We wanted to do something special for Harry Potter’s 39th birthday, so we decided to get in touch with 14 passionate Potterheads and ask them to share their impressive Harry Potter collection with the world. The result would make any Harry Potter fan swoon, as you’ll see below.
Since our love for the magical world J. K. Rowling created goes way beyond shiny objects and unique merchandise, we also asked the participants 2 questions to find out more about their connection to this series of books and movies. Here’s what we asked:
Q1: When was your first encounter with Harry Potter? How was it like?
Q2: What is your favorite Harry Potter book and why?
If you’re eager to read their answers and peruse through their Harry Potter collection, keep on scrolling!
Don’t forget some of the collections are galleries so remember to slide left and right for more Harry Potter goodness.
1. That Slytherin Witch (@that_slytherin_witch), England
Q1
I was five years old when I first encountered Harry Potter in 2001! Ever since then, I’ve been obsessed with everything about the series!
Q2
My favourite book is Prisoner of Azkaban! PoA brings so many characters and so much life to the series and I LOVE the Marauders!
2. Lavinia (@Instaraygram), Romania
Q1
I remember it being the first movie I watched on my computer when I was a kid. I loved it so much, I couldn’t stop talking about it.
Later on, one of my mum’s friends came over and she brought me the first volume saying that she had bought it for her son but that she thought it would be a better fit for me.
16 years later, I still cannot agree with her more. I loved everything about it: friendships, moral values, embracing differences, Hogwarts, and magic.
Q2
I think my favourite one would have to be the first one. Upon writing this answer, I initially typed “Goblet of Fire” but I realised that none is closer to my heart than the one that introduced me to 16 years of being absolutely sure that this is a story I would recommend to absolutely anybody and everybody.
I even had my grandma read the first one, and most of my cousins and my aunt have read them all at my recommendation.
Would you like to add something else?
I think most of those who haven’t read it are mostly under the impression that the magic in it makes it a book for children, which, in my opinion, couldn’t be farther from the truth.
It teaches kindness and empathy, bravery and tolerance, love, friendship, and standards, and standing up to both your friends (when they’re in the wrong) and to those in opposition to your views. To those who haven’t read it: read it, read it, read it, thank us Potterheads later. 😊
3. Elena (@elenadch), Spain
Q1
I had to stay at my grandparents’ house for a few months without any entertainment within my reach. I only had a few books and started reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. I finished reading the book the next day!
I bought all the other books because I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen to Harry, Ron, and Hermione and I fell so in love with the saga that I started collecting merchandise to feel a little closer to Hogwarts.
Q2
It’s hard to pick just one favorite book. I love the first one because it allows you to enter that wonderful world for the first time. I love that every detail J.K. reflects in the book absorbs you, and you really feel like you’re somewhere else.
Regarding the story, I really like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. All the tasks they have to go through are very entertaining to me.
Would you like to add something else?
Yeah, that everyone should read Harry Potter, no matter how old they are. I think it’s a book that conveys a lot of values, that helps you appreciate your family and friends more, that teaches you to overcome all your problems and believe more in yourself.
4. Heena (@bookshelf.to.neverland), India
Q1
I first saw Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on a Sunday afternoon when I was 8-9 years old. I was mesmerized by it from that moment on, and now I’m 22 years old and I don’t think that my Harry Potter obsession is gonna leave me anytime soon (Not that I want it too! I’ll drag it back if it dares to!).
I remember walking around everywhere with the infamous ‘scar’ on my forehead for like a week afterward. My teacher forced me to wash it at the end. 🙈
Q2
My favorite Harry Potter book would be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban because one can feel the slight change in the atmosphere in that movie. Things begin to get a little darker….
It’s like books before Prisoner of Azkaban and books after it are set in totally different atmospheres and Prisoner of Azkaban is the link connecting them.. ❤️
Would you like to add something else?
Anyone who hasn’t read the Harry Potter series should definitely read it at least once in a lifetime. I promise you won’t regret it ❤️
5. Carme Cardona (@bookcarmecarmeta), Spain
Q1
I knew the Harry Potter world thanks to my partner, a true Potterhead. I saw the first movie and then I read the books. I love the universe created by J. K. Rowling and all the references she makes to classical and medieval mythology. Now I’m also a Potterhead!
Q2
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I love the turn the character of Sirius Black takes. At first, he is a murderer and a loyal follower of Voldemort but in reality, he wants to protect Harry Potter.
Also, we find out more things about Harry’s past and his connection to Voldemort. I also like the psychological evolution of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in this book. In addition, it introduces the Time-Turner and the Marauder’s Map, two cult objects for the fans.
Would you like to add something else?
I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.
6. The Fifth Marauder (@dementorschocolate), Italy
Q1
My first encounter with Harry Potter was when I was six years old (14 years ago) when my dad took me to the cinema to see Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It was pure magic and I loved it from the first second!
Q2
My favourite Harry Potter book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban because it’s the last book where the characters are still innocent kids.
Also, because some of my favourite objects, characters, and creatures are introduced: Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Dementors, Boggarts, the Patronus, and the Marauder’s Map. It is also the first book where we learn about the Marauders storyline.
7. Ananya (@the_food_and_book_life), India
Q1
I read Harry Potter as the books were being published. I was eleven years old at the time, just like the Trio. With new books being published every year, it felt like I was growing up with the Hogwarts crowd and that made it extra special to me.
I loved seeing the characters feel the same emotions and have the same thoughts as me.
Q2
My favorite Harry Potter book is Prisoner of Askaban. Here we see the children grow up and face the realities of the adult world. We also meet beautifully created characters like Lupin and Sirius. We see hope-versus-disappointment play out.
We are also introduced to various magical creatures, spells, and charms in the third book. Magic feels more real here as opposed to the previous books where everything seemed to be a bit fantastical and filled with child-like wonder.
8. Dami (@the_ring_the_wand_the_throne), UK/Italy
Q1
It was in my early 20s. Everybody was talking about how good the movies and books were. I thought it was the classical fashion of the moment so I was a bit skeptical but I become more and more curious.
I decided to watch the first movie and I basically fell in love, becoming a sucker for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Q2
I love them all, but if I had to choose, I’d say Goblet of Fire. We see Harry growing up so much in this book, dealing not just with teenagers problems but with more serious ones, facing everything with a lot of courage. I think in this book, we really see Harry’s big potential.
9. Ruby (@HufflepuffsandHippogriffs), United Kingdom
Q1
My dad first read Harry Potter to me before bed when I was almost 11. I’m now studying English Literature at university and I still make time to read Harry Potter.
My earliest Potter memory is reading The Philosopher’s Stone with my dad while camping outside for Prince William and Kate’s wedding. The book had been read by my dad as well as my brother so it was very battered.
I remember during the chapter “The Mirror of Erised,” a page feel out the book and went under the barrier and we had to try and retrieve it!
Q2
I always find it so hard to choose a favourite as I love them all for different reasons. This means I can have a different favourite at different times.
At the moment, it is Prisoner of Azkaban due to the introduction of the Marauder’s Map, Hogsmeade, and Sirius and Lupin.
Would you like to add something else?
I included a photo of my most recent visit to the Harry Potter Studios for Hogwarts in the Snow. My Gran made me my own Hufflepuff robes which I was very proud of and am thrilled to own!
I still get emotional at parts of the studio as well as goosebumps at certain bits.
10. Gaelle (@Lunalovegoodstuff), France
Q1
My first encounter with Harry Potter was with the books when I was around 10, I think, and I loved them. My mom bought them for me, and my brother and I have never read anything more captivating, although he just started reading them 2 years ago.
After the first 3 books, I had to wait for each one to come out in my language and this is still some of my best memories growing up: getting the book and reading it in one go.
The last one came out when I was in med school so my mom went to buy it for me and kept it until my exams were done so I could read it then. And then, of course, I also loved the movies.
Q2
My favorite is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone because it is where the magic begins.
I also love The Half-Blood Prince because I loved discovering Voldemort’s story and where the Horcruxes came from.
Would you like to add something else?
These are the most recent photos. Thank you for contacting me 😊
11. Kerri (@Kerriscorner1), United Kingdom
Q1
My first true encounter with Harry Potter was watching the first Harry Potter film, Philosopher’s Stone, on video at a friend’s house when it first came out. The film blew my mind and I was instantly obsessed.
I was 11 or 12 at the time so I felt just like Harry discovering this wonderful magical world at the same time. It has been my favourite place to escape to, whether it be rewatching the films or rereading the books.
Q2
I want to say Deathly Hallows as it was the one that got me the most emotional. I read it all within about 48 hours and I always found something to burst into tears over, whether it be happy moments or heartbreaking ones.
However, The Philosopher’s Stone is where it all began. I still have the original copy I was given as a child and it is one of my most cherished possessions.
Would you like to add something else?
Harry Potter means so much to me. Growing up, I never had a chance to properly express how I felt about it because no one else around me loved Harry Potter as I did.
I feel so lucky and happy that not only can I collect all these items that bring me so much joy, but I can share my passion and love for Harry Potter with other fans, something I never thought I would have a chance to do.
12. Our Very Own Megan (@potteringwithmeg), United States
Q1
I first encountered Harry Potter when my Mom took us to buy the book for my brother. I had no interest in reading a book about a boy, so I left it to my brother.
It wasn’t until I was in 3rd grade that my teacher started reading it aloud, and after that, I was hooked. I ran home and started reading it myself, and I counted down the days until the next book would be released!
Q2
My favorite Harry Potter book is a tie between Sorcerer’s Stone and Half-Blood Prince. I love that in Sorcerer’s Stone, you get fully immersed in the wizarding world. J.K. Rowling has created such a beautiful world and I love getting all of the details of it in the first book. Half-Blood Prince is also a favorite because you get a lot of backstory for You-Know-Who, and it’s the final year at Hogwarts before things really start to get crazy.
I love the moments where Harry and Dumbledore enter the Pensieve and you really start to see what Tom Riddle was like before he became Lord Voldemort. Also, Nymphadora Tonks is my favorite character so I love that we get to see more of her in this book, and her relationship with Lupin really start to grow (I love Lupin too).
Although this book ends so sadly, it’s generally the first one I reach for when I want to visit the wizarding world (it’s also my most destroyed copy, so it’s safe to say that it’s well-loved)!
Would you like to add something else?
Missing from the photo are my copies of the books, illustrated editions, a few additional Funko Pops, and some other bits and bobs!
Editor’s note: Meg is our resident Harry Potter specialist so if you want more Harry Potter goodness written by her, check out her latest articles.
13. Shawna Brown (@shawnathenerd), United States
Q1
I would watch Harry Potter movies with my son on late start mornings for school.
Q2
Half-Blood Prince. I love Snape, and reading about his upbringing and background really made him a well-rounded character to me. He wasn’t just good or bad, he was complicated.
14. Rachel (@isuspectnargles), United Kingdom
Q1
A local youth group I attended took us to the cinema to see the first film when I was 13. I wasn’t excited as I had never even heard of Harry Potter but I was obsessed from the moment Dumbledore clicked his Deluminator and the light was sucked from the street lights.
I watched the rest of the film in total awe and left knowing that Harry Potter would be something I would love for the rest of my life. As soon as I got home, I asked my mum to buy me the book and spent the night reading up as much as I could about Harry Potter on the internet.
Q2
My favourite Harry Potter book is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I love the excitement from the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament. We are introduced to my favourite character, Fleur Delacour, and I remember being fascinated at the realisation that Hogwarts wasn’t the only magical school in the world.
I love the twist at the end of the book with Barty Crouch, Mad-Eye, and the Polyjuice Potion. I really didn’t see it coming so it was a big shock! I also like that it is the start of Voldemort’s return and that is when the books start taking a darker turn and feeling more ‘grown-up’.
Conclusion
What did you think of these amazing collections? Which one did you like best? Do you have a Harry Potter collection of your own you’d like to share with the world? We want to constantly update this resource so reach out to me in the comments if you want to be featured here.
Andreea Voicu
Executive Editor
If you were to look for me most days of the week, you would find me either in front of my laptop watching TV shows, or reading a book with my cats beside me.
I enjoy keeping up-to-date with TV shows and movies that strive to provide positive and accurate representations of different aspects of society and groups of people. Moreover, I am a geek at heart when it comes to franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars. If you think I own too many Harry Potter bits and bobs, you’re definitely right.
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