10 Harry Potter Parents, Ranked

Though most of us usually focus on the kids of the Harry Potter series (after all, most of the books take place at Hogwarts, a school for kids), there wouldn’t be such great kids in the HP universe without some pretty wonderful parents. And some of the more villainous characters may have also been influenced by dear ol’ mom and pop.

J.K. Rowling is the queen of creating awesome parents, though, which makes sense because she’s a mom herself. That’s probably why she gives some of the best lines and moments in the series to the mothers: she understands how powerful a mother’s love truly can be. Time and time again in the series, the moms save the day, proving that the HP parents can be just as amazing as their kids.

Then again, some of the parents in the series weren’t exactly the best role models. The truth is, the parents in the Harry Potter series are not all created equal. While some of them probably make you say, “Will you be my second set of parents?” others will make you that much more grateful for your own family. From worst to best, here’s to all the moms and dads of all our favorite characters.

10. Merope Gaunt and Tom Riddle Sr.

These two had a pretty messed up story, which ends in Voldemort being born, so it was pretty rough. Merope was in love with Tom, but used a love potion to ensnare him, and everything about their relationship was deceitful and creepy. Merope died before she could be a mother to baby Voldemort, and Tom Riddle Sr. didn't want anything to do with his son. Not exactly a story that would inspire a happy sitcom.

9. Barty Crouch, Sr.

This dude was one bad dad. He neglected his son, and eventually even sent him to Azkaban. He didn't seem to have any compassion (then again, his son did join Voldemort and do some pretty awful things), even mistreating his house elf Winky. As HP parents go, he was one of the worst.

8. The Blacks

There's a reason Sirius didn't want to go back home: his parents, Orion and Walburga Black, were pretty intense. They supported the "pure-blood only" ideals, even if they weren't actual death eaters, and Walburga's portrait at 12 Grimmauld Place shouted rude things to Muggle-borns who entered the house (and pretty much everyone, to be honest). Walburga even had Sirius blasted from the family tree.

7. The Dursleys

Ok, so the Dursleys weren't death eaters — but they were bad in their own right. They refused to see that their son was constantly creating mayhem (Dudley beat up, like, everyone), and mistreated Harry for years. However, it all made sense when we found out that Petunia just really wanted to go to Hogwarts herself. We've all been there. Vernon, however, was just a bad dude. In the end, though, Dudley turned out okay — after all, he didn't think Harry was "a waste of space." That's something, isn't it?

6. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

On one hand, these two were Voldemort supporters. Until, of course, their family was threatened, and then they showed their true colors: Narcissa was more concerned with saving Draco than furthering Voldemort's cause, and when she lied about Harry being dead, she helped the good side win. So even though they instilled horrible values in their son and liked the dark arts way too much, in the end they chose family over evil. So that's gotta count for something, right?

5. Amos Diggory

So maybe Amos Diggory was a little annoying — after all, he was constantly putting Harry down to try and raise his son up. But whose parents haven't bragged a little too much now and then? Sometimes, it's their duty, especially with a humble kid like Cedric. His biggest crime was being too proud of his son (and rude to Harry, but let's face it, Harry sometimes needed to be a bit grounded), so he's certainly not the worst.

4. The Grangers

We don't know a lot about Hermione's parents, but according to the little information we get, they seem like pretty cool dentists. They support her going to Hogwarts — apparently without any prejudice — and seem friendly and intelligent whenever they show up.

3. The Longbottoms

Neville's parents gave up their sanity in the struggle against Voldemort, and though they subsequently weren't able to care for Neville as they would have wanted, their sacrifice was the noble example which helped shape him into the hero he became.

2. James and Lily Potter

Though they didn't get to be parents for very long, James and Lily's influence stretched beyond their years. Lily's sacrifice offered Harry protection from dark forces, and the love of both parents got Harry through many dark times. They weren't perfect people, but they proved that you don't have to be flawless to be a great parent. After all, they were with Harry — until the very end.

1. Molly and Arthur Weasley

These two are the ultimate parents. They basically adopt whoever needs a home into their family, they're accepting and loving to all, and as Mrs. Weasley proves, they will take on anyone who tries to mess with them. They're not concerned about material things; they fight for what's right and know that family is paramount. We'd all be honored to wear a Weasley sweater.

Images: Warner Bros (10)