Pottermore Previews

Update 6/30: The new Pottermore preview is up. Here's the jpeg:

click to enlarge

So, let's start dissecting!

It's Platform 9 3/4. Interesting how she chose a chapter focused on a number. :-)

So, it looks like there will be two interactive parts in this chapter -- one about the train, and the other about the train ride.

The icons at the top include:

• a Lock --in the place where in prior screen shots it says "Shop Open."
• Diagon Alley --
• Gringotts -- isn't there supposed to be a game here? riding the carts? Or am I confusing with the theme park? :-) -- could also imply that you earn galleons during the exploration and need a place to store your loot.
• Great Hall -- a place to share your fanfiction and fanart?
• Common Room --maybe a place to organize smaller study/reading groups or games?
• Spells -- a game for casting spells (as reported in Time)?
• Potions -- a game for mixing potions (as reported in Time)?
• Trunk -- a place to keep mementos/prizes you've gained?
• Friends -- the social media aspect?
• Favorites -- as in other social media, probably a place to bookmark favorite posts from friends
• also an owl with glowing eyes overseeing it all

I'll start listing beside each possibilities for what it represents.

I'm very curious about that owl with the number beside his head.  I wonder if that number represents a level you progress through, or special items you have collected, or what?  What do you think?

I think I see some red-haired Weasleys on the platform behind the sign! :-)

Also, did you notice the sprig of ivy at the bottom right of the sign?  We know already that in Diagon Alley we get to have our wand choose us.  I wonder if that ivy is decoration for everyone, or if it changes depending on the wood of your wand?


One thing I do not see is much of a hint toward the early entry online challenge.  As this is a picture of a page from the site, rather than an introduction to the site as the video was before, I guess it's not meant to give us a hint.  The only possibilities I could see would be that she chose to preview a chapter focused on a number, and that there is an owl watching/guarding on top (which may be on every page). (For more discussion on the early entry online challenge, follow the Pottermore label and check the comments as well).

So, what do you all think?  What have I missed?

One other note: Take a look at the Pottermore Flash image on Leaky's page (I've marked the one about JKR leaving her agent).   Notice that front owl in the center, the one that raises and lowers its feet.  Look at what's under it's left talon, the one nearer the viewer.  Is that a limb of the tree?  Or is it a wand?

Need to go look at the original YouTube Flash for other possible wands in that nearly-bare tree!


Original post started here:
JK Rowling has announced through her Pottermore Twitter that tomorrow they will be releasing "the first of three special previews of one of the Pottermore chapters."

So, what can we expect? How will this be released, and what will we see?

I imagine we'll get an inside look similar to what has already been glimpsed through the Youtube video shot at the initial Pottermore press conference. Hopefully, we'll get to see something beyond the cupboard under the stairs with the tidbit about Vernon and Petunia or the sorting hat choices, as we've already seen glimpses of those.

As the Time article mentioned scenes from Platform 9 ¾, the Hogwarts Express, Diagon Alley and Gringotts, I expect one of these could be featured. Personally, I'd love to see Diagon Alley.

What would be great would be if the preview is somehow interactive. It may very well be another YouTube Flash. In whatever manner the preview is released, we should all be on the lookout for any hidden clues regarding the upcoming "online challenge" for early entry. Keep a sharp eye out for any quills!

I'll be covering the release both here and at my Twitter feed. So, come join me and let's share in the fun.

Also, LeakyCon 2011 has said that attendees will get a special preview at the conference as well. I will be attending to present my workshop A Writer's Guide to Harry Potter and will definitely bring you the latest Pottermore details released there.

So, stay tuned!