[img]http://www.snitchseeker.com/images/news/hp_grandpre_80.jpg' align='middle'>
The real Harry Potter -
Summary:
He is actually a 49 year old lawyer
Article:
Thanks to Wizardnews
Quote:
Sharing his the land has name with the most famous wizard in had a magical effect on the top lawyer
By Sasha Mansworth
But sharing a name with the most famous trainee wizard in the world is where the similarity ends for the real Harry Potter.
Theboy wizard is about to burst onto the big screen to battle his enemy Lord Voldermort in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, out on Monday. Meanwhile, his lesser-known namesake, a 49--year-old Glasgow-born barrister, is busy conjuring up a defence for hardened criminals in the courts of London.
'A lot of people would say I was defending evil rather than fighting it, but I don't see it in those terms,' explains the real Harry Potter. 'People could say I represent evil by representing those accused of murder. But there is a big difference between being accused and being found guilty of a crime.'
The London-based barrister adds a sparkle to the most musty of courtrooms by casting a spell over the proceedings with his famous name.
'Clients love it, juries find it very amusing and even the most cantankerous judges smile,' he laughs.
The part-time priest and Liberal Democrat councillor has landed in many ONE famously fights the forces of evil while the other plies his trade in a courtroom.
situations worthy of the other Harry Potter's adventures.
'On one occasion I was representing a chap called Martin Luther King. In the next court, Ghandi wason trial.
'It struck everyone as rather odd that Martin Luther King should be in one court, Harry Potter should be representing him and Ghandi should also in the building.'
For someone with such a serious job, Harry, whowas brought up in Jordanhill, in Glasgow's West End, feels genuinely at ease about becoming a figure of fun.
'It's caused a lot of people a lot of amusement when they encounter me,' he says.
'I've never seen myname as a disadvantage, although sometimes when you're trying to give your credit card details over the telephone it's a bit difficult convincing the person on the other end that you are who you say you are.
He adds: 'When I tell people myname they just don't believe me. I have to show themmy card to convince them.'
The accused people he represents 'react with disbelief' whenhe introduces himself.
'I suppose myname does help, but I don't find it difficult to break the ice with people in custody or facing criminal charges,' says Harry. 'I'm very easy to get on with.
'Everybody likes it. They all think I might bring an added dimension to the case.
'How seriously they take it I don't know, but they never forget my name and often recommend me to their mates, which has certain advantages from a professional point of view.'
Despite the fuss surrounding his name, Harry's never been tempted to change his name to Harold or Henry.
From churches to courtrooms, Harry creates a stir wherever he goes.
Hordes of young fans trail after himon the streets of London asking for his autograph.When he was on the campaign trail to win a seat on Greenwich Council, they followed him like the Pied Piper of Hamlyn. Harry was victorious in that particular battle, with his opponent blaming defeat on that magical name.
Then there was the time a swarm of kids skived Sunday school when they discovered Harry Potter was about to read the Sunday sermon in church.
But it's not only kids who fall under his spell adults seek out his autograph,too.
'It's mainly grandparents and parents asking on behalf of their kids. But it wouldn't surprise me if it was really for them, if they think there's money in it,' he reveals.
It all started to go Potty for Harry after JK's second book, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, hit the shelves in 1999.
He decided to write to JK Rowling to alert her of his existence.
The Scottish-based author replied. She was amused that while her Harry had his chamber of secrets, the real person also had his own version Barnard's Inn Chambers in London.
The rare letter remains locked away in a safe place Harry is well aware of its value.
Like JK, the real Harry Potter writes books. But his factual tomes on Scotland's violent past are far removed from the goings on at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. He's currently busy conjuring up his next book, which is 'about the Scots dimension of the civil war'.
Harry doesn't deny that his famous name helps book sales, although some youngsters will be in for a bit of a shock when Edinburgh Under Siege pops through the letterbox instead of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
'I imagine there are some people who buymy books and are quite disappointed,' he laughs.
Despite sharing his name with the boy wizard, Harry remains untouched by the Pottermania sweeping the globe. He admits to being more of a Lord of the Rings fan.
He says: 'I read the first couple of Harry Potter books but lost interest after that. I got loads of copies as everyone thought it would be a good present, though unfortunately I didn't get one of the the hardback first editions!'
After studying at Cambridge University, then being ordained as a priest with the Church of England, Harry worked as a prison chaplain. It was following this experience that he decided to go become a barrister.
'It's always possible to find some good points in anybody,' he says. 'It may be the case that someone has committed a crime, but it doesn't mean they're a bad person.
'In fact, they're often much nicer people than those who haven't committed crimes.'
Harry admits his outlook doesn't always fall in line with those of his peers.
He says: 'It certainly adds a dimension to when I'm preaching, which is all to do with telling good stories. I tend to have a story for almost every occasion.'
But then he is Harry Potter. lHarry Potter's latest book, Edinburgh Under Siege, costs £16.99 and is published by Tempus.
The Daily Record