A Celebration of Harry Potter 2016 in pictures

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Potter fans at Celebration of Harry Potter Orlando

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Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

Watch our guide on how to draw an Occamy

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The Occamy appears in *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* and is a snake-like creature with wings that lays beautiful silver eggs.

Here's how you draw your very own. Don't skip on the purple and turquoise!

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


For more of our arts and crafts videos, check out the [Wizarding World YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChPRO1CB_Hvd0TvKRU62iSQ "WW you tube").

Your Wizarding World: Q&A with James and Oliver Phelps

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Say hello to James and Oliver Phelps, the real-life twins who played the troublesome Fred and George Weasley respectively. Find out how much the pair have in common, as we quiz them on all things wizarding. Do they have the same Hogwarts house? What’s their favourite moment on set? What would their Boggarts be? 

Let’s see!

## First thing’s first: what is your Hogwarts house?

__James:__ Hufflepuff... which is cool, but even cooler as I actually have a badger living under my shed!<br>
__Oliver:__ I was put into Gryffindor, which I was very happy with. It helps when you already have the uniform!

## Which Wizarding World character do you most relate to? It doesn’t have to be your character! 

__James:__ I’ve got to say Fred. Even before getting the role I had a great connection with him, being a twin was a start!<br>
__Oliver:__ I’m not just saying it to be lazy but honestly, I think that George is the most relatable for me. He’s an identical twin, he likes to have a joke and he doesn’t shy away from standing up for what he sees as right. 

## What’s your first Wizarding World memory?

__Oliver:__ Our first memory would be being on holiday with some family friends in 1998. The boys who were away with us were really excited because their auntie picked up a new book at the airport. We remember thinking, ‘How can a book get people this excited?’ I’d never seen a reaction like this before. I read the first book, then this new book they had. It was *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*. 

## What’s your favourite Wizarding World memory?

__James:__ The Wizarding World has given me such great memories, but the final premiere in London for *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2* was like nothing I will ever see again. London was literally at a standstill. <br>
__Oliver:__ Talking to my Grandad about the Marauder’s Map scene. He always said it would be an important scene for us to be part of. Unfortunately, he passed away before the film was finished but calling him the day we filmed it and telling him about it will always stay with me.

## If you could have one spell, or one type of magic, that you were able to use in your day-to-day life, what would you pick?

__James:__ ‘*Lumos*’ –  if you ever wake up in the middle of the night and can’t find the light switch, this would come in handy!<br>
__Oliver:__ Right now, it would be a kind of Portkey. Using an object to take me anywhere would be very useful right now.

## What would be your Wizarding World pet?

__James:__ Pygmy Puff. It would go everywhere with me!<br>
__Oliver:__ Although they may be a handful, I’d love to have a Niffler in the house.

## Pick a Deathly Hallow: The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or the Elder Wand? And say why.

__James:__ Invisibility Cloak. You can get anywhere with it.<br>
__Oliver:__ Invisibility Cloak. You could get away with never having to wait in line or get tickets to an event again! You could even watch your favourite band from the stage and nobody would ever know.

## What’s your favourite Harry Potter book and film?

__James:__ *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* for film, but *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* was the book I was reading when I learned I had got the part in the films. Even now when I smell that book smell (you know the one) it reminds me of it.<br>
__Oliver:__ *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* – for both. 

![GobletOfFire WB F4 GobletRejectsWeasleyTwinsNames Still 100615 Land](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/6LYy0ciUfYyQUEYOgOUqKw/780812c64cddc3fae43089636034fc0e/GobletOfFire_WB_F4_GobletRejectsWeasleyTwinsNames_Still_100615_Land.jpg)

## Apart from Harry Potter, what other books/films do you like?

__James:__ For books, the Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris; for films, anything from the *Rocky* series.<br>
__Oliver:__ As film series go, *Rocky* as well. I’ve watched those in a marathon session before. As for books, Lee Childs’ Jack Reacher series is so captivating. 

## Which two people would you ask to help you defeat Lord Voldemort?

__James:__ Harry Potter (he’s got a good history against him) and David Beckham (I imagine even Voldemort would be a little starstruck by him!)<br>
__Oliver:__ Tyson Fury and Queen Elizabeth II. 

## What would your Boggart be?

__James:__ Getting a puncture on my road bike - 100km from home, in the rain, without a puncture kit. <br>
__Oliver:__ A giant rat.  

## Which Wizarding World moment made you cry/emotional?

__Oliver:__ The premiere we attended in Oslo for *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*. It was all outdoors and a very special setting. Thinking about it now still gives me goosebumps. <br> 
__James:__ Once, Oliver’s eyebrows were burnt off accidentally when they were meant to be dyed ginger. I cried with laughter for about a week.

*You can follow both [James](https://twitter.com/James_Phelps) and [Oliver Phelps](https://twitter.com/OliverPhelps) on Twitter or find them on Instagram.*

Learn how to re-create the magic of the Marauder’s Map

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Watch this video and learn how to combine the art of calligraphy and trouble-making! If you follow the instructions carefully, you might just make those those wonderful words – *I solemnly swear I am up to no good* – appear as if by magic.

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Mischief managed!

For more of our arts and crafts videos, check out the [Wizarding World Youtube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChPRO1CB_Hvd0TvKRU62iSQ "WW youtube channel").


How to knit your own Weasley inspired scarf

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The Weasley clan are famed for their exquisite jumpers, as made by Mrs Weasley. If you want to join the knitwear party: here's how! 

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Everything you need if you're planning a Harry Potter film marathon

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If you're thinking to yourself, 'you know what, it's time to re-watch all Harry Potter films again' - who can blame you? 

Here's some suggested reading (and quizzing) to get you ready for an action-packed watchalong. 

## Harry Potter Movie Marathon: The Ultimate Survival Guide

First up, a handy survival guide on how-on-earth to get through eight wizarding world escapades back-to-back. We reccomend optimum snacks and comfy attire. 

[Read here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-movie-marathon-the-ultimate-survival-guide)

## The Harry Potter film binge quiz 

You might want to take this after you've completed your marathon - or indeed, you might want to refresh your memory before you head in for a re-watch. Or you could take the quiz at the beginning and the end to see how much you've approved! A Hermione-level of studying is encouraged here.

[Play here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/the-harry-potter-film-binge-quiz)

## Things we notice watching Harry Potter films ten years on

If this isn't your first time watching the Harry Potter films, it might have been a while since you last did. A few years, maybe. Or maybe it's just been a week. No judgement either way. 

[While you do re-watch, though, be sure to look out for these moments that we definitely hadn't spotted the first time around. ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/things-we-notice-watching-harry-potter-films)

*For more details on [Harry Potter on Sky Cinema](https://www.sky.com/watch/title/programme/harry-potter-box-set), go to the official website.*

Watch our guide on how to make your own Ravenclaw shoelaces 

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Our handy guide on how to give your shoes a Ravenclaw-blue twist will surely have you dancing around in joy. 

We hope you're watching carefully, for there's a lot of looping to be done here!

Hop to it!

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Try our Harry Potter wordsearch!

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Search for the magic words and drag your cursor across the letters.

How quickly can you crack it?

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Ten words you need to know when reading the first Harry Potter book

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## 1.	Wand: 
Implement used by wizards to perform magic. Available from Ollivanders in Diagon Alley.

## 2.	Muggle: 
Person totally without magical powers. Most Muggles live in ignorance of the world of wizards and witches.

## 3.	Galleon: 
Gold wizarding money.

## 4.	Poltergeist: 
A mischievous spirit.

## 5.	Herbology: 
Study of plants. Professor Sprout is the Herbology teacher at Hogwarts.

## 6.	Remembrall:
Magical glass ball, the size of a large marble, filled with white smoke. The smoke turns red to tell you that there is something you have forgotten to do.

## 7.	Centaurs:
Half-man, half-horse creatures. Centaurs live in the Forbidden Forest.

## 8.	Quidditch: 
The wizarding national sport. Played on broomsticks by seven players.

## 9.	Transfiguration:
The art of turning one thing into another.

## 10.	 Seeker: 
Quidditch player who tries to catch the Golden Snitch.



Want more wizarding words? The rest of our [Harry Potter Glossary is available on the Bloomsbury website here](https://harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/uk/fun-stuff/glossary/ "Harry Potter Glossary Link"), taking you through words and definitions from all seven books. 

*Illustration by Jim Kay © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Watch our guide on how to draw a Niffler 

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Is there a cuter fantastic beast than the Niffler? (Shush, nobody tell Pygmy Puffs we said that.) How about creating your own to show off to your friends?

The mischievous creature, known for foraging shiny objects and for being a particular favourite of Newt Scamander, was first introduced to us in the book *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*, and we’ve been in love ever since.

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And don’t worry, you don’t have to have the artistic prowess of Dean Thomas (remember his ‘Potter for President’ Quidditch banner?) to draw this little fellow – our guide is designed so everyone can draw along. 

Don’t forget to draw the Niffler’s gold coins – otherwise you’ll have yourself one sad Niffler. 

For more of our arts and crafts videos, check the [Wizarding World YouTube channel.](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChPRO1CB_Hvd0TvKRU62iSQ) 

A handy guide to reading the Harry Potter books for the first time 

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So, you’ve probably heard of Harry Potter already, right? Probably caught a film on TV, probably got a mate who has a Hogwarts robe. And you’ve probably been thinking – ‘who is this Dumbledore fellow, anyway?’ ‘What is a Wingardium Leviosa?’ 

### So what are the books about, exactly? Like, actually?

Okay: in a nutshell, a young 11-year old boy with glasses and a lightning bolt scar called Harry Potter finds out that he’s a wizard with magical powers and must go to a special school to learn how to do magic. Along the way, he learns many secrets about his past, and discovers that not all wizards are good...

### You’re going to be reading a lot of strange words

Quaffle. Flobberworm. Riddikulus! Get ready for all manner of weird and wonderful words, guys. These are not your every-day books. But don’t worry, everything will be explained as you go along, and soon, the words of the wizarding world will be a second language! And if you get really stuck, [here’s a handy glossary](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/web-ten-words-you-need-to-know-for-hp1 "Bloomsbury glossary") to get you started.

### And meet a lot of interesting people 

Albus Dumbledore! Professor McGonagall! Who are all these curious people? For a book called “Harry Potter”, you do get a lot of fascinating names in this series... no offence, Harry. You’ll soon learn that wizards and witches are rather different to us, wear different sorts of clothes, and have many different interests. And it’s not just people too – prepare to meet magical creatures and even portraits that talk! 

### You may know a few things already – but that’s OK 

If you’ve not read the books, that doesn’t mean you haven’t seen a Harry Potter film on the television. Or maybe a friend or family-member has told you all about how they’re a [Gryffindor](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/gryffindor), and you’re like, ‘What?’ So you might know bits and bobs about the adventure already – but don’t worry. It’ll all make sense once you start at the beginning. Just maybe ask your friends to be nice and not spoil anything for you! 

### Things might get a little scary...

Are you squeamish? Be on your guard, then! At Hogwarts school, not everything is as it seems. Sometimes these books get a little frightening, especially when a certain someone called Lord Voldemort makes an appearance... but also watch out for giant spiders, werewolves, and more things we won’t spoil for you now.

Remember, at the end of the day, it’s just a book – so you can always snap it shut if things get too much! 

### And the books will magically start getting bigger and bigger 

As you read more Harry Potter books, you’ll learn that there’s just so much in the wizarding world that the books start getting fatter! But trust us, once you’ve read the first one and got hooked in, you’ll be even hungrier for more pages.

### It’s a marathon, not a sprint 

Don’t feel bad if you’re not the fastest reader in the world. There are seven Harry Potter books, and that’s a lot of magic to get through! Take your time, because you don’t want to speed through it too fast and miss something – there are loads of important mentions in the books that will become important in later books. We’ll give you a heads up on one: in the first chapter of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* (or *Sorcerer's Stone* for our US readers), a character called ‘Sirius Black’ is mentioned. Keep an eye on that name in particular... 

### And once you’re done, that’s definitely not the end 

When we first finished the Harry Potter books, to say we were sad is an understatement. But chin up, you’ve actually started reading the stories at an exciting time. Now, there’s a new story, *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*, that looks at the adventures of the wizarding world 19 years later. And then, if you fancy going back in time, you can watch the Fantastic Beasts films, which go all the way back to the 1920s where we meet a host of brand-new witches and wizards.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to read a Harry Potter book (except, maybe, upside down!) so give them a go, and you can always visit WizardingWorld.com if you want to learn more about the wizarding world as you go along. 

So, chapter one... 

*Illustration Jonny Duddle © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc*

Harry Potter Who’s Who: Harry, Ron & Hermione

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## Harry Potter:
Harry Potter is a wizard, the only child of James and Lily Potter. He is famous for having survived an attack by Lord Voldemort when he was a baby. He is also sometimes known as ‘The Boy Who Lived’. For the first eleven years of his life Harry lives with his mean aunt and uncle and is unaware of his wizarding roots. It is only on his eleventh birthday that he finds out he is a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At Hogwarts Harry is in Gryffindor house.

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## Ron Weasley:
Ron quickly becomes one of Harry’s best friends at Hogwarts. He has bright red hair and freckles, like his five older brothers, Charlie, Bill, Percy, George and Fred. He also has a younger sister called Ginny. Ron is also in Gryffindor house at Hogwarts and has a pet rat called Scabbers.

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## Hermione Granger:
Hermione, along with Ron Weasley, becomes one of Harry’s best friends. She, too, is in Gryffindor house. She is very clever and hardworking and always gets top marks in her exams. Her parents are Muggle dentists. 



For our complete guide to all the much-loved characters in the Harry Potter books, you can visit our [Who’s Who page on the Bloomsbury website here](https://harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/uk/fun-stuff/harry-potter-whos-who/ "Bloomsbury Who's Who"). 

*Illustration by Jim Kay © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc*

The ABCs to Reading for Pleasure

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## A.	
__Audio books__ mean the whole family can listen together.

## B.	
Books at __bedtime__ are a great way to wind down the day.

## C.
__Children's books__ on the shelves are always a familiar, comforting read (we have all seven Harry Potter books on ours!).

## D.	
Reading allows us to __discover__ new worlds, new people (like Harry, Ron and Hermione), and new events.

## E.	
__Everyone__ can read the same book and talk about it together.

## F.	
Reading takes us to __fun, faraway__ places (like Hogwarts)

## G.	
Sharing a book you love with a family member makes a great __gift__.

## H.	
The best kind of __homework__? Free reading!

## I.	
__Infinite__ possibilities exist with reading.

## J.	
Great __joy__ exists upon finishing a whole series. (And sometimes a little sadness, too!)

## K.	
When you __know__ better, you do better. Reading helps us to know more so we can do better.

## L.	
__Learning__ to read is one of the coolest, most amazing and magical processes ever.

## M.	
Reading __motivates__ you to learn more, try new things, and reach for the stars.

## N.	
Every day you can meet __new people, places, and ideas__ with books.

## O.	
Reading allows you to learn about different __options and opinions__.

## P.	
Anything is __possible__ with reading (especially magic). 

## Q.	
__Questions__ are answered with reading.

## R.	
__Reading__ aloud to a loved one or friend is time well spent.

## S.	
Our favourite way to __spend__ our time? Reading makes time fly (particularly when there are broomsticks involved)!

## T.	
Reading __transforms__ lives.

## U.	
Books take you to __unusual and unique places__ (like the Forbidden Forest). 

## V.	
Finding new authors and new series is one of our __very favourite things__.

## W.	
You can read __wherever__ you want in the house—no need to sit at a desk or wait until bedtime.  

## X.	
There's something for everyone with reading: __eXactly__ what every person needs. 

## Y.	
__You__ always have a pal when you pick up a book.

## Z.	
Reading before bed lets you catch your __ZZZZZzzzzzzz's__.  (C'mon, this one was tough…)


For more brilliant articles, book recommendations and reading advice and tools for parents, visit [Scholastic’s, Raise a Reader blog here](https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog.html "Scholastic Raise a Reader Blog").

*Illustration by Mary GrandPré*

Ten times Wizarding World characters (who weren’t Fred and George) made us laugh out loud

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No-Maj Jacob Kowalski gets a glimpse into New York's secret magical world with Queenie Goldstein at The Blind Pig speakeasy

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In a world where your eyebrow might suddenly turn yellow, or your DNA be melded with a mangy cat, it’s important to retain the ability to laugh at yourself. These are moments that were the best at distracting us from possible impending Avada Kedavara-ing. 

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## Any time Moaning Myrtle appeared

She might have been occasionally gloomy, but this toilet-haunting ghost knew how to bring the accidental laughs. Whether she was trying to inspect prefects, flirt with boys brewing potions in her bathroom, or merely delight in the misfortune of others, her particular brand of mournful charm was always funny.

> ‘You’ll be teased something dreadful,’ said Myrtle happily. 
> ‘It’s OK, Hermione,’ said Harry quickly. ‘We’ll take you up to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey never asks too many questions ...’ 
> It took a long time to persuade Hermione to leave the bathroom. Moaning Myrtle sped them on their way with a hearty guffaw. 
> ‘Wait till everyone finds out you’ve got a tail!’<br>
> Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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Harry, Ron and Hermione work on brewing the Polyjuice Potion in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom

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## Jacob - especially when he discovered Gigglewater

Now, here’s one from Fantastic Beasts. It’s always amusing when a Muggle (or in this case, a No-Maj) is introduced to any moment of witchcraft or wizardry – and seeing as Jacob is just a funny guy anyway - witnessing him become acquainted with the magical drink Gigglewater made us giggle too.

Trying to have a flirtatious exchange with Queenie, while sipping the beverage that makes it impossible to stifle a laugh, had us surpressing chuckles too.

Still, he styled it out. Okay, maybe he didn’t. 

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## Roonil Wazlib 

Given that homework at Hogwarts always had to fit inbetween the gaps of avoiding giant snakes and eating twelve-course lunches, it’s really a wonder that the less academically gifted ever made time to do any at all. That made it particularly funny when Ron’s Spell-Checking quill, the wizarding answer to autocorrect, turned on him. 

> ‘How d’you spell “belligerent”?’ said Ron, shaking his quill very hard while staring at his parchment. ‘It can’t be B – U – M –’ 
> ‘No, it isn’t,’ said Hermione, pulling Ron’s essay towards her. ‘And “augury” doesn’t begin O – R – G either. What kind of quill are you using?’ 
> ‘It’s one of Fred and George’s Spell-Checking ones … but I think the charm must be wearing off …’ 
> ‘Yes, it must,’ said Hermione, pointing at the title of his essay, ‘because we were asked how we’d deal with Dementors, not “Dugbogs”, and I don’t remember you changing your name to “Roonil Wazlib”, either.’<br>
> Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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## Luna’s Quidditch commentary 

Luna was an unsung humorous hero, and it’s frankly a shame that people spent too much time laughing at her to enjoy themselves laughing with her. She had the brand of off-beat humour that would make her a star on Twitter, and she never sought laughs at the expense of anyone else. You could pick from multiple Luna-isms to prove her comedic value, but it was perhaps her work commentating on the Quidditch match that was the most hilarious. 

> ‘And that’s Smith of Hufflepuff with the Quaffle,’ said a dreamy voice, echoing over the grounds. ‘He did the commentary last time, of course, and Ginny Weasley flew into him, I think probably on purpose – it looked like it. Smith was being quite rude about Gryffindor, I expect he regrets that now he’s playing them – oh, look, he’s lost the Quaffle, Ginny took it from him, I do like her, she’s very nice …’ 
> Harry stared down at the commentator’s podium. Surely, nobody in their right mind would have let Luna Lovegood commentate? <br>
> Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Of course, [Lee Jordan had his moments too. You can read some of our favourite moments of his here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/web-funniest-ten-moments-of-quidditch-commentary)

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Luna wearing her roaring Gryffindor Lions Head  

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## Flying baby Nifflers  

In *Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald*, it was revealed that Newt didn’t just have one Niffler – he now had baby Nifflers. Seeing one of the little fellas hop aboard a champagne cork like a rocket is an image we won’t forget in a hurry. 

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Baby Nifflers from Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

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## Alas. Earwax. 

Albus Dumbledore might be better remembered for sound advice and totemic proclamations, but it’s also worth remembering that he also had some of the funniest and most memorable lines. There are a number of millennials who can’t hear the word ‘earwax’ without recalling Albus’s disappointment in his Every Flavour Bean. And who could forget his inaugural sorting speech?

> ‘Nitwit. Blubber. Odment. Tweak.’<br>
> Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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Dumbledore smiling from the Philosopher's Stone 

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## Malfoy the bouncing ferret 

Mad-Eye Moody (or, rather, Bartemious Crouch Jr. topped up with Polyjuice Potion) might have been terrifying, but he was also extremely dry and very capable of directing his terror to those most deserving. 

Never has so much been summed up in a single word: 

> The ferret flew through the air, its legs and tail flailing helplessly. 
> ‘Never – do – that – again –’ said Moody, speaking each word as the ferret hit the stone floor and bounced upwards again. 
> ‘Professor Moody!’ said a shocked voice. Professor McGonagall was coming down the marble staircase with her arms full of books. 
> ‘Hello, Professor McGonagall,’ said Moody calmly, bouncing the ferret still higher. 
> ‘What – what are you doing?’ said Professor McGonagall, her eyes following the bouncing ferret’s progress through the air. 
> ‘Teaching,’ said Moody.<br>
> Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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WB F4 Moody HP4D-6460R

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## Ron attempting Divination

Ron was the joke-maker of the trio, and as such had plenty of funny moments – but many of the very best occurred in the stuffy, pouffe-studded environment of Divination, as he tried desperately to extract some mystical meaning from his crystal ball, overseen by Professor Trelawney.

> ‘Would anyone like me to help them interpret the shadowy portents within their Orb?’ she murmured over the clinking of her bangles. 
> ‘I don’t need help,’ Ron whispered. ‘It’s obvious what this means. There’s going to be loads of fog tonight.’<br>
> Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban


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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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## Gilderoy Lockhart

The brocade-clad purported vampire slayer would likely have described himself as brilliant, gifted, attractive, wry and charming before listed ‘funny’, but his pompous arrogance led to some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. 

> ‘His memory’s gone,’ said Ron. ‘The Memory Charm backfired. Hit him instead of us. Hasn’t got a clue who he is, or where he is, or who we are. I told him to come and wait here. He’s a danger to himself.’ 
> Lockhart peered good-naturedly up at them all. 
> ‘Hello,’ he said. ‘Odd sort of place, this, isn’t it? Do you live here?’<br>
> Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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## Sassy Harry Potter

Harry might be daring, bold and chivalrous, but when it came to comic relief, we usually relied on other characters. Ron usually took care of the funnies while Harry focused on saving the world, and that was a good division of responsibilities.

It played to their strengths. That said, Harry was definitely capable of a good comeback. Snape in particular was capable of bringing out the jollies in him – even if he wasn’t exactly a responsive audience. 

> His Shield Charm was so strong Snape was knocked off balance and hit a desk. The whole class had looked round and now watched as Snape righted himself, scowling. 
> ‘Do you remember me telling you we are practising non-verbal spells, Potter?’ 
> ‘Yes,’ said Harry stiffly. 
> ‘Yes sir.’ 
> ‘There’s no need to call me “sir”, Professor.’<br>
> Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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For more amusing moments, [we ranked some of our favourite funny ones here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/watch-funniest-harry-potter-moments-ranked)

Watch the funniest Harry Potter moments - ranked

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Newt Scamander and Jacob Kowalski in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

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No Cheering Charms required - this video is all you need. 

<style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }</style><div class='embed-container'><iframe src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dD93oxNpuCs'frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div> 

For more [Wizarding World videos, pop by our official YouTube channel.](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChPRO1CB_Hvd0TvKRU62iSQ)

Your wand has chosen you – but what does it mean?

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First things first, if you haven’t yet discovered your wand, [here’s a link ](https://my.pottermore.com/wand) to our test written by J.K. Rowling. And remember... the wand chooses you, not the other way around. 

Now you’ve discovered your personal wand, just like Harry did in Mr Ollivander’s shop in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, you most likely want to find out a bit more about what your wand type would mean for you in the wizarding world… 

## Ten most common core and wood combinations

1.	Unicorn core and sycamore wood – most common<br>
2.	Unicorn core and laurel wood<br>
3.	Dragon core and sycamore wood<br>
4.	Phoenix core and sycamore wood<br>
5.	Unicorn core and alder wood<br>
6.	Unicorn core and vine wood<br>
7.	Phoenix core and laurel wood<br>
8.	Dragon core and laurel wood<br>
9.	Unicorn core and redwood<br>
10.	Unicorn core and hazel wood <br>

## Top three rarest core and wood combinations

1.	Phoenix and poplar<br>
2.	Dragon and poplar<br>
3.	Unicorn and poplar<br>

## What core does your wand have?

Mr Ollivander used only three substances for wand cores. Three he deemed of enough quality to give the illustrious name of Ollivander: unicorn hair, dragon heartstring and phoenix feather. 

## Which one of the three cores does your wand have? 

### Unicorn hair

__Wizarding world characters who share this core: Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Cedric Diggory__

If your wand is unicorn hair, this core, according to [Ollivander’s notes](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/wand-cores), ‘generally produces the most consistent magic, and is least subject to fluctuations and blockages. They are generally the most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts. The most faithful of all wands, they usually remain attached to their first owner, irrespective of whether he or she was an accomplished witch of wizard. Minor disadvantages of a unicorn hair core are that they do not make the most powerful wands (although the wand wood may compensate) and that they are prone to melancholy if seriously mishandled, meaning that the hair may “die” and need replacing.’ 

### Dragon heartstring

__Wizarding world characters who share this core: Hermione Granger, Bellatrix Lestrange, Viktor Krum__

If your wand is dragon heartstring, this core as a rule produces ‘wands with the most power, and which are capable of the most flamboyant spells. Dragon wands tend to learn more quickly than other types. While they can change allegiance if won from their original master, they always bond strongly with the current owner. The dragon wand tends to be the easiest to turn to the Dark Arts, though it will not incline that way of its own accord. It is also the most prone of the three cores to accidents, being somewhat temperamental.’ 

### Phoenix feather

__Wizarding world characters who share this core: Harry Potter, Lord Voldemort, Silvanus Kettleburn__

This is the rarest core type of our Wizarding World fans, and in the wizarding world itself: ‘Phoenix feathers are capable of the greatest range of magic, though they may take longer than either unicorn or dragon cores to reveal this.

They show the most initiative, sometimes acting of their own accord, a quality that many witches and wizards dislike. Phoenix feather wands are always the pickiest when it comes to potential owners, for the creature from which they are taken is one of the most independent and detached in the world. These wands are the hardest to tame and to personalise, and their allegiance is usually hard won.' 

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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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### What wood is your wand made of?

These are the top ten wand woods from those who have discovered their wands through WizardingWorld.com (and previously on Pottermore). If your wand wood doesn’t make it on to this list don’t worry – [you can read all about the types of wood in full here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/wand-woods)

__Sycamore – most popular__

•	A questing wand; eager for new experience and loses brilliance if engaged in the mundane.<br>
•	May burst into flame if allowed to become ‘bored’.<br>
•	Ideal owner is curious, vital and adventurous. <br>
•	When paired with its ideal owner, it demonstrates a capacity to learn and adapt that earns it a rightful place among the world’s most highly-prized wand woods.<br>

__Laurel – 2nd most popular__

•	It is said that a laurel wand cannot perform a dishonourable act, although Ollivander has known them to perform powerful and sometimes lethal magic in the quest for glory.<br>
•	Seems unable to tolerate laziness in a possessor, and in such conditions,  it is most easily and willingly worn away.<br>
•	Otherwise it will cleave happily to its first match forever and can issue a spontaneous lightning strike if another witch or wizard attempts to steal it.<br>

__Alder – 3rd most popular__

•	Although an unyielding wood, its ideal owner is helpful, considerate and likeable. <br>
•	When happily placed, an alder wand becomes a magnificent, loyal helpmate.<br>
•	Best suited to non-verbal spell work, whence comes its reputation for being suitable only for the most advanced witches and wizards.
<br>

__Hazel – 4th most popular__

•	A sensitive wand, hazel often reflects its owner’s emotional state and works best for a master who understands and can manage their own feelings.<br>
•	Capable of outstanding magic in the hands of the skilful.<br>
•	So devoted to its owner that it often ‘wilts’ at the end of its master’s life – if the core is also unicorn hair, the wand will almost certainly completely ‘die’. <br>
•	Hazel wands have the unique ability to detect water underground.<br>

__Vine – 5th most popular__

•	Owners are nearly always those who seek a greater purpose, who have a vision beyond the ordinary and who frequently astound those who think they know them best.<br>
•	Vine wands seem strongly attracted to personalities with hidden depths and are more sensitive than any other when it comes to instantly detecting a prospective match.<br>
•	Reliable sources claim that vine wands emit magical effects upon the mere entrance into their room of a suitable owner.<br>

__Redwood – 6th most popular__

•	Wand-quality redwood has a reputation for bringing good fortune to its owner – however, according to Ollivander, this is the wrong way around.<br>
•	Redwood wands are strongly attracted to those who already possess the admirable ability to fall on their feet, to make the right choice and to snatch advantage from catastrophe.<br>
•	Ollivander generally expects to hear of exciting things when such a person is paired with a redwood wand.<br>

__Beech – 7th most popular__

•	If you are young, you will be best suited to a beech core if you are wise beyond your years.<br>
•	If you are fully grown, you will be best suited to beech if you are rich in understanding and experience.<br>
•	Beech wands perform very weakly for the narrow-minded and intolerant.<br>
•	When properly matched, beech is capable of a subtlety and artistry rarely seen in other woods.

__Maple – 8th most popular__

•	Those chosen by maple wands are often travellers and explorers by nature.<br>
•	Maple wands are not stay-at-home wands, and prefer ambition in their owners, otherwise their magic grows heavy and lacklustre.<br>
•	Fresh challenges and regular changes of scene cause this wand to literally shine, burnishing itself as it grows with its partner in ability and status.<br>
•	Possession of a maple wand has long been a mark of status, because of its reputation as the wand of high achievers.

__Rowan – 9th most popular__

•	Rowan is reputed to be more protective than any other wand, and renders all manner of defensive charms especially strong and difficult to break.<br>
•	It is commonly stated that no Dark witch or wizard ever owned a rowan wand – and Ollivander cannot recall one of his rowan wands going out to do evil in the world.<br>
•	Wands of rowan wood are most happily placed with the clear-headed and the pure-hearted.<br>
•	However, this reputation for virtue ought not to fool anyone – these wands are the equal of any, often the better, and frequently out-perform others in duels.<br>

__Cypress – 10th most popular__

•	Cypress wands are associated with nobility. <br>
•	The great medieval wandmaker, Geraint Ollivander, wrote that he was always honoured to match a cypress wand, for he knew he was meeting a witch or wizard who would die a heroic death.<br>
•	Fortunately, in less bloodthirsty times, the possessors of cypress wands are rarely called upon to lay down their lives, though doubtless many of them would do so if required.<br>
•	Wands of cypress find their soulmates among the brave, the bold and the self-sacrificing: those who are unafraid to confront the shadows in their own and others’ natures.<br>

### A note on the rarest wood amongst Wizarding World fans:

__Poplar – rarest__

•	‘If you seek integrity, search first among the poplars’, was a great maxim of Ollivander’s grandfather, and his grandson reports that his own experience tallies exactly with this impression.<br>
•	Poplar is a wand to rely upon – of consistency, strength and uniform power.<br>
•	This wand wood is always happiest when working with those of clear moral vision.<br>

__Something to keep in mind:__ ‘Every single wand is unique and will depend for its character on the particular tree and magical creature from which it derives its materials.

Moreover, each wand, from the moment it finds its ideal owner, will begin to learn from and teach its human partner.’ [Therefore, as J.K. Rowling reminds us through Ollivander](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/mr-ollivander), these notes ‘should be regarded very much as a starting point, for this is the study of a lifetime, and I continue to learn with every wand I make and match.’ 