Arabella Doreen Figg

Arabella Doreen Figg is a Squib, a member of the original and reinstated Order of the Phoenix, and a covert guardian of Harry Potter. Tasked by Albus Dumbledore, she lived near the Dursley family in Little Whinging, posing as an eccentric Muggle neighbor to watch over Harry during his childhood. Her true identity and allegiance are revealed after Harry is attacked by Dementors, and she plays a crucial role by providing testimony at his subsequent disciplinary hearing. Mrs. Figg represents a vital, albeit hidden, link between Harry's Muggle upbringing and the wizarding world.

Mrs. Figg was placed on Wisteria Walk, near Number Four, Privet Drive, by Albus Dumbledore shortly after Harry was left on the Dursleys' doorstep. For over a decade, she maintained the cover of a “batty old lady” obsessed with her cats. The Dursleys would occasionally leave Harry in her care, an experience he dreaded due to the overwhelming smell of cabbage in her house and the tedious task of viewing photographs of all her cats, including Mr. Tibbles, Snowy, Mr. Paws, and Tufty. This unpleasant environment was a deliberate strategy to ensure the Dursleys continued to use her for babysitting, keeping Harry under her watch rather than sending him somewhere outside of Dumbledore's protection.

In August 1995, after Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley were attacked by two Dementors in an underpass, Mrs. Figg's true nature was revealed. She appeared at the scene, furious that the Order of the Phoenix member assigned to guard Harry, Mundungus Fletcher, had abandoned his post. She demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the wizarding world, identifying the creatures as Dementors and understanding the gravity of the situation. She helped a shaken Harry back to his home and chastised Mundungus Fletcher for his dereliction of duty. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Figg traveled to the Ministry of Magic to serve as a witness at Harry's disciplinary hearing. Although as a Squib she could not physically see the Dementors, she was able to accurately describe the chilling, soul-sucking feeling of their presence. Her testimony, combined with Dumbledore's powerful advocacy, was instrumental in clearing Harry of the charge of performing underage magic and saving him from expulsion from Hogwarts. She is mentioned as part of the “old crowd” of the Order, suggesting she was involved during the First Wizarding War as well.

Harry initially perceived Mrs. Figg as a frail, dotty old woman, frequently seen in a dressing gown and tartan slippers. She maintained an eccentric and slightly befuddled public persona to blend into the Muggle neighborhood. In truth, Arabella Figg is sharp, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix. She possesses a strong sense of duty and can be quite formidable when angered, as demonstrated by her verbal assault on Mundungus Fletcher. Her willingness to live a solitary, undercover life for many years and to face the Wizengamot to defend Harry showcases her underlying bravery and commitment to the cause against Lord Voldemort.

Mrs. Figg is a Squib, meaning she was born into a wizarding family but possesses no personal magical powers. She is unable to perform spells or see certain magical creatures like Dementors. Despite her lack of magical ability, she is fully integrated into the wizarding world. Her primary skill lies in intelligence and surveillance, aided by her business of breeding cross-bred cats and Kneazles. These part-Kneazle cats, such as Mr. Tibbles, are intelligent and serve as her agents and lookouts, allowing her to monitor the neighborhood effectively and communicate with other wizards.

• Residence: A house on Wisteria Walk, Little Whinging, which she deliberately keeps smelling of cabbage.
• Cats: Mrs. Figg owns several part-Kneazle cats that assist her. Known cats include Mr. Tibbles, Snowy, Mr. Paws, and Tufty. She mentions running a “roaring trade” in these cross-breeds.

• Albus Dumbledore: Mrs. Figg was exceptionally loyal to Dumbledore, who entrusted her with the critical, long-term mission of watching over Harry. She refers to the Order of the Phoenix as “Dumbledore's lot,” indicating her allegiance was primarily to him.
• Harry Potter: For most of his childhood, Harry found Mrs. Figg and her home to be intensely boring and unpleasant. He was completely shocked to learn of her connection to the wizarding world. After she helped him following the Dementor attack and testified for him, he came to view her as a brave and important ally.
• Mundungus Fletcher: She holds a deep-seated contempt for Mundungus due to his cowardice, unreliability, and criminal dealings. She memorably “hit him with her string bag” after he abandoned his post guarding Harry.
• Order of the Phoenix: As a member of the “old crowd,” she was a trusted, long-standing member of the organization, valued for her unique position as a lookout in the Muggle world.

• Arabella: A Latin name meaning “yielding to prayer” or “prayerful.” This could allude to her quiet, devoted, and long-suffering service to Dumbledore's cause.
• Doreen: Her middle name, revealed by J.K. Rowling. It is an Irish name that can mean “sullen,” which may be a nod to the slightly grumpy and eccentric persona she adopted. (Pottermore).
• Figg: This surname is likely a play on the term “fig leaf,” which is something used to conceal or cover up something else, perfectly reflecting her secret identity.

• J.K. Rowling confirmed on her former website that Mrs. Figg is a Squib and not simply a Muggle with knowledge of magic, clarifying a point of fan debate. (J.K. Rowling interview).
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Arabella Figg is portrayed by actress Kathryn Hunter. (film).