Wizards, Witches and Quidditch: Harry Potter turns 20

Harry Potter is The Boy Who Lived, singled out by Lord Voldemort at birth to be his greatest rival, and our hero. The British-American film series based on the Harry Potter novels by author JK Rowling which begins with "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" completes it's 20 years.

South Wales prop-maker Victoria Maclean, 37, has a similarly large collection of Potter memorabilia decorating her home in Cardiff. She has a wizard-themed toilet, and her mother's ashes sit in a glass jar replica of Wolfsbane Potion – a magical substance from the Potter series that stops werewolves being dangerous. "People are going to look at it and think I'm a complete freak," said Maclean, who named her children Harry and Daniel after British actor Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the wizard in the movie franchise.

Monday marks 20 years since the release of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," the first of seven Potter books in a series that sold 450 million copies in 79 languages and sparked a $7 billion movie franchise.

Harry Potter fan Victoria Maclean poses amongst her collection of merchandise at her home in Neath, Britain. (Text and photo: Reuters)

Massingham is not the only super fan. Tracey Nicol-Lewis, 43, and her 15-year-old son Brenden like to dress up in Hogwarts uniform for trips to the supermarket in Cardiff, Wales. Nicol-Lewis' obsession with Rowling's world of wizards started when her husband gave her one of the books, "Goblet of Fire," shortly before he died. "We kind of clung to that," she said. She has since spent around 40,000 pounds ($50,600) on all things Harry Potter, putting together a collection of 2,506 pieces of memorabilia.

Harry Potter fans Tracey Nicole-Lewis and her son Brenden, shop dressed as characters from the literary franchise in Cardiff, Britain. (Text and photo: Reuters)

)For 29-year-old Luke Williams, the link to Radcliffe is even stronger. His dark hair, thin nose, brown eyes and even his voice bear a striking resemblance to Radcliffe, who first starred as Harry in the 2001 film version of "The Philosopher’s Stone." Plans to do a graphic design course were scrapped as Williams embarked on a 15-year career as a Potter impersonator. It has taken him around the world to parties, book launches and shows. But he longs for a different kind of attention.

Professional Harry Potter impersonator Luke Williams (Centre) enjoys a drink at a pub in London, Britain. (Text and photo: Reuters)

Harry Potter tour guide Greta Clarke poses for a portrait at her home in London, Britain. (Text and photo: Reuters)

Harry Potter fan Maria York poses in her Professor McGonagall costume at her home in Grays, Britain. (Text and photos: Reuters)

Tour Guide Greta Clarke walks with Harry Potter fans in London, Britain. (Text and photos: Reuters)

A supporter in a werewolf costume watches teams take part in the Harry Potter inspired, Quidditch British Cup in Rugeley, Britain. (Text and photos: Reuters)

A Harry Potter themed toilet is seen in the home of fan Victoria Maclean in Neath, Britain. (Text and photo: Reuters)

Teams take part in the Harry Potter inspired Quidditch British Cup in Rugeley, Britain. (Text and photo: Reuters)

The ashes of Harry Potter fan Victoria Maclean's mother are stored amongst a collection of merchandise at her home in Neath, Britain. (Text and photo: Reuters)

A Harry Potter fan poses for a photograph during a visit to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at Kings Cross station in London, Britain. (Text and photo: Reuters)

Cosplay fans travel by tube dressed in Harry Potter themed costumes, after a visit to one the literary franchise's movie filming locations at Leadenhall Market in London, Britain. (Text and photos: Reuters)