Five Splendid Sock Moments in “Harry Potter”
As a certified sock fiend, National Sock Day has a special place in my heart. So in celebration of this most important of days, I thought it would be fun to point out some of the best “sock moments” in Harry Potter – and trust me, this is by no means an exhaustive list. What about the time Mrs. Weasley used the search for the owner of a Puddlemere United sock as a thinly veiled excuse to question Harry about leaving Hogwarts? Or Dobby’s fabulously brilliant mismatched sock collection? If you’ve ever wondered about all the socks of Harry Potter, you’ve come to the right place.
1. The Proper Use for Uncle Vernon’s Old Socks.
A little appreciated yet great sock moment is when Ron uses a pair of Uncle Vernon’s old socks to shut up Harry’s Sneakoscope in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Not only does it remind us that the Dursleys really are the worst when it comes to giving gifts to Harry but it is always great to see that you can find the proper use for such awful gifts. Not to mention the fact that we see the versatility of this great piece of clothing.
Ron stuffed the Sneakoscope into a particularly horrible pair of Uncle Vernon’s old socks, which deadened the sound, then closed the lid of the trunk on it.” (PoA 76)
2. Sirius “Socks” Lucius Malfoy.
This may be a different kind of sock to the nice warm woolly ones you’re used to, but it is no less relevant to our list. “Socking” is an old British slang term for punching or hitting somebody; although, it has been transformed into other American terms such as “sockdolager,” which is a knockout blow. Etymology aside, this moment is great both in the books and movies because there’s something great about a wizard abandoning all sense of elegance with spell casting and just delivering a well-earned punch in the face. I would apologize for the bloodthirstiness, but it’s true.
3. Dumbledore’s Deepest Desire.
Now turning to some truly great sock content, we have Dumbledore’s experience with the Mirror of Erised. Although we get the feeling that Dumbledore is not quite telling the truth here, it is a very funny moment. And his advice is absolutely true – a nice pair of socks makes a great present, and you can never have too many.
I? I see myself holding a pair of thick, woolen socks.” (SS 214)
4. Hermione “Socks” Malfoy.
If we’re including “great-moments-when-people-got-deservedly-punched-in-the-face” as “sock” moments, then you cannot pass by Hermione’s brilliant retribution of Draco Malfoy. It seems that the Malfoys are always on the receiving end of this less desirable type of sock, but it is still an iconic moment for Hermione and one that firmly cements her as a true heroine of the series.
5. Dobby Is Free.
Speaking of iconic, the best sock moment of the Harry Potter series is a no-brainer. The way Harry uses his own sock to set Dobby the house-elf free is both a brilliant and beautiful moment. Not only does it spark Dobby’s fascination with socks but it is a very clever move, an act so simple but one that delivers something that cannot be more cherished: freedom.
So there you have it, our top sock moments of Harry Potter. I hope you enjoy National Sock Day with a favorite pair of socks and take a moment to appreciate this humble yet brilliant piece of footwear.
