Magical Grandparents: The Unseen Heroes
The Harry Potter series is filled with parents who would do anything to protect their children. However, we don’t see a lot of grandparents in the books. Therefore, in honor of Grandparents Day, I thought I’d look at what the few grandparents we know of did for their grandchildren.
According to Pottermore, Harry’s grandfather, Fleamont Potter, created the magical Sleekeazy’s Hair Potion (which Hermione used for the Yule Ball). This made him and his wife, Euphemia, quite wealthy. Unfortunately, they both died of Dragon Pox before Harry was born, so they never got to meet their only grandson. However, the money they made was presumably passed down the family and eventually went to Harry. Despite his hard life, the money Harry’s family left for him made his life a little easier.
Not only that, but we also know that they were kind-hearted and generous people.
Your grandparents were really good about it; they sort of adopted me as a second son” (Order of the Phoenix 111).
They would have loved and done what they could have for Harry, if they had the chance.
The one grandparent that we do see is Augusta Longbottom, Neville’s grandmother. She was tough but fair on Neville, despite the fact that he was scared of her.
First things first: what would you say is the thing that frightens you most in the world?”
“Professor Snape . . . hmmm . . . Neville, I believe you live with your grandmother?”
“Er — yes,” said Neville nervously. “But — I don’t want the boggart to turn into her either)” (Prisoner of Azkaban 135).
She is a proud woman who wants the best for her family.
I expect my gran’d want me to try [for the Triwizard Tournament], though. She’s always going on about how I should be upholding the family honor” (Goblet of Fire 190).
Despite Augusta’s formidable child-raising methods, her pride for her grandson and his exceptional qualities shone through. In addition, she is an incredibly strong woman who fought for what she believed in.
He’s fighting,” said Harry.
“Naturally,” said the old lady proudly. “Excuse me, I must go and assist him.” (Deathly Hallows 624).
Unfortunately, we don’t get to meet many of the grandparents. However, the little we know is positive. There is no doubt; Neville’s and Harry’s grandparents had a positive influence on their lives, despite their short appearances.
What do you think of the grandparents? Whom do you wish we had seen more of? Let us know in the comments!
