It’s been over two decades since J.K. Rowling introduced us to the wizarding world of Harry Potter, and yet, the magic refuses to wear off. As a self-proclaimed Potterhead, I’m excited to share my love for this iconic series and explore why it continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
I still remember how I got introduced to this iconic series. It was when I was still a kid and of course a nerd, but you’ll be surprised to know that I didn’t get to read the books before I watched the movie. That’s because my cousins got me to watch it when I didn’t even know what it was. Fun fact? I was annoyed to watch something they were so excited to show me that they were calling Harry Potter. I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes because the words Harry Potter were failing to make an image in my ever-so-imaginative head and I was judging it to be something boring. I was even asking them to watch something else but I’d be always glad that they didn’t listen to me just like I don’t listen to my siblings before making them watch the k-dramas that traumatize me for life, lol!
Okay so let’s not go too far away from the topic. So they made me watch it and when I did, OMG!!!!! I just couldn’t get enough of it. Well, this sentence reminded me of something my MMC said to me at Chai (wink, wink), and I couldn’t just move on without mentioning it.
So I fell in love with our HP and Here I am, talking with you guys. But the down point of all this was, I couldn’t make the most of the books. It somewhat hindered my reading experience but anyways, it was still worth it, it has always been.
The Boy Who Lived (and Stole Our Hearts)
Who wouldn’t fall for an orphaned boy with glasses, a lightning-shaped scar, and a penchant for getting into trouble? Harry’s relatable awkwardness, courage, and loyalty make him the perfect hero. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to receive a Hogwarts acceptance letter? I mean, I’m still waiting!
The moment I saw him, those blue sparkling eyes with all the innocence in the world on his face, I couldn’t help but fall, fall, and fall. The boy who lived in the cupboard under the stairs, I wanted to see more of him and gladly, I did.
Hogwarts: The School of Dreams (and Nightmares)
The magical academy is more than just a setting; it’s a character in its own right. From the moving staircases to the spooky Forbidden Forest, Hogwarts is a place we’d all love to attend (except for maybe the whole “facing Dark Lords” thing).
But honestly, who wouldn’t love to walk in the corridors that whisper secrets and gardens that know no end and that river that still haunts me because I know I’ll never get to see it with naked eyes.
The Supporting Cast: A Ragtag Bunch of Misfits
Ron Weasley: the lovable sidekick with a heart of gold. I’d never forget how he say Ronald Weasley with his mouth full of his one true love, lol. Harry was unlucky in many areas of life but he was surely the most lucky guy when it came to finding friends. He met Ron when he needed it the most and he literally stuck with him forever. I think that’s yet another magic of Hogwarts.
Hermione Granger: the brilliant know-it-all who keeps them both alive. And yes, we all agree here. Harry and Ron have rare qualities but Hermione, she has been their savior way too many times. I totally agree with that saying of Ron that he and Harry wouldn’t last a minute without her.
And let’s not forget about Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, and Ginny Weasley – each bringing their unique quirks to the table.
I loved the character of Neville, more with every part. We all love the type of characters who are just there, crying for being unlucky and life not being fair with them, the characters with no purpose but no! it’s not always like that. It was the same with Neville. I still get the goosebumps by the scene, and yes here will not be any spoilers, so, just the scene that if you know you know. Seriously, if you haven’t read this series, or haven’t even watched the movie, you have to. YOU WILL LOVE IT unless you’re not into magic and friendships and battles for good.
Villains We Love to Hate (and Sometimes Feel Sorry For)
Lord Voldemort: the ultimate bad guy with a bad haircut and no nose, his bad. The dark lord whose name couldn’t be spoken due to his great fear among wizards and witches. The dark lord who was once a child just like Harry but turned evil and done evil things. The dark lord who couldn’t kill harry and came back to do his unfinished task.
Draco Malfoy: the spoiled rich kid with a permanent scowl. But let’s face it. He was although annoying but I personally pitied him so much in some parts of the movie when they started to showing more of him instead of just his annoying habits. I truly wanted to console him in “The Half Blood Prince” and I was scared to death when harry casts “Sectumsempra” on him. All that blood, but here is when I felt Snape’s aura to the core.
I truly wanted Draco to be with Harry in the last part but well, it wasn’t how Rowling planned it all but there’s no denying that had she planned Draco running to help harry after that Neville’s speech scene, it would be Glorious.
And poor Severus Snape… His complicated backstory makes him more pitiful than evil. I know many of you don’t agree but I see it. His back story, his love story made his character a brave but misunderstood villain. He couldn’t let go of his past, even when the past disappeared. He couldn’t accept it completely either. But the way he was always there for someone he worried for but didn’t like, it was admirable.
Also, the way he plays the role of the black sheep while actually being the white one, it’s something only people who don’t know themselves do. Who don’t look for praise or want something in return. He did it all, took the risk no one would take, and up until the end, he was the MURDERER.
The Plot
Let’s talk about the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone for my friends across the pond). If you haven’t re-read it in a while, grab your wand, because it’s time for a trip back to Platform 9¾!
So, we start with the Dursleys—our favorite “we’re-not-magic-and-we’re-proud” Muggles. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how utterly ridiculous Uncle Vernon was, with his purple-faced tantrums and his desperate attempts to squash every ounce of Harry’s magical potential? Like, Vernon, you thought putting letters in the fireplace would stop Hogwarts from getting their boy? Hagrid literally broke down the door with an umbrella. A pink umbrella. We love to see it.
And then there’s that iconic Hagrid line: “You’re a wizard, Harry.” Honestly, I still get goosebumps thinking about it. Poor Harry just sits there, blinking, like, “Sorry, what? Me? A wizard? You mean I don’t have to live in a cupboard anymore?” No, Harry. No more cupboards. Only castles, broomsticks, and trolls in bathrooms from now on.
Speaking of Hogwarts, how can we not talk about the Sorting Hat? Let’s be real, the Hat gave Harry his first existential crisis. “Not Slytherin, not Slytherin…” Poor guy was sweating harder than Ron during an exam. And the Hat was just up there vibing, like, “Chill, I got you, Gryffindor it is.”
Then comes the ultimate trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Hermione starts off as the know-it-all who “memorized all our set books before coming to Hogwarts,” but quickly proves she’s the boss of the squad. Let’s not forget her savage “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed—or worse, expelled.” Priorities, Hermione. Respect.
Oh, and the Quidditch match! I’ll never get over how Harry, an 11-year-old who had never flown a broom before, casually becomes Seeker and catches the Snitch in his mouth. McGonagall must’ve been like, “Okay, maybe we’ll survive this kid after all.”
And of course, we can’t skip over the climax: Harry, Ron, and Hermione making their way through a series of deadly challenges to stop Voldemort from getting the Philosopher’s Stone. Ron out there sacrificing himself in a giant game of wizard chess (“That’s you, Harry. You’re the king.”), Hermione solving riddles like the absolute genius she is, and Harry facing off with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (well, technically Voldemort’s face on Quirrell’s head, which is still nightmare fuel).
By the end of the book, Harry saves the day, Gryffindor wins the House Cup, and Dumbledore drops absolute bangers like, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” Honestly, can we just collectively agree that Philosopher’s Stone is like the warm Butterbeer of the Harry Potter series? Every time we go back to it, it feels like coming home.
So, Potterheads, who’s ready to dive back into the pages and relive the magic? Or should I remind all the books of our dear Harry Potter Series? C’mon! Dust off those books (or summon them with Accio), because Harry’s first year at Hogwarts is calling us all!
Lessons Learned (and Not Just About Magic)
1. Friendship conquers all (even Dark Lords).
2. Love is the strongest magic.
3. Prejudice and bigotry are bad (looking at you, Death Eaters).
4. Growing up is hard, but Hogwarts makes it slightly easier.
Manifesting Hogwarts this year. 😉
Why We’re Still Under Its Spell
1. Relatable characters: Flawed, lovable, and quirky – we see ourselves in them.
2. Nostalgia: Re-reading the series is like revisiting old friends.
3. Butterbeer: the drink of dreams
4. Quidditch: the thrilling sport on broomsticks
5. Hogwarts Houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff – which one would you sort into?
6. Magical Creatures like Thestrals, Hippogriffs, Basilisks and more!
7. Wizarding World Locations like Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and The Forbidden Forest
8. Broomsticks: flying high on Firebolts and Nimbus 2000s (oh I can’t forget when I saw it for the very first time.)
9. Wizarding Duels: Expelliarmus!
10. Potions and Spells: Polyjuice, Patronus ans Accio!
These magical elements have captivated our hearts, making the Harry Potter series an integral part of our lives that we want to take over our whole lives.
Conclusion
The Harry Potter series is more than just a collection of books; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a community, and a reminder that magic exists in our own world, too. So, grab your wands, don your Hogwarts robes, and let’s continue to cast a spell of love and enthusiasm for this beloved series.
Honorable Mentions:
Butterbeer (the drink of dreams)
Quidditch (the sport of wizards)
Magical creatures (Thestrals, Hippogriffs, and Basilisks, oh my!)
The Weasley twins’ pranks (genius)
Final Thoughts
As Albus Dumbledore wisely said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” For many of us, Harry Potter has been that light – a beacon of hope, imagination, and joy.
Now, go ahead and re-read your favorite Harry Potter book (or the entire series, we won’t judge).
