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

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

This video explains things rather nicely. 

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## 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...

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## What do we know about Hogwarts school itself? 

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

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## 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.

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

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

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

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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...

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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. 

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Everything you need to know about Squibs

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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## They aren’t quite Muggles

Although like a Muggle they can’t perform magic, a Squib is often far more integrated in the wizarding world. For while a Muggle is as Muggle can be, with Muggle family members and, well, Muggle everything, one of the main differences with a Squib is that they’re related to a witch or wizard, just without the magic. 

As Ron explains to Harry, ‘They’re kind of the opposite of Muggle-born wizards,’ and are often the odd-one-out in one way or the other. 

## But they usually have a stronger affinity with Muggles

For obvious reasons, Squibs usually lead Muggle lifestyles, and are known to be sent to Muggle schools. Some voluntarily choose to cut themselves off from the wizarding world altogether, like Isolt Sayre’s Squib daughter [Martha](/writing-by-jk-rowling/ilvermorny). Others live as allies to wizardkind, like Arabella Figg. And others, living somewhere in the middle, choose to work with wizards but are not very neighbourly to them. Step forward, Argus Filch.

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## They face the same prejudice as Muggle-borns

Due to their lack of magical talent, Squibs are often viewed in the same way as Muggles and Muggle-borns by those who are prejudiced towards the non-magical. Indeed, the word ‘Squib’ itself is used as a slur, which we see used against poor Merope Gaunt. Although we did see that Merope was capable of magic, this severely knocked her confidence. Albus’s sister Ariana Dumbledore, hidden away in a tragic childhood, was falsely rumoured to be a Squib due to her mysterious absence from Hogwarts. 

## One Squib helped turn things around

[Angus Buchanan](/writing-by-jk-rowling/scottish-rugby) did not let being a Squib get the better of him, and wrote an inspirational book, *My Life as a Squib*, in 1900 that helped break the taboos of Squib culture in wizarding society. Angus ended up becoming a star in the Muggle sport of Scottish rugby, and his sporting talents became so well known that wizarding kind fell in love with his inspirational story, not to mention developing an odd interest in rugby.

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The Sorting Ceremony

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## Squibs fought for their rights 

While Eugenia Jenkins was Minister for Magic from 1968 to 1975, [Squib Rights marches began to surface](/writing-by-jk-rowling/ministers-for-magic). However, these marches attracted pure-blood riots.

## Squibs cannot be sorted

During Angus Buchanan’s childhood, he attempted to crash the Sorting Ceremony despite never receiving a Hogwarts letter. Ever wondered what a Sorting Hat does when you’re not magical? Well, it doesn’t put you in a Hogwarts house, but it is very polite about the whole thing, apparently. 

> It had never happened before and it has never happened since, but Angus got as far as the Sorting Hat before he was exposed. In sheer desperation he threw himself ahead of a girl whose name had been called and placed the Hat upon his head. The horror of the moment when the Hat announced kindly that the boy beneath it was a good-hearted chap, but no wizard, would never be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Angus took off the hat and left the hall with tears streaming down his face.  
> *‘Scottish Rugby’, Pottermore*<br>

## Even a twin can be a Squib

Fred and George Weasley may be similar in pretty much every way, but not all wizarding twins perfectly match up. The Patil twins, for example, dwell in different Hogwarts houses. We previously mentioned Martha, a Squib twin from Isolt Sayre’s family. Martha’s sister Rionach, on the other hand, was a witch, and even rumoured to be a Parselmouth. This proves being born magical is very much a lottery.

## There was a Squib in Dolores Umbridge’s family

A notorious hater of Muggle-borns, Dolores Umbridge actually had [a distinctly unmagical family](/writing-by-jk-rowling/dolores-umbridge). Her mother Ellen Cracknell was a Muggle who had a Squib son, which did not make for a particularly tight-knit family unit. Umbridge and her father chastised her mother and brother, and it wasn’t long before the family split in half entirely, with Dolores never hearing from the un-magical half ever again.

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## Squibs have been known to try and teach themselves magic 

Harry learns about Squibs when he comes across a strange letter in caretaker Argus Filch’s possession. Suddenly, it becomes clear why Filch might not be the most accommodating of Hogwarts staff. As it turns out, Filch is a Squib, and has been partaking in a ‘Kwikspell’ course: a set of magical lessons for wizarding beginners. It’s doubtful, however, that he had much luck with it. 

## But Squibs can still immerse themselves in the magical

So the life of the Squib doesn’t sound all too fun, but there can still be a connection to the magical world for them, if they choose. After all, Argus Filch has a lot of trouble with the poltergeist Peeves, but at least shows Squibs can interact with the likes of ghosts. If another wizard is flying a broom, a Squib can happily ride alongside them, which is exactly how Angus Buchanan got to Hogwarts. 

And although Harry isn’t convinced Arabella Figg can see Dementors, she certainly describes their soul-sucking powers rather well, and protests that she can. 

Whatever Squibs can or can’t do, or see and can’t see, they have more than proved their worth in the wizarding world. Power to the Squibs!

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Mrs Figg acts as a witness at Harry's trial, confirming there were Dementors in Little Whinging

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Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

Play our Wizarding World winter wordsearch!

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We're sure you'll do brrr-illiantly.

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For more crosswords and wordsearches, [visit our puzzles hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) or you can enjoy even more Wizarding World challenges in our app. [Gold Members](https://www.wizardingworld.com/harry-potter-fan-club) can also expect weekly puzzle drops. 

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Ranked: The best feel-good moments from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts 

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Harry is facing Buckbeak and reaching towards him during a Care of Magical Creatures lesson.

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**SPOILER WARNING** 

*Contains spoilers for Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts films.*

## ‘Salamander Eyes’ – Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald 

Newt Scamander has a tendency to be a little awkward at times (which is exactly why we love him) and the scene of him flirting (?) with Tina Goldstein was definitely that. But in a very sweet way. It’s not every day a girl gets her eyes compared to a salamander’s – but our favourite Magizoologist did always have a very unique outlook on the world. 

## Meeting Buckbeak – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 

We meet so many amazing fantastical creatures in the wizarding world, from the majestic to... well, Flobberworms. In *Prisoner of Azkaban*, Hagrid introduced his class to Hippogriffs, a magical creature who will only engage with you once you have both bowed. Fair enough. This is a level of respect we can get on board with. In the film, we get to see Harry fly with Buckbeak during an exhilarating scene with an epic score. We want to be friends with a Hippogriff, basically.

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## Luna’s friendship mural – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 

Harry, Ron and Hermione get to visit Luna’s house in Deathly Hallows, and it was no surprise to learn that the house perfectly corresponded to the Lovegoods’ quirky tastes. What did surprise us, in a very lovely way, was discovering that Luna had created a mural, dedicated to her Hogwarts friends, proudly on display in her bedroom. Harry was notably touched by the dedication – and so were we. 

## The Niffler has babies – Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

What’s cuter than a Niffler? Lots of multicoloured mini-Nifflers, that’s what. We were delighted to learn that Newt’s snouty friend had had children in the second Fantastic Beasts film, with the babies already causing all manner of mischief. The champagne cork slow-mo moment, for instance. 

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## Dobby is a free elf – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 

When we first meet Dobby, he is wearing a mangy pillowcase and has a habit of hitting his head on walls to stop him giving away secrets – all symptoms of being the Malfoy family’s house-elf. However, thanks to some sly sock sneaking from Harry, Dobby is finally granted his freedom, as his ‘master’ had given him clothes. Who knew a smelly sock would make us so happy?  

## A cosy Hogwarts Christmas dinner – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 

This bemusing scene from the third Harry Potter book found a very small collective of Hogwarts staff and students jammed together at Christmas time. Not surprisingly, very few students had stuck around that year, due to the threat of Sirius Black on the castle, not to mention the not-very-Christmassy Dementors hanging around Hogwarts. This resulted in a very strange concoction of people enjoying the festive feast with all the tables pushed together. Our favourite moments from it? Dumbledore offering a terrified young first-year called Derek some chipolatas, certainly. And a catty comment from McGonagall to Trelawney that still makes us smirk. Tripe, Sybill?  

## Everything is okay at the end – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 

Another moment from *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets* now – and one of the most cathartic. After a year of horrors for Hogwarts, including Basilisk attacks on unsuspecting students and poor Hagrid sentenced to Azkaban, everything resolved itself at the end-of-term feast, with the Chamber of Secrets closed, the affected students ready to be cured and Hagrid’s triumphant return. This sequence of victories lead to a domino effect of emotions for us dear readers, and the film-version of events is even more emotional, with a huge rapturous round of applause at the end! Our tears! 

## Queenie visits Jacob’s bakery – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 

Back to Fantastic Beasts now, and this reunion scene at the end of the film was a special one for all the Queenie and Jacob fans out there. After being forced to have his memory erased as part of the mass memory cleansing of New York, Jacob seemingly forgets about his adventures with Newt and his romance with the talented Legilimens, Queenie. Or does he? Working in his dream bakery, (where he has started subconsciously baking goods in the shapes of fantastic beasts) Queenie pops in to visit, stopping Jacob in his tracks as they both smile at each other. After a tear-jerking goodbye kiss left us wondering if Jacob would ever know Queenie again – this spark of recognition gave us hope. 

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## Molly and Harry’s hug – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 

This particular moment from Harry Potter is perhaps more bittersweet than feelgood, but a paragraph from the books we will truly never forget. After witnessing the return of Lord Voldemort, Harry is forced to relay the chain of events to Professor Dumbledore, before being sent to the hospital wing for some much-needed sleep, with Mrs Weasley, (who had come to cheer Harry on in the Triwzard Tournament) Sirius and his friends. Although Harry tries to be strong in front of them, Mrs Weasley tells Harry that nothing that happened was his fault – before giving him a hug that is described ‘as if by a mother’. Sob.  

## Harry learns how to cast a Patronus – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 

In the third book, Harry learns of a complicated charm that only works if you summon happy memories – the only way to combat the Dementors of Azkaban. After some frustrating beginnings (with the patient and wise Professor Lupin as his teacher) it is only towards the end of the story that Harry sees his Patronus for the first time – revealed to be a stag, the same as his father’s. As Dumbledore tells Harry, ‘your father is alive in you’.  

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## Luna comforts Harry – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

After losing Sirius at the end of *Order of the Phoenix*, Harry is beside himself with inconsolable grief. But it is not Hermione or Ron who finally get through to him, but Luna, a newer friend. After revealing that she lost her mother at a young age (‘it was quite horrible’ she says in a typically Luna-esque matter of fact way) Harry suddenly feels like he has someone who understands him a little better. And Luna promising Harry that the dead ‘never really leave us’ seemed to give him the comfort he so dearly needed. 

## Harry and Ginny kiss – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 

While Ginny fancied Harry first, it took until the sixth book for Harry to realise he fancied her too. Hurray! But what would Ron think? After a triumphant Quidditch win (spearheaded by Ginny, taking over from Harry while he was banned) the jubilant moment took over Harry, and the pair finally shared their first kiss in a very public fashion. Thankfully, Ron didn’t give Harry much of a hard time about it. 

## Harry learns that he is a wizard – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 

After eleven years as the neglected nephew of the Dursleys, Harry learns that this life is not meant to be, and he is actually a wizard with a whole other world ready to welcome him in. The first few chapters of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* paint a sad childhood for Harry, confined to a cupboard under the stairs and constant coldness from his Aunt and Uncle – often a mystery to Harry. When a half-giant called Hagrid tells him the strange news over a campfire of sausages, Harry may not understand at first, but realises that he was never destined to be stuck with the Dursleys forever. 

## Ron and Hermione finally kiss – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 

After seven books – seven books! – we were beginning to think Ron and Hermione would never bite the bullet and get together, despite years of will-they, won’t-they moments, kisses on the cheeks, jealousy over other partners, and so much bickering you thought they were an old, married couple. For a moment, in *Half-Blood Prince*, we thought they might get together then, with Hermione asking Ron to be her date to Slughorn’s party. But as you know, that didn’t quite work out, not pointing the blame at anyone (Ron) and then Lord Voldemort and Horcrux hunting got in the way of things in Deathly Hallows. So what were the pair to do? Have their first kiss slap-bang in the middle of the battle of Hogwarts. ‘Is this the moment?’ Harry had to ask wearily. But still, we all turned the page with a sigh of relief. 

*What’s your favourite feel-good moment of the Wizarding World?*

Your ultimate Wizarding World Christmas gift guide for 2022

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Oh, what to get… the possibilities are endless. And although we don’t have Hermione’s enchanted beaded bag to fit in absolutely everything, here’s a few ideas, from festive knits to pretty things for the home. 

## A bit of light reading 

### Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Illustrated Edition


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A selection of Harry Potter books alongside some festive decorations.

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This year, the fifth instalment of Bloomsbury’s Illustrated Edition series was released, celebrating the visual stylings of Jim Kay and Neil Packer. This time around, you can enjoy new artistic interpretations of the characters introduced to us in *Order of the Phoenix*, from the dastardly Dolores Umbridge to the delightful Luna Lovegood, and immerse yourselves in some of the book’s epic moments, such as the assembling of Dumbledore’s Army or the [showdown in the Department of Mysteries](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/important-moments-battle-of-department-of-mysteries)

Pick up the book here from [Bloomsbury's website.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the-phoenix-9781408845684?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

### The Magic of MinaLima: Celebrating the Graphic Design Studio Behind the Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Films

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The graphic design team behind the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films are [looking back at two decades worth of hard work](https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/minalima-new-celebration-book), bringing the Wizarding World to life in all sorts of ways. This new compendium gives you a behind-the-scenes looks at the most memorable Wizarding World props and pieces, such as the Daily Prophet, Marauder’s Map and more.

[Visit MinaLima's official website](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://minalima.com/product/the-magic-of-minalima?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop) to check out the book where you could pick up a hand-signed copy.

## Something pretty 

### Nordic Christmas Throw 


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This year, the Harry Potter shop has a delightful Nordic Christmas collection to browse – absolutely perfect for those who like a minimalistic style and ideal for these winter months. This heavy weight, cosy green fleece would be just splendid for a snuggle on the sofa. More like Hygge-warts rather than Hogwarts, you might say!

[Take a look at it here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://www.harrypottershop.co.uk/products/nordic-christmas-throw?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

## Something epic 

### Nordic Christmas Trunk / Joyeux Noel Christmas Trunk 

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Joyeux Noel - Christmas Trunk

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If you’re looking for something extra-special this year, try out these Nordic Christmas trunks, which will sate the most dedicated of Harry Potter fans, complete with a unique style. Very capacious extremis!

[Take a look!](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://harrypottershop.co.uk/products/joyeux-noel-christmas-gift-trunk?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

### Harry Potter: Magic Caster Wand 

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A lit up version of the Loyal Wand, one of the four designs of the Magic Caster product.

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This upcoming product boasts the “ultimate wand experience” – and will allow you to create real magic in your home with a variety of wizarding world spells to learn through a companion app. Use the wand and app to interact with smart devices to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience!

Available in different designs, your Magic Caster Wand will help you become the skilled witch or wizard you’ve always wanted to be. Swish and flick your way to greatness!

[You can pre-order right here.](https://www.harrypottermagiccasterwand.co.uk/?UTM_Source=wwd_web&UTM_Medium=giftguidearticle&UTM_Campaign=Wands&utm_content=PreOrderGeneral?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

## Festive fashion

### Deck the Great Hall / Christmas Spirit Jersey

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This friendly and sparkly sweatshirt boasts all four Hogwarts houses, complete with a brilliant Great Hall Christmas tree. Cosy and colourful, you’ll be the life of the Harry Potter party in this little number.

[Take a look.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://harrypottershop.co.uk/products/deck-the-great-hall-spirit-jersey?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

### Nordic Adult Christmas pyjamas 


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Is it really Christmas without a new set of pyjamas? Surely not. This set, boasting the new festive Nordic design in a lovely shade of pine-green, are quite simply adorable. You get extra cosy bonus points if you grab these. 

[Snap them up here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://harrypottershop.co.uk/products/nordic-adult-christmas-pyjamas?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

### Joyeux Noel Knitted Christmas 


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Come on, admit it, we all love a [cheesy, retro Christmas jumper](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://harrypottershop.co.uk/products/joyeux-noel-knitted-christmas-jumper?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop) – and this one is particularly merry. Complete with glasses and lightning bolt motifs alongside the traditional snowflakes, this vintage style knit is extremely charming. Would Mrs Weasley be jealous? 

## Experiences 

### Warner Bros Studio Tour London Gift Tickets


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Perhaps you are a terrible gift-wrapper and simply want to get someone a nice, easy voucher. A highly relatable feeling. Sometimes an experience might be more preferable than an object, and this one from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London might be just the ticket. 

A trip to the Studio Tour is a guaranteed magical day out – with the space now boasting a more bountiful selection of displays than ever before, from a spooky Forbidden Forest, to a resplendent Gringotts bank.

Have a look at the [website's latest offerings here.](https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/gift-tickets/souvenir-gift-ticket/?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

### Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration (Milan, Montreal, Houston, Mexico City)

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New for this year is an exciting pop-up Yule Ball experience, which promises a day of dancing, feasting and fancy festivities. If you know someone who lives in the four territories of the Yule Ball experience, Milan, Montreal, Houston or Mexico City, you could gift them their own personal Triwizard Tournament fantasy. 

[Learn more about it at the official website.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://harrypotteryuleballcelebration.com/?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

### A trip to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 

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The magic of the eighth Harry Potter story has traversed all over the world, with productions of the hit play currently open in London, New York, Melbourne, Hamburg, Toronto and Tokyo. [Visit the global website to look at ticket info and bring a loved one for an unforgettable day out at the theatre.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

Be sure to check our [Discover Experiences](https://www.wizardingworld.com/discover/experiences) section of the website, if you fancy having a browse of other real-life Harry Potter adventures you could partake in!

## Stocking fillers 

### Joeux Noel Cookie Jar 

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If you have a little cookie monster in your life, this cookie jar with Quidditch stylings could be a great little gift for them. It has a Snitch on the lid!! Need we say more? 

[Take a look.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://harrypottershop.co.uk/products/joyeux-noel-cookie-jar?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

### Nordic Tea Light Dome 


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This beautiful snowy white tea-light is Hedwig-themed, and would surely be the pride of your mantelpiece. Ornate, clean and classic, this would be the perfect little stocking filler for those house-proud Harry Potter fans.

[Available right this way.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://harrypottershop.co.uk/products/nordic-tealight-dome)

### Joeux Noel Jumper Mug Set 


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### Joeux Noel Jumper Mug Set 

Is your day punctuated by multiple cups of tea? We completely understand. And you know what your cup of tea needs in these cold, winter months? A cute little Mrs Weasley-style jumper! We are, quite frankly, obsessed. This set provides gorgeous embellished cups, and then a little Harry or Ron cosy to go over the top. 

[Here's where to get your own.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://harrypottershop.co.uk/products/joyeux-noel-jumper-mug-set?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

## For the kids 

### LEGO® Harry Potter™: Holidays at Hogwarts™ 

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LEGO® + Christmas. They just go together like cheese and crackers. New for this year, [this lovely illustrated book](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://www.lego.com/en-gb/product/hogwarts-at-christmas-5007214?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop) (for ages 6 and up) might be a lovely gift for a young one. The book contains many festive facts about the wizarding world, with full-colour spreads of your favourite characters and locations, all immortalized in LEGO®, of course. This gift also comes with a little Harry Potter minifigure, dressed for Christmas in his dapper Yule Ball robes. 

### Kyte Baby x Harry Potter collection

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Models and young children modelling Harry Potter-themed sleepwear.

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Texas-based baby and toddler clothing company Kyte have launched a new Harry Potter collaboration, boasting a number of Wizarding World-themed pieces in soft bamboo, perfect for sensitive baby’s skin. Three prints are used across the products, including Flight, which focuses on flying creatures, Herbology, which uses magical plant motifs and Icons, which looks at the most memorable Harry Potter iconography, such as the Golden Snitch, Deathly Hallows symbol and lightning bolt scar. Extremely cute, soft and snuggly. 

[Take a gander at the website.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://kytebaby.com/pages/kyte-baby-x-harry-potter?_pos=1&_psq=harry&_ss=e&_v=1.0?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

### Wizarding World Harry Potter, Magical Minis Diagon Alley 3-in-1 Playset


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This Wizarding World playset is the perfect setting for your adventures, with three Diagon Alley shops included: Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Eeylops Owl Emporium and Florian Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour. Featuring two exclusive 3- inch Hermione Granger and Fred Weasley dolls, 21 accessories, and lights and sounds.

[Here's a closer look.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/brand/harry-potter-brand/harry-potter/wizarding-world-harry-potter-magical-minis-diagon-alley-3-in-1-playset/p/209913?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=christmasgiftguide2022&utm_content=Shop)

***

Phew! OK, one last thing! For a different sort of online shopping experience, [try the new Harry Potter Shop 360 experience](https://exploreuk.harrypottershop.co.uk/utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=giftguide_spot&utm_campaign=Shop&utm_content=christmas1511), where you can live your ultimate wizarding world shopping spree fantasy from the comfort of your own home. 

***

*Merchandise purchased via the Harry Potter Shop or one of the third party sites is subject to availability and stocks are limited. The Harry Potter Shop is operated by Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden Limited. Before making any purchase from the Harry Potter Shop or one of the third party sites, please ensure that you read and are happy to agree to their respective terms of purchase. Any issues with your purchase from The Harry Potter Shop should be directed to Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden Limited. Any issues with your purchase from one of the third party sites should be directed to the respective third party as provided in the terms of purchase on their site.*

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

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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?

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## 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.

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## 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.

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## 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. 

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## 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!  

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## 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)

Take a look inside MinaLima’s new twenty-year celebration book 

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Entitled *The Magic of MinaLima: Celebrating the Graphic Design Studio Behind the Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Films*, the design team’s latest publication goes more personal than you’ve seen before, revealing a scrapbook of letters that the designers sent to each other in the beginning, alongside concept art pieces and research documents that would lead to some of the most iconic props in the Wizarding World stories.

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From the Hogwarts acceptance letter (handwritten by one half of the MinaLima duo, Mira) to the *Daily Prophet* newspapers, this gorgeously detailed compendium leaves no stone unturned when it comes to the meticulous level of thinking that went behind the magical objects you see in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Each page is an explosion of colour and imagination, as you can see here.

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Each section of the book is themed around the element of the Wizarding World being celebrated, such as this Luna Lovegood-inspired spread, displaying her Quibbler covers and iconic pink Spectrespecs. 

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If you’re a budding artist looking for an inspirational story, this book certainly contains many.

***

*The Magic of MinaLima: Celebrating the Graphic Design Studio Behind the Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Films* is exclusively available from the House of MinaLima and [minalima.com](https://minalima.com/) from Friday 14th October, with general UK release following on 27th October. Mira and Eduardo will be offering signed copies from the website and London gallery.

German influencers take part in ‘Magical Escape’ event with audiobook narrator Rufus Beck 

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In the beautiful Saxony-Anhault, the wizarding world came to life earlier this month in Germany’s Wernigerode Castle, in a special interactive event called Magical Escape. Maren and Tobias Wolf, Angie (Magieverliebt), Yasmin (Yasminmiina), and Julia (Friederikefox) were put through their paces with a series of Harry Potter-themed challenges, from quizzes to finding the Golden Snitch – and at the end, surprised with the appearance of Rufus Beck. 

![magical-escape-1](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/1vkfxTtsaisTIkFMDTuIZx/a165c95ab02a6bb12be2cb84e74905fc/IMG_6715.jpeg)

Besides his work on stage, on film and on television, Rufus is perhaps best known for his narration of the German translations of the Harry Potter audiobooks. Rufus hosted an audiobook workshop, spending time with each influencer individually to narrate a section from the books with them. Surrounded by recording equipment, and with headphones firmly on, each influencer took it in turns to stand in a private booth, and took instruction from Rufus on timings, tone and enunciation.

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With the castle dressed up to feel like a wizarding world location, the influencers couldn’t help take a trip down memory lane, sharing which Harry Potter character resonates with them the most.

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For Angie, this character is Luna Lovegood. “Luna doesn’t care what others think of her; she does what she likes and stays true to herself. She is a loyal friend and there for everyone even in difficult situations. I think everyone should be a little bit more like Luna!”

![magical-escape-4](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/349UZXkL5aF1M6vcmFYZhq/1408de5c0386d6177b95157c415b9caa/51.jpeg)

Julia also opted for Luna Lovegood, “because she has no prejudice against others and no matter how bad things get, she always perseveres. She has an original, quirky appearance, which I particularly like. She doesn't lie and always speaks the truth.”

![magical-escape-4](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/kjpywJgy2Hes8XRPBKHac/58b90aaacf8d629b028e24a19cc7cb5f/IMG_6737.jpeg)

Yasmin’s favourite is Severus Snape as “he shows that there can be so much more to a character than meets the eye.”

And there you have it. The magic of Harry Potter takes many mediums – and to learn more about the audio formats, [visit the Audible website.](https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Wizarding-World-Audiobooks/B07CMBYBM8)

Harry Potter: Magic Caster Wand now available

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