Muggles' Guide to Harry Potter/Characters/Bob Ogden

Muggles' Guide to Harry Potter - Character
Bob Ogden
Gender	Male
Hair color	Unknown
Eye color	Unknown; mole-like behind hugely thick glasses
Related Family	Could be related to Tiberius Ogden, assumed from the name.
Loyalty	Ministry of Magic

Overview

Bob Ogden, seen only in Albus Dumbledore's Pensieve, is a member of the department of Magical Law Enforcement, part of the Ministry of Magic. Our memory of him predates the birth of Lord Voldemort.

Role in the Books

Half-Blood Prince

In Dumbledore's Pensieve, Harry and Dumbledore watch as Bob Ogden arrives at the Gaunt residence. He is attacked and cursed by Morfin Gaunt, who is interrupted by Marvolo Gaunt. Ogden tells Marvolo that Morfin had cursed a Muggle, and was required to attend a hearing at the Ministry. Marvolo, showing Gaunt family heirlooms, says that he and his family are pure-blooded wizards. Ogden's statements that purity of blood counts little in the eyes of the law are interrupted by the sound of horses, and the revelation (in Parseltongue so Ogden doesn't understand it) that Marvolo's daughter Merope is sweet on the Muggle he had Jinxed. Marvolo, furious that his daughter could fall for a Muggle, attacks her; Ogden, though not fully aware of what is going on, defends her and is attacked in turn, and makes good his escape, running headlong into the horses that were passing.

Dumbledore tells Harry that Ogden had returned with a squad and had subdued both Marvolo and Morfin. After their hearings, they had both been sent to Azkaban.

Strengths

Ogden takes his duties seriously and maintains a professional and courteous demeanor despite Marvolo's hostility toward him and the Ministry. Ogden also shows bravery and compassion when he defends Merope from her father's assault.

Weaknesses

Like most wizards, Ogden is not very experienced or skilled at the subtleties of Muggle clothing. Trying to look like a Muggle, Ogden wears a frock coat and spats over a one piece bathing costume.

Analysis

"Ogden" seems to be a common Wizarding surname, possibly an old family. Professor Tofty, one of Harry's O.W.L. examiners, mentions his friend Tiberius Ogden. Tiberius was present at Harry's hearing in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. There is also Ogden's Old Firewhiskey, a brand preferred by Gilderoy Lockhart.