======William Arthur Weasley======
=====Introduction=====
William Arthur Weasley, known familiarly as Bill, is the eldest son of [[Arthur Weasley|Arthur]] and [[Molly Weasley]]. A highly intelligent and capable [[wizard]], he worked as a [[Curse-Breaker]] for [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]] in [[Egypt]] before returning to Britain to join the reconstituted [[Order of the Phoenix]]. Bill is characterized by his cool, adventurous demeanor, loyalty to his family, and bravery in the face of danger. He plays a significant role in the [[Second Wizarding War]], offering his skills, home, and courage to the fight against [[Lord Voldemort]], and is the husband of [[Fleur Delacour]].
=====Biography=====
====Early Life and Hogwarts Years====
Born on 29 November 1970, Bill was the first of the seven [[Weasley family|Weasley]] children. He attended [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] from 1982 to 1989 and was sorted into [[Gryffindor]] house. An exceptional student, Bill was appointed both a [[Prefect]] and, in his final year, [[Head Boy]]. He achieved twelve O.W.L.s, a remarkable academic accomplishment.
====Career and the Order of the Phoenix====
After graduating from [[Hogwarts]], Bill took a job with [[Gringotts]] as a [[Curse-Breaker]], a position that took him to [[Egypt]] to work in ancient tombs. During the summer of 1994, his family visited him there after winning the //Daily Prophet// Grand Prize Galleon Draw. The following year, with the return of [[Lord Voldemort]], Bill returned to a desk job in England to work more closely with the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. It was during this time that he met and began dating his future wife, [[Fleur Delacour]], who had taken a job at [[Gringotts]] to improve her English.
====Second Wizarding War====
Bill was an active member of the [[Order of the Phoenix]], participating in several key operations. In June 1997, during the [[Battle of the Astronomy Tower]], he was savagely attacked and mauled by the [[werewolf]] [[Fenrir Greyback]]. Because Greyback was not in his transformed wolf state at the time, Bill did not become a full [[werewolf]]. However, the attack left his face permanently scarred and imbued him with certain wolfish characteristics, such as a new fondness for very rare steaks. His fiancée [[Fleur Delacour]]'s unwavering devotion to him in the aftermath proved their love, silencing any objections to their union from his family.
Bill married Fleur on 1 August 1997 at [[The Burrow]]. The wedding reception was interrupted by the news that the [[Ministry of Magic]] had fallen to [[Voldemort]]. Following the attack, Bill and Fleur moved to [[Shell Cottage]], their home on the coast, which soon became a safe house for the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. In March 1998, they provided shelter to [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], [[Hermione Granger]], [[Luna Lovegood]], [[Dean Thomas]], [[Mr. Ollivander]], and the [[goblin]] [[Griphook]] after their harrowing escape from [[Malfoy Manor]]. Bill helped [[Harry]] plan the subsequent break-in at [[Gringotts]] and facilitated the burial of [[Dobby]] the [[house-elf]].
He fought bravely alongside the rest of his family in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] on 2 May 1998, surviving the conflict that claimed the life of his younger brother, [[Fred Weasley]].
====Later Life====
After the [[Second Wizarding War]], Bill and Fleur had three children: [[Victoire Weasley|Victoire]], Dominique, and Louis Weasley. (Pottermore)
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
Bill is described as tall and thin, with the trademark red hair of the [[Weasley family]], which he wore long in a ponytail. His style was considered "cool" by his younger siblings; he wore an earring with a fang dangling from it and boots made of [[dragon]] hide. After being attacked by [[Fenrir Greyback]], his face was left heavily scarred.
Bill's personality is easy-going, brave, and good-natured. He possessed a sense of adventure that led him to his career as a [[Curse-Breaker]] but was also deeply responsible and loyal to his family and friends. Unlike his brother [[Percy Weasley]], Bill was not concerned with ambition or conforming to authority, preferring to forge his own path. He was accepting and non-judgmental, as shown by his strong and loving relationship with [[Fleur Delacour]].
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
  * **Curse-Breaking:** As a professional [[Curse-Breaker]] for [[Gringotts]], Bill was an expert in identifying and dismantling [[curses]] and other defensive [[Dark Magic]] from ancient sites. This requires a high level of magical knowledge and skill, particularly in [[Charms]] and [[Defense Against the Dark Arts]].
  * **Duelling:** Bill was a highly competent duellist who fought in several major battles of the [[Second Wizarding War]], including the [[Battle of the Astronomy Tower]], the [[Battle of the Seven Potters]], and the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].
  * **Academic Prowess:** Bill's achievement of twelve O.W.L.s demonstrates his powerful intellect and broad magical talent, a feat only matched by [[Percy Weasley]] and [[Hermione Granger]] in the series. His selection as [[Head Boy]] also points to his exceptional magical ability and leadership qualities.
  * **Nonverbal Spells:** Bill was proficient in the use of [[nonverbal spells]], a mark of a skilled and powerful [[wizard]].
=====Possessions=====
  * **Wand:** The properties of Bill's [[wand]] are unknown.
  * **Fang Earring:** A distinctive piece of jewellery that was part of his signature look.
  * **Dragon-Hide Boots:** Bill owned a pair of these impressive and likely expensive boots.
=====Relationships=====
  * **Fleur Delacour:** Bill's wife. Their relationship began while they both worked for [[Gringotts]]. Fleur's fierce love for Bill, especially after his disfigurement by [[Fenrir Greyback]], proved the strength of their bond. They were a formidable and supportive couple throughout the war.
  * **Weasley Family:** As the eldest child, Bill was admired and respected by his younger siblings, particularly [[Ron Weasley]] and [[Ginny Weasley]]. He was a loving son to [[Arthur Weasley|Arthur]] and [[Molly Weasley]], though his mother often fretted over his long hair and fang earring. He was a pillar of strength for the family, especially after the death of [[Fred Weasley]].
  * **Harry Potter:** Bill was a loyal friend and staunch ally to [[Harry Potter]]. He treated Harry like family, offering him shelter at [[Shell Cottage]] and fighting alongside him on multiple occasions without hesitation.
  * **Order of the Phoenix:** A dedicated member, Bill risked his life numerous times for the [[Order of the Phoenix]], using both his magical skills and his home as valuable resources for the cause.
=====Etymology=====
  * **William:** A classic Germanic name meaning "resolute protector" or "will-helmet," which is highly appropriate for his role as a protector of his family and a soldier in the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. "Bill" is a common diminutive.
  * **Arthur:** His middle name is taken from his father, [[Arthur Weasley]].
  * **Weasley:** [[J.K. Rowling]] has stated that the name is derived from the weasel, an animal with a poor reputation in Britain, which she found fitting for a family often looked down upon by pure-blood supremacists. Weasels are also associated with red hair in British folklore.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptations, Bill is portrayed by actor Domhnall Gleeson. He first appears in //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1//. The character's role in the [[Battle of the Astronomy Tower]] from the book //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince// was omitted from the corresponding film.
  * [[J.K. Rowling]] provided the names of Bill and Fleur's children, [[Victoire Weasley|Victoire]], Dominique, and Louis, through supplementary materials after the books were published. Victoire's name, French for "victory," commemorates the fact that she was born on the anniversary of the [[Battle of Hogwarts]]. (J.K. Rowling interview, Pottermore)
  * Bill's birthday, 29 November, was revealed on the Pottermore website. (Pottermore)