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Your definitive guide to LEGO Harry Potter in 2020 

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Here’s your rundown of everything released so far, and a few extras to look forward to as we approach the end of 2020.

## 2020 Playtheme sets 

From the Room of Requirement to the Forbidden Forest, LEGO released several iconic locations inspired by the Harry Potter films earlier this year, with each set featuring unique quirks to make each set that little bit more magical. Including...

*LEGO® Harry Potter™ Hogwarts™ Room of Requirement – This set comes complete with a sliding hidden entrance and Harry, Hermione and Luna learning Defence Against the Dark Arts training.

![lego-room-of-requirement](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/6qWZInR0qkERM1aJYLolxp/2dc7c277ba79829514dd6f491dbace03/Room_of_Requirement_Prod_01.jpg)

*LEGO® Harry Potter™ Hogwarts™ Astronomy Tower – This set shows off Horace Slughorn’s classroom and office, the Ravenclaw dormitory, and many Hogwarts students as mini-figures.

![lego-astronomy-tower](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/kj3I5SjzEynMPJWVVEVTs/9ffa3abbbd98fdd2f6b7fa75ed876e65/Astronomy_Tower_Prod.jpg)

*LEGO® Harry Potter™ Forbidden Forest – This set plays out the moment from Order of the Phoenix where the devilish Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Umbridge meets Grawp and the centaurs.  

![lego-forbidden-forest](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/27F95LOcq5J19l9Q3qvwG6/8b8c618c467cf09113842de438ca2cb7/Forbidden_Forest_Prod_01.jpg)

*LEGO® Harry Potter™ 4 Privet Drive – This set captures Harry’s Muggle childhood home, along with figures of the Dursley family, Harry, Ron and Dobby.

![lego-privet-drive](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/6Cf5SRTZJDhZZwsINbNSrA/6b190b022385b7479496c0a63ce337b3/4_Privet_Drive_Prod_01.jpg)

*LEGO® Harry Potter™ Hedwig™ -  This new mechanical figure represents everyone’s favourite snowy owl. This particular figure is available exclusively from [Barnes and Noble in the US](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/toys-games-lego-harry-potter-hedwig-75979/35400991?) and many other retailers globally.

![lego-big-hedwig](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/3WuE9ijqKyRZrILQymybyR/24e94468db8a566284b149e30bd2d54f/Hedwig_Prod_01.jpg)

*LEGO® Harry Potter™ Attack on The Burrow – This set portrays the moment Death Eaters descend on the Weasley’s family home. The product features minifigures of key characters from the Death Eater collective, some of the Weasley family members, and the Order of the Phoenix. This particular product is available exclusively from [Smyth’s Toys](https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/lego-and-bricks/lego-harry-potter/lego-75980-harry-potter-attack-on-the-burrow-weasley-house-set/p/186943) in the UK and [Target in the US. ](https://www.target.com/p/lego-harry-potter-attack-on-the-burrow-weasley-8217-s-family-dollhouse-building-toy-for-kids-75980/-/A-78930010)

![lego-burrow](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/3coOI0XscmsaKsM88jG4xa/76354a3acdee46c82ce2d93826e2636b/Burrow_Prod_01.jpg)

You can browse the [LEGO website to learn more.](https://www.lego.com/themes/harry-potter)

## LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar

![LEGO-harry-potter-advent-calendar](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/3t60sadH1BU1v1m8iX5iqA/dbd591a0b67e91fb749d244f4523cebf/lego-yule-ball-advent.jpeg)

With Christmas only a few months away (!) LEGO have created a rather unique Advent Calendar for you to make the countdown to the festive season even more exciting. 

Complete with 24 special gifts, fans can expect to find minifigures of favourite characters and buildable models, such as a miniature Beauxbaton’s carriage and a rather Christmassy dining table, themed around the Yule Ball. The devil is certainly in the details with this Advent Calendar’s daily surprises, so you’ll have to try very hard not to reveal its secrets all at once!   

## 2020 minifigures 

![LEGO-2020-minifigures](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/5y5L9ga6EzxqEAeMU052q0/6ac7d39cccbe9a2988c9c29b972b0594/Minifigures_Prod.jpg)

Luna in her lion hat! Moaning Myrtle clutching Tom Riddle’s diary! The Weasley twins with the Marauder’s Map! The latest round of LEGO minifigures brings together more iconic Harry Potter characters with little props that make them even more unique. The collection features characters you may not have in your collection yet, such as Lily and James Potter holding a photo album and... a very tiny baby Harry. 

## Diagon Alley 

![phelps-twins-crop-lego-hero](//images.ctfassets.net/usf1vwtuqyxm/oNSAvZ1ycxqWkS7WjppI5/ff84182e8887ce4769d632fb43c622d4/phelps-twins-crop-lego-hero.jpg)

LEGO recently revealed one of their most exciting Harry Potter sets yet: a huge, multi-faceted Diagon Alley. The recreation of the legendary wizarding shopping district is comprised of over 5000 pieces and was recently brough to life with a special AR experience on LEGO’s official website for fans to explore the set virtually. Learn more about the [Harry Potter LEGO Diagon Alley set here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/lego-harry-potter-introduces-through-the-bricks), with a helping hand from James and Oliver Phelps.

## LEGO Harry Potter Magical Treasury: A Visual Guide to the Wizarding World 

[This visual guide](https://www.amazon.com/Potter-Magical-Treasury-exclusive-minifigure/dp/1465492372/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=lego+book+tom+riddle&qid=1600217710&s=books&sr=1-1) will help you navigate through the many exciting LEGO releases of recent times. This official DK compendium features the very best LEGO Wizarding World sets and minifigures for your perusal. Speaking of minifigures, it even comes with an exclusive Tom Riddle to add to your collection. 

For more info on [LEGO Harry Potter, be sure to visit their official website.](https://www.lego.com/themes/harry-potter)

Ten satisfying moments when wizarding folk got their comeuppance

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## That time Harry was sassy with Rita Skeeter...
‘It was Rita Skeeter. She was wearing acid-green robes today; the Quick-Quotes Quill in her hand blended perfectly against them.
‘Congratulations, Harry!’ she said, beaming at him. ‘I wonder if you could give me a quick word? How you felt facing that dragon? How you feel now about the fairness of the scoring?’
‘Yeah, you can have a word,’ said Harry savagely. ‘Goodbye.’ 
And he set off back to the castle with Ron."

## That time Hermione gave Malfoy exactly what he deserved...
‘She had slapped Malfoy around the face with all the strength she could muster. Malfoy staggered. Harry, Ron, Crabbe and Goyle stood flabbergasted as Hermione raised her hand again.
‘Don’t you dare call Hagrid pathetic, you foul – you evil –’
‘Hermione!’ said Ron weakly, and he tried to grab her hand as she swung it back.
‘Get off, Ron!’
Hermione pulled out her wand. Malfoy stepped backwards. Crabbe and Goyle looked at him for instructions, thoroughly bewildered.
‘C’mon,’ Malfoy muttered, and next moment, all three of them had disappeared into the passageway to the dungeons.’ 

## That time Professor McGonagall told Dolores Umbridge exactly how she felt about her teaching...
"I’m terribly sorry to have to contradict you, Minerva, but as you will see from my note, Harry has been achieving very poor results in his classes with me –’
‘I should have made my meaning plainer,’ said Professor McGonagall, turning at last to look Umbridge directly in the eyes. ‘He has achieved high marks in all Defence Against the Dark Arts tests set by a competent teacher."

## That time Lucius Malfoy lost his power over Dobby... 
‘But Dobby didn’t move. He was holding up Harry’s disgusting, slimy sock, and looking at it as though it were a priceless treasure. 
‘Master has given Dobby a sock,’ said the elf in wonderment. ‘Master gave it to Dobby.’
‘What’s that?’ spat Mr Malfoy. ‘What did you say?’
‘Dobby has got a sock,’ said Dobby in disbelief. ‘Master threw it, and Dobby caught it, and Dobby – Dobby is free."

## That time Hermione decided she’d had quite enough of unfogging the future...  
"I am sorry to say that from the moment you have arrived in this class, my dear, it has been apparent that you do not have what the noble art of Divination requires. Indeed, I don’t remember ever meeting a student whose mind was so hopelessly Mundane.’
There was a moment’s silence. Then –
‘Fine!’ said Hermione suddenly, getting up and cramming Unfogging the Future back into her bag. ‘Fine!’ she repeated, swinging the bag over her shoulder and almost knocking Ron off his chair. ‘I give up! I’m leaving!"

## That time Harry declined Draco Malfoy’s offer of friendship... 
"You’ll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there.’
He held out his hand to shake Harry’s, but Harry didn’t take it.
‘I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks,’ he said coolly.'

## That time Dumbledore got the better of Fudge in style...
"So,’ sneered Fudge, recovering himself, ‘you intend to take on Dawlish, Shacklebolt, Dolores and myself single-handed, do you, Dumbledore?’
‘Merlin’s beard, no,’ said Dumbledore, smiling, ‘not unless you are foolish enough to force me to." 

## That time Mrs Weasley took on Bellatrix Lestrange...  
"NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!’
Mrs Weasley threw off her cloak as she ran, freeing her arms. Bellatrix spun on the spot, roaring with laughter at the sight of her new challenger.
‘OUT OF MY WAY!’ shouted Mrs Weasley to the three girls, and with a swipe of her wand she began to duel. Harry watched with terror and elation as Molly Weasley’s wand slashed and twirled, and Bellatrix Lestrange’s smile faltered, and became a snarl.' 

## That time Dumbledore told off the Dursleys... 
"Dumbledore paused, and although his voice remained light and calm, and he gave no obvious sign of anger, Harry felt a kind of chill emanating from him and noticed that the Dursleys drew very slightly closer together.
‘You did not do as I asked. You have never treated Harry as a son. He has known nothing but neglect and often cruelty at your hands. The best that can be said is that he has at least escaped the appalling damage you have inflicted upon the unfortunate boy sitting between you." 

## That time Hermione got real with Ron...
"A slightly stunned silence greeted the end of this speech, then Ron said, ‘One person can’t feel all that at once, they’d explode.’
‘Just because you’ve got the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn’t mean we all have,’ said Hermione nastily, picking up her quill again."


Learn to make bracelets that show off your Hogwarts house colours

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Did the Sorting Hat place you in Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin or Gryffindor? Wherever you belong, these bracelets are perfect for showing off your house pride. And when you’ve made one for yourself, how about using your crafting magic to gift them to the Harry Potter fans amongst your friends and family? 

Don’t know which house you belong in yet? [Visit the Official Sorting Ceremony on our website, where you can be sorted into your house, as well as discover your wand, Patronus and Hogwarts pet!](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register) 

Watch the video below to discover how to make these special Hogwarts-house bracelets… 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P7X60eqLuFM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

For more of our arts and crafts videos, [sign up for the Harry Potter Fan Club newsletter today](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register)and be among the first to receive the latest Wizarding World news, events, activities, exclusive access and more – straight to your inbox.


Could Harry and Draco ever have been friends?

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**Spoiler warning: This article contains info on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child**

## Maybe they could have been friends 

Yes, Draco Malfoy was abhorrent at Hogwarts. Yes, he was cocky. Yes, he was awful to Harry, got mixed up in a very dark crowd, and was generally just, as Ron would call him, a git. All of these things are very fair to say. 

However, was all of this behaviour down to influences in Draco’s life? If he’d made better choices, made better friends, could things have been different for him? Could he then have been friends with someone like Harry, if he had the capability of being a better person? If his parents had been kinder, maybe he would’ve been kinder? And maybe then, when he met Harry in Madam Malkin’s shop in Diagon Alley for the first time, would he have seemed more attractive to Harry as a companion?

The signs were there that this could have been. Very much a product of his parents’ making, (just look at how frequently Draco brought up his father...) Draco strutted around Hogwarts with his cronies boasting about how great it was being rich, being in Slytherin, and being pure-blood. But these are all things he was taught to be proud of. Draco’s ideologies were very much passed on by mum and dad, Lucius and Narcissa, who, in turn, absorbed these ideologies from their own families: the Malfoys and the Blacks respectively. 

Both families dabbled in Dark magic and the idea that to be a Muggle, or have non-magical blood, or to be ‘half’ in some way, was wrong. It is no surprise that a lot of family members on both sides were connected to Lord Voldemort. Arguably, Draco was simply too enveloped in this world to think any differently, and within this general mindset, came a lot of cruelty, anger and coldness – which all began to shape his personality.

But what does all of this have to do with being friends with Harry? Well, it was Draco’s general demeanour that repelled Harry in the first place. And there are examples of wizards who came from Dark wizarding families who did choose different company to become better people. Sirius Black is probably the best example of this – running away from his pure-blood loving family that he didn't agree with to find kinder company. Sirius’s bravery led him to the Hogwarts house Gryffindor (the rest of his family were usually Slytherins) and there he found his like-minded friends, James Potter and Remus Lupin. So Sirius broke the cycle of the rest of his family, and spent the rest of his life fighting against the darker side of the Wizarding World, rather than joining it.

Draco could've chosen different friends and a different attitude at Hogwarts, just like Sirius, but Draco was always dogged by fear and insecurity. In later books, we began to learn that Draco was terrified of his Death Eater father’s way of life, despite often bragging about it. Due to Draco’s bravado, which he used as a self-defence mechanism, Harry chose not to be friends with the rude boy he met in Madam Malkin’s, who instantly displayed prejudice towards his half-giant friend Hagrid (something his parents would’ve taught him to feel) and generally exuded bad faith. Even the name ‘Malfoy’ roughly [translates to ‘bad faith’ in French!](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/etymology-behind-harry-potter-character-names)

But it all could have been different. In *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*, [a more wholesome Draco emerged](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/what-i-learnt-from-draco-malfoy-by-playing-draco-malfoy). In a post-Voldemort atmosphere, no longer surrounded by the toxicity of his parents, Draco was making better choices, such as [marrying someone who did not carry the ideals of his own family](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/draco-malfoy). And then there was his son [Scorpius](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/how-scorpius-malfoy-proved-everyone-wrong-about-slytherin), who was naturally compassionate. This surely shows that Draco, like his son, had the potential to be ‘good’, if only he had grown up without such terrible influences. Maybe a more secure Draco would’ve been a little nicer in Madam Malkin’s, and maybe a braver Draco could’ve rejected his family’s ideals, like Sirius did. If he'd been encouraged to be more open-minded, maybe he would've met people who challenged his viewpoints, rather than Crabbe and Goyle, who simply always agreed with him.

Only a very different Draco could’ve been friends with Harry. But it *could* have been different.

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## No, they could never have been friends

*‘You’ll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there.’ 
He held out his hand to shake Harry’s, but Harry didn’t take it.’*

__Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone__ 

The truth is, Harry was never going to take Draco’s hand on the Hogwarts Express, whether Harry had met Ron Weasley or not. Harry had already got the measure of Draco Malfoy back in Diagon Alley, when Draco had been quick to dismiss Hagrid as a ‘sort of savage’. Hagrid was the first person Harry could really remember being kind to him at all, so that was never going to go down in Draco’s favour when it came to friendship. But there was something else about Malfoy – first in Madam Malkin’s and then later, on the Hogwarts Express, that we argue meant that Harry would never have considered being his friend – Draco liked to make people feel like outsiders. 

During his long years with the Dursleys, Harry had been made to feel like the outsider, the poor relation, every single day he spent in the cupboard, rather than a real bedroom. For so many years, Harry had been the ‘wrong sort’ to the Dursleys, who liked to remind him of it at every opportunity. He knew what it was like to be the person other children were nasty about at school, the way Draco gossiped spitefully about Hagrid in Madam Malkin’s. And he also knew what it was like to be constantly told that some people were better than others. The Dursleys constantly compared him to Dudley and told Harry that his cousin was every bit his superior.  Harry was never going to take kindly to someone warning him not to make friends, ‘with the wrong sort’ because that kind of attitude had meant that he – Harry – had been friendless and miserable in his school and home life for as long as he could remember. 

Draco Malfoy, though he initially offered his hand to Harry, would arguably have been unable to tolerate a friendship with the Boy Who Lived too. It was Draco’s mission in life to tell people how superior he was to them, but that might have become a little tricky if he was best mates with one of the most famous wizards of all time – something even the infinitely humbler, Ron, struggled with. From boasting about his father’s influence at the Ministry to sucking up to Umbridge and [becoming a member of the Inquisitorial Squad](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/importance-of-badges-in-the-harry-potter-books), Draco tirelessly fought to make himself stand out from his peers. But this was something that Harry had never had to work at – the scar on his forehead marking him out as special from the start. We argue this would have been extremely difficult for Draco to maintain a proper friendship with famous Harry Potter – his ego just couldn’t have coped with it.

Given this intrinsic need to distinguish himself from others, it is no wonder really, that Draco would get sucked into Lord Voldemort’s rhetoric of pure-bloods and power; it fed directly into Draco’s need to feel superior. Harry, on the other hand, was never going to befriend a boy who made others feel small or inferior. 

Draco and Harry might have had a shared love for Quidditch, both playing Seeker on their house teams. And indeed, they had a shared experience of being raised by a bully – Lucius for Draco, and the Dursleys for Harry. 

But that was never going to be enough to mean these two would ever be friends.

     ***

So, what do you think? Could Harry and Draco ever have been friends? If you’re old enough, let us know on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wizardingworld), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wizardingworld) or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wizardingworld/).


An unofficial guide to making friends at Hogwarts

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## DO: share your sweets on the Hogwarts Express
When you meet someone, conversation can be tricky – even for the famous Boy Who Lived. What worked for Harry and Ron was bonding over sweets Harry bought from the trolley on the Hogwarts Express. Forget the weather, chatting about Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans were a great starting point that soon got them talking about their own families and the magical world. 

## DON’T: try to make friends by insulting other people
This was an error made by Draco Malfoy when he tried to befriend Harry Potter on their first train ride to Hogwarts. After insulting Ron and his family, his exact words here: ‘You’ll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there.’ It didn’t go down well – he really should have offered Harry a Pumpkin Pasty instead. 

## DO: share any knowledge you have about Hogwarts

Starting at Hogwarts is overwhelming for everyone, but particularly for those from non-wizarding families. Sharing anything you’ve heard about the wizarding school is a must when making friends – even if it’s just admitting you don’t know very much at all! Ron often made Harry feel like he wasn’t alone in being a little out of his depth when it came to the Sorting Ceremony or lessons – sometimes it’s nice to go into the unknown together. 

## DON’T: whisper about all the spells you know already 

This is a Hermione Granger classic. We didn’t judge her for learning all the set texts off by heart before she’d even started school – if we could get our hands on Hogwarts: A History, we’d be reading it cover to cover before we arrived too. However, being mindful that others probably won’t appreciate you showing off all your bright, shiny knowledge before the very nerve-wracking Sorting Ceremony, might have got Hermione off to a better friendship start.

## DO: be proud when your newfound friends succeed
Though Harry and Ron found Hermione a bit of a know-it-all at the beginning, they soon learned to be proud of their friend for all the house points she won for Gryffindor, as well as the tight spots she saved them from (ahem Devil’s Snare). And Ron, a huge Quidditch fan – and probably a little bit jealous of Harry making it onto the house team –still put his new friendship first and was prouder than anyone that Harry became the youngest Seeker in a century. 

## DON’T: point out that one of your fellow students is a “nightmare”

This one is a Ron Weasley special. Not only is it unkind to call someone a “nightmare”, in Ron and Harry’s case it had some pretty catastrophic consequences. And sure, taking on a twelve-foot mountain troll finally brought the Golden Trio together, but a lot of that was down to luck! Ron calling Hermione a “nightmare” just goes to show that you shouldn’t judge anyone too early or call them names – you never know, you just might end up marrying them!

## DO: remember that there are more important things than books and cleverness

Hermione was very smart, and not just when it came to lessons. She had some words of wisdom for all of us when it came to friendship near the end of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. 

*‘Harry – you’re a great wizard, you know.’
‘I’m not as good as you,’ said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let go of him.
‘Me!’ said Hermione. ‘Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery and – oh Harry – be careful!’*

Enough said, we reckon. Thanks Hermione, wisest witch of your age. 

## DON’T: forget to write to your friends over the summer holidays

As Harry found over the years, it’s tough being away from new friends and magic over the long summer holidays, particularly if you live with Muggles like the Dursleys. After an adventurous year, full of fun and friendship, remembering to send an owl or two letting your new friends know you’re still around will really help calm the nerves when September 1st arrives and you need someone to save you a seat… 

## DO: remember to be yourself
Harry, Ron and Hermione couldn’t be more different, but they soon become the closest of wizarding trios. Making new friends is all about being yourself. And even if it takes a while – like Hermione – when you find the right friends, they’ll love you exactly as you are. And that’s pretty – well – magical.

For beginners, for novices, for Harry Potter superfans going 20 years-strong, dig deep into the Wizarding World with our collection of features.

Features - Wizarding World

For beginners, for novices, for Harry Potter superfans going 20 years-strong, dig deep into the Wizarding World with our collection of features

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Introducing Hogwarts Legacy: the first ever open-world role playing game set in the wizarding world

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Portkey Games’ highly anticipated console game for Harry Potter fans has now been announced, and it’s on the way to us in 2021. Watch the incredibly magical debut trailer below and learn more about the first-ever open-world RPG game set in the wizarding world, Hogwarts Legacy. 

Introducing Hogwarts Legacy: the first ever open-world role playing game set in the wizarding world 

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Get ready to explore Hogwarts like never before. Today, Warner Bros. Games revealed the first look at *Hogwarts Legacy*, a new, immersive RPG game that puts players at the centre of their own  wizarding world adventure set at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the 1800s. Here is your first look. 

Hogwarts Legacy | Official trailer

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Developed by Avalanche and published by Warner Bros. Games under the Portkey Games label, *Hogwarts Legacy* will be coming in 2021 for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®4 Pro, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One consoles, and PC.

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The game, which invites you to ‘Live the Unwritten’, is set in the 1800s, where players will live the life of a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – a lifetime goal for many a Harry Potter fan! Expect *Hogwarts Legacy* to be filled with all kinds of immersive magic, while your student-character will learn spells, brew potions, tame fantastic beasts, select companions to help them fight off deadly enemies.

The game will also feature the beautifully realised surrounding locations beyond Hogwarts castle, such as the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade village, so there will certainly be plenty to explore. 

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As your Hogwarts journey continues, you’ll pick up new magical abilities along the way and learn more about yourself too. While you dig deep into the wizarding world’s forgotten past – your character will discover an unusual ability that only they possess. Indeed, *Hogwarts Legacy* will challenge players in all sorts of unexpected ways - including scenarios that will pose difficult choices and determine what they stand for.

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David Haddad, President of Warner Bros. Games called this gaming experience ‘unlike anything else in the Wizarding World.’ 

‘*Hogwarts Legacy* gives players control over their own experience with RPG gameplay unlike anything else in the Wizarding World, which will continue to build fan appeal in the Portkey Games label,’ he said. ‘Avalanche has brought to life this rich and deep world, full of action-packed magic, as well as a detailed, mysterious story to engage fans and gamers alike.’

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‘It’s such an honour to work on such an amazing franchise and the team is dedicated to delivering an authentic Wizarding World experience that both Harry Potter and RPG fans will enjoy,’ added John Blackburn, Studio General Manager, Avalanche. ‘*Hogwarts Legacy* is so special because it allows players to immerse themselves in a new narrative that is filled with complex characters, and, of course, magic.’

So, excited yet?  

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*Hogwarts Legacy* is the latest offering from [Portkey Games](https://www.wizardingworld.com/discover/portkey-games), the official Wizarding World games label that puts the player at the centre of their own narrative with mobile and videogame experiences, inspired by the stories by J.K. Rowling. Portkey Games’ previous titles include *Harry Potter: Wizards Unite* and *Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery*. *Hogwarts Legacy* joins other upcoming games, such as the mobile game Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells and China’s *Harry Potter: Magic Awakened*, both coming out this year. *Hogwarts Legacy* is slated for release in 2021. 

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If you’re old enough, keep up to date on all the latest news on *Hogwarts Legacy* with their new official [Facebook](https://facebook.com/HogwartsLegacy), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/HogwartsLegacy), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/HogwartsLegacy) or [YouTube channels](https://youtube.com/HogwartsLegacy). You can also sign up to the [official website](https://hogwartslegacy.warnerbrosgames.com/) to learn more. 

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery introduces new Clubs feature

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Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery players can now enjoy some new flairs to their adventures with these latest additions this Autumn.

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery introduces new clubs feature trailer

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First up is the launch of the much-anticipated Clubs, where players will be tasked to join one of three clubs, Hippogriff, Dragon or Sphinx, and play for new rewards and milestones. Each club is catered to young wizards and witches of different interests: for example, Dragon members are adventurous, Hippogriff members love animals and the Sphinx club is for those that seek wisdom.

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Joining a club will personalise your gameplay experience even more – opening up new environments and destinations – and will serve up an opportunity to meet in-game characters from your club of choice. You’ll be able to level up your Clubhouses with new décor – and earn club XP in your classes. Clubs will be available to fans who have reached Year 1, Chapter 8. Take a peek at the feature just above.

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Alongside Clubs is a new Head Boy/Head Girl TLSQ (time-limited sidequest) – open to Year 6 players. This latest event will reveal a visit from an old friend, and endeavours to teach you the history of such an esteemed Hogwarts position. There will also be a chance to pick up a special prize, depending on what you discover along the way. 

These new updates are both live in the game right now, so be sure to take a look upon your next foray into Hogwarts. Good luck!  


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*Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, part of the [Portkey Games label](https://www.wizardingworld.com/discover/portkey-games), invites fans to create their own Hogwarts story, putting themselves at the centre of the narrative. The award-winning RPG is [available to download, for free, on Google Play and the App Store](https://app.adjust.com/txtawi7?campaign=Clubs&adgroup=Editorial&deeplink=com.jamcity.potter%3A%2F%2Fapp).*

*You can also check out their [official website](http://www.harrypotterhogwartsmystery.com/) for more updates on all the latest gameplay offerings.*


Watch the Back to Hogwarts 2020 livestream

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You can now catch up on our livestream with host Vick Hope, where we documented all the excitement before that famous 11 o' clock countdown.

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Pottermore Publishing celebrates Back to Hogwarts with Harry Potter in free immersive audio experience

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On 1st September every year, the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry gather at King’s Cross station in London, England, and prepare to board the Hogwarts Express.

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As all of you know, [Back to Hogwarts](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/back-to-hogwarts) is celebrated annually on 1st September and some fans even gather at King’s Cross at 11am, the time when the Hogwarts Express departed in the books. This year, because of the ongoing pandemic, we’ll all be celebrating remotely – but we can do so with a special immersive Harry Potter audio experience, created by Pottermore Publishing. Simply sign up to the Harry Potter Fan Club, or sign in, to listen now. 

[You can listen to the experience here, as long as you're registered with Harry Potter Fan Club.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/listen-new-journeys-to-hogwarts-audio-experience)

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*Journeys to Hogwarts* uses the latest acoustic techniques to create an immersive soundscape. It has been designed by the sound technicians at [Molinare](https://www.molinare.co.uk/), some of whom worked on the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films so we can all imagine we’re at the station with Harry as well as on the train itself. The music is composed by James Hannigan. 

When you close your eyes, you’ll be instantly transported to a bustling King’s Cross alongside Harry Potter – accompanied by rattling trolley and the flapping wings of Harry’s owl, Hedwig. The sounds around you will take you into memorable moments on the Hogwarts Express during Harry’s different journeys back to school, including scenes from *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*, *Prisoner of Azkaban*, *Goblet of Fire* and *Order of the Phoenix*. Just as Harry does, you’ll encounter many of his fellow students – from the Weasley family helping Harry onto the elusive Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, to Hermione and Neville searching for a lost toad. 

Alongside the bespoke audio design and effects, you’ll hear short extracts from the much-loved narration of the Harry Potter series of audiobooks by Stephen Fry in the UK and Jim Dale in the US, and dialogue from the books, which has been specially voiced for this experience by members of the London cast of *Harry Potter and The Cursed Child*. The version available on the Wizarding World site uses the Stephen Fry narration from the audiobooks.

So even though we can’t be at King’s Cross this year, we hope *Journeys to Hogwarts* gives you a thrilling alternative to gathering at the station, whilst bringing you highlights of the series up to an arrival at a rainy Hogsmeade itself.

So, just to sum up, you can listen to *Journeys to Hogwarts* for [free here ](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/listen-new-journeys-to-hogwarts-audio-experience)if you're a Harry Potter Fan Club member – the perfect accompaniment to J.K. Rowling’s original Harry Potter stories. Try it now, and why not listen at 11am on 1st September too – along with fans across the world!

*Journeys to Hogwarts* is available to listen to for free on a variety of platforms from 31st August to 30th September. Stream on Audible via Wizarding World landing pages or in Audible Stories, look for the Harry Potter feed on Spotify, or find it on Storytel and Nextory. You can even ask: ‘Alexa, take me to Hogwarts’.

Get ready to go Back to Hogwarts digitally in 2020

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As Harry Potter fans know all too well, on 1st September, Harry Potter attended Hogwarts for the very first time – and we’ve all been celebrating this eponymous wizarding world calendar date ever since. Here’s how all of our Wizarding World friends and family are congregating for a digital celebration this year, and how you can join in at home.

## Watch our first ever Back to Hogwarts livestream  

Over the past number of years, we’ve loved seeing fans flocking to London’s King’s Cross station to celebrate Back to Hogwarts day with a good old fashioned countdown. To reflect the Hogwarts Express leaving Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at 11 o’ clock sharp, visitors at King’s Cross famously count down to this magical time with a special annual get-together. 

However, this year, the Wizarding World is asking fans *not* to attend King’s Cross station for the usual gathering. In the wake of COVID-19, we are asking you all to stay safe at home - but join us for a digital countdown all across the world instead!

On 1st September, we will be hosting a Back to Hogwarts livestream, with special contributions from all across the Wizarding World family. Expect to see cameos from familiar faces from the Harry Potter films (such as James and Oliver Phelps, Jason Isaacs and Bonnie Wright) and members of the Cursed Child production, join us in a special Wizarding World trivia game, and see how fans around the world are celebrating Back to Hogwarts.

James and Oliver Phelps, AKA the Weasley twins, had this to say about getting involved.

“I’m so excited to be playing a part in the first ever digital Back to Hogwarts!’ James said. ‘2020 has definitely been a strange year and it’s really important that we all do everything we can to keep safe, including staying home. I hope fans will join us and keep the celebrations virtual.’

Oliver Phelps added: ‘The Wizarding World fans are the greatest and getting the chance to share this special day with people all over the world is going to be brilliant. I’m really looking forward to everything this Digital Back to Hogwarts has in store and it’s a bonus that we can all do it from the sofa!’

Yes, wizards and witches may be wary of Muggle technology, but this is some very exciting Muggle technology indeed. The livestream will take place between __10.30am BST and 11.30am BST__ – keep an eye on the [Wizarding World channels](https://www.facebook.com/wizardingworld) for further updates!  Fans will be able to support the charity Lumos throughout the livestream too. 

## Enjoy a weekend of digital activities before the 1st 

Before the big day itself, you can visit our Back to Hogwarts hub, which will magically begin to expand across the weekend of the 28th August. Just our little way of bringing you the magic of Hogwarts before the students even hop aboard the Hogwarts Express. Get ready for new craft videos, trivia challenges, quizzes, puzzles, Back to Hogwarts features, shopping guides and all the latest updates from our Wizarding World friends and family. 

You can also look forward to an upcoming Journeys to Hogwarts Soundscape: a Harry Potter immersive audio experience featuring all the sounds you’d hear on that iconic journey. More on that soon!

While you wait for our festivities to begin, [do sign up to the Harry Potter Fan Club](https://my.wizardingworld.com/passport) where we’ll keep you posted on all the digital activities we have in store.

## Be part of the Class of 2020 

We may not have any Portkeys to hand, but there is a magical way you can connect with fellow Harry Potter fans this year: introducing the Back to Hogwarts Class of 2020. We’re asking fans, over 18 years of age in select countries, to take photos celebrating the wizarding world (this could be through cosplay, props, or even just drawing a lightning bolt on your head!) and submit them to us to take part in a magical mosaic. Your photo may even be projected at King’s Cross, combined with many more from fellow Wizarding World fans! You’ll be able to see if your contribution appears on our livestream on the 1st September. 

## Enjoy some stunning new artwork from MinaLima

BTH 2020 MinaLima full poster

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Design team MinaLima, the artists behind the graphic universe of the Harry Potter films, have lovingly produced this amazing Back to Hogwarts 2020 poster, [which will be available as a limited edition print from their official shop](https://minalima.com/). All those owls and letters are already making us nostalgic... 

## So, what can you do right now?

While you wait for our festivities to begin, do sign up to the [Harry Potter Fan Club](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register) where we’ll keep you posted on all the digital activities we have in store. 

[You can also peruse our Back to Hogwarts hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/back-to-hogwarts) where we’ve already got the party started. Play some Back to Hogwarts quizzes, learn all about the start of term traditions, or revisit our Harry Potter At Home series, where we invited a number of famous friends to read every chapter of the first Harry Potter book.

Be sure to check the __#BackToHogwarts__ hashtag across Instagram and Twitter for all the latest updates, and to see how fellow fans are celebrating.

*So, join us back here on the weekend before the 1st September, where our Back to Hogwarts hub will begin filling up with wizarding treats before the big day.*

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Hogwarts castle in the Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald trailer

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Stay up to date with the latest Wizarding World news here. Faster than an owl and more accurate than the Daily Prophet.

Get the latest Wizarding World news here. Faster than an owl and more accurate than the Daily Prophet

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The Fiendishly Difficult Friendship Quiz

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The Severus Snape Challenge Quiz

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Snape headshot from the Order of the Pheonix 

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The Even Lesser-Known Characters Quiz

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Blagger's guide to Quidditch homepage carousel 

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The Rubeus Hagrid Challenge Quiz

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The Tricky Transfiguration Quiz

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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Put your wizarding knowledge to the test with new quizzes. Explore curious quizzes for all levels.

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Put your wizarding knowledge to the test with curious quizzes for all levels

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Chapter Seventeen: ‘The Man with Two Faces’

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Three families of Harry Potter fans, with help from a surprise cameo appearance, read Chapter Seventeen: ‘The Man with Two Faces’ for Harry Potter At Home. 

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Three families of Harry Potter fans, with help from a surprise cameo appearance, read Chapter Seventeen: ‘The Man with Two Faces’ for Harry Potter At Home.

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Chapter Seventeen | The Man with Two Faces

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And remember, you can catch up with Chapter Sixteen [here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-through-the-trapdoor), read by Kenneth Branagh and Ruth Wilson, with an appearance from Helena Bonham Carter. Or, if you’d like to browse all of our chapters, do so [here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters)

So here we are, the final chapter. A huge thank you for joining us on this extra special read-along journey, and to all of our guest narrators. Especially for your Hagrid impressions. We particularly enjoyed all of those. 

For the last instalment, three Harry Potter-loving families take on the final chapter of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone*, ‘The Man with Two Faces’, with a surprise cameo closing things off for you. 

So, say hello to the Patels, from London, the Gaffneys from Brooklyn and the McKennas from Belfast! 

First, we have the Patels, helmed by mum and dad, Swetha and Savan, with their two children, Sona (10) and Devan (8). 

On joining Harry Potter At Home, the Patels said: 

'Harry Potter is a world of ingenuity and adventure - to be able to share the stories as a family time and again (we have read the books so many times now and watched the movies innumerable times), is invaluable - the stories never get old and its lovely to see the children feel like they can really relate to the stories and find inspiration within them to be bold and adventurous and to always expect the unexpected.' 

Next up, you’ll meet the the Gaffneys, comprised of mum and dad, Kym and Brian, and their two boys, John (11) and James (9). 

 ‘For Team Gaffney, Potter conveys that living a full life is truly accessible through choice and the power of imagination!’ the family said. ‘We see within the characters the importance of acknowledging and embracing one another's diverse gifts. Finally, we should always remember that through life's ups & downs that you will always have the support and love of good friends & family.’


Rounding things off, we have the McKennas, with Sinead, Stephen, and their three children, Olivia (9), Stephen Jr. (7) and Pauric (6). 

‘Harry Potter means quality family time together,’ Sinead told us. ‘With very busy lives, reading together was not a priority but Harry Potter has changed that and brought us back together! Harry Potter means adventure, imagination, a world of magic and a love of reading!’

Well said. And we hope you’ve had just as much fun as our narrators have had reading along with Harry’s first adventure at home too! 

**

And remember - [you can also listen to ‘The Man with Two Faces’ on Spotify if you fancy an audio-only version.](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oW6LD6AF7hDXp71dJGmNh) 
<br>
## Chapter Seventeen: ‘The Man with Two Faces’ – Further reading and new activities 

We may have now finished the readings, but there is still more to explore. Now that you’ve refreshed your memory of J.K. Rowling’s seventeenth chapter of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* (or *Sorcerer’s Stone* for our US readers), here’s more about ‘The Man with Two Faces’

- How much did you just learn? For the young (and the young at heart!) – try our [final Chapter Challenge!](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-seventeen-the-man-two-faces) Collect house points as you complete chapter-themed tasks and quizzes, along with a secret quest. Oh and speaking of ‘house points’ remember to get sorted into your [Hogwarts house too!](https://my.wizardingworld.com/sorting-hat)

- As well as thanking our readers, we’d also like to give a huge shout out to our artistic contributors, who sent in all the fabulous drawings you see in each chapter. Take a look at some extra ones right [here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/fans-submit-artwork-for-harry-potter-at-home)

- For those who’ve visited the wizarding world before –for the final chapter, we’re talking about that rather shocking ending, and asking you if you [guessed that final twist.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/plot-twist-did-you-guess-the-identity-of-the-man-with-two-faces) So do make sure you’ve finished the chapter before clicking...

- The House Cup has been awarded! Watch the chapter to find out how the Great Hall is decorated at the end of the school year. But how well do you know the Hogwarts houses and their students? Test your knowledge with [Scholastic’s House Cup Challenge!](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/Scholastic_HPHouseCupChallenge.pdf)

- If you’re old enough, come join us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wizardingworld/), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wizardingworld) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wizardingworld) where the fun just keeps on coming with more quizzes, puzzles and extra challenges.

- The easiest way to keep up to date with all the wizarding business we’re up to, is simply by registering. [Go here for more details. ](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register)

## Harry Potter At Home 

Harry Potter At Home is our way of bringing the magic into people’s homes, casting a Banishing Charm on boredom. These special video readings are just one of the many things you can do at home with us, whether alone or with your friends or family. Our new Harry Potter At Home project is very much a team effort, combining the resources of Harry Potter UK and US publishers Bloomsbury and Scholastic, Pottermore Publishing, Warner Bros., leading spoken-word producer and provider Audible, our numerous library suppliers, library supplier OverDrive, streaming platform Spotify, and of course, our very own magic-makers here at WizardingWorld.com.

Chapter Sixteen: ‘Through the Trapdoor’

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Watch Kenneth Branagh & Ruth Wilson, with Helena Bonham Carter read Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Sign up to hear who's next

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Kenneth Branagh and Ruth Wilson, with Helena Bonham Carter, read Chapter Sixteen: ‘Through the Trapdoor', for Harry Potter At Home.

You can [register with the Harry Potter Fan Club](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register) to get all the latest updates on further video readings of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone. 

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Chapter Sixteen | Through the Trapdoor

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And remember, [you can catch up with Chapter Fifteen, read by Claudia Kim and Dakota Fanning, here](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-forbidden-forest). 

Kenneth Branagh and Ruth Wilson, with Helena Bonham Carter, accompany Harry, Ron and Hermione through the trapdoor, where magic and friendships are tested.

Sir Kenneth Branagh has garnered international acclaim for his work on the stage and screen. A highly respected actor, director, writer and producer, he is the recipient of numerous awards, including five BAFTAS, two Olivier Awards, an Emmy Award and has been nominated for five Academy Awards and four Golden Globes. He portrayed the memorably eccentric Gilderoy Lockhart in *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.*

Ruth Wilson’s acting work transcends film, TV and theatre and she is a two-time Olivier Award winner. She was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama for her starring role in the Showtime drama, *The Affair*. She also played prominent roles in the television dramas *Jane Eyre, Luther, Mrs Wilson*, and most recently, *His Dark Materials*. 

Helena Bonham Carter’s hugely eclectic career spans film, television and theatre, tackling everything from Shakespeare and period dramas, to musicals and fantasy epics. She has been nominated for numerous acting accolades, including two Academy Awards for *The Wings of the Dove* and *The King’s Speech*. For her work in the latter, she won the BAFTA award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2010. This is not Helena’s first foray into the  Wizarding World – she famously portrayed Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter films!  

You can see all of our [chapters right here in our chapter hub.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapters)

**

You may notice some wonderful drawings representing the chapter during the read-through. You can find more artwork in every chapter you watch from our brilliant contributors. [See a few extras here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/fans-submit-artwork-for-harry-potter-at-home)

[You can also listen to ‘Through the Trapdoor’ on Spotify if you fancy an audio-only version. ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2TeCfuV9T6Lhpbi7HsOTK5)

## Chapter Sixteen: ‘Through the Trapdoor’ – Further reading and new activities 

Now that you’ve refreshed your memory of J.K. Rowling’s sixteenth chapter of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* (or *Sorcerer’s Stone* for our US readers), here’s more about ‘Through the Trapdoor’.        

- How much did you just learn? For the young (and the young at heart!) – [try our new Chapter Challenge!](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/harry-potter-philosophers-stone-chapter-challenge-sixteen-through-the-trapdoor) Collect house points as you complete chapter-themed tasks and quizzes, along with a secret quest. Oh and speaking of ‘house points’ [remember to get sorted into your Hogwarts house too! ](https://my.wizardingworld.com/sorting-hat)

- For those who’ve visited the wizarding world before –today we’re thinking about chess master extraordinaire, Ron Weasley, [and what his role in this memorable match taught us about his character.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/how-ron-weasleys-wizard-chess-match-showed-his-true-potential)

- In Chapter Sixteen, Harry and Hermione are faced with Snape’s Potions riddle. But how much do you remember from Potions class? [Bloomsbury help you invent your own Potion with this fun activity.](https://hpmedia.bloomsbury.com/rep/files/make-your-own-potion.pdf)

-	You’ve almost spent a whole year with Harry and his friends at Hogwarts. Can you remember these spells and wizarding objects from the first Harry Potter book and match them with their magical properties? [Find this activity from Scholastic here.](https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/parents/Printables/PDFs/Scholastic_Harry_PotterKnowYourSpells.pdf)

- But when is Chapter Seventeen coming, we hear you cry? Can you believe we’re nearly at the end? Be sure to check back at HarryPotterAtHome.com every week where you can expect new readings from a stellar cast of narrators.

-  In fact, if you’re worried about missing out on any updates from Harry Potter At Home and beyond, don’t worry. Sign up to our Harry Potter Fan Club newsletter, where you can receive exciting new updates every week on Harry Potter At Home, further chapters, and much more. [Here’s how.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/new-harry-potter-fan-club-newsletter)

- If you’re old enough, come join us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wizardingworld/), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wizardingworld) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wizardingworld) where the fun just keeps on coming with more quizzes, puzzles and extra challenges.

- The easiest way to keep up to date with all the wizarding business we’re up to, is simply by registering. [Go here for more details. ](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register)

## Harry Potter At Home 

Harry Potter At Home is our way of bringing the magic into people’s homes, casting a Banishing Charm on boredom. These special video readings are just one of the many things you can do at home with us, whether alone or with your friends or family. Our new Harry Potter At Home project is very much a team effort, combining the resources of Harry Potter UK and US publishers Bloomsbury and Scholastic, Pottermore Publishing, Warner Bros., leading spoken-word producer and provider Audible, our numerous library suppliers, library supplier OverDrive, streaming platform Spotify, and of course, our very own magic-makers here at WizardingWorld.com.

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Watch familiar faces reading Harry Potter at home - including Daniel Radcliffe, David Beckham, Dakota Fanning & Tom Felton. Sign up to hear who's next.

Harry Potter At Home Readings

Watch familiar faces read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for Harry Potter At Home - including Daniel Radcliffe, Eddie Redmayne & Stephen Fry.

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The Marauder’s Map

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Harry locates the One Eyed Witch using the Maurauder's Map.

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Perhaps no students (even including Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Tom Riddle) have ever explored the castle and grounds of Hogwarts as thoroughly and illicitly as the four creators and contributors to the Marauder’s Map: James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew.

James, Sirius and Peter were not initially impelled to explore the school grounds by night out of devilment alone (though that played its part), but by their desire to help their dear friend Remus Lupin to bear his lycanthropy. Prior to the invention of the Wolfsbane Potion, Lupin was compelled to undergo an excruciating transformation every full moon. Once his condition was discovered by his three best friends, they sought a way to render his transformations less solitary and painful, which led to them learning to become (unregistered) Animagi, so that they could keep him company without harm to themselves. The ability of Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew and James Potter to become, respectively, a dog, a rat and a stag, enabled them to explore the castle grounds by night undetected. The interior of the castle, meanwhile, was mapped over time with the help of James Potter’s Invisibility Cloak.

The Marauder’s Map is lasting testimony to the advanced magical ability of the four friends who included Harry Potter’s father, godfather and favourite teacher. The map they created during their time at Hogwarts appears to be a blank piece of parchment unless activated by the phrase: ‘I solemnly swear that I am up to no good,’ a phrase that, in the case of three of the four makers, should be understood as a joke. The ‘no good’ of which they wrote never denoted Dark magic, but school rule-breaking; similar bravado is evinced by their use of their own nicknames on the map (‘Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs’).

The magic used in the map’s creation is advanced and impressive; it includes the Homonculous Charm, enabling the possessor of the map to track the movements of every person in the castle, and it was also enchanted to forever repel (as insultingly as possible) the curiosity of their nemesis, Severus Snape.

Although the precise circumstances surrounding the makers’ loss of their map are not given in the Harry Potter novels, it is easy to conclude that they eventually over-reached themselves and were cornered by Argus Filch, probably on a tip-off from Snape, whose obsession it had become to expose his arch-rival, James Potter, in wrongdoing. The masterpiece of a map was confiscated in Sirius, James, Remus and Peter’s final year and none of them were able to steal it back from a well-prepared and suspicious Filch. In any case, their priorities changed in their final months at school, becoming far more serious and focused on the world beyond Hogwarts, where Lord Voldemort was successfully rising to power. All four of the map’s creators would shortly be inducted into the renegade organisation headed by Albus Dumbledore, the Order of the Phoenix, and a map of their old school – no matter how ingenious – would no longer be of use to them except as a piece of nostalgia.

The Marauder’s Map was, however, of immense use to the young Weasley twins. The story of Fred and George’s acquisition of the map is told in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*. It was a mark of their high esteem for Harry Potter, and their belief that he stood in need of assistance with a destiny none of them yet fully understood, that they later gifted the map to him, unwittingly passing it on to the child of one of the creators.

The map was subsequently confiscated from Harry Potter by a Death Eater in disguise at the school, who recognised it as a likely source of his own discovery.

## J.K. Rowling’s thoughts

The Marauder’s Map subsequently became something of a bane to its true originator (me), because it allowed Harry a little too much freedom of information. I never showed Harry taking the map back from the empty office of (the supposed) Mad-Eye Moody, and I sometimes regretted that I had not capitalised on this mistake to leave it there. However, I like the moment when Harry watches Ginny’s dot moving around the school in *Deathly Hallows*, so on balance I am glad I let Harry reclaim his rightful property.

Cauldrons

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Professor Slughorn teaches potions to Harry's class

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Cauldrons were once used by Muggles and wizards alike, being large metal cooking pots that could be suspended over fires. In time, magical and non-magical people alike moved on to stoves; saucepans became more convenient and cauldrons became the sole province of witches and wizards, who continued to brew potions in them. A naked flame is essential for the making of potions, which makes cauldrons the most practical pot of all.

All cauldrons are enchanted to make them lighter to carry, as they are most commonly made of pewter or iron. Modern inventions include the self-stirring and collapsible varieties of cauldron, and pots of precious metal are also available for the specialist, or the show-off.

## J.K. Rowling’s thoughts

Cauldrons have had a magical association for centuries. They appear in hundreds of years’ worth of pictures of witches, and are also supposed to be where leprechauns keep treasure. Many folk and fairy tales make mention of cauldrons with special powers, but in the Harry Potter books they are a fairly mundane tool. I did consider making Helga Hufflepuff’s hallow a cauldron, but there was something slightly comical and incongruous about having such a large and heavy Horcrux; I wanted the objects Harry had to find to be smaller and more portable.  However, a cauldron appears both in the four mythical jewels of Ireland (its magical power was that nobody ever went away from it unsatisfied) and in the legend of The Thirteen Treasures of Britain (the cauldron of Dyrnwch the giant would cook meat for brave men, but not for cowards).

The Sorting Hat

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Explore J.K. Rowling’s articles on wizarding world themes. The inner workings of the wizarding world with a collection of original writings. 

Explore the inner workings of the wizarding world with a collection of writing from J.K. Rowling