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What happened to all the main Harry Potter characters after Hogwarts? 

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The members of Dumbledore's Army standing together in the Room of Requirement

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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*__WARNING: Obviously we’re looking into the beyond here, so a spoiler warning is now in effect.__* 

The devastating crescendo at the end of the [Battle of Hogwarts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-battle-of-hogwarts) left many of our favourite Harry Potter characters forever-changed by the event. While we lost some of our favourites, some others went on to acquire impressive jobs, go on to have families, or carry on the legacies of some of the fallen. From students to teachers, here’s some key character futures that we came to learn about.  

## Harry became an Auror and worked at the Ministry  

In Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts, all the students were given careers advice, where we [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) divulged to Professor McGonagall his ambition of becoming an [Auror](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/auror). Who can blame him? After living a life constantly under the eye of one of the Darkest wizards of all time, he basically had done his Auror training already. 

In his later years, Harry became the Head of the Auror Office at the [Ministry of Magic](/fact-file/locations/the-ministry-of-magic) – which – as we learnt about in *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* – sounded great on paper, but did have a lot of paper...work.  


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## Ron took over Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes after Fred’s death  

[Fred Weasley’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fred-weasley) death in the Battle of Hogwarts hit us all hard, but his legacy lived on. The twins’ joke shop, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, went on to be looked after by Fred’s younger brother, [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley), who looked after the business with George.  

Like Harry, Ron did have a brief foray in the Auror profession, but after two years, decided running a joke shop was a tad more fun.

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## Hermione got the top job at the Ministry  

Never ever an under-achiever, [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) went above and beyond after [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) – eventually becoming the actual [Minister for Magic](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/minister-for-magic).  

While moving up the ranks at the Ministry, she continued her work championing [house-elf](/fact-file/creatures/house-elf) rights, while eradicating old, stuffy laws that were biased towards [pure-blood](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/pure-blood) witches and wizards. That’s our Hermione.

And of course, she lived happily ever after with Ron, with their two children, [Rose](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/rose-granger-weasley) and Hugo too. The future she deserved.

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## Ginny became Sports Editor for The Daily Prophet  

Always a dab-hand at [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch) during her Hogwarts years, [Ginny](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ginny-weasley) went on to have a soaring career in the sport, playing for the all-female team, the Holyhead Harpies. After that, she progressed into journalism – heading up the Sports section of The [*Daily Prophet*](/fact-file/objects/the-daily-prophet), while bringing up three children with Harry: [Albus](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-potter), James and Lily. 

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Ginny is wearing Gryffindor Quidditch robes and flying on her broomstick.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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and the Half-Blood Prince

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## Neville became a Hogwarts Professor!  

[Neville’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom) future after Hogwarts is just so... Neville. After showing huge interest in [Herbology](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/herbology) during his student days, he went on to actually teach the subject. Let’s hope he had better control over his [Mimbulus mimbletonias](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/mimbulus-mimbletonia) with his students. 

He also found love – marrying [Hufflepuff](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hufflepuff) student [Hannah Abbott](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hannah-abbott-fact-file). And to make matters even more wholesome, they went on to live together, upstairs from [The Leaky Caudron](/fact-file/locations/the-leaky-cauldron) pub. 

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Neville Longbottom stands at the edge of the lake while holding up a plant

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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and the Goblet of Fire

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## Draco married on, but lost his wife to a tragic illness  

After an extremely complicated childhood, [Draco Malfoy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/draco-malfoy) emerged in *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* reborn as a family man with long hair and a penchant for farmers’ markets. His son, [Scorpius](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/scorpius-malfoy), a lovable bookworm who ended up befriending Harry Potter’s son, Albus, made for a very different kind of Malfoy legacy. But alas, Draco’s adulthood was also marred by tragedy – losing his wife, Astoria Greengrass, to a fatal blood curse. 

We see these events play out in *Cursed Child*, with father and son trying to navigate their grief together, and seeing the softer side of Draco is a comfort. Although him and Harry were still partial to the odd sparring match. 


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## George married Angelina Johnson and had two children 

Bereft after the loss of his twin, [George Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/george-weasley) carried Fred’s torch for the rest of his life. While keeping their joke shop business alive and well with Ron, he also went on to marry his fellow Gryffindor Quidditch team member, [Angelina Johnson](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/angelina-johnson). Yes, the very same Angelina that dated Fred at Hogwarts.  

He also named one of his children after his late brother, meaning the Fred Weasley spirit floats on within the next generation of [Weasleys](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-weasleys).  


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Fred and George wearing suits and standing together in Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

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## Luna went on to marry Newt Scamander’s grandson 

Always one with nature, it feels perfectly serendipitous that our quirky [Ravenclaw](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/ravenclaw) [Luna](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/luna-lovegood) would go on to become a Magizoologist – and marry one. We all know [Newt Scamander](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/newt-scamander), our *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* hero. Well, Luna went on to marry his grandson, Rolf. The happy couple even went on to have twins: the appropriately idiosyncratically named Lorcan and Lysander. Whether or not Luna ever did meet a Blibbering Humdinger, however, we do not know.

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## Professor McGonagall became Hogwarts Headmistress 

After [Albus Dumbledore’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) passing, and peace in the wizarding world was re-established, there was only one person who could look after Hogwarts. Of course! Of course, it had to be our formidable Head of Gryffindor House, [Minerva McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall) – who served as Deputy Head under Dumbledore’s tenure. 

After leading the Battle of Hogwarts courageously, Minerva was still Headmistress of Hogwarts when Harry’s children started going to school. Ah, a whole new generation of Potters to tell off! Her work is truly never done. 

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## Some honourable mentions 

- Ron’s older brother, [Charlie](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/charlie-weasley), continued his work with dragons, and as of 2014, was unmarried, thanks to a gossipy *Daily Prophet* report. 

-  [Percy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/percy-weasley) finally achieved his dreams of having a very important job at the Ministry of Magic, taking charge of the Department of Magical Transportation. He went on to have two children, Lucy and *Molly*. We’re sure [Mrs Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley) was delighted. 

- Despite a shocking attack by [werewolf](/fact-file/creatures/werewolf) [Fenrir Greyback](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fenrir-greyback), [Bill Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/bill-weasley) lived to tell the tale and went on to have three children with his wife, [Fleur Delacour](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fleur-delacour). One of them, Victoire Weasley, ended up having a teen romance with Harry’s godson, Teddy Lupin!  

- After many stressful years as Gryffindor’s Quidditch team captain, [Oliver Wood](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/oliver-wood) joined the British and Irish Quidditch league as a Reserve Keeper for Puddlemere United. Once a go-getter, always a go-getter. 

- After a doomed romance with [Cedric Diggory](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/cedric-diggory) and a fleeting one with Harry Potter, [Cho Chang](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/cho-chang) found love in the end with a [Muggle](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) suitor. Ooh, tell us more! 

- Harry’s [Aunt Petunia](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/petunia-dursley) had died by the time the events of *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* came around, but we did learn that Harry had managed to create a cordial relationship with his cousin [Dudley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/dudley-dursley) in their adulthood. 

*** 

__Which character future surprised you the most?__ 

How Harry, Ron and Hermione pulled off the ultimate heist

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*__Oh, and watch where you step. This article contains spoilers from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.__*

To defeat [Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) and rid the wizarding world of his hatred, every single one of his [Horcruxes](/fact-file/objects/horcrux) had to be destroyed. If even one remained, then Voldemort would be able to cling to what little life he had. Unfortunately, one of those Horcruxes happened to be locked away in [Bellatrix Lestrange’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/bellatrix-lestrange) vault at [Gringotts](/fact-file/locations/gringotts). A bank famous for being pretty impossible to break into (ignoring that slight *blip* of [Quirrell’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/quirinus-quirrell) futile attempt to retrieve the [Philosopher’s Stone](/fact-file/objects/the-philosophers-stone)):


Enter, stranger, but take heed 
Of what awaits the sin of greed, 	
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn, 
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours, 
Thief, you have been warned, beware 
Of finding more than treasure there.

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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With such a strong stance on thievery, successfully stealing from Gringotts would need a heist of epic proportions and that’s exactly what Harry, Ron and Hermione did…

## Of course they had to have an excellent plan
If you have watched any film with a heist or read a book about robbers or admire the tenacity of characters like Robin Hood, then you’ll know that no scheme can be successful without a detailed and well-thought-out plan – fail to prepare… prepare to fail! [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter), [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) and [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) huddled in a tiny bedroom in [Bill](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/bill-weasley) and [Fleur’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fleur-delacour) home of [Shell Cottage](/fact-file/locations/shell-cottage) for weeks to do just that. They formulated their plan to find and retrieve the Horcrux, poring over every detail and only emerging at mealtimes. They did have a bit of help though…

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## It’s important to have someone with insider knowledge
Enter [Griphook](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/griphook-fact-file) – who happened to be the [Goblin](/fact-file/creatures/goblin) that took Harry to his own vault the first time he visited the famous wizarding bank. Rescued from [Malfoy Manor](/fact-file/locations/malfoy-manor) and recovering in Bill and Fleur’s home, this former Gringotts employee was key to reaching the Lestrange’s vault which (rather inconveniently) was located on one of the bank’s deepest levels and also happened to be one of the best protected. 

A reluctant ally, that Harry had to do some careful negotiating with, without Griphook’s initial help, we highly doubt that the trio would have made it to the correct vault at all. Well, until he double-crossed them… it wouldn’t be a heist without a twist. 

To be fair to Griphook, he didn’t have much reason to trust witches and wizards and Harry was playing fast and loose with the truth about when he was going to give the Goblin the [sword of Gryffindor](/fact-file/objects/the-sword-of-gryffindor)… but his betrayal was rather an inconvenience.


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## Don’t forget the brilliant disguises 
When you’re trying to be sneaky you don’t want to actually *look* sneaky – especially if you’re the wizarding world’s most wanted as ‘Undesirable Number One’. It’s important to blend in. Magic makes that easier… and luckily Harry’s world was full of it! With Hermione dusting off her [Polyjuice Potion](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/polyjuice-potion) skills to masquerade as Bellatrix Lestrange, Harry hidden under his [Invisibility Cloak](/fact-file/objects/the-invisibility-cloak) and Ron’s appearance altered to be unrecognisable, they strengthened their chances of being able to get to the vault without raising an alarm. Their disguises were so well thought out, Hermione even had Bellatrix’s [wand](/fact-file/objects/wand) in her possession.

Of course, it didn’t go *entirely* to plan. Ok, it was a disaster – with the magical waterfall known as the ‘Thief’s Downfall’ removing any trace of camouflage. However, the disguise did get them past the Goblins in the marble entrance hall. It did allow them to get into the belly of the bank. Plus, it gave them a much-needed head start. 


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## Their talent certainly helped
Goblins, multiplying objects that burn and even a dragon – that was just some of what Harry, Ron and Hermione had to face in the bowels of Gringotts. A lesser witch or wizard would fail. These three, working as a team and using their collective talents, they could pull it off. The way they made a dramatic escape on the back of said dragon? Not only did they have the Horcrux and a mode of transportation to take them far away from the scene of the crime, but they also freed a majestic creature who had been treated horribly in the process – inspiring! 


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## They had to be prepared to push a few moral boundaries 
We will never condone the use of an [Unforgivable Curse](/fact-file/spells/the-unforgivable-curses), but we also can understand why Harry felt compelled to use the [Imperius Curse](/fact-file/spells/the-imperius-curse). Harry’s group was nearly rumbled from the start. Remember how we mentioned that they had their disguises planned to the last detail including Bellatrix’s wand? Yeah, that was a mistake. Both Bogrod (the Goblin at the desk) and Travers (the [Death Eater](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/death-eaters) they encountered in [Diagon Alley](/fact-file/locations/diagon-alley) and couldn’t shake) knew the real Bellatrix’s wand had been stolen. For Hermione to be holding it? She must be an imposter. Without Harry taking control of them? The mission would be over before it began. Possibly an example of the ends justifying the morally grey means?

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## There wasn’t another choice
We also wanted to flag that the trio didn’t have a choice. All Horcruxes had to be destroyed otherwise Voldemort could not be destroyed. Therefore, to save the entire wizarding world they had to rob the bank. Knowing that, we’re sure it only made them more determined to pull it off.

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## Finally, sometimes it’s just about luck
Luck? Everything went wrong! Technically… yes. However, Harry, Ron and Hermione still made it out of Gringotts with their lives, the Horcrux and were one step closer to ending Voldemort’s reign of terror for good. That’s what we call a successful heist. 

Harry Potter holds a sword aloft in a vault full of treasure

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

In defence of... Horace Slughorn

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[Horace Slughorn](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/horace-slughorn) was content to live the easy life – full of [Slug Club](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-slug-club) suppers and famous friends. Although, we don’t think he was *quite* as shallow as he seemed. With a name that stems from the Scottish Gaelic for ‘war cry’: sluagh-ghairm, which later gave rise to ‘slughorn’, a battle trumpet – this was potentially a character with a hidden fire. Or maybe he was sedentary and passive like the common land slug – let’s find out. 

## First, there was his childhood 
When we think about all the different pieces that make Horace Slughorn, his upbringing needs to be considered. The only child of [pure-blood](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/pure-blood) parents, Horace was taught the importance of socialising with the ‘*right*’ kind of people from infancy. His father was a high-ranking [Ministry](/fact-file/locations/the-ministry-of-magic) official with a strong belief in the ‘old boys’ network’. As you can probably imagine, even though they weren’t as vocal or fanatic as other families, they still believed that being part of the ‘Sacred Twenty-Eight’ made them superior.  

That background coupled with being Sorted into [Slytherin](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/slytherin), could have easily equalled a Slughorn that went down the full pure-blood extremist route – discriminating against [Muggle-borns](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggle-borns) and those whose pedigree wasn’t quite right. Slughorn didn’t do that. He subverted his parents’ expectations becoming friends with many of his talented Muggle-born peers. The key point there being *talented* – Slughorn was a snob. But it is important to remember that this was a snob who wasn’t tempted by the Dark side. 

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Professor Slughorn looks worried at the prospect of being asked about Tom Riddle

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## Yes, he was elitist but not in the way many wizards were  
Ok, we do need to talk about the Slug Club. It embodied the slippery, social-climbing side of Slughorn (a side that took up far too much of his personality). Ever since he was a child, he was drawn to anybody who had a talent, background or celebrity status that would make them stand out. He especially loved to befriend them and graciously receive any freebies they might deign to send his way thanks to their illustrious careers (crystallised pineapple anyone?). Slughorn never wanted power for himself – he just wanted to be able to capitalise on the power of the people around him. 

It's easy then to think that Slughorn was just using the members of his club, but we think Horace had a genuine affection for them. [Lily Potter](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lily-potter) was a prime example. A Muggle-born, with no impressive family ties, her skill as a witch was what caught Slughorn’s eye. Whenever he spoke about her, we got the sense that he was genuinely devastated by her death and the loss of her as a person – not just the loss of her talent. If you didn’t shed a single tear at the story of Francis the fish, you have a heart of stone. Slughorn might have been an avid collector, but he cared for those in his collection.  

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## He was a good person at heart 
Whichever way you slice it, Slughorn was not a malicious person. At worst? He was thoughtless. The way he overlooked people because they didn’t (in his eyes) make the Slug Club cut was pretty gross – [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) nearly died in front of him, and he still thought he was called Rupert. We’re not excusing that. But he didn’t hurt people deliberately. Unlike [Lucius Malfoy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lucius-malfoy), [Bellatrix Lestrange](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/bellatrix-lestrange) or even [Severus Snape](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/severus-snape) – Slughorn wasn’t actively horrible to those around him. 

His passivity and ignorance were one of his biggest flaws, yet he was also kind. He was jovial, funny and his ability for spotting and nurturing future talent – with an obvious exception – could be considered a skill in itself.

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Professor Slughorn with a Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks

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## He unwittingly helped Voldemort but tried to make it right (eventually) 
That obvious exception we mentioned? [Tom Riddle](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort). Blinded by his confidence and talent, Slughorn was easily manipulated by a young Voldemort – revealing vital information about [Horcruxes](/fact-file/objects/horcrux). A devastating mistake that haunted Slughorn but also one that he hid for too long. 

Slughorn was wrong here – giving [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) the doctored memory was a particularly low moment for the professor. His Slytherin knack for self-preservation was working overtime and at this moment, he was selfish. However, he could have cowered in the shadows for the rest of his life – but he didn’t. He looked beyond himself and did the right thing… eventually. That takes courage.

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## He was a better Head of Slytherin than Snape 
Who would you rather have as your Head of House? Someone surly and snarky who would insult you if you weren’t a member of their house? Or someone who was generally kind, if a little dismissive, but didn’t have a mean streak? Hopefully, your answer is that latter (or that would be worrying). Slughorn was a fair Head of Slytherin. He took care of the pupils in his charge, and he didn’t exclude others based on house or birth status. Even when the school was in the clutches of the odious Carrows, he tried to protect the pupils and *never* administered their cruel punishments. Could he have done more? Possibly. But keeping his post, while most likely terrified, and ensuring that he wasn’t replaced with a horrid follower of Voldemort *was* doing something. Plus, he’d never call you an ‘insufferable know-it-all’ which instantly makes him better than Snape in our eyes.

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‘My word,’ he puffed, pale and sweaty, his walrus moustache aquiver. ‘What a to-do! I’m not at all sure whether this is wise, Minerva. He is bound to find a way in, you know, and anyone who has tried to delay him will be in most grievous peril –’ 

‘I shall expect you and the Slytherins in the Great Hall in twenty minutes, also,’ said Professor McGonagall. ‘If you wish to leave with your students, we shall not stop you. But if any of you attempt to sabotage our resistance, or take up arms against us within this castle, then, Horace, we duel to kill.’ 

‘Minerva!’ he said, aghast. 

‘The time has come for Slytherin House to decide upon its loyalties,’ interrupted Professor McGonagall. ‘Go and wake your students, Horace.’ 

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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Initially, it appeared that Slughorn was reluctant to take a final stand against Lord Voldemort – he led the Slytherins out of [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) seeming to have escaped the battle entirely. However, he did something unexpected. He came back. Not only that, he (and [Charlie Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/charlie-weasley)) mobilised the people of [Hogsmeade](/fact-file/locations/hogsmeade) and brought them as reinforcements during a pivotal point of the fight. And fight he did – being one of the final people to duel Voldemort alongside [Kingsley Shacklebolt](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/kingsley-shacklebolt), and [Minerva McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall). When push came to shove, Slughorn was prepared to do the right thing. 

Horace Slughorn Fact File Image horace-slughorn_2_1800x1248

Fact File horace-slughorn_2_1800x1248

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## Slughorn helped to heal Slytherin’s reputation  
Let’s be real, Slytherin house has the worst reputation. Well, that’s what happens when you produce the most witches and wizards intent on taking over the wizarding world. However, Horace Slughorn was a huge part of healing that reputation. Once his [Battle of Hogwarts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-battle-of-hogwarts) bravery became widely known, the stigma that had been attached to Slytherin for hundreds of years began to lift. Yes, he liked his creature comforts. Yes, he was rather snobbish. And yes, he made mistakes. But Horace Slughorn was human – perfectly imperfect but ultimately good. His portrait takes pride of place in the [Slytherin common room](/fact-file/locations/the-slytherin-common-room), inspiring future generations and showing what being a Slytherin truly means.

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

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The importance of tea in the wizarding world 

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PMARCHIVE-WB F5 HagridsHut FangHarryRonHermione HP5D-4087 5oydzR1NgAKk2ow6o08UCI-b3

WB F5 HagridsHut FangHarryRonHermione HP5D-4087

Ron, Hermione, Harry and Fang sit in Hagrid's hut

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The ubiquity of cups of tea in the wizarding world is surely an inevitability. After all, Harry’s story is set in the UK, and Hogwarts is famously extremely cold. But the beloved beverage snuck up time-and-time again in the stories in both mundane and magical ways. 

 ‘Er – shall I make a cup of tea?’ said Ron. 
Harry stared at him. 
‘It’s what my mum does whenever someone’s upset,’ Ron muttered, shrugging. 

EXCERPT-HP-B3-ron-makes-a-cup-of-tea

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## Hagrid swears by them  

Rubeus Hagrid has a lot of creature comforts, and we’re not just talking about the creatures. Every time Harry, Ron and Hermione visited his friendly hut, a giant, steaming mug of tea would usually be waiting for them. And due to Hagrid’s generous stature, we were always pleased to see that his crockery was equally large. After all, what’s better than a cup of tea than a very, very big cup of tea? 

Upon Harry’s first week at Hogwarts, it was actually a heartening offer of a cup of tea at his house that really kicked off his friendship with Hagrid. This simple beverage really can be the glue that holds a relationship together.

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HP-F3

and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## A cup of tea can sometimes have an ulterior motive 

On a couple of occasions, a ‘cup of tea’ was basically an excuse for two characters to meet up and set the world to rights. Take Harry’s visit to [Professor Lupin’s](https://www.harrypotter.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/remus-lupin) office in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaba*n. After a wobbly beginning with his new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, an offer of a cup of tea in his office was Lupin’s way of telling Harry he had his back.  

Of course, we would soon find out about Lupin’s childhood friendships with Harry’s dad and [Sirius Black](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sirius-black) – so we like to think this cup of tea was Lupin’s way of finally getting to connect with his old best friend’s son. 

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## And it’s an excellent excuse to get out of an awkward situation 

The power of a cup of tea is unparalleled – you can use it as an excuse to visit someone, to get away from your desk for five minutes – or even get out of uncomfortable social situations! It is, once again, the British way. 

One amusing instance of this is during the house-cleaning mission at [Grimmauld Place](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/locations/number-twelve-grimmauld-place) where one room has been inhabited with ‘spiders the size of saucers’. Curiously, Ron disappears from this scene to make a cup of tea for an hour and a half. 

Another amusing scenario – again with the Weasleys – reveals the extreme usefulness of a cup of tea as an escape route. During Arthur’s recovery at [St Mungo’s](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/locations/st-mungos-hospital), Molly is incensed to discover he’s decided to experiment with Muggle stitches for his injuries. Everyone else, on the other hand, is suddenly extremely thirsty. 


 ‘Well … well, I don’t know whether you know what – what stitches are?’ 
‘It sounds as though you’ve been trying to sew your skin back together,’ said Mrs Weasley with a snort of mirthless laughter, ‘but even you, Arthur, wouldn’t be that stupid –’ 
‘I fancy a cup of tea, too,’ said Harry, jumping to his feet. 

EXCERPT-HP-B5-molly-goes-wild-at-arthur

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

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## Or act as a peace offering? 

Sometimes a cup of tea can just be a cup of tea. But sometimes, it can be representative of so much more.  

One particularly poignant scene in the final book saw Harry accidentally tread on a full cup of tea outside his Privet Drive bedroom. At first, Harry assumed this was another of Dudley’s booby traps. After years of torment from his cousin, that would make the most sense, right? 

Later, he discovered that no... no, Dudley had actually... made him a cup of tea. After Harry had rescued him from a traumatic [Dementor attack](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/creatures/dementor) earlier in the series, his cousin had tried to, heaven forbid, make amends. After an entire childhood of bullying Harry, this innocent cuppa was a huge moment in Dudley’s development, paving the path for an even bigger one: a handshake. 

Although the cousins would never be bosom buddies, we couldn’t help but be slightly touched by this surprising olive branch. And by the time we reach the events of *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*, we learn the pair kept in touch into adulthood. Who’d have thought that Big D had it in him?

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## Then there’s the matter of tea leaves  

Of course, it wouldn’t be the wizarding world if the most seemingly innocuous of things didn’t carry a magical quality. For wizards and witches, tea leave reading is an ancient art of Divination, although some find the practice [somewhat woolly.](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/in-defence-of-divination)  

[You can read about the different types of tea leave symbols here.](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/every-tea-leaves-symbol-from-harrys-divination-class)

Unfortunately, having Professor Trelawney as a professor in the subject meant that Harry's tea leaves were always the most dire of outcomes - with the soggy leaves often forecasting his impending doom. 

This is perhaps an instance where a hug in a mug is perhaps not so comforting. But for the most part, it tends to solve most of life’s problems. 

Harry Potter 101: wizarding plants

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PMARCHIVE-MandrakeSeedlings PM B2C6M2 MandrakeSeedlingsInHerbologyLesson Moment 6IYhJQkmzYwWOWGQY8ea4S

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A screaming mandrake seedling in a Herbology Lesson 

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

With [Herbology](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/herbology) a core subject at [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts), it’s easy to assume that there are lots of weird and wonderful magical plants – and that assumption would be correct! Yet, as well as plants that you can only find in the wizarding world, witches and wizards also have a deep understanding of the magical properties of plants [Muggles](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) grow too. We’ve rounded these all up…

__Asphodel__ 
 
We’re kicking off our list with asphodel – a plant present in the Muggle world too. Yet, we doubt Muggles used its powdered root to make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the [Draught of Living Death](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/the-draught-of-living-death).

__Belladonna__ 
 
Oh look, another plant that is found in both magical and Muggle worlds. We might know belladonna as a highly poisonous plant, but it was also a potion ingredient used by witches and wizards. Probably quite frequently too – seeing as [Mrs Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley) had to top up [Harry’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) supply for his potion-making kit before his fourth year began. 

__Bouncing Bulbs__
 
You can probably guess what these are – plant bulbs that bounce! You need to make sure you have a good grip on them though… they wriggle. Harry discovered that in a tense Herbology lesson when one bounced so enthusiastically it smacked him right in the face – ouch! 

__Bubotuber__
 
Described by Harry as the ‘ugliest plants he had seen’, [Bubotubers](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/bubotubers) resemble ‘thick black giant slugs, protruding vertically out of the soil’. To add to this gross visual, they also have swellings that move and are full of pus. Yes, we did say pus. Though don’t judge a book by its cover, these plants are as useful as they are disgusting. The pus is valuable and when distilled, can be used an effective cure for the most stubborn forms of acne. Though undiluted, it can cause horrible sores on your skin – as [Hermione Granger](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) painfully discovered. 

__Daisy__
 
In the Muggle world, daisies are considered weeds – if rather pretty. However, in the magical world, the roots of a daisy are used as an ingredient in the [Shrinking Solution](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/shrinking-solution) recipe. 

__Devil’s Snare__
 
Devilish by name and devilish by nature, this is one of the more dangerous plants of the wizarding world – thanks to its tendency to trap victims in its tentacle-like vines. Though, as Hermione remembered in the nick of time, there is a way to escape its deadly grip. [Devil’s Snare](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/devils-snare) thrives in the dark and damp and will recoil at light and warmth. A well-placed flame will see a sharpish retreat.

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Harry and Hermione are looking up at the Devil's Snare. Hermione is pointing her wand at it.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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and the Philosopher's Stone 

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__Dittany__ 
 
Another plant species that straddles both the magical and Muggle worlds. In the wizarding world, the healing properties of dittany are very valuable – the Essence of Dittany potion can help to quickly heal wounds and can even reduce scarring. It was very lucky that Hermione had a bottle in her amazing, beaded bag when [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) Splinched himself. 

__Fanged Geranium__
 
We all know geraniums as beautiful and vibrant flowers but in the magical world, they have more of a *bite*. Yep, these were geraniums with teeth – one even bit Harry in his Herbology [O.W.L](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/o-w-l-s).

__Flitterbloom__
 
We don’t know much about this magical plant – except that it bears a resemblance to Devil’s Snare. However, this one is nowhere near as deadly, so it is important to not get them muddled up. 

__Flutterby Bush__
 
There’s nothing quite as peaceful or serene as watching leaves ripple on a gentle breeze. With a Flutterby Bush, this is a permanent occurrence. An attractive bush whose leaves flutter constantly – no wind needed! 

__Fluxweed__
 
This plant was one of the ingredients that could be found in [Polyjuice Potion](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/polyjuice-potion). According to J.K. Rowling, it represents ‘the mutability of the body as it changed into another’.

__Gillyweed__
 
How does a human hold their breath underwater for an entire hour? Well, one way to do that is by eating [Gillyweed](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/gillyweed) – vividly described as looking like a ball of ‘slimy, greyish green rat tails’. When eaten raw, this magical plant causes a person to grow gills and webbed hands and feet. Let’s just say if you every find yourself in a [Triwizard Tournament](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/triwizard-tournament), it might be useful to keep some on hand.

Gillyweed Fact File Image gillyweed_1_1800x1248

Fact File gillyweed_1_1800x1248

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__Gurdyroot__
 
This plant resembles a green onion and is rather popular with the Lovegood family – they love a cup of their homemade Gurdyroot infusion. We’d describe it as an *acquired* taste… Harry, Ron and Hermione would call it disgusting. 

__Hellebore__
 
Another flower admired by Muggles and magical folk, two drops of the syrup of hellebore is needed to create a [Draught of Peace](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/the-draught-of-peace).

__Honking daffodil__
 
Daffodils in the Muggle world are bright, yellow and a reminder spring has sprung. What they aren’t is noisy. The same can’t be said for their wizarding counterparts – or at least for the honking daffodils found in [Professor Sprout’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/pomona-sprout) greenhouse.

__Knotgrass__
 
Found in both the magical and Muggle worlds, knotgrass is another Polyjuice Potion ingredient and supposedly represents being tied to another person.

__Lovage__
 
In the Muggle world, lovage is a herb used in cooking and is even known to have medicinal properties. In the magical world? It is an ingredient that can often be found in Confusing or Befuddlement Draughts as it appears to be effective for ‘inflaming the brain’.

__Mallowsweet__
 
When [Firenze](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/firenze) took the post of [Divination](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/divination) teacher at Hogwarts, he bought a unique perspective – thanks to being a centaur. Through him, we learnt that the centaurs often burn herbs and leaves – Mallowsweet included – observing the fumes and flames in an attempt to gain insight into the future through. 

__Mandrake__
 
While [Mandrakes](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/mandrake) exist in the Muggle world, we doubt they are quite as memorable as the wizarding version. These shrubs, which resemble crying babies when young, have a wail that proves to be fatal once they reach maturity. Despite their deadly disposition, they are also used for healing and are a key ingredient in the [Restorative Draught](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/mandrake-restorative-draught) which cures Petrification. Complex but useful – just don’t forget your earmuffs!

Mandrakes Fact File Image mandrakes_2_1800x1248

Fact File mandrakes_2_1800x1248

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__Mimbulus mimbletonia__
 
As a budding Herbologist, [Neville Longbottom](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom) was thrilled when his Great Uncle Algie presented him with a [Mimbulus mimbletonia](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/mimbulus-mimbletonia) all the was from Assyria. Harry couldn’t *quite* understand his joy – describing this pulsating plant as having ‘the rather sinister look of some diseased internal organ’ (they do say beauty is in the eye of the beholder). Do watch out for this plant’s defence mechanism though. It has a nasty habit of spraying Stinksap – it smells just as nice as it sounds.

__Plangentine__
 
This is one wizarding plant that eludes us. We know that [Bathilda Bagshot](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/bathilda-bagshot) grew them in her garden. We know that she picked them at moonlight. Plus, we know that she did this during winter. Beyond that? They’re a mystery.

__Puffapod__
 
Harry, Ron and Hermione tended to this plant during a Herbology lesson, where they stripped it of its fat, pink pods and emptied the beans into a pail. Unfortunately, butterfingers (also known as Ron) dropped a bunch of beans onto the floor where they immediately burst into bloom.

__Rue__
 
After Ron had a teeny tiny mishap with some poison, this plant had its moment to shine. Essence of Rue was a key component to his recovery. 

__Sage__
 
This Muggle herb was another that Firenze burned when he asked Harry and his classmates to try and read the symbols and shapes that appeared in the smoke.

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A second year Herbology lesson in the greenhouse. The students stand round a table of Mandrakes as Professor Sprout talks to them.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

HP-F2

and the Chamber of Secrets

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__Scurvy-grass__
 
Alongside lovage, scurvy-grass is another plant that is a key ingredient in Confusing or Befuddlement Draughts that cause hot-headedness and reckless behaviour.

__Self-fertilising shrubs__
 
There’s not a lot we know about these shrubs, except we assume that they do what they say on the tin and Harry, Ron and Hermione once had to write an essay on them for Professor Sprout.

__Shrivelfig__
 
Originating in Abyssinia, [Shrivelfigs](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/shrivelfig) were magical plants that second-year Herbology students attended to. They were also used as in ingredient in potions such as Shrinking Solution.

__Snargaluff__
 
At first glance, the [Snargaluff](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/snargaluff) plant resembles a gnarled stump. On closer inspection, they reveal long, bramble-like vines that have a habit of lashing out. They also have some rather delightful pulsating, green pods that contain tubers like pale-green worms… Funnily enough, those proved to be rather handy when under attack.

__Sneezewort__
 
This happens to be the final plant that we know is needed when creating Confusing or Befuddlement Draughts.

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