COOKIE POLICY
Last updated May 11, 2025
This Cookie Policy explains how HogwartsLive — also known as Hogwarts Live, Hogwarts Live RPG, HogwartsLive.com, and affectionately by long-time players as HL — uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. We are a fan-created, volunteer-run homage to the Harry Potter universe, and not affiliated, endorsed, or even so much as winked at by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any official entity realted to the Harry Potter books, movies, video games, or related entities.
This Policy outlines how and why cookies are used when you visit https://hogwartslive.com (the "Website"), what these tiny data nibbles actually do, and how you, brave user, can tame or banish them using your browser settings or ancient browser incantations.
In some cases, cookies may collect data that, when combined with other information (like the exact angle of your wand clicks), may be considered personal information.
Occasionally, these cookies might be so clever they become personal information when mixed with other data, like flour in a cake or one too many weirdly specific Google searches.
What are cookies?
Cookies, despite the misleading name, are not edible — at least, not without serious dental consequences. They're tiny data fragments, sneakily placed on your device when you visit websites. Their job is to make websites run smoothly, remember who you are, and occasionally report back to their overlords (us, and third parties).
Now, if we plant the cookie, it's a "first-party cookie." If some third party lurking in the shadows does it (say, for ads, analytics, or existential curiosity), it's a "third-party cookie." These interlopers can recognize your device across multiple websites, which sounds spooky, but is mostly just mildly annoying.
Why do we use cookies?
We use cookies for several extremely compelling reasons:
More specifics? Of course! But first, let's talk about your cookie destiny.
How can I control cookies?
As the brave captain of your browsing ship, you have the right — nay, the duty — to decide which cookies are allowed aboard. Our Cookie Consent Manager lets you handpick your cookie companions like Pokémon (but more legally binding).
You may also use your web browser's controls to accept or refuse cookies. Just be warned: rejecting cookies might result in minor inconveniences like missing features, broken layouts, or mysterious floating divs.
Performance and functionality cookies:
These cookies are like the stagehands of a play — not essential, but try running things without them and you'll miss all the good bits (like videos, pop-ups that work, or your login status sticking).
| Name: | PHPSESSID |
|---|---|
| Purpose:/ | A PHP-generated cookie that keeps track of user sessions, like a digital chaperone making sure you stay logged in and vaguely coherent. |
| Provider: | hogwartslive.com |
| Service: | HogwartsLive.com View Service Privacy Policy |
| Type: | server_cookie |
| Expires in: | session |
Unclassified cookies:
These are the enigmatic cookies. The ones still shuffling around without name tags. We don't know what they actually do. We don't intentionally create them, but third-party services we use may.
How can I control cookies on my browser?
Every browser has its quirks, and controlling cookies is no exception. Here's a helpful cheat sheet for those brave enough to dive into the murky depths of browser settings:
And if you're tired of targeted ads offering you wizard robes, you can opt out here:
What about other tracking technologies, like web beacons?
Cookies are just one tool in a very suspicious toolbox. We may also use things like web beacons — also known as tracking pixels, spy dots, or the internet's version of "I'm watching you."
They help us figure out whether you've visited specific pages, opened emails, or followed mystical breadcrumb trails across the web. They're also great for improving performance and making email campaigns 5% less pointless. But without cookies, these web beacons are essentially just lonely dots doing nothing.
Do you use Flash cookies or Local Shared Objects?
Ah yes, Flash cookies — the vampires of web storage. Even when you think you've banished all the cookies, these undead beasts can remain. Used to store data like login status, anti-fraud checks, and leftover spell ingredients.
You can slay Flash Cookies here:
Please note: disabling Flash Cookies may break certain Flash features. But since Flash itself is now mostly extinct, this is like closing the stable door after the Thestral has bolted.
Do you serve targeted advertising?
Yes — but we don't pick the ads, and we certainly don't pick the ones for questionable ointments. Third-party cookies may show you ads tailored to your browsing habits, interests, and strange 2 a.m. purchases.
These cookies do not know who you are by name, but they're disturbingly good at guessing you might want socks shaped like owls. If you find this disturbing, you're not alone.
How often will you update this Cookie Policy?
Occasionally, the universe shifts, new cookies arrive, old ones expire, and lawyers whisper about compliance updates. When that happens, we tweak this Cookie Policy. The date at the top tells you when the latest revision occurred.
You should check back now and then — preferably with tea — just in case we've added a new type of biscuit or tracking spell.
Where can I get further information?
Still confused? Mildly suspicious? Just want to talk to a human?
You can petition for help or reach us the muggle way at:
HogwartsLive
390 NE 191st St STE 8061
Miami, FL 33179
United States
[email protected]