Members of Dumbledore’s Army, a group of Harry Potter enthusiasts at Manual, recently mourned the death of Alan Rickman, the iconic actor who portrayed professor Severus Snape in the movie adaptations of the young adult fantasy novels. Rickman passed away on the morning of Jan. 14 at the age of 69 after battling cancer.

“The character of Snape shaped me a lot in all of the lessons I learned about perseverance, and the risks you take and sacrifices you make for what you believe in,” club member Emma Bornschein (11, J&C) said.

Dumbledore’s Army has been an active club at Manual since 2011. Members meet every week to discuss their love of Harry Potter and participate in themed games related to the series.

“I enjoy being there because [Dumbledore’s Army] is a place I can be a little more wild than I normally am,” Jamie D’Amato (11, J&C) said. “When we play our games, I am more out there. Generally I am shy, but when I am with all these nerdy people who have the same interest as me, it’s easier to be out there and more enthusiastic.”