A fly is a type of small insect with a single pair of wings.[1] The term is applied to species belonging to the order Diptera.[1] The larval stage of the fly is known as a maggot.
Varieties
Dead blowflies are used as a potion ingredient.[2] They were also fed to the Giant Purple Toads at the Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley.[3]
Flesh flies were used to distract a spider and provoke it into smashing through hedges in the Hedge Maze of the Triwizard Tournament.[4]
History
Cormac McLaggen catching a fly to demonstrate his quick reflexes
On 1 September, 1991, when conjuring the lyrics to the school song, Albus Dumbledore waved his wand, as if he was trying to get a fly off the end.[5]
While watching Sybill Trelawney teaching a Divination class during 1995–1996 school year, Dolores Umbridge remarked that she was "just a fly on the wall,"[6] a phrase used to denote an unobtrusive or unseen observer.[7]
While trying out for the position of Keeper on the Gryffindor Quidditch team during the 1996–1997 school year, Cormac McLaggen demonstrated his quick reflexes by catching a fly with his fingers.[8]
Later that same school year, Harry Potter told Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape that Katie Bell "wouldn't hurt a fly,"[8] a saying used to indicate that someone has an exceptionally gentle nature.[9]
In 1997, after Bathilda Bagshot was killed by Nagini, her home became infested with flies.[10] Bathilda, whose dead body was occupied by Nagini, was described as smelling bad and having flies buzzing around her.[10]
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First mentioned)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film) (Deleted scenes mention)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film) (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
- Harry Potter: The Creature Vault (Mentioned only)
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Fly" on Wikipedia
- ↑ Pottermore
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 4 (The Leaky Cauldron)
- ↑ LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 - Year 4 - Hedge Maze end
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 7 (The Sorting Hat)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
- ↑ "Fly on the wall" on Wiktionary
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
- ↑ "Wouldn't hurt a fly" on Wikitonary
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows