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Warning!
At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in: Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery & Harry Potter: Magic Awakened. |
- "Madam Pomfrey, the matron, was a nice woman, but very strict."
- — Pomfrey's stern and kind disposition[src]
Madam Poppy Pomfrey was a British or Irish witch and the matron at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.[5] She was a very competent Healer, having been in the position for, at least, the last quarter of the 20th century.
Madam Pomfrey was very possessive of the patients in her care while in the Hospital Wing, and their visitors upset her somewhat, as she frequently insisted they must rest and demanded the visitors leave. She was proficient in her area of expertise (healing magic) and able to take care of some ailments "in a heartbeat". She fought in the Battle of Hogwarts, the final battle of the Second Wizarding War, during which she personally dispatched at least one Death Eater in a duel, and was seen after the battle treating the wounded and attending to the dead.
Not much is known about Madam Pomfrey's life after the final battle. By 2014, she had retired or was thinking of retiring, since Hannah Abbott reportedly applied for the position of Matron at Hogwarts.[10] Regardless, either because she did not retire or because she was pulled out of retirement, Madam Pomfrey was working at Hogwarts in 2020.[11]
Biography[]
Matron at Hogwarts[]
Madam Pomfrey began her career at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry sometime before 1971, being trusted in that year by Headmaster Albus Dumbledore to escort new Gryffindor student Remus Lupin, who was infected with lycanthropy due to a bite from Fenrir Greyback, to the Whomping Willow every full moon.[12]
At some point before 1 November, 1981, Madam Pomfrey complimented Dumbledore on a set of earmuffs he had recently acquired.[4] The compliment made him blush in such a manner that would only be rivalled when Professor McGonagall compared his magical prowess favourably against those of Voldemort.[4]
1985–1986 school year[]
![Jacob's sibling entering Hospital Wing HM24](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/b/b6/Jacob%27s_sibling_entering_Hospital_Wing_HM24.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20220817162305)
Jacob's sibling approaching Madam Pomfrey in the Hospital Wing
In addition to treating Ben Copper,[13] Rowan Khanna,[14] and Bill Weasley,[15] all of whom at various times throughout the year was injured by the cursed ice spreading throughout the castle, an assortment of injuries caused by Quidditch, duelling, classroom accidents and general clumsiness kept Poppy very busy, including a student who was transfigured into a teapot.
The same year, she enlisted Jacob's sibling to be her assistant, impressed with their bedside manner when their friend Ben was injured. One of the things she tasked said assistant with was researching sleepwalking, and teaching them to fix relatively minor injuries in a heartbeat.[16]
1987–1988 school year[]
In addition to caring for students stricken by the sleepwalking curse, she took time to teach Jacob's sibling the Bandaging Charm.[17]
1988–1989 school year[]
During this school year, Madam Pomfrey treated an injured Rowan Khanna in the Hospital Wing, who had fallen victim to the Imperius Curse, much to her correct assumption. She explained the nature of the curse to Jacob's sibling when they came to visit them, while Patricia Rakepick and Severus Snape were too present. Following an argument between the two rival Professors, she told the two of them to take their arguing outside like bickering children.[18]
Towards the end of the school year, when Jacob's sibling and their friends arrived in the Great Hall via Portkey following their expedition into the Buried Vault, Madam Pomfrey took a severely injured Merula Snyde up to the Hospital Wing, as she had been tortured with Rakepick's Cruciatus Curse.[19]
1989–1990 school year[]
![Pomfrey Petrified](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/a/a4/Pomfrey_Petrified.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20200104150206)
Madam Pomfrey petrified by the statue curse
Poppy Pomfrey dedicated much of her time treating two students who had been petrified as a result of the statue curse as well as treating other students. She had help from a few students, including Chiara Lobosca and Cedric Diggory. At some point during the school year, Madam Pomfrey was petrified.[20] Eventually, she was cured and continued to be the matron at Hogwarts.[21]
1990–1991 school year[]
![Madam Pomfrey pleased HM719](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/4/48/Madam_Pomfrey_pleased_HM719.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20220404201812)
Madam Pomfrey whilst tending to patients in the Hospital Wing
During this school, an infestation of doxies swarmed Hogwarts Castle that left many students bitten with venomous doxy bites, making them seek treatment in the Hospital Wing, where Madam Pomfrey cared for them. As Madam Pomfrey and the Hospital Wing were overwhelmed with students suffering from doxy bites, she enlisted the help of some seventh-year students to help her look after the injured students: Chiara Lobosca, Victor Ketsueki and Penny Haywood. Jacob's sibling also showed up to help Pomfrey treat the students.[22] Jacob's sibling helped Madam Pomfrey treat a student with stomach ache in the Hosptial Wing as part of their assignment in learning how to become a Healer with St Mungo's.[23]
1991–1992 school year[]
- Harry Potter: "You let Professor Dumbledore in...."
- Poppy: "Well, of course, that was the Headmaster, quite different. You need rest."
- Harry Potter: "I am resting, look, lying down and everything. Oh, go on Madam Pomfrey...."
- — Harry pleading with Madam Pomfrey to allow Ron and Hermione to visit him[src]
In 1991, Madam Pomfrey was able to mend Neville Longbottom's broken arm in "about a minute" after he had injured himself during Flying class.[24]
In 1992, Ron Weasley was required to go to Madam Pomfrey after visiting Rubeus Hagrid and being bitten by the dragon Norberta. Ron told her that he had been bitten by a dog, but Madam Pomfrey had doubts about his honesty due to the unusual colour of the purple, green, and black wound. However, she did not press him and treated him regardless.[25]
![B1C17M2 Harry's first Hospital Wing stay](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/3/3a/B1C17M2_Harry%27s_first_Hospital_Wing_stay.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20161210031238)
Harry Potter on bed rest after the attack in the Underground Chambers, as ordered by Madam Pomfrey
Later on in the year, after Harry Potter fought Professor Quirrell in the Hogwarts dungeons for possession of the Philosopher's Stone, he spent three days unconscious in the hospital wing under Madam Pomfrey's care. She was reluctant for Harry to have any visitors, even Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, as she thought that Harry needed bed rest, but she allowed headmaster Albus Dumbledore to visit Harry time to time, saying that the reason he was allowed to visit was because he was the Headmaster.[5]
1992–1993 school year[]
![Pomfrey1992](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/5/5b/Pomfrey1992.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20160723000531)
Pomfrey seeing to an injured Harry Potter after a disastrous Quidditch match
In 1992, Madam Pomfrey administered Skele-Gro on Harry to regrow the bones in his arm after Gilderoy Lockhart's attempt to fix a Quidditch-caused broken bone failed disastrously. Pomfrey was annoyed that Harry had not been brought straight to her in the first place, as re-growing bones is a much more difficult task than mending bones, which she claimed she could do "in a heartbeat".[26]
In the same year, Hermione Granger ended up in the hospital wing for a month after an accident in an unauthorised high-level Potion-making (Polyjuice Potion) left her half-feline; apparently the group felt comfortable letting Madam Pomfrey to treat her since she would not ask too many questions and just get on with the job in hand. Hermione was allowed visitors, but it bothered Madam Pomfrey somewhat.[27]
![B2C14M1 Petrified students in the Hospital Wing](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/2/2c/B2C14M1_Petrified_students_in_the_Hospital_Wing.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20161210031354)
Madam Pomfrey attending Hermione Granger's bedside after she was Petrified
Hogwarts was also facing potential closure as a monster had been attacking Muggle-born students around the school and Petrifying them as a result. It was Madam Pomfrey's job to make sure that these students were found and treated to the best of her ability, though she could not cure students without Pomona Sprout's Mandrake Restorative Draught, which took weeks to brew. She refused to allow any students to visit the victims, in fear of the attacker returning to finish them, but allowed Harry and Ron to visit Hermione with Professor McGonagall's permission.[28]
![Dumbledore, Pomfrey and Sprout at the End-of-Term Feast](https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/File:Madam_Pomfrey_treating_Ron_Weasley_in_the_Hospital_Wing_HBPF.jpg/data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIABAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAEALAAAAAABAAEAQAICTAEAOw%3D%3D)
Dumbledore, Pomfrey and Sprout at the End-of-Term Feast
Eventually, they managed to get the potion made and cured the victims — Hermione Granger, Colin Creevey, Penelope Clearwater, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Nearly Headless Nick, and Mrs Norris. At the end of the year, Madam Pomfrey and Professor Sprout sat at the staff table and Albus Dumbledore asked the whole school to thank them both for their efforts in helping all petrified students, as well as applauding in Lockhart's departure and Hagrid's return.[29]
1993–1994 school year[]
- Poppy: "Oh, it's you is it?... I suppose you've been doing something dangerous again?"
- Minerva McGonagall: "It was a dementor, Poppy."
- Poppy: "Setting dementors around a school... He won't be the last one that collapses. Yes, he's all clammy. Terrible things, they are, and the effect they have on people who are already delicate —"
- — Poppy and Professor McGonagall discussing the effect that Dementors had on people[src]
![Madam Pomfrey and Professor Sprout clapping COSF](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/3/38/Madam_Pomfrey_and_Professor_Sprout_clapping_COSF.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20180203182741)
Pomfrey and Pomona Sprout seated at the High Table in the Great Hall
During the 1993–1994 school year, Hogwarts found itself under the questionable protection of the Dementors of Azkaban, horrible creatures whose mere presence was enough to induce the worst feelings and sensations in people. When one took it upon itself to inspect the Hogwarts Express for the escaped criminal Sirius Black, it caused many students great distress and actually caused Harry Potter to pass out due to recalling his mother's death. Madam Pomfrey was summoned to Minerva McGonagall's office to see if Harry was alright and administer treatment.
While inspecting the boy, she exchanged a significant look with Professor McGonagall and expressed her disapproval of setting Dementors around the school, anticipating many more collapses all over the place due to the effect they had on people, particularly those who were 'delicate'. Madam Pomfrey recommended some chocolate, but was surprised and very pleased to hear that he had already been given some by the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, Remus Lupin.[30]
During the 1993 Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, Madam Pomfrey tended to the injured, including Harry Potter, who fell over fifty feet due to Dementors being on the pitch, a Hufflepuff team member, and Angelina Johnson who was injured after the tail of her broomstick caught fire.[31]
At the end of 1994, Harry, Ron, and Hermione all had endured injuries following the events that took place when Sirius Black returned to Hogwarts and revealed Peter Pettigrew to be alive. The three all woke up in the hospital wing, Ron having broken his leg, and both Harry and Hermione having passed out from the Dementor attack, along with Sirius Black. Madam Pomfrey was not surprised to have the three in her care again.[32]
![Dumbledore, McGonagall, Pomfrey and Sprout COSF](https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/File:Madam_Pomfrey_treating_Ron_Weasley_in_the_Hospital_Wing_HBPF.jpg/data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIABAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAEALAAAAAABAAEAQAICTAEAOw%3D%3D)
Pomfrey with fellow staff members in the Great Hall
Whilst in the Hospital Wing, Hermione, at Dumbledore's hint, used her Time-Turner to go back in time with Harry to three hours previously. They rescued Sirius Black on Buckbeak the hippogriff to prevent him from being administered the Dementor's Kiss. They managed to get back in time without Madam Pomfrey realising what they had done, something that would have caused dire consequences.[32]
Madam Pomfrey also spoke approvingly of Remus Lupin's use of chocolate to relieve the effects of a Dementor's presence on students, commenting that Hogwarts has "finally got a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies", as the previous DADA predecessors were not particularly good teachers with any real expertise.[30]
1994–1995 school year[]
- "Last year dementors, this year dragons, what are they going to bring into this school next?"
- — Madam Pomfrey complaining about the Triwizard Tournament[src]
When several students, including Fred and George Weasley, S. Fawcett, and Summers "decided to age themselves up a little" in order to be eligible to enter the 1994 Triwizard Tournament. Madam Pomfrey subsequently had to remove the beards which they had grown in attempting to cross Dumbledore's Age Line. She was most annoyed by the students actions and treated them with regret. She felt that the Triwizard Tournament would bring the school nothing but grief.[33]
During the same school year, it was Madam Pomfrey's job to tend to the injuries that the four Triwizard Champions — Harry Potter, Viktor Krum, Fleur Delacour, and Cedric Diggory — received during the course of the tournament, and expressed distaste for the dragons for the first task.[7]
![B4C36M1 Snape Dark Mark reveal](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/7/78/B4C36M1_Snape_Dark_Mark_reveal.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20180423221722)
Snape using his Dark Mark as proof that Voldemort had returned
She was also responsible for later taking the body of Cedric Diggory to the Hospital Wing after he had been murdered by Peter Pettigrew under the order of Lord Voldemort during the last task. Later, after being questioned by Albus Dumbledore on the details of the incident, Harry was sent to the hospital where Madam Pomfrey prescribed a Dreamless Sleep Potion for him, in order for him to get some rest. Madam Pomfrey was also present when Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge visited the wing; the Minister refused to believe that Voldemort returned, causing ex-Death Eater Professor Snape to reveal his restored Dark Mark as proof.[34]
1995–1996 school year[]
- "I don't wonder you're shocked, Potter, as if one of them could have stunned Minerva McGonagall face-on by daylight! Cowardice, that's what it was... despicable cowardice... if I wasn't worried what would happen to you students without me, I'd resign in protest!"
- — Madam Pomfrey to Harry Potter on her intention to resign[src]
In 1996, Hogwarts was under the control of the Ministry. Albus Dumbledore had escaped after facing potential imprisonment in Azkaban and Dolores Umbridge had taken over as Headmistress. Minerva McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey's close friend, was hit by four Stunning Spells to the chest by Aurors while Umbridge was trying to sack and remove Hagrid from Hogwarts, very nearly killing her in the process. Madam Pomfrey was deeply shocked by this attack and was unable to help McGonagall. She transferred her to St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries where she could receive better treatment by qualified healers.[35]
Also, after the Dumbledore's Army's traitor, Marietta Edgecombe, was struck with Hermione Granger's Dumbledore's Army parchment jinx, Madam Pomfrey could not do the slightest in improving the pustules instilled on Marietta's face. Marietta was stuck with this reminder of her betrayal into the next school year, where not even a heavy layer of makeup could fully obscure the marks.[36] That school year, she also healed Alicia Spinnet's eyebrows after they were jinxed by Miles Bletchley,[37] and also administered a Calming Draught to Hannah Abbott after she had burst into tears during a Herbology class over anxiety surrounding her upcoming O.W.L.s.[38]
Madam Pomfrey considered resigning in protest after the attack on McGonagall, but did not as she cared and feared for the students too much.[35] She subsequently helped treat the assorted injuries that Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley sustained during the battle in the Department of Mysteries, including a broken ankle, broken nose, and the effects of an unknown curse on Hermione, which if cast verbally could have been fatal. She also cared for Umbridge at this time in the hospital wing, who was very shaken after nearly being killed by Centaurs after a skimrish with them in the Forbidden Forest.[39]
1996–1997 school year[]
- "No more than six visitors at a time!"
- — Pomfrey enforcing the rules of the Hospital Wing[src]
In 1997, Madam Pomfrey examined Katie Bell after she had been cursed by an Opal Necklace.[40] She could not help Bell and transferred her to St Mungo's for specialist treatment.[41]
![Madam Pomfrey treating Ron Weasley in the Hospital Wing HBPF](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/d/db/Madam_Pomfrey_treating_Ron_Weasley_in_the_Hospital_Wing_HBPF.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20170718023908)
Poppy attending to Ron Weasley after he was poisoned
Madam Pomfrey later tended to Ron after he had almost been poisoned after drinking a glass of mead, which had been laced by Draco Malfoy in an attempt to kill Dumbledore.[42]
She also helped Harry after his skull was cracked open by a Bludger which had been hit by Cormac McLaggen (whom she had presumably treated when he foolishly ate a pound of toxic Doxy eggs the previous year)[43] during a Quidditch match; the injury was mended in an instant, but she kept him in overnight so as to ensure he did not undergo anything strenuous, which included taking revenge on McLaggen for his actions.[42] She also treated Draco Malfoy after he was struck by Harry's Sectumsempra curse, shortly after Severus Snape gave the victim emergency treatment before bringing him to the matron.[44]
![Ron, Luna, & Pomfrey raise wands](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/9/96/Ron%2C_Luna%2C_%26_Pomfrey_raise_wands.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20180116160248)
Poppy raising her wand with students
Later in the year, the Death Eaters attacked Hogwarts. Several students and Aurors were caught up in the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, a battle which resulted in the death of headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Madam Pomfrey tended to the wounds and injuries of those in the battle; Bill Weasley was injured the worst of all, as werewolf Fenrir Greyback in human form had savaged and bitten him, causing Bill to be badly scarred. Madam Pomfrey noted that there is no cure for werewolf bites and scars.
Lupin, being a werewolf himself, assumed that Bill would not take the form of a true werewolf since he might not be entirely infected with Lycanthropy due to Greyback being in a human form when the attack happened, though he could develop lupine qualities. Since it was an unique case, neither Madam Pomfrey nor the others knew what would become of Bill when he awoke. When he woke up, the only change was that he developed a liking for raw meat.[45]
![B6C30M1 funeral of Albus Dumbledore](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/0/06/B6C30M1_funeral_of_Albus_Dumbledore.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20161209004341)
The funeral of Albus Dumbledore
Shortly afterwards, Madam Pomfrey was one of the hundreds of witches and wizards who attended the Funeral of Albus Dumbledore. During the funeral she paid her respects to the passing of a great wizard, friend, and colleague. She was devastated by his death, being brought to tears after Harry Potter told her of his demise at the hands of former colleague and DADA teacher Severus Snape.[45]
Battle of Hogwarts[]
- "I know that you are preparing to fight. Your efforts are futile. You cannot fight me. I do not want to kill you. I have great respect for the teachers of Hogwarts. I do not want to spill magical blood. Give me Harry Potter, and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter, and I shall leave the school untouched. Give me Harry Potter, and you will be rewarded. You have until midnight."
- — Lord Voldemort's ultimatum[src]
![Defenders of Hogwarts in mourning](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/e/e8/Defenders_of_Hogwarts_in_mourning.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20170102194034)
Madam Pomfrey and others were shocked after seeing Harry's "dead" body
Following the death of former headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort took control of Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic. He had appointed Severus Snape as Headmaster, along with cruel Death Eaters Amycus and Alecto Carrow as Defence Against the Dark Arts (renamed simply Dark Arts) and Muggle Studies professors respectively. Detentions and punishments imposed on students by the Carrows were severe. Students were noted to be in and out of the Hospital Wing often. In particular, Seamus Finnigan's face was unrecognisable with bruises.
![B7C36M2 Voldemort vanquished](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/b/b0/B7C36M2_Voldemort_vanquished.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20150904231059)
Pomfrey witnessing Harry Potter's final defeat of Lord Voldemort and the end of the Second Wizarding War
Later on in the year, Harry, Ron, and Hermione returned to Hogwarts in search of the final Horcrux in Hogwarts, triggering a battle. Before the battle started, she and Argus Filch were tasked with the evacuation of students from the castle by Minerva McGonagall.[46] The staff and students defended the school against Voldemort and his Death Eater army bravely whilst Harry searched for the Horcrux, with Poppy herself engaging and defeating a female Death Eater in the Great Hall.[47] During the battle's one hour-armistice, Pomfrey attended to the injuries of the wounded and also the dead in the Great Hall.[9] At the end of the Battle of Hogwarts, many students and staff alike were injured or dead. After the battle, Madam Pomfrey tended to all the wounded.[47]
Later life[]
She was still working at Hogwarts by 2010.[48]
By 2014, Madam Pomfrey had retired or was thinking of retiring, since Hannah Abbott reportedly applied for the position of Matron at Hogwarts.[10] In 2019, during the Calamity, she assisted prospective members of the then recently established Statute of Secrecy Task Force seeking a career as either a Magizoologist or a Professor, whom she taught a rudimentary variation of the Mending Charm, hoping it would help them in the field. Eventually, she would later teach the same members some advanced concepts relating to this spell, allowing them to improve its effectiveness.[49]
She also instructed them how to refine the Reviving Charm they learned from Rosmerta and, upon being helped in tending to a student with a painful Quidditch injury, gave them practical advice on pain management to be applied to increase resilience. Regardless, either because she decided not to leave or because she ended her retirement, she was working at Hogwarts in 2020.
In an alternate reality created when Albus Potter travelled back in time to 1994 and broke his arm in the process, Madame Pomfrey placed him in an induced sleep for twenty-four hours so that the arm could be reset. Unsure of what else to prescribe, she recommended eating lots of chocolate.[11]
Personality and traits[]
Madam Pomfrey was described by her students as being exceptionally kind, but even more so strict.[5] She was very obsessive, lining up her patients' sweet boxes in neat rows, and was intensely worried about all of the students under her care, believing even feasts to be risky.[5] Working in a school where magical accidents were almost an undeniable certainty, she appeared to have resigned herself to treating whoever came her way. Indeed, she never asked questions about how her patients received their ailments or questioning the sometimes ludicrous stories they told her, but instead immediately set to fixing them up.[25]
She had a tendency to burst into tears at moments where great sorrow was appropriate, but she was capable of controlling herself if need be.[45] She also has her standards and loyalty, as she would have resigned in protest when Minerva McGonagall was shot down by four Stunning Spells from a cowardly Ministry attack, were she not worried for the students.[35]
Magical abilities and skills[]
- "She cleaned the cut with a dab of some purple liquid that smoked and stung, but then poked his shoulder with her wand, and he felt it heal instantly."
- — Madam Pomfrey healing Harry Potter's injured shoulder after the first task of the Triwizard Tournament[src]
- Healing magic: Being the Hogwarts Matron, Madam Pomfrey was a talented Healer who was very well-versed in medical magic. She had a very high understanding of medical charms and could mend broken bones in seconds.[26] Harry Potter, for example, held her skill in Healing spells in very high regard.[50]
- Transfiguration: She was proficient in transfiguration, being able to quickly and wordlessly conjure a chair for Professor McGonagall to sit on after hearing of the death of Albus Dumbledore.[45] Conjuration was noted to be particularly advanced form of Transfiguration, showing her skill.
- Defence Against the Dark Arts: Pomfrey was able to produce a non-corporeal Patronus. This was an impressive feat, as the Patronus Charm was noted to be extremely difficult.[6][8] She was also a skilled enough duellist to survive the Battle of Hogwarts. She defeated at least one witch and surviving the onslaught of many more.[47] She also clearly recognised a Dementor attack and knew immediately to prescribe chocolate as the relevant antidote. She even expressed grim approval of Professor Lupin when she learned that he had already treated the student.[30] While her overall knowledge about Dark Magic appeared to be reasonable (particularly in regards to injuries caused by Dark Magic),[45] her knowledge of Dark Arts was not as strong as others (such as Severus Snape). She was unable to treat injuries caused by severe dark magic.[41]
- Potions: Pomfrey was very knowledgeable of healing potions and was skilled in their application.[26][7] She could also successfully brew healing potions such as Pepperup Potion, Skele-Gro,[51] and her own tonic Pomfrey's Pick-Me-Up,[52] showing her to have been proficient in the art of potion-making.
Possessions[]
![Poppy Pomfrey's Wand](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/4/41/Poppy_Pomfrey%27s_Wand.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/180?cb=20141209003249)
Pomfrey's wand
- Wand: Pomfrey owned a wand, which was of an unknown length, wand wood and core.[7]
- Office: Pomfrey occupied an office at Hogwarts in the Hospital Wing, in which she used for her professional duties as well as her place of residence in the castle.[42]
Etymology[]
- Poppy juice, better known as opium, is one of the oldest known medicines; it has been used as a painkiller and soporific for, at the very least, thousands of years. King Tutankhamun's tomb contained jars of poppy juice, presumably to relieve the pain he suffered from a head injury. Although it is mostly known today as an addictive drug, opium's derivatives, such as morphine and codeine, are vital to modern medicine for their anaesthetic properties.
- Pomfrey sounds like comfrey, a plant in the borage family which can be made into a soothing salve. Meanings of her names are, therefore, both in some way medically related. Pomfrey or Pomfret cakes (named after mediaeval names for the Yorkshire town of Pontefract, once a centre of liquorice cultivation) are small, sweet lozenges made from the roots of the licorice plant. Liquorice also has been a medicinal ingredient for hundreds of years.
Behind the scenes[]
![Gemma Jones2](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/c/cb/Miriam_Margoyles_and_Gemma_Jones.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/220?cb=20160526053208)
Miriam Margolyes as Pomona Sprout and Gemma Jones as Poppy Pomfrey
![Poppylego](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/1/15/Poppylego.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/182?cb=20100920162021)
Poppy Pomfrey in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
![Madam Pomfrey LEGO Y2](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/2/23/Madam_Pomfrey_LEGO_Y2.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/180?cb=20201112142741)
Poppy Pomfrey in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
- "Matron" is a specific title used for a senior nurse at various institutions in Britain. In this context, a matron is the school nurse at a British boarding school, in charge of the general health and welfare of its students.
- Pomfrey is portrayed by British actress Gemma Jones in the film adaptations of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
- In the film adaptations, Madam Pomfrey wears a cloth in her hair similar to caps worn by British Nurses at various points in history. Her uniform costume as seen in the second film is very similar and could be based on Victorian and Edwardian nurse's uniforms. Her uniform that we see in the 6th and 8th films is very similar and could be based on very early NHS nurse's uniforms from the 1940's and 50's.
- In the German audio books, Madam Pomfrey speaks with a French accent.
- In the books, the trio seems to place a lot of faith in Madam Pomfrey, to the point of overly doing so. When Dumbledore's hand was cursed and the damage remained visible, when Katie was cursed, and when Dumbledore was greatly weakened by the Emerald Potion, Harry always expected that Pomfrey would be able to cure them, and even suggesting in those situations that she be summoned for assistance, instead of the more Dark Arts-experienced Snape, who was more proficient in handling dangerous curses.
Appearances[]
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film) (Mentioned as "Nurse")
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film) (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game) (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game) (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game) (Mentioned as "Nurse")
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (play) (Mentioned only)
- Pottermore
- Wizarding World
- Harry Potter: The Character Vault
- Harry Potter Trading Card Game
- LEGO Harry Potter
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
- Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
- Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter: Magic Awakened (Mentioned only)
- The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac
Notes and references[]
- ↑ As Madam Pomfrey was already working at Hogwarts in 1971, having led Remus Lupin to the Whomping Willow to transform, she must have been at least seventeen years old to be working there.
- ↑ She was working at Hogwarts during the 1997–1998 school year under the rule of the Death Eaters, meaning she was not a Muggle-born witch.
- ↑ "World Exclusive Interview with J K Rowling," South West News Service, 8 July 2000 - "Hogwarts just serves Britain and Ireland."
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 1 (The Boy Who Lived)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 17 (The Man with Two Faces)
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 20 (The First Task)
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 33 (The Prince's Tale)
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Pottermore - DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY REUNITES AT QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP FINAL Daily Prophet 08 July 2014 (Archived)
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Act Two, Scene Eight
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 18 (Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs)
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 2, Chapter 4 (Revelio)
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 2, Chapter 5 (Rowan's Recovery)
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 2, Chapter 8 (Training the Team) 9
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 2, Side Quest "Sleep Walker"
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 4, Chapter 4 (Curse-Breakers) - Private Charms Lesson "Ferula"
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 19 (The Unforgivable Curses)
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 5, Chapter 31 (After the Vault)
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 6, Chapter 14 (A New Friend of a Friend)
- ↑ In 1991, Madam Pomfrey was already healed, meaning that she had been healed some time before then.
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 7, Chapter 17 (An Infestation of Doxies)
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 7, Chapter 19 (St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries) - Assignment "Healing Hands"
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 9 (The Midnight Duel)
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 14 (Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback)
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 10 (The Rogue Bludger)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 13 (The Very Secret Diary)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 16 (The Chamber of Secrets)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 18 (Dobby's Reward)
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 5 (The Dementor)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 9 (Grim Defeat)
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 21 (Hermione's Secret)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 16 (The Goblet of Fire)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 36 (The Parting of the Ways)
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 31 (O.W.L.s)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 28 (Snape's Worst Memory)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 19 (The Lion and the Serpent)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 27 (The Centaur and the Sneak)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 38 (The Second War Begins)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 12 (Silver and Opals)
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 13 (The Secret Riddle)
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 19 (Elf Tails)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 11 (Hermione's Helping Hand)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 24 (Sectumsempra)
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 45.4 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 29 (The Phoenix Lament)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 30 (The Sacking of Severus Snape)
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
- ↑ Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
- ↑ Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (see video)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 8 (Snape Victorious)
- ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Year 2, Side Quest "Growing Pains"
- ↑ Harry Potter Trading Card Game