The Harry Potter Bracket: A Harry Potter and March Madness Collaboration
When two worlds collide, the resulting impact might be catastrophic or a beautiful collaboration. I prefer to focus on the beauty this little planet has to offer, so I sought after a most magical partnership. I took it upon myself to squish together the glory of March Madness with the enchantment of Harry Potter. You may ask, how have I accomplished to “bump the uglies” of these two magnificent entities? I’ve done it by comparing every team that made the Big Dance in 2019 with the 68 most mentioned Harry Potter characters from the seven Harry Potter novels. The most mentioned character, our boy Harry, has been matched up with the #1 overall seed Duke, the second most mentioned character, Ron, was then matched up with the #2 overall seed Virginia and so on all the way to #68 Moaning Myrtle and N.C. Central. Throughout the tournament we’ll return to the March Madness Harry Potter Bracket (located at the bottom of this article) and see how our favorite characters have progressed. Fingers crossed for Cedric Diggory, he could use a win.
Check out the Final Chapter of the Harry Potter Bracket, and refresh yourself on the Sweet 16 here!
1. Duke: Harry Potter “The Boy Who Lived” “The Chosen One” (18,956 mentions) – Not long ago this team was believed to be dead. A killing curse was cast upon them in the form of a busted-out shoe and injured knee. But instead of taking the easy train “onward” to whatever comes next, they made the brave decision to return to action. They’re a young team with unimaginably high expectations thrust upon them, but they have the unique thirst, that only those who’ve confronted their demise can have, to prove they are the Chosen One. Above all, they understand the difference between being forced into the arena vs. entering the arena with their heads held high. They’re fully aware that they may not survive… and that may very well make the difference.
2. Virginia: Ron Weasley (6,464) – They are often overshadowed by other programs in their conference and the many talented teams in the region, but to characterize them as the sidekick or comic relief would be a grave mistake... even if they return most of a team that made history in losing to 16 seed UMBC last year. They’re loyal (multiple 2- and 3-year starters), they’re strategic (the bobby fisher of wizard chess), and they’re not afraid to throw down (even when that sometimes backfires on them). They might disappear for a bit, but you know they’ll return in the thick of it when it matters most.
3. North Carolina: Hermione Granger (5,486) - The brightest of their class with so much talent it’ll sometimes make you nauseous. They’re hardworking, they’re gifted, and they always find a solution. They sometimes try to do too much, but there are few you’d rather have down the stretch. And it should be noted that you do not want to get on this team’s bad side, they don’t forgive easily… unless you’re confident you can outrun a swarm of twittering canaries zooming down on you like a hail of fat golden bullets.
4. Gonzaga: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore (2,421) – Arguably the most gifted team of their time. Prodigies turned into legends. In many ways untouchable, they have power and talent beyond compare, but they’ve been known to meander down the wrong path in the search of that power. At the end of the day, they understand that it is their choices (for better or worse) that show who they truly are, far more than their abilities.
5. Tennessee: Rubeus Hagrid (2,024) - This loyal half-giant of a team is powerful, thick skinned, and isn’t afraid of anything. When up against a dangerous opponent, Tennessee has a skill for finding the competition’s weak points and taming them. However, they’re not the sharpest Hungarian Horn-tail in the arena and have a history of being vulnerable to trickery.
6. Michigan State: Severus Snape (1,956) – Talented, no doubt and cunning too, they cannot be overlooked. Just when you think you’ve figured them out, they pull a 180 on you. They have many redemptive qualities, but don’t get too carried away rooting for them… they have no qualms about bullying and humiliation (even to those who have had very difficult upbringings), which is probably due to their own tumultuous past. Additionally, they hold grudges like no one else (not afraid to give a rival team up to the dementor’s kiss… see #8 Michigan). So yes, they have skill and a hell of a work ethic, but maybe not the one you should be backing completely.
7. Kentucky: Lord Voldemort AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA The Dark Lord (1,797) – So much power and so much drive, they have the need to be the greatest of all time. And by all time, they literally mean ALL TIME… you know by mastering Death and whatnot. They have ventured deeper into the darkness than anyone else before them, and they’ve been strategic in concealing the secrets that have made them the powerhouse they’ve become. However, they do have a fault. Their focus on the murkier wells of power has resulted in their ignorance of the brighter aspects of the college game… like team building.
8. Michigan: Sirius Black AKA Padfoot (1,471) - Another talented team with a skill set to rival some of the greats. They’re nearly unbreakable even in the bleakest of situations, and they’re never one to back down in a fight. They can be over confident and fool hardy at times, and they have a tendency to underestimate what they believe to be lesser opponents (see loss to Penn State). Don’t be too surprised if they are eliminated from the action early.
9. Houston: Draco Malfoy (1,198) – Strong leadership skills and an important name has advanced this team into their elite position. They don’t lack talent, but they definitely had a lot of help along the way playing in a conference with few other talented teams. Don’t be surprised if this team plays a little dirty. They will do anything to win.
10. Texas Tech: Fred Weasley (920) – Talented, but unconventionally so. This team knows what the people want and how to give it to them. They don’t shy away from the action and consequently often find themselves in sticky situations. Risk takers with every fiber of their being, they might not win outright, but they’ll probably cover the spread.
11. LSU: Remus Lupin AKA Moony (864) – Primarily, this team is the embodiment of calm and control. They’re patient and calculating and take time to analyze their situation. However, occasionally (say, once a month) this team will transform into something much more ominous. They become a wild, unrestricted beast of a squad that can destroy anything in its path, but… is also a danger to itself.
12. Purdue: George Weasley (821) – See Fred Weasley but add a little more survivability (I feel terrible for writing that sentence).
13. Kansas: Neville Longbottom (810) – At first this team may not seem like much. They appear to lack the talent or confidence from past years. But, if given the time and a little encouragement, this team could become something of a significant presence. Do not confuse their timidity with a lack of courage, and never underestimate their work ethic.
14. Florida State: Arthur Weasley (780) – A bit of a wildcard and sometimes overly experimental, this team can be a little all over the place. What saves this team from self-destruction is focusing their commitment to play with an appetite for the fundamentals. They are passionate about what some may consider the less-magical aspects of the game, but it’s a passion that can’t be quenched (just ask Molly Wobbles). And in March, passion is often the best form of magic.
15. Kansas State: Ginny Weasley (771) – There may not be a feistier team in the field. Early on they weren’t quite sure where they belonged and stumbled a few times before finding their groove. Now, it seems crazy that a good-looking team like K-State was ever overlooked. They’ve got style and spunk, and you definitely do not want to be on the receiving end of their bat-bogey hex.
16. Virginia Tech: Minerva McGonagall (770) – They seem a little strict and overly structured on the outside, but once you get to know them, it’s evident there’s quite a few layers to this onion. No one can deny their talent, but there is even more to this team than what meets the eye. The question is, will they get an opportunity to utilize their hidden talents on the road to the final four? (imagine if Prof. McGonagall transfigured herself during the Battle of Hogwarts…).
17. Marquette: Molly Weasley AKA Molly Wobbles (722) – This may be one of the hardest working teams in the tournament. At first glance they may not seem particularly talented (aside from the freak that is Markus Howard), but if riled up, they’re as good as any team out there. On top of that, they’ve got a deep bench.
18. Auburn: Dolores Umbridge (637) – There’s no arguing that this team has an uncanny ability to work their way up the ladder. Not only are they adept at making powerful friends, they have a unique ability to strategically breakdown teams that, by all accounts, have much more fire power than they do. In the end, I don’t think this team will be able to hold up against the constant barrage that is March madness.
19. Wisconsin: Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody (583) – Tough as mothafuckin’ nails. Searching for a team that won’t back down from anything, look no further. They’ll fight, and it might not be pretty (especially at the free throw line), but they’ll get the job done. However, because they always tend to be in the thick of it, they have a lot of enemies that enjoy nothing more than chipping away at the wood block that is this team. As much as one tries, you cannot always practice constant vigilance.
20. Mississippi State: Vernon Dursley (530) – Perfectly normal thank you very much, and proud of it! Don’t expect anything flashy from this team. They’re going to show up promptly on time, work just hard enough, schmooze when they need to schmooze, and unconditionally ignore any extraordinary thing that may be happening in the peripherals. How far can this most stereotypically muggle of a team get in the wizbang world of March Madness? Tough to say.
21. Villanova: Cornelius Fudge (493) – A team that has gained power this year largely due to status rather than skill, they’ve risen to the top before (last year) and will do anything to stay there. They are willing to ignore the signs of disruption in order to cling to this fleeting position of supremacy. Regardless, they are a dangerous team and certainly one to be watched.
22. Maryland: Peter Pettigrew AKA Wormtail (486) – Motivated by power and allergic to loyalty, this team will do anything to survive. It also helps that they have a knack for escaping dangerous situations. A team you should not put much faith into, but you can’t deny their persistence. In the end they’ll likely be the cause of their own destruction.
23. Buffalo: Dobby the (free) House Elf (469) – They may not seem like much at first glance, but they have some hidden talents. One of the harder working teams out there, they rarely take a day off. Although their heart is always in it, they sometimes get into trouble by trying too hard… think rogue bludger.
24. Iowa State: Dudley AKA Dudders AKA Ickle Diddykins (467) – A bully if ever there was one. They aren’t particularly creative, but what they lack in that department they make up for with size, strength, and a pretty decent posse. But like most bullies, they are motivated more by fear than anything else. They’ve been coddled and spoiled with a pretty weak non-conference, so the dance could be a bit of an eye opener. But don’t lose complete faith in this team, deep down inside they want to be better than what is to be expected from their unfortunate upbringing.
25. Louisville: Horace Slughorn (432) – A very talented and surprisingly likable team (now that they’re starting anew). They have an eye for finding talent and surrounding themselves with it. However, they’d rather be comfortable than really challenged. When push comes to shove, there is an equal chance they head for the hills or enter the melee.
26. Nevada: Percy Weasley (426) – A very hardworking and able team. They have a lot of potential to rise to the top someday. However, sometimes they’re overly concerned with their future and neglect the equally important present. In time they may see the fault in their ways, but I wouldn’t count on it in this tournament.
27. Cincinnati: Luna Lovegood (356) – One of the more enjoyable teams to watch. They’re unconventional, but effective. If you think you’ve got them figured out, you’re probably miles off the mark. They can fall victim to getting too caught up in creative play and ignoring the basics, but this is a team that, when given support, can really shine. The dark thestral in this year’s tournament.
28. Wofford: Cedric Diggory (353) – Gifted, easy on the eyes, and not overly show-boaty. It appears as though this team has it all, but they’re still a little young and naïve to post-season play. Beyond that, they tend to find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Don’t bank on this team having a long run in the tourney.
29. VCU: Petunia Dursley (314) – A no-nonsense team that not only avoids creativity on the court but discourages it. They’ve built a good program by sticking to the basics and discounting innovative new techniques. Deep down inside they know they’re only hurting themselves, but for now, they’re content with ignoring the things that make March so magical.
30. Syracuse: Kreacher (312) – A team that’s been overlooked and underperforming (despite their talent) most of the season. If they are given an opportunity to prove themselves and tell their story, they may show to be a surprisingly effective team in the tourney. But they might also choose to remain in the shadows a bit longer.
31. Ole Miss: Bill Weasley (302) – There’s something about this team that just radiates, COOL. They’ve got an effortless ease and confidence about them. Don’t be surprised if this team plays beyond its ability.
32. Utah State: Barty Crouch Sr. (295) – A very talented team that’s commanded a lot of respect (this will be their 21st NCAA Tournament appearance), but harboring a past which isn’t completely impressive (haven’t made it out of the 1st round since 2001). They have a few skeletons in the closet actively hurting their reputation (and possibly affecting their play). The past cannot be outrun.
33. Washington: Argus Filch (288) – Imagine being surrounded by talent and power, but not having access to it. This team is in the action, but it doesn’t have the proper tools to excel. They have the knowledge to defeat more talented teams, they just might not have the ability. However, they do have a knack of being in the right place at the right time... like being in a very weak PAC12 this year.
34. UCF: Viktor Krum (277) – This team is more than what meets the eye and may surprise people. They have the capacity to excel when they’re in their element, but once taken out of their comfort zone, they can be as awkward and clumsy as a Tacko Fall on roller skates.
35. Baylor: Gilderoy Lockhart (262) – A flair for showbiz and exciting play makes this team pretty fun to watch. However, once you get past their pizzazz, there isn’t much substance. It is easy to be pulled in by this team, but in the long run, you’ll forget they were even there.
36. Oklahoma: Sybill Trelawney (262) – This team is a bit of an oddity. Most of the time it seems like they’re sliding through the motions doing just enough to get by. Yet, very occasionally, they have this miraculous foresight to know exactly how to break down a team and surpass even their own expectations.
37. Iowa: Fleur Delacour (258) – This team is more than just appealing to the eye, they really do have some substance. But before you start falling in love, it’s good to remind yourself that they have a tendency to be overly bumptious. If they perceive that they’re going to lose, they’ll likely self-destruct.
38. Seton Hall: Lucius Malfoy (249) – Only concerned with power and rebuilding their reputation, this team has something to prove. They come from a power conference that has seen greatness in its past, and they’ve often been an integral part of that greatness. Despite making the tournament the last four years, they’re still lurking in the peripherals and playing the innocent bystander, but don’t be mistaken, they can be dangerous.
39. Minnesota: Ludo Bagman (246) – A team you can’t help but to root for. They’re fun, energetic, and some remnant of talent still lingers in their aura. They can get into trouble when they’re enjoying the game too much and forget their responsibilities. But don’t bet on this team… no matter what the line is, you will not be getting your money back!
40. Florida: Nymphadora Tonks (242) – This team has a little flash to them. They don’t necessarily look like they fit the bill of a dangerous squad, but they may surprise some people. They’ve got a metamorphmagus-like way of matching their opponent’s skill sets. Although, they do have a tendency to trip over their own feet from time to time.
41. Ohio State: Gregory Goyle (228) – Give this team any opening, and they’ll bully you around. What they lack in leadership and creativity, they make up for in brute strength. Not only will they not back down from a fight, they’ll probably be starting it.
42. Belmont: Vincent Crabbe (224) – What is there to say about this team that wasn’t just described in the “Goyle Team”? Another Bully of a team with the addition of the NBA bound Dylan Windler. This team may be even more ruthless than Ohio State (not afraid to throw around an Avada Kedavra).
43. Temple: Belatrix Lestrange (220) – Maniacally charismatic and undeniably dangerous, do not dismiss this team in the Madness. They’ve had some very high highs and some very low lows, which has driven them a bit mad. But despite their rollercoaster of a season, they haven’t faltered from their objective. They are loyal, even if their loyalty is misdirected to the wrong places.
44. Saint Mary’s: Cho Chang (215) – A popular team from year to year, and for good reason. They’ve brought down some giants (to Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop) and have had a few moments in the spotlight. In past years they’ve been regarded as the Belle of the Ball. However, due to circumstances not entirely of their own making, they will likely be remembered as a speed bump on the road to the championship.
45. Arizona State: Dean Thomas (212) – An everybody’s team kind of team, you can’t help but to like them. They don’t step on toes or knowingly get in the way, they are just kind of around when you need them. Their ability to survive in tough times makes them an intriguing squad moving forward.
46. Murray State: Oliver Wood (208) – An obsessively hardworking team, they don’t know when to quit. They exhibit strong leadership qualities, and they have a mind for the game, but apart from Ja Morant, they’re running a little short on talent and have probably taken a few to many bludgers to the old noddle.
47. St. John’s: Hedwig (204) – A spirited team with a ton of personality. They bring a wild energy to the court. But when asked to perform a specific task, they are as reliable as they come. They’ll work hard to the end, but if not given the opportunity to fly, their end may be sooner rather than later.
48. Oregon: James Potter AKA Prongs (190) – This team is blessed with many gifts. They’re naturally talented and can excel with ease if given the right opportunity. They work better as a team rather than matching up one-on-one. They’ve been known to get burned by putting too much trust in individual players (see their slump after Bol Bol’s injury). They also have a bit of a rebellious streak, which has landed them in some hot water throughout the year. Don’t be surprised if this team pulls an upset or two, but don’t get too attached either.
49. New Mexico State: Rita Skeeter (188) – They have a flair for being in the right place at the right time. They’re always buzzing around the action and have an uncanny ability to identify the weaknesses in their opponents. But this team has many flaws of their own. By slowing them down and hindering their outlets, they become a very controllable team.
50. Liberty: Seamus Finnigan (179) – Explosive. There is no lack of fire power (I mean, they are called the Flames), and they could create quite a scare. They often come second or third or fourth fiddle in their state, so they may have something to prove. When things start to get a little hairy, they won’t back down from the fight. Their skill set destines them to burn brightly but fizzle out quickly.
51. UC Irvine: Igor Karkaroff (165) – They have a bit of a murky past (this is only their 2nd appearance in the Big Dance), and to be honest, it’s tough to tell at this juncture if they’ve done much changing. They do have solid leadership and the ability to rise through the power rankings, but they probably aren’t strong enough to hold that power.
52. Vermont: Peeves (164) – Do not trust this team. Their sole objective is to create as much chaos as possible. They are just as likely to swoop in and steal a big game as they are to not show up at all.
53. Saint Louis: Winky (162) – Not the most imposing team in the field, but in the right environment, they are one of the hardest working teams. And so, if you can get them out of their element, they’re likely to fall to pieces.
54. Northeastern: Crookshanks (162) – Although this squad is a bit of a shabby looking bunch, there is more to them than meets the eye. They have the ability to see past all the smoke and mirrors and detect their opponent’s core motivations and capabilities. This team is sneaky good.
55. Yale: Madam Pomfrey (156) – A capable team with a reassuring presence about them. They are great at mending the minor bumps and bruises they’ve encountered throughout the season, but any serious challenge will likely be too much for them to handle… like werewolf symptoms.
56. Old Dominion: Rufus Scrimgeour (153) – There is no fluff or sugar coating with this team. They are what they appear to be, and don’t have the time for any sort of guise. They’re honest and tough, but too rigid to not eventually break. It’ll be interesting to see how they match-up against the rule averse George Weasley.
57. Georgia State: Mundungus “Dung” Fletcher (147) – Another team that might be sneaky good, but it’s tough to tell under all the layers of… sneaky (and stinky). They don’t have great team chemistry, and they’re sometimes absent when needed most, but they’ve also been known to penetrate the stingiest of defenses in the past.
58. Northern Kentucky: Lavender Brown (141) – This team adds a little drama to the Big Dance. They have the ability to sneak in and steal a game, but no matter how good at snogging they are, their time in the limelight won’t last long.
59. Montana: Griphook (140) – They have a unique knowledge of the game and possess a skill set most would kill for. They are ruthless and would do anything to get what they want… including change tactics mid-game. This ruthlessness will likely cause more problems than rewards.
60. Colgate: Filius Flitwick (140) – There’s no denying the talent on this squad. They have a knowledge for the game that would rival the best. Unfortunately, they have a habit of getting knocked out early in a fight. Going up against a half-giant will certainly be a test.
61. Bradley: Buckbeak AKA Witherwings (136) – A dangerous opponent that deserves a healthy measure of veneration. Disrespect this team and you’ll likely end up a bloody mess. But take some time to get to know them, and they’re quickly tamed.
62. Abilene Christian: Angelina Johnson (135) – This team has a lot of skill and an eye for the game. They can get overwhelmed and are a little lacking in leadership, but at the end of the day, they’re definitely worth rooting for.
63. Gardner-Webb: Parvati Patil (133) – Making an appearance in their first NCAA Tournament, they are entering the dance with style. Other teams may appear similar (maybe even identical) to them, but they lack the boldness and daring nerve of this squad.
64. Iona: Lily Potter (127) – This team is all heart. They play with a passion that will shake you to the core, and their fight will inspire even the most anxious. They may not have the tools to last long in this tournament, but they’ll never really leave us.
65. Prairie View: Xenophilius Lovegood (124) – Few squads are more flamboyant and eccentric. There is no predicting what they are going to do next, which makes them equal parts exciting and dangerous. While watching this team, if you should feel any burgeoning talent today -- perhaps an urge to sing opera or to declaim in Mermish -- do not repress it!
66. Fairleigh Dickinson: Nearly Headless Nick (123) – They’ve sort of just floated into the tournament, but they do have something to prove. Their history is less than remarkable and they’re never going to get the respect from members of the big conferences. Yet, they never lack fight and will defend their honor to the end.
67. North Dakota State: Quirrell (122) – This team can be a little two-faced. At times they seem timid and docile while at others they’re downright dangerous. When in the dangerous mood, they do not believe in good and evil, only power, and those too weak to seek it. Very dangerous indeed.
68. N.C. Central: Moaning Myrtle (119) – A unique talent to pop up when their opponent is most vulnerable makes this team difficult to evade. They’re always lurking around and have a real talent of making the competition uncomfortable. The question is, can they keep their emotions in check or will they fall apart at the first instant of insult?
