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New J.K. Rowling Story Reveals The History Of The Leaky Cauldron

J.K. Rowling posted a new riddle on Harry Potter fan site Pottermore today — part of a 12-day series during which new writings and magical tidbits will be released as the ultimate Christmas gift for wizard-loving muggles.

Here’s today’s quiz:

The answer, as Hogwarts fanatics know, is Diagon Alley, the bustling street where Harry first picks up his school supplies and wand. Rowling rewarded those who responded correctly with further details about the Leaky Cauldron, the famous pub that serves as a gateway to Diagon Alley, including the names of a few of its former owners.

Today’s prize was a two-for-one: Rowling also shared an anecdote about Florean Fortescue, a Diagon ice cream shop owner who was originally slated to play a bigger part in the Harry Potter series.

While some fans delight in such details, others think that Rowling let readers take over the Potter narrative rather than meddling with the concluded plot.

If you’re in the first camp, check out these stories J.K. Rowling posted earlier this year: one about the infamous reporter Rita Skeeter, and the other exploring the background of professor Dolores Umbridge.