Harry Potter – The Boy Who Lived Downstairs
The role of the class system is very prominent in the hit ITV/PBS period drama Downton Abbey. Characters are split into two categories – upstairs or downstairs. The upstairs characters are rich and live luxuriously while the downstairs folks live in poor conditions and serve the upstairs crowd. Bringing the two together creates one fantastic television drama. Now that the sixth and final series of Downton Abbey is underway in the UK (January for US viewers), it got me thinking about where the Harry Potter characters could fit in the Edwardian world. Which characters would live upstairs, and which would live downstairs? Let’s take a look!
Lily and James Potter – Upstairs
Lily and James would live comfortably upstairs and inherit the Potters’ family home. We never see any of Harry’s grandparents, but perhaps while they were alive Lily and her mother-in-law would be at odds similar to the Dowager Countess and Cora (pictured) on Downton Abbey.
Harry Potter – Downstairs
It is assumed Harry would live upstairs, but after the death of his parents the downstairs will be his new home where he will work for the Dursley family.
The Dursley Family – Upstairs
The prim and proper Dursleys are clearly the worst of the aristocratic families, obsessing over what other rich families think of them and always trying to win at the flower show.
The Weasley Family – Downstairs
The Weasley family would notably have family heritage downstairs. I imagine them working for a great house, and the children, too, shall be destined to do the same. Downton Abbey depicts changing times, so it is possible that we could see the Weasley children finding their own paths rather than staying in service like their parents and grandparents before them.
Hermione Granger – Upstairs
While her family of dentists occupy the middle class, Hermione is still very much a part of the upstairs system. However, she would use her position in society to do good!
Minerva McGonagall – Downstairs
Her strict yet loving manner is perfect for a head house maid running a large estate.
Albus Dumbledore – Upstairs
The Dumbledore family has lived through a lot of scandal but remains prominent in society. Although he leans more toward the middle class, he often converses with the upstairs crowd and loves to meddle in other’s affairs. Sound familiar, Downton fans?
Lavender Brown – Downstairs
Lavender would be a silly outspoken maid working for a great house. She should be careful with her actions, for they could come to bite her in the end.
Victor Krum – Upstairs
This dashing foreigner will be certain to visit great houses and play Quidditch with English wizard-aristocrats.
Cedric Diggory – Upstairs
Cedric Diggory will be a kind and eligible bachelor for all the upstairs ladies. Not only does he have plenty of money, but he also has a nice physique to match.
The Malfoy Family – Upstairs
The Malfoy family will be an old one and very high in society, making Draco a duke and of course very spoiled.
Remus Lupin – Upstairs
Coming from a middle-class upbringing, Lupin struggles with accepting his new upstairs life and prefers doing things himself vs. having a valet dress him or a butler serve him at dinner.
Tom Riddle – Downstairs
Voldy would most certainly be a bitter downstairs footman, scheming and trying to make his way up in the world through any means necessary.
Severus Snape – Downstairs
Slow speaking and difficult to read, Snape could be a head butler at any respectable house so that he could keep his cover and remain unnoticed by high society.
Luna Lovegood – Downstairs
Luna is the kind, free-spirited ladies maid who everyone goes to for advice, even if she is a bit loony from time to time.
Neville Longbottom – Upstairs
While born into upper-class society, Neville’s grandmother can’t seem to see her grandson becoming a proper gentleman and vows he will become a low, clunky footman serving families like their own some day. Luckily, Neville hit puberty and not only gains good looks but seems to fit nicely into his role as a gentleman.
Now let’s put you to the test! Do you agree with the analysis? If you disagree, let us know why in the comments section. A lot of characters were left off this list, so let us know where they belong in the comments section!
