Nox. [warning: nerd alert]

Tonight marks the "end" of an era, the end of something that has brought me so much joy over the past 10 years, the end of Harry Potter. I say "end" because I know it's not going anywhere (thank goodness), but it is the end of the newness of the adventure and seeing the adventure brought to life on film. When I finished the last book for the first time, I felt a sense of grief that was only held at bay by the knowledge that I could still watch it all unfold on the big screen. Now that this too is coming to a close, I don't really know what to say. I feel so many things; sadness, yes, but more predominantly, gratitude.

Thank you, Harry Potter, for opening up my mind and imagination in ways no other book had before.

Thank you for containing characters who are real and human, thank you for allowing me to fall in love with them and watch them grow up alongside me.

Thank you for teaching me about life and fear and goodness and love and giving me such a rich and enjoyable way to reinforce these things in my own children someday.

Thank you for always being there, a familiar friend, from the very first time to the tenth time around.

And to those of you who scoff at us for such a connection to something that "isn't real"?

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?"  

This clip made me tear up and probably reflects the way most readers feel as well:


I hope everyone truly enjoys themselves tonight. And remember, like I'll be trying to as the tears are coming while the credits play, the words of our favorite headmaster:

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." 

Happy watching, my fellow Potter fans.

Love,
Ash & V