Quodpot or Quidditch? The Magical Worlds Differ More Than You Think

J.K. Rowling unveiled the enchanting universe of Harry Potter in her 1997 novel, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." She crafted an intricate realm focused on the lives of witches and wizards in England. The seven-part saga of the young wizard captivated millions, and the magical universe she built remains so vivid that fans still adorn themselves with memorabilia from the books and movies.

The 2016 film "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" offers the first look into the lives of American witches and wizards within the same magical universe.

Unsurprisingly, magical life in Britain and Europe differs significantly from that in America. One of the most striking contrasts is the terminology used for nonmagical people. In Britain, they are referred to as "Muggles," whereas in the U.S., the term "No-majs" (short for "no magic") is used.

However, this is just one of many differences between the two magical societies.

Magical Rulers

A key difference lies in the governing bodies that regulate the magical community. In the U.K., the Ministry of Magic, led by the Minister for Magic, sets the rules. Cornelius Fudge, for instance, served as Minister from 1990 to 1996 and infamously denied Voldemort's return multiple times (a decision that proved disastrous).

The first Minister for Magic, Ulick Gamp, assumed the typically democratically elected role in 1707. Notably, the ministry has also had female leaders, with Artemsia Lufkin (1798-1811) being the first to hold the position.

In contrast, U.S. wizards are governed by a president who leads the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA), which moved its headquarters from Washington to New York during the 20th century.

Another significant distinction is that the Ministry of Magic maintained connections with the Muggle government, at least until the 1920s, whereas MACUSA avoided such ties to prevent repercussions akin to the Salem Witch Trials if their existence were exposed. Both bodies established regulations governing the behavior of witches and wizards in public and their interactions with nonmagical individuals.

Wands and Permits

Regarding regulations, wand access has historically varied for American wizards. While Hogwarts students could take their wands home during breaks (though forbidden from using them outside school), Ilvermorny students faced stricter rules. These restrictions stemmed from Rappaport's Law, enacted in 1790, which enforced complete separation between magical and nonmagical communities until its repeal in 1956. During this period, all witches and wizards, regardless of age, needed a permit to carry a wand. Additionally, MACUSA maintained a national wand registry, requiring even foreign visitors to register their wands upon entering the U.S.

Ilvermorny and Hogwarts

While Hogwarts is renowned as the premier British school for witchcraft and wizardry, young American witches and wizards attend Ilvermorny, situated on Mount Greylock in Massachusetts. Students are sorted into four houses: Horned Serpent, Pukwudgie, Wampus, and Thunderbird. Unlike Hogwarts, where a sorting hat makes the decision, Ilvermorny uses wooden carvings representing each house to choose students as they step forward.

Quidditch, the most beloved sport at Hogwarts, has gained such widespread popularity that even Muggles have taken up the game.

The contrasts between the British and American wizarding worlds are numerous, though they may not be more extreme than the differences already seen between the two countries for nonmagical individuals like us. For a deeper dive into the lesser-known U.S. magical world, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" serves as an excellent resource.