After compiling an Avengers-style team from Westeros (Game of Thrones) I started wondering who would be picked for defending the Earth by the Ministry of Magic (from Rowling’s Harry Potter Universe) should an alien threat be imminent.
The Ministry of Magic has one advantage over the Closed Council (governors of Westeros) which is the existence of Time-Turners. Regular Time-Turners have a limit of 5 hours when travelling back in time. However, with the emergence of a True Time-Turner in the Cursed Child, it is now possible to go much further back in time than before. This allows some of the greatest wizards of all time to join the team if needed, as I’m sure the Ministry of Magic wouldn’t worry about bringing back dead people if the entire planet was at stake. The repercussions for this would be a job for another day, if there was another day.
So, what are the rules for selecting the team?
Well, this time I am only imposing one rule, which is that I am going to include no more than six characters to mirror the original Avengers (Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye).
The timelines limitation that affected the Game of Thrones team is not a problem for this particular group and generally speaking, characters are portrayed as having the same power level in the films as in the books; another inconsistency between Game of Thrones books and screen that had to be accounted for in the previous article.
So, without further ado, whom does the current Minister of Magic (currently Hermione Granger) choose?
Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Dumbley-dorr is perhaps one of the greatest wizards to have ever lived. His prowess as a fighter and, just as importantly, as a thinker are unparalleled in the time of the Harry Potter Books. There is no doubt in my mind that the first person Hermione would choose would be Dumbledore. If we really need to give Albus any credentials as to his proficiency as a wizard, he served as Hogwarts headmaster, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. He defeated Gellert Grindelwald, in what is described as the best duel of all time when Gellert was in possession of the Elder Wand, and then received the Order of Merlin (First Class).
He also orchestrated the downfall of Voldemort, as well as facing him in a duel in The Order of the Phoenix which only ended when Voldemort realised he was outmatched, so possessed Harry and then Disapparated. This was after capturing all the Death Eaters fighting The Order of the Phoenix except for Bellatrix Lestrange. It is said that Dumbledore was the only wizard Voldemort had ever feared. Other impressive achievements include the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon’s blood, his work on alchemy with Nicolas Flamel, and his appearance on the chocolate frog cards. Dumbledore really is an obvious pick.
Merlin
Another chocolate frog card appearing wizard, Merlin is probably regarded as one of the greatest wizards ever. It is difficult to grasp his power level due to how long ago he was around, but few other wizards have ever permeated through the wizarding world like Merlin. Expressions like “Merlin’s beard!” are still used by wizards today and the Order of Merlin (which awards wizards for extreme acts of courage or great advances in wizarding) was founded by him, although originally it was for promoting Muggle rights.
In that same vein, as a member of King Arthur’s round table, he was a passionate advocate for Muggle rights, so in a fight to protect the planet I believe he would do everything possible to protect Muggles and wizards alike. He was also known as the “Prince of Enchanters” due to his unparalleled ability with charms and is believed to have been able to perform magic without a wand, which is said to be exceptionally difficult.
Gellert Grindelwald
The most controversial member of our little club is this guy. Some of you may be thinking, but wasn’t Grindelwald a bad guy? Well, yes, he was but I believe he could be trusted to do the right thing if the entire world was at stake. Gellert’s entire philosophy is based around wizards being superior. He wants the secrecy and living in the shadows to end. This philosophy does not include destroying or enslaving the entire human race, which is something that is on the cards with an alien invasion. It is also noted that Grindelwald had shown signs of remorse in the latter days of imprisonment, which suggests he might not be the psychopath he is thought to be.
Another thing that would be relied upon would be his love for Dumbledore. We know how strong a force love can be from the Harry Potter books (think what Snape did for Lily or what Lily’s protection did for Harry) and we know that Gellert could still have feelings for Albus from when he refused to tell Voldemort that Albus had the Elder Wand (perhaps to prevent Dumbledore’s tomb from being desecrated). I think this could be a key point to keep him in check. As for magical ability, he is regarded as one of the most powerful dark wizards of all time, second only to Voldemort. He was part of the legendary duel against Dumbledore and could perform wandless magic. His magical prowess cannot be overstated, so I think the reward for including him in the team is greater than the risk.
Godric Gryffindor
We do not know a great deal about this wizard other than him being one of the founders of Hogwarts. However, what we do know about the founders is that they are said to be the “four most brilliant witches and wizards of the time”. Godric is foremost amongst them, having been an expert duellist both with a wand and a sword. He is said to be courageous and determined, as well as being highly efficient with charms (the sorting hat and all its tricks are his, which still works hundreds of years after his death). Although it is perhaps a gamble to bring back Gryffy, as we have no real evidence of his physical esteem, I do think it is a safe bet considering his legacy with Hogwarts and his lasting effect on the world of wizards through time in a way that only Merlin and perhaps Salazar Slytherin have had. I think this guy is definitely a good shout.
Severus Snape
This spot was very closely contested and the most difficult to pick. In the shortlist were Alastor Moody, Minerva McGonagall, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Severus Snape. All these wizards were incredibly powerful and talented, but after long consideration, I have decided on going simply for the most powerful, which I believe is Snape. Yes, Moody put away half the dark wizards in Azkaban, yes McGonagall led the defence of Hogwarts and along with Professor Slughorn and Kingsley duelled the dark lord.
However, all these achievements pale into insignificance against the competency of Severus Snape, who invented spells whilst he was still at school and was one of only two wizards ever able to fly unaided. He was so powerful in occlumency (the skill of guarding your mind from being read) that he was able to resist, Voldermort, one of the best Legilimens (somebody with the ability to reads minds) for years. He also duelled two powerful Hogwarts professors at once.
Snape was entrusted by Dumbledore to brew the most important potions needed in the books, as well as being trusted to contain the Horcrux curse for a year. Although Snape could be cruel, vindictive and self-absorbed, I think he could be convinced to do the right thing by Dumbledore and the only thing of Lily’s still around.
Harry Potter
Alright, now I know this guy is nowhere near as powerful as any of the other members on this list. He does have credentials though. Defeating the Dark Lord on multiple occasions, “winning” the Triwizard Cup, being able to produce a Patronus in his third year of school, uniting the Deathly Hallows and becoming the Head of the Auror Office after the war.
He is a naturally gifted wizard that is still relatively young (As of The Cursed Child) and his achievements are pretty impressive. Is he as strong as Dumbledore or Merlin? I don’t think so. But seriously, if there was an attack on Earth, how would you stop this fella getting involved? He is a jammy bugger and I think his seemingly vast reservoir of sheer, dumbfounded luck could tip the scales in the good guys favour.
He wins because he’s Harry Potter…
A Few More Thoughts
The boy who lived and Co. are ready for some avenging now. There are some honourable mentions to make though. I feel like Minerva McGonagall, Alastor Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt and even Lord Voldemort could be considered to join the team (although I think the Dark Lord would sooner join forces with the aliens than team up with Harry).
Hermione Granger would also be an easy pick if it wasn’t for the fact she would be busy organising defences, evacuations and trying to maintain order as the Minister of Magic. I hope they know what they are doing with the Time-Turner though because you never know what could befall the future with such meddling with time…
Actually, if Harry is involved, they can mess up all they like and they will be fine.
This article is a guest contribution by Callum Royal, very much a Muggle (despite what he might try and tell you). If you liked it, please check out more of our movie content!