Pottermore FAQs
Below are the commonly asked questions by Pottermore users. If you have any other questions, send them in to admin@gryffinroar.com
Table of contents
2. Potions and Duels
3. Book Specific Questions
4. Item Locations
5. Cheating
6. Video Tutorials
7. Pottermore Contact Details
All Things Pottermore
What else can we do to earn points?
Can I recollect items?
What happens if we run out of Galleons? When will we get more?
Why can't I move on to the [book] or look into the other Diagon Alley shops?
When is the next book being released?
When is the next house cup awarded?
Is it just me or is that coin next to Diagon Alley locked? What is that for?
What are drawings and how can I upload mine?
How do I contact Pottermore?
Can someone please explain the point system? I just don't understand it.
What is the difference between Current Points and Total Points?
Can someone please expain the moderation system? Why can't I post numbers?
Why do the people in the leader boards have that many points?
What do I need for Pottermore to work on my computer?
My ____ page isn't working. What should I do?
I keep getting a purple/pink screen (PSD) on Pottermore saying that the site is down. What is this?
Pottermore keeps signing me out when I try to write comments, what should I do?
I can't login to my Pottermore account, what should I do?
Can I update the information I provided about which books/movies I've read/seen?
- Collect items, brew potions and duels... that's it.
Can I recollect items?
- Some ingredients are regenerating, which means they can be found within the chapters. It's wise to collect these as it limits your galleon usage. A list of regenerating ingredients and their locations can be found here
- All items that are giftable, regenerate. This means that if you give an object away, you can recollect it from the same place you first found it.
- You will not receive any points for the recollection of objects/ingredients
What happens if we run out of Galleons? When will we get more?
- You are given a limited amount of galleons per book, if you run out you won't be given more until the next book so spend wisely. You can also find galleons hidden in the chapters.
Why can't I move on to the [book] or look into the other Diagon Alley shops?
- You can only explore CoS if you are in the last chapter of PS. If you are not in the last chapter, you will not be able to see the explore button for CoS.
- To be able to access PoA, you must purchase everything from your second year shopping list. All this means is that you must purchase all the books in Diagon Alley written by Lockhart. If you still have trouble accessing PoA, go to the last chapter/moment of CoS, click forward to complete book 2 and then attempt to go to PoA.
- The other stores in Diagon Alley are still locked for everyone, they will be unlocked throughout the different books.
When is the next book being released?
- Unfortunately, we don't have any inside information regarding when Pottermore plan to release books. However, we will update our news page when we have information regarding release dates. Currently 15 chapters of the Prisoner of Azkaban have been released.
When is the next house cup awarded?
- So far, three house cups have been awarded. Check out all the previous house cup results here. Currently there is no information regarding when the fourth will be awarded.
Is it just me or is that coin next to Diagon Alley locked? What is that for?
- That coin is locked for everyone. At the unveiling of the site, screenshots showed that the last coin was the official PM store however it was never unlocked when the store opened. Some users think it's supposed to be Hogsmeade, however, this has not been confirmed. Currently there is no info regarding when it will be unlocked.
What are drawings and how can I upload mine?
- Drawings enable Pottermore users to add their own artwork to their profile.
- When in a chapter, on the left side you can see a character/object/place list. When you click on the person/object/place of your choice, you will then be led to an information page. Then scroll down and at the bottom you will find an option to upload your artwork. You can also upload your drawing on GryffinRoar in the Gallery.
How do I contact Pottermore?
- Currently the only way to contact Pottermore is to go to Pottermore, go to help > other > what's next > need more help. Include your Pottermore username and tick the box that requests a reply.
- Alternatively, you can try sending an email directly to contactus.en@support.pottermore.com
Can someone please explain the point system? I just don't understand it.
- Neither do we and no one does, to be honest. All we hear are speculations and unless we get a proper explanation from Pottermore, this is all we can say.
What is the difference between Current Points and Total Points?
- Your 'Current Points' reset after every house cup. So, your current points value will change just before a new book is released. 'Total points' is how many points you have accumulated since you joined Pottermore and does not reset after each house cup.
Can someone please expain the moderation system? Why can't I post numbers?
- Pottermore is strictly moderated to ensure the safety of all its users. You cannot post numbers in your comments as a safety measure. It has been put into place to prevent younger users from giving out personal numbers and/or addresses.
Why do the people in the leader boards have that many points?
- It all just depends on how much you brew and duel :)
What do I need for Pottermore to work on my computer?
- For the best experience you'll need IE 8+, Firefox 3+, Chrome 5+ or Safari 5+
- You'll need Adobe Flash Player 10+, which can be downloaded here
- You need to enable Javascript and cookies
My ____ page isn't working. What should I do?
- Try to use another browser first, upgrade your flash by clicking here or clear your cache/cookies. Usually its just the flash acting up. If that still doesn't work, fill out the feedback form which can be found at Help>Other>What's Next>Need More Help or you can click here. Be sure to add your Pottermore name when you fill it up!
I keep getting a purple/pink screen (PSD) on Pottermore saying that the site is down. What is this?
- The purple/pink pages indicate that Pottermore is undergoing maintenance or the servers are currently down. If the servers are down, refreshing your page a couple of times should help. If Pottermore is undergoing maintenance, the site will be down for everyone. Maintenance usually takes longer than an hour so it's best to just check back later. Keep an eye on the Pottermore Insider for scheduled maintenance times.
- PSD is a beta term for purple/pink screen of death.
Pottermore keeps signing me out when I try to write comments, what should I do?
- If you are inactive for a while (eg on another tab for a bit), Pottermore will automatically sign you out. To prevent this make sure you tick the "keep me signed in" box when you login.
I can't login to my Pottermore account, what should I do?
- If you are inactive on Pottermore for 6 consecutive months, Pottermore has the right to delete your account. So, if you haven't logged in for 6+ months this could be why. It's always best to try the 'forgotten your password/username' buttons before making a new account. If you don't receive an email after clicking these (allow some time for it to be processed), try requesting a new password a couple more times. It all of this fails, unfortunately it means you'll most likely need to make a new account..
Can I update the information I provided about which books/movies I've read/seen?
- The information you provide about which books you've read and movies you've seen, cannot be changed after registration. It is not essential to update this information, so therefore it cannot be changed. Don't worry too much about it though, it's just a little survey and won't alter your Pottermore experience :)
Potions and Duels
Is there a difference in brewing speeds between the 3 cauldrons?
What is the small magnifying glass in my potions book?
HELP! I can't brew!
I bought all 3 cauldrons. I can brew more than 1 potion right?
How can I get more potion ingredients?
What can I do if I have a potions glitch? Where can I report this?
How many points do we get from duels?
How do I cast a spell?
What is the best spell to use?
Which spells can I use?
Do I need to be friends with someone to duel them?
- Yes, there is a difference in brewing speed between the 3 cauldrons. The brewing time of brass cauldron is (approximately) 85% of pewter cauldron, while copper cauldron brewing time is 75% of pewter cauldron.
What is the small magnifying glass in my potions book?
- The magnifying glass means that the ingredient cannot be bought from Diagon Alley and instead can ONLY be found within the chapters. Have a look through the regenerating ingredients section for their locations.
HELP! I can't brew!
- Click here to read our general potions tips. Click here to read tips on specific potions. Read and follow all those and you will learn how to brew :)
I bought all 3 cauldrons. I can brew more than 1 potion right?
- Sorry but you can't. We can only brew 1 potion at a time, so choose your potions wisely!
How can I get more potion ingredients?
- There are some regenerating ingredients within the moments, save your galleons by collecting these. A list of regenerating ingredients can be found here. Remember that you can only recollect ingredients if your personal stock for that item is zero. If they do not regenerate, you can buy them from Diagon Alley or ask someone to gift them to you.
What can I do if I have a potions glitch? Where can I report this?
- Glitches appear to correct themselves if you click "come back later" rather than staying on the page. This could be a coincidence but it's definitely worth a try! If that doesn't help, try another browser/slear your cookies & cache and make sure your flash is up to date.
- If all else fails you can contact Pottermore by going to Help > Other > What's Next > Need More Help or you can click here as well. Be sure to add your Pottermore username and tick the box that asks for a reply.
How many points do we get from duels?
- 5 points if you win so click here to know how to win. You do not lose any points if you do not win and you do not receive points if you draw with another user. Click here for a video tutorial
How do I cast a spell?
- Spell casting, though much easier than potions, also requires some practice. Click here to get the proper know-how on spell casting.
What is the best spell to use?
- Currently the best spell to use is Full Body Bind as it has a max potency of 145.
Which spells can I use?
- Currently you can only use spells from Curses and Counter-Curses in Wizard Duelling. Most of the spells from other books are either locked or cannot be used in duels. At the moment, the Standard Book of Spells Grade III does not turn up in your spells section.
Do I need to be friends with someone to duel them?
- You can either choose to duel someone from your friends list or someone random from another house (just go to Wizards Duel and click which house you'd like to duel). Alternatively, if you see someone commenting about wanting to be duelled and you're not friends with them you can duel them by using a direct link (http://www.pottermore.com/en/wizards-duel/direct-duel/Pottermorenamehere) eg. http://www.pottermore.com/en/wizards-duel/direct-duel/MidnightMoon126 OR by going to their profile, scrolling down and clicking "wizards duel"
Book Specific Questions
I can't de-gnome the garden - How do I do it?
In CoS Chapter 6, Moment 3 how do I put the pixies back in their cage?
Why can't I collect fluxweed from CoS?
In CoS Chapter 15, Moment 1, where are the three spiders?
I can't collect the Needlework from the last chapter of CoS?
- As requested, a video tutorial has been made! You can check it out here
In CoS Chapter 6, Moment 3 how do I put the pixies back in their cage?
- It's easier to watch than explain so we've made a video tutorial. You can find it here
Why can't I collect fluxweed from CoS?
- If your browser is zoomed in too much you won't be able to click on the fluxweed. Go to your browser settings to change the zoom then double click 5 times to collect the fluxweed. It's exact location is listed under Item Locations > CoS > Regenerating Ingredients
- In order to gain entry into the Slytherin Common room you HAVE to brew/obtain via gift polyjuice potion. Polyjuice is brewed in two parts, both have to be completed or obtained. Check out of video tutorial here. After you've brewed it just click on the wall and you'll be able to enter.
In CoS Chapter 15, Moment 1, where are the three spiders?
- Click here for a screenshot. The locations of the three spiders have been circled.
I can't collect the Needlework from the last chapter of CoS?
- Currently there is a glitch that prevents people from collecting it. An update will be given once this glitch has been fixed.
Item Locations
Where can I find ____?
Where can I get ______ (regenerating ingredients)?
I'm missing _____ book or _____ card. Where can I FIND it?
How many cards/objects/books are there?
- Answers can be found under the Item Locations tab. Everything is organised under the book is appears in and the category it falls under. Eg A Chocolate Frog Card can be found under Item Locations > Chamber of Secrets > Chocolate Frog Card Locations
Where can I get ______ (regenerating ingredients)?
- Answers can be found under the Potions tab or under their respective books via Item Locations. For specific locations you will need to visit the regenerating ingredients listed under Item Locations > [insert book here] > regenerating ingredients. For an overview you can have a look at the ingredients glossary.
I'm missing _____ book or _____ card. Where can I FIND it?
- Answers can be found under the Item Locations tab under their respective book name.
How many cards/objects/books are there?
- All locations can be found under the Items locations tab. Have a look through the pages and see if you have everything :)
Cheating and PIES
I've heard people cheat by doing ______. How do I do it?
Do the other houses cheat?
What are PIES and how can we identify them?
What do we do if we notice someone who is cheating?
- This is regarded as cheating and no, we won't tell you how to do it. You will enjoy the experience so much more if you do it the right way. Remember it isn't really winning if you have to cheat your way to the top.
Do the other houses cheat?
- Some say yes, some say no...just don't worry what everyone else is doing. It's not a real win if you cheat anyway. The majority of people do not cheat.
What are PIES and how can we identify them?
- Pies is an old beta term for "spies". One can identify them by looking at the recent activity area in the common room. If you notice anyone melting cauldrons successively or sending a lot of ingredients to another house then that is a possible PIE. Be careful when accusing people though - some people just have a hard time getting the hang of brewing, while others are just nice enough to give all their ingredients away.
- Check profiles before sending ingredients. If you notice that someone has negative points or has a ton of ingredients but is asking in the common room for stuff then it's probably best not to give your ingredients away.
What do we do if we notice someone who is cheating?
- Call them out by posting in the common room. Make sure you look for evidence before accusing them. Ask around to see if anyone else has noticed the user and then inform us about it here. Give us the name of the user, what he/she did and if they're on our Prefect list we'll be sure to delete them.
- However, as we are not part of Pottermore, we cannot remove their accounts. If you suspect that a user is cheating (please be 100% sure first), report them by going to HELP > OTHER > WHAT'S NEXT > NEED MORE HELP. Just fill in the contact form with all the details.
- Alternatively, you can report a user by going to their profile and clicking the "report user" link near their name
- Do not abuse the report function. Only report someone if you have absolute reason to and you have proof.
Video Tutorials
Do you have any video tutorials?
If there are any other video tutorials (for potions or mini games) you'd like to have made, send an email to admin@gryffinroar.com and MM will make one as soon as she can :)
- Yes! You can check out all the video tutorials here
If there are any other video tutorials (for potions or mini games) you'd like to have made, send an email to admin@gryffinroar.com and MM will make one as soon as she can :)
Pottermore Contact Details
Submission Form/Email PM: Go to help > other > what's next > need more help
Pottermore's direct email address: contactus.en@support.pottermore.com
Parent complaint hotline: 1 877 803 5583 (toll free in US)
Postal Address: Pottermore Limited, Calder House, 599 Calder Road, Edinburgh EH11 4GA, UK
Pottermore's direct email address: contactus.en@support.pottermore.com
Parent complaint hotline: 1 877 803 5583 (toll free in US)
Postal Address: Pottermore Limited, Calder House, 599 Calder Road, Edinburgh EH11 4GA, UK
