Some Harry Potter fans have a lot of feelings about the newly redesigned Pottermore—and let’s just say they’re not the kinds of feelings that would produce a Patronus charm.
The site initially functioned as an interactive Harry Potter reading experience. Fans were invited to play games within the wizarding world by collecting house points, dueling, taking potion classes and discovering new stories by J.K. Rowling. The updated fansite—which still features original writing from Rowling in addition to new articles by an unnamed ‘Pottermore correspondent’ like “11 times Snape was the hardest teacher to please” and “The 5 Death Eaters you’ll never forget“—has some fans feeling a bit frustrated.
The new site isn’t just like a facelift, it’s an entirely new face–permanent Polyjuice Potion perhaps–but it comes with explanation. The site appears to be more news-driven, with articles, character profiles, listicles and stories made for sharing online. But it seems it will evolve, with new features set to roll out in the future.
Still, change isn’t easy, especially on the internet, where fans are dumping their frustrations on Twitter and in comments on Facebook. Many took to Twitter to bemoan the redesigned site and gripe about what’s missing. So Pottermore’s social media team used its defense against the dark arts skills to mollify unhappy fans.
What on earth happened to @pottermore? @jk_rowling, I absolutely adore you, but why would have us lose access to tons of additional info? :(
But many seemed simply pleased to have more Potter, with one Facebook fan invoking the series’ mantra of looking for the light, even in the darkest of times: “Though Pottermore has changed, don’t let that force you to leave behind the magic.”
11 Real-Life Harry Potter Destinations You Can Visit
Salem Witch Museum in Salem, Mass. 'Potter' fans may not be able to pay a visit to Olivander's Wand Shop in real life, but Wynott's Wands will get them pretty close. Visitors say that the teeny shop feels just like something out of J.K. Rowling's imagination, and is located in the magical capital of America: Salem, Mass.Getty ImagesMYRTLE BEACH, SC - APRIL 05: A member of the Oklahoma Baptist University team throws the quaffle through the hoop for ten points during the Quidditch World Cup on April 5, 2014 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The sport, created from the Harry Potter novels is a co-ed contact sport with elements from rugby, basketball, and dodgeball. A quidditch team is made up of seven athletes who play with broomsticks between their legs at all times. (Photo by Richard Ellis/Getty Images)Richard Ellis—Getty ImagesThe Millennium Bridge in London. If you're traveling to London, a stop by the Millennium Bridge is necessary for all visitors – but especially Potter fans. In 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,' readers learn that the bridge was destroyed by Death Eaters sent by Voldemort. In reality, the bridge still stands today, and is the perfect path from St. Paul's Cathedral to the Tate Modern.Shaun Curry—AFP/Getty ImagesThe London Zoo in London. The London Zoo doesn't appear on screen in 'Harry Potter' for long – but the scene it does appear in is significant. Harry communicates with a snake, later revealed to be due to his ability to speak parseltongue, which becomes a fairly significant plot throughout the series. Visit the reptile enclave at the London Zoo to see where it all began.Dan Kitwood—Getty ImagesThe Hogwarts ExpressMail On Sunday/REX ShutterstockThe Jacobite running by Glenfinnan Viaduct in Lochaber, Scotland. Looking for an attraction that will scratch your 'Harry Potter' sight-seeing itch and satisfy your travel companions? Try the Jacobite, a steam train that runs along the western coast of Scotland, giving travelers a gorgeous view of the Scottish countryside – and make you feel like you're riding the Hogwarts Express in real life. 'Potter' fans should keep their eyes peeled for the Glenfinnan viaduct, the 21-arched overpass that is seen in the film. Archive Photos/Getty ImagesThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan. If you don't want to cross the Atlantic but have a hankering for a day (or two!) full of 'Harry Potter,' best to head down to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a theme park in Orlando, Fla. Parkgoers can explore Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Hogwarts Express and Diagon Alley, all with a butterbeer in hand.Noriko Hayashi—Bloomberg/Getty ImagesThe Grand Hall, Christ Church, Oxford University in Oxford, U.K. When it comes to 'Harry Potter,' few sights are as iconic as Hogwarts's Great Hall. In the film, young witches and wizards from each house gather around long tables for meals and ceremonial events – much like the students at Christ Church, a college at Oxford University. Visitors can get a peek at the real thing during a visit to the college – if there isn't an educational event going on, of course. Hoberman Collection/UIG/Getty ImagesDurham Cathedral in Durham, England. Remember that snowy courtyard Harry walked through with his pet owl, Hedwig, in 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'? You can take your own stroll through the same spot during a visit to the Durham Cathedral.Ian Forsyth—Getty ImagesUNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 15: Alnwick Castle (11th century), Northumberland, United Kingdom. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)DeAgostini—Getty ImagesThe Black Park in Iver, England. Thrill seekers can find Harry Potter's Forbidden Forest come to life at the Black Park in Iver, England. The spiders, however, won't come in larger-than-life form – we hope.Collection/REX Shutterstock
