Handwritten list of subject teachers and Hippogriff names by J.K. Rowling

In this handwritten note, made as she was writing The Philosopher’s Stone, J.K. Rowling listed the subjects taught at Hogwarts alongside the prospective names of their teachers. An early version of the Professor of Astronomy’s name is recorded here as ‘Aurelia Sinistra’, later becoming ‘Aurora Sinistra’. J.K. Rowling often uses Latin words for her names and spells. ‘Sinistra’ (Latin for ‘left hand’) is also the name of a star in the constellation of Ophiuchus, better known as the Serpent Bearer.