‘Harry Potter’ Build-A-Bear Collection Launches On Important Day For Book Fans

Though all the young witches and wizards may be preparing for a virtual year at home instead of the hallowed halls of their beloved Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, they won’t have to go through online Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts alone, thanks to a new collection from Build-A-Bear Workshop.

According to a press release from the company, starting online Sept. 2, and later this fall in stores, “Harry Potter” fans will be able, for the first time, to get their own plush toys with a “Harry Potter” bear and Wizarding World-inspired collection of clothing and accessories.

The bear, which features golden paws, an official Harry Potter logo and Hogwarts crest, can be decked out with robes an scarves for the four houses—Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff—uniform pants or skirts with a Hogwarts logo, woven sweater or striped tie and even their very own wand.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the magic of the Wizarding World to Build-A-Bear Workshop,” Jennifer Kretchmar, Chief Digital & Merchandising Officer for Build-A-Bear said. “‘Harry Potter’ fans are sure to be spell-bound by the ‘Harry Potter’ bear, house robes and Hogwarts uniforms, and bear-sized wands—and more magical clothing and accessories to come. This enchanting collection is perfect for all ages!”

What makes the news even more exciting for fans is that the special launch happens to coincide with a very important date for all the newest students at Hogwarts. In the books, the new school year for all students began after their arrival at the school. They would all board the train at Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station on Sept. 1 of each year and enter the school for the welcome banquet that night. However, their first day of classes would always begin the next day—Sept. 2.

This year’s wizard and witches who may want their new bears to accompany them for their first day of virtual classes will be in good company. Harry and Ginny’s son, James Sirius Potter, will be starting his sixth year at Hogwarts, while his siblings, Albus Severus and Lily Luna Potter, should be starting their fourth and second years at the school.