Out of the small handful of people who truly know me, most would say I live under a rock. This is especially prevalent when it comes to the newest trends and popular-but-fleeting fads.

In my defense, I have gained a more clear understanding of what keeping up with the Joneses is like, though I try to steer away from it myself.

However, one particular topic that has considerably outdone other trends since 1997 has been the Harry Potter fandom. 

Up until a few weeks ago, I had never understood why muggles – people, sorry – had been so obsessed with Harry Potter. “What kind of a name is Harry Potter?” was my first response. And Draco Malfoy was apparently a “hottie” and I had no idea why nor did I seem to care.

Then, one night, I was sitting at my desk procrastinating on my math homework when I set eyes upon my Instagram For You Page (FYP). 

As I began scrolling through, I found myself drowning in fashion advice for various Hogwart Houses, throwbacks to bloopers from the movies, Hogwart student skits and the more frequent “she’s not your girl, she’s Draco Malfoy’s girl” reels. 

“That’s it,” I said, throwing my phone on my desk. First, my friends all the way from elementary up bugged me about reading the series. Now Instagram Reels is suddenly attacking me too? 

I made up my mind. I was finally forcing myself to read Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone (the first novel) despite how long my scheduled procrastination might take me.

Soon it was 2 a.m. With my iPad illuminating the darkly lit room, the ebook slowly but surely pulled me into its clutches. I finally got it. By the end, I understood the hype, and even more than that, supported it.

The various plot twists, the magic, the mystery, the humor, the excitement; it was dangerously addicting. 

And for those who were ashamed of me and my lack of Harry Potter enthusiasm, I’d like to inform you that I have finished the third book (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of  Azkaban) and am awaiting the fourth. 

(Unfortunately, the whole series is in high demand on the Libby reading app and my procrastination prohibits me from reaching the library in time.)

To be completely honest, I’m not really that into Draco Malfoy. Okay, so he flaunts the popular bad boy demeanor. But even still, the depth of emotion revealed through Harry Potter is much more appealing than Malfoy’s childish attitude (I said what I said, deal with it.) 

Don’t be so quick to count me out of the Malfoy Fan Club, however; he does have his moments.

All in all, I’ve learned that Gryffindor is my house and Harry, Hermione and Ron my “dream team,” so to speak. For those who were like me, oblivious to the glorious world just a few pages away, I urge you to explore the series on your own. After all, what’s life without a little ✨magic✨ every once in a while?