“Wizards don’t exist”.

That’s what some people tell me when they ask what I have been writing recently, and I say a series of Complete Guides on the Harry Potter world. 

As an academic having completed my PhD in History, I knew this simply isn’t true. 

“Both Wizards and Wizardry have existed,” is always my reply.

They often look shocked and tell me to prove it.

“Wizards have certainly existed in our history,” I say, “Wizard means ‘Wise One’ and they were generally considered the most sensible and intelligent of the community.  So Wizardry is simply the possession and application of knowledge and wisdom.” 

“But magic isn’t real!”

“Of course it is!” I tell them, “just look at the real magic in Harry Potter, the magical power of courage, of truth, of love!  Magic is simply the realization that life and the universe is a magical miracle!”

Some look at me as if I am mad, but far more understand what I mean.  They understand that there is magic in the world, as anyone who has been in love, or looked at the stars, or wondered at nature. 

“Magic is everywhere around us, but we have become so used to it, we don’t see it.  We don’t understand how magical the world is as it is now.” 

“But what about wizards and magic today?” they ask.

“They still exist today, wizards and magic exist.  Life and the universe is a miracle, just look at the photographs of the stars, or nature, or wonder at the miracle of human beings and animals.  There is magic everywhere.”

“So there really is a Wizarding world and it exists right here,” some answer.

I nod, laughing, “For those who look at life with open eyes, that’s the difference between Wizards and Muggles.”

Wow, is often their reply, “So parts of Harry Potter is true in a way, I wonder what else?”

I nod and give them one of my Guides on Harry Potter and the Wizarding World to read.