A History of Magic
From Harry Potter Wiki
| A History of Magic | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Author | |
| Released | |
| Publisher | |
| Subject |
Magical history of the 19th century |
| Copies |
Standard texts for students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry |
| Behind the scenes | |
- "Non-magic people (more commonly known as Muggles) were particularly afraid of magic in medieval times, but not very good at recognizing it. On the rare occasion that they did catch a real witch or wizard, burning had no effect whatsoever. The witch or wizard would perform a basic Flame Freezing Charm and then pretend to shriek with pain while enjoying a gentle, tickling sensation. Indeed, Wendelin the Weird enjoyed being burned so much that she allowed herself to be caught no less than forty-seven times in various disguises."
- —Bathilda Bagshot, A History of Magic[src]
A History of Magic is a textbook written by Bathilda Bagshot, one of the greatest magical historians and friend of Albus Dumbledore, Lily Evans, and James Potter. The book's object is magical History before the nineteenth century. It is a requirement for Hogwarts students for their History of Magic class (taught by Professor Binns). Hermione Granger has an extra copy of this book in her school trunk.
A History of Magic is one of the books Hermione Granger packs into her handbag when the Trio goes to hunt Voldemort's Horcruxes. When Harry admits that he did not know Godric's Hollow was named after Godric Gryffindor, she reads an extract from the book to him. After their trip to Godric's Hollow, Hermione reads A History of Magic at night while Harry struggles with the loss of his wand and the news about Albus Dumbledore's friendship with Gellert Grindelwald
[edit] Behind the scenes
- In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the book is incorrectly said to be written by Adalbert Waffling, instead of Bathilda Bagshot.
- Although required and used in his class, Harry Potter says he has never read it, maybe just opened it, showing his obvious dislike for the subject. However Hedwig is a name that Harry found in the book.
