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What would your boring Boggart be?

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## If you like to keep things shipshape and shiny, your Boggart would be dust
Some people like to say ‘tidy house, tidy mind’ and we have a suspicion that you are one of those people. You don’t tolerate mess, can spot a smudge on a skirting board from a mile away and your signature spell would be Scourgify. So, what terrifies someone with a personality such as yours? Dust. Yep, your [Boggart](/fact-file/creatures/boggart) would be mountains of dust. Dust piled up in corner of the room. Dust only visible as it catches the sunlight. Dust covering every surface. That annoying stodgy dust that doesn't come off without a good scrub, that dust that laughs in the face of your feather duster. The horror, the horror! 

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## If you are a perfectionist your Boggart would be a jigsaw with a missing piece
From dotting every ‘i’ and crossing ever ‘t’ to making sure that every single tiny detail in your life has been meticulously planned, you’re not ashamed to say that you’re a perfectionist. You’re the type of person who would balk at the go-with-the-flow attitude of [Ron Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) and you think [Hermione Granger's](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) approach to well, anything is inspired. But we know what keeps you awake at night. A problem you can’t solve, and a puzzle doomed to remain unfinished. That’s right, your Boggart would be a jigsaw with a missing piece. That one missing square of sky from your jigsaw of Hogwarts castle plagues your nightmares and with this Boggart, it’ll plague your waking hours too.

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## If you’re hip, happening and stylish your Boggart would be skinny jeans 
Do you have your finger on the pulse? Do you keep up with the latest trends? Are you young, hip and happening? Then we know what your deepest, darkest fear would be. Are you ready? Skinny jeans. Yes. The fashion staple worn throughout the noughties. Just the thought of these jeans brings you out in hives. They’re so uncool! Only old people wear them! Don’t you know it’s all about cargo pants now? Luckily, the folks of the wizarding world don’t seem to have this issue so much, what with [robes](/fact-file/locations/madam-malkins-robes-for-all-occasions) being the standard, but for someone like you? It’s your worst nightmare.


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## If you’re an extrovert your Boggart would be FOMO
There’s nothing in the world that you find more fun than being with people – whether that’s at a wild party or a sophisticated soiree. Like [Fred](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fred-weasley) and [George Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/george-weasley), you thrive in social environments, cracking jokes and holding a captive audience with your witty anecdotes. But just imagine if you didn’t get invited to these shindigs. Imagine everyone else getting on with their day not thinking about how hilarious you are. That feeling of not being included would be unbearable and for an extrovert like you? That FOMO (fear of missing out) would be your Boggart and quite possibly your downfall. 

The Boggart-Banishing Charm Fact File Image the-boggart-banishing-charm_1_1800x1248

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## If you’re an introvert your Boggart would be answering a phone call
In this day and age phone calls should be obsolete. There’s social media, there’s texting and if you’re feeling really brave, there’s the occasional voice note. Who needs to pick up the phone? If that sounds like you, we reckon you’re a bit of an introvert and we know just what your Boggart would be… answering a phone call. Yes, that’s right, a giant phone would tumble out of [Lupin’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/remus-lupin) wardrobe in that iconic [Defence Against the Dark Arts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/defence-against-the-dark-arts) lesson, filled with the disembodied voices of all those you put off calling. Your palms would get sweaty, you’d forget how to speak, and we just hope you can summon the word [‘Riddikulus’](/fact-file/spells/the-boggart-banishing-charm) to your lips before you succumb to the horror of it all.

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## If you’re a bookworm your Boggart would be spoilers
Do you see yourself as a bit of a Hermione Granger? Have you been known to check out books the size of bricks from the library for a bit of ‘light reading’? Do you frequently like to lose yourself and your reality to a fictional world? Then little bookworm, your Boggart would be spoilers. Every single time a Boggart emerged from its creepy corner or hidey hole, the book you were currently reading would be ruined. Imagine if that had happened while you were reading the Harry Potter books? We’d be devastated to learn if Harry vanquished Voldemort, if [Dobby](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/dobby) was ever freed or if Ron *finally* got his act together enough to win Hermione’s heart. As Boggarts go, it’s pretty dastardly. 

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Secrets you might not have known about Professor McGonagall

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Professor McGonagall sat at the teachers' table in the Great Hall looking to her left

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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and the Goblet of Fire

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## McGonagall was once engaged to a Muggle
Their engagement may have only lasted a day but it’s true! [Minerva McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall) was once engaged to the dashing son-of-a-local-farmer, Dougal McGregor.  A [Muggle](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) (who was quite unaware of Minerva’s magical ability) became the person she laughed with, argued with and fell head-over-heels in love with. Caught up in a whirlwind romance, Dougal proposed to Minerva, and she accepted. 

Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to tell her parents. She had seen how the trust between her parents had broken in the aftermath of her witch mother revealing her magical identity to her Muggle father. She knew she would have to live a life of secrecy. And she realised it meant the end of any of her ambitions or dreams. Faced with an unbearable choice, Minerva chose herself and a life in which she was free to be exactly who she wanted. She broke Dougal’s heart when she told him, as the Statute of Secrecy prevented her from telling him the real reason she could not marry him, and her heart shattered too.

Minerva McGonagall Fact File Image minerva-mcgonagall_4_1800x1248

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## Quidditch was a talent of hers
Professor McGonagall might be known for her tremendous Transfiguration skills (she did win the *Transfiguration Toda*y Most Promising Newcomer award whilst at school), but she had another passion in life, for one particular sport… [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch). Minerva McGonagall was a gifted player (like her mother before her) and member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. However, all that talent did not stop her from having a particularly nasty fall during a match in her final year. Thanks to a Slytherin foul, she was left with a concussion, broken ribs and a life-long desire to see the Slytherin Quidditch team crushed in every single one of their matches.


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## She worked at the Ministry of Magic
She might have seemed like part of the Hogwarts furniture, but McGonagall had a totally different job before her illustrious career as a Hogwarts professor and eventual headmistress. After she left school, Minerva worked at The Department of Magical Law Enforcement in the [Ministry of Magic](/fact-file/locations/the-ministry-of-magic). Naturally, a witch as skilled as Minerva was a talented and efficient employee – but she was unhappy. The lingering heartbreak from her failed engagement to Dougal McGregor, the common anti-Muggle sentiment (which she found particularly difficult as she adored her Muggle father), and homesickness for Scotland meant she stayed for only two years. Ever determined, Minerva wrote a letter to [Albus Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) asking if she could return to Hogwarts as a professor… and we all know how that ended up.


Minerva McGonagall Fact File Image minerva-mcgonagall_2_1800x1248

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## Professor Sprout was an old schoolfriend 
This is such a cute fact about Minerva – we love learning more about who the professors consider to be their besties. [Pomona Sprout](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/pomona-sprout) and Minerva McGonagall might have been in different years and different houses, but despite their school careers only overlapping by two years, the two witches enjoyed a brilliant friendship both then and when they both ended up back at [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) as teachers.  


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Professor Mcgonagall and Professor Sprout are standing in a corridor looking concerned.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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## Her husband was killed in a Venomous Tentacula incident 
After the heartbreak she suffered with Dougal McGregor, it warmed our hearts to see that Minerva found love again – with her Ministry boss no less! Having never lost touch after Minerva left her job in London, Elphinstone Urquart and Minerva eventually found their way to one another (though Elphinstone proposed *multiple* times before McGonagall would accept). 

The pair lived happily together in a cottage in Hogsmeade, quite content in each other’s company. However, their little idyll was shattered only three years after saying ‘I do’ when Elphinstone was accidentally killed by a [Venomous Tentacula](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/venomous-tentacula) bite. This was the moment Minerva returned to Hogwarts for good. Unable to bear the thought of remaining in the cottage alone, Minerva packed up her things and moved back to the concealed bedroom hidden in the wall of her study at Hogwarts.

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## McGonagall was a Hatstall 
As the *Head* of Gryffindor house, this one might come as a bit of a shock. Yep, the [Sorting Hat](/fact-file/objects/the-sorting-hat) nearly didn’t place McGonagall in the house of courage and chivalry but thought the house of wit and wisdom, Ravenclaw, might have been where she belonged instead. The Hat was so torn, it took over five minutes to make its decision – thus making Minerva a Hatstall. Interestingly, the Hat faced a similar struggle when it came to Sorting a young Filius Flitwick, and the two liked to joke about what would have happened if they had swapped places.

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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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## The hidden biscuit tin
The Professor McGonagall we met was a no-nonsense witch who didn’t suffer fools gladly. You can imagine our surprise when we discovered the secret tartan biscuit tin hidden in her study. The moment she uttered the words ‘Have a biscuit, Potter’ rather than reprimanding Harry when he stood before her, altered our view of this strict-but-fair witch, giving us a glimpse of the other, softer and most definitely secret side of Minerva McGonagall. Incidentally, all rooms should have a secret biscuit tin.

***
Want to delve deeper into the mind of McGonagall? You can [discover more of Minerva’s history and secrets right here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/professor-mcgonagall). 

Debate Club: Quirrell or Lockhart. Who was the better teacher?

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Quirinus Quirrell Fact File Image quirinus-quirrell_1_1800x1248

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## Quirrell was the superior teacher
Let’s start off with addressing the elephant in the room. Yes, [Quirrell](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/quirinus-quirrell) had Lord Voldemort poking out the back of head. Yes, he tried to steal the [Philosopher’s Stone](/fact-file/objects/the-philosophers-stone). Yes, he tried to kill Harry… but we still think he was the superior teacher. 

Quirrell might have been evil at worst or weak at best, but we don’t remember any complaints about his actual [Defence Against the Dark Arts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/defence-against-the-dark-arts) lessons. He was an intelligent man, a Ravenclaw no less, who had plenty of knowledge of the Dark Arts. You might even go so far as to say his relationship with Voldemort gave him a rather *unique* insight into the subject.

And when we come to think about it, there was not one time when Hermione questioned the syllabus and there was no mention of any of Harry’s class failing their first-year exam. The only real quibble about Quirrell was that he appeared to be nervous. We would definitely take an anxious teacher over an atrocious teacher any day.

Speaking of atrocious teachers, Lockhart definitely fell into that category. Must we remind you of his very first lesson with the Cornish Pixies? Disastrous. Or his ‘quiz’ with questions that were just about him? Awful. Or the way that every single bit of his experience with tackling Dark Arts was fake? Terrible. Lockhart might not have been in cahoots with [Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort), but he was thoroughly underqualified for the job. 

We also can’t forget that Lockhart turned out to be something of a rotter too. After all, he was going to leave Harry and Ron to die in the [Chamber of Secrets](/fact-file/locations/the-chamber-of-secrets) after wiping their memories. We consider that to be an evil act. At least Quirrell might be able to claim that he *had* to do what Voldemort asked. With Lockhart, he just wanted to protect his own fraudulent reputation.

In reality, these were two human beings that had made some truly awful choices – levelling the moral playing field somewhat. The real debate comes when you examine their teaching styles. Lockhart might have had the gift of the gab, but he was a fake. Quirrell was a knowledgeable man who happened to suffer with his nerves. Ultimately, we would take substance over style any day. 

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## Lockhart was the better teacher
It’s important to note that right from the first time we meet [Gilderoy Lockhart](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/gilderoy-lockhart), we discover him to be arrogant, hubristic and absolutely not qualified for the job of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher whatsoever. And yet! He still had one redeeming feature that Quirrell did not: he wasn’t hosting the body of the half-dead, most evil wizard of all time, Lord Voldemort! And that feels like a solid foundation to work upwards from.

Yes, we do concede that during Professor Lockhart’s short tenure in the post (making his debut in *Chamber of Secrets*) the celebrity author’s teaching style seemed to consist of putting his students in danger and removing the bones in Harry Potter’s arm. He also didn’t seem to know much about the [Dark Arts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/dark-arts), despite having ‘written’ several books on the matter. 

However! This floppy haired, lilac-loving luminary sure did have a way of keeping peoples’ attention – and despite his shortcomings as a professor, his charisma won the hearts of several students. Even [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger), usually able to sniff out [facile educators](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/debate-club-trelawney-or-firenze-who-was-the-better-divination-teacher), was besotted. Why? Because Lockhart knew how to use that charming smile of his to full effect. 

And though Lockhart wasn’t teaching his pupils anything particularly useful (apart from how to run away from [Cornish Pixies](/fact-file/creatures/cornish-pixie)) he was, at least, still getting people into the classroom in the first place. Nobody was falling asleep like they were in Professor Binns’ classes, that’s for sure.

When it was revealed that Lockhart had indeed used a bit of artistic license in his banshee-banishing, werewolf-warring books, nobody was surprised. But you have to hand it to Lockhart (who is a [Ravenclaw](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/ravenclaw), by the way) that using his cachet to get such a prestigious job was an impressive move. After all, everybody’s got to make a living.

Does it make him a good person? No. A good teacher? No. But once again, we must ask you, was he secretly harbouring the soul of Lord Voldemort behind a turban? No. So by default, does that make him better than Quirrell? Yes. Yes, it does.

***
Fancy getting stuck into another wizarding debate?

Why not see whether [Ron or Harry should have been Hermione's end game](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/debate-club-should-hermione-have-been-with-ron-or-harry).

Or decide whether you think [Sirius Black was an excellent role model or reckless rogue.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/sirius-black-role-model-or-bad-influence-the-debate)

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

Features - Wizarding World

For beginners, for novices, for Harry Potter superfans going 20 years-strong, dig deep into the Wizarding World with our collection of features. We also have 'first-year' quizzes for Harry Potter beginners!

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Q&A with Christmas at Hogwarts illustrator Ziyi Gao

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Brought to you by Scholastic and Bloomsbury, *Christmas at Hogwarts* is set to be a real festive treat. This new book is filled with gorgeously detailed illustrations that accompany collated extracts from J.K. Rowling’s original text from Harry’s memorable first Christmas in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone*.

The artist tasked with recreating this iconic yuletide was illustrator, Ravenclaw and longtime Harry Potter fan, Ziyi Gao. Today we are lucky enough to gain an insight into how she created artwork that truly captured all the whimsical Christmas fun, the important role that Harry Potter has played in her life, plus all the little details to look out for in this new illustrated book…

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Photo credit: Jacelyn Shu

__How were you first introduced to the world of Harry Potter?__

My parents bought me the first four Harry Potter books when they first came out, but I was a five-year-old kid then living in Beijing and could not understand such a complex story. The books were stored away on our bookshelves for a few years before I rediscovered them when I was 14. I was immediately drawn to these stories and became a huge fan throughout my entire middle and high school years.

__What was your reaction when Scholastic first approached you about this project?__

I was so surprised and couldn’t believe it was real. It was truly hard to believe that I could be this lucky to have this opportunity. To be honest, I went to LinkedIn to double-check whether it was a scam or not!

__What excited you about the opportunity of illustrating *Christmas at Hogwarts*?__

It was like a dream come true. I’ve been a Harry Potter fan since I was young, and I discovered my interest in illustration by drawing Harry Potter fan art in high school. While reading Harry Potter, I had so many images in my head, and I would often make illustrations of those scenes. Though my drawing at that time might be clumsy, I found the whole process very enjoyable. Now, after all these years of practice, I feel so fortunate and happy to have the opportunity to become an illustrator for this series.

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__What are some elements of the Harry Potter books that draw you to them?__

As a teenager, I found the Harry Potter series quite relatable. I like that this series talks about the hardships of growing up, how to become a better person, and how to deal with losing loved ones through the lens of magic.

__Do you have a favourite illustration in *Christmas at Hogwarts*?__

My favourite illustration is the one when Fred and George come into the room to try to force Ron and Percy to put on their sweaters. I was very satisfied with how it came out because it was such a happy and chaotic moment. I’ve never done anything like this before, with so much lively character interaction depicted in one image.

__Are there any “Easter eggs” or special details in the illustrations that readers should look out for?__

Even though she's not mentioned in the text, Hedwig appears in the first three illustrations, giving us a bird's-eye view of Hogwarts, then getting closer, and finally landing on a branch outside where Harry is in a lesson. This felt like a cute detail, and I had to include Hedwig!


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__What’s your Hogwarts house?__

My Hogwarts house is Ravenclaw. I’m very curious about things I don’t know, I love reading and learning how things work, and I love doing lots of research before delving into certain subjects. I value original ideas and creativity.

__Did you do any research to prepare for illustrating *Christmas at Hogwarts*? If so, please tell us about it.__

I went to several bookstores locally and researched picture books, especially those about Christmas, to better understand what I wanted this book to look like. I also bought *The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac* as a reference guide, which inspired me greatly. Then, I researched famous illustrators for the Harry Potter series, such as Jim Kay, Mary GrandPré, Thomas Taylor, etc. After that, I read *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone* once again to immerse myself in this world. I also researched Christmas traditions in the UK while working on the sketches.

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__What do you hope readers experience while reading *Christmas at Hogwarts*?__

I hope it will be an immersive experience. I’ve spent lots of time and energy depicting the world, making it as real and specific as possible. I hope readers will feel the happiness and holiday spirits, taste the delicious food at Hogwarts, enjoy the snowball fights with Harry and his friends, and fall in love with this magical world that I fell in love with years ago.

__What were some of your favourite children’s books growing up?__

My favourite children’s books include Thomas Brezina’s adventure series Tiger Team, the comic adaptions of the life of Marie Curie and Thomas Edison (I don’t remember the authors), and Harry Potter. Thomas Brezina’s books are detective stories for children. They were extremely popular in China when I was young. The books were very interactive. The reader needs to use a special card that comes with the book to solve the puzzles inside. I found my love for detective stories by reading his books. By reading the comics about Marie Curie and Edison, I cultivated a long-lasting interest in reading biographies and history which has continued into adulthood. And Harry Potter, which, needless to say, was simply mesmerising for me to read and has affected me throughout my life.

__What should we know about you as an artist?__

I’m a young artist who just started my career as an illustrator after graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2021. Therefore, I was truly fortunate and honoured to have had the opportunity to work on this book with Scholastic. I love creating fantasy worlds and whimsical characters. If you are interested in seeing more of my work, [please check out my website](https://www.ziyigao.com/).

The answers to this Q&A have been edited for length & clarity.
*** 

Christmas at Hogwarts will be published in hardback simultaneously on 15th October 2024 in 31 languages globally.

If you're UK-based, [visit the Bloomsbury website to pre-order](https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/christmas-at-hogwarts-9781526677082/).
If you're US-based, [visit the Scholastic website to pre-order](https://kids.scholastic.com/kid/books/harry-potter/).

Every time Hermione Granger reminded us of Virgo energy

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

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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In Harry Potter’s world, there’s Divination, Astronomy and prophecies – all used to make sense of the mysteries of the universe and the great beyond. But what about astrology? We know Professor Trelawney did touch upon it, but do any of our favourite characters happen to display personality traits that are unique to their star sign?

<img align="left" style="padding:10px;" src="https://images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/4u6AMtcGuTFEi1zvfnYvkr/ef37893ba75a14f9bc550c87c2b2fb22/virgo-symbol-small-web.png">

Well, we thought it would be fun to find out! As it is Virgo season, we’re looking at the brainiest of Gryffindors, Hermione Granger. Of course, any similarities may be a total coincidence. We’ll leave that up to you to decide. Why not share this with your Virgo friends and see what they think?

## Intelligent 
Look up the definition of clever in the dictionary and you’ll find a picture of [Hermione Jean Granger](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger). She was on another level to us mere mortals when it came to her intelligence. Interestingly, it is a trait associated with the Virgo zodiac sign too. Known for being the brainy students of the zodiac, those who are born under this star sign are driven by a restless, inquiring intellect.

I don’t think *anyone* would disagree when we say that this was reflected in Hermione. After all, this was the witch who got a hundred and twelve percent in her first-year Charms exam. Her intelligence was arguably one of her defining characteristics – with multiple people pointing it out at multiple points across the stories. Whether she was being described as ‘the cleverest witch of her age’, ‘brilliant but scary’ or even (more unflatteringly) a ‘know-it-all’, Hermione and intelligence were pretty much synonymous. Her brain was *so* mighty, that she was even given a [Time-Turner](/fact-file/objects/time-turner) as a third-year (when most adults couldn’t even be trusted with one), just so she could make it to all of her lesson and fuel that unrelenting academic drive of hers.

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Harry and Hermione using the Time Turner in the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## Very high standards
Virgos are known for having very high standards – they’ve even been described as the ‘Quality Control Officers’ of the zodiac. Every area of their life is subject to scrutiny as they try to make sure they and those around them are the best they can be. 

Now, we do think that Hermione had certain expectations of those around her and tried to *encourage* them to be what she considered to be their best selves – see the unappreciated homework planners she got for Ron and Harry. Yet, like most Virgos, this perfectionism could tip over into being critical of anything that doesn’t meet their expectations – see Hermione’s frosty relationship with [Divination](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/divination). However, Hermione didn’t just hold others to these high standards, she held herself to them too. Nothing screams this more when she was *disappointed* in her [O.W.L.](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/o-w-l-s) results – despite getting ten Os and one E!


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Hermione sitting at a desk with a quill, looking thoughtful.

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## Practical
You’re not likely to find a Virgo who enjoys sitting about and daydreaming – this Earth sign keeps its feet firmly planted on the ground. Virgos are analytical by nature, make excellent problem-solvers and are methodical in the way they approach things.

Hermione was someone we would definitely call logical and we’re happy to explain why in a… logical fashion. First, she solved the potion riddle guarding the [Philosopher’s Stone](/fact-file/objects/the-philosophers-stone) when she was just eleven years old. The following year, she methodically unravelled the mystery of what was attacking the [Muggle-borns](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggle-borns) at Hogwarts by herself. Finally, she realised what Lupin’s ‘furry little secret’ was when Harry and Ron didn’t have a clue. There seemed to be no problem or puzzle too challenging for our favourite brainiac – and honestly? We’re still trying to figure out how she solved that potions riddle. 

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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## Helpful
Virgos might sometimes appear to have a somewhat glacial exterior, but don’t let that fool you. Underneath, Virgos are some of the kindest and helpful friends you could hope for. They are the first people to be there for you if you need someone to lean on or a shoulder to cry on and you can guarantee that they will leave you with some practical, yet very handy, advice. In fact, they’re so helpful, they are willing to put their own needs aside in service of others. Again, we can see how this applies to one of our favourite Gryffindors…

Hermione was helpful in so many ways. When Harry needed help brushing up on his spellwork before the first Triwizard task, Hermione was the one to patiently tutor him. When the Hogwarts students needed a place to practice the practical part of [Defence Against the Dark Arts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/defence-against-the-dark-arts), Hermione came up with the idea for [Dumbledore’s Army](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/dumbledores-army). And (most importantly) when Harry needed some help understanding the inner-workings of Cho Chang’s mind, Hermione patiently explained it to him. Like other Virgos, Hermione consistently demonstrated a desire to help others… even if sometimes her efforts weren’t always appreciated (we’re thinking of those bobbly elf hats).


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Harry, Ron and Hermione sit on the floor of Ron's room at The Burrow. They are levitating and burning a piece of crumpled paper in front of them over a tray.

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## Secret naughty streak
‘It’s sort of exciting, isn’t it? Breaking the rules.’ You might think those were the words of the Weasley twins, perhaps a young Sirius or even Harry himself… yet these words belonged to Hermione Granger. Yes! *That* Hermione. The model pupil. The person who collected house points like it was going out of fashion. The witch that feared expulsion more than death. Yet, she had a secret rebellious and playful streak – just like those who fall under the Virgo zodiac sign.

Yes, Virgos are more well-known for their hard-working, perfectionist natures and sometimes imposing demeanours but, thanks to their ruling planet mercury, they are also known for their dry wit and sense of fun. Scratch beneath then surface and you will find a secret cheeky side lurking there. 

We reckon this applies to Hermione. Let’s not forget it was Hermione who brewed a [Polyjuice Potion](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/polyjuice-potion) as a second-year. Hermione who Confunded Cormac McLaggen at Quidditch trials. And Hermione who trapped [Rita Skeeter](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/rita-skeeter) in a glass jar and blackmailed her – not *quite* the goody two-shoes she initially seemed.

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The Sorting Hat's song crossword

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Harry Potter 101: Quidditch part two

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

## Gryffindor Quidditch players

__Harry Potter__

The Boy Who Lived was not just a dab hand at defeating Dark wizards, he was also an extremely talented [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch) player. In fact, while first-years don’t normally join the Quidditch team, Harry did. His skills were spotted in his first ever flying lesson and he was made the new Gryffindor Seeker – the youngest in a century! His talent only continued to grow, and he was made Quidditch captain as a sixth-year.

__Ron Weasley__

Turns out there were a whole heap of talented Quidditch players amongst the Weasley family! Five out of seven siblings were members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team at one point. Ron became a member as a fifth-year and played the position of [Keeper](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/keeper). Although he had a rocky start, the refrain ‘Weasley is our King’ soon became his own personal theme tune.

__Ginny Weasley__

Ginny’s Quidditch beginnings might have involved breaking into the Weasley’s broom shed and taking each of her brothers’ brooms out in turn to practice, but all of her skullduggery paid off. Turns out Ginny was a formidable player with oodles of talent and held the position of Chaser (and before that as substitute Seeker) on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. After leaving Hogwarts, she turned that talent into a career and played for the Holyhead Harpies.

__Fred and George Weasley__

The Weasley twins played the role of Beaters on the Quidditch pitch. The pair of them must have been pretty handy with a bat because they consistently made the team each year. Out of the two of them, it seems that George might have been the slightly better and more aggressive player. There are more mentions of him hitting a [Bludger](/fact-file/objects/bludger) than Fred. Which is interesting when you consider that he was normally the *slightly* quieter twin.

__Charlie Weasley__

The first Weasley sibling to make their mark on the Gryffindor Quidditch team was Charlie. You might assume Charlie played the role of Beater, thanks to his stocky build, but he was in fact a Seeker. And he must have been pretty good too – he did become the captain after all. 

__Oliver Wood__

Quite possibly the most… enthusiastic Quidditch captain in existence, Oliver Wood lived and breathed this team sport. He was a Keeper and took the business of leading the team very seriously. His dream was to win the Quidditch Cup, and he was going to do everything in his power to achieve that – even if his fellow teammates didn’t always appreciate his *enthusiasm* and penchant for early-morning training practices.

__Angelina Johnson__

Angelina was a Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team before becoming captain after the departure of Oliver Wood. She certainly picked up where he left off and might have even worked her team harder than Oliver. 

__Alicia Spinnet__

Alicia was a Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team alongside Angelina and Katie. The three of them were an unstoppable force and worked together as one to score many points for Gryffindor.

__Katie Bell__

The third in this trio of Chasers was Katie Bell. Slightly younger than Angelina and Alicia, she remained on the Quidditch team during Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts – though it is safe to say that year ended up being a little *disrupted* for Katie.

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

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__Demelza Robins__

Demelza joined the Gryffindor team as a [Chaser](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/chaser) alongside Ginny Weasley and Katie Bell in *Half-Blood Prince*. Apparently, this Chaser was particularly good at dodging Bludgers.

__Dean Thomas__

It turns out that Harry’s classmate was not too shabby at Quidditch. During his sixth-year, when a spot suddenly opened up for a new Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, Harry asked Dean to take that empty spot.

__Jack Sloper and Andrew Kirke__

These two were selected to stand-in for Fred and George while they had to suffer through a lifelong Quidditch ban (thanks to the odious Umbridge). As far as Beaters go, they weren’t really up to scratch. Andrew once shrieked and fell off his broom when an opposing Chaser happened to fly in his direction and Jack once accidentally missed a Bludger, hitting his captain in the mouth with his bat instead.

__Jimmy Peakes and Ritchie Coote__

This pair of Beaters were selected by Harry to join the Quidditch team in *Half-Blood Prince*. Although Harry initially thought they lacked the brilliance of predecessors, Fred and George Weasley, they steadily continued to improve and were assets to the team. 

__Cormac McLaggen__

Ah, Cormac McLaggen – what can we say about him? There is no doubt that Cormac could play Quidditch, but whether he could play as part of a team is debatable. Actually, it isn’t debatable – he couldn’t. His rather pompous nature and overinflated ego made sure of that. Luckily, thanks to a well-placed spell from Hermione, McLaggen was pipped to the [Keeper](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/keeper) position by Ron Weasley and only played for the team on rare occasions.

__James Potter__

Well, Harry had to get his talent from somewhere! And that someone was his dad, James Potter. James was also a Seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch team and a pretty good one at that.

__Minerva McGonagall__

Yep! You read that name right. Professor McGonagall once took to the skies herself as a member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. As a seventh-year, she had a rather nasty fall after being fouled by a member of the Slytherin team during the [Cup final](/fact-file/objects/the-quidditch-cup). This unfortunate incident landed her with a concussion, broken ribs and a lifelong desire to see Slytherin beaten at Quidditch.

__Rose Granger-Weasley__

Her mother might have not had a… *natural* talent for Quidditch but Rose did inherit the Weasley knack for the sport. She was selected to be a Chaser for the Gryffindor team as a second-year.

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## Slytherin Quidditch players

__Marcus Flint__

He might have been the captain of the Slytherin team, but we wouldn’t look up to Marcus Flint as a shining example of a leader. This hulking Slytherin was a Chaser unafraid to break the rules – as a certain ‘Dementor’ stunt demonstrated. 

__Draco Malfoy__

There is some debate over whether Malfoy earnt his spot on the Slytherin team of whether it was thanks to his dad’s gift of brand-new Nimbus 2001s for the entire team… hmmm. Anyway, Malfoy was selected for the team and became Harry’s nemesis in yet another arena as a rival Seeker.

__Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle__

We will give you a guess at what position these two played. Yep, Crabbe and Goyle became the Slytherin Beaters as fifth-years. It’s safe to say that they weren’t selected for their dazzling flying skills but because of their sheer brute strength and size.

__Adrian Pucey__

Pucey was a Chaser for the Slytherin team and once dropped the Quaffle he was in possession of after being distracted by the sight of the Golden Snitch. 

__Miles Bletchley__

Another unscrupulous Slytherin team member, Bletchley played the role of Keeper. Why do we refer to him as unscrupulous? Well, he once tried to sabotage the Gryffindor team, hitting Alicia Spinnet in the back of the head with a jinx that caused her eyebrows to grow at an alarming rate.

__Terence Higgs__

The Slytherin Seeker, Terence Higgs, was there to witness the moment that Harry caught his first ever Snitch (in a rather unconventional manner), though we doubt he was pleased about it. 

__Montague__

We never learnt his first name, but Montague was a Slytherin Chaser who was probably less known for his Quidditch skills and more known for Fred and George Weasley shoving him into a [Vanishing Cabinet](/fact-file/objects/vanishing-cabinet) and reappearing in a toilet – lovely. 

__Derrick and Bole__

These two were Beaters on the Slytherin team and like many of their teammates, weren’t afraid to commit the odd foul in the pursuit of victory. 

__Urquhart__

This Chaser, who we only knew purely by their surname, was made captain in the same year as Harry. When the two had to shake hands at the start of the match, Urquhart *might* have crushed Harry’s hand, just a *teensy* bit.

__Vaisey__

A talented Slytherin Chaser who was known for being the team’s top goal-scorer. 

__Harper__

A Slytherin in Ginny Weasley’s year, this wizard played the position of Seeker when Draco Malfoy was indisposed. Even though Ginny described him as an ‘idiot’, he nearly beat Harry to the fluttering Golden Snitch.

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## Ravenclaw Quidditch players

__Roger Davies__

Captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team and seemingly talented Chaser, this Ravenclaw is possibly more well-known for his love life than his Quidditch prowess. 

__Cho Chang__

A life-long Tutshill Tornados fan, [Cho Chang](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/cho-chang) was a talented Seeker on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. She even gave Harry a run for his money by employing clever strategies on the Quidditch pitch – such as tailing him closely and frequently blocking his path. 

__Bradley__

Not much is known about this Ravenclaw Chaser, except that Ron saved a goal of his in the final match of the season.

__Chambers__

Another Ravenclaw Chaser, and another who didn’t get past Keeper, Ron Weasley, during the final Quidditch match of the season in *Order of the Phoenix*.

## Hufflepuff Quidditch players

__Cedric Diggory__

Ah [Cedric Diggory](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/cedric-diggory) – he was probably as close to perfect as they come. It is no wonder that as well as being intelligent, popular and extremely good-looking, he was also a seriously skilled Quidditch player, He held the position of Seeker and even beat Harry once! On top of that his dazzling skills landed him the role of captain too.

__Cadwallader__

One of the Hufflepuff Chasers who seemed to score quite a few goals during the memorable match when Luna Lovegood filled in as Quidditch commentator. 

__Summerby__

This Hufflepuff Seeker might not have always been the most observant – Ginny Weasley once caught the Snitch from right under his nose.

__Zacharias Smith__

This Hufflepuff was rather unpleasant – Harry certainly wasn’t a fan. However, despite his noxious personality, he was selected to play as Chaser for the Hufflepuff Quidditch team. So, you can probably assume he was reasonably talented.

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## Other notable Quidditch players

__Viktor Krum__

Before he was the Triwizard Champion who won the heart of Hermione Granger, [Viktor Krum](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/viktor-krum) was a supremely talented professional Quidditch player – whilst still at school! Krum played spectacularly and was a rockstar Seeker of the Quidditch world (Ron was a BIG fan). His skills helped lead his team to the finals of the Quidditch World Cup.

__Ludo Bagman__

The seemingly jovial Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports for the Ministry of Magic started his career as a professional Quidditch player. He represented England at an international level and also played for the Wimbourne Wasps. Ludo still liked to wear his former black and yellow robes and, well, why wouldn’t you if you were once described as the ‘best Beater the Wimbourne Wasps ever had’?

__Gwenog Jones__

Last but not least, we have Gwenog Jones who was the captain of the all-witch team, the Holyhead Harpies. Gwenog had once been part of Horace Slughorn’s ‘[Slug Club](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-slug-club)’ and provided him with free tickets to her matches. Ginny Weasley seemed to be a fan as she had a poster of Gwenog in her room, though Hermione Granger thought she was rather full of herself.

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***
Now you know all the notable Quidditch players from the Harry Potter stories, why not [check out the first part of our introduction to Quidditch](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-101-quidditch-part-one) that covers everything from the different positions to the many balls to the rules of the game itself. And remember to keep your eyes peeled for part three coming soon!


Watch: A Quidditch history lesson before you play Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions

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From its humble origins in ancient bogs to healthy rivalry between the Hogwarts houses to the world stage, Quidditch is a favourite pastime of witches and wizards everywhere. Take a look back at this Snitch in time to see how everyone's favourite sport became the phenomenon it is today.

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[Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is out now.](https://www.quidditchchampions.com/en-gb/buy)

The Hogwarts Express wordsearch

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What would you bring to Hogwarts based on your favourite 90s thing?

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Harry, Ron and Hermione by the Hogwarts Express. Hermione and Ron are leaning out of one the doors while Harry is next to them.They are all smiling slightly. 

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## If you loved a scented gel pen… you would bring the fanciest quill
Ahh there’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly uncapped scented gel pen. That artificial scent that stuffs itself up your nostrils with an array of aromas from strawberry to apple and even candyfloss (the chocolate one never quite hit the mark though). We’re feeling all nostalgic just thinking about it. If you were the type of person whose pencil case was overflowing with this smelly stationary, then we know exactly what you would bring to [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts)… the finest quill your Galleons could buy. You would spend hours examining all the quills in Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop, compare the quality and colour of every feather and would rock up to Hogwarts with a quill so fancy everybody would be jealous. 


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## If you still constantly talk about the 1990 World Cup™… you would bring a broomstick
Do you still recall the events of the 1990 World Cup? Do you remember the moment that England missed *that* penalty? Do you still lovingly dissect every single strategy and enthusiastically explain what the managers *should* have done? Then you’d definitely be bringing a [broomstick](/fact-file/objects/broomstick) to Hogwarts. You’re the sporty type, but more specifically, you are the type that loves a team sport. And [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch) *has* to be the most thrilling team sport to exist. There’s flying, multiple balls (some with their own agenda) and whole heap of strategy for you to sink your teeth into. Yes, seeing the Hogwarts castle for the first time is exciting but seeing the Quidditch pitch? That’s where you think the real magic is at.


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Harry Potter is hovering on his broomstick, on the Quidditch pitch and wearing his Quidditch robes.

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## If you loved a Furby™… you would bring a Pygmy Puff
Who remembers Furbies? The fluffy, cute little creatures whose voices weren’t irritating in the slightest… Anyway, these little fuzzy friends took the 90s by storm and everyone seemed to own one. If you were an avid Furby collector, then we know what would be at the top of your list of ‘Things to take to Hogwarts’ – a [Pygmy Puff](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/arnold)! Cute, colourful and fuzzy they are the perfect wizarding equivalent. Actually, they’re not even equivalent – they’re better! Where a Furby (as sweet as it is) is just a toy, a Pygmy Puff is a living, breathing creature that we’re sure would become your bestie. The two of you would go everywhere together, with your little friend perched on your shoulder whilst keeping you feeling calm through any bout of back-to-school nerves.


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