Dr. J.K. Rowling,

I wanted to ultimately say, thank you.

Thank you for giving me an escape in the form of books, movies and now a theme park. Thank you for creating an amazing fantasy world with so many paralleling structures to real life. You taught me that, "The world isn't split up into good guys and Death Eaters." You also got me through some of the hardest times in my life by saying that, "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." You prepared me for losses and triumphs as I lived vicariously through Harry, Ron and Hermione. I really did grow up with them.

In more recent events, however, I wanted to thank you for writing an eighth book/script. When I heard the news two years ago, I anxiously awaited the day until the book was released. I was so excited to re-enter the magical world and visit my escape once more, this time through an adult Harry's eyes. This eighth book had more of an impact than you may have seen.

My friends and I ventured into downtown Naperville for the ultimate Harry Potter event. I originally thought that it would be a quick midnight party to pick up the book. However, as I eagerly looked for a parking space, I knew that this would be anything but quick. It was magical. I was surrounded by a few thousand Harry Potter fans. Everyone was clothed in wizard robes and house colors. Adults and children alike were dressed in costumes, and every store front was decorated like a shop from the book. No one was being judged for dressing up, and I saw all types of people bonding over one common love: Harry Potter.

So thank you. Very few have the ability to pull an entire town together in giddy excitement but you were able to do it.

Through your books, you have taught many to read and many others the joys of reading. You helped me fall in love with books and appreciate them on a new level. You were able to excite millions around the world with your stories. So many people are able to make connections to others through the love of your books, and that in itself is quite magical.

I know eventually, everything good must come to an end. But I am excited that Harry Potter is once again in the eye of the public. Your stories are being picked up off the shelves again as new fans discover and read about Harry in his more innocent years. And, for your old fans, we are just so excited to be back (though we never left), learning as much about our world as we did yours.

So again, thank you for letting me grow up with Harry, from buying his first wand to watching him send his children to school.

Thank you for creating my childhood.

Sincerely,

A loyal fan