Harry Potter is one of the most beloved and recognizable franchises in pop culture. Even if you’ve never read the books or watched the movies, chances are you’ve been asked about your Hogwarts House a couple of dozens of times today alone. You might’ve even seen countless Wizarding World crossover stories with your favorite fandom.
It’s a classic take of good against evil with an extra pinch of angst thrown in for good measure. Almost everyone knows about Harry Potter, but as they say, a hero is only as good as his villain, and Voldemort is just as iconic as the Boy Who Lived.
Just because the franchise has given us some of the kindest, most noble characters doesn’t mean they don’t have the potential to become villainous themselves. Potterheads all across the Internet have explored the ways their favorite heroes could thrive in the Dark Arts. There’s a whole sea of fan-written stories of good guys turned bad, as well as a wealth of fan art.
Gathered below is a list of fan art of Harry Potter characters as villains. Some don’t explicitly portray our favorite heroes as bad guys, and being in Slytherin does not equal being a harbinger of evil. Many of these pieces do give our favorite heroes a more sinister twist, offering limitless opportunities to explore their potentials to be bad. There are some spoilers ahead, so proceed with caution if you’re not all caught up with the Wizarding World.
Here are 25 Harry Potter Characters Reimagined As Villains.
25. Ginny
To say that Ginny is one tough cookie would be quit an understatement. First off, she gets possessed by Tom Riddle’s diary at the tender age of 11 during her first year at Hogwarts. Then she continues to get entangled in the fight against evil throughout her adolescence. Yet she still manages to become a kind, brilliant young woman in the face of so much adversity.
What if she’d never broken free from Riddle’s diary?
This drawing by Lily–Lu is sure to make Potterheads everywhere especially glad that Ginny is one of the good guys.
24. Dumbledore
Dumbledore has been at the center of many debates in the Harry Potter fandom, especially his role in leading Harry to his unwitting demise. However, J.K. Rowling does depict him as an old, benevolent man of wisdom who ultimately fights for the survival of the world.
Young Dumbledore had joined forces with Grindelwald to create a society in which witches and wizards lorded over Muggles.
Thankfully Dumbledore changed his mind. However, this piece by zhukzhenya14 gives us a glimpse of what might’ve happened had Dumbledore not left Grindelwald’s pursuit of power.
23. Lupin
Lupin is another wonderful character who has managed to retain the good in his heart despite the hardships he’s gone through. He faces so much prejudice and discrimination because of his lycanthropy, and has lost his closest friends. His generosity and capacity for compassion has made him one of the most popular Defense Against the Dark Arts professors during Harry’s Time.
In this drawing by ildi, though, it’s clear that even the most patient of souls can have their bad days. You really don’t want to be on the receiving end of such a piercing glare.
22. Hermione
Hermione might’ve gotten off to a shaky with Harry and Ron aboard the Hogwarts Express, but she’s become an integral part of the trio. She’s stuck with them through thick and thin, even breaking a few rules here and there for the greater good.
This chilling piece by just-orson explores the possibility of Hermione joining Voldemort’s ranks.
3Pettigrew isn’t the most competent of wizards, but Voldemort comes close to worldwide domination thanks to his servitude. Can you imagine the destruction that would ensue if someone as brilliant as Hermione were to take Pettigrew’s place?
21. Neville
Let’s start by clarifying that no, being adept at potions does not mean someone is evil. But given how heavily the subject is associated with former Death Eater Severus Snape, it’s hard not to see the doom and gloom in this wonderfully detailed piece by Arboriss.
Neville shows what he’s made of when he takes a stand at the Battle of Hogwarts, but evidently the trauma still lingers.
Nagini the snake looks over his shoulder, her ghostly form showing signs of decapitation. Hopefully, Neville stays kind and brave well beyond the epilogue– in spite of these horrors.
20. Hagrid
Hagrid is one of the very first characters introduced in the series, and boy, are we glad that he survives all the violence. He might not be the most tactful or graceful person to exist, but Hagrid’s been nothing but kind to Harry when he needs it most.
This drawing by Skottie Young doesn’t depict Hagrid as a villain per se, but the style does make one ponder his potential for evil.
If he were to join Voldemort’s ranks, his physical strength would be a tremendous asset along with his bond with magical creatures.
19. Krum
The Durmstrang Institute does have a reputation for featuring the Dark Arts in its courses, and it’s also notorious for producing its fair share of Dark wizards, including Grindelwald and Igor Karkaroff. However, Viktor Krum has thoroughly rejected this dark legacy, partly because Grindelwald had taken his grandfather’s life.
Krum’s not exactly the most approachable person, and this painting by Patilda captures that perfectly.
Some of his peers are cautious of him because of his demeanor, but imagine if he were actually a Dark wizard.
With his skills on a broomstick, he’d be a formidable addition to the legion of Dark wizards.
18. Harry
Harry has had no shortage of offers to join the Dark side. First, there’s Draco Malfoy asking to join forces when they start off at Hogwarts. Then, Voldemort tries to get Harry to give him the Sorcerer’s Stone by tempting him with power. Thankfully, Harry’s stayed true to his heart throughout the series, but fans like limsey are fascinated by the idea of Harry embracing his dark side.
Joining Slytherin isn’t a one-way ticket to evil, but what would’ve happened if Harry had been sorted into Slytherin instead of Gryffindor? Let’s hope that his ambition wouldn’t have led him down the wrong path.
17. McGonagall
McGonagall is incredibly strict, even with the students from Gryffindor, but she’s nothing short of a badass. She stands her ground throughout the chaos of Voldemort’s rise to power, and is truly a woman of strong convictions. But Aylatha has placed her in the world of Star Wars, giving her a red lightsaber and reimaging her as a Sith lord.
Stormtroopers don’t have the best aim, but McGonagall is sure to whip them into shape.
Even if she weren’t a Sith, the idea of McGonagall with a lightsaber and the Force is frankly intimidating.
16. The Whole Gang
This alternate universe from Alomoria imagines a world in which everything is basically the opposite of the canon timeline, and the heroes are now the worst versions of themselves that they can be.
Vampires don’t play a prominent role in the main Harry Potter series, but in this alternate universe, Hermione is now a vampire. She doesn’t retain original Hermione’s meticulousness either, wearing mismatched socks and shoes.
Dumbledore is no longer the old man in the original series, but stays young and spritely thanks to the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Also, Harry wears contacts now– how villainous!
15. Luna
Luna may be a bit of a social outcast at Hogwarts because of her eccentricities, but she’s good at heart. Plus, her disregard for others’ negative opinions about her has inspired many Potterheads to embrace themselves. However, Peregrinus5Floh’s depiction of her is definitely unnerving, to say the least.
Sure, it could be that she just looks creepy, but is still the sweet young woman we know and love, but those pale eyes are absolutely haunting, staring right into your soul, which she might steal to explore the depths and limits of mortality.
14. Fred And George
Fred and George are mischievous, that’s for sure, playing relentless pranks on the people around them. But their most outrageous actions are ultimately acts of rebellion against influential people misusing their power.
However, in this piece by Patilda, the Weasley twins seem like they may have something a little more sinister in store. Sure, they could be plotting the downfall of Dolores Umbridge or planning an attack on one of Voldemort’s lieutenants. On the flip side, they could also be planning against the Order of the Phoenix as secret double agents.
13. Harry
The Sorting Hat almost places Harry in Slytherin, but in this alternate timeline by duendefranco, Harry joins Draco Malfoy in that notorious Hogwarts House, and he looks pretty happy.
Joining Slytherin wouldn’t automatically make Harry a villain, but behind him are three Death Eaters with glowing red eyes.
Harry still has a scar here, which means Voldemort still chooses to attack Harry instead of Neville. Has Harry simply joined Voldemort’s minions? Or has he taken his place as the heir of Slytherin, commanding the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets and raising his own army of Death Eaters?
12. Ron
Ron has had his ups and downs with Harry and Hermione, but he’s remained loyal to his friends since the very beginning. He also has a dramatic relationship with his family, but it’s hard to imagine him ever turning back on his loved ones. But that hasn’t stopped fans like Capricornicis from reimagining Ron as a Death Eater.
Maybe he’s gotten tired of being compared to his brothers and sick of being viewed as Harry’s sidekick. Maybe a Dark wizard comes along and promises praise, power, and wealth beyond Ron’s wildest dreams.
11. Lily, James And Snape
Before the events of the first book, Lily and James Potter sacrifice themselves in order to save baby Harry’s life. In this piece by unfinished-wor, however, Lily and James survive, but team up with Snape to avenge their son’s unfortunate demise at the hands of Voldemort.
While the Potters were already fighting against the Dark Lord in canon, this definitely gives them a much more macabre motivation.
Plus, in this drawing they seem more than willing to use the Unforgivable Curses— including Avada Kedavra— to take revenge on Voldemort once and for all.
10. Credence
Credence Barebone has a canonical brush with the Dark Arts in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Grindelwald, disguised as Percival Graves, manipulates Credence to help him locate an Obscurial by promising to train him in magic. Credence ultimately turns his back from Grindelwald, but Alex Todd’s drawing suggests a world in which he does learn to perform magic.
Perhaps Credence is back for revenge against Grindelwald. Or maybe he’s realized his magical potential and is now looking to join forces, convinced that witches and wizards deserve to rule over Muggles.
9. Percy
Percy is a divisive character in the Harry Potter fandom, to say the least. Some think of him as a traitor who turns his back on his family. Others point out that he gets unfairly ridiculed in spite of his extraordinary achievements. Percy does reconcile with his family, but in this piece, he seems to have fallen to the dark side.
The most striking element is the green glow of his wand, strongly evoking Avada Kedavra.
Unfortunately, we can’t seem to find the artist for the drawing, so please tell us if you know who it is!
8. Oliver Wood
Oliver Wood is probably best known as the cheerful Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. A highly skilled Quidditch player, he joins Puddlemere United after leaving Hogwarts, and uses his flying skills to fight against Death Eater during Battle of Hogwarts.
However, Sihaia’s digital drawing of Oliver does suggest just the possibility of wickedness in him. He’s been shown to prioritize Quidditch over Harry’s wellbeing, but maybe there’s a world in which he becomes so obsessed with winning that he takes a dark turn, resorting to any means necessary to procure titles.
7. Luna And Ginny
Luna and Ginny are two of the sweetest characters in the franchise, but as AviraTheStrange points out, they definitely have the potential to be wretched and wicked.
The piece depicts the two witches going on a rampage.
Considering their magical prowess, it’d be a sight to behold indeed. It’s frankly hard to imagine the two willingly joining Voldemort’s minions. Maybe they’ve gotten sick of being ridiculed by their peers. Having reached their breaking point, they wreak havoc on their tormentors, giving them a taste of their own medicine.
6. Charlie
Charlie isn’t exactly the most prominent characters in the Harry Potter series, especially because he’s noticeably absent from the movie adaptations. That hasn’t diminished Potterheads’ affection for him in the slightest. He’s great with magical creatures and fights against Death Eaters, but in Patilda’s drawing, he does seem a little sinister. In fact, he looks a bit like Bucky Barnes as the Winter Soldier.
Imagine a Captain America crossover in which Charlie is separated from his loving family and brainwashed, only return to spy on the Weasleys for Voldemort.
5. Bill
Not a whole lot is known about Bill compared to other characters in the franchise, but he’s still one of the most beloved Weasleys thanks to easy easygoing personality and bravery. Plus, he’s got that sweet fang earring. However, Peregrinus5Floh’s painting of Bill at work makes it seem like there’s something fishy going on at Gringotts.
As a Curse Breaker, Bill counters curses in historical sites to bring back vast amounts of gold for the bank.
If you think about it, does Gringotts really have the rights to that treasure? Or are they just plundering, stealing wealth that doesn’t belong to them?
4. Hermione
Hermione’s been mistreated for being Muggle-born, so it’s hard to imagine her ever being able to join the ranks of the pure-blooded Death Eaters like in this piece by pumpkinzhateoriginal. Technically speaking, Death Eaters don’t have to be Pure-blood, as long as they hide their blood status and subscribe to pure-blood supremacy. After all, Voldemort himself has a Muggle father.
Perhaps Voldemort could tempt her with the promise of all the knowledge known to the Wizarding World, securing her allegiance by appealing to her inquisitive nature. Her magical abilities certainly would give him an advantage.
3. Sirius And Lupin
Sirius gets the blame for Lily and James’ passing, and gets sent to Azkaban for years for a crime he doesn’t commit. What if the Dementors torment him so much that he no longer retains any good in him by the time he escapes from the prison?
In this piece by chicxulub, Sirius wears a striped prison uniform from Azkaban, and beside him lies Lupin in his werewolf form. Maybe in this dark and twisted AU, Lupin’s had enough of the discrimination he faces as a werewold, and decides to join forces with Sirius to exact revenge.
2. Cedric
Hufflepuffs get a bad rap for being wishy-washy rejects from other houses, but given that they’ve produced the fewest Dark witches and wizards, they must be doing something right. One of the most recognizable Hufflepuffs is Cedric Diggory, known for his kindness even towards his competitors during the Triwizard Tournament. In this piece by Someone144, however, Cedric takes a pretty dark turn.
Alternatively, this could be a Twilight crossover in which Edward is sorted into Hufflepuff.
In order to maximize the angst, Bella could be a Slytherin, and they’d have to navigate the politics of Hogwarts in order to stay together.
1. Harry
Darth Vader from the Star Wars universe is one of the most iconic villains of pop culture while Harry Potter is a prominent heroic figure. Of course the list wouldn’t be complete without this piece by mau009 depicting Harry as a Sith.
His lighting-shaped scar even extends over his eye like Vader.
Having the scar means that Voldemort attacked him, so maybe Harry starts off as one of the good guys. Upon learning about the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise, Harry turns to the dark side in an attempt to bring back his parents.
Who else from Harry Potter do you picture as a villain? Tell us in the comments!
