How to Be a Good Muggle (a lesson in supporting recovery)

You know what a Muggle is, right?

If you don’t, please take a minute to read all seven Harry Potter books. (Yes, there is a new Harry Potter book just released - the new play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - and my copy is currently in my “To Read Eventually” pile on my desk. But it's not required reading just yet.)

Oh, you’re back. Excellent. Now, here is your primer on How to Be a Good Muggle. (And here's a glossary, if for some reason you need it.)

Many moons ago, before I started working with those addicted to potions and spells, I came into professional contact with one such fellow. He had been to St. Mungo’s Hospital in order to have his latest lethal potion magically removed from his system. Sitting in my office, he offhandedly referred to “the Muggles”.

“Muggles?”

“Muggles. You know, non-addicts. They just don’t know what it’s like. That’s why, for my recovery, I need to talk to an addict. Someone who gets it. I don’t have any time for Muggles.”

Holy hippogriff, that was a strong statement.

By now, the list of witches and wizards I’ve worked with is longer than Dumbledore’s beard. Still, I often hearken back to that striking metaphor.

It’s hard to understand the power of addiction. Addicts can seem like Death Eaters, pursuing destruction until they destroy themselves. They seem lazy, unwilling, and weak.

What a Muggle thing to say.

Addicts are actually under the Imperius Curse, compelled to persistently pursue their own destruction. The spell is likely irreversible, but healing is possible with daily potions and devotions, strenuous effort, and regular contact with those who are also a part of that magic society.

Addicts have a tough journey ahead. They grow up in a world of Apparition, Floo Powder, and Quidditch. Wands and broomsticks take care of any difficult or time-consuming task. There’s a spell or a charm for every ill.

Suddenly, that’s not good enough. The easy world of magic transfigures to something more akin to the Forbidden Forest. The road back is long and difficult. Support is available in the common rooms, but it is also oh-so-valuable from the bumbling but willing Muggle.

Muggles can’t take the place of recovering witches and wizards, but they can play a supportive role. Here are the watchwords: Be a Seeker and a Keeper rather than a Chaser or a Beater. Seek to understand, offer cauldrons full of love and Galleons of acceptance. It may not seem like much, but to you I say this: for an addict, the love and support of a caring Muggle can be the Elixir of Life.