A Dwarf is a species of short, stocky magical Being known to exist within the wizarding world. While not extensively featured in the series, they are shown to be of near-human intelligence and are integrated into magical society, capable of holding jobs. Their most memorable appearance is as hired performers, where they displayed considerable physical strength and a notably surly or grumpy disposition.
The primary chronological appearance of dwarfs in the series occurs during Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts. In an effort to boost his own popularity, Gilderoy Lockhart hires a dozen “surly-looking” dwarfs for Valentine's Day. He dresses them in golden wings and has them carry harps to roam the school delivering valentines. This event causes significant disruption and embarrassment for many students. One particular grumpy-looking Dwarf is tasked with delivering a singing valentine to Harry Potter from Ginny Weasley. To prevent Harry from escaping, the Dwarf tackles him, pinning him to the floor by his ankles in a crowded corridor. He then proceeds to sing the valentine aloud, much to Harry's mortification and the amusement of onlookers, including Draco Malfoy. An earlier, more ambiguous mention occurs when Harry first enters the Leaky Cauldron. He sees a “tiny man in a violet top hat” who bows to him, and Harry speculates that this individual might have been a Dwarf. No other significant interactions with dwarfs are recorded throughout the remainder of the series.
Dwarfs are described as being very short and stocky in build. The group hired by Gilderoy Lockhart are all “surly-looking,” and the one who delivers Harry's valentine is noted as being particularly “grumpy-looking.” Their personality, based on this single detailed interaction, appears to be ill-tempered and gruff. They fulfill their assigned tasks with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm and are not above using physical force to do so. The Dwarf who accosts Harry is aggressive and single-minded in his duty, showing no concern for Harry's comfort or embarrassment.
While no personal possessions are detailed, the dwarfs employed by Gilderoy Lockhart were equipped with several items for their task:
Dwarfs appear to have a working relationship with the wizarding community, available for hire for tasks and events. However, the nature of this relationship seems to be one of service rather than partnership. Gilderoy Lockhart treats them as a novelty act, and their grumpy demeanor suggests they may not hold wizards in high regard. There is a common misconception that Professor Filius Flitwick has Dwarf ancestry. While Professor Flitwick is notably short, it has been confirmed by J.K. Rowling that he has a distant Goblin ancestor, with no mention of any Dwarf lineage. No direct relationships between dwarfs and goblins are described in the novels.
The word “dwarf” originates from the Old English dweorg, which has roots in the Proto-Germanic *dwergaz. In traditional European folklore, particularly Norse and Germanic mythology, dwarfs are a race of beings associated with mountains, mining, and smithing. While the dwarfs of the Harry Potter universe share the characteristic short stature of their mythological counterparts, other traits like craftsmanship or living underground are not confirmed in the source material.