Barnaby Cuffe

Barnaby Cuffe is a wizard and the editor of the Daily Prophet during Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As a former student of Horace Slughorn, he is a member of the prestigious Slug Club, a network of Slughorn's most talented and well-connected former students. Cuffe's primary role in the story is to illustrate the influence and networking power of the Slug Club and to represent the wizarding media's interest in Harry's account of Lord Voldemort's return.

Barnaby Cuffe was a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he was taught by Potions Master Horace Slughorn. According to Slughorn, Cuffe came from a long line of wizards, but he was the only member of his family who possessed the necessary talent to be accepted into Slughorn's N.E.W.T.-level Potions class. This distinction earned him a place in Slughorn's network of favored students, the Slug Club. After graduating from Hogwarts, Cuffe pursued a career in journalism and eventually rose to the prominent position of editor for the wizarding world's main newspaper, the Daily Prophet. On 20 December 1996, Cuffe attended a Christmas party hosted by Horace Slughorn in his office at Hogwarts. During the party, Slughorn proudly introduced Cuffe to Harry Potter. Cuffe, seizing the opportunity, immediately tried to question Harry about what he had witnessed during Lord Voldemort's return at the Ministry of Magic the previous summer, hoping for an exclusive story. Harry, unwilling to discuss the traumatic event, deflected the question. Later in the evening, Slughorn introduced Hermione Granger to Cuffe, highlighting her exceptional academic abilities, particularly her 'Outstanding' O.W.L. in Charms. Impressed, Cuffe told Hermione that if she ever considered a career in magical journalism, she should contact him.

In his middle age, Barnaby Cuffe is described as a “stooping man with a rather mournful face and a great deal of gray hair.” His personality reflects his profession as a journalist. He is opportunistic and professionally ambitious, as seen when he immediately attempts to get a scoop from Harry Potter upon meeting him. However, he also shows an appreciation for talent and intelligence, demonstrated by his genuine interest in Hermione Granger's academic success and his subsequent job offer. He appears to maintain a cordial relationship with his former professor, Horace Slughorn, attending his party to maintain connections.

• Potions: Cuffe was noted to be highly skilled in Potions. Horace Slughorn stated that Cuffe was the only member of his family with the aptitude to get into his advanced N.E.W.T. class, which was known for its high standards.
• Journalism: As the editor of the Daily Prophet, Cuffe presumably possesses excellent writing, editing, and leadership skills within the field of magical journalism.

No specific possessions, such as a wand, are mentioned in the novels.

• Horace Slughorn: Cuffe is a former student of Slughorn and a member of the Slug Club. Their relationship is based on mutual benefit: Slughorn enjoys the prestige of having the Daily Prophet editor in his network, while Cuffe benefits from the connections Slughorn provides.
• Harry Potter: Cuffe met Harry at Slughorn's Christmas party. His interaction was brief and professionally motivated, as he sought a firsthand account of Lord Voldemort's return.
• Hermione Granger: Cuffe was impressed by Hermione's intellect after Slughorn introduced them. He offered her a potential career at the Daily Prophet, recognizing her talent.

• Barnaby: This is an English name of Aramaic origin, derived from Barnabas, meaning “son of consolation” or “son of the prophet/prophecy.” The “prophecy” connection is fitting for a journalist who deals with reporting news and events, including those related to the prophecy concerning Harry and Voldemort.
• Cuffe: This is an Anglo-Irish surname. It may be a subtle play on the phrase “off the cuff,” referring to impromptu remarks, a concept relevant to journalism.

Barnaby Cuffe does not appear in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The scene where he interacts with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger at Horace Slughorn's Christmas party is omitted from the film.