Dumbledore’s Army, also known as the DA, is a club that is running head-first into the magical world of Harry Potter.
Alison Chavez, a sophomore and co-president of the club said, “I decided freshman year with Hanna [co-president] to start a Harry Potter club. I like to share the love of Harry Potter.”
Having an environment in which people can relax and share a common interest is what the club, Dumbledore’s Army, is designed to achieve.
Hanna Francis, a sophomore and co-president of the club with Chavez, said, “Alison and I love Harry Potter; we are fairly obsessed. By having Dumbledore’s Army, I’m able to be with other people who have the same interest, and I’m able to ‘fangirl.’”
Sharing Francis and Chavez’s love for Harry Potter keeps many students engaged in the club. The club meets every other Wednesday in room E-8.
Sophie Zhai, a sophomore, said, “My friends [Chavez and Francis] founded the club. I sit in the car with them every day and I would hear them talking about these cool ideas for the club.”
Carolyn Welter, a freshman said, “In the club we have a Horcrux Hunt, where we are given a clue and we search for the hidden ‘horcrux’ [an object in which a dark wizard has put a part of his soul in an object to attain immortality]. We also eat Bertie Bott’s [every flavor jelly beans] for games and for the Yule Ball.”
Many of the club participants like taking part in the activities, which the club leaders have created for students to enjoy.
Zhai said, “I feel like I’m participating at Hogwarts, [School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Harry Potter] with the house points, Wizard Wrock [Harry Potter music,] games, and A Very Potter Musical.”
Welter said, “I started reading Harry Potter in fourth grade, and I’ve read the series 14 times. I joined because Harry Potter has shaped my adolescent life.”
Many students who are in the club have read the series, many more than once and have seen the movies, but fear not, the DA is open to all Muggles (non-magical folk) who are fascinated by Harry Potter.
