawney scaring teenagers.

 **

If you want to meet Fang again in Chapter Nine, you can [watch Alison Sudol and Dan Fogler reading 'The Midnight Duel' any time you like here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-midnight-duel "MD").

Celebrating the best dogs of the wizarding world 

Chapter Challenge: 'The Potions Master'

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Welcome to your eighth Chapter Challenge! First thing's first. We've created a brand new special house points tracker that you can make at home which will help you keep score of your chapter challenge achievements. Take a look.

Harry Potter Reading Magic | House Points Jars

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<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/z505aKu6dbnv4BtYwmxmU/630454740a59bfa2987a7920bbc746a6/1.png">

__Write down which Hogwarts teacher you’re most interested in learning more about. What subject do they teach and why have you chosen them?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/yOxIcxHhrhZOArv0ELkzy/f0a35d54a4d538c31985beb47eaafc3a/2.png">

__Draw a picture of the cauldron you would like to use in a Potions class. You can decorate the outside any way you want – perhaps with your house colours?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1ijZO9HuWGqfNvOAJn3uyX/5b702a556d438b95f72aa8ca047c072b/3.png">

__Answer this question and get a clue about the next chapter. What is the name of the most popular wizarding sport? Clue: Ron tried to explain the rules to Harry on the Hogwarts Express ...__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6XvglminJY0E2faLECIQ2v/14ad2062752ee0fab295ee48a0758e9e/4.png">

__Write about yourself: Which Hogwarts lesson would you most want to go to? Why?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4Jaq0FK5wBobon9dUkJbHa/b9fe97c017b788149fcba5c3511ef5d7/5.png">

__Prediction time! This is where you guess what might happen later in the book. Hagrid removed a secret package from a Gringotts vault just before someone broke in! Where do you think that package is now?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4e75X3nG3vj7Li3Kib76w4/da2b3bc99a7665be67ccfd0219e6316b/6.png">

__Time to be a Hogwarts portrait: In 'The Potions Master', we find out about the Hogwarts portraits and how they move about. Pretend you’re a portrait at the top of a moving staircase. What’s your name? What does your portrait look like? Describe what happens when a staircase moves and confuses students. Do you think it's funny? Do you try to help them? Or do you try to confuse them even more?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 2 house points.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5kIRgx7Pxh0bNuMPmcaguy/0cd8d07f3c587d0c32f678e9480156f8/7.png">

__Secret quest: Organise a household meeting, using only secret notes. In Chapter Eight, Hagrid invites Harry to his hut using a note from Hedwig. For this secret quest, you must be the owl and deliver notes to members of your household. The note must say the time and the place in your home to meet – e.g. kitchen table, on the sofa. You must not say anything about the meeting out loud. If everyone comes to the meeting, you win!__

*This mini-challenge is worth 3 house points.*

 OR...

***

__Quiz time: If this secret quest isn’t for you, you can collect the same number of house points if you answer every question correctly in our [Chapter Eight Quiz here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-eight-five-questions "CQ8")...__

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Did you complete this Chapter Challenge? How many house points did you collect of the possible 10? 

Still need to find out which Hogwarts house you belong in? [Here’s a link to register and find the Sorting Ceremony on our website](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register?utm_medium=social&utm_source=wwd_web&utm_campaign=chapterchallenge-register). Or download the Wizarding World app to find out your house whilst wearing the Sorting Hat! You’ll need an adult to help you register.

And for more quizzes, crafting, articles and other fun activites go to the [Harry Potter Reading Magic Hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/starting-harry-potter"). 

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

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The wizarding world potions we want in real life

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Snape in his potions class room from the Order of the Pheonix 

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In the grand, never-ending game of ‘imagining that magic is real’, potions tend to get side-lined next to the quicker, flashier potential of the wand. But that’s unfair. For a wand may be able to curse a bully, or Transfigure a teacher, but Snape is right when he says potions are a subtle science and exact art – one that translates into strong, effective magic, the kind that would come mighty useful in everyday life. Good luck? Eternal life? Stepping into someone else’s shoes? Here are a few we’d want to brew the most…

## Felix Felicis

You’ll know Felix Felicis as ‘liquid luck’, the potion capable of making any drinker lucky for a period of time, during which they will succeed at almost anything they put their mind to. Harry used it in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to make sure that he succeeded in retrieving a memory from Horace Slughorn, and later to protect his friends in duels against Death Eaters. Oh and of course, he pretended to use it to give Ron confidence as a Quidditch Keeper. Very admirable. 

But think of all the other uses! You could take a few drops before a multiple-choice exam, ensuring that you ace every answer. Or maybe a job interview, which you’d leave as Employee of the Year. Nervous about a date? Well, prepare to be the most charming person who ever lived. But why stop there? Think bigger! Shoot an arrow blindfolded! Run for President! Play the lottery!

But beware: if taken in excess, Felix Felicis can prove highly toxic, and could make you very ill; which, ironically, would be rather unlucky.


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## Polyjuice Potion

Hermione brewed Polyjuice Potion successfully in her second year at Hogwarts, so that she, Ron and Harry could try to get the truth about the Heir of Slytherin out of Draco Malfoy. Unfortunately, Polyjuice is only meant for human transformations, so when she accidentally added a cat hair instead of Millicent Bulstrode’s head hair, things got very furry. Though at least it gave Moaning Myrtle a laugh for once… 

Accidental animal transformations aside, we would absolute love to brew some Polyjuice Potion – preferably in our kitchen rather than a haunted bathroom.Want to find out what your friends really think about you? This is the perfect solution! Want to convince someone to buy you that birthday present you’ve always wanted? Change into someone else and suggest it! But not all our reasons are selfish… stepping into someone else’s shoes can often give you a bit of perspective, even if it’s only for an hour or so. 


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## Amortentia 

Okay, okay so it might seem a little soppy to have the most powerful love potion in the world on our wish list – but come on, have a heart! And no, it didn’t go so well for Ron in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where his affections went from Lavender Brown to Romilda Vane faster than a flying Snitch, but he did eat a LOT of those Chocolate Cauldrons.

Even if we didn’t actually give it to anyone, we’d be curious to see what it smelt like to us. According to Hermione, ‘it’s supposed to smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us, and I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and –’ What was she going to say? We’re still curious – and curious about how the potion with the mother-of-pearl sheen would smell to us… 


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## Veritaserum 

The truth potion. Find out if your sister stole your favourite dress. Determine who ate the last chocolate biscuit in the tin. Finally get to the bottom of where your dad hides the birthday presents. Veritaserum sounds like it could come in really useful around sneaky family members and friends. Though we’d want to make sure it didn’t get into the wrong hands… 

At one point, Professor Snape gleefully threatened to slip a few drops of Veritaserum into Harry’s evening pumpkin juice, and of course, Professor Umbridge was desperate to get her hands on some. On seconds thoughts… maybe it’s best leaving this one in the wizarding world!

## Draught of Peace

The world can be a scary, overwhelming place, and that can often lead to us feeling anxious or panicked. The magical solution to this, of course, is a potion: the Draught of Peace, a concoction that’s designed to ease the agitation of whoever drinks it. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth years were tasked with making one by Snape – though it’s hard to imagine brewing a peace potion whilst in a class with the Slytherin head of house.

However, we do know that Madam Pomfrey was known to prescribe the potion to students suffering from exam stress. We could think of a few other scenarios in which it could come in useful, but for now we’ll just have to settle for a cuppa and a Harry Potter book.

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## Elixir of Life 

This is the big one: the Elixir of Life, the potion of immortality. You’ll no doubt recognise it as the subject of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, where it’s positioned as one of the most sought-after potions of the wizarding world – especially by Lord Voldemort. The catch? To keep being immortal, it must be drunk regularly for all eternity. Stopping drinking it, like Nicolas Flamel and his wife, means that your life ends like everyone else’s. A dependency, Dumbledore thought, that Voldemort would ultimately never have wanted. 

But you’re not Lord Voldemort! You’re just an easy-going Muggle who wants to live forever. Who can’t relate to that? To never live your life in fear of death; to never worry about the future; to witness the passing of the ages, to see empires rise and empires fall; to see the full breadth of human potential; to ride hoverboards; to witness the end of the universe itself…

Today we're thinking about the subtle science of potion making and the ones we would absolutely want to make in real life… 

Chapter Challenge: 'The Sorting Hat'

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Welcome to your seventh Chapter Challenge! First thing's first. We've created a brand new special house points tracker that you can make at home which will help you keep score of your chapter challenge achievements. Take a look. 

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<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/z505aKu6dbnv4BtYwmxmU/630454740a59bfa2987a7920bbc746a6/1.png">

__Write down your Hogwarts house, and why you think you were sorted into it. If you don’t have a house yet, don’t worry! Just like Harry and his friends, you can be sorted in our [re-imagined Sorting Ceremony here](https://my.wizardingworld.com/about-passport) – or you can download the Wizarding World app and see yourself wearing the famous hat! You'll need an adult to help you register.__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/yOxIcxHhrhZOArv0ELkzy/f0a35d54a4d538c31985beb47eaafc3a/2.png">

__Draw the Sorting Hat on its four-legged stool. Remember that it’s ‘patched and frayed and extremely dirty’!__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

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__Answer this question and get a clue about the next chapter. What’s the name of the wizarding bank in Diagon Alley? Clue: Harry went there in Chapter Five...__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6XvglminJY0E2faLECIQ2v/14ad2062752ee0fab295ee48a0758e9e/4.png">

__Write about yourself: Hogwarts castle is home to some ghosts, like Nearly Headless Nick and the Fat Friar. Do you believe in ghosts? Or do you think they only belong in stories?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

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__Prediction time! This is where you guess what might happen later in the book. Do you think Professor Snape and Harry are going to get on?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

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__Time to be a songwriter: In 'The Sorting Hat', Professor Dumbledore asks the students to sing the school song. It starts, ‘Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy, Warty, Hogwarts.’ Even though you might not be at school right now, your challenge is to make one up. The words can be as silly as you like, but try to make them rhyme. If you’re feeling musical, you could try to sing them to a tune!__

*This mini-challenge is worth 2 house points.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5kIRgx7Pxh0bNuMPmcaguy/0cd8d07f3c587d0c32f678e9480156f8/7.png">

__Secret quest: Before everyone starts to eat in the Great Hall, Dumbledore says he’d like to say a few words: ‘Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!’ Choose four of your own odd or silly words, and next time you sit down to eat a meal, say them out loud so everyone can hear you. If you make someone laugh, you’ve completed this secret quest!__

*This mini-challenge is worth 3 house points.*

 OR...

***

__Quiz time: If this secret quest isn’t for you, you can collect the same number of house points if you answer every question correctly in our [Chapter Seven Quiz here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-seven-five-questions "CQ7")...__

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The Harry Potter characters whose Hogwarts houses are up for debate

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In this article, we sort through (get it?) those times the Sorting Hat had some trouble making a decision, as well as focus in on those witches and wizards who didn't always feel that the Sorting Hat had placed them in the right house. And of course, there’re the characters we feel might have better belonged elsewhere... Perhaps when you’ve read this article you might agree with Dumbledore’s words: ‘I sometimes think we Sort too soon...’

__Beware! There are about as many spoilers for the Harry Potter books and *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* in this piece as there are gnomes in the Burrow garden...__

## "Hmm,’ said a small voice in his ear. ‘Difficult. Very difficult"

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The famous Thinking Cap boasts ‘I’ll eat myself if you can find/ A smarter hat than me’ in its start of term song, and it would never publicly admit to having doubts about its sorting abilities. But sometimes, it takes a suspiciously long time to make a decision. 

Minerva McGonagall was one Hogwarts student that presented a dilemma for the Sorting Hat. She was a Hatstall – a student whose sorting takes longer than five minutes – and in her case it was the choice between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw that took the time. Given how quickly she answered the Ravenclaw door-knocker’s riddle, we can see that she would have done well in that wise house. On balance though, we think the Sorting Hat went the right way with Minerva McGonagall: duelling with Snape, sticking up to Umbridge and defending Dumbledore – she’s got a lion heart of pure red and gold. 

The line between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw seems to be a bit of a head-scratcher for the Sorting Hat. The same houses were in contention for Hermione Granger, who revealed in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix that the Sorting Hat ‘seriously considered’ putting her in Ravenclaw. It’s not the biggest surprise if we’re honest – top of her year and arguably one of the brightest witches of her age, we didn’t need the lost Diadem to work out that she would have flourished in Ravenclaw. We’ll never know whether Hermione steered the Sorting Hat away from Ravenclaw or whether she was always heading (get it?) towards Gryffindor, but we’re glad it decided on red and gold in the end – it wouldn’t have been quite the same without our favourite trio plotting in the scarlet common room.

Maybe the Sorting Hat was trying to change Peter Pettigrew’s fate by placing him in Gryffindor rather than Slytherin? Of all the Hogwarts houses, Slytherin boasts the largest number of Death Eaters, after all. A Hatstall like Minerva McGonagall, the Sorting Hat clearly found sorting Wormtail difficult. But we can’t help but feel that this time the Sorting Hat went the wrong way. It seems more cunning than courageous to fake your own death and spend twelve years hiding as a rat. Perhaps the Sorting Hat would argue that fear can overcome anyone, sometimes even a Gryffindor, and that was what had led Peter Pettigrew down the slippery slope and into Lord Voldemort’s service. But we’re not so sure… 


## "There’s no need to tell me I’m not brave enough to be in Gryffindor"



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Neville is suspended by the ears by two Cornish pixies, during Defence Against the Dark Arts

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The Sorting Hat never admits that its final decision is wrong, but it does umm and ahhh in students’ ears while it deliberates. And the longer the student is left sitting on the stool, the more likely they are to doubt the Sorting Hat’s eventual decision. In Harry Potter’s case, the Sorting Hat’s indecision stayed with him for years afterwards, despite it respecting his desperate plea of ‘Not Slytherin, not Slytherin’. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, it took Harry pulling the sword of Godric Gryffindor out of the Sorting Hat, to allay his concerns that he should have been a Slytherin. 

Although the Sorting Hat respected Harry’s choice, it wasn’t so kind to Neville Longbottom; it was determined to place him in Gryffindor, despite him asking for Hufflepuff. Throughout his first year Neville was plagued with doubts, at one point choking out: ‘There’s no need to tell me I’m not brave enough to be in Gryffindor’. We hope that when Dumbledore explained that ‘there are all kinds of courage’ Neville felt more at home. And if he didn’t, we reckon killing a giant snake with Gryffindor’s sword probably did the trick. 

Albus Severus Potter was a different case entirely. Before he even arrived at Hogwarts he was terrified that he would be Sorted into Slytherin. And then, his worst fear came true. The whispers filled the Great Hall just like they had when his father arrived all those years before. This time though, it was with shock rather than excitement – shock that Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley’s son had been Sorted into Slytherin rather than Gryffindor. Side-note: never let it be said that the Sorting Hat bows to peer pressure or celebrity. We might have expected Albus to struggle with the Sorting Hat’s decision, and he did at first. But it soon turned out that Slytherin was exactly where he was supposed to be.


## "And you all know the score:/I sort you into houses/ Because that is what I’m for"





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A head shot of Snape looking sideways from the Deathly Hallows Part 2 

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True. It’s the Sorting Hat’s job to sort, but it’s our job to mull over its decisions. And we too have some doubts. 

Let’s start with Gilderoy Lockhart. Apparently little Lockhart had above-average intelligence when he arrived at Hogwarts and as we know he turned out to have a real talent for Memory Charms. But surely a true Ravenclaw wouldn’t have needed to modify the memories of more knowledgeable and daring witches and wizards? And they certainly would have been able to sort out a few pesky Cornish Pixies? Then there’s his ambition for fame, which was evident even at school, where he once created ‘an illuminated projection of his own face which he would send skywards in imitation of the Dark Mark’. We’re sure that made him lots of friends...

With all of this taken into account, we’d dare to say that Lockhart showed far more cunning and ambition than he ever did wit and wisdom. Perhaps Lockhart wouldn’t have felt the need to prove himself so much if he’d ended up in a house better known for these traits, like Slytherin.

We need to talk about Severus Snape. Surely not? We hear you cry. Yes – Snape was Head of Slytherin. Yes – Snape had a burning ambition to be the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. Yes – he was king of all things cunning in his role as double agent to both Dumbledore and the Dark Lord. But are these what made up the very core of Severus Snape? Without Lily Evans entering his life we might have said yes. Snape’s love for Lily gave him a defining characteristic of another Hogwarts house: Loyalty. This was his essential driving force, it even infiltrated his magic and showed up in his Patronus. His love for Lily, and his loyalty to her above ambition, above self-preservation, was – as Dumbledore puts it – the best of Snape. Would Hufflepuff have been a better fit?

Don’t misunderstand us, Luna Lovegood is an excellent Ravenclaw. She shared a lot of Luna-style wisdom with Harry during her time at Hogwarts, in particular reminding him that the ones who leave us are never truly lost behind the Veil, as well as demonstrating a gift for logical thinking. We’re not sure we could come up with an answer as to whether the Phoenix or the flame came first under such immense pressure. And it must have taken some seriously impressive magic to make her Gryffindor lion hat roar so realistically. But Luna’s loyalty and kindness – key Hufflepuff traits – really did know no bounds. Luna insisted on coming to the Ministry to help her fellow DA members – it was her idea to ride the Thestrals. And Luna was one of only two members of the DA who were loyal enough to answer the call of the charmed Galleons the night Malfoy let the Death Eaters into Hogwarts.


Where all these doubts take us, we suppose, is to somewhere more certain: we, like the characters in the wizarding world, are all made up of a mixture of cunning, curiosity, courage, kindness and a whole lot more. Perhaps the Sorting Hat shows witches and wizards the traits most dominant in them already, or perhaps the Hat Sorts to encourage traits that thus far have lain dormant? We can never really know, but as Dumbledore sagely said: ‘It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.’


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Dumbledore sitting in a chair from the Half Blood Prince 

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Have you tried our official Sorting Ceremony to discover where you truly belong? It’s available on our new Wizarding World app. 
Don’t worry if you were previously sorted into a Hogwarts house, you have the choice to keep it if you’re unhappy with the Sorting Hat’s choice, just like Harry.

Don’t forget, you can visit the [Harry Potter At Home hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home) for more chapter readings, as well as articles, crafting activities, quizzes and much more!



Create your own Aragog

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Hagrid kept Aragog as a pet when he was still at Hogwarts. This Acromantula king might have been a friend to Hagrid, but he wasn’t so keen on Harry and Ron when they ventured into the Forbidden Forest. Are you brave enough to take on this eight-legged crafting challenge? 

Follow the spiders and learn how to make a paper mache Aragog in the video tutorial below ...

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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").

Best duelling seconds: ranked 

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## 10. Bellatrix Lestrange 

You might be surprised to see this witch on the top ten list, but however much you dislike her, Bellatrix’s duelling prowess is undeniable. She duelled both Tonks and Sirius at the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and came out unscathed. At the Battle of Hogwarts, we hear that ‘Bellatrix was still fighting too, fifty yards away from Voldemort, and like her master she duelled three at once: Hermione, Ginny and Luna, all battling their hardest, but Bellatrix was equal to them’. Being the equal to three DA trained witches is very impressive, especially in the heat of the battle. In terms of whether we’d want Bellatrix by our side? Well, she was unquestionably loyal to Lord Voldemort so we’re not sure we’d want to take the risk… 
 

## 9. Severus Snape 

We first saw Snape in action at Gilderoy Lockhart’s duelling club. True, Lockhart wasn’t exactly a worthy candidate, but Snape’s Disarming Charm knocked his opponent right off his feet. Outside of the duelling club, we also saw Snape fight his way out of the castle at the end of *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* – and we know he invented many a handy spell during his time at Hogwarts. His power as a Legilimens would definitely come in handy in a duel given that he’d be able to see into his opponent’s mind and perhaps determine their next move. We’re not sure he’d be the most comforting of seconds, given his aloof and often cold nature – but he definitely makes it onto this list. 
 

## 8. Neville Longbottom 

Neville might have had a bit of a slow start when it came to duelling, but by the time he’d finished training with Dumbledore’s Army he could cast ‘Expelliarmus’ as expertly as anyone else – he even managed to disarm Hermione Granger. A true Gryffindor at heart, Neville was as loyal as they come, so we’re certain he’d have our backs in a duel. By *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* Neville was heading up the resistance at Hogwarts, and fought valiantly at the Battle of Hogwarts, duelling the likes of Fenrir Greyback and holding his own. And you never know, his Herbology knowledge might come in useful in a duel too! Read more about the bravery of Neville Longbottom [here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/why-neville-longbottom-was-always-a-true-gryffindor)
 

## 7. Molly Weasley 

Molly Weasley is certainly high on our duelling second wish list. Not only was she one of the fiercest witches we came across in the Harry Potter books – not many people could keep Fred and George (mostly!) in line – but she was also an excellent duellist. Remember that incredible moment when she took on Bellatrix Lestrange? ‘Harry watched with terror and elation as Molly Weasley’s wand slashed and twirled, and Bellatrix Lestrange’s smile faltered, and became a snarl’. Long-time member of the Order of the Phoenix, we reckon Molly Weasley would make a great duelling second, both through her experience and skill – as well as give you a great hug if it all went pear-shaped! 
 
## 6. Filius Flitwick 

>‘I wonder who’ll be teaching us?’ said Hermione, as they edged into the chattering crowd. ‘Someone told me Flitwick was a duelling champion when he 
was young, maybe it’ll be him.’
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

The Duelling Club ended up being run by Gilderoy Lockhart, but this was interesting piece of information we learned about Professor Flitwick in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Flitwick was the Charms professor rather than Defence Against the Dark Arts, but he had some pretty impressive spells up his sleeve that we got to see in Deathly Hallows when he used incantations to protect Hogwarts. 

But he didn’t just stay out of the fray either – at the Battle of Hogwarts Flitwick also duelled renowned Death Eaters like Yaxley and Dolohov and came out unscathed. Duelling champion and brave in battle? We think Flitwick would make an excellent duelling second. 
 

## 5. Harry Potter 

Only known survivor of the Killing Curse, Harry Potter seems like a pretty good option for a duelling second. Not only did he teach Defence Against the Dark Arts to many of his fellow students in *Order of the Phoenix* as head of the Dumbledore’s Army, but he also faced Lord Voldemort multiple times and lived to tell the tale. Expelliarmus might have been Harry’s go-to spell but he certainly had a lot of other spells up his sleeve when it came to duelling. More than that, proud Gryffindor Harry Potter was as loyal as they come – we reckon he’d always have your back. 
 

## 4. Kingsley Shaklebolt 

Kingsley Shaklebolt was an Auror at the Ministry of Magic when we first met him, and key member of the Order of the Phoenix. As an Auror, Kingsley would already be a good option for a second before we knew anything else about him, but he also showed us his duelling prowess in Order of the Phoenix where he fought two Death Eaters at once at the Ministry. In Deathly Hallows, we hear that ‘a bunch of Death Eaters cornered’ Kingsley ‘but he fought his way out.’ Duelling talent aside, we’d certainly appreciate his low and reassuring voice when it came to the duel itself, and let’s not forget he later became Minister for Magic – can’t help to have a wizarding second in high places, can it? 
 

## 3. Mad-Eye Moody 

We reckon that the Dark-wizard-catcher who filled ‘Half the cells in Azkaban’ would be an excellent choice for a wizarding second. Not only was he an Auror, he’d also be likely to make a duelling opponent think twice with his battle-scarred face, wooden leg and magical eye. And that magical eye would certainly come in useful for seeing an opponent’s every move. We’re sure that Moody would be a loyal wizarding second as well. Although he was pretty blunt and – let’s be honest – actually quite terrifying even if he liked you, we reckon he’d stick by you no matter what. 
 

## 2. Minerva McGonagall 

Cool, calm and collected in a crisis, Professor McGonagall is very high up our duelling second wish list. In Order of the Phoenix, she was hit by four Stunning Spells at once, and Madam Pomfrey said, ‘As if one of them could have Stunned Minerva McGonagall face-on by daylight!’ This proved to be very true as we later witnessed her skill in duels and in battle. Remember when she duelled Professor Snape and drove him from the castle?

>‘Professor McGonagall moved faster than Harry could have believed: her wand slashed through the air’.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2*

Minerva McGonagall might have been severe at times, but there’s no denying that her experience, bravery, loyalty and skill would make her an excellent duelling second. Do you love Minerva as much as we do? Take our the ‘Minerva McGonagall Finish the Quote’ Quiz [here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/complete-quote-mcgonagall-quiz) 
 

## 1. Albus Dumbledore 

Albus Dumbledore, ‘Considered by many the greatest wizard of modern times’ as it says on his Chocolate Frog card, is top of our duelling second wish list. Not only did he defeat Gellert Grindelwald in an epic duel when younger, but as Professor McGonagall tells us in the very first chapter of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*, Dumbledore was the only one that Voldemort was frightened of. In *Order of the Phoenix*, we saw Dumbledore and Voldemort duel it out, and it was one of the most spectacular displays of magic across the whole of the Harry Potter series: 

>‘Voldemort raised his wand and another jet of green light streaked at Dumbledore, who turned and was gone in a whirling of his cloak. Next second, he had reappeared behind Voldemort and waved his wand towards the remnants of the fountain. The other statues sprang to life.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

Wise, astonishingly talented and unafraid to fight for what was right, we’ve chosen Dumbledore as our ideal second in a duel. And you never know, he might just offer you a sherbet lemon for courage if you asked nicely… 

Do you agree with our list of ideal duelling second candidates? Would you add anyone else? 

Let us know your thoughts (if you’re old enough) on our Wizarding World Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Play our Wizarding World characters crossword

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Try our Wizarding World character crossword for a proper puzzle challenge! 

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See how you fair with our latest Wizarding World crossword challenge. 

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You can find more of our [crosswords & wordsearches in our puzzles hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) or on the Wizarding World app.

Chapter Challenge: 'The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters'

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Welcome to your next challenge!

First thing's first. We've created a brand new special house points tracker that you can make at home which will help you keep score of your chapter challenge achievements. Take a look. 

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__Write about a character that is introduced in this chapter and describe them. There are plenty to choose from!__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/yOxIcxHhrhZOArv0ELkzy/f0a35d54a4d538c31985beb47eaafc3a/2.png">

__Draw the Hogwarts Express while it waits for witches and wizards at platform nine and three-quarters.__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

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__Answer this question and get a clue about the next chapter. What might someone – particularly a witch or wizard – wear on their head?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6XvglminJY0E2faLECIQ2v/14ad2062752ee0fab295ee48a0758e9e/4.png">

__Write about yourself: If you could pick one thing from the Hogwarts Express snack trolley, what would it be and why?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4Jaq0FK5wBobon9dUkJbHa/b9fe97c017b788149fcba5c3511ef5d7/5.png">

__Prediction time! This is where you guess what might happen later in the book. On the train, Ron and Harry talk about the four houses at Hogwarts. Which house do you think Draco Malfoy will be in?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4e75X3nG3vj7Li3Kib76w4/da2b3bc99a7665be67ccfd0219e6316b/6.png">

__Time to be on a Chocolate Frog card: In 'The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters', Harry reads a Chocolate Frog card about Albus Dumbledore. Write a Chocolate Frog card for yourself. Include interesting facts, your hobbies and any achievements you’re proud of. If you’re feeling creative, draw a picture of yourself for the front of the card as well!__

*This mini-challenge is worth 2 house points.*

<IMG src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5kIRgx7Pxh0bNuMPmcaguy/0cd8d07f3c587d0c32f678e9480156f8/7.png">

__Secret quest: Just like Hermione Granger pointed out to Ron Weasley, tell someone in your household they have dirt on their nose. Your exact words need to be – ‘*And you’ve got dirt on your nose, by the way, did you know?*' Get them to try to rub the “dirt” off, and you’ll succeed at this secret quest!__

*This mini-challenge is worth 3 house points.*

 OR...

***

__Quiz time: If this secret quest isn’t for you, you can collect the same number of house points if you answer every question correctly in [our Chapter Six Quiz here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-six-five-questions "CQ 6")...__

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Did you complete this Chapter Challenge? How many house points did you collect of the possible 10? Have you put all your pieces of paper in the hourglass so you don’t lose count? 

Still need to find out which Hogwarts house you belong in? [Here’s a link to register and find the Sorting Ceremony on our website](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register?utm_medium=social&utm_source=wwd_web&utm_campaign=chapterchallenge-register). Or download the Wizarding World app to find out your house whilst wearing the Sorting Hat! You’ll need an adult to help you register.

And for more quizzes, crafting, articles and other fun activites go to the [Harry Potter Reading Magic Hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/starting-harry-potter"). 

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

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