Harry Potter Loot Crate Unboxing (July 2017)

Oh the drama surrounding the delivery of this box! My last Wizarding World box came to my new address without issue, but for some reason the address reverted to my old address, and regardless of calling the local post office, I received notification that the box was out for delivery... to my OLD address. Fortunately, I was able to call again, and cancel the delivery. I had to leave work early and hustle over to the post office before the closed for the day, so I could pick it up. Seeing as I am actually reviewing the box, I was able to make it on time... barely. The mail person said it was good I got there, because they didn't know what they were going to do with it if I didn't pick it up that day. Uh... I mean, shouldn't they just hold it for another day? Regardless, I was able to get it, and now we can see all of the magical goodies inside! 

The theme of this box was Defense Against the Dark Arts, so the box's seal is quite appropriate. I was pleased to see that if any Death Eaters dare attempt to open my package, we have a protective patronus to stop them in the act!

The inside of the box is beautiful (and has a special purpose that I reveal further down). This box didn't seem to be packed full of stuff, regardless of the price going up $1, so I was a bit wary about the items that were included, and, for the first time, I wasn't sure if I was going to be satisfied with the box. 

I was really happy to see a quality item on top. The box is lovely, and the pen is VERY sturdy. This isn't a cheap plastic pen, it definitely has some heft. I'm not sure how long it will last, as it didn't "click" when you closed it, so I'm concerned that it might dry out, but we'll see! It's a great display piece nonetheless!

The next item was this awesomely comfortable "Counter Curse" advertisement tee. The photo shows up as a dark gray, but the shirt itself is actually a beautifully, rich heather blue with an even lighter print. See below for a photo of me wearing it that better reflects its actual color.

I wore this to work to counter any anti- productivity curses, and it was SO comfortable. As a major t-shirt junkie, the shirts I receive in this box are some of my favorite tees I own. I can dress them up, or dress them down. 

 The next item is this awesome Dumbledore's Army embossed journal. I like to keep a little journal in my car and on my person in case I need to write down last-minute notes/charms that I KNOW I won't remember when I get to the point I need to use them. I'm not saying I would do it, but this journal is DEFINITELY Horcrux worthy.

The next items are something I NEVER thought I would see in a Loot Crate, but are something I've been looking for for quite some time - BOOKENDS! These are heavy and definitely capable of holding books 1-7 tightly together on any shelf. They feature the "Guardians of Hogwarts",  and the incantation "Piertotum Locomotor", which was famously used my Minerva McGonagall to animate the statues and suits of armor (a.k.a. Guardians of Hogwarts) to fight the Battle of Hogwarts/ last battle of the Second Wizarding War. Much like they held Hogwarts, these will hold any books you set between their protection.

"Then the second brother, who was an arrogant man, decided that he wanted to humiliate Death still further, and asked for the power to recall others from Death."

—The Tale of the Three Brothers by Beedle the Bard

This month's Loot Crate pin is modeled after Marvolo Gaunt's signet ring. Marvolo's ring was an heirloom made of gold with the Resurrection Stone inset. I'm really glad this isn't a Horcrux like the real thing, because I'd hate to have to destroy it. 

An additional surprise awaited me in this months box... as this month's box. Loot Crate sometimes creates their boxes with ulterior usage in mind. This months' box was actually a scene for a shadow-puppet Death Eater and Stag Patronus.

After following the directions, and literally flipping things inside-out, we were left with this. 

Turning off the lights and shining a flashlight at the cutout created something that I played with for quite some time. My dogs were confused, but I was just plain excited. 

Defence Against the Dark Arts
We're facing the foulest creatures and most hideous curses known to wizardkind with collectibles, artifacts, apparel and more designed to aid in the Defence Against the Dark Arts.

This Crate's Magical Loot
1.Counter Curse T-Shirt - Jinxed? Cursed? Petrified or otherwise spellbound? Defend yourself against the darker side of magic with this specially-designed tee!

2. Professor Snape's Premium Wand Pen - Take care, you now have in your possession the very wand used by the Half-Blood Prince himself! Or, at the very least, a diecast and resin replica. Use it wisely.

3.Guardians of Hogwarts Bookends - Should you find your precious books threatened, this metal bookend set can man the boundaries and guard them against the deadly forces of the Dark Arts!

4. Defence Against the Dark Arts Journal - Any good secret society requires secret plans. Keep your strategies to oppose You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters safe in this journal embossed with the Order of the Phoenix and Dumblebore's Army emblems.

5.Marvolo's Ring Enamel Pin - Tom Riddle's second Horcrux come in the form of Marvolo Gaunt's signet ring. 

 I was sad to note that Loot Crate seems to be sticking with their new insert insead of the scrolls, but in the end, this crate was VERY useful, very unexpected, but very fun! I think it's safe to say that We have everything we need to protect our person and our belongings from the Dark Arts. Well done, Loot Crate!

As always, I'll see you all in 2 months time! I'm really excited, because September's Loot Crate Theme is:

Here's hoping they include some dried billywig stings, my stash is dwindling!