Ryan Atbin is the creator and co-president of the Harry Potter Club, where Harry Potter fans do activities and games based on the popular series.

“[I made it] because it’s Harry Potter, the best thing in the universe!” Ryan said.

Ryan has been a huge fan of Harry Potter since first grade, when he started reading the series. He read the books all the time — during free reading, after school, and in his free time.

“Initially, [I liked it] because it’s magical, and it made my life complete. Everyone who’s ever seen Harry Potter knows exactly what I’m talking about. They just see the first two sentences and they’re like ‘this is my new life,’” Ryan said.

Ryan has read all seven books and seen all eight movies.

“The books are amazing. The movies suck, but the thing I like about the movies is that if you couldn’t picture something in the books, the movies help you see it,” Ryan said.

However, as much as he likes Harry Potter, it has had some negative effects on his school life, which consists of several AP classes.

“[It interferes] all the time. Every time. If it’s between homework and reading Harry Potter, um, read Harry Potter. Why would I even try school,” Ryan said.

Positive effects balance out the distraction for Ryan.

“Yes, [it makes school better], if they let me read Harry Potter instead of Life of Pi, then yes,” Ryan said.

Ryan made the club expecting only his close friends who have read some Harry Potter to attend it, but the outcome was quite different than what he predicted.

“[The turnout] was really good. I actually was surprised, because I thought it would be like a little [club] at first and then it would slowly get bigger, but we started off with fourteen people,” Ryan said.

Even though Ryan’s meeting did have many attendees, his purpose for the Harry Potter club remains the same.

“[The purpose is] for magical people to be in a magical place. You’re welcome,” Ryan said.