Top 10 Unsung Heroes in Harry Potter

Though she’s mostly confined to the bathroom she haunts, Myrtle and Harry form a friendship (of sorts) while he, Ron and Hermione investigate the Chamber of Secrets in Second Year. And while she’s a crucial character in that mystery, she also becomes an unconventional aide throughout Harry’s time at Hogwarts. Given that she was bullied during her lifetime, Myrtle comes across as more than a bit bitter. But if she still had a heart, we’re sure it’d be in the right place.

Living as a werewolf since childhood, Lupin had suffered a lifetime of prejudice and isolation, but rose above his sketchy circumstances to play a vital role in Harry’s life – first as a Hogwarts teacher, and then as part of the Order of the Phoenix. Similarly, the talented Auror, Tonks, proves a dedicated protector over Harry, and an unflinching opponent for Voldemort. And, when Remus and Nymphadora became romantically involved, we all wanted a ‘happily ever after’. But the Dark Lord doesn’t deal in fairy tales.

As the Beauxbatons champion for the Triwizard Tournament, Fleur was a divisive figure at first. But, after Harry saves her sister Gabrielle – during the tournament’s second task – her loyalty to him never wavers. Of course, her story mostly centres on her relationship with Bill Weasley, and her eventual acceptance into the Weasley family. But, she’s an almost ever-present in the fight against Voldemort; taking Polyjuice Potion to pose as one of the Seven Potters, offering her home as a safe house and shooting spells at the Battle of Hogwarts.

As Albus Dumbledore’s younger brother, Aberforth proves a peripheral figure for most of the Potter series, living in his sibling’s sizeable shadow. But as Aber’s backstory unfolds, and his apparent grouchiness is given some context, he emerges as an integral (if unexpected) positive influence on Dumbledore’s Army and the resistance to Voldemort. Overseeing a secret passageway from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts, the Second Wizarding War might’ve ended very differently were it not for this guy.

Harry’s hellish upbringing provides a major motive during his first few years at Hogwarts, with the wizard desperate to escape Privet Drive and the Dursleys. However, he’s always welcome with the Weasleys at the Burrow, as Molly and Arthur offer the home he never had. A humble couple whose loyalty and determination knows no bounds, Molly’s fiercely protective of her family and Arthur’s outrageously undervalued at work – but these do-or-die characters are indispensable allies.

Harry’s mother rarely features prominently – except for the token mention of her eye colour – but few characters can boast a more significant impact on the story as a whole. Lily’s unconquerable love for her son is basically the reason why Voldemort’s defeated in the first place. But the majority of memory scenes and flashbacks still focus on James, and the importance of Harry’s father. Of course, the fact that Lily can’t wield a wider influence is all part of the tragedy, as Harry’s forced to face the world without her.

Nargles, rejoice! There’s a whole host of DA members that we might’ve included here, but Luna definitely goes above and beyond for the cause. A social outcast at school, she suffers her fair share of ridicule but refuses to change and remains true to herself. Eventually, everyone else realises that what ‘Loony’ Luna has to say is usually worth listening to, and she helps Harry to discover Rowena Ravenclaw’s lost diadem. A humble and genuine witch, Luna probably prefers her ‘unsung’ tag – which is further testament to her heroic character.

Of all the Hogwarts staff and teachers, Hagrid always seems under the most pressure to fail – with the possible exception of Professor Trelawney. But, despite his many critics, and regardless of his occasional clumsiness, the gamekeeper’s loyalties to Dumbledore and Harry are never in question. Hagrid’s there from start to finish for Potter’s fight against Voldemort, sharing wisdom and serving as Harry’s first encounter with the Wizarding World. He features more infrequently in the later stories (and especially in the films), but Hagrid’s a good guy through and through.

Neville’s transformation throughout the series is second to none. He goes from a granny-fearing no-hoper to a school-saving leader of the resistance, continually surprising his friends and enemies. In fact, the only reason that he doesn’t top today’s list is because he probably does get at least part of the credit he deserves. That said, there aren’t enough superlatives to properly sum up Neville’s noble nature. From his House Cup-winning heroics in First Year to that speech amidst the rubble of Hogwarts – his parents would be proud.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions.

Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody

Colin Creevey

Mrs Figg

Magical creatures are at the centre of many a momentous “Potter” moment, and Buckbeak proved pretty heroic in “The Prisoner of Azkaban”. But nothing and no-one betters Dobby the House-Elf. A loyal and loveable friend, he lives and breathes to keep Harry, Ron and Hermione out of danger - and outright saves their lives when he rescues them from Malfoy Manor! Dobby’s more than just a cute face and a croaky voice: He’s a pioneer for Elfish Welfare, and an all-round inspiration. And though his story was shortened for the films, he should sit at the topmost table for “Harry Potter” heroes.