The Rookwood Family

The Rookwood family is a pure-blood wizarding family, recognized as one of the “Sacred Twenty-Eight” for its supposedly untainted bloodline (Pottermore). The family is primarily known for its allegiance to Lord Voldemort during both the First and Second Wizarding Wars, a loyalty embodied by its most notorious member, the Death Eater Augustus Rookwood. Through his actions as a spy within the Ministry of Magic, the Rookwood name became synonymous with treachery and the Dark Arts.

As a family listed in the Pure-Blood Directory of the 1930s, the Rookwoods have long been part of Britain's magical aristocracy. Their history suggests a deep-seated belief in pure-blood supremacy, which aligned them with the ideology of Lord Voldemort. During the First Wizarding War, the family's allegiance was made clear through the actions of Augustus Rookwood. He secured a high-level position within the Department of Mysteries, using his access to pass vital information to Voldemort. This act of espionage from deep within the Ministry of Magic highlights the family's commitment to the Death Eater cause. Their support for Voldemort continued into the Second Wizarding War, with Augustus fighting in major battles on his master's behalf.

The only member of the Rookwood family detailed in the original series is Augustus Rookwood.

• Augustus Rookwood
  • A pockmarked wizard who served Lord Voldemort as a loyal Death Eater and a highly effective spy.
  • First Wizarding War: As an Unspeakable working in the Department of Mysteries, Rookwood gathered intelligence for Voldemort. He received information from various sources, including an unwitting Ludo Bagman, whose father had been a friend of Rookwood's.
  • Imprisonment: Following Voldemort's first downfall, Rookwood was publicly accused by Igor Karkaroff during his trial before the Wizengamot. Karkaroff's testimony led to Rookwood's capture and sentencing to Azkaban.
  • Second Wizarding War: Rookwood escaped Azkaban during the mass breakout of 1996. He participated in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, where he stunned Kingsley Shacklebolt before being recaptured and returned to prison. He escaped a second time during the summer of 1997.
  • Battle of Hogwarts: Rookwood fought alongside the Death Eaters in the final battle. During the fighting, he cast a spell that caused a large explosion near Percy Weasley and Fred Weasley, which resulted in Fred's death. Enraged, Percy pursued Rookwood through the castle. Rookwood was last seen dueling Aberforth Dumbledore, who defeated him.

The surname “Rookwood” likely has a dual meaning, reflecting the family's dark nature.

• Rook: A bird from the crow family, often associated in folklore with death, darkness, and ill omens. The name also refers to a powerful piece in Wizard's Chess, which could allude to Augustus Rookwood's strategic importance as a spy for Voldemort.
• Wood: Suggests an ancient, established, and deeply-rooted lineage, fitting for a pure-blood family.

• The Rookwood family's inclusion in the “Sacred Twenty-Eight” was first revealed by J.K. Rowling on the Pottermore website.
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Augustus Rookwood is briefly shown during the Pensieve scene depicting Igor Karkaroff's trial.