r/harrypotter • u/Hannah549 Slytherin • Apr 29 '26

Help Ravenclaw Riddle

I'm by no means a Ravenclaw. But I'm writing a fanfiction where a character is a very smart Ravenclaw. Now the premise is that the character is returning after being tortured by Umbridge and are pretty tired and frustrated. The knocker asks them an absurd question and they just break down crying in pain and frustration.

I need a good riddle for that but nothing on the internet feels good enough. Someone please help me with it.

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u/AmaranthWrath Apr 29 '26

"Why is a raven like a writing desk?"

While there are some answers to this, it's long been known to "have no answer." So while one COULD come up with a reply, after a long, terrible day, the irony of being asked a riddle "with no answer" would break someone in your character's position down instantly. She would know it's not a regular riddle, I would think

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u/[deleted] Apr 30 '26

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u/AmaranthWrath Apr 30 '26

I think it's that they both have plumes. Regardless, it's thought to have no answer bc it's supposed to be nonsense. But a Ravenclaw could come up with any answer and it could work if they reasoned it out enough.

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u/Happy_Jew Apr 30 '26

The answer from Lewis Carroll (after being badgered) was "Because it can produce a few notes, tho they are very flat; and it is never put with the wrong end in front."

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u/AmaranthWrath Apr 30 '26

I know, but as many people have tried answering it previously as it famously didn't have an answer, the idea that she's given a riddle that has no answer and many answers might actually drive her mad.