Wizard Emporium and the Muggle Behind it
Welcome to Wizard Emporium
Let me start by saying something that might surprise you: I didn’t grow up with Harry Potter. In fact, I didn’t read the books until I was in my 20s.
I know—gasp!
But before you cast me out of the wizarding community, let me explain how this delayed discovery turned me from a casual fan into a full-blown Wizarding World nerd.
You see, this blog is more than just an ode to Harry, Hogwarts, and the wizarding universe. It’s my space for connecting with the magic of this world.
In this blog post, I want to share how my adult life, and especially the release of Hogwarts Legacy, reignited that magical spark in me.
My Journey to the Wizarding World
Like many people, I was aware of Harry Potter throughout my childhood. The books were everywhere, the films were a cultural phenomenon, and Potterheads were a devoted and vocal group.
But I never quite joined that bandwagon growing up. Sure, I watched a few of the films and knew the basic story, but I wasn’t what you’d call a die-hard fan.
I certainly didn’t know my Ravenclaws from my Slytherins.
Fast forward to my 20s. Life was busy, as it tends to be, and I found myself needing an escape—something to immerse myself in.
That’s when I picked up the Harry Potter books for the first time.
Let me tell you, reading them as an adult was a soothing experience. I was in my final year of university, after completing an intense 12-month full-time PR internship in London and was gearing up to write my dreaded dissertation. The escapism these books provided was nothing short of, well, magical.
What struck me most wasn’t just the fantastical magic or the battle between good and evil, but the depth of the world J.K. Rowling had created.
By the time I finished The Philosopher's Stone, I was hooked—not necessarily on Harry’s journey alone, but on the intricate details of the Wizarding World itself.
From Casual Fan to Movie Marathons
After spending about 12 months working my way through the books and becoming a ‘casual’ fan, I rewatched every single one of the films.
The final two hadn’t yet been released, so I made sure to see them at London’s IMAX cinema.
Again, I wouldn’t say I was a full-blown Harry Potter nerd, but I really enjoyed escaping to the wizarding world through the films.
Over the years, anytime I found myself craving comfort or feeling homesick (I travelled and moved around a lot in my late twenties and early thirties), I’d put on a Harry Potter film
(…The Prisoner of Azkaban is literally playing in the background as I type this)
The stories and adventures never got old.
The Wizarding World Beyond Harry
Now, here's where I differ from the typical Harry Potter fan.
While Harry's story was what pulled me in, it is the Wizarding World itself that has kept me there. I became fascinated with Hogwarts, the intricacies of wandlore and the magical creatures lurking in the Forbidden Forest.
Harry Potter was just one part of this vast universe.
The more I explored, the more I fell in love with the smaller details. I didn’t just care about Harry, Ron, or Hermione. I cared about the inner workings of Gringotts, the secret functions of the Ministry of Magic, and the deep lore behind places like Godric’s Hollow and the Forbidden Forest.
This is why I say I’m not just a Harry Potter nerd—I’m a Wizarding World nerd.
Honestly, I’d probably flunk a Harry Potter quiz, but give me the chance to spend an evening at Hogwarts, and I’d offer up my left kidney.
The Release of Hogwarts Legacy
Now, let's talk about the Hogwarts Legacy game.
If you’re like me—someone who’s fascinated by the inner workings of the Wizarding World—this game was the holy grail of all Harry Potter-related releases.
The idea of being able to step into this world, explore the castle, attend magical classes, and even fly a broom was beyond anything I had ever dreamed of.
The release of Hogwarts Legacy reignited my passion for this universe in ways I didn’t think possible. It wasn’t just about playing a game—it was about experiencing the Wizarding World. Being able to freely roam through Hogwarts, fly on a broomstick, and discover hidden corners of this magical world was the ultimate immersive experience for me.
The beauty of Hogwarts Legacy lies in its attention to detail!
Every room, every corridor, and every spell feels true to the Harry Potter books. I’m in awe of the creators over at Portkey Games because, honestly, it's incredible.
It’s like stepping into a fully realised version of Hogwarts, and for someone like me, that’s the dream.
What’s even more magical is that the game doesn’t rely on Harry’s story to captivate you. It’s set about 100 years before and introduces new characters, new stories, and new challenges that still feel authentic in the Wizarding World.
So, what is The Wizard Emporium?
I created this blog as a magical space for anyone, like me, captivated by the wonders of the Wizarding World.
Unlike traditional Harry Potter-focused sites, this blog is about the vast universe beyond the Boy Who Lived. It’s a place to find magical things in the Muggle world!
From exploring Hogwarts history and charm to discovering the latest in wizarding fashion, home decor, and exciting new games like Hogwarts Legacy, it’s all here.
So whether you’re a lifelong Harry Potter fan or a latecomer like me, I hope you’ll find something magical here. After all, the Wizarding World isn’t just about the story of one boy—it’s about the countless stories waiting to be discovered.
Stay curious & magical,
x Tink Jayne x
Ravenclaw House