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|name=Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington
 
|name=Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington
 
|hideb=
 
|hideb=
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|born=[[Great Britain]] or [[Ireland]]<ref>[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2000/0700-swns-alfie.htm]</ref>
|born=
 
 
|died=[[31 October]], [[1492]]<ref name="CS8">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Deathday Party'')</ref>
 
|died=[[31 October]], [[1492]]<ref name="CS8">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Deathday Party'')</ref>
 
|blood=[[Muggle-born]] (possibly)<ref>It is possible Nick was Muggle-born due to him being petrified by the Basilisk.</ref>
 
|blood=[[Muggle-born]] (possibly)<ref>It is possible Nick was Muggle-born due to him being petrified by the Basilisk.</ref>
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|hidef=hide
 
|hidef=hide
 
|family=
 
|family=
|hidem=hide
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|hidem=
 
|animagus=
 
|animagus=
 
|boggart=
 
|boggart=
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==Biography==
 
==Biography==
 
===Early life===
 
===Early life===
[[File:Nearly-Headless_Nick.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Sir Nicholas, during his lifetime.]]
 
 
{{Quote|I hope I, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, have never been guilty of cowardice in my life! The noble blood that runs in my veins —|Sir Nicholas relays some information on his past.|The Tales of Beedle the Bard}}
 
{{Quote|I hope I, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, have never been guilty of cowardice in my life! The noble blood that runs in my veins —|Sir Nicholas relays some information on his past.|The Tales of Beedle the Bard}}
 
[[File:Nearly-Headless_Nick.jpg|thumb|left|165px|Sir Nicholas, during his lifetime.]]
  +
 
Little is known about Sir Nicholas's childhood. He lived in the [[15th century|fifteenth century]] and was born into the noble Mimsy-Porpington family<ref name="OP11">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Sorting Hat's New Song'')</ref> somewhere in the [[Great Britain|British Isles]].<ref name="PS7"/>
 
Little is known about Sir Nicholas's childhood. He lived in the [[15th century|fifteenth century]] and was born into the noble Mimsy-Porpington family<ref name="OP11">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Sorting Hat's New Song'')</ref> somewhere in the [[Great Britain|British Isles]].<ref name="PS7"/>
   
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===Execution===
 
===Execution===
  +
 
{{Quote|It was a mistake any wizard could make / Who was tired and caught on the hop / One piffling error, and then, to my terror, / I found myself facing the chop.|[[The Ballad of Nearly Headless Nick|A self-penned ballad]] relaying Sir Nicholas's death.|J. K. Rowling Official Site}}
 
{{Quote|It was a mistake any wizard could make / Who was tired and caught on the hop / One piffling error, and then, to my terror, / I found myself facing the chop.|[[The Ballad of Nearly Headless Nick|A self-penned ballad]] relaying Sir Nicholas's death.|J. K. Rowling Official Site}}
  +
 
[[File:BeheadingReenactment.png|thumb|220px|A re-enactment of Sir Nicholas's beheading, as performed at the 1993 Hogwarts Hallowe'en feast.]]
  +
 
Sir Nicholas met [[Grieve|Lady Grieve]] while strolling in the park on the evening of [[30 October]], [[1492]]. She was certain he could straighten her crooked teeth, but his attempt to do so backfired, causing her to grow a tusk.<ref name="background"/>
 
Sir Nicholas met [[Grieve|Lady Grieve]] while strolling in the park on the evening of [[30 October]], [[1492]]. She was certain he could straighten her crooked teeth, but his attempt to do so backfired, causing her to grow a tusk.<ref name="background"/>
   
 
Sir Nicholas was immediately taken into custody and sentenced to [[death]] as a result of this mistake. Before being locked in a dungeon, [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's wand|his wand]] was taken from him, thus preventing him from using [[magic]] to escape.<ref name="TBB"/> Throughout the night he cried that he would soon undo the damage done to [[Grieve|Lady Grieve]].<ref name="background" />
 
Sir Nicholas was immediately taken into custody and sentenced to [[death]] as a result of this mistake. Before being locked in a dungeon, [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's wand|his wand]] was taken from him, thus preventing him from using [[magic]] to escape.<ref name="TBB"/> Throughout the night he cried that he would soon undo the damage done to [[Grieve|Lady Grieve]].<ref name="background" />
[[File:BeheadingReenactment.png|thumb|A re-enactment of Sir Nicholas's beheading, as preformed at the 1993 Hogwarts Hallowe'en feast.]]
 
   
 
A priest came to Sir Nicholas's cell to comfort him and escort him to the execution site at dawn [[31 October|the following day]]. He became a "gibbering wreck" when the executioner told him to kneel before the block. However, the executioner's [[axe]] was blunt, as the grindstone used to sharpen it had been misplaced. Thus, it took forty-five hacks to kill Sir Nicholas, and even then his head was only partially severed.<ref name="background" />
 
A priest came to Sir Nicholas's cell to comfort him and escort him to the execution site at dawn [[31 October|the following day]]. He became a "gibbering wreck" when the executioner told him to kneel before the block. However, the executioner's [[axe]] was blunt, as the grindstone used to sharpen it had been misplaced. Thus, it took forty-five hacks to kill Sir Nicholas, and even then his head was only partially severed.<ref name="background" />
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===Post-mortem===
 
===Post-mortem===
 
{{Quote|I was afraid of death. I chose to remain behind. I sometimes wonder whether I oughtn't to have… well, that is neither here nor there… in fact, I am neither here nor there… I know nothing of the secrets of death, Harry, for I chose my feeble imitation of life instead.|Sir Nicholas tells [[Harry Potter]] of how he chose to remain among the living after his death.|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
 
{{Quote|I was afraid of death. I chose to remain behind. I sometimes wonder whether I oughtn't to have… well, that is neither here nor there… in fact, I am neither here nor there… I know nothing of the secrets of death, Harry, for I chose my feeble imitation of life instead.|Sir Nicholas tells [[Harry Potter]] of how he chose to remain among the living after his death.|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
  +
 
Sir Nicholas chose to linger as a [[ghost]] rather than "go on", because, by his own admission, he feared death.<ref name="OP38">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 38 (''The Second War Begins'')</ref> He became the resident ghost of [[Gryffindor Tower]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]].<ref name="PS7"/> "Nearly Headless Nick", as he was called by the majority of the student body, was always happy to point new [[Gryffindor]]s in the right direction when late to class.<ref name="PS8">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Potions Master'')</ref>
 
Sir Nicholas chose to linger as a [[ghost]] rather than "go on", because, by his own admission, he feared death.<ref name="OP38">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' - Chapter 38 (''The Second War Begins'')</ref> He became the resident ghost of [[Gryffindor Tower]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]].<ref name="PS7"/> "Nearly Headless Nick", as he was called by the majority of the student body, was always happy to point new [[Gryffindor]]s in the right direction when late to class.<ref name="PS8">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Potions Master'')</ref>
   
 
====1991—1992 school year====
 
====1991—1992 school year====
[[File:NickGryffindorTable.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Sir Nicholas by the [[Gryffindor]] table in [[1991]].]]
 
 
{{Quote|So — new Gryffindors! I hope you're going to help us win the house championship this year? Gryffindors have never gone so long without winning. Slytherins have got the cup six years in a row! The Bloody Baron's becoming almost unbearable — he's the Slytherin ghost.|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington during the [[1991]] [[Start-of-Term Feast]].|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
{{Quote|So — new Gryffindors! I hope you're going to help us win the house championship this year? Gryffindors have never gone so long without winning. Slytherins have got the cup six years in a row! The Bloody Baron's becoming almost unbearable — he's the Slytherin ghost.|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington during the [[1991]] [[Start-of-Term Feast]].|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
  +
 
[[File:NickGreyLady.jpg|thumb|left|210px|Sir Nicholas with the [[Helena Ravenclaw|Grey Lady]], talking about [[Harry Potter]].]]
  +
 
On [[1 September]], [[1991]], Sir Nicholas, the [[Fat Friar]] and the other [[ghost]]s had an argument on whether [[Peeves]] should be allowed to attend the [[Start-of-Term Feast]] or not. Sir Nicholas was of the opinion that the [[poltergeist]] gave the [[ghost]]s a bad name with his misdoings, while the Friar wanted to "forgive and forget". During this discussion, the ghosts passed through the [[Chamber of Reception]], in which the [[first year]]s were waiting for the start of the [[Sorting ceremony]]. Sir Nicholas was surprised to see the newcomers.<ref name="PS7"/>
 
On [[1 September]], [[1991]], Sir Nicholas, the [[Fat Friar]] and the other [[ghost]]s had an argument on whether [[Peeves]] should be allowed to attend the [[Start-of-Term Feast]] or not. Sir Nicholas was of the opinion that the [[poltergeist]] gave the [[ghost]]s a bad name with his misdoings, while the Friar wanted to "forgive and forget". During this discussion, the ghosts passed through the [[Chamber of Reception]], in which the [[first year]]s were waiting for the start of the [[Sorting ceremony]]. Sir Nicholas was surprised to see the newcomers.<ref name="PS7"/>
   
 
At the feast, Sir Nicholas sat opposite [[Harry Potter]] and patted his arm when the latter was [[Sorting ceremony|Sorted]] into [[Gryffindor]]. He later introduced himself, and showed the result of his botched beaheading, his chopped neck, when [[Seamus Finnigan]] wondered how could someone be ''Nearly'' Headless.<ref name="PS7"/>
 
At the feast, Sir Nicholas sat opposite [[Harry Potter]] and patted his arm when the latter was [[Sorting ceremony|Sorted]] into [[Gryffindor]]. He later introduced himself, and showed the result of his botched beaheading, his chopped neck, when [[Seamus Finnigan]] wondered how could someone be ''Nearly'' Headless.<ref name="PS7"/>
   
[[File:NickGreyLady.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Sir Nicholas with the [[Helena Ravenclaw|Grey Lady]], talking about [[Harry Potter]].]]
 
 
Later in the year, Sir Nicholas told the [[Helena Ravenclaw|Grey Lady]] how [[Harry Potter]] was made [[Seeker]] of [[Gryffindor Quidditch team|Gryffindor]].<ref name="PSf15">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]'' - Chapter 15 (''New Seeker'')</ref>
 
Later in the year, Sir Nicholas told the [[Helena Ravenclaw|Grey Lady]] how [[Harry Potter]] was made [[Seeker]] of [[Gryffindor Quidditch team|Gryffindor]].<ref name="PSf15">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]'' - Chapter 15 (''New Seeker'')</ref>
   
 
====1992—1993 school year====
 
====1992—1993 school year====
 
{{Quote|Half an inch of skin and sinew holding my neck on, Harry! Most people would think that's good as beheaded, but oh, no, it's not enough for Sir Properly Decapitated-Podmore.|Nick bitter at his rejection by the Headless Hunt|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
{{Quote|Half an inch of skin and sinew holding my neck on, Harry! Most people would think that's good as beheaded, but oh, no, it's not enough for Sir Properly Decapitated-Podmore.|Nick bitter at his rejection by the Headless Hunt|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
  +
 
[[File:Deathday.jpg|thumb|205px|[[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's five-hundredth Deathday Party]].]]
  +
 
In [[1992]], Sir Nicholas tried to join for the [[Headless Hunt]], although his application was denied by [[Patrick Delaney-Podmore|Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore]], who only accepted huntsmen "''whose heads have parted company with their bodies''". Nick was embittered that "half an inch of skin and sinew" connecting his head and neck was not good enough to qualify as "beheaded".<ref name="CS8">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Deathday Party'')</ref>
 
In [[1992]], Sir Nicholas tried to join for the [[Headless Hunt]], although his application was denied by [[Patrick Delaney-Podmore|Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore]], who only accepted huntsmen "''whose heads have parted company with their bodies''". Nick was embittered that "half an inch of skin and sinew" connecting his head and neck was not good enough to qualify as "beheaded".<ref name="CS8">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 8 (''The Deathday Party'')</ref>
   
[[File:Deathday.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's five-hundredth Deathday Party]].]]
 
 
After [[Harry Potter]] returned to the [[Hogwarts Castle|Castle]] after a rainy [[Quidditch]] practice on [[24 October]], [[1992]], [[Argus Filch]] took him to [[Room 234-00|his office]] in order to fill in a write-up in which Filch accused Harry of "befouling the castle" with mud. Sir Nicholas convinced [[Peeves]] to smash the school's [[Vanishing Cabinet]] over the office as a distraction. Nicholas later invited [[Harry Potter]] to his upcoming [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's five-hundredth Deathday Party|five-hundredth Deathday Party]], in order to try and convince [[Patrick Delaney-Podmore|Sir Patrick]] to let his join the [[Headless Hunt]].<ref name="CS8"/>
 
After [[Harry Potter]] returned to the [[Hogwarts Castle|Castle]] after a rainy [[Quidditch]] practice on [[24 October]], [[1992]], [[Argus Filch]] took him to [[Room 234-00|his office]] in order to fill in a write-up in which Filch accused Harry of "befouling the castle" with mud. Sir Nicholas convinced [[Peeves]] to smash the school's [[Vanishing Cabinet]] over the office as a distraction. Nicholas later invited [[Harry Potter]] to his upcoming [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's five-hundredth Deathday Party|five-hundredth Deathday Party]], in order to try and convince [[Patrick Delaney-Podmore|Sir Patrick]] to let his join the [[Headless Hunt]].<ref name="CS8"/>
   
{{Quote|If I could have everyone's attention, it's time for my speech! My late lamented lords, ladies, and gentlemen, it is my great sorrow…|Sir Nicholas starts his speech during his [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's five-hundredth Deathday Party|Deathday Party]], before being interrupted by the [[Headless Hunt]].|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}In the evening of [[31 October]], [[Harry Potter]], [[Ronald Weasley]] and [[Hermione Granger]] went to Sir Nicholas's [[Deathday Party]]. Sir Nicholas greeted the attendees at the entrance of the [[Deathday Party Hall|dungeon]] in which the party was held. The [[Headless Hunt]] arrived at the party at the time for Sir Nicholas speech, and became the centre of attention, as they began a match of [[Head Hockey]] leaving the embittered host ignored.<ref name="CS8"/> Later that same evening, a message was left on one of the Castle's walls, announcing the opening of the [[Chamber of Secrets]] and [[Mrs. Norris]], [[Argus Filch]]'s cat was [[Petrification|Petrified]].<ref name="CS8"/><ref name="CS9">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 9 (''The Writing on the Wall'')</ref>
+
In the evening of [[31 October]], [[Harry Potter]], [[Ronald Weasley]] and [[Hermione Granger]] went to Sir Nicholas's [[Deathday Party]]. Sir Nicholas greeted the attendees at the entrance of the [[Deathday Party Hall|dungeon]] in which the party was held. The [[Headless Hunt]] arrived at the party at the time for Sir Nicholas speech, and became the centre of attention, as they began a match of [[Head Hockey]] leaving the embittered host ignored.<ref name="CS8"/> Later that same evening, a message was left on one of the Castle's walls, announcing the opening of the [[Chamber of Secrets]] and [[Mrs. Norris]], [[Argus Filch]]'s cat was [[Petrification|Petrified]].<ref name="CS8"/><ref name="CS9">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 9 (''The Writing on the Wall'')</ref>
  +
 
[[File:Nearly_headless_nick_petrified_basilisk.jpg|thumb|left|220px|[[Harry Potter]] stumbles upon a Petrified Sir Nicholas.]]
   
[[File:Nearly headless nick petrified basilisk.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Harry Potter]] stumbles upon a Petrified Sir Nicholas.]]
 
 
Later in the year, on [[18 December]], [[1992]], Sir Nicholas was [[Petrification|Petrified]] on one of the Castle's corridors, along with [[Justin Finch-Fletchley]].<ref name="CS11">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Dueling Club'')</ref> Sir Nicholas saved Justin's life by taking the brunt of the [[Salazar Slytherin's basilisk|Basilisk's]] otherwise-lethal gaze, with Justin seeing the basilisk through Nick rather than being directly exposed to its vision; Nick received the full blast of its power, but as a [[ghost]] it was naturally impossible for him to die again.<ref name="CS16">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 16 (''The Chamber of Secrets'')</ref> Justin was carried up to the [[hospital wing]] by [[Filius Flitwick|Professor Flitwick]] and [[Aurora Sinistra|Professor Sinistra]], but nobody seemed to know what to do for Sir Nicholas. In the end, Professor McGonagall conjured a large fan and gave it to [[Ernest Macmillan|Ernie Macmillan]] with instructions to waft the ghost up the stairs.<ref name="CS11"/>
 
Later in the year, on [[18 December]], [[1992]], Sir Nicholas was [[Petrification|Petrified]] on one of the Castle's corridors, along with [[Justin Finch-Fletchley]].<ref name="CS11">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 11 (''The Dueling Club'')</ref> Sir Nicholas saved Justin's life by taking the brunt of the [[Salazar Slytherin's basilisk|Basilisk's]] otherwise-lethal gaze, with Justin seeing the basilisk through Nick rather than being directly exposed to its vision; Nick received the full blast of its power, but as a [[ghost]] it was naturally impossible for him to die again.<ref name="CS16">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' - Chapter 16 (''The Chamber of Secrets'')</ref> Justin was carried up to the [[hospital wing]] by [[Filius Flitwick|Professor Flitwick]] and [[Aurora Sinistra|Professor Sinistra]], but nobody seemed to know what to do for Sir Nicholas. In the end, Professor McGonagall conjured a large fan and gave it to [[Ernest Macmillan|Ernie Macmillan]] with instructions to waft the ghost up the stairs.<ref name="CS11"/>
   
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====1993—1994 school year====
 
====1993—1994 school year====
{{Quote|The feast finished with an entertainment provided by the Hogwarts ghosts. They popped out of the walls and tables to do a bit of formation gliding; Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, had a great success with a reenactment of his own botched beheading.|Description.|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}
 
   
[[File:Nick GreatHall.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Sir Nicholas in the [[Great Hall]].]]
+
[[File:Nick_GreatHall.jpg|thumb|220px|Sir Nicholas in the [[Great Hall]].]]
  +
During the [[Halloween feast]] on [[31 October]], [[1993]], the school ghosts provided the entertainment, as they did a bit of formation gliding. On his five-hundred and first Deathday, Sir Nicholas hosted a reenactment of his own beheading, which was deemed a success.
 
 
{{Quote|The feast finished with an entertainment provided by the Hogwarts ghosts. They popped out of the walls and tables to do a bit of formation gliding; Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, had a great success with a reenactment of his own botched beheading.|Description.|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}During the [[Halloween feast]] on [[31 October]], [[1993]], the school ghosts provided the entertainment, as they did a bit of formation gliding. On his five-hundred and first Deathday, Sir Nicholas hosted a reenactment of his own beheading, which was deemed a success.
   
 
====1994—1995 school year====
 
====1994—1995 school year====
 
[[File:Nick.png|thumb|left|125px|Sir Nicholas.]]
  +
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|You're lucky there's a feast at all tonight, you know. There was trouble in the kitchens earlier.|Harry Potter|Why? Wha' 'appened?|Peeves, of course. The usual argument, you know. He wanted to attend the feast — well, it's quite out of the question, you know what he's like, utterly uncivilized, can't see a plate of food without throwing it. We held a ghost's council — the Fat Friar was all for giving him the chance — but most wisely, in my opinion, the Bloody Baron put his foot down.|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington tells [[Harry Potter]], [[Ronald Weasley]] and [[Hermione Granger]] of the ghost council about [[Peeves]].|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire}}
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|You're lucky there's a feast at all tonight, you know. There was trouble in the kitchens earlier.|Harry Potter|Why? Wha' 'appened?|Peeves, of course. The usual argument, you know. He wanted to attend the feast — well, it's quite out of the question, you know what he's like, utterly uncivilized, can't see a plate of food without throwing it. We held a ghost's council — the Fat Friar was all for giving him the chance — but most wisely, in my opinion, the Bloody Baron put his foot down.|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington tells [[Harry Potter]], [[Ronald Weasley]] and [[Hermione Granger]] of the ghost council about [[Peeves]].|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire}}
  +
[[File:Nick.png|right|200px|thumb|Sir Nicholas.]]
 
 
In the afternoon of [[1 September]], [[1994]], the Hogwarts ghosts gathered to decide whether [[Peeves]] should be allowed to attend the [[Start-of-Term Feast]]. The [[Fat Friar]] wanted to give him another chance, but both Sir Nicholas and the [[Bloody Baron]] decided against it. As a result, [[Peeves]] wreaked havoc in the [[Hogwarts kitchens|kitchens]], spilling soup all over the place and scattering pots and pans everywhere. At the [[Start-of-Term Feast]], Sir Nicholas let this incident slip at the [[Gryffindor]] table, shocking [[Hermione Granger]] that "slave labour" made their dinner.<ref name="GF12">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 12 (''The Triwizard Tournament'')</ref>
 
In the afternoon of [[1 September]], [[1994]], the Hogwarts ghosts gathered to decide whether [[Peeves]] should be allowed to attend the [[Start-of-Term Feast]]. The [[Fat Friar]] wanted to give him another chance, but both Sir Nicholas and the [[Bloody Baron]] decided against it. As a result, [[Peeves]] wreaked havoc in the [[Hogwarts kitchens|kitchens]], spilling soup all over the place and scattering pots and pans everywhere. At the [[Start-of-Term Feast]], Sir Nicholas let this incident slip at the [[Gryffindor]] table, shocking [[Hermione Granger]] that "slave labour" made their dinner.<ref name="GF12">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' - Chapter 12 (''The Triwizard Tournament'')</ref>
   
 
====1995—1996 school year====
 
====1995—1996 school year====
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Wizards can leave an imprint of themselves upon the earth, to walk palely where their living selves once trod. But very few wizards choose that path.|Harry Potter|Why not? Anyway — it doesn't matter — Sirius won't care if it's unusual, he'll come back, I know he will!|He will not come back. He will have… gone on.|What d'you mean, 'gone on'? Gone on where? Listen — what happens when you die, anyway? Where do you go? Why doesn't everyone come back? Why isn't this place full of ghosts? Why —?|I cannot answer.|Sir Nicholas and [[Harry Potter]].|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Wizards can leave an imprint of themselves upon the earth, to walk palely where their living selves once trod. But very few wizards choose that path.|Harry Potter|Why not? Anyway — it doesn't matter — Sirius won't care if it's unusual, he'll come back, I know he will!|He will not come back. He will have… gone on.|What d'you mean, 'gone on'? Gone on where? Listen — what happens when you die, anyway? Where do you go? Why doesn't everyone come back? Why isn't this place full of ghosts? Why —?|I cannot answer.|Sir Nicholas and [[Harry Potter]].|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
  +
[[File:Nick's portrait.jpg|thumb|left|thumb|250px|A [[Portraits|tetraptych]] depicting Sir Nicholas.]]
 
 
By [[1995]], there was a [[Portraits|tetraptych]] of Sir Nicholas hung in the [[Suspension Bridge entrance]].<ref name="OPg">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]''</ref>
 
By [[1995]], there was a [[Portraits|tetraptych]] of Sir Nicholas hung in the [[Suspension Bridge entrance]].<ref name="OPg">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]''</ref>
   
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====1996—1997 school year====
 
====1996—1997 school year====
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|There has been much talk on that very subject even amongst the ghosts. I am considered something of a Potter authority; it is widely known that we are friendly. I have assured the spirit community that I will not pester you for information, however. 'Harry Potter knows that he can confide in me with complete confidence,' I told them. 'I would rather die than betray his trust.' |Ronald Weasley|That's not saying much, seeing as you're already dead.|Once again, you show all the sensitivity of a blunt axe.|Sir Nicholas to [[Harry Potter]] during the [[Start-of-Term Feast]] in [[1996]].|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|There has been much talk on that very subject even amongst the ghosts. I am considered something of a Potter authority; it is widely known that we are friendly. I have assured the spirit community that I will not pester you for information, however. 'Harry Potter knows that he can confide in me with complete confidence,' I told them. 'I would rather die than betray his trust.' |Ronald Weasley|That's not saying much, seeing as you're already dead.|Once again, you show all the sensitivity of a blunt axe.|Sir Nicholas to [[Harry Potter]] during the [[Start-of-Term Feast]] in [[1996]].|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
  +
[[File:Harry and Ron talks to Nearly Headless Nick.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Sir Nicholas in [[1996]].]]
+
[[File:Harry_and_Ron_talks_to_Nearly_Headless_Nick.JPG|thumb|220px|Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Sir Nicholas in [[1996]].]]
  +
 
With the rumours of [[Harry Potter]]'s status as the 'Chosen One' following the [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]], Sir Nicholas noted during the [[Start-of-Term Feast]], on [[1 September]], [[1996]], that his friendship with Harry had increased his own reputation among the other ghosts as a possible source of information. However, Nicholas openly stated his loyalty to Harry, and his refusal to pester him for information.<ref name="HBP8">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 8 (''Snape Victorious'')</ref>
 
With the rumours of [[Harry Potter]]'s status as the 'Chosen One' following the [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]], Sir Nicholas noted during the [[Start-of-Term Feast]], on [[1 September]], [[1996]], that his friendship with Harry had increased his own reputation among the other ghosts as a possible source of information. However, Nicholas openly stated his loyalty to Harry, and his refusal to pester him for information.<ref name="HBP8">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' - Chapter 8 (''Snape Victorious'')</ref>
   
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====1997—1998 school year====
 
====1997—1998 school year====
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a-b|Harry Potter|Nick! NICK! I need to talk to you!|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Harry! My dear boy!|Nick, you've got to help me. Who's the ghost of Ravenclaw Tower?|The Grey Lady, of course; but if it is ghostly services you require —?|It's got to be her - d'you know where she is?|Let's see… That's her over there, Harry, the young woman with the long hair.|Sir Nicholas helps [[Harry Potter]] find the [[Helena Ravenclaw|Grey Lady]] moments prior to the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 
{{Dialogue a-b-a-b-a-b|Harry Potter|Nick! NICK! I need to talk to you!|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Harry! My dear boy!|Nick, you've got to help me. Who's the ghost of Ravenclaw Tower?|The Grey Lady, of course; but if it is ghostly services you require —?|It's got to be her - d'you know where she is?|Let's see… That's her over there, Harry, the young woman with the long hair.|Sir Nicholas helps [[Harry Potter]] find the [[Helena Ravenclaw|Grey Lady]] 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.<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 12 (''Magic is Might'')</ref>
 
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.<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. It is likely that Sir Nicholas, as did the [[Head of House|Heads of House]], tried to protect the pupils from Alecto and Amycus.<ref name="DH29">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 29 (''The Lost Diadem'')</ref>
 
The Carrows were put in charge of all discipline and punishments, which were violent. It is likely that Sir Nicholas, as did the [[Head of House|Heads of House]], tried to protect the pupils from Alecto and Amycus.<ref name="DH29">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 29 (''The Lost Diadem'')</ref>
   
[[File:Battle6.jpg|thumb|left|350px|Explosions in the [[Entrance Courtyard]] during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].]]
+
[[File:Tumblr_m7j5g7D9JJ1qili3vo3_r1_250.gif|frame|left|Explosions in the Entrance Courtyard during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]]]]
  +
 
On [[2 May]], [[1998]], the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] ensued after [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] learned [[Harry Potter]] was in the premises. The ghosts, including Sir Nicholas, attended a gathering in the [[Great Hall]], in which [[Minerva McGonagall|Professor McGonagall]] gave instructions on evacuation of underage students and [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] organised the participants for battle. [[Harry Potter]], needing information on the whereabouts of [[Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem]], asked Nick who the ghost of [[Ravenclaw Tower]] was. Although he was initially slightly hurt that Harry needed another ghost rather than him, he pointed her to him.<ref name="DH31">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 31 (''The Battle of Hogwarts'')</ref> Later on, the ghosts gathered at the [[Great Hall]], joining the mass mourning over the fallen.<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 33 (''The Prince's Tale'')</ref>
 
On [[2 May]], [[1998]], the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] ensued after [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] learned [[Harry Potter]] was in the premises. The ghosts, including Sir Nicholas, attended a gathering in the [[Great Hall]], in which [[Minerva McGonagall|Professor McGonagall]] gave instructions on evacuation of underage students and [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] organised the participants for battle. [[Harry Potter]], needing information on the whereabouts of [[Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem]], asked Nick who the ghost of [[Ravenclaw Tower]] was. Although he was initially slightly hurt that Harry needed another ghost rather than him, he pointed her to him.<ref name="DH31">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 31 (''The Battle of Hogwarts'')</ref> Later on, the ghosts gathered at the [[Great Hall]], joining the mass mourning over the fallen.<ref name="DH12">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 33 (''The Prince's Tale'')</ref>
  +
  +
When the [[Second Wizarding War]] comes to an end, it is possible that the ghosts (including Sir Nicholas) celebrated Harry's victory and Voldemort's demise.
   
 
==Physical appearance==
 
==Physical appearance==
[[File:Nearly Headless Nick.jpg|thumb|right|200px|thumb|Sir Nicholas shows his partially severed neck.]]
+
[[File:Nearly_Headless_Nick.jpg|thumb|130px|Sir Nicholas shows his partially severed neck.]]
  +
 
{{Quote|Pearly white and semitransparent, Nick was dressed tonight in his usual doublet, but with a particularly large ruff, which served the dual purpose of looking extra-festive, and insuring that his head didn't wobble too much on his partially severed neck.|Description.|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire}}
 
{{Quote|Pearly white and semitransparent, Nick was dressed tonight in his usual doublet, but with a particularly large ruff, which served the dual purpose of looking extra-festive, and insuring that his head didn't wobble too much on his partially severed neck.|Description.|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire}}
 
As a ghost, Sir Nicholas was pearly-white and slightly transparent.<ref name="PS7"/> He had long curly hair.<ref name="CS8"/> He would usually sport a ruff, which would ensure his partially severed head stayed in place,<ref name="CS8"/> as well as tights,<ref name="PS7"/> a pair of breeches,<ref name="PSf13"/> a doublet<ref name="GF12"/> or, occasionally, a tunic.<ref name="CS8"/> He had a preference for extravagant plumed hats.<ref name="CS8"/><ref name="OP38"/> He also sported a small moustache and goatee.<ref name="PSf13"/> He carried himself in a prim fashion<ref name="OP11"/> and spoke in an airy,<ref name="CS8"/> delicate tone.<ref name="PS7"/>
 
As a ghost, Sir Nicholas was pearly-white and slightly transparent.<ref name="PS7"/> He had long curly hair.<ref name="CS8"/> He would usually sport a ruff, which would ensure his partially severed head stayed in place,<ref name="CS8"/> as well as tights,<ref name="PS7"/> a pair of breeches,<ref name="PSf13"/> a doublet<ref name="GF12"/> or, occasionally, a tunic.<ref name="CS8"/> He had a preference for extravagant plumed hats.<ref name="CS8"/><ref name="OP38"/> He also sported a small moustache and goatee.<ref name="PSf13"/> He carried himself in a prim fashion<ref name="OP11"/> and spoke in an airy,<ref name="CS8"/> delicate tone.<ref name="PS7"/>
Line 134: Line 152:
 
==Personality and traits==
 
==Personality and traits==
 
{{Dialogue a-b-c-b|Ronald Weasley|I know who you are! My brothers told me about you — you're Nearly Headless Nick!|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|I would ''prefer'' you to call me Sir Nicholas de Mimsy —|Seamus Finnigan| ''Nearly'' Headless? How can you be ''nearly'' headless?|Like ''this''.|Sir Nicholas shows the [[Gryffindor]] [[first year|first-years]] his poorly chopped neck.|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
{{Dialogue a-b-c-b|Ronald Weasley|I know who you are! My brothers told me about you — you're Nearly Headless Nick!|Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|I would ''prefer'' you to call me Sir Nicholas de Mimsy —|Seamus Finnigan| ''Nearly'' Headless? How can you be ''nearly'' headless?|Like ''this''.|Sir Nicholas shows the [[Gryffindor]] [[first year|first-years]] his poorly chopped neck.|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
  +
 
Sir Nicholas is affable, kind and always willing to lend a hand to Harry and other fellow Gryffindors whenever they need it.<ref name="PS8"/> Nicholas apparently enjoyed eating during his lifetime, as after his death he spent the feasts at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] looking wistfully at the food. <ref name="OP11"/> Sir Nicholas was polite and delicate, staying away from potentially indiscreet questions<ref name="PS8"/> and sensible about the fact that he was no longer living.<ref name="OP11"/><ref name="HBP8"/> Nicholas showed interest in the lives of the students at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] and took delight in showing off his wound to the dismay of those around him.<ref name="PS8"/> He was very proud about his bravery and noble heritage, getting easily offended if anyone referred to him as a coward.<ref name="OP11"/> He was very sociable, being friends with the [[Helena Ravenclaw|Grey Lady]]<ref name="PSf15"/>, [[Harry Potter]],<ref name="CS8"/> and a number of other ghosts who attended his [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's five-hundredth Deathday Party|five-hundredth Deathday Party]].<ref name="CS8"/> He also had a cordial relationship with the [[Bloody Baron]]<ref name="OP11"/> and [[Patrick Delaney-Podmore|Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore]].<ref name="CS8"/>
 
Sir Nicholas is affable, kind and always willing to lend a hand to Harry and other fellow Gryffindors whenever they need it.<ref name="PS8"/> Nicholas apparently enjoyed eating during his lifetime, as after his death he spent the feasts at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] looking wistfully at the food. <ref name="OP11"/> Sir Nicholas was polite and delicate, staying away from potentially indiscreet questions<ref name="PS8"/> and sensible about the fact that he was no longer living.<ref name="OP11"/><ref name="HBP8"/> Nicholas showed interest in the lives of the students at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] and took delight in showing off his wound to the dismay of those around him.<ref name="PS8"/> He was very proud about his bravery and noble heritage, getting easily offended if anyone referred to him as a coward.<ref name="OP11"/> He was very sociable, being friends with the [[Helena Ravenclaw|Grey Lady]]<ref name="PSf15"/>, [[Harry Potter]],<ref name="CS8"/> and a number of other ghosts who attended his [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's five-hundredth Deathday Party|five-hundredth Deathday Party]].<ref name="CS8"/> He also had a cordial relationship with the [[Bloody Baron]]<ref name="OP11"/> and [[Patrick Delaney-Podmore|Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore]].<ref name="CS8"/>
  +
 
==Etymology==
 
''Nicholas'' is from the Greek Nikolaos, "victory of the people." Nick is a jokey, ironic nickname and pun -- one definition of nick is "to cut slightly," and he received more than just a little cut when he was beheaded. ''Sir'' indicates he was knighted by a British monarch when he was alive. ''Porpington'' is a name Rowling made up and is closest to porpentine, an obsolete name for a porcupine. "Like quills upon the fretful porpentine...": From Shakespeare's ''[[Hamlet]]''. Nick can be a prickly-tempered person at times. ''Mimsy'' may have come from the same word coined by Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll. It appears in his nonsense poem "The Jabberwocky": "All mimsy were the borogoves..."
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
*In the film adaptations of ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' and ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'', Nearly Headless Nick is played by [[John Cleese]].
 
*In the film adaptations of ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' and ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'', Nearly Headless Nick is played by [[John Cleese]].
  +
*In the Welsh translation, Nicholas is called "Syr Goronwy ap Gwallter", which literally translated as "Sir Goronwy son of Gwallter", commonly Anglicised as "Walter".
*Sir Nicholas was originally planned to also appear in the [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|film]] adaptation of ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Movie)|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' in a film adaptation of the scene where he discusses, with Harry, the likelihood of [[Sirius Black]] returning as a ghost. This scene, however, was ultimately removed due to time constraints.
+
*Sir Nicholas was originally planned to also appear in the [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|film]] adaptation of ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' in a film adaptation of the scene where he discusses, with Harry, the likelihood of [[Sirius Black]] returning as a ghost. This scene, however, was ultimately removed due to time constraints. John Cleese would've reprised the role.
 
*In ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', Nick says he had not eaten in nearly 400 years; however, he had, at the time, already been dead for nearly 500 years. In later editions this was changed to "in nearly five hundred years".
 
*In ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', Nick says he had not eaten in nearly 400 years; however, he had, at the time, already been dead for nearly 500 years. In later editions this was changed to "in nearly five hundred years".
 
*It should be noted that Sir Nicholas's clothes do not match the time period he's said to be from. The ruff, doublet and breeches did not come into fashion until the sixteenth century and are mostly associated with the reign of Elizabeth I. This would be more consistent with earlier versions of ''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'' in which Sir Nicholas claims to have been dead for four hundred years.
 
*It should be noted that Sir Nicholas's clothes do not match the time period he's said to be from. The ruff, doublet and breeches did not come into fashion until the sixteenth century and are mostly associated with the reign of Elizabeth I. This would be more consistent with earlier versions of ''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'' in which Sir Nicholas claims to have been dead for four hundred years.
Line 149: Line 172:
 
*Professor Dumbledore explains in his notes on "[[The Wizard and the Hopping Pot]]" that muggle executions of wizards such as Sir Nicholas are rarely successful, given that wizards can magically protect themselves and escape. Sir Nicholas had his wand taken away, however, and was unable to leave his dungeon cell.
 
*Professor Dumbledore explains in his notes on "[[The Wizard and the Hopping Pot]]" that muggle executions of wizards such as Sir Nicholas are rarely successful, given that wizards can magically protect themselves and escape. Sir Nicholas had his wand taken away, however, and was unable to leave his dungeon cell.
 
*In the PS1 versions of the first two video games he is seen wearing a high hat, and his head constantly falls off to the side.
 
*In the PS1 versions of the first two video games he is seen wearing a high hat, and his head constantly falls off to the side.
  +
*In the German translation of the second game (PS1 version), Nicholas states that it is his 150th deathday. Which would incorrectly place his death in 1842.
*It is possible he might have been Muggle-born due to the fact that he was attacked in the second book.
 
  +
*Sir Nicholas was the first ghost named in the series.
 
==Etymology==
 
''Nicholas'' is from the Greek Nikolaos, "victory of the people." Nick is a jokey, ironic nickname and pun -- one definition of nick is "to cut slightly," and he received more than just a little cut when he was beheaded. ''Sir'' indicates he was knighted by a British monarch when he was alive. ''Porpington'' is a name Rowling made up and is closest to porpentine, an obsolete name for a porcupine. "Like quills upon the fretful porpentine...": From Shakespeare's ''[[Hamlet]]''. Nick can be a prickly-tempered person at times. ''Mimsy'' may have come from the same word coined by Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll. It appears in his nonsense poem "The Jabberwocky": "All mimsy were the borogoves..."
 
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==
Line 195: Line 216:
 
[[nl:Hendrik van Malkontent tot Maling]]
 
[[nl:Hendrik van Malkontent tot Maling]]
 
[[ja:ほとんど首無しニック]]
 
[[ja:ほとんど首無しニック]]
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[[pl:Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington]]
 
[[Category:1492 deaths]]
 
[[Category:1492 deaths]]
 
[[Category:Basilisk victims]]
 
[[Category:Basilisk victims]]

Revision as of 07:08, 1 February 2015

"I haven't eaten for nearly five hundred years. I don't need to, of course, but one does miss it. I don't think I've introduced myself? Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington at your service. Resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower."
— Sir Nicholas greets the Gryffindor first-years in 1991.[src]

Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, known after his death as Nearly Headless Nick, (d. 31 October, 1492) was a wizard who attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was Sorted into Gryffindor House. He was a wizard of the royal court as an adult. He was executed by an improper decapitation, after he had a magical mishap with Lady Grieve, in which he tried to straighten her teeth but it backfired and she grew tusks. Since then, he is the resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower at the Hogwarts Castle.

Biography

Early life

"I hope I, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, have never been guilty of cowardice in my life! The noble blood that runs in my veins —"
— Sir Nicholas relays some information on his past.[src]
Nearly-Headless Nick

Sir Nicholas, during his lifetime.

Little is known about Sir Nicholas's childhood. He lived in the fifteenth century and was born into the noble Mimsy-Porpington family[8] somewhere in the British Isles.[4]

When he turned eleven, Nicholas attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he was Sorted into Gryffindor.[7] It is unknown at which subjects he excelled in, but he was apparently poor at Transfiguration.[9]

In his adulthood, Sir Nicholas openly associated with Muggles. He was knighted and was a courtier at King Henry VII's royal court.[6]

Execution

"It was a mistake any wizard could make / Who was tired and caught on the hop / One piffling error, and then, to my terror, / I found myself facing the chop."
A self-penned ballad relaying Sir Nicholas's death.[src]
BeheadingReenactment

A re-enactment of Sir Nicholas's beheading, as performed at the 1993 Hogwarts Hallowe'en feast.

Sir Nicholas met Lady Grieve while strolling in the park on the evening of 30 October, 1492. She was certain he could straighten her crooked teeth, but his attempt to do so backfired, causing her to grow a tusk.[9]

Sir Nicholas was immediately taken into custody and sentenced to death as a result of this mistake. Before being locked in a dungeon, his wand was taken from him, thus preventing him from using magic to escape.[6] Throughout the night he cried that he would soon undo the damage done to Lady Grieve.[9]

A priest came to Sir Nicholas's cell to comfort him and escort him to the execution site at dawn the following day. He became a "gibbering wreck" when the executioner told him to kneel before the block. However, the executioner's axe was blunt, as the grindstone used to sharpen it had been misplaced. Thus, it took forty-five hacks to kill Sir Nicholas, and even then his head was only partially severed.[9]

Post-mortem

"I was afraid of death. I chose to remain behind. I sometimes wonder whether I oughtn't to have… well, that is neither here nor there… in fact, I am neither here nor there… I know nothing of the secrets of death, Harry, for I chose my feeble imitation of life instead."
— Sir Nicholas tells Harry Potter of how he chose to remain among the living after his death.[src]

Sir Nicholas chose to linger as a ghost rather than "go on", because, by his own admission, he feared death.[10] He became the resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.[4] "Nearly Headless Nick", as he was called by the majority of the student body, was always happy to point new Gryffindors in the right direction when late to class.[11]

1991—1992 school year

"So — new Gryffindors! I hope you're going to help us win the house championship this year? Gryffindors have never gone so long without winning. Slytherins have got the cup six years in a row! The Bloody Baron's becoming almost unbearable — he's the Slytherin ghost."
— Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington during the 1991 Start-of-Term Feast.[src]
File:NickGreyLady.jpg

Sir Nicholas with the Grey Lady, talking about Harry Potter.

On 1 September, 1991, Sir Nicholas, the Fat Friar and the other ghosts had an argument on whether Peeves should be allowed to attend the Start-of-Term Feast or not. Sir Nicholas was of the opinion that the poltergeist gave the ghosts a bad name with his misdoings, while the Friar wanted to "forgive and forget". During this discussion, the ghosts passed through the Chamber of Reception, in which the first years were waiting for the start of the Sorting ceremony. Sir Nicholas was surprised to see the newcomers.[4]

At the feast, Sir Nicholas sat opposite Harry Potter and patted his arm when the latter was Sorted into Gryffindor. He later introduced himself, and showed the result of his botched beaheading, his chopped neck, when Seamus Finnigan wondered how could someone be Nearly Headless.[4]

Later in the year, Sir Nicholas told the Grey Lady how Harry Potter was made Seeker of Gryffindor.[12]

1992—1993 school year

"Half an inch of skin and sinew holding my neck on, Harry! Most people would think that's good as beheaded, but oh, no, it's not enough for Sir Properly Decapitated-Podmore."
— Nick bitter at his rejection by the Headless Hunt[src]
Deathday

Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington's five-hundredth Deathday Party.

In 1992, Sir Nicholas tried to join for the Headless Hunt, although his application was denied by Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore, who only accepted huntsmen "whose heads have parted company with their bodies". Nick was embittered that "half an inch of skin and sinew" connecting his head and neck was not good enough to qualify as "beheaded".[2]

After Harry Potter returned to the Castle after a rainy Quidditch practice on 24 October, 1992, Argus Filch took him to his office in order to fill in a write-up in which Filch accused Harry of "befouling the castle" with mud. Sir Nicholas convinced Peeves to smash the school's Vanishing Cabinet over the office as a distraction. Nicholas later invited Harry Potter to his upcoming five-hundredth Deathday Party, in order to try and convince Sir Patrick to let his join the Headless Hunt.[2]

In the evening of 31 October, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger went to Sir Nicholas's Deathday Party. Sir Nicholas greeted the attendees at the entrance of the dungeon in which the party was held. The Headless Hunt arrived at the party at the time for Sir Nicholas speech, and became the centre of attention, as they began a match of Head Hockey leaving the embittered host ignored.[2] Later that same evening, a message was left on one of the Castle's walls, announcing the opening of the Chamber of Secrets and Mrs. Norris, Argus Filch's cat was Petrified.[2][13]

Nearly headless nick petrified basilisk

Harry Potter stumbles upon a Petrified Sir Nicholas.

Later in the year, on 18 December, 1992, Sir Nicholas was Petrified on one of the Castle's corridors, along with Justin Finch-Fletchley.[14] Sir Nicholas saved Justin's life by taking the brunt of the Basilisk's otherwise-lethal gaze, with Justin seeing the basilisk through Nick rather than being directly exposed to its vision; Nick received the full blast of its power, but as a ghost it was naturally impossible for him to die again.[15] Justin was carried up to the hospital wing by Professor Flitwick and Professor Sinistra, but nobody seemed to know what to do for Sir Nicholas. In the end, Professor McGonagall conjured a large fan and gave it to Ernie Macmillan with instructions to waft the ghost up the stairs.[14]

By the end of the year, Professor Sprout's Mandrakes had fully matured, and were used to make a Mandrake Restorative Draught which was aministred to revive all those who had been Petrified, including Sir Nicholas.[16]

1993—1994 school year

Nick GreatHall

Sir Nicholas in the Great Hall.

"The feast finished with an entertainment provided by the Hogwarts ghosts. They popped out of the walls and tables to do a bit of formation gliding; Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, had a great success with a reenactment of his own botched beheading."
— Description.[src]

During the Halloween feast on 31 October, 1993, the school ghosts provided the entertainment, as they did a bit of formation gliding. On his five-hundred and first Deathday, Sir Nicholas hosted a reenactment of his own beheading, which was deemed a success.

1994—1995 school year

Nick

Sir Nicholas.

Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "You're lucky there's a feast at all tonight, you know. There was trouble in the kitchens earlier."
Harry Potter: "Why? Wha' 'appened?"
Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "Peeves, of course. The usual argument, you know. He wanted to attend the feast — well, it's quite out of the question, you know what he's like, utterly uncivilized, can't see a plate of food without throwing it. We held a ghost's council — the Fat Friar was all for giving him the chance — but most wisely, in my opinion, the Bloody Baron put his foot down."
— Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington tells Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger of the ghost council about Peeves.[src]

In the afternoon of 1 September, 1994, the Hogwarts ghosts gathered to decide whether Peeves should be allowed to attend the Start-of-Term Feast. The Fat Friar wanted to give him another chance, but both Sir Nicholas and the Bloody Baron decided against it. As a result, Peeves wreaked havoc in the kitchens, spilling soup all over the place and scattering pots and pans everywhere. At the Start-of-Term Feast, Sir Nicholas let this incident slip at the Gryffindor table, shocking Hermione Granger that "slave labour" made their dinner.[17]

1995—1996 school year

Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "Wizards can leave an imprint of themselves upon the earth, to walk palely where their living selves once trod. But very few wizards choose that path."
Harry Potter: "Why not? Anyway — it doesn't matter — Sirius won't care if it's unusual, he'll come back, I know he will!"
Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "He will not come back. He will have… gone on."
Harry Potter: "What d'you mean, 'gone on'? Gone on where? Listen — what happens when you die, anyway? Where do you go? Why doesn't everyone come back? Why isn't this place full of ghosts? Why —?"
Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "I cannot answer."
— Sir Nicholas and Harry Potter.[src]

By 1995, there was a tetraptych of Sir Nicholas hung in the Suspension Bridge entrance.[18]

At the Start-of-Term Feast in 1995, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom found seats together about halfway down the table, between Sir Nicholas and Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown. As the Sorting Hat sung a song warning students to stand together, Sir Nicholas told them that the Hat gave warnings at times when it detects periods of great danger for the school and that peaceful cooperation between the Houses is the key. Ron ended up saying Sir Nicholas was terrified of the Bloody Baron, annoying the ghost.[8]

A week later, on 7 September, Sir Nicholas looked for the Bloody Baron to see if he could dissuade Peeves from dropping a bust of Paracelsus on top of anyone who passed the corridor in which the bust stood.[19]

On 20 November, 1995, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, while on their way to visit Rubeus Hagrid after his return, crossed paths with Sir Nicholas, who was gliding along absent-mindedly humming something that sounded like Weasley is Our King.[20]

After Sirius Black, Harry Potter's godfather, was killed at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries on 18 June, 1996, Harry asked Sir Nicholas if he could return as a ghost. Sir Nicholas explained to him that only a wizard afraid of death might choose to become a ghost, and that a person like Sirius would not do something like that. Nicholas apologises that he cannot be of more help to Harry and departs for the End-of-Term Feast.[10]

1996—1997 school year

Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "There has been much talk on that very subject even amongst the ghosts. I am considered something of a Potter authority; it is widely known that we are friendly. I have assured the spirit community that I will not pester you for information, however. 'Harry Potter knows that he can confide in me with complete confidence,' I told them. 'I would rather die than betray his trust.' "
Ronald Weasley: "That's not saying much, seeing as you're already dead."
Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "Once again, you show all the sensitivity of a blunt axe."
— Sir Nicholas to Harry Potter during the Start-of-Term Feast in 1996.[src]
Harry and Ron talks to Nearly Headless Nick

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Sir Nicholas in 1996.

With the rumours of Harry Potter's status as the 'Chosen One' following the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, Sir Nicholas noted during the Start-of-Term Feast, on 1 September, 1996, that his friendship with Harry had increased his own reputation among the other ghosts as a possible source of information. However, Nicholas openly stated his loyalty to Harry, and his refusal to pester him for information.[21]

On the early hours of 22 April, 1997, the Bloody Baron saw Albus Dumbledore return to the Castle from one of his missions to find Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes, and reported it to Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington. Sir Nicholas later told this to Harry Potter.[22]

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, was killed at the hands of Severus Snape in the former's plan on 30 June, 1997.[23] The Hogwarts ghosts were known attendees of his funeral in early July; this likely included Sir Nicholas.[24]

1997—1998 school year

Harry Potter: "Nick! NICK! I need to talk to you!"
Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "Harry! My dear boy!"
Harry Potter: "Nick, you've got to help me. Who's the ghost of Ravenclaw Tower?"
Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "The Grey Lady, of course; but if it is ghostly services you require —?"
Harry Potter: "It's got to be her - d'you know where she is?"
Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "Let's see… That's her over there, Harry, the young woman with the long hair."
— Sir Nicholas helps Harry Potter find the Grey Lady 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.[25] 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.[26]

The Carrows were put in charge of all discipline and punishments, which were violent. It is likely that Sir Nicholas, as did the Heads of House, tried to protect the pupils from Alecto and Amycus.[27]

Tumblr m7j5g7D9JJ1qili3vo3 r1 250

Explosions in the Entrance Courtyard during the Battle of Hogwarts

On 2 May, 1998, the Battle of Hogwarts ensued after Lord Voldemort learned Harry Potter was in the premises. The ghosts, including Sir Nicholas, attended a gathering in the Great Hall, in which Professor McGonagall gave instructions on evacuation of underage students and Kingsley Shacklebolt organised the participants for battle. Harry Potter, needing information on the whereabouts of Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem, asked Nick who the ghost of Ravenclaw Tower was. Although he was initially slightly hurt that Harry needed another ghost rather than him, he pointed her to him.[28] Later on, the ghosts gathered at the Great Hall, joining the mass mourning over the fallen.[26]

When the Second Wizarding War comes to an end, it is possible that the ghosts (including Sir Nicholas) celebrated Harry's victory and Voldemort's demise.

Physical appearance

Nearly Headless Nick

Sir Nicholas shows his partially severed neck.

"Pearly white and semitransparent, Nick was dressed tonight in his usual doublet, but with a particularly large ruff, which served the dual purpose of looking extra-festive, and insuring that his head didn't wobble too much on his partially severed neck."
— Description.[src]

As a ghost, Sir Nicholas was pearly-white and slightly transparent.[4] He had long curly hair.[2] He would usually sport a ruff, which would ensure his partially severed head stayed in place,[2] as well as tights,[4] a pair of breeches,[5] a doublet[17] or, occasionally, a tunic.[2] He had a preference for extravagant plumed hats.[2][10] He also sported a small moustache and goatee.[5] He carried himself in a prim fashion[8] and spoke in an airy,[2] delicate tone.[4]

Personality and traits

Ronald Weasley: "I know who you are! My brothers told me about you — you're Nearly Headless Nick!"
Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "I would prefer you to call me Sir Nicholas de Mimsy —"
Seamus Finnigan: " Nearly Headless? How can you be nearly headless?"
Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington: "Like this."
— Sir Nicholas shows the Gryffindor first-years his poorly chopped neck.[src]

Sir Nicholas is affable, kind and always willing to lend a hand to Harry and other fellow Gryffindors whenever they need it.[11] Nicholas apparently enjoyed eating during his lifetime, as after his death he spent the feasts at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry looking wistfully at the food. [8] Sir Nicholas was polite and delicate, staying away from potentially indiscreet questions[11] and sensible about the fact that he was no longer living.[8][21] Nicholas showed interest in the lives of the students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and took delight in showing off his wound to the dismay of those around him.[11] He was very proud about his bravery and noble heritage, getting easily offended if anyone referred to him as a coward.[8] He was very sociable, being friends with the Grey Lady[12], Harry Potter,[2] and a number of other ghosts who attended his five-hundredth Deathday Party.[2] He also had a cordial relationship with the Bloody Baron[8] and Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore.[2]

Etymology

Nicholas is from the Greek Nikolaos, "victory of the people." Nick is a jokey, ironic nickname and pun -- one definition of nick is "to cut slightly," and he received more than just a little cut when he was beheaded. Sir indicates he was knighted by a British monarch when he was alive. Porpington is a name Rowling made up and is closest to porpentine, an obsolete name for a porcupine. "Like quills upon the fretful porpentine...": From Shakespeare's Hamlet. Nick can be a prickly-tempered person at times. Mimsy may have come from the same word coined by Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll. It appears in his nonsense poem "The Jabberwocky": "All mimsy were the borogoves..."

Behind the scenes

  • In the film adaptations of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Nearly Headless Nick is played by John Cleese.
  • In the Welsh translation, Nicholas is called "Syr Goronwy ap Gwallter", which literally translated as "Sir Goronwy son of Gwallter", commonly Anglicised as "Walter".
  • Sir Nicholas was originally planned to also appear in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in a film adaptation of the scene where he discusses, with Harry, the likelihood of Sirius Black returning as a ghost. This scene, however, was ultimately removed due to time constraints. John Cleese would've reprised the role.
  • In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Nick says he had not eaten in nearly 400 years; however, he had, at the time, already been dead for nearly 500 years. In later editions this was changed to "in nearly five hundred years".
  • It should be noted that Sir Nicholas's clothes do not match the time period he's said to be from. The ruff, doublet and breeches did not come into fashion until the sixteenth century and are mostly associated with the reign of Elizabeth I. This would be more consistent with earlier versions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in which Sir Nicholas claims to have been dead for four hundred years.
  • The Harry Potter time-line is originally based upon Nick's death-day party in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Having died in 1492, and celebrating his 500th death day, this ostensibly places the novels in the early to mid 1990s. The timeline was later reinforced in Deathly Hallows on James and Lily Potter's graves.
  • In the first draft of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Nick sang a self-penned ballad explaining how his head had (nearly) come off. There was a priest who comforted him.
  • While most of the Hogwarts students call him "Nearly Headless Nick", he prefers the more formal "Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington" or "Sir Nicholas". Harry, however, also calls him Nick.
  • Although Nick claims that he has never been guilty of cowardice in his life, he also claims to have broken down sobbing when they told him that he would die.
  • He also admits to not being as brave as Sirius Black; Nick chose to become a ghost because he feared death, but Sirius would have "gone on" in Nick's own words.
  • It is unknown as to how he recovered from petrification by the Basilisk since he is unable to drink potions.
  • Professor Dumbledore explains in his notes on "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot" that muggle executions of wizards such as Sir Nicholas are rarely successful, given that wizards can magically protect themselves and escape. Sir Nicholas had his wand taken away, however, and was unable to leave his dungeon cell.
  • In the PS1 versions of the first two video games he is seen wearing a high hat, and his head constantly falls off to the side.
  • In the German translation of the second game (PS1 version), Nicholas states that it is his 150th deathday. Which would incorrectly place his death in 1842.
  • Sir Nicholas was the first ghost named in the series.

Appearances

Wiki
The Harry Potter Wiki has 97 images related to Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington.

Notes and references

  1. [1]
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Chapter 8 (The Deathday Party)
  3. It is possible Nick was Muggle-born due to him being petrified by the Basilisk.
  4. 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 7 (The Sorting Hat)
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 13 (Nick and Other Residents)
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 The Tales of Beedle the Bard - Albus Dumbledore on "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot"
  7. 7.0 7.1 "If a teacher is head of a house, can we assume that they were sorted into those houses when they were students at Hogwarts? Is that also true for the house ghosts? So was Snape a Slytherin?" on J.K.Rowling Official Site
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 11 (The Sorting Hat's New Song)
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Extra Stuff - "Nearly Headless Nick" on J.K.Rowling Official Site
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 38 (The Second War Begins)
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 8 (The Potions Master)
  12. 12.0 12.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film) - Chapter 15 (New Seeker)
  13. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Chapter 9 (The Writing on the Wall)
  14. 14.0 14.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Chapter 11 (The Dueling Club)
  15. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Chapter 16 (The Chamber of Secrets)
  16. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Chapter 18 (Dobby's Reward)
  17. 17.0 17.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Chapter 12 (The Triwizard Tournament)
  18. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
  19. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 14 (Percy and Padfoot)
  20. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 20 (Hagrid's Tale)
  21. 21.0 21.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 8 (Snape Victorious)
  22. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
  23. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 27 (The Lightning-Struck Tower)
  24. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 30 (The White Tomb)
  25. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 8 (The Wedding)
  26. 26.0 26.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 12 (Magic is Might) Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "DH12" defined multiple times with different content
  27. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 29 (The Lost Diadem)
  28. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 31 (The Battle of Hogwarts)

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