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Pub trivia – fun facts you didn't know about wizarding inns

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

## The Leaky Cauldron is the oldest pub in London

Despite what many [Muggles](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/muggles) think, the title of oldest pub in London goes to this well-loved wizarding establishment. Found on Charing Cross Road, the [Leaky Cauldron](/fact-file/locations/the-leaky-cauldron) was built in the 1500s – long before Charing Cross Road was even planned! Its true address is number one, [Diagon Alley](/fact-file/locations/diagon-alley).

## Muggles used to frequent the Leaky Cauldron

This wizarding institution wasn’t always a place that where only magical folk congregated. As it was built two centuries before the imposition of the International Statute of Secrecy, it was initially visible to Muggle eyes too. Muggles weren’t made to feel unwelcome or turned away. Having said that, thanks to the *interesting* conversations and even more *interesting* magical pets, many scarpered before finishing their mead.

![LeakyCauldron WB F1 SomeoneOutsideLeakyCauldron Illust 080615 Land](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5sxx5inySIAWsKA0gcuUEG/ca736eb81e715e092136f42c579a2719/LeakyCauldron_WB_F1_SomeoneOutsideLeakyCauldron_Illust_080615_Land.jpg)

## Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott lived above the Leaky Cauldron

In a turn of events that we find extremely adorable, after leaving [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) not only did [Neville](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom) continue his passion for magical plants as [Herbology](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/herbology) professor, but he also married [Hufflepuff](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hufflepuff), [Hannah Abbott](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hannah-abbott-fact-file). The happy couple decided to make a home for themselves living above the one-and-only Leaky Cauldron.

## A pub was the headquarters of a rebellion

Although we never learnt which one it was, according to *Sites of Historical Sorcery*, one of the wizarding pubs in [Hogsmeade](/fact-file/locations/hogsmeade) was said to have been the headquarters of the 1612 [goblin](/fact-file/creatures/goblin) rebellion. Could it have been the [Hog’s Head Inn](/fact-file/locations/the-hogs-head) which was known for its dubious dealings and schemes? Or perhaps it was the cosiness of the [Three Broomsticks](/fact-file/locations/the-three-broomsticks) that convinced the goblins to make it their base?

![pottermore-moments-hp-b5-hogs-head-homepage-hero](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2zygTLqXtChkWM7Asbbca3/14624eac244b6e0d0dd667458176dd1a/pottermore-moments-hp-b5-hogs-head-homepage-hero.jpg)

## The Hog’s Head Inn was run by a Dumbledore

While [Albus Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) ran Hogwarts, just down the road his brother, [Aberforth Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/aberforth-dumbledore-fact-file), ran the Hog’s Head Inn. Crochety and a big fan of goats, he and his brother didn’t always see eye-to-eye. Ultimately, they were both extremely good people and Aberforth even helped the resistance at Hogwarts after Albus’ death – thanks to a secret passage that connected the [Room of Requirement](/fact-file/locations/the-room-of-requirement) to his pub.

## Sybill Trelawney made her infamous prediction at the Hog’s Head Inn

The Hog’s Head Inn was the location of many crucial story moments from the founding of [Dumbledore’s Army](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/dumbledores-army) to [Hagrid](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/rubeus-hagrid) winning a dragon egg in a game of cards. However, there was one particular moment that changed the course of wizarding history forever. On a gloomy night, Albus Dumbledore went to interview [Sybill Trelawney](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/sybill-trelawney) for the role of [Divination](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/divination) teacher. He was thoroughly unimpressed until, among the ramshackle décor and sticky floor, she made her prediction about the boy destined to end [Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) and rid the world of his evil!

![pottermore-moments-three-broomsticks-homepage-hero](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/YvfQFf3Sc7Y1rQNcmqoKm/7278f0704d0a659047a66375127ed129/pottermore-moments-three-broomsticks-homepage-hero.jpg)

## Katie Bell was given the cursed opal necklace at The Three Broomsticks

Run by Madam Rosmerta, the Three Broomsticks was a warm and welcoming establishment in Hogsmeade. Yet Dark Magic still managed to worm its way in there in the form of the cursed opal necklace. Part of a clumsy attempt on Dumbledore’s life, [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) Quidditch team member, [Katie Bell](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/katie-bell), took the necklace from the pub while under the influence of the [Imperius Curse](/fact-file/spells/the-imperius-curse) and narrowly escaped its deadly power.

## It wasn’t just witches and wizards who frequented the Three Broomsticks

Said to be as old as the only all-wizard village in Britain, the Three Broomsticks was a bit of a haven for all sorts of magical beings, such as hags, who couldn’t disguise themselves particularly well in the Muggle world. In fact, Ron and Hermione once thought they spotted an ogre!

Every quote to live by from your favourite witches

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Hermione wearing a red dress and smiling 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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## The importance of keeping things in perspective

![HP-F1-philosophers-stone-hermione-charms-learning-classroom-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/qVjLFPXczR2mwGR54M1JK/5ffbc10854b90be415e66d18504a0f56/HP-F1-philosophers-stone-hermione-charms-learning-classroom-web-landscape)

‘Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery…’

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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Despite being known for her exceptional brain power, [Hermione](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger) also knew the importance of nurturing the other elements of her personality too. It’s a lesson she learnt in her first year after finding genuine friendship. It is also one that we could do with remembering too.

## Don’t be afraid to be bold

![HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-ginny-da-wand-determined-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3yxtbUPaKL5YRyOXEmcss7/b5f3840e6afd0c2e76548570d0532593/HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-ginny-da-wand-determined-web-landscape)

‘…anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.'

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Ginny Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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If you don’t ask you don’t get! As [Ginny](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ginny-weasley) reminds us, if we shy away from a challenge, we’re never going to achieve our dreams. If we find our courage? Well, the world is our oyster.

## Be proud of who you are

![HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-mcgonagall-desk-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/71JqjFqxFPKBLmoFUGKYJD/22d4d28400d268c5d1382d675b5ce1ae/HP-F4-goblet-of-fire-mcgonagall-desk-web-landscape)

‘It’s high time your grandmother learned to be proud of the grandson she’s got, rather than the one she thinks she ought to have...’

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Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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The no-nonsense [McGonagall](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/minerva-mcgonagall) was a witch worth listening to! It’s all too easy to get caught up in the comparison trap, trying to think about who you *should* be and feeling inadequate next to others. However, you are brilliant just the way you are. You are one-of-a-kind. If the Head of [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) can see that – so can you.

## There is always hope

![HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-luna-da-room-of-requirement-casting-patronus-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5zrwB81bovDEUXWbMyCWia/26babee3a72e41ff8557681a28703f5a/HP-F5-order-of-the-phoenix-luna-da-room-of-requirement-casting-patronus-web-landscape)

‘The things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end. If not always in the way we expect.’

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Luna Lovegood: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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When times are hard, it can be easy to give up hope and become despondent. Yet this poignant point from the wonderfully eccentric [Ravenclaw](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/ravenclaw) is a reminder that good days are on the horizon – even if we can’t quite see them yet.

## Don’t be afraid to dream big

![WB-HP-F7-hermione-reading-promo-crop](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7uWvZ2RIgkybj8J1lCs5RA/39672ce02de6ff4e27d39381deb3c05f/WB-HP-F7-hermione-reading-promo-crop.jpg)

‘I’m hoping to do some good in the world!’

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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No matter who you are, you *can* make a difference. If you channel Hermione’s determination, we’re sure you will go on to do great and brilliant things.

## An excellent reminder

![HP-F5-molly-weasley-harry-potter-web-10744](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/1ugOAEKJsmxHxy7rDSEkO8/d6f828346ab08de9e2eb69ed086fdf71/weasley-quiz-title-.jpg)

‘A good first impression can work wonders.'

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Molly Weasley: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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A sage piece of advice from [Mrs Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/molly-weasley)! She might have said this to Harry before his [Ministry](/fact-file/locations/the-ministry-of-magic) hearing, but we think this is something that can be applied to many different areas of your life. From making friends to job interviews, things are always easier if you start off on the right foot.

## Do what is right, not what is easy

![WB-HP-F2-hermione-examining-potion-ingredients-with-cauldron-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4L5hkIozTd68acqd3hpP2I/27590dc492caea34621b56bdd472e45b/WB-HP-F2-hermione-examining-potion-ingredients-with-cauldron-web-landscape.jpg)

‘Well, if you two are going to chicken out, fine… I don’t want to break rules, you know. I think threatening Muggle-borns is far worse than brewing up a difficult potion.’

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Hermione Granger: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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Hermione was the witch who once declared being expelled to be a fate worse than death. To hear her trying to convince [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) and [Ron](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) to break the rules was rather shocking. Yet she raises an extremely valuable point. Sometimes you need to push the boundaries to do what is right. Following the rules can only go so far – especially if those rules cause more harm than good. It can be hard to stand up and be counted but we should all try to do so.

## Protect what is important

![WB-HP-F8-professor-sprout-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6PcDR4xjlhQ8xtErVUHYBc/198864f4ef4413d1ed6e50f91411088e/WB-HP-F8-professor-sprout-web-landscape.jpg)

‘I feel that if a single pupil wants to come, then the school ought to remain open for that pupil.’

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Pomona Sprout: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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This was a brave statement from [Professor Sprout](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/pomona-sprout) in the wake of [Dumbledore’s](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) death. [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) was so much more than a school. For many like Harry, it was a sanctuary and place they could call home. A place that should be protected. This is a sentiment we could all take on board. We should all work hard to take care of what, and who, is important to us.

## Don’t judge a book by its cover

![hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7L4Bw903CP5Rnv0MuCknWF/16abc8334d6185d0b8be2af4c5f93c45/hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape.jpg)

‘What do I care how ’e looks? I am good-looking enough for both of us, I theenk! All these scars show is zat my husband is brave!’

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Fleur Delacour: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

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You might think glamorous and goodlooking [Fleur Delacour](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fleur-delacour) would also be extremely vain. Yet she wasn’t. Filled with self-confidence, she didn’t judge her husband based on his appearance – she knew it was the content of his character that truly mattered. That attitude is one we think everyone should embody.

## Boundaries are good

![mcgonagall-web-header-wand](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/6J6heLMpK9Lee0eL8faPnj/18ebb3e1a6694c1ed440bf094b02a127/mcgonagall-web-headrer.jpg)

‘I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking.’

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Minerva McGonagall: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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Quite right too! Don’t let anybody try to take your voice or diminish you. If someone tries to talk over you, channel your inner McGonagall and lay down the law – they’ll soon learn a valuable lesson.

Your birth month tells us your Harry Potter soulmate

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## January: The determined and dedicated Oliver Wood is your perfect match

![WB-HP-F1-philosophers-stone-oliver-wood-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7iJHeRIUbca989dspC4c2t/a8eae533de5cb364c2b8ef17aa39c857/WB-HP-F1-philosophers-stone-oliver-wood-web-landscape.jpg)

When considering your ideal partner, you don’t want someone who is afraid of commitment and isn’t willing to put the work in. You want someone who is going to give the relationship their all. This is why you and [Oliver Wood](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/oliver-wood) make a perfect pair. This [Gryffindor](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/gryffindor) proved his determination time and time again as [Quidditch](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/quidditch) Captain. He was always coming up with training techniques and drills to make the team better. Yes, some of his teammates might have complained about the early starts, but it didn’t put Oliver off… and it worked. That’s the type of dedication you admire.

## February: Your soulmate is the creative and eccentric Luna Lovegood

![WB-HP-F5-luna-lovegood-wears-spectrespecs-with-quibbler-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5jiVEF9rz3GdDt6go666da/6431193cd66631881320a9921f2913fe/WB-HP-F5-luna-lovegood-wears-spectrespecs-with-quibbler-web-landscape.jpg)

There is nothing that bores you more than blending into the crowd. From your curious insights to your wacky wardrobe, you march to the beat of your own drum. You are proud to celebrate your uniqueness, and you are looking for a partner that doesn’t shy away from their individuality too. This is why [Luna Lovegood](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/luna-lovegood) with her [Spectrespecs](/fact-file/objects/spectrespecs) and radish-like earrings is your ideal match. The two of you would have a joyful relationship that celebrated creativity, eccentricity and a shared belief in the Crumple-Horned Snorkack.

## March: The brilliantly hilarious Ron Weasley is the one for you

![HP-F6-ron-in-bed-smiling-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/51khMqIDGh7ltBpFgDIet4/4390b7228f2368b128a11304e8a73108/HP-F6-ron-in-bed-smiling-web-landscape.jpg)

Life’s too short not to have fun. Who wants to be miserable? Yes, serious things happen but you still want to find the joy in life, and you want a partner who can do that too. This is why you and [Ron Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ron-weasley) would make the perfect pair. From his ‘Merlin's most baggy Y-fronts’ exclamations to quippy ‘Oh, of course… I forgot we’ll be hunting down [Voldemort](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lord-voldemort) in a mobile library’ comebacks – his quick with would keep you entertained for life.

## April: The elegant and poised Fleur Delacour is your ideal soulmate

![hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7L4Bw903CP5Rnv0MuCknWF/16abc8334d6185d0b8be2af4c5f93c45/hp-f4-fleur-arrival-beauxbatons-great-hall-uniform-web-landscape.jpg)

Graceful, elegant and gliding through life – that’s the ultimate dream. You aren’t interested in awkward situations and embarrassing encounters; you want life to be as serene as possible. As you want this from your partner too, you and [Fleur Delacour](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/fleur-delacour) would make a flawless duo. No matter what situation she faced – from walking into the [Great Hall](/fact-file/locations/the-great-hall) for the first time to rejecting [Yule Ball](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/yule-ball) dates, she was always perfectly poised which is something you appreciate.

## May: The thoroughly good Cedric Diggory is who you’re drawn to

![HP-F4-goblet-fire-cho-cedric-walking-into-yule-ball-together-happy-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/7Gg3rW3wpho401kh28ueXG/2ce6bdeb293a9f962407b31ab38c3c2b/HP-F4-goblet-fire-cho-cedric-walking-into-yule-ball-together-happy-web-landscape)

You have no time for people that like to play games in relationships. You abhor anyone who has a mean streak. You really can’t stand when people are rude to those around them. This is why [Cedric Diggory](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/cedric-diggory) is the perfect person for you. Despite being handsome, intelligent and an extremely talented wizard, this [Hufflepuff](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hufflepuff) was also humble. He was *good*. He helped Harry despite him being his [Triwizard](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/triwizard-tournament) rival and never let being the rising star at [Hogwarts](/fact-file/locations/hogwarts) go to his head. Cedric is a partner you would always feel safe with… and he is perfect for you.

## June: Your soulmate is Lavender Brown who wears her heart on her sleeve

![HP-F6-half-blood-prince-weasleys-wizard-wheezes-lavendar-looking-at-ron-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/41iicwNjHTdrMVNZoiTdoC/ddf961f7074d912a9307c0dc9e2716aa/HP-F6-half-blood-prince-weasleys-wizard-wheezes-lavendar-looking-at-ron-web-landscape)

As someone who is often described as vivacious and an open book, you have real difficulty bonding with people who are closed off or reserved. You find those who keep their cards close to their chest rather unsettling – which is why [Lavender Brown](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lavender-brown) is your soulmate. Whether she was snogging Ron in front of the whole [Gryffindor common room](/fact-file/locations/the-gryffindor-common-room) or giving him gaudy necklaces as a token of her affection, she was not afraid of her emotions or letting everyone else see them. This type of openness is something you can’t help but be drawn to.

## July: Your perfect match is loyal Neville Longbottom

![HP WB F4 Neville and his plant crop ](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/66z5lwGFVYTJTiW2dNdKfw/e99e49796545303b7dec644c11004840/NevilleLongbottom_WB_F4_NevilleLongbottomWithPlantPromoShot_Promo_080615_CROP.jpg)

Don’t underestimate [Neville](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/neville-longbottom). He might have initially been a clumsy underdog, but he soon surpassed that and became a [sword-of-Gryffindor-wielding](/fact-file/objects/the-sword-of-gryffindor) hero. One who was loyal to his friends, his school and loyal to what was right. As someone born in July, this is what you would like to find in a partner. You don’t want a person who could easily be swayed. You want someone who is as committed to you as Neville is to his [Mimbulus mimbletonia](/fact-file/plants-and-potions/mimbulus-mimbletonia), which is why he is the one for you.

## August: The logical and intelligent Hermione Granger is the one for you

![HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-hermione-bill-fleur-wedding-red-dress-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/5aJclseoYsrr4a0y0XPiQY/be44e1bfabc2a5f7422ed6e87a5df30e/HP-F7-deathly-hallows-part-one-hermione-bill-fleur-wedding-red-dress-web-landscape)

As somebody who is known for their sharp mind and love of learning, we think you and the [cleverest witch of her age](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/hermione-granger), who takes the largest books out of the [Hogwarts library](/fact-file/locations/the-hogwarts-library) for ‘light reading’, would get on like a house on fire. Your days would be spent verbally sparring with each other, debating Ancient Rune translations and generally broadening your minds and you wouldn’t want it any other way.

## September: The discerning Draco Malfoy is your wizarding soulmate

![WB-F3-draco-in-care-of-magical-creatures-with-monster-book-of-monsters-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4FeDA9gWYlkm3iFXZMUOF5/47927d38da6fcc8d4660a5cd92a7e6d6/WB-F3-draco-in-care-of-magical-creatures-with-monster-book-of-monsters-web-landscape.jpg)

There’s nothing wrong with being shrewd or ambitious, these are traits that you rather admire. In fact, you find someone who knows exactly what they want and how to get it extremely attractive. This is why [Draco Malfoy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/draco-malfoy) is the one for you. We are in no way saying you are prejudiced or a bully like he was. However, the embodiment of [Slytherin](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/slytherin) traits, he was not afraid to openly say he liked the finer things in life or believe he deserved them – just like you.

## October: Fiery Ginny Weasley is your magical match

![GinnyWeasley WB F6 GinnyAtSlughornsParty Still 080615 Land](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/4otWY19HKE4WyOOy4Q0wSu/66177ea78a84f5e28b9fb79b2b961e51/GinnyWeasley_WB_F6_GinnyAtSlughornsParty_Still_080615_Land.jpg)

If there was a witch that knew exactly who she was, it was [Ginny Weasley](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/ginny-weasley). Having had a rough start at Hogwarts she blossomed into a fierce and phenomenal person – with an excellent talent for the [Bat-Bogey Hex](/fact-file/spells/the-bat-bogey-hex). That self-assuredness is something that you are looking for in a partner. You don’t want somebody who doesn’t take the time to work on being the best version of themselves. You want someone who is confident and powerful – exactly like Ginny.

## November: Harry Potter’s bravery is what makes him your soulmate

![HP-F8-harry-lake-web-header](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/3SzHQWDxZAPjea1KYpaIO0/cc24a62a6e35937f165b190cf14df8e6/harry_heaer.png)

[Harry Potter](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) is not afraid to confront the difficult things in life. He doesn’t shy away from a challenge or let fear stop him. He puts himself out there whether that’s soaring through the sky on his [broomstick](/fact-file/objects/broomstick), fighting the forces of evil or summoning up the courage to ask his crush to the Yule Ball. This is something that you strongly relate to. You’re not one to be called timid and you can’t stand cowardice. We’re not saying you’re necessarily an extrovert, but you stand up when it matters and that’s why Harry is your ultimate wizarding soulmate.

## December: The glass half-empty Moaning Myrtle is your perfect match

![HP-F2-chamber-of-secrets-moaning-myrtle-girls-bathroom-web-landscape](//contentful.harrypotter.com/usf1vwtuqyxm/2HdGuqY9aOgGStQJii0yVY/5013a2d38cecb8e9f536e42f6dbf0036/HP-F2-chamber-of-secrets-moaning-myrtle-girls-bathroom-web-landscape.jpg)

There is no person that gets on your nerves more than the one who is relentlessly optimistic. You don’t have time from all that chirpiness and being constantly told to look on the bright side. In fact, being stuck with someone like that would be your worst nightmare. You want someone who will always look on the gloomy side – which is why [Moaning Myrtle](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/moaning-myrtle) (emphasis on the *Moaning*) is your perfect match. Despite her crush on Harry Potter, with your maudlin outlook, we’re sure you could win her over and many (un)happy centuries sitting in the [u-bend of a Hogwarts toilet](/fact-file/locations/moaning-myrtles-bathroom) discussing all the reasons why everything is awful.

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

12 shocking Wizarding World twists 

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Harry looking into the Pensieve from the Deathly Hallows Part 2 

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*Fair warning: reading ahead will leave you susceptible to many spoilers from the Harry Potter stories, as well as **Cursed Child** and **Fantastic Beasts**. For everyone else, come on through.*

## 1. The truth behind Mad-Eye Moody

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In those final chapters of *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*, so many twists and turns hooked us on every page, from Cedric’s cruel ending to Lord Voldemort’s rebirth. Just when we thought things couldn’t get any worse, Harry discovers that his teacher and mentor Mad-Eye Moody was not the acerbic Auror he thought he was – but the criminal, Barty Crouch Jr. under a lot of [Polyjuice Potion.](/features/polyjuice-potion)

Through his wily ways and puppetry, he successfully orchestrated [Hogwarts’ Triwizard Tournament](/feature/triwizard-tournament-timeline), ensuring Harry would end up a champion and be there at the end to stumble into a graveyard full of Death Eaters. After getting to know this character over the course of the book, this truly was a huge rug-pull.

## 2. Albus Potter’s Hogwarts house

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Harry and Albus on platform nine and three quarters, in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

CC Jamie Glover Harry Theo Ancient Albus platform nine three quarters Hermione Ron Rose Lily Ginny crowd 2017-2018

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In the epilogue of *Deathly Hallows*, we were privy to Harry and his middle son Albus Severus Potter having a sweet father-son chat before he boarded the Hogwarts Express for the first time.

Just as Harry had been nervous about being sorted into Slytherin we saw this moment mirrored in his son, who had the same concerns. When *Cursed Child* came around, we got to follow up on this moment and discover where Albus actually would be placed. In our heads, we probably all thought Albus was going into Gryffindor like his father and older brother. But no. Upon learning he would be in [Slytherin](/collection/characters-slytherins), Albus spent his early Hogwarts years struggling with his status – and Harry didn’t exactly comfort him. Thankfully, with the help of his new friend Scorpius, Albus soon realised there was nothing wrong with being in Slytherin – but it still surprised audiences when first revealed. And this would be the first of oh-so-many *Cursed Child* twists.

## 3. Nagini’s most evil trick

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Perhaps one of the most gruesome moments in the entire Harry Potter series came to us right near the end, during Harry and Hermione’s fateful trip to [Godric’s Hollow](/features/godrics-hollow) in *Deathly Hallows*. There, the pair thought they were meeting esteemed writer and friend of Harry’s family, Bathilda Bagshot, although upon entering Harry’s old home, something wasn’t quite right.

Soon it became hideously clear: Bathilda had been inhabited by the body of Nagini, Voldemort’s snake, wearing her as a skin... 

## 4. Percival Graves’ true identity

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Percival Graves Colin Farrell Celebration video shot

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In *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them*, we found ourselves fooled by another Dark wizard playing with disguises. In the film’s final act, we discovered that Percival Graves, the surly Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, was actually Gellert Grindelwald, who had been trying to reveal the wizarding world to the No-Maj community in New York City. After the Mad-Eye Moody reveal of [Goblet of Fire](/features/godrics-hollow), we couldn’t believe we’d been fooled again. Percival and Gellert even had similar haircuts... 

## 5. Professor Trelawney’s Prophecy

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Sybil Trelawney clutches her bag after being fired by Umbridge in the Order of the Pheonix

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We’d always known that Harry had been marked by Lord Voldemort as a baby, but we were never truly sure why – and Dumbledore had been tight-lipped about the whole thing up until his fifth year. It was here we learnt that Harry’s fate had been sealed by a prophecy, made by his Divination professor, [Professor Trelawney](/features/sybill-trelawney), and could’ve applied to himself or Neville Longbottom. We’re not sure what surprised us more – that Harry was destined to kill Lord Voldemort (or Lord Voldemort destined to kill him) – or the fact that Professor Trelawney actually had true Seer skills. 

## 6. Dumbledore’s fate

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Dumbledore and Harry use Lumos inside the Horcrux cave

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*Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* delivered perhaps one of the most devastating blows in the entire series – the demise of Dumbledore. Our sage, old headmaster, who always knew the answers, surely would never die during the book series, we thought.

Oh, how wrong we were – and oh, how bitterly it hurt. To add insult to injury was the way it happened: at the hands of [Severus Snape](/features/severus-snape). Of course, we were soon taught why Snape had to do the deed, but at this moment of not-knowing, we were utterly perplexed. The moment became so memorable that the phrase ‘Snape kills Dumbledore’ became a famous spoiler that echoed around the Potter fandom once the sixth book was released. 

## 7. Queenie’s choice

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Queenie Goldstein and the floating teapot in Grindelwald's Paris apartment

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*Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald* delivered many a shocking revelation, including the family history of Leta Lestrange, the origin story of Nagini, and the ascent of Gellert Grindelwald. But something that completely caught us off-guard was the choices of one of the series’ most loved characters: [Queenie Goldstein.](/features/queenie-goldstein) Banned from marrying her beloved No-Maj Jacob, Queenie began to be courted by Gellert Grindelwald; who promised her a world where wizarding kind would be out in the open, free to be with whoever they pleased. No matter how much we shouted at our screens, we were devastated to see her join Grindelwald’s side. Alas, we must wait until the third instalment to glean answers.

## 8. Ratting out Scabbers

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Scabbers being forced to turn into his human form 

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Ron’s useless rat Scabbers had been a source of comedy for us for the first three Harry Potter books, with Ron often infuriated by his pet’s inefficiency –honestly, he wouldn’t even turn yellow. However, in *Prisoner of Azkaban*, we came to understand that animals may also be hiding secrets, as we learnt about the phenomena of Animagus witches and wizards. Firstly, we learnt the black dog that had been following Harry was none other than Sirius Black, and Ron’s hapless rat was a traitor called Peter Pettigrew, the man who led Lord Voldemort to the Potter’s hideaway. A rat, indeed, he was.

## 9. Dumbledore and Grindelwald

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Dumbledore looking in the Mirror of Erised at an older Grindelwald

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How could wise, kind Dumbledore be anything other than pure and good – only associating with others who were like-minded? In the later novels, it would transpire that Dumbledore made mistakes in his past just like anyone, with his teenage friendship with the future Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald revealed. Dumbledore would later go on to see Grindelwald as his greatest adversary in adulthood – but we were certainly not expecting the Hogwarts headmaster to have been so close to someone so evil. 

## 10. Quirrell’s secret

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Right from the very first Harry Potter adventure, we were never too sure what was round the corner. We became quickly educated into how unpredictable the wizarding world could be when we were told that the shy, stuttering [Professor Quirrell](/features/quirinus-quirrell) had a dark secret under his turban: the head of Lord Voldemort.

Weak, fragmented, and barely human, the Dark wizard had still found a way to penetrate Hogwarts’ walls. With Harry, Ron and Hermione suspicious of Snape the entire book – finding out it was actually Quirrell trying to steal the Philosopher’s Stone for his master was our first lesson into Potter plot twists. 

## 11. The final Horcrux

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When Horcruxes were first introduced to readers in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*, a twisted treasure hunt ensued – with Harry tasked with finding as many of them as he could in order to destroy every piece of Voldemort’s soul. While Dumbledore theorised that there must be seven, as that is the most magical number, we hadn’t quite envisaged what the final [Horcrux](/features/the-horcruxes) would be... Harry himself. 

## 12. The Prince’s Tale

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Seven books down, and we had met many characters with hidden identities, many pieces of magic that unveiled new bombshells, and many revelations that had rewritten our expectations on where Harry Potter’s story was going.

And yet, the biggest character reveal of the original seven books was still yet to come. With the [Battle of Hogwarts](/feature/the-battle-of-hogwarts-quiz) crumbling, and Severus Snape dead, surely that was where this character’s story ended? As it turned out, huge pieces of Snape’s tale hadn’t been told at all, and his childhood, tragic love story and secret work for Albus Dumbledore were all unveiled to Harry within the Pensieve. Seeing the cruel, sardonic Potions professor’s humbling backstory completely changed Harry’s perception of the character, with Harry so shocked by the revelation that it gave him the fire he needed to end Voldemort once and for all.

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

7 times Dobby was a comedy genius 

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Dobby is standing in Malfoy Manor with his arm outstretched. He is using magic, snapping his fingers which has created sparks.

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Dobby holds the sock which grants his freedom from the Malfoys.

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__For more mischievous content, check out our new [Magical Mischief collection.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/magical-mischief)__

Whether it’s piling dozens of tiny knitted hats on his head at once, or painting Harry the world’s most hideous portrait, an appearance from Dobby always had us rolling in the aisles. Here’s a couple of our favourite (and endearingly unintentionally funny) Dobby moments. 

## 1. When he ‘dobs’ himself in within the first 5 minutes of meeting Harry

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We first meet Dobby at the beginning of *Chamber of Secrets*, when Harry finds the house-elf causing mayhem in his bedroom at 4 Privet Drive. Within about five minutes, Dobby goes from saying he can’t say anything to admitting he is responsible for intercepting Harry’s letters from his Hogwarts friends as an attempt to stop him returning to school. Nice going, Dobby – you’d have made a great spy. 
> 
> ‘See what it’s like here?’ he said. ‘See why I’ve got to go back to Hogwarts? It’s the only place I’ve got – well, I think I’ve got friends.’ 
> ‘Friends who don’t even write to Harry Potter?’ said Dobby slyly. 
> ‘I expect they’ve just been – hang on,’ said Harry, frowning. 
> ‘How do you know my friends haven’t been writing to me?’ 
> Dobby shuffled his feet. 
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*
> 
 

And this is all prior to the infamous 'pudding' incident - so all in all, a very unintentionally amusing day all-round for Dobby.

## 2. When he tried out saying something mean 

> Dobby whispered, ‘He said we is free to call him a – a barmy
> old codger if we likes, sir!’
> Dobby gave a frightened sort of giggle. 
> Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 

Gasp! Dobby, such strong words! 

## 3. When he embraces his... artistic side

After securing Dobby’s freedom from the shackles of his house-elf duties for the Malfoys, Dobby did tend to overcompensate in giving his thanks to Harry. Cue many years of weird Christmas and birthday presents. For Christmas in his fifth year, Dobby really surpassed himself – painting an actual portrait of Harry. It’s safe to say Fred and George weren’t particularly overwhelmed by Dobby’s artistic talents. 

> ‘What’s that supposed to be, anyway?’ asked Fred, squinting at Dobby’s painting. ‘Looks like a gibbon with two black eyes.’ 
> ‘It’s Harry!’ said George, pointing at the back of the picture, ‘says so on the back!’ 
> ‘Good likeness,’ said Fred, grinning. 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
> 
 

## 4. The tea-cosy – need we say more?

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Homepage carousel Dobby when Harry Potter got it right

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> He was wearing a tea-cosy for a hat, on which he had pinned a number of bright badges; a tie patterned with horseshoes over a bare chest, a pair of what looked like children’s football shorts, and odd socks. 
>*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*
>
 

How have tea-cosy hats not become the next big fashion trend yet?

## 5. His unbridled love of socks 

As Dumbledore says, ‘one can never have enough socks’ but if you’re mates with Dobby – you most likely have quite a lot of socks. Imagine Harry's joy when he received a knitted pair of mismatched socks designed by Dobby himself. Quite the pioneer in sock design. 

But to be fair to the little guy – we can’t blame Dobby's golf-ball eyes lighting up whenever he catches sight of one – to him, it’s his own personal symbol of freedom. 

> ‘Socks are Dobby’s favourite, favourite clothes, sir!’ he said,
> ripping off his odd ones and pulling on Uncle Vernon’s. ‘I has
> seven now, sir … but, sir ...’ he said, his eyes widening, having
> pulled both socks up to their highest extent, so that they
> reached to the bottom of his shorts, ‘they has made a mistake
> in the shop, Harry Potter, they is giving you two the same!’ 
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

## 6. When he wore all of the hats

> Dobby the house-elf was standing beside the table on which Hermione had left half a dozen of her knitted hats. His large, pointed ears were now sticking out from beneath what looked like all the hats Hermione had ever knitted; he was wearing one on top of the other, so that his head seemed elongated by two or three feet, and on the very topmost bobble sat Hedwig, hooting serenely and obviously cured. 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
> 
 

Picturing the image of Dobby wearing all of Hermione’s hats in one go is just... perfect. It kind of ruined Hermione’s whole S.P.E.W. initiative, but at least Dobby was happy. And Hedwig really was the cherry on top. 

## 7. When he redecorated the Room of Requirement... with Harry’s face

> Harry arrived early in the Room of Requirement for the last DA meeting before the holidays and was very glad he had, because when the torches burst into flame he saw that Dobby had taken it upon himself to decorate the place for Christmas. He could tell the elf had done it, because nobody else would have strung a hundred golden baubles from the ceiling, each showing a picture of Harry’s face and bearing the legend: HAVE A VERY HARRY CHRISTMAS! 
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
> 
 

Incredible punning skills and a masterclass in interior design. Oh Dobby, we wish we could have a friend like you.

Some rules about magic it’s important to bear in mind 

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Note: we won’t be counting Dolores Umbridge’s several Educational Decrees, because those were just ridiculous.

## The International Statute of Secrecy must be abided 

The main law of magic in the wizarding world is the obvious one: don’t perform it in front of the Muggles! It’s sad that things came to this, but the International Statute of Secrecy is steeped in a chequered history - with events such as the Salem Witch Trials and various other hostile acts leading to this golden rule being decreed in 1692. Naturally, it’s been breached several times in the ensuing centuries - with various degrees of seriousness.

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Seraphina Picquery the President of MACUSA stands in front of her President's Throne wearing black and gold robes and an impressive headdress 

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While Harry and Ron flying a car across the UK (in clear view of Muggles) had them losing house points and receiving detentions and Howlers, adult wizards and witches risk getting arrested, depending on the severity of the exposure. In *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them*, Newt had to help MACUSA erase the memories of the whole of New York City following the devastation caused by Credence’s Obscurus.

In fact, America’s secrecy laws were all the more severe in general – with [Rappaport’s Law](/writing-by-jk-rowling/rappaports-law-en) stating that magical people couldn’t marry No Majs. In Europe, [mixed-magical relationships are legal](/features/tragedies-of-wizard-muggle-romances), albeit subject to prejudice from more close-minded people. 

## You can’t use magic outside of Hogwarts until you come of age

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

We would also ask you to remember that any magical activity which risks notice by members of the non-magical community (Muggles) is a serious offence, under section 13 of the International Confederation of Warlocks’ Statute of Secrecy. Enjoy your holidays!

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Any witches or wizards under the age of 17 must live with the uncharted frustration of not being able to perform magic outside of school, unless there are extenuating circumstances. If you’re with a grown-up witch or wizard, you can sometimes piggy-back off their magic – such as if you need to Apparate somewhere, but ultimately, it’s a dull life of washing the dishes by hand until that special birthday comes about. 

Harry nearly getting expelled by the Ministry of Magic in his fifth year for using the [Patronus Charm](/writing-by-jk-rowling/patronus-charm) in front of Dudley doesn’t really count – seeing as there was meddling behind the scenes going on there. 

## You can’t magically create food

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> He’s been providing us with food, because for some reason, that’s the one thing the Room doesn’t really do.’
> ‘Yeah, well, food’s one of the five exceptions to Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration,’ said Ron, to general astonishment. 
> Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 

Probably the most frustrating magical rule of all: you can’t conjure up food from scratch. Sure, you can summon it to you, or Apparate to the nearest greasy spoon, but you can’t make it from thin air, sadly. This is the first of the five Principal Exceptions to Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration, as Hermione would tell you.

This means the [Room of Requirement](/features/room-of-requirement-infographic) can’t suddenly turn into a restaurant – no matter how much you require it. The closest we came to seeing food magically appear were the enchanted plates from the Yule Ball, but we can assume some sort of fancy [Summoning Charm](/features/summoning-charm) was put on those. 

## Playing with life and death will warrant dark consequences

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but at a terrible
price. You have slain something pure and defenceless to save yourself and you will have but a half life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches your lips.

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You all should know this one well by now – death and magic is not a pleasant mix. Please note the entire arc of Lord Voldemort for further details. Early on, Harry learns that ‘no spell can reawaken the dead’, although there are many loopholes – such as ghosts, [Inferi](/writing-by-jk-rowling/inferi), the [Philosopher’s Stone](/writing-by-jk-rowling/the-philosophers-stone) and the [Resurrection Stone](/features/resurrection-stone), and being able to live on through a version of yourself [inside paintings.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/how-do-magical-portraits-actually-work)

But Lord Voldemort goes beyond this – delving into the most despicable ways of magically extending your life – such as drinking unicorn blood and making Horcruxes through murder. Voldemort pays the ultimate price for his actions – and it goes far beyond being locked up in Azkaban.

## If you become an Animagus, you have to get a license

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Scabbers the rat sits upon Ron Weasley's shoulders in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

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Transforming into an animal is perhaps one of the most enviable magical skills out there – but it’s very hard, and you have to be registered if you can do it. Imagine if everyone just became an Animagus without people knowing – there’d be a lot of funny-behaving cats and dogs hanging around.

Upon discovering Rita Skeeter is an unregistered Animagus, Hermione was able to blackmail her, as she was getting her Daily Prophet stories by illegal means (ie: eavesdropping on people as a beetle) As for the Marauders, Sirius Black, James Potter and Peter Pettigrew were all unregistered Animagi too – as they did it to secretly help accompany Remus Lupin during his werewolf transformations. Of course, Peter Pettigrew ended up becoming a rat for other reasons later on in life...

PS: If you've ever wondered how to become an Animagus, [you can discover so here.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/web-how-do-you-become-animagus)

## And if you’re American, you would’ve needed a wand permit

PMARCHIVE-FB WB Tina Goldstein with Wand 3uc2DTebYranW3IRL0bsXC-b11

Tina Goldstien holds her wand at the ready

FB WB Tina Goldstein with Wand

Tina Goldstein (played by Katherine Waterston) holds her wand at the ready in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

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At the end of the nineteenth century, American witches and wizards were required to carry wand permits, so magical activity could be tracked. And the American wizarding laws at the time were pretty dire: while European wizards went to Azkaban, American wizardkind could risk execution. 

## The Unforgivable Curses are illegal, obviously

PMARCHIVE-AlastorMoody WB F4 AlastorMoodyAngryInClassroom Still 080615 Land 3uc2DTebYranW3IRL0bsXC-b13

AlastorMoody WB F4 AlastorMoodyAngryInClassroom Still 080615 Land

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We’re sure you probably knew this, but yep. Avada Kedavra, (the Killing Curse) Crucio (the Cruciatus Curse) and Imperio (the Imperius Curse) are very illegal and would lead to a life sentence in [Azkaban](/writing-by-jk-rowling/azkaban) if caught using one against another. So Mad-Eye Moody (or should we say, Barty Crouch Jr.) teaching a class of fourth-years (with an engorged spider of all things!) about them was obviously pretty troubling to say the least.

During the wizarding wars, this rule became hazy, with Aurors permitted to use them against Dark forces, and during Voldemort’s ascent, legalised once he had taken over the Ministry. Thankfully, that era didn’t last too long.

## And looking after certain fantastic beasts is also... frowned upon

PMARCHIVE-RubeusHagrid WB F1 HagridWearingApronAndGlovesInHisHut Still 080615 Port 3uc2DTebYranW3IRL0bsXC-b15

RubeusHagrid WB F1 HagridWearingApronAndGlovesInHisHut Still 080615 Port

Hagrid in an apron and gloves in his hut from the Philosopher's Stone 

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Of course, spells aren’t the only dangerous things to keep an eye on. Think of Newt Scamander, who has seen his fair share of trouble for carrying around perilous magical creatures – or Hagrid, who was expelled (wrongly) for keeping Aragog the Acromantula on school grounds.

You’d think Hagrid would’ve learnt his lesson, but of course he didn’t – he still thought it was a great idea to keep an illegal dragon (Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback) in a wooden hut many years later. Oh Hagrid, we still love you.

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