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The wizarding world cryptic crossword #6

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Try our latest cryptic brainteaser for those with Hermione-level brains.

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For more puzzles, crosswords and wordsearches, [visit our puzzles hub.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles)

Our previous cryptics can be found here!

[Cryptic Crossword 1](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/wizarding-world-cryptic-crossword) <br>
[Cryptic Crossword 2](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/another-wizarding-world-cryptic-crossword) <br> 
[Cryptic Crossword 3](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/cryptic-crossword-3) <br>
[Cryptic Crossword 4](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/cryptic-crossword-4) <br>
[Cryptic Crossword 5](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/cryptic-crossword-5) <br>

The cosy autumnal crossword

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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Crack the clues before the last of the autumn leaves fall.

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[See our latest wordsearches, crosswords and Number Magic puzzles over at our hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles)


True or False: The Sorting edition

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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and the Philosopher's Stone 

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We bet every single student that attended Hogwarts remembers the moment they were sorted. But what can you recall? Can you sort your Gryffindors from your Hufflepuffs? Or your Ravenclaws from your Slytherins? Take our quiz and see…

Which wizarding world shop would be your favourite?

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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## If you dream of owning a million pets… you’d go to the Magical Menagerie 
Animals are better than people. They’re less complicated, more loving and easier to understand than any human. If you believe that statement to be true, then the Magical Menagerie is where we would find you. As an animal lover, you would be enthralled by what this shop has to offer. There are black rats who can skip using their tails, a giant tortoise with a jewel-encrusted shell, a white rabbit who can turn into a top hat and it was even the original home of our favourite half-cat half-Kneazle, [Crookshanks](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/crookshanks)! This shop might not be for everyone – on account of the noise and the smell – but it would be a haven for you. You’d make friends with all the creatures and would quickly start growing your own menagerie of pets.

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## If you fancy a career as a comedian… you’d go to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes
There is always room for a little more happiness in the world. Everyone can do with a good chuckle, and you have a talent for making people laugh until their sides ache. As a budding comedian, you are always looking to add to your repertoire, and for that there’s no better shop than [Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes](/fact-file/locations/weasleys-wizard-wheezes). Whether you’re stocking up on items for your Skiving Snackboxes, picking up some U-No-Poo or purchasing a few trick wands, you’ll find exactly what you need. And as someone who is always looking for the joy in life, we think you’d be drawn to the look of the shop too with its bright colours and festive atmosphere. It would be your little happy oasis where you could escape from those devoid of a sense of humour, swap ideas with fellow mischief-makers and brush up on your (already considerable) skills as a comic.

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Fred and George Weasley standing behind a table in Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes while surrounded by products.

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## If fashion is your passion… you’d go to Madam Malkin’s
Do you like to keep up with the latest catwalk trends? Can you spot a designer handbag from fifty paces? Do you spend hours shopping for the perfect item to complete your look? Then we think [Madam Malkin’s](/fact-file/locations/madam-malkins-robes-for-all-occasions) is the ideal shop for you. Full of exquisite fabrics, beautiful prints and selling everything from school uniforms to dress robes, this is the place to be for any wizarding fashion icon. No matter your style, whether you favour a gothic look (like Severus Snape) or have a more eclectic style (like Luna Lovegood), you are sure to find something here. We can just see you now, trying on every single item in the shop, having fun finding the best hat to go with your new robes and putting together an outfit that is simply showstopping.

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## If you have an unwavering thirst for knowledge… you’d go to Flourish and Blotts
Nestled in the heart of Diagon Alley is a treasure trove of magical information – [Flourish and Blotts](/fact-file/locations/flourish-and-blotts). This wizarding bookstore is full to the brim with books covering every topic you could dream of. Want to read up on Gilderoy Lockhart’s (supposed) adventures? You’ll find them all at Flourish and Blotts. Want to take a leaf out of Percy’s book and read *Prefects Who Gained Power*? Flourish Blotts has a copy. Want to get stuck into *Curses and Counter-Curses (Bewitch your Friends and Befuddle your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and much, much more)*? You guessed it, Flourish and Blotts has that too. This would be the perfect shop for someone who has a curious nature and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. If this sounds like you, and you’re someone who can spend happily spend hours – or even days – getting lost down rabbit holes of research, facts and stories, then we think you’d be at your happiest here.

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## If you wish you could live on sweets… you’d go to Honeydukes 
Chocolate Frogs! Fizzing Whizzbees! Pepper Imps! Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans! These are just a handful of the delectable treats that can be found at [Honeydukes](/fact-file/locations/honeydukes). Crammed from floor to ceiling with all manner of sweets, this shop is a dream come true for every person with a sweet tooth. If you’re the type of person who would happily order dessert before their main course in a restaurant and have been told by your dentist that you should maybe go a bit easier on the sugar, then we can confidently say that this would be your favourite shop. You would spend hours browsing the shelves and would try everything in the shop at least once – even the Acid Pops! And we have no doubt you’d be in sugary heaven.

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## If you want to know more about yourself… you’d go to Ollivanders
Are you somebody who is always keen to discover more about yourself? Have you taken every personality quiz available? And are you a fan of star signs and know all the traits of yours like the back of your hand? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then we think that [Ollivanders](/fact-file/locations/ollivanders) would interest you. As Ollivander says, the wand chooses the wizard and each one is unique. The core, wood type and even flexibility are suited to the different personality traits of each individual witch or wizard. For example, wands made out of alder wood are right for those who are helpful, considerate and are only suitable for the most advanced witches and wizards. If you have the type of personality we think you do, then you would find this kind of information fascinating and would get a real kick out of spending hours at Ollivanders finding the wand that matches who you are on the inside.


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## If you have an interest in the macabre… you’d go to Borgin and Burkes
Borgin and Burkes was full of interesting – and by interesting we mean terrifying – curiosities. There were the evil looking masks that leered down from the walls. The pack of blood-stained cards. The Hand of Glory that only gave light to the person holding it. The cursed opal necklace that could kill you with a single touch – you know, all the light and fluffy stuff! Now if any of those items spark your interest, then we think this sinister shop would be your favourite. You’re probably the type of person who has always been fascinated by ghost stories and horror films and we bet you wouldn’t say no to having a go with an Ouija board. We reckon that some people might have found your interest in the dark and grisly a little disconcerting, but really you are someone who is able to find beauty in things others would consider ugly. You’re not scary, you’re more… misunderstood, and your interest in all things grisly is all a bit of harmless fun!

Why we wish we could be part of the golden trio

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We would like to say that from the moment that these three laid eyes on each other, they knew that they would be friends forever… though that’s not quite how it happened. [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) and [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) may have been gobbling-sweets-at-first-sight, but it took battling a maladroit mountain troll to bring [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) into the mix, as you do. Once the three had discovered the true meaning of friendship (which turned out to be clubbing a dangerous magical beast unconscious and then co-ordinating a lie about it to their teachers) there was no stopping them. They were a force to be reckoned with. A friendship so solid that nothing could permanently separate them. A trio that might be better as a quartet, if there’s room for one more, please?

Why? Well, for one thing, there’s power in numbers. It wouldn’t matter whether we were fighting Lord Voldemort or bickering with our fellow students (Ron, Malfoy and vomiting slugs spring to mind), there would always be someone in the other corner – whether it’s Harry for his quickfire [Defence Against the Dark Arts](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/defence-against-the-dark-arts) skills, Hermione for her whip-smart problem solving, or Ron for… calling someone a git, probably. At the very least, someone would be ready with a curse (whether the magical kind or just some strong words…) even if they might not always hit their target (as Goyle’s fungi-covered face proved thanks to Harry). This permanent source of support would be invaluable, especially when things were high stakes. We might not have the threat of Dark wizards looming over us, but having trusted people to help you with the big Muggle life decisions – like analysing what it means when your first kiss is crying, for example – would be ideal! Thanks to their complementary skills (Ron’s jokes vs. Hermione’s actually useful advice) we would get the full package of support. 

That’s not to say this friendship was perfect. All friendships can stray into troubled waters and these three were no different. However, we always admired the way that they had the ability to love each other even when they didn’t *like* each other. Such as the time Ron stopped speaking to Harry when his name was pulled out of the [Goblet of Fire](/fact-file/objects/the-goblet-of-fire). He might have thought Harry was fame-seeking and annoying – but he also didn’t want to see him incinerated by a moody [Hungarian Horntail](/fact-file/creatures/hungarian-horntail). Or when Hermione fell out with the other two because she turned Harry’s Firebolt over to McGonagall for inspection. In that instance, she was willing to risk their ire to keep Harry safe.


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Hermione, Harry and Ron stand shoulder to shoulder in that order. Harry is smiling and they are wearing their Hogwarts school uniforms.

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Oh, and it would be super useful to be part of a group of friends that have a habit of saving the world. Imagine being able to casually mention – ‘yeah, I actually battled a giant [Basilisk](/fact-file/creatures/basilisk) with a ruby-encrusted sword one time’. Or ‘you know it’s funny, I flew out of [Gringotts](/fact-file/locations/gringotts) on the back of a dragon and then went to help defeat one of the Darkest wizards of our generation’ – instant cool points. Plus, all of these adventures sound far more thrilling than our big weekend plan of de-grouting the bathroom tiles.  

That’s not to say that Harry, Ron and Hermione were *only* about fighting battles. Yes, this trio spent *a lot* of time saving the wizarding world from [Voldemort’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) tyranny – but it didn’t mean that they couldn’t have a lot of fun along the way too. That’s what we want from our best friends – people that not only help you through the hard times but make the joyous ones a hundred times better too – we experience the lows together, and we chase the highs together. For every showdown at the Department of Mysteries, there’s always a makeshift [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch) match in the Weasley orchard. For every skirmish with [Dolores Umbridge](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/dolores-umbridge), there’s always a cute common room hangout and a game of chess waiting on the other side. Or a wholesome stroll around snowy Hogsmeade. Or a quick sit-down in the Three Broomsticks for a lovely Butterbeer. We’d fight a hundred Voldemorts to quite simply have a laugh with these three at the end of the day.

Ultimately, Harry, Ron and Hermione are just three brilliant people – and we want in! They might not be perfect individuals, but as a friendship group they just worked. Whether it was the bigger battles against trolls or the smaller grapples with homework – they were an inseparable unit – one to be admired and one we would have very much liked to join, if anyone knows if they have any openings. No worries if not. 


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Harry, Ron and Hermione sit on the floor of Ron's room at The Burrow. They are levitating and burning a piece of crumpled paper in front of them over a tray.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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and the Half-Blood Prince

Scholastic announce the Grand Prize winners of their national “Welcome to Hogwarts” contest

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[Scholastic’s 25 years of Harry Potter celebrations](https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/scholastic-celebrates-25-years-of-harry-potter-and-the-sorcerers-stone) have given us a fantastic flurry of Wizarding World moments, from lighting up the [Empire State Building](https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/empire-state-building-lights-up-for-sorcerers-stone-anniversary) to donating 25,000 copies of the first book to students and school libraries in collaboration with the Scripps Howard Fund. 

As part of the festivities, young fans had the opportunity to enter the “Welcome to Hogwarts” competition, with a chance to win a whole host of prizes, from tickets to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ to a classroom set of *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone* books to donate to a school of their choice. 

Entrants to the competition were posed the following question: If you were at Hogwarts, what class would you take? Have a look at the three winners’ brilliant answers.

## LEV (10 Years Old)

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__ENTRY:__ I would take Professor Flitwick’s Charms class because he is a little person and I have dwarfism too. It would be so cool to have a professor who looked like me and was brave and smart and understanding. I’ve never had a teacher with dwarfism before and [Professor Flitwick](https://www.wizardingworld.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/filius-flitwick) was such an awesome teacher. And he was brave setting up so many defences around the castle in Book 7. Also, Charms is so cool because you can learn helpful spells like Accio, Wingardium Leviosa, and Aguamenti. Those spells would be so fun to cast. 

## MEDHA (13 Years Old)

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__ENTRY:__ If I were to take one class at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I would pick History of Magic. Though an unusual and unpopular choice, the class is the most important at Hogwarts. You learn about the most influential wizards and prominent events that shaped wizarding history. It’s important to remember the great triumphs and downfalls of those who came before us and learn from mistakes made in the past. Before we continue forward in advancement, we first must look back to what happened before. This is why I would choose History of Magic. 

## ROWAN (9 Years Old)

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__ENTRY:__ If I went to Hogwarts I would take Herbology. I would wear earmuffs to care for the Mandrakes and learn to harvest Puffapods. I would collect Gillyweed to breathe underwater so that I could win the [Triwizard Tournament](https://www.wizardingworld.com/fact-file/magical-miscellany/triwizard-tournament). I would use Dittany to heal wounds. I would read about Wolfsbane to help werewolves like Remus Lupin and visit the Whomping Willow that gave him a safe place to transform. Neville Longbottom would be my teacher, show the class his Mimbulus Mimbletonia plant, and tell us about the time he stood up against Voldemort alongside Harry Potter. Beware the Venomous Tentacula!

***

In addition to the grand prize winners, 25 first place winners have also been selected—see the full list on [Scholastic’s website. ](https://www.scholastic.com/hp25contest)

Congratulations to all the winners – with answers like these, you’d be top of the class at Hogwarts. We just know it. 

[Learn more about Scholastic here.](https://kids.scholastic.com/kid/books/harry-potter/)

Royal Mail release special Harry Potter Battle of Hogwarts stamp collection 

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Here's a fun collector’s item perfect for your owl post. Today, you can buy this special set of stamps, commemorating the climactic Battle of Hogwarts scenes from *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.*

Exploring both the good and evil characters from the Harry Potter series, you can expect to find all your favourites on these stamps, such as [Minerva McGonagall](https://www.wizardingworld.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall), Kingsley Shacklebolt, several Weasleys, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom. You can also find some of your not-so-favourites, such as Fenrir Greyback, Scabior, Lord Voldemort, Bellatrix Lestrange and Alecto Carrow – or those divisive characters that sit somewhere in the middle, such as Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy. Each stamp comes packed with the atmospheric energy of that famous final battle. 

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A further six stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, feature illustrations of the fascinating creatures and beings of the wizarding world. From [Aragog](https://www.wizardingworld.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/aragog) the Acromantula, to the beloved house-elf Dobby, the full set also includes Harry’s beloved owl Hedwig, Fawkes the phoenix, Buckbeak the hippogriff and Hermione’s cat [Crookshanks](https://www.wizardingworld.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/crookshanks). So be sure to watch out for those too, if you’re in need of some creature comforts. 

For all you hardcore stationery fans out there, you can also celebrate all of these Wizarding World favourites inside a stunning Presentation Pack and across a range of colourful collectibles, including framed prints, a Gold Stamp Ingot and a unique Souvenir Art Print Folder.

All of these spellbinding stamps are on sale from today. [Check Royal Mail’s official website](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://shop.royalmail.com/special-stamp-issues/harry-potter) to see them all.

(Just be sure to not be like Ron and add a comedically large amount of stamps on your next letter!) 


Harry Potter and the Cursed Child announces North American Tour for 2024

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre

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Grab a handful of Floo Powder: *Cursed Child* is going on tour! 

Slated for September 2024, the tour was announced today from Sonia Friedman Productions, producer Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions – alongside news that a callout for auditions is imminent. 

The touring production of Cursed Child will be based on the version as seen at the Lyric Theatre on Broadway in New York, with dates and venues soon to be announced.

Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender talked of their delight about the upcoming tour, which will bring the eighth Harry Potter story across new locations in North America.

“Developing a first-class touring production of *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* has long been an ambition of ours,” they said in a statement. “We are delighted that our wonderful and deeply gifted creative team have found a way to make it possible to bring the magic, spectacle, and thrills of our astonishing show to audiences across North America, and we can’t wait for audiences to see it.”

*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* currently plays in London, New York, Hamburg and Tokyo, after completing runs in Melbourne, Toronto and San Francisco. The original two-part production of the play in London’s West End has just celebrated its seven-year anniversary, with the Broadway production just celebrating its fifth. 

So, stay tuned for more news of the *Cursed Child* North American Tour as we have it! And draw a big lightning bolt in your diaries for September 2024. 

You can visit the *Cursed Child* [website](https://tour.harrypottertheplay.com/) to learn more about the hit play’s latest updates. 
