Harry Potter: The Boy We Grew Up With

Nicole Neagu

If we are asked to go down memory lane and think of our favourite story growing up, I guarantee that for at least a few of us, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling will pop into our minds. For those who haven’t yet been introduced to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it’s a series that follows a young boy, who on his eleventh birthday is invited to study at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry after the lovable and aloof Hagrid, delivers his iconic “Yer a wizard, Harry.” The series continues and centres around Harry and his best friends, Ron and Hermione, over the course of seven books (and eight movie adaptations) and the hijinks and adventure that ensue.

While that was a very watered-down recounting of what the Harry Potter series is all about, one thing is for certain, Harry Potter played a crucial role in millions of people’s lives.

Where it began

I was one of the lucky few that discovered Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in elementary school at the young age of eleven (coincidence?). I think this is where the charm of the story really began for me. All of a sudden, I’m reading about a little boy, the same age as me, who learned he was special and had the opportunity to drop everything that was sad in his life for a world of mystery and magic. Doesn’t everyone want that? I found myself waiting outside my door for that letter with emerald green writing to arrive and invite me to study at Hogwarts.

While that day never came, I was still able to attend Hogwarts through reading the series. What makes his journey so captivating and intriguing is the fact that we grew up with Harry and it felt like we were right alongside him. Although we didn’t know him personally, in reading the books, we truly got to know him and his story. This may not be the case to those who read the books later into their adulthood, but for the young readers, Harry was a friend. In all, Harry was relatable to us at a young age because he was just a small boy dealing with fear, authority, bravery, and new surroundings.

The four I’s

I can sit here and talk about why I love Harry Potter forever, but let’s look at the facts. Is Harry Potter powerful storytelling? To do so, I will be using Ashley Fell’s Four I’s from her TED Talk, Why storytelling is so powerful in the digital era:

Interest. I think in looking at the absolute beast that the Wizarding World franchise has become, it is clear that there was interest in the books, and later on an interest in the movies.

Instruct. What did Harry Potter teach us? While it’s important to separate the author (and her problematic views) from her work, Harry Potter taught us the importance inclusion, whether that’s including friends who have a different background than you or working together to fight a common enemy.

Involve. One thing about the writing style in the Harry Potter books that I enjoyed is the fact that you learned along with Harry. Harry became aware of important plot points right along with us. We felt emotionally connected to the story and felt sadness with Harry as well as happiness.

Inspire. If Harry Potter did one thing, it inspired. From videos like Harry Potter Puppet Pals to full musicals like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and references and jokes in mainstream media on shows like SNL, The Simpsons, and Southpark, Harry Potter inspired many to create (whether in parody form or not).

Ultimately, Harry Potter is one of the most memorable and engaging stories that exists in our lifetime. The franchise has quickly grown outside the original stories and we will continue to see it grow in the years to come.