For people who are not good at math, let me tell you right here and now: I am 28 years old and I am a complete and total Harry Potter Geek.
You may think I am too old to be this interested, let me scratch that, to be this obsessed by a “children’s book” which is what most people think the Harry Potter books are. But let me tell you, you couldn’t be more wrong. I could spend pages explaining why the Harry Potter series is so much more than a children’s book, how fantastic the story is, but I am not going to do that, I will however, spend a few paragraphs explaining why it changed my life.
I guess I could start by saying that because of my dreamer quality I am very inclined towards fantastic stories, stories that takes us far away and introduces us to amazing new worlds, worlds that if you just dare to believe, could be just as real as this one. This is probably why I love the Star Wars Saga too, both stories talk to us about the epic fight between good and evil, how good conquers all and how evil, no matter how powerful and crushing and tyrannical it may be, will always lose against the forces of good.
The big difference I can see regarding both stories and their heroic fights between good and evil is that, Darth Vader in the end, redeemed himself, he repented and finally died like a hero, or at least, a more likeable character, Voldemort on the other hand, did not.
Even in the final battle when Harry gave him the chance to feel remorse and to repent, Voldemort was never prone to feel anything, he was less than human at this point not only in body, but in soul. This is something that sets apart our two villains, Darth Vader had an intact soul.
So, why you may think, is Harry Potter not just another fantasy book that I happened to read? Another fantastic story I loved and cared for? Well because it was not. I can’t explain it. It touched my soul, it marked me, it made me feel like everything I ever hoped and felt and dreamed could be true. It made me feel among them. It identified me as a dreamer, a hopeless romantic and encouraged to never stop believing magic is real.
It was because of Harry Potter my English improved so much, it was because of Harry Potter that I created so many friendships and more than friendships too. It is because of Harry Potter that I have traveled and see and met people. Harry Potter changed my life. He still helps me when I am feeling lonely. JK Rowling’s books will always make me feel better even when I am the saddest I can be.
The last Harry Potter movie comes out it about a month, and, even though I already said goodbye to Harry and his friends and his story years ago when the final book was released, and even though it was so hard to realize that there was never going to be another book about Harry and his adventures and his struggle to find truth, and love I was able to accept it. And yet, there comes the final movie and I can’t help but feeling that same bittersweet feeling that comes with the end of anything that is great. And anyone that has ever read the books will not deny that Harry Potter was (is) great.
July 15th will become the end of an Era for me and for millions around the world, and it is a second goodbye to Harry Potter and his wizardry world, but is also, one final chance, to share, enjoy and love our young wizard, and remind us once more, why he is not just another fantasy book.
And because these books change my life, me, a 28 year old woman will not stop putting a sticker on her car claiming forever and with much pride that I am a Harry Potter Geek. It is also why, if I ever have nieces or nephews, or even children, they will all listen to the stories. Because maybe someday, Harry will change their lives just like it changed mine.
If they’re lucky…
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