Dear Jo,

I can't begin to tell you how much I love Harry Potter.

I first started reading your books in 2008. I was a fan of the movies first before I discovered the marvel of your written creation. My friends, who were already fans, persuaded me to read your works, telling me that they were so much more than children's books. And they were right. I found myself completely embracing every story, falling in-love with the characters, being enchanted by Hogwarts. It was magic!

I really cannot explain why once I've picked up your book, any of the seven which I have re-read a hundred times, I get lost in this world of witches and wizards. I feel that I am also part of Harry's army, struggling to end Voldemort's evilness once and for all. I feel like I am friends with the boy who lived.

That is the magic of your creation. You penned a masterpiece that has brought millions and millions of readers around the world together, regardless of color, regardless of age. Your vast imagination drew the images of Harry, Hermione and Ron, Dumbledore and Snape, Voldemort, Bellatrix, Sirius Black, Fred and George - the movies brought them to life - and we, the readers and fans, have made them legendary. Isn't that truly phenomenal? No other work of fiction has greatly influenced the world.

Now, as I wait with the rest of the Harry Potter fans scattered all over the globe to see the last movie, I am not only filled with anticipation and excitement. I am also filled with a sense of loss. I am certain that this sadness is mirrored by many of Harry's followers. For ten years, we've always had something to wait for, to look forward to. The publishing of the next book. The release of the next film. After the last installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, there will be nothing left to be unveiled. A tragedy I cannot fathom.

This morning, I was watching your goodbye speeches at the red carpet event of the London premiere, and cried along with you, Dan, Emma and Rupert. Saying goodbye is so sad. However, what Dan said was right. The story of Harry Potter, your marvelous creation, will forever live in our hearts. Therefore the magic will never end. It will continue to live on in the hearts of fans, and in the generations to come as we pass on our books to our children.

Thank you for sharing this with us, Miss J.K. Rowling. You've brought us back to reading. You taught us to believe in magic. Thank you.

I know that there won't ever be an eighth book. But if, in the future, you find yourself inspired once again to pen a story, we will be more than eager to read again, to hop on the Hogwarts Express again, to re-open our hearts and welcome back the boy who lived.

Sincerely,

A

P.S.

If you ask me who my favorite character is, that would be Severus Snape. I personally believe that he is the greatest fictional character ever penned. After reading the last book and learning about all that he did for Dumbledore, for Harry, for Lily, all of his sacrifices, I was completely won over. Snape is incredible. You have created a truly amazing character. And for that, I give you not just a round of applause, but a standing ovation! Bravo!