The Best Human and Creature Friendships in the “Harry Potter” Series
Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the golden trio, but there are plenty of other magical friendships in the wizarding world. Some of the best friendships in the Harry Potter series are the unlikely friends, such as Dobby and Ron and Hagrid and Buckbeak. It was a sweet moment when Ron gave Dobby a Christmas present. Hagrid stood by Buckbeak’s side no matter what, even when Buckbeak was on trial. These friendships define the feel-good nature of the Harry Potter series. Some of the most wonderfully surprising and worthwhile moments in the books come from human and creature friendships.
Ron and Pigwidgeon
We as readers couldn’t be happier when Ron gets an owl of his own. Unlike Scabbers, Pigwidgeon is a loyal friend to Ron. Excitable and motivated, Pigwidgeon is happy to deliver mail. With Hedwig showing him the ropes, Pigwidgeon is clearly hardworking and eager to please. Plus, it was hilarious to read about the confusing interactions between two owls with no dialogue. Although Pigwidgeon is young and inexperienced, Ron is thrilled to have such a loyal friend. I think that if Ron and his owl had had more screentime just like Harry and Hedwig, their friendship could have been more developed.
Sirius and Crookshanks
While this friendship was explored more in the books and mostly told to the reader afterward, Sirius and Crookshanks have a strong bond. Crookshanks could tell that Sirius was more than a regular dog as soon as she met him, and Sirius was impressed by this. Dogs may be a man’s best friend, but in this case, it’s the cat and the Animagus dog that are best friends. Crookshanks was the only one who kept Sirius company when he had no friends left. Sirius was lonely and bereft after years in Azkaban, so Crookshanks was welcome company. Since animals can help so much with mental illness, I’m sure that Crookshanks helped Sirius process his trauma from prison.
Dumbledore and Fawkes
This friendship is all the more magnificent since phoenixes are rarely domesticated. Fawkes seems to naturally trust Dumbledore, similar to how Newt has the trust of his animal friends. Fawkes and Dumbledore travel everywhere together, even when Dumbledore has to go into hiding from the Ministry of Magic. Dumbledore, a powerful and elegant man, looks perfectly credible with a phoenix at his side.
Luna and the Thestrals
While this isn’t a conventional friendship, Luna’s dedication to these discriminated-against creatures is admirable. While most of the Hogwarts students stay far away from Thestrals because of the bad name associated with them, Luna keeps them company on the grounds. She visits the Thestrals often and talks to them. Luna’s character shows not only compassion but also that friendship is possible anywhere. Luna calls the Thestrals “gentle,” and in a way, that is what Luna and the Thestrals have in common: their gentleness. Luna’s friendship with the Thestrals is another meaningful lesson on accepting others. Luna and Hagrid are similar in this way; they both care about creatures that have been cast aside even if there was no reason for it. Luna and Hagrid are remarkable characters because they see past initial assumptions and search for the best in a creature’s character.
Newt and the Nifflers
Newt has many amazing friendships with magical creatures, but he has a special relationship with his Nifflers. In the first Fantastic Beasts movie, Newt has only one Niffler that leads him on a crazy adventure. In the sequel movie, Newt has some Niffler babies as well, and that makes Newt even more a part of their little family. Newt looks after his Nifflers and keeps them safe. Out of all his magical creatures, the Nifflers spend the most time with Newt and always share in his adventures. One of my favorite bonding moments between the Niffler and Newt is when they sniff out Tina’s scent. When Newt got down on the ground to see the world through a Niffler’s point of view, it’s a hilarious moment.
What are some of your favorite friendships in the Harry Potter series? What do you think about Kreacher’s friendship with the golden trio? What about Hermione and Crookshanks’s friendship? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
