11 Harry Potter Moments That Brought Magic to 2016

If we were to siphon this year’s memories from the minds of all Potterheads and pour the recollections into a Pensieve for close examination, the contents of the silvery substance would serve as substantial proof that 2016 gave the Harry Potter-obsessed portion of the population plenty of reasons to celebrate.

While some share the sentiment that the Boy Who Lived needs to die already, Potter still continues his rightful reign as arguably the most legendary wizard we’ve heard of since Merlin of Arthurian fame (Dumbledore would totally co-sign that statement).

Overall, Potterheads can certainly agree that, for them, this year played out like a highlight reel of magical Harry Potter moments.

The introduction of wizard-inspired cosmetics like wand-shaped makeup brushes, Harry Potter eyeshadow palettes and a Quill & Ink eyeliner caused multiple mass meltdowns from the community of fans who want to make sure they’re able to wield a Kabuki brush and a wand with equal precision.

Before they even learn to read, kids born into this family are immediately initiated into HP fandom. This gorgeous, intricately decorated Harry Potter-themed nursery has all the amenities a future Hogwarts student could ever ask for.

After introducing the world to yet another tale involving the young bespectacled wizard, JK Rowling had Potterheads clamoring for the nearest bookstore with the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II in July, which preceded a two-part stage play by the same name.

Because you have to see the most famous HP sites to believe them, Pottermore and Time Out London partnered to help visitors make a beeline for all the places Harry frequented in the books and films, including Charing Cross Road, King’s Cross Station, where platform 9 ¾ is safely obscured from muggle eyesight) and Lambeth Bridge, over which the lighting fast Knight Bus crossed.

The UK home that belonged to the Dursleys, Harry’s unbearable relatives-turned-guardians, went up for sale in September, giving one lucky muggle the chance to own a very significant piece of Harry Potter history.

Because dementor protection is of the utmost importance to wizards, witches and muggles alike, Rowling created a test to let fans discover their Patronus and the hilarious online reactions to the quiz immediately became a trending topic. Even Harry Potter film stars got in on the action, including Evana Lynch aka Luna Lovegood, who tweeted her disappointment with getting a salmon Patronus.

If you thought wizard fashion was all about robes and invisibility cloaks, this stylish collection of Harry Potter-inspired garments from Torrid definitely proved otherwise.

We would compare Philadelphia’s Harry Potter Festival and Quidditch Tournament to an extended weekend of trick-or-treating in a wizard costume, except it was way more intense. The otherworldly outdoor affair offered visitors the chance to live out their Potter fantasies in real life, including a meet-and-greet with Harry and friends, a Sorting Hat demonstration, a free ride on the Knight bus, a chance to binge on butterbeer and other magical drinks, and much more.

This year, Barnes & Noble summoned all Potter fans to each of the store’s locations to celebrate the holidays and wizardry under one enchanted ceiling.

In memory of the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting victims, Rowling reconsidered her vow to never do comics by allowing artist Jim Lee to incorporate the likenesses of Harry, Ron, Hermione and Dumbledore, along with a famous Goblet of Fire quote, into a forthcoming comic anthology titled Love is Love.

We can’t pretend like the sight of this spider that’s named Godric Gryffindor’s famous Sorting Hat didn’t make us want to blast it away with an Arania Exumai spell, but our inner Potterheads wouldn’t allow us to harm a hair on its uniquely shaped body. Researchers in India officially named the creature Eriovixia gryffindori and even JK Rowling was impressed with their find.