One of the most popular ways for Harry Potter fans to memorialize their undying love is by marking themselves with tattoos. There’s a strong likelihood that someone somewhere in the world is commissioning their very own Harry Potter tattoo right now. It has become a tangible way to showcase just how deep this story has become embedded in their very core, both inside and out.
That being said, there are a few of these tattoos that are very common. The Deathly Hallows, Harry’s scar, and spells like “Expecto Patronum” are among those tattoos you will see the most often. However, there are a few creative minds out there that have conjured up Harry Potter tattoos that only true fans will understand.
Don’t Let The Muggles Get You Down
As much as this seems like a pop culture statement, it’s actually a quote from the books. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Ron says this to Harry in a letter that he sends over their summer break. He’s referring the Dursleys, of course, but it’s taken on a deeper meaning in the real world.
“Don’t let the muffled get you down” is an encouraging turn of phrase that means that you shouldn’t let people get you down or discourage you from following your dreams. It means that you have magic in you, even if the Muggles can’t see it.
I Open At The Close
A different take on the ordinary Deathly Hallows tattoo. Inside the triangle of this tattoo (which represents the invisibility cloak) is the Snitch. But for those who remember in the books or the film, the resurrection stone had been hidden inside the Snitch.
The Snitch could only be opened moments before Harry’s death, giving meaning to its inscription “I open at the close.”
The Burrow
The Burrow is a place of solace and rescue for Harry. The positive effect that the Weasley home has on Harry’s life is seen in a better light in the books. J.K Rowling brilliantly showcases Harry’s obvious mood change every time he is able to escape the Dursleys to visits the Burrow.
The Burrow is described as “It looked as though it had once been a large stone pigpen, but extra rooms had been added here and there until it was several stories high and so crooked it looked as though it were held up by magic.” And this tattoo accurately represents the Weasley home we all remember reading about.
Still Waiting
Every Harry Potter fan, whether they are eleven years old or forty years old, has a part of them that hopes that they will one day receive a Hogwarts letter of their own. People have found creative ways to make Hogwarts acceptance letter souvenirs for themselves, typically with the help of crafty parchment and wax seals.
Others, like this patient Hogwarts letter recipient, have taken a more permanent approach to vocalize their anticipation. Anyone who shares this person’s enthusiasm for the wizarding world will know exactly what the tattoo’s “still waiting” phrase is in reference to. They even included a little Deathly Hallows easter egg into the color artwork.
Wit Beyond Measure
The founders of the Hogwarts Houses take a bit of the backseat in the films, but anyone who is adamant about being Harry Potter experts knows the complete history. Furthermore, those who have found themselves to be in Ravenclaw (courtesy of Pottermore, most likely) will be especially well-versed on the background of Rowena Ravenclaw.
Those accepted into Ravenclaw house will have exceptional intelligence, wit, and creativity. These prerequisites come directly from the founder herself, whose mantra is “Wit beyond measure is a man’s greatest treasure.”
Mirror of Erised
The Mirror of Erised, for those who can remember back to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, is no ordinary mirror. Instead of your typical reflection, this magical object reflects back what the person in front of it wants the most. Ron sees himself as Head Boy and Quidditch Captain, Harry sees his parents, and fans have a sneaking suspicion that Dumbledore sees Grindelwald.
This creative mind, however, fashioned themselves a tattoo where they see what they want most in the world: Hogwarts. It’s a witty nod to the well-established longing for an actual wizarding world, complete with the Hogwarts castle and all.
Luna Lovegood
Luna Lovegood is a beloved character in the films simply because of her offbeat personality. Her strange conspiracies and fascination with obscure creatures are relatable to a lot of Harry Potter fans. Luna is also frequently bullied by her classmates; another unfortunate experience that most people can emphasize with.
The great thing about Luna, though, is that she carries the strength to look past these negative connotations. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Luna tells Harry that some other students have hidden her belongings with her shoes amongst those lost items. Harry sees it as cruel, but Luna doesn’t worry because she believes that, “Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect.”
Until the Very End
In the moments leading up to Harry’s surrender to Voldemort, he is able to open up the Snitch where the Resurrection Stone lies. At this moment, all of Harry’s past loved ones show up to greet him. Harry, naturally, is a bit frightened, so he asks them, “You’ll stay with me?” To which James Potter replies, “Until the very end.” And for those who can truly remanence, the encounter closes with Harry saying, “They can’t see you?” Sirius replies, “We are a part of you.”
This tearful moment is sure to have stayed with anyone familiar with Harry Potter lore. However, fans have used this phrase to turn it into a new meaning. To them, “until the very end” is in reference to Harry Potter and the wizarding world itself.
Harmonia Nectere Passus
You will have to be exceptionally well-versed in the spells of the wizarding world in order to recognize this tattoo. “Harmonia Nectere Passus” is the spell that Draco Malfoy uses in order to repair the Vanishing Cabinet.
The duo who now have these tattoos decided to get a matching set of Vanishing Cabinets with the spell incantation because these objects are bound together by magic…just like their friendship.
Protego Totalum
“Protego Totalum” is the spell that will most likely be remembered from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. After Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s break-in at the Ministry of Magic, Ron is severely injured during their escape. While Harry works to save Ron, Hermione walks the border of the forest using this spell. It can be used as a way to protect a specified area and the people within it.
This clever artist placed this spell underneath an image of Hogwarts as if to say that those within the magical school will always be protected.
