While watching Harry Potter Weekend a few days ago on ABC Fam, I asked my dad if they had a Harry Potter growing up. A book series/film franchise/general cash cow that helped to define their generation. They said “no” and that just made me really sad. I have endless love for Harry Potter. Whenever it’s HP Weekend (#HarryPotterForever), I can always expect texts from my closest friends because, obviously, we’re all watching. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen the movies or read the books, and they never grow old. Truly.

I grew up a (slightly embarrassing) HP fanatic. I have vivid memories of my mom reading the first book to my sister and me before bed. My room was papered with posters. I listened to the book tapes to sleep. Ok, confession: I still do. At this moment, I’m actually upset that my books are currently chilling in storage and I don’t have a direct way to get them. I feel a great reread needs to happen soon.

Harry Potter has brought me such fond memories over the years. I loved going to the release parties at Barnes and Noble and the midnight movie premieres. I loved that feeling of cracking open the novels and the smell, oh the smell. Despite not being able to ride any of the rides (thanks to my weak stomach), Harry Potter World was a huge highlight of Disney for me. And I completely fangirled over the exhibit at Warner Bros. studios while in LA.

I’ve also always found it inspiring that J.K. was turned down by 12 publishing companies and still persevered. I’ve always taken rejection pretty hard and would have definitely given up after the first few “no’s.” Now she’s this internationally ranked author and multimillionaire. Accepting my heritage has also been something I’ve struggled with, and the fact that Harry’s first real crush was on an Asian girl was a self-confidence booster for me. I was very invested in the casting of Cho Chang. Plus, it made for an easy Halloween costume, holla.

And who wouldn’t want to be a wizard/witch? You’d be a total bad ass. Cleaning would be a cinch. Things would always be exciting. Pictures would move (aka GIFs). I’d kill to roam the shops in an actual Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade (sadly Harry Potter World doesn’t count). But more than anything, I think I’m desperate for an escape from my current state. I’d love to perform a memory charm and forget these past few years.

This post has no point, other than to sing the praises of J.K. Rowling…so thank you. Thank you for creating this magical world. Thank you for being my escape. Thank you for helping to shape my childhood. Thank you for countless great memories with my friends. Thank you for the future memories I’m bound to create.

MORE ON THE BLOG:
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I Review