"The Boy Not Allowed In Schools"

"The Boy Not Allowed in Schools"

I grew up without Harry Potter.

Coming of age in a Christian home, right in the thick of the Christian ridicule of the series, it all became extremely taboo. My mom never quite understood WHY things were taboo, other than the vague ideas of “evolution” (Pokemon), “witchcraft” (Harry Potter), and even just “violence” (Power Rangers). She never investigated or researched, or sought understanding. She was just afraid. Luckily for me, she’d forget things she was afraid and/or just loosen up. So, I’m thankful that she wasn’t as blindly ignorant or hateful as many, but, regardless, I didn’t grow up with Harry, Hermione, and Ron, as they grew up with their loyal fan base.

Fast-forward.

I’m now 19, and my soon-to-be-ex (whole different story for another day; simply said, we were two broken people who needed the other to not be broken) blessed my life by letting me borrow the series that summer. I dived into to the beautiful series. I wept numerous times, pretty much every time Harry’s parents were mentioned, or, when someone died (that increases ten-fold in the last few books). I marathon’d the series. Reading them, for the first time, as an adult, provided such context. I could see this whole painful, beautiful journey, start to finish- I saw it whole.

My favourite book this first read-though was The Half-Blood Prince. I adored the context that the memories gave. Everything was starting to make sense. And, the whole end surprised me.

Upon finishing the series, I instantly had beef with the Christian community. Keep in mind, I love Jesus, and, consider myself a Christian. But, I became fully aware that no one criticising the book had actually read it, and, if they had, they needed to get their heads out of their arses as soon as possible, because their heads are so far up there that they could suffocate at any moment. The worst part is the bigotry. J.R.R. Tolkien wrote about the struggle of good versus evil magic too, but, since he was a prevalent Christian male, with a cool story, and who helped lead C.S. Lewis to Christ, that’s okay. Don’t get me wrong, I adore both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, but, I feel there’s a double-standard and judgement and bigotry that happened in the Christian community, and still happens to this day. I think if they were still alive, both of those amazing British authors, and many like them, would have loved the world that J.K. Rowling created. And, on top of that, as a free-thinking human, one should be able to simply use an idea as a plot device, even if they don’t quite believe in it. I’m not quite sure how I feel about Evolution; there’s so many questions I have. But, I LOVE Jurassic Park. Evolution is a MAJOR plot device in the two books. But, guess what? I’m okay with that. Books, fiction or not, should challenge you and dare you to think and dream. At the least, you should think, “that’s an interesting view,” and, at most, maybe you’re opinions will change. But, if you’re too childish and weak and stubborn and blind to even respectfully HEAR the ideas and standpoint of others, I pity you- you will struggle and you will hurt others and you WILL offend.

What I saw before me, with Harry Potter, was this beautifully spun tapestry of good vs. evil, sacrifice, love, power, family, relationships, civil rights, and more. The series addresses many of the most important issues we will ever face, and, above all urged you to choose goodness, bravery, and love. “You always have a choice” essentially describes the whole saga. Yeah, Harry Potter is a prat at times, but, understandably so, and, he stepped up when he needed to. What really hits me in the emotional gonads, though, is the support and sacrifice of those around Harry Potter.

Fast forward again to now.

I just finished my second read-through. Of course, lots more crying, and, even more, “OH MY GAWD! FORE-FUCKING-SHADOWING! HOWWWWW?! SEVEN BOOKS AHEAD?! HOWWWWW!!!!”

That woman knows the long-con, and, she knows it well.

I think J.K. Rowling is one of the most notable and inspirational people of our time, and, a fantastic role model.

But, I think I came out of this second read-through with a new favourite: The Deathly Hallows. I’m sure your favourite adapts to what stage of life you’re in. However, this read-through, Harry’s change part-way through the finale really got me. His strength and determination and trust and respect.

I think a lot can be learned from Harry Potter. It teaches people of all ages to be brave, to be good, and to take a stand against injustice.

With the sudden popularity of Game of Thrones, I realise now that we got off lucky. J.K. Rowling had MANY more of our favourites that she could have killed off. Each of her deaths meant something, though. It wasn’t just “sacrifice;” it was never just “death.” It always meant MORE. It meant “being orphaned;” it meant “under-age death and sacrifice;” it meant “losing your other half;” it meant “losing your family;” it meant “losing yourself.” She didn’t NEED to kill anyone else; the deaths that occurred carried so much weight already.

So, even though I didn’t grow up with it, Hogwarts will forever be my home; it will always be a part of me. Just like a Muggle-Born, or Harry Potter himself, I grew up without Hogwarts, and, then, suddenly, one day, it’s real and amazing and everything is different.

And, never forget:

"Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it."

I want to be pursued. I want to be desired. I want to be fought for. I want to be chosen. I want to be wanted. I've tried so hard to love others, to be genuine, to help and support the discarded, broken, and afraid. I always end up hurt and alone, though. I'm just scared. Scared that, after all my sacrifice and pursuing, that no one will want me. I'm scared that it won't mean anything, that I won't mean anything.

I tried to draw a deer... Is it just me, or, is he kinda derpy?

You guys are so sweet! -blushes

I don't EVER reblog, but, this is essentially the story of my life... So, there it is... Haha

Sometimes all I wanna do is make out and cuddle. Someone come over plz

That moment when a cute person thinks you're cute, and, you're like, "WHUUUUT."