Let’s talk Harry Potter. I know, I know, the Harry Potter fandom is probably one of the biggest out there and has been talked about for almost 20 years. Consistently.

Until recently, I had never read a single Harry Potter book.

I can hear the gasps now. I’ve seen the very last movie, i.e. the one where everything finally gets resolved. But, to be honest, I saw that in 10th grade and wasn’t paying much attention, so it doesn’t really count.

But, Jordan, why are you telling us this?

Glad you asked!

I recently had enough free time to pick up one (actually a few) books to read for pleasure and seeing as how my friends have been asking me to read these literally for years, one of my favorite professors challenged me to read them, and I want to be a book publisher, I figured there were enough reasons to cave and read the books. So far I’ve only made it through the first book, and I refuse to pass full and final judgment until I’ve read them all. Nevertheless, here are 5 of my takeaways from Harry Potterand the Sorcerer’s Stone.

1. "SLYTHERIN!"

My favorite part of the book was definitely when the Sorting Hat was so certain about Draco Malfoy being a Slytherin. I mean, I already knew he was a Slytherin because spoilers/the books have been out for so long, BUT I actually laughed out loud when I read that part. It was just so easy to imagine. That, and it’s funny to realize the Sorting Hat needed basically no time to know Draco belonged with the “baddies.”

2. Hermione

Okay, I know Hermione is only 11, but I still find it hard to believe that after she was saved by Ron and Harry she was suddenly okay with breaking all the rules. Even if she was less strict with Ron and Harry after the troll incident, I can’t believe that she herself would’ve broken so many rules. Chalk it up to her age? If anyone wants to help me justify this, I’d appreciate it.

3. Neville

How can you not love Neville? He’s just such a cute, bumbling little guy who’s trying his hardest to succeed. Admittedly, if I actually lived with him, I’d probably be annoyed too. But when he wins the extra points that allow Gryffindor to win the house cup, I was so proud of him, possibly too proud of a fictional character (is that possible? Please weigh in).

4. Good v Bad

This is the other point that gets me. Yes, I know this book specifically was written for children, and yes, I realize that good v bad has to be more explicit. Regardless, the good houses v the one bad house aspect bothered me. I could already tell that Draco was a bad guy without him having to go to the “bad” house. It’s a minor gripe, but I would’ve liked to see “good” guys in the “bad” house and vice versa.

5. Harry + Ron 5ever

I love Ron and Harry’s relationship in this book. I’ve heard they have their ups and downs, but I enjoyed seeing them come together as friends. Plus, Ron sacrificing himself for Harry? What a great start for this bromance.

Obviously, my next goal will be to finish the rest of the books, so stay tuned for more of my thoughts on Harry Potter!