======Knight Bus======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Magical Transportation]], Vehicle
  * **Owners:** Public transport for the wizarding community, presumably operated under the authority of the [[Ministry of Magic]]. Known staff includes [[Stan Shunpike]] (conductor) and [[Ernie Prang]] (driver).
  * **Maker:** Unknown in the novels. First commissioned in 1865 by Minister for Magic [[Dugald McPhail]] (Pottermore).
=====Description and Appearance=====
The [[Knight Bus]] is a vivid purple, triple-decker bus that serves as emergency transport for stranded witches and wizards. Gold lettering across its windscreen announces its name. The bus has no conventional seats; instead, its interior is furnished with an assortment of mismatched brass bedsteads during the day. At night, these are replaced by armchairs. A large chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
The ride is notoriously violent and uncomfortable. The bus travels at immense speeds, causing beds and passengers to slide across the floor with its sudden lurches, swerves, and braking. It moves by making a loud **BANG** and jumping instantaneously from one location to another, with lampposts, postboxes, and other street furniture leaping out of its path to avoid a collision. To non-magical observers, or [[Muggle]]s, the bus is invisible.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The primary function of the [[Knight Bus]] is to provide rapid transit for any member of the wizarding community who finds themselves in need. It can be summoned by a witch or wizard simply by sticking out their wand arm at the kerb, much like a [[Muggle]] hailing a taxi.
A conductor is present to greet passengers, take their fare, and offer services. The standard fare for [[Harry Potter]]'s journey from [[Little Whinging]] to the [[Leaky Cauldron]] was eleven [[Sickle]]s. For an additional fee, passengers can purchase amenities like hot chocolate. The driver, [[Ernie Prang]], is an elderly wizard who wears very thick glasses and navigates the bus's chaotic jumps.
=====History=====
The [[Knight Bus]] is presented in the novels as a long-established part of the wizarding world. Its origins are not detailed in the original seven books.
According to supplementary information, the idea for the [[Knight Bus]] was proposed by Minister for Magic [[Dugald McPhail]] in 1865 as a discreet method for underage or infirm wizards to transport themselves. He reportedly took the idea from the new [[Muggle]] bus service that had recently begun operating (Pottermore).
=====Role in the Story=====
The [[Knight Bus]] appears at several key moments in the series:
  * **[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]:** [[Harry Potter]] summons the bus accidentally after fleeing the [[Dursley]]s' house. During his journey to the [[Leaky Cauldron]], he learns from the conductor, [[Stan Shunpike]], and a copy of the //Daily Prophet// about the escape of [[Sirius Black]] from [[Azkaban]].
  * **[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]:** Members of the [[Order of the Phoenix]], including [[Remus Lupin]] and [[Nymphadora Tonks]], escort Harry and his friends via the [[Knight Bus]] to [[King's Cross Station]] to catch the [[Hogwarts Express]]. The bus is occupied by other magical passengers, such as [[Madam Marsh]].
  * **[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]:** Following [[Stan Shunpike]]'s arrest as a suspected [[Death Eater]], Harry defends him to [[Albus Dumbledore]]. Later, Harry takes the bus from the home of [[Horace Slughorn]] back towards the [[Leaky Cauldron]], where he sees the //Daily Prophet// article about Stan's arrest. [[Ernie Prang]] is still the driver. Though Stan himself does not appear on the bus, he is later seen among the [[Death Eater]]s during the Battle of the Seven Potters, though Harry believes he is under the [[Imperius Curse]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * **Etymology:** J.K. Rowling has stated that the name "Knight Bus" is a play on words, as "night bus" is a common form of public transport that runs after dark in many cities (J.K. Rowling interview).
  * **Film Adaptation:** In the film adaptation of *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, the [[Knight Bus]] features a garrulous, talking shrunken head (named Dre Head in supplementary materials) hanging over the dashboard, which is not present in the books. The film also depicts the bus magically narrowing itself to squeeze between two oncoming [[Muggle]] buses, a feat not described in the novels.