Barnaby Thatch
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Barnaby Thatch | ||
Biographical Information | ||
Born | December, 12 1928 | |
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Birthplace | London, UK | |
Residence | London, UK | |
Nationality | British | |
Education | Hogwarts | |
Class | 45 | |
Physical Information | ||
Species | Human | |
Gender | Male | |
Family Information | ||
Spouse | Elliot Hawthorne | |
Parents | Edwin Percival Thatch, Marigold Elspeth Thatch (née Fairweather) | |
Siblings | Cressida Thatch, Quentin Thatch | |
Other Relations | Fredrick Murray (nephew), Fiona Murray (niece), Heath Murray (nephew), Lindsay Thatch (niece), Wallace Thatch (nephew), Jeremiah Murray (nephew), Ciara Thatch (niece) | |
Magical Characteristics | ||
Wand | Laurel wood with a unicorn core 14 ½" and slightly springy flexibility | |
Patronus | A Red Panda | |
Affiliation | ||
Former Occupation(s) | Senior Consultant for Experimental Travel Methods | |
House | Hufflepuff |
Contents
Biography
Barnaby Thatch, is a rotund man in his mid forties, his broad face is framed by a bushy beard the color of autumn leaves, streaked with silver. His cheeks are perpetually rosy, and he is hardly seen without a smile.
Barnaby's robes are as unique as the man himself: often slightly wrinkled, patched in places with mismatched fabrics, and adorned with enchanted embroidery that occasionally wriggles or twinkles with light. Despite his occasionally disheveled appearance, he is highly organized and on point. The man embodies the phrase "Organized Chaos"
Early Life
Born to a family of wizarding shopkeepers in Hogsmeade, Barnaby grew up surrounded by magical artifacts and trinkets, fostering his early fascination with conjuring objects and summoning creatures. As a boy, he was known for his boundless curiosity and a knack for getting into trouble, often summoning things he wasn't supposed to—like a flock of pixies to his parents' shop that caused chaos for hours.
At Hogwarts, he was sorted into Hufflepuff, a house that he embodied perfectly with his kind heart and diligent nature. Though not the most academically gifted in traditional subjects, he excelled in practical magic, particularly in Transfiguration and Charms. His professors noted his innate talent for conjuring spells, often praising his ability to bring intricate objects to life with precision and flair. He spent hours in the library, poring over old texts on summoning rituals and conjuration techniques.
Career and Specialization
After graduating from Hogwarts, Barnaby worked briefly at the Department of Magical Transportation in the Ministry of Magic, helping to research advanced summoning spells for magical travel. However, he soon realized that the rigid bureaucracy of the Ministry didn’t suit his creative and free-spirited personality.
Deciding to forge his own path, Barnaby spent the next two decades traveling the wizarding world, studying the summoning practices of different cultures. In the Amazon rainforest, he learned the delicate art of summoning enchanted vines from a local wizarding tribe. In Tibet, he studied the summoning of protective spirits from Buddhist wizard-monks. In Africa, he marveled at the ease with which local sorcerers conjured animals from their surroundings, integrating their understanding of magic with the natural world.
Barnaby Thatch’s travels were driven by an insatiable thirst for understanding how conjuring and summoning magic interwove with the cultures and traditions of the wizarding world. Each destination he visited added a layer of depth to his expertise, broadening his perspective on magic as a universal force shaped by the environment and beliefs of those who wielded it.
In the deserts of Egypt, Barnaby worked alongside Curse-Breakers to decipher ancient hieroglyphic spells used to summon protective spirits for pharaohs' tombs. The experience taught him the importance of intent in summoning magic, as the rituals often required profound respect for the spirits being invoked.
During his time in Japan, he apprenticed briefly under an Onmyōji—a practitioner of traditional Japanese magic—who introduced him to the delicate art of summoning kami, or elemental spirits. Here, Barnaby learned the nuances of balance and harmony, crucial when dealing with entities tied to natural forces.
A more harrowing chapter of his journey occurred in the Australian Outback, where he encountered a dangerous Bunyip while studying Indigenous summoning techniques. Escaping with his wits—and a few scars—he gained a deeper appreciation for the responsibility that comes with calling creatures from the wild.
These adventures not only refined Barnaby’s skills but also shaped his belief that conjuring and summoning were less about control and more about cooperation, respect, and a deep understanding of the magical world.
His journeys not only expanded his magical knowledge but also shaped his philosophy: conjuring and summoning are not just about calling something into existence—they're about understanding the connections between magic, the caster, and the world.
Applying at Hogwarts
When Barnaby heard that the Professor of Conjuring and Summoning had retired, Barnaby decided it might be time to return to Hogwarts. He hoped his memories of being a student whose love for magic was palpable and knew his wealth of practical experience would make him an exceptional teacher.
Barnaby’s classroom would be a place of wonder and controlled chaos. It would be filled with enchanted objects floating in midair, glowing sigils scrawled on the blackboard, and a menagerie of creatures he’s summoned for lessons. His lessons would be unpredictable yet meticulously planned. One day, students might learn how to summon their lost quills; the next, they could be conjuring temporary shields to defend against hexes.
He insists on teaching the ethics of summoning alongside the mechanics, stressing the importance of responsibility when dealing with summoned creatures or objects. “Magic isn’t just about what you can do,” he often says, “but why you’re doing it.”
Personality
Barnaby has a warm and approachable demeanor. He has an endless supply of stories from his travels, which he often shares over meals. His hearty laugh is contagious, and he’s known for his penchant for sneaking snacks.
Despite his jovial nature, Barnaby is deeply wise and perceptive. He has a knack for spotting someone who is struggling, whether academically or emotionally, and provides guidance with a gentle touch. He prides himself on offering all a safe space around him.
Legacy
Barnaby Thatch’s ultimate goal is to inspire his students to see magic as an extension of themselves, a way to connect with the world and others. He’s been working on a book titled Between Worlds: The Art of Conjuring and Summoning, a blend of memoir and practical guide, which has become highly anticipated among his peers.
Relationship
Professor Barnaby Thatch’s husband is Elliot Hawthorne, a charming and meticulous magical archivist who works at the British Museum of Magical Antiquities in London. Elliot is known for his sharp mind, impeccable memory, and a fondness for ancient magical manuscripts. His work involves cataloging and preserving rare magical artifacts, as well as decoding old texts to uncover forgotten spells and histories.
How They Met:
Barnaby and Elliot first met over a decade ago at a magical symposium on The Ethics and Applications of Summoning Magic, held in Edinburgh. Barnaby was one of the guest speakers, giving an impassioned talk about his travels and the cultural importance of summoning magic around the world. Elliot, attending as a researcher to gather information for an exhibit on historical summoning practices, was immediately captivated by Barnaby’s warmth and the vivid tales of his adventures.
After the lecture, Elliot approached Barnaby with a few pointed questions about the historical inaccuracies in one of his anecdotes. While many would have been put off, Barnaby was delighted by Elliot’s attention to detail and they quickly fell into an animated discussion about magical theory, punctuated by Barnaby’s laughter and Elliot’s dry wit.
What began as professional respect turned into regular correspondence—Barnaby sending letters about obscure magical traditions, and Elliot replying with well-researched historical context. Their friendship blossomed into romance over a shared love of storytelling, curiosity, and the simple joy of learning from one another.
Their Life Together:
Elliot’s calm, methodical nature balances Barnaby’s exuberance, making them a harmonious pair. While Barnaby is often found regaling students or tending to his magical greenhouse, Elliot enjoys quieter pursuits, like solving ancient magical riddles or curating exhibits. On weekends, the two can often be seen wandering the Hogwarts grounds, Barnaby chatting animatedly while Elliot listens with an indulgent smile.
Despite their differences, they share a deep mutual respect and a knack for bringing out the best in each other. Barnaby often jokes that Elliot keeps him grounded, while Elliot teases that Barnaby fills his life with excitement and unpredictability.
Their union is a testament to the magic of connection—one forged by intellect, humor, and a shared passion for the wonders of the magical world.