Today marks the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter – and to celebrate Facebook has gifted us all with an Easter Egg.
When you comment on a post or make a status update using the words Harry Potter or any one of the Hogwarts houses of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, something magical happens. The name appears in the colour of the house. In the case of “Harry Potter”, the name appears in red to reflect that he belongs to the house of Gryffindor.
A wand also appears, and conjures up some celebratory magic. Clicking on any of the names you’ve written makes the wand appear again.
Suffice to say, the internet is LOVING IT.
THIS NEW FACEBOOK THING HAS ME SHOOK. IF YOU TYPE IN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF THE HOGWARTS HOUSES AND CLICK IT THIS HAPPENS pic.twitter.com/evPTlxQGcj
— lisa⁴ WCC WINNERS (@smaugsyy_) June 25, 2017
Harry Potter fun on Facebook! @pottermore @rowlinglibrary pic.twitter.com/0eZjWR3oek
— Angie (@FourPrivetDr) June 26, 2017
How cool is this!!!! 🤗 I love when Facebook does these cute little things.
Touch it 👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼 Harry Potter
Comment below if it works for you!— Dave (@Networktips) June 25, 2017
This is the best thing Facebook has ever done 😍✨⚡️You click on Harry Potter and a wand, sparks and lightning all appear! It's magic! pic.twitter.com/67BpzfWhIY
— Laura Davidson (@lovelylaurajd) June 26, 2017
For some, it wasn’t working:
Dear @facebook – the Harry Potter clicking thing is not working for me, please fix before I turn you into a ferret. pic.twitter.com/yOK6IjWMmo
— Lianna Salva (@LiannaSalva) June 26, 2017
The fun effect thingy on Facebook for Harry Potter anniversary won't work on my phone and mom said it's probs Bc I'm a muggle so
— Han💕🦕 (@HannahNicole765) June 26, 2017
Facebook isn’t the only social media giant getting in on the act. Twitter is also celebrating with a brand new Harry Potter emoji.
Introducing a new Twitter emoji celebrating the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone! #HarryPotter20 pic.twitter.com/9ueEBjCZon
— Harry Potter (@harrypotter) June 26, 2017
When you use the hashtag #HarryPotter20, the emoji, which features a graphic of Harry Potter’s spectacles and scar, appears.
J.K. Rowling’s very first Harry Potter novel was published on June 26, 1997. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – known in the US as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – has gone on to sell more than 450 million copies around the world.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, publisher Bloomsbury is releasing four new collectors’ editions of the book. Each features a different house crest on the cover in house colours. All also include new content including illustrations and character profiles.
Keep your eyes peeled today for plenty more going on in celebration of 20 years of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding phenomenon.