Growing up is often hard for teenagers, especially if that teenager is Harry Potter- the Chosen One- who is born to be a hero although he feels lost in his life. Oh, and he’s a wizard and defeated the greatest villain the wizarding world has ever faced. J.K. Rowling was able to create a whole new world for countless children and teens growing up- one of magic, mystery, fitting in, and the all-too-awkward high school moments- that allowed the readers to connect with any one of the diverse characters brought up in her books, from the main cast to the quirky sidekicks, and even the villains that are easy to empathise with. Although the series officially ended with the seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, with copious happy (and sad) tears shed, readers yearned for more.

There were numerous unanswered questions left about the new world created right within the human one- were the heros able to achieve all of their dreams? Why is Dolores Umbridge so nasty? Do Harry and Draco finally settle their differences and become civil with one another? Thankfully, it seems as if Rowling agrees that fans need more closure, and readily answers their questions. She doesn’t stop there however, and has even gone so far as to give fans answers they didn’t know they needed- more short stories of our beloved characters posted on Pottermore, including the much-needed backstory on Umbridge and why she became the most hated villain in the series, beating out He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named for the title. Rowling stays true to her typical style from the novels, giving the illusion that the story truly isn’t over and is still going on, as devotees of the series wish.

The stories have been posted on Pottermore, a website for enthusiasts to get sorted into the different Houses and in depth with the stories they love, as well as interact with other fans. The latest additions written into the wonderful wizarding world are only available on the website, sadly, but for diehard fans of the series it is well worth it. Whether Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor or Slytherin, anyone who loves the series would be hard-pressed to disagree that these newer additions are a wonderful insight into Rowling’s mind itself and how she sees the wizarding world at work. And remember everyone, Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus*.

*(Do not wake a sleeping dragon)