Lord Voldemort (played by Ralph Fiennes most prominently, as well as Richard Bremmer, Christian Coulson and others): The former Tom Riddle is a dark wizard so feared that he is referred to by many as "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

While he was believed to have been vanquished, he's returned with a deadly vengeance.

Professor Albus Dumbledore (played by Richard Harris in the first two movies; Michael Gambon from then on): The eccentric Hogwarts headmaster is supposedly the only wizard Voldemort ever feared.

At times, it almost seems like he's the only person who really believes in Harry's dire visions about Voldemort's return.

The movies

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001): Harry, Hermione and Ron all come to Hogwarts to begin their studies. They discover one of their teachers is dabbling in the dark arts and may be trying to bring Voldemort back to life.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets" (2002): Harry and friends return to Hogwarts for their second year, only to find danger in the off-limits Chamber of Secrets.

They also discover the diary of Tom Riddle, the Hogwarts student who became Lord Voldemort.

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner Of Azkaban" (2004): In his third year at Hogwarts, Harry gets in trouble when he uses magic outside of the school. He also believes he's in danger when the man accused of killing his parents — Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) — escapes from Azkaban prison.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire" (2005): Harry gets to watch the Quidditch World Cup and is chosen to compete in the prestigious Tri Wizard Tournament during his fourth year at Hogwarts.

He also barely survives an attack by the reborn Lord Voldemort.

"Harry Potter and the Order Of The Phoenix" (2007): Fifth-year Hogwarts students Harry, Hermione and Ron begin building an army to combat Voldemort. However, the dark lord has allies within Hogwarts, as well as within the Ministry of Magic.

E-mail: jeff@desnews.com