“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.”- J.K. Rowling
I was not the typical 90’s baby. Growing up very Catholic, magic had been a sort of “taboo” in our house. So while my friends were all reading the oh-so-popular Harry Potter series, I was oblivious. To be honest, I never was even curious about the books and had no desire to read them-- no matter how “AMAZING!!!!!!!” they were.
Last year, when my new friends at University found out about my "Potter-virginity," they shoved The Philosopher's Stone into my muggle hands and sent me to my dorm to read.
I was back in 6 hours. The Philosopher’s Stone in one hand and the other open expectantly, waiting on The Chamber of Secrets.
Roughly a month later, I sat, sobbing on my twin xl dorm bed, clutching The Deathly Hallows in my tear-soaked hands wondering how I had gone this long without reading this magical series.
In just a few months I went from never reading a word of J.K Rowling’s writing, to reading over 3,400 pages, owning, not one, but two t-shirts, a wand, a poster, and of course, the newest addition to the series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
These books have affected me so dramatically that I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will read these books to my children. Why? Because they are powerful. They are optimistic. They are inspiring. Never in my life have I aspired to be someone as much as I aspire to be Hermione Granger. Her bravery, her unapologetic intelligence, her fearless loyalty, are all traits that I would be so proud to possess myself, but even more proud to watch my daughter grow up with. I would love to watch my son defend his family and friends with the ferocity of Ronald Weasley.
I wish for them to know that appearances aren't everything and sometimes the most unexpected half-giants can carry the best types of friendships. I hope to watch my children hold their elders in respect in the way Harry respected Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. I will do everything in my power to instill within them the conscience, wisdom, and innate ability to discern between right and wrong that J.K. Rowling’s characters possess.
I will read these books to my children to show them optimism and magic in a world filled with terror and hate. I will show them the power they possess within their own imagination. I will allow the words to teach them lessons in morality, in bravery, in loyalty, and in love. To not do so would be a disservice to their character and to society. I refuse to send my kids out into the world knowing their personalities have not been influenced by the words of this series. I hope they draw from the experiences of the characters and make their own decisions accordingly. (Although, maybe they don’t try to defeat a three-headed dog with two friends when they’re tweens.)
If by reading these books to my kids, I can give them the confidence to stand up for what is right, to defend themselves and their loved ones with unyielding loyalty, to remain humble in the face of achievement and to, most importantly, believe there may be just a little magic left in this world, then why would I not?
If you find me ten years from now, look into my children’s bedroom and I guarantee you will find a Harry Potter book on the bedside table and a tiny Ravenclaw (I mean they’ll totally follow in their mom’s footsteps) under the covers.
