User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4134281-20110710201904

When Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone came out in America in 1997, I was six years old. I had just started first grade, and in my lifetime, had already moved through four different states. Starting school was particularly hard that year - I was labeled a 'booknerd' by my parents and teachers - instead of playing with friends on the playground, I would read. When I first entered the library, my life changed for the best. In a small scholastic fair, there was a stand that held about twenty Sorcerer's Stone books, untouched. Fascinated by the cover art, I picked up a book and began to read. Within moments, the Librarian came over, and yanked the book from my hands, claiming that it was only for fifth graders. My mum came in the next day and argued with the Librarian, who eventually agreed I would be allowed to read it, if I could actually read it. I read the first chapter to them, simply stumbling on the word 'Dumbledore.' Now, I remember that fondly, naming the Librarian 'Madame Pince'. Since that fateful day, my life has been transformed. In me sparked a sense of wild adventure and rebellion. I could read what I wanted, regardless of what others would say. Throughout elementary school I remained on Honor Roll, even when we continued moving from state to state. In Middle school, I was invited to join the Junior Honor Society. I remember on my eleventh birthday, I joked with a friend about how disappointed I was to not get an owl inviting me to Hogwarts. Later, I rationalized that owls would have a tough time crossing the ocean. In High School, I joined a debate team, and together with my team, we changed some of the more restrictive school policies - the most memorable being the fact we weren't allowed to have our hair coloured anything but 'natural.' The character Tonks inspired that small movement. To me, Harry Potter was someone who I could relate to. The books kept me sane, throughout the years where I hardly retained friendships longer than a few months. It meant that no matter what would stand in your way, no matter how people would sometimes look down on you, you can complete any task you put your mind on. It meant life was more than living day to day. The world had been so limited before Harry Potter came into my life. I could only go where my family went. I could only do what my family did. But with the wizarding world opened fanciful escapes from an otherwise dreary childhood, in which I could be the maker of my destiny. Now that my childhood has passed, I look back fondly at the memories. I remember reading for hours on end, constantly comparing the movies to the books, and pretending to fly on broomsticks. I remember picking up sticks and having great battles with friends, always defeating the allocated bad guy. In those days, I learned evil from good, and that life was worth living. To me, Harry Potter has meant everything. It is the heart of my past. The dreams of my childhood. It meant the world wasn't as dull as it seemed; magic was the heart of life. It meant one could rise up from their surroundings and achieve greatness, even amidst the horrors life can bring. It meant a new life, filled with magic, where anything was possible. That is what Harry Potter has meant to me.