As the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child looms closer with the aging of July, I'm feeling so many emotions. I owe a lot to Harry Potter, more than I could ever repay. Harry Potter is one of the main reasons I am an English major, and basically changed my life. And because I got into Harry Potter so late, I never got to experience a midnight book release. This summer will be my first, and I am more excited than I can say. So here are my top Harry Potter moments as a countdown to the release.

17. Finishing the series the first time.

I needed a hug at the end, just like Emma. Seriously, I wasn't prepared, but who is prepared to leave such a big part of them? Not me. I carry it like a Horcrux, ready to reference it at the first hint of relevance or a joke. Laugh or cry, those are your only two options when something so wonderful must wrap up. But never, never move on!

16. The Minor Characters and their Importance.

Neville never seemed so huge, but now we love him with such insanity. Cho Chang may be hated, but we understood how integral she was to Harry's growth. How could Bill Weasley deal with his attack without the love of a strong woman like Fleur? Who knew Bathilda Bagshot would how the key to Dumbledore's past, and the deathly hallows? We would overlook these characters and their importance in a normal novel, but the fact is, if J.K. Rowling named a character, you better pay attention. You never knew just how vital they would end up being to the complicated tapestry she wove.

15. Two Words: Wizard Wrock.

Ever since I heard the song Wizard Love by Meekakitty ft. Heyhihello I've had a guilty pleasure for Harry Potter themed music. Whether it's the Remus Lupins or Harry and the Potters, wizard wrock is just the kind of fan music that's so raw and unpolished it can only be enjoyed by those who just love the subject.

14. Wondering about those characters we didn't get enough face time with.

One chapter. That's it. That's all Rowling gave us to introduce and entire generation of characters, and in that tiny epilogue, she made me curious enough to be ravenous for this new release, no matter how much it hurts. All I have to say, is if someone sinks my ship (looking at YOU Rowling), someone have tissues on hand. PLEASE. Also, the Marauders are still such a mystery to us, and we could only imagine how epic their Hogwarts years would've been.

13. Fan artwork.

If you've never seen some fanart, you've never seen a whole side of Harry Potter. Seriously, these people are brilliant, creative, and just make Harry Potter jump off the page in an entirely new way. I love, love, love it! Seriously, check out some stuff by viria13, a veritable bastion of beautiful fanart, or this video that is just incredible:

12. Fan videos that prove we are crazy... CRAZY AMAZING!

Not sure that fan videos are awesome yet? Check out this one that's put to music, and quite accurately. It's fun to see how people see the subplots, how they connect to the less noticeable characters, how they soothe their non-canonical feelings. It's ok. We all do it!

11. The endless lessons I learned.

Whether it is the respect and dignity of every creature's life (Dobby, you're free), not to judge people based upon their group (Regulus Black, Slytherin and hero), or to forgive (Remus Lupin), to regret (Peter Pettigrew), to be brave (Neville Longbottom), and just do what's right (Harry Potter), I've learned way too much from these books. There's a thought that the best books teach you somehting new each time you read them, and I firmly believe this, if only because of my experiences with rereading this series.

10. Fan.FIC.TION!!!

I've been dubbed by a friend of mine (lovely Brit Brit) "the Queen of Fanfiction". Now, I'm superbly okay with this; in fact, I wear my crown with pride. In number 14 I lamented over not getting to know the Marauders or the Next Generation so well, but with the amazing writers that are out there, the hunger of your imagination can truly be satisfied. I have to give you some tips, and yes, you will shift through a lot of shit, but it's totally worth it. My top three are below for you to get your hands on. Don't be shy, just give it a try!

- https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4118571/1/Chronicles

- https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4828161/1/Our_Little_...

- https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6259077/1/Compliments

9. Loving to hate the villains.

The best of the best, are sometimes the villains. They are creepy, compelling, and downright crazy. But they are magnetic. Except for Umbridge. We hate her more than Voldemort, hands down. At least he HAD a soul to split. Jury's still out on her.

8. Loving to love the heroes.

There are moments in a story where you just want to get up and cheer. Anytime the heroes came to save the day, whether it was little 11 year old Harry in the bowels of Hogwarts, or the Order of the Phoenix literally defining squad goals, you screamed a little inside every time they saved the day. Every time.

7. Seeing how magical some friendships could be, like Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

I'm just grateful to have seen such a caring friendship, so that I recognized what it was in my own friends when I had it.

6. Meeting Tom Felton.

Yes, it was magical. Yes, I was speechless. Yes, I was in costume when I saw him. Yes, he is beautiful. I'm sorry, there are no other words.

5. Finding out about Pottermore.

I waited on line online to be one of the first people to access it, and it was the first video game I've ever been excited to play. I still suck at the games, but I'm a sucker for the extra writing!

4. Discovering it's never really over.

Seriously. It is never over! I'll be reading the fully illustrated copies to my kids. And they may even have some familiar names. ;)

3. Going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando.

I've been to 14 countries and this is in my top three favorite trips, along with two trips where I travelled Italy, and Belgium, France, England and Holland respectively. It's THAT fun.

2. Discovering my house.

I couldn't believe that I was a Slytherin when I was sorted in Pottermore. I'd always identified with the Gryffindors for so long as a Potterhead. But I've grown into it, and a passionate defender of my House, and each time I've for some odd reason had to be resorted on Pottermore, I've done the ceremony over honestly, and all five times I've been made a Slytherin. I guess it's just meant to be.

1. Reading the books for the first time.

Nothing beat losing myself in this story, and if I could do it all again, being able to anticipate the love I'd have for it, I would never stop smiling.

Remember, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.