The Harry Potter Compendium
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Ernest "Ernie" Prang,[1] (fl. 1993-1997) also called Ern by Stanley Shunpike, was the driver of the Knight Bus.

Biography[]

1993[]

Harry Potter first encountered Prang in 1993, when he was picked up by the Knight Bus after leaving his Aunt and Uncle's house. Stan Shunpike, the conductor of the Knight Bus, sometimes calls Ernie by his nickname: Ern. When Harry was taken to the Leaky Cauldron Ernie followed him in and was forced to leave by Cornelius Fudge, the then-Minister of Magic.[2]

1997[]

Ernie was also present at Albus Dumbledore's funeral in 1997. Little more is known about Ernie.[3]

Physical appearance[]

Prang is described as an elderly wizard with very thick glasses giving him an "owlish" appearance. Ernie doesn't talk much (leaving that to Stan Shunpike, preferring to concentrate on his driving). His driving skills leave much to be desired as he frequently drives off the road and objects must jump out of his way (post boxes, lamp posts, trees, etc.).[2]

Etymology[]

Ernie Prang and Stan Shunpike, the driver and conductor of the Knight Bus, were named after J. K. Rowling's grandfathers, Ernest Arthur Rowling and Stanley George Volant, respectively.[1] Ernie's last name is a play on words, as "prang" is English slang meaning "to wreck an automobile".

File:Prang Lego.jpg

Ernie in LEGO Harry Potter.

Behind the scenes[]

Appearances[]

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Notes and references[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Pottermore
  2. 2.0 2.1 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chapter 5 (The Knight Bus)
  3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Chapter 30 (The White Tomb)
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