By Marlee Breakstone

When J.K. Rowling announced that she would create a website that was an extension of her most popular series of books, Harry Potter fans from all over the world could hardly contain their excitement. Although Pottermore does not officially open to the public until late October, one million people were allowed to gain early access. I was included among this group of people. Our role is to test out the site and supply J.K. Rowling with feedback. She and the other poeple working on the site will take our suggestions and comments into consideration when she alters the website before opening it up to the public.

The million fanatics that are now able to access Pottermore gained that ability by winning the quill challenge. For a week in the summer, J.K. Rowling set up a series of challenges that only the most devoted Harry Potter fans could succeed at. Once successful at completing these challenges, we were issued a Pottermore username and we were told that we would receive a confirmation e-mail when Pottermore was ready for us. The time that was spent waiting for my Pottermore e-mail was excruciating. Once I received it and was able to access the website, I was instantly addicted. I have managed to proceed through all seventeen chapters of the first book in the past few days. Pottermore was not designed to be a game. It is considered to be an online literary experience, for the majority of what the site has to offer is simply text that you read. This includes extra information about both what inspired J.K. Rowling to write, and what her reaction was to the success of the series.

Although this sounds like a lot of reading, trust me when I say that Pottermore is far from boring. After going to Olivander’s and receiving a wand, you proceed to Hogwarts. There, you are sorted into a house according to how you answer a questionnaire. After being placed in a house, you compete with your fellow Hogwarts classmates in the hopes of winning the most house points and the house cup. You collect items throughout the various chapters of the book. Using supplies and ingredients that you purchased in Diagon Alley, you are able to brew potions. You can also cast spells and duel other students. I won’t give away all of the details about Pottermore; in order to find out more, you will just have to log on and register as soon as it is open to the public. Trust me when I say that whether you’re a devoted fan or not, you will absolutely adore the magical place that is Pottermore.