Harry Potter at 20: Here’s how to unlock Facebook’s magical Harry Potter secret
Harry Potter is 20 years old today, sort of.
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone back in 1997 (renamed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the US).
The book by LGBT ally JK Rowling sparked a phenomenon in publishing and the wider world of culture and entertainment.
It was followed by six sequels, a number of print and digital spinoffs, a stunning theatrical production, some theme parks and, oh, some of the most successful movies ever made.
It’s no surprise then, that everyone’s getting in on the celebration as the book turns 20 – including Facebook with its secret Potter feature.
There’s the traditional Twitter emoji – type #HarryPotter20 to get that striking pair of spectacles and all-important lightning scar.
Publishers Bloomsbury went a step further in celebrating the landmark anniversary.
They marked the occasion last week with a new Guinness World Record for the Largest gathering of people dressed as Harry Potter.
A new record of 676 was set at the town hall in Bolton.
“What a fantastic way to celebrate such an iconic book,” said Ian Lamb, Head of Children’s Marketing and Publicity at Bloomsbury.
“To bring the record directly back to young readers is the perfect way to mark this very special occasion.”
But, like its special Pride rainbow reaction, Facebook has chosen to hide away it’s own special Potter celebration.
If you want to find out how to unlock the secret, then this article here is your very own special Room of Requirement.
First – go to Facebook, when logged into your account of course.
Then, as your status, type either: Harry Potter, or one of the four Potter houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin.
If you click the words, which have gone red, like magic…
(Facebook)
JK Rowling has herself, of course, marked the anniversary of her life-changing (and world-changing) book.
“20 years ago today a world that I had lived in alone was suddenly open to others,” she said today on Twitter.
“It’s been wonderful. Thank you.”
