What can we say about Alan Rickman on the anniversary of the late actor’s birthday? First and foremost, we in the Harry Potter fandom fondly remember him as Severus Snape. The association is inextricable and one we would not try to separate. Rickman was perfectly cast and, famously, the only actor specifically sought out by …read more!

Let’s be honest, most of the time we’re envious of our fictional wizarding counterparts. Charms, potions, Floo Powder, port keys! Life would be so much easier, wouldn’t it? So it’s quite satisfying to realize that when it comes to love, we’re on a level playing field. When the calendar flips to Valentine’s Day, the magic …read more!

Albus Dumbledore may be viewed as the wizened mentor of the Harry Potter series, but Arthur Weasley is the enduring father figure. He never tries to take James place in Harry’s life–or usurp Sirius’ role as godfather and confidant–but he is the reliable, steadfast presence that both Harry and his children need. Throughout J.K. Rowling’s …read more!

Take a look at the cyber calendar these days and you’ll see some pretty interesting holidays pop up; just about one for every day of the year. A cauldron full of these special occasions seem like they were bewitched by some pretty internet-savvy wizards, or at least one or two Potter-obsessed muggles looking to schedule …read more!

While the UK celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997) last year and has now moved on to commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998), fans in America have patiently waited to mark the occasion of Harry Potter’s introduction to the United States in …read more!

Prepare yourselves, Potter fans. All the hours of reading dog-eared books, scouring fan sites for details, collecting obscure memorabilia, and intense late-night discussions (you know you’ve had them) is about to pay off! HBO will host “Hogwarts House Challenges” in Atlanta, Boston, and Denver this month to commemorate the entire unedited, commercial-free Harry Potter series …read more!

Within the Harry Potter series, Slytherins are not typically revered by those outside their own house. For good reason, their shrewd, ambitious natures often prevent them from making friends or allies with those who do not share their values and priorities. Outright champions among them are few, and they are far more well known for …read more!

Ralph Fiennes is most well known to Potter fans for his portrayal of Lord Voldemort, one of the darkest wizards in history. He brought the infamous villain to life in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and both parts of …read more!

Today, we mark the day of Rubeus Hagrid’s birth. Though he had humble beginnings and a life fraught with setbacks, he pressed on with good humor, good faith, and good heart. While Dumbledore may have served as the sage mentor of Harry’s growing-up years, Hagrid was his protector and friend, occupying a special place in …read more!

Harry Potter may be the rock star of the fandom (and the wizarding world), but Bill Weasley is the official rock star of the book series. At least, J.K. Rowling describes him as such. Tall and handsome, long red hair pulled back into a ponytail (before the man bun became fashionable), a fang hanging from …read more!