Meeting with the Goddess/Woman as Temptress
Goddess Figures in Harry Potter
Analysis By Lynne Milum
Copyright © 2004-2007 by Lynne Milum. All rights reserved.

There are three transformative events that are the possible culmination of the hero's journey. These are Meeting with the Goddess, Atonement with the Father and Apotheosis. For the protagonist who was raised in the absence of love, love is the life goal. This type of story culminates with a sacred marriage - immersion of the hero in the highest love form.

The Goddess is the feminine introduction to the hero – she may be manifested as good or evil; or frequently as both in a single package. She is the source of life, as well as the sower of awareness of the wonder and mystery of that life garden. The Goddess guides the hero and provides him the means for success in his trials.

In a sense, all women comprise the Goddess – they inherently represent Life and Death simultaneously. Some may clearly take on the 'shadow' side of the Goddess as represented in the Temptress model, while others may have both elements of light and shadow. It is for Harry to make the choice whether that woman partners with him to achieve a higher plane of existence or exposes his weaknesses by prompting his ultimate fall into sin and self-doubt.

Remember that the physical appearance of the Goddess is not necessarily indicative of her inner or "true" beauty. In fact, those who witness her with ugly hearts and minds are incapable of perceiving the great inner beauty. As a result, the obvious is not reliable. There are dimensions of Rowling characters as yet unexplored that may reveal paradoxical outcomes.

It is no accident that most of the women in the series are namesakes of goddesses - for each woman in her own right is a goddess - giver and destroyer of life (for physical death is a consequence of life). She is the symbol of life and is all that can be known. She is the keeper of forms that rise from the timeless unconscious - that which is God, Brahman, Void, Source of all Being. We are thus manifested into life constrained by time.

Several women portrayed in the series thus far have specific attributes of the Goddess. These characterizations may focus on the romantic aspect, but there is also the ‘motherly’ and ‘sisterly’ perspective of this motif that needs to be considered. Also notable is J.K. Rowling's selection of goddesses across religious and spiritual belief systems - could this in itself parallel the multiplicity and fragmentation of world cultures within the series? And finally, is it destiny that these goddesses be aligned through the culmination of this grand myth?

What follows is consideration for "Goddess/Temptress" figures in Harry's life, depicting elements of true Goddess and her Shadow. While all women are goddesses; the hero has but one Goddess to be found. She is his reflection, his complement, apparent opposite yet unified with his soul. Harry’s true Goddess is the one likely to guide him through critical trials, and will recognize and accept him despite horrific acts he must perform. Harry shall accept her completely as well.

While potentially modified by the last adventure, ‘Goddess for the Series’ has largely been defined for Harry in the Half-Blood Prince. Harry's Goddess is embodied in three entities, or a trinity. This aggregated Goddess manifests herself as mother, sister, and true love.

As mother, Lily Potter sacrificed her life to Voldemort for love of Harry. Harry owes his existence to Lily not only for birth, but also for her ongoing protection from Voldemort.

As sister in spirit, Hermione has already posed the goddess in each adventure.

She:

• Helped Harry past the last challenge in The Sorcerer's Stone

• Provided the warning of the Basilisk in Chamber of Secrets (and portrayed the Sleeping Lady metaphor)

• Traveled through time with Harry in Azkaban to save Sirius

• Sharpened Harry's skills in preparation for the Triwizard tournament in Goblet of Fire

• Partnered with Harry in the Department of Mysteries during which Harry was emotionally devastated when she collapsed after Antonin Dolohov’s attack

• And followed Harry's instructions when Hogwarts was overrun with Death Eaters in Half-Blood Prince.

Ginny was revealed as Harry’s true love in Half-Blood Prince. Up to this point, it was still plausible that she and Hermione had reversed roles - Ginny was the little sister in Harry's adoptive family and was still viewed that way through the battle at the Ministry in Book 5. Retrospectively, Harry gave his life for Ginny in Chamber of Secrets not because of a romantic love, but because love underlies Harry’s identity. But for Fawkes, that adventure would have been his last. He just has that ‘saving thing’ going on, as Hermione notes in the Order of the Phoenix.

Goddess Relationships

Cho takes on the obvious role as the first love interest in Harry’s life. To recognize a 'woman' role in his life that is neither mother nor sister is a step towards maturity. Cho helps Harry break from his childlike self-perception. Cho feels a strong connection to Harry even before Cedric's death - so the relationship isn't based solely on selfishness and pity. After the Ministry battle at the end of the Order of the Phoenix, both Cho and Harry have been released from their romantic attachment.

Cho's name is sourced in goddess language - in Tibet, Chomolungma is Goddess Mother of the World, insurmountable as the summit of Everest. By legend, Cho Oyu - or Turquoise God falls in love with the Goddess, but she turns to another in marriage. Chos, pronounced Chö, is also the Tibetian word for dharma or spiritual duty.

Her last name finds roots in Chang O, the Chinese moon goddess who lives in a palace of cinnamon wood.

Goddess Moments: Cho shows much kindness towards Harry, even when she turns him down for the Yule Ball. Cho is also a Seeker and a member of the D.A.

Shadow Moments: Cho demonstrates irrational jealousy toward Hermione on several occasions. She also leverages her role as a victim of Cedric's death, through her persistent tears and desire to "talk" with Harry. Cho defends Marietta Edgecombe's actions - somehow it was Hermione's jinx to seal a promise and not Marietta's betrayal of the D.A. that was the primary act of ugliness. - Harry sees that her priorities are skewed and moves on.

Parvati has been a consistent presence throughout the series, and she was Harry’s first date at the Yule Ball. Parvati is characterized as the most beautiful girl in the class (Presumably Padma is nearly as beautiful). Although Harry did not treat Parvati well at the Ball in Goblet of Fire, both she and her sister Padma join Dumbledore’s Army under Harry’s leadership. There is clearly respect in Harry’s relationship with her.

Parvati is the Hindu Goddess of the World - she is wife of Shiva, the destroyer power of the universe. Another name for Parvati is Kali, who is the great Mother-Destroyer of Hindu spiritual texts. Parvati is truly the wife of "time" as Shiva is the embodiment of time.

Padma is a member of Ravenclaw and was Ron's first date at the Yule Ball, but was truly neglected through his jealous outrage over Hermione. She is quite intelligent but needs attentiveness, and finds offense when not central to the discussion.

Padma or Lotus Flower is also the name of a Hindu Goddess. She is wife of Vishnu, god of world preservation. In Hindu narratives, Vishnu is the Cosmic Dreamer who creates and sustains the universe out of inspiration from Padma. Padma is both the source and the object of Vishnu's cosmic dream - She rubs his foot and drives the dream - and thus Vishnu dreams of her, his shakti or spiritual energy.

Rowling has developed these characters and consistently shown their human flaws, such that these twins are a bit self-absorbed. Their individuation in skills of bravery and knowledge may still be revealed - Parvati, in particular, showed desire for practical knowledge when prevented DADA practice. Also of note in the house selection, Parvati was chosen for bravery, while Padma was chosen for intellect. This may be indicative of choices yet to be made by the girls. The twins depart from Hogwarts on the morning after Dumbledore’s death.

Goddess Moments: Parvati believes in Harry and joins D.A. with sister Padma. They are both appreciative and loyal members of the D.A.

Shadow Moments: Both girls show great impatience at the Yule Ball and find other boys who are attentive. Parvati shows an obsession with Trelawney and her divination teachings. So Parvati is also capable of falling for this type of ruse.

Yes, Minerva McGonagall does carry aspects of the Goddess. She has her motherly side (although a bit crusty) a definite personal guardianship for Harry. She objected when Harry was first delivered to the Dursleys as a baby, but was overruled by Dumbledore. Minerva is his surrogate mother at Hogwarts – the head of his house. She is greatly loved by most of the faculty and is honored by them – indicating presence of an inner beauty. McGonagall has a bit of humor below the surface of her serious side, making her a lovable curmudgeon. And she is above all worthy of Dumbledore's consummate trust.

McGonagall has remained distant to Harry, despite opportunity for guidance. She is, however, close confidante and mentor of Hermione. Perhaps this indicates that Minerva is the ideal whom Hermione is destined to replace - at least as Hogwart's mother and unequivocal transfiguration master. This perspective facilitates a parallel for Harry to succeed Dumbledore in the role of Father and supreme wizard.

As goddess, Minerva is the Greek virgin goddess born of Zeus - she represents purity, reason and wisdom. Notably, Minerva also represents the "intellectual side of war" as she is a prudent advisor.

Goddess Moments: Professor McGonagall recognized Harry's skills and placed him on the Quidditch team during his first year. In the latest episode, McGonagall challenged Umbridge in defense of Hagrid, and consequently was struck down with four simultaneous "stunner" curses and miraculously lived. Minerva has vowed to assist Harry in his wish to be an Auror despite seemingly insurmountable odds. She is the consummate expert at transfiguration - another term for achievement of enlightenment. Additionally, Minerva is the generational counterpart to Dumbledore (e.g. the Hogwarts Father-Mother complement). She is believed to be an original OOTP member, although not identified in Moody's photograph. McGonagall was an active participant during Harry's early crisis, responding to Dumbledore's request when the Potter's were killed. She strongly opposed the Dursley placement. On multiple occasions, McGonagall prevented Harry's expulsion and consistently shows thinly veiled worry for the members of the Gryffindor tribe. Consistent with her namesake, she seems to represent either sisterly or unrequited love for Dumbledore.

Shadow Moments: Professor McGonagall is tempestuous in anger and for her, "rules" sometimes supercede the "spirit" in decision making.

Sybil Trelawney is the messenger of Harry's power and his destiny. Harry now understands her role and why Dumbledore retained her at Hogwarts. Sybil symbolizes that each person may glimpse their true potential, even as they maintain a false life - she has seen the truth twice. Professor Trelawney has lived in fear that someone would recognize her as a fraud - and unmask her. She has lived for fourteen years off the name of her great-great-grandmother Cassandra Trelawney, a famous seer.

Her name originates with the Great Pagan Goddess Cybele who through transformation by the Greeks became known as the Sibyls - by some accounts, the oldest Goddess known.

Goddess Moments: Trelawney is the source of Harry's prophecy, so she somehow is in tune with his life and destiny.

Shadow Moments: Trelawney lives a fraudulent life of self-imposed suffering. She often reduces herself to tricks in divining the future - and comes of as a charlatan.

Yes - Dolores, Goddess of pain and sorrow (Greek and Roman origins) despite her seeming unredemptive qualities has a goddess role. Read the words of Algernon Swinburne regarding this dark goddess:

Cold eyelids that hide like a jewel
Hard eyes that grow soft for an hour;
The heavy white limbs, and the cruel
Red mouth like a venomous flower;
When these are gone by with their glories,
What shall rest of thee then, what remain,
O mystic and sombre Dolores,
Our Lady of Pain?

- Algernon Swinburne

How could this not characterize Dolores Umbridge whose last name is literally "shadow" or "suspicion"- she is clearly the shadow goddess of pain and suffering.

Human suffering is the consequence of time and the plain of opposites. Just as Kali offers reassurance even as she swings the sword of death - suffering is an illusion and release from suffering is the boon.

Harry's acceptance of Dolores Umbridge and his ability to forgive could release him from the negative energy (rage) she induces in him.

Shadow Moments: Professor Umbridge delights in physical torture - she baits Harry into anger through accusation of lies and incompetence and squeals in delight in his failures. Umbridge revels in lying and deception such that (to her) the end justifies the means. Her zealousness through deception was demonstrated by sending Dementors to Little Whinging with no thought for innocent people (Muggles or Squibs). She truly has no sense of right or light, and wallows in her own ignorance. When McGonagall rightfully defended Hagrid during the nighttime attack, Umbridge had no hesitation to send Stunners at her. In the end, if Dolores believes an act is to her advantage, she will do it. And to her end, through her ignorance she injured primarily herself - almost as a female incarnation of a Lockhart.

Susan Bones has been mentioned in each book to date and it is clear that she has experienced tragedy similar to Harry. Voldemort murdered her uncle and his family. Strangely, Harry does not know Susan in Order of the Phoenix, even as most readers recognize her name. At the hearing her aunt, Amelia Bones, is impressed with Harry's abilities in producing a corporeal Patronus and Susan echoes that admiration as well when the D.A. assembles at the Hogs Head. Susan loses her Aunt Amelia – a powerful witch who headed the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, in Book 6.

Susan's name is the short form of SUSANNA and is derived from the Hebrew word shushan meaning "lily" (or in Modern Hebrew, "rose"). This is the name of a biblical woman who ministered to Christ. The name is also used in an Apocrypha story of a woman falsely accused of adultery and is subsequently defended by the prophet Daniel. Her last name, of course, alludes to images of death, but in another context, "bones" refers to the essence or something deeply ingrained.

Goddess Moments: Susan is a loyal member of the D.A. and, with Hannah Abbott, takes on Draco on the train returning home.

Shadow Moments: Other than some notoriety for her uncle's misfortune, Susan is not yet associated with a shadow event.

Hannah Abbott, like Susan Bones, has been present in each book of the series. She too is a member of Hufflepuff. Hannah is a prefect, and generally considered smart - but is a bit short on common sense. Her mother is murdered by Death Eaters in The Half Blood Prince and Hannah leaves Hogwarts.

Hannah’s name also has biblical origins, as it stems from the Hebrew name Channah which means "favor" or "grace". Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel in the Old Testament. Her last name Abbott is rooted in "abbot" meaning father or the superior of a monastery for men.

Goddess Moments: Hannah is a loyal member of D.A. and, with Susan Bones, takes on Draco on the train returning home.

Shadow Moments: Hannah does not handle stress well and accidentally transfigured a ferret into a flock of flamingos. She believed Harry to be the Heir of Slytherin in the Chamber of Secrets. She also worried that Sirius Black could turn into a flowering shrub in the third book and leaned to House favoritism by supporting Cedric Diggory in the Goblet of Fire.

Madame Maxime is not Harry's goddess, rather she is Rubeus Hagrid's true love. Portrayed as a dark and elegant half-giantess in Goblet of Fire, Olympe gives the rough Hagrid a new perspective. In Half Blood Prince, Maxime also shows a new side to herself being rugged enough to travel mountainous wilderness in search of the giant colonies. Great danger was ever-present in the approach to giant leadership, and Maxime managed to She is patient with Hagrid when he found Grawp and decided to return him to Hogwarts.

Olympe Maxime’s first name comes from Mount Olympia, home of the Greek Goddesses, while her last name highlights her giant origins in meaning largest or at the highest level of development.

Goddess Moments: Madame Maxime has reverence for Dumbledore. She is headmistress of Beaubatons Academie and is refined in manner. In Book 6, She joins Hagrid as envoy to the giants on Dumbledore’s request. This task required great strength and courage, as well as a manifest trust in Hagrid. The effort appeared to work until Death Eaters conspired against them.

Shadow Moments: During the Triwizard Tournement, Madame Maxime uses Hagrid to find out about the tasks, most notably for the dragons. At the Yule Ball, she denies her giant blood in a private conversation with Hagrid. In part, this may be a protective device, since prejudice against giants is rampant in the wizarding world. After a period of coldness between them, and only after Cedric’s death, Olympe rejoins Hagrid as they make diplomatic plans to align with the giants.

Bella is a favored student of Voldemort and appears to be the premiere female Death Eater. She is married to Rodolphus Lestrange with whom she was sent to Azkaban after torturing Frank and Alice Longbottom to insanity. She claims to be an esoteric student of Voldemort – privy to his darkest powers as she teases Harry during the ministry battle. She subsequently escapes with Voldemort. Bella is with ‘Cissy’ when visiting Snape in Spinner’s End. She is not mentioned in the battle at Hogwarts at the end of Half Blood Prince.

Bella Lestrange’s name can be read as beautiful in a strange manner or as bizarre.

Bellatrix is a bright star in the Orion constellation, also known as the Amazon Star. Bellatrix is Latin for Amazon or warrioress.

Goddess Moments: The only person Bella seems to have true affection for is her sister Narcissa expressed at the beginning of Half Blood Prince. Voldemort seems to have some affinity for her – "He shares everything with me!… he calls me his most loyal, his most faithful…" as she esteems Voldemort for the power he wields. One creature dedicated to Bella is the house elf Kreatcher who keeps her portrait nearby and wants to serve her instead of Harry – could she be… Kreatcher’s Goddess?

Shadow Moments: Bella would cast of her husband in a moment at Voldemort's call. This woman has cruelty imbedded in her soul - guilty of the Cruciatus curses cast on Neville's parents, which ultimately drove them mad. Her despicable nature is known from her introduction as one of the prisoners captured with Barty Crouch Jr. and charged with that attack. After her escape, Bellatrix duels with her cousin Sirius Black in the Department of Mysteries and causes his death. Subsequently, she catcalls Harry telling him he is powerless. Bella attacks Harry until Voldemort’s arrival at the fountain.

Fleur Delacour, translated audibly in French as "flower of the heart", carries in her veela blood both the enticement of love and the potential for ugliness. Note that Fleur did not hold powers to entrance Harry, although he was mesmerized by the legion of veela at the World Cup. In Book 5, she has returned to London and is working with Bill Weasley at Gringotts. Their engagement is announced in Book 6. Fleur ultimately shows her strength and love by pronouncing the results of Bill’s werewolf attack (Fenrir Greyback) as a premiere badge of nobility.

Goddess Moments: Fleur admires Harry for the compassion he demonstrated for her sister. She becomes an ally by the end of Goblet of Fire and indicates her intent to return. Bill Weasley has reigned her in as his Goddess, and she refuses to let the nature of his injuries change her resolve to marry him.

Shadow Moments: Fleur is arrogant and holds herself above others, particularly in the area of physical beauty. Her tribal association with Beauxbatons is very strong. Fleur wields veela charms to obtain what she wishes - most frequently that is the attention of desirable Hogwarts males. She alienates Mrs. Weasley, Ginny and Hermione at the Burrow by just being Fleur (or Phlegm as Ginny has nicknamed her).

Nymphadora Tonks is presented as a young woman who is still struggling with adulthood - she does not seem comfortable in her emerging role as manifested by her pronounced clumsiness. Tonks is however, competent and comfortable in the disguises facilitated by her metamorphamagus ability. Tonks must develop a stronger sense of identity to balance her ability to "become" another by appearance.

The first part of her full name "nymph" means minor nature goddess usually depicted as a beautiful maiden. Dora means "child of god" and is a diminutive form of the patron saint "Dorothy of Caesarea." St. Dora was an apocryphal martyr who was tortured and sentenced to death for her faith. She made a vow of virginity, refused to marry, refused to worship idols and was mocked by the lawyer Theophilus. Saint Dora is often represented with fruit and flowers and accompanied by the Christ-child.

Goddess Moments: Tonks very nature as Metamorph is transformative and portrays a rare soul. She is brave and works hard to defend Harry in his 5^th year. Tonks loves Remus Lupin and refuses to give him up despite his being a werewolf.

Shadow Moments: Tonks has Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange as aunts through her mother Andromeda. Her clumsiness may emphasize her "real-ness" (not a perfected being) or a subconscious character flaw. It may also indicate that Tonks is not yet comfortable with her own true identity. Tonks visibly suffers when Lupin rationalizes their relationship.

Molly (Prewett) Weasley is Harry's surrogate mother at a time when Harry is moving past childhood. She provides a framework for stability - a cosmic mother - yet also provides a temptation for Harry to revert to his missed childhood. Ego could easily convince him that he deserves retreat in her motherly protection, instead of facing the reality that only he can take on Voldemort in the end.

Harry continues to move toward isolation in Order of the Phoenix, yet cannot completely break free. He witnesses Molly's dependency on her family her as she takes on the boggart at Grimmauld Place. He also sees her seeming judgment of Sirius - complaints that are largely based on his Sirius' inability to grow up. Ironically, he has spent 12 years in Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit and remained psychologically (and physically) confined to the very end - above all, he followed his own freedom through death.

Molly has not yet yielded parental protection of Ron, Harry and Ginny - but she has dealt with the maturation of Bill - now a peer in the Order, and Charlie. She and Arthur struggle with the adulthood choices of Percy, Fred and George in Order of the Phoenix, and appear to reconcile the twins' life dreams at the end of that episode.

Goddess Moments: Molly is nurturer and source of unconditional love for Harry. She is the mother of Harry's closest friend Ron and is Harry's most beloved (living) woman.

Shadow Moments: Molly exhibits chronic overprotective behavior. Her fears are revealed in taking on the boggart and demonstrate flaws or areas that she herself needs to mature in. Molly has a tendency to spoil as well as to be bossy. While finding blind favor for Harry, Molly tends toward hypercriticism of her own children.

Luna is a girl so characterized by her detachment from the world, she is castigated by others for her 'strangeness' and perceived ignorance. Yet, much of her behavior is Buddha-like. She is quite selfless and generally accepts others for what they are. Luna tends to make factual observations of others, but these are often perceived as her personal judgment - for example, the fact that Padma Patil was not treated well by Ron at the Yule Ball. In other examples, Luna states "facts" that are rejected by the practical world. Spiritual truth does not always follow the physical world.

One gets the feeling that Luna may be wise in the spirit and is a messenger to Harry in the area of detachment and selfless love. Others are not ready for her message, thus ridicule the message not fully understood.

In Roman mythology, Luna was an ancient lunar goddess who loved beautiful Endymion and requested eternal life for him from her father Jupiter (Roman equivalent of Zeus). Endymion was then blessed with eternal sleep and Luna visited him in his dreams. She is also associated with the Nemean Lion (as in Gryffindor) and is characterized as a pale young woman on horseback carrying a torch.

Luna the goddess begins her journey across the sky following her brother the sun. Harry himself has been associated with both Son (Christ-like) and Sun (Light of the world) mythological motifs. Note that Luna has already "followed Harry across the sky" in Order of the Phoenix. Her last name evidences a positive role, full of "Love" and "Good".

Goddess Moments: Luna possesses a strange beauty and appears to be a victor through her response to loneliness. Although Luna witnessed her mother's violent death, she holds strongly to the belief that her mother awaits her. Luna helps Hermione to get the Quibbler article published and is a loyal member of D.A. She cheers for whom she feels like, displays no fear, and is detached from most associations with the world around her. Luna is friend to Ginny and lives near the Weasleys (Goblet of Fire) which may indicate a family association.

Luna is tightly attached to the beliefs of her father - it is unknown how independent her beliefs truly are.

Just as Dolores Umbridge is difficult to speak of in terms of the Goddess, the first reaction to Petunia is quite negative. But in Order of the Phoenix, the reader finds there is another dimension to Petunia - one that she protects carefully for unknown reasons. While actively denying the existence of magic, Petunia very clearly has knowledge of the magical world.

Goddess Moments: Petunia is Harry's only living connection to his mother. Petunia also, for whatever reason, accepted Harry into her household as a young child.

Shadow Moments: Petunia married Vernon, rejecting her sister (and possibly her parents) for his acceptance. Her true relationship with Lily is unclear. Petunia knows of dementors, Voldemort and that horrible boy (presumably James). The mark of her character is demonstrated in Harry's early life - Petunia was his living mother, yet she treated Harry without love or compassion. Petunia is very protective of Dudley and cannot see the issues he now faces in growing up. Rather, she seeks to encompass Dudley in his childhood and maintain his dependence on her. (analogous to Molly Weasley's treatment of Harry).

The reader knows relatively little about Harry's mother. She is, of course, a great mystery to Harry and is his source of life. On that basis alone, Lily Evans Potter is a goddess of high account in Harry's life.

In Prisoner of Azkaban, James Potter is seen through the memories of his friends - but no corollary has been provided for Lily. She saved Harry with the loss of her life and through old magic made him untouchable for almost 14 years. Her name - Lily - is a flower often associated with death, but more importantly, it is the Easter flower of resurrection.

Goddess Moments: Lily died that Harry should live. In the Dome of Light - Lily beckons Harry to hold strength until James can arrive.

Shadow Moments: Unless justified or clarified in the future two books, Lily also demonstrates the shadow side of the goddess. Lily is the source of Harry's desire to avenge her death, reinforced through her ever-present screams. Lily also symbolizes Harry's psychological need to break from natal attachment as shown by her appearance in the Mirror of Erised - "I show not your face but your heart's desire". Lily holds an ambiguous connection to Petunia whose clear distaste for the wizarding world - perhaps evidence of a deep hurt that she carries. In the Pensieve, Lily demonstrates intense dislike for James and simultaneously shows bittersweet compassion for Snape.

In Half-Blood Prince, the reader finds that Ginny is the romantic interest for Harry.

In Order of the Phoenix, Ginny shows advancing maturity. Ginny is no longer apprehensive about speaking in front of Harry, since she has reconciled her "crush" on him. The youngest Weasley is moving quite freely in the realm of the opposite sex, so much at ease relative to her protective brother Ron. Ron is not dealing well with his sister's advancement into adulthood, nor is he adapting well to his own changes. Ginny seems to exemplify the independence and personal authority that Ron eschews.

Ginny has strong friendship ties with both Hermione and Luna. The Weasley boys acknowledge that Hermione is close to and shares many secrets with Ginny. Growing up, Luna may have been Ginny's playmate, living so close to the Burrow (Goblet of Fire) as a girl (albeit odd) with so many boys around.

Ginny is the familiar form Ginevra, of Arthurian legend and is a variant of Guinevere, King Arthur's mythological queen. Ginevra means "fair and smooth" and also, a woman of the people. Ginny Weasley also has a close relationship to another kingly Arthur - as princess of his household.

Goddess Moments: Ginny was resurrected by Harry from Tom Riddle's enchantment in the second book. In the most recent book, she is represented as assertive, humorous, and accepting of seeming outcasts such as Luna and Neville. Ginny does not seem sensitive to what others think and expresses herself in an easygoing manner. Ginny is also comfortable with cross-house friendships and the company of boys, both may be useful as the series reaches its culmination.

Shadow Moments: Ginny was actually possessed by Tom Riddle/Voldemort when under the power of the diary. She is deviously talented in the vein of Fred and George. Ginny also shows great impatience when challenged that she cannot do something, particularly when refused by Harry or Ron.

Hermione Granger comes from the ordinary Muggle world, yet is a true seeker of knowledge across both Muggle and magical worlds. In the language of the Goddess, Hermione represents the totality of what can be known. Hermione as Harry's close friend establishes Harry's first positive relationship with a girl. He cannot understand the jealousy that Cho exhibits over Hermione, because Harry does not fully understand his relationship with Hermione. He was raised in complete absence of love and does not yet appreciate the depth of the love Hermione holds for him.

Throughout the series, Hermione has assisted Harry in his journey, sometimes alone, sometimes through cooperation or intervention of others. But in each episode, she has provided an element of knowledge critical to his survival. Hermione faithfully challenges Harry to his higher ability, whether to be a better student or to "do the right thing".

Regarding Hermione's physical appearance, it is interesting that the students with the most regrettable character (Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson in particular) consistently portray Hermione as ugly, with frizzy hair and buck teeth reminiscent of a beaver. Those who are able to see her for her true self (including Viktor) find her beautiful, even stunning at the Yule Ball.

Hermione has close relationships with Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Professor McGonagall. She has recognized the need to master other relationships - despite rational conflict, she begins to accept Luna and grows closer to other members of the D.A.

Hermione is completely aware of Ron's jealousy and carefully observes other feminine interest in Harry. Hermione seems to display an unconditional love for Harry - something that has existed since the first train ride on the Hogwarts Express.

The name Hermione is the feminine version of 'Hermes', trickster of the Underworld. Hermes could manifest both apparent good and evil though ever knowledgeable that there is no true separation. The key of the Goddess is to help the hero recognize the totality of life as a noble state of 'being' - without fear or hope.

Hermione’s namesake in A Winter’s Tale was a noble sort, who silently suffered for her true love. This seems symbolic of Hermione Granger's silent love and physical injury as a manifestation of the suffering. What was that spell she was hit with in the Department of Mysteries?

Goddess Moments: Hermione knows more of the secrets of the magical world than any other student. In the Sorcerer's Stone, Hermione helps solve the Devil's Snare and the Potion Riddle. In Chamber of Secrets, through petrifaction, she becomes identified with the 'Lady of the House of Sleep'. Despite her comatose state in Chamber of Secrets, Hermione delivers the key to Riddle's defeat by a slip of paper identifying the basilisk in her hand. Hermione mastered time through use of the time-turner; this step puts one on the verge timelessness or eternity. In Goblet of Fire, Hermione teaches Harry a wealth of jinxes, hexes and counter curses that serve him well in the championship and ultimately against Voldemort. Harry experiences overwhelming fear of Her death in the Department of Mysteries. Hermione is also a master of transfiguration - another term for metamorphosis or glorious spiritual change.

Shadow Moments: Hermione takes on Rita Skeeter by challenging her attacks on Harry and Hagrid, captures the beetle animagus, and ultimately strikes a deal with Skeeter to write the Quibbler article.