If you're on TikTok and are a Harry Potter fan, chances are, you've stumbled across #Dracotok.
If you are unfortunate enough to not be on this part of TikTok, in the past couple months, all of the hype on Dracotok has been about Bath and Body Works' Mahogany Apple candle, shifting, and "what this Harry Potter character would wear to..." TikToks. Not to mention that Dracotok almost fizzled out, but I contribute its rebirth to the Weasley fans, not so much the Draco fans.
Even though this side of TikTok has brought me more joy than I could imagine, why do Millennials and Gen Z love Dracotok so much?
The short answer is simple: Dracotok brings us a sense of nostalgia that reminds us of our simpler childhood. As kids, we would stay up late reading the Harry Potter books, and we would go see the movies in theaters when they came out. Overall, it was a much simpler time. Younger people in Gen Z probably watched their older siblings or parents exhibit these behaviors, but the Harry Potter world still has a spot in their childhood.
The feeling of nostalgia is a coping mechanism. If you're part of the late Millennials or Gen Z, you are well aware that our mental health has been put on the back burner. During this time of a global pandemic, we have found comfort in our childhood. Draco, Ron, Hermione, Harry, the Twins, Luna, Neville - these were all of our "friends" growing up.
We found comfort in their adventures to escape our own lives, and that is exactly what we are doing now. TikTok has given us the ability to connect with other Potterheads across the world. It also allows those of us who have some talent and creativity the ability to create new scenes and scenarios, whose content has matured with us. An added bonus to this feeling of security is that we get to witness Tom Felton being absolutely adorable and receiving the screen time that he deserves (because we all know that he got the short end of the stick in the movies).
Dracotok has given us a reminder that we are all still waiting on our letters to Hogwarts. In the meantime, we will wear our house colors proudly, because we all know which house is superior.
