A guide to Wizard games and treasures

QUIDDITCH 101
In the high-flying wizard sport of Quidditch, two teams of seven broomstick-riding players earn 10 points by throwing a Quaffle ball through one of the opponents’ three goals. Standing in the way: a Keeper and two brutal Beaters, who smack two bullet-fast, bone-breaking Bludger balls at their opponents. A fourth ball — the Golden Snitch, a speedy little ball that is very hard to spot — is the sport’s holy grail. It can be caught only by a Seeker, the sport’s glamour position, and once the 150-point Snitch is in hand, the match ends. Team with the most points wins.

FOUR HOUSES OF HOGWARTS

Gryffindor
Students here are known for their bravery and daring. Founded by Godric Gryffindor, a staunch defender of Muggles.

Slytherin
The Dark Arts run strong in this house. Founded by Salazar Slytherin, a Parselmouth known for his distrust of Muggles.

Hufflepuff
A house noted for loyalty (as shown by Cedric Diggory, two years Harry’s senior). Founded by Helga Hufflepuff.

Ravenclaw
Intelligence and wit are most valued at the home of future Harry girlfriend Cho Chang. Founded by Rowena Ravenclaw.

FOUR MARAUDERS

PRONGS
James Potter, ringleader of this somewhat delinquent Fab Four. Animal doppelgänger: a stag.

WORMTAIL
Peter Pettigrew, future betrayer of Harry’s parents. Animal doppelgänger: a rat, fittingly enough.

PADFOOT
Sirius Black, James’ best friend. Animal doppelgänger: a ferocious-looking black dog.

MOONY
Remus Lupin, werewolf. His friends became Animagi to support him during his transformations.

Three Tasks of the Triwizard Tournament
1. GOLDEN EGG
Use the greatest skills you possess (e.g., your uncanny ability with a broomstick) to snatch an egg from the nest of one of four surly dragons.

2. MERPEOPLE
Swim past unpleasant spear-carrying merpeople to retrieve something of personal value — in Harry’s case, Ron — from the bottom of the lake.

3. MAZE
Navigate a hedge maze to find the Triwizard Cup. Just avoid the giant spider, the Blast-Ended Skrewt, and the anti-gravity mist. Oh, and the sphinx.

WEASLEY’S WIZARD WHEEZES: THE EARLY CATALOG

WILDFIRE WHIZ-BANGS
Stupendous, multiplying fireworks available in Basic Blaze box or Deflagration Deluxe!

EXTENDABLE EARS
Don’t miss a word of what the grown-ups are saying! (May be ineffective against Impervious Charms.)

SKIVING SNACKBOXES
For when you just can’t take another class! Includes Fainting Fancies, Puking Pastilles, and Nosebleed Nougat. Some side effects may exist!

PORTABLE SWAMP
Guaranteed to make Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch’s head explode! (Canoes not included.)

SIX POSSIBLE HORCRUXES

The diary of Tom Riddle

Marvolo Gaunt’s ring, stolen by Riddle

Slytherin’s locket

Unknown Ravenclaw or Gryffindor relic

Hufflepuff cup

Nagini, Voldemort’s gigantic snake