The Harry Potter Encyclopedia

Your Complete Guide to the Wizarding World

Parvati Patil

Parvati Patil was a Gryffindor student in Harry Potter's year and the twin sister of Ravenclaw's Padma Patil. She was known for her friendship with Lavender Brown, interest in Divination, and attendance at the Yule Ball with Harry.

Family Background

  • Twin sister of Padma Patil (sorted into Ravenclaw)
  • Despite being twins, sorted into different houses
  • Both sisters shared similar appearances but different personalities
  • Came from a wizarding family

Personality and Interests

Parvati was characterized by several traits:

  • Sociable and enjoyed gossip and fashion
  • Enthusiastic about Divination
  • Close friendship with Lavender Brown
  • Popular among her peers
  • More outgoing than her sister Padma
  • Practical and level-headed despite interest in fortune-telling

The Yule Ball

Parvati's most prominent moment came during the Triwizard Tournament:

The Invitation: Harry asked Parvati to the Yule Ball as a last resort after Cho Chang accepted Cedric Diggory. Parvati seemed genuinely pleased and excited, despite knowing she wasn't Harry's first choice.

The Night Itself: Parvati wore beautiful robes and arrived looking forward to dancing. However, the evening disappointed her:

  • Harry proved to be a terrible date, spending the evening moping over Cho
  • He refused to dance after the opening number
  • Sat sullenly while Parvati wanted to enjoy the ball
  • She eventually left with a boy from Beauxbatons who actually wanted to dance
  • Her sister Padma had an equally miserable time with Ron Weasley

The twins later expressed their disappointment, making Harry and Ron feel guilty about their behavior.

Divination Studies

Like Lavender, Parvati was devoted to Divination:

  • One of Professor Trelawney's favorite students
  • Believed in Trelawney's predictions
  • Defended Divination against skeptics
  • Found Firenze's approach to Divination disappointing after Trelawney's dramatic style
  • Continued studying Divination at N.E.W.T. level

Dumbledore's Army

Parvati joined the D.A. in fifth year:

  • Attended meetings regularly
  • Practiced defensive spells
  • Proved capable with various charms and jinxes
  • Took the training seriously despite her reputation for frivolity

Battle of Hogwarts

Parvati showed true courage during the final battle:

  • Returned to Hogwarts to fight
  • Fought alongside her sister Padma
  • Helped defend the castle against Death Eaters
  • Survived the battle
  • Demonstrated that her bravery justified her Gryffindor sorting

Relationship with Lavender Brown

Parvati and Lavender were inseparable:

  • Best friends throughout their Hogwarts years
  • Shared dormitory and many classes
  • Constantly whispering and giggling together
  • Supported each other through various dramas
  • Shared interest in Divination and romance

Academic Performance

  • Excelled in Divination
  • Average performance in most subjects
  • Competent enough to continue to N.E.W.T. level
  • More focused on social life than academics

Character Depth

While initially appearing superficial, Parvati proved multifaceted:

  • Showed disappointment maturely after the Yule Ball
  • Displayed courage by fighting in the final battle
  • Maintained loyalty to friends and house
  • Balanced social interests with genuine magical study

See Also

↑ Back to Top