At various points throughout the Harry Potter timeline, flashbacks and flash-forwards depict time periods ranging from the 1920s to the 2020s.
The depiction of the wizarding world is centred on magic, which not only imbues objects such as wands, but is also portrayed as an inborn ability of individuals.
Candles are used for illumination instead of electrical or gas lamps, and owls are used to send messages instead of phone calls or emails.
Instead of using pens or computers to take notes and write essays, Hogwarts students use ink-dipped quills and parchment.
Wizards do not use paper currency, but instead rely on three types of coins: the gold Galleon, the silver Sickle, and the bronze Knut.
Wizards often live in magical enclaves within Muggle villages, such as Godric's Hollow in the West Country.
The wizarding high street Diagon Alley lies in central London, just off Charing Cross Road.
J. K. Rowling stated that no bloodline is truly "pure", but those who wish to claim purity deny the existence of Muggles and Squibs in their ancestry.
[4] Some families inbreed to maintain blood purity, which can result in offspring with mental instability and violent natures.
The only Squibs mentioned in the novels are Argus Filch, Arabella Figg, and a cousin of Molly Weasley.
Examples include Fleur Delacour and her sister Gabrielle, who are both a quarter Veela; Rubeus Hagrid, who is half-giant; and Filius Flitwick, who has goblin ancestry.
These four schools are Ilvermorny (United States), Castelobruxo (Brazil), Mahoutokoro (Japan) and Uagadou (Africa).
Albus Dumbledore devised a method of using Patronuses to deliver vocal messages, which he used in the service of Order of the Phoenix.
Minerva McGonagall is the only character in the series who demonstrates the ability to project multiple message-carrying Patronuses.
For example, the former Hogwarts headmaster Phineas Nigellus travels between Dumbledore's office and his other portrait in Grimmauld Place.
Another form of closed communication used in the books and films is a set of mirrors that belonged to Sirius Black.
A Portkey is often a mundane object such as an old boot or tin can, which allows the device to avoid scrutiny from Muggles.
Some characters have been known to enchant Muggle vehicles to have magical features, such as Arthur Weasley's Ford Anglia or Sirius Black's Flying Motorbike.
In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, a discussion is held around the politics of importing flying carpets.
[16] Its journalistic integrity is lacking; it has been known to be more concerned about sales than about factual accuracy and is often a mouthpiece for the Ministry of Magic; as described by Rita Skeeter, "The Prophet exists to sell itself!
"[17] The Prophet remains respectable for the first three books, but by Goblet of Fire, it has hired Rita Skeeter, an unscrupulous journalist who supplies several thrilling and blatantly false articles.
[18] When Minister Fudge takes the stance of firmly denying Voldemort's return, the Prophet initiates a smear campaign against Dumbledore and Harry, the most influential proponents of the opposing view.
After Fudge is forced to admit that Voldemort has returned, the Prophet changes its stance overnight, calling Harry "a lone voice of truth".
In Order of the Phoenix, Hermione blackmails Rita Skeeter into writing an article about Harry's encounter with Voldemort.
In Deathly Hallows, Ron introduces Harry and Hermione to Potterwatch, an underground anti-Voldemort radio program.
[21] The Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed area at the Universal Orlando resort sells a line of food and beverages inspired by Butterbeer, and the Jelly Belly candy company has produced Butterbeer-inspired sweets.
[27] The Bertie Bott's Beans produced by Jelly Belly include flavours such as black pepper, dirt, earwax, grass, sausage, soap, and vomit.