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Ranked: Care of Magical Creatures lessons from most to least dangerous

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

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## 8th: Blast-Ended Skrewts
The honour of most dangerous Care of Magical Creatures lesson has to go to the Blast-Ended Skrewts. These horrible creature with the blasting ends, stingers and suckers were really rather… gross. Over the course of several lessons, Harry and his class suffered cuts, bruises, burns and they still couldn’t figure out one end of a Skrewt from the other. Any lesson where you have to escape from a group of large, rampaging, lobster-looking creatures and take shelter in Hagrid’s hut is always going to be considered rather hazardous in our eyes. There’s also the fact that Hagrid seemed to have been involved in some rather dodgy dealings when it came to acquiring these beasts. We’re not sure that their creation was strictly legal, or Ministry approved…

Danger rating: 9/10 

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## 7th: Hippogriffs
Ok, so we have a soft spot for Buckbeak – he was a faithful companion to both Hagrid and Sirius and could be perfectly lovely. Harry had no problem approaching him and he even let Harry ride him! However, we have to acknowledge that picking a group of Hippogriffs as your first lesson as a teacher was quite a risky move for Hagrid… especially when your class contained Draco Malfoy. Of course, it was Draco’s arrogance and failure to listen to Hagrid that led to him getting hurt. He should never have been rude to Buckbeak – Hagrid had even warned the class that insulting a Hippogriff could be the last thing they’d ever do. Yet, a lesson ending with a trip to the hospital wing has to go quite high up the danger list, even when it was Malfoy’s fault.

Danger rating: 7/10 

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Hagrid and Buckbeak standing in a clearing during a Care of Magical Creatures lesson.

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## 6th: Thestrals
Poor Thestrals, they have a bit of an unfair reputation – what with being closely associated with death and misfortune – but we think the Care of Magical Creatures lesson on them wasn’t too high in the danger stakes. Obviously, we know that the Thestrals at Hogwarts were quite tame, but Hagrid did admit that they would bite when annoyed. And for those students who couldn’t see them, we can imagine it was a rather unnerving experience. Professor Umbridge didn’t help matters either – what with her demeaning attitude towards Hagrid which led him to be a little distracted when discussing their finer points. We guess we also have to bring up that they’re *technically* classed as dangerous by the Ministry of Magic and other teachers, such as Grubbly-Plank, wouldn’t show them to a class until N.E.W.T. level. Although, we feel a lot of the negativity surrounding them is due to their association with being a bad omen and they’re more misunderstood than dangerous. 

Danger rating: 5/10

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Harry and Luna in the Forbidden Forest. They are both looking up at a Thestral.

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## 5th: Bowtruckles
You might be surprised to find the lesson on Bowtruckles in the middle of our list. After all, these creatures are tiny little sticks – what harm could they possibly cause? Not to mention that this lesson was run by Professor Grubbly-Plank who was known to be less… eccentric than Hagrid when it came to lesson planning. Yet, you would be wise to not be too complacent around these miniscule magical creatures. Bowtruckles have long, sharp fingers which they will use to try and gouge a person’s eyeballs if angered. While they seemed happy enough to be handled by the members of the class (as they tried to draw annotated sketches of them), Harry soon learnt the importance of not being distracted while holding one. After accidentally squeezing his Bowtruckle far too hard, it reminded him of his presence by leaving two deep cuts in his hand. Although, we can hardly hold that against the Bowtruckle. If we were about to be snapped in half by a preoccupied teenager, we’d be pretty livid too.

Danger rating: 4/10 

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Pickett is standing on someone's hand while looking grumpy.

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## 4th: Unicorns
Both Grubbly-Plank and Hagrid spent time introducing these majestic creatures to Harry’s class. Overall, both lessons seemed pretty safe. When Grubbly-Plant showed them the adult unicorn, the girls in the class spent a lot of time petting it. We don’t think a teacher as savvy as Grubbly-Plank would have let them do that if she believed they were in any danger. However, it was bad news for the boys, unicorns aren’t their biggest fans. In fact, they all had to stand away from it for their own safety. Nevertheless, when Hagrid introduced them to the golden baby unicorns, everyone in the class was allowed to feed them sugar lumps – turns out they were more trusting than the adults. We think these lessons should sit in the middle of our list as they only posed a risk to some of the students. 

Danger rating: 3/10

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## 3rd: Nifflers
Nifflers are too busy being cute, fluffy and digging for shiny things to be a threat to humans. One may have tried to bite the watch of Pansy Parkinson’s wrist, but it wasn’t attacking her as such – it just wanted the treasure. The Care of Magical Creatures lesson where they were introduced seemed like an awful lot of fun, especially the competition element of it all. Seeing which Niffler could collect the most gold coins was a stroke of genius from Hagrid. The only reason we would consider these little creatures to be dangerous at all is because of their tunnel-vision around shiny objects and the need to remove your valuables in their presence. They can also be a little bit destructive. As Hagrid said, they’d make terrible pets and are known to wreck houses. So, while they’re adorable, squidgy and don’t have any interest in hurting people, some precautions did need to be taken during that lesson.

Danger rating: 2.5/10 

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Newt's Niffler lying in a drawer while stuffing treasure into his pouch at the bank

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## 2nd: Salamanders
This Care of Magical Creatures lesson may have involved fire, but on the whole, it was pretty tame. Harry and his class had a rather enjoyable time collecting wood, tending to the bonfire and watching the flame-loving Salamanders have the time of their live as they scampered about in it. As this lesson was in January, we imagine it was a rather pleasant way to spend a very wintry day. The reason it isn’t ranked as least dangerous is because even though the Salamanders weren’t threatening, this lesson still involved open flames – which can always prove to be treacherous. 

Danger rating: 2/10 

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## 1st: Flobberworms
It really couldn’t be anything else, could it? These floppy worms couldn’t be less dangerous, or boring, if they tried. Oh, their mucus can be used a thickener for some potions we guess… riveting stuff. Harry and his class spent some very tame lessons shoving lettuce down their throats but that didn’t turn out too well – turns out too much lettuce can kill a Flobberworm (death by salad how very dull). Crabbe may have claimed that one bit him but we’re pretty sure he was lying as they don’t have teeth. These slimy guys pose literally no threat, so we have no hesitation when we say that they were least dangerous of all Harry’s Care of Magical Creatures lessons – we guess they could count that as an achievement…

Danger rating: 0/10

The Ministries of Magic quiz

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Harry Potter and Arthur Weasley are walking through the crowded atrium at the Ministry of Magic

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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Good luck!

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Exploring the lighter side of Albus Dumbledore

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Albus Dumbledore is poking his head through the gap between a set of wooden doors.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## This particular choice of words
Dumbledore’s speech at the very start of Harry’s first year sums up his sillier side perfectly. While he had to give the warnings about forbidden corridors and potential death, he knew that a bit of nonsense was exactly what was needed to lighten the mood – classic Dumbledore.

>‘Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!’
><br>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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## Yum… earwax
This is probably one of Dumbledore’s most memorable lines. Though he was often seen as the wise old wizard that helped guide Harry through his journey, he was also the one who ate an earwax flavoured Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Bean... and that was hilarious. 

>Ah! Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans! I was unfortunate enough in my youth to come across a vomit-flavoured one, and since then I’m afraid I’ve rather lost my liking for them – but I think I’ll be safe with a nice toffee, don’t you?’
>
>He smiled and popped the golden-brown bean into his mouth. Then he choked and said, ‘Alas! Earwax!’
><br>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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Dumbledore congratulating Cedric Diggory being chosen as Hogwarts champion

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## When he suddenly couldn’t hear anything
On the whole, calling someone a ‘cow’ in front of your headteacher is probably not the wisest move, but luckily for Harry, Dumbledore developed selective hearing at that very moment – leading to this funny interaction. 

>‘Of course we still want to know you!’ Harry said, staring at Hagrid. ‘You don’t think anything that Skeeter cow – sorry, Professor,’ he added quickly, looking at Dumbledore.
>
>‘I have gone temporarily deaf and haven’t any idea what you said, Harry,’ said Dumbledore, twiddling his thumbs and staring at the ceiling.
><br>*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

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## His sweet tooth
Dumbledore had a sweet tooth, and his love of sherbet lemons was unparalleled. In fact, it was even the password to his office at one point – along with several other sweets. We adore the childish glee he had for these boiled sweets and the fact he could be thinking about them at the same time as discussing something as serious as Voldemort. 

>‘It certainly seems so,’ said Dumbledore. ‘We have much to be thankful for. Would you care for a sherbet lemon?’
>
>‘A what?’
>
>‘A sherbet lemon. They’re a kind of Muggle sweet I’m rather fond of.’
>
>‘No, thank you,’ said Professor McGonagall coldly, as though she didn’t think this was the moment for sherbet lemons.
><br>*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

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Dumbledore and Snape in the Great Hall looking down. The enchanted ceiling is showing a galaxy pattern.

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## When he thought Professor Trelawney might deserve a pay rise
It was always great to see Dumbledore’s cheekier side and the topic of Divination often seemed to bring it out of him. Remember the time he said it was understandable that Harry fell asleep during one of these lessons? His sass was also very much on display when he made this comment about Professor Trelawney and her skills (or lack of them)…

>Harry stared up at Dumbledore. ‘And then she sort of became normal again, and she couldn’t remember anything she’d said. Was it – was she making a real prediction?’
>
>Dumbledore looked mildly impressed.
>
>‘Do you know, Harry, I think she might have been,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘Who’d have thought it? That brings her total of real predictions up to two. I should offer her a pay rise ...’
><br>*Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

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## His comments on Fawkes’ Burning Day
There’s no doubt that Dumbledore was having a bit of fun with Harry here. As someone not used to lifecycle of a phoenix, it’s no wonder that Harry was rather alarmed to see his headmaster’s pet burst into flames. And we enjoyed that Dumbledore’s response was to lean into Harry’s horror and act so casual about entire thing, displaying his impeccable comic timing.

>‘Professor,’ Harry gasped, ‘your bird – I couldn’t do anything – he just caught fire –’
>
>To Harry’s astonishment, Dumbledore smiled.
>
>‘About time, too,’ he said. ‘He’s been looking dreadful for days, I’ve been telling him to get a move on.’
>
>He chuckled at the stunned look on Harry’s face.
><br>*Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

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Albus Dumbledore in his office by the cabinet that contains memories

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## His visit to the Dursleys in Half-Blood Prince
This entire visit has to be one of our favourite moments at Privet Drive. As soon as Dumbledore made that witty retort to Uncle Vernon about rudeness and it being best to say nothing, we knew that he was out to cause some mischief. This desire was flawlessly encapsulated by the incident with the rather persistent goblets…

>The Dursleys, after quick, scared looks at each other, tried to ignore their glasses completely, a difficult feat, as they were nudging them gently on the sides of their heads. Harry could not suppress a suspicion that Dumbledore was rather enjoying himself.
><br>*Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* 

We agree with Harry here, Dumbledore was definitely having some fun. There was no way that he couldn’t see what was happening with those cups and we liked that rather than intervene, he let it play out for as long as possible with amusing results (and an excellent remark about politeness).

>*‘Will you get these ruddy things off us?’*
>
>Harry looked round; all three of the Dursleys were cowering with their arms over their heads as their glasses bounced up and down on their skulls, the contents flying everywhere.
>
>‘Oh, I’m so sorry,’ said Dumbledore politely, and he raised his wand again. All three glasses vanished. ‘But it would have been better manners to drink it, you know.’
><br>*Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* 


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Albus Dumbledore walking across the courtyard at Hogwarts

Who would be your soulmate in the wizarding world?

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Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

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The Crimes of Grindelwald

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## If you look for kindness in a partner… Newt would be perfect for you
If you watch Newt Scamander take care of his magical creatures, you’ll see that he treats them with kindness and respect. And while fantastic beasts might be his main focus, he also extends that warmth and empathy to humans too. To see that, you just have to look at the way he tried to calm Credence down and connect with the Obscurial, rather than attack or immediately use force. As someone who values these gentler qualities in a person, then we think that you and Newt would make a rather good couple. We imagine you’re a person who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and doesn’t feel the need to act tough. And Newt’s moral compass and empathetic nature would be what made him the wizard for you. 

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Newt Scamander holding his suitcase in the bank while crouching down

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## If you’re looking for excellent conversation… Hermione would be your soulmate
Are you somebody that loves a good debate and thinks that there is nothing better than an excellent conversation? Then Hermione Granger would be your perfect match. This extremely bright witch was known for her brilliant brain and knowledge about a wide range of topics – whether that was Arithmancy, how to brew a Polyjuice Potion, the lack of rights for house-elves or any other magical curiosity that you could think of. If you have a love of learning and are always thrilled to discover something new, we think you two would be happy together. We can just imagine the pair of you sitting next to the fire totally engrossed in your conversation, while not realising that you’ve lost track of time and stayed up all night happily talking and debating. 

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Hermione wearing a red dress and smiling at Bill and Fleur's wedding.

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## If you want to be taken to all the fanciest places… then Malfoy is your match
Wouldn’t it be fun to be treated like royalty? To be taken to the most lavish restaurants, to get tickets to the most exclusive events in town, to wear all the latest designer clothes, be bedecked in expensive jewellery and go on all the most lavish holidays? Now we don’t condone the terrible views that Draco Malfoy held, and we are sure you don’t share any of those beliefs, but if this sounds like your dream come true, then Draco Malfoy is your Prince Charming. As Malfoy is a fan of the finer things in life, from owning the best broomstick to the finest robes money can buy, we’re sure that he would extend that to the one he was with. We could see the pair of you spending your days living a life of luxury and enjoying every single moment.

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A close up image of Draco Malfoy looking concerned.

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## If you want to be with someone who shares your love of sport… Ginny is your perfect partner
Ginny Weasley was definitely a fan of sport. Not only was she on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, but she also went on to play professionally. And if that wasn’t enough, after her stint with the Holyhead Harpies, she became the editor of the sports pages at the Daily Prophet. Sport was a major part of her life and if it is a big part of yours, then you two would be an excellent pairing. Whether you play football, rugby, table tennis or marbles – she would thoroughly understand you and would be proud to support you. Not only would the pair of you turn up to every single one of each other’s matches, then happily spend the next few hours dissecting everything in minute detail, but it’s also what you would find attractive about one another – that passion and drive. Your shared love of sport would bond you together and make you an almost unbearably smug and happy couple.

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Ginny Weasley in the Room of Requirement holding up her wand and looking determined.

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## If the way to your heart is through your stomach… then Jacob is your soulmate
What could be better than eating a delicious cake or pastry? Having someone on hand to make you one whenever you felt like it, of course. Jacob Kowalski was a seriously talented baker and his creations looked nothing short of delicious. Who can forget the tasty morsels he brought to his meeting at the bank? Or the magical creature inspired bakes he created in his bakery at the end of *Fantastic Beasts*? So, if you would describe yourself as a foodie who finds it highly impressive (not to mention attractive) when someone demonstrates their skills in the kitchen, then Jacob would be the perfect wizarding world partner for you. We imagine you would try one of his delicious paczki (made using his grandmother’s recipe) and that would be that – you’d be instantly won over.

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Jacob and Queenie standing at the bar of The Blind Pig looking at each other and smiling. Jacob is holding a glass of Gigglewater.

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## If you love that rock star vibe… then you would fall for Tonks
Nymphadora Tonks is incredibly cool... if her colourful hair, punky outfits and fun attitude are anything to go by. If you’re the type to fancy the lead singer in a band, the rebel with the cheeky grin or the person who always wears those dishevelled but painstakingly cool outfits, then Tonks would be your wizarding world soulmate. We reckon that the pair of you would have the time of your life sneaking out to gigs, dyeing your hair all the different colours of the rainbow and getting up to all kinds of mischief. Though, we reckon you would often be caught creeping back into the house – she is known for being rather clumsy after all. 

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Tonks appearing to help fight the Battle of the Department of Mysteries

Visit the Starting Harry Potter hub

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

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

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

Seven Harrys | Cursed Child 2022 Anniversary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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__Image © Bloomsbury, Aashfaria A. Anwar__

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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