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Pick an item from the Hogwarts letter and we’ll tell you which character you’re most like 

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Diagon Alley from the Prisoner of Azkaban 

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## ‘There’s a list of everything yeh need’ 

Been a while since you last saw the Hogwarts letter? Here’s a reminder of the first-year requirements: 

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__Uniform__ 
*First-year students will require:* 
*1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)* 
*2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear* 
*3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)* 
*4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)* 
*Please note that all pupils’ clothes should carry name tags* 

__Set Books__ 
*All students should have a copy of each of the following:* 
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) *by Miranda Goshawk* 
A History of Magic *by Bathilda Bagshot* 
Magical Theory *by Adalbert Waffling* 
A Beginners’ Guide to Transfiguration *by Emeric Switch* 
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi *by Phyllida Spore* 
Magical Drafts and Potions *by Arsenius Jigger* 
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them *by Newt Scamander* 
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection *by Quentin Trimble* 

__Other Equipment__ 
*1 wand* 
*1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)* 
*1 set glass or crystal phials* 
*1 telescope* 
*1 set brass scales* 
 
*Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad* 
 
*PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST-YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS*

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Memory refreshed and item picked? Then let’s begin…  

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## If *The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)* is your go-to, you’re most like Hermione Granger  

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If you skimmed straight past the uniform section to the set books list, then it’s pretty safe to say that a thirst for knowledge is your source of magic. Like the smart, studious Hermione, you don’t just jump into things feet first. You take the time to understand the logic and theory behind your actions. We reckon, like Hermione, you genuinely *love* a good study session. With the library or your local book shop as your happy place, you devour the written word like Ron devoured the Hogwarts feasts, soaking up every ounce of wisdom for later use.  Hermione’s ravenous reading got the trio out of a lot of scrapes over the years, after all. There may be more to life than books and cleverness, but it’s a good place to start!  

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## You’re most like Draco Malfoy if you are partial to a new set of robes 

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Draco Malfoy with his hands on his hips, looking defiant in the Slytherin Common Room of Hogwarts castle.

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If a trip to Madam Malkin’s for fresh new robes would be first on your agenda, you understand the power of a first impression. You could be the most clever or talented person in the room, but if you can’t make an impact, who will remember you? If you don’t leave the house before doing a good fit check, then we think you’re most like Draco Malfoy. Never seen looking anything less than sharp, there’s no way Malfoy would have arrived at Hogwarts in tatty attire. Like Draco, you’re the trendsetter of your friend group, making sure that your appearance matches your aura; charismatic with a little bit of edge. Yes, you might have a taste for the finer things, but why shouldn’t you? It’s only because you want your style to reflect your main character status.    

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## Can’t wait to bring an owl, cat, or toad to school? You’re most like Hagrid 

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

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 

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and the Philosopher's Stone 

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Never mind all the mandatory books and equipment. You’re much more excited at the prospect of purchasing a new pet! If an animal companion is an essential rather than optional part of your life, then of course you are most like our favourite Hogwarts gamekeeper Hagrid. You’ve been known to make your pets your entire personality, understanding creatures in a way that no-one else can. Work is an inconvenient distraction from your real passion; looking after your furry, feathery or scaly best friend. Like Hagrid, you’d risk anything for your pet (even a prison sentence) because if you won’t protect them, who will? Friends come and go, but your loyal fur baby is your ride-or-die. A word to the wise – you may want to put protective gloves next on your list. Some owls can nip!  

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## You’re most like the measured Professor McGonagall if you picked brass scales  

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McGonagall at her desk from the Chamber of Secrets 

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Reading, looking sharp, and having pets is all very well and good… But how can you put your newly found knowledge to practise without the correct equipment, like brass scales? Disciplined but fair like McGonagall, you understand that if something is going to be done, it’s got to be done properly. You can’t abide sloppiness in any form, as it leads down a slippery slope to silly mistakes. No, like the meticulous McGonagall, you find comfort in precision. If you make a cake, you follow the recipe to a tee; if you learn a new language, your pronunciation is impeccable; if you come across someone you don’t like, you hold your own but you’re always polite. Life can get overwhelming sometimes, but that’s no excuse to abandon a sense of decency and decorum. Oh, and if someone oversteps the mark, you’ll be sure to let them know…  

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## If the wand caught your eye, you’re most like Harry Potter  

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Choosing the right wand (or more correctly, the wand choosing you) is arguably the most important moment in a wizard’s magical journey. At its core, a wand is an instrument of power, capable of great and terrible things. If you’d be heading straight to Ollivanders on receiving your Hogwarts letter, then you’re yearning to discover your full potential – just like the curiously talented Harry Potter. As the ‘Chosen One,’ Harry had to deal with a level of fame that could go to anyone’s head, but he remained focussed on using his natural magical talent for good. We think you, like Harry, would forgo the easiest path for the one that’s right. As his mentor Dumbledore would say: 

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.

How to have your very own Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 25th anniversary celebration

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## First things first, why not see the magic on the big screen? 
![HP-F1-philosophers-stone-dumbledore-baby-harry-privet-drive-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5wexkbsYVwMSM8rRfUGI0G/56a0631de075bc6e345f03fc3141fa2a/HP-F1-philosophers-stone-dumbledore-baby-harry-privet-drive-web-landscape)

From the moment [Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) first appeared in [Privet Drive](/fact-file/locations/number-four-privet-drive), we knew that the Harry Potter films were going to be something special. Honestly, we still get emotional remembering what it was like to see [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) on screen for the first time. With that in mind, what better way would there be to celebrate the anniversary of the first film than recreating that extra-special cinema experience?

Luckily, over the Back to Hogwarts period, the sounds of ‘Yer a wizard, Harry’ will be ringing out in cinemas around the world as *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* will make a return to the silver screen. Grab your popcorn, your nearest and dearest and go back to where the magic began.

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## You need to embrace the nostalgia 

Speaking of heading back in time, with it being almost a quarter of a century since the first film came out, it’s safe to say that the world we live in now looks rather different to how it did back then. Which is why we think another brilliant way to celebrate the anniversary would be to embrace the warmth and nostalgia of the world of Harry Potter.

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## Remember this?
![HP-F1-philosophers-stone-harry-ron-hermione-hogwarts-express-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4Lx4yGQ3W0daVknu7ayizS/d386272ff997df7578c175fb8b912ef8/HP-F1-philosophers-stone-harry-ron-hermione-hogwarts-express-web-landscape)

Whether you have been here since the beginning or discovered the wonder of the wizarding world more recently, now is the time to reacquaint yourself with what makes this story special.

![New vignette June 2026 Portrait Maker promo - 25th Anniversary](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6WN9o7Z1AsKhcAxJKSDRsC/458aec8269be1db1d96e25828c63b8fc/New_vignette_June_2026_Portrait_Maker_promo_-_25th_Anniversary.png)
One excellent way to do this would be to browse all of our 25th anniversary content right here on HarryPotter.com! From giving your Portrait a special celebratory makeover to playing our first film-themed quizzes to taking a deep dive into our articles where you can uncover behind-the-secrets and so much more – an ideal starting point for your journey.

![HP-F1-philosophers-stone-hagrid-bringing-baby-harry-to-privet-drive-motorbike-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/24eBdTSLYqsSLLUZwteyRW/b0a2285e3dcbef1dae1eeae89633c963/HP-F1-philosophers-stone-hagrid-bringing-baby-harry-to-privet-drive-motorbike-web-landscape)
In fact, we will be celebrating across all our channels! If you are old enough, look out for some excellent *Philosopher’s Stone* moments over on our social media. In particular, if you were a big fan of the original Harry Potter video games (that [Hagrid](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/rubeus-hagrid) face still haunts our dreams) keep your eyes peeled as we revisit some of their best moments over the coming months.

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## Go behind-the-scenes

The Harry Potter films didn’t just *happen*. It took the hard work, creativity and talent of hundreds of people to bring it to life on the big screen. The anniversary is a brilliant moment to reflect on that journey and to explore all the extra behind-the-scenes secrets.

![podcast-107-still-rhianna-close-homepage-hero-mobile](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4Beu05zOCsBZDE7alw59RZ/788ee1c0ce5b22e327ad78344711007a/podcast-107-still-rhianna-close-homepage-hero-mobile.jpg)
The perfect place to remember where it all started? The [first official Harry Potter podcast](https://www.harrypotter.com/news/watch-the-trailer-for-harry-potter-the-official-film-podcast)! Join host Rhianna Dhillon on a heartfelt, funny and insightful rewatch of all eight Harry Potter films, alongside co-hosts from across the entertainment world. That’s not all, each episode features exclusive behind‑the‑scenes guests who reveal exactly what it took to bring the wizarding world to the big screen.

![WBSTL-first-year-at-hogwarts-summer-feature-great-hall-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/14OHLDKPbvqvExPezY8U81/5f42866d715b0fda41b036d6bf2a2f5a/WBSTL-first-year-at-hogwarts-summer-feature-great-hall-web-landscape.jpg)
Or if you are looking for a real-life experience, then we would suggest heading to [Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter](https://www.harrypotter.com/linkout?destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wbstudiotour.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffirst-year-at-hogwarts%2F%20%3Futm_source%3Dwwd_web%26utm_medium%3Dnewsarticle%26utm_campaign%3DTR%26utm_content%3D25th-anniversary-celebration) for their fantastic summer feature. Aptly named First Year at Hogwarts, this feature showcases iconic moments, costumes and props from the first film that will allow you to feel just as [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) did when he first walked the halls of Hogwarts.

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## Why not throw your own 25th anniversary party?

Over here, we love a good Harry Potter party and think that the anniversary is an excellent excuse to dust off our glad rags and throw a spectacular soiree! However, actually planning a party can be rather daunting, so we’ve got a few helpful hints to make this one magic.

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## Find your ideal theme

First things first, no party is complete without a theme. You might be wondering isn’t the first film a theme by itself? Yes, absolutely! You could definitely throw the most memorable event based on the film in its entirety. However, as the wizarding world is so vast and varied, it would be equally cool to home in on one element or theme from the film.

![HP-F1-sorting-ceremony-students-great-hall-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2Ub5Iulp4tF2CxS1k1DZNT/1d6083622ef690688bf0b81caa847977/HP-F1-sorting-ceremony-students-great-hall-web-landscape.jpg)
Why not lean into the idea of Harry’s first [Sorting Ceremony](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-sorting-ceremony) and encourage a bit of friendly house rivalry? You could decorate your party space with the house colours and mascots, come dressed as your favourite character from your house and even sort all of your friends into their houses!

![HP-F1-harry-looking-at-hogwarts-letter-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/txYmSmIhvlJ6nZHnPrQzl/805e5f9798f91e0875a514ebf6a03d9d/HP-F1-harry-looking-at-hogwarts-letter-web-landscape.jpg)
With this being a celebration of the first film and Harry’s first year at Hogwarts, we think it would be fun to take the idea of ‘firsts’ one step further and centre everything on Harry’s first experiences of the wizarding world – like sending your guests their [very own personalised Hogwarts Letter](https://www.harrypotter.com/linkout?destination=https%3A%2F%2Fharrypottershop.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fpersonalised-hogwarts-acceptance-letter%3Futm_source%3Dwwd_web%26utm_medium%3Dnewsarticle%26utm_campaign%3DShop%26utm_content%3D25th-anniversary-celebration).\*

![HP-F1-philosophers-stone-harry-hermione-devils-snare-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5QvxBkoeDBnsmxYxye7xO/5ac2509a9e8a7e848a5f181e1a1e7a89/HP-F1-philosophers-stone-harry-hermione-devils-snare-web-landscape)
Or add an extra splash of excitement to the proceedings with a ‘Through the Trapdoor’ inspired party – complete with all sorts of weird and wonderful games based on the trials that the trio faced.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/XdGkaTi6Yio?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>

Honestly, there is so much to dig into. If you need more inspiration, we think taking a look at our 25th anniversary compilation will help to get your creativity flowing.

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## Craft the perfect decorations 

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Once you have settled on your theme, it’s time to make your vision a reality with some excellent decorations! For those who are fans of the homemade, why not put your crafting skills to the test and relive the moment Harry saw Hogwarts for the first time by building your very own [magical castle](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/create-your-very-own-hogwarts-castle)? Just imagine the looks on your guests faces as they see your stunning recreation.  

![BOOKMARK-header-image](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3fT5pudQdaRsDjqpTZZLOB/f34639da5a4148c1291e9c4daab3c2e7/bookmark_4.png)
Or perhaps you want to take inspiration from the end of year celebrations from the first film and fill every surface with your homemade house banners and colours. [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) may have won in *Philosopher’s Stone* but that doesn’t mean your party couldn’t be a celebration of every house! You could even make these fun [Hogwarts house bookmarks](https://www.harrypotter.com/features/make-your-own-hogwarts-house-bookmarks) for each of your guests. 

![HP-Shop-25th-anniversary-products-weblandscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1lxv2Ko1aZ5FX7VZrSGdnN/046e1616063e043c04e7bcbbd5760797/HP-Shop-25th-anniversary-products-weblandscape.jpg)
Making your own decorations isn’t for everyone! If you don’t fancy getting crafty, there are still plenty of brilliant ways you can decorate your party. From the [Hogwarts trunk inspired jewellery box](https://www.harrypotter.com/linkout?destination=https%3A%2F%2Fharrypottershop.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fhogwarts-trunk-jewellery-box%3Futm_source%3Dwwd_web%26utm_medium%3Dnewsarticle%26utm_campaign%3DShop%26utm_content%3D25th-anniversary-celebration) to the adorable mini [Mirror of Erised](https://www.harrypotter.com/linkout?destination=https%3A%2F%2Fharrypottershop.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fmirror-of-erised-mini%3Futm_source%3Dwwd_web%26utm_medium%3Dnewsarticle%26utm_campaign%3DShop%26utm_content%3D25th-anniversary-celebration), our friends over at the Harry Potter Shop have some excellent 25th anniversary goodies to inspire you. \* 

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## It’s all fun and games

Every party needs entertainment and your 25th anniversary shindig is no exception! There are so many ways you can add a wizarding twist – here are just a few ideas for inspiration.

![HP-F1-harry-hermione-raised-hand-classroom-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4CG5OnlYAkMj0X6I4QhtAr/a7fc7deb95e7be6255d3f22dd97428e1/HP-F1-harry-hermione-raised-hand-classroom-web-landscape.jpg)
You could host the film quiz to end all film quizzes and find out who truly is the biggest Harry Potter expert among your nearest and dearest. Add a bit of rivalry by trying to win points for your houses. Don’t forget to check out our quizzes, such as our [*Philosopher’s Stone* opening lines quiz](https://www.harrypotter.com/quiz/do-you-know-these-characters-opening-lines-from-the-first-harry-potter-film), to help create your questions!

![HP-F1-philosophers-stone-harry-birthday-cake-closeup-wand-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5YiBHchbx8emWtxGHXyuw3/1f18de6b74f85f6e32c17f739097a7a8/HP-F1-philosophers-stone-harry-birthday-cake-closeup-wand-web-landscape)
The moment that Hagrid burst onto our screen with Harry’s pink and green birthday cake will always be iconic. Pay homage to that moment by having your own mini bake-off inspired by Hagrid’s colourful creation.

![HP-F1-fluffy-the-three-headed-dog-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1gKK2HZ2UVVrXSZqNIaHTx/9aa416db7d1f73ab414079f40cef1203/HP-F1-fluffy-the-three-headed-dog-web-landscape__1_.jpg)
Plus, you can’t go wrong with the basics. For example, swap your very [Muggle](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ for the very magical (and trickier) ‘pin the heads on [Fluffy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fluffy-fact-file)’.

![HP-Shop-25th-anniversary-pin-set-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2odRZ4gniMfVxsOYWaFvzq/9500b109bc2ecf428dfb118d3ac298bd/HP-Shop-25th-anniversary-pin-set-web-landscape.jpg)
All games need prizes and your anniversary party is no exception! Once again, the Harry Potter Shop have just the thing! We think this exclusive [Limited Edition Philosopher’s Stone Icon Mini Pin Set](https://www.harrypotter.com/linkout?destination=https%3A%2F%2Fharrypottershop.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fphilosophers-stone-icon-mini-pin-set%3Futm_source%3Dwwd_web%26utm_medium%3Dnewsarticle%26utm_campaign%3DShop%26utm_content%3D25th-anniversary-celebration) is perfect. You could give each pin away to each of your winning friends. \*

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## Or perhaps a cosy evening in is required?

For the introverts among you, the idea of a raucous party might fill you with dread. Never fear! That’s not the only way you can have your own celebration. You can commemorate this historic anniversary in an equally meaningful way with your own cosy evening in.

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## Create the perfect atmosphere and rewatch with your nearest and dearest 

![HP-F1-hermione-common-room-sitting-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/30rmIgaLUaBnWaCaVK5Lcp/1162ef8d5b6fa2ae5a14e73a607e6dd9/HP-F1-hermione-common-room-sitting-web-landscape.jpg)
Why not get together with those who are closest to you and have your own watch party at home complete with cosy blankets and your favourite snacks. You don’t just have to stop at the first film, [with all eight streaming on HBO Max](https://www.harrypotter.com/linkout?destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hbomax.com%2Fchannel%2Fharry-potter%3Futm_source%3Dwwd_web%26utm_medium%3Dnewsarticle%26utm_campaign%3DMax%26utm_content%3D25th-anniversary-celebration) you can make a real day of it and have your own Harry Potter marathon!†

![HP-Shop-25th-anniversary-collection-bear-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/21Tas5sy0W3nwM6gN0KO4P/24234ada7d20059c58a754d0a2b79d14/HP-Shop-25th-anniversary-collection-bear-web-landscape.jpg)
If you are going to settle in to watch every film, then you need to create the perfect, relaxing atmosphere. We’re thinking you wear your comfiest pyjamas, find your fluffiest slippers and add a few snuggly trinkets to make that magical ambience – like this brilliant [Harry Potter Collector's Edition Bear](https://www.harrypotter.com/linkout?destination=https%3A%2F%2Fharrypottershop.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fharry-potter-collectors-edition-bear%3Futm_source%3Dwwd_web%26utm_medium%3Dnewsarticle%26utm_campaign%3DShop%26utm_content%3D25th-anniversary-celebration) and the [Hogwarts Express Acceptance Letter Cushion](https://www.harrypotter.com/linkout?destination=https%3A%2F%2Fharrypottershop.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fhogwarts-express-acceptance-letter-cushion%3Futm_source%3Dwwd_web%26utm_medium%3Dnewsarticle%26utm_campaign%3DShop%26utm_content%3D25th-anniversary-celebration) from the Harry Potter Shop. \*

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## Spend quality time together

![lego-2026-releases-philosophers-stone-anniversary-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1uS8h3aNi2a01Hplvi3KiJ/3aee75bb3a42d186ef4defac4bd3951c/lego-2026-releases-philosophers-stone-anniversary-web-landscape.png)
You don’t just need to watch *Philosopher’s Stone* to have a cosy 25th anniversary celebration. It’s also the perfect opportunity to spend time together as a family and bond over a shared activity. With details such as the first LEGO® Hedwig snowy owl figure with closed wings, a replica Philosopher’s Stone and a movable Queen of the wizard chess board (among many more surprises), we think there would be no better place to start than with the [Harry Potter Philosopher's Stone – Collectors' Edition](https://www.harrypotter.com/linkout?destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lego.com%2Fen-gb%2Fproduct%2Fsorcerers-stone-collectors-edition-76466%3Futm_source%3Dwwd_web%26utm_medium%3Dnewsarticle%26utm_campaign%3D3rdEcomm%26utm_content%3D25th-anniversary-celebration) from The LEGO Group®. ** 

Most importantly, however you decide to celebrate the 25th anniversary of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*… don’t forget to have fun. 

***  

Looking for more 25th anniversary vibes? From deep dives to quizzes, you can find it all [on our website](https://www.harrypotter.com/). Plus, don’t forget to [sign up to our newsletter](https://www.harrypotter.com/register) for all the latest updates on this special anniversary year!

\* The Harry Potter Shop is operated by Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden Limited. Before making any purchase from the shop, please ensure that you read and are happy to agree to their terms of purchase. Any issues with your purchase should be directed to Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden Limited – you can find the [relevant contact information here](https://harrypottershop.co.uk/pages/contact-us).

\** Certain products on this website are offered by third parties. Before purchasing those items, you will need to agree to the third party’s purchase terms and conditions. Please ensure you read their terms and conditions before making any purchase. Any issues with your purchase should be directed to the relevant third party.

† HBO Max subscription required. Content varies by plan. Not all content available at launch. [HBO Max Terms of Use](https://www.hbomax.com/terms-of-use) apply. 18+. *© Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved*.

Who receives a Hogwarts acceptance letter?

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## If your name isn’t in the Book, you won’t be going to Hogwarts

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Quill of Acceptance and Book of Admittance

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There’s only one process for deciding who gets into Hogwarts and that judgement is not made by a human… but by a book and a quill instead. Up in one of the Hogwarts towers (which no student visits) sits the Book of Admittance and [Quill of Acceptance](https://www.harrypotter.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-quill-of-acceptance-and-the-book-of-admittance). It was placed there by the four Hogwarts founders when the castle was built. When a child displays magic for the very first time, the Quill (whose feather is thought to have been taken from an Augurey) rises out of its inkpot and attempts to write the name of that child in the Book. 

However, the Quill is more lenient than the Book. Where the Quill is happy to inscribe the name of a child at the first hint of magic, the Book is not so easily pleased. It will often slam shut and not allow the name to be written until the child has shown sufficient evidence that they have magic. So, unless your name is clearly in the Book… you won’t be getting a letter any time soon. 

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## Muggle-borns are told they have a Hogwarts place in person  

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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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If you were a Muggle-born and you received the acceptance letter, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was nothing more than a practical joke. The staff at Hogwarts certainly recognise that risk. So, when a child of Muggle parentage turns out to be magical, one of the teachers visits them at home and explains what the letter means in person.  

For instance, we know that when Snape and Lily were children, he told her that as she was magical and from a Muggle family, she should expect a visit from a teacher. We also know that [Tom Riddle](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort), despite being half-blood, was paid a visit by Albus Dumbledore, as he had been living separate to the wizarding world in a Muggle orphanage.  

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## Squibs don’t receive acceptance letters 
Hogwarts has a perfect record for not admitting [Squibs](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/magical-miscellany/squibs) to Hogwarts… well the Book of Admittance and Quill of Acceptance do at least. There has only ever been one Squib to make it as far as the Sorting Hat and that young fellow was Angus Buchanan.  

Angus was a Scottish lad from a wizarding family and one of eleven children. While all his brothers and sisters were magical, Angus turned out to be a Squib. Gentle, kind and well-loved by his siblings, they tried to cover up Angus’s lack of magical ability from their parents – who would not be understanding. When he turned 11 and no Hogwarts letter arrived, his sister Flora forged one and his brother Hamish flew him to the school on the back of a broomstick. Angus made it as far as the [Sorting Hat](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/objects/the-sorting-hat), but once he placed it upon his head the jig was up. The Sorting Hat gently announced that Angus, as lovely as he was, displayed no magical ability. Angus left in tears and no Squib has ever made it that far since.  

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But don’t worry! There is a happy ending to Angus’s tale. Though his parents kicked him out, he soon found a place in the Muggle world and ended up becoming a member of the Scottish rugby team. In 1871, when he stepped out onto the pitch to play his first international match against England, he looked up and saw the faces of his 10 brothers and sisters. After that, he reconnected to his wizarding roots, releasing an autobiography entitled My Life As A Squib. The book was a huge success, wizards started to turn up to watch him play rugby and when he died, he was celebrated by both the Muggle and wizarding worlds. He was admired as a role model for making the most out of a bad situation… and every year Hogwarts awards a student with the Angus Buchanan Cup for Outstanding Effort. 

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## Writing to Dumbledore didn’t help Aunt Petunia… 
Being the non-magical sibling of a Muggle-born witch or wizard can’t be easy… it certainly wasn’t for [Petunia Dursley](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/petunia-dursley). Though she may have seemed like she had always despised the wizarding world – that wasn’t actually the case.

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Aunt Petunia stands back in the Privet Drive kitchen with a shocked expression on her face

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When Lily was told that she had a place at Hogwarts, Petunia was jealous, and a wedge was driven between the two sisters. Petunia even wrote to Dumbledore asking to be allowed to join the school. He wrote a very kind letter back, gently explaining that Hogwarts wasn’t the place for her. However, Petunia found this all very difficult to accept, and became resentful and angry, lashing out at her sister and calling her a freak. Though in Petunia’s defence, Lily had read the reply from Dumbledore without her sister’s permission, which only pushed Petunia further away.  

It’s strange to think, but a lot of Petunia’s spiteful personality could be explained by that rejection from Hogwarts and the wizarding world…  

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## Neville’s place at Hogwarts wasn’t always guaranteed  

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HP-F2

and the Chamber of Secrets

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It would be strange to imagine Hogwarts without [Neville](https://www.harrypotter.com/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom)… but he nearly didn’t get in. Though the Quill of Acceptance tried to write his name down the day he was born, the Book of Admittance wasn’t having it and slammed shut. Neville’s magic wasn’t the strongest and many feared he didn’t have any at all.  

When Neville was born, his mother’s midwife failed to notice that he had moved his blankets to make himself cosier – and thought his father had done it instead. In fact, all of Neville’s faint displays of magic went unnoticed. It wasn’t until he was eight years old, and his great-uncle Algie dropped him headfirst out of a window, that things changed. The fall should have killed Neville, but instead he ended up bouncing all the way down the garden and into the road, clearly displaying magic. That was the moment that the Book finally allowed Neville’s name to be written down by the Quill as it had accepted that Neville was truly a wizard. 

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

How might these characters wish Harry Potter a happy birthday?

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## Dobby
<img align="left" style="padding:10px;" src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4JEar3P1wjULn7lOsxWvVC/577e72596632c69c3c56c9b6870cf7c3/dobby-web-transparent-small-2.png">

Ignoring the *tiny* hiccup when it came to a certain 12th birthday, a sugared violet inspired pudding and a warning from the [Ministry of Magic](/fact-file/locations/the-ministry-of-magic), as [Harry Potter’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) biggest fan, you know [Dobby](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/dobby) wouldn’t simply just wish Harry Potter a happy birthday. Oh no, Dobby would use every ounce of his elfish creativity to make it the best day of Harry’s life. We can just imagine him going all out – decorations with Harry’s face everywhere! Luminous knitted socks for presents! No painful attempts involving [Bludgers](/fact-file/objects/bludger) to keep Harry Potter safe! Dobby would make sure that the whole day was dedicated to the Boy Who Lived and all eyes were firmly fixed on his idol (whether Harry appreciated it or not).

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## Luna
<img align="right" style="padding:10px;" src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3E6sBuPFiVoYnXa0HUyvc7/4c5892e5e4f09bc85c08b84412c4f7f4/luna-lovegood-small-transparent-web.png">

As one of his closest friends, [Luna](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/luna-lovegood) would be thrilled to wish Harry a happy birthday – complete with gifting him some *unique* presents… we’re thinking his own set of [Spectrespecs](/fact-file/objects/spectrespecs), Butterbeer cork necklace and a lifetimes supply of Gurdyroot Infusion (how *lovely*). That’s not all! As a lover of conspiracy theories, we’re sure Luna would have a few that related to Harry’s birthday. We’re not talking about prophecies… more why the 31st July is a significant date for the Crumple-Horned Snorkack. Or questioning if those who are born in summer are more prone to Wrackspurts. Perhaps there would be one that ties to the Rotfang Conspiracy. Anyway, Luna would make sure Harry’s birthday was wonderfully bizarre and something he would never forget.

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## Snape
<img align="left" style="padding:10px;" src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2vot23ytdNmtncd9xliraH/a1fc7f3134799f2a560c99605d6de507/severus-snape-small-transparent-web.png">

How would [Snape](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/severus-snape) wish Harry a happy birthday? Well, quite frankly he would probably think he was extremely arrogant (just like his father) for daring to have a birthday in the first place. Of course, the famous Harry Potter would use any excuse to have all eyes on him. It would probably be yet another day where he could show off his ‘Chosen One’ status – how sickening. We reckon Snape would want to bring Harry down a peg or two… a summer holiday detention and finding a way to confiscate all of his birthday presents should keep his inflated ego nicely in check.

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## Hermione
<img align="right" style="padding:10px;" src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/25DwDREjkpoMpBIOWDZJqY/9632e62cdbc8866755118c64607d34b6/hermione-small-transparent-web.png">

You know that [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) always has Harry’s best interests at heart – his birthday is no different! While she would get involved with celebrating her best friend and wish him the most heartfelt of happy birthdays, it doesn’t mean she would get lost in the whimsy of it all. You see, turning a year older is also an excellent opportunity for some practicality too. Whether it was for a birthday or Christmas, Hermione had a habit of giving gifts that were useful – like a certain talking homework planner. After all, who says you can’t have fun whilst ensuring you’ll never miss a deadline again? There’s a reason for Hermione’s ‘cleverest witch of her age’ title.

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## Molly Weasley
<img align="left" style="padding:10px;" src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2xtzxG5Da3ZmnR65v1l15Z/909c8143f35bd249f694b0ddf789bf9b/molly-weasley-small-transparent-3.png">

The moment that Harry walked into the [Weasleys’](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-weasleys) lives, [Molly](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley) accepted him as one of them – despite the fact he wasn’t ginger. She knew that Harry was a child in need of a loving family and she was more than happy to step into that role. So, when thinking about how Molly would try to make Harry’s birthday special, we reckon it would all be about the thoughtful gestures – like how she gave him her brother’s watch when he turned 17. Also, as the most excellent cook, we think it would also involve Molly making *a lot* of cake… and we mean *a lot*. After all, she was always concerned that her nearest and dearest were looking a bit ‘peaky’ and fixing that by making Harry the birthday cake to end all birthday cakes (even topping her marvellous [Snitch](/fact-file/objects/golden-snitch) creation) would be an extremely Molly thing to do.

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## Voldemort
<img align="right" style="padding:10px;" src="https://contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4wkUofgyJyXclWtj4ntQ9C/380daef3a7a2a9233e9d5efc7cebae10/voldemort-small-transparent-web.png">

[Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) wouldn’t celebrate at all. He rues the day that Harry Potter was born, so it’s safe to say he'd spend the whole day, well, rueing.

The chapter that made us fall in love with... the golden trio

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## Before the chapter
![SeverusSnape PM B1C8M2 SnapeTeachingPotions Moment](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4VcPqGNA3SMkW6sk6UookA/0635f76dc4ebd019b0f4764c980d0ea4/B1C8M2.jpg)

He may be the titular hero of the stories, but we all know that [Harry Potter](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) couldn’t have made it through all the trials and tribulations of the wizarding world without his two best friends by his side. With their distinct personalities and strengths, Harry, [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) and [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) were each brilliant characters in their own right… but together? Their friendship created its own kind of magic.

However, they weren’t instantly a solid team. Yes, Harry and Ron became friends from the minute they met but it wasn’t the same for Hermione. For quite a while she was an outsider. In fact, Harry and Ron were often at odds with the cleverest witch of her age – it all felt rather hostile. While Harry’s magical adventure had begun, he still hadn’t completely found his people.

All of this meant that when we were considering which chapter best illustrated when we fell in love with this little group, we couldn’t help but to be drawn to the moment everything changed for these three. The moment that, in our eyes, they became the golden trio.

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## Hallowe’en
![Hogwarts PM B1C10M3 TrollInBathroom Moment](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4V7Pl9aRzqkiq2oqwQg2G2/f2e247fb8781a80e222f2acbc9eda50a/Hogwarts_PM_B1C10M3_TrollInBathroom_Moment.jpg)

At the start of this chapter from the very first book, you would never believe that Harry, Ron and Hermione would ever get along. In the first few pages they bickered about *everything* from [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch) being a reward for bad behaviour, to the pronunciation of [Wingardium Leviosa](/fact-file/spells/the-levitation-charm) and Ron even managed to make Hermione cry:

‘It’s no wonder no one can stand her,’ he said to Harry as they pushed their way into the crowded corridor. ‘She’s a nightmare, honestly.’ 

Someone knocked into Harry as they hurried past him. It was Hermione. Harry caught a glimpse of her face – and was startled to see that she was in tears. 

‘I think she heard you.’

‘So?’ said Ron, but he looked a bit uncomfortable. ‘She must’ve noticed she’s got no friends.’

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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However, by the end of these pages everything had changed. It was this chapter that proved to be a turning point in their relationship… and it was all thanks to this particular moment:

Harry was just helping himself to a jacket potato when Professor Quirrell came sprinting into the Hall, his turban askew and terror on his face. Everyone stared as he reached Professor Dumbledore’s chair, slumped against the table and gasped, ‘Troll – in the dungeons – thought you ought to know.’

He then sank to the floor in a dead faint.

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The action-packed sequence full of bogies, Ron *finally* getting the Levitation Charm right and three Hogwarts students taking down a fully grown [mountain troll](/fact-file/creatures/troll) was the first time that we saw these characters work together to overcome a (literally) ginormous challenge.

*This* was the moment that they became the golden trio. The moment their lifelong bond of friendship sparked into existence. *This* was the moment they became an unbreakable team.

‘But from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend. There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.’

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## Why it matters

![marygrandpre-sorcerers-stone-magic-keys](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1UscEn9oLinllrsWnvnGhL/94cd7d0034352fd224ca909cb2dd0d20/marygrandpre-sorcerers-stone-enchanted-keys.jpg)

The trio arguably had bigger moments over the course of the series – such as saving the wizarding world from the tyranny of [Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort). Honestly? There were so many moments we could have chosen – in *Philosopher’s Stone* alone! However, it was reading about how the most important friendship of the series came together that truly struck a chord with us.

You see, it is friendship, combined with love, that makes up one of the key themes of the Harry Potter stories. Without either, how can good prevail in a world where darkness looms? This chapter zeroed in on that. You need to remember that these weren’t grown adults tackling a dangerous creature – these were children. They had to work together and trust one another to overcome this challenge, they certainly couldn’t have done it alone.

It was also the chapter that showed each of them stepping up in their own way thanks to the support of the others. It was Harry that bravely said they needed to go after Hermione. It was Ron who mastered the spell that had previously eluded him in a time of crisis. It was the moment Hermione chose to break the rules and covered for her new friends. From prickly beginnings to a unified end, it was this chapter that showed just how multifaceted these characters were, and how they encouraged each other to grow.

![HogwartsLibrary PM B1C14M1 HarryHermioneAndRonInTheLibrary Moment](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2x2S2N2CKcgoyy2Y8kWU2w/3e350efbd1fce522fa8d2a90df17425a/HogwartsLibrary_PM_B1C14M1_HarryHermioneAndRonInTheLibrary_Moment.jpg)

Finally, it also highlighted the importance of second chances and not judging a book by its cover. If Harry or Ron had refused to see Hermione as anything other than an annoying know-it-all or she had refused to budge on her view of the pair being exasperating troublemakers – who knows what that could have meant for their future? Without these three becoming friends, we’re not convinced that Voldemort could have been defeated at all.

After all, in the wise words of [Albus Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore):

‘…we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.’

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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That’s certainly the case when it comes to our golden trio. This was the chapter that changed everything and the chapter that proved that they’re always better when they’re together.

Our top seven deadliest magical plants in Harry Potter

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## 7: Gillyweed 

![Fact File gillyweed_1_1800x1248](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5ksckNSPIzxHUOMUu0m3wU/f4032f00e0da7daa67d01ec07dd0e2c1/gillyweed_1_1800x1248.png)

You might be surprised that we’ve picked a magical plant that resembles a ball of ‘slimy, greyish green rat tails’ as our seventh deadliest but hear us out. While eating this plant raw gives you the ability to breathe underwater, timing is crucial. Just imagine the trouble you’d find yourself in if the effects of Gillyweed wore off and you were suddenly without gills while diving deep. Or, far-fetched as it may be, imagine if you accidentally ate some when you were nowhere near water! The consequences could be deadly. Time and place are everything – earning this magical plant a spot on our list. 

## 6: Bubotuber 

These shrubs that resemble ‘thick black giant slugs, protruding vertically out of the soil’ may have been described by Harry as the ‘ugliest plants he had seen’ but we also think they deserve the title of one of the deadliest. It all comes down to the pus. Yes, that’s right, the pus. Distilled it’s an effective cure for the most stubborn form of acne, but undiluted it causes horrible sores all over your skin. Hermione ended up in the hospital wing when she was sent an envelope full of the stuff… imagine if there was a whole vat of pus. We reckon that could prove to be life-threatening, which is why this painful plant is sixth on our list. 

## 5: Snargaluff 

![WWD Fact File Snargaluff-01](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7itTglpnd73a8aJ8WrLVUh/576a39527684eac427a544d3f6f051a9/WWD_Fact_File_Snargaluff-01__1_.png)

At first glance, the gnarled, stump-like Snargaluff plant might not seem deadly, but don’t be fooled, appearances can often be deceiving. When provoked, the Snargaluff will reveal its secret – long, bramble-like vines that whip through the air attacking those who come near. These vicious vines are enough to earn its spot on our list… but there’s more. Snargaluffs contain pulsating, green pods filled with tubers like pale-green worms – Professor Sprout even used them against the Death Eaters during the Battle of Hogwarts. A formidable plant indeed. 

## The Whomping Willow 

![Fact File the-whomping-willow_2_1800x1248](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2UbcUdaYGAoIMHtsLKDNGM/0b924b7cfe803ff939b50bfd3bb35cc4/the-whomping-willow_2_1800x1248.png)

Coming in fourth on our list we have one of the most famous (and feistiest) wizarding plants around… the Whomping Willow. Step too close and you’ll feel the full force of its thrashing branches. We think one well-placed hit could prove to be lethal. However, we’ve placed this towards the middle of the list, as touching a particular knot on the Willow will immobilise it immediately – making it far less threatening. Still, this is one tree you would want to steer clear of. 

## Venomous Tentacula 

![fact-file-images-hogwarts-legacy-venomous-tentacula](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5pIUuBbh7izfde2er0S7cW/e591c747d27707acbf2ff27823290769/fact-file-images-hogwarts-legacy-venomous-tentacula.jpg)

With villainous vines that have been known to try and strangle the odd Herbology student, a venomous bite, spikes and not forgetting poisonous shoots – we don’t think we need explain why the Venomous Tentacula has found its way into our top three. Extremely dangerous, it loved to go after living prey. However, it would only take a quick Severing Charm to get it to release you from its clutches. Plus, it was on the Hogwarts Herbology curriculum for sixth-years – so we don’t think it’s quite deadly enough to take the top spot. 

## Devil’s Snare 

![HP-F1-philosophers-stone-harry-hermione-devils-snare-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5QvxBkoeDBnsmxYxye7xO/5ac2509a9e8a7e848a5f181e1a1e7a89/HP-F1-philosophers-stone-harry-hermione-devils-snare-web-landscape)

This aptly named plant certainly lives up to its devilish reputation with its tendency to trap and suffocate its victims in its tentacle-like vines – including Broderick Bode in Order of the Phoenix. In fact, it’s so dangerous, Professor Sprout used it as a weapon against the Death Eaters during the Battle of Hogwarts. With such a fearsome reputation, why isn’t it at the very top of our list? Well, it’s because if it ensnares you there is a way to escape its deadly grip. This plant thrives in the dark and damp but recoils at light and warmth. A well-placed flame will see it make a quick retreat.  

## Mandrake 

![web-hero-sprout-holding-mandrake-illustration-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3MqnIO5T34hAa3QEQbEGLr/3f25a8812c2138992ee649f4676723d7/web-hero-sprout-holding-mandrake-illustration-landscape.png)

These shrubs might resemble crying babies when young and they might be a key ingredient in making a potion that cures Petrification… but they’re also lethal. Yes, second-years helped to raise them but that was before these plants hit maturity. Once they did? Well, they have a wail that is fatal. You heard us correctly, fatal. Mandrakes don’t need to snare victims in their vines or poison them with their shoots – they just have to make a noise. Forgot your earmuffs? You’re a goner – which is why they’re our deadliest plant of all. 

Our favourite reveals from HBO Max’s Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic

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Meet the golden trio

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## Casting the golden trio
We have to kick things off by talking about the new [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter), [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) and [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger). With over 40,000 Harrys considered, finding the actors to perfectly personify these characters was no easy feat. Yet, once Alastair was found in Manchester, Arabella in London and Dominic in Glasgow, it was clear that this was a combination that had its own kind of magic. 

Not only do each of these actors already seem to embody their characters (we love the fact that Dominic auditioned with a poem that he wrote himself) but they already seem to be hanging out together and playing rock, paper, scissors like a bunch of best friends. With the series set to play out over the next decade, we can’t wait to see their relationship grow.

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## The nature of magic 
![dark-train-photography-hogwarts-express-web](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/58bx4iCNAbTNWnW91OwIa3/b5d5edd30e10527e74c396232f3c3789/dark-train-photography-hogwarts-express-web.png)

You couldn’t have Harry Potter without magic – it seeps into every part of the story. As the special revealed, the new HBO series is leaning into the power of magic by combining it with the power of nature. More specifically, the series fully leans into the idea that all magic is firmly rooted in the natural world, and this should be evident in every detail.

For example, the ideas of naturalism have been integrated into a lot of the sets. Take one look at the halls and corridors of [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) and you’ll see that they have truly brought the outside in – with creeping vines and sprawling trees as key features *within* the castle walls.

It’s not just the big design choices that evoke the wonder of nature but the smaller elements too. For instance, the new Chocolate Frogs – these hopping sweets are now green and have never looked more realistic! The pink and green colour palette of the packaging reminds us of lily pads floating in a pond. The new Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Bean packaging builds on similar principles too with its extremely intricate vine design.

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## The emblems of Hogwarts
![dark-train-photography-golden-trio-web](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1MU2aNY4U0iqhrB9leUR1v/8777e38653a917d0ab813fbc0839a2dc/dark-train-photography-golden-trio-web.png)

As we are on the topic of nature, it has even been incorporated in the house banners. Did you spot the [Ravenclaw](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/ravenclaw) eagle and the [Slytherin](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/slytherin) serpent? Not only have the mascots had a makeover, but the overall design is unlike anything we have seen in the Harry Potter world before with both banners containing a vine motif.

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## Bringing the books to life
*Finding Harry* also revealed more blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments that demonstrate how the television show is set to be a faithful adaptation of the books. 

![hbo-finding-harry-announce-article-hero](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/0qOJc2c4eEv6ysFjwCvTh/8a52a1125c04b77c46c5c61d28270e82/1200x800.jpg)

This image is a treasure trove of these – especially when it comes to Ron. Did you spot the [Chudley Cannons](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/the-chudley-cannons) badge, the symbol of his favourite [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch) team, on his jacket? Or the bruise, which is a result of his scuffle with Malfoy in *Philosopher’s Stone*, on his cheek?

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## New Wands 
![dark-train-photography-hermione-granger-web](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7n15h8515s0MrXQs1qroxT/be2e3e53dc513cd5b60f083ed488a845/dark-train-photography-hermione-granger-web.png)

Three [Gryffindors](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) also had their wand designs clearly displayed in the special. The eagle-eyed among you may have spotted Hermione, [Parvati](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/parvati-patil), and [Neville](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom) brandishing theirs! Whilst each are unique, from Hermione’s twisting pattern to Neville’s (well, his dad’s) branch-like design, the idea of magic in nature is once again at the forefront.

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## The Muggle world
![dark-train-photography-petunia-vernon-dursley-web](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3H545KNaSVGs4CSZfYCzmo/98f47156c0e85192f969bd1a1b3b85a4/dark-train-photography-petunia-vernon-dursley-web.png)

We also need to take a second to admire just how fantastically mundane the [Muggle](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) world is – especially when it comes to [Privet Drive](/fact-file/locations/number-four-privet-drive). The Dursleys’ house perfectly matches all the other houses on their street, with no attempt at being unique or even a hint of whimsy. Their world is clearly distinct from the wonder of the magical world and extremely recognisably Muggle.

This continues inside number four, where there is no escaping the 90s – not with that choice of wallpaper. The Dursleys’ house is an accurate reflection of them as a family. A family that prided themselves on being perfectly normal thank-you-very-much.

In fact, the only bit of originality can be found in the cupboard under the stairs. Yes, it is a small, dark and miserable space but it is one that Harry actually tried to make his own – thanks to some carefully hung drawings.


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## The magic of costumes
![dark-train-photography-albus-dumbledore-web](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/nnPzlsieZmqcrdrHE6KII/362d35bafdb4bb7232f11f35923fcc83/dark-train-photography-albus-dumbledore-web.png)

Costumes are a crucial part of bringing the world of Harry Potter to life and this behind-the-scenes special has some fascinating insights into their creation. From hand painting and marbling clothing to printing leaves on fabrics, nature was not only the inspiration for these designs, but the key to bringing them to life.

After all, when you print with leaves, there is a natural magic to the process. You don’t know what you are going to get and the beauty lies in the imperfection – ideal for creating costumes for eccentric characters such as [Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore).

This celebration of nature extends beyond colours and details to the materials used for costumes like the Hogwarts uniforms. Rather than using synthetic options, they were all created from natural fabrics such as British wool and organic cotton.

Whereas the costumes of the Muggle world are heavily influenced by synthetic materials often used in the 1990s. With a pastel colour palette and a penchant for shell suits, these outfits are in complete contrast to their magical counterparts, drawing attention to the huge differences between these worlds.

Janet McTeer talks about her experience on the set of Harry Potter

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## The Great Hall
In Finding Harry, Janet McTeer, aka [Professor McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall), revealed that walking into the [Great Hall](/fact-file/locations/the-great-hall) for the first time was like walking into a cathedral. We have to say that we agree with her. From the decorative door to the carvings on the columns (including the house symbols), there is nothing plain or boring about this space. In our opinion, it would more than hold its own against any famous cathedral when it comes to grandeur.

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## The Potions classroom
![dark-train-photography-severus-snape-web](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3Yy0EI3qrkBmi6e1AvPjr3/1387fb3919cc167026fd7d4962370b42/dark-train-photography-severus-snape-web.png)

Lit by candles and covered with cauldrons, textbooks and ingredients, the special unveiled yet another iconic Hogwarts location – the [Potions](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/potions) classroom. Brilliantly designed, it manages to walk the line of making you feel as though you are underground in the dungeons, right in the bowels of the castle, while still managing to retain the warmth associated with the enchanting atmosphere of Hogwarts.

Watch Finding Harry on HBO Max

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## Diagon Alley
Instantly recognisable as the heart of the magical community in London, the set of [Diagon Alley](/fact-file/locations/diagon-alley) was also revealed during this behind-the-scenes journey. With familiar favourites, such as [Gringotts Bank](/fact-file/locations/gringotts) and [Ollivanders](/fact-file/locations/ollivanders), reimagined for the new series, the street itself encapsulates the ramshackle charm of the wizarding world with its wonderfully eccentric shops complete with handcrafted details.

Finding Harry shows us the magic behind magical creatures

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## Magical creatures
The impressive craftsmanship that went into this series even extends to the creation of the wizarding creatures. Each animatronic animal was carefully constructed using research, talent and painstaking attention to detail – it took 36,000 feathers to build one owl!

Viewers were also treated to seeing a wizarding pet up close. In the new series, [Scabbers](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/scabbers) is an extremely realistic looking animatronic rat! They even have one model that bites! It’s enough to make you believe in magic.

The new Harry Potter series will also debut magical creatures that have never been seen on screen before – like the Dugbog. Taking inspiration from nature, the creature effects team have succeeded in making a realistic, if rather slimy, magical creature.

Speaking of slimy, we finally get to see what a Flobberworm looks like and can confirm they’re brilliantly gross.

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