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H for Hogwarts, Howlers and Horcruxes
I have tried my best to speak on varied topics in this series of A2Z blogs, that might interest a wide range of readers. Today, however I am talking about Harry Potter in a Potterhead kind of way, yes, but also in a widely relevant sort of way. It is also my genuine belief that Harry Potter, as a story, has so many life lessons, that it would serve well for every adult to read the books, if not the kids. It is also my belief, that the book is more for adults than kids- because it is anything but childish!
I have been reading out the Harry Potter books to Lil Miss, page by page, stopping to explain every word she does not follow, pausing to discuss long wound sentences, and inserting my own interpretations of events and magical creatures by drawing parallels to real-life: I take special pride in this last bit, and Lil Miss seems to be highly appreciative of this (supposed) talent of mine. On her part, she stumps me periodically with fantastic theories that seem entirely possible, and that only a young, carefree mind could fathom!
But this blog is about the Potter inferences we bring in our arguments, and how, irrespective of who has the last word- the winner is J. K. Rowling!
On bullying:
Me: Do you see how Draco Malfoy keeps making fun of Neville Longbottom? In fact, on occasion, even Snape does it! And notice how Neville’s friends stand up for him! It is always a good idea to speak up against bad behaviour, even if it is against someone else.
Lil Miss: I always do that, Ma. Only, the Dracos in my class do not have fathers like Lucius Malfoy. So I do not get a chance to show my fighting abilities better!
I don’t know if I taught her well about bullying, but my daughter gave me a lesson in confidence!
On being true to oneself:
Me: Look at Hermione. She is always there for her friends and still, makes time to study Even if she has to use the time-turner!
Lil Miss: I am more like Luna. She is different. And there are several times people make fun of her. Plus, she does not study too much either.
On sadness:
Lil Miss: Mumma, why does the Dementer make everyone sad?
Me: Because that is the only thing it knows. To draw out every bit of happiness from you. And make you feel you dont deserve any happiness either. Mind you, there are dementors in our world as well…they make you doubt yourself, feel unhappy and become empty, like them.
Lil Miss: (shuddering, wide eyed): Really?
Me: Yes, but they dont wear hoods, and don’t fly. They look like normal people, which is why it is difficult to identify them.
Lil Miss: What do we do then?
Me: You’ve got to be vigilant. If there is someone constantly riding you down, making you feel bad for your achievements, you know that is a Dementor. And how do you fight them? With the Patronus of course! Just remember all the times you have felt really happy, and good about yourself, and about all the times you have felt loved, and that will keep them at bay. At least, out of your mind.
But there is one difference, in real life, don’t expect a Patronus to go after them. You have to be your own Patronus, and run, for your own well-being.
Lil Miss: And what if it is only a Boggart?
Me: Then Riddiculous! Make a joke, and keep your fear at bay. But I will tell you a secret…
Lil Miss scooched in, cupping her ear.
Me (whispering): Psst…Don’t reveal your fears. You never know when someone might be a boggart, and will turn into Dementor!
Lil Miss: Wow!
After a particularly difficult meltdown-
Me: I am sorry, I screamed! But you should really have cleaned up the mess before leaving.
Lil Miss: Hmpf! Mumma, you sounded like a Howler!
Me: Of course, that is our job description as mothers. But hey, I never scold you infront of your friends, right?
Lil Miss (still not apologizing for her contribution to the meltdown): Ma, you are loud enough for them to hear, wherever they are.
But that night, as we just finished reading one more chapter from our favourite Potter book, she looked right into my eye and said,
Lil Miss: Ma, you told me a baby is made inside her Mummy’s tummy, and has cells from her, and the baby makes bones and skin and muscles from Mumma’s material?
Me: Yes, that is exactly what I said.
Lil Miss: Mumma, that means I am your horcrux.
Sigh! Bittersweet Motherhood!
Meanwhile, I am thrilled my daughter has inherited the punning gene.
Lil Miss: Mumma, do you know what do they call her when J. K. Rowling scolds her kid?
Me: What?
Lil Miss: J. K. Growling!
I have avoided over dissecting the Potter terminology, because it will infuriate genuine fans, and they might, well, curse me. (For the other, non-magical beings, you can wallow in confusion. Why would I care?)
Here is a poem that I wrote for a contest on Beyond The Box and won! It is a piece of fan fiction, a poem detailing the death wish of Luna Lovegood. Tell me if it matches your vision of Luna in life after the ‘The End’ in the books!
https://khushandherepifunnies.blogspot.com/2024/04/dancing-to-my-loony-tunes.html
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