Short Harry Potter Quotes

The incredibly popular Harry Potter books, written by J.K. Rowling, have enchanted readers with gripping stories of heroism, adventure, love, friendship and the classic conflict of good versus evil. Inspirational, thought-provoking, and often downright comical, these short quotes offer a glimpse into this magical world.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

The first book in the series introduces the reader to Harry, who happens to be the most famous orphan in the magical world. He enrolls at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and has many adventures, meeting friends and enemies alike. The first book sets the stage for the rest of Harry's instruction in magic.

• It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. - Albus Dumbledore
• There is no good and evil, there is only power and those too weak to seek it. - Professor Quirrell
• I was the only one who saw her for what she really was - a freak! - Petunia Dursley
• You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head. - The Sorting Hat
• Oh, HONESTLY, don't you two read? - Hermione Granger
• It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live. - Albus Dumbledore

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The second book begins with Harry trapped and unable to contact his friends. Eventually one of his friends comes to his rescue and the two go back to Hogwarts and find that their school is under attack. Almost single-handedly, Harry fights to save the place he now considers home.

• I'll be in my bedroom, making no noise and pretending I'm not there. - Harry Potter
• Of course, it would be difficult. And dangerous, very dangerous. - Hermione Granger
• When in doubt, go to the library. - Ron Weasley
• Honestly, if you were any slower, you'd be going backward. - Draco Malfoy
• What exactly is the function of a rubber duck? - Arthur Weasley

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Book three introduces an escaped prisoner who is supposedly hunting Harry, while Harry devotes most of his time to Quidditch, sneaking into Hogsmeade, and working on his defense of the dark arts with Professor Lupin. In the end, we learn that no one is who they seem to be.

• Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. - Albus Dumbledore
• You sometimes have to join forces with those you'd rather avoid. - Mr. Weasley
• I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. - Maurader's Map
• I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me. - Harry Potter
• What you fear most of all is - fear. Very wise… - Professor Remus Lupin

  

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

The fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, begins with Harry experiencing troubling nightmares. He learns of a tournament at school that could result in a competitor's death. Despite his age (one must be seventeen to enter the tournament, Harry is fourteen) and his lack of desire to participate, Harry is forced to compete. Many of the characters are acting mysteriously and everyone's motives are questioned - even Harry's. The book ends with a dark surprise, which sets the stage for the last few books.

• I am what I am, an' I'm not ashamed. - Rubeus Hagrid
• We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. - Albus Dumbledore
• Well, I'm sure you'll find someone somewhere who'll have you. - Hermione Granger
• Play to your strengths. - Alastor Moody
• Where's the fun without a bit of risk? - Fred Weasley

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

In book five, Harry is exiled and ridiculed at Hogwarts. He has lost the interest of most of his friends, and even the headmaster, Dumbledore, will no longer speak to him. However, there are events in the book that bring hope, while others also bring sadness as the reader realizes that the true cost of war is death.

• We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are. - Sirius Black
• I'VE HAD ENOUGH, I'VE SEEN ENOUGH, I WANT OUT, I WANT IT TO END, I DON'T CARE ANYMORE! - Harry Potter
• Ask us no questions and we'll tell you no lies. - Fred Weasley
• Don't worry. You're just as sane as I am. - Luna Lovegood
• The mind is not a book to be opened at will and examined at leisure. - Severus Snape
• Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect. - Luna Lovegood

  

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The sixth book in the series reveals Harry's new obsession - taking down Voldemort. Young readers can relate as he also deals with the typical struggles of teenage hormones. Harry knows who his true friends are, and keeps them close by his side as death looms among them. By the end of the book, the world is at an all-out war.

• Once again, you show all the sensitivity of a blunt axe. - Nearly Headless Nick
• Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth. - Albus Dumbledore
• What do I care how 'e looks? I am good-looking enough for both of us, I theenk! - Fleur Delacour
• Greatness inspires envy, envy engenders spite, spite spawns lies. - Lord Voldemort
• Killing rips the soul apart. - Professor Horace Slughorn

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

The final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, begins with loss and final goodbyes. Voldemort takes over and Harry and his friends are on the run. Harry faces imminent death many times throughout the book, yet manages to escape. The final battle is an explosive ending that rocks both the Wizard and Muggle worlds.

• We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same and worth saving. - Kingsley Shacklebolt
• There's a time and a place for getting a smart mouth. - Ron Weasley
• I can't pretend anymore. You've chosen your way, I've chosen mine. - Lily Evans
• Quite honestly, I've had enough trouble for a lifetime. - Harry Potter
• I'll join you when hell freezes over! - Neville Longbottom
• I don't say I like it, but it's the truth! - Aberforth Dumbledore

Connecting to the Characters

While this list is hardly comprehensive, it does offer some insight into the personalities of some of the characters in the Harry Potter series. When you read the books, you will find the characters come to life, as you experience their excitement, fear, anger, disappointment and delight. Perhaps you could imagine yourself becoming good friends with a few of them. Now take this quiz to find out which character best represents you!