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Marvel at JK Rowling's original Harry Potter sketches
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J.K. Rowling's depiction of Snape, the mysterious potion master whose allegiances are ambiguous throughout most of the series. (www.pottermore.com/-)
W
hat does Peeves actually look like? That question has remained unanswered for Potterheads since the mischievous Hogwarts ghost did not make an appearance in the movie adaptations.
Worry not, now fans can see what the characters as they were imagined by J.K. Rowling by looking at the original sketches by the author herself. Scattered throughout the official Harry Potter website, Pottermore, these sketches are accompaniments to Rowling’s writings on the site.
There’s a depiction of Snape, the mysterious potion master whose allegiances are ambiguous throughout most of the series. Interestingly, the picture looks more like Predrag Bjelac’s Igor Karkaroff, an ex Death Eater turned headmaster at Durmstrang Institute than Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Snape in the movie.
(Read also: New Harry Potter e-books to be released in September)
J.K. Rowling releases her amazing early illustrations of Harry Potter characters. pic.twitter.com/eVFSOerwVV
— Harry Potter World (@PotterWorldUK) August 23, 2016
Rowling also drew some Weasley family members. Don’t worry, both Fred and George are side by side and smiling adorably - a sweet throwback to the family. Harry Potter’s family also made an appearance in the Mirror of Erised, the device that can reveal our deepest desires first seen in the first book.
Readers can also reminisce the night James and Lily Potter were killed, leaving little Harry in the care of Rubeus Hagrid, the Hogwarts’ gamekeeper. In the sketch, Hagrid, Dumbledore, and McGonagall are shown looking at the baby before leaving him on the doorstep of Vernon and Petunia Dursley. Number four Privet Drive also made it to the picture, with Harry standing in front of the fireplace - not under the stairs.
There’s no clear sketch of Hermione, whose portrayal by a black actress in the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child sparked controversies and debate among Potterheads. Rowling never mentioned Hermione’s skin color, but in the sketch of Peeves readers will find a white girl with large front teeth and big hair, both of which are notable descriptions of Hermione. (kes)
