User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4140509-20110712201409

What does Harry Potter mean to me? So much. Harry Potter was my best, and at the early stage of my life, only friend. As a kid I was extremely shy, and really didn't have any friends until fourth grade. But Harry was there for me, no matter what. I remember my mom reading book one to me as a kindergartner and the excitement I felt for Harry when he got to leave the Dursleys' and when he met Ron, and Hermione. I remember that my biggest fear was not receiving my letter from Hogwarts when I turned 11. And though I soon realized that I would not be getting one of those glorious letters, the magic still didn't die, not for me. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was the first chapter book I read, and though it wasn't the easiest read, I insisted that I would be the one to read it. I remember going to midnight book releases, and dressing like the characters and I remember when it became a movie, and watching what for the longest time I could only imagine in my mind, on the big screen. I must admit though, as I grew older, I thought I was "too cool" for Mr. Potter and refused to read the books any longer, and I still believe that wason of the biggest mistakes of my life. But I still remember that summer, when again I needed that friend. I needed someone who could stay strong, even when I couldn't. Because you see, my parents were getting a divorce, and honestly I felt so alone. But even after all those years, Harry Potter was there for me. We laughed and cried together. When Harry was angry, so was I. When Harry was hurting, so was I. I was able to escape into a world that I so disparately wanted to be real, to be a part of. And now the last movie is just days away, and though to so many it may feel like the end, to me it is just the beginning. I can't wait to share Harry Potter with my children, and their children, and so on. Harry Potter will live on, in my heart and through the hearts of so many others. To me, the magic will always be real.