The Harry Potter story has captured the imaginations of millions of fans around the world. The immense popularity of the books, movies, and related merchandise has valued the Harry Potter brand at about $10 billion.  The story centers on the life of boy-wizard Harry Potter as he comes of age. Harry, an orphan, isn’t aware of his magical heritage until his 11th birthday, when Hagrid, a half-giant, comes to retrieve Harry for enrollment at the Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry learns that his parents were wizards slain by the evil Lord Voldemort (or, “He Who Must Not Be Named”). A lightning-shaped scar on Harry’s forehead was put there by Voldemort, who tried, unsuccessfully, to kill Harry as an infant. On the way to Hogwarts, Harry meets his future friends: the brainy Hermione Granger and the fun-loving Ron Weasley. Harry also gets a taste of things to come from his uppity rival, Draco Malfoy. Malfoy resents Harry’s legendary status, especially after Harry chooses to befriend Ron and Hermione, both of whom Malfoy considers to be inferior.

In ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone’, Harry, Ron and Hermione are placed in the same House: Gryffindor, a House known for its courage and chivalry. The other three Houses are the hard-working House Hufflepuff, the clever House Ravenclaw, and the ambitious House Slytherin. Also, the exciting airborne sport of Quidditch makes it debut in ‘Philosopher’s Stone’. Harry joins the Gryffindor team and quickly proves to be a talented player.

The Harry Potter series features a recurring struggle between the forces of evil - Lord Voldemort and his followers, the Death-Eaters - and the forces of good – Harry, his friends, and headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Voldemort is relatively weak in the beginning, but grows in strength as the series continues. There are other antagonists as well, ranging from a dim-witted cave troll to the truly terrifying dementors in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’.

The wizarding world exists alongside the non-magical world of the Muggles (non-wizards), though its existence is a carefully-kept secret. There are magic spells or charms designed to carry out dreary tasks like cleaning, but it’s a serious offense to use obvious magic in the non-magical world. Harry finds this out when he inflates his obnoxious Aunt Marge and allows her to float away like a hot air balloon. Though he avoids serious punishment, Harry could have been suspended or expelled for his rash use of magic outside of Hogwarts.

It is ultimately revealed that Voldemort wants to do away with all of the Houses except for Slytherin. As Harry grows, he learns more about his parents and the true tale of how they sacrificed themselves to protect him. Voldemort remains a constant threat through his mortal minions, who constantly threaten, enslave, or kill Harry’s allies. Through courage, determination, and the help of his friends, Harry always manages to come out okay.

Each time a new book or movie is launched, Harry Potter fans get together and throw huge events. Many of them dress up in Harry Potter costumes. Hogwarts wizard robes are also popular at Halloween, and for any occasion that calls for a little magic.