Buzz
As the November debut of the spin-off film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them approaches, J.K. Rowling is further enriching the Harry Potter universe. During the annual Harry Potter Celebration at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, four new magical institutions were unveiled, joining the ranks of Hogwarts, France’s Beauxbatons Academy, and the Durmstrang Institute. (Rowling mentions on Pottermore that there are “11 long-established and prestigious wizarding schools worldwide,” hinting at potential future revelations.) Here’s a breakdown of these exciting new additions to the magical realm.
1. MAHOUTOKORO // JAPAN
Pronunciation: Mah - hoot - o - koh - roLocation: The secluded volcanic island of Minami Iwo JimaArchitecture: “A stunning and intricate castle crafted from mutton-fat jade.”
This institution—the tiniest among the 11 recognized by the International Confederation of Wizards—admits students as young as 7, who are transported daily by giant storm petrels. Boarding starts at age 11. Unlike Hogwarts’ plain black robes, Mahoutokoro students wear “enchanted robes” upon arrival, Rowling explains on Pottermore, “which expand as they grow and shift in color based on the wearer’s academic progress, starting as a soft pink and turning gold if top grades are achieved in all magical subjects.” If a robe turns white, it signifies that “the student has violated the Japanese wizard’s code, engaged in forbidden practices, or breached the International Statute of Secrecy.
Beyond its academic excellence, Mahoutokoro is renowned for its Quidditch prowess. Legend claims the sport was brought to Japan centuries ago by a group of daring Hogwarts students who were blown off course while attempting to circle the globe on subpar broomsticks.
2. UAGADOU // AFRICA
Pronunciation: Wag-a-dooLocation: “Mountains of the Moon,” UgandaArchitecture: “A breathtaking structure carved into the mountainside, often enveloped in mist, giving the illusion of floating in mid-air.”
While Africa hosts numerous smaller magical schools, Rowling notes, Uagadou stands as the oldest, with a history spanning over a millennium. Situated in Uganda, it welcomes students from across the continent and differs from other magical institutions in key ways: While Hogwarts sends admission letters, Uagadou employs Dream Messengers who visit children in their sleep, leaving a token, often an inscribed stone, found upon waking. Additionally, wands are not the primary tool for magic. “The wand is a European creation,” Rowling explains, “and though African witches and wizards have embraced it in the past century, many spells are cast through finger-pointing or hand gestures. This provides Uagadou students with a robust defense when accused of violating the International Statute of Secrecy (‘I was merely gesturing, I didn’t intend for his chin to detach’).”
Graduates of this school excel in Astronomy, Alchemy, and Self-Transfiguration. Uagadou boasts several distinguished alumni, such as “Babajide Akingbade, who took over from Albus Dumbledore as the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards.”
3. CASTELOBRUXO // BRAZIL
Pronunciation: Cass - tell - o - broo - shooLocation: “Nestled deep within the rainforest”Architecture: “A grand, square structure made of golden rock, often likened to a temple, which appears as a ruin to the rare Muggle who stumbles upon it.”
This magical school (whose name translates to “Wizard Castle” in Portuguese) attracts students from across South America. Pupils wear “vivid green robes and demonstrate exceptional skill in Herbology and Magizoology.” While Hogwarts has Peeves, Castelobruxo is guarded by “Caipora, small, furry spirits known for their mischief, who roam at night to oversee students and the forest’s magical creatures.” The school also offers a well-regarded student exchange program.
Notable alumni include Libatius Borage, author of Advanced Potion-Making and Have Yourself a Fiesta in a Bottle!, and João Coelho, who leads “the globally acclaimed Quidditch team, the Tarapoto Tree-Skimmers.”
4. ILVERMORNY // NORTH AMERICA
Pronunciation: Ill - ver - morn - ee
While Rowling has yet to share details about this new school on Pottermore, a press release hints, “Sharp-eyed fans suspected this name would hold significance, and Pottermore will soon feature more of J.K. Rowling’s writings on this magical institution.” Redditors are already speculating about the name’s meaning; share your theories in the comments, and we’ll update this post with new information as it emerges!
All images courtesy of Pottermore.
