With the addition of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, fans continue to be introduced to brilliant, magical characters who leave powerful first impressions. The world that has been crafted so carefully by J.K. Rowling has beloved personalities that are relatable and exciting for all viewers, and Ranker voters still remember the first time that they saw their favorite characters from the wizarding world.
The first impressions of the magical characters consistently hints at their personalities and often foreshadows their future involvement in the narrative. From the irritable Dursleys to Dobby the House Elf, fans acquire a prompt understanding of who Harry is dealing with right from the start. The intros of new characters are just as exciting as watching their development throughout the series.
Hermione Introducing Herself On the Hogwarts Express
Hermione Granger made a classic first impression when she stumbled upon Harry and Ron on their first ride to Hogwarts. As an eager muggle-born, she was exhilarated in all things magic. Her first interaction with the boys gave off an overachiever and know-it-all attitude that was not accepted well by her peers.
Hermione is a prime example of the potential that a young and intuitive wizard or witch has. Due to her excitement and diligent efforts, she was proficient in basic spells long before her counterparts. Hermione's introductory scene was an accurate representation of the legacy she would have in the series.
Dumbledore With His Deluminator On Privet Drive
As one of the most powerful and mysterious wizards of the series, Dumbledore's first appearance on Privet Drive showed the role that he would play for Harry later in his life. He walked down the street taking the light with him and started the memorable journey for Harry Potter and all audiences.
Dumbledore's use of the Deluminator is a foreshadowing of an important life lesson in the Harry Potter series in regards to light. He once said, "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times...", which is reminiscent of the dark night that he left Harry on the Dursley doorstep. Dumbledore knew that Harry is the biggest light and chance of happiness for the wizarding world.
Ron Weasley At Platform 9 3/4
Harry's first real experience of a loving family was the Weasleys, who left a memorable first impression on the lost protagonist. Ron and Molly helped Harry get to the 9 3/4 platform, and from that point on Ron served as a best friend and guide to all things wizard.
The first interaction between the boys set up mutual respect and loyalty that carried the friendship through the mythical series. Ron's patience and open arms welcomed Harry to a new reality of what life is like with caring friends. His eagerness gave Harry hope for what his future could be.
The Trio Meeting Sirius Black In The Shrieking Shack
Sirius Black had one of the most memorable debuts in the series due to false representation. His actual qualities could not be farther from the murderous villain that the media and wizarding world portrayed him to be. The moment that the trio pieced everything together and realized Sirius was the black dog changed the narrative instantly.
As audiences learned, the Grim that the black dog was a similitude of was an omen of death. Sirius Black's entire life was ripe with trauma caused by the death of his loved ones and closest friends. His first appearance clearly illustrated his skills as a wizard, and the darkness he had been drowning in for over a decade.
Bellatrix Lestrange Upon Meeting Harry And Neville
The terrible things that Bellatrix did in the wizarding world left a lasting impact on the people around her and those watching. There were very few things that frightened her or that could derail her from her endeavors in dark magic. Lestrange's initial interaction with Harry and his friends showed her feral and wicked personality without holding back.
Her hostile comments about Harry and reference to Neville's parents who she caused to lose their minds showed her cruel and immoral nature. Throughout the series, her magical abilities and vicious tendencies continued to affect the people around her in extremely negative ways.
Professor Snape's Dramatics
Severus Snape's first impression that lasted the entire series eventually led to one of the greatest plot twists J.K. Rowling had to offer. The man who one day would be renowned as a hero initially appeared as a greasy, bitter, and cynical antagonist. From the first day of Hogwart's term, Snape called Harry out for no reason and became the Chosen One's nemesis.
There are many quotes from Snape that help to illustrate his character better than in the films. Even though he grew into a character with better morals, the dark and moody Death Eater that tormented and treated Harry unfairly for years was no better than everybody else who abused Potter his entire life.
Hagrid On The Motorbike
As a man of Hagrid's stature, he was bound to leave a lasting first impression regardless of how he appeared. His debut to the series was impressive not only because he is half-giant, but also because of his incredible presentation on Sirius's enchanted motorbike.
Seeing such a brutish man cradling the infant Potter in his arms as he arrived on the least child-friendly mode of transportation possible summed up Hagrid's nature. He is a gentle and caring man that is often mislabeled as irresponsible and at times evil. Regardless, fans knew from the start that he would be a beloved ally to Harry Potter and the fight for good.
Professor McGonagall As Her Animagus
Minerva McGonagall has one of the most iconic entrances in Harry Potter. She first appears in her animagus form as a tabby cat, who is carefully watching the Dursleys live their deplorable day-to-day activities. She then transforms into her true self and greets Dumbledore on Privet Drive as they wait for Hagrid and Harry.
McGonagall carried a strong legacy of her power and influence on Hogwarts and the wizarding world. As a caring maternal figure for Harry, she was always looking out for his best interest ever since the beginning of his life. Professor McGonagall was a constant source of wisdom, patience, and love for those who needed it at Hogwarts.
Luna Introducing Harry To Thestrals
Luna Lovegood remains one of the best characters in the Harry Potter series. She is a consistent voice for the underdog and expresses her opinions regardless of how quirky or unpopular they were. Her caring and selfless nature was a great source of comfort for people who felt out of place or forgot their worth.
When she was first introduced, Luna helped Harry to understand that he was seeing Thestrals, and later why they were there. Like Harry, she had experienced the death of a close loved one and helped him through a hard time when nobody else could. Luna remained the same bizarre yet knowledgeable individual that brought a better variety to the protagonists in the series.
Remus Lupin Saving Harry From The Dementor On The Train
Remus Lupin popped into the narrative at one of the most desperate times. Had he not been there, Harry would have had his soul taken by the Dementor and the story would have been completely different. Luckily, Remus's magical intro exhibited not only his power as a wizard but also his determination to protect those he cared about.
Lupin became a trusted source of skill and comfort for Harry as he introduced the boy to a better understanding of his past. Lupin was no stranger to the darkness of the wizarding world, and his first impression laid a foundation for a wise wizard that devoted his life to helping the fight against Voldemort.