The Harry Potter prequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will hit theaters November 18, 2016. Set in 1920s New York City, the film will follow Magizoologist Newt Scamander and his suitcase of magical creatures. Ever since the new film trilogy was announced, J.K. Rowling has been giving us hints about the American Wizarding World. From the U.S. word for muggle, “no-maj” to the U.S Wizarding school Ilvermorny, there is so much to learn about witches and wizards of North America. In preparation for Beasts, Rowling will be be debuting The History of Magic in North America on Pottermore on March 8th at 9am ET. The series will encompass four stories that will get super detailed into the history of magic in the U.S. and the Magical Congress of the United States of America.
The first story entitled Fourteenth Century – Seventeenth Century, is currently available on Pottermore, and explores the magical community in its earliest days on the continent. Native Americans, skin walkers and wand-less magic are discussed here in detail. The other stories which will debut over the next three days at 9am ET are, Seventeenth Century and Beyond, which encompasses the danger of being a witch or wizard in the United States. The Salem Witch trials are at the center here, as well as a group called the Scourers who are a a rogue band of magical mercenaries. Rappaport’s Law focuses on the 18th century and the even stricter secrecy laws imposed on the American Wizarding World after the Magical Congress of the United States of America is humiliated. Finally, 1920s Wizarding America focuses on American wand makers Wolfe, Jonker, Quintana, and Beauvais. Apparently they give Ollivander a run for his money.
Check out Entertainment Weekly’s video preview of the series below:
