Introducing Snitchseeker's newest member of the week...
Imperia fox_in_socks in this sort of tawny, brown.
Imperia in black.
fox_in_socks: Introduce yourself for everyone.
Katie: Hi, my name's Katherine, but I prefer to be called Katie. I'm a twenty-year-old college student and I'm utterly obsessed with the Harry Potter series, traveling, knitting, SCUBA diving, and eating lots of chocolate.
F: SCUBA? Where did you learn how to SCUBA dive?
K: Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus! I love it. I recieved my advanced open water diving certification about two years ago. I began my training in Cairo and have since only dived in the Red Sea (since my family lives in Egypt). Luckily the Red Sea is one of the most beautiful areas in the world for SCUBA diving.
F: How good are you at it (honestly), and how often do you manage to go?
K: I'm a klutz on land, and that unfortunately follows me underwater. I'm well-trained and I have a great dive buddy (my sister's best friend), but I've had a few near accidents (fortunately nothing serious or life-threatening). I haven't been diving in about a year since I go to college in a very cold and land-locked city in the US and don't personally own my own diving gear (this hobby is too expensive for me!). I'm going on a diving trip for a week in July, though, and I am very excited to get back to diving.
F: What's your story for getting interested in Harry Potter?
K: My sister had the first four books, the only ones published at the time. I thought they were silly children's books and wasn't interested in reading them, as I was intent on only focusing on 'mature' books. I was fourteen years old at the time, I believe. Anyway, my mother convinced me to read the first one, and by the time two days had passed I had all four under my belt. I was instantly hooked.
F: Who is your favorite character(s) and why?
K: Hermione Granger is my favorite character. I suspect lots of people say this, but it's true: she reminds me of me in many respects. I place a very high value on my education (one would hope, considering the outrageous tuition) and I consider myself a very practical, logical person. I've had the experience of being a misfit and finding a small group of really good friends to care for and to recieve care and great friendship from.
F: You were sorted into Slytherin, do you (and did you pre-sorting) see yourself as a Slytherin?
K: I saw myself as a Slytherin through and through before I was sorted at SS a few years ago. Now, having grown a teeny bit older, I recognize a good number of different traits that could place me in any one of the four houses. However, I am still a highly ambitious and smooth-talking individual (ask my poor parents), with the ability to be cunning and sly when I've had enough sleep. I love this house, and I love being in it. So yes, I still feel that I fit well in Slytherin.
F: Rowling once expressed some concern about the number of readers that seem to like Slytherin, what do you think about this?
K: I don't worship Slytherin, or any one house for that matter. I'm also not completely smitten with canon Slytherin students and alumni. I don't have any misconceptions about that house when it comes to canon, so I understand Rowling's concern that there are readers who go beyond appreciating the fundamental traits that make up the Slytherin house. I just refuse to believe that every Slytherin is like Draco Malfoy or Tom Riddle or Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, Snape, etc. Unfortunately, many readers who identify themselves with the Slytherin house also believe that they should then identify themselves with the canon Slytherin students we've seen in Rowling's series. Aspiring to be Malfoy or Crabbe or, dare I say, Tom Riddle/Voldemort? I don't blame Rowling for encouraging caution when considering the Slytherin house.
F: Who is your least-favorite character(s) and why?
K: Cornelius Fudge, that weak, misguided man who foolishly thought only of himself and his position in the magical world rather than take Dumbledore's advice and face the fact that Voldemort had returned. He allowed himself to believe that Dumbledore was trying to take his Minister of Magic seat in order to ignore the real problems facing the magical world (that is, Voldemort's return).
F: A lot of people share your sentiment. Do you think Rowling is inadvertantly saying something about some politicians/bureaucrats here?
K: Yes! I think that's quite obvious, or at least I believe it is. Perhaps I've got a one-track mind.
I don't think Fudge or the way the Ministry works (or rather, doesn't work, come to think of it) represents any one political philosophy or camp. I think it's just a general moral for readers to realize that elected officials or generally those people in power cannot always be completely trusted to do the right thing. Politicians and governments might put on a show and try to convince people that everything's just fine, or that this or that policy is a grand idea, but I think what Rowling tries to teach us with her touch on politics in the HP series deals with the fact that the public needs to try its very best to stay informed and educated when it comes to its government and the people they have entrusted to head their country or community.
F: Which is your favorite book, and why?
K: Goblet of Fire remains my favorite book. I read the first four in two days, and the first three were wonderful. But it was when I got to the fourth when I realized that this truly wasn't just another children's series dealing with cute magical animals and spells. The way JK Rowling weaves the darker themes into this book to prepare us for the next three is brilliant. We are hit with a number of new realities: the trio is growing up and in this book they are truly cemented into the complicated world of teenage lives. Harry has to deal with a situation that even his professors cannot control when he is entered into the Triwizard Tournament, and everyone has to sit by as this fourteen-year-old boy battles dragons and underwater creatures and, ultimately, Voldemort. We also learn more about other characters, such as a good portion of Snape's past, and these situations flesh out characters even more, making everyone more complicated and, eventually, human.
F: Same question as above, but least favorite.
K: Half-Blood Prince was a disappointment, but I must admit that the bulk of my disappointment stems from the number of pages. I would have liked it to be much, much longer. As it is, it feels more like a blatant set-up to the final book, and HBP truly could not stand on its own away from the series. I also don't enjoy the different love plots in this book, but to be fair I am more interested in action and drama rather than teenage romance. Harry's sudden interest in Ginny irks me, as well as his decision to end the relationship because he doesn't want Ginny to be hurt as he embarks on his quest for the last Horcruxes and his eventual face-off with Voldemort. I thought that was a bit pathetic and, quite honestly, chauvenistic.
F: What did you think about Harry's suggestion that he will be leaving school?
K: Disappointing. I like having Hogwarts as the main setting for the books, and it will be a big change if Hogwarts doesn't play a large role during the final book.
F: I agree. Let's do an abrupt change of subject. You clearly like the CCR (Charing Cross Road), what about it do you like so much?
K: I'm just happy to have the opportunity to discuss and debate real-life, current issues at a place like SS. Talking about Harry Potter-related topics and what not is fun, but I do appreciate keeping up with the real world as well. It's exciting to find other Harry Potter fans interested in similar issues we as a global community are facing today, and it's also a good place to learn how to debate with people without losing one's temper. It's nice to be able to get onto SS, check the latest HP news, and then go and discuss CCR topics with other Harry Potter fans. It's very convenient, and someone always has something interesting and, above all, thought-provoking to say at CCR.
F: You sort of have a "take no prisoners-make no deals" approach in the CCR. Is this characteristic of you in general, or just when discussing something?
K: Yes. I'm a very stubborn person, and there are times when I can be, erm...a bit short-tempered. But I do my best to be mature and level-headed, both at CCR and in my day-to-day interactions with my friends and family. I like to think that I'm open-minded and receptive to other ideas and my whole life centers around learning as much as I can about, well, everything possible, but I also stand up for what I believe in when challenged in a debate or heated discussion.
F: What has been your most memorable debate in the CCR and why?
K: I'm not sure if I have have any one most memorable debate. There are really great people who frequent CCR and it's always fun discussing things with them. I have to admit that it's fun when someone says something controversial, because that always draws more attention to that topic and discussion becomes revived. I don't appreciate rude remarks or anything like that, but I do appreciate things that spark discussion and debate.
F: Here's your fifteen minutes of fame, so what advice would you give other people in the CCR about talking with you?
K: Well, I think it's really great when people are polite and enthusiastic and have a sense of humor. Abuse of the capslock key and exclamation points often offends me, since it makes it seem like the person would be shouting if we were having a verbal conversation. I also don't like it when people tell me my ideas are stupid or plain wrong, since I never do that to anyone else, but luckily that seldom happens. I suppose I'd just suggest that everyone be polite and open when talking with me, since I always strive to do the same.
F: What other parts (if any) of the site have you been active on, if only temporarily?
K: I used to spend a lot of time at Zonko's. I check the news almost daily. When a new book is about to be released, I spend a lot of time in the forums dealing with book theories and what not. But ever sence CCR was created, I've spent most of my time there.
F: Wow. Should I be worried about keeping my job?
K: Haha, no.
I wouldn't mind being a moderator, but I think I have more fun at CCR just being a regular member without that sort of responsibility. You guys do an awesome job, and I'm not seeking to steal your position.
F: That's a relief, I hope Ty isn't reading this too closely 
. Are you a fan of the movies?
K: Yes, particularly the movie adaptations for PoA and GoF. I know that many people are displeased with the movies, but I've found that I can separate the movies from the books. I believe that the people responsible for the movies should be allowed to have an artistic license with the film versions. If they weren't, each film would end up more like the first two, which were cookie-cutter movies and, to be quite frank, boring. I realize that the lack of canon in the last two movies is disappointing, but to experience canon, one should return to the best bit of the series...the books themselves!
F: That's a good point. What adaptations do you think should be made in OotP to make it a better movie?
K: Oh, tough question. I can't answer it!
F: What are your favorite books (other than HP)?
K: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller is my absolute favorite book. Other favorites include The Kite Runner, One Hundred Years of Solitude, In Cold Blood, Candide, The Thief and the Dogs, Farenheit 451, and Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit.
F: Oh, that's a great list. What part of One Hundred Years of Solitude did you like the most?
K: The scene at the beginning of the book with the ice, when Jose Arcadio Buendia brings his two sons to see the gypsies. I wrote a commentary on that excerpt a couple years ago, and the moment when Buendia touches the ice and says 'this [the ice] is the great invention of our time' is one of the most vivid images I have of any book I've ever read. That first chapter is just one of the most beautiful beginnings I've had the pleasure of reading.
F: Have you read any stories by Isaac Babel (sort of stylistically similar to Marquez)?
K: No, I have not.
F: Have you read Dune? It's sort of mix of Lawerance of Arabia meets Star Wars (without the bad dialogue of the latter) and political intrigue.
K: Nope, although this is the second time in the last two or three weeks that someone has mentioned it to me. I will look into reading it! It sounds like something I'd really enjoy.
F: Perhaps you should take the hint...
So, what are your favorite movies?
K: The Breakfast Club, Lawrence of Arabia, Hotel Rwanda, Apocalypse Now, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, The Seventh Seal, The Magdalene Sisters, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan
F: I see what you mean by action. Do you tend to like war stories and epics? Why do you think so?
K: I definitely enjoy war stories and epic films. For example, spring break this past term I spent one day watching Lawrence of Arabia...three times in a row! Gah, there are so many wonderful and horrible things about that film, but in the end I love it. I also love disaster films, like Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow. Overall I just prefer action to comedy and romance, although I do enjoy a romantic film or two, such as Amelie or The English Patient (which I read half of in middle school, and have yet to return to...it's on my summer reading list)!
F: I don't think you can watch Lawerance three times in one day just based on time limitations... 
That's intense. So, you're at university then, what are you studying and why?
K: I'm currently double majoring in philosophy and political science. I'm studying philosophy because, well, I love it. I suppose you could say I'm studying philosophy for the sake of knowledge. I'm studying political science because I love it as well, but I am attempting to prepare for a career in the US foreign service, which is what my parents do. A double major in philosophy and political science seems to be a very pratical preparation for such a career. At least that's what I've been told, and I have my fingers crossed!
F: What area of philosophy do you like the most right now?
K: Oooh, good question. I suppose my modern philosophy professor from last semester would be thrilled to hear at least one of his students cite Kant and his Critique of Pure Reason as their favorite bit of philosophy, but nope. That won't be me! At the moment I'm most interested in contemporary philosophy, although my preferences change. I'm still reeling from works I read by Peter Singer during my intro to philosophy course a couple semesters ago. I am attracted to his arguments about abortion, for example, but I find myself not so enamored with his opinions on famine relief, much to the chagrin of most of my fellow students. His works have definitely kept me questioning and challenging and reaffirming my own ethical beliefs, whether they mesh with his or not.
F: What languages can you speak (feel free to use fractions ), and where did you learn them?
K: I'm fluent only in English, although I'm studying Arabic. I grew up in an English-speaking household, although my father is fluent in Arabic. Unfortunately I didn't learn my first word of Arabic until the third grade, and since then I've had a very broken history of Arabic studies. Now I'm preparing to transfer to a new university in order to focus on Arabic, which I'm extremely determined to learn well, although I doubt I'll ever be fluent.
F: "I'm only fluent in English, although I'm studying Arabic." Wow. Have you visited the Arabic language forum on SS?
K: Yes, soon after I first noticed that the language forums had been added when they were still new. I haven't spent much time on there, but I don't really know why. I'd probably get some precious extra help with homework and comprehension if I did!
F: Considering your focus on Arabic, are you planning on entering the foreign service in North Africa/Middle East region?
K: Yes. I've lived in the Middle East and North Africa for half of my life, and I love this part of the world. I'm ready to devote my working life to it.
F: That's awesome! Have you considered joining the Peace Corps when you leave school?
K: Have you been in contact with my mom? That's all she ever hears me talk about. Yes, I am definitely planning on joining the Peace Corps.
F: Yes I have, and she says you're spending too much time on SS and too much time being interviewed by CCR mods. Now then, if you had 15 minutes alone with Rowling and could ask her any question, what would it be and why?
K: It's possible that she's been asked this before in an interview, but I'll throw it out there anyway: I'd ask her if she's ever grown really worn out, burnt out even, from writing the Harry Potter series. And if yes, has she ever, even for a split second, considered dropping it?
F: Also, what would you ask the next interviewee?
K: If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, with three of your closest friends, where would you go and why?
F: Now for the final, and infamous question...-insert dramatic music-
What is your favorite dessert?! 
K: My mom's cheesecake with some cherry sauce (but not actual cherries) on top.
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Cherry Cheesecake Imperia 
x12
Rock on Katie 
SCUBA Diving - W00t. 
I wish I knew how to do it. *sighs* I've always dreamt of it. 
It was a lot fun to read it. *pets* Rock on Katie. 
