Stories from the Wizarding World

Wizard History is a blog operating from the magical world; our prime goal and job is to give muggles an insight into wizarding daily life and history from all over the world. We work from the wizarding United Kingdom, using both quill and key to flesh out our articles. We are determined to create stories that J.K. Rowling approves of, so expect great things! as of September 28th, 2015, Wizard History became an archive.

[wizardhistory]

Good evening, witches and wizards, muggles and goblins-- whoever has been reading our blog for a little over a year now. It pains us greatly to say, but, Wizard History is now to become an archive. Our stories will stay safe in this library of fantasy for as long as Tumblr will allow it, and we hope you continue to read, reblog and like all of them-- whether they be detailed events or simple biographies and articles of information.

Lastly, we’d like to say this: never abandon imagination. Writing is the most important thing in the world, aside from love and treacle tart. Keep your minds open and always remember where to find magic: in yourself. Remember, not just Hogwarts will be there to welcome you home, but the whole of the Harry Potter universe.

Good bye, for now.

[wizardhistory]

Legends about Blood Moons are numerous, but there are two that are the most prevalent.

The first is that when a Blood Moon falls on the same day as a full moon, a werewolf will be lost to their senses, even more so than usual.

The second is that vampires will have a ritual on the night of a Blood Moon. In each variation of the legend, the rituals are vague, and barely based in fact, but as steeped in myth as they are, they have evolved into riveting tales.

In truth, the Blood Moon is simply another day of the year. Certain potions may require an eclipse to work properly, but this is true of the normal lunar cycle as well. It is the enchanting appearance of the Blood Moon which inspires these tales, and nothing more.

Ms. Nyx Bluestone, September 27th, 2015

[wizardhistory]

The smell of the rarest ingredients, pungent, fills the potion room if a Chinese potioneer. Chinese potions are renowned across the world for using the oddest and rarest ingredients to make extraordinarily effective medicine. While sometimes unconventional as the ingredients are costly and difficult to find, Chinese potions have a slightly, and slightly makes a big difference in the world of potions, higher success rate.

Ingredients such as the scrap of a dementor's cloak and the tooth of a baby dragon still alive are difficult to obtain and can often only be found through unconventional ways. Certain people will make their living off finding these items and selling them. A job that is very dangerous but when done successfully will sell for hundreds of sickles. Potions made with these ingredients take months and years to brew but are very potent and only require a teaspoon to work. 

Chinese potions recipes are a well-guarded secret, recipes that are passed down through the generations of potioneer families. These potions sell at high prices to wealthy families and will be imported to other countries at exorbitant prices. 

Ms. Indira Patel, 21st of September of 2015

[wizardhistory]

“Do you love him?”

Andromeda was straightening her sister’s wedding veil, the stark white of the tulle contrasting with Bellatrix’s ebony hair. She could see her elder sister’s reflection flinch in the mirror in front of her. It was Bellatrix’s wedding day. One month after graduating from Hogwarts, her parents had struck a deal with the Lestrange Family, stating that their first born children were to be wed, and now the day had finally come. Bellatrix had, at first, put up a fight. She did not want to become a prim and proper housewife; she was destined for far greater things than drinking tea and taking care of snotty children. Andromeda repeated her question: “Bellatrix, do you love him?” “She doesn’t have to,” Druella replied, entering the small room occupied by her three daughters. “Is that what you believe marriage is about, my sweet girl?” Andromeda opened her mouth as if to reply, but her mother continued, “Do you think that your father and I loved each other when we were wed?” Druella looked around the room, seemingly waiting for one of her daughters to answer. Narcissa clenched the arm of her chair. Andromeda paled. Bellatrix’s face remained unreadable. Their mother sighed. “Respectable pure-blood marriages do not require love,” Druella chastised, “they only require respectable pure-blood witches and wizards.” She slapped Andromeda’s hands away from Bellatrix’s veil, undoing the combs that Andromeda had pinned and placing them elsewhere. Bellatrix watched as her mother’s reflection continue to speak, “You will marry Rodolphus Lestrange and you will bear him children. You will become a model pure-blood wife. It is your responsibility as a pure-blood witch and furthermore, it is your responsibility as a Black.” Druella paused for a moment to admire her eldest daughter’s reflection. She then turned to her younger daughters: “And when it is their turn,” she smiled,  "your sisters will follow in suit.“ —- Bellatrix stood behind two large oak doors. She could hear organ music, muffled by the thick wood separating her from the ceremony. On the other side stood Rodolphus Lestrange. In only a few moments, she would walk down the aisle, place her hand in his, and marry a man she barely knew. Her sisters stood behind her, holding bouquets of white roses and baby’s breath. She turned abruptly to Andromeda. 

"No,” her voice cracked. Andromeda furrowed her brow in confusion. Bellatrix spoke again, only this time more firm : “No, Andromeda. No, I don’t.”

Andromeda opened her mouth to speak, but Bellatrix had already turned her back. The doors opened. The crowd stood. And with her head held high, Bellatrix proceeded down the aisle. 

graphics by: ophelies // stock by: jdnight

Ms. P. Merryweather, 13th of August, 2014

[wizardhistory]

Once one of the strongest prisons in all of Rome, Isola d’Averno or Avernus Island, was abandoned with the fall of the once great empire–both muggle and magical. Situated somewhere in the Mediterranean sea, the island prison is still–to this day–lost to us. Through forgotten manuscripts and ancient texts, wizarding scholars have been able to recreate the prison through illustrations and miniature models. 

A travelling wizard by the name of Ronald Hoskins, an American, is believed to have found Avernus Island in 1922. The island, as he stated in 1934, in his novel The Marvelous Miscellany of the Magical World, was “incredibly intact and not a brick was missing from its imposing foundation; we found that even the tall trees situated in the courtyard were still thriving just as they had many, many years ago.”

Perhaps the most vivid descriptions of Avernus Island from the descriptions of the cells; they prison–both according to Hoskins and recovered texts–housed only sixteen prisoners. Their cells were magicked to be far larger than they appeared and seemed to live comfortable lives in their stay, but, unfortunately it seemed they were too–like the prison itself–forgotten inside and there they died at the cruel hands of time.

[wizardhistory]

Like many cultures, all magical people have their own mythology. One of the most obscure pieces of English folklore among their magical heritage is the tale of Merlin’s Encyclopedia. It is said to be three stories tall and continuously adding pages to it’s spine with detailed descriptions of every spell, charm or curse created. 

Though, books writing themselves are not unheard of in the magical world, Merlin’s book is quite different. Many witches and wizards have tried to make a text of every curse but always failed and somehow ended blazing with flames by it’s twenty seventh page. 

Many scholars do believe the book exists, by, they unfortunately haven’t a clue where. In London, it is common belief that it is hidden somewhere in the Elfwine Library.

[wizardhistory]

Muggle legends have told of dragons on Pilatus Mountain in Switzerland for hundreds of years. While there are no dragons there now, a cave in the mountain was home to a family of dragons for generations.

Some legends cite the healing power of dragon's blood, others the destructive power. Both are equally true. When in certain potions, dragon's blood can heal like no other substance, save Phoenix tears, while in it's undiluted state, it can be highly destructive to humans.

The family of dragons was removed to the Swiss Dragon Reserve in the early 1900s.

Ms. Nyx Bluestone, September 8th, 2015

[wizardhistory]

A raven caws as it lands on the roof of a wizarding house in North India. A witch pokes her head out of the window, investigating the sound but turning away when she sees the raven. 

In India, the wizarding community has long since regarded ravens as being magical animals that bring good luck or ruin a family. Wizarding families will often leave food out for the ravens, protected by spells that will only allow those of the Corvus (raven) family to eat the food.

The raven family has a minuscule amount of magic, magizoologist Areena Kazheene says. Making it odd that the Indian wizarding Community regards them with such reverence. The magical power that some of the birds have is only enough to attract better mates and make it easier to find food. Kazheene suspects that the Ravens are regarded so well as a result of Hindu mythology. 

Ms. Indira Patel, 5th of September 2015

[wizardhistory]

Fashions in the wizarding world have changed throughout the ages.  Varying widely by culture, wizarding fashions have only changed subtly since the International Statute of Secrecy.  While before the 17th century wizarding fashions borrowed freely from Muggle fashion, what is borrowed from Muggle culture now is mainly only what Muggleborns and half-bloods bring.  Taking inspiration from Muggles has been made even easier in the 21st century due to the rising numbers of Muggleborns and half-bloods on the internet.

Robes are often used for uniforms and formal occasions, though in jobs where high mobility is necessary, witches and wizards may wear trousers and a shirt, similar to a Muggle suit, with robes over them.  Individual style varies most noticeably among the younger generation (those born in the 1990s and onward).  Upbringing matters, too:  While most wizard-raised children are accepting of wearing robes and cloaks daily, Muggleborns and half-bloods will find the fabric hampering their movement, and are much more likely to combine Muggle fashions with wizard robes.

It is a fairly recent development for wizards to wear trousers under their robes, but it has caught on in all cultures surprisingly quickly, though wizards and witches in certain occupations have been wearing trousers for hundreds of years (e.g. Dragon trainers).

Ms. Nyx Bluestone, August 23rd, 2015

[wizardhistory]

Established in 1703, the Library of Berrycrewe was home to the largest collection of dark texts until its unfortunate demise in 1921. The library was founded by Petyr Berry, a renowned scholar and dark arts enthusiast. Berry transformed his ancestral home into a library in the autumn of 1702, which saw a great deal of funding from the pureblood upper class. At first, the library was private, only offering it’s knowledge to those who were both wealthy and pureblooded. Overtime, ancient families began sending their own collections to be stored at the library and by 1750, the library held over 10,000 scrolls, texts and manuals pertaining to dark histories and spells.

In the early 1800s, Berrycrewe was made public and was instantly revered as one of the more controversial establishments at the time. The library would only permit those with proven pure bloodlines, and despite the unspoken agreement by most in society at the time, the library came across as offensive and extreme. But, the membership increased tenfold amid the tensions and dramatics. 

The library endured onward in history, until 1920 when the activist organisation known as H.A.M.P. (Halfbloods Against Magical Prejudice), protested the library and all it stood for. For a year, they picketed and camped on the estate grounds, claiming that Berrycrewe was a museum of bigotry and would only worsen crime rates with the dark arts it stored inside. They likened it to a factory for dark wizards–spreading foul traditions of magic and creating magical criminals.

In 1921, H.A.M.P. burned down the library, destroying countless priceless artefacts and texts. A total of 13 were caught by the Ministry of Magic and tried for their crimes, but four more escaped capture until 1932, one of them being the leader of the organisation, Henry Penroot. After his capture, Penroot spent the next twenty years in Azkaban until his death.

[wizardhistory]

Mr. A. Whitestaff, 5th of August, 2015.

[wizardhistory]

In August of 1945 the Muggle American Government dropped nuclear bombs onto the magic-filled cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. These cities had housed parts of the JMP (Japanese Magical Parliamentary) that were destroyed by the muggle bombs. The cities were decimated by these bombs, leaving both muggles and wizards and witches dead and vulnerable.

After the bombing left many JMP officials dead or severely injured, an emergency meeting was called by the remaining members of the Parliament. It was decided that the JMP and Magical Japan would enter a grieving and recovery period in which they would be cut off from other wizarding societies unless they were being sent aid.

For the next year, the JMP worked to cleanse Hiroshima and Nagasaki of the radiation from the bomb in order to make the cities livable again. Its research centers were focused on creating spells that would get rid of this radiation as such large amount had never been found in history. The refugees from the cities were offered housing in the empty wings of Mahoutokoro where many still died from the effects of the bombing.

It was only in 1948 that the JMP opened its doors to foreign help. Wizards and witches from around the world entered Japan to offer their condolences to family and friends. Researchers began work on trying to use spells to help heal the survivors of the bombing.

Magical creatures around the area of the cities also were affected and fled from the area. For years, these creatures stayed out of sight and, when spotted, could be seen to be affected in the same way as those people in the cities also were.

It is only now that magical research into healing these people, many who have already died from their injuries, has made significant headway. Perhaps in a few years, this research will fully be able to heal the people and creatures affected by the radiation.

Ms. Indira Patel, 20th of August 2015

[wizardhistory]

Wizarding wireless is a close imitation of the Muggle wireless, and a wizarding wireless will even receive the same audio waves a Muggle wireless does. While the mechanisms for sending and receiving those waves are different, the radio waves themselves are the same, as evidenced by Muggle wireless listeners picking up the occasional wizarding program.

Muggle radio stations in the UK operate 100 megahertz apart. The magical stations in these areas operate 50 megahertz above and below each Muggle station. However, the close proximity of the stations increases the likelihood that a station may be overheard by Muggles. While Muggle radio stations in the United States all operate on the odd decimal frequencies, wizarding stations will operated on the even ones.

Muggles know the decision by the FCC to space all stations in the United States 200 megahertz apart as simply an arbitrary decision, but in truth, the original decision would have placed radio stations 100 megahertz apart, as in the UK. The MACUSA, noting the difficulties of keeping stations that were only 50 megahertz apart from being overheard by Muggles, planned accordingly, changing the FCC's regulations to require that all Muggle stations be kept 200 megahertz apart.

Ms. Nyx Bluestone, August 19th, 2015

[wizardhistory]

The Taj Mahal, built in the mid-1600s, was commissioned by a Mughal Emperor as a tomb for his wife, a witch. The mausoleum was constructed by muggle workers during the day and during the night, wizards and witches would either continue building the mausoleum or would cast charms that would ensure the building's longevity and protection.

Runes were woven into the elaborate interior designs as a form of magic to protect the tomb of the King and Queen. Every ten years, the runes need to be recast in order to renew the magic surrounding them and the charms around the building. During the night, wizards and witches will cast these spells, creating a beautiful pattern for a split second that might be seen should you be looking close enough.

The Taj Mahal is a favourite place to create powerful potions as the many spells in the area enhance the power of the potion. Potioneers must contact the Taj Mahal's workers and set up proper times during the night to create potions. Potions made in the area are often more potent than those not.

Over the years, as muggle pollution increased in the area, the Taj Mahal became harder and harder to maintain and clean with muggle methods. As such, the mud pack that muggles apply every few years is infused with magic spells such as scourgify that clean the marble of the mausoleum.

Strict protection of the area has been put together by both the Indian muggle government and the Association for Indian Wizards and Witches (an organization that exists to protect South Asian heritage sites). All visitors are subject to both muggle searches and discreet wizard searches.

Ms. Indira Patel, 13th of August 2015

[wizardhistory]

The White Bengali Tigers of South Asia are magical creatures that rarely show themselves to the public. These creatures are born rarely to non-magical tigers and possess great magic that allows them to bring down their prey easily by immobilizing them and move from place to place in a manner similar to Apparation. As such, when caught, these tigers are put on display in Magical Zoos around the world. The tiger's pelts, taken illegally, are also often sold on black markets, fetching a high price for their distinctive white coat and magical properties. The Wizarding Association for Endangered Magical Creatures urges all of wizardkind to be cautious if they have spotted a White Tiger as these creatures can and will lash out if they feel threatened. 

Wand makers will always strive to, at least once in their lifetime, use the hair of one of these beasts as a core in the wands they make. Wands with White Tiger cores typically require users with strong minds and bodies. Only a few of these wands are in existence and are extraordinarily picky in choosing their wizard.  

Ms. Indira Patel, 11th of August 2015

[wizardhistory]

The connections between the Global Wizarding War and the Muggle World War II are complicated, too complicated to ever fully understand or comprehend, but wizarding historians have tried to the best of their abilities. Both wars came at a time when purity was used as something to raise some and oppress others, both by the magical and Muggle world.  While no one is quite sure of the ties between Adolf Hitler and Gellert Grindelwald, the two wars mirrored each other quite closely, with some major battles occurring at the same time.

It is known that there were wizards on both sides of World War II, though no one is sure who or when, or where they were.

The ties between the Global Wizarding War and Muggle World War II are murky, shrouded in the mists of time, and buried in secrets.  There may be records yet to be found, but so far, wizards, and Grindelwald in particular, have covered their tracks much more effectively than Muggles ever could.

Ms. Nyx Bluestone, 10th of August, 2015.

[wizardhistory]

While musical instruments can be charmed to play on their own - or even created to play alone - in most of the magical world it is considered a mark of status for a Pureblood to play a traditional instrument.  The piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, and harp are looked upon most favorably in wizarding Europe.  Most pureblood children in this area learn to play one of these very well, and perhaps another moderately well.

While some purebloods learn to play the guitar or brass instruments, these are considered by tradition less prestigious instruments, and so are often learned as a secondary instrument, if learned at all.

Recently, more witches and wizards in general have been playing these less traditional instruments, mainly due to Muggleborn and half-blood children already having learned to play by the time they leave for Hogwarts.

Ms. Nyx Bluestone, 9th of August, 2015

[wizardhistory]

a-dailyprophet

Evening, readers! Amidst our frequent lurking and paging through blogs, we found a fellow blog from the wizarding world! We’re glad to see that The Daily Prophet has created a new internet branch of their paper, and we hope you all scamper over to read their articles as ardently as we have!