The 1st of September marks the beginning of autumn - I don't care what the weather is like, to me it's officially autumn. Which means it's time to indulge in Harry Potter marathons as this is also the date that the new academic year begins at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
I wish the Harry Potter books had been published when I was a child. I always enjoyed school stories and I loved the Chalet School series, as well as Enid Blyton's Malory Towers and St Claire's books. I even asked my parents to send me to Malory Towers, or St Trinian's! Boarding school seemed like so much fun in comparison to the school I went to each day. So I would have adored Hogwarts even more if I could have read the books with the eyes of a child. The Prisoner of Azkaban is my favourite book and film, because it is so Gothic.
That said, I still love the novels and the films. They are a fabulous form of escapism and the author has successfully created much more than a fantasy world. She has created a universal sense of belonging; a place where any child who feels like they don't fit in with their peers, can find a sense of home-coming within the world of Hogwarts and the adventures of Harry and his friends. I think that is why her work is so successful.
And let's be honest, we've all wondered in which Hogwarts House the Sorting Hat would have placed us, haven't we? In case you are wondering, I think I would have been in Ravenclaw - that seems to be where all the dreamy bookworms are placed, so I'd fit right in.
The school I went to did have Houses and we got House Points for achievements and progress. There were four Houses at my school, named for the rivers that run through the local area and each had its own colour; Don/Blue; Loxley/Green; Rivelin/Red and Sheaf/Yellow. My brother had been in Rivelin, but I was in Don, so maybe that's why I am drawn to Ravenclaw, but secretly want to be in Gryffindor!
The school I went to did have Houses and we got House Points for achievements and progress. There were four Houses at my school, named for the rivers that run through the local area and each had its own colour; Don/Blue; Loxley/Green; Rivelin/Red and Sheaf/Yellow. My brother had been in Rivelin, but I was in Don, so maybe that's why I am drawn to Ravenclaw, but secretly want to be in Gryffindor!
In my local shopping centre, there is a shop that sells tons of Hogwarts merchandise. It even has battery operated candles 'floating' from the ceiling! You can buy wands, books and scarves in House colours; or a stuffed toy Hedwig; or your very own little Dobbie. I've got a Ravenclaw jumper that I wear unabashedly around the house, or when I'm running errands. It always makes me smile and it's warm and snuggly, so perfect for the colder months of autumn and winter.
I think this time of year lends itself to the magic and mystery of JK Rowling's wizarding world. It is a world where bookworms are celebrated as heroines and chocolate is medicinal. It's bliss to curl up in Hogwarts pyjamas, with a steaming hot chocolate in a Hedwig mug and a couple of Chocolate Frogs to nibble on, while having a Harry Potter film marathon, or reading the books right from the beginning. It's a magical way to spend a dull, rainy autumn day - and who doesn't need a bit more magic in their lives?
Sometimes, it's good to let go of adult concerns and responsibilities and just enjoy the magic of childhood once more. Harry Potter gives us a permission slip to do just that.
Mischief Managed!
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