30 Most Powerful Witches and Wizards In Harry Potter

The most powerful witches and wizards in Harry Potter were Albus Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort, Hermione Granger, Severus Snape, and Harry Potter.

Strength is measured by their magical ability, but not all the most powerful witches and wizards were born with the incredible talent that they had. Some of them, like Hermione Granger, worked and studied extremely hard to improve their skills.

Here are the 30 most powerful witches and wizards in the wizarding world.

30. Delphini

You may or may not be surprised to know that Lord Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange had a daughter together named Delphini (aka Delphi). She is the only living heir of Salazar Slytherin (after Lord Voldemort’s death) that we know of. Because of this, she can speak Parseltongue.

Bellatrix birthed her secretively at Malfoy Manor, and after both her parents were killed, she was raised by Euphemia Rowle, who was not very happy about it. Delphi took after her parents with her fascination for The Dark Arts. 

She had no issue using the Cruciatus Curse or Killing Curse, and she was sentenced to Azkaban for murdering Craig Bowker Jr.

She was remarkably talented with charms, dueling, and wandless magic.

29. Barty Crouch Jr.

Barty Crouch Jr. was an extremely skilled Death Eater and wizard. He was the son of Bartemius Crouch Sr., who was the British Minister of Magic.

Barty attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but he was interested in the Dark Arts from a young age, so he became a Death Eater when he was only a teenager.

He was imprisoned in Azkaban (until he escaped) for assisting in torturing Alice and Frank Longbottom with the Cruciatus Curse.

Barty specialized in Potions and Charms, characterized by his use of Polyjuice Potion to imitate Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody and how he charmed the Goblet of Fire to choose Harry Potter.

28. Newt Scamander

Even though he never finished his schooling at Hogwarts, Newt Scamander was a very talented wizard and Magizoologist. He enjoyed caring for and learning about all kinds of magical creatures.

While he was an awkward and timid young man, Newt displayed self-confidence and determination regarding his magical abilities. His skillsets include mastery of Potions, Charms, Herbology, and Defense Against the Dark Arts.

27. Fred and George Weasley

Understandably, we often pair Fred and George Weasley together. These brothers loved playing pranks and eventually opened their own joke shop called “Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.”

Although they lacked diligence when studying at school, Fred and George were exceptional wizards. They chose to further their skills in magic that would help them pull their pranks on others, like utilizing Potions, Charms, and Herbology.

“The thing about growing up with Fred and George is that you sort of start thinking anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.”

– Ginny Weasley

26. Filius Flitwick

Although Filius Flitwick is part-Goblin, he’s still one of the most powerful wizards. Not only did he attend Hogwarts, but he later returned as Charms Master and Head of Ravenclaw House.

He was also a Master Duelist and was the “Dueling Champion” in his younger years.

People would frequently underestimate Professor Flitwick due to his small size, but his intelligence and magical giftings spoke for themselves.

He stood up against Lord Voldemort along with the students and professors in The Battle of Hogwarts, showing just how proficient he was at Defense Against the Dark Arts magic.

25. Dolores Umbridge

Dolores Umbridge is definitely not a fan-favorite, but we can all agree she had impressive magical abilities.  

In her early life as a student at Hogwarts, she was in Slytherin House and went on to work at the British Ministry of Magic.

During her later career at Hogwarts, she was professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, High Inquisitor, and then Headmistress of Hogwarts.

She frequently abused her power and ironically admitted that she didn’t like children, which is interesting considering her job choice.

Though her decision to use a Blood Quill on disobedient students was horrific, it showcased her willingness to use powerful magic at any expense. She also nearly used the Cruciatus Curse on Harry and claimed, “What Cornelius doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

24. Fleur Delacour

We first met Fleur Delacour when she came to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament. She attended Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. Fleur exhibited great courage by placing her name in The Goblet of Fire and was subsequently chosen as the Triwizard Tournament Champion for her school.

After she graduated, she met and started dating Bill Weasley when they worked at Gringotts Wizarding Bank and later married.

Interestingly, Fleur is ¼ Veela – a magical being that could hypnotically attract the attention of those around them, specifically those attracted to women.

Ron Weasley: “She’s a Veela!”
Hermione Granger: “Of course she isn’t! I don’t see anyone else gaping at her like an idiot!”
Ron Weasley: “I’m telling you, that’s not a normal girl! They don’t make them like that at Hogwarts!”

23. Cedric Diggory

Unfortunately, when people think of Cedric Diggory, they usually remember his tragic death at the hands of Peter Pettigrew, who took the orders from Lord Voldemort himself.

However, we can be sure that he was a brilliant wizard. He was Hogwarts Champion (along with Harry) for the Triwizard Tournament and treated everyone around him with respect and kindness.

He was an experienced flyer and was Seeker and Captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team.

22. Ginny Weasley

Ginevra “Ginny” Weasley is the youngest Weasley sibling and only among her six brothers. Trouble seemed to find her during her student years at Hogwarts, the first being the Chamber of Secrets, which she was tricked into re-opening.

Later, she joined Dumbledore’s Army and proved her talent for Defense Against the Dark Arts, as she could conjure a Patronus at only 14 years old.

Unlike her brothers, Ginny showed great determination for learning and perfecting her magical skills.

21. Horace Slughorn

Horace Slughorn was in Slytherin House when he attended Hogwarts and came back to be Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House.

This was when Tom Riddle approached Professor Slughorn to ask about something he’d read in the Forbidden Section of the library – Horcruxes.

Professor Slughorn retired when he heard of Lord Voldemort’s return. But Dumbledore convinced him to come back and teach at the school.

He had many magical abilities and was highly skilled in Potions, memory magic, Transfiguration, and more.

One interesting form of magic he was proficient in was Occlumency, “The magical defense of the mind against external penetration. An obscure branch of magic, but a highly useful one.”

20. Molly Weasley

Molly Weasley is a caring mother, and her self-sacrificial love is only rivaled by Lily Potter’s sacrifice to save Harry.

When she attended Hogwarts, she was in Gryffindor House, and she later utilized her magical abilities to protect Hogwarts with Charms.

She is a powerful witch and a crucial member of The Order of the Phoenix. It’s Mrs. Weasley who ultimately defeats Bellatrix Lestrange, which we all know was no easy task.

19. Ron Weasley

Some might say Ron Weasley shouldn’t be included in this list, but his actions speak for themselves. You can always count on Ron to perform well when it truly matters, such as The Battle of Hogwarts.

He makes up for what he lacks in raw talent in loyalty, persistence, and boldness.

And even though his wand sometimes malfunctioned, like when Gilderoy Lockhart’s spell fired back on him, Ron was quick with his wand in a duel and fared well with his Defense Against the Dark Arts skills.

See more:

• Ron Weasley’s zodiac sign and birth chart meanings
• Ron’s character guide and Hogwarts timeline

18. Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy grew up under the tutelage of his parents and not only gained the perspective of Pureblood Supremacy but a knack for learning complicated magic as well.

Even though he wasn’t exceptionally talented in his early years at Hogwarts, he was determined enough to keep trying, which helped him in the long run.

He became proficient in his Dark magic and Potions skills, and he was an excellent flyer as well.

He became a Death Eater at a young age, but he also didn’t have much of a choice since both his parents and his Aunt Bellatrix Lestrange were all Death Eaters as well.

17. Nymphadora Tonks

Nymphadora Tonks was an Auror, essentially highly trained law enforcement for the magical government.

She was also a Metamorphmagus, meaning she could change her physical appearance whenever she wanted.

She also possessed the skill of nonverbal magic and could take down her assailants without a single word.

16. James Potter

James Potter didn’t always use his magical abilities for good since he bullied other students with them. However, he was very skilled, specifically in dueling.

He also became an Animagus, along with his friends. James was an exceptional flyer which made him a valuable Quidditch player – which it seems he passed on to his son.

He was a member of The Order of The Phoenix as well.

15. Lily Potter

Lily Potter exhibited incredible self-sacrificial love for Harry Potter, and saved his life because of how much she loved him.

She saved his life and enabled Dumbledore to further protect Harry through a “bond of blood” spell, only because of her sacrifice.

This type of spell is extremely rare and can only be performed by the pure of heart.

She crafted her magic skills even before attending Hogwarts, and she excelled in her classes, specifically Potions. Later, she joined The Order of The Phoenix.

14. Luna Lovegood

We adore Luna Lovegood because she is always true to herself. She is eccentric, unique, and very confident. This carries over into her use of magic. She’s also a powerful witch because she’s able to see Thestrals, creatures you can only see if you’ve witnessed death (and fully understand its meaning).

Luna never shied away from being honest, and she was always kind, even to the people who made rude comments about her personality or behavior.

She was a significant member of Dumbledore’s Army and eventually co-led it with Neville Longbottom.

She grew in knowledge and talent for Defense Against the Dark Arts, but perhaps most notable is her love and care of Magical Creatures.

13. Neville Longbottom

Neville Longbottom’s journey as a powerful wizard is one full of ups and downs.

His time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry starts out with him being incredibly timid, and other students frequently bullied him for his awkwardness.

However, he blossoms into a confident, talented wizard who stands up for what is right—eventually standing up to Lord Voldemort himself, which takes a mighty wizard indeed.

“I’ll join you when hell freezes over! Dumbledore’s Army!”

– Neville Longbottom

12. Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin was not only a powerful wizard but a werewolf as well. He was bit by Fenrir Greyback, whose sole mission in life was to bite and infect as many as possible so that werewolves could someday overtake the wizarding world.

Through his bite, Greyback gave Lupin a condition called Lycanthropy (turning into a werewolf) for his entire life.

He had impressive control over his abilities, with some help from his loyal friends.

“I was a very small boy when I received the bite. My parents tried everything, but in those days, there was no cure. The Potion that Professor Snape has been making for me is a very recent discovery. It makes me safe; you see. As long as I take it in the week preceding the full moon, I keep my mind when I transform… I am able to curl up in my office, a harmless wolf, and wait for the moon to wane again.

Before the Wolfsbane Potion was discovered, however, I became a fully-fledged monster once a month. It seemed impossible that I would be able to come to Hogwarts. Other parents weren’t likely to want their children exposed to me.”

– Remus Lupin

11. Sirius Black

While Sirius Black was an exceptional wizard, unfortunately, he didn’t get to live up to his full potential since he was wrongfully accused and sent to Azkaban for 12 long years.

Like all the other prisoners, the Dementors subjected him to their soul-sucking darkness, which left him fighting for his life, and he was never the same.

Additionally, he became an Animagus while at Hogwarts to help Remus Lupin when he turned into a werewolf.

This kind of magic is complicated for a young wizard and requires a lot of skill. Sirius definitely left an impressive legacy.

10. Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall is a very talented witch. She also has a long resume of impressive positions, including Head of Gryffindor House, Transfiguration professor, Deputy Headmistress, and Headmistress of Hogwarts. Plus, she worked at The Ministry of Magic.

Professor McGonagall took her job very seriously, very aware of the fact that she was teaching the next generation of young witches and wizards.

“Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned.”

– Minerva McGonagall

She was a force to be reckoned with during the Battle of Hogwarts and played a vital role in protecting the school with the charms she placed over it.

9. Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody

Many considered Alastor, or Mad-Eye Moody one of the best Aurors there ever was, and he’s responsible for training Nymphadora Tonks as an Auror.

He specialized in Defense Against the Dark Arts and was chosen to be a professor at Hogwarts, except for the fact that Barty Crouch Jr. took his place using Polyjuice Potion.

The real Mad-Eye Moody was a crucial member of The Order of the Phoenix and used his vast magical abilities to fight against the Dark Lord. Some of the aspects of magic he specialized in were Flying, Potions, Apparition, Herbology, wandless magic, and Charms.

8. Lucius Malfoy

Lucius is a notable Death Eater and wizard. He was perhaps most knowledgeable in the Dark Arts, which made him very valuable to Lord Voldemort.

However, we know that Lucius tends to be a little “hot and cold” when it comes to his loyalties, and it seems that he serves the Dark Lord primarily out of fear.

Lucius still fulfilled his duties as a Death Eater, like when he secretly slipped Tom Riddle’s diary to Ginny Weasley. He also reluctantly surrenders his wand to Lord Voldemort when asked.

Also, he was great at dueling, and it seems he passed down his desire for it to his son Draco Malfoy who challenged Harry to a duel.

Lucius somewhat redeems himself in the end when he abandons Voldemort and his role as a Death Eater and chooses his family and their wellbeing instead.

7. Bellatrix Lestrange

When thinking of Bellatrix Lestrange, we usually think of her fierce loyalty to Lord Voldemort, or perhaps more of an obsession.

She was a powerful witch and often used the Unforgivable Curses; the Killing Curse, the Cruciatus Curse, and the Imperius Curse.

In fact, she is notorious for using the Cruciatus Curse to torture Frank and Alice Longbottom, Neville Longbottom’s parents. Many feared her because of her twisted, dark use of magic.

“Potter, you cannot win against me! I was and am the Dark Lord’s most loyal servant. I learned the Dark Arts from him, and I know spells of such power that you, pathetic little boy, can never hope to compete!”

– Bellatrix Lestrange

6. Gellert Grindelwald

Before Lord Voldemort’s rise to power, many considered Gellert Grindelwald the most powerful Dark Wizard of his time. He was also notorious for his use of the Elder Wand.

Like Tom Riddle, Grindelwald enjoyed experimenting with Dark magic as a student (he attended Durmstrang Institute). He got expelled because of these experiments after nearly killing some of his fellow students.

After his expulsion, Grindelwald struck up a friendship and subsequent romance with Albus Dumbledore.

However, his demise was when he lost a duel to Dumbledore over their differing interests in the Dark Arts, and Grindelwald lost ownership over the Elder Wand.

5. Hermione Granger

Hermione Granger was one of her generation’s most intelligent, skilled witches and excelled in all her classes at Hogwarts. She frequently shared her knowledge with others.

She suffered many unkind comments and slurs because she was a Muggle-born witch, but she didn’t let it stop her from becoming exceptionally talented.

Also, she was so trustworthy that Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic trusted her with the Time-Turner to take more classes.

“An’ they haven’t invented a spell our Hermione can’ do.”

– Rubeus Hagrid

She is brave, courageous, wise, and stands up for what she believes in – even when it’s hard.

See more:

• Hermione Granger’s zodiac sign and birth chart
• Character analysis of Hermione

4. Severus Snape

Severus Snape, or “The Half-Blood Prince”, was unmatched in his skill and knowledge of Potions.

He served not only as the Potions Master but also as Head of Slytherin House, professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, and then Headmaster of Hogwarts after Dumbledore’s tragic death.

Additionally, he was a member of The Order of the Phoenix, and he was one of the only Death Eaters we know who successfully tricked Lord Voldemort into thinking Snape was on his side.

He was actually the only Death Eater who could conjure a Patronus.

A powerful wizard can fall quickly if they are not also humble, and Snape’s lifelong love for Lily Potter kept his potentially big ego in check.

3. Lord Voldemort

Lord Voldemort was the most powerful Dark wizard of his time, and possibly all time. He started learning about dark magic during his time at Hogwarts.

He first learned of Horcruxes when he visited the Restricted section in the library and then confirmed with Professor Slughorn that it was possible to split your soul – even seven ways.

It didn’t bother Voldemort (or Tom Riddle at the time) that he’d have to kill someone each time he created a Horcrux.

Ultimately, Lord Voldemort’s power is also his downfall. He overestimates his own abilities and underestimates Harry Potter time and time again.

2. Albus Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore is known and loved as the greatest and most powerful wizard of all time and was only rivaled in magical ability and skill by Lord Voldemort.

He chose his path in his young adult life when he formed a relationship (that later turned romantic) with Gellert Grindelwald.

Grindelwald dabbled in the Dark Arts and tried to convince Dumbledore to join him. A fight broke out when Dumbledore’s brother found out, resulting in their sister’s tragic death.

Dumbledore chose to steer clear of the Dark Arts and to focus on doing good instead. Again, we see how selfless he is when he drinks the poisoned water (or Emerald Potion) concealing Lord Voldemort’s Horcrux in the cave.

He was the best (and most beloved) Headmaster that Hogwarts has ever had and died a very noble, self-sacrificial death.

1. Harry Potter

Harry Potter will always be known as “the boy who lived” and subsequently one of the most influential and brilliant wizards.

Not only did he produce his first Patronus at 13, but he also created and led Dumbledore’s Army and defeated Lord Voldemort, who was the most powerful Dark Wizard of all time.

Time and time again, as a child and then teenager, Harry faced Lord Voldemort and held his ground. Something many older and wiser witches and wizards had failed to do.

He also had to overcome the part of Lord Voldemort that lived inside him as a Horcrux and tried to overtake him. This took tremendous willpower and strength.

Some may argue that he doesn’t deserve the number one spot of “most powerful wizard,” but the magic that Harry performed at such a young age was astounding.

We can assume he only grew in knowledge and ability throughout his life.

See more:

• Harry’s birth chart and zodiac sign analysed
• Harry Potter’s character guide and Hogwarts career timeline

Also see the 12 most powerful wands ranked!