Fantasy Advent Day 19: A beginner's guide to digging out the truth from rumors

It is not hard to find Harry Potter news on the internet. I have a Google alert for both Harry Potter and its creator, J.K. Rowling and several times a day, I get notifications with "NEWS!" in the headline. I always get excited, but more often than not, I've already read about it or, worse, I've already debunked. Many times, though, it is something that we wish were true and ends with that. Here are some tips for finding the nuggets of truth.

1. Find backup

If one person says it, it might be speculation. If two, it could be gossip. Real news tends to spread like wildfire. Before you consider something to be widely reported, see if they're all reporting from the same source.

2. Check the socials.

Recently, there was a HUGE BREAKING NEWS THAT TOM FELTON HAD CONFIMRED ON INSTAGRAM. Only it was a rumor that had never been spoken by the actor associated with Draco Malfoy. If you go to his Instagram, you will find a few videos, pictures of dogs, and regular updates on things he's involved with. When big news hits, it is hard to avoid. Google any major announcement, such as the passing of an actor or the announcement of a new book, and you will see it on official sites, fan sites, etc.

3. Use common sense

It is extremely common knowledge that Harry Potter cast from the British Isles. The series is a who's who of BBC favorites at times and that was by creator mandate. So when you see that Adam Driver, the American actor who brooded his way through three Star Wars movies "confirmed" as Severus Snape, remember that it's not going to happen. Same with the one I just read about Kanu Reeves filling in for Alan Rickman.

4. Don't panic

Until HBO makes official announcements, don't bellieve what you read to be absolutely set in stone. Yes, Ralph Fiennes thinks Cillian Murphy would make a great Lord Voldemort. Yes, Mark Rylance of Wolf Hall is a possible frontrunner for the role of Albus Dumbledore. But wait until the actual news breaks to have feelings about how awesome or awful the announcement is. Don't spend your energy raging against something unverified. Self-care is health care and that includes finding truth.

5. Follow the official social media accounts

If you're really interested in finding out news as soon as it comes out, subscribe to the X profiles for your favorite studios or your most trusted source. Sign up for Google alerts while taking them with a grain of salt.