Where in Chicago would these Harry Potter characters live?
Although the original seven books and eight movies are long over, love for Harry Potter is alive and well. We decided to imagine two worlds colliding: the wizarding community and Chicago. Here are the neighborhoods we thought 10 characters from the series would call home based on their personalities and interests.
Harry Potter and Ron Weasley
Ron might need a little help navigating the Muggle world. Harry can show him how the CTA and Uber work. While both of these characters have done more than their fair share of dark wizard catching, they can take time in Chicago to pursue their other passion: sports. The pair would likely gravitate to Wrigleyville. Wrigley Field might not be a quidditch pitch and the Cubs might not be the Chudley Cannons, but Harry and Ron would start rooting for their new home team in no time.
Hermione Granger
Hermione was born in the Muggle world, so she would have no problem adjusting to life in Chicago. The most important part of any place she lives would be access to a good library, which is why the Gold Coast is a perfect fit. She would always be within walking distance of The Newberry, the city’s independent research library. Harry and Ron would be able to find her lost deep in the pages of a book from The Newberry’s extensive collection.
Neville Longbottom
Neville fell in love with the study of plants (herbology in the wizarding world and botany in ours) at an early age. He would be delighted by the Garfield Park Conservatory, acres of indoor and outdoor gardens. He would probably settle in East Garfield Park so he could regularly visit, if not work at, the conservatory.
Albus Dumbledore
If Dumbledore could have found a happier ending, it might have been in Boystown. The LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood would welcome him with open arms. Plus, Boystown is home to Windy City Sweets. Dumbledore could sample the cornucopia of candies and come up with a whole new list of sweets-themed passwords for the Muggle world.
Hagrid
Hagrid’s abiding love for creatures great and small would lead him to Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo is home to hundreds of animals from all corners of the world. Hagrid wouldn’t be able to resist volunteering his skills, even though the zoo doesn’t have any dragons.
Minerva McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall is known for her stern personality, but she might be able to let her hair down a bit (figuratively speaking) in Bucktown. The neighborhood is known for its younger crowd, but that wouldn’t be a problem. McGonagall has dedicated her life to mentoring students. The real draw, though, is the Windy Kitty Cafe, a cat cafe and adoption center. McGonagall can spend her weekends as a tabby cat surveying the cafe and getting the occasional ear scratch.
Severus Snape
Whether you thought Snape was a villain, a hero, or an anti-hero, there was no question that he was great at potions. He could find a new challenge for his skills in the University of Illinois at Chicago’s chemistry program. Apparition probably isn’t on the table as a mode of transportation, so Snape could live in University Village to cut down on his commute time to UIC.
Remus Lupin
If Lupin had survived the battle of Hogwarts, he would have been a family man, albeit one with an unconventional secret. He would have found River North the perfect fit. When he wasn’t busy raising his family and teaching, he could stop by Howl at the Moon to get out some of his wolfish tendencies. Plus, River North is home to plenty of restaurants to please his carnivorous side.
Sirius Black
Sirius would have wanted to be close to his godson Harry, although he would have preferred a quieter neighborhood. Avondale isn’t far from Wrigleyville, a few miles down Addison Street and you’re there. Plus, Avondale is home to the Chicago Canine Rescue. Having spent a good portion of his life in dog form, Sirius would have enjoyed volunteering at the shelter and occasionally flexing his transformation skills and socializing with the rescue dogs.