Harry Potter’s Most Disturbing Villain Wasn’t a Slytherin

When it comes to the shadowy figures of the wizarding world, Slytherin is usually the first house to be named and shamed. Yet, one of the most troubling individuals to cross paths with Harry and his friends was not a Slytherin at all. Gilderoy Lockhart, a proud Ravenclaw, managed to outdo many of his peers in terms of sheer moral bankruptcy, all while hiding behind a veneer of charm and intellect.

At first glance, Lockhart appeared the picture of harmless celebrity: dazzling smile, shelves of bestsellers, and a knack for self-promotion. However, beneath the surface, he was anything but benign. His entire reputation was built on the theft of others’ achievements, using powerful Memory Charms to erase the true heroes’ recollections and claim their stories as his own. The damage he caused was not just professional; he left lives in tatters, all in pursuit of applause and adulation.

Unlike the more overtly menacing dark wizards, Lockhart’s brand of villainy was insidious. He did not wield curses in the open, nor did he seek power for its own sake. Instead, his cruelty was quiet, self-serving, and utterly lacking in remorse. This made him, in many ways, more unsettling than those who openly embraced the dark arts.

Harry Potter Films: A Quick Overview

For context, here’s a brief look at the main films in the series, along with their directors, critical reception, and box office performance:

Films: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001), Chamber of Secrets (2002), Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Goblet of Fire (2005), Order of the Phoenix (2007), Half-Blood Prince (2009), Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010), Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011). Directors included Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates. IMDb ratings ranged from 7.4 to 8.1, with Rotten Tomatoes scores between 76% and 96%. Box office takings were consistently impressive, with the final instalment topping $1.3 billion.

Lockhart’s Chilling Methods

What truly set Lockhart apart was the calculated nature of his actions. He was never interested in helping others; his only concern was basking in the limelight. During the events of Chamber of Secrets, he openly revealed his intention to take credit for defeating the Basilisk, even if it meant letting Ginny Weasley perish. He had even concocted a false tale in which he would emerge as the tragic, solitary hero who had tried—and failed—to save her.

For Harry and Ron, his plans were even more sinister. Lockhart was fully prepared to erase their memories and attribute their supposed ‘madness’ to trauma, all to protect his own reputation. This was not a moment of panic, but a deliberate, premeditated act. He had used similar tactics before, repeatedly wiping the memories of genuine heroes to steal their glory. To him, people were simply means to an end, and the pursuit of fame outweighed any concern for the wellbeing of others, even children.

What makes Lockhart particularly unnerving is his ability to masquerade as a force for good. While other dark wizards made no secret of their intentions, Lockhart hid behind a mask of geniality and wit, gaining trust before quietly destroying lives. This sort of duplicity is far more difficult to detect—and arguably, far more dangerous.

Dumbledore’s Motives: A Fan Theory

Given the extent of Lockhart’s deception, it’s only natural to question why Albus Dumbledore would ever appoint him to a teaching post at Hogwarts. This conundrum has sparked much debate among fans, leading to a widely discussed theory inspired by a post from Pottermore.

The theory posits that Dumbledore was well aware of Lockhart’s fraudulent ways. Rather than a blunder, his appointment was a calculated move. By placing Lockhart in an environment filled with skilled witches and wizards, Dumbledore ensured that the truth would eventually come to light. As described in the post:

Dumbledore was convinced that Lockhart needed only to be put back into an ordinary school setting to be revealed as a charlatan and a fraud.

Furthermore, with the Defence Against the Dark Arts position already notorious for its revolving door of teachers—a curse dating back to Tom Riddle’s rejection—Dumbledore may have reasoned that Lockhart’s exposure was inevitable, and that his reign would be short-lived.

Still, this does not entirely absolve Dumbledore of responsibility. Allowing someone so self-absorbed and reckless near students was a considerable risk. In the end, Lockhart’s undoing came when his own spell misfired, leaving him with a shattered mind at St Mungo’s. Many continue to question whether the gamble was justified, given the potential danger to pupils.

Share your thoughts on Lockhart’s legacy below. The Harry Potter films are currently available to stream on HBO Max.