The phrase Dog Days of Summer originates from ancient Rome and Greece. It refers to the period in summer when the star Sirius, known as the Dog Star, rises and sets with the sun. In ancient times it was believed that the heat from Sirius, combined with the heat from the sun, created the hottest days of the year. In modern times, the Dog Days of Summer just refers to the hot humid days of summer. These usually happen from 3 July to 11 August in the Northern Hemisphere.

Muggles used to believe that this period caused madness in people and dogs, but now they know the heat can lead to physical discomfort and even heightened aggression. Wizardkind also knows it does not cause madness, but it might affect potion making or spell casting, as the heat might influence the effectiveness of certain ingredients or spells. During the Dog Days of Summer, when Sirius is most prominent, spells involving fire might become more powerful or easier to cast. However, this influence might also destabilize spells requiring cold periods.

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