Magical Facts Every Potterhead Should Know about Harry Potter
The first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was published on June 26, 1997.
Before publication, Rowling's manuscript was rejected by 12 publishers.
Harry's birthday is July 31—the same as J.K. Rowling's.
Hogwarts has 142 staircases, many of which move or disappear.
The spell "Expelliarmus" is Harry's signature spell, even against extremely powerful opponents.
Voldemort's name comes from French:
vol de mort
, meaning "flight of death"
The Hogwarts Express is based on the real Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of Scotland's most famous railway bridges.