Hi Guys,
I hope it's ok to post this on the forum. If not, moderator, please forgive me, I didn't see it in the rules!

I'm a writer and I'm writing an article on Harry Potter leading up to Book 7. I did not join this forum just to ask this question--in fact, I'm inspired by this forum to ask it!

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books? Like, if your co-workers knew that you avidly discussed various theories about the books online, you'd be completely embarrassed? Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you?

For example, a friend of mine is a CEO of a software company, and no one at his work would ever guess he loves the HP books b/c he's so serious and focused and has never brought them up. I, on the other hand, proudly proclaim my love for HP, and am constantly trying to get co-workers to read it.

Please tell me what you'd think. It would really help me just get a feel of what people are thinking. Thanks so much!

Since Harry Potter has been around a very long time in tersm of popular culture, anyone of reading age who has not read it is has probably chosen not to do so. For this reason, I do not walk around imploring others to read Harry Potter. If a person enjoys the books and wishes to discuss them, I am more than willing to partake. If they do not wish to read or talk about them, then I am also content to let that person live his or her life. It is neither my job nor respobsibility to advertise and promote Harry Potter.

That being said, I am not a 'closet Potter freak.' I read the books whenever I want to do so. I read fanfiction when the desire strikes me. I have never chosen to write any fanfiction, mostly due to the time required to write anything of substance.

Now, to answer the question posed by the thread title, how do others react to my 'obsession?' It depends on the person. Some readers are impressed by how well I know the characters and quotes from the books. Others find it disturbing that I know them as well as I do. To illustrate two portions of the reaction spectrum, I want to tell two stories about others' reactions.

I work as a lifeguard. This January, a patron learned that I read Harry Potter. This particular woman had a rigid exercise regimen based on swimming. She swam at my pool five days a week at the exact same time every day. We had many similar interests. Over several months, we had built a familiarity with one another. We had exchanged cooking recipes (a miraculous achievement considering how much we both guard our cooking recipes) as well as suggested books and movies for one another. One day, she came in to start swimming when I was reading Half-Blood Prince. She asked what I was reading. I told her it was Harry Potter. Her reply? "I can't believe you would read that. I thought you were a good person." She walked out of the pool and has not been back to the Fitness Center since. She threw away an entire exercise regiment simply because I read Harry Potter. I assume she has gone elsewhere to exercise. However, the closest pool she could use is 16 miles away. It also charges $500 a year, whereas our pool is free.

My other story is much shorter. Simpy enough, it is VTM. I signed up and everyone welcomed me into the fold of "Potterheads."

Thanks so much for the candid reply--I really appreciate you sharing. I was just joking when I said I'm constantly trying to get co-workers to read it, by the way....

I feel a great sense of accomplishment. My best friend told me today that she is reading Philosopher's Stone! I congratulated her. I have to say, there are those who simply haven't read HP because they don't think they'd enjoy it. Also, in my experience, my peers mostly haven't read Harry Potter because they think the films are stupid. I was hooked by the PS movie, though, so I feel my timing on that was great!

I am in almost every sense of the word NOT a closet HP fan, and my friends know that I am anything but a closet VTM addict. I do try to keep my HP and VTM comments to a minimum, but it filters through at times.

I guess one of the great reasons I make no secret of it is people's reaction to it. Not that I do it for the reaction - it's actually more useful than that. As it's clear from After the Burial's experience, you can tell a lot about someone's open mindedness by their reaction to Harry Potter and the people who read it. I really have little time for people who treat me differently when they learn that I'm a fan, so I feel it's best to get it out in the open as soon as possible. No need to waste emotion on someone who cares more about what people believe than the actual people. And by not making it a secret, you stand a greater chance of meeting fellow fans.

I don't mind if people choose not to read it. I don't agree with many of their reasons, but if they don't mind that I do read it, by the same token I don't mind that they don't. I think they're missing something, but that's something they'll hopefully discover themselves one day.

Capricorn, I know exactly what you are talking about when you say you feel a certain sense of accomplishment by your friend reading PS.

I work as a Teachers Assistant and my lead teacher is about 6 or 7 years younger then Iam. When she first saw me reading about Harry Potter and starting to pin up my little memorabilia on my file cabinet she looked at me like I had grown two heads. However I can be quite enthusiastic when it comes to the great scoops we get here on VTM and I have on occasion let out squeals of delight before the students actually get into the classroom. One day for lack of another book around she picked up my copy of Sorcerers Stone. That was in Mid March. As we are now just beginning June (tomorrow), she has just finished chapter two in HBP. She is completely hooked on completing that book before the fifth movie and the final book come out this summer. Now we have wonderful conversations and she theorizes on things that I simply can't answer because it would ruin HBP for her and it is great.

My family is another matter. For the most part they tolorate my obssession and occasionally roll there eyes when I bring up something I read. Gosh, they even gave me a hard time about telling them the release date for OOTP was changed. It has nothing really to do with the fact that it is the Potter series but more so to how into it I am.

I suppose I can understand that. When I get into something I don't believe in halfway and the same applies to Harry Potter. The only time I feel really put out by other people's reaction to my "love" for Pottermania is when they judge it without cause or reason and then proceed to lecture me on why I am wrong. Usually I just tell them they can approach me on the subject again after they read the books or at least watch the movies

I would firstly like to congratulate both nevillesgirl and capricorn on the accomplishment of getting a friend interested in the series, and that's quite ironic that that was brought up. I am actually the "recruited friend"! I have a friend, who is also a Vtm member who was utterly obsessed with HP while I was in my LOTR obsesion. We each would watch eachother's movies, read the opposite's books, and have discussions, but I wasn't completely convinced at that point. Eventually my obsession with LOTR died down, and HP took over. Ever since I've become a Harry Potter Spaz! More irony is that out of my friend and I, I found Vtm first! Who would've thought eh?

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?
...Well belive me around the house I am anything but a closet HP fan or Vtm fan (hence the fact that I'm on all the time! ) However when I'm in school, no one else seems to understand, so I keep it very subtle. When we watched Harry Potter in Spanish in Spanish class, I was apparently mumbling everything Snape said under my breath (in English), and someone called me on it. A couple people laughed but got over it fast. It's dissapointing that I shouldn't be able to be completely open about it, but it seems like the people I go to school with just aren't as interested.
Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you?
Well I'm very open with that fact with my best friend (the one who is obsessed as well). I'm not afraid to post an away message on aim that says something to the effect of "reading so and so's fan fic. Working on my own." This is because I know no one really understands what I'm talking about anyway. Everyone knows I love reading and writing so they think nothing of it most likely. As for family, well it really depends on which family member. Most think it's great that I've become so engrossed in something, some disagree, but all agree that they are sick of hearing about HP and Vtm, so I try and cut back on my outbursts.

Can you imagine if there was a Potterholic's Anonymous?? We'd be hunted down!

Hi workaholic_1231! Thanks so much for the great reply. The fact that you don't really let people in school know about your love for potter is really interesting. Do you mind me asking what school level you are in? (You don't have to be specific--just general like college, high school or intermediate.)

I'm asking for the purposes of my article (which, if it gets printed, i promise i'll put up the link to it!) I'm trying to figure out if it's more adults who don't want people to know they LOOOOVE harry potter books, or younger readers.

Thanks so much!

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?

No, way uh huh never!!

Absolutely not. I'm proud of the fact that I know more about HP than most people I know (flesh people that is not virtual ones!) It's amazing how many 'closet' readers come out, when they find that they have a kindred spirit. They ask me, 'Oh, dod you actually admit to people that you read HP'? and ofcourse I say, yes, I have nothing to hide, they are good books. I have had a few raised eyebrows, but most people accept that in my line of work, I am bound to read the odd childrens book. That comment always gets me riled, but I don't bite, it's not worth wasting my breath on the closed minded ones who still think HP is for kids only. Like After the Burial said, Hp has been around for a long time now, and those who know nothing, have made the concious decision not to read the books.

Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you?

Definately. In fact I have been reading on fanfic out loud to my daughter who is 10. It has a bit of kissing in it and she thinks that is hilarious, but is impressed that someone who is a fan, can write such good stuff. My older kids think it's OK that I check VTM regularly, but hubby thinks I'm slightly deranged But accepts it never the less.

Overtheocean, sure I don't mind telling you, I'm in high school! I would really like to read your article when you finish it, because that is a subject I've always been interested in as well!

etphonehome, I think that it's so great that you handle yourself so well when people raise their eyebrows you said you don't get too mad. There in lies my problem. I get really mad when I do tell someone about my obsession, then they degrade it, as well as myself. I think that's why I've resorted to only a select few.

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?

No, I certainly don't. I understand that there might be a certain stigma for someone who is 30 reading them series, but I don't mind. I majored in Literature, so I'm fairly well read. I put off reading the series because I don't usually like to jump on bandwagons, but once I started reading them, I was invariably hooked on the whole thing. I don't necessarily talk in depth about the books to people who haven't read them or who don't want to read them, but I do tell people that I love the books. Hey, they're not for everyone. Some people don't like fantasy. I don't particularly like suspense. I read it for the sake of reading, but I understand it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you? I'm not that open about the fanfiction writing. I'm not in anyway ashamed that I read and write it, though. If something in the conversation comes up, I'll tell them. Example: I was in an airport with a friend last August. Our plane asked for volunteers to get off of the plane. My friend and I sort of befriended another woman who decided to exit the plane (for the free ticket, really. . .). I had my laptop so we could watch movies, and we decided to watch Pride and Prejudice while waiting for our next flight. My wallpaper is Slytherin, and the woman almost squealed, "Oh! You like Harry Potter?!" I, of course, proceeded, much to my friend's boredom, to divulge my HP life. It just served as an instant connector. I mentioned this site, that I was a moderator, and that I enjoy the fanfiction aspect of obsessive fandom. My friends all know I write fanfiction. My family, those I talk to, anyways. . .know. Oh, my brother doesn't know. He's strange, though.

As far as any stigma involved; I have two anecdotes. When people find out how much I enjoy the HP series, I think it's somehow forgiven because of my college major. I think it's a bit lame that people are more allowing of me to be into them because Literature is my passion; but there you have it. My mom thinks I'm a little over the top, but I have managed to get her to read them. The second stigma related confrontation I've had was when I was going to church one day (I'm fairly involved in my church), a woman noticed my licence plate: FLU PDR. She asked me what it meant, and I said, "Oh, it's from Harry Potter. Floo Powder is a method of wizard transportation, and I thought it was fitting because my car gets me places. And it's green." She looked at me, almost in pity, and said, "My licence plate says "PSALM 104." Then she walked on. So, obviously she wasn't as impressed and probably thought I was less a Christian than she. I don't feel that way. She's entitled to her opinion, but I found it rather amusing.

I guess that's the thing. I don't mind the whole world knowing that I enjoy HP. (Even that member who keeps PMming me telling me how sad I am to be 30 and hanging around a kid's site. . .) I enjoy the books. I'm happy to tell anyone. I'm happy to discuss them with anyone who wants to discuss them.

I feel a little sorry for the seeming close-mindedness of those people who feel sorry for me to have fallen into the trap of the HP series.

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?

Not at home. I am constantly talking about HP. I am almost always rereading one of them, and my favorite shirt is what I call me Marauder shirt- on the front it says 'I sollemly swear that I am up to no good' and on the back it says 'Mischief Managed'. I wear it a lot at home. My computer is filled with HP stuff, and so is my room. When I am on the computer, 99% of the time I am on a website that has to de with HP (predominately VTM). My familoy does get annoyed with me at times, but that is because I am constantly talking about the books, movies, JKR, or other news about HP. At ia the non-stop chatter that annoyed them, not Harry Potter. I get really excited over HP. I have bben known to shriek in response to something I've read about HP. I am obsessed.

At school, it is a different matter. Not all of my friends know that I love HP (I am friends with 3/4 of my grade), only my close friends. They are cool with it, and a few of them like some HP actors. At my school, people are not very accepting. If what you like is not "in", then you become a social outcast, with very few friends. Being obsessed with things is ok, as long as it is Pirates of the Caribbean, Twilight (and New Moon), Hannah Montana, and TV shows like House, Lost, and CSI. I don;t exactly hide my love for HP, but I don't broadcast ot either. I had the cover of DH in my locker and I would read the books at school. I would be really excited and happy at school if there was big HP news, and I would tell peoploe what I was excited about if they asked. Also, I was a Veela for Halloween last year (not this past Halloween, but the one before that).

~Bella~

This is a great topic. I would definitely classify myself as a closet Potter fan. As a thirty year old male, Harry Potter discussions aren't exactly typical conversation amongst the guys. There are a few occaisions in which my various theories and discussions come out, but that is usually when everyone is talking about Harry Potter (such as the time around book releases).

When my wife finds me posting, she likes to jokingly say that I'm "boning up on my nerd lessons" (to quote the Simpsons)

I don't know how I got so wrapped up in the Harry Potter discussions. I've visited this site at least once a day for the last two or three years (although I don't post nearly that often). I think I just like to argue (and I needed something to look forward to and predict once Star Wars finished it's run).

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?

Not around my family. They know I am completely into HP. My husband likes to joke around with me calling me HP or a freak (jokingly), but that's okay. My mother just laughs about it and rolls her eyes. She hasn't read the books so I can't really have an indepth discussion with her. Same for my husband. He has watched the films, but he hasn't read the books. The only books he reads are magazines! My daughter isn't really old enough to come up with logical theories or to understand mine. So, I come here to VTM for some good discussions and debates.

As far as announcing to friends and the world, not really. If someone else brings it up, I'm more than ready to join in on the discussion! I know there are people out there who don't approve of HP, and since I am one who can't stand confrontation, I'd rather not take the chance of starting one up. So, I hide in the shadows until a door is opened.

Things have changed since my last post so I thought I'd update them.

I've officially started letting others know about my obsession! I have long since my post decided that it's not fair for me to hide my true feelings and expressions from others because I don't know what they'll say or think of me. Why should I care? Afterall, it's my obsession, not theirs.

I've done several things that are starting to get the attention of my friends who weren't aware. One person finally asked, "What is 'Vtm' that you say you're always on?" I replied with. "The most amazing Harry Potter fansite!!" The look I recieved was filled with curiosity, dissaproval, and a hint of interest, but I shrugged it off and didn't let her opinions bother me.

Also, another way I've started to show was when I recieved a phone call from a friend I hadn't talked to since school let out, and he asked what I was doing. I blatantly replied, "I'm working on my Harry Potter fan fiction to submit it to the fan site I'm always on." There was an awkward silence afterwards, but as I said, I was busy so I didn't care.

I feel like I've had a breakthrough with these so I had to post about it.

~Ashley

How did I miss this topic oh yeah life happens. I havent been on VTM in so long Im having withdrawls but I back and i think this is a great topic.
First let me start by saying I didnt even find out about HP books till I was 18 years old and at first I was the roll you eyes type. I thought what is all the fuss about. My cousin who I absolutly adore asked me to take her to the very first hp movie as she is younger than most of my cousins and her mom would not take her I was her only hope. I can not thank her enough. I didnt actually start reading the books till I was 22 but I made a point to take her to all the films. Until one day She had the fifth book and of course It hit me... I didnt know what was happining but the next thing I know I have all 6 books and am a total HP fan. Sorry if that was but I wanted to you to know how it all began for me. Now to answer your questions

I most definitly do not keep my obssesion a secret. When I got all six books I had just started here at my job, Im a Assistant manager at a hotel and I do a graveyard shift two nights a week where there is nothing to do after you finish your thirty minutes of paperwork. anyways. I had just got the books and so I figured Id read them while I was working the night shift but I got so caught up in them that I was bringing them to my day shifts as well. Everyone was like what are you reading? Im like HP baby...I could not put them down. Soon every one at the front desk was taking turns reading my HP books. After one would finish the next would start and It was totally awsome. We started having debates kinda like here on VTM. Every once in a while guest would come around and start in on the disscusion as well. I guess Im lucky in that way the only person who looked slightly dissapointed in me is my General manager...she was completley shocked. She has learned to live with my eccentricities and every once in a while she will even pretend to be interested. I worked with her long enough to know shes really not but is kind enough not to say any thing to the contrary. As for fanfictions...the front desk clerks are all reading mine and they dont seem to find it the least bit crazy that I am reading others they think it makes sense because the next book hasnt been rleased yet but they cant wait for me to bring in a copy of DH they are all dying to know what is going to happen.

As for at home every one has learned to deal, at first it was rough my husband was like cant you put the book down you've read it over and over. We have learned though that as much as I dont like NASCAR he doens like HP but while he watches a race I read and we spend companiable time doing what we both love...it works out nicely. Even my grandmother who is a strict christian woman used to look down her nose at me and me cousin but now is slightly interested. I know she wont read the books but if she cathces my she always ask whats going on.

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?
I don't mind if someone knows about my HP obsession, if they disapprove, that really is not, in any way, my problem!! Like this girl from my karate class, she saw me re-reading HBP, the other day, and says: You actually read that? with a look of shock, disapproval, and a hint of curiosity. I just said yes, and continued reading. I don't care what she thinks if she is narrow-minded, and won't even read one of the books to see if the series even remotely interests her. I'm not even sure why she was talking to me, I don't like her a lot, she is full of herself, so I wasn't really surprised that she was the one to say something!

Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you?


I don't care if they see me on VTM, I just explain that it's a Harry Potter fan website! My family is getting annoyed at how much I'm into HP, also with the book and movie coming out, I really start re-reading my books, and am on here a lot!! I sometimes stay on here for hours, reading fanfics, and just discussing things, it's better than cleaning the house!! My friends know that I'm obsessed and don't mind, but I know not to talk about it too much, I don't want to annoy them so much! Also if someone made fun of me for reading HP, I'd brush it off, and continue doing what I'm doing!!

I don't keep it from my family, they know that HP are like the only books I've ever loved this much! I'm trying to force my dad to read the HBP, but he keeps avoiding it. I run after him and everything and say.. you know what book you need to read? Harry.. Potter!!!!
My cousins and I however, are all complete Potterheads so we always share our ideas and opinions about the books/movies with each other. We even play Potter sometimes, not something I ever admit. We pick up sticks point them at each other and we duel.. Meanwhile the opposing person pretends to fall or something, depending on the "spell."
I don't mention Potter around my older friends or my raver friends, because they would think I'm weirder than I already am and would turn it into inside jokes.

But my other friends, I tell them about the book and I go crazy and am like you must read Harry Potter you must read!!!! Before that, I used to pretend I wasn't obsessed with HP!
But now I get mad at them when they don't read the book right away, if it takes them a few months to do so. My one friend it took her 6 months to read Goblet of Fire and that made me really mad then because it happens to be my favorite of all Hp books!
In school I don't mention it, since us highschoolers care way too much about other's opinions! Even though I was caught numerous times debating on this website in the Library at school!

I think it is so funny that Vultremort and Janet are right there with me. 30 somethings (well...not quite 30 yet but will be in a couple....too much info?) Back on topic, I too am a married adult with children of my own. But I view the HP series as something that is mine. It is something that I have to explore and enjoy just as much as my husband jumps up and down and yells at the T.V. for a football game. My husband thinks I am funny and strange, all in a good way. He laughs and rolls his eyes when I talk about everythign from release dates to plot theories. But he is supportive too. When OotP came out, he promptly handed me money, and took the children and offered to either watch them or come with me. I opted for a couple of hours of alone time. Mommies of babies don't get that often. For the release of HpDH, he has offered to take the kids to grandma's house for the release day itself to give me an opportunity to read it. He does this because he respects the fact that I like them...erm..love them and he wants me to be happy. The rest of my family are different stories. Everyone knows I like HP, but no one other than my husband know how indepth the addiction goes. He is also the only one who knows about my writing fanfiction too. He has read them and enjoys the stories and even gives me off the wall ideas, that I never take.

BTW, Janet, where can I get a license plate like yours?

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?

No I do not. I don't care to tell anyone how much I adore the HP series. I adore the series so much and absolutely love Slytherin t e craze.thhat I had the Slytherin crest tatooed on my arm. So no I do not hide the fact from anyone. I actually get offended whenever a "Potter Hater" disses on the series. It offends me greatly...I am a die hard HP fan, Potterhead whatever you want to call

Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you?

Yes I do all of those things. I will tell anyone, HP fan or not that I spend alot of time in VTm doing what else discussing everything HP related. I don't care what my family or friends says about this at all. My ex-husband used to say I had an obsession and needed to spend more time with him and less time on VTM..The nerve

Marcey

Marcey, and hey! He's gone and we're still here! If he doesn't like Potter, he had to go!

I never really thought about being embarrassed about HP until just recently when I started my new job. There is a 19-year-old girl who works there who loves HP, but everyone thinks she's an annoying dweeb, and she actually kinda is. Seriously! I tried to talk HP with her and she got all snotty. No idea why. The only other person I talked about it with started doing the 'glazed-eyes' thing after about 15 seconds, so I left off. I suppose if I wanted to discuss country music she'd be interested.

As for what other people think, I don't really have many other people in my life that aren't into fantasy themselves. In fact, my son James and his friend Chad and I are the Geek Trio. James is the LOTR Geek, Chad is the Eragon Geek, and I am the HP Geek. We have a good time going to any of our Geeky movies that come out, and then explaining the finer points that got left out afterward.

I guess, to me, HP isn't something I'm embarrassed to discuss, but I seldom bring it up, no more than any other thing I'm passionate about, because I'm used to most people not 'getting' me. But it's incredibly liberating to come here to VTM and get my geek on!

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?

I used to, but now that the seventh book is out, you kind of find out who of your close circle of friends has always been a Potterhead, and has also been hiding it. There's no holding back now that book 7 is out. I don't know why that it, but that's just how I feel.

Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you?

Correct. I hide my fanfic from my family. In fact, the file on my computer is password protected, and it's not the password that my mother knows about (I told her what most of my passwords are because I was out of the country, and in case anything happened, etc). However, they know that I have done some 'creative writing', and my mother and I discussed that she had attempted some of that type of writing once, but immediately became frustrated. So then I really wanted to discuss it with her, but I didn't think she would enjoy talking about HP. oh well.

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?

Not at all, it's common knowledge for everyone who's around me! When DH came out, my brother finally what to get me for my birthday (August 9th) and I actually had to beg him to give it to me earlier because everyone at school was reading it and people were starting to put hints on their MSN screennames. After a few days I convinced him and I didn't mind people staring at me in the library, while I was sitting there reading my book. A friend of mine who dislikes fantasy stories actually came up to me and said, "Harry Potter dies in the end, you know?", and then she added, "Well, I don't know, but I think he will, I hope he does". But it was all for fun.

I got my mom into watching the movies (well, that's something) by discussing stuff regarding to PoA. I remember it being something like, "You know, sometimes, you have to do things for yourself in order to actually save yourself. There was this part of a HP book in which Harry thinks his dad is there to save him, but them, by time travelling, he learns it was actully his own self, changing his life. Those are not children's books anymore, they've got some meaning into real life issues."

Also, when I started to re-read DH, about 2 weeks ago, I had it hidden, because since I'm studying 2 careers at school, I shouldn't have time to waste on reading books I already read (I keep it on my nightstand and read a chapter a day, just to keep the magic flowing). Anyway, when my mum found out, she started on me, but then I replied that I'm a 23 year old girl who doesn't like to go clubbing, who studies a lot and who stays at home most of the time, and if I like to read HP on my spare time, I should do it, instead of going out to party and getting wasted or doing drugs. She gave me that "I-think-you've-got-a-point-there" look and now when my brother bugs me about it (he's a Lord of the Rings fan), she stands up for me.


Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you?

Well, I'm not that creative as for witing fanfics, but I love reading them, and I praise all of you guys clever enough as for keeping plots going. I'm most of an opinion writter myself.
But I don't keep it hidden that most of the time, I'm browsing through VTM forums, and now that I became a member of the Duelling Club, I brag around my friends, that I'm going for it serious! Hahaha!

That's really cool, Anita! My mum attends conferences quite often, so the only HP movies she's ever watched have been on planes. But my younger brother and I have talked about HP a lot to her. My dad has read up to PoA, but we still need to get my mother to read the books! The really wonderful thing about HP books I've found (as have millions of others), is that they're so easy to talk about. I can't think of any other story that has the ability to make fans of varying fanaticism spontaneously discuss the books. I'm definitely letting my children read the books one day, so we can dissect the stories and talk about the truths and lessons and overall magic of it.

Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you?
I do! My close friends know I write fanfiction every once in a while, and so does my family... I think. I've made my youngest brother read everything I've written. He's usually the first person I show it to, even in the earlier drafts, and if he likes it, I continue. I talked to my mum the other day about the idea of taking an existing scenario, existing dynamics between characters, and playing around with it. I enjoy that a lot, and I think it's very similar to adapting novels into screenplays, for instance.

Thanks so much Capricorn! It took me some effort but it worked! Hahaha!



You are soo right! Last week I was sitting in my computer in class and the teacher hadn't arrived just jet. Then I heard a couple of girls next to me discussing something about Harry Potter and then I said something like, "don't tell me you're into it as well?", and then we were all together talking about what we liked and didn't liked about the movies, what they took away from the films and the impact on society.

The funny thing is that we didn't know each other before that, even though we've been working on computers next to each other for a month and a half and one of us isn't even studying journalism! Now, we're 5 girls talking about Harry Potter stuff every thursday, and some like Lord of the Rings, some like The Chronicles of Narnia, some like all and some other like only Harry. It's a topic that easily unites people, that's one of the things I like the most from it!

(Going back to the topic: some people look at us in a weird way, but I think it's only because they haven't read the books or even taken a look at the movies, so they dislike what they don't know, as with most of things... Bah! I don't care about them! Hahaha!)

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?
uhhh now when i think about what i am about to write i get....well im not too happy with myself. I always tell people that i dont care about what they think about me.....but i do....lol and i kind of just realized this.... I love HP....but i guess i dont love it as much since im embarassed to read it openly.....At home its ok...my parents know that i like HP, but when I want to read it outside of home i am always covering the book so no one will see what i am ready...so they wont think im a dork.....

Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you?

Yes. the answer to this question is yes...i think that you will find that the majority of the people on veritaserum would most likely say yes to this question....at school i never say anything about HP. When i am looking at veritaserum i make the screen small so no one will see any HP stuff....they make fun of people and im a senior so they would be like grow up...Hp is for little kids and stuff like that....

Do any of you keep secret the fact that you absolutely ADORE the HP books?
No! Most people know that I am a HP-fanatic, I am sending lots of HP-stuff to my friends (who are fans, too, but not that active), like Potter Puppet Pals or JKR answering questions which were still not answered after HPDH. And I brought my Girlfriend to reading HP and she became a fan, too.

Do you not openly discuss that you read or write fanfic, or that you check Veritaserum everyday for fear of friends, family, etc. making fun of you?
My family knows that I am active at VTM and some of my friends do know as well. I have started writing a Fanfic, but no one in my everyday-life knows about it and I do not have the intention to tell them. At least for now. Maybe I'll show them, when I'm more confident about it and happy with the result, but that's still far away...

Do any of you keep secret the fact you absolutely adore the HP books?

Absolutely not; no way; not a chance. I am wide open about the HP series, the variety of reasons I enjoy the books, and that I am reading them aloud with my daughter.

So, the news came out about JKR's revelation concerning Dumbledore's sexual orientation.
I find more people than ever are asking my about my love of the books...NOW. Well, good for them. Doesn't bother me in the slightest, rather it ties up a variety of loose ends quite nicely for me. I suppose my openmindedness makes her outing of him no bother to me. I recognize those that approach me over the books now, well, they have an agenda: to see if I am shocked and angered at the news.

NOPE.

I speak only for myself when I say I still adore the books, I will read them again this winter, while the snow flies. I'm not ashamed to continue with my praise for Harry Potter's journey.

I actually have a friend whose dad thinks Harry Potter and Star Wars are Satanist, and this friend always defended it fervently, but when I told him about Dumbledore he said that he now agreed with his dad.

The books haven't changed. I understand the irritation people have with the way Jo brought it to light, but when I go back to reading the books and pondering the story, I've found it changes absolutely nothing for me, except for shedding a bit more light on Dumbledore's character. The fact that it makes no difference to the books is something most people seem to agree on, but I know several people who now think I'm even more insane and on a wayward path for liking and defending the series. Ah well.

I have no problem whatsoever admitting that i love reading Harry Potter. I will keep on reading it, and i will certainly re-read the whole series when i have some free time. I will keep on writing stories, if i have nice ideas and i won't stop posting here. I don't mind it if people believe i am too old to read Harry Potter, as to some, Harry Potter is just a kids series, which is of course, totally wrong. Ever since GoF was printed, Harry Potter became a more serious book and certainly a rather dark one. But overall, i don't think i will ever hide my love for Harry Potter. It is a hobby and a habit i have developped for so many years that i won't just let it go now. For those who judge it and believe it supports satanist-ic beliefs, i suggest reading the books first and then making such a nonsense statement. Plus, we have the right to read whatever we want, and if they believe this series offends them somehow, then do not occupy with it!

Although I have not heard an adult speak of Harry Potter in a while, I do know both my daughter and my nephew (they are both in third grade) are reading the series now. My nephew is in Goblet of Fire and my daughter is in Chamber of Secrets.

We were camping this weekend and my nephew, Ethan, came up to ask me a few things about what's going on in GoF. My brother-in-law hasn't read the series, so he had no idea how to help him, and he sent him to me. We happily chatted about the series up through what he'd read for nearly thirty minutes. We were sitting aroung the morning campfire over coffee and the remains of breakfast during our chat. It was amusing to note the confusion on everyone else's face unfamiliar with the wonderful world within the books. Even my mother-in-law marveled at the depth of our conversation and remarked she might have to pick them up now that the grandkids were interested.

I have to be honest and admit I miss not having the series in my everyday conversations anymore. I sure wish the series wasn't over.

I miss this as well. I remember when the GoF was out and I bought it and carried it to my school everyday so that I could read it during the breaks. It was such a risky act since we weren't allowed to bring any magazines and books! And my school was a Christian one so if they found it, I'd be in trouble. I had a couple of friends who were as crazy as I was for Harry Potter and we kept talking about everything that happened, and explaining all the possible theories. When the fifth book came out, I had read it but a close friend of mine hadn't. So, she didn't want to hear us talking about it but at the same time, she wanted to know what happened! It was so funny!

I really miss being with someone who still wants to talk about it. I know that every question is answered but I'd still like to indulge into a fun conversation on how the trio's life would be after Hogwarts... I really wish the series didn't have to end.

Yep, I remember when I was working and DH came out, but I couldn't get it the day of release. So, I put this sign up on our chalkboard at work telling everyone that "spoilers" would not be tolerated! Those that did not know of HP, were completely confused; those that did were a bit miffed they were being asked to shut-up about the ending.

However, I did not get the book spoiled for me! I think that is what was paramount for me at that time: I wanted to experience the ending as it was meant to be, not because someone had a big mouth and blew it for me.

I had it spoiled! Or most of it! We were watching the news with my brother and the journalist to present the sales of Harry Potter had the very clever idea to reveal what happened! What an idiotic person! I still can't forgive him for ruining so many things for me. At least I was quick enough and covered my ears. My brother heard all the spoilers. The result: he hasn't finished yet the book.

I have to admit I spoiled once the fun of a kid. He was leaving the book store holding the HPB and I was entering, having read it already in english. As he passed by my side, I told him that Dumbledore dies. I swear he was about to cry. Chances though are that he might not have believed me at the moment. I'm so mean.

In my frenzy to read all the books (not knowing the last book wasn't even out yet), if someone would have told me Dumbledore dies in HBP, I'd never have believed them! No way. I still couldn't believe it when I read the words on the page myself. I never once thought he was faking, but I was suspicious of Snape and his part in the scheme.

I honestly don't know if DH would have been spoiled for me how I would have felt about reading the book at warp speed. As it was, I had company from out of state (my old Navy roommate) visiting, so I had to sneak time to read it. I think I finished it in under nine hours, though. I read it much slower the second time.

I do know people that had the ending spoiled, but they were non-supports of Snape being good: they did not believe it anyway!

It's always different when you hear it from a journalist: it's not possible that he may be lying...

I have to admit that I didn't read DH as fast as I did the other books of the series. Maybe because I was very busy with my university, maybe because it was in english (I can't be such a fast reader in foreign languages) or maybe because subconsciously I didn't want it to end. I couldn't believe it when I read the last line and I turned the page to read more and there was nothing! I was like "What? This can't be the end! No way!!". I was a little bit disappointed. Everyone I know was. I expected a little bit more. I realise that JKR didn't want to become boring with all the little details, but I had so many questions. A huge gap between the last chapter and the epilogue.

It was such an excitement however, holding the last book! I was reading it when I was in the bus to go to my classes, I was reading it when I was walking to my building, I was reading this book instead of the encyclopedia I had to study for an essay...What a wonderful feeling! I can't believe it was a year ago.

Yes, the hype working up to the release of DH was unlike anything I've ever experienced. I wonder in a book series will ever generate that much international anticipation again. Oh, I know there is a huge buzz about Breaking Dawn from the Twilight series, yet it is nothing compared to Harry Potter.

I just lent GoF to my nephew Sunday, so he could finish it. He had checked it out from the school library, but school released for summer vacation last week. His eyes are so bright when he talks about the series. I have all these sticky notes in my books to mark passages I found important, and he greedily went from note to note to see what I marked. I asked him about Snape and he said he was "reserving judgement." Oh to have that wonder again!

The night before DH was relased, I went to my nearest Borders and waited until midnight, when they opened the doors. I've never acually realized how many book fans there are, until you see how fast DH goes off the shelf!

I didn't start reading it for another three days, though. I couldn't get over the fact this would be my last first-time-opening-a-Harry-Potter-book. When I finally did, I demolished the book, taking in every last little detail, re-reading everything, analyzing, ect. I didn't want to miss a single thing! But then, when Snape was killed, I stopped reading for a day or two: I was in total, complete shock.

Like what alkisti said, the huge gap between the last chapter and epilouge had me wanting to fly to Jo Rowling's house and ask her all the burning questions I had. I really hope, someday she comes out and just fills us all in. What hopeful wishing, eh?

I have to agree with Sirren too, about how Breaking Dawn will never have as big of an eximent buzz as Harry Potter ever will. I personally don't read the Twilight series, but a friend of mine went from loving Harry Potter, to reading the first Twilight seires book, to hating Harry Potter all-together. She says the writer of the series is a much more fascinating and creative writer than JKR. I however, will always disagree with her.

I think part of the reason the Twilight series will never have as big of a following as Harry Potter is that there will apparently only be four books. Most of the Harry Potter craze didn't even begin until GoF and it only built from there. Twilight is just starting to catch fire the same way HP did, but, even though the author promises other books from the world of Twilight, the main story will be complete after with Breaking Dawn. Who knows whether or not it would have begun to approach what was achieved by JKR if there were to be three more books released after Breaking Dawn?

The brilliance of both authors is there ability to create a new and different world that parallels our own.

I haven't managed to read the Twilight series yet. But I think this series is not translated in greek. This is a major reason why it will never be as huge as Harry Potter. It has to be global to create a web of fans just like Harry Potter. I know everyone will start talking about it when the movie comes out (there will be a movie, right?) but it will be like Eragon or something. It is one of these bubbles that get bigger and bigger but after a while can't handle the pressure and break. I do not doubt the writer's skills. However, he should promote his job more widely. The globe is not the US only, or even the UK. It is an achievement what JKR did; uniting every culture under one book. It will be hard to repeat.

You're right, Alkisti, that Twilight isn't in Greek...yet. Give it time, though, and I'm sure it will be. It's already a global phenomenon, though.

What's interesting about both series is that they've had to overcome a certain amount of taboo in order to make it as big as they have. I read the first Harry Potter book when I was 21, but I felt I needed to hide the fact that I was reading it because it was a kids' book. It gradually became more and more acceptable for adults to read the series until the point where it has completely transcended the genre of children's books.

The Twilight series has a similar taboo--it's marketed to teenage girls. I felt even more pressure to hide my reading it than I did with Harry Potter, but that certainly didn't stop me.

I have two comments about authors doing a better job at marketing their books globally. First, I think almost every author would love nothing more than to be able to have their books read in every country on the planet. Second, I don't think the authors have as much power over this as some might believe, aside from writing a book with enough appeal that publishers will do the necessary work to get it translated into other languages.

But again, as you noticed if you followed the link, the Twilight series, though only a few years old, has managed to get translated into more languages than most books available.

I remember the day DH was released. I was abroad at that time. I was very chilled about two things. It so happened that the day my sister was doing a very serious Operation. But still i just couldn't resist running to the nearest continental bookshop and buying a copy. I ran back to the hospital. But I didn't manage to find enough time to read and that was frustrating me. When my shift was over at 4:00 I practically ran to find a cab and urged the driver till he got pretty frustrated to hurry up to the house we were staying.. That day i stayed up until 12:00 and only what i managed to read was up to Poor Dobby's Death. I dropped to sleep but i was awaken at 2:00 and managed to finish the book by 3:00 and then finally drift myself to sleep. There was one thing that was really frustrating me that day. The fact that i didn't have anyone who i can talk about the facts, joke about the comedy part and grieve about the Deaths. Pity i didn't know about VTM back then.
I have to agree with HarryPotterIsLife when he says that he was completely in shock when Severus died. I couldn't believe it either. Then I realized better than ever how ruthless a guy Voldermort is. Before he even knew Severus betrayed him he killed Severus only because he Thought or he believed that he can master the elder wand if Severus Died. And Severus was Voldermort's right hand man. Then what will happen to people like Wormtail who Voldermort believes to be vermin
I will like to add that I have realised as a route or something like that, that most people before reading HP thinks that it is for geeks or something like that. If you force them to read then they will agree with you how Good it is. In most schools in Asia those who read Harry potter are considered to be nerds or geeks nowadays. I have personal experience on that.
I cant comment on Twilight series as i haven't read it yet.. but i have got to agree with HarryPotterIsLife again. Nor will i ever agree on that. Even one of my friend challenged me that i wont like Harry Potter if i watched avatar(a cartoon series) So i started watching. It was pretty interesting but it cant ever take the place of Harry Potter

Well I have read the entire third page and I think I have an idea where everyone is. So Deathly Hallows. I will never forget the day it was spoiled to me I was at my friend's house because we had fifteen's practice and I was sitting with one of the girls there and she asks me if I have been on myspace lately and I told her no why? and it so happens that she went into details about everything, how someone posted a bulletin with a list full of spoilers. I would have stopped her if I wasn't so shock at what she was telling me.

So the next day I went and bought the book. The same day that it came out and I read it. I tried to forget everything but it's sort of hard haha. So as I'm reading and everything she told me was happening I was still in awe and suprise because well that's how much of a fan I am but I know that it wouldn't have been the same if she didn't tell me anything. Oh well.

And the Twilight series, I agree with the ones that have said that it won't get as much popular as Harry Potter seeing as there are only four books and Harry Potter didn't get notice widely til its own fourth book. I mean don't get me wrong I think that the Twilight series is amazing, with its own world and all but its not as BIG as Harry Potter. Also becuase we can't really compare it becuase if you have read both series then you will agree with me when I say that they are both COMPLETELY different stories and I personally feel as if it wouldn't be fair to compare a book about magic and a boy trying to stay alive and defeat a powerful wizard who's out to kill him and save both wizard and muggle world to a series about a vampire who has fallen madly in love with a human and vice versa and the vampire is trying to resist from killing her and etc.

Hope to read more later on



Nickers<3

Well, I can't possibly read all the great posts you've done here, because I'd feel overwhelmed, but I know that you are now talking about DH.
First, I want to talk about my experience as a secret fan, and hope that will help you,
Overtheocean, in your article. (Ok, first let me say that I'm planning to study for journalist next year, so maybe if you're reading this post, you can help me in my decision? I'm not really sure, I just chose it because I love writing and reading, but I like more to be a translator)
Here in Argentina, HP is very well known: I'd bet that there's a lot of people who's fan of the series. But we have a different culture, and from my personal experience, and as I'm really shy, I've decided to shut my trap about my fanatism. Almost my whole close family know I love it: for my 15th birthday, I asked my granmother to give me as present the first 5 books; she gave me the 6th later and then DH along with my grandmother. But no one, not even my parents, not even my sister or my cousin, who is a fan too (but not so), knows that I write fan fiction, that I make avatars, that I write in English here everyday. I dont' know how they'd reaction if they found it out. Maybe they'd want to get me into a mad house.
And why to talk of my friends. When I was 13, the key moment when I definitely became a fan, I had different friends and if I said that I was a fan, they accepted me, and they even like it a bit. I remember the day PoA came to the school library. My best friend that time and I struggled to get it first. And we talked freely about it, and no one bothered us. Well, we talked of ti freely with us, with our group. The other people was quite unpleasant in that school.
Now, my current friends, accept that I like it, but they don't know either that I do anything of what I said before. One of my friends don't like it at all, but as we don't talk of it, it's not a problem. Other, likes the movies, and her siblings are fans, but they're younger and I don't have much confidence with them as to hold a converstion.
When the topic come out in class, I prefer to shut me up instead of stand for it. I remember the beggining of this year, when a teacher said we could watch a movie, but it had to be related with ethics, and then 'we can't watch Harry Potter or Stars Wars'. Everybody started making jokes with 'why not HP?', in a good way, and they hold a discussion with the teacher about if they liked it or not. And the teacher started like attacking it. My best friend asked me why I didn't say anything. I'm just like that. I don't want people who I hang around with start looking at me like an odd ball, which would be more probably. I know the matter would be buried soon, but I also know that everytime HP come out, they would look at me, expecting my reaction.

I also remember the time I did stand for it. We were at my grans, watching OotP, when my family started talking about whether they'll film the others movies, and that the actors will be grandfathers by that time, and in a moment I piped up, really angry, "Yes, they will do it, they already have the 6th and it's all said!"
Everybody looked at me in astonishment, and I was very embarassed when I got back to earth. Then my dad said something making fun of me, and I said "Well, it's that I'm trying to listen to the movie!"
It was very embarassing, and I didn't do it again.

Wow Desire!

(I think the journalism question could be discussed in the Introduction thread! My suggestion though is doing both. Translating articles and writing something on your own. It is possible. I know a woman who works as a translator and writes books at the same time. It's kind of my aspiration as well to be a journalist and something else at the same time. Ok, offtopic ends here! )

I don't understand why so many people in here had to hide their love for HP. When I was at school, I had at least two friends who liked Harry Potter and we would sit during breaks and discuss about it. We would go together to see the movies and come up with theories.

The school I went to was an Orthodox one. Our religion teacher (a nan) brought up HP once in class. A student gave her the first book, and she actually managed to read up until the fourth book. That was the point were she talked about satanist rituals etc etc. She told us to be careful (and gave us a full lecture on satanism) but she never told us not to read the books. Well, we couldn't read them at school but I did it anyway!

Now that I've finished school, I have had no problems discussing HP with anyone. However, when I once mentioned vtm to someone, he thought we were a bunch of crazy people coming up with theories and that it was a waste of time. Sure. A waste of time that's given me acquaintances all over the world! Poor Muggles! They'll never understand!

I've also mentioned VTM to a couple of my friends who know I love HP and who've read HP themselves. One of them just joined the site actually (shout out to Minister2be !!) However another said to me that it looked like a site filled with HP fans who had to overanalyze everything in the books because they needed something to talk about.

So I thought about what he said and I agree to some degree, we may overanalyze some things here at VTM. But then I went back to him and I said, so what. We may overanalyze things in HP, but isn't that what most people do when they love something?

In the end, he agreed that that does happen and has not had a problem with this site since...

..story time is over class ...

So yeah, I've discovered that a lot of people like HP or at least respect someone for reading it. Where we lose some people is when we mention fan sites, debating, etc.

But I still love it (Go VTM!)

-Nick
HJP

I know. I have never had to hide my love for Harry Potter. I have one friend is COMPLETELY against it. But these are her reasons. She says that she's Christian and that reading books about magic and stuff like and watching the movies are satanic and it's not good. When I told her that I was a HUGE Harry Potter fan she looked at me as if wanting to apologize for liking it too much. I just walked away. I thought that was a bunch of bull. But that's her opinion. Though I didn't like how she stated them.

I have mentioned to a few friends that I am on Harry Potter sites, like VTM and they all think that I have no life. One of them told me that I have no life, and to realize that it's a bunch of people just waving sticks. I told them that's the movie dummy. I like reading the books too. And she too told me it's a book about people saving there lives with magic and a weirdo emo kid trying to save his skin. I felt hurt because she should know that even if that's how she felt to remember that I still like it. I was only able to hook one friend on here Kristina Weasley<3 (: But some people can be really harsh at what they say. I understand that's there opinion, but they either don't know how to state it or don't know the difference between opinions and put downs. It really makes me mad at some people in this world. I don't understand what the big deal about HP to them. *sigh* I feel good letting this all out(:

I feel your pain nicky potter...

A lot of people don't realize the difference between put downs and negative (but polite) opinions. And I can't tell you how many of those I've gotten for reading Harry Potter.

One of the bigger concerns from the general public is those of Christian faith who do believe that this series is satanic to its very nature. When I asked one of my christian fans (who, thankfully, respects my decision to read HP) what is satanic about it. He mentioned a couple things, but the one that really stuck in my mind was the relation of magic to God. He said that in this world, nothing is as powerful as God and that magic makes wizards and witches have some of the abilities that only God can enjoy. And I do understand where he is coming from and totally respect his beliefs (whether or not I agree with them).

I've also had a lot of people say that it's immature and a childish read. Now those comments leave me feeling somewhat frustrated. I always tell them to read the books and then try and say that again. Most people who don't read these books, think that it is a fairy tale about magic wands and adventures with magic. However, it is much more than that, and there are deeper themes that relate and occur in real life that run through this series. I feel that is on of the biggest misconceptions of the series and what many non-supporters believe.

-Nick
HJP

I find it completely ridiculous to what length of the things to say one goes just becasue they don't like what others do or believe. I mean that seems to be the biggest controversy with Harry Potter. It's not seen as holy or Godly. It's satanic and evil and by reading it, we're suddenly going to practice witchcraft. This reminds me about something that I saw on TV years back. It was I think when the first Harry Potter book came out and I was watching the news with my parents and they were showing a bonfire, in Mexico and all you see is this HUGE pile of Harry Potter and the Sorceres Stone books being burned. Saying that the parents shouldn't let there kids read this book it's evil and ful of bad witchcraft. I thought that was crazy. I mean I know the difference between all of that. I'm not the kind that actually belives that this book has more power than God. It's good book but it isn't the bible either.

I fotunatley have never had to deal with a situation like that. Just my very religious friend. But I'm sure her parents taught her that, or she easily gave in to the thought. But I know that I defiently can't tell her to give it a shot, or she would look at me as if I just told her to committ a sin.

And yes these books are fantasy, but it's healthy enough for the mind. It's a great way to let the mind relax from the stress in reality. I mean it's soothing for the mind to read fantasy like this. It lets your imagination run wild. I think that personally. And you're right Nick, the issues in the stories are relative to real life in a sense. I mean it's not the same but one does learn from the books. But I just think that people now a days are narrow minded and easily brainwashed and manipulated to believe anything. Not trying to cause trouble with what I say but I'm very opinionated.



Nickers<3

I know what you mean, guys. It's really painful and frustrating when people says, or let you know by some other indirect ways, that Harry Potter is childish. It's like they don't even care about your feelings, but only tries to shake that out your mind with something so stupid as "Hey, you there, let's see if you grow a bit now you're 17". Sometimes, people who barely suspects I like HP (because, as I've told you, I'm too shy and I'm quite cow as to go yelling it out) says something sarcastic about it, and I choose to shut my trap just to stop an arguing (because if I start an arguing, I wouldn't stop it till the other person get tired or I get hurt)
I had never got a critic about HP against Christians, luckily. Or maybe I did, but I don't remember it right now because it didn't hurt me. I'm Christian, Catholic to be specific, but my family is not the kind of "loyal practitioner", if you understand me. I mean, we all have the holy sacrament, I've attended to an Elementary Catholic school, I used to go Mass when younger, but as there are no pressure here, and as my dad himself is not Catholic for choice, I've grown with my own ideas about religion, and so I think religion splits people and the most important thing here is not if you go Mass everyday but then go and fight with your neighbor, but if you believe in God and know what is good for you and your fellows. I do believe in my own God, but I don't think HP is a blasphemy. If God is there, I think there's many other horrible and human degrading acts on earth as to care for people willing to dream a bit.

Yes, many of my friends say that Harry Potter is "childish" "Stupid" or "un-intelligent" and that I need to read more than just these books, which I do. I read a lot, but because Harry Potter will always be my favorite, it's what I talk about most.
My best friend is in love with the Twilight series, and gushes about it all the time, but when I talk about my Harry Potter obession, or a fanfic I read, she just brushes it off her shoulder, because she thinks it's stupid.
I'm only sixteen, but I've come to learn that I should never let what people say about my interests bother me. It never has since Middle School, and I am open about being a "Potterhead", and even more open to my love for Severus Snape. People think I'm crazy, but my interests are my interests for a reason, and that's the way I'll always look at it.
Also, my other best friend is Christian, and she listens to me talk about Harry Potter, or how I feel umcomfortable posting the next chapter of my fic because I'm afraid nobody is going to like it. She always tells me that she personally doesn't care for Harry Potter (she's not a big reader), but she supports my interests. Acually, the idea that my interests are my interests for a reason came from a conversation the two of us had, because I once asked her if she believed in all the Harry Potter is greater than God mania, and she fully said "No", she didn't, she just simply could never get into the series.

Sam