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How to find common ground with your friends in different Hogwarts houses to you

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## Remember those in other houses are not your enemy (looking at you Gryffindor and Slytherin)
We get it – whichever house you belong to is going to be the one you think is best. And a bit of competition, light-hearted teasing and playful rivalry between the Hogwarts houses is perfectly acceptable (and should even be encouraged when it comes to things like Quidditch). However, that doesn’t mean all the others are irrelevant or less important than the one you belong to. To dismiss a whole house due to their reputation or to lean into stereotypes is not the way for inter-house friendships to blossom. For example, if you’re a Gryffindor who thinks all Slytherins are bad or a Ravenclaw who thinks all Hufflepuffs are stupid, you will probably find it hard to widen your circle of friends. 

One thing we have learnt is that you can’t assume that you know exactly what someone will be like based on how they have been sorted – they might just surprise you. Scorpius Malfoy proved that Slytherins can be kind. Hermione Granger demonstrated that Gryffindors can be highly intelligent. Cedric Diggory proved that Hufflepuffs could be brave. Cho Chang showed the sportier side of Ravenclaw and how they aren’t just obsessed with book learning. So, support your house and be loyal – but try not to act too superior.  

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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## You’re more similar than you think
While the Sorting Hat looks for whether bravery, ambition, intelligence or loyalty is a key characteristic of yours, it doesn’t mean it is your only personality trait. It also doesn’t mean that those characteristics don’t overlap at all. Gryffindor’s bravery and Hufflepuff’s loyalty can look quite similar – both have been known to look out for the underdog. The witches and wizards in Slytherin and Ravenclaw are thought to have shrewd minds. Those in Hufflepuff and Slytherin often work hard – whether it be because of Hufflepuff’s helpful nature or Slytherin’s determination to achieve their goals. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw both have a competitive streak (though Ravenclaws generally keep that quality quiet). Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw both share an open mind and are normally less cliquey than the other two houses. Finally, Gryffindor and Slytherin are both houses that are funny – whether they have a dark and dry style or take more of a class clown approach.

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## Your differences can make your relationships stronger
Though the houses have their fair share of things that unites them, their personalities are also quite distinct… and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, it can be incredibly useful to have a friend that looks at the world in a slightly different way to you or pushes you out of your comfort zone. 

For instance, while Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood were opposites, with Hermione being more logical and Luna more of a dreamer, the two of them still got on. Actually, we reckon that they helped each other to grow as people. One example of this would be how Luna made Hermione confront her tendency to be quite narrow-minded just by becoming part of her friendship group and exposing her to new things like *The Quibbler*. Lily Potter and Severus Snape were two very different people, with very different backgrounds, that forged a deep bond Snape never got over. And who can forget how Harry himself ended up with a child in Slytherin? Though he and Albus had a rocky road, by the end of *Cursed Child* they had forced each other to become better communicators and their relationship was stronger for it. Consequently, it might feel quite daunting to get to know someone outside of your house bubble – but there’s every chance you’ll be a stronger person as a result. 

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## Remember all houses have different compatibilities
This is something you should not forget. While it is true that the houses are all more similar than they often care to admit, those similarities are not all the same. While a Gryffindor might bond with a Slytherin over their competitive nature, that wouldn’t be quite as endearing to a Hufflepuff. Or where a Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw might bond over their introvert tendencies, that probably isn’t the best way to win over a Slytherin. However, what it does mean is that you have so many types of friends available who complement different aspects of your personality.

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## There are many examples of excellent inter-house friendships…
There are lots of groups of friends who all come from the same house – the four Marauders, the golden trio and Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle spring to mind. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t excellent examples of meaningful inter-house relationships throughout the wizarding world. 

For instance, there’s Harry Potter’s friendship with Luna Lovegood – she was arguably one of his only friends who could understand loss in a similar way to him. Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang were another pair who bonded outside of their respective common rooms (and became quite the power couple). Professors Sprout, McGonagall and Flitwick were all very fond of each other. Finally, there was the marriage of Remus Lupin (a Gryffindor) and Nymphadora Tonks (a Hufflepuff). Those two were so well suited to each other, brought out the very best in one another and we couldn’t imagine them not being together. 

There are so many other examples of friendships between members of different houses, and we’ve only just scratched the surface. But what it proves is that it doesn’t matter which house you or your friends belong to. You will have similarities and you will also have differences. But overall, entering into a friendship with someone in another house might be the very best thing you could do.

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Which member of Dumbledore's Army are you most like?

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Harry and Dumbledore's Army in the Room of Requirement 

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## If you can step up as a leader… you’re like Harry Potter
Harry was resistant to becoming the teacher and leader of Dumbledore’s Army. He didn’t want to step up and take the mantle and had to be persuaded into the role by Hermione and Ron. Yet, once they had convinced him that he was the right man for the job, he did it brilliantly. Every member of the DA improved their skills and Harry certainly deserves some of the credit for that. Sometimes the best leaders are the ones who don’t dream of becoming one. If this sounds similar to you, then we reckon you’re someone who knew they had to take charge of a situation – even when it didn’t feel entirely comfortable. Whether it was at work or at school, you were able to prove that you’re an accomplished, talented leader and people look up to you. 

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## If you’re prepared to put in the hard work… you’re like Neville Longbottom
Neville Longbottom had the biggest transformation out of any of the other members of Dumbledore’s Army. Neville went from being a laughingstock in his first year at Hogwarts, to the young man who was able to pull the sword of Gryffindor out of the Sorting Hat. He even led the DA in Harry’s absence. Neville wasn’t afraid to try and worked tirelessly to improve day by day. We know we couldn’t have been prouder than when Neville finally managed to use Expelliarmus to disarm Harry in a DA session. If you’re like Neville, we imagine you have managed to overcome several obstacles in your lifetime. You remain determined and never give up – whether you are trying to master a new hobby, getting to grips with a difficult subject at school or overcoming a difficult patch in your personal life. You make sure you always do the best you can, have demonstrated real growth and have every reason to be proud of yourself.

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## If you enjoy a good laugh, a gossip but are often underestimated… you’re like Lavender Brown
Are you somebody who is at their very happiest when dissecting a juicy piece of gossip with your friends? Do you often find yourself collapsing into giggles (normally at inappropriate times)? And do you find that people often (incorrectly) assume you’re shallow, just because you’re not always serious? Then we think you are like Lavender Brown. While she enjoys horoscopes and giggling with her BFF Parvati, she also knows when to get real. She was a dedicated member of the DA and remained one for the entire time it existed. She was one of the students to have to hide from the Carrows in the Room of Requirement and she stayed to fight the Battle of Hogwarts. Lavender proved that you don’t have to be either light-hearted or dedicated, you could be both. We reckon if this sounds like you, then you’d be great fun to be around.


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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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and the Half-Blood Prince

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## If you can admit when you are wrong… you’re like Seamus Finnigan
Seamus wasn’t always a member of the DA. In fact, he and Harry were somewhat at odds, what with Seamus refusing to believe that Voldemort had returned and all that. However, Seamus did eventually see the error of his ways, told Harry he believed him and stood up to his mother who had also been in denial (a daunting prospect). After that, he joined the DA and remained a committed member. Admitting you’re wrong takes a lot of strength and bravery. If you’re someone who is willing to change their mind and isn’t afraid to admit when they have messed up, we think you’re a lot like Seamus. 

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## If you’re rebellious and strong-willed (and people are a little scared of you)… you’re like Ginny Weasley 
Ginny Weasley was the one to come up with the name Dumbledore’s Army, and that should give you a good indication of her personality. Not only was it a strong name, but Ginny knew it was one that would scare the Ministry – which she enjoyed. When Harry was gone from Hogwarts to hunt for Horcruxes, Ginny was one of the people to keep the DA going and was even part of the attempt to steal the sword of Gryffindor from Snape’s office. Ginny made it clear that she was not someone whose bad side you’d want to be on. She was feisty, knew her own mind and built up quite the reputation as a formidable witch. If you are known for being capable, tough and no nonsense, then you’re just like Ginny.

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## If you’re constantly delighted with life… then you’re like Colin Creevey
Colin Creevey was so proud to be a member of Dumbledore’s Army. He threw himself into the group and his enthusiasm never wavered. This was also the approach he took to other areas of his life. Whether he was excitedly asking Harry for a photo or marvelling over his brother Dennis’s interaction with the giant squid when he fell in the lake, Colin always seemed to be thrilled just to be alive. If you’re the type of person whose personality matches Colin, we can imagine you’re somebody that can find joy in everyday life. You can be struck down with a sense of wonder over a sunset, feel exhilarated when you learn a new fact and just implode with excitement when your favourite song comes on the radio. And honestly? This sounds like an excellent way to be.


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First-year Colin holds his camera excitedly

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## If you’re loyal to your friends no matter what… you’re like Cho Chang
Are you somebody who is described as dependable? Do you stand by your friends no matter what – even if they’re in the wrong? Then you are most like Cho Chang. While Cho is probably best known for her Quidditch skills and awkward romance with Harry, it’s her loyalty to her friends that caught our eye. When her friend Marietta betrayed the DA, she defended her and tried to explain her actions – torpedoing any hope of a relationship with Harry in the process. Who can forget the stand-off she had with Harry when she tried to explain Marietta was lovely really and Hermione had gone too far? While we may disagree with Cho’s perspective here, we are impressed with her devotion to her friend. So, if you’re someone who values the importance of friendship and can recognise that people make mistakes, you’re most like Cho. 

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## If you’re able to follow through with a difficult idea… you’re like Hermione Granger 
Harry may have been the leader of the DA, but it wasn’t his idea originally… it was Hermione’s. She was the one who realised that they weren’t getting a proper Defence Against the Dark Arts education. She was the one to persuade Harry to step up and teach the DA. And she was the one to master the difficult Protean charm so the DA could communicate using fake Galleons. Hermione brought Dumbledore’s Army to life, without needing to take the credit. If you’re someone who is undaunted by difficult tasks, then you’re just like Hermione. Even though you may not be the star of the show, you want to support those you care about and make sure the job gets done – and that it is done well.


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Our favourite couple moments from Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione in Cursed Child

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, London Production 2019 – Photo by Manuel Harlan

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*Image: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, London Production 2019 – Photo by Manuel Harlan*

## When Ron asked Hermione to marry him again
We were absolutely thrilled to see that not only did Ron and Hermione have an excellent marriage, but they still hadn’t lost their ability for witty banter. So, when Ron realised that in another reality he and Hermione weren’t even together, he decided that would not do and they would have to renew their vows. What makes this moment so brilliant, is that even when this couple are doing something as romantic as deciding to get married again, they still can’t help but delightfully bicker.

>__Ron__
> 
>Shut up. Will you shut up for once? I want to do one of those marriage renewal things I’ve read about. Marriage renewal. What do you think?
>
>__Hermione__ *(melting slightly)*
> 
>You want to marry me again?
>
>__Ron__
> 
>Well, we were only young when we did it the first time and I got very drunk and – well, to be honest, I can’t remember much of it and ... the truth is – I love you Hermione Granger – and whatever time says – I’d like the opportunity to say so in front of lots of other people. Again. Sober.
>
>*She looks at him, she smiles, she pulls him to her, she kisses him.*
>
>__Hermione__
> 
>You’re sweet.
>
>__Ron__
> 
>And you taste of toffee.
> *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*

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## When Ginny told Harry she knew he would do the right thing
One of the greatest strengths of Harry and Ginny as a couple was that they always believed in each other. Despite Harry getting it disastrously wrong with Albus, the night before he headed off to Hogwarts for a new term, Ginny knew that he would put it right – she has that much faith in him. This moment also gave us an insight into just how well this pair knew each other and we enjoyed that at this point, Ginny could practically read Harry’s mind.

>__Ginny__
> 
>So that’s what’s upsetting you? The night before Hogwarts, it’s never a good night if you don’t want to go. Giving Al the blanket. It was a nice try.
>
>__Harry__
> 
>It went pretty badly wrong from there. I said some things Ginny . . .
>
>__Ginny__
> 
>I heard.
>
>__Harry__
> 
And you’re still talking to me? 
>
>__Ginny__
> 
>Because I know that when the time is right you’ll say sorry. That you didn’t mean it. That what you said concealed – other things. You can be honest with him Harry . . . that’s all he needs.
> *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*

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## When Ron tried to protect Hermione
Draco Malfoy was awful to Hermione at school and Ron remembers. We loved that he wanted to stand up for his wife and put Malfoy in his place. We also enjoyed how this moment reminded us of their schooldays – as Ron had always hated the way Malfoy treated Hermione and often stood up for her. What we loved even more, is that when Hermione reminded Ron that she could in fact stand up for herself and that he needed to remember they were now all on the same side… Ron listened.

>__Draco__
> 
>Can I just say ...
>
>__Ron__
> 
>Malfoy, you may be all chummy chummy with Harry, and you may have produced a relatively nice child, but you’ve said some very unfair things to and about my wife . . .
>
>__Hermione__
> 
>And your wife doesn’t need you fighting her battles for her.
>
>*Hermione looks witheringly at Ron. Ron takes the hit.* 
>
>__Ron__
> 
>Fine. But if you say one thing about her or me . . .
>
>__Draco__
> 
>You’ll do what, Weasley?
>
>__Hermione__
> 
>He’ll hug you. Because we’re all on the same team, aren’t we Ron?
>
>__Ron__ *(hesitating in the face of her unwavering gaze)*
> 
>Fine. I, um, I think you’ve got really nice hair. Draco.
> *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*

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## When Ginny took Harry’s hand when he had to relive the past
We can’t begin to imagine what it would be like to relive the death of your parents after so many years and not be able to do anything to stop it. When Harry found himself in this situation it was undoubtedly distressing and overwhelming. Ginny recognised this too and took Harry’s hand to support him. When it became too much for Harry, she helped to hold him up. While taking someone’s hand may seem like a small gesture, we believe it reminded Harry that he is not alone, that he is loved and it was exactly what he needed.

>*Ginny takes Harry’s hand.*
> 
>__Ginny__
> 
>You don’t have to watch, Harry. We can go home.
>
>__Harry__
> 
>I’m letting it happen . . . of course I have to watch.
>
>__Hermione__
> 
>Then we’ll all witness it.
>
>__Ron__
> 
>We’ll all watch.
>
>*We hear unfamiliar voices . . .*
>
>__James__ *(from off)*
> 
>Lily, take Harry and go! It’s him! Go! Run! I’ll hold him off . . .
>
>*There is a blast, and then a laugh.*
>
>You keep away, you understand – you keep away.
>
>__Voldemort__ *(from off)* 
> 
>Avada Kedavra!
>
>*Harry flinches as green light flashes around the auditorium.*
>
>*Albus takes his hand. Harry grasps hold of it. He needs it.*
>
>__Albus__
> 
>He did everything he could.
>
>*Ginny rises beside Harry, and takes his other hand. He leans into them, they’re holding him up now.*
> *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*

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## When Hermione declared her love for Ron
We can’t stand the fact that in other realities Hermione and Ron aren’t a couple and they evidently couldn’t either. When Hermione, Ron, Snape and Scorpius found themselves in a tricky spot, Hermione bravely decided to sacrifice herself to give the others a chance to escape. But before she did, she had something she needed to say to Ron…

>__Hermione__ *(she realises what she has to do)*
> 
>They’re after me, not any of you.
>
>Ron. I love you and I always have. But the three of you need to run. Go. Now.
>
>__Ron__
> 
>What?
>
>__Scorpius__
> 
>What?
>
>__Ron__
> 
>Can we talk about the love thing first?
>
>__Hermione__
> 
>This is still Voldemort’s world. And I am done with it. Reversing the next task will change everything.
>
>__Scorpius__
> 
>But they’ll kiss you. They’ll suck out your soul.
>
>__Hermione__
> 
>And then you’ll change the past. And then they won’t. Go. Now.
>
>*The Dementors sense them. From all sides screaming shapes descend.*
> *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*

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Ron and Hermione, from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

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## And Ron decides to stay, and they face the Dementor’s kiss
Ron deciding to stay in this moment proved that he and Hermione were always meant to be. After she declared her love for him and tried to send him to safety, he refused to leave her – despite being terrified. We thought it was incredibly moving that before they succumbed to the Dementor’s Kiss, they were finally honest with each other and wished for the life they should have had. Their first and final kiss was completely heart-breaking.

>__Hermione__
> 
>You’re supposed to be going, too.
>
>__Ron__
> 
>Well, they are after me a bit and I really am in quite a lot of pain. And, you know, I’d rather be here. Expecto—
>
>*As he reaches up to cast the spell, Hermione stops his arm.*
>
>__Hermione__
> 
>Let’s keep them here and give the boy the best chance we can.
>
>*Ron looks at her and then nods sadly.*
> 
>__Hermione__
> 
>A daughter.
>
>__Ron__
> 
>And a son. I liked that idea too.
>
>*He looks around – he knows his fate.*
>
>I’m scared.
>
>__Hermione__
> 
>Kiss me.
>
>*Ron thinks and then does. And then the two are yanked apart. And pinned to the ground. And we watch as a golden-whitish haze is pulled from their bodies. They have their souls sucked from them. And it is terrifying.*
> *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*

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## When Harry refuses a toffee in solidarity with Ginny
Getting older comes with its own set of challenges – something that Harry and Ginny were clearly aware of. At some point they had obviously both agreed to go on a health kick (how very sensible) and therefore had given up sugar. What we thought was brilliant, and a real testament to their relationship, was that when Harry was offered a tempting toffee in Hermione’s office in secret (and Ginny would never need to know) he turned it down. Now that is solidarity.

>__Hermione__
> 
>Do you fancy a toffee? Don’t tell Ron.
>
>__Harry__
> 
>You’re changing the subject.
>
>__Hermione__
> 
>I truly am. Toffee?
>
>__Harry__
> 
>Can’t. We’re off sugar at the moment.
>
>*Beat.*
>You know, you can get addicted to that stuff? 
> *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*

[Remember, you can check out more Cursed Child news, features, behind-the-scenes videos and quizzes at our official hub.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/cursed-child-collection)

Craft your own Luna Lovegood-style Spectrespecs

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Take a look at our fun guide here - or visit [our other craft videos](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/crafting-magic) for more artistic inspiration! 

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If you want to download our Spectrespecs template and try your own, [you can do so right here.](https://assets.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/4es0p732vRbEh12WybLaKd/4b737fa13100568e32a0aacf3190d493/Spectrespecs_Template.pdf)

Watch out for Wrackspurts, now.

Try our new puzzle Number Magic

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Answer the wizarding world quiz questions and complete the maths sums to get to the next one!

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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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Find all the words in our Beedle the Bard wordsearch

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Find all the words in the fastest time! Or will this wordsearch make you hopping mad like a hopping pot?

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RANKED: The definitive order of the four Marauders

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Well, it wasn’t going to be anyone else, was it? Peter Pettigrew was by far the worst of the four Marauders. While it can be said that he was loyal to his friends during school, that was mainly due to the protection they offered him. Pettigrew was weak, with an instinct for self-preservation and his loyalty only lasted until he found someone more powerful to hide behind. So, when Voldemort was on the rise, Wormtail did what he did best. He put himself above all others, swapped sides and betrayed those closest to him. That makes him a rubbish Marauder in our eyes.

Nevertheless, when considering Pettigrew’s position in this rank order, it would be very short-sighted to not ponder some of things that made him a Marauder in the first place. He did become an unregistered Animagus (along with James and Sirius) to help Lupin after all. He was one of the creators of the Marauder’s Map, demonstrating quite a high level of skill when it came to magic… though he can’t take too much credit for it. He wasn’t as talented as his friends and relied on their willingness to help him keep up. Judging by what we know of his personality, he probably only became an Animagus to keep the others on side, and not for any noble or selfless reason.

However, none of these schoolboy exploits make us think he deserves to be held in higher-esteem or placed further up this list. Simply put, Peter Pettigrew was a selfish coward. He only looked out for himself, hid from what he had done by posing as a rat for the best part of thirteen years, betrayed those closest to him, killed Cedric Diggory and was an all-round unpleasant human being. 

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It feels strange to be putting Harry’s father second from last – but we do have good reason. We don’t think he was a bad person or wizard, but we also don’t know that much about James outside of people’s memories of him.

There is no doubt that James Potter was fundamentally a good person. Though he is only ranked one place above Peter Pettigrew, it might as well be a million – he’s that much better. James was a talented wizard. He was able to become an unregistered Animagus while at school and he truly did that to help his friend, which demonstrates his loyalty. He was also incredibly mischievous. He and Sirius (in particular) had a reputation to rival Fred and George – it’s no wonder the Marauder’s Map ended up in their hands. When it came down to it, he stood up for what was right. He joined the Order of the Phoenix, despite knowing it would be dangerous, and lost his life fighting for a better wizarding world. 

Having said that, James was no squeaky-clean hero, and he certainly had an interesting past. There’s no other way to say this, he was a bully. During his school days he tormented Severus Snape and exhibited quite an unpleasant arrogant streak. His skill at Quidditch, coupled with his inflated ego sometimes reminded us of Cormac McLaggen – which is not a flattering comparison. Yet James did grow out of this behaviour. We don’t think Lily Evans would ever have gone near him if he hadn’t done some serious growing up. 

It feels quite unfair to put James third, especially when he didn’t have as much time as the others to demonstrate who he was outside of school and as an adult. He was still very young when he died, though we know the man he had become by the time of his death was one he could be proud of. James was a loyal friend, loving husband and father – who was brave until the very end.

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It was tough deciding where to place Sirius and James, but in the end, we felt that Sirius deserved second place. Sirius was brave, loyal, roguish and clever – just like James. Yet, he had to make a choice about who he was and what he stood for at a much younger age. When he went to Hogwarts he turned away from his family, rejecting their hateful rhetoric and chose to follow his conscience. That kind of conviction, especially in someone so young, cannot and should not be underestimated. 

Sirius did have one other advantage over James, he lived longer – so we got to see who he was first-hand and witness his admirable dedication to Harry. There’s no doubt that Sirius took being a Godfather seriously and he really did love Lily and James’s son. He was there for Harry and provided him with guidance, acceptance and (if he had been able to clear his name) would have even given him a home. Harry’s wellbeing was always at the front of his mind. The way he immediately came to Harry’s aid in the Department of Mysteries, with no concern for his own safety, was a clear example.

Yet the problem with Sirius was that he was incredibly impulsive and reckless. For instance, his prank against Snape when they were all at school was incredibly stupid and dangerous. If it hadn’t had been for James’s last-minute change of heart, he could have been responsible for Snape’s death and would have made his friend a killer – which would have destroyed Remus. He also didn’t seem to grow out of his irresponsibility (though being locked up in Azkaban makes this more understandable) and whether he set the best example is questionable. 

Overall, Sirius was an excellent Marauder. His wild-streak, humour, dedication to his friends and commitment to fighting Voldemort all added up to one incredible, if complicated, wizard. 

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After careful consideration there was really only one person who could take the top spot. Remus Lupin was the Marauder who was the best all-rounder. An incredibly intelligent wizard, a fantastic teacher, a father figure to Harry, someone who was not averse to a bit of tomfoolery and arguably the best role model out of all the Marauders. There’s no doubt that Remus Lupin was anything but a force for good in the wizarding world. 

One thing that we believe sets Remus apart from all the others was his compassion. Having been an outsider, he did a lot to ensure nobody else felt the same. Where his friends sometimes (or often) lacked tact or empathy, he made up for it. Whether it was reaching out a hand to the friendless Peter at school, or teaching Harry how to battle a Dementor, he always championed the underdog. 

We also very much appreciated how that compassion allowed him to be less rigid when it came to accepting the flaws of others. As a werewolf, he knew what it was to be judged. So, despite having a less than friendly relationship with Snape while at school, he was still willing to be the better person, put any animosity aside and work with him when they both joined the Order of the Phoenix – which was far more than Sirius ever did.

Again, Remus isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination. He may not have been so actively involved in the bullying of Snape, but he didn’t stop his friends either. His desire to fit in and be liked sometimes meant he kept quiet when he shouldn’t – even as an adult. He didn’t mention that Sirius was an Animagus to Dumbledore because he didn’t want to admit to breaking his trust while at school. 

All in all, Remus did the most to help Harry and the wizarding world. Whether he was being the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Harry and his friends ever had, offering to help with the Horcrux hunt, working for the Order of the Phoenix or just making Neville Longbottom feel like he could do anything, Remus was one of the very best. 

Do you agree with our ranking? What order would you put the Marauders in, and how different would your list be? 

Which Hogwarts pet would you have?

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## If you are energetic and full of life... you’d have Pigwidgeon 

Do you have oodles of energy? Are you known for your positive can-do attitude and enthusiasm for life?  Are you not afraid to give something a go even if you aren’t the most accomplished at it? Then you and Pigwidgeon would make a perfect pair. This whizzy bundle of joy might have got Ron Weasley’s nerves, but we reckon you would find Pig’s excitable hooting endearing. And while he wasn’t the most graceful of post owls, he always tried his best… and we reckon you do too. 

## If you are intelligent and an excellent judge of character... you’d have Crookshanks 

This large, ginger half-Kneazle was certainly no fool – and we wouldn’t expect anything less from a pet of Hermione Granger. Crookshanks was something of a genius. After all, he was the one who saw right through Peter Pettigrew and his Scabbers disguise. He even tried to help expose him by stealing the passwords to the Gryffindor common room and attempting to hand Pettigrew over to Sirius Black. His discerning nature meant that if he took to someone (like Hermione or Sirius) you knew that you could trust them. If you have ever been described as shrewd, insightful, intelligent or all three, then we think that you and Crookshanks would make an excellent duo.  

# If you are feisty with a protective side... you’d have Hedwig 

[Hedwig was one sassy owl](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/all-the-times-hedwig-proved-she-was-the-queen-of-sass). She knew what she liked, and she wasn’t afraid to tell you (in her own non-verbal way of course). She certainly had a knack for keeping Harry and everyone else around her in line... often with a well-placed nip. The other part of Hedwig’s personality was her incredibly caring and protective nature – she stayed by Harry’s side and watched over him. She was also his connection to the wizarding world when he was stuck with the Dursleys during the summer holidays. This intelligent, feisty bird was one of a kind. If you’re someone who is sure of themself, takes no nonsense and has a very big heart, we reckon she’s perfect for you.  

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## If you love all things cute and squishy... you’d have Arnold 

Arnold the Pygmy Puff was adorable. Bred as a miniature version of a Puffskein, he was almost too cute to handle. We could just cuddle this squishy ball of fluff all day long. And if that sounds appealing, then Arnold would be a great pet choice for you. If you were to have a pet Pygmy Puff, we can imagine that you are the kind of person who loves to share videos of baby animals doing cute things, has a wide selection of cuddly toys and has a fondness for all things twee… and Arnold would fit your aesthetic perfectly.

## If you value the importance of a fresh start... you’d have Fawkes

Fawkes was the king of new beginnings – which comes with the territory if you happen to be a phoenix. This magnificent creature was the physical representation of letting go of all your old worries and baggage before starting afresh. He was also a symbol of hope to many – and his healing powers were certainly appreciated. If you’re the type of person who believes in second chances, works hard to be the best version of yourself and extends that to those around them, then we think you’d get on famously with Fawkes. 

## If you enjoy being surrounded by friends and family... you’d have Fang 

Fang the boarhound wasn’t one for adventure… in fact he’d rather stay at home and chill out thank-you-very-much. Although he wasn’t the most intrepid or fearless animal, he was loving, kind and valued his favourite people. Hagrid rarely seemed to go anywhere without him, and he always appreciated a visit from our favourite trio. If you were to have a pet like Fang, we would envisage you as somebody who is happiest when relaxing at home with your friends and family. You don’t feel the urge to travel to far-flung places or cram your day full of activities. You are in your element when enjoying the simple pleasures in life – like pottering around the house or taking a stroll, especially if you have a good pal on hand to keep you company.

## If you’re tough on the outside but a softy at heart... you’d have Buckbeak

Are you somebody that doesn’t let their guard down easily? Are you known to appear formidable when the reality is quite different? Then Buckbeak (or Witherwings as he is later known) is the Hippogriff for you. First impressions are incredibly important to Buckbeak – just look what happened when Malfoy made a bad one. But if you impress him, he will become a faithful and reliable companion. We can imagine that you’re someone that takes a cautious approach to meeting new people, has a select circle of friends who you would do anything for and once you let someone in, you make a friend for life.

## If you’re somebody who can’t be pinned down... you’d have Trevor 

Trevor the toad was something of an escapologist – poor Neville seemed to spend half his life looking for this wily amphibian. When Trevor finally ended up joining the other toads by the lake, it was thought to be a relief for both toad and owner. But really, Trevor was a free spirit who needed a person who was happy to let him hop off and do his own thing. If you’re someone who can’t be pinned down, values their freedom and doesn’t like to be stuck in one place for too long, then Trevor is the toad for you.

What if Remus Lupin had never become a werewolf?

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First, here’s a bit of backstory on Remus’s childhood and how he got bitten, but you can read the full article [here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/remus-lupin).

Remus Lupin is certainly one of the most beloved characters of the Harry Potter series. Good, principled, intelligent and kind – it is easy to understand why. Yet, Remus had to shoulder the huge burden of being a werewolf and the prejudice that came with that. The wizarding community – even those you would consider to be ‘good’ people – treated lycanthropes dreadfully, shunning and pushing them to the fringes of society. In fact, it was because of an uncharacteristically bigoted outburst by his father, Lyall Lupin, that Remus was attacked by Fenrir Greyback shortly before his fifth birthday. 

Lyall Lupin was a world-renowned authority on Non-Human Spiritous Apparitions (such as Boggarts and poltergeists). When Voldemort started to gain power, his Death Eaters recruited all manner of Dark creatures to help them with their bid to overthrow the Ministry of Magic. While many were still not aware that Lord Voldemort was behind the attacks, they did recognise that there had been more instances of Dark Magic. So, to tackle the threat the Ministry asked experts on Dark creatures to help them. 

Lyall was one of the people called in and joined the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. This is where he encountered Fenrir Greyback – who had been brought in for questioning about the murder of two Muggle children. Greyback denied being a werewolf and claimed to be a Muggle tramp. Lyall saw straight through him – and tried to tell the committee who just laughed at him. He grew angry that they wouldn’t listen and said that werewolves were ‘soulless, evil, deserving nothing but death’. 

Greyback was released and fled, but he remembered Lyall’s words and sought his revenge. When he climbed through Remus’s bedroom window and attacked him, Lyall was able to save Remus’s life, but the damage had been done and Remus would now be a werewolf. Lyall had to live with what he had said for the rest of his life and deeply regretted it. While he was sharing a widely held view, his words had consequences. His prejudice, and the reaction to it, was the reason Remus would be shunned by the wizarding community for the rest of his life. 

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## Would his personality have been different? 
There is no doubt that being a werewolf had an impact on some aspects of Remus’s personality. Throughout his childhood he had to move from place to place when people started to notice his drawn complexion and regular disappearances at the full moon. He also wasn’t able to make any friends in case he revealed his secret. While his parents, Lyall and Hope (a Muggle), were brilliant, loving and trying to protect him, the reality was Remus was a very lonely child who always had to remain on the outside. 

Things changed when Albus Dumbledore brought him to Hogwarts and he was able to make friend with James, Sirius and Peter, but he still had to hide who he was from the majority of his peers (who would probably not be so understanding). After Hogwarts and the death of James, apparent death of Peter and incarceration of Sirius, he was once again alone. The wizarding world continued to ostracise him, and he still had to live a solitary existence. Nobody can go through an experience like that and not be changed. His condition held him back from being able to fully embrace life and he couldn’t live up to his full potential. However, it didn’t make him bitter, and he was always known to look out for the underdog – whether it was Peter Pettigrew as a pupil or Neville Longbottom as a teacher. 

But would he have been like that anyway? Before Remus was attacked, he was still known to be loving and intelligent by his parents. With his compassionate nature, it is very likely that he still would have been kind and helpful towards his peers. He resisted the anger and hatred that many werewolves (understandably) felt towards their fellow wizards and didn’t allow his condition to become the only thing about him. Fenrir Greyback let his werewolf status embody his whole personality, in comparison.

However, his condition did lead him to want to fit in at any cost – even if it meant going along with things he knew to be wrong. Remus was always known to be the conscience of the Marauders, but he sometimes allowed them to get away with stuff he shouldn’t have, such as the bullying of Severus Snape, because he was grateful for their friendship. If he had not had to deal with the insecurity that came with being a werewolf and an outsider, he may have felt more confident in stopping James and Sirius when they acted out.

We think it is safe to say that while being a werewolf inevitably had an impact on Remus’s personality, it didn’t change his fundamental nature. The kind and intelligent boy grew up to be a kind and intelligent man – who was maybe a little more wary and identified with outsiders more quickly than if he had never become one himself.

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## Would his friends have become unregistered Animagi?
It’s hard to believe that the four Marauders would never have become unregistered Animagi. Yet, it was purely because of Remus’s condition that they decided to undergo the arduous process in the first place. When they discovered in their second year the reason behind his monthly disappearances, they didn’t push him away or think differently of him. Instead, they realised they would be safe to be around him in animal form and so decided that he would never have to suffer through a full moon alone again. 

Knowing that, it is easy to believe that becoming Animagi would never have crossed their minds if it weren’t for the werewolf factor. But does that underestimate who the Marauders were? The four Gryffindors were known to be adventurous and push the boundaries throughout their entire time at Hogwarts. In fact, the only other students whose exploits and ability to cause mischief came close to them were the Weasley twins. It’s not hard to believe that the Marauders would have come to the decision to become Animagi in another way. Whether it was an attempt to make sneaking around the castle and grounds easier or something exciting to do because they were bored, we think it is definitely within the realm of possibility that they still would have taken that path.

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## Would he have been a teacher at Hogwarts? 
When Albus Dumbledore tracked Lupin to a derelict cottage in Yorkshire and asked him to return to Hogwarts as a teacher, Lupin only accepted after he was told that an unlimited supply of Wolfsbane Potion (which restricted his transformation to that of an ordinary sleepy wolf) would be available to him, thanks to his old nemesis Snape. However, once he was at Hogwarts, he proved to be an incredibly talented teacher. He was definitely the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher that Harry ever had. Whether he was teaching how to banish a Boggart, helping Harry produce a Patronus or giving Neville the confidence to believe in himself, Lupin was a natural. 

Therefore, it is easy to believe that Lupin would have found his way into teaching anyway. His personality is certainly suited to the profession, and we can totally see him getting along famously with the other professors (maybe not Snape) without having to worry that they would discover his secret. In fact, if he had found his way back to Hogwarts to teach, we can imagine he would be the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher that made it past one year. 

However, because of his condition, Remus had to live a very transient existence – moving from job to job and place to place. He always had to move on when people started noticing his pattern. He also had to take on work that was beneath his ability and had to sell himself short. Therefore, we don’t know what could have been in store for him if he had been able to live a more normal life. He might have followed in his father’s footsteps and taken a job at the Ministry of Magic for example. Teaching may never have been on his radar. However, we can’t help but feel that Lupin probably would have found his way back to Hogwarts. He was a born teacher, loved by (most of) his students and excellent at his job.

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## Would Sirius's name have been cleared?
There are a couple of reasons why Remus’s lycanthropy contributed to Sirius being framed and then losing the opportunity to clear his name. If the Marauders hadn’t become Animagi in solidarity with Remus, then Peter Pettigrew would not have been able to spend thirteen years in hiding with the Weasleys – unless he found another way to fake his own death. But without this particular magical skill, it would’ve been a lot harder for him to hide his involvement with Lord Voldemort and frame Sirius for multiple murders. 

However, even if we do assume that the Marauders could still transform into animals, then it could have been possible that Sirius would have cleared his name if it weren’t for that fateful night in the school grounds. Remus’s full werewolf transformation provided Peter (the proof of Sirius’s innocence) with the perfect opportunity to escape. If Harry, Ron, Hermione and Sirius hadn’t been distracted with the danger Lupin presented then they might have been able to bring Pettigrew to Dumbledore and to justice.

Yet, even if Pettigrew had been brought before the Ministry of Magic, perhaps he would’ve still been able to spin a story about how Sirius Black was the villain and he had hidden in fear for his life. Bearing in mind how obstinate Cornelius Fudge could be, we reckon he might have believed him – or at least chosen to ¬– because facing the truth was never a strength of his. So, while Remus’s condition might have stopped Sirius from being able to present evidence of his innocence, there was no guarantee that it would have made a difference.

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## Would he have opened his heart to Tonks sooner? 
Remus never viewed himself as someone who deserved to find happiness. In fact, if he had met Tonks during the period Voldemort had vanished, and if it wasn’t in the context of the Order of the Phoenix, he probably would have left the moment he realised he had feelings for her. 

Remus viewed himself as someone unworthy of love and that it would be incredibly selfish of him to pursue a relationship. He worried that he would condemn his partner to a life of moving around and unable to settle, just like it had been for his parents. Not to mention his concern about passing on his lycanthropy to any children he might have.

Though we think that this is one thing that could have changed if Remus hadn’t been a werewolf. We assume that he still would have been a member of the Order of the Phoenix and would have still met Tonks. He wouldn’t have had his concerns about his worthiness or selfishness and wouldn’t have felt like he had to hide his true feelings. The attraction between the two of them was undeniable and we reckon that wouldn’t have changed. We think Remus would have opened up his heart to her much more easily and quickly as a result. However, it does make us feel sad to think that they could have had longer together if it wasn’t for the barriers Remus had constructed. 

Do you agree with our musings? What do you think would have happened to Remus Lupin if Fenrir Greyback hadn’t turned him into a werewolf?

Explore more ‘what if’ scenarios with us, such as…

[What if Draco Malfoy had been a Gryffindor?](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/what-if-draco-malfoy-had-been-a-gryffindor)

[What if Harry, Ron and Hermione had never made friends in Philosopher’s Stone? ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/what-if-harry-ron-and-hermione-had-never-made-friends-in-philosophers-stone)

Fan favourite movie moments from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer’s Stone

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As we draw closer to *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone’s* 20th anniversary, we’ll be celebrating some of our favourite scenes, quotes, characters and memories from the first instalment of the Harry Potter films. But first, we want to know some of yours!

So, last week, we asked you a big question: what is your favourite moment from the first Harry Potter film? You sent us hundreds of brilliant responses, which involved several Wingardium Levi-o-sah gifs and a healthy number of ‘troll in the dungeon!’ memes. But there were many other fantastic suggestions that we thought deserved their moment in the spotlight. Here’s just a few.

## ‘Yer a wizard, ‘Arry’ 

This iconic moment needs no introduction or explanation, and it feels only right that we kick off this list with the moment Harry discovered who he really was. Many of you sent in this magical scene as your favourite, including fans Mattia and Abby. Thanks, you two! 

## Harry’s wand choosing him


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Who can forget the moment that Harry’s wand chose him? We thought it was legendary – and so did plenty of you…

Bradford wrote in to say: ‘I’ll never forget my cousin taking my sister and I to see this movie when I was 7. I think I was most compelled by the scene where Harry got his wand, because after years of being neglected by his family, he finally had something tangible to show he belonged in the wizarding community.’

While Vivi added, ‘Ollivanders! The wand choosing the wizard! It is so magical and perfect that moment.’ 

In fact, Harry’s whole trip to Diagon Alley gave us many amazing firsts as well as his wand – the first time we meet Hedwig, the first time he goes to Gringotts, the first time Harry truly realises he’s famous...

## Harry’s wonder at receiving presents 

The Dursleys never wanted to give Harry anything if they could avoid it – including presents. When Harry joined the wizarding world it was heart-warming to see his shock and joy at the mere concept of receiving gifts… 

Anna contacted us saying ‘My favourite part is Hagrid’s pure happiness when he holds up Hedwig outside the window for Harry.’ 

Aigars also pinpointed this moment: 

‘My favourite part was when Harry gets whole photo album of his parents. Hagrid knows what the best presents are.’ 

He certainly does. And finally, Krizz got in touch to give a shoutout to one of the most important magical objects of all time, that Harry just so happened to get as a mysterious Christmas present.

‘I love all the moments from *Sorcerer's Stone*, but my most favourite part was when he received the Cloak of Invisibility,’ he said. 

## The Hogwarts Express made an appearance

Whether it was Harry making friends with Ron or the golden trio being in the same place for the first time, plenty of you enjoyed the first moments spent on the Hogwarts Express…

We were inundated with responses around this particularly pivotal scene, with introduced us to not just Ron, but Hermione and Neville too. 

Gianni said: ‘Has to be when Harry, Ron & Hermione first meet on the Hogwarts Express. Start of an era.’ 

Lisa added: ‘Seeing the Hogwarts Express for the first time – still magical.’ 

And Sam reflected, ‘I love when Harry and Ron first meet on the Hogwarts Express. That moment is sweet when Ron asks Harry to see his scar and also the first moment where you feel sorry for Ron because of his lack of money.’ 

And of course, big kudos to Mrs Weasley who kindly told Harry how to get on to Platform Nine and Three Quarters in the first place! ‘Best do it at a bit of a run, if you’re nervous...’

## Seeing Hogwarts for the first time


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Hogwarts is so central to the Harry Potter story – it almost feels like a character in its own right. And plenty of you thought the best movie moment was when we saw the famous wizarding school for the very first time…

Mary said: ‘I think it's one of my strongest memories... When boats were heading towards an illuminated Hogwarts and first years were amazed by its glory. Plus the background music which made it more epic and unforgettable.’ 

Nick also messaged us about this moment to compliment the transition from page to screen. 

‘For me, as a reader of the novels, it was that first view of Hogwarts. This movie was so faithful to the book in many ways and such a pleasure to watch,’ he told us. 

And getting to Hogwarts would lead Harry to so many more important points in the story, such as meeting huge characters (does ‘Mr Potter, our new celebrity’ ring any bells?) and discovering many of the castles’ secrets, from the emotional scene at the Mirror of Erised to overcoming the obstacles hiding the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone.

## Harry realising Hogwarts was his home


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Privet Drive was never really home for Harry. So, to see him find his people and place at Hogwarts was just brilliant. Lots of you also fondly remembered the moment Harry realised he had finally found a loving home.  

Melissa said: ‘His first night at Hogwarts sitting in the window nook looking out into the moonlight when everyone else is asleep. The beginning of a whole new life.’ 

Shirley also adored Harry finding his place, saying ‘I love the safety and the happiness Harry felt when he talked about Hogwarts as his home now in the end of the film.’ 

And finally, Vitenka highlighted just how emotional that goodbye moment must have been for our main character. 

‘Maybe the final scene, I got the feeling that Harry would miss Hogwarts in the summer!’ 

And this is just a modest handful of the many, many answers we were sent from fans all over the world. 20 years may have passed, but we still remember so many of these scenes like it was yesterday. So, keep checking back as we continue to explore the magic behind *Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone* in the upcoming months. The nostalgia trip is only just beginning...

And remember, it’s not too late to rewatch the first film and have a trip down memory lane yourself! 

*Please note: the answers to this article have been edited for spelling/grammar/clarity.*

Tina and Queenie’s most memorable moments so far

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## Tina repeatedly turning Newt in to MACUSA

Yes, we know that Tina was just trying to get her job back. However, her repeated attempts to hand Newt over to MACUSA – and get back in the good graces of President Seraphina Picquery – certainly caused quite a stir. Who can forget the time she presented a case full of pastries to Percival Graves (the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement) thinking it was Newt’s? Or the time she interrupted a highly important meeting of wizards from around the world (including the British Minister for Magic) and was arrested. If there’s one thing Tina knew how to do – it was how to make an awkward yet memorable entrance.

## Queenie defying the rules and falling for Jacob

One of the best things about Queenie is her compassionate and loving nature – and a silly little law isn’t going to stop her from following her heart. In the American wizarding community of the 1920s, [Rappaport's Law](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/rappaports-law-en) still held strong. This meant fraternisation (let alone relationships) between wizards and No-Majs were forbidden. That didn’t stop our Queenie though. The moment she met Jacob there was an undeniable connection and she followed her heart to be with him, despite knowing there would be consequences. Their bond was so strong that when Jacob has his memory erased, they still managed to find their way back to one another.

## Tina defending Credence from his mother

This moment may have cost Tina her job, but we still think it was an instance that showed us her strength of character. Tina was not somebody who wanted to rebel against MACUSA. So, the fact she protected Credence from his adoptive mother, which exposed her as a witch, can’t be underestimated – as breaking the law wasn't something she did easily or lightly. Ultimately, it demonstrated that doing the right thing and helping Credence was more important to Tina than keeping the job she loved as an Auror.

## Queenie enchanting Jacob and bringing him to London

When Queenie and Jacob turned up at Newt’s door and announced they were getting married in *Crimes of Grindelwald*, we were thrilled. Though it soon became clear to Newt (and us) that not everything was as it should be. Jacob was not quite himself, and it turned out that Queenie had enchanted him and brought him to Britain, against his wishes, to elope. This moment proved to be pivotal. Jacob’s refusal to marry her, based on the fear of what would happen to her for breaking the law, pushed Queenie to Paris and into the path of Gellert Grindelwald...

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## Tina’s experience in the Death Cell

Tina being sentenced to death was a huge moment – but not just because we thought it could spell the end for an important character. The scene in the Death Cell provided an insight into her life and showed us some peculiar new magic. Seeing glimpses of Tina’s past – especially the moment with Credence – helped us to understand her character a little better. But it was the potion that she was going to be lowered into that was really intriguing and terrifying in equal measure. While we all know about the dreadful Killing Curse, a death potion is something that we haven’t come across before. That moment, and the discovery of that bizarre piece of magic, exposed us to the unpleasant underbelly of the American wizarding community and its Ministry.

## Queenie joining Grindelwald’s cause

It seems inexplicable that someone as kind and caring as Queenie would be seduced by Grindelwald’s patter. Yet, it was exactly because of her loving nature that she found herself drawn to his cause. Her desperation to be with Jacob, coupled with Grindelwald’s promise that once the wizarding community no longer had to hide they would be free to love whoever they wanted, proved too tempting to turn down. Nevertheless, watching Queenie walk through the flames to stand by Grindelwald’s side was arguably one of the most shocking and saddest moments of the series so far.

7 things we learnt about the Harry Potter characters from Cursed Child 

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Spoiler warning: naturally, this article will contain spoilers for *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child...*

## 1. Harry and Dudley kept in touch 

In *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*, there was a bizarre, yet strangely touching moment between Harry and his cousin, Dudley, where the pair shook hands and seemed to put their differences behind them. 

In *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*, we don’t see Dudley in the flesh, but Harry does mention that they’re still in contact. And by this point, it appears that Aunt Petunia has passed away too. We learn that the pair still talk when Harry passes on an old childhood blanket to Albus, which surprisingly, Aunt Petunia had kept in her possession... 

__HARRY__ 

I thought a lot about what to give you this year. James –
well, James has been going on about the Invisibility Cloak
since time itself, and Lily – I knew she’d love wings – but
you. You’re fourteen years old now, Albus, and I wanted to
give you something which – meant something. This – is the
last thing I had from my mum.The only thing. I was given
to the Dursleys wrapped in it. I thought it had gone forever
and then – when your Great Aunt Petunia died, hidden
amongst her possessions, surprisingly, Dudley found this –
and he kindly sent it on to me, and ever since then – well,
any time I’ve wanted luck I’ve found it and just tried to hold
it and I wondered if you . . .

*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* 

## 2. Hermione’s done quite well for herself 

There is a heated discussion between Hermione and the short-lived Minister for Magic Rufus Scrimgeour in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*, where Scrimgeour asks Hermione if she plans a career in Magical Law. To this, Hermione retorts that no, she’s hoping to do some good in the world. 

This turned out to be half-true – Hermione did end up in a job in Magical Law... but didn’t do things by halves, taking the top job itself: Minister for Magic. We can’t imagine the wizarding world in safer hands. 

[Ever wondered what job you'd take at the Ministry? See if you'd be the Minister like Hermione here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/which-job-would-you-have-at-the-ministry-of-magic) 

## 3. Draco’s wife suffers a tragic fate 

During the epilogue of *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*, Draco is seen with a wife and son, Astoria and Scorpius. In the play, we learn a lot more about Draco’s son, Scorpius, but never meet Astoria on stage. This is because she is tragically unwell from a “blood malediction” passed down from a cursed ancestor, and eventually passes away. Despite being frail for a long time, Astoria longed for a child, and the couple had Scorpius.

## 4. But Scorpius has helped Draco mellow out in his later years 

Despite their differences, Scorpius seemed to bring out a better side to Draco, despite their tensions. For while Draco spent his time at Hogwarts bullying just about everyone, Scorpius led with kindness and intelligence, finding sanctuary in the Hogwarts library, and forgoing popularity for hanging out with the equally-unpopular Albus Potter. After Astoria’s death, the father and son seemed closer. And Draco’s excitement at coming across a farmer’s market just showed us how far this former Death Eater has come. Oh, and not forgetting his long ponytail either. 

## 5. Ron carries on Fred Weasley’s legacy 

After Fred’s passing in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*, Ron continues the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes business with his brother, George. And beyond running a joke shop, Ron has really leaned into his fun dad and fun uncle status during the play, often playing the joker in the family. In one cute scene, Ron is seen amusing Harry’s daughter, Lily, who finds Uncle Ron hilarious. After spending his Hogwarts years mostly worrying about Lord Voldemort with Harry, we’re happy Ron gets to chill out a bit in his middle age.

## 6. Ginny’s love of Quidditch still shines on 

After years of success playing for the all-female Quidditch team, the Holyhead Harpies, Ginny has left her professional playing days behind to work in sports journalism when we meet her again, 19 years later. Writing for the Daily Prophet, Ginny is now the editor of the esteemed newspaper’s sports section. This is especially heartening when you remember that Ginny had a poster of Gwenog Jones, the then-captain of the Holyhead Harpies, in her bedroom when she was a teenager.

## 7. Harry reveals an unusual fear 

During a bonding session with Albus, Harry reveals some hidden truths about himself we had no idea about until now... including a secret fear of something quite expected.

So, what could it be? We know his Boggart was a Dementor – and of course there were many other things for Harry to fear across his life. So, Harry opens up to his son and tells him about his dread when it comes to dark and enclosed spaces (no doubt due to his childhood years growing up in a cupboard...) but adds a final addition we really weren’t expecting.

__HARRY__ 
I don’t like small spaces and – I’ve never told anyone this
but I don’t much like – (he hesitates before saying this)
pigeons. 
__ALBUS__ 
You don’t like pigeons?
HARRY (he scrunches up his face)
Nasty, pecky, dirty things. They give me the creeps.

*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* 

So, there you have it. What unexpected facts about your favourite characters did YOU learn from *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*? For more info, quizzes, behind-the-scenes facts and more about *Cursed Child,* [why not visit our hub?](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/cursed-child-collection)

10 of Hermione Granger's funniest moments

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## When she waited nearly seven years to unleash the perfect comeback
They say revenge is a dish best served cold – and we reckon that applies to sassy comebacks too. It certainly did in this case. When Harry, Ron and Hermione went through the trapdoor in Philosopher’s Stone, they quickly found themselves having to deal with the deadly Devil’s Snare, which led to this classic Ron remark. 

>‘Devil’s Snare, Devil’s Snare ... What did Professor Sprout say? It likes the dark and the damp –’
>
>‘So light a fire!’ Harry choked.
>
>‘Yes – of course – but there’s no wood!’ Hermione cried, wringing her hands.
>
>‘HAVE YOU GONE MAD?’ Ron bellowed. ‘ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT?’
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

We reckon that comment stayed with Hermione. However, after biding her time for nearly seven years, it was her turn to unleash the perfect comeback – mirroring Ron’s jibe beautifully. How’s that for comic timing?

>‘How – how’re we going to get in?’ panted Ron. ‘I can – see the place – if we just had – Crookshanks again –’
>
>‘Crookshanks?’ wheezed Hermione, bent double, clutching her chest. ‘Are you a wizard, or what?’
>
>‘Oh – right – yeah –’
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

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## The infamous teaspoon comment
Hermione and Ron spent quite a lot of their time bickering. While Ron often seemed to have the upper hand when it came to snarky and amusing comments, this is one moment in which Hermione was truly victorious. Comparing Ron’s emotional intelligence to that of a teaspoon was not only inspired but hilarious.

>A slightly stunned silence greeted the end of this speech, then Ron said, ‘One person can’t feel all that at once, they’d explode.’
>
>‘Just because you’ve got the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn’t mean we all have,’ said Hermione nastily, picking up her quill again.
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*