Imagination Becomes Reality

spokenjays
Nov 13, 2014
3 min read

When I was 12 I met this boy, who was my age, had crazy hair, had round glasses that were broken at the nose, and wore clothes that didn't belong to him. He lived in a cupboard under the stairs at his aunt's house and was bullied by his cousin. He later showed me around London, and then invited me into a world of wizards, witches, magical creatures, and dangerous people... He saved the world, you know?

Okay, okay. I’ve never met this boy. No, I’ve never been to London. I’ve never seen a wizard either. And yes, Harry Potter is a work of fiction. But, it’s the work of fiction that gave me my immense love for Literature. It also taught me about friendships and family love. It showed me that I am quirky and to embrace it. Harry Potter was a big part of my childhood, and is still a big part of my life. Yes, Harry Potter, Hogwarts, wizards and witches are real to me.

When the movies came out, I was able to see it even more as a reality. Daniel Radcliffe became The One. Hogwarts was a gorgeous as I had imagined. Hedwig was as beautiful as I pictured, and Dobby was as funny looking as I thought. I cried when Sirius Black was killed by Bellatrix (who were brought to life by two of my favorite actors).

I cried when Hedwig died, and later I suffered when Dobby was killed. Once Pottermore was launched, I was able to be sorted into a house (Proud Ravenclaw), I got a wand (9 ¾”, Laurel, with a dragon core – Pliant), practice spells, brew potions, and get points to my house. BUT, when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Island of Adventures (Universal Orlando) was announced, I knew that I would finally get closure. I would finally be able to truly live the world I wanted to be part of since I was 12.

Almost three years ago I was able to visit the first phase of TWWOHP. I was extremely

excited to breathe the air of Hogsmead, and I was not disappointed. Hogwarts was something I was able to touch, something I was able to enjoy. I was finally able to have Butterbeer!! I was challenged by a Chinese Fireball and a Hungarian Horntail, met Olivander, bought my first wand (Narcissa’s), flew a Hippogriff, and saw The

Hogwarts Express. It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever lived. Then later that year a much bigger announcement was made. Diagon Alley would be open at Universal Orlando. In July 2014 thousands of Harry Potter fans, and those who were dragged along with use, would be able to enjoy a different part of that same magical world.

Two weeks ago I was finally able to visit it. I knew Gringotts had been made into a ride, I knew there was a dragon that breathed fire perched on top of it, and I was knew that I would finally be able to ride THE Hogwarts Express. And boy was I not prepared for it. I didn’t know that I was going to have tears in my eyes when I crossed that wall. I didn’t know my heart was going to beat as fast as it did. I didn’t know I wouldn’t have the words to express how I felt. (For more listen to S02 EP 05 of Spoken Jays)

I have a lot more to explore of the Potter world. I must visit London, the actual King’s Cross, take a picture in platform 9 ¾, and visit the WB studios in London, but for now I will be able to go back to Hogwarts and Diagon Alley whenever I can, and live in my little magical world.