International Harry Potter Day: 10 best Harry Potter characters and their stories

Do you know what day it is? It's International Harry Potter Day! Celebrated on May 2nd, it's the day when Harry Potter defeated Lord Voldemort in the Battle of Hogwarts. It saw the conclusion of one of the world's most-loved fantasy franchises, leaving fans tearful and nostalgic. After all, Harry Potter brought great joy and a sense of magic to children and adults alike through the books as well as the films.

Since then, Fans have been clamoring for a new series revival—eager to return to Hogwarts in a fresh way.

Well, the wait is almost over, because a new Harry Potter series is in the works, set to be released in 2026! This time, it will dive deeper into the books, exploring details that the films couldn't fully explore. Exciting, right? As the new show gears up to immerse fans in the wizarding world once again, there’s no better time than International Harry Potter Day to reflect on the most iconic characters of the franchise.

Note: This article reflects the author's personal opinions.

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10 best Harry Potter characters and their stories

1) Harry Potter

Now, how can anyone talk about the best Harry Potter characters without naming the Boy Who Lived himself? An orphaned child who discovers he’s a wizard on his 11th birthday, Harry is faced with danger, betrayal, and immense responsibility right from the very beginning. Over time, he grows into a courageous leader who’s willing to sacrifice everything, including himself, to defeat Lord Voldemort. His journey is one of resilience, love, and powerful self-discovery.

2) Ron Weasley

Harry’s best friend and a proud member of the Weasley family, it might be that Ron is named after a weasel. However, he has proven his bravery time and again under multiple circumstances. His humor and down-to-earth nature balance out the trio, while his love for Hermione and sacrifices during the war reveal real emotional depth. As the comic relief of the series, Ron might just have the greatest magic trick of all, making us laugh hysterically!

3) Hermione Granger

The brightest witch of her age, Hermione is incredibly intelligent, resourceful, and driven by principle. She constantly saves her friends with quick thinking and an encyclopedic knowledge of magic. As a Muggle-born, she also champions justice and equality in the wizarding world. Her journey reflects strength in both intellect and heart. In a battle of brains, you're definitely losing to her!

4) Albus Dumbledore

The most enigmatic school principal Hogwarts has ever known, Dumbledore is a wise, powerful, and farsighted headmaster who guides Harry through his journey. Behind his calm demeanor lies a troubled past filled with dark secrets and personal guilt. He carefully orchestrates much of the fight against Voldemort, often at great personal cost. His character reminds us that even the wisest can be flawed. Also, that beard? Absolutely iconic!

5) Severus Snape

We begin the series hating him, but by the end, we can’t help but feel deep empathy and respect for the man. One of the most complex characters in the entire series, Severus Snape is a strict professor with a hidden motive. This former Death Eater spends years secretly working against Voldemort, driven by his enduring love for Harry's mother, Lily Potter. Though misunderstood for most of the series, his final revelations raise him to the status of a tragic hero. His story is a powerful tale of redemption, sacrifice, and unrequited love.

6) Lord Voldemort (Tom Riddle)

Voldemort may not have a nose, but as a villain, he surely sends chills down your spine while reeking of pure menace. Born as Tom Riddle, he is the most feared evil wizard of all time! Completely obsessed with power and immortality, he commits unspeakable horrors. Yet, it is his inability to feel touched by love that ultimately leads to his unraveling. Voldemort stands as a haunting reminder of how fear, hatred, and ego can completely corrupt someone with great potential.

7) Rubeus Hagrid

The lovable giant with zero haters, Hagrid, is the one figure who first welcomes Harry into the magical world. Though extremely clumsy and overly emotional at times, his heart is enormous, and his loyalty is unmatched. He truly adores magical creatures (even the terrifying ones) and is always there for Harry and his friends, no matter what. Hagrid is the embodiment of warmth, bravery, and kindness—so how could anyone not love him?

8) Draco Malfoy

Starting off as Harry’s rival at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy is a proud, pure-blood Slytherin with a sharp tongue and an attitude to match. But as the films progress, Malfoy’s arc takes a darker turn when he’s forced into becoming a Death Eater. Torn between fear and loyalty, he ultimately reveals that he’s not as heartless as he once seemed. Much like Snape, Draco becomes a sinner-turned-savior in the franchise.

9) Sirius Black

Let’s be honest—we all initially believed Sirius Black was a dangerous killer responsible for Harry’s parents’ deaths. But he quickly became one of our favorite characters. As Harry’s godfather, Sirius is a rebellious soul who was wrongly imprisoned in Azkaban for crimes he didn’t commit. After his escape, he becomes a fierce protector and one of Harry’s most beloved father figures. And let's not even get started about his tragic death, which remains one of the franchise’s most heart-breaking moments.

10) Dobby

Dobby is the lovable house-elf who gains his freedom with Harry Potter’s help and becomes fiercely loyal to him ever since. He repeatedly risks his life to protect Harry and his friends, proving his bravery time and time again. His final act of heroism, rescuing them from Malfoy Manor, comes at a devastating cost. Dobby dies a free elf, helping the people he loves, and in the process, breaks all our hearts and sets off our tear glands.

No wonder Harry Potter became one of the most successful book and film franchises in the world! With such memorable characters, each with such unique personalities and magical powers, it's impossible not to keep revisiting these cinematic gems. And now, with a brand-new Harry Potter series by HBO in the works, we're all set for another magical rollercoaster ride. So as we wait for the big release - Happy International Harry Potter Day!