In the magical world of Harry Potter, magic meets bravery, and the characters quickly capture our hearts, unlike any other series. Anyone who knows the series knows that Harry Potter’s birthday is July 31st. They also know that Hogwarts Day is September 1st. So, what are we celebrating on Harry Potter Day today? The final battle. On May 2nd, Harry Potter and Company defeated Voldemort and his army in the battle for Hogwarts, ending the Second Wizarding War.
Harry Potter Day reminds us of the importance of courage and friendships, emphasizing that good can triumph over evil, a central theme throughout the whole series. So, who are 10 of the all-time favorite characters in the Harry Potter series? Let’s dive in.
10 Favorite Harry Potter Characters of All Time
Harry Potter
The ultimate protagonist has such a steadfast sense of morality that one imagines how it’s all possible. Harry Potter goes through more than any boy his age should and still manages to show incredible courage and forge strong, everlasting friendships. Harry’s resilience in the face of all his hardships makes him not only the Chosen One in the series but the chosen one in every fan’s heart. On Harry Potter Day, we celebrate the Battle of Hogwarts and the boy who lived.
Hermione Granger
The brilliant, loyal, and fierce friend. Many have referred to Hermione as the most important part of the Golden Trio, and even Ron and Harry have admitted they wouldn’t make it three seconds without her. As a Muggle-born witch, Hermione is most known for her intelligence. She is an incredibly clever character and has an insatiable thirst for knowledge, which is why many believe she should have been sorted into Ravenclaw. However, her intense bravery and courage place her perfectly in Gryffindor, where she puts herself in danger to help others and always stands up for those who are being mistreated.
Ron Weasley
The fiercely loyal best friend who provides everyone with a bit of comic relief. Ron is a key character throughout the entire series, and he has his signature red hair, freckled complexion, and blue eyes. While fighting constant insecurity between his older brothers and friends’ status, Ron is courageous and will always fight for what is right with a little bit of a sarcastic sense of humor sprinkled around. Oh, and he loves food. Everyone loves a character who isn’t shy about being a foodie!
Albus Dumbledore
The powerful and wise headmaster is constantly considered to be the greatest wizard of all time. Known for his long silver hair and beard, Dumbledore’s presence is always calm and serene, no matter the situation. He has high moral integrity regarding his continued refusal to use dark magic, even when it might suit him, and always focuses on finding the light. On Harry Potter Day, it’s important to remember one of Dumbledore’s most famous lines: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light”.
Minerva McGonagall
The stern, fair, and courageous Head of Gryffindor house, she is also a profoundly skilled Transfiguration teacher and registered Animagus. She is fiercely devoted to her students and the Hogwarts School. She is another character with a firm moral compass and has never been afraid of speaking her mind or fighting for what is right. During the Battle at Hogwarts, her unwavering leadership is crucial in bringing the students and teachers together to fight against Voldemort.
Rubeus Hagrid
Friendly, loyal giant, and keeper of the grounds and gamekeeper! Clearly known for his unique appearance, including his size, Hagrid is a dear friend to the Golden Trio throughout the series. He has an incredibly kind, soft heart, is fiercely loyal, especially to Dumbledore and Harry, and even acts as a father figure to Harry, protecting him and being there whenever he needs him. Oh, his love for magical creatures and desire to defend them is something to always be commended.
Severus Snape
The most complex of all characters in the Harry Potter world, Severus Snape, never wavers in his love for Lily Potter or his willingness to sacrifice himself to keep her son safe. A secret member of the Order of the Phoenix, master at Potions, and the ultimate spy, Snape often appears cold and calculating. However, it’s his loyalty and courage that are his true qualities. For Harry Potter Day, we are reminded of his life as a double agent for Dumbledore within Voldemort’s inner circle as a Death Eater and how that is just one of the many things that make him one of the most fascinating characters in the series.
Remus Lupin
One piece of the Order of the Phoenix, a werewolf, and an incredibly devoted husband, father, and friend. A key mentor in Harry’s life, Lupin, is known for his empathy, understanding, and kindness. He also provides him with comfort and guidance whenever he can, such as when Harry is first faced with the Dementors. Even with his own challenges, he constantly shows his strength and courage when faced with adversity. Today, on Harry Potter Day, Lupin is remembered for fighting to the end, alongside his wife, in the Battle of Hogwarts.
Sirius Black
Former member of the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter’s Godfather, an Animagus, and a true hero, Sirius Black is known for his incredibly charming personality mixed with mystery and loyalty. He is highly protective of his friends and family and is not afraid to walk straight into a dangerous situation to protect those he loves. Harry Potter Day reminds us that he is another complex character who fights the scars of being wrongfully imprisoned in Azkaban and wants to make his childhood best friend, Harry Potter’s father, proud.
Lord Voldemort
The main antagonist, the Dark Lord, must be celebrated on Harry Potter Day just as any hero is. Complete with his pale skin and flat nose is an eerily powerful wizard who is ruthless in his desire for power and immortality. On the ultimate quest for power, since his days as a Hogwarts student, Voldemort has little regard for the well-being of others and will kill anyone, loyal or not, to achieve his goals. For such an evil wizard, he is also brilliant and strategic in his ability to put together his plan and rise to power once again.
Final Thoughts
Trying to narrow down the 10 best Harry Potter characters on Harry Potter Day was not an easy feat. I’m already thinking, but what about Dobby, Neville, Luna, Ginny, and the rest of the Weasleys? The Harry Potter series has so many incredible characters, each with their own special personalities and unique traits that make each one as memorable as the next, and all of whom are celebrated on Harry Potter Day.
On May 2nd, 1998, Hogwarts, the Order of the Phoenix, and Dumbledore’s Army use what makes each of them invaluable to ultimately defeat Voldemort and the Death Eaters in an epic showdown where courage, bravery, unity, sacrifice, and determination are used to send the ultimate message of good overcoming evil and contributes to the everlasting legacy of the entire series, which is celebrated every year on Harry Potter Day.
