10 Harry Potter Facts that will knock you off your broomstick!

 1.The actress who played Moaning Myrtle was 37 years old at the time “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” was filmed. She is the oldest actress to ever portray a Hogwarts student. 

2. Rowling’s publisher suggested she use initials rather than her real name, “Joanne Rowling,” in order to appeal to male readers. She chose J.K., borrowing the “K” from her grandmother’s name, Kathleen. However, neither “Kathleen” or “K” is part of her legal name.

3. Rupert Grint dressed up like his female drama teacher and rapped about Ron Weasley for his audition tape. His rap began, “Hello, my name is Rupert Grint, I hope you don’t think I stink.”

4.  An outbreak of lice occurred among the children cast members during the filming of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”

5. Dementors, the deadly phantoms that guard Azkaban Prison, represent depression and were based on Rowling’s struggle with the disease.

6.While filming “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Tom Felton’s Hogwarts robes had their pockets sewn shut because he kept trying to sneak food onto the set.

7. McGonagall is listed on one of the Quidditch trophies in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Could Professor McGonagall have been a renowned Quidditch player back in the day? It would definitley explain her enthusiasm for the sport.

8.Harry’s birthday is July 31, 1980. Rowling’s birthday is also July 31 – but in 1966.

9.Ron Weasley’s character originally swore a lot, but Rowling’s publisher wouldn’t let her use that sort of language because it would’ve been inappropriate for young readers.

10. J.K. Rowling slightly based 11-year-old Hermione on herself at the same age. She even made Hermione’s patronus her favorite animal, an otter.