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
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