Two New ‘Harry Potter’ Books Focus on McGonagall and the Weasley Twins This Winter
Hogwarts excitement is about to reach new heights. With HBO’s upcoming television adaptation set to premiere at Christmas, the Wizarding World is preparing for another surge of fan enthusiasm. Publishers are clearly seizing the moment.
Bloomsbury has been quietly developing a series of pocket-sized character guides known as ‘Pocket Potters’. Each illustrated mini-book is filled with memorable story moments, quotes, and facts about individual characters from the ‘Harry Potter’ series. The collection kicked off in August 2025 with guides dedicated to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Now, two new books are on the horizon. Bloomsbury has announced that the next installments will spotlight Professor Minerva McGonagall and the Weasley twins, Fred and George. Both titles are set to be released in the UK on February 23, with pre-orders already available.
‘Pocket Potters: Professor McGonagall‘, illustrated by Natalie Smillie, delves into the life of the formidable Transfiguration teacher and head of Gryffindor House. The book promises to answer long-standing questions, including why she gifted Harry his first broomstick, which animal she can transform into, and what a ‘Hatstall’ is.
On the other hand, ‘Pocket Potters: Fred and George Weasley’, illustrated by Helen Brady, chronicles the twins’ adventures at Hogwarts. It highlights their remarkable knowledge of the school’s secret passages and their inventive pranks, such as Canary Creams. The book also traces their journey from mischievous students to the founders of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley.
Bloomsbury assures readers that there will be plenty of hidden details to delight longtime fans. The pages are designed to evoke nostalgia while also appealing to new readers, making it a perfect fit for both audiences.
Like the previous entries in the series, both books are 32-page hardbacks. In the UK, they are priced at £10, with a special pre-order price of £7 at the time of the announcement, which translates to about 10 euros for readers across Europe.
While these books are primarily aimed at younger readers, their collectible format is sure to attract older fans as well. Parents looking to introduce a new generation to the magic of ‘Harry Potter’ will likely find these titles irresistible. They also make for excellent stocking stuffers.
These new titles expand an already growing lineup. Earlier this year, guides featuring Dumbledore and Luna Lovegood were released, and books on Hagrid and Dobby were scheduled for August. With the addition of McGonagall and the twins, the series now encompasses most of the central Hogwarts characters.
The timing of these releases is no coincidence. The new guides will launch just two months after HBO’s ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ premieres, allowing viewers to encounter a new McGonagall and new Weasley twins just before the books arrive. Reports indicate that Janet McTeer will portray McGonagall, while real-life brothers Tristan and Gabriel Harland will play the twins.
HBO’s first season will consist of 8 episodes and is set to debut at Christmas, featuring a new cast led by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry. The network has already renewed the show for a second season. Each season is designed to cover one book, providing more depth than the films could offer.
This slower pacing may allow secondary characters like McGonagall and the twins to resonate more with casual viewers. A companion book that explores their quirks, backstories, and favorite tricks fits perfectly into that curiosity. It’s a savvy publishing move in an era where franchises thrive on interconnected releases.
Pre-orders are the best way to ensure you get a copy, especially if you’re aiming to collect the entire set. Previous guides have been published in numerous languages, so editions should be widely accessible. And for those still anticipating the TV series, these books offer a delightful way to remain immersed in the Wizarding World.
Whether you’re a devoted reader or just embarking on your own Hogwarts adventure, the new guides provide a gentle re-entry into the magical realm. McGonagall and the twins are two of the most cherished characters in the saga, and they certainly deserve their moment in the spotlight.
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