Ten years ago, I had a crush on my cute grade school classmate who reads a book every recess and lunch. I wanted to be close to him so I asked what's so good about the book he's engrossed with. So I asked my mom to buy it for me; heck she was so skeptic if I would ever read it because I have never read a single book prior to that. So was I. I wondered, how long does it take to finish a 300-page book? Isn't it boring? But I read  it right away when we went home. I remember finishing it in less than three days. And then I was a fan. 

The book? It's Harry Potter. 

I never thought I'd discover the joy of reading books -- until HP happened. Whenever there's a new installment coming up, I would patiently wait for the softbound edition and tolerate spoilers from the fans who afforded the hardbound copies. And when I finally got my copy, I would be shunned from everyone and have a world of my own in my room.. totally engrossed to the book.

"There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them."

And every year, I'd always feel skeptic if the movie could live up to its book. Before the eight movie, Warner Bros gave me more disappointments than satisfactions with their HP adaptations. (Lesson: Don't judge a book by its movie.) Either there are so many cuts, or it's not executed well... or both. But expect the unexpected. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II is as satisfying, entertaining and magical as it could ever be. I don't know about others, but I think Harry Potter got the ending that it deserved.

"Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy."

Hmmm.. It all ends here, right? Done and gone were all the looking-forward-days because there's nothing up next anymore for Harry Potter. Honestly, it's a bittersweet and happysad feeling. (One comforting thought: You can move on to Hunger Games and Game of Thrones, Heidy). Sigh. A big chunk of my childhood closed its chapter on me. 

“The stories we love best do live in us forever, so whether you come back by page or by the big screen, hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home" — J.K. Rowling

So long, Harry Potter. It was a magical ride.