User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4188676-20110722225117

The end of the Harry Potter films was a very significant moment in my life, as not only was one of my most treasured things coming to an end, but it also felt like it symbolized and ending to my childhood. I have grown up with Harry since i read The Philosopher's Stone ten years ago with my dad, when I was only about 6 years old (this is no lie, evidently I have always been a nerd, one of my first words was 'book'). Since then, i have always been passionately loyal towards everything about Harry Potter, many of my friends think i have a slight obsession, but they can't appreciate how important is has been to me and how big a part of my life it has been. I get far too defensive when people insult Harry, the books, the films, anything. Many people say how they are such huge fans, so when I say it of course it will just seem like yet another person in a tremendous number. But I can say for a fact that the series means far more to me than most, and I can say that sincerely. I have lost count of the number of times I have read each book, and it would be so hard for me to choose a favourite if I was asked, as each one brings something different, has different morals, tones and atmospheres. If someone were to ask which was better, The Philosopher's Stone or The Deathly Hallows, how could i even answer? They are both such different aspects of the same story, you can't even compare them really. I feel like I have grown up with Harry, it has always meant so much to me, I guess i never really thought it would end, so it came as a shock when it finally did! But the books, the films and the memories that it has brought to not only me, but so many others as well, will always be there. I know i can just open a book again and I will be back there at Hogwarts, just like I was when i was 6, or 9, or 12. For many people it will never end. People who are Harry Potter fans, yet have never read the books are missing out on so much. It is difficult to appreciate the whole story without knowing the intricate details woven into the plot, knowing the small facts that can make a difference to a whole story line. Harry and all the others at Hogwarts have been an inspiration to so many, I'm sure, as each character has something endearing and unique to offer. Harry has his bravery and courage, Hermione the logic and wisom, Ron and unquestioning loyalty to those who are dear to him. But where would each of them be without the other two? I love the inter-dependency of their relationship, and how each has moulded the others into becoming who they are, just like I feel how the series has helped mould me into the person I am today. It has let me believe in magic and has made me feel emotions that perhaps I had never previously experienced. The series has helped instill in me, a bunch of morals such as how loyalty can make all the difference, how 'those who love us never really leave us'. I think it's so amazing, that a series of books about magic and wizardry can have such profound effects on so many people globally. Speaking as a 16 year old girl, I think Harry can be loved and appreciated by everyone, no matter what age - how many other series can all of this be said about? When I opened that first Harry Potter book, I didn't know how important, inspirational and significant it would become to me - I have so many memories involving Harry! Such as when i dressed up as Hermione for world book day, even covering up some old books with tea stained paper and writing 'Hogwarts: A History' on them, with help from my mum of course! And when I used to play my Harry Potter cassettes at night before i went to sleep, often falling alseep whilst listening to them. I remember my Harry Potter decorated bedroom, purple with the wall stickers, quite useful how I have the attic door in my room - fantastic place for the Fluffy the three-headed dog sticker! It's so difficult to put into words what it really means to me, because it isn't just a story to me, it's emotional and meaningful, genuinely feels like a part of who I am, and who I have become as I have grown up. I will definitely tell Harry's story to my children, there is no doubt that they will become legendary and be retold for many years to come. It's hard to get across how much Harry Potter really means to me, as of course there are so many others also saying it. He has been with me for the large majority of my life, and as I have grown, each book has had new senses of meaning, as I have had better levels of understanding. It still amazes me how I notice something new each time I read a book! It's fair to say I had an obsession from the very beginning, which only seems to be getting worse over the years, but I definitely wouldn't have it any other way! Although the final film has now been released and I've already been to see it three times (I got particularly excited buying the special Harry 3D glasses), I know it isn't the end. The story of Harry will live on with me for the rest of my life, in the films, the books and my memory. It has been such a huge part of my life for the past ten years, and will continue to be for the rest of it also! I can't express the amount of happiness it has given me over the years, the number of times I've laughed or the amount of tears that have been shed, but I can definitely say this isn't the end - It's just the start of a legend! They will always remain, the best books I have ever read. I owe so much to J.K Rowling for giving me the world of Harry, so many childhood memories, I can say nothing but the biggest, most sincerest thank you, for one of the best gifts ever. Harry Potter will live on forever, that much I'm sure of as, in the words of J.K herself, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home. Thank you so so much.