The End of an Era

July 11, 2011

To many people, the final installment of the Harry Potter films is more than just another movie. For those who grew up right alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione, this movie represents an end of an era, a closing of a chapter of our lives as well as that of a fictional trio. Years and years, we've followed their journey in the books and it was hard when those reached their end. But we always had the movies to look forward to, something to keep us fondly tied to our beloved Hogwarts.

Now that too is coming to a close. Those late night midnight releases where we all eagerly donned wizard robes and wooly jumpers, even in the middle of summer. The camaraderie of being around other diehard Potter fans, all gathering together on the same night with the same levels of excitement. And the groggy attempts to go to work or school the next day because you were up late the night before watching the newest film or reading the newest book.

There are elements of our Harry Potter love that will never die. Some of us will religiously re-read the books every year, curl up in our Harry Potter bed sheets, and cuddle our plush Hedwig owls for years to come. Many others will grow up and in turn share these books with our children and grandchildren the way our parents and grandparents shared them with us. We are the Harry Potter generation, and although this era is ending, our love of these books will never come to an end.

As J.K. Rowling herself said recently, "Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."

Jennie V.
South Independence Branch