The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed.

Your hair is much too long, Ronald, for a moment I thought you were Ginevra.

My brain surprises even me sometimes.

The poor things keep calling in those – those pumbles, I think they're called – you know, the ones who mend pipes and things – " "Plumbers?" " – exactly, yes, but of course they're flummoxed.

Which came first, the phoenix or the flame?” "...I think the answer is that a circle has no beginning." "Well reasoned.

Krystal flung herself violently off the chair, away from her mother. She was surprised to feel warm liquid flowing down her cheeks, and thought confusedly of blood, but it was tears, only tears, clear and shining on her fingertips when she wiped them away.

Ah, well, people can be stupid abou' their pets," said Hagrid wisely.