The original American title of the first Harry Potter book was Harry Potter and the School of Magic, but it was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone before publication.ġ5. While they may not have the same magical properties, the names are certainly enchanting.ġ4. All the plants that make herbology class so entertaining, like Furbish Lousewort and Sneezeweed, are based on real-world plants. Hogwarts has 142 staircases throughout the massive school.ġ3. Speaking of Dumbledore, the name means “bumblebee.”ġ2. Hogwarts' Headmaster is known for his ever-flowing beard and robes, but did you know Albus Dumbledore’s full name also goes on forever? The professor’s full name is Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore. To prevent Deathly Hallows from leaking early, Potter publisher Bloomsbury gave the seventh book several secret code titles, includin g The Life and Times of Clara Rose Lovett: An epic novel covering many generations and Edinburgh Potmakers.ġ1. Look carefully at the magical newspapers featured in the original films, as well as The Fantastic Beasts series, and you’ll spot the Ginger Witch, a crafty criminal who often graces the cover of The Daily Prophet.ġ0.

A secret character is hidden in the movies. Dozens of rats helped bring to life Scabbers, Ron’s not-so-favorite rodent.ĩ. Their names were Gizmo, Kasper, Oops, Swoops, Oh Oh, Elmo and Bandit. In the movies, seven different owls played the part of Harry’s beloved pet Hedwig. Rowling has admitted that her favorite chapter from the first book and the entire series is “The Mirror of Erised.”Ĩ. Dumbledore’s Patronus, though never actually seen in the movies, takes the shape of a phoenix, much like his beloved Fawkes.ħ. Many magical phrases in the book are inspired by Rowling’s academic background in classical languages, including the Ho gwarts' motto, 'Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus' which in Latin means, “Never tickle a sleeping dragon.”Ħ. An early iteration of Luna Lovegood, for example, was Lily Moon.ĥ. Not every name made it to the books, however. Rowling carefully chose 40 Hogwarts students' names, including the golden three, before she even began writing the first novel. Hermione is pronounced “her-my-oh-knee.” Despite the fan debate, Rowling herself confirmed it.Ĥ. The Harry Potter book series has been translated into 80 different languages with over 500 million books sold worldwide.ģ.

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Harry potter trivia