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Chapter Seven: 'The Sorting Hat'

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Watch Olivia Colman with Jonathan Van Ness and Kate McKinnon read Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Sign up to hear who's next.

Watch Olivia Colman reading Harry Potter at home

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Olivia Colman, along with some special appearances from Jonathan Van Ness and Kate McKinnon, read the seventh chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone, as part of Harry Potter At Home.

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You can [register with the Harry Potter Fan Club](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register) to get all the latest updates on further video readings. [Remind yourself of Chapter Six, read by the Broadway Cursed Child cast here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-journey-from-platform-nine-and-three-quarters)

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Chapter Seven | The Sorting Hat

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Today, Olivia Colman kindly lends her voice to read ‘The Sorting Hat’, with some stellar contributions from Emmy-nominated television personality Jonathan Van Ness and Emmy-winning *Saturday Night Live* star Kate McKinnon.
 
Olivia Colman won the Leading Actress award at the 2019 Academy Awards for her performance as Queen Anne in Yorgos Lanthimos’s critically acclaimed *The Favourite*. She has been awarded the title of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for her services to drama, and a BFI Fellowship.

Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-nominated television personality, New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, and hairstylist to the stars. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning reboot series *Queer Eye*, where he shines as the show’s groomer, hair guru and self-care advocate.

Kate McKinnon won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2016 and 2017 and was nominated in 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019 for her work on *Saturday Night Live*. 

Look forward to more famous faces and friends of the Wizarding World (and beyond!) to help us to read through all seventeen chapters of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone* over the upcoming weeks. [You can see all of our chapters right here in our chapter hub.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters)

**

You may notice some wonderful drawings representing the chapter during the read-through. Look forward to more artwork in every chapter and read below to see how you can get involved in [contributing yourself.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/terms/content-submission-guidelines)

[You can also listen to ‘The Sorting Hat’ on Spotify if you fancy an audio-only version. ](https://open.spotify.com/show/2JUljwaD9fNSeq8Vy3UAUp)

## Chapter Seven: ‘The Sorting Hat’ – Further reading and new activities 

Now that you’ve refreshed your memory of J.K. Rowling’s seventh chapter of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* (or *Sorcerer’s Stone* for our US readers), here’s more about ‘The Sorting Hat’. 

- How much did you just learn? For the young (and the young at heart!) – [try our new Chapter Challenge!](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-seven-the-sorting-hat) Collect house points as you complete chapter-themed tasks and quizzes, along with a secret quest. Oh, and speaking of ‘house points’ remember to get [sorted into your Hogwarts house too!](https://my.wizardingworld.com/sorting-hat)

- For those who’ve visited the wizarding world before – read more about the Sorting Hat’s interesting choices, [as we examine certain characters and their Hogwarts houses.
](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/the-harry-potter-characters-whose-hogwarts-houses-are-up-for-debate)

- You never know which house you’ll get until the Sorting Hat sits on your head! Our friends at Bloomsbury have come up with a brilliant way to make cakes inspired by the Sorting Ceremony. [You can watch the video they made for Harry Potter Book Night celebrations here. ](https://youtu.be/VPCOz2xuwL8)

- Did you know each house at Hogwarts has a crest which features a particular animal? [Colour in the crests and make four house-inspired door hangers, with this activity sheet provided by Scholastic.](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/scholastic-harry-potters-color-house-crest.pdf)

- But when is Chapter Eight coming, we hear you cry? Be sure to check back at HarryPotterAtHome.com every week where you can expect new readings from a stellar cast of narrators.

-  In fact, if you’re worried about missing out on any updates from Harry Potter At Home and beyond, don’t worry. [Sign up to our Harry Potter Fan Club](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register) newsletter, where you can receive exciting new updates every week on Harry Potter At Home, further chapters, and much more. [Here’s how.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/new-harry-potter-fan-club-newsletter)

- And what about this fan art? Yes, well reminded. We’re inviting you to send in your pieces to represent key moments from the first book, which will feature in future videos. At the moment, we’re looking for moments that feature in Chapter Eight onwards. 

By our mathematics skills, that would give us just ten more chapters to go, so please do send us your interpretations of famous scenes from those chapters via the hashtag #HarryPotterAtHome to @WizardingWorld’s Twitter account. Submitting your artwork this way ensures the Harry Potter At Home project absolutely has your permission to use your pieces online.

You can check out [our rules and guidelines](https://www.wizardingworld.com/terms/content-submission-guidelines) to submitting here and an important note to all parent and guardians that you must submit your children’s art on their behalf.

- If you’re old enough, come join us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wizardingworld/), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wizardingworld) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wizardingworld/) where the fun just keeps on coming with more quizzes, puzzles and extra challenges.

- The easiest way to keep up to date with all the wizarding business we’re up to, is simply by registering. [Go here for more details.](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register)

## Harry Potter At Home 

Harry Potter At Home is our way of bringing the magic into people’s homes, casting a Banishing Charm on boredom. These special video readings are just one of the many things you can do at home with us, whether alone or with your friends or family. Our new Harry Potter At Home project is very much a team effort, combining the resources of Harry Potter UK and US publishers Bloomsbury and Scholastic, Pottermore Publishing, Warner Bros., leading spoken-word producer and provider Audible, our numerous library suppliers, library supplier OverDrive, streaming platform Spotify, and of course, our very own magic-makers here at WizardingWorld.com

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Watch familiar faces reading Harry Potter at home - including Daniel Radcliffe, Eddie Redmayne, Jamie Parker & Evanna Lynch. Sign up to hear who's next.

Harry Potter At Home Readings

Watch familiar faces read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for Harry Potter At Home - including Daniel Radcliffe, Eddie Redmayne & Stephen Fry.

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Introducing the next phase of Harry Potter At Home 

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Some of the best-loved faces from global entertainment, music and sport have lent their voices to the story they love by recording videos of themselves reading the timeless first Harry Potter book, *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone*.

We, alongside J.K. Rowling, have announced seven of those readers from the stellar line-up today.

Excitingly, Daniel Radcliffe, Stephen Fry, David Beckham, Dakota Fanning, Claudia Kim, Noma Dumezweni, and Eddie Redmayne are amongst the cast of narrators, with more surprises and special appearances from across the Wizarding World and beyond to come. Each will be reading different sections of this iconic book – with its themes of family, friendship, courage and overcoming adversity – to families around the world.  

And here is a sneak peek!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vm1xuYUY0dY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Who better to lend their voice to Chapter One than the prolific actor who portrayed Harry in all eight films? Daniel Radcliffe has kindly read the whole of Chapter One of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone*, [‘The Boy Who Lived’, for your viewing and listening pleasure. ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-boy-who-lived)

As the figurehead of the Harry Potter films for so many years, we hope you love watching this incredibly special video of Daniel revisiting Harry’s adventure – this time not on a film set, but through the pages of the first book. 
 
While you can watch Daniel’s [reading right here,](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-boy-who-lived) you can also listen in audio form thanks to Spotify, who will be hosting all of our readings on their platform. [You can listen via Spotify or Spotify Kids](https://newsroom.spotify.com/2020-05-05/stars-from-the-wizarding-world-and-beyond-bring-harry-potter-and-the-sorcerers-philosophers-stone-to-spotify/) – so parents and carers can enjoy the series with younger fans too. 

We look forward to new narrators every week as they take turns to read different sections of the *Philosopher’s Stone*/*Sorcerer’s Stone*, until we reach the end with Chapter Seventeen. Keep an eye out for some very special surprise cameos along the way too. 

As you watch Daniel read through ‘The Boy Who Lived’, you’ll notice some amazing artwork interspersed in the experience, thanks to some talented fans. Brilliantly, you yourself can get involved in future chapters, from Chapter Two onwards, so your own pieces can feature alongside our special guest narrators. According to our incredible mathematics skills, you have sixteen chapters remaining of *Philosopher’s Stone*/*Sorcerer’s Stone* to work with – so please do send in your artistic interpretations of key scenes. [Read all about how to get involved here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/terms/content-submission-guidelines) 

[Harry Potter At Home](http://harrypotterathome.com/) is the Wizarding World’s way of bringing Hogwarts closer to you, as we all continue to stay at home and keep safe. For parents looking for new magical ways to entertain their children during this time, we launched the Harry Potter At Home hub full of quizzes, puzzles, fun videos and features, along with contributions from our friends, UK and US Harry Potter publishers, Bloomsbury and Scholastic, alongside assistance from Warner Bros., Audible and our many library partners. To learn more about everything Harry Potter At Home has to offer, our handy round-up should help! 

So, without further ado, make sure you’re sitting comfortably, as we enjoy the first Harry Potter book in a whole new way. Grab a Portkey over to the first video now.

For more Harry Potter at Home updates, be sure to keep checking our [magically evolving hub](http://harrypotterathome.com/), or learn how to sign up to the [Harry Potter Fan Club weekly newsletter](https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/new-harry-potter-fan-club-newsletter). But for the whole Wizarding World experience, such as getting sorted into your official Hogwarts house, discovering your Patronus, your wand and much more, be sure to [register right here.](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register?utm_medium=newsarticle&utm_source=wwd_web&utm_campaign=hpah-video-chap1-register)

Illustration by Jim Kay © Bloomsbury Publishing 2015

A first look at Harry Potter: Magic Awakened revealed in China 

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NetEase Inc., one of the largest internet and video game companies in the world, have collaborated with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on their own exciting Wizarding World mobile game, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened. At their Sixth Annual Product Launch 520 Conference, NetEase revealed video highlights of the game alongside a rousing live orchestra performance of John Williams’ iconic Hedwig’s Theme. 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W0h1MR-TdQw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Harry Potter: Magic Awakened is co-developed and officially licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and will launch under the Portkey Games label. The upcoming mobile game, which focuses on collectible cards and features strategy roleplay elements, is set to delight Harry Potter fans across China, where this game will be available to play.  

Set some years after the Second Wizarding War, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened invites players to embark on their very own illustrious wizarding journey, which includes mastering spells, recruiting allies, and devising unique strategies and magical combinations for player versus player combat. 

![magic-awakened-logo-gold](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/2M7B6Wt8zTJS2DeU1DR7KD/92fd7b7362946407ec35102d138e8652/End-Card-HPMA-logo.jpg)

Fans in China will be able to visit [www.harrypottermagicawakened.com](https://www.harrypottermagicawakened.com) for more details.

*Stay tuned for more exciting Portkey Games developments, coming soon.*

Portkey Games reveals new trailer for Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells

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Enjoy your first look at the upcoming match-3 puzzle game, which is the latest offering from the Portkey Games label. You can [learn more about Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells and Portkey Games here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/web-new-hp-mobile-puzzle-game-in-development)

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’re excited to share with you a first look at the upcoming, match-3 mobile game ‘Harry Potter: Puzzles &amp; Spells’ under the <a href="https://twitter.com/PortkeyGames?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PortkeyGames</a> label. <a href="https://t.co/TV4YI0BnPL">pic.twitter.com/TV4YI0BnPL</a></p>&mdash; Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/wizardingworld/status/1261269539024777217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

*Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells*, the recently announced game coming to mobile devices worldwide, has released its first official teaser trailer!

This first video takes players on an advance tour of some of the beloved settings they will visit as they progress through the puzzle gameplay. The teaser shows coloured blocks (adorned with winged keys, Chocolate Frogs and other well-known symbols you’re sure to recognise) flying around some of your favourite Wizarding World locations, floating through Diagon Alley and bouncing along Hogwarts staircases. 

![puzzles-and-spells-alternative-key-art](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/3lffyFqSHkcPFdO51OzH7p/211d57fec30629d8650eca3ca5025adf/HPPS_KeyArt_Final_Eyebrow.jpg)

Bernard Kim, President of Publishing at Zynga, said of the game: ‘From the Great Hall of Hogwarts to the Gryffindor common room, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells gives players a chance to revisit their favourite Wizarding World landmarks in a new way.’ 

As with all Portkey releases, the player will have the chance to be at the centre of their own adventure… get ready for some brain-teasing puzzles sprinkled with magic!

For more information on the upcoming Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells game, you can follow all updates on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or [visit the official website.](https://www.harrypotterpuzzlesandspells.com)

Stay tuned for more [Portkey Games updates soon. ](https://www.portkeygames.com/) 

Stunning new illustrated Harry Potter book covers unveiled for Thailand’s twentieth anniversary 

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The Harry Potter series is getting a breath-taking makeover in Thailand by illustrator Arch Apolar. He has designed new covers, chapter headers, illustrations in the books, and an incredible Quidditch-themed box set for your enjoyment. 

‘Never in my life did I dream of becoming an illustrator responsible for designing a version of this series,’ Arch told us.

‘I made sure that I put all my effort, my heart and my soul into this project as I would like this version to be like a love letter from fan to fan. From inside of each Hogwarts house to the appearance of each character, I tried to make the details as accurate as I could.’ 

The covers and interior artwork depict key characters and moments from the books as well as plenty of localised touches to delight Thai fans.

‘I wanted this cover series to have a classic feeling, like it was made back in the Golden Age of Illustration and to pay homage to the artists from that time,’ Arch said. ‘I wanted the character design in this version to relate to both kids and adults, so it should not be too stylised or too realistic - but well balanced between the two. I also wanted the colours to express the themes of each book, so I tried to find new interpretations for them.’

Let’s take a closer look:

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You might notice that the Hogwarts logo on Harry’s robe clasp and on the Hogwarts Express is in the shape of an H for Hogwarts, but according to the Thai alphabet, and nine and three-quarters (inside the circle above the train) is also written with Thai numerals.  

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Here, the Burrow and the Weasleys' mischievous flying car take centre stage. What do you think of Arch’s depiction of young Tom Riddle?

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Here, Dementors and Buckbeak are foregrounded, with Sirius Black looming over proceedings. Can you spot Hagrid, McGonagall, Fudge and Flitwick leaving the Three Broomsticks after just having had a conversation that Harry was never meant to overhear? 


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Harry’s snatching of the egg in the Triwizard Tournament is off-set by the Quidditch World Cup. Can you see Ludo Bagman in his Wimbourne Wasps robes on his way to the game? 

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Enter the Ministry of Magic... Can you spot Minister Fudge and Percy Weasley?

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Weasleys Wizard Wheezes glows in the background and the Inferi stalk Harry in the foreground. Meanwhile, Draco is having a suspicious conversation with Mr Borgin inside Borgin and Burkes...

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There are so many details to pick out on this one, but some of our favourites include the depiction of Shell Cottage, the Gringotts dragon, brave Neville Longbottom, and the contrast between Tom Riddle from the cover of the second book with the depiction of Voldemort here. 

***

And here are a couple of the illustrations from inside the books:


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This design motif is the Durmstrang ship with the Beauxbatons Abraxan in the background, fusing the symbolism of the two visiting schools we’re introduced to in *Goblet of Fire*.



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Thai Half-Blood Prince inferi Dumbledore illustration

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This particular image of Dumbledore highlights Arch’s love of finding double-meaning in his pieces. Here, the frame of the illustration shows Dumbledore’s face in profile, but the fire from his wand within the image also becomes an outline of Fawkes, and Fawkes’ body doubles for Dumbledore’s beard and moustache. When you look at the image upside-down, you can also see that the bottom part depicts Fawkes’ head! 

‘I tried gathering pieces of ideas from lots of friends who are big fans of this series,’ Arch explained.

‘Everyone has their own unique answer when it comes to their favourite element of Harry Potter. So, I told myself, “Why don’t you make this version full of memories that will act as small Easter eggs so that each fan will have fun finding their favourite things? It will be a special gift that only fans could appreciate.”’

***

And here’s the beautiful illustration of the front of the box set:


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As we look through the various interpretations of the wizarding world Arch has worked on, we had to ask the artist what some of his favourites were. 

‘My favourite thing to draw while working on this series would be reimagining settings and characters that haven’t been interpreted as much before,’ he said. ‘Like the Fountain of Magical Brethren [from the Ministry of Magic] or Shell Cottage [the home of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour], I wanted to add magic into all the architecture and details, since this world is so magical that it can also be surreal.’ 

As a huge Harry Potter fan himself, Arch told us about growing up with the books, now that he gets to illustrate them almost twenty years later.

‘I still remember the first time that my dad read *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* to me when I was just a nine-year-old boy as a bedtime story, which soon led me to the reading world myself. I was amazed by the story and the wonderful artwork by Mary GrandPré. The wizarding world that J.K. Rowling had created totally changed my perception of the magical world, it opened new doors to unlimited imagination and creativity.’

We couldn’t agree more. 

*Thailand’s twentieth anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone takes place on 1 July, but these editions are released from 11 May. Fans can order the books by contacting the publishers directly at contact@nanmeebooks.com.*


Our new Harry Potter Fan Club Newsletter is here

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We've now launched a regular newsletter so you can have all your Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts news sent straight to your inbox. Here’s how to [register for it](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register) - and so much more.

## How do I get the newsletter?

If you haven’t already, you can register for a free Wizarding World account in just a few simple steps. You’ll automatically become a member of the Harry Potter Fan Club and - as long as you remember to opt in to receive our emails - you’ll get all the latest Harry Potter news and exclusives, including this weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. No owls required! 

__It’s as easy as…__

1.	Register [for your free account here](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register)
2.	Don’t forget to opt in to receive our emails
3.	Wait for the magic to arrive in your inbox


## Want to know more about the Harry Potter Fan Club?

As a member of the Harry Potter fan Club you’ll be able to log in to your account on WizardingWorld.com (and the Wizarding World app), get sorted into your Hogwarts house, discover your Patronus, seek out your wand, enjoy exclusive offers and a whole lot more.

To learn more about the [Harry Potter Fan Club, check out our about page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/about-the-fan-club), you can even send in suggestions on what else you’d like our fan club to offer you. 

[Register here and opt-in to our emails](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register) to get your Harry Potter Fan Club newsletter.   

Get the latest Wizarding World news here. Faster than an owl and more accurate than the Daily Prophet

News - Wizarding World

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Chapter Six Quiz

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[Click here to see the answers!](https://images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/6xa4dDg1niPNdZdN4FOGfw/36811efe6972cc2daab870cd98b49378/1080x1350_q6_Answers.jpg "Chapter 6 answers") How many did you get right? 

[Have you tried our Chapter Challenge for Chapter Six yet?](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-six-journey-platform-nine "CC6")
Collect house points by completing the challenges and secret quest!

And remember, you can go back and [watch Jamie Parker and the Broadway cast of Cursed Child read Chapter Six](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-journey-from-platform-nine-and-three-quarters) any time you like!

For more quizzes, crafting, articles and other fun activites go to the [Harry Potter At Home Hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home "HPAH hub").  

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

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The “Minerva McGonagall Finish the Quote” Quiz 

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The Hogwarts Pets Quiz

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Take these quizzes and discover how much you really know about the Wizarding World. From spells to ghosts, potions to professors, wands to witches and more.

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Put your wizarding knowledge to the test with curious quizzes for all levels

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A handy guide to all of the Cursed Child readers from Chapter Six: ‘The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters’ 

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Jamie Parker performing as Harry Potter in Cursed Child on Broadway

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__**Spoiler Warning**__

__*This article contains info on a number of character appearances from the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child production.*__

Our special reading of Chapter Six, ‘The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters’, features a smorgasbord of *Cursed Child* talent, with many cast members from the Broadway production coming together to tackle the first Harry Potter story. 

![Cursed-Child-grid-hero](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/5mlsOElsyQaObnJGfIiG5U/af0e61aa24e79575cd4a707c477e5564/Group-Shot.jpg)

The reading is introduced by Jamie Parker, who played Harry Potter in the original West End production, and then brought the character to Broadway. He is joined by many members of the current Broadway cast, who take on speaking parts within the chapter.

Here’s everyone you see in the video, who they play in *Cursed Child*, and who they’re reading in ‘The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters’. 

[Oh, and you can watch the video right here!](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-journey-from-platform-nine-and-three-quarters)

Jamie Parker – Narrator <br>
James Romney (Albus Potter in *Cursed Child*) – Harry Potter <br>
Stephen Spinella (Severus Snape & ensemble in Cursed Child) – Vernon Dursley <br>
Diane Davis (Ginny Potter in *Cursed Child*) – Mrs Weasley<br>
James Snyder (Harry Potter in *Cursed Child*) - Fred Weasley <br>
Paul Thornley (Ron Weasley in *Cursed Child*) - George Weasley <br>
Brady Dalton Richards (Scorpius Malfoy in *Cursed Child*)  – Ron Weasley <br>
Aaron Bartz (Draco Malfoy in *Cursed Child*) – Percy Weasley <br>
Michela Cannon (Moaning Myrtle & ensemble in *Cursed Child*) - Ginny Weasley <br>
Lauren Cipoletti (Delphi Diggory & ensemble in *Cursed Child*) - Hogwarts student <br>
Karen Janes Woditsch – (Professor McGonagall & ensemble in *Cursed Child*) Augusta Longbottom <br>
Will Carlyon (James Potter Jr & ensemble in *Cursed Child*) – Neville Longbottom <br>
Fiona Reid (Dolores Umbridge & ensemble in *Cursed Child*) – Trolley Witch <br>
Nadia Brown – (Rose Granger-Weasley & ensemble in *Cursed Child*) Hermione<br> 
Jax Jackson – (Yann Fredericks & ensemble in *Cursed Child*) Draco Malfoy <br>
Brian Thomas Abraham (Sorting Hat, Hagrid & ensemble in *Cursed Child*) Hagrid <br>
James Brown III (Bane & ensemble in *Cursed Child*) – The train announcement <br>
Ed Hyland (Dumbledore & ensemble in *Cursed Child*) – The Chocolate Frog card<br> 

So, there you have it. For more details on *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*, [visit the official website](https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/). Or for more of our chapter reads, enjoy everything from *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone* so far, [courtesy of Harry Potter At Home.  ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home)

*Image credit: Manuel Harlan*

The passing of time through platform nine and three-quarters

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__Beware of spoilers across the Harry Potter books and *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*__

## Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

> ‘A scarlet steam engine was waiting next to a platform packed with people. A sign overhead said Hogwarts Express, 11 o’clock.’ 
> 

Harry arrives at King’s Cross to start his first year at Hogwarts doubting whether platform nine and three-quarters even exists. It took a nudge from Mrs Weasley to get him through the barrier, and he didn’t say a word to Ron until the youngest Weasley brother came to sit in his compartment. Neither of the boys exactly warmed to Hermione either. Little did they know they’d be fighting off a mountain troll together by Hallowe’en. 

## Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

> ‘‘We’re going to miss the train,’ Ron whispered. ‘I don’t understand why the gateway’s sealed itself...’
> Harry looked up at the giant clock with a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach. Ten seconds ... nine seconds ...’
> 

Chamber of Secrets is the only book where we don’t see platform nine and three-quarters at all – Dobby “helpfully” seals it shut to try to protect Harry from harm. Harry and Ron, now firm friends and partners in crime, recklessly decide to get themselves to Hogwarts in Mr Weasley’s illegal flying car. Given the dodgy Invisibility Booster and the painful encounter with the Whomping Willow that follow, we have to say we’re with Professor McGonagall on this one: why in the name of Merlin didn’t they just send an owl?

## Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 

> ‘There was a loud whistle. Guards were walking along the train, slamming all the doors shut. 
> ‘Promise me, Harry,’ said Mr Weasley, talking more quickly still, ‘that whatever happens –’ 
> ‘Why would I go looking for someone I know wants to kill me?’ said Harry blankly.’
> 

In Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry, Hermione and the Weasleys are taken to King’s Cross in Ministry of Magic cars. Harry’s calm reaction to finding out that Sirius Black – notorious mass-murderer  – might be out to get him demonstrates just how much the Boy Who Lived has grown-up since his first time on platform nine and three-quarters. Mr Weasley seems to think so too, as he is determined to tell Harry the truth about Black before the Hogwarts Express departs, ignoring Mrs Weasley’s protests.

## Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

> ‘You’re going to have an interesting year,’ said Bill, his eyes twinkling. ‘I might even get time off to come and watch a bit of it ...’ 
> 
 
We can see that by their fourth year, Harry, Ron and Hermione are very used to the magical barrier between platforms nine and ten – this time they lean casually against it, way too cool to take it at a run nowadays. As well as a place the wizarding students reunite after a long summer holiday, platform nine and three-quarters is always alive with gossip about the year ahead – and no more so than the year the Triwizard Tournament comes to Hogwarts. 

## Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

> ‘The figures of Tonks, Lupin, Moody and Mr and Mrs Weasley shrank rapidly but the black dog was bounding alongside the window, wagging its tail; blurred people on the platform were laughing to see it chasing the train, then they rounded a bend, and Sirius was gone.’
> 

This return to platform nine and three-quarters marks the dawning of a new chapter in the wizarding world. Lord Voldemort is back, and as a result Harry is forced to have an Order of the Phoenix guard escorting him to King’s Cross. It is also the first time that Harry is accompanied onto the platform by the closest person he has to a parent. His godfather might come along as Padfoot the black dog, but that doesn’t make it any less special.

## Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

> ‘Now, dear, you’re coming to us for Christmas, it’s all fixed with Dumbledore, so we’ll see you quite soon,’ said Mrs Weasley through the window, as Harry slammed the door shut behind him and the train began to move.’
> 

As Harry begins his sixth year, Chosen One rumours are rife and people stare out of their train compartment windows at him, just like Fred and George gawped at his scar the first time they met him. Despite this, Mrs Weasley’s casual Christmas invite shows how he really is a beloved honorary member of the Weasley clan by this point. Mr Weasley even hears out Harry’s theory about Draco Malfoy being up to something. If only he’d taken it more seriously…

## Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

> ‘The train began to move, and Harry walked alongside it, watching his son’s thin face, already ablaze with excitement. Harry kept smiling, and waving, even though it was like a little bereavement, watching his son glide away from him ...’ 
> 

Everything comes full circle nineteen years after the defeat of Lord Voldemort. Albus Severus Potter boards the train at platform nine and three-quarters, just as Harry did all those years before. Accompanying his children through that barrier between the Muggle and magical worlds must have meant so much to Harry, when he started his own journey alone, with a very confusing ticket clutched in his hand. 

We’ve come to the end of our trip down memory lane, but your adventure at platform nine and three-quarters is only just beginning. And remember, don’t forget to take the barrier at a bit of a run if you’re nervous…

                                  ***

And if you want to watch Chapter Six again, you can [see Jamie Parker and the Broadway cast of Cursed Child reading 'The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-journey-from-platform-nine-and-three-quarters "Chapter 6"), any time you like.

Which is better: Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade?

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## The argument for Diagon Alley
You’ve just watched [Chapter Five of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, describing Harry Potter’s first trip to Diagon Alley](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-diagon-alley "Diagon Alley chapter"), and it really is streets ahead of Hogsmeade… 


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Harry running in Diagon Alley from the Chamber of Secrets 

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Picture the scene. You find the correct brick – three up, two across – and tap the wall behind the Leaky Cauldron courtyard three times. And there it is, the wizarding world opening up in front of you, revealing the cobbled street beyond. We can completely understand why Harry wishes he has ‘*about eight more eyes*’ at this moment – who wouldn’t want such excitement and exhilaration at the start of their shopping trip? So, for starters, the magical brick entrance to Diagon Alley is something we absolutely wouldn’t want to miss out on, whereas it sounds like you can walk straight into Hogsmeade just like any other Muggle town. Dull as as an old cauldron. 

And once you’re in, Diagon Alley is bustling with witches and wizards of all ages and from all walks of life. Hogsmeade, on the other hand, sounds like it only comes to life when Hogwarts students are allowed to visit. We’d want to see witches complaining about the price of dragon liver outside the apothecary, and children marvelling over broomsticks in the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies. The thing about Diagon Alley is that it gives an insight into wizarding life that feels realistic, palpable, even gritty. Hogsmeade is a fairy tale village that doesn’t reflect the day to day lives of wizarding folk. Picturesque? Yes. Nice for the occasional weekend trip? Yes. Good for shopping? We’d rather have down-to-earth Diagon Alley any day of the week.  

What comes with a shopping destination for real wizards is choice and variety. And with that variety comes competition – meaning that we think Diagon Alley houses the best wizarding products Galleons can buy. Remember that Harry has to write to Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley to get a copy of Advanced Potion Making and not just pop over to a bookshop in Hogsmeade. Not to mention that Hogwarts students appear to pick up their school supplies in Diagon Alley, rather than choosing other wizarding shopping destinations. It’s also in Diagon Alley where Harry first sees the Firebolt. Quality Quidditch Supplies is selling the state-of-the-art racing broom, later used by the Irish in the Quidditch World Cup. With options like these, not only would you be able to get everything you actually needed, but window-shopping would be an absolute dream. 

Again and again Diagon Alley proves itself as the place to shop. It has Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions (emphasis on the all), and it is also home to Ollivanders which Hagrid says: ‘*Just Ollivanders left now – only place fer wands, Ollivanders, and yeh gotta have the best wand*.’ And let’s not forget that it has a plethora of options when it comes to pets: Eelops Owl Emporium which gave us beautiful Hedwig, as well as the Magical Menagerie that gave us crafty Crookshanks! 

Shops and magical products aside, Diagon Alley is superior to Hogsmeade because of the opportunities to bump into friends outside of Hogwarts! Hogsmeade might be pretty, but it’s practically next door to the castle. We love Harry, Ron and Hermione’s reunions during the summer holidays in Diagon Alley, and we’d definitely want to experience that sense of anticipation as students flocked there to buy school supplies, catch up with friends and prepare for the year ahead.

Sorry Hogsmeade, you just can’t compete with this bustling hub of wizarding activity!


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## The case for Hogsmeade

In *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, a new realm of opportunities opened up to Hogwarts students: access to the neighbouring village of Hogsmeade. Described as looking like a ‘*Christmas card*’ due to its abundance of snow, the village was awash with pubs, thatched houses, tea shops, joke shops and beyond – and even includes its own tourist attraction in the ‘*supposedly haunted*’ Shrieking Shack. See? Already that sounds pretty brilliant.

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Although we’d already become quite accustomed with the joyful hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley, discovering Hogsmeade was even more intriguing. We associated Diagon Alley with getting back to school, picking up books and supplies and the like, while Hogsmeade was designed as a break from school, a chance for students to unwind and properly start feeling more independent. After all, the trip was only available to third-year Hogwarts students and beyond – getting to go to Hogsmeade was like a dream for the younger pupils.

And while Diagon Alley appears to only have one pub (The famous Leaky Cauldron, of course) Hogsmeade has options! You can pop to the Three Broomsticks for a flagon of Butterbeer with Madam Rosmerta, or if you want a bit of quiet time, you can go to the Hog’s Head, which is admittedly a bit dodgier, but good for private meetings. While we’re aware of the legendary status of The Leaky Cauldron, Hogsmeade feels more like the place to go for a bit of an escape, and not just for students, but for Hogwarts staff too. Witnessing the likes of Professor Flitwick enjoying a flamboyant cherry drink with an umbrella in the Three Broomsticks, for example, was simply a joy to see.

Beyond the more vibrant social haunts, Hogsmeade is known for confectionary shops such as Honeydukes, which has an enviable array of different sweets on offer, and the extremely popular Zonko’s Joke Shop, where students could purchase all sorts of whacky and wonderful items to infuriate Filch the caretaker with. Compared to Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade just seems a bit more fun, and dare we say it, a bit more rebellious. Just look at the Shrieking Shack, the ‘haunted’ house that couldn’t help but spark interest in its young student visitors. Hogsmeade definitely has a more unruly aura. 

While Hogwarts students were more likely go to Diagon Alley with their parents or families, Hogsmeade was altogether the cooler option to go with your friends, or even go on dates. It is altogether quirkier, more interesting and more varied than Diagon Alley, and served as an important location for many key moments in the Harry Potter series.

Sure, Diagon Alley may have been Harry’s first proper introduction to the wizarding world – but Hogsmeade is when things really got interesting. The wizarding village’s atmosphere was always a point of consternation for Hogwarts students, and really seemed to represent the curiosity and excitement of growing up. 

                                  ***

So, Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade? Which wizarding destination is your favourite? If you’re old enough, let us know on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wizardingworld/ "Facebook"), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wizardingworld?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor "Twitter") or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wizardingworld/ "WW Instagram").

And remember to [watch Chapter Five of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer's Stone, where you can revisit Harry’s first trip to Diagon Alley](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-diagon-alley "Diagon Alley reading").


The seven cosiest places at Hogwarts

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## Gryffindor common room 

A favourite cosy hangout of Harry, Ron and Hermione’s, Gryffindor common room had to be on our list. A ‘*cosy circular tower room full of dilapidated squashy armchairs and rickety old tables*’ often with a fire ‘*crackling merrily in the grate*’ we can understand why the golden trio spent so much time there studying or more often than not… scheming!

## The library 

If you were to avoid the Restricted Section and Madam Pince’s eagle eye, we reckon the Hogwarts library would be a cosy (and peaceful!) place to be. It would be so easy to settle down and lose yourself amongst the ‘*thousands of books; thousands of shelves; hundreds of narrow rows*’ – though you might have to leave the Chocolate Frogs back in your common room. And if you like to read books as fast as Hermione, you wouldn’t even need to leave the room to start on the next one!

## The Room of Requirement  

Also known as the '*Come and Go Room*', Dobby explained to Harry in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* that the Room of Requirement ‘*is a room that a person can only enter… when they have real need of it. Sometimes it is there, and sometimes it is not, but when it appears, it is always equipped for the seeker’s needs*’. Throughout the Harry Potter series, we saw the room in different iterations: training room for Dumbledore’s Army, the Room of Hidden Things, a base for rebels during *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*. Given that it’s unplottable and it would make all your cosy wishes come true – we think the Room of Requirement would be an excellent choice. 

## Hufflepuff common room 

The Hufflepuff common room gets off to a flying start because it's entered from the same corridor as the Hogwarts kitchens and we all know food is one of the most comforting things of all! Inside the common room is ‘*low-ceilinged*’ and ‘*reminiscent of a badger’s sett*’, and ‘*decorated in the cheerful, bee-like colours of yellow and black*’. The room is also blooming with colourful plants and flowers, and ‘*small, round windows just level with the ground at the foot of the castle show a pleasant view of rippling grass and dandelions*’. J.K. Rowling tells us that despite the low windows, ‘the room feels perennially sunny’. Ahhh. We feel relaxed just thinking about it. [Find J.K. Rowling's writing on this common room here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/hufflepuff-common-room).

## Hagrid’s hut 

We couldn’t possibly miss out Hagrid’s hut from our list of the cosiest places at Hogwarts. Hagrid did have some rather unusual hut-mates during Harry’s time at Hogwarts, from Norbert the dragon to Buckbeak the Hippogriff, but we don’t think we’d have minded! Hagrid was always ready with a strong cup of tea and a bit of advice – although perhaps we’d avoid his rock cakes. The hut might have been small but you just can’t beat a copper kettle boiling on an open fire and a patchwork quilt. Oh, and let’s not forget Fang!  We’d love to flick through a copy of *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* or discuss the latest Quidditch match, with that loveable boarhound snoozing at our feet.  

## Ravenclaw common room  

Harry only visited the Ravenclaw common room once, and it wasn’t exactly a relaxing experience. However, on your average Hogwarts school day, we think the Ravenclaw common room sounds very cosy indeed. ‘*Graceful arched windows punctuated the walls, which were hung with blue and bronze silks*’ and the Ravenclaws were lucky enough to ‘*a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains*’. We particularly like the sound of the ceiling which ‘*was domed and painted with stars, which were echoed in the midnight-blue carpet*’. This being Ravenclaw common room, there are of course, chairs, tables and bookcases to pick out your next fascinating read. Sitting under the stars, with a view of the mountains, now that sounds pretty cosy to us.  

## Dumbledore’s office  

This ‘*large and beautiful circular room*’ might not be the first cosy place you think of, but here’s our take on it. We love the idea of reading a good book whilst ‘*curious silver instruments stood on spindle- legged tables, whirring and emitting little puffs of smoke.*’ And what about all the portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses snoozing on the walls? We reckon being surrounded by all that knowledge and wisdom would feel pretty comforting – as long as Phineas Nigellus stayed asleep! 

Since a few of the cosiest places we've suggested are common rooms - how about trying out [Common Room Quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/web-the-common-room-quiz "CR quiz")? 

Chapter Challenge: 'The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters'

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Welcome to your sixth Chapter Challenge! If you need a reminder of Chapter Six, you can [watch Jamie Parker and the Broadway cast of Cursed Child reading 'The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-journey-from-platform-nine-and-three-quarters "Chapter 6"), any time you like.

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<center>
        
<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/5NbVl2rYgQOsomiheQlToy/603c0b01ec47be9b76d40e9b917a327a/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-14.png" alt="my boat">
  
__Write about a character that is introduced in this chapter and describe them. There are plenty to choose from!__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

  
<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/7DGPxsJ6CKKAybKJk2z8VU/55be28bac6ab6daded4ac10bb10c57a5/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-15.png" alt="my boat"> 

__Draw the Hogwarts Express while it waits for witches and wizards at platform nine and three-quarters.__
  
*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
 
<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/76EKXm249R6Av82pPNGMoG/e4a932f2b477a3e645b7280773330069/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-16.png" alt="my boat"> 

__Answer this question and get a clue about the next chapter. What might someone – particularly a witch or wizard – wear on their head?__
  
*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
  
<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/3RO65v5jlfLcUheOJIz3Ky/a17b402d7bf7171748d33604faec3580/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-17_1.png" alt="my boat">

__Write about yourself: If you could pick one thing from the Hogwarts Express snack trolley, what would it be and why?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
  
<IMG src="https://images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/1XMWX309jyKzFCwPLGQanc/2281a50062bd3fddf1828bd941302a3d/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-17_2.png" alt="my boat">

__Prediction time! This is where you guess what might happen later in the book. On the train, Ron and Harry talk about the four houses at Hogwarts. Which house do you think Draco Malfoy will be in?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*

  
<IMG src="https://images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/4EH2eETTkq3a5Mbf24yLt4/c2bf7363fb4493fba513fc766137d831/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-17_3.png" alt="my boat">

__Time to be on a Chocolate Frog card: In 'The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters', Harry reads a Chocolate Frog card about Albus Dumbledore. Write a Chocolate Frog card for yourself. Include interesting facts, your hobbies and any achievements you’re proud of. If you’re feeling creative, draw a picture of yourself for the front of the card as well!__

*This mini-challenge is worth 2 house points.*

  
<IMG src="https://images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/5kRx9NHQ0mdxxkoKpgC0gV/865d36dd4c210aa10a8cec9e846f9abb/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-18.png" alt="my boat">

__Secret quest: Just like Hermione Granger pointed out to Ron Weasley, tell someone in your household they have dirt on their nose. Your exact words need to be – ‘*And you’ve got dirt on your nose, by the way, did you know?*' Get them to try to rub the “dirt” off, and you’ll succeed at this secret quest!__

*This mini-challenge is worth 3 house points.*
  
  OR...

***

__Quiz time: If this secret quest isn’t for you, you can collect the same number of house points if you answer every question correctly in [our Chapter Six Quiz here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-six-five-questions "CQ 6")...__

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Did you complete this Chapter Challenge? How many house points did you collect of the possible 10? Have you put all your pieces of paper in the hourglass so you don’t lose count? When a reading of Chapter Seven becomes available, there’ll be another challenge waiting for you!

Still need to find out which Hogwarts house you belong in? [Here’s a link to register and find the Sorting Ceremony on our website](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register?utm_medium=social&utm_source=wwd_web&utm_campaign=chapterchallenge-register). Or download the Wizarding World app to find out your house whilst wearing the Sorting Hat! You’ll need an adult to help you register.

And for more quizzes, crafting, articles and other fun activites go to the [Harry Potter At Home Hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home "HPAH hub"). 

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

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For beginners, for novices, for Harry Potter superfans going 20 years-strong, dig deep into the Wizarding World with our collection of features.

Features - Wizarding World

For beginners, for novices, for Harry Potter superfans going 20 years-strong, dig deep into the Wizarding World with our collection of features

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J.K. Rowling Originals

Hub Texture J.K. Rowling Originals

Cauldrons

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Professor Slughorn teaches potions to Harry's class

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Cauldrons were once used by Muggles and wizards alike, being large metal cooking pots that could be suspended over fires. In time, magical and non-magical people alike moved on to stoves; saucepans became more convenient and cauldrons became the sole province of witches and wizards, who continued to brew potions in them. A naked flame is essential for the making of potions, which makes cauldrons the most practical pot of all.

All cauldrons are enchanted to make them lighter to carry, as they are most commonly made of pewter or iron. Modern inventions include the self-stirring and collapsible varieties of cauldron, and pots of precious metal are also available for the specialist, or the show-off.

## J.K. Rowling’s thoughts

Cauldrons have had a magical association for centuries. They appear in hundreds of years’ worth of pictures of witches, and are also supposed to be where leprechauns keep treasure. Many folk and fairy tales make mention of cauldrons with special powers, but in the Harry Potter books they are a fairly mundane tool. I did consider making Helga Hufflepuff’s hallow a cauldron, but there was something slightly comical and incongruous about having such a large and heavy Horcrux; I wanted the objects Harry had to find to be smaller and more portable.  However, a cauldron appears both in the four mythical jewels of Ireland (its magical power was that nobody ever went away from it unsatisfied) and in the legend of The Thirteen Treasures of Britain (the cauldron of Dyrnwch the giant would cook meat for brave men, but not for cowards).

The Sorting Hat

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The famous Hogwarts Sorting Hat gives an account of its own genesis in a series of songs sung at the beginning of each school year. Legend has it that the hat once belonged to one of the four founders, Godric Gryffindor, and that it was jointly enchanted by all four founders to ensure that students would be sorted into their eponymous houses, which would be selected according to each founder’s particular preferences in students.

The Sorting Hat is one of the cleverest enchanted objects most witches and wizards will ever meet. It literally contains the intelligence of the four founders, can speak (through a rip near its brim) and is skilled at Legilimency, which enables it to look into the wearer’s head and divine his or her capabilities or mood. It can even respond to the thoughts of the wearer.

The Sorting Hat is notorious for refusing to admit it has made a mistake in its sorting of a student. On those occasions when Slytherins behave altruistically or selflessly, when Ravenclaws flunk all their exams, when Hufflepuffs prove lazy yet academically gifted and when Gryffindors exhibit cowardice, the Hat steadfastly backs its original decision. On balance, however, the Hat has made remarkably few errors of judgement over the many centuries it has been at work.

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JKR Sorting Hat illustration

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## J.K. Rowling’s thoughts

The Sorting Hat does not appear in my earliest plans for Hogwarts. I debated several different methods for sorting students (because I knew from early on that there would be four houses, all with very different qualities). The first was an elaborate, Heath Robinson-ish machine that did all kinds of magical things before reaching a decision, but I did not like it: it felt at once too complicated, and too easy. Next I placed four statues of the four founders in the Entrance Hall, which came alive and selected students from the throng in front of them while the school watched. This was better, but still not quite right. Finally, I wrote a list of the ways in which people can be chosen: eeny meeny miny mo, short straws, chosen by team captains, names out of a hat – names out of a talking hat – putting on a hat – the Sorting Hat.

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The Potter Family

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The Potter family is a very old one, but it was never (until the birth of Harry James Potter) at the very forefront of wizarding history, contenting itself with a solid and comfortable existence in the backwaters.  

Potter is a not uncommon Muggle surname, and the family did not make the so-called ‘Sacred Twenty-Eight’ for this reason; the anonymous compiler of that supposedly definitive list of pure-bloods suspected that they had sprung from what he considered to be tainted blood. The wizarding Potter family had illustrious beginnings, however, some of which was hinted at in *Deathly Hallows*. 

In the Muggle world ‘Potter’ is an occupational surname, meaning a man who creates pottery. The wizarding family of Potters descends from the twelfth-century wizard Linfred of Stinchcombe, a locally well-beloved and eccentric man, whose nickname, ‘the Potterer’, became corrupted in time to ‘Potter’. Linfred was a vague and absent-minded fellow whose Muggle neighbours often called upon his medicinal services. None of them realised that Linfred’s wonderful cures for pox and ague were magical; they all thought him a harmless and lovable old chap, pottering about in his garden with all his funny plants. His reputation as a well-meaning eccentric served Linfred well, for behind closed doors he was able to continue the series of experiments that laid the foundation of the Potter family’s fortune.  Historians credit Linfred as the originator of a number of remedies that evolved into potions still used to this day, including Skele-gro and Pepperup Potion. His sales of such cures to fellow witches and wizards enabled him to leave a significant pile of gold to each of his seven children upon his death. 

Linfred’s eldest son, Hardwin, married a beautiful young witch by the name of Iolanthe Peverell, who came from the village of Godric’s Hollow. She was the granddaughter of Ignotus Peverell. In the absence of male heirs, she, the eldest of her generation, had inherited her grandfather’s invisibility cloak. It was, Iolanthe explained to Hardwin, a tradition in her family that the possession of this cloak remained a secret, and her new husband respected her wishes. From this time on, the cloak was handed down to the eldest in each new generation. 

The Potters continued to marry their neighbours, occasionally Muggles, and to live in the West of England, for several generations, each one adding to the family coffers by their hard work and, it must be said, by the quiet brand of ingenuity that had characterised their forebear, Linfred.  

Occasionally, a Potter made it all the way to London, and a member of the family has twice sat on the Wizengamot: Ralston Potter, who was a member from 1612-1652, and who was a great supporter of the Statute of Secrecy (as opposed to declaring war on the Muggles, as more militant members wished to do) and Henry Potter (Harry to his intimates), who was a direct descendant of Hardwin and Iolanthe, and served on the Wizengamot from 1913-1921. Henry caused a minor stir when he publicly condemned then Minister for Magic, Archer Evermonde, who had forbidden the magical community to help Muggles waging the First World War. His outspokenness on the behalf of the Muggle community was also a strong contributing factor in the family’s exclusion from the ‘Sacred Twenty-Eight’.  

Henry’s son was called Fleamont Potter. Fleamont was so called because it was the dying wish of Henry’s mother that he perpetuate her maiden name, which would otherwise die out. He bore the burden remarkably well; indeed, he always attributed his dexterity at duelling to the number of times he had to fight people at Hogwarts after they had made fun of his name. It was Fleamont who took the family gold and quadrupled it, by creating magical Sleekeazy’s Hair Potion ( *‘two drops tames even the most bothersome barnet’* ).  He sold the company at a vast profit when he retired, but no amount of riches could compensate him or his wife Euphemia for their childlessness. They had quite given up hope of a son or daughter when, to their shock and surprise, Euphemia found that she was pregnant and their beloved boy, James, was born. 

Fleamont and Euphemia lived long enough to see James marry a Muggle-born girl called Lily Evans, but not to meet their grandson, Harry. Dragon pox carried them off within days of each other, due to their advanced age, and James Potter then inherited Ignotus Peverell’s Invisibility Cloak.

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JKR Mirror of Erised illustration

The Hogwarts Express

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The Hogwarts Express steaming through the country side

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As we know from early historical accounts, and from the evidence of early woodcuts and engravings, Hogwarts students used to arrive at school in any manner that caught their fancy. Some rode broomsticks (a difficult feat when carrying trunks and pets); others commandeered enchanted carts and, later, carriages; some attempted to Apparate (often with disastrous effects, as the castle and grounds have always been protected with Anti-Apparition Charms), others rode a variety of magical creatures.

In spite of the accidents attendant on these various modes of magical transport, not to mention the annual Muggle sightings of vast numbers of airborne wizards travelling northwards, it remained the responsibility of parents to convey their children to school, right up until the imposition of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1692. At this point, it became a matter of urgency to find some more discreet method of transporting hundreds of wizarding children from all over Britain to their secret school in the Highlands of Scotland.

Portkeys were therefore arranged at collecting points all over Britain. The logistics caused problems from the start. Up to a third of students would fail to arrive every year, having missed their time slot, or been unable to find the unobtrusive enchanted object that would transport them to their school. There was also the unfortunate fact that many children were (and are) ‘Portkey-sick’, and the hospital wing was frequently full to bursting for the first few days of every year, while susceptible students overcame their hysterics and nausea.

While admitting that Portkeys were not an ideal solution to the problem of school transportation, the Ministry of Magic failed to find an acceptable alternative. A return to the unregulated travel of the past was impossible, and yet a more secure route into the school (for instance, permitting a fireplace that might be officially entered by Floo powder) was strongly resisted by successive Headmasters, who did not wish the security of the castle to be breached.

A daring and controversial solution to the thorny problem was finally suggested by Minister for Magic Ottaline Gambol, who was much intrigued by Muggle inventions and saw the potential in trains. Where exactly the Hogwarts Express came from has never been conclusively proven, although it is a fact that there are secret records at the Ministry of Magic detailing a mass operation involving one hundred and sixty-seven Memory Charms and the largest ever mass Concealment Charm performed in Britain. The morning after these alleged crimes, a gleaming scarlet steam engine and carriages astounded the villagers of Hogsmeade (who had also not realised they had a railway station), while several bemused Muggle railway workers down in Crewe spent the rest of the year grappling with the uncomfortable feeling that they had mislaid something important.

The Hogwarts Express underwent several magical modifications before the Ministry approved it for school use. Many pure-blood families were outraged at the idea of their children using Muggle transport, which they claimed was unsafe, insanitary and demeaning; however, as the Ministry decreed that students either rode the train or did not attend school, the objections were swiftly silenced.

The Marauder’s Map

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From the Sorting Hat to wand woods, the Marauder’s Map and more. Discover the writing and content released by J.K. Rowling on Pottermore.com now available on Wizarding World.

J.K. Rowling Archive - Wizarding world

Explore the inner workings of the wizarding world with a collection of writing from J.K. Rowling