The Harry Potter Lexicon Reader’s Guide Series
The Lexicon
An Unauthorized Guide to Harry Potter Fiction
and Related Materials
Steve Vander Ark
with
John Kearns
Lisa Waite Bunker
Belinda Hobbs
© 2009, 2012 by Steve Vander Ark
All Rights Reserved
ISBN 978-1-57143-174-5 (print edition)
Library of Congress Control Number 2008942656 (print edition)
Cover photos © Steve Vander Ark
Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling
HARRY POTTER, characters, names, and all related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner
Bros.
All rights reserved.
This book is an unofficial literary guide to the Harry Potter books. It is not written, prepared, approved, or licensed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., Scholastic Corporation, Raincoast Books, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc., or J.K. Rowling, nor are the author or www.hp-lexicon.org in any way associated with those entities. Harry Potter and the names of fictitious people and places in the Harry Potter novels are trademarks of Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.
NO PART OF THIS BOOK MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT PERMISSION
Dedications
To Katie and Chris, my favorite Harry Potter fans. –SVA
To Trish…my Ginny, who befriended an orphan boy named Harry, just her age, and brought his world into ours. –BH
To Caroline (who introduced me to Harry), and all the wonderful chapters in our story - especially those still to be written. –JK
For Carey, you're the best! And for my nieces and nephews Devin, Torin, Isabel, Reed, Ruby, Eli, and Sophia, a new generation discovering the joy and solace of reading. Hey Arrow — Walk time! –LWB
Welcome to the Lexicon. As many of you know, in 2007 the original book with this title was the subject of a lawsuit and was ultimately enjoined by the court. After the trial in April 2008, I worked to create a new, different book with a new focus and purpose, mindful of the guidelines of the court. That's the book I am proud to be placing in your hands now.
One of the most important goals of this new book is to avoid giving too much away or using J.K. Rowling’s own unique expressions. There will always be new readers discovering the magic of the Harry Potter books and those new readers deserve to be mystified, surprised, and delighted as they read the series, with the plot unfolding for them the way the author intended. This is how we Potter fans encountered the stories over the past ten years. We read each book voraciously, then waited eagerly for the next installment, all the while wondering and guessing about what was to come. I certainly do not want the Lexicon book to spoil that experience for anyone.
This new Lexicon book is a convenient reference that provides chapter citations if you want to explore further in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. If you want to do more research, consult J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages or dig into the Lexicon website at www.hp-lexicon.org.
Throughout this book you’ll find some things capitalised and others lower case. This may strike you as a bit haphazard, but it’s intentional. We have tried to capitalise words which are capitalised in the books and vice versa. Trouble is, the capitalisation isn’t always consistent even within the books. We’ve done our best, though, because we know that fans like to know that kind of thing, especially fan fiction writers, who are some of our best supporters.
Finally, I want to thank my family, who have been a wonderful support over the years. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be able to put this book in your hands. My best friend and sounding board, Rodney Te Slaa, deserves a big thank-you for listening to me blather on and on about Harry Potter and the Lexicon for longer than he’d care to remember; maybe I’ll finally get him to read the books. Thanks to Roger Rapoport and Richard Harris, along with Megan Trank, Colleen Weesies, Jeremy Nash, Louis Jeannot, Amanda Grycki , Sarah Sheehan, Abby Schmeling and Sarah Ferriby, all of RDR Books. I am also grateful to attorneys David Hammer, Liz Hasse, Tony Falzone, Julie Ahrens, and rest of the team from Stanford University Law Schools's Fair Use Project as well as Robert Handelsman and Craig Monette. A special thanks also to Peter Tummons and Helen Zaltzman of Methuen Books for their invaluable assistance and encouragement, and for editing and anglicising the text of the book.
The Lexicon website started out as a one-man show, but it definitely isn’t that any more. So to my website staff – Belinda Hobbs, John Kearns, Lisa Waite Bunker, Michele L. Worley, Penny Linsenmayer, Clint Hagen, Paula Hall, Kip Carter, and Denise Proctor—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without you, neither the website nor this book could exist. And of course, a special thank-you has to go to the three people who put in many, many hours making this book a reality. Lisa, John, and Bel, I love you all.
I also want to offer a heartfelt thank-you to all those people who stood by us through the months of working on this project. We have learned the true meaning of the word ‘friend’ from you. There are no words that can fully express our gratitude.
Steve Vander Ark
About the 2012 ebook edition of this book:
The Lexicon book was written in 2008 and published in January of 2009. This ebook version you have before you is essentially the same, with some minor edits and corrections. Since this book was published, some additional canon information has become available, primarily with the publication of the book Tales of Beedle the Bard and on the Pottermore website (www.pottermore.com). I heartily encourage fans of the Harry Potter universe to purchase that book and visit that website to learn more about the rich history of characters and Ms Rowling’s process of writing the books.
Additionally, in the spring of 2012, Ms Rowling’s website was completely redesigned. In the process, all the canon information was lost. In this book, many details from that missing canon information are included with the reference ‘JKR’. Hopefully, all of that information will someday return as part of the Pottermore experience.
Information about characters:
Under each name, where applicable, is a list of the basic dates of that character’s life. For example, Hannah Abbot’s entry shows the following:
(b. circa 1980; Hufflepuff, 1991; Prefect 1995; Dumbledore’s Army)
This indicates that she was born in approximately 1980, that she entered Hogwarts and was sorted into Hufflepuff in 1991, that she became a Prefect in 1995, and that she was a member of Dumbledore’s Army.
Dates:
The dates of the Harry Potter stories and characters have been established both from clues in the books and from information from Ms. Rowling. According to this information, Harry was born in 1980 and started Hogwarts in 1991. These are the dates seen throughout this book. A number of characters’ birth year cannot be determined exactly because all we know is that they were in the same year as other characters. Students begin Hogwarts in the September when they’re eleven years old, which means that their birth years fall between two possible years.
The following abbreviations are used for dating events:
c. circa (approximately)
b. born
d. died
B.C. literally means ‘Before Christ’, used to indicate years before the arbitrary
year zero. While other more neutral forms are available, we use B.C. here because
that’s what Ms. Rowling uses in the books.
Introduction and Acknowledgements
Sources and Abbreviations used in this book
Abbott
Family name on a headstone in the graveyard in Godric’s Hollow, probably ancestors
of Hannah, since Wizarding families tended to live close together in certain villages
after the Statute of Secrecy went into effect in 1692 (DH16).
Abbott, Hannah
(b. circa 1980; Hufflepuff, 1991; Prefect 1995; Dumbledore’s Army)
A blonde girl who wears her hair in pigtails (PS7), Hannah is a close friend of Ernie
Macmillan (CS11, CS15), who shares her hobby of collecting chocolate frog cards (GF19).
Both Hannah and Ernie became prefects in August of 1995 (OP10) and joined Dumbledore’s
Army that October (OP16, DH36). Hannah’s mother was killed by Death Eaters (HBP11)
during her sixth year at Hogwarts and Hannah left school (See also OBT/CH).
Abbott, Mrs
(d. 1996)
Hannah’s mother. She was found dead in the fall of 1996, murdered by Death Eaters
(HBP11).
Abercrombie, Euan
(b.1984; Gryffindor, 1995)
A small boy with prominent ears; it’s implied that at the beginning of his first year
that he believed the Daily Prophet’s smear campaign (OP11).
Aberdeen
A city of about 100,000 people on the eastern coast of Scotland. During Harry’s first
trip on The Knight Bus, the bus moved to Aberdeen abruptly, spilling his hot chocolate
(PA3).
Abergavenny
A market town, located in south-eastern Wales on the English border, where the Knight
Bus dropped off Madam Marsh on 6 August 1993 (PA3).
‘abstinence’
After over-indulging during the Christmas holidays, the Fat Lady decided that ‘abstinence’
would be the new password to get into the Gryffindor common room (HBP17).
Abyssinia
Another name for Ethiopia, and presumably the home of the Abyssinian Shrivelfig (PA7).
The use of the ancient name for this place is similar to the use of other archaic
place names in the books, indicating that Wizards don’t always keep up with the latest
developments in Muggle politics.
Abyssinian shrivelfig
Second-year Herbology students work with these plants, learning to prune them (CS15).
When peeled, shrivelfigs are used as an ingredient in Shrinking Solution (PA7).
Acanthia Way
A street in Little Norton, and, at number eighteen, home of Doris Purkiss, a witch
with an interesting and improbable theory about the identity of Sirius Black (OP10).
Accidental Magic Reversal Squad
A team of wizards, including Obliviators, who step in when Muggles have been exposed
to magic or when magic goes wrong; the team members fix any damage, undo any magical
effects, and modify the memories of the witnesses so they don’t remember seeing anything
unusual (PA3). They deal with cases of Splinching (GF6). The Squad is headquartered
on Level Three of the Ministry of Magic, part of the Department of Magical Accidents
and Catastrophes (OP7).
In early editions of book three, the Squad was referred to as the Accidental Magic
Reversal Department (PA3). Ms. Rowling explained the organisation of the Ministry
of Magic for the first time in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which was published several years later. It seems likely that she hadn’t worked
out the details of the Ministry until that point, which resulted in a few continuity
errors in previous material.
Accio
(AK-ee-oh, AK-see-oh, or AH-see-oh)
‘Summoning Charm’
Causes an object to fly to the caster, even over quite some distance; the target object
is said to have been Summoned. The caster must know at least the general location
of the object Summoned. Harry first learned the Summoning Charm for the First Task
of the Triwizard Tournament (GF20). An object can be placed under counter-charms to
prevent it being summoned (DH10, DH26).
‘accio’ = L. ‘send for, summon’
The pronunciation of this spell has been debated by fans. The pronunciation from Scholastic’s
website is ‘A-see-oh’. This is the pronunciation used in the US audio version of the
books. In the UK version, the pronunciation is ‘AK-see-oh’. However, a correct classical
Latin pronunciation would be ‘AH-kee-oh’, since the letter ‘c’ was never pronounced
as an ‘s’ and double consonants were simply given more emphasis. A possible fourth
pronunciation is AH-chee-oh, although there was no ‘ch’ sound in classical Latin.
Accountant
Molly Weasley’s second cousin. His mundane profession embarrasses the rest of the
family; Ron says that they never talk about him (PS6).
Ms. Rowling discusses the accountant cousin on her website, referring to him as a
stockbroker who married a Muggle (implying that he himself was not a Muggle). In early
drafts of book four, this second cousin was very rude to the Weasleys and was the
father of a girl named Mafalda who was just as rude as her father. When he discovered
that his daughter was a witch, he sent her to live at the Burrow for the summer before
her first year at Hogwarts to ‘introduce her to Wizarding society’. This part of the
story was eventually dropped (JKR).
Achievements in Charming
Hogwarts textbook for fifth-years (OP31).
Acid Pops
Magical sweets, sold at Honeydukes, which will burn a hole in your tongue (PA10).
One of the passwords for admittance to Dumbledore’s office (HBP10).
Ackerley, Stewart
(Ravenclaw, 1994)
Hogwarts student (GF12).
Ackerly Town Hall
This town hall was damaged in a performance of the infamous ‘Wizarding Suite’ (FW).
aconite
Extremely poisonous plant (hence its other name of wolfsbane). It is also called monkshood
because the shape of the flowers somewhat resembles a monk’s cowl (PS8).
Acorn, the
A tea leaf fortunetelling symbol, from Unfogging the Future pages 5 and 6, which signifies ‘windfall, unexpected gold’ (PA6).
In tasseography (tea leaf reading), the ‘acorn’ indicates good fortune, happiness,
and contentment.
Acromantula
A gigantic black spider, capable of human speech. While a student at Hogwarts, Hagrid
raised an Acromantula named Aragog in the castle which he eventually released into
the Forest (CS15). An Acromantula was used in the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament
(GF31, OP16). (See also DH32).
‘acro’ = L. ‘highest point, peak’ + ‘mantula’ suggesting ‘tarantula’ , the name for
a species of large hairy spider; the name might be loosely interpreted as meaning
‘the very largest hairy spider’, which certainly fits.
Acromantula (Rune)
A rune for the number 8, according to the book Ancient Runes Made Easy. A reference to the eight eyes of the giant spiders (JKR).
Acromantula venom
Highly useful potions ingredient. It is almost impossible to collect from a living
Acromantula, for obvious reasons. When the beast dies, its venom dries out very quickly.
As a result, the venom is very rare and may fetch as much as one hundred Galleons
a pint (HBP22).
action figures
At the Quidditch World Cup, Ron bought a small model of Viktor Krum, the famous Bulgarian
Seeker (GF7, GF9, GF24). Xenophilius Lovegood has moving models of bizarre creatures
hanging from his ceiling (DH20).
Advanced Potion-Making
by Libatius Borage
The N.E.W.T.-level textbook for Potions during Harry’s sixth year (HBP9), which cost
nine Galleons brand new (HBP11). The book was written around the year 1946 (HBP16).
The book contains instructions for making the Draught of Living Death starting at
page 10 (HBP9).
Advanced Rune Translation
Hermione was reading a copy of this after her pre-sixth-year trip to Diagon Alley;
presumably it is one of the N.E.W.T.-level Ancient Runes textbooks (HBP7).
‘Adventures of Martin Miggs, the Mad Muggle, The’
A comic book Ron has in his bedroom at the Burrow the first time Harry visits (CS3).
Aeaea
In ancient Greece, the legendary island of Aeaea was the home of the famous sorceress
Circe (FW).
A number of possible locations have been suggested for this legendary island but none
are conclusive. The story of Circe and Odysseus is found in Homer’s Odyssey.
Aesalon, Falco
An ancient Greek Animagus; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
A subspecies of the European Merlin falcon bears the Latin name Falco aesalon.
Ageing Potion
Causes the person drinking it to grow older. The more Ageing Potion one drinks, the
more one ages. Fred Weasley, George Weasley, and Lee Jordan took a few drops of Ageing
Potion in an attempt make it seem that they were a few months older. It didn’t work
(GF16).
Age Line
A thin golden line drawn on the floor which jinxes anyone who crosses it if they are
too young. Albus Dumbledore used an Age Line to protect the Goblet of Fire (GF16).
Agnes
Patient in the Janus Thickey ward for permanent spell damage at St Mungo’s Hospital.
Agnes’ entire head was covered with fur and she barked instead of speaking (OP23).
Agrippa, Cornelius
(1486–1535)
The full name of this wizard was Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Agrippa
appears on a Chocolate Frog trading card (FW, PS6). ‘Agrippa’ is one of the Chocolate
Frog cards that Ron is missing from his collection (PS6).
Cornelius Agrippa wrote about magic in his book De Occulta Philosophia (1531). He believed that the study of magic was the best way to learn more about
God. His writings were controversial during his lifetime. After his death, rumours
and legends sprang up about him, including tales of him summoning demons and having
a large black dog for a familiar.
Aguamenti
(AH-gwa-MEN-tee)
Charm that conjures a fountain or jet of water from the caster’s wand. This spell
can be used for putting out fires (HBP11, HBP17, HBP26, HBP28, DH12, 31).
‘agua’ = Sp. ‘water’ (from Latin ‘aqua’) + ‘menti’ = L. ‘mind’
Albania
A small European country along the Adriatic Sea with ties to Helena Ravenclaw, the
daughter of one of the Founders of Hogwarts (DH31). Voldemort fled to Albania when
he lost his body in 1981 (GF33).
Albania during the 1980s was a closed state. Only small numbers of tourists were allowed
into the country and these were followed by secret police. When Ms. Rowling was writing
the books in the 1990s, she chose this mysterious, hidden country as a good place
for Voldemort to hide away from the outside world.
Alderton
Alleged Muggle-born accused of ‘stealing magic’ by the Muggle-born Registration Commission.
Claimed to be the son of Arkie Alderton, a wizard (DH13).
Alderton, Archibald
(1568–1623)
Accident-prone wizard baker; for more information see Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Alderton, Arkie
Well-known broomstick designer (DH13). Probably the current proprietor (or his namesake)
of ‘Arkie Alderton’s Kwik-Repair Shop’ for magical brooms (BLC).
Algie, Great Uncle
Neville Longbottom’s relative and a rather odd fellow, from the sound of it. Algie
tried to trick Neville into showing some magical ability as a child, even at the risk
of subjecting him to danger. Algie bought Trevor the Toad (PS7) and a Mimbulus mimbletonia (OP10) for Neville.
Alguff the Awful
Goblin with a body-odour problem; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards
(FW).
Alihotsy
Magical plant (JKR).
The word ‘alihotsy’ is used in sikidy, a form of geomancy, for one of the sixteen
geometric figures used for divination; it is also known as Aquisitio and means ‘gain’.
Ms. Rowling said that it also means ‘lightness of spirit’ (SDNY).
All-England Best-Kept Suburban Lawn Competition
A fictional competition used by the Order of the Phoenix to trick the Dursleys into
leaving the house one evening (OP3).
All-England Wizarding Duelling Competition
Won in 1430 by Alberta Toothill; for more information, see the Famous Wizards cards
(FW).
alley behind the Leaky Cauldron
Nondescript alley behind the Leaky Cauldron pub, with brick walls and a few trash
bins. This unlikely place is one of the primary gateways between the Muggle and the
Wizarding worlds. Tapping the right combination of bricks in the wall opens a magical
portal into Diagon Alley (PS5).
alley between Wisteria Walk and Magnolia Crescent
Located in Little Whinging a block or two from Privet Drive, this alley has been the
scene of two of the biggest incursions into Harry’s Muggle existence by elements of
the Wizarding world: an errant Knight Bus in 1993 (PA3) and of several Dementors in
1995 (OP1).
Alohomora
(AL-o-ho-MOR-ah)
Charm that causes a locked door to open (PS9). Some doors are charmed in a way that
makes them impervious to this spell (OP34).
The term ‘Alohomora’ comes from sikidy, a form of divination from the Malagasy people
of Madagascar. It is the name of a magical symbol which means ‘favourable to thieves’
(SDNY).
Altheda
A character from the story ‘The Fountain of Fair Fortune’ from The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Altheda travels to the fabled fountain for a cure for her feelings of helplessness
and finds much more along the way (TBB).
The name is possibly derived from ‘Althos’, Greek for ‘healing’, and related to the
female names Althea/Althaea.
Amata
A character from the story ‘The Fountain of Fair Fortune’ from The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Amata seeks a cure from the fountain for grief and longing. Along the way she meets
two other witches, Asha and Altheda, and rescues a Muggle knight named Sir Luckless
(TBB).
‘Amata’ = Italian ‘beloved’
Amortentia
(a-mor-TEN-tee-ah)
The most powerful love potion in the world (HBP9), recognisable by its shininess and
by the patterns in the steam rising over the cauldron. The potion smells differently
to different people according to what attracts them (HBP9).
‘amor’ = L. ‘love’ + ‘tempto’ = L. ‘to try to influence or tempt’
amulets
Any of a variety of objects which are thought to bring good luck. Lockhart claimed
to have dealt with a case of Transmogrifian Torture in Ouagadougou by giving the townsfolk
protective amulets (CS9). In 1992, when danger lurked the halls of Hogwarts, a booming
trade in magical remedies and defences was carried on in secret, including protective
amulets (CS11).
Anapneo
(ah-NAHP-nay-oh)
Spell that clears the target’s airway if blocked. Can be used when someone is choking
(HBP7).
‘anapneo’ = Gr. ‘breathe’
ancient magic
A form of magic is not cast by wizards with wands but which is part of the ‘magical-ness’
of the universe. The ancient magic is integrally connected to the concepts of love
and of death. This magic cannot be altered or blocked by the actions of wizards. Rather,
it must be taken into account and accepted as part of the way the world functions.
In some cases, this magic can be invoked, but usually it simply exists when certain
conditions are present, particularly as the intentions and attitudes of wizards. See also WANDLORE.
These two ancient magic concepts of love and death are integral to the plot of the
Harry Potter books. Firstly, complete self-sacrificial love gives magical protection,
as we see particularly in the protection that Lily gave Harry (esp. GF33). Secondly,
saving another person’s life creates a life debt. Snape owed James a life debt because
James warned him away from a potentially deadly encounter (PS17) The reactions of
characters to these two magical realities drive the entire plot (esp. DH33).
Ancient Runes
Magical symbols and hieroglyphs used for writing some old texts (DH7) and for other
magical writing. Students at Hogwarts can take an elective class in Ancient Runes
which is taught by Bathsheba Babbling (JKR). The textbooks for this class include
various rune dictionaries, Ancient Runes Made Easy (CS14, JKR), Magical Hieroglyphs and Logograms, and Spellman’s Syllabary (OP26). Rune symbols are carved around the edge of Dumbledore’s Pensieve (GF30).
The known runes are Demiguise (zero), Unicorn (one), Graphorn (two), Runespoor (three),
Fwooper (four), Quintaped (five), Salamander (six), Acromantula (eight), Hydra (nine)
(JKR), as well as Ehwaz (partnership), and Eihwaz (defence) (OP31).
Runes are a carved alphabet used to write the Germanic languages of Northern Europe,
beginning in the 2nd century. According to Scandinavian legend, the runes were given
by the gods. Because they were carved in wood or stone, runes consisted only of straight
lines. In the Harry Potter universe, runes apparently are not connected to actual
runic alphabets. The fact that they are named after magical creatures suggest that
Ms. Rowling intends her ‘runes’ to be magical symbols from the Wizarding tradition,
not derived from the ancient Muggle alphabets.
Ancient Runes Made Easy
Hermione began reading this during her second year, not long after signing up to take
Ancient Runes the following year (CS14). One page of this book shows a collection
of magical creature-related runes that stand for the numbers zero through nine. Interestingly,
the symbol for the number seven is not identified because it has yet to be discovered
(JKR).
Andorra
Located in the mountains between Spain and France, tiny Andorra is one of the smallest
countries in the world. However, it has a Ministry of Magic (GF28) and participates
in international affairs.
Ms. Rowling seems to enjoy giving prominence to places that in our world are quite
small and insignificant on the world stage. She mentioned Lichtenstein, for example,
as one of the top Quidditch contenders. In the UK, she places Quidditch teams in small
towns like Tutshill and ignores the large cities entirely. This reinforces the idea
that Wizarding society is separated from the Muggle world.
Andros the Invincible
A wizard from ancient Greece famous for the size of his Patronus; for more information,
see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
‘andro-’ = Gr. ‘man’
Anglesey
An island off the west coast of Wales, almost due east across the Irish Sea from Dublin.
Anglesey is one of the places the Knight Bus visited the first time Harry rode it
(PA3).
Animagi / Animagus
(an-i-MAH-jus, an-i-MAY-jus).
plural: Animagi
A wizard who can Transfigure into an animal while retaining the ability to think as
a human. Complex and difficult magic is required for this transformation. The magic
is performed without a wand (e.g. PA19) or incantation. An Animagus’ appearance as
an animal reflects his or her physical condition in human shape. For example, one
character’s rat Animagus form lacked a toe on one of his front paws because he had
lost a finger (PA19). Another character’s cat form has square markings around its
eyes like her spectacles (PS1). The Improper Use of Magic Office maintains a register
of all known Animagi (PA19).
‘animal’ = L. ‘animal’ + ‘magus’ = Persian ‘magic user, wise man’
Animagi registry
A record kept in the Improper Use of Magic Office of all known Animagi. It is a matter
of public record; Hermione Granger at age thirteen could consult it for the information
therein, including the names of registered persons (PA19). For each known Animagus
the Ministry records the kind of animal and distinguishing markings (GF26). Penalties
for failing to register are rather severe (GF37). There are only six names on the
list from the 1900s (PA19).
Annual Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw
A prize was won in the summer of 1993 by Arthur Weasley. He took the family on a month-long
trip to Egypt with most of the winnings. The prize amount was 700 Galleons, which
is the equivalent of £3500 (PA1).
This chance windfall which sent the Weasleys on a holiday in Egypt is one of the key
events in the books, believe it or not. If Arthur hadn’t won this money, the Weasleys
wouldn’t have had their picture printed in the Prophet, and the picture would never
have been seen by Sirius, inducing him to escape. This was the catalyst for the rest
of the events of the books.
Annual International Wizarding Gardening Competition
Includes many interesting divisions, including the Contorting Cereals competition
(DP1).
antechamber
A small chamber adjacent to a larger room. There is an antechamber connected to the
Great Hall, through a door behind the high table, with a fireplace and many portraits
(including that of the Fat Lady’s friend Violet) (GF17, 31).
Anthology of Eighteenth Century Charms, An
One of the books that Harry, Ron, and Hermione examined while preparing for the Second
Task of the Triwizard Tournament (GF26).
Anti-Burglar Buzzer
This magical device or charm buzzes when anyone tries to steal the item it’s attached
to (GF8).
Anti-Cheating spell
Cast on quills at Hogwarts before exams (PS16).
Anti-Disapparition Jinx
Prevents someone from Apparating. Most wizarding dwellings are magically protected
against unwanted Apparators, according to Albus Dumbledore, who confirmed that ‘you
can’t Apparate anywhere inside the buildings or grounds’ of Hogwarts (HBP4). However,
the Headmaster or Headmistress can temporarily lift the restriction from a specific
area of the school for short periods, so that someone already within that area can
Apparate to another place within the same area, although they cannot leave the area
entirely (HBP18).
antidotes
A substance which counteracts the effects of a poison. There are antidotes for many
poisons and for the effects of potions in the Wizarding world. Perhaps the most effective
is a bezoar, which will act as an antidote to most poisons (PS8, HBP18, HBP19). Mandrakes
are an ingredient in most antidotes (CS6).
anti-gravity mist
An innocent-looking magical mist which hovers above the ground. A person stepping
into this mist immediately finds that up and down have reversed and they are hanging
from the ground over the endless sky (GF31).
anti-jinx
Any of a variety of spells which are cast to reverse or block the effects of a jinx
(PA12, OP9, HBP5).
antler jinx
Causes the victim to sprout antlers. Students at Hogwarts have been known to hit each
other with this jinx on occasion (OP30).
Aparecium
(a-par-EE-see-um)
Makes invisible ink become visible. Hermione tried this on the mysterious diary, but
it had no effect (CS13).
‘appareo’ = L. ‘to appear’
apothecary
A shop selling potion ingredients in Diagon Alley (PS5).
An apothecary is a person or a shop that sells herbs, drugs, and other medical items;
it is the historical version of the modern day chemist or pharmacy. On the film set,
the name of this shop is Slug & Jiggers.
Apparition
(A-pa-RI-shun)
Spell used to disappear from one place and appear almost instantly somewhere else.
The sensation is like being squeezed (HBP4). Apparition is difficult magic; some wizards
choose to stick with using brooms. Performed incorrectly, Apparition can result in
the caster being ‘splinched’: leaving part of one’s body behind (GF5, DH14, DH19).
Apparition becomes more difficult as distance increases; even Voldemort didn’t try
intercontinental Apparition (DH23). Apparating directly into someone’s house is considered
rude (HBP4). It’s impossible to track anyone who Apparates. If, however, a person
grabs hold of a wizard as they Apparate, that person is taken along by Side-Along
Apparition (DH11).
from ‘appareo’ = L. ‘to appear’
Apparition, Side-Along
A form of Apparition in which the Apparator touches someone else, such as a child
too young to Apparate, and Apparates with that person as a ‘passenger’ (HBP3, HBP4,
HBP25, DH3, DH11).
Apparition Test Centre
This test centre itself is located on level six of the Ministry of Magic, part of
the Department of Magical Transportation (OP7). To legally Apparate, a witch or wizard
must be of age and must successfully pass a test to acquire a license. To pass the
test, the candidate must successfully Apparate to a specified destination without
splinching himself or herself (GF6, HBP22). The Ministry of Magic offers a twelve-week
series of lessons from a Ministry of Magic Apparition instructor, given at Hogwarts.
The cost for these lessons in Harry’s sixth year was twelve Galleons (HBP17).
Appeal Against House-Elf Slavery
This campaign was unfortunately defeated in 1973 (JKR).
Appleby Arrows
Quidditch team from the small town of Appleby in northeast England, southeast of York
(DP1-4).
Appraisal of Magical Education in Europe, An
This book discusses, among other things, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic (GF9, GF11).
Aquavirius Maggot
A creature, probably fanciful, which Luna Lovegood thought she spotted in the Department
of Mysteries (OP34).
‘aqua’ = L. ‘water’ + possibly ‘virus’ = L. ‘slime, poison’; a maggot is a fly larva
which eats decomposing flesh
Aragog
(c. 1942–1997)
A male Acromantula, acquired as an egg c.1942 by Hagrid from a traveller. Hagrid hid
Aragog in a cupboard in the castle and reared him on table scraps until circumstances
forced him to release the creature into the Forest (CS15). Aragog died of old age
in the spring of 1997 (HBP22).
‘ara’ from ‘aranea’ = L. ‘spider’ + ‘gog’ from ‘Gog’ = a legendary giant who appears
along with Magog, his fellow giant, in the Bible and in folklore from many cultures.
Archie
Old wizard who, when forced to dress as a Muggle, favoured flowered nightgowns. Archie
refused to wear trousers at the World Cup campground, saying that he liked ‘a healthy
breeze around his privates’ (GF7).
Arcus
One of two wizards in historical accounts thought to have taken the Elder Wand from
Loxias (DH21).
Argyllshire
A county in western Scotland. A map of Argyllshire hangs on the second floor of Hogwarts.
This map is where the Fat Lady hid after being attacked by an intruder (PA9).
Arithmancy
A branch of magic that is concerned with the magical properties of numbers; someone
who practices Arithmancy is called an Arithmancer. There have been famous Arithmancers
in history who have added to magical knowledge. For example, in the 1200s, Bridget
Wenlock, a famous Arithmancer, discovered the magical properties of the number seven
(FW). An O.W.L. in Arithmancy is required to apply for a curse-breaker’s job at Gringotts’
(OP29). Arithmancy at Hogwarts is taught by Professor Vector. In her class, students
are expected to write essays and to be able to understand complicated number charts,
which are part of their homework (PA12). Arithmancy is Hermione’s favourite subject
(PA12, PA16).
Ms. Rowling described Arithmancy as ‘predicting the future using numbers’, and added,
‘I’ve decided there’s a bit of numerology in there as well...’ (RAH). It’s surprising,
then, that Hermione would be so keen on this subject. She is typically disdainful
of Divination techniques. Despite what Ms. Rowling said in that interview, it seems
unlikely that Arithmancy as taught at Hogwarts is as much about telling the future
as it is about understanding the inherent magical nature of things. After all, numbers
do have magical effects and symbolism, as we see for example in Voldemort’s obsession
with splitting his soul into seven parts.
Arkie Alderton’s Kwik-Repair Shop
This shop is the place to go for a wizard whose racing broom ‘has a terrible knack
of veering left’ (BLC).
Armando Dippet: Master or Moron?
by Rita Skeeter
A bestselling biography written about one of the headmasters of Hogwarts (DH13).
armour
Hogwarts contains many enchanted suits of armour, some of which stand on plinths around
the castle (PA12) while others are in an armour gallery (PS9). They move on their
own, muttering and creaking and watching as people pass by (e.g. CS5, GF15). At Christmas
time, lights (everlasting candles, evidently) shine from inside every suit of armour
in the castle (PA11, HBP15). During some years they are bewitched to sing Christmas
carols as well (GF22). The armour in the castle was summoned to fight against the
Death Eaters in the Battle of Hogwarts (DH30).
armour-bewitching charm
Bewitches a suit of armour to sing Christmas carols. This charm was used as part of
the Christmas decorations in 1994 (GF22).
armour gallery
Room filled with armour adjacent to the trophy room on the third floor of Hogwarts
(PS9).
armour, goblin-made
Some armour in the Wizarding world is made by goblins, and is quite valuable. (e.g.
HBP20) According to Phineas Nigellus, goblin-made armour, including swords, can absorb
powerful substances such as Basilisk venom and become stronger (DH15).
Arnold
A purple Pigmy Puff which Ginny Weasley purchased from her brothers’ shop in Diagon
Alley. She named him Arnold and took him along with her to Hogwarts in a cage (HBP6,
HBP7, HBP11, HBP14).
ash
A magical wood used for both brooms and wands (JKR).
Ash wood, in tree lore, signifies ‘strength of purpose’. The great tree at the centre
of world in Norse mythology was vast ash tree called Yggdrasil.
Asha
A character from the story ‘The Fountain of Fair Fortune’ from The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Asha is a witch with a painful, incurable malady who seeks wellness at the fountain
(TBB).
Asha means ‘wish, desire, hope’ in Hindi, and ‘life’ in Swahili.
Asiatic Anti-Venoms
Harry consulted this book while doing some fifth-year Potions homework (OP16).
asphodel
Powdered root of asphodel is used in the Draught of Living Death (PS8).
In Greek mythology, the asphodel plant was thought to be the favourite food of the
dead. Ancient Greeks often planted asphodel around graveyards.
Assyria
Assyria was where his great uncle Algie got Neville’s Mimbulus mimbletonia (OP10).
Assyria is an ancient name for an empire which no longer exists, mainly including
modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, another example of the Wizarding world being
a bit out of touch with current Muggle events.
astrology
The study of the movements of the stars and planets and their influence on people’s
lives. Astrology requires a careful study of star charts relating to the date of a
person’s birth. The students in Trelawney’s Divination classes have to create complicated
charts and determine which planets were where and how that all affects their lives.
Trelawney, it transpired, was not particularly adept at interpreting this form of
divination (GF13).
astronomical models
Miniature versions of stars and planets, useful for studying astronomy. A model of
the galaxy in a glass ball and globes of the moon were for sale in Diagon Alley (PA4).
Trelawney used a miniature model of the solar system to teach Divination (GF29). Hepzibah
Smith had celestial globes in her collection (HBP20). A huge room-sized model of the
solar system is to be found in the Department of Mysteries (OP35).
Astronomy
A class, taught by Professor Sinistra, which meets at midnight at the top of the Astronomy
Tower (esp. PS8, OP14, 31).
In the Harry Potter universe, the moon, stars, and planets directly influence the
effects and strength of magic spells and potions. The class in Astronomy is not primarily
a class of memorising facts about the heavens, but of learning about one of the underlying
foundations of magical theory. Therefore, it’s curious that they would have to learn
about things like the surface features of the moons of Jupiter (OP14).
Astronomy Tower
The tallest tower of Hogwarts. It is here that the students study Astronomy at midnight
and where they took their Astronomy O.W.L. (OP31). The top of this tower is more or
less directly above the front entrance of the castle (OP31). A steep spiral staircase
leads to the top of the tower (PS14, OP31). The Battle of the Tower was fought in,
atop, and at the base of this tower (HBP27).
Atmospheric Charm
A spell which creates the weather effects seen in the magical windows of Ministry
of Magic headquarters in London, and probably the spell which had gone wrong making
it rain in people’s offices (OP7).
Atrium
A large entrance hall on level 8 of Ministry of Magic headquarters, lined with Floo
Network fireplaces. At one point, the Fountain of Magical Brethren stood in the Atrium.
Later, that fountain was replaced by a vast black sculpture of a witch and wizard
sitting on thrones made of hundreds of naked Muggles, with the words MAGIC IS MIGHT
on the base. At the end of the Atrium are golden gates beyond which are the lifts
(OP7, DH12).
Aubrey, Bertram
(Hogwarts, 1970s)
Hogwarts student, a contemporary of the Marauders. James Potter and Sirius Black once
received detention for hexing Aubrey (HBP24).
Augurey
A small magical bird (JKR).
‘augury’ = Eng. ‘generally, the art of divination, but specifically, the art of the
augur (one who interprets omens based on the behaviour of birds)’
Auror Headquarters
Auror Headquarters is located on Level Two of the Ministry of Magic. It consists of
a series of open cubicles, each Auror being assigned a space to work. The cubicles
are decorated with pictures of known Dark wizards, maps, clippings from the Daily Prophet, and other odds and ends (OP7).
Aurors
An elite group of witches and wizards who battle the Dark Arts, in some ways as soldiers
but more often as intelligence agents. Aurors hunt down Dark wizards and defeat them,
often in fierce wizard duels. The Aurors were responsible for bringing to justice
many of the Dark wizards who supported Voldemort during the 1970s. They also battled
the giants, killing many and driving the rest from Britain. (See also BLC).
‘aurora’ = L. ‘dawn’
The name suggests the coming of light to defeat the darkness of evil. However, the
Aurors are under the direct control of the Ministry and as such carry out the will
of the government. In some cases, this has led the Aurors to behave almost as badly
as the Dark Wizards they fight. For example, under the leadership of Bartemius Crouch
senior in the 1970s, the Aurors were given sweeping powers, allowing them to bypass
the normal channels of justice. Sirius Black was imprisoned during this time without
a trial because of these policies (GF27). Under Fudge and then under the Death Eaters,
the Aurors became enforcers of a corrupt regime. However, after the Second Wizarding
War, reforms of the Aurors were undertaken by the new Minister for Magic, so there
is hope (JKR).
Auror training
Training to be an Auror takes three years after leaving Hogwarts; the Aurors ask for
a minimum of five N.E.W.T.s, with nothing less than an ‘Exceeds Expectations’ grade.
Apart from Defence Against the Dark Arts, the recommended N.E.W.T.s include Charms,
Potions (particularly the study of poisons and antidotes), and Transfiguration (OP29).
Candidates with the required academic qualifications must then pass a criminal background
check and must pass ‘a stringent series of character and aptitude tests’ to assess
skill in practical defence, perseverance, dedication, and the ability to react well
to stress (OP29).
Australia
Australia is both the smallest continent and its own country, located on a large island
entirely in the southern hemisphere. One character sent her parents to Australia to
protect them from Death Eaters (DH6).
Auto-Answer Quill
These magical quills are banned during O.W.L.s (OP31).
Avada Kedavra
(uh-VAH-duh kuh-DAH-vruh)
‘Killing Curse’
Causes instant death in a flash of green light. One of the Unforgivable Curses (GF14),
said to be unblockable and with no counter-curse. This spell produces a jet (OP36)
or flash (GF14) of green light, and a sound as though some huge invisible thing is
rushing at the target (GF1, GF14). Harry is the only known person to survive the Killing
Curse. (esp. PS1, GF14, also GF34, DH17, 34).
‘adhadda kedhabhra’ = Aramaic ‘let the thing be destroyed’
A number of alternate etymologies have been discussed for this spell. Abracadabra
is a cabbalistic charm in Judaic mythology that is supposed to bring healing powers.
One of its sources is believed to be from Aramaic avada kedavra, another is the Phoenician alphabet which begins with the sequence of letters a-bra-ca-dabra.
The Avada Kedavra spell, or Killing Curse, was used indiscriminately by Voldemort. However, his use
of the spell repeatedly against Harry always failed. Harry proved that he was capable
of using these terrible weapons as well, casting both the Imperius and Cruciatus Curses at various times. However, he chose not to use this spell of ultimate evil
against Voldemort.
Avalon
An island in the British Isles ruled by Morgan le Fey, a famous witch and contemporary
of King Arthur and Merlin (FW).
Avalon is a legendary island somewhere off the coast of England which figures in Arthurian
legend. It is the place where the sword Excalibur was forged and, by some accounts,
where King Arthur was buried.
Avery
(b. late 1920s)
A friend and follower of Tom Riddle while at Hogwarts (HBP17), Avery became one of
the first group of Death Eaters in the mid-1950s (HBP20). He is possibly the father
of the Avery who attended Hogwarts with Severus Snape in the 1970s.
Avery
(b. circa 1960; Slytherin c. 1971)
Attended Hogwarts with Severus Snape (GF27). A Death Eater who protested his innocence
after Voldemort disappeared in 1980 by saying he acted under the Imperius Curse (GF27); he was later punished by Voldemort with the Cruciatus Curse (GF33). Possibly the son of the Avery that attended Hogwarts with Tom Riddle.
Avis
(AH-vis)
A spell which conjures a flock of small, twittering birds (GF18).
‘avis’ = L. ‘bird’
Award for Special Services to the School
Gold shield once awarded to Tom Riddle for his actions when the school was in danger.
His award is kept in the trophy room at Hogwarts (CS13). Harry and Ron also received
Special Awards for Service to the School in their second year (CS18).
Axminster
A type of carpet. The Crouch family used to have a flying Axminster that seated twelve
– before flying carpets were banned, of course (GF6).
Azkaban Fortress
Wizarding prison, located on a small island far out in the icy waters of the North
Sea (PA3, Sch1). Azkaban is a terrible place. Prisoners for years were guarded by
Dementors, horrible creatures who have been described as ‘sightless soul-sucking fiends’
(GF2, GF27). (See also OP25, HBP1, DH5, BLC).
The name ‘Azkaban’ evokes the name of Alcatraz, an infamous prison on an island in
the middle of San Francisco Bay in California. Alcatraz had the reputation for being
one of the toughest prisons in the United States, and the worst criminals served their
time there. Its location on an island surrounded by icy, treacherous currents gave
it the reputation for being escape-proof. For a period of a few years, Alcatraz even
had a strict policy of silence. There are stories of prisoners driven mad by this
terrible enforced silence.
Babayaga
Russian hag; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Baba Yaga is a well-known character in Slavic folk tales, typically depicted as vicious
and bloodthirsty. Baba Yaga lives in a house which stands on chicken legs. She flies
through the air in a gigantic mortar, using the pestle to steer and a broom to sweep
away her tracks. ‘Baba’ means ‘grandmother’ in Russian and other Slavic languages;
‘Yaga’ is shortened from the name ‘Jadwiga’.
Babbitty Rabbitty
A witch in the Wizarding fairy tale ‘Babbitty Rabbitty and the Cackling Stump’ from
The Tales of Beedle the Bard. In this fable, Babbitty Rabbitty outwits a greedy king and his ‘charlatan’ sorcerer
who try to round up wizards and witches so they can have all the magic to themselves
(TBB).
This name (and story title) may be a tongue-in-cheek reference to the books Ms. Rowling
wrote when she was five or six years old: ‘The first finished book I did was a book
called ‘Rabbit,’ um, about a Rabbit called Rabbit, thereby revealing the imaginative
approach to names that has stood me in such good stead ever since’ (HPM).
‘Babbity Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump’
A Wizarding fairy tale from the book The Tales of Beedle the Bard. The story tells of a witch who uses magic to get the better of a foolish Muggle
king (DH7, TBB).
Babbling, Bathsheda
Hogwarts Professor for the Study of Ancient Runes (JKR).
‘babble’ = Eng. ‘gibber, talk nonsense’
The name of this teacher comes from an early planning draft for Prisoner of Azkaban, included on Ms. Rowling’s website. The first name is unclear on the handwritten
manuscript and may be ‘Bathsheba’.
Babbling Beverage
Potion which causes the target person to talk nonsense (OP32).
Babbling Curse
Exact effect not mentioned, but one can assume it causes the victim to babble (CS10).
Backfiring Jinx
The Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and
Protective Objects investigated the use of this illegal spell (HBP5).
Baddock, Malcolm
(Slytherin, 1994)
Hogwarts student (GF12).
badger
The badger is the animal symbol for Hufflepuff house at Hogwarts (PS3, GF15).
Bagman, Ludovic ‘Ludo’
Famous Beater for the Wimbourne Wasps c. 1980 who was accused of passing information
to the Death Eaters (GF30). Ludo joined the Department of Magical Games and Sports
(c. 1993) and became its head until resigning in late June 1995 due to his own irresponsibility
and foolishness (GF37). Ludo was always more interested in the fun of sport than in
taking his position with the Ministry seriously.
‘ludo’ = L. ‘play’
‘bagman’ = Eng. slang: while in the U.S. this carries the sense of someone who collects
money for a scam, in the U.K. it carries the meaning ‘traveling salesman’.
Bagman, Otto
Got into trouble with the Muggle Artefacts Office because of an ‘unusual’ lawnmower,
but Arthur Weasley straightened things out for him. Out of gratitude, Otto’s brother
Ludo arranged the Weasleys’ tickets to the Quidditch World Cup (GF5).
So this was essentially a bribe. It would seem that Arthur Weasley isn’t above a little
shady dealing, at least when it comes to Quidditch. This shouldn’t surprise us, considering
the fact that he intentionally left a loophole in a law he wrote to allow himself
to turn a Muggle car into a magical vehicle that could fly (CS3).
Bagman (Sr.)
Father of Ludo and Otto, friend of the Death Eater, Augustus Rookwood (GF30).
Bagnold, Millicent
Minister of Magic before Fudge, from 1980–1990 (OP5, JKR).
Bagshot, Bathilda
(b. mid-1800s – d. 1997)
Author of the famous book A History of Magic. Bagshot lived in Godric’s Hollow and was a neighbour of the Dumbledore family. Her
great-nephew was Gellert Gindelwald, who became friends with Albus Dumbledore on a
visit to Bathilda’s home in the summer of 1899 (DH 18, 32, 35).
‘Bagshot’ is the name of a town in Surrey, to the west of London and in the general
area where Little Whinging would be located.
Bagshot House
Now filled with the ‘odour of old age, of dust, of unwashed clothes and stale food’,
this house was home to Bathilda Bagshot for many years. The house is located in Godric’s
Hollow, in between the town square and the Potter cottage (DH17). It was here that
Grindelwald stayed when he came to Godric’s Hollow as a teen, when he befriended Albus
Dumbledore (DH18, DH35). Harry and Hermione visited this house too in December 1997.
‘balderdash’
Password to get into the Gryffindor common room (GF12, 14).
‘balderdash’ = Eng. ‘nonsense’
balloons
Balloons can be enchanted to produce magical effects when they burst (DH8) – or not
to burst at all (PS12).
Ballycastle Bats
Quidditch team from Ballycastle, a town on the north coast of Northern Ireland. The
captain of the team is Finbar Quigley (DP1).
‘banana fritters’
Password to get into Gryffindor Tower (GF25).
Ban on Experimental Breeding
An important law which prevents wizards from creating new and dangerous creatures.
In spite of this Ban, Hagrid bred a new species he called the Blast-Ended Skrewt in
1994 (GF24).
Ban on Importing Flying Carpets
Because the carpet is classified as a Muggle artefact, the Ministry has in place a
Ban on Importing Flying Carpets. This law falls under Arthur Weasley’s jurisdiction
in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office (GF7).
Bandon Banshee, the
A Dark creature supposedly defeated by Gilderoy Lockhart (CS6), but which actually
was defeated by a witch with a hairy chin (CS16). Bandon is a small market town located
in southern Ireland, roughly ten miles from the Celtic Sea.
The original text read ‘witch with a harelip’, but this was changed to ‘hairy chin’
in later editions.
Bane
A black-haired, unfriendly Centaur who dislikes and mistrusts humans (OP33). In spite
of his attitude, and although he preferred not to get involved, Bane eventually took
sides and fought against the Death Eaters (DH36).
‘bane’ = Eng. ‘something which causes misery or death’
Centaurs in mythology were always male and had a reputation for carrying of human
women for mating. Ms. Rowling doesn’t specify what happens to Umbridge when she’s
carried off by Bane, which is probably a good thing; the implications aren’t pleasant
to contemplate.
Banishing Charm
reverse of Summoning Charm
Depulso (PA/g)
Sends an object away from the caster; the target object is said to have been Banished
(GF26).
banshee
A Dark creature with the appearance of a woman with a frightening face and black hair
so long it touches the floor. Its screams will kill (PA7, CS6, DP4).
Banshees are female spirits from Irish mythology -- and not surprisingly, Seamus Finnigan,
who is Irish, is particularly afraid of them (PA7). Their wailing cries are said to
fortell death. The Irish banshee is not particularly hideous, but because it is described
as combing its long hair, superstition suggests that it’s bad luck to pick up a comb
found lying on the ground because it could be a left there by a banshee as a lure
to trap the unwary.
Barbary, Heathcote
(b. 1974)
One of The Weird Sisters; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Barkwith, Musidora
(1520–1666)
Wizard composer; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
‘Musidora’ from ‘music’; ‘Barkwith’ = might be connected to the idea that dogs bark
when they hear music being played or sung poorly, so the name suggests that this composer’s
music is ‘bark-worthy’.
Barnabas the Barmy
A tapestry of this wizard, depicting his ill-advised attempt to train trolls how to
dance, hangs on the seventh floor of Hogwarts Castle, opposite the entrance to the
Room of Requirement (OP18, HBP20).
‘barmy’ = Brit. slang ‘crazy’
Barnabus Finkley Prize for Exceptional Spell-Casting
Albus Dumbledore won this prize during his years at Hogwarts (DH18).
Barnsley
Barnsley is a town in South Yorkshire. The Five Feathers in Barnsley is home to Bungy
the waterskiing budgerigar, about whom Harry heard a news story while listening to
the Muggle news (OP1).
Baruffio
Wizard who mispronounced a charm and suffered for it (PS10).
Baruffio’s Brain Elixir
During the weeks before O.W.L.s, older students tried to make money selling aids to
concentration and memory to gullible fifth-years, such as Baruffio’s Brain Elixir
(OP31).
We don’t know much about the enigmatic figure of the wizard Baruffio, but it’s humorous
that someone who couldn’t pronounce a charm properly would lend his name to a brain
stimulant.
Bashir, Ali
A flying carpet merchant who was very interested in importing his wares into Britain,
even if he had to resort to smuggling (GF7, GF23).
Basic Blaze Box
One of the range of fireworks products offered by Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes (OP28).
Basic Hexes for the Busy and Vexed
Harry and Hermione looked in this book while searching for a simple spell for dealing
with a dragon (GF20).
Basil
Ministry wizard, wearing a kilt and a poncho in an attempt to dress like a Muggle,
who worked at the Portkey terminus at the Quidditch World Cup (GF7).
Basilisk
A wizard-bred Dark creature of enormous power, a huge serpent with extremely poisonous
fangs. Only a Parselmouth can control a Basilisk (CS17). Its stare can kill. Spiders
flee from the Basilisk, but it fears the crowing of a rooster (CS16). (esp. CS17).
Ms. Rowling’s basilisk doesn’t exactly match that in the various legends and bestiaries
in which it appears. Those descriptions range from a small poisonous snake to a grotesque
chicken. The basilisk was said to have been hatched from a serpent’s egg placed under
a rooster. Besides the deadly stare, many other terrible powers have been assigned
to the basilisk, including breathing fire and withering plants with a glance.
Basilisk venom
One of the most potent magical substances known, Basilisk venom remains poisonous
long after the creature has died. It is one of the few substances able to destroy
a Horcrux. (CS17). The only antidote to Basilisk venom is the tears of a phoenix (CS17,
DH6).
bat, Beater’s
In Quidditch, the Beaters use enchanted wooden bats to hit the Bludgers in an effort
to affect their flight (away from fellow team members and/or toward opposing team
members) (PS10).
Bat-Bogey Hex
Enlarges an opponent’s ‘bogies’ to bat-size, gives them wings, and sets them to attacking
his or her face (OP6, OP33, HBP7).
‘bogey’ = Brit. slang ‘booger’ (nasal mucous)
Bath
Located in south-western England near Bristol, Bath was so named because it was once
home to an elaborate Roman public bath, the ruins of which still stand in the town.
Ron told Harry a story he had heard of a witch in Bath who owned a book that had been
bewitched so you could never stop reading it (CS13).
Many fans suspect that the Harry Potter books are bewitched in the same way…
bathrooms (UK: toilets)
There are a number of bathrooms located around Hogwarts castle (PS10). One girls’
toilet is out of order because it is haunted place and frequently flooded (CS9, CS16).
There are also bathrooms on the fourth floor (OP28) and sixth floor (HBP24), and an
elaborate Prefects’ Bathroom on the fifth floor (GF23). The Room of Requirement created
a bathroom for the students hiding from the Carrows during the 1997–1998 school year.
However, that bathroom only appeared ‘once girls started turning up’ (DH29).
battles
During the Second Wizarding War, battles were fought between Death Eaters and allies
of the Ministry, including Aurors and members of the Order of the Phoenix. Some of
these battles were single combats, but others were pitched battles between larger
groups of combatants.
The first three of the main battles in the Second War, while not identified by name
in the books, have been given various names by fans for reference. In the Lexicon,
we refer to them as the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, the Battle of the Tower,
and the Battle of the Seven Potters. The final battle is called the Battle of Hogwarts
in the book.
Battle of the Department of Mysteries
June, 1996
Fought in the lower levels of the Ministry of Magic between Death Eaters, Dumbledore’s
Army, and the Order of the Phoenix. The battle ended in a spectacular duel in the
Atrium of the Ministry (OP35, OP36).
Battle of Hogwarts
2 May, 1998
The climactic final showdown between the side of good and the side of evil. The Death
Eaters enlisted giants, Dementors, and Acromantulas to fight for them, while the defenders
of Hogwarts included Centaurs, house-elves, students and their parents, shopkeepers
from Hogsmeade, enchanted armour and statues and desks, and many others. Hogwarts
castle was damaged in this battle and many people died defending it (DH31–36).
Battle of the Seven Potters
27 July, 1997
Fought in the skies over southern England between the Order of the Phoenix and over
thirty Death Eaters on brooms (DH4).
Battle of the Tower
June, 1997
Members of the Order of the Phoenix and of Dumbledore’s Army battled a party of Death
Eaters atop and in the corridors around the Astronomy Tower of Hogwarts. (HBP27, 28).
‘baubles’
Password to get into Gryffindor Tower (HBP15).
‘bauble’ = Eng. ‘cheap jewellery; shiny ball-shaped decoration; a jester’s baton’
Bayliss, Hetty
Muggle living in Norfolk; on 1 September 1992 she was sure she spotted a flying car
while hanging out her wash (CS5).
Hetty would have seen the car fly over sometime around noon, when Harry and Ron were
following the Hogwarts Express north from London. Norfolk is quite some distance to
the east of any reasonable route north to Scotland, however. Perhaps the Hogwarts
Express took a magical detour to avoid a Muggle train at some point, and Ron followed
it. At any rate, Hetty’s report ended up in the evening edition of the Daily Prophet,
unfortunately for Ron and Harry (CS5).
Beamish, Oswald
(1850 – 1932)
Proponent of goblin rights; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Beaters
Quidditch players who use an enchanted bat to hit Bludgers, protecting their own team
and attacking the opposing players (esp. PS10).
Beautifying Potion / Beautification Potion
Potions to improve the physical beauty of the drinker (FW).
Beautifying Robes
Sold at Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions (DP1).
Beauxbatons Academy of Magic
One of at least three magical schools in Europe, Beauxbatons is a French school whose
students participated alongside those of Hogwarts and Durmstrang in the Triwizard
Tournament. Both male and female students wear sky-blue robes. The headmistress is
Madame Maxime (GF15 ff.).
‘beaux’ = Fr. ‘handsome, beautiful’ + ‘batons’ = Fr. ‘sticks, wands’
The film version of GF shows Beauxbatons as an all-girl school, but it is not so in
the book.
Bedazzling Hex
A cloak with this hex cast upon it can function as an Invisibility Cloak (DH21).
Beedle the Bard
Author of wizarding children’s fairy tales including ‘The Fountain of Fair Fortune,’
‘The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,’ ‘Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump,’ ‘The
Warlock’s Hairy Heart,’ and ‘The Tale of the Three Brothers’ (DH7, DH21, TBB).
Befuddlement Draught
ingredients: sneezewort, scurvy-grass, and lovage
A potion studied by fifth-year students at Hogwarts (OP18). Also known as a Confusing
and Befuddlement Draught, similar in effect to a Confusing Concoction.
Beginner’s Guide to Transfiguration, A
by Emeric Switch
The required textbook for Transfiguration for first and second year students at Hogwarts
(PS5).
The surname of the author is an obvious one, considering the subject matter of the
book; ‘switch’ means ‘to change one thing for another’.
Belby, Flavius
(1715–1791)
Wizard who survived a Lethifold attack while in Papua New Guinea in 1782. He wrote
about the experience, revealing for the first time the existence of this terrible
creature and also the fact that a Patronus Charm will drive a Lethifold away. Belby
had at one time been voted the president of the local Gobstones Club (FW).
Belby, Marcus
(Ravenclaw, mid-1990s)
A ‘thin and nervous-looking’ boy whose Uncle Damocles invented Wolfsbane potion (HBP7).
Belch Powder
Yet another delightful product to buy at Zonko’s to antagonise Filch (PA8).
Belcher, Humphrey
A wizard who mistakenly thought a cheese cauldron would be a good idea (HBP10).
Bell, Katie
(b. 1978; Gryffindor, 1990; Chaser 1991–1997; Dumbledore’s Army)
One of the three Chasers on the Gryffindor team during most of Harry’s years at Hogwarts.
Oliver Wood considered her to be a superb Chaser (PA8). Katie has had her share of
injuries during her years at Hogwarts, on and off the Quidditch pitch (PS11, HBP12,
HBP13). She was a member of the D.A. (OP17) and fought bravely against the Death Eaters
(DH30).
Benson, Amy
A Muggle child from the orphanage where Tom Riddle grew up who was terrorised while
on an outing, although no one could work out what actually happened to her (HBP13).
Bermuda Triangle
An area of the Atlantic Ocean where many ships and aircraft have supposedly been lost
under mysterious circumstances. The Wizarding travel agency Terrortours arranges excursions
for witches and wizards to visit the wrecks there (DP3).
The Bermuda Triangle is an imaginary triangle formed by drawing lines between Miami,
Bermuda, and San Juan which is famous for unexplained disappearances of ships and
planes. There is actually little evidence of there being any unusual happenings in
that region, but the legends surrounding mysterious disappearances persist. Ms. Rowling
enjoys making references to various legends and folklore in the books, suggesting
that they are actually examples of creatures and events in the Wizarding world.
Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans
One of the most famous sweets in the Wizarding world. These beans are essentially
the same as Muggle jelly beans but with flavours that Muggles would never expect,
such as ear wax and vomit (PS6, 17). Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans were created
by inventor Bertie Bott quite by mistake when he dropped a pair of dirty socks into
the mix when he was making sweets (FW). Hogwarts students buy them from the lunch
trolley on the Hogwarts Express (PS6) and from Honeydukes in Hogsmeade (PA10).
Bethnal Green
A district of London’s East End, historically known as a poor area. In 1995, a series
of magical pranks on Muggles in that area were investigated by the Ministry of Magic
(OP7).
Bewitched Sleep
Puts the target person into a deep sleep; the subject is in a state almost like suspended
animation and does not breathe for the duration of the spell (GF27).
bezoar
A shrivelled kidney-like ‘stone’ (HBP18) that comes from the stomach of a goat; it
protects from most poisons (PS8, HBP18, 19).
A bezoar is actually fairly common in animals; even humans can get them. They’re very
similar to a hair-ball, a hard lump of indigestible material which stays in the stomach.
In folklore, bezoars were thought to have magical powers, including being a universal
antidote for poison.
bicorn
Horn of this creature is used as a potion ingredient. For example, powdered bicorn
horn is used in Polyjuice Potion (CS10).
‘bi-’ = L. ‘two’ + ‘cornus’ = L. ‘horn’
The Bicorn is a demonic creature which eats human flesh found in British and French
folklore. It eats only husbands who have been bullied by their wives, and therefore,
according to the tales, it is well fed and fat.
Bighead Boy
Fred and George Transfigured Percy’s Head Boy badge to read this (PA4).
Bilius
Ron Weasley’s Uncle Bilius saw a Grimm and died twenty-four hours later, or so the
family story goes (PA6); Fred said Uncle Bilius was always good for a laugh (DH8).
Bilius is Ron’s middle name (DH7).
Bill of Goblin Rights
Subject of a meeting between the Ministry of Magic and B.O.G. in the early 1990s.
It didn’t go well (DP3).
binding/fastening magic
Spells which fasten chains or ropes to restrain someone or something. Examples include
magical chains which bind prisoners to the chair of the accused in the Ministry’s
courtroom (GF30, OP8, DH13) and the spell Incarcerous (OP33), which sends magical ropes to bind up a target (c.f. PS17, 19).
See also ROPES, MAGICAL and CHAINS, MAGICAL.
Binky
Lavender Brown’s pet rabbit which was killed by a fox in the fall of 1993 (PA8).
Binns, Cuthbert
History of Magic teacher, the only professor at Hogwarts who is a ghost: ancient and
shrivelled in appearance and semi-transparent (PS8). Binns’ classes are remarkable
only for their utter dreariness. He reads through endless details of goblin uprisings
and other events ‘in a flat drone like an old vacuum cleaner’ which puts everyone
to sleep (CS9, GF22, OP12). Binns prides himself on sticking to the facts and not
going on about myths and legends (CS9).
Professor Binns’ first name, ‘Cuthbert’, appears on a list Ms. Rowling created while
planning Prisoner of Azkaban (JKR). St Cuthbert is a well-known Anglo-Saxon holy man who died in 687. Like Binns,
St Cuthbert didn’t stay put even in death. For the next four hundred years, his bones
were moved from one place to another until they were finally given a proper resting
place in a shrine built in Durham Cathedral.
Birch, Brevis
Captain of the Tutshill Tornados who tried to make excuses for his team losing to
the Ballycastle Bats (DP2).
Birmingham
Birmingham is located in west-central England and, after London, is the country’s
second most populated city. On one of its journeys, the Knight Bus jumped from Grimmauld
Place to ‘just outside Birmingham,’ according to Stan Shunpike (OP24).
Bishop, Dennis
A Muggle child from the orphanage where Tom Riddle lived. Dennis, along with Amy Benson,
was terrorised while on an outing, although no one could work out what actually happened
to him (HBP13).
Black (Family)
The Black family is one of the most prominent pure-blood Wizarding families. They
call themselves ‘The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black’. The family motto is ‘Toujours pur’ (French for ‘always pure’) (OP6, BFT), so it is not surprising that many of its
members were supporters of pure-blood supremacy.
Black, Alphard
(died c.1976–77)
Uncle to Sirius and Regulus. Alphard was their mother’s brother; however he has been
removed from the tapestry because he ‘gave gold to his runaway nephew’ (Sirius), and
is therefore represented by a burn hole in the Black Family Tree (OP6, BFT).
Alphard = the brightest star in the constellation Hydra
Black, Annis
A hag , living in a cave in a place called Deadmarsh, who protested what she saw as
unfair criticism of hags as ‘monsters’ (DP1).
‘Black Annis’ is the name of a legendary hag who lived in a cave in the Dane Hills
in Leicestershire which she dug herself with claws as hard as iron. Black Annis is
reputed to have eaten children and hung their skins on the walls of her cave.
Black, Arcturus
(1901-1991)
Sirius Black’s grandfather (BFT), possibly the one who was awarded Order of Merlin,
First Class for ‘Services to the Ministry’. Sirius says it was probably just because
he gave them gold (OP6).
Arcturus = the brightest star in the constellation Boötes, the third brightest star
in the sky
Black Family Tree tapestry
A tapestry which hangs on the wall of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place that has been
in the family for seven centuries, according to Kreacher (OP6). On it the family’s
births, marriages, and deaths are embroidered with gold thread; family members who
have been disowned have had their names ‘blasted’ from the fabric (a small burn like
a cigarette burn appears where their name should have been).
When the producer of the Harry Potter films, David Heyman, realised that they would
need to reproduce this tapestry on the set, he asked Ms. Rowling for help. As he tells
it, she faxed him the entire family tree a short time later. Ms. Rowling also created
a hand-drawn version of the family tree to be auctioned off for charity, which included
the lovely note ‘there are many stories between the lines’. There are indeed. Names
from all through the series turn up on the Black family tree, suggesting relationships
and connections between characters. Such delightful background information is typical
of Ms. Rowling’s commitment to creating a richly detailed world for her stories. We
have included many of the more interesting names from that document in this book.
blackboard, magical
The Quidditch World Cup stadium had a huge blackboard upon which gold writing appeared
as if written by a huge invisible hand. The space displayed advertising before the
match, and then became a scoreboard once play commenced (GF8).
Black, Cygnus
(1929–1979)
Father of Bellatrix, Andromeda, and Narcissa; Sirius Black’s uncle (BFT).
Cygnus = the constellation of The Swan
Black, Elladora
(1850–1931)
This is likely the Aunt Elladora mentioned by Sirius who started the family tradition
of beheading house-elves when they got ‘too old to carry tea trays’ (OP6, BFT).
Black, Marius
(1900s)
Member of the Black family who was disowned for being ‘a squib’ (BFT).
Black, Orion
(1929–1979)
Father of Sirius and Regulus; he heavily fortified the family home at number twelve
Grimmauld Place, London. Married his second cousin, Walburga Black (BFT).
Orion = constellation of The Hunter, one of the most prominent and well-known constellations
in the sky
Black, Phineas
Disowned because he ‘supported Muggle rights’ (BFT).
Phineas = poss. ancient Egyptian ‘Nubian, dark skinned’
Black, Phineas Nigellus
(1847–1925; Slytherin, c. 1858; later Headmaster)
Great-great-grandfather of Sirius Black, sometimes referred to as the least-popular
Headmaster Hogwarts has ever had (OP6). Phineas’ portrait hangs in the Headmaster’s
office and he grudgingly helped Dumbledore when pressed. His portrait also hangs in
Number Twelve Grimmauld Place (OP37). Phineas was a snide, sarcastic fellow with little
patience for the feelings and the problems of others, particularly young people, whom
he found tedious and self-absorbed (OP23, DH12, DH15).
Phineas = poss. ancient Egyptian ‘Nubian, dark skinned’
‘Nigellus’ = a Latinised version of the word ‘black’
Black, Pollux
(1912-1990)
Sirius Black’s grandfather (BFT). See BLACK, ARCTURUS.
Pollux = the brightest star in the constellation Gemini (The Twins); one of the brightest
stars in the night sky
Blackpool Pier
Famous holiday destination on the north-western coast of England on the Irish Sea.
The Longbottoms have visited Blackpool, for this was where Neville as a young boy
was pushed off the end of the pier by his Great Uncle Algie to try to ‘force magic
out of him’; Neville nearly drowned (PS7).
There are actually three separate piers at Blackpool, all built in the mid- to late-1800s
and featuring theatres, restaurants, rides, and other entertainment facilities. In
1990, a Ferris wheel was added to the central pier.
Black, Regulus Arcturus
(1961–1979; Slytherin, 1972; Quidditch Seeker; Death Eater)
Regulus was the younger brother of Sirius Black. Unlike his brother, Regulus was favoured
by his parents because he shared their pureblood prejudices. Soon after leaving Hogwarts,
he became a Death Eater (OP6, DH10). The family house-elf, Kreacher, was particularly
fond of Regulus, as the boy was the only one who treated him well (DH10).
Regulus = L. 'the little king’ and the brightest star in the constellation Leo. Regulus
was also the family name of Marcus Atilius Regulus, a Roman naval commander who was
legendary for his heroic self-sacrifice.
Arcturus = the brightest star in the constellation Boötes, the third brightest star
in the sky
Black, Sirius
(1960–1996; Gryffindor, 1971; Order of the Phoenix)
James Potter’s closest friend, Harry Potter’s godfather, and an Animagus. Sirius rejected
his family’s pure-blood philosophy (OP6). At Hogwarts he was a Gryffindor and one
of The Marauders, a group which included James Potter and Remus Lupin. After Hogwarts,
Sirius worked for the Order of the Phoenix. After the death of his closest friends
(PA18), he was falsely accused of their murder and imprisoned in Azkaban (PA10). After
years in Azkaban, he escaped and supported Harry and the Order of the Phoenix in any
way he could (OP6, esp. OP35).
Sirius = the ‘Dog Star’, the brightest star in the Canis Major (‘Great Dog’) constellation
blackthorn
A wand wood (DH20).
Blackthorn wood is traditionally associated with strong outside influences that are
difficult to resist, so it’s not surprising that Harry didn’t find that a blackthorn
wand worked well for him.
Black, Walburga
(1925–1985)
Mother of Sirius and Regulus, married to Orion Black. She was fanatical about purity
of blood. Now that she is dead, her portrait hangs in Number 12 Grimmauld Place from
which she shrieks and screams about ‘bloodtraitors and Mudbloods’ being in her house
(BFT, OP4 etc.).
‘bladvak’
Word meaning ‘pickaxe’ in Gobbledegook, the language of Goblins (GF24).
Blane, Balfour
(1566–1629)
Famous Ministry wizard; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Blast-Ended Skrewt
A strange hybrid creature bred by Hagrid in the fall of 1994 by crossing manticores
and firecrabs. Skrewts can belch fire and, when fully grown, sport magic-resistant
armour. (GF13, GF18, GF21, GF31).
What happened to that one remaining Skrewt? We might guess that the final remaining
specimen, once it recovered from the curse, was released into the Forbidden Forest,
where all wild things are released in the end (BP).
Blasting Curse
See CONFRINGO.
Blenkinsop, Barnabus
His obituary in the Daily Prophet offering a reward for information about how he died, which was under very mysterious
circumstances involving a tin of anchovies and an empty bed (DP2).
Blenkinsop, Timothy
Puddlemere United supporter who attended a recent match against the Holyhead Harpies
and was caught in the ensuing riot. He still has a tail because of it (DP4).
Bletchley
A Ministry of Magic employee whose office was ‘raining’ (DH13).
Bletchley, Miles
(Slytherin, c.1989; Quidditch Keeper c.1991-1996)
Slytherin Quidditch player who hit Alicia Spinnet from behind with a jinx prior to
the autumn 1995 Gryffindor- Slytherin match (OP19).
Blibbering Humdinger
One of the odd creatures Luna Lovegood believes to exist (OP12, OP36).
Blocking Jinx
See IMPEDIMENTA.
Blood Blisterpod
A small purple sweet, invented by Fred and George. Half of it causes a nosebleed.
The other half of the sweet stops the bleeding (OP14).
Blood Brothers: My Life Amongst the Vampires
by Eldred Worple
Worple, the author of this autobiographical book, showed up at Slughorn’s Christmas
party with a vampire friend of his (HBP15).
blood-flavoured lollipops
Sweets for sale at Honeydukes under a sign saying ‘Unusual Tastes’ (PA10).
Blood-Replenishing Potion
Medical magic: this potion makes up for lost blood (OP22).
blood-sucking bugbear
The suspected culprit when roosters were being killed at Hogwarts. Hagrid was understandably
concerned (CS11).
The bugbear in English folklore is a huge bear which lurks in the woods and attacks
children who don’t mind their parents.
blood traitors
A pure-blood who doesn’t hold the usual prejudiced views of other pure-blood families
who tend to be exclusive, looking down on those who are half-blood or Muggleborn.
The Weasley family has been branded ‘blood traitors’, although it doesn’t seem to
bother them much (OP6).
Bloody Baron, The
(Slytherin c. 1000; now Slytherin ghost)
The Bloody Baron is a grim, silent, terrifying ghost covered with bloodstains. He
is never heard to speak (PS16). The Baron is the ghost of a man who a millennium ago
murdered the woman he loved when she spurned him, then committed suicide with the
same knife (DH31). Peeves, who respects the Baron for some unknown reason, calls him
‘Your Bloodiness’ and ‘Mr Baron’ (PS16).
In the film version of the first book, the Bloody Baron is inexplicably depicted as
rather frilly and goofy, not at all like the character in the books.
Bloxam, Beatrix
(1794–1910)
Author of the much-maligned series of books; for more information, see the Famous
Wizard cards (FW).
Possibly this is a reference to Beatrix Potter, who wrote whimsical books for children.
There appeared to be a discrepancy between the image of Bloxam on the card (as an
elderly lady) and her birth and death dates which given as 1794–1810, indicating that
she had died at the age of 16. In Tales of Beedle the Bard, the corrected date of 1910 solved this problem.
Bludd, Blodwyn
(b. 1923)
Known as the ‘Vampire from the Valleys.’ For more information, see the Famous Wizard
cards (FW).
Tom Jones is one example of a famous Welsh singer ‘from the Valleys’, a term referring
to the valleys of South Wales.
Bludger
A round black iron ball, ten inches in diameter (slightly smaller than a Quaffle).
Two Bludgers are used in a game of Quidditch. Bludgers are enchanted to attack and
attempt to unseat the nearest player, which is why Beaters attempt to knock Bludgers
toward opposing players (PS10).
bluebell flames
Creates a quantity of blue flame which can be directed to a specific place or carried
around in a jar (PS11, PS16, CS11, DH19).
Bluebottle
A type of broom, designed for family use, advertised at the Quidditch World Cup (GF8).
boa constrictor
Large snake living in a Surrey zoo who escaped under unusual circumstances in June
1991 when Harry Potter visited the zoo with his cousin Dudley (PS2).
Boardman, Stubby
The lead singer of the Hobgoblins, who retired c. 1980 after being hit in the ear
by a turnip at a concert in Little Norton Church Hall (OP10).
boarhound
A large breed of dog used in hunting wild boars; another name for the Great Dane.
Hagrid’s pet Fang is a black boarhound. Like Hagrid, Fang looks much fiercer than
he is.
In the films, Fang is depicted as a Neapolitan mastiff, but in the books he’s a Great
Dane.
boar statues
On either side of the wrought iron gates into the Hogwarts grounds stands a pillar
topped by a statue of a winged boar (PA5, DH31). These symbols of Hogwarts are probably
derived from the legend that Rowena Ravenclaw chose the location for the castle after
dreaming of being led to the cliff by the lake by a warty hog (JKR).
Bob
Works at the Ministry, probably in the Department for the Regulation and Control of
Magical Creatures, since he was riding the lift carrying a chicken that breathed fire
(OP7).
Bobbin, Melinda
(Hogwarts 1990s)
Hogwarts student who in 1996 was recommended as a member of the Slug Club because
‘her family owns a large chain of apothecaries’ (HBP11).
Bode, Broderick
(c.1946–1996)
A wizard with a greyish complexion and sad expression who worked for the Department
of Mysteries (GF7, OP8). Bode was seriously injured under mysterious circumstances
in late 1995 and was sent to St Mungo’s (OP19, OP23, OP25).
According to a (non-canon) planning chart for Order of the Phoenix, Death Eater Walden Macnair was the wheezing old man with the ear trumpet visiting
Bode at St. Mungo's on Christmas Eve. It is very likely that Macnair was the ‘friend’
who brought Bode the Devil's Snare (JKR).
Bodrod the Bearded
Possibly the name of a Goblin rebel leader, but since he’s only mentioned by Ron trying
to remember a list of names for an exam, one never knows if he even exists (GF31).
Body-Bind Curse
An alternate name for the Full Body-Bind, Petrificus Totalus (PS17).
Boggart
A magical creature without a natural form. When a boggart encounters a human it changes
its shape into whatever is most feared by that person (OP9). A boggart appears to
feed on the emotion of fear, hence its classification as a Dark creature (PA7).
The boggart is a malevolent household spirit from British folklore, described as small,
dark, and hairy. It attaches itself to a family and will stay with them for years,
tormenting them, even if they move to a new house. Some boggarts are said to live
under bridges.
Bogrod
Gringotts goblin who in the spring of 1998 had a most unusual day involving the high
security vaults (DH26).
boil cure potion
ingredients: dried nettles, crushed snake fangs, stewed horned slugs, porcupine quills
(added after taking the cauldron off the fire)
A very simple potion to cure boils is taught to first-years in their first Potions
class with Snape (PS8).
When incorrectly mixed, however, this potion is extremely dangerous. How typical of
Snape to start his first year class out with a potion that, if they make a single
mistake, will make them break out in painful boils, melt their cauldrons, and burn
through their shoes. In contrast, Flitwick waited several weeks before letting the
first-years do any real magic in Charms, and then it was simply levitating a feather.
Bole
(b. 1977; Slytherin, 1988; Quidditch Beater c.1993-1995)
Member of the Slytherin Quidditch team who is not above cheating during a match (PA15).
‘bole’ = Eng. ‘tree trunk’, which might indicate either that he’s rather large or
that he’s as dumb as a piece of wood.
Bonaccord, Pierre
First Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards. Bonaccord wanted
to improve wizards’ relationship with trolls but found that some wizards were not
very keen on the idea (OP31).
‘bon’ = Fr. ‘good’ + ‘accord’ = Eng. ‘harmony or reconciliation’
bond of blood
The bond of blood is an extremely powerful ancient magic which is formed when a person
sacrifices himself or herself for a family member, out of love. The sacrifice creates
a lingering protection in the blood of the person who was saved. It is not activated,
however, until the charm is actually cast, and it is not sealed and functioning until
another member of the family accepts the saved person as his or her own. As with most
ancient magic, the bond of blood is mysterious and very strong and is not completely
understood by most wizards (esp. OP37, DH3).
Bones, Amelia Susan
(d. 1996)
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement until her death and a very powerful
witch (HBP1). Bones was a short-haired witch who wore a monocle. She was known to
be very fair (OP7, OP8).
Bones, Edgar
According to Moody, he was a great wizard. He was the brother of Amelia Susan Bones,
uncle of Susan Bones, and member of the Order of the Phoenix in the 1970s (OP9).
Bones, Susan
(b. circa 1980; Hufflepuff, 1991; Dumbledore’s Army)
A Hufflepuff student in Harry’s year. Susan wears her hair in a long plait down her
back. In October 1995, Susan became a member of Dumbledore’s Army (OP16, esp. 38).
A number of Susan’s family members have been killed in the battle against the Death
Eaters over the years (BN, OP9, OP25, HBP1).
Bonham, Mungo
(1560–1659)
A famous healer and the founder of St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Ailments and Injuries
(FW).
St Mungo is the founder and patron saint of the city of Glasgow in Scotland.
Boomerang, Ever-Bashing
One of an extensive list of magical items banned at Hogwarts by Filch (GF12).
boomslang
African snake, the skin of which is an ingredient in Polyjuice Potion. Snape keeps
boomslang skin in his private stores (CS10, CS11, GF27).
The boomslang, Dispholidus typus, is native to sub-Saharan Aftica, where is lives
in trees. The skin, which is mostly green in males and mostly brown in females, serves
the snake well as camouflage. Boomslangs are highly venomous, but since they are timid
and don’t attack unless threatened, they are not a serious threat to people. The name
‘boomslang’ is Afrikaans and Dutch for ‘tree snake’.
Boot, Terry
(b. circa 1980; Ravenclaw, 1991; Dumbledore’s Army)
Student in Harry’s year who joined Dumbledore’s Army in October 1995 (OP16, DH31).
Borage, Libatius
(c. 1940s)
The author of Advanced Potion-Making.
‘libatio’ = L. ‘ to pour wine, as part of a religious ceremony’; ‘borage’ = ‘a prickly
herb with blue or purplish star-shaped flowers’
Borgin
Proprietor of Borgin and Burkes of Knockturn Alley; an oily, smooth-talking fellow
who fawned on Lucius Malfoy but then grumbled about him after they left the shop (CS4,
HBP6).
Borgin and Burkes
A shop located in Knockturn Alley which engages in the buying and selling of Dark
Magic items (CS4, HBP6). The shop has had some very unusual employees over the years
(HBP20).
Boris the Bewildered
Statue on the fifth floor of Hogwarts near the Prefects’ bathroom (GF23).
Bott, Bertie
(b. 1935)
Inventor of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans (FW).
Bottom Bridge
A bridge near the Lovegood house in Devon, a good spot for fishing (DH20, 21).
Bouncing Bulbs
Fourth-years re-pot these in Herbology class (GF18).
Bowtruckle
A small insect-eating tree creature with long sharp fingers, small eyes, and a general
appearance of a flat-faced little stickman made of bark and twigs, Although ordinarily
peaceful, a Bowtruckle will attack a human if provoked. A witch or wizard seeking
to take leaves or wood from a Bowtruckle-inhabited tree should offer woodlice or fairy
eggs to the Bowtruckle to placate and distract it (OP13)
‘Boy Who Lived’
Harry’s famous title, because he is the only wizard to ever survive a Killing Curse.
And he’s done it three times now, actually (PS1, DH34).
Bozo
A paunchy man working as a photographer for the Daily Prophet who worked with Rita Skeeter (GF18, 19, 24).
Bradley
(Ravenclaw, 1990s; Quidditch Chaser c.1995-1996)
Hogwarts student (OP30, OP31).
Bragge, Barberus
Chief of the Wizards’ Council in 1262 who began the practice of catching a live Golden
Snidget as part of the game of Quidditch (FW).
‘Barberus’ is similar to ‘barbaric’; ‘brag’ means to boast about oneself. Each of
these words suggests his character, which is bullying and crude.
Brain Room
A long, rectangular room in the Department of Mysteries dominated by a large tank
of green liquid in which float a number of brains. Apparently the room is used to
study thought or memory (OP34, 35).
When Ron is attacked by the brains in this room during the Battle of the Department
of Mysteries, he is injured quite severely. Later, Madam Pomfrey treats his injuries
and notes that thoughts can ‘leave deeper scarring than almost anything else’ (OP38).
Ms. Rowling has commented in various interviews about her own struggle with depression
and is speaking here from the heart; she knows just how deep those kinds of scars
can be.
Braithwaite, Betty
Daily Prophet reporter who landed an exclusive interview with Rita Skeeter to talk about Skeeter’s
then upcoming book, The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore (DH2).
Braking Charm
Charm used on a broomstick to allow it to stop effectively. The Firebolt had an ‘unbreakable
braking charm’ (PA4).
Bran the Bloodthirsty
A giant from medieval times who lived in a castle on top of an enchanted beanstalk;
for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
The reference on the Famous Wizard card is obviously a nod to the fairy tale of ‘Jack
and the Beanstalk’. However, Bran is a famously violent giant in Celtic folklore.
According to legend, he led the giants of Wales in their invasion of Ireland, but
was killed by a poisoned arrow.
Branstone, Eleanor
(b. circa 1983; Hufflepuff, 1994)
Hogwarts student (GF12).
Brazil
The largest country in South America (and also the only one with a primary language
of Portuguese, rather than Spanish). The boa constrictor which Harry freed from the
zoo was native to Brazil, though it was bred in captivity (PS2). Bill Weasley once
had a pen friend here (GF7).
Break With a Banshee
by Gilderoy Lockhart
One of the many required textbooks for Defence Against the Dark Arts in Harry’s second
year (CS4).
British and Irish Quidditch League
The association of professional Quidditch teams in Great Britain. There are thirteen
teams in the League (DP1-4). The headquarters of the League is located on Level Seven
of the Ministry of Magic in London (OP7).
Brockdale Bridge
The Brockdale Bridge was less than ten years old when, thanks to Death Eaters, it
collapsed in the summer of 1996 (HBP1).
Brocklehurst, Mandy
(b. circa 1980; Ravenclaw, 1991)
Sorted at the same time as Harry (PS7).
Brodrig the Boss-Eyed
Brodrig is the spokesgoblin of the Brotherhood of Goblins. He somewhat disingenuously
told the Daily Prophet that the B.O.G. does not condone violence (DP3).
‘boss-eyed’ = ‘cross-eyed or squinty’
Broken Balls: When Fortunes Turn Foul
Harry saw a copy of this at Flourish and Blotts while buying his Divination textbook
(PA4).
Brookstanton, Rupert ‘Axebanger’
Hermione came across this name when she was searching for someone with the initials
‘R.A.B.’ (HBP30).
Broom Regulatory Control
Broom Regulatory Control is part of the Department of Magical Transport (OP7).
brooms
The most common form of personal flying transportation in the Wizarding world. Most
witches and wizards own at least one broom. A flying broomstick is not simply a ‘normal’
broomstick pressed into service as a mode of transportation. Rather, it is a magical
item with built-in charms (esp. PS9, PS10, PA4).
There’s probably no image more closely associated with witches than the flying broomstick.
The first record of an accused witch claiming to ride a broomstick was in 1453.
brooms, school
Older brooms kept in the school broomshed. They don’t fly especially well (PS9, PA10,
HBP11). These brooms are used primarily for flying lessons, which first-years take
with Madam Hooch (PS9).
broomshed
A small outbuilding used to store brooms. The Hogwarts broomshed is located near the
Quidditch pitch (PS11). The Weasleys have a broomshed near their house, described
as an old stone outhouse. It is full of spiders (HBP4).
broomstick servicing kit
Present given by Hermione to Harry for his thirteenth birthday. It includes a Handbook of Do-It-Yourself Broom Care, a tin of Fleetwood’s High-Finish handle polish, and Tail-Twig Clippers (PA1).
Brotherhood of Goblins, The (B.O.G.)
A group pressing for goblin rights, including the right to carry and use wands, which
caused a bit of a ruckus in Chipping Sodbury recently. The leader of the organization
is Brodrig the Boss-Eyed (DP3).
Brown, Lavender
(b. circa 1980; Gryffindor, 1991; Dumbledore’ s Army)
A Gryffindor in Harry’s year and best friend of Parvati Patil. Lavender tends to squeal
and giggle a lot and generally gives the impression of being silly. She’s keen on
Divination (PA8). Lavender was Ron’s girlfriend for few months in their sixth year,
a relationship which consisted mostly of snogging (HBP21, DH7). Lavender was a member
of Dumbledore’s Army (esp. OP16, DH31).
bruise-healing paste
Medical magic: this is a thick yellow paste used to heal bruises, most likely invented
by the Weasley twins (HBP6).
Bryce, Frank
(1917 – August 1994)
Elderly muggle caretaker of the Riddle house in Little Hangleton. Resident of Little
Hangleton for most of his life, except for his military service during World War II
(in which he was wounded, leaving him with a certain amount of permanent disability).
After the war he worked for the Riddle family as a gardener (GF1). He continued to
look after the house for fifty years after the Riddle family died (GF1).
Bubble-Head Charm
Encloses the head of the caster with a bubble of breathable air, which is useful when
swimming to the bottom of the Lake (GF26) or avoiding the stench of Stink Pellets
and Dungbombs (OP29).
bubbles, magical
Bubbles can be enchanted in many ways. Magical bubbles filled with light float near
the ceiling in St Mungo’s (OP22). A Scourgify spell cast on a person washes their mouth out with soap so that pink soap bubbles
come out of their mouth (OP28). Magical bubbles can also serve as decorations (PS11).
A faulty wand has been known to give off purple bubbles (CS13).
Bubotuber
A rather unpleasant plant, black and wriggling, which is covered with large fluid-filled
lumps (GF13). As Professor Sprout taught her fourth-year students, this fluid reacts
with human skin. Undiluted, it will raise horribly painful boils on contact (GF28),
but properly diluted and processed can be used to cure acne (GF13). The pimple-curing
properties of bubotuber pus were discovered by Sacharissa Tugwood (FW).
Buckbeak
A grey hippogriff brought to Hagrid’s first Care of Magical Creatures lesson in the
fall of 1993. Buckbeak was at one time condemned as a dangerous beast (PA15), but
was rescued (PA22) and eventually renamed Witherwings (HBP3).
Budleigh Babberton
A small Muggle town with a war memorial in the square and a church. Horace Slughorn
took up residence in a Muggle house there for a week while its owners were on holiday
in the Canary Islands, and this is where Harry and Dumbledore visited him (HBP4).
There is no Budleigh Babberton in the Muggle world. Its namesake, however, is most
likely Budleigh Salterton, a coastal town southwest of Exeter. Also nearby are Chudleigh
and Ottery St Mary, two towns whose names Ms. Rowling similarly tweaked to create
Chudley and Ottery St Catchpole.
Bulbadox Powder
Substance which causes the skin of a person who touches it to break out in boils (OP12).
‘bulbous’ = Eng. ‘bulging, swollen’ + ‘dox’, pehaps to sound like ‘toxic’
Bulgaria
A country in Eastern Europe. The Bulgarian National Quidditch team played Ireland
for the World Cup in 1994. Bulgaria’s Minister for Magic is Mr Oblansk (GF8).
Bulstrode, Millicent
(b. circa 1980; Slytherin, 1991; Inquisitorial Squad)
Slytherin girl in Harry’s year. With a square build and heavy jaw, Millicent was ‘no
pixie’ in her second year; by their fifth year she was still able to physically overpower
Hermione. Both Ron and Harry consider Millicent ugly; she reminds Harry of a hag (CS11,
OP32).
Bulstrode, Violetta
Her husband was the son of Phineas Nigellus Black and Ursula Flint (BFT). Probably
an ancestor of Millicent, a Slytherin girl in Harry’s year (PS7).
Bundimun
A magical pest (JKR).
Bungs, Rosalind Antigone
Hermione came across this name when she was searching for someone with the initials
‘R.A.B.’ (HBP30).
Bungy the Budgie
In the summer of 1996, Harry knew that Voldemort must not be attacking in the open
yet because the Muggle television news was reporting on something as mundane as Bungy
the budgie, a bird which could water-ski (OP1).
Burbage, Charity
(d. 1997; Muggle Studies professor, c. 1990-1997)
Hogwarts Professor of Muggle Studies. She wrote a defence of Muggle-borns in the Daily Prophet during the summer of 1997 and subsequently disappeared under mysterious circumstances
(DH1, 2).
The scene at the beginning of the seventh book is horrifying, but it’s also a bit
of a let-down. How much more effective would it have been if the victim had been someone
we knew, like Sprout, perhaps? Or at least someone we’d heard of? On the other hand,
this is a book for all ages. The scene is intense, especially when Burbage pleads
with Snape for help, to say nothing of the gruesome ending Perhaps Rowling’s choice
to keep the reader somewhat emotionally detached makes sense. The name, ‘charity’,
means ‘love’, which fits for a woman who writes impassioned statements defending others.
Burke, Caractacus
One of the founders of Borgin and Burkes, a shop in Knockturn Alley, described as
a small old man with ‘a thatch of hair that completely covered his eyes’. Burke was
an underhanded fellow who didn’t mind cheating people who came to him to sell their
treasures (HBP13) or sending his employees to wheedle rich wizards out of their precious
magic heirlooms (HBP20).
The name has two possible sources. William Burke was a famous murderer and grave robber
in Scotland in the early 1800s, and from that the phrase ‘to burke’ has come to mean
‘to smother someone to death’. Alternately, the British slang term ‘berk’ means an
idiot or objectionable person. Sirius Black refers to himself and James as ‘arrogant
little berks’ when they were at Hogwarts together (OP29).
Burke, Herbert
Husband of Belvina Black, the daughter of Hogwarts Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black.
They had two sons and one daughter (unnamed) (BFT). Possibly related to Caractacus
Burke of Borgin and Burke’s.
Burkina Faso
A tiny country in western Africa. It has a Ministry of Magic. One of Gilderoy Lockhart’s
supposed adventures that took place in Burkina Faso, specifically in its capital,
Ouagadougou (CS9).
burn-healing paste
Medical magic: an orange ointment used by Madam Pomfrey to treat burns(GF20).
Burrow
A wizard house, owned by the Weasley family. It’s at least four stories tall, built
so crazily that it must certainly be held up by magic (CS3). It’s located outside
of the village of Ottery St Catchpole, but so well hidden that the postman may not
even know where it is (GF3). The ground floor consists of the living room and kitchen.
The next several floors are bedrooms, with Ron’s at the very top. A ghoul lives in
the attic (CS3, GF10, DH6). Harry Potter loves this house and it has often served
as a refuge for him. The garden outside the Burrow has gnarled trees lining the walls,
plenty of weeds and overgrown grass, a large pond, and lots of gnomes (CS3). The property
includes a small field hidden by trees where the kids play Quidditch (GF10) and a
stone outbuilding which is used as a broomshed (HBP4). When the entire family is home
during summer holidays and Hermione and Harry are staying as well, there are simply
too many people for the small kitchen so they eat dinner in the garden (GF5, DH7)
Weasels are solitary animals which live in burrows which they’ve taken over from other
animals. Ms. Rowling places the solitary Weasley family in a house--taken from a farm
outbuilding (‘[i]t looked as though it had once been a large stone pigpen’)--which
they call The Burrow. Interestingly, just outside of the real town of Ottery St Mary
is a farm called Burrow Hill Farm.
Butterbeer
Very popular drink served cold in bottles (PA12 etc.), or hot by the mug at the Three
Broomsticks (PA8 etc.). House-elves can get drunk on butterbeer, but it doesn’t have
that effect on humans (GF28).
Cadogan, Sir
A little knight in a painting that hangs in a seventh-floor corridor near the South
Tower, a silly fellow whose bravura outshines his common sense and who glories in
quests and challenges. In a pinch, Sir Cadogan was once called upon to guard the Gryffindor
Common Room (he was the only painting brave enough to take the job). He thought up
ridiculous passwords and changed them on a daily basis. Sir Cadogan has a huge sword
and a little fat pony (PA6, PA9, OP12). (See also DH31).
A cadogan, pronounced kuh-DUH-guhn, is an odd type of teapot with no opening on top.
Cadwallader
(Hufflepuff, 1990s; Quidditch Chaser c.1996-1997)
A burly Quidditch player on the Hufflepuff team (HBP19).
Caerphilly Catapults
A professional Quidditch team from the Welsh town of Caerphilly (DP1-4).
café on Tottenham Court Road
A grubby late-night Muggle cafe on Tottenham Court Road which was damaged in a wizard
battle on the evening of 1 August 1997 (DH9, c.f. DH20).
Cairo
Cairo is the capital of Egypt, as well as its largest city. In the late 1800s, while
still a student at Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore won a gold medal for ‘Ground-Breaking
Contribution to the International Alchemical Conference in Cairo’ (DH18).
Callisto
A moon of Jupiter studied in Astronomy class at Hogwarts. Ron spent some time writing
an essay for Professor Sinistra about Jupiter’s moons. He incorrectly listed the largest
moon as Callisto instead of Ganymede (OP14).
Calming Draught
Madam Pomfrey gave this to Hannah Abbott to deal with the stress of the O.W.L. exams
(OP27).
Campaign for Greater Freedom for Wizards
Glinda Crook spoke for this group in the Daily Prophet, decrying the actions of the Ministry of Magic designed to reign in the actions of
wizard-kind on Hallowe’en (DP4).
Campbell, Angus
Caerphilly Catapults Chaser who replaced Alasdair Maddock (DP3).
Campbell, Lennox
Seeker for the Montrose Magpies (DP2).
campground
Located next to a wood and a twenty minute walk away from a nice deserted moor and
the Quidditch World Cup Stadium. It was looked after by a Muggle, Mr Roberts, who
had to receive regular Memory Charms so he wouldn’t notice all the magic around him.
There were other similar campgrounds in the vicinity as well (GF7, DH14).
Canary Creams
Magical treats created by Fred and George. They have the appearance and taste of ordinary
custard creams, but they will Transfigure the eater into a huge canary. The effect
is short-lived, however, since the person moults a few moments later and becomes his
or her normal self (GF21).
Custard creams are popular biscuits (cookies) in Britain. They consist of two cookie
wafers with a vanilla cream centre, rather like a vanilla Oreo (and often eaten the
same way, by twisting the cookies apart and eating the centre first).
Canary Transfiguration hex
A temporary hex to change someone into a giant canary (GF21).
candle magic
Candles are used for lighting in Hogwarts, and they are often used in magical ways.
The Great Hall is lit with thousands of floating candles (PS7). Rita Skeeter uses
magic to light and suspend a candle overhead when she’s trying to conduct an interview
in a broom cupboard (GF18). Poisonous candles are sold in Knockturn Alley (CS4). Strings
of enchanted candles hang in the trees of Hogsmeade at Christmastime (PA10). Nearly
Headless Nick’s Deathday party was lit by black candles with thin blue flames (CS8).
An everlasting candle is placed inside each suit of armour in the castle at Christmastime
(PA11, HBP16).
candy and sweets
You never know what you might get when you buy sweets in the Wizarding world. Unusual
tastes, magical effects, and strange ingredients are common. Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour
Beans will surprise you with flavours like pepper and sprouts (PS17). Acid pops will
burn a hole through your tongue. Cockroach Clusters contain real cockroaches. And
Drooble’s Best Blowing Gum will fill the room with coloured bubbles that last for
days. The best place to buy magical candy is Honeydukes Sweet Shop in Hogsmeade (PA10).
‘caput draconis’
Password to get into the Gryffindor common room (PS7).
‘caput draconis’ = L. ‘dragon’s head’; this term is used for one of the sixteen figures
of sikidy, a form of geomancy used in Madagascar. Ms. Rowling borrowed a number of
other terms from this source, including ‘fortuna major’, another Gryffindor password.
car, enchanted
Although a car is defined as a Muggle artefact, and is therefore illegal to enchant
under Wizarding law (CS3), nevertheless there are a few enchanted cars in Britain.
The Ministry of Magic has cars that navigate traffic with magical ease (PA5, HBP6,
OP23). Arthur Weasley, who actually wrote the law banning such things, owned a Ford
Anglia which he had enchanted to fly (esp.CS3).
cards, Exploding Snap
Cards specially made for the game of Exploding Snap, which means that the cards may
blow up noisily at any time (e.g. CS12). These cards are occasionally used to build
a house of cards, which can get interesting (GF22).
cards, fortune telling
Tarot cards for fortune telling, used by Professor Trelawney (HBP10, 25).
This method of fortune telling is called ‘cartomancy’. Trelawney’s interpretations
of the meanings of the cards are fairly accurate, although naturally she’s reading
them as darkly as possible. Her reference to ‘The Lightning-Struck Tower’ card is
spot on, however, not only because of its meaning in cartomancy – ‘impending disaster’
– but also because it predicts the Battle of the Tower (HBP27).
cards, Self-Shuffling playing
Ron had a deck of these in his room at the Burrow (CS3).
Care of Magical Creatures
A class offered at Hogwarts. Students start Care of Magical Creatures in their third
year (PA6). They study the life cycles of various magical creatures, some of which
can be rather dangerous. They learn to care for, feed, and manage the creatures, along
with lore about them and how to use them (or parts of them) for magical purposes (GF24,
PA6, OP13, etc.). The class was taught by Professor Kettleburn until June 1993, then
by Hagrid. Occasionally, Professor Grubbly-Plank substituted for Hagrid (GF24, OP11).
The textbooks used are Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (OP27) and The Monster Book of Monsters (PA4).
Carmichael, Eddie
(Ravenclaw, 1990)
An enterprising student a year ahead of Harry who tried to profit from the fact that
he earned nine ‘Outstanding’ O.W.L.s (OP31).
carriage, flying
A huge powder-blue flying carriage as big as a house, used by the Beauxbatons students
to attend the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts. The carriage was drawn by twelve gigantic
Abraxans, flying horses bred by Madame Maxime, the headmistress of Beauxbatons (GF15,
OP20, HBP30).
carriages, horseless
About a hundred carriages wait for arriving Hogwarts students along a rough, mud road
near the railway station on September first each year, and take them back to the station
at the beginning of the summer holidays. Most students consider them ‘horseless carriages’
because they do not appear to be pulled by anything (PA5, GF11, GF12, GF37). They
are actually pulled by Thestrals, which are visible only to those who have seen death.
The coaches smell of mould and straw (PA5).
A ‘horseless carriage’ was a term used for early automobiles in the U.S.
Carrow, Alecto
(Death Eater; Muggle Studies professor 1997-1998)
The sister of Amycus Carrow; a Death Eater who fought in the Battle of the Tower (HBP27)
and a year later served as Hogwarts Muggle Studies teacher (DH12).
Alecto was one of the three Furies in Greek mythology, female embodiments of vengeance.
Her name means ‘unceasing in anger’. Alecto is found in Virgil’s Aeneid.
Carrow, Amycus
(Death Eater; DADA professor 1997-1998)
Alecto Carrow’s brother, a squat, ‘lumpy’-looking wizard with a lopsided leer and
a wheezy giggle. Although he fought in the Battle of the Tower (HBP27), Amycus was
made the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in the following school year. (DH30).
Amycus is the name of two characters in Greek mythology. One is the son of Poseidon
who figures in the tale of the Argonauts, the other a Centaur.
cart, Gringotts
Magical transportation into the deep underground vaults of Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
The cart is self-propelled and apparently guides itself along the underground passages,
because the goblin doesn’t steer as it winds its way along railway tracks in the floor.
The cart has only one speed, according to Griphook: breakneck (PS5, DH26).
Catalonian Fireball Dragon
A species of dragon found in Catalonia, a region in the north-eastern tip of Spain
(JKR).
Though not mentioned in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, a sketch of the Catalonian Fireball can be found in the pages of Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit, shown on Ms. Rowling’s website. Appearing along with the Portuguese Long- Snout,
the Fireball brings the total number of known dragon species to twelve.
catapult, winged
U.S.: slingshot
One of the many items not allowed for students at Hogwarts (HBP24).
Catchlove, Greta
(b. 1960)
Author of Charm Your Own Cheese (CS3, FW).
On Ms. Rowling’s website, in an advertisement on the Rumours page, the author of the
book is listed as Gerda Curd. Apparently this author uses a penname which is more
‘cheesy’ (JKR).
caterpillars
Potion ingredient. Sliced caterpillars are used in Shrinking Solution (PA7).
Caterwauling Charm
A spell which sets off an alarm. When an unauthorised person enters the target area
while the effect is running, a caterwauling noise will be set off like a siren. Hogsmeade
was under a Caterwauling Charm that would go off if anyone moved around outside while
curfew was in effect (DH28).
‘caterwaul’ = Eng. ‘to make a screaming noise like that of a cat during mating season’
‘cat’s among the pixies, the’
Mrs Figg uses this expression. It’s synonymous with the Muggle cliché ‘the cat’s among
the pigeons’, meaning that something has stirred up trouble (OP2).
Cattermole: Alfred, Ellie, and Maisie
Children of Reg and Mary Cattermole who were scared for their mother’s safety (DH13).
Cattermole, Mary Elizabeth
Wife of Reg Cattermole of Magical Maintenance at the Ministry of Magic. Her parents
were Muggle greengrocers. Mary, a small woman with dark hair pulled back into a bun,
was brought before the Muggle-Born Registration Commission to explain from whom she
‘stole’ her wand. (DH13).
Cattermole, Reginald
Wizard who worked for Magical Maintenance at Ministry of Magic headquarters in London.
He is the husband of Mary Elizabeth Cattermole. Reg figured unwittingly into a plan
devised by Harry, Ron, and Hermione to enter the Ministry (DH12, 13).
cauldron
A basic part of every witch and wizard’s kit, a metal pot with a handle. These versatile
items are used to brew potions, but can also be used to carry supplies, and, in a
pinch, to clobber an attacker. Many cauldrons are at least partially magical. Self-stirring
and collapsible cauldrons are for sale in a shop on Diagon Alley, for example (PS5).
Gaspard Shingleton invented Self-Stirring Cauldrons (FW), a fact which the first years
had to remember for their History of Magic exam (PS16). Cauldrons can carry a lot
of books, which suggests that they might have enchantments on them to make them bigger
on the inside than on the outside (CS4).
Cauldron Cakes
Something delicious sold on the Hogwarts Express (PS6, PA5, GF11) and baked by Bathilda
Bagshot as a housewarming present for the Dumbledores (DH11).
‘Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love, A’
A song performed by Celestina Warbeck. It is a ‘particularly jazzy number’ with sentimental
associations for Mrs Weasley, as she and her husband danced to it when they were eighteen.
It features not only Celestina Warbeck, but also her chorus (HBP16).
cauldron shop
This shop on Diagon Alley, the closest shop to the entrance from the alley behind
the Leaky Cauldron, sells all sorts of cauldrons (PS5).
Cauldwell, Owen
(b. 1983; Hufflepuff, 1994)
Hogwarts student (GF12).
cave by the sea
An extensive series of sea caves, nearly inaccessible except by magic, where Tom Riddle
terrorised two children while on a day trip from the orphanage where he grew up (HBP13).
Years later, Voldemort used dark enchantments and Inferi in the deep chambers of the
cave to secure and protect a Horcrux (HBP28, DH10).
cave above Hogsmeade
A cave, located in the mountains above Hogsmeade which has served as a hideout and
a refuge over the years (GF27, HBP8, DH31).
Cave Inimicum
(CAH-vay i-NIM-eekum)
One of the protective spells Hermione used (DH14, 22).
‘cave’ = L. ‘beware’ + ‘inimicum’ = L. ‘of enemies’
Cecilia
The pretty, snobbish Muggle girl on a grey horse that Tom Riddle was with when he
rode past the Gaunt family shack. She was heard to say ‘My God, what an eyesore!’
(HBP10).
ceiling, enchanted
Some Wizarding institutions have enchanted ceilings in their largest and most important
rooms. The ceiling of Hogwarts’ Great Hall is enchanted so that it mimics the sky
outside (e.g. PS7, PA9, GF12, GF13). At times the enchantment has been modified for
a special occasion. Warm, dry enchanted snow fell from it for a Christmas celebration
(CS12) and colourful confetti rained down during Lockhart’s Valentine’s Day festivities
(CS13). The ceiling of the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic also seems to be enchanted
to resemble the sky. It glows peacock blue early in the morning (OP7) and dark blue
in the evening (OP34).
Centaur
Reclusive magical being, a horse with human body and head. Centaurs are only male,
not female (JKR). Centaurs watch and read the signs in the stars and planets and they
do not take sides in the events unfolding around them, preferring simply to observe
(PS15). A herd of centaurs live in the Forbidden Forest, including Ronan (PS15), Bane
(PS15), Magorian (OP30) and, up until Harry’s fifth year, Firenze (PS15, OP27). The
Centaurs fought in the Battle of Hogwarts against the Death Eaters (DH36).
Centaurs figure in Greek mythology. In many cases, Centaurs represent animalistic
behaviour – carrying off human women, for example – but they also appear as wise teachers.
The Centaurs in the Harry Potter books demonstrate both traits. Bane carries off Umbridge
when she insults and attacks the herd. Firenze, on the other hand, becomes a teacher
at Hogwarts, even though he is banished from the herd because of associating with
wizards.
Centre for Alchemical Studies
The foremost such institute is in Egypt (JKR).
chains, magical
A spell which causes magical chains to snake out of a chair and bind a person to it.
The chair in the Court of Magical Law has these magical chains on it (GF30, OP8, DH13).
See BINDING/FASTENING MAGIC.
Challenges in Charming
One of the scholarly journals of the Wizarding world; Albus Dumbledore had at least
one paper published in it when he was still quite young (DH2).
Chamber of Secrets
A legendary secret room deep underneath Hogwarts castle, constructed by Salazar Slytherin
to house a monster which would finish his ‘noble work’ by ridding the school of non-pureblood
students. Over the centuries, many have searched for the Chamber without success.
Eventually, the whole thing was assumed to be purely fiction (CS9). It was not, however.
The chamber is large and temple-like, with a huge statue of Slytherin dominating (CS16,
17, cf. DH31).
chamber pot room, magical
A mysterious room in Hogwarts discovered accidentally by Dumbledore; the room happened
to be very conveniently filled with chamber pots. Although he did not realise it,
this room was the Room of Requirement (GF23).
Chambers
(Ravenclaw, 1990s; Quidditch Chaser c.1995-1996)
Ravenclaw Chaser in the final Quidditch match with Gryffindor of the 1995-1996 school
year (OP31).
chambers of the Philosopher’s Stone
A series of chambers located deep underneath Hogwarts, used to conceal the Philosopher’s
Stone and protect it from would-be thieves. Dumbledore placed the Stone there sometime
in 1991 or 1992. The stone was protected by several magical traps and devices such
that stealing the Stone would be quite a feat (PS16, 17).
Where was the Stone all year, though? When was it placed in the Mirror and when was
the Mirror placed in the underground chamber? After all, the mirror was in a disused
third floor classroom at Christmas. Quite honestly, hiding the Stone in a mirror tucked
away in some dusty corner of the castle seems a bit more secure than placing it behind
a series of obvious magical barriers, calling attention to it and almost daring someone
to try to get through. And let’s face it, any magical defences which can be penetrated
by three first-years, no matter how clever, aren’t all that impressive. The most logical
explanation is that the whole forbidden chamber thing was a ruse to cover for the
fact that the Stone was actually somewhere else, and that Dumbledore intended for
Harry to go down into the Chamber after Quirrell. What Dumbledore hadn’t counted on,
it would seem, was the fact that Voldemort was involved.
chameleon cloaks
There were rumours that the Puddlemere United team was investigating chameleon cloaks
for new robes (DP1).
Chameleon Ghouls
These ghouls are known to pretend to be suits of armour (CS11).
Chang, Cho
(Ravenclaw, 1990; Quidditch Seeker, 1993–7?; Dumbledore’s Army)
A popular, pretty Ravenclaw student who was Harry’s girlfriend for awhile (esp. OP21,
26). She loves Quidditch – she has been a fan of the Tutshill Tornados since she was
six – and was the Seeker for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team (PA13 etc.). In her sixth
year, Cho joined Dumbledore’s Army along with her friend Marietta Edgecombe (OP16).
Charing Cross Road
A busy shopping street located in central London, Charing Cross Road is the site of
the Leaky Cauldron (PS5, PA3, HBP6).
True, Charing Cross Road is a very mundane, Muggle-filled street, but on the other
hand, there is some magic to be found. Bookshops and music stores abound. Denmark
Street, which connects to Charing Cross Road near the intersection with Oxford Street,
is known as the ‘British Tin Pan Alley’. Here Elton John wrote his first hit, ‘Your
Song’, and legendary acts such as the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix recorded. Farther down
the street is the London Hippodrome, which a hundred years ago was home to elaborate
circus performances which included acts in a huge water tank that filled the stage.
Muggles who want a taste of the magic of Diagon Alley can wander Cecil Court, just
off Charing Cross Road, and buy anything from antique maps to crystal balls and stuffed
owls.
Charms Club
A student organization at Hogwarts (OP13).
Charms
A spell which adds to or changes the properties of an object. Charms are somewhat
less scientific and more artistic and creative than Transfiguration spells (JKR),
doing things such as such as making objects flash different colours or levitate. Some
charms make a person laugh or dance or even create a bubble of breathable air around
a person’s head. Other Charms can be extremely powerful. Memory Charms, for example,
can be so strong that they completely remove a person’s memory or even damage his
or her mind permanently. Flitwick teaches the Charms classes at Hogwarts (PS8, etc.).
Charms Classroom
Classroom where Flitwick teaches Charms (PS10, etc.). Because the effects of the students’
magic attempts can be somewhat random and haphazard, Flitwick is resigned to being
pummeled, smacked on the head, and Summoned across the room. It is located down the
Charms corridor on the third floor (PS9) and has a window overlooking the front drive
(OP30).
Charm to Cure Reluctant Reversers
This spell comes from page twelve in Harry’s Handbook of Do-It- Yourself Broomcare (PA2).
Charm Your Own Cheese
by Greta Catchlove (FW), also known as Gerda Curd (JKR)
The Weasleys keep a copy of this cookbook in their kitchen (CS3).
Chaser
Quidditch players who pass the Quaffle between them, trying to throw it through the
goal to score; there are three on a Quidditch team (PS10, etc.).
Cheering Charm
A charm that cheers a person up. Cheering Charms were part of the Charms curriculum
for the third-years (PA15). They were also part of the written Charms O.W.L. exam
(OP31). Cheering Charms were invented by Felix Summerbee during the 1400s (FW).
cheese cauldron
Not a good idea, despite what Humphrey Belcher thinks (HBP10).
cherry
Neville’s new wand is made from this wood (HBP7).
In Danish folklore, forest demons were said to live in cherry trees. Vila (which Ms.
Rowling calls Veela in her stories) were believed to live near cherry trees according
to Serbian folklore. Culpeper’s Complete Herbal, a book Ms. Rowling mentions as one of her sources, lists a number of remedies using
cherry fruit and sap.
chess, wizard
See WIZARD CHESS.
chestnut
Chestnut is a wand wood. Peter Pettigrew’s wand was made of chestnut (DH24).
The lore of the chestnut tree doesn’t fit Pettigrew particularly well. It signifies
honesty and a well-developed sense of justice.
Chimaera
A vicious, bloodthirsty creature with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a dragon’s
tail. Fiendfyre sometimes takes the form of a Chimaera (DH31).
The chimera is a monstrous creature found in Greek mythology. Homer describes it as
‘a thing of immortal make, not human, lion-fronted and snake behind, a goat in the
middle, and snorting out the breath of the terrible flame of bright fire’. In Turkey
there is a volcanic mountain called Mount Chimaera which, according to ancient writers,
had lions on the peak, pastures with goats in the middle, and nests of snakes at the
base, corresponding to the appearance of the Chimera monster.
China
The most populated country in the world, with over one billion people. Two Chinese
wizards of note were the magical creatures specialist Quong Po and the alchemist Dzou
Yen (FW). China is also the home of the Chinese Chomping Cabbage (OP16).
Chinese Chomping Cabbage
Hermione studied a diagram of this for a homework assignment (OP16).
Chinese Fireball
A species of dragon native to China. The Fireball is a bright red dragon with golden
spikes on its head (GF19, GF20).
Chipping Clodbury
This town was the location of a late-night meeting between Ministry representatives
and the Brotherhood of Goblins intended to discuss the creation of a goblin bill of
rights. Things got a little out of hand (DP3).
Chipping Clodbury does not actually exist in the Muggle world. The name is a play
on words for the town Ms. Rowling grew up in, which is called Chipping Sodbury.
Chittock, Glenda
(b. 1964)
Radio personality; for more information see the Famous Wizard Cards (FW).
Chizpurfle
A magical pest (JKR).
Chocoballs
Sweet sold at Honeydukes (PA5).
chocolate
Chocolate has special properties. Not only does it make a wonderful treat but it also
serves as a particularly powerful antidote for the chilling effect produced by contact
with Dementors and other particularly nasty forms of Dark Magic (PA5, 21).
Chocolate’s magical effect isn’t limited to witches and wizards. Chocolate actually
makes us Muggles feel good because it contains small amounts of stimulants which increase
endorphins in the brain. Part of chocolate’s appeal comes from the fact that it melts
at almost exactly body temperature, so popping a bit of chocolate into your mouth
results in that melting goodness everyone loves.
Chocolate Cauldrons
Chocolates which typically have firewhiskey in them, although unscrupulous witches
have been known to substitute a love potion for the whiskey (HBP18).
Chocolate Frog cards
These cards, each bearing the face of a famous witch or wizard, come in Chocolate
Frogs candy (along with a real chocolate frog) (PS6). Hogwarts students collect and
trade them (e.g. PS13, GF19, OP10). The faces on some of the cards are famous even
to Muggles, although their magical abilities were not always recognised.
Chorley, Herbert
A Muggle and a Junior Minister to the British (Muggle) Prime Minister. Chorley had
to take some time off recently when he started acting very strangely (HBP1).
Christmas
The first of the two-week breaks between terms at Hogwarts, encompassing the Christmas
and New Year holidays. Most students go home over this holiday break, but a few stay
at Hogwarts. Traditionally, twelve Christmas trees are set up in the Great Hall by
Hagrid and decorated by Flitwick. Sometimes the armour in the castle is enchanted
to sing carols. Wizards use real, live fairies in place of decorative light strings
(PA10, GF23). A feast is held on Christmas day, culminating in a round of Cribbage’s
Wizarding Crackers (e.g. PS12).
Christmas seems to be celebrated more as a cultural than religious holiday at Hogwarts,
which is a ‘multi-faith school’, according to Ms. Rowling (MTV). British schools traditionally
have breaks between terms at Christmas and Easter, just like Hogwarts.
Chudley Cannons
Quidditch team from the town of Chudley. The Cannons are Ron’s favourite Quidditch
team even though they do tend to lose rather often (CS3, etc.). The Cannons wear orange
robes with a speeding black cannon ball and a double letter C on them (CS4). Some
famous (and not so famous) players for the Cannons include Seeker Galvin Gudgeon (DP1),
Beater Joey Jenkins (GF22), and Chaser Dragomir Gorgovitch, who transferred in 1995
and since holds the record for the most dropped Quaffles (DH7). The manager is Ragmar
Dorkins (DP1).
Though there is no Chudley in Britain, there is a Chudleigh. It is located in Devon
not far from the likely location of Ottery St. Catchpole and the Burrow.
Circe
A famous enchantress of ancient Greece; for more information see the Famous Wizard
Cards (PS6, FW).
Circe, in Greek mythology, lived on the island of Aeaea. In the Odyssey, she captured
Odysseus’ crew and turned them into pigs. He used an antidote revealed to him by the
god Hermes to avoid being poisoned himself and rescued his men.
Clagg, Elfrida
(1612 – 1687)
Chieftainess of Warlock’s Council, Clagg made the Golden Snidget a protected species
(JKR, FW).
The dates given on Clagg’s Chocolate Frog card conflict with information from QA4
which says she was the ‘Chief of the Wizard’s Council’ in the mid-1300s.
Clankers
Small metal objects which when shaken produce a loud metallic clanking sound; used
to control dragons in Gringotts (DH26).
Clapham
Clapham is an area of southwest London that, at number two, Laburnum Gardens, is home
to Sturgis Podmore (OP14).
Class B Tradeable Materials
The Ministry restricts trade in these materials because they are so dangerous (DH20,
21).
Class C Non-Tradeable Substances
Prohibited by Ministry regulations, but not as dangerous as Class A or B materials.
Venomous Tentacula Seeds fall into this category (DH9).
classes at Hogwarts
Classes at Hogwarts are designed to train a young witch or wizard to be a competent,
capable, and wise member of Wizarding society. They learn the basic theory and practice
of the standard domains of magic: Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, and Herbology.
They also learn to discern between good and evil uses of magic, and to deal with the
forms evil takes, such as Dark creatures and curses.
The following classes are offered at Hogwarts:
Ancient Runes
Arithmancy
Astronomy
Care of Magical Creatures
Charms
Defence Against the Dark Arts
Divination
Herbology
History of Magic
Muggle Studies
Potions
Transfiguration
Extra-curricular: Flying (first year), Apparition (sixth year)
Classroom eleven
Located along the ground floor corridor, opposite the Great Hall, this classroom was
used by Firenze to teach Divination beginning in 1995. When students entered the classroom,
they discovered that it had been magically transformed into a forest, complete with
starry sky (OP27).
Cleaning Charms
Various spells which are useful around the house (JKR). An example is Scourgify (OP3).
cleaning solutions, magical
Cleaning and polishing is usually accomplished with magical means, including various
potions. ‘Mrs Scower’s Magical Mess Remover’ is used regularly (CS9, GF18). Use number
twelve of dragons’ blood is oven cleaner (SFC).
Cleansweep series
A series of sport broomsticks produced by the Cleansweep Broom Company beginning in
1926 (PS9, CS7, PA12, HBP11, DP2). The current model is the Cleansweep 11, which came
out in the summer of 1995 (OP9). Ron, Fred, and George Weasley all rode on Cleansweeps.
Clearwater, Penelope
(b. 1976; Ravenclaw, 1987; prefect 1992)
Girlfriend of Percy Weasley, who calls her Penny; she has long curly hair (CS12).
She appreciates the Firebolt as a first-class broomstick, and is serious about Quidditch
(PA13).
The text of CS14 has been corrected in current editions to put Penelope in the same
year as Percy; Madam Pomfrey is now said to be ‘bending over a sixth-year girl with
long, curly hair’.
Cliodna
Famous Irish Druidess ; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (PS6, FW).
Cliodna in Irish mythology was a goddess of love and beauty. She was accompanied by
three birds whose songs had healing properties.
Cloak of Invisibility
One of the Deathly Hallows, according to legend a Cloak originally owned by Death
himself. In fact, the Cloak was created many, many years ago by the Peverell brothers
and belonged originally to Ignotus Peverell (DH21). Unlike any other Invisibility
Cloak, this Cloak was perfect, never fading, and most importantly, could be used to
protect others as well as the person who wore it. The Cloak was passed along the Peverell
line for generations until it was given finally to the last living descendent of Ignotus:
Harry Potter (DH35).
clocks, magical
In the kitchen of the Burrow was a clock with only one hand and no numbers. It was
marked ‘Time to make tea,’ ‘Time to feed the chickens,’ and ‘You’re late!’ (CS3).
Also in the Burrow is a grandfather clock with nine hands, one for each Weasley family
member. These hands point to inscriptions around the face which indicate where that
person is at the moment, such as ‘home’, ‘school’, or ‘mortal peril’ (GF10). In Number
Twelve Grimmauld Place was a somewhat more sinister grandfather clock. This rather
nasty clock would shoot heavy bolts at passers-by (OP6, DH10).
There is a minor continuity error with the clock showing the location of the Weasley
family members. In book four, it’s a grandfather clock (GF10), but during the Second
War, it was the size of a carriage clock and Molly was in the habit of carrying it
around with her, even though it constantly said ‘Mortal peril’ for her entire family
(HBP5). Considering that the clock is magical, however this is easily explained. There’s
nothing to say that it has to stay the same size all the time.
Clogg, Edgar
Ghost who has been hanging around the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch as long as anyone can
remember (‘Quidditch World Cup’ video game).
clothing, Wizard
For the most part, wizards wear robes, without Muggle clothing underneath (GF7). There
are varying types of robes, including dress robes for fancy occasions (GF10) and Quidditch
robes designed for athletes (PS11). Depending on weather, travelling cloaks and hats
can be added as well (DH11). At Hogwarts, school robes are plain and black (PS5) and
seem to have something that identifies the house, although what this might be is never
stated. Students wear pointed black hats as a regular rule (PS5, CS5).
The robes seen in the films do not match those described in the books at all; instead
they look like school uniforms and use school ties to show house colours. The ‘robes’
are more like cloaks over Muggle-style clothing. The pointed black hats mentioned
in the books were shown in the earlier films but were abandoned after that.
Club, The
A tea leaf fortunetelling symbol, from Unfogging the Future pages five and six, which means ‘an attack’ (PA6).
cobbing
Quidditch foul. During the World Cup final in 1994, this foul is described as the
‘excessive use of elbows’ (GF8).
cockatrice
A magical creature which is a combination of a rooster and a dragon or snake. A cockatrice
went on a rampage in the Triwizard Tournament of 1792 (GF15).
The legendary creature called the cockatrice is actually almost a twin of the basilisk.
Some of the characteristics of the basilisk in the Potter books are actually those
of the cockatrice, such as the ability to turn people into stone with a glance. Some
medieval bestiaries say that the weasel is the only animal which is immune to its
petrifying stare.
Cockroach Cluster
Sweets for sale at Honeydukes, most likely with real cockroaches inside (PA10).
Ms. Rowling has mentioned that she is a Monty Python fan (Sch2). Cockroach clusters
come directly from a sketch from ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’.
Code of Wand Use
Clause 3 of this Code says that no non-human creature is permitted a wand (GF9). The
passage of this Ministry of Magic Decree, called the Wand Ban, in 1631 led to goblin
riots (JKR). This is still a serious point of contention with the goblins (DH24).
Cokeworth
The home of the Railview Hotel, where Vernon Dursley drove the family in a desperate
attempt to escape Harry’s letters from Hogwarts (PS3).
The name of the town of Cokeworth may be borrowed from the grim industrial city of
Coketown in Charles Dickens’ novel Hard Times. ‘Coke’ in this context refers to a
fuel derived from coal, used in iron-making blast furnaces.
Cole, Mrs
The matron of Tom Riddle’s orphanage. Mrs Cole appeared to be harried and overworked,
but her manner and appearance was not unkind (HBP13).
Collapsible Cauldron
A cauldron which can be made smaller, perhaps to make it easier to carry (PS5).
Colloportus
(ko-lo-POR-tus)
Seals a door, making an odd squelching noise (OP35).
‘colligo’ = L. ‘to bind together’ + ‘portus’ = L. ‘doorway, opening, portal’
Colour Change Charm
A Charm that is required during the practical portion of the Charms O.W.L. Possibly
the same as the flashing paint charm (OP31).
CoMC
Commonly used abbreviation in fandom for Care of Magical Creatures.
Come and Go Room
The House-elves’ name for the Room of Requirement (OP18).
Comet series
A series of racing brooms built by the Comet Trading Company. Malfoy rode a Comet
260 (PS10), as did Cho Change (PA13) and Tonks (OP3).
Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures
A Ministry committee that considers cases of brutality of magical creatures. They
hold a hearing and consider evidence, then pronounce judgment (PA11, 16, 21).
Committee on Experimental Charms
This Ministry committee deals with unusual and potentially dangerous new spells (CS3).
The committee was founded by Balfour Blane c. 1600 (FW). One of its current personnel,
Gilbert Whimple, presently has horns, presumably from handling some dangerous magic
(GF7).
Common Magical Ailments and Afflictions
A standard book of medical information for wizards (GF2).
common rooms
Each Hogwarts house has a common room, adjacent to its dormitories, where many students
spend their free time. Each room is unique, reflecting the founder of the House and
the characteristics of its students. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw each have a tower with
a circular common room at the base (PS7, DH30); Hufflepuff has a ‘cosy and welcoming’
common room near the kitchens (BLC); and Slytherin has a dungeon underneath the lake
(DH23).
Common Welsh Green
Dragon species native to the higher mountains of Wales (PS14, JKR).
Compendium of Common Curses and Their Counter-Actions, A
The Room of Requirement contained a copy of this book during the D.A.’s first meeting
there (OP18).
‘complimentary medicine’
Treating patients using Muggle techniques along with the magical approaches. The practice
is considered very dodgy by wizards (OP23).
Comstock, Magenta
(1895–1991)
Comstock was a magical artist. She was famous for painting portraits with strangely
enchanted eyes (JKR).
Magenta is a purplish-red colour, a fitting name for an artist. The last name may
be a nod to Anna Botsford Comstock, an American artist and educator in the early 20th
century.
Confringo
(kon-FRIN-go)
‘Blasting Curse’
Causes the target to explode (FW, DH4, DH17).
‘confringo’ = L. ‘to smash, crush; to ruin, undo’
Confronting the Faceless
The N.E.W.T.-level textbook for Defence Against the Dark Arts during Harry’s sixth
year (HBP9).
Confundo
(kon-FUN-do)
‘Confundus Charm’
Causes confusion. A person who is affected by this Charm is said to be Confunded (PA21,
HBP11, HBP14, DH1, DH15, DH16, DH26, DH33, /e). The Confundus Charm can be cast on
a magical object as well as a person (GF17).
‘confundo’ = L. ‘to mix up, jumble together, confuse, bewilder, perplex’
Confundus Charm
See CONFUNDO.
Confusing and Befuddlement Draught
ingredients: sneezewort, scurvygrass, and lovage
Harry had to study the ingredients and their effects during his fifth year (OP18).
Confusing Concoction
A potion that third-years were asked to brew for their exams (PA16).
Conjunctivitis Curse
A spell that affects the eyes and vision of the target. (GF19, 20).
‘conjunctiva’ = L. ‘connecting (as in membrane of the eye)’ + ‘-itis’ = L. ‘inflammation’
conjured items
A spell that creates objects out of thin air (e.g. CS11, PA9). Most things conjured
out of thin air will disappear after a couple of hours (SN). Some things simply can’t
be conjured; Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration states that there are five exceptions,
one of which is food (DH15, 29). Wizards occasionally will ‘draw up a chair’ (conjure
a chair out of thin air) (e.g. OP8, 22). Conjuring spells are advanced magic – considered
N.E.W.T. level at Hogwarts (OP13).
Connolly
Irish National Side Quidditch team, Beater (GF8).
Contorting Cereals
A category in the Annual International Wizard Gardening Competition which causes some
confusion in Muggles, who call them ‘crop circles’ (DP1).
contract, magical
This spell or spells makes a contract magically unbreakable. Placing a name in the
Goblet of Fire constituted a binding magical contract. The people whose names were
chosen were obliged to participate in the contest (GF16).
See UNBREAKABLE VOW.
Cooper, Buckley
Wrote a letter to the Daily Prophet asking for legal advice in the running feud he’s been having with his brother, wondering
if he could get away with turning his nephews and nieces into animals (DP3).
Coopey, Howland
Wrote a letter to the Daily Prophet’s Problem Page asking for medical advice about his alarming and rather colourful
symptoms (DP3).
Coote, Ritchie
(Gryffindor 1990s; Quidditch Beater 1996–?)
Coote is a ‘weedy-looking’ fellow, but he ‘aims well’. He is put on the Gryffindor
Quidditch team playing Beater along with Peakes (HBP11).
Corner, Michael
(b. circa 1980; Ravenclaw 1991; Dumbledore’s Army)
Michael is a dark-haired boy who met Ginny Weasley at the Yule Ball . Through Ginny,
Michael and his friends joined the D.A. (OP16, DH29).
Michael Corner was listed as a Hufflepuff on JKR’s list of students in Harry’s year
(HPM) but became a Ravenclaw in the books.
Cornfoot, Stephen
(b. circa 1980; Ravenclaw 1991)
Student in Harry’s year (HPM).
Stephen’s name appears in the draft of the class list of Harry’s year that Ms. Rowling
displayed during the ‘Harry Potter and Me’ TV interview (HPM). According to the list
he is a pure-blood. Stephen has never appeared in canon, but his name is listed here
because he apparently existed in early plans for the books.
Cornwall
County which comprises the south-western tip of England. Cornwall is the location
of Tinworth, a Muggle coastal town which includes a significant magical population
(including Bill and Fleur Weasley’s home, Shell Cottage) (DH16). Cornwall is also
the location of Falmouth, home of the Falcons Quidditch team, and Bodmin Moor, where
a Quidditch pitch is located (DP2, 3, 4). Cornish Pixies, the type let loose in the
classroom by Gilderoy Lockhart (CS6), are native to here, and in fact in the seventeenth
century Dymphna Furmage experienced an ‘unfortunate incident’ with pixies while on
holiday in Cornwall (FW).
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a small area in England famous for beautiful rolling hills. The town
of Bath is located in the Cotswolds. Trolls have historically lived in the hills here;
troll specialist Gondoline Oliphant was clubbed to death by trolls in the Cotswolds
while she was sketching in 1799 (FW).
Cotton, Gregory
Appleby Arrows Seeker (DP3).
cough potion
The Wizarding world’s equivalent to Muggle cough elixir (cough syrup in the U.S.)
(HBP15).
See PEPPERUP POTION.
Council of Magical Law
Likely another name for what was in later books called the Wizengamot, this Council
was responsible for conducting several key Death Eater trials following the initial
fall of Voldemort in 1981. The Council was overseen by Barty Crouch, Sr., the Head
of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at that time (GF27, 30).
Beginning in book five, the primary court of law in the Wizarding world is called
the Wizengamot; quite possibly this is the same court but that Ms. Rowling hadn’t
invented the name yet. On the other hand, the Council of Magical Law may be a special
court set up for the purpose of dealing with captured Death Eaters.
Courtrooms, Ministry
The Ministry courtrooms are located in the lower levels of Ministry headquarters in
London. They are intimidating places. In some cases the accused persons are brought
in by Dementors and find themselves sitting on a chair which chains their arms in
place magically. The various judges and other members of the court sit far above the
accused in rows of seats around the perimeter of the high-ceilinged chamber. Among
other things, they have been used for hearings conducted by the Council of Magical
Law (GF30), the Wizengamot (OP8), and the Muggle-Born Registration Commission (DH13).
Crabbe, Irma
(1912–1990)
The wife of Pollux Black, and grandmother to Sirius and Regulus Black, as well as
to Bellatrix Lestrange, Andromeda Tonks, and Narcissa Malfoy (BFT).
Crabbe, Mr
A Death Eater, the father of Vincent Crabbe. Like his son, Mr Crabbe is a large fellow
and a bit dim (GF33, OP26).
Crabbe, Vincent
(c. 1980–1998; Slytherin 1991; Inquisitorial Squad; Quidditch Beater 1995–?)
A thickset Slytherin in Harry’s year (PS6), and the son of a Death Eater (GF33). He
was quite dense, although he seemed a little brighter than Goyle (PS9). He spent much
of his career at Hogwarts trailing Draco Malfoy as something of a bodyguard for him
(e.g. PS6, PA5, HBP18, DH31). Beginning his fifth year he also played Beater on the
Slytherin Quidditch team (OP19) and joined the Inquisitorial Squad (OP32).
‘crab’ = Eng. slang. ‘gripe, complain’
Cragg, Elfrida
Someone whose portrait hangs in St Mungo’s (OP22).
This is probably a misprint for Elfrida Clagg, the famous Chiefteness of the Wizard’s
Council in the 1600s.
Creevey, Mr
A Muggle milkman (CS6) who has two sons who are wizards, Colin (CS6) and Dennis (GF12).
Creevey, Colin
(1981–1998; Gryffindor, 1992; Dumbledore’s Army)
A very excitable, short boy with mousy brown hair who was just tickled to death to
discover that he was a wizard and to find out about Hogwarts (CS5, CS6). Colin’s heart
is in the right place, certainly, but he does tend to get run over once in a while
in the rush of events. Colin joined Dumbledore’s Army in October 1995 (OP16). What
Colin lacks in size he makes up for in bravery (esp. DH34).
Creevey, Dennis
(b. 1983; Gryffindor, 1994; Dumbledore’s Army)
The younger brother of Colin, and like Colin has ‘mousy’ brown hair (GF12). Dennis
was the smallest kid in his year when he arrived, and thus almost certainly the smallest
kid in Hogwarts; he needed to stand on his seat in the Great Hall to be able to see
the Goblet of Fire properly, and still only just came up to everyone else’s eye-level
(GF12, GF16). Dennis joined Dumbledore’s Army in October 1995 (OP16).
Dennis managed to get into Hogsmeade for the initial meeting of the D.A. at the Hog’s
Head, even though at the time he was a second year student and technically not allowed
off school grounds. This may be a continuity error on Ms. Rowling’s part, but could
also just indicate that Dennis is a bit cleverer than meets the eye.
Cresswell, Dirk
(d. 1998)
A gifted student while at Hogwarts, Cresswell went on to become the Head of the Goblin
Liaison Office (HBP4, DH15, 22).
A man named Derek Cresswell serves on the Nottingham City Council and was the Sheriff
of Nottingham some years back. Sure, it’s probably just a coincidence, but it is interesting
nevertheless to discover such a similar name while researching.
Cribbage’s Wizarding Crackers
Part of the Christmas feast celebration, similar to Muggle crackers, but these are
magical and contain very interesting and unusual things. When pulled, a wizard cracker
goes off with a very loud blast (PS12, PA11, GF23). Some items found in Wizarding
Crackers include a wizard chess set, grow-your-own- warts kit, and a pack of nonexplodable
luminous balloons (PS12).
Christmas crackers are a tradition in Britain but little known in the United States.
They consist of a cardboard tube decorated with ribbons and lace with a small gift
inside. When pulled apart by two people, they give off a bang and reveal the gift.
Croaker
Arthur Weasley identified this wizard as being an Unspeakable, someone who works for
the Department of Mysteries (GF7).
Crockford, Doris
A witch in the Leaky Cauldron on July 31, 1991, who was just so delighted to meet
Harry Potter that she came back more than once to shake his hand (PS5).
Cromer
Cromer is a small, seaside town on the east coast of England, almost straight east
of London, in Norfolk. In the early eighteenth century, this was the home of the feared
Sea Serpent of Cromer (FW).
Cronk, Crispin
(1795–1872)
Wizard who was inordinately fond of sphinxes; for more information, see the Famous
Wizard cards (FW).
‘cronk’ = Australian slang ‘fraudulent’
Crook, Glinda
Works for the Campaign for Greater Freedom for Wizards. Quoted in the Daily Prophet decrying the actions of the Ministry of Magic designed to reign in the actions of
wizard-kind on Hallowe’en (DP4).
Glinda is the name of the Good Witch of the North in the Wizard of Oz stories.
Crookshanks
Crookshanks is a half-Kneazle (JKR) that Hermione purchased from Magical Menagerie
in Diagon Alley before her third year at Hogwarts (PA4). He appears to be a large
ginger cat with a squashed flat face, a bottle-brush tail and bandy legs. Crookshanks’
Kneazle ancestry accounts for his unusual intelligence and his ability to identify
suspicious characters and activities (esp. PA4, 19, GF14).
Ms. Rowling based Crookshanks on a fluffy ginger cat she enjoyed watching on her lunch
hours (although she is allergic to cats) (JKR). Crookshanks’ name refers to his bandy
legs (‘shank’ is Old English for leg, or shinbone). George Cruikshank (1792–1878)
was a caricaturist who illustrated Charles Dickens’ book Oliver Twist.
Crop-related charms
The Ministry of Magic report ‘A Study into Muggle Suspicions about Magic’ recommended
that the International Confederation of Wizards address problems created by crop-related
charms (DP1).
Cross, the
A tea leaf fortunetelling symbol, from Unfogging the Future pages five and six, which means ‘trials and suffering’ (PA6).
Trelawney got this one right. The meaning of the cross in tasseography is ‘trouble,
delay, or death’.
Cross-Species Switches
Classification of Transfiguration magic in which one type of creature is Transfigured
into another (GF22).
Apparently it’s easier to do the spell when the creatures have similar names (e.g.
guinea fowl into guinea pigs), similar appearance (e.g. hedgehogs into pincushions),
or both (e.g. beetles into buttons).
Crouch, Bartemius ‘Barty’, Sr.
(d. June 1995)
Ministry official, famous for aggressively prosecuting Dark Wizards in the 1970s.
His fervour led him to authorise methods almost as bad as those of the Death Eaters
they were hunting. Crouch was much admired at the time, but fell from grace around
1982 due to personal failures and mistakes and was moved to the Department of International
Magical Cooperation (GF27).
‘crouch’ from Old Fr. ‘crochir’ = ‘to become bent’
Crouch, Bartemius ‘Barty’, Jr.
(b. circa 1963, d.? 24 June 1995; Death Eater; DADA professor, 1994-1995)
Barty Crouch Jr. was the only child of Ministry official Barty Crouch, Sr. He was
a gifted and promising young wizard, but became a Death Eater, much to his father’s
shame (GF30, 36, 37).
Crouch, Caspar
Wizard who appears on the Black family tree tapestry in the drawing room of Number
12 Grimmauld Place (BFT).
Crouch, Mrs
A frail witch, married to Barty Crouch Sr. (GF27, GF30, GF35).
Cruciatus Curse
See CRUCIO.
Crucio
(KROO-see-oh)
Cruciatus Curse
This Unforgivable Curse is the most extreme method of torture in the Wizarding world,
causing almost intolerable pain (esp. GF14, 34, DH23, 29). If used for extended periods
of time, it is also capable of driving its subject insane (GF30).
‘crucio’ = L. ‘torture, torment’
Crumb, Gideon
(b. 1975)
A member of The Weird Sisters; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Crumple-Horned Snorkack
An elusive, non-flying creature which seems to be popular among readers of The Quibbler
(OP13). The Snorkack has a very distinctive horn (DH20). (See also BLC).
Crup
Magical creature which looks like a small dog, except that a Crup has a forked tail.
(OP25).
‘crying over spilt potions’
Mrs Figg uses this expression. It’s synonymous with the Muggle cliché ‘no use crying
over spilt milk’ (OP2).
crystal balls
Tools for Divination (PA15) which came in handy as weapons in a pinch (DH32).
crystal bell jar
A huge jar standing in a room in the Department of Mysteries, filled with some sort
of moving liquid. Floating with the current inside is a small bird. As the bird moves
though its path, it changes from egg to baby bird to adult bird and back to egg. The
jar is used to study time (OP34).
Cuffe, Barnabas
Editor of the Daily Prophet (HBP4).
cupboard under the stairs
Harry’s ‘bedroom’ at the Dursleys for ten years. The cupboard had spiders in it and
when he awoke each morning he would be looking up at the underside of the stairs (PS3,
DH4).
‘cupboard’ = ‘closet’ (US)
Cup of Hufflepuff
See HUFFLEPUFF’S CUP.
Curd, Gerda
Author of Charm Your Own Cheese (possibly a penname, since the author’s name on the famous wizard card is Greta Catchlove)
(JKR).
curse-breaker, Gringotts
A very adventurous job involving breaking into ancient tombs and recovering gold (PA1,
OP29, HBP5).
Curse of the Bogies
A curse that Ron threatened to learn and use on his friends at one point, although
this was probably just talk (PS9).
‘bogey’ could be derived from:
‘Old Bogey’ = The Devil (c. 1836), or
‘bogle’ = Scottish phantom or goblin (c. 1505), or even
‘bogge’ = terror, possibly from ‘bwg’ = Welsh ‘ghost’ and ‘bwgwl’ = Welsh ‘ fear’
Yeah, maybe. But more likely:
‘bogey’ = Brit. slang ‘booger, nasal mucous’
curses
Spells cast for evil purposes (JKR).
Curses and Counter-curses: (Bewitch Your Friends and Befuddle Your Enemies with the
Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying, and Much, Much More)
By Vindictus Veridian
A book with a tempting (and very lengthy) title which Harry spotted in Flourish and
Blotts on his first visit to Diagon Alley (PS5).
Cushioning Charm
The Cushioning Charm creates an invisible ‘pillow’ in the air (DH26).
Cyclops
A one-eyed ancient Greek giant; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards
(FW).
This Cyclops from The Odyssey is Polyphemus, the son of Poseidon. He is one of a race of one-eyed giants who live
on the island of Cyclops. When Odysseus accidentally enters Polyphemus’ cave, the
giant kills several of his men. He in turn gets the giant drunk and puts out his one
eye. In order to escape the giant’s clutches, the men strap themselves to the underside
of Polyphemus’ sheep. When the now-blind giant lets the sheep out to graze, he is
suspicious and feels the back of each animal to make sure that Odysseus’ men aren’t
riding them. Feeling nothing but wool, he lets the sheep go.
D.A., the
The name for the group of students who banded together to learn defensive spells during
the time that Umbridge was at Hogwarts. The name D.A. stands for Dumbledore’s Army
(OP18 ff).
DADA
Commonly used abbreviation in fandom and even by Ms. Rowling herself for Defence Against
the Dark Arts.
Dagworth-Granger, Hector
Founder of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers (HBP9).
Daily Prophet
The primary newspaper of the Wizarding world. The current editor is Barnabas Cuffe
(HBP4). It has offices in Diagon Alley (DP) and publishes an edition every morning.
Typically, the Prophet is delivered each morning by owl post (PS5, GF28, OP12, HBP11).
An evening edition, called The Evening Prophet, is also printed (CS5).
Ms. Rowling does not show much sympathy for the press in her stories. The Prophet
is not the only publication in the Wizarding World, but it is almost certainly the
most widely read. Ms. Rowling shows the Prophet allowing itself to become a tool of
the Ministry’s propaganda, shifting from one position to another at the drop of a
hat. For a year, the Prophet reported the Ministry line that Harry Potter was crazy
and dangerous. Within two weeks of Voldemort’s appearance at Ministry headquarters,
however, they were calling Harry ‘The Chosen One’. But Ms. Rowling’s indictment of
those reading and believing what the Prophet prints is even more scathing. Perhaps
the most disturbing example of this is when Molly Weasley acts coolly toward Hermione
based on the gossip Rita Skeeter wrote. You’d think Molly of all people would know
better. But Ms. Rowling makes the point that even good, well-intentioned people can
be subverted by things they read in the press…or on the Internet.
daisy roots
An ingredient, chopped, used in Shrinking Solution (PA7).
According to Culpeper’s Complete Herbal, crushed daisy leaves can reduce swelling (as well as act as a remedy for a lot of
other things).
Damocles, Uncle
Uncle of Marcus Belby and the inventor of the Wolfsbane Potion. Marcus’s father and
his Uncle Damocles have had a bit of a falling out of late (HBP4).
dandelion juice
Beverage Hagrid served when Harry dropped by (OP38).
Dark Arts
Magic that is intentionally evil.
What makes magic ‘Dark’? This has been the subject of a lot of discussion among fans.
Is Harry using the Dark Arts when he uses the Imperius Curse to control Bogrod and
Travers during their break-in of Gringotts? True, he doesn’t intend to harm anyone
when he does it. But what about when he casts Crucio? What about when Ginny casts her infamous Bat Bogey Hex on people? Certainly she
intends to hurt the person she’s cursing. Is she using Dark magic? This is a very
difficult distinction to make, but one which is of key importance for witches and
wizards in training. This is why Defence Against the Dark Arts is such an important
class for students at Hogwarts—and why Voldemort cursed the position, attempting to
subvert that training.
Dark Arts Outsmarted, The
A book found in the Room of Requirement when it was being used for the D.A. to practice
(OP18).
Dark Creatures
Magical creatures which harm or kill, but not as part of their natural life cycle
(as a predator, for example, which kills to eat) but as a form of evil intention.
For example, a hinkypunk lures travellers into bogs not to eat them but simply to
cause mischief (PA9).
Dark creatures are not simply animals with magical abilities. Fantastic Beasts refers to many of them as ‘demons,’ not in a religious sense, but because it describes
a key aspect of them all: they exist to actively do harm and damage. Dark creatures
aren’t simply predators, although some do feed on fear and other negative emotions.
They attack for the sake of hurting someone, not simply to eat. One way of thinking
about it is to say that they are a physical embodiment of an evil, harmful intent,
a physical embodiment of Dark Magic. For this reason, Dark Creatures are studied in
Defence Against the Dark Arts classes, not Care of Magical Creatures.
Dark Detectors
Magical devices, such as Sneakoscopes and Foe Glasses, which warn of the presence
of enemies or of Dark Magic (GF20). While useful, Harry is quick to point out that
they can be fooled (OP18).
Dark Force Defence League
An organisation which fights against the Dark Arts (CS6, GF31).
Dark Forces: A Guide to Self- Protection, The
By Quentin Trimble
First year textbook for Defence Against the Dark Arts classes at Hogwarts (PS5).
Dark Items
Magical items which are filled with Dark Magic. These include cursed items like the
opal necklace (HBP12) and objects used for Dark rituals, such as Voldemort’s Horcruxes
(esp. HBP23). Dark Items can affect the people around them in negative ways (e.g.
DH15).
Dark Lord, The
A title used for Voldemort by his followers (esp. OP26).
Dark Mark (spell)
See MORSMORDRE.
Dark Mark
A symbol used by Voldemort and his Death Eaters. As a spell, it creates a huge glowing
green skull and snake which they cast over a house where they’d murdered (GF9, HBP27).
Voldemort branded a Dark Mark on his inner circle of Death Eaters (esp. GF33, DH23,
28, 30).
Dark Side, The
A name for Voldemort’s supporters.
The term ‘Dark Side’ is used in books one through four, but never in books five, six
and seven. Once Voldemort returned and the battle became centred on the Order of the
Phoenix and the Death Eaters, the terminology became more personal.
Dark Wizard Catchers
Another name for Aurors (GF11).
Davies, Roger
(b. circa 1978; Ravenclaw, c.1989; Quidditch Chaser and Captain c.1993-1996)
A popular, athletic Ravenclaw student a year or two older than Harry (GF22, 23, OP25,
30).
Davis, Tracey
(b. circa 1980; Slytherin, 1991)
Hogwarts student in the same year as Harry (HPM).
Tracey Davis’ name appears in the draft of the class list of Harry’s year that Ms.
Rowling displayed during the ‘Harry Potter and Me’ TV interview (HPM). The chart appears
to indicate that Tracey is a Half-blood witch (HPM). She has never appeared in canon.
Dawlish, John
Auror, very capable and self-assured. He left Hogwarts with Outstandings in all his
N.E.W.T.s. Dawlish is described as a tough-looking wizard with very short, gray, wiry
hair (OP27, 31, 36, HBP8, 17, DH1, 15, 29).
The name ‘Dawlish’ comes from the name of a seacoast town in Devon. It is located
near Exeter, where Ms. Rowling attended university. His first name was given to him
by Ms. Rowling in a conversation with fans at the book release readings for book seven.
Dawlish is named after John Noe of The Leaky Cauldron website.
Deadmarsh
The hag Annis Black lived in a cave in Deadmarsh (DP1).
Dearborn, Caradoc
Member of the Order of the Phoenix in the 1970s (OP9).
Death (character)
In the children’s story ‘The Tale of the Three Brothers,’ the character of Death accosted
three brothers who tricked him into giving them amazingly power magical items: an
invincible wand, a stone which could raise the dead, and a cloak of invisibility (DH21).
d’Eath, Lorcan
(b. 1964)
A popular singer who is part vampire (JKR).
Death Chamber
A strange chamber deep in the Department of Mysteries where an ancient archway stands
on a dais. The archway holds a curtain or veil which moves as if touched by a gentle
breeze. Some people can hear voices coming from the archway, although there is apparently
nothing behind it. The voices are those of the dead, and the chamber and archway are
used to study death (OP34, 35).
Deathday Party
Party held in the dungeons on 31 October 1992 to celebrate Nearly Headless Nick’s
500th Death Day. Harry, Ron, and Hermione attended but didn’t stay long (CS8).
Death Eaters
Voldemort’s followers. The original group consisted of Hogwarts students (HBP17).
After leaving school, Voldemort gave his followers the name Death Eaters (HBP20) and
branded a Dark Mark on their left forearm (GF23, etc.). After Voldemort disappeared,
many of the Death Eaters were imprisoned (GF30). Others claimed to have been Imperiused
(GF27). (See also (GF33, OP25, DH1, 30, 31, 36).
Deathly Hallows, The
Three legendary magical items of great power: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone,
and the Cloak of Invisibility. Their origin is told in ‘The Tale of the Three Brothers’
from The Tales of Beedle the Bard (DH21, esp. DH18). Harry found his destiny wrapped up in the incredible tale of these
legendary objects, in ways he could never have imagined (esp. DH 18).
Death Omens: What To Do When You Know The Worst Is Coming
A book for sale in the Divination section of Flourish and Blotts (PA4).
Deathstick
Legends tell of a powerful wand called the Deathstick, which some believe to be the
same as the Elder Wand, one of the Deathly Hallows (DH21).
Decoy Detonators
Small horn-like devices on short legs which, when dropped, run off some distance away
and then emit an explosive sound and black smoke (HBP6, DH13).
Reminds me of an old greenish-gold AMC Gremlin I owned back in the 1970s…
Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry
Law which states that, because of a lack of full training and sometimes a lack of
common sense (HBP19), underage wizards are not allowed to use magic out of school
(CS5, PA3, etc). The Decree making this a law, passed in 1875 (OP8), is designed to
protect the students and their families and also to avoid breaches of the most important
Wizarding law, the Statute of Secrecy. There are exceptions to this law in a case
where the young witch or wizard is in a life-threatening situation (OP7). The Ministry
keeps track of any underage magic by placing a Trace on each student (DH4).
Defence Against the Dark Arts
This class, one of the most important at Hogwarts, teaches students to identify and
deal with Dark magic. Students learn about Dark spells and creatures and to use offensive
and defensive spells. Since the mid-1950s, Hogwarts has had a new Defence Against
the Dark Arts teacher every year (HBP20). As a result, the curriculum and quality
of instruction varied widely from year to year, although the basic subject matter
was prescribed by the Ministry (GF14).
Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom
A classroom located on the first floor. The Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom
has windows looking out onto the grounds and an iron chandelier (CS6).
Defence Against the Dark Arts professor’s office
Office and quarters of the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Since each year
there is a new teacher in that post, the office has undergone a makeover every September
(CS6, PA8, GF20, OP13).
While the classroom is on the first floor, the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor’s
office is on the second (CS6). This was nicely portrayed in the second film by having
Lockhart enter the classroom by means of a staircase from his office.
defensive charge
An unnamed and apparently involuntary magical effect which produces something like
an electrical charge to protect a wizard (OP1).
Defensive Charm
Type of magic which is used for self defence (FW). Training for the Magical Law Enforcement
Squad includes learning the latest Defensive Charms (DP2).
Defensive Magical Theory
By Wilbert Slinkhard
The textbook Umbridge assigned to her Defence Against the Dark Arts students which
more than anything taught how to avoid using magic. In other words, it was totally
worthless, especially when the Wizarding world was facing the re-emergence of Voldemort.
Fudge, however, was worried that Dumbledore might use the Defence Against the Darks
Arts classes to train students as a personal army (OP15).
Deflagration Deluxe
One of the range of fireworks packages available from Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. It
cost twenty Galleons (OP28).
Deflating Draught
An antidote to Swelling Solution (CS11).
Defodio
(deh-FO-dee-oh)
‘gouging spell’
A spell which digs through dirt or rock (DH26).
‘defodio’ = L. ‘dig down, hollow out’
de-gnoming
Getting rid of the gnomes from a garden. This involves grasping the gnomes by the
ankles, swinging them around a few times to disorient them, and then tossing them
out of the garden. Gnomes are rather dim, so when they realise a de-gnoming is going
on, they all come rushing up out of their holes to see what's going on, making them
a lot easier to catch (CS3).
Delacour, Apolline
Married to Monsieur Delacour and mother of Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour (GF31). (DH8).
Madame Delacour, who is at least part Veela, is described as being a beautiful blonde
woman and accomplished at household spells (DH6).
‘Apolline’ = derived from the male name Apollo who in Greek mythology was, among other
things, the god of beauty.
Delacour, Fleur
(b. circa 1977; Beauxbatons, 1988)
Talented, self-assured girl and Triwizard champion from Beauxbatons. She is part Veela,
stunningly beautiful with long blond hair (GF16). After leaving school, Fleur took
a job at Gringotts in London to improve her English (OP4).
‘Fleur Delacour’ means ‘flower of the court’ in French, according to Ms. Rowling (AOL).
Delacour, Gabrielle
(b. 1986)
Fleur’s younger sister (GF26). According to Fleur, Gabrielle talks about Harry all
the time (HBP5, c.f. DH6, 8).