The makers of children comedy Hari Puttar - A Comedy of Terrors continue to be in trouble.Though the release date has been fixed at Sep 19, it will depend on the next hearing of the case filed by Hollywood studio Warner Bros alleging infringement of their copyright of the 'Harry Potter' franchise.
Warner Bros filed the copyright case against Mirchi Movies, makers of the film. Munish Purii, COO, Mirchi Movies, said that the next hearing will be on Sep 2 at the Delhi High Court when a judgement is expected.The last hearing, scheduled at the Bombay High Court on Aug 25, was cancelled.
Asked what action they planned if the judgement went against them, Purii said: "Let's wait and watch. We will see what we can do." Purii said he is hopeful of a favourable verdict as the title was registered way back in 2005 and feels it has no similarity to the popular Harry Potter series. About the film, Purii said, "It is a 90 minute fun-filled film with four and a half minutes of animation where the two children take the audience for a joy ride.""It is a film about two children and the power of presence of mind and how the kids create a lot of hilarious sequences," he added.
Music is an integral part of the film and the songs have been composed keeping in mind the situations in the story, he said."I think the music will be quite outstanding as we have tried to create fun filled music keeping in mind the storyline."
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
A group of young wizards and witches got to dine in the Great Hall of Hogwarts last Thursday, Aug. 21, during a special Stonewall Kitchen Cooking School event.
In a kitchen decorated with cobwebs and lighted by candles, kids learned hands-on how to make a variety of Harry Potter treats during the Dinner at Hogwarts program, organized through the York Parks and Recreation Department. Treats like "witches in a blanket," a snack similar to what Muggles would call "pigs in a blanket," "parchment scrolls" and "witches' fingers" were on the menu.
The kids made plenty of wizardly food, but according to 10-year-old Gracie Ciccarelli, a York Middle School student, the best treat was "definitely the cupcakes." The kids decorated cupcakes themselves using any toppings they wanted.
Patty Rouche, manager of the cooking school, found herself a student during the event. "I'm learning more about Harry Potter than I ever wanted to know in these past two weeks," Rouche said from behind a pair of Coke-bottle glasses. She was in costume as Professor Trelawney, a role she portrayed during the two weeks the cooking school hosted the event.
Originally, only one Dinner at Hogwarts was planed, but it was so successful Stonewall Kitchen created three more.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wii Love Harry Potter
Companies often capitalize by modeling video games after successful blockbuster movies, and the Harry Potter series, obviously a huge success in print as well, is no exception. Electonic Arts, the company that produces video games for Warner Bros., has announced the July 2009 release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for Nintendo Wii.
EA has previously released Harry Potter games for PlayStation 2 and Xbox, but the company has had a more difficult time creating a game for Nintendo Wii because the system is controlled via physical movement.
Billy Stalcup, sales associate at Game Nut Entertainment says EA will have problems trying to integrate wand actions and broom flying into the Harry Potter game for Wii. Stalcup says such actions will take a great deal of precision, and with said precision comes the possibility of creating yet another EA “flop” like Red Steel. One of the first releases for Wii, Red Steel failed to utilize the versatility and response of the “Wii mote,” and, in turn, many facets of the game turned out to be disappointing.
The completion of J.K. Rowling’s series has put more pressure on Warner Bros. and EA to continue to attract Harry Potter customers. By producing the movies and video games, these companies now take on the full weight of the Harry Potter market.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Warner Bros sues Indian studio over Harry Potter copyright
"The truth. It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution." (Professor Dumbledore to Harry, vol. 1, p. 298)
Warner Bros have filed a lawsuit against Mumbai-based studio Mirchi Movies, who are set to release a film entitled Hari Puttar—A Comedy of Terrors. Releasing September12, the film follows the life of a 10-year-old Indian boy who moves to Britain. The film have two animated characters - Hari Puttar and Fantoon - who are the film's narrators.
The Hindi-language children's film, which was shot entirely on the Yorkshire Dales in 2006 and 2007 on a budget of £2 million, tells the story of Hari Prasad Dhoonda, a hapless ten-year-old Punjabi loner who is nicknamed Hari Puttar and moves to Britain. The plot tells how Hari's father, Professor Dhoonda - and Warner's lawyers may have noted that their client's films feature a Professor Dumbledore - is assigned to work on a top-secret project for the Indian Army. His plans are kept on a computer chip hidden in the family's house.
Warner Bros believe the name is too similar to the title character of the hugely popular wizard franchise, whose latest film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has been pushed back for release until next year.
Warner Bros believe the name is too similar to the title character of the hugely popular wizard franchise, whose latest film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has been pushed back for release until next year.
"We have recently commenced proceedings against parties involved in the production and distribution of a movie entitled Hari Puttar. Warner Bros values and protects intellectual property rights. However, it is our policy not to discuss publicly the details of any ongoing litigation," said a spokesperson for Warner Bros.
But Mirchi Movies denies any copyright conflict. "We registered the Hari Puttar title in 2005, and it is unfortunate that Warner Bros has chosen to file a case so close to our film's release. In my opinion, I don't think our title has any similarity or links with Harry Potter," said Munish Purii, chief executive officer, Mirchi Movies.
The case is listed for hearing in Bombay High Court on Monday.
Bond moves in for the kill
Sony on Thursday moved its next James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, back one week to Nov. 14. That move is closely tied to the departure of Warner Bros.' Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince from the Nov. 21 release berth.
The moment the sixth Potter film was shifted, Summit Entertainment's decision came in to move its youth-targeted vampire film Twilight up three weeks into the vacated Potter slot.
Sony executives - who had been wishing for a release date closer to Thanksgiving and the holiday box-office season for their next Bond release - have taken Solace to a suddenly much more attractive slot. Bond's previous perch, on Nov. 7, was intended to maximize pre-Potter playtime.
"Harry Potter moving out gave us an opportunity to get a little closer to the holidays, which has always been the traditional Bond spot," Sony worldwide marketing and distribution chairman Jeff Blake said. "Bond has a really good history of not only playing through Thanksgiving, but going deep into the Christmas holidays."
Sony unspooled the last Bond film, the Daniel Craig-starring Casino Royale, on Nov. 17, 2006, and it was still playing in about 1,100 theatres between Christmas and New Year's, Blake noted.
Six Reasons for the change in Potter 6 release date
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” was ready for theaters Nov. 21. But suddenly the studio delayed the opening to July 17 2009. Here are six possible reasons why the presto-chango for Potter No. 6:
1. $$$. In a statement Warner Bros. CEO Alan Horn said summertime is the “ideal window for a family tent pole release.” After all, last summer’s “Order of the Phoenix” is the second-highest grossing Potter film, behind “Sorcerer’s Stone.”
2. Filling a void. Horn also said that “like every other studio, we are still feeling the repercussions of the writers’ strike.” Aside from “Terminator Salvation” in May, Warner had no big movies scheduled for summer.
3. Blame Batman. A Potter movie for Warner in 2009 “will also stop next year’s profits from looking seriously underwhelming after the phenomenal success of ‘The Dark Knight,’ ” said Entertainment Weekly online. “ ‘They don’t need the money this year anymore,’ said a rival studio exec.”
4. Nudity! Fox News said Warner wants to distance itself from naked Daniel Radcliffe, who will reprise his starring role in London’s “Equus” on Broadway this fall.
5. Wild beasts. In November “Half-Blood Prince” would have faced big family competition in the form of “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” (Nov. 7) and “Bolt” (which until Warner’s announcement was opening Nov. 26).
6. An evil plot. Potter fans, sensing the work of Lord Voldemort here, have vowed to boycott all Warner Bros. movies (take that, “Clone Wars”!). See their clever pleas on YouTube; search for WB boycott.
Source: http://www.kansascity.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Warner Bros releases statement about movie delay
Alan Horn, president of Warner Bros., has issued a statement for fans in direct response to criticism of the company's choice to delay the release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" until next July.
This is what he has to say:
"Many of you have written to me to express your disappointment in our moving Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to Summer 2009.
Please be assured that we share your love for Harry Potter and would certainly never do anything to hurt any of the films. Over the past 10 years, we have nurtured and protected each film, and the integrity of the books upon which they are based, to the best of our ability.
The decision to move Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was not taken lightly, and was never intended to upset our Harry Potter fans. We know you have built this series into what it is, and we thank you for your ongoing enthusiasm and support.
If I may offer a silver lining: there would have been a two-year gap between Half-Blood Prince and the much-anticipated first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which opens in November 2010.So although we have to wait a little longer for Half-Blood Prince, the wait from that film until Deathly Hallows will be less than 18 months. I am sorry to have disappointed you now, but if you hold on a little longer, I believe it will be worth the wait."
Please be assured that we share your love for Harry Potter and would certainly never do anything to hurt any of the films. Over the past 10 years, we have nurtured and protected each film, and the integrity of the books upon which they are based, to the best of our ability.
The decision to move Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was not taken lightly, and was never intended to upset our Harry Potter fans. We know you have built this series into what it is, and we thank you for your ongoing enthusiasm and support.
If I may offer a silver lining: there would have been a two-year gap between Half-Blood Prince and the much-anticipated first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which opens in November 2010.So although we have to wait a little longer for Half-Blood Prince, the wait from that film until Deathly Hallows will be less than 18 months. I am sorry to have disappointed you now, but if you hold on a little longer, I believe it will be worth the wait."
New photo of Dumbledore
The latest issue of German magazine Cinema has an article and behind the scenes look at the “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” film which a short report, photos from the film, and a photo of Dumbledore during a scene shot in the Great Hall.
Monday, August 18, 2008
'Harry Potter' fans fight delay
Fans are furious over the delayed release of the next Harry Potter film. And they are venting their anger online.
Potter fan sites MuggleNet and The Leaky Cauldron are bubbling with dismay and anger about the scheduling move, announced Thursday by Warner Bros. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is now scheduled to hit theaters in July 2009 rather than in November 2008.
"Totally disgusted by WB's decision," wrote a user known as ocean on MuggleNet. "I'm totally convinced that the decision was motivated by money and only money." On Leaky Cauldron, a user known as Savannah wrote: "This is a huge let down (sic). I can’t believe that they are moving it back by nearly eight months!"
Potter fans are also airing their grievances on social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube. A Facebook group named The Delay of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Has Ruined My Life is calling for a nationwide boycott of the film on opening day.
Fans are also signing up petitions fans online in thousands. Some Potterphiles are even planning to protest outside Warner's corporate headquarters in New York, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. says the decision to magically transform the film into a summer release will boost the Half-Blood Prince's box office potential.
"Like every other studio, we are still feeling the repercussions of the writers' strike, which impacted the readiness of scripts for other films," said Alan Horn, president of Warner Bros., in a statement Thursday.
Potter fan sites MuggleNet and The Leaky Cauldron are bubbling with dismay and anger about the scheduling move, announced Thursday by Warner Bros. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is now scheduled to hit theaters in July 2009 rather than in November 2008.
"Totally disgusted by WB's decision," wrote a user known as ocean on MuggleNet. "I'm totally convinced that the decision was motivated by money and only money." On Leaky Cauldron, a user known as Savannah wrote: "This is a huge let down (sic). I can’t believe that they are moving it back by nearly eight months!"
Potter fans are also airing their grievances on social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube. A Facebook group named The Delay of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Has Ruined My Life is calling for a nationwide boycott of the film on opening day.
Fans are also signing up petitions fans online in thousands. Some Potterphiles are even planning to protest outside Warner's corporate headquarters in New York, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. says the decision to magically transform the film into a summer release will boost the Half-Blood Prince's box office potential.
"Like every other studio, we are still feeling the repercussions of the writers' strike, which impacted the readiness of scripts for other films," said Alan Horn, president of Warner Bros., in a statement Thursday.
Why Warner Bros delayed release of 'Half-Blood'
Now if you were the producer of children movies and your protagonist goes around signing plays, which isn't such a bad thing, but also goes around posing in the buff on horses, which is definitely not good news. Just what would you do?Fox News has presented the theory that Warner Bros. decided to push back the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince because of Daniel Radcliffe's flesh-flashing in the Broadway production of Equus. Had they stuck to the film's original release date (November 21), Radcliffe would have been bang in the middle of the play. And that's not the image Warner Bros. wants associated with bespectacled Harry.
Warner Bros definitely do not want to start answering questions about blinding horses and having sex with them vs. flying around and making potions.
Hours after the announcement was made about the film's delay, Potter fans were incensed and took to the internet to vent their rage.
We have a shot of Radcliffe riding a horse bareback in the latest issue of Vogue magazine. The images were taken by Annie Leibovitz.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to open in summer 2009
Warner Bros has announced the delay of the release of the latest Harry Potter movie from this fall to next year summer.
But, obviously the left hand does not know what the right hand is up to. Entertainment Weekly printed Harry Potter's photo on the cover of Aug 22 issue which was about the movie's release on Nov 21 2008. However, Warner Bros announced almost simultaneously the rescheduling the release date. It is an irony that both the companies are under one parent company. But there was an obvious lack of communication between the two. Entertainment Weekly did make amends by adding a footnote on its online issue.
Now, why did Warner Bros change the release date? Were they scared of the competition this fall? Obviously, they seem to be.
'Twilight' will open three weeks earlier than planned, on November 21 After 'Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince' Delay. The move allows for "Twilight" to premiere on more screens than it otherwise would have and to stay in theaters for a longer time prior to the major holiday season, according to the press release.
"Twilight" will now face off against Disney's "Bolt," the animated story of a hero dog, for the box-office crown. Previously, it would have competed against Scott Derrickson's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" starring Keanu Reeves.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Trivia for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone 2001
Robbie Coltrane was the very first person to be cast.
Richard Harris only agreed to taking the part of Albus Dumbledore after his eleven year old granddaughter threatened never to speak to him again.
Author J.K. Rowling insisted that the principal cast be British and she got her wish, with two exceptions - Richard Harris was, of course, Irish, and Zoë Wanamaker, though she has made her name as a "British" actress, was actually born in the United States. Other non-Brits in the cast include Verne Troyer, born in Michigan, USA, who plays Griphook (the second Goblin in Gringots' Bank) and Chris Columbus daughter, Eleanor Columbus, who played Susan Bones.
The trouble-making poltergeist Peeves (played by Rik Mayall) does not, in the end, appear in the movie.
There was a huge media outcry in Gloucester, England when it was decided to use the local Cathedral for some of the Hogwarts scenes. Protesters wrote letters by the sack-load to local newspapers, claiming it was blasphemy and promising to block the film-crew's access. In the end, only one protester turned up.
The movie is known as "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" everywhere except the USA and so every scene in which the Philosopher's Stone was mentioned was filmed twice, once with the actors saying "Philosopher's" and once with the actors saying "Sorcerer's".
The hut used during the filming as Hagrid's hut has since been demolished in case fans of the film swamped it.
The tabby cat used ran away during filming and came back two days later.
While the movie used Platforms 4 and 5 at Kings Cross to represent platforms 9 and 10, there is, in fact a "Platform 9 3/4" at Kings Cross. It's located in the walkway area between the intercity section and the section where the real platforms 9 and 10 are, and was obviously put there for fans of Harry Potter.
At one point, when Harry, Ron, and Hermione are approaching Hagrid, he can be seen playing a wind instrument. He is playing the Hedwig's Theme.
Among the portraits on the shifting staircase, you can clearly see a painting of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII's second wife and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. Anne Boleyn was popularly believed to be a witch.
This movie has the distinction of opening on more screens in the USA than any other (3762).
By February 2002 this was the second highest grossing film worldwide after Titanic (1997).
Harry Potter's birthday is reported in the books as being "somewhere in July", "As the seventh month dies" and finally the day after Neville's (30/7). In the American Book, "HP & the Sorceror's Stone", Harry reads the Daily Prophet's story about the Gringott's break-in as happening "on 31 July". He then remarks it was the day he and Hagrid were there, which was his birthday. Author J.K. Rowling, and actors Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon) were all reported to have their birthdays on 31 July. It was later revealed that Radcliffe's birthday is, in fact, 23rd July and that the claim that his birthday was the same as Harry Potter's was merely a publicity stunt.
Daniel Radcliffe learned he'd won the role of Harry Potter while in the bathtub.
Warner Bros. originally considered making the entire "Harry Potter" series as a set of CGI animated films, or attempting to combine several of the novels into a single movie. The studio's reasoning mainly had to do with concern over the rapid aging of child actors-if production ran too long on any of the films, or if production was delayed between sequels, the leading actors might have to be recast. Author J.K. Rowling vetoed both the ideas of combining books and an animated film, so the studio decided instead to produce all seven (later eight) films back to back so the same child actors could play their roles in every film.
On the Quidditch trophy that has Harry's father's name on it, there are additional inscriptions for M. McGonagall and R.J.H. King. The latter being a reference to John King, the supervising art director on the film.
The inscription around the Mirror of Erised says: "Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi". Reading the inscription backwards it says, "I show not your face but your heart's desire."
The word 'bloody' appears in the film six times, along with one 'arse', one 'bugger', and two 'blasted's. This, and some very scary scenes in the haunted forest, led to its PG certificate.
The film reveals that the 12th use for dragon's blood is an oven cleaner.
Nicholas Flamel, mentioned as the creator of the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone, was actually a real alchemist who was believed by some people to have produced the Philosopher's Stone and who has mysterious circumstances surrounding his "death". It is rumored that he might still be alive and, if so, he would be about the age given in the book and movie.
The Hogwarts motto, "Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus" means "never tickle a sleeping dragon".
Three owls play Hedwig: Gizmo, Ook and Sprout, but mainly Gizmo.
Warwick Davis, who played Professor Flitwick and the first Gringotts Goblin, also provided the voice for Griphook who was physically played by Verne Troyer.
In the original draft, Drew Barrymore, a self-proclaimed Harry Potter fan, had a cameo.
Rosie O'Donnell and Robin Williams were two of the celebrities who had asked for a role in the movie without pay. However they did not film any scenes for the movie.
'Tim Roth' was a leading contender for the role of Professor Severus Snape. Roth dropped out of contention, however, to pursue his role as General Thade in Tim Burton's adaptation of Planet of the Apes (2001).
In the script, the flashbacks to Voldemort killing Harry's parents were written by J.K. Rowling herself. The producers knew she was the only one who knew exactly what happened.
The "Hogwart's Express" locomotive portrayed in this film, a 1937 4-6-0 "Hall" class steam engine number 5972, originally belonged to the Great Western Railway and went under the name of "Olton Hall".
Alan Rickman was hand-picked to play Snape by J.K. Rowling.
Alan Rickman received special instruction from J.K. Rowling as to his character. Rowling even provided the actor with vital details of Snape's back story not revealed until the final novel.
Robbie Coltrane was also handpicked by J.K. Rowling to play Hagrid.
In the troll scene in the girl's bathroom, Daniel Radcliffe isn't actually on the troll's neck, because the motions would have snapped his neck; therefore, his image was digitally added.
In the trophy cupboard, to the right of the Quidditch trophy, you can see the "Service to the School" trophy with part of "Tom M Riddle" engraved on it.
The Wizard's chess-set Harry and Ron were playing, the red queen is from the Lewis Chessmen, the most important of all chess pieces dating from the 12th Century. They were found in 1831 on a beach in Uig, Lewis. 78 pieces were recovered in all, and are now in the care of the National Museum of Scotland and in the British Museum in London.
For the Gringotts interior scenes, the Australian High Commission in London was used. The exteriors are the Silver Vaults located not far from the Australian High Commission.
Gabriel Thomson was considered for the role of Harry.
All the cars in Privet Drive are Vauxhalls, no matter the time period. The Dursleys own a silver 2000 Vauxhall Vectra estate. All other cars parked in the drives are Vectra estates in the present day, with Astra Belmont and Cavalier saloons from the late 1980s in the pre-titles prologue.
The street that Harry and Hagrid walk down to get to the Leaky Cauldron is the same street Sean Connery is parked in waiting for Catherine Zeta-Jones to leave the antiques shop in Entrapment (1999).
David Thewlis, who later played Professor Lupin in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), was considered for the role of Professor Quirrell.
In the film, the scar on Harry's forehead is off-center. This was done at J.K. Rowling's request. Due to the artwork on the covers of her books, many people have assumed that his scar is supposed to be in the center of his forehead. The books, however, never specify exactly where on his forehead the scar is located.
At one time, Alan Parker was considered for the director's job.
The exterior used for King's Cross Station is actually St Pancras Station which is just down the road. This was used because the facade of St Pancras is more visually appealing than that of King's Cross.
Platform 9 3/4 was filmed at Kings Cross, but on platforms 4 and 5. J.K. Rowling has admitted that she mixed up the layout of London's King's Cross railway station when she assigned the Hogwarts Express to platform 9 3/4, reached by using magic between platforms 9 and 10. She meant the location to be in the Inter-City part of the station, but 9 and 10 are actually among the rather less grand suburban platforms. The movie conformed to Rowling's original intent: the platforms seen as 9 and 10 are in real life inter-city platforms 4 and 5.
John Williams composed a piece of music specifically for the movie's trailer, and it is found on the soundtrack as "The Prologue". As of March 2002, he has done this only once before, for Steven Spielberg's Hook (1991). (However, on the collector's edition of the soundtrack for Jaws (1975), a previously unreleased track appears called "Shark Attack" - this was only used in the trailer for that movie - in 1975.)
Robbie Coltrane's 6'10" body double for Hagrid is former England rugby international, Martin Bayfield.
Screenwriter Michael Goldenberg wrote a draft of the script but was ultimately rejected by David Heyman in favor of Steve Kloves' draft. Heyman however was impressed with his draft and was subsequently brought in to write the script for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)when Kloves backed out to commit on a personal project.
Steven Spielberg reportedly wanted Haley Joel Osment for the part of Harry.
The last name Dumbledore means "Bumblebee" in Old English.
West Anglia Great Northern Trains, the company that owns "Platform 9-3/4", affixed one-quarter of a luggage trolley forwardly "disappearing" into the wall so as to allow fans (and their parents) to take pictures of themselves seeming to disappear into the wall.
During filming, Daniel Radcliffe changed the screen on Robbie Coltrane's cellphone to Turkish. Coltrane had to phone hair designer Eithne Fennel's Turkish father in order to find out Turkish for "Change Language".
Director Chris Columbus wanted to work with DP John Seale and asked the studio to hire him to shoot the picture, but at that time Seale was committed to shooting Timeline (2003). However, production delays for the latter film enabled Seale to be available for the movie's photography period.
The platform attendant at Kings Cross who asks Harry, "You think you're funny, do you?" actually works for GNER. He is, however, a train manager and not a platform attendant.
Liam Aiken was originally given the role of Harry, but a day later the offer was revoked when it was discovered that he wasn't British (Aiken had previously worked with director Chris Columbus).
In addition to Steven Spielberg, other candidates for the director's job were Jonathan Demme, Brad Silberling and Terry Gilliam. Gilliam was J.K. Rowling's initial favorite but the studio finally picked Chris Columbus to direct because he had experience directing child actors. Columbus was also asked many times by his daughter to direct and he agreed after he read her copy of the book.
Ron's choice of opening in the final chess match is called Center Counter Opening (or Scandinavian Defense), which, due to its asymmetrical nature, is said to be a highly unpredictable and difficult opening for either side, that rarely results in a draw.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Harry Potter Virtual Film Location Tour
The mystery of Harry Potter conjured up on screen can be credited in no small part to the atmosphere provided by historic, moody backdrops in key scenes.
Luckily, the movie's producers had only to look around England and Scotland to find real-life set locations.
Today, the cathedrals, abbeys and castles that feature in Harry Potter films - for centuries the scene of political intrigues, royal marriages, or bloody battles - have suddenly gone Hollywood.
Glenfinnan Viaduct - The real-life 'set' used for many scenes featuring the Hogwarts Express, this famous viaduct was built in 1901. Today the surrounding area remains a prime stop for walking tours through the Scottish highlands. The Jacobite Steam Train takes modern day, muggle passengers for a scenic trip on the train that was featured in the Harry Potter films.
A trip to Glennfinnan, located 16 miles west of Fort William, also includes a friendly visitor center wher you can snap photos of the train .Stop by for brochures and related nearby attractions, including the Railway Museum and the monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Gloucester Cathedral - You'll almost certainly recognize part of the interior which doubled for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at this ancient cathedral, and the adjacent King's School, a day trip from London.
Originally built as an abbey in 1089, the cathedral features a medieval labryinth, world famous Gothic fan vaulting, and the stained glass of the Great East Window, along with the tombs of Edward II and Robert Duke of Normandy.
Bodleian Library, Oxford University - The Oxford library doubled as the Hogwarts Library in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and is especially noteworthy for the scene in which Harry hides under the invisibility cloak, as he searches for information on Nicolas Flamel. A visit to the Bodleian includes exhibits, visitor info, and a gift shop, and is usually featured on a London-to-Oxford day trip.
Kings Cross Station - The sprawling Underground and railway station featured in all Harry Potter films. It's the place where young witches and wizards hop the train - at Platform 9 3/4 - for the magic commute to Hogwarts.
Alnwick Castle - First glimpsed in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, this 11th century castle eventually took on a larger role in the flying-lesson and Quidditch match scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.
Alnwick Castle has also prominently starred in other films such as as Becket with Peter O'Toole, Mary Queen of Scots with Vanessa Redgrave and Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner.
For more details read http://www.londonforidiots.com
Luckily, the movie's producers had only to look around England and Scotland to find real-life set locations.
Today, the cathedrals, abbeys and castles that feature in Harry Potter films - for centuries the scene of political intrigues, royal marriages, or bloody battles - have suddenly gone Hollywood.
Glenfinnan Viaduct - The real-life 'set' used for many scenes featuring the Hogwarts Express, this famous viaduct was built in 1901. Today the surrounding area remains a prime stop for walking tours through the Scottish highlands. The Jacobite Steam Train takes modern day, muggle passengers for a scenic trip on the train that was featured in the Harry Potter films.
A trip to Glennfinnan, located 16 miles west of Fort William, also includes a friendly visitor center wher you can snap photos of the train .Stop by for brochures and related nearby attractions, including the Railway Museum and the monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Gloucester Cathedral - You'll almost certainly recognize part of the interior which doubled for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at this ancient cathedral, and the adjacent King's School, a day trip from London.
Originally built as an abbey in 1089, the cathedral features a medieval labryinth, world famous Gothic fan vaulting, and the stained glass of the Great East Window, along with the tombs of Edward II and Robert Duke of Normandy.
Bodleian Library, Oxford University - The Oxford library doubled as the Hogwarts Library in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and is especially noteworthy for the scene in which Harry hides under the invisibility cloak, as he searches for information on Nicolas Flamel. A visit to the Bodleian includes exhibits, visitor info, and a gift shop, and is usually featured on a London-to-Oxford day trip.
Kings Cross Station - The sprawling Underground and railway station featured in all Harry Potter films. It's the place where young witches and wizards hop the train - at Platform 9 3/4 - for the magic commute to Hogwarts.
Alnwick Castle - First glimpsed in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, this 11th century castle eventually took on a larger role in the flying-lesson and Quidditch match scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.
Alnwick Castle has also prominently starred in other films such as as Becket with Peter O'Toole, Mary Queen of Scots with Vanessa Redgrave and Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner.
For more details read http://www.londonforidiots.com
The Unofficial Guide to Harry Potter Fun, Facts and Trivia: Part3
Characters - Individuals (N-Z)
Nearly Headless Nick - His real name is Sir Nicolas de Mimsey-Porpington. Hit 45 times in the neck with a blunt axe, his head is still atttached to his neck by 1/2 inch of skin and sinew. Because of this he is not eligible for membership in the Headless Huntsmen Club. (vol. 2, p. 123)
Nigellus, Phineas - Former Hogwart's Headmaster; clever-looking old wizard with a pointed beard, whose portrait hangs in Dumbledore's office; Sirius's great-great-grandfather. (vol. 5, p. 472, 821)
Ogden, Bob - As Head of Magical Law Enforcment Squad, was sent to give Morfin Gaunt a summons for a hearing because he broke Wizarding Law by performing a jinx on the Muggle, causing painful hives. (vol. 6, p. 208)
Ogden, Tiberius - Resigns in protest from the Wizengamot when the post of Inquisitor to Hogwarts School is announced. (vol. 5, pp. 308, 714)
Ogg - The gamekeeper before Hagrid got the job. (vol. 4, p. 617)
Padfoot - Sirius Black's nickname at Hogwarts; a large black dog that Sirius masquerades as at times. (vol. 4, p. 520)
Paracelsus - Name of wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Parkinson, Pansy - In Slytherin House, fifth-year prefect. (vol. 5)
Patil, Pavarti - In Gryffindor House, fifth-year prefect; sister of Paadma Patil (Ravenclaw).
Perkins - Stooped, timid-looking old wizard; has white fluffy hair; works for the Ministry of Magic. (vol. 5 p. 133)
Pettigrew, Peter - A rat animagus; nicknamed Wormtail; a friend of the Potters, who thought Sirius was implicated in their deaths and went after him. He "Died a hero's death." Received the order of Merlin, First Class, when he died by Sirius's hand. (vol. 3, p. 207, vol. 3, 4. 5). In later books he becomes a Death Eater. See Wormtail.
Pince, Madam - The Librarian at Hogwarts. (vol. 2, p. 163)
Podmore, Sturgis - Square jawed wizard; thick straw-colored hair; convicted of trespassing and attempted robbery; sentenced by Wizengamot to six months at Azkaban; A guard at the Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. (vol. 5, pp. 49, 180, 287)
Pomfrey, Madame - Hogwarts school nurse. In charge of the infirmary.
Potter, Harry - The most famous student at Hogwarts because he survived an attack by Lord Voldemort. He has jet black hair and green eyes, his glasses are held together by tape. He bears a lightning bolt-shaped scar on forehead, a remnant from the attack, which killed his parents. "The boy who lived." (vol. 5, p. 847)
Potter, James - Harry's father.
Potter, Lily Evans - Harry's mother. Born to muggles but married a wizard. Lily was the sister of Petunia Dursley.
Prang, Ernie - An elderly wizard who drives the Knight Bus.
Prongs - James Potter's nickname at Hogwarts.
Ptolemy - Name of a wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Puddifoot, Madame - Heavy-set, with a black bun; owner of a Tea House in Hogsmeade. (vol. 5, p. 559)
Pye, Augustus - Healer Trainee (vol. 5, p 506)
Quirrell, Professor - Teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts. Tries to kill Harry during a Quidditch match; a disciple of Lord Voldemort. (vol. 1, p. 288)
Rackharrow, Urquhart - Inventor of the Entrail-Expelling Curse. (vol. 5, p. 487)
Ravenclaw, Rowena - One of the four founders of Hogwarts. Ravenclaw House is named for her.
Riddle, Tom Marvolo - A half-blood, owner of the mysterious diary that Harry found; fed on Ginny Weasley's soul to become stronger; learned her deepest fears and secrets; got Ginny to unwittingly open the Chamber of Secrets. He was the young Lord Voldemort, Salazar Slytherin's heir. (vol. 2, p. 314)
Rookwood, Augustus - A spy for Voldemort, worked in Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic, convicted of leaking Ministry of Magic secrets to Voldemort.. (vol. 5, p. 544)
Rosmerta, Madam - Publican of the Three Broomsticks Pub in Hogsmeade. Was put under the Imperious Curse by the Death Eaters so that she would follow their orders to give the package containing the deadly necklace to Katie Bell to deliver to Dumbledore and to sell Slughorn a bottle of poisoned mead to use as a gift for Dumbledore. (vol. 6, p. 627)
Ryan, Barry - Irish International Keeper. (vol. 5, p. 400)
Scamader, Newt - Author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Scrimgeour, Rufus- Lionlike mane of tawny hair with streaks of gray, bushy eyebrows, yellowish eyes, wire-rimmed spectacles, slight limp. Former Head of the Auror Office, became Minister of Magic replacing Conelius Fudge, (v. 6, p. 16) Rumored to be a vampire. (vol. 6, p. 314)
Seeker - Quidditch player who tries to catch the Golden Snitch.
Shacklebolt, Kingsley - Tall, bald, black wizard; deep slow voice; wears a single gold hoop earring; an Auror. (vol 5, p. 47) One of the wizards who escorted Harry to Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49); works for Dumbledore. (vol. 5, pp. 617, 620) As Secretary to the Prime Minister for Muggles, he is also an undercover wizard reporting to the Ministry of Magic. (vol. 6, p. 17)
Shunpike, Stan - The conductor of the Knight Bus.
Sinistra, Professor - Astronomy teacher. (vol. 4, p. 175)
Skeeter, Rita - An unethical, nosy reporter for the "Daily Prophet," who tries to disgrace the Ministry of Magic. "She never makes anyone look good." (vol. 4, p. 152) Heavy-jawed face; three gold teeth; elaborate, rigid curls; scarlet-taloned fingers; large, mannish hands; jeweled spectacles. (vol. 4, pp. 304, 307); an unregistered Animagus. (vol. 5, p. 569)
Skrewts - Creatures that sting. They have a blasting end and a sucking end. As they grow they develop "a kind of thick, greyish, shining armor." Look like a cross between a giant scorpion and an elongated crab. (vol. 4, p. 294)
Slinkhard, Wilbert - Author of Defensive Magical Theory. (vol. 5.)
Slope, Jack - Beater replacement on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. (vol. 5, p. 453)
Slughorn, Horace - Former teacher at Hogwarts, head of Slytherin House. Likes to mentor the rich, powerful, and famous. Returned to teach Potions. (vol. 6 p. 66) Holds parties for students at Hogwarts who are exceptionally talented or well connected, the Slug Club. It is later revealed that Slughorn has a vital memory of Voldermort which must be recovered by Harry. (vol. 6, pp. 66,147, 496)
Slytherin, Heir of - True heir to Salazar Slytherin who can open the Chamber of Secrets to release the horror within.
Slytherin, Salazar - One of the founders of Hogwarts; creator of the Chamber of Secrets; ancestor of Tom Riddle. Slytherin House is named for him.
Smethwyck, Hippocrates - Healer in charge at St. Mungo's Hospital (vol. 5, p. 487)
Snape, Professor Severus - Potions master who hates Harry; tall and thin with sallow skin, greasy black hair and a hooked nose; head of Slytherin House.
Snivellus - Sirius's nickname for Snape. (vol. 5, p. 520)
Spinnet, Alicia - Gryffindor chaser.
Spore, Phyllida - Author of One Thousand Magical Herbs.
Sprout, Professor Pomona - Herbology teacher who is a witch; Head of Hufflepuff House.
Snuffles - Another nickname for Sirius used by Harry and his friends.
Squib - Child of wizard parents who has no magical powers. Argus Filch is a squib.
Switch, Emeric - Author of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration.
Thingy, Lord - Fudge's nickname for Voldemort. (vol. 5, p. 845)
Thomas, Dean - Muggle-born (or so he thinks) soccer fan in Harry's year. Good friends with Seamus Finnigan. He is also one of the few Gryffindors who is black. "Snogs" Ginny during Harry's sixth term at Hogwarts. (vol. 6, p. 121)
Tofty. Professor - The oldest, baldest test examiner; friend of Tiberius Ogden. (vol. 5, pp. 713, 714)
Tonks, Nymphadora - An Auror who is a metamorphmagus; can change her appearance at will; prefers to be called "Tonks." Escorted Harry to Order of the Phoenix headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49) Sirius Black's cousin.
Trelawney, Cassandra - Famous seer; great-great-grandmother of Sybil Trelawney. (vol. 5, p. 314)
Trelawny, Professor Sybil - Divination teacher at Hogwarts. Has a liking for predicting (wrongly) student deaths (especially Harry's) every year at Hogwarts. Very thin with large glasses that magnify her eyes so much that she looks like a giant insect. Wears many beads, chains and bangles. (vol. 4, p. 199) Possessed of second sight. When asked by Dolores Umbridge to predict something, Trelawney says, "The Inner Eye does not See upon command!" The object of Umbridge's scorn. (vol. 5, pp.314, 552)
Trimble, Quentin - Author of The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection.
Trueblood - Someone born to pure magical parents.
Umbridge, Professor Dolores Jane - Palid toad-like face; pouchy eyes; looks like someone's maiden aunt; short curly mouse-brown hair hair; is partial to pink Alice bands and fluffy cardigans; works as Senior Undersecretary to Minister Cornelius Fudge; appointed new Defense of the Dark Arts teacher. (vol. 5, pp. 203, 211, 434, 624)
Vablatsky, Cassandra - Author of Unfogging the Future: A Guide to Basic Fortune-Telling Methods.
Vance, Emmaline - Strange-looking witch; emerald green shawl; escorted Harry to Order of the Phoenix headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49)
Vane, Romilda - Student at Hogwarts, two years behind Harry. (vol. 6, p. 138)
Vector, Professor - Arithmancy witch.
Vindictus, Viridian - Author of Curse and Countercurse (Bewitch Your Friends and Befuddle Your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and Much, Much, More).
Voldemort, Lord - Evil wizard, greatly feared by wizarding folk. His dark reputation is such that his name is hardly ever spoken out loud. He disappeared after the deaths of Harry's parents, Lily and James Potter.
Waffling, Adalbert - Author of Magical Theory.
Weasley, Arthur - Thin, balding, red hair; Ron Weasley's father. Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office at the Ministry of Magic.
Weasley, Bill - Ron Weasley's brother. Works for Gringotts Bank in Africa; was brutally disfigured by Fenrir Greyback, during a fight. This injury occurred while Greyback was still in human form so it is unknown at this time whether Bill's physical injuries might include some werewolf tendencies or not. (vol. 6, p. 622)
Weasley, Charlie - Ron's older brother who works with dragons in Romania.
Weasley, Fred and George - Ron's older brothers (twins).
Weasley, Ginny- Ron's younger sister; a friend of Harry's.
Weasley, Molly - Mother of the Weasley family.
Weasley, Percy - Third oldest of the Weasley children. Prefect of Gryffindor when Harry and Ron first arrive. After graduation, he gets a job with the Department of International Magical Cooperation and becomes Mr. Crouch's personal assistant in volume 4. Goes to work for Cornelius Fudge, as his assistant at the Ministry of Magic. (vol. 5, p. 143)
Weasley, Ron - Harry's classmate and best friend; birthday - March 1.
Widdershins, Willie - Regurgitating Toilet expert; overheard the secret meeting Harry held at the Hogs Head in Hogsmeade and told all to Umbridge. (vol.5, pp. 489, 613)
Wood, Oliver - Captain/keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Member of the United Reserve Team.
Wormtail - The Hogwart's nickname of Peter Pettigrew; also, his official Death Eater nickname; he brought Bertha Jorkins to Lord Voldemort. (vol. 4, pp. 7-13)
You-Know-Who - The evil Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who killed Harry's parents. Also referred to as "He Who Must Not Be Named."
Nearly Headless Nick - His real name is Sir Nicolas de Mimsey-Porpington. Hit 45 times in the neck with a blunt axe, his head is still atttached to his neck by 1/2 inch of skin and sinew. Because of this he is not eligible for membership in the Headless Huntsmen Club. (vol. 2, p. 123)
Nigellus, Phineas - Former Hogwart's Headmaster; clever-looking old wizard with a pointed beard, whose portrait hangs in Dumbledore's office; Sirius's great-great-grandfather. (vol. 5, p. 472, 821)
Ogden, Bob - As Head of Magical Law Enforcment Squad, was sent to give Morfin Gaunt a summons for a hearing because he broke Wizarding Law by performing a jinx on the Muggle, causing painful hives. (vol. 6, p. 208)
Ogden, Tiberius - Resigns in protest from the Wizengamot when the post of Inquisitor to Hogwarts School is announced. (vol. 5, pp. 308, 714)
Ogg - The gamekeeper before Hagrid got the job. (vol. 4, p. 617)
Padfoot - Sirius Black's nickname at Hogwarts; a large black dog that Sirius masquerades as at times. (vol. 4, p. 520)
Paracelsus - Name of wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Parkinson, Pansy - In Slytherin House, fifth-year prefect. (vol. 5)
Patil, Pavarti - In Gryffindor House, fifth-year prefect; sister of Paadma Patil (Ravenclaw).
Perkins - Stooped, timid-looking old wizard; has white fluffy hair; works for the Ministry of Magic. (vol. 5 p. 133)
Pettigrew, Peter - A rat animagus; nicknamed Wormtail; a friend of the Potters, who thought Sirius was implicated in their deaths and went after him. He "Died a hero's death." Received the order of Merlin, First Class, when he died by Sirius's hand. (vol. 3, p. 207, vol. 3, 4. 5). In later books he becomes a Death Eater. See Wormtail.
Pince, Madam - The Librarian at Hogwarts. (vol. 2, p. 163)
Podmore, Sturgis - Square jawed wizard; thick straw-colored hair; convicted of trespassing and attempted robbery; sentenced by Wizengamot to six months at Azkaban; A guard at the Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. (vol. 5, pp. 49, 180, 287)
Pomfrey, Madame - Hogwarts school nurse. In charge of the infirmary.
Potter, Harry - The most famous student at Hogwarts because he survived an attack by Lord Voldemort. He has jet black hair and green eyes, his glasses are held together by tape. He bears a lightning bolt-shaped scar on forehead, a remnant from the attack, which killed his parents. "The boy who lived." (vol. 5, p. 847)
Potter, James - Harry's father.
Potter, Lily Evans - Harry's mother. Born to muggles but married a wizard. Lily was the sister of Petunia Dursley.
Prang, Ernie - An elderly wizard who drives the Knight Bus.
Prongs - James Potter's nickname at Hogwarts.
Ptolemy - Name of a wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Puddifoot, Madame - Heavy-set, with a black bun; owner of a Tea House in Hogsmeade. (vol. 5, p. 559)
Pye, Augustus - Healer Trainee (vol. 5, p 506)
Quirrell, Professor - Teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts. Tries to kill Harry during a Quidditch match; a disciple of Lord Voldemort. (vol. 1, p. 288)
Rackharrow, Urquhart - Inventor of the Entrail-Expelling Curse. (vol. 5, p. 487)
Ravenclaw, Rowena - One of the four founders of Hogwarts. Ravenclaw House is named for her.
Riddle, Tom Marvolo - A half-blood, owner of the mysterious diary that Harry found; fed on Ginny Weasley's soul to become stronger; learned her deepest fears and secrets; got Ginny to unwittingly open the Chamber of Secrets. He was the young Lord Voldemort, Salazar Slytherin's heir. (vol. 2, p. 314)
Rookwood, Augustus - A spy for Voldemort, worked in Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic, convicted of leaking Ministry of Magic secrets to Voldemort.. (vol. 5, p. 544)
Rosmerta, Madam - Publican of the Three Broomsticks Pub in Hogsmeade. Was put under the Imperious Curse by the Death Eaters so that she would follow their orders to give the package containing the deadly necklace to Katie Bell to deliver to Dumbledore and to sell Slughorn a bottle of poisoned mead to use as a gift for Dumbledore. (vol. 6, p. 627)
Ryan, Barry - Irish International Keeper. (vol. 5, p. 400)
Scamader, Newt - Author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Scrimgeour, Rufus- Lionlike mane of tawny hair with streaks of gray, bushy eyebrows, yellowish eyes, wire-rimmed spectacles, slight limp. Former Head of the Auror Office, became Minister of Magic replacing Conelius Fudge, (v. 6, p. 16) Rumored to be a vampire. (vol. 6, p. 314)
Seeker - Quidditch player who tries to catch the Golden Snitch.
Shacklebolt, Kingsley - Tall, bald, black wizard; deep slow voice; wears a single gold hoop earring; an Auror. (vol 5, p. 47) One of the wizards who escorted Harry to Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49); works for Dumbledore. (vol. 5, pp. 617, 620) As Secretary to the Prime Minister for Muggles, he is also an undercover wizard reporting to the Ministry of Magic. (vol. 6, p. 17)
Shunpike, Stan - The conductor of the Knight Bus.
Sinistra, Professor - Astronomy teacher. (vol. 4, p. 175)
Skeeter, Rita - An unethical, nosy reporter for the "Daily Prophet," who tries to disgrace the Ministry of Magic. "She never makes anyone look good." (vol. 4, p. 152) Heavy-jawed face; three gold teeth; elaborate, rigid curls; scarlet-taloned fingers; large, mannish hands; jeweled spectacles. (vol. 4, pp. 304, 307); an unregistered Animagus. (vol. 5, p. 569)
Skrewts - Creatures that sting. They have a blasting end and a sucking end. As they grow they develop "a kind of thick, greyish, shining armor." Look like a cross between a giant scorpion and an elongated crab. (vol. 4, p. 294)
Slinkhard, Wilbert - Author of Defensive Magical Theory. (vol. 5.)
Slope, Jack - Beater replacement on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. (vol. 5, p. 453)
Slughorn, Horace - Former teacher at Hogwarts, head of Slytherin House. Likes to mentor the rich, powerful, and famous. Returned to teach Potions. (vol. 6 p. 66) Holds parties for students at Hogwarts who are exceptionally talented or well connected, the Slug Club. It is later revealed that Slughorn has a vital memory of Voldermort which must be recovered by Harry. (vol. 6, pp. 66,147, 496)
Slytherin, Heir of - True heir to Salazar Slytherin who can open the Chamber of Secrets to release the horror within.
Slytherin, Salazar - One of the founders of Hogwarts; creator of the Chamber of Secrets; ancestor of Tom Riddle. Slytherin House is named for him.
Smethwyck, Hippocrates - Healer in charge at St. Mungo's Hospital (vol. 5, p. 487)
Snape, Professor Severus - Potions master who hates Harry; tall and thin with sallow skin, greasy black hair and a hooked nose; head of Slytherin House.
Snivellus - Sirius's nickname for Snape. (vol. 5, p. 520)
Spinnet, Alicia - Gryffindor chaser.
Spore, Phyllida - Author of One Thousand Magical Herbs.
Sprout, Professor Pomona - Herbology teacher who is a witch; Head of Hufflepuff House.
Snuffles - Another nickname for Sirius used by Harry and his friends.
Squib - Child of wizard parents who has no magical powers. Argus Filch is a squib.
Switch, Emeric - Author of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration.
Thingy, Lord - Fudge's nickname for Voldemort. (vol. 5, p. 845)
Thomas, Dean - Muggle-born (or so he thinks) soccer fan in Harry's year. Good friends with Seamus Finnigan. He is also one of the few Gryffindors who is black. "Snogs" Ginny during Harry's sixth term at Hogwarts. (vol. 6, p. 121)
Tofty. Professor - The oldest, baldest test examiner; friend of Tiberius Ogden. (vol. 5, pp. 713, 714)
Tonks, Nymphadora - An Auror who is a metamorphmagus; can change her appearance at will; prefers to be called "Tonks." Escorted Harry to Order of the Phoenix headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49) Sirius Black's cousin.
Trelawney, Cassandra - Famous seer; great-great-grandmother of Sybil Trelawney. (vol. 5, p. 314)
Trelawny, Professor Sybil - Divination teacher at Hogwarts. Has a liking for predicting (wrongly) student deaths (especially Harry's) every year at Hogwarts. Very thin with large glasses that magnify her eyes so much that she looks like a giant insect. Wears many beads, chains and bangles. (vol. 4, p. 199) Possessed of second sight. When asked by Dolores Umbridge to predict something, Trelawney says, "The Inner Eye does not See upon command!" The object of Umbridge's scorn. (vol. 5, pp.314, 552)
Trimble, Quentin - Author of The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection.
Trueblood - Someone born to pure magical parents.
Umbridge, Professor Dolores Jane - Palid toad-like face; pouchy eyes; looks like someone's maiden aunt; short curly mouse-brown hair hair; is partial to pink Alice bands and fluffy cardigans; works as Senior Undersecretary to Minister Cornelius Fudge; appointed new Defense of the Dark Arts teacher. (vol. 5, pp. 203, 211, 434, 624)
Vablatsky, Cassandra - Author of Unfogging the Future: A Guide to Basic Fortune-Telling Methods.
Vance, Emmaline - Strange-looking witch; emerald green shawl; escorted Harry to Order of the Phoenix headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49)
Vane, Romilda - Student at Hogwarts, two years behind Harry. (vol. 6, p. 138)
Vector, Professor - Arithmancy witch.
Vindictus, Viridian - Author of Curse and Countercurse (Bewitch Your Friends and Befuddle Your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and Much, Much, More).
Voldemort, Lord - Evil wizard, greatly feared by wizarding folk. His dark reputation is such that his name is hardly ever spoken out loud. He disappeared after the deaths of Harry's parents, Lily and James Potter.
Waffling, Adalbert - Author of Magical Theory.
Weasley, Arthur - Thin, balding, red hair; Ron Weasley's father. Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office at the Ministry of Magic.
Weasley, Bill - Ron Weasley's brother. Works for Gringotts Bank in Africa; was brutally disfigured by Fenrir Greyback, during a fight. This injury occurred while Greyback was still in human form so it is unknown at this time whether Bill's physical injuries might include some werewolf tendencies or not. (vol. 6, p. 622)
Weasley, Charlie - Ron's older brother who works with dragons in Romania.
Weasley, Fred and George - Ron's older brothers (twins).
Weasley, Ginny- Ron's younger sister; a friend of Harry's.
Weasley, Molly - Mother of the Weasley family.
Weasley, Percy - Third oldest of the Weasley children. Prefect of Gryffindor when Harry and Ron first arrive. After graduation, he gets a job with the Department of International Magical Cooperation and becomes Mr. Crouch's personal assistant in volume 4. Goes to work for Cornelius Fudge, as his assistant at the Ministry of Magic. (vol. 5, p. 143)
Weasley, Ron - Harry's classmate and best friend; birthday - March 1.
Widdershins, Willie - Regurgitating Toilet expert; overheard the secret meeting Harry held at the Hogs Head in Hogsmeade and told all to Umbridge. (vol.5, pp. 489, 613)
Wood, Oliver - Captain/keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Member of the United Reserve Team.
Wormtail - The Hogwart's nickname of Peter Pettigrew; also, his official Death Eater nickname; he brought Bertha Jorkins to Lord Voldemort. (vol. 4, pp. 7-13)
You-Know-Who - The evil Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who killed Harry's parents. Also referred to as "He Who Must Not Be Named."
The Unofficial Guide to Harry Potter Fun, Facts and Trivia: Part2
Characters - Individuals (H-M)
Hagrid, Rubeus - Half-giant, "twice as tall, five times as wide as a normal man; long, bushy black hair; hands the size of garbage can lids; feet like baby dolphins." After being falsely accused of opening the Chamber of Secrets, as a student, Hagrid was expelled from the school. Dumbledore hires him as Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. (vol. 2, p. 247) Rescued Harry from his home and delivered him to the Dursleys, after Harry's parents were killed. (vol. 3, p. 206) (vol. 4, p. 429)
Half Blood Prince - Original owner of the Potions textbook that Harry borrowed from Prof. Slughorn; had written notes in it. Later, it was revealed that the prince was Severus Snape. (vol. 6, pp. 193, 604)
He Who Must Not Be Named - The evil Lord Voldemort. Also referred to as You-Know-Who.
Hengist of Woodcroft - Name of a wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Higgs, Terrence - Seeker on the Slytherin Quidditch team in Harry's first year.
Hit Wizard - Member of wizard police from the Magical Law Enforcement Squad, specially trained to deal with powerful criminals.
Hooper, Geoffrey - Member of Gryffindor's Quidditch team. (vol. 5, p. 276)
Hootch, Madam - Quidditch Instructor.
Hogwarts High Inquisitor - Dolores Umbridge. (vol. 5, p. 306 )
Hufflepuff, Helga - One of the four founders of Hogwarts. Hufflepuff House is named for her.
Jigger, Arsenius - Author of Magical Drafts and Potions.
Johnson, Angelina - Gryffindor chaser; becomes Gryffindor's Quidditch Captain. (vol. 5, p. 224)
Jones, Gwenog - Captain of the Holyhead Harpies, a Quidditch team. (vol. 6, p. 71)
Jones, Hestia - Pink cheeked, black-haired witch. One of the wizards who escorts Harry to Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49)
Jordan, Lee - Pupil at Hogwarts. Has dreadlocks and is famed for his commentaries at Quidditch matches. He is in Gryffindor House in the same year as George and Fred Weasley and is best friends with them.
Jorkins, Bertha - Worked at the Ministry of Magic; Originally had an excellent memory, but after learning a dangerous secret about Barty Crouch, he memory charmed her and damaged her memory; no sense of direction; (vol. 4, p. 89) Captured by Wormtail and tortured for the information she possesed; killed by Lord Voldemort. (vol. 4, p. 10)
Karkaroff, Professor Igor - Head of Durmstrang. Tall and thin, short white hair and a goatee which finishes in a small curl. He smiles only with his mouth, not with his eyes. Former Death Eater. (vol. 4, pp. 247, 363, 417) Died in summer before Harry's sixth term at Hogwarts. (vol. 6, p. 107)
Karkas - Gurg, or chief, of the giants. (vol. 5, p. 427)
Keeper - Quidditch player who guards the goalposts.
Kettleburn, Professor - Care of Magical Creatures teacher at Hogwarts. Retired at the end of Harry's second year.
Kirke, Andrew - Beater replacement on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. (vol. 5, p. 453)
Krum, Viktor - Champion Bulgarian Seeker from Durmstrang School. Distinctly round-shouldered and slightly duck-footed. Competes in the Triwizard Tournament. (vol. 4, p. 115)
Lestrange, Bellatrix - Sent to Azkaban for using Cruciatus Curse on Neville Longbottom's parents causing them to go insane; cousin of Sirius Black. (vol. 5, pp. 505, 544, 545)
Lockhart, Gilderoy - Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Longbottom, Neville - Classmate of Harry. Short, fat and slightly daft. He is of pure wizard blood, but not a good student. He is almost a Squib. His parents were Aurors during Voldemort's reign of terror until they were caught by Death Eaters and went insane. He lives with his grandmother. Works harder than ever to overcome his shortcomings and makes a lot of progress. (vol. 5, p. 553)
Lovegood, Luna (Loony) - Student at Hogwarts, classmate of Ginny Weasley, in Ravenclaw House; Harry's friend; her father runs The Quibbler. (vol. 5 pp. 179, 186 & 262)
Lupin, Professor Remus J. - A young, shabby looking wizard who befriends Harry and tries to teach him how to repel the dementors. Teaches the Dark Arts. (vol 3, p. 74). He is also a werewolf. (vol. 3, p. 350) & (vol 5, p. 46) One of the wizards who escorted Harry to Order of the Phoenix headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49)
Lynch, Aiden - A seeker from Ireland who plays in the Quidditch World Cup. (vol. 4, p. 108)
Macmillan, Ernie - Hogwarts student; a prefect. (vol. 5, pp. 188, 706)
Macnair, Walden - A Death Eater who was sent to kill Buckbeak; tried to persuade the giants to join Voldemort. (vol. 5, p. 431); Executioner of dangerous creatures for the Ministry of Magic.
Malfoy, Draco - Harry's archenemy at Hogwarts. Has a pale, pointed face that bears a sneering expression; believes himself to be superior to Harry and his friends; a resident of Slytherin House. From a wizard family that came back from the "Dark Side" after Lord Voldemort disappeared. (His family insisted they had been bewitched by Voldemorte.)
Malfoy, Narcissa - Draco's mother.
Marchbanks, Griselda - Head of Wizarding Examination Authority; a friend of Neville's grandmother; resigns in protest from the Wizengamot when the post of Inquisitor to Hogwarts School is announced. (vol. 5, pp. 308, 707)
Marge, Aunt - Uncle Vernon's sister.
Maxime, Madame Olympe - A giant woman with olive skin, black eyes and a beaky nose. Her hair is drawn into a bun at the base of her neck. In charge of students from Beauxbatons Academy. (vol. 4, pp. 243-244)
McGonagall, Minerva - Head of Gryffindor House and a professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts. Her hair is worn in a tight bun, and she wears square glasses and an emerald green cloak.
Mediwizards - Medics who take care of injuries at the Quidditch World Cup. (vol. 4, p. 114)
Merlin - Name of a wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Mimsey-Porpington, Sir Nicholas de - Resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower. Also known as Nearly-Headless Nick. (vol. 2, p. 133)
Moaning Myrtle - Ghost of a girl who was killed when the Chamber of Secrets was first opened 50 years ago. Her home is now a toilet at Hogwarts.
Mockridge, Cuthbert - Head of the Goblin Liaison Office. (vol. 4, p. 86)
Montague - Captain of Slytherin Quidditch team. (vol. 5, p. 627) Shoved into the Vanishing Cabinet by Fred and George Weasley for trying to deduct points from Gryffindor. (vol. 5, p. 639)
Moody, Alastor (Mad-Eye) - An Auror, a Dark Wizard catcher, with many enemies; brought out of retirement by Dumbledore to teach Defense of the Dark Arts at Hogwarts. (vol. 4, p. 162 & 280) Scarred skin, half of a nose, one small, dark beady eye. The other eye moves up and down and from side to side, ceaselessly without blinking, and sometimes rolls over completely, so only the white can be seen; (makes him capable of seeing what is behind him). The moving eye is electric blue and as large as a coin. He has one wooden leg that is carved and ends in a clawed foot; he limps and uses a long staff. He has long, grizzled, dark grey hair. (vol. 4, pp. 184-185) One of the wizards who escorted Harry to Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49)
Moony - Professor Lupin's nickname at Hogwarts.
Morgana - name of a witch depicted on a wizard trading card.
Mostafa, Hassan - Chairwizard of the International Association of Quidditch from Egypt. (vol. 4, p. 106)
Mudblood - A really foul name for someone who is muggle-born (of non-magical parents).
Muggles - People without a drop of magical blood in their veins.
Hagrid, Rubeus - Half-giant, "twice as tall, five times as wide as a normal man; long, bushy black hair; hands the size of garbage can lids; feet like baby dolphins." After being falsely accused of opening the Chamber of Secrets, as a student, Hagrid was expelled from the school. Dumbledore hires him as Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. (vol. 2, p. 247) Rescued Harry from his home and delivered him to the Dursleys, after Harry's parents were killed. (vol. 3, p. 206) (vol. 4, p. 429)
Half Blood Prince - Original owner of the Potions textbook that Harry borrowed from Prof. Slughorn; had written notes in it. Later, it was revealed that the prince was Severus Snape. (vol. 6, pp. 193, 604)
He Who Must Not Be Named - The evil Lord Voldemort. Also referred to as You-Know-Who.
Hengist of Woodcroft - Name of a wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Higgs, Terrence - Seeker on the Slytherin Quidditch team in Harry's first year.
Hit Wizard - Member of wizard police from the Magical Law Enforcement Squad, specially trained to deal with powerful criminals.
Hooper, Geoffrey - Member of Gryffindor's Quidditch team. (vol. 5, p. 276)
Hootch, Madam - Quidditch Instructor.
Hogwarts High Inquisitor - Dolores Umbridge. (vol. 5, p. 306 )
Hufflepuff, Helga - One of the four founders of Hogwarts. Hufflepuff House is named for her.
Jigger, Arsenius - Author of Magical Drafts and Potions.
Johnson, Angelina - Gryffindor chaser; becomes Gryffindor's Quidditch Captain. (vol. 5, p. 224)
Jones, Gwenog - Captain of the Holyhead Harpies, a Quidditch team. (vol. 6, p. 71)
Jones, Hestia - Pink cheeked, black-haired witch. One of the wizards who escorts Harry to Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49)
Jordan, Lee - Pupil at Hogwarts. Has dreadlocks and is famed for his commentaries at Quidditch matches. He is in Gryffindor House in the same year as George and Fred Weasley and is best friends with them.
Jorkins, Bertha - Worked at the Ministry of Magic; Originally had an excellent memory, but after learning a dangerous secret about Barty Crouch, he memory charmed her and damaged her memory; no sense of direction; (vol. 4, p. 89) Captured by Wormtail and tortured for the information she possesed; killed by Lord Voldemort. (vol. 4, p. 10)
Karkaroff, Professor Igor - Head of Durmstrang. Tall and thin, short white hair and a goatee which finishes in a small curl. He smiles only with his mouth, not with his eyes. Former Death Eater. (vol. 4, pp. 247, 363, 417) Died in summer before Harry's sixth term at Hogwarts. (vol. 6, p. 107)
Karkas - Gurg, or chief, of the giants. (vol. 5, p. 427)
Keeper - Quidditch player who guards the goalposts.
Kettleburn, Professor - Care of Magical Creatures teacher at Hogwarts. Retired at the end of Harry's second year.
Kirke, Andrew - Beater replacement on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. (vol. 5, p. 453)
Krum, Viktor - Champion Bulgarian Seeker from Durmstrang School. Distinctly round-shouldered and slightly duck-footed. Competes in the Triwizard Tournament. (vol. 4, p. 115)
Lestrange, Bellatrix - Sent to Azkaban for using Cruciatus Curse on Neville Longbottom's parents causing them to go insane; cousin of Sirius Black. (vol. 5, pp. 505, 544, 545)
Lockhart, Gilderoy - Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Longbottom, Neville - Classmate of Harry. Short, fat and slightly daft. He is of pure wizard blood, but not a good student. He is almost a Squib. His parents were Aurors during Voldemort's reign of terror until they were caught by Death Eaters and went insane. He lives with his grandmother. Works harder than ever to overcome his shortcomings and makes a lot of progress. (vol. 5, p. 553)
Lovegood, Luna (Loony) - Student at Hogwarts, classmate of Ginny Weasley, in Ravenclaw House; Harry's friend; her father runs The Quibbler. (vol. 5 pp. 179, 186 & 262)
Lupin, Professor Remus J. - A young, shabby looking wizard who befriends Harry and tries to teach him how to repel the dementors. Teaches the Dark Arts. (vol 3, p. 74). He is also a werewolf. (vol. 3, p. 350) & (vol 5, p. 46) One of the wizards who escorted Harry to Order of the Phoenix headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49)
Lynch, Aiden - A seeker from Ireland who plays in the Quidditch World Cup. (vol. 4, p. 108)
Macmillan, Ernie - Hogwarts student; a prefect. (vol. 5, pp. 188, 706)
Macnair, Walden - A Death Eater who was sent to kill Buckbeak; tried to persuade the giants to join Voldemort. (vol. 5, p. 431); Executioner of dangerous creatures for the Ministry of Magic.
Malfoy, Draco - Harry's archenemy at Hogwarts. Has a pale, pointed face that bears a sneering expression; believes himself to be superior to Harry and his friends; a resident of Slytherin House. From a wizard family that came back from the "Dark Side" after Lord Voldemort disappeared. (His family insisted they had been bewitched by Voldemorte.)
Malfoy, Narcissa - Draco's mother.
Marchbanks, Griselda - Head of Wizarding Examination Authority; a friend of Neville's grandmother; resigns in protest from the Wizengamot when the post of Inquisitor to Hogwarts School is announced. (vol. 5, pp. 308, 707)
Marge, Aunt - Uncle Vernon's sister.
Maxime, Madame Olympe - A giant woman with olive skin, black eyes and a beaky nose. Her hair is drawn into a bun at the base of her neck. In charge of students from Beauxbatons Academy. (vol. 4, pp. 243-244)
McGonagall, Minerva - Head of Gryffindor House and a professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts. Her hair is worn in a tight bun, and she wears square glasses and an emerald green cloak.
Mediwizards - Medics who take care of injuries at the Quidditch World Cup. (vol. 4, p. 114)
Merlin - Name of a wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Mimsey-Porpington, Sir Nicholas de - Resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower. Also known as Nearly-Headless Nick. (vol. 2, p. 133)
Moaning Myrtle - Ghost of a girl who was killed when the Chamber of Secrets was first opened 50 years ago. Her home is now a toilet at Hogwarts.
Mockridge, Cuthbert - Head of the Goblin Liaison Office. (vol. 4, p. 86)
Montague - Captain of Slytherin Quidditch team. (vol. 5, p. 627) Shoved into the Vanishing Cabinet by Fred and George Weasley for trying to deduct points from Gryffindor. (vol. 5, p. 639)
Moody, Alastor (Mad-Eye) - An Auror, a Dark Wizard catcher, with many enemies; brought out of retirement by Dumbledore to teach Defense of the Dark Arts at Hogwarts. (vol. 4, p. 162 & 280) Scarred skin, half of a nose, one small, dark beady eye. The other eye moves up and down and from side to side, ceaselessly without blinking, and sometimes rolls over completely, so only the white can be seen; (makes him capable of seeing what is behind him). The moving eye is electric blue and as large as a coin. He has one wooden leg that is carved and ends in a clawed foot; he limps and uses a long staff. He has long, grizzled, dark grey hair. (vol. 4, pp. 184-185) One of the wizards who escorted Harry to Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. (vol. 5, p. 49)
Moony - Professor Lupin's nickname at Hogwarts.
Morgana - name of a witch depicted on a wizard trading card.
Mostafa, Hassan - Chairwizard of the International Association of Quidditch from Egypt. (vol. 4, p. 106)
Mudblood - A really foul name for someone who is muggle-born (of non-magical parents).
Muggles - People without a drop of magical blood in their veins.
The Unofficial Guide to Harry Potter Fun, Facts and Trivia: Part1
Characters - Individuals (A-G)
Abercrombie, Euan - First year student; lives in Gryffindor (vol. 5, p.208)
Abbott, Hannah - Hufflepuff prefect; first to receive a Calming Draught from Madame Pomfrey for nervousness due to impending O.W.L.s. (vol.5, pp. 188, 605)
Agrippa - Name of a wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Avery - One of the Death Eaters who escaped from Azkaban. (vol. 5, p. 586)
Bagman, Ludo - Head of Department of Magical Games and Sports. (vol. 4, p. 61) Helped organize Triwizard Tournament. (vol. 4, p. 254) A famous beater.
Bagnold, Millicent - Former Minister of Magic. (vol 5, p. 93)
Bagshot, Bathilda - Author of History of Magic.
Beater - Quidditch player who tries to knock the bludgers towards opposing team.
Bell, Katie - Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.
Binns, Professor - Ghost who taught History of Magic at Hogwarts. (vol. 4, p.234)
Black, Alphard - Uncle of Sirius, gave him gold after he ran away from home. (vol. 5, p.111)
Black, Bellatrix - Sirius's cousin; served time in Azkaban; Marries Rudolphus Lestrange. (vol. 5 p. 114)
Black, Regulus - Sirius's younger brother; a Death Eater. (vol. 5, p. 112)
Black, Sirius - A feared and believed-to-be-malevolent character who Harry thinks is responsible for the death of his parents, but who is later revealed to be Harry's godfather and protector; served 12 years in Azkaban. (vol. 5, p. 9).
Bloody Baron - The resident ghost of Slytherin House.
Boardman, Stubby - Another nickname for Sirius Black; lead singer of the Hobgoblins. (vol. 5, p. 736)
Bode, Broderick - An "unspeakable" worked in Department of Mysteries; dies mysteriously at St. Mungo's Hospital. (vol. 5, pp. 546, 548); Under the Imperious Curse. (vol. 5, p. 587)
Bonaccord, Pierre - First Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards; in favor of stopping troll-hunting. (vol. 5, pp. 725-726)
Bones, Amelia Susan - Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement; one of Harry's interrogators at the Ministry of Magic. (vol. 5 pp. 123, 138) She was found dead, the summer before Harry's sixth term, in a room that was locked from the inside, a signature of a Voldermort killing. (vol. 6, p. 13)
Bones, Susan - Hogwarts student who had an uncle, aunt and cousins who died at the hands of a Death Eater.(vol.5, p. 550)
Bryce, Frank - Tom Riddle's gardener who's accused of the Riddle family murders, but never convicted, he remained as gardener for the new owners. Dies when he sees Lord Voldemort. (vol. 4, p. 2, 15)
Bulstrode, Millicent - Hermione's dueling partner in second year dueling club.
Burke, Caracticus - co-founder of Borgin and Burke's. (vol. 6, p. 213)
Cadogon, Sir - Knight from a portrait in the North Tower. Temporary guardian of Gryffindor Tower while the Fat Lady was being repaired. Also called the "mad knight." (vol. 4, p. 616)
Chang, Cho - Seeker on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, on whom Harry gets a crush in volume 4.
Chaser - Quidditch player who tries to score using the quaffle.
Chorley, Herbert - Second in command to the Prime Minister for Muggles. (vol. 6, p. 2)
Clearwater, Penelope - Percy Weasley's girlfriend.
Cole, Mrs. - Proprietor of the orphanage where Tom Riddle was raised.
Crabbe, Vincent - A friend of Draco Malfoy and an enemy of Harry. A resident of Slytherin.
Creevy, Colin - Admirer of Harry's, who follows him constantly and is always taking his picture. In Gryffindor House.
Creevy, Dennis - Brother of Colin. (vol. 5)
Cresswell, Dirk - Muggle-born, Head of Goblin Liaison Office. One year younger than Lily Evans. (vol. 6, p. 71)
Crouch, Bartemius (Barty) - High ranking ministry wizard; Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation; owner of Winky the house-elf; speaks over 200 languages. (vol. 4, p. 89)
Crookshanks - A ginger-colored cat that Hermione buys at the Magical Menagerie. (vol 3, p. 60)
Cuffe, Barnabas - Editor of the Daily Prophet. (vol 6, p. 71)
Dawlish - An Auror; tries to overpower Dumbledore. (vol. 5, p. 620)
Delacour, Fleur - A competitor in the Triwizard Tournament from Beauxbaton School; part veela. (vol. 4, p. 349 & p. 399) Became engaged to Bill Weasley with plans to marry the summer before Harry's seventh term.
Derwent, Dilys - St. Mungo healer and former Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; his portrait hangs in Dumbledore's office. (vol. 5, pp. 468, 485)
Diddykins, Ickle - Harry's unaffectionate nickname for his cousin Dudley. (vol 5, p.13).
Diggle, Dedalus - Member of the Order of the Phoenix; excitable; wears a top hat. One of the wizards who escorts Harry to Order of the Phoenix Headquarters (vol 5, p. 49).
Diggory, Cedric - Hufflepuff House prefect and Quidditch team captain who is one of the representatives of Hogwarts in the Triwizard Tournament; exceptionally handsome; short, straight nose; dark hair and grey eyes. (vol. 4, p. 296)
Dippet, Professor Armando - Headmaster at Hogwarts 50 years ago; Dumbledore's predecessor. (vol. 5, p.473)
Doge, Elphias - Wizard, wheezy-voiced. One of the wizards who escorts Harry to Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. (vol 5, p. 49)
Dolohov, Antonin - A Death Eater; murderer; convicted of the brutal murders of Gideon and Fabian Prewett (vol. 5, pp. 543-544)
Dumbledore, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian - Headmaster at Hogwarts; widely regarded as the finest wizard of his generation and the only wizard feared by Lord Voldemort. Blue eyes; tall, thin body; several feet of long silver hair; crooked nose; wears half-moon spectacles and a long purple cloak. Also known as Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards & Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. (vol. 5 pp. 139, 308)
Dursley, Mr. Vernon - Harry's uncle; married to Petunia; father of Dudley.
Dursley, Dudley - Harry's cousin; son of Vernon & Petunia. Also known as "Dud," "Big D," and "Popkin." (vol. 5, p.12)
Dursley, Petunia Evans - Harry's aunt; sister of his mother, Lily; wife of Vernon; mother of Dudley.
Edgecombe, Madame - Mother of Marietta; works at Department of Magical Transportation, Floo network. (vol.5, p. 612))
Edgecombe, Marietta - Cho's friend who spills the beans about Dumbledore's Army; daughter of Madame Edgecomb. (vol. 5, p. 612)
Evans, Lily - Muggle-born; married James Potter and gave birth to Harry. (vol. 5, p. 647)
Everard - Former Hogwart's Headmaster. (vol. 5, p. 462)
Fat Friar - Resident ghost of Hufflepuff Tower.
Fat Lady - The subject of a portrait guarding the entrance of Gryffindor Tower.
Figg, Mrs. Arabella - Batty, cat-loving old-lady; a squib; lives near Harry in Little Whinging. (vol. 5, p. 2, pp. 20 & 21)
Filch, Argus - The caretaker at Hogwarts; a failed wizard; a squib. He hates students and especially does not like Harry or his friends. He has a cat named Mrs. Norris. Very knowledgeable about all of Hogwart's secret passageways and hiding places. (vol. 5, p. 629)
Finnigan, Seamus. - An Irish sandy-haired student in Harry's year. Good friend of Dean Thomas.
Flamel, Nicolas - Dumbledore's partner in his work in alchemy and the only known maker of the Sorcerer's Stone. (vol.1, p. 160)
Fletcher, Mundungus - A wizard who is a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Valuable because he "knows all the crooks;" dirty, unkempt, pipe-smoker. (vol 5, p. 86)
Flint, Marcus - Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team.
Flitwick, Professor - Charms teacher at Hogwarts; Head of Ravenclaw House. Tiny little wizard who has to stand on piles of books to see over his desk.
Flume, Ambrosius - Owner of Honeydukes. (vol. 6, p. 71)
Fridwulfa - A giantess, who is Hagrid's mother. Her whereabouts are unknown; she is said to be brutal. (vol. 4, p. 439)
Frobischer, Vickie - Member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team (vol. 5, p. 276)
Fudge, Cornelius - Minister of Magic. Wants to take Hagrid to Azkaban, after a fourth muggle is attacked. (vol. 2, p. 261) Later he casts aspersions on Hagrid's Giant ancestry.
Gaunt, Marvolo - Voldemort's grandfather; descendant of Salazar Slytherin. (vol. 6, p. 212)
Gaunt, Merope - Voldemort's mother. (vol. 6, p. 212)
Gaunt, Morfin - Merope's brother. (vol. 6, p. 212)
Goldstein, Anthony - Ravenclaw Prefect. (vol. 5)
Golgomath - Takes over as Gurg (Chief of the Giants) after Karkus is killed; black hair and teeth to match; wears a necklace of bones (some human); massive, one of the biggest giants. (vol. 5, p. 430)
Goshawk, Miranda - Author of the Standard Book of Spells.
Goyle, Gregory - One of Draco Malfoy's stupid henchmen. Thick-set and mean-looking with short, bristly hair. A resident of Slytherin House.
Granger, Hermione - Smart, know-it-all at Hogwarts; classmate and good friend of Harry; bushy brown hair, large front teeth and a loud, rather bossy voice. Her parents are muggle dentists.
Grawp - A giant; Hagrid's half-brother (same mother) "a bit of a runt," only 16 feet tall; tends to be violent; distinguishing characteristic: a single fleshy ear on the top of his head. (vol. 5, pp. 691-695)
Greyback, Fenrir - A werewolf who is very cruel and especially enjoys biting human children and turning them into werewolves. Family friend of the Malfoys and fighting in collusion with the Death Eaters. Lupin, who was a former student and former professor at Hogwarts, was bitten by Greyback when he was a child. Greyback heads a group of werewolves who hate humans and who work on behalf of Voldermort. (vol. 6, pp. 71, 623)
Gregory the Smarmy - (vol. 5 p. 659)
Grey, Lady - Resident ghost of Ravenclaw Tower.
Grubbly-Plank, Professor Wilhelmina - A witch that temporarily takes over Hagrid's job (care of magical creatures) when Hagrid is "indisposed." (vol. 4, p. 484)
Grunnion, Alberic - Name of a wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Gryffindor, Godric - One of the four founders of Hogwarts. Gryffindor House is named after him.
Gurg - Title of giant chief. (vol. 5, p. 427)
Abercrombie, Euan - First year student; lives in Gryffindor (vol. 5, p.208)
Abbott, Hannah - Hufflepuff prefect; first to receive a Calming Draught from Madame Pomfrey for nervousness due to impending O.W.L.s. (vol.5, pp. 188, 605)
Agrippa - Name of a wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Avery - One of the Death Eaters who escaped from Azkaban. (vol. 5, p. 586)
Bagman, Ludo - Head of Department of Magical Games and Sports. (vol. 4, p. 61) Helped organize Triwizard Tournament. (vol. 4, p. 254) A famous beater.
Bagnold, Millicent - Former Minister of Magic. (vol 5, p. 93)
Bagshot, Bathilda - Author of History of Magic.
Beater - Quidditch player who tries to knock the bludgers towards opposing team.
Bell, Katie - Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.
Binns, Professor - Ghost who taught History of Magic at Hogwarts. (vol. 4, p.234)
Black, Alphard - Uncle of Sirius, gave him gold after he ran away from home. (vol. 5, p.111)
Black, Bellatrix - Sirius's cousin; served time in Azkaban; Marries Rudolphus Lestrange. (vol. 5 p. 114)
Black, Regulus - Sirius's younger brother; a Death Eater. (vol. 5, p. 112)
Black, Sirius - A feared and believed-to-be-malevolent character who Harry thinks is responsible for the death of his parents, but who is later revealed to be Harry's godfather and protector; served 12 years in Azkaban. (vol. 5, p. 9).
Bloody Baron - The resident ghost of Slytherin House.
Boardman, Stubby - Another nickname for Sirius Black; lead singer of the Hobgoblins. (vol. 5, p. 736)
Bode, Broderick - An "unspeakable" worked in Department of Mysteries; dies mysteriously at St. Mungo's Hospital. (vol. 5, pp. 546, 548); Under the Imperious Curse. (vol. 5, p. 587)
Bonaccord, Pierre - First Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards; in favor of stopping troll-hunting. (vol. 5, pp. 725-726)
Bones, Amelia Susan - Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement; one of Harry's interrogators at the Ministry of Magic. (vol. 5 pp. 123, 138) She was found dead, the summer before Harry's sixth term, in a room that was locked from the inside, a signature of a Voldermort killing. (vol. 6, p. 13)
Bones, Susan - Hogwarts student who had an uncle, aunt and cousins who died at the hands of a Death Eater.(vol.5, p. 550)
Bryce, Frank - Tom Riddle's gardener who's accused of the Riddle family murders, but never convicted, he remained as gardener for the new owners. Dies when he sees Lord Voldemort. (vol. 4, p. 2, 15)
Bulstrode, Millicent - Hermione's dueling partner in second year dueling club.
Burke, Caracticus - co-founder of Borgin and Burke's. (vol. 6, p. 213)
Cadogon, Sir - Knight from a portrait in the North Tower. Temporary guardian of Gryffindor Tower while the Fat Lady was being repaired. Also called the "mad knight." (vol. 4, p. 616)
Chang, Cho - Seeker on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, on whom Harry gets a crush in volume 4.
Chaser - Quidditch player who tries to score using the quaffle.
Chorley, Herbert - Second in command to the Prime Minister for Muggles. (vol. 6, p. 2)
Clearwater, Penelope - Percy Weasley's girlfriend.
Cole, Mrs. - Proprietor of the orphanage where Tom Riddle was raised.
Crabbe, Vincent - A friend of Draco Malfoy and an enemy of Harry. A resident of Slytherin.
Creevy, Colin - Admirer of Harry's, who follows him constantly and is always taking his picture. In Gryffindor House.
Creevy, Dennis - Brother of Colin. (vol. 5)
Cresswell, Dirk - Muggle-born, Head of Goblin Liaison Office. One year younger than Lily Evans. (vol. 6, p. 71)
Crouch, Bartemius (Barty) - High ranking ministry wizard; Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation; owner of Winky the house-elf; speaks over 200 languages. (vol. 4, p. 89)
Crookshanks - A ginger-colored cat that Hermione buys at the Magical Menagerie. (vol 3, p. 60)
Cuffe, Barnabas - Editor of the Daily Prophet. (vol 6, p. 71)
Dawlish - An Auror; tries to overpower Dumbledore. (vol. 5, p. 620)
Delacour, Fleur - A competitor in the Triwizard Tournament from Beauxbaton School; part veela. (vol. 4, p. 349 & p. 399) Became engaged to Bill Weasley with plans to marry the summer before Harry's seventh term.
Derwent, Dilys - St. Mungo healer and former Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; his portrait hangs in Dumbledore's office. (vol. 5, pp. 468, 485)
Diddykins, Ickle - Harry's unaffectionate nickname for his cousin Dudley. (vol 5, p.13).
Diggle, Dedalus - Member of the Order of the Phoenix; excitable; wears a top hat. One of the wizards who escorts Harry to Order of the Phoenix Headquarters (vol 5, p. 49).
Diggory, Cedric - Hufflepuff House prefect and Quidditch team captain who is one of the representatives of Hogwarts in the Triwizard Tournament; exceptionally handsome; short, straight nose; dark hair and grey eyes. (vol. 4, p. 296)
Dippet, Professor Armando - Headmaster at Hogwarts 50 years ago; Dumbledore's predecessor. (vol. 5, p.473)
Doge, Elphias - Wizard, wheezy-voiced. One of the wizards who escorts Harry to Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. (vol 5, p. 49)
Dolohov, Antonin - A Death Eater; murderer; convicted of the brutal murders of Gideon and Fabian Prewett (vol. 5, pp. 543-544)
Dumbledore, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian - Headmaster at Hogwarts; widely regarded as the finest wizard of his generation and the only wizard feared by Lord Voldemort. Blue eyes; tall, thin body; several feet of long silver hair; crooked nose; wears half-moon spectacles and a long purple cloak. Also known as Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards & Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. (vol. 5 pp. 139, 308)
Dursley, Mr. Vernon - Harry's uncle; married to Petunia; father of Dudley.
Dursley, Dudley - Harry's cousin; son of Vernon & Petunia. Also known as "Dud," "Big D," and "Popkin." (vol. 5, p.12)
Dursley, Petunia Evans - Harry's aunt; sister of his mother, Lily; wife of Vernon; mother of Dudley.
Edgecombe, Madame - Mother of Marietta; works at Department of Magical Transportation, Floo network. (vol.5, p. 612))
Edgecombe, Marietta - Cho's friend who spills the beans about Dumbledore's Army; daughter of Madame Edgecomb. (vol. 5, p. 612)
Evans, Lily - Muggle-born; married James Potter and gave birth to Harry. (vol. 5, p. 647)
Everard - Former Hogwart's Headmaster. (vol. 5, p. 462)
Fat Friar - Resident ghost of Hufflepuff Tower.
Fat Lady - The subject of a portrait guarding the entrance of Gryffindor Tower.
Figg, Mrs. Arabella - Batty, cat-loving old-lady; a squib; lives near Harry in Little Whinging. (vol. 5, p. 2, pp. 20 & 21)
Filch, Argus - The caretaker at Hogwarts; a failed wizard; a squib. He hates students and especially does not like Harry or his friends. He has a cat named Mrs. Norris. Very knowledgeable about all of Hogwart's secret passageways and hiding places. (vol. 5, p. 629)
Finnigan, Seamus. - An Irish sandy-haired student in Harry's year. Good friend of Dean Thomas.
Flamel, Nicolas - Dumbledore's partner in his work in alchemy and the only known maker of the Sorcerer's Stone. (vol.1, p. 160)
Fletcher, Mundungus - A wizard who is a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Valuable because he "knows all the crooks;" dirty, unkempt, pipe-smoker. (vol 5, p. 86)
Flint, Marcus - Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team.
Flitwick, Professor - Charms teacher at Hogwarts; Head of Ravenclaw House. Tiny little wizard who has to stand on piles of books to see over his desk.
Flume, Ambrosius - Owner of Honeydukes. (vol. 6, p. 71)
Fridwulfa - A giantess, who is Hagrid's mother. Her whereabouts are unknown; she is said to be brutal. (vol. 4, p. 439)
Frobischer, Vickie - Member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team (vol. 5, p. 276)
Fudge, Cornelius - Minister of Magic. Wants to take Hagrid to Azkaban, after a fourth muggle is attacked. (vol. 2, p. 261) Later he casts aspersions on Hagrid's Giant ancestry.
Gaunt, Marvolo - Voldemort's grandfather; descendant of Salazar Slytherin. (vol. 6, p. 212)
Gaunt, Merope - Voldemort's mother. (vol. 6, p. 212)
Gaunt, Morfin - Merope's brother. (vol. 6, p. 212)
Goldstein, Anthony - Ravenclaw Prefect. (vol. 5)
Golgomath - Takes over as Gurg (Chief of the Giants) after Karkus is killed; black hair and teeth to match; wears a necklace of bones (some human); massive, one of the biggest giants. (vol. 5, p. 430)
Goshawk, Miranda - Author of the Standard Book of Spells.
Goyle, Gregory - One of Draco Malfoy's stupid henchmen. Thick-set and mean-looking with short, bristly hair. A resident of Slytherin House.
Granger, Hermione - Smart, know-it-all at Hogwarts; classmate and good friend of Harry; bushy brown hair, large front teeth and a loud, rather bossy voice. Her parents are muggle dentists.
Grawp - A giant; Hagrid's half-brother (same mother) "a bit of a runt," only 16 feet tall; tends to be violent; distinguishing characteristic: a single fleshy ear on the top of his head. (vol. 5, pp. 691-695)
Greyback, Fenrir - A werewolf who is very cruel and especially enjoys biting human children and turning them into werewolves. Family friend of the Malfoys and fighting in collusion with the Death Eaters. Lupin, who was a former student and former professor at Hogwarts, was bitten by Greyback when he was a child. Greyback heads a group of werewolves who hate humans and who work on behalf of Voldermort. (vol. 6, pp. 71, 623)
Gregory the Smarmy - (vol. 5 p. 659)
Grey, Lady - Resident ghost of Ravenclaw Tower.
Grubbly-Plank, Professor Wilhelmina - A witch that temporarily takes over Hagrid's job (care of magical creatures) when Hagrid is "indisposed." (vol. 4, p. 484)
Grunnion, Alberic - Name of a wizard depicted on a wizard trading card.
Gryffindor, Godric - One of the four founders of Hogwarts. Gryffindor House is named after him.
Gurg - Title of giant chief. (vol. 5, p. 427)
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Gloucester Cathedral as Hogwarts School
Gloucester Cathedral provided an impressive backdrop for Hogwarts School.
Magnificent Gloucester Cathedral has been a place of worship for more than 1,300 years and is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture. The cloisters are regarded as one of the most beautiful architectural features in Britain and the cathedral provides the setting for several scenes in the film.
Perhaps the best shot of the cloisters is from the Girls Lavatory door in the Troll scene in the film. Pupils from King’s School, which adjoins the cathedral, were used as extras.
Address of Gloucester cathedral
2 College Green
Gloucester GL1 2LR
Friday, August 1, 2008
The universe of Harry Potter
The Wizarding world in which Harry finds himself is both completely separate from and yet intimately connected to our own world.
The Wizarding world of Harry Potter exists alongside that of the real world and contains magical elements similar to things in the non-magical world. Many of its locations are in towns and cities which are recognisable in the real world, such as London.
It possesses a fragmented collection of hidden streets, overlooked and ancient pubs, lonely country manors and secluded castles that remain invisible to the non-magical population (known as "Muggles"; i.e. the world of the reader).
Wizard ability is inborn, rather than learned. Most wizards send their children to Wizarding schools to learn the magical skills necessary to get along in the magical world. There is no educational equivalent to college or graduate school in the Wizarding world.
After graduation from their magical school, students are considered fully trained witches and wizards who are ready to take their places in the Wizarding World. It is possible for wizard parents to have children who are born with little or no magical ability at all (known as "Squibs").
Since one is either born a wizard or not, most wizards are unfamiliar with the Muggle world, and what they do know of the Muggle world is either inaccurate or patronizing.
The Wizarding world of Harry Potter exists alongside that of the real world and contains magical elements similar to things in the non-magical world. Many of its locations are in towns and cities which are recognisable in the real world, such as London.
It possesses a fragmented collection of hidden streets, overlooked and ancient pubs, lonely country manors and secluded castles that remain invisible to the non-magical population (known as "Muggles"; i.e. the world of the reader).
Wizard ability is inborn, rather than learned. Most wizards send their children to Wizarding schools to learn the magical skills necessary to get along in the magical world. There is no educational equivalent to college or graduate school in the Wizarding world.
After graduation from their magical school, students are considered fully trained witches and wizards who are ready to take their places in the Wizarding World. It is possible for wizard parents to have children who are born with little or no magical ability at all (known as "Squibs").
Since one is either born a wizard or not, most wizards are unfamiliar with the Muggle world, and what they do know of the Muggle world is either inaccurate or patronizing.
Spoiler of Half-Blood Prince
The record-breaking publication of Half-Blood Prince was accompanied by controversy.
The plot detail "Snape kills Dumbledore," along with a list of chapter titles, were leaked on the Usenet group alt.fan.harrypotter as early as July 14, 2005 — two days before the official release date.
In May 2005 bookmakers in the UK suspended bets on which main character would die in the book amid fears of insider knowledge. Weeks earlier, betting patterns on the website "Blue Square" recorded an unusual surge in bets originating in Bungay where, it was believed, the books were being printed at the time. A number of high value bets were made on the death of Albus Dumbledore. Betting was later reopened.
The plot detail "Snape kills Dumbledore," along with a list of chapter titles, were leaked on the Usenet group alt.fan.harrypotter as early as July 14, 2005 — two days before the official release date.
In May 2005 bookmakers in the UK suspended bets on which main character would die in the book amid fears of insider knowledge. Weeks earlier, betting patterns on the website "Blue Square" recorded an unusual surge in bets originating in Bungay where, it was believed, the books were being printed at the time. A number of high value bets were made on the death of Albus Dumbledore. Betting was later reopened.
The United States changed version
As with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the United States version of the novel has slightly changed text from the British version.
One particular section has been remarked upon, where the alteration makes the nature of Dumbledore's offer to Draco Malfoy before Snape kills Dumbledore in the Half-Blood Prince explicit.
The reason for the editing of the following text has not been explained on the author's webpage. The text can be found in chapter 27, "The Lightning-Struck Tower". The U.S. text was changed to match the UK version with the publication of the paperback edition. The parts added in the United States version have been highlighted in bold, below:
"[…] He told me to do it or he'll kill me. I've got no choice." "He cannot kill you if you are already dead. Come over to the right side Draco, and we can hide you more completely than you can possibly imagine. What is more, I can send members of the Order to your mother tonight to hide her likewise. Nobody would be surprised that you had died in your attempt to kill me — forgive me, but Lord Voldemort probably expects it. Nor would the Death Eaters be surprised that we had captured and killed your mother — it is what they would do themselves, after all. Your father is safe at the moment in Azkaban […]"
One particular section has been remarked upon, where the alteration makes the nature of Dumbledore's offer to Draco Malfoy before Snape kills Dumbledore in the Half-Blood Prince explicit.
The reason for the editing of the following text has not been explained on the author's webpage. The text can be found in chapter 27, "The Lightning-Struck Tower". The U.S. text was changed to match the UK version with the publication of the paperback edition. The parts added in the United States version have been highlighted in bold, below:
"[…] He told me to do it or he'll kill me. I've got no choice." "He cannot kill you if you are already dead. Come over to the right side Draco, and we can hide you more completely than you can possibly imagine. What is more, I can send members of the Order to your mother tonight to hide her likewise. Nobody would be surprised that you had died in your attempt to kill me — forgive me, but Lord Voldemort probably expects it. Nor would the Death Eaters be surprised that we had captured and killed your mother — it is what they would do themselves, after all. Your father is safe at the moment in Azkaban […]"
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