1. If a ghost is in the vicinity, it can turn flames blue
They also cause the temperature to drop, especially if there are a number of them congregated in one area. Oh, and we wouldn’t recommend walking through a ghost – unless you like the sensation of being plunged into ice-cold water.
2. The Department of Mysteries contains a room of floating human brains
If that’s not creepy enough, these brains are also not afraid to attack those who come into contact with them, as Ron Weasley unfortunately discovered.
3. Hogwarts is the most haunted dwelling in Britain
Whilst the Shrieking Shack might give off some seriously haunted vibes (thanks to a certain young werewolf using it as his base during the full moon), Hogwarts castle is where you will find the most imprints of departed souls…
4. Unlike ghosts, a poltergeist is a spirit that has never been truly alive
Which means Peeves just popped into being one day ready to cause chaos and become the future bane of Filch’s life. Apt when you consider poltergeist is German in origin and roughly translates as ‘noisy ghost’.
5. The only thing that can stop an Inferius is fire
As Inferi are corpses that have been reanimated thanks to a Dark wizard’s curse, they are preserved indefinitely by that awful magic. Yet, no spell has been discovered that stops dead flesh from burning. So, Inferi are enchanted by their master to avoid flames at all cost.
6. Avoid dining as part of a table of 13
Well, according to Sybill Trelawney that is. Apparently, if 13 people dine together, the first one to get up from the table will be the first one to die – best off sticking to even numbers then.
7. There’s a living shadow that eats humans in their sleep
That shadow is called a Lethifold, that likes to smother then devour you as you slumber. While it may be tempting to sleep with one eye open from now on, you might be alright if you cast the Patronus Charm – the only spell known to have driven one away.
8. Let’s hope you don’t spot a Grim
These giant, spectral dogs like to haunt churchyards. If that’s not scary enough, they also are omens of death. Ron’s uncle Bilius saw one once and, you guessed it, died. Though, if it makes you feel better, Hermione will tell you that was just a coincidence.
9. Vampires do exist in the wizarding world
We even met one at the Slug Club Christmas party. Remember Sanguini? The vampire with a rather hungry look in his eye? Speaking of vampires… yes, Snape might have had a bat-like appearance and a fondness for a gothic palette, but he was not a vampire – despite the rumours.
10. Thestrals appear to only those who have seen death
These skeletal, winged horses only appear to those who have seen death and understand it – like Luna Lovegood and Harry Potter. However, it is a rather unfortunate reputation as they’re actually quite good-natured.
11. Watch your emotions very carefully
Like poltergeists, Boggarts are weird non-beings that just appear in the wizarding world. They seem to be generated and sustained by human emotions and those who are more fearful are more susceptible to them… so positive vibes only!
12. Drink unicorn blood at your peril
Firstly, it would take someone supremely evil (like a certain Dark wizard with a snake-like nose) to kill a creature as majestic as a unicorn. But if they do, they better not drink their blood. Granted, it will keep them alive even if they are a whisker from death, but that life will be cursed half-life – no thank you!
13. If you’re feeling as tired and full of despair, look around for a Pogrebin
This small Russian demon is a rather nasty little creature. It will follow a person and fill them with terrible feelings until they reach their limit, fall to their knees and are then pounced upon and eaten. Although a well-placed Hex, or a hefty kick, is enough to scare them off.
