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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

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[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

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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

Five times Luna Lovegood was embarrassingly honest

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Harry and Luna standing in a corridor, looking at each other and holding hands.

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and the Order of the Phoenix

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## When she called Harry out for being rude

When Harry was busy shouting and preparing to charge off to the Department of Mysteries because he mistakenly believed Sirius was in danger, the last person he might have expected to deal with was Luna Lovegood. But, just as Hermione forced him to slow down and at least check whether the Voldemort-planted vision of Sirius he’d had was real (ahem), Luna’s words – simple as they were – also made him pause for a moment.

*‘You’re being rather rude, you know,’* was all Luna said, after Harry had abruptly shut down Ginny’s offer of help and continued to shout at Hermione. And of course, she was right. Harry might have been stressed, anxious and desperate to get going, but his refusal to acknowledge anyone else during such moments often cost him dear. Maybe he should have been a bit more willing to listen.

## When she showed how self-aware she was

Later, after Sirius’s death and Dumbledore’s revelations about the prophecy, Harry was angry and deep in grief. Unable to face the End of Term feast celebrations, Luna once again provided him with an alternative perspective:

*‘Oh … well …’ she shrugged. ‘I think they think I’m a bit odd, you know. Some people call me “Loony” Lovegood, actually.’*

This comment made it clear that, although Luna always appeared calm and unruffled, it wasn’t because she didn’t know what other people thought of her – it was because she didn’t care. She was clear-sighted about herself, which also meant she was able to empathise with others. It was, after all, Luna who provided Harry with the only real words of comfort he heard after Sirius’s death. 

*‘Oh, come on. You heard them, just behind the veil, didn’t you?’*

*‘You mean …’*

*‘In that room with the archway. They were just lurking out of sight, that’s all. You heard them.’*


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A closeup of Luna Lovegood standing on the bridge at Hogwarts and smiling

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## When she pointed out that people didn’t expect her to be friends with Harry

Luna displayed that calm self-acceptance again, when she and Neville joined Harry onboard the Hogwarts Express and were faced with the giggles of Romilda Vane and her friends.

*‘People expect you to have cooler friends than us,’ said Luna, once again displaying her knack for embarrassing honesty.*

The companionship she’d found during the DA meetings meant a lot to Luna – she said that the meetings were ‘like having friends,’ and decorated her room with pictures of Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville and Ginny – but, again, she knew how other people viewed her, and she didn’t let it bother her. Luna always faced things head on, no matter how uncomfortable it might be.

## When she identified Ron’s potential for unkindness 

Luna wasn’t just aware of her own behaviour. She was also observant about others, as Ron might attest. When he started going out with Lavender Brown and consequently fell out with Hermione, Luna was one of the few people to point out that Ron was behaving pretty badly.

*‘He says very funny things sometimes, doesn’t he?’ said Luna, as they set off down the corridor together. ‘But he can be a bit unkind. I noticed that last year.’*

Now look: we love Ron but, once again, Luna had a point.

## When she eulogised Dobby so perfectly

And yet, Luna’s honesty wasn’t always embarrassing. The sweet, simple words she said over Dobby’s grave after he’d rescued them from Malfoy Manor were perfectly delivered and said everything that was needed. 


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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

‘Thank you so much, Dobby, for rescuing me from that cellar. It’s so unfair that you had to die, when you were so good and brave. I’ll always remember what you did for us. I hope you’re happy now.’

For someone who believed in a fair few falsehoods, Luna Lovegood had quite the talent for telling the truth. So, in celebration of her birthday, here’s a little list of times when Luna’s words hit very close to home.

The Arthur Weasley crossword

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Today's crossword is all about Ron's lovely dad - so how much do you know about Arthur Weasley, really?

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Visit our [puzzles page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) for more challenges!

What really happens when Muggles fall in love with witches or wizards?

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Jacob and Queenie standing at the bar of The Blind Pig looking at each other and smiling. Jacob is holding a glass of Gigglewater.

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and Where to Find Them

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## Jacob Kowalski and Queenie Goldstein

Such was the strength of feeling between *Fantastic Beasts*’ resident Muggle (or No-Maj) Jacob Kowalski and Queenie Goldstein, a witch who worked for the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA), that even Jacob being Oblivitated wasn’t enough to dampen it. As he told his old friend Newt Scamander, the potion they used only erased bad memories – and most of his, particularly the ones with Queenie in them, were good.

But unfortunately for Jacob and Queenie, who lived at a time when witches and wizards were banned by MACUSA from having relationships with No-Majs, they were never going to have an easy life. The law that prevented them from getting married caused Queenie such despair that she actually enchanted Jacob and bought him to London, apparently planing to marry him without his knowledge. That was never going to work now, was it? Afterwards, things became even darker, as Queenie herself became enchanted by Gellert Grindelwald’s rhetoric. She may have originally followed Grindelwald down a dark path because she mistakenly believed it might free her to marry Jacob as she wanted, but she became entwined with Grindelwald’s bloodthirsty mission in the process.

Luckily for Queenie, Jacob never gave up on her and they did eventually get married, under no enchantment but love. We’re so glad they got their happy ending.

## Eileen Prince and Tobias Snape

We don’t know much about Severus Snape’s parentage, but the small glimmer we did see told a dark and sorry tale. A man who dubbed himself ‘the Half-Blood Prince’ may have been proud to have Muggle blood in his veins, but whether he was as proud of his mum and dad was another story.

In *Deathly Hallows*, Harry discovered much about Snape’s childhood and friendship with his mother, Lily. Harry also learnt that Snape had a sad childhood, living in a derelict Muggle village, with two parents who seemed to argue endlessly.

When Lily asked Young Snape if his dad, the Muggle Tobias, liked magic, Snape’s reply was short but said an awful lot: ‘He doesn’t like anything much.’

## Lyall Lupin and Hope Howell

Like Jacob and Queenie, [Remus Lupin](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/remus-lupin)’s parents were a good example that Muggle/wizard romance can work, but sometimes events can complicate things. Lyall Lupin and Hope Howell met when Lyall rescued Hope from a Boggart. How very ‘Lupin’ of him!

Turns out this was an excellent ice-breaker for a very happy marriage, and eventually they had a son together, Remus.

Lyall had a run in with the werewolf Fenrir Greyback during his time at the Ministry for Magic. Greyback took his revenge by biting Remus, transforming him into a werewolf and leaving him to a lifetime of exclusion.

The couple knew the stigma attached to their son’s condition, so they educated him at home and moved from place to place to avoid having to answer difficult questions. Remus did get to go to Hogwarts in the end, where he met his future best friends.

## Mr and Mrs Thomas

Dean was a close friend of Harry and Ron, and one-time boyfriend of Ginny... but behind the scenes, Dean Thomas’s family had a history be knew nothing about.

An early draft of *Chamber of Secrets* reveals that, while Dean and his mother, who was a Muggle, believed that his dad had abandoned them, it actually wasn’t the case. Mr Thomas never told his family what he was, and was killed by Death Eaters when he refused to join Voldemort’s cause.

Dean and his mother had no idea that Mr Thomas was not only a wizard, but also a very brave man.

## Merope Gaunt and Tom Riddle

The relationship between Merope Gaunt and Tom Riddle Sr teaches us a very harsh lesson about love and magic.

Born into a life of abuse and poverty, Merope Gaunt had the misfortune of growing up in a family so pure-blood obsessed they resorted to family marriages to keep the line untainted. Merope Gaunt grew up barely able to use magic due to the constant cycle of cruelty, and she fell in love with a local boy – handsome Muggle Tom Riddle.

The reaction from her father and brother was volatile, but the two were later imprisoned. Finally, free from the restraints of her abusive life, Merope began to hone her magic, but sadly after a life of desolation, focused it in the wrong place: she made Tom Riddle fall in love with her using magic.

The pair’s ‘romance’ shocked their village, and the couple led a claustrophobic life with Merope living in blissful denial, with Tom trapped under her enchantments. Eventually Merope became pregnant, so the troubled witch decided to lift the spells and see if Tom Riddle would love her back naturally.

Tom Riddle was instantly repulsed and fled, leaving Merope alone in despair. She died shortly after the birth of her son, also called Tom Riddle, and this young boy – born under terrible circumstances – became one of the Darkest wizards in history. Even worse? Merope’s tortured final wish: that her son would look just like the man who would never love her.

Over the years, relationships between Muggles and wizardkind have been temperamental, to say the least. And where love is involved, things get even more complicated…

Discover the films

Wizarding World Image Crediting

to Fantastic Beasts

When wands go wrong

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Harry and Ron standing side-by-side with their wands raised. Both look determined.

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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## Ron and the incredible backfiring wand

One of the first things Ron Weasley told Harry Potter was that the wand he’d brought with him to Hogwarts had previously [belonged to his older brother](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/5-times-ron-weasley-proved-its-tough-to-stand-out) Charlie. It was already worn out – battered and chipped, with its core of unicorn hair nearly poking out – and that was well before the Whomping Willow almost snapped it in two. After that, there was no hope.

And so, the scene was set for arguably the most obvious example of a wand going wrong: that time Ron tried to make Draco Malfoy eat slugs, but the spell went haywire and he was left vomiting a load of the slimy things up himself instead. The message is clear – no amount of Spellotape can make a broken wand work, perhaps especially not when it didn’t really belong to you in the first place. Good thing Ron eventually secured himself a new wand, hey?

## Neville’s woeful wandwork

[Neville Longbottom](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/pottermore-neville-longbottom-infographic) was no Squib, but given his own family thought he was “all Muggle” for years before accidentally dropping him out of a window, it is perhaps not surprising he arrived at Hogwarts with a serious lack of confidence in his magical abilities. He was also nervous, clumsy and forgetful. This combination meant he struggled in his classes, which is never a good thing when you’re armed with a wand. Once he even managed to accidentally vanish the leg of his own desk, startled by a shout from Seamus Finnigan that made his wand slip.

But for all his mistakes, Neville also had another problem. Like Ron, he arrived at school with a hand-me-down wand that had not ‘chosen’ him. In fact, he spent five years using his father’s wand before it was destroyed in the Department of Mysteries. So if what Ollivander said was true – that wands work best when they have chosen the witch or wizard that owns them – then Neville was working at a serious disadvantage. Maybe it’s no wonder he never got the best results. 

## Harry and Voldemort’s super-connected wands (and all the borrowed ones)

Harry’s wand had a pretty unique story, what with the fact that it contained a feather from Dumbledore’s phoenix, Fawkes, and was a ‘twin’ of Voldemort’s. This connection meant, as Dumbledore once said, that Harry’s wand was “abnormally powerful” when used against its twin, and it certainly caused problems for Voldemort. Firstly, the connection between their wands stopped Voldemort killing Harry in the graveyard. Then, it forced Voldemort’s wand to regurgitate its previous spells, allowing Harry to speak with the people Voldemort had previously killed – his own parents included. And a few years later, Harry’s wand destroyed the one Voldemort had borrowed precisely to avoid the problem of the twin cores, saving Harry’s life yet again.

So yes, it’s fair to say Harry’s wand caused Voldemort no end of trouble – but, as Dumbledore also said, it was still “a wand like any other.” And that, of course, meant it could be destroyed. Which it was. Harry and Hermione’s dramatic escape from Bathilda Bagshot’s house left Harry’s faithful holly-and-phoenix wand in pieces. Without it, Harry was forced to use a series of different wands: Hermione’s, the blackthorn wand acquired by Ron from a Snatcher, and Draco’s wand, which he took from Draco at Malfoy Manor. And of all the borrowed wands he used, it was Draco’s that worked best for Harry. So it seems Ollivander was right about one thing: *“where a wand has been won, its allegiance will change.”* Tricky things, wands.

## Hermione and Bellatrix Lestrange’s wand

One wand that certainly didn’t pass its allegiance on was Bellatrix Lestrange’s. Hermione, who used the wand to impersonate Bellatrix when they broke into Gringotts Bank, hated it. Because she hadn’t won it, it didn’t work properly for her, but it was more than that: Bellatrix’s wand represented death, destruction and very Dark Magic.

And Hermione’s instinctive reaction to the wand was also right in more ways than one – because the very fact that she had it was one of the first things that alerted the Gringotts goblins to their pretty brazen break-in attempt. She, Harry and Ron got what they were after in the end, it’s true, but only after being burned by fake gold, double-crossed by Griphook, and escaping on a half-blind dragon. Maybe Hermione should have listened to her instincts and left that wand at home…

## Jacob’s pretend wand

This wand didn’t really go wrong so much as never work in the first place, but *Fantastic Beasts*’ Jacob Kowalski is the only Muggle we know of to have ever been given an actual wand by an actual wizard, so here he is. As a Muggle, Jacob’s wand – gifted to him by Newt, on the orders of Dumbledore, and appearing to all intents and purposes like a real wizarding world wand – could not do magic. Still, it looked like it could. And at least it didn’t force him to vomit up slugs, hey?

Check out the Vivarium in Hogwarts Legacy - a wholesome space for cosy gamers

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In [Hogwarts Legacy](https://www.wizardingworld.com/hogwarts-legacy), you can engage in epic combat, take part in a sprawling, bewitching storyline and skill up with lessons. But today we’re in a wholesome mood – and we just want to potter about (no pun intended…) in a nice garden with some calming music please.

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Indeed, Hogwarts Legacy (coming 10th February) caters to all types of gamers, thankfully, including the ‘cosy gamer’ – one who enjoys games that require growing crops, perhaps doing some casual farming, going fishing, etc. rather than anything too strenuous.

The Vivarium is a kind, green space inside the Room of Requirement where players can bring magical creatures to look after, and channel their inner Hagrids or Newt Scamanders. 

In the video above, you’ll see many familiar magical beasts you’ve come across before – including a Kneazle, a Graphorn, a Niffler and a Mooncalf. You can even customise this space to your liking. Perhaps you’d like to decorate the area with some ruins, benches or pumpkins. 

Your Vivarium includes all the tools you need to look after your magical creatures in the best way possible, including a beast feeder and a toybox – so your animals can feed as well as play! You’ll also be able to extract certain properties from your magical creatures to make potions out of. Or, if you fancy, you can simply go and stand by the lake and look out into the sunset as your magical creatures frolic peacefully. 

We are already feeling very calm and de-stressed at the very thought of this feature.

***

__Hogwarts Legacy is scheduled to launch worldwide for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on February 10, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One will launch on April 4 and Nintendo Switch on July 25.__

[You can still pre-order the game here.](https://www.hogwartslegacy.com/en-us?utm_source=wwd_web&utm_medium=newsarticle&utm_campaign=HL)


Celebrating those little moments of light relief

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

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## Lockhart’s ridiculous Valentines 

First thing’s first: we know [Gilderoy Lockhart](https://www.wizardingworld.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/gilderoy-lockhart) was one of Hogwart’s worst Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers (which is saying something, given that list included Professor Umbridge and a Voldemort-controlled Professor Quirrell) and, yes, he was extremely arrogant and full of his own importance. But, when everyone else was living in fear of an unknown monster busily Petrifying people, Lockhart hit upon a bizarre little morale booster just in time for Valentine’s Day. Harry might not have appreciated being serenaded by a surly-looking messenger in golden Cupid’s wings who was unafraid to kick people in the shins, but we have to hand it to Lockhart – those singing Valentines were pretty funny.

## When Neville’s Boggart became Snape in a vulture-topped hat

If you think about it, Boggarts are the perfect example of the importance of light relief. Imagine the thing you are most scared of in all the world, and then make it ridiculous. Laugh at it, and it will go away. There’s a metaphor to be explored here, but for now, let’s just remember the fact that a) Neville Longbottom’s greatest fear was Professor Snape and, b) that he confronted that fear in Boggart-form by imagining Snape dressed in his grandmother’s highly unique get-up. Lace-trimmed dress, crimson handbag, vulture-topped hat and all. Ha! indeed. 

## Fred and George’s final goodbye to Umbridge

We could have picked any number of [Fred-and-George moments](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/fred-and-george-weasleys-best-one-liners) for this list. The extra-long tongue they gave Dudley Dursley as a parting gift. The (generally) gentle mockery they dished out to perfect Prefect Percy (and, later, Ron). The way they gifted Harry the Marauder’s Map when he was forced to miss out on those Hogsmeade trips. But their final Hogwarts exit has to be top of the list, especially given they did it with such style that even Peeves had to salute them. Replacing a school corridor with a Portable Swamp was pretty impressive. Freeing their chained-up brooms and riding off into the distance complete with still-fastened iron locks was pretty daring. And their swaggering sign-off was pretty funny…

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

‘If anyone fancies buying a Portable Swamp, as demonstrated upstairs, come to number ninety-three, Diagon Alley – Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes,’ he said in a loud voice. ‘Our new premises!’

‘Special discounts to Hogwarts students who swear they’re going to use our products to get rid of this old bat,’ added George, pointing at Professor Umbridge.

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All this, and it bought Harry valuable time to talk to Sirius and Lupin. Personally, we agree with Professor Filch. It was a really good bit of magic.

## Bill and Fleur’s wedding

After Dumbledore’s death, and before the Horcrux hunt, Bill and Fleur’s wedding provided Harry with, as he himself thought of it, *“one last golden day of peace… to enjoy with Ron and Hermione.”*

Even before he embarked on the gruelling task that lay ahead, Harry knew hunting Horcruxes would be no picnic. And without Dumbledore, he was in a particularly dark and perilous place. So the fact that a wedding was taking place at all might have seemed incredible – but the fact that it was taking place at all was also a testament to the very things he was fighting for. Sure, he may have been disguised as a Weasley cousin and sure, it didn’t end that well, but Harry got to spend some extra hours at The Burrow, surrounded by people who cared about him, watching two people in love get married, and witnessing the Lovegood’s amazing wedding outfits. Honestly, what could be better?


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## When Hagrid threw a ‘Support Harry Potter’ party

It wasn’t discreet. It wasn’t sensible. Even for Hagrid, the timing was shocking. But to throw a ‘Support Harry Potter’ party and risk being captured by Death Eaters, just as Harry himself was living through the darkest times of his life – well, it was also a brilliant way to show defiance and spirit. And Hagrid always knew how to lift Harry’s spirits, even when he was miles away. 

## Ron’s one-liners

Like Fred and George, Ron had a knack for comedy, although in his case it was more sarcasm and jokes than magical pranks. He certainly also had his weaknesses – envy, occasional rudeness, that whole deserting-his-friends-in-the-middle-of-a-crisis thing – but whenever he and Harry fell out, it was noticeable how much more serious things seemed. He knew how to lighten the mood, did Ron, and such a skill should never be underestimated. Maybe that’s why Dumbledore left him the Deluminator. After all, he might have deserted his friends, but as Harry said, he also came back – with his quips and his buoyant energy firmly back in place.

We think our favourite one-liner of Ron’s was his comment about Peeves’ Battle of Hogwarts song, which he delivered as he was exhaustedly shepherding his friends out of the Great Hall and mourning the loss of his brother:


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Really gives a feeling for the scope and tragedy of the thing, doesn’t it?

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See? Dumbledore was right. To paraphrase something he said in the *Prisoner of Azkaban* film, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times – you just have to remember to turn on the light.

The Harry Potter film marathon crossword

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Neville Longbottom is sitting in a chair and smiling

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Lights, camera, action!

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Visit our [puzzles page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles) for more challenges!

Unpacking Hogwarts Legacy: Q&A with the experts behind the game 

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## Story development with Moira Squier 

Your Hogwarts Legacy is what you make it, but there are several storylines running through the game to move your journey forwards, from new characters to mysterious Ancient Magic – and even a few familiar faces from the Harry Potter stories. Narrative Lead Moira Squier has a deep history with the Wizarding World, having worked on earlier games you’ll remember from your younger days – and now, she’s headed up a team of talented writers to help make your Hogwarts adventure as real as possible.

## What were your immediate thoughts when you came on board this project?

For years, we wanted to do this: an open-world RPG. But it just never worked until now. The content wasn’t there, the tech wasn’t there… we weren’t ready for it, but now it’s right. And when they asked us to help on the game – I thought, what a privilege. It’s like a dream come true, I wanted this game myself for decades.

We really wanted to pick a time period where there were no heroes, no Newt, no Harry - it’s you. We wanted to make sure it’s close enough to our time period that the language was still familiar enough that we weren’t in medieval times or something, but we were far enough away from a few things the fans know. So, Voldemort isn’t going to pop in tomorrow, for example!

It’s your own complete world. And the Victorian era is gorgeous from a design perspective. So, it allowed us a lot of creative leeway. 

## How different is late 1800s Hogwarts to 1990s Hogwarts? (Harry’s era) 

It's pretty similar in a good way. This castle, the design team did an amazing job. We’d see things in the films cutting from place to place, but in the game, you see everything. You can run, you can fast-travel, but most of the time you just wander around the castle – going, “what’s that?” Maybe there’s a puzzle to solve… maybe there’s a picture, maybe there’s a room you didn’t know existed before. I’ve been watching people playing the game and going, “wait, what’s THAT room?” And I’ve played the game for so many hours I can’t count. It’s familiar, you know you’re at Hogwarts, but the detail, the intricacies and the explore-ability is just greater than anything we’ve ever done before. 

## How was it helping to create new characters with the writing team? And how was it introducing new ones?

All the writing team got together and would pitch ideas. We wanted a diverse collection of professors, students, vendors in the shop, etc. People called upon their own experiences. Hopefully you play the game and see a character and go “That’s like my sister”, or an uncle, or anything like that. And we really wanted to tie it to the familiar world – so you’ll hear there’s a Weasley, a Rookwood… Professor Black is a known character as a portrait in the books, so fleshing him out, we really loved. 

[For the new characters], we have Everett and Sebastian and Poppy and all these great personalities and backstories and really feel like friends to me. I think everyone did a really good job with that – and the characters will put you in predicaments where you have to react to. You compensate your friends, and they compensate for you and it’s a real relationship. 

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## Combat with Troy Johnson 

Duelling will be a key feature in Hogwarts Legacy, with players getting the opportunity to combine spells they recognise, or even use other techniques against foes, such as strategic uses of plants and potions. We’re sure you all remember Professor Sprout utilising Mandrakes at the Battle of Hogwarts!

## What are all the different ways we can use combat in Hogwarts Legacy?

The wonderful thing about our combat system that we really wanted to emphasise and offer the players is “play your way”. Are you the type of witch or wizard who wants to go into combat and be masterful at spell-casting? Do you want to learn every different spell? Do you want to learn different combinations and express yourself that way? Or do you want to invest ahead of time by growing plants and brewing potions? And taking that time and making sure you put in the effort so that when you get into battle you can just dominate the battlefield with those tools instead?

Or do you want to be using the Dark Arts? Do you want to learn the Unforgiveable Curses? Do you want to have that raw power fantasy of Dark magic to destroy everything in your path?

## What are some of the spells we know from Harry Potter that will be effective for us in the game? 

Do you want to use the Disillusionment Charm to sneak up behind everybody and use Petrificus Totalus to knock people out one at a time and thin that field before engaging in combat? it’s totally up to you. We wanted to make sure we gave that fan fantasy to anybody no matter who they were and how they wanted to play. 

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## Easter eggs with Chandler Wood 

Chandler Wood is Community Manager at Avalanche, who spoke to us about some of the little details we can expect to find in this gargantuan game. But naturally, we don’t want to give too much away, so we’ve asked Chandler to be cryptic!  

## Not giving too much away, can you tease any fun easter eggs players can discover in Hogwarts Legacy, if they know where to look?

We may have a lot of little things throughout the game that people may recognise. I would say to look out for a certain sea creature who may want to be fed toast… especially if you’re part of a particular house! Just hanging around the Black Lake, there may be something you can find. I would also recommend, in the Forbidden Forest, finding a certain lake, and keeping an eye out for maybe something there that may call back to iconic moments in the franchise! 

There’s so many little things going down off the grounds of Hogwarts. You may find a shed that, in our time, holds some tools to help upkeep the grounds… But at some point the shed will may become someone else’s home...

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## Look and feel with Boston Madsen

Boston is a Senior Environment Artist on Hogwarts Legacy, helping hone the beauty and craftmanship of Hogwarts and the world around it. 

## What were some of your favourite easter eggs to work on?

I love the books and there’s a lot of little lore pieces. I’m really, really glad we have the house hourglasses, as I don’t think we really got to experience those very clearly in the movies. I thought they turned out beautifully, the design. 

And there are people that show up in portraits referenced in different parts of the books and there are little areas that show up in J.K. Rowling’s writing to look out for. 

## Do you have any tips on how we can interact with the game to find anything special?

Definitely tickle the pear! Also maybe knock on some barrels. And if you are not of a certain house, go see what happens when you go hang out in front of another house's common room!

## What’s one tiny detail you think nobody will notice?

Honeydukes candy wrapping! In the 1800s, the concept team and the artists on Hogsmeade put a lot of time into thinking of what was authentically 1800s – so we couldn’t use cellophane or plastic. We had to use materials that might be used then. That’s a tiny, tiny detail that I love the authenticity. We’ll see if people notice! 

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## Direction with Alan Tew  

Alan had the enviable job of Game Director on Hogwarts Legacy - but even Alan admits that he still finds things during the experience that surprises him!  

## What is one tiny detail in the game that you think nobody will notice? 

OK, I’m going to be coy, but I got really excited about this. You imagine I’ve played the game many times. But I still find things I didn’t expect or didn’t realise. One day, I was wearing certain items - you can adjust your fashion, do what you want to do – but I was shocked, my jaw dropped when a character commented on how I looked! It made me laugh. 

Another thing is the stained-glass windows going into the Great Hall, that actually change with the seasons. I discovered that as we were doing other things! 

## If you could drag one character from Harry’s era and put them in the game, who would you choose? 

I mean, maybe as a friend, just because I love the character so much, I love the idea of having Luna as one of the characters I could hang out with in the universe. I’m a proud Ravenclaw. 

## What are you most proud of?

It is so hard not to answer: the castle itself, Hogwarts! It’s a massive challenge to bring the school to life. Most games don’t start with a building larger than most game cities! And just plop you right in the middle of the game. So, Hogwarts is really big, it’s got to be something that feels like home. It’s got to be something you keep coming back to. Every little detail needs to please fans, it needs to have a great gameplay space, there are so many places that need to be familiar. It’s impossible for me not to be incredibly proud of the job that the team did. Just bringing it to life, making it feel alive. When all the music hits, and all the visuals hit, and you’re just in that place and it’s that thing you always dreamt of when you read the books? Like, to actually be there? Sometimes it just has that feeling. And I can just drop the controller, it just doesn’t matter. I’m just blown away that I’m there. And I just love that feeling. And I just think the team knocked it out the park. 

***

__Hogwarts Legacy is scheduled to launch worldwide for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on February 10, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One will launch on April 4 and Nintendo Switch on July 25.__

[Visit the official website for more details](https://www.wizardingworld.com/hogwarts-legacy) – or visit our page here, where you can catch up on all the latest updates and trailers, and learn how to link up your Harry Potter Fan Club account for some extra in-game goodies.

All the exciting things we noticed during the Hogwarts Legacy demo 

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## The avatar creator is exquisitely detailed 

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This is your Hogwarts Legacy, so you want to make sure you look the part! From different hair types and hair colours, to scars and freckles, to a sliding voice scale, you can make yourself into the ultimate Hogwarts student you’ve always wanted to be. And we couldn’t resist putting on a pair of half-moon spectacles that reminded us of a favourite Hogwarts headmaster of ours...

## The Hogwarts landscapes are as lavish as you’ve come to expect

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We remember the days of the early noughties Harry Potter PlayStation games, where we could only run so far out into the Hogwarts grounds, itching to go beyond. Now, we can! Hogwarts Legacy has paid great homage to the Scottish Highlands, complete with stunning landscapes and lush greenery across different seasons. It’s certainly not just about the castle. Although the castle is also incredible, obviously.

## There are Harry Potter easter eggs everywhere


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Speaking of the castle, we were positively giddy with delight at all the references we spotted that harks back (or should that be forwards?) to Harry’s era of Hogwarts. Although we are in the late 1800s, Hogwarts is an ancient wizarding school full of protected history, so it’s not surprising that some of the mainstays of Hogwarts are there during the era we’re exploring. One big mainstay? Peeves the Poltergeist, who pops up out of a corridor to sing a little song for us, as is his way. We also spotted the bathroom that will one day become Moaning Myrtle’s old haunt (!) which comes with an enchanted mirror. Something for the hardcore fans – we also bumped into a talking bust of [Ignatia Wildsmith, the inventor of Floo Powder.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/famous-ravenclaws-through-the-ages)

## And every detail of Hogwarts is finely tuned     

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The developers of the game themselves have admitted that they keep getting lost in Hogwarts – so Merlin knows how well we’ll be able to navigate the famously labyrinthine castle. Even with a brief play-through, it’s clear to see how much detail is in every nook and cranny of our beloved school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with every portrait, statue and fountain designed with love and care.

When we were playing - we learnt quickly to speak to every character you can hanging around the castle – you never know who might have a little side-quest for you. We also recommend casting Revelio at any given opportunity, to unveil any secrets. 

## Duelling is challenging 

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Unleash your inner Auror by perfecting your combat skills in the game – whether you’re practicing at Hogwarts or going out in the wild to take on real foes. There will be spells you’ll recognise immediately that will come in handy for duelling or approaching people stealthily (such as Petrificus Totalus if you want to take someone down, Neville Longbottom-style!) and the game also encourages you to combine spells for maximum gains. We suddenly have a little sympathy for Professor Lockhart’s lack of talent in Dueling Club – it is quite the challenge to get this skill right! 

## Flight is therapeutic 


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Walking is a Muggle’s game – this game gives us the chance to do what we’ve always wanted: fly gracefully around Hogwarts on a broom. And, friends, it is just as [satisfying as it has looked in trailers](https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/hogwarts-legacy-december-showcase-reveals-room-of-requirement-and-broom-flight). You can also go hang out on the Quidditch pitch of Hogwarts too, which will no doubt make you feel nostalgic for the Harry Potter-era matches! 

## And swimming goes swimmingly 

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Fancy a dip? If flying and strolling down the Hogwarts corridors isn’t enough, you can also take a splash in the Great Lake too. Let’s hope we don’t bump into any of ze Grindylows.

## Get by with a little help from your friends  

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The characters that you meet along the way in Hogwarts Legacy will be paramount to your adventure. In our demo, we got to meet Poppy Sweeting, a kindly Hufflepuff Hogwarts student who was very supportive during our gameplay, assisting in casting spells during one of our quests with her, which... spoiler, may have involved a dragon.

## You can pet a cat!!!

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Extremely. Important. Detail. Or should that be… im-paw-tant? The wizarding world is, of course, full of incredible enchanting magical creatures, many of which you’ll get to meet in this game – from dragons to Nifflers. But we did get over-excited at meeting this little cat along our Hogwarts adventures too. And yes, we did indeed pet them. 

__Hogwarts Legacy is scheduled to launch worldwide for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on February 10, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One will launch on April 4 and Nintendo Switch on July 25.__

What are you most excited about from Hogwarts Legacy? Check out our [frequently asked questions](https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/questions-answered-about-hogwarts-legacy-game) page here, or visit our [handy Hogwarts Legacy page](https://www.wizardingworld.com/hogwarts-legacy) for more details, trailers and more.


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