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Watch: Ten minutes of sublime Severus Snape moments

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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and the Goblet of Fire

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Severus Snape was a rather slippery sort but like the trifle Harry had four helpings of, he had layers. Not entirely a hero but not entirely a villain, his wonderful complexity was brought to life by Alan Rickman – his delivery of ‘Turn to page 394’ will forever be iconic. Actually, Snape had *so* many moments that could be called iconic. See for yourself with ten full minutes of Snape being sensational. 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ObVKIVlITAw?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Which moment was your favourite? No matter if it was his… unusual methods when it came to getting Harry and Ron to focus on their homework, his perfect deadpan delivery when Umbridge asked him a few questions or the moment that he revealed who his heart belonged to, Snape's moments were memorable… *always*. 


The Advanced Potion Making wordsearch

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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and the Half-Blood Prince

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5 times the number 25 was mentioned in the Harry Potter books 

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The members of Dumbledore's Army standing together in the Room of Requirement

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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## 25 points for Fleur Delacour

![HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-fleur-champions-tent-stern-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2hw3MH2UPBQXS4wsVESFTf/076abbcdc6b09370608b1ef4f2100509/HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-fleur-champions-tent-stern-web-landscape) 

*‘Miss Fleur Delacour, though she demonstrated excellent use of the Bubble-Head Charm, was attacked by Grindylows as she approached her goal, and failed to retrieve her hostage. We award her twenty-five points.’ <br>
Applause from the stands. <br>
‘I deserved zero,’ said Fleur throatily, shaking her magnificent head.* <br>
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire <br>

During the Second Task at the [Triwizard Tournament](https://www.harrypotter.com/quiz/the-triwizard-tournament-quiz), each Champion was put through their paces in myriad ways. Tasked to explore the depths of Hogwarts’ Great Lake and rescue someone near & dear to them, Harry, Fleur, Viktor and Cedric were not just being tested on their magical acumen this time 	- but also challenging them on an emotional scale. 

This led to sheer chaos, with Harry taking the Merpeoples’ song too seriously and trying to rescue all of the hostages while poor [Fleur Delacour](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fleur-delacour) was attacked by Grindylows on her way to trying to reach her sister in a state of panic. And we haven’t even mentioned Viktor’s weirdly Transfigured shark head.  

In the end, Fleur was left visibly distraught, and Harry was gifted 45 points for showcasing ‘moral fibre’, although Ron assessed him as ‘being thick’.  

Bit of a mad thing to put a bunch of teenagers through, to be perfectly honest...  

## 25 Dementor essays

![WB-HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-dementors-patronus-cast-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7DYkjLjqMRnSjEzsofjN0T/dbc5daa52fcaa57686da6b213357a8f0/WB-HP-F3-prisoner-of-azkaban-dementors-patronus-cast-web-landscape.jpg) 

*‘Before we start, I want your Dementor essays,’ said Snape, waving his wand carelessly, so that twenty-five scrolls of parchment soared into the air and landed in a neat pile on his desk. ‘And I hope for your sakes they are better than the tripe I had to endure on resisting the Imperius Curse.’* <br>
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

In Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts, his surly Potions Professor Severus Snape finally got his wish... to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts. Not that anyone was particularly happy about that.  

During Snape’s occupancy, Harry’s class were treated to many essays (which means their class must’ve been 25-strong) brusque back-and-forths in the classroom (never forget the ‘ghosts are transparent’ moment) and many, many points from Gryffindor. 

 And they thought Lockhart’s Cornish Pixie attack was bad. 

## 25 Butterbeers

![WB-HP-F5-ginny-at-the-hogs-head-for-DA-first-meet-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5e9LeqlYTI9kbvAe84Z9wD/9558bf2bfef9944d5f1f7f888e561dc7/WB-HP-F5-ginny-at-the-hogs-head-for-DA-first-meet-web-landscape.jpg)

*‘Hi,’ said Fred, reaching the bar first and counting his companions quickly, ‘could we have … twenty-five Butterbeers, please?’ <br>
The barman glared at him for a moment, then, throwing down his rag irritably as though he had been interrupted in something very important, he started passing up dusty Butterbeers from under the bar.* <br>
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

Now we’re talking. In the forming of [Dumbledore’s Army](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/magical-miscellany/dumbledores-army), it would appear there must’ve been 25 members of the secret Hogwarts resistance group, noted by Fred’s drinks order at the Hog’s Head. As you can see, the barman was clearly not used to such booming business at his establishment and took the order of 25 Butterbeers with great disdain rather than...say, joy at actually encountering paying customers. 

## Educational Decree Number 25

![HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-umbridge-pointing-wand-at-harry-tied-up-office-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/37aj3YA3Nhtrln8VKOQHRf/8e23ad9bc5db18e820d1cdf1b8f22cae/HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-umbridge-pointing-wand-at-harry-tied-up-office-web-landscape)

*‘Hem, hem … “Educational Decree Number Twenty-five”.’ 
<br>
‘Not another one!’ exclaimed Professor McGonagall violently. ‘Well, yes,’ said Umbridge, still smiling. ‘As a matter of fact, Minerva, it was you who made me see that we needed a further amendment … you remember how you overrode me, when I was unwilling to allow the Gryffindor Quidditch team to re-form? How you took the case to Dumbledore, who insisted that the team be allowed to play? Well, now, I couldn’t have that...’* <br>
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

Ah, the ‘hem hem’ of despair.  

So tyrannous was Umbridge’s tenure at Hogwarts, that the evil woman got addicted to creating ‘Educational Decrees’, ie: obnoxious little notices that allowed her to create extra school rules. 

We encountered several of these during the events of Harry’s fifth year, and Educational Decree Number 25 was particularly irritating. After getting blocked by other staff members on other Educational Decrees, Umbridge literally instated an Educational Decree meaning everyone had to listen to her Educational Decrees. 

No.25 meant that “The High Inquisitor will henceforth have supreme authority over all punishments” alongside the power to alter other punishments placed by her colleagues... essentially a passive-aggressive way for Umbridge to rule the school without any intervention. No wonder people argue that she was a [worse villain than Voldemort.](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/inside-machiavellian-mind-of-dolores-umbridge)  

## 25 foot giants

![WB-HP-f5-Hagrid-harry-ron-hermione-order-of-phoenix](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6vfWglaPw42g9KkNM2ol81/512860f1db7a47bd642c1bcc0774b653/WB-HP-f5-Hagrid-harry-ron-hermione-order-of-phoenix.jpg)

*‘Found ’em,’ said Hagrid baldly. ‘Went over a ridge one nigh’ an’ there they was, spread ou’ underneath us. Little fires burnin’ below an’ huge shadows … it was like watchin’ bits o’ the mountain movin’.’*

*‘How big are they?’ asked Ron in a hushed voice.*

*‘’Bout twenty feet,’ said Hagrid casually. ‘Some o’ the bigger ones mighta bin twenty-five.’* <br>
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

After going mysteriously missing for about half of the fifth book, we readers were shocked to learn that our beloved Hagrid had been off-the-page due to a secret mission from Professor Dumbledore, seeking out... giants. 

We hadn’t known much about these elusive magical beings during the course of the stories thus far, although of course we had already learnt that Hagrid was half-giant at this point. 

Roaming the mountains of Europe (Hagrid didn’t divulge exactly where the giants were, but did have a ‘slight disagreement with a vampire in a pub in Minsk’ to give us a rough idea of his journey) Hagrid eventually discovered their whereabouts, divulging just how tall a grown giant actually is – roughly averaging at 20 to 25-feet. That’s about the width of four cars. So yeah, if you ever need to reach a particularly high shelf in the supermarket, these fellows might be able to help you out. 

## ‘25 Ways to Mingle with Muggles’’

![WB-HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-harry-hermione-rita-skeeter-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5guzHc651I2QLgBad49zFP/c804ba65c15354b07a009dab76e56f2e/WB-HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-harry-hermione-rita-skeeter-web-landscape.jpg)

*‘I’m guessing your father runs some stupid little village newsletter?’ she said. ‘Probably, Twenty-five Ways to Mingle WithMuggles and the dates of the next Bring and Fly Sale?’*<br>

*‘No,’ said Luna, dipping her onion back into her Gillywater, ‘he’s the editor of The Quibbler.*’ 

*Rita snorted so loudly that people at a nearby table looked round in alarm.* <br>
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix  

The final instance of ‘25’ we found in the Harry Potter books is used in jest by a particularly acid-tongued Rita Skeeter, while finding herself unwittingly embroiled in a plan for Harry to try and tell the wizarding world the truth about Lord Voldemort. After Harry is accused of lying about the Dark Lord’s ascent, Hermione, with the help of lovely Luna, devises a plan to get Harry’s story out there, with the knowledge that the most mainstream wizarding newspaper, The Daily Prophet, had been compromised. 

Instead, Harry and co. turned to the slightly-less-respected Quibbler for help, with journalist Rita Skeeter (not at liberty to argue, due to Hermione threatening to out her as an unregistered [Animagi](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/magical-miscellany/animagus)...) to conduct an interview with Harry about the terrible night of Lord Voldemort’s return. The plan worked, but not before Rita took a few swipes at The Quibbler’s idiosyncratic editorial style. 25 Ways to Mingle with Muggles sounds lovely, though! We wouldn’t mind reading that.  

*** 

__Happy 2025, everybody! Have 25 Butterbeers on us - and try not to run into any 25-foot giants along the way.__

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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The wizarding wardrobe crossword

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Albus Dumbledore is sat down on the steps in his office at Hogwarts.

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The Snakes crossword

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Harry Potter looking at the door to the Chamber of Secrets which is covered in carved snakes

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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Harry Potter 101: Dark magical objects

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Harry about to go into Tom Riddle's diary 

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__Spoiler warning! There are some mild spoilers ahead – turn back now if you’re not familiar with the books…__

## Horcruxes
Before diving into all the individual Horcruxes that Voldemort made, it’s probably best if we explain what a [Horcrux](/fact-file/objects/horcrux) actually is – and the whole concept is utterly evil. A Horcrux is an object in which part of someone’s soul is concealed. By keeping part of the soul outside of the body, the person who created it cannot be killed. However, an act of true evil must be committed to fracture the soul in the first place – murder. One Horcrux is bad enough, but Voldemort dreamed of creating many. 

__Slytherin’s locket__
<br>
Voldemort always had a rather *inflated* sense of self. He wasn’t going to conceal part of his soul in any old object – it had to be something worthy of his perceived greatness. A [locket](/fact-file/objects/slytherins-locket) that originally belonged to Salazar Slytherin fits the bill. It was this Horcrux that affected Ron in particular. 

__Hufflepuff’s cup__
<br>
Another of Voldemort’s Horcruxes, this [golden cup](/fact-file/objects/hufflepuffs-cup) with an engraved badger had originally belonged to Helga Hufflepuff. It was passed down her family line for generations and was even thought to have magical properties.

__Ravenclaw’s diadem__
<br>
This sapphire-encrusted tiara once belonged to Godric Gryffindor… kidding! Of *course* [Ravenclaw’s diadem](/fact-file/objects/ravenclaws-diadem) belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw, one of the four founders. The diadem was thought to increase the wisdom of the person wearing it and had the Ravenclaw motto ‘Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure’ engraved on it. Lost for centuries (thanks to Rowena’s daughter), Tom Riddle eventually found it and made it a Horcrux. 

__Tom Riddle’s diary__
<br>
This journal is the epitome of don’t judge a book by its cover. This simple (and supposedly empty) [diary](/fact-file/objects/tom-riddles-diary) was a Dark and dangerous Horcrux and was actually Voldemort’s first Horcrux. When Ginny Weasley poured her soul into the book, the consequences were dire. 

__Gaunt’s ring__
<br>
This Horcrux had a personal connection to Voldemort, it belonged to his mother’s family. The [gold ring with black stone](/fact-file/objects/gaunts-ring) was an heirloom of the [House of Gaunt](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-gaunt-family) and was passed down through the generations until it reached Voldemort’s uncle, Morfin. Yet, the ring was not just an heirloom or just a Horcrux, the stone at the centre proved to be something very special and important indeed.


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## Objects in Grimmauld Place

__Purple robes__ 
<br>
Whilst trying to make [Grimmauld Place](/fact-file/locations/number-twelve-grimmauld-place) a more *hospitable* environment to live in, these robes were removed from a wardrobe during a spring clean… Unfortunately, the robes tried to strangle Ron in the process – not a great day for fashion.

__Enchanted music box__
<br>
This was another trinket discovered while sorting through the rooms of [Sirius’](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sirius-black) family home. When wound up, it played a rather sinister, tinkling tune that made people feel sleepy and weak. Luckily, Ginny slammed the box shut before anything truly terrible happened. 

__Grandfather clock__ 
<br>
This clock doesn’t just tell the time – it is far more dangerous. It has a very nasty habit of shooting metal bolts at those who happen to pass by. Not what we look for in a piece of furniture but each to their own…

__Silver snuffbox__ 
<br>
Watch out for this snuffbox – it has a nasty bite! Sirius discovered this when it took a chunk from his hand and a crust instantly developed over the wound – like a rather unpleasant brown glove. He theorised that someone might have popped a bit of Wartcap powder in the box.

__Tweezer-like instrument__
<br>
This silver instrument looked like a pair of tweezers with many legs. It scuttled up Harry’s arm and tried to puncture his skin. Luckily Sirius managed to stop it by smashing it with a book entitled *Nature’s Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy*.

__Shrunken heads__
<br>
This was something truly horrible and grotesque. Mounted on the walls of Grimmauld Place were the shrunken heads of all the previous [house-elves](/fact-file/creatures/house-elf) who had belonged to the Black family. They weren’t the only Shrunken heads to appear in the stories, Harry spotted some in Knockturn Alley too.

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## Objects from Borgin and Burkes

__Cursed opal necklace__
<br>
We first glimpsed this cursed magical necklace in [Borgin and Burkes](/fact-file/locations/borgin-and-burkes) where the label claimed it had taken the lives of nineteen Muggles. We later saw this horrid necklace when Katie Bell found it in her possession. 

__Vanishing cabinet__
<br>
These [vanishing cabinets](/fact-file/objects/vanishing-cabinet) came as a pair. One was located at Hogwarts, and the other was in Borgin and Burkes. They acted as a portal between two places. Simply put an object in one, close the door and it will be transported to the other cabinet. It might not sound like a *particularly* Dark object, but it is what it was eventually used for that makes it wicked in our eyes. 

__Blood-stained pack of cards__
<br>
Who knows whose blood was on this pack of cards – whether it was magical or Muggle – but for them to be covered in blood at all makes this rather sinister. Plus, it was located in Borgin and Burkes which isn’t known for selling anything light and fluffy.

__Glass eye__
<br>
When Harry first entered this rather foreboding shop, he spotted a glass eye that stared. Whether this object had any magical properties remains unknown, but that single eye is rather unnerving.

__Hand of Glory__
<br>
This withered hand only provides light to the person holding it – making it an excellent friend of thieves and plunderers. It ended up in Draco Malfoy’s possession, where he used it for various nefarious reasons. 

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## Other Dark objects

__The veil__
<br>
In the [Department of Mysteries](/fact-file/locations/the-department-of-mysteries) in the Ministry of Magic is a chamber that is dedicated to death. On the stone dais sits an archway with a tattered black cloth – the veil. [The veil](/fact-file/objects/the-veil) acts as a barrier between the living and the dead. If you listen closely, you might hear voices coming from just beyond the living side. Once someone passes through the veil, there is no return.

__Death Eater mask__
<br>
Voldemort’s followers were known as Death Eaters and part of their horrid uniform was the Death Eater mask. Not only were they intimidating but they helped to conceal the identity of the witch or wizard who wore it. Quite a few Death Eaters held notable positions in wizarding society (like Lucius Malfoy) and couldn’t risk being open with their affiliation to Voldemort… at least to begin with.

__*Magick Moste Evile*__
<br>
This was one of the more gruesome books in the [Restricted Section](/fact-file/locations/the-restricted-section) of the Hogwarts library that Hermione once referenced in her quest to find out information on Horcruxes. While that book wasn’t particularly forthcoming, it did let out a ghostly wail when she then slammed it shut – spooky!

__Peter Pettigrew’s silver hand__
<br>
Thanks to his part in helping Voldemort return to power, [Pettigrew](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/peter-pettigrew) was rewarded with a brand-new silver hand to replace the one he sacrificed. This magical hand was more powerful than a regular human one – it could crush a twig into nothing but powder. However, the hand could be fickle as Peter discovered.

__Umbridge’s black quill__
<br>
This black quill was used as an exceptionally horrible form of punishment favoured by Dolores Umbridge. It didn’t require ink but used the blood of the person who was writing with it. Harry realised this during detention when the quill carved the words ‘I must not tell lies’ into his hand as he wrote them down.

__Cursed hat__
<br>
Bill Weasley learnt the hard way, annoy your pen pal at your peril – they might just send you a cursed hat. A hat that makes your ears shrivel up, in fact. 

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The Mirror of Erised wordsearch

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Professor Quirrell is standing with his back to the Mirror of Erised in a stone room.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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and the Philosopher's Stone 

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The best bites from Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking – episode six

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With just Elizabeth & Juan and Zoe & Jordan left, all is still to play for in the epic final of the first ever season of Wizards of Baking. With twist, turns, surprise guests and more, this is one you won’t want to miss. 

## Memorable scenes
Such a grand occasion needs a suitably grand challenge – one you might say is larger than life! Speaking of which, this week the contestants not only have to recreate an iconic scene that took place in the Great Hall, but their creations also need to be a minimum of six feet tall – no Engorgement Charms allowed!


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## A roarsome design
Who doesn’t love the moment Umbridge is chased out of the Great Hall by a dragon-shaped firework who we expect has a fearsome roar?  Two-time winners, Elizabeth & Juan, certainly love that moment with their showstopping bake being centred around the moment the Weasley twins decided they were done with their formal education. 


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## Yuletide whimsy
Zoe & Jordan will not be giving up without a fight, however. Last week’s winners are coming in strong with a Christmas twist to their Great Hall bake. One Jordan claims will ‘defy gravity’ with no need of any Levitation Charm. 

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## Tensions are rising…
Well, it wouldn’t be the final without some drama. Zoe has burnt her eggnog! Starting it from scratch with time ticking on is not what she needs… where’s a Time-Turner when you need one?

That’s not all, turns out it would be really useful to have Madam Pomfrey on standby right about now as Elizabeth has cut her finger. Luckily, the talented medic is on hand to help and she gets right back to her baking – what a trooper! 

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## A bit of self-reflection
As it is the final time these teams will bake together in this competition, they take a moment to reflect on the journey they’ve been on, one that should be commemorated… with a tattoo according to Juan. He and Elizabeth did shake hands on it and while that might not *quite* be an Unbreakable Vow, we still think it’s pretty binding.  

As for Zoe & Jordan, they have gone from being total strangers to, in the words of Jordan, ‘like an old married couple’. They have stretched themselves professionally and emotionally coming up with stunning concepts over the last few weeks. 


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## The room of reunion
The first twist is here! And who is that emerging from the fireplace? Only previous contestants Miko & Chris! And they’re not just here to observe. As the winners of the previous challenge, Zoe & Jordan can pick who they would like to become the baking assistant for the next two hours. However, whoever they don’t pick will become Elizabeth and Juan’s helper. They will need to choose wisely.

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## The new golden trios
In the end, Zoe & Jordan decide they want Miko on their team as they need a hand creating some ultra-realistic looking food items. Elizabeth & Juan seem very happy to have Chris on their side – especially with his talent for speedy baking. 


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## The final, final creations
For the last time, the bakers have put down their tools ready to face the judges Carla and Josef. What they weren’t expecting was to walk into the Great Hall to crowds cheering them on, like they’re Celestina Warbeck at one of her concerts. Zoe sums it up perfectly with just one word – 'epic'. 


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However, their test isn’t over yet. In front of the cheering fans, they now have just 20 minutes to put all of their elements together – no pressure then! 

And just like that, their time is up.

Carla and Josef want to have their socks knocked off… but they aren’t the only ones the teams need to impress. Evanna Lynch, Warwick Davis and Bonnie Wright have all come back to help decide who will become champion.


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Zoe & Jordan wowed with their stunning Christmassy creation – they’ve even managed to make it snow in the Great Hall. Josef is blown away, Evanna describes it as ‘magic spell in motion’ and Warwick said that they turkey (yes, the turkey) was the best cake he’s eaten all competition. 

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How will Elizabeth & Juan follow such a performance? Well, they do so with falling Educational Decrees and a dragon whose nose puffs out clouds of smoke – ingenious!  With the coffee flavours, Carla thinks it was a great way to celebrate Juan’s country, Columbia and Josef is a big fan of the chocolate cake! 

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How on earth can the judges decide with cakes as whimsical and wonderful as those? 

## Eternal glory belongs to…

Unlike Hagrid whose catchphrase is ‘I shouldn’ta said that’, we are keeping our lips sealed. 

After all, there’s no fun in spoilers. 


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To find out who has taken home the Wizards of Baking trophy, make sure to tune into the spell-binding new competition series Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking on Prime Video in the UK and Ireland.

The show is out now to [Max](https://www.max.com/geo-availability?utm_source=wizardingworld&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=ACQ_3466_MAX&utm_content=hp_streamnow) and Food Network - and you can learn more about the show at our [handy hub.](https://www.harrypotter.com/harry-potter-wizards-of-baking)


Debate club: Is Philosopher's Stone a Christmas film?

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## Of course *Philosopher’s Stone* is a Christmas film
There’s no doubt in our minds when we say, and we’re sure *yule* agree, *Philosopher’s Stone* is a Christmas film. Yes, it is true that the other films feature Christmas, but much like we would consider *Prisoner of Azkaban* the Hallowe’en film out of the series, everything from the plot to the direction to the musical score makes *Philosopher’s Stone* the Christmas one. 

Firstly, just look at who directed it. Chris Columbus is the genius behind several wholesome family films, plus one of the most iconic Christmas movies to exist (and his name spells the first part of Christmas). Couple that with the John Williams score, which twinkles and fills you with festive cheer, and you can’t deny that the first Harry Potter movie was destined for the Christmas film hall of fame.

Plus, so much happens at Christmas in that first year. It’s when Harry receives his dad’s old [Invisibility Cloak](/fact-file/objects/the-invisibility-cloak) – giving him so much more freedom. It’s when he finds the [Mirror of Erised](/fact-file/objects/the-mirror-of-erised) – a real moment of discovery and reflection. Plus, the Christmas holidays provided Harry with an opportunity to keep looking for information on [Nicolas Flamel](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/nicolas-flamel) – leading him one step closer to the [Philosopher’s Stone](/fact-file/objects/the-philosophers-stone). So much of the story hinged on this day, it’s impossible to separate *Philosopher’s Stone* from Christmas.

Then there’s the magic of this being Harry’s first ever Christmas (that he can remember) in the wizarding world. Growing up with the Dursleys, we doubt he ever had a joyful Christmas. While Dudley would have been showered with presents, if his birthday is anything to go by, Harry was pretty much ignored with the odd pair of Uncle Vernon’s old socks or toothpick thrown his way on special occasions. Yet in the wizarding world, he was with his best friend, he was in the festively decorated halls of [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts), and he finally got proper presents which showed him that people truly did care about him.

And that’s what Christmas is all about, friends, family and being with those you love. While we don’t deny that presents are important, it was seeing Harry finally find the place he belonged, seeing the joy of a child discovering Christmas for the first time and witnessing him realise that he does have the bones of a family that cemented *Philosopher’s Stone* an as a Christmas film in our mind.

Finally, *Philosopher’s Stone* just has that certain unexplainable something that makes it a Christmas film. You know what we mean… that warm, fuzzy feeling that only appears at Christmastime. The feeling you get when you’re waiting to see what Father Christmas has brought you. Or when you dig into that first roast potato during your Christmas dinner. Or when you see the smile on someone’s face when they open their gift and you realise you’ve nailed it. *That’s* the feeling that *Philosopher’s Stone* gives us and *that’s* why it truly is the ultimate Christmas film.

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## *Philosopher’s Stone* is just a very good film that happens to have a Christmas scene in it

Alright, let’s not get over-excited. We love Christmas as much as the next eggnog-swilling person. But the first Harry Potter film is simply just a film. A good film, of course. But a Christmas film? Are there snowflakes on the movie poster? Does the soundtrack have sleigh bells? Does the main plot focus around the magic of Christmas? Nope, no and nah. It has magic in it, sure. But just standard non-seasonal magic, at least for the most part. 

Not to get too technical, but for a Christmas film to officially qualify as a Christmas film, it needs to be specifically, diametrically about Christmas, rather than having one scene set around the festive period. It is statistically inevitable that many, many films will have a Christmas scene in them, due to... you know, the passing of time? And if we were going to count every single film that had a Christmas scene in it as a Christmas film, you would have... lots and lots of Christmas films, to the extent an actual Christmas film begins to lose all meaning.

Would you call *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* a horror film because of the [werewolf](/fact-file/creatures/werewolf) scene? No, because if we’re calling a Christmas film a genre, just like how horror is a genre, *Prisoner of Azkaban* would need to be inter-spliced with several other scary moments to officially acquiesce to said genre. For a Christmas film to officially sit in the pantheon of festive classics, the season needs to be baked into the very essence of the story.

We’re talking... a cantankerous old man who gets haunted by three spirits on Christmas Eve... a hapless father who must suddenly take on the job of Father Christmas... a snowman that comes to life... we’re talking films that mention “Christmas” at least every ten minutes, or are set around the festive period, or involve hi-jinks that could only occur at Christmastime. 

*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* is a beautiful, heartwarming film, all about a young, neglected child who discovers he has a magical home far beyond what he could ever imagine. And we do concede that, tonally, that is the sort of thing you might imagine happening in a Christmas film. But as with every instalment in the Harry Potter series, we get to see an entire year of a Hogwarts term – set around different seasons, believe it or not. Honestly, you couldn’t tell with the [amount of knitwear everyone’s wearing all the time](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/an-appreciation-of-harry-potter-knitwear-web). That’s Scotland for you. 

And [Harry’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) first Christmas at Hogwarts is a genuinely joyous thing. We’re not Scrooges. But rules are rules and much like [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) – we love them and we’re sticking to them. We need to have some order in this cruel world. It actually helps make Christmas more special. No, it does. Seriously, you would go mad if you started eating mince pies in July. 

And look. If you want to watch this lovely Harry Potter film in December, with a cup of cocoa, with marshmallows, wrapped in a fluffy blanket with the magic of Christmas alive in your heart, go right ahead. But remember to whisper to yourself, “this is not technically a Christmas film” before you switch it on. It’s a theory anchored in proven reality, and you know it. Season’s greetings, everybody!

The Slug Club Christmas Party crossword

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Watch episode three of Hogwarts Hangout: A wizarding Christmas

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Welcome to episode three of Hogwarts Hangout featuring Annie and Reece, two of our editorial team. Today they are hanging up their stockings, breaking out the mince pies and diving into Christmas in the wizarding world. Watch them discuss everything from Harry’s gift-giving abilities to answering whether *Philosopher’s Stone* is truly a Christmas film…

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What do you think? Would you choose Polyjuice Potion over Brussel Sprouts like Annie and Reece? Do you have a different view of how important the Yule Ball was? Whatever you think about Christmas in the wizarding world, we want to know.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to visit our Harry Potter YouTube channel for future ones or to catchup on our first two episodes where we dived into the world of the Marauders and discussed what if Neville had been the chosen one. If you’re old enough, don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments. 

You can check out more of our videos at our [official Harry Potter YouTube channel too](https://www.youtube.com/@harrypotter).

In the meantime, in the words of our favourite house-elf, Harry Christmas!

Who would be your date to the Slug Club Christmas party?

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## If you want to add some extra joy… you would bring Luna 
Sometimes parties can be a little stuffy and boring. Everyone is dressed in their finery, trying to make a good impression and they just aren’t being themselves. While that might work if you want to network, it doesn’t bring a lot of *joy* to a party. If you’re someone who thinks parties should be fun rather than uptight, that schmoozing should be done elsewhere and you should always be yourself no matter what, then [Luna](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/luna-lovegood) would be your perfect date. If there’s one thing you can count on Luna being… it’s herself. She would glide into that party, ask the most interesting questions, share her take on the prevalence of the Crumple-Horned Snorkack and dance like nobody is watching. In short, Luna would bring the joy and *that’s* what you’re looking for when it comes to deciding your date. 


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Luna and Xenophilius Lovegood doing an eccentric dance together at Bill and Fleur's wedding

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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## If you think following the rules is boring… you would take Malfoy 
Are you the type of person who looks at rules as optional? Do you roll your eyes at authority? Do you find the idea of crashing a party more of a thrill than being invited? Then your date would be [Draco Malfoy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/draco-malfoy). Malfoy was not invited to the Christmas party and (if he wasn’t in [Azkaban](/fact-file/locations/azkaban) at that moment) we’re sure his father would have heard all about that injustice. However, Malfoy didn’t let a silly thing like party invite stop him, he boldly went anyway. As someone who admires those who follows their own path rather than what the rules tell them to do (much to Hermione’s horror), we think you two would have a blast crashing the party together. Whether you’re snaffling the magical treats at the buffet or avoiding being spotted by the party organiser, you two would find it to be a delightful adventure. 


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## If you love good conversation… you would bring Hermione 
There is nothing worse than painful small talk. Standing there trying to think of *any* topic to talk about while desperately trying to avoid talking about the weather is nothing but a nightmare. It is so much more fun to dive into deep discussion, ponder those philosophical questions or have a hearty debate. If the thought of having to engage in idle chit-chat brings you out in hives, then we think you should bring [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) as your date. There is no way that you could be bored with the cleverest witch of her age for company. From explaining the intricacies of brewing a [Polyjuice Potion](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/polyjuice-potion) to discussing the trials and tribulations of using a [Time-Turner](/fact-file/objects/time-turner), Hermione has plenty to talk about. You would be so enthralled the evening would pass by in a happy blur. 


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## If you want to be the centre of attention… you would take Sanguini the vampire
Who doesn’t like to be the centre of attention at parties? It’s so much fun to be the one that people can’t help but talk about – especially when it’s to wax lyrical about how brave and cool you are. And what better way to be that person than to bring a rather exciting and unusual date? On that note, we think you should bring Sanguini to [Slughorn’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/horace-slughorn) shindig. We can guarantee that nobody else would have thought to BYOV (bring your own vampire). Not only do they have that roguish air of danger (thanks to their penchant for human blood) but they are also a very rare sight in the halls of Hogwarts. While you’ll find ghosts, [werewolves](/fact-file/creatures/werewolf) and even [centaurs](/fact-file/creatures/centaur) among those who live and work in the castle, you won’t usually find a vampire. Despite how much Snape looks like one.

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## If you don’t actually like parties… you would bring Harry 
While there are those who love a good party and shine when surrounded by lots of people, there are also those for who it is their worst nightmare. And that’s ok. Parties are not for everyone. The hustle and bustle. The small talk. The scrabbling to get that last measly canapé. Why make yourself miserable when you can just stay home and read a good book? You know who else doesn’t like parties? [Harry Potter](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter). He detested the idea of the [Slug Club](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-slug-club) Christmas party so much, that [Slughorn](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/horace-slughorn) had to plan it around Harry’s schedule – just to make sure he would come. The groan he let out in the Herbology greenhouse when Hermione revealed that morsel of information says it all. So, if parties are not your thing, Harry would be the perfect date. In fact, the two of you might decide to skip the whole soirée and do something else entirely – and why not? Life is too short to do the things you hate. 

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