19 Facts About Argus Filch (Character, Traits, & Quotes) (2024)

Argus Filch isn’t the most popular Harry Potter character.

And he had quite the mean-spirited personality in the series too.

However, was he really that bad?

Well, he’s a much deeper character than people realize…

With some details in his life that will make you think twice as well.

Continue reading to discover:

• A secret skill only Argus Filch had.
• What happened to Argus during the Battle of Hogwarts.
• Why Argus Filch was always so serious about giving punishments.
• And so much more…

About Argus Filch

Argus Filch background

Argus Filch was born sometime before 1951.

And he was a Squib.

Which meant he couldn’t use magic…

Despite being born to a wizarding family.

Unfortunately, we don’t know much about Argus’s life growing up.

Because the Harry Potter books never explored it.

We only see him again much later in life…

When he was already much older and working at Hogwarts.

Argus Filch occupation

Argus Filch was the caretaker of Hogwarts.

And he was in charge of keeping the wizarding school clean.

Plus, patrolling the corridors late at night…

To ensure no students were breaking curfew or all kinds of rules.

In the past, Argus enjoyed giving kids very dangerous punishments.

Like suspending students by their ankles from the ceiling.

Luckily, Albus Dumbledore put a stop to them.

On top of that, Argus had a pet cat, Mrs. Norris.

And she was really good at finding misbehaving children.

Argus Filch character

Argus Filch looked like a cartoon villain.

He had hunched shoulders and pale skin.

Not to mention a huge bald spot on his head…

Paired with sunken cheeks and the eyes of a ghost.

Argus Filch also shuffled as he walked.

He was also easily annoyed.

And Argus hated when students didn’t follow the rules 100%.

In fact, he’d give out detention for even the smallest things.

As a result, everybody disliked him.

3 most famous Argus Filch quotes

#1: “I bet you’ll think twice about breaking a school rule again, won’t you, eh? Oh, yes… hard work and pain are the best teachers, if you ask me… It’s just a pity they let the old punishments die out… hang you by your wrists from the ceiling for a few days, I’ve got the chains still in my office, keep ’em well oiled in case they’re ever needed…”

Argus had a habit of telling students about the good ol’ days.

But nothing about them was good.

Because he just wanted to use evil punishments.

#2: “Nothing! A likely story! Sneaking around on your own — why aren’t you in Hogsmeade buying Stink Pellets and Belch Powder and Whizzing Worms like the rest of your nasty little friends? Well, get back to your common room where you belong!”

Argus was a huge skeptic.

And he would question anyone…

Even if they were telling the truth.

#3: “Yerse… I’ve been telling Dumbledore for years and years he’s too soft with you all. You filthy little beasts would never have dropped Stink Pellets if you’d known I had it in my power to whip you raw, would you, now? Nobody would have thought of throwing Fanged Frisbees down the corridors if I could’ve strung you up by the ankles in my office, would they? But when Educational Decree Number Twenty-Nine comes in, Potter, I’ll be allowed to do them things…”

Argus respected Dumbledore.

But he never agreed with his stance on punishments.

And that’s why he was extremely happy when Umbridge pushed for a decree that let him do them again.

The Headmistress of Hogwarts at the time who enjoyed punishing bad behavior.

More facts about Argus Filch

#1: Really loved his cat

Say what you want about Argus Filch.

But if he had at least 1 redeeming quality…

We can’t deny that he really loved his cat, Mrs. Norris.

Argus always had his cat by his side all the time.

In fact, he even cradled her in his arms too.

In return, she helped him with catching any misbehaving students.

But during Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets…

Mrs. Norris was petrified.

And when Argus Filch found her lifeless body hanging…

He was devastated and couldn’t stop himself from crying.

In fact, he wanted to find out the wizard responsible so badly…

Argus turned to Harry and said:

“What’s going on here? What’s going on? My cat! My cat! What’s happened to Mrs. Norris? You! You! You’ve murdered my cat! You’ve killed her! I’ll kill you! I’ll —”

In fact, it’s 1 of my favorite scenes from the film…

Because it showed a different side to Argus Filch:

#2: Tried learning magic to improve his status

If you thought Harry Potter had it rough…

Try being in Argus Filch’s shoes.

He was a Squib that worked at Hogwarts…

Surrounded by students that could do all the magic he couldn’t.

Not to mention, they played tricks on him as well.

As a result, Argus was always stressed.

And research shows that living that kind of life can be very dangerous…

Because stressful environments can trigger a lot of problems for your well-being.

So did Argus hold their magic against them? Not really.

Sure, he was bitter.

But Argus also wanted to have a chance at using magic too.

In fact, he started taking Kwikspell courses. A simple program to help adults learn basic spells again.

Unfortunately, magic was never in the books for Argus Filch.

And no matter how hard he tried to learn…

Squibs bear the burden of never being able to use spells their entire life.

#3: Helped during The Battle of Hogwarts

I know it sounds very unlike him.

But it’s actually true.

Argus Filch was there during The Battle of Hogwarts.

And he did everything a Squib could do to help fight against the dark wizards.

For example, he helped all the students evacuate from the wizarding school.

And this shows that even if he enjoyed punishing them…

Argus wasn’t so cruel to put them in harm’s way.

Of course, Argus wouldn’t be doing any of the fighting.

But when the dust settled…

And there was a lot of fixing and cleaning to be done.

Argus picked up his broom and began sweeping away at the rubble.

Which may sound funny at first…

But it’s actually pretty admirable.

I don’t know anyone more dedicated to their job than Argus.

And if research says working harder means you live a happier life…

It must’ve been Argus Filch’s way of relaxing and going back to normal

(In the most anticlimactic way possible.)

#4: A never-ending fight with Peeves

If you thought the students were Argus Filch’s biggest problems…

Then you’re sorely wrong.

You see, the real reason he was always bitter was because of Peeves.

The poltergeist who would never leave him alone. And a phantom that always caused trouble wherever he went.

For example, Peeves would trap Mrs. Norris in suits of armor.

Or even drop chandeliers…

Leaving a huge mess for Argus to clean up as caretaker.

In fact, the 2 of them have been fighting for over 20 years.

And even Professor Minerva McGonagall had to point it out:

“Haven’t you been complaining about Peeves for a quarter of a century?”

Plus, Argus always tried to get Albus Dumbledore’s attention…

Making him see reason and kick the poltergeist out.

Sadly, that dream of Argus Filch never happened.

And the 2 of them kept fighting…

Even after the events of the 2nd Wizarding War.

#5: A man of many talents

Sure, Argus Filch won’t be getting a spot among the most powerful wizards in Harry Potter.

But does that mean he didn’t have any talents? Not in the slightest.

For example, do you remember the night when Sirius Black attacked?

Well, he wanted to force his way into Gryffindor tower…

Ripping apart the portrait of the Fat Lady that guarded the entrance.

So where does Argus tie into this, you ask?

He’s the one responsible for fixing up the Fat Lady’s portrait.

In fact, everyone commented that Argus did it so expertly…

You couldn’t tell that anything happened to the portrait in the first place.

And that’s why I love Harry Potter so much.

Everyone’s just full of surprises.

So despite how flawed and small Argus Filch was compared to everyone else…

He’s got skills that even Albus Dumbledore can appreciate.

#6: Not the best time under Dolores Umbridge

It would make sense for Argus to have a great time under Dolores Umbridge…

Because he could do all the punishments he wanted, right?

Well, while he was very enthusiastic about things.

The very second Dolores Umbridge became headmistress…

All bets were off, and Argus and Dolores had the biggest targets on their backs.

For example, Fred and George Weasley went crazy with their pranks.

They even set off a crate full of magical fireworks.

And it took Argus and Umbridge the entire day to make a dent in the havoc it caused.

On top of that, Fred and George used a Portable Swamp on the 5th floor.

A magical prank device that would turn any space into an actual swamp.

And while Argus Filch tried his best to clean things up…

Only the Weasleys knew how to fix it.

As a result, Argus had to sail a small boat on the 5th floor.

Because he was in charge of helping students get across the swamp to reach their classrooms.

#7: Not as bad as you think

Argus Filch wasn’t the best character.

In fact, he’s hardly any fan’s favorite too.

But no matter how much you hate his methods…

Or his beliefs.

Argus was just simply doing his job.

He was the wizarding school’s caretaker.

So while the students saw him as a killjoy…

Argus only did what he thought was necessary.

For example, the long list of forbidden magical objects and toys might come off as annoying.

But if you put yourself in Argus Filch’s place…

You’re just trying to avoid any trouble or pranks from making a mess.

Plus, research shows that stress can be harmful enough at work…

People need ways to relax outside.

And for Argus Filch to be inside Hogwarts almost all year round.

You can’t blame the man for wanting some peace of mind.