- "Caractacus Burke was not famed for his generosity."
- — Albus Dumbledore[src]
Caractacus Burke (b. before 1863) is one of the original founders of Borgin and Burkes. Caractacus was one of the people Albus Dumbledore interviewed to find out more about Voldemort's past. Dumbledore learned from Caractacus' memory that Merope Gaunt came to him when she was destitute, and sold him Salazar Slytherin's Locket for ten Galleons, not realising that it was priceless.
Burke later hired Tom Riddle to research and acquire items for him, after Riddle had left Hogwarts. It took him completely by surprise when Tom Riddle disappeared.[1]
What ultimately happened to Burke is unknown, but by 1992, the shop seemed to be exclusively operated by Mr. Borgin.[2]
Biography
Early life
Burke was born some time before 1863. He is possibly related to Herbert Burke and other members of the pure-blood Burke family.[3]
As shop-owner
In 1863, Burke founded the shop Borgin and Burkes with his partner Borgin. The shop is located in Knockturn Alley, an infamous street specialising in stores that sell dark items[4]. When Burke ran the shop he was known for taking advantage of people and driving hard bargains. This was demonstrated when, in the 1920s, he was visited by Merope Gaunt, a pure-blood descendant of Salazar Slytherin. Merope was destitute, and heavily pregnant with Tom Riddle. She wished to sell an artefact, the locket that had belonged to her famous ancestor. Burke was hesitant of her claims, having heard many alleged artefacts, but a few spells were able to confirm that she was telling the truth. He took advantage of her ignorance and desperation and paid her much less than its true value, about 10 Galleons worth. Burke later sold the locket to Hepzibah Smith.
Etymology
Caractacus was a British hero who fought the Roman invaders. Burke is reportedly named after Irishman William Burke, a bizarre serial killer who, with help from a partner, murdered dozens of people in Edinburgh in the late 1820s, selling the bodies as fresh cadavers to a local medical school. Caractacus was also the first name of the character played by Dick Van Dyke in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (First mentioned)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Mentioned only)
- Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (Surname seen on sign)
Notes and references
England, Great Britain | ||
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Carkitt Market - Diagon Alley - Horizont Alley - Knockturn Alley |