Hogwarts has always been an escape for me. Yes, I know this is a fictional place, no matter how hard I want to believe that it is real. However, the effect Harry Potter has had on me for most of my life is very real.
I remember my mom reading the first few books to my sister and I. She would put on voices for each character, and I just remember how happy hearing each story made me. I remember specifically being terrified of the description of the goblins in Gringotts and I remember finding every single thing that Ron Weasley did absolutely hilarious.
Quidditch sounded like so much fun that I wanted to find a team and join it. My family told me I'd have to find a flying broom first.
As the movies came out I went and saw every single one, most of them more than once, and I even developed a huge crush on Ron Weasley, hand me down robes, red hair, and everything.
As I've grown up, and still regularly re-read and watch the movies, I've realized that this series not only provided me with entertainment, but provided me with an escape. For most of my childhood, my dad suffered with cancer, and when I needed to put a smile on my face, Harry Potter was there. I could watch a movie, pick up a book, and just relax for the time being, and take myself to a world of magic, which absolutely amazed me.
As I wrote in a previous story, I recently visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I felt like I was finally in the fantasy world that I used as an escape for most of my life, and I was happy. I was truly happy to be experiencing something so amazing, and I definitely have plans to return as soon as I can.
One of my must-packs for school is my entire Harry Potter DVD collection, and my kindle which holds my digital (I have non-digital at home) copies of all seven books. I feel like this series has been very comforting to me, so I need a piece of it no matter where I go. I have butter beer in my fridge, multiple Harry Potter shirts in my drawers, and much more at home.
Some people call me a nerd for my HP obsession, and I'll gladly admit to it. I'll gladly be a nerd for anything that has been so helpful and therapeutic to me in times that I really need an outlet like that, and I hope everyone can find something that does the same for them.
