Welcome Witch

• Type: Magical Signage
• Owners: Ministry of Magic
• Maker: Unknown

A Welcome Witch is an enchanted banner designed to automatically greet visitors in their native language. The example seen in the books was a large, purple banner with shimmering gold lettering. The text on the banner magically reconfigures itself to display a welcome message appropriate to the onlooker. It is described as “flashing” from one language to another as different people pass it, displaying messages such as “WELCOME!” (English), “BIENVENUE!” (French), and “WILLKOMMEN!” (German).

The core magical property of a Welcome Witch is its advanced perceptive ability. It is imbued with a powerful Charm that can automatically detect the native language of any approaching witch or wizard without any direct interaction. Its sole purpose is to function as a multilingual, automated greeter at large-scale international events. By offering a personalized welcome, it helps create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere for attendees from different countries, demonstrating the organizational capacity of its user, the Ministry of Magic.

The only known appearance of a Welcome Witch is in 1994, at the entrance to the official campsite for the 422nd Quidditch World Cup. It was deployed by the British Ministry of Magic to manage the influx of thousands of magical people from around the globe. While its specific origin and creator are unknown, it appears to be a standard piece of equipment for hosting major public events within the wizarding world.

The Welcome Witch's appearance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire serves primarily as a world-building element. It is one of the first magical marvels that Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and the Weasley family encounter at the Quidditch World Cup, immediately establishing the international scale of the event. The object enhances the sense of wonder and excitement, showcasing the vibrant and interconnected nature of the global wizarding community. It contributes significantly to the festive atmosphere that precedes the dramatic and fearful events following the appearance of the Dark Mark.

The Welcome Witch is a detail unique to the novel Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It does not appear in the film adaptation, which presented a more condensed arrival at the Quidditch World Cup campsite.