UPDATE: “Massive” Surprises coming from Pottermore – Wizarding School Maps

Pottermore have announced their first “massive surprise” from A Celebration of Harry Potter – wizarding school maps!

In their tweet announcing the collection,  Pottermore linked to their Wizarding School page, which says the following:

“There are eleven long-established and prestigious wizarding schools worldwide, all of which are registered with the International Confederation of Wizards. Smaller and less well-regulated institutions have come and gone, are difficult to keep track of, and are rarely registered with the appropriate Ministry (in which case, I cannot vouch for the standard of education they might offer). Anyone wishing to know whether there is an approved magical school in their region should address an owl enquiry to the International Confederation of Wizards, Educational Office.

The precise location of each of the following schools is a closely guarded secret. The schools fear not only Muggle persecution, for it is a sad fact that at various times in their long histories, all of these institutions have been buffeted by the effects of wizard wars, and of hostile attention from both the foreign and domestic magical communities (it is not only in Britain that the education of magical youth has been subject to Ministry interference or pressure). As a general rule, magical schools tend to be situated in landlocked, mountainous areas (although there are notable exceptions, as will be seen), as such regions are difficult for Muggles to access, and easier to defend from Dark wizards.”

Make sure you send us updates if you’re at the event via our Facebook or Twitter, and if not, watch a livestream of the even here! Pottermore updated their “Writings from J.K. Rowling” page to include pages of extra writings from J.K. Rowling that focus on Hogwarts, Durmstrang Institute, and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. These pages can be read here.