Hippocrates Smethwyck

Hippocrates Smethwyck is a Healer at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries during the Second Wizarding War. As the Healer-in-Charge of the 'Dai Llewellyn Ward: Serious Bites', he is a knowledgeable and senior medical professional. His primary role in the story is overseeing the treatment of Arthur Weasley following his attack by Nagini in the Department of Mysteries. He serves as a key figure in the scenes that take place at the wizarding hospital, demonstrating both the capabilities and the limitations of Healing magic.

Almost all that is known of Hippocrates Smethwyck comes from his work at St. Mungo's in the winter of 1995. As the Healer-in-Charge of the ward specializing in serious bites, he was responsible for treating Arthur Weasley after Lord Voldemort's serpent, Nagini, attacked him. Smethwyck was initially perplexed by Arthur's wounds, noting that the venom was of an unknown magical variety that actively resisted healing and caused the wounds to bleed anew. He and his staff attempted various magical remedies, including a Regurgitating Potion, without success. He was dismissive when his trainee, Healer Augustus Pye, suggested using Muggle stitches, calling it an “old-fashioned idea,” but ultimately permitted the attempt as magical methods were failing. During the Weasleys' Christmas visit to Arthur, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger overheard Smethwyck speaking nervously to Lucius Malfoy in the corridor. Malfoy was visiting fellow patient Broderick Bode, who was also on Smethwyck's ward. Smethwyck assured Malfoy that Bode was harmless and unable to speak, seemingly unaware that Malfoy was there to ensure Bode remained silenced about the prophecy.

The novels provide no description of Smethwyck's physical features. He is only noted for wearing the standard lime-green robes of a St. Mungo's Healer. In terms of personality, Smethwyck is a professional and dedicated Healer, though he can be flummoxed by new and powerful Dark Magic like Nagini's venom. He exhibits a typical wizarding-world bias, showing skepticism toward Muggle medicine. When confronted by the influential and intimidating Lucius Malfoy, Smethwyck appears nervous and deferential, suggesting an awareness of the political landscape and the Malfoy family's power.

• Healing magic: As a Healer-in-Charge at St. Mungo's, Smethwyck is undoubtedly a highly skilled and experienced practitioner of healing spells and potion-making. His specialty in “Serious Bites” indicates a deep knowledge of treating injuries inflicted by magical creatures and dark curses.
• Magical Diagnosis: He was able to quickly diagnose that Arthur Weasley's wounds were caused by a venom with magical properties designed to prevent healing, even if he could not immediately produce an antidote.

• Wand: As a qualified wizard, Smethwyck owned a wand, though no details about it are known.
• Healer's Robes: He wore the official lime-green robes of his profession at St. Mungo's.

Smethwyck's relationships are seen entirely within a professional context. He was the primary Healer for his patients, Arthur Weasley and Broderick Bode. He was the superior to the trainee Healer Augustus Pye, whose unconventional suggestion about stitches he initially disparaged. His brief interaction with Lucius Malfoy was strained, defined by Malfoy's authority and Smethwyck's unease.

• Hippocrates: The first name is a direct reference to Hippocrates of Kos (c. 460 – c. 370 BC), a Greek physician from the Classical period who is widely considered the “Father of Medicine.” The Hippocratic Oath, a historical text on medical ethics, is named after him. This name explicitly connects the character to the field of medicine and healing.
• Smethwyck: This is an English surname, likely a location-based name derived from Old English elements such as “smiþ” (smith) and “wīc” (dwelling, farm). It provides a common British-sounding surname with no overt magical connotations.

Hippocrates Smethwyck does not appear, nor is he mentioned, in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The plotline involving Arthur Weasley's recovery at St. Mungo's was heavily condensed for the movie, and his professional role was omitted. (film)