======The Village Square======
=====Location Information=====
  * **Type:** Public Square / Village Centre
  * **Location:** [[Godric's Hollow]], West Country, [[England]]
  * **Owner/Residents:** Public space for the residents of [[Godric's Hollow]]
  * **Key Features:** A magically concealed monument to the [[Potter family]] that appears to [[Muggles]] as a standard [[War Memorial]].
=====Description and History=====
The village square is the central point of [[Godric's Hollow]]. It is a small, open area surrounded by a pub, a [[post office]], a church, and several cottages. When [[Harry Potter]] and [[Hermione Granger]] visit on [[Christmas Eve]], the square is covered in snow, and the windows of the surrounding houses are decorated with Christmas lights, creating a picturesque scene.
The most significant feature of the square is its central monument. To non-magical people, it appears as an obelisk-style [[War Memorial]], listing the names of local residents who died in various conflicts. However, when approached by [[wizards]] or [[witches]], the memorial magically transforms. The obelisk melts away to reveal a statue of a family: a man with untidy hair and glasses ([[James Potter]]), a woman with long hair and a kind face ([[Lily Potter]]), and a baby boy sitting in his mother's arms ([[Harry Potter]]). This statue serves as a hidden tribute to the Potters, who were murdered in the village by [[Lord Voldemort]].
The square also features a lychgate, also described as a kissing gate, which leads into the graveyard of the adjacent [[Godric's Hollow Church]].
=====Role in the Story=====
The village square is a pivotal location in //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows//. It is the first place [[Harry Potter]] and [[Hermione Granger]] explore upon their arrival in [[Godric's Hollow]] during their search for [[Horcruxes]].
Here, Harry experiences a deeply emotional moment when he witnesses the [[War Memorial]] transform into the statue of his parents and his infant self. It is the first time he has ever seen a physical representation of his family together. The sight of the statue, depicting his parents as they were just before their deaths, brings him to the verge of tears and solidifies the reality of his loss. This experience strengthens his resolve and provides a poignant, personal connection to the village he was born in.
From the square, Harry and Hermione proceed through the kissing gate into the graveyard to search for the graves of the [[Dumbledore family]] and the [[Potter family]], as well as the potential resting place of the grave of [[Ignotus Peverell]], one of the three brothers from //The Tale of the Three Brothers//.
=====Known Areas Within=====
  * **The [[War Memorial]] / [[Potter family]] Statue:** The central monument of the square. As an obelisk, it is carved with the names of the war dead. As a statue, it is a life-sized, moving tribute to James, Lily, and baby [[Harry Potter]].
  * **The Kissing Gate:** A small, roofed gate that provides entry from the square into the church graveyard.
  * **Surrounding Buildings:** The square is bordered by the village pub, the [[post office]], and the [[Godric's Hollow Church]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1//, the village square is depicted very faithfully to the novel. The scene includes the snowy setting, the Christmas decorations, and the magical transformation of the [[War Memorial]] into the Potter statue (film).