Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."
J.K. Rowling has spent the last few years tweeting out new tidbits of information about the "Harry Potter" universe in general, and now more specifically with the new spinoff "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." But in addition to answering questions about Dumbledore or Newt Scamander on Twitter, Rowling has now unveiled a brand new website with a FAQ section all about "Fantastic Beasts."
Keep reading to learn the answers to 9 questions Rowling receives over and over from fans.
SEE ALSO: THEN & NOW: The cast of 'Harry Potter' 15 years later
DON'T MISS: 'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling rails against bullies and bigots after Donald Trump's win
Why couldn't Newt just Apparate to the USA? Why did he go by boat?
This question began tripping up fans before "Fantastic Beasts" was released, since Newt's boat trip was teased in the trailers. Many people thought it would make more sense for him to either Apparate or use a Portkey.
Rowling's answer: "Apparition becomes increasingly risky over long distances. As with most magic, much depends on the skill of the spell-caster: Apparition requires knowledge of the terrain to which one is moving, or the ability to visualise it clearly. Cross-continental Apparition would almost certainly result in severe injury or death. Moreover, the beasts in Newt’s case had varying magical natures. Some could have Apparated with him, but others could not."
We assume the same answer applies for Portkeys, though she didn't specifically address this on her website.
Why did Newt go in through No-Maj customs?
Again, people were wondering why Newt would choose not only to take a boat to America but also to then go through customs. The answer lies in the US wizard government (MACUSA) laws.
Rowling's answer: "He was transporting magical creatures at a time when this was illegal. No-Majs were far easier to fool than the wizarding checkpoint would have been."
Why couldn't Newt use 'Accio' to retrieve all his beasts?
As Newt and his companions ran all around New York City trying to round up his beasts, fans of the "Harry Potter" series were expecting him to use a famous spell for summoning objects: "Accio."
Rowling's answer:"'Accio' only works on inanimate objects. While people or creatures may be indirectly moved by 'Accio-ing'objects that they are wearing or holding, this carries all kinds of risks because of the likelihood of injury to the person or beast attached to an object travelling at close to the speed of light."
See the rest of the story at Business Insider