======The Potter Family======
=====Introduction=====
The Potter family is an ancient and respected wizarding family, though they were excluded from the //[[Sacred Twenty-Eight]]// due to their pro-[[Muggle]] stance and what was considered a common [[Muggle]] surname. The family is noted for its significant wealth, its direct lineage to the [[Peverell]] brothers, and its steadfast opposition to [[Lord Voldemort]] and the [[Dark Arts]]. The most famous member, [[Harry Potter]], was instrumental in the defeat of [[Lord Voldemort]] during the [[Second Wizarding War]].
=====Family History=====
====Early History====
The Potter family descends from the 12th-century [[wizard]] Linfred of Stinchcombe, a locally well-beloved and eccentric man whose nickname, 'the Potterer', became corrupted over time to 'Potter' (Pottermore). Linfred was the originator of several remedies that evolved into potions still used in the modern era, including [[Skele-Gro]] and the [[Pepperup Potion]]. Sales of these cures were the foundation of the family's considerable fortune (Pottermore).
The family's lineage was directly linked to the [[Deathly Hallows]] when Linfred's eldest son, Hardwin Potter, married Iolanthe [[Peverell]] of [[Godric's Hollow]]. Iolanthe was the granddaughter of [[Ignotus Peverell]], the original owner of the [[Invisibility Cloak]]. As the eldest in her generation and with no male heirs in her direct line, she inherited the [[Cloak]], which subsequently became a Potter family heirloom passed down through the eldest of each new generation (Pottermore).
====20th Century====
In the early 20th century, Henry Potter (known as 'Harry' to friends) served on the [[Wizengamot]] and caused a stir when he publicly condemned the then [[Minister for Magic]] for forbidding the magical community to help [[Muggles]] during the First World War (Pottermore).
Henry's son, Fleamont Potter, quadrupled the family's wealth by creating the magical [[Sleekeazy's Hair Potion]]. He and his wife, Euphemia, had given up hope of having a child when, to their shock and delight, Euphemia became pregnant with their son, [[James Potter]]. Both Fleamont and Euphemia lived to see James marry [[Lily Evans]], but they died of [[Dragon Pox]] before the birth of their grandson, [[Harry Potter]] (Pottermore).
====The First Wizarding War====
[[James Potter]] and his wife [[Lily Potter]] were members of the original [[Order of the Phoenix]], a secret society founded by [[Albus Dumbledore]] to fight [[Lord Voldemort]]. They defied the [[Dark Lord]] on three separate occasions. After learning of a [[prophecy]] that foretold their son, [[Harry Potter]], would have the power to vanquish [[Voldemort]], the family went into hiding in [[Godric's Hollow]] under the protection of the [[Fidelius Charm]].
Their [[Secret-Keeper]], [[Peter Pettigrew]], betrayed them to [[Voldemort]]. On 31 October 1981, [[Voldemort]] attacked their home, murdering James and Lily. However, Lily's loving sacrifice invoked an ancient and powerful protective [[magic]], causing [[Voldemort]]'s [[Killing Curse]] to rebound upon himself, leaving the infant [[Harry]] with only a lightning-bolt [[scar]].
====The Second Wizarding War and Beyond====
[[Harry Potter]], the last known Potter, was raised by his [[Muggle]] relatives, the [[Dursley]] family. He became the central figure in the [[Second Wizarding War]], ultimately destroying [[Voldemort]]'s [[Horcruxes]] and defeating him at the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].
After the war, [[Harry]] married [[Ginny Weasley]], ensuring the continuation of the Potter family line. They had three children: [[James Sirius Potter]], [[Albus Severus Potter]], and [[Lily Luna Potter]].
=====Notable Family Members=====
  * **Linfred of Stinchcombe:** The 12th-century progenitor of the family, a skilled potioneer (Pottermore).
  * **Ignotus Peverell:** Ancestor of the family through his granddaughter's marriage; original owner of the [[Invisibility Cloak]].
  * **James Potter:** A gifted [[wizard]], [[Gryffindor]] [[Chaser]], and member of the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. Murdered by [[Lord Voldemort]].
  * **Lily Potter (née Evans):** A brilliant [[witch]], [[Head Girl]] at [[Hogwarts]], and member of the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. Her sacrifice protected her son [[Harry]].
  * **Harry Potter:** The "[[Boy Who Lived]]". The main protagonist of the series, famous for defeating [[Lord Voldemort]]. Head of the [[Auror]] Office at the [[Ministry of Magic]] as an adult (J.K. Rowling interview).
  * **James Sirius Potter:** Eldest child of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ginny Weasley]].
  * **Albus Severus Potter:** Second child of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ginny Weasley]].
  * **Lily Luna Potter:** Youngest child and only daughter of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ginny Weasley]].
=====Family Traits and Reputation=====
The Potters are known for certain recurring traits. Physically, messy black hair is a hallmark of the male line, as seen in both [[James Potter]] and [[Harry Potter]]. A tendency for poor eyesight requiring glasses is also present.
In terms of personality and reputation, the family is strongly associated with [[Gryffindor]] house and its values of courage and daring. They have a history of fighting for what is right, often in defiance of authority, and possess a strong moral compass. Their willingness to marry [[Muggles]], [[Muggle-borns]], and associate with non-magical people led to their exclusion from the purist //[[Sacred Twenty-Eight]]// directory.
=====Family Heirlooms and Possessions=====
  * **[[Invisibility Cloak]]:** The family's most prized possession. A true [[Deathly Hallow]] passed down from [[Ignotus Peverell]], it offers perfect and permanent concealment.
  * **[[Potter family vault]]:** [[Vault 687]] at [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]], which contained a large pile of gold [[Galleons]], silver [[Sickles]], and bronze [[Knuts]] inherited by [[Harry Potter]] from his parents.
  * **[[Sleekeazy's Hair Potion]]:** A magical hair-care product invented by Fleamont Potter that significantly added to the family's fortune (Pottermore).
=====Etymology=====
'Potter' is an English occupational surname for a maker of pottery. This mundane origin is one of the reasons the family was looked down upon by pure-blood purists like the [[Malfoy]] family. J.K. Rowling has stated that she named the family after childhood friends and neighbours, Ian and Vikki Potter, a name she always liked (J.K. Rowling interview).
=====Behind the Scenes=====
Much of the detailed history of the Potter family prior to [[James Potter]] was revealed by J.K. Rowling in a series of writings on the Pottermore website (now Wizarding World). In the film adaptations, the ghostly apparitions of [[James Potter]] and [[Lily Potter]] that emerge from [[Voldemort]]'s [[wand]] during [[Priori Incantatem]] are depicted as they were at the age of their death, rather than appearing older as they do in the book.