The Magical Fan Encyclopedia
Enter the
World of Magic
Discover your house ยท Find your Patronus ยท Explore the lore
โก NEW: HBO Series cast announced โ premieres Christmas 2026Scroll
Discover your destiny
Magical Quizzes
Answer honestly. The magic knows who you truly are.
๐ฐMost Viral
Which Hogwarts House Are You?
Brave like Gryffindor? Cunning like Slytherin? Wise like Ravenclaw? Loyal like Hufflepuff?
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โจ
What Is Your Patronus?
Your Patronus is the purest reflection of your soul. Discover the magical guardian that protects you.
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๐ช
Which Wand Would Choose You?
The wand chooses the wizard. Wood, core, length โ every detail reveals who you truly are.
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๐
Which Magic School Would You Attend?
Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, Durmstrang โ not every witch or wizard belongs in Scotland.
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๐
What Is Your Wizarding Ancestry?
Pure-blood, Half-blood, or Muggle-born? Your heritage runs deeper than bloodlines.
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โ๏ธ
What Would Be Your Job at the Ministry?
Auror? Unspeakable? Dragon tamer? Which wizarding career is destined for you?
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๐Dark
Which Horcrux Would You Be?
Voldemort split his soul into seven objects. Which one would hold yours?
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โ๏ธ
Hero or Villain โ Which Side Are You On?
When the war comes, everyone must choose. Order of the Phoenix or Death Eaters?
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๐ฒ
Which Magical Creature Are You?
Noble Hippogriff? Cunning Niffler? Fierce Dragon? Which creature mirrors your true nature?
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The faces behind the magic
Movie & Series Cast
The original films (2001โ2011) and the upcoming HBO series premiering Christmas 2026.
The Golden Trio
โก Harry Potter
Films (2001โ2011)Daniel Radcliffe
HBO Series (2026)Dominic McLaughlin
McLaughlin was chosen from 32,000+ children who auditioned in an open casting call. He was photographed in costume at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in July 2025, holding a clapboard in Hogwarts robes and round glasses.
๐ Hermione Granger
Films (2001โ2011)Emma Watson
HBO Series (2026)Arabella Stanton
Stanton was selected alongside McLaughlin and Stout in May 2025. All three were described by showrunner Francesca Gardiner as possessing "wonderful, unique talent" to bring the trio to life for a new generation.
โ๏ธ Ron Weasley
Films (2001โ2011)Rupert Grint
HBO Series (2026)Alastair Stout
Stout completes the new Golden Trio. The selection echoes the original casting process โ both Rupert Grint and Emma Watson were also discovered through open casting calls in 2000.
Professors & Staff
โจ Albus Dumbledore
Films 1โ2Richard Harris
Films 3โ8Michael Gambon
HBO Series (2026)John Lithgow
Lithgow (The Crown, Conclave) was the first adult cast member announced for the HBO series. His casting broke J.K. Rowling's previous preference for exclusively British actors in the films.
๐งช Severus Snape
Films (2001โ2011)Alan Rickman
HBO Series (2026)Paapa Essiedu
Essiedu (I May Destroy You) is a celebrated British theatre and TV actor. His casting prompted debate โ he is Black while the books describe Snape as pale-skinned. The creative team defended the decision as a bold, considered interpretation.
๐ฑ Minerva McGonagall
Films (2001โ2011)Maggie Smith
HBO Series (2026)Janet McTeer
McTeer (Mare of Easttown) steps into one of the most beloved roles in the franchise. Maggie Smith's McGonagall became iconic over eight films โ McTeer is widely considered the ideal successor.
๐งธ Rubeus Hagrid
Films (2001โ2011)Robbie Coltrane
HBO Series (2026)Nick Frost
Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, How to Train Your Dragon live-action) confirmed his casting with a cryptic Instagram post: "It's happening, it's actually happening." Coltrane, who died in 2022, played Hagrid across all eight films.
๐๏ธ Professor Quirrell
Film 1 (2001)Ian Hart
HBO Series (2026)Luke Thallon
Thallon takes on the role of the stuttering Defense Against the Dark Arts professor hiding Voldemort beneath his turban. His casting was announced alongside the first wave of adult professors.
๐ Argus Filch
Films (2001โ2011)David Bradley
HBO Series (2026)Paul Whitehouse
Whitehouse takes over the role of Hogwarts' grumpy, magic-free caretaker โ one of the franchise's most beloved comic villains.
๐ช Garrick Ollivander
Films (2001โ2011)John Hurt
HBO Series (2026)Anton Lesser
Lesser was announced in July 2025 as the wandmaker who tells Harry that the wand chooses the wizard โ one of the most memorable scenes of the entire series.
๐ Madam Hooch
Films (2001โ2011)Zoรซ Wanamaker
HBO Series (2026)Louise Brealey
Brealey, known from Sherlock and A Very English Scandal, takes on the role of the flying instructor and Quidditch referee.
Villains & Antagonists
๐ Lord Voldemort
Films 1, 2 (young)Richard Bremmer / Ian Hart / Christian Coulson
Films 4โ8Ralph Fiennes
HBO Series (2026)Not yet announced
Voldemort is largely a background presence in Season 1 (Philosopher's Stone), which is why HBO has not yet announced the casting. Ralph Fiennes gave one of the most iconic villain performances in cinema history from 2005 onward.
๐ Draco Malfoy
Films (2001โ2011)Tom Felton
HBO Series (2026)Lox Pratt
Pratt is a young newcomer, also set to appear in the upcoming BBC adaptation of Lord of the Flies. Tom Felton became one of the most beloved actors in the franchise despite โ or because of โ playing Harry's primary school rival.
๐ Lucius Malfoy
Films (2001โ2011)Jason Isaacs
HBO Series (2026)Johnny Flynn
Flynn (Emma, Stardust) takes on the role of the cold, aristocratic Death Eater. Jason Isaacs joked at the White Lotus Season 3 premiere that he hoped to return to the franchise โ as Hermione Granger.
๐ค Bellatrix Lestrange
Films (2004โ2011)Helena Bonham Carter
HBO SeriesNot yet announced
Bellatrix does not appear until Prisoner of Azkaban, so her casting for the HBO series is not expected until a later season announcement. Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal remains one of the most celebrated in the franchise.
๐ธ Dolores Umbridge
Films (2007โ2011)Imelda Staunton
HBO SeriesNot yet announced (Season 5)
Umbridge does not appear until Order of the Phoenix (Season 5 of the HBO series). Imelda Staunton's performance was so effective that many fans found her more frightening than Voldemort himself.
The Weasley Family
๐ Molly Weasley
Films (2001โ2011)Julie Walters
HBO Series (2026)Katherine Parkinson
Parkinson (The IT Crowd, Rivals, Doc Martin) steps into one of the warmest, most beloved roles in the franchise โ the mother figure who killed Bellatrix Lestrange with the immortal line "NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH."
๐ Arthur Weasley
Films (2001โ2011)Mark Williams
HBO Series (2026)Not yet announced
Arthur Weasley's casting for the HBO series has not yet been confirmed. Mark Williams' portrayal of the Muggle-obsessed Ministry worker became a fan favorite across the film series.
๐ Fred Weasley
Films (2001โ2011)James Phelps
HBO Series (2026)Tristan Harland
Tristan Harland and his twin Gabriel Harland were cast together as Fred and George โ real twins playing fictional twins, a neat parallel to the original casting of James and Oliver Phelps.
๐ George Weasley
Films (2001โ2011)Oliver Phelps
HBO Series (2026)Gabriel Harland
Like the Phelps twins before them, the Harland twins are real twins cast as Harry Potter's most beloved comedic duo โ co-founders of Weasleys Wizard Wheezes and architects of some of Hogwarts' greatest chaos.
๐ฅ Ginny Weasley
Films (2001โ2011)Bonnie Wright
HBO Series (2026)Gracie Cochrane (Season 1)*
Cochrane was cast as Ginny for Season 1 but departed "due to unforeseen circumstances" before Season 2. The role will be recast for future seasons.
๐ Percy Weasley
Films (2001โ2011)Chris Rankin
HBO Series (2026)Ruari Spooner
Spooner takes on the role of the ambitious, rule-abiding eldest-at-home Weasley โ who eventually betrays his family to side with the Ministry before redeeming himself in the Battle of Hogwarts.
Key Supporting Cast
๐ฟ Neville Longbottom
Films (2001โ2011)Matthew Lewis
HBO Series (2026)Rory Wilmot
Wilmot was announced in July 2025. Matthew Lewis' transformation from the clumsy, terrified Neville of Year One to the hero who killed Nagini became one of the most celebrated character arcs in the entire series.
๐ Luna Lovegood
Films (2007โ2011)Evanna Lynch
HBO SeriesNot yet announced (Season 5)
Luna does not appear until Order of the Phoenix, so her HBO casting is expected with the Season 5 announcements. Evanna Lynch won the role in an open casting call after writing to the production as a devoted fan during her recovery from an eating disorder.
โญ Sirius Black
Films (2004โ2007)Gary Oldman
HBO SeriesNot yet announced (Season 3)
Sirius appears in Prisoner of Azkaban (Season 3). Oldman told IndieWire at the 76th Emmys that he would be open to returning โ suggesting Dumbledore. He noted Sirius was "not in enough of the films." His casting is one of the most anticipated announcements.
โ๏ธ Cornelius Fudge
Films (2002โ2007)Robert Hardy
HBO Series (2026)Bertie Carvel
Carvel (Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Doctor Foster) was cast as the Minister for Magic โ whose catastrophic insistence that Voldemort had not returned enabled the Dark Lord's consolidation of power.
๐ Cedric Diggory
Film 4 (2005)Robert Pattinson
HBO SeriesNot yet announced (Season 4)
Pattinson played Cedric in Goblet of Fire before going on to star in Twilight and The Batman. Cedric's death was the first truly devastating loss of the series โ and the moment Harry's childhood ended.
๐ง Dobby
Films (2002โ2010)Toby Jones (voice)
HBO SeriesNot yet announced (Season 2)
Dobby was entirely a CGI character in the films, voiced by Toby Jones. The HBO series, with its expanded format and improved technology, is expected to give Dobby significantly more screen time and depth than the films allowed.
๐ Peter Pettigrew
Films (2004โ2009)Timothy Spall
HBO SeriesNot yet announced (Season 3)
Pettigrew's reveal as Scabbers is one of the most shocking moments in the entire series. His casting for Season 3 will be one of the most scrutinized announcements โ Timothy Spall's portrayal of cowardice and desperation set an impossibly high bar.
๐ Petunia Dursley
Films (2001โ2011)Fiona Shaw
HBO Series (2026)Bel Powley
Powley (The Diary of a Teenage Girl) takes on Harry's cold, Muggle-obsessed aunt โ the woman who knew the truth about magic her entire life and chose resentment over wonder.
๐ค Vernon Dursley
Films (2001โ2011)Richard Griffiths
HBO Series (2026)Daniel Rigby
Rigby steps into the role of Harry's overbearing, magic-hating uncle. Richard Griffiths, who died in 2013, brought an unlikely complexity to a character written primarily as comic relief.
About the HBO Series
Premiere: Christmas Day 2026, on HBO / Max
Format: 7 seasons โ one per book
Showrunner: Francesca Gardiner (Succession โ Emmy winner)
Director: Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones)
Production: Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, UK โ filming began July 2025
Casting: Over 32,000 children auditioned for Harry, Ron and Hermione
Visual Effects: Framestore โ the same studio that created the original films' visual effects
Format: 7 seasons โ one per book
Showrunner: Francesca Gardiner (Succession โ Emmy winner)
Director: Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones)
Production: Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, UK โ filming began July 2025
Casting: Over 32,000 children auditioned for Harry, Ron and Hermione
Visual Effects: Framestore โ the same studio that created the original films' visual effects
The four houses of Hogwarts
The Houses
๐ฆ
Meet the house Gryffindor โ
Gryffindor
Founded by Godric Gryffindor
Bravery, nerve, chivalry and daring. Home to Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and countless heroes.
GhostNearly Headless Nick
ElementFire
ColorsScarlet & Gold
๐
Meet the house Slytherin โ
Slytherin
Founded by Salazar Slytherin
Ambition, cunning, leadership and resourcefulness. Often misunderstood โ not all Slytherins choose darkness.
GhostThe Bloody Baron
ElementWater
ColorsEmerald & Silver
๐ฆ
Meet the house Ravenclaw โ
Ravenclaw
Founded by Rowena Ravenclaw
Intelligence, wisdom, creativity and wit. Known for producing the greatest thinkers in wizarding history.
GhostThe Grey Lady
ElementAir
ColorsBlue & Bronze
๐ฆก
Meet the house Hufflepuff โ
Hufflepuff
Founded by Helga Hufflepuff
Hard work, patience, loyalty and fairness. More great wizards than most realize came from Hufflepuff.
GhostThe Fat Friar
ElementEarth
ColorsYellow & Black
Witches, wizards and legends
Characters
โก
Harry Potter
Gryffindor
๐
Hermione Granger
Gryffindor
โ๏ธ
Ron Weasley
Gryffindor
๐ฟ
Neville Longbottom
Gryffindor
๐ฅ
Ginny Weasley
Gryffindor
โญ
Sirius Black
Gryffindor
โจ
Albus Dumbledore
Gryffindor
๐
Lord Voldemort
Slytherin
๐งช
Severus Snape
Slytherin
๐
Draco Malfoy
Slytherin
๐
Luna Lovegood
Ravenclaw
๐บ
Remus Lupin
Gryffindor
๐ค
Bellatrix Lestrange
Slytherin
๐
Peter Pettigrew (Wormtail)
Gryffindor
๐
Fred Weasley
Gryffindor
๐ง
Dobby
House-less
๐ฑ
Minerva McGonagall
Gryffindor
๐งธ
Rubeus Hagrid
Gryffindor
๐ธ
Dolores Umbridge
Slytherin
๐๏ธ
Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody
Hufflepuff
๐
Fleur Delacour
Beauxbatons
๐
Viktor Krum
Durmstrang
๐ฏ
Horace Slughorn
Slytherin
๐ฆ
Nymphadora Tonks
Hufflepuff
๐บ
Lily Potter (Lily Evans)
Gryffindor
๐ฆ
James Potter
Gryffindor
๐ฆก
Cedric Diggory
Hufflepuff
๐ฆ
Cho Chang
Ravenclaw
๐
Lucius Malfoy
Slytherin
๐
Narcissa Malfoy
House not confirmed
๐งถ
Molly Weasley
House not confirmed
๐
Arthur Weasley
House not confirmed
๐
George Weasley
Gryffindor
๐ก๏ธ
Kingsley Shacklebolt
House not confirmed
๐๏ธ
Regulus Black
Slytherin
๐ช
Gellert Grindelwald
House not confirmed
๐๏ธ
Kreacher
House-less
โจ
Gilderoy Lockhart
Ravenclaw
๐งฃ
Quirinus Quirrell
Ravenclaw
๐ฎ
Sybill Trelawney
House not confirmed
๐
Tom Marvolo Riddle
Slytherin
๐ฆ
Hedwig
House-less
Beasts, beings and legends
Magical Creatures
๐ฆ
Hippogriff
Class XXX
Half horse, half eagle. Proud creatures that demand respect and a proper bow. Buckbeak saved Sirius Black's life.
๐Dragon
Class XXXXX
The most powerful magical creature alive. Harry faced a Hungarian Horntail in the Triwizard Tournament.
๐ฆUnicorn
Class XXXX
Pure, silver-blooded creatures of extraordinary grace. Drinking unicorn blood grants life at a terrible cursed cost.
๐๏ธBasilisk
Class XXXXX
The King of Serpents. Its direct gaze kills instantly. Harry slew the Chamber's Basilisk with the Sword of Gryffindor.
๐Phoenix
Class XXXX
Immortal birds reborn from their ashes. Fawkes saved Harry's life with tears that heal any wound.
๐จDementor
Unclassifiable
Soulless guards of Azkaban that feed on happiness. Their kiss removes the soul โ a fate worse than death.
๐ฆNiffler
Class XXX
Fluffy creatures with a powerful attraction to shiny objects. Beloved by Newt Scamander.
๐ธ๏ธAcromantula
Class XXXXX
Giant sentient spiders capable of human speech. Aragog led a colony in the Forbidden Forest. Ron's worst nightmare.
๐บWerewolf
Class XXXXX
Humans transformed under the full moon. Remus Lupin was a werewolf โ and one of the finest wizards of his generation.
๐ธToad
Class I โ Harmless
Common amphibian companions, considered an unfashionable pet choice by most students compared to owls or cats. Trevor, Neville Longbottom's toad, escaped constantly throughout their years at Hogwarts.
๐ฆSalamander
Class XX โ Harmless / Domesticable
Fire-dwelling lizards that live in flames and die instantly when removed from heat. Used in Potions classes for their fire-resistant properties. Seamus Finnigan attempted to keep one as a pet.
๐ฆKnarl
Class XX โ Harmless / Domesticable
Hedgehog-like creatures nearly indistinguishable from ordinary hedgehogs, except for their suspicious, paranoid nature โ they assume any kindness is a trap and retaliate by destroying gardens.
๐ฆHungarian Horntail
Class XXXXX โ Known Wizard Killer
Considered the most dangerous of all dragon breeds โ black-scaled, bronze-spiked, with a fire range exceeding fifty feet. Harry faced one guarding a golden egg in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament.
๐ฐCrup
Class XXX โ Competent Wizard Required
Dog-like creatures, identical to Jack Russell Terriers except for their forked tails. Extremely loyal to wizard owners but violently hostile toward Muggles. Must be registered with the Ministry.
๐Flobberworm
Class I โ Harmless
Possibly the most boring creature in the wizarding world โ a thick brown slug-like worm with no defenses, no intelligence to speak of, and no purpose beyond producing mucus used in Potions. Hagrid's least exciting lesson.
Magic made words
Essential Spells
โก
Expelliarmus
Charm
โโโโโ
Disarms the opponent, forcing their wand from their hand. Harry Potter's signature spell โ used in his final duel with Voldemort. Often considered too gentle for war, but Harry refused to fight like Voldemort.
๐ฆ
Lumos
Charm
โโโโโ
Produces a beam of light from the wand tip. Lumos Maxima creates a powerful burst illuminating a large area. One of the first spells most witches and wizards learn.
๐ก๏ธ
Expecto Patronum
Charm
โโโโโ
Conjures a Patronus to repel Dementors and Lethifolds. Requires thinking of a single, powerful happy memory. The corporeal Patronus โ taking an animal form โ is a sign of exceptional magical ability.
๐
Alohomora
Charm
โโโโโ
Unlocks doors and windows. One of the first spells Hermione Granger mastered โ used to unlock the door to the corridor with the three-headed dog in their first year.
๐ช๏ธ
Wingardium Leviosa
Charm
โโโโโ
Levitates objects. The correct pronunciation โ 'Levi-O-sa, not Levio-SA' โ is among the most famous lines in wizarding history, courtesy of Hermione Granger correcting Ron Weasley.
๐
Avada Kedavra
Unforgivable Curse
โโโโโ
The Killing Curse. Instantaneous death. No counter-curse exists. Its use carries a life sentence in Azkaban. Only Harry Potter has ever survived it โ twice. A flash of green light.
๐ฑ
Crucio
Unforgivable Curse
โโโโโ
The Cruciatus Curse. Inflicts unbearable, sustained pain. Requires genuine desire to cause suffering to work properly. The Longbottoms were tortured to permanent insanity by it.
๐ง
Imperio
Unforgivable Curse
โโโโโ
Places the victim under the complete, blissful control of the caster. Many Death Eaters claimed at trial to have acted under it. Strong-willed wizards can resist โ Harry did so in Year Four.
๐ซ
Stupefy
Jinx
โโโโโ
Stuns the target, rendering them unconscious. The go-to combat spell of Dumbledore's Army and the Order of the Phoenix. Fires a flash of red light. Can be blocked by Protego.
๐ก๏ธ
Protego
Shield Charm
โโโโโ
Creates an invisible magical shield that reflects minor to moderate jinxes. Protego Totalum protects entire areas. Protego Horribilis guards against Dark Magic specifically.
๐ฎ
Accio
Summoning Charm
โโโโโ
Summons objects to the caster from great distances. Harry used it to retrieve his Firebolt during the Triwizard Tournament's first task โ a crucial improvisation against the Hungarian Horntail.
๐
Obliviate
Memory Charm
โโโโโ
Erases specific memories from the victim's mind. Hermione cast it on her own parents to protect them from Voldemort, sending them to Australia under false identities. She reversed it after the war.
๐คก
Riddikulus
Counter-Jinx
โโโโโ
Forces a Boggart to take a humorous form, weakening and eventually destroying its power. Requires the caster to focus genuinely on something funny about their greatest fear.
โ๏ธ
Sectumsempra
Dark Spell
โโโโโ
Causes deep, bleeding lacerations as if struck by an invisible sword. Invented by Severus Snape as a teenager. Harry used it against Draco in Year Six, nearly killing him, without knowing what it did.
๐
Levicorpus
Jinx
โโโโโ
Hangs the victim upside down by their ankle. Invented by Snape as a student โ and used against him by James Potter in one of Harry's most painful inherited memories.
๐
Muffliato
Charm
โโโโโ
Fills the ears of nearby people with an unidentifiable buzzing sound, preventing eavesdropping. Invented by Severus Snape as a teenager. The trio used it constantly during the Horcrux hunt.
๐ฅ
Incendio
Charm
โโโโโ
Produces fire from the wand tip. Used to set things alight and by Hermione to destroy the Devil's Snare strangling Harry and Ron in Year One.
๐ง
Aguamenti
Charm
โโโโโ
Conjures a jet of water from the wand. Dumbledore used it to douse the fire surrounding him and Harry in the Horcrux cave โ and Harry attempted it, failing, to revive a collapsed Dumbledore.
๐ง
Reparo
Charm
โโโโโ
Repairs broken objects to their original state. Cannot repair living things. Hermione used it constantly throughout their travels โ mending everything from spectacles to tent poles.
๐ฉน
Episkey
Healing Spell
โโโโโ
Heals minor injuries such as broken noses and split lips. Tonks used it on Harry after Draco broke his nose aboard the Hogwarts Express in Year Six.
๐
Fidelius Charm
Ancient Charm
โโโโโ
Conceals a secret within a living person โ the Secret Keeper. Only that person can reveal the information. Used to hide the Potters at Godric's Hollow. Peter Pettigrew was their Secret Keeper โ not Sirius.
โจ
Apparition
Transportation Magic
โโโโโ
Wizarding teleportation. Requires Destination, Determination, and Deliberation. Splinching โ leaving part of yourself behind โ is a dangerous common error. Cannot be used inside Hogwarts.
โพ๏ธ
Undetectable Extension Charm
Charm
โโโโโ
Extends the interior of a container far beyond its exterior dimensions. Hermione applied it to her beaded bag, which contained camping supplies, books, Potions ingredients, and the Sword of Gryffindor.
๐
Priori Incantatem
Magical Effect
โโโโโ
When two wands sharing a core are forced to duel, one reverses its spells โ producing echoes of the last spells cast. Harry and Voldemort's wands produced this, forcing echoes of Voldemort's victims to appear.
๐ต
Confundo
Charm
โโโโโ
Causes the target to become confused and act erratically. Hermione cast it on a Quidditch player in Year Six. Barty Crouch Jr. used it on the Goblet of Fire to ensure Harry's selection.
๐ง
Petrificus Totalus
Jinx
โโโโโ
The Full Body-Bind Curse โ causes the victim's body to snap to attention and freeze completely. Hermione used it on Neville in Year One when he tried to stop them. Neville was still awarded 10 points for courage.
๐
Nox
Charm
โโโโโ
Extinguishes the light produced by Lumos or Lumos Maxima. The counter-charm to all light-producing spells. Simple but essential โ particularly useful for avoiding detection in darkness.
๐๏ธ
Legilimens
Dark Art
โโโโโ
Allows the caster to extract memories, feelings, and thoughts from another mind. Snape used it on Harry during their Occlumency lessons. Voldemort was naturally one of the greatest Legilimens in history.
๐ง
Occlumency
Mental Defense
โโโโโ
The magical defense of the mind against external penetration. The counter to Legilimency. Snape taught it to Harry โ badly, or perhaps deliberately. Draco demonstrated natural ability, deceiving Snape himself.
โ ๏ธ
Morsmordre
Dark Mark
โโโโโ
Conjures the Dark Mark โ a skull with a serpent tongue โ in the sky, signaling that Voldemort or his Death Eaters have struck. Its appearance above a location announces death and terror.
The Deathly Hallows
Relics of Death
Three objects created by Death himself. Together, they make their master the conqueror of death.
๐ชThe Elder Wand
The Wand of Destiny ยท The Deathstick
The most powerful wand ever created. Made of elder wood with a Thestral tail hair core. Harry disarmed Draco, became its true master, and used it to finally defeat Voldemort.
๐The Resurrection Stone
The Stone of Peverell
A small black stone that summons shadows of the dead. Hidden inside the first Golden Snitch Harry ever caught. He used it in the Forbidden Forest to walk willingly to his death.
๐ซฅThe Invisibility Cloak
Cloak of True Invisibility
Unlike ordinary cloaks, this one never fades and hides its wearer from Death itself. The only Hallow that can be permanently possessed without corrupting its owner.
Fragments of a broken soul
The Seven Horcruxes
Voldemort split his soul into seven pieces and hid them across the wizarding world. As long as even one survived, he could not truly die.
๐Tom Riddle's Diary
Destroyed by Harry ยท Chamber of Secrets
The first Horcrux โ and the first destroyed. Lucius slipped it to Ginny Weasley, who began writing in it not knowing a memory of Voldemort lived inside.
๐Marvolo Gaunt's Ring
Destroyed by Dumbledore ยท A hidden shack
Set with the Resurrection Stone. Dumbledore destroyed it but was cursed in the process, setting in motion his own planned death.
๐Slytherin's Locket
Destroyed by Ron ยท Hidden in caves
Originally stolen by Regulus Black. Wearing it drove the trio to despair. Ron destroyed it with the Sword of Gryffindor.
๐Hufflepuff's Cup
Destroyed by Hermione ยท Gringotts Bank
Hidden in the Lestrange vault in Gringotts. Hermione destroyed it with a Basilisk fang in the Chamber of Secrets.
๐ฆ
Ravenclaw's Diadem
Destroyed by Fiendfyre ยท Room of Requirement
Lost for centuries until Voldemort hid it in the Room of Requirement. Crabbe's uncontrollable Fiendfyre destroyed it โ and Crabbe along with it.
๐Nagini
Destroyed by Neville ยท Battle of Hogwarts
The only living Horcrux. Neville Longbottom beheaded her with the Sword of Gryffindor โ one of the story's most triumphant moments.
โกHarry Potter
Destroyed by Voldemort ยท Forbidden Forest
An accidental Horcrux. A fragment of Voldemort's soul lived inside Harry for seventeen years. Harry walked willingly to his death so Voldemort could destroy it.
Magic knows no borders
Schools of Magic
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟHogwarts
Scotland, United Kingdom
The most famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. Founded over a thousand years ago by the four founders.
๐ซ๐ทBeauxbatons
Pyrenees, France
Elegant academy in the French mountains. Fleur Delacour represented Beauxbatons in the Triwizard Tournament.
๐ปDurmstrang
Northern Europe
Known for teaching the Dark Arts. Viktor Krum was its champion. Its location is a closely guarded secret.
๐บ๐ธIlvermorny
Mount Greylock, USA
North American school with four houses: Horned Serpent, Pukwudgie, Thunderbird, and Wampus.
๐ง๐ทCastelobruxo
Brazil
Hidden in the Amazon rainforest, protected by Caipora spirits. Renowned for Herbology and Magizoology.
๐ฏ๐ตMahoutokoro
Japan
Smallest of the eleven great schools. Students' robes change color as they advance.
๐Uagadou
Uganda, Africa
The largest of all wizarding schools. Acceptance letters are delivered in dreams.
โ๏ธKoldovstoretz
Russia
One of the most secretive schools. Students reportedly play Quidditch using uprooted trees instead of broomsticks.
Alliances forged in war
Factions & Orders
๐ฅOrder of the Phoenix
Founded by Albus Dumbledore ยท 1970
The secret society formed to oppose Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Members included James and Lily Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Mad-Eye Moody, and many others who gave their lives for the cause. Reconvened when Voldemort returned.
KNOWN MEMBERS
Dumbledore ยท James Potter ยท Lily Potter ยท Sirius Black ยท Remus Lupin ยท Mad-Eye Moody ยท Kingsley Shacklebolt ยท Nymphadora Tonks ยท Arthur Weasley ยท Molly Weasley ยท Severus Snape
๐Death Eaters
Loyal to Lord Voldemort ยท ~1970
Voldemort's inner circle of followers, bound to him by the Dark Mark burned into their left forearms. They carried out his orders and spread terror across the wizarding world during both wars. Many claimed to have been acting under the Imperius Curse.
KNOWN MEMBERS
Bellatrix Lestrange ยท Lucius Malfoy ยท Draco Malfoy ยท Peter Pettigrew ยท Barty Crouch Jr. ยท Fenrir Greyback ยท Dolores Umbridge ยท Severus Snape*
โกDumbledore's Army
Founded by Harry Potter ยท 1995
A secret student organization formed by Harry Potter in response to Dolores Umbridge's refusal to teach practical Defense Against the Dark Arts. Students trained in the Room of Requirement. They fought in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries and the Battle of Hogwarts.
KNOWN MEMBERS
Harry ยท Hermione ยท Ron ยท Neville ยท Luna ยท Ginny ยท Fred & George ยท Cho Chang ยท Dean Thomas ยท Seamus Finnigan ยท Lavender Brown
๐บ๏ธThe Marauders
Hogwarts Class of 1978
James Potter (Prongs), Sirius Black (Padfoot), Remus Lupin (Moony), and Peter Pettigrew (Wormtail). They became unregistered Animagi to keep Lupin company during full moons. Created the Marauder's Map in their time at Hogwarts. Their friendship โ and its betrayal โ shaped everything.
THE FOUR
Prongs (Stag) ยท Padfoot (Dog) ยท Moony (Werewolf) ยท Wormtail (Rat)
Three died heroes. One died a coward.
Three died heroes. One died a coward.
The history of the wizarding world
Timeline of Magic
~982 AD
Founding of Hogwarts
Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin found the greatest school of magic. Slytherin creates the Chamber of Secrets before his departure.
~13th Century
The Tale of the Three Brothers
The Peverell brothers โ Antioch, Cadmus, and Ignotus โ reportedly receive the three Deathly Hallows from Death itself. The legend of the unbeatable wand begins.
1689
The International Statute of Secrecy
Wizardkind goes into hiding from the Muggle world. The International Confederation of Wizards establishes the global law that shapes the entire modern wizarding world.
1926
Birth of Tom Marvolo Riddle
Born in a Muggle orphanage on December 31. Son of Merope Gaunt and Tom Riddle Sr. His mother dies shortly after birth. He will grow up to become Lord Voldemort.
1945
Dumbledore defeats Grindelwald
Albus Dumbledore defeats Gellert Grindelwald โ his former friend and greatest dark wizard of the era โ in a legendary duel. He wins the Elder Wand.
1970s
The First Wizarding War
Voldemort rises to power, spreading terror across Britain. The Order of the Phoenix, led by Dumbledore, stands against him. Countless lives are lost on both sides.
October 31, 1981
The Night Everything Changed
Voldemort murders James and Lily Potter in Godric's Hollow. His killing curse rebounds off infant Harry, destroying Voldemort's body. Harry becomes the Boy Who Lived. The first war ends.
1991
Harry Enters Hogwarts
Harry Potter begins his first year at Hogwarts, sorted into Gryffindor. He meets Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The Philosopher's Stone is threatened by Quirrell โ possessed by Voldemort.
1994
The Triwizard Tournament
Hogwarts hosts the legendary tournament for the first time in centuries. Cedric Diggory and Harry are both selected. The tournament ends with Cedric's death and Voldemort's return to full power.
1997โ1998
The Second Wizarding War
Voldemort seizes control of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione hunt the remaining Horcruxes. The Battle of Hogwarts ends the war. Voldemort is finally destroyed.
May 2, 1998
The Battle of Hogwarts
The final confrontation. Fifty members of the Order and Dumbledore's Army fall defending Hogwarts. Harry sacrifices himself, destroying the Horcrux within him. Neville kills Nagini. Voldemort is defeated forever.
Artifacts of extraordinary power
Legendary Magical Objects
๐บ๏ธThe Marauder's Map
Created by Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs โ Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black and James Potter. Shows every person's location within Hogwarts in real time. Insults anyone who tries to use it without the password: "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
๐งฅThe Invisibility Cloak
One of the three Deathly Hallows. Unlike ordinary invisibility cloaks that fade with age, this one is permanent. Passed down through the Potter family from Ignotus Peverell. The only Hallow that never corrupts its owner.
โ๏ธThe Sword of Gryffindor
A magnificent silver sword made by goblins, set with rubies. Appears to any worthy Gryffindor in their hour of need. Because Harry slew the Basilisk with it, the blade absorbed Basilisk venom โ making it one of the few things capable of destroying Horcruxes.
๐ฎThe Pensieve
A stone basin filled with silver liquid that allows the user to revisit extracted memories as if they were present. Dumbledore used it to show Harry the history of Voldemort and the Horcruxes. Located in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts.
๐ชThe Mirror of Erised
"Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi." Shows the viewer their deepest and most desperate desire. Harry saw his family. Dumbledore saw himself holding a pair of thick, woolen socks. Hidden in a disused classroom on the third floor.
๐The Sorting Hat
Enchanted by the four founders to carry out the sorting of new students into their houses. Over a thousand years old. Sings a new song each year. When Harry wore it, it considered putting him in Slytherin โ he begged for Gryffindor. The hat respected his choice.
๐The Philosopher's Stone
Created by Nicolas Flamel, the only known maker. Produces the Elixir of Life which grants immortality, and can turn any metal to gold. Dumbledore kept it hidden at Hogwarts. After Quirrell's defeat, it was destroyed to prevent further misuse.
๐The Triwizard Cup
The trophy awarded to the winner of the Triwizard Tournament. In 1994, Barty Crouch Jr. transfigured it into a Portkey that transported Harry and Cedric directly to Voldemort in the graveyard at Little Hangleton โ setting in motion Voldemort's resurrection.
๐The Daily Prophet
The primary wizarding newspaper of Britain. Its moving photographs and magic-delivered editions define wizarding media. Under Voldemort's influence, it became a propaganda machine spreading fear and lies โ and later, a tool used against Harry Potter himself.
Every corridor holds a secret
Places of Power
๐ฐThe Great Hall
The heart of Hogwarts โ where students eat, receive mail, and gather for announcements. Its enchanted ceiling reflects the sky outside. Four long house tables run its length. Floating candles illuminate every feast.
๐The Chamber of Secrets
Hidden beneath Hogwarts for a thousand years, accessible only to Parselmouths. Created by Salazar Slytherin to house the Basilisk. Harry discovered it in his second year, battling the serpent and a memory of Tom Riddle.
๐The Library
Hundreds of thousands of books on every conceivable subject of magic. The Restricted Section holds the darkest volumes โ accessible only with a signed teacher's note. Hermione spent more time here than anywhere else at Hogwarts.
๐ณThe Forbidden Forest
An ancient, dense forest bordering the Hogwarts grounds. Home to Acromantulas, centaurs, Thestrals, unicorns, and countless other magical creatures. Students are forbidden entry โ except for detentions, and one very important walk Harry took alone.
๐๏ธThe Room of Requirement
A secret room that appears only when someone truly needs it. It transforms into whatever the person requires โ a practice space, a hiding place, a bathroom in an emergency. Dumbledore's Army trained here in secret during Umbridge's reign.
โ๏ธThe Potions Dungeon
Deep below the castle, cold and damp. Snape's domain for sixteen years. The smell of something burning is permanent. Neville Longbottom feared this room more than any other. The Slytherin common room is located nearby.
๐ญThe Astronomy Tower
The highest point of Hogwarts. Students study the night sky from here โ and Death Eaters invaded through it during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower. It is where Dumbledore died, and where Harry watched him fall.
๐The Quidditch Pitch
The vast stadium where Hogwarts plays its most beloved sport. Three golden hoops stand at each end. Harry caught his first Snitch here in his first year. It was cancelled under Umbridge โ one of her most hated decisions.
Beyond the castle walls
The Magical World
๐ฆGringotts Bank
The only wizarding bank, run by goblins. Deep beneath London, behind a nondescript Diagon Alley entrance. Vaults go miles deep, guarded by dragons in the lowest levels. Harry first visited Vault 713 โ which held the Philosopher's Stone โ with Hagrid on his birthday.
๐ชDiagon Alley
The primary wizarding shopping district in London, accessed through the Leaky Cauldron by tapping a specific brick pattern. Contains Ollivanders (wands), Madam Malkin's (robes), Flourish and Blotts (books), Weasleys Wizard Wheezes, and Gringotts Bank.
๐Platform 9ยพ
The hidden departure point for the Hogwarts Express, accessed by walking through the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 at King's Cross Station. The train departs every September 1st at 11 AM precisely, arriving at Hogsmeade Station.
๐บThe Leaky Cauldron
A famous wizarding pub and inn located on Charing Cross Road in London, invisible to Muggles. The gateway to Diagon Alley through its back courtyard. Tom the innkeeper has been there for as long as anyone can remember.
๐๏ธHogsmeade
The only entirely non-Muggle village in Britain. Third-year Hogwarts students may visit on selected weekends. Home to The Three Broomsticks, the Hog's Head inn, Honeydukes (sweets), Zonko's Joke Shop, and Ollivanders (branch). Connected to Hogwarts via secret passages.
๐๏ธMinistry of Magic
The British wizarding government, located beneath London. Accessed via enchanted phone box or flushing oneself down a toilet. Contains the Department of Mysteries, the Auror Office, and the Wizengamot courtrooms. Fell under Voldemort's control in Year Seven.
โกGodric's Hollow
The village in the West Country where the Peverell brothers once lived, where Dumbledore and Grindelwald spent their summer, where the Potters were murdered, and where Harry and Hermione visited in Year Seven โ nearly dying in an ambush by Nagini.
๐ฐAzkaban
The wizarding prison, located on an island fortress in the North Sea. Guarded by Dementors who strip prisoners of all happiness and positive memory. Those sentenced there typically deteriorate rapidly. Sirius Black escaped it in 1993 โ the first time anyone had. Voldemort removed the Dementors in Year Six.
๐ชKnockturn Alley
The dark arts shopping district running off Diagon Alley. Home to Borgin and Burkes โ where Lucius Malfoy sold Dark artifacts and where Draco was secretly measured for a Vanishing Cabinet. Harry once accidentally Flooed there instead of Diagon Alley.
๐ณThe Burrow
The Weasley family home in Ottery St Catchpole, Devon โ a rickety, improbable structure held together by magic and love. More home to Harry than anywhere else he had ever lived. Attacked and damaged during Year Six. The garden is notorious for gnomes.
๐ 12 Grimmauld Place
The ancestral home of the House of Black in London, left to Sirius. Used as Order of the Phoenix headquarters. Contains the family tapestry, mounted house elf heads, and the portrait of Sirius's mother โ permanently screaming. Harry inherited it after Sirius's death.
๐ฟShell Cottage
Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour's cottage on the Cornwall coast. A safe haven during Year Seven โ where Harry, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Dean, Ollivander, and Griphook hid after escaping Malfoy Manor. Where Dobby is buried, on the cliff above the sea.
The curriculum of Hogwarts School
Hogwarts Subjects
โ๏ธPotions
The art of brewing magical concoctions with precise ingredient combinations. Snape's domain for years โ and later Slughorn's. Hermione excelled; Neville was terrified. Harry discovered unexpected talent using Snape's annotated textbook.
๐ฟHerbology
The study of magical plants and fungi. Professor Sprout's greenhouse contains Devil's Snare, Mandrakes (whose cry kills), Whomping Willow cuttings, and countless others. Neville Longbottom found his true calling here.
๐งDefense Against the Dark Arts
Notoriously difficult to staff โ Voldemort cursed the position after being refused the job. Quirrell, Lockhart, Lupin, Moody (Crouch), Umbridge, Snape, and Amycus Carrow each taught it. Lupin was by far the finest.
โจTransfiguration
Transforming objects and beings from one form to another โ considered the most complex and dangerous magic taught at Hogwarts. McGonagall's discipline. Animagus transformation is an extreme branch of Transfiguration.
๐Charms
Spells that add properties to an object or creature. Professor Flitwick's class. Most everyday spells โ Lumos, Alohomora, Expelliarmus โ fall under Charms. The Patronus Charm is the most advanced Charms spell taught at Hogwarts.
๐ฎDivination
The prediction of the future using crystal balls, tea leaves, star charts, and dream interpretation. Considered by Hermione to be 'the most useless class she had ever taken.' Professor Trelawney made two true prophecies โ both by accident.
๐ฆCare of Magical Creatures
Study of the creatures of the magical world under Hagrid's enthusiastic and occasionally dangerous instruction. Year Three students were introduced to Hippogriffs on Day One, resulting in Draco's infamous injury.
๐Astronomy
Weekly midnight tower observations with Professor Sinistra. Used to track celestial movements and their effects on magic. The night the Ministry attacked Hagrid and McGonagall is one of the series' most quietly devastating scenes.
๐History of Magic
The only class taught by a ghost โ Professor Binns, who apparently never noticed he had died. Notoriously boring. Hermione memorized everything. Most students napped. The subject occasionally proved vital: knowledge of the Chamber of Secrets.
๐ขArithmancy
The magical study of numbers and their properties. One of Hermione's elective favorites, requiring the Time Turner to attend in Year Three. Considered the most intellectually demanding elective at Hogwarts.
๐๏ธAncient Runes
The study and translation of ancient magical scripts. Another of Hermione's electives. Knowledge of runes proved crucial during the Horcrux hunt โ the symbol of the Deathly Hallows and Dumbledore's notes in the Tales of Beedle the Bard.
๐งชAlchemy
The ancient science of transforming matter and pursuing the Philosopher's Stone. Offered only when there is sufficient demand โ typically at NEWT level. Nicolas Flamel was the world's greatest alchemist, creating the only known Philosopher's Stone.
The sport every wizard grows up on
Quidditch
๐The Golden Snitch
A small, winged golden ball worth 150 points, ending the match when caught. Harry caught the Snitch in his mouth during his very first match, nearly swallowing it.
๐ดThe Quaffle
A reddish-brown leather ball passed between Chasers, thrown through one of three hoops to score 10 points. Enchanted with a grip charm to prevent slipping.
โซThe Bludgers
Two heavy iron balls enchanted to fly at players and knock them off their brooms, controlled by the two Beaters per team using bats.
๐งนThe Firebolt
Considered the finest racing broom during Harry's years at Hogwarts. Sirius Black bought one anonymously for Harry in Year Three โ an extraordinarily expensive gift from a fugitive godfather.
๐ฆ
Seeker Position
The smallest, lightest player, tasked with catching the Golden Snitch. Harry became the youngest Seeker in a century, recruited by McGonagall after witnessing his natural talent.
๐ฅ
Quidditch Pitch
An oval stadium with three golden hoops at each end, fifty feet up. The Hogwarts pitch has hosted the school's most legendary matches and most spectacular injuries.
๐
Quidditch World Cup
The most prestigious international tournament, held every four years. The 1994 Cup ended with Ireland defeating Bulgaria despite Krum catching the Snitch โ then erupted into chaos as Death Eaters attacked.
๐Quidditch Through the Ages
The definitive history book on the sport, found in every Hogwarts library and most wizarding homes โ details the evolution of rules, famous teams, and the sport's occasionally dangerous origins.
To read at your own pace
Articles
The Hat and the quiz
Sorting Hat Quiz: How It Works and What It Measures
How our Hogwarts house quiz works: 13 decision questions, how your result is calculated, what it limits and what it doesn't do. No fine print.
The Hat and the quiz
The Sorting Hat Almost Put Harry in Slytherin: What Happened
The Sorting Hat wanted to put Harry in Slytherin. What it told him, why it changed its mind and the Dumbledore line that explains everything.
The houses
Gryffindor House Explained: What Nobody Tells You
Gryffindor isn't the house of the good guys, it's the house of impulse. Pettigrew, Sirius, James and Neville show what courage really means in the books.
The houses
Hufflepuff House: The Most Underrated House at Hogwarts
Everyone jokes about Hufflepuff until they check the history. Helga, Cedric, Tonks, and why the house of "leftovers" is the hardest one to corrupt.
Horcruxes
Gaunt's Ring: The Horcrux That Doomed Dumbledore
The story of Marvolo Gaunt's ring, the Resurrection Stone and the curse that sealed Dumbledore's death. Book chapters, movie differences and details.
Horcruxes
Harry Potter, the Seventh Horcrux: How He Was Made and Lived
Why Harry was a Horcrux, what Dumbledore knew, what happened in the Forbidden Forest and why Harry survived the killing curse. The series finale.
What is Hechizopedia?
Hechizopedia is a free Harry Potter fan site in English and Spanish. It has nine quizzes (the house quiz is the most popular), illustrated profiles of 42 characters, guides to spells, creatures, Horcruxes and places, and articles with references to book chapters. Made by fans, for fans. Meet the team and how we work.