It's September 1, which means one thing...time to go back to Hogwarts!
I first got into Harry Potter in third grade. Our parents were supposed to read to us every night for fifteen minutes, and we decided on Harry Potter. My sister joined us, and because the weather was improving, we would often sit on the glider on the back deck as the sun was going down. I then became a fan. I would bookmark every Potter website I could find and looked forward to the movies.
These days I'm not as much of a Potterhead. Unpopular opinion: I'm okay with not having my Hogwarts acceptance letter. I like my Muggle life just fine, I don't need magic. I don't do roleplay or conventions. None of that, ever. I did go to a book signing once, but those days are in the past. And I just can't get into the fanfiction whatsoever- too much icky weird stuff there. But I do like the books, just not regularly anymore.
New to the Harry Potter fandom? No biggie. Even if you're a Muggle, need a refresher, want to understand a reference, or you just want to get started, now you can. Dive in!
First, here's a brief rundown on types of people you'll see:
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Muggle is a term for a non-magical person.
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Squib is someone born to magical parents who shows very little magical ability. Filch is one, and Neville seems to be close.
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pure-blood is someone who is purely wizard. According to Voldemort, they are the only acceptable type of wizard.
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half-blood is someone with non-magical lineage somewhere in the family. Harry is one.
Book One: The Sorcerer's Stone
Young Harry Potter receives a letter one day- er, many actually- telling him of his acceptance to Hogwarts. Living with his cruel aunt and uncle, this is hard to believe especially as they forbid him to go. However, life has other plans and soon he's learning about magical sports, taking strange classes, and even making some friends and enemies. But there's also a dark destiny that's waiting for him, and he'll prepare to meet the dark force that killed his parents.
It's definitely the lightest book of the series as Harry learns the ups and downs of wizard life. Hypothetically, it could stand on its own if you decided not to continue the series. The first 40% is just Harry trying to escape his family's tyranny, but then he becomes the youngest player to join the Quidditch team, meets wacky professors, and even makes friends. And besides all this there is a mystery he is keen on solving: what is this mysterious Sorcerer's Stone and why is it at Hogwarts? Could someone be plotting to steal it?
Breakout Characters:
Harry, obviously. The Chosen One who isn't afraid to get into some trouble.
Ron Weasley, Harry's fiery-haired best friend
Hermione Granger, a smart busybody who soon becomes their friend
Hagrid, an unusually large man who is the caretaker of Hogwarts and becomes a friend to Harry
Neville Longbottom, a cheeky boy lacking bravery and wizard skill
Albus Dumbledore, an old quirky wizard in charge of the school
Lord Voldemort, an evil wizard who can't seem to die out entirely. He has a snakelike appearance leading people to make fun of his not having a nose.
Book Two: Chamber of Secrets
Harry is excited to return to school but his friends haven't been writing to him. Was the whole thing a dream? Turns out a house-elf who is fond of him is hiding them away, in an attempt to stop him from returning. This elf knows that something terrible is about to happen. And he's right. When students start turning to stone, a plot to attempt to bring Voldemort to power that lies right inside the school is revealed. And the trio wants to figure out how to stop it before any more students are harmed.
In the meantime, be sure to enjoy more Quidditch and a stuck-up new professor who gives Harry advice about being famous. There's also a ghost in the girls' bathroom that provides some interest, and a ghost party as well.
Breakout Characters:
Dobby the house-elf
Lucius Malfoy, Draco's formidable father
Colin Creevey, a superfan of Harry's
Ginny Weasley, Ron's younger sister
Tom Riddle, Voldemort's former self
Book Three: Prisoner of Azkaban
Someone is after Harry, no surprise there. But this time it's the guy who had betrayed Harry's parents to Voldemort. Nobody knows how, but somehow he has escaped from Azkaban prison and has even managed to get inside the school. But is all as it seems?
This book is noted for the lack of Voldemort appearances. But it's probably my favorite for the balance of dark mystery, interesting school events, and plot twists. Among the most interesting are Harry's attempts to visit the local village (his uncle didn't sign the permission form), Divination classes, and highly exciting Quidditch season.
Breakout Characters:
Sirius Black, an old friend of the Potters
Peter Pettigrew, another old friend of the Potters
Professor Trelawney, the Divination professor who likes to predict death
Remus Lupin, a seriously cool Defense professor
Book Four: Goblet of Fire
Can Harry's life just be normal for once? This time around he's found himself entered into a competition, the Triwizard Tournament, that's supposed to be for wizards over seventeen. He must face 3 complex and difficult challenges throughout the course of the year as he figures out why in the world he's in this thing.
Meanwhile, don't forget to take time to enjoy the Quidditch World Cup and read about tabloid drama, Ron's jealousy at Harry achieving more fame, Hagrid struggling with prejudice, and first interests in girls. You'll also enjoy the arrival of other wizarding schools. Hermione also starts a legendary campaign to stand up for the rights of house-elves.
Breakout Characters:
Cho Chang, Harry's love interest
Cedric Diggory, a handsome Hufflepuff and the other Hogwarts competitor
Mad-Eye Moody, a retired Auror returning to Hogwarts to teach
Book Five: Order of the Phoenix
The wizard government refuses to comprehend that Voldemort is back-so do many of the wizarding world- and thus sends one of their staff to silence Harry. This staff member is a particularly nasty Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who refuses to let them practice any defensive magic. At the same time as a group of their parents and teachers rekindle their old defense organization, Harry and the gang form one of their own where he teaches them the defense they need to know, both for exams and in the real world. In the meantime Harry tries to find ways to alert the world of Voldemort's return. At the end of the book, everyone is finally forced to accept the hard truth: Voldemort is back.
Many people consider the new professor to be the most evil character of the series, so this is not a book to be missed. Everyone goes after her in subtle ways, including the teachers. There's not a lot of subplots here, unless you want to consider the surly house elf at the Order headquarters or a budding romance for Harry.
Breakout Characters:
Luna Lovegood, an odd dreamy girl they meet on the train to Hogwarts
Professor Umbridge, the horrid new Defense teacher
Bellatrix Lestrange, an evil witch and Sirius' cousin
Book Six: Half Blood Prince
Dumbledore recruits a professor who he believes holds the key to defeating Voldemort. When Harry obtains this information, he and Dumbledore go on a mission to learn more about Voldemort's past, which will contain answers as to how to defeat him.
Talk about growing up with a book series: there's a lot of teen drama here. Love occurs, fights occur. Everyone learns to Apparate, or get from one place to another instantly, and goes to socials held by said new teacher. Also, when Harry obtains a used Potions book from the "Half Blood Prince" and suddenly becomes good at the subject, the gang tries to find out who the Half Blood Prince might be (I mean yeah, this book doesn't have the most accurate title as this is mostly a subplot but you know). Oh yeah, and your opinions on Draco might change entirely.
Breakout Characters:
Lavender Brown, Ron's over-the-top love interest
Professor Slughorn, new teacher with a dark secret
Book Seven: Deathly Hallows
This is "that camping book" you hear so much about. Harry is no longer safe at Hogwarts and leaves with his friends to go destroy Horcruxes, the items that hold pieces of Voldemort's soul to keep him
immortal. Meanwhile, the trio learns of a legend where one must collect 3 items to become the Master of Death and Harry aims to collect those as well.
This is not the happiest of books, but the ending makes everything worthwhile. You'll be with the characters the whole time, rooting them on as they move around and even camp out to stay in hiding. And there are still lots of magical moments. I like the part where Harry visits his parents' graves and the part with Dumbledore. But the battle scenes are great too, especially seeing everyone defend Hogwarts.
Hogwarts students are sorted into a house upon their first arrival. Each house has a dormitory and a table in the Great Hall. You earn points for your house by doing good, though rulebreaking loses you points. It all comes down to the House Cup at the end of the year. This is what people take so seriously! Which house suits you?
Gryffindor: The house where the big 3 characters are in. If you're brave and chivalrous, this is the place for you. Their ghost is Nearly Headless Nick, named for obvious reasons, and the Head of House is Professor McGonagall.
Ravenclaw: Known as the "smart house," this is where you'll be if you value cleverness. It's argued that Hermione should be here, but the Sorting Hat clearly had its reasons. The house values "wit and learning," and their ghost is the Grey Lady.
Hufflepuff: If you're just and loyal and unafraid of toil, congratulations, you're a Hufflepuff. This is J.K. Rowling's house. Their ghost is the Fat Friar and their Head of House is Professor Sprout.
Slytherin: It's gotten a bad reputation over the years due to its love of pure-bloods (part of Voldemort's regime was trying to eradicate those who weren't). It's certainly not an evil house, especially these days. They value cunning and ambition The Bloody Baron is their ghost. Severus Snape is the Head of House for the most part, until Slughorn takes over.
While we're on ghosts, I should also mention Peeves the poltergeist. He doesn't appear in the movies but is beloved by readers for his wacky antics and love of troublemaking. He is forever loathed by caretaker Argus Filch, although the Bloody Baron can supposedly control him.
School typically starts on September 1st. They get a letter before that with books and supplies they will need, usually obtained in Diagon Alley, the little wizard downtown area if you will. On that date, students report to King's Cross station and run through the wall between platforms 9 and 10. This takes them to Platform 9 3/4, where the Hogwarts Express waits to take them to school. The first years take boats across the lake with Hagrid, while everyone else rides in carriages. Before the opening feast, the Sorting Ceremony takes place where each new student tries on a talking hat and is sorted into one of four houses.
Students traditionally take Transfiguration, Charms, History of Magic, Potions, Herbology, Astronomy, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. First years also have flying lessons. In the third year they may begin Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, Divination, Muggle Studies, and/or Ancient Runes. Fifth year O.W.L. exams dictate what subjects they can continue in the sixth year, while N.E.W.T.s are taken at the end of the seventh.
Many evenings might be spent doing homework, but students might also like to hang out at their house common area. On weekends, third years and up may also visit Hogsmeade, the local village. Quidditch matches between Houses are certainly one of the most anticipated events as well.
A quick guide to your known professors:
Transfiguration: Professor McGonagall (strict but fierce)
Potions: Professor Snape (loathed by many) and Professor Slughorn
Defense Against the Dark Arts: Professors Quirrell, Lockhart, Lupin, Moody, Umbridge, Snape, and Carrow. The position has been jinxed since Voldemort didn't get it--nobody since has held it for more than a year.
Astronomy: Professor Sinistra
Herbology: Professor Sprout
Charms: Professor Flitwick
Divination: Professor Trelawney and Firenze
Arithmancy: Professor Vector
Care of Magical Creatures: Professors Kettleburn and Grubbly-Plank; and Hagrid
Flying: Madam Hooch
What types of things might one need to become a successful witch or wizard?
Broomsticks: Great for getting around, and also for playing Quidditch. They come in many models, the Firebolt being the best.
Floo powder: Toss some of this into your fireplace, clearly state the name of where you want to end up, and you will be transported there. But speak clearly!
Invisibility Cloaks: Don't count on seeing a lot of these; Harry just inherited one from his father. They do come in handy though.
Remembralls: These little glass balls glow red when you've forgotten something.
Time Turners: Very hard to obtain from the Ministry of Magic, awful things can happen when you use one. Hermione is able to responsibly use one to handle her course load.
Wands: They can be crucial to your success. Always remember that the wand chooses the wizard, so you'll know when the choice is right for you. You can also stick out your wand hand to summon the Knight Bus, which can take you anywhere you need to go, but be careful, it's a bumpy ride.
Wizard Chess Sets: Just like regular chess, but the pieces move by themselves. Definitely bring one to Hogwarts; Harry and Ron certainly enjoy it. Gobstones and Exploding Snap are other popular games.
Quidditch is the legendary broomstick sport of the wizarding world. Many places in the real world have adapted it for real play, with players running around rather than flying and a fast runner acting as the Snitch.
The goal is to score the most points. Players known as
Chasers try to get a large ball known as a Quaffle into one of the three large hoops on the other team's field, while it's the
Keeper's job to stop them from scoring. Meanwhile, there's a tiny, fast golden ball flying around which must be caught by one team's
Seeker to earn them 150 points. This usually wins them the game (unless the other team still has more points after it is caught) and ends it. To add an element of danger, Bludgers fly around and try to knock players off their brooms. Each team has two
Beaters responsible for knocking the Bludgers away from players or into opposing ones.
Quidditch is a big part of Harry's life. It was discovered early on that he was a talented Seeker and he joined the team. Ginny also spent time as a Seeker and Chaser, while Fred and George were Beaters. Ron even became Keeper later in the series. However, as the books become darker Harry spends even less time on the Quidditch field. Games are played against House teams and wins earn House points. There are also professional leagues with large followings.
Many creatures abound in the wizarding world. Here are just a few:
Centaurs: Half-human, half-horse, these creatures are prideful. Many don't want to associate with humans. When one of them left the herd to teach Divination, he faced rejection.
Dementors: Not very magical at all. They basically appear as a type of black ghost with rotting, corpselike flesh underneath. They guard Azkaban, the wizarding prison, and can suck out one's soul. The victims are worse off then they would be if they were dead.
Dragons: There are many varieties. Harry battled a Hungarian Horntail in the Goblet of Fire. But Charlie Weasley can tell you about any of them- he handles dragons for a living.
Grindylows/merpeople: Imagine a demonic mermaid and this is basically what you get.
Hippogriffs: these animals, looking like large birds, want respect. They are to be bowed down to, without blinking. If they're willing to approach you they may even let you ride them.
Thestrals: These invisible horses can only be seen by people who have witnessed death. They pull the carriages that take the students to the school.
Unicorns: Their blood is valuable and can extend your life, but at a price. It's one of the things Voldemort was after. They prefer to be approached by girls rather than boys.
Cats, rats, and toads are the traditional pets of Hogwarts students. Famous pets include Neville's toad Trevor, Hermione's cat Crookshanks, and Ron's rat Scabbers. And of course, there's Harry's owl Hedwig. Owls are especially useful, even if they're not used as pets, because students can use them to deliver and receive mail.
Here are some of the biggest debates that surround the fandom. Decide for yourself where you stand...that is, preferably after reading the books.
Dumbledore: good or bad? Many fans have criticized Dumbledore for various reasons, including but not limited to his past. His love of power when he was young led to a tragic event, and one can argue that his plans for Harry weren't good either. He's not perfect, but I don't think he's a bad guy.
Snape: good or bad? The jerky Potions professor only likes a couple of his students. But he also takes on the ultimate role as a double agent. Once you figure out what side he's on, it can still be challenging to determine if he's a good guy. Again, Snape isn't perfect and I think to truly be a good character he would have treated Harry better, especially because his mother was her love interest. And he wouldn't have bullied his students.
Movie Ginny vs. Book Ginny Many fans state, understandably, that movie Ginny doesn't really do that much as a character. Book Ginny is definitely more developed and her romance is more interesting. Still, she comes across as a bit too perfect and the movies don't portray her that way as much.
Harry's Career: Harry ultimately becomes an Auror, someone who catches Dark wizards for a living. But many people feel that he would have been better as a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. After all, he was probably tired of hunting down Dark wizards-which he really didn't want- and he would have been a great teacher. Or perhaps he was an Auror for a few years and then became a teacher. Let the fans decide.
Love triangles: Should Harry end up with Ginny or Hermione? Ginny is the popular answer, but this is still up for debate. It's also said that Hermione should end up with Malfoy or Fred, but this blogger strongly disagrees with those opinions.
Diehard Potter fans like to go to other places around the internet and share in the Potterpalooza. My computer is currently not allowing me to post YouTube links, but check them out for yourself.
Potter Puppet Pals: These wacky skits show the Potter gang at their worst. Character flanderization is through the roof. Corny-ness abounds. But they're amazing. "The Mysterious Ticking Noise" is a must-see, and be sure to check out the silly fan-made cartoons as well.
A Very Potter Musical: I haven't seen this one but I've heard it's popular.
The Leaky Cauldron and
Mugglenet are also popular websites for your Potter needs.
This is a basic guide, but you'll find a lot more secrets tucked amongst the pages. Why not give the books a try if you haven't already?
