Fan Focus: Lia – September 26, 2010

LIA
Age 14 – United States

First off, how did you become a Harry Potter fan?

I became a Harry Potter fan in kindergarten when my after-school teacher read us all the book, and then I went and saw the movie when it first came out. At first, I was not really impressed, I liked the story and I read the books as they came out but I was not a huge fan. One day I even told my mom that I hated Harry Potter because she was reading Harry Potter and not paying attention to me. This was [the] summer between second and third grade. Third grade I decided to read all of the books currently out at that time. Needless to say, I was hooked. I kept it quiet, didn’t have much merchandise, I just browsed around the internet looking at things but not really doing anything. This continued for a year. Then in fourth grade, disaster struck, literally. A huge storm tore apart out [sic] apartment building, completely flooding it. Everything was ruined, except books 3-5 [that] we owned and a few other books on the higher shelves. My dolls? Gone. My other books? Gone. My cats were screeching, the ceiling was falling down and it was a disaster zone. I went over to my mom’s friends [sic] house, and she just let me sit there, cry and read Harry Potter. Needless to say, that [sic] with nothing else to do with my life, I read Harry Potter. All of my toys were gone so what is a girl supposed to do? We lived in a hotel for a while and I would do my homework, play violin, and read. I made a club at school and got my whole group of friends into it, as well as the rest of the grade. I had already loved Harry Potter, but this took it to a whole new level. The summer before, I had actually ignored my family during [a] family reunion to read the sixth book, but that was nothing compared to how obsessed I was in fourth grade. I made posters, I drew up O.W.L. scores, I sorted people into houses and awarded and took away house points. Around the end of fourth grade, people lost interest, but I was fine with that, as I had served my time as Queen of the grade: Harry Potter[-]style. Summer between fourth and fifth grade: disaster struck again. Exactly 11 months (to the day) after the house flooded my mom shattered the bone in one of her legs and fractured her ankle on the other in a car accident. I feel deeper in love with the Harry Potter fandom. I had no one to turn to. Everyone was so busy taking care of my mom, they forgot about me a little. I suppose that it was partially my fault for distancing myself, but I was 10. I turned to Harry Potter Chatrooms under an assumed name, seeking someone to talk to, someone who could understand. I was all over MuggleNet and other sites. I discovered all sorts of the Harry Potter fandom that I never knew about! As my love of Harry Potter grew and grew I branched out. I watched YouTube, I make silly video responses and I watch the [V]logbrothers. DFTBA!

It has been over three years since Deathly Hallows came out and we found out how the series ended. Do you have the same reaction to the ending now, as you did then?

When I first read it I was in shock at the ending. I had to re-read it many times. I thought the ending was fabulous, but now I think that it could have gone better. The only thing I have never liked about the ending is Ron and Hermione. Yes, I know some of you think that they were meant to be. I think they were too. Meant to be friends. Sorry if I just angered you all. Seriously though I think that Harry/Hermione is better, but both of them could have realistically happened in my opinion. And I don’t hate Ginny or Ron I just don’t like the idea of Ron/Hermione.

Deathly Hallows: Part 1 was screened in Chicago to a very lucky audience, including some MuggleNet staff members! If you read the reviews, what did you think? If you didn’t read them, why not?

I want to see the movie for myself, no reviews; I only watched one of the trailers, and virtually no sneak peaks [sic]. I want to go into this fresh with no expectations.

The Deathly Hallows movie split was announced this month via Entertainment Weekly. If you read the spoiler, what do you think? Where would YOU split the movie?

I did not as stated earlier, I do not want ANY spoilers and I want to go into this not knowing what to expect, including where it splits.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter had its one-millionth visitor this month – already! Have you visited the park, or have plans to? What were/are you most excited to see/visit?

Yes, I have I went over the summer. It was soooooo awesome; it was the experience of a lifetime, and I am so depressed that I had to come home! I was so excited for the rides and the shops and well, everything! All the rides were awesome and the Forbidden Journey was unbelievably amazing!!!!!

Harry Potter: The Exhibition announced that its final US stop was going to be Seattle! If you’ve made it to the exhibition, what did you think? If not, are you excited about the Seattle stop?

I went to it when it was in Boston (5 times) and I LOVED it! It was so good I loved seeing all the props and information. I’m glad I went to that before I went to the park, however, because otherwise, it wouldn’t have been quite as awesome (but still undeniably awesome). I say awesome a lot!

OMG! Emma cut her hair off! Love it, or dislike it?

HOLY SALAZAR SHE CUT OFF HER HAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I like it personally, and I believe she has a right to do whatever she wants with it. It’s her hair after all. P.S.-I hadn’t known she cut off her hair, I’ve been so out of it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Well, I have no further theories, but I’d just like to say thank you to the Harry Potter fandom as a whole for never letting me down. I love you guys! And Katherine, Aura, and Esira you guys wrock!!! Thanks for being my besties!