Sometimes making new friends can seem a little scary. Let’s take a look at some of the witch and wizard friends from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone for our US readers), and see what we can learn from them about friendship.

Harry Potter & Ron Weasley

Harry and Ron first made friends on the Hogwarts Express. Although Harry grew up with Muggles and Ron with wizards, they still had a lot to talk about!

Friendship lesson: being different from someone doesn’t mean you can’t be their friend. In fact, it can make your friendship really exciting as you learn about each other!

Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter

Harry and Ron didn’t really know Hermione very well before they decided she was annoying. It wasn’t until she was attacked by a mountain troll and stuck up for them in front of a teacher, that they got to know her properly. Then, of course, they realised how great she really was.

Friendship lesson: you can’t really know whether you want to be friends with someone before you get to know them. Give them a chance, and you might find a best friend.

Draco Malfoy, Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe

We first saw Draco, Goyle and Crabbe together on the Hogwarts Express, and they were rarely seen without each other after that.

Friendship lesson: you might not be able to see why people are friends, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a strong friendship.

Albus Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall

Professor McGonagall waited for Albus Dumbledore on the Dursleys’ wall as a cat— all day! And she missed out on lots of parties. Now that’s friendship!

Friendship lesson: sometimes being friends means you put your friend first rather than yourself.

Rubeus Hagrid and Fang the boarhound

Hagrid and Fang were rarely seen without each other. And even though Fang was scared of going into the Forbidden Forest – he still came along with Hagrid!

Friendship lesson: your friends don’t have to be people! Sometimes animals can make you feel just as loved as your human friends.

Neville Longbottom, Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger

A fellow Gryffindor, Neville made friends with Ron, Harry and Hermione – Harry even rescued Neville’s Remembrall from Malfoy. But one night, Neville had to make a brave choice to stand up to the three of them. When awarding him house points for courage, Professor Dumbledore said: ‘It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.’

Friendship lesson: being friends with someone doesn’t always mean you’ll always agree with them. Sometimes you need to tell them the truth, even if you’re worried about what they’ll think.

Now you’ve read all about the friendship lessons we can learn from the first Harry Potter book, it’s time to find your own Hogwarts best friend!

Click here to take Bloomsbury’s 'Who Is Your Hogwarts Best Friend' quiz. Who are you hoping for? Harry? Ron? Hermione? Draco? Or someone else?

Illustration by Jim Kay © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc