======Witch======
=====Introduction=====
A **witch** is a female human being born with the innate ability to perform [[magic]]. The term is the female-specific counterpart to a [[wizard]]. Witches and [[wizards]] collectively form the population of the [[wizarding world]], a global society that exists hidden from non-magical people, who are known as [[Muggles]]. Throughout the series, witches are shown to be as magically capable and diverse in skill and temperament as their male counterparts, occupying every role in society from students like [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Ginny Weasley]], to powerful professors like [[Minerva McGonagall]], to formidable [[Dark Arts]] practitioners like [[Bellatrix Lestrange]].
=====History and Society=====
The history of witches is deeply intertwined with that of [[Muggles]], most notably during the medieval witch hunts. However, unlike in [[Muggle]] history, magical folk were often able to escape persecution easily. The witch [[Wendelin the Weird]] was known to enjoy being "burned" so much that she allowed herself to be caught forty-seven times in various disguises by using a basic [[Flame-Freezing Charm]]. This historical tension eventually led to the implementation of the [[International Statute of Secrecy]], which formally separated the magical and non-magical worlds.
Within the [[wizarding world]], witches are fully integrated into society with no gender-based restrictions on roles or power. They can serve as the [[Minister for Magic]], work in any department of the [[Ministry of Magic]], become professional [[Quidditch]] players, or hold esteemed academic positions. The primary social hierarchy and source of conflict within the wizarding world is based on [[blood status]]—the distinction between [[Pure-blood]], [[Half-blood]], and [[Muggle-born]] witches and [[wizards]]—rather than gender.
=====Defining Characteristics=====
The single defining characteristic of a witch is her inherent magical ability, which typically manifests as accidental [[magic]] during childhood before she receives formal training. Physically, witches are indistinguishable from [[Muggle]] women and exhibit the same range of appearances. The series actively subverts [[Muggle]] folklore stereotypes of witches with green skin or warts, presenting characters with a wide variety of features, from the classically beautiful [[Fleur Delacour]] to the stern and severe [[Minerva McGonagall]].
Personalities among witches are as varied as among any group of people. They can be exceptionally kind, loyal, and brave, as seen in [[Molly Weasley]] and [[Nymphadora Tonks]], or cruel, prejudiced, and power-hungry, as exemplified by [[Dolores Umbridge]] and [[Bellatrix Lestrange]].
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
A witch's magical power is innate but requires training and a conduit, typically a [[wand]], to be used effectively and with precision. Most witches in Great Britain receive their formal education at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], where they study core magical disciplines such as [[Charms]], [[Transfiguration]], [[Potions]], and [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]]. There is no evidence in the novels to suggest any difference in magical aptitude or power between witches and [[wizards]]. Some witches possess rare, specialized abilities, such as being a [[Metamorphmagus]] ([[Nymphadora Tonks]]) or a [[Seer]] ([[Sybill Trelawney]]).
=====Common Possessions=====
While personal belongings vary, several items are nearly universal among witches in the British [[wizarding world]]:
  * **[[Wand]]:** The most essential tool for focusing and channeling a witch's magical abilities.
  * **[[Cauldron]]:** A standard piece of equipment for brewing [[Potions]], required for students at [[Hogwarts]].
  * **[[Broomstick]]:** A common form of magical transportation and the primary piece of equipment for the sport of [[Quidditch]].
  * **[[Spellbook]]s:** Witches own a variety of texts for their magical education and personal study, such as //[[A History of Magic]]// and //[[Standard Book of Spells]]//.
  * **Pets:** Witches commonly keep magical or mundane creatures as companions or for practical purposes, with the most common being the [[owl]], [[cat]], and [[toad]].
=====Relationships with Other Beings=====
  * **[[Wizards]]:** Witches and [[wizards]] coexist as the two genders of the magical human population, forming families and the foundation of the [[wizarding world]].
  * **[[Muggles]]:** The relationship is defined by secrecy and a history of mutual persecution. Despite the [[International Statute of Secrecy]], prejudice against [[Muggles]] and [[Muggle-borns]] persists and is a central ideological conflict in the series.
  * **[[Squibs]]:** A non-magical person born to magical parents is known as a [[Squib]]. They often live on the periphery of the [[wizarding world]], sometimes facing pity or scorn for their lack of magical ability.
  * **Other Magical Beings:** The relationship between the witch/wizard population and other magical races is often strained. Historical subjugation has led to long-standing resentment from beings like [[Goblins]] and [[House-elves]], while others like [[Centaurs]] and [[Merpeople]] prefer to maintain a distinct and guarded separation.
=====Etymology=====
The word "witch" originates from the Old English //wicce// (feminine) and //wicca// (masculine), which referred to practitioners of sorcery. In the modern English of the *Harry Potter* series, J.K. Rowling uses the traditional gendered terms, with "witch" exclusively denoting a female and "wizard" a male magic-user.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
J.K. Rowling has stated that she intentionally moved away from many of the traditional folklore stereotypes for witches to create a more grounded and realistic hidden society. The title of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] places both terms on equal footing, reinforcing the lack of gender hierarchy in magical ability. In the film adaptations, the iconic pointed hat is more common as part of the [[Hogwarts]] uniform and formal witch attire than is explicitly described in the novels, playing into a more recognizable visual trope for the audience (film).