Bob Ogden

Bob Ogden was a wizard who worked for the Ministry of Magic as the Head of the Magical Law Enforcement Squad. His primary role in the narrative is through his memory, which Albus Dumbledore shows to Harry Potter using a Pensieve. This memory provides crucial insight into the family of Lord Voldemort, the Gaunt family, and the circumstances surrounding Merope Gaunt's relationship with Tom Riddle Sr.

Sometime in the mid-1920s, likely around 1925, Ogden was dispatched by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to the dilapidated Gaunt hovel near the village of Little Hangleton. His mission was to serve a summons to Morfin Gaunt for a Ministry hearing, following Morfin's magical assault on a local Muggle, Tom Riddle Sr. Upon arrival, Ogden was met with extreme hostility by Marvolo Gaunt, the family patriarch. Marvolo, a fanatical pure-blood supremacist, derided Ogden and boasted of his direct lineage from Salazar Slytherin and the Peverell family. He proudly displayed two family heirlooms: a signet ring set with the Resurrection Stone and Salazar Slytherin's Locket. During the confrontation, Morfin Gaunt returned and, speaking in Parseltongue, proudly admitted to hexing the Muggle. The family's downtrodden daughter, Merope Gaunt, was also present but remained mostly silent. When Morfin realized Ogden was a Ministry official intending to arrest him, he launched a curse at Ogden. Ogden, showing quick reflexes, conjured a Shield Charm, disarmed Morfin, and promptly Disapparated to summon reinforcements. He returned with backup and successfully arrested both Morfin (for the attack on a Muggle and on a Ministry official) and Marvolo (for assaulting Ogden and his companions during the arrest). Both were sentenced to terms in Azkaban. Years later, an elderly Albus Dumbledore tracked down Ogden to retrieve this memory, considering it a vital piece of history for Harry Potter to understand Lord Voldemort's origins.

Ogden was described as a short, plump wizard with a large, round face. He wore very thick-lensed spectacles that made his eyes appear small and diminished. His choice of attire was noted as being somewhat eccentric and out-of-date; on his visit to the Gaunt family, he wore a fringed suit and spats over his buckled shoes. Ogden was a dutiful and courageous Ministry employee. He remained professional and attempted to be polite in the face of the Gaunts' extreme hostility and squalid living conditions. Despite being clearly flustered, he was not easily intimidated, standing up to Marvolo Gaunt's pure-blood tirades and capably defending himself when attacked by Morfin Gaunt. His decision to promptly get reinforcements rather than continue the fight alone demonstrates sound judgment. Albus Dumbledore later referred to him as a “fine wizard”.

As the Head of the Magical Law Enforcement Squad, Ogden was undoubtedly a highly competent and skilled wizard.

• Defensive Magic: He demonstrated excellent reflexes and skill in defensive spells. He was able to cast a Shield Charm, likely non-verbally, to block a curse from Morfin Gaunt.
• Disarming: He successfully disarmed Morfin immediately after defending himself.
• Apparition: He was capable of Apparition, which he used to escape the Gaunt hovel and summon reinforcements.

• Wand: Ogden owned a wand, though its specific properties such as wood, core, and length are unknown.
• Eccentric Clothing: His fringed suit and spats were a notable part of his appearance during the visit to the Gaunt hovel.

• The Gaunt Family: Ogden's interaction with the Gaunt family was purely professional and antagonistic. Marvolo and Morfin treated him with contempt for his role as a Ministry official and for his perceived sympathy towards Muggles. He, in turn, saw them as dangerous criminals who had broken wizarding law. He did appear to feel some pity for Merope Gaunt, who was being abused by her father and brother.
• Albus Dumbledore: While it is not known if they had a close relationship, Albus Dumbledore held Ogden in high regard, seeking out his memory and describing him to Harry Potter as a “fine wizard.”

• Bob: A diminutive of “Robert,” a Germanic name meaning “bright fame.” The simplicity of “Bob” may suggest an ordinary, unassuming individual who becomes involved in significant events, acting as an everyman witness to the Gaunts' depravity.
• Ogden: An English surname derived from Old English, meaning “oak valley.” It is a common and unremarkable name, further reinforcing his status as an ordinary official carrying out his duties.

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Bob Ogden is portrayed by actor Peter Cartwright. (film)
• The scene in the film is a condensed but largely faithful adaptation of the chapter “The House of Gaunt,” retaining Ogden's distinctive clothing and his confrontation with Marvolo and Morfin Gaunt. (film)