Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Reference Books====== =====Introduction===== Reference books in the [[Wizarding world]] are essential tools for education, research, and the general dissemination of knowledge. They serve a function similar to their [[Muggle]] counterparts but often contain information on magical subjects and may possess magical properties themselves. These texts are the primary means by which students at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] learn their craft and are a cornerstone of problem-solving for many characters, most notably [[Hermione Granger]]. They can be found in libraries, such as the [[Hogwarts Library]], bookshops like [[Flourish and Blotts]], and in private collections. =====General Characteristics===== * **Content:** Reference books cover the vast array of subjects taught at [[Hogwarts]] and beyond, including [[Potions]], [[Charms]], [[Transfiguration]], [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]], [[History of Magic]], and [[Care of Magical Creatures]]. More obscure or forbidden texts, such as those detailing [[Horcruxes]] or other forms of [[Dark Arts]], are typically kept in restricted sections of libraries. * **Appearance:** Many wizarding books are described as ancient, heavy, and leather-bound. They can be of any size, from small spellbooks to enormous, shelf-bending tomes. * **Enchantments:** Unlike non-magical books, some wizarding texts are enchanted. The most famous example is //[[The Monster Book of Monsters]]//, a vicious book that must be stroked along its spine to be opened safely. Others may have curses or protective spells placed upon them, particularly those dealing with dangerous subjects. =====Role in the Story===== Reference books are a critical plot device throughout the *Harry Potter* series, often providing the central trio with the vital information needed to overcome obstacles. [[Hermione Granger]]'s dedication to research and her near-constant use of the [[Hogwarts Library]] are instrumental in uncovering major secrets. * In //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone//, research in a book borrowed from [[Hagrid]]'s hut (and later, one owned by [[Albus Dumbledore]]) leads to the discovery of [[Nicolas Flamel]]'s identity and the nature of the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. * In //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets//, Hermione uses the book //[[Moste Potente Potions]]// from the [[Restricted Section]] to brew the [[Polyjuice Potion]]. Later, the crucial clue to identifying the [[Basilisk]] is found on a page ripped from a library book, discovered in her petrified hand. * In //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince//, an annotated, second-hand copy of //[[Advanced Potion-Making]]//, belonging to the [[Half-Blood Prince]], becomes central to the plot. It provides [[Harry Potter]] with advanced potion-making instructions and introduces him to dangerous spells like //[[Sectumsempra]]//. * In //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows//, Hermione carries an entire library of reference books in her enchanted beaded bag. Research within these books, including [[Bathilda Bagshot]]'s //[[A History of Magic]]// and [[Rita Skeeter]]'s //[[The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore]]//, helps the trio in their hunt for [[Horcruxes]] and their quest to understand the [[Deathly Hallows]]. =====Notable Reference Books===== * **//[[A History of Magic]]//:** Written by [[Bathilda Bagshot]], this book is a core textbook for the [[History of Magic]] class at [[Hogwarts]]. * **//[[Advanced Potion-Making]]//:** The N.E.W.T.-level [[Potions]] textbook written by [[Libatius Borage]]. A copy annotated by [[Severus Snape]] as a student plays a major role in Harry's sixth year. * **//[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]//:** A Magizoology textbook written by [[Newt Scamander]], required for [[Care of Magical Creatures]]. * **//[[Hogwarts: A History]]//:** A detailed tome about the history of [[Hogwarts]]. Hermione frequently cites it to Harry and [[Ron Weasley]], who have never read it. * **//[[Moste Potente Potions]]//:** A book on advanced and dangerous potions found in the [[Restricted Section]] of the [[Hogwarts Library]], which contains the recipe for [[Polyjuice Potion]]. * **//[[Quidditch Through the Ages]]//:** A comprehensive guide to the history and rules of [[Quidditch]], written by [[Kennilworthy Whisp]]. * **//[[Secrets of the Darkest Art]]//:** An extremely dangerous book detailing the creation of [[Horcruxes]]. [[Albus Dumbledore]] kept a copy in his office after removing it from the library. * **//[[The Standard Book of Spells]]//:** A series of spellbooks by [[Miranda Goshawk]], graded for each year of study at [[Hogwarts]]. * **//[[The Monster Book of Monsters]]//:** A required textbook for [[Care of Magical Creatures]] in Harry's third year. The book is aggressive and will attack anyone who tries to open it improperly. * **//[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard]]//:** A book of wizarding fairy tales left to Hermione by Dumbledore. It contains "The Tale of the Three Brothers," which provides the key to understanding the [[Deathly Hallows]]. =====Behind the Scenes===== J.K. Rowling has written and published real-world versions of several in-universe reference books, including //Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them//, //Quidditch Through the Ages//, and //The Tales of Beedle the Bard//. The proceeds from the sales of these books were donated to charity.
