It’s hard to think of a saga with a bigger reach and cultural impact than the by . Told over the course of seven books, the story of boy wizard Harry’s adventures and trials at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry continues to resonate with millions of fans—young and old—across the globe.
At the heart of the books is Harry Potter himself, whose unforgettable journey from orphaned outcast to hero has earned him a place among the most iconic characters of fantasy fiction.
Who is Harry Potter?
Harry Potter is a young wizard, described as a small and skinny boy with a thin face, knobbly knees, bright green eyes, jet-black hair, and a scar in the shape of a lightning bolt on his forehead.

From Chapter Two: The Vanishing Glass
Performed by Stephen Fry
In the first book of the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, we find out that Harry is the son of Lily and James Potter. Lord Voldemort attempted to kill Harry when he was just a baby, but Harry’s parents sacrifice themselves in order to protect their young son’s life.
After losing his parents, Harry is raised by the Dursleys—his mother’s sister, Petunia, and her husband, Vernon—who mistreat Harry while spoiling their own son, Dudley.

From Chapter One: The Worst Birthday
Performed by Stephen Fry
Harry, whose room at the Dursleys is initially a cupboard under the stairs, grows into a thoughtful and inquisitive child who is often stifled by his home life. While Harry spends the first eleven years of his life oblivious of his past and identity, he is unwittingly famous in the wizarding world for surviving an attack by Lord Voldemort.
Harry’s uncle, Vernon Dursley, tries to evade multiple attempts by Hogwarts to reach his nephew through letters. But on his 11th birthday, Harry finally learns the truth: Harry is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

From Chapter Four: The Keeper of the Keys
Performed by Stephen Fry
What house is Harry Potter in?
After some deliberation, the Sorting Hat placed Harry in Gryffindor, “where dwell the brave at heart.” Gryffindor is where Harry’s own parents, James and Lily, were sorted when they attended Hogwarts.

From Chapter Seven: The Sorting Hat
Performed by Stephen Fry
The house was founded by Godric Gryffindor and was once home to Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall. Harry’s closest friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, are also Gryffindors.