ENTERTAINMENT: Six fun facts about Harry Potter
Since the world was first introduced to Harry Potter in 1991, J.K. Rowling has enchanted readers with her magical world.
NEWCASTLE – For Harry Potter fans, July 31 marked a special occasion, with J.K. Rowling’s latest edition to the magical world, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
With millions of people entranced by the Boy Who Lived, here are six fun facts about the fantasy books:
1. Rowling and Potter share a birthday
That’s right, both J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter share the same birthday and it is on July 31; the exact same day as the launch of the newest installment. Coincidence? I think not.
2. Fred and George Weasly threw snowballs at Voldemort
The Weasly twins were well known for their antics in the Harry Potter series, but not many realise that in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, when the duo bewitched snowballs to hit the back of Professor Quirrell’s turban, they were unwittingly hitting Voldemort in the face.
3. Dementors, a creation of depression
Rowling’s mother died in 1990 after she suffered a period of depression. Rowling then used the experience to bring the dementors, creepy creatures which fed on human emotion, to life.
4. Quidditch is now an official sport
Quidditch is a fast paced game played on broomsticks, and is considered by most wizards and witches as the greatest sport of all time. While a major role in Harry’s fictional world, Quidditch is now an official sport in the Muggle world, with the International Quidditch Association formed in 2009.
5. Alan Rickman always knew
The late Alan Rickman portrayed Severus Snape to the tee in Potter movie franchise. His iconic portrayal of Snape stemmed from the fact that he knew his character had been in love with Harry’s mother and what his fate was, unlike the other cast.
6. Harry Potter’s name repeated continuously
Harry Potter’s name was mentioned 18 956 times in the fantasy series, which is quite a feat. But then again, he was the chosen one.
