20 Unsung Heroes Of The Harry Potter Series That Deserve More Recognition
Do You Remember These Lesser-Known Heroes?
Not every hero in Harry Potter wears a cape or even wields a wand. A hero could be anyone from a house elf to an owl, as long as they strove to do the right thing and helped in whatever way they could. Here are the 20 most underrated but impactful characters in the Harry Potter series.
1. Neville Longbottom
Neville is arguably the character who experienced the most growth throughout the series, from a timid and insecure boy to a brave and decisive hero. His heroism culminated in him wielding the sword of Gryffindor to behead Nagini, the final horcrux, playing a crucial role in Voldemort's demise.
2. Remus Lupin
In addition to being a close friend to Harry's parents and Harry's mentor in his third year, who taught him important spells like the Patronus charm, Remus Lupin was a skilled fighter in his own right. He died valiantly fighting Death Eaters in the Battle of Hogwarts.
3. Fleur Delacour
Fleur Delacour was introduced in the fourth book as a foreign student and the object of Ron's and many other boys' crushes. More than just a pretty face, though, Fleur later became involved in the war effort and played a crucial role in getting Harry to safety by taking a polyjuice potion during the Battle of the Seven Potters.
4. Professor Flitwick
Professor Flitwick is introduced as a lighthearted and somewhat silly charms professor, but he's an incredibly skilled wizard and was once a duelling champion. He played a crucial role in the defense of Hogwarts and fought bravely in the Battle of Hogwarts.
5. Firenze
If not for Firenze, Harry probably would've been killed by Voldemort in the first book. Firenze rescued Harry from Voldemort in the Dark Forest, despite disapproval from fellow centaurs, and also fought in the Battle of Hogwarts.
6. Aberforth Dumbledore
Aberforth Dumbledore lived a simple and quiet life as the owner of the Hog's Head Inn compared to his older brother, Albus, but he was instrumental in the fight against Voldemort. He risked his own life to provide crucial support to Dumbledore's Army.
7. Regulus Black
Sirius's brother, Regulus Blac, joined the Death Eaters at a young age, but later turned against them. He stole one of the Horcruxes and destroyed it at the price of his own life.
8. Kingsley Shacklebolt
A high-ranking Auror with the Ministry of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt secretly joined the Order of the Phoenix, feeding them crucial information about Voldemort and throwing the Ministry off Sirius's scent. He also fought alongside other Order members in the Battle of Hogwarts.
9. Molly Weasley
Molly Weasley is not just the quintessential mother figure; she's also a fierce warrior with a strong protective nature. She actively fought alongside the other members of the Order in the Battle of Hogwarts and killed Bellatrix Lestrange.
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10. Hedwig
More than just a messenger owl, Hedwig was Harry's constant companion. Her death in the Battle of the Seven Potters symbolized the loss of Harry's innocence and the impending dangers ahead.
11. Mad-Eye Moody
Mad-Eye Moody doesn't necessarily fit the mold of "hero" due to his gruff, somewhat intimidating "anti-hero" appearance. However, he was fiercely dedicated to destroying Voldemort and keeping Harry safe, and lost his eye, leg, and eventually his life doing so.
12. Arabella Figg
Arabella Figg was the Dursleys' neighbor who was secretly placed there by Dumbledore to watch over Harry. Her presence was completely unknown until she testified as a member of the Order after Harry and Dudley were attacked by Dementors.
13. The Weasley Twins
Fred and George Weasley were often portrayed as immature pranksters, but were tremendously brave and inventive. They were significant players in the fight against Voldemort and the Battle of Hogwarts, where Fred died fighting.
14. Narcissa Malfoy
Narcissa Malfoy's love for her son drove her to lie to Voldemort, deceiving him that Harry was dead when he wasn't. This lie had a huge impact, turning the tide of the battle and allowing Harry to finally defeat Voldemort.
15. Dobby
Throughout the series, Dubby repeatedly acts to protect Harry, even against the wishes of his master. He does everything to keep Harry safe, from preventing him from going to Hogwarts because he believes it's too dangerous to intercepting a knife throw from Bellatrix.
16. Minerva McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall comes off as a harsh and snooty professor at first, but she turns out to be an important ally to Harry and his friends. She's a member of the Order of the Phoenix and fights bravely to keep the students and her colleagues safe.
17. Severus Snape
While he may ot be as "unsung" as some of the other heroes on this list, we'd argue he's not sung enough. He essentially lived undercover as a different person for seventeen years, spying for Dumbledore, keeping Harry safe, and ultimately sacrificing his life.
18. Luna Lovegood
Luna Lovegood is often portrayed as an eccentric and naive girl who has an obsession with fantastical creatures. She had an unwavering belief in Harry and stood by him even when others didn't. She also joined Dumbledore's Army and fought in the Battle of Hogwarts.
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19. Kreacher
Kreacher was Sirius Black's family house elf who started out working against Harry and the Order, but his loyalties changed after Harry showed him kindness. He led the Hogwarts house elves into battle.
20. Nymphadora Tonks
Although a minor character, Nymphadora Tonks played a major role in bringing down Voldemort as part of the Order. She fought off Bellatrix Lestrange to help Harry escape Privet Drive, but later died during the Battle of Hogwarts at the hands of Lestrange.
