What is the Harry Potter phenomenon? Obviously, it began with the books. But Jo Rowling and Harry Potter have done more than make Rowling one of the richest women in the world and Harry Potter a major moneymaker for Warner Bros. The inspiration of the Boy Who Lived and Dumbledore's Army have inspired millions, adults and children alike, to expand their creativity and to strive to make the world a better place.
When I finished Half Blood Prince, I wanted more. I knew the movies had garnered millions of fans, but I had no idea there a was whole other world online. Sites like The Leaky Cauldron and its forum The Leaky Lounge drew people to discuss and dissect the books and share in the wizarding experience. There was the battle to keep the books from being banned. Melissa Anelli, webmistress of and adminstrator for TLC's forum, does a wonderful job capturing the entire fan experience in her book "Harry, A History."
So many muscial groups were started and began touring that a new music genre was created called Wizard Rock, nicknamed Wrock by their adoring fans. You can download their songs on iTunes. The groups include Harry and the Potters, The Moaning Myrtles, The Ministry of Magic, and Draco and the Malfoys to name a few. The list is huge. (Some of my favorite songs are Snape vs Snape and The Bravest Man I Ever Knew {spoiler alert on this one} [serious songs], and Cedric [hilarious]).
There have been (and are still planned) educational symposiums and conferences to discuss all aspects of the HP books (LeakyCon11). There are organizations such as The Harry Potter Alliance that pattern themselves after Dumbledore's Army. HPA describes itself thus:
We are an army of fans, activists, nerdfighters, teenagers, wizards and muggles dedicated to fighting for social justice with the greatest weapon we have-- love.Last July they were awarded $250,000 by Chase to help continue their efforts around the world.
A theme park as part of Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure in Florida has been created, so people can experience the wizarding world first hand. There are colleges hosting Quidditch teams, and colleges which offer courses on the books.
So what happens when the final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 is released on July 15th? Will this delightful story that has captivated the imagination of children and adults for over a decade fade away?
I had the opportunity new readers won't have. I was one of those rabid fans who participated in a midnight release party waiting anxiously for the final book that would tell us how the story ended, if Harry lived. The story is out there. There are no more secrets.
'End of An Era - Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls.
But is it the end?
