July 15, 2011 will mark the end of an age of magic, imagination, and really amazing special effects! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2) is the last installment in the theatrical version of J.K Rowling’s Wizarding World (not that anyone needs ME to remind them about that). The launch of a new website, called Pottermore, gives and renews the hopes of the fans who never want to let Harry and his friends go. But still thirteen years have passed since Harry (and us along with him) were set down on the doorstep of Number 4 Privet Drive and for me, its a time of reflection.

Harry Potter; the books, the movies, and the (fictional) man has been a large part of my life all these years. It has taught me things that I would never have otherwise and I would even go so far to say that it has made me a better person. Being more than just a story, the books have been my constant friend… whom, without judgement, let me pour my heart and soul into it’s pages and binding. The movies, however deviant they can be from the books, were entertainment at its finest and gave a face to the characters I loved so dearly.
It sadden me deeply when I heard that the books had been banned from some libraries and most schools. Censorship is something that I do not indulge in but that is what it was. I had also heard that it was because of “religious reasons” and that the government didn’t like it’s “anti-establishment” -ness.
But by banning the books, it just shows everyone, (at least the true Harry Potter fans will know this to be true), just how much it seems like a Ministry of Magic thing to do, (pre-Kingsley Shacklebolt governing), trying to cover up something that cannot be ignored! But I digress…

Friendship and love, two very important themes through-out the series along with trust, faith, and bravery. The friendships alone in this book inspired me in my life to strive to be a better person, it’s true. Like Harry, I stand up for people when they need it. And like Ron & Hermione, I am always there for my friends in their time of need.
But also I am like Luna Lovegood, to give a new perspective on the world. I give my ideas to others and then allow them to see everything in a different light. Most importantly, I am like Neville Longbottom… I am always full of surprises.

End Part 1.