Little Girl / Big City

I finally got my Pottermore email! Aaaand I spent about three hours yesterday playing on it. Maybe not the most sensible use of my time, BUT OH MY GOD I LOVE HARRY POTTER. 

It may seem weird that I’m still madly in love with the Harry Potter books as a 23-year-old, but I have literally grown up with Harry. I read the first book the summer I turned eleven. (In fact, Harry and I have birthdays only four days apart). I distinctly remember reading it while visiting my grandparents in Florida. I finished it right as we were pulling out of the driveway to go home. I remember having that satisfied yet sad feeling that happens when you finish a really good book or a really good vacation. I was finishing both, I guess.

I, like many others, hoped and hoped I’d get an owl saying I was destined for a magical life. Eleven-year-old Lillian was crushed. But I survived sixth grade anyway and middle school and high school (and, let’s face it, college and post-graduate life), at least partially because of Harry, his stories, and what he’s taught me. And you know what? Life is still pretty magical. 

I didn’t mean to get all sentimental when I started this post. Yeesh. 

Pottermore placed me in Slytherin, which I’m pretty excited about. Makes me feel a little badass, you know? Also, as my job status is still Unemployed, a little ambition and cunning is just what I need. What I’m enjoying the most about Pottermore is all the new information from J.K. Rowling. I’ve got a whole back story on Minerva McGonagall now that is wonderful and heartbreaking and interesting. Also, my wand is ebony and phoenix feather, 11 inches. Flexible. :)

I’m less interested in things like brewing potions and dueling, but I think younger kids will definitely enjoy it. You collect points for your house by playing games or by “exploring” chapters of the books. (Right now, only the Sorcerer’s Stone is available). Each chapter has 2-3 scenes you can explore by zooming in and out. In each scene, there are usually items you can collect, like Galleons or potions ingredients, and information on characters, places and objects. If you’re lucky, one of the characters, places or objects will include additional information from Rowling, ranging from character histories to details on the writing process. The whole thing just makes me marvel at Rowling’s vast imagination and impeccable attention to detail. Holy hippogriffs, it’s insane. 

Perhaps the most impressive part of the website itself is the artwork and animation. Some of the scenery on the site is more beautifully constructed and planned than the sets in the films. Of course, some of the scenes are more interactive and interesting than others, but they are all beautiful, elegant imaginations of Rowling’s world. 

Looking forward to exploring more today. Gotta work on my Bogies Curse.