Recently, I have been consumed with my "Hogwartian" studies. Many may catch onto this term, but to those who do not understand, it means that for the past six months I have immersed myself (yet again) in the Harry Potter canon. For years this story has played an influential role in my life, and this mid July I found myself preparing to speak on the subject, while also surrounding myself and intermingling with over 2,400 other Harry Potter fans.
Infinitus 2010 was a celebration of the Harry Potter story and a time to play in the newly built (and might I add, stunningly beautiful and detailed) Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I spent my time at the conference between lectures, Live Wizards Chess, a few Wrock shows, A Very Potter Sequel--the musical, and just watching in fascination at all the costumed Death Eaters who were the life of the party.
I could write pages and pages on the Harry Potter books, but I won't do that here. What I want to discuss is the most important element that sprung from the books pages--THE READERS RESPONSE.
No matter your view of the story, there is no denying that Harry Potter took on a life unlike anything we have seen in literary history. There are multiple factors that provided this story to be grasped by so many people in so many different countries--technology, word of mouth, the need for play, and the desire to hear our misplaced folklore anew--all played a role. But it was the reader that acted when the book was closed.
Harry Potter fans have created the most prolific artistic, activist, and human response than any other fan base to my knowledge (Harry Potter Alliance, HPEF, etc). As I watched and listened to fans at the conference it became apparent to me that Harry Potter studies goes further than the words on the pages. I had known this before going to the conference (for that matter I was speaking on just that topic), but to see it in action, meet the people who have played their role, and to recognize my own involvement, was inspiring. My only question now is can the fandom survive?
And so I am attaching my conference paper to my Academic page (top right corner) for those who would like to read it. I recommend taking the time to prepare a small bowl of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans (Grass being my favorite) and a small glass of Butterbeer, before endeavoring on my crazy antics.
