15 underappreciated ladies of Harry Potter

Pomona Sprout

Devil’s snare! Pomona Sprout is a subtle powerhouse. As Head of Hufflepuff House, Professor Sprout instilled green thumbs in many of her students by planting various magical plants in their common room. She teaches Herbology at Hogwarts, which gives her very specialized plant knowledge. Sprout uses her knowledge of plants as a means of fighting evil and defending the school which is, quite frankly, amazing.

Non-Hufflepuffs mock the house for being “soft”, since it takes “all the rest.” Anyone who isn’t exceedingly brave, book-smart, or cunning finds a home in this badger-repped house. However, as Cedric Diggory proved in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Pomona Sprout proves in every book, Hufflepuffs have a fierce streak. They are unfailingly loyal to the people they love and the causes they believe in. They also excel in areas where they are exceptionally passionate.

Thus, Dumbledore trusts Professor Sprout to help protect the Philosopher’s Stone. He and Madame Pomfrey rely on her to provide healthy mandrake plants for a restorative drought that will cure the basilisk’s petrified victims in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Professor Sprout’s extensive knowledge of plants is incredibly useful, and makes her an integral part of the Hogwarts staff.

It also makes her an integral part of the war effort. In the final battle, Professor Sprout leads several students against a group of Death Eaters. She combats them first by throwing a large selection of dangerous plants at them, which is one of the best moments in the whole series. Hands down.