Harry Potter: 12 Most Powerful Witches Ever

Raised as part of the Black family, Bellatrix was taught about the importance of her pure-blood heritage from an early age. And given her abundance of magical talent, this belief in her own superiority was strengthened still further.

As a young woman, she joined the Dark Lord and grew up to become his most formidable companion. She was so dedicated to the Dark Arts that she (along with three others) tortured Frank and Alice Longbottom into insanity when trying to extract information about the Dark Lord’s whereabouts.

Though this was probably her most infamous moment, she continued her villainous ways once she had escaped from Azkaban. During the finale of The Order of the Phoenix, Bellatrix defeated Tonks in a duel, murdered Sirius, and even managed to deflect one of Dumbledore’s spells as she made her escape.

And during the Battle of Hogwarts, she held her own against Hermione, Ginny, and Luna simultaneously. Though – much to Voldemort’s fury – she was unexpectedly taken down by Molly Weasley.

Who do you think is the most powerful witch in Harry Potter? Leave your thoughts below in the comments thread.