13 Things You Didn't Know About Harry Potter

You've read the books and seen the movies, and you even have your own Pottermore account, but you might be surprised to find out there are still some things you don't know about Harry Potter. With seven books spanning 4,224 pages, there is a lot of information in the series about the characters, their families, and magical history in general. If you've gone back and reread the series, then you probably noticed things the second (or third) time around that you missed when you read them the first time. Part of what makes the Harry Potter series so amazing are the rich details — and there are a lot of them to keep track of.

Even though she isn't writing the books anymore, J.K. Rowling still has plenty to say about Hogwarts, Harry, and the whole gang. Through interviews, fan Q&As, and articles, the author has revealed so much more about the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Did you know that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was almost called Harry Potter and the Death Eaters , Harry Potter and the Fire Goblet , and Harry Potter and the Three Champions? Yeah, I'm glad she chose Goblet of Fire, too.

From characters' pasts and futures, here are 13 things you didn't probably know about the Harry Potter books. Take notes, because you might want this info for your next HP trivia night.

Harry And Voldemort Are Related

Harry Potter and Tom Riddle have always been connected, but it turns out that it wasn't just because of what happened all those years ago in the nursery. Lord Voldemort and Harry are actually related by blood. Their shared relatives are the Peverells. Although many wizard families are related, this connection goes to show that it really is a small world!

Wizard Children Are Home Schooled

Before going to wizarding school, young wizards are usually home schooled. Rowling said that because they cannot control their powers, children are kept out of public school for safety's sake.

Harry Can't Speak Parseltongue Anymore

Since he is no longer a Horcrux, Harry can no longer communicate with snakes. Though it was a pretty cool ability, Rowling has said Harry was glad to get rid of it.

Professor McGonagall Was A Widow

Though she never changed her maiden name, Minerva McGonagall was married for three years, until her husband and old boss, Elphinstone Urquart, died. Thanks to a Venomous Tentacula bite, their happy marriage was tragically cut short, and Minerva never married again.

The Malfoys Never Went To Jail

Despite their horrible wrongdoings, the Malfoy family was not sent to Azkaban when the battle was over. They were able to get out of trouble because, in the end, they helped Harry defeat Voldemort. I don't know about you, but I think they still deserved some quality time with the Dementors.

Teddy Lupin Was Not A Werewolf

Teddy, the son of Remus and Tonks, did not become a werewolf like his father, but he was a Metamorphmagus like his mother. So that's what happens when a werewolf and a Metamorphmagus combine, in case you were wondering.

The Weasley Twins Were Born On April Fool's Day

Fred and George Weasley loved a good prank, and it turns out they were born that way — sort of. The Weasley twins were actually born on April 1, otherwise known as April Fool's day. It seems they were destined to be jokesters from birth.

Arthur Weasley Was Supposed To Die

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Rowling intended to kill off Arthur Weasley. She chose Sirius instead, and while I love Mr. Weasley, I would have loved to see Sirius make it to the end of the series.

The Dementors Were Based Off Of Rowling's Depression

J.K. Rowling has publicly spoken out about her depression, which she struggled with in her 20s. It turns out that her depression inspired the Dementors — you know, the creatures that suck out all the happiness in the world. If you think about it, it actually makes total sense.

Ginny Became A Professional Quidditch Player

Ginny Weasley may have gotten married and had kids, but she wasn't a stay at home mom like her mother, Molly. Instead, J. K. Rowling has said that Ginny went on to play Quidditch professionally for the Hollyhead Harpies. After that, she became a sports correspondent for The Daily Prophet. As if you weren't envious of her already, Ginny's life just keeps getting cooler and cooler.

Hermoine Was Reunited With Her Parents

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Hermoine wiped her parents' memories to protect them. When the threat was gone, Rowling revealed in a chat, she was able to get her parents back. The real question, though, is what did they think of Ron when they finally met him?

Nearly Headless Nick Was Supposed To Have A Theme Song

In Philip Errington's biography of J. K. Rowling, much of the author's writing and editing process was revealed. One such detail that was included was the fact that Nearly Headless Nick, everyone's favorite ghost at Hogwarts, was supposed to have a song. Don't worry, though, you can still read The Ballad of Nearly Headless Nick online.

Dumbledore Saw His Family In The Mirror Of Erised

Despite what he said, Professor Dumbledore did not see himself with a thick pair of woolen socks when he looked into the Mirror of Erised. What he actually saw was his family, alive and well standing next to him, much like what Harry saw.

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