Wall of Fame | Lesson 2
Article Reflection
I’d like to start off with how interesting I found the article. It made me question and re-assess how I see things and how others may or may not be familiar with things. We certainly do take things for granted and I like to now see the world (as in magical and Muggle) as two very different playing fields rather than the magical world just being an extension of our own. It has opened my mind and I think I may agree with the sentiments of the article.
After reading that space and physics are different for both worlds, it does make a lot of sense and knowing each world has its own rules they have to abide by opens the world up to many new thoughts and ideas. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see the calculations etc that go into the physics side of things in the magical world. Sure, it may be emotions and intentions driving the interactions with the world via magic, but there must be ways to convey it in a numerical or written way so it can be researched further.
It’s definitely a shame that the International Statute of Secrecy doesn’t allow the muggle world to share in some of the wizard space. For example, having a bag with the Undetectable Extension Charm would be more than useful in everyday life.
- Ereshkigal Csintalan, Slytherin
The way witches and wizards think is so different from the Muggel way because Wizards don’t understand the notion if demensional space, physics and technology and how the science behind them work. So for Wizards something Muggels would consider impossible is very easy and logical for them. While for Muggels science is everything, for Witches and Wizards, it comes secoundly after intentions and power. So for example a spell doesnt need physics to work, but rather emotions and intentions. That also means that spells can work differently for everyone because our emotions and intentions arent the same. The three properties of a spell are intentions, focus of power and focus of the mind.
I agree with the text and i think its very interesting to see the huge differences in the way Muggels and Witches think. I also find it shocking how limited the Mind of Muggels are and how much they miss by beeing limited by science.
- Pandora Evergreen, Hufflepuff
What I got from reading this article is how muggles think compared to witches and wizards in terms of physics and science, like the example of the Ford Anglia. Muggles wouldn't believe it even if they saw it, but it's just normal stuff for witches and wizards. Bewitching a car to fly can cause problems for the Ministry of Magic, but witches and wizards still do it. They can bewitch any muggle artifact. So it isn't strange for a witch or wizard to see a flying car or a singing teacup. I found this article intriguing and very interesting. I do agree with the author to a high degree. The only part I am hesitant on agreeing with is that Hermione created her own spell. That is a possibility, she is very clever. Hermione also reads a lot from her school books and she could also read some that are more advanced from the library. So I think it is very possible that she did in fact learn Mobiliarbus. Again, she is a very clever witch, she was the best in her year. So anything is possible when it comes to her and the spells she has learned, however advanced they are.
- Skylar Peyton, Hufflepuff
In this article by Steve Vander Ark it’s been written that wizards see space different than Muggles. I think it’s true how the wizards see space different than Muggles. Muggles only see what is right in front of them and think like that. They don’t see further than the eye, which wizards do. I think that’s the reason why wizards have a broader view of this. Their minds are open for what we see as the unsuspected. What we find unsuspected is normal for them, because they are not used to anything different. But I do think that the limitless that Muggles know is also known to wizards but then in magical concept. With this I mean that wizards will have to have much imagination to create their own spells instead of using those that are already made. If you look at ‘powerful’ wizards and ‘less powerful’ wizards, I think that those that are powerful have a lot of imagination and creativity. They know how to play with words and their view. The same is in the Muggle world. Some Muggles can work better with words than others. For example take the Muggle William Shakespeare, if this was really a Muggle. He had the power to play with words, make beautiful plays with it that could enchant Muggles. Shakespeare could put much power and space in his plays beyond your imagination.
- Fumei Shirokuro, fu802, Gryffindor
I love the idea of the magical world having different rules of physics. It makes sense! This is a world where people can make things happen with a force that is, to some Muggles, considered preposterous and ridiculous to even think about. So of course things can be bigger on the inside. I also liked the footnote about Hermione’s process of spell creation and retention.
However, I think it’s interesting that Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration isn’t mentioned. Perhaps the article was written before Deathly Hallows came out since that is when it’s mentioned in canon. That law is probably the closest we really get to the same physics-related laws that cover and govern the Muggle world, especially the law of conservation of energy—the inability to create something from nothing.
The fact that you can’t create food from nothing, even if you’re really truly hungry and need food desperately, contradicts the main argument in the article that the power of mind is all you need to do magical things sometimes. A person desperate to eat probably has trouble thinking of much else, so why can’t magic provide for them? We only ever learn that food can’t be created from nothing, but there are four other principles of Gamp’s Law. What could those be? (The fact that they’re not spelled out as of yet is canon’s fault, though.)
- Patricia Cleary, pa978, Hufflepuff
Of course the magical community has a different perspective from the Muggle community. Magic practically splits the laws of physics apart, so physics is rendered useless in the world of the wizards and witches, but still applicable to the Muggles who would not be able to defy physics without side-stepping it through clever means (airplanes, for example). That said, I don't think it's a completely different realm in the sense that the two communities are far off base with each other.
Wizards and witches are continually learning about their own world, and while to them, some things are natural--chess pieces and portraits move--others take a little longer grasping. As the essay mentioned, it took Ron Weasley--a "pureborn" wizard through and through--a longer amount of time understanding the "natural" concepts of magic. Hermione, a pureborn Muggle, while certainly ignorant of the wizarding culture, easily picks up magic and manages to out-match most of her peers even at her young age. Is it because she doesn't believe in the laws of physics? Probably not. Her parents were dentists, after all. It stands that the Muggle world is just as important to her as the wizarding world, and she's someone who, by the end of her seventh year, has clearly learned how to integrate and mesh both realities in her lifestyle, without too much conflict.
So yes, wizards think slightly differently from their Muggle counterparts, but are they completely off base from each other? No, I don't think so. Muggle thinking and wizarding thinking both have their limits, but it's because of the rules set forth in their respective realms. In a way, even with the Muggle limitations, even they manage to find ways to stretch physics as far as they can get it (it's why airplanes stay up, after all *g*).
- Prof. Cassandra Lobiesk, pr_lob, Ravenclaw
I found this article really interesting from an alternative point of view. Having taught a class on Wizarding Science here at HOL, and being a science teacher in real life, I’ve always tried to mesh both magic and science. While this task wasn’t always easy, I have enjoyed the mental challenge of explaining the magical world according to Muggle scientific laws. Because of this, Vander Ark’s article on the concept of wizard space being something unique and completely different from the limitations of the Muggle world, was both refreshing and rather one-sided in my opinion. I agree that at its most fundamental level, magic is the manipulation of magical power, and that both the intent and focus of the caster can affect a spell. That being said, I still disagree that this concept must be mutually exclusive with Muggle physical laws. We Muggles are only starting to understand how matter and energy work together at a quantum level. We are only beginning to grasp the incredible power of subatomic particles, many of which we are still discovering their existence, behavior, and patterns. So why should we reject the idea that magical power could be connected to a facet of Muggle science that we have yet to understand and explain? Had the author addressed some of the more complex scientific theories regarding the existence of magic, and their limitations in his view, I would have been more accepting of his position regarding the concept of wizard space.
- Rosanna Gullveig, ro837, Ravenclaw
I am in agreement with much of what is stated in this article, although I do take exception to the first phrase in it:
The way that witches and wizards think about everything, including spells, is completely different from the way we Muggles think about it.
Excuse me, I am a witch. I'm not a Muggle. I have no idea of how Muggles think of spells and how they think we think of spells. Spells, to me, are just a part of life, of how things are. They are natural and, in a way, largely innate. Children are doing magic before they can even talk (just talk to any parent who has had their child's dinner go flying past them if it included things the child didn't want to eat). Muggle children do the same thing, hurling their food around, but the children of witches don't have to touch their food to hurl it around!
I feel that this is open to clarification or even rejection:
There are three properties to a spell, and physical laws aren't involved at all. The three are intention, focus of power, and focus of mind.
He's a Muggle! He hasn't got a clue! How could he have written so much that makes sense and then come out with something like that. Sheesh. Physical laws also include Dark Matter. Their Muggle physicists have deducted that there is something called Dark Matter, even if they cannot see it or touch it or measure it. Witches -- we all KNOW that there is Dark Matter (even though we don't call it that). So a spell must, of course, include the property of Dark Matter. Intention counts, sure, and focus of power, yes indeed. And here comes the other thing again -- what does he mean 'focus of mind'? Surely he is not referring to the use of intellect alone as 'mind'? (Refer to my comment, above, about children of witches doing magic before they are even talking.) Mind (and magic) encompasses a lot more than the brain, Mr. Vander. It encompasses Intelligence of Life/Nature (from which the Muggles seem to have cut themselves off)(but then, maybe that is why they are Muggles?)
There is a sentence towards the end of the article:
The words he said were what he thought would levitate anything, since he doesn't really understand what the phrase meant, and sure enough, it does. Since he believed that those words would have that effect, they sufficed to focus his thoughts.
Mr. Vander has it all backwards. He is trying to intellectualize a process which is naturally innate in witches. This is a way of being of witch-kind which is instinctual. Muggles try to rationalize everything, to analyze and dissect. Basically Ron WANTED the club to rise up and that was not a thinking/intellect thing but a intelligence thing.
- Prof. Tarma Amelia Black, pr_tar, Hufflepuff
The whole read is in fact very enlightening, it explains in details yet in a very simple fashion how too often our mind applies previous knowledge to new situation, when sometimes that can just be wrong, as it is in this case. If we think about magic and the wizarding world with a clear mind, we could easily realize what the article points out --- there are no rules for magic, definitely not any that are governed by the muggle world. The only thing that is important when it comes to magic is the magic itself, which includes the properties of any charm, spell, or potion, and which decides whether they will work and if they do work, to what extend. The article points out there are three properties to any spell, which are: intention, focus of power, and focus of mind.
I fully agree with the article's idea, and I believe the examples that it provides reaffirm that idea. Magic is, basically, using our mind as a tool to take an action, whether that is to levitate an object or to make it disappear. There are definitely no physical laws involved here as in the muggle world, "space" in the wizarding world is definitely different and one could say relative. Muggle see the physical side of space, while wizards see the psychical side, they use body as a measure of space while wizards and witches use their mind for measuring space and thus make it an unlimited source.
- Zoki Phantom, zo808, Hufflepuff
After reading that space and physics are different for both worlds, it does make a lot of sense and knowing each world has its own rules they have to abide by opens the world up to many new thoughts and ideas. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see the calculations etc that go into the physics side of things in the magical world. Sure, it may be emotions and intentions driving the interactions with the world via magic, but there must be ways to convey it in a numerical or written way so it can be researched further.
It’s definitely a shame that the International Statute of Secrecy doesn’t allow the muggle world to share in some of the wizard space. For example, having a bag with the Undetectable Extension Charm would be more than useful in everyday life.
- Ereshkigal Csintalan, Slytherin
The way witches and wizards think is so different from the Muggel way because Wizards don’t understand the notion if demensional space, physics and technology and how the science behind them work. So for Wizards something Muggels would consider impossible is very easy and logical for them. While for Muggels science is everything, for Witches and Wizards, it comes secoundly after intentions and power. So for example a spell doesnt need physics to work, but rather emotions and intentions. That also means that spells can work differently for everyone because our emotions and intentions arent the same. The three properties of a spell are intentions, focus of power and focus of the mind.
I agree with the text and i think its very interesting to see the huge differences in the way Muggels and Witches think. I also find it shocking how limited the Mind of Muggels are and how much they miss by beeing limited by science.
- Pandora Evergreen, Hufflepuff
What I got from reading this article is how muggles think compared to witches and wizards in terms of physics and science, like the example of the Ford Anglia. Muggles wouldn't believe it even if they saw it, but it's just normal stuff for witches and wizards. Bewitching a car to fly can cause problems for the Ministry of Magic, but witches and wizards still do it. They can bewitch any muggle artifact. So it isn't strange for a witch or wizard to see a flying car or a singing teacup. I found this article intriguing and very interesting. I do agree with the author to a high degree. The only part I am hesitant on agreeing with is that Hermione created her own spell. That is a possibility, she is very clever. Hermione also reads a lot from her school books and she could also read some that are more advanced from the library. So I think it is very possible that she did in fact learn Mobiliarbus. Again, she is a very clever witch, she was the best in her year. So anything is possible when it comes to her and the spells she has learned, however advanced they are.
- Skylar Peyton, Hufflepuff
In this article by Steve Vander Ark it’s been written that wizards see space different than Muggles. I think it’s true how the wizards see space different than Muggles. Muggles only see what is right in front of them and think like that. They don’t see further than the eye, which wizards do. I think that’s the reason why wizards have a broader view of this. Their minds are open for what we see as the unsuspected. What we find unsuspected is normal for them, because they are not used to anything different. But I do think that the limitless that Muggles know is also known to wizards but then in magical concept. With this I mean that wizards will have to have much imagination to create their own spells instead of using those that are already made. If you look at ‘powerful’ wizards and ‘less powerful’ wizards, I think that those that are powerful have a lot of imagination and creativity. They know how to play with words and their view. The same is in the Muggle world. Some Muggles can work better with words than others. For example take the Muggle William Shakespeare, if this was really a Muggle. He had the power to play with words, make beautiful plays with it that could enchant Muggles. Shakespeare could put much power and space in his plays beyond your imagination.
- Fumei Shirokuro, fu802, Gryffindor
I love the idea of the magical world having different rules of physics. It makes sense! This is a world where people can make things happen with a force that is, to some Muggles, considered preposterous and ridiculous to even think about. So of course things can be bigger on the inside. I also liked the footnote about Hermione’s process of spell creation and retention.
However, I think it’s interesting that Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration isn’t mentioned. Perhaps the article was written before Deathly Hallows came out since that is when it’s mentioned in canon. That law is probably the closest we really get to the same physics-related laws that cover and govern the Muggle world, especially the law of conservation of energy—the inability to create something from nothing.
The fact that you can’t create food from nothing, even if you’re really truly hungry and need food desperately, contradicts the main argument in the article that the power of mind is all you need to do magical things sometimes. A person desperate to eat probably has trouble thinking of much else, so why can’t magic provide for them? We only ever learn that food can’t be created from nothing, but there are four other principles of Gamp’s Law. What could those be? (The fact that they’re not spelled out as of yet is canon’s fault, though.)
- Patricia Cleary, pa978, Hufflepuff
Of course the magical community has a different perspective from the Muggle community. Magic practically splits the laws of physics apart, so physics is rendered useless in the world of the wizards and witches, but still applicable to the Muggles who would not be able to defy physics without side-stepping it through clever means (airplanes, for example). That said, I don't think it's a completely different realm in the sense that the two communities are far off base with each other.
Wizards and witches are continually learning about their own world, and while to them, some things are natural--chess pieces and portraits move--others take a little longer grasping. As the essay mentioned, it took Ron Weasley--a "pureborn" wizard through and through--a longer amount of time understanding the "natural" concepts of magic. Hermione, a pureborn Muggle, while certainly ignorant of the wizarding culture, easily picks up magic and manages to out-match most of her peers even at her young age. Is it because she doesn't believe in the laws of physics? Probably not. Her parents were dentists, after all. It stands that the Muggle world is just as important to her as the wizarding world, and she's someone who, by the end of her seventh year, has clearly learned how to integrate and mesh both realities in her lifestyle, without too much conflict.
So yes, wizards think slightly differently from their Muggle counterparts, but are they completely off base from each other? No, I don't think so. Muggle thinking and wizarding thinking both have their limits, but it's because of the rules set forth in their respective realms. In a way, even with the Muggle limitations, even they manage to find ways to stretch physics as far as they can get it (it's why airplanes stay up, after all *g*).
- Prof. Cassandra Lobiesk, pr_lob, Ravenclaw
I found this article really interesting from an alternative point of view. Having taught a class on Wizarding Science here at HOL, and being a science teacher in real life, I’ve always tried to mesh both magic and science. While this task wasn’t always easy, I have enjoyed the mental challenge of explaining the magical world according to Muggle scientific laws. Because of this, Vander Ark’s article on the concept of wizard space being something unique and completely different from the limitations of the Muggle world, was both refreshing and rather one-sided in my opinion. I agree that at its most fundamental level, magic is the manipulation of magical power, and that both the intent and focus of the caster can affect a spell. That being said, I still disagree that this concept must be mutually exclusive with Muggle physical laws. We Muggles are only starting to understand how matter and energy work together at a quantum level. We are only beginning to grasp the incredible power of subatomic particles, many of which we are still discovering their existence, behavior, and patterns. So why should we reject the idea that magical power could be connected to a facet of Muggle science that we have yet to understand and explain? Had the author addressed some of the more complex scientific theories regarding the existence of magic, and their limitations in his view, I would have been more accepting of his position regarding the concept of wizard space.
- Rosanna Gullveig, ro837, Ravenclaw
I am in agreement with much of what is stated in this article, although I do take exception to the first phrase in it:
The way that witches and wizards think about everything, including spells, is completely different from the way we Muggles think about it.
Excuse me, I am a witch. I'm not a Muggle. I have no idea of how Muggles think of spells and how they think we think of spells. Spells, to me, are just a part of life, of how things are. They are natural and, in a way, largely innate. Children are doing magic before they can even talk (just talk to any parent who has had their child's dinner go flying past them if it included things the child didn't want to eat). Muggle children do the same thing, hurling their food around, but the children of witches don't have to touch their food to hurl it around!
I feel that this is open to clarification or even rejection:
There are three properties to a spell, and physical laws aren't involved at all. The three are intention, focus of power, and focus of mind.
He's a Muggle! He hasn't got a clue! How could he have written so much that makes sense and then come out with something like that. Sheesh. Physical laws also include Dark Matter. Their Muggle physicists have deducted that there is something called Dark Matter, even if they cannot see it or touch it or measure it. Witches -- we all KNOW that there is Dark Matter (even though we don't call it that). So a spell must, of course, include the property of Dark Matter. Intention counts, sure, and focus of power, yes indeed. And here comes the other thing again -- what does he mean 'focus of mind'? Surely he is not referring to the use of intellect alone as 'mind'? (Refer to my comment, above, about children of witches doing magic before they are even talking.) Mind (and magic) encompasses a lot more than the brain, Mr. Vander. It encompasses Intelligence of Life/Nature (from which the Muggles seem to have cut themselves off)(but then, maybe that is why they are Muggles?)
There is a sentence towards the end of the article:
The words he said were what he thought would levitate anything, since he doesn't really understand what the phrase meant, and sure enough, it does. Since he believed that those words would have that effect, they sufficed to focus his thoughts.
Mr. Vander has it all backwards. He is trying to intellectualize a process which is naturally innate in witches. This is a way of being of witch-kind which is instinctual. Muggles try to rationalize everything, to analyze and dissect. Basically Ron WANTED the club to rise up and that was not a thinking/intellect thing but a intelligence thing.
- Prof. Tarma Amelia Black, pr_tar, Hufflepuff
The whole read is in fact very enlightening, it explains in details yet in a very simple fashion how too often our mind applies previous knowledge to new situation, when sometimes that can just be wrong, as it is in this case. If we think about magic and the wizarding world with a clear mind, we could easily realize what the article points out --- there are no rules for magic, definitely not any that are governed by the muggle world. The only thing that is important when it comes to magic is the magic itself, which includes the properties of any charm, spell, or potion, and which decides whether they will work and if they do work, to what extend. The article points out there are three properties to any spell, which are: intention, focus of power, and focus of mind.
I fully agree with the article's idea, and I believe the examples that it provides reaffirm that idea. Magic is, basically, using our mind as a tool to take an action, whether that is to levitate an object or to make it disappear. There are definitely no physical laws involved here as in the muggle world, "space" in the wizarding world is definitely different and one could say relative. Muggle see the physical side of space, while wizards see the psychical side, they use body as a measure of space while wizards and witches use their mind for measuring space and thus make it an unlimited source.
- Zoki Phantom, zo808, Hufflepuff
It's Your Turn
Another example for Wizarding space is floo powder. Thrown into a fire place connected to the floo system, witches and wizards can travel anywhere they like without beeing limited by physics simply by using there Intentions and imagining the place they eant to travel to.
Another example is the Vanishing Cabinet. Like the Name suggests it vanishes objects placed into the cabinet. Its not known how the Cabinet works but it is a example of wizarding space because it would not be possible to explain through Muggel thinking.
There is also the the famos example of the invisible cloth. A cloth that, like the Name shows, makes everyone that is wearing it invisible. Something not possible for Muggel thinking as objects and people cant simply disappear. But also anything in the Magical world doesnt work in the Muggel logic. For example the flowing Candles in the great Hall or the sky in the great Hall that changes. But also things like the Horkruxes.
- Pandora Evergreen, Hufflepuff
The lesson mentions Vanishing Spells, but what about the Vanishing Cabinets? The Vanishing Cabinets causes an item or even witches and wizards to vanish from inside one cabinet and reappear in a second cabinet somewhere else, with the help of a spell. Draco Malfoy fixed up the Vanishing Cabinet that was located inside Hogwarts and used the Vanishing Cabinet from Borgin and Burkes to transport Death Eaters to the Room of Requirement. Thinking again about the Ford Anglia from the lesson and the article, it also flies. Muggles cars don't fly, at least not yet. But it's normal in the Wizarding World, at least to the Wealey Family. Thinking of flying, Muggles can only fly on airplanes or hellicopters. Witches and Wizards can fly on broomsticks or magical creatures. It's normal for them, but doesn't quite fit into the law of physics for muggles. The same can be said about Portkeys, Floo Powder, or even Apparition. Muggle science isn't the same as our science.
- Skylar Peyton, Hufflepuff
- Ministry of Magic; The Ministry of Magic is a fine example of the use of magic and space. The Ministry of Magic building is located in the centre of London. The Ministry of Magic is located deep underground and has several different floors. The way that the Ministry of Magic is build you wonder how it is possible that it can be so deep underground.
- Portkeys; Portkeys takes a wizard from one place to another. A Portkey is always an enchanted random item. Harry Potter has been in contact with several of these Portkeys. His very first encounter was when he traveled with the Weasley Family to the Quidditch World Cup. A Portkey is a random item that Muggles will ignore when they see it. Examples for these are old boots, cans, etc. The Portkey is linked to a specific location. With a Portkey a group of people can travel to the pinpointed location at once. It’s also said that traveling by Portkey is to feel like having a hook “somewhere behind the navel” pulling the traveler to their location.
- Floo powder; The Floo Powder is a magical powder that the wizarding community uses to travel from one place to another. Floo powder is not the same as a Portkey, as a Portkey has an enchantment over an object that takes you somewhere. With Floo powder the wizard or witch has pronounce the place of arrival themselves very clearly, if not someone could end up on the wrong place.
Beside that Floo powder only works when your destination is also connected. They call this the Floo Network. You can only travel through the destination points that have a floo connection. For traveling with Floo powder you will have to travel through a fireplace to another fireplace. This is why the Ministry of Magic has many fireplaces in their arrival hall.
- Fumei Shirokuro, fu802, Gryffindor
One use of wizard space that isn’t really mentioned by name in the lesson or at any real time in canon is the issue of the dormitories. Let’s say that one year, the Hufflepuff first-year girls’ dorm needs to fit just 4 girls. But what if there’s a big influx of girls the next year who all get sorted into Hufflepuff and suddenly the same room needs to fit 12 girls? I would assume it expands through wizard space to comfortably fit all of the dozen, each in her own bed, no bunk situations needed. The same situation is probably true for classrooms in Hogwarts too. Do you have a small warren of sixth- and seventh-years taking a NEWT class followed by a huge spread of first-years doing an introductory course of the same subject in the same room? It will expand and contract to fit each class’ needs, adding or taking away rows of desks and chairs!
Another one is how enormous structures like castles and Quidditch stadiums can exist in a space that Muggles will see as not being the same size. Sure, the Quidditch stadium for the 1994 World Cup was built in a moor, but how big could that moor possibly be? It was also surrounded by lots of campsites that just took up even more space. Hogwarts presents as a heap of ruins with condemned signs around it, but again, how big could those ruins be? The fact that these big, big buildings exist on land that, in Muggle eyes, can’t be as big as the buildings are is another way wizard space differs from Muggle space.
- Patricia Cleary, pa978, Hufflepuff
I'm going to use one Harry Potter example, and a non-Harry Potter example, 'cause I always find the concept of "bigger on the inside" an interesting defiance of the "Muggle" thinking XD.
HARRY POTTER
I think the concept of wizarding space is always put in play within the Harry Potter books, but the most distinct one that I can clearly remember is what was in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. There were many occasions where wizards and witches walk around on the open ground, then step into a seemingly small tent, and suddenly, the space within the tent is increased tenfold. Take the Quidditch World Cup, for example. Wizard families congregate on a particular field, small, camping-ish tents littering the green. Harry, who'd been raised--albeit badly--in the Muggle realm, practically has misgivings about how many Weasleys could fit within their tent, up until he steps in and realizes that the interior's been enchanted to be "more open." He's seen this before, when he's entered the Weasley household in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, but to me, I thought the QWC event was what solidified wizarding space for me. The tent scene repeats itself later in GoF, where the Four Champions congregate inside a tent before their First Task. Same concept there, things were definitely much bigger on the inside.
FABLES
While it is not necessarily called "wizarding space", I think Bill Willingham's Fables comic series plays with a similar concept of magic and what it does to one's "space." As a preface, the story of Fables deals with the Fable community and the mundane--"mundy"--world. The Fables are a bunch of fairy tale or folkloric characters, often enchanted, semi-immortal, and in some cases, powerful. The mundy world, on the other hand, is the Fables Muggle world, a world "cut off" from the Fable community, even though Fabletown--the neighborhood where most of the Fables have been living in--is smack dab in the middle of New York City. Now, as far as wizarding space goes, to the mundies, Fabletown is a small, decrepit neighborhood of no consequence. But as a Fable, the town is larger than life, fitting hundreds of Fables from various worlds.
A great example of their wizarding space is probably the Business Office, located in a room on a particular building. On the outside, it would seem like a normal office; surely enough, getting there seems almost ordinary--you take a flight of stairs, get to a narrow landing, and enter a door. But once inside, the ceiling is as high as a cathedral, there's an entire galley floating close to the ceiling, and sculptures, statues, and even a giant, gnarled tree can be found within. And that doesn't even fill the office space.
- Prof. Cassandra Lobiesk, pr_lob, Ravenclaw
One of my favourite examples of wizard space is the location of platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. For wizards living in the UK, this location is of utmost importance as it's where the Hogwarts Express starts its journey every September 1st. From a magical point of view, it is a rather remarkable use of wizard space. Hidden behind a solid metal barrier, between the platforms of 2 Muggle trains, lies this entire hidden dimension of space where huge crowds of wizards gather. Not only can they gather there, but they access this area by going through a solid barrier, and in plain sight of Muggles. In a way, the platform is rather similar to the Room of Requirement, as it is only really there when it is needed… specifically at the beginning and end of terms. I’m sure we all remember the incident when Harry and Ron were late, and couldn’t get through the barrier and onto the platform on the other side. This incident further suggests that time also plays a role in the existence of this are.
My second chosen example of wizard space is the Burrow, home of the rather large Weasley family. The Burrow boasts many stories (6 according to most sources), including an astonishing 6 bedrooms. All this while having a rather topsy turvy shape that any engineer worth his salt would balk at. How can a house this large (and high) not tumble under its own weight, especially when it is not symmetrical in any way? How can it appear so modest from the outside, but so big on the inside? Is there some kind of undetectable extension charm at work? Somehow the house is large enough for all members of the Weasley family without them stepping on each others toes, as well as their numerous guests.
- Rosanna Gullveig, ro837, Ravenclaw
We are introduced to the concept of wizard space early on, as soon as Harry first steps foot into Diagon Alley. A completely magical town is hidden in the heart of London! Similarly, platform nine and three-quarters is separated from the Muggle world by a simple wall barrier.
One of my favorite examples of wizard space are the Hogwarts staircases. They can move and shift on their own, symbolizing how fluid space can be. We typically think of a location as permanent, but wizard space tells us otherwise. It's no wonder that students can get lost in the castle if the castle is constantly changing on its own.
I'm surprised that both Harry and Hermione had doubts about the tents at the Quidditch World Cup. Then again, growing up in the Muggle world wouldn't lead you to think a "pair of shabby two-man tents" would actually have the space of "an old-fashioned, three-room flat, complete with bathroom and kitchen" inside. They have experienced that type of magic before. Hagrid's cabin and the Burrow are both roomier on the inside than they appear from the outside. But I suppose, this was a much larger difference in area. Looks can be deceiving, especially when wizard space is involved.
- Prof. Scarlet Leslie-Lewis, pr_sca, Slytherin
Something that I would definitely want for myself, and might have to figure out how to do, is a way to have more bookshelves for my books. I'm out of room already in my place for more book shelves and yet seem to continue acquiring more books! I am thinking that I need something like the undetectable extension charm and also something like a locator charm and maybe a feather light charm (so the floor doesn't sag under the weight of hundreds of books). Then I would use a known object, like a bookshelf but within it are a multitude of books (filed according to author, subject and or status of how favorite they are to me).
Another concept of wizard space is the lovely thing about the tents in HP4. Remember those 'tents' which Mr. Weasley got from Perkins? Gee, how ratty they looked on the outside, but going into them was like going into a charming little cabin -- with all kinds of conveniences, like a kitchen and bedrooms and probably even running water. (Although I don't know how they did the running water -- or got rid of it -- that but's magic!) I think they were a highly complex bit of magic, to have all those conveniences. It wasn't just making the inside bigger than the outside (shades of the Tardis!) but all of the facilities that were inside are totally remarkable!
- Prof. Tarma Amelia Black, pr_tar, Hufflepuff
Apparition --- Any human being can obviously transfer themselves from one place to another. In fact, it is a form of instant teleportation from one place to another, but as with any magic it requires the caster to focus their power and mind to the task at hand, as it is a very difficult method to pull off. The caster needs to virtually imagine that location and focus on it in order to go there, and obviously requires further power to bring other beings or objects with them. Anything goes wrong, and anyone included in the process could be butchered, leaving pieces of themselves behind and they would not make the desired location the same way they left their previous location. A very intriguing process that points to how space is relative, it is what one wants it to be so as long as they can properly set their mind to the task.
Magic Portraits ---- The wizarding world has provided some exceptionally great painters who not only paint well, but can capture a being's essence in their portraits. This does not mean placing their mind or soul into the portrait, but giving a portrait the same characteristics as the ones of a being. The being in the portrait would behave like they used to behave during their life, and could be capable of speech that will also reflect the being's speech from their life. If a live portrait does not sound good enough, links can be formed between various different portraits and the inhabitant of one portrait can visit the inhabitant of a different portrait that has been linked together.
- Zoki Phantom, zo808, Hufflepuff
Another example is the Vanishing Cabinet. Like the Name suggests it vanishes objects placed into the cabinet. Its not known how the Cabinet works but it is a example of wizarding space because it would not be possible to explain through Muggel thinking.
There is also the the famos example of the invisible cloth. A cloth that, like the Name shows, makes everyone that is wearing it invisible. Something not possible for Muggel thinking as objects and people cant simply disappear. But also anything in the Magical world doesnt work in the Muggel logic. For example the flowing Candles in the great Hall or the sky in the great Hall that changes. But also things like the Horkruxes.
- Pandora Evergreen, Hufflepuff
The lesson mentions Vanishing Spells, but what about the Vanishing Cabinets? The Vanishing Cabinets causes an item or even witches and wizards to vanish from inside one cabinet and reappear in a second cabinet somewhere else, with the help of a spell. Draco Malfoy fixed up the Vanishing Cabinet that was located inside Hogwarts and used the Vanishing Cabinet from Borgin and Burkes to transport Death Eaters to the Room of Requirement. Thinking again about the Ford Anglia from the lesson and the article, it also flies. Muggles cars don't fly, at least not yet. But it's normal in the Wizarding World, at least to the Wealey Family. Thinking of flying, Muggles can only fly on airplanes or hellicopters. Witches and Wizards can fly on broomsticks or magical creatures. It's normal for them, but doesn't quite fit into the law of physics for muggles. The same can be said about Portkeys, Floo Powder, or even Apparition. Muggle science isn't the same as our science.
- Skylar Peyton, Hufflepuff
- Ministry of Magic; The Ministry of Magic is a fine example of the use of magic and space. The Ministry of Magic building is located in the centre of London. The Ministry of Magic is located deep underground and has several different floors. The way that the Ministry of Magic is build you wonder how it is possible that it can be so deep underground.
- Portkeys; Portkeys takes a wizard from one place to another. A Portkey is always an enchanted random item. Harry Potter has been in contact with several of these Portkeys. His very first encounter was when he traveled with the Weasley Family to the Quidditch World Cup. A Portkey is a random item that Muggles will ignore when they see it. Examples for these are old boots, cans, etc. The Portkey is linked to a specific location. With a Portkey a group of people can travel to the pinpointed location at once. It’s also said that traveling by Portkey is to feel like having a hook “somewhere behind the navel” pulling the traveler to their location.
- Floo powder; The Floo Powder is a magical powder that the wizarding community uses to travel from one place to another. Floo powder is not the same as a Portkey, as a Portkey has an enchantment over an object that takes you somewhere. With Floo powder the wizard or witch has pronounce the place of arrival themselves very clearly, if not someone could end up on the wrong place.
Beside that Floo powder only works when your destination is also connected. They call this the Floo Network. You can only travel through the destination points that have a floo connection. For traveling with Floo powder you will have to travel through a fireplace to another fireplace. This is why the Ministry of Magic has many fireplaces in their arrival hall.
- Fumei Shirokuro, fu802, Gryffindor
One use of wizard space that isn’t really mentioned by name in the lesson or at any real time in canon is the issue of the dormitories. Let’s say that one year, the Hufflepuff first-year girls’ dorm needs to fit just 4 girls. But what if there’s a big influx of girls the next year who all get sorted into Hufflepuff and suddenly the same room needs to fit 12 girls? I would assume it expands through wizard space to comfortably fit all of the dozen, each in her own bed, no bunk situations needed. The same situation is probably true for classrooms in Hogwarts too. Do you have a small warren of sixth- and seventh-years taking a NEWT class followed by a huge spread of first-years doing an introductory course of the same subject in the same room? It will expand and contract to fit each class’ needs, adding or taking away rows of desks and chairs!
Another one is how enormous structures like castles and Quidditch stadiums can exist in a space that Muggles will see as not being the same size. Sure, the Quidditch stadium for the 1994 World Cup was built in a moor, but how big could that moor possibly be? It was also surrounded by lots of campsites that just took up even more space. Hogwarts presents as a heap of ruins with condemned signs around it, but again, how big could those ruins be? The fact that these big, big buildings exist on land that, in Muggle eyes, can’t be as big as the buildings are is another way wizard space differs from Muggle space.
- Patricia Cleary, pa978, Hufflepuff
I'm going to use one Harry Potter example, and a non-Harry Potter example, 'cause I always find the concept of "bigger on the inside" an interesting defiance of the "Muggle" thinking XD.
HARRY POTTER
I think the concept of wizarding space is always put in play within the Harry Potter books, but the most distinct one that I can clearly remember is what was in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. There were many occasions where wizards and witches walk around on the open ground, then step into a seemingly small tent, and suddenly, the space within the tent is increased tenfold. Take the Quidditch World Cup, for example. Wizard families congregate on a particular field, small, camping-ish tents littering the green. Harry, who'd been raised--albeit badly--in the Muggle realm, practically has misgivings about how many Weasleys could fit within their tent, up until he steps in and realizes that the interior's been enchanted to be "more open." He's seen this before, when he's entered the Weasley household in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, but to me, I thought the QWC event was what solidified wizarding space for me. The tent scene repeats itself later in GoF, where the Four Champions congregate inside a tent before their First Task. Same concept there, things were definitely much bigger on the inside.
FABLES
While it is not necessarily called "wizarding space", I think Bill Willingham's Fables comic series plays with a similar concept of magic and what it does to one's "space." As a preface, the story of Fables deals with the Fable community and the mundane--"mundy"--world. The Fables are a bunch of fairy tale or folkloric characters, often enchanted, semi-immortal, and in some cases, powerful. The mundy world, on the other hand, is the Fables Muggle world, a world "cut off" from the Fable community, even though Fabletown--the neighborhood where most of the Fables have been living in--is smack dab in the middle of New York City. Now, as far as wizarding space goes, to the mundies, Fabletown is a small, decrepit neighborhood of no consequence. But as a Fable, the town is larger than life, fitting hundreds of Fables from various worlds.
A great example of their wizarding space is probably the Business Office, located in a room on a particular building. On the outside, it would seem like a normal office; surely enough, getting there seems almost ordinary--you take a flight of stairs, get to a narrow landing, and enter a door. But once inside, the ceiling is as high as a cathedral, there's an entire galley floating close to the ceiling, and sculptures, statues, and even a giant, gnarled tree can be found within. And that doesn't even fill the office space.
- Prof. Cassandra Lobiesk, pr_lob, Ravenclaw
One of my favourite examples of wizard space is the location of platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. For wizards living in the UK, this location is of utmost importance as it's where the Hogwarts Express starts its journey every September 1st. From a magical point of view, it is a rather remarkable use of wizard space. Hidden behind a solid metal barrier, between the platforms of 2 Muggle trains, lies this entire hidden dimension of space where huge crowds of wizards gather. Not only can they gather there, but they access this area by going through a solid barrier, and in plain sight of Muggles. In a way, the platform is rather similar to the Room of Requirement, as it is only really there when it is needed… specifically at the beginning and end of terms. I’m sure we all remember the incident when Harry and Ron were late, and couldn’t get through the barrier and onto the platform on the other side. This incident further suggests that time also plays a role in the existence of this are.
My second chosen example of wizard space is the Burrow, home of the rather large Weasley family. The Burrow boasts many stories (6 according to most sources), including an astonishing 6 bedrooms. All this while having a rather topsy turvy shape that any engineer worth his salt would balk at. How can a house this large (and high) not tumble under its own weight, especially when it is not symmetrical in any way? How can it appear so modest from the outside, but so big on the inside? Is there some kind of undetectable extension charm at work? Somehow the house is large enough for all members of the Weasley family without them stepping on each others toes, as well as their numerous guests.
- Rosanna Gullveig, ro837, Ravenclaw
We are introduced to the concept of wizard space early on, as soon as Harry first steps foot into Diagon Alley. A completely magical town is hidden in the heart of London! Similarly, platform nine and three-quarters is separated from the Muggle world by a simple wall barrier.
One of my favorite examples of wizard space are the Hogwarts staircases. They can move and shift on their own, symbolizing how fluid space can be. We typically think of a location as permanent, but wizard space tells us otherwise. It's no wonder that students can get lost in the castle if the castle is constantly changing on its own.
I'm surprised that both Harry and Hermione had doubts about the tents at the Quidditch World Cup. Then again, growing up in the Muggle world wouldn't lead you to think a "pair of shabby two-man tents" would actually have the space of "an old-fashioned, three-room flat, complete with bathroom and kitchen" inside. They have experienced that type of magic before. Hagrid's cabin and the Burrow are both roomier on the inside than they appear from the outside. But I suppose, this was a much larger difference in area. Looks can be deceiving, especially when wizard space is involved.
- Prof. Scarlet Leslie-Lewis, pr_sca, Slytherin
Something that I would definitely want for myself, and might have to figure out how to do, is a way to have more bookshelves for my books. I'm out of room already in my place for more book shelves and yet seem to continue acquiring more books! I am thinking that I need something like the undetectable extension charm and also something like a locator charm and maybe a feather light charm (so the floor doesn't sag under the weight of hundreds of books). Then I would use a known object, like a bookshelf but within it are a multitude of books (filed according to author, subject and or status of how favorite they are to me).
Another concept of wizard space is the lovely thing about the tents in HP4. Remember those 'tents' which Mr. Weasley got from Perkins? Gee, how ratty they looked on the outside, but going into them was like going into a charming little cabin -- with all kinds of conveniences, like a kitchen and bedrooms and probably even running water. (Although I don't know how they did the running water -- or got rid of it -- that but's magic!) I think they were a highly complex bit of magic, to have all those conveniences. It wasn't just making the inside bigger than the outside (shades of the Tardis!) but all of the facilities that were inside are totally remarkable!
- Prof. Tarma Amelia Black, pr_tar, Hufflepuff
Apparition --- Any human being can obviously transfer themselves from one place to another. In fact, it is a form of instant teleportation from one place to another, but as with any magic it requires the caster to focus their power and mind to the task at hand, as it is a very difficult method to pull off. The caster needs to virtually imagine that location and focus on it in order to go there, and obviously requires further power to bring other beings or objects with them. Anything goes wrong, and anyone included in the process could be butchered, leaving pieces of themselves behind and they would not make the desired location the same way they left their previous location. A very intriguing process that points to how space is relative, it is what one wants it to be so as long as they can properly set their mind to the task.
Magic Portraits ---- The wizarding world has provided some exceptionally great painters who not only paint well, but can capture a being's essence in their portraits. This does not mean placing their mind or soul into the portrait, but giving a portrait the same characteristics as the ones of a being. The being in the portrait would behave like they used to behave during their life, and could be capable of speech that will also reflect the being's speech from their life. If a live portrait does not sound good enough, links can be formed between various different portraits and the inhabitant of one portrait can visit the inhabitant of a different portrait that has been linked together.
- Zoki Phantom, zo808, Hufflepuff
Art Project
Obviously wizard space is at work inside Hogwarts trunks. There’s just no other way to explain how students can fit all the things they need for a whole year of education (or half a year, if they choose to go home and reload over Christmas break), including clothes, uniform clothes, snacks, money for Hogsmeade, multiple textbooks (what if students in later grades want or need past textbooks as reference? Honestly, Hermione would do that), writing supplies, their Potions cauldron, other Potions materials, a telescope, a broomstick, Quidditch equipment (or are the uniforms stored at school?) pet care supplies and anything else they might need over the course of a school year into one tidy trunk. Sure, you can fold. You can even roll your clothes up like they do in the military to make more room in their packs.
But even then, there’s no way to explain the storage of a Hogwarts trunk in Muggle terms. Wizard space is utilized in Hogwarts trunks, so I assume that they are standard issue and given to each student as a sort of welcome upon being accepted to the school. They are probably charmed with the same Extension Charm that made Hermione’s small purse the envy of every Muggle woman who wishes her purse were big enough for all her stuff while still looking stylish. I like to imagine Dumbledore merrily charming each one as he reads the list provided by McGonagall of new incoming first years.
- Patricia Cleary, pa978, Hufflepuff
But even then, there’s no way to explain the storage of a Hogwarts trunk in Muggle terms. Wizard space is utilized in Hogwarts trunks, so I assume that they are standard issue and given to each student as a sort of welcome upon being accepted to the school. They are probably charmed with the same Extension Charm that made Hermione’s small purse the envy of every Muggle woman who wishes her purse were big enough for all her stuff while still looking stylish. I like to imagine Dumbledore merrily charming each one as he reads the list provided by McGonagall of new incoming first years.
- Patricia Cleary, pa978, Hufflepuff
Well, though not entirely about wizarding space, I did a wallpaper for a friend that kind of fits this concept of magical "space." The wallpaper is a concept of a winged horse entering a different realm through a portrait of a galaxy. If this were in the Muggle world, it'd be quite a sight, a horse taking a leap from its picture. But in magical space, it almost natural to see it do so. And if it wanted to return? There's clearly enough space within the picture of the galaxy.
- Prof. Cassandra Lobiesk, pr_lob, Ravenclaw
- Prof. Cassandra Lobiesk, pr_lob, Ravenclaw
The image created for this lesson is a photo merge created using 2 pictures I took. It is meant to illustrate Platform 9 and three quarters, as seen from the Muggle side, but looking into the wizard space on the other side, with the Hogwarts Express peeking through the brick wall. The first picture was taken at King’s Cross station, while the second picture (the one of the Hogwarts Express) was taken at the National Railway Museum (in York).
- Rosanna Gullveig, ro837, Ravenclaw
- Rosanna Gullveig, ro837, Ravenclaw
Unfortunately, I do not have access to the art project. Below is the writeup for the picture.
Vanishing cabinets are an unique manifestation of vanishing spells. There must be some type of vanishing spell on them, but it is continuous, not a one-time spell. There is also a reversal mechanism, allowing things to go into non-being and reappearing exactly as they were in another space. Putting an object or a person in a vanishing cabinet will only transport that object or person to a linked vanishing cabinet. Vanishing cabinets are quite rare and may be fragile due to age. It is important to make sure that the partner cabinet is in working condition before entering a vanishing cabinet.
- Prof. Scarlet Leslie-Lewis, pr_sca, Slytherin
Vanishing cabinets are an unique manifestation of vanishing spells. There must be some type of vanishing spell on them, but it is continuous, not a one-time spell. There is also a reversal mechanism, allowing things to go into non-being and reappearing exactly as they were in another space. Putting an object or a person in a vanishing cabinet will only transport that object or person to a linked vanishing cabinet. Vanishing cabinets are quite rare and may be fragile due to age. It is important to make sure that the partner cabinet is in working condition before entering a vanishing cabinet.
- Prof. Scarlet Leslie-Lewis, pr_sca, Slytherin
This is my interpretation of the Room of Requirement and how it was used over the years.
Top left (with the reddish background): The room of Toilets. Dumbledore needed a toilet and lo and behold, he found one!
Top right (with dark grey background): The room of things being destroyed by Fiendfyre
Bottom Left (blue background): A green and purple shield next to two wands crossed. This meant to symbolise students training defensive spells here as part of Dumbledore's Army.
Bottom Right (yellow background): During the wizarding war when student camped out here rather than living in their dormitories
- Ereshkigal Csintalan, Slytherin
Top left (with the reddish background): The room of Toilets. Dumbledore needed a toilet and lo and behold, he found one!
Top right (with dark grey background): The room of things being destroyed by Fiendfyre
Bottom Left (blue background): A green and purple shield next to two wands crossed. This meant to symbolise students training defensive spells here as part of Dumbledore's Army.
Bottom Right (yellow background): During the wizarding war when student camped out here rather than living in their dormitories
- Ereshkigal Csintalan, Slytherin