Harry Potter

Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The books chronicle the adventures of the adolescent wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The central story arc concerns Harry’s struggle against the evil wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry’s parents in his quest to conquer the wizarding world and subjugate non-magical people (Muggles). Several successful derivative films, video games and other themed merchandise have been based upon the series.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)movie, known in the United States and India as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Harry Potter is a boy wizard who was brought up by his hostile aunt and uncle after his parents were murdered by the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort. Voldemort also attempted to kill one-year old Harry on the same night, but failed. Nearly ten years later, Harry learns that he is an extremely famous wizard because of his uncanny survival and ventures into the Wizarding World assisted by half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. There he begins his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he learns about magic along with new friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who become entangled in the mystery of the Philosopher’s Stone, which is being kept within the school.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) movie

Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts for their second year, which proves to be more challenging than the last. The Chamber of Secrets has been opened, leaving students and ghosts petrified by an unleashed monster. Harry must face up to claims that he is the heir of Salazar Slytherin (founder of the Chamber), learn that he can speak Parseltongue and discover the properties of a mysterious diary, only to find himself trapped within the Chamber of Secrets itself.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) movie

Harry Potter’s third year sees the boy wizard, along with his friends, attending Hogwarts School once again. Professor R.J. Lupin joins the staff as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, while convicted murderer Sirius Black escapes Azkaban Prison. The Ministry of Magic entrusts the Dementors of Azkaban to guard Hogwarts from Black. Harry learns more about his past and his connection with the escaped prisoner.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) movie

During Harry’s fourth year, the Dark Mark appears in the sky after a Death Eater attack at the Quidditch World Cup, Hogwarts plays host to a legendery event: the Triwizard Tournament, there is a new DADA professor Alastor Moody and frequent nightmares bother Harry all year. Three European schools participate in the tournament, with three ‘champions’ representing each school in the deadly tasks. The Goblet of Fire chooses Fleur Delacour, Viktor Krum and Cedric Diggory to compete against each other. However, curiously, Harry’s name is also produced from the Goblet making him a fourth champion, which results in a terrifying outcome.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) movie

Harry’s fifth year begins with him being attacked by Dementors in Little Whinging. Later, he finds out that the Ministry of Magic is in denial of the fact that Lord Voldemort has returned. Harry is also beset by disturbing and realistic nightmares while Professor Umbridge, a representative of Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, is the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Therefore the rebellion involving the students of Hogwarts, secret organisation Order of the Phoenix, the Ministry of Magic and the Death Eaters begins.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) movie

In Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters are increasingly terrorising the Wizarding and Muggle worlds. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore persuades his old friend and collegue Horace Slughorn to return to Hogwarts as a professor, because there is a vacancy to fill – but there is a more important reason for Slughorn’s return. While in a Potions lesson, Harry Potter takes possession of a strangely annotated school textbook, inscribed ‘This is the property of the Half-Blood Prince’, which contains astonishing information. Meanwhile Dumbledore and Harry secretly work together to discover the method on how to destroy Voldemort once and for all. However, with romance and hormones, loyalties and dangers lurking within the castle walls, Hogwarts may never be the safe haven it once was ever again.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Tentative Release 2010 and 2011) movies

After unexpected events at the end of the previous year, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are entrusted with a quest to find and destroy all of Lord Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes. It is meant to be Harry’s final year at Hogwarts, but Voldemort’s rise to power prevents him from attending. The trio undergo a long adventure to destroy Voldemort for the last time, with many obstacles in the way, such as the rampaging Death Eaters and Snatchers on the loose, Harry’s obsession with the mysterious Deathly Hallows, as well as increasing pressure and chaos on the Wizarding World. The film will be split into two parts; the first part is due for release on 19 November 2010, the second part on 15 July 2011.