Quidditch Cup
Awarded each year to the top House Quidditch team at Hogwarts (esp. PA15, OP30, HBP24).
Quidditch stadiums
Teams in Britain do not have their own home fields for matches. Instead, Quidditch
stadiums have been erected on a number of deserted moors, and players and fans come
from all over Britain to attend these matches. Various charms and magical effects
have been used, with varying degrees of success, to prevent Muggles from accidentally
discovering these stadiums (DP1-4)
Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland
Hermione gave a copy of this book to Harry as a Christmas present during their fourth
year (GF23); it was one of the books he tried reading as a distraction while cooped
up in number four, Privet Drive before his fifth year (OP3).
Quidditch Through the Ages
by Kennilworthy Whisp
A general reference work about Quidditch, first lent to Harry during their first year
by Hermione (PS11), who'd read it for tips before the Gryffindors' first flying lesson
(PS9). It has since been produced for Muggles, and is highly recommended by Albus
Dumbledore, among others (QA/i).
The book Quidditch Through the Ages is available in Muggle shops. Included in that book are lists of teams and fouls
and other encyclopaedic information. We do not reproduce that information in here;
instead, we encourage you to buy a copy of Quidditch Through the Ages for yourself and find out more.
Quidditch Union for the Administration and Betterment of the British League and its
Endeavors (Q.U.A.B.B.L.E.)
An organization which supports professional Quidditch in Britain. The head of this
organization is Dunbar Oglethorpe (FW).
Quidditch World Cup
An enormously popular international sporting event. In 1994 it was held on a deserted
moor in Britain, with Harry, Hermione, and the Weasleys in attendance for a spectacular
match between Ireland and Bulgaria (GF8).
Quidditch World Cup stadium
The Ministry of Magic spent a year leading up to the event magically constructing
a huge stadium for the Quidditch World Cup far out on a deserted moor, near a forest.
With immense gold walls and seating for 100,000, it was an impressive place. The stadium
was protected by Muggle-repelling charms and other spells (GF8).
Quietus
(KWY-uh-tus)
Reverses the effect of Sonorus, making the caster's voice normal in volume. Ludo Bagman used this in conjunction
with Sonorus to allow himself to speak to large crowds at the World Cup and at the Triwizard Tournament
(GF8).
‘quietus’ = L. ‘quiet, peaceful’
Quigley
Beater for the Irish National Quidditch Team (GF8).
Like the other members of the Irish National Team, Quigley is named for one of Ms.
Rowling's friends (JKR).
Quigley, Finbar
Captain of and Beater for the Ballycastle Bats, and possibly the same person as Quigley
of the Irish National Quidditch Team (DP1, 2).
quill
Members of the wizarding community use quill pens and parchment for writing rather
than modern Muggle pens and paper. Various birds' feathers may be used to create such
quill pens, ranging from eagles (GF2) to pheasants (OP16), to phoenixes (OP37). Quills
are sold in Diagon Alley at Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop (OP16).
quill, magical
A magical quill at Hogwarts detects the birth of every magical child and records the
names down in a large parchment book. Professor McGonagall checks this book annually
to know which children need to be sent owls as they approach their eleventh birthdays
(Sch1). Other types of magical quills include Auto-Answer (OP31), Quick-Quotes (GF18),
Self-Inking, Smart-Answer, and Spell-Checking (HBP6).
quill, Umbridge’s
Umbridge had a quill that she used for detentions that wrote in blood and simultaneously
etched the phrase being written into the back of the writer’s hand (OP13).
Quince, Hambledon
(b. 1936)
Developed a bizarre theory about the origins of wizards and Muggles (JKR).
Quintaped
A dangerous, five-legged magical creature (JKR).
‘quint’ = L. ‘five + ‘ped’= L. ‘foot’
Quintaped (rune)
With an ancient symbol looking at a Quintaped head-on, this is the rune for the number
five, thanks to the creature’s five legs. The meaning appears in Ancient Runes Made Easy (JKR).
Quintessence: A Quest
Required reading in sixth-year Charms; the students were expected to have read it
before Christmas (HBP15).
‘quinta essentia’ = L. ‘fifth essence’
According to ancient science, the celestial realm – the space in between the stars
and other heavenly bodies – was composed of ‘aether’ (U.S. ‘ether’), the fifth element.
The other four elements comprised the terrestrial world: earth, water, air, and fire.
Alternatively, the fifth element was thought by some ancient scholars to be ‘idea’,
that which is not part of the physical world at all. Therefore they considered the
fifth element to be thoughts, mathematical concepts, and the like. We have no way
of knowing which of these definitions is being studied in Charms.
Quirke, Orla
(Ravenclaw, 1994)
Hogwarts student (GF12).
Quirrell, Quirinus
(d. June 1992; Muggle Studies professor, ?-1990; DADA Professor, 1991-1992)
A young wizard with a ‘brilliant mind,’ Quirrell was a professor of Muggle Studies,
and later of Defence Against the Dark Arts, at Hogwarts (PS5, BLC). At some point
before he took the DADA job, he took a year off to gain experience dealing with Dark
Arts (PS5). (See also PS17, GF33).
Quong Po
(1443 – 1539)
A Chinese Magical Creatures Specialist; for more information, see the Famous Wizard
cards (FW).
rabbit
A long-eared, furry animal sometimes associated with Muggle stage magic (‘pulling
a rabbit out of a hat’). A fat white rabbit in the Magical Menagerie transformed itself
into a top hat and back again; it was either a magical creature or simply one enchanted
to perform this bit of Transfiguration (PA4).
Rackharrow, Urquhart
(1612-1697)
Inventor of the Entrail-Expelling Curse; a portrait of this nasty-looking wizard hung
in the Dai Llewellyn Ward in St Mungo's (OP22).
Urquhart is the name of a Scottish clan and also of a castle on the shores of Loch
Ness.
Radford, Mnemone
(1562-1649)
The first Ministry of Magic Obliviator and the wizard who invented some useful memory
charms (JKR).
from ‘mnemonikos’ = Gk. ‘of or pertaining to memory’
Ragnok
A goblin of some influence. Bill, who works at Gringotts, knows Ragnok (OP5).
Ragnok the Pigeon-Toed
Author of Little People, Big Plans, and an activist for Goblin rights (DP3).
Ragnuk the First
A goblin king c.1000 A.D. who, according to goblin legend, was the true owner of the
sword of Gryffindor, and the one from whom Godric Gryffindor stole it (DH25). The
legend is untrue (BLC); however, it may have provoked a bloody goblin rebellion of
the 17th or 18th centuries (JKR).
Railview Hotel
A gloomy-looking Muggle establishment in Cokeworth, to which Vernon Dursley took his
family while attempting to avoid Harry's Hogwarts letters (PS3).
The name of this hotel suggests that it looks out on the railway line. Not a particularly
upscale hotel, apparently.
‘Rapier’
Fred (or perhaps George) Weasley’s code name when he appears on Potterwatch, though Lee Jordan initially tried to call him ‘Rodent’ instead (DH22).
Rastrick, Xavier
(1750-1836)
A flamboyant wizarding tap-dancer; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards
(FW).
rats
In the Magical Menagerie was a cage full of black rats which were busy using their
tails as skipping-ropes; the saleswitch implied that since they were magical, they
would live longer than a common rat's three-year lifespan (PA4).
Ravenclaw, Helena
The daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw. She is now known as the Grey Lady, the House ghost
of Ravenclaw (DH31).
Ravenclaw House
One of the four houses of Hogwarts, valuing above all else wit and learning (PS7,
GF16). The head of Ravenclaw is Professor Filius Flitwick (HBP29), and the house ghost
is the Grey Lady, Helena Ravenclaw (DH31). The house shield is blue and silver and
features an eagle (GF15).
Ravenclaw House common room
Located in Ravenclaw Tower, this common room, like the other House common rooms, is
decorated in House colours. The room is circular and very airy, with a domed ceiling
painted with stars and arched windows. On a plinth stands a life-size statue of Rowena
Ravenclaw wearing her diadem (DH29).
Ravenclaw, Rowena
(c.1000)
One of the four founders of Hogwarts, ‘best remembered for her intelligence and creativity’
(FW) and widely considered the most brilliant witch of her time (JKR). Ravenclaw was
good friends with Helga Hufflepuff (OP11) and had a single daughter, Helena (DH31).
Her motto was ‘Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure,’ and she selected students
for Ravenclaw house accordingly (DH29). She also invented the ever-changing floor
plan for Hogwarts (FW). Ravenclaw was famous for having a diadem that bestowed wisdom
to anyone who wore it. It was stolen by her daughter, Helena, and lost for a thousand
years; wizards have long coveted its powers (DH31).
Ravenclaw Tower
Located on the west side of the castle (OP18), Ravenclaw Tower is one of the tallest
towers in Hogwarts (HBP27, DH30). The entrance is a door at the top of a tightly winding
spiral staircase that leads up from the fifth floor. The door has neither handle nor
keyhole, but instead has a talking bronze doorknocker in the shape of an eagle. Rather
than asking for a conventional password, the doorknocker will ask a question; if answered
correctly, the knocker will compliment the person on the answer and the door will
swing open (DH29).
razor, enchanted
Bill and Fleur gave Harry one of these for his seventeenth birthday (DH7).
Recent Developments in Wizardry
A Hogwarts library book in which Harry searched in vain for Nicholas Flamel (PS12).
Red Caps
Small, goblin-like creatures which love bloodshed, and will attempt to beat to death
Muggles lost in dungeons or on battlefields on dark nights (PA8).
Red caps in folklore are said to inhabit the castles on the border between Scotland
and England, waiting to waylay travellers and kill them. Red caps wear heavy iron
boots and carry huge iron pikes, but even so can run faster than a human. The only
way to avoid being skewered is to stop and quote a Bible verse to the little monster.
Reducio
(re-DOO-see-oh)
Causes an Engorged object to return to its normal size; Barty Crouch Jr., disguised
as Moody, used this after demonstrating the Unforgivable Curses on enlarged spiders
(GF14).
‘redusen’ = Middle Eng. ‘diminish’, from ‘reducere’ = L. ‘bring back’
Reducto
(re-DUC-toh)
‘Reductor Curse’
A blasting spell that has at various times been used to create a hole in a hedge (GF31),
smash shelves of prophecies (OP35), and reduce a table to dust (OP19).
‘redusen’ = Middle Eng. ‘diminish’, from ‘reducere’ = L. ‘bring back’
‘Reductor Curse’
See REDUCTO.
Refilling Charm
A rather difficult but handy N.E.W.T.-level Charm which fills empty glasses (HBP22).
Since Ms. Rowling has stated that food cannot be created by magic, we might assume
that the Refilling Charm is magically transporting the food (or drink, in this case)
from somewhere else. This is similar to the spell McGonagall cast on an empty plate
to make it refill itself with sandwiches when Harry and Ron had been caught flying
to Hogwarts in the Ford Anglia and weren’t allowed to go to the feast for their dinner
(CS5).
Regerminating Potion
A green potion sold by Tilden Toots and marketed on his show, ‘Toots, Shoots ‘n’ Roots’.
It can be used along with a Rejuicing Potion to revive a dead Flitterbloom (JKR).
This potion, along with the Rejuicing Potion, was found on Ms. Rowling’s website.
Bottles of each sat next to a dead Flitterbloom plant in the Room of Requirement.
If you listened to Tilden Toots’ radio show on the site, you’d discover how to use
the two potions to revive the Flitterbloom and gain a prize.
Registry of Proscribed Charmable Objects
This defines carpets as a Muggle item, at least in Britain; consequently it is illegal
to bewitch one to fly (GF7).
Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Department of
A regulatory department at the Ministry of Magic, with a lot on its plate: this is
the group responsible for overseeing all magical non-humans, from goblins and house-elves
to ghosts. Responsibilities include hiding magical creatures like the Loch Ness Monster
from Muggles, regulating the creation of new magical breeds (GF24), and dealing with
creature-related crises (HBP1). The department takes up the entire fourth level of
the Ministry of Magic (OP7), and its employees include Amos Diggory (GF6).
Rejuicing Potion
A red potion sold by Tilden Toots and marketed on his show, ‘Toots, Shoots ‘n’ Roots’.
It can apparently be used along with a Regerminating Potion to revive a dead Flitterbloom
(JKR).
See the entry on Regerminating Potion for details of how to use this potion on Ms.
Rowling’s website.
Relashio
(re-LASH-ee-oh)
Spell that forces a person or object to release whatever it is holding, be it a wizard
(HBP10), chains (DH13), or a Grindylow (GF26).
‘rilascio’ = It. ‘ to release, to relax, to issue’
Reluctant Reversers, A Charm To Cure
This spell is on page twelve of the Handbook of Do-It-Yourself Broom Care (PA2).
Remembrall
A glass ball the size of a large marble. In its default state (when nobody is touching
it), a Remembrall is full of white smoke. When picked up and held in a person's hand,
a Remembrall will glow scarlet if there's something the person has forgotten to do
(PS9). Remembralls are banned from the examination hall at Hogwarts (OP31), which
suggests that they are capable of telling a person whatever they’re trying to remember.
remorse
Once a wizard has split his or her soul, only genuine remorse will allow that soul
to be put back together. According to Secrets of the Darkest Art, ‘you’ve got to really feel what you’ve done ...’ This is a horribly painful process,
but it is the only way (DH6, esp. DH36).
What an interesting twist. No matter how numerous or terrible a person’s crimes, then,
true repentance is always possible and with that repentance will come restoration.
This is a deeply religious theme, common to various faiths and belief systems. What
would have happened if Voldemort had taken the opportunity to change his heart when
Harry offered it to him? Perhaps we see a hint of this with Grindelwald, whose final
actions in the tower of Nurmengard seemed to show a changed man. He sacrificed himself
rather than tell Voldemort what he knew. Perhaps, somewhere on the other side of the
Veil, Gellert Grindelwald and Albus Dumbledore will meet as friends once again.
Rennervate
(REN-er-vayt)
Spell used to revive a person who has been hit by a Stunner (GF9, GF28, GF35).
In early editions of GF, the spell was written ‘Ennervate’. See the notes on that
spell for details of the etymology and why this change was made.
‘re-’ = L. ‘back, return to the original place’ + ‘nerves’ Eng. c.1603 ‘strength’,
from ‘nervus’ = L. ‘nerve’ (as in ‘daring, courage’)
Reparo
(re-PAR-oh)
A useful common spell that undoes damage to an object, fixing anything from wood (GF5)
to ceramics (OP15) and glass (GF11). Didn’t work so well for Hagrid trying to repair
the sidecar to the flying motorcycle in mid-battle, though (DH4).
‘reparare’ = L. ‘repair, restore’
Repello Muggletum
(re-PEL-oh MUG-ul-tum)
There are a number of different Muggle-Repelling Charms, including those which are
placed on the Quidditch World Cup Stadium (GF8) or wizarding schools (GF11). This
incantation is probably one of the most basic of such charms, though we don’t know
its exact effect on Muggles. Hermione casts this spell routinely when protecting the
trio’s campsite (DH14).
‘repello’ = L. ‘to repel’ + ‘Muggletum’ = a ‘Latinised’ form of the word Muggle
restoring spell
Forces an Animagus who has transformed into an animal to revert to his or her human
form. The spell's effect is a bright blue-white flash of light (PA19).
Restricted Section
Section of the Hogwarts library, at the back, set off with a rope. A signed note from
a teacher is required for younger students to peruse that section of the library;
it contains books of Dark Magic only used by older students, such as those studying
advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts (PS12, CS9, CS10, GF26, HBP18).
Resurrection Stone
One of the Deathly Hallows, a stone which would bring back the dead. It was passed
down from Cadmus Peverell through the generations, and made into a ring (HBP10). (See also HBP17, HBP23, DH34, HBP36).
Reusable Hangman
A product sold at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, this magical word game features a wooden
man and an authentic reusable gallows (HBP6).
Revealer
Eraser-like object that makes invisible ink visible. Hermione owns one (CS13).
A Revealer appears on Ms. Rowling’s website and can be used to show some secret writing
(JKR).
Reverse Spell Effect
See PRIORI INCANTATEM.
Re-Visibility Spectacles
The Ministry of Magic handed these out to spectators for a Quidditch match between
the Falmouth Falcons and the Pride of Portree, as an Invisibility Charm had been put
on the stadium (DP1).
Revulsion Jinx
A spell which drives a person away from the caster; the spell produces a flash of
purple light (DH13, DH14).
Rictusempra
(ric-tu-SEM-pra)
‘Tickling Charm’
Causes a person to laugh uncontrollably. Harry cast this spell on Draco at the Duelling
Club (CS10).
‘rictus’ = L. ‘gaping mouth, grin’ + ‘sempra’ = L. ‘always’
Riddikulus
(ri-di-KYOO-lus)
‘Boggart Banishing Spell’
A simple charm requiring force of mind, this spell requires the caster to visualize
his or her worst fear in an amusing form while reciting the incantation. When performed
correctly, this forces the boggart to alter its form, which will be that of the person’s
worst fear, in such a way that it will inspire laughter. This forms an effective defence
against the creature (PA7). It was tested for the Defence Against the Dark Arts O.W.L.
(OP31).
‘ridiculum’ = L. ‘joke’, from ‘ridere’ = L. ‘to laugh’
Riddle family
An unpleasant, snobbish Muggle family who lived in Little Hangleton fifty years ago,
in a large manor house on a hill (GF1). The son, Tom, caught the eye of the witch
Merope Gaunt, and she brewed a love potion and induced him to marry her. Together
they had a son – Tom Marvolo Riddle (BLC).
Riddle House
Large manor house located on a hill overlooking Little Hangleton. The house was the
home of Voldemort's paternal grandparents and his father, Tom Riddle. One summer day
in 1943, the whole family died under mysterious circumstances. The house was briefly occupied, then fell into disrepair, watched over by the old
caretaker, Frank Bryce (GF1, HBP17).
Riddle of the Potions
A challenge set by Snape to protect the Philosopher’s Stone. He placed seven bottles
of various sizes and shapes, with different potions in each, and left a riddle which,
when solved, would reveal which potion needed to be drunk to pass safely into the
next room (PS16).
Fans have made valiant attempts to solve the riddle. However, since description of
the scene in the book does not give two key facts—the locations of the ‘dwarf’ and
‘giant’ vials—it is impossible to solve it completely. Fortunately, Hermione had all
the clues she needed and worked it out. Even more fortunately, Quirrell had left a
bit of potion in the bottle. If he had been smart, he would have emptied the whole
thing to thwart anyone trying to follow him.
Riddle, Tom Marvolo
(b. 31 December 1926; Slytherin, 1938; Prefect, 1942; Slug Club?; Head Boy, 1944)
A boy born in an orphanage on 31 December, 1926, to Merope (Gaunt) Riddle, who named
him after his grandfather and father and then died. He discovered that he could do
magic, and when Dumbledore approached him at age eleven to come to Hogwarts, he was
keen to go (HBP13). At Hogwarts he was outwardly a model student. After leaving school,
he worked at Borgin and Burkes for a while and then vanished (HBP20).
See VOLDEMORT, LORD.
‘Tom’ was his Muggle father’s first name
‘Marvolo’ was his maternal grandfather’s name.
‘Riddle’ means ‘a difficult problem, or to pierce with many holes’.
Ridgebit, Harvey
(1881-1973)
Dragonologist who established the Romanian dragon sanctuary (JKR).
Ring of Peverell
Set with the Resurrection Stone, this ring was passed down through the descendants
of Cadmus Peverell, eventually ending up in the hands of Marvolo Gaunt (HBP10, HBP23,
BLC).
See RESURRECTION STONE.
Ripper
One of Marjorie Dursley's twelve dogs, evil-tempered and mean. Ripper was Marjorie’s
favourite. She took him with her when she went visiting, because she said he pined
for her when she wasn’t there. Ripper enjoyed drinking from Marge’s saucer and chasing
Harry up trees (PA2).
Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts, The
Harry is mentioned in this book, which Hermione had read before meeting him for the
first time on board the Hogwarts Express (PS6). It also discusses the Dark Mark (GF9).
‘River’
The host of the wizarding radio programme Potterwatch. River is actually a code name for Lee Jordan (DH22).
Lee’s code name comes from the River Jordan, one of the most famous rivers in the
world, located on the border between the countries of Israel and Jordan and flowing
into the Dead Sea.
Rivers
Hogwarts student in Harry's year.
This last name appears in the draft of the class list of Harry's year that J.K. Rowling
displayed during the ‘Harry Potter and Me’ TV interview (HPM). This name cannot be
considered canon, however, because the notes on this document conflict in too many
places with the stories as they were actually published.
River Troll
River Trolls are fond of lurking beneath bridges. In the 1600s, a River Troll caused
problems for travellers trying to cross the River Wye (FW).
Robards, Gawain
Head of the Auror Office in the Ministry of Magic, replacing Rufus Scrimgeour when
he became Minister for Magic (HBP15).
Roberts family
A Muggle campground manager and his wife and two children who had a most peculiar
couple of days in August 1994, though they've forgotten all about it (GF7, GF9).
robes
See CLOTHING, WIZARD.
Robins, Demelza
(Gryffindor, 1990s; Quidditch Chaser 1996-?)
A Chaser for the Gryffindor team with a talent for dodging Bludgers, part of the team
that won the House Cup in 1996-1997 (HBP11, HBP24).
rock cake
A kind of fruitcake. It's supposed to look something like a rock, and even to have
a hard surface, but not to resemble a rock quite as closely as Hagrid's version seems
to (PS8).
‘Rodent’
While hosting Potterwatch, Lee Jordan initially used this code name to refer to Fred Weasley. A quick background
conversation, though, revealed that Fred actually wanted to be called ‘Rapier’, so
to keep the show moving, Lee relented (DH22).
Romania
An important country for dragon enthusiasts, located in Central Europe. The Carpathian
Mountains dominate the central region of the country, and it is very likely in that
region where can be found the famous Romanian Longhorn dragon reservation. Charlie
Weasley works in Romania with the dragons there (PS14).
Romanian Longhorn dragon
A dragon species (JKR).
Romanian Longhorn Dragon Reservation
The largest dragon reservation in the world, founded in the mid-20th Century by Harvey
Ridgebit (JKR). Charlie Weasley works at this reservation (PS6). A number of dragon
species live on the reservation, not just Longhorns (GF19, DH7).
The reservation is almost certainly located in the Carpathian Mountains, one of the
largest mountain ranges in Europe. These mountains dominate the central region of
Romania.
‘Romulus’
On Potterwatch, this was the code name for Remus Lupin (DH22).
For anyone with knowledge of Muggle history, this wouldn’t have been a hard one to
guess, as Romulus – the founder of Rome, according to legend – had a twin named Remus.
Fortunately, most wizards know very little Muggle history.
Ronan
Red-haired Centaur who lives in the Forest near Hogwarts (PS15, OP30, DH36).
‘ronan’ = Celtic ‘little seal; oath’, but possibly from ‘roan’, which is a term for
a type of grey coat found on some horses.
Rookwood, Augustus
Pockmarked, stooped Death Eater and Ministry wizard working in the Department of Mysteries;
friend of Ludo Bagman's father (GF30, OP25, OP35). He fought in the Battle of Hogwarts
(DH32, DH36).
In the first British editions of OP, Rookwood's name is erroneously given as Algernon.
Room of Hidden Things
A name for the Room of Requirement when it has configured itself into a vast storeroom
filled with things hidden or thrown out by generations of students at Hogwarts (HBP24,
DH31).
Room of Requirement
(Come and Go Room, The Room of Hidden Things)
Magical room at Hogwarts which can only be discovered by someone who is in need; located
on the seventh floor. The Room magically adapts itself to whatever is needed by those
who enter (OP18, HBP24, HBP27, DH29, DH31).
room-sealing spell
Snape used a powerful magic spell to seal his office, a charm that only a powerful
wizard could break (GF25).
Roper, Sophie
Hogwarts student in Harry's year.
This name appears in the draft of the class list of Harry's year that J.K. Rowling
displayed during the ‘Harry Potter and Me’ TV interview (HPM). This name cannot be
considered canon, however, because the notes on this document conflict in too many
places with the stories as they were actually published.
ropes, magical
Ropes are sometimes conjured from thin air to bind a person; Quirrell did this to
Harry, for example, in front of the Mirror of Erised (PS17), and Dumbledore did it
to bind Barty Crouch Jr. after ‘outing’ him (GF36). Wormtail also memorably conjured
these to bind Harry in the graveyard (GF32).
See also BINDING/FASTENING MAGIC.
rosewood
A wand wood that was used to make Fleur Delacour’s wand (GF18).
Rosewood is a beautiful, richly-coloured wood often used for fine woodworking, such
as musical instruments or furniture. The wood has a sweet smell which lingers for
many years, hence the name. When cut, rosewood changes hues almost before one’s eyes,
through yellow and orange to a deep reddish colour. The wood is highly prized, and
as a result some species are endangered. In folklore, rosewood is associated with
the highest goddesses: Aphrodite, Venus, Hera, and so on.
Rosier
One of the earliest members of the Death Eaters (as early as 1955), along with Nott,
Mulciber, and Dolohov (HBP20). Possibly related to Evan Rosier, a Death Eater friend
of Snape’s.
According to tradition, Rosier is a fallen angel, the patron demon of seduction.
Rosier, Druella
Druella was the wife of Cygnus Black and had three daughters: Bellatrix Lestrange,
Andromeda Tonks, and Narcissa Malfoy (BFT).
This is another example of how Ms. Rowling uses the Black Family Tree to show the
complex connections between the pure-blood families. Druella would be a relative of
the Rosiers who became Death Eaters.
Rosier, Evan
(born late 1950s or early 1960s, died c.1980; Slytherin; Death Eater)
Attended Hogwarts with Severus Snape (GF27), so he was probably a child of the elder
Rosier who was a contemporary of Tom Riddle at school (GF27, GF30).
Rosmerta, Madam
The proprietor of the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade since at least the 1970s, though
she is quite young-looking. She is well known by witches and wizards from all over,
including the teachers from Hogwarts, rowdy groups of warlocks and goblins, and even
the Minister for Magic himself (PA10). She has been described as ‘a curvy sort of
woman’ (PA10) and ‘pretty’ (GF19). Ron gets a bit red in the face when he gets near
her (PA10), a fact which Hermione is only too happy to point out (HBP12). (See also HBP27).
Rosmerta is a late-Roman goddess of fertility and abundance, her symbol being the
cornucopia. She was not part of the classical Roman pantheon. She appeared in the
Gallo-Roman religion which came from the combination of Roman traditions with the
religions of Gaul (western areas of Europe, particularly what is now France).
Rotfang Conspiracy
A crackpot theory which suggests that the Aurors are secretly working to destroy the
Ministry of Magic via the use of Dark Magic and gum disease (hence the name: ‘rot
fang’) (HBP15).
rowboat spell
Propels a rowboat along without oars (PS5). Possibly it is this spell which propels
the fleet of small boats from the dock near Hogsmeade station to Hogwarts castle (PS6).
Rowle, Thorfinn
(Death Eater)
A large blond Death Eater who was involved in an altercation with Harry, Ron, and
Hermione (DH9) and fought against the Order of the Phoenix (HBP28).
‘Royal’
On Potterwatch, this was the code name for Kingsley Shacklebolt (DH22).
‘Royal’ is a reference to his first name, Kingsley. Very likely his distinctive bass
voice would give him away, regardless of his code name.
Rufford, Grugwyn
Disgruntled member of the National Welsh Gobstones Team, who complained to the Daily Prophet because they didn't cover the Welsh victory over Hungary. The editor responded that
this was because people thought Gobstones was ‘deeply boring’ (DP1).
Runcorn, Albert
A tall, bearded wizard who works for the Ministry of Magic, an imposing fellow who
bullies some of the other Ministry employees (DH12, DH13).
There is no evidence that Runcorn was a Death Eater. More likely he, like Umbridge,
was happy to follow the lead of the Death Eaters when they took over and to use that
excuse to bully other people. In some ways he is similar to Peter Pettigrew and Piers
Polkiss, although he is much more physically imposing than either of those characters.
rune dictionary
An untitled book that Hermione carries around during her fourth year (GF20), possibly
her copy of Ancient Runes Made Easy.
runes
See ANCIENT RUNES.
Runespoor
A magical three-headed snake (JKR).
Runespoor (Rune)
According to Ancient Runes Made Easy, the rune symbol for the number three is an icon of a Runespoor, a three-headed snake
(JKR).
rune stones
A method of Divination using stones with various runes carved or inscribed on them
(OP25).
Ryan, Barry
Keeper for the Irish National Quidditch Team (GF8). In 1995 he made a spectacular
save against Poland's top Chaser, Ladislaw Zamojski (OP19).
sage
Centaurs burn this herb, observing the fumes and flames to refine the results of their
stargazing (OP27).
In North American Indian lore, sage is burned as part of many rituals to drive away
bad influences or feelings.
Sahara Desert
Vast desert in Africa, covering a large portion of the northern half of the continent.
A place where Quidditch referees have been known to turn up after disgruntled fans
Transform their brooms into Portkeys (PS11).
St. Brutus's Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal Boys
A Muggle boarding school Vernon Dursley publicly claims that Harry attends, so neighbours
and relatives don't wonder about his strange behaviour or absences (PA2).
From what we can tell, St Brutus’s was entirely invented by Uncle Vernon, which is
pretty amazing when you recall that he ‘didn’t approve of imagination’ (PS1).
St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries
Founded in around 1600 by Mungo Bonham (FW), St Mungo's Hospital is located in London
disguised as an abandoned department store called Purge and Dowse, Ltd. To gain entry,
a wizard speaks to the dummy in the window and walks into the glass when it nods.
Once inside, patients suffering from strange (and often humorous) problems wait in
a reception area or hurry along for treatment. The Healers (the Muggle equivalent
of doctors and nurses) wear lime green robes bearing an emblem of a crossed wand and
bone. St Mungo's has six floors, each dedicated to different types of afflictions
(OP22, OP23).
The real St Mungo was a Scottish saint who, among other things, founded the city of
Glasgow. He lends his name to a real-life institution in London called St Mungo’s
which assists homeless and other vulnerable people. St Mungo’s headquarters on Hammersmith
Road is located in a large, red-brick building. Far from being derelict, however,
it’s a very new and smart-looking office block.
salamander
A small white lizard which lives in fire and which is studied at Hogwarts (CS8).
The salamander is a legendary creature rumoured to eat fire. It is said that it can
poison a tree’s fruit simply by wrapping itself around the trunk.
salamander (rune)
An icon of a salamander forms the rune symbol for the number six – as salamanders
can survive for only six hours outside a fire. A picture can be found in Ancient Runes Made Easy (JKR).
Salem Witches’ Institute
A group of American witches from the Salem Witches’ Institute came to the Quidditch
World Cup in 1994; Harry noticed them while walking by their tent (GF7).
Salem, in Massachusetts, is infamous in the history of the United States as the place
where over 150 people were tried on suspicion of being witches in 1692. Of those,
twenty-nine were convicted and nineteen were executed. Public outcry against the proceedings
began very soon after the events. Thomas Maule, a noted Quaker, wrote that ‘it were
better than one hundred Witches should live, than that one person be put to death
for a witch, which is not a Witch’. In 1697, just a few years after the events, a
day of fasting was declared and an apology read to the congregation of the church
in Salem, referring to the trials as being the work of Satan.
Salvio Hexia
(SAL-vee-oh HEX-ee-ah)
One of the many defensive and protective spells that Hermione, and sometimes Harry,
routinely cast around their tent (DH14, DH22).
‘salvia’ = L. ‘without breaking’ + ‘hexia’ = L. ‘hexes’
Sanguina, Lady Carmilla
(1561-1757)
A female vampire who used her victims’ blood for bathing; for more information, see
the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
‘sanguineus’ = L. ‘of blood, also bloody, bloodthirsty’.
Sanguini
Vampire who attended Slughorn's Christmas party with his friend Eldred Worple (HBP15).
‘sanguineus’ = L. ‘of blood, also bloody, bloodthirsty’.
Sardinia
A large island in the Mediterranean Sea, near Italy. Professor Binns had begun a lecture
about a subcommittee of Sardinian sorcerers when Hermione interrupted him to ask about
the Chamber of Secrets (CS9).
The term ‘sorcerer’ is seldom used in the books, and usually refers to evil, Dark
wizards. In this case, Ms. Rowling was probably word-playing with alliteration more
than anything else (‘In September of that year, a subcommittee of Sardinian sorcerers…’).
Try saying that five times fast.
Saucy Tricks for Tricky Sorts
One of the books that Harry, Ron, and Hermione examined while preparing for the second
Triwizard task (GF26).
Savage
An Auror stationed at Hogwarts during Harry's sixth year, along with Tonks, Dawlish
and Proudfoot (HBP8).
Sawbridge, Almerick
(1602-1699)
Battled a River Troll who was making life difficult along the River Wye (FW).
This wizard’s name relates to the fact that River Trolls like to lurk under bridges,
waiting for unwary travellers.
Scabbers
A most unusual pet rat belonging to Ron Weasley, inherited from his older brother
Percy. Ron often complained of Scabbers’s uselessness (PS6), although when Hermione’s
new cat, Crookshanks, took an interest in chasing Scabbers, Ron was quite upset (PA4);
(See also PA19, GF33).
See PETTIGREW, PETER.
Scabior
A Snatcher working with Fenrir Greyback (DH23).
Scalerot
According to Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit, Scalerot is an affliction that
can affect dragons, where their scales seem flaky and fall off. It can be treated
by rubbing the area with sea salt, tar, and white spirit (JKR).
Scamander, Newton ‘Newt’ Artemis Fido
(1897-present)
Author of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (PS5) and a number of other books. His illustrious career with the Department for
the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures included the establishment of the
Werewolf Registry and the Ban on Experimental Breeding. A full biography of this amazing
wizard can be found in the introduction to the book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, available at your local book shop (FB). Scamander currently divides his time between
his Dorset home and field expeditions to observe new magical species (FW).
All of Scamander’s names have some connection to animals and nature. ‘Scamander’ suggests
‘salamander’. ‘Newt’ is the name of a small lizard. ‘Artemis’ was the Greek goddess
of forests and hills, as well as of hunting, and was the twin sister of the god Apollo.
‘Fido’ is a name commonly given to dogs which comes from the Latin word ‘fidelis’,
which means ‘faithful’.
Scamander, Rolf
The grandson of Newt Scamander, a naturalist and husband to Luna Lovegood (BLC). They
have two children, Lorcan and Lysander (ITV-YIL).
Scarpin's Revelaspell
See SPECIALIS REVELIO.
Scintillation Solution
A witch who found the Kwikspell course helpful wrote that people were now begging
for her recipe for Scintillation Solution (CS8).
‘scintillatus’ = a form of of ‘scintillare = L. ‘to sparkle’, from ‘scintilla’ = L. ‘spark’
Scotland
The country which comprises the northern portion of the British mainland. Hogwarts
School is located in the Highlands of Scotland (BN, etc.).
Scourgify
(SKUR-ji-fy)
A cleaning spell (OP3, 28).
from ‘excurare’ = L. ‘clean off’
Scouring Charm
Another cleaning spell (GF14). Possibly the same thing as Scourgify.
screaming yo-yo
Added to Filch's list of 437 objects forbidden inside Hogwarts castle at the start
of the 1994-1995 school year (GF12).
Screechsnap
A semi-sentient plant that wriggles and squeaks uncomfortably when given too much
dragon manure. The fifth years worked with seedlings of this plant in Herbology (OP25).
Scrimgeour, Rufus
(d. 1 August 1997; Minister of Magic, July 1996-August 1997)
Head of the Auror Office who was tapped to replace Fudge as Minister of Magic. Scrimgeour
took over at a dangerous time, but he was a warrior and took the threat of the Dark
Lord very seriously. His approach, however, was not all that different from that of
his successor (esp. HBP3); (See also DH11).
‘rufus’ = L. ‘red’; 'Scrimgeour'=a Scottish clan name. It probably originated from a nickname meaning "skirmisher" (a version of "escrimeur,"
French for "swordsman").
Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop
A shop in Hogsmeade (OP16).
‘scrivener’ = archaic Eng. ‘professional penman, copyist’ + ‘shaft’, which in English
can mean the barrel or handle of a pen.
scrofungulus
Magical disease listed on the directory in the lobby of St Mungo’s Hospital (OP22).
The details of this disease are not given in the books, but the name certainly sounds
like something unpleasant, the second part suggesting the word ‘fungus’, which in
humans can cause a number of ailments such as athlete’s foot.
‘scurvy cur’
A password to get into Gryffindor Tower thought up by Sir Cadogan (PA11).
‘scurvy’ = Eng. ‘contemptible; cowardly’ + ‘cur’ = Eng. ‘mongrel dog; detestable person’
sealing spell
Seals a roll of parchment with a touch of the wand. A parchment sealed this way is
also opened with a wand touch (OP12).
sea serpent
A gigantic water snake (FW).
‘second’
In a proper wizard’s duel, each wizard has a ‘second’ – a person who takes over for
them if they die (PS9).
second-hand robe shop
Mrs Weasley took Ginny here to buy her robes for Hogwarts; the shop is located in
Diagon Alley (CS4).
Second Wizarding War
(1995-1998)
Voldemort’s second rise to power, beginning with his re-emergence after the Triwizard
Tournament in 1995 and ending with a climactic battle in the spring of 1998 (esp.
GF2, 33, OP35-6, OP38, HBP27, DH4, DH31-36).
Secrecy Sensor
Magicial device which resembles a collection of old-fashioned television aerials.
These pick up vibrations of evil approaching (GF20, HBP12).
Secrets of the Darkest Art
A book in the Hogwarts library that Dumbledore later banned and kept in his private
office instead. It gives instructions for making – and destroying – a Horcrux (DH6).
Sectumsempra
(sek-tum-SEM-pra)
Spell invented by The Half-Blood Prince ‘for enemies’ (HBP21) which produces slashing
cuts (HBP24). It is Dark Magic; anything severed from a target's body by this spell
cannot be grown back by magic, according to Molly Weasley (DH5).
‘sectus’ = L. past participle of ‘seco’ = ‘to cut’, + ‘sempra’ = L. ‘always’
security Troll
Trolls are often used as guards in the Wizarding world, since they don’t have brains
for much else. Training security Trolls was one of the careers suggested in pamphlets
offered to fifth years when they were deciding which N.E.W.T.-level classes they would
take (PA14, OP29, DP1).
Seeker
Quidditch player whose objective is to spot and catch the Golden Snitch, earning 150
points for his or her team and ending the game. Harry plays this position on the Gryffindor
Quidditch team (PS10, etc.).
Seer
A wizard who possesses the Inner Eye, or the ability to prophesy. Trelawney is the
great-great-granddaughter of a very famous and very talented Seer, Cassandra Trelawney
(OP15). Judging by the thousands upon thousands of prophecies recorded in the Hall
of Prophecy, there have been quite a number of Seers throughout history (OP34).
self-correcting ink
One of many items banned for use during exams at Hogwarts (OP31).
Self-Defensive Spellwork
The Room of Requirement contained a copy of this spell book during the D.A.'s first
meeting there (OP18).
self-fertilising shrubs
Magical plants. Harry and other fifth-years had to write an essay on self-fertilising
shrubs for Professor Sprout (OP14).
self-stirring cauldrons
A cauldron which stirs itself, which would be very handy for potion-making. Many cauldrons
seem to be at least partially magical; for example self-stirring, collapsible, and
other cauldrons are for sale in a shop on Diagon Alley (PS5).
Selwyn
(Death Eater)
A Death Eater whose day job is working for the Ministry (DH4, 21). Selwyn is a very
old, pure-blood family name (DH13).
Serpensortia
(ser-pen-SOR-sha)
Spell which causes a large serpent to burst from the end of a wand (CS10).
‘serpens’ = L. ‘serpent’ + ‘ortus’ = L. past participle of ‘ortir’, ‘to come into
existence’
seven
See HEPTOMOLOGY.
Severing Charm
Spell to cut something (GF23).
shack
Igor Karkaroff's body was found in a shack that the Daily Prophet described as ‘up north’. The Dark Mark was hovering in the sky above (HBP6).
Shacklebolt, Kingsley
(Order of the Phoenix)
Tall, bald black wizard with a deep voice who wears a single gold hooped earring.
Kingsley is an Auror for the Ministry of Magic and a valued member of the Order of
the Phoenix (OP3, OP4-9, OP35, HBP1). (See also DH36, BLC).
shacklebolt = ‘bolt which passes through the eyes of a shackle’ (OED); in heraldry,
the shacklebolt symbolises ‘victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners
of war’.
Shell Cottage
The quaint seaside home of Bill and Fleur Weasley. Located on the outskirts of Tinworth
in Cornwall (DH23, DH24, DH25), the cottage sits on a clifftop with views of the sea,
an airy garden, and the sound of the waves pulsating through the house. The house
is not large – the upstairs has just three small bedrooms and downstairs a modest
kitchen and a sitting room with a fireplace. At the end of the garden, a small mound
of red earth covers a grave for one of the bravest heroes of the Wizarding world (DH25).
sherbet lemon
(US: lemon drop)
Muggle sweet that Dumbledore is fond of (PS1). One of the password to the Headmaster's
office (CS11, GF28).
Lemon drops and sherbet lemons are very different from each other. Lemon drops are
hard sour lemon candies with a dusting of powdered sugar. Sherbet lemons are also
a hard, lemon-flavoured sweet, but they are filled with sherbet powder which fizzes
inside the mouth. The sherbet lemon is completely unknown in the U.S., however, so
the editors chose a sweet which would be familiar and have the same sense of being
a simple, Muggle treat.
Shield Charm
See PROTEGO.
Shield Cloaks, Shield Gloves, and Shield Hats
Though Fred and George initially developed Shield Hats as a joke item, the Ministry
of Magic unexpectedly bought five hundred of them, intending them to be used as protection
for its staff. As a result, the twins decided to expand into this more serious line
of defence merchandise. Though not much help against serious curses, they do repel
‘minor to moderate hexes or jinxes’ (HBP6).
Shimpling, Derwent
(b. 1912)
Comedian known for his boldness and his purple skin; for more details, see the Fantastic
Wizard cards (FW).
Shingleton, Gaspard
(b. 1959)
Wizard inventor; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Shock Spells
Spell used at St Mungo's to treat mental illnesses. One reader of The Quibbler wrote to Harry after his interview was published and suggested that he needed a course
of Shock Spells at St Mungo's, since he was obviously a nutter (OP26).
This is a reference to electric shock therapy, a technique used in the treatment of
mental illness in the Muggle world. Some see it as barbaric, but it does produce results
in certain cases.
Shooting Star
Ron had an old Shooting Star broom that Harry noted was often ‘outstripped by passing
butterflies’ (CS4). The Hogwarts school brooms include Shooting Stars (PA10).
Shrake
A magical fish (JKR).
Shrieking Shack
Falsely rumoured to be ‘the most haunted building in Britain’ (PA5), the Shrieking
Shack is a favourite stop on any Hogsmeade visit (PA8). However, the wails that were
once heard emanating from this creepy building were not caused by ghosts at all (PA14,
PA17, PA18). (See also DH32 ff.).
Shrinking Solution / Shrinking Potion
A potion studied in Potions class (PA7). Harry had to write a particularly nasty essay
on Shrinking Potions as one of his holiday assignments for Potions the summer before
his third year (PA1).
shrunken heads
There were shrunken heads in a window display in Knockturn Alley when Harry accidentally
got lost there (CS4); Crabbe also had a shrunken head confiscated when he arrived
for his sixth year at Hogwarts (DH11).
Shunpike, Stanley (Stan)
Conductor of the Knight Bus. a young wizard with prominent ears, quite a few pimples,
and a Cockney accent. He wears a purple uniform (PA3). Stan has been known to tell
a few tales now and then to try to impress people (GF9, HBP11) which has landed him
in quite a bit of trouble (DH4, 23).
‘shunpike’ = slang ‘a side road used to avoid the toll on or the speed and traffic of a superhighway’.
Stan = named after one of JKR's grandfathers, Stan Volant.
Sickle
A unit of wizarding currency. There are seventeen Sickles to a Galleon, and one silver
Sickle is worth twenty-nine Knuts, or roughly £0.29 (US: about 58 cents).
‘sickle’ = Eng. ‘a farm tool consisting of a handle with a curved blade’
Side-Along Apparition
A form of Apparition in which the person Apparating touches someone else, such as
a child too young to Apparate themselves or a wizard without a wand, and Apparates
with that person as a passenger. Side-along Apparition is mentioned in a Ministry
leaflet as something to practice with children as a safety precaution (HBP3).
Silencio
(si-LEN-see-oh)
‘Silencing Charm’
A charm taught to fifth-years (OP18, DH36).
‘silens’ = past participle of ‘silere’ = L. ‘to be quiet’
Silver Arrow
A type of racing broom. Madam Hooch once had one and remembers it fondly (PA13).
Sinistra, Aurora
Professor of Astronomy at Hogwarts (CS11).
'Aurora' is given in an early planning draft for Prisoner of Azkaban available on
JKR's website. However, we cannot consider this canon because other information on
this page changed by the time the book was actually published (JKR). Aurora was the
Ancient Roman goddess of the dawn ('Eos' in Greek). ‘Sinistra’ = the name of a magnitude 3.5 star in the constellation Ophiuchus, the
Serpent Handler.
Sites of Historical Sorcery
Book that mentioned some notable buildings in Hogsmeade (PA5).
Skeeter, Rita
(b. circa 1951)
Reporter for the Daily Prophet, known for her brutal and sensational writing. She wears jewelled spectacles and
carries a Quick-Quotes Quill, which she uses to write flowery prose filled with innuendoes
and veiled accusations (GF18, GF27, OP25, DH2, 18).
‘skeeter’ = slang term for a mosquito, a blood-sucking pest ... how fitting.
Skele-Gro
Potion used by Healers to re-grow bones. The effect takes about eight hours and can
be quite painful (CS10, DH24).
skeletons, dancing
According to the rumour mill at Hogwarts, Dumbledore booked a group of dancing skeletons
as entertainment for the Halloween feast during Harry’s second year. Harry never confirmed
the rumour, as he didn’t attend the feast that year (CS8).
skinning
A Quidditch foul, defined as intentionally colliding with another player while flying
(GF8).
Skively, Harold
In a letter to the Daily Prophet, the appropriately-named Skively suggested that the Wizarding community celebrate
a day to honour Merlin, since, as he put it, he ‘could do with an extra day's holiday
around August’ (DP1)
‘skive’ = Br. Slang ‘to avoid doing one's task or duty; to skip, as in skipping classes
at school’
Skiving Snackboxes
One of the most popular products of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Skiving Snackboxes contain
a variety of sweets that make the wizard who eats them intentionally ill. Each sweet
also comes with an antidote, allowing the wizard to fake illness for as long as necessary,
and then, hidden safely away, cure themselves instantly. As the advertisement states,
you can then ‘pursue the leisure activity of your own choice during an hour that would
otherwise have been devoted to unprofitable boredom’ (OP6). Skiving Snackboxes include
Fainting Fancies, Fever Fudge, Nosebleed Nougat and Puking Pastilles (OP6, OP18).
Skull, the
One of the signs that can be read from a cup of tea leaves in Divination. It means
‘danger in your path’ (PA6).
The skull doesn’t seem to appear in lists of real tasseography symbols. Ms. Rowling
is probably making the obvious connection here, but tea leaf reading is not always
so simple. The symbol ‘The Gallows’, for example, actually means ‘good luck’ according
to some guides.
Sleekeazy's Hair Potion
Hermione used this to style her hair for the Yule Ball, though she considers it too
much of a bother to do every day (GF24).
Sleeping Draught / Potion
Potion to put someone into a magical sleep (CS12, GF19, GF36).
Slinkhard, Wilbert
Author of Defensive Magical Theory, an utterly worthless book assigned for Defence Against the Dark Arts classes by
Umbridge. The theme of the book was that using spells, even in self defence, was bad
(OP9 ff.).
This author’s name suggests slinking away in cowardice.Ms. Rowling mentioned that
she patterned Fudge’s attitude about the return of Voldemort to that of Neville Chamberlain
before World War Two, who ignored the warning signs of the burgeoning power of Hitler
and the Nazis and was willing to give into any demands simply to avoid a war. This
book is a clear example of that kind of thinking: reasonable on the surface (since
fighting really should be a last resort) but ultimately nothing but cowardice and
capitulation.
Sloper, Jack
(Gryffindor, 1990s; Quidditch Beater, 1996)
A Gryffindor student in the mid-1990s and a replacement Beater on the Quidditch team
after Fred and George were banned for life (OP26).
Sloth Grip Roll
Quidditch manoeuvre where a player rolls upside down to avoid a Bludger (OP17).
Slug Club
During both periods he taught Potions at Hogwarts, Horace Slughorn hand-picked favourite
students – those who have influential parents, or who he believes will be important
one day – and invited them to social networking events (HBP4, HBP7). Through this
group, casually called ‘The Slug Club’, Slughorn ensured that he had friends in high
places and received his share of lavish gifts (HBP4).
Slughorn, Horace E. F.
(Slytherin; Potions Master until 1981, then again from 1996; Head of Slytherin house)
Potions master and head of Slytherin house twenty years ago. During that time, he
founded the ‘Slug Club’, a group of his favourite students in whom he saw potential
or whose connections might be useful to him (HBP7, etc). He retired after the 1980-81
school year (HBP22). As a favour to Dumbledore, he returned to teach at Hogwarts again
in 1996 (HBP4, 8). Slughorn is a short, very portly man with a moustache. He wears
lavish clothes: waistcoats with gold buttons and luxurious velvet smoking jackets
HBP4, HBP7).
slug-vomiting charm
Causes the victim to belch up slugs (CS7, OP19).
There are no spell words given for this charm (which seems more like a jinx or curse,
really). Interestingly, the four days before, on the first day of classes, Ron had
told Draco off with the phrase ‘Eat slugs, Malfoy!’ (CS6). Perhaps this was in Ron’s
mind when he tried to cast the slug-vomiting charm on Malfoy the following Saturday
(CS7).
Slytherin House
One of the four houses of Hogwarts, valuing above all else cunning and use of any
means to achieve one’s ends (PS7). The Head of Slytherin was Professor Snape (GF36)
until spring 1997 (HBP29) and thereafter Slughorn became Head of Slytherin (DH30).
The house ghost is the Bloody Baron (CS8). Its shield is green and silver, and features
a snake (GF15). Slytherin House has the unseemly reputation for producing wizards
prone to the Dark Arts (PS5) and supporting pure-blood supremacy ideals (OP7). Famous
Slytherins include Tom Riddle, Lucius and Draco Malfoy, Phineas Nigellus, Regulus
Black, and Bellatrix Black Lestrange.
Slytherin House common room
Located in the dungeons and under the lake (TLC), accessed through a sliding stone
door concealed in the wall. The password is ‘pure-blood’ (or was in December of 1992)
(CS12, DH23).
Slytherin, Salazar
(c. 900s)
One of the four founders of Hogwarts. Slytherin had many unique skills. He was a Parselmouth
and an accomplished Legilimens. According to the Sorting Hat’s song, Slytherin came
from the fens, which are located in the eastern portion of England, East Anglia and
in particular Norfolk. He believed that only pure-blood witches and wizards should
be allowed to attend Hogwarts; he clashed with Godric Gryffindor over this and eventually
left the school. There was a legend that Slytherin built a secret chamber somewhere
in Hogwarts that only his true heir would be able to open. This chamber, called the
Chamber of Secrets, contained a monster that would finish his ‘noble purpose’ of killing
all the Muggle-born students at Hogwarts.
Even in the twentieth century, the conflict between Gryffindor and Slytherin is played
out in the rise of Voldemort, Slytherin’s heir, and his defeat by Harry Potter, a
‘true Gryffindor’.
‘Slytherin’ is basically the word ‘slithering’ without the ‘g’, which is certainly
a nice snake-ish word. There is nothing particularly snake-ish about the name Salazar.
Antonio Salazar was dictator of Portugal from 1932 to 1968. Since Ms. Rowling lived
in Portugal for a time, she would have certainly heard that name. But why Salazar
specifically? Probably because she wanted a somewhat unusual name that started with
‘S’, since all of the founders (and many of the current teachers) have alliterative
names.
‘Smallest Bedroom’
One of the four bedrooms in number four, Privet Drive, which the Dursleys gave to
Harry after his first Hogwarts letter came addressed to him at the ‘Cupboard Under
the Stairs’ (PS3).
Smeek, Enid
A witch who lived in Godric’s Hollow at the same time as the Dumbledore family. She
was quoted in The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore as saying that Aberforth Dumbledore used to throw goat dung at her, and that Bathilda
Bagshot is ‘nutty as squirrel poo’ (DH18).
Smeltings School
Exclusive Muggle school, Vernon Dursley's alma mater and now Dudley's school. The Smeltings uniform includes a maroon tailcoat, orange
knickerbockers, a straw boater hat, and a knobbly stick with which to hit things (and
people) (PS3).
Smethley, Veronica
One of many witches who wrote fan mail to Gilderoy Lockhart (CS7).
Smethwyck, Hippocrates
Healer-in-Charge on the Dai Llewellyn ward at St Mungo's Hospital when Arthur Weasley
was there recovering from a snake bite (OP22).
Hippocrates is known as the ‘father of medicine’. He lived in ancient Greece, where
he championed the idea that diseases are not caused by divine punishment but by environmental
factors.
Smethwyck, Leopoldina
(1829-1910)
First British witch to referee a Quidditch match (FW).
Smith, Hepzibah
(d. late 1940s)
A very rich, very fat old witch who collected magical antiques. She befriended Tom
Marvolo Riddle while he was working for Borgin and Burkes, or rather, he befriended
her in order to wheedle her out of her treasures. She lived in a grand house, filled
with so many possessions that it was difficult to walk through the rooms (HBP20).
Smith, Mr
The father of Hogwarts student Zacharias Smith; described as ‘haughty-looking’ (HBP30).
Smith, Zacharias
(Hufflepuff, 1990s; Quidditch Chaser c. 1996-1997; Dumbledore’s Army)
A real winner of a guy who seems to annoy Ginny quite often (HBP7, 14). Joined Dumbledore’s
Army and scoffed at learning the simple Expelliarmus spell until Harry pointed out that it had saved his life while duelling with Voldemort
(OP18).
Smythe, Georgina
Witch who wrote in to Tilden Toots's herbology radio show ‘Toots, Shoots 'n' Roots’
to ask about a sick Flitterbloom plant (JKR).
The name is only heard, not seen in print, so it may be spelled 'Smithe'.
snails
Poisonous orange snails were for sale in the Magical Menagerie (PA4).
snake
The animal symbol of Slytherin house (PS3, GF15).
See BOA CONSTRICTOR; NAGINI; SERPENSORTIA.
Snape house
See SPINNER’S END.
Snape, Severus
(January 9, 1960-May 1998; Slytherin 1971; Death Eater; Order of the Phoenix; Potions
Master 1981-1996; Head of Slytherin House; DADA Professor, 1996-1997; Headmaster 1997-1998)
The only child of Tobias Snape, a Muggle, and Eileen Prince Snape, a witch (HBP30).
An unhappy, neglected child, he befriended another girl from the same town, Lily Evans,
and they went to Hogwarts together. Snape tried to maintain his friendship with Lily
even though they were sorted into different houses and he knew she deplored his interest
in the Dark Arts. Snape made an enemy of James Potter (PS17, OP28, OP29). After leaving
school, Snape applied for a position at Hogwarts. For the next sixteen years Severus
Snape was the Potions Master at the school and became head of Slytherin House. His
teaching style was based on intimidation and bullying (e.g. PA7), However, it was
a fateful moment atop the Astronomy Tower seemed to seal his allegiance to the Dark
Side forever (HBP27). (See also DH32).
So much more could be written about this fascinating character than will fit here.
In many ways, the story of Harry Potter is just as much the story of Severus Snape.
His hidden motivations and secret agenda drive the entire saga. Take this short synopsis
of his complicated and tragic life as a tiny taste of all that this character – and
Ms. Rowling’s amazing story about him – have to offer. Go read the series through
again, watching and appreciating the character of Severus Snape.
‘Severus’ has obvious connotations of severity and strictness. There are also several
saints with the name ‘Severus’.
‘Snape’ is a village in North Yorkshire near Hadrian’s (also known as ‘Severus’s’)
Wall where there is a ‘Snape Castle’.
‘snape’ – archaic Eng. ‘to be hard upon, rebuke, snub’ from ‘sneypa’ = Old Norse ‘to outrage, dishonour,
disgrace’
‘sneap’ = Eng. ‘to nip; pinch; put down; repress; snub’
Snape's office and private stores
A dimly lit room in the dungeons (CS5), its walls lined with glass jars filled with
different coloured potions and slimy bits of plants and animals (CS11, GF27, OP26,
OP30).
Snape, Tobias
The Muggle father of Severus Snape, husband of Eileen Prince (OP26, HBP30).
Snargaluff
A plant which looks like a gnarled stump most of the time but which has prickly branches
that attack when the plant is touched. Inside are a number of small pods that, when
poked with something sharp, emit dozens of small squirming tubers (HBP14, c.f. DH30).
One of these plants sits in the garden of the Lovegoods’ house (DH20).
Snatchers
Bands of renegade wizards who hunted fugitives for the Ministry. Snatchers tried to
capture those on the run, collecting the reward money of five Galleons per capture
(DH19, DH23).
Sneakoscope
A device which looks something like a gyroscope and which gives off a whistling sound
when someone untrustworthy is around (PA1, DH7).
Snell, Barnaby
A fan of the Chudley Cannons who was quoted in the Daily Prophet expressing his disbelief after the team defeated the Wigtown Wanderers, ending a
seventeen-game losing streak (DP3).
Snitch
A ‘walnut-sized golden ball’with ‘silver wings’ invented by Bowman Wright in the 1300s
to be used in Quidditch. A Snitch is bewitched to avoid capture for as long as possible
while remaining within the boundaries of the pitch. The capture of the Golden Snitch
ends the game and gives the team whose Seeker caught it 150 points, which usually
determines which team wins the game (PS10). Snitches also have a unique flesh memory charm cast on them, so that in the event
of a close call, referees can tell which Seeker first caught the ball (DH7).
snitch jinx
A delayed-action jinx which writes the word ‘sneak’ across someone's face in pimples
if they break an agreement they sign (OP16, HBP7).
snowball, bewitched
Snowballs enchanted to fly around and hit things (PS12).
snow, enchanted
A magical imitation snow, which unlike real snow is warm and dry. It is sometimes
made to fall from the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall as a Christmas decoration
(CS12).
Snowy
One of Mrs Figg’s cats (or perhaps kneazles), of whom she forced Harry to look at
pictures when he stayed at her house on Dudley’s birthdays (PS2).
snuffbox
There was a silver snuffbox filled with Wartcap powder in the drawing room of number
twelve Grimmauld Place that bit Sirius as he was trying to clean out the house (OP6).
Snuffles
Sirius asked Harry, Ron, and Hermione to refer to him as this when talking among themselves
about him, so that if they were overheard, no one would know who they were talking
about (GF27).
Society for Distressed Witches
Founded in the 1800s by Dorcas Wellbeloved (FW).
Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.)
Founded in 1994 by Hermione Granger in response to what she saw as gross injustice
in the treatment of house-elves. The Society didn't exactly catch on among Hogwarts
students, but she persevered (GF15, OP14, OP18).
Society for the Reformation of Hags
Founded by Honoria Nutcombe around 1700 (FW).
Society for the Support of Squibs (S.S.S.)
This society was founded by Idris Oakby, most likely sometime in the early- to mid-twentieth
century (JKR).
Society for the Tolerance of Vampires (S.T.V.)
This society has a candle-lit office in London. They advertised for someone to run
the office, and indicated that a preference would be given to applicants with a garlic
allergy (DP2).
Somerset
A county in the West Country. It borders on Wiltshire, where Malfoy Manor is located.
A lot of damage was caused in the summer of 1996 by what appeared to be a freak hurricane
in Somerset (HBP1).
Somnolens, Leticia
This spiteful medieval hag was jealous of the king's daughter and caused her to prick
her finger on a poisoned spindle. For more information, see the Famous Wizard cards
(FW).
‘somnolentia’ = L. ‘sleepiness’. This story is a nod to the fairy tale ‘Sleeping Beauty’.
Sonnets of a Sorcerer
Anyone who read this cursed book spoke in limericks for the rest of their lives (CS13).
Sonorus
(so-NO-rus)
reverse: Quietus
Spell which makes the caster's voice carry over long distances (GF31).
‘sonorus’ = L. ‘resounding’
Sopophorous bean
A ‘shrivelled bean’ that is one of the ingredients in the Draught of Living Death.
It exudes a juice which is used for the potion, and will give up more liquid when
crushed with the flat side of a silver knife rather than cut up (HBP9).
‘sopor’ = L. ‘deep sleep’
Sorcerer’s Saucepot
Company sponsoring Celestina Warbeck’s upcoming concert in Exmoor, according to an
advertisement.
In the Rumours section of Ms. Rowling’s website, an advertisement for tickets to see
Celestina Warbeck proclaims that the Sorcerer’s Saucepot ‘is offering three additional
tour dates on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of this month’ (JKR).
Sorcerer’s Stone
Name given to the Philosopher’s Stone by U.S. publishers.
See PHILOSOPHER’S STONE.
Sorting Hat
Originally the hat of Godric Gryffindor, the Sorting Hat was bewitched by the Founders
of Hogwarts with brains and some amount of personality (GF12) in order to determine
which of the four houses each new student will enter. It does so at the beginning
of the start-of-term feast; first it sings a song of introduction, explaining the
basic criteria for each house. First-year students then place the Hat on their heads
and their House is announced (PS7 etc.). (See also OP11, CS17, DH7, 36).
Spattergroit
A nasty, very contagious wizarding skin disease (OP23). A wizard who has been afflicted
becomes covered in purple blisters, to the point of being nearly unrecognisable. Once
the disease spreads to his uvula, he also loses his ability to talk (DH6, DH25).
Spavin, Faris ‘Spout Hole’
Minister of Magic from 1895-1903.
Spavin was mentioned in the third W.O.M.B.A.T. test posted on Ms. Rowling’s website
(JKR).
‘spavin’ = Eng. ‘a swelling of a horse's hock joint that results in lameness’
'faris' = Arabic ‘horseman' or 'knight'
‘spout hole’ = Eng. ‘blowhole of a whale or other sea mammal’ (How Spavin earned this
odd nickname must be an interesting story.)
Specialis Revelio
This spell – probably the incantation for Scarpin’s Revelaspell – reveals the enchantments
of an object or potion (HBP9, HBP18).
‘specialis’ = L. ‘particular, individual, marked by something unique’ + ‘revelo’ =
L. ‘to expose, reveal’
Spectrespecs
A pair of ‘psychedelic spectacles’, given away free with an issue of The Quibbler during Harry's sixth year (OP10).
‘spectre’ = Eng. ‘ghost, phantom’ + ‘specs’ = Eng. Slang ‘spectacles, glasses’
Spellman's Syllabary
One of the many books Hermione consulted as she worked on her Ancient Runes homework
in the common room (OP26).
A syllabary is a set of symbols where each one represents a specific syllable. The
title of this book suggests that the words used to cast spells are sometimes represented
by sets of symbols other than our usual alphabet. However, since English and Latin
are not well suited at all for a syllabary, this book might actually be designed for
use with another language or perhaps a separate spell-casting language composed of
morphemes which have discrete magical meanings. See HEIROGLYPHS AND GRAMATICA and MAGICAL HIEROGLYPHS AND LOGOGRAMS for more information.
Spellotape
Repairs magic items (CS6, PA6, GF10, OP23, DH13, JKR).
‘Spellotape’ is a play on words: ‘Sellotape’ is the British term for ‘cellophane tape’.
Sphinx
Native to Egypt, this human-headed creature has a lion-like body, the capacity for
human speech, and an innate love of puzzles and riddles (GF31, DP1).
The ancient Egyptians carved sphinxes with various combinations of animal bodies and
heads as temple and tomb guardians. To the Greeks, there was only one sphinx, a terrifying
death demon. She also functioned as a guardian, and as in the Potter books, she asked
a riddle of anyone wanting to pass. If the person couldn’t answer the riddle, she
strangled and ate them. According to one tale, when the hero Oedipus answered her
riddle correctly, she threw herself from the rock on which she’d been perched and
died.
Spinks
Both 'Spinks' and 'Spungen' were names J.K. Rowling considered for Draco Malfoy's
last name. They appear together in the draft of the class list of Harry's year that
she displayed during the ‘Harry Potter and Me’ TV interview (HPM). These names have
never been used in the books.
Spinner's End
Spinner's End is a street in an unnamed industrial Muggle town, most likely somewhere
in northern England. Severus Snape grew up in a house on this street (HBP2, DH33).
Spinnet, Alicia
(b. 1978; Gryffindor, 1989; Quidditch Chaser, 1991-1996; Dumbledore’s Army)
Part of the Gryffindor Quidditch team during Harry’s first five years at Hogwarts,
Alicia was a strong Chaser whose talent was discovered by Oliver Wood (PS7, CS7, PA13,
PA15, GF22). (See also DH30).
Spleen, Professor Helbert
A Healer at St Mungo’s Hospital, Professor Spleen also writes for a Daily Prophet advice column. In one such issue, he gives advice to a wizard with Dragon Pox (DP3).
‘spleen’ = an organ in the body which helps to fight infection and filter the blood
Splinching
Incomplete Apparition where part of the body is left behind. It occurs when the mind
is not concentrating fully on the desired destination (HBP18). Though in some cases
it can be almost comical (HBP22), , more extreme cases can be very serious, even life-threatening
(GF6, DH14).
Splinter and Kreek's
Second-hand broom shop which advertised in the Daily Prophet (DP4).
The name suggests old, broken-down wood, ‘splintering’ and ‘creaking’ with age.
Sponge-Knees Curse
During the recent riot that took place during the Puddlemere/Holyhead Quidditch match,
a group of Puddlemere supporters were using this curse (DP4).
Spore, Phyllida
Author of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi (PS5).
‘spore’ = reproductive cell of some kinds of plants, eg. fungi.
Sprout, Pomona
(b. May 15, year unknown; Hufflepuff, Head of House)
A squat little witch with grey hair who teaches Herbology at Hogwarts. In the greenhouses,
Sprout must deal with a variety of magical plants, some of which are strange and even
dangerous. She handles them with aplomb, even the Venomous Tentacula. Her robes and
fingernails are often earthy (CS6), and her hat is patched (HBP14). Professor Sprout
is Head of Hufflepuff House (GF36), and in true Hufflepuff spirit is kind and nurturing
to the students.
‘sprout’ = Eng. ‘to germinate, for example, a seed; also a young plant’
‘Pomona’ = Roman goddess of fruit trees and orchards
Spungen
See SPINKS.
Squabbs Syndrome
According to Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit, one of the symptoms of this dragons’ disease is that they lose their fire. Squabbs
Syndrome can be treated with hot baths, chilli powder and pepper, and four crates
of rum daily (JKR).
squeaking sugar mice
Wizarding sweets (OP26).
Squib
A non-magical person born of wizarding parents. Squibs are a much rarer phenomenon
than a Muggle-born witch or wizard. Squibs cannot attend Hogwarts or even live a full
life within the Wizarding world (JKR). Having a Squib son or daughter has long been
considered an embarrassment, although people have become a bit more enlightened in
recent years (DH8, DH11, FW). Today some Squibs are able to find niches within wizarding
society; Filch works at Hogwarts, for example, and Mrs Figg breeds and trades cats
and Kneazles (JKR).
‘squib’ = a dud firework that won't ignite properly
Squib Rights
Witches and wizards favouring rights for squibs once held a march that sparked major
pureblood riots (JKR).
staff room
Guarded by stone gargoyles (OP17, DH31), this room, located off the Entrance Hall
in Hogwarts (PS16), is a fairly reliable place to find teachers when you need them
during the day (PS8, CS16).
Stainwright, Erica
(1950s)
Witch who made a fortune selling 'cleaning' potions, but got into trouble when it
was revealed that they really made things dirtier (JKR).
‘wright’ = Eng. ‘craftsman, artisan’ , so the name means ‘one who works with stains’.
Stalk, Blenheim
(b. 1920)
Stalk is a well-known expert on Muggles who has written many books on the subject
(FW).
Standard Book of Spells, The
by Miranda Goshawk
Series of books for magical training, with a different edition for each year at Hogwarts;
one of these can be found on the booklist every year (PS5, PA4, GF10, OP9, HBP9).
Starkey, Hesper
(1881-1973)
Famous witch who studied moon phases and their relation to potions (FW).
statues
Stone figures of famous wizards, animals, gargoyles, and so on. Many statues are found
in the halls of Hogwarts (GF23, OP17). Other statues include the Fountain of Magical
Brethren which once stood in the atrium of the Ministry of Magic (OP7, 36, c.f. DH12)
and a statue of James, Lily, and Harry Potter that sits in the town square of Godric’s
Hollow, visible only to wizards (DH16).
Stealth Sensoring Spells
Spells to detect anyone sneaking past them which can be placed on physical objects
such as doors (OP32).
Stebbins
(Hufflepuff, 1990s)
Snape took ten points from Stebbins’ house after catching him in the roses with a
Ravenclaw girl during the Yule Ball (GF23).
Stebbins
A Hogwarts student in the same year as James Potter and his friends (OP28).
Stimpson, Patricia
(Hogwarts, 1989)
A Hogwarts student in Fred and George’s year. George mentioned that she had a minor
breakdown as their O.W.L.s approached (OP12).
Stinging Hex
A hex that causes a stinging pain in the victim (OP24).
Stink Pellet
Joke item that releases a nasty smell when dropped. Evidently a Zonko's product sold
in Hogsmeade, and definitely one of the many, many items Filch does not like having
in the castle (PA8).
Stinksap
When the Mimbulus mimbletonia is prodded, its defence mechanism kicks in, spraying Stinksap all over its surroundings
(OP10).
stoat sandwiches
A small mammal similar to a weasel which is found in Britain and Ireland. It is not
usually eaten by humans, in sandwiches or any other form. Nevertheless, Hagrid makes
stoat sandwiches and offers them to his guests (PS14).
Stoatshead Hill
Located outside Ottery St Catchpole, this is a nondescript hill with a few pieces
of rubbish littered around it (GF6).
Stonewall High
The public high school serving Little Whinging, Stonewall High is the school Harry
would have been sent to had he never received his letter for Hogwarts. The uniforms
for Stonewall High are a drab grey, which Aunt Petunia attempted to create for Harry
by dyeing some of Dudley's old clothes (PS3).
Strengthening Solution
Potion to give strength. Apparently this potion takes a few days to make, since the
fifth-year Potions students making it had to allow their mixtures to mature over a
weekend (OP17).
Stretching Jinx
Spell to make something or someone taller. Mrs Weasley said before their sixth year
that Harry and Ron had grown so much that they looked as though they'd had this jinx
put on them (HBP5).
Stroulger, Edgar
(1703-1798)
Invented the Sneakoscope (FW).
Strout, Miriam
Motherly, cheerful Healer in charge of the Janus Thickey ward (a closed, long-term
ward for patients with permanent spell damage) at St Mungo’s Hospital at the time
of Broderick Bode’s assassination (OP23, OP25).
Stubbs, Billy
A Muggle orphan at Tom Riddle's orphanage who had chicken pox (HBP13).
‘Study into Muggle Suspicions About Magic, A’
This study, undertaken by the Ministry of Magic and spearheaded by Professor Phoebus
Penrose, determined that Muggles are less stupid than is generally assumed by wizards.
The findings were published in the Daily Prophet (DP1).
Study of Recent Developments in Wizardry, A
Not surprisingly, Nicolas Flamel isn't mentioned in this book (PS12).
Stump, Grogan
(1770-1884)
Very popular Minister of Magic from 1811 until 1819 (FW).
Stunning Spell (Stunner)
See STUPEFY.
Stupefy
(STOO-puh-fye)
‘Stunner’, ‘Stunning Spell’, Stupefying Charm’
reverse: ‘Rennervate’
A commonly used spell that shoots a red bolt of light and renders someone unconscious
(GF9, GF29, OP21, etc.).
‘stupefacere’ = L. ‘to make senseless’, from ‘stupeo’ = L. ‘stunned’
Substantive Charm
Seamus Finnigan, the day before Harry's year's first O.W.L., was reciting the definition
of this charm aloud (OP31).
sugar quills
Treat sold at Honeydukes that is particularly easy to sneak into class because they
look like normal quills (PA5). Sometime around 1996, deluxe sugar quills were also
released, which Hermione said ‘would last hours’ (HBP12).
Summerbee, Felix
(1447-1508)
Invented Cheering Charms (JKR).
‘felix’ = L. ‘happiness’
Summerby (wizard)
(Hufflepuff, 1990s; Quidditch Seeker)
The year after Cedric Diggory’s death, Summerby took over as the Hufflepuff Seeker
(OP26).
Summers (wizard)
(Hufflepuff, 1990s)
Like Fred and George Weasley, he tried taking an Ageing Potion in order to put his
name in the Goblet of Fire, and was sent to the hospital wing with a beard (GF16).
Summoning Charm
See ACCIO.
Sun, the
One of the symbols that can be read from a cup of tea leaves, according to Unfogging the Future. It means ‘great happiness’ (PA6).
In actual tasseography, tea leaves in the shape of the Sun represent ‘a new beginning’.
Supersensory Charm
A spell allows the caster to sense things out of his or her line of sight. Ron says
that he can use this spell instead of looking in the wing mirrors when driving a car
(DH/e).
superstitions
Ron says that his mother is ‘full of’ wizarding superstitions, including ‘May-born
witches will marry Muggles,’ ‘Jinx by twilight, undone by midnight,’ and ‘Wand of
elder, never prosper’ (DH21).
Supreme Mugwump
The head of the International Confederation of Wizards (PS4, OP15, OP31, OP38).
The term ‘Mugwump’ refers to a leader, derived from an Algonquian word meaning ‘great
chief’ (Algonquian languages are spoken by a number of Native American Indian tribes).
Surrey
A county in England just south and west of London. Surrey is the location of Little
Whinging, and thus is the county in which Harry grew up (PS3).
Sweden
Scandinavian country located in the north of Europe. Luna Lovegood and her father
took a trip to Sweden in the summer of 1996 to search for the Crumple-Horned Snorkack
but couldn’t find it (OP38).
Swedish Short-Snout dragon
A silvery-blue species of dragon (GF19 ff.)
Sweeting, Havelock
(1634-1710)
Unicorn expert (FW).
Swelling Solution
The second-year students were making this when Harry threw a firecracker into Goyle's
cauldron to create a diversion. Where the solution splashed, people's arms, noses,
eyes, and other body parts were enlarged grotesquely. The antidote was a Deflating
Draught (CS11).
Switch, Emeric
Author of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration (PS5).
Switching Spells
A category of Transfiguration spells that swap one thing for another (GF15).
Sword of Gryffindor
Goblin-made magical sword, silver with large rubies in the hilt (CS17), once owned
by Godric Gryffindor. Ragnuk the First, a Goblin king, accused Gryffindor of stealing
it from him (DH25, JKR). (See also CS18, DH6, 19, 36).
Sylvanus, Mylor
Non-canon: this name appears (along with Oakden Hobday) on an early planning chart
for Order of the Phoenix in a list as the fifth of the Defence against the Dark Arts Professors.
Taboo
Spell and law making it illegal to speak that name ‘Voldemort’ and allowing the Ministry
to instantly track down anyone who does (DH20, DH22, c.f. DH9).
The choice of name for this effect is clever, as is the magic it invokes; there was
already a social taboo on saying the name before the spell was ever cast, so very
few people would say it. The ones who would say it would be those who most strongly
defy Voldemort, such as members of the Order of the Phoenix.
Tail-Twig Clippers
Broom accessory made of silver, one of the highlights of a Broomstick Servicing Kit
that Hermione gave Harry for his thirteenth birthday (PA1).
‘Tale of the Three Brothers, The’
Wizarding fairy tale from the Tales of Beedle the Bard revealing background of the Deathly Hallows. In it, three brothers escape Death,
who grants each a wish, thereby creating the three Deathly Hallows. The first two
brothers then have their death brought about by the objects they asked for, while
the third uses the Cloak to escape death until he reaches old age (DH21, TBB).
Tales of Beedle the Bard, the
Bequeathed to Hermione Granger by Albus Dumbledore, this book contains a number of
children’s fairy tales written in ancient runes (DH7, DH21, DH35, TBB).
Like most fairy tales, the stories in this book are intended to teach a lesson. Because
they are written for children of wizarding families, the lessons include the idea
that magic isn’t always the best solution for a person’s problems (‘The Fountain of
Fair Fortune’). In 2007, Ms. Rowling created seven hand-written copies of The Tales of Beedle the Bard and gave six of them to friends. The seventh was auctioned off for charity and purchased
by Amazon.com.
talisman
A small object, often with magical symbols on it, which is supposed to bring protection
or good luck to the person possessing it. During Harry’s second year, Hogwarts saw
a ‘roaring trade’ in talismans that supposedly safeguarded students who purchased
them (CS11).
The term ‘talisman’ (from ‘telesema’ = Gr. ‘to initiate into the mysteries’) is sometimes
thought to refer to a good luck object which is carried, in a pocket for example,
as opposed to being worn, like jewellery.
talon-clipping charm
A charm used for dragon care (GF20).
‘tapeworm’
Password to get into Gryffindor Tower (HBP23).
Tarantallegra
(TAIR-an-tuh-LEG-ruh)
A spell that forces the victim's legs to do a crazy dance (CS10, OP35).
The tarantella is actually two very different dances. One is a short, romantic dance
with very specific movements and cheerful music. The other is a frenzied, convulsive
dance which can go on for hours. It is usually danced solo, supposedly to cure the
dancer of the poison of a spider bite through perspiration. This type of tarantella
is actually a form of folk magic.
‘tarantella’= It. ‘a dance, from Taranto, a city in Italy’ + ‘allegro’= It. ‘fast’
tarantula
Lee Jordan had a tarantula on Platform Nine and Three Quarters at the start of Harry's
first year (PS6). They're sold, among other places, in Knockturn Alley (CS4).
teakettle, biting
Arthur Weasley turned up a couple of these enchanted Muggle objects on one of his
nighttime raids (CS3).
tea leaves
A method of Divination where a witch or wizard drinks the tea from a cup, then interprets
the meaning of the leaves that remain in the bottom. Trelawney started Harry’s first
Divination class teaching this method. Among her favourite symbols are the club (a
forthcoming attack), the skull (danger ahead), and – of course – the Grim. All of
these symbols are listed in Unfogging the Future, on pages five and six (PA6).
The practice of reading fortunes using tea leaves is called ‘tasseography’. The procedure
is fairly standard and matches the description in PA fairly closely. However, the
interpretation of the symbols seen in the tea leaves is a very personal thing, and
the assumption is that what one person sees will not match what another person sees.
A symbol for ‘a friendly person’, for example, might immediately bring a particular
person to mind, thereby influencing the reading. Therefore, the best results by far
will come when a person reads their own tea leaves. Although Trelawney may have seen
‘the Grim’ in Harry’s cup, if he didn’t see it that way it’s just as likely to be
a donkey, as Seamus suggests.
tea set, enchanted
When an old witch died and her enchanted tea set was sold to some Muggles, the teapot
started going crazy and attacking the new owners. This kind of problem is sorted out
by the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office (CS3).
Ted
Muggle Newsreader on the evening news, 1 November 1981, who had no idea that the odd
events he was joking about were connected to the downfall of a terrible Dark wizard
(PS1).
telescope, punching
Rather violent joke item created by Fred and George (HBP5).
Tenebrus
One of the thestrals who live in the Forbidden Forest. Tenebrus was the first to be
born there and is Hagrid's favourite (OP21).
‘tenebrosus' L. = ‘dark, gloomy’
tent
The magic tents the Weasleys set up in the campground at the Quidditch World Cup looked
normal from the outside, but inside were quite large, with a small kitchen and bunk
beds. Other folks used tents which were more obvious in their magical nature, with,
for example, chimneys (GF7, DH14).
Tergeo
(TAIR-zhee-oh)
A spell which is used to siphon off that which is unwanted, whether dried blood (HBP8),
dust (DH17), or grease (DH6).
‘tergeo’ = L. ‘to wipe off, to wipe dry; to scour, to clean’
Terrortours
Wizarding travel agents. Located at 59 Diagon Alley, Terrortours plans very adventurous
(and dangerous) holidays to places like the Bermuda Triangle and Transylvania (DP3).
Thestrals
Huge winged horses with white shining eyes, reptilian faces and necks, and skeletal
black bodies (OP11). They are invisible to anyone who has not seen death. Contrary
to superstitions that they are unlucky (OP21), thestrals are actually quite useful
magical creatures. They have an amazing sense of direction and move magically fast
through the air (OP34, DH4). Hogwarts has a herd of thestrals which pull the Hogwarts
carriages (OP10).
When book five came out, fans immediately spotted an apparent inconsistency in Harry’s
suddenly being able to see the thestrals. He had seen the death of a fellow student
at the end of the previous book, after all, and yet the ‘horseless carriages’ are
specifically mentioned in that book, rolling up to the castle as the students prepare
to leave (GF37). Since Harry has now seen death, shouldn’t he have been able to see
the thestrals already at that point? Ms. Rowling’s response to this was that when
he was leaving the castle at the end of book four, he hadn’t come to terms with the
death he had witnessed and therefore couldn’t see the thestrals yet.
Thickey, Janus
A ward for patients with spell damage in St Mungo’s Hospital is now named for this
hapless wizard who tried to trick his wife into thinking that he was dead. The use
of his name suggests that he might have come out of this incident a little worse for
the wear (OP23).
‘Janus’ was the two-faced deity after whom the month of January was named, a fitting
name for a man who essentially lived a double life.
Thicknesse, Pius
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (DH1) until the death of Rufus Scrimgeour,
when he became Minister for Magic (DH13). Pius had long black hair, a beard, and a
prominent forehead (DH12, DH31).
Thief's Downfall
A magical waterfall that can be released over the track at Gringotts which Griphook
says ‘washes away all enchantment, all magical concealment’ (DH25).
third-floor corridor
A corridor in Hogwarts castle, a section of which is set off with a door. It was off-limits
to all students during the 1991-1992 school year (PS7).
Thomas, Dean
(Gryffindor, 1991; Substitute Quidditch Chaser, 1996-1997; Dumbledore’s Army)
A classmate of Harry’s and best friends with Seamus Finnigan (GF7). He is a black
Londoner who grew up as a Muggle; he’s a fan of the West Ham United football team
(PS9). He dated Ginny Weasley during his sixth year (OP38, HBP24). (See also DH23, DH29).
Thomas family
Dean Thomas grew up believing that he was a Muggle-born. However, his real father
never told his family that he was wizard as he feared their safety. Sadly, his son
doesn’t know the real reason his father left, or even who he was (JKR, DH15).
Three Broomsticks, The
A well-known inn in Hogsmeade and a frequent haunt of Hogwarts students. It’s warm
and comfortable, packed every time Harry goes in, and is a great spot to drink butterbeer
(PA10), although they also serve firewhisky (GF25), gillywater, mulled mead, red currant
rum, and even cherry syrup and soda with ice and an umbrella (PA10). Tradition says
that the inn was originally the home of Hengist of Woodcroft, the founder of the town
(FW).
‘Three D’s’
Strategy for learning Apparition, at least as taught by Wilkie Twycross, wherein wizards
need to focus on the desired Destination, be Determined, and move with Deliberation.
As this was pretty much the extent of Wilkie’s instruction, he earned a few unkind
nicknames starting with D as well (HBP18).
Thruston, Orsino
(b. 1976)
Member of The Weird Sisters; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Thurkell, Thaddeus
(1632 - 1692)
A wizard who had problems with his kids; for more information, see the Famous Wizard
cards (FW).
tiara, goblin-made
Molly Weasley’s Auntie Muriel owns this tiara, which bears a slight resemblance to
the diadem of Ravenclaw (DH8, DH25, DH29).
Tibbles, Mr
One of Mrs Figg’s cats, Kneazles, of whom Harry has seen quite a few pictures (PS2).
He also kept an eye on Mundungus Fletcher, alerting Mrs Figg the moment he abandoned
his post (OP1, OP2).
Tiberius
Uncle of Cormac McLaggen. Tiberius was a favourite student of Horace Slughorn's. An
avid hunter, his hunting buddies include Bertie Higgs and Rufus Scrimgeour. He holds
high office in the Ministry of Magic (HBP7).
Tickling Charm
See RICTUSEMPRA.
Time Room
One of the more fascinating rooms in the Department of Mysteries, the Time Room has
clocks everywhere and is filled with ‘beautiful, dancing, diamond-sparkling light’.
The light emanates from a very large crystal bell jar (OP34). The Time Room also contains
a glass-fronted cabinet full of hourglasses (OP35), the Ministry’s entire stock of
Time-Turners (HBP11).
Time-Turner
The Time-Turner is a small silver hourglass worn on a chain around the neck. It's
a very powerful and dangerous magical item which literally turns back time for the
user, one hour per inversion of the glass. They are strictly controlled by the Ministry
of Magic (PA21, OP35, HBP11).
The Time-Turner is a tricky magic item to work into a story because it creates a lot
of plot problems. If characters can go back in time at will, they can change the past
and avoid whatever dangers would otherwise come their way. Having all the Time-Turners destroyed during the battle at the end of book five solved
those plot problems.
Timms, Agatha
Owner of an eel farm, who bet with Ludo Bagman over the Quidditch World Cup match
(GF7).
Tinworth
A village in Cornwall that, though a Muggle village, is home to a large number of
witches and wizards (DH16). Shell Cottage, where Bill and Fleur make their home, is
on the outskirts of Tinworth (DH23).
There is no village or town in Britain called Tinworth. Ms. Rowling may have been
making a veiled reference to Tintagel, on the western coast of Cornwall, which has
connections to the legends of King Arthur. Tin mining has an important place in the
history of Cornwall, which may also have suggested the name to Ms. Rowling.
‘Tiptoe Through the Tulips’
A Muggle song that Vernon Dursley hummed while manically boarding up the cracks around
the front and back doors of number four, Privet Drive, trying to keep Hogwarts letters
from reaching Harry (PS3).
toads
Toads are allowed as pets for students at Hogwarts, but Hagrid says that they’re ‘out
of fashion’, so if you have one, you're likely to be laughed at for it (PS5). It just
figures, then, that Neville comes to Hogwarts with a pet a toad named Trevor, a gift
from an older family member (PS6). Despite their unpopularity, judging from Mundungus'
story on Harry's first night in Grimmauld Place, toads (at least in bulk) are valuable
enough to go to quite a bit of trouble to steal (OP5).
toadstools, leaping
The second year Herbology students worked with these (CS14).
Toadstool Tales
by Beatrix Bloxam
A series of children’s' books now banned in the Wizarding world because they’re so
nice they’re literally sickening (FW).
Judging by the name of the author, this would seem to be a reference to Beatrix Potter,
whose best-known work is The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Since children’s books with scary or gross storylines are often challenged or even
banned by adults trying to ‘protect’ children, perhaps Ms. Rowling is creating a contrasting
series in the Potter universe which the adults want to ban because they’re so sickeningly
nice.
Todd, Sidney
An 83-year-old fan of the Montrose Magpies who supported the decision to release Alasdair
Maddock after he was caught dabbling in basketball, football, and golf (DP3).
toenail-growing hex
One of the spells invented by the Half-Blood Prince; causes rapid toenail growth (HBP12).
‘toffee éclairs’
Password to get into Gryffindor Tower (HBP20).
Tofty
A very ancient wizard who is a member of the Wizarding Examinations Authority, a friend
of Tiberius Ogden (OP31).
Toke, Tilly
(1903 - 1991)
Recipient of the Order of Merlin First Class as a result of the Ilfracombe Incident
1932 (FW). For more information, see the Famous Wizard cards.
Tom
Bald, toothless old innkeeper of the Leaky Cauldron (PS5, PA3, PA4).
Tongue-Tying Curse
Mad-Eye Moody set up one of these in number twelve, Grimmauld Place to try to keep
Snape from entering the house (DH6, 9, c.f. BLC).
Tonks, Andromeda Black
Sister of Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy (and very similar in appearance
to Bellatrix). Andromeda married a Muggle-born wizard (BFT, DH5). They had one daughter,
Nymphadora (OP6). (See also DH22, DH34). She single-handedly raised her grandson, Teddy Lupin, though she had
plenty of help from family friends (BLC, DH/e).
Tonks, Nymphadora
(1973-1998; Hufflepuff, 1984; Order of the Phoenix)
A young Auror and a member of the Order of the Phoenix (OP3-9, OP35). She is a metamorphmagus,
able to change her appearance at will. She prefers to be called Tonks, but her father
called her ‘Dora.’ She is the daughter of Sirius Black's favourite cousin, Andromeda,
who married a Muggle-born wizard, Ted Tonks (OP6). While at Hogwarts, Tonks was not
a Prefect because she had trouble behaving (OP9). However, she must have been a very
capable student, since becoming an Auror requires high marks in many subjects (HBP27,
DH4, DH31, DH35).
Nymphs are spirits of nature in Greek mythology. They are minor female deities who
appear as young, pretty girls, and are the protectors of springs, mountains, and rivers
(EM). A nymph is also a stage of metamorphosis in the insect world.
Tonks, Ted
(d. 1997)
Muggle-born wizard, father of Nymphadora and husband of Andromeda (OP6). He was described
by his daughter as a ‘right old slob,’ in contrast to the Dursleys, whose house seemed
unnaturally clean to Nymphadora (OP3). Ted Tonks had fair hair and a large-ish belly
(DH5). (See also DH15, DH22).
Ton-Tongue Toffees
Imbued with an Engorgement Charm, these sweets make a person's tongue swell up to
ten times its normal size (GF4, GF5).
Toothflossing Stringmints
A sweet sold at Honeydukes that Hermione says her parents would love – presumably
because they’re dentists (PA10).
Toothill, Alberta
(1391-1483)
Witch talented with a Blasting Curse; for more information see the Famous Wizard cards
(FW).
‘Toots, Shoots, ‘n’ Roots’
An award-winning radio program, hosted by Tilden Toots (JKR).
The tail end of one episode can be heard on Ms. Rowling’s website, where Tilden gives
a tip on rejuvenating a Flitterbloom before signing off for the day. This is actually
a clue for one of the ‘Easter eggs’ on the site (JKR).
Topsham
A small village in Devon, the home of Madam Z. Nettles, a witch who used Kwikspell
to improve her magical abilities. Her statement is part of the Kwikspell literature
that Harry once read in Filch’s office (CS8).
Tottenham Court Road
Shopping street in central London, very near Charing Cross Road. Hermione, Harry,
and Ron fled to Tottenham Court Road during a crisis, then decided to Apparate to
the relatively safer Grimmauld Place instead (DH9).
It’s interesting that this was the place that ‘popped into’ Hermione’s head. The Tottenham
Court Road Underground station is adjacent to Charing Cross Road, home of the Leaky
Cauldron. It’s possible that this was the station she and her parents would have used
to reach Diagon Alley (CS4).
‘Toujours Pur’
The motto on the Black family crest, meaning ‘always pure’ in French – a reference
to the family’s blood status (OP6).
Towler, Kenneth
(Hogwarts, 1989)
A student who took his O.W.L.s at the same time as Fred and George who developed boils
as the test approached (OP12).
toy broomsticks
Two small girls at the Quidditch World Cup were playing with toy broomsticks that
barely lifted them high enough for their toes to be clear of the grass (GF7). Harry
had a toy broomstick as a child (DH10).
Trace, the
A charm, placed on all underage wizards that detects magic performed in their vicinity
(CS2). The Trace is automatically removed when a wizard turns seventeen (DH4, DH7,
DH11).
Transfiguration
The complex magic of changing one object into another (PS7), conjuring or Vanishing
objects (OP13), or changing the fundamental nature of an object. Transfiguration has been part of magic since ancient times, when Circe famously turned
lost Greek sailors into pigs (FW). Transfiguration is subject to rules; for example,
Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration has five exceptions, one of which is that
food cannot be conjured from thin air (DH15). Transfiguration is one of the seven
primary subjects at Hogwarts that all first- through fifth-year students are required
to take, most recently taught by Minerva McGonagall (OP15, DH30).
Transfiguration classroom
Hogwarts classroom where McGonagall teaches her lessons. Little description is given
since her lessons tend to be very work-focused, so Harry doesn’t seem to notice his
surroundings much, aside from McGonagall’s desk that she transforms into a pig on
his first day of class (PS8). The classroom is quite far away from Umbridge’s office,
though (OP32).
Transfiguration Today
A magazine that published an article written by Dumbledore when he was a young man
(DH18). Nearly one hundred years later, he still read it (DH33).
Transforming Spells
These have to be adapted for Cross-Species Switches, at least according to a homework
assignment fourth-years had to do for Transfiguration (GF21).
Transmogrifian Torture
When Mrs Norris was stunned, Gilderoy Lockhart pronounced with certainty that she
was dead, killed by the Transmogrifian Torture (CS9).
‘transmogrify’ Eng. from L. ‘to change or alter greatly and often with grotesque or
humorous effect’
Transylvania
A region in the country of Romania. Its national team defeated England in a match
leading up to the Quidditch World Cup in 1994 (GF5). As of Christmas of that year,
Transylvania was to sign an International Ban on Dueling (GF23).
This is another example of the Wizarding world being a bit out of synch with the geography
and politics of the Muggle world. Transylvania is not an independent country and has
seldom been so during its long history. Yet not only does it have a Quidditch team,
it also signs international treaties. Of course, since Transylvania is known as the
fictional home of Dracula, using that name for a ‘country’ in Harry Potter stories
evokes mystery and danger, lending credence to the tale of the Transylvania Quidditch
team in 1473 being particularly vicious and underhanded. Incidentally, the mid-1400s
was the era of Vlad the Impaler, a ruler in Transylvania thought by some to be the
inspiration for the Dracula character.
Travels With Trolls
by Gilderoy Lockhart
One of the many not-so-worthwhile textbooks required for Defence Against the Dark
Arts in Harry's second year (CS4).
Travers
(Death Eater)
Death Eater responsible for a number of murders during the 1970s (GF30). Travers joined
the Ministry of Magic during the Second Wizarding War (DH13). (See also DH26).
Trelawney, Cassandra
Great-great-grandmother of Sibyll Trelawney. Cassandra was a ‘very famous, very gifted’
Seer in her day (OP37).
Cassandra in mythology was a Trojan seer gifted with true prophecy, but cursed (by
Apollo) so that no one would ever believe her. The people of Troy ignored her warnings
not to allow the Trojan Horse within the city's walls, a mistake that allowed the
Greeks to capture Troy. Trelawney suffers the same fate repeatedly. For example, she
wanders the hallways of Hogwarts, producing cards that tell of upcoming danger and
trouble, but no one pays any attention at all.
Trelawney, Sybill Patricia
The Divination professor at Hogwarts and the great-great-granddaughter of Cassandra
Trelawney, a very gifted, famous Seer (OP37). Hermione considers her to be nothing
but ‘an old fraud’ (GF13), a view shared by many at Hogwarts. Trelawney typically
shuns the company of the rest of the school, spending her time in her tower apartments
(esp. PA11). Her version of Divination is fortune-telling: reading palms and tea leaves,
interpreting astrological charts, and reading crystal balls, for example (PA6).
In ancient times a Sibyl was a prophetess who, in a state of ecstasy and under influence
of Apollo, prophesied without being consulted. Trelawney's first name is spelled differently
in the British version than it is in the U.S. version. The British version has ‘Sybill’
while the U.S. version has ‘Sibyll’.
Tremlett, Donaghan
(b. 1972)
The member of the Weird Sisters, and a big Kenmare Kestrels supporter (FW, JKR). According
to the Daily Prophet he was married in the fall of 1995 (OP14). For more information, see the Famous Wizard
cards.
Trevor
Neville Longbottom’s pet toad. Trevor was constantly getting lost (PS6). On at least
one occasion, Neville brought Trevor to Potions class, which didn’t turn out so well
(PA7).
Trimble, Quentin
Author of The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self Protection (PS5).
Trip Jinx
A jinx which catches the target’s legs and makes them stumble (OP27).
Triwizard Cup
Awarded to the winner of the Triwizard Tournament and held as an honour by the victorious
school until the next tournament. In the 1994-1995 Tournament, the cup was placed
in the centre of a dangerous and difficult maze (GF32).
Triwizard Tournament
A famous contest between the schools of Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons, originating
some 700 years ago as a friendly competition between the three schools. Each school
took turns hosting the Tournament, which took place every five years, until it was
discontinued due to a high number of deaths. It consisted of a series of tasks given
to a single champion from each school, designed to test their magical and mental capabilities.
Modern wizards grew up hearing stories of these great magical contests of years gone
by (GF16) and were thrilled to learn that the Tournament was to be held again.
Dumbledore works hard to reinstate this ancient contest between the three schools
in order to bring people together. His impassioned speech at the end of the book,
saying that ‘we are only as strong as we are united’ and begging students from all
three schools to consider themselves friends, gives a clear indication of why he would
insist on holding a contest this elaborate and complicated when the world is in turmoil
and with rumours of Voldemort returning. He is hoping to forge a bond of friendship
and respect in the face of Voldemort’s attempts to break down trust between wizards
(GF37). The name of the contest was originally ‘The Doomspell Tournament’, which was
also part of the working title of the fourth book: Harry Potter and the Doomspell Tournament.
Troll
Tall, stupid creatures, violent in nature and very smelly (PS10). Some of the more
intelligent species of Trolls participate in wizarding society to some extent, mostly
as security guards (PA14, OP30). However, due to their low intelligence, they are
not recognised as magical beings. This has caused some recent conflicts between the
Troll Rights Movement and wizards favouring the creatures’ continued suppression (DP2).
Trolls come from Norse mythology. They are giant, ugly, man-eating creatures who only
come out at night. If exposed to sunlight, they will turn to stone. Tolkien included
a memorable scene in The Hobbit in which Bilbo managed to keep three Trolls distracted until the sun came up and
petrified them. Ms. Rowling doesn’t include this aspect of Troll lore in her books.
Troll (language)
Apparently this is actually a language, since Percy Weasley names it as one of the
two hundred or so languages that Mr Crouch can speak. As Fred points out though, it’s
hard to imagine it’s all that difficult to learn, considering the low level of Troll
intelligence (GF7).
Troll Rights Movement
An organised movement, spearheaded by Miss Heliotrope Willis, that campaigns for the
rights of Trolls. They often use Trolls to forcefully break up meetings of wizards
that oppose their views. The movement’s members themselves also get clubbed on occasion,
though, Trolls being what they are (DP2).
trophy room
Hogwarts has a trophy room on the third floor where all the old awards, trophies,
statues, cups, plates, shields, and medals are kept in crystal display cases. There
is also a list of all the head boys and girls (PS9, CS7, CS13). Peeves likes to bounce
around the trophy room (PA10, GF25).
In the first film, we visit the trophy room and Harry sees a plaque showing names
of famous Gryffindor Quidditch players. His father’s name is on that plaque, listing
him as a Seeker in 1972. This works well as a way to move the story along in the film,
but the details don’t match the facts given elsewhere. James Potter entered Hogwarts
in 1971. This means that he would have received this award at the end of his first
year, when he wasn’t even on the team, or the beginning of his second year, when he
could have played at most two games. Also, according to Ms. Rowling, James was a Chaser
(Sch2).
Troy
Irish Chaser, one third of the famous ‘Troy, Mullet, and Moran’ (GF8).
trunk
The luggage of choice in the Wizarding world, at least among Hogwarts students and
teachers. Trunks are quite large – Harry can barely lift his when he’s younger (PS6)
and it’s long enough to fit a broomstick (PA15). Some have far more space in them
than is obvious; Moody’s trunk, for example, has six trunk-sized compartments and
a seventh that’s as deep as a pit (GF35). However those carried by young students
don’t seem to have these types of abilities, as Hermione mentions in her second year
that she couldn’t fit all the books she wanted to bring in hers (CS9).
Truth Potion/Serum
Truth Potion (GF27), Truth Serum (FB), and Veritaserum (GF27) are all names for potions
which force the drinker to tell the truth.
tuba, exploding
This interesting musical instrument featured prominently in The Wizard Suite, composed
by Musidora Barkwith (FW).
Tufty
One of Mrs Figg’s cats and/or Kneazles, of which Harry isn’t particularly fond (PS2).
Tugwood, Sacharissa
(1874 - 1966)
Witch specializing in beauty products; for more information see the Famous Wizard
cards (FW).
‘saccharine’ = Eng. ‘sickly sweet’
Turkey
A large country on the boundary between Asia and Europe, with a correspondingly diverse
tradition and culture. Turkey's national Quidditch team was defeated by England in
a match in the early 1980s, thanks in part to a performance by Ludo Bagman (GF30).
Turpin, Lisa
(Ravenclaw, 1991)
A girl who was sorted along with Harry’s class, just before Ron (PS7).
Tutshill Tonados
Quidditch team which hails from the small town of Tutshill in the Forest of Dean,
on of border with Wales and England. Cho Chang has supported the Tornados since she
was six years old, though according to Ron, the team have recently attracted a number of fair-weather fans (OP12). The team has recently been captained by Brevis Birch and included Keeper
Merwyn Finwick, and according the the Daily Prophet they have a 900-year history (DP2).
Ms. Rowling lived in Tutshill for a few years as she was growing up.
Twelve Fail-Safe Ways to Charm Witches
A book which, according to Ron, ‘explains everything you need to know about girls.’
He received a copy from Fred and George, and gave Harry a copy for his seventeenth
birthday (DH7). Judging by his behaviour, it includes advice on giving compliments
and acting concerned for the girl’s feelings.
Twiddle, Mallory
Wrote a letter to the Daily Prophet complaining that Gringotts was using Sphinxes to guard its high security vaults (DP1).
Twilfitt and Tattings
A competitor to Madam Malkin’s, probably located in Diagon Alley or Knockturn Alley
(HBP6).
The name ‘Twilfitt’ is a contraction of ‘it will fit’, suggesting that the clothing
sold there is of good quality; ‘tat’, on the other hand, is a British term meaning
something which is shabby and cheap.
Twitchy Ears Hex
Harry was hit with this hex as fourth-years practiced Hex-Deflection in Defence Against
the Dark Arts (GF28).
Twonk, Norvel
(1888 - 1957)
Wizard hero; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
‘twonk’ = British slang ‘idiot, fool’
Twycross, Wilkie
Apparition Instructor from the Ministry of Magic (HBP18).
Ubbly’s Oblivious Unction
A topical treatment for scars that are caused by thoughts, a type of damage that Madam
Pomfrey describes as difficult to heal (OP38).
‘oblivious’ = Eng. ‘unaware, forgetful’; ‘unction’ = Eng. ‘salve or ointment’.
Ug the Unreliable
A very dishonest goblin; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
Uganda
African country located in East Africa. The Ugandan national team also defeated Wales
in recent World Cup competition (GF5).
Umbridge, Dolores Jane
(DADA Professor, 1995-1996)
Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic (OP8). In fall of 1995, she was appointed
by the Ministry to be the Hogwarts DADA teacher (OP12) and to weaken Dumbledore’s
authority at the school. Eventually Umbridge was made Hogwarts High Inquisitor, a
position she used to terrorize the staff and students with class inspections, brutal
detentions (OP13), and repressive Educational Decrees (e.g. OP17, OP26), Umbridge
continued to work for the Ministry of Magic over the next few years (DH13, see also BLC).
Umbridge and her role within the Ministry provide a chilling reflection of the tactics
used by the Nazis to control the German people after Hitler was appointed Chancellor in 1933. The Nazis came to power by preying on people’s fears and promising reform,
then quickly and brutally silenced their critics and intimidated or co-opted the powerful.
They made sure they controlled the news media and the ideas people might get from
books, and made decrees aimed at stopping new resistance from forming. Umbridge didn't
burn any books, but she seems to have learned Nazi tactics well.
‘dolor’ = L. ‘pain, sadness, grief, resentment’
‘Umbridge’ = homonym for the English word 'umbrage' = ‘to take offense’, from ‘umbra’ = L. ‘shade, shadow, ghost’
Note: In an early planning chart for Order of the Phoenix, Umbridge's first name was given as 'Elvira' (JKR).
Umbridge-itis
A fake (though fun) disease that swept through Hogwarts after Umbridge took over as
headmaster and Fred and George Weasley quit school. Umbridge never figured out what
caused the illness and eventually resigned herself to letting students ‘leave her
classes in droves’ (OP30).
Umbridge’s office, Ministry of Magic
A fancy office on level one of the Ministry of Magic. The office itself was eerily
familiar to Harry, filled with lace, flowers, and sickeningly cute kittens. It also,
notably, had the late Mad-Eye Moody’s magical eye attached to the door so Umbridge
could spy on her employees (DH13).
Umgubular Slashkilter
Something that Cornelius Fudge had in 1995 – according to Luna Lovegood, anyway. It’s
probably a creature of some kind, but who really knows… (OP18).
Unbreakable Charm
A spell which protects an object, a glass jar for instance, from breaking (GF37).
Unbreakable Vow
A magical contract, overseen by a caster, that if broken results in death (HBP16).
As each clause of the oath being sworn is agreed to, ‘a thin tongue of brilliant flame’
shoots from the bonder’s wand and winds itself around the joined hands of the participants
(HBP2).
‘uncontrollable giggling’
This condition is listed on the directory that stands in the lobby of St Mungo’s Hospital.
Interestingly, it’s listed as an example for ‘Potion and Plant Poisoning’, the department
on the third floor of the hospital (OP22).
Undesirables
This term was used to label their most wanted ‘criminals’, who were most likely all
members of the Order of the Phoenix (DH13).
The term 'undesirables' (Unerwünschten) was used by the Nazis for people such as Jews,
homosexuals, gypsies, and communists who were to be eliminated from a ‘perfect’ German
society.
Undetectable Extension Charm
A spell which allows one to carry a large number of useful items in a small pouch
(DH9). It’s unclear exactly how this charm works, but the pouch expands enough to
squeeze a large painting through the opening (DH12), while still being small enough
to hide the whole thing in one’ssock (BLC).
Undetectable Poisons
One of the many things that third-years had to write an essay about for Snape’s Potions
class. The ‘nasty’ essay was due shortly after returning from the Christmas holiday
(PA12).
Unfogging the Future
by Cassandra Vablatsky
Required textbook for Divination in Harry's third year (PA4). Ron and Harry were still
using it as a reference book when working on Divination essays the following year
(GF14).
Unforgivable Curses
Name given to three curses – the Cruciatus, the Imperius, and the Killing Curse –
the use of which will result in a life term in Azkaban (GF14). They are all used extensively
by Death Eaters, and occasionally by ‘the good guys’ (DH26, DH29).
When a reader asked J.K. Rowling why she had Harry use Unforgivable Curses, she answered
that he is ‘flawed and mortal, just like Snape’ and is subject to ‘anger and occasional
arrogance.’ These flaws, combined with an extreme situation, led him to bad decisions
(BLC). As a story technique, however, Harry’s use of Imperio and Crucio leading up to the final battle is very important. When we see him use those curses,
we realise that he could very well use the Killing Curse if he needed to. Part of
the drama of that last confrontation came from wondering if Harry would in fact commit
murder.
unicorn
A white horse-like creature with a single horn on its head. Fourth-years study unicorns
in Care of Magical Creatures (GF24, GF26). Various parts of the unicorn - the horn
and tail hair in particular - are used as potion ingredients (PS15) and as wand cores
(PS5). Silver unicorn horns cost twenty-one Galleons each at the Apothecary in Diagon
Alley (PS5) and the tail hairs are ten Galleons apiece (HBP22). The unicorn’s blood
can be drunk to extend life indefinitely, though according to Firenze the life will
be forever cursed for killing something so pure (PS15). For more information, see
the book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
‘unus’ = L. ‘one’ + ‘cornu’ = L. ‘horn’
The unicorn is first mentioned in ancient Greek texts, but not as part of any mythological
tales. Rather, the unicorn was considered to be a real creature native to India, with
a horn which was thought to detect poisons. The only way to capture a unicorn was
to have a young virgin accompany the hunters. The unicorn would immediately come to
the girl and lie at her feet, subdued. Ms. Rowling borrows this idea when she describes
her unicorns as preferring girls to boys. Unicorns have appeared in folktales and
bestiaries through the centuries.
Unicorn (Rune)
According to Ancient Runes Made Easy, the Unicorn rune symbolises the number one, thanks to the animal’s single long, straight
horn (JKR).
U-No-Poo
A Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes product (of course) that causes constipation – and is the
subject of a rather interesting display in the front window of the store (HBP6).
Unplottable
Spells can be cast on buildings, for example number 12 Grimmauld Place (OP6), that
make them Unplottable – that is, they become impossible to be shown on maps. This
simultaneously serves as an anti-Muggle charm and a precaution against wizards finding
the place (OP6).
Unspeakables
Wizards, including Rookwood (GF30), Broderick Bode (OP25), and Croaker (GF7), who
work in the Department of Mysteries. They are forbidden to discuss what they do (OP24).
Upper Barnton
In the 1400s Upper Barnton was the home of a giant named Hengist (FW).
Upper Flagley
A Yorkshire village with a high concentration of wizards living among the Muggles
(DH16, DH22).
Urg the Unclean
(1700s)
Goblin activist (FW, JKR).
Uric the Oddball
A medieval wizard famous for his weird and seemingly insane behaviour (FW). Despite
seemingly never doing anything of importance, he was discussed in the first-years
History of Magic classes (PS8).
Urquhart
(Slytherin, 1990s; Quidditch Chaser and Captain, 1996-?)
Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team during Harry’s sixth year (HBP14).
Urquhart is a Scottish clan name, and the name of a castle located along Loch Ness.
Vablatsky, Cassandra
(1894 - 1997)
Celebrated Seer and author of Unfogging the Future (PA4).
‘Cassandra’ was the mythological daughter of Priam and Hecuba, given the power of
prophecy by Apollo. When she spurned him, he added the curse that her prophecies should
not be believed. ‘Vablatsky’ comes from Madam Helena Blavatsky, 1831-1891, who brought Eastern philosophical
ideas to the West and founded the Theosophy movement.
Vaisey
(Slytherin, 1990s; Quidditch Chaser, 1996-?)
A Slytherin Quidditch player who Ron described as their best goal-scorer in 1996.
He was hit by a Bludger just before the match with Gryffindor that year and couldn’t
play (HBP14).
valentine, singing
Lockhart's idea of a Valentine's Day treat was roving dwarfs dressed as cupids, delivering
cards and singing love messages to various students (CS13).
Valentine’s Day
Holiday observed on 14 February, celebrating romantic love. Several Valentine’s Days
were memorable occasions for Harry. The first was during Harry’s second year, when
Gilderoy Lockhart turned Valentine’s Day into a ‘morale-booster’, decorating the Great
Hall in disgusting pink tones and sending dwarfs carrying valentines around the school
(CS13). Three years later, Harry had his first-ever date on Valentine’s Day (OP25).
vampire
Though not wizards themselves, vampires are able to mix somewhat in the Wizarding
world – they occasionally attend social events (HBP16) and products like blood-flavoured
lollipops are marketed for them (PA10) – but a close watch has to be kept to ensure
they don’t attack innocent bystanders (HBP16, DP2, DP3, DP4). Generally speaking,
though, they seem to be feared by wizards. Lockhart bragged about subduing a vampire
in one of his books (CS10), for example, and they were covered in Lupin’s Defence
Against the Dark Arts classes (PA14).
Vance, Emmeline
(d. 1996; Order of the Phoenix)
Member of the Order of the Phoenix, both in the 1970s and in the 1990s. She was part
of the Advance Guard that escorted Harry from number four, Privet Drive to number
twelve, Grimmauld Place (OP3, OP9). She is described as a ‘stately-looking witch’
who wore a green shawl. (See also HBP1, HBP2).
Vane, Romilda
(Gryffindor, 1993)
A Gryffindor with dark eyes and long, dark hair, Romilda was a bit boy-crazy and proved
she would go to almost any lengths to try to catch the boy she fancied (HBP7, HBP11,
HBP18).
Vanishing Cabinet
A magical device, very valuable and rare, paired in a set of two which allow someone
to move magically between them (CS8, OP28, HBP27).
vanishing sickness
A wizarding malady listed on the directory in the lobby of St Mungo’s Hospital under
magical sicknesses, as something which would be treated on the second floor. Dragon
pox and scrofungulus are listed here as well (OP22).
Vanishing Spell
See EVANESCO.
Vargot
(d. 1792)
A goblin rebel, though there is an unverified historical theory that when he died,
Vargot was discovered to be a renegade house elf (JKR).
Varney, Sir Herbert
(1858 - 1889)
A Victorian vampire who attacked London women during the 1880s; for more information,
see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
This is probably supposed to imply that Jack the Ripper was actually a vampire who
was taken care of by the Wizarding community, even though the Muggles never knew who
it was. The Ripper murders took place in 1888.
vaults, Gringotts
Located deep underground in a labyrinth of caves and stone passages, Gringotts stores
valuables for their patrons in vaults with varying degrees of security. The high security
vaults are guarded by dragons and sphinxes, some with doors that only open when a
Gringotts goblin touches them (PS5, PA22, DH26, DP1). The Lestrange family vault is
one of the most heavily guarded. Even the treasure inside is jinxed with anti-theft
spells (DH26).
Vauxhall Road
A street in South London, the location of a newsagent's where Tom Marvolo Riddle bought
his diary (CS13).
Vauxhall is an area of South London which was neglected and run-down for many years.
Much of the area was destroyed by air raids in World War II, which might account for
the fact that the orphanage is no longer standing when Harry, Ron, and Hermione come
to call (DH15). There is no road specifically called Vauxhall Road in London, but
there is a Vauxhall Bridge in that area.
Vector, Septima
Arithmancy professor at Hogwarts (PA12, GF13, HBP24).
Professor Vector's first name appears on a list Ms. Rowling created while planning
Prisoner of Azkaban; however, her first name cannot be considered canon because other information on
this page changed by the time the book was actually published (JKR).
veela
Female magical beings that have the ability to drive men uncontrollably wild, especially
when they ‘turn on’ their charm or perform the sensual dance for which they’re known
(GF8, GF22). However, when they get angry, they turn into bird-like creatures which
throw fire. A group of veela served as the mascots for the Bulgarian National Quidditch
Team at the Quidditch World Cup, though they were kicked out when they distracted
the referee (GF8). Veela hairs can be used as wand cores (GF18).
The veela are based on Eastern European nature spirits of legend called ‘Vily’, Slovak
fairies who can take the form of birds.
vegetable gardens (Hogwarts)
Located near the greenhouses (PA21), it was in these gardens where Harry found Professor
Sprout and Professor Slughorn picking vegetables and chatting; fortuitously, they
were exactly the people he needed to see (HBP22).
Venomous Tentacula
Spiky, dark red plant that when teething, reaches out vines toward people (CS6, OP9).
‘venomous’ = Eng. ‘poisonous’ + ‘tentacle’ = ‘a long, flexible appendage used to grasp
things’
Veritaserum
The most powerful Truth Serum available, this ‘colourless, odourless potion’ (which
looks like plain water) forces the drinker to tell the truth (GF35, OP37, HBP9). Veritaserum
is controlled by ‘strict Ministry guidelines’ (GF27).
veritas’ = L. ‘truth’
Verity
A ‘young witch with short blonde hair’ who worked as a shop assistant at Weasleys'
Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley during the summer before Harry's sixth year (HBP6).
vine
The wood from which Hermione Granger’s wand is made (JKR, c.f.DH36).
After assigning Harry a wand made of holly, Ms. Rowling discovered that she had unintentionally
given him a wood that corresponded with his birth date according to Celtic lore. She
decided to do the same for Ron and Hermione. The wood for September, the month Hermione
was born, is vine (JKR). Vine wood in this case probably refers to grapevine, Vitis vinifera (European wild grape).
Violet (‘Vi’)
The Fat Lady's best friend, a wizened, pale old witch whose painting is located in
the antechamber off the Great Hall (GF17).
Viridian, Vindictus
Author of the book Curses and Counter-curses (Bewitch Your Friends and Befuddle Your Enemies with the
Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying, and Much, Much More) (PS5).
To be 'vindictive' is to want revenge or to want to take things out on someone.
‘viridis’ = Latin ‘green’ (suggests the idea of being ‘green with envy’).
visitors’ entrance (Ministry of Magic)
A run-down telephone box in a street surrounded by run-down offices and a pub. When
a wizard dials 6-2-4-4-2 (spelling ‘MAGIC’) and states his name, he receives a visitors’
badge and the telephone box lowers into the earth, dropping the visitor off in the
beautiful Atrium of the Ministry of Magic (OP7, OP34).
visitors’ tearoom (St Mungo’s)
According to the sign in the St Mungo’s lobby, this room is located on the fifth floor
of the hospital along with the hospital shop (OP22). Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny
decided to visit the tea room during their visit to St Mungo’s over the Christmas
holidays in 1995 (OP23).
Voldemort, Lord
(31 December, 1926 – 2 May, 1998)
The greatest Dark Wizard of the age. Voldemort took control of the Wizarding world
by manipulating the festering prejudices in the Wizarding world. Voldemort delved
deep into the darkest magic to find a way to make himself invincible and immortal.
He stole the legendary Elder Wand to hold the ultimate weapon against his enemies
(DH14, DH23, DH24) and created Horcruxes to protect himself from begin killed (esp.
HBP23). In the end, however, it was his inability to understand love or feel remorse
which led to his downfall (esp. DH36).
See RIDDLE, TOM MARVOLO; FIRST WIZARDING WAR; SECOND WIZARDING WAR.
‘Voldemort’ = Fr. ‘flight from death’, pronounced VOL-duh-more (the final 't' is silent,
according to Ms. Rowling). Film pronunciation, however, is VOL-duh-mort.
Voldemort's potions
In order to return to his body, Voldemort had Wormtail make him two different potions.
The first, consisting of unicorn blood and snake venom milked from Nagini, nursed
him back to health (GF1, GF33); the second, which included bone from his father, Harry’s
blood, and Pettigrew’s hand, restored him to his body (GF32).
Volkov
Bulgarian National Team, Beater at the World Cup of 1994 (GF8).
Voyages With Vampires
by Gilderoy Lockhart
One of the many, many required textbooks for Defence Against the Dark Arts in Harry's
second year (CS4).
Vulchanov
Beater who played for the Bulgarian National Team during the 1994 Quidditch World
Cup (GF8).
Wadcock, Joscelind
(b. 1911)
A famous Puddlemere United Chaser (FW).
Waddiwasi
(wah-di-WAH-see)
A useful spell that Lupin used to shoot gum out of a keyhole and up Peeves’s nose
(PA7).
Etymology uncertain; possibly ‘vadd’ = Swedish ‘a soft mass’ + ‘vas y’ = Fr. ‘go there’
Some magic theory here, because we’re geeky enough to try to work this stuff out:
The ‘useful spell’ that Lupin was showing them was probably the ‘wasi’ part, in this
case with a target word attached, ‘wad’. Again we see how important intention is to
magic, since the wad was directed into Peeves' nose by intent with the ‘go there’
part of the spell. In another situation, the spell might be ‘stolawasi’ to send a
robe into a student's trunk, but it would only work if the student focused his mind
on where he wanted the robe to go.
Waffling, Adalbert
(1899 - 1981)
Adalbert was the author of Magical Theory (PS5, FW).
He would have enjoyed that little bit of theorising one entry back, I’ll bet. The
dates given for Waffling do not work when we learn in DH that Dumbledore corresponded
with him while in school. Dumbledore had left Hogwarts by the time Waffling was born,
according to the dates on the Famous Wizard card. His name is one of Ms. Rowling’s
sly jokes. This learned scholar of magical theory is ‘addled’ (confused) and tends
to ‘waffle’ (blather on without coming to a conclusion).
Wagga Wagga Werewolf
The object of one of Gilderoy Lockhart's adventures, if you believe the Lockhart version
of the story (CS10).
Wagga Wagga is a city in Australia. Funny how many of Lockhart’s ‘conquests’ seem
to have happened a long way from Britain.
Wagstaff, ‘Honest Willy
Street peddler who was accused by the Ministry of selling defective wands and loose-bottomed
cauldrons in Diagon Alley. The wands caused burns to a number of people (DP1).
Wagtail, Myron
(b. 1970)
Member of the Weird Sisters rock group; for more information, see the Famous Wizard
cards (FW).
Wailing Widow
A ghost from Kent that attended Nearly Headless Nick’s five hundredth deathday party
(CS8).
Wakanda
An ‘elderly witch’ with blonde hair that ‘resembled an anthill,’ who works at the
Ministry of Magic (DH13).
Wales
A country, part of the United Kingdom, located in the western part of Britain. The
Welsh National Quidditch team was defeated by Uganda in World Cup play in 1994 (GF5),
though their Gobstones team did manage to defeat Hungary (DP1).
walnut
A wand wood that Ollivander used to create an ‘unyielding’ wand for Bellatrix Lestrange
(DH24).
The lore about walnut wood fits with the kind of wand that Ollivander created. Walnut
is said to be unrelenting, aggressive, and inflexible. It also signifies great ambition,
jealousy, and passion. Sounds like it suits Bella just fine.
wand
A wand is the key to a wizard’s power, a ‘vessel’ that channels the magical energy
of its owner (HCG); though wizards can do some magic without one, it is far less controlled
(CR). Wands are made of wood, with a core made from a powerful magical substance like
unicorn tail hair or dragon heartstring (PS5). Though any wizard could use almost
anything to channel their energy, it is a wand that has an affinity with its owner
– that is, which has learned magic along with the owner, a ‘mutual quest for experience’
– that produces the best results (DH24).
Wand Ban of 1631
Currently it is illegal for any creatures other than witches and wizards to own a
wand, pursuant to the Wand Ban of 1631 (JKR). Goblins in particular have been lobbying
for changes to this law, but it remains enforced to this day (DP3, DH24).
wand effects
Unnamed category of minor spells. Wizards seem to be able to shoot things out of their
wands at will, be it for celebration, decoration, or simply to get attention. Examples
range from Dumbledore’s purple firecrackers (PS10) to Ollivander’s smoke rings and
fountain of wine (GF18) and Hermione’s streamers that decorated for Harry’s birthday
(DH7).
Wanderings With Werewolves
by Gilderoy Lockhart
One of the many, many required textbooks for Defence Against the Dark Arts in Harry's
second year (CS4).
wand evaluator
Though this instrument is never named, the visitors’ registration desk in the Ministry
of Magic has one of these for checking in visitors’ wands. Though the instrument is
brass and looks like half a set of scales, it doesn’t actually tell the wand’s weight
but its length, its core, and the length of time it’s been in use. The Ministry then
keeps the information, returning the wand to the wizard (OP17).
Chapter eighteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is named ‘The Weighing of the Wands,’ though Mr Ollivander’s process of checking
the wands of the Triwizard Champions doesn’t seem to involve any sort of weighing
device, or indeed measuring the weight at all (GF18).
wandlore
A particularly mysterious and complex ancient magic which governs the ownership and
power of wands (esp. DH24). Wands have an affinity for specific wizards (PS5), and
in some way even seem to have sentience all their own (e.g. DH4).
Wand of Destiny
Another name for the Elder Wand (DH21).
wand rights
Witches and wizards were given the ‘right to carry wands at all times’ by a law created
in 1692 by the International Confederation of Wizards. This basic right was considered
necessary because of the constant danger from Muggle persecution at that time. Wand
rights do not extend to non-Wizard beings (JKR). In spite of this law, the Ministry
took the extraordinary step of confiscating wands from spectators who attended a contentious
Harpies-Puddlemere United match on Ilkley Moor (DP3), but trouble broke out anyway
(DP4).
wand sparks
A basic spell that emits red or green sparks from the wand, used as a signal. This
was a spell that first-years learned (PS15) that is used as a signal even by adult
wizards (GF31, OP3).
wand writing
Emits an animated ribbon from the tip of the wand that spells words or forms numbers;
Dumbledore used this effect to form the words of the Hogwarts School Song, so everyone
could sing (PS7). The judges for the Triwizard Tournament used wand writing to show
the marks they gave out of ten (GF21). (See also CS17).
War of the Roses
A popular historical theory holds that this war was actually started because of a
Wizarding conflict: neighbours fighting over a Fanged Geranium (JKR).
The War of the Roses was a series of conflicts between 1455 and 1487 fought between
rival claimants to the throne of England.
Warbeck, Celestina
(b. 1917)
Known as the ‘Singing Sorceress’ (CS3), and one of the most well-known recording artists
in the Wizarding world (FW). Her hits include ‘A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love’
and ‘You Charmed the Heart Right Out of Me’ (HBP16). Concerts she has played include
Liverpool (DP2) and Exmoor (JKR), and she is known to perform with a group of backup
banshees (DP4). Miss Warbeck also sings Christmas Concerts on the WWN, to which the
Weasley family listens with varying degrees of enthusiasm (HBP16).
A ‘celesta’ is a keyboard instrument which has a bell-like, ethereal sound, notably
used for the melody of in Tchaikovsky's ‘Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy’ and John Williams’
‘Hedwig’s Theme’ from the Potter films.
warlock
A word used more or less interchangeably with ‘wizard,’ though it usually seems to
refer to an older wizard. Dumbledore is Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot (OP5), a term
that commands respect, and Ernie Macmillan proudly proclaims that he is descended
from nine generations of warlocks (CS11).
Yet, while in the Leaky Cauldron, Harry contrasts ‘venerable’ wizards to a group of
‘wild-looking’ warlocks (PA4), and a book in the Hogwarts library is titled Madcap Magic for Wacky Warlocks (GF26). Thus, the connotations of the word, aside from ‘old,’ are hard to tease out.
Warlocks’ Convention of 1709
This convention, a notable event in the Wizarding world, outlawed dragon breeding
(PS14).
‘Warlock’s Hairy Heart, The’
One of the fairy tales in The Tales of Beedle the Bard. This dark, bloody story tells of a young warlock who goes to extreme measures to
protect himself from love (TBB).
Warrington, (C. ?)
(b. 1977; Slytherin, 1988; Quidditch Chaser 1993-1996; Inquisitorial Squad)
Described by Dean Thomas as ‘that big bloke from Slytherin who looks like a sloth’
(GF16). While a member of the Inquisitorial Squad (and coincidentally just before
a big match with Gryffindor), Warrington suffered an attack that left him with a horrible
skin ailment (OP30).
Wars, Wizarding
See FIRST WIZARDING WAR and SECOND WIZARDING WAR.
Wartcap powder
When Sirius Black was bitten by a snuffbox that contained Wartcap powder in number
twelve, Gimmauld Place, his hand instantly developed a strange skin condition. It
didn’t seem painful, though, and was quickly remedied by a swish of his wand. George
snuck the box into his pocket after Sirius tried to discard it, so it’s likely that
the powder is now an ingredient in some Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes products (OP6).
Watkins, Fabius
(1940 - 1975)
Montrose Magpies captain and Chaser (JKR).
‘wattlebird’
Password to get into Gryffindor Tower (CS5).
A wattlebird is a large honey-eating bird native to Australia.
Wazlib, Roonil
Inadvertent name for Ron. Eight months after buying a Spell-Check Quill from Fred
and George, Ron discovered that the charm was wearing off. It misspelled ‘belligerent’
with a B-U-M, ‘augury’ with an O-R-G, and his own name as Roonil Wazlib (HBP21).
Weasley, Arthur
(b. February 6, c. 1950; Gryffindor; Order of the Phoenix)
An easy-going, middle-aged wizard with a passion for Muggles, Arthur is a thin, balding
man who wears glasses and long robes (CS3). Arthur met Molly Prewett at Hogwarts and
fell in love; they eloped soon after graduation and eventually had seven children
(HBP6). He raised his family to wear the ‘blood traitor’ label with pride (DH24).
Arthur worked for years at the Ministry of Magic (GF11). He is particularly fascinated
by Muggle technology (GF4). He also enjoys enchanting Muggle objects, such as a Ford
Anglia he bewitched to fly (CS5). Arthur has been a very active member in the Order
of the Phoenix (OP6), nearly dying in an attack in 1995 (OP23, OP24) and fighting
in the Battle of Hogwarts (DH35).
Ms. Rowling has said that she originally planned for Arthur to die when he was attacked
by Nagini, but changed her mind (BLC).
‘Weasley, Barny’
Though not a real person, Barny’s name got thrown around a bit as a pseudonym Harry
used during the war against Voldemort (DH8, DH23).
Weasley, Bill
See WEASLEY, WILLIAM ARTHUR.
Weasley, Charlie
(b. December 12, 1972; Gryffindor 1984; Quidditch Seeker and Captain; Prefect, 1988;
Order of the Phoenix)
An ‘outdoor type’, stocky and freckled (GF4), who has spent his whole adult life working
with dragons in Romania (CS4, CS14). He is a member of the Order of the Phoenix despite
living in Romania; he primarily helps by working to recruit foreign members (OP4).
When he was at Hogwarts, Charlie was an excellent Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch
team, and led his team to the Quidditch Cup; Oliver Wood claims ‘he could have played
for England’ if he hadn’t left to work with dragons instead (PS9).
Weasley, Fred and George
(b. April 1, 1978; Gryffindor, 1989; Quidditch Beaters, 1990-1996; Dumbledore’s Army;
Order of the Phoenix; Fred d. May, 1998)
Wizard twins known for, above all, having a sense of humour. By their fourth year
at Hogwarts the twins had an entire file drawer in Filch’s office devoted to their
troublemaking (CS8). Both were short and stocky, with Weasley freckles and red hair
(GF5). Fred and George always wanted to own a joke shop; from a young age explosions
could be heard coming from their bedroom as they created and tested products (GF5).
After leaving Hogwarts (OP29), the twins set up shop in Diagon Alley (HBP6). Fred
and George were eager to join the Order of the Phoenix and fought bravely against
the Death Eaters (DH4, DH31).
Weasley, Ginevra Molly ‘Ginny’
(b. August 11, 1981; Gryffindor, 1992; Quidditch Seeker/Chaser, 1995-?; Dumbledore’s
Army; Slug Club)
The youngest child and only daughter of Arthur and Molly Weasley (CS3), and the first
girl born to the family in several generations (JKR). Though consistently underestimated
by her family, she is a powerful witch (OP6) and also quite popular (HBP24). From
her first meeting with him, Ginny was quite taken with Harry (CS2), and according
to her it was a romantic interest she never lost (HBP30). Ginny is all at once savvy,
snarky, and very self-confident. She once told Harry that she believes almost anything
possible, ‘if you’ve got enough nerve’ (OP29). (See also OP16, HBP6, HBP25, HBP30, DH/e, BLC).
Weasley, Hugo
(Hogwarts c. 2019)
The younger of Ron and Hermione’s two children, Hugo seems to be good friends with
Lily Potter (DH/e).
In the epilogue to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Hugo was not yet old enough to attend Hogwarts, but instead hangs out laughing with
Lily on Platform 9 and Three-Quarters while his older sister, Rose, prepares to head
to her first year at Hogwarts. Though we don’t know his exact age, Lily was nine at
the time, and it’s likely the two of them were within a year or so of each other’s
age. This would place Hugo’s birth roughly between 2006 and 2009 (DH/e).
Weasley, Molly Prewett
(b. October 30, c. 1950; Gryffindor; Order of the Phoenix)
A middle-aged witch, wife of Arthur and mother of seven, who puts her family first
in everything she does. Molly is a very kind person, and gladly took on Harry as a
sort of adopted son (OP5). When stressed out, though, she can be rather overbearing
and tends to lose her temper (CS3, OP24). This stems from her protectiveness; she
lost both of her brothers to Death Eaters in the first war, and her greatest fear
is the death of one of her own (OP9). Molly met Arthur (who in private calls her ‘Mollywobbles’)
at Hogwarts, eloping shortly after leaving school (HBP5, HBP6). She home-schooled
her children (WBD), along with doing the cooking and cleaning, while her husband worked
at the Ministry (CS3). Molly is a capable witch in her own right, very faithful to
Dumbledore and a proud member of the Order of the Phoenix (DH36).
Weasley, Percy Ignatius
(b. August 22, 1976; Gryffindor, 1987; Prefect, 1991; Head Boy, 1993)
An ambitious and rather pompous young man, the third son of Arthur and Molly Weasley.
Percy has always been devoted to rules and procedures (GF5). After Hogwarts, he got
a job (GF3) at the Ministry of Magic. Despite his youth and inexperience, Percy was
unexpectedly offered a position on Fudge’s staff in 1995, and accepted it with pride.
His parents voiced their concern that Fudge only wanted a spy in their family; this
made Percy so upset that he broke ties with the Weasleys and moved to London (OP4).
(See also DH30).
Weasley, Ronald Bilius ‘Ron’
(b. March 1, 1980; Gryffindor, 1991; Prefect, 1995; Quidditch Keeper 1995-1997; Dumbledore’s
Army)
Harry Potter’s best friend and the youngest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley. Ron was
constantly being overshadowed by his family and friends, yet it was Ron’s heart and
humour that solidified his friendships and gave those around him the support they
needed to carry through (BLC). Ron is tall and gangly with bright red hair and freckles
(PS6). He met Harry on the Hogwarts Express in 1991, and they quickly became friends.
A funny sort of jealousy existed between them, with Harry in awe of Ron’s family and
knowledge of the Wizarding world and Ron of Harry’s money and fame (PS6, PS12). Ron
was an avid Quidditch fan, particularly of the Chudley Cannons (CS3). Ron played a
pivotal role in the struggle against Voldemort and the Death Eaters (DH36). (See also DH19, DH31, DH/e, Today1, BLC).
Weasley, Rose
(b. 2006; Hogwarts 2017)
The older of Ron and Hermione’s two children, and their only daughter. On 1 September
2017, Rose was preparing to take the Hogwarts Express to her first year at school, and was
rather nervous about whether she’d be sorted into Gryffindor (DH/e).
Weasley, Septimus
The husband of Cedrella Black (born between 1912 and 1917). Cedrella's marriage to
Septimus caused her to be ‘blasted’ from the Black Family Tree (BFT). Septimus was
Arthur's father and could be the grandfather that gave Ron the Wizard Chess set (PS12).
Weasley, Victoire
(Hogwarts c. 2011)
Born most likely in either 1999 or 2000, Victoire is the daughter of Bill and Fleur,
and therefore a cousin to the children of Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione (DH/e).
Weasley, William Arthur ‘Bill’
(b. November 29, 1970; Gryffindor, 1982; Prefect, 1986; Head Boy, 1988; Order of the
Phoenix)
Oldest Weasley son. After leaving Hogwarts, Bill went to Egypt to work for Gringotts
(CS4), then transferred to London to take an active role in the Order of the Phoenix
and the struggle against Voldemort (OP4, HBP29, DH24, DH25). (See also OP6, HBP5, HBP29, DH8, DH23-25, DH/e, BLC).
Weasleys’ Wildfire Whiz-Bangs
These magical fireworks were set off throughout Hogwarts on Umbridge’s first day as
headmistress. The Hogwarts professors refused to help get rid of them, and as neither
Umbridge nor Filch had a clue how to do so, the fireworks disrupted classes all day
and well into the evening. The fireworks included roaring dragons, rockets that left
trails of stars, and sparklers that wrote vulgar words, like ‘POO’ (OP28). Compounding
Umbridge’s problem, the fireworks exploded when she attempted to Stun them and multiplied
by ten whenever she attempted to Vanish them (OP28).
Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes
Company formed by Fred and George Weasley while they were still in school to sell
ingenious joke items of their own invention (GF4, 37). After leaving school, they
set up shop at 93 Diagon Alley and did a booming business. Among their more popular
items were Skiving Snackboxes, Extendable Ears, Weasleys’ Wildfire Whiz-Bangs, Headless
Hats, fake wands, and of course, U-No-Poo (GF22, OP24, OP28, HBP6). The creativeness
and ingenuity of their products proved to be powerful and advanced magic. Not all
of their products were jokes; some were actually very useful.
‘Weatherby’
When Percy Weasley worked for Barty Crouch, Sr., he referred to Percy by this name,
indicating that Percy perhaps hadn’t made as much of an impression as he’d have liked
(GF7).
Weather-Modifying Charms
The Committee for Experimental Charms conducted a survey about these, asking whether
they should be ‘regulated due to their effect upon the environment’ (JKR).
Weighing of the Wands
Part of the official preparations for the Triwizard Tournament when the contestants’
wands are examined by an expert to determine if they’re in acceptable condition for
the competition (GF18).
Weird Sisters
A musical group, very popular on the WWN. They are a group of eight musicians who
sing and play drums, several guitars, a lute, a cello, and bagpipes (FW). They were
quite hairy and wore artfully ripped black robes when Harry saw them at the Yule Ball
(GF23).
‘The weird sisters’ is a term from Shakespeare's Macbeth, referring to the three witches
who accost Macbeth and foretell the future when they hail him as ‘king hereafter’.
Also, in Norse mythology, there are three sister-goddesses of fate - the Norns - who
are also referred to as the Wyrd Sisters. The archaic term ‘wyrd’ means ‘fate’ or
‘destiny’.
Weird Wizarding Dilemmas and Their Solutions
One of the books that Harry, Ron, and Hermione examined while preparing for the Second
Task of the Triwizard Tournament. The book discusses a spell for growing one's nose
hair into ringlets, although it doesn’t mention whether that was a dilemma or a solution
(GF26).
Welcome Witch
This is the title used to refer to the receptionist at St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical
Maladies and Injuries. Despite her title, she doesn’t seem to be very welcoming (OP22).
Wellbeloved, Dorcas
(1812 - 1904)
Founded an aid society for witches; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards
(FW).
Wendelin the Weird
Medieval witch who so loved being burned at the stake that she allowed herself to
be caught by witch hunters many times (PA1, FW).
Wenlock, Bridget
(1202 - 1285)
A famous Arithmancer; for more information, see the Famous Wizard cards (FW, JKR).
werewolf
A human who transforms into a very dangerous wolf-like creature at the full moon.
A person becomes a werewolf when they are bitten by one (PA18); there is no cure (OP22).
Recently, however, the Wolfsbane Potion was invented by Marcus Belby’s uncle Damocles
(HBP7), and though it does not prevent the transformation from happening altogether,
it does control some of its worst effects (PA18). Werewolves are heavily regulated
by the Ministry, for example by the 1637 Werewolf Code of Conduct (PS16) and by legislation
drawn up by Dolores Umbridge which made it difficult for werewolves to find jobs (OP14).
See GREYBACK, FENRIR and LUPIN, REMUS.
Werewolf Code of Conduct (1637)
Hermione learned about this for her History of Magic final exam at the end of her
first year at Hogwarts, but it didn’t turn out to be on the exam (PS16).
West Country
A largely rural region of south-western England, that is home to many Wizarding families
and the location of many important events (DH16, HBP1). Godric’s Hollow is in the
West Country, as is the Burrow and Malfoy Manor.
The West Country includes the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire,
and others all located to the west of London toward the sea.
West Ham football team
A Muggle football club, located in London. Dean Thomas, who grew up in a Muggle household,
has long been a fan of this team (PS9).
West Tower
One of the towers of Hogwarts; it contains the Owlery (GF15).
Whalley, Eric
A Muggle orphan at Tom Riddle's orphanage who had chicken pox at the time of Dumbledore's
first meeting with Riddle (HBP13).
Where There's a Wand, There's a Way
One of the books that Harry examined while preparing for the Second Task of the Triwizard
Tournament; he fell asleep in the library over a copy on the night preceding the task
(GF26).
Which Broomstick
A magazine that’s particularly popular among the Quidditch-obsessed students at Hogwarts;
Harry borrowed a copy from Oliver Wood when he needed to figure out what to buy to
replace his broken Nimbus 2000 (PA10).
This magazine is styled after the magazine Which, a monthly guide in Britain to products and best buys.
Whisp, Kennilworthy
Wizard, living in Nottinghamshire, who is the author of a number of Quidditch-related
books, most notably Quidditch Through the Ages (QA).
Whitby, Kevin
(Hufflepuff, 1994)
A new Hogwarts student who was Sorted during Harry’s fourth year (GF12).
Whitehorn, Devlin
(b. 1945)
Founded the Nimbus Racing Broom Company in 1967, revolutionising Quidditch (FW).
Whizzing Worm
An item sold in Hogsmeade, most likely by Zonko’s joke shop, and apparently one of
the many, many things that Filch does not like having in Hogwarts castle (PA8).
Whomping Willow
A very valuable, very violent tree that attacks anything within reach, from cars (CS5)
to broomsticks (PA10) to people (PA17). One of these trees was planted at Hogwarts
in 1971. The tree is too dangerous for students to go near, though prodding a particular
knot on the tree with a branch freezes it (PA17).
Whopperwear
According to an ad for Madam Malkin’s Robe Shop, Whopperwear is a range of robes for
heavy-set witches and wizards (JKR).
Wiblin, Samson
(c. 1400s)
Duellist who was favoured to win the All-England Duelling Competition in 1430. He
was defeated by Alberta Toothill instead, with a Blasting Charm (FW).
Widdershins, Willy
A ne'er-do-well fellow who set up a series of regurgitating toilets to confound the
Muggles. Arthur Weasley spent some time tracking him down and hushing up the incidents
in question, and Willy was finally caught in the explosion of one of the toilets and
was captured (OP22). He was quite badly injured and spent some time heavily bandaged.
Willy happened to be in the Hog's Head and overheard the first meeting of the D.A.
(OP27).
‘widdershins’ = ‘in a left-handed or contrary direction; counter-clockwise’
Wiggenweld Potion
A kiss from lips smeared with this potion revives people from the Draught of Living
Death; a young wizard used this trick to marry a princess who had pricked her finger
on a spindle coated with the Draught (FW).
This is a reference to the Muggle fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. Wiggenweld Potion
first appeared in the video games from Electronic Arts and was subsequently mentioned
on a Famous Wizard card, making it part of the canon.
Wiggleswade, Dempster
Writer for the Daily Prophet's problem page (DP3).
Wight, Isle of
An island just a few miles off the south coast of England. Aunt Marge vacationed here
and sent a postcard to the Dursleys, which arrived at the same time as Harry's first
Hogwarts letter (PS3).
The Isle of Wight became a holiday destination during Victorian times. Queen Victoria
and Prince Albert had a home there, Osbourne House. During World War Two, Hitler gave
instructions that Osbourne House should not be bombed because he imagined that it
would be one of his holiday retreats after he conquered Britain.
Wigtown Wanderers
A Quidditch team in the British-Irish League (DP1-4).
Wildsmith, Ignatia
(1227 - 1320)
Invented Floo Powder (FW).
‘Ignatia’ (ig-NAY-sha) comes from ‘ignis’ = L. ‘fire’
Wilfred the Wistful
A statue of this wizard stands in a corridor in Hogwarts (OP14).
Wilkes
(died c. 1980; Slytherin, c. 1971; Death Eater)
A Death Eater who was in a gang with Severus Snape at Hogwarts (GF27).
Wilkins, Wendell and Monica
Hermione modified her parents’ memories, changing their names and convincing them
to move to Australia. Their new names were Wendell and Monica Wilkins, who sadly had
no idea that they had a daughter (DH6, BLC).
Will
Wizard who stole a load of toads from Warty Harris, then was tricked out of the toads
by Mundungus Fletcher (OP5).
Williams, Benjy
Seeker for Puddlemere United (DP4).
Williamson
Auror who wears scarlet robes; he has long hair in a ponytail (OP7, OP36).
Willis, Heliotrope
The leader of the Troll Rights Movement. Some would say she’s taken one too many knocks
to the head from mis-aimed Troll clubs (DP2).
willow
A wand wood that Ollivander used to make Lily Potter’s wand (PS5).
The willow in folk lore has many properties, from healing to granting wishes, so many
that the tree is sometimes called the Witch Tree. Willow offers magical protection;
a willow tree planted near a home offers protection to that home and willow branches
protect against evil sorcery. Willow wood is good for making wands (assuming that
a person asks the tree for permission before taking a branch); the wood is particularly
pliable (the word willow actually comes from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘wellig’ which means
‘pliable’).
Wiltshire
A county to the west of London, dominated by Salisbury Plain, where Stonehenge stands.
Wiltshire is the location of Malfoy Manor (OP15, esp. DH1, DH23).
Wimbledon
One of the sites of Willy Widdershins' exploding toilet pranks that Arthur Weasley
investigated for the Ministry of Magic (OP7).
Wimbourne Wasps
A Quidditch team with black and yellow robes, for which Ludo Bagman was once a famous
Beater. He still wears the robes now and then, although they’re now a bit tight around
the middle (DP1-4, GF7).
Wimple, Gilbert
Ministry wizard, Committee on Experimental Charms. Wimple had horns at the World Cup
in 1994, and might still (GF7).
windows, enchanted
As the Ministry of Magic is located underground, their building can’t have real windows.
Instead the more important offices and some corridors have enchanted windows. The
department responsible for the windows is Magical Maintenance; they decide on the
weather each day (OP7) and are in charge of fixing the windows when spells go awry,
such as when Yaxley’s office was raining (DH12). The last time Magical Maintenance
wanted a pay raise, the Ministry had nothing but hurricanes for two months (OP7).
Wingardium Leviosa
(win-GAR-dee-um lev-ee-OH-sa)
‘Levitation Charm’
A basic levitation spell, and one of the first spells learned by first-years in Charms
(PS10).
In an excellent example of how intention affects magic, Ron was able to use this spell
on a club, even though the ‘wing’ portion of the spell seems specific to feathers
(PS10).
‘wing’ + ‘arduus’ = L.’ high, steep’ + ‘levo’ = L. ‘to raise up, levitate’
Winged Catapult
These seem to be nothing more than catapults (U.S.: slingshots) that are able to fly.
Harry notices them flapping around the Room of Requirement when it is transformed
into a room for hiding his copy of Advanced Potion-Making (HBP24). He notices them again when he returns for Ravenclaw’s diadem a year later
as well (DH31).
Winky
A female house-elf who until 1994 worked for the Crouch family (GF8). For years, Winky
cared for Barty Crouch Jr. until she was dismissed (GF35). Winky came to work at Hogwarts,
but was considered a disgrace by the other house-elves. She took to sitting on a stool
beside the kitchen fireplace and getting drunk on Butterbeer (GF21). Unfortunately
it was an addiction from which she never completely recovered (WBD, BLC).
Wintringham, Herman
(b. 1974)
Lute player for The Weird Sisters (FW).
Wisteria Walk
A Muggle street in Little Whinging, intersecting Privet Drive. Mrs Figg lived on Wisteria
Walk with her cats and kneazles (OP1).
witch-burnings
Though a tragic part of Muggle history, witch burnings don’t have much of an effect
on real witches and wizards, thanks to the Flame-Freezing Charm (PA1). However, it’s
probable that increasing numbers of witch-burnings, and of Muggles being burned by
mistake, contributed to the enactment of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy
in 1692 (JKR).
witch-doctor
Employed by Quidditch teams as trainers that oversee the health of Quidditch athletes
(DP1).
Witching Hour
A popular program on the WWN (Wizarding Wireless Network), with Celestina Warbeck.
Molly Weasley listens to it (CS3).
Witch Weekly
A well-known women's magazine that Mrs. Weasley subscribes to for its recipes (GF28)
and that St. Mungo's Hospital keeps lying around its waiting room (OP22). The magazine
gives an annual ‘Most Charming Smile’ award which Gilderoy Lockhart has won five times
- a feat which he seems to consider his greatest accomplishment (CS6). Witch Weekly also published an article written by Rita Skeeter that defamed Hermione (GF27, GF28).
This magazine is modelled on Women’s Weekly, a British magazine with tips and stories aimed at ‘mature women’. The advertising
blurb reads as follows:
‘Woman's Weekly celebrates the home, family and lives of mature women, providing them with practical
help, advice and inspiration.’
Withers, Lord Stoddard
(1642 - 1769)
Created a sport similar to Quidditch, but played on flying horses; for more information,
see the Famous Wizard cards (FW).
‘withers’ = Eng. ‘the highest point on the back of a horse, between the shoulders’
Wit-Sharpening Potion
Fourth-year Potions students make this (GF27).
‘Wit without measure is man’s greatest treasure’
The motto of Ravenclaw house, attributed to the Rowena Ravenclaw. This phrase was
engraved on her famous Lost Diadem (DH29, DH31).
‘Wizard and the Hopping Pot, the’
One of the fairytales in the Tales of Beedle the Bard, a collection considered to be classics of Wizarding children's literature. The story
tells of a foolish wizard whose magical cooking pot teaches him a lesson in using
magic to help others. Since Harry and Hermione were Muggle-born, they did not read
these stories until they were in their teens (DH7, TBB).
Wizard chess
A magical version of the game of chess in which the pieces are animated and fight
for each square on the board under the command of the players. Individual pieces have
distinct personalities. Some are more vicious than others. Many will bully and argue
with an inexperienced player trying to order them around the board (PS12). Ron and
Harry played quite a bit their first year, Hermione less so because she tended to
lose (PS13).
Wizarding Examinations Authority
A Ministry office, the Wizarding Examinations Authority is responsible for overseeing
the development and administration of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. tests at Hogwarts each
year. The panel, headed by Griselda Marchbanks, consists of ‘a small group of ancient-looking
witches and wizards’, which also includes Professor Tofty (OP31). The Wizarding Examinations
Authority title appears, along with Professor Marchbanks’s name, atop the three W.O.M.B.A.T.
exams administered for Muggles (JKR).
‘Wizarding Suite, the’
An unfinished piece of music written by famous wizard composer Musidora Barkwith.
The suite has only been performed once, in 1902, when its exploding tuba blew the
roof off of Ackerly Town Hall. It has been banned from performance ever since (FW).
Wizarding Wars
See FIRST WIZARDING WAR and SECOND WIZARDING WAR.
Wizarding Wireless Network (WWN)
The wizarding equivalent of a radio network, powered by magic instead of radio waves
or electric energy (JKR). Among its programs are the Witching Hour, with Glenda Chittock
and Celestina Warbeck (CS3, FW), music programs that play the Weird Sisters (GF22),
and the Wizarding Wireless Network News (DH22), along with, most likely, ‘Toots, Shoots,
‘n’ Roots’ (JKR).
Wizarding Wireless Network News
A regular program on the WWN. The News, like the Daily Prophet, was heavily influenced by the Ministry of Magic (DH22).
Wizards’ Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test (W.O.M.B.A.T.)
A range of tests of general knowledge of the Wizarding world that, like the O.W.L.s
and N.E.W.T.s, are administered by the Wizarding Examinations Authority. For a short
time, three different stages of this test were available to Muggles as well (JKR).
wizard space
While not mentioned by name, this common effect allows wizarding objects to hold more
space than they would otherwise seem to be able to (e.g. CS5, GF7). See UNDETECTABLE EXTENSION CHARM.
Wizard's Wireless
The equivalent of a Muggle radio; the Weasleys have one of these in their kitchen.
The WWN (Wizarding Wireless Network) is listened to by many in the Wizarding world,
and during the war against Voldemort, this device also allowed listeners to tune into
Potterwatch if they had the correct password (DH22).
The Wizarding Wireless is an excellent example of the way in which Wizarding technology
mimics that of the Muggle world. However, the actual functioning of the ‘technology’
is completely different, entirely a magical effect. Although it looks like a Muggle
radio set, we see Ron operate the wireless set by tapping it with his wand and saying
the correct spell words, not tuning the dial.
Wizengamot
The high court of Wizarding law in Britain, with about fifty members (OP8) who have
an average age of 87 (JKR). When meeting, members of the Wizengamot wear purple robes
with an elaborate silver ‘W’ on the left side (OP8). The head of the Wizengamot is
the Chief Warlock (OP5). Other officials include Interrogators, who preside over the
hearing; a Court Scribe, who records the proceedings (OP8); and Special advisors,
who at one point included Elphias Doge (DH2).
The Wizengamot gets its name from the Witan, also known as the Witenagemot, from Anglo-Saxon
England. The Witan was a gathering of influential people, including representatives
from the clergy and high nobles, which advised the king on matters of national and
social importance.
Wizengamot Administration Services
This support office for the Wizengamot office falls within the Department of Magical
Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic. The office is located on level two of the
Ministry of Magic, along with the Improper Use of Magic Office and Auror Headquarters
(OP7).
Wizengamot Charter of Rights
One of the rights under this charter states that ‘the accused has the right to present
witnesses for his or her case’ (OP8).
Wolfsbane Potion
While this potion doesn't cure lycanthropy, it does prevent the extremely dangerous
dementia which would otherwise accompany the transformation from human into werewolf.
It was invented (PA17) by Marcus Belby’s uncle Damocles, who received the Order of
Merlin for his work (HBP7). It’s very difficult to brew and tastes awful (PA8).
WonderWitch
Sold at Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes, WonderWitch is a line of products with pink packaging
that caters to teenage girls. Products include a range of love potions, one of which,
it seems, was later purchased by Romilda Vane (HBP18), and a ten-second pimple vanisher.
The products apparently hit their target market, for when Harry and the Weasleys visit
the store, a ‘cluster of excited girls’ is gathered around the display (HBP6).
woodlice
Tiny bugs which live in dark, damp places under rocks or logs. Bowtruckles feed on
woodlice (OP13). People who annoy Gwenog Jones have a tendency to turn into them (DP1).
Wood, Mr and Mrs
Introduced to Harry by their son Oliver at the Quidditch World Cup (GF7).
wood nymph
Fleur told everyone at her table during dinner at the Yule Ball that the Christmas
decorations at Beauxbatons included wood nymphs, who sing to the students as they
eat (GF23).
Also known as dryads, wood nymphs of folklore and myth are shy creatures who live
in trees to nurture and protect them.
Wood, Oliver
(Gryffindor, 1987-1994; Quidditch Keeper and Captain, c. 1990-1994)
Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team when Harry arrived at Hogwarts, and possibly
the most passionate Quidditch fanatic in the school at that time (PS7). Oliver is
known for giving particularly lengthy, impassioned locker room speeches (PS11, CS7,
PA8), and gets quite depressed after losses (PA9). Fred Weasley once pointed out,
fairly, that Wood might have ‘bumped off’ the entire Slytherin Quidditch team, except
that he wouldn’t have gotten away with it (HBP19).
‘working like house-elves’
Ron (much to Hermione's chagrin) uses this phrase. Hermione takes offense at Ron's
casual reference to what she sees as a gross injustice (GF14).
World Cup
See QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP.
‘Wormtail’
Marauders’ nickname for Peter Pettigrew (PA18). Pettigrew was called this by the Death
Eaters, never by his given name.
See PETTIGREW, PETER.
Worple, Eldred
Author of Blood Brothers: My Life Amongst the Vampires and a guest at Slughorn's Christmas party with his friend Sanguini. Described as
‘a small, stout, bespectacled man’ (HBP15).
wound-cleaning potion
Medical magic; a purple liquid that Madam Pomfrey used to clean out injuries (GF20).
Wrackspurt
Invisible thing that Luna Lovegood believes floats in though a victim's ears and makes
his or her brain go fuzzy (HBP7).
Wright, Bowman
(1492 – 1560)
A metal charmer from Godric's Hollow in the 1300s who invented the Golden Snitch,
which replaced the Golden Snidget in games of Quidditch (FW).
A ‘wright’ is an English craftsman. There is some discrepancy as to when Bowman lived;
according to his Famous Wizards card, it was from 1492-1560, but Quidditch Through the Ages claims he invented the Golden Snitch in the 1300s. Clearly, one source is wrong.
Wronski Defensive Feint
Seeker dives toward the ground as if he sees the Snitch, only to draw the opposing
Seeker into a similar dive and drive him into the ground. This manoeuvre was used
to great effect by Viktor Krum in the World Cup match of 1994 (GF8).
WWN
See WIZARDING WIRELESS NETWORK.
Wye, River
A Troll terrorised those hoping to cross this river, until it was killed by Almerick
Sawbridge in the 1600s (FW).
The River Wye flows from Wales into the Severn Estuary near Chepstow, where Ms. Rowling
lived as a child.
Yaxley
(Death Eater)
Death Eater who was one of the inner circle of Death Eaters who sat around the table
at Voldemort’s council before they took over the Ministry (DH1). He sat on the Muggle-Born
Registration Commission with Umbridge (DH13).
Yaxley, Lysandra
(1884-1959)
Wife of Arcturus Black. They had three children: two daughters, Callidora and Charis,
and one child who was disowned (BFT).
Year With The Yeti
by Gilderoy Lockhart
One of the many required textbooks for Defence Against the Dark Arts in Harry's second
year (CS4).
Yeti
(Abominable Snowman, Bigfoot)
A Troll-like white furry creature native to Tibet. Yeti were discussed in Harry's
second-year Defence Against the Dark Arts class (CS10), as one of Lockhart's books
was Year with the Yeti.
The yeti is the name of a humanoid creature said to live in the mountains of Tibet.
Although similar in some ways to the Bigfoot of North America, it is not considered
to be the same creature. However, in the Harry Potter universe, the names are used
interchangeably.
yew
A species of tree from which Tom Riddle’s wand was made (PS5). Yew trees grow in the
churchyard at Little Hangleton (GF32) and in the Forbidden Forest near Hogwarts (OP21).
Yew trees are symbolic of death and resurrection because the wood is particularly
resistant to rotting. They are a traditional feature of graveyards in Britain. Ms.
Rowling creates a nice contrast here with holly (Harry's wand wood). Both are evergreen
and both have red berries, but the yew is very poisonous.
Yorkshire Moors
There is a professional Quidditch pitch on this moor. A notice in the Daily Prophet prior to a match between the Wigtown Wanderers and the Puddlemere United advised
fans not to cheer too loudly, as Muggles had come looking for the source of the noise
during the previous match (DP1).
See MOOR.
‘You Charmed the Heart Right Out of Me’
A song performed by Celestina Warbeck (HBP16).
Youdle, Cyprian
(1312 - 1357)
Norfolk referee who was killed during a Quidditch match (FW).
You-Know-Who
A ‘safe’ way to refer to Voldemort.
See HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED.
‘Your Wheezy’
Dobby’s nickname for Ron, when talking to Harry (GF26).
‘You Went and Stole my Cauldron but You Can’t have My Heart’
An album released by Celestina Warbeck; she planned to hold a concert promoting it
on Hallowe’en (DP4).
Yo-Yo, Screaming
Added to Filch's list of objects forbidden inside Hogwarts castle at the start of
the 1994–1995 school year (GF12).
Yule Ball
A ‘traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament’, the Yule Ball was hosted by Hogwarts
School on Christmas Day 1994, to coincide with that year’s tournament. The Ball was
open to students fourth year and above, as well as to any younger students who they
invited (GF22-23).
Yvonne
A friend of Petunia Dursley who was on vacation in Majorca on Dudley's eleventh birthday,
so she couldn't be imposed upon to look after Harry that day (PS2).
Zabini, Blaise
(b. 1980; Slytherin, 1991; Slug Club)
A tall, handsome, but somewhat haughty black boy in Harry’s year. Blaise shares Draco's
prejudice against Muggle-born witches and wizards; Ginny considers Blaise a ‘poser’
(HBP7).
Zabini, Mrs
Blaise Zabinin’s mother, a witch well-known for her beauty and for the fact that each
of her seven wealthy husbands died a mysterious death, leaving her a lot of gold (HBP7).
Zamojski, Ladislaw
Poland's top Chaser (OP19).
Zeller, Rose
(b. 1984, Hufflepuff 1995)
Hogwarts student (OP11).
Zograf
Bulgarian National Team Keeper at the World Cup in 1994 (GF8).
Zombie Trail
One of the main attractions of TerrorTours, along with trips to Transylvania and the
Bermuda Triangle. The Zombie Trail is advertised as allowing Wizarding holidaymakers to see the ‘living
dead’ first hand (DP3).
While not stated, it is possible that the zombies referred to are really Infiri. If
so, this would be a dangerous holiday indeed.
Zonko's Joke Shop
A favourite place for Hogwarts students to shop in Hogsmeade. They carry such jokes
and prank items as Dungbombs, Hiccup Sweets, Frog Spawn Soap, and Nose-Biting Teacups
(PA14). During the dark time of 1996 and 1997, Zonko's closed and was boarded up.
Fred and George visited Hogsmeade with an eye toward possibly buying the premises
and turning it into a Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes (HBP18).
zoo
A local zoo to which the Dursleys took Dudley on his eleventh birthday, along with
Piers Polkiss and, against their will, Harry. At the zoo, they bought ice cream treats,
saw a gorilla, ate at the zoo restaurant, and visited the reptile house (which Dudley
found boring because the animals weren't moving around much) (PS2).
The film version of the first book incorrectly shows Harry and the Dursleys at the
London Zoo. This cannot be true, however, because when Harry travels to Diagon Alley
for the first time, it is stated that he had never been to London before (PS5). Which
zoo was it then? There is a zoo/adventure park in Surrey that fits the bill. It's
called Chessington Worlds of Adventure, and it has both a reptile house and a family
of gorillas. But it’s mostly an amusement park, and it would seem very likely that
Dudley would then ride the rides and forget about the animals.
zoological column
The Daily Prophet does a zoological column every Wednesday (GF21), which was Rita's excuse for interviewing
Hagrid during his Care of Magical Creatures class to try to dig up dirt about him.
All the information in the Harry Potter Lexicon comes from Ms. Rowling, either in the novels, the ‘schoolbooks,’ from her interviews, or from material which she developed or wrote herself. The novels are abbreviated as indicated on the list below, with a chapter number following. Page numbers are not used as pagination varied between editions.
The Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling:
PS Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (released in the U.S. as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone)
CS Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
PA Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
GF Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
OP Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
HBP Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
DH Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (DH/e indicates the epilogue)
FB Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
QA Quidditch Through the Ages (QA/i indicates the introductory material)
TBB The Tales of Beedle the Bard
/f from the film version of the book (e.g. PA/f)
/g from the video game version of the book
Other Canon sources:
AOL ‘America Online chat transcript,’ AOL.com, 19 October 2000.
BFT ‘The Noble and Most Ancient House of BLACK,’ a hand-drawn tree that Ms. Rowling donated to Book Aid International in January of 2006 and auctioned 22 February 2006.
BLC ‘J.K. Rowing and the Live Chat’, Bloomsbury.com, 30 July 2007.
BN ‘Barnes and Noble & Yahoo! chat with J.K. Rowling,’ barnesandnoble.com, 20 October 2000.
BP Blue Peter (CBBC), 12 March 2001.
Con J.K. Rowling interview transcript, The Connection (WBUR Radio), 12 October 1999.
CR ‘Comic Relief live chat’, March 2001.
DP Daily Prophet newsletters, written by Ms. Rowling for Bloomsbury’s Harry Potter fan club (late 1990s).
EBF ‘J K Rowling at the Edinburgh Book Festival’, 15 August 2004.
FW Famous Wizard cards, created by Ms. Rowling for the EA video games.
HPM ‘Harry Potter and Me’ (BBC Christmas Special, British version), BBC, 28 December 2001.
ITV Edinburgh ‘cub reporter’ press conference, ITV, 16 July 2005.
ITV-YIL ‘J.K. Rowling, A Year in the Life’ ITV1 30 December 2007.
JKR J.K.Rowling Official Site (information about the Potter universe no longer accessible c. April 2012).
Mac Bethune, Brian. ‘The Rowling Connection: How a young Toronto girl’s story touched an author’s heart,’ Maclean’s, 6 November 2000.
NPC National Press Club author’s luncheon, NPR Radio, 20 October 1999.
Nr on BBC Newsround, 27 April 2001.
OBT/CH ‘Open Book Tour: Carnegie Hall’ 19 October 2007.
PC-JKR1 Ms. Rowling’s first interview on the Pottercast podcast 17 December 2007.
PC-JKR2 Ms. Rowling’s second interview on the Pottercast podcast 24 December 2007.
PA/dvd Interview with David Heyman, Steve Kloves, Mark Radcliffe, Alfonso Cuaron, and Ms. Rowling, Prisoner of Azkaban DVD ‘Extra,’ 23 November 2004.
RAH Fry, Stephen. ‘J.K. Rowling at the Royal Albert Hall,’ 26 June 2003.
Sch1 Online chat transcript, Scholastic.com, 3 February 2000.
Sch2 ‘About the Books: transcript of J.K. Rowling’s live interview on Scholastic.com,’ Scholastic.com, 16 October 2000.
SDNY transcript of the trial of JKR/WB vs RDR Books 14-16 April 2008 in the Southern District of New York.
SFC Chonin, Neva. ‘Harry Potter’s Wizard: Creator of children’s book series tours Bay Area,’ The San Francisco Chronicle, 30 October 1999.
SMH Renton, Jennie. “The story behind the Potter legend: JK Rowling talks about how she created the Harry Potter books and the magic of Harry Potter's world,” Sydney Morning Herald, October 28, 2001.
SN ‘World Exclusive Interview with J K Rowling,’ South West News Service, 8 July 2000.
TLC Anelli, Melissa and Emerson Spartz. ‘The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet interview Joanne Kathleen Rowling,’ The Leaky Cauldron, 16 July 2005.
Today1 Vieira, Meredith. ‘JK Rowling One-On-One: Part One.’ Today Show (NBC), 26 July 2007.
WBD ‘JK Rowling’s World Book Day Chat,’ 4 March 2004.
A wide variety of other sources were used for research. A bibliography appears at the end of the book. In no cases have direct quotations been used from these sources without attribution.
Non-canon sources
‘A Highland Seer.’ “Tea-Cup Reading and Fortune-Telling by Tea Leaves.” Project Gutenberg. <http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18241/18241-h/18241-h.htm>.
Behind the Name - the Etymology and History of First Names. <http://www.behindthename.com/>.
Bunker, Lisa. Accio Quote!, the Largest Archive of J.K. Rowling quotes on the web. <http://www.accio-quote.org/>.
Conley, Craig. Magic Words: A Dictionary. <http://www.mysteryarts.com/magic/words/Ed.3/>.
Culpeper, Nicholas. Culpepers Color Herbal. New York: Sterling Publishing, 1987.
"Did you know the Great British map has some quirky, romantic, eccentric and funny place names?." Ordnance Survey, Britain's national mapping agency. <http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/freefun/didyouknow/>.
Duckworth, Ted. Dictionary of English slang and colloquialisms of the UK. <http://www.peevish.co.uk/slang/>.
Ekwall, Eilert. The Oxford Dictionary of English Place Names. Oxford, Eng.: Clarendon Press, 1936.
Encyclopedia Mythica: mythology, folklore, and religion. <http://www.pantheon.org/>.
Evans, Ivor H. Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. New York: Harper & Row, 1989.
Forthright. "Compendium of Lost Words." The Phrontistery: Obscure Words and Vocabulary Resources. <http://phrontistery.info/clw.html>.
Gay, Marcus. Occultopedia: The Occult and Unexplained Encyclopedia. <http://www.occultopedia.com/>.
Hall, James. Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art. New York: HarperCollins, 1974.
Hill, Tara. "Sacred Woods and the Lore of Trees." Tara Hill Designs. <http://www.tarahill.com/treelore/trees.html>.
Hine, Phil. "The Magickal Use of the Sixteen Figures of Geomancy." Phil Hine: magic, sorcery, ritual, tantra. <http://www.philhine.org.uk/writings/rit_geomancy.html>.
"Learn about the family history of your surname" Ancestry.com. <http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/default.aspx>.
Leeflang, Tracy. Celtic Tree Lore. <http://www.dutchie.org/Tracy/tree.html>.
Mackillop, James. A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.
Martin, Gary. The Phrase Finder: The meanings and origins of sayings and phrases. <http://www.phrases.org.uk/ >.
Notre Dame University. "Latin Dictionary and Grammar Aid." Archives of the University of Notre Dame. <http://archives.nd.edu/latgramm.htm>.
Ogilvie, John, and Charles Annandale. The Imperial Dictionary of the English Language: A Complete Encyclopedic Lexicon, Literary, Scientific, and Technological. London [etc.]: Blackie & Son, 1883.
Online Etymology Dictionary. <http://www.etymonline.com/>.
Parkinson, Danny, and Ian Topham. Mysterious Britain, a guide to the legends, folklore, myths and mysterious places of Britain. <http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/>.
Probert, Matt and Leela. Probert Encyclopaedia of Celtic Mythology. <http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/ >.
Symbols.com. <http://www.symbols.com/>.
Tufts University. "Latin Lexicon." Perseus Digital Library. <www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/resolveform?lang=Latin>.
Undiscovered Scotland. <http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/>.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page>.
Standard indexing abbreviations:
c.f. compare with
e.g. for example
esp. especially
ff. and following
L. Latin
Gr. Greek
Eng. English
Brit. British
q.v. see …
About the Famous Wizard cards, Quidditch Through the Ages, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them:
While most of the material available about the Harry Potter universe is in the form
of stories and narratives, a few sources are already in encyclopedia format. These
include the A-to-Z listing of magical creatures in Fantastic Beasts and the lists of teams and fouls in Quidditch Through the Ages. Rather than reproduce those listings in this book, we direct readers to those books
to discover a wealth of information about magical creatures and about the sport of
Quidditch. The descriptions on the Famous Wizard cards are typically a single sentence,
also similar to what one would find in an encyclopedia. Again, rather than simply
reproduce that information, we give only the most basic facts and point readers to
the full text of the cards, available in the video games and online in various places
including the Harry Potter Lexicon at www.hp-lexicon.org.
Steve Vander Ark grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He studied library science and media management at Grand Valley State University and worked as a school media specialist for many years. Vander Ark founded the “Harry Potter Lexicon” website in 2000. The internationally respected Lexicon site attracts an annual audience of over 25 million and is one of the most widely quoted and used sources of information on the Potter novels. The Lexicon has been named one of the top 15 websites for kids by the Association for Library Services for Children division of the American Library Association. Vander Ark has keynoted major academic conferences on the Harry Potter novels including Sectus in London, Patronus in Copenhagen, Lumos in Las Vegas, and Prophecy in Toronto. He has been interviewed on the novels by the BBC, The Today Show, the New York Times, Time Magazine, the Associated Press, the New Yorker, and the London Guardian. His interview for an A&E television special on the series appears as part of the extra section on the DVD edition of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Steve is also the author of the books In Search Of Harry Potter (Methuen) and The Reader's Guide to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.