All about... Minerva Mcgonagall

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Minerva McGonagall infographic

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What the Mirror of Erised can tell us about the Boy Who Lived

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__Beware! This article contains spoilers for the entire Harry Potter series, so we wouldn’t advise reading it until you’ve read all seven books...__

What does Harry see in the Mirror of Erised? Unlike his friend Ron, he doesn’t see a successful future, but an unreachable past. In the mirror, Harry encounters the Potter family for the first time in his life. Most prominently he sees his mother and father smiling down at him and it is this that is ‘nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desire’ of young Harry’s heart. 

This fundamental part of Harry Potter – this longing for a real family – reveals a lot about his experiences up until this point. Though, as readers, we’ve met the Dursleys, perhaps we don’t truly understand the extent of what they haven’t given Harry until he stands in front of the mirror. He’s never seen a photograph of a single member of his family before – not even his parents’ faces. Their smiles remind us how Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon have treated him with utter contempt and pure dislike. The juxtaposition between the family Harry wishes he has, and the one he ended up with in Privet Drive is stark, and shines a light on the lonely and loveless childhood Harry has endured before arriving at Hogwarts. Harry has never pined for material things – he was never going to get them living with the Dursleys anyway – what he wants, most desperately, is a family that loves him. Something that his aunt, uncle and cousin could have given him, but chose not to. 

We also see this desire for family reflected in Harry’s actions in the future. Once Harry finds out the truth about Sirius Black – particularly that he was his godfather and his father’s friend – he can do nothing wrong in Harry’s eyes. The affection between them is almost instantaneous, and by the summer holidays after Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it is Sirius that Harry chooses to write to about his scar hurting, rather than Ron or Hermione. And when Harry loses Sirius… the renewed grief is unbearable. The importance of family to Harry is also perhaps why he loves his summers at the Burrow so much. Molly and Arthur love Harry like a son – indeed when Sirius reminds Molly during an argument that Harry is not, in fact, one of her own, she replies: 'He’s as good as’. No doubt Harry feels a closeness to Mr and Mrs Weasley that fills the family-shaped hole that the vision in the Mirror of Erised revealed. 


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After Harry first discovers the mirror in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone, he becomes obsessed with going back to it night after night. And this obsession – though we can hardly blame him for wanting to spend time with the family he never knew – becomes all-consuming. He won’t play chess; he won’t visit Hagrid; and he certainly won’t listen to Ron trying to stop him getting back in front of the mirror. This early sign that Harry is prone to obsessive behaviour is important to note. 

As Harry gets older this part of his nature shows itself time and time again – with varying consequences. His hunches, which often turn into obsessions, can be vital in the fight against Lord Voldemort, but can also be a hinderance. In Philosopher’s Stone itself, Harry is preoccupied with the idea that it is Snape who is trying to steal the stone, which leads to a kind of blindness only being face to face with the truth can dispel. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, he becomes fixated with finding out about Riddle’s diary: ‘even though he knew the diary was blank, he kept absent-mindedly picking it up and turning the pages, as though it was a story he wanted to finish’. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the door to the Department of Mysteries haunts his dreams over and over again. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, his obsession with Draco Malfoy means that his friends are protected with Felix Felicis the night Draco finally succeeds in his plan. But it also alienates Harry from his friends for much of the school year and leaves him brooding and pawing over the Marauder’s Map alone. 

Harry’s episode with the Mirror of Erised also reveals a tendency to seek out solitude. This is the first time Harry pushes Ron – his best friend – away. He finds the mirror alone because he wants to adventure wearing his father’s cloak on his own. Harry sometimes finds it difficult to share or even express the burdens he feels – the burdens that come with being orphaned by Lord Voldemort. When he is determined to save the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry initially assumes he’s going alone. And still, even after six years of adventures together, Harry tries to separate himself from Ron and Hermione when it comes to hunting down Horcruxes: ‘No –’ said Harry quickly; he had not counted on this, he had meant them to understand that he was undertaking this most dangerous journey alone’. Luckily Ron and Hermione know him well enough by this point that they understand – and then as good friends often do – tell him he’s being ridiculous. 

The final and most important aspect of Harry’s character that his second encounter with the Mirror of Erised tells us, is that he lacks a thirst for power. Faced with his reflection with the Philosopher’s Stone, it enters his pocket – as Dumbledore tells us – because he ‘wanted to find the Stone – find it, but not use it’. 

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It is, we are led to believe, a rare witch or wizard who could ignore the powerful attraction of the Elixir of Life. And this part of Harry plays an enormously important role in his eventual vanquishing of Lord Voldemort. Harry unites the Deathly Hallows but not so as to use them – no – but to defeat one of the darkest wizards of all time. And when he’s done, what does he do? He ends the cycle. He puts the Elder Wand to rest. 
‘Maybe a man in a million could unite the Hallows, Harry’, Dumbledore tells him. Perhaps that is what the Mirror of Erised tells us about the Boy Who Lived – he is one unique wizard with a Gryffindor heart of gold. 


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And remember you can [watch Matthew Lewis, Helen Howard and Imelda Staunton reading Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where you can revisit Harry’s first encounter with the Mirror of Erised here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-mirror-of-erised "C12").



Chapter Challenge: 'The Mirror of Erised'

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Welcome to your twelfth Chapter Challenge! If you need a reminder of Chapter Twelve, [you can watch Matthew Lewis, Helen Howard and Imelda Staunton, reading 'The Mirror of Erised' any time you like here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-mirror-of-erised "CH12"). 

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__Write down which you think was Harry’s best Christmas present and why.__

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

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

__Draw the Mirror of Erised. Make sure you include what *you* would see in its reflection.__
  
*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
 
<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/76EKXm249R6Av82pPNGMoG/e4a932f2b477a3e645b7280773330069/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-16.png" alt="my boat"> 

__Answer this question and get a clue about the next chapter. What do you get with a Chocolate Frog?__
  
*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
  
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__Write about yourself: If you had an Invisibility Cloak, what would be your first adventure?__

*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
  
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__Prediction time! Do you think Harry will ever see the Mirror of Erised again?__

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

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

__Time to be Mrs Weasley: In 'The Mirror of Erised', Mrs Weasley sends her children – and Harry – a special knitted Weasley jumper. Design a Weasley jumper for every member of your household. What colour would it be? Would it have a letter on the front? Or something else? And don’t forget to design one for yourself!__

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

  
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__Secret quest: Choose something that belongs to you – perhaps a book or a toy or a mug or similar. Leave it somewhere with a note addressed to someone in your household. The note must say the person’s name and the words ‘Use it well’ just like the Invisibility Cloak. After a day you can ask for the object back if you want to!__

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

***

__Quiz time: If this secret quest isn’t for you, you can collect the same number of house points if you answer every question correctly in our [Chapter Twelve Quiz here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-twelve-five-questions "CQ12")...__

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

And don’t forget to collect all your house points in your house hourglass. Remember, your hourglass can be any container – a bottle, a jar, a box. Every time you earn a house point, cut out a little square or circle of paper or card – colour it in with your house colour – and then put it into your hourglass. When you need to use scissors, make sure you ask an adult to help you.

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

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

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

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Harry Potter At Home: fun articles for first time readers

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## [Make your very own scrapbook of Harry Potter characters with Scholastic](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/make-your-own-harry-potter-scrapbook)
Read about some of the characters Scholastic would include in their Harry Potter scrapbook and then make your own! You can even use a template they’ve provided on their website – you’ll see the link at the bottom of the article. 
Best chapter video for meeting new characters - [Chapter Six: The Journey From Platform Nine and Three-Quarters](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-journey-from-platform-nine-and-three-quarters). 

## [Harry Potter Who’s Who: Introducing the Dursleys](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-whos-who-muggles-edition-introducing-the-dursleys)
Learn all about the dreadful Dursleys with this article from Bloomsbury, plus you can find a link to the Who’s Who page on their website where you can find out other facts about Harry Potter characters.
Best chapter video for introducing the Dursleys - [Chapter Two: The Vanishing Glass.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-vanishing-glass) 

## [A handy guide to reading the Harry Potter books for the first time](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/handy-guide-to-reading-harry-potter-for-first-time)
The Wizarding World team have put together this guide if you’re just embarking on your first ever Hogwarts journey. It has handy tips and introductions to get you started. 
Best chapter video to start your journey with: [Chapter One: The Boy Who Lived](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-boy-who-lived) 

## [Twenty fantastic facts about Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone from Bloomsbury](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/find-twenty-fantastic-facts-about-harry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone)
Can you answer these twenty questions about the book that started off Harry Potter’s journey? Have a go, and when you’ve answered as many as you can – Bloomsbury have provided a beautiful infographic to help you learn even more about the first Harry Potter book. 
Best chapter video for learning some magical facts - [Chapter Eight: The Potions Master](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-potions-master)

## [Ten words you need to know when reading the first Harry Potter book ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/web-ten-words-you-need-to-know-for-hp1)
The magical world is full of new and wonderful things, including words! This article from Bloomsbury will really help you out when you come across some of the trickier ones at the start of Harry’s journey. And if you want to look up more magical words, you can find a link in the article to Bloomsbury’s Harry Potter Glossary on their website. 
Best chapter video for silly magical words - [Chapter Seven: The Sorting Hat](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-sorting-hat)

## [How to cast a spell over everyday games](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/how-to-cast-a-spell-over-everyday-games)
Forget wizard chess, this article is all about bringing some magical activities into your home. The Wizarding World team teach you how to play Wizard’s hangman, Harry Potter Bingo and Snitches & Lightning Bolts! 
Best chapter video for wizard games: [Chapter Eleven: Quidditch](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-quidditch)

## [Make reading Harry Potter even more fun with these three easy tips from Scholastic](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/make-reading-harry-potter-fun-three-easy-tips)
Scholastic has set out some great ideas to inspire you with your reading, from reading aloud to making art part of your Harry Potter experience. Speaking of art, how about checking out our Crafting Magic collection too, where you can find video tutorials about drawing magical beasts to making a broomstick keyring! 
Best chapter video for magical imagination - [Chapter Five: Diagon Alley](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-diagon-alley)

## [Learn some friendship lessons and discover your best friend with Bloomsbury](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/hogwarts-best-friend-with-bloomsbury)
Hogwarts might be a school of magic, but starting at Hogwarts is as much about making friends, as it is learning spells. Read all about the wizarding friendship from the first Harry Potter book in this article, and then find out who would be your Hogwarts best friend with Bloomsbury’s fun quiz. 
Best chapter video for friendship: [Chapter Ten: Hallowe’en](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-halloween)

## [Chapter Challenges for Chapters One to Eleven](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/first-year-readers) 
Have you been taking our Chapter Challenges? We release one with every chapter video reading, where you can collect house points with every challenge and secret quest you complete. We’ll test you on everything from your ability to draw Dudley with a pig’s tail to whether you can get your whole household to use a secret password, just like Gryffindor Tower. 

Find Chapter Challenges, and even more first year reading fun [here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/first-year-readers). And if you’re ready for a challenge, you can [find puzzles and quizzes about the first Harry Potter book here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/first-year-challenges).


Enjoy the many voices of Hagrid from Harry Potter At Home

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Here are some of our favourite impressions of the gruff-voiced gamekeeper from our Harry Potter At Home readings so far. [And remember, you can revisit our most recent chapters right here. ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters)

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We&#39;ve had some brilliant character voices from our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarryPotterAtHome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarryPotterAtHome</a> narrators, the Hagrid impressions have been a particular joy! <a href="https://t.co/sm8ZfTTmdC">pic.twitter.com/sm8ZfTTmdC</a></p>&mdash; Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/wizardingworld/status/1276896917314813952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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For more Harry Potter At Home fun for your amusement, [simply visit our hub.](http://harrypotterathome.com/)

Ten times the Dursleys were the absolute worst 

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## That time they dropped Harry off at King’s Cross only so they could laugh at him…  
‘He was quite right, of course. There was a big plastic number nine over one platform and a big plastic number ten over the one next to it, and in the middle, nothing at all.
‘Have a good term,’ said Uncle Vernon with an even nastier smile. He left without another word. Harry turned and saw the Dursleys drive away. All three of them were laughing.'

__Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone__

## That time they made Harry pretend he didn’t exist…  
“And you, boy?’
Harry fought to keep his face straight as he emerged.
‘I’ll be in my room, making no noise and pretending I’m not there,’ he said.”

__Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets__

## That time they gave Harry the worst Christmas present of all time …  
‘Harry’s other presents were much more satisfactory than Dobby’s odd socks – with the obvious exception of the Dursleys’, which consisted of a single tissue, an all-time low…’

__Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire__

## That time Aunt Petunia revealed she knew a lot more about magic than she’d let on … 
‘‘They guard the wizard prison, Azkaban,’ said Aunt Petunia. 
Two seconds of ringing silence followed these words before Aunt Petunia clapped her hand over her mouth as though she had let slip a disgusting swear word. Uncle Vernon was goggling at her. Harry’s brain reeled. Mrs Figg was one thing – but Aunt Petunia?’

__Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix__

## That time they allowed Aunt Marge to mercilessly insult Harry and his parents…  
“Now, I’m saying nothing against your family, Petunia’ – she patted Aunt Petunia’s bony hand with her shovel-like one, ‘but your sister was a bad egg. They turn up in the best families. Then she ran off with a wastrel and here’s the result right in front of us.”

__Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban__

## That time they locked Harry up and passed him food through a cat-flap in his bedroom door …  
‘He was bearing down on Harry like a great bulldog, all his teeth bared. ‘Well, I’ve got news for you, boy ... I’m locking you up ... you’re never going back to that school ... never ... and if you try and magic yourself out – they’ll expel you!”

__Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets__

## That time Dudley teased Harry about his bad dreams…  
“Don’t kill Cedric! Don’t kill Cedric!” Who’s Cedric – your boyfriend?’
‘I – you’re lying,’ said Harry automatically. But his mouth had gone dry. He knew Dudley wasn’t lying – how else would he know about Cedric?
‘“Dad! Help me, Dad! He’s going to kill me, Dad! Boo hoo!”

__Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix__

## That time Uncle Vernon couldn’t get the word Dementor right …   
“But what ARE Dementoids?’ asked Uncle Vernon furiously. ‘What do they DO?”

__Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix__

## That time Aunt Petunia couldn’t bring herself to say anything meaningful to her nephew …  
‘She stopped and looked back. For a moment Harry had the strangest feeling that she wanted to say something to him: she gave him an odd, tremulous look and seemed to teeter on the edge of speech, but then, with a little jerk of her head, she bustled out of the room after her husband and son.’

__Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows__

## And every time they lied about how his parents had died …  
‘The only thing Harry liked about his own appearance was a very thin scar on his forehead which was shaped like a bolt of lightning. He had had it as long as he could remember and the first question he could ever remember asking his Aunt Petunia was how he had got it.
‘In the car crash when your parents died,’ she had said. ‘And don’t ask questions.”

__Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone__



Create your own paper owls

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Tawny, Screech, Barn, Brown or Snowy – why choose when you can make them all with this hoot of a crafting video!

Harry’s owl, Hedwig, kept him company throughout his time at Hogwarts, and was also his only friendly companion whilst he spent long summer holidays with the Dursleys.  

Now you can learn to make your very own owl. Watch the video below and find out how ...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wrYlWHCs6gM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


For more of our arts and crafts videos, check out our [Crafting Magic page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/crafting-magic "Crafting Magic"), as well as our [Wizarding World YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChPRO1CB_Hvd0TvKRU62iSQ "Youtube"). 
And for even more stay at home fun, check out our [Harry Potter At Home hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home "HPAH hub"), and bring the magic to you!


Try our four Hogwarts house-themed wordsearches 

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Simply click and drag to find all the words, all connected to each of the four Hogwarts houses. And if you don't know which house you're in, [remember you can get sorted with us right here.  ](https://my.wizardingworld.com/sorting-hat)

## The Gryffindor wordsearch 

<iframe width="600" height="650" src="https://bridgecard.wizardingworld.com/wordsearch/20200617/00023/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## The Ravenclaw wordsearch

<iframe width="600" height="650" src="https://bridgecard.wizardingworld.com/wordsearch/20200612/00022/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## The Hufflepuff wordsearch

<iframe width="600" height="650" src="https://bridgecard.wizardingworld.com/wordsearch/20200522/00019/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## The Slytherin wordsearch

<iframe width="600" height="650" src="https://bridgecard.wizardingworld.com/wordsearch/20200620/00025/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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

The story so far from the Harry Potter At Home chapter readings 

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## Chapter One – ‘The Boy Who Lived’
__Reader__: Daniel Radcliffe

__What’s it about?__ Daniel Radcliffe introduces the Dursleys, who don’t like anything mysterious. Enter a cat reading a map, owl-filled skies and whispers about the Potters. [Watch the chapter here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-boy-who-lived)

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter One, you can collect house points with our first [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-one-the-boy-who-lived), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-one-five-questions)!
For parents, carers and teachers, our friends at Scholastic have put together a wonderful discussion guide called [Finding Strength in Harry Potter which you can find here](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/Scholastic_FindingStrengthinHP.pdf). And for those who’ve visited the wizarding world before – read more about ‘The Boy Who Lived’, with [our article analysing what we can learn about Albus Dumbledore from this first encounter](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/the-man-in-the-purple-cloak-what-chapter-one-can-teach-us-about-dumbledore)… 

## Chapter Two – ‘The Vanishing Glass’
__Reader:__ Noma Dumezweni

__What’s it about?__ Noma Dumezweni narrates Harry and the Dursley’s trip to the zoo, where it becomes clear that his scar isn’t the only unusual thing about him. [Watch the chapter here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-vanishing-glass).

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter Two, you can collect house points with our second [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-two-the-vanishing-glass), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-two-five-questions)!
For those who’ve visited the wizarding world before, [read this debate between two Wizarding World writers](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/who-was-the-worst-dursley-petunia-or-vernon) about who was the worst Dursley: Vernon or Petunia?
Speaking of Muggles, our friends at Bloomsbury invite you to learn more about the despicable Dursley family, with [this handy ‘who’s who’ guide if you’re a first-time reader](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-whos-who-muggles-edition-introducing-the-dursleys).

## Chapter Three – ‘The Letters from No One’
__Reader:__ Eddie Redmayne

__What’s it about?__ Eddie Redmayne narrates the Dursleys’ desperate attempts to escape the mysterious letters addressed to Mr H Potter. But will Harry ever get to read one? [Watch the chapter here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-letters-from-no-one).

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter Three, you can collect house points with our third [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-three-the-letters-from-no-one), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-three-five-questions)!
Harry is desperate to open the letters that keep arriving for him in Chapter Three. But how about [making your own with this crafting video Bloomsbury](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWow8MODO1U) have kindly shared with us from their Harry Potter Book Night celebrations? If you’re feeling really creative, you could make one for every member of your household! And for those who’ve visited the wizarding world before – [read more about ‘The Letters from No One’, as we explore the importance of post](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/the-power-of-letters-in-harry-potter) across the Harry Potter books.

## Chapter Four – ‘The Keeper of the Keys’
__Reader:__ Stephen Fry

__What’s it about?__ Stephen Fry introduces us to Rubeus Hagrid, who arrives with a birthday cake, a pink umbrella, and some news that will change Harry’s life forever. [Watch the chapter here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-keeper-of-the-keys)

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter Four, you can collect house points with our fourth [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-four-keeper-of-the-keys), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-four-five-questions)! 
Also, did you know that the Hogwarts school motto is ‘Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus’? It means ‘Never tickle a sleeping dragon’. Use the wizarding school’s motto to [play Scholastic’s Magical Motto word game](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/harry-potter-magical-motto-word-game.pdf)! And for those who’ve visited the wizarding world before – [read more about ‘The Keeper of the Keys’ as we look at one pivotal character who features in the chapter](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/web-the-stranger-with-the-pink-umbrella), a certain Mr Rubeus Hagrid.

## Chapter Five – ‘Diagon Alley’
__Readers:__ Simon Callow, Bonnie Wright and Evanna Lynch

__What’s it about?__ Simon Callow, Bonnie Wright and Evanna Lynch introduce us to Diagon Alley, where Harry goes on the most magical shopping trip of his life. [Watch the chapter here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-diagon-alley).

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter Five, you can collect house points with our fifth [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-five-diagon-alley), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-five-five-questions)! 
For those who’ve visited the wizarding world before – [read more about ‘Diagon Alley’ as we debate which wizarding shopping district we prefer](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/which-is-better-diagon-alley-or-hogsmeade): Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade? You can also watch this video Bloomsbury have kindly provided of illustrator [Jim Kay talking about designing Diagon Alley](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx2peN6D264) here, as well as [download a colouring activity](https://hpmedia.bloomsbury.com/rep/files/hpbn-event-kit-colouring-in-diagon-alley.pdf). Plus, you can learn how to make your own wand with [Scholastic’s crafting activity here](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/harry-potter-make-your-own-wand-printable.pdf)!

## Chapter Six - ‘The Journey from Platform Nine and Three Quarters’
__Readers:__  Jamie Parker, with Broadway cast members of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

__What’s it about?__ Jamie Parker, and the Broadway Cursed Child cast, delight with a dramatised reading of the journey to Hogwarts. Prepare for spells, toads and Chocolate Frogs! [Watch the chapter here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-journey-from-platform-nine-and-three-quarters).

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter Six, you can collect house points with our sixth [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-six-journey-platform-nine), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-six-five-questions)! 
To learn more about the entire cast of readers you see and hear reading this chapter, [check out this article](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/guide-to-cursed-child-readers-for-chapter-six). Plus, can you spot the differences between these two illustrations of platform nine and three-quarters? [Click here to have some fun with this activity provided by Bloomsbury](https://hpmedia.bloomsbury.com/rep/files/spot-the-difference.pdf)! And click [here for the answers](https://images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/6HXVXAVeDhIvrzkKp410aB/329635cd8d1da1d9522e8de9d74b40ac/spot_difference.png)! And finally, for those who’ve visited the wizarding world before – [read more about how the famous magical platform perfectly represents the passage of time throughout the books](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/web-passing-through-time-platform-nine-three-quarters).

## Chapter Seven – ‘The Sorting Hat’
__Readers:__ Olivia Colman, with Jonathan Van Ness and Kate McKinnon

__What’s it about?__ Olivia Colman, with Jonathan Van Ness and Kate McKinnon, introduce us to the Sorting Hat. But which Hogwarts house will it choose for the Boy Who Lived? [Watch the chapter here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-sorting-hat).

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter Seven, you can collect house points with our seventh [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-seven-the-sorting-hat), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-seven-five-questions)! 
Did you know each house at Hogwarts has a crest which features a particular animal? Colour in the crests and make four house-inspired door hangers, with [this activity sheet provided by Scholastic](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/scholastic-harry-potters-color-house-crest.pdf). And our friends at Bloomsbury have come up with a brilliant way to make cakes inspired by the Sorting Ceremony. You can [watch the video they made for Harry Potter Book Night celebrations here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPCOz2xuwL8&feature=youtu.be). For those who’ve visited the wizarding world before – [read more about the Sorting Hat’s interesting choices here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/the-harry-potter-characters-whose-hogwarts-houses-are-up-for-debate), as we examine certain characters and their Hogwarts houses. 
Still don’t know which Hogwarts house you belong to? Join the Harry Potter Fan Club and [find out here!](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register)

## Chapter Eight – ‘The Potions Master’
__Reader:__ Alia Bhatt, with Alec Baldwin and his daughter Carmen

__What’s it about?__ Alia Bhatt, with Alec Baldwin and his daughter Carmen, introduces us to Professor Snape’s Potions class. But he doesn’t seem to like Harry Potter at all… [Watch the chapter here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-potions-master).

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter Eight, you can collect house points with our eighth [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-eight-the-potions-master), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-eight-five-questions)! 
Now you’ve met the Potions master, how about colouring him in? Our friends at Bloomsbury have kindly provided [this colouring activity and you can find it here](https://hpmedia.bloomsbury.com/rep/files/professor-snape-colour-in.pdf). And Scholastic have provided an imaginative activity that helps you create your very own Hogwarts student profile. [Click here to start!](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/scholastic-harry-potters-hogwarts-student-fill-in.pdf) For those who’ve visited the wizarding world before – [we’re thinking about the subtle science and exact art of potion-making a little more](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/wizarding-world-potions-we-want-in-real-life) alongside this chapter. Which magical concoction would you love to try in real-life?

## Chapter Nine – ‘The Midnight Duel’
__Reader:__ Alison Sudol and Dan Fogler

__What’s it about?__ Alison Sudol and Dan Fogler and narrate Harry’s first flying lesson, as well as a midnight adventure in the castle, where he meets a rather unusual dog. [Watch the chapter here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-midnight-duel)

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter Nine, you can collect house points with our ninth [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-nine-the-midnight-duel), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-nine-five-questions)! 
For those who’ve visited the wizarding world before, [enjoy our ranking of all the wizarding world dogs](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/celebrating-the-best-dogs-of-the-wizarding-world), seeing as a certain canine makes their debut appearance in this chapter. And since you’ve spent a little time at Hogwarts with Harry and his friends, [how about challenging yourself with Bloomsbury’s Hogwarts wordsearch](https://hpmedia.bloomsbury.com/rep/files/hogwarts-wordsearch-answers.pdf)? But there’s more – Harry and his fellow first-years have their first flying lesson in Chapter Nine, so Scholastic have provided a fun Madam Hooch-inspired crafting activity.[ Learn how to make your very own broomstick bookmark here!](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/scholastic-harry-potter-broomstick-bookmark-printable.pdf)

## Chapter Ten – ‘Hallowe-en’
__Reader:__ Whoopi Goldberg

__What’s it about?__ Whoopi Goldberg introduces us to the rules of Quidditch, as well as the Hallowe’en feast, where an unwelcome visitor causes havoc in the castle. [Watch the chapter here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-halloween)

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter Ten, you can collect house points with our tenth [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-ten-halloween), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-ten-five-questions)! 
Then how about a crossword challenge? Now you know a lot more about Harry Potter, Hogwarts and magic, [try this word puzzle kindly provided by Scholastic here](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/scholastic-harry-potter-kings-crossword-puzzle-printable.pdf)! And you once you’re done, you can [find the answers here](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/scholastic-harry-potter-crossword-answer-key.pdf). For those who’ve visited the wizarding world before – today we’re thinking about Hallowe’en, a hugely important date in Harry’s life. [Find out about other eventful Hallowe’ens in the Harry Potter books here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/why-halloween-was-so-important-for-harry-potter).

## Chapter Eleven – ‘Quidditch’
__Reader:__ David Tennant, with David Beckham

__What’s it about?__ David Tennant, with David Beckham, narrates Harry’s first Quidditch match against Slytherin. But catching the Snitch soon becomes the least of Harry’s worries. [Watch the chapter here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-quidditch)

__More at home fun:__ Once you’ve finished watching or listening to Chapter Eleven, you can collect house points with our eleventh [Chapter Challenge](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-eleven-quidditch), as well as test your knowledge of the chapter [in this quiz](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-eleven-five-questions)! 
For those who’ve visited the wizarding world before – if you were a Quidditch player, which position would you like to be in? [We’ve put together this handy guide with our recommendations](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/which-quidditch-position-would-be-right-for-you).
As you will have heard in Chapter Eleven, Quidditch matches get very competitive at Hogwarts with students supporting their own house teams. How about coming up with your own Quidditch cheer for your Hogwarts house? [Try it here with Scholastic’s activity sheet to help you](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/scholastic-harry-potter-quidditch-cheer-printable.pdf)! 
			
                                  ***

That’s all for now, but be sure to check out the [Chapters page on WizardingWorld.com](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters) for new chapters coming very soon. And if you’re keen for more [Harry Potter At Home](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home) activities, you can find our [Crafting Magic hub here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/crafting-magic), as well as the [First Year Challenges hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/first-year-challenges) – full of quizzes and puzzles – and the [First Year Readers hub here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/first-year-readers), which is packed with articles for first-time readers.

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__


Play our Hogwarts lessons crossword 

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Divination, Potions, Herbology... there's a Hogwarts class for all walks of magic. Even Ancient Runes, which is still a bit of an enigma to us. Oh well, let's hope it doesn't come up in today's crossword, all about Harry's lessons.

<iframe width="550" height="700" allowtransparency="true" style="background: #FFFFFF" src="
https://bridgecard.wizardingworld.com/crossword/20200618/00022/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Visit our puzzles section to enjoy more challenges](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) or visit the Wizarding World app. More puzzles for Gold subscribers can also be found there! 

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Make your own Cornish pixie light up jar

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*‘The pixies were electric blue and about eight inches high, with pointed faces and voices so shrill it was like listening to a lot of budgies arguing. The moment the cover had been removed, they had started jabbering and rocketing around, rattling the bars and pulling bizarre faces at the people nearest them.’*

Professor Lockhart set these Cornish pixies loose in a Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson! And unfortunately, he didn’t seem to know the spell to get them back into their cage. The lesson ended with Lockhart fleeing the classroom – after asking Harry, Ron and Hermione to sort them out for him!

We’re sure you’ll be much more careful when you’re creating this light up jar containing your very own Cornish pixie craft. But just remember not to underestimate this magical creature like Dean Thomas did! Watch the video and download the Cornish pixie templates below ...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uooLsza6ToU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Template 1 - you can save this image and make it bigger or smaller to fit your own jar!

![cornish-pixie-template-1](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/7cL9b8X1Plmf8ymMdEOzHI/b0e3287d49196f579ce78e64a55563ce/Approved_Cornish_Pixies_Silhouette_Artboard01_copy.jpg)

Template 2 - you can save this image and make it bigger or smaller to fit your own jar!

![cornish-pixie-template-2](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/7uuFs35aTFxaqxIQPwrRf0/dbad76997e892779149aba0c776b6996/Approved_Cornish_Pixies_Silhouette_Artboard02_copy.jpg)


For more of our arts and crafts videos, check out our [Crafting Magic page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/crafting-magic "Crafting Magic"), as well as our [Wizarding World YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChPRO1CB_Hvd0TvKRU62iSQ "Youtube"). 

And for even more stay at home fun, check out our [Harry Potter At Home hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home "HPAH hub"), and bring the magic to you!


Play our Fantastic Beasts crossword

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How well do you remember the Fantastic Beasts films? How impeccable are your crossword skills? Well, why not combine those two things and have a go at our latest puzzle?

<iframe width="550" height="700" allowtransparency="true" style="background: #FFFFFF" src="
https://bridgecard.wizardingworld.com/crossword/20200602/00018/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Visit our puzzles section to enjoy more challenges](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) or visit the Wizarding World app.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

Young fans submit their best Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone artwork 

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Over the last month, we’ve been re-reading the first Harry Potter book, *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone*, alongside famous fans and friends of the Wizarding World.

[You can take a look at all our chapters so far, right here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters)

With each video you see, you’ll spot fantastic interpretations of the events, characters and locations of each chapter dotted throughout the readings. These have been submitted from fans all over the world, using their artistic skills to bring Harry Potter’s story to life. Here are a few more brilliant pieces that you didn’t see in our videos, but we simply had to show you.

## Owls and fireworks

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First, we begin with this moment of celebration across the wizarding world (that was definitely noticed by the Muggles...) depicted by Arthur, 8 from the UK. Arthur has perfectly captured that famous night, where Voldemort was seemingly defeated by a baby Harry Potter, leading to much jubilation, owls and fireworks cascading across the night sky.

## The Hogwarts Express 


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Next up, this contribution from Nathan, 9, from the United States. Nathan’s cheery depiction of everyone’s favourite magical train shows us the Hogwarts Express in all its scarlet-red glory. All aboard! 

## “Yer a wizard” 


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Immersed in glowing sparks, here we see a young Harry Potter finally finding his perfect wand, and suddenly feeling distinctly more magical. Thank you very much to Tzipora, 9, from the United States, who captured this important moment in Harry’s life beautifully. 

## Potions class 


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The mood of Professor Snape can certainly sap the colour out of anyone’s day, so we appreciate this artistic choice from Maria in Spain. Maria picked a smoky, black and white interpretation when she drew Harry’s first Potions class. Enjoy the details of an enthusiastic Hermione, a scowling Draco and, alas, a not-very-happy Harry! 

## Severus Snape 


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For all his foibles, Severus Snape is a lot of fun to draw, so here’s another! This time, Beth has drawn the surly Potions professor, perfectly capturing his inky eyes, lank black hair and moody aura. 

## The cupboard under the stairs 


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Aivin from Canada has drawn one of the earlier moments from the first book, where poor Harry is stuck in the cupboard under the stairs. We love the splash of red that surrounds Harry in this picture, which perfectly paints that feeling of being locked in. Also note the loose sock – we wonder if this is a homage to a certain house-elf who turns up in the second book? And seeing as Harry’s dark cupboard was known to be full of spiders, we’re glad to see he’s caught one here.

## The cat at Privet Drive 


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A cat graces the ‘perfectly normal’ street of Privet Drive, and you can bet it’s no ordinary cat. Great work from Eliza, 8, who has drawn Professor McGonagall in her feline form, and even added a witch’s hat for an extra bit of flair! 

## And another! 


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You know what we need? More cats! A huge thanks to Hal, 6, for obliging! Hal has also drawn Professor Mcgonall’s cat lurking around Privet Drive, and she too, is wearing a witch’s hat. A fantastic artist choice by both of our illustrators. 

## Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hagrid & Baby Harry 


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We finish our collection with this striking contribution from Maddie, 14, who has drawn the memorable moment where baby Harry Potter is delivered to the Dursley family by Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid. We love the use of colour Maddie has used on each character’s outfits, which brighten up the dark night where Harry’s life changed forever. 

A huge thank you to all of our artists for all your magical work. 

Learn all about Harry Potter At Home at our official [hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home). And if you want to submit to one of our future chapter reads, here’s our [submission details. ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/terms/content-submission-guidelines)


Learn how to make a cardboard Basilisk

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Are you brave enough to take on this crafting challenge? Slytherin’s monster – also known as a Basilisk – was responsible for almost getting Hogwarts closed down in *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*. 

Here’s what Hermione found out from the library about the creature in *Chamber of Secrets*: ‘*Of the many fearsome beasts and monsters that roam our land, there is none more curious or more deadly than the Basilisk, known also as the King of Serpents. This snake, which may reach gigantic size, and live many hundreds of years, is born from a chicken’s egg, hatched beneath a toad.*’ 

Now it’s your turn to make the King of Serpents out of cardboard. Don’t believe us? Watch this video and find out how... 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h1ZqXz2DO4s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

For more of our arts and crafts videos, check out our [Crafting Magic page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/crafting-magic "Crafting Magic"), as well as our [Wizarding World YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChPRO1CB_Hvd0TvKRU62iSQ "Youtube"). 

And for even more stay at home fun, check out our [Harry Potter At Home hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home "HPAH hub"), and bring the magic to you!


The pros and cons of being a Seeker 

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Harry playing quidditch in the Half Blood Prince  

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## Pros

__Glory__

According to Quidditch Through the Ages, Seekers have ‘immense importance in the overall outcome of the match’, and often snatch ‘victory from the jaws of defeat’. Given that capturing the Snitch earns your team one hundred and fifty points, as well as ending the game, one of the pros of being a Seeker is that you are often the player who gets the most glory. Harry found this out during his time at Hogwarts, particularly when Gryffindor finally won the Quidditch Cup: ‘As a sobbing Wood passed Harry the Cup, as he lifted it into the air, Harry felt he could have produced the world’s best Patronus’.

__Style__

Traditionally ‘the best fliers on the pitch’ according to Quidditch Through the Ages, the position of Seeker can often be pretty glamorous. With flashy moves like the Wronski Feint and the Plumpton Pass – the latter being ‘a seemingly careless swerve that scoops the Snitch up one’s sleeve’ – the position of Seeker really allows a player to show off their own individual style and skill. This perhaps allows Seekers like Viktor Krum to become famous and celebrated, in a way that other players can only dream of, due to the individuality and style permitted by a Seeker’s particular role and position on a team.

__Independence__

Protected by their team’s Beaters, Seekers get to soar above the gritty, and often violent brawl that the Chasers, Keepers and Beaters often engage in with the opposing team. No matter how poorly the game is going below them, a Seeker can ignore the score and search for the Snitch, independent of anything occurring below. To that end, a Seeker is both a team player and a lone flier, who is able to rely on their own skill, rather than their team mates, to carry out their objective of catching the Snitch, but also enjoy a team victory all the same.

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Harry Potter WB F2 Harry And Draco In Quidditch Match Still 100615 Land

Harry and Draco race to the snitch in a quidditch match 

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## Cons

__Danger__

As Oliver Wood told Harry when he was introducing him to the game of Quidditch, Seekers get fouled A LOT. And Harry’s experience as Gryffindor Seeker definitely backed that up given the number of times he ended up in the hospital wing after a game. Quidditch Through the Ages mentions this con of being a Seeker too: ‘they are usually the players who receive the worst injuries'. ‘Take out the Seeker’ is the first rule in Brutus Scrimgeour’s The Beaters’ Bible. Eeeesh. And considering that apparently ‘Seven hundred Quidditch fouls are listed in the Department of Magical Games and Sports records,’ danger is certainly a big argument against trying out for Seeker.

__Pressure__

The flipside of glory in a Seeker’s Quidditch life, is certainly pressure and responsibility. The Snitch is worth one hundred and fifty points – that’s a lot of points to win or lose to the Seeker on the opposing team if you’re not quick enough. Not to mention, as Seeker, it is your responsibility to end the Quidditch match. This is highlighted in an entry in Quidditch Through the Ages: ‘There is a tale that a Golden Snitch evaded capture for six months on Bodmin Moor in 1884, both teams finally giving up in disgust at their Seekers’ poor performances’. What a nightmare!

__Isolation__

The other side of the Galleon of being a somewhat independent flier on the Quidditch team, is that it can also leave you quite isolated and out of touch with what is happening in the game. It can’t always be fun to be soaring above the clouds, looking for that tiny glint of gold. There was a particular game in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, when Harry couldn’t even hear the commentary because the weather was so bad. We reckon that sometimes a Seeker would rather help out the Chasers, Beaters or Keeper in the game below, rather than stay aloft and out of touch.

In the end, there are plenty of pros and cons to being a Seeker. We think whether it suits you, all comes down to how you respond to pressure and independence. Don’t think you could hack it as a Seeker? There are more positions to choose from, and in this article we ask ‘[Which Quidditch position would be right for you?](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/which-quidditch-position-would-be-right-for-you)’. And if you want to [watch David Tennant, with David Beckham, reading about Harry's first ever Quidditch match, you can find the video for Chapter Eleven, here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-quidditch). 

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