feature

Features

Hero Features Hub Texture

Introducing week five: Facing fears with friends

WEB-ARTICLE-introducing-week-five-facing-fears-with-friends

week-five-facing-fears-with-friends-header

facing-fear-with-friends-text-section-1

This week, we're looking at chapters 14-17 of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone*, where Harry's first Hogwarts adventure is nearly at an end. But first, he must roam the Forbidden Forest, and go beyond a mysterious trapdoor with Ron and Hermione... Get ready for the mysteries of the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone to finally be revealed. 

So! Expect things to be a bit spookier in our final week. Learn how to play our chapter challenges if you haven't seen them before (one for every chapter, naturally) and even [build your own Hogwarts house points jar](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/make-your-own-house-points-jar?fssff) so you can collect house points as you go along. Our next three challenges are ready for you here.

[Chapter Fourteen: Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-fourteen-norbert-the-norwegian-ridgeback) 
[Chapter Fifteen: The Forbidden Forest](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-fifteen-the-forbidden-forest) 
[Chapter Sixteen: Through the Trapdoor](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-sixteen-through-the-trapdoor) 
[Chapter Seventeen: The Man With Two Faces](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-seventeen-the-man-two-faces) 

In this week's audiobook extract (as read by Stephen Fry) the trio face a series of unusual obstacles in the underbelly of Hogwarts. In this particular moment, it's Ron's time to shine, thanks to his excellent chess knowledge. 

Listen to our [fifth and final audio clip here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/philosophers-stone-extract-week-five)

As ever, explore our collection page for week five to find new activities, puzzles, reading guides and print-outs from Harry Potter publishers Bloomsbury and Scholastic. 

As it's the final week, our craft videos are decidedly more epic. You can [build a whole Hogwarts castle](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/create-your-very-own-hogwarts-castle) with bits and bobs around your house! Or, you can [design a gift bag based](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/watch-our-guide-on-how-to-make-wizarding-world-gift-bags) on your favourite character.

As for quizzes, this week we'll [test you on the Forbidden Forest](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/first-year-forbidden-forest-quiz) and [ask you how much you remember about the whole book](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/first-year-philosophers-stone-quiz) - now that you've finished it! 

__And that's it! Thank you so much for joining us over these past five weeks for Harry Potter Reading Magic. We hope there are loads of you out there who enjoyed reading Harry's first adventure for the first time. And if you missed it? Oh, not to worry. Step back with us and start from the beginning!__ 

[Week One](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/week-one-the-magic-begins) 
[Week Two](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/week-two-discovering-the-wizarding-world) 
[Week Three](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/week-three-welcome-to-hogwarts) 
[Week Four](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/week-four-friendship-fun-family)

Challenge yourself with our Albus Dumbledore crossword 

WEB-FEATURE-dumbledore-crossword

WB-F6-dumbledore-and-pensieve-web-landscape

dumbledore-crossword-text-section

And yes, as you've probably guessed, today's puzzle is all themed around our favourite Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.

<iframe width="550" height="700" allowtransparency="true" style="background: #FFFFFF" src="
https://bridgecard.wizardingworld.com/crossword/20210701/00064/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

For more crosswords and wordsearches, [visit our puzzles hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) or you can enjoy even more Wizarding World challenges in our app. [Gold Members](https://www.wizardingworld.com/harry-potter-fan-club) can also expect weekly puzzle drops.

What if Snape had never been in love with Lily Potter?

WEB-FEATURE-what-if-snape-had-never-been-in-love-with-lily-potter

HP-F8-deathly-hallows-part-2-snape-lily-sitting-happy-grass-web-landscape

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

HP-F8

and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

what-if-snape-had-never-been-in-love-with-lily-potter-text-section-1

Before we dive into what could have happened, let’s take a look at why Snape’s infatuation with Lily was so important to the story…

Severus Snape spent the majority of his life in love with Lily Potter. It is easy to understand why Snape, who had an unhappy homelife as a child, fell hard for the first person to show him love and kindness. His feelings for Lily seemed to be the motivation behind many of his decisions and it often seemed as though their friendship was the thing that he held most dear.

If it wasn’t for Snape’s love for Lily, it could be suggested that the story of Harry Potter would have looked completely different. Snape’s actions helped Harry to overthrow Voldemort. It was Snape that persuaded Voldemort to give Lily a chance to save herself. He also protected Harry during his time at school (however reluctantly). He risked his life constantly as a double agent. He was the one who was in on Dumbledore’s plan for Harry. He was the one to ensure Harry had the sword of Gryffindor when he needed it. Finally, Snape gave Harry his memories, so that he knew exactly what to do to end Voldemort’s reign of terror. 

If Snape hadn’t loved Lily, then it is hard to see where his motivation to do good would have come from. Even though it must have been incredibly painful for him to love someone who didn’t love him back, that relationship was critical. Without it we wonder how things might have changed. Would Snape and Lily still have been friends? Would he have been a Death Eater? Would Voldemort’s Horcruxes have been destroyed? And possibly the most important question, would Harry have survived as an infant and would there ever have been The Boy Who Lived?

HP-F8-deathly-hallows-part-2-snape-lily-hogwarts-books-web-landscape

what-if-snape-had-never-been-in-love-with-lily-potter-text-section-2

## Would Snape and Lily still have been friends?
We think that Snape and Lily may have still been friends in the beginning – even if Snape had not fallen in love with her. Lily brought light and warmth into Snape’s life from the moment they met. He was an isolated, lonely child whose magic would have only made him more of an outsider in his hometown of Cokeworth. The happiness that he must have felt upon discovering that there was another kid that lived close by who was just like him, can’t be underestimated. We can imagine that Snape would still have been drawn to Lily in the beginning – even platonically. 

Likewise, as Lily was such a warm and empathetic person, she would probably have recognised that Snape didn’t have much exposure to kindness and would have tried to be his friend before they headed to Hogwarts anyway. Also, as a Muggle-born, Lily probably felt different to the rest of her family, and Snape would still have been Lily’s first exposure to the magical world. You could say that he was the person who introduced her to who she really was. So, we are pretty confident that they would still have been friends initially.

However, without Snape falling for Lily, we doubt their friendship would have survived for as long as it did. Snape had been obsessed with the Dark Arts from a young age and the friends he made in Slytherin (such as Avery and Mulciber) were partial to them too. In fact, the majority (if not all) went on to become Death Eaters. We can believe that if Snape hadn’t developed any romantic feelings for Lily, a wedge would have been driven between them once they were sorted into their respective houses. Snape would have finally been around people that were more like him, and we think that he would have allowed himself to fall in with the wrong crowd more quickly. Keeping Lily on side wouldn’t have mattered as much to him – and she wouldn’t have been there as the conscience to keep him on track. 

HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-young-snape-reading-tree-web-landscape

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

HP-F5

and the Order of the Phoenix

what-if-snape-had-never-been-in-love-with-lily-potter-text-section-3

## Would Snape have supported Voldemort? 
As we mentioned before, Snape kept some decidedly dodgy company at school and ended up part of Voldemort’s inner circle. That all happened even though he loved Lily who detested Dark magic and those who practiced it. If Snape’s desire for Lily hadn’t existed, there would have been even less reason for him to not support Voldemort – and we can actually imagine him being an even more fanatical and devoted follower.

We also think Snape’s fascination with the Dark Arts would have made Voldemort irresistible. By supporting Voldemort, he could fully immerse himself in that world. He was also not above the arrogance that afflicted many witches and wizards, despite being a half-blood rather than a pure-blood. He sneered at Petunia for being a Muggle, hesitated when Lily asked if it mattered that she was a Muggle-born and even called her a Mudblood. Snape was clearly sympathetic to Voldemort’s abhorrent ideology and enjoyed feeling superior. We reckon that without his feelings for Lily, Snape would not have been tempted to come into the light and probably would have gone down an even darker and more twisted road.

HP-F8-deathly-hallows-part-2-snape-young-outside-web-landscape

what-if-snape-had-never-been-in-love-with-lily-potter-text-section-4

## Would he have ever worked for Dumbledore? 
Snape did eventually turn away from Voldemort – but it wasn’t for any noble reason. As soon as he found out that Voldemort was planning to kill Harry and his parents, he met with Dumbledore and begged him to save Lily. He couldn’t have cared less if James and Harry had ended up dead but couldn’t stand the thought of Lily dying. While Dumbledore said he would protect the Potters, it was on the condition that Snape now worked for him as a double agent. Snape’s love for Lily ran so deep that he agreed. When she was still murdered, he reluctantly decided that her death would not be in vain, and that he would protect her son. 

If Snape had regarded Lily as merely a friend, acquaintance, or just someone he had once known, we don’t think he would have accepted Dumbledore’s conditions or worked as a spy. Snape was put in an incredibly dangerous position the moment he turned away from Voldemort. We can’t believe that he would have been willing to do that for just anyone and we highly doubt he would have done it to do the right thing. After all, when he found out that Harry needed to die at the hand of Voldemort, he was furious – but not because he had grown to care for Harry or even the cause. Snape had worked tirelessly to protect Lily’s son for her and felt it had all been in vain. His love for Lily trumped everything – after all those years and always. 

However, that is not to say that Dumbledore wouldn’t have found another way to recruit Snape – he could be very persuasive. Once Snape was working for Dumbledore, you could see that he did have some influence on him. When Dumbledore was injured by Marvolo Gaunt’s ring, Snape’s anger at him seemed to come from a place of concern and care. He also seemed to respect Dumbledore – even if he didn’t always see eye to eye with him. We also found out that as an adult he didn’t tolerate the use of the word Mudblood, though that was probably more to do with the painful memory of calling Lily one. 

Either way, Snape did demonstrate growth, which suggests that while Voldemort’s philosophy was incredibly enticing, there was something in Snape that was good. And an incredible and intelligent wizard like Dumbledore may have been able to use that small sliver of light and turn him. Though we don’t doubt it would have been an almost impossible task. 

HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-snape-dumbledore-great-hall-night-web-landscape

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

HP-F3

and the Prisoner of Azkaban

what-if-snape-had-never-been-in-love-with-lily-potter-text-section-5

## Would he have been a Professor at Hogwarts?
Snape wasn’t a natural teacher. He despised so many of his students and seemed to take great pleasure in torturing them (unless they were Slytherins). If he hadn’t ended up being Dumbledore’s spy, we reckon there is a good chance that this surly Potions Master would never have lurked in the Hogwarts dungeons as a teacher. 

Instead, we can imagine Snape would have lost himself in studying and practicing Dark magic. He could have spent all his time working for Voldemort as a Death Eater and it is possible that he would never have considered returning to the school where he was bullied.

However, if we consider the idea that Harry never had survived as an infant, and Voldemort had been able to rise to power, he might have found his way back to Hogwarts. Voldemort had always seen Hogwarts as valuable. For example, in *Cursed Child*, in an alternate reality where Voldemort succeeded, Hogwarts was one place that he clearly had control over – there was even a Voldemort Day. And even in the *Deathly Hallows*, we see that Voldemort had installed the Carrows to try and keep a grip on the school as his power grew.

So, we think it would be highly like that Voldemort would have installed his best and brightest followers at the castle to indoctrinate the students. As Snape was intelligent, we could easily see him being someone Voldemort thought suited for a role there. And if he was allowed to teach the Dark Arts, we can actually see him being pretty happy.

HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-snape-potions-classroom-web-landscape

what-if-snape-had-never-been-in-love-with-lily-potter-text-section-6

## Would Harry have died as a baby?
When Snape heard the prophecy and pleaded with Voldemort to spare Lily’s life, he may have inadvertently caused his downfall. While we know Voldemort killed Lily, he did give her a choice. If she stepped aside and allowed him to murder Harry, he would spare her. Lily refused and sacrificed herself to save her son. That action (and Lily’s love) was what gave Harry protection from Voldemort’s Killing Curse. Arguably, if Voldemort hadn’t given her a choice, then Harry wouldn’t have been protected, probably would have died and the curse wouldn’t have rebounded. Consequently, if it wasn’t for Snape’s intervention the story could have looked very different. 

So, we think it is safe to assume that without Snape loving Lily, there would have been a strong possibility that Harry would have died as a baby. We doubt he would have fought so hard to try and save her life. We also think that Voldemort would not have given her a choice and would have killed her on sight. Without the opportunity to put herself between Harry and Voldemort, Lily’s love may not have protected Harry and he would have been left vulnerable. 

Even though Snape’s goal was to protect Lily, he ultimately saved Harry and set off the chain of events that would eventually lead to Voldemort’s end. It is possible that his unrequited love ended up saving the wizarding world from Voldemort’s tyranny.

HP-F8-deathly-hallows-part-2-snape-lily-young-sitting-grass-web-landscape

what-if-snape-had-never-been-in-love-with-lily-potter-text-section-7

## Would Harry have been able to complete the Horcrux hunt? 
When Harry discovers the sword of Gryffindor in a frozen pool in the Forest of Dean – his Horcrux hunting prayers had been answered. Having been impregnated with Basilisk venom, the sword was the perfect tool for destroying the pieces of Voldemort’s soul. Though, if it wasn’t for Snape, the sword may have remained out of Harry’s reach. It was Snape who placed the sword there for Harry to discover – and ensured that it was under the conditions of need and valour. He followed Dumbledore’s plan, even though he didn’t know why Harry needed the sword, because he still felt as though he had a duty to protect him. 

Now if he had never loved Lily, he would probably have never felt compelled to look out for Harry. He would probably not have been the person to give Harry the tool he needed to destroy Voldemort – especially if was still a Death Eater. Now that is not to say that Harry wouldn’t have ended up with the sword at all. It is supposed to appear to those true Gryffindors that are worthy of it – and we know that Harry had met that criterion before, when he pulled it out of the Sorting Hat in his second year. So, with that in mind, we think that Harry’s Horcrux hunt may have been delayed but he would still have been able to eventually gather what he needed to ensure Voldemort’s death. 

what-if-snape-had-never-been-in-love-with-lily-potter-text-section-8

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with what we think about Snape and if he never had feelings for Lily?

If this has made you wonder about more ‘what if’ scenarios – then take a look at some of our previous musings:

[What if Ginny Weasley had never possessed Tom Riddle's diary?](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/what-if-ginny-had-never-possessed-tom-riddles-diary)

[What if Remus Lupin had never become a werewolf?](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/what-if-remus-lupin-was-never-werewolf)

[What if Snape was never sorted into Slytherin?](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/what-if-snape-was-never-sorted-into-slytherin)

Ron and Hermione's top ten wittiest tiffs

WEB-FEATURE-ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs

HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-hermione-ron-glaring-moment-web-landscape

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

HP-F4

and the Goblet of Fire

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-1

## 10: When Ron demonstrated the art of tact…
Ron Weasley is not someone you would describe as subtle. So, when Hermione tried to delicately raise the rather awkward topic of whether their friend Hagrid might be the heir of Slytherin, his response was very… Ron. It was snarky, witty and in this scenario, he definitely had the upper hand. Well played Weasley.

>After a long pause, Hermione voiced the knottiest question of all in a hesitant voice: ‘Do you think we should go and ask Hagrid about it all?’
>
>‘That’d be a cheerful visit,’ said Ron. ‘Hello, Hagrid, tell us, have you been setting anything mad and hairy loose in the castle lately?’
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-2

## 9: When Hermione was not impressed with Ron’s homemade spell…
At number nine, we have the first time Ron and Hermione met. We think it’s safe to say that their first impressions of each other were not particularly positive – you certainly wouldn’t imagine they would end up happily married. However, in what could be considered their very first tiff, it was Hermione who came out victorious with a scathing putdown. 

>‘Oh, are you doing magic? Let’s see it, then.’ She sat down. Ron looked taken aback.
>
>‘Er – all right.’
>
>He cleared his throat.
>
>‘Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow,
>Turn this stupid, fat rat yellow.’
>
>He waved his wand, but nothing happened. Scabbers stayed grey and fast asleep.
>
>‘Are you sure that’s a real spell?’ said the girl. ‘Well, it’s not very good, is it?’
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-1-hermione-ron-return-camp-angry-web-landscape

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

HP-F7

and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-3

## 8: When Ron kept turning the lights off…
Ron had a particular knack for getting on Hermione’s nerves and this moment was no exception. While we do understand Hermione’s frustration (Ron’s constant use of the Deluminator would be infuriating), we still think that it was Ron that managed to have the last word during this round of bickering. Though we do think he was very brave… or foolish to answer back to an already annoyed Hermione.

>‘Will you stop it!’ she cried on the third evening of Kreacher’s absence, as all light was sucked from the drawing room yet again. 
>
>‘Sorry, sorry!’ said Ron, clicking the Deluminator and restoring the lights. ‘I don’t know I’m doing it!’
>
>‘Well, can’t you find something useful to occupy yourself?’ 
>
>‘What, like reading kids’ stories?’
>
>‘Dumbledore left me this book, Ron –’
>
>‘– and he left me the Deluminator, maybe I’m supposed to use it!’
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-4

## 7: When Wingardium Leviosa was involved…
This is one time when Hermione demonstrated that winning a tiff isn’t always about having the snappiest or funniest retort. In fact, proving yourself as a talented witch will do the job for you. Ron may have tried to bait Hermione into failure, but she confidently and capably called his bluff.

>‘Wingardium Leviosa!’ he shouted, waving his long arms like a windmill.
>
>‘You’re saying it wrong,’ Harry heard Hermione snap. ‘It’s Wing- gar-dium Levi-o-sa, make the “gar” nice and long.’
>
>‘You do it, then, if you’re so clever,’ Ron snarled.
>
>Hermione rolled up the sleeves of her gown, flicked her wand and said, ‘Wingardium Leviosa!’
>
>Their feather rose off the desk and hovered about four feet above their heads.
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-ron-hermione-hogwarts-express-crookshanks-web-landscape

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-5

## 6: When Ron was planning to do a bit of light reading…
We think Ron’s response to Hermione’s hunt for her textbook was brilliant. However, as Ron wasn’t brave enough to say this one within Hermione’s earshot (and face the inevitable consequences), we can’t really rank it any higher than this.

>‘No,’ said Hermione shortly. ‘Has either of you seen my copy of Numerology and Grammatica?’
>
>‘Oh, yeah, I borrowed it for a bit of bedtime reading,’ said Ron, but very quietly.
> *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-6

## 5: When Ron discovered Hermione was a girl…
Ron really could be quite dense. Having been close friends with Hermione for the best part of four years, you would think that he may have noticed that she was a girl. But apparently, he had not. So, when he finally had that momentous epiphany, Hermione was there to quickly bring him down a peg or two.

>But Ron was staring at Hermione as though suddenly seeing her in a whole new light.
>
>‘Hermione, Neville’s right – you are a girl ...’
>
>‘Oh, well spotted,’ she said acidly.
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-1-ron-hermione-tent-concerned-web-landscape

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-7

## 4: When Hermione told Ron what the solution to his Yule Ball woes was…
When it came to the Yule Ball, Ron really didn’t cover himself in glory. Rather than enjoying himself, or at least being honest about his feelings, he managed to put a dampener on the event for quite a few of the guests. When his insecurity and jealousy led him to pick a fight with Hermione (yet again), we were pleased that she was the winner of this battle. It’s not often that Ron is left completely speechless, but Hermione managed to do just that.

>‘Well, if you don’t like it, you know what the solution is, don’t you?’ yelled Hermione; her hair was coming down out of its elegant bun now, and her face was screwed up in anger.
>
>‘Oh yeah?’ Ron yelled back. ‘What’s that?’
>
>‘Next time there’s a ball, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort!’
>
>Ron mouthed soundlessly like a goldfish out of water as Hermione turned on her heel and stormed up the girls’ stair- case to bed.
> *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-8

## 3: When Ron asked Hermione an important question…
It was unusual for Hermione Granger to forget that she was the cleverest witch of her age – but it happened here. When Ron, Hermione and Harry found themselves dealing with the deadly Devil’s Snare, Hermione lost her head entirely. Luckily Ron was there to not so subtly remind her of just exactly who she was. While he possibly could have been a little bit more tactful, it certainly did the job, and he certainly had the upper hand in this instance.

>‘Devil’s Snare, Devil’s Snare ... What did Professor Sprout say? It likes the dark and the damp –’
>
>‘So light a fire!’ Harry choked.
>
>‘Yes – of course – but there’s no wood!’ Hermione cried, wringing her hands.
>
>‘HAVE YOU GONE MAD?’ Ron bellowed. ‘ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT?’
>
>‘Oh, right!’ said Hermione
> *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-9

## 2: And Hermione bided her time for the best comeback… 
It’s rare that the ideal opportunity for revenge presents itself – but for Hermione, it did. A good seven years after Ron’s initial putdown, it was Hermione’s turn to put him in his place – and she did so in style. We very much enjoyed that she used a nearly identical comeback and can’t help but think that it may have been deliberate.

>Panting and gasping Harry slowed down, skirting the Willow’s swiping branches, peering through the darkness towards its thick trunk, trying to see the single knot in the bark of the old tree that would paralyse it. Ron and Hermione caught up, Hermione so out of breath she could not speak.

>‘How – how’re we going to get in?’ panted Ron. ‘I can – see the place – if we just had Crookshanks again –’
>
>‘Crookshanks?’ wheezed Hermione, bent double, clutching her chest. ‘Are you a wizard, or what?’
>
>‘Oh – right – yeah –’
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-10

## 1: The famous teaspoon incident…
There could only be one winner in this top ten of Ron and Hermione’s best bickering – and how could it be anything other than this memorable moment? Having delivered a highly perceptive monologue, Hermione clearly didn’t have time for Ron’s nonsense and unleashed the most perfect, and blunt, comeback. 

>A slightly stunned silence greeted the end of this speech, then Ron said, ‘One person can’t feel all that at once, they’d explode.’
>
>‘Just because you’ve got the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn’t mean we all have,’ said Hermione nastily, picking up her quill again.
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-ron-hermione-hogsmeade-laughing-web-landscape

ron-and-hermiones-top-ten-wittiest-tiffs-text-section-11

What do you think about our ranking of Ron and Hermione’s most memorable bickering? Do you agree – or would you choose some different moments?

Why did Voldemort need the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone so much?

WEB-ARTICLE-why-voldemort-need-stone-so-much

marygrandpre-harry-voldemort

WEB-ARTICLE-TEXTSECTION-why-voldemort-need-stone-so-much

The idea of [a Philosopher’s Stone](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-philosophers-stone) has been around for a very long time. In fact, it was once believed to exist and was thought to have been created by the real Nicolas Flamel. The Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone of the Harry Potter story is similar to the one of legend. Both can change metal into gold, both produce the Elixir of Life (which makes you immortal) and both were said to be created by Flamel.

It was the Elixir of Life that drove Voldemort’s desire for the Stone. At that moment in time, he was in a state between life and death. He had no physical form and only had one when sharing the body of another – like he did with Professor Quirrell. Voldemort had been existing as ‘Mere shadow and vapour’ (as he put it) since the night he murdered Lily and James Potter and had attempted to kill Harry.

When Lily Potter sacrificed her life to save her son, the love she demonstrated protected Harry. So, when Voldemort turned his wand on him, instead of Harry dying, it broke Voldemort apart (and this was when Harry ended up getting his famous lightning bolt scar). It was also this love and protection that meant Quirrell was unable to touch Harry. It would be agony for someone like Quirrell, who was full of hatred and was sharing a soul with Voldemort, to touch someone who had been marked by something so good.

Voldemort’s desire to beat death and become immortal was also why he and Quirrell ended up slaying innocent unicorns. Drinking the blood of a unicorn would keep someone alive – even if they were an inch from death. However, it is considered an act of evil to kill something so pure. As a result, from the moment the blood touched someone’s lips, they would be condemned to live a cursed life.

Yet, the unicorn blood did restore some of Voldemort’s strength. If he had also been able to get his hands on the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone, this combination would have been enough for him to create a body of his own and he would no longer need to share. While Voldemort was thwarted by three eleven-year-olds, he did not die at the end of the book because something that isn’t fully alive cannot be killed.

Overall, Voldemort was desperate to get his hands on the Stone to restore his body, his power and to try to find a way to beat death. While he was unsuccessful this time, you can be sure that this wasn’t the last time he hunted for a way to extend his life...

Explore more themes around the ending of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone* [here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/week-five-facing-fears-with-friends)

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

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!

Footer

Footer About Us

Footer Privacy Settings

Footer Press

Footer FAQs

Footer Terms & Conditions

Footer Ad Choices

Footer Privacy & Cookies

Footer Children's Privacy Policy

Footer Legals

Seven heart-stopping moments from the Battle of the Seven Potters

WEB-FEATURE-seven-heart-stopping-moments-from-the-battle-of-the-seven-potters

HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-seven-potters-privet-drive-living-room-web-landscape

seven-heart-stopping-moments-from-the-battle-of-the-seven-potters-text-section-1

## When Harry came face to face with seven versions of himself
This moment might not strike you as dramatic or one that will take you breath away. But we can’t help but imagine just how surreal it would be to see seven versions of ourselves staring back at us – especially as they seem rather lax about privacy…

>The real Harry thought that this might just be the most bizarre thing he had ever seen, and he had seen some extremely odd things. He watched as his six doppelgängers rummaged in the sacks, pulling out sets of clothes, putting on glasses, stuffing their own things away. He felt like asking them to show a little more respect for his privacy as they all began stripping off with impunity, clearly much more at ease with displaying his body than they would have been with their own.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-harry-hagrid-leaving-privet-drive-motorbike-thestral-web-landscape

seven-heart-stopping-moments-from-the-battle-of-the-seven-potters-text-section-2

## When they found that they were surrounded 
Having successfully taken off from Privet Drive for the final time, we’re sure that Harry and the rest of the Order were hoping for a relatively uneventful journey. However, almost immediately after taking to the skies they found themselves in a life-or-death situation with very little chance of escape. This was certainly a moment where we realised how high the stakes actually were…

>And then, out of nowhere, out of nothing, they were surrounded. At least thirty hooded figures, suspended in mid-air, formed a vast circle in the midst of which the Order members had risen, oblivious –
>
>Screams, a blaze of green light on every side: Hagrid gave a yell and the motorbike rolled over. Harry lost any sense of where they were: street lights above him, yells around him, he was clinging to the sidecar for dear life. Hedwig’s cage, the Firebolt and his rucksack slipped from beneath his knees
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-harry-hagrid-motorbike-flying-web-landscape

seven-heart-stopping-moments-from-the-battle-of-the-seven-potters-text-section-3

## When Hedwig was killed
Before Harry could even fully comprehend the situation that he, Hagrid, the decoys and their protectors were in – tragedy struck. Hedwig had been Harry’s companion from the very first day that he became part of the wizarding world. She had been his connection to it when he was stuck at the Dursley’s, she had watched over him (and kept him on the straight and narrow with the odd peck or clip round the ear) and most importantly – she had been his friend. To lose Hedwig in such a quick and brutal way was devastating.

>The broomstick spun to earth, but he just managed to seize the strap of his rucksack and the top of the cage as the motorbike swung the right way up again. A second’s relief, and then another burst of green light. The owl screeched and fell to the floor of the cage.
>
>‘No – NO!’
>
>The motorbike zoomed forwards; Harry glimpsed hooded Death Eaters scattering as Hagrid blasted through their circle.
>
>‘Hedwig – Hedwig –’
>
>But the owl lay motionless and pathetic as a toy on the floor of her cage.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

HP-F1-philosophers-stone-harry-hedwig-outside-robes-web-landscape

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

HP-F1

and the Philosopher's Stone 

seven-heart-stopping-moments-from-the-battle-of-the-seven-potters-text-section-4

## When Voldemort appeared
While being surrounded by Death Eaters is terrifying enough on its own, Voldemort suddenly appearing would be heart-stopping. Harry and Hagrid were already in the thick of things and struggling to hold off those they were fighting. So, when Voldemort made his entrance – we had no idea how they would survive this encounter. What made it even scarier was that Voldemort had picked up a new skill and could now fly…

>Then the scar on his forehead burned like fire: as a Death Eater appeared on either side of the bike, two Killing Curses missed Harry by millimetres, cast from behind –
>
>And then Harry saw him. Voldemort was flying like smoke on the wind, without broomstick or Thestral to hold him, his snake- like face gleaming out of the blackness, his white fingers raising his wand again 
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-voldemort-sitting-staring-web-landscape

seven-heart-stopping-moments-from-the-battle-of-the-seven-potters-text-section-5

## When Harry’s wand saved him
Having thought that Harry and Hagrid were about to meet their end, we suddenly found ourselves holding our breath as help came from an unlikely source. As Hagrid tumbled to the ground, the pain overwhelmed Harry and Voldemort was on the verge of victory – Harry’s wand acted on its own, providing Harry with the opportunity he needed.

>As the pain from Harry’s scar forced his eyes shut, his wand acted of its own accord. He felt it drag his hand round like some great magnet, saw a spurt of golden fire through his half-closed eyelids, heard a crack and a scream of fury. The remaining Death Eater yelled; Voldemort screamed, ‘No!’: somehow, Harry found his nose an inch from the dragon-fire button: he punched it with his wand-free hand and the bike shot more flames into the air, hurtling straight towards the ground.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-harry-hagrid-flying-motorbike-privet-drive-web-landscape

seven-heart-stopping-moments-from-the-battle-of-the-seven-potters-text-section-6

## When George was left without an ear
The Weasley family are Harry’s family – and we feel just as protective over them. So, when George returned without his ear, we were shocked. To have a character that is usually so light-hearted injured in such a ghastly way, made us truly recognise the horror and weight of what had transpired that night. Though in typical George fashion he didn’t let it keep him down for long – who can remember those truly terrible ‘holey’ jokes?

>Harry ran forwards and seized George’s legs. Together, he and Lupin carried George into the house and through the kitchen to the sitting room, where they laid him on the sofa. As the lamplight fell across George’s head, Ginny gasped and Harry’s stomach lurched: one of George’s ears was missing. The side of his head and neck were drenched in wet, shockingly scarlet blood.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-fred-george-moody-privet-drive-web-landscape

seven-heart-stopping-moments-from-the-battle-of-the-seven-potters-text-section-7

## When we learnt Moody’s fate
While we worried about the fate of those travelling to The Burrow, we assumed that the worst had passed with the loss of Hedwig and George’s ear. We were wrong. Mad-Eye Moody was the gruff, tough and talented Auror that seemed pretty indestructible. He frequently risked his life and while he suffered some war wounds (such as losing some of his nose and his eye), we never thought Moody would die. To hear that he had in fact been killed and had fallen from his broom was devastating – especially as a hero as valiant as Moody deserved a proper send-off.

>Mrs Weasley ran forwards, but the hug Bill bestowed upon her was perfunctory. Looking directly at his father, he said, ‘Mad- Eye’s dead.’
>
>Nobody spoke, nobody moved. Harry felt as though something inside him was falling, falling through the earth, leaving him forever.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*

HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-mad-eye-moody-smiling-privet-drive-web-portrait

See how much you know about the Hogwarts houses with the House Cup Challenge

WEB-FEATURE-house-cup-challenge

Mary Grandpre Hogwarts map

house-cup-challenge-text-section

Good luck! 

Download the House Cup Challenge[ here. ](https://assets.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/oGehuyi5lLrqLIBisiX1K/553253e1e303f8619700b42d68da44f6/Scholastic_HPHouseCupChallenge.pdf)

![scholastic-house-cup-challenge](//images.contentful.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/qfANidhyPAXjiOij6h8iM/34f6d20beb34edfdf02e071036e67c93/Scholastic_HPHouseCupChallenge.jpg)

No cheating, but here are the answers once you're done.

***

1. GRYFFINDOR 
2. RAVENCLAW 
3. HUFFLEPUFF 
4. SLYTHERIN 
5. HUFFLEPUFF 
6. GRYFFINDOR 
7. SLYTHERIN 
8. RAVENCLAW 
9. RAVENCLAW 
10. GRYFFINDOR 

Play the Things that Must Not Be Named word game

WEB-FEATURE-things-that-must-not-be-named

minalima-quirrell-illustration

things-that-must-not-be-named-word-game-text-section-1

Have a go at Scholastic's challenging word game - and remember to stay away from any forbidden words...

[Download your game sheet here](https://hpread.scholastic.com/activities/October/HPRC_Activity_3_Oct.pdf).

![thingsmustnotbenamedgame](//images.contentful.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7F7flOr6fmTNgnvf2npIpz/7215caed683852c76ad53eb4c6dbbc3c/HPRM-game-sheet.jpg)

__For more [Harry Potter Reading Magic](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/starting-harry-potter), join us back at the hub.__

__Illustration by MinaLima © 2020 Scholastic Inc., from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (MinaLima Edition)__

20 magical facts about Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone 

WEB-FEATURE-20-magical-facts-with-bloomsbury

jim-kay-snitch

20-magical-facts-about-harry-potter-text-section

How many spells are namechecked in the first Harry Potter book? What is J.K. Rowling's favourite chapter? What does Voldemort's name mean?

Find out all that - and more - in this enchanting infographic from Bloomsbury, as created especially once the first book turned 20 years old back in 2017.

[Take a look.](https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/discover/harry-potter/harry-potter-fun-stuff/20-fun-facts-about-harry-potter/)

Illustration by Jim Kay © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Colour in the Hogwarts house crests

WEB-FEATURE-colour-in-hogwarts-house-crests

colour-in-house-crests-text-section

We encourage you to colour in these Hogwarts house crests anyway you like - express yourself! But if you want to learn more about the Hogwarts houses, and the colours that represent them, [try our little guide here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/hogwarts-house-meanings)

For now, grab your pencils, crayons, pens, paints, or whatever you're using - and become an artist! 

[Download your template here.](https://assets.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/6U9f66H9nmqcJtJgJaSTSm/7b7456337e34ddfead2aabeab61ec8fe/scholastic-colour-house-crests.pdf)

![HPRM-scholastic-colour-in-hogwarts-crests-1](//images.contentful.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/74AdSe22gsxBAlDpaH7DyB/ceff398d7c89263987bff2b19b153237/house-crests-gryff.jpg)

![hogwarts-crests-2](//images.contentful.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6gyGwTMedsR70MJMFRzTSY/64f84f2fd31bc4eebf18e683045bb267/house-crests-2-serpent.jpg)

__For more crafting, quizzes, puzzles and beyond... join us for some [Harry Potter Reading Magic](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/starting-harry-potter), where we celebrate every detail of the first Harry Potter book.__

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

Introducing week four: Friendship, fun and family

WEB-ARTICLE-introducing-week-four-friendship-fun-family

HPRM-week-four-friendship-fun-family-header

introducing-friendship-fun-family-text-section

At Hogwarts, Harry discovers a new family in the friends he makes - and in __chapters 10-13__, which we're looking at this week, he discovers different meanings of the word 'family' - such as becoming best friends with Hermione - and getting a glimpse of the family he never knew.

So! Learn how to play our chapter challenges if you haven't seen them before (one for every chapter, naturally) and even [build your own Hogwarts house points jar](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/make-your-own-house-points-jar?fssff) so you can collect house points as you go along. Our next three challenges are ready for you here.

[Chapter Ten: Hallowe'en](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-ten-halloween) 
[Chapter Eleven: Quidditch](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-eleven-quidditch) 
[Chapter Twelve: The Mirror of Erised](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-twelve-the-mirror-of-erised) 
[Chapter Thirteen: Nicolas Flamel](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-thirteen-nicolas-flamel) 

In this week's audiobook extract (as read by Stephen Fry) listen to the emotional moment Harry discovers his family inside the Mirror of Erised.

Listen to our [fourth audio clip here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/philosophers-stone-extract-week-four)

As ever, explore our collection page for week three to find new activities, puzzles, reading guides and print-outs from Harry Potter publishers Bloomsbury and Scholastic. 

Learn how to [make broomstick bookmarks](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/craft-broomstick-bookmarks), [invent your own Quidditch-inspired sports](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/invent-your-own-sport), and pretend it's [Hallowe'en already with some spooky craft ideas.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-inspired-halloween-at-home)

We'll also be telling you about ghosts in the wizarding world, challenging you with a first year Quiddich quiz *and* inviting you to colour-in your own Hogwarts crests. Lots to do!

__Join us for our final week of Harry Potter Reading Magic soon - when we'll explore Chapters 14-17. And if you missed our third week - don't worry, there's [always time to step back.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/week-three-welcome-to-hogwarts)__

How do ghosts exist in the wizarding world?

WEB-ARTICLE-how-do-ghosts-exist-in-wizarding-world

jim-kay-ghost-spread

WEB-ARTICLE-TEXTSECTION-how-do-ghosts-exist-in-wizarding-world

__Illustration by Jim Kay © Bloomsbury__

[Ghosts](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/ghosts) are the imprints of witches and wizards who have died and left a part of themselves behind. Only those who are magical can return as ghosts (meaning Muggles can’t become one). However, even though all witches and wizards have the ability to come back as a ghost, those who are smart, don’t. 

It is said that those who do return have unfinished business of some sort. There are lots of reasons for this such as regret, fear or guilt. Some ghosts are those with a very strong attachment to the material world who refuse to move on. 

Ghosts are transparent, three-dimensional and can pass through solid objects (including people) without causing any damage. Though they do cause disturbances in fire, water and air. If you are in the presence of a ghost the temperature will drop, and if there is more than one ghost around, the temperature drops even further. If you are unlucky enough to have one pass through you, it would feel like someone had emptied a bucket of freezing water over you! They also have the ability to turn flames blue. 

While it may seem tempting to remain on earth forever, ghosts are just shadows of their former living selves. They can’t experience much of the world. They can no longer touch anything, eat anything and they won’t be able to learn anything new. A ghost’s level of knowledge and talent remains the same as when they died. Not being able to move on means that ghosts are often not the best company. They will not let go of any grudges or resentments – just ask Nearly Headless Nick about the fact he’s only nearly headless!  

As well as not being able to come back as a ghost, Muggles can’t seem them. Witches and wizards are much more sensitive to paranormal activity which is why they can see and interact with ghosts. However, that is not to say Muggles are completely oblivious, they might feel that a haunted place is cold or feel creeped out by being there.   

Overall, being a ghost sounds like a pretty rubbish deal to us. To be a ghost is to be stuck forever as a shell of yourself – which we can do without. 

Invent your own sport - inspired by Quidditch

WEB-FEATURE-invent-your-own-sport

quidditch-team-generic-qtta-illustrated

invent-your-own-sport-text-section

The magical sport of Quidditch is very strange indeed: played on brooms! With many different balls! And all sorts of weird and wonderful rules. Now it's your opportunity to make up your own sport. Simply download Bloomsbury's guide and tell us all about it.

You can either draw your own made-up sort, write down a description - or both! It's totally up to you. Good luck and remember - the stranger the better. 

[Download the "Invent your own sport" template now.](https://downloads.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/4t8LCOzJqSDYHq82sbahSD/865568fdca297b3d0bfb42f720f956f5/blooms-invent-a-sport.pdf)

![quidditch-invent-a-sport](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/3nBTjUuxd06jBtB1NZPhsb/c51dcc85cdd7b4b4773c432c2995d780/bloomsbury-invent-a-sport.jpg)

Fancy more [Harry Potter Reading Magic?](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/starting-harry-potter) Step this way for crafts, activities, quizzes, easy-to-read articles and more.

Philosopher’s / Sorcerer’s Stone Extracts: Through the Trapdoor

WEB-ARTICLE-philosophers-stone-snippets-week-five

mary-grandpre-flying-keys

philosophers-stone-extract-through-the-trapdoor-text-section

Enjoy another audio extract from *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone* with reader, Stephen Fry, as we explore Ron's shining moment playing an epic chess match.

Harry Potter Reading Magic Week 5 | Through the Trapdoor

HPRM-week-five-through-the-trapdoor

philosophers-stone-extracts-video-thumbnail

philosophers-stone-extracts-through-the-trapdoor

Now that you've finished listening to this extract, what did you make of it? Here's a few thoughts from us. 

## "I'm going to be a knight"

While getting to know Ron during the first book, it's obvious how much Ron feels overshadowed by his big family. Remember - when he looked in The Mirror of Erised, he saw himself standing out from them, the centre of attention. It is in this moment, right at the end of Harry's first Hogwarts adventure, that Ron really comes into his own - due to his excellent chess skills. We'd seen Ron introducing Harry to wizard's chess earlier on in the book, and now, he faced the ultimate challenge - a huge version of it, with living pieces - one of the many obstacles protecting the Philosopher's Stone. 

Ron picks the knight, which is one of the more heroic symbols of the chess game. Just by picking that piece, it is obvious that Ron's Gryffindor-esque bravery really sparkles when he is confident in his own abilities.

## Overcoming obstacles 

It is interesting that there is an individual obstacle protecting the Philosopher's Stone that Harry, Ron and Hermione each find themselves good at. For Harry, it is the flying keys, which he is able to catch thanks to his Quidditch skills. For Ron, it's a giant, enchanted chess set. For Hermione, it's a potions-themed logic puzzle, putting her excellent mind to the ultimate test with a riddle. 

Just seeing how the three friends put their best abilities together shows what a perfect trio they really are. 

Which Philosopher's Stone obstacle would you be best at? 

__For more Harry Potter Reading Magic, [go back to our hub.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/starting-harry-potter)__

Or check out our other extracts from our previous weeks. 

[Week 1 ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/philosophers-stone-extract-week-one) 
[Week 2 ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/philosophers-stone-extract-week-two) 
[Week 3 ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/philosophers-stone-extract-week-three) 
[Week 4](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/philosophers-stone-extract-week-four)

Remember, to celebrate this summer of Reading Magic, the first Harry Potter audiobook is available to stream free on Alexa from Audible beginning on June 23rd and throughout the month of July by saying: “Alexa, read Harry Potter Book One."

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__