"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" may mark the end of the popular film franchise, but if the Harry Potter Alliance (HPA) is any indication, fans across the world will continue to follow the young wizard's example. A 501c3 nonprofit organization, the HPA works towards social change in the real world much like Harry Potter does in the wizarding world.
Because no owls were available, the HPA was contacted via email to give their feedback about the final "Harry Potter" film. Three HPA members responded, offering their thoughts on the movie, books, and Harry Potter fandom.
"I've been an avid fan of both the books and the films. I started reading the books as soon as they were released in the U.S. and saw every one of the movies on the opening day. I don't think I'm the biggest Harry Potter fan, but I'm one of the most loyal and dedicated. Harry Potter means the world to me and it has gotten me through an incredible amount. I owe so much to Jo and Harry, they are truly inspiring!" -- Ashley Frechette, 20, Richmond
"I've been reading the books since 1998, and watching the movies since the first one came out in 2001. I wouldn't say I'm the biggest Harry Potter fan. I haven't been to a wizard rock show yet. I've never been to a fan conference though that will change on Wednesday (I'm going to LeakyCon in Orlando). I didn't even get to go to a midnight book release party. But I have stuck with Harry until the very end."
"Besides reading the books over a hundred times and watching the films..well I don't even know how many times. I have read and written fan fiction. I've mused over theories, I've watched premieres or the films online, I've watched wizard rock on live streams, I've created fan art, and probably best of all, I've met some of my favourite people ever through this fandom." -- Jodi Butler, 20, Red Deer, Canada.
"I was first a fan of the books, but I've always been a fan of the movies as well. The books, to me, will always be the best, though. I don't know if I'm the 'biggest,' but I'm definitely up there. I'm sure there are people who are crazier than me. But I feel no shame in displaying my nerdiness about Harry Potter, something that was just upped when I joined the HPA staff."
"I always went to the midnight book releases, and have gone to the midnight movie premieres ever since I got out of high school. I dress up in costume for events, I sport Harry Potter shirts and accessories, I can rattle off obscure trivia at the drop of a hat. I'm easily the biggest fan amongst my group of friends, but in the world? I rather doubt it. There are many things I haven't gotten the chance to do or experience yet in the Potter fandom." -- Erin Millar, 24, Columbus, OH
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