There was a noise like a whip crack. Snape stumbled; he was wearing a long, lace-trimmed dress and a towering hat topped with a moth-eaten vulture, and he was swinging a huge crimson handbag.
We all know the Harry Potter series is an international phenomenon that has inspired millions of children to read and spawned two movie franchises, a critically acclaimed stage show, and theme parks. The books are even believed to make young readers more compassionate towards marginalized groups. All of which is incredible, but let’s not forget the most important part of the series: it’s extremely funny. Seriously, for a series about a boy wizard trying to defeat a bloodthirsty dark lord dead set on killing him and everyone he loves, the books are often laugh-out-loud hilarious. So let’s forget, for a moment, about the larger good-versus-evil narrative and the series’ cultural significance and just appreciate how hilarious J.K. Rowling can be. Here are some of our favorite funny moments from across the seven-book series.