In first grade I was walking along the aisles in the library searching for a book. Little did I know that the book I chose would open my heart and mind to ideals that I didn't know were even important yet. Flipping through the pages, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to read a book as thick as it was. I wasn't even sure if I wanted to read a book in the point of view of a boy. I was 6, and ew, boys were gross. But I needed a book for Accelerated Reader and wanted all the points, so that was the book I chose. I was sitting in the car rider line, when my journey began. At first I was annoyed that these people were leaving a small child on a doorstep. Then I was furious that he was treated the way he was by his aunt and uncle. But I couldn't stop reading. On my way home I continued to read. Man, did this Rowling lady have me hooked or what. Anyway, I read and read. By the end of the week I had the book finished. I wanted more. It was so interesting. This kid named Harry was a wizard! And he had wizard friends. He defeated this evil dude whose name I couldn't pronounce. Like, this kid was the coolest. I devoured the next one all the way to the fourth one. It was crazy, and man was a racking up in those AR points.
After a while, I forgot about Harry and the adventures he and his buddies endeavored. Then, when I was in the third grade, the fifth book came out. Oh man, was I excited. And intimidated. That book was huge! So, it took me longer to get around to finishing. Then the next year, I read the sixth one, and the next year I read the seventh one. Then, it was over. It was over. What on earth was I going to do now, J.K.?
Eventually, I got to watch the films. As I started to watch them, I could see everything that I pictured in my mind come to life. Harry was growing up and becoming the great wizard the entire wizardry world assumed he would. And he had some awesome friends who followed him to the very end. I could see the friendships that were made and the examples of those. I wanted friends like that. I wanted to have friends that I could call on and be there for anytime they needed me. Yes, the trio got into a lot of trouble, and broke many rules. But they always stuck together.
J.K. Rowling displayed the true meaning of friendship. She showed that boys and girls can get along and be friends no matter the home life you have. She showed that prejudices shouldn't matter. There are characters in the novels that represent different situations that we encounter, and no matter what, Harry, Ron and Hermione loved everyone and was willing to do things for people. Luna showed compassion and curiosity. Neville showed what it means to finally show the courage and strength that was always inside you. Harry was able to overcome evil and do what was right, even though it wasn't easy. Ron learned how to challenge himself and be King. Hermione was able to use her cleverness to help them succeed in different trials. Each of these characters were able to relate to the readers and encourage them not to give up.
As much as we wish it were true, we don't have a magic school, with magic friends, and can't go on magical adventures to defeat evil dark wizards, but we do have friendship. Friends are just as magical as any wand or broomstick. The loyalty and love gained from a true friendship is one that will be cherished and remembered for a lifetime. The love that we have from a friendship will be one to keep our hearts full and our minds at ease. J.K. Rowling not only gave us a good story, but taught us the importance of friendship, loyalty and love. I don't regret picking up the book that was "bigger" than most. I don't regret waiting. And now that I am older, I do not regret going back and rereading the story, because it taught me so much more than most stories. It taught me to love and encourage others, no matter the situation. It also taught me to forgive others and myself. It taught me to treat others well and that those who truly love us, never leave us.
