Harry Potter is forever

Pictured before we saw "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II" at midnight in July 2011.

I wonder if a day goes by where I don't quote the not-so-known cult PHENOMENON "Harry Potter."

The "Harry Potter" series has been a large part of my life. I honestly can say the years 2001-2011 were the best of my life (dramatic, but it's true). I saw seven out of the eight movies in theaters, two of those midnight premieres, went to book releases, and dressed up as the characters my entire life. I grew up with Harry, Ron and Hermione as they grew up. They battled evil forces, and corrupt governments and I battled it with them all the same. Well I battled math problems, driving lessons, and parents, but all the same. 

"Harry Potter" isn’t just about the story. It’s about the background of the story and the other world into which we can slip into at any time. "Harry Potter" fans know all about Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley not because it is specifically important to the plot but because they want to go there and be part of the wizardry world. 

I want to walk up to Flourish & Blotts to buy a book and have a newspaper with moving pictures in my hand. It’s about waiting to get your Hogwarts acceptance letter before your first year starts. There is no feeling like reading a "Harry Potter" book for the first time and watching a new movie release for the first time at midnight. I don't really remember those feelings but I know they are good feelings. You're giddy and excited and there's always a lot of energy in the room. The series and world itself within "Harry Potter" are truly modern masterpieces, both books and films. It’s more than the story and the characters, it’s the life that comes with it.

I dressed up as Bellatrix Lestrange for Halloween 2011. I loved being Bella more than I should have.

"Harry Potter" means a lot of me. I remember going to see the first movie in theaters and being kind of scared to go see it since I was only 6 years old at the time and didn't know much about it. My fears were instantly put to rest the second the movie started. I remember this as a good feeling. I liked that McGonagall could turn into a cat and that Hagrid had a flying motorcycle. Nothing could have captivated me more than the magic of the Great Hall and the mystery of the castle itself. The slightest thing can remind me of "Harry Potter." The snow, white owls, even Christmas. 

I like knowing everything about "Harry Potter." I like explaining to Muggles (non-magic folk) how the series actually takes place in the 1990s. I like explaining Voldemort's parentage, and even Dumbledore's family history and how Snape is the good guy and not the bad guy. I like explaining why "Harry Potter" is the greatest series ever created. When "Harry Potter" ended I felt a chapter of my life ended too. There were no more movies or books to look forward to anymore. I had grown up with Harry, Ron and Hermione and now they were done growing up. I'm not sure I'm done growing up because, to this day, nothing can captivate me more than any "Harry Potter" movie. "Harry Potter" is forever.