It's over. After 10 years of watching, reading, basking in the wonderment of the magical world of wizardry, my biggest childhood love is ending...
I was a late starter. When I was 11, I walked in the room where my little brother was watching some movie I didn't recognize. I stood there for a few minutes... then sat for a couple of hours.
"What is this?"
"Harry Potter."
And I was hooked. I watched as a vicious three-headed dog attacked three kids my age. Life-size chess games. A new game played in the air on broomsticks. A greasy-haired evil looking man seemingly holding a grudge against his own student. A grandfatherly headmaster. And three best friends who started with nothing in common growing to be so very close.
The story was interesting with very little effort. The movie ended and it seemed easy enough. There wasn't really any question about loose ends or a sequel. Then my tiny 6 year old brother informed me there was another in the works. I had heard of the book, but did not think much of them.
I got the first two for Christmas. After a few chapters I decided I was more excited to know what happened next having already seen the first movie. On to the Chamber I went. It was awesome.
For the following ten years I got the new book as soon as I could. Midnight release? I actually got to once. Movie premieres? If at all possible, I was there at midnight. I couldn't resist. They were addicting. These characters advanced along every year with me. Their stories, their lives, were mine. To this day I defend them as if they were my own friends. Someone says "Harry Potter is stupid." Oh, well let me tell you 193793208 reasons why you are hellaciously WRONG. Unlike other types of fiction overwhelmed with crazed fanatics, HP fans are loyal, honest people who go beyond just loving and supporting the series. It's become a way of life. HP isn't just children's literature. Yes, that is who it is directed at initially, but I have met more adults who read and loved the books than children. And the best part is one day I'll read them to my kids, too and they'll grow up loving them as well. These stories aren't one that will die out after this generation because already there are younger generations picking up on them. This is the sole piece of literature I can say I have consistently loved for over a decade. That's not something you hear every day.
In addition to being a heck of a story, it's well written, too. The writing is vivid, descriptive, alive. Rowling created a story millions of people want to read and will read over and over because it isn't written to people who are dumb. It's written in a way to keep your senses working and your mind active. Then the movies come and just further enhance the world you've designed in your imagination.
I've seen certain children not allowed to watch/read HP because it's witchcraft. I've never understood that. I get those people don't believe in witchcraft and don't want their kids to, but it's so much more than that. There is magic in this world and these stories give readers/viewers a new light to see things. No one said taking part in the series meant you had to believe in witchcraft or wizardry. But also, when I see it in that context it makes me think of it in a negative fashion and that is not how the story makes it. It's a wonderful thing that any average person can enjoy. Not the spells or enchantments or curses. The magic inside each and every person. That spark in your eye, that glimmer of hope on the horizon. Those are the things these stories instilled in me. I'm not gonna go hexing people. What the heck is that? Have you actually given them a chance? It's a fabulous piece of fiction. It's not a religion. Give it a chance.
For ten years I've watched and waited patiently for new books or movies. Ten years of loving characters I knew personally. We'd done everything together. We found a basilisk, snakes, dragons, bullies, dark magic, and Lord Voldemort himself. I've been there through it all. Their adventures were my adventures. And now I sit here, having just finished my last bit of the tale. The very last Harry Potter movie I will ever get to go to a premiere for. And I feel good. No loose ends. No more questions. It's perfect. I was worried I would feel sad to watch it end. And for a second I did... before the movie even started.
As I watched the movie progress and then end, I didn't feel sad. I didn't feel lost or upset it was over. Because it's not. At the end of the day I have eight movies I can re-live. I have seven books I can venture. And with the ending we are given, it's not really an ending. It's another beginning. And while no, there won't be any new movies or books about this new beginning I'm referring to, I once again felt that connection. These characters I know and love and have been friends with half my life are doing what I'm doing, still. So I watch and feel even more a part of the adventure. Cause really, the adventure is just beginning.
Thank you, Ms. Rowling. You have held my hand through a decade of life. Even though it's time to let me go, I'm glad to know you'll always still be there when I need you.
Mischief Managed.
~Jasmine Felicia Davis Mallet~
P.S. I love being on the east coast where I get to see movies an hour before my Central Time Zone friends. *devilish grin*
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