Harry Potter collectible busts are displayed in the home of Menahem Asher Silva Vargas, after he was presented with a Guinness World Record title certificate for the largest collection of Harry Potter memorabilia, in Mexico City, Monday, Sept. 29, 2014. Silva's collection consists of more than 3000 individual items, including trading cards, wands, and books in multiple languages.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
September 29, 2014 - 4:15 PM
MEXICO CITY - A Mexico City man is in Hogwarts heaven after his collection of "Harry Potter" paraphernalia was named the world's largest.
Menahem Asher Silva Vargas has spent nearly 15 years hoarding memorabilia related to British author J.K. Rowling's young-adult wizard-fantasy series, which spawned eight blockbuster films.
His collection fills two rooms and counts everything from magic wands and toy figurines to Gryffindor scarves and replica Quidditch brooms.
Guinness World Records officially recognized it Monday as the world No. 1, at 3,097 pieces. The old mark was 807.
Silva Vargas said he began collecting without any intent to amass a huge collection. But soon it was like being under a spell.
He laughingly called his obsession both a blessing and a curse: "My salary, my bonuses ... it all ended up here."
News from © The Associated Press, 2014