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Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Hobert Philance Howard; also rendered Hobart 39 42 |
| Species/Race | Wizard 39 |
| Gender | Male 39 |
| Affiliation | Howard family; former Gryffindor student at Hogwarts 39 40 |
| Occupation/Role | The Howard family’s link to the wizarding world and a source of magical help for the family 39 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 39 39 |
Background / History
Hobert is Edward Fitzalan-Howard’s youngest brother and Will Behrens’s paternal uncle. Raised in an aristocratic household, he resisted its expectations from childhood. After attending Hogwarts in Gryffindor, he spent two years travelling before returning to live under the protection of people high in the English government 39 40. Professor McGonagall introduced him to the wizarding world and later served as his Head of House 42.
The Howard family has few wizards. Hobert describes two others as his friends: one protects the Duke of Norfolk, while Cree brews potions for the family. Hobert himself serves as a link between the family and the wizarding world 39 40.
Appearance
Though in his thirties, Hobert initially appears to Will to be about twenty-four or twenty-five 39.
- Dresses flashily rather than in the formal clothes expected of his family; his first described outfit includes a leather jacket 39.
- Wears diamond studs in his ears 39.
Personality
Hobert is generous, informal, and openly affectionate toward Will. He rushes to meet his nephew with a present, offers to buy him books, and continues sending him money after Edward becomes displeased with Will’s behavior 39 40 41 49. His irreverence extends to joking with the eleven-year-old about courting girls 40 49.
He sharply opposes Edward’s view of Will as an asset to control. Hobert argues that Will needs support and rebukes his brother for treating both his son and Hobert’s wizard friends as tools 40.
Abilities & Skills
Magic
- Uses his wand to make fireplace flames shift between shapes 40.
- Has not learned Apparition; when Will asks to travel that way, Hobert instead takes him on the Knight Bus 41.
Items
- Nimbus 2000 — Bought on a whim as a welcome gift for Will 40.
Relationships
- Will Behrens — Nephew. Hobert welcomes him into the family, defends him against Edward, and offers continuing financial support 39 40 41 49.
- Edward Fitzalan-Howard — Elder brother. They clash over Edward’s treatment of Will and of the family’s wizards 39 40.
- Cree — Wizard friend who brews potions for the Howard family 40.
- Minerva McGonagall — Former teacher and Head of House. Hobert remains noticeably deferential around her 42.
- James Potter — Knew him while at Hogwarts 40.