Fan Focus: Jade – December 22, 2013

Jade, 18 year-old Gryffindor from Melbourne, Australia

How did you become a Harry Potter fan?

I am an only child and was always bullied for being different. The one day my mum took me to see the first film and all of a sudden, my world changed. I finally had friends; Harry, Ron and Hermione. I was only seven but read the books as much as I could. I would write Hogwarts letters to myself and get a stick as my wand. Now I’m 18, and have been in the hospital with anorexia, severe depression and anxiety. I have wanted to give up many times, but then I would pick up a book or the movie and fight for my life.

Describe what being part of the Harry Potter fandom has meant to you in seven words or less.

Made me believe in love and happiness.

What Potter fandom memory would you keep in your Pensieve?

The first time I saw the movie, even though it’s not quite like the feelings I get when I read the books. I remember every detail about how I was feeling when the screen became filled with this new world. It was the first time I remember feeling happy.

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

I think I would see myself happy. Just perhaps me smiling. That’s all I really want, I just want some day to be happy.