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J.K. Rowling's original 'Harry Potter' pitch was rejected 12 times — see it in new exhibit

A new exhibit in the British Library features a number of magical delights!
/ Source: TODAY

Accio exhibit!

Magic fans, your time has come: "Harry Potter: A History of Magic" at the British Library in London has opened to celebrate the 20th anniversary of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (known as the "Philosopher's Stone" in the UK), and it is spellbinding!

A member of British Library staff poses for a picture at the "Harry Potter - A History of Magic" exhibition at the British Library, in London, Wednesday Oct. 18, 2017
"Defence Against the Dark Arts" is a book everyone should own, but remember: there was a high turnover of instructors of this class at Hogwarts.AP

The exhibit, which the London Telegraph says has already sold 30,000 tickets, includes rarities from author J.K. Rowling, including a handwritten draft of an early chapter, a sketch of the Hogwarts grounds, and the series' synopsis that was rejected by 12 publishers.

Image: BRITAIN-EXHIBITION-POTTER
"Harry Potter: A History of Magic" is, naturally, focused on books, including flying ones.AFP - Getty Images

But there's more than that; the Library also has exhibits that explore the origins of the stories, creatures and legends that make up the Potter-verse, like a real bezoar stone (used in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"), a golden snitch and special instructions from medieval times on how to pick mandrakes.

A member of British Library staff poses with a crystal ball for a picture at the "Harry Potter - A History of Magic" exhibition at the British Library, in London, Wednesday Oct. 18, 2017.
The incredible Ripley Scroll, which explains describes how to make a Philosopher's Stone.AP

There's even the Ripley Scroll, a document from the 1500s that explains how to make a Philosopher's Stone; according to Mashable, it indicates that you require a black, red and white stone. That'll mean something to readers who know their Latin: Albus (Dumbledore) means "white," Rubeus (Hagrid) means "red" and Sirius' last name is Black.

A member of British Library staff poses with a crystal ball for a picture at the "Harry Potter - A History of Magic" exhibition at the British Library, in London, Wednesday Oct. 18, 2017.
Can a crystal ball tell the future? You'll have to wait until October before the exhibit comes to the U.S., or you could hop on your broom and head to London now.AP

Rowling herself tweeted out one artifact to be found at the exhibit: the tombstone of Nicolas Flamel:

Flamel is mentioned in the series as a wizard who actually made a Philosopher's Stone, but he was a real person as well. Flamel, a Parisian landlord, died in 1418 and was said to have "discovered" such a stone.

The exhibition opens Oct. 20 in London and will remain there until Feb. 28, 2018. But good news: it's coming to the New York Historical Society next October. Now, what was that spell for speeding up time, anyway?

Follow Randee Dawn on Twitter.