As today is the 19 year anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone being published, I thought it would be an appropriate time to publish this post, which has been sitting in my drafts half-finished for months.
I've tried to write this post twice already, but both times it has come out as a rambly, emotional mess.
- As I mentioned above, it is sometimes hard to grasp that the entire wizarding world is made up. There is so much detail in every single aspect that it certainly feels real. Every little detail matches up, and relates to something in a later book and it is so incredibly well done. So many of the well-developed fan-theories blow my mind, because they are all backed up by evidence in the books, and it leaves me convinced that they were done on purpose.
- The characters in these books also seem so real. None of them are perfect, which is what I love about them, and each of them seem realistic. I think Hermione is perhaps my favourite, which may be because I used to be a massive know-it-all and I love Emma Watson
- This sounds cheesy, but I have learnt so many things from the books. The entire series is a lesson in itself, but within each book there are so many 'hidden' ones. Dumbledore's words of wisdom are obvious, but have honestly made me a much better person.
- The last, but the most important reason, is the home it has given me. The books have been there for me through the last few years of my life, and Hogwarts has given me a sense of belonging. I felt like I fit in with the characters, as if they were my best friends, and that Hogwarts truly was my home, because I know it so well. Whenever I've felt alone, the books have been there to show me that I'm not, and that I do belong.