Fan Focus: Ava – June 3, 2012

9-year-old Ava from Canada

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

I used to think Harry Potter was some weird series about that kind of wizard that lives in a castle, has a long white beard, and uses a crystal ball all the time. My friend Rae loved Harry Potter. She always said “Ava, you’ll love Harry Potter. Please watch one with me.” My mum disagreed: “Nope. Too scary. Not until you’re older.” she’d say. Then, this summer, I was visiting my friend named Leaf in a small town called Lund. He and his parents sail around the world to collect beads that they sell in their shop, so people were donating used books to him. He already read some of these books including the Harry Potter series. He thought I’d really like them. And well, to make a long story short, let’s just say he was right!

Now that all eight films are complete, how to feel about the movie series as a whole? Favorite? Least favorite?

I’m really happy that I started Harry Potter when the series had all come out, rather than right when the first book got released. My favorite Harry Potter film is the eighth one. I love how they added Snape’s final words:” You have your Mother’s eyes.” I really loved all of them, so I don’t really have a least favorite.

If you could have one prop from any of the eight films, what would you choose and why? 

I would choose Fawkes because I’m really into animals. And I know it was really just a robot in the films, but it would be cool. I would even treat him like a pet, “feed” him batteries, stroke him, carry him around on my shoulder and take him for walks. I bet I could trick my little sister that he’s real if I had one.

There are so many book storylines that were cut out of the movies due to time, flow, etc. If you could bring one back, which would it be?

“Old Voldy’s gone moldy.” no doubt. I loved imagining Peeves singing his silly little songs, flying about the castle. Or when he takes his first order: “Give her hell from us!” Or when Peeves is annoying Harry by saying stuff like: “Oh Potter, you rotter…” I mean, where is our Peevsie? Taking away Peeves is like taking the icing off the Oreo, just isn’t as good anymore.

Which book do you believe was best translated to film?

I think it was number four. The way the boat slowly emerged from the water, the way Hagrid laughed as he spoke to Madame half-giant lady, the way the visiting students danced their way in, it was just great.

Which character is your favorite from the books, and/or from the films?

Difficult, very difficult. Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Xenophilius <-(best name ever), Dumbledore, Harry, Ron, Hagrid, McGonagall, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Phlegm, Tonks, Lupin, Teddy (Lupin), Olivander, and last but not least, Snape. The end of the eighth is practically designed to make you like him. In his memory, it shows how great he really was. Right now, just remembering him crying over Lily’s body makes me want to cry.

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?

I just want to thank J.K. Rowling for writing this great series, because without her, my life would be quite boring.