I am a huge Harry Potter fan. Yep, I know I’m older—but so what? I’ve read all the books in the series and watched each of the movies, I’m sure, over 50 times. They just never get old. I remember anxiously waiting for the courier to deliver the book on release day. I would literally sit and read it until I was finished. Sometimes that meant over eight hours of non-stop reading—but I loved the books that much. I guess I’m just a big kid at heart.
J.K. Rowling has a wonderful, fascinating, imaginative mind. Very talented. Too bad we all don’t have a bestseller in us! It’s a shame she hasn’t picked up the series again—maybe with the next generation. It was a very sad day when the last book was published, knowing there would be no more.
Each of the books (and movies), to me, has wonderful teaching moments. I found they subtly taught manners (which are severely lacking these days), friendship, cooperation, patience, and teamwork—just to name a few. Not that children would notice these things—they’re interested in the magic, and that’s okay. Maybe, just maybe, some of those lessons sank in subconsciously.
I remember when the books first started coming out, some parents wouldn’t let their kids read them. They thought it was bad for them—because magic isn’t real. Or they thought the content was too dark and went against their religion. Hogwash! A little magic never hurt anyone. It’s not real—it’s a fairy tale being told. And honestly, I’m sure some of the jokes and commentary flew right over the kids’ heads. You had to be an adult to catch it.
Living in “fantasy land” for a little while never hurt anyone. It’s a much-needed break from reality and the chaos of the world—a chance to escape and enjoy yourself.
The actors they chose were just perfect for their roles. Now, so many years later, some of them have sadly passed on. We all can’t live forever—Dumbledore tried, —but even his time eventually came.
The characters were also relatable—flawed, quirky, and just trying to find their place in the world, like the rest of us. Who didn’t feel a little sorry for Neville Longbottom? Poor kid couldn’t catch a break for the longest time but look how he turned out! Talk about a glow-up. He went from mumbling plant facts to slaying snakes and leading the resistance. Give that man a butterbeer.
And can we talk about the Weasley twins? Fred and George were my kind of people—hilarious, clever, and always up to something. If I had their joke shop in my neighbourhood, I’d never leave. The fireworks, the pranks, the chaos… absolute legends. I imagine if I’d been at Hogwarts, I probably would’ve been sent to detention more than a few times. All in the name of fun, of course.
Then there’s the food. Oh, my goodness, the food. I don’t know what pumpkin pasties taste like, but I want one. The same goes for treacle tart and butterbeer. And don’t even get me started on the Great Hall feasts—those scenes always made me hungry. I still dream of food appearing with a wave of a wand. I’d never cook again (not that I really cook to begin with). Just swish and flick and voilà—dinner! My kind of magic!
You know, if the wizarding world were real, I’d be signing up for night classes at Hogwarts faster than you can say “Expelliarmus.” I’d probably end up in Ravenclaw because I love to read and ask a lot of questions. But deep down, I think I’m a bit of a Gryffindor too—brave enough to speak my mind, even when it ruffles feathers. Or maybe I’m just a Hufflepuff who’s loyal to the series forever. Honestly, I’d be happy in any house—as long as I didn’t get stuck with Filch for detention.
So yeah, I might be older, but I still love the magic. And if you ever hear about someone starting a real-life Hogwarts, you better believe I’ll be first in line—robe on, wand ready, and probably humming the theme song.
Because sometimes, when the world feels a little too heavy, all you need is a good story, a bit of whimsy, and the comforting idea that maybe—just maybe—there’s a little magic left in the world after all.
And as Tigger would say, “TTFN—Ta-Ta for now!”