Americans Shocked: Harry Potter's "magic" is just British life

There was a humorous discussion on Reddit where many misconceptions about the British Harry Potter movies were revealed. Some Americans were under the impression that the unique British items used in the film were fictional inventions. However, these are actually part of everyday life in the UK. 

The beginning of the conversation started when one user asked, with a hint of amusement: "What in Harry Potter did you think was magic but later realized it was just British?"

There are many hilarious responses to this question. You will be amazed after knowing these things. Just take a look at these misconceptions, which are actually thought to be fictional:

School Houses

Some people thought the concept of schoolhouses (like Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin) and prefects (older students with some authority) seemed like a Harry Potter invention.

 

However, these are natural aspects of the British school system, where schools divide students into groups for activities and have senior students help maintain order. It's actually a tradition in many British schools.

 

Schoolhouses are common, promoting a sense of identity and competition through sports and academic achievements. So, while the Sorting Hat is purely fictional, the idea of schoolhouses is very much a reality in the UK, underscoring the question, Is Harry Potter British? Clearly, the setting and many elements are authentically British.

The Knight Bus

 

The triple-decker purple bus that provides emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard might seem like a fantastical invention. However, it is actually inspired by the real-life night buses that operate in London.

 

Although the real buses might not compress to squeeze between oncoming traffic, they are a lifeline for many night-time travellers in the city.

Monkshood

Monkshood is known in the wizarding world for its use in potions. But it is actually a real plant, also known as wolfsbane. Most users had the same misconception that this flower is fictional because it was portrayed in the movie as a potion. 

 

In the UK, some people grow monkshood in their gardens because of its stunning beauty. However, it's important to be careful since this plant is poisonous.

Treacle Tart

 

Many people believe that 'Treacle Tart', which is said to be one of Harry Potter's favourite foods, is a fictional food in the movie, just like 'butterbeers' and 'chocolate frogs'.

 

This sweet treat, made from treacle (a byproduct of refining sugar) and often served with a dollop of cream, is really a classical British dessert.

Christmas Crackers

There is no wonder Americans thought of Christmas crackers as something related to wizards and witches. Despite their magical appearance, they don't have any mystical powers. Christmas crackers are a popular tradition in the UK. When you pull them apart, they make a loud noise and reveal toys, jokes, and paper crowns.

 

Pumpkin Juice

This orange-coloured drink can be seen almost everywhere in the movie. Viewers outside the UK may think of it as a product of magic rather than juice. It will be difficult for them to believe it is a real British drink.  

 

The taste is not exactly like pumpkin but more like apple cider, with a touch of cinnamon and sugar. If you want to try it, you can head to the House of Spells, the famous British Harry Potter shop in London. Apart from pumpkin juice replicas, you can explore a wide range of authentic Harry Potter merchandise there.

 

So, that's it! Interestingly, many people had the same doubts about whether it was real or magical. These misconceptions highlight the cultural differences between the UK and the US and showcase J.K. Rowling's skill in weaving the familiar with the fantastical to create a world that feels both incredibly magical and wonderfully real.

 

As fans explore the Harry Potter series, they discover connections between the real world and the wizarding world. These connections remind us that magic can be found in ordinary places.