Kelly Robertson
Chances are you know a lot about Harry Potter movies. All of us watched them, but there are few nuggets you may not be aware of. Here are 6 little known things about characters from today’s most-famous books for children.
1. Real April’s Fools
The twin jokers Fred and George, who own Diagon Alley’s new Wesley’s Wizard Wheezes, have birthday on April Fool’s Day. As far as we can tell, that’s the best day of the year for their characters.
2. Nearly-Headless Nick
Nearly-Headless Nick was nearly-headless because, while trying to straighten Lady Grieve’s teeth, she sprouted a tusk. As a result of this magical dentistry, he was sent to execution. The executioner swung his axe 45 times but still didn’t completely remove the head from Nick’s neck.
3. Go West Ham United, go!
The only soccer team mentioned in the Harry Potter books is West Ham United. JK Rowling included it to honor one of her oldest friends, Troy, who supports the team. Other than that, all other teams in the books play Wizarding sports.
4. Secret code is M-A-G-I-C
When Arthur Weasley takes Harry to the Ministry of Magic for his hearing, they must first dial a secret code into a telephone keypad. He enters the number 62442 which stands for M-A-G-I-C. Kinda simple and, honestly, stupid.
5. Natalie McDonald
Natalie McDonald, who appears as a first-year student in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, was a real person. She was a nine-year-old girl from Toronto, Canada, dying of leukemia. Rowling answered her email on what’s going to happen in the next Harry Potter book, but she would not live long enough to read it. In tribute, Natalie got a role in the book.
6. Demelza House Children’s Hospice
Demelza Robins, the Gryffindor Chaser in Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince, is named after Daniel Radcliffe’s favorite charity – the Demelza House Children’s Hospice, which cares for terminally ill youngsters in Kent, East Sussex and South London.
