Poltergeist

Poltergeist
Species information
Distinction	Similar to a ghost, but solid, and can move objects Was never a living human
Status	Spirit

A poltergeist is an "indestructible spirit of chaos.". They haunt one specific location at time, and either "[came] with the building," or chose to enter it at some point.

Nature

Abilities

Poltergeists can fly and delight in vandalism, malicious mischief, and the general aggravation and embarrassment of living persons. They could unscrew chandeliers, write rude words on chalkboards, throw water balloons at people, throw walking sticks at people, stuff keyholes with chewing gum and other such acts, simply for their amusement.

Recalcitrance

Poltergeists are notably unruly - there was no way to get rid of a poltergeist once it had moved into a location. Some people could get it to settle down for a while, though it would inevitably start acting up again. Dolores Umbridge claimed that the Minister of Magic could sign an order banning a poltergeist, and once threatened Peeves with this action. However, her statement may reflect her belief in the superiority of wizards in general and the Ministry of Magic in particular, rather than specific knowledge of the nature of poltergeists.

Comparison to ghosts

Whilst similar, poltergeists differ from ghosts in a number of ways. Firstly, ghosts are incorporeal, whereas the poltergeist is solid enough to move objects with physical force. Poltergeists have never once been living humans either. The latter trait may indicate amortality, the condition of never having died and being unable to die, as one was never alive to start.

Known Poltergeists

• Handsome Poltergeist
• Peeves

Etymology

"Poltergeist" comes from the German, poltern, meaning "to make (loud) noise" and geist, meaning "ghost" or "spirit."

Behind the scenes

• It may be possible that poltergeists form from (and consequently feed on) the chaos of an area. If so then it may also be possible that - if their home were to be left desolate for long enough - a poltergeist would not die but simply cease to exist, at least until the locale became more active again.
• Fleur Delacour once stated that if a poltergeist was ever discovered in the Palace of Beauxbatons, it would be immediately expelled. This is impossible, however, as J. K. Rowling has stated a poltergeist cannot be driven from a location it has decided to haunt by any means.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance) (Appears as a ghost or a spirit)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film) (Cut from final edit (Peeves))
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game) (Appears as a ghost or a spirit)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Appears as a ghost or a spirit)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game) (Appears as a ghost or a spirit)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Appears as a ghost or a spirit)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game) (Appears as a ghost or a spirit)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Appears as a ghost or a spirit)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Appears as a ghost or a spirit)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game) (Peeves is mentioned)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Appears as a ghost or a spirit)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Appears as a ghost or a spirit)
• The Queen's Handbag (Peeves is mentioned)
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (DS/PSP versions only (Peeves))