Fan Focus: Kevin – February 6, 2011

KEVIN
Age 28, United States

 

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

After barely making it through the first movie, and falling asleep during the second, a very good friend of mine told me to read the books first. Convenient, since Deathly Hallows was just released. I borrowed the first book from her and before I was finished, had bought the first three books, and the other four soon followed.

Imagine a world where you are 10 years old and do not know wizards exist. One day, a letter from Hogwarts comes, just for you. Would your reaction be disbelief, like Harry’s? Or something else?

My reaction would be something of an unknown expectation. As if I knew it was coming, but only subconsciously. Then, of course, I’d throw a big party for myself.

Finally convinced that you’re a wizard and are off to a school you’ve never heard of, to do magic that you didn’t believe was possible, you head to Diagon Alley to get some school supplies, including a pet. You can choose from a toad, a cat, or an owl. Which would you choose and why?

I would choose a cat from process of elimination. I couldn’t see myself with a toad, since they have no practical use. If I found out the school had school owls, I could always borrow one. (Not to mention, trans-Atlantic flights wouldn’t be healthy for it.) So I would choose a cat to keep as a less suspicious pet during the summer.

There are so many new people to meet on the Hogwarts Express! Which Harry Potter character would you become fast friends with and why?

Starting at Hogwarts the year after Harry, I’d probably find myself sitting with Luna Lovegood. I’ve always seen myself in Ravenclaw and most people avoid her, so the introvert in me would be drawn to her mostly empty compartment.

You’ve heard so much about a test that you’re going to need to take first thing when you get to Hogwarts! You are terrified until you see that it’s only a hat that sits on your head, and shouts out the house that you’ve been sorted into. What does the hat tell you?

After a debate over Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, the shyness in me would keep me from going to the former. “RAVENCLAW!”

You love ALL of your classes at Hogwarts, learning how to make things fly, and to even fly yourself! There’s just one that you really dread going to, and that class is…?

Herbology would get to me. I enjoy the magic of Transfiguration and Charms. Defense Against the Dark Arts would be fun (with the right professor). Potions would have its appeal with the possibilities of things you could accomplish. Even Astronomy would be cool since I’m a night owl. But I’m not big on digging in the dirt. I would rather go to the Apothecary to get ingredients rather than growing them myself.

Congratulations! You made the Quidditch Team for your house, and first year’s NEVER make the team! What position are you playing?

I’m small enough for Seeker, but I don’t know about the pressure of the game being on my shoulders. I’m too fidgety to be Keeper. Can’t be still too long. I’d rather be a Beater. Defense is where I shine.

Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Maybe a theory you still believe to be true, a shout-out, praise for yours truly?

A HUGE thank you to my friend Abby for letting me borrow her Sorcerer’s Stone that led to a grown man’s obsession. Thank you to MuggleNet.com and it’s creators and staff for keeping the best Potter website running. And I have a question as well: Whatever happened to Fluffy?