Only A Muggle Can’t Name These Wizards And Witches
- by Johnny Reynolds
- – on
- in Movies and TV
When Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone debuted in the UK in 1997 (and a year later in the US), it took the world by storm. There hadn't been anything quite like it in a long time and there hasn't been anything quite like it since. With the tale about a young boy discovering he belongs to a magical world, J.K Rowling captured the imagination of an entire generation. And she did it so in ways that have had such an everlasting effect that new readers are discovering it over a decade after the release of the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
What makes the wizarding world so special, aside from the wondrous magic, is each and every character that inhabits it. Each one has their own quirks, their own ticks, and their own traits that make them leap off the page and feel like real people. Not only that, but many of them could perform feats of magic that astounded every reader in ways that could only be defined as "epic."
These witches and wizards aren't just wonderful characters. Their power and compassion (or in many cases, lack thereof) have made them famous in the world of Harry Potter. Everyone knows the names of these witches and wizards. Except, of course, for the muggles.
Who is the Boy Who Lived?
First up, there's the boy whose name literally everyone in the wizarding world should know. This boy was famous before he could even speak his first words. When He Must Not Be Named tried to get rid of him, the Dark Lord had to go through his parents first. But when he got to the infant wizard, his curse rebounded onto him instead, destroying his physical form. He became famous for somehow ridding the world of one of the darkest wizards of all time. What is the name of the Boy Who Lived?
What is the Dark Lord's real name?
The thing that makes Voldemort so terrifying is the fact that taking someone's life comes so easily to him. He didn't hesitate to go after a baby Harry or his loving parents. This is most likely due to his own upbringing, as his father was a muggle who never wanted him. Voldemort was actually named after his muggle father, though he forsook it when he rose to power. There are still those who aren't afraid to use his real name, much to Voldemort's displeasure. What is the Dark Lord's real name?
Who was headmaster of Hogwarts when Harry was at school?
This kooky old wizard may very well be the most accomplished of all the characters in the Harry Potter series. When the story opens up, he's running Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but the list of his good deeds extends far back into the history of the wizarding world. He has discovered 12 different uses for dragons blood, contributed work in the field of alchemy, and even had his own dark wizard to defeat. What is the name of this renowned wizard?
Who is the Minister of Magic?
The Minister of Magic is sort of like the wizarding world's president. He's seen as the leader, but he isn't all powerful. There are still other wizards and witches within the Ministry that help him govern and keep him from doing anything rash. Or, at least they're supposed to. When Harry first meets the minister, the two get along rather well. But when Harry proclaims that Voldemort has returned, the Minister slanders his good name in the press, too afraid to admit what might be true. What is the name of the Minister of Magic?
Who is Harry's best friend?
While this young wizard would sometimes feel like he was in Harry's shadow, there are many times where Harry had to rely on him to get out of a dangerous situation. The two became instant friends during their first year, and this boy would go on to help Harry destroy many of Voldemort's horcruxes, finally putting an end to him. In "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," it was revealed he became an auror with Harry for the Ministry of Magic. What is his name?
Who is this classmate of Harry's?
This young witch has often been called the brightest witch of her age, and it's easy to see why. She was born to muggles, but took to the wizarding world instantly, reading up on it as much as she could before her time at Hogwarts. She would go on to be one of Harry's closest friends, helping him to put a stop to Lord Voldemort. And in the follow-up play, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," it was revealed that she had grown up to become the Minister of Magic. What is her name?
Who taught Transfiguration while Harry was at Hogwarts?
This powerful witch taught Transfiguration while Harry attended Hogwarts, which is a form of magic that revolves around turning something into something entirely different. She's one of few accomplished animagi, witches or wizards who can transform into animals (hers being a cat). She's also the head of Gryffindor House. But unfortunately for Harry and his friends, she can also be quite strict. She's not just an incredibly intelligent witch, but also a fierce fighter as can be seen in the Battle of Hogwarts. What is her name?
Who wrote "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?"
As Hogwarts is a school, Harry and his friends must buy the necessary textbooks before the start of each term. For the Care of Magical Creatures class, it is required to buy "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," the go-to text for all magical animals in the wizarding world. It was written by this young wizard, whose contributions to magizoology earned him an Order of Merlin, Second Class. His adventures are now being shown in the spin-off film series, named after his own book. What is his name?
Who is the Half-Blood Prince?
This Hogwarts professor seemed to have it out for Harry before he even stepped foot into the school. At one point he was a Death Eater, but it was at a point in his life when he felt completely lost. It was eventually revealed that he was in love with Harry's mother while the two were at school, and he turned traitor to Voldemort to help Harry take down the dark wizard, though Harry was unaware of this at the time. He's incredibly talented in potions making and defense against the dark arts. What is his name?
Who is this loyal friend of Harry Potter?
This young wizard may not be much to look at, but he's in Gryffindor for a good reason. He's had almost as tragic of a past as Harry has. His parents were tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange and Barty Crouch, Jr. and he's relentlessly bullied at Hogwarts by Draco and his friends as well as Professor Snape. But when the dangers that Voldemort brought with his return found their way to Hogwarts, he showed more courage than anyone. He constantly stood up to Death Eater professors and even destroyed one of the horcruxes. What is his name?
Who is this Death Eater?
Death Eaters are a particularly nasty group of people. They're Voldemort's loyal followers and some of them are just as bad as he is. Take this witch for example. She's done some pretty nasty things, though none worse than when she captured and tortured the parents of Neville Longbottom into madness. Her character doesn't show up until late in the series, but she makes an incredibly strong impression when she does. She even takes the life of Harry's godfather. What is the name of this wicked witch?
Who is this werewolf?
This character first appeared in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and instantly became one of the more popular supporting characters in the whole series. He was best friends with Harry's parents growing up and was especially close with Harry's father. His werewolf affliction wasn't known until the end of the third book/movie, and he has always tried to not let it define him. He was a powerful mentor to Harry until he sadly gave his life during the Battle of Hogwarts. What is the name of this werewolf?
Who makes the best wands in the Wizarding World?
When it comes to wand making and wand lore, no one knows quite as much as this kooky old wizard. He first appeared in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" when Harry purchased his wand from him. He was incredibly intrigued that the wand that chose Harry had a phoenix tail feather at its core, and that the same phoenix had given another tail feather that was also at the core of Voldemort's wand. Who makes the best wands in the Wizarding World?
Who is this powerful and influential wizard?
Though he may be powerful and influential, he certainly isn't good. Before Voldemort returned to power in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," he used fear to influence others to do what he wanted. He tried to get Dumbledore fired in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and he led the Minster of Magic down the path of fear in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" when the Minister didn't want to believe Voldemort had returned. What is the name of this conniving wizard?
Who is this half-giant/half-wizard?
One of Harry's first introductions to the magical world came in the form of this half-giant/half-wizard. He had to fetch Harry when his aunt and uncle hid his Hogwarts acceptance letters from him. While he may be enormous in stature, he's actually a big softy with a heart of gold. He works as the gamekeeper at Hogwarts and his love of magical creatures helps him get the job of teaching Care of Magical Creatures in Harry's third year. What is his name?
Who teaches Charms at Hogwarts?
This wizard's short stature is in no way representative of his power. He's one of the most popular professors at Hogwarts as he teaches the incredibly fun and useful subject of Charms, but he also leads the school choir. He's taught the children many incredible spells, such as Wingardium Leviosa. He was one of the professors that helped defend the Philosopher's Stone with his flying key spell, and when it came time to defend his home against Voldemort, he didn't hesitate. What is the name of the Charms professor?
Who is Harry Potter's godfather?
This unfortunate wizard spent a big chunk of his life in Azkaban due to a crime he didn't commit. He was best friends with Harry's parents at school and was made Harry's godfather when he was born. He was a prominent member of the Order of the Phoenix, letting the group use his childhood home as a base of operations. And though the majority of the wizarding world knew him as a traitor because he was framed, his name was cleared when he tragically lost his life during a fight with Bellatrix Lestrange. What is his name?
Who is this respected auror?
The occupation of auror is introduced in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" when this character becomes the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor (or so it would seem). Aurors are essentially police officers, catching dark wizards. And this character is considered to be the best there ever was. He's had a few close calls over the years, losing one of his legs and one of his eyes. He replaced his eye with a magical one that can see through solid objects and even invisibility cloaks, though it earned him the nickname Mad-Eye. What's his real name?
Who betrayed Harry's parents?
For 13 long years, the Wizarding World believed that Sirius Black had betrayed Harry's parents to Voldemort. But that's only because this wizard was able to think quick on his feet. His true nature was revealed in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," when everyone found out that Ron's pet rat, Scabbers, was really him in disguise. After he was found out, he helped Voldemort return to power and stayed his loyal servant for the rest of his life. Who is this traitorous wizard?
Who is this kooky friend of Harry's?
There are many wonderfully weird characters in the world of Harry Potter, but none are quite as beloved as this one. She first appeared in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" and quickly became one of Harry's strongest allies. She lost her mother when she was very young and was able to help Harry cope with issues that others didn't understand. She bravely fought during the Battle of Hogwarts and helped Harry locate one of Voldemort's horcruxes. What is her name?
What is the name of this witch who can change her appearance?
While animagi are talked about in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," it isn't until "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" where a different type of shape-shifter was introduced. This young yet talented witch is a metamorphmagus, meaning she can alter certain aspects of her appearance at any time. This could be something small, like changing her hair color. Or it could be something drastic, like turning her mouth into a duckbill. What is the name of this talented witch?
Who is this official of the Ministry of Magic?
Though this character only appeared in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," he had led an impressive life during his career with the Ministry of Magic beforehand. He rose quickly to become the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and oversaw the imprisonment of many Death Eaters during Voldemort's first reign. But when his own son was revealed to be one of them, it nearly broke him to send him away. And that son would eventually take the life of his own father. What is the name of this official?
Who teaches Divination at Hogwarts?
This witch may be the kookiest professor to ever work at Hogwarts, which is saying quite a lot. She teaches Divination, which is a rare and often unpredictable form of magic that is used to read the future, whether it be in tea leaves or by use of crystal ball. Most of her predictions are nonsense, though she sometimes gets something eerily correct, like when she predicted the prophecy of Harry and Voldemort. What is the name of this eccentric Hogwarts professor?
Who tried to steal the Philosopher's Stone for Voldemort?
The very first villain that Harry had to go up against was actually a professor at Hogwarts, though not the one he suspected. This professor's villainy wasn't revealed until the end of the book/movie because he played the part of the bumbling coward so well. He wore a turban to hide the fact that Voldemort's spirit was embedded on the back of his head, a disturbing sight for young Harry to encounter. He was trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone for his master but Harry was able to stop him. What is his name?
Who is this Hufflepuff student?
While most of the characters shown in the series belong to Gryffindor or Slytherin, there are several important students that belong to the other two houses. This student is from Hufflepuff and is well-liked by most other students. Not only that, but he's an incredibly gifted young wizard. In "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," he's chosen as the Hogwarts champion along with Harry, and the two help each other out with various challenges. Sadly, he loses his life to Wormtail in the climax, and this moment fuels Harry to act in "Order of the Phoenix." What's his name?
Who is this renowned author?
Though he only appeared in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," this Hogwarts professor made more than a strong impression. He takes up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's second year and his resume is pretty impressive, though he's soon found to be a giant liar. He's published many books about his adventures fighting monsters, though those feats were accomplished by other wizards. He's quite skilled at memory charms though, as he wiped the minds of the wizards who really fought those beasts. What is his name?
What is the name of this popular journalist?
Though this character isn't necessarily a villain, she certainly gave Harry and his friends a hard time in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." She works as a journalist for the Daily Prophet, the most popular newspaper in the magical world. She's more interested in spreading gossip and creating an exciting story than telling the truth. She also wrote a biography on Albus Dumbledore after he passed, bringing many secrets to light that Harry did not know about his mentor. What is the name of this troublemaking journalist?
Who is this dangerous Ministry official?
While the Ministry of Magic is seen as a positive influence on the wizarding community for the first half of the series, they quickly turn once Voldemort returns. Under orders of the Minister of Magic himself, this official takes up the spot of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry's fifth year. She refuses to teach her students any combative spells, insisting on keeping the students as passive as possible. She butts heads with Harry several times, even going as far to torture him. What is her name?
Who runs the Quibbler?
Where the Daily Prophet is the most popular news source of the wizarding world, the Quibbler is at the opposite end of the spectrum. It is run by the father of one of Harry's close friends, Luna. And he is just as eccentric as his daughter, if not more so. The Quibbler is far from respected, as it often covers weird things (even for the wizarding world) and forms of magic or creatures that many believe to not exist. But he still supported Harry when the Daily Prophet slandered his good name. Who is this wizard?
Who is this werewolf Death Eater?
While the majority of Voldemort's followers are fellow wizards and witches, there are other magical beings that also make up his ranks such as giants and werewolves. This character is one of the latter, though being a Death Eater means he's bit more dangerous than regular werewolves. While Remus Lupin feels cursed, this character loves what he is. He doesn't wait until he turns at a full moon to feast on people. He clawed Bill Weasley's face, and even took the life of Lavender Brown during the Battle of Hogwarts. What is his name?
Who was the most evil wizard before Voldemort?
Voldemort may be the most terrible wizard to threaten the safety of the wizarding world, but he certainly wasn't the first one. This dark wizard was actually childhood best friends with Albus Dumbledore before the two had a falling out. The crimes of this dark wizard have been briefly touched on in the books, but the "Fantastic Beasts" series will go into them in more detail. One of Dumbledore's greatest achievements was defeating him. What is the name of this dark wizard?
Who is the Minister of Magic after Fudge?
After Cornelius Fudge massively mishandled the return of Voldemort, he felt it best to retire from his position of Minister of Magic. This stern wizard is the one who took his place. He promised that the Ministry remained a strong force against Voldemort and his growing army of Death Eaters. But Harry, Ron, and Hermione understandably mistrusted him when they met him. Unfortunately for everyone, the Ministry fell to Voldemort's forces and the new Minister lost his life in the overthrow. What was his name?
What is the name of Harry's mother?
In the series, this gifted witch is mostly known for sacrificing herself to save her infant son. But as many of the characters state, her kindness and talent made for quite the powerful sorceress. She was a member of the Order of the Phoenix when Voldemort was in power the first time, and she was one of Horace Slughorn's favorite students because of how talented she was. She was also the only person to see the good in a young Severus Snape. What is the name of Harry's mother?
Who is this member of the Order of the Phoenix?
Though he may not have a big part in the movies, every member of the Order of the Phoenix is important and this wizard proves his worth on multiple occasions. As a Ministry of Magic official, he is able to pass along information to the Order on what Fudge is doing. He also helps Harry get to safety during a dangerous plan and fights in the Battle of Hogwarts in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." What is the name of this useful wizard?
Who made the Philosopher's Stone?
Though Harry and his friends never got a chance to meet this renowned wizard, he still played a key role in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." He's the only known maker of the Philosopher's Stone, a gem that can turn any material into solid gold and be used to make the Elixir of Life. He became great friends with Albus Dumbledore through their work in alchemy, and is actually based off a real life French scribe whose reputation as an alchemist became legend. What is his name?