Harry's godfather and a member of the original Order of the Phoenix. An unregistered Animagus who can transform into a large black dog. Reckless, fiercely protective, and haunted by years of wrongful imprisonment.

A werewolf and one of Harry's father's closest friends. Lupin serves as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry's third year. Gentle, wise, and deeply self-conscious about his condition.

Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts and Head of Gryffindor house. Stern, fair, and a supremely gifted Transfiguration teacher with a fierce loyalty to her students and a dry sense of humour.

Potions Master and later Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. Cold, sarcastic, and openly hostile towards Harry from their first meeting. A deeply complex figure whose true loyalties are one of the series' central mysteries.

Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, and later Professor of Care of Magical Creatures. Half-giant, enormously strong, and possessed of a deep love for dangerous animals. One of the first people to show Harry genuine kindness.

Matriarch of the Weasley family and a formidable witch. Warm, loving, and fiercely protective of her children and Harry, whom she treats as one of her own.

Ron's father and a Ministry of Magic employee in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office. Endlessly fascinated by Muggle technology and culture. Kind, principled, and quietly brave.

A young Auror and member of the Order of the Phoenix. A Metamorphmagus who can change her appearance at will. Clumsy, cheerful, and brave. Despises her first name.

A legendary retired Auror known for his paranoia and his magical eye that can see through walls and invisibility cloaks. Scarred and battle-worn, Moody is a key member of the Order of the Phoenix.

Harry's mother. A Muggle-born witch described as exceptionally kind, talented, and fiery-tempered. Her love for Harry is the most powerful force in the story.

Harry's father. A talented pure-blood wizard, Quidditch player, and unregistered Animagus who could transform into a stag. Popular and sometimes arrogant in his youth.

A student at Beauxbatons Academy and the Triwizard Tournament champion for her school. Part-Veela, strikingly beautiful, and often underestimated. Proud but brave.