Potterheads are diehards until the very end (oh yes, I went there). They can’t imagine their lives without the midnight movie premieres, pouring over the books until the wee hours of the night, and the countless times they endlessly cried over the death of their favorite character. We’ve accepted that their intense love for these stories make them seem a bit strange, however there are a few things that get on the nerves of all the wannabe Hogwarts students. Here is what not to say to Potterheads:
1. “Aren’t those kids’ books?”
Yes of course on the surface the books are for children. Magic, trains, magic school, magic wands, I get it. But how many children do you know that can process underlying themes of classism, racism, sexism, being possessed by dark forces, and broken bonds of trust resulting in mortal danger? That’s what I thought.
2. “How many times have you read those books?”
Too many times than I care to count. For every three books I purchase, that’s another round of reading the entire series. It’s just how Potter physics works.
3.“Oh, I’ve only seen the movies.”
THE BOOKS ARE SO MUCH BETTER. JUST READ THEM.
4. “You know it’s not real, right?”
It is real to us. Whether it helped someone get through a hard point in their life or was just a simple joy to have around, the characters’ problems were relatable. To quote a very wise man: “Of course it is happening inside of your head, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?"
5. “Don’t a lot of people die in the end?”
6. “There are just too many books; the series is too long.”
Are you kidding? There aren’t enough books. I still have so many questions. This is the one series that can (and does) go on forever.
7. “What is that weird elf thing?”
How dare you speak about the great hero, Dobby, that way. He is a free house elf. He fights for what is right, and he’s adorable.
8. “Why do they act like they’re a century behind in technology? Why do they use feather quills and lanterns?”
Ugh. Let it go. It’s thematic. The Boy Who Lived does not need to carry around an iPhone with a flashlight when he has a wand and "lumos."
9. “The books and movies are over, let it go.”
Oh yeah? What about the expanding theme park, the new spinoff movie, the ongoing fan fictions, and Pottermore? The series may have ended, but the franchise will live on forever.
10. “Why do you like it so much?”
That’s actually a very dangerous question. Prepare for an answer like:
“wh- wait- uh- why don’t you like them so much? It’s magic and wands and dragons and cats and little, sassy Tom Felton, and a whole family of red heads. What’s not to like?
Regardless if you’ve been a fan since the beginning or just finished the series for the first time, you’re in the Potter club. Harry Potter has been around for generations and will continue to be around for generations to come. They will always be there for us. The books and the movies have taught us friendship, trust, discipline, loyalty, and multiple ways to ask Harry if he put his name in the Goblet of Fire.
