Leaky Cauldron

The Leaky Cauldron is a small, shabby-looking pub located in London, behind which lies the magical entrance to Diagon Alley. It serves as the primary threshold between the Muggle world and the wizarding world, a place where witches and wizards can pass unnoticed. The innkeeper is Tom, a wizened, toothless old man who bows to guests and keeps a lantern. The pub has a bar, a private parlor, and rooms for let upstairs, including Room Eleven, which is comfortable and furnished with oak furniture and a crackling fire.

Harry's Refuge After Fleeing Privet Drive

After Harry Potter accidentally inflates his Aunt Marge and runs away from the Dursleys, he takes the Knight Bus to the Leaky Cauldron. There, he is met by Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, who has been waiting for him. Fudge steers Harry inside to a private parlor, where he explains that the Ministry has already dealt with the incident, punctured Aunt Marge, and modified her memory. Instead of punishing Harry for underage magic, Fudge arranges for him to stay at the Leaky Cauldron for the remaining two weeks of the summer holidays, instructing him to keep to Diagon Alley and be back before dark each night. Tom the innkeeper is tasked with keeping an eye on Harry. This arrangement gives Harry his first extended period of freedom from the Dursleys, allowing him to explore Diagon Alley, eat what he fancies, and do his homework in the sunshine outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor.

A Hub of Information and Danger

The Leaky Cauldron is also a place where crucial information about the hunt for Sirius Black is exchanged. It is here that Harry overhears a heated argument between Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in the parlor, learning for the first time that Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban specifically to kill him. Mr. Weasley reveals that Black has been muttering "He's at Hogwarts" in his sleep, and that Dumbledore has reluctantly agreed to let Dementors guard the school entrances. Later, the pub serves as the gathering point for the Weasley family and Harry before they depart for King's Cross Station. The Ministry provides two cars to transport them, a measure Harry realizes is for his protection. It is also at the Leaky Cauldron that Harry first sees the Daily Prophet picture of the Weasley family in Egypt, which includes Ron with Scabbers on his shoulder—the photograph that will later allow Sirius Black to identify Peter Pettigrew.

A Place of Departure and Return

At the end of the school year, the Leaky Cauldron is where Harry, Ron, and Hermione pass through the barrier of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters back into the Muggle world. Harry spots Uncle Vernon waiting a good distance from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, eyeing them suspiciously. Mrs. Weasley hugs Harry in greeting, confirming Uncle Vernon's worst suspicions. As Harry wheels his trolley toward his uncle, he cheerfully informs him that he has a godfather—a convicted murderer who has broken out of wizard prison and likes to keep in touch. Grinning at the look of horror on Uncle Vernon's face, Harry sets off for what looks like a much better summer than the last.