6 Things You Didn't Know About Harry Potter

Harry Potter introduced us to the world of witchcraft and wizardry. This is probably one of the most popular movie franchises in the history of cinema. There are in total 8 parts of this series and every part was full of thrill and excitement. The story involves Harry’s struggle against Lord Voldemort, who killed his parents, James Potter and Lily Potter. Throughout the series, Harry had to go through some serious challenges, lost some dear ones but in the end, he was able to beat Voldemort by destroying all the Horcruxes. Today in 2021, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter. Here, we are going to list some things about Harry Potter that even Potterheads aren’t aware of.

1. The concept of dementors was based on Rowling’s real-life struggle

The concept of Dementors introduced in The Prisoner of Azkaban was actually based on Rowling’s depression struggle. After Rowling’s mother died at the age of 45, Rowling was in deep shock and suffered from depression. She explained in one of the interviews what’s it like to be completely hollowed out from inside. This feeling is beyond pain and sadness. That is why dementors used to suck all your happy memories and the person was left completely hollowed-out.

2. Moaning Myrtle was in her 30’s when she played the role of a teen in Harry Potter

A lot of you might think that Moaning Myrtle, the haunting ghost in the bathroom was a young teenage girl. Well, you are all wrong. Shirley Henderson who played the role of 14-year-old Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was actually 36 years old when she was offered this role.

3. John Nettleship was an inspiration for Snape’s role

The role of Professor Snape, the Potions Master was inspired by John Nettleship who was J K Rowing’s chemistry teacher at Wyeden School, Chepstow. Later on, he also hired Rowling’s mother as an assistant.

4. Ginny Weasley became a full-time Quidditch player after Hogwarts

Rowling posted information about Harry Potter on a website to inform Potterheads about what characters did in their professional life after Hogwarts. According to Rowling, Ginny followed her passion and became a professional quidditch player, and then later on she joined the editorial staff of daily prophet.

5. Rowling and Harry share the same birthday

Many Harry Potter fans don’t know that Harry and J K Rowling blow candles on the same day i.e., on 31st July. On 31 July 2021, J K Rowling turned 56 years old.

6. The actors on the set weren’t allowed to play contact sports

The Harry Potter cast and crew members were not allowed to play contact sports as per the contract. Oliver Phelps, who played the role of George Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise once mentioned that Golf was the only sport they were allowed to play as it was relatively safe.