The dark stories of Azkaban

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Azkaban Homepage CAROUSEL

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Azkaban FINAL FINAL 

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Chapter Challenge: 'The Potions Master'

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Welcome to your eighth Chapter Challenge! If you need a reminder of Chapter Eight, [you can watch Alia Bhatt, with Alec Baldwin and his daughter Carmen, reading 'The Potions Master' any time you like here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-potions-master "PM").

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<center>
 
<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/5NbVl2rYgQOsomiheQlToy/603c0b01ec47be9b76d40e9b917a327a/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-14.png" alt="my boat">
 
__Write down which Hogwarts teacher you’re most interested in learning more about. What subject do they teach and why have you chosen them?__

*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 a picture of the cauldron you would like to use in a Potions class. You can decorate the outside any way you want – perhaps with your house colours?__
 
*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 is the name of the most popular wizarding sport? Clue: Ron tried to explain the rules to Harry on the Hogwarts Express ...__
 
*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
 
<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/3RO65v5jlfLcUheOJIz3Ky/a17b402d7bf7171748d33604faec3580/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-17_1.png" alt="my boat">

__Write about yourself: Which Hogwarts lesson would you most want to go to? Why?__

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

__Prediction time! This is where you guess what might happen later in the book. Hagrid removed a secret package from a Gringotts vault just before someone broke in! Where do you think that package is now?__

*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 a Hogwarts portrait: In 'The Potions Master', we find out about the Hogwarts portraits and how they move about. Pretend you’re a portrait at the top of a moving staircase. What’s your name? What does your portrait look like? Describe what happens when a staircase moves and confuses students. Do you think it's funny? Do you try to help them? Or do you try to confuse them even more?__

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

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

__Secret quest: Organise a household meeting, using only secret notes. In Chapter Eight, Hagrid invites Harry to his hut using a note from Hedwig. For this secret quest, you must be the owl and deliver notes to members of your household. The note must say the time and the place in your home to meet – e.g. kitchen table, on the sofa. You must not say anything about the meeting out loud. If everyone comes to the meeting, you win!__

*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 Eight Quiz here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-eight-five-questions "CQ8")...__

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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 Nine 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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The wizarding world potions we want in real life

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Snape in his potions class room from the Order of the Pheonix 

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In the grand, never-ending game of ‘imagining that magic is real’, potions tend to get side-lined next to the quicker, flashier potential of the wand. But that’s unfair. For a wand may be able to curse a bully, or Transfigure a teacher, but Snape is right in Chapter Eight when he says potions are a subtle science and exact art – one that translates into strong, effective magic, the kind that would come mighty useful in everyday life. Good luck? Eternal life? Stepping into someone else’s shoes? Here are a few we’d want to brew the most…

## Felix Felicis

You’ll know Felix Felicis as ‘liquid luck’, the potion capable of making any drinker lucky for a period of time, during which they will succeed at almost anything they put their mind to. Harry used it in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to make sure that he succeeded in retrieving a memory from Horace Slughorn, and later to protect his friends in duels against Death Eaters. Oh and of course, he pretended to use it to give Ron confidence as a Quidditch Keeper. Very admirable. 

But think of all the other uses! You could take a few drops before a multiple-choice exam, ensuring that you ace every answer. Or maybe a job interview, which you’d leave as Employee of the Year. Nervous about a date? Well, prepare to be the most charming person who ever lived. But why stop there? Think bigger! Shoot an arrow blindfolded! Run for President! Play the lottery!

But beware: if taken in excess, Felix Felicis can prove highly toxic, and could make you very ill; which, ironically, would be rather unlucky.


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Felix Felicis WB F6 LiquidLuckPotionBottle HP6D-04414

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## Polyjuice Potion

Hermione brewed Polyjuice Potion successfully in her second year at Hogwarts, so that she, Ron and Harry could try to get the truth about the Heir of Slytherin out of Draco Malfoy. Unfortunately, Polyjuice is only meant for human transformations, so when she accidentally added a cat hair instead of Millicent Bulstrode’s head hair, things got very furry. Though at least it gave Moaning Myrtle a laugh for once… 

Accidental animal transformations aside, we would absolute love to brew some Polyjuice Potion – preferably in our kitchen rather than a haunted bathroom.Want to find out what your friends really think about you? This is the perfect solution! Want to convince someone to buy you that birthday present you’ve always wanted? Change into someone else and suggest it! But not all our reasons are selfish… stepping into someone else’s shoes can often give you a bit of perspective, even if it’s only for an hour or so. 


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## Amortentia 

Okay, okay so it might seem a little soppy to have the most powerful love potion in the world on our wish list – but come on, have a heart! And no, it didn’t go so well for Ron in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where his affections went from Lavender Brown to Romilda Vane faster than a flying Snitch, but he did eat a LOT of those Chocolate Cauldrons.

Even if we didn’t actually give it to anyone, we’d be curious to see what it smelt like to us. According to Hermione, ‘it’s supposed to smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us, and I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and –’ What was she going to say? We’re still curious – and curious about how the potion with the mother-of-pearl sheen would smell to us… 


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Ron helping Ron after he has taken love potion 

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## Veritaserum 

The truth potion. Find out if your sister stole your favourite dress. Determine who ate the last chocolate biscuit in the tin. Finally get to the bottom of where your dad hides the birthday presents. Veritaserum sounds like it could come in really useful around sneaky family members and friends. Though we’d want to make sure it didn’t get into the wrong hands… 

At one point, Professor Snape gleefully threatened to slip a few drops of Veritaserum into Harry’s evening pumpkin juice, and of course, Professor Umbridge was desperate to get her hands on some. On seconds thoughts… maybe it’s best leaving this one in the wizarding world!

## Draught of Peace

The world can be a scary, overwhelming place, and that can often lead to us feeling anxious or panicked. The magical solution to this, of course, is a potion: the Draught of Peace, a concoction that’s designed to ease the agitation of whoever drinks it. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth years were tasked with making one by Snape – though it’s hard to imagine brewing a peace potion whilst in a class with the Slytherin head of house.

However, we do know that Madam Pomfrey was known to prescribe the potion to students suffering from exam stress. We could think of a few other scenarios in which it could come in useful, but for now we’ll just have to settle for a cuppa and a Harry Potter book.

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## Elixir of Life 

This is the big one: the Elixir of Life, the potion of immortality. You’ll no doubt recognise it as the subject of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, where it’s positioned as one of the most sought-after potions of the wizarding world – especially by Lord Voldemort. The catch? To keep being immortal, it must be drunk regularly for all eternity. Stopping drinking it, like Nicolas Flamel and his wife, means that your life ends like everyone else’s. A dependency, Dumbledore thought, that Voldemort would ultimately never have wanted. 

But you’re not Lord Voldemort! You’re just an easy-going Muggle who wants to live forever. Who can’t relate to that? To never live your life in fear of death; to never worry about the future; to witness the passing of the ages, to see empires rise and empires fall; to see the full breadth of human potential; to ride hoverboards; to witness the end of the universe itself…

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Philosopher's Stone prop, from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. 

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And remember, you can go back and [watch Alia Bhatt, with Alec Baldwin and his daughter Carmen, reading ‘The Potions Master’ any time you like here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-potions-master "PM")… 

And for more Harry Potter At Home articles, quizzes and entertaining magical activities, head over to the [Harry Potter at Home hub on WizardingWorld.com](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home "Hub").


Chapter Challenge: 'The Sorting Hat'

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Welcome to your seventh Chapter Challenge! If you need a reminder of Chapter Seven, you can [watch Olivia Colman, with Jonathan Van Ness and Kate McKinnon, reading 'The Sorting Hat' any time you like here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-sorting-hat "SH").

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<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/5NbVl2rYgQOsomiheQlToy/603c0b01ec47be9b76d40e9b917a327a/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-14.png" alt="my boat">
 
__Write down your Hogwarts house, and why you think you were sorted into it. If you don’t have a house yet, don’t worry! Just like Harry and his friends, you can be sorted in our [re-imagined Sorting Ceremony here](https://my.wizardingworld.com/about-passport) – or you can download the Wizarding World app and see yourself wearing the famous hat! You'll need an adult to help you register.__

*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 Sorting Hat on its four-legged stool. Remember that it’s ‘patched and frayed and extremely dirty’!__
 
*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’s the name of the wizarding bank in Diagon Alley? Clue: Harry went there in Chapter Five...__
 
*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
 
<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/3RO65v5jlfLcUheOJIz3Ky/a17b402d7bf7171748d33604faec3580/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-17_1.png" alt="my boat">

__Write about yourself: Hogwarts castle is home to some ghosts, like Nearly Headless Nick and the Fat Friar. Do you believe in ghosts? Or do you think they only belong in stories?__

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

__Prediction time! This is where you guess what might happen later in the book. Do you think Professor Snape and Harry are going to get on?__

*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 a songwriter: In 'The Sorting Hat', Professor Dumbledore asks the students to sing the school song. It starts, ‘Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy, Warty, Hogwarts.’ Even though you might not be at school right now, your challenge is to make one up. The words can be as silly as you like, but try to make them rhyme. If you’re feeling musical, you could try to sing them to a tune!__

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

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

__Secret quest: Before everyone starts to eat in the Great Hall, Dumbledore says he’d like to say a few words: ‘Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!’ Choose four of your own odd or silly words, and next time you sit down to eat a meal, say them out loud so everyone can hear you. If you make someone laugh, you’ve completed this secret quest!__

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

***

__Quiz time: If this secret quest isn’t for you, you can collect the same number of house points if you answer every question correctly in our [Chapter Seven Quiz here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-seven-five-questions "CQ7")...__

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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 Eight becomes available, there’ll be another challenge waiting for you!

Remember! Your task is to collect as many house points as you can throughout the challenges and record them in your house hourglass. 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.

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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The Harry Potter characters whose Hogwarts houses are up for debate

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In this article, we sort through (get it?) those times the Sorting Hat had some trouble making a decision, as well as focus in on those witches and wizards who didn't always feel that the Sorting Hat had placed them in the right house. And of course, there’re the characters we feel might have better belonged elsewhere... Perhaps when you’ve read this article you might agree with Dumbledore’s words: ‘I sometimes think we Sort too soon...’

And remember, if you want to [watch Olivia Colman, with Jonathan Van Ness and Kate McKinnon, reading Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone, ‘The Sorting Hat’, then you can find it here anytime you want](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-sorting-hat).

__Beware! There are about as many spoilers for the Harry Potter books and *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* in this piece as there are gnomes in the Burrow garden...__



## "Hmm,’ said a small voice in his ear. ‘Difficult. Very difficult"

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McGonagall Homepage Carousel

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The famous Thinking Cap boasts ‘I’ll eat myself if you can find/ A smarter hat than me’ in its start of term song, and it would never publicly admit to having doubts about its sorting abilities. But sometimes, it takes a suspiciously long time to make a decision. 

Minerva McGonagall was one Hogwarts student that presented a dilemma for the Sorting Hat. She was a Hatstall – a student whose sorting takes longer than five minutes – and in her case it was the choice between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw that took the time. Given how quickly she answered the Ravenclaw door-knocker’s riddle, we can see that she would have done well in that wise house. On balance though, we think the Sorting Hat went the right way with Minerva McGonagall: duelling with Snape, sticking up to Umbridge and defending Dumbledore – she’s got a lion heart of pure red and gold. 

The line between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw seems to be a bit of a head-scratcher for the Sorting Hat. The same houses were in contention for Hermione Granger, who revealed in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix that the Sorting Hat ‘seriously considered’ putting her in Ravenclaw. It’s not the biggest surprise if we’re honest – top of her year and arguably one of the brightest witches of her age, we didn’t need the lost Diadem to work out that she would have flourished in Ravenclaw. We’ll never know whether Hermione steered the Sorting Hat away from Ravenclaw or whether she was always heading (get it?) towards Gryffindor, but we’re glad it decided on red and gold in the end – it wouldn’t have been quite the same without our favourite trio plotting in the scarlet common room.

Maybe the Sorting Hat was trying to change Peter Pettigrew’s fate by placing him in Gryffindor rather than Slytherin? Of all the Hogwarts houses, Slytherin boasts the largest number of Death Eaters, after all. A Hatstall like Minerva McGonagall, the Sorting Hat clearly found sorting Wormtail difficult. But we can’t help but feel that this time the Sorting Hat went the wrong way. It seems more cunning than courageous to fake your own death and spend twelve years hiding as a rat. Perhaps the Sorting Hat would argue that fear can overcome anyone, sometimes even a Gryffindor, and that was what had led Peter Pettigrew down the slippery slope and into Lord Voldemort’s service. But we’re not so sure… 


## "There’s no need to tell me I’m not brave enough to be in Gryffindor"



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Neville is suspended by the ears by two Cornish pixies, during Defence Against the Dark Arts

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The Sorting Hat never admits that its final decision is wrong, but it does umm and ahhh in students’ ears while it deliberates. And the longer the student is left sitting on the stool, the more likely they are to doubt the Sorting Hat’s eventual decision. In Harry Potter’s case, the Sorting Hat’s indecision stayed with him for years afterwards, despite it respecting his desperate plea of ‘Not Slytherin, not Slytherin’. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, it took Harry pulling the sword of Godric Gryffindor out of the Sorting Hat, to allay his concerns that he should have been a Slytherin. 

Although the Sorting Hat respected Harry’s choice, it wasn’t so kind to Neville Longbottom; it was determined to place him in Gryffindor, despite him asking for Hufflepuff. Throughout his first year Neville was plagued with doubts, at one point choking out: ‘There’s no need to tell me I’m not brave enough to be in Gryffindor’. We hope that when Dumbledore explained that ‘there are all kinds of courage’ Neville felt more at home. And if he didn’t, we reckon killing a giant snake with Gryffindor’s sword probably did the trick. 

Albus Severus Potter was a different case entirely. Before he even arrived at Hogwarts he was terrified that he would be Sorted into Slytherin. And then, his worst fear came true. The whispers filled the Great Hall just like they had when his father arrived all those years before. This time though, it was with shock rather than excitement – shock that Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley’s son had been Sorted into Slytherin rather than Gryffindor. Side-note: never let it be said that the Sorting Hat bows to peer pressure or celebrity. We might have expected Albus to struggle with the Sorting Hat’s decision, and he did at first. But it soon turned out that Slytherin was exactly where he was supposed to be.


## "And you all know the score:/I sort you into houses/ Because that is what I’m for"





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A head shot of Snape looking sideways from the Deathly Hallows Part 2 

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True. It’s the Sorting Hat’s job to sort, but it’s our job to mull over its decisions. And we too have some doubts. 

Let’s start with Gilderoy Lockhart. Apparently little Lockhart had above-average intelligence when he arrived at Hogwarts and as we know he turned out to have a real talent for Memory Charms. But surely a true Ravenclaw wouldn’t have needed to modify the memories of more knowledgeable and daring witches and wizards? And they certainly would have been able to sort out a few pesky Cornish Pixies? Then there’s his ambition for fame, which was evident even at school, where he once created ‘an illuminated projection of his own face which he would send skywards in imitation of the Dark Mark’. We’re sure that made him lots of friends...

With all of this taken into account, we’d dare to say that Lockhart showed far more cunning and ambition than he ever did wit and wisdom. Perhaps Lockhart wouldn’t have felt the need to prove himself so much if he’d ended up in a house better known for these traits, like Slytherin.

We need to talk about Severus Snape. Surely not? We hear you cry. Yes – Snape was Head of Slytherin. Yes – Snape had a burning ambition to be the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. Yes – he was king of all things cunning in his role as double agent to both Dumbledore and the Dark Lord. But are these what made up the very core of Severus Snape? Without Lily Evans entering his life we might have said yes. Snape’s love for Lily gave him a defining characteristic of another Hogwarts house: Loyalty. This was his essential driving force, it even infiltrated his magic and showed up in his Patronus. His love for Lily, and his loyalty to her above ambition, above self-preservation, was – as Dumbledore puts it – the best of Snape. Would Hufflepuff have been a better fit?

Don’t misunderstand us, Luna Lovegood is an excellent Ravenclaw. She shared a lot of Luna-style wisdom with Harry during her time at Hogwarts, in particular reminding him that the ones who leave us are never truly lost behind the Veil, as well as demonstrating a gift for logical thinking. We’re not sure we could come up with an answer as to whether the Phoenix or the flame came first under such immense pressure. And it must have taken some seriously impressive magic to make her Gryffindor lion hat roar so realistically. But Luna’s loyalty and kindness – key Hufflepuff traits – really did know no bounds. Luna insisted on coming to the Ministry to help her fellow DA members – it was her idea to ride the Thestrals. And Luna was one of only two members of the DA who were loyal enough to answer the call of the charmed Galleons the night Malfoy let the Death Eaters into Hogwarts.


Where all these doubts take us, we suppose, is to somewhere more certain: we, like the characters in the wizarding world, are all made up of a mixture of cunning, curiosity, courage, kindness and a whole lot more. Perhaps the Sorting Hat shows witches and wizards the traits most dominant in them already, or perhaps the Hat Sorts to encourage traits that thus far have lain dormant? We can never really know, but as Dumbledore sagely said: ‘It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.’


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Dumbledore sitting in a chair from the Half Blood Prince 

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Have you tried our official Sorting Ceremony to discover where you truly belong? It’s available on our new Wizarding World app. 
Don’t worry if you were previously sorted into a Hogwarts house, you have the choice to keep it if you’re unhappy with the Sorting Hat’s choice, just like Harry.

Don’t forget, you can visit the [Harry Potter At Home hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home) for more chapter readings, as well as articles, crafting activities, quizzes and much more!



Create your own Aragog

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Hagrid kept Aragog as a pet when he was still at Hogwarts. This Acromantula king might have been a friend to Hagrid, but he wasn’t so keen on Harry and Ron when they ventured into the Forbidden Forest. Are you brave enough to take on this eight-legged crafting challenge? 

Follow the spiders and learn how to make a paper mache Aragog in the video tutorial below ...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/26F5fG3n2Rc" 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!

Best duelling seconds: ranked 

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## 10. Bellatrix Lestrange 

You might be surprised to see this witch on the top ten list, but however much you dislike her, Bellatrix’s duelling prowess is undeniable. She duelled both Tonks and Sirius at the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and came out unscathed. At the Battle of Hogwarts, we hear that ‘Bellatrix was still fighting too, fifty yards away from Voldemort, and like her master she duelled three at once: Hermione, Ginny and Luna, all battling their hardest, but Bellatrix was equal to them’. Being the equal to three DA trained witches is very impressive, especially in the heat of the battle. In terms of whether we’d want Bellatrix by our side? Well, she was unquestionably loyal to Lord Voldemort so we’re not sure we’d want to take the risk… 
 

## 9. Severus Snape 

We first saw Snape in action at Gilderoy Lockhart’s duelling club. True, Lockhart wasn’t exactly a worthy candidate, but Snape’s Disarming Charm knocked his opponent right off his feet. Outside of the duelling club, we also saw Snape fight his way out of the castle at the end of *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* – and we know he invented many a handy spell during his time at Hogwarts. His power as a Legilimens would definitely come in handy in a duel given that he’d be able to see into his opponent’s mind and perhaps determine their next move. We’re not sure he’d be the most comforting of seconds, given his aloof and often cold nature – but he definitely makes it onto this list. 
 

## 8. Neville Longbottom 

Neville might have had a bit of a slow start when it came to duelling, but by the time he’d finished training with Dumbledore’s Army he could cast ‘Expelliarmus’ as expertly as anyone else – he even managed to disarm Hermione Granger. A true Gryffindor at heart, Neville was as loyal as they come, so we’re certain he’d have our backs in a duel. By *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* Neville was heading up the resistance at Hogwarts, and fought valiantly at the Battle of Hogwarts, duelling the likes of Fenrir Greyback and holding his own. And you never know, his Herbology knowledge might come in useful in a duel too! Read more about the bravery of Neville Longbottom [here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/why-neville-longbottom-was-always-a-true-gryffindor)
 

## 7. Molly Weasley 

Molly Weasley is certainly high on our duelling second wish list. Not only was she one of the fiercest witches we came across in the Harry Potter books – not many people could keep Fred and George (mostly!) in line – but she was also an excellent duellist. Remember that incredible moment when she took on Bellatrix Lestrange? ‘Harry watched with terror and elation as Molly Weasley’s wand slashed and twirled, and Bellatrix Lestrange’s smile faltered, and became a snarl’. Long-time member of the Order of the Phoenix, we reckon Molly Weasley would make a great duelling second, both through her experience and skill – as well as give you a great hug if it all went pear-shaped! 
 
## 6. Filius Flitwick 

>‘I wonder who’ll be teaching us?’ said Hermione, as they edged into the chattering crowd. ‘Someone told me Flitwick was a duelling champion when he 
was young, maybe it’ll be him.’
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*

The Duelling Club ended up being run by Gilderoy Lockhart, but this was interesting piece of information we learned about Professor Flitwick in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Flitwick was the Charms professor rather than Defence Against the Dark Arts, but he had some pretty impressive spells up his sleeve that we got to see in Deathly Hallows when he used incantations to protect Hogwarts. 

But he didn’t just stay out of the fray either – at the Battle of Hogwarts Flitwick also duelled renowned Death Eaters like Yaxley and Dolohov and came out unscathed. Duelling champion and brave in battle? We think Flitwick would make an excellent duelling second. 
 

## 5. Harry Potter 

Only known survivor of the Killing Curse, Harry Potter seems like a pretty good option for a duelling second. Not only did he teach Defence Against the Dark Arts to many of his fellow students in *Order of the Phoenix* as head of the Dumbledore’s Army, but he also faced Lord Voldemort multiple times and lived to tell the tale. Expelliarmus might have been Harry’s go-to spell but he certainly had a lot of other spells up his sleeve when it came to duelling. More than that, proud Gryffindor Harry Potter was as loyal as they come – we reckon he’d always have your back. 
 

## 4. Kingsley Shaklebolt 

Kingsley Shaklebolt was an Auror at the Ministry of Magic when we first met him, and key member of the Order of the Phoenix. As an Auror, Kingsley would already be a good option for a second before we knew anything else about him, but he also showed us his duelling prowess in Order of the Phoenix where he fought two Death Eaters at once at the Ministry. In Deathly Hallows, we hear that ‘a bunch of Death Eaters cornered’ Kingsley ‘but he fought his way out.’ Duelling talent aside, we’d certainly appreciate his low and reassuring voice when it came to the duel itself, and let’s not forget he later became Minister for Magic – can’t help to have a wizarding second in high places, can it? 
 

## 3. Mad-Eye Moody 

We reckon that the Dark-wizard-catcher who filled ‘Half the cells in Azkaban’ would be an excellent choice for a wizarding second. Not only was he an Auror, he’d also be likely to make a duelling opponent think twice with his battle-scarred face, wooden leg and magical eye. And that magical eye would certainly come in useful for seeing an opponent’s every move. We’re sure that Moody would be a loyal wizarding second as well. Although he was pretty blunt and – let’s be honest – actually quite terrifying even if he liked you, we reckon he’d stick by you no matter what. 
 

## 2. Minerva McGonagall 

Cool, calm and collected in a crisis, Professor McGonagall is very high up our duelling second wish list. In Order of the Phoenix, she was hit by four Stunning Spells at once, and Madam Pomfrey said, ‘As if one of them could have Stunned Minerva McGonagall face-on by daylight!’ This proved to be very true as we later witnessed her skill in duels and in battle. Remember when she duelled Professor Snape and drove him from the castle?

>‘Professor McGonagall moved faster than Harry could have believed: her wand slashed through the air’.
> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2*

Minerva McGonagall might have been severe at times, but there’s no denying that her experience, bravery, loyalty and skill would make her an excellent duelling second. Do you love Minerva as much as we do? Take our the ‘Minerva McGonagall Finish the Quote’ Quiz [here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/complete-quote-mcgonagall-quiz) 
 

## 1. Albus Dumbledore 

Albus Dumbledore, ‘Considered by many the greatest wizard of modern times’ as it says on his Chocolate Frog card, is top of our duelling second wish list. Not only did he defeat Gellert Grindelwald in an epic duel when younger, but as Professor McGonagall tells us in the very first chapter of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*, Dumbledore was the only one that Voldemort was frightened of. In *Order of the Phoenix*, we saw Dumbledore and Voldemort duel it out, and it was one of the most spectacular displays of magic across the whole of the Harry Potter series: 

>‘Voldemort raised his wand and another jet of green light streaked at Dumbledore, who turned and was gone in a whirling of his cloak. Next second, he had reappeared behind Voldemort and waved his wand towards the remnants of the fountain. The other statues sprang to life.’ 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*

Wise, astonishingly talented and unafraid to fight for what was right, we’ve chosen Dumbledore as our ideal second in a duel. And you never know, he might just offer you a sherbet lemon for courage if you asked nicely… 

Do you agree with our list of ideal duelling second candidates? Would you add anyone else? 

Let us know your thoughts (if you’re old enough) on our Wizarding World Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Play our Wizarding World characters crossword

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Try our Wizarding World character crossword for a proper puzzle challenge! 

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See how you fair with our latest Wizarding World crossword challenge. 

<iframe width="550" height="700" allowtransparency="true" style="background: #FFFFFF" src="https://bridgecard.wizardingworld.com/crossword/20200525/00016/" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

You can find more of our [crosswords & wordsearches in our puzzles hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) or on the Wizarding World app.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

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The passing of time through platform nine and three-quarters

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

## Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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

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

## Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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

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

## Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 

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

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

## Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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

## Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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

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

## Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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

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

## Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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

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

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

                                  ***

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

Learn to make pom pom bunting inspired by the Hogwarts houses

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Show off your love for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with this house-inspired pom pom bunting!

If you don’t know which house you belong to yet then you can find out in the [Sorting Ceremony on our website here](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register "Register link"). If you’re one of our younger fans, you’ll need an adult to help you register.

You can choose to make the pom poms in your own house colours, but for even more crafting fun, why not try representing Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff with your bunting? Watch the video below and learn how… 


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5zGGEN3NZSc" 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"), and bring the magic to you!

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

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Jamie Parker performing as Harry Potter in Cursed Child on Broadway

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__**Spoiler Warning**__

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Image credit: Manuel Harlan*

Chapter Challenge: 'Diagon Alley'

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Welcome to your fifth Chapter Challenge! If you need a reminder of Chapter Five, you can [watch Simon Callow, Bonnie Wright and Evanna Lynch reading 'Diagon Alley' any time you like here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-diagon-alley "Diagon Alley").

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<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/5NbVl2rYgQOsomiheQlToy/603c0b01ec47be9b76d40e9b917a327a/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-14.png" alt="my boat">
 
__Write down what you think is the most interesting thing about Gringotts, the wizarding bank?__

*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 pet you would like to take to Hogwarts with you. Remember, according to Harry’s list you’re only allowed to choose an owl, a cat or a toad.__
 
*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 these two questions and get a clue about the next chapter. 1) What flavour of birthday cake did Harry get from Hagrid? 2) What type of amphibian starts off as a tadpole and ribbits?__
 
*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
 
<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/3RO65v5jlfLcUheOJIz3Ky/a17b402d7bf7171748d33604faec3580/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-17_1.png" alt="my boat">

__Write about yourself: If you were able to go to Diagon Alley, which shop would you be most excited to visit?__

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

__Prediction time! This is where you guess what might happen later in the book. Do you think Harry is going to have any problems getting to Hogwarts on 1st September?__

*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 a witch/wizard news reporter: In 'Diagon Alley', many people recognise Harry when Hagrid takes him to the Leaky Cauldron! Pretend you were there as a witch or wizard news reporter. Write a headline with a short news article about seeing the Boy Who Lived on his way to buy his school supplies.__

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

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

__Secret quest: Carefully give someone in your household a pen, pencil, stick or anything else you can find that looks a little like a wand. When they’re holding it, you need to say, ‘Curious… curious’ just like Mr Ollivander. Try not to laugh!__

*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 Five Quiz here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-five-five-questions "Chapter Five Quiz")...__

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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 Six becomes available, there’ll be another challenge waiting for you!

Remember! Your task is to collect as many house points as you can throughout the challenges and record them in your house hourglass. 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 register and find the Sorting Ceremony on our website](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register?utm_medium=social&utm_source=wwd_web&utm_campaign=chapterchallenge-register). Or download the Wizarding World app to find out your house whilst wearing the Sorting Hat! You’ll need an adult to help you register.

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

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

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Which is better: Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade?

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


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Harry running in Diagon Alley from the Chamber of Secrets 

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

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

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

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

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

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


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## The case for Hogsmeade

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                  ***

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

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


Chapter Challenge: 'The Keeper of the Keys'

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Welcome to your fourth Chapter Challenge! If you need a reminder of Chapter Four, you can [watch Stephen Fry reading 'The Keeper of the Keys' any time you like here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-keeper-of-the-keys "Keeper of the Keys"). 

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<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/5NbVl2rYgQOsomiheQlToy/603c0b01ec47be9b76d40e9b917a327a/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-14.png" alt="my boat">
 
__Write down your favourite part of Chapter Four in one sentence. Why did you choose it?__

*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 Dudley Dursley with a curly pig’s tail.__
 
*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
 
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__Answer this question and get a clue about the next chapter. What type of bird hoots and usually only flies about at night?__
 
*This mini-challenge is worth 1 house point.*
 
<IMG src="//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/3RO65v5jlfLcUheOJIz3Ky/a17b402d7bf7171748d33604faec3580/numbersquaresArtboard-1-copy-17_1.png" alt="my boat">

__Write about yourself: If, like Harry, you were offered a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, would you want to go? Would you be scared? Excited?__

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

__Prediction time! This is where you guess what might happen later in the book. Where do you think Hagrid will take Harry to get his school things?__

*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 get creative: In 'The Keeper of the Keys', Hagrid brings Harry a birthday cake! It’s time for you to help out and make Harry Potter a card for his eleventh birthday. Fold over a piece of paper, and get started!__

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

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

__Secret quest: Witches and wizards have some very strange names – Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid. Think of a wizard/witch name for yourself and get a member of your household to call you it for a whole day. Don’t tell them why. Need help making one up? Check out this [Name Generator on Bloomsbury’s website](https://harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/uk/fun-stuff/name-generator/ "Name Generator")!__

*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 Four Quiz here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/quiz/chapter-quiz-chapter-four-five-questions "Chapter Four Quiz")...__

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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 Five becomes available, there’ll be another challenge waiting for you!

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

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

__Illustration by Mary GrandPré © Scholastic__

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The stranger with the pink umbrella: what Chapter Four can tell about Rubeus Hagrid

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And remember, if you need a refresher, you can [enjoy Stephen Fry reading 'The Keeper of the Keys' right here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-keeper-of-the-keys "Keeper reading").

## He’s has a big heart and a kind soul
In ‘The Keeper of the Keys’ we start to understand that Hagrid’s heart is just as big as him, and that he has kindness in giant-sized spades. His arrival at the hut-on-the-rock might be slightly alarming – he breaks the door clean off its hinges – but his every word and action towards Harry is full of warmth. He explains as gently as he can about Harry’s parents, about Voldemort and about Harry being a wizard. He even brings Harry a birthday cake. 

And Hagrid’s big heart is a key part of his personality as the stories progress, and his kindness often manifests itself in making a student a giant mug of tea, offering them inedible cake and just being there to listen. 

It’s Hagrid who offers shelter, help (and a bucket) to Ron as he vomits up slugs in *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*. In *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, Hagrid comforts Hermione and offers her companionship when Harry and Ron refuse to talk to her, as well as comforting her when she’s called a Mudblood. Humans aside, Hagrid also shows great kindness to the magical creatures in his care – from giant spiders to Blast-Ended Skrewts… 

Fundamentally, Hagrid always makes time to listen, to explain, to advise and the beginnings of this facet of Harry and Hagrid’s friendship are clear from Chapter Four. 


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## He doesn’t suffer fools gladly
In Chapter Four, Hagrid has absolutely no patience with the Dursleys, telling them to ‘*go boil*’ their heads, and ignoring all their protests that Harry is not to be told he’s a wizard, or learn magic at Hogwarts. As we get to know Hagrid better, it becomes clear this is a deep-rooted part of his personality. He isn’t afraid to tell people what he really thinks of them, and isn’t prepared to entertain those he doesn’t approve of. 

We wish we’d seen the moment in Chamber of Secrets when Hagrid tells Gilderoy Lockhart that Harry is ‘*more famous than him without tryin’*’. And the part of that conversation where Hagrid tells the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher that he hasn’t read any of his books. In fact, Hagrid doesn’t even hold his tongue when it comes to his opinions on the Minister for Magic: 

*'They wanted Dumbledore fer Minister, o’ course, but he’d never leave Hogwarts, so old Cornelius Fudge got the job. Bungler if ever there was one.’*

That’s right, Hagrid really does say it like it is!


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## He’s not afraid to bend the rules
When Hagrid turns up to deliver Harry’s Hogwarts letter in person, he brings with him a pink umbrella, and it becomes clear it’s not just a fabulous accessory when he uses it to give Dudley a curly pig’s tail. 

*‘Be grateful if yeh didn’t mention that ter anyone at Hogwarts,’ Hagrid says, ‘I’m – er – not supposed ter do magic, strictly speakin’’*. 

This is the first time we see Hagrid bending or breaking rules, but it is certainly not the last. 

From keeping an illegal dragon in his hut in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*, to throwing secret ‘*Support Harry Potter*’ parties in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*, Hagrid never seems particular bothered about following school rules – or often – actual magical laws. And don’t even get us started on Aragog! Truth be told, Hagrid’s disregard for rules often gives Harry, Ron and Hermione a lot more to worry about during their school year. But we’re glad we don’t miss out on any of the adventures his rule-breaking brings about. 

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## His loyalty to Dumbledore knows no bounds
In Chapter Four we see our first glimpse of Hagrid’s loyalty to Dumbledore. In response to Uncle Vernon calling Dumbledore ‘SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL’ Hagrid ‘*seized his umbrella and whirled it over his head. ‘NEVER –’ he thundered, ‘– INSULT – ALBUS – DUMBLEDORE – IN – FRONT – OF – ME!'* 
The result? A curly pig’s tail for Dudley Dursley, and our realisation that Hagrid’s loyalty for Dumbledore is one of his fundamental characteristics. In Chamber of Secrets when Lucius Malfoy tells Dumbledore that the governors have asked for him to step aside as headmaster, Hagrid defends him, despite his own painful history with the Chamber of Secrets:

*‘Yeh can’ take Dumbledore!’ yelled Hagrid, making Fang the boarhound cower and whimper in his basket. ‘Take him away, an’ the Muggle-borns won’ stand a chance! There’ll be killin’s next!’*

This loyalty is not undeserved on Dumbledore’s part. Dumbledore gives Hagrid his gamekeeper job at Hogwarts, he gives him the Care of Magical Creatures job as soon as Hagrid’s name is cleared, he tries to protect Hagrid’s Hippogriff Buckbeak, he defends him when others do not. It is not surprising therefore, that Hagrid describes Dumbledore as a ‘great man’ whenever he gets the chance.
Ron sums up Hagrid’s loyalty to Dumbledore nicely in *Philosopher’s Stone*: ‘*And Neville will play Quidditch for England before Hagrid lets Dumbledore down*’. 

Sorry Neville, this one really is a long shot. 


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## He likes a good old cup of tea

In Chapter Four, one of the first things Hagrid does after he introduces himself, is ask for a cup of tea. And once Harry starts Hogwarts, tea with Hagrid becomes one of the most stable and reliable parts of his school year. Whatever is going on in the wizarding world – escapes from Azkaban, Daily Prophet articles full of falsehoods, Dementor attacks – the door of Hagrid’s hut is always open, with his copper kettle boiling on the open fire. And wasn’t it so comforting to read that 19 years later, Hagrid was still there for Harry, inviting his son, Albus over for tea during his very first week of Hogwarts:

'*Bye, Al,’ said Harry, as his son hugged him. ‘Don’t forget Hagrid’s invited you to tea next Friday.*’

We just hope poor Albus doesn’t try Hagrid’s rock cakes… 

                                  ***
                                  
We hope you enjoyed listening to the fourth chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, read by Stephen Fry. [Listen again here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-keeper-of-the-keys "Keeper reading")! And for more Harry Potter At Home articles, quizzes and entertaining magical activities, head over to the [Harry Potter at Home hub on WizardingWorld.com](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home "HPAH hub").