Quick Points For Movie Fans

The Three Unforgivable Curses: "The use of any one of them on a fellow human being is enough to earn a life sentence in Azkaban (the wizard prison)."

Imperius Curse: This curse allows the wizard to control another person, magical or non-magical. It is sort of like brainwashing. This curse can be fought, but it takes a strong wizard to fight it and win.

Cruciatus Curse: This curse inflicts serious pain upon the recipient.

Avada Kedavra: Also known as the killing curse, this curse cannot be fought and immediately kills the recipient of the curse, leaving no sign of foul play visible to non-magical people. Harry Potter is the only known survivor of this curse.

Tom Riddle: The name Lord Voldemort was given at birth.

Death Eaters: Wizards who are followers of Lord Voldemort

Polyjuice Potion: A potion that allows the drinker to sound and look like another person.

More Information For First-Time Viewers

Muggle: Non-magical person

Quidditch: The most popular sport in the wizarding world is played on broomsticks.

Hogwarts: The magical school attended by Harry Potter

Harry Potter: The hero of the books. He was brought up by his aunt and uncle, who are not magical and hate the magical world. He did not find out he was a wizard until he was 11, when he learned that a powerful evil wizard had killed his parents and tried to kill him.

Ron Weasley: One of Harry Potter's best friends. He comes from a large wizarding family.

Hermione Granger: Harry Potter's other best friend. Her parents are muggle dentists. She is a brainy girl who can often be found in the library.