Dear J.K Rowling,
Hi there. I am one of your biggest fans.
Physically and emotionally, I grew up with Harry Potter. When I was little, my dad would read the books to me, my head filled with tales of trolls in the bathroom and Secret Chambers with giant snakes. My cousins and I would watch the movies, in awe of a sport called Quidditch, and the magic of a flying car. As I got older, I starting reading on my own. And rereading. In fact, I’ve read the whole series multiple times. Especially Deathly Hallows, which is probably about four times and my favorite chapter "The Prince’s Tale" over and over again.
And then there’s the movies! How many times have I watched Harry Potter weekend, or had Harry Potter marathon nights? Yes, I probably can recite every line, and have very strong opinions about the differences between the films and their literary counterparts. Like every other girl my age, I too have a crush on Dean Thomas. I’ve studied the books and the movies, I know my favorite quotes, my favorite scenes and my favorite characters. I know the most random facts a “fan” wouldn’t remember (ex. Hermione’s middle name is Jean and Kingsley Shacklebolt’s patronus is a Lynx). If you’re wondering, I am a Gryffindor ( though some quizzes put me in Slytherin, which is concerning). I dressed up in costumes for the midnight premieres, geeked over teaser trailers, and cried when I turned the final page, and the screen went black for the last time.
I wanted the magic to continue.
I wanted to follow Harry’s life after Hogwarts. But I knew it had to end. To keep writing stories, well at some point, you’re going to “jump the shark!” And for a series, a story and culture as special and dare I say magical as Harry Potter, that just couldn’t happen. You, J.K Rowling, the genius behind my a major pillar of my childhood and now adulthood, made the right call. After seven, wonderful and perfect books, Harry’s journey ended in such a beautiful way. You left the life beyond that in the place where it belongs: the mind of the readers so dedicated to the world you created.
So why are we throwing this away? As much as the kid in me wants to believe that there is someway to recreate the magic of the next Harry Potter book being released, I know it’ll never be the same. And that’s okay. I don’t need a new story, or a new play. I’ve got Harry’s world living on in the most amazing place possible: my head. And in my head, this world is alive and as vibrant as ever. And, just like our esteemed leader Albus Dumbledore once said:
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”
Ms. Rowling, you are a role model and an inspiration. I think your works are incredible and I’ll be eternally grateful for giving me this world of incredible characters and stories. But please, don’t keep adding onto this amazing world with different stories, plays or other things. Leave that to us, your loyal fans, who will take care of the gift you have given us. The magic will never die, and all is still well.
Years from now, people will wonder if I am still a huge fan. They’ll say “After all this time?” And I’ll answer, well, I’m sure you’ll know what I’ll say.
Yours truly,
A very great admirer.
