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Five secrets you may not have known Petunia kept

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Petunia Dursley looking shocked and worried in Privet Drive 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## Her disdain for magic was actually jealousy 
If you were to name two people who hated the magical community with all their heart, Mr and Mrs Dursley would spring straight to mind. Yet, that wasn’t always Petunia’s view. While she acted like her hatred of witches and wizards came from them being what she saw as abnormal – she had yearned to belong to the community herself. Petunia was incredibly jealous of Lily’s magical ability and hated that her magical sister always seemed to be the centre of attention. When she married Vernon, she didn’t want Lily to be a bridesmaid because she was tired of being overshadowed by her. And as children, she called Lily a ‘freak’ because she was upset that she didn’t have the same gifts. While none of that is an excuse for Petunia’s behaviour, it does give an insight into her rejection of anything remotely magical. 

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Vernon Dursley sat at the kitchen table holding Harry's Hogwarts letter. Petunia and Dudley are both looking over his shoulder. All three look surprised and concerned.

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## She wrote to Albus Dumbledore as a child
Petunia didn’t just keep her magical aspirations to herself, she actually asked Albus Dumbledore if she could join Hogwarts. Unfortunately, as she had no magical ability, the kindly headmaster had to gently rebuff her. While that was a humiliating blow for Petunia (or ‘Tuney’ as she was known then), it could have been something she got over quietly and privately. However, Lily and Snape found her letter and read it – furthering her humiliation. When Petunia discovered what they had done, she lashed out at her sister and that was when she first called her a ‘freak’. Unfortunately for the Evans sisters, that was a moment when their relationship really began to sour. 

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## Lily and Petunia tried to have a relationship as adults
Though the bond between the two sisters was strained – and Petunia would probably have you believe she wanted nothing to with the witch in her family – they did actually try to have a relationship when they were adults. In fact, when Petunia became engaged to Vernon, they met James and Lily for a meal at a restaurant. However, the meeting was not a success and culminated in the future Mr and Mrs Dursley storming out. They never managed to quite make up after that. Even though the Potters did attend the wedding, the Dursleys refused to reciprocate and attend theirs. Yet, having known the Petunia we met in the books, the fact that she ever tried to see her sister as an adult is rather surprising. 

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Petunia and Vernon Dursley sitting close to Dudley in their living room. Dudley looks queasy after his encounter with the Dementors.

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## She made a promise to Dumbledore
One of Petunia Dursley’s biggest secrets was the promise she made to Albus Dumbledore. When James and Lily were killed at the hand of Voldemort and Harry was dropped off on the doorstep of 4 Privet Drive, there was a letter accompanying him. Dumbledore explained in the note that Lily had sacrificed her life for her son and by doing so had invoked an ancient and powerful magic. As Lily’s last remaining blood relative, if Petunia were to take Harry in it would seal the enchantment and provide him with protection from Voldemort. This would last as long as he could call the place where his mother’s blood existed his home. Despite her animosity towards her sister, Petunia took in the infant Harry, and he was able to call Privet Drive home – albeit an unhappy one – until his seventeenth birthday. Petunia never seemed to share with anyone what Albus Dumbledore’s letter had contained and so kept the one good thing she had done all to herself. And she did keep her promise – even when it took a Howler from Dumbledore crying ‘Remember my last’ to remind her of it.

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## She seemed to know more about the wizarding world than she liked to let on
Petunia might have preferred to pretend that, like her husband Vernon, she knew nothing of the wizarding world but that wasn’t strictly true. While she was obviously ignorant to a lot of things – like her belief that she could squash the magic out of her nephew – it seemed that Mrs Dursley had more of an understanding than she cared to share, and it wasn’t just the knowledge of the protective enchantment left by Lily’s sacrifice. In *Order of the Phoenix*, after Harry and Dudley had faced a couple of Dementors, Petunia let slip that they were the guards of the wizarding prison Azkaban. Though she was immediately mortified that she had said that, it showed us that no matter how much she tried to ignore the wizarding world she wasn’t completely oblivious to its existence. 

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The Dursleys celebrating Dudley's birthday. Harry is cooking bacon in the kitchen, Vernon is sat at the table and Petunia is hugging Dudley who is surrounded by a huge pile of presents.

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Stray thoughts: when did characters first start seeing Thestrals? 

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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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>‘It’s all right,’ said a dreamy voice from beside Harry as Ron vanished into the coach’s dark interior. ‘You’re not going mad or anything. I can see them, too.’  
>
>‘Can you?’ said Harry desperately, turning to Luna. He could see the bat-winged horses reflected in her wide silvery eyes.  
>
>‘Oh, yes,’ said Luna, ‘I’ve been able to see them ever since my first day here. They’ve always pulled the carriages. Don’t worry. You’re just as sane as I am.’  
>*Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

### A note on Thestrals 

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Before we share our Thestral investigations, it’s important to remember that the ability to see the carnivorous horses has two requirements.  

The first requirement is easiest to remember: ‘that the beholder has witnessed death’. But the second, more complex, requirement is that in order to see a Thestral, the beholder must have ‘gained an emotional understanding of what death means’.  

So, witnessing death alone isn’t enough – it must be coupled with a deeper understanding. 

You’ll notice we haven’t included characters we know could see Thestrals and why. Harry, Luna, and Neville, for example. But this stray thought isn’t concerned with them – this time we’re investigating some characters that we don’t know about for sure. 

Get ready, as Dumbledore would put it, to enter the realms of guesswork and speculation…  

### Albus Dumbledore
 

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Dumbledore lived a very long life, but sadly he wasn’t very old when he became acquainted with death. On finishing Hogwarts, Dumbledore and his friend, Elphias Doge, were planning on travelling around the world. But on the eve of their departure Dumbledore’s mother, Kendra, died. But could Dumbledore see Thestrals after this? The problem is we’re not convinced that Dumbledore was actually home when his mother died – in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* he told Harry ‘I returned to my village in anger and bitterness’. A return to Godric’s Hollow really does sound like he wasn’t there when Kendra died. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Dumbledore family again not long after Kendra’s death. Dumbledore’s sister, Ariana, was killed during a fight between Aberforth, Dumbledore, and Dumbledore’s ambitious new friend, Grindelwald. Dumbledore spent the rest of his life haunted by the guilt he felt about Ariana’s death, so we think he probably gained a true emotional understanding of death’s meaning from that early age. In addition, Hagrid told his Care of Magical Creatures class that when Dumbledore was taking a long journey and didn’t want to Apparate he would ride a Thestral. An odd choice if he couldn’t see them.  

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### Rubeus Hagrid 

It would have been a little strange if Hagrid hadn’t been able to see the Thestral herd that he looked after in the Forbidden Forest. But stranger things have happened in the wizarding world, so just like Harry, Ron and Hermione would, we investigated. It appeared that during his Care of Magical Creatures lesson on Thestrals, Hagrid was able to see the creatures coming, as well as touch them – even to the extent that he reached out to pat his favourite, Tenebrus. But when did Hagrid start seeing Thestrals?  

We know that Hagrid’s father died when he was young: 

>‘Dad raised me ... but he died, o’ course, jus’ after I started school. Sorta had ter make me own way after that.’ 
>*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

But if he was away at school, it’s possible Hagrid wasn’t there when his dad died. 

We also know that Hagrid fetched baby Harry from the remains of the Potter house at the end of the First Wizarding War. Perhaps he witnessed death on other errands for Dumbledore during that dark time and that’s why Thestrals were visible to him? 

### Minerva McGonagall 

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We set ourselves a challenge in Minerva McGonagall. Like Albus Dumbledore, she was an intensely private individual – perhaps owing to her childhood in an all-Muggle village where she was encouraged by her witch mother to hide her magic. Unlike Dumbledore however, there was no *The Life and Lies of Minerva McGonagall* to point us in the right (or wrong) direction. What we did find out however was that tragedy struck Minerva after she started teaching at Hogwarts and might have meant she could see Thestrals from then on.  

After turning down his proposals of marriage multiple times, Minerva finally married her old Ministry boss, Elphinstone Urquart. According to J.K. Rowling, their marriage ‘was a very happy one’ and ‘period of great fulfilment for Minerva’. Very sadly, he died from an accidental Venomous Tentacula bite, three years into the marriage. We don’t know whether Minerva was actually present when this happened, but she was so devastated that she couldn’t bear to be alone in their cottage and fled to the Hogwarts castle and threw herself into her work. We might not know for sure whether she could see Thestrals, but knowing all this, we love her even more. 

 

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### Severus Snape 

There isn’t much doubt in our minds that Severus Snape could see Thestrals. Most memorably, on one terrible night, he killed Albus Dumbledore. But that was late on in Snape’s slippery career working as a double agent for both Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort. One interesting observation is that when Dumbledore asked Snape to kill him – instead of Draco Malfoy doing it – Snape protested: 

>‘That boy’s soul is not yet so damaged,’ said Dumbledore. ‘I would not have it ripped apart on my account.’  
>
>‘And my soul, Dumbledore? Mine?’  
>*Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

This might indicate that Snape hadn’t murdered anyone before Dumbledore, but it still doesn’t give us any clues about whether he’d previously seen death. It is likely that Severus Snape at least witnessed murders, given how many were carried out by Lord Voldemort both times he came to power. But did he have an emotional understanding of what death really meant whilst hovering in Voldemort’s shadow? We would guess that if he didn’t, when Lord Voldemort made Lily Evans his victim, those Thestrals would have come into sharp focus for Snape. 

### Lord Voldemort

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Many would say that there’s an easy answer when it comes to Lord Voldemort: he must have started to see Thestrals during his time at Hogwarts because he killed his father and grandparents – and framed his uncle Morfin for it – whilst still a student. Not to mention he was present when the Basilisk, the creature he controlled, killed Myrtle in the girl’s bathroom which housed the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. And if that wasn’t enough – he embarked on making Horcruxes, which require murder to be created. 

Lord Voldemort almost certainly satisfied the first requirement: he wasn’t just seeing death; he was bringing it about. But the question we have is, does he ever gain an emotional understanding of what death means? Can someone so quick to end a life, whether by his own hand or on his orders, really understand what death truly means? Can someone who doesn’t love, really understand the significance of death? 

‘Kill the spare’ Voldemort said of Cedric Diggory in Little Hangleton graveyard – but Cedric was loved, and missed, and mourned – all part of death. From what we know of the Dark Lord, it appears none of that would have crossed his mind? 

On the other side of the Knut, Lord Voldemort created the Horcruxes in order to achieve his goal ‘to conquer death’. He feared death. He snarled mid-duel in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: ‘There is nothing worse than death, Dumbledore!’  

Perhaps that meant he understood its significance too well? Death means lay down your weapons, it means your reign is over, the end of your power. And death came for Lord Voldemort at the last, no matter how hard he tried to outrun it.  
<br>
Despite Thestrals themselves being harmless, this stray thought led us to some of the darkest moments across the Harry Potter series and reminded us of the people some of our favourite characters loved and lost. If you’re feeling down after all this talk of Thestrals, we’d like to remind you of a piece of wisdom Dumbledore shared with Harry in his very first year at Hogwarts: ‘to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection for ever’.  

The Magical Objects quiz

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The Magical Objects Quiz

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Do you know your Resurrection Stones from your Philosopher’s Stones? Or your Sneakoscopes from your Secrecy Sensors?

The Luna Lovegood crossword

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Remember, wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure.

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https://bridgecard.wizardingworld.com/crossword/20220716/00118/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And remember, you can play more wordsearches, crosswords and Number Magic challenges over at our [puzzles hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles). 

Your ultimate Wizarding World Christmas gift guide for 2022

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A festive picture of a wizarding world-themed throw on a chair with some cushions and presents

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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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Kyte Baby Harry Potter 1

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)

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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. 

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*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.

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*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. 

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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.”

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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.