Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard

by Tom Felton

“Try to leave every environment better than when you found it,”

I want to casualise the idea of therapy—it’s a difficult first step to take—but I do want to do my bit to normalise it. I think we all need it in one shape or another, so why wouldn’t it be normal to talk openly about how we’re feeling? “I’m happy we won the footy.” “I’m pissed off the ref didn’t give that penalty.” “I’m so excited to see who they sign next.” If we apply such a passionate tongue and eager ear to something like football, for instance, why wouldn’t we do the same about the unspoken stuff? “I couldn’t get out of bed this morning because everything felt too much.” “I don’t know what I’m doing with my life.” “I know I’m loved, so why do I feel so lonely?”

We live in a world where we seem increasingly in need of ways to unify ourselves, ways to build bridges and feel as one. It strikes me that very few things have achieved those aims as successfully as the brilliant world of Harry Potter.

The only true currency we have in life is the effect we have on those around us.