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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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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 person people can’t help but talk about – especially when it’s talk about how brave and cool you are. And what better way to be that person that 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 have brought a vampire. Not only to they have that roguish air of danger (thanks to their penchant for human blood) that would get people talking 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 find a vampire. So, bringing Sanguini would be a unique experience and one that would help you stand out from the crowd.

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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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Everything we know about the upcoming Harry Potter TV series so far 

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The Harry Potter series will be a HBO Original and will stream on Max. But what else do we know about this exciting new program?

__We suggest you bookmark this page!__

## Will the TV adaptation be faithful to the Harry Potter books? 

Yep! [The show has promised to be "authentic to the original books"](https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/first-ever-harry-potter-television-series-coming-to-max), but that is not to say the show won’t feature things we didn’t see in the films. In a statement, J.K. Rowling said she was looking forward to allowing for a “degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series” – so we would certainly hope the series will unturn new stones we didn’t get to see from the films.

Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max Content, added that the series would “deep dive into each of the iconic books”, while showrunner Francesca Gardiner promises we will see "things we haven't seen". She also spoke about staying true to the canonical ages of the characters ("Snape is 31 in 1991, so it's a very different vibe") while director Mark Mylod was keen to dig into the "depths and crevices" of Hogwarts.

## Who is directing the show?

Mark Mylod (who has also lent his talents to the likes of *Succession* alongside episodes of *Game of Thrones* in the past) will serve as both Executive Producer and direct multiple episodes.

## Who is the showrunner?

That would be the aforementioned Francesca Gardiner, who will serve as showrunner for the series. She is a [self-confessed Harry Potter mega-fan](https://www.harrypotter.com/news/production-details-and-location-revealed-for-harry-potter-tv-series), and has worked on previous HBO series, *Succession.*

## Where will the show be filmed?

The wizarding world is going back to its roots, returning to Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden for filming.

## When will production start?

Production is slated for mid-summer, 2025!

## Do we know any other creative talent connected to the show?

It was [recently confirmed](https://deadline.com/2024/12/harry-potter-series-poor-things-costume-designer-holly-waddington-1236195657/) that Academy Award-winning Costume Designer Hannah Waddington has signed on to the project, so the quirky fashions of the wizarding world will be in safe hands.

## What will the show be called?

That, we do not know yet. Although we welcome you to speculate! Probably something to do with that Harry Potter lad, if we had to guess.

## What will J.K. Rowling's involvement be?

J.K. Rowling will serve as one of the executive producers on the series.

She will be joined by fellow executive producers Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, David Heyman of Heyday Films. Francesca Gardiner (showrunner) also serves as executive producer alongside director Mark Mylod.

## Who will star in the show?

Although nobody has been attached to the show as-of-writing, we do know that the show will feature “a new cast for a new generation”, meaning your favourite Harry Potter characters will be played by new faces. We also know that the main trio, Harry, Ron and Hermione, are currently still being auditioned after an open casting-call for British/Irish actors earlier this year. According to Mark Mylod and Francesca Gardiner, over 30,000 people applied!

## How long will the series be?

Although we don’t know exactly, the original announcement described the show as being a “decade-long series”, which should keep us busy for a while!

## Which Harry Potter characters are confirmed to be appearing in the show?

Well, we know Harry, Ron and Hermione are being auditioned (it would've been pretty strange, had they not been) but we also recently found out that Peeves, who did not feature in the Harry Potter films in the end, [WILL be part of this re-telling](https://www.harrypotter.com/news/production-details-and-location-revealed-for-harry-potter-tv-series).

## How can we find out more about the show before anyone else?

We promise to keep you abreast of any news the moment we have it. The best way to get the hottest Harry Potter updates straight away is by [signing up to our newsletter](https://my.wizardingworld.com/register),which will deliver any scoops to you faster than an owl. 

## All of this TV talk is getting me in the mood to re-watch the films. Where can I catch up?

[We’ve put together a helpful guide](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/how-to-stream-harry-potter-wherever-you-are) documenting how you can stream Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts wherever you are in the world!

## When will the show be out?

Patience is a virtue. In other words: we don’t know yet. Much like Sirius Black, for now, you simply must do your waiting!

***

Streaming service Max is available in many territories across the world - and [you can find out the most recent rollout plans here.](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/how-to-stream-harry-potter-wherever-you-are)

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

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Last week, the bakers were overwhelmed by Diagon Alley-inspired tasks, with their wizarding shop-inspired bakes analysed by the judges... but also a full throng of Harry Potter superfans.

So, you'd think with all that stress, we can have a nice, wholesome, relaxing episode this week, right? Right? Wrong! 

This week, with one less team in the competition, and a place in a semi-finals at stake, things are getting a little spooky, with Dark Arts-inspired creations and a visit to the Studio Tour's [Forbidden Forest](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/locations/the-forbidden-forest) to get the contestants in the mood.

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## We *love* this *good* guest

Thankfully, we have a special guest from the Harry Potter family to cheer things up. It's Evanna Lynch! Famed for portraying Luna Lovegood in the films, Evanna is on-hand to support the bakers, alongside looking fabulous in the process. What, no Butterbeer cork necklace, though?

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## Wingardi-yum Leviosa

Understandably, the baking teams are thrilled, with Lisa tearfully divulging that she is raising her children to have the same kind-hearted energy as [Luna Lovegood](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/luna-lovegood). N'aww! Okay, now we have something in our eye too. 

But not for long! The teams have a long day of baking ahead of them, tasked with creating three-feet tall cakes and other delicious treats fashioned around the darker elements of the Harry Potter stories. Oh, and they also must contain tasting elements comprised of ten layers. And! There must also be an enchanting element, inspired by the levitating charm, [Wingardium Leviosa](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/spells/the-levitation-charm) too. Merlin's beard!

One thing's for sure: Aunt Petunia's sugared violet pudding ain't got nothing on this.

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## Delicious Dolores?

The teams are assigned their Dark Arts themes, ranging from Boggarts, Dementors, Horcruxes and maybe the most dastardly of all: [Professor Dolores Umbridge](https://www.harrypotter.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/dolores-umbridge). Thinking about it, this character should lend quite well to a dessert, what with being so sickly sweet and all... 

Edible tea cups, pink macarons and even a cake-cat will be on the menu for Zoe and Jordan.

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## A Riddikulus endeavour

Meanwhile, Mitzi and Lisa are focusing on the defying gravity element of the task (we hope they're holding space for it!) infused into a Boggart. And for these two: that Boggart will be spider-themed. Ron would absolutely concur. In fact, the pair will be paying homage to how Ron manages to banish his Boggart - aka - making the image comical in some way. And what's funnier than a giant arachnid wearing retro rollerskates?

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## A bit o' help

Elizabeth and Juan, fresh off the back of their back-to-back wins, are conscious there's a 'target on their back'... (making spooky cakes will hardly make them less paranoid, then) and are given another magical advantage. In the famous words of Dumbledore, they discover that 'help will be given to those who need it'.

That help comes in the form of judge Jozef! Brilliantly, Elizabeth and Juan only need this accomplished chef to do a bit of icing for them. Stay humble, Jozef, stay humble.

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## Broken cake alert!

Lisa and Mitzi soon learn the hard way that attaching rollerskates to a giant edible spider is...actually quite hard! (Who knew?!) leading to our first baking disaster of the episode. 

Thankfully, these ladies are professionals, and those cake rollerskates (roller-cakes?) go straight in the fridge. Our Boggart is now a slightly wobbly cake after witnessing this baking misadventure.

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## Death by chocolate

Over at Miko and Chris's station, the boys are working on a life-like Dementor. And how's this for a flex? They're making its ethereal cloak out of tempered chocolate. Yep, [the very thing that makes you feel better after a Dementor attack](https://www.harrypotter.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/dementors-and-chocolate). Smart. 

Miko's passion for hyper-real elements in his baking mean that his Dementor comes out looking worryingly realistic... damn, if we only had that [Patronus cake from episode one](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/harry-potter-wizards-of-baking-episode-one-recap) to conquer it! 

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## Facing their fears

Joined by special guest Evanna, the bakers and judges meet in the Forbidden Forest (as you do) to test out their scary bakes.

Zoe and Jordan's Umbridge cake is pretty in pink, but a few imperfections put them in danger.

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Miko and Chris's chocolate Dementor creation comes with a black forrest cake (shouldn't that be black...Forbidden Forest?) and gets a warm reception from the judges. Will it be enough to take them to the semi-finals, though? Or will they get the kiss-off?

Meanwhile, Lisa and Mitzi's wobbly Boggart spider sparks certainly raises eyebrows, but the flavours win over the judges. Carla even does the ol' "it's not good...it's great!" trick - always a classic reality judge move. And it gets us every time! 

For reigning champions Elizabeth and Juan, their Horcrux-inspired showpiece features the Hufflepuff cup, an edible version of Nagini and even rotating Basilisk fang. However, Jozef is concerned that the finishing is a bit 'messy'. Hey, wait a minute, didn't you help them make this, sir?

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## And in the end...

It is Miko and Chris's Dementor cake that takes the top prize, securing their safety for the next episode - and making them real contenders to take the all-important Wizards of Baking Cup.

As ever, we're not going to reveal who goes home here... but it is definitely emotional. 

Next week, the remaining teams hit Dumbledore's Office - and must make their biggest, most challenging showpieces yet! Come join us next week for more kitchen hi-jinks!

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__Spell-binding new competition series Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking to launch exclusively on Prime Video in the UK and Ireland on 17th December.__

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)

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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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!

The Charlie Weasley wordsearch

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and the Goblet of Fire

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Every time Hagrid reminded us of Sagittarius energy

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Hagrid and Buckbeak standing in a clearing during a Care of Magical Creatures lesson.

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In Harry Potter’s world, there’s Divination, Astronomy and prophecies – all used to make sense of the mysteries of the universe and the great beyond. But what about astrology? We know Professor Trelawney did touch upon it, but do any of our favourite characters happen to display personality traits that are unique to their star sign?

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Well, we thought it would be fun to find out! As it is Sagittarius season, we’re looking at Harry’s first wizarding friend, Hagrid. Of course, any similarities may be a total coincidence. We’ll leave that up to you to decide. Why not share this with your Sagittarius friends and see what they think?

## Honest 
If [Hagrid](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/rubeus-hagrid) was anything, it was honest – possibly too honest. ‘I shouldn’ta said that’ was pretty much his catchphrase. And *that* part of him is similar to the personality traits of those who fall under this zodiac sign.

According to astrologers, Sagittarians have no filter. They are unfailingly honest – even when they shouldn’t be. You won’t get a more honest (or blunt) opinion than one from someone born during Sagittarius season. Their love of the truth also extends to those around them. They are honest, expect the same back and can sniff out a lie a from a mile away. That definitely applies to this chatty gamekeeper.

Remember the time he accidentally told Harry, Ron and Hermione how to get past Fluffy? He probably should have kept that quiet. Or the time he took Harry to see the dragons before the first [Triwizard](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/triwizard-tournament) task? Helpful, but something he should have kept close to his chest. Or even the time he sat Harry and Ron down and plainly told them they should treat Hermione better. That was the brutal honesty they needed. 


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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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and the Philosopher's Stone 

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## Optimistic 
If you want someone who always views the world in a glass-half-full way, then look no further than a Sagittarian. They are the optimists of the zodiac. They eschew negativity, always try to see the good in a person or situation and don’t let the Muggles get them down. 

He might have had his tearful moments (where his oversized hanky came in handy), but at his core, we would call Hagrid an optimist. We would particularly say that when it came to seeing the best in all magical creatures. Whether that was being confident he could raise a [Norwegian Ridgeback](/fact-file/creatures/norwegian-ridgeback) in a tiny cottage, trying to find the beauty in a Blast-Ended Skrewt or seeing the best in [Aragog](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/aragog) the deadly Acromantula, Hagrid always saw the best in his beastly friends – even when they might not deserve it. 

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## Adventurous 
Hagrid? Adventurous? Surely not. Those were our first thoughts too. Hagrid was part of the Hogwarts furniture. He was there in his cabin at the edge of the Forbidden Forest where he took pleasure in everyday things such as baking or tending to the grounds of Hogwarts. Yet, we think Hagrid did have an adventurous streak and we we’ll happily explain why.

Sagittarians are free-spirited. They love to explore new horizons and are always looking for their next escapade. If you want someone to go travelling with, then we think a Sagittarius would be the perfect fit. 

Remember the time that Hagrid and [Madame Maxime](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/olympe-maxime) were sent on a mission to try and win over the giants? Pretty adventurous if you ask us. They took off to explore somewhere they had never been before. They undertook a task which had many unknown factors and many risks. Plus, the adventure didn’t end there. Hagrid ended up starting a whole new one when he brough his half-brother Grawp to live in the [Forbidden Forest](/fact-file/locations/the-forbidden-forest). He might have tended to be a homebody, but this half-giant definitely had a free-spirited side.

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## Animal lover
If you are looking for the Doctor Doolittle of the zodiac, you’ve found them, it’s Sagittarians. Those born during this zodiac season are animal-whisperers. They have a kinship with all things fluffy, scaly and feathery. This is why you can quite often find your Sagittarius friends drawn to career paths that are rooted in nature. Now *this* fits Hagrid perfectly.

We don’t think anyone would disagree that Hagrid had an affinity with all sorts of weird, wonderful and deadly creatures. He respected every single one, from the humble Flobberworm to the majestic [Hippogriff](/fact-file/creatures/hippogriff) and he even managed to make friends with an Acromantula. Like many Sagittarians, his career was devoted to these creatures – you would never come across a more enthusiastic [Care of Magical Creature](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/care-of-magical-creatures)s teacher. Animals were his life and that is something he shares with this zodiac sign.

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Hagrid sat outside of his hut playing the flute. Fang is lying on the grass in front of him.

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## Generous 
Kind, giving and an excellent friend, these are just three words to describe the Sagittarians in your life. This star sign is known to be generous, whether that’s with time, possessions, advice or even money. Sagittarians are always happy to do you a favour and will always hold space for you.

Hagrid was as generous as they come. From the moment he met Harry, he took him under his wing and cared for him in a way that the Dursleys never did. Not only was he a generous gift-giver (he never forgot Harry’s birthday or Christmas and was the reason [Hedwig](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hedwig) was in his life), but he was also generous with his time. His [hut](/fact-file/locations/hagrids-hut) was a safe refuge for Harry, Ron and Hermione. He always had a mug of tea, an inedible rock cake and a rather large ear waiting for them. No matter what they needed from him, Hagrid was there. He was the epitome of kindness and the generous father figure that Harry had so desperately needed when he joined the wizarding world.

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The Hagrid's pets crossword

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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Debate club: Was Bill Weasley too cool for school or a secret square?

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

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## Bill was actually a square
You know what they say, appearances can be deceiving and that applies to [Bill Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/bill-weasley). Yes, he might have had the earring and ponytail that made him appear ‘edgy’. Yet, that was all a façade, the real Bill was rather square. Though we would like to point out that there’s nothing wrong with being a square – often it makes you a rather good role model. 

Speaking of role models, let us debunk the rebel air he likes to exude with just two words – [Head Boy](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/head-boy-or-head-girl). Now *that* is a position given to people who are excellent examples to look up to. The type that tries hard at school, follows the rules and have a Hermione Granger-esque vibe. Bill held that position during his time at Hogwarts and his family were very proud, but it probably doesn’t really help with his ‘cool guy’ image. Especially if you look at the other Weasley who held that position, [Percy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/percy-weasley). We don’t think we need to say any more than that. 

Then there’s Bill’s job. His role may have seemed glamourous on the surface – even we admit that being a Curse-Breaker seems rather daring. However, who did Bill work for? [Gringotts](/fact-file/locations/gringotts). Yes, Bill worked for a bank. There’s nothing devil-may-care about working for such a stuffy institution – even a wizarding one. Banks are proper, formal and require you to be smartly dressed. It is not exactly a fit for someone who likes to be considered the cat’s pyjamas.

To have that job, you also have to study hard, do well in all of your exams and excel in probably one of the trickiest subjects offered at [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) – Arithmancy. The wizarding school system might not teach maths in the Muggle way, but we would say this is the closest wizarding alternative. While it is very impressive that Bill Weasley had a flair for such a complex subject, numbers hardly have a rockstar reputation. 

Ultimately, you can have all the piercings, you can have the trendy haircut but that doesn’t necessarily make you cool. Like Bill, you can appear cool on the surface but if you dig a little deeper you will find that secret nerd. But you know what… being cool is overrated. Do you really want people to judge you based on your dragon-hide boots being trendy or would you rather they judged you for on the content of your character? For Bill, that was an intelligent role model who knew the value of hard work and a good education. We’d take that any day.

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## Bill was actually pretty cool 
Alright, before we get into this – here’s a question. What is ‘cool’ anyway? Isn’t the mere act of being ‘cool’ subjective? Isn’t ‘cool’ a state of mind? It’s not the hairstyle or the avant-garde jewellery or any other quiddities that makes someone cool – it’s the confidence they have in the first place to pull all that off. That’s what ‘cool’ is – it’s about the way you carry yourself, that self-belief, the interior, not the exterior. 

The more we learn about Bill, the more it seemed apparent that he was feeling it both ways. And that can be tough when you’re the eldest son out of seven siblings. All eyes are on you to set the example. For Bill, that meant all the trimmings: [Prefect](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/prefect), Head Boy, cushty job at Gringotts bank. It’s funny seeing [Molly](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley) interact with Bill – grappling with that cognitive dissonance; her son has a top brass career and an impressive air of responsibility, but if only he would get a haircut... But as Bill says himself, nobody cares what he looks like at work, as long as he brings home plenty of treasure. 

Why can’t ‘being good at your job’ be deemed just as cool as your dress-sense? Bill was great as what he did, and very matter-of-fact about it. We’d wager that no-nonsense attitude was the thing that led him to be an influential force on the rest of his siblings, rather than becoming a point of ridicule, like Percy.

So why did the Weasley twins target Percy and not Bill, who was also a Prefect and Head Boy? Again, it’s all about self-assurance. We’ve argued before that Percy was spurred by his insecurities [which we believe ended up manifesting as a snooty attitude](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/percy-weasley-pompous-prat-or-relatable-overachiever). For Bill, he seemed comfortable being smart and rocking the badge that came with it.

Although we didn’t see Bill’s Hogwarts days – we could compare him to [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) – who was often bullied for her ‘swotty’ behaviour. Even [Professor Snape](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/severus-snape) famously called her an 'insufferable know-it-all’ despite being an actual teacher. But usually, when kids are making fun of others for being overly studious, it’s from a place of self-doubt within themselves. And that’s not very cool, is it?

Some would say it’s simply off-putting behaviour to be a try-hard. But our argument here is that Bill and Hermione weren’t try-hards... they just tried! Hard! Whereas Percy found the need to brag about it. Hermione’s love of learning and constant visits to the library would eventually bag her a date with another cool character, Quidditch superstar [Viktor Krum](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/viktor-krum), He knew exactly what we’re talking about!

And that brings us back to Bill. We reckon it wasn’t the fang earring or those fancy boots that made him cool, but the combination of all of it. Here was a wizard who didn’t seem phased about what people thought of him: he sought to be his best self and encouraged others to thrive too. And that is very, very cool. 

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The Bill Weasley wordsearch

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

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## Griphook returns! 

In our second episode, our baking teams were taken to explore the majestic [Gringotts Wizarding Bank set](https://www.harrypotter.com/news/first-look-at-gringotts-wizarding-bank-set-at-warner-bros-studio-tour-london) at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - enjoying its opulent architecture, detailed goblins and... Warwick Davis?! 

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Yes, the Harry Potter legend came to visit the teams this week to observe their Gringotts-inspired bakes. Warwick played not one, not two, but three roles across the eight Harry Potter movies, including Professor Flitwick - but most pertinently for this episode - the prickly [Griphook](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/griphook-fact-file): a goblin Gringotts worker, who gets caught up in Harry's adventures.

From handling gold to judging gold-standard cakes... how will Warwick fair with our baking experts, who must create delicious showstoppers framed around the themes of the Wizarding Bank?

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## Baking duels

And this time around, there is a twist! The teams will partake in 'baking duels' (well, they can't be as messy as [Snape](https://www.harrypotter.com/collections/severus-snape) facing off [Lockhart](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/gilderoy-lockhart) in Duelling Club...) having their showstopping desserts judged head-to-head with select other teams. In different groups, the teams are tasked with creating three-feet high cakes full of surprises, including an enchanting effect inspired by the spell, Revelio, with the risk of going home if they do not succeed in their 'duel'. 

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## Beyond the cakes 

While the bakers set about preparing their showstoppers, we learnt a little more about the contestant's backstories. Miko reveals his background as a painter, a skill he has taken into his baking ("cakes are my canvas") while Juan reveals he was going to be a doctor before pivoting to this very different life! 

We're also seeing that Lisa is becoming the joker of the group. When asked how her cake was going (inspired by the underground Gringotts cart sequence from *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2*) there could only be one answer: "on track!" 

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## A vault with a fault

But it's all fun and games until someone's bake starts going wrong... poor Ricardo found himself having a literal meltdown in the kitchen when his chocolate bank vault started losing shape. 

Meanwhile, Zoe and Jordan were having similar struggles with their showpiece, trying to perfect the details on the chandeliers we see in the Gringotts' main hallway on time. 

"I'm in beaded hell!" Jordan admitted.

Thankfully, the finished piece came out absolutely beautifully. If it was us, we would've probably cried at our kitchen counters, but hey, that's just us.

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## Showstopper of the episode 

We hate to pick favourites, but one of the particular highlights of the episode was Elizabeth and Juan's 'Teller's Desk' cake, complete with a smoking dragon and magically wriggling quills. Oh, and it had champagne in it - which always, always helps. 

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## Glimmering details

But it wasn't just this particular piece that had our mouths watering. In fact, we were imagining *goblin* a lot of these cakes up. 

From chocolate jewels to golden skulls, the bakers once again excelled themselves with some of the finer nuances of their creations. We particularly enjoyed the easter egg of capturing Vault 687 here - eagle-eyed Potter experts will know all too well that's Harry's number! 

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Once again, we're not going to spoil the ending for you here on which team got eliminated... but suffice to say it was a tough decision for judges Carla and Josef. After consuming all that sugar, how could you possibly send anyone home? 

Alas, one team did indeed have to respectfully withdraw (yes, that's another banking joke) - but at least they got to impress Warwick Davis before they left. 

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

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In our third episode, our contestants' concoctions are inspired by magical shops - from [Ollivander's](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/locations/ollivanders) wand shop to [Flourish & Blotts.](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/locations/flourish-and-blotts) And if that wasn't difficult enough - each bake must include an interactive element to wow the judges. 

But that's not all! Inspired by the Doubling Curse (or you might know the [Duplication Charm](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/spells/the-duplication-charm)), the teams must also create 50 small desserts to go alongside their showpieces!  

If the stakes couldn't get any higher, this week, it's not just the judges who will be dictating the teams' future in the competition: a tribe of Harry Potter superfans will be coming along to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to help vote for their favourites! 

Lisa, who is tasked with creating a Weasley's Wizard Wheezes dessert, sums up the situation beautifully: "I feel like the inside of the Weasley store is what it's like inside of my brain." 

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## Stiff competition

As last week's winners of the Gringotts challenge, Elizabeth and Juan find themselves with an extra advantage. Gifted with the Petrificus Totalus card (that's the [Full-Body Bind curse](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/spells/the-full-body-bind), for the our wizarding world novices, out there) the pair have the power to freeze one member of ALL opposing teams for ten minutes at the opportune moment. What evil fun! During the freeze, poor Lisa resorts to interpretive dance to boost the spirits. 

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## Opulent shops

As ever, our bakers set about building their magical creations. With Flourish & Blotts as their theme, Zoe and Jordan design delicious looking books, conscious they were in the bottom three last episode. 

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Hemu & Riccardo are tasked with recreating Ollivander's wand shop, complete with chocolate wands and multiple sponge layers, to replicate the bountiful array of boxes you find in the wandmaker's dusty dwelling.

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