Explores the true history, folklore, and mythology behind the magical practices, creatures, and personalities that appear in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books.

Introduction -- Did alchemists really search for a magic stone? -- Who was the most amazing Animagus? -- Is "Avada Kedavra" a real curse? -- Are basilisks just big snakes? -- Which "fantastic beasts" come from legend? -- Why would Sirius Black become a black dog? -- Why does the Black family appear on a tapestry? -- What creature doesn't know when to say good-bye? -- Have witches always flown on broomsticks? -- Why would Mundungus Fletcher steal cauldrons? -- Why do centaurs avoid humans? -- What's the favorite trick of Cornish pixies? -- Why would Voldemort put the Dark Mark on Death Eaters? -- What story began with a dark and stormy knight? -- Why would chocolate help after escaping a Dementor? -- Does Dumbledore trust Divination or doesn't he? -- Which creature is fit for a king? -- Who were the first British wizards? -- Why doesn't Dumbledore fight Voldemort? -- Why would Durmstrang students travel by ship? -- Where does magic come from? -- Which character can't die? -- Was the real Flamel a successful alchemist? -- Why would Fluffy come from "a Greek chappie"? -- Why would the forest near Hogwarts be "forbidden"? -- What does ice cream have to do with witchcraft? -- Are all giants bad? -- Which real-life creature still eludes scientists? -- Why are Harry and Cedric like knights of the Round Table? -- Why are goblins such good bankers? -- Which of Draco's sidekicks is also named for a dragon? -- Which creature is master of both earth and sky? -- Why do parents worry about Grindylows? -- Where do the nastiest Mandrakes grow? -- Which is the least likely magical creature? -- Why would anyone go to school with a Slytherin? -- Which creature may not bow its head? -- What is the most important language for wizards? -- Why is each Malfoy aptly named? -- Why won't wizards go near a manticore? -- Why is the Third Task set in a maze? -- Why might McGonagall appear as a cat? -- Why might a human fear merpeople? -- Why are mirrors magical? -- Which of Voldemort's cohorts comes from India? -- Where do those names come from?! -- What were the models for the Order of the Phoenix? -- Besides mail, what does the arrival of an owl mean? -- Could Snape's potions actually work? -- What makes Harry a universal hero? -- Why are runes carved on the Pensieve? -- Why does the Sphinx ask Harry a question? -- How do you scare a spider? -- Why do trolls stink? -- Why should wizards never be Inquisitors? -- How do you catch a unicorn? -- What makes Veela angry? -- What kind of nightmares created Voldemort? -- Why do wizards use wands? -- Are any of the "famous witches and wizards" real? -- Caution! -- A note on the final chapters -- How did seven become the most magical number? -- Why would a Muggle want a Horcrux? -- What is J.K. Rowling's idea of a hero? -- Is Harry's story about religion? -- What evil may be worse than Voldemort's? -- Is Rowling a "Master of Death"? -- Afterword.