Changes: Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs

Revision as of 09:09, 22 June 2010

"Impressive, very impressive... you'll put Dr. Filibuster out of business, no problem."

— Harry Potter on Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs^[src]

Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs (also known as Wildfired Whizz-Bangs) are enchanted fireworks created by Fred and George Weasley. They are part of the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes range products. They are unstoppable fireworks that are charmed to explode when struck with a Stunning Spell, and to multiply when hit with a Vanishing Charm. They include shocking-pink Catherine wheels, fire-breathing dragons, sparklers that spell out profanity, rockets with long tails of silver stars and firecrackers. When any two types collide, they make new kinds such as flying sliver and pink pigs.^[1] It cost nine Sickles and twenty-four Knuts.^[2]

Packaging

Whiz-bangs are sold in at least two types of packages:

Basic Blaze Box - five Galleons each^[1]
Deflagration Deluxe - twenty Galleons each^[1]

History of Use

Hermione: "They were wonderful fireworks."

George: "Thanks. Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs. Only thing is, we used our whole stock; we’re going to have to start again from scratch now."

Fred: "It was worth it, though."

— after the twins' set off Whiz-bangs in 1996^[src]

Fred and George set off their entire supply in April of 1996 as part of their rebellion against the authority of Dolores Umbridge, the High Inquisitor and new Headmistress. Chaos ensued, Umbridge was outraged, many other professors neglected to assist her, and other students were ecstatic. Even Hermione Granger, despite generally disapproving of the twins' antics as a Prefect, joined in congratulating Fred and George on the act. The twins received many orders for the Whiz-bangs after the display.^[1]

Behind the scenes

Terrified-Umbridge-cause-by-WeasleyTwins-Fireworks — Weasley Wizard Whiz-bangs attack Dolores Umbridge.

There are evidently methods of stopping the fireworks, since they ere eventually stopped. It is never made clear if only the professors of Hogwarts could do this, after obtaining the "authority" to do so from Dolores Umbridge, or if she could do it herself. It is also possible that some of the fireworks eventually burned themselves out.
In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Fred and George set off the fireworks in the middle of the Charms O.W.L.. Some of the fireworks went after Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, and Gregory Goyle. Fred and George then set off a dragon-shaped firework, which went after Umbridge. Just outside the Great Hall, its jaws closed around her causing it to explode and destroy all of Umbridge's Educational Decrees.
(Possibly magical) fireworks were also made and used by Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings, notably on Bilbo's 111th birthday party.

Appearances

Notes and references

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Ch. 28
↑ Check this image

[OP28-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Ch. 28

[2] Check this image

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 ==Behind the scenes==
 [[File:Terrified-Umbridge-cause-by-WeasleyTwins-Fireworks.jpg|thumb|300px|Weasley Wizard Whiz-bangs attack [[Dolores Umbridge]].]]
-*There are evidently methods of stopping the fireworks, since they ere eventually stopped. It is never made clear if only the professors of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] could do this, after obtaining the "authority" to do so from [[Dolores Umbridge]] or if she could do it herself. It is also possible some fo the fireworks eventually burning themselves out.
+*There are evidently methods of stopping the fireworks, since they ere eventually stopped. It is never made clear if only the professors of [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] could do this, after obtaining the "authority" to do so from [[Dolores Umbridge]], or if she could do it herself. It is also possible that some of the fireworks eventually burned themselves out.
 *In the [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|film adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'', Fred and George set off the fireworks in the middle of the Charms [[Ordinary Wizarding Level|O.W.L.]]. Some of the fireworks went after [[Draco Malfoy]], [[Vincent Crabbe]], and [[Gregory Goyle]]. Fred and George then set off a dragon-shaped firework, which went after Umbridge. Just outside the Great Hall, its jaws closed around her causing it to explode and destroy all of Umbridge's Educational Decrees.
 *(Possibly magical) fireworks were also made and used by Gandalf from ''[[wikipedia:The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]]'', notably on Bilbo's 111th birthday party.