The End Of The World As We Know It..

The 21st July marked the end of a journey that began in a small classroom in an international school in Belgium.
Well, for me anyway. For J K Rowling it marked the end of a 17 year journey that has earnt her the admiration and adoration of millions of people, not mention millions of pounds.

But, as conceited as this may be, this isn't about her. Its about me. And, if you want to get technical, the millions of fans who, at 1 minute past midnight this morning, were finally able to find out exactly what the past years had been leading up to.

When my year 6 teacher gathered our small class of 16 on the carpet after the summer holidays none of us could have guessed what she was going to introduce us to.
It was the first Harry Potter book, The Philosopher's Stone. From the second chapter I was hooked. I devoured the book as quickly as I could (which, despite being quite quick, is nothing to what I did this morning) desperate to find out more.
The second book made me cry and then laugh within a page of each other leaving me in no doubt that I was going to be in love for a very long time.
The moment I opened the third book I could tell it was going to be my favourite. Lupin stole my heart as did Sirius (once I had been assured he wasn't out to kill Harry obviously).

The fourth book I had to wait for. This was a new experience but one that I have grown to love. It took me 3 days to read, and then it was quickly passed around the friends who hadn't been able to get it.

By the time the fifth book I came out we had moved back to England (I'm an army child) and I ordered it to be delivered as early as possible. 9 and 1/2 hours this one took. As my obsession grew as did the speed with which I read the books. I spent hours learning quotes, discussing theories over the Internet and with friends, crying, already counting down the days for the 6th book.

The sixth book was a turning point. I went to my first midnight opening, and qued for hours, only for it to be finished in 6 and 1/2 hours. Once again theories flew everywhere, but this time things were not as optimistic. As much as I longed for the new book, I knew it would mean the end. But I pushed that tough out of my head and tried not to let it spoil my enjoyment.
The following day, I cried for hours.

Finally, this morning. At 10 o'clock yesterday my sister, my friend and I dressed up, got overly giddy and made our way into town to que for the last time. It was only as I was getting ready that I realised the effect this would have on my life. For so long these books had been a part of me, and now they were ending. I didn't want it to happen. Last night showed how easily people could come together. I had conversations with anyone about everything. I knew deep down that this was going to be the last time I would ever do such a thing.

At 1 minute past midnight the books were revealed. The book shop screamed, but no one moved. Even after the assistant told us we could get the books everyone just started. It was a moment I will never ever forget.
I got the book at about 5 past, and began reading by the moment I got home. 6 hours and 19 minutes later, to tied to focus on the words anymore I closed the door on possibly the biggest thing in my life.

And now I have to wait for my sister and mum to read it before I can even begin to talk about what I read.

Never again will the world find itself in the middle of such a craze. I am extremely proud to say that I have grown up with Harry Potter and that I have been part of this wonderful journey.