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Why did Voldemort need the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone so much?

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The idea of [a Philosopher’s Stone](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-philosophers-stone) has been around for a very long time. In fact, it was once believed to exist and was thought to have been created by the real Nicolas Flamel. The Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone of the Harry Potter story is similar to the one of legend. Both can change metal into gold, both produce the Elixir of Life (which makes you immortal) and both were said to be created by Flamel.

It was the Elixir of Life that drove Voldemort’s desire for the Stone. At that moment in time, he was in a state between life and death. He had no physical form and only had one when sharing the body of another – like he did with Professor Quirrell. Voldemort had been existing as ‘Mere shadow and vapour’ (as he put it) since the night he murdered Lily and James Potter and had attempted to kill Harry.

When Lily Potter sacrificed her life to save her son, the love she demonstrated protected Harry. So, when Voldemort turned his wand on him, instead of Harry dying, it broke Voldemort apart (and this was when Harry ended up getting his famous lightning bolt scar). It was also this love and protection that meant Quirrell was unable to touch Harry. It would be agony for someone like Quirrell, who was full of hatred and was sharing a soul with Voldemort, to touch someone who had been marked by something so good.

Voldemort’s desire to beat death and become immortal was also why he and Quirrell ended up slaying innocent unicorns. Drinking the blood of a unicorn would keep someone alive – even if they were an inch from death. However, it is considered an act of evil to kill something so pure. As a result, from the moment the blood touched someone’s lips, they would be condemned to live a cursed life.

Yet, the unicorn blood did restore some of Voldemort’s strength. If he had also been able to get his hands on the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone, this combination would have been enough for him to create a body of his own and he would no longer need to share. While Voldemort was thwarted by three eleven-year-olds, he did not die at the end of the book because something that isn’t fully alive cannot be killed.

Overall, Voldemort was desperate to get his hands on the Stone to restore his body, his power and to try to find a way to beat death. While he was unsuccessful this time, you can be sure that this wasn’t the last time he hunted for a way to extend his life...

Explore more themes around the ending of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone* [here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/week-five-facing-fears-with-friends)

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

Which member of the Order of the Phoenix are you most like?

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## If you’re a rebel with a strong-will, you’re most like Sirius Black

Are you somebody that doesn’t like to follow orders? Are you confident with a will of iron? Then you’re probably a lot like Harry’s (sometimes reckless) godfather Sirius Black. A rebel since his school days, Sirius had an excellent knack for choosing to ignore the rules which got in his way – though quite often for noble reasons. From [becoming an unregistered Animagus](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/web-how-do-you-become-animagus) to keep his fellow Marauder Remus company, to risking his life to visit Harry during the Triwizard Tournament, Sirius’s resolve to do what he believed to be right was unwavering. Even the walls of Azkaban couldn’t stop him when he found out where Peter Pettigrew was – now that’s determination.

If you have ever been described as stubborn or found yourself in hot water for bending the rules a little bit… at least you’re in good company.

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## If you’re loving but fierce, you’re most like Molly Weasley

Molly Weasley may not have been a member of the first Order of the Phoenix but she was certainly a welcome addition to the second. With her nurturing nature and excellent magical ability, she managed to turn the headquarters at Grimmauld Place into somewhere remotely habitable. She was also unafraid to love. We will always remember the way she unquestioningly made Harry a member of the Weasley family and became the mother figure he so desperately needed. 

However, Molly was not purely sweetness and light and could be as fierce as a Hungarian Horntail. Who can forget her phenomenal defeat of Bellatrix Lestrange? Or the way she kept her many children (and others) in line? She certainly was not a witch to be messed with. So, if you’re someone who cares deeply but is unafraid to fight for a better world for those they love, we think you’re most like Molly Weasley.

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## If you’re someone who sticks up for the underdog, you’re most like Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin was certainly many things (the words clever, kind and principled spring to mind) but one key element to his personality was that he always stood up for the underdog. Remus was an outsider who was shunned and treated terribly by a large portion of the wizarding community because he was a werewolf. However, rather than allowing it to turn him into a bitter and resentful man, he instead channelled it into trying to make sure that nobody else was made to feel small. One example of this is when he was a professor at Hogwarts and wouldn’t allow Snape to belittle Neville’s ability. Instead he asked Neville to help him demonstrate how to successfully banish a Boggart and probably helped to raise his self-esteem in the process. 

It takes real strength to be able to stand up for those who sometimes can’t do it themselves and we can imagine how hard that is [for someone who can be a bit introverted](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/a-celebration-of-the-introverts-of-the-wizarding-world). But if you’re a quiet person who doesn’t tolerate bullies, then your personality is similar to Remus Lupin’s.

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## If you’re imaginative and a little eccentric, you’re most like Albus Dumbledore 

Dumbledore’s mind was certainly incredible, and you’d be pressed to find anyone else with that level of knowledge or with that many interests. Who else could discover the twelve uses of dragon’s blood, come up with the Mirror or Erised obstacle, be skilled at speaking Mermish and have time for tenpin bowling? Albus’s mind worked in a way that not many could understand, and his imagination had no bounds. Maybe this sounds similar to you? Are you someone who is often struck with a brilliant thought when doing something completely off the wall? Do you have a reputation for being a little eccentric or for thinking differently to those around you? If this has struck a chord, then you and Albus Dumbledore have a lot in common.


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## If you’re brave but a bit skittish, you’re most like Alastor Moody

Alastor Moody was one of the most fearless Aurors to exist. He had dealt with all kinds of dark and horrible things – including being kidnapped and held hostage in a trunk for a year. While his bravery never diminished, there is no doubt that he often expected (and was always prepared) for the worst eventuality. While that may seem rather pessimistic, Moody was astute enough to know that failing to prepare meant preparing to fail. What is even more impressive is that despite always thinking the worst would happen, Moody never backed down or ran away from a difficult situation.

That strength is a rare quality, and if you are someone who doesn’t back down from a challenge, is prepared for every eventuality and doesn’t allow the expectation of something bad happening stop you, then you and Mad-Eye Moody are cut from the same cloth.

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## If you’re fun-loving with excellent style, you’re most like Nymphadora Tonks

Do you love to experiment with your look? Can you find joy and warmth in dark times? Do people say that you’re a riot and a hoot?  If this sounds like you, we believe your personality matches that of Nymphadora Tonks. From the moment she burst into Privet Drive with her pink hair and devil-may-care attitude, Tonks was a breath of fresh air. Though she had a very serious job and was married to quite a serious man, she also knew how to appreciate the lighter moments in life. Whether she was rocking bubble-gum or violet coloured hair, regaling the youngsters with her tales of mischief or simply trying to make someone laugh, she certainly lit up a room – and if this sounds anything like you we think you’re pretty awesome too. 

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Tonks in the Ministry of Magic from the Order of the Phoenix.

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## If you’re a commanding but reassuring presence, you’re most like Kingsley Shacklebolt 

When a crisis occurs who do people turn to? You? Great – we think this make you like Kingsley Shacklebolt. 

Kingsley was a man who certainly had a reputation for being reliable and capable. In fact, his presence was so reassuring even the wizard-hating Vernon Dursley took to him in a way he hadn’t taken to any other wizard (he even said he was the best). From impressing the Muggle Prime Minister with his work ethic to being a well-respected Minister for Magic, Kingsley was always in control, reliable and a worthy leader. If you can take charge of a situation without ruffling feathers or becoming domineering, then you’re like Kingsley.

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## If you believe that things aren’t just black and white, you’re most like Severus Snape

Sometimes things are not black and white or good and evil – as Sirius Black would say, ‘We’ve all got both light and dark inside us’. Sometimes we might do the right thing for the wrong reasons and the wrong thing for the right reasons – and nobody embodies this sentiment quite like Severus Snape. 

Snape is a character that can’t be pinned down and there is evidence of right and wrong in almost all the decisions he makes. On the one hand, he seemed to despise Harry with a passion and enjoyed tormenting him. On the other, he risked and eventually sacrificed his life so that Harry could defeat Voldemort. His motivations are not always obvious, and his actions can be surprising – his undying love for Lily was certainly something you didn’t expect. If you’re someone who can see the shades of grey in a situation and believes that nuance is important we think you share some personality traits with Snape (though not his passion for the Dark Arts).

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Everything you need to know about the Dementors’ Kiss

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The Dementors’ Kiss is like something out of your most feared horror film: when the deadly Dementors suck out a victim’s soul. But how much do we know about this tragic punishment?  

## So just how bad is it?

Picture for a moment, those most terrifying of magical creatures, the Dementors. Cloaked in dark hoods, with slimy-looking, decayed hands and – shudder – no eyes. Imagine them advancing towards you, causing the air to freeze and bringing all of your worst fears and traumas to life. Then imagine them clamping their jaws on your mouth and sucking out your soul. Horrifying, isn’t it? 

## What are the effects?

When Harry first heard about the Dementors’ Kiss in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, he assumed it was a curse that killed. But it was so much worse than that. Professor Lupin explained to Harry that it was possible to ‘exist without your soul’ – but that’s all it would be; *existing*, not living in any sense of the word. You were effectively ‘an empty shell’.

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A swarm of Dementors arrive at the Quidditch Match.

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## Who suffers the Dementors’ Kiss?

Barty Crouch Jr, for one.

> Harry felt a chill in his stomach, as Professor McGonagall struggled to find words to describe what had happened. He did not need her to finish her sentence. He knew what the Dementor must have done. It had administered its fatal Kiss to Barty Crouch. It had sucked his soul out through his mouth. He was worse than dead.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

Shortly after confessing his traitorous deeds disguised as Mad-Eye Moody, the tortured Barty Crouch Jr had his very soul sucked from him. The order came from misguided Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, who didn’t account for the fact that Barty would be rendered unable to testify about Voldemort’s return. 

## Any near misses? 

Absolutely. In the presence of a Dementor, the threat of their terrible Kiss was ever present. It was thanks to quick wit and an abundance of advanced magical skill that these characters were spared this fate worse than death in the first seven stories. 

## Harry Potter

Harry was plagued by the Dementors, who feasted on misery and wanted to leech happiness and joy from everyone they encountered. Harry was especially vulnerable because he experienced such a lonely, unhappy childhood and was haunted by tragic memories. 

But Harry took matters into his own hands, seeking help from Professor Lupin in mastering the Patronus charm, so that he may ward off the Dementors by summoning his happiest memories. Touchingly, they most often featured Ron and Hermione, whose friendship saved him in so many ways. And by learning this notoriously difficult charm, Harry was able to save many of his nearest and dearest, too.

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## Sirius Black

Harry’s godfather Sirius Black endured 12 years in solitary confinement in Azkaban for a crime he did not commit. By focusing on his innocence he was able to survive and escape the merciless Dementors, and would later narrowly avoid the Dementors’ Kiss with help from his godson.

## Dudley Dursley

Dudders certainly didn’t count as one of Harry’s dearest, but Harry was certainly nearest to him when Dementors struck in Little Whinging – and he had no choice but to break wizarding law and cast a Patronus to save his cousin’s soul. Given Dudley’s appalling treatment of Harry over the years, you’d be hard pressed to know he even *had* a soul, but this horrific ordeal did mark a shift in their relationship.

## Mary Cattermole

During her trial by the Muggle-Born Registration Commission, Mary Cattermole found herself in the presence of the Dementors and that other nasty piece of work, Dolores Umbridge. When the disguised Harry had enough of Umbridge’s lies and was momentarily distracted, the Dementors attempted their dreaded Kiss. Luckily for Mrs Cattermole, Harry saved her just in time, before encouraging her to get as far away as possible.

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## Hermione Granger

Hermione Granger was arguably the finest young witch of her generation, though the Patronus was the one spell she found difficult. But being Hermione Granger, she could of course still conjure her otter in times of need. On other chilling occasions, Harry was by her side with his stag to save them. 

## Ron Weasley

Like Hermione, Ron wasn’t directly threatened with a Dementors’ Kiss, but he had several close and frightening encounters. The worst could be said to be during the Battle of Hogwarts, following the tragic death of his beloved brother Fred. Hungrily seeking out grief and despair, the Dementors found Ron, Harry and Hermione easy targets. Thank goodness for Dumbledore’s Army, then: the trio were saved at the wands of Luna, Ernie and Seamus.

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The Quidditch World Cup quiz

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Good luck!

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Discover Harry Potter with our new web series

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Cursed Child celebrates 7 year anniversary: your latest updates on all territories 

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Pictured (L–R): Benjamin Papac as Albus Potter and Jon Steiger as Scorpius Malfoy in the San Francisco production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Photo credit: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

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As *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* enjoys its latest worldwide anniversary, you can watch the various actors who play Harry Potter across the world get ready for their shows in this new montage. Take a look at all the current Harrys, as seen in London, New York, San Francisco, Melbourne, Hamburg, Toronto and Tokyo right here. 

Seven Harrys | Cursed Child 2022 Anniversary

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This weekend marks seven years since the award-winning production first opened in London’s West End, and since then, *Cursed Child* has been making waves across the globe, including new shows opening in Japan and Canada this year.

Alas, as some doors open, some must close, as it was revealed this week that the production of *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* in San Francisco is set to close 11th September, marking the show as the longest-running play in the history of the city. 

‘We are extremely proud of our San Francisco production,’ said producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender. ‘To be the longest running play in the city is an amazing achievement. We would like to thank all our cast, company and creative team for getting us to this incredible milestone. There is a rich culture of arts and theatre here, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to San Francisco audiences for embracing our play.’

To commemorate the closure, the San Francisco production will be putting on extra performances of the show, so fans who haven’t had a chance to see it yet can snap up tickets. [You can learn more about that from the official website.](https://sf.harrypottertheplay.com/)

Elsewhere, productions of *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* continue to cast their spell globally, currently playing to sold-out audiences at the Palace Theatre, London, UK; at the Lyric Theatre, New York, US; at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto, Canada; and at the TBS Akasaka ACT Theatre, Tokyo, Japan. The play has also broken records as the longest running play in Australia and Hamburg at the Princess theatre, Melbourne, Australia; and at the Mehr! Theater, Hamburg, Germany respectively. 

In fact, *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* has now been seen by over 5 million people worldwide. Have you immersed yourself in the eighth story yet? 

You can learn more about the play, including character guides, quizzes and behind-the-scenes videos at our [Cursed Child hub.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/cursed-child-collection)

Immerse yourself in the first Harry Potter book with our brand-new Starting Harry Potter hub 

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This year marks 25 years since J.K. Rowling's first Harry Potter book was published – introducing several generations to Harry’s adventures at Hogwarts. But is there a young person in your life who has yet to discover the magic of the wizarding world? We have a fun digital treat for you and them this summer that is the perfect entry point. 

Introducing [StartingHarryPotter.com](http://startingharrypotter.com/?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=shp-2022), our new interactive space for children and parents, carers or teachers alike to enjoy all the elements of the first book in an enchanting new way. 

If you are brand new to J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World, this handy website will serve as your friendly guide on what to expect (complete with a checklist of everything you’ll need) and an opportunity to read the first chapter of the book online. Or, if you prefer, you can listen to the first chapter via the UK audiobook, as lovingly narrated by Stephen Fry.

The hub will have a selection of games to partake in, such as Remembrall Rush, where you can test your memory, or Trapdoor Trials, which will quiz you on a series of interesting conundrums. You can also design your very own Hogwarts crest or flip through our miniature interactive polls to impart your own thoughts on the wizarding world. Our snackable Harry Potter guides will help newcomers educate themselves swiftly, such as pronunciation guides (Hermione’s name used to get us too!) or fast-track summaries on Quidditch and the Hogwarts houses.  

We’ll also have the usual slew of puzzles and quizzes to keep you on your toes too, alongside craft tutorials for all you budding creatives out there. Our friends, Bloomsbury and Scholastic, who publish Harry Potter in the UK and US respectively, have also contributed to the Starting Harry Potter hub, with an assortment of activities for you to try out with others. There will even be a section for fans to send in Harry Potter artwork for us ([try it out here!](https://submit.startingharrypotter.com/)) to display as proudly as a portrait on a Hogwarts wall. 

Worried your wizarding world knowledge isn’t tip-top yet? Never fear, our Discover section will give you a potted (mind the pun) history of key characters, spells, objects or location syou encounter in the first book. Then you can play our challenges to your heart’s content. 

We don’t just have the hub for you to enjoy, either. To celebrate Starting Harry Potter, the first Harry Potter audiobook is available to stream free on Alexa from Audible in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese, beginning on July 1st and through August 15th by saying: “Alexa, read Harry Potter Book One.”

So, there you have it. And to all you Harry Potter experts out there who are the sort to get 112% on a Charms exam, we won’t blame you if you fancy starting the Harry Potter books from the very beginning too and visiting our hub also. It is the 25th anniversary, after all!

Visit [StartingHarryPotter.com](http://startingharrypotter.com?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=nav&utm_campaign=shp-2022) today for a bewitching interactive experience. Maybe Muggle technology isn’t so bad after all. And if you want to submit any artwork, please do! [Right here.](https://submit.startingharrypotter.com/)

While you’re with us, you can [register with the Harry Potter Fan Club](https://my.wizardingworld.com/login) today to get sorted into your Hogwarts house or discover other things about your wizarding identity. You can also download our Harry Potter Fan Club app, the perfect tool for wannabe wizards on the go. 

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Bloomsbury celebrate 25th anniversary of Philosopher’s Stone with special edition book and asking fans their top memories 

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__Image © Bloomsbury, Aashfaria A. Anwar__

We’re sure UK-based Harry Potter fans remember the first book well – that big scarlet train, Harry’s inquisitive face... and now, you can revisit it, 25 years on, with this special version produced by Bloomsbury, with some additional features, such as drawings from J.K. Rowling’s archive and the original iconic cover art by Thomas Taylor. 

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You can learn more about this [edition from Bloomsbury here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bloomsbury.com/uk/harry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone--25th-anniversary-edition-9781526646651/)

Bloomsbury also asked a selection of fans to dig into their Pensieves and extract their early memories of the first book, some of which you can watch below. 


25th anniversary | Bloomsbury ask fans for their favourite Harry Potter memories 

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In the video, we meet fans such as Ben, who learnt to ‘accept yourself, love yourself’ from the books. Charlotte talks about her dyslexia growing up but says that Harry Potter helped her get through it. “That book opened up a relationship for me with literature. I will forever be grateful for the accessibility the Harry Potter books offered me,” she says. 

Bloomsbury also chatted to fans like Catie, who reminisced about “struggling to fit in at school because I was more interested in books and knowledge than sport”, while Amy told a moving tale about finding the books after falling behind at school after heart surgery. “I had never read a full book before (outside of school) and the thought of reading was daunting. But I decided to give it a go. I slowly read the 1st book, which took me about 3 months (my reading and writing was still very behind back then) but I loved every word.”

Inspired, we also decided to take a little trip down memory lane and asked our followers for some of their memories too. We just simply can’t have enough of your stories! 

Susan on Facebook picked a favourite moment we’re sure you can relate to: “I was hooked from the first page but my favourite part is when Hagrid blasts the door open on that island shack, tells Harry he is a wizard and tells Dursley to go stuff it. Then off they go in that row-boat to the start of Harry's amazing new life.”

Laura on Instagram said: “I picked up my copy from a school car boot sale wen the third book had just been released and I got hooked on the magic. I found out years later this was a first edition.” 

Vale on Twitter said: “I was 7 years old when I found *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* under the Christmas tree. I read it during holidays, and I was so into it that I played scenes with my sister. We used what we had for costumes and props (magic wands were straws wrapped in aluminium paper.”

25 years on, and people still remember the exact moment they entered the wizarding world. Here’s to a very special silver anniversary – and onwards to the next! 

__Please note: the answers to this article have been edited for spelling/grammar/clarity.__