'Harry Potter' Author Reveals Secrets Ahead of Book's 20th Anniversary

It's been two decades since JK Rowling published her first "Harry Potter" book. Over the years, the British author has revealed numerous secrets and little-known information about the world and characters she created. It's the series' twentieth anniversary and Britain is celebrating it with several tourist attractions and shows.

The first book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was released on June 29, 1997. It soon took the world by storm and years after the last installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", book fans are still talking about it and movie makers are still producing films set in its universe. Entertainment Weekly compiled a video on several "Harry Potter" revelations and secrets.

Voldemort is the main villain in the "Harry Potter" books, but few people really know how to pronounce his name. JK Rowling revealed on Twitter that it should be pronounced with a silent "T". On killing off characters, Rowling had Remus Lupin die in place of Arthur Weasley, who survived in "The Order of the Phoenix".

Moaning Myrtle, the ghost that haunts the girls' bathroom, is really named Myrtle Elizabeth Warren. Rowling clarified that she did not base the character on US Senator Elizabeth Warren. One of the things that have bothered fans about the Hogwarts School in the "Harry Potter" universe is the tuition. It turns out that there is no tuition fee! The Ministry of Magic shoulders the necessary expenses and teachers' salaries.

There are 11 wizarding schools around the world, although only a few have been mentioned in the "Harry Potter" books. Rowling wrote about the rest of them on Pottermore, showing that the wizarding world that she created continues to expand. In fact, Britain is preparing for the books' 20^th anniversary, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Brit Movie Tour, London Walks, and Discovery Walks of London are guided tours that can take visitors to places where the "Harry Potter" movies were filmed. The Georgian House in Pimlico offer a Wizarding Chamber hotel room for the full fantasy experience. Fans can also visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - "The Making of Harry Potter".

Of course, tourists can also take pictures at the King's Cross Station, where Platform 9 ¾ was filmed. There's also a shop nearby that's meant to mimic Ollivander's wand store. The House of MinaLima also offers a display of original "Harry Potter" artwork and props. Despite it already being 20 years, the story of the Boy Who Lived and the characters that shaped his life continue to amuse old fans and amass new ones.