8 Times the Golden Trio Should Have Just Minded Their Own Business

For decades, the Harry Potter franchise has held the hearts of fans across the world - thanks in part to the beloved characters created by J.K. Rowling. At the core of her novels are Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger - the Golden Trio.

Over the course of the franchise, the Trio grew as friends, matured together, and overcame the forces of evil. But sometimes, they meddled in things that weren’t their business. For the most part, it was for good reasons - but it often ended in danger and calamity.

Here are eight times the Golden Trio would have been better off if they just minded their own business.

The Philosopher’s Stone

In the very first book, the Trio suspected that Snape was planning to steal the Philosopher’s Stone – a magical substance created by alchemist Nicolas Flamel to create the immortalizing Elixir of Life. Their obsession with the mystery led them face-to-face with the true culprit: Professor Quirrell, controlled by Lord Voldemort.

In fighting for the Stone, Quirrell died because of the protective charm Harry’s mother had left him. Instead of trusting others to handle the situation, Harry put himself in danger and committed his first kill (though unintentional) as a result.

Sirius Black’s Death

Lord Voldemort, using Legilimency, convinced Harry that his godfather, Sirius Black, was in danger in the Department of Mysteries. The Golden Trio, along with Ginny, Neville, and Luna, made their way there. They were quickly ambushed by Death Eaters.

Though the kids were ultimately saved, Sirius was killed by his cousin Bellatrix. Harry saw the whole thing. For years, he blamed himself for his godfather’s death.

Impersonating Ministry Officials

In The Deathly Hallows - Part 1, the Trio is convinced that Umbridge holds the Horcrux in the Ministry of Magic. They break in once again, this time using Polyjuice Potion to disguise themselves as Ministry officials.

While they do retrieve the Horcrux, they discover that the wife of the man Ron is impersonating is being held under trial. If guilty, she’ll go to Azkaban. In the end, they’re able to save the woman. The Trio was being heroic, but as they often are, they were just a bit too reckless.

The Chamber of Secrets

Created by Salazar Slytherin, founder of Hogwarts, there exists a secret chamber in the school. It’s said to contain a monster. The Trio investigates on their own, eventually defeating the monster - revealed to be a Basilisk.

Instead of reporting their concerns to a party more able to deal with this type of creature, they put themselves and their classmates in danger. Being Gryffindors, the Golden Trio are known for their courage in the face of danger. But as always, their courage outweighed their common sense and they put themselves in unnecessary peril.

The Forbidden Forest

Following a Quidditch match, Harry followed Snape in secret to the outskirts of the forest. As the name suggests, the forest is off-limits to students except as punishment or for lessons. He overhears Snape talking about the ominous Philosopher’s Stone.

Once caught, Harry was tasked with an apt punishment: Tagging along with Hagrid as he looks for a unicorn that had been injured in the Forbidden Punishment. They found the slain unicorn, its blood being drunk by a hooded figure - later revealed to be Lord Voldemort.

Textbook of the Half-Blood Prince

The Golden Trio find themselves interested with the writings of a man named the 'Half-Blood Prince.' It includes spells far beyond what they’ve yet learned, and Harry is particularly skilled at wielding them. They learn that Snape was the original owner of the book and fear that he’s working with Voldemort.

Harry becomes obsessed with learning the book’s spells at the discouragement (and occasional jealousy) of his compatriots. In the end, he learns the error of his ways and realizes the book is dangerous (almost killing Draco in the process). While their investigation led to the uncovering of important information, their curiosity led to unnecessary drama between the Golden Trio.

Dumbledore’s Army

When their professor, Dolores Umbridge, refused to teach anything about Defense Against the Dark Arts (a core subject at Hogwarts) other than textbook theory, the Golden Trio took matters into their own hands. They formed Dumbledore’s Army, hoping to teach their fellow students the truth. They agreed upon the importance of secrecy.

When they were ultimately discovered, Dumbledore took full blame. When Fudge went to arrest him, he fled, leaving Umbridge the Headmistress of Hogwarts.

If the Trio had trusted Dumbledore instead of taking matters into their own hands, none of that would have happened.

The Triwizarding Tournament

Despite being too young to enter the tournament, Harry was chosen to compete. The Golden Trio becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth of his entry, convinced that someone is seeking to harm him.

They break school rules, sneak into the headmaster’s office, and put themselves in danger in their quest for truth. While they did uncover the conspiracy, they would have been better off trusting the school staff to handle the situation. Once again, their bravery outweighed their desire for self-preservation.