Did you know that both Harry Potter and his creator J.K. Rowling celebrate their birthdays on July 31? Also, on this day, when he turned 11, Harry discovered that he is a wizard – a pivotal moment indeed.
What better day to relive some good ol’ Hogwarts magic? Life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry revolves around the house you belong to. The first thing young witches and wizards do when they enter school is to get sorted into one of the four houses. Where does your destiny lie?
Gryffindor
Founder : Godric Gryffindor
Emblem : Lion
Colours : Scarlet and gold
If you deeply value bravery and chivalry, this is where you might find your calling. Imbibe the qualities of the house to become a bold, brave and truly exceptional witch or wizard. Draw inspiration from your legendary forerunners such as Harry himself, Ron and Hermione, the Weasley siblings, and Albus Dumbledore. Make your way to the seventh floor and get the password right, and the Fat Lady’s portrait will swing aside to reveal your home for the next seven years. Make sure to toe the line — Professor McGonagall is always watching!
Ravenclaw
Founder : Rowena Ravenclaw
Emblem : Eagle
Colours : Blue and bronze
If you believe that ‘wit beyond measure’ is your greatest treasure, welcome to Ravenclaw. This house values learning and wisdom. Sharpen your ready mind in your pursuit of knowledge at Hogwarts. Pick up new spells, brew crackling potions and discover a path of your own. Develop your own quirky personality like Luna Lovegood or Professor Flitwick and make your house proud. But don’t forget, you’ll need to solve a riddle to enter your common room!
Hufflepuff
Founder : Helga Hufflepuff
Emblem : Badger
Colours : Yellow and black
This house has produced its share of brilliant wizards/witches, and you could join their ranks if you stand for hard work, patience and loyalty. Newt Scamander, Cedric Diggory and Nymphadora Tonks are stellar examples, and you could be like them too. A cosy and cheerful common room and plenty of true and steadfast friends will welcome you here.
Slytherin
Founder : Salazar Slytherin
Emblem : Serpent
Colours : Green and silver
Pride, ambition and resourcefulness can make strong leaders. If these are the qualities you admire, make your way to Slytherin. A true Slytherin will achieve his/her goals through any means — take Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy, or even Lord Voldemort. A streak of cunning, when used correctly, could lead you to greatness. If you agree, make your way to the dungeons. Glory awaits.
If the Sorting Hat gave you a choice, which house would you choose and why? Write to us in not more than 100 words. Mark the subject of your entry HARRY POTTER and mail it to youngworld@thehindu.co.in or The Hindu Young World, 859/860 Anna Salai, Kasturi and Sons, Chennai 600002. Make sure you have written your name, class, school and city. Students from Stds. II to VIII are eligible. The first few creative entries will win exciting prizes.
Wizarding guide
‘Spell’tacular:
Accio! Summon an object
Alohomora! Unlock a door
Expecto Patronum! Conjure your own Patronus
Expelliarmus! Disarm your opponent
Lumos! Light up the tip of your wand
Obliviate! Erase or modify someone’s memory
Petrificus Totalus! Freeze your opponent instantly
Protego! Create a magical shield
Riddikulus! Destroy a Boggart
Stupefy! Stun someone
Wingardium Leviosa! Make an object levitate
Tasty treats:
Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans: From peppermint to earwax, multi-coloured beans with every flavour imaginable.
Chocolate Frogs: Exactly like they sound, these are frogs that are made of chocolate, and they come with collectible cards.
Treacle tart: A traditional British dessert, this is Harry’s personal favourite.
Chocolate Cauldrons: These boxed chocolates are filled with Firewhiskey, and they are memorable because Romilda Vane once spiked a box full of them with love potion.
Canary Creams: A type of biscuit, these are one of Fred and George Weasley’s joke products.
Hagrid’s rock cakes: A type of fruitcake, but hard as a rock.
Published - July 26, 2018 11:10 am IST
