Delacour, Monsieur
Married to Apolline Delacour and father of Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour. Attended
the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament (GF31). Monsieur Delacour is described
as short, plump, and as having a little, pointed black beard (DH6).
Delaney-Podmore, Sir Patrick
A bearded ghost who is the leader of the Headless Hunt. Nick bitterly refers to him
as ‘Sir Properly Decapitated-Podmore’ (CS8, DH31).
Deletrius
(deh-LEE-tree-us)
Erases the ghost images of spells revealed by Priori Incantato. Possibly can be used to remove other spell effects as well (GF9).
‘deleterius’ = L. ‘destroy, eradicate’
Deluminator
Small magical object that looks like a cigarette lighter. When clicked, the Deluminator
pulls into itself all light from a place. When reversed with another click, balls
of light fly back out of the Deluminator, restoring the light or lights that were
extinguished (PS1, OP3). According to Rufus Scrimgeour, the Deluminator was designed
by Albus Dumbledore and is both valuable and rare (DH7). It has a hidden ability to
transport a person to the location of someone who says their name (DH19).
In the earlier editions of the books, this device was called a Put-Outer. The new
name, which fits the style of names in the books much better, was first used when
book seven was released. Many fans have noted the similarities between the Deluminator
and the multi-function tool called the Sonic Screwdriver shown on the television programme
Doctor Who.
Dementors
Horrible, spectral creatures, hooded and robed, which feed on human emotions. Dementors
drain ‘peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them,’ according to Lupin
(PA10). Even before a Dementor is seen, its presence is obvious; they are surrounded
by an unnatural darkness and terrible icy cold (PA5). Dementors affect even Muggles,
although the Muggles can’t see the foul, black creatures. They were the guards at
Azkaban and made that place horrible indeed. The Ministry used Dementors as guards
in its courtrooms as well (GF30, DH13). When they breed, they create chill mist which
permeates everything (HBP1).
Ms. Rowling created Dementors as a personification of depression. She described it
this way:
‘It was entirely conscious. And entirely from my own experience. Depression is the
most unpleasant thing I have ever experienced...It is that absence of being able to
envisage that you will ever be cheerful again. The absence of hope. That very deadened
feeling, which is so very different from feeling sad. Sad hurts but it's a healthy
feeling. It's a necessary thing to feel. Depression is very different.’ Treneman,
Ann. ‘J.K. Rowling, the interview’, The Times (UK), 30 June 2000.
Dementor’s Kiss
A Dementor’s ‘last and worst weapon’ (PA12). The Dementor puts back its hood and places
its jaws on the mouth of the victim and removes his soul, leaving him an empty shell,
alive but completely, irretrievably ‘gone’ (PA12, PA20).
Demiguise
A peaceful, herbivorous primate that can make itself invisible. Its hair can be woven
into Invisibility Cloaks (DH21).
‘demi’ = Fr. ‘half’ + ‘-guise’ = from Eng. ‘disguise’, to hide or conceal identity
Demiguise (Rune)
A rune for the number zero, according to the book Ancient Runes Made Easy. A reference to the fact that a Demiguise can make itself invisible (JKR).
Demiguise Derby
An event organized by the underhanded goblin Urg the Unreliable (FW).
Dennis
A Muggle boy living in Little Whinging, part of Dudley’s gang (PS3).
Densaugeo
(den-sah-OO-gi-oh)
Causes the victim’s teeth to enlarge grotesquely (GF18).
‘dens’ = L. ‘tooth’ + ‘augeo’ = L. ‘grow’
Deprimo
(de-PREE-mo)
A spell which pushes something down forcefully (DH21).
‘deprimo’ = Spanish ‘depress or push down’
Derek
(b. 1982; Hogwarts student, 1993)
Hogwarts student a couple of years younger than Harry who, like Harry, was stuck at
Hogwarts over the holidays in 1993 (PA11).
Derrick
(b. 1977; Slytherin, 1988; Quidditch Beater c.1993-1995)
A Beater on the Slythyerin Quidditch team (PA15, OP19).
Dervish and Banges
A magical equipment shop on the High Street in Hogsmeade (PA5, GF27).
‘Dervish’ = a Sufi Muslim ascetic; one group of dervishes are famous for a whirling
ritual dance which they perform, which may be the connection here, since a magical
equipment shop is likely to contain items that spin or otherwise move around by magic.
‘Bang’ is obvious for a shop specialising in magical odds and ends; consider, for
example, that at the Burrow, ‘small explosions from Fred and George’s bedroom were
considered perfectly normal’ (CS4).
Derwent, Dilys
(1722–1741; St. Mungo’s Healer; Headmistress of Hogwarts 1741–1768)
Previous Hogwarts Headmistress; she has long silver ringlets. Copies of her portrait
hang not only in the Head’s office but also in the main admitting area for St Mungo’s
(OP22).
Descendo
(deh-SEN-doe)
Causes something to descend or lower itself (DH6, 31).
‘descendo’ = L. ‘descend, come down’
Despard, Dragomir
A pseudonym used by Ron on one of their adventures (DH26).
Detachable Cribbing Cuffs
Items banned during O.W.L. exams, not surprisingly (OP31).
detentions
Punishments given at Hogwarts for rule-breaking. Teachers are given the freedom to
choose the type of punishment. Some teachers assign writing lines or doing unpleasant
tasks like cleaning without using magic (e.g. CS7). Some teachers overstepped their
powers, however (GF13, OP12 ff, DH29).
Deverill, Barnabas
One-time possessor of the Elder Wand (DH21).
Deverill, Philbert
Manager of Puddlemere United (DP1, 2).
Devil’s Snare
A dangerous plant which uses its creepers and tendrils to ensnare anyone who touches
it, binding their arms and legs and eventually choking them. Devil’s Snare prefers
a dark, damp environment and shrinks away from fire, so a well-placed flame spell
such as ‘bluebell flames’ will drive it away from its victims (PS16, OP22, 25). Devil’s
Snare is mentioned in the Rumours advertisement for the Toots, Shoots ‘n’ Roots radio
program (JKR).
Devon
A county located in England’s West CountryNicolas and Perenelle Flamel made their
home there (PS13). Chudley, home of the Cannons, and the Burrow are located in Devon.
Ilfracombe, the site of the famous Ilfracombe Incident of 1932, is found along the
northern coast of Devon (FW).
The books place Ottery St Catchpole, and therefore the Burrow, on the south coast
of the West Country. Looking at a map of that area, we are given some clues which
help us to narrow down the location specifically to Devon. The town of Ottery St Mary
is quite near the coast in Devon. The ‘Ottery’ part of the name comes from the fact
that the town is on the River Otter. Even if Ottery St Catchpole is not the same town
as Ottery St Mary, it must also be located along the River Otter to have that name.
Another suggestive fact is that the town of Chudleigh is located near Ottery St Mary,
and of course the Chudley Cannons is Ron’s favourite Quidditch team. To top it all
off, there is actually a farm called The Burrow Hill Farm just a mile or so south
of Ottery St Mary.
Diadem of Ravenclaw
A magical Diadem worn by Rowena Ravenclaw which according to legend was able to give
wisdom to its wearer. The Diadem was a thin tiara engraved with the words ‘Wit beyond
measure is man’s greatest treasure.’ The Diadem was lost for many centuries and some
doubted that it even existed (DH29, 31).
Diagon Alley
A long, cobbled Wizarding high street in London lined with a strange and exciting
assortment of shops and restaurants. Diagon Alley is accessed through the Leaky Cauldron
pub on Charing Cross Road. Shops there include Flourish and Blotts bookstore, Madam
Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, Quality Quidditch Supplies, Eeylops Owl Emporium,
Ollivander’s Wand shop, and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Witches and wizards travel to
Diagon Alley from all over Britain to spend the day shopping (PS5, CS4, PA4, HBP6,
etc.). Near Gringotts is a side street called Knockturn Alley where are to be found
shops dealing with the Dark Arts (CS4).
diary of Tom Riddle
A simple diary, purchased by Tom Riddle in a Muggle shop on Vauxhall Road in London.
The diary turned up many years later and was discovered to have many unusual magical
powers (esp. CS13, 17).
Didsbury
Didsbury is a suburb of Manchester, in northwest England. It was the home of warlock
D.J. Prod, a satisfied Kwikspell customer quoted on their advertisements (CS8).
Diffindo
(dih-FIN-doe)
‘Severing Charm’
A useful spell which cuts something open or apart (GF20, 23 35, DH9).
‘diffindo’ = L. ‘cleave, open’
Diggle, Dedalus
A member of the Order of the Phoenix both in the 1970s and again in the 1990s (OP3,
OP9); he was in the Leaky Cauldron when Hagrid brought Harry in on July 31, 1991 (PS5).
Diggle previously had bowed to Harry in a Muggle shop (PS5), much to Petunia Dursley’s
horror. He lives in Kent and, according to Minerva McGonagall, has never had any sense
(PS1). Diggle once served as an escort for the Dursleys, who didn’t trust him very
much, not surprisingly (DH11).
Diggory, Amos
Ministry Official working for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical
Creatures. Amos took a great deal of pride in his son, Cedric. Amos was a genial man
who was on friendly terms with the Weasleys. The Diggorys live near Ottery St Catchpole
(GF6, 37).
Diggory, Cedric
(1977–1995; Hufflepuff, 1989; Prefect 1992; Quidditch Captain and Seeker, 1993–5)
A handsome boy with grey eyes. In 1993, when he was a fifth-year, he took over as
Captain and Seeker of the Hufflepuff House Quidditch team. He was a very good student
and a prefect (PA9). Cedric was selected by the Goblet of Fire to represent Hogwarts
in the Triwizard Tournament (GF16).
Cedric’s name is possibly a nod to one of the main characters in C. S. Lewis’ Narnia
tales, Digory Kirke.
Diggory, Mrs
Cedric Diggory’s mother, wife of Amos, a very level-headed witch (GF31, 37).
‘dilligrout’
One of the Fat Lady’s passwords to get into Gryffindor Tower (HBP14).
Dilligrout is a thin porridge with plums in it.
Dillonsby, Ivor
Wizard interviewed by Rita Skeeter for her book The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore. Claimed he ‘had already discovered eight uses of dragon's blood when Dumbledore
‘borrowed’ his papers’ (DH2). Ivor is of the opinion that Bathilda Bagshot is senile
(DH18).
Dimitrov
Bulgarian National Team Chaser (GF8).
Dingle, Harold
(Hogwarts student, 1990s)
Tried to sell what he claimed was powdered dragon claw to other students as a study
aid (OP31).
Dippet, Armando
Former headmaster of Hogwarts (until the mid-1950s), Dippet was nearly bald and somewhat
feeble. (CS13). His portrait hangs in Dumbledore’s office (OP37, FW).
Dirigible Plums
A fruit growing near the Lovegood house. The plum looks like an orange radish and
supposedly helps a person wearing one to accept the unusual (DH20), which is undoubtedly
why Luna wears them as earrings (OP13).
Disapparate
(dis-AP-a-rate)
Apparition, from the point of view of the place a wizard is leaving.
‘dis-’ = L. ‘apart, opposite of’ + ‘appareo’ = L. ‘to appear’
Disarming Charm
See EXPELLIARMUS.
Disillusionment Charm
A charm which hides the true, magical nature of something. The spell can be used to
make a witch or wizard nearly invisible (OP3, HBP3, DH4, 22, 24, JKR).
An ‘illusion’ is a false image, often with the suggestion of being fantastic or even
magical. The word comes from ‘illusionem’ = L. ‘irony, jest’, which itself comes from
‘illudere’ = L. ‘to play with’; (Ludo Bagman’s first name comes from the same source
word.) The prefix ‘dis’ suggests the removal of a fantasy image, in this case meaning
that the magical appearance of a creature will be concealed by the spell. Interestingly,
the definition in Wikipedia seems to be particularly appropriate for the effects of
this spell on Muggles:
'A feeling that arises from the discovery that something is not what it was anticipated
to be, commonly held to be stronger than disappointment especially when a belief central
to one’s identity is shown to be false; The act of freeing from an illusion, or the
state of being freed therefrom.'
Dissendium
(dis-EN-dee-um)
Opens the secret door in the statue of the hump-backed witch. Harry learnt this word
from the Marauder’s Map. It is said aloud while the statue is tapped with the caster’s
wand (PA10).
‘dissocio’ = L. ‘to part or separate’
dittany
One of the plants found in One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi (PS14). Essence of Dittany is used to heal wounds (e.g. HBP24, JKR, DH14, 17, 27).
Two varieties of dittany are used by herbalists, both having reputed medicinal properties.
White dittany, found in southern Europe, Asia, and Africa, gives off an anti-inflammatory
oil.
Divination
A branch of magic which attempts to foresee future events. There are several types
of Divination. A common form is what is known as ‘fortunetelling’: predicting events
based on things like crystal balls and tea leaves. The second kind of Divination is
that which is practiced by the centaurs. They analyze the stars and other portents
to determine large scale and long term events (OP27). Many in the Wizarding world
consider this type of magic to be imprecise at best (PA6).
Divination (class)
Elective classes taught at Hogwarts starting in third year (CS14), taught by Professor
Trelawney and, for a few years, the centaur, Firenze. Trelawney’s classes consist
of learning to read palms, peering into crystal balls, and looking for meaning in
dreams and tea leaves (PA6). They spend quite a bit of time on Astrology as well (GF29).
Firenze’s classes burn mallowsweet and observe the movement of stars and planets as
indicators of large scale events on Earth (OP27).
Divination classrooms
Two classrooms were used for Divination classes. Trelawney taught in a round classroom
atop the North Tower, overheated by a perfumed fire and filled with stuffed furniture
and little tables. Shelves line the walls holding teacups and crystal balls, among
other things (PA6). Firenze taught in classroom eleven, on the ground floor, which
had been transformed by magic into a forest clearing (OP27).
Dobbs, Emma
(b. 1983)
A new Hogwarts student Harry watched being Sorted (GF12).
Dobby
‘A Free Elf’
(b. June 28, year unknown; d. March 1998)
House-elf indentured to the Malfoy family (CS2) taking steps to change his lot in
life. (CS2). After escaping servitude under the Malfoys (CS18), Dobby began working
at Hogwarts (GF21). He took every opportunity to help Harry (esp. GF26, OP18). Dobby
was fond of socks and used his earnings as a free elf to buy yarn and knit them for
himself (GF23). (See also DH23, 24).
A ‘dobby’ is a brownie—a house elf—from Yorkshire and Lancashire folklore. Dobbies
were described as thin and shaggy and were very helpful little spirits.
Dr Filibuster’s Fabulous Wet-Start, No-Heat Fireworks
Magical fireworks which can be purchased in Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop (CS4).
Fred and George Weasley were particularly fond of these; it is likely that they provided
the inspiration for their own range of fireworks, called Weasleys’ Wild-Fire Whiz-Bangs
(OP28).
Dodderidge, Daisy
(1467–1555)
Builder and first landlady of the Leaky Cauldron. For more information, see the Famous
Wizard cards (FW).
Doge, Elphias
(b. circa 1881; Order of the Phoenix)
Elderly wizard with a wheezy voice and silver hair (DH8), a Special Advisor to the
Wizengamot and lifelong friend of Albus Dumbledore (DH2). Doge was part of the original
Order of the Phoenix and volunteered again in the 1990s. He was part of the Advance
Guard in 1995 (OP3). Rita Skeeter called him ‘Dodgy’ (DH2) and ‘Dogbreath’ (DH18).
Dolohov, Antonin
(d. 1998?; Death Eater)
One of Tom Riddle’s friends after leaving school, an original Death Eater (HBP20,
DH9, 36). Dolohov’s ‘specialty attack’ was a jet of purple light cast in a zigzag
pattern which causes severe internal injury (OP31).
Donkey, The
Contrary to Trelawney’s interpretation, Seamus said he thought Harry’s tea leaf looked
more like a donkey than a Grim (PA6)
In tasseography, fortune-telling by reading tea leaves, the ‘donkey’ signifies stubbornness,
which is a sly joke in this context. Seamus is, after all, being a bit obstinate when
he contradicts Trelawney.
door-opening spell
Sends a jet of sparks out of the wand, opening the target door (PA7).
Dorkins, Mary
Muggle news reporter who filed a report on a waterskiing budgie (OP1).
Dorkins, Ragmar
Manager of the hapless Chudley Cannons, (DP1-4).
Dorset
Dorset is a county in the West Country, located on the southern coast of England,
which includes Wimbourne, home of the Wasps Quidditch team. It is where Newt Scamander,
author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, lives with his wife Porpentina and their pet Kneazles (FB).
Dot
Resident of Little Hangleton who remembered Frank Bryce as a child and wasn’t afraid
to voice her opinions about him in the pub (GF1).
double-ended newt
When Hermione goes in to buy Crookshanks at the Magical Menagerie, a wizard is at
the counter being advised on double-ended newts (PA4).
Doxy
A small fairy-like creature covered with black hair. Doxies have a poisonous bite.
They are pests which can infest houses, taking up residence in the draperies. Removing
them requires a good supply of Doxycide. It's a good idea to have an antidote for
Doxy venom on hand as well (OP6). Their eggs and droppings may be used as potion ingredients
and other magical inventions (e.g. OP6) Doxie eggs are a favourite food of bowtruckles
(DH28).
Doxycide
Black liquid, usually delivered by spray bottle, used to knock out Doxies so that
they can be safely disposed of. The effects last quite a long time (OP6).
‘Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus’
The Hogwarts school motto, which appears on the crest; it means ‘Never tickle a sleeping dragon.’
Ms. Rowling wanted the motto for Hogwarts to be practical advice, not some high-sounding
platitude like, as she suggests, ‘‘reach for the stars’ or ‘persevere and endure’’
(CR). Not surprisingly, this ‘practical advice’ is also an example of her tongue-in-cheek
humour.
dragon
Dragons are great winged, fire-breathing lizards, among the most amazing magical creatures
in the world. Muggles remember them only as beasts from mythology, which is a credit
to the ongoing efforts of the Ministries of Magic in many countries who work tirelessly
to keep these huge beasts hidden. Wizards who work with them are called dragon keepers
(GF19). Gringotts uses dragons to guard the high security vaults (PS5, DH26). For
more information about the various breeds of dragons, see the book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit
Hogwarts library book consulted by Hagrid, who always wanted a dragon (PS14). Pages
of this book include ‘Essential Equipment,’ ‘Recognising Dragon Eggs,’ a map showing
‘Dragons of the World,’ and ‘A-Z Of Ailments’ (JKR).
dragon dealer
A profession which must be somewhat shady, since dealing in dragons is against the
law (PS14, 16).
dragon dung / dragon manure
Dragon manure is used as fertilizer in Herbology classes (OP25). It is sold by the
barrel in Knockturn Alley (CS4). Dragon dung is also great for sending anonymously
to Percy Weasley at the Ministry of Magic just to annoy him (GF5).
dragon eggs
Highly prized as potion ingredients (particularly Chinese Fireball eggshells). However,
trading in dragon’s eggs is illegal so they’re a bit tricky to obtain (PS16).
dragon feeder
A position which one might guess is hard to fill. Perhaps that’s why Gringotts bank
needed to advertise for dragon feeders in the Daily Prophet (DP2).
We don’t actually meet one of the Gringotts dragons until DH26, but Hagrid mentions
to Harry already in the first book that Gringotts uses dragons to guard the high security
vaults (PS5).
dragon heartstring
This part of a dragon is used as a wand core (PS5).
Before the age of modern medicine, common belief was that the heart was held in place
in the chest by ‘heartstrings’, which were thought to be nerves or tendons. Apparently
dragons (also something which people believed in before the modern era of science)
have this anatomical feature.
dragon hide gloves
These gloves are recommended for use by wizards because they offer protection from
magical and non-magical dangers (PS5, GF13, 18, OP19, HBP14, 18).
dragon keeper
A rather dangerous job, but one which appeals to people like Charlie Weasley, who
works as a dragon keeper at a reservation in Romania (PS8, GF19).
dragon milk cheese
This interesting product is advertised as being included in the book Charm Your Own Cheese (JKR).
The concept of dragons giving milk is extremely odd, given that dragons aren’t mammals.
The term ‘dragon’s milk’, however, is actually a 17th century term used to describe
the strong beer usually reserved for royalty. Ms. Rowling is probably making an allusion
to beer, not commenting on the nursing proclivities of dragons.
dragon pox
A disease which afflicts witches and wizards. The symptoms of this disease are quite
bizarre, including a green and purple rash between the toes and sneezing sparks (DP3).
Elphias Doge gives an account of his own bout with dragon pox as a boy, saying that
the disease is highly contagious in its early stages, and that even after it has run
its course, his skin remained green and pocked for some time (DH2). The famous Gunhilda
of Gorsemoor developed a cure for Dragon Pox around 1600 (FW). Dragon pox is treated
on the second floor of St Mungo's (OP22).
There is a minor continuity error in the dates associated with Dragon Pox. According
to the Famous Wizard cards, the first known victim of Dragon Pox was Chauncey Oldridge
in the 1300s (FW). However, in Quidditch Through the Ages, a letter written in the 1100s by a wizard named Goodwin Kneen mentions that his
wife, Gunhilda, missed a Quidditch match because she had contracted Dragon Pox (QA3).
dragon reservations
To protect their native dragons, as well as to keep them out of sight of Muggles,
many countries have established reservations for the creatures to live in. These are
frequently located in high mountain areas. Charlie Weasley works at a dragon reservation
in Romania (e.g. PS6, GF19).
dragon’s blood
A very magical substance. Albus Dumbledore discovered that there are twelve uses for
dragon’s blood (PS6, DH2), one of which is oven cleaner (SFC).
Dragon's Fire
A magical effect which Arthur Weasley added to the flying motorcycle, rather like
a jet engine, to push the bike to great speed in a hurry (DH4).
Dragon Species of Great Britain and Ireland
Hogwarts library book consulted by Hagrid, who always wanted a dragon (PS14).
Drakul, Count Vlad
(b. 1390)
Notorious vampire who inspired the fictional Count Dracula created by Bram Stoker.
For more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Draught of Living Death
ingredients: asphodel in an infusion of wormwood, valerian roots, sopophorous bean
A very powerful sleeping potion (PS8, HBP9, FW).
Draught of Peace
ingredients: includes powdered moonstone and syrup of hellebore
A tricky O.W.L.-standard potion taught to fifth-year students. It calms anxiety and
soothes agitation (OP12).
Ms. Rowling intentionally creates humour by contrasting the intended effect of this
potion—peace—with the ingredient hellebore, which sounds rather evil (and is very
poisonous as a matter of fact), and also with the difficulty the students have making
it. The potion is so tricky to make that it probably generates more anxiety in the
preparation than it cures.
Dreadful Denizens of the Deep
One of the books that Harry, Ron, and Hermione examined while preparing for the Second
Task of the Triwizard Tournament (GF26).
dream interpretation
Divination method taught by Professor Trelawney at Hogwarts; uses the text book The Dream Oracle, by Inigo Imago (OP12, 13).
Dreams were considered by ancient people to be a form of supernatural or divine communication.
Certain people were thought to have a gift of interpreting dreams. Today, some modern
psychologists still look at a person’s dreams as a way of understanding their subconscious
mind. Harry might have done himself a favour by paying a little more attention in
this part of Divination classes; his dreams quite frequently have hidden meanings.
Dream Oracle, The
by Inigo Imago
Trelawney set out copies of this book in Divination class during Harry's fifth year;
the book appears to have been used only in class. It covers dream interpretation (OP12,
15, 17).
dress robes
Dress robes are worn by wizards for formal occasions (DH8). Students fourth-year and
above were required to bring dress robes to Hogwarts for the Yule Ball (GF10, 23).
Droobles Best Blowing Gum
This Wizarding sweet will fill the room with bubbles that don’t pop for days (PS6,
PA5, PA10, GF23, OP23).
The name was changed with revisions to the text in 2004 to remove the apostrophe.
Earlier editions refer to this as Drooble’s Best Blowing Gum.
Drought Charm
Spell to dry up water (GF26).
Dudley, Vernon
Name Harry used as an alias in a pinch to hide his identity from Death Eaters (DH23).
Duelling Club
Extracurricular activity at Hogwarts where students learn the sport of Wizard duelling
Dumbledore allowed Lockhart to start a Duelling Club at Hogwarts during the 1992–1993
school year (CS11).
Duel, Wizard’s
Duelling exists as a sport in the same way that fencing is a sport in the Muggle world
(PS9, CS11). While it is a friendly sporting competition, it is essentially a form
of combat. Wizard duelling as a sport has rules and competitions, but in battle, the
same skills come into play in life or death struggles. (OP18, ff)
Duelling as a method of settling disputes between people has been common practice
all through history, although now it is banned almost everywhere. Duels were always
a matter of honour and only fought between men of the upper classes. By the 18th century,
a code of rules was created called the code duello, which laid out the exact procedures for a duel to be fought, including the selection
of weapons, the naming of seconds, and so on. The rules for issuing the challenge,
for example, are reminiscent of the rules Lockhart taught during the Duelling Club.
In an actual battle, however, these niceties aren’t particularly helpful; when Voldemort
insisted on the formalities in an encounter with Harry, the boy instead used the moment
to duck for cover (GF34).
Duke, Kirley
(b. 1971)
A member of the band The Weird Sisters (FW).
Dukelow, Matilda
A fan of the Holyhead Harpies who wondered what had really happened when Wilda Griffiths,
the Puddlemere United Chaser, disappeared during a match. (DP4).
Dumbledore, Aberforth
(b. 1883 or 1884; Hogwarts 1895; Order of the Phoenix)
A tall, thin, bad-tempered old man with a lot of long grey hair and a beard (OP16).
He was the brother of Albus Dumbledore and the barkeep at the Hog’s Head in Hogsmeade
(OP16). As a boy, he was very close to his sister and when tragedy struck the family,
he blamed Albus (DH2, 18, 28). Aberforth was a member of the original Order of the
Phoenix (OP9). He is a morally ambiguous character, hobnobbing with the dodgy clientele
and indulging in illegal activities (HBP12), but can be a powerful ally as well (DH31
ff.). He has a strange affinity for goats (GF24, DH2).
Dumbledore, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian
(July or August of 1881–1997; Gryffindor, 1892; Prefect, 1896; Head Boy, 1898; Transfiguration
teacher, 1920s–1940s; Headmaster, 1950s–1997; Order of the Phoenix)
Considered by many to be the greatest wizard of the modern age, Dumbledore turned
down offers to become Minster for Magic (PS5), preferring to head the Wizengamot and
to serve as the Headmaster of Hogwarts, a post he held for almost forty years. In
these roles, he spoke with quiet strength and wisdom. As a youth, he fell in love
with Gellert Grindewald (OBT/CH) and was for a time taken in by Gellert’s dangerous
philosophy of wizard superiority and the quest for the legendary Deathly Hallows (DH18).
He realised after a time that Grindelwald’s path was one of evil and realised his
own error in allowing his heart to blind him to reality (DH35). This failure led to
tragedy in Dumbledore’s family for which he blamed himself for the rest of his life
(DH28, 35). Dumbledore devoted the last half of his life to fighting against Voldemort,
founding the Order of the Phoenix for that purpose in the 1970s (OP4). Dumbledore
had not, however, forgotten the Deathly Hallows, however, and he discovered all three
at one time or another (DH33, 35).
‘albus’ = L. ‘white’
Percival after his father
‘dumbledore’ = 18thC Eng. word for ‘bumblebee’
Wulfric = Anglo/Saxon. ‘wolf power’ or ‘wolf ruler.’ Also, a 12thC British hermit
saint known for his miracles and prophecies
The character of Albus Dumbledore is far more complex than it appears. In the very
first chapter of book one, Ms. Rowling introduces us to his eccentricity, gentle humour
and belief in giving people second chances. This image of a kindly guardian and guide
is maintained throughout the series. However, the character has a darker side, one
which doesn’t become clear until the seventh book. He was deeply ashamed of some of
the things he did – and thought – in his youth. He learned the hard way about the
seductiveness of power, and its costs, and spent the rest of his life trying to understand
and contain the darker impulses in Wizarding society. Even toward the end of his long
life, Dumbledore was so tempted by the potential of the Resurrection Stone that he
slipped the ring on his finger and was struck with a deadly curse. Once we realise
this darker side of his personality and his past, we can see his actions throughout
the series as being as much manipulative as magnanimous.
Dumbledore, Ariana
(1884 or 5–1899)
Younger sister of Albus and Aberforth Dumbledore, daughter of Kendra and Percival
Dumbledore. At the age of six, she was attacked by three young Muggles who had seen
her performing magic and had panicked; she was so traumatised by the incident that
she never recovered, requiring constant care and supervision for the rest of her life.
Aberforth was very close to her and years later kept a portrait of her on his mantle
(DH2, 28).
Dumbledore, Kendra
(d. summer 1899)
Mother of Albus, Aberforth, and Ariana Dumbledore; wife of Percival. In Rita Skeeter’s
gossipy book The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore, Kendra is described as being ‘proud and haughty’ (DH11, 16).
Dumbledore, Percival
Father of Albus, Aberforth, and Ariana Dumbledore; husband of Kendra. He got the reputation
of being a Muggle-hater when he attacked the three Muggle boys who severely traumatised
his daughter Ariana c. 1850 (DH2, DH28).
Dumbledore’s Army
A group of students who banded together to learn Defence Against the Dark Arts during
the 1995-6 school year. The students called themselves the D.A., which stood for Dumbledore’s
Army (OP18). Members of the D.A. fought in the major battles of the Second Wizarding
War, suffering some casualties (HBP27, DH4, 31, 36).
Dungbomb
Smelly joke item invented by Alberic Grunnion (FW). When thrown, these magical stink
bombs give off a putrid odour, very handy for creating a diversion or just annoying
Filch (e.g. PA10, 11, OP30).
dungeons
The lower levels of Hogwarts castle are mostly dungeons. One large dungeon room is
used as a potions classroom (PS8). The dungeons connect to the Slytherin common room,
which is under the lake (DH23), and to Snape’s office and quarters (CS5).
Durmstrang Institute
A magical school located in a castle in the north of Europe. Until recently, the Headmaster
was Igor Karkaroff. Durmstrang students wear uniforms consisting of furs and blood-red
robes. The Durmstrang castle is not as big as Hogwarts, having only four floors. Its
fires, according to Viktor Krum, ‘are only lit for magical purposes’ (GF23). Durmstrang
has the reputation of teaching Dark Arts, and it does not admit Muggle-born students
(GF11). Gellert Grindelwald was a student here once, and he carved ‘his’ symbol into
one of the walls, where it remains today (DH8).
The name Durmstrang comes from the German phrase ‘Sturm und Drang’ which translates
to ‘Storm and Stress.’ The phrase refers to a movement in German literature in the
late 1700s which emphasized the expression of raw, sometimes negative emotions over
the rationalism of the Enlightenment. Examples of ‘Sturm und Drang’ artwork and literature
include elements intentionally designed to frighten or disturb their audience.
Durmstrang ship
The students from Durmstrang arrived at Hogwarts aboard a magical sailing ship which
rose from the depths of the Hogwarts lake, obviously having travelled from one body
of water to another by magic (GF15).
Duro
(DUR-oh)
Turns the target object to stone (DH32).
‘duro’ = L. ‘to harden, solidify’
Dursley, Dudley
(b. June 23, 1980)
Harry Potter’s Muggle cousin and the only son of Vernon and Petunia Dursley. Dudley,
in contrast to Harry, has been grossly overindulged by both his mother and father
(HBP3). Petunia pets him and coddles him and turns a blind eye to his bullying. Vernon,
on the other hand, encourages his son’s manipulations, greed, and violent behaviour
(e.g.PS2, OP1). Dudley attends a private school named Smeltings and spends his school
holidays terrorising Harry and the younger children of the neighbourhood with his
gang (OP1).
The name ‘Dursley’ comes from a town in Gloucestershire, England. Ms. Rowling chose
the name because it sounded ‘dull and forbidding.’
Dursley, Aunt Marjorie ‘Marge’
Vernon Dursley’s loathsome sister. She lives in the country in a house where she raises
bulldogs. (PA3). Marge looked a lot like her brother Vernon: ‘large, beefy, and purple-faced’;
she even had a moustache (PA2).
Dursley, Petunia (Evans)
(b. late 1950s)
Lily Potter’s older sister and the wife of Vernon Dursley. As children, Petunia and
Lily were very close; however, when Lily began to show signs of being a witch, Petunia
was horribly jealous and hurt. As an adult, Petunia was a nosey gossip who doted on
her son Dudley, kept an obsessively immaculate house, and deferred to her smug, blustering
husband. In 1991 she agreed to Dumbledore’s request to take Harry in when he was orphaned,
knowing it would seal the powerful protective charm. While she overindulged Dudley,
she treated Harry very poorly, like an unwanted servant (CS2).
Dursley, Vernon
The husband of Harry’s aunt Petunia. He is about as much a Muggle as a person can
get. He has no use for imagination at all. He is the director of Grunnings, a firm
that makes drills (PS1, 2). Vernon considered magic to be ‘dangerous nonsense’ (PS3)
and Harry something to be ignored, controlled, or locked away (e.g. CS2). Vernon encouraged
his son Dudley to be boorish and greedy, just like he was (e.g. PS2).
dwarfs
Short, surly-looking fellows who were hired by Lockhart to play the role of ‘card
carrying cupids’ and deliver Valentines to the students. They were quite aggressive
about their well-wishing, at times tackling students and sitting on them to force
them to listen to some affectionate message (CS13).
The status of ‘dwarf’ in the Harry Potter universe is unclear. This is the only place
where they are mentioned. The text indicates that they’re a separate type of magical
being, not simply short wizards.
Dzou Yen
(4th Century B.C.)
Chinese Alchemist (FW).
Some scholars consider China to be the origin of alchemical teaching and traditions,
connected with the practice of medicine more than transmuting metals. The ‘elixir
of life’, sometimes called ‘drinkable gold’ was a compound made from various substances,
including arsenic and mercury. Elixirs made from those substances, far from giving
immortality, were dangerous poisons. A number of Chinese emperors apparently died
from elixirs given them by their alchemists.
eagle
The symbol, in bronze on a blue background, representing Ravenclaw house (GF15).
eagle owl
Draco Malfoy received letters and packages from home from a large eagle owl (PS9).
It’s not surprising that the Malfoys used an eagle owl, the largest variety of owl
found in Britain.
Eargit the Ugly
(14th century)
Goblin representative at a Wizard’s Council; for more information see the Famous Wizard
cards (FW).
earmuffs
These have to be worn when working with Mandrakes, as their cry is fatal (CS6).
Normal earmuffs wouldn’t work very well for this, since they don’t block out all sound.
These must be magical earmuffs.
Edgecombe, Madam
Witch who works in the Floo Network Office. Marietta Edgecombe is her daughter (OP27).
Edgecombe, Marietta
(Ravenclaw, c. 1990; Dumbledore’s Army)
A friend of Cho Chang’s with curly, reddish-blonde hair, Marietta was dragged to D.A.
meetings but wasn’t really all that keen to be there (OP16, 27) (See also BLC).
Edible Dark Marks
A product sold at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. According to the promo, ‘they’ll make
anyone sick!’ (HBP6).
Educational Decrees
During Umbridge’s memorable year at Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic passed seven Educational
Decrees to help her take more and more control over the school. Among other things,
these gave the Ministry the power to appoint teachers (OP15), banned student organisations
(OP17), prevented teachers from giving students information unrelated to their subjects
(OP25), banned The Quibbler (OP26), and promoted Umbridge from teacher to High Inquisitor
(OP15) and to Headmistress (OP28).
The series of Decrees instituted by the Ministry are an echo of the type of Laws passed
in Germany immediately after Hitler was appointed to be Chancellor in 1933 and the
Nazi party worked to silence all its rivals. One of the first of these Laws was the
‘Law for the Protection of the German People’ which restricted demonstrations, freedom
of speech, freedom of press, and ordered the confiscation of literature considered
to be dangerous to the state.
Eeylops Owl Emporium
A dimly lit shop in Diagon Alley which, according to the sign, sells ‘tawny, screech,
barn, brown, and snowy’ owls (PS5). The shop sells treats for owls called ‘owl nuts’
(HBP6).
Egbert the Egregious
One-time possessor of the Elder Wand (DH21).
egg, golden
A heavy magical object in the shape of a dragon’s egg used as a prize in the First
Task of the Triwizard Tournament (GF20, 25).
Egypt
A country steeped in magical history, where Bill Weasley worked as a curse breaker
for Gringotts. The Weasleys visited him there and toured the pyramids, seeing unbelievable
curses the old Egyptian wizards had put on tombs (PA1). Egypt is home to the Centre
for Alchemical Studies, the world’s largest such research institute (JKR).
Ehwaz
An Ancient Rune, meaning ‘partnership’ (OP31).
Eihwaz
An Ancient Rune that translates to mean ‘defence’ (OP31).
Elder Wand
The most powerful and deadly of the Deathly Hallows, a wand which can defeat all others.
The Elder Wand, by different names, has left its mark on Wizarding history in tales
of violence and murder (DH21).
Elder wood is associated with death and resurrection in folklore, in particular because
elder can re-grow a damaged limb easily. Witches were thought to live in elder trees
in medieval times and it is a traditional wood for making broomsticks and wands. According
to folklore, furniture made from elder was bad luck, which is interesting because
Ron tells Harry and Hermione that a Wizarding superstition states ‘Wand of elder,
never prosper’ (DH21).
Elephant and Castle
One of the many places that Willy Widdershins pranked Muggles with an exploding toilet
(OP7).
Elephant and Castle is an area of South London which several hundred years ago was
called Newington. That was a rather common place name at that time, so beginning in
the 1700s the area was referred to by the more distinctive name of ‘Elephant and Castle’
after a pub which stood on the spot.
Elfric the Eager
Was responsible for an uprising that first-years learned about, so he was probably
a goblin (PS16).
Elixir to Induce Euphoria, An
A bright yellow potion that Harry brewed during a Potions class.It has occasional
side effects of ‘excessive singing and nose-tweaking’, according to Slughorn, though
these can be reduced with the addition of a little bit of peppermint (HBP22).
Elixir of Life
Potion made using the Philosopher’s Stone. It extends life, though it requires that
the drinker consume it regularly to maintain immortality (HBP23). Nicholas Flamel
lived over 650 years by drinking it (PS13).
An elixir of life was one of the main goals of alchemy the world over. This powerful
potion was thought to give long or eternal life to the person who drank it. The elixir
was envisioned by alchemists from many traditions as a liquid form of various long-lasting
precious metals, particularly gold, which does not tarnish and therefore represents
eternal life. The Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary substance which could turn lesser
metals into gold, was therefore considered to be an essential part of creating an
elixir of life. There is no evidence that alchemists actually found either the Philosopher’s
Stone or the Elixir of Life, though many spent their entire lives searching for them.
Elkins, Elveira
Witch who wrote to the Daily Prophet Problem Page because she was having trouble with her Fixing Charm (DP3).
Ellis Moor
A moor with a Quidditch stadium (DP4).
While there doesn’t appear to be any place called Ellis Moor in Britain, there is
a Porkellis Moor in Cornwall which may be where Ms. Rowling got the name. In the 1800s,
a number of tin mines were in operation in the Porkellis area, but all that remains
now are the ruins of the pump buildings.
elm
A wand wood that was used to make Lucius Malfoy’s wand (DH1).
In Celtic lore, elm wood is associated with, among other things, the dark side of
a person’s psyche, which makes it an interesting choice for the wand of a Death Eater.
Elphick, Wilfred
(1112 - 1199)
Wizard killed by an Erumpent; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Emeric the Evil
One of many wizards to possess the Elder Wand (DH21). He was discussed in Harry’s
first-ever History of Magic class (PS8).
Enchanted Encounters
by Fifi LaFolle
A series of Wizarding romance novels (JKR).
Enchantment in Baking
The Weasleys keep a copy of this in their kitchen (CS3).
Encyclopedia of Toadstools
A book stocked by Flourish and Blotts that hit Lucius Malfoy in the eye during an
altercation in the store (CS4).
England National Quidditch Team
Ludo Bagman played for The English National Quidditch Team many years ago (GF30, also
GF5).
Engorgement Charm
See ENGORGIO.
Engorgio
(en-GOR-gee-oh)
‘Engorgement Charm’
A fairly commonplace charm that is used to enlarge objects (GF4).
‘engorger’ = Fr. ‘swallow greedily’
Enid, Great Aunt
A relative of Neville Longbottom, possibly married to Uncle Algie (PS7).
Enlarging Spell
A spell that makes something bigger (OP26).
Ennervate
(EN-er-vayt)
Spell which can be cast on a person who has been Stunned to bring them back to a normal
state of consciousness and control (GF9).
The name of this spell was changed with the 2004 corrections of the books to ‘Rennervate’
which makes the etymology less confusing. ‘Ennervate’ means to embolden, to give ‘nerve’
(‘courage’, as in the phrase ‘that takes a lot of nerve’). Some editions of the book
had given the spell as ‘Enervate’ which would mean exactly the opposite: to remove
courage or nerve.
Entrail-Expelling Curse
Apparently this curse, invented by Urquhart Rackharrow in the 1600s, causes the victim's
insides to come out of them. Yes, you read that correctly (OP22).
One wonders why a spell like this would even be necessary, but disembowelling was
part of ‘drawing and quartering’, an extreme form of punishment for the crime of treason
in that era. Considering that this person’s name includes the word ‘rack’, also a
form of medieval torture punishment, this might have been where Ms. Rowling got the
idea. Believe it or not, ‘drawing and quartering’ was only abolished in Britain in
1870.
entrance hall
The oak front doors of Hogwarts lead directly into an absolutely enormous entrance
hall (CS15), ‘so big you could have fit the whole of the Dursleys’ house in it’ and
with a ceiling that, at night, can’t be made out for its height (PS7). All the Hogwarts
students can fit in it at once, which they memorably did the night Fred and George
left dramatically, flying off into the sunset (OP29).
Entrancing Enchantments
A type of love spell (CS13).
Entwhistle, Kevin
(Ravenclaw, 1991)
Kevin's name appeared in an early draft of the class list of Harry's year. He is Muggle-born.
Despite his presence on the list, Kevin has never appeared in canon (HPM).
Episkey
(eh-PIS-key)
A type of healing spell that repairs damage, such as a broken nose (HBP8) or a bleeding
mouth (HBP14).
‘episkeyazo’ = Gr. ‘to repair’
Erecto
(e-REK-toh)
A useful spell that Hermione uses to set up a tent (DH14).
‘erecto’ = L. ‘erect, set up’
Errol
An old, decrepit gray owl belonging to the Weasley family. He often collapses unconscious
after deliveries, making it easy to confuse him with a feather duster (CS4).
Errol’s name is likely related to the words ‘error’ and ‘errant’.
Erumpent
A huge magical beast with an exploding horn. Apparently the horn of a Crumple-Horned
Snorkack is similar to that of the Erumpent, except for the blowing up part (DH20).
The name of this creature comes from the idea of ‘erupt’, meaning ‘to explode suddenly’,
and ‘pent’, which means ‘confined’, giving the idea of something pent up and waiting
to explode.
Ethelred the Ever-Ready
Medieval wizard known for having a short temper (FW).
The name comes from Aethelred II, ‘the Unready,’ a king of England, who far from being
too aggressive was noted for trying to buy his way out of trouble.
Eton
Eton College is a famous private boys' boarding school in England. Justin Finch-Fletchley
once told Harry that his name was down for Eton before he found out he was a wizard
and elected to attend Hogwarts instead (CS6).
Eton is one of the most prestigious schools in Britain. Famous students include eighteen
former Prime Ministers and members of the Royal family. If Justin was set to attend,
he probably comes from an upper-class, well-connected family.
Europa
One of Jupiter’s moons, studied in Astronomy class (OP14).
Evanesco
(ev-an-ES-ko)
‘Vanishing Spell’
A spell makes them go away completely ‘into non-being’ (DH30). It seems to be a handy
everyday spell for many wizards, though it isn’t taught until the fifth year (OP13).
‘evanesco’ = L. ‘to disappear’
Evans family
A family living in the same town as the Snape family of Spinner’s End in the 1960s.
Mr and Mrs Evans had two daughters, Petunia and Lily. They were proud to discover
that Lily was a witch (PS4) and enjoyed finding out about the Wizarding world (DH33).
See POTTER, LILY and DURSLEY, PETUNIA.
Evans, Mark
A Muggle boy living near Privet Drive, who, at age ten, was beaten up by a fifteen-year-old
Dudley (OP1). Despite his last name, he is unrelated to Lily’s family (JKR).
Evening Prophet
The late edition of the Daily Prophet (CS5).
The evening edition of the Prophet reported an incident within an hour or two of it occurring, and Snape had a copy
shortly thereafter. This suggests that the paper was magically delivered, since even
a fast owl couldn’t travel from London, where the Prophet’s offices are located, to Scotland in less than an hour. Perhaps the evening edition
is not a separate newspaper but simply the standard morning edition with the text
magically updated through the day to show breaking news.
Everard
A celebrated former headmaster of Hogwarts. His portraits now hang in the headmaster’s
office and the Ministry of Magic (OP22).
Ever-Bashing Boomerangs
Became the four hundred thirty-seventh item to be banned at Hogwarts, at the start
of Harry’s fourth year (GF12).
Everlasting Elixirs
Studied in sixth-year Potions; information on these can be found in Advanced Potion-Making
(HBP15).
Everlasting Icicles
A Christmas decoration often hung from trees and banisters at Hogwarts (PS12, GF22).
Everlasting Ink
Over the years, a number of visitors to Godric’s Hollow have used this ink to sign
messages on the sign commemorating the fall of Voldemort in 1981 (DH17).
Exmoor
Large area of moorland in northern Devon, most of which is a national park, where
a professional Quidditch stadium is located. (DP2). Also the site of a ‘Singing Sorceress’
concert by Celestina Warbeck (JKR).
Expecto Patronum
(ex-PEK-toh pa-TROH-num)
‘Patronus Charm’
Spell that conjures a Patronus, a silvery phantom which in its strongest (‘corporeal’)
form takes the shape of an animal (OP27). The Patronus is the embodiment of the positive
thoughts of the caster, and is the only known defence against Dementors (PA12). In
order to cast it, one has to focus on a ‘single, very happy memory’ (PA12).
See PATRONUS.
‘expecto’ = L. ‘expect or look for’ + ‘patronus’ = L. ‘a protector, defender’
Expelliarmus
(ex-pel-ee-AR-mus)
‘Disarming Spell’
Causes an opponent’s wand to fly out of his or her hand (PA19). Harry learned this
spell from Snape (CS11, 16, OP18). The spell can have some unforeseen consequences
(GF34). An Expelliarmus spell can ‘defeat’ a wizard, changing a wand’s allegiance’ (DH35).
‘expelo’ L. ‘to drive out’ + ‘arma’ L. ‘weapon’
While Voldemort uses the Killing Curse indiscriminately, Harry relies on this non-aggressive
spell. Ms. Rowling defines Harry’s character in this way, using Expelliarmus even
when the Death Eaters have pegged it as his signature move (DH4). In the end, Ms.
Rowling writes Harry as a person not of violence and murder, but of compassion and
mercy – of love. And it is love which defeats evil in the end: the love of family
seen in the actions of Narcissa Malfoy, the love of friends demonstrated between the
members of the D.A., the love shown to the weak and downtrodden as seen in Harry’s
attitude toward house-elves and goblins, and the love shown even to enemies when Harry
will not commit murder even at the potential cost of his own life.
Exploding Bonbons
A delicious and dangerous sweet sold at Honeydukes (PA10).
Exploding Snap
A Wizarding card game made more interesting by the fact that the cards occasionally
blow up (e.g. GF22).
Expulso
(ex-PUL-soh)
A spell which creates an explosion (DH9).
‘expulsum’ = L. ‘drive out, expel, force out, banish’
Extendable Ears
An invention of Fred and George’s that allow listening in on conversations from long
distances and through closed doors, (though the Ears are foiled by Imperturbable Charms).
Extendable Ears look like long flesh-coloured strings. To use them, one end of the
string is inserted into the ear, then the word ‘Go!’ is spoken. The other end then
wriggles off toward whatever needs listening to (OP4, OP22, OP23, HBP6, DH12, 15).
Extinguishing Spell
A spell used by dragon keepers to put out inadvertent fires (GF19).
eye, magical
Mad-Eye Moody has a magical eye that allows him to see in all directions, as well
as see through walls, ceilings, and Invisibility Cloaks (GF25, OP9, DH14).
Fainting Fancies
Magical sweets, invented by Fred and George, which cause the person eating them to
pass out (OP6, OP13).
fairy
A tiny creature that looks like a very small human with insect wings. Fairies are
extremely vain, liking nothing better than to serve as decoration (e.g. PA10, GF23).
Fairies are common in folklore the world over, usually depicted as small ethereal
beings which live out of sight of humans, often in woodlands. Fairies have magical
powers to fly, cast spells, and predict the future. They can be friendly but are sometimes
depicted as mischievous or even malevolent. Ms. Rowling’s version of fairies is quite
different from the traditional type, more like insects than intelligent nature spirits.
fairy eggs
A favourite food of Bowtruckles (OP13).
fairy lights
Christmas light strings (OP23). Also a password used by the Fat Lady (GF23).
This is a play on words. In the Wizarding world, real live fairies are used to decorate;
the British term for Christmas light strings is ‘fairy lights’.
fake wands
A Weasley invention which look just like normal wands but transform into something
funny when used, such as rubber chickens or pairs of underpants (US: a tin parrot
or a rubber haddock). The most expensive variety beat the unwary user about the head
and neck (GF22).
Falcon, the
A tea leaf fortune-telling symbol, from Unfogging the Future pages five and six, which signifies ‘a deadly enemy’ (PA6).
Falmouth Falcons
Quidditch team hailing from Falmouth at the south-western tip of Britain (DP1-4).
Fancourt, Perpetua
(1900-1991)
Witch inventor (FW). For more information, see the Famous Wizard cards.
Fang
Hagrid's pet and companion. Fang is an enormous black boarhound (PS8, GF13) with a
booming bark (CS15). Fang appears a rather scary beast but is at heart a coward. He
seems to like Ron particularly (PS8). Fang lives in Hagrid's cabin; his basket sits
in the corner of the cabin's single room.
The boarhound is another name for the Great Dane. Boarhounds have a reputation for
being gentle, even with small children, though they earned their name because they
were used to hunt fierce wild animals such as boars and stags.
Fanged Frisbees
Similar to a Muggle Frisbee, but with a nasty personality. Forbidden inside Hogwarts
castle by Filch (GF12, HBP9).
Fanged Geranium
Magical plant which bites, studied in Herbology class (OP31).
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
By Newt Scamander
Standard reference book about magical creatures in the Wizarding world (PS5, OP27,
DH20, FW).
The book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is available in Muggle shops. Many of the creatures listed here, as well as many
more, can be found in the second part of that book, which is an encyclopaedia of magical
creatures filled with fascinating information. We do not reproduce that information
in here; instead, we encourage you to buy a copy of Fantastic Beasts for yourself and find out more.
Fat Friar, the
(Hufflepuff, medieval)
A wizard who was once a Hufflepuff and is now is their resident ghost. He is a jolly,
friendly ghost who cheerfully wishes the first-years good day and hopes they'll be
placed in Hufflepuff (PS7).
The image of a fat, jovial friar who cares a bit too much about the pleasures of food
and drink is a familiar one in literature, particularly to anyone who remembers the
character of Friar Tuck in the legends of Robin Hood. The religious orders which take
the name ‘friar’ date back to the 1200s so the Fat Friar couldn’t have been the Hufflepuff
ghost until that era. Of the four main Orders of the Catholic Church, the Augustinian
ideals seem to most closely match those of Hufflepuff, and it is likely that the Fat
Friar was a follower of Augustine. Augustinians do not seek out the exceptional or
exclude those who are marginalized in society. They seek to build community founded
on love and respect for all.
Fat Lady
Portrait of a heavy-set lady wearing a pink silk dress who hangs over the round doorway
into the Gryffindor Common Room. To gain admittance, a person must give the correct
password to the Fat Lady, whereupon she swings her frame out from the wall (PS8).
She has been known to get a bit testy with people who wake her up for no good reason
and is prone to wandering out of her frame late at night to go visiting, making it
impossible to enter Gryffindor Tower (PS9). She is friends with Violet, a portrait
in the antechamber off the Great Hall (GF17, GF23, HBP17).
Fawcett family
Wizarding family living near Ottery St Catchpole (GF6).
Fawcett, Miss S
(b. 1980; Ravenclaw, 1991)
Hogwarts student, possibly part of the Fawcett family of Ottery St Catchpole. Attended
the Duelling Club in 1992 (CS11) and the Yule Ball in 1994 (GF23). For a short time
she had a long white beard, but she got better (GF16).
There is a discrepancy between the British and American first editions of Goblet of Fire. In the first British edition, we read:
‘Ten points from Hufflepuff, Fawcett!’Snape snarled as a girl ran past him (GF23).
In the most recent American edition, Snape deducts her points from Ravenclaw.
Fawkes
Dumbledore’s pet phoenix (CS12, GF36, HBP29, HBP30). Fawkes is a very intelligent
magical bird who serves as a messenger and a lookout for his owner (e.g. OP22). Like
all phoenixes, Fawkes periodically burst into flames and was reborn from the ashes
as a chick (CS12).
Fawkes borrows the name of the infamous Guy Fawkes, who in 1606 was involved with
the Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament. Fawkes wasn’t actually the leader of the
Plot, but his name has gone down in history as the man responsible. The fifth of November
is now called Guy Fawkes Day and celebrations involve bonfires and fireworks in memory
of the explosion that never happened back in 1606. Since the phoenix bird burns up
entirely every so often and is reborn as a tiny chick, a name associated with fire
makes sense.
feather-light
An unnamed spell that makes the target object weigh practically nothing (PA3).
This spell isn’t named in the book, but Harry does think that he might make his trunk
‘feather-light’ using magic to so that he can carry it with his broom.
Felix Felicis
Gold-coloured potion which gives luck (HBP9, HBP22).
‘felix’ = L. lucky + ‘felicis’ = L. lucky (same word, different declensions)
‘fell off the back of a broom’
An expression synonymous with the Muggle cliché ‘fell off the back of a truck’ to
indicate goods which come from a questionable source (OP2).
fen
An alkaline wetland, in Britain mostly found near the eastern coast of England in
and around Norfolk. According to one of the Sorting Hat's songs (GF12), Salazar Slytherin
came from ‘fen’, suggesting that he was very possibly from that area of England.
Fenwick, Benjy
Member of the Order of the Phoenix in the 1970s, killed by Death Eaters; according
to Moody, they only found ‘bits of him’ (OP9).
Fergus
Seamus Finnegan’s annoying cousin (HBP17).
Ferula
(feh-ROO-lah)
Spell that conjures a wooden rod, used to create a splint for an injured leg (PA19).
‘ferula’ = L. ‘stick or rod (as used for punishment)’
Fever Fudge
A Weasley invention, part of the Skiving Snackbox, which gives a person a high fever.
The ingredients include murtlap essence (OP26).
Fidelius Charm
(fih-DAY-lee-us)
A very powerful spell, extremely complex and difficult to cast, which hides a place
and people inside it so that they cannot be detected by any means. One person is designated
the Secret Keeper for the spell, and that person alone can reveal the location (PA10)
by giving that knowledge either verbally or in writing (OP4). After the death of a
Secret Keeper, each of the people to whom he or she had confided the secret will become
a Secret Keeper. The power of the Fidelius Charm will be diluted more and more as
the number of Secret Keepers grows (DH6, JKR).
‘fidelis’ = L. ‘trustworthy, faithful’
Fiendfyre
Highly dangerous cursed magical fire, made up of flames of abnormal size and heat
that can crumble fairly substantial objects, even magical artefacts, to soot at a
mere touch. Left burning long enough, the fire will take the shapes of gigantic fiery
beasts (including serpents, chimaeras, dragons, and birds of prey) which will pursue
any target humans (DH31).
‘fiend’ = Eng. ‘an inhuman, cruel person’ + ‘fyre’ from Old Eng. ‘fyr’ = ‘ fire’
Figg, Arabella Doreen (Mrs)
A member of the Order of the Phoenix, a squib living near the Dursleys in Little Whinging.
She is an eccentric old woman who wears carpet slippers and a housecoat everywhere.
She watched over Harry as he grew up (PS2, GF36, OP1, OP2) and seemed unusually interested
in how he was getting on (PS3). She raises Kneazles (OP1, OP2, JKR).
Filch, Argus
The Hogwarts caretaker, a cantankerous, vindictive man who detests the students. Filch’s
horrible attitude in part arises from his frustration at being a Squib. Filch has
a cat called Mrs Norris with whom he has an almost psychic connection. She wanders
the corridors of the castle just as he does, and if she spots anyone breaking a rule,
Filch is there within minutes. He knows the secret passageways and hidden doors of
Hogwarts better than almost anyone (except possibly the Weasley twins) (PA9). Filch
may be romantically involved with Madam Pince (HBP15, HBP30).
Argus was a giant in Greek mythology, a watchman with a hundred eyes; ‘filch’ = Eng.
slang ‘to steal’
Filch's office
Located on the ground floor, this office contains a messy desk with an oil lamp hanging
over it. The room smells of fried fish. Here Filch stores filing cabinets full of
the details of the infractions of generations of students (c.f.HBP24). From the ceiling
hang chains and manacles, just in case he gets the chance to use them on students
(CS8, PA10).
Finch-Fletchley, Justin
(b. 1980; Hufflepuff, 1991; Dumbledore’s Army)
A curly-haired Muggle-born wizard who was down for the exclusive Muggle school Eton
until he got the letter from Hogwarts (so it is quite likely that his parents are
very wealthy) (CS11). He was a member of the D.A. (OP16).
Finite
(fi-NEE-tay)
Stops the effects of a currently operating spell (OP36, DH31).
‘finio’ = L. ‘settle, end, die, cease’
This spell is probably just a shortened form of Finite Incantatem.
Finite Incantatem
(fi-NEE-tay in-kan-TAH-tem)
Stops the effects of a currently operating spell (CS11).
‘finio’ = L. ‘settle, end, die’ + ‘incantationem’ = L. ‘the art of enchanting’
Finnigan, Mrs
Seamus's mother (GF7, OP11). She is a witch, which Seamus’s father, a Muggle, didn't
find out until after they married (PS7).
Finnigan, Seamus
(b. 1980; Gryffindor, 1991; Dumbledore’s Army)
Irish boy with sandy hair in Harry’s year. He is a Half-blood, with a Muggle father
and a witch mother (PS7). He is good friends with Dean Thomas (GF7). Seamus is a Kenmare
Kestrals fan (OP11).
Firebolt
Released in the summer of 1993, the Firebolt was at that time the fastest racing broom
in the world (PA4). Though he resisted the temptation, to his surprise he received
a Firebolt for Christmas from an anonymous person (PA11). The Irish International
Side flew Firebolts in the 1994 Quidditch World Cup (GF8).
Fire-Crab
A magical creature from which Hagrid created Blast-Ended Skrewts by crossing them
with manticores (GF24).
Firenze
(fee-REN-zeh)
(Divination professor, 1996-?)
A centaur with white hair, a golden-yellow body, and blue eyes (PS15). He trusts humans
more than the rest of the centaurs do and believes that the centaurs must be willing
to take a stand against the rising evil. At Dumbledore's request, he joined the Hogwarts
staff as a Divination teacher at Hogwarts, an act that caused the other centaurs to
consider him a traitor and banish him from their herd (OP27, OP30, OP38, HBP9, DH36).
(See also BLC).
Firenze is the Italian form of the name for the city of Florence, the capital city
of Tuscany in Italy.
Firewhisky
Wizard liquor. While many types of drinks are available in the Wizarding world, nothing
has as much kick as Ogden’s Old Firewhisky (CS6, GF10, DH5, DH25).
The spelling is almost always given without an ‘e’ before the final ‘y’, indicating
that Firewhisky is Scottish, not Irish. However, the Irish spelling is used on one
occasion in HBP15, referring to the alcohol in Romilda Vane’s Chocolate Cauldrons.
First Wizarding War
(c. 1970 through 1981)
By the early 1970s, Voldemort become so fearsome that few dared speak his name. In
addition to his Death Eaters, Voldemort formed alliances with werewolves and Dementors
and controlled armies of Inferi (HBP3). During this time, Voldemort and his minions
attacked anyone who resisted or who defended the rights of Muggles and Muggle-born
wizards, and marked the scenes of murder with the Dark Mark (GF9). Whole families
were wiped out and many others went into hiding. The Ministry could not cope with
the situation, so Albus Dumbledore began organising the resistance, creating the Order
of the Phoenix (OP6, OP9). The War only ended with the mysterious disappearance of
Voldemort in Godric’s Hollow (PS1).
Fixing Charm
Spell that magically fastens one thing to another (DP3).
Fizzing Whizzbees
Magical sherbet balls that make you float off the ground when you eat them (PA5, PA10,
GF23). A password to get into Dumbledore’s office (OP22).
Flagrante Curse
Causes the target object to burn anyone who touches it (DH26).
Flagrate
(fla-GRAH-tay)
Spell creating a burning, fiery line in the air which can be ‘drawn’ with the wand
into specific shapes. The shape lingers for some time (OP34).
‘flagro’ = L. ‘blaze, burn’
Flame-Freezing Charm
Spell changing the properties of fire so that its heat feels like a warm breeze. Used
in medieval times by witches and the wizards being burned at the stake; they would
cast this spell, then scream and pretend to be burning up (PA1).
Flamel, Nicolas
(b. circa 1326 – d. mid-1990s)
Celebrated alchemist (DH2), famous for creating the only known Philosopher's Stone
in existence. As a result, Flamel and his wife Perenelle (b. circa 1333) lived for
over 600 years (PS17, JKR). Dumbledore did some alchemical work with him in the 1900s
(PS17).
flashing paint charm
This ‘tricky little charm’ makes paint flash different colours (PS11).
Fleet, Angus
Muggle living in Peebles who thought he saw a flying car (CS5).
Fleetwood's High-Finish Handle Polish
A component of Harry’s Broom Servicing Kit (PA1).
Flesh-Eating Slug
Apparently a frightening creature, since someone was scared enough of them to turn
a Boggart into one (PA7, CS4).
Flesh-Eating Trees of the World
Book used for sixth-year Herbology. Among other things, the book discusses methods
of getting the juice out of Snargaluff pods (HBP14).
flesh memory
A form of magic cast on some items which allows them to ‘remember’ and identify the
first human to touch them. A Snitch has flesh memory so it can identify the first
Seeker to touch it in the event of a disputed catch (DH7).
Fletcher, Mundungus
(Order of the Phoenix)
A crook whose shady business dealings are always getting him into trouble (e.g. HBP12).
However, Albus Dumbledore believes that despite his dodginess he can be mighty handy
to have around since he hears things others don't (OP5, 16). Harry and the Weasley
boys think he is a lot of fun to spend time with, as his stories keep his listeners
in stitches. Mundungus, or ‘Dung’ as he's called, is a keen drinker, smokes a smelly
pipe, and swears magnificently (OP5). Mundungus is a completely untrustworthy scoundrel
(CS4, GF10, DH4).
‘mundungus’ = Eng. from Spanish ‘a foul-smelling tobacco’
Fletwock, Laurentia
(b. 1947)
Witch who breeds winged horses; she has spoken out against widespread use of broomsticks,
mostly to encourage people to use flying horses instead. For more information, see
the Famous Wizard cards (FW, JKR).
‘Fletwock’ is a sound-alike (not quite a homonym) for the word ‘fetlock,’ the ankle
joint of a horse's leg.
‘flibbertigibbet’
A password to get into Gryffindor Tower (PA15).
The most common modern meaning of this word is ‘an irresponsible, silly person’, but
a somewhat rarer meaning implies that the person is a mischief-maker if not actually
a fiend. In other words, someone like Peeves.
‘flint’
An honest-to-goodness error in the books has come to be called a ‘flint’ after Marcus
Flint, the Slytherin Quidditch captain whom Ms. Rowling inadvertently included in
one book too many, making him an ‘eighth-year’ student. The term was coined by one
of the members of the Harry Potter for Grown Ups online group. Remarkably few genuine
flints exist, considering the vast scope of the story. Incidentally, the original
error of Flint’s year has been corrected in later editions.
Flint, Marcus
(Slytherin, 1987; Quidditch Chaser, Captain c.1991-1993)
The Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team for the first three years Harry played.
Harry thought he looked like he might be part troll. Flint wasn’t beyond a bit of
cheating to win a match (PS11, CS7, CS10, PA13).
Flint, Ursula
The wife of Hogwarts Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black (BFT).
Flitterbloom
An innocuous potted plant which is similar to Devil’s Snare in appearance, though
not in temperament (OP25).
Flitwick, Filius
(b. October 17, year unknown; Ravenclaw, Head of House)
Charms professor at Hogwarts, Head of Ravenclaw House. He is very short, needing to
stand on a pile of books to see over his desk (PS8), with white hair and a squeaky
voice. He is an accomplished wizard and, according to rumour, was a duelling champion
when he was younger (CS11). Flitwick has taught students how to ‘swish and flick’
at Hogwarts since at least the 1970s (PA11) and is well-respected by everyone, even
Dolores Umbridge (OP15).
‘filius’ = L. ‘son’
‘Flitwick’ is the name of a town in Bedfordshire, England. The town name is pronounced
‘FLIT-ick’. Ms. Rowling may have chosen the name because it fits the character’s personality
to some extent: ‘flit’ = ‘flutter,’ Br. slang for an effeminate man (OED)
Flitwick's Office
Located on the seventh floor, Flitwick’s office is the thirteenth window from the
right of the West Tower (PA21).
Flobberworm
A magical worm which prefers to be left alone and to do nothing (PA6).
Floo Network
Network connecting Wizarding fireplaces all over Britain. When Floo Powder is thrown
into a fireplace that is connected to the network, the fire burns a brilliant green
colour. To travel, a witch or wizard steps into the fire and states her or his destination
(another fireplace on the Floo Network) (esp. CS4). To talk to someone through a fireplace,
the witch or wizard throws Floo powder into the flames and inserts only her or his
head, again stating the fireplace to which a connection is desired (GF11, GF19, OP29).
‘flue’= Eng. ‘vent or chimney for a fireplace or other heating device’, but also a
reference to magical travelling (‘flew’). In fact, fans have theorised that Hagrid
used the Floo Network to travel to the Hut on the Rock, based on this exchange between
Harry and Hagrid:
‘How did you get here?’ Harry asked, looking around for another boat.
‘Flew,’ said Hagrid.
‘Flew?’
‘Yeah -- but we'll go back in this. Not s'pposed ter use magic now I've got yeh.’
(PS5)
Floo Network Authority
Ministry office which maintains and regulates the Floo Network. Employees of the Floo
Network Authority have the ability to monitor Floo connections in a manner analogous
to wiretapping a Muggle telephone (OP3, OP17, OP22, OP27, OP28, DH1, DH4, DH30). Witches
and wizards working for the Floo Network Authority are referred to as Floo Network
Regulators (OP28), while the Floo Regulation Panel makes decisions about connections
to the Network. It is against regulations for a Muggle fireplace to be connected to
the Floo Network, but the Panel makes exceptions in rare cases (GF4).
Floo Powder
Silvery powder, invented in the 1200s by Ignatia Wildsmith (FW), which allows magical
travel and magical communication between fireplaces connected to the Floo Network
(CS4).
Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour
A shop Harry frequented while staying in Diagon Alley (PA4).
Florence
Probably a student at Hogwarts, a contemporary of Harry's father (GF30).
Flourish and Blotts
A bookshop in Diagon Alley that serves as the primary supplier of schoolbooks for
Hogwarts students (PS5, CS4, PA4).
Both of the words in this shop’s name relate to writing. A ‘flourish’ is an embellishment
or an ornamental stroke added to handwriting or calligraphy. To ‘blot’ ink is to use
absorbent ‘blotting paper’ to dry the ink on a page. This was necessary before the
introduction of ball point pens and would certainly be required of anyone using a
quill and ink, as they do at Hogwarts.
Fluffy
Very dangerous, very large three-headed dog, owned by Rubeus Hagrid. Fluffy will only
sleep if he hears music (PS16, PS11). Hagrid released Fluffy into the Forbidden Forest
(BP).
The three-headed dog in Greek mythology is named Cerberus and guards the gates of
Hades. Ms. Rowling borrowed a number of Cerberus’ qualities for Fluffy, particularly
the fact that he could be lulled to sleep by music.
Flume, Ambrosius
Owner, along with his wife, of Honeydukes Sweetshop in Hogsmeade (HBP4). The Flumes
not only sell a wide variety of sweets, but also make their own fudge and enormous
blocks of chocolate.
‘Ambrosia’ was the food of the gods on Mount Olympus in Greek mythology. It was said
to confer immortality on a mortal who would eat (or drink) it.
Flutterby Bush
A species of magical plant which quivers and shakes (DH6). Students pruned these in
their fourth-year Herbology class (GF20).
Flying (class)
Teaches the basic fundamentals of broomstick flying to first years early in the school
year. Madam Hooch teaches the class, an assignment which sometimes requires her to
escort the resulting casualties to the hospital wing (PS9).
flying carpets
Flying carpets rather than brooms are the standard magical means of transportation
in Asia and the Middle East. In Britain flying carpets have been banned for many years
since they are now on the Registry of Proscribed Charmable Objects, being defined
as a Muggle artefact that it is illegal to enchant; therefore it is not lawful to
import them (GF7).
flying magic
Generally speaking, wizards are unable to fly without the aid of magical devices,
such as broomsticks or flying carpets. Spells can create flying effects, however.
For example, Wingardium Leviosa levitates objects (PS10, c.f. CS2). (See also DH4, 5, 30).
Flying With The Cannons
A book of interesting facts devoted to the Chudley Cannons Quidditch team (CS12).
The book is illustrated with moving photographs (GF2, GF22).
Foe-Glass
A Dark Detector which resembles a mirror but does not reflect the scene in front of
it; instead it shows the enemies—the foes—of its owner. It shows shadowy, out-of-focus
figures which become more distinct as the foes get closer (GF20).
The name of this device is a nice play on words. While a ‘foe’ is an enemy, it is
also a homonym for the French word ‘faux’, meaning ‘false’ - a fitting term for a
looking-glass that isn't a true mirror.
'For the Greater Good'
Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald, in their enthusiasm for bringing wizards
out of hiding and into their ‘rightful place’ in larger human society, talked about
wizards ruling over Muggles ‘for the greater good’ (DH18, 35). This became the slogan
for Grindelwald as he grew in power in Europe in the early 1940s, and his excuse for
committing atrocities (DH18). Grindelwald had even carved the words over the entrance
to Nurmengard, the prison he built to hold his enemies (DH18).
Forbidden Forest
A large, dark forest to the east of Hogwarts which is strictly off limits to students
except in the course of occasional Care of Magical Creatures lessons (OP21) or detentions
(PS15). Often referred to as just ‘the forest’, the Forbidden Forest is thick with
trees; off the paths the way is almost impassable (CS15). The forest is home to many
creatures, including unicorns, Thestrals, Acromantulas, centaurs and the Weasleys’
turquoise Ford Anglia (CS15); anything wild and dangerous that needs a place to live
is put there (BP).
Ford Anglia, flying
Battered old turquoise automobile bought by Arthur Weasley for the alleged purpose
of taking it apart in his shed to see how it worked. In fact, in the process of dismantling
and reassembling the car, he also bewitched it to be able to fly and installed an
Invisibility Booster. He also magically expanded the inner spaces so that an enormous
amount of luggage could fit in the boot and numerous people could sit comfortably
in its wide seats (CS3, CS15).
Forest of Dean
One of England's last remaining ancient forests (DH19). Hagrid hails from the Forest
of Dean (RAH).
Ms. Rowling grew up on the edge of the Forest of Dean, in Tutshill.
Forgetfulness Charm
Perhaps the same as Obliviate. It is possible to injure a Muggle if you miscast this
spell on them (JKR).
Forgetfulness Potion
Potion taught to first-year students (PS16).
Ms. Rowling uses a subtle bit off wordplay when she describes the first-years who
‘tried to remember’ how to make a Forgetfulness Potion for their exams.
Fortescue, Dexter
Red-nosed, corpulent wizard, a former Headmaster of Hogwarts. His portrait hangs in
the Headmaster's office (OP27).
Fortescue, Florean
Wizard who once owned an ice cream parlour in Diagon Alley where Harry Potter worked
on his homework while staying at the Leaky Cauldron (PA4). ).
According to Ms. Rowling, there was a subplot with Florean Fortescue involving the
Elder wand which didn’t make it into the final book (PC-JKR2).
‘fortuna major’
Password to get into the Gryffindor common room (PA5).
‘furtuna major’ = L. ‘good fortune’; 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 as well, including ‘alihotsy’.
‘Fountain of Fair Fortune, The’
One of the fairy tales attributed to Beedle the Bard (DH7). The story tells of four
people who are on a quest to find happiness from a fabled magical fountain, only to
discover that they didn’t need magic at all (TBB).
Fountain of Magical Brethren
The Fountain of Magical Brethren was a grouping of golden figures on a plinth in the
centre of a pool halfway down the vast atrium of the Ministry of Magic in London.
Water spouted into the pool from figures of a witch and wizard, surrounded by a house-elf,
a centaur, and a goblin looking at them in adoration. The ironically-named statue
gave testimony to the warped sense of superiority assumed by wizards over other magical
races (OP36).
fountain of wine
A spell which produces a fountain of wine from the end of the caster's wand (GF18).
Four-Point Spell
See POINT ME.
Fowl or Foul? A Study of Hippogriff Brutality
Ron used this book while doing research to help Hagrid (PA15).
France
Hagrid and Madame Maxime travelled to France en route to Eastern Europe while on a
secret mission (OP20). Hermione also took a trip to France with her parents during
one summer holiday, which included a stop in Dijon (OP20). The first meeting of the
International Confederation of Wizards was held in France (OP31).
Freezing Charm
According to Slughorn, one simple Freezing Charm will disable a Muggle burglar alarm
(HBP4).
Freshwater Plimpies
Fish living in the stream near the Lovegood house (DH20).
Fridwulfa
Giantess and mother of Hagrid who abandoned her human family in c.1931 (GF24). Having
deserted Hagrid’s wizard father, she later had a second child, a son named Grawp,
by another giant. She died ‘years and years ago,’ according to Hagrid in November
1995 (OP20, OP30).
Frobisher, Vicky
(Gryffindor, early 1990s)
Hogwarts student, involved in many school activities, particularly Charms Club. Tried
out for Gryffindor Keeper in autumn 1995 and flew better than Ron Weasley; however
she was rejected because she said that Charms Club would rank higher in her priorities
than Quidditch in the event of a schedule conflict (OP13).
Frog Spawn Soap
Something for sale at Zonko’s. Sounds dead useful, like so many of Zonko’s products
(PA14).
From Egg to Inferno: A Dragon Keeper's Guide
Hogwarts library book consulted by Hagrid, who always wanted to own a dragon (PS14).
Fubster, Colonel
A retired Muggle neighbour of Marjorie Dursley who looks after her bulldogs when she's
away from home (PA2).
Fudge, Cornelius Oswald
Minister of Magic from 1990 (OP10) until June 1996 (HBP1). Fudge became Minister of
Magic upon Millicent Bagnold’s retirement. At the beginning of his tenure, he sent
Dumbledore owls frequently, seeking advice about what to do (PS5). Fudge is somewhat
weak, swayed by money, addicted to his own position and privilege, and impressed by
Wizarding families with pure bloodlines (OP9). He ignored Voldemort’s return for a
year. When his folly became apparent, he was sacked (HBP1). Fudge usually wore a green
pinstriped suit, long black or pinstriped cloak, and a lime green bowler hat (CS14,
PA3).
Ms. Rowling said that she based Fudge on the British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain
who, prior to World War Two, tried to convince himself and the British nation that
giving in to some of Hitler’s demands would avoid a large scale war. Even more to
the point, Chamberlain was accused of lying to Parliament about the strength of Hitler’s
armed forces and getting rid of people in government who disagreed with his policy
toward Germany.
Fudge Flies
A delicious treat from Honeydukes that Scabbers used to like, according to Ron (PA13).
Fudge, Rufus
Cornelius Fudge’s nephew who worked for the Improper Use of Magic office but got caught
in a scandal involving a vanishing Muggle tube train (subway train) (DP2).
Fulbert the Fearful
(1014-1097)
A very nervous and cowardly wizard; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards
(FW).
Full Body-Bind
See PETRIFICUS TOTALUS.
furballs
Creatures on sale in the Magical Menagerie (PA4); these are probably puffskeins (OP6,
HBP6).
Furmage, Dymphna
(1612-1698)
Witch attacked by Pixies; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Furnunculus
(fur-NUN-kyoo-lus)
Causes the target to break out in boils (GF18, GF37).
‘furuncle’ = Eng. ‘painful skin boil’
fur spell
An unnamed spell that causes a person to grow fur (CS11).
Fwooper
African magical bird with brightly-coloured feathers (JKR).
Fwooper (Rune)
The rune for the number four. The four possible colours of the Fwooper are the reason
this bird is the symbol for that number (JKR).
Gadding With Ghouls
by Gilderoy Lockhart
One of the many required textbooks for Defence Against the Dark Arts in Harry's second
year (CS4).
Gaddley
Town where a Muggle family was found murdered in 1998, during the Second War. The
Muggle authorities blamed a gas leak, but it was actually the work of Death Eaters
(DH22).
There is no town called Gaddley in Britain, although there is a village called Gaddesby
in Leicestershire.
Galleon
The largest of the coins used by wizards, sometimes referred to as a gold Galleon.
Along the edge are imprinted a row of numbers, which are the serial number of the
goblin who made the coin (OP19). The Galleon is worth about five British pounds (CR).
There are seventeen silver Sickles to the Galleon (PS5).
Galleons were large, sturdy wooden warships of the 16th through 18th centuries which
were often associated with treasure. For example, the Spanish treasure fleet of that
era which brought gold and other precious commodities back from the Caribbean included
a large number of galleons.
Galleons, enchanted
Ingenious magical items used for communication in the D.A. In order to get word to
members of the D.A. about meetings, a Protean Charm was used on some fake Galleons.
When Harry decided on the day and time for a meeting, he changed the numbers on his
Galleon. The other fake coins would become warm to alert their owners, then show the
new time and date (OP19, DH29).
Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop
A shop in Diagon Alley, a favourite of Fred and George, which sells a wide variety
of tricks and practical joke items (CS4).
Gamekeeper
Hagrid’s title, along with Keeper of the Keys (PS4).
Gamp, Hesper
Wife of Sirius Black (1877-1952), who was the oldest son of Phineas Nigellus Black
(BFT).
Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration
One of the ‘rules’ of magic. There are Five Principle Exceptions to Gamp’s Law, which
are certain types of items which can’t be conjured from nothing or Transfigured from
completely different materials. Food is one of the exceptions (DH15).
gargoyles
Grotesque winged creatures, usually made of stone. A gargoyle statue guards the moving
stairway up to the Head’s office (CS11 etc., OP28). Two stone gargoyles flank the
staff room and make snide comments at students who dare to try to enter (OP17, DH31).
There are stone gargoyles on the castle roof as well (DH31).
Technically, the term gargoyle refers to a stone water spout regardless of the type
of creature it’s made to resemble. In fact, there is a gargoyle on the National Cathedral
in Washington D.C. that looks like Darth Vader (although because that sculpture deflects
rainwater rather than channel it through its mouth, it’s not a gargoyle but a ‘chimera’).
Gargoyles weren’t placed on building only as fancy gutter spouts, however. They also
served as guardians of the building, warding off evil spirits and protecting those
inside. The gargoyles outside the staffroom function this way, warding off not evil
spirits but students with their wisecracks and snide remarks. Gargoyles as a type
of magical creature are usually described as looking like a demon with horns and a
tail, after the famous gargoyles of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Garrotting Gas
Invisible gas which incapacitates people (OP32).
A garrote is a simple but very deadly weapon. Typically, it consists of a cord or
wire which is wrapped around the victim’s throat, killing them by suffocation. Since
it is highly unlikely that Fred and George would have released something which was
actually deadly, we assume that Garrotting Gas is non-lethal, simply rendering its
victims unconscious.
Gaunt house
Miserable hovel located in the woods just outside Little Hangleton, home to Marvolo
Gaunt and his two children, Morfin and Merope (HBP10, HBP23).
‘gaunt’ = Eng. ‘very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold’
Gaunt, Marvolo
Maternal grandfather of Tom Riddle. Marvolo was short and squat, with odd proportions
which made him look something like a monkey. Marvolo wore a gold ring with the Peverell
symbol carved into a black stone, a symbol he didn’t understand, thinking it was a
coat of arms (HBP10).
Gaunt, Merope
(b. circa 1908 – d. 31 Dec 1926)
Daughter of Marvolo Gaunt and mother of Tom Riddle. Eighteen-year-old Merope was beaten
down and abused by her father. Merope’s tragic life and death set the stage for the
dramatic events of the next fifty years of Wizarding history (HBP10, HBP13).
The star named Merope is one of the Pleiades, a striking cluster of seven stars in
the constellation Taurus. Merope was a character in Greek mythology, a nymph who was
the daughter of Atlas, a Titan. Merope married a mortal, Sisyphus, the king of Corinth.
She was so ashamed of this that she hid her face among the stars in the sky, which
is why the dimmest star of the Pleiades bears her name.
Gaunt, Morfin
Son of Marvolo Gaunt, brother of Merope, a Parselmouth and a sociopath. Morfin was
sentenced to Azkaban for his anti-Muggle behaviour (HBP10, HBP17).
Geminio
(jeh-MIN-ee-o)
Charm which duplicates the target object (DH13).
‘geminare’ = L. ‘to double’
Gemino Curse
Spell which creates multiple worthless copies of an object. Gringotts goblins placed
Gemino Curses on the objects in the Lestranges' high security vault. When those objects
are touched, the spell created a lot of identical copies of them, making the genuine
ones impossible to find. According to Griphook, a would-be thief who continued to
handle treasure under such a curse would eventually be crushed by the weight of expanding
‘gold’ (DH26).
See GEMINIO.
from ‘geminare’ L. ‘to double’
Gernumblies
Alternate name for garden gnomes, according to Xenophilius Lovegood, derived from
the Latin name for the species, Gernumbli gardensi. Their magic is allegedly very strong; being bitten by a gnome may, according to
Lovegood, have all sorts of whimsical and creative consequences, from ‘singing opera’
to ‘declaiming in Mermish’ (DH8).
ghosts
Semi-transparent, non-corporeal beings. Although dead, in many ways they enjoy a full
life. There are differences, however: their sensibilities are dulled after their deaths,
judging by the music and refreshments at the Deathday Party (CS8). They do not eat
(PS7). The Ministry of Magic has some authority over ghostly behaviour (GF25). Only
wizards can become ghosts, and then only if they choose that path before they die.
They enter a state somewhere between living and dead because they are afraid of death
(OP38, EBF). There are at least twenty ghosts at Hogwarts, including the four House
Ghosts (PS7).
ghouls
Slimy, buck-toothed, ugly creatures which live in attics or barns of wizards. A ghoul
lives in the attic of the Burrow, just above Ron's room (CS4, GF10, DH6)
Ghouls are graveyard-dwelling monsters from Arabian folklore. They are shape-shifting
demons who take animal form to lure unwary travellers to their death in the desert.
They are also thought to rob graves and eat the dead.
Giants
Full-blooded giants are about twenty feet tall (GF24). They now live in remote mountain
areas in tribes, with a leader called a Gurg. They are violent by nature and very
mistrustful of wizards and magic (OP20). In the 1970s, the giants allied themselves
with Voldemort. Many giants were killed by Aurors and the rest fled (JKR). (See also DH31, 34, 36).
See GRAWP.
Giant Squid
Huge creature living in the Hogwarts lake. Normally giant squids lives deep in the
ocean, so this one is undoubtedly magical; this is borne out by the fact that the
Hogwarts giant squid allows students to tickle its tentacles (PS16) and feed it toast
(GF18).
The giant squid and its even larger cousin, the colossal squid, are some of the largest
organisms on Earth. The giant squid can grow to over forty feet in length. It lives
in the deep oceans the world over (specimens have been found off Scotland, in fact).
These elusive creatures are difficult to study and therefore are not completely understood.
Similar beasts appear in legends as terrifying monsters, attacking surface vessels
or fighting with sperm whales. In Norse folklore the monster was known as the Kraken
and was blamed for the disappearances of ships and for creating huge dangerous whirlpools
when they submerged.
Gibbon
Death Eater who set off the Dark Mark during the Battle of the Tower (HBP29).
Gilderoy Lockhart's Guide to Household Pests
by Gilderoy Lockhart
Mrs Weasley keeps a copy of this at the Burrow. It discusses gnomes (CS3) and doxies
(OP6).
gillywater
A favourite drink of McGonagall at the Three Broomsticks (PA10).
The name for this drink comes from the gillyflower, which is typically identified
as the carnation, although other fragrant flowers have been called this as well. Gilliflowers
were used to make gilliflower wine, according to a recipe from Cornwall dated 1753.
gillyweed
Native to the Mediterranean, this magical water plant looks like a bundle of slimy,
greyish-green rat tails. When eaten, it gives a person gills to breathe underwater
and webbed hands and feet for swimming, which last for approximately one hour. Its
properties were discovered by Elladora Ketteridge (FW). Snape keeps gillyweed in his
private stores; it is not available to the students (GF26).
Gladrags Wizardwear
A Wizarding clothing shop in Hogsmeade that also has additional locations in London
and Paris (GF8, GF27).
glen
A Scottish term for ‘valley’. According to the Sorting Hat's song, Rowena Ravenclaw
hails from the 'glen', which suggests that she is most likely from Scotland - and
thus perhaps the one of the four founders who lived closest to Hogwarts' present location
(GF12). She was, after all, the one who chose the location for the school (JKR).
Glisseo
(gli-SAY-oh)
Spell which transforms a staircase into a smooth slide (DH32). This is likely the
spell which is triggered when boys try to climb the staircase to the girls’ dormitory
in Gryffindor tower (OP17).
from ‘glisser’ = Fr. ‘slip, slide’
Gnome, garden
(Gernumbli gardensi)
Common garden pest resembling a potato with legs. Gnomes live in gnome-holes underground,
where they dig up plant roots and generally cause a mess; their presence is a dead
giveaway that a home belongs to a witch or wizard (Sch1). Crookshanks loved chasing
gnomes around the Weasleys' garden and the gnomes seemed just as much to love being
chased (GF5). Xeno Lovegood studied gnome magic. He called them ‘gernumblies’ and
‘wise little gnomes’, and raved about their special magic abilities (DH8).
goats
Aberforth Dumbledore has a strange fascination with goats; he was prosecuted for ‘practicing
inappropriate charms on a goat’ (GF24), and his bar, the Hog’s Head, smells like goats
(OP16). What’s more, as a child, when he was angry at someone he’d show it by throwing
goat dung at them (DH18). Today his Patronus is a goat as well (DH28). On an unrelated
note, the bezoar is a stone-like object found in the stomach of a goat (PS8).
Gobbledegook
The language of Goblins (GF7), described as ‘a rough and unmelodious tongue, a string
of rattling, guttural noises’ (DH15).
Goblet of Fire
A large, wooden magical cup, which was kept in a very old jewelled chest. The Goblet
of Fire is a very powerful enchanted artefact. In order to make the selection of Triwizard
champions completely fair, the decision was left up to the Goblet, which filled with
blue flames for the occasion. Students who wanted to compete placed their names in
the Goblet, which then ‘spit out’ the names of the one who would be Triwizard Champions.
Once the names had been chosen, the Goblet's flames went out, waiting for the next
Tournament (GF16).
goblin
One of the primary magical races in the Wizarding world: short and dark-skinned, with
long fingers and feet, pointed ears, and dark, slanted eyes (PS5, GF24, HPM). Goblins
speak Gobbledegook (GF7, DH15). Although goblins are considered inferior by wizards
(GF24), they have established themselves as a vital part of Wizarding society, running
the Wizarding bank Gringotts (PS5) and thereby controlling the economy. (See also OP5, c.f DH15).
Goblin Liaison Office
Ministry office for dealing with the goblin population. Dirk Cresswell was head of
this office at one point (HBP4, DH15). Cuthbert Mockridge also worked in this office
(GF7).
Goblin metalwork
Apart from their cleverness with money and finances, goblins are also very capable
metalsmiths. Their silverwork is well known and prized (OP6, 21). Goblins actually
mint the Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts used in the Wizarding world; each coin is stamped
with a serial number identifying the goblin who cast it (OP19).
goblin rebellions
Uprisings where goblins have fought for the right to use wands and be treated as equal
members of society. Described as ‘bloody and vicious’, these were most prevalent in
the 1600s (PA5) and 1700s (GF15, OP31). One rebellion, in 1612, took place in the
vicinity of Hogsmeade; the Inn there was used as headquarters for the rebellion (PA5,
JKR). Subversive goblin groups still work in secret against the Ministry, according
to the Daily Prophet (OP15). In the 1990s, some goblin groups met with representatives of the Ministry
of Magic, hoping to create a Bill of Goblin Rights (DP3). Oswald Beamish was a pioneer
of goblin rights (FW).
Gobstones
A game similar to marbles, played with stones which spit disgusting liquid at the
opposing player when they lose a point. Many of the kids at Hogwarts have a set of
Gobstones and it is played fairly regularly (CS10, PA16, GF20). There are Gobstone
clubs at Hogwarts (OP17) and also an International Gobstones League (DP1). The offices
of the Official Gobstones Club are in the Department of Games and Sports on level
seven of the Ministry of Magic (OP7).
‘gob’ = Br. slang ‘saliva or phlegm, particularly when spit out’
Gobstones Tournament
Recently the Welsh National Gobstones Team defeated the Hungarian national side to
win this tournament (DP1).
Godelot
Wizard who was killed by his son Hereward to steal the Elder Wand (DH21).
'God Rest Ye, Merry Hippogriffs'
A Wizarding Christmas carol, possibly just made up on the spot by Sirius (OP23).
This is an obvious take on a Muggle Christmas carol, 'God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.'
It would be interesting to hear what the rest of the song's lyrics might be.
Godric's Hollow
Though a Muggle village, for over a thousand years it has been home to notable wizards
and witches, and has been most famous as the birthplace of Hogwarts founder Godric
Gryffindor. Over the centuries, Godric's Hollow has had a number of magical residents;
‘the graveyard is full of names of ancient magical families’ (DH16). Ignotus Peverell,
one of the three brothers of Deathly Hallows lore, is buried here (DH35). Bowman Wright
also lived here when he invented the Golden Snitch in the 1300s (DH16). Among those
who have lived there more recently are the Dumbledore family, Bathilda Bagshot, and
the Potter family (DH16, DH17).
golden flames
A powerful but very mysterious spell, inexplicably cast by Harry’s wand during the
Battle of the Seven Potters (DH4, DH36).
Golden Snitch
See SNITCH.
Goldstein, Anthony
(b. 1980; Ravenclaw, 1991; Prefect, 1995; Dumbledore’s Army)
A student in Harry’s year (OP10) who became a member of the D.A. (OP16, DH29).
Golgomath
A huge, violent giant who favoured the Death Eaters (OP20).
Goliath
Mercenary giant used by the Philistines in their war with the Israelites around 1000
BC; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
The story of Goliath and his defeat by the shepherd boy David is found in the Bible,
in I Samuel 17.
Golpalott's Third Law
Golpalott's Third Law, a lesson Slughorn teaches in Potions, says that ‘the antidote
for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each
of the separate components’ (HBP18).
This magical ‘law’, along with Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration, suggests that
in the Wizarding world, magic is researched and studied in the same way that scientific
principles are studied in the Muggle world.
Gordon
(b. circa 1980)
A Muggle boy living in Little Whinging, one of Dudley's gang (PS3, OP1).
Gorgovitch, Dragomir
Chaser transferred to the Chudley Cannons for a record fee in 1995. He didn’t do so
well, however; he ended up breaking the record for the most Quaffle drops (DH7).
Gornuk
A Goblin on the run from the Ministry because he refused to be treated like a house-elf
(DH22).
Goshawk, Miranda
Author of The Standard Book of Spells series of books (Grade One, Grade Two, etc.) which are required textbooks for students at Hogwarts
(PS5, PA4, GF10, OP9, HBP9).
‘miranda’ = L. ‘worthy of wonder’; a ‘goshawk’ is a bird of prey.
Gouging Spell
See DEFODIO.
Goyle, Gregory
(b. 1980; Slytherin 1991; Inquisitorial Squad; Quidditch Beater 1995-?)
One of Draco Malfoy’s thuggish cronies (PS6). Goyle has short, bristly hair that extends
down onto his forehead. His eyes are small, dull, and deep set, and he speaks with
a low, raspy voice. He’s a bully who enjoys bossing people around, whether as a member
of the Inquisitorial Squad in his fifth year (OP28) or using the Cruciatus Curse on
other students in his seventh (DH29). Not surprisingly, he doesn’t like writing (OP10).
Goyle, Mr
A large, somewhat oafish Death Eater (GF33). He is the father of Gregory Goyle (OP26).
Grades for exams
There are three passing and three failing grades given for O.W.L.s (OP15, JKR). The
possible grades are:
Passing:
Outstanding (O)
Exceeds Expectations (E)
Acceptable (A)
Failing:
Poor (P)
Dreadful (D)
Troll (T)
Grand Tour
Around the year 1900, it was a tradition for young wizards after leaving Hogwarts
to take a ‘Grand Tour,’ a trip around the world to visit famous Wizarding locales
and foreign wizards (DH2, DH18).
In the 17th through 19th centuries, it became fashionable for young British aristocrats
to take a ‘Grand Tour’, a year or two of travel on the Continent as a way of finishing
off their education. They would visit the cities of Paris and Rome, immerse themselves
in the art and antiquities, and learn about the culture and politics of Europe. In
some ways, this form of travel – to satisfy personal curiosity and learn about other
places—was the precursor to modern tourism.
Granger, Hermione Jean
(b. September 19, 1979; Gryffindor 1991; Dumbledore’s Army; Prefect 1995; Slug Club)
Resourceful, principled and brilliant, Hermione is probably the brightest witch of
her generation. Along with Ron Weasley she is one of Harry Potter’s closest friends
(PS10 ff.). Muggle-born, (her parents were dentists) (PS12), Hermione is a living,
breathing example of the fallacy of pureblood wizard supremacy. Hermione reads voraciously
and prefers concrete, knowable subjects like Runes and Arithmancy (PA12) to the more
inexact subjects like Divination (PA15). Viktor Krum, an international Quidditch star,
pursued her in her fourth year (GF23 etc.), but all along she harboured a secret fondness
for someone else (DH31, /e). Hermione developed a social conscience very early, sticking
up for Neville and supporting House-Elf rights (GF15). In her third year at Hogwarts,
she bought Crookshanks from a magical creatures store because no one had wanted him
(PA4), and spent hours preparing a defence for Buckbeak, a falsely-accused hippogriff
(PA11 ff.). Harry and Ron owe many of their successes to Hermione’s planning and research
(DH9). (See also BLC).
‘Hermione’ is a reference to a character in Shakespeare's play A Winter's Tale, chosen
because it sounded clever and a bit pretentious. Viktor Krum and Grawp had a very
hard time pronouncing it properly, as do many fans. In fact, Ms. Rowling included
the pronunciation in book four for the benefit of fans who were uncertain about how
to say the name. Ms. Rowling said she chose that name because … it just seemed the
sort of name that a pair of professional dentists, who liked to prove how clever they
were … [would give] their daughter a nice, unusual name that no-one could pronounce!
(NPC)
‘Jean’ is one of the middle names of Ms. Rowling's daughter Mackenzie.
Granger, Mr and Mrs
Hermione’s parents. They are Muggle dentists (PS12, GF3) who are very proud of their
brilliant daughter. While accepting the Wizarding world and their daughter's place
in it (EBF, CS4), they don’t approve of using magic for quick fixes, for example insisting
that Hermione's somewhat oversized front teeth be dealt with using braces (GF23).
During the Second War, Hermione took desperate precautions to protect her parents
(DH6, BLC).
Ms. Rowling has stated that she kept Hermione’s family in the background, not even
giving the first names of her parents. She did this intentionally, in part to contrast
with Ron’s family, who we get to know very well (EBF).
Graphorn
A large, two-horned creature which lives in the mountains of Europe (JKR).
Graphorn (Rune)
According to Ancient Runes Made Easy, the rune symbol for the number 2 because of
its two long, sharp horns (JKR).
Graves, Merton
(b. 1978)
Member of the popular Wizarding band The Weird Sisters; for more information, see
the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Grawp
Hagrid's half-brother, a giant whose mother was Fridwulfa. Grawp is small for his
age and was abused by the other giants in their mountain stronghold. When Hagrid found
him, he insisted on bringing Grawp back to live in the forest near Hogwarts, despite
Grawp’s initial resistance to the plan. Though Grawp struggled to acclimatise to civilization,
Hagrid told Harry that he was ‘loads better’ towards the end of the school year (June
1997) (OP30, also c.f. DH31). He’s particularly fond of Hermione, calling her ‘Hermy’
(OP30).
Great Fire of London
In 1666 this fire destroyed much of London. According to Wizarding legend it was not,
as Muggles believe, started in a bakery, but rather by a young Welsh Green Dragon
that was being housed next door (JKR).
Great Hall
The main hall at Hogwarts used for meals, feasts, and other celebrations and events.
Running the length of the room are four long tables, one for each house, and at the
top of the room is a high table for the teachers. The ceiling is enchanted to show
the sky outside and is frequently filled with floating candles for illumination. Students
gather here for meals three times a day (esp. GF21). The Hall has also functioned
as a place for exams (OP31), for fancy balls (GF23), and on one memorable occasion,
a slumber party (PA9).
The arrangement of the Hall is somewhat ambiguous. While it seems logical that the
doors to the hall open in the centre of the wall opposite the High Table (which is
the way it is portrayed in the film), this does not fit this description in the fourth
book:
“Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked past the Slytherins, the Ravenclaws, and the Hufflepuffs,
and sat down with the rest of the Gryffindors at the far side of the Hall …” (GF12)
In order to walk past all four house tables, Harry must have entered the Hall from
the side, not the back. However, Ms. Rowling has stated in an interview that the Great
Hall in the film looked just like she had imagined it:
“There are, for sure, going to be people out there that will say that this is not
my Great Hall but, I can promise them, it is my Great Hall. So, from my point of view,
it's obviously wonderful.” (Alderson, Andrew. ‘They really do look as I'd imagined
they would inside my head.’ Telegraph.co.uk November 11, 2001.)
Therefore the passage from GH12 might be just a minor continuity error.
Great Hangleton
Great Hangleton, neighbouring village to Little Hangleton, is found about two hundred
miles from Little Whinging (which places it somewhere in Yorkshire, most likely).
Great Hangleton is approximately six miles (HBP10) from Little Hangleton and contains
a small police station that serves both towns (GF1).
Great Humberto, The
A character on a television show that Dudley, at age eleven, liked to watch on Monday
nights (PS3).
Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century
Not surprisingly, Harry is mentioned in this book (PS6).
Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century
Not surprisingly, Nicolas Flamel is NOT mentioned in this book (PS12).
Greece
The country of Greece, comprising a peninsula and numerous islands in the Mediterranean
Sea, is steeped in history and mythology. References to Greek mythology abound in
the lore of the Wizarding world. Quite a few famous ancient witches and wizards came
from Greece, including the first Dark Wizard, Herpo the Foul (FW), who created the
first Horcrux (PC-JKR1).
Greengrass, Asteria
(b. circa 1982; Slytherin? 1993)
Younger sister of Daphne (PC-JKR2).
While not stated, it is likely that Asteria was a Slytherin considering who she married.
Greengrass, Daphne
(b. 1980; Slytherin 1991)
Hogwarts student in Harry’s year (OP31).
According to an early list of Harry's classmates that Ms. Rowling displayed during
an interview (HPM), Daphne's name may originally have been Queenie Greengrass. If
so (and this document can't really be considered canon), she is a Slytherin student
from a pure-blood family (HPM).
greenhouses
At Hogwarts, these greenhouses are where Herbology classes are held; there are at
least three, with plants of varying levels of danger (CS6).
Gregorovitch
(d. 2 September 1997)
European wand maker, a heavy-set man with white beard and hair (DH14). He made Krum's
wand (GF18). At one time he owed the Elder Wand and bragged about it, but Grindelwald
stole it from him in the early 1940s. Gregorovitch retired in the late 1980s (DH8).
Gregory the Smarmy
A medieval wizard who invented Gregory's Unctuous Unction (FW). There is a secret
passage at Hogwarts located behind a statue of Gregory the Smarmy (PS9).
‘smarmy’ = Eng. ‘smug, ingratiating, or false earnestness’
Gregory’s Unctuous Unction
Potion which persuades the drinker that the giver is his or her very best friend.
Invented by Gregory the Smarmy (FW).
The name of this potion is clever:
‘unction’ = Eng. ‘an ointment’, derived from a Latin term meaning ‘to anoint with
oil’
‘unctuous’ is derived figuratively from ‘unction’ and refers to being flattering and
friendly in an oily, slimy sort of way.
Grenouille
Character in the play ‘Alas, I’ve Transfigured My Feet’ by Malecrit (QA8).
‘grenouille’ = Fr. ‘frog’
Greyback, Fenrir
Werewolf, low-level Death Eater. He killed for fun and especially enjoyed infecting
children. Greyback was a follower of Voldemort since at least the 1970s, though he
was in it for the access to victims, not for ideological reasons (HBP16, HBP27, DH23,
DH32, DH36).
Fenrir comes from 'Fenriswolf,' ('Fenrisulv,' 'Fenrisulf'), the gigantic wolf of the
God Loki in Scandinavian mythology.
Grey Lady, the
A tall, beautiful, but somewhat haughty-looking ghost, the ghost of Ravenclaw tower.
Her real name was Helena Ravenclaw and she was the daughter of one of the Founders
of Hogwarts (PS12, DH31).
The name ‘Grey Lady’ is a term often used to refer to female ghosts. One such apparition,
the Grey Lady of Rufford Old Hall, is the ghost of a young woman in a wedding dress
who is said to be waiting in vain for the return of her betrothed who died in battle.
griffin
Strange creature with the front body of an eagle and hindquarters of a lion. There
is a statue of a griffin in a corridor in Hogwarts, near a girls' bathroom (PS10).
Godric Gryffindor, the founder of Gryffindor house, may be named for this beast. The
griffin-shaped knocker on the door of Dumbledore's office (CS11) may be a reference
to Gryffindor's name, assuming that Dumbledore was a Gryffindor.
Creatures resembling the griffin appear in various mythologies from around the world.
‘gryphus’ = L. ‘hooked’, probably a reference to its curved beak
Griffiths, Wilda
Outstanding Chaser who switched from the Harpies to Puddlemere United, much to the
chagrin of Gwenog Jones, the amazingly talented but dangerous Captain of the Harpies
(DP1, 2, 3).
Grim
The Grim is a ghostly image of a large dog-like beast; seeing one portends death.
It is also one of the tea-leaf symbols which mean ‘death’ (PA6).
The Grim is based closely on the ‘Church Grim’ of British folklore. This spectral
black dog would haunt churchyards to protect the church and the souls of those buried
there from the devil.
Grimmauld Place
Muggle street in London on which Twelve Grimmauld Place is found (OP3). The dingy
square is within about a mile of King's Cross Station (OP10) and a few Underground
stops away from the Ministry of Magic and St Mungo's Hospital (OP23). The Muggles
living there have become used to the fact that apparently Number 11 and Number 13
are adjacent, with no Number 12 (OP3, OP4).
The name ‘Grimmauld Place’ is a homophone for ‘grim old place’, especially since ‘auld’
is a Scottish word for ‘old’. There is an additional play on words since it is the
home of Sirius Black, who was mistaken for a Grim by Harry when they first encountered
each other in Little Whinging (PA3).
Grindelwald, Gellert
(c.1883-1998)
A powerful Dark wizard. After expulsion from Durmstrang as a teenager, Grindelwald
visited Britain, searching for the Deathly Hallows. There, Grindelwald and Dumbledore
became friends, but the friendship ended abruptly (DH18). Grindelwald believed in
Wizard supremacy ‘For the Greater Good’ of the world and tried to impose his rule
on wizards and Muggles alike. He was finally defeated by Dumbledore in a spectacular
duel in 1945 (PS6) and imprisoned in Nurmengard (DH18). In 1998, Grindelwald lied
to Voldemort about ever having the Elder Wand, hoping to throw Voldemort off the trail
(DH23). Perhaps in this small way, he showed remorse for the terrible things he had
done (DH35).
'Grindelwald' is a small village in the Alps of Switzerland; the name could also refer
to Grendel, the troll-like monster of the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf. Ms. Rowling pronounces
Grindelwald's name ‘GRIN dell vald’ (TLC).
Grindylow
A pale green creature that lives in the weed beds on the bottom of lakes in Britain.
It is also known as a water demon. Grindylows have long, brittle fingers which they
use to grip their prey, sharp little horns, and green teeth. Lupin taught his third
year students about them (PA8). Some grindylows appear to have been domesticated by
merpeople (GF26).
The grindylow is a water creature from the folklore of Yorkshire. It’s a type of bogeyman,
a tale told to children to frighten them into not going near deep water
Gringott
The goblin founder of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (FW).
Although the bank is named after the founder, it is not written with an apostrophe
(as Gringott’s), but without.
Gringotts Wizarding Bank
An imposing snow-white marble building in Diagon Alley, near its intersection with
Knockturn Alley (CS4), Gringotts is the place where British witches and wizards store
their money and other valuables in heavily-guarded vaults miles below ground. The
centuries-old bank is run by goblins, and they alone know the secrets of the twisting
underground passages and the enchantments and creatures in place to defend against
intruders (PS5). (See also DH26).
Ms. Rowling said she created the name Gringotts by combining ‘ingot’, which is a bar
of precious metal, with an aggressive sounding ‘grrrr’ (ITV).
Griphook
Goblin who operated the underground tram at Gringotts which takes wizards to their
vaults (PS5). Several years later, having seen Harry’s genuine care for house-elves
and goblins even though they aren’t wizards, Griphook agreed to help Harry, although
his allegiance was always in some doubt (DH25, DH26).
grooming charms
Minor spells for personal grooming. Examples include Parvati curling her eyelashes
around her wand (OP27) and Molly Weasley’s ‘a proper haircuts’, for which she uses
her wand (GF5, DH7). Magic isn’t the best choice for some grooming tasks, however.
Eloise Midgen tried to curse her pimples off, but it didn’t work out the way she intended.
Madam Pomfrey did manage to reattach Eloise’s nose, however (GF13).
Growth Charm
Spell to make things grow in size (OP31).
Grow-Your-Own-Warts kit
Harry once got a package of these in his Christmas crackers (PS12).
Grubbly-Plank, Wilhelmina
Substitute teacher who covered for Hagrid when he was indisposed after Christmas break
(January 1995) and again when he was off negotiating with the giants (OP11); Grubbly-Plank
knew a lot about unicorns and to Lavender Brown and others of Harry's year seemed
to be a particularly good teacher compared to Hagrid, who devoted most their class
time looking after Skrewts (GF24). She nursed Hedwig back to health at one point after
the owl was injured delivering mail. Grubbly-Plank is an elderly witch with short-cropped
hair who smokes a pipe (OP17).
Grunnings
A Muggle firm which makes drills. Vernon Dursley is a director of the company (PS2).
As such he drives company cars (PA1) and entertains prospective clients in his home
(CS2). His office is on the ninth floor and he sits with his back to the window and
yells at people on the phone a lot (PA2).
Grunnion, Alberic
(1803-1882)
A wizard inventor, creator of the Dungbomb (FW, PS6).
Gryffindor, Godric
(c.900s)
One of the four Founders of Hogwarts over a thousand years ago. Gryffindor believing
that anyone who showed magical ability should be allowed to attend Hogwarts. Gryffindor
was from what is now the village of Godric’s Hollow, which was named after him. He
was the most accomplished dueller of his time and the magnificent Sword of Gryffindor
was his, as was the Sorting Hat (DH15, DH19, DH25, DH26).
Gryffindor House
One of the four houses of Hogwarts, valuing above all else loyalty, bravery, and chivalry
(PS7, DH19). The head of Gryffindor is Professor McGonagall (PS8), and the house ghost
is Nearly Headless Nick (PS7). Its shield is red and gold, and features a rearing
lion (GF15). Gryffindor Quidditch teams are usually in the running for the Cup. Gryffindor
has always produced strong leaders from its ranks, including Albus Dumbledore, the
Weasley family, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, and Neville Longbottom.
Gryffindor House common room
Located at the base of Gryffindor Tower, with the entrance on the seventh floor behind
a large painting of a Fat Lady in a pink silk dress. The room is comfortable, with
squashy armchairs, a fireplace, and tables (esp. PS7).
Gryffindor Tower
Harry's dormitory room is at the top (PS7, GF12) of this tower, which extends skyward
from the House common room on the seventh floor.
Grymm, Malodora
A hag who used a sleeping potion to get what she wanted; for more details, see the
Famous Wizard cards (FW).
The story of Malodora Grymm is a nod to the fairy tale ‘Snow White’, which was part
of the collection of the Brothers Grimm, hence the last name ‘Grymm’.
Gubraithian fire
Spell to make the target object burn forever (OP20).
The name comes from the Scottish phrase ‘gu braith’, meaning ‘forever’.
Gudgeon, Davy
(Hogwarts student c. 1970s)
Foolhardy student who once tried to get past the Whomping Willow, nearly losing an
eye (PA10).
‘gudgeon’ = Eng. ‘a small freshwater fish used as bait; a gullible person’
Gudgeon, Galvin
The ineffectual Seeker for the Chudley Cannons (DP1).
Gudgeon, Gladys
Writes weekly fan-mail to Lockhart, even now, although he has no idea why she does
(CS7, OP23).
Guffy, Elladora
Next-door neighbour to Ethelbart Mordaunt. Madam Guffy is fond of practical jokes
and has been known on occasion to enchant Mordaunt's garden furniture (DP1).
Guide to Advanced Transfiguration
Cedric Diggory carried this in his book bag during his sixth year (GF20), which means
both that Cedric was working toward a N.E.W.T. qualification in Transfiguration, and
that this is the required textbook for sixth-year Transfiguration students.
Guide to Medieval Sorcery, A
One of the books that Harry, Ron, and Hermione examined while preparing for the second
Triwizard task (GF26).
Guidelines on House-Elf Welfare
A wizard law that exists, but isn’t enforced (JKR).
Guidelines for the Treatment of Non-Wizard Part-Humans
A Ministry policy which annoyed Percy (GF10).
Gulch, Zamira
Author of Practical Household Magic, who also writes for the Daily Prophet advice column (DP3).
The name comes from Elmira Gulch, the name of the Kansas alter ego of the Wicked Witch
of the West in the film version of The Wizard of Oz.
Gulping Plimpies
Plimpies are a kind of magical fish. Luna uses Gurdyroot to ward off the Gulping variety
(HBP20).
Gumboil, Alastor
Employee in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, to whom applicants for Hit
Wizard positions need to apply. He works in Room 919 (DP2).
Gunhilda of Gorsemoor
Described on her Famous Wizard card as a ‘one-eyed, hump-backed witch’, Gunhilda was
a healer known for developing a cure for Dragon Pox (FW). A statue of Gunhilda stands
in the corridors of Hogwarts (PA10).
Gurdyroot
A green onion-like plant. Luna uses these to ward of Gulping Plimpies (HBP20). Her
father makes a deep purple and unpleasant beverage from Gurdyroots to serve guests
(DH20).
Gurg
The title for the leader of a Giant colony. The toughest, strongest Giant typically
holds this title for life, but that might not be particularly long (OP20).
Gytrash
A huge, spectral hound that lives in forests (CS/g).
The Gytrash, in the form of a huge dog, horse, or mule, haunts solitary places and
attempts to waylay travellers; it is found in the folklore of Northern England.
hag
Magical being which appears to be an old woman. However, hags are less adept than
witches at disguising themselves from Muggles (PA4, GF19). Hags are what one might
refer to as ‘fairy-tale witches’. They are wild in appearance and they have a reputation
for eating children (DP1, FW), although this may not be true (JKR). Hags have only
four toes on each foot (JKR).
Hagrid, Rubeus
(b. 6 December 1928; Gryffindor 1940, expelled June 1943; Order of the Phoenix; appointed
Care of Magical Creatures professor, September 1993)
A half-giant with shaggy hair and a ‘wild, tangled beard’ (PS1) who serves as the
Keeper of Keys and Grounds, Gamekeeper, and Care of Magical Creatures professor at
Hogwarts (PS4, PA6). He is excessively fond of ‘interesting creatures’ that anyone
else would call fearsome monsters. Hagrid's appearance is very intimidating, but his
disposition is kind (PA11). He lives in a hut on the Hogwarts grounds with his pet
boarhound, Fang (PS8). The son of a wizard and a giantess (GF23), Hagrid tends to
stick out (PS6) and has been subjected to much prejudice (GF24, OP15). Hagrid was
fiercely loyal to Dumbledore, who has been heard to say that he ‘would trust Hagrid
with my life’ (PS1). From the moment he was sent to retrieve Harry for his first year
at Hogwarts, Hagrid and Harry Potter have been firm friends. Harry, Ron, and Hermione
visit Hagrid’s hut regularly while in school (PS8, etc.).
J.K. Rowling chose Hagrid’s name because of an old English dialect word, ‘meaning
you’d had a bad night. Hagrid’s a big drinker. He has a lot of bad nights’ (Con).
‘rubeus’ = L. ‘red’
‘hagrid’ = Eng. ‘haggered, run-down’, from the phrase ‘hag-ridden’, which referred
to the superstition that nightmares were caused by a hag sitting on one’s chest during
the night.
Hagrid Sr.
(d. 1941 or 1942)
The father of Rubeus Hagrid. He must have been an unusual man, since he married a
giantess, Fridwulfa, and fathered a son by her. Fridwulfa left the family c. 1931
and Hagrid Sr. raised his son alone. He died during Rubeus’s second year at Hogwarts
(GF24).
hair-care products
Gilderoy Lockhart’s secret ambition, according to his books, is ‘to rid the world
of evil and market his own line of hair care products’ (CS6).
Hair-Loss Curse
A curse which features prominently in the book Curses and Countercurses (PS5).
Hair-Raising Potion
Ingredients include rat tails
Second-year potions students are assigned homework about this potion (CS13).
Hair-thickening Charm
A spell that affects hair, sometimes used as a grooming charm by witches (OP19).
‘half-blood’
A witch or wizard with one Wizarding parent but at least one Muggle parent or grandparent.
Though the term can be somewhat disparaging, it includes most of the population of
the Wizarding world (CS7, c.f. OP35).
Half-Blood Prince, The
A nickname name used by some mysterious person who wrote notes in a potions textbook
many years ago (HBP28).
Hall of Prophecy
A vast hall in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic where records
of prophecies are stored in glass balls on row upon row of towering shelves (OP34).
Nobody may remove a prophecy from the shelf except one of people who are the subjects
of the prophecy (OP34). The Unspeakables—those witches and wizards who work in the
Department of Mysteries—do not admit the existence of the room (HBP3).
Hallowe'en
An important holiday for wizards, as it is the one day they can ‘let their hair down’,
so to speak (DP4). At Hogwarts it is celebrated with a feast, for which the Great
Hall is elaborately decorated with bats, candles, and pumpkins (PA8). Hallowe’en has
also been an eventful day in Harry’s life (DH17, PS10, CS8, PA8, GF16).
The name is written ‘Halloween’ in the US editions of the books. The holiday probably
originated in Britain with the Celtic festival of autumn known as Samhain. On the
evening of October 31, the barrier between the living and the dead was thought to
disappear and celebrations were held to ward off or placate ghosts and evil spirits.
The name comes from ‘All-hallow-even’, the name for the night in the Christian calendar
before November 1, which was All Hallows’ Day. Nowadays, Hallowe’en has become a holiday
devoted to wearing costumes, often of witches, monsters, or ghosts, and of celebrating
the darker, more macabre side of things. Part of the pleasure of reading Ms. Rowling’s
stories is the tongue-in-cheek assertion that many of the things which we find mysterious
and a bit scary are actually real and even a bit mundane. Members of the Wizarding
world enjoy Hallowe’en because it is the one day that they don’t have to hide, when
the barrier between the Muggle and Wizarding worlds disappears. Interestingly, the
holiday is celebrated in the first four books but is completely ignored in the last
three. This is one example of the huge shift between books one through four and books
five through seven. Humongous pumpkins and ghostly ‘formation gliding’ fit the whimsical
overtones of the earlier novels a lot better than they do the darker plot which dominates
the rest of the series.
Hampshire
A county in southern England. Location of the hamlet of Little Dropping - or at least
it was until Archibald Alderton was there (FW).
Handbook of Do-It-Yourself Broom Care
Part of Hermione's present to Harry for his thirteenth birthday (PA1, PA2).
Handbook of Hippogriff Psychology
Ron studied this book while preparing for an appeal for the Committee for the Disposal
of Dangerous Creatures (PA15).
Hand of Glory
A withered hand which, when a candle is inserted into it, gives light only to the
holder (CS4, HBP27).
Ms. Rowling didn’t invent the Hand of Glory, although she modified it from its historical
description. The object is first mentioned in tales from the 1400s, although the name
‘Hand of Glory’ isn’t used for it until 1707. A Hand of Glory is a mummified hand
of a hanged criminal turned into a candle by a complicated procedure. The Hand was
a thieves’ amulet, a tool which when lit would render the inhabitants of a house unconscious
so that robbing them would be easy.
Hanged Man, The
The village pub in Little Hangleton, where villagers gathered to gossip about the
Riddle family (GF1).
The Hanged Man is the name of a card found in a Tarot fortune-telling deck. It signifies
that a questioner is trapped or stuck in a position, perhaps between opposites. In
this case, since nothing can be proven one way or another, Frank Bryce is the one
trapped, always suspected of murders he didn’t commit.
Harkiss, Ciceron
Gave Ambrosius Flume (owner of Honeydukes) his first job. Favourite student of Horace
Slughorn, and probably a member of the Slug Club (HBP4).
Harper
(Slytherin, mid-1990s; Quidditch Chaser 1996-1997)
Substitute Chaser for the Slytherin Quidditch team after Vaisey was injured during
a practice session (HBP14).
Harris, Warty
A wizard whose toads were stolen by someone named Will, and then again by Mundungus
Fletcher, who sold them back to Warty (OP5).
The name is no doubt a connection to the commonly held (but false) belief that handling
toads causes warts.
hat, cursed
Hat that makes the wearer’s ears shrivel. Bill Weasley once had a pen-friend from
Brazil who was so offended when Bill couldn't travel all the way to South America
for a visit that he sent Bill one of these hats (GF7).
Hate Potion
Potion which reveals to the person drinking it the worst aspects of another person.
This potion is recommended by the Daily Prophet's advice columnists to help witches and wizards get over emotional attachments to
people who don't love them back (DP3).
Hawkshead Attacking Formation
A Quidditch formation with three Chasers together, one in the centre and slightly
ahead of the other two (GF8).
hawthorn
A wand wood. Draco Malfoy’s wand is made of hawthorn (DH24).
Draco’s birthday, 5 June, falls within Huath, the month in the Celtic lunar calendar
which is represented by the hawthorn tree. The lore associated with hawthorn is contradictory:
it represented hope and marriage to the ancient Greeks and Romans, but to the Celts
it represented witchcraft and bad luck. The hawthorn, after all, has both beautiful
flowers and very sharp thorns. In folklore, the hawthorn tree is closely associated
with fairies. In fact, a solitary hawthorn is said to be a marker pointing to the
fairy realms, while a grove which includes hawthorns, oak, and ash trees are thought
to be where fairies will be visible to normal humans. According to tradition, wand
wood must be taken from a hawthorn only on Beltane, a holiday celebrated in mid-May.
Head Boy and Girl
Seventh-year Hogwarts students selected each year to hold a position of authority
in the school, helping with discipline and maintaining order. Those who have held
the position include Albus Dumbledore (DH18), Tom Riddle (HBP20), James and Lily Potter
(PS4), Bill Weasley (PS12, OP9), and Percy Weasley (PA1).
The Head Boy and Girl are typically chosen from the Prefects. How James Potter became
Head Boy is a mystery, then, since he was never a Prefect. However, a possible solution
to this turned up in Half-Blood Prince. James was the Captain of Quidditch, and when Harry is given that post in his sixth
year, Hermione exclaims that he is then on equal status with the Prefects.
Head Juggling and Head Polo
Two sporting activities engaged in by members of the Headless Hunt, using their severed
heads as balls (CS8).
Headless Hunt
A group of ghosts who died by decapitation, and who now carry their heads under their
arms as they ride ghostly horses. Nearly Headless Nick longed to be part of the Hunt,
but the leader, Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore, wouldn’t allow it because Nick’s head
wasn’t completely severed (CS8, also DH31).
Tales of a ghostly hunting party riding through the sky or along deserted moors abound
in the folklore of Northern Europe. Frequently, these hunts are associated with thunderstorms
and death. One tale from Devon tells of a drunken farmer who encountered the Hunt
while on his way home in a thunderstorm, only to discover that they had been riding
off with the body of his son who had died during the storm.
Headmaster/Headmistress
The chief administrator of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry carries the
title of Headmaster or Headmistress. This person carries a lot of status in the Wizarding
community in that he or she influences most young witches and wizards from ages eleven
through seventeen. Recent Heads of Hogwarts include Albus Dumbledore (c. 1956-1997),
Dolores Umbridge (1996), and Severus Snape (1997-1998) (PS4, OP28, DH12).
Headmaster's office and residence
A large circular room where the Headmaster or Headmistress lives. The entrance on
the seventh floor is guarded by a statue of a gargoyle which demands a password. From
there a spiral stone staircase moves upward like an escalator to a polished oak door
(CS11). The walls are covered with portraits of previous Headmasters and Headmistresses
which offer advice to the current Head (GF30, DH15). In the centre of the room is
a large claw-footed desk (CS12). During Dumbledore’s tenure, the room contained the
Pensieve, the Sorting Hat, the Sword of Gryffindor, and Fawkes the Phoenix as well
as a collection of strange magical devices (e.g. OP 22).
Healers
The title for witches and wizards who work at St Mungo’s hospital, similar to Muggle
doctors and nurses (OP22).
Healer's Helpmate, The
Book of first aid, home remedies, and cures. Includes a chapter on ‘Bruises, Cuts,
and Abrasions’ which Mrs Weasley consulted while trying to heal a black eye Hermione
had received from a rather unusual telescope (HBP5).
Hebridean Black
A dragon species native to the Hebrides Islands on the coast of Scotland (PS14).
Hedwig
d. 27 July 1997
A large female snowy owl with amber eyes, purchased by Hagrid at Eeylops Owl Emporium
as a present for Harry’s eleventh birthday (PS5). Harry found the name in his book
A History of Magic (PS6), and came to regard her as a companion and friend (DH5).
Hedwig was unusually intelligent even for a post owl, and often communicated her feelings
toward Harry with affectionate nips of her beak or reproachful looks (e.g. GF3).
Heir of Slytherin
According to legend, Slytherin created a chamber under the school which contained
a monster only his direct heir could control. Years later, everyone wondered who the
Heir of Slytherin might really be. Harry was suspected for a while (CS17).
Heliopath
One of Luna Lovegood’s imaginary creatures, a large flaming creature that runs across
the ground and burns everything in its path. Luna believed during Harry's fifth year
that then-Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge had an army of Heliopaths at his command
(OP17).
‘helios’ = Gr. ‘the sun’ + ‘-path’ = Gr. ‘feeling’
Hengist of Upper Barnton
Giant killed by the famous giant-slayer Gifford Ollerton in the 15th century (FW).
Hengist of Woodcroft
The founder of Hogsmeade village; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards
(FW).
heptomology
A branch of Divination on which Umbridge quizzed Trelawney during her evaluation (OP25).
This word was invented by Ms. Rowling, unlike some of the other Divination forms which
are mentioned in the books (e.g. ornithomancy). The word is derived from ‘hept-‘,
a Greek prefix meaning the number seven. In the Potter universe, the number seven
‘the most powerfully magical number’ (HBP23), which is why Tom Riddle wanted to split
his soul into seven pieces. Bridget Wenlock achieved fame as an Arithmancer for discovering
the magical properties of the number seven (FW), so perhaps she could be said to have
practiced heptomology. In an interesting side note, while there are runes for all
the other numerals, there is none for the number seven because it hasn’t been discovered
yet (JKR).
Herbology
The study of plants, both magical and common. Some plants are studied because they
are essentially magical creatures, others because they are used for potion-making
(PS8). During Harry’s time, Hogwarts Herbology classes are taught in the greenhouses
by Pomona Sprout (PS8, CS6, etc.).
Hereward
Son of Godelot who took the Elder Wand from him (DH21).
Hermes
Owl belonging to Percy Weasley, which he received for becoming a Gryffindor prefect
(PS6). Percy used him for sending personal correspondence, such as letters to Penelope
Clearwater (CS3), and letters to his youngest brother Ron (OP14).
Hermes is a figure from Greek mythology. He is the god of travellers, thieves, athletics
(particularly running), and literature. He served as the messenger to the gods, wearing
a pair of winged sandals to move between the realms of the gods and mortals on earth.
Herpo the Foul
The first great Dark wizard; he lived in ancient Greece. Herpo was the first known
creator of a basilisk (FW) and the inventor of the Horcrux (PC-JKR1).
‘herp-’ from ‘herpeton’ = Gr. lizard, serpent, so Ms. Rowling is connecting the serpent
symbol with the Dark Side already back in the ancient history of the Wizarding world.
‘He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named‘
After Voldemort came to power in the 1970s, wizards were so terrified of him and his
Death Eaters that they refused to say his name, referring to him instead as ‘He-Who-Must-Not-be-Named’
or ‘You-Know-Who’ (PS4 etc.). This later took on added significance when a Taboo was
placed on Voldemort’s name (DH20).
In some traditions, a person’s true name is considered something personal, almost
sacred, and it is never shared for fear that it could be used in a magical attack.
Ms. Rowling discussed this in an interview (TLC) where she also mentioned the infamous
Kray brothers, gangsters who held sway over London’s East End during the 1950s and
1960s. They instilled such fear in people that no one dared to speak their name for
fear of violent reprisals.
hex-deflection
Hex-deflection was included in Harry’s fourth-year Defence Against the Dark Arts classes
(GF28).
Hiccough Sweet
A kind of sweet sold at Zonko’s Joke Shop (PA14).
US spelling: ‘Hiccup’
Hiccoughing Solution
Malfoy made this in sixth-year Potions for an assignment to make ‘something amusing’,
but Slughorn pronounced it as merely passable (HBP22).
US spelling: ‘Hiccupping’
Higgs, Bertie
Hunting mate of Cormack McLaggen's uncle Tiberius, along with Rufus Scrimgeour (so
Higgs is probably someone of some importance) (HBP7).
Higgs, Terence
(Slytherin 1985; Quidditch Seeker c.1991-1992)
The Slytherin Quidditch Seeker during the 1991-92 school year (PS11); he was replaced
by Draco Malfoy the following school year (CS7).
High Street
The main street of a village where most of the shops are located. Hogsmeade has a
High Street, but also a number of side streets where smaller or less reputable shops
are to be found (the Hog’s Head, for example) (PA14).
High Table
A long table standing on a raised platform at the top of the Great Hall. This is where
the teachers sit, visible to the rest of the school (PS7 etc.).
hinkypunk
A little one-legged creature with the appearance of being made of smoke; the hinkypunk
carries a light with which it lures travellers into bogs (PA10).
‘Hinky punk’ is a Somerset and Devon name for the will-o’-the-wisp, ghostly lights
sometimes seen over bogs at night. Since this creature is studied in Defence Against
the Dark Arts class, we can assume that it is not simply a magical creature but one
which actively seeks to harm.
hippogriff
A flying creature with the head, wings, and forelegs of a giant eagle and the body
(including hind legs and tail) of a horse. The eyes are orange, but individual hippogriff
colours vary as those of mundane horses do. An adult hippogriff's wingspan is approximately
twenty-four feet (PA6). To approach a hippogriff, one should bow first; if the animal
bows in return, it can be touched and even ridden. Hogwarts third-years learned about
them in Care of Magical Creatures class, with the dozen or so hippogriffs which live
in the Forbidden Forest (PA6).
The hippogriff is a legendary creature born of the union of a horse and a gryphon.
Since horses are the natural prey of gryphons, the fact that they would mate makes
the hippogriff a symbol of love and impossibility.
Hipworth, Glover
(1742 - 1805)
Wizard inventor who created Pepperup Potion, which cures common colds (FW).
Glover’s last name suggests ‘rose hips’, an herbal remedy high in vitamin C, a vitamin
commonly thought to help prevent the common cold.
‘His Eyes Are as Green As A Fresh Pickled Toad’
Valentine’s Day poem written to Harry Potter by Ginny Weasley in 1993 (CS13).
History of Magic
Class at Hogwarts taught by Professor Binns, a ghost. Binns gives extremely boring
lectures on various aspects of magical history. However, the boredom is due to Binns'
teaching style, not the material itself, which tends to emphasize vicious goblin riots
and giant wars (PS8). Harry barely even opened the class textbook (DH16). At one point
during the 1992-1993 school year, Hermione managed to get Binns talking about the
Chamber of Secrets, but he soon lapsed back into his usual boring style after reminding
her that he deals in ‘facts … not myths and legends’ (CS9).
It’s too bad, really, since a surprising number of those myths and legends turned
out to be true.
History of Magic, A
by Bathilda Bagshot
This is a required textbook for first-years (PS5), and appears to be used by second-
and third-years as well in History of Magic (PA1). It does not cover anything later
than the end of the nineteenth century (DH16). Harry didn’t read this book very attentively
(DH16), but he did discover the name ‘Hedwig’ there (PS6).
Hitchens, Bob
A Muggle who married Isla Black; she was consequently blasted off the Black Family
Tree (BFT).
Hit Wizards
The Department of Magical Law Enforcement maintains squads of trained Hit Wizards
whose job it is to capture dangerous Wizarding criminals. A group of these Hit Wizards
captured Sirius Black after he supposedly killed Peter Pettigrew (PA10). The job requires
five O.W.L.s, including Defence Against the Dark Arts, and pays 700 Galleons a month
– though it also comes with a private bed at St Mungo’s Hospital (DP2).
Hobday family
A birth announcement for Egmont Elvert Hobday was posted in the Daily Prophet, saying he’d been born November 30 to Hilliard and Violetta Hobday (DP2).
Hobday, Oakden
This name appears (along with Mylor Sylvanus) on an early planning chart for Order of the Phoenix in a list as the fifth of the Defence against the Dark Arts Professors. Moody is
not mentioned (JKR).
Hobgoblins, the
A rock band, now disbanded, which included musician Stubby Boardman. The band broke
up in 1980 after Boardman was hit in the ear by a turnip at a concert in Little Norton
Church Hall (OP10).
Hobgoblins in folktales are typically friendly versions of goblins, sometimes suggesting
a superficial or imagined fear.
Hodrod the Horny-Handed
Notorious goblin activist who shrank and attempted to squish three wizards (DP3).
Hog's Head, the
A pub on a side street in Hogsmeade, known for its cheapness and ‘interesting’ clientele
(OP37). Aberforth Dumbledore has been the bartender for over twenty years (OP17, DH28).
The bar is small and filthy, and smells strongly of goats (OP16).
Hogsmeade
The only entirely Wizarding village in Britain. It's a picturesque village of little
thatched cottages and shops with a long, storied history (PA5). According to tradition,
Hogsmeade was founded by Hengist of Woodcroft, who was fleeing persecution by Muggles
(FW). One of the Goblin Rebellions took place in the area in 1612 (PA5). The citizens
of Hogsmeade took part in another battle in May 1998 when they rallied to the defence
of Hogwarts castle (DH36). Students of third year and above may visit Hogsmeade on
selected weekends if they have a signed permission form (PA1). During the holiday
season, enchanted candles hang in the trees (PA10).
The name: ‘hog’ from the same source as Hogwarts, most likely, which according to
legend is from a dream in which Rowena Ravenclaw saw a warty hog leading her to the
cliff by the lake where the castle was eventually built (JKR) + ‘meade’ = Brit. ‘meadow’.
Hogsmeade Station
A station with a fairly small platform where the Hogwarts Express ends its journey
north from King’s Cross. It is located near the lake and a small boat landing. A road
extends from the train station around the lake to Hogwarts Castle (PS6, PA5, GF11).
The station is actually quite a distance from the town itself, being on the opposite
side of the Hogwarts grounds (PA/dvd).
Hogwarts castle
A huge magical castle set on a cliff overlooking a lake (PS6) in the highlands of
Scotland (BN2). The main structure is eight stories tall, with towers rising above
that. The castle contains classrooms, a huge Entrance Hall with a majestic marble
staircase, a Great Hall, a library, a hospital wing, and many other rooms and corridors.
Beneath the castle are vast dungeons, in which are located the cold, dark Potions
classroom and the Slytherin common room. Secret passageways, hidden corridors, strange
staircases and doors, and unexpected rooms make navigating the castle a challenge
(esp. PS8). However, clever students soon learn their own shortcuts. Secret passages
also lead out of the castle, if one is lucky enough to locate an entrance (esp. PA10).
However, no one knows all the secrets of the ancient building (GF23). The grounds
of the castle include a large lake, a forest, a Quidditch pitch, a curious old animated
tree called a Whomping Willow (CS5), and greenhouses in which Herbology classes take
place (PS8, etc.). Hogwarts castle is hidden from Muggle eyes by a number of enchantments.
Muggles, should they wander near, will see only an old ruin with signs warning them
to keep out (SN). Other spells protect the castle from magical intrusion; for example,
it is impossible to Apparate anywhere on the Hogwarts grounds (HBP4).
According to Ms. Rowling, she borrowed the name for the school from a variety of flower
she saw in Kew Gardens (SMH). She then decided, by way of explanation within the story,
that Rowena Ravenclaw dreamed of a warty hog leading her to the place near the lake
where Hogwarts was eventually founded (JKR).
Hogwarts: A History
A famous book about Hogwarts school, over a thousand pages long. Discusses the manner
in which Hogwarts is hidden from Muggles (GF11) and describes the enchanted ceiling
of the Great Hall (PS7), but surprisingly never mentions the Hogwarts house-elves
(GF15, OP17, OP23). Like A History of Magic, it is a book which Ron and Harry never got around to reading.
The name of this book was slightly different in earlier editions of the books, when
the colon was written as a comma, thus: Hogwarts, A History.
Hogwarts Express
A passenger train which makes a run on 1 September between King's Cross Station, London,
and Hogsmeade Station, leaving at 11am from Platform Nine and Three Quarters, King's
Cross, and arriving at Hogsmeade Station in the early evening (PS6); it makes similar
runs for Christmas, Easter, and the summer holidays (PS17, CS12). There is no dining
service, but a witch pushes a trolley through the train midway through the trip, selling
various sweets and iced pumpkin juice (PS6). There are usually no adults aboard the
Hogwarts Express except the driver and the witch with the trolley (PA5).
Hogwarts High Inquisitor
In response to concerns about what was going on at Hogwarts, and more specifically
to monitor Albus Dumbledore, Cornelius Fudge on 8 September 1995 passed Educational
Decree 23 making Dolores Umbridge the first ever ‘Hogwarts High Inquisitor’. She was
given the power to oversee, inspect, and if she chose, dismiss other teachers (OP15,
OP26, OP31).
Hogwarts schedule
The Hogwarts school year begins on 1 September with the Welcoming Feast and finishes
towards the end of June with the Leaving Feast, at which the House Cup is awarded
to the house which has accumulated the most House Points. The first term ends in December
with two weeks off for Christmas and the second with a two-week Easter holiday around
the first of April. The summer term takes up the rest of the school year. Exams are
held at the beginning of June (e.g. PS5, 7, 12, 17, PA16, HBP29).
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hogwarts School, located in Hogwarts Castle (q.v.), was begun over a thousand years
ago by the four Founders, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin, and
Godric Gryffindor, great witches and wizards of that age who wanted a place where
they could train young people to use their magic wisely (CS9). The students at Hogwarts
are Sorted into one of four houses. These houses vie for house points and compete
on the Quidditch field (esp. PS7). Students attend Hogwarts for seven years, beginning
when they are eleven and leaving when they are seventeen and of age, at which point
they are considered to be fully trained.
Hogwarts school song
When in a particularly festive mood Dumbledore directs the school song at the end
of the start-of-term feast (JKR). The rest of the staff does not appear to share Dumbledore's
delight in this little ritual, but he conducts the singing with gusto and even gets
a bit misty at the end of it (PS7). Dumbledore only called for the song to be sung
when things seemed to be going well (JKR).
Hokey
A tiny, ancient female House-elf who was bound to serve Hepzibah Smith. Tom Riddle
framed her for the death of her mistress by modifying her memory so she believed she
accidentally poisoned Hepzibah’s cocoa (HBP20).
‘Hold your hippogriffs!’
A saying akin to the Muggle phrase ‘hold your horses!’ (OP20).
Holidays With Hags
by Gilderoy Lockhart
One of the many required textbooks for Defence Against the Dark Arts in Harry's second
year (CS4), filled with lies about wonderful things Lockhart had done (CS16).
holly
A wand wood, used to make Harry’s wand (PS5).
Holly was originally associated with the winter holidays such as Saturnalia and Christmas
because it symbolised renewal and resurrection in the darkest months of the year.
Ms. Rowling had decided on a holly wand for Harry before realising that in the Celtic
tree calendar, holly was assigned to July 8 – August 4, which includes his birthday
(JKR). In Celtic, lore, holly is a symbol of good fortune. The wood of holly is white
in colour and has a heavy, solid feel.
Holyhead Harpies
The only all-witch Quidditch team in the British and Irish Quidditch League, famously
captained by the fiery Gwenog Jones (HBP4, DP). Ginny Weasley played for the Harpies
after leaving Hogwarts (BLC).
Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles
by Wilhelm Wigworthy
A required textbook for third-year Muggle Studies (PA13).
Homenum revelio
(HOM-eh-num reh-VEL-ee-oh)
A spell that reveals human presence; for example, casting it on a house can tell the
caster whether anyone is in that house (DH9). When this spell is cast, a person it
touches feels something swooping low overhead (DH21).
‘homoinis’ = L. ‘human being’ + ‘revelo’ = L. ‘to unveil, uncover’
Homorphus Charm
Lockhart supposedly used this charm to defeat the Wagga Wagga werewolf and demonstrated
the feat in Defence Against the Dark Arts, using students to act it out (CS10).
‘homo’ = L. man + ‘morph’ = shortened from ‘metamorphose’ Eng. to change shape. Given
the etymology, we can assume that it’s designed to be used against werewolves. It’s
uncertain what the effect of this spell is, however, since lycanthropy is not curable
in the Potter universe.
Honeydukes
Hogsmeade sweetshop, owned by Ambrosius Flume (HBP4) and his wife, who live over the
shop; an entrance to one of the secret tunnels from Hogwarts is in the cellar under
a trapdoor (PA10). Honeydukes sells a wide variety of magical sweets as well as fudge
and enormous blocks of chocolate made on the premises (PA8, GF28).
honking daffodils
Professor Sprout has some of these, which Lavender Brown mentions that she likes a
lot less than normal daffodils (OP27).
Hooch, Rolanda
Teaches flying lessons (on broomsticks) to first-years at Hogwarts, and referees most
inter-House Quidditch matches. She has short, grey hair and yellow eyes (PS9). She
is an enthusiastic expert on racing brooms. Madam Hooch mentioned that she first learned
to fly on a Silver Arrow (PA13).
Hookum, Daisy
(b. 1962)
Wrote bestseller My Life as a Muggle after giving up magic for a year (JKR).
Hooper, Geoffrey
(b. 1983; Gryffindor, 1994)
Tried out for Gryffindor Keeper in autumn 1995 and flew better than Ron Weasley, but
was rejected because Angelina said he was a ‘real whiner’ (OP13).
Hopkins, Wayne
(b. 1980; Hufflepuff, 1991)
Wayne'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). He is a half-blood.
Wayne has never appeared in the canon, but his name is listed here because he existed
in early plans for the books.
Hopkirk, Mafalda
A little grey-haired witch who works at the Ministry of Magic. She is responsible
for sending warnings from the Improper Use of Magic Office when underage magic is
detected (CS2, OP2, also DH12, 13).
Horcrux
An object within which a wizard hides a piece of his soul (esp. HBP23, JKR). This
is the Darkest of magic (PC-JKR1) and can only be performed after a wizard splits
his soul by committing murder, an act of pure evil. A Horcrux protects the bit of
soul encased within from anything that might happen to a wizard’s body. Once a Horcrux
has been created, the wizard who made it cannot be killed until the object is destroyed
(HBP23). Herpo the Foul, an ancient Greek Dark wizard, created the first Horcrux (PC-JKR1).
Only rare, very powerful magic can destroy Horcruxes, such as basilisk venom (DH6)
or Fiendfyre (DH31).
Horcruxes, Voldermort’s
Obsessed with avoiding death from a young age, Tom Marvolo Riddle learned to create
Horcruxes and set out to make six, giving himself a seven-part soul. For each of his
Horcruxes he chose an item of some significance (HBP23).
Interestingly, each of Voldemort’s Horcruxes was destroyed by a different person.
horklump
A magical garden pest (JKR).
hornbeam
A wand wood, used by Gregorovitch to make Viktor Krum’s wand (GF18).
The wood of the hornbeam is particularly hard. It is sometimes called ‘ironwood’.
Hornby
Brother of Olive Hornby. Moaning Myrtle haunted his wedding back in the 1940s (GF25).
Hornby, Olive
(Hogwarts student, early 1940s)
Teased Myrtle about her glasses, but regretted it later (CS16).
horned toads
Horned toads are really lizards, and very fearsome-looking lizards at that. Neville
once had to disembowel an entire barrel full of horned toads while in detention with
Snape (GF14).
Poor Neville had quite an evening, one would guess. One can’t help but wonder why
anyone would need hundreds of dead lizards, or indeed where Snape would have even
found an entire barrel full of them, since they’re native to North American deserts
and their population is in decline (and are considered endangered in Texas). The callous
way the Wizarding world deals with animals can be very disturbing.
Horn Tongue
A spell listed in Basic Hexes for the Busy and Vexed. Harry came across it while searching
for a spell to use on his dragon, but decided it would just give the dragon one more
weapon (GF20).
horses, flying
Twelve gigantic flying horses pull the Beauxbatons carriage as it flies through the
sky. These magnificent animals are very powerful and require ‘forceful handling’.
Hagrid was up to the task (GF15). See also THESTRAL; c.f. HIPPOGRIFF.
Pegasus was the winged horse of Greek mythology. He was the son of Poseidon. The hero
Bellerophon captured Pegasus with a golden bridle and rode him into battle against
the Chimera and the Amazons. Pegasus married Euippe and their offspring were the ancestors
of all other flying horses.
hospital wing
Hogwarts castle includes a hospital wing where injured or ill students are cared for
by Madame Pomfrey, the school matron (nurse). The hospital wing includes a ward with
a number of beds and an office for Pomfrey (PS17 etc.). If a patient requires a higher
level of care than can be provided in the hospital wing, they are moved to St Mungo’s
hospital (HBP13, OP32).
hot air charm
Hermione used this charm, which involves a complicated wand motion, to melt snow and
dry her snow-covered robes (OP21).
hourglasses
Four giant hourglasses, one for each house, stand opposite the main doors in Hogwarts'
Entrance Hall (PS15). Each uses gemstones of the house colour to track house points
(OP28). Gryffindor’s is filled with rubies, Ravenclaw’s with sapphires (OP38), and
Slytherin’s with emeralds (DH32).
The gems used for Hufflepuff are not identified in the books.
Houses (Hogwarts)
Students at Hogwarts are grouped into four houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff,
and Slytherin, each named for one of the founders of the school. Each student attends
classes and spends free time with other students in his or her house. The houses compete
each year for the House Cup and the Quidditch Cup (e.g. PS7). Each house also has
its own common room and dormitories. In addition to the headmaster of Hogwarts, each
house has a head of house, a resident ghost, and an animal mascot.
See entries for the individual houses for more information.
House Cup
Awarded to the house that wins the House Championship, determined by which has accumulated
the most House Points through the year (PS7). The Cup is presented at the Leaving
Feast (PS17, CS18, PA22).
house-elves
Small humanoid creatures with large floppy or pointed ears and enormous eyes. House-elves
are ‘bound’ to a wealthy Wizarding house and family, serving as slaves until they
die. House-elves are happy with this arrangement and consider it a matter of pride
that they serve faithfully and do not betray their families. House-elves wear no clothing
(and they would consider it dishonourable to do so); instead, they cover themselves
in towels, tea cosies, or pillowcases. If their owner gives them clothing, they break
the ‘enslavement’ and the house-elf is free. For most house-elves, this would be the
ultimate insult and they would be shamed forever (esp. CS3).
house-elves, Hogwarts
There are over a hundred house-elves at Hogwarts, the largest number in any dwelling
in Britain (GF12). They lay the fires, do the laundry, light the lamps, and perform
countless other such tasks. The house-elves are also the chefs of the castle and they
create wonderful meals in the huge kitchens (GF12, GF21). Helga Hufflepuff originally
made these arrangements because she knew that house-elves who worked at Hogwarts would
be treated well and not abused (PC-JKR1).
house points
Points used to reward or punish the behaviour of students. Points are accumulated
over the course of the school year, at the end of which a House Cup is awarded to
the house with the most. Giant hourglasses in the entrance hall record the points
for all to see; as a teacher speaks the words awarding or deducting points, the appropriate
hourglasses are automatically updated (PS15, OP28, OP38). The number of points for
various infractions is random and subject to the capriciousness of the teacher, making
the contest almost meaningless. Points scored on the Quidditch pitch also count toward
the house points (PA22).
Hover Charm
Makes an object float in the air (CS2, DH17).
Howler
A nasty letter sent to tell someone off. It arrives in a red envelope, smoking slightly,
and if it is not opened immediately it explodes. Upon opening, the Howler screams
at the recipient in a voice magically magnified for maximum effect (CS6, PA14, GF10,
GF28, OP2).
Hubbard, Old Mother
Old Mother Hubbard was a medieval hag who lured stray animals into her home and starved
them to death (FW).
This character is based on the nursery rhyme of the same name: ‘Old Mother Hubbard
went to the cupboard/To get her poor dog a bone/But when she got there the cupboard
was bare/And so the poor dog had none.’
Hufflepuff, Helga
One of the four founders of Hogwarts, from ‘valley broad’ (GF12). Hufflepuff was known
for bringing together a wide variety of people in the founding of Hogwarts (FW), and
valued hard work and fair play (PS7). Hufflepuff was especially adept at cooking and
various food-related charms, originating many recipes still served at Hogwarts feasts
today (JKR). Hufflepuff arranged for the house-elves of Hogwarts to be treated kindly
and not abused. This was enlightened behaviour for that time (PC-JKR1).
Although by no means conclusive, the reference from the Sorting Hat’s song might indicate
that Hufflepuff was Welsh. The term ‘The Valleys’ commonly refers to a populous region
of South Wales.
Hufflepuff House
One of the four houses of Hogwarts, valuing above all else loyalty and hard work (PS7,
GF16). The head of Hufflepuff is Professor Pomona Sprout (GF36), and the house ghost
is the Fat Friar (CS8). Its shield is yellow and black, and features a badger (GF15).
According to Hagrid, ‘everyone says Hufflepuffs are a lot o’ duffers’ (PS5); however,
Hufflepuff has produced many brave, heroic witches and wizards, including Cedric Diggory
(GF37) and Nymphadora Tonks (JKR).
Hufflepuff House common room
A ‘cosy and welcoming place,’ the Hufflepuff common room is located near the kitchens.
It is accessed through a still-life painting, and features underground tunnels leading
to the dormitories. The doors are round (BLC).
The round doors and burrow-like architecture, not to mention the sense of comfort
and hospitality, are suggestive of Hobbit houses in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Hufflepuff’s Cup
An ancient relic once owned by Helga Hufflepuff, a small golden cup with two handles
and with a badger engraved on it. It had been in Hepzebah Smith’s family for generations
(HBP20, DH26).
humpbacked witch statue
This statue on the third floor of Hogwarts masks a secret passageway out of the school,
labelled on the Marauder’s Map (PA10). This statue is probably of Gunhilda of Gorsemoor
(FW).
Hungarian Horntail
A particularly nasty species of dragon, native to Hungary and sporting a distinctive
spiked tail (GF20).
Hungary
Country in Eastern Europe. In addition to being home to the Hungarian Horntail dragon,
Hungary has a national Gobstones team which was beaten by Wales. The Daily Prophet didn't cover the match (DP1).
Hurling Hex
A nasty kind of hex that can be placed on a broom (PA12).
Hurtz, Grizel
The ‘agony aunt’ of the Daily Prophet (DP3).
The term ‘agony aunt’ refers to a person who writes an advice column about relationships.
In this case, the last name of the ‘agony aunt’ is particularly appropriate.
hut, Hagrid's
A wooden hut near the Forbidden Forest. The hut is a single room with a table, fireplace,
bed, chest, and a basket for Fang, Hagrid’s pet boarhound (CS7, OP20). A variety of
objects, from cured hams (GF16) to unicorn tail hairs (HBP22) can be found hanging
from the rafters. It was a place that Harry, Ron, and Hermione visited frequently
while at Hogwarts, where they often kept Hagrid company and ate very sticky treacle
fudge (CS8). (See also HBP28).
Hut-on-the-Rock
A tiny, broken-down shack on a rock in the sea, some distance from but within sight
of shore. The shack smelled strongly of seaweed, and had gaps in the walls (PS3, PS4).
Hydra
An ancient rune symbolising the number nine, represented by the nine heads of the
Hydra. A picture can be found in Ancient Runes Made Easy (JKR).
Ice Mice
A sweet sold at Honeydukes (PA10).
Ilfracombe Incident
Incident in the seaside town of Ilfracombe in 1932, in which a Welsh Green dragon
descended on a beach full of Muggle holidaymakers. Tilly Toke and her family happened
to be there, and cast the largest Mass Memory Charm of this century (FW).
Ilkley Moor
A moorland located northwest of Leeds in Yorkshire, the location of a twelfth-century
Quidditch pitch. This stadium also recently hosted a match between Puddlemere United
and the Holyhead Harpies. With bad feelings between the two teams threatening to result
in violence, the Ministry of Magic took fans' wands at the gate (DP3); in spite of
precautions, the match ended in riots (DP3).
Imago, Inigo
Author of The Dream Oracle, a text that Trelawney uses in her fifth year Divination classes (OP12, 13).
‘inigo’ = uncertain origin (but immediately makes us think of Inigo Montoya from The
Princess Bride) + ‘imago’ = L. ‘image’
Impedimenta
(im-ped-ih-MEN-tah)
‘Impediment Curse’, ‘Impediment Jinx’, ‘Blocking Jinx’
This very useful and much-used spell stops an object or slows it down (e.g. OP21).
‘impedimentum’ = L. ‘hindrance’
Impediment Jinx/Curse
See IMPEDIMENTA.
Imperio
(im-PAIR-ee-oh)
‘Imperius Curse’
One of the Unforgivable Curses, causes the victim to be completely under the command
of the caster, who can make the victim do anything the caster wishes (GF14, etc.).
A person who has had an Imperius Charm placed on them is said to have been Imperiused
(DH5). The spell can be resisted, but doing so is very difficult (GF15).
‘impero’ = L. ‘order, govern, command’
‘Imperius Curse’
See IMPERIO.
Imperturbable Charm
A spell which creates a magical barrier. When placed on a door, for example, the charm
makes it impossible to listen through it to what’s being said on the other side (OP4).
‘imperturbable’ = Eng. ‘not easily disturbed’, from ‘im-’ = prefix from L. meaning
‘not’ + ‘perturbo’ = L. ‘disturb’
Impervius
(im-PER-vee-us)
Hermione used this spell to make Harry's glasses repel water during a rainy Quidditch
match (PA9).
‘im-’ = prefix from L. meaning ‘not’ + ‘pervius’ = L. ‘letting things through’
Important Modern Magical Discoveries
Nicolas Flamel isn't mentioned in this book (PS12).
Improper Use of Magic Office
An office located on the second level of the Ministry of Magic (OP7) that, among other
things, enforces the Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry (CS2) and registers
Animagi (GF26). Cornelius Fudge’s irresponsible nephew, Rufus Fudge, worked for this
office but got caught in a scandal when he made a Muggle tube train vanish to see
how long it would take the Muggles to notice (DP2).
Inanimatus Conjurus
(in-ahn-i-MAH-tus kon-JU-ris)
Fifth-year Transfiguration students had to do an essay on this spell for homework
(OP14). The meaning suggests that it involves conjuring up non-living objects.
‘in’ = L. ‘against’ + ‘anima’ = L. ‘breath, living’ + ‘conjure’ Eng. ‘to call up’
Incarcerous
(in-CAR-ser-us)
A spell which binds a victim with rope. Umbridge used this spell on the centaur Magorian,
not a particularly bright thing to do (OP33).
‘in’ = L. ‘into, toward’ + ‘carcer’ = L. ‘prison’
Incendio
(in-SEN-dee-o)
Spell Arthur Weasley used that started a fire in the Dursleys' fireplace (GF4, also
HBP28).
incendo’ = L. ‘to set fire to’
Inferius
(plural: Inferi)
Animated corpses who do the bidding of the Dark wizard who created them (HBP4, 26,
DH10).
'inferi' = L. ‘the dead’
Legends and tales of reanimated corpses are found in many traditions, notably in the
Voodoo religion. The term ‘zombie’ is frequently used for a reanimated corpse, which
is interesting because zombies are mentioned in the Daily Prophet newsletters and may be the same thing as Inferi. Zombies are portrayed in folklore
and popular culture as having no mind of their own and shuffling along with their
arms out, hoping to catch live humans to devour.
Inquisitorial Squad
Group of students hand-picked by Umbridge for their support of the Ministry (and specifically
who were willing to support Umbridge). The members wore a small silver letter ‘I’
on their robes, and seemed all to be Slytherins. Among other things, members inspected
incoming mail, reported people to Umbridge, and docked lots of points from other students
(OP28).
insect jinx
An unnamed jinx Harry was tempted to use on Dudley, which would have made him sprout
feelers and force him to crawl home (OP1).
instant scalping
This spell appears in Basic Hexes for the Busy and Vexed, which Harry consulted to find a spell to work against dragons (GF20).
Institute of Muggle Studies
Conducts studies of familial relations between wizards and Muggles (JKR).
Intermediate Transfiguration
The required textbook for third-year (and probably fourth-year) Transfiguration students
at Hogwarts (PA4).
In his sixth year, Cedric Diggory was using a textbook called Guide to Advanced Transfiguration, which presumably is the N.E.W.T.-level textbook (GF20).
International Alchemical Conference
Albus Dumbledore won a gold medal award in his youth for ‘Ground-Breaking Contribution’
to this conference, held in Cairo (DH18).
International Association of Quidditch
The body overseeing international Quidditch teams, rules, and tournaments. Its chairwizard
at the time of the Quidditch World Cup in 1994 was Hassan Mostafa (GF8).
International Ban on Duelling
According to Percy, the Department of International Magical Cooperation was trying
to get the Transylvanians to sign this in 1994 (GF23).
International Confederation of Warlocks
Another name for the International Confederation of Wizards (CS2, PA3).
International Confederation of Wizards
An organisation that, among other things, oversees the International Statute of Secrecy,
which was passed in 1689 (DH16), and the control of magical creatures by member countries
(FB). It was chaired by Albus Dumbledore (OP5).
International Magical Cooperation, Department of
A Ministry department that employs Percy Weasley (GF3) and, for a time, was overseen
by Barty Crouch, Sr. (GF7, GF16). Among other things, it organised the Quidditch World
Cup (GF5) and the Triwizard Tournament (GF12). Among their more mundane projects is
standardizing cauldron bottom thickness (GF5).
International Magical Office of Law
International Magical Trading Standards Body
These two groups have offices on level five of the Ministry of Magic, along with the
Department of International Magical Cooperation (OP7).
International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy
A law enacted by the International Confederation of Wizards in 1689 that changed Wizarding
life for good (DH16). The Statute made it illegal to reveal any form of magic to Muggles,
although magic can still be used in self-defence (OP6). Though it has presented some
challenges, such as concealing magical creatures (e.g.DP1), the Statute has held for
over three hundred years. As Hagrid says, wizards are ‘best left alone’ (PS5).
There is a discrepancy between sources as to the date of this important Statute. According
to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the Statute was passed in 1692. The date is given as 1689 in Deathly Hallows, however.
International Warlock Convention of 1289
Professor Binns gave an excruciatingly boring lecture on this event to second-year
History of Magic students (CS9).
Invigoration Draught
Potion assigned to the fifth-year Potions class. Harry found this rather easy to do
because for once Snape wasn’t harassing him (OP29).
Invisibility Charm/Spell
One of these spells was placed on a Quidditch stadium in Exmoor in an attempt to hide
it from Muggles; however, it failed spectacularly when none of the spectators could
find the game (DP1).
Invisibility Cloak
See CLOAK OF INVISIBILITY.
Invisible Book of Invisibility, The
Flourish and Blotts bookstore once lost a lot of money on this book, since they never
found the copies they ordered (PA4).
Invisible Ink
Hermione suggests that Riddle’s diary might appear blank because it’s written in invisible
ink; however Aparecium revealed nothing (CS13). Snape also wondered whether the Marauder’s Map might be
a letter written using this ink (PA14).
Ireland
Wizarding Ireland is closely intertwined with Wizarding Britain; children from Ireland,
Seamus Finnigan for example, attend Hogwarts (GF6), and cities in Ireland are part
of the British and Irish Quidditch League (DP1-4). Notable wizards from Ireland include
Cliodna, Queen Maeve, and Morholt (FW).
Ivanova
Bulgarian Chaser (GF8).
Jarvey
A ferret-like magical creature (JKR).
In Ireland, a ‘jarvey’ is a coachman. Perhaps this refers to the idea that a coachman
might be prone to rude language and rough talk, as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them notes that Jarveys are verbally abusive.
Jelly-Brain Jinx
During the riot that took place during a recent Puddlemere/Holyhead game, many Harpy
fans used this jinx (DP4).
Jelly-Fingers curse
Spell which makes the target's fingers like jelly, so that they cannot grasp anything
properly. After a recent match between Pride of Portree and the Appleby Arrows, the
losing Seeker accused his opposite number of putting this curse on him (DP3).
Jelly-Legs Jinx
Spell which makes it difficult for a person to walk (GF31, JKR).
Jelly Slugs
A sweet sold at Honeydukes; on weekends when Hogwarts students visit Hogsmeade, the
shop goes through these rather quickly (PA10).
Jenkins, Joey
Beater for the Chudley Cannons. His photograph, hitting a Bludger toward a Ballycastle
Bats Chaser, is a moving picture in the book Flying with the Cannons (GF2).
Jigger, Arsenius
Author of Magical Drafts and Potions (PS5).
‘jigger’ = Eng. ‘a small liquid measure of an ounce and a half’; ‘arsenic’ = ‘a chemical
element, also a common poison’
jinx
A spell cast to cause damage or other negative effect. It is similar to a curse, but
typically not as powerful or cast with such negative intention (OP12).
Jinxes for the Jinxed
The Room of Requirement contained a copy of this book during the D.A.'s first meeting
there (OP18).