Ciceron Harkiss

Ciceron Harkiss was a wizard and a former student of Horace Slughorn at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As a member of the Slug Club, Harkiss benefited from Slughorn's extensive network of contacts, securing a position at the Ministry of Magic after his graduation. He is mentioned by Slughorn as an example of one of his successful former students who showed his gratitude by providing him with Quidditch tickets.

The majority of Ciceron Harkiss's life is unknown. During his time at Hogwarts, he was selected by Potions Master Horace Slughorn to be a member of the Slug Club, a group of students Slughorn believed were destined for success or had influential connections. After leaving Hogwarts, Slughorn used his influence to help Harkiss get a job at the Ministry of Magic. In return for this favour, Harkiss remained in contact with his former professor. As a token of his appreciation, Harkiss provided Slughorn with tickets to see the Chudley Cannons play every season. Slughorn recounted this story to Harry Potter in the summer of 1996 when Harry and Albus Dumbledore visited him in Budleigh Babberton to persuade him to return to Hogwarts. Slughorn used Harkiss as an example of the mutual benefits of his “collection” of students.

There is no physical description of Ciceron Harkiss in the novels. Based on his inclusion in the Slug Club, it can be inferred that Harkiss was ambitious and talented during his school years. His continued contact with Horace Slughorn and his thoughtful gift of Quidditch tickets suggest a grateful and loyal personality, at least in his dealings with his old professor.

Harkiss's specific magical abilities are unknown. However, his membership in the Slug Club and his subsequent employment at the Ministry of Magic indicate that he was a competent and proficient wizard.

While no specific possessions are mentioned, Harkiss presumably owned a wand. He also had access to season tickets for the Chudley Cannons Quidditch team.

• Horace Slughorn: Harkiss had a beneficial, long-standing relationship with his former Potions professor. Slughorn viewed Harkiss as a successful investment, a contact within the Ministry of Magic, and spoke of him with fondness. Harkiss, in turn, appeared grateful for Slughorn's help in launching his career.
• Ministry of Magic: Harkiss was an employee of the Ministry of Magic, though his specific department or role is not specified.

The name Ciceron is almost certainly a reference to Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC), a renowned Roman statesman, orator, lawyer, and philosopher. Cicero was famous for his powerful influence and extensive network of political connections in the Roman Republic. This parallels Harkiss's role as one of Horace Slughorn's well-placed contacts within the wizarding world's seat of power, the Ministry of Magic. The surname Harkiss is less clear. It may be a variant of the Scottish and English surname “Harkness.” Alternatively, it could be a play on the word “hark,” meaning “to listen,” which could be an appropriate quality for a government official.

Ciceron Harkiss does not appear, nor is he mentioned, in the film adaptations of the Harry Potter series. There is no additional information about this character from J.K. Rowling or on the Pottermore/Wizarding World website.