In the Harry Potter book 4 chapter 31 how is a spider the answer to the riddle?

Answer 1

The Sphinx's riddle is as follows: First think of a person who lives in disguise, who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies, next, tell me what's always last to mend, the middle of middle and end of end? And finally give me the sound often heard during the search of a hard-to-find word, now string them together, and tell me this, which creature would you be unwilling to kiss?

The first part of the riddle is very easy, who lives in a disguise and always tells lies? A spy!

The second part is easy if you really think about it. What is the middle of middle and end of end? A "d".

The final part you might have to think about. what do you usually say when you have to tell somebody something you don't want them to find out about? err

Now put that together, Spy+d+er.

The answer is spider!!!