Saul Croaker

Saul Croaker is a character conceived by J.K. Rowling during the development of the Harry Potter series who does not appear in the final, published versions of the seven novels. Information about him comes exclusively from supplementary materials and author statements, which reveal two different concepts for the character: first as a Hufflepuff student in Harry Potter's year, and later as an adult wizard working as an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries.

Saul Croaker has no biography within the canonical narrative of the Harry Potter book series. The character's intended history exists only in early drafts and notes. According to J.K. Rowling's early planning notes, Croaker was conceived as a pure-blood wizard slated to be a member of Hufflepuff house at Hogwarts, belonging to the same year as Harry Potter. (J.K. Rowling's 'Original 40' Student List) In a later concept for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the character was envisioned as an adult wizard working for the Ministry of Magic. In a deleted passage, Ludo Bagman refers to him as “old Saul Croaker from the Department of Mysteries”, implying he was an established employee and researcher. (J.K. Rowling reading at Edinburgh Book Festival, 2004)

There is no description of Saul Croaker's physical appearance or personality within the canonical novels. In a deleted passage from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Ludo Bagman's reference to him as “old Saul Croaker” suggests he was of a mature age during the events of 1994.

As Saul Croaker was cut from the final story, his magical abilities are not detailed in the books. However, his planned role as an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries indicates he would have been a highly skilled and intelligent wizard. In a deleted passage from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, it is mentioned that Croaker had been “showing off a curse that makes you grow antlers,” suggesting he possessed skills in inventing or researching advanced magic, possibly involving Charms or minor Dark Arts. (J.K. Rowling reading at Edinburgh Book Festival, 2004)

Saul Croaker has no known possessions in the canonical series.

Saul Croaker has no established relationships within the canonical Harry Potter novels. Based on deleted material, he would have been known to Ludo Bagman.

• Saul: A Hebrew name (Sha'ul) meaning “asked for” or “prayed for.” In the Old Testament, Saul was the first king of Israel, a tragic figure who began his reign as a hero but fell from divine favour.
• Croaker: An English word for a person who complains, grumbles, or makes pessimistic, gloomy predictions. It can also refer to an animal, such as a frog or raven, that makes a deep, hoarse sound. This name could have been intended to reflect a foreboding or secretive personality, fitting for someone who works in the Department of Mysteries.

• Saul Croaker does not appear in the final published versions of the seven Harry Potter novels, nor is he mentioned in the film adaptations.
• The character's name first appeared on a handwritten list of forty students planned for Harry Potter's year, often referred to by fans as the 'Original 40'. On this list, J.K. Rowling designated Croaker as a Hufflepuff and a pure-blood. (J.K. Rowling's 'Original 40' Student List)
• The character was later repurposed as an adult for a deleted scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. In a public reading, J.K. Rowling shared a passage where Ludo Bagman, trying to deflect blame for a magical disturbance, suggests it might be “old Saul Croaker from the Department of Mysteries” who had been “showing off a curse that makes you grow antlers.” This established his planned profession as an Unspeakable. (J.K. Rowling reading at Edinburgh Book Festival, 2004)