If you’re slightly more (less?) normal than me, you might not know instantaneously what that means. It’s the calendar date depicted in the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. (Also known as the first scene of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but please don’t make me think about that plot.)
Yes, it seems too soon for this. No, you’re not going crazy, Deathly Hallows did come out just ten years ago. I know it’s true though because my husband’s the same age as Harry and his 20th high school reunion’s next spring. And also because I’m a HP fandom Hermione.
In any case, this fall we finally catch up to Rowling’s timeline– she can do everything else, of course she can tell the future. This is a prime opportunity for some of the nerdiest partying possible that still has near-universal appeal. I have SO many ideas for what I want to be doing at 11am on September 1.
Big Dreams:
If money and time were no object, I’d be headed to Universal Studios Orlando’s Wizarding World to hang out with the Mugglecast crew for their live show and drink lots of Butterbeer. Other enticing ideas: Universal Hollywood; the real pretend platform on the Studio Tour at Leavesden; actual real Kings Cross to pose with the Platform 9 3/4 sign; the real Scottish train that runs the route pictured in the movies. I’d even jump at a chance to see Cursed Child… I’m guessing it’s better watched than read. Alas. Unless someone sends me tickets in the next couple weeks, these things are not happening for me on 19 Years Later Day. Someday.
Party Like an Introvert:
You could always just reread the actual Epilogue or laugh at the age makeup in the movie, but this seems like a day to be one with the fandom. Rainbow Rowell’s Cath Avery of Fangirl speaks for all of us about the wonder of the internet: “You get all the benefits of ‘other people’ without the body odor and the eye contact.” This is an especially potent argument when it follows a wish to go to a theme park.
So download the Deathly Hallows audiobook, an old old Pottercast episode or listen to some Wizard Rock. Watch the Potter Puppet Pals for the 150th time, or grab a documentary about the fandom. Crack open the old bookmark on your fanfic account and read a Nextgen story you like better than Cursed Child (send me recs!) or one that fills in those missing 19 years or some Teddy/Victoire (please go read that one—it took me FOREVER to refind it). Or start over with an entire alternate universe and lose your whole week– kids will be at school anyway, so why not? If you haven’t yet, pretend to be one of Albus, Scorpius and Rose’s classmates and visit Pottermore to get your wand and be officially sorted. Head to Etsy and buy something you don’t need. I’ve been thinking about this scarf for way too long, and my birthday’s coming. Wear your “Mischeif Managed” shirt and see how many people smile awkwardly at you in the grocery store. Do something deliciously geeky.
Throw a party:
A quick Google search for Harry Potter parties will give you enough ideas for 50 parties. My family’s moving this month and we read Sorcerer’s Stone to the kids this summer, so I’m hoping to throw us a 19 Years Later housewarming. Unpacking will sap most of my oomph, I’m sure, but I’m thinking we could manage backyard Quidditch, some house banners or magical brick entry and a batch of Butterbeer. Pretty sure I can talk my friends into potlucking dessert. Even if its just licorice for wands, it will be fun, but I have made a trifle, and I really hope someone will bring one. Maybe we’ll put out a chess set and hide a red-painted stone behind a mirror for the kids to find? I refuse to let Pinterest intimidate me. Everybody will be thrilled to come to your Potter Party, no matter how little effort you put in, because Nineteen Years Later everybody still wants to go to Hogwarts.
What else could I do to celebrate on September 1? What tchotchkes to I need? Send me your fic recommendations!
Written by Bea
Bea loves life in the Pacific Northwest, rereading old novels and weird varieties of pickles. She can dive deep on Harry Potter, Twilight, 90’s CCM, celeb fashion or foreign policy. She’s trying to figure out what to do when the little one goes to kindergarten, what to make for dinner and how to be a feminist who can’t pass up a princess book.
