In the second grade, I picked up my first copy of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone," and at that time, I didn’t have a clue what this book series would mean to me.

Now, as a sophomore in college, having read the book series so many times that I can distinguish which lines were said in the movies and which were not, mimicking the actor’s voices in my head, Harry Potter has turned from just a story to so much more than that.

This week, I went to the beach to visit my grandparents, and I, of course, brought along "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." (My favorite) And still to this day, I pick up on things that make me smile, and laugh, and cry, and in the Quidditch scenes, when I know Gryffindor is going to crush Slytherin, my adrenaline still rushes as I read along as Harry goes to catch the snitch.

A story that means that much to millions of people in this world ... I thank you, J.K. Rowling, for creating a story that became my childhood, but has continued on into my young adult life. Harry Potter has picked me up countless times, and Hogwarts has always truly been there to welcome me home.

I have learned so much from Harry Potter: that good truly will always triumph over evil. And book characters can go from fiction to real, making you feel at home.

So, thank you for,

Albus Dumbledore - someone you do not want to mess with - creating him to be the wisest book character I have ever had the pleasure to meet, his wisdom seeping into real life, always leaving advice for all people to appreciate.

Fred and George Weasley, who were always giving you a laugh. You always know when a scene begins with Fred and George it will end in a laugh.

Sirius Black, for always giving us hope for Harry to have a real guardian, good advice, a kind heart, and a good laugh.

Molly and Arthur Weasley, and knowing how little they had, always made room to make sure Harry who had enough, was comfortable. And defending Harry and their family when it could’ve gotten them killed.

Hagrid, who we all trust with our lives, and his giant heart for dangerous creatures.

Professor Severus Snape, for playing into the biggest plot twist of all time and making us all love you for always, until the very end.

Neville Longbottom, because it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies but just as much to stand up to our friends. And for being a friend, until the very end.

Dobby, for looking out for everyone but himself, and being the cutest and most nosy house elf.

Professor McGonagall, for being strict and stern, but for loving her students and her school with everything in her.

Luna Lovegood, with her turnip earrings and upside down reading. The kindest heart and the bravest soul.

Ginny Weasley, for showing courage and love when it was least likely to be shown, and we were always rooting for you and Harry.

Remus Lupin, being the first of many Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers who knew what they were doing, and believing Sirius, and defending Harry.

Hedwig, for always making us smile, and wish we had an owl, and being their from the beginning to the end.

But mostly, thank you for the golden trio, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, the most unlikely of the bunch, turned into the most amazing of them all. Showing us that friendship means everything, and loyalty is important. Without Ron and Hermione, Harry couldn’t and wouldn’t have defeated the Dark Lord, and he would have been very, very lonely.