There are few things certain in this world. Death. Taxes. The never-ending popularity of Harry Potter. That’s pretty much it.

With the Fantastic Beasts spin-off films, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – a play that’s still causing a buzz across the West End – there’s plenty of new material to keep lovers of the wonderful world of witchcraft and wizardry entertained… but nothing beats the original.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – the first book in the Harry Potter series released in 1997 – may be old enough to drink in America now, but we still can’t get enough of it or its origin story.

The tale of how JK Rowling created possibly the most famous book series in the world is as compelling to fans as the books themselves. Which is probably why the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition at The British Library sold out so quickly.

The record-breaking exhibition – that included rare books, crystal balls and broomsticks – is set to conclude its five-month run today, 28 February. And though the props will be packed up and stowed away, much of the exhibition will be available online thanks to the free Google Arts & Culture app.

The online exhibition will include rare books, manuscripts, sketches and behind-the-scenes objects. It even includes Rowling’s original sketch of the Hogwarts grounds.

Ever wondered how Rowling got her book published? The original Philosopher’s Stone one-pager synopsis sent out to publishers in 1995 is also included.

Hours of entertainment can be had onsite while exploring sketches from the book’s illustrator Jim Kay, source material and even an immersive 360-degree Divination room. So excuse us if we’re a bit quiet for a while… 

Images: Google