Top 10 Ron Weasley Moments

Not only is this the first time the trio meet, but it’s the first glimpse we get of Ron. And we’re immediately on side. Shuffling in with a smudge on his nose and a sandwich in his pocket, he’s open-mouthed at seeing Harry, but he’s soon teaching his new friend all about the wizarding world over a chocolate frog or two. And then, in walks his future wife. But it’s not exactly love at first sight. With a dodgy spell and a disgruntled rat, Ron’s role as the underdog is cast.

Yes, the Mirror of Erised is mostly Harry’s to gaze in, but Ron’s time with his own reflection is a vital moment in establishing his character. A middle child in the Weasley clan, Ron’s anxieties are what makes him relatable. Will he better his older brothers? Could he ever outshine Potter? Either way, he seems glad to have been dragged out of bed, even if he can’t help Harry explain the appearance of his parents. There’s even time for a trademark turn of phrase.

While the later films are fraught with romantic tension from all sides, Ron’s quest for love is one of the rockiest. What with Fleur Delacour, Lavender Brown and the ever-complicated Hermione situation, it’s enough to leave anyone dazed and confused. But then Ron eats a stash of sweets spiked with a love potion, and gets Vane on the brain. Romilda, that is. Racing through a fierce infatuation and hitting hilarious emotional highs, it’s up to Slughorn to make him see sense.

To a particularly tense moment in the penultimate movie, but leave it to Ron for some comic relief. Assuming the identities of government officials, Harry, Hermione and Ron go undercover in search of Umbridge and a horcrux. But Ron brings at least a little bit of fun. Whether he’s complaining in the cubicle or fretting for his other half, as Regi Cattermole he causes chaos at the Ministry. At least he gets a kiss for his troubles, much to everyone’s confusion.

Quidditch can be a sore spot for Ron, who has Harry and his brothers to compete with. But our boy did get his moment in the sun (on a pretty cloudy afternoon), and he beats the conceited Cormac McLaggan, too! He’s vulnerable, unorthodox, and one wrong move away from serious injury. Basically, Ron plays Quidditch like he lives his life. And it’s all worth it when he stars against Slytherin, without Felix Felicis, we might add. Even Hermione’s impressed. He’s a keeper, in more ways than one.

Having already bust Harry out of his bedroom prison at the Dursley’s, much to his father’s delight, Ron gets behind the wheel again for this scene, seeking an alternative route to Hogwarts. The whole thing is Dobby’s fault, of course. But Ron’s got it under control, sort of. He nearly derails the train and almost kills the Boy Who Lived, but they get there in the end – despite a wand-ruining park job. All this around five years before mere muggles get their L-plates.

Ron’s been at Harry’s side through all sorts, and he’s faced his worst nightmares. So, this speech really hits home. We’re at The Burrow, when Harry tries to quietly slip off in search of horcruxes, but Ron’s having none of it. Stepping up for his friend’s time in need, it’s he that leads Harry this time, with determined words and unwavering loyalty. Sure, staying for the wedding might not have been the wisest move, but Ron’s honesty is admirable. And he’s probably onto something about Voldermort, you know.

We all knew it was coming, and it was worth the wait. Ever since first year, Ron and Hermione have bickered their way through everything Hogwarts could throw at them. But here they finally quit quarrelling, and smooch like there’s no tomorrow – which, at this point, there might not be. True, there are probably more romantic spots than in a dungeon under a bathroom by the skeletal remains of a Basilisk, but with the Battle of Hogwarts raging above them, who cares? And another horcrux down, too! Happy days.

A favourite game of Ron’s throughout his childhood, wizard’s chess isn’t for everyone but few can play a better game than he. And Ron’s tactics are put to the test on the way to finding the Philosopher’s Stone. Of course, this particular game requires more than just mental strength. Realising that they can win, but only if he sacrifices himself, Ron’s knight meets triumph with destruction to ensure that Harry can continue. Proving himself prime hero material, he bags 50 house points in the process, too.

We’ve already seen how the trio swiped Slytherin’s locket, but it’s Ron who’s most affected by its power. In fact, the strain of wearing it even triggers him to desert his friends. But that didn’t last, and Ron’s crowning moment comes on his return. First he saves Harry, and then he faces his fears once and for all. Wielding the Sword of Gryffindor, Ron refuses to be blinded by the visions put before him, and promptly shatters some of the Dark Lord’s soul. What a man.