Rupert Grint attends the New York premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

You know, when subject of Rupert Grint is brought up, I can become rather animated. My eyes widen, my pulse quickens, my speech becomes rapid, and my hands move with the passion of a concert conductor. I start listing all of his movies (especially the non-Harry Potter ones), and begin stating my case as to why I know that he has the talent to sustain a career post-Potter. And when I’ve completed my verbal dissertation, ending with the statement “Rupert MUST act!” I get the same response, “So, what are you, a stalker or something?” To which I jokingly reply, “Oh no, stalkers go to prison, and I’m not prison built!” Granted, telling someone that I have on a Ron shirt under my regular shirt doesn’t help my case.

But then sometimes I do have to honestly ask myself, “why do I do it?” What is the purpose of me investing so much of my time, energy and quite honestly, MONEY, into someone, or some entity that I know as nothing more than a public persona? You must understand, I do have a “life” and list of muggle places to be and muggle stuff to do (that will at times take a back burner when some juicy news comes in), but there are just some things about being a fan of Rupert Grint and being a fan of Rupert Grint “fandom” that I enjoy.

First of all, Rupert Grint himself! He just seems like the nicest person in the world, and you just want to support him. After seeing him for the first time at the Tribeca film festival for the Driving Lessons premiere, I was hooked. My mission was to see this guy act far beyond Harry Potter and prove the naysayers wrong!

Secondly, the fans. Through this fandom, I’ve been to places and have encountered people that I would have never had the privilege to meet otherwise. When you meet another Rupert Grint fan, there is an instant connection. You feel like you’ve known this person forever! Over the years, there are some people that I’ve made real friendships with, and who I’ve been able to discuss anything outside of Rupert Grint and Harry Potter fandom.

Last but not least, the fandom itself. I love being a Rupert Grint fan and discussing the fandom with others. I enjoy making others happy by helping to bring news of Rupert and his promotions to the fans that may not be able to get there. Also, the feedback I get from others make me happy. In addition, through being a part of this fandom and general Harry Potter fandom, I’ve been able to expand my general computer skills, my communication skills and awaken my inner amateur journalist.

So, the question is, why do I do it? Well I suppose I have to answer that with, why the bloody hell not?