The Harry Potter Tag

Hello everyone. In honour of Harry Potter’s (and JK Rowling’s) birthday last Thursday 31^st July. I’ve decided it would be fun to do the Harry Potter tag.

I originally saw this on Charlotte’s blog (which you can find here). Even though I wasn’t personally tagged, I thought it was a good tag to participate in, so I figured why not?

I’ve been a fan of Harry Potter since I was a child, and was reading the books in highschool. I was in my first year when I began reading the series, and so it really was a massive part of my highschool experience. If I had a bad day, or some kid was a bit mean to me, I would take comfort in the knowledge that I could go home and pick up this book. I’m not claiming to be the world’s biggest fan, but it will always hold a special place for me. I’ve re-read the series numerous times, and it still brings me that same sense of peace and escapism as the first time I was reading it.

So here are the questions for The Harry Potter Tag:

1. What is your favourite book?

This one is quite an easy question for me, and it is a toss-up between 2. I really enjoyed Chamber of Secrets, and The Half Blood Prince. I’m not even 100% sure why that is, which I know sounds strange. They are the ones that stood out to me, and that I looked forward to re-reading the most. I think it must be the characters involved, I thought Prof. Lockhart was ridiculous in Chamber of Secrets. Also, I loved the addition of the potions book in The Half Blood Prince. If I had to make an official decision I’d say Chamber of Secrets is my all-time favourite.

2. What is your favourite film?

This is a tricky one because I like them all for different reason. I think I’d have to choose Philosophers Stone because it was the first visual representation of the books and another glimpse into the world. I was fascinated by all of the details they included, and loved seeing the castle, Diagon Alley, and various other places for the first time. In hindsight, you can see the inexperience of the younger actors but I still love it.

3. What is your least favourite book?

This, again, is an easy one for me. I didn’t like Order Of The Phoenix as much as the others. I think because I’d get frustrated with Prof. Umbridge, which is a good thing because she’s supposed to be insufferable, but I think it went too far for me and made me annoyed. Also, could have done without the whole storyline with Sirius Black (don’t shoot me, but I didn’t care for this character that much). I suppose I didn’t care for Prisoner of Azkaban because of him either.

4. What is your least favourite film?

This is a tough one, I’m not entirely sure, I didn’t like the giant spiders in Chamber of Secrets but I still loved the film. I suppose the Order Of The Phoenix is my least favourite film, probably because the source material isn’t my favourite. Although, I loved hating Prof. Umbridge in the film.

5. Parts of the books/films that made you cry?

I don’t want to give away spoilers for this but, most of the deaths in the final books got to me. You get so involved and emotionally attached to the world and the characters, that when they die, it’s like you’ve lost part of your family. Also, the wand salute was beautifully sad.

6. If you could hook up with any character, who would it be?

I actually had a thing for Ron when I was growing up, because he made me laugh a lot. I was never really that interested in Harry, in that way.

7. Who is your favourite character?

Probably a tie between Ron, and Luna Lovegood, because both of them made me laugh. I love that they’re unique, and quirky. Every scene when these characters were involved lit up  for me.

8. Who is your least favourite character?

As I mentioned early, I could have lived without Sirius Black. I wasn’t overly fond of him and I understand why his appearance is important for Harry, but I just got bored by him and his storylines.

9. What is your least favourite line?

My least favourite line has only recently become my least favourite. That is because I’ve seen it quoted so many times now, and now every time I see it I roll my eyes. The line is Severus Snape’s – “Always”. I know most of you will be thinking I’m insane, but it’s lost all of its sincerity because it’s been overly ‘giffed’ and fangirled over.

10. What would your Patronus be?

This is an easy question for me, mine would be a cat. An adorable, round, lazy kitty, with big eyes and a fluffy tail.

11. If you could have the resurrection stone, invisibility cloak or elder wand, which would it be?

I’d immediately choose the resurrection stone because there a quite a few people I’d love to speak to again if I had the chance, as morbid as that is. Oooh, but I’d have a lot of fun with the invisibility cloak too. I’d have such a laugh with that.

12. Which house would you be in?

I’ve always thought I’d be in Ravenclaw, because I’m a thinker and always seeking knowledge. Plus, most times you’ll find my head in a book. I’m not dark enough for Slytherin, although I can have a mean streak, and I’m definitely not courageous enough for Gryffindor. I could see myself as a Hufflepuff, because I’m a loyal and caring person but I’d be happier in Ravenclaw.

13. If you could meet any member of the cast, who would it be?

Easy! Rupert Grint, for sure! He seems like he’d be a joy to be around, and has a very outgoing personality so would be fun to meet.

14. If you were on the Quidditch team, which position would you play?

I’d probably be a beater because I can be quite viscious when I’m in competitive mode, and think I’d have good aim. Balancing on the brooms, however, would be a fail.

15. Were you happy with the ending?

I was happy with the ending. There was a lot of loss, but I think it was necessary to show the devastation that Voldermort created, and the sacrifise to restore equilibrium. I did like the epilogue, although I would have liked a little more, because it felt rushed. I think the epilogue was required because we all knew JK Rowling wouldn’t be writing anything else, and we’d have all longed for some answers about the characters futures.

16. How much does Harry Potter mean to me?

I touched on this at the begining of the post, but this series meant the world to me when I was growing up. I was so grateful for the years of escapism, and the chance to make friends through a mutual love of the series.

This series was my childhood, and I’ll never forget it.