Entertainment, Review

Returning to Hogwarts: “What Harry Potter means to me” – Joanna Shaw

0 287

Humanity Hallows Issue 5 Out Now
Pick up your copy on campus or read online


By Joanna Shaw


J K Rowling famously said at the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two, “Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.” These words stayed with me, and the millions of other fans across the globe, as they watched the live stream on YouTube back in 2011. I realised I didn’t have to put Potter back on the shelf and forget all about it, if anything, in the six years since I heard those words, I have become ever more absorbed by the wizarding world.

Even now at 22, if you mention the words “Harry Potter” to me, I will ask, “Which house you are in? What’s your patronus? What’s your favourite Potter book or film?” I find myself fully prepared with so much information that keeping a Potter related conversation going has become effortless. As a merchandise hoarder and proud Hufflepuff, I have been known to purchase anything exhibiting their little yellow badger emblem: mugs, t-shirts, scarves, you name it, I probably own it.

I am also quite protective of Potter. When I heard about the likes of the play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and the new Fantastic Beasts film series, I was nervous about the world I knew being expanded even further. However, my nerves were put to rest with the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and even though I wasn’t too keen on reading the Cursed Child screenplay, going to London to see it in action has certainly been added to my wish list.

Harry Potter to me is like an escape. The adult world can be horrible, evil and violent, especially in these last few months. If I pick up one of the books, watch one of the films or listen to its audiobook, I can relieve myself of reality for a little while, and be enthralled all over again watching and hearing Harry, Ron and Hermione grow up into smart young adults.

It’s always been interesting to see how their personalities have influenced me throughout my life. Harry taught me from the age of ten that you must stand up for what you believe in, and to value friendships and I learnt through Hermione that continuously wanting to read and learn new things should never be deemed a negative trait, even when bullies tell you that it’s nerdy.

So whichever way you find yourself discovering or attending Hogwarts, I welcome you all to my magical wizarding world.


Is there a book that’s had a profound impact on your life? Send your story to HumanityHallows.Editor@gmail.com

About the author / 

Joanna Shaw

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Malcom, Little Strange and Daisychain @ Deaf Institute review – exhuming noughties indie

    By Ruby Henry-Dicks Featured image: Rohan Walsh On a rainy December evening, headliners Malcom play their second sell-out headline show this year; supported by bands Daisychain and Little Strange at the Deaf Institute. First up is Daisychain, the Mancunian four-piece tackling teenage angst and love one song at a time with their tracks ‘Stay’ and…

  • Festive places for students to visit this winter

    By Georgia Robinson Featured image: Adrianos Falkonakis Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens Spending time outdoors this time of year might not feel intuitive, but if you can stand the chill then a stroll around Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens is a great way to embrace the season. Between acres of woodland and an abundance of flora and…

  • New Year’s Eve in Manchester: Where is Hot to Go?

    Featured image: WendyWei.pexels With the most anticipated night of the year right around the corner, the big question is looming: where are you going to celebrate it? Whether you dread it or count down the days, are new to the Manchester nightlife scene or are a regular, we’ve got your New Year’s Eve plans sorted….

  • Fashion predictions for 2025

    By Georgia Robinson Featured image and gallery: Ruby Sharp Get one step ahead of your 2025 aesthetic and plan your outfits for the new year with this guide to all the trends we expect to see next year. Why not jazz up your wardrobe with trending accessories or browse Depop and Vinted for a pre-loved…