On the 26th of June in 1997, Joanne Kathleen Rowling published Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone. Little did she know that this would shape an entire generation and become bigger than anyone could have imagined. What the picture above fails to mention is the millions of people Rowling has captivated and inspired. Most of all though it does not include all of the childhoods that have completely revolved around The Boy Who Lived. Harry Potter’s success is nothing short of remarkable. J.K Rowling changed the stereotypical view of witches and wizards almost overnight and I am extremely grateful that she did.
I was eight (in 2003) the first time I picked up Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone. Funnily enough, I was scared senseless of the idea of witches and wizards, mostly because I assumed they were all evil hags. I don’t know exactly what made me change my mind in the library that day but I’m so glad I did. From the very first page I was hooked. I lived for the adventures of Harry, Ron and Hermione from that day on.
Rarely do stories provide characters that are so genuine. All brilliant in their own way, each with flaws and special traits that bring them to life. The first time I saw the movie I could not help but thinking that the actors that were picked couldn’t be better. That goes for every single one of them. They are sensational. All these years the next book or movie of Harry Potter has always been a source for great excitement and longing. Every year my love for the series intensifies as I appreciate them just that little bit more every time I get older. I recently started reading the books again. Much to my delight I have forgotten a fair few of the intricate details (it’s like rediscovering them all over again) and I think I love them more than the first time I read them (if that’s at all possible). Now that the final movie has come out, it is well and truly the end of an era.
For many years, Hogwarts has been home to millions of people spanning all walks of life. It has been our home. The morals of finding inner strength, overcoming adversity and being comfortable with yourself have resonated throughout every corner of the globe. One of my favorites is when Sirius Black explains morality to Harry.
Throughout the books it is evident that it is not our abilities that makes us who we are. It is our choices that shape and define us. All the people who have read the books and seen the movies can relate to at least one character from the diverse range J.K Rowling has created. It is rare, to find a story that is brilliant and captivating. It is even rarer still to find one that is inspiring and makes you want to better yourself as a person just by being a part of these characters lives.J.K Rowling has not only created an epic tale of a young boy who – through the help of friends and family – triumphs over great evil but has given generations to come the finest role models anyone could possibly hope for.
I guess what I am trying to say and what I really want to say is thank you.
Thank you Mrs. Rowling for giving me and many others a magical childhood beyond our wildest dreams. For giving us characters and memories that will stay in our hearts forever. Words can not explain how much I have become attached to your fantastic world and characters so thank you with all my heart for sharing Harry’s world with us. You are my childhood.
Thank you to all the crew involved in making the movies and bringing our most beloved characters to life on this big screen. This goes out to everyone and I mean everyone who has ever worked on a Harry Potter film, from the directors and producers right down to the people whose job it was to grab sandwiches for others. Films of such outstanding quality could not have been achieved without your hard work.
Finally, thank you to all the actors that have spent the last ten years of your lives playing the characters we will all cherish forever. You have done, in the words of Ron Weasely a bloody brilliant job. From Dan, Emma, Rupert, Evanna, Matthew, Maggie, Michael, Alan, James and Oliver, Bonnie, Gary, Robbie, Tom and to all the kids who helped bring Hogwarts to life you have all done mighty work. This story could not have come to life without you all.
It may be the end of an era but Harry Potter will never die as long as people continue to share it. As much as the story is a part of us, we are a part of that story and it will live with us always.
We have had the time of our lives and now the page has turned, the stories we will write. We have had the time of our lives and I will not forget the faces left behind. It’s hard to walk away from the best of days but if it has to end, I’m glad you’ve been my friend, in the time of our lives. We say goodbye, we hold on tight to these memories that never die.
