For Melissa Richmond, her dorm room feels brightened by “Harry Potter” decor and a stack of the new illustrated editions on the standard-issue bureau, a colorful addition to the room.

The Weinberg junior has been an avid Potterhead since she was in fourth grade, just before “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” came out. The relatable characters and vivid descriptions made the world come to life before her eyes, and she immersed herself in it, she said.

The “Harry Potter” franchise has even made quarantine more bearable for Richmond, as rewatching the movies has provided comfort during a difficult time.

“(I’ve been) watching the movies almost nonstop, not even in a way where I sit down and watch them but if I am going to have something on in the background, it will be the movies. I’ll fall asleep to them if I need background noise,” she said. “It’s been one of my favorite things to do, just to be able to watch something where you sort of know everything that’s going to happen in such an unprecedented time.”

For many fans of “Harry Potter,” the books provide comfort while whisking readers away to another world full of magic, centaurs and spells. Communication sophomore Natalie Rarick has been engrossed by the Wizarding World since she started reading the books in elementary school. She credits the books for her love of storytelling and career goal of creating children’s media for the stage and screen.

“Something I love about ‘Harry Potter’ is how it matures with its audience and it becomes more complex and dark and deep as it progresses, which I don’t think many children’s books do,” Rarick said. “It taught me the importance of and how to develop a world that is creative and beautiful and expansive, but also deals with important issues in our world and is not afraid to shy away from the darkness and complexity around us.”

But as the protagonist, Harry Potter, celebrates his 40th birthday on July 31, the creator of the series finds herself mired in controversy. While the books deal with topics such as prejudice and ethnicity in the books, with Death Eaters viewing pure-bloods as the superior group and Muggles and Muggle-borns as less than deserving of being wizards, author J.K. Rowling has expressed transphobic beliefs multiple times. Earlier this summer, she retweeted an article about menstruation and questioned the phrase “people who menstruate,” implying that all women menstruate and everyone who menstruates is a woman.

‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?

Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate https://t.co/cVpZxG7gaA

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020

In December, Rowling also posted in support of Maya Forstater, who lost her job due to transphobic tweets, including one that stated “men cannot change into women.”

Hundreds of “Harry Potter” fans replied, angry that a beloved author would invalidate the existence of members of the transgender community. Richmond was disappointed by Rowling’s tweets, especially after admiring her for many years.

“It’s something that’s so ingrained into people’s lives where it’s so horribly upsetting for such a large group of people, especially for the transgender community who have been using Harry Potter as a form of comfort for so many years,” Richmond said. “It’s hard to wrap your head around how to continue to love this story in these books and movies while not loving the person who created them.”

Given today’s “cancel culture,” Rarick questioned if future generations will read “Harry Potter,” or abandon it due to Rowling’s tweets.

Despite the recent controversy, the books have remained popular. Melissa Thorkilsen, the co-manager and children’s book buyer at Elm Street Books in New Canaan, Conn., noticed that not many people bought the books when she started working there nine years ago. However, there has been a resurgence of popularity in recent years, which she attributes to parents and siblings passing down their enthusiasm for the series, as well as the detailed descriptions, memorable characters and witty prose.

“There’s now a whole new generation of kids who’s getting hooked on it. I think that the movies have helped with that, and I think she’s just such a household name,” Thorkilsen said. “I don’t think that the enthusiasm has dwindled.”

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Twitter: @haley_fuller_

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Following J.K. Rowling’s controversial statements last year that were deemed transphobic, the development team of the next “Harry Potter” video game revealed that it would feature customization options allowing players to play as a transgender character.

“Hogwarts Legacy” is an action role-playing video game that is set in the 1800’s wizarding world. It is being developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It is set to be released in 2022.

Bloomberg said that a player of the video game would have the option to customize the character’s voice and body type. The player would be able to create a character with a feminine or masculine voice regardless of gender, taking an option to be a “witch” or a “wizard.” transgender character would also be added. The plan was initially declined but was later approved by the management.

The video game’s development team laid the customization plan after Rowling threw some controversial comments about transgenders that offended many, including “Harry Potter” stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.

 Glamour revealed that the controversy started on June 6 last year, when Rowling reacted to an article that says “people who menstruate,” taking issue that it did not use the word “women.” Her tweet reportedly gained a lot of criticism but she did not relent and further explained her views in more detailed statement through a series of tweets the next day. She followed it by an article on her website, explaining her opinion.

Vulture said that that Avalanche and Warner Bros. Interactive “have attempted to find a middle ground between affirming Rowling’s influence and quietly repudiating her prejudices.” Their latest move was the planned customization of the characters.

David Haddad, Warner Bros. president, reportedly responded to an employee’s concern over Rowling’s statements and its effect on the company, saying, “She’s entitled to express her opinions on social media. I may not agree with her, and I might not agree with her on a range of topics, but I can agree that she has the right to hold her opinions.”

Warner Bros. Games also made a statement about Rowling’s concern and her involvement in the creation of “Hogwarts Legacy,” stating, “J.K. Rowling is not directly involved in the creation of the game, however, her extraordinary body of writing is the foundation of all projects in the Wizarding World. This is not a new story from J.K. Rowling.”

Bloomberg further said that “Hogwarts Legacy” encountered another controversy last month, when the game’s lead developer and Avalanche Software senior producer, Troy Leavitt, was revealed to have made a number of videos on YouTube criticizing “social justice” and feminism. Apparently, Leavitt was against the progressive cancel culture, and the “woke” do not like it.

Leavitt has announced his resignation from Avalanche Software. He promised to release videos providing details regarding his decision.

1. I have made the decision to part ways with Avalanche Software. I have nothing but good things to say about the game, the dev team, and WB Games.

2. I will be releasing a YouTube Video about this soon on my channel.

— Troy Leavitt (@Troylus_true) March 5, 2021

Harry Potter is the third-highest grossing film series of all time with $7.7 billion in revenue and has sold 500 million books, introducing children to the world of witchcraft and sorcery -things that the Word of God prohibits Christians from dabbling in- and the upcoming video game adds transgender ideologies to the mix.

The idea about Harry Potter first occurred to Rowling in 1990, when her train from Manchester to London King’s Cross was delayed.

A look inside the Magical Minis Hogwarts Castle. | Source: Spin Master

More Harry Potter toys, after all this time? Always.

Spin Master is expanding its partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products as the new toy licensee for the Wizarding World franchise with a full line of toys based on the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts brands. New dolls, figures and accessories, playsets, vehicles, games, plush toys, and role-play items are expected to launch this fall. Here’s a look at some of them.

Magical Minis Hogwarts Castle | Source: Spin Master

The Magical Minis Hogwarts Castle will stand at attention at almost 2 feet tall, featuring lights, sounds, and magical elements — including opportunities to be sorted in the Great Hall, learn new spells from iconic professors, and interact with Moaning Myrtle in her haunted bathroom (with a secret surprise). It includes 12 accessories and an exclusive 3-inch Hermione doll. Kids and collectors can expand the castle with Magical Minis World of Classroom Playsets and other small character dolls that all fit inside. The castle will sell for $59.99 and the classrooms and additional dolls will be sold separately.

Deluxe Brilliant Hermione Doll | Source: Spin Master

The collection will also include Harry, Hermione, Luna, and Cho 8-Inch Dolls The adorable dolls come dressed in their Hogwarts school uniforms and feature five points of articulation, rooted hair, and a wand accessory. Hermione gets the special treatment with the aptly named Deluxe Brilliant Hermione Doll that styles her in jeans, a pink hoodie, and her Time Turner accessory. The set also includes an additional outfit with a cauldron and a potion bottle that kids can use to recreate the Polyjuice potion scene. The dolls will range from $9.99-19.99.

Enchanting Hedwig Interactive Plush | Source: Spin Master

We all know that Hedwig is the real star of the books and the loyal snowy owl gets a plush makeover with the Enchanting Hedwig Interactive Plush, featuring realistic movements and sounds. Priced at $39.99. the plush owl can move its beak, flap its wings, and turn its head 270 degrees, like a real owl. Hedwig can also distinguish the direction of petting and can recognize and respond to the tone of your voice (if you speak lovingly, she will respond in a similar manner) because she’s smart like that. She also comes with a Hogwarts envelope that she can hold in her beak and she will only release the letter if kids unlock a secret combination of interactions.

Keep your eyes at the ready for even more magical reveals! Mischief managed … for now.

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Back in June, Rowling came under fire when she commented on an article titled Creating a More Equal Post-Covid-19 World for People Who Menstruate, pushing back against the headline for not referring to those who have periods as “women”.

As many online reminded the author that transgender people, non-binary people and gender-nonconforming people can also menstruate, Eddie issued a statement, distancing himself from her comments.

He said: “Respect for transgender people remains a cultural imperative, and over the years I have been trying to constantly educate myself. This is an ongoing process. As someone who has worked with both JK Rowling and members of the trans community, I wanted to make it absolutely clear where I stand. I disagree with Jo’s comments.

“Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid. I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse. They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it’s time to let them do so.”

BENGALURU: RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Suresh Bhjaiyyaji Joshi offered floral tributes to the portrait of Bharat Mata, marking the inauguration of the RSS’ highest decision-making body, the Akhila Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, at Channenahalli in Western Bengaluru on Friday. 

While the buzz is that a new Sarkaryavah will be elected, there is still no clarity on who would succeed Bhaiyyaji Joshi, who has completed four terms of three years each. He has been a Sarkaryavah, or general secretary, since 2009… for the same length of time that Mohan Bhagawat has been Sarsanghchalak. 

If Bhaiyyaji Joshi does not get elected again, those in the contention are six joint general secretaries (Sah Sarkaryavahs) — Suresh Soni, Krishna Gopal, Dattatreya Hosabale, Manmohan Vaidya, V Bhagaiah and C R Mukunda. There is also a possibility that the RSS leadership could pick someone else, sources from the organisation said.

While the elections are slated for Saturday, there may not be an election as the next Sarkaryavah could ‘arise’ by consensus. Considering the tradition of the RSS, there may not be an election with the usual campaigns, voting and results. The winner would be announced by the leadership in a process supervised by Suresh Bhaiyaji Joshi and Mohan Bhagawat by Saturday afternoon, the sources said.

Though normally the Akhila Bharatiya Prathinidhi Sabha is attended by around 1,500 participants, there are only around 450 delegates present at Channenahalli because of Covid restrictions. Asked about who could be the Sarkaryavah, the sources said, “Wait till Saturday afternoon and the results will be out.”

NEW YORK, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Appearing throughout the stories and loved by Hogwarts students and teachers alike, Butterbeer is a much-requested fan-favorite soft drink. From June 3, fans visiting Harry Potter New York can choose from draft Butterbeer, Butterbeer ice cream and bottled Butterbeer to enjoy in New York’s only Butterbeer Bar.

Once inside the Butterbeer Bar, fans will be greeted by a giant cascade of glowing Butterbeer bottles, each completed with a collectible MinaLima label.  Nearly 1,000 bottles will rise from the floor and ‘float’ over the bar as Butterbeer moves magically across the ceiling through copper pipes. Witches, wizards, Muggles and No-maj’s alike are invited to enjoy a frothy cup of Butterbeer served in souvenir tankard, a refreshing Butterbeer ice cream or freshly poured bottled Butterbeer as well as range of wizarding world inspired treats.

Made and brewed in the U.K, bottled Butterbeer has a style which is entirely unique and comes in beautifully crafted souvenir glass bottles, each one featuring an exclusive collectible label designed by MinaLima, the design duo behind the graphic props of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.

From June 3, fans will also discover a brand-new bottled Butterbeer label, exclusive to Harry Potter New York and only available in-store. Designed by MinaLima, the label is inspired by the Magical Congress of the United States of America introduced to fans in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Designed in rich reds, whites and blues reminiscent of the US flag, the collectible label features the MACUSA and Butterbeer insignias.

Best served chilled and poured straight from the bottle, the delicious soft drink features a new take on the butterscotch flavour fans know and love. The unique blend of top-secret ingredients makes bottled Butterbeer a must try for any aspiring witch or wizard.

Whether enjoying a draft Butterbeer in-store or bottled Butterbeer at home, fans are invited to join us at @HarryPotterNY and share their #ButterbeerCheers. Photos of the Butterbeer Bar can be found here.

Facebook.com/HarryPotterNewYork

Twitter.com/HarryPotterNY

Instagram.com/HarryPotterNY

Notes to Editors

* Butterbeer in draft, as well as other Butterbeer-flavor treats, have been available at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Parks Resorts destinations around the world starting in 2010.

Harry Potter New York, the world’s only official Harry Potter flagship store will open its doors for a magical shopping experience June 3. Harry Potter New York will set a new standard for themed retail, combining breath-taking design, exquisite craftsmanship, hand-crafted props, exciting interactive elements and exclusive products – inviting fans to experience the Wizarding World in a brand-new way. Spanning three floors and over 21,000 sq. ft., the store will house the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof.

SOURCE Harry Potter New York

When the last Harry Potter book came out, most passionate fans thought they’d spend years grappling with what to do with themselves without new Potter stories to look forward to. The opposite turned out to be true. Instead, Rowling wouldn’t stop adding to her universe, confronting some fans with a different challenge. On message boards and videos, in fan art and fan fiction, they had taken the world she had created and made it their own. As the author revealed new details about her characters, they had to reconcile Rowling’s vision with their imaginations.

Spells used in this quiz are based on this super-awesome chart depicting the most used spells. Check it out! Also, image credit: Warner Bros.

Hello, book lovers! The unexpected but thrilling partnership between Bill Clinton and bestselling author James Patterson has produced another exciting novel. Also returning to an old writing endeavor is E L James as she releases what could possibly be the last Fifty Shades romance. But if thrillers and steamy love stories aren’t your thing, perhaps Netflix’s new Edgar Allan Poe murder mystery will strike your fancy. If not, we’ve got plenty more reading material to kick off your weekend. So, without further ado, enjoy this mix of stories from the book world.

Bill Clinton and James Patterson Team Up for Their Second Thriller, The President’s Daughter: Following a new lead character, this former president is about to go rogue. — The New York Times

Is E L James’ Freed the Last of Fifty Shades? After six hit novels and three highly successful films, devoted readers are wondering if this is the end for Ana and Christian’s love story. — BookTrib

Harry Potter Actor Harry Melling to Star as Edgar Allan Poe in Upcoming Netflix Film: Murder mystery The Pale Blue Eye will also star Christian Bale as a detective who partners with a young Poe. — Deadline

Katherine Johnson’s My Remarkable Journey to be Published Posthumously: The famed American mathematician of Hidden Figures tells her story in a new memoir. — The Philadelphia Inquirer

Laurie R. King Delivers Majesty and Enigma in the Latest Mary Russell Mystery: Mary and Sherlock are about to face off against … vampires? Transylvanian superstition makes the case in Castle Shade. — BookTrib

Rosamund Pike Stars as First Lady in New Historical Fiction Podcast Edith!: Premiering June 21, the project takes a satirical look at Edith Wilson after Woodrow Wilson’s stroke. — Rolling Stone

Historical Fiction With Twists of Plenty More in Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch: Rivka Galchen explores hysteria and groupthink in 15th-century Germany. — BookTrib

Time to Turn That Literary Record Over: Essay collection B-Side Books introduces readers to works they’ve probably never heard of before. — The Washington Post

Grab Your Towel and Sunscreen, but Don’t Forget That Perfect Beach Book! Across a variety of genres, this summer’s beach reads have something to offer everyone. — LA Magazine

7 Books With Characters Experiencing “Failure to Launch Syndrome”: Diving into classic literature as well as contemporary stories, these characters, like Peter Pan, are having trouble growing up. — BookTrib

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