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|name=Argus Filch
 
|name=Argus Filch
 
|hideb=
 
|hideb=
|born=Before [[1950s|1956]]<ref name="birth">McGonagall says in ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 30 (''The Sacking of Severus Snape''), that Filch has been working at Hogwarts for "a quarter of a century". This means he was already of age (17) by 1973.</ref>
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|born=Pre [[1950s|1956]]<ref name="birth">McGonagall says in ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 30 (''The Sacking of Severus Snape''), that Filch has been working at Hogwarts for "a quarter of a century". This means he was already of age (17) by 1973.</ref>
 
|died=
 
|died=
 
|blood=[[Squib]]<ref name="CS9">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 9 (''The Writing on the Wall'')</ref>
 
|blood=[[Squib]]<ref name="CS9">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 9 (''The Writing on the Wall'')</ref>
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|house=
 
|house=
 
|loyalty=*[[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]<ref name="PS7"/>
 
|loyalty=*[[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]<ref name="PS7"/>
  +
**[[Inquisitorial Squad]]}}
}}
 
   
{{Quote|I bet you'll think twice about breaking a school rule again, won't you, eh? Oh, yes… hard work and pain are the best teachers, if you ask me… It's just a pity they let the old punishments die out… hang you by your wrists from the ceiling for a few days, I've got the chains still in my office, keep 'em well oiled in case they're ever needed… Right, off we go, and don't think of running off, now. It'll be worse for you if you do.|Argus Filch escorts [[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]], [[Neville Longbottom]] and [[Draco Malfoy]] to their detention in the [[Forbidden Forest]].|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
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{{Quote|I bet you'll think twice about breaking a school rule again, won't you, eh? Oh, yes… hard work and pain are the best teachers, if you ask me… It's just a pity they let the old punishments die out… hang you by your wrists from the ceiling for a few days, I've got the chains still in my office, keep 'em well oiled in case they're ever needed… Right, off we go, and don't think of running off, now. It'll be worse for you if you do.|Argus Filch escorts [[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]], [[Neville Longbottom]], and [[Draco Malfoy]] to their detention in the [[Forbidden Forest]]|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
   
 
'''Argus Filch''' was a [[Squib]] and the [[caretaker]] of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] since around [[1973]]. Filch usually wandered around the school corridors with his cat [[Mrs Norris]], trying to catch students breaking the school rules and complaining about [[Peeves]] the [[Poltergeist]]. In [[1992]], after Mrs Norris was petrified by [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]], Filch was furious; however, his cat was healed by the end of the year. In [[1995]], when [[Dolores Umbridge]] became High Inquisitor at Hogwarts, Filch gladly supported her. The next year, he was responsible for recognising Dark objects that were brought into Hogwarts. He helped the students leave the school during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in [[1998]]. He kept his job of caretaker after the [[Second Wizarding War]]. Filch is the only one of the Hogwarts staff to stay at [[Hogwarts Castle]] during the summer holidays.<ref>[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2000/0700-swns-alfie.htm South West News Service interview with JKR]</ref>
 
'''Argus Filch''' was a [[Squib]] and the [[caretaker]] of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] since around [[1973]]. Filch usually wandered around the school corridors with his cat [[Mrs Norris]], trying to catch students breaking the school rules and complaining about [[Peeves]] the [[Poltergeist]]. In [[1992]], after Mrs Norris was petrified by [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]], Filch was furious; however, his cat was healed by the end of the year. In [[1995]], when [[Dolores Umbridge]] became High Inquisitor at Hogwarts, Filch gladly supported her. The next year, he was responsible for recognising Dark objects that were brought into Hogwarts. He helped the students leave the school during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in [[1998]]. He kept his job of caretaker after the [[Second Wizarding War]]. Filch is the only one of the Hogwarts staff to stay at [[Hogwarts Castle]] during the summer holidays.<ref>[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2000/0700-swns-alfie.htm South West News Service interview with JKR]</ref>
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==Biography==
 
==Biography==
 
===Early life===
 
===Early life===
Little is known about Filch's early life. He was born to [[wizardkind|wizard]] parents sometime before [[1950s|1956]]<ref name="birth"/> somewhere in the [[Great Britain|British Isles]]. Despite his magical parentage, Filch was a [[Squib]], meaning he could not perform magic.<ref name="CS9"/>
+
Little is known about Filch's early life. He was born to at least one [[wizardkind|wizard]] parent sometime before [[1950s|1956]]<ref name="birth"/> somewhere in the [[Great Britain|British Isles]]. Despite his magical parentage, Filch was a [[Squib]], meaning he could not perform magic.<ref name="CS9"/>
   
 
===Career at Hogwarts===
 
===Career at Hogwarts===
 
====Early years====
 
====Early years====
 
{{Quote|Haven't you been complaining about ''[[Peeves]]'' for a quarter of a century?|[[Minerva McGonagall]], in [[1998]], relays for how long Filch has been working at Hogwarts|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
[[File:FilchNorris.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Filch with [[Mrs Norris]].]]
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[[File:FilchNorris.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Filch with [[Mrs Norris|Mrs. Norris]]]]
{{Quote|Haven't you been complaining about ''[[Peeves]]'' for a quarter of a century?|[[Minerva McGonagall]], in [[1998]], relays for how long Filch has been working at Hogwarts.|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 
   
 
In around [[1970s|1973]], Filch joined the [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]],<ref name="DH30"/> succeeding [[Apollyon Pringle]] as [[Caretaker]].<ref name="GF31">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 31 (''The Third Task'')</ref> Filch waged a constant war against the students and [[Peeves]], the school's resident [[poltergeist]].<ref name="PS8">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Potions Master'')</ref> He disliked the students and constantly hassled them over the littlest infraction and took delight in the doling out of detention-worthy write-ups.<ref name="CS8">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Deathday Party'')</ref> By the end of the [[1970s]], Filch had already filled at least one thousand and fifty-six boxes with punishment records.<ref name="HBP24">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 24 (''Sectumsempra'')</ref>
 
In around [[1970s|1973]], Filch joined the [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]],<ref name="DH30"/> succeeding [[Apollyon Pringle]] as [[Caretaker]].<ref name="GF31">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 31 (''The Third Task'')</ref> Filch waged a constant war against the students and [[Peeves]], the school's resident [[poltergeist]].<ref name="PS8">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Potions Master'')</ref> He disliked the students and constantly hassled them over the littlest infraction and took delight in the doling out of detention-worthy write-ups.<ref name="CS8">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Deathday Party'')</ref> By the end of the [[1970s]], Filch had already filled at least one thousand and fifty-six boxes with punishment records.<ref name="HBP24">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 24 (''Sectumsempra'')</ref>
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====1991—1992 school year====
 
====1991—1992 school year====
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a-b-a|Peeves|STUDENTS OUT OF BED! STUDENTS OUT OF BED DOWN THE CHARMS CORRIDOR!|Argus Filch|Which way did they go, Peeves? Quick, tell me.|Say 'please'.|Don't mess with me, Peeves, now ''where did they go?''|Shan't say nothing if you don't say please.|All right — ''please''.|NOTHING! Ha haaa! Told you I wouldn't say nothing if you didn't say please! Ha ha! Haaaaaa!|Argus Filch tries to catch [[Harry Potter|Harry]], [[Ronald Weasley|Ron]], [[Hermione Granger|Hermione]] and [[Neville Longbottom]], but is distracted by [[Peeves]].|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
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{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a-b-a|Peeves|STUDENTS OUT OF BED! STUDENTS OUT OF BED DOWN THE CHARMS CORRIDOR!|Argus Filch|Which way did they go, Peeves? Quick, tell me.|Say 'please'.|Don't mess with me, Peeves, now ''where did they go?''|Shan't say nothing if you don't say please.|All right — ''please''.|NOTHING! Ha haaa! Told you I wouldn't say nothing if you didn't say please! Ha ha! Haaaaaa!|Argus Filch tries to catch Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom, but is distracted by Peeves|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
[[File:Filch Forbidden Corridor.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Filch tries to catch [[Harry Potter]], [[Ronald Weasley]], [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Neville Longbottom]] in the [[Third Floor Corridor]].]]
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[[File:Filch Forbidden Corridor.jpg|thumb|250px|Filch tries to catch Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom in the [[Third Floor Corridor]].]]
  +
 
During the [[Start-of-Term Feast]] in the evening of [[1 September]], Filch stood by the double doors leading to the [[Great Hall]] as [[Headmaster]] [[Albus Dumbledore]] gave his start-of-term notices.<ref name="PSf12">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Sorting Hat'')</ref>
 
During the [[Start-of-Term Feast]] in the evening of [[1 September]], Filch stood by the double doors leading to the [[Great Hall]] as [[Headmaster]] [[Albus Dumbledore]] gave his start-of-term notices.<ref name="PSf12">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Sorting Hat'')</ref>
   
On their very first morning at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]], [[2 September]], [[1991]], [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ronald Weasley]] managed to get on Filch's wrong side. Filch found them trying to force their way through the door of the [[Third Floor Corridor|out-of-bounds corridor]] on the third floor. Despite their truthful claims they were lost, Filch did not believe them and threatened to lock them in the dungeons. They were saved by [[Quirinus Quirrell]], who vouched for them while passing by.<ref name="PS8"/>
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On their very first morning at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]], [[2 September]], [[1991]], [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ronald Weasley]] managed to get on Filch's wrong side. Filch found them trying to force their way through the door of the out-of-bounds corridor on the third floor. Despite their truthful claims they were lost, Filch did not believe them and threatened to lock them in the dungeons. They were saved by [[Quirinus Quirrell]], who vouched for them while passing by.<ref name="PS8"/>
   
On [[12 September]], [[Draco Malfoy]] challenged [[Harry Potter]] to a duel in the [[Trophy Room]] at midnight. Malfoy, however, never showed up and instead tipped Filch that would be students out of bed in the [[Trophy Room]]. Filch almost caught [[Harry Potter]], [[Ronald Weasley]], [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Neville Longbottom]], but they managed to hide in the [[Third Floor Corridor|Forbidden Corridor]] as [[Peeves]] distracted Filch with his jokes.<ref name="PS9"/>
+
On [[12 September]], [[Draco Malfoy]] challenged Harry Potter to a duel in the [[Trophy Room]] at midnight. Malfoy, however, never showed up and instead tipped Filch that would be students out of bed in the Trophy Room. Filch almost caught Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, [[Hermione Granger]], and [[Neville Longbottom]], but they managed to hide in the Forbidden Corridor as [[Peeves]] distracted Filch with his jokes.<ref name="PS9"/>
   
 
On [[8 November]], Filch helped [[Severus Snape]] heal the injuries on his leg after the [[Potions Master]] had been bitten by [[Fluffy]], by handing him bandages.<ref name="PS11">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' - Chapter 11 (''Quidditch'')</ref>
 
On [[8 November]], Filch helped [[Severus Snape]] heal the injuries on his leg after the [[Potions Master]] had been bitten by [[Fluffy]], by handing him bandages.<ref name="PS11">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' - Chapter 11 (''Quidditch'')</ref>
   
On [[25 December|Christmas]], [[Albus Dumbledore]] gave [[Harry Potter]] his father's [[Cloak of Invisibility|Invisibility Cloak]]. Harry used it that night to sneak into the [[Restricted Section]] and research about [[Nicolas Flamel]], which he knew was related to the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. After he opened a [[Shrieking book|book that screamed]], Filch arrived on the scene almost immediately but was unable to see Harry. Filch warned [[Severus Snape|Snape]] at once and Harry, while trying to avoid them, hid in an [[Mirror of Erised storage room|unused classroom]] and stumbled into the [[Mirror of Erised]] for the first time.<ref name="PS12"/>
+
On Christmas, [[Albus Dumbledore]] gave Harry Potter his father's [[Cloak of Invisibility|Invisibility Cloak]]. Harry used it that night to sneak into the [[Restricted Section]] and research about [[Nicolas Flamel]], which he knew was related to the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. After he opened a book that screamed, Filch arrived on the scene almost immediately but was unable to see Harry. Filch warned Snape at once and Harry, while trying to avoid them, hid in an unused classroom and stumbled into the [[Mirror of Erised]] for the first time.<ref name="PS12"/>
   
[[File:FilchtoForbiddenForest.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Filch takes [[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]], [[Neville Longbottom]] and [[Draco Malfoy]] to their detention in the [[Forbidden Forest]].]]
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[[File:FilchtoForbiddenForest.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Filch takes Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and Draco Malfoy to their detention in the Forbidden Forest.]]
After [[Harry Potter]] and [[Hermione Granger]] had carried [[Norberta|Norbert]] to the [[Astronomy Tower]], so that [[Charles Weasley]]'s [[Charles Weasley's colleagues|colleagues]] could take the dragon to [[Romania]], Filch caught the pair roaming the [[Astronomy Corridor]] on their way back to [[Gryffindor Tower]] in the early hours of [[10 May]], [[1992]].<ref name="PS14">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' - Chapter 14 (''Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback'')</ref> The caretaker took them to [[Minerva McGonagall]]'s [[Minerva McGonagall's office|office]], where they were joined by [[Neville Longbottom]] and [[Draco Malfoy]] who were too caught out of bed. They were given detention in the [[Forbidden Forest]], along with a large [[house points|house point]] deduction each.<ref name="PS15">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' - Chapter 15 (''The Forbidden Forest'')</ref> On [[26 May]], Filch brought them to [[Rubeus Hagrid]], who would go with them into the [[Forbidden Forest]]. Filch tried to frighten them, by telling that many dangerous creatures lived there, but he did not manage to, as Hagrid was friendly and ensured that all of them were safe.<ref name="PS15"/>
+
After Harry Potter and Hermione Granger had carried [[Norberta|Norbert]] to the [[Astronomy Tower]], so that [[Charles Weasley]]'s colleagues could take the dragon to [[Romania]], Filch caught the pair roaming the [[Astronomy Corridor]] on their way back to [[Gryffindor Tower]] in the early hours of [[10 May]], [[1992]].<ref name="PS14">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' - Chapter 14 (''Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback'')</ref> The caretaker took them to [[Minerva McGonagall]]'s [[Minerva McGonagall's office|office]], where they were joined by Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy who were too caught out of bed. They were given detention in the [[Forbidden Forest]], along with a large house point deduction each.<ref name="PS15">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' - Chapter 15 (''The Forbidden Forest'')</ref> On [[26 May]], Filch brought them to [[Rubeus Hagrid]], who would go with them into the [[Forbidden Forest]]. Filch tried to frighten them, by telling that many dangerous creatures lived there, but he did not manage to, as Hagrid was friendly and ensured that all of them were safe.<ref name="PS15"/>
   
 
====1992—1993 school year====
 
====1992—1993 school year====
{{Dialogue a-b|Argus Filch|What's going on here? What's going on? My cat! My cat! What's happened to Mrs Norris? ''You''! You! You've murdered my cat! You've killed her! I'll kill you! I'll —|Albus Dumbledore| ''Argus!'' Come with me, Argus. You, too, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger.|Argus Filch accuses [[Harry Potter]] of having killed [[Mrs Norris]].|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
+
{{Dialogue a-b|Argus Filch|What's going on here? What's going on? My cat! My cat! What's happened to Mrs Norris? ''You''! You! You've murdered my cat! You've killed her! I'll kill you! I'll —|Albus Dumbledore| ''Argus!'' Come with me, Argus. You, too, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger.|Argus Filch accuses [[Harry Potter]] of having killed Mrs. Norris|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
  +
[[File:Harry-potter2-movie-screencaps.com-3935.jpg|thumb|250px|Filch after bringing Harry Potter and Ron Weasley to Snape's office]]
At the beginning of the year, [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ronald Weasley]] arrived at school, not via the [[Hogwarts Express]], but in [[Arthur Weasley]]'s [[Flying Ford Anglia]]; [[Minerva McGonagall]], their [[Head of House]], gave them different punishments. Ron had to help Filch polish the silvers at the [[Trophy Room]] without using magic.<ref name="CS7">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 7 (''Mudbloods and Murmurs'')</ref> Ron spent the evening of [[5 September]], [[1992]] with Filch, and kept [[Slug-Vomiting Charm|burping up slugs]] all over [[Tom Riddle]]'s [[Special Award for Services to the School]].<ref name="CS13">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 13 (''The Very Secret Diary'')</ref>
+
At the beginning of the year, Harry Potter and [[Ronald Weasley]] arrived at school, not via the [[Hogwarts Express]], but in [[Arthur Weasley]]'s Flying Ford Anglia; [[Minerva McGonagall]], their [[Head of House]], gave them different punishments. Ron had to help Filch polish the silvers at the [[Trophy Room]] without using magic.<ref name="CS7">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 7 (''Mudbloods and Murmurs'')</ref> Ron spent the evening of [[5 September]], [[1992]] with Filch, and kept burping up slugs all over [[Tom Riddle]]'s [[Special Award for Services to the School]].<ref name="CS13">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 13 (''The Very Secret Diary'')</ref>
   
During the [[1992–1993 school year]], Filch tried to improve his status as a [[Squib]] using a [[Kwikspell]] course. Of course, as Filch had no inherent magical powers this was of little use. After the [[Gryffindor Quidditch team]] trainings on [[24 October]], [[Mrs Norris]] saw [[Harry Potter]] who was covered in soil and dirt. Soon, Filch discovered Harry and got him to his office. However, before he attempted to punish Harry, Filch heard a noise and realised that [[Peeves]] had damaged a very valuable [[Vanishing Cabinet]]. He left Harry and ran to find Peeves. This, however, made the caretaker excited, as he thought that Dumbledore would kick Peeves out of Hogwarts. However, when he returned to his office, he learned that Harry had read his letter, about Kwikspell courses. Filch was furious and kicked Harry out off his office, trying to convince him that the letter was not his, and ordering him not to tell anyone.<ref name="CS8"/>
+
During the [[1992–1993 school year]], Filch tried to improve his status as a [[Squib]] using a [[Kwikspell]] course. Of course, as Filch had no inherent magical powers this was of little use. After the [[Gryffindor Quidditch team]] trainings on [[24 October]], Mrs Norris saw Harry Potter who was covered in soil and dirt. Soon, Filch discovered Harry and got him to his office. However, before he attempted to punish Harry, Filch heard a noise and realised that [[Peeves]] had damaged a very valuable [[Vanishing Cabinet]]. He left Harry and ran to find Peeves. This, however, made the caretaker excited, as he thought that Dumbledore would kick Peeves out of Hogwarts. However, when he returned to his office, he learned that Harry had read his letter, about Kwikspell courses. Filch was furious and kicked Harry out off his office, trying to convince him that the letter was not his, and ordering him not to tell anyone.<ref name="CS8" />
   
[[File:Writting on the wall.jpg|thumb|300px|thumb|right|Filch and [[Harry Potter]] standing under message written on the corridor walls and staring at a petrified Mrs Norris (not in picture).]]
+
[[File:Writting on the wall.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Filch and [[Harry Potter]] standing under message written on the corridor walls and staring at a petrified Mrs Norris (not pictured).]]
During the school year, [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk|a mysterious, dangerous monster]] wandered around the Castle corridors and attacked people. The first individual to be attacked was Mrs Norris, Filch's cat, whom he had a very close relationship with. The cat was found [[Petrification|petrified]] under a message written on the wall saying that "THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE", causing Filch tremendous stress and concern; he believed that [[Harry Potter]] was the one who petrified her, as he knew that Filch was a [[Squib]]. [[Severus Snape]] agreed with Filch, not because he had the same opinion, but because he wanted Harry to be punished. However, Dumbledore managed to convince Filch that Harry was not the guilty one, as he could not have performed such Dark magic, being twelve years old at the time.<ref name="CS9"/><ref name="CS8"/>
+
During the school year, a mysterious, dangerous monster wandered around the Castle corridors and attacked people. The first individual to be attacked was Mrs Norris, Filch's cat, whom he had a very close relationship with. The cat was found [[Petrification|petrified]] under a message written on the wall saying that "THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE", causing Filch tremendous stress and concern; he believed that Harry Potter was the one who petrified her, as he knew that Filch was a Squib. [[Severus Snape]] agreed with Filch, not because he had the same opinion, but because he wanted Harry to be punished. However, Dumbledore managed to convince Filch that Harry was not the guilty one, as he could not have performed such [[Dark magic]], being twelve years old at the time.<ref name="CS9" /><ref name="CS8" />
   
 
After the attack, Filch frequently paced the corridor in which it had taken place, as though hoping for the attacker to return. He even put a chair against the wall to keep guard there. On occasion, he fruitlessly scrubbed the message with [[Mrs. Skower's All-Purpose Magical Mess Remover]], but to no effect. During this time, he became more vicious than ever, and wrote students up for things like "breathing loudly" and "looking happy".<ref name="CS9"/>
 
After the attack, Filch frequently paced the corridor in which it had taken place, as though hoping for the attacker to return. He even put a chair against the wall to keep guard there. On occasion, he fruitlessly scrubbed the message with [[Mrs. Skower's All-Purpose Magical Mess Remover]], but to no effect. During this time, he became more vicious than ever, and wrote students up for things like "breathing loudly" and "looking happy".<ref name="CS9"/>
   
Sometime in [[January]], [[1993]], [[Myrtle|Moaning Myrtle]] flooded her bathroom after [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] tried to dispose of [[Tom Riddle's diary]] in [[Second-floor girls' lavatory|her bathroom]]. Filch shouted in a hysterical voice about all the work he would have mopping up all night, and ran to [[Headmaster]] [[Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore]] slamming a door behind him.<ref name="CS13"/>
+
Sometime in [[January]], [[1993]], [[Myrtle Warren|Moaning Myrtle]] flooded her bathroom after [[Ginevra Weasley|Ginny Weasley]] tried to dispose of [[Tom Riddle's diary]] in her bathroom. Filch shouted in a hysterical voice about all the work he would have mopping up all night, and ran to Headmaster [[Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore]] slamming a door behind him.<ref name="CS13"/>
   
In early [[February]], [[Pomona Sprout|Professor Sprout]] kindly assured Filch she would have [[Mrs Norris]] back in no time, as the [[Mandrake]]s, who were maturing for the [[Mandrake Restorative Draught]], were already moody, secretive and with [[acne]].<ref name="CS13"/>
+
In early [[February]], [[Pomona Sprout|Professor Sprout]] kindly assured Filch she would have [[Mrs Norris|Mrs. Norris]] back in no time, as the [[Mandrake|Mandrakes]], who were maturing for the [[Mandrake Restorative Draught]], were already moody, secretive and with [[acne]].<ref name="CS13"/>
   
At the end of the year, Filch attended the [[End-of-Term Feast]], reunited with his cat.<ref name="CSf36">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)]]'' - Chapter 36 ('''')</ref> His cat was cured via the administration of [[Severus Snape|Professor Snape]]'s [[Mandrake Restorative Draught]], brewed with [[Pomona Sprout|Professor Sprout]]'s [[Mandrake]]s.<ref name="CS18">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 18 (''Dobby's Reward'')</ref> He learned that the one who petrified Mrs Norris was the memory of [[Tom Riddle]], the one who controlled [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]].
+
At the end of the year, Filch attended the [[End-of-Term Feast]], reunited with his cat.<ref name="CSf36">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)]]'' - Chapter 36 ('''')</ref> His cat was cured via the administration of Professor Snape's [[Mandrake Restorative Draught]], brewed with Professor Sprout's Mandrakes.<ref name="CS18">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 18 (''Dobby's Reward'')</ref> He learned that the one who petrified Mrs. Norris was the memory of Tom Riddle, the one who controlled [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]].
   
 
====1993—1994 school year====
 
====1993—1994 school year====
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Argus Filch|What are you doing?|Harry Potter|Nothing.|Nothing! A likely story! Sneaking around on your own — why aren't you in Hogsmeade buying Stink Pellets and Belch Powder and Whizzing Worms like the rest of your nasty little friends? Well, get back to your common room where you belong!|Filch is suspicious of Harry Potter as he wanders around the school|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
[[File:Flitwick conducting.png|left|thumb|350px|Argus Filch (far left) during the [[1993]] [[Start-of-Term Feast]].]]
+
[[File:FlitwickConductingTheChoirPOA.png|thumb|250px|Argus Filch (far left) during the 1993 [[Start-of-Term Feast]]]]
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Argus Filch|What are you doing?|Harry Potter|Nothing.|Nothing! A likely story! Sneaking around on your own — why aren't you in Hogsmeade buying Stink Pellets and Belch Powder and Whizzing Worms like the rest of your nasty little friends? Well, get back to your common room where you belong!|Filch is suspicious of [[Harry Potter]] as he wanders around the school.|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
 
  +
During the next school year, the alleged mass-murderer [[Sirius Black]] escaped from [[Azkaban]] and the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] stationed [[Dementor|Dementors]] around the entrances to the grounds in order to protect the school and [[Harry Potter]], which was thought to be Black's target.<ref name="PA5">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 5 (''The Dementor')''</ref>
   
During the next school year, the alleged mass-murderer [[Sirius Black]] escaped from [[Azkaban]] and the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] stationed [[Dementor]]s around the entrances to the grounds in order to protect the school and [[Harry Potter]], which was thought to be Black's target.<ref name="PA5">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 5 (''The Dementor')</ref>
+
On [[1 September]], [[1993]], Filch attended the Start-of-Term Feast, and stood in the raised platform by the High Table while the school choir and orchestra led a presentation of ''[[Something Wicked This Way Comes]]''.<ref name="PAf8">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]'' - Chapter 8 (''Welcome and Warning'')</ref>
   
On [[1 September]], [[1993]], Filch attended the [[Start-of-Term Feast]], and stood in the raised platform by the High Table while the [[Frog Choir|school choir]] and [[Hogwarts orchestra|orchestra]] led a presentation of ''[[Something Wicked This Way Comes]]''.<ref name="PAf8">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]'' - Chapter 8 (''Welcome and Warning'')</ref>
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On [[31 October]], Filch stood by the [[Entrance Hall]] checking the names of those going to the first [[Hogsmeade weekend trips|Hogsmeade trip]] of the term. He later told Harry Potter off for wandering around on his own, which he thought suspicious.<ref name="PA8">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 8 (''Flight of the Fat Lady'')</ref>
 
[[File:Albus-filch.jpg|250px|left|thumb|Argus Filch and [[Albus Dumbledore]] talking to the Fat Lady]]
   
 
Later in the evening of that same day, Sirius Black broke into the Castle and tried to enter [[Gryffindor Tower]]; this resulted in the destruction of the [[Fat Lady]]'s portrait.<ref name="PA8" /> Filch helped secure the Castle on [[Albus Dumbledore|Professor Dumbledore]]'s instruction, lowering the portcullis and bolting the front doors of the [[Clock Tower]].<ref name="PAf14">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]'' - Chapter 14 (''Substitute Teacher'')</ref> Filch searched both the dungeons,<ref name="PA8" /> the [[Astronomy Tower]] and the [[Owlery]],<ref name="PAf14" /> but found no sign of him. Filch was also charged with restoring the Fat Lady's portrait,<ref name="PA8" /> and he did so expertly.<ref name="PA14">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 14 (''Snape's Grudge'')</ref>
On [[31 October]], Filch stood by the [[Entrance Hall]] checking the names of those going to the first [[Hogsmeade weekend trips|Hogsmeade trip]] of the term. He later told [[Harry Potter]] off for wandering around on his own, which he thought suspicious.<ref name="PA8">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 8 (''Flight of the Fat Lady'')</ref>
 
[[File:Albus-filch.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Argus Filch and [[Albus Dumbledore]] in [[1993]].]]
 
 
Later in the evening of that same day, [[Sirius Black]] broke into the Castle and tried to enter [[Gryffindor Tower]]; this resulted in the destruction of the [[Fat Lady]]'s portrait.<ref name="PA8"/> Filch helped secure the Castle on [[Albus Dumbledore|Professor Dumbledore]]'s instruction, lowering the portcullis and bolting the front doors of the [[Clock Tower]].<ref name="PAf14">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]'' - Chapter 14 (''Substitute Teacher'')</ref> Filch searched both the dungeons,<ref name="PA8"/> the [[Astronomy Tower]] and the [[Owlery]],<ref name="PAf14"/> but found no sign of him. Filch was also charged with restoring the [[Fat Lady]]'s portrait,<ref name="PA8"/> and he did so expertly.<ref name="PA14">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 14 (''Snape's Grudge'')</ref>
 
   
 
That same year, Harry Potter was given the [[Marauder's Map]] by Fred and George Weasley, using it to sneak into [[Hogsmeade|Hogsmeade Village]] and walk throughout the castle, without Filch noticing him.<ref name="PA10"/>
 
That same year, Harry Potter was given the [[Marauder's Map]] by Fred and George Weasley, using it to sneak into [[Hogsmeade|Hogsmeade Village]] and walk throughout the castle, without Filch noticing him.<ref name="PA10"/>
   
In [[December]], Filch attended the [[Christmas feast]], in which he departed with his usual brown coat and wore a very old and rather mouldy-looking tailcoat.<ref name="PA11">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Firebolt'')</ref>
+
In December, Filch attended the Christmas feast, in which he departed with his usual brown coat and wore a very old and rather mouldy-looking tailcoat.<ref name="PA11">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Firebolt'')</ref>
   
After [[Sirius Black]]'s second break-in in the evening of [[5 February]], Filch bustled around the corridors boarding up everything from tiny cracks in the walls to mouse holes.<ref name="PA14"/>
+
After Sirius Black's second break-in in the evening of [[5 February]], Filch bustled around the corridors boarding up everything from tiny cracks in the walls to mouse holes.<ref name="PA14"/>
   
 
====1994—1995 school year====
 
====1994—1995 school year====
{{Quote|So! Now that we are all fed and watered I must once more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it.|[[Albus Dumbledore]] starts his announcements over the [[Start-of-Term Feast]].|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire}}
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{{Quote|So! Now that we are all fed and watered I must once more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it.|[[Albus Dumbledore]] starts his announcements over the [[Start-of-Term Feast]]|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire}}
   
Before the start of the [[1994-1995 school year|school term]], Filch extended the list of forbidden objects within the school premises so that it included four hundred and thirty-seven items, including [[Screaming Yo-yo]]s, [[Fanged Frisbee]]s and [[Ever-Bashing Boomerang]]s.<ref name="GF12">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 12 (''The Triwizard Tournament'')</ref>
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Before the start of the [[1994-1995 school year|school term]], Filch extended the list of forbidden objects within the school premises so that it included four hundred and thirty-seven items, including [[Screaming Yo-yo|Screaming Yo-yos]], [[Fanged Frisbee|Fanged Frisbees]], and [[Ever-Bashing Boomerang|Ever-Bashing Boomerangs]].<ref name="GF12">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 12 (''The Triwizard Tournament'')</ref>
   
 
That school year, the [[Triwizard Tournament]] took place at Hogwarts. Delegations of students from [[Beauxbatons Academy of Magic]] and [[Durmstrang Institute]] came to Hogwarts in order to watch the Tournament and sign up to be chosen as one of the champions.<ref name="GF12"/><ref name="GF15">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 15 (''Beauxbatons and Durmstrang'')</ref>
 
That school year, the [[Triwizard Tournament]] took place at Hogwarts. Delegations of students from [[Beauxbatons Academy of Magic]] and [[Durmstrang Institute]] came to Hogwarts in order to watch the Tournament and sign up to be chosen as one of the champions.<ref name="GF12"/><ref name="GF15">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 15 (''Beauxbatons and Durmstrang'')</ref>
   
[[File:Filch & mrs. norris-1-.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Filch at the [[Yule Ball]] with Mrs Norris.]]
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[[File:Filch & mrs. norris-1-.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Filch attending the [[Yule Ball]] with Mrs. Norris]]
In [[October]], Filch underwent an extra-thorough cleaning of the Castle and acted ferociously to any students who forgot to wipe their shoes. On one occasion, he terrified a pair of first-year girls into hysterics.<ref name="GF15"/> During the [[Hallowe'en feast]] on [[31 October]], Filch wore his mouldy old tailcoat and added chairs to accommodate [[Igor Karkaroff]], [[Olympe Maxime]], [[Ludovic Bagman]] and [[Bartemius Crouch Sr.]] at the Staff Table. Filch, later, brought the [[Goblet of Fire casket|jewel-incrusted casket]] with the [[Goblet of Fire]] inside.<ref name="GF16">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 16 (''The Goblet of Fire'')</ref>
+
In [[October]], Filch underwent an extra-thorough cleaning of the Castle and acted ferociously to any students who forgot to wipe their shoes. On one occasion, he terrified a pair of first-year girls into hysterics.<ref name="GF15"/> During the [[Hallowe'en feast]] on 31 October, Filch wore his mouldy old tailcoat and added chairs to accommodate [[Igor Karkaroff]], [[Olympe Maxime]], [[Ludovic Bagman]], and [[Bartemius Crouch Sr.]] at the Staff Table. Filch, later, brought the jewel-incrusted casket with the [[Goblet of Fire]] inside.<ref name="GF16">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 16 (''The Goblet of Fire'')</ref>
   
On several occasions in [[December]], Filch had to take [[Peeves]] from inside [[Suit of armour|suits of armour]], where he had taken to hide, singing Christmas carols with very rude lyrics of his own invention.<ref name="GF22">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 22 (''The Unexpected Task'')</ref>
+
On several occasions in December, Filch had to take [[Peeves]] from inside suits of armour, where he had taken to hide, singing Christmas carols with very rude lyrics of his own invention.<ref name="GF22">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 22 (''The Unexpected Task'')</ref>
   
Mr. Filch attended the [[Yule Ball]] on [[Christmas]] night, where he stood alone with [[Mrs Norris]] on his arms humming the waltz tunes to his cat.<ref name="GFf">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''</ref>
+
Mr. Filch attended the Yule Ball on Christmas night, where he stood alone with Mrs. Norris on his arms humming the waltz tunes to his cat.<ref name="GFf">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''</ref>
   
 
[[File:FilchPatrolling.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Filch patrolling the school corridors at night]]
In the night of [[21 January]], [[1995]], Filch almost caught [[Harry Potter]] while on his way back to [[Gryffindor Tower]] after having been in the [[Prefects' bathroom]] trying to solve the [[Golden Egg]] riddle for the [[Triwizard Tournament]]. Filch was joined by [[Severus Snape]] when the two got hold of Harry's [[Golden Egg]] and the [[Marauder's Map]]. As Snape discussed with Filch, he wanted to take those objects in order to find who they belonged to (suspecting that they were Harry's). He also told him that someone had broken into his office. Then, Professor [[Alastor Moody]] (actually [[Bartemius Crouch Jr.|Barty Crouch Jr.]] under the [[Polyjuice Potion]]) appeared and made them leave, convincing them that no one was there, saving Harry and later giving Harry's things back.<ref name="GF25">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 25 (''The Egg and the Eye'')</ref>
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In the night of [[21 January]], [[1995]], Filch almost caught Harry Potter while on his way back to [[Gryffindor Tower]] after having been in the Prefects' bathroom trying to solve the [[Golden Egg]] riddle for the [[Triwizard Tournament]]. Filch was joined by [[Severus Snape]] when the two got hold of Harry's Golden Egg and the [[Marauder's Map]]. As Snape discussed with Filch, he wanted to take those objects in order to find who they belonged to (suspecting that they were Harry's). He also told him that someone had broken into his office. Then, Professor [[Alastor Moody]] (actually [[Bartemius Crouch Jr.|Barty Crouch Jr.]] under the [[Polyjuice Potion]]) appeared and made them leave, convincing them that no one was there, saving Harry and later giving Harry's things back.<ref name="GF25">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 25 (''The Egg and the Eye'')</ref>
   
[[File:FilchPatrolling.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Filch patrolling the school corridors at night.]]
 
 
At the end of the year, champion [[Cedric Diggory]] was murdered, while everyone learned from Harry about [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s return. The [[Second Wizarding War]] began.<ref name="GF35">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 35 (''Veritaserum'')</ref>
 
At the end of the year, champion [[Cedric Diggory]] was murdered, while everyone learned from Harry about [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s return. The [[Second Wizarding War]] began.<ref name="GF35">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 35 (''Veritaserum'')</ref>
   
 
====1995—1996 school year====
 
====1995—1996 school year====
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a|Argus Filch|The Headmistress would like to see you, Potter.|Harry Potter|I didn't do it.|Guilty conscience, eh? Follow me. Things are changing around here, Potter.|I've noticed.|Yerse… I've been telling Dumbledore for years and years he's too soft with you all. You filthy little beasts would never have dropped Stink Pellets if you'd known I had it in my power to whip you raw, would you, now? Nobody would have thought of throwing Fanged Frisbees down the corridors if I could've strung you up by the ankles in my office, would they? But when Educational Decree Number Twenty-Nine comes in, Potter, I'll be allowed to do them things… and she's asked the Minister to sign an order for the expulsion of Peeves… oh, things are going to be very different around here with her in charge.|Filch takes [[Harry Potter]] to Headmistress [[Dolores Umbridge]].|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
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{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a|Argus Filch|The Headmistress would like to see you, Potter.|Harry Potter|I didn't do it.|Guilty conscience, eh? Follow me. Things are changing around here, Potter.|I've noticed.|Yerse… I've been telling Dumbledore for years and years he's too soft with you all. You filthy little beasts would never have dropped Stink Pellets if you'd known I had it in my power to whip you raw, would you, now? Nobody would have thought of throwing Fanged Frisbees down the corridors if I could've strung you up by the ankles in my office, would they? But when Educational Decree Number Twenty-Nine comes in, Potter, I'll be allowed to do them things… and she's asked the Minister to sign an order for the expulsion of Peeves… oh, things are going to be very different around here with her in charge.|Filch takes Harry Potter to Headmistress Dolores Umbridge|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
   
[[File:Filch Umbridge promo 1.jpg|thumb|left|left|300px|Filch and [[Hogwarts High Inquisitor|High Inquisitor]] [[Dolores Umbridge]].]]
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[[File:Filch Umbridge promo 1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Filch and [[Hogwarts High Inquisitor|High Inquisitor]] [[Dolores Umbridge]]]]
After [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s return, and as part of its [[Campaign to discredit Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter|campaign]] to discredit [[Albus Dumbledore]] and [[Harry Potter]], the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] instated [[Dolores Umbridge]] as [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] professor.<ref name="OP11">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Sorting Hat's New Song'')</ref>
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After [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s return, and as part of its campaign to discredit Albus Dumbledore and [[Harry Potter]], the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] instated Dolores Umbridge as [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] professor.<ref name="OP11">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Sorting Hat's New Song'')</ref>
   
 
Prior to the start of the school term, Filch fastened the list of forbidden items to his office door in an attempt to make students read it. He also told [[Albus Dumbledore|Professor Dumbledore]], in what he said was the four-hundred-and-sixty second time, to remind the students that magic was not permitted in corridors between classes.<ref name="OP11"/>
 
Prior to the start of the school term, Filch fastened the list of forbidden items to his office door in an attempt to make students read it. He also told [[Albus Dumbledore|Professor Dumbledore]], in what he said was the four-hundred-and-sixty second time, to remind the students that magic was not permitted in corridors between classes.<ref name="OP11"/>
   
Filch attended the [[Start-of-Term Feast]] in the evening of [[1 September]], [[1995]] in which he stood by the double doors leading to the [[Entrance Hall]], and listened attentively to [[Dolores Umbridge]]'s speech. He apparently realised the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] was going to interfere at Hogwarts that school year, and clapped enthusiastically.<ref name="OPf">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]''</ref> Umbridge was a sadistic woman who, like Filch, enjoyed torturing and punishing students. Thus, the caretaker started to support Umbridge and follow her orders.
+
Filch attended the [[Start-of-Term Feast]] in the evening of [[1 September]], [[1995]] in which he stood by the double doors leading to the [[Entrance Hall]], and listened attentively to Dolores Umbridge's speech. He apparently realised the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] was going to interfere at Hogwarts that school year, and clapped enthusiastically.<ref name="OPf">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]''</ref> Umbridge was a sadistic woman who, like Filch, enjoyed torturing and punishing students. Thus, the caretaker started to support Umbridge and follow her orders.
   
On [[7 September]], Filch got a tip-off that [[Harry Potter]] was sending in a massive order of [[Dungbomb]]s. When he got to the [[Owlery]], he found [[Harry Potter]] (who had just sent a letter for [[Sirius Black]]) and [[Cho Chang]] (who was sending [[Cho Chang's mother|her mother]] a parcel for her birthday).<ref name="OP14"/> [[Hermione Granger]] later speculated that this was [[Dolores Umbridge|Umbridge]]'s doing, as she probably needed an excuse to read Harry's post.<ref name="OP18">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 18 (''Dumbledore's Army'')</ref>
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On [[7 September]], Filch got a tip-off that Harry Potter was sending in a massive order of Dungbombs. When he got to the [[Owlery]], he found Harry Potter (who had just sent a letter for [[Sirius Black]]) and [[Cho Chang]] (who was sending her mother a parcel for her birthday).<ref name="OP14"/> [[Hermione Granger]] later speculated that this was Umbridge's doing, as she probably needed an excuse to read Harry's post.<ref name="OP18">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 18 (''Dumbledore's Army'')</ref>
   
With the passing of [[Educational Decree Number Twenty-Three]], which appointed [[Dolores Umbridge]] to the post of [[Hogwarts High Inquisitor|High Inquisitor of Hogwarts]], the Ministry effectively started its interference at the school.<ref name="OP15">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 15 (''The Hogwarts High Inquisitor'')</ref> Umbridge started passing [[Educational Decree]]s to suppress and outlaw behaviour of which the Ministry did not approve.<ref name="OP17">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 17 (''Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four'')</ref>
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With the passing of [[Educational Decree Number Twenty-Three]], which appointed [[Dolores Umbridge]] to the post of High Inquisitor of Hogwarts, the Ministry effectively started its interference at the school.<ref name="OP15">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 15 (''The Hogwarts High Inquisitor'')</ref> Umbridge started passing [[Educational Decree|Educational Decrees ]]to suppress and outlaw behaviour of which the Ministry did not approve.<ref name="OP17">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 17 (''Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four'')</ref>
   
In the morning before the first [[Hogsmeade weekend trips|school trip]] to [[Hogsmeade]] of the school year, Filch matched the names of those visiting the village to the long list of students who had permission from their parents or guardian to do so. When [[Harry Potter]] reached Filch, the caretaker gave a great sniff as though to detect a whiff of [[Dungbomb]]s.<ref name="OP16">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 16 (''In the Hog's Head'')</ref>
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In the morning before the first school trip to [[Hogsmeade]] of the school year, Filch matched the names of those visiting the village to the long list of students who had permission from their parents or guardian to do so. When [[Harry Potter]] reached Filch, the caretaker gave a great sniff as though to detect a whiff of [[Dungbomb|Dungbombs]].<ref name="OP16">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 16 (''In the Hog's Head'')</ref>
  +
[[File:Odf-promocional-trelawney.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Filch assisting Professor Trelawney with her luggage]]
 
On [[7 October]], Filch hung a copy of the [[Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four]] on the [[Entrance Hall]].<ref name="OPf" /> He was also probably the one to affix the notices with the Decree on the noticeboards of the Common Rooms.<ref name="OP17" /> Flich also assister Umbridge when she had Trelawney sacked.
   
 
On [[Valentine's Day]], [[1996]], Harry Potter and Cho Chang departed for Hogsmeade together. Filch signed the students out in a queue in the [[Entrance Hall]].<ref name="OP25">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 25 (''The Beetle at Bay'')</ref> Later that same month, after [[Gryffindor Quidditch team|Gryffindor]]'s abysmal performance in their [[Quidditch]] match against [[Hufflepuff Quidditch team|Hufflepuff]], the [[Slytherin]] sang ''[[Weasley is Our King]]'' so loudly and frequently that Filch banned the song from the corridors out of sheer irritation.<ref name="OP26">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 26 (''Seen and Unforeseen'')</ref>
On [[7 October]], Filch hung a copy of the [[Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four]] on the [[Entrance Hall]].<ref name="OPf"/> He was also probably the one to affix the notices with the Decree on the noticeboards of the Common Rooms.<ref name="OP17"/>
 
   
  +
[[File:Inquisitorial.png|thumb|right|250px|Filch with Dolores Umbridge and the [[Inquisitorial Squad]] catching Dumbledore's Army]]
On [[Valentine's Day]], [[1996]], [[Harry Potter]] and [[Cho Chang]] departed for [[Hogsmeade]] together. Filch signed the students out in a queue in the [[Entrance Hall]].<ref name="OP25">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 25 (''The Beetle at Bay'')</ref> Later that same month, after [[Gryffindor Quidditch team|Gryffindor]]'s abysmal performance in their [[Quidditch]] match against [[Hufflepuff Quidditch team|Hufflepuff]], the [[Slytherin]] sang ''[[Weasley is Our King]]'' so loudly and frequently that Filch banned the song from the corridors out of sheer irritation.<ref name="OP26">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 26 (''Seen and Unforeseen'')</ref>
 
 
In the evening of [[20 April]], [[1996]], [[Marietta Edgecombe]] denounces the unsanctioned Dumbledore's Army to Dolores Umbridge. Umbridge and her Inquisitorial Squad manage to catch the students leaving the [[Room of Requirement]] and Harry Potter, head of the organisation, is taken to the [[Headmaster's office]], joined by Umbridge, Edgecombe, Deputy Headmistress [[Minerva McGonagall]], the Minister for Magic [[Cornelius Fudge]] and his Junior Assistant [[Percy Weasley]], and two [[Auror|Aurors]]. Professor Dumbledore takes full responsibility for the group, and was to be escorted to the [[British Ministry of Magic Headquarters|Ministry]], where he would be formally charged, and then sent to [[Azkaban]] to await trial for conspiracy and sedition. Dumbledore knocked down the Ministry officials, and left the school undetected.<ref name="OP27">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 27 (''The Centaur and the Sneak'')</ref> The Ministry passed the [[Educational Decree Number Twenty-Eight]] overnight, making [[Dolores Umbridge]] Headmistress of Hogwarts.<ref name="OP28">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 28 (''Snape's Worst Memory'')</ref>
  +
[[File:Healers Filch.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Filch implementing all of Umbridge's orders, including the removal of all the portraits]]
 
Under Umbridge, Filch walked around in an extremely good mood. He hummed creakily under his breath, under the prospect of the changes Umbridge had announced him. He was going to be permitted to bring back the "old punishments" and give students whippings, and she asked the [[Minister for Magic]] to sign an order for the expulsion of Peeves, the resident [[Poltergeist]].<ref name="OP28" /> However, the counterattack against Umbridge was now in full force: much of the student body opposed Umbridge and Filch. On the former's first afternoon as Headmistress, [[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]] set off an enormous crate of Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs which spread all over the school. At the end of the day, Umbridge was disheveled, sweaty-faced and soot-blackened from trying to extinguish the fireworks, and Filch set one of his brooms ablaze when he tried to swat at the fireworks in midair.<ref name="OP28" /> Harry Potter helped [[Dean Thomas]] mess up the clock in the [[Clock Tower]], [[Colin Creevey]] sending the Inquisitorial Squad several rude Howlers in chocolate boxes, and [[Parvati Patil|Parvati]] and [[Padma Patil]] pouring [[Babbling Beverage]] onto the [[Hogwarts school loudspeakers|loudspeakers]].<ref name="OPvg">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]''</ref>
   
 
Sometime after the [[Easter|Easter holidays]], Fred and George Weasley set off a [[Portable Swamp]] on the [[Fifth Floor Corridor]], and left the school in a blaze of glory.<ref name="OP29">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 29 (''Careers Advice'')</ref> They did not leave instructions on how to remove the swamp and, as such, Umbridge and Filch tried fruitlessly different means of removing it. The other teachers, who could have removed the swamp in an instant, preferred instead to watch Umbridge struggle. The area was roped off, and Filch was given the task of getting students across it to their classrooms in a small punt.<ref name="OP30">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 30 (''Grawp'')</ref>
In the evening of [[20 April]], [[1996]], [[Marietta Edgecombe]] denounces the unsanctioned [[Dumbledore's Army]] to [[Dolores Umbridge]]. Umbridge and her [[Inquisitorial Squad]] manage to catch the students leaving the [[Room of Requirement]] and [[Harry Potter]], head of the organisation, is taken to the [[Headmaster's office]], joined by Umbridge, Edgecombe, Deputy Headmistress [[Minerva McGonagall]], the Minister for Magic [[Cornelius Fudge]] and his Junior Assistant [[Percy Weasley]], and two [[Auror]]s. [[Albus Dumbledore|Professor Dumbledore]] takes full responsibility for the group, and was to be escorted to the [[British Ministry of Magic Headquarters|Ministry]], where he would be formally charged, and then sent to [[Azkaban]] to await trial for conspiracy and sedition. Dumbledore knocked down the Ministry officials, and left the school undetected.<ref name="OP27">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 27 (''The Centaur and the Sneak'')</ref> The Ministry passed the [[Educational Decree Number Twenty-Eight]] overnight, making [[Dolores Umbridge]] Headmistress of Hogwarts.<ref name="OP28">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 28 (''Snape's Worst Memory'')</ref>
 
   
[[File:Inquisitorial.png|thumb|right|350px|right|Filch with [[Dolores Umbridge]] and the [[Inquisitorial Squad]].]]
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[[File:Umbridge2.jpg|thumb|235px|right|Headmistress Dolores Umbridge and Filch look in shock as [[Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs]] spread through the school]]
 
Inspired by the twins' legendary flight to freedom, a great number of students wreaked havoc in the school: [[Lee Jordan]]<ref name="OP31">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 31 (''O.W.L.s')''</ref> put [[Niffler|Nifflers]] into Umbridge's office, which promptly tore the place apart while searching for shiny objects and leapt on Umbridge when she entered, trying to gnaw the rings off her fingers. [[Dungbomb|Dungbombs ]]and [[Stink Pellet|Stink Pellets]] were frequently dropped in the corridors, so that students performed [[Bubble-Head Charm]]s on themselves to get a supply of fresh air.<ref name="OP30" /> Due to all those misdeeds, Filch prowled the corridors with a horsewhip ready in his hands, desperate to catch students in the act, but the problem was that there were now so many of them he never knew which way to turn. He was aided by the Inquisitorial Squad, but odd things like [[Anteoculatia|antlers sprouting from their heads]] kept happening to its members.<ref name="OP30" />
Under Umbridge, Filch walked around in an extremely good mood. He hummed creakily under his breath, under the prospect of the changes Umbridge had announced him. He was going to be [[Approval for Whipping|permitted to bring back the "old punishments"]] and give students whippings, and she asked the [[Minister for Magic]] to sign an order for the expulsion of [[Peeves]], the resident [[Poltergeist]].<ref name="OP28"/> However, the counterattack against Umbridge was now in full force: much of the student body opposed Umbridge and Filch. On the former's first afternoon as Headmistress, [[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]] set off an enormous crate of [[Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs]] which spread all over the school. At the end of the day, Umbridge was disheveled, sweaty-faced and soot-blackened from trying to extinguish the fireworks, and Filch set one of his brooms ablaze when he tried to swat at the fireworks in midair.<ref name="OP28"/> [[Harry Potter]] helped [[Dean Thomas]] mess up the clock in the [[Clock Tower]], [[Colin Creevey]] sending the [[Inquisitorial Squad]] several rude [[Howler]]s in chocolate boxes, and [[Parvati Patil|Parvati]] and [[Padma Patil]] pouring [[Babbling Beverage]] onto the [[Hogwarts school loudspeakers|loudspeakers]].<ref name="OPvg">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]''</ref>
 
   
 
No one, however, could compete with the master of chaos, [[Peeves]]. On two occasions, he shut [[Mrs Norris|Mrs. Norris]] inside a suit of armour, from which she was rescued by a furious Filch, yowling loudly.<ref name="OP30" />
Sometime after the [[Easter|Easter holidays]], [[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]] set off a [[Portable Swamp]] on the [[Fifth Floor Corridor]], and [[Fred and George Weasley's departure from Hogwarts|left the school]] in a blaze of glory.<ref name="OP29">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 29 (''Careers Advice'')</ref> They did not leave instructions on how to remove the swamp and, as such, Umbridge and Filch tried fruitlessly different means of removing it. The other teachers, who could have removed the swamp in an instant, preferred instead to watch Umbridge struggle. The area was roped off, and Filch was given the task of getting students across it to their classrooms in a small punt.<ref name="OP30">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 30 (''Grawp'')</ref>
 
   
 
After the [[Skirmish in the Forbidden Forest|skirmish]] between Umbridge and the [[Forbidden Forest Centaur colony|Forbidden Forest centaur herd]] and the [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]] on [[18 June]], Umbridge was confined to the [[Hospital wing]] in what [[Poppy Pomfrey|Madam Pomfrey]] said was a case of shock. Umbridge left [[Hogwarts Castle|Hogwarts]] the day before the end of term, having crept out during dinnertime in hope to depart undetected. She, however, met Peeves on the way, who chased her from the premises, whacking her alternately with Minerva McGonagall's walking stick and a sock full of chalk as the students and teachers watched.<ref name="OP38">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 38 (''The Second War Begins'')</ref> Filch brought her her luggage, as she was stopped by a mob of ''[[Daily Prophet]]'' reporters who took pictures of her escape.<ref name="OPf" /> Filch was reportedly miserable, as he thought Umbridge was the best thing ever happened to Hogwarts.<ref name="OP38" />
[[File:Umbridge2.jpg|thumb|300px|left|[[Headmaster|Headmistress]] [[Dolores Umbridge]] and Filch look in shock as [[Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs]] spread through the school.]]
 
Inspired by the twins' legendary flight to freedom, a great number of students wreaked havoc in the school: [[Lee Jordan]]<ref name="OP31">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 31 (''O.W.L.s')</ref> put [[Niffler]]s into Umbridge's office, which promptly tore the place apart while searching for shiny objects and leapt on Umbridge when she entered, trying to gnaw the rings off her fingers. [[Dungbomb]]s and [[Stink Pellet]]s were frequently dropped in the corridors, so that students performed [[Bubble-Head Charm]]s on themselves to get a supply of fresh air.<ref name="OP30"/> Due to all those misdeeds, Filch prowled the corridors with a horsewhip ready in his hands, desperate to catch students in the act, but the problem was that there were now so many of them he never knew which way to turn. He was aided by the [[Inquisitorial Squad]], but odd things like [[Anteoculatia|antlers sprouting from their heads]] kept happening to its members.<ref name="OP30"/>
 
   
 
Umbridge's Educational Decrees were abolished, as well as her [[Approval for Whipping]], as Albus Dumbledore was reinstated as Headmaster.
No one, however, could compete with the master of chaos, [[Peeves]]. On two occasions, he shut [[Mrs Norris]] inside a [[suit of armour]], from which she was rescued by a furious Filch, yowling loudly.<ref name="OP30"/>
 
 
After the [[Skirmish in the Forbidden Forest|skirmish]] between [[Dolores Umbridge|Umbridge]] and the [[Forbidden Forest Centaur colony|Forbidden Forest centaur herd]] and the [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]] on [[18 June]], Umbridge was confined to the [[Hospital wing]] in what [[Poppy Pomfrey|Madam Pomfrey]] said was a case of shock. Umbridge left [[Hogwarts Castle|Hogwarts]] the day before the end of term, having crept out during dinnertime in hope to depart undetected. She, however, met [[Peeves]] on the way, who chased her from the premises, whacking her alternately with [[Minerva McGonagall's walking stick]] and a sock full of [[chalk]] as the students and teachers watched.<ref name="OP38">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 38 (''The Second War Begins'')</ref> Filch brought her her luggage, as she was stopped by a mob of ''[[Daily Prophet]]'' reporters who took pictures of her escape.<ref name="OPf"/> Filch was reportedly miserable, as he thought Umbridge was the best thing ever happened to Hogwarts.<ref name="OP38"/>
 
 
Umbridge's [[Educational Decree]]s were abolished, as well as her [[Approval for Whipping]], as [[Albus Dumbledore]] was reinstated as [[Headmaster]].
 
   
 
====1996—1997 school year====
 
====1996—1997 school year====
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Hermione Granger|We were all searched when we arrived, weren't we?|Harry Potter|Were you? I wasn't!|Oh no, of course you weren't, I forgot you were late. Well, Filch ran over all of us with Secrecy Sensors when we got into the Entrance Hall. Any Dark object would have been found, I know for a fact Crabbe had a shrunken head confiscated. So you see, Malfoy can't have brought in anything dangerous!|[[Hermione Granger]] and [[Harry Potter]].|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
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{{Dialogue a-b-a|Hermione Granger|We were all searched when we arrived, weren't we?|Harry Potter|Were you? I wasn't!|Oh no, of course you weren't, I forgot you were late. Well, Filch ran over all of us with Secrecy Sensors when we got into the Entrance Hall. Any Dark object would have been found, I know for a fact Crabbe had a shrunken head confiscated. So you see, Malfoy can't have brought in anything dangerous!|Hermione Granger and Harry Potter discussing the new security messures|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
[[File:Filch secrecy sensor HBP concept 01.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Filch examining the students' possessions that are brought into Hogwarts.]]
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[[File:Filch secrecy sensor HBP concept 01.jpg|thumb|left|235px|Filch examining the students' possessions that are brought into Hogwarts, using a [[Secrecy Sensor]]]]
Now in [[Second Wizarding War|open war]], upon the students' arrival at the school on [[1 September]], [[1996]], Filch was charged with checking the students and their possessions for dark objects with [[Secrecy Sensor]]s. Filch confiscated a [[Shrunken Head|shrunken head]] from [[Vincent Crabbe]]. Filch also had the responsibility of checking all the [[owl]]s to prevent potentially harmful objects from entering the premises.<ref name="HBP11">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 11 (''Hermione's Helping Hand'')</ref> During the [[Start-of-Term Feast]], [[Albus Dumbledore]] informed the students that Filch had asked him to remind the them that there was a blanket ban on any joke items bought at [[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]]'s shop, [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]].<ref name="HBP8">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 8 (''Snape Victorious'')</ref> Filch, however, was hoodwinked by Fred and George's Owl order service, in which their products came disguised as perfumes and cough potions.<ref name="HBP15">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 15 (''The Unbreakable Vow'')</ref>
+
Now in [[Second Wizarding War|open war]], upon the students' arrival at the school on [[1 September]], [[1996]], Filch was charged with checking the students and their possessions for dark objects with [[Secrecy Sensor|Secrecy Sensors]]. Filch confiscated a [[Shrunken Head|shrunken head]] from [[Vincent Crabbe]]. Filch also had the responsibility of checking all the owls to prevent potentially harmful objects from entering the premises.<ref name="HBP11">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 11 (''Hermione's Helping Hand'')</ref> During the [[Start-of-Term Feast]], [[Albus Dumbledore]] informed the students that Filch had asked him to remind the them that there was a blanket ban on any joke items bought at [[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]]'s shop, [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]].<ref name="HBP8">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 8 (''Snape Victorious'')</ref> Filch, however, was hoodwinked by Fred and George's Owl order service, in which their products came disguised as perfumes and cough potions.<ref name="HBP15">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 15 (''The Unbreakable Vow'')</ref>
   
 
After [[Harry Potter]]'s discovery of the [[Severus Snape's copy of Advanced Potion-Making|Half-Blood Prince's copy]] of ''[[Advanced Potion-Making]]'' he learnt several new spells such as ''[[Langlock]]'', a jinx that glued the victim's tongue to the roof of the mouth. Harry cast this jinx, to general applause, on an unsuspecting Argus Filch.<ref name="HBP12">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Silver and Opals'')</ref>
 
After [[Harry Potter]]'s discovery of the [[Severus Snape's copy of Advanced Potion-Making|Half-Blood Prince's copy]] of ''[[Advanced Potion-Making]]'' he learnt several new spells such as ''[[Langlock]]'', a jinx that glued the victim's tongue to the roof of the mouth. Harry cast this jinx, to general applause, on an unsuspecting Argus Filch.<ref name="HBP12">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Silver and Opals'')</ref>
   
In [[October]], Filch stood as usual in the [[Entrance Hall]] checking the names of students who had permission to go in a [[Hogsmeade weekend trips|Hogsmeade weekend trip]]. The process took longer than normal as Filch triple-checked everybody with his [[Secrecy Sensor]]. [[Ronald Weasley]] demanded to know what did it matter if the students were smuggling Dark objects out of the premises, and his cheek earned him a few jabs with the Sensor.<ref name="HBP12"/> When the students arrived after the attack on [[Katie Bell]], who had touched a [[Opal necklace|cursed necklace]], Filch held his secrecy sensor aloft, but was dismissed by [[Minerva McGonagall]] who told him to take the necklace, wrapped in a scarf, to [[Severus Snape]], the expert on [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]].<ref name="HBP12"/>
+
In [[October]], Filch stood as usual in the Entrance Hall checking the names of students who had permission to go in a [[Hogsmeade weekend trips|Hogsmeade weekend trip]]. The process took longer than normal as Filch triple-checked everybody with his Secrecy Sensor. [[Ronald Weasley]] demanded to know what did it matter if the students were smuggling Dark objects out of the premises, and his cheek earned him a few jabs with the Sensor.<ref name="HBP12"/> When the students arrived after the attack on [[Katie Bell]], who had touched a cursed necklace, Filch held his secrecy sensor aloft, but was dismissed by [[Minerva McGonagall]] who told him to take the necklace, wrapped in a scarf, to [[Severus Snape]], the expert on [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]].<ref name="HBP12"/>
   
On [[19 December]], [[Harry Potter]] and [[Hermione Granger]] argued and speculated whether or not Filch and [[Irma Pince|Madam Pince]] were secretly in love with each other.<ref name="HBP15"/>
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On [[19 December]], Harry Potter and [[Hermione Granger]] argued and speculated whether or not Filch and [[Irma Pince|Madam Pince]] were secretly in love with each other.<ref name="HBP15"/>
   
[[File:Slug Party.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Filch carries [[Draco Malfoy]] to [[Slug Club Christmas party|Professor Slughorn's Christmas party]].]]
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[[File:Slug Party.jpg|thumb|right|245px|Filch carries Draco Malfoy to Professor Slughorn's Christmas party]]
 
In the evening of the [[Slug Club Christmas party]], on [[20 December]], Filch caught [[Draco Malfoy]] lurking in an upstairs corridor, most likely going to the [[Room of Requirement]] to repair the [[Vanishing Cabinet]]. In an excuse to escape punishment, Draco told Filch he had been invited to [[Horace Slughorn|Professor Slughorn]]'s party, and Filch dragged him by the ear to Slughorn's office. Once there, Slughorn said he had not issued him an invitation, but once it was Christmas he let him stay with no punishment.<ref name="HBP15"/>
 
In the evening of the [[Slug Club Christmas party]], on [[20 December]], Filch caught [[Draco Malfoy]] lurking in an upstairs corridor, most likely going to the [[Room of Requirement]] to repair the [[Vanishing Cabinet]]. In an excuse to escape punishment, Draco told Filch he had been invited to [[Horace Slughorn|Professor Slughorn]]'s party, and Filch dragged him by the ear to Slughorn's office. Once there, Slughorn said he had not issued him an invitation, but once it was Christmas he let him stay with no punishment.<ref name="HBP15"/>
   
Line 181: Line 182:
 
On [[17 March]], Filch did his usual prodding act with the Secrecy Sensor as some of the [[sixth year|sixth-years]] departed the school for an [[Apparition (class)|Apparition]] lesson at [[Hogsmeade]].<ref name="HBP21">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 21 (''The Unknowable Room'')</ref>
 
On [[17 March]], Filch did his usual prodding act with the Secrecy Sensor as some of the [[sixth year|sixth-years]] departed the school for an [[Apparition (class)|Apparition]] lesson at [[Hogsmeade]].<ref name="HBP21">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 21 (''The Unknowable Room'')</ref>
   
On the evening of [[Aragog]]'s [[Funeral of Aragog|funeral]], [[Harry Potter]], presumably as a consequence of having taken [[Felix Felicis]], strolled the Castle on his way to [[Rubeus Hagrid's cabin|Hagrid's cabin]] in the grounds without meeting anyone in his way. Upon arriving at the [[Entrance Hall]], he found that Filch had forgotten to lock the front doors. Harry met [[Horace Slughorn]] by the [[Hogwarts greenhouses|Herbology greenhouses]] and told him this. The professor said he would be reporting Filch, as "''he's more concerned about litter than proper security''". As a result, Harry managed to take information from Slughorn about the [[Horcrux]]es Voldemort created in order to become immortal, and how he could destroy it.<ref name="HBP22">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 22 (''After the Burial'')</ref>
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On the evening of [[Aragog]]'s [[Funeral of Aragog|funeral]], Harry Potter, presumably as a consequence of having taken [[Felix Felicis]], strolled the Castle on his way to [[Rubeus Hagrid's cabin|Hagrid's cabin]] in the grounds without meeting anyone in his way. Upon arriving at the Entrance Hall, he found that Filch had forgotten to lock the front doors. Harry met Horace Slughorn by the [[Hogwarts greenhouses|Herbology greenhouses]] and told him this. The professor said he would be reporting Filch, as "''he's more concerned about litter than proper security''". As a result, Harry managed to take information from Slughorn about the [[Horcrux|Horcruxes]] Voldemort created in order to become immortal, and how he could destroy it.<ref name="HBP22">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 22 (''After the Burial'')</ref>
 
Filch had been looking for someone to clear out his old punishment files, and when [[Severus Snape]] put [[Harry Potter]] in detention for [[Sectumsempra|hurting]] [[Draco Malfoy]], he put Harry copying out the misdeeds and punishments afresh and making sure that they were in alphabetical order without the aid of magic.<ref name="HBP24"/>
 
   
 
Filch had been looking for someone to clear out his old punishment files, and when Severus Snape put Harry Potter in detention for hurting Draco Malfoy, he put Harry copying out the misdeeds and punishments afresh and making sure that they were in alphabetical order without the aid of magic.<ref name="HBP24"/>
On [[30 June]], [[1997]], a small gang of [[Death Eaters]] managed to penetrate the magical protections around the Castle with the help of [[Draco Malfoy]] and an [[Battle of the Astronomy Tower|assault]] took place at the [[Astronomy Tower]] and the corridors beneath it. [[Severus Snape]] joined them, and killed [[Albus Dumbledore]] atop the Tower<ref name="HBP27">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 27 (''The Lightning-Struck Tower'')</ref> (in fact, Snape was a double agent and was working on Dumbledore's orders).<ref name="DH33">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 33 (''The Prince's Tale'')</ref>
 
   
 
On [[30 June]], [[1997]], a small gang of [[Death Eaters]] managed to penetrate the magical protections around the Castle with the help of [[Draco Malfoy]] and an [[Battle of the Astronomy Tower|assault]] took place at the [[Astronomy Tower]] and the corridors beneath it. Severus Snape joined them, and killed Albus Dumbledore atop the Tower<ref name="HBP27">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 27 (''The Lightning-Struck Tower'')</ref> (in fact, Snape was a double agent and was working on Dumbledore's orders).<ref name="DH33">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 33 (''The Prince's Tale'')</ref>
[[File:Crowd who saw Professor Dumbledore's dead body in the courtyard.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Filch among the crowd who saw Albus Dumbledore's dead body.]]
 
  +
[[File:The Funeral, B6C30M1.png|left|thumb|250px|Dumbledore's funeral, that Filch attended]]
In [[July]], Argus Filch attended [[Funeral of Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore's funeral]] in an ancient black suit and tie reeking of mothballs, paying his respects for the man who, despite their opposing views on student punishment, gave him employment as a [[Squib]].<ref name="HBP30">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 30 (''The White Tomb'')</ref>
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In [[July]], Argus Filch attended [[Funeral of Albus Dumbledore|Dumbledore's funeral]] in an ancient black suit and tie reeking of mothballs, paying his respects for the man who, despite their opposing views on student punishment, gave him employment as a [[Squib]].<ref name="HBP30">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 30 (''The White Tomb'')</ref> During his funeral he sat next to Irma Pince, something Harry Potter took notice of, as he suspected a romantic relationship between the two.
   
 
====1997—1998 school year====
 
====1997—1998 school year====
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b|Argus Filch|Students out of bed! Students in the corridors!|Minerva McGonagall|They're supposed to be you blithering idiot! Now go and do something constructive! Find Peeves!|P-Peeves?|Yes, Peeves, you fool, Peeves! Haven't you been complaining about him for a quarter of a century? Go and fetch him, at once.|[[Minerva McGonagall]] and Argus Filch, moments prior to the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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{{Dialogue a-b-a-b|Argus Filch|Students out of bed! Students in the corridors!|Minerva McGonagall|They're supposed to be you blithering idiot! Now go and do something constructive! Find Peeves!|P-Peeves?|Yes, Peeves, you fool, Peeves! Haven't you been complaining about him for a quarter of a century? Go and fetch him, at once.|[[Minerva McGonagall]] and Argus Filch, moments prior to the [[Battle of Hogwarts]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
   
On [[1 August]], [[1997]], the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] was [[Fall of the Ministry of Magic|taken over]] by [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Death Eaters]].<ref name="DH8">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Wedding'')</ref> By [[1 September]], [[1997]], [[Severus Snape]] was made [[Headmaster|Headmaster of Hogwarts]] while his fellow [[Death Eaters]], [[Alecto Carrow]] and [[Amycus Carrow]] became the [[Muggle Studies]] and [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] [[professor|teachers]] respectively, as well as Deputy Heads.<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Magic is Might'')</ref>
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On [[1 August]], [[1997]], the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] was taken over by [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Death Eaters]].<ref name="DH8">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Wedding'')</ref> By [[1 September]], [[1997]], [[Severus Snape]] was made [[Headmaster|Headmaster of Hogwarts]] while his fellow [[Death Eaters]], [[Alecto Carrow]] and [[Amycus Carrow]] became the [[Muggle Studies]] and [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] teachers respectively, as well as Deputy Heads.<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Magic is Might'')</ref>
   
The Carrows were put in charge of all discipline and punishments, which were violent, including beatings and placing students under the [[Cruciatus Curse]].<ref name="DH29">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 29 (''The Lost Diadem'')</ref>
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The Carrows were put in charge of all discipline and punishments, which were violent, including beatings and placing students under the [[Cruciatus Curse]].<ref name="DH29">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 29 (''The Lost Diadem'')</ref> Filch was kept working at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] in his capacity of [[caretaker]]. It is unknown what was made of Filch, or even if he was mistreated by the Carrows for his status of [[Squib]]. Apparently, Filch lost some of his duties, as punishment seemed to be given out exclusively by the Carrows and Severus Snape.
  +
[[File:57297 glg.jpg|thumb|250px|Filch locking up the Slytherin students on McGonagall's orders]]
 
In the evening of [[1 May]], Argus Filch was patrolling the corridors while [[Harry Potter]] and [[Luna Lovegood]] went to [[Ravenclaw Tower]].<ref name="DH29" /> Later, after [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] gained knowledge from [[Alecto Carrow]] that Harry Potter was in the school premises, the [[Head of House|Heads of House]] started conjuring protective enchantments around the school, preparing to fight and waking up students. Filch, unaware of what was happening, came to [[Minerva McGonagall|Professor McGonagall]] shouting that students were out of bed. McGonagall sent him to do something constructive and find [[Peeves]], for the [[Poltergeist]] would be helpful against the [[Death Eaters]].<ref name="DH30" />
   
 
Later on, Filch and [[Poppy Pomfrey|Madam Pomfrey]] oversaw the evacuation procedure of underage students and of those not willing to fight, via the [[Room of Requirement]].<ref name="DH31">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 21 (''The Battle of Hogwarts'')</ref> The caretaker stayed in the Castle during the battle,<ref name="DHpt2">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''</ref> although it is unknown how, as a Squib, he participated in the battle; perhaps he stayed to tend to the fighters' injuries or to aid the Hogwarts forces with his extensive knowledge of the Castle layout and secret passages.
Filch was kept working at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] in his capacity of [[caretaker]]. It is unknown what was made of Filch, or even if he was mistreated by the Carrows for his status of [[Squib]]. Apparently, Filch lost some of his duties, as punishment seemed to be given out exclusively by the Carrows and [[Severus Snape]].
 
   
 
During the battle, Filch was left with a deep gash in his left arm.<ref name="DHpt2"/> During the one hour-long interruption in the battle, Filch was at the [[Great Hall]], where his injuries were treated by [[Horace Slughorn]].<ref name="DHpt2"/>
In the evening of [[1 May]], Argus Filch was patrolling the corridors while [[Harry Potter]] and [[Luna Lovegood]] went to [[Ravenclaw Tower]].<ref name="DH29"/> Later, after [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] gained knowledge from [[Alecto Carrow]] that [[Harry Potter]] was in the school premises, the [[Head of House|Heads of House]] started conjuring protective enchantments around the school, preparing to fight and waking up students. Filch, unaware of what was happening, came to [[Minerva McGonagall|Professor McGonagall]] shouting that students were out of bed. McGonagall sent him to do something constructive and find [[Peeves]], for the [[Poltergeist]] would be helpful against the [[Death Eaters]].<ref name="DH30"/>
 
  +
[[File:HP72-FP-00573-900x506.jpg|left|thumb|245px|Filch and others grimly watch as Harry's "dead body" is presented]]
 
When the Death Eaters marched to Hogwarts Castle with Harry Potter's "dead body", Filch stood by [[Pomona Sprout]], [[Poppy Pomfrey]] and [[Horace Slughorn]] with a gloomy expression on his face.<ref name="DHpt2" /> Battle recommenced shortly afterwards, and it all ended when Lord Voldemort was finally [[Voldemort's Last Stand|defeated]] by Harry Potter in the Great Hall.<ref name="DH36">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 36 (''The Flaw in the Plan'')</ref>
   
 
Immediately after the battle, Filch grimly looked at a large pile of rubble in the [[Entrance Hall]], which he dutifully began trying to sweep up, while the fighters gathered in the Great Hall mourning over the dead, and celebrating over their victory.<ref name="DHpt2" />
[[File:FilchInjuries.jpg|left|thumb|300px|[[Horace Slughorn]] treats a battle-worn Argus Filch.]]
 
Later on, Filch and [[Poppy Pomfrey|Madam Pomfrey]] oversaw the evacuation procedure of underage students and of those not willing to fight, via the [[Room of Requirement]].<ref name="DH31">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 21 (''The Battle of Hogwarts'')</ref> The caretaker stayed in the Castle during the battle,<ref name="DHpt2">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''</ref> although it is unknown how, as a [[Squib]], he participated in the battle; perhaps he stayed to tend to the fighters' injuries or to aid the Hogwarts forces with his extensive knowledge of the Castle layout and secret passages.
 
 
During the battle, Filch was left with a deep gash in his left arm. During the one hour-long interruption in the battle, Filch was at the [[Great Hall]], where his injuries were treated by [[Horace Slughorn]].<ref name="DHpt2"/>
 
 
When the [[Death Eaters]] marched to [[Hogwarts Castle]] with [[Harry Potter]]'s "dead body", Filch stood by [[Pomona Sprout]], [[Poppy Pomfrey]] and [[Horace Slughorn]] with a gloomy expression on his face.<ref name="DHpt2"/> Battle recommenced shortly afterwards, and it all ended when [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] was finally [[Voldemort's Last Stand|defeated]] by [[Harry Potter]] in the [[Great Hall]].<ref name="DH36">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 36 (''The Flaw in the Plan'')</ref>
 
 
[[File:FilchDebris.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Argus Filch tries to sweep up the debris at the [[Entrance Hall]] after the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].]]
 
 
Immediately after the battle, Filch grimly looked at a large pile of rubble in the [[Entrance Hall]], which he dutifully began trying to sweep up, while the fighters gathered in the [[Great Hall]] mourning over the dead, and celebrating over their victory.<ref name="DHpt2"/>
 
   
 
===Later life===
 
===Later life===
Line 216: Line 211:
   
 
==Physical appearance==
 
==Physical appearance==
 
[[File:Filchcloseup.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Argus Filch]]
[[File:Qbm74LOlYds.jpg|thumb|200px|Argus with his Cat]]Argus Filch was a [[rheumatism|rheumatic]] man<ref name="OP28"/> with hunched-shoulders<ref name="DH30"/> and a [[wikipedia:Kyphosis|hunchback]].<ref name="HBP19"/> He had a horrible, pouchy<ref name="GF25"/> and pasty face<ref name="CS8"/> and bulging, pale eyes,<ref name="PS12"/> along with sunken, veined cheeks.<ref name="OP14"/> He had thin grey hair and quivery jawls.<ref name="OP14"/> Skinny-ankled,<ref name="HBP19"/> Filch would usually wheeze<ref name="PS8"/> and shuffle when walking.<ref name="CS8"/> He had knobbly hands and, whenever he got the [[flu]], a bulbous and unusually purple nose.<ref name="CS8"/>
+
Argus Filch was a [[rheumatism|rheumatic]] man<ref name="OP28"/> with hunched-shoulders<ref name="DH30"/> and a [[wikipedia:Kyphosis|hunchback]].<ref name="HBP19"/> He had a horrible, pouchy<ref name="GF25"/> and pasty face<ref name="CS8"/> and bulging, pale eyes,<ref name="PS12"/> along with sunken, veined cheeks.<ref name="OP14"/> He had thin grey hair and quivery jawls.<ref name="OP14"/> Skinny-ankled,<ref name="HBP19"/> Filch would usually wheeze<ref name="PS8"/> and shuffle when walking.<ref name="CS8"/> He had knobbly hands and, whenever he got the [[flu]], a bulbous and unusually purple nose.<ref name="CS8"/>
   
 
Filch usually wore a brown coat,<ref name="PA11"/> although on special occasions he would wear a moldy-looking tailcoat<ref name="PA11"/> or an ancient black suit and tie reeking of mothballs.<ref name="HBP30"/> At night, while not patrolling the corridors, Filch wore an old flannel dressing gown.<ref name="GF25"/>
 
Filch usually wore a brown coat,<ref name="PA11"/> although on special occasions he would wear a moldy-looking tailcoat<ref name="PA11"/> or an ancient black suit and tie reeking of mothballs.<ref name="HBP30"/> At night, while not patrolling the corridors, Filch wore an old flannel dressing gown.<ref name="GF25"/>
   
 
==Personality and traits==
 
==Personality and traits==
[[File:Filchcloseup.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Argus Filch.]]
 
 
Filch had an extremely unpleasant personality.<ref name="PS8"/> Despite working at a school, Filch seems to hate children, and he is universally despised by all the students,<ref name="PS8"/> and some members of staff as well.<ref name="DH30"/> Filch is quite sadistic and delights in doling out punishments, and is always lamenting that he is not allowed to use corporal punishment on students.<ref name="PS15"/> Filch liked to have the Castle neat and tidy, and was infuriated when students made a mess with potion ingredients, or forgot to wipe their feet.<ref name="CS8"/>
 
Filch had an extremely unpleasant personality.<ref name="PS8"/> Despite working at a school, Filch seems to hate children, and he is universally despised by all the students,<ref name="PS8"/> and some members of staff as well.<ref name="DH30"/> Filch is quite sadistic and delights in doling out punishments, and is always lamenting that he is not allowed to use corporal punishment on students.<ref name="PS15"/> Filch liked to have the Castle neat and tidy, and was infuriated when students made a mess with potion ingredients, or forgot to wipe their feet.<ref name="CS8"/>
   
 
He was also very domineering and controlling, as demonstrated by the numerous times he asked students what they were doing when they were simply wandering around in what he thought was a suspicious manner.<ref name="PA8"/>
 
He was also very domineering and controlling, as demonstrated by the numerous times he asked students what they were doing when they were simply wandering around in what he thought was a suspicious manner.<ref name="PA8"/>
   
He seems to be bitter and embarrassed about not being able to use magic, as is demonstrated when [[Harry Potter]] accidentally discovered his [[Kwikspell]] letters in [[1992]].<ref name="CS8"/> [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] also suspects that Filch is always in such a foul mood due to his status as a [[Squib]].<ref name="CS9"/> Filch also has a difficulty in recognising potions, as he did not notice the [[Love Potion]]s disguised as perfumes and [[cough potion]]s by the [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]],<ref name="HBP15"/> nor did he notice the poisoned mead sent in by [[Rosmerta|Madam Rosmerta]] (while under the [[Imperius Curse]] cast by [[Draco Malfoy]]).<ref name="HBP27"/>
+
He seems to be bitter and embarrassed about not being able to use magic, as is demonstrated when [[Harry Potter]] accidentally discovered his [[Kwikspell]] letters in [[1992]].<ref name="CS8"/> [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] also suspects that Filch is always in such a foul mood due to his status as a [[Squib]].<ref name="CS9"/> Filch also has a difficulty in recognising potions, as he did not notice the [[Love Potion|Love Potions]] disguised as perfumes and [[cough potion]]s by the [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]],<ref name="HBP15"/> nor did he notice the poisoned mead sent in by [[Rosmerta|Madam Rosmerta]] (while under the [[Imperius Curse]] cast by [[Draco Malfoy]]).<ref name="HBP27"/>
   
 
==Relationships==
 
==Relationships==
 
===Mrs Norris===
[[File:MrsNorrisOotP.JPG|thumb|150px|right|[[Mrs. Norris]], his cat.]]
 
 
[[File:Qbm74LOlYds.jpg|thumb|left|195px|Argus with his cat, [[Mrs Norris]]]]
===Mrs. Norris===
 
{{Quote|Sniff around, my sweet, they might be lurking in a corner.|Filch to his cat, [[Mrs Norris]].|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
+
{{Quote|Sniff around, my sweet, they might be lurking in a corner.|Filch talking to Mrs. Norris|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
Filch was very attached to his cat, [[Mrs Norris]].<ref name="CS9"/> She had dust-coloured fur and yellow, lamp-like eyes. She was said to be highly unpleasant, like her master. Filch had a very strong relationship with his cat; they seemed to have a way of communication, as Mrs Norris usually discovered students breaking rules and Filch always managed to appear on the scene almost seconds later.<ref name="PS8"/> Filch talked to her and called her "my sweet".<ref name="PS9"/> When she was [[Petrification|Petrified]] by [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]], Filch was devastated and started sobbing, which made [[Harry Potter]] feel slightly sorry for him.<ref name="CS9"/>
 
Filch was very attached to his cat, [[Mrs Norris]].<ref name="CS9"/> She had dust-coloured fur and yellow, lamp-like eyes. She was said to be highly unpleasant, like her master. Filch had a very strong relationship with his cat; they seemed to have a way of communication, as Mrs Norris usually discovered students breaking rules and Filch always managed to appear on the scene almost seconds later.<ref name="PS8"/> Filch talked to her and called her "my sweet".<ref name="PS9"/> When she was [[Petrification|Petrified]] by [[Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk]], Filch was devastated and started sobbing, which made [[Harry Potter]] feel slightly sorry for him.<ref name="CS9"/>
   
 
===Peeves===
 
===Peeves===
[[File:PeevesJKR.jpg|thumb|150px|left|[[Peeves]] the [[poltergeist]].]]
+
[[File:PeevesJKR.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Peeves]] the poltergeist]]
{{Quote|PEEVES! What's this racket? Wake up the whole castle, will you? I'll have you, Peeves, I'll have you, you'll… and what is this? Egg? My sweet! This is a Triwizard clue! This belongs to a school champion! PEEVES! You've been stealing! Hiding, are you? I'm coming to get you, Peeves… You've gone and stolen a Triwizard clue, Peeves… Dumbledore'll have you out of here for this, you filthy, pilfering poltergeist…|Filch's paranoia with [[Peeves]], after [[Harry Potter]] (under his [[Cloak of Invisibility|Invisibility Cloak]]) drops his [[Golden egg]].|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire}}
+
{{Quote|PEEVES! What's this racket? Wake up the whole castle, will you? I'll have you, Peeves, I'll have you, you'll… and what is this? Egg? My sweet! This is a Triwizard clue! This belongs to a school champion! PEEVES! You've been stealing! Hiding, are you? I'm coming to get you, Peeves… You've gone and stolen a Triwizard clue, Peeves… Dumbledore'll have you out of here for this, you filthy, pilfering poltergeist…|Filch's paranoia with Peeves, after Harry Potter (under his [[Cloak of Invisibility|Invisibility Cloak]]) drops his [[Golden egg]]|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire}}
Filch and [[Peeves]], the [[Poltergeist]], were sworn enemies for over twenty-five years.<ref name="DH30"/> Filch never ceased his futile efforts to get Peeves expelled from the castle, and Peeves never stopped taunting Filch. To annoy Filch, Peeves would trap Mrs Norris in [[Suit of armour|suits of armour]],<ref name="OP30"/> drop chandeliers,<ref name="OP30"/> play tennis against the Castle walls in the middle of the night,<ref name="PS14"/> stick wads of gum in keyholes<ref name="PA7">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 7 (''The Boggart in the Wardrobe'')</ref> and caused general mayhem, which Filch was later responsible for fixing and cleaning up. It is presumed that this on going war between them continued after the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].
+
Filch and Peeves, the [[Poltergeist]], were sworn enemies for over twenty-five years.<ref name="DH30" /> Filch never ceased his futile efforts to get Peeves expelled from the castle, and Peeves never stopped taunting Filch. To annoy Filch, Peeves would trap Mrs Norris in [[Suit of armour|suits of armour]],<ref name="OP30" /> drop chandeliers,<ref name="OP30" /> play tennis against the Castle walls in the middle of the night,<ref name="PS14" /> stick wads of gum in keyholes<ref name="PA7">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' - Chapter 7 (''The Boggart in the Wardrobe'')</ref> and caused general mayhem, which Filch was later responsible for fixing and cleaning up. It is presumed that this on going war between them continued after the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].
   
 
===Fred and George Weasley===
 
===Fred and George Weasley===
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a-b-a|George Weasley|Well… when we were in our first year, Harry — young, carefree, and innocent —|Fred Weasley|— well, more innocent than we are now — we got into a spot of bother with Filch.|We let off a Dungbomb in the corridor and it upset him for some reason —|So he hauled us off to his office and started threatening us with the usual —|— detention —|— disembowelment —|— and we couldn't help noticing a drawer in one of his filing cabinets marked ''Confiscated and Highly Dangerous''.|Fred and George to Harry Potter about the trouble they cause Filch|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
[[File:Fred&George.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]].]]
+
[[File:Fred&George.jpg|left|thumb|220px|[[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]]]]
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a-b-a|George Weasley|Well… when we were in our first year, Harry — young, carefree, and innocent —|Fred Weasley|— well, more innocent than we are now — we got into a spot of bother with Filch.|We let off a Dungbomb in the corridor and it upset him for some reason —|So he hauled us off to his office and started threatening us with the usual —|— detention —|— disembowelment —|— and we couldn't help noticing a drawer in one of his filing cabinets marked ''Confiscated and Highly Dangerous''.|[[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]] to [[Harry Potter]] in [[1993]].|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
 
The twins [[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]] had a bad relationship with Filch ever since their [[first year]]. Sometime in [[1989]] or [[1990]], Fred and George let off a [[Dungbomb]] and were caught by Filch, who took them to his office and threatened them with his usual unpleasant punishments he always had in mind. The twins noticed a filing cabinet marked ''Confiscated and Highly Dangerous'' so, curious, they let off another [[Dungbomb]] in his office and "nicked" the [[Marauder's Map]], which was stored inside that drawer, from him.<ref name="PA10"/> The caretaker had punished them many times during their Hogwarts years, for their trouble-making. Among his many file cabinets documenting the punishments he handed out over the years, Filch had an entire drawer dedicated to the twins.<ref name="CS8"/>
+
The twins [[Fred Weasley|Fred]] and [[George Weasley]] had a bad relationship with Filch ever since their first year. Sometime in [[1989]] or [[1990]], Fred and George let off a [[Dungbomb]] and were caught by Filch, who took them to his office and threatened them with his usual unpleasant punishments he always had in mind. The twins noticed a filing cabinet marked ''Confiscated and Highly Dangerous'' so, curious, they let off another Dungbomb in his office and "nicked" the [[Marauder's Map]], which was stored inside that drawer, from him.<ref name="PA10" /> The caretaker had punished them many times during their Hogwarts years, for their trouble-making. Among his many file cabinets documenting the punishments he handed out over the years, Filch had an entire drawer dedicated to the twins.<ref name="CS8" />
   
 
===Harry Potter===
 
===Harry Potter===
  +
[[File:0138ootp harry.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Harry Potter]], a student he particularly disliked]]
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Argus Filch|The Headmistress would like to see you, Potter.|Harry Potter|I didn't do it.|Guilty conscience, eh? Follow me.|Argus Filch takes Harry Potter to Headmistress [[Dolores Umbridge]].|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
+
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Argus Filch|The Headmistress would like to see you, Potter.|Harry Potter|I didn't do it.|Guilty conscience, eh? Follow me.|Argus Filch takes Harry Potter to Headmistress [[Dolores Umbridge]]|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
[[File:Normal Filch2.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Filch with [[Ron Weasley]] and [[Harry Potter]].]]
 
Although Filch disliked the most students, [[Harry Potter]] was one of those he disliked most. In [[1991]], Harry managed to get on Filch's bad side on his very first day at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts School]], when he and [[Ronald Weasley]] got lost and inadvertently tried to enter the out-of-bounds [[Third Floor Corridor]].<ref name="PS8"/> The [[1992-1993 school year|next school year]], Filch was furious when Harry learnt that he was a [[Squib]].<ref name="CS8"/> Then, he believed that Harry was the one who petrified [[Mrs Norris]], Filch's cat, as he was one of the few people who knew he was a Squib.<ref name="CS9"/> During the next years, Harry disliked Filch even more, especially when the caretaker took the side of [[Dolores Umbridge]], during Harry's fifth year.<ref name="OP28"/> However, Filch, in a way, helped Harry Potter and the [[Order of the Phoenix]] defeat the [[Death Eaters]], as he helped McGonagall call Peeves during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].<ref name="DH30"/> During the Battle, when the Death Eaters marched towards the Castle with Harry's "dead body", he stood grimly by [[Horace Slughorn]], [[Pomona Sprout]] and [[Poppy Pomfrey]],<ref name="DHpt2"/> presumably because he knew Harry's death meant the victory of the [[Death Eaters]].
+
Although Filch disliked the most students, Harry Potter was one of those he disliked most. In 1991, Harry managed to get on Filch's bad side on his very first day at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts School]], when he and [[Ronald Weasley]] got lost and inadvertently tried to enter the out-of-bounds [[Third Floor Corridor]].<ref name="PS8" /> The next school year, Filch was furious when Harry learnt that he was a [[Squib]].<ref name="CS8" /> Then, he believed that Harry was the one who petrified [[Mrs Norris|Mrs. Norris]], Filch's cat, as he was one of the few people who knew he was a Squib.<ref name="CS9" /> During the next years, Harry disliked Filch even more, especially when the caretaker took the side of Dolores Umbridge, during Harry's fifth year.<ref name="OP28" /> However, Filch, in a way, helped Harry Potter and the [[Order of the Phoenix]] defeat the [[Death Eaters]], as he helped McGonagall call Peeves during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].<ref name="DH30" /> During the Battle, when the Death Eaters marched towards the Castle with Harry's "dead body", he stood grimly by [[Horace Slughorn]], [[Pomona Sprout]], and [[Poppy Pomfrey]],<ref name="DHpt2" /> presumably because he knew Harry's death meant the victory of the [[Death Eaters]].
   
[[File:Healers Filch.jpg|thumb|Filch emptying all of the magical paintings under Dolores' rule.]]
 
 
===Dolores Umbridge===
 
===Dolores Umbridge===
 
{{Dialogue a-b|Dolores Umbridge|Hurry, Filch, hurry! ''[The fireworks]'' 'll be all over the school unless we do something ''Stupefy''. Don't Stun them, Filch!|Argus Filch|Right you are, Headmistress!|Umbridge Stuns one of the Weasley twins' [[Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs]], and blames it on Filch|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
[[File:Imeldadr7.jpg|thumb|right|[[Dolores Umbridge]].]]
+
[[File:Dolores Umbridge.jpg|thumb|left|195px|[[Dolores Umbridge]]]]
{{Dialogue a-b|Dolores Umbridge|Hurry, Filch, hurry! ''[The fireworks]'' 'll be all over the school unless we do something - ''Stupefy''. Don't Stun them, Filch!|Argus Filch|Right you are, Headmistress!|Umbridge [[Stunning Spell|Stuns]] one of the Weasley twins' [[Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs]], and blames it on Filch.|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
 
As [[Dolores Umbridge]] was a sadist who enjoyed torturing students, Filch could relate to this.<ref name="OP28"/> Also, as Umbridge [[Approval for Whipping|granted]] Filch permission to torture misbehaving students,<ref name="OP29"/> whereas Dumbledore would never even think of such things, he had loyalty to her.<ref name="OP28"/> He is the only person who liked her at the school.<ref name="OP30"/> Umbridge has gone through great lengths to gain Filch's loyalty, such as giving him permission to torture, and to have Peeves dismissed, due to Filch's knowledge around the school's secret passageways being second only to the Weasley twins.<ref name="OP28"/> Otherwise, she didn't seem to like him much, blaming him for [[Stunning Spell|Stunning]] some [[Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs|enchanted fireworks]] and having it explode all over the place, when it was in fact her own doing.<ref name="OP28"/>
+
As Dolores Umbridge was a sadist who enjoyed torturing students, Filch could relate to this.<ref name="OP28" /> Also, as Umbridge [[Approval for Whipping|granted]] Filch permission to torture misbehaving students,<ref name="OP29" /> whereas Dumbledore would never even think of such things, he had loyalty to her.<ref name="OP28" /> He is the only person who liked her at the school.<ref name="OP30" />
  +
  +
<nowiki> </nowiki>Umbridge has gone through great lengths to gain Filch's loyalty, such as giving him permission to torture, and to have Peeves dismissed, due to Filch's knowledge around the school's secret passageways being second only to the Weasley twins.<ref name="OP28" /> Otherwise, she didn't seem to like him much, blaming him for [[Stunning Spell|Stunning]] some [[Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs|enchanted fireworks]] and having it explode all over the place, when it was in fact her own doing.<ref name="OP28" />
   
 
===Severus Snape===
 
===Severus Snape===
 
{{Dialogue a-b|Argus Filch|You asked me to come directly to you, Professor, if anyone was wandering around at night, and somebody's been in the library Restricted Section.|Severus Snape|The Restricted Section? Well, they can't be far, we'll catch them.|Filch and [[Severus Snape|Snape]] try to catch and punish students|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
[[File:Severus Snape.jpg|thumb|left|Professor [[Severus Snape]].]]
+
[[File:Severus Snape.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Professor [[Severus Snape]]]]
{{Dialogue a-b|Argus Filch|You asked me to come directly to you, Professor, if anyone was wandering around at night, and somebody's been in the library Restricted Section.|Severus Snape|The Restricted Section? Well, they can't be far, we'll catch them.|Filch and [[Severus Snape|Snape]] try to catch and punish students.|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
As [[Severus Snape]] is a strict and somewhat cruel teacher, Filch respects that and acts a loyal subordinate to him.<ref name="PS11"/> They both love to give students a hard time, unfair punishments, and cruel aspects of such punishments.<ref name="HBP12"/> Snape, in turn, does not show much respect to the caretaker, and simply treats him as a minion.<ref name="GF25"/> Also, while Snape gives leniency to the [[Slytherin]], Filch sees no such mercy.<ref name="HBP15"/> Filch was also caretaker when Snape was a student at Hogwarts.<ref name="HBP24"/>
+
As [[Severus Snape]] is a strict and somewhat cruel teacher, Filch respects that and acts a loyal subordinate to him.<ref name="PS11" /> They both love to give students a hard time, unfair punishments, and cruel aspects of such punishments.<ref name="HBP12" /> Snape, in turn, does not show much respect to the caretaker, and simply treats him as a minion.<ref name="GF25" /> Also, while Snape gives leniency to the [[Slytherin]], Filch sees no such mercy.<ref name="HBP15" /> Filch was also caretaker when Snape was a student at <ref name="HBP24" />Hogwarts. The two also share a particular dislike of Harry Potter.
   
During his tenure as [[Headmaster]], Snape kept Filch working at Hogwarts despite his status as a [[Squib]].<ref name="DH29"/> It is unknown whether this was for his loyalty to Snape, his long years of service to the school, or his ability to catch troublemakers through his extensive knowledge of the Castle's secrets.
+
During his tenure as [[Headmaster]], Snape kept Filch working at Hogwarts despite his status as a [[Squib]].
   
  +
<ref name="DH29" /> It is unknown whether this was for his loyalty to Snape, his long years of service to the school, or his ability to catch troublemakers through his extensive knowledge of the Castle's secrets.
===Irma Pince===
 
[[File:Irmaa.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Madam Pince.]]
 
{{Dialogue a-b|Hermione Granger|She'll ban you from the library if you're not careful. Why did you have to bring that stupid book?|Harry Potter|It's not my fault she's barking mad, Hermione. Or d'you think she overheard you being rude about Filch? I've always thought there might be something between them…|[[Hermione Granger]] and [[Harry Potter]] speculate about a relationship between Pince and Filch.|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
 
   
 
===Irma Pince===
[[Harry Potter]] once speculated that there was "something going on" romantically between Filch and [[Irma Pince]], the equally ancient and irascible Hogwarts librarian.<ref name="HBP15"/>
 
  +
[[File:PinceProfile.png|left|thumb|200px|[[Irma Pince]]]]
 
{{Dialogue a-b|Hermione Granger|She'll ban you from the library if you're not careful. Why did you have to bring that stupid book?|Harry Potter|It's not my fault she's barking mad, Hermione. Or d'you think she overheard you being rude about Filch? I've always thought there might be something between them…|[[Harry Potter]] speculates about a relationship between Pince and Filch|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
   
It is possible that he only said this in jest, however they were seen at Dumbledore's funeral together.<ref name="HBP30"/>
+
Harry Potter once speculated that there was "something going on" romantically between Filch and [[Irma Pince]], the equally ancient and irascible Hogwarts librarian.<ref name="HBP15"/> It is possible that he only said this in jest, however they were seen at Dumbledore's funeral together.<ref name="HBP30" />
   
 
===Hogwarts staff===
 
===Hogwarts staff===
 
Filch's relationship with most professors is unknown. The only thing that is known is that he respects many of them, and does what they say without question.<ref name="HBP15"/><ref name="HBP12"/> Most of the staff appeared to dislike Filch's grumpy and antipathic personality, such as [[Minerva McGonagall]], who could often be irritated by his behaviour,<ref name="DH30"/> and [[Horace Slughorn]], who intended to report him for being more concerned about cleaning up than with the students' security.<ref name="HBP22"/> Slughorn seemed to have, however, put their differences aside when he tended to Filch's injuries during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].<ref name="DHpt2"/> Others, like [[Pomona Sprout]] were sympathetic and kind towards him.<ref name="CS13"/>
 
Filch's relationship with most professors is unknown. The only thing that is known is that he respects many of them, and does what they say without question.<ref name="HBP15"/><ref name="HBP12"/> Most of the staff appeared to dislike Filch's grumpy and antipathic personality, such as [[Minerva McGonagall]], who could often be irritated by his behaviour,<ref name="DH30"/> and [[Horace Slughorn]], who intended to report him for being more concerned about cleaning up than with the students' security.<ref name="HBP22"/> Slughorn seemed to have, however, put their differences aside when he tended to Filch's injuries during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].<ref name="DHpt2"/> Others, like [[Pomona Sprout]] were sympathetic and kind towards him.<ref name="CS13"/>
   
[[File:;io.PNG|thumb|left|250px|Filch and [[Horace Slughorn|Professor Slughorn]].]]
+
[[File:;io.PNG|thumb|right|215px|Filch and [[Horace Slughorn|Professor Slughorn]].]]
 
Filch also appeared to respect Headmaster [[Albus Dumbledore]] very much. Dumbledore appeared to like Filch, although the latter was unpleasant. When Filch's cat, Mrs Norris, was petrified, Dumbledore seemed to care about Filch and his cat.<ref name="CS9"/>
 
Filch also appeared to respect Headmaster [[Albus Dumbledore]] very much. Dumbledore appeared to like Filch, although the latter was unpleasant. When Filch's cat, Mrs Norris, was petrified, Dumbledore seemed to care about Filch and his cat.<ref name="CS9"/>
   
Line 282: Line 278:
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
[[File:253px-Hp097-1.jpg|thumb|Filch as a LEGO minifigure]]
+
[[File:253px-Hp097-1.jpg|thumb|left|Filch as a LEGO minifigure]]
 
*Filch is portrayed by [[Great Britain|British]] actor [[David Bradley]] in the [[Harry Potter films|film adaptations]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)|Chamber of Secrets]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)|Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)|Goblet of Fire]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|Order of the Phoenix]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|Half-Blood Prince]]'' and ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2|Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''.
 
*Filch is portrayed by [[Great Britain|British]] actor [[David Bradley]] in the [[Harry Potter films|film adaptations]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)|Chamber of Secrets]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)|Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)|Goblet of Fire]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|Order of the Phoenix]]'', ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|Half-Blood Prince]]'' and ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2|Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]''.
 
*Filch's role in the films is much the same as his role in the books, though in the [[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)|fourth movie]], he was used more as comic relief. He was seen setting off the [[cannon]] to signal the start of a [[Triwizard Tournament|Triwizard]] task too early, dancing with his cat, and running into the Great Hall in a bizarre manner. He was also present with Mrs Norris as Professor McGonagall conducted a dance lesson, and played the tune "[[Neville's Waltz]]" from the album ''[[Wizard Waltz]]'' for her. Similarly, in the [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|fifth movie]], Filch is constantly making unsuccessful attempts to uncover [[Dumbledore's Army]], and is jinxed with [[Fever Fudge|exploding boils]] by [[Fred and George Weasley]]. In the final film instalment, Filch is once again a comedic role; screaming that students are out of bed shortly after the [[ousting of Severus Snape]], and attempting to sweep a huge pile of rubble with his broom immediately after the Battle.
 
*Filch's role in the films is much the same as his role in the books, though in the [[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)|fourth movie]], he was used more as comic relief. He was seen setting off the [[cannon]] to signal the start of a [[Triwizard Tournament|Triwizard]] task too early, dancing with his cat, and running into the Great Hall in a bizarre manner. He was also present with Mrs Norris as Professor McGonagall conducted a dance lesson, and played the tune "[[Neville's Waltz]]" from the album ''[[Wizard Waltz]]'' for her. Similarly, in the [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|fifth movie]], Filch is constantly making unsuccessful attempts to uncover [[Dumbledore's Army]], and is jinxed with [[Fever Fudge|exploding boils]] by [[Fred and George Weasley]]. In the final film instalment, Filch is once again a comedic role; screaming that students are out of bed shortly after the [[ousting of Severus Snape]], and attempting to sweep a huge pile of rubble with his broom immediately after the Battle.
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*In the early ''Harry Potter'' [[Harry Potter films|films]], Filch is seen supporting the [[Slytherin Quidditch team]] during matches.
 
*In the early ''Harry Potter'' [[Harry Potter films|films]], Filch is seen supporting the [[Slytherin Quidditch team]] during matches.
 
*Filch plays a minor role in ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''. He is generally just an obstacle, introduced in "The Restricted Section" level. In most levels involving Filch, he would walk around waving his lantern, unless Mrs Norris, his cat, meowed at the player. This would cause Filch to run up to the player who attracted Mrs Norris and strangle them. While being attacked, the player must switch characters and jinx the cat, causing Filch to run away and search the nearest exit. In one bonus level, Filch and Ron must work on a team to make a [[Polyjuice Potion]], and get a Gold Brick from a [[Slytherin]]-Only Door. Being a Squib, Filch cannot do any magic and has only two actions: mêlée with his lantern, and unleash Mrs Norris, who can dig and jump over far areas.
 
*Filch plays a minor role in ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''. He is generally just an obstacle, introduced in "The Restricted Section" level. In most levels involving Filch, he would walk around waving his lantern, unless Mrs Norris, his cat, meowed at the player. This would cause Filch to run up to the player who attracted Mrs Norris and strangle them. While being attacked, the player must switch characters and jinx the cat, causing Filch to run away and search the nearest exit. In one bonus level, Filch and Ron must work on a team to make a [[Polyjuice Potion]], and get a Gold Brick from a [[Slytherin]]-Only Door. Being a Squib, Filch cannot do any magic and has only two actions: mêlée with his lantern, and unleash Mrs Norris, who can dig and jump over far areas.
*Despite the fact that Filch never directly participated in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in the book, he appears to have participated in some measure in the film. He is seen later being tended by [[Horace Slughorn]], where Filch apparently suffered a significant gash to his arm.
+
*Despite the fact that Filch never directly participated in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in the book, he appears to have participated in some measure in the film. In a deleted scene, he was seen locking up all of the Slytherin students in the dungeons, although they were all freed when the dungeons were damaged in an explosion. He is seen later being tended by [[Horace Slughorn]], where Filch apparently suffered a significant gash to his arm.
 
*In the PC version of the [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)|video game adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', when Harry is escaping from the library after seeing the Mirror of Erised, he claims to have "locked the only door out of here". Said door (actually a secret passage concealed behind a bookcase) is obviously magically locked. How Filch accomplished this is unclear, given his status as a Squib.
 
*In the PC version of the [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)|video game adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', when Harry is escaping from the library after seeing the Mirror of Erised, he claims to have "locked the only door out of here". Said door (actually a secret passage concealed behind a bookcase) is obviously magically locked. How Filch accomplished this is unclear, given his status as a Squib.
  +
*Interestingly, Filch's love of medieval punishments would finally be achieved when the actor who played him in the films, David Bradley, would go on to play Lord Walder Frey in the famous ''Game of Thrones'' television series. In the show, Frey was a grouchy, temperamental man (much like Filch), and committed one of the most violent acts on television, the Red Wedding, where he oversaw the brutal murders of Robb Stark and his army. He also had Catlyn Stark killed, whose actress ironically also played Hermione Granger's mother in ''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One''.
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==
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Revision as of 18:22, 6 January 2016

GSnitch Argus Filch is nominated for featured article. Feel free to review this article's entry.


"I bet you'll think twice about breaking a school rule again, won't you, eh? Oh, yes… hard work and pain are the best teachers, if you ask me… It's just a pity they let the old punishments die out… hang you by your wrists from the ceiling for a few days, I've got the chains still in my office, keep 'em well oiled in case they're ever needed… Right, off we go, and don't think of running off, now. It'll be worse for you if you do."
— Argus Filch escorts Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and Draco Malfoy to their detention in the Forbidden Forest[src]

Argus Filch was a Squib and the caretaker of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry since around 1973. Filch usually wandered around the school corridors with his cat Mrs Norris, trying to catch students breaking the school rules and complaining about Peeves the Poltergeist. In 1992, after Mrs Norris was petrified by Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk, Filch was furious; however, his cat was healed by the end of the year. In 1995, when Dolores Umbridge became High Inquisitor at Hogwarts, Filch gladly supported her. The next year, he was responsible for recognising Dark objects that were brought into Hogwarts. He helped the students leave the school during the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998. He kept his job of caretaker after the Second Wizarding War. Filch is the only one of the Hogwarts staff to stay at Hogwarts Castle during the summer holidays.[7]

Biography

Early life

Little is known about Filch's early life. He was born to at least one wizard parent sometime before 1956[1] somewhere in the British Isles. Despite his magical parentage, Filch was a Squib, meaning he could not perform magic.[2]

Career at Hogwarts

Early years

"Haven't you been complaining about Peeves for a quarter of a century?"
Minerva McGonagall, in 1998, relays for how long Filch has been working at Hogwarts[src]
FilchNorris

Filch with Mrs. Norris

In around 1973, Filch joined the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,[6] succeeding Apollyon Pringle as Caretaker.[8] Filch waged a constant war against the students and Peeves, the school's resident poltergeist.[9] He disliked the students and constantly hassled them over the littlest infraction and took delight in the doling out of detention-worthy write-ups.[10] By the end of the 1970s, Filch had already filled at least one thousand and fifty-six boxes with punishment records.[11]

Filch frequently patrolled the hallways at night-time, hunting down students wandering out of bed and looking for excuses to give them detentions.[12] In his years as Caretaker, Filch learned all about the Castle's secret passageways and hidden doors better than anyone but the Weasley twins and the Marauders.[9]

Filch lived in a dingy and windowless office containing filing cabinets with detailed records of all the students Filch had disciplined. A highly polished collection of chains and manacles hung on the wall behind Filch's desk. He always begged Headmaster Albus Dumbledore to let him suspend students by their ankles from the ceiling.[10]

During the 1970s, Filch did many write-ups of James Potter and Sirius Black, occasionally accompanied by the names of Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew.[11] In the 1977-1978 school year, Filch, probably on a tip-off from Severus Snape, whose obsession it had become to expose his arch-rival, James Potter in wrongdoing, confiscated the Marauder's Map after the Marauders over-reached themselves and were cornered.[13] Filch stored the map in a cabinet marked "Confiscated and Highly Dangerous".[14] It is doubtful that Filch knew what the Map was, as he was a Squib and could not make the map work properly.[14]

The Map was kept in Filch's office until Fred and George Weasley 'nicked' it during their first year (1989-1990 school year) at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry after being hauled to his office for letting off a Dungbomb in a corridor.[14]

By the 1990s, Filch had Mrs Norris, his cat, following Rubeus Hagrid every time he went up into the Castle.[9]

1991—1992 school year

Peeves: "STUDENTS OUT OF BED! STUDENTS OUT OF BED DOWN THE CHARMS CORRIDOR!"
Argus Filch: "Which way did they go, Peeves? Quick, tell me."
Peeves: "Say 'please'."
Argus Filch: "Don't mess with me, Peeves, now where did they go?'"
Peeves: "Shan't say nothing if you don't say please."
Argus Filch: "All right — please."
Peeves: "NOTHING! Ha haaa! Told you I wouldn't say nothing if you didn't say please! Ha ha! Haaaaaa!"
— Argus Filch tries to catch Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom, but is distracted by Peeves[src]
Filch Forbidden Corridor

Filch tries to catch Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom in the Third Floor Corridor.

During the Start-of-Term Feast in the evening of 1 September, Filch stood by the double doors leading to the Great Hall as Headmaster Albus Dumbledore gave his start-of-term notices.[15]

On their very first morning at Hogwarts, 2 September, 1991, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley managed to get on Filch's wrong side. Filch found them trying to force their way through the door of the out-of-bounds corridor on the third floor. Despite their truthful claims they were lost, Filch did not believe them and threatened to lock them in the dungeons. They were saved by Quirinus Quirrell, who vouched for them while passing by.[9]

On 12 September, Draco Malfoy challenged Harry Potter to a duel in the Trophy Room at midnight. Malfoy, however, never showed up and instead tipped Filch that would be students out of bed in the Trophy Room. Filch almost caught Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom, but they managed to hide in the Forbidden Corridor as Peeves distracted Filch with his jokes.[12]

On 8 November, Filch helped Severus Snape heal the injuries on his leg after the Potions Master had been bitten by Fluffy, by handing him bandages.[16]

On Christmas, Albus Dumbledore gave Harry Potter his father's Invisibility Cloak. Harry used it that night to sneak into the Restricted Section and research about Nicolas Flamel, which he knew was related to the Philosopher's Stone. After he opened a book that screamed, Filch arrived on the scene almost immediately but was unable to see Harry. Filch warned Snape at once and Harry, while trying to avoid them, hid in an unused classroom and stumbled into the Mirror of Erised for the first time.[5]

FilchtoForbiddenForest

Filch takes Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and Draco Malfoy to their detention in the Forbidden Forest.

After Harry Potter and Hermione Granger had carried Norbert to the Astronomy Tower, so that Charles Weasley's colleagues could take the dragon to Romania, Filch caught the pair roaming the Astronomy Corridor on their way back to Gryffindor Tower in the early hours of 10 May, 1992.[17] The caretaker took them to Minerva McGonagall's office, where they were joined by Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy who were too caught out of bed. They were given detention in the Forbidden Forest, along with a large house point deduction each.[18] On 26 May, Filch brought them to Rubeus Hagrid, who would go with them into the Forbidden Forest. Filch tried to frighten them, by telling that many dangerous creatures lived there, but he did not manage to, as Hagrid was friendly and ensured that all of them were safe.[18]

1992—1993 school year

Argus Filch: "What's going on here? What's going on? My cat! My cat! What's happened to Mrs Norris? You! You! You've murdered my cat! You've killed her! I'll kill you! I'll —"
Albus Dumbledore: " Argus! Come with me, Argus. You, too, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger."
— Argus Filch accuses Harry Potter of having killed Mrs. Norris[src]
Harry-potter2-movie-screencaps

Filch after bringing Harry Potter and Ron Weasley to Snape's office

At the beginning of the year, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley arrived at school, not via the Hogwarts Express, but in Arthur Weasley's Flying Ford Anglia; Minerva McGonagall, their Head of House, gave them different punishments. Ron had to help Filch polish the silvers at the Trophy Room without using magic.[19] Ron spent the evening of 5 September, 1992 with Filch, and kept burping up slugs all over Tom Riddle's Special Award for Services to the School.[20]

During the 1992–1993 school year, Filch tried to improve his status as a Squib using a Kwikspell course. Of course, as Filch had no inherent magical powers this was of little use. After the Gryffindor Quidditch team trainings on 24 October, Mrs Norris saw Harry Potter who was covered in soil and dirt. Soon, Filch discovered Harry and got him to his office. However, before he attempted to punish Harry, Filch heard a noise and realised that Peeves had damaged a very valuable Vanishing Cabinet. He left Harry and ran to find Peeves. This, however, made the caretaker excited, as he thought that Dumbledore would kick Peeves out of Hogwarts. However, when he returned to his office, he learned that Harry had read his letter, about Kwikspell courses. Filch was furious and kicked Harry out off his office, trying to convince him that the letter was not his, and ordering him not to tell anyone.[10]

Writting on the wall

Filch and Harry Potter standing under message written on the corridor walls and staring at a petrified Mrs Norris (not pictured).

During the school year, a mysterious, dangerous monster wandered around the Castle corridors and attacked people. The first individual to be attacked was Mrs Norris, Filch's cat, whom he had a very close relationship with. The cat was found petrified under a message written on the wall saying that "THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE", causing Filch tremendous stress and concern; he believed that Harry Potter was the one who petrified her, as he knew that Filch was a Squib. Severus Snape agreed with Filch, not because he had the same opinion, but because he wanted Harry to be punished. However, Dumbledore managed to convince Filch that Harry was not the guilty one, as he could not have performed such Dark magic, being twelve years old at the time.[2][10]

After the attack, Filch frequently paced the corridor in which it had taken place, as though hoping for the attacker to return. He even put a chair against the wall to keep guard there. On occasion, he fruitlessly scrubbed the message with Mrs. Skower's All-Purpose Magical Mess Remover, but to no effect. During this time, he became more vicious than ever, and wrote students up for things like "breathing loudly" and "looking happy".[2]

Sometime in January, 1993, Moaning Myrtle flooded her bathroom after Ginny Weasley tried to dispose of Tom Riddle's diary in her bathroom. Filch shouted in a hysterical voice about all the work he would have mopping up all night, and ran to Headmaster Dumbledore slamming a door behind him.[20]

In early February, Professor Sprout kindly assured Filch she would have Mrs. Norris back in no time, as the Mandrakes, who were maturing for the Mandrake Restorative Draught, were already moody, secretive and with acne.[20]

At the end of the year, Filch attended the End-of-Term Feast, reunited with his cat.[21] His cat was cured via the administration of Professor Snape's Mandrake Restorative Draught, brewed with Professor Sprout's Mandrakes.[22] He learned that the one who petrified Mrs. Norris was the memory of Tom Riddle, the one who controlled Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk.

1993—1994 school year

Argus Filch: "What are you doing?"
Harry Potter: "Nothing."
Argus Filch: "Nothing! A likely story! Sneaking around on your own — why aren't you in Hogsmeade buying Stink Pellets and Belch Powder and Whizzing Worms like the rest of your nasty little friends? Well, get back to your common room where you belong!"
— Filch is suspicious of Harry Potter as he wanders around the school[src]
File:FlitwickConductingTheChoirPOA.png

Argus Filch (far left) during the 1993 Start-of-Term Feast

During the next school year, the alleged mass-murderer Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban and the Ministry of Magic stationed Dementors around the entrances to the grounds in order to protect the school and Harry Potter, which was thought to be Black's target.[23]

On 1 September, 1993, Filch attended the Start-of-Term Feast, and stood in the raised platform by the High Table while the school choir and orchestra led a presentation of Something Wicked This Way Comes.[24]

On 31 October, Filch stood by the Entrance Hall checking the names of those going to the first Hogsmeade trip of the term. He later told Harry Potter off for wandering around on his own, which he thought suspicious.[25]

Albus-filch

Argus Filch and Albus Dumbledore talking to the Fat Lady

Later in the evening of that same day, Sirius Black broke into the Castle and tried to enter Gryffindor Tower; this resulted in the destruction of the Fat Lady's portrait.[25] Filch helped secure the Castle on Professor Dumbledore's instruction, lowering the portcullis and bolting the front doors of the Clock Tower.[26] Filch searched both the dungeons,[25] the Astronomy Tower and the Owlery,[26] but found no sign of him. Filch was also charged with restoring the Fat Lady's portrait,[25] and he did so expertly.[27]

That same year, Harry Potter was given the Marauder's Map by Fred and George Weasley, using it to sneak into Hogsmeade Village and walk throughout the castle, without Filch noticing him.[14]

In December, Filch attended the Christmas feast, in which he departed with his usual brown coat and wore a very old and rather mouldy-looking tailcoat.[28]

After Sirius Black's second break-in in the evening of 5 February, Filch bustled around the corridors boarding up everything from tiny cracks in the walls to mouse holes.[27]

1994—1995 school year

"So! Now that we are all fed and watered I must once more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it."
Albus Dumbledore starts his announcements over the Start-of-Term Feast[src]

Before the start of the school term, Filch extended the list of forbidden objects within the school premises so that it included four hundred and thirty-seven items, including Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs.[29]

That school year, the Triwizard Tournament took place at Hogwarts. Delegations of students from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute came to Hogwarts in order to watch the Tournament and sign up to be chosen as one of the champions.[29][30]

Filch & mrs

Filch attending the Yule Ball with Mrs. Norris

In October, Filch underwent an extra-thorough cleaning of the Castle and acted ferociously to any students who forgot to wipe their shoes. On one occasion, he terrified a pair of first-year girls into hysterics.[30] During the Hallowe'en feast on 31 October, Filch wore his mouldy old tailcoat and added chairs to accommodate Igor Karkaroff, Olympe Maxime, Ludovic Bagman, and Bartemius Crouch Sr. at the Staff Table. Filch, later, brought the jewel-incrusted casket with the Goblet of Fire inside.[31]

On several occasions in December, Filch had to take Peeves from inside suits of armour, where he had taken to hide, singing Christmas carols with very rude lyrics of his own invention.[32]

Mr. Filch attended the Yule Ball on Christmas night, where he stood alone with Mrs. Norris on his arms humming the waltz tunes to his cat.[33]

FilchPatrolling

Filch patrolling the school corridors at night

In the night of 21 January, 1995, Filch almost caught Harry Potter while on his way back to Gryffindor Tower after having been in the Prefects' bathroom trying to solve the Golden Egg riddle for the Triwizard Tournament. Filch was joined by Severus Snape when the two got hold of Harry's Golden Egg and the Marauder's Map. As Snape discussed with Filch, he wanted to take those objects in order to find who they belonged to (suspecting that they were Harry's). He also told him that someone had broken into his office. Then, Professor Alastor Moody (actually Barty Crouch Jr. under the Polyjuice Potion) appeared and made them leave, convincing them that no one was there, saving Harry and later giving Harry's things back.[34]

At the end of the year, champion Cedric Diggory was murdered, while everyone learned from Harry about Lord Voldemort's return. The Second Wizarding War began.[35]

1995—1996 school year

Argus Filch: "The Headmistress would like to see you, Potter."
Harry Potter: "I didn't do it."
Argus Filch: "Guilty conscience, eh? Follow me. Things are changing around here, Potter."
Harry Potter: "I've noticed."
Argus Filch: "Yerse… I've been telling Dumbledore for years and years he's too soft with you all. You filthy little beasts would never have dropped Stink Pellets if you'd known I had it in my power to whip you raw, would you, now? Nobody would have thought of throwing Fanged Frisbees down the corridors if I could've strung you up by the ankles in my office, would they? But when Educational Decree Number Twenty-Nine comes in, Potter, I'll be allowed to do them things… and she's asked the Minister to sign an order for the expulsion of Peeves… oh, things are going to be very different around here with her in charge."
— Filch takes Harry Potter to Headmistress Dolores Umbridge[src]
Filch Umbridge promo 1

Filch and High Inquisitor Dolores Umbridge

After Lord Voldemort's return, and as part of its campaign to discredit Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter, the Ministry of Magic instated Dolores Umbridge as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.[36]

Prior to the start of the school term, Filch fastened the list of forbidden items to his office door in an attempt to make students read it. He also told Professor Dumbledore, in what he said was the four-hundred-and-sixty second time, to remind the students that magic was not permitted in corridors between classes.[36]

Filch attended the Start-of-Term Feast in the evening of 1 September, 1995 in which he stood by the double doors leading to the Entrance Hall, and listened attentively to Dolores Umbridge's speech. He apparently realised the Ministry of Magic was going to interfere at Hogwarts that school year, and clapped enthusiastically.[37] Umbridge was a sadistic woman who, like Filch, enjoyed torturing and punishing students. Thus, the caretaker started to support Umbridge and follow her orders.

On 7 September, Filch got a tip-off that Harry Potter was sending in a massive order of Dungbombs. When he got to the Owlery, he found Harry Potter (who had just sent a letter for Sirius Black) and Cho Chang (who was sending her mother a parcel for her birthday).[4] Hermione Granger later speculated that this was Umbridge's doing, as she probably needed an excuse to read Harry's post.[38]

With the passing of Educational Decree Number Twenty-Three, which appointed Dolores Umbridge to the post of High Inquisitor of Hogwarts, the Ministry effectively started its interference at the school.[39] Umbridge started passing Educational Decrees to suppress and outlaw behaviour of which the Ministry did not approve.[40]

In the morning before the first school trip to Hogsmeade of the school year, Filch matched the names of those visiting the village to the long list of students who had permission from their parents or guardian to do so. When Harry Potter reached Filch, the caretaker gave a great sniff as though to detect a whiff of Dungbombs.[41]

Odf-promocional-trelawney

Filch assisting Professor Trelawney with her luggage

On 7 October, Filch hung a copy of the Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four on the Entrance Hall.[37] He was also probably the one to affix the notices with the Decree on the noticeboards of the Common Rooms.[40] Flich also assister Umbridge when she had Trelawney sacked.

On Valentine's Day, 1996, Harry Potter and Cho Chang departed for Hogsmeade together. Filch signed the students out in a queue in the Entrance Hall.[42] Later that same month, after Gryffindor's abysmal performance in their Quidditch match against Hufflepuff, the Slytherin sang Weasley is Our King so loudly and frequently that Filch banned the song from the corridors out of sheer irritation.[43]

Inquisitorial

Filch with Dolores Umbridge and the Inquisitorial Squad catching Dumbledore's Army

In the evening of 20 April, 1996, Marietta Edgecombe denounces the unsanctioned Dumbledore's Army to Dolores Umbridge. Umbridge and her Inquisitorial Squad manage to catch the students leaving the Room of Requirement and Harry Potter, head of the organisation, is taken to the Headmaster's office, joined by Umbridge, Edgecombe, Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, the Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge and his Junior Assistant Percy Weasley, and two Aurors. Professor Dumbledore takes full responsibility for the group, and was to be escorted to the Ministry, where he would be formally charged, and then sent to Azkaban to await trial for conspiracy and sedition. Dumbledore knocked down the Ministry officials, and left the school undetected.[44] The Ministry passed the Educational Decree Number Twenty-Eight overnight, making Dolores Umbridge Headmistress of Hogwarts.[45]

Healers Filch

Filch implementing all of Umbridge's orders, including the removal of all the portraits

Under Umbridge, Filch walked around in an extremely good mood. He hummed creakily under his breath, under the prospect of the changes Umbridge had announced him. He was going to be permitted to bring back the "old punishments" and give students whippings, and she asked the Minister for Magic to sign an order for the expulsion of Peeves, the resident Poltergeist.[45] However, the counterattack against Umbridge was now in full force: much of the student body opposed Umbridge and Filch. On the former's first afternoon as Headmistress, Fred and George Weasley set off an enormous crate of Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs which spread all over the school. At the end of the day, Umbridge was disheveled, sweaty-faced and soot-blackened from trying to extinguish the fireworks, and Filch set one of his brooms ablaze when he tried to swat at the fireworks in midair.[45] Harry Potter helped Dean Thomas mess up the clock in the Clock Tower, Colin Creevey sending the Inquisitorial Squad several rude Howlers in chocolate boxes, and Parvati and Padma Patil pouring Babbling Beverage onto the loudspeakers.[46]

Sometime after the Easter holidays, Fred and George Weasley set off a Portable Swamp on the Fifth Floor Corridor, and left the school in a blaze of glory.[47] They did not leave instructions on how to remove the swamp and, as such, Umbridge and Filch tried fruitlessly different means of removing it. The other teachers, who could have removed the swamp in an instant, preferred instead to watch Umbridge struggle. The area was roped off, and Filch was given the task of getting students across it to their classrooms in a small punt.[48]

Umbridge2

Headmistress Dolores Umbridge and Filch look in shock as Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs spread through the school

Inspired by the twins' legendary flight to freedom, a great number of students wreaked havoc in the school: Lee Jordan[49] put Nifflers into Umbridge's office, which promptly tore the place apart while searching for shiny objects and leapt on Umbridge when she entered, trying to gnaw the rings off her fingers. Dungbombs and Stink Pellets were frequently dropped in the corridors, so that students performed Bubble-Head Charms on themselves to get a supply of fresh air.[48] Due to all those misdeeds, Filch prowled the corridors with a horsewhip ready in his hands, desperate to catch students in the act, but the problem was that there were now so many of them he never knew which way to turn. He was aided by the Inquisitorial Squad, but odd things like antlers sprouting from their heads kept happening to its members.[48]

No one, however, could compete with the master of chaos, Peeves. On two occasions, he shut Mrs. Norris inside a suit of armour, from which she was rescued by a furious Filch, yowling loudly.[48]

After the skirmish between Umbridge and the Forbidden Forest centaur herd and the Battle of the Department of Mysteries on 18 June, Umbridge was confined to the Hospital wing in what Madam Pomfrey said was a case of shock. Umbridge left Hogwarts the day before the end of term, having crept out during dinnertime in hope to depart undetected. She, however, met Peeves on the way, who chased her from the premises, whacking her alternately with Minerva McGonagall's walking stick and a sock full of chalk as the students and teachers watched.[50] Filch brought her her luggage, as she was stopped by a mob of Daily Prophet reporters who took pictures of her escape.[37] Filch was reportedly miserable, as he thought Umbridge was the best thing ever happened to Hogwarts.[50]

Umbridge's Educational Decrees were abolished, as well as her Approval for Whipping, as Albus Dumbledore was reinstated as Headmaster.

1996—1997 school year

Hermione Granger: "We were all searched when we arrived, weren't we?"
Harry Potter: "Were you? I wasn't!"
Hermione Granger: "Oh no, of course you weren't, I forgot you were late. Well, Filch ran over all of us with Secrecy Sensors when we got into the Entrance Hall. Any Dark object would have been found, I know for a fact Crabbe had a shrunken head confiscated. So you see, Malfoy can't have brought in anything dangerous!"
— Hermione Granger and Harry Potter discussing the new security messures[src]
Filch secrecy sensor HBP concept 01

Filch examining the students' possessions that are brought into Hogwarts, using a Secrecy Sensor

Now in open war, upon the students' arrival at the school on 1 September, 1996, Filch was charged with checking the students and their possessions for dark objects with Secrecy Sensors. Filch confiscated a shrunken head from Vincent Crabbe. Filch also had the responsibility of checking all the owls to prevent potentially harmful objects from entering the premises.[51] During the Start-of-Term Feast, Albus Dumbledore informed the students that Filch had asked him to remind the them that there was a blanket ban on any joke items bought at Fred and George Weasley's shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.[52] Filch, however, was hoodwinked by Fred and George's Owl order service, in which their products came disguised as perfumes and cough potions.[53]

After Harry Potter's discovery of the Half-Blood Prince's copy of Advanced Potion-Making he learnt several new spells such as Langlock, a jinx that glued the victim's tongue to the roof of the mouth. Harry cast this jinx, to general applause, on an unsuspecting Argus Filch.[54]

In October, Filch stood as usual in the Entrance Hall checking the names of students who had permission to go in a Hogsmeade weekend trip. The process took longer than normal as Filch triple-checked everybody with his Secrecy Sensor. Ronald Weasley demanded to know what did it matter if the students were smuggling Dark objects out of the premises, and his cheek earned him a few jabs with the Sensor.[54] When the students arrived after the attack on Katie Bell, who had touched a cursed necklace, Filch held his secrecy sensor aloft, but was dismissed by Minerva McGonagall who told him to take the necklace, wrapped in a scarf, to Severus Snape, the expert on Defence Against the Dark Arts.[54]

On 19 December, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger argued and speculated whether or not Filch and Madam Pince were secretly in love with each other.[53]

Slug Party

Filch carries Draco Malfoy to Professor Slughorn's Christmas party

In the evening of the Slug Club Christmas party, on 20 December, Filch caught Draco Malfoy lurking in an upstairs corridor, most likely going to the Room of Requirement to repair the Vanishing Cabinet. In an excuse to escape punishment, Draco told Filch he had been invited to Professor Slughorn's party, and Filch dragged him by the ear to Slughorn's office. Once there, Slughorn said he had not issued him an invitation, but once it was Christmas he let him stay with no punishment.[53]

In the evening of 1 March, 1997, as Rubeus Hagrid was escorting Harry Potter and Hermione Granger from the Hospital wing where Ronald Weasley stayed after ingesting poisoned mead, Filch came across them threatening the students with detention. Hagrid vouched for them, but Filch rudely undermined Hagrid's authority as a teacher, and the two argued loudly as Harry and Hermione hurried off on Hagrid's instruction.[55]

On 17 March, Filch did his usual prodding act with the Secrecy Sensor as some of the sixth-years departed the school for an Apparition lesson at Hogsmeade.[56]

On the evening of Aragog's funeral, Harry Potter, presumably as a consequence of having taken Felix Felicis, strolled the Castle on his way to Hagrid's cabin in the grounds without meeting anyone in his way. Upon arriving at the Entrance Hall, he found that Filch had forgotten to lock the front doors. Harry met Horace Slughorn by the Herbology greenhouses and told him this. The professor said he would be reporting Filch, as "he's more concerned about litter than proper security". As a result, Harry managed to take information from Slughorn about the Horcruxes Voldemort created in order to become immortal, and how he could destroy it.[57]

Filch had been looking for someone to clear out his old punishment files, and when Severus Snape put Harry Potter in detention for hurting Draco Malfoy, he put Harry copying out the misdeeds and punishments afresh and making sure that they were in alphabetical order without the aid of magic.[11]

On 30 June, 1997, a small gang of Death Eaters managed to penetrate the magical protections around the Castle with the help of Draco Malfoy and an assault took place at the Astronomy Tower and the corridors beneath it. Severus Snape joined them, and killed Albus Dumbledore atop the Tower[58] (in fact, Snape was a double agent and was working on Dumbledore's orders).[59]

The Funeral, B6C30M1

Dumbledore's funeral, that Filch attended

In July, Argus Filch attended Dumbledore's funeral in an ancient black suit and tie reeking of mothballs, paying his respects for the man who, despite their opposing views on student punishment, gave him employment as a Squib.[60] During his funeral he sat next to Irma Pince, something Harry Potter took notice of, as he suspected a romantic relationship between the two.

1997—1998 school year

Argus Filch: "Students out of bed! Students in the corridors!"
Minerva McGonagall: "They're supposed to be you blithering idiot! Now go and do something constructive! Find Peeves!"
Argus Filch: "P-Peeves?"
Minerva McGonagall: "Yes, Peeves, you fool, Peeves! Haven't you been complaining about him for a quarter of a century? Go and fetch him, at once."
Minerva McGonagall and Argus Filch, moments prior to the Battle of Hogwarts[src]

On 1 August, 1997, the Ministry of Magic was taken over by Lord Voldemort's Death Eaters.[61] By 1 September, 1997, Severus Snape was made Headmaster of Hogwarts while his fellow Death Eaters, Alecto Carrow and Amycus Carrow became the Muggle Studies and Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers respectively, as well as Deputy Heads.[62]

The Carrows were put in charge of all discipline and punishments, which were violent, including beatings and placing students under the Cruciatus Curse.[63] Filch was kept working at Hogwarts in his capacity of caretaker. It is unknown what was made of Filch, or even if he was mistreated by the Carrows for his status of Squib. Apparently, Filch lost some of his duties, as punishment seemed to be given out exclusively by the Carrows and Severus Snape.

File:57297 glg.jpg

Filch locking up the Slytherin students on McGonagall's orders

In the evening of 1 May, Argus Filch was patrolling the corridors while Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood went to Ravenclaw Tower.[63] Later, after Lord Voldemort gained knowledge from Alecto Carrow that Harry Potter was in the school premises, the Heads of House started conjuring protective enchantments around the school, preparing to fight and waking up students. Filch, unaware of what was happening, came to Professor McGonagall shouting that students were out of bed. McGonagall sent him to do something constructive and find Peeves, for the Poltergeist would be helpful against the Death Eaters.[6]

Later on, Filch and Madam Pomfrey oversaw the evacuation procedure of underage students and of those not willing to fight, via the Room of Requirement.[64] The caretaker stayed in the Castle during the battle,[65] although it is unknown how, as a Squib, he participated in the battle; perhaps he stayed to tend to the fighters' injuries or to aid the Hogwarts forces with his extensive knowledge of the Castle layout and secret passages.

During the battle, Filch was left with a deep gash in his left arm.[65] During the one hour-long interruption in the battle, Filch was at the Great Hall, where his injuries were treated by Horace Slughorn.[65]

HP72-FP-00573-900x506

Filch and others grimly watch as Harry's "dead body" is presented

When the Death Eaters marched to Hogwarts Castle with Harry Potter's "dead body", Filch stood by Pomona Sprout, Poppy Pomfrey and Horace Slughorn with a gloomy expression on his face.[65] Battle recommenced shortly afterwards, and it all ended when Lord Voldemort was finally defeated by Harry Potter in the Great Hall.[66]

Immediately after the battle, Filch grimly looked at a large pile of rubble in the Entrance Hall, which he dutifully began trying to sweep up, while the fighters gathered in the Great Hall mourning over the dead, and celebrating over their victory.[65]

Later life

After the battle, he returned to his position of caretaker, is immediately seen sweeping near the Great Hall[65] and presumably did what he used to; punishing the students and arguing with Peeves the Poltergeist, under Headmistress Minerva McGonagall.

Physical appearance

Filchcloseup

Argus Filch

Argus Filch was a rheumatic man[45] with hunched-shoulders[6] and a hunchback.[55] He had a horrible, pouchy[34] and pasty face[10] and bulging, pale eyes,[5] along with sunken, veined cheeks.[4] He had thin grey hair and quivery jawls.[4] Skinny-ankled,[55] Filch would usually wheeze[9] and shuffle when walking.[10] He had knobbly hands and, whenever he got the flu, a bulbous and unusually purple nose.[10]

Filch usually wore a brown coat,[28] although on special occasions he would wear a moldy-looking tailcoat[28] or an ancient black suit and tie reeking of mothballs.[60] At night, while not patrolling the corridors, Filch wore an old flannel dressing gown.[34]

Personality and traits

Filch had an extremely unpleasant personality.[9] Despite working at a school, Filch seems to hate children, and he is universally despised by all the students,[9] and some members of staff as well.[6] Filch is quite sadistic and delights in doling out punishments, and is always lamenting that he is not allowed to use corporal punishment on students.[18] Filch liked to have the Castle neat and tidy, and was infuriated when students made a mess with potion ingredients, or forgot to wipe their feet.[10]

He was also very domineering and controlling, as demonstrated by the numerous times he asked students what they were doing when they were simply wandering around in what he thought was a suspicious manner.[25]

He seems to be bitter and embarrassed about not being able to use magic, as is demonstrated when Harry Potter accidentally discovered his Kwikspell letters in 1992.[10] Ron Weasley also suspects that Filch is always in such a foul mood due to his status as a Squib.[2] Filch also has a difficulty in recognising potions, as he did not notice the Love Potions disguised as perfumes and cough potions by the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes,[53] nor did he notice the poisoned mead sent in by Madam Rosmerta (while under the Imperius Curse cast by Draco Malfoy).[58]

Relationships

Mrs Norris

File:Qbm74LOlYds.jpg

Argus with his cat, Mrs Norris

"Sniff around, my sweet, they might be lurking in a corner."
— Filch talking to Mrs. Norris[src]

Filch was very attached to his cat, Mrs Norris.[2] She had dust-coloured fur and yellow, lamp-like eyes. She was said to be highly unpleasant, like her master. Filch had a very strong relationship with his cat; they seemed to have a way of communication, as Mrs Norris usually discovered students breaking rules and Filch always managed to appear on the scene almost seconds later.[9] Filch talked to her and called her "my sweet".[12] When she was Petrified by Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk, Filch was devastated and started sobbing, which made Harry Potter feel slightly sorry for him.[2]

Peeves

PeevesJKR

Peeves the poltergeist

"PEEVES! What's this racket? Wake up the whole castle, will you? I'll have you, Peeves, I'll have you, you'll… and what is this? Egg? My sweet! This is a Triwizard clue! This belongs to a school champion! PEEVES! You've been stealing! Hiding, are you? I'm coming to get you, Peeves… You've gone and stolen a Triwizard clue, Peeves… Dumbledore'll have you out of here for this, you filthy, pilfering poltergeist…"
— Filch's paranoia with Peeves, after Harry Potter (under his Invisibility Cloak) drops his Golden egg[src]

Filch and Peeves, the Poltergeist, were sworn enemies for over twenty-five years.[6] Filch never ceased his futile efforts to get Peeves expelled from the castle, and Peeves never stopped taunting Filch. To annoy Filch, Peeves would trap Mrs Norris in suits of armour,[48] drop chandeliers,[48] play tennis against the Castle walls in the middle of the night,[17] stick wads of gum in keyholes[67] and caused general mayhem, which Filch was later responsible for fixing and cleaning up. It is presumed that this on going war between them continued after the Battle of Hogwarts.

Fred and George Weasley

George Weasley: "Well… when we were in our first year, Harry — young, carefree, and innocent —"
Fred Weasley: "— well, more innocent than we are now — we got into a spot of bother with Filch."
George Weasley: "We let off a Dungbomb in the corridor and it upset him for some reason —"
Fred Weasley: "So he hauled us off to his office and started threatening us with the usual —"
George Weasley: "— detention —"
Fred Weasley: "— disembowelment —"
George Weasley: "— and we couldn't help noticing a drawer in one of his filing cabinets marked Confiscated and Highly Dangerous."
— Fred and George to Harry Potter about the trouble they cause Filch[src]
Fred&George

Fred and George Weasley

The twins Fred and George Weasley had a bad relationship with Filch ever since their first year. Sometime in 1989 or 1990, Fred and George let off a Dungbomb and were caught by Filch, who took them to his office and threatened them with his usual unpleasant punishments he always had in mind. The twins noticed a filing cabinet marked Confiscated and Highly Dangerous so, curious, they let off another Dungbomb in his office and "nicked" the Marauder's Map, which was stored inside that drawer, from him.[14] The caretaker had punished them many times during their Hogwarts years, for their trouble-making. Among his many file cabinets documenting the punishments he handed out over the years, Filch had an entire drawer dedicated to the twins.[10]

Harry Potter

0138ootp harry

Harry Potter, a student he particularly disliked

Argus Filch: "The Headmistress would like to see you, Potter."
Harry Potter: "I didn't do it."
Argus Filch: "Guilty conscience, eh? Follow me."
— Argus Filch takes Harry Potter to Headmistress Dolores Umbridge[src]

Although Filch disliked the most students, Harry Potter was one of those he disliked most. In 1991, Harry managed to get on Filch's bad side on his very first day at Hogwarts School, when he and Ronald Weasley got lost and inadvertently tried to enter the out-of-bounds Third Floor Corridor.[9] The next school year, Filch was furious when Harry learnt that he was a Squib.[10] Then, he believed that Harry was the one who petrified Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat, as he was one of the few people who knew he was a Squib.[2] During the next years, Harry disliked Filch even more, especially when the caretaker took the side of Dolores Umbridge, during Harry's fifth year.[45] However, Filch, in a way, helped Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix defeat the Death Eaters, as he helped McGonagall call Peeves during the Battle of Hogwarts.[6] During the Battle, when the Death Eaters marched towards the Castle with Harry's "dead body", he stood grimly by Horace Slughorn, Pomona Sprout, and Poppy Pomfrey,[65] presumably because he knew Harry's death meant the victory of the Death Eaters.

Dolores Umbridge

Dolores Umbridge: "Hurry, Filch, hurry! [The fireworks] 'll be all over the school unless we do something — Stupefy. Don't Stun them, Filch!"
Argus Filch: "Right you are, Headmistress!"
— Umbridge Stuns one of the Weasley twins' Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs, and blames it on Filch[src]
Dolores Umbridge

Dolores Umbridge

As Dolores Umbridge was a sadist who enjoyed torturing students, Filch could relate to this.[45] Also, as Umbridge granted Filch permission to torture misbehaving students,[47] whereas Dumbledore would never even think of such things, he had loyalty to her.[45] He is the only person who liked her at the school.[48]

Umbridge has gone through great lengths to gain Filch's loyalty, such as giving him permission to torture, and to have Peeves dismissed, due to Filch's knowledge around the school's secret passageways being second only to the Weasley twins.[45] Otherwise, she didn't seem to like him much, blaming him for Stunning some enchanted fireworks and having it explode all over the place, when it was in fact her own doing.[45]

Severus Snape

Argus Filch: "You asked me to come directly to you, Professor, if anyone was wandering around at night, and somebody's been in the library Restricted Section."
Severus Snape: "The Restricted Section? Well, they can't be far, we'll catch them."
— Filch and Snape try to catch and punish students[src]
Severus Snape

Professor Severus Snape

As Severus Snape is a strict and somewhat cruel teacher, Filch respects that and acts a loyal subordinate to him.[16] They both love to give students a hard time, unfair punishments, and cruel aspects of such punishments.[54] Snape, in turn, does not show much respect to the caretaker, and simply treats him as a minion.[34] Also, while Snape gives leniency to the Slytherin, Filch sees no such mercy.[53] Filch was also caretaker when Snape was a student at [11]Hogwarts. The two also share a particular dislike of Harry Potter.

During his tenure as Headmaster, Snape kept Filch working at Hogwarts despite his status as a Squib.

[63] It is unknown whether this was for his loyalty to Snape, his long years of service to the school, or his ability to catch troublemakers through his extensive knowledge of the Castle's secrets.

Irma Pince

PinceProfile

Irma Pince

Hermione Granger: "She'll ban you from the library if you're not careful. Why did you have to bring that stupid book?"
Harry Potter: "It's not my fault she's barking mad, Hermione. Or d'you think she overheard you being rude about Filch? I've always thought there might be something between them…"
Harry Potter speculates about a relationship between Pince and Filch[src]

Harry Potter once speculated that there was "something going on" romantically between Filch and Irma Pince, the equally ancient and irascible Hogwarts librarian.[53] It is possible that he only said this in jest, however they were seen at Dumbledore's funeral together.[60]

Hogwarts staff

Filch's relationship with most professors is unknown. The only thing that is known is that he respects many of them, and does what they say without question.[53][54] Most of the staff appeared to dislike Filch's grumpy and antipathic personality, such as Minerva McGonagall, who could often be irritated by his behaviour,[6] and Horace Slughorn, who intended to report him for being more concerned about cleaning up than with the students' security.[57] Slughorn seemed to have, however, put their differences aside when he tended to Filch's injuries during the Battle of Hogwarts.[65] Others, like Pomona Sprout were sympathetic and kind towards him.[20]

;io

Filch and Professor Slughorn.

Filch also appeared to respect Headmaster Albus Dumbledore very much. Dumbledore appeared to like Filch, although the latter was unpleasant. When Filch's cat, Mrs Norris, was petrified, Dumbledore seemed to care about Filch and his cat.[2]

Filch disliked Rubeus Hagrid, the Gamekeeper and later Care of Magical Creatures professor.[55] Filch thought that Hagrid was an oaf, and he also told Mrs Norris, his cat, to watch Hagrid when he entered the castle.[9] Filch also did not care for Hagrid as a professor and treated him as if he were inferior, possibly because he was half-giant.[55] Hagrid, on his side, called Filch "that old git",[9] and a "sneakin' Squib", when the latter insulted him.[55]

Etymology

The name "Argus" comes from Greek mythology, where it was the name of a giant with one hundred eyes who served the goddess Hera as a watchman (much like Mr. Filch's role in patrolling the hallways of Hogwarts). His surname, "Filch", is an English word meaning "to steal", usually in a sneaky manner.

Behind the scenes

File:253px-Hp097-1.jpg

Filch as a LEGO minifigure

  • Filch is portrayed by British actor David Bradley in the film adaptations of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
  • Filch's role in the films is much the same as his role in the books, though in the fourth movie, he was used more as comic relief. He was seen setting off the cannon to signal the start of a Triwizard task too early, dancing with his cat, and running into the Great Hall in a bizarre manner. He was also present with Mrs Norris as Professor McGonagall conducted a dance lesson, and played the tune "Neville's Waltz" from the album Wizard Waltz for her. Similarly, in the fifth movie, Filch is constantly making unsuccessful attempts to uncover Dumbledore's Army, and is jinxed with exploding boils by Fred and George Weasley. In the final film instalment, Filch is once again a comedic role; screaming that students are out of bed shortly after the ousting of Severus Snape, and attempting to sweep a huge pile of rubble with his broom immediately after the Battle.
  • The films omit Peeves the Poltergeist, and so Filch's war with him is omitted also.
  • Filch's status as a Squib is not mentioned for most of the films — the scene when Harry discovers it in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was deleted from the final cut. In the sixth film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Draco refers to the caretaker's Squib status when Filch catches him in the corridor and brings him into Slughorn's Christmas party.
  • In the early Harry Potter films, Filch is seen supporting the Slytherin Quidditch team during matches.
  • Filch plays a minor role in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4. He is generally just an obstacle, introduced in "The Restricted Section" level. In most levels involving Filch, he would walk around waving his lantern, unless Mrs Norris, his cat, meowed at the player. This would cause Filch to run up to the player who attracted Mrs Norris and strangle them. While being attacked, the player must switch characters and jinx the cat, causing Filch to run away and search the nearest exit. In one bonus level, Filch and Ron must work on a team to make a Polyjuice Potion, and get a Gold Brick from a Slytherin-Only Door. Being a Squib, Filch cannot do any magic and has only two actions: mêlée with his lantern, and unleash Mrs Norris, who can dig and jump over far areas.
  • Despite the fact that Filch never directly participated in the Battle of Hogwarts in the book, he appears to have participated in some measure in the film. In a deleted scene, he was seen locking up all of the Slytherin students in the dungeons, although they were all freed when the dungeons were damaged in an explosion. He is seen later being tended by Horace Slughorn, where Filch apparently suffered a significant gash to his arm.
  • In the PC version of the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, when Harry is escaping from the library after seeing the Mirror of Erised, he claims to have "locked the only door out of here". Said door (actually a secret passage concealed behind a bookcase) is obviously magically locked. How Filch accomplished this is unclear, given his status as a Squib.
  • Interestingly, Filch's love of medieval punishments would finally be achieved when the actor who played him in the films, David Bradley, would go on to play Lord Walder Frey in the famous Game of Thrones television series. In the show, Frey was a grouchy, temperamental man (much like Filch), and committed one of the most violent acts on television, the Red Wedding, where he oversaw the brutal murders of Robb Stark and his army. He also had Catlyn Stark killed, whose actress ironically also played Hermione Granger's mother in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One.

Appearances

Wiki
The Harry Potter Wiki has 161 images related to Argus Filch.

Notes and references

  1. 1.0 1.1 McGonagall says in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 30 (The Sacking of Severus Snape), that Filch has been working at Hogwarts for "a quarter of a century". This means he was already of age (17) by 1973.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Chapter 9 (The Writing on the Wall)
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 7 (The Sorting Hat)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 14 (Percy and Padfoot)
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 12 (The Mirror of Erised)
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 30 (The Sacking of Severus Snape)
  7. South West News Service interview with JKR
  8. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Chapter 31 (The Third Task)
  9. 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 8 (The Potions Master)
  10. 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Chapter 8 (The Deathday Party)
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 24 (Sectumsempra)
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 9 (The Midnight Duel)
  13. Pottermore - New from J.K. Rowling: "The Marauder's Map"
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 10 (The Marauder's Map)
  15. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film) - Chapter 12 (Sorting Hat)
  16. 16.0 16.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 11 (Quidditch)
  17. 17.0 17.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 14 (Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback)
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 15 (The Forbidden Forest)
  19. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Chapter 7 (Mudbloods and Murmurs)
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Chapter 13 (The Very Secret Diary)
  21. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film) - Chapter 36 (')
  22. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Chapter 18 (Dobby's Reward)
  23. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 5 (The Dementor')
  24. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film) - Chapter 8 (Welcome and Warning)
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 8 (Flight of the Fat Lady)
  26. 26.0 26.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film) - Chapter 14 (Substitute Teacher)
  27. 27.0 27.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 14 (Snape's Grudge)
  28. 28.0 28.1 28.2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 11 (The Firebolt)
  29. 29.0 29.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Chapter 12 (The Triwizard Tournament)
  30. 30.0 30.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Chapter 15 (Beauxbatons and Durmstrang)
  31. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Chapter 16 (The Goblet of Fire)
  32. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Chapter 22 (The Unexpected Task)
  33. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
  34. 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Chapter 25 (The Egg and the Eye)
  35. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Chapter 35 (Veritaserum)
  36. 36.0 36.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 11 (The Sorting Hat's New Song)
  37. 37.0 37.1 37.2 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
  38. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 18 (Dumbledore's Army)
  39. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 15 (The Hogwarts High Inquisitor)
  40. 40.0 40.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 17 (Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four)
  41. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 16 (In the Hog's Head)
  42. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 25 (The Beetle at Bay)
  43. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 26 (Seen and Unforeseen)
  44. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 27 (The Centaur and the Sneak)
  45. 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 45.4 45.5 45.6 45.7 45.8 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 28 (Snape's Worst Memory)
  46. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
  47. 47.0 47.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 29 (Careers Advice)
  48. 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 48.4 48.5 48.6 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 30 (Grawp)
  49. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 31 (O.W.L.s')
  50. 50.0 50.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 38 (The Second War Begins)
  51. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 11 (Hermione's Helping Hand)
  52. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 8 (Snape Victorious)
  53. 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 53.4 53.5 53.6 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 15 (The Unbreakable Vow)
  54. 54.0 54.1 54.2 54.3 54.4 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 12 (Silver and Opals)
  55. 55.0 55.1 55.2 55.3 55.4 55.5 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 19 (Elf Tails)
  56. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 21 (The Unknowable Room)
  57. 57.0 57.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 22 (After the Burial)
  58. 58.0 58.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 27 (The Lightning-Struck Tower)
  59. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 33 (The Prince's Tale)
  60. 60.0 60.1 60.2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 30 (The White Tomb)
  61. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 8 (The Wedding)
  62. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 12 (Magic is Might)
  63. 63.0 63.1 63.2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 29 (The Lost Diadem)
  64. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 21 (The Battle of Hogwarts)
  65. 65.0 65.1 65.2 65.3 65.4 65.5 65.6 65.7 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
  66. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 36 (The Flaw in the Plan)
  67. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 7 (The Boggart in the Wardrobe)
Hogwarts faculty
Hogwartscrest
Founders Godric Gryffindor · Helga Hufflepuff · Rowena Ravenclaw · Salazar Slytherin
Headteachers Giffard Abbott · Walter Aragon · Phineas Nigellus Black · Elizabeth Burke · Antonia Creaseworthy · Dilys Derwent · Armando Dippet · Albus Dumbledore · Mordicus Egg · Everard · First Headmaster · Niamh Fitzgerald · Dexter Fortescue · Basil Fronsac · Brian Gagwilde · Limebert · Minerva McGonagall · Eupraxia Mole · Edessa Sakndenberg · Brutus Scrimgeour · Phyllida Spore · Severus Snape · Amrose Swott · Quentin Trimble · Dolores Umbridge · Fytherley Undercliffe · Vindictus Viridian · Vulpus · Heliotrope Wilkins · Gimlet-eyed Headmistress · Headmaster (1568) · Headteacher (1792) · Unidentified Headteachers
Deputy Heads Alecto Carrow · Amycus Carrow · Minerva McGonagall · Matilda Weasley
Heads of House Muldoon Cragg · Filius Flitwick · Godric Gryffindor · Gryffindor lady · Gryffindor man (II) · Gryffindor man (III) · Gryffindor man (IV) · Gryffindor Seeker · Helga Hufflepuff · Neville Longbottom · Minerva McGonagall · Valeria Myriadd · Uric Oapley · Podric Piles · Pink-faced Headmaster · Prendergast · Rowena Ravenclaw · Abraham Ronen · Horace Slughorn · Salazar Slytherin · Severus Snape · Pomona Sprout · Tobias Stump
Teaching staff Bartholomew · Bathsheda Babbling · San Bakar · Herbert Beery · Cuthbert Binns · Brindlemore · Charity Burbage · Herodiana Byrne · Camelia · Alecto Carrow · Amycus Carrow · Bartemius Crouch Junior (disguised as Alastor Moody) · Clodagh Dromgoole · Albus Dumbledore · Archibald Eagleton · Eleazar Fig · Firenze · Filius Flitwick · Fortinbras · Mirabel Garlick · Mirabel Garlick's predecessor · Jakub Gorski · Olivia Green · Rubeus Hagrid · Dinah Hecat · Rolanda Hooch · Bai Howin · Arsenius Jigger · Igor Karkaroff's Yule Ball partner · Silvanus Kettleburn · Chiyo Kogawa · Gilderoy Lockhart · Neville Longbottom · Remus Lupin · Elspeth MacGillony · Mazoni · Minerva McGonagall · Galatea Merrythought · Isidora Morganach · Mudiwa Onai · Prendergast · Quirinus Quirrell · Percival Rackham · Patricia Rakepick · Abraham Ronen · Charles Rookwood · Concordia Rowle · Luna Scamander · Satyavati Shah · Aesop Sharp · Arif Sikander · Aurora Sinistra · Horace Slughorn · Severus Snape · Pomona Sprout · Swoopstikes · Sybill Trelawney · Trocar · Dolores Umbridge · Septima Vector · Matilda Weasley · Matilda Weasley's predecessor · Unidentified professor · Charms professor (medieval) · Potions professor (16th century) · Holidaying professor (before 1890s) · DADA professor (1984–1985) · DADA professor (1985–1986) · DADA professor (1986–1987) · DADA professor (1987–1988) · DADA professor (1989–1990) · DADA professor (1990–1991) · Muggle Studies professor (1990s) · Music professor · DADA professor (1998–?) · Potions professor (21st century) · Charms professor (?th century)
Hogwarts house-elves Bilm · Boil-ridden house-elf · Cooky · Cosa · Deek · Dobby · Feenky · Filk · Gimkey ·Krafty · Kreacher · Nonsuch · Pitts · Retch · Ringkull · Rooky · Vekey · Wigby · Winky · Wooby · Unidentified house-elf (I) · Unidentified house-elf (II)
Support staff Phineas Nigellus Black's secretaries · Noreen Blainey · Rancorous Carpe · Argus Filch · Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank · Rubeus Hagrid · Rolanda Hooch · Hankerton Humble · Gladwin Moon · Ogg · Irma Pince · Poppy Pomfrey · Apollyon Pringle · Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus · Agnes Scribner · Wainscott · Carriage driver (1890s) · Gamekeeper (1890s) · Unidentified Healers · Librarian (?th century) · Librarian (21st century)