Our favorite Magizoologist, and his trusted crew, are back again to help Dumbledore. Coming back for the third installment of the Fantastic Beasts series, we get more Wizarding World without the Harry Potter. That does not mean there aren’t any connections between the two. As a matter of fact, this movie may have the most Easter Eggs of the three. Here’s looking at the Easter eggs you can look forward to seeing in Fantastic Beasts: Secrets Of Dumbledore.
Hogwarts and Hogsmeade
The first major Easter Egg is, of course, Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. We’re going back to the magical roots where it all began. For all Harry Potter fans, it has been years since we saw the spectacular sight of the castle on screen. It is surreal to feel like we are going back to a place we cherish, almost like going back home. Although the fun doesn’t’ just end with the exterior of the castle, we get to visit the Great Hall. Two of the most famous locations for any Wizarding World fan.
We also get to see Hogsmeade Village. Most will remember this from the third film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It is where we can find the Three Broomsticks, Honeydukes, and of course Hog’s Head Inn. Yes, that Hog’s Head Inn that belongs to none other than Aberforth Dumbledore.
Aberforth The Younger Brother
Speaking of Aberforth, we get to see more of the middle Dumbledore sibling during this film. We see his interactions with his elder brother Albus, as well as the distance between them. Not to mention, we see how aloof he is even at a younger age. Appearing in the last film of the Harry Potter series, we only get a couple of minutes of Aberforth screen time. So, to see a little more of him is interesting. Especially when one sees his significance in this film.
Room of Requirement
Going back to Hogwarts, pun intended, we have a very special Easter Egg. The Room of Requirement! One of the coolest parts of Hogwarts, as if the place needs any cool parts, is this magical room. Constructed to take on any form that suits the person’s needs, it is a staple for both wars.
We first see its abilities when Harry uses it to train his fellow classmates in the Dark Arts. Then, it becomes the headquarters for Dumbledore’s Army inside Hogwarts during the Second Wizarding War. In this film, we see it first being used by Dumbledore, Newt, and the rest to set their plan in motion. It is a fascinating tool to have on your side when there is a need for it.
Quidditch
Quidditch is important in the Wizarding World. It is what football and soccer would be to us. Everyone loves the game and how it can last for hours, sometimes even months apparently. And, we finally get to see a bit of Quidditch in this new installment. Now, we don’t see a game or it being played, but one important aspect appears.
During the time that Dumbledore and the rest try to trick Grindelwald. To do so they create duplicates of Newt’s suitcase. Coincidently one of those duplicates is filled with golden snitches. Bit of a surprise for those hoping to find a magical beast, and a nice little Easter egg for us.
The Two-Way Mirror
We first see this two-way mirror in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Sirus gives it to him as a way to communicate. Then in Deathly Hallows, Harry uses the shard of said mirror to contact someone for help. Turns out that someone is Aberforth himself who is seeing them through the other set of the two-way mirror.
Now, in Secrets of Dumbledore, we see another two-way mirror. I am not sure if it is the same mirror, but the concept is the same. In this movie we see the mirror being used by Aberforth and Aurelius, or Credence. They write messages to one another in the mirror and use it as a way to communicate. The fact that this way of communicating is used definitely brings a call-back to the Harry Potter films.
Minerva McGonagall
One of my favorite Easter Eggs is seeing a young Minerva McGonagall. We all know the stern, no-nonsense woman that keeps the Gryffindor in line. In this film, we see a younger version of her.
I love how in this film she is still working alongside Dumbledore and assisting him with whatever he needs. Let’s face it, Dumbledore would be lost without her, but that’s a story for another day. Also, her response to being called a “stupid sod” by Aberforth is typical of Minerva. Fiona Glascott does a great job.
Although we do see her in Crimes of Grindelwald, we do not see enough of her to get a sense of her personality. Here, we get to see her run to Albus to warn him as well as, as mentioned, not bat an eye at Aberforth’s grumpiness.
The Phoenix
Who does not remember Fawkes, Dumbledore’s pet phoenix? He is such a prominent part of the series, always appearing when you need him the most. For example, when Harry is in the chamber, it is Fawkes who helps them out. Oh, and cures Harry’s basilisk bite. He also is the one to help in the battle of Ministry. And, fun fact, his feathers are the core feathers used in the twin wands of Voldemort and Harry Potter.
During this film, it is not Fawkes per se who comes out, but a Phoenix. As we learn, Phoenix only comes to the Dumbledores. Here the Phoenix keeps coming to Credence, or Aurelius Dumbledore. This is a key point in the film as it does show he is a Dumbledore, but also gives us important information about Aurelius’ state. The Phoenix is seen flying around him a lot.
Magical Music
Music is an important factor in movies. It sets the tone and influences your emotions. For us, Harry Potter fans one memorable song is the Harry Potter theme, better known as Hedwig’s theme. That song has not appeared in a Wizarding World Movie since the last Harry Potter installment. That is until now. During this film whenever we are at Hogwarts we hear that theme. Although played with different instruments, the melody is the same. Gives me chills every time I hear it, and more so when I get to see what came before Harry is even born. Goes to show that the Wizarding World is not just Harry Potter, it is the magic that constructs this whole universe. The familiarity of the song intensifies the feeling of being home whenever we see Hogwarts or the Great Hall
Honorable Mentions
Newt Himself
Newt himself is a bit of an Easter Egg. That is because, in the first Harry Potter book, Harry must buy a book. Said book is Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them. Written by none other than Newton Scamander. But, not just that, he also comes out in the third film. When Harry is looking at the Marauders Map. He happens to see a Newt Scamander walking around the castle at night. What he is therefore we will never know. Perhaps he is there visiting his old friend, Dumbledore.
How Yusuf Connects To It All
Yusuf Kama is first shown in Crimes of Grindelwald, but how does he connect to the Harry Potter films? Well, Yusuf and Leta share a mother, thus making them half-siblings. Now, the reason that this is important is because Lestrange is the name of another important which in the Harry Potter series. This being Bellatrix Lestrange. Bellatrix becomes a Lestrange by marrying Rodolphus Lestrange. Rodolphus is distant cousins to Leta. Thus connecting him to Yusuf even if they never meet. AS well as having Yusuf wanting to kill Corvus Lestrange for what he did to his mom. During this film, he joins Dumbledore and tries to bring down Grindelwald.
Did you notice any other Easter Eggs in Fantastic Beasts: Secrets of Dumbledore we may have missed? If so let me know in the comments down below!
