In case any of you are really interested in my personal life... Otherwise, skip to the next section.

Age: Old enough to know the difference between right and wrong, and to know that not everyone will agree with me.

Gender: This might come through in my writing, but I don't think it really matters.

My thoughts on Severus Snape: Snape tried to get Sirius killed in PoA. He wanted Sirius to die. He is supposed to be extremely clever, and yet he could not think of a way to relate to Harry that Sirius was safe in OotP. All because he fell for something that was more likely a dare than a prank. At that age, very few people are capable of premeditated murder, and I think Sirius wanted Snape to be scared, not to die. And, of course, I am fascinated by the Black family. I will always be Team Sirius. Even more than Harry, Sirius is the truly tragic character of the series.

Snape is a hero, but he is an awful person, and I think Harry would have realized this. After all (and this is a morbid way to look at it), Sirius died because of Snape. Lily (and James) died because of Snape. Despite it coinciding with his orders, Dumbledore also died because of Snape. So yes, Harry lets go of his resentment, but he does not honor a man whose only regret is getting Lily killed.

Plus it's just nasty to name your son after a man who was obsessed with your mother. Even James and Lily 2 is odd.

Sirius will be straight in my stories. Sorry for Wolfstar shippers, but JKR has pretty much stated that he wasn't gay. While I wish there had been more representation in Harry Potter, I'm also glad she hasn't tried to twist a bromance into a romance. Also we have to remember these were children's books (whoops, I'm an adult) and they were written before people became so accepting of different sexualities.

My less-detailed thoughts on HP characters:

Harry James Potter

I like the original Harry. His character was showing so many signs of growth in the beginning. He started off as this naïve kid but by the end of PoA, he was beginning to become disillusioned by the glamour of the wizarding world. Then GoF came along… and Harry, a prodigy who learned the Patronus Charm at 13, suddenly couldn’t do anything but fly. JKR dumbed him down so he’d be more relatable, I suppose. My hope was renewed by OotP, because at least Harry was interested in training, but the DADA was abandoned in HBP when it was most critical. Both HBP and DH are just a mess. I try to ignore both of them for characterization.

Hermione Jean Weasley

Also known as JKR’s self-insert. I love her, but come on. Her only flaw is that she’s quick to make judgements.

Ronald Bilius Weasley

This kid was tortured by his older brothers and then constantly belittled by his little sister. The only sibling who showed concern in his well-being was Percy. It’s no wonder Ron has insecurity issues. However, before HBP/DH he showed signs of maturity and he was devoted to Harry. He has a lot of potential and I don’t know why JKR never addressed his strategic ability again.

Ginevra Molly Weasley

At first she was just Ron’s shy little sister who had a crush on Harry. She was cute but she was just a very minor character. Then – BAM! – in OotP she becomes a Goddess. She’s beautiful. She’s popular. She’s funny. She is fantastic on a broom… To be honest I’ve always wondered if she heard stories from Sirius about Harry’s parents and she decided to become a combination of them in order to attract Harry.

Neville Longbottom

The only character to show actual growth in the series.

Lastly:

None of my main characters will fall into the LGBTQ category. As a heterosexual person, I just naturally imagine male/female relationships first. However, that does not mean there will be no representation in my stories. If that upsets you, then so be it, but I assure you that those couples, though featured, will be in the background.