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All the ways James Potter was a true Gryffindor

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

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James Potter might not have literally pulled the [Sword of Gryffindor](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-sword-of-gryffindor) out of the Sorting Hat, like his son did, but he certainly had lion-esque energy that flowed through to Harry. 

## He was brave until the very end

Now, there are many ways to be brave, and very few Gryffindors had the opportunity to act the hero quite as often as Harry, (although we all respect Seamus Finnigan’s various gallant battles with his cauldron) - but James Potter came pretty close. Along with his wife, Lily, he repeatedly acted against Voldemort to such an extent that Trelawney’s prophecy specifically stated that they’d defied The Dark Lord three times.

Then, when Voldemort did find them, James tried to hold him off so that Lily could escape with Harry. Yes, there is no denying that James Potter’s bravery was legendary. While he was over-confident at school, James would mature in his later years. 

## He was daring

James may have been pretty heroic as an adult, but as a student, his willingness to compromise his own safety for others was less altruistic. Take the way he and Sirius set themselves and Peter Pettigrew the task of becoming Animagi so they could accompany Lupin on his wolfish forays. True, Lupin called those little escapades ‘the best times of my life’, so it was clearly an act of support that meant a lot to him. But the fact this also required a lot of rebellion would’ve likely attracted James to the task too.

Sirius, who was also no stranger to rebellion, later compared Harry to James – even though by Marauder standards, Harry was, comparatively, a lot more careful. For example, when Harry chastised Sirius for not being discreet enough during his years on the run from the Ministry, Sirius replied: *'The risk would’ve been what made it fun for James.’*

Professor McGonagall certainly agreed that Sirius and James were quite similar in this regard.  

*‘Black and Potter. Ringleaders of their little gang. Both very bright, of course – exceptionally bright, in fact – but I don’t think we’ve ever had such a pair of troublemakers…’*

A risk-taker with a dislike of authority and an appetite for troublemaking. Sounds like quite a few Gryffindors we know.

## He was chivalrous (at least when it came to Lily)

It’s funny how certain people can bring out the best in someone. Lily Evans certainly had that effect on James – who wasn’t impressed by his cocky ways at school. However, when Snape called Lily a Mudblood after she’d attempted to stop James hexing him, James’ arrogance turned into something better. He stood up for her.

*‘Apologise to Evans!’ James roared at Snape, his wand pointed threateningly at him.*

Not that Lily needed or appreciated James’s attempts to be chivalrous – oh no, she saw right through him – but the thought was definitely there. And it does seem that James’s feelings for Lily might have motivated him to, in Sirius’s words, *‘deflate… his head a bit.’*

## He had some work to do on his ego

Arrogance is not a trait specifically mentioned by the Sorting Hat, but for a certain sub-set of Gryffindors, sometimes all this noble bravery can go to someone’s head. And, as just discussed, James’s head was apparently in need of deflating. And the way James treated Snape as a student did not impress his son at all when he looked into the Pensieve. 

In James’s defence, Sirius would later tell Harry that Snape *‘never lost an opportunity to curse James’* himself, and that *‘a lot of people are idiots at the age of fifteen’*. Not to mention being *‘up to his eyes in the Dark Arts’.* But Sirius also told Harry that James hexed people *‘just for the fun of it’.* As for Snape himself, he had a pretty strong opinion on the matter, naturally.

*‘How extraordinarily like your father you are, Potter,’ Snape said suddenly, his eyes glinting. ‘He too was exceedingly arrogant. A small amount of talent on the Quidditch field made him think he was a cut above the rest of us too. Strutting around the place with his friends and admirers…’*

The only other thing to say in mitigation is that James was certainly not the only Gryffindor whose bravery came with a healthy side-order of arrogance. Sirius was almost as bad; Dumbledore, in his youth, was arrogant enough to think he and Gellert Grindelwald might unite the [Deathly Hallows](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/what-truly-is-the-best-deathly-hallow) and so conquer death; even Harry had, as Hermione called it, *‘a bit of a – saving-people thing…’* which often led him to ignore other people’s advice. But thankfully, arrogance is the sort of thing that can be worked on. Thank Merlin that Lily was able to help James with that – even if it couldn’t undo the past.

## He was rash – and sometimes hot-headed

Another Gryffindor-esque trait Harry and his father shared was a tendency to act before thinking. When Sirius told Harry James enjoyed taking risks, he said it with a sense of pride, but such actions usually come with consequences. Running around Hogsmeade with a werewolf, creating a map that allowed people to enter and leave Hogwarts without anyone else knowing, targeting Snape in front of multiple people – we know Hogwarts isn’t the best when it comes to school safety, but the Marauders didn’t exactly help matters.

Harry’s rash decisions were often seemingly motivated by the desire to rescue his friends, rather than a reckless desire to have fun. Remember – this is the young man that secured a few extra points at the Triwizard Tournament for “moral fibre”! But Harry’s passionate attitude didn’t always turn out for the best – especially when he got enamored with the Half-Blood Prince textbook, full of scribbled-down spells that Harry couldn’t help but try out, despite Hermione’s best warnings. 

But that’s the thing about being a Gryffindor – bravery can become passion, chivalry can become arrogance, nerve can become recklessness – but all in all, James Potter proved that the traits of a Gryffindor can produce a true hero, as long as you’re willing to work on your flaws and listen to your friends. 


 Build a Harry Potter movie night with LEGO® DOTS

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LEGO® DOTS is all about getting creative and crafty, where you can build whatever you like with these colourful and adorable tiles. 

How about trying your own Harry Potter movie night and trying out some LEGO® wizardry – with this very lovely Harry Potter movie night film, made entirely out of LEGO® DOTS sets! 

Here's a few ideas on how to use LEGO DOTS to make movie magic in your own home. We especially love the idea of a [LEGO Hedwig Pencil Holder](https://www.lego.com/product/hedwig-pencil-holder-41809), which can also be used to hold other things! Also, Hedwig is repping Gryffindor here! We now wish the Sorting Hat would sort owls...

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Alongside Hedwig, LEGO® DOTS has a few other products for Wizarding World fans to get excited about. [The Hogwarts™ Accessories pack](https://www.lego.com/product/hogwarts-accessories-pack-41808), for instance, helps you make cute bracelets and accessories in your house colors. And the [Hogwarts™ Desktop Kit](https://www.lego.com/product/hogwarts-desktop-kit-41811) gives you the tools to make little picture frames or even a Snitch-themed box. The little Chocolate Frog stickers are our favorites. 

Hopefully by now you’re in the mood for a Wizarding World marathon! Perhaps these bits of LEGO® inspo will give you some cute activities to do before you get started.

Learn more about [LEGO® DOTS on the official website.](https://www.lego.com/dots)

***

*The LEGO products referred to in this article are offered for sale by LEGO at this [link](https://www.lego.com/dots) and are subject to availability. Before purchasing from LEGO, you will need to agree to their terms of purchase which you can find on their website. Any issues with your purchase should be directed to LEGO customer services team - you can find contact information on their website.*

Watch our new video series, Muggle on the Street  

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This year, the traveling experience, [Harry Potter: The Exhibition](https://harrypotterexhibition.com/), has gone to Atlanta – and we were there to ask visitors about their favourite wizarding world things. 

Watch as our fans get quizzed by our hilarious host Shaunak, enjoy everyone emotionally dealing with their Hogwarts house, and discover peoples’ top reason for wanting to go to Hogwarts in the first place.

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Can you beat the fan who read the first Harry Potter book 32 times?! And the young gentleman with the light-up wand is officially a legend to us now, of course.

Yes, today, we were hanging out at [Harry Potter: The Exhibition](https://www.wizardingworld.com/discover/experiences/harry-potter-the-exhibition), which is a new traveling experience celebrating Wizarding World behind-the-scenes goodness. Currently, it’s in its final few weeks in Atlanta, Georgia, where fans explore props, costumes and other magical paraphernalia from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, alongside some displays dedicated to the hit-play, *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.*

Our series, Muggle on the Street is only just beginning! So, you never know, if you’re hanging out at a Wizarding World event, maybe we’ll pop up and have a few burning questions for you on some magical topics. So, in the spirit of Hermione, make sure to partake in your studies! 

You can check out more of our videos at our official [Wizarding World YouTube channel](https://www.wizardingworld.com/linkout?destination=https://www.youtube.com/c/WizardingWorld), or to learn more about [Harry Potter: The Exhibition](https://harrypotterexhibition.com/), visit the official website.

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. We also have 'first-year' quizzes for Harry Potter beginners!

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The April Fool's wordsearch

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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and the Half-Blood Prince

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Good luck! 

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For more puzzles, visit our app or [puzzle hub.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles)

All the times Fred and George's mischief-making had a serious point

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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## When they rescued Harry from the Dursley’s

Cast your mind back to early on in *Chamber of Secrets*. Harry was in trouble. Yes, we know Harry was always in some sort of trouble, but this particular incident could have ended up much worse. Harry had been locked in his bedroom by a furious Uncle Vernon, after that unexpected visit to Privet Drive from [Dobby](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/10-best-dobby-moments) resulted in a kitchen covered with cream and sugared violets, the loss of a huge order of drills for Uncle Vernon, and the Dursley’s discovering Harry was not supposed to do magic outside school and could not, therefore, do anything about being locked in his bedroom.

But Uncle Vernon had not bargained on Ron and his irrepressible brothers Fred and George, who arrived by enchanted (and possibly illegal) car to break him out using a variety of Muggle tricks their mother would surely not have approved of. Undoubtedly Fred and George enjoyed the adventure of it all – flying through the air on a daring rescue mission, like superheroes with a talent for picking locks – but without Ron’s concern and his brothers’ willingness to take a risk, Harry might have spent weeks in that bedroom, eating food delivered through a cat-flap. Even Ron’s parents were worried about Harry. So, thank goodness for Fred, George, and the possibly illegal flying car. 

## When they gave Harry the Marauder’s Map

A year later, in *Prisoner of Azkaban*, Harry once again found himself confined against his will. Admittedly there were no meals being delivered via cat-flap, but his lack of a signed Hogmseade form still meant he was forced to stay behind at Hogwarts while his friends were off buying Jelly Slugs in Honeydukes and drinking Butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks. Which was a pretty miserable state of affairs, even if a certain former Azkaban prisoner called Sirius Black was also at large at the time.

But as Harry moped about the castle, who should come to his aid – again – but those superheroes of misrule, Fred and George? This time, their rescue vehicle was not a possibly illegal flying car but a definitely confiscated piece of old parchment, which, of course, turned out to be the [Marauder’s Map](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-marauders-map). Beautifully detailed and full of magic, it was the secret of the Weasley twins’ success. 

The fact that they gave the Marauder’s Map to Harry – which, as Fred said, was a wrench – was as much about their esteem for him as it was about causing yet more mayhem. Perhaps they understood on some unknown level that the map should be Harry’s anyway, given his father was one of its creators. Or perhaps they sensed, even then, how useful it would prove in years to come. Whatever their underlying motivation, that map revealed a lot more than secret passageways. It also proved that Peter Pettigrew was alive, which changed everything.

## When they gleefully revolted against Umbridge

Fred and George began their final year at Hogwarts without a great deal of enthusiasm. Their Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes plans were ticking along nicely thanks to Harry’s Triwizard donation, and their Skiving Snackboxes range was already in development. As George said, did they really need NEWTs? If it wasn’t for the fact that they didn’t want to upset their mother, perhaps they’d never have set foot in Umbridge-era Hogwarts. We’re very glad they did, though, because they spent most of that year providing welcome relief and backing Harry up during a whole range of unpleasantness. From being early and active supporters of the DA to providing a distraction when Harry needed to speak to Sirius, they were always willing to wade in and help whenever they were asked (and often when they weren’t.)

But their most spectacular moment has to be their final hour at Hogwarts. In the book, this happened after they’d turned an entire school corridor into a swamp, while in the film it came after a well-timed and particularly extravagant display of Weasley’s Wildfire Whiz-bang fireworks literally chased Umbridge out of the exam room. Whichever way you look at it, it was a glorious exit. Fred and George showed Umbridge that she couldn’t bully everyone into submission, and they did it in their signature, spectacular style.

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## When they refused to give up on their ambition

Fred and George were creative thinkers with genuine talents, but they always knew those talents were not suited to academic achievement. Their mother may have repeatedly lamented their behaviour and their refusal to take school seriously, but Fred and George were pretty consistent – they had an ambition to run a joke shop, and that ambition was certainly no joke for them. And if you look at the way they focused so completely on developing their range of Skiving Snackboxes, it was actually pretty inspirational. 

After all, not everyone is Prefect material, and Fred and George proved there was more than one way to achieve success. Perhaps it was because they had each other, but the repeated comparisons with their older brothers never seemed to bother Fred and George in the way it bothered Ron. They knew who they were, they knew what they were good at, and they embraced it in a very active way. Look, even Hermione was impressed with their skills. They were jokers, yes, but there’s no denying they had some serious talent. 

The Cedric Diggory crossword 

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Enjoy this handsome, charming, perfect crossword. 

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Visit our [puzzles page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) for more challenges!

Turning over a new leaf: fresh starts in the wizarding world

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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and the Philosopher's Stone 

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## When Harry found out he was a wizard

Before Hagrid arrived in the doorway of the Hut on the Rock, with pockets full of treats and a Hogwarts letter Harry could actually open, it seems the best Harry could hope for was a cheap lemon ice lolly during a day at the zoo. So the moment he finally learned he was a wizard, that he’d be leaving the Dursley’s, and that he’d be going to school to immerse himself in all things Witchcraft and Wizardry – well, there’s no other word for it. It was magic. Hagrid bought Harry more than a squashed birthday cake and a yellowish envelope. He represented Harry’s chance at an entirely new life. 

## Starting at Hogwarts

Harry’s miserable childhood might have made his first Hogwarts experiences especially meaningful, but the beginning of a school year signified a new start for every new Hogwarts student. As each gaggle of new 11-year-olds arrived at the castle by boat, they’d witness the Great Hall doors slowly open to reveal an enchanted ceiling, hundreds of other students, and a patched, frayed hat that would determine where they’d spend the next few years of their lives. Of course, the Sorting Hat sometimes caused consternation with its selections (Harry’s son Albus, for example), but whatever house a student ended up in, we’re sure those first awe-struck moments were pretty special.

## Harry and Ginny’s first kiss

The days – and, indeed, the months – leading up to Harry and Ginny’s first kiss were not particularly happy. Harry had lost his godfather, Sirius, the summer before, and had spent most of the school year learning about Voldemort’s early life and obsession with Horcruxes, witnessing several near-death experiences (Katie Bell and the necklace, Ron and the poison), and suspecting Draco Malfoy of being a Death Eater. You could not call these good times, so when Harry unexpectedly kissed Ginny (in front of everyone, we may add) and finally experienced a moment of joy, it was a rare thing. Their initial relationship might not have lasted very long – you know, because Dumbledore died, and then Harry had to go off and find Horcruxes – but seeing Harry relaxed and happy made for a refreshing change.


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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## When Ron and Hermione (finally) got together

Harry and Ginny may have given us a few months of ‘will they, won’t they’ tension, but that was obviously nothing compared to the years-long slow-burn of Ron and Hermione’s relationship. From that moment in *Chamber of Secrets* when Ron attempted to curse Draco whilst defending Hermione, to the clumsy way he (sort of) asked her to the Yule Ball in *Goblet of Fire*, to Hermione’s obvious jealousy of Ron and Lavender’s relationship in *Half Blood Prince* – well, we won’t go on: there were a lot of moments. There was also a real friendship there, so we can understand why it took them a while to act on their feelings. We do still wonder slightly at the timing, though. As Harry himself asked, when Ron and Hermione broke apart after a first dizzying kiss as the Battle of Hogwarts raged on around them: *‘“is this the moment?’”*

Timing aside, the minute they finally kissed each other did mark a definite shift in their relationship, so we can forgive the fact that it happened in front of a disbelieving Harry, and as they were surrounded by Basilisk fangs.

## The defiant optimism of a wizarding world wedding

Bill and Fleur’s summertime wedding was another romantic moment sandwiched between terrible times (again: Dumbledore’s death and that Horcrux hunt). Which almost made it even more special, as Harry himself identified:

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Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

…he felt his heart lift at the thought that there was still one last golden day of peace left to enjoy with Ron and Hermione.

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Many weddings are full of optimism for the future, but taking time to celebrate love during dark times is somehow even more special. In *Fantastic Beasts*, Queenie and Jacob’s wedding had much the same feel, given that it wasn’t technically allowed due to the American law that prevented Muggles from marrying witches or wizards, and that it happened as Gellert Grindelwald was attempting to take over the wizarding world. Aw, we do love all these romantic moments that also manage to be wonderfully defiant.

## The cold cup of tea left outside Harry’s bedroom door by Dudley Dursley

You might think this an odd one to end on, but Dudley’s lukewarm peace offerings represented a considerably significant attempt to turn over a new leaf by possibly the last person Harry would ever expect it of (even if Harry didn’t recognise them as peace offerings at the time.) 

After years of bullying Harry – years of subjecting him to numerous nasty insults, copying his parents’ sneers, and fearing Harry’s magical abilities – all it took was one Dementor attack and a few months of reflection and then, bam, Dudley was being nice to Harry. Or at least telling him he wasn’t a waste of space which, in Dursley terms, amounts to the same thing.

So there you go. If even Dudley Dursley had the capacity to turn over a new leaf, there’s hope for us all. 

WATCH: Our history of the Hogwarts house founders video

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Delve deep into the annals of Hogwarts history with us. 

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Fancy extending your Hogwarts house education? Join us on our [Hogwarts house pride page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/hogwarts-house-pride) where we are celebrating Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin in equal measure.

And there's still time to play our [Quiz Championship](https://www.wizardingworld.com/hogwarts-house-pride-quiz-championship) - where you can earn points for your Hogwarts house.

The Sword of Gryffindor crossword

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Channel your best Professor Binns energy to complete this crossword! We're going deep into Hogwarts' history.

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Visit our [puzzles page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) for more challenges!

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The Hogwarts house traits wordsearch

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So, whatever Hogwarts house you're in - see if you can find the connected words in today's puzzle.

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For more Hogwarts house pride celebration - [why not visit our dedicated hub?](https://www.wizardingworld.com/hogwarts-house-pride)

What is the most underrated spell in the wizarding world? The debate

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## Reparo

Even in the wizarding world, things get broken – cups, pots, wands – but with this handy little spell, almost nothing is unfixable. Well, except wands. But a wand’s engineering is way more complicated than a cup’s, so we guess that’s to be expected.

Anyway, wands aside, Reparo is surely the answer to any accident-prone witch or wizard’s prayers. Dropped a plate? Reparo! Smashed a glass? Reparo! Spotted a crack in the family china? Reparo! Had your glasses snapped off your face by a rogue Bludger? Reparo! Dropped your phone in the sink? We’ll get back to you on that one; not sure a spell would work on Muggle technology.

Still, there’s no doubt this is an incredibly useful spell, so we think it’s time to give Reparo its due. Yes, it’s not glamorous; no, you probably wouldn’t have cause to use it in a duel, but Reparo is the kind of bread-and-butter spell that would make life so much easier. And it’d probably save you money. Your equipment would always be in the best condition and you’d never have to replace anything, ever again. Well, unless you found yourself in possession of a broken wand. 

## Scourgify

Tonks may once have referred to Scourgify a little dismissively as one of those *'householdy sort of spells'* but we hate to break it to you, Tonks – cleaning is a fact of life. And some of us would love to speed up the household cleaning process with a bit of magic. Just imagine if you had Scourgify at your disposal. You could wipe down the kitchen counter, clean the floor, empty out your pet’s litter tray and vacuum up those crumbs with nothing but a flick of a wand. Much better for the environment, too. You wouldn’t need chemical sprays or bleach if you could just Scourgify away that mess.

Now, again, Scourgify is not some glamorous, potentially life-changing spell. It’s not going to provide epic entertainment, protect you against harm (well, apart from germs) or let you peek inside someone else’s mind. But it gets those necessary jobs done, without anyone having to get their hands dirty. On second thoughts, that actually does sound potentially life-changing. Give us all the domestic spells now, please.

## Locomotor

This spell was once used by Tonks to move Harry’s trunk – or, to be precise, to make Harry’s trunk move itself – as well as by Professor Flitwick, when he helped escort Professor Trelawney and her luggage back to the tower from which she had been unceremoniously evicted by Umbridge. Imagine how useful it would be to have such a spell in your travelling arsenal. No more bumping heavy suitcases along platforms – just point your wand at the thing and have it float along in front of you, like a herald announcing your arrival. You’d never have to pack light again. What luxury.

And despite its name, Locomotor has many potential uses outside of travel. Let’s face it, being able to make inanimate objects move has endless possibilities in everyday life, particularly – again – when it comes to tedious cleaning chores. Stacking dishwashers, tidying desks, putting the bins out. Put this together with Scourgify and you’d never need to do housework ever again. Sign us up, right now!

## Geminio 

Geminio is a very advantageous spell that can replicate objects – not to be confused with the similarly-named curse, Gemino, which makes an object replicate if you touch it. Harry, Ron and Hermione encountered the latter while wading through Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault, where the treasure had been cursed to replicate and overwhelm any unwelcome visitors.

But the Geminio spell is actually super-useful. Hermione used it to create a handy double of Salazar Slytherin’s locket to protect the original, for example. You could use it for more mundane purposes like… replicating more spoons if you happen to be running out. We’re sure you can think of something more exciting. Also, this spell would surely be very economically sensible, in general? Why have one thing when you could have two? Or three, or four? We’re surprised more characters in the books aren’t using this spell all the time! Although, as Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration tells us, you can’t use this magic to replicate food, sadly.

[You can learn more about the rules of magic here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/some-rules-about-magic-its-important-to-bear-in-mind)

## The Four-Point Spell

We discover this incredibly nifty piece of magic in *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*, which effectively transforms your wand into a compass, pointing due north if you ever get lost. For Harry, this was a crucial spell required for the Maze Task in the Triwizard Tournament, but could indeed be useful for pretty much any situation where you find yourself in need of some directional assistance. And it makes your wand spin around merrily on the palm of your hand – way more fun than an actual compass!

## Reducio

You know of Engorgio, the spell that makes objects and living things bigger, but Reducio does the opposite, making things smaller. Can you imagine how helpful this spell would be when you’re going on holiday, desperately jumping on your suitcase to make everything fit? With Reducio, you could quite literally bring your kitchen sink on your travels. As we saw with a particularly memorable Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson, where “Moody” performed the spell on a spider, you can also use this spell on living things. So, if you’ve ever wanted to take your cat with you when you go to work, you could theoretically have a mini version of them in your pocket. Just remember to Engorgio them back to size, eventually.

So, which one of these spells would you choose if you could only pick one? [You can learn more about obscure magic with our handy A-Z guide.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/a-handy-guide-to-the-lesser-known-spells-in-the-wizarding-world)

The Remus Lupin wordsearch

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Be inspired by Lupin - who would approach any challenge with a sense of calm. Can you apply your cool and finish this wordsearch in your quickest time yet?

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For more crosswords and wordsearches, [visit our puzzles hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) or you can also enjoy Wizarding World challenges in our app. Scan the QR code below to check it out.

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