Cello

• Type: Musical Instrument
• Known Players:
  • Merton Graves (of the Weird Sisters) (Pottermore)
  • An unnamed wizard at a Slughorn Club party

A cello is a large, stringed Muggle musical instrument from the violin family. It is typically played while the musician is seated, with the instrument's body held between the knees and its weight supported on the floor by a metal spike. It is known for producing a deep, rich tone. The cellos seen in the wizarding world appear to be identical to their Muggle counterparts, with no specific magical alterations or unique designs described in the novels.

The cello is not depicted as having any inherent magical properties. It functions as a conventional instrument, utilized by witches and wizards for musical entertainment. Its primary role within the wizarding world is as part of bands and orchestras that perform at social events.

The cello is mentioned on two notable occasions, establishing it as a component of formal musical entertainment in wizarding society.

• Yule Ball: A cello was featured as one of the instruments played by the popular band, the Weird Sisters, during their performance at the Yule Ball at Hogwarts in 1994. The book describes the cellist simply as a witch in the group.
• Slughorn's Christmas Party: During the 1996-1997 school year, a small, stout, red-faced wizard played the cello at a Christmas party hosted by Professor Horace Slughorn. He was part of a small musical ensemble that entertained the members of the Slughorn Club and their guests.

• On the Pottermore website, the cellist for the Weird Sisters was given the name Merton Graves. (Pottermore)
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the on-screen depiction of the Weird Sisters featured an instrument lineup more akin to a modern rock band, and a cello was not included. (film)