Vindictus Viridian

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

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

Professor Vindictus Viridian (fl. 1703) was the author of Curses and Counter-Curses. On the cover of his book, he was given the title "Professor," and, based on a portrait of him that hung at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he held a teaching position in 1703.

By 1995, Viridian's portrait hung in the Grand Staircase, hiding 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, Viridian let Harry and his friends through.

Magical abilities and skills

 * Potioneer: His portrait at Hogwarts showed him working with potions in 1703.
 * Defence against the Dark Arts: He also wrote a book on jinxes.

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

Behind the scenes

 * Viridian may have passed away sometime prior to 1993 as many portraits hung at Hogwarts Castle depict deceased individuals.
 * At the portrait his surname is misspelt Veridian.

Appearances

 * Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
 * Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)
 * Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)

Notes and references
Vindictus Viridian