What must strike any intelligent witch or wizard on studying the so-called history of the Elder Wand is that every man who claims to have owned it has insisted that it is "unbeatable," when the known facts of its passage through many owners' hands demonstrate that has it not only been beaten hundreds of times, but that it also attracts trouble as Grumble the Grubby Goat attracted flies.

Children's books aren't textbooks. Their primary purpose isn't supposed to be "Pick this up and it will teach you this." It's not how literature should be. You probably do learn something from every book you pick up, but it might be simply how to laugh.

If Harry Potter taught us anything, it's that no one should have to live in the closet

I just hate meetings.

The truth. It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and must therefore be treated with great caution.

I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.

She was on edge, feeling that she might snap or cry at the smallest provocation.