Vindictus Viridian

"And if wishes grew on trees, life would be a breeze. Please pester someone else!"

- Veridian's portrait, refusing to open to Harry Potter

Professor Vindictus Viridian (d. 1703 ) was a potioneer, author and Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the early eighteenth century.

Lifetime
Based on his portrait, Veridian was a potioneer. At some point in his life, he was named Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Also during his lifetime, he published a famous book on curses: Curses and Counter-Curses (Bewitch your Friends and Befuddle your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and much, much more).

Post-mortem
Professor Veridian died in 1703. Two portraits of him hung at Hogwarts: one was hung in the Headmaster's office along with the portraits of other Headmasters and Headmistresses, and another at the Grand Staircase.

In the 1995-1996 school year, Veridian's portrait at the Grand Staircase was used to conceal the entrance to the Room of Rewards. He was frequently annoyed by all the hustle and bustle of the students' school life. In order to gain entry to the Room of Rewards, Hermione Granger threatened to convince Moaning Myrtle to haunt the landing where the portrait hung. Disliking Myrtle, Veridian let Harry Potter and his friends through.

Magical abilities and skills

 * Curses: Professor Viridian was exceptionally skilled with curses, hexes and jinxes, and wrote a book which included such spells as the Full Body-Bind Curse, Jelly-Legs Curse, Leg-Locker Curse, Pimple Jinx, Stickfast Hex, Tickling Hex, Tongue-Tying Curse and Hair Loss Curse. Hence, it can be presumed he was able to cast such spells.

Etymology
The name Vindictus is derived from the Latin vindicta ("revenge") and the surname Veridian from the Latin viridis ("green").

Behind the scenes

 * Harry Potter Limited Edition confirms that his surname was misspelled "Veridian" in the film series.

Appearances

 * Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
 * Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)
 * Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
 * Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
 * LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
 * LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
 * The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
 * Pottermore