Harry Potter and The Enneagram (types 5, 6, &7)

We are continuing our series on Harry Potter and the enneagram with types 5, 6, & 7! I am enjoying this series extensively and I hope you are too! Seeing the types through fictional characters often helps us see ourselves more clearly, and others too. It’s that aha moment of, “ oh, so that’s what a type 5 is like!”

Severus Snape: Type 5

I see Professor Snape as a classic Enneagram Type 5. He is one of the most skilled and educated wizards of his time. His extensive research and knowledge/love of knowing, “how to bottle death,” etc. show his dedication and five-like qualities. There isn’t a potion too challenging for him, or an herb he doesn’t know. Snape is more than “book smart.” Remember, he’s the half-blood prince?

Type five falls into the withdrawn stance on the enneagram. This means that Snape and all fives, are looking back in the past, dwelling on things gone. We definitely see this with Snape. His whole life is about the past. Promises he made to those long gone, wrongs done to him, and memories both good and torturous are what occupy his present.

He doesn’t allow himself to get close to anyone, keeping his heart guarded and his emotions locked away. His dedication is to the cause, the only thing he has left of the one he loves.

Neville Longbottom: Type 5

Neville Longbottom, a favorite if mine, becomes obsessed with Herbology. Fives often choose a topic at a time and go deep until they know everything there is to know about it. Neville is found in the library among the plant books, and has received high praise from Professor Sprout, the Herbology teacher. He excels in this class because it becomes a passion and curiosity for him which he must learn to the best of his ability.

Fives are also known to be rule followers. Neville abides by the rules, and expects others to also. When he discovers Ron, Hermione,and Harry sneaking out after curfew, he demands that they stop breaking rules. He’s also concerned about them as a whole, Gryfindor House, losing house points due to the rule breaking.

Lastly, fives tend to be observers rather than joiners. they have a keen understanding for things going on around them, but prefer remaining in the outside. This distance from others is a way to keep themselves safe, as well as preserve energy.

Remus Lupin: Type 6

In general, Remus Lupin is just a “likable” guy. He’s authentic, doesn’t try too hard, and actually cares about teaching the students. He is well prepared, practical, and responsible. These are all typical six qualities, and make him a great teacher.

The Fear Triad (head triad)

Professor Lupin lives out of a unique type on fear. He is hiding the fact that he is a Werewolf, and he fears above all else, losing control and hurting others. He can’t trust himself, because he actually becomes something dangerous. This feels very six-ish. But don’t let the Werewolf identity muddy the waters too much.

Being in the fear/head triad, Lupin is hyper-vigilant at times, defensive, and at his worst, self-defeating and rigid. He has good intentions, but is wary of things he can’t trust or control.

Loyalty

The type six is well known for this trait of loyalty. Lupin has this in spades. In every inner circle he is a part of, he shows nothing but loyalty to the group. From James Potter’s group of friends growing up together, to The Order of the Phoenix, to Hogwarts, and to Harry and his family, Lupin is a constant grounded pillar of dependency and trustworthiness. He obviously holds this standard as the highest of values.

In addition to his loyalty, Lupin is also compassionate, witty, and supportive. It makes sense why he was relied upon as a friend, leader, and teacher. He gives Harry hope and direction when he needs it; he is the friend and leader that stands up with preparation when others are not ready.

Ron Weasley: Type 6

Similarly to Professor Lupin, Ron Weasley showcases loyalty as his best quality. He becomes fast friends with Harry, and instantly is dependable and thoughtful. Throughout the series, Ron is reliable, steadfast, and stands up for his friends.

As a head type, we see him use his critical thinking skills many times to get the trio out of a tough spot. In the first book, we see it in the “best game of wizards chess ever played!” He sees what needs to be done and takes action.

Other times, his doubts, anxieties and fears get the best of him. The forbidden forest with the spiders, the devil’s snare that he just can’t relax into, are both perfect examples. Sixes are known for “over-thinking.” Being smack in the middle of the head triad, makes Ron especially prone to taking in information with thinking and getting stuck there.

Sirius Black: Type 7

Sirius seeks the most out of every situation. He hates being alone, as most sevens do, and has the advantage of turning into a dog whenever he wants. I think all sevens would love this idea! Dogs represent much of what a seven is all about: joy, companionship, and adventures!

FOMO (fear of missing out) is the real deal for type sevens. Sirius risks being seen in dog form in order to say goodbye to Harry. Did I mention sevens are huge risk takers? They are fearless, future oriented thinkers. At their best, they are wise confidants. Harry seeks advice from Sirius numerous times.

The big disconnect for type sevens are emotions. They don’t mind the positive emotions, but anything painful or perceived as harmful to them, sevens avoid at all costs. Sirius went in an opposite direction from his family, but he rarely speaks of it. It’s as if he wants to pretend those hurtful things are not a part of him. Instead, he plunges forward into dangerous heroism in hopes of defeating Voldemort.

Ginny Weasley: Type 7w6

When we first meet Ginny, she presents as an introverted type seven. It is fascinating to see her character grow and blossom throughout the series. As she gains more confidence in herself, she becomes a girl who knows who she is, what she wants, and what she stands for.

She becomes bold, and a striking person that others love to be around. Her quick wit and cleverness make her a type seven (with a type six wing). Though she’s not quite “the life of the party” like some sevens, her six wing makes her a bit more cautious. Her core desire is for contentment. She adds balance to “Dumbledore’s Army,” and is charming, productive, and enthusiastic.

I hope you enjoyed my take on these Harry Potter characters! Thanks for reading! I would love to hear your thoughts. Who are your favorite characters? What type do you think they are?

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Want to know about your type? This overview packet is ideal for getting a handle on all 9 types! Take a look!