When our kids were little, they loved Harry Potter, especially Ryan, who has the exact same birthday at Harry.
I never read the books because of reasons, and I only saw the first couple of movies, also because of reasons.
Recently, Anne and I decided that we would finally read the books, and we’re about halfway through the first one (I’m a couple chapters ahead of Anne, because I had some time on an airplane that I spent … wisely).
Yesterday at Wondercon, while we were walking to our panel, I told Felicia that we were reading the books, and trying to describe to her how much I love them.
“I just … I really want to go to Hogwarts,” I said.
“They’re building one at Universal Studios,” she said.
We passed through a curtain and approached a set of large, closed doors.
“No, I don’t want to go to an amusement park recreation of Hogwarts,” I said, “I want to go to Hogwarts. I want to go to a train station, run though a wall to platform 9 3/4, and take a train to Hogwarts, where I will learn how to be a wizard. I want Hogwarts to be real.”
I noticed that she’d taken a subtle step away from me, which was probably a good idea. I was getting excited.
“What house are you?” She said. Our escort opened the doors and led us into an enormous corridor that was over twenty feet high, equally as wide, and a few hundred feet long. Chairs were stacked along one wall, and the other wall had doors in it that granted access to the various meeting rooms where the panels were held.
“I’m pretty sure I’m Ravenclaw,” I said.
“No way, dude. You’re totally a Slytherin.”
“I am not a Slytherin!”
“Yeah, you totally are a Slytherin.” Felicia crunched up her nose and grinned at me. “My brother’s a Slytherin.”
“Dude, I’m going to be Ravenclaw … or maybe Gryffindor. But I really think I’m Ravenclaw.” Our footsteps and voices echoed off the cement floor and walls. I imagined that we were in a castle.
“I’m Ravenclaw,” Felicia said.
“When I get home, I’m taking the test at Pottermore, and I’m going to be Ravenclaw, too.” We arrived at the door for our panel, and waited while the panel before us finished up. We talked a little bit about what we’d make sure to cover on the panel, and I realized that the corridor we’d just walked down was perfect for riding a longboard skateboard.
The previous panel walked out, the room filled up with people who were there to see us, and after a quick Tabletop trailer, we went inside for our panel. It was great.
When I got home last night, I was too tired for taking the sorting hat test at Pottermore, so I took it this morning. I was honest in all of my answers, and spent a fair amount of time thinking about some of the questions. I wasn’t trying to get the house I wanted (and I don’t know enough about Harry Potter to manipulate the results, anyway), so I was incredibly happy (and a little relieved) when I found out that, yes, I was in Ravenclaw.
I know it’s a silly thing, and I know I’m a little too old to really care about it, but reading Harry Potter makes me feel like I’m part of something that’s special, that means a lot to a lot of people.
And I know it’s silly to care about what house I’m in … but I’m really glad to be in Ravenclaw, because I have a lot of books I need to read.
I’m in Hufflepuff. It suits me, even if I have a cat named Bellatrix
Also Hufflepuff! *knukkabump, which gets misinterpreted, and I end up accidentally somehow punching myself in the head*
Lol. I love JK Rowling’s video about being sorted into Hufflepuff
I am also a Hufflepuff.
Happy to find more badgers around here.
And Wil, congratulations on entering Ravenclaw!
We will face in duels!
PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!!!
I share Ryan’s love for Harry Potter and the true specialness that comes with sharing the same birthday as Harry (and JK!). You are never too old to read Harry Potter. Granted, I find as an adult it is increasingly difficult to connect with the first few books on a re-read, they are aimed at a much younger audience than the end books, but Harry Potter just never loses its wonder.
Enjoy, Wil.
Awesome! I totally get that feeling. I still kinda hope an owl will go me for me.. (I’m also a Ravenclaw)
You’re going to love this. It’s not role-playing so much as actual classes. You get graded and everything. Unbelievable. 🙂
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2014/04/17/inside-hogwarts-is-here-the-harry-potter-mooc-that-lets-you-study-wizardry-and-validates-a-generation-of-fans/
It’s kind of awesome, too, in case you haven’t checked it out. Some dedicated fans running it with a pretty good head for how the universe works, and the lessons are kind of fun, in a way. Hard to explain, but super cool. 🙂
Oh, nice one, I’m Ravenclaw as well 🙂
And I know what you mean, I came late to the party as well, read the books after I saw the sixth movie and I didn’t start watching the movies until at least three was out.
But now I can’t imagine not having been sorted into Ravenclaw 🙂
One of my favorite things about HP is the love and community that you feel as a fan. Welcome to Ravenclaw!
Not for nothing, but in Florida (where they already have Hogwarts and Hogsmeade) there are building Diagon Alley, with King’s Cross Station and Platform 9 3/4’s. There, you will be able to ride the Hogwart’s Express to Hogwarts, but you might meet some Dementors along the way…
Rah rah Ravenclaw! Welcome to the best house. 😉
Welcome to the Harry Potter community! I myself am a Slytherin. We’re not all bad! And we would have been proud to have you as an addition.
I’ve read all the books. And I’m a bit outside the intended demographic (I was in my 20s when the first book was published). And I thought the Griffyndor-centricness of the perspective of the main characters made it seem like Ravenclaws were more interested in intellectual pursuits to the exclusion of most else. And I didn’t really think I was a Griffyndor. So when I was sorted into Ravenclaw by Pottermore, and read the description of Ravenclaws, especially their acceptance of people who are eccentric/different, i was perfectly happy to be a Ravenclaw!
A fellow Ravenclaw, nice 🙂
I am very happy that you and Anne decided to read the books, they are amazing.
I hope Anne is liking them, too.
Welcome, fellow Ravie! I started reading the books at 29 with the intention to finish all of them before I turned 30, but life happens. I’m in the middle of book 4, but I feel your pain. I wish, if not Hogwarts specifically, that the wizarding world was a real thing.
I’m in Slytherin.
There is no point in your life where you will ever be too old to want to go to Hogwarts and learn magic.
It makes me happy that you’re reading them. I remember when you mentioned on tabletop that you’d never read them. It was Harry potter the turned me into a book worm. I was grounded and all I was allowed to do was read. No TV, no video games and no friends round.
The audiobooks read by Stephen Fry are well worth a listen. He makes the world feel that much richer!
I much prefer the Stephen Fry UK audiobooks to the Jim Daly US audiobooks.
Don’t take this the wrong way… When you were younger and less wise, I’d have placed you in the power-hungry (slightly self-important) house of Slytherin. But I definitely see you in Ravenclaw now. Side note: my 7yo daughter thinks it’s awesome that you’ve been placed in her house.
Welcome to the potter family, I had not read any of the books for reasons when the 1st movie came out in Nov 2001. It hadn’t been a good year for this country or my family, 3 weeks before 9/11my husband walked out on me & our 7yr old. Even by November I was despondent & scared for my family & the rest of the world. But I took my daughter to see the movie not really having a clue what it was about & as silly as it sounds just that one kids movie made me feel the 1st hope I had in months. We bought all the books that were out that night on the way home. My daughter wasn’t quite up to reading at that level, so I read them aloud to her, all four over then next few months. I was amazed that the books were so much better than the movie we had enjoyed. As each book was released, we made sure we had a copy on the 1st day, and as years went by my daughter was able to read them on her own, but she never wanted to, at least not the1st time. She was a teenager when last book came out & there are not many books special enough, to make a teen want to spend evenings sitting on a couch listening to her mother read aloud. We loved the books & the movies, but J.K. Rowling did more than just write good books, she created a world my daughter & I could share and I hope memories my daughter will cherish through out her life, I know I will. I hope you & Anne love them as much we do!
“…there are not many books special enough, to make a teen want to spend evenings sitting on a couch listening to her mother read aloud.” That is spectacularly beautiful.
I live in the Appalachian ‘Bible Belt’ and have met my share of ‘HarryPotterHaters’, who had, without exception, NOT read the books. I feel sorry for people who are so narrow-minded that they can’t be caught reading one of the most hopeful and heroic book series ever written. I’m so glad to hear you and your daughter made the books even better by sharing them and letting the magic that they are heal you and bring you joy!
I was certain I’d be Ravenclaw but was sorted into Slytherin on the Pottermore site. At first it was like finding out I was secretly made of fungus and offal. I think Rowling and the other creators of Pottermore must have realized this would be a common reaction so they created a very reassuring backstory about all of the Slytherins who weren’t evil, including Merlin.
Oh wow – that is EXACTLY how I felt when I found out I was Slytherin! I couldn’t articulate it, but your words are perfect! When people hassle me about it – my kids, a Ravenclaw and a Griffindor – I remind them of Merlin and it definitely helps. 🙂
Welcome to Pottermore. And the fandom. You’re going to have a great time! The books are lovely, funny as hell, and brilliant. I listen to the audiobooks whenever I need a mental break. Of course, I like the books you narrate as well. (I’m a Hufflepuff who people keep trying to push into Ravenclaw.)
For those dedicated (crazy) enough check out this website http://thefw.com/harry-potter-destinations/
“…and I know I’m a little too old to really care about it…”
This is silly, sir. No such thing. There is no age limit on being a fan of something (as I’m pretty sure you have said at some point or other). I will proudly be proclaiming, “Hufflepuff for life!” until I leave it.
Congrats on being sorted into Ravenclaw, and I have to say I’m incredibly jealous of you reading the series for the first time!
This. You’re never too old, too young, too female, too male, too nerdy, too sporty, or whatever to like what you like.
Find the thing that you love and love it the most that you can. 😉
I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying Potter! It really is a wonderful series – not perfect but nothing is. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
I am reading the books to my son, and he loves them. He took the test today and found out he is also Ravenclaw. I’ve always known I was Hufflepuff, and was a bit relieved when the alrting hat agreed with me. The books are great for all ages and they did a heckuva job with the films. My kiddo (7) is being extremely patient and waiting to see each movie after we finish the book. It’s really cool to have something we can connect about. Glad you’re enjoying the books.
I’m in my 50s now and my husband is in his late 40s. 2 years or maybe 3 now ago we bought the books and have both read the entire set multiple times, as well as enjoyed the movies. We wondered if we were too “old” but are thoroughly enchanted (sorry, had to do it) by the books in particular, which are so well written and contain much more detail than the films. I’m a Ravenclaw and my hubby is likely a Gryffindor, he hasn’t gotten all the way through the sorting yet. Please let us know how you enjoy the subsequent books as you progress, I’m sure you and your wife will have lots to talk about!
Finally!!!!!! I thought you were going to be a muggle forever!!!! Don’t you know that once you become involved with Harry Potter, YOU ARE IN HOGWARTS!!!!! And I’m in Gryffindor because I wouldn’t miss hanging out with all the Weasley brothers for anything!! Hugs…..
I know how you feel about taking that test. It was kind of stressful! I had, at that point, already come to terms with what I accepted to be my own house and the idea of being told I was wrong regarding my own identity was a scary one! I, too, was unreasonably relieved to find out that I was, indeed, in the house I had always identified with, though for me it was Gryffindor. In any case, welcome to the wonderful world of Harry Potter, and the many, many people who would love to set foot in it and have magic be real!
I’m really happy for you Wil, and also kind of jealous that you get to experience the books for the first time. I haven’t had that since 2007. Hope you enjoy your next seven years at Hogwarts.
Btws. Welcome to Ravenclaw, we have the most awesome game nights in our tower every weekend. Gobstones all night long!
Too old?? Too old??!! We of the “love Harry Potter when you are over 60” fandom welcome you to our junior auxiliary. 😉
Thumbs up. 😉
You are in no way too old to care about what house you would be in.
(says the 42 year old Gryffindor)
So, the real question I’m dying to ask…. How Many Weasley children are there? Don’t count Obama….
I read an article on Huffpost travel about the going to London and seeing all those places.
As many others have said, welcome to Ravenclaw. When I took the test, I was actually given the choice between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. My daughter and sister are both Slytherins and both my nieces are Hufflepuff. We just need a Gryffindor to complete the set!
The Warner Brothers Studio Tour outside of London has all the original sets and props; it will blow your mind. Also, the audiobook versions of Harry Potter are narrated by Jim Dale and are a tour-de-force.
I’m more partial to the Stephen Fry ones. But ye they are still very good!
I am a lifelong Potterhead. Books came out when I was 11 but I didn’t get into them until I was a teen. I was way turned off by all the hype. Now I practically breathe the whole wizarding world. Right now I’m reading the books to my boyfriend, he’s never been much of a reader and just kinda rolls his eyes whenever I work HP into a conversation. You should go to LeakyCon! This year it is in Orlando and we are going to the park at Universal. You would love it.
The WB Harry potter experience at Leavesden has been mentioned, but once you get a bit further along in the books, visit the WB museum on the lot in Burbank – the second floor is all Potter. I’m sure you don’t need a hookup for that, but I could. If necessary. :p
I’m a Ravenclaw too! Ravenclaws for life
My 10 year old and I are Ravenclaws also! She doesn’t play much, but she bounded into the room earlier, excited that we’d just won the House Cup. She’s a little bit Hermione though, been reading the books to herself since Kindergarten after I read the series to her over a year starting around her 4th birthday. It’s been a really neat part of our lives in a way that a book doesn’t usually set out to be.
Welcome to the family Wil. You will be amazed how much the books mean to you. I didn’t read any of them until another adult let me borrow the first movie when Goblet of Fire had just recently come out. I had a great time on that adventure, and I hope you will too.
When I signed up with Pottermore when it first came out, it sorted me into Gryffindor. Your post made me wonder, so I opened a new account just so I could get sorted again…and, again, I’m in Gryffindor. Nice to know it’s consistent!
I wish I was a Hufflepuff most of the time. Or a Ravenclaw. But such is life!
I started before the movies came out, about halfway through the book series (IIRC, I had caught up when the fourth book came out). Seeing what great job they did with the casting (I don’t think they could have found someone better than Alan Rickman for Snape) and most of the plots was excellent, especially cutting down on unnecessary filler in the latter books.
I do suggest reading the books before watching the movies.
I’m Hufflepuff. I, er, *really* wanted to be Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. But I’ve always kind of known I was a Hufflepuff. 🙂 I began reading the books in the early aughts and wish I’d’ve been younger when I got into them. They were still really moving even in my twenties.
Congrats on getting into Ravenclaw!
I have many adult friends who love Harry – the little boy trapped in a closet under the stairs. I certainly don’t want to ruin anything for you but when you are finished with them all, I bet you’ll have something to say about the power of our folk tales and stories and why we need to know them. As well as the love of family and friends. Enjoy.
Welcome, Wil! Fellow Ravenclaw here, see you on the Quidditch pitch! 🙂
I read the first few books but then gave up from fatigue. Years later, I found Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality, and fell completely in love.
Strongly recommended to all geeky HP fans. It MIGHT be the best thing you ever read. http://hpmor.com
I’m in Ravenclaw too! I’ve been reading the book since I was young, and when I took a class trip to Germany in my Junior year I bought the first three books in german. I still read them when I’m too busy to commit myself to a new book.
I’ve been trying to get my sister interested in the books for years, but since she’s already watched all the movies she doesn’t want to read them. I’m patiently hoping that one day she’ll figure out how awesome they are.
I’ve always liked Gryffindor and Slytherin so I figured pottermore would tell me which house I belonged in but the sorting hat had me choose between Gryffindor and Slytherin. I felt just like Harry 🙂 I ended up choosing Slytherin and don’t regret it.
Pottermore sorted me into Gryffindor, but I’ve been a Ravenclaw since I first read the books 15 years ago, and I’ll be a Ravenclaw for life, despite what an internet algorithm has decided. CaCAW!
Glad to have you in the House!
I was late to Harry Potter myself. I did not read them till I was 18. Now I am 28 and still love them. Ravenclaw is my favorite house… but Pottermore put me into SLYTHERIN…..
Do yourself a favor: when you get ready to re-read the books (which you absolutely will want to do) get the audio books read by Jim Dale. He creates a whole world with his voice, it’s amazing!
Harry Potter was one of the first ‘geek’ communities I was ever in – I was eleven when the first book came out. The love and respect for each other, and the overwhelming sense of just being happy to love something the same in the same way, was what set me up with the confidence to enter other, seemingly harder to broach, geek worlds.
Oh, and btw, Slytherin pride 😀 But it’s okay – some of us are really nice, if just insanely goal-oriented, haha. I went into the test knowing I’d be happy with either Slytherin or Ravenclaw, and put so much thought into the answers, and yeah – it’s an awesome feeling to get where you wanted to go. 😀