June 26th, 1997. The day that J.K. Rowling first published the series that would change the world.

For twenty years, the Harry Potter franchise has had an impact on millions of people, from children to senior citizens. In a world full of magic, the possibilities are endless and it is easy for a person to lose themselves in the pages of the books or the scenes of the movies. From an amusement park at Universal Studios to endless merchandise and continued acclaim from readers and critics alike, it is no secret that J.K. Rowling has done well for herself from such a creative idea.

Personally, I have little recollection of a time where Harry Potter did not have significant impact on my life. I read the books when I was very young, probably lower elementary school, for the first time and have read them countless times since then. Every time, the story speaks to me, but no message has been clearer than it was the first time: this is a magical world, whether you’re at Hogwarts or Ball State, and the opportunities are endless. As a child, I was entranced by the different spells, the mystical classes and the quirky characters encompassed in what would become my favorite book series.

As I got older, the messages in the book took on a new meaning; one of coming of age in a world where, no matter how magical and improbable your adventures may seem, not every person you come to meet in your life is a benevolent force. Harry Potter is a book series full of good people and bad, both types of people represented in strong characters with redeemable traits and harrowing stories. The force of pure evil is represented in Voldemort himself, a character who many people claim may mirror certain people throughout history (though there are many who would disagree, as well).

One of the most important lessons I learned by reading Harry Potter is forgiveness. Throughout the books and movies, you see different sides of the characters and justification for their actions. You learn about their pasts and what shaped them into the characters we know and love (in most cases). The strongest example of forgiveness presented in the Harry Potter series is that between Harry himself and Severus Snape. For years, Snape tormented Harry and his friends, making their lessons (and sometimes their lives) miserable. Later on, it is revealed that Snape was a double agent for Voldemort and his Deatheaters the entire time that he had sworn to Dumbledore that he had changed his ways. This, to me, would never be forgivable. Harry feels differently, forgiving Snape post-mortem and even naming his son after the man. It is a poignant lesson that stays with the reader, whether it is a positive or negative memory.

In twenty years, Harry Potter has caused a revolution among young and old, among readers and cinephiles and it has certainly had an impact on my life. And, if anyone was curious, I am a proud Hufflepuff.