Magnus

Magnus was the secret codename used by the wizard Lee Jordan during the Second Wizarding War. Under this alias, he served as the host and main commentator for the clandestine radio programme, Potterwatch. The programme's mission was to counteract the propaganda of the Lord Voldemort-controlled Ministry of Magic, provide factual news about the resistance, and bolster the morale of those opposing the Death Eater regime. “Magnus” was a key voice of truth and defiance for the anti-Voldemort movement.

The alias “Magnus” came into existence after the fall of the Ministry of Magic in August 1997. Lee Jordan, a known friend and supporter of Harry Potter, went into hiding and began broadcasting Potterwatch from an undisclosed, magically protected location. As Magnus, he reported on casualties and news that the official Wizarding Wireless Network and Daily Prophet suppressed, such as the murders of Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, and a goblin named Gornuk. On one broadcast heard by Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, Magnus hosted fellow resistance members “Royal” (Kingsley Shacklebolt) and “Romulus” (Remus Lupin). Together, they discussed the importance of supporting Harry Potter, advised listeners on how to protect themselves and their Muggle-born neighbours, and reminded the wizarding community of the values they were fighting for. Magnus concluded each broadcast by announcing a new, required password for the next show to ensure the channel remained secure from Death Eaters. He continued these broadcasts until the end of the war, culminating in the Battle of Hogwarts, where Lee Jordan himself fought.

As “Magnus” was a radio persona, there is no physical description. The personality projected, however, was one of unwavering courage, passion, and conviction. Much like Lee Jordan's biased but enthusiastic Quidditch commentary at Hogwarts, Magnus was not neutral; he was firmly and vocally on the side of the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter. He spoke with a mix of grim determination when reporting bad news and uplifting optimism when encouraging his listeners. He was both a source of reliable information and a symbol of hope that resistance was not only possible but active.

• Broadcasting Magic: The primary skill demonstrated by Magnus was his ability to operate and maintain a secret, magically encrypted radio broadcast. Potterwatch was protected by powerful enchantments and required a specific password for access, indicating a high level of magical competence in its operation.
• Bravery and Defiance: While not a specific magical skill, Magnus's greatest asset was his immense courage. Broadcasting an anti-Voldemort programme was an act of treason under the new regime, punishable by imprisonment in Azkaban or death.
• General Magical Prowess: As Lee Jordan, Magnus was a competent wizard who had been a member of Dumbledore's Army and fought valiantly in the Battle of Hogwarts, where he was seen dueling with Death Eaters alongside George Weasley.

• Wand: As a qualified wizard, he possessed a wand. The specific details of Lee Jordan's wand are unknown.
• Broadcasting Equipment: Magnus used magically enchanted equipment to broadcast Potterwatch across the country.

• Allies: Magnus's allies were his fellow Potterwatch contributors, including “Royal” (Kingsley Shacklebolt), “Romulus” (Remus Lupin), and “Rapier” (Fred Weasley). His audience and supporters included all members of the anti-Voldemort resistance, most notably Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, who relied on his broadcasts for news and hope while hunting for Horcruxes.
• Enemies: The primary enemies of Magnus were Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The Voldemort-controlled Ministry of Magic also actively sought to shut down Potterwatch and capture its host.

The name Magnus is of Latin origin, meaning “great.” This codename was likely chosen to project an image of strength, importance, and authority. It positioned the host not just as a secret broadcaster, but as a “great” and central voice for the resistance movement, a figure of significance in the fight for freedom.

In the film adaptation, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, Lee Jordan is shown broadcasting Potterwatch. However, he is not referred to by the codename “Magnus,” and his fellow broadcasters are not featured using their own codenames (film).