Non-magical people have their fair share of time under the spotlight.
In fact, they’re among the bravest characters in the series.
And it’s about time Frank Bryce took center stage.
The gardener who confronted evil like it was nothing.
Continue reading to discover:
- 33 facts you didn’t know about Frank Bryce.
- Why Frank’s the main suspect in a family’s murder.
- What made Frank Bryce suddenly come back home from World War 2.
- And so much more…
About Frank Bryce
Born | August 1917 |
Purity | Muggle |
House | N/A |
Character Traits | Hostile, Reclusive |
Patronus | N/A |
Wand | N/A |
Zodiac Sign | Virgo (Likely, but not proven) |
Frank Bryce background
Frank’s an ordinary guy.
In fact, he’s not even a wizard.
He’s just your regular muggle. So the guy can’t do any of the fancy magic.
But does that mean he’s weak?
No, far from it.
The young Frank’s no pushover.
However, it’s best we start with the very beginning:
Frank Bryce’s born back in August 1917.
And he lived in Little Hangleton, England. A small village between 2 hills.
When he’s still a kid…
Frank had a bad temper.
In fact, it’s why he didn’t have that many friends.
And he became quite the loner.
But did his attitude stop him from doing great things?
No, Frank eventually joined World War 2 as a soldier. A global conflict that killed more than 40 million people.
He fought alongside his comrades.
And eventually came back home due to a leg injury.
This stopped him from going back to the frontlines.
Because his leg never healed and became stiff.
What’s worse, a study shows the war had long-term traumatic effects on survivors.
And Frank Bryce being in the thick of it…
May have been fighting with a lot of stress.
Frank Bryce occupation
Normally, a leg injury would’ve given you a hard time looking for work.
And since it’s only been a year or 2 since the war…
There’s not much of a job market for a disabled veteran, right?
Well, Frank Bryce got pretty lucky.
When he returned to Little Hangleton…
Thomas Riddle hired him as a gardener. A rich man that owned pretty much the entire town.
Sure, the Riddle family wasn’t the best.
But at least Frank could spend his days tending to a garden.
And research shows it’s got plenty of benefits. Like physical activity and even a bit of stress relief.
Which will come in pretty handy for a veteran like Mr. Bryce.
A bad night at work
However, everything would suddenly change.
Because on an unfortunate night…
Someone murdered the entire Riddle Family.
The real culprit’s Tom Marvolo Riddle. Son of Thomas Riddle.
Who later became the evil Voldemort.
But did anybody else know these facts?
Sadly, it remained a mystery for the Little Hangleton residents.
In fact, all Frank saw was a dark-haired boy.
He couldn’t make out the face.
Or even point to a possible identity.
As a result, Frank became the prime suspect. Because the rest of town could only put the blame on him.
Since no one else could’ve gotten in the Riddle’s house but Frank Bryce.
Even the family cook said:
“Who else had a key to the back door, then? There’s been a spare key hanging in the gardener’s cottage far back as I can remember! Nobody forced the door last night! No broken windows! All Frank had to do was creep up to the big house while we was all sleeping…”
No one trusted Frank Bryce
On the bright side, the cops couldn’t lock up Frank.
There’s no evidence.
On top of that, nobody could determine the cause of death.
So as far as everything’s concerned, Mr. Bryce’s a free man.
But did that mean his life went back to normal?
Sadly, it didn’t.
Everyone in Little Hangelton still suspected Frank Bryce.
And because nobody could’ve guessed magic caused it…
The village believed he was the murderer after all.
Luckily, Frank could still stay in his small cottage.
And he’s still allowed to tend to the garden.
Sure, the kids were annoying.
They’d throw rocks and trample on his flowerbeds. Because even the young ones believed he was a killer.
However, he’d soon meet a tragic end.
You see, Voldemort (Tom Riddle) returned to the house on August 16, 1994.
And Frank noticed the lights turned on.
He hurried to the room only to meet a disfigured Voldemort.
Mr. Bryce was in shock at how he looked.
And at that moment, the dark wizard casted Avada Kedavra.
A spell that instantly killed Frank Bryce.
Plus, if you want to relive that scene again. I strongly recommend watching this movie clip:
More facts about Frank Bryce
#1: Faced Voldemort
Most of us know Frank died at the hands of the Dark Lord.
So what else’s there to talk about?
Well, the movie actually did Frank a disservice.
In the books, he’s a lot braver.
He doesn’t freeze in place after hearing the wizards talk.
Frank Bryce confronted them and said:
“Is that right? Lord, is it? Well, I don’t think much of your manners, “My Lord”. Turn ’round and face me like a man, why don’t you?”
Sure, he did end up dying.
But he’s the only person to mock Voldemort like that.
Not to mention, he’s a muggle too.
So he didn’t have any protection spells to defend himself.
It’s just him being a brave and honest-to-God gardener of the house.
#2: Helped save Harry Potter’s life
Sure, it sounds impossible.
What’s a dead gardener going to do?
Throw a few flowers to help Harry Potter run away?
But, in reality, Frank Bryce saved Harry Potter’s life.
Along with the aid of his parents, Lily and James Potter.
You see, in the Goblet of Fire, Voldemort attacked a young Harry Potter.
And Harry’s about to lose the magic duel…
Until their wands clashed and spirits started showing up.
Frank Bryce, along with Harry’s parents, launched themselves into Voldemort.
Thus, giving Harry Potter enough time to escape.
And I think it’s pretty cool that Frank got the last laugh…
Despite being in the afterlife and trying to make sense of the magical world.
In fact, it’s 1 of the reasons why Harry Potter’s so popular.
It’s the neat little easter eggs that make you smile.
#3: His corpse’s eaten by a snake
Although we don’t see it happen…
Voldemort’s pet snake, Nagini, was there when Frank Bryce died.
In fact, Nagini’s the one who ratted on Frank because she saw him while going into the room.
And what’s the 1 thing Voldemort enjoyed doing?
Well, he liked awarding his pet snake fresh corpses.
And it’s not impossible for Frank to be eaten by Nagini…
Especially since his body’s never found.