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.

The most feared Dark wizard of all time. Born Tom Riddle, he remade himself into Lord Voldemort and waged a campaign of terror against the wizarding world. Obsessed with purity of blood, immortality, and the domination of all who oppose him.

A retired Potions Master who returns to teach at Hogwarts. Vain, comfort-loving, and a collector of famous and talented people, Slughorn is nevertheless a genuinely gifted teacher.

Draco's mother and Lucius's wife. Cold and haughty in public, Narcissa's defining characteristic is her fierce devotion to her son above all else, including ideology.

Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry's first year. Nervous, stuttering, and apparently terrified of his own subject. Wears a distinctive purple turban.