Coming from someone who has a small tattoo dedicated to "Harry Potter," I would consider myself to be a die hard "Harry Potter" fan. Although I am different from the typical Potterhead – I did not read the books until after high school – I am proud to say that the "Harry Potter" series has truly changed my life. Not only did being a fan of the series strengthen friendships, but it created bonds with people I otherwise might not have known. Having this in common with people opened up doorways to other conversations and interests as well.

Anyone who has read the series can attest to the fact that the writing of J.K. Rowling is nothing short of amazing. With her brilliant mind, she created a world that will live on forever for a generation of people. To me, there is no greater feeling than getting lost in the magical world of "Harry Potter" through the detailed, descriptive story written by J.K. Rowling.

For people who have never read the books, it is hard to put into words just how significant these books are to us fans. I will always love the movies, but nothing compares to actually sitting down to read the books, living every adventure with the famous trio. After a while, it doesn't feeling like reading as much as visiting old friends. The characters become so much apart of your life that you begin to forget that Hogwarts is a fictional place. Each time you read the books, there is more to discover and more to love. With a total of 4,224 pages in the U.S. editions, it's hard not to fall deep into the world of Harry Potter through the seven book series.

After reading each book for the first time, the only thing I cared to talk about was anything
"Harry Potter" related to anyone who was willing to listen. I loved dissecting the mind of J.K. Rowling, in awe of all the countless connections that she formed throughout the series. Of course I watched the movies after finishing the books. After seeing the movies again and knowing all the fascinating details, I was inspired to read the books again, creating a chain reaction that still continues today – I'm currently reading “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban.” Ever since then, I have re-read the series numerous times, reluctant to give another book series a chance.

There is something about this series that will always hold a large place in my heart. I think all fans can agree that it is not just a book series, but apart of our lives. The feeling of awe and wonder that we experience as we turn the page yet again will unite a generation of Potterheads for years to come. People may ask us “after all this time?” in which we will answer, “always,” with a smile on our face.

While the world of "Harry Potter" continues to grow, with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios opening another location in California this April and a spin-off movie being released later this year, there is something special about the original series that created it all. While some may believe that I need to expand my horizons, I feel a loyalty to these books that is unlike others and as J.K. Rowling reminded us at the final movie premiere, “Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”