Books

7 Things Even Major Harry Potter Fans Missed

by Alex Weiss
Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images News/Getty Images

You think you're a Harry Potter pro? Well, you probably are. Most die-hard fans of the series have read and reread the books so many times it's impressive and award-worthy. We're still discovering interesting side stories, historical wizard facts, and new knowledge on characters through J.K. Rowling on Pottermore . The seven books that we've all come to worship and adore more than just about any other are a labyrinth of plot points, and one that none of us will ever stop wanting to know more about.

While you definitely realize a lot of new things every time you reread Harry Potter, like how the Weasley twins totally throw snowballs at Voldemort (aka the back of Professor Quirrell's head) in the first book. Or how Dumbledore is actually a pretty shady character. I can attest myself that there are still mind-blowing facts about the series that bubble to the surface during each reread. There are even some that the most obsessed fans have probably never picked up on.

If you're addicted to knowing as much as possible about the Harry Potter series, here are seven outstanding things that you, the most passionate Harry Potter fan alive, probably never even noticed:

1. The Books Mirror Each Other

Ignoring the fourth book, which is more of a standalone and brings together all the themes while also changing the tone of the story, books one through three and five through seven create a chiasmus. For example, in the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the Deluminator is used by Dumbledore, and in Deathly Hallows it's used by Ron after being passed down by Dumbledore. Simiarly, in Chamber of Secrets Ginny wants Harry, and in Half-Blood Prince, Harry wants Ginny. In this neat list, it's easy to see how themes and plot lines match up with each other like lost puzzle pieces.

2. Fred And George Are Only Ever Seen Apart Twice

The only two times the Weasley twins are seen apart is when George's ear is cursed off and when Fred tragically dies. Every other moment in the books where one twin is seen, the other is not far off. Oh, and did you notice that their birthday is April Fool's Day? J.K. Rowling is a sneaky one.

3. Since Muggles Can't Enter Hogwarts, Hermione's Parents (And Many Other Parents) Sent Their Children To A Mysterious And Dangerous Place They Could Never Visit

Although it is mentioned in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that Myrtle's Muggle parents will be visiting the school after her death, it is understandable that the school would lift its Muggle-Repelling Charm for that situation. However, in most cases, any Muggle that came across Hogwarts would only see a warning sign and a pile of ruble. I'm not sure about you, but sending my magical kid off to a school with moving staircases, ghosts, and that happens to be ground zero for a major war doesn't sound like the best option as a parent.

4. As An Audience Member, The Triwizard Tournament Was Probably Pretty Boring

Because the event was specifically focused on entertaining spectators, events that take place in a dome without boundaries for dragons, a dark and murky lake, and an invisible maze, seem a little strange. Of course, it wasn't boring for us who had the full view of what was going on with Harry the entire time. But just think about sitting in the chilly stands next to the lake waiting for an hour to know what exactly was going on! It could be possible that there were wizard-like cameras zooming in and following contestants like we're used to at big sports events and concerts, but without that knowledge, it's safe to say that the tournament was pretty lackluster until the end.

5. Most Of The Black Family Members Are Named After Stars And Constellations

Sirius, a character we all love deeply, is also the name of the brightest star within the constellation of Canis Major, otherwise known as "Greater Dog." Seems fitting, right? Regulus is another bright star located in the constellation of Leo, and is often called "the heart of the lion." Their father is named Orion, who shares the name with one of the best known constellations in the night sky. Bellatrix, Andromeda, Narcissa, Cygnus, Pollux, Arcturus, Draco, and a few more Black family member names are all named after stars and constellations.

6. Harry, Ron, And Hermione All Have Wands Based On Their Birthday Month

This fact would basically be impossible to know unless you know the Celtic tree calendar by heart. Harry's is holly-based, Ron's is ash, and Hermione's is made of vine wood. Rowling didn't carry this out for every character, but it is a neat little connection even the most die-hard fans missed.

7. Patronus Charms Say A Lot About A Character

Most Death Eaters, besides Snape, can't produce one. Since the Patronus charm relies on happy thoughts to manifest itself, it's not too surprising that they can't, but it is incredibly tragic to think about. On a happy note, Ron's Patronus is a Jack Russell Terrier, which are known to chase otters, and Hermione's Patronus just happens to be an otter. One last fun fact: Tonk's feelings for Lupin were so strong that it changed her Patronus from a jack rabbit to a wolf. Doesn't that just make your heart melt?

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