In the Harry Potter universe, stormy relationships abound, but some are a lot more serious than others. Of course, anyone who is fighting against Voldemort and the Death Eaters will not be getting along with the villains, but there are also some very specific quarrels that are more complex than just being general enemies.
In fact, some of the most interesting rivalries in the Harry Potter universe happen between people who are on the same side or who are even friends at times. In this list, we look at feuds between friends like Ron and Harry leading up to the more explosive rivalries that define the series.
The Weasleys and Fleur Delacour
This might be a more obscure inclusion on this list, but it is something that stands out because it just feels wrong. While the Weasleys are generally such open and accepting people, they always let Hermione and Harry stay, for example, they weren’t fans of Fleur.
Granted Fleur could be a little vain at times, but she did genuinely love Bill and seemed to be trying. Thankfully, the Weasleys finally realized she wasn’t just a vapid beautiful woman, but it was unfair to stereotype her this way after she’d shown she was a capable Hogwarts champion. Still, it is unfortunate that Mrs. Weasley spent time resenting and doubting her when they could have been bonding.
Hermione Granger and Lavender Brown
While the Harry Potter series does do some good things when it comes to strong female characters, it also has some issues. Women are occasionally pitted against one another over men, and the Hermione/Lavender rivalry was the worst of these.
Lavender is painted to be the worst just because she’s different than Hermione. But, truthfully, the way Ron treated them both was the actual issue. It's unfortunate that this kind of tension had to exist between the two women.
Professor Trelawney and Professor McGonagall
This clash could at times be funny because it was one of the few times we got to see McGonagall be a little less reserved about how she felt.
However, compared to some of the other situations on this list, it’s not quite as compelling. The best part about these two not liking each other is how they banded together when it came to Dolores Umbridge’s awful treatment of Trelawney. Even this stormy relationship could be made sunnier by the presence of their mutual enemy.
Harry Potter and Ron Weasley
While Harry and Ron are usually best friends, there were two notable times when they weren’t. Both of these times were spurred by Ron’s insecurity and jealousy over Harry, and although they had been friends, he did see Harry as an opponent in some ways when it came to attention and popularity.
Ron’s issues with Harry did lead to some interesting plot development moments, and they also felt realistic because even friends can have rough patches. However, since the year mostly good friends, they aren’t higher on this list. Still, their relationship was clearly not smooth sailing.
Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory
Harry and Cedric were mostly at odds because they both became Hogwarts champions. The situation pitted them against one another even though Harr never even tried to compete in the Triwizard Tournament. They also were in opposition over their mutual crush on Cho. While Cedric probably didn't know Harry's feelings, Harry felt a lot of resentment towards Cedric for it.
But, what made their relationship different was that they did try to help each other at times. Harry told Cedric about the dragons and Cedric returned the favor about the egg clue for the Second Task. They also took on the Third Task together to share the prize, but then, of course, things went awry.
Harry Potter and Severus Snape
The issues between Harry and Snape are very central to the entire series. This relationship is complex because it has a lot to do with Harry’s parents, so it’s not just as simple as Snape and Harry not liking each other.
However, while it is a defining rivalry in the series, the fact that a fully grown adult professor sees his student as a rival is a bit pathetic. The power imbalance is so apparent, it’s not as fun to read about. Snape's inability to let go of his bitterness did not reflect well on him.
Voldemort and Dumbledore
Voldemort obviously has a lot of contentious relationships, but they are really more just like enemies. However, if you're really looking at the person who Voldemort had a personal stormy relationship with, it would be Dumbledore. While Voldemort was seen as the most powerful evil wizard around, Dumbledore was the most powerful wizard on the good side.
Voldemort was always scared of Dumbledore, and Dumbeldore’s presence at Hogwarts is largely what kept Voldemort somewhat at bay. The duel between these two at the end of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was also iconic. Dumbledore was also the first to see Voldemort for who he was and helped him in his initial entry into the Wizarding world, making for a very convoluted relationship.
The Marauders and Severus Snape
It’s hard to say which person hated Snape more, James or Sirius, while they were at school. While the main quarrel was probably between James and Snape because of their mutual feelings toward Lily Evans, the other Marauders, like Sirius, really disliked him, too.
And, while some fans see Snape as the victim, given his beliefs in the Dark Arts and his bigotry toward Muggles, he wasn’t exactly innocent in everything. In Sirius and Remus's case this feud lasted into adulthood.
Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy
This relationship might be one of the main ones that fans think of first when it comes to complex interactions in Harry Potter. Harry and Draco’s rivalry is interesting because it’s not entirely black and white.
They are schoolyard rivals, but it becomes much more than that once Draco becomes a Death Eater. However, in some ways, Draco is a victim of Voldemort, too. Their hatred of one another and always trying to get the best of the other could come off as obsessive, and this made fans really interested in these two.
Harry Potter and Voldemort
While it’s more fitting to say that these two were sworn enemies from the get-go given that Voldemort made Harry his enemy because of the Prophecy, their relationship must be mentioned.
This is because there are many parallels between their two stories. Harry and Voldemort were both orphans with extended families who didn’t treat them well, and they were both gifted at magic from a young age. However, they choose drastically different life paths. These similarities tie them together and their feud carries the story.
