Blog Number Three

I’ll admit: I put off finishing the seventh Harry Potter book because I didn’t want the series to end. I’ve become addicted. I’ve become the person that I make fun of—people who obsess over Harry Potter. It was hard for me to come to this realization and pass the denial stage. Once I got through it, I have been able to fully appreciate the series and my love of the characters.

Finally, I have finished all seven novels and no longer have to cover my ears when I hear someone shout out, “SPOILER ALERT!” I have gone through emotional ups and downs with each character—love/hate relationships that have blossomed, died out, made me sick, made me cry (theoretically speaking, of course. I am still not that person).

Some of the books I sped through, and some took me over a week to finish. The pacing of the books picked up as they went along. Starting in the third book, “Prisoner of Azkaban,” I really started to get into it; I wanted to know everything about the characters, the plot, the storyline. I couldn’t wait to shut the book in termination and discuss the ending with my friends. Book five came along—“Order of the Phoenix”—and I was brought back down to Earth. The pacing was s-l-o-w. I needed ACTION! I thirsted for more vengeance and adrenaline-pumping duels.

After I read “Half-Blood Prince” I thought, ‘FINALLY! Snape is the bad guy!!’ All the anger and resentment I felt towards him could be released! That double-crossing, no good, traitor! I wanted the worst for Snape. These feelings all dissolved in the chapter “Tales of the Prince” from “Deathly Hallows.” To know that Snape could love and would do anything--even if it meant looking after Harry--to free himself of the guilt he felt for allowing Lily to die makes any girls’ heart melt. Of course I had to immediately forgive Snape for all his wrongdoing.

The deeper meanings behind the Harry Potter series, dealing with war and worldwide social injustice are hidden in the plotlines, but takes more than a child to take notice. It wasn't until I began reading the books in college and discussing these topics in class that these subliminal messages were brought to light for me. The books also focus a great deal on the ‘gray areas’ of life; how sometimes there isn’t a right or wrong answer—just to go with you gut instincts. The four Hogwarts’ teams are able to teach children about the importance of bravery, loyalty, intelligence, and companionship; and when you combine those four elements together, one is able to set high expectations for themselves and reach their goals.