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Looking to Replace Harry Potter? Try These Inclusive Fantasy and Sci-Fi Epics

For fantasy fans, it’s been disheartening and disappointing to see J.K. Rowling’s recent lack of respect for the trans community. For an author who introduced kids to and explored major themes about the importance of people speaking up against intolerance, it’s been heartbreaking to see her defend radical, toxic beliefs that dehumanize trans people.

Seeing Rowling’s transphobic tweets and comments laid bare, you may feel the need to set aside the Harry Potter series for now. If so, perhaps you’re looking for something just as engaging to replace these books with. These great series that are inclusive and diverse, welcoming characters of all orientations, genders and races. You don’t need to cancel Harry forever, but these books might help you feel a little more welcome and accepted after Rowling’s actions. 

“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi

Children of Blood and Bone is a 2018 book by Nigerian-American novelist Tomi Adeyemi. This is the first book in a planned trilogy, which follows heroine Zélie Adebola as she brings back magic to the kingdom of Orïsha after its magic users were purged.

This work of fiction was inspired by novels like Harry Potter and An Ember in the Ashes but does a magnificent job of exposing readers to other cultures by blending in West African mythologies and the Yoruba language and culture. These elements converge to create Children of Blood and Bone ‘s world — one that’s unique yet strikingly similar to our own, considering that another major motivation for Adeyemi was the hopelessness the author felt about police brutality directed against Black Americans.

Writing the book took over 18 months and 45 drafts, but the end result has been a brilliant coming-of-age story that’s received high praise across many platforms. The New York Times has included the novel on its best-seller book list for young adults. The book has received mostly positive reviews, with critics digging deep into its examination of racism, oppression and slavery, noting how the Kosadan and Maji serve as the stand-ins for real-world groups. As Vann R. Newkirk II of The Atlantic explains, “That Children of Blood and Bone may prod readers to see a whole genre with new eyes could hardly be a more timely development.”

“Nemesis Trilogy by April Daniels 

For trans excellence, look no further than the “Nemesis” trilogy by April Daniels. The first in the series, Dreadnought, is about a girl named Danny. After receiving superpowers from her idol, Dreadnought, her body changes into the feminine body she always pictured herself in. Of the supervillains she faces, the most noteworthy is a witch that is also a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist), so the book could be read as an allegorical narrative reflectingJ.K. Rowling’s transphobic beliefs in our own world. 

The second book in the series, Sovereign, is about a gender-queer superhero. Kinetiq grapples with the mental health implications of being a superhero. In real life, they go through familial abuse and emancipates themself from family. The book has been optioned for film by Makin’ It Up Productions, Wayne Brady’s production company. Not only are these books a great alternative to Harry Potter, but they will make great alternatives to Marvel and DC films after these books are adapted for your screen. 

“Dark Star” Trilogy by Marlon James

Another newer fantasy series comes from Jamaican writer Marlon James: the Dark Star trilogy. The epic fantasy includes the titles Black Leopard, Red Wolf; Moon Witch, Night Devil; and The Boy and the Dark Star. The tales follow three characters — the Tracker, the Moon Witch and the Boy — as the three mercenaries make their way through a dark fantasy world and await their impending torture and trial in the dungeon of a dying king.

The first book was released in 2019, and the two remaining planned novels are forthcoming. The story draws from African history and mythology and explores political tensions rising between two warring states, various tribes and city-states, exploring truths, ambition, the limits of power, duty and honor in the process. The first offering in the lineup was influenced by many favorite epics, including The Lord of the Rings and the now-classic Game of Thrones.

More good news? Michael B. Jordan purchased the film rights to Black Leopard, Red Wolf before the book hit shelves, so fans can expect some exciting on-screen treatment.

“Inheritance” Trilogy and the “Broken Earth” Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin

N.K. Jemisin debuted her first novel, part of the Inheritance trilogy, in 2010, which elevated her to the position of one of the most prominent Black sci-fi/fantasy authors in the United States. And her novel The Fifth Season , which is part of her Broken Earth series, won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, making her the first Black writer to earn this title in that category.

The Inheritance trilogy follows a cast of mortals and gods as they navigate politics, class warfare and slavery under the umbrella of twisted power dynamics, and the Broken Earth trilogy follows three connected women in a magical society in which man’s monstrous actions outweigh the horrors of the natural disasters that plague their world.

Jemisin is not afraid to double down on her characters and their identities. When a review in The Guardian misgendered one of her characters, Jemison took to Twitter to hold the publication accountable. The mistake was eventually corrected on May 17th, 2020. Rather than scare people off from her work like J.K. Rowling has, Jemisin wants queer, trans, and nonbinary readers to feel welcome turning her pages. 

The “Tensorate” Series by Neon Yang

Imagine a world where every new child is nonbinary. A world without gender seems like more than enough for a story’s premise, but for Neon Yang, that’s just the beginning. Monks, magic, and prophecies converge in this series of four novellas. As the characters come of age, they eventually get to confirm their own genders and have to make the tough decision of whether or not to stay where they are or join the Rebellion. 

These novellas are ideal for those who struggle with sci-fi or fantasy books that can often be hundreds and sometimes thousands of pages long (especially if you total up the number of pages in a series).

You might be a bit confused seeing the author’s name listed as Neon in this article, but JL on the books. Neon is their preferred name, chosen after the release of their first book. This happens as people develop their identities over time. As queer and trans people become more visible, expect things like name changes to become part of the norm. Yang’s debut novel, The Gensisis of Misery, is expected to be released in 2022. 

“The Star-Touched Queen” Series by Roshani Chokshi

Are you looking for something a bit less violent than the brilliant Black Leopard, Red Wolf ? This series by Roshani Chokshi is a winner. The beautiful writing in The Star-Touched Queen books is lyrical and lush, bringing the characters and events to life in a vivid and mesmerizing way. This YA romantic fantasy plunges you into a captivating retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone with a deep Indian-mythology twist.

The first book follows Maya, a 17-year-old girl cursed to marry into doom and destruction. Her path crosses that of an otherworldly man who introduces her to a kingdom that holds the key to her past and future. Needless to say, Maya’s epic journey is fascinating and makes for an enlightening, page-turning read.

“Sawkill Girls” by Claire Legrand

Claire Legrand writes for adults, middle school readers, and anyone who enjoys YA. Legrand has written more than five standalone novels, the Winterspell trilogy and the Empirium trilogy. Her 2018 novel, Sawkill Girls, made waves when readers saw that not only were there young queer characters engaging each other the same way young hetero characters do — there was also an asexual character that still got to experience love and relationships.  

The book, which brings fantasy elements to a horror story, centers around Maron, Zoey, and Val as they try to figure out why young women their age keep disappearing from the town of Sawkill. After some research, Zoey learns that young women have been disappearing from Sawkill for a long time. To prevent further atrocities, these three women must confront an evil that takes many different forms. 

“Pet” by Akwaeke Emezi 

Pet takes place in a world that is totally normal. Or, is it? Jam grew up being told by adults that monsters did not exist and were no longer a problem. When a drop of Jam’s blood causes Pet, a horned creature, to emerge from a painting that Jam’s mother had made, Jam quickly learns that the world is not what she was told. If you’ve ever had the world turned upside down on you, just like it did with Harry, you may love this one. 

An emerging talent, Akwaeke Emezi is an Igbo and Tamil writer from Nigeria. She is also the author of Freshwater (2018), The Death of Vivek Oji (2020) and Dear Senthuran (forthcoming 2021).  

“Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas

Picture this: your family has trouble accepting your gender identity. They go as far as calling you a “brujo,” a warlock. Discouraged but motivated, you set out to prove yourself by summoning the ghost of your murdered cousin. As you set out to prove yourself, you realize you summoned the wrong ghost. 

This is how NYT Bestseller, Cemetery Boys kicks off. Main character, Yadriel, summons Julian, who is a bit of a bad boy and refuses to go to the afterlife without the answers he seeks. Things get even more complicated when Yadriel doesn’t want Julian to leave.

Aiden Thomas is an Oakland native and identifies as queer, trans, and Latinx. Cemetery Boys, Thomas’s debut novel, was released during fall of 2020. Spooky yet heartfelt, Cemetery Boys can fill the wizard-sized hole that might be in your heart. The book’s release made Thomas the first trans man to debut on the Young Adult Hardcover section of the NYT Bestseller list. 

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Hogwarts subjects

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Some of the subjects learned in Hogwarts; the bat represents Defence Against the Dark Arts , the wand represents Charms , the mortar and pestle represents Potions and the cat represents Transfiguration

There were a variety of subjects taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry . [1] [2] These included both the core curriculum and the electives, available from third year forward. [1] In the fifth year , students took the Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.) exams to determine whether or not they would reasonably be able to keep up with the much more advanced curriculum in the remaining two years. [3] In seventh year , students would take the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (N.E.W.T.), the results of which were what potential employers would look at when they were looking for a career after completing their education.

Some classes, including the core classes, might be dropped in sixth year . Specialised classes such as Alchemy became available in sixth year provided there was sufficient demand. [1]

Even though students couldn't apply for Time-Turners to take more classes than were able to fit in the timetables, a student's head of house was able to suggest a Time-Turner to an individual on very rare occasions. [4] All students did, however, have a choice to drop a course if they became a burden (aside from the essential classes). [5]

• 2.1 Astronomy
• 2.3 Defence Against the Dark Arts
• 2.4 Herbology
• 2.5 History of Magic
• 2.6 Potions
• 2.7 Transfiguration
• 3.1.1 Arithmancy
• 3.1.2 Care of Magical Creatures
• 3.1.3 Divination
• 3.1.4 Muggle Studies (core in 1997–1998 only)
• 3.1.5 Study of Ancient Runes
• 3.2.1 Advanced Arithmancy Studies
• 3.2.2 Alchemy
• 3.2.3 Apparition
• 4.1 Dark Arts
• 5.1 Ancient Studies
• 5.3 Field Studies
• 5.4 Ghoul Studies
• 5.5 Magical Theory
• 5.6 Muggle Art
• 5.7 Muggle Music
• 5.9 Xylomancy
• 6 Appearances
• 7 Notes and references

Overview [ ]

All first-years at Hogwarts had to take seven core subjects: Transfiguration , Charms , Potions , History of Magic , Defence Against the Dark Arts , Astronomy and Herbology . [2] Flying lessons (on broomsticks ) were also compulsory. [6] Flying was the only one of these that could be dropped upon entry into second year.

At the end of their second year at Hogwarts, students were required to choose a minimum of two additional subjects from the following list: Arithmancy , Muggle Studies , Divination , Study of Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures . [7] [1] Students couldn't elect to drop any of the core subjects at this time, but they could choose to drop an elective if it became a burden. [5]

1996 Charms theoretical O.W.L. examination

During their fifth year, students had an appointment with their Head of House to discuss the career path they wanted to pursue. The professor would recommend the subjects they would need to take at the N.E.W.T. level required for their job of choice, taking into account their predicted O.W.L. grades based on their current performance. The teacher could recommend subjects based on the student's current grades if the student was unsure of what job they would like. These students made provisional choices for N.E.W.T.s at this time and their choices were confirmed or rejected depending on their achieved O.W.L grades or the demand. [8]

A N.E.W.T.-level Potions class

During sixth year, students advanced to N.E.W.T.-level classes, however they were only allowed to take classes whose O.W.L. exams they scored high enough on. The professor would decide the O.W.L. grade needed to take their class at the N.E.W.T.-level. Course work during this year was much more advanced than it had been previously. The majority of students' time was spent studying and trying to cope with the vast amounts of homework they were being given. [9] Students in the sixth year could also elect to take part in Apparition lessons for a fee of twelve Galleons. [10]

The seventh year was the final year of magical education. At the end of the year, students took the exam for their N.E.W.T. subjects that had been chosen in sixth year and carried through to the seventh.

Very specialised subjects such as Alchemy were offered in the final two years, but would only be provided if there was sufficient demand. [1] It is unknown whether the student would need any grades from another subject to take the subjects, or whether it was open to anyone to try. There may have been a N.E.W.T. exam for these subjects too.

Certain subjects could be abolished for certain reasons. Albus Dumbledore was originally planning to scrap Divination altogether due to its inaccuracy to most, but he kept the subject as a pretence to protect Sybill Trelawney from the Death Eaters . [11] During the conquered Ministry's regime , Defence Against the Dark Arts was cancelled and replaced with outright Dark Arts , conforming with Lord Voldemort's reign. [12] Upon the defeat of Voldemort , the Dark Arts class was abolished and the regular Defence class was restored.

Core classes [ ]

Astronomy [ ].

The making of a star chart

Astronomy involved observation of the night skies with telescopes, as well as gaining an understanding of the various phenomena that go on in space, such as Lunar phases and Space weather . Known assignments included learning the names of stars, constellations and planets, as well as charting their locations, movements, and environments. [2] It is currently unclear exactly how this subject is relevant to the education of witches and wizards, but according to Satyavati Shah , there is much that can be gleaned from the stars. [13] It was the only field of study at Hogwarts that had a direct equivalent in the Muggle world.

Astronomy classes took place in the highest level of the Astronomy Tower , the tallest tower in Hogwarts. [2] Required equipment included a telescope. Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Satyavati Shah (late 1800s ) [13]
• Aurora Sinistra (pre. 1985 -?)

A book on Charms

Charms comprised of a very wide range of different spells concerned with giving a target (be it an object or an individual) new and unexpected properties and/or making the target perform certain actions, among other possible effects. Charms could be some of the most powerful and game-changing spells in existence. Successfully casting a charm required concentration, precise wand movements, and proper pronunciation of the spells incantation . Charms classes were described as notoriously noisy and chaotic, as the lessons were largely practical. [14] Charms was considered a "soft option" by some when picking N.E.W.T.-level classes. [15]

Charms classes took place in Classroom 2E along the Charms corridor on the third floor, near the Third-floor corridor . Required equipment included a wand and required textbooks included The Standard Book of Spells series and Quintessence: A Quest . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Fortinbras (?) [16]
• Abraham Ronen (late 1800s ) [13]
• Filius Flitwick (1970s-?) [2] [14]

Defence Against the Dark Arts [ ]

A fourth-year lesson in 1994 regarding the Unforgivable Curses

Defence Against the Dark Arts, commonly shortened to D.A.D.A., was the class that taught students how to protect themselves against the Dark Arts , [17] [2] how to use offencive and protective spells , and how to properly handle and deal with dark creatures. [18]

This subject required students to participate in practical lessons in order to truly learn the subject; [18] [15] if taught only theory based lessons out of books, then it would only hinder them. [19]

The subject had an extraordinarily high turnover of staff members — throughout Harry Potter 's time at Hogwarts, no Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher remained at Hogwarts for more than one school year. Dumbledore suggested that Voldemort jinxed the position because his application for it was rejected. [20] After the end of the Second Wizarding War , the jinx on the position was lifted with Voldemort's death.

Defence Against the Dark Arts classes took place in Classroom 3C on the third-floor. Required equipment included a wand and required textbooks included The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection , Break with a Banshee , Gadding with Ghouls , Holidays with Hags , Travels with Trolls , Voyages with Vampires , Wanderings with Werewolves , Year with the Yeti , The Essential Defence Against the Dark Arts , Dark Arts Defence – Basics for Beginners , Defence Against the Dark Arts , Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts , Defensive Magical Theory , and Confronting the Faceless . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Isidora Morganach ( 15th or 16th century ) [13]
• Dinah Hecat ( 1890–1891 school year ) [13]
• Albus Dumbledore (at least 1910s – 1927 ) [21]
• Galatea Merrythought (?– 1945 ) [20]
• Patricia Rakepick ( 1988–1989 ) [22]
• Olivia Green ( 1990–1991 ) [23]
• Quirinus Quirrell ( 1991–1992 ) [17] [2]
• Gilderoy Lockhart ( 1992–1993 ) [24] [25]
• Remus Lupin ( 1993–1994 ) [26] [18]
• Bartemius Crouch Jnr , who was impersonating Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody ( 1994–1995 ) [27]
• Dolores Umbridge ( 1995–1996 ) [28] [19]
• Severus Snape ( 1996–1997 ) [29] [15]
• Brindlemore (at least 2008–2011) [30]

After he graduated, Harry Potter would occasionally come to the class to give lectures on the subject. [31]

Herbology [ ]

Greenhouse Three , used for Herbology classes

Herbology was the study of magical plants and fungi. Students learned how to properly care for and utilise different plants, as well as about their magical properties and what they were used for. [2] The further a student progressed through their education, the more difficult and dangerous the plants became. [9] Students were also taught a few spells that were helpful for gardening, such as the Herbivicus Charm . [32] [33]

Herbology classes took place in various greenhouses located behind the castle. Required equipment included a wand, a pair of Dragon-hide gloves , Dragon dung fertiliser, earmuffs , and a Watering can , and required textbooks included One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi , Winogrand's Wondrous Water Plants , and Flesh-Eating Trees of the World . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Mirabel Garlick's predecessor (?-pre 1890) [13]
• Mirabel Garlick (late 1800s ) [13]
• Herbert Beery (?-pre 1955) [34]
• Pomona Sprout (pre. 1984-?) [2] [25]
• Neville Longbottom (pre 2008-?) [35] [36]

History of Magic [ ]

Professor Binns teaching a second year History of Magic lesson

History of Magic was the study of the history of the Wizarding world. The lessons in this class were only lectures about significant names, dates and events in wizarding history. [2] [37] Topics had included the Goblin Rebellions , [38] the Witch-hunts , [39] [40] the Giant wars [19] [41] and the origin of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy . [42] The class was considered very boring due to Binns' droning voice. [2] [19]

History classes took place in Classroom 4F on the first-floor. Required textbooks included A History of Magic . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Cuthbert Binns

This was the only class at Hogwarts that was taught by a ghost , as the professor never noticed he had died and simply continued teaching as if nothing had changed. [2] [37]

Potions [ ]

A book on Potions

Potions was the exact art and subtle science of creating various liquid mixtures with different magical effects, many of which could not be achieved through spells . [43] It required adding the correct ingredients into the cauldron and stirring the brew in the correct way, both of which had to be done at the right times and at the right temperatures. [2] Students also studied the different ingredients used in potion making and their properties. [13] Potions was considered a difficult class to achieve an O.W.L. in, as only twelve students from Harry Potter's year managed it. [15] The O.W.L written exam was described as "difficult". [3]

Potions classes took place in Hogwarts Dungeons . Required equipment included a wand, a Cauldron , a set of Brass scales , a set of Phials (glass or crystal), and required textbooks included Magical Drafts and Potions , One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi , Advanced Potion-Making , and A Collection of Above Three Hundred Receipts in Cookery, Physick, and Surgery . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Swoopstikes
• Bartholomew
• Aesop Sharp (late 1800s )
• Horace Slughorn (c. 1931 - 1981 ); ( 1996 - 2016 )
• Severus Snape ( 1981 - 1996 )

Transfiguration [ ]

A book on Transfiguration

Transfiguration was a very difficult theory-based subject that practised the art of changing the form or appearance of an object, as well as changing it back . It was also possible to change inanimate objects into living creatures and vice versa, as was changing a living creature into another species . Conjuring things out of thin air, making things vanish into thin air, and making things switch places were also elements of transfiguration. Human Transfiguration was considered the most difficult branch of this subject. Transfiguration has been described as "some of the most dangerous magic you will be taught at Hogwarts". [2]

Transfiguration classes took place in Classroom 1B on the ground-floor, around the Middle Courtyard . Required equipment included a wand and required textbooks included A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration , Intermediate Transfiguration , and A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Charles Rookwood (c. 15th - 16th century )
• Matilda Weasley (late 1800s )
• Albus Dumbledore (?- 1956 )
• Minerva McGonagall (?- 1998 )

Electives [ ]

Third years and up [ ], arithmancy [ ].

Arithmancy was a branch of magic concerned with the magical properties of numbers. It was reportedly difficult, as it required memorising or working with many charts. [44]

Arithmancy classes took place in Classroom 7A on the seventh floor. Required textbooks included Numerology and Grammatica . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Septima Vector (at least 1990s )

Care of Magical Creatures [ ]

A book on Care of Magical Creatures

Care of Magical Creatures, also known as Creature Care, and formerly called Beasts class , was a class which instructed students about the proper identification, feeding, grooming, riding, breeding, and treatment of various magical beasts . [45]

Care of Magical Creatures classes took place outside the castle . [45] Required textbooks included The Monster Book of Monsters and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• San Bakar ( 15th century ) [13]
• Bai Howin (late 1800s ) [13]
• Silvanus Kettleburn (?–1993) [26]
• Rubeus Hagrid (1993–?) [45]
• Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank (1994–?) [46] [47]

Divination [ ]

A third year Divination lesson taught by Trelawney

Divination was the art of predicting the future. [45] Various methods were taught, including tea leaves , [45] [48] fire-omens , [45] crystal balls , [45] [49] [50] palmistry , [51] [52] cartomancy , [45] [53] astrology , [54] [55] [56] [57] [58] [59] and dream interpretation . [19] [60]

Divination was different from other magical subjects; it required the practitioner to possess a natural aptitude. One could not simply study hard and expect to get better at it, if a witch or wizard lacked any aptitude for divination, then they were doomed to fail no matter how hard they worked. [45]

Divination was described by Professor McGonagall as "one of the most imprecise branches of magic". Supporters of the subject claimed that it was an inexact science that required innate gifts like the " Inner Eye ". Those opposed claimed that the subject was irrelevant and fraudulent. [45]

Divination classes took place in a classroom accessible through a circular trapdoor in the North Tower . [45] Required textbooks included The Dream Oracle and Unfogging the Future . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Percival Rackham ( 15th century ) [13]
• Mudiwa Onai (late 1800s ) [13]
• Sybill Trelawney ( 1979 -?) [45]
• Firenze ( 1995 -?) [59]

Muggle Studies (core in 1997–1998 only) [ ]

A rubber duck , one of the items learned about in Muggle Studies

Muggle Studies was a class that taught about how Muggles lived their lives, as well as various Muggle inventions and their use of electricity. It also included Muggle Art and Muggle Music . [61] [62] However, the information came from a wizarding point of view.

Muggle Studies was considered by some to be a soft option, but others, such as Percy Weasley , thought it was important for magical people to have an understanding of the non-magical community. [7]

In the 1997–1998 school year , when Voldemort and his Death Eaters took control of the British Ministry of Magic , Muggle Studies was made into a mandatory core class and the curriculum was changed to described Muggles and Muggle-borns as subhuman and worthy of persecution. [12] After Voldemort's final defeat, Muggle Studies returned to its previous arrangement.

Muggle Studies classes took place in a classroom on the first-floor, accessed through a showroom displaying various Muggle artefacts. Required textbooks included Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Quirinus Quirrell (?– 1990 )
• Arif Sikander ( 1990–1991 school year ) [63] [64]
• Charity Burbage ( 1993 – 1997 ) [65]
• Alecto Carrow ( 1997–1998 ) [12]
• Concordia Rowle ( 21st century ) [30]

Study of Ancient Runes [ ]

Beast themed numerical runes

Study of Ancient Runes was a theoretical subject that involved the study and translation of ancient runic scripts . [30]

Study of Ancient Runes classes took place in a Classroom 6A on the sixth-floor. Required textbooks included Advanced Rune Translation , Ancient Runes Made Easy , Magical Hieroglyphs and Logograms , Rune Dictionary , and Spellman's Syllabary . Professors known to have taught this subject included:

• Bathsheda Babbling (at least 1990s )
• Clodagh Dromgoole ( 21st century ) [30]

Sixth and seventh year [ ]

Advanced arithmancy studies [ ], alchemy [ ].

Alchemy was a sort of composite subject between Transfiguration, Potions and Muggle Chemistry , the ancient science of Alchemy focused on the study of the composition, structure, and magical properties of natures four basic elements, ( fire , earth, air, and water ), as well as the transmutation of substances into other forms. The three greatest ambitions of Alchemy were the transmutation of base metals into gold , the discovery of a universal solvent , and the creation of a miracle cure-all remedy that would prolong one's life indefinitely, known as " panacea ". A less well known branch of alchemy was Spagyric , or "plant alchemy", which produced herbal medicines using alchemical procedures. Some witches and wizards considered Alchemy to be some of the most difficult magic known to wizardkind.

The subject was only offered to N.E.W.T. level students, and the class was only held if enough students wanted to study it. [1]

Alchemy classes took place in a classroom in the Dungeons .

Apparition [ ]

Apparition lessons

Apparition was the magical form of teleportation in the wizarding world that allowed a person to instantly travel from one location to another, though using this ability was notably unpleasant. The class was a twelve-week course starting after the Christmas holidays . Lessons were optional, but only available to students who were seventeen, or who would turn seventeen during the school year. The course cost 12 Galleons to take.

In the wizarding world, performing Apparition required a licence and could only be legally performed by people over seventeen years of age. The reason for the restriction was that Apparition was dangerous if done improperly: insufficient concentration could have led to body parts being left behind in an unfortunate side-effect known as splinching .

Although magical enchantments on the Hogwarts Castle and its grounds prevented Apparition and Disapparition there, these protections were temporarily relaxed within the Great Hall for short periods to permit students to practise Apparition. Wilkie Twycross , a Ministry of Magic Apparition Instructor, offered lessons in Apparition to sixth-years. [66]

Other classes [ ]

Dark arts [ ].

Dark Arts taught students to use numerous forms of Dark Magic, including the Unforgivable Curses and possibly how to conjure Fiendfyre . When the school had only just been founded in the late 900s, one of the schools founders , Salazar Slytherin , had wanted to teach the Dark Arts, but the inclusion of the subject was opposed by the other founders. It was possible that he initially constructed the Chamber of Secrets as a place to teach his students Dark Magic. [67]

It only properly became a subject at Hogwarts (and a mandatory core class for all students) during the 1997–1998 school year after Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters took over both the school and the British Ministry of Magic . It was taught by Amycus Carrow . [12] It replaced Defence Against the Dark Arts that school year.

After Lord Voldemort and his forces were defeated, the subject was discontinued and returned to being Defence Against the Dark Arts.

A wizard flying on a broomstick

Flying, also known as Broom Flight Class, was the class that taught students how to fly using magic flying broomsticks . Students learned both how to handle a broom and progressively work on various techniques and manoeuvres performed while in flight, as well as receiving proper instructions on the subject of proper broom care and maintenance. This subject was the only one that required physicality. [6]

Flying class was only mandatory to Hogwarts first years and optional for second years and above. Students who continued to take this class usually either had an interest in joining their House Quidditch teams or they just really enjoyed flying and may have chosen to continue with the subject to improve their skills.

Flying classes took place outside in and above the Castle Courtyard. Required equipment included a broomstick, although first-year students were not permitted to have their own broomstick, instead the school provided them . Professors known to have taught this subject include:

• Chiyo Kogawa (late 1800s ) [13]
• Rolanda Hooch (at least 1990s ) [6]

Extra-curricular subjects [ ]

Ancient studies [ ].

Art was a class where students painted, drew, and otherwise depicted artistic things. [62]

Field Studies [ ]

Ghoul studies [ ].

It is assumed that students learned about ghouls in this class, and possibly other similar creatures. [68]

Magical Theory [ ]

A subject taught to at least first years . It was taught in Class 67 on the fourth floor of Hogwarts Castle . [69] It was taught by Eleazar Fig in the late 19th century . [13] It presumably covered magic from a purely theoretical view, and Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling might be a required textbook.

Muggle Art [ ]

Muggle Art was a class where students painted, drew, and otherwise depicted artistic things. [61]

Muggle Music [ ]

Music was a class in which students were taught musical instruments and possibly sang in the Frog Choir . In the early 1990s , it was taught by a male professor . [62]

Xylomancy [ ]

Xylomancy was a class in which students learned about the 'often overlooked' way of divination which had something to do with twigs. [69]

Appearances [ ]

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Mentioned only) (Possible appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game) (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (Possible appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (video game) (Possible appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (play)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film) (Mentioned in a newspaper)
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
• The Archive of Magic: The Film Wizardry of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
• Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore - The Complete Screenplay (Mentioned only)
• Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (Mentioned only)
• Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore: Movie Magic (Mentioned only)
• J. K. Rowling's official site (Mentioned only)
• Wizarding World
• Harry Potter Trading Card Game
• LEGO Harry Potter
• LEGO Creator: Harry Potter
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
• Harry Potter: The Character Vault
• Harry Potter: The Creature Vault
• The Making of Harry Potter
• Harry Potter for Kinect
• Wonderbook: Book of Spells (Mentioned only)
• Wonderbook: Book of Potions (Mentioned only)
• Fantastic Beasts: Cases from the Wizarding World (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
• Harry Potter: Wizards Unite (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
• Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
• Hogwarts Legacy
• The Art and Making of Hogwarts Legacy (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: Magic Caster Wand

Notes and references [ ]

• ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Hogwarts School Subjects" at  Wizarding World
• ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , Chapter 8 ( The Potions Master )
• ↑ 3.0 3.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Chapter 31 ( O.W.L.s )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Chapter 21 ( Hermione's Secret )
• ↑ 5.0 5.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Chapter 22 ( Owl Post Again )
• ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , Chapter 9 ( The Midnight Duel )
• ↑ 7.0 7.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Chapter 14 ( Cornelius Fudge )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Chapter 29 ( Careers Advice )
• ↑ 9.0 9.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , Chapter 11 ( Hermione's Helping Hand )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , Chapter 17 ( A Sluggish Memory )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Chapter 37 ( The Lost Prophecy )
• ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , Chapter 29 ( The Lost Diadem )
• ↑ 13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 13.10 13.11 13.12 13.13 Hogwarts Legacy
• ↑ 14.0 14.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , Chapter 10 ( Hallowe'en )
• ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , Chapter 9 ( The Half-Blood Prince )
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 3, Side Quest "Nearly Headless Nick"
• ↑ 17.0 17.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , Chapter 5 ( Diagon Alley )
• ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Chapter 7 ( The Boggart in the Wardrobe )
• ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Chapter 12 ( Professor Umbridge )
• ↑ 20.0 20.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , Chapter 20 ( Lord Voldemort's Request )
• ↑ Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 5, Chapter 1 ( Year Five Begins )
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 7, Chapter 40 ( Family Matters )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Chapter 4 ( At Flourish and Blotts )
• ↑ 25.0 25.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Chapter 6 ( Gilderoy Lockhart )
• ↑ 26.0 26.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Chapter 5 ( The Dementor )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Chapter 35 ( Veritaserum )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Chapter 11 ( The Sorting Hat's New Song )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , Chapter 8 ( Snape Victorious )
• ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
• ↑ Finished ‘Potter’? Rowling tells what happens next at Today (26 Jul 2007)
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 4, "Valentine's Day" Achievement - Part 1, Side Quest "Valentine's Day at Hogwarts"
• ↑ The Tales of Beedle the Bard , "The Fountain of Fair Fortune"
• ↑ Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , Epilogue ( Nineteen Years Later )
• ↑ 37.0 37.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Chapter 9 ( The Writing on the Wall )
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 5, Chapter 11 ( Mundungus Fletcher ) - History of Magic Lesson "Goblin Rebellion of 1612"
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Chapter 1 ( Owl Post )
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 5, Chapter 19 ( The Unforgivable Curses ) - History of Magic Lesson "Witch Hunts of 14th Century"
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 5, Chapter 5 ( Penny, Portraits, Peace, and Pressure ) - History of Magic Lesson "Giant Wars"
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 5, Chapter 15 ( Secrets and Lies ) - History of Magic Lesson "International Statute of Secrecy"
• ↑ Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Potions" at  Wizarding World
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Chapter 12 ( The Patronus )
• ↑ 45.00 45.01 45.02 45.03 45.04 45.05 45.06 45.07 45.08 45.09 45.10 45.11 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Chapter 6 ( Talons and Tea Leaves )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Chapter 24 ( Rita Skeeter's Scoop )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Chapter 13 ( Detention with Dolores )
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 6, Chapter 2 ( Curses and Prophecies ) - Divination Lesson "Tessomancy"
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Chapter 15 ( The Quidditch Final )
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 6, Chapter 11 ( Love in a Bottle ) - Divination Lesson "Crystal-gazing"
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Chapter 14 ( Snape's Grudge )
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 6, Chapter 4 ( Friends in Low Places ) - Divination Lesson "Palmistry"
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 6, Chapter 7 ( Niffler Hunting ) - Divination Lesson "Cartomancy"
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Chapter 13 ( Mad-Eye Moody )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Chapter 14 ( The Unforgivable Curses )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Chapter 15 ( Beauxbatons and Durmstrang )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Chapter 21 ( The House-Elf Liberation Front )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , Chapter 29 ( The Dream )
• ↑ 59.0 59.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , Chapter 27 ( The Centaur and the Sneak )
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 6, Chapter 34 ( Final Preparations ) - Divination Lesson "Dream Interpretation"
• ↑ 61.0 61.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
• ↑ 62.0 62.1 62.2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 7, Chapter 1 ( Year Seven Begins )
• ↑ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery , Year 7, Chapter 3 ( On the Case )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , Chapter 1 ( The Dark Lord Ascending )
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , Chapter 18 ( Birthday Surprises )
• ↑ Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Chamber of Secrets" at  Wizarding World
• ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)
• ↑ 69.0 69.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
• 1 Tom Riddle
• 3 Gellert Grindelwald

Hogwarts Classes

Students at Hogwarts all take the same basic classes their first and second year. Before summer term in their second year, they choose several elective courses which they will study through fifth year. The results of the O.W.L. exams and the careers advice given toward the end of fifth year determine which classes a student will pursue in their final two years. Instructors are free to require specific passing grades in their subject area in order to accept a student into NEWT studies.

Schedule of classes by year

First year:.

• Defense Against the Dark Arts
• History of Magic
• Transfiguration

June: finals (exams)

Second Year

Same classes as first year. During the Easter holidays, students choose two or more additional classes for year 3.

Choices include:

• Ancient Runes
• Care of Magical Creatures
• Muggle Studies

Same classes as second year, add two new subjects. Students may drop an elective class if they wish but they are required to continue with the core classes begun in first year.

Fourth Year

Same classes as third year, begin preparing for O.W.L.s. Students may drop an elective class if they wish but they are required to continue with the core classes begun in first year.

Same classes as fourth year. Students may drop an elective class if they wish but they are required to continue with the core classes begin in first year. Students received careers advice right after the Easter holidays.

June: Ordinary Wizarding Levels (O.W.L.s)

Sixth Year:

Students don’t know what their classes for sixth year will be until after they receive the results of their O.W.L.s. Once they have their O.W.L. results, the students know whether they have achieved the required grades to get into the classes they’re interested in for sixth year. On the first day of term, each student meets with his or her Head of House to determine which classes he or she can take. If the student did not pass an O.W.L., he or she discusses options with the Head of House.

If a student achieved the required O.W.L. in a particular subject (which varies from teacher to teacher), he or she may continue in that subject, but is not required to do so. For example, several (well, all, as far as we know) of Harry’s year opted to drop out of Care of Magical Creatures, much to Hagrid’s dismay. Students will choose to continue in subjects that they will need for their future goals, as determined in their career advice sessions during their fifth year. Some additional specialized classes are offered for sixth and seventh year students, including Alchemy ( MagSp ).

Seventh Year:

We don’t know what the classes are for seventh year, although it is likely that seventh years concentrate on taking N.E.W.T. classes in their chosen fields. Their class options are likely the same as for sixth year.

June: Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests (N.E.W.T.s)

Ordinary Wizarding Levels (O.W.L.s)

At the end of fifth year, each student sits an Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.) for each of the classes he or she takes. These are standardized tests administered by the Wizarding Examinations Authority; the teachers may proctor exams outside their own subjects but do not attend the Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.) in their own subjects.

Each O.W.L. has a theory portion, and for applicable classes a separate practical portion is given, so that many O.W.L.s are in two parts, although only one O.W.L. score is given for each subject. See the individual classes for the details of the material covered in the individual exams.

Pass Grades:

• Outstanding (O)
• Exceeds Expectations (E)
• Acceptable (A)

Failing grades:

• Dreadful (D)

Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests (N.E.W.T.s)

At the end of seventh year, each student sits a Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (N.E.W.T.) for each of the classes he or she takes. These are standardized tests administered by the Wizarding Examinations Authority, given at the same time and apparently in the same way that O.W.L.s are given to fifth-year students.

Harry’s classes

It is almost impossible to determine on which day of the week Harry had each class. It would be a bit easier if Rowling didn’t seem to assume that classes start on a Monday every year, even though it’s the day after September 1, which isn’t always a Sunday (In GF, both September 1 and September 2 are stated as being on Monday!). Our guesses are sometimes based on the real world calendar, sometimes on day references in the books themselves. All in all, these lists should not be taken as established canon but rather as a lot of really intelligent inference. Feel free to comment below and suggest additions and corrections.

• Wednesday – Astronomy at midnight
• Thursday – Transfiguration
• Friday – Morning double Potions, afternoon off

Second Year:

• Schedule uncertain

Third Year:

• First day of term (Monday?): Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Defense Against the Dark Arts
• Thursday – Double Potions
• Friday – Defense Against the Dark Arts ( PA9 )
• Monday – Transfiguration, Charms
• Tuesday – Care of Magical Creatures, Potions, Astronomy at midnight
• Wednesday – History of Magic, Herbology
• Thursday – Defense Against the Dark Arts, Divination

Fourth Year:

The course schedule given in book four is quite consistent: three, possibly four class periods per day, two before and two after lunch, with a break between the two morning classes (there is only documentation of break on Fridays, but we have assumed it would take place every day). “Double” classes are twice the length of other lessons. A particular subject may meet once or twice per week.

There are a few glitches. For example, the days History of Magic are held are clearly Tuesday and Friday (History and Double Potions on the same day–what an ordeal), but the time of day is not clear. In  GF29  it is the first class on Friday, but an earlier passage implies that it takes place after lunch: “every time he glimpsed Cho that day–during break, and then lunchtime, and once on the way to History of Magic–she was surrounded by friends” ( GF22 ). (It is possible, though unlikely, that it is Cho, not Harry, who is on the way to History of Magic.)

It is also possible that the schedule is more complex than the simple grid given below and that classes are not always in the same slot. The general consistency elsewhere suggests that the schedule is quite fixed, however.

There is no mention of Astronomy, whether of continuing it or dropping it.

Ron ‘s schedule, as far as we know, is the same as Harry’s Hermione ‘s differs in that she has Arithmancy on Monday afternoons ( GF13 ) Fred, George, and Lee  have DADA on Monday afternoons ( GF13 ) Cedric  has Charms in the first block on Monday mornings ( GF20 ) Cho  has DADA last thing on Friday afternoons ( GF22 )

Fifth Year:

Inconsistencies and Unknowns

Although we know from  CS8  that Harry’s fifth year of school would be 1995-96, the days of the week once again do not correspond to the actual calendar of those years.

There must be a spell that saves Rowling from inconsistency by turning every first day of the fall lessons into a Monday . . . see  the Goblet of Fire calendar . Here, August 12 is a Thursday, making it quite impossible for September 2 (the first day of lessons) to be a Monday. Nevertheless, Rowling says it lessons begin on a Monday so a Monday it shall be.

In  OP13 , Astronomy is established as taking place on a Wednesday, sometime before dinner: “He had to give up his lunch hour to complete the picture of the Bowtruckle and, meanwhile, Professors McGonagall, Grubbly-Plank and Sinistra gave them yet more homework, which he had no prospect of finishing that evening because of his second detention with Umbridge.” Barbara Werschkun suggests: “Maybe they only have theory lessons on Wednesday afternoon and do the actual star watching some other time? But when? Because Harry is in detention every evening that week, plus the following, and there is no mention of him missing Astronomy because of it…” And when does the theory class take place? Wednesdays are jammed full.

Ron’s  schedule, as far as we know, is the same as Harry’s.

Hermione’s  differs in that she has Ancient Runes on Monday ( OP26 ) and Arithmancy first thing on Wednesday, and of course no longer takes Divination ( OP15 ).

Fred and George  have Herbology first thing Monday morning ( OP12 ) and Charms right before lunch on Monday ( OP15 ).

• Monday – Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions
• Tuesday – Herbology, Potions, Charms
• Wednesday –
• Friday – Trasnfiguration

Pensieve (Comments)

Tags: classes education learning students teaching

Editors: Amy Z. , Steve VanderArk , John Kearns , Joywitch Curmudgeon and Michele Worley

Screen Rant

Harry potter: 5 hogwarts subjects/activities aries would excel in (5 they would fail).

Aries is undoubtedly one of the most intense signs of the zodiac. Which Hogwarts subjects would they excel in or fail at?

Aries is one of the fiercest, strongest, and intense signs of the zodiac. They're absolutely brimming with thoughts, ideas, feelings, and personality. They tackle everything they do with an astounding level of intensity , but anything that doesn't manage to pique their interest is usually ignored or left by the wayside.

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So when taking their general personality type into consideration, what kind of students would they be at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? More importantly, what subjects or activities at Hogwarts would Aries love and excel in, and which would they likely hate or fail at?

Excel In: Flying

Anyone born under the sign of Aries loves the feeling of freedom and hates being restrained in any way , so a class in flying is guaranteed to make them feel extremely liberated.

The idea of being able to take off and sail into the sky whenever they want to is exciting, and flying has a pure level of physicality that no other class at Hogwarts does, so they're bound to love it.

Fail: Herbology

Aries signs are typically very good at devoting themselves to one thing with 100% of their energy, but they want to get a lot of quick payoff for that level of effort.

They have a much easier time putting a few hours, days, or weeks into something 100% than they do putting 10% of their energy into something for a longer period of time, which is exactly why a class like Herbology will never be their strong suit.

Excel In: Transfiguration

Aries is the first sign in the zodiac, so they love being the trailblazers of the world, shaking things up and changing them however they can.

So of course, that compulsion to change things means that they will do very well in a class like transfiguration, which is literally about changing one thing into something completely different. They also love instant gratification, and it's harder to think of anything more instantly gratifying than this.

Fail: Study of Ancient Runes

And as the first sign of the zodiac, most people born under Aries are the kinds of people who only want to look ahead instead of looking back. They will see some value in classes like Study of Ancient Runes, but it's not something that will naturally pique their interest.

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They'd much rather forge something in the future and think creatively and inventively instead of studying an ancient form of magic in depth.

Excel In: Divination

Aries is a fire sign, and the element of fire traditionally represents things like passion and inspiration. That means that anyone born in a fire sign is extremely in touch with their feelings, and they will let their instincts take them wherever they can go.

Therefore, a class like divination is right up their alley. Magic will feel instinctive to them, so letting their emotions take their minds to different places will be very exciting for them.

Fail: Arithmancy

Arithmancy is the study of magic in numbers. It's a curious subject to be sure, and it has it's own place in the world of magic, but it doesn't necessarily have a place in the hearts and minds of an Aries.

Rams can be quite good at math, but they will never feel passionately about the subject, and in a world where there are so many amazing forms of magic, Arithmancy just isn't for Aries.

Excel In: Defence Against The Dark Arts

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and a fire sign, which means that anyone born in it is usually pretty aggressive and intense.

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So then, a subject like Defense Against the Dark Arts will allow them to tap into a part of themselves that no other class does. Magic is useful for many things, but Aries will definitely enjoy learning magic in order to fight against dark wizards and other magical creatures.

Fail: Potions

Any Aries will know that, while they are exceptional when it comes to creative thinking and seeing the bigger picture, arduous and detailed work is the stuff of their nightmares.

And unfortunately for them, Potions is a subject that almost entirely revolves around arduous and detailed work. Aries simply doesn't have the patience or desire to learn it, and even when they try they will likely be frustrated by it.

Excel In: Charms

On the opposite end of that arduous and detailed spectrum is Charms class. Charms can definitely be difficult to learn, and one tiny mistake can mean a misfired spell, but the difference here is that a single spell and move needs to be learned and then the student has mastered the skill.

As a sign that loves to explore new things as much as possible, the constant variation in studies will keep their interest forever.

Fail: Muggle Studies

Not many students of magic will take much interest in Muggle Studies (unless they're Mr. Weasley), but Aries will find this to be an especially useless subject.

Aries wants to learn everything new, important, and powerful, and Muggle Studies won't teach them anything of the sort. They won't think there is any reason to bother with Muggle Studies, and in their case, they're probably right.

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