Don’t have a Nimbus 2000 levitating in the back of your closet? Don’t worry, you can still play Quidditch like they do in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, with a few modifications. Instead of soaring through the air, Muggle Quidditch players run around a circular field straddling broomsticks. The Golden Snitch is a person who had better be fast and crafty, because they’ve got two seekers trying to capture them. Juan Herrera, NU’s Quidditch team captain and Weinberg sophomore, sat down with The Current to discuss his favorite sport and answer some quirky questions.
The Current: What’s your favorite Harry Potter character?
Juan Herrera: Sirius Black. He’s really badass. He escapes from maximum security prison.
Current: If you were a Quidditch ball which one would you be?
Herrera: The Snitch. Physically I couldn’t be the Snitch, (but) they can run anywhere they want. There’s no rules. They can do whatever they want. Whimsical.
Current: Is Deering Library creepy to you?
Herrera: No, I love it. Sometimes I go there for the atmosphere.
Current: Do you own Converse?
Herrera: No, I don’t like Converse. I don’t like how they look. They just don’t look very classy. I’m more of a fan of dress shoes.
Current: Would you rather lose your arm or your leg?
Herrera: Leg. There are prosthetics. A prosthetic arm doesn’t grab as well. It’s very easy to replace a leg.
Current: If you could be any superhero, which would you be?
Herrera: That’s a tough question. There are so many good superheroes out there. Rorschach, from “Watchmen,” his whole purpose is to symbolize no compromise. He doesn’t have any superpower, he understands people — like the dark side of people.
Current: Would you rather dress up or be comfortable in sweats?
Herrera: I like dressing up. It feels nice to wear nice clothing.
Current: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Herrera: Israel. I went there when I was 18, last summer, and it was the best experiences in the world. (There’s) just something there, that people lack in the United States.
Current: What’s your favorite place on campus?
Herrera: The Lakefill.
Current: Have you ever painted The Rock?
Herrera: No, it’s something I’ve wanted to do. The Quidditch team is actually planning to do that.
Current: What’s your favorite childhood memory?
Herrera: On my birthday, my parents got me a Gameboy Color — I was seven, eight or nine — and Pokemon Silver Edition. I stayed up and played it all night. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.
Current: Do you call it a backpack or a bookbag?
Herrera: Backpack, bookbag is weird. It doesn’t always carry books, but it’s always on your back.
