Arabella Figg

**Arabella Figg** is a character in the *Harry Potter book series*. She is the neighbour of the Dursley family.

She is Harry Potter babysitter whenever Vernon and Petunia need her. Unknown to the Dursleys, Arabella is from the wizarding world and part of the Order of the Phoenix. Albus Dumbledore has her keep an eye on Harry at Privet Drive.

## Biography

### Early life

Arabella Figg had at least one wizarding parent and found out by the time she was eleven that she was a Squib. Arabella spent much of her life in the Muggle world. However, she kept strong connections to the wizarding world.

At one point, she began breeding and selling cross-bred Kneazles and cats.

### Life at Little Whinging

Arabella lived in Wisteria Walk, around the corner from Privet Drive. She adopted four cats named Tibbles, Snowy, Mr Paws and Tufty. Arabella would appear normal enough to the Dursley family that they had no idea that she was connected to the wizarding world, and they let her babysit Harry whenever they wanted to do things.

He didn't like going to her house, and thought she was crazy. She purposely wanted Harry to feel miserable when he was at her house. She thought that if the Dursley family found out Harry enjoyed spending time at her house, they would no longer want her to babysit. It appears she had knowledge of the unkind way the Dursley family acted towards Harry, because she later apologised.

Every year on Dudley Dursley's birthday, Vernon and Petunia would take Dudley on a special birthday treat. Harry would have to stay at Arabella's house until they got back. He had to stay for longer whenever they went on holiday too. She once gave Harry an "ancient" chocolate cake and she boringly kept showing Harry photographs of her cats. Shortly before Dudley's eleventh birthday, Arabella broke her leg when she fell over one of her cats. She couldn't babysit Harry for Dudley's birthday day out. When she phoned Petunia to tell her, Petunia was very annoyed because she now had to take Harry to the zoo. Harry was very happy he avoided going over to Arabella's because he still thought she was crazy.

A few weeks later, Arabella was knocked over on her crutches by Dudley when he tried riding a new racing bike across the road. Harry stayed at Arabella's when Petunia took Dudley to buy a new school uniform. He was happier at her house that day because she didn't show Harry any photographs of her cats for once, and she let him watch the TV and eat chocolate cake instead.

### Second Wizarding War

When the return of Voldemort occurred in June, she spent the summer holidays keeping tabs on Harry at Privet Drive. She reported to Dumbledore.

One evening, Harry was hiding in the bushes of 4 Privet Drive when he saw Arabella walking by, frowning and talking to herself. She didn't notice Harry, which he was glad of because she kept inviting him round for tea. She had given Mundungus Fletcher a warning to stay on guard duty that evening instead of leaving to get stolen cauldrons. She stationed Mr. Tibbles under a car to keep an eye on Mundungus, who she learned did in fact Disapparate to get the cauldrons. Even though she couldn't protect Harry with magic, she headed over to Privet Drive to keep guard only to realise he had left the house.

She found Harry with Dudley near Wisteria Walk after getting attacked by demintors. She was very upset at Mundungus, revealing to Harry that she knew of the wizarding world. Helping to get the two back to their house, she told Harry that he was under watch, told him to keep his wand out and apologised for having to keep everything a secret. When Mundungus reappeared, she scolded him for leaving and demanded he inform Dumbledore at once. Upon reaching their house, she returned home to wait for instructions, telling Harry to stay in the house.

## Appearance

Arabella was an elderly woman, who would wear a hairnet and carpet slippers even when she was outside. She had gray "fly away" hair. One evening, she was wearing a pink dressing gown.

## Notes and sources

1. ↑ Because she was known as Mrs Figg, it implies that she was at one point married.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, Chapter 2
3. ↑ JKRowling.com (archived) - Extra Stuff: Squibs
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone*, Chapter 2
5. ↑ *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone*, Chapter 3
6. ↑ *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, Chapter 1