- based on my opinion and shifting experience
- one song for each character, place or event
- links for Spotify and YouTube playlist included down below
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - Welcome home, Son by Radical Face
Hogwarts Halloween Festivity - Season of the witch by Lana Del Rey
Harry Potter - Wayfaring Stranger by Johnny Cash
This certain song fits perfectly with Harry I think in the last two books as his character has the revelation of the importance of his actions. He somehow managed to except that at some point he might die saving the world.
Albus Dumbledore - Goodbye by Bo Burnham
Dumbledore made plenty of mistakes, especially when he was young, and his general dishonesty with Harry and others had horrific consequences. I think part of what makes me forgive some of Dumbledore’s mistakes is that he knows he did wrong. Behind only Rita Skeeter, Albus is his own harshest critic. Every mistake, from the death of Arianna, Harry’s parents, and Sirius, to allowing Voldemort to rise in the first place weighs heavily on him. Including every part from his birth to death I think this song describes him very accurately.
Ron Weasley - Lion by Saint Mesa
I think we don't talk enough about Ron and his character development. He had a moment of weakness and everyone is judging him based on that but no one talks about his accomplishments. From the beginning he showed courage, loyalty and willingness to help his friends even when he was scared of what was coming. He really deserves more recognition and for me he is a true definition of a Gryffindor.
Draco Malfoy - Arcade by Duncan Laurence
There are so many points where we can see how miserable Draco was only to make his family proud. In the core of his heart he was good and seeking for acceptance. He deserved a redemption arc. This song will always belong to him.
Tonks and Remus relationship - 1,000 years by Liza Anne
Here me out; imagine a young pregnant Tonks left by the love of her life, alone scared while everyone is preparing for war and Remus devastated thinking he ruined her life by letting himself to love her. When I hear this song I just get a picture in my head of them sitting by the window, crying and looking at the rain.
Lily Potter - Youth by Glass Animals
James Potter - Little Lion Man by Mumford & Sons
Everything I imagine Lily and James would say to Harry if they could. That would be their advice, to rely on friends and experience everything.
Severus Snape - She used to love me a lot by Johnny Cash
This is everything Snape thought about Lily. Their story is actually really sad and in some way I understand why he never got over her. Snape was undeniably a complex and interesting character. You definitely have sympathy for him by the end of the books. However, at the end of book 7, I still thought that he was a bad character. Not evil, but I don't think he was suddenly good either. My thought is that his entire motivation to keep Harry alive was based on Lily, not actual caring for the boy.
Ginny Weasley - These boots are made for walking by Nancy Sinatra
Because she is a badass who has her opinion and knows how to fight for herself. She is one of the most powerful female characters in the complete series. Ginny can be a protective, badass, tough, no-cry, determined, sarcastic, funny sister. She can also be a soft, kind, defending, gentle, comforting and understanding mother. She can also be that go-on-crazy-adventures, trusting, friendly, hilarious best friend. The movies did her dirty.
Luna Lovegood - Love Grows by Edison Lighthouse
The best description of Luna, song just made for her. This is something Neville would sing to her probably very bad but she would still love it. She is a kind, has a beautiful soul, is wise, and a winderfully unique character. She was bullied by everyone, even the people in her own house who were supposed to be like a second family to her and still it was natural for her to try to make other people around her feel good and accepted
Fred Weasley - Mr. Loverman by Ricky Montgomery
Firstly when I listen to this song I always kinda hear Freds voice. He is this popular, really funny guy that everyone knows and loves. He is "the leader" and a magnet for girls but for me that's just a small part who Fred really is. I imagine Fred a little bit scared to be in love, to really care about someone and hold them close. He is one of the most interesting characters for sure. I really admire him. I love George, of course. but Fred is the thinking-head. He doesn't care if it will work, if it is dangerous or even criminal, he just does it. Given the store's fast growth you can see that they have excellent work ethics, you can see Fred going through the night developing a new product while George goes after legal ways to market the absurdity Fred is thinking of doing.
George Weasley - Dance with somebody by Mando Diao
In the Fred and George duo Fred was the more outgoing one, and generally the leader of the two. The books make it clear the Fred leads and George follows but in my opinion he has a much bigger role than living in his brothers shadow. George is more empathic, he listens carefully and always does the explaining, he has a way with words that makes anything sound good or at least appropriate. Fred is a thinker and George is a doer and that's why they make such a dynamic duo, they need each other to show their personalities and make things like the shop work. Also I strongly believe that George always had a crush on Angelina but never tried anything because of Fred.
Fred and George - Hey Brother by Avicii
Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy - Sinners and Saints by Andrea Wasse
I love how this song has a contrast just like them. They are both on the same side, the bad one but Lucius will always act like a sinner although being a coward and Narcissa won't, comparing her to him she is a saint protecting Draco and eventually Harry from Voldemort, being brave and true to herself. We shouldn't forget that Narcissa didn't support Voldemort, she supported her family and that makes a difference.
Hermione Granger - Juliet by Cavetown
This song fits so nicely with her personality. The part "my sour boy is a pain, I wanna shoot him in the head" and "sometimes I act like I know but I'm really just a kid" remind me so much of her. Hermione likes being challenged and ends up with Ron, who is literally the person we see challenging and questioning her the most throughout the entire series! She likes being kept on her toes and that is what he does.
Neville Longbottom - Lemon boy by Cavetown
I would love to garden with Neville knowing how good he is in Herbology and knowing how bad I'm at keeping them alive. I also feel like at first he would be really shy but eventually he'd open up and be really cool. He was one of those people who was innocent and enjoyed simple things. Sweet in short. I kinda think he has a pothead vibe.
Bellatrix Lestrange - Witchy woman by Eagles
She's really good as a villain, almost the kind you "love to hate." But as a person, I definitely dont find her "likable". Bellatrix is crazy and she is purely evil. But she never hides her true self like Lucius. She is dedicated, devoted, and loyal to Voldemort. She was very brave and didn't fear anything. This is another thing we can learn from her. Although she was not really supported by anyone, she was one of the bravest characters.
Lord Voldemort - Darkness by Daniel Deluxe
The voice reminds me of an older Tom explaining to his followers how powerful he will be. It kinda represents his becoming of Lord Voldemort.
Pansy Parkinson - Michelle by Sir Chloe
She is seen as evil because she is Dracos' girlfriend and echoes his opinions. Apart from insulting Harry and his friends (who return the insults) Pansy doesn't do anything particularly evil until Voldemort asks Hogwarts to give up Harry and she points him out.
Lavender Brown - I put a spell on you by IZA
Lavender’s crimes are quite small. If we look at things from Lavender’s perspective, we can understand her better. She saw everything about Ron that we as readers love. She pursued a guy she liked, which took real courage. Honestly, her boldness is what makes her a classic Gryffindor. While the Ron and Lavender relationship was very shallow, it did have some positive aspects. Lavender isn’t a villain; she’s just an affectionate person. Instead of shaming Lavender, the fandom should be open to a different perspective.
Remus Lupin - Full Moon by The Black Ghosts
Remus John Lupin was a great person and arguably the best of the Marauders. He was a person with virtues and flaws, it comes down to what you appreciate more. It is evident that being a werewolf destroyed his childhood, despite the isolation and the nightmare that repeats itself every month, Remus becomes a sweet and intelligent boy. The problem is that Remus doesn't see what he can give and what he gives to others in all his relationships, he only sees what he takes. He thinks he has been a burden to his parents; he thought he owed James, Sirius and Peter; he runs away from Tonks because he believes he has ruined her life; and he's putting Harry at arm's lenght because he thinks Harry doesn't need the heavy emotional baggage he carries around. In short, Remus is good, courageous, loyal and empathetic, but his insecurity and ostracization from society have fed his dark side.
Viktor Krum - Rasputin by Majestic, Boney M.
Just imagine Fred and George following him around and singing that to him all day long. Viktor will always be one of those characters that I wish we had got to know better, and I’ll forever be clinging on to what we do get of him in the books and movies. He was obviously great at Quidditch, and we know he must’ve been talented at magic in general because the Goblet of Fire chose him as the Durmstrang champion. It’s pointed out to us again and again that the other students were all swooning over him. Yet he was gentle, and shy when trying to talk to Hermione.
Sirius Black - Bad reputation by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Sirius was a great person, but not completely perfect. In fact, he's far from perfect. He's reckless, stubborn, and kind of demented after his 12-years in Azkaban. The thing I really like about him is that he parallels a lot of people but still I always go back and forth between liking him and not liking him. Because even if he had hardships, he betrayed his friends not much differently than Peter. Not only did he lash out at other students, Severus Snape and Slytherins in particular, but he also set aside the wellbeing and love from his friends out of personal revenge and pettiness.
Peter Pettigrew - Devil Town by Cavetown
Pete wasn't just a downright bad guy. Now don't go off on me, I'm not defending what he did either, but I think people could use a new view on these things. Peter was good enough to become James, Sirius and Remus friend and be in the inner circle of this strong friendship, even become an animagus with them and take part in being the prank pulling legends. To me this is very important, because they wouldn't have become as close as they were with him and accepted him as family into their group if they didn't care for him and like him. So just keep in mind, he was good enough to be their friend, and that means something. Because he was in fact their friend 100%. We all know Peter was not a leader and usually tagged along with the marauders, and he tries so hard to feel wanted and to fit in, the dark time came and he wanted to survive so his only solution was Voldemort who was at that time very much powerful. There is no place for forgiveness to his doings but we must not forget that he himself never harmed any of his friends nor Harry and at the end he died because he couldn't kill him.
Regulus Black - I'll be good by Jaymes Young
We have no real knowledge of Regulus’s character. At the very least, it would be a stretch to call him a “good” person the majority of his life. He agreed with blood supremacy and was a huge supporter of the Dark Arts. I think he and Draco have a lot similarities but him being a more independent, braver, and more competent version of Draco. I don't think he can be readily viewed as good or bad. He was a bad person whose love for others caused him to begin a moral turn, but it was in the middle of this turn that he died before he could completely become good, and you can't turn from bad to good overnight (Draco and Snape show it is a long process that takes years and even in the end will often be an incomplete journey).
Minerva McGonagall - This woman's work by Kate Bush
She is everyone's mother figure and a true leader and example of a heroic woman who fought with all her strength being a motivation to everyone. I dare to say she is the most powerful woman in the whole series considering her life story and bravery. I think she’s very close to what an ideal professor should be like. She’s strict but fair, holding all her students, even the Gryffindors, to the same standards. She’s highly knowledgeable of her subject matter. And she’s highly concerned with her students’ well-being. The only problem I think she has is that she comes off as intimidating, impeding her students from seeking her out in times of need.
The Weasley family - My family by Migos
The Weasley family may not be perfect but is full of love. I will never understand the hate towards them. Both Arthur and Molly are very different but they love each other and that is shown through how big their family is. They value things differently, they have they way of living and living poor made them smarter and more hard working people.
Fleur Delacour - Les Matins by Angele
She in particular wasn't as strong as the others, but not all women need to show that they are talented in that way, we've got tons of other girls to fill that position, she doesn't need to represent that, she represents standing up for what an who you believe in, a girl doesn't have to be good at everything to be worthy, that just more unrealistic standards for girls and women. She was kind and understanding, she showed that looks never took an important part in her life by staying with Bill after his face was savaged. Even though she knew The Weasleys didn’t like her, she still was civil and kind. She insisted on The Golden Trio and their friends to stay at Shell Cottage, despite knowing it would endanger her family which was already hurt by the Death Eaters.
Nymphadora Tonks - Cherry Bomb by The Runaways
There are many reasons to love Tonks, but I think the major one is — she is always, at all times, unapologetically herself. She goes about looking like herself, doing whatever she wants with her hair, using her gift to amuse others during a difficult time, never being troubled to conform to some idealistic standards of beauty. Of course she has some flaws that we can see during her unrequited love from Remus.
Charlie Weasley - The Dragonborn Comes by Malukah
He pops up every so often as the member of a ginger-haired clan and then disappears to Romania again. In my opinion Charlie is the coolest member of the Weasley family. Despite all their unique differences, every Weasley sibling clearly adores Charlie. He is always there to help no question asked and the fact that he evidently keeps in frequent contact with Ron shows the true love he has for his siblings with the cool confident twist Charlie always delivers. And I think he is really important because he is perhaps the closest we have to an asexual character within the series. He represents people who often are disgustingly silenced within fiction instead of giving them a voice in the form of such an incredible character.
Bill and Fleurs relationship - Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men
This song reminds me so much of them. Going into the forest together, visiting the beach and talking about the future. I can imagine them dancing barefoot on the beach around the fire. Moments of pure happiness.
Cedric Diggory - Like real people do by Hozier
Cedric Diggory is someone who can not exist in today’s selfish world. He’s every bit kind, selfless, and a ‘fierce friend’, as Dumbledore puts it. It is rather hard not to like him, provided his extremely Hufflepuff nature. Ever since Book 3, Cedric was built as the top student, extremely handsome, very popular, Quidditch Captain, and a ladies man. Despite that, he was very humble and modest and never bragged about his achievements.
Angelina Johnson - Heather by Conan Grey
We don't get much about her in the books as she's always the side character. We know she was very good at Quidditch, she was very close with the Weasley twins, especially Fred with whom she went to the Yule ball, I think there was some romance between them, more on her side then his. Later when she married George I don't think she was trying to replace Fred; they had a good friendship and time to explore their feelings, something Fred and Angelina never actually did.
Dobby - Seventeen going under by Sam Fender
The plucky house elf may have been a bit of a nightmare at times – redecorating the Dursleys’ kitchen with cake, hiding Harry’s personal post and almost getting him expelled weren’t ideal – but you can’t say he was never a great friend. He was abused by the Malfoys for years which damaged him psychologically and made him want to go against everything house elves are conditioned to do.
The Marauders - Good grief by Bastille
As people, the Marauders aren’t developed enough. All we know about them is that they’re quite talented, able to create a whole map of Hogwarts that can keep track of everyone on the premises - an incredibly useful tool in general, not just for pranking - as well as become Animagi at a young age. From their point of view they are having the time of their life but we need to take in counting that they have bullied Severus and took some of their jokes to wat to far.
Ron's and Hermione's relationship - Heroes by Peter Gabriel
Hermione knows Ron inside out and vice versa. They grew up together. The best part about their relationship is they complete each other.
The Yule Ball - Some nights by fun.
The Golden Trio - You're my best friend by Queen
The Golden Trio taught many of us what friendship should be. A huge part of the series is to find those who will lift you up and be there for each other no matter the odds. That’s what Harry Potter did for his friends and that’s what both Hermione and Ron did for him.
First Wizarding War - O Children by Nick Cave
I just can imagine sitting with the members of The Order of the Phoenix and them telling story's of what they went through during that period. Crying over Frank and Alice, James and Lily. Preparing everyone for the pain that war brings reminding that anyone could die.
Night before the Battle of Hogwarts - Into my arms by Nick Cave
Just lying under the stars with the person you love, talking about the future; marriage and kids, crying and holding each other, promising to stay alive.
George after Fred's death - I can't breathe by Bea Miller
They had spent their entire life together and they were inseparable. Even the thought of separation was like very hell for them. They were like two halfs of one whole. Without each other they were incomplete. After Fred’s death George’s life was living hell for him. George did have happy memories but Fred was in most of them. Thinking of Fred was very painful for him. So whenever he tried to cast a patronus by thinking of a happy memory it would make him sad again as he would start thinking of Fred. Thinking of Fred made him sad so he was not able to cast a patronus. Even after Fred’s death George did have some happy memories after the Battle of Hogwarts but they were not strong enough.
One-hour armistice - Can you hold me by NF
Walking through the Great Hall while many wounded and dead lie around. The Weasley family screaming in pain over Fred's dead body, Harry crying over Tonks and Remus death. The wounded being treated by Madam Pomfrey and nurse Wainscott. Searching for familiar faces, dead or alive.
After the Battle of Hogwarts - To build a home by The Cinematic Orchestra
I just imagine every generation of witches and wizards going through Hogwarts corridors and looking at the remains of the castle feeling overwhelmed by the feeling of relief and sadness that their home, the place where they grow up is destroyed, all happy memories erased as someone died at almost every corner.
- based on my opinion and shifting experience - one song for each character, place or event
