In the Harry Potter-films, Emma Watson plays the part of Hermione Granger, a young witch. Now the people at Ancestry.com have determined that it´s not just acting, witchcraft is in Emma´s blood!

One of Emma´s (very) distant relatives may have been a real life witch (if you believe in that sort of thing). During the late 16th century, Emma´s ancestor Joan Playle lived in Essex County, England and was convicted of witchcraft in 1592. Of course that probably doesn´t mean she went around cursing people.

Witch hunts were often held and anyone who didn´t conform could get themselves into trouble. Merely being single or old and poor could brand you a whitch!

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Luckily, Emma´s greagreatgreat-etc-aunt wasn´t executed, though she was excommunicated. Not such a big deal these days, but back than a major setback.