A Decade of Memories

This week marks the end of an era. The end is marked by the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. I have come to love the Harry Potter series over the years, more recently than before. That's why this weeks blog is dedicated to the series and the decade of memories it has brought not only to me, but to many many others along the way. Be sure to check out the Video of the Week which is dedicated to the new movie release as well.


For those of you who have not heard, or we have not met, this summer marked my first time of reading the Harry Potter books. It is shocking yes, considering it is my generation that has grown up with Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as the movie series grew in a new fandom for Harry Potter. I was never allowed as a kid to be a part of this. Churches across the nation were confused and overwhelmed with the thoughts of black magic, wizardry, and "evil". My father was among one of those critics, and he forbade me to read and or watch anything Harry Potter related. Although I found it too difficult to smuggle books past my parents, I found myself retreating to friends houses on the weekends to re-watch the movies. 


As the years passed on, many people turned to realize that the books were not bad at all. My parents included. They are excited for the final movie, they even recorded two of the movies during ABC Family's Harry Potter Weekend. To them, it's an adventure, it is something unlike any other movie franchise. Children, teenagers, and adults everywhere have literally spent a decade following Harry. And to those like my parents and I, the movies were the only source we had waiting to see what would happen next. 


Then there are the truly dedicated fans. You fans are the ones who make the experience worth while. To those who have created things such as Muggle Net , Muggle Cast , The Wizarding World in Orlando, and The International Quidditch Association, we thank you! It is because of these fans that the world of Harry Potter has exploded, creating a pop culture sensation that will be so difficult to beat for decades to come. The last thing that J.K. Rowling has left her fans with is Pottermore, a website with so many new details to explore. 

So here is to a decade (or more!) full of adventure and memories. From those who changed their views, to those who were obsessed from the beginning. It all ends on Friday as the clock chimes midnight. But it is as J.K. Rowling said herself at the UK Premiere of Deathly Hallows Part 2 : "Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." Go ahead fans and followers of Harry Potter. Now's your chance to remember a decade of memories, and for my generation, now's your chance to remember who we grew up with.