How do we acknowledge the birthday of one of the most despicable characters in the Potter story, if not all of literature? How about taking this time for a little supposition? As we’ve been told, Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, former Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, and Harry …read more!

Ginny Weasley turns 36 today—August 11, 2017. Weren’t you pleased when you found out that “Ginny” was short for “Ginevra” and not “Virginia”?  No offence to the Virginias out there—that’s a lovely name as well.  It’s just that Virginia is probably what you assumed her full name to be; Ginevra was unexpected.  And that’s what …read more!

In recent years, the fandom has often downplayed Harry Potter’s strengths in favor of analyzing his flaws. Eventually, we also downplayed his contribution to the victory over Voldemort in favor of praising his friends. Somehow, the trend gave rise to the sentiment that hailing Harry as the hero of the story diminished the roles of Ron and …read more!

Neville could quip that he’s the boy who LOL’d.  He lacked both confidence and coordination when he went to Hogwarts but advanced in both skill and self-esteem to the point of having a crucial leadership position, and playing key practical and symbolic roles in the defeat of Voldemort. Fans of the films often note admiringly that puberty was kind to …read more!

Today we celebrate the birthday of beloved house elf Dobby, who was not only one of the most significant magical creatures to appear in the pages and on-screen in the world of Harry Potter, he may just be the most cherished hero of the series. What is it about those peeping orbs and cavernous ears …read more!

Today we celebrate Draco Malfoy’s 37th birthday. Any walk down memory lane with the pure-blood wizarding heir is bound to conjure mixed feelings, but this loyal and ambitious Slytherin is, nonetheless, an integral player in the Harry Potter story and one whose tangential and personal arc is well worth revisiting! Draco grew up idolizing his father, Lucius, …read more!

Today we wish a very happy birthday to the humble Professor Horace Slughorn, Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House at Hogwarts. During the Battle of Hogwarts, Slughorn fought valiantly against Voldemort, with the bravery that pushed him (along with some Liquid Luck on Harry’s part) to share his memories of Tom Riddle, ultimately leading …read more!

It’s no joke, Potter fans, today we celebrate the birthdays of two of Rowling’s most unforgettable characters, our favorite twins, Fred and George Weasley! Rather than take a risk with skiving snackboxes, puking pastilles, or any of the other questionable and possibly explosive treats offered by Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, we’re opting for a trip down …read more!

Today would have been Remus Lupin’s 57th Birthday if he had not tragically lost his life in the Battle of Hogwarts 19 years ago alongside his wife Nymphadora Tonks. Remus Lupin was a kind, brave, intelligent man. He was an incredible friend to the Marauders, a loving husband, an and a father figure for Harry when …read more!

Today we wish a Happy Birthday to our favorite Seer, Professor Sybill Trelawney! You may have only made two real predictions (that we’re aware of at least), but we still honor your soothsaying abilities, because those two predictions were incredibly important to the Harry Potter series. Even though most of divination may be guesswork, there must be at least …read more!