How to access past levels in free play mode

After donning your invisibility cloak and sneaking across the screen you will encounter a pumpkin which can be levitated.

On the Wii this is accomplished with Z on the nunchuck. To get the pumpkin rotating you press in a direction. If you press it any direction but straight to the left you will get the weak throws. Pressing left will magic-bullet-targetting-system onto Death and you can bean him.

I'm advised that this problem on the Xbox involves using the B button, not the X button, to pick up the pumpkin in the first place.

Access to the "fun" spells has changed in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7. In the previous game, all the purchased spells occupied a single entry on the spell wheel and constantly cycled without input from the player. Casting a specific spell required you to target a person and wait for the spell to appear in the spell wheel before casting.

In this game, all the purchased spells still occupy a single entry on the spell wheel, but you are in control of which one you want to cast. You did not mention what platform you are playing the game on, but on the PS3, pressing and holding the triangle button will bring up an on screen spell wheel. While the spell wheel is on screen, the purchased spells automatically cycle, just like in the first game, but when you release the button, the spell that was displayed becomes the active spell.

Your choice then remains selected as you play, so that you can cast that specific spell on the other characters in the game.