Augustus Pye
Introduction
Augustus Pye is a trainee Healer at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. He has a very minor role in the series, appearing only once in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. During this appearance, he is seen unsuccessfully attempting to treat Broderick Bode, an Unspeakable who has been bewitched.
Biography
The majority of Augustus Pye's life is unknown. His only appearance occurs during the Christmas holidays of 1995, when Harry Potter and the Weasleys visit Arthur Weasley at St. Mungo's. Pye was working on the 'Dangerous' Dai Llewellyn ward for serious spell damage as a trainee Healer. He was assigned to the care of Broderick Bode, who had been incapacitated by a powerful memory charm and was further cursed by a Devil's Snare sent to him as a Christmas gift. Pye was attempting to treat Bode by using a charm on the plant, a method which proved ineffective and only caused the Devil's Snare to tighten its grip. His superior, Healer Hippocrates Smethwyck, sharply corrected him, stating that Pye was treating the symptom (the strangulation) rather than the cause, and that the plant itself needed to be removed. Pye appeared flustered by the reprimand. Bode was ultimately strangled to death by the Devil's Snare on Christmas Day, a task Pye was unable to prevent.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Pye is described simply as a “young wizard with very prominent ears.” Based on his single appearance, he seems to be an inexperienced and earnest trainee who becomes easily flustered when corrected by a superior. His mistaken approach to treating Broderick Bode suggests a lack of practical experience in high-stakes situations, despite his theoretical training in Healing Magic.
Magical Abilities and Skills
- Healing Magic: As a trainee Healer, Pye is studying to become proficient in Healing Magic. However, his skills are still developing, as evidenced by his incorrect handling of the Devil's Snare case. He attempted to use a charm where a more direct, physical removal of the magical plant was required.
Possessions
- Healer's Robes: As a staff member at St. Mungo's, he would have worn the customary lime-green robes of the hospital.
Relationships
- Hippocrates Smethwyck: Smethwyck was Pye's professional superior at St. Mungo's. He was critical of Pye's magical methods and publicly reprimanded him for his incorrect treatment of a patient.
- Broderick Bode: Bode was Pye's patient on the spell damage ward. Pye's efforts to save him were unsuccessful.
Etymology
- Augustus: A Latin name meaning “great,” “magnificent,” or “venerable.” It was famously a title held by Roman emperors. The grandeur of the name stands in ironic contrast to Pye's minor and somewhat bumbling role in the story.
- Pye: An archaic English spelling of “pie.” It may also be related to the word “pious” or “piety,” suggesting an earnestness that befits a young trainee trying his best.
Behind the Scenes
Augustus Pye does not appear in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and his scene with Broderick Bode and Hippocrates Smethwyck is omitted. There is no additional information about him on Pottermore/Wizarding World or in J.K. Rowling interviews.