Interview with a Harry Potter Fan

Anthony Ventimiglia of Orlando, Florida, has been an avid fan of the Harry Potter series since its inception. He has seen every movie, devoured every book. Here is an interview with one of Central Florida's biggest Harry Potter fans.

With the seventh and final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, on the horizon, tell us, which is your favorite Harry Potter book thus far, and why?

My favorite is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. So many interesting characters were introduced in the third book, including Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and the Dementors. I also think it was the perfect size, whereas the first two are a bit thin and the last three are a bit lengthy. The suspense in Prisoner of Azkaban builds from the very start with the mere mention of this mysterious prisoner, who allegedly killed so many. And it continues right through to the very end. I also enjoyed the introduction of the Marauder's Map.

Which is your favorite Harry Potter film to date?

The films just keep getting better, and in a few days, I will likely tell you my favorite film is Order of the Phoenix. But for now, my favorite film is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The Triwizard Tournament and the visiting students really make Goblet of Fire special. It's on an even grander scale than the first three films. The only unfortunate thing about Goblet of Fire is that Albus Dumbledore is played by Michael Gambon and not Richard Harris, who passed away in 2002.

Who is your favorite character in the Harry Potter series?

Overall, I would have to say it is Albus Dumbledore. At least in the books. On screen, since Michael Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore, my favorite character is Severus Snape, played by Alan Rickman. Rickman has an amazing screen presence, and he really steals every scene he is in, even if he's simply standing in the background.

What attracts you most to the Harry Potter series, and why?

Actually, its setting: Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. When you get right down to it, it's very much like a normal school, with good teachers and bad, lots of homework, lots of friends, some enemies, extracurricular activities and sports, school dances. It's amazing that something as mundane, as grounded in reality, as school can actually be so...magical.