Wand Dueling for Harry Potter Fans

 My People Gathered at The Hasbro Stage
 

Isn't this bag great?!

Being a Potterhead myself, I was among my own at the New York Comic Con this year. There were so many people dressed in their school robes, wands in hand ready for all kinds of mischief. There were more still, not in costume, like myself, sporting Harry Potter t-shirts, bags, hats or some other adornment to ensure every knew where their true allegiances lie.

On the Friday morning of the Con there was a calling of sorts, a gathering of all Potter fans to meet at the Hasbro stage. You see, at the Hasbro stage there was going to be a lesson on wand dueling! Muggles, wizards and witches gathered around the stage to learn the art of wand waving surely in the distinct hopes that we could all walk away just a tiny bit more magical for having done so.

The Group That Shall Not Be Named

As I sat waiting for the ceremony to begin, I watched as the fellow fans gathered. Suddenly, a small group arrived with costumes that were plainly more authentic than the rest. Not only did this group have richer looking materials, wands and gait they also happened to look like characters right out of the films! I was not surprised then that this group walked confidently to the stage.

This group is known as "The Group That Shall Not Be Named"and they were going to lead us in our lessons. The Group That Shall Not Be  Named is the New York Harry Potter Meetup group (if you have not checked out meetup.com for finding cool people with cool things to do, then it's about time you check it out!). They have monthly meetings and play Quidditch in Riverside Park! They describe themselves as:

W e are THE Harry Potter fan group in the New York City and Tri-State area.  Our activities cater to every aspect of fandom. From fan fic and fan art, to cosplay and Wizard Rock.

And I sat there wondering, "How the heck did I miss THIS Meetup group?"
(And now, as I am writing this post I am wondering, "Nicole WHY HAVEN'T YOU JOINED YET?!?!")

They are quite impressive in their fandom.

And in their wand skills.

Wand Dueling 101

Well, just your wands, really...

Since I thought it would be impossible for me to explain the intricacies of wand movement and instruction through my words alone, I went to the "class" armed and ready with my camera. So here is my not-so professional video of Wand Dueling by Bellatrix LeStrange of The Group That Shall Not Be Named at the New York Comic Con 2011.

Enjoy! 

Do you think you can do it?

Are you ready to duel?

What magic tricks can you share with ME?

What if #12 [Writing Prompt]

Each week the Rivera Runs Through It blog presents a different "What If...?" question for you to explore. Some will be serious, some will be silly, some might be political, religious or historical.

 At the bottom of this post is a place for you to link up your own post about this week's question. If you have arrived at this post and the inlinkz tool is closed, or you don't have a blog, then please leave your response (or link) in the comment section below using DISQUS.

Happy pondering to everyone...

What IF #12:

What if you came face to face with your idol?

Tonight my best friend is at a Smashing Pumpkins concert. It is in a small venue, she pulled in all kinds of babysitting favors and went through various ticketing agencies to ensure she got tickets. She worried over her outfit of choice and was getting increasingly nervous as the day went on.  You see, she absolutely adores Billy Corgan, and this has been going on for about twenty years.

About two years ago, she arranged a trip up here to New York (she lives in Maryland these days) so that the both of us could go to an exhibition at the Rubin Museum of Art just because Billy Corgan was going to be there. It was a truly fascinating day, but what has stuck with the two of us more than anything what what happened when she was standing practically shoulder to shoulder with Billy Corgan himself in the exhibit after his talk: absolutely NOTHING!

I stepped out of the way so she would have a clear shot at him and then... nothing. She completely froze. She was star struck in a way I had never seen her before! While I argued that he was just another human being with whom she, a competent communicator who worked in marketing, advertising and promotion in New York City long before taking on another social role of mother of two very active children, could easily speak to, it seemed my message was lost. He was not human, at least not to her; he was Billy Corgan.

Most of us have someone who fits that role in some way - perhaps they're a rock star, an athlete, an actor, an author, a world leader or a religious one. Perhaps you think you will have a cooler head. Perhaps this is a meeting you have been planning for and have a script already written. Or, perhaps, like my friend Dawn, you know that you have built your someone up so high that your words will get lost on your chance meeting! Whatever the case may be - write about it!

Let us know who your idol is, maybe even why you regard him/her so highly, and then share your tale with us! What if YOU came face to face with your idol?

I can't wait to read the responses to this week's question (I know many people at New York Comic Con this weekend had this exact experience!).

P.S. - Hey Dawn!! If you are less than two feet from Billy Corgan tonight, I had better be getting some GOOD story tomorrow morning!!!

For a list of all of the What if questions asked so far, 

see The What If Prompts