Summary
Colin Creevey was a young Gryffindor student who attendedHogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardryduring Harry Potter’s time there. Known for his enthusiasm and obsession with capturing photos of Harry and other magical moments, Colin played a minor yet memorable role in theHarry Potterseries.
Colin first arrived at Hogwarts inHarry Potterand the Chamber of Secretsas a muggle-born, muggle-raised first year student. Small and excitable, he instantly idolized Harry for his fame as the Boy Who Lived in the wizarding world. He was eager to learn everything he could about the magical world and document it with his camera. Colin provided lighthearted moments throughout the books and movies, as his obsession with photographing Harry often got him into amusing situations. While Colin’s character brought humor and heart to the series, his ultimate fate was quite tragic.
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Who Is Colin Creevey?
Colin Creevey was first introduced in the second book,Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.Hegraced the halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from 1992 to 1997.Sorted into Gryffindor House, Colin met Harry for the first time at the start-of-term feast. His fascination with the magical world was matched only by his love for capturing its wonders through the lens of his camera, particularly since pictures in the wizarding world could move.
Colin was a huge fan of Harry Potter, and he often followed him around with his camera, taking photos of him and peppering him with questions. Harry, though, was quite a reserved person and didn’t really enjoy the attention that came with his fame. He often considered Colin a little bothersome. The very first words Colin said when he met Harryfor the first timewere:
All right, Harry? I’m – I’m Colin Creevey, I’m in Gryffindor, too. D’you think – would it be all right if – can I have a picture?
Though he can come across as a bit clingy in his hearly appearances, bravery and kindness are woven into the fabric of Colin’s character. His later involvement in Dumbledore’s Army, a clandestine group led by Harry Potter, showed his determination to stand against the threat of Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. As a Muggle-born, Colin faced the oppressive forces that sought to undermine his place in the wizarding world, yet he stood resolute in his defiance.
One of these trials took place in his first year, when he was targeted by a monster who attacked Muggle-born students. Colin Creevey stumbled upon the basilisk while attempting to sneak into the hospital wing to visit the injured Harry Potter, who had been struck by a Bludger during a Quidditch match. Upon hearing a voice speaking Parseltongue, Colin traced it to a corridor, where the basilisk emerged from a concealed entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. Colin raised his camera and snapped a picture of the basilisk, inadvertently drawing its attention with the flash of light. The basilisk locked eyes with Colin through the camera lens. Since he didn’t meet the monster’s deadly gaze directly, Colin wasn’t killed, but he was petrified.
This event had significant repercussions for Harry. Firstly, it cast suspicion on Harry as a potential perpetrator of the attacks. He was the only one capable of understanding the basilisk’s voice, and had been the last person to see Colin before his petrification. Secondly, it burdened Harry with guilt for Colin’s fate. He believed that Colin had sought to visit him, and felt responsible for his encountering the basilisk. Thankfully, however, Colin and the others who had been petrified were eventually released from their curse, and the basilisk met its end.
Colin showed up again inThe Order of the Phoenix, during his fourth year at Hogwarts. Joining Dumbledore’s Army, Colin delved into the intricacies of spellcasting, mastering the elusive Patronus Charm and honing his abilities to combat the soul-draining Dementors. He offered his unwavering support for Harry and his friends during the tumultuous events of Harry’s fifth year, despite the slanderous accusations hurled by the Ministry of Magic and the Daily Prophet. His loyalty spoke volumes about his steadfast character.
However, the winds of change brought turmoil to Hogwarts. InThe Deathly Hallows,under the regime of Severus Snape and the Carrows, Muggle-borns faced persecution. Colin, along with his brother Dennis, was forced into hiding as the Ministry of Magic and the Death Eaters hunted down those of Muggle heritage. Despite the looming threat, he returned to Hogwarts in his sixth year, standing shoulder to shoulder with Dumbledore’s Army in the climactic Battle of Hogwarts, the ultimate clash between Harry Potter and the dark forces of Lord Voldemort.
Do We Ever Find Out What Happened To Colin Creevey?
Regrettably, the fate of Colin Creevey is a tragic one. A Death Eater killed him during the Battle of Hogwarts, the final and decisive confrontation between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. Despite being expelled from Hogwarts, Colin managed to sneak into the castle through theRoom of Requirement with Dumbledore’s Army. He valiantly fought against the Dark Forces. He was among the many casualties of the battle, and the former Quidditch captain, Oliver Wood, carried his body into the Great Hall.
Harry and Colin’s relationship had evolved a little throughout the series. But, when Harry saw Colin’s lifeless form, he was struck by a profound sense of loss, realizing that Colin had sacrificed himself for him. Colin’s untimely death stands as one of the most poignant and shocking moments in the series, as he was a young and innocent boy who revered Harry and ultimately gave his life for the cause of good.
Colin’s character came a long way from being just a kid with a camera in his first year, to laying down his life in the final battle. His younger brother Dennis is devastated to learn of Colin’s fate. Colin’s passing leaves an emotional impact on readers as one of the first deaths revealed of beloved supporting characters from the earlier books.
Last appeared inHarry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
Last Appeared inHarry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
Killed by a Death Eater during the Battle of Hogwarts
Colin’s ultimate fate is never directly addressed or shown in the films.
Colin Creevey’s character in theHarry Potterseries exemplifies bravery, loyalty, and the harsh realities of war. His fate serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during times of conflict. While his story ends in tragedy, Colin’s undying spirit and courage continue to resonate with fans, making him a memorable and beloved character in the wizarding world.
