Ghoul Studies

• Type: Field of Study, likely an elective Hogwarts subject.
• Known Proponents: Percy Weasley
• Level: Available at both Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.) and Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (N.E.W.T.) levels.

Ghoul Studies is a branch of magical education focused on the nature, behaviour, and management of ghouls. While the full curriculum is unknown, it can be inferred that the subject covers the identification of different types of ghouls, their habitats (which are frequently the attics or barns of wizarding families), their diet, and non-lethal methods of control or removal. The existence of both O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. level examinations in this subject indicates a significant body of knowledge that requires advanced study. Lessons would likely involve learning to differentiate between a simple ghoul and more dangerous creatures like zombies or Inferi. Given the Weasley family's relatively benign relationship with the ghoul in their attic, the course might also cover instances where ghouls can be tolerated or co-exist with wizards.

Ghoul Studies is mentioned on a few occasions, primarily serving to flesh out the wider academic world of Hogwarts and provide character details.

• In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Percy Weasley proudly announces his O.W.L. results, stating he received an “Outstanding” in Ghoul Studies among his twelve O.W.L.s. This is the first confirmation of it being a formal, examinable subject.
• In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, after Hermione Granger founds S.P.E.W., Ron Weasley sarcastically suggests she could next campaign for “elf liberation, or ghoul liberation.” This offhand comment highlights the low status of ghouls in the wizarding world, positioning them as beings not typically considered worthy of rights or serious political concern.
• In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a practical understanding of ghoul behaviour becomes crucial. The Weasley family's ghoul is magically altered to resemble Ron Weasley suffering from Spattergroit. The family relies on the ghoul's natural groaning and moaning to convince the Ministry of Magic that Ron is sick at home and not travelling with Harry Potter.

The role of Ghoul Studies in the narrative is primarily for world-building. It demonstrates that the Hogwarts curriculum is broader than the core subjects followed by Harry and his friends. Its existence helps to characterize Percy Weasley as a diligent, if somewhat unglamorous, student who excels in niche academic areas. Most significantly, the general knowledge about ghouls—likely taught in this very subject—provides the foundation for the Weasleys' successful ruse to protect Ron in the final book, directly aiding Harry's quest to destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes.

• The canon of the seven original novels does not mention who teaches Ghoul Studies at Hogwarts, what textbook is used for the class, or where the classroom is located.
• There is no additional information about this subject provided on the Pottermore/Wizarding World website or in author interviews.