‘Harry Potter’ Fans Claim J.K. Rowling’s Favorite Chapter Made Them Cry Too
While some Harry Potter fans might find it difficult to specify their favorite chapter in the renowned series, author J.K. Rowling has no problem determining hers. When a fan named Rob McCarter asked the British writer about her favorite from the entire series about The Boy Who Lived, she said it’s “Chapter 34 Deathly Hallows ‘The Forest Again.'”
In the identified chapter of the seventh and final book of the series, Harry Potter enters the Forbidden Forest to confront Voldemort. On his way to the forest, he gets the opportunity to see his deceased loved ones, primarily including his parents.J.K. further shared that the chapter made her weep for it was the “culmination of 17 years’ work and the most cathartic piece of writing of my life.” It isn’t the first time that J.K. talked about her affection for the said chapter. In a 2007 visit to Today, she claimed that she cried the most because of the chapter.
“I didn’t cry as I was writing [that chapter], but when I finished writing, I had an enormous explosion of emotion and I cried and cried and cried. That was partly because of the content — and partly because it had been planned for so long and been roughed out for so long. And to write the definitive version felt like a — a huge climax.”
Fans echoed the author’s feelings. Many shared that they similarly felt melancholic when they read the chapter.
@jk_rowling That chapter had me bawling from start to finish. So good.
— Brandon Moore (@indigo_15) October 17, 2015
@jk_rowling That's funny, because every tissue box salesperson I know would give the same answer
— abbi ??? (@disastermoons) October 17, 2015
@jk_rowling @RetraccMboR i have to agree with JK. Thats my favourite chapter! It broke my heart and was such amazing writing! X Bless
— Kimberley Wells (@kymbillie15) October 17, 2015
@jk_rowling It is my absolute favorite. When the movie is on, I have to stop and recite the lines. Such an incredibly moving chapter/scene.
— Meghan Tersinar (@MeghanTersinar) October 17, 2015
@jk_rowling @RetraccMboR I remember I read it at 2am and there was no way I could go to sleep until I finished the book. I cried like a baby
— CrisGP (@Chrisinaforest) October 17, 2015
Harry Potter fan Becca Michaelson even created an art piece in 2012 because the chapter inspired her.
Although Harry Potter’s story is over, fans can still get a glimpse of the Potter world when Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits theater screens in November 2016. J.K. penned the screenplay of her book’s film adaptation featuring Eddie Redmayne, Colin Farrell, Ron Perlman, Jon Voight, and Katherine Watson.
Potterheads can similarly enjoy a magical Christmas feast at Hogwarts. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London will give fans the chance to experience a special Harry Potter dinner at the Great Hall this coming Yuletide season.
The studio’s official website gave details on what Potter fans could expect from the dinner.
“The Hogwarts dining room will be dressed for the occasion with the original props used in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ including flaming Christmas puddings and hams studded with cherries. A wand will be waiting for you at your table and you’ll enjoy the first two courses of a delicious Christmas dinner with all the trimmings on the authentic set (vegetarian option also available).”
However, tickets for the event quickly sold out. Nonetheless, there are other ways to obtain the tickets such as online competitions. Furthermore, some fans are now urging the studio to add more dates in order to accommodate those who weren’t able to secure seats for the festive feast.
[Photo by Michael Nagle and Ben Bruchnie/Getty Images]