Pottermore's First Christmas Gift Introduces Us to New Town, Cokeworth

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Today is the first day of Pottermore's Christmas gifts, and after answering a riddle, Harry Potter fans can learn a little more about Professor Snape's childhood, as well as Lily and Petunia's.

The riddle reads: "In a house on Spinner's End, a meeting takes place. A mother begs help for her son, tears on her face. Agreeing to help though he doesn't know how, which potions master performs an Unbreakable Vow?"

"The first of our surprises has arrived; answer our rhyming riddle and transport yourself to a house in Spinner's End.

Look carefully enough and you'll discover new J.K. Rowling writing, shedding light on the dilapidated town of Cokeworth, once home to Lily Potter and a certain Potions professor," Pottermore said on its official website.

The answer to the riddle: Professor Snape.

In the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Snape was visited by Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy. Narcissa asks for Snape's help, and they eventually perform the Unbreakable Vow to help Draco Malfoy successfully follow Voldemort's wishes.

We learn in J.K. Rowling's new writing that Spinner's End was located in an English town called "Cokeworth". Cokeworth is the hometown of Professor Snape and Lily and Petunia Evans.

Bellatrix and Narcissa visit Snape at his parents' old house. We also learn that Harry has been to Cokeworth before when he and the Dursley's spent a night at Railview Hotel.

So, in an effort to hide the Hogwarts letters from Harry, Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon travel to the very place where magic has happened before. Did you hear that? That was the sound of my head exploding.

The story of Cokeworth wasn't the only surprise for the first day of #PottermoreChristmas. All Pottermore members received a shiny little bonus in their bank accounts.

"It doesn't end there...

If your Gringotts vault has been looking rather bare, fear not - as a special Christmas treat, we've given everyone 300 Galleons - but don't spend them all at once, as you may need them in the newly-stocked Apothecary before long..." the site continued.

The next 11 days will offer more surprises and new writings, including Rowling's thoughts on Draco Malfoy. This is going to be a magical Christmas.