Fan Focus: Matthew – February 2, 2014

MATTHEW

Age 18 – USA
GRYFFINDOR

 
How did you become a Harry Potter fan?

I became a Harry Potter fan starting at a very young age (about 7, to be exact), when I saw the original trilogy on sale at Barnes & Noble, I exclaimed my interest in reading the books to my mom upon looking at the amazing cover art of the books, and sure enough – come Christmas morning – I was unwrapping just that besides my Christmas tree! Ever since then, I have been reading and rereading the books and watching and rewatching the movies! Nothing makes me happier than a nice night of Harry Potter!

What Potter fandom memory would you keep in your Pensieve?

The memory that I would keep in my Pensieve would be the first time that I visited Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando. I cannot even begin to explain the feeling that I had when I crossed the bridge into Hogsmeade, glimpsing Hogwarts to my left and The Three Broomsticks to my right, it was a magical moment. I went right away to get in line to purchase a cold butterbeer from the stand outside, scorching in the hot Orlando sun, and the rest is history!

What was your reaction to the news about Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them?

My reaction to the news about Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them was a two-part process. First I found myself sitting in my chair in disbelief. I remember thinking, “There is no way this could be true!” When I looked around online and found that this project was indeed confirmed by Jo Rowling herself, the excitement I felt was nothing less than the excitement that I felt after seeing my first Harry Potter midnight movie premiere.

What do you think you might see if given the chance to look into the Mirror of Erised?

I think that I might see myself as a young boy sitting at my kitchen table, opening my acceptance letter to Hogwarts!