February 2001. I was about to return to university after inter-semester break and in a bit of a panic. What could I take back to read? I’d already read everything on my bookshelves, both at home and at my university flat. In despair, I went into my brother’s bedroom and had a look at his books, although we didn’t share much in terms of book-taste.
“What about the Harry Potter?” suggested my mum. I’d seen the four books on my brother’s shelf but turned my nose up. I’d heard all the hype about those children’s books and just knew they couldn’t be worth it. But… “There’s nothing else, Suzi. Take these, at least there are four. They might keep you going for a bit.” Alright, Mum.
Back at university I began the first book, sitting up in my room until late into the night. I absolutely devoured ‘Philosopher’s Stone’, reaching the end before dawn appeared. And Mum was right: there were four, so I could start the next one straight away. Within two weeks I had read those four books twice each, consuming spaghetti hoops on toast every evening and losing half a stone in the process. I began to constantly berate – why hadn’t I read these before? They’re fantastic! How stupid I was to have left it so long!
I was smitten.
Over the next few years, I eagerly awaited the films (whilst almost being side-tracked by ‘The Lord of the Rings’, which is great in itself) and had my first taste of the fever of Harry Potter, queuing up on June 21st 2003 for ‘Order of the Phoenix’ at the local Tesco supermarket. I even wrote a fan letter to JK Rowling, receiving a form letter in reply, but at least it mentioned ‘older fans’, proving that someone had at least read my letter and seen that I wasn’t 12. By the time ‘Half-Blood Prince’ was out, I was working at a Cambridge bookstore and helped to organise the midnight opening, dressing up as Rita Skeeter, giving out prizes and selling books. I read the whole thing that night, despite having to go to work again the next day to help stack and sell the many, many copies of ‘Half-Blood Prince’ we sold that day.
The release of the final book, ‘Deathly Hallows’, was both an amazing, yet sad experience. Friends from a fan website and I went on a UK tour in the July of 2007, finishing up in Edinburgh for a midnight launch at a bookshop. As I was in charge of the experience, I stood in the queue from about 2pm that afternoon to get us a near to the front as possible. There were still about seven other people in front of me! The atmostphere was good, though, with people sharing thoughts and feelings, playing Harry Potter-themed games and handing out chocolate. By the time midnight arrived we were sick with excitement (me almost literally, as I had been coming down with something the whole week and nearly let it get the better of me just before the end)!
I read the final book that night, albeit in stops and starts as members of our tour kept leaving at various hours to catch flights here, there and everywhere. Finally, I finished it in the departures lounge of Edinburgh Airport, with two other fans watching me anxiously. I have to admit, I wasn’t convinced it was the ending I wanted. But the series was finished and I felt pleased to have found it.
Four years on and the final film was released. I wasn’t able to go and see it on release night, so put it off as long as I dared. Was I ready to end this adventure? Was I prepared to expect nothing more from Harry Potter in the future? I wasn’t sure. Still, my hand was forced when a friend suggested three of us go. So, on Monday evening, I joined a handful of other people in the cinema, donned my 3D glasses and sat back. I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried more than a few tears during the film and not just because of what was happening on screen.
At the end I lingered, fiddling with the strap of my bag and enjoying the classic ‘Hedwig’s Theme’. I remembered hearing the music for the first time and found it moved me just as much now, nearly ten years on. I managed to contain my emotions for my less-bothered friends but felt an overwhelming sadness. I couldn’t believe that it was over, the series that had changed my life was finished and done. No more anticipation, no waiting, no speculation.
There are so many memories that the Harry Potter series has given me. They include the UK07 tour, a film premiere, pre-release screenings, parties, many late-night chats and, most importantly, friends. There are some people I have met through fan websites with whom I will be good friends for the rest of my life. I would even say a couple of them are kindred spirits. We have all connected on all sorts of levels, finding so much in common with each other. But it was our love of a good book that helped us find each other and I will always remember the Harry Potter series with gratitude.
So, thank you, JK Rowling, for giving me Harry Potter. You have inspired me to keep my writing going and given me so many wonderful friends. Thank you.
P.S. Fortunately, though, it’s not over. There’ll always be, in one way or another, more Harry Potter!
Dreaming of Writing... 