======Canon======
=====Introduction=====
In the context of the //[[Harry Potter]]// universe, **canon** refers to the body of work considered to be official and authoritative, forming the established lore and timeline of the story. For PotterLex and a significant portion of the fandom, canon is a hierarchical concept with the original seven novels by [[J.K. Rowling]] at its apex. This entry outlines the different tiers of material and their accepted status within the broader lore.
=====The Hierarchy of Canon=====
The materials that constitute the //[[Harry Potter]]// universe are generally organized by the fandom into a hierarchy of canonicity.
====Primary Canon: The Original Seven Novels====
The highest and most authoritative level of canon consists of the seven original //[[Harry Potter]]// novels written by [[J.K. Rowling]]. This material is considered the definitive source of truth for the universe. In cases of contradiction, the information presented in these books supersedes all other sources.
  * //[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]//
  * //[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]//
  * //[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]//
  * //[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]//
  * //[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]//
  * //[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]//
  * //[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]//
====Secondary Canon: Supplementary Books and Writings====
This tier includes official supplementary books and other materials written by [[J.K. Rowling]] to expand upon the wizarding world. This information is widely accepted as canonical, provided it does not contradict the primary novels.
  * //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]// (the 2001 textbook)
  * //[[Quidditch Through the Ages]]//
  * //[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard]]//
  * Original informational content and backstories written by [[J.K. Rowling]] for the [[Pottermore]] website (now Wizarding World). (Pottermore)
====Tertiary and Disputed Sources====
This category includes materials that are officially licensed or created with [[J.K. Rowling]]'s involvement but whose canonical status is often debated among fans due to adaptations, retcons, or contradictions with the primary novels.
  * **The //Harry Potter// Film Series:** The eight Warner Bros. films are adaptations of the novels. They often contain changes—such as the burning of [[The Burrow]] in //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince// (film) or [[Harry Potter]] snapping the [[Elder Wand]] (film)—that are not part of the book canon.
  * **The //Fantastic Beasts// Film Series:** While the screenplays were written by [[J.K. Rowling]], these films have introduced elements that some fans find contradictory to established lore, such as the apparent age and timeline of characters like [[Minerva McGonagall]]. (Fantastic Beasts film series)
  * **//Harry Potter and the Cursed Child//:** Marketed as the "eighth Harry Potter story," this is a play based on a story by [[J.K. Rowling]], John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne. Its canonical status is a subject of intense debate within the fandom, with many questioning its characterizations and plot developments in relation to the original seven books.
  * **Authorial Statements:** Information provided by [[J.K. Rowling]] outside of published works, such as in interviews or on social media, is often seen as authorial intent. While it can provide valuable insight (e.g., [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s sexuality), its place in the canon is fluid and sometimes controversial. (J.K. Rowling interview)
  * **Video Games and Merchandise:** Licensed video games, theme park attractions, and other merchandise are generally not considered canonical sources of information. (video game)
=====PotterLex's Approach to Canon=====
As a DokuWiki-based encyclopedia, PotterLex adheres to a strict "Canon First" principle as defined by the original seven novels.
  * **Primary Source:** All entries are based first and foremost on the information presented in the seven-book series.
  * **Sourced Information:** Content derived from films, supplementary books, [[Pottermore]], or author interviews is included for comprehensiveness but is **always** clearly cited in parentheses to distinguish it from the primary book canon.
  * **Contradictions:** In any instance where a secondary or tertiary source contradicts the novels, the novels are considered the final authority.