Kevin Whitby

Kevin Whitby was a wizard who began his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1994. He is notable for being a contemporary of Dennis Creevey and for the prolonged deliberation by the Sorting Hat during his Sorting Ceremony, which ultimately placed him in Hufflepuff House. His role in the series is minor, serving primarily to illustrate the Sorting process in Harry Potter's fourth year.

Kevin's early life and magical background are unknown. He arrived at Hogwarts on 1 September 1994, the same year the Triwizard Tournament was reinstated. During the Welcoming Feast, Kevin was called forward to be sorted. The Sorting Hat spent a considerable amount of time deciding his House, in an event Harry Potter noted as “a long wait.” After this deliberation, the Hat announced “Hufflepuff!”, and Kevin went to join his new Housemates at their table. His activities and academic progress throughout his time at Hogwarts are not documented in the novels. He was a student during the Second Wizarding War and the tenure of Dolores Umbridge as High Inquisitor, but his potential involvement with Dumbledore's Army or his role in the Battle of Hogwarts is unrecorded.

Kevin's physical appearance is not described in the novels. Similarly, no specific personality traits are mentioned, though his placement in Hufflepuff suggests he likely valued hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty, and fair play.

As a student accepted into Hogwarts, Kevin possessed enough magical ability to perform basic magic. The Sorting Hat's extended deliberation over his House placement suggests he may have possessed strong traits suitable for multiple Houses, such as courage for Gryffindor, intellect for Ravenclaw, ambition for Slytherin, or loyalty for Hufflepuff. This characteristic is sometimes associated with a Hatstall or a near-Hatstall.

While not explicitly stated, as a Hogwarts student, Kevin would have owned a wand, school books, a cauldron, and other standard school equipment. No specific details about his possessions are provided in the canon.

No specific friendships or relationships involving Kevin Whitby are mentioned. As a member of Hufflepuff House during his time at Hogwarts, his housemates would have included Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Ernie Macmillan, and, for his first year, Cedric Diggory.

• Kevin: An anglicised version of the Irish name Caoimhín, derived from the older Irish Cóemgein, which means “handsome birth” or “gentle child.” The “gentle” aspect aligns well with the traditional traits of Hufflepuff House.
• Whitby: A common English surname derived from the town of Whitby in North Yorkshire, England. The name is of Old Norse origin, from hvítr (“white”) and býr (“farm” or “settlement”).

• Kevin Whitby does not appear, nor is he mentioned, in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The Sorting Ceremony in the film is significantly abbreviated.
• Kevin is one of several students, along with Minerva McGonagall and Peter Pettigrew, over whom the Sorting Hat took more than five minutes to decide, making him what is known as a Hatstall. (Pottermore)