I love the Harry Potter series. I grew up reading the words of J.K. and drifting off into a faraway land full of adventures, friendships and magic. A lot of my friendships were formed because of our mutual (somewhat obsessive) love of the books/movies. We're obviously not the only ones.

Harry Potter is a world-wide phenomena. HOWEVER, there are definitely some characters that deserve a little bit more respect. I had to call in some help from my Freshmen Year roommate as well as my best friend since grade four. But I think we've complied a pretty good list.

1. Arthur Weasley

When it comes to the Weasley clan, Molly seems to take the 'appreciation,' cake. We're not trying to take that away from her at all. But what about her hubby? He was there too... taking care of seven (eight if you count Harry) kids. He took (and fixed up) Sirius Black's motorcycle and hid it in his back shed during the war so he could give it to Harry. He also talked to Harry as a normal friend of his son not like the boy who lived.

2. Mrs. Figg

Like Filch (whom I have chosen to leave out of this article because my opinion is highly unpopular), Mrs. Figg was also a squib ("a person born to a wizard family without any powers," for all my muggles out there). However, Mrs. Figg, unbeknownst to him, watched out for Harry. She was an active member of the Order of the Phoenix and kept her identity a secret from Harry until he absolutely needed to know. Although appearing as a creepy, somewhat mean cat-lady, Arabella Figg was a key part of Harry's life - especially after he and Dudley were attacked by dementors. You go, Figgy.

3. Aberforth Dumbledore

Aberforth wasn't really mentioned until "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," but still was extremely important. Being the younger brother to the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry puts a lot of pressure on one's shoulders. When you also blame said headmaster for your sister's death, there is sure to be a bit of family tension there. That didn't stop him from fighting in the Wizarding War and being an active member of the Order of the Phoenix. He sent Dobby to find Harry, Hermione and Ron when they were captured and allowed the trio to use his secret passageway to gain access to Hogwarts. Where would they be without him? Let's all just think about that for a second.

4. Crookshanks

He's not a person, I know. But let's just talk about this amazing feline for a second. This is the most "Tired of your shit," cat I've ever seen. Not only does Crookshanks eat the extendable ear that the Weasley twins are using to spy on the Order, but he knew that Scabbers was really Peter Pettigrew the entire time. That's why Crookshanks attacked Ron so often - to get to the rat. Also, in case no one knew, Crookshanks had been an instrumental part in Sirius Black getting on the Hogwart's grounds since the two could converse when Sirius was in his animagus form.

5. Peeves

Do you want to know why this is a gif from the video game? Because Peeves wasn't even mentioned in the films at all! This was one of my biggest upsets with the film franchise. Peeves is one of my favorite characters in the entire series. Although a bit of a pest, he brought a certain comedic aspect to the book series as a whole. The poltergeist agreed with most of the student body at Hogwarts when Dolores Umbridge took over and spent the majority of the year (much like the Weasley twins) causing mayhem and mischief everywhere by pranking her until she eventually was kicked out of the school.

6. Ginny Weasley

I understand that Ginny is appreciated. She's Harry's wife. She is a mom. She is a member of Dumbledore's Army. However, in the books she is portrayed so much stronger than she is in the films. I love book Ginny. I think she is an excellent example of strength, determination and love that the film Ginny just lacks. She stood up to a Malfoy who was picking on a famous wizard just because he was her brother's friend. She was possessed by You-Know-Who and everyone seems to just gloss it over. Also, I'm a bit bugged that we don't see Ginny's true bad-assery until after she becomes someone's "love interest," but I'll let that one slide. She is a kick-ass Quiddich player with a heart of gold and people need to stop referring to her as the girl Weasley! Okay, I'm done.

7. Remus Lupin

He was one of the few Defense Against The Dark Arts professors Hogwarts had that didn't completely suck. Yes, he might have almost killed a student or two but hey, we all have bad days. Remus was a Marauder. He was one of James' best friends and during his time at Hogwarts and after, he looked after his best friend's son. Despite being a werewolf, he controlled his urges enough to remain a Hogwarts professor until a certain character spilled the beans. Lupin was a member of the Order and fought in both Wizarding Wars. He was a husband as well as the father of Teddy (of whom Harry was named godfather). He taught Harry more about friendship, loyalty and magic than most others and that far too often goes unnoticed.

8. Narcissa Malfoy

Now, wait. Don't get mad at me. Hear me out. She was an awful person for a majority of this series. She spent a lot of time on her pure-blood high horse. She supported the Dark Lord and her husband during the wizarding wars. She was a death eater. All of these things were true; but she was also a mom. When Luicius was sent to Azkaban and her son's life was put in jeopardy, she would do anything to save him. This also meant putting herself in a horribly dangerous position by lying to said Dark Lord. She lied to Voldemort. You know the man who killed all those innocent people and spent years trying to get revenge on a tiny baby? Yeah, that's the guy. You can say what you want about the Malfoy family but what Narcissa did, not a lot of people would be able to do.

9. Buckbeak

Okay. Once again, I know he is not a human being. I don't care. Buckbeak was wrongfully sentenced to death after "attacking," Draco Malfoy. However, thanks to the Golden Trio, he was saved and given to Sirius Black. After Black, he was given to Harry. Harry then sent him back to living with Hagrid. Buckbeak was one completely dedicated to his owners and defending Harry in the wizarding wars. He's everyone's favorite Hippogriff.

10. Nymphadora "Tonks" Lupin

She was the cool, edgy older sister we all wanted. Don't even try to lie to yourself. Also, don't call her Nymphadora... ever. She wouldn't like it. Let's not forget... HUFFLEPUFF PRIDE. Tonks was Mad Eye's right hand (wo)man. She joined the Ministry to become an Auror after graduating from Hogwarts. She was a fighter, a member of the Order, a skilled Auror / Metamorphmagus and a dedicated wife. She put Remus before anything and everything. She was a family - oriented person. That could be a reason she got along so well with the Weasleys... the definition of family-oriented (except Percy... Screw, Percy). She and Lupin named their son Teddy after her father Edward. Although their relationship wasn't focused on much (or at all, really) in the Harry Potter movies, the moments where that relationship shone through in the books were some of my favorites.

One of the best things about this series is you can find yourself in anyone. Maybe you're not a Hermione or a Draco. You can just as easily be a Tonks or a Crookshanks. Most featured doesn't always mean most important.