10 Harry Potter characters who were on Harry’s side but still gave him a tough time

The world of Harry Potter is a tapestry of complex characters. Even those who are firmly on Harry’s side have often presented him with significant challenges, sometimes unknowingly and sometimes even knowingly. It is a testament to J.K. Rowling’s skill that she crafted a world where moral ambiguity and human flaws exist even within the good ones.

These characters, even though they were Harry’s allies, forced him to confront situations and uncomfortable truths that caused him difficulty. Their intentions, whether driven by well-intentioned but misguided impulses or simply the complexities of human nature, have added realism to the series, making it relevant even now.

So, in this list, let’s dive into 10 characters who, despite being on Harry Potter’s side, gave him a tough time.

[Disclaimer: This article is based on the author’s opinions and interpretations. Readers’ discretion is advised, as perspectives may vary.]

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1) Albus Dumbledore

Many viewers have noted that, though Dumbledore has been a crucial support system for Harry, there have been several moments when his involvement caused trouble for him. For instance, we know that Dumbledore is a master of strategy. He strategically kept secrets from Harry, which eventually led to more complications in his life, especially in the movies.

Some viewers have also pointed out that he could have informed Harry about the Horcruxes earlier. He knew a lot about the Horcruxes and their connection to Voldemort. He may have even known about Harry’s connection to them. Dumbledore’s emotional detachment from Harry also caused him immense trouble.

Though Dumbledore was a complex character, he was not perfect. The movies did a great job of showcasing his complexity as a character.

2) Severus Snape

Snape was a crucial character in the Harry Potter series, full of layers and complexities. He had a troubled relationship with Harry Potter, the truth of which was not revealed until the very end. In the first movie, it was shown that Severus Snape did not see eye to eye with Harry.

It was portrayed that he was not his supporter. From making negative comments about Harry to his hostility toward him, Severus Snape gave Harry a tough time. When it was later revealed that Snape was truly someone who constantly tried to safeguard Harry under a facade of hostility, it resonated with viewers.

Beneath his harsh exterior lay a profound and tragically loyal nature. His connection with Harry’s mother and his desire to protect him from Voldemort revealed his true nature. Snape’s character was the perfect example of duality.

3) Minerva McGonagall

From the very first Harry Potter movie, we see that Professor Minerva McGonagall cares deeply for Harry. She was concerned when Dumbledore left infant Harry at the Dursleys' house. However, when he arrived at Hogwarts, there were several moments when Minerva McGonagall gave Harry a tough time.

She had unwavering support for Hogwarts and a strict adherence to its rules. She was a firm follower of rules and regulations. There were moments when Harry was tardy to her classes, as seen in the first movie. Despite deeply caring for Harry, she did not treat him differently from other students.

She gave him detention and sent him to the Dark Forest, knowing the dangers that lurked there. It was quite a turn of events when Harry came almost face-to-face with Voldemort in the Dark Forest.

4) Dobby

Though Dobby’s true motive was not very clear initially, he did not want to cause any harm to Harry. However, there were several instances when Dobby’s concern for Harry backfired, causing him trouble rather than ensuring his safety. For instance, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Dobby arrives at the Dursleys' house and warns Harry not to return to Hogwarts.

When Harry refuses to listen to him, Dobby uses his magic to throw a cake onto the head of one of the guests at the Dursleys' house. This eventually got Harry into massive trouble with Uncle Vernon. Though Dobby's intentions were to protect him, they ended up causing trouble for Harry instead.

5) Hagrid

From the very first movie, we see that Hagrid had immense care for Harry’s well-being. When he first arrived to take Harry to Hogwarts, he saw the condition he was in. He gave Dudley a pigtail when he stole from Harry’s cake and did not listen to Vernon’s threats.

However, despite being extremely protective of Harry, there were several moments when he put Harry in danger. For instance, in the first movie, when Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Malfoy are given detention, he lets Harry and Malfoy go alone into the forest without any real safety measures. Even though his dog was with them, he knew that his dog was a coward.

The trip to the forest was a safety hazard for Harry. If he had not been saved by the centaur, he would have been in deep danger. Another instance can be seen in the second movie when Hagrid tells Harry and Ron to find answers in the forest, and they are almost eaten alive by the spiders.

6) Remus Lupin

Initially, Remus Lupin came as a savior for Harry, as seen in the very first moments of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. When a Dementor attacked Harry on the train, he quickly saved him with a spell. He later taught Harry how to protect himself from Dementors using the Patronus Charm. However, he also had a secret that was later revealed.

Even though he was always on Harry’s side, in the third movie, when he turned into a werewolf, he almost killed Harry and Hermione. His condition affected Harry. Remus Lupin was a source of comfort and guidance for him. However, that incident truly created a difficult situation for Harry.

7) Ginny Weasely

Ginny has been a crucial part of Harry’s life since the beginning. She later became Harry’s beloved partner. However, even though she was always by Harry’s side, there were moments when she caused trouble for him. This can be seen in the second movie when she opens the Chamber of Secrets and causes havoc at Hogwarts.

Not only did it affect Hogwarts, but it also led to the petrification of several students, including Hermione, and put innocent lives at risk. It caused immense trouble for Harry. He eventually fought the Basilisk and saved both himself and Ginny. Though Ginny was in a trance when she caused these troubles, it still had an impact on Harry’s life.

8) Professor Trelawny

Professor Trelawney was introduced to viewers in the third movie of the Harry Potter series. The professor of Divination was truly one of a kind. She constantly added dramatic tension to Harry’s already turbulent life. Her theatrical and pronounced predictions about Harry weighed heavily on him.

Though the prophecies were often dismissed by others, such as Hermione, they created a stressful environment for Harry. Even though she was on the good side of Harry’s life, she still added stress to it.

9) Sirius Black

Sirius was Harry’s only family left after the death of his parents. Though initially, he misunderstood Sirius’s true intentions, when he eventually understood Sirius was on his side, he felt relief.

Though Sirius had been a strong defender of Harry’s well-being, there were moments when, even though he was on his side, Harry ended up in trouble because of him. This can be seen when Harry goes to save Sirius and is attacked by the Dementors, almost dying before Hermione uses her Time-Turner.

Another instance can be seen when Sirius’s eagerness to confront Peter Pettigrew puts Harry, Hermione, and Ron in a difficult situation as Lupin begins to turn into a werewolf and Peter escapes.

10) Cho

Harry’s relationship with Cho started to evolve after the Goblet of Fire movie. In Order of the Phoenix, when Harry created Dumbledore’s Army, Cho was supportive and wanted to be a part of it.

Their relationship evolved quite a lot in the movie. Even though Cho was always in support of Harry, when she revealed the Room of Requirement under coercion by Umbridge, she caused a lot of trouble for him. The oppressive atmosphere created by Umbridge added to the overall stress and complications in their relationship and in Harry’s life.

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