If you are tired of hearing about Harry Potter, then don't read this post. I am going to add my own tribute of sorts to the wizarding world I am soon going to miss. I am a typical Potter fan who has read the books and looks forward to the movies. Harry has been part of my childhood for 14 years. Wow!
Here are some of my favorite memories:
Also, teeny spoiler alert :) If you have not read the books, do not read ahead. If you've not seen the movie, but know the end, go ahead at your own caution (I post images from the final movie).
Favorite Book:
I love the time travel, werewolf, innocent man stuff, but really this is the last sense of happiness. I feel it is because Lord Voldemort does not show up in this novel. With dementors all around, the characters must focus on memories that bring happiness.
Favorite Movie:
In the last week, I've re-watched all 7 movies prior to viewing the final chapter for the first time. Now that I've had a second chance to watch this movie over again, I stand by my original thought. Part 2 is my favorite movie. If I could squish Part 1 & 2 into a 4 hour movie, then that would be ideal. Everything that had happened in the past has led up to this final battle. Every person has a choice to make. Some falter, some are true, some live, and some die. Makes me wonder what kind of choices I'm making and what I am doing about them...
Favorite Character:
Neville Longbottom was my favorite character since Goblet of Fire. (I loved that it was his 10 points that earned Gryffindor the House Cup at the end of Sorcerer's Stone!) Perhaps I just like underdogs, but this is one worth rooting for. We learn more about Neville as the series continues and, I confess, I was most worried about Neville's safety when HP7 was published. By the end, Neville has transformed from a timid, forgetful boy into an undaunted, admirable wizard.
Favorite Romance:
Ok, ok, so not original, but it is my favorite. I am not a crazy fanatic who was counting the seconds until they finally kiss, but I did enjoy watching the feelings grow over the years.
Favorite Death Eater:
She. Is. Crazy.
Bellatrix Lestrange is a fierce follower of Voldemort. I do not think anyone could portray the character as accurate as Helena Bonham Carter did. Although she is my favorite Death Eater, it is purely out of admiration for the actress. I would never want to come face-to-face with her.
Favorite Lord Voldemort Characteristic:
Kinda weird that I like something about Lord Voldemort. However, I love how he holds his wand. He barely grasps it! This photo isn't the best, but it gives you an idea. He is so powerfully arrogant that he holds it so delicately in his fingers. I love it.
Favorite Quotable:
"Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy."
This comes from Albus Dumbledore in the Goblet of Fire. Voldemort has returned and things are beginning to to change for the worse. You see his statement come true as the story unfolds. It is also very applicable to our own lives.
Favorite Redemption:
Poor Draco. That is all I could think of the entire series. He was lead into the "dark side" by his parents. I think I would include the entire Malfoy family in this category. Lucious was once a proud, arrogant man. By the end, he was broken and distraught. All that mattered to him was his family. I admire Narcissa Malfoy as well (I love her hair, oddly enough). Her son was all that mattered. By the end, I was overwhelmingly happy that the Malfoys figured out what was important and finally did what was best for their family. I even shed of few tears of relief for them.
Favorite Death:
I should probably replace the word "favorite" with "most anticipated" or "most appreciated." Words can hardly express my love and admiration for this fictional character! He sacrificed his pride, self-image, time, reputation, and life for those who loved him least. It was not until after his death that his true character was shone in it's full glory. Of all the Death Eaters, he was, I believe, most respected by Voldemort. And, of all the wizards, I believe that he was one of the greatest. Even more-so than his Dark Lord. If a heaven existed for the wizarding world, and the story implied that there was, I believe that Severus Snape earned a ticket to enter and reunite with those who he loved. I'll bet it was a wonderful celebration.
Favorite Lesson Learned:
I learned a lot from the Harry Potter story. The best thing I learned was precisely what Dumbledore warned of: choosing between right and easy. The consequences of each are significant. Choosing the right isn't always easy. Just look at Harry and his friends, physical and emotional pain at every corner. As I think of my life, choosing the right can be so very difficult. It isn't always, but sometimes it can be. However, choosing what is "easy" is a lie. "Easy" for Draco and his parents was not easy. It was more difficult than what Harry had to go through. In my life, when I choose what seems easier than the right, I find that everything seems more difficult. It is a lie that the Dark Lord (or Satan!) tells.
It seems to me that when we choose the right, life is easier. When we choose what is easy over what is right, life is more difficult (Matt. 11:28-30). Catch my drift?
Honorable Mentions:
Weasley Family
This family sacrificed a lot. Good, humble, hardworking family.
Fred & George Weasley
They were jokesters who knew what was right. I was particularly touched by them when they were comforting a younger kid who had "I must not tell lies" scratched in his hand. Guys who were always smiling and laughing even in the gloomiest of days. Although they were goofballs, they were sincere and brave.
Dudley Dursley
A spoiled brat who learned to respect those around him. Especially his cousin, whom he once despised.
Kreacher
I love Dobby, but Kreacher was a twisted, beaten elf who found kindness from Harry, Ron, & Hermione. Wouldn't mind an elf like Kreacher.
Lavender Brown
She was a bit crazy in HP #6. But, like her fellow students, chose what was right in the end. She paid dearly for it, and I hope that she isn't completely forgotten.
Expecto Patronum
Probably my favorite charm. It requires happy memories. I like that :)
Kingsley Shacklebolt
I don't know what it is about him, but I think he is awesome!
Professor McGonagall
Always put students first. Her courage and steadfastness really stood out in Deathly Hallows, both the novel and the movie.
Well, there you have it (sorry it is lengthy). My favorite things about Harry Potter. Seems silly for me to post all this, but it has obviously been on my mind. So, I thought I'd share it.
To Harry Potter (novels & movies), it has been a great ride!
