Potter Lives On, After He’s Gone
“No story lives unless someone wants to listen,” J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, said at the red carpet premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.
Harry Potter has captured the hearts of millions of people. After the first Harry Potter book was published, word spread like wildfire reaching every corner of the globe. The loyal fans of Harry Potter, sometimes referred to as “Potterheads,” are the true reason Harry Potter is so successful.
“If you haven’t read Harry Potter, you haven’t read a book,” Sophomore Bridget Mueller-Brennan said.
Pottermore is a new website created by J.K. Rowling for “Potterheads” to express their loves for Harry Potter. Before the site was launched, over a million people participated in “The Magical Quill,” a seven-day challenge. The first million people to complete the challenge were promised early access to the website, which is scheduled to open to everyone in October.
Once fans entered Pottermore, they were sorted into Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. They are able to earn points for their house, just like the characters did in the books. Fans are also able to explore places mentioned in the books such as Diagon Alley, and learn virtual spells.
“[If there were a quidditch team nearby,] I would watch, but I would not play. It seems a little violent,” Mueller-Brennan said.
The Quidditch World Cup V is November 12-13 this year. This annual event started as a simple game of Quidditch between two colleges and has grown to become The Quidditch World Cup in which around 200 colleges will be participating. According to the International Quidditch Association, who runs the event, this year Middlebury College has the best offense; Bell State College has the best defense; and Michigan State has the most snitch catches.
“I’m always trying to meet my students where they are and show them how making literature a part of their life is a valuable experience,” Cecilia Konchar Farr, an English Professor, told St. Kate’s News.
Harry Potter literature classes have begun to be offered at several colleges, such as Eastern Michigan University and St. Catherine University. Students of theses classes look beyond the words on the pages to discover surprising ties Harry Potter has to mythology, religion, prejudice, and the ancient world.
“The stories we love best do live in us forever, so, whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.” Rowling said.
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“He’ll never be gone, not as long as those who remain are loyal to him!”