<-- recycling in Apr 2008 an old deleted post to insert these explanations about the poll:

Previous Thread (asks for our ages)


Hi all,

We've got two enduring questions here:

• How old or young are we H/H fans?
  Vote in the poll on this thread.
  
  
  
• How young were you when you became a fan of the Harry Potter universe?
  
  Go vote in this other poll.

Just how enduring have these questions been? Well, take a look at when they were first asked around here:







So vote away, friends! Go!

Thanks to Starbuck Jr for suggesting that:



Dr. S - when I first put up these polls in 2004, I hadn't expected them to last more than a year. But you have a point, hence this new poll.

I was about 7 when I first entered the world of harry potter, read my first book at 8 and then started shipping at nine and I am now 11. it has been 2 years since I started shipping.

I was 6 when I discovered Harry Potter. That was when the first movie came out.

Now, I'm 13, been a HHR shipper for more than half of my life.

I guess I'm an elder sister in the H/Hr fan club. I was 25 when I read the first book,now I'm 30 and I still love H/Hr,no matter how JKR tries to convince me their relationship was sibling-like.

I probably have answered this before but I don't remember.

I was eleven when I first read Harry Potter and became a fan instantly.

Now I'm 19, going to be twenty and still as much a fan as I was back then, though admittedly I still wish H/hr had happened. (delusional to the end, baby )

I'm with you "thewall28304" I started when I was 25 too and I'm now 30. I was a H/Hr shipper from the 1st book and I still am after the 7th.

Lol. I was in the second or third grade, so I wasn't older than 7 or 8 when HP first came out. I became a big fan of it after the third movie, so that was around the time GoF came out.

I'm 15 now, I've been a fan of H/Hr for three years, since I was 12. I came to Pk a year later. haha. Yeah, I'm one of the few who was under 10 when HP came out. Hehe I'm a youngun. Lol. J/k. It's all in good fun

At least, we know the younger shippers know what love is, eh? I mean, perhaps we were/are young and nieve, but I know that love isn't shallow or skin deep. I know that it's not bickering over the most IDIOTIC things--its about living. Right?

harryandhermionesdaughter you're absolutely right!

I think these threads are proof that age has nothing to do with it. We all know what we perceive to be love, doesn't matter if everyone else agrees, but for every harmonian love is about mutuality and, as our name says, harmony. We know that love takes more than just 'sexual tension' and bickering, and we also know it's more than a pretty face.

Harry and Hermione will always encompass what love means to me, no matter how old I get

Moogle, Thank you. lol. I like to believe it, as a matter of fact I love to believe it! My parents have been married for 15 and they're still loving (a little more loving than I can bear at times), but they don't bicker over the most idiotic things.

I'll admit that appearance has a little bit to do with it, I mean, if you weren't attracted to the person in some way then it wouldn't work. But I always thought that Harry since GoF realized that Hermione wasn't just his best friend, that there was more than her bookish attributes, but a real girl underneath it all. Albeit, I was wrong, but at the same time we're still right. We know what Love is.

MOD NOTE:

Hi guys, I'm locking this thread temporarily as I'd like to add a new poll based on year of birth. I had read that suggestion somewhere in the older threads. We hadn't really expected this poll to last this long.

New poll oughta be up in 36 hours. I'll move this thread to the H/H section, too.
[START OF MODDING TRIVIA]

QUOTE(gal-texter @ Nov 7 2004, 10:13 PM)

(Note to the diligent H/H Mods, I'll move this somewhere else after a week. Feel free to remind me if I haven't by then. Thanks. [/url]

I believe I had moved these polls from H/H to the former Prof Binn's Library, 'cos a. the H/H section was overflowing with topics, and b. the Binn's Library was relatively new back then, so we wanted to direct people to it.
[/END MODDING TRIVIA]


EDIT SOME 16 HOURS LATER:

Our new H/H mod, snoopy pie has put up the poll! Go pick your answer, peeps!

*selects 1965-1970* There, that oughta take (some of) the pressure off Malinda -- there's someone older than her now.

-----------

For reference: poll results as of Feb 18 2009:

Before 1955 [ 0 ] ** [0.00%]
1956 to 1960 [ 4 ] ** [2.11%]
1961 to 1965 [ 8 ] ** [4.21%]
1966 to 1970 [ 10 ] ** [5.26%]
1971 to 1975 [ 14 ] ** [7.37%]
1976 to 1980 [ 17 ] ** [8.95%]
1981 to 1985 [ 24 ] ** [12.63%]
1986 to 1990 [ 71 ] ** [37.37%]
1991 to 1995 [ 38 ] ** [20.00%]
1996 to 2000 [ 3 ] ** [1.58%]
After 2000 (for young geniuses out there) [ 1 ] ** [0.53%]
Total Votes: 190

----------

Hello Young and old H/Hr fans!

Want to tell us how old (or young) you are? then come on! shout it out and be proud of your age!

15! WOOT I only started shipping after PoA though, seeing as during 2002 I was like 9. So I could have cared less about it, but then I'm rather addicted now. Heh. I came here after the release of HBP.

I'm 21 now and became a HP fan around the time the first movie came out. I was 15 then. I was born in 1986.

You guys are going to think I am ancient. I was born in 1974. I honestly didn't start reading HP until a couple of years ago. HBP had already been published for a while. I was in Target looking at books when I noticed HP 1-6. I bought and read them one after the other. I absolutely fell in love. Then I rented all of the movies. I have since then influenced at least 3 other people to read the series, ages ranging from 30-50, and they all loved the books (except for book 7 believe it or not and none of them even know what "shipping" is). A Harry and Hermione ending to this series would have been so unbelievably amazing. Best friends who fall in love...how wonderful. Not seeing something that was right before your (Harry's) eyes- how exciting. The Boy Who Lived and The Brightest Witch of Her Age- how incredibly powerful!

Anyway, that was much more than the topic asked for but I just couldn't help myself.

I'm 21 and I was born in 1986. I first became an HP fan when I borrowed PoA from a friend at age like 13/14 or something to see what all the HP fuss was about, and I've been hooked ever since. Shipping didn't occur to me for ages, until I read pro-R/Hr comments on some site and was overcome with outrage, thinking "NO NO NO IT'S HARRY AND HERMIONE!" to myself. It was like natural instinct to me. And I've never looked back.

I'm 29 (god knows I don't feel that old, still can't believe it's been twelve years since I graduated high school). Unfortunately, I only have a few more months left before I turn the dreaded 3-0. Ugh, July 31st, 2008 will be black Thursday for me. Not looking forward to that day.

As for the HP books, I didn't start reading them until a few months after HBP was released, so I still feel like a newbie.

hedwig07 - No worries, I'm used to being teased about my age by PK-mates since 2003. That post had NAPPA, Quis and thereader teasing me; we were all members of the mod-admin team then. ('Course, NAPPA'll always be an admin since he's PK's co-founder.)

I always snicker when I remember this part. FYI, Pen = my RL nickname.

I'm 24 and I've been reading HP since I was 15, i think. Not really sure Anyway, it all started when I nicked COS from my brother because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I've been addicted ever since

Didn't ship until I got into fanfiction and the idea of Harry being with anyone other than Hermione and vice versa made me want to go strangle someone. Apparently, not a good idea to sit next to me when that happens

'86 gal, here! Got into the Potter craze in 2002 (16), when I finished High School and been an active Harmonian since 2004 (18). Wow... now I'm 22... holy frijole!!!

18 going on 19! *pose* yep yep, I dunno.. how old was I when I became a fan..? Let's see... probably 8 or 9.. definetly within the first couple of years it was published. I didn't start shipping till maybe the fourth book. But I REALLY got into shipping during the 5th. Strange huh?

28, I guess I was a fan from book 3 and never looked back.

I'm 21. I became a fan when I was 13 or 14ish. I just remember I was in the 8th grade. From the first book I was an H/Hr fan.

I first heard about the books back in third grade, when I was eight, and read the first book by November of that year. I started shipping H/Hr right after OotP came out (the summer of seventh grade, when I was twelve), and I just turned 17 in March. So I've been a fan of Harry Potter for more than half of my life (how scary is that?).

I quite like that fact.

I'm 21. My first book was the third one, which my cousin gave me in I think Christmas, 2000... so I was 13. Didn't have any interest in the series before that, but I couldn't turn a free book down. I was pretty firmly in the H/Hr camp when I finished it, and didn't let it go until the last chapter the final book, heheh.

I'm also 30, though I started reading when I was 21. Its been a pretty wild ride. Lol.


Lord, we'll not go into who's ancient and who isn't. You know how it is... once you reach a certain age group, four years, ten years... hardly makes a difference.

I'm 22. I was born in 1986. My friend lent me the first book when we were in the 8th grade, I think. Towards the end of the year.

I'm actually a little hesitant to admit these to you here on Portkey...but I'm a converted R/Hr to H/Hr fan. I read the books when I was in high school and was in a relationship very similar to the R/Hr relationship so I just thought that was how it goes. I'm still somewhat partial to Ron as a character, but I could never stand the idea of Harry and Ginny together. When I got into the world of fanfiction I started reading R/Hr stories which almost always had H/G in them somewhere and it drove me crazy! I couldn't stand it, and most of the time I didn't even like the R/Hr relationship. I like Ron, I just don't like him with Hermione. So I ended up dabbling in other ships, first D/Hr until I found Portkey and have been hooked ever since! I don't remember exactly when I came across Portkey but I think it was towards the end of high school or maybe after, probably 2004 or 2005.

I'm 20 years old. I don't remember how old I was really. I know I read the first book only after I saw the movie sorcerers stone with my little sister in the movie theaters and wasn't too thrilled about it LOL.

To be honest I thought Harry Potter mania was overhyped. But that one little movie kind of got me hooked and I think OoTP was about to come out. so one day out of curiosity (and because the movie peaked my interest) I sit down and read Sorcers stone. then I was like WOW! and picked up chamber of secrets (ahh....back in the days when parents would pay for my obsession lol)......then broke my neck to get to Prisoner of Azkaban, and then while I was there I got goblet of fire while I was at it. Read goblet in an entire weekend. OMG I loved it. I wasn't a shiipper at all then. I saw R/Hr happening and was just kind of oh well about it but then I read OoTP and OMG I became a H/Hr shipper overnight and I never looked back.

I too love Ron I just don't think he and Hermione bring out the best in each other. Isn't that what love is supposed to do? You know sort of I'm better with you than without you but away from you I'm a mess.

I know it is true. I've felt that way.

Anyway so that is my story. I think I was 14 when I picked up sorcers stone.

so I was born in 1988

Go the 88's!! (I was born then too, lol)



I wouldn't worry, so am I. I always just assumed it was going to be R/Hr, and was quite happy with that too, and even used to think H/G would be cute (shock!horror!) but then Ootp came out and I saw H/Hr and fell in love with the idea instantly.

I suppose because I used to be a R/Hr shipper, and kind of H/G that I have been able to deal with the actual canon ending more than some, but I still wish H/Hr had happened. That would have really completed the books for me.

I'm 20, born in 87... I got into HP in 2002 when I was 14 and became a Harmony shipper pretty much instantly so I've been a fan for 6 years... been here for 5 years... since I was 15. Wow I feel old now

My friend (she isn't Harmony though, she's a Heron. I've tried to talk her out of it but nooooo she's so stubborn ) was born in 88- we have several "87!" "No 88!" "No 87!" arguments

So yeah, I'm 20 and I've been a shipper since I was 14 and I'm still stubbornly refusing to give that up completely. Yay for PK!

~Bec

I was born in 1984 and I'll be 24 in two months. I became a Harry Potter fan in 2002, after I saw CoS. I bought the books afterwards and of course the other movies. I wasn't much into shipping since I didn't even know what a "ship" is until I found this site.

I always liked Harry and Hermione and it felt right to believe they'll end up together. So, I can say that I wanted HHr to happen since book 1, although, at that time I wasn't looking for any HHr moments. I just thought their strong friendship will develop on the way. The book that really got me into shipping was GoF (when Harry sees Hermione at the Yule Ball). I almost fainted reading that scene

Being in the older end of 20, I'm so into shipping of all characters... mostly... much more than the standard JKR ship of H/G. H is great and fits with almost any character... sans like maybe R or N. LOL...

I don't think age has much to do with it. I've read 20's writings that was pathetic and teens writing that was exquisite. With the right writer, it is fantastic.

Having not read all of the replies... am I the oldest one here? Boo hoo. :0(

Anyway, I started reading HP when I was 27. I'm 34 now. From the very first book, when Ron was taken out of the action and Harry and Hermione went on alone (and the books and cleverness speech, followed by the hug) I've loved the idea of H/Hr. It only increased as the books went along, and it became evident to me that R and Hr just weren't compatible, and that Hermione was the only girl to go through everything with Harry.

I personally believe Rowling did a very poor job involving romances in HP... in setting them up, in building them, and in making them believable.

Cheers, Bama

You are not the oldest, I am. I graduated High School the year Bec was born. *points up at her post* and my oldest daughter was born in 1989, two years after I graduated High School, which makes my oldest daughter just 2 years younger than Bec is. But my little one is only 7 so there you go.

See, told you I'm old. *shrug* Nah... not really, on paper, but I really feel old sometimes.

Well be still my little heart. Shannon! Welcome back! How's the baby???

Sorry

I'm 28.5 (sounds more impressive, as in "Malinda 28.5" - new and improved) and started getting into HP at 23. Woot!

1979

Side note, shouldn't this thread be in Prof. Binns' library? Just thinking...

Good to see you back Accio Harry.

And I started to read the Harry Potter series back when my eldest was still in elementary school. I had to pre-read them to make sure they were appropriate for her.

I read all books my kids do that way. My eldest is an adult now so I do it for my little one. And I can tell you, she won't be reading books 6 and 7.

I'm 17, been reading the books since I was nine. I was a full fledged Harmonian since Harry and Ron rescued Hermione from the troll (I was so convinced he had a soft spot for her...I mean, duh...)

Friday the 13th 1986... a gift was given to this world... Me

Just joking... my ego is decent sized not Draco-sized...

So.. i'm 21. Started reading HP when i was 12 i think... Became Harmonian at book three... Hippogriff ride, the closeness they shared during the rescue was just <just got goosebumps> beautiful.

Oh, and In Perfect Harmony, your Avatar is awesome.

GM

1990! I'm 18 years old man, and feeling good!

Wow...I'm loving all the hardcore Harmonians here. Seems like a lot of us have been reading for half our lives...

Thanks, GM.

You are welcome...

And yes, I grew up with the characters... so when "certain" people use age as an excuse for Ron's behaviour in the books i just laugh.

Honestly, if Hermione was real I would SO steal her from Ron. He doesnt deserve her...


<rant over>

GM

1994 and proud of it!

I picked up Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at age seven, finished it within two days, asked for the first book for christmas and go it and the movie. I was born on the first day of January in 1994 (jan 1st 1994) I got the second book for valentines day, how cute is that. Anyway I became a Harry/Hermione shipper at the age of seven. I was a strange child (still am) I never believed in cooties or thought boys were icky.

I had NO IDEA about the online shipping nework until I got my ipod for christmas last year (dec 2007) and dicovered Harmony Podcast. It appealed to me and I have all of the episodes! I only recently started on the online shipping but in my head, reading the books alone in the privacy of my room, I practically screamed for H/Hr.

I was twelve when I read HBP. I BAWLED when Harry was with Ginny because I honestly couldn't understand how he had been so quickly ennamored by her, personally I had despised Ginny since Philosopher's stone, when she was flippin' because she was Harry Potter or as she put it: 'him!' I am fourteen now, an avid Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe fan and of course Harry Potter. My friends think i'm strange and I was sooo shocked to find out how many other people ship H/Hr, it makes me feel like i actually belong somewhere and I'm not the only one. I know that sounded kinda Luna-ish but Hermione and Luna are my favorite charicters.

I don't wanna sound like i'm bragging but I want to explain how I read Prisoner of Azkaban at age seven... I have a reading level of an average grade twelve student. I know, I know its hard to believe, trust me, but i was tested by a phsycologist because I have trouble with math. I definitly have a tendency to finish reading long chapters and books before everyone else in my class which automatically makes me the Hermione of my grade. I am know to my friends as Hermione's mini me.

I also made an oath that my frist daughter's name would be Hermione, call me crazy but when they find out why they were named that they'll understand.

I definitly grew up with the charicters. Cried when they cried, laughed when they laughed and even went off thwe handle when thay did. I guess when you pick up something like a book at a young age and it gets embedded in yout heart it also becomes part of your soul. Anyone who grew up with the characters will always have the characters as a part of them I'm sure anyone will agree. Books will always have a good part of my life with them and I will most certainly be buired with my Harry Potter Books.
Completey off topic but I really wanted to put it somewhere, anyone ever see One Magic Christmas? The mother's name in the movie is Ginny Grainger(thats exactly as its spelled). I could not lie to you, it's insane I looked at it and nearly dropped it I screamed definitly.

1968. Why not?

I was introduced to HP when I was 8, I shipped H/Hr at 9, R/L at 10, and D/G at 12.

I was born April 4 1993. I got into Harry Potter when the first movie came out, I was 8. But I hated reading then so I didn't read the books until after the second movie, but didn't ship H/Hr until I read GoF. After reading the Kiss it started me on H/Hr. I also love reading now.

So I've been a Harry Potter Fan for half of my life. I've been reading H/Hr stories here for a year, but just recently joined

It was the christmas of 1999 when I got the first Harry Potter book, and i was only 6, but I was a true bookworm, and since then I have being obsessed. I didn't discover FanFic until about 2004 so I was 11 and since then have being a H/H and J/L shipper.

I was introduced to Harry Potter through the first movie - it had just come out and it was just after we landed I think and we went to the cinema to watch it. A year later a couple of months before Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets DVD in 2002 my mum bought me all 4 books of Harry Potter which I proceeded to finish rapidly. Then CoS came out and I clearly remember having my Harry Potter books with me while I settled in to watch it. Than in HBP I realized that OBHWF was so dam* wrong and became a Harmony shipper and found PK - then I registered as a member just after DH came out in the heat of the rampage. The rest is history. And 7 years later I'm still in love with it including Harmony. But I always thought D/E were the most adorable thing ever! Even before I started shipping.

heh i resisted the Whole HP movement because books and movies that are aspopular as these have been are obviously trash .. then about halfway between therelease of book 6 and book 7 read a fan fic on a lit site i read and contribute too. i only picked the story cause i knew the writer and thought ok whats this all about not realising it was fanfic.

that had me hooked soo that would have had me startingto read the books about mid 2006 at witch point i was *counts on fingers to do the math* about 33 ... and i have to say i have been a H/Hr shipper from the start ...

i allways felt that in good fiction the hero should allways get the girl i mean come on what other incentive does the hero have for being the hero and Ron was just a side kick and comic relief to me while Ginny was a passing love interest whos true worth was imo to show harry what he really wanted ... other than that ginny was never enough of a main character for me to be the leading lady in harrys life

arr well im old and romantic what can i say
Josh

I'm 25

born November 10th, 1982

My HP timeline:

I was born in: 1985
First time I read HP: 2001
My first fanfic: 2003