Recently I was given the Marauder's Map beach towel by Warner Bros. Harry Potter shop; it was the same one whose pattern was chosen by fans earlier this year.

The towel spans 27 inches wide by 54 inches tall (69cm by 137cm) and is made of 100% cotton. The fabric is thin yet sturdy; the inner side is comprised of an off-white fibrous material, strong enough to dry anyone who spent an hour or more in the pool or ocean. The outer layer, on which the Map's design is shown, feels velvety smooth to the touch.

The design itself, voted on by Potter fans, is a large mixture of light-bronze and maroon hues to display the intricate details of Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs' beloved Marauder's Map. An outlined map of Hogwarts itself, with characteristic turrets, windowed towers and ramparts spans over two feet long; the words THE MARAUDER'S MAP is etched in fancy penmanship through a mass of dark red representing the school's courtyard.

Soft and light-weight, the Marauder's Map towel can be stowed away in any beach bag burden-free as one heads to the beach or pool on the sunniest summer days. Either side of the towel can be used to lie on to avoid sandy backsides, as they are smooth and cool to the skin. It's large enough to accommodate a pair of children together and even the biggest adult, and a definite talking-point for fellow Harry Potter fans at the beach and pool this summer.

If you're a big fan of the Marauders, it's a definite treat. Plus, the towel is long enough in that it can be used as an impressive wall tapestry in the colder months, when beaches and outdoor pools will be closed. The towel can be bought at the Official Shop of Harry Potter!


Also, keep your eyes open, as the SnitchSeeker staff will be running a contest soon in which our members will have a chance to win some of these lovely towels.