Fan Focus: Amanda – September 28, 2014

22-year-old Gryffindor Amanda from Detroit, MI

How did you become a Harry Potter fan?

8 years old, cross legged on the floor of my 2nd grade classroom – my teacher was hosting yet another one of her story times. Usually Mrs. Ebling would create her own plots, having each of us close our eyes and imagine ourselves as the heroine of the adventure – but that day was different. That day she decided to read a chapter titled, The Boy Who Lived. I went home that night, and with my mom’s help we began where she left off.  Since then I have been in love with the story, and everything to do with it.

What would your patronus be and why?

To me, a Patronus is something more than your “favorite animal”.  A patrounus reveals your truest character, and is a unique way to reveal some of your best (and worst…cough cough Umbridge) qualities. My Paronous is a Panda Bear.  Pandas by nature, avoid conflict, however they will fight if they need to.  As a natural introvert, I have always been more inclined to stick to the sidelines, however my interest in environmental politics has forced me to step out of my comfort zone and learn to fight for what I believe in.

Describe what being part of the Harry Potter fandom has meant to you in 7 words or less.

Life changing. Connecting at the Core. Friendships.

What is one theory you had about the books before they finished that you wish had come true?

Before the end of the series, I had predicted that J.K. would go back and fill in/add to some of the plots and characters that she didn’t get the chance to while writing the original canon.  There is no way to describe (though I am sure that many of you know the feeling) the sentiment of reading one of the books for the first time.  The feeling is one that I try to emulate with every time I pick up one of the books, but I would give anything to actually feel it again.  Pottermore has been an outlet for this but I always wanted an ‘official’ add-in book that we could place next to the canon.