======Colin Creevey====== =====Introduction===== Colin Creevey was a brave and enthusiastic [[Muggle-born]] [[wizard]] who began his education at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] in 1992. Sorted into [[Gryffindor]] house, he was best known for his immense admiration for [[Harry Potter]] and his ever-present [[Muggle]] [[camera]]. Despite his sometimes overwhelming hero-worship, Colin proved to be exceptionally loyal and courageous. He was an eager member of [[Dumbledore's Army]] and, though underage, he snuck back into the castle to fight in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], where he was tragically killed during the [[Second Wizarding War]]. =====Biography===== ====Second Year==== Colin's introduction to the [[Wizarding world]] was one of pure wonder and excitement. His father was a [[Milkman]], and the family was amazed when Colin received his [[Hogwarts]] letter. Upon arriving at school, he was sorted into [[Gryffindor]] and immediately became [[Harry Potter]]'s most devoted fan. He followed Harry around, constantly trying to take his photograph with an old-fashioned film [[camera]], hoping to send pictures home to his father. Colin's incessant questions and requests for photos often flustered Harry. His enthusiasm made him a target for anti-[[Muggle-born]] prejudice, particularly from [[Draco Malfoy]]. During the opening of the [[Chamber of Secrets]], Colin was attacked by the [[Basilisk]]. He was saved from a fatal gaze because he saw the creature's reflection through his [[camera]]'s viewfinder, which resulted in his [[Petrification]]. The film inside his [[camera]] was melted by the encounter. He was later restored to health by [[Professor Sprout]]'s [[Mandrake]] Restorative Draught. ====Fourth Year==== By his fourth year, Colin was joined at [[Hogwarts]] by his younger brother, [[Dennis Creevey]], who was also sorted into [[Gryffindor]] and shared Colin's admiration for Harry. The two brothers were staunch supporters of Harry during the [[Triwizard Tournament]]. They were seen trying to magically alter a "Support Cedric Diggory" badge to read "Support Harry Potter," though their attempts were comically unsuccessful. ====Fifth Year==== Colin eagerly joined [[Dumbledore's Army]] when it was formed by [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]]. He attended the meetings in the [[Room of Requirement]] with his brother Dennis, learning [[defensive magic]] alongside his fellow students. His participation demonstrated his unwavering loyalty to Harry and his commitment to resisting [[Dolores Umbridge]] and [[Lord Voldemort]]. ====Seventh Year and Death==== During the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in May 1998, Colin was initially evacuated from the castle along with other underage students. However, driven by loyalty and bravery, he snuck back into the school to join the fight against the [[Death Eater]]s. His death was discovered during a lull in the fighting; [[Neville Longbottom]] and [[Oliver Wood]] carried his body into the [[Great Hall]]. His small body served as a stark and tragic reminder of the high cost of the war. =====Physical Appearance and Personality===== Colin was described as a very small boy with mousey-brown hair. His defining personality traits were his boundless energy and overwhelming enthusiasm. He was perpetually cheerful, curious, and in awe of the magical world. Though his star-struck behaviour could be seen as annoying, it stemmed from a place of genuine admiration and good nature. Underneath his excitable exterior, Colin was deeply courageous, loyal, and brave, willing to stand up for his friends and fight for what was right, ultimately sacrificing his life for it. =====Magical Abilities and Skills===== As a member of [[Dumbledore's Army]], Colin received training in practical [[defensive magic]] directly from [[Harry Potter]]. While his specific magical prowess is not detailed, his membership indicates he learned and practiced spells such as the Disarming Charm ([[Expelliarmus]]), the Stunning Spell ([[Stupefy]]), and the Shield Charm ([[Protego]]). His greatest skill was arguably his immense courage, a core [[Gryffindor]] trait, which led him to fight in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] despite being underage. =====Possessions===== * **[[Camera]]:** Colin's most notable possession was his [[Muggle]] [[camera]], which he used to document his experiences at [[Hogwarts]]. It was an old-fashioned model that used photographic film. This [[camera]] inadvertently saved his life when its lens provided an indirect view of the [[Basilisk]]. =====Relationships===== * **[[Harry Potter]]:** Colin idolized Harry, viewing him as a hero. While Harry was often embarrassed or irritated by the constant attention, he recognized Colin's good intentions. Colin's loyalty to Harry never wavered. * **[[Dennis Creevey]]:** Colin had a close relationship with his younger brother, Dennis. They shared a similar sense of wonder and excitement about [[Hogwarts]] and both joined [[Dumbledore's Army]] together. * **[[Dumbledore's Army]]:** Colin was a proud and active member of the D.A., forming bonds with other students who were committed to defending [[Hogwarts]] and opposing [[Lord Voldemort]]. =====Etymology===== * **Colin:** A common name of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from //Cailean// or //Coileán//, meaning "whelp" or "young cub." This fits his small stature, youth, and puppy-like eagerness. * **Creevey:** An Irish surname, possibly an anglicization of the Gaelic //Ó Craoibhe//, which means "descendant of the branch." This could be a subtle nod to his status as a [[Muggle-born]] [[wizard]], representing a new branch on the magical world's family tree. =====Behind the Scenes===== * In the film adaptations, Colin Creevey was portrayed by actor Hugh Mitchell. * In the film version of //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2//, Colin's body is shown among the fallen in the [[Great Hall]], confirming his death on-screen as it occurred in the novel. * J.K. Rowling has expressed that she originally planned for another character to be the "fan" character but that Colin's personality "marched into the book and demanded a place." She also decided to kill Colin in the final battle to show that war affects everyone, not just the central characters. (J.K. Rowling interview)