Wizarding World Homepage 

What does your Hogwarts house say about you - and other burning Wizarding World questions

WEB-FEATURE-DHP-all-together

DHP-hero-cover-no-text-houses-teaser-web-landscape

text-section-dhp

## First off, what is the wizarding world anyway?

This video explains things rather nicely. 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/r9LHPuceFNg?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## OK, good. Now let's go a little deeper. Who are the heroes and villains?

It's not quite as straight forward as you might think...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/LJFWCkCpYM0?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## What do we know about Hogwarts school itself? 

This special episode - comprised entirely of LEGO! - will reveal a few Hogwarts mysteries.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/8skt5Kp-9-w?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## Thanks! OK, now let's examine Hogwarts houses. I want to know more about mine.

Of course! Each of the four houses is a lot more complicated than you may realise.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/T1G4wzRO_tc?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## Actually let's dial back a bit - how does magic even work, really?

Good point. This guide to the basic rules of magic should help us understand things a little better.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/nTxmaxV8qao?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## And if I were a student... what would it be like being at Hogwarts compared to Muggle schools?

Ooh quite different. But even magical folk still get homework.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/VdMJAG2H6zw?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## I'm curious about magical families. Why are some people witches and wizards, but some are not?

It is one of the wizarding world's strange phenomenas. This video digs a little deeper.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/1lmCvI-t40c?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## I've been sorted into Slytherin - should I be worried?

No, not at all! Slytherin is a fabulous house - albeit with a house founder with cruel intentions. Sadly, many members of Slytherin followed in Salazar Slytherin's footsteps. But not all, as this video explains.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/9Jr-YOjLvpI?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## I'd like to learn more about magical creatures

No problem. There are hundreds of fascinating breeds all over the wizarding world.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/axnEthAGOf0?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## Lord Voldemort doesn't sound like a very nice guy... what's the history behind him?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/e4Y_fQ75PsY?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

How did this Dark wizard become so evil? This video takes a glimpse into the life of a terrifying presence in the wizarding world that would change Harry Potter's life forever.

## But wait! I have so many more questions...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/cKreFtyUI9I?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

No problem. We've answered a bunch of frequently asked fan questions right here! 

***

Well, that was all very insightful, wasn't it?

And that's only the start. Tune in to our [Discover Harry Potter playlist](https://www.youtube.com/c/WizardingWorld) on our Wizarding World YouTube, and await future magic lessons. We may not be Professor McGonagall, but we do McKnowitall. 

And if you have any other questions about the wizarding world that we have yet to answer, visit our social channels, if you're old enough, and ask away. Who knows, we may just have the perfect answer for you. 

DHP-hero-cover-what-your-hogwarts-house-says-about-you

DHP - Episode 4 - Thumbnail 01 (1)

The Hogwarts at Christmas crossword

WEB-PUZZLE-hogwarts-christmas-crossword

PMARCHIVE-WB F4 Yule Ball Professors Christmas HP4D-15050 4CuPOD4NduIOuCsEm4wIwo-b14

WB F4 Yule Ball Professors Christmas HP4D-15050

christmas-at-hogwarts-crossword-text-section

Remember to toggle our "Show magic" setting to see some cute little enchantments! 

<iframe width="550" height="700" allowtransparency="true" style="background: #FFFFFF" src="
https://bridgecard.wizardingworld.com/crossword/20211207/00088/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We have plenty more puzzles at our [Puzzles Hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) or our Harry Potter Fan Club app if you fancy some more. You can download said app just here.

![QR-code-app-smaller](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/62musW78K6YiZOWTismUtp/d10808f21a994a16448f2821acfe04f0/qr-app-smaller.jpg)


We can't think of a more festive place to be than Hogwarts. Try our Christmassy crossword on all the festive events that took place in the castle.

Five reasons why Philosopher’s Stone could be considered a Christmas film

WEB-FEATURE-five-reasons-why-philosophers-stone-could-be-considered-a-christmas-film

HP-F1-philosophers-stone-ron-harry-hermione-great-hall-chess-christmas-decorated-web-landscape

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

HP-F1

and the Philosopher's Stone 

five-reasons-why-philosophers-stone-could-be-considered-a-christmas-film-text-section-1

## The gorgeous snowy scenes and decorations
When you think of Christmas, one of the first things that springs to mind has to be snow – and the first film has it in spades. Who couldn’t look at it blanketing the Hogwarts grounds and not be reminded of the festive season? This was especially the case when we saw Hagrid dragging the huge Christmas trees across our screens and into the castle. The inside of Hogwarts was just as joyful – they always went all out when it came to decorations. Imagine how amazing it would feel to walk into the Great Hall and be surrounded by huge Christmas trees, festooned in baubles and ornaments. That’s how Christmas should be done.

HP-F1-philosophers-stone-harry-ron-great-hall-christmas-weasley-jumpers-decorations-web-landscape

five-reasons-why-philosophers-stone-could-be-considered-a-christmas-film-text-section-2

## The atmospheric music
From Hedwig’s Theme to Harry’s Wonderous World, the music from the first film feels like another argument why *Philosopher’s Stone* should be considered a Christmas film. Whether it is the tinkly bell sounds or the swelling crescendos, there’s something that reminds us of the music you listen to at Christmas – which has a habit of stirring up your emotions. We know we can’t help but feel rather sentimental when we hear the soundtrack. It also feels like music that suits the winter season, rather than a summer bop, and that sets the tone for the entire film.

five-reasons-why-philosophers-stone-could-be-considered-a-christmas-film-text-section-3

## Harry’s first proper Christmas
One of the most happy and poignant scenes of the entire movie must be when Harry wakes up on Christmas Day at Hogwarts. Before this, he had suffered through years of thoroughly miserable yuletides with the Dursleys. We highly doubt he received many (if any) presents. He certainly was incredibly surprised to wake up and find that there were some gifts waiting for him at the end of his four-poster bed. It warmed our hearts to witness Harry enjoying this holiday for the first time. We were right there with him as he unwrapped everything from his iconic Weasley jumper to his father’s Invisibility Cloak and marvelled at it all. This important scene thoroughly cements the idea that *Philosopher’s Stone* is a Christmas movie.

HP-F1-philosophers-stone-flitwick-decorating-christmas-tree-great-hall-web-landscape

five-reasons-why-philosophers-stone-could-be-considered-a-christmas-film-text-section-4

## It has that Christmassy feeling
This one is a little harder to define as it isn’t a physical thing from the film. However, there is no doubt that the *Philosopher’s Stone* leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling – which is rather Christmassy. It’s like the feeling you get when you’re a kid and you’re waiting for Father Christmas to bring you presents, or when you’re sat on the sofa with your family watching Christmas television, or when you’re tucking into a fantastic Christmas feast – it makes you feel cosy and content. 

five-reasons-why-philosophers-stone-could-be-considered-a-christmas-film-text-section-5

## Chris Columbus’s direction 
Finally, we couldn’t finish this list without mentioning the director, Chris Columbus. Not only can you not spell Christmas without Chris, but his direction of the first film makes us think of the festive period. If we were to pinpoint why, it would probably be because of how much of a family film it turned out to be. It’s definitely one that you could all gather round to watch on Christmas Day, and everyone would find a thing they enjoyed about it. Also, he has previous experience when it comes to making festive films and has directed some other Christmas movies… there was one about a boy that was left on his own all alone at home…

HP-F1-philosophers-stone-ron-weasley-jumper-christmas-common-room-eating-bertie-botts

Is your gift giving style most like Harry, Ron or Hermione?

WEB-FEATURE-is-your-gift-giving-style-most-like-harry-ron-or-hermione

HP-F6-half-blood-prince-harry-hermione-ron-walking-hogsmeade-web-landscape

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

HP-F6

and the Half-Blood Prince

is-your-gift-giving-style-most-like-harry-ron-or-hermione-text-section-1

## Are you an overgenerous gift giver like Harry? 
Growing up, Harry didn’t have much. Even though the Dursleys were hardly short of money (the mountain of birthday presents Dudley would get shows that), they spent as little as they possibly could on him. So, when he discovered the fortune left to him by his parents, he went the opposite way and wanted to share what he had with others. At the Quidditch World Cup, he bought Hermione and Ron a pair of Omnioculars without caring about the cost – he just wanted to make sure they had the best experience watching the match. He also handed Fred and George his Triwizard Tournament winnings without a second glance, and that was one thousand Galleons! If you’re someone who is known for going all out at Christmas, will happily spend more than you should if you find the perfect present and doesn’t mind being a bit short of cash in January as a result, then you’re most like Harry. Some people might assume you’re showing off but really you just want to make those you love happy.

HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-harry-smiling-hogwarts-express-web-landscape

Harry smiling while sat in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express

is-your-gift-giving-style-most-like-harry-ron-or-hermione-text-section-2

## Are you a practical gift giver like Hermione? 
Hermione was a rather logical and practical person, which was often reflected in the presents she gave. She always thought carefully about what someone would need as opposed to what they would want. Sometimes that really paid off – like with Harry’s Broomstick Servicing Kit. Other times its wasn’t so well received – like the talking homework planners she gave Harry and Ron as fifth-years. If you’re someone who is a fan of useful rather than decorative presents, you’re most like Hermione. Though that doesn’t mean the gifts you give are boring or impersonal. In fact, knowing exactly what would make someone’s life easier shows you have put a lot of thought into who that person is. So, whether you gave your parents that kitchen gadget they desperately needed or your friend some funky new stationary for a job they were about to begin, there’s no doubt they appreciated it.

HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-hermione-smirking-great-hall-web-landscape

is-your-gift-giving-style-most-like-harry-ron-or-hermione-text-section-3

## Are you all about giving fun presents like Ron?
Christmas presents should be all about joy! They should be things that bring a smile to your face – and they definitely shouldn’t be serious. If this is your philosophy, and you’ve been known to give anything from practical jokes to a huge box of a person’s favourite sweets, then your style is most like Ron. He was one for fun presents – especially when he helped run Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes in *Cursed Child*. Who can forget the comb he gave to young James Potter which turned his hair pink? Or the farting gnomes that he presented to Lily? Even in his schooldays he didn’t go in for practicality. After all, he once gave Harry a bulging bag of Dungbombs for Christmas. As somebody who is similar, we reckon you enjoy embracing your childish side too – and you would be a lot of fun at Christmas.

HP-F6-half-blood-prince-ron-pyjamas-smirking-love-potion-web-landscape

A close-up of Ron standing in his pyjamas and smiling

Give your portrait a festive makeover

festive-avatars-homepage-takeover

christmas-avatar-updates-hero-homepage-updated

One billion hours of listening landmark surpassed for Harry Potter audiobooks on Audible

WEB-NEWS-billion-streams-pottermore-publishing

pottermore-publishing-app-lifestyle

pottermore-publishing-announce-listening-landmark-text-section

Mind you, that’s just a number (even if it is a massive one)! What’s immeasurable is the love that fans have for these stories.  To help you visualise that figure, in one billion hours you could hypothetically:

•	Take the iconic train journey from King’s Cross to Edinburgh 222 million times<br>
•	Listen to Harry Potter books 1-7 read by Jim Dale 8,547,009 times<br>
•	Go through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry more than 14,000 times!

Stephen Fry, who narrates the UK English editions of the audiobooks, says: ‘These statistics are astonishing. Almost every day someone will come up and tell me how important the audiobooks have been in their lives, and it means the world to me.’  Jim Dale, narrator of the North American editions, says: ‘Especially rewarding for me has been the opportunity to touch the lives of so many young people, and the knowledge that my spoken words have brought both comfort and support when needed, and, of course always, so much magic!’

Jennie McCann, Pottermore’s MD, explains: ‘We’re so delighted how many listeners have made a permanent place in their lives for these audiobooks. The original recordings that were released on CD are cherished versions of these incredible stories, so we took great care when remastering them to deliver the best sound quality for the new generation of listeners. We’ve since produced and released editions in an array of further languages and continue to add to that list each year both on Audible and via other platforms.’  Diana Dapito, Head of Consumer Content at Audible, says ‘the evergreen popularity and insatiable appetite for the Harry Potter audiobooks on Audible is both staggering and, at once, not at all surprising.’

We’d love to hear your stories of listening to Harry Potter on audio – share your listening love on social media (if you're old enough!) using the hashtag #HarryPotterxAudible #HearTheMagic. 

Hogwarts Legacy showcase reveals game features including character creator, the Hufflepuff common room and combat

WEB-NEWS-hogwarts-legacy-latest-showcase

hogwarts-legacy-showcase-nov22-hufflepuff-common-room-web

hogwarts-legacy-showcase-nov22-text-section-1

Led by host Chandler Wood, Community Manager at Avalanche and community host James Whitehead from XpectoGo, we were treated to our most [thorough look at Hogwarts Legacy so far](https://www.youtube.com/hogwartslegacy), alongside Game Director Alan Tew and Senior Environment Artist Boston Madsen. 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OKOgcdvFIAg?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

So, what did we learn and what did we see?

hogwarts-legacy-showcase-nov22-character-creator

hogwarts-legacy-showcase-nov22-text-section-2

## Character Creator 

Your Hogwarts legacy is what you make it, and creating the perfect character is crucial to discovering who you are in the wizarding world. Hogwarts Legacy’s character creator is extremely rich and detailed, full of different skin colors, hair types, and even a voice slider. In terms of your outfit, you can embrace the 1800s with some robes befitting of the period. We spotted some Harry Potter-style round glasses we had our eye on… And Harry Potter Fan Club members who [link their accounts](https://www.wizardingworld.com/legacyconnect) with the game will even be able to grab a special type of robe, called the Fan-atic robe, to make your appearance extra unique.

hogwarts-legacy-showcase-nov22-text-section-3

## Your common room 

As with any regular Hogwarts experience, it all starts with getting sorted into your house, and then, it’s off to your common room and dormitory. James Whitehead, who was sampling the game for us, got to embrace the wholesome Hufflepuff life, with a common room reminiscent of a badgers’ sett. Fans will be extra-excited to explore Hufflepuff’s space, seeing as we never got to visit it in the books or films. And it certainly doesn’t disappoint, full of plants, light and comfortable furniture.

hogwarts-legacy-showcase-nov22-text-section-4

## Exploring Hogwarts 

We’ve always wanted to fully explore Hogwarts, and now, this game truly can make that dream a reality. And, as you’ve probably guessed, it looks rather magnificent. We’re sure you’ll recognise a few iconic pieces, such as the grand staircases and the Hogwarts house hourglasses, but there’s all sorts of other impressive features to observe, such as a grand-looking water fountain where the students like to hang out, huge hanging bones in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and a formidable brass Hogwarts crest adorned across a wall. The luscious Scottish greenery is present all over the outskirts of the castle, and the game-makers encourage you to get lost in it all – “no two hallways should look the same at Hogwarts” they say. 

hogwarts-legacy-showcase-nov22-hourglasses-web

hogwarts-legacy-showcase-nov22-text-section-5

## Side-quests, characters and familiar names 

The presentation introduces us to characters and side-quests you can expect to embark upon. For example, one young student called Zenobia wants us to help find her Gobstones – and even mentions a fellow student called “Prewett” which is a last name that should ring familiar to certain fans. [Prewett is Molly Weasley’s maiden name](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/witches-and-wizards-you-might-not-have-realised-were-related). Could this be an ancestor?

That is not the only familiarity we came across – [Peeves the poltergeist](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/peeves) is still haunting Hogwarts, showing just how long he has been terrorising the castle before Harry’s era!  

hogwarts-legacy-showcase-nov22-duelling

hogwarts-legacy-showcase-nov22-text-section-6

## Dueling and combat 

Dueling will be a big part of Hogwarts Legacy, and in this preview, we get to see exactly how you train, which includes practicing your skills on a training dummy, an adorable wizard-on-wheels. You can also fight classmates when you’re feeling more au fait with dueling or pick random competitors. Spell combinations are encouraged for maximum impact, and Shield Charms will be crucial to win your battles unscathed. 

## Anything else?

At the end of the showcase, we are treated to a Q&A with the game developers, who run through a few things you might’ve been thinking about. 

Extra-curricular assignments will be available all over Hogwarts, and the richness of the school will offer up all sorts of little details to look out for, so don’t rush through the game or you may miss something! We also learnt about other fun features that will be available, such as being able to visit a hairdressers in Hogsmeade, discovering different identities to our ‘core spells’ and much, much more.

If we weren’t very, very excited about Hogwarts Legacy already, you can add a few extra “verys” to how we’re feeling right now! 

Hogwarts Legacy will launch on February 10, 2023 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. The Nintendo Switch launch date will be revealed soon. [Learn all about pre-ordering the game here](https://www.hogwartslegacy.com/en-gb/purchase?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=articlenovember_page&utm_campaign=HL&utm_content=HL-PreOrder), or check out our [Hogwarts Legacy](https://www.wizardingworld.com/hogwarts-legacy) page to explore other trailers.

And remember! If you are a member of our Harry Potter Fan Club, you can actually bring your wand and house into the game experience if you link accounts - which also gets you exclusive in-game goodies. [Here's how you do it.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/legacyconnect)

The Royal Mint releases commemorative collection of Harry Potter coins

WEB-NEWS-royal-mint-harry-potter

WEB-royal-mint-coins-hero-banner

royal-mint-harry-potter-text-section

__Update: you can now check out the Royal Mint's latest release, celebrating the [Hogwarts Express! ](https://www.royalmint.com/shop/limited-editions/harry-potter/hogwarts-express/) This is the first time the iconic steam train has appeared on a United Kingdom coin.__

![royal-mint-hogwarts-express-coin](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/6gTcMeAtRnH94HGnLoOKlX/31c2cc7893e505c1b330acb5d233ba53/t4-1-cat-sf-dt-1200x600-commemorative-coins-he_uk.jpeg)

When it comes to coinage, the Wizarding World might have Gringotts, but we Muggles have The Royal Mint – one of Britain's oldest organisations, with over 1,100 years' experience making coins.

Beginning this month, The Royal Mint is releasing a new collection of UK coins to commemorate the 25th anniversary of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.*

Each coin in the set will feature a much-loved character based on the work of artist Jim Kay, who was commissioned in 2015 by publishers Bloomsbury to create the first fully-illustrated edition of J.K. Rowling’s classic story. The first coin in the series depicts Harry Potter himself, and is [available to buy on The Royal Mint website now](https://www.royalmint.com/shop/limited-editions/harry-potter "Royal Mint Harry Potter collection").

No, we’re not Knuts: this is real Muggle money we’re talking about.

In total, the collection will include four coins, each depicting a different scene or character from *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* – including The Hogwarts Express, Dumbledore, and Hogwarts itself.

The first two coins in the collection will feature the portrait of Her Late Majesty, and the final two coins will display the official portrait of King Charles III. The collection is expected to be in high demand, as it is amongst a very few series to include both royal portraits

The [Harry Potter design](https://www.royalmint.com/shop/limited-editions/harry-potter/all/ "Shop Harry Potter coin on The Royal Mint website") is available on a range of denominations, including 50p. Modelled by The Royal Mint Designer Ffion Gwillim based on Jim Kay's illustrations, it's the first of the four designs to be released, with others set to follow in the coming weeks.

For more information on the collection, [visit the Royal Mint website](https://www.royalmint.com/shop/limited-editions/harry-potter "The Harry Potter coin collection on The Royal Mint website"). 

Learn more about Hogwarts Legacy

hogwarts-legacy-promo-for-homepage

hogwarts-legacy-gameplay-still-potions-web-landscape

Two students stirring a cauldron in Potions

Harry Potter: Magic Caster Wand now available

pre-order-magic-caster-wand

honourable-wand-responsive

honourable-wand

A wand presented outside of its box. This is the honourable design for the Magic Caster wand.