Supplementary Material

In the context of the Harry Potter universe, Supplementary Material refers to any officially released content that exists outside of the original seven novels written by J.K. Rowling. This material expands upon the lore, characters, and history of the Wizarding World. While the seven books are universally accepted as the primary source of canon, the canonicity of supplementary material is often a subject of discussion among fans. This entry categorizes and describes the major forms of official supplementary content.

J.K. Rowling has authored several companion books that are set within the Wizarding World. These books are presented as in-universe texts and provide deeper insight into specific aspects of magical society.

• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Originally published in 2001 for the charity Comic Relief, this book is a replica of Harry Potter's own textbook. It is a bestiary of magical creatures written by the famed Magizoologist Newt Scamander. The book provides descriptions, classifications, and habitats for numerous magical beasts.
• Quidditch Through the Ages: Also published in 2001 for Comic Relief, this book is presented as a copy from the Hogwarts Library. Authored by the fictional Quidditch expert Kennilworthy Whisp, it details the history of the sport, the evolution of the Golden Snitch, famous Quidditch teams, and common fouls.
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard: First mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, this book of wizarding fairy tales was published in 2008. It includes five stories, most notably “The Tale of the Three Brothers,” which is central to the legend of the Deathly Hallows. Each story is accompanied by notes and commentary written by Albus Dumbledore.

The official website, originally launched as Pottermore and later rebranded as Wizarding World, has been a primary vehicle for J.K. Rowling to release new information and backstory. This content is generally considered to be canonical.

• New Writings: Rowling has published numerous articles and stories on the site, expanding on topics only hinted at in the books. Notable examples include the history of the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the backstory of Minerva McGonagall, the history of the Potter family, and detailed information about wand lore (Pottermore).
• Interactive Features: The site allowed users to be sorted into a Hogwarts house by the Sorting Hat, discover their Patronus, and be assigned a wand, providing a personalized connection to the lore (Pottermore).

Over the years, J.K. Rowling has answered countless fan questions in interviews, online chats, and on her social media platforms. These statements have often been used to clarify ambiguities or reveal information not present in the novels.

• Key Revelations: Perhaps the most famous example is Rowling's statement that Albus Dumbledore was gay and had been in love with Gellert Grindelwald (J.K. Rowling interview). Other details, such as the future careers of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, were also revealed in this manner.
• Canonicity: While generally accepted by much of the fandom, the information revealed in interviews is sometimes debated, especially if it appears to contradict details within the original seven books.

These materials adapt or expand upon the Wizarding World but are generally considered to be part of a separate continuity from the book canon.

• Harry Potter Film Series: The eight-film series is an adaptation of the novels. While largely faithful, the films contain numerous changes, omissions, and additions for cinematic purposes. These alterations are not considered part of the book canon (film).
• Fantastic Beasts Film Series: This prequel film series, with screenplays written by J.K. Rowling, explores the events leading up to the first Wizarding War and follows Newt Scamander. Its relationship to the established book canon is complex, as it introduces new events and characters not mentioned in the original series (film).
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Billed as the eighth story in the Harry Potter series, this is a two-part stage play based on a story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany. It follows an adult Harry Potter and his son, Albus Severus Potter. Its status as canon is highly debated among fans due to its plot and character developments (theatre).
• Video Games: Various video games, such as the recent Hogwarts Legacy, allow players to explore the Wizarding World. These stories and the lore within them are created by game developers and are not considered part of the main book canon (video game).