Tiberius

Tiberius was an influential wizard with strong connections within the Ministry of Magic. He was a close friend of Professor Horace Slughorn and the uncle of Hogwarts student Cormac McLaggen. Tiberius is primarily significant as an example of the well-connected individuals Slughorn cultivated for his Slug Club network, and it is through this connection that his nephew, Cormac, gains Slughorn's attention.

Tiberius's full life story is not detailed in the novels, but his association with Horace Slughorn provides some key details. He was one of the “first” and “great” friends Slughorn made, suggesting he was likely a former student of Slughorn's whom the professor identified early on as a wizard destined for success. Tiberius rose to become a prominent and powerful figure at the Ministry of Magic, described by Slughorn as having “very big connections.” He maintained a close friendship with Slughorn into adulthood, and they would go on recreational hunting trips together, along with another wizard named Bertie Higgs. His influence was such that Slughorn continued to value their connection many years later. By the time Harry Potter attended Hogwarts, Tiberius was well-established, and his reputation was enough to grant his nephew, Cormac McLaggen, an invitation to the Slug Club aboard the Hogwarts Express in 1996.

Tiberius's physical appearance is never described in the novels. Based on Slughorn's fond recollections, Tiberius was likely a charismatic and ambitious individual who succeeded in navigating the political landscape of the Ministry of Magic. His participation in hunting trips suggests a fondness for sport and camaraderie. As a close friend of Slughorn, he was almost certainly talented and confident, traits that Slughorn admired and sought in his favorites. He was also generous, as evidenced by the lavish gift he gave to Slughorn.

No specific spells or magical skills of Tiberius are mentioned. However, his high-ranking and influential position within the Ministry of Magic strongly implies that he was a highly competent and powerful wizard.

• Hourglass: Tiberius once gave Horace Slughorn a “rather fabulous” hourglass as a gift. It was filled with diamond dust and, when turned over, would reverse time for one hour. Slughorn kept it in his office at Hogwarts.

• Cormac McLaggen: Tiberius was Cormac's uncle. This familial tie was the sole reason Slughorn invited Cormac to join the Slug Club, demonstrating the power of Tiberius's name and reputation.
• Horace Slughorn: He was a great friend of Horace Slughorn, who considered him one of his most successful and valued contacts. Their friendship was strong enough that Slughorn still spoke of him with great admiration decades later.
• Bertie Higgs: Tiberius was friends with Bertie Higgs, and the two of them, along with Slughorn, would go on hunting trips together.
• Ministry of Magic: Tiberius was a highly influential official within the Ministry, though his specific department or role is unknown.

The name Tiberius is a famous ancient Roman name, most notably belonging to the second Roman Emperor, Tiberius Claudius Nero. The name itself is of Latin origin and is associated with the Tiber river in Rome. Its historical connotations of power, nobility, and establishment align with the character's description as a well-connected and influential figure in the wizarding world's governing body.

In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Cormac McLaggen mentions his uncle to Horace Slughorn, who responds, “Ah, yes. Tiberius. Great man. Great man.” This confirms the character's name and role from the novel are retained in the film. (film)