Dear Harry Potter,
To some silly Muggles who have only heard your name muttered in passing on the street or to those who prefer to be “perfectly normal, thank you very much” (Rowling), your story may seem like a fanciful child’s story about a magical school. But there’s some of us, who see ourselves as lost witches and wizards, our letters lost during The Battle of Hogwarts.
We are on every corner of the planet. I’m sure you’ve noticed on your trips to Muggle London, a little boy, not yet of age for Hogwarts, wearing a Gryffindor scarf and a full set of robes. Or maybe a little girl who screams “Stupefy” enthusiastically at her father who falls to the ground without the curse flying through the air. This is all because of you.
Your story has transcended the Wizarding World in a way I’m sure you could’ve never imagined. Muggle parents, just like Wizard parents, tell children your tale.
You have influenced an entire generation of children in both the Wizarding World and the Muggle World. You taught us that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless, but rather acting in the face of it. That an “Expelliarmus” is stronger than an “Avada Kadavra”. That love is worth protecting at all costs. That friendship is our greatest defense and knowledge our greatest weapon. That those of us who feel lost will find our way in the end. That death isn’t always the end. But most importantly you taught us; that whether or not you are brave, intelligent, kind, or cunning; Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin, we all have the capacity for good and we are all important.
You have brought together people who otherwise have nothing in common. You truly are The Boy Who Lived, and you will continue to live as long as people do.
Happy birthday Harry Potter!
From Witches, Wizards, and Muggles alike
Alisan Keesee 