Ebenezer Squawk

Ebenezer Squawk is a wizard and inventor, credited in the wizarding world with the creation of the Self-Stirring Cauldron. His existence is known from a single mention in The Quibbler magazine. He serves as a background character whose invention and association with the magazine help to characterize the often eccentric nature of the wizarding world and its media.

Very little is known about the life of Ebenezer Squawk. His sole appearance in the historical record of the series comes from the March 1996 issue of The Quibbler, edited by Xenophilius Lovegood. This issue featured an “exclusive interview” with Squawk, celebrating his role as the inventor of the Self-Stirring Cauldron. This article ran in the same historically significant issue that published Rita Skeeter's interview with Harry Potter, titled “Harry Potter Speaks Out at Last.” In this interview, Harry detailed the return of Lord Voldemort and the events at the Little Hangleton graveyard, a story the Ministry of Magic and the Daily Prophet had suppressed. Squawk's more whimsical story appeared alongside this serious political exposé, highlighting the unique editorial style of The Quibbler.

Ebenezer Squawk's physical appearance is never described in the novels. Similarly, no details regarding his personality are provided. His willingness to be interviewed by an unconventional publication like The Quibbler might suggest he possesses an eccentric or non-conformist character, in line with the magazine's typical readership and subjects.

• Magical Invention: Squawk's primary known skill is as a gifted inventor. The creation of a Self-Stirring Cauldron indicates a high degree of talent in Charms and an advanced understanding of how to enchant complex magical objects. This invention would be highly useful in the field of Potions.

• Self-Stirring Cauldron: As its inventor, it is presumed that Squawk owned the original or prototype model of this magically automated cauldron.

Squawk's only known professional relationship is with The Quibbler, the publication that conducted an exclusive interview with him. This implies at least a passing connection with its editor, Xenophilius Lovegood. No family, friends, or other associates are mentioned in the canon.

• The first name Ebenezer is of Hebrew origin (Eben-ezer), meaning “stone of help.” It is a traditional, somewhat old-fashioned name, most famously associated with the character Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.
• The surname Squawk is an onomatopoeic word describing a loud, harsh, and unmelodious cry, often associated with birds. The combination of a formal, biblical first name and a comical, awkward surname is characteristic of the quirky tone of The Quibbler.

Ebenezer Squawk is mentioned only once in the entire seven-book series, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He exists purely to add flavor and context to the contents of The Quibbler, reinforcing its reputation for publishing peculiar and off-beat stories alongside critically important, otherwise-unreported news. He has not been mentioned in any supplementary materials or film adaptations.