Characters and concepts that will help you navigate the Harry Potter world:
HARRY POTTER: As a baby, Harry was orphaned when the evil Lord Voldemort killed his wizard parents, James and Lily Potter. Harry was left with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead that marks him as a hero in the wizarding world. Until the age of 11, however, Harry lived full time with his non-wizard Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon Dursley, who adore their overweight, overbearing son Dudley and openly despise their nephew.
On his 11th birthday, Harry learns that he is a wizard and starts his studies at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Over the course of the first five books, Harry becomes adept at magic and succeeds at thwarting Voldemort's efforts to kill him. But Harry also learns that he eventually must have a final showdown with Voldemort to fulfill the prophecy that links them: "For neither can live while the other survives."
LORD VOLDEMORT: The head evil-doer in the wizard world, Lord Voldemort murdered Harry's parents in his quest to defeat the forces of good. Voldemort, whose name in French means "flight of death," is so frightening to most wizards that they refer to him as "He Who Must Not Be Named."
Voldemort nearly died when his effort to kill baby Harry backfired on him. Over the course of five books, however, Voldemort's followers help him regain his strength and power.
HOGWARTS: The school offers a seven-year course in such basics as Potions, Transfiguration, Magical Theory, Defense Against the Dark Arts and Spells. At Hogwarts, Harry discovers that he is a legend in the wizard world because he survived Voldemort's attack on his parents. Hogwarts students are sorted into four houses when they first arrive; the houses vie with each other for various prizes during the school year.
RON WEASLEY and HERMIONE GRANGER: These are Harry's best friends, who put up with his sometimes unpredictable moods and stick with him through times of danger.
Ron, red-haired and freckle-faced, offers Harry courage and loyalty. He is one of a big brood parented by Arthur and Molly Weasley, a venerable wizarding couple who dote on Harry.
Hermione's intelligence and cool head are some of the most potent weapons in Harry's battle against Voldemort. In the fifth book, Ron and Hermione appeared to be developing an attraction for one another.
DRACO MALFOY: Smooth and cruel, Draco is Harry's enemy at Hogwarts. The son of a wizard who has been a close aide to Voldemort, Malfoy is jealous of Harry's status and constantly tries to make trouble for him.
RUBEUS HAGRID: Enormous in size, Hagrid is the groundskeeper at Hogwarts. He also teaches the Care of Magical Creatures course and is a friend to all animals, especially dangerous ones. Hagrid watches out for Harry and his friends.
ALBUS DUMBLEDORE: The head of Hogwarts, he is legendary for his wizard powers. He is protective of Harry but, in Book 5, Dumbledore finally realizes that he must tell him the truth -- that either he or Voldemort must die in the battle of good vs. evil.
SEVERUS SNAPE: The Potions master at Hogwarts was once one of Voldemort's followers. Dumbledore believes he is a valuable member of the forces of good, but Harry and his friends distrust him, especially because he singles out Harry with unfairly harsh treatment.
GINNY WEASLEY: Younger sister to Ron, Ginny has lost much of her initial shyness around Harry. Once used as an unwitting pawn by Voldemort, Ginny is ready to join the fight against him.
MUGGLES: These are humans who aren't born with wizarding genes. Harry's aunt and uncle are Muggles, as are Hermione's parents.
QUIDDITCH: The popular wizard game, played on flying broomsticks, inspires obsessive fandom. Harry is a natural at the game.
First Published: July 10, 2005, 4:00 a.m.
