Fans Wrote What Harry Potter Means to Them, and Their Words Could Conjure an Epic Patronus
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Courage, strength, community, hope — Harry Potter inspires all of this. It's more than just a series; for some, it has influenced their careers, introduced them to the love of their lives, and helped them bond with their own children. For others, Harry Potter has even been a lifeline.
A Celebration of Harry Potter is an event that takes place every year at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, and it's an epic expo of all things Potter. Special guests involved in both the books and movies attend, Butterbeer is consumed in copious amounts, and cosplays of your favorite characters are the most creative you'll ever see. The three-day celebration is hectic, full of happiness, and, above all, a chance for anyone who's been touched by the series to experience a sense of community that only Harry Potter can create.
One part of the exposition was the Muggle Wall, which invited guests to write what Harry Potter means to them. I made it through about one passage before I not-so-subtly began to tear up. The heartfelt words speak for themselves. If you're not a fan, it's hard to explain why the books mean so much to us. If you are a fan, no explanation is necessary. Read on for what Harry Potter means to different people around the world.
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"Tell us what Harry Potter means to you . . ."
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"Expecto Patronum got me through my own dementors."
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"Harry Potter means family. Anyone I meet who loves Harry Potter is an instant friend."
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"It saved my life."
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"Many years of happiness and imagination."
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"Harry Potter made me believe in magic again."
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"Courage."
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"HP helped me survive through my infertility and pregnancy losses and the depression that comes with it."
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"Love and friendship can overcome even the greatest of evils. Stay true to your heart . . ."
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"Harry has always been there for me, even when nothing and no one else were. It's saved me countless times."
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"Those we love never truly leave us."
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"Harry Potter means the possibility for something greater in each of us and the strength within us that brings us together."
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"Harry Potter has taught me being different is the most amazing person to be!"
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"There are no words. Harry Potter taught me how to find light in even the darkest of places."
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"Harry Potter is my home."
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"Harry Potter gave me a job I never knew I needed that allows me to share magic daily."
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"Harry Potter makes me a more creative and better person. One day my own films will be on the big screen . . ."
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"Magic is real."
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"That you don't have to be afraid to be who you are. Embrace your inner nerd or whatever qualities you identify with."
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"Taught me to be brave, and strong."
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"I found my love (Also girls rock, thanks Hermione!)."
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"My son and I have really bonded over Harry Potter. Thank you."
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"J.K. Rowling did for me what school couldn't, with Harry Potter she sparked the passion for reading in me."
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"It taught me I don't have to be perfect to make a difference."
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"That no matter what horrible things happen, someone made this heartwarming story . . . it became a whole universe."
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"Inspires one to be the best person they can be!"
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"I don't know what I'd do without it. It is so near and dear to my heart and has taught me so many things . . . "
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"Harry Potter has helped me overcome my fears and introduced me to some of the most incredible people."
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"Harry Potter is an inspiration to strong women all over the world!"
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"Taught me to be brave and strong, and that I will never be alone as long as I have the trio."
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"Harry Potter taught me a love for reading, writing, and adventure."
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"Being a Potterhead is the proudest thing I've ever done and the happiest memory I have to lead me through darkness."
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"Harry Potter taught me that those who love us, never truly leave us."
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"Harry Potter built my childhood and I can never thank J enough."
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"Harry has brought a magic into my life that I will never let go. Harry Potter IS my life. Always."
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"Harry Potter: Is always. Is family. Is Strength. Is community. . . . Is smart. Is ambitious."
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"Harry Potter has given me a sense of adventure and has taught me what real friendship and magic is."
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"Harry Potter gave me hope to go on . . . and eventually gave me my job . . . where I met my husband and my child."
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"It gave me the courage to be the outspoken girl when I was in school. It encouraged me to read more and broaden my mind . . ."