In Remembrance of Snape: A Kansas City “Potter” Party

I’ve never attended a Potter party before. I was a late bloomer in the fandom, and by the time I was neck-deep in it, my kids, distance, responsibilities, and—yuck—adulting prevented me from going to any release parties or conventions happening around the US. So imagine my delight when I was notified that Kansas City Carnival of Events was hosting “A Night of Cosplay Wizardry and the Remembrance of Snape.” A night full of dressing up, Potter-themed libations, live wrock music, contests, and—most importantly—coming together with other people in the wonderful, magical family we call the Harry Potter fandom.

The second I bought the tickets, I was in a frenzy. Not only was it my first fandom party, but it was also my very first cosplay! I was going to do it all, including a homemade wand competition. I wanted the full experience. So on May 28, Mrs. Weasley entered the building—or rather, the bar—and the only thought that ran through her head was, “My people!” I had finally found a collection of local Potternauts to mingle with! Wicked!

My husband and I kicked the night off with a few of their signature cocktails. Of course, they had butterbeer and Polyjuice shots (strong enough to curl even Malfoy’s greasy hair! Phew!). My favorite, though, was the Amortentia martini. I definitely fell in love with that particular concoction.

Amortentia martini and butterbeer. Mmmmmmmmm.

Once we were thoroughly lubricated, my husband and I took our usually introverted selves into the crowd and mingled. I first visited the judging table for my Mourning Molly cosplay and my custom wand entry to be assessed, and from that moment forward, I was greeted with a delighted, “Hello, again, Mrs. Weasley!” every time I entered the room. It was nice to see my choice of costume did not create too much of a downer for everyone.

Mourning Molly Weasley complete with moving portrait of Fred. RIP.

For the next few hours, I rubbed elbows with some AMAZING cosplays. Bellas, Minervas, Lunas, even a Hedwig and a sock-waving Dobby were all getting down to the live wrock music—courtesy of Brian Ross of Draco and the Malfoys!

Brian Ross of Draco and the Malfoys singing “Your Family’s Poor.” As the Weasley matriarch, I felt completely justified flying the bird during this song. Sorry, Brian.

The rooms were flowing with potions, music, and magic all night. A talking Sorting Hat, personalized acceptance letters, 2017 Planet Comicon passes, and other prizes were given away for the raffles, but easily the most amazing of all was the $250 dollars raised during the 50/50 raffle that was donated to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in memory of Alan Rickman. Can I just say, again, that Potterheads are the best people in the world?! And let’s not forget to appreciate the amazing cosplays!

This Seamus Finnigan gave me a serious case of the giggles.

Original character Polly Petri the Potioneer!

Absolutely adorkable Neville and Luna.

Heartbreakers of the night: Lupin and Tonks.

Sooner than I’d expected, it was time to announce the cosplay and wand contest winners. I must have a good eye because my favorites from the night turned out to be the three winners!

The comical Moaning Myrtle took 3rd place!

A creative interpretation of the Snitch snatched 2nd (also pictured is Rowena Ravenclaw).

This absolutely epic Mad-Eye Moody owned 1st place!

Oh, and the winner of the custom-made wand contest? Me! I practically hyperventilated as I walked on stage, but I managed to do a couple of cheesy poses with the wand and walk away with a smile and a heart full of pride!

Chinese Fireball scale core… a.k.a a chopstick.

Sadly, my night drew to a close shortly thereafter. I am out of practice for partying, after all, but I will have more opportunities to break out my robes and party like a witch at a Twisted Sisters concert! As it turns out, our lovely hosts are currently planning a Slughorn Christmas party—Draco and the Malfoys, Tonks and the Aurors, and 8th Horcrux are already confirmed—on December 3. So if you are in the Kansas City area, come rub elbows with KC’s own little Slug Club!

A huge thank you to Stacy Richards and the Kansas City Carnival of Events for hosting a fantastic night!