passwords

Passwords

Information

Description and Function

In the Wizarding World, a password is a secret word or phrase used to gain entry to a magically protected or concealed area. This form of security is most prominently used at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to guard the entrances to the four House common rooms and other restricted locations like the Headmaster's office. The system typically requires an individual to speak the correct password to a magical guardian, such as a sentient portrait (like the Fat Lady or the portrait of Salazar Slytherin) or an enchanted gargoyle. If the correct password is given, the guardian will permit entry by swinging aside or revealing a hidden entrance. If an incorrect password is given, or if the individual does not know the password, access is denied. Passwords are changed frequently to maintain security. New passwords are often posted on the House notice boards or communicated to the students by a Head of House or a Prefect. The nature of the passwords can vary greatly, from Latin phrases and obscure magical terms to seemingly nonsensical or mundane words.

Known Passwords in the Series

The following is a list of passwords used throughout the original novels, organized by location.

[[Gryffindor Tower]]

Guarded by the Fat Lady, the Gryffindor passwords were changed numerous times.

  • Caput Draconis: The first password Harry Potter learns. Latin for “dragon's head.” (PS6)
  • Pig Snout: The password used during the Christmas holidays of Harry's first year. (PS12)
  • Wattlebird: The password at the start of Harry's second year. (CS5)
  • Fortuna Major: The password at the beginning of Harry's third year. Latin for “greater fortune.” (PA5)
  • Scurvy Cur: A short-lived password set by the Fat Lady after she was attacked by Sirius Black. Sir Cadogan briefly took over guardianship duties. (PA9)
  • Oddsbodikins: The password used after Sir Cadogan was fired as guardian. Neville Longbottom famously wrote down a list of passwords, including this one, which was then stolen by Crookshanks for Sirius Black. (PA11)
  • Flibbertigibbet: A password used during Harry's third year. (PA13)
  • Balderdash: The password at the beginning of Harry's fourth year. (GF12)
  • Fairy Lights: A password used around the time of the Yule Ball. (GF23)
  • Banana Fritters: The password used on the night of the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament. (GF35)
  • Mimbulus mimbletonia: The password for much of Harry's fifth year, chosen by Neville Longbottom in honor of his new plant. (OP11)
  • Dilligrout: The password at the start of Harry's sixth year. Hermione Granger had to help a first-year use it. (HBP9)
  • Abstinence: A password used during Harry's sixth year. (HBP15)
  • Tapeworm: The final known Gryffindor password, used near the end of Harry's sixth year. (HBP24)

[[Slytherin Dungeon]]

The entrance to the Slytherin Common Room is a bare stretch of stone wall in the dungeons.

[[Headmaster's Office]]

The entrance is guarded by a large stone gargoyle that springs to life and moves aside when given the correct password.

  • Sherbet Lemon: Albus Dumbledore's password during Harry's second year, reflecting his fondness for Muggle sweets. Harry guesses it correctly by chance. In some editions, this is “Lemon Drop”. (CS11)
  • Cockroach Cluster: A password used during Harry's fourth year. (GF29)
  • Fizzing Whizbee: A password used during Harry's fifth year. (OP22)
  • Dumbledore: After Albus Dumbledore's death, Professor McGonagall uses his own name as a password, which Harry correctly guesses to gain access. (HBP30)

[[Prefects' Bathroom]]

Located on the fifth floor, the door to this bathroom has no handle and will only open when given the correct password.

Role in the Story

Passwords serve several key functions in the narrative. Primarily, they are a world-building element that establishes the magical customs and daily security measures within Hogwarts. They create a sense of belonging and exclusivity for each House. On a plot level, passwords act as minor but recurring obstacles. Neville Longbottom's chronic forgetfulness of passwords provides comic relief and characterizes his absent-minded nature. This trait becomes a major plot point when his list of passwords allows Sirius Black to enter Gryffindor Tower, leading to Ron Weasley being attacked and escalating the hunt for Black within the castle. The need to discover a password can also drive the plot forward. Harry and Ron's infiltration of the Slytherin common room is entirely dependent on tricking Draco Malfoy into revealing the password. Later, Harry's need to access the Headmaster's office forces him to guess passwords, revealing something about Albus Dumbledore's personality or the current situation at the school.

Behind the Scenes

  • J.K. Rowling often uses whimsical, funny, or mundane words for the Gryffindor passwords, which contrasts with the serious and ancient magic of Hogwarts. This reflects the often light-hearted and slightly chaotic nature of the Gryffindor common room.
  • In contrast, the single known Slytherin password, Pure-Blood, is deeply ideological and reflects the core values of Salazar Slytherin and his House.
  • In the video game adaptations of the series, particularly the earlier ones, collecting and using passwords to access different areas of Hogwarts is a common gameplay mechanic. (video game)