By Jennifer Vasquez
Wave Your Blue & Bronze Ravenclaw Flags!
“Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, if you've a ready mind, Where those of wit and learning, Will always find their kind.”
- J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Did you know that March 23rd is Ravenclaw Pride Day?
Yes, there is a day to commemorate what is definitely the most eccentric House of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. The official colors are blue and bronze, and its team mascot is the majestic eagle. Individuals placed in this house are known for their creativity, academic prowess, and, to put it frankly, bizarre natures. Luna Lovegood, anyone?
I’m happy to say I was sorted into this house when I took the Sorting Hat quiz, so to pay my respects, here’s a look at some of the most influential Ravenclaws to exist in this magical universe. Some have done justice to the name, while others have dragged it through the mud!
Rowena Ravenclaw
One of the founders of Hogwarts, Rowena was a witch who hailed from Scotland. She was revered for her intelligence and resourcefulness, and had in her possession a gorgeous diadem that gave wisdom to the wearer. Unfortunately, it was stolen by the Ravenclaw who we’ll get to know next.
Helena, AKA The Grey Lady
The daughter of Rowena, this young woman caused quite the scandal when she robbed her mother of her precious diadem. She was jealous of Rowena’s cleverness, and hoped the diadem would bestow her with gifts greater than her mother’s. Helena’s life would be tragically cut short when she was murdered by a baron who was in love with her. She haunts the Ravenclaw tower thus garnering the moniker, The Grey Lady.
Filius Flitwick
A festive and cheery disposition can neatly sum up Filius Flitwick. He’s the head of Ravenclaw House and the Hogwarts Charm master. No educator at the enchanted institution seems to express as much enthusiasm about their work as this gentleman. He championed Hermione when she was upset over an exam, has taken the reins of decorating the main hall for special celebrations, and conducts the choir. I think we all wish we had more teachers like him growing up.
Gilderoy Lockhart
Who can forget the half-blood wizard who tried to use charm and celebrity to put people under his spell? He’s definitely not a shining example of a Ravenclaw, but he caused such mayhem in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that he can’t go overlooked.
After gaining a reputation of conquering evil beasts around the world, he returned to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts. In reality, the only spell he had under his belt was the Memory Charm. A series of events exposed that he was a fraud, and ultimately the charm that he was so adept at would backfire on him, erasing his own memory. He wasn’t necessarily evil, just lazy, and if his vanity hadn’t gotten the better of him, he could have been quite a prolific wizard. Instead, he resides at St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies.
Luna Lovegood
Ah, Luna Lovegood! She’s one of the most endearing characters of the Harry Potter series, both for her eccentricity and empathetic nature. Although bullied and brushed off by many of her peers as just plain weird, Luna is exceptionally brilliant, and is one of the key individuals who aids Harry in his quest to conquer the dark lord. And, who can resist her calm way of always speaking the truth?
Like Potter, she’s experienced the death of a parent, but always remains optimistic, even when she’s teased. It’s her positivity, resilience, and uncanny wisdom that make her a beacon of light in dark moments, and the reason Lovegood is an ideal Ravenclaw.