Bathilda Bagshot

Bathilda Bagshot


Bathilda Bagshot was a noted historian, and author of the book A History of Magic. She lived in Godric's Hollow, and was an old family friend of Albus Dumbledore, and also James and Lily Potter's neighbour. Gellert Grindelwald was her great-nephew, which is why he came to live in Godric's Hollow (where he met Dumbledore) after being expelled from Durmstrang. Bathilda was a major source of information for Rita Skeeter's biography of Dumbledore, who extracted this information under the influence of Veritaserum; it is possible her memory was also modified following the "interview"; she was sent a copy of The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore accompanied by a note: "Dear Batty, Thanks for your help. Here's a copy of the book, hope you like it. You said everything, even if you don't remember it. Rita."
Harry decided to go to Godric's Hollow in order to get information from Bathilda, and because he thought that Dumbledore entrusted her with Gryffindor's Sword. She died before Harry's arrival in Godric's Hollow, possibly at the hand of Lord Voldemort, and Voldemort enchanted her decaying body to use as a disguise for his snake, Nagini to wait for Harry. The snake was instructed to attack Harry should he arrive in Godric's Hollow looking for information.
Bathilda was one of the people who gave Quidditch Through the Ages praise.