Popular book series and their corresponding films such as Twilight, The Hunger Games and Divergent have all come and gone. They enjoy a few years of hype and substantial success, and then, as always, the next big thing comes along. These demoted franchises are then placed in between Justin Bieber and Silly Bandz on the figurative pop culture fads bookshelf, and begin collecting dust.
Yet, with its countless record-breaking recognitions, loyal fans with ages spanning generations, billions of dollars in revenue, and worldwide acclaim, only one franchise has withstood the test of time.
20 years ago, the first installment of a struggling single mother’s spell-binding book series was published. All those who dove in to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone found themselves following the journey of a neglected young boy with a lightning scar, who, after gaining the knowledge that he is a wizard, is thrust into a hidden and magical world.
The perfect mixture of imagination, an intricate story line, love, loyalty, humor, bravery, adventure and heartwarming relationships makes the Harry Potter series almost impossible to resist once you discover it.
The millions of readers who pored over that first book were left wanting more. Thankfully, in the next six installments of the series, J.K. Rowling did not disappoint her captivated and immense audience.
Rowling’s skillful storytelling sucks you in and makes you feel like you're really there, standing at Harry and the gang’s side as they navigate their role and purpose within the wizarding world. With each turn of the page and big-screen adaptations, the characters began feeling less like fiction and more like real-life friends.
Speaking of friends, July 31st is our pal Harry’s birthday! Sure, he handled the whole Boy-Who-Lived, defeating Voldemort and having the existence of the wizarding world resting on his shoulders shenanigans just fine.
That’s totally great and all, but the thing we should really be celebrating, is his ability of being the only person capable of pulling off a lightening scar and circle-framed glasses. Undoubtedly, a true style icon.
To commemorate The Chosen One's big day, I compiled a list of 11 out of the many eloquent and brilliant quotes that helped us fall in love with the birthday boy's story.
1. “No good sittin’ worryin’ abou’ it, what’s comin’ will come an’ we’ll meet it when it does.”
-Hagrid, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
We do not deserve Hagrid- his heart is just too pure and good for this world.
2. “To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.”
– Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
There is only one statement the whole entire world can agree on, and that is that Albus Dumbledore is the wisest person ever. Amen.
3. “The thing about growing up with Fred and George, is that you sort of start thinking anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.”
– Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
4. "No-" said Harry quickly; he hadn't counted on this, he had meant them to understand that he was undertaking the most dangerous journey alone.
"You said it once before," said Hermione quickly, "that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We've had time, haven't we? We're with you whatever happens.”
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
There is nothing better than Harry, Ron and Hermione and I want to be their friend so bad!!!
5. “Yes, Harry, you can love. Which, given everything that has happened to you, is a great and remarkable thing.”
– Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
6. Professor McGonagall: “Why is it, when something bad happens, it’s always you three?” Ron: "Believe me, professor, I’ve been asking myself the exact same thing for the past 6 years.”
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, movie
I'm a firm believer that Harry Potter would be nothing without the Weasley's comedic relief and McGonagall's passive aggressive sass.
7. “Stand together, be strong from within.”
- The Sorting Hat, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Can we talk about the fact that even a hat is full of wisdom in this series?!
8. “We can’t choose our fate, but we can choose others. Be careful in knowing that.”
- Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
9. “Dobby has heard of your greatness, sir, but of your goodness, Dobby never knew.”
–Dobby the Elf, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Don't even get me started on Dobby or I will actually weep for hours.
10. “There is no shame in what you are feeling Harry. On the contrary, the fact that you can feel pain like this is your greatest strength.”
- Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
What's a girl got to do to get her own Dumbledore and Harry relationship? It's so touching!!
11. “You’ll stay with me?”
“Until the very end.”
–Harry and James, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
If this part doesn't completely rip your heart out, I'm questioning if you even have one.
Many young adults today were lucky enough to grow up with Harry Potter. If they were anything like me, that means they were constantly checking the mailbox for their Hogwarts acceptance letter, secretly believing the stick they found in the yard would become a wand if they used the right spell, and can probably still feel the excitement and anticipation that came along with waiting for the next book or movie to come out.
Harry Potter was a magical part of so many childhoods, including mine, and sometimes I find myself feeling rather nostalgic about those moments. Then, I remember that just because I’m older and had to give up on my dreams of hanging out with Hagrid and spending all of my sickles on butterbeer, I can still feel that magic again. All I have to do is crack open a book!
As the queen herself, J.K. Rowling, said, “Whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”
