Memories, sweet POTTER memories

WARNING: HARRY POTTER book spoilers below

Since everyone else is reminiscing about The Chosen One and his cadre, I figured I'd talk a little about my own "Harry Potter history."

I started the books in 2000 at the age of 15. My aunt, who had been given the first couple books as a birthday gift from her grandma, insisted I read them. I knew of them vaguely, but wasn't interested because they were "kid's books." My aunt, who is 9 years older than me, convinced me that if she was willing to read them, I should give them a shot, too.

I devoured the first three as quickly as I could get my hands on them.

Walking in the grocery store and seeing GOBLET OF FIRE sitting in the little book/magazine section, I nearly had a fit. I didn't even know a fourth one had come out yet!

My grandma buying it for me at full sticker price? I was a very happy girl.

Getting to work super early (I worked at JC Penney) so I could run down to Waldenbooks to buy a copy of ORDER OF THE PHOENIX the morning after its release, taking way too many and way too long of breaks to read it. Sitting in the breakroom on my lunch hour, looking around, and realizing 4 other people were reading OoTP.

Going to the midnight release of HALF-BLOOD PRINCE at Barnes and Noble. Wondering just who this half-blooded royal was. I had a #30-something wristband. We went to IHOP after leaving Barnes and Noble. To torture me, Bear made me leave the book in the car. BEFORE I COULD EVEN BEGIN TO READ IT!

Dreading, and yet manically anticipating, the release of DEATHLY HALLOWS. Just what were these "deathly hallows," and what did they have to do with horcruxes?

Bear and I buying two copies of DH so we could both read it at the same time. Going on a media strike until I finished the book so no one could accidentally ruin the ending.

Crying and laughing and marveling at JK Rowling's astounding talent. Oohing and aahing at Bill and Fleur's wedding. Shivering when Kingsley's patronus announced the Ministry had fallen. Wanting to kick Scrimgeour in the face, then feeling guilty upon learning his last act was protecting Harry. Appreciating Hermione's wit, loyalty, and resourcefulness. Feeling the heavy burden on Harry's young shoulders. Cheering when Ron defeated the locket. Crying pretty much the entire last 50 pages. Finishing the book with a teary smile on my face.

Dobby's bravery. Luna's kind-hearted lunacy. Bellatrix's evil obsession. Voldemort's inhumanity. Dumbledore's well-intentioned mistakes. Trelawney's loopy wisdom.

Tonks. Lupin. Fred. Mad Eye. Hedwig.

SEVERUS SNAPE.

I don't think JK Rowling will ever truly know just how deeply her beloved characters have affected me and millions of others around the world.

Thank you, Jo!

If you saw DEATHLY HALLOWS last night, what did you think? (Please no spoilers, I'm seeing it tonight!)