It was 2004. Shuffling the channels, I luckily decided to stop on POGO. There was this interesting movie being aired. A boy of my then age was being treated horribly by his relatives and by the time the snake sequence came, I was completely in awe of it. I remember I was forcing my sister to watch it too, but she was happily busy talking with Mom. Now she happens to be a die-hard Potter maniac. It was all so fascinating to watch, be it the strange market in Chu Mantar Gali (POGO aired it in Hindi, and till now I haven't seen any part in English completely) or the strange looking Goblins running the so-called safest bank named Gringotts, be it the legendary Quidditch game or the classes of potions. There were spells, broomsticks, trolls, flying cars, forbidden forests, ... anything and everything that could have my full attention or anyone my age. I saw the next three parts on DVD one after the other, then again back to the first one ! then POGO again ! Sixth and 7.1 were cherished in theater.! Phenomenal stuff ! I am not very fond of reading, but the other reason for not going through the books was that I didn't want to spoil the secrets and the stories that were waiting to be revealed through the films. Now I might read them all.
I simply loved all the instances and sequences, while some touched me more than the others. While explaining the Mirror of Erised (Shahibagh Aayena) to Harry, Dumbledore quoted, "Sabse khushkismat insaan wo hoga jo apne aap ko iss aayne main waisa hi dekh payega, jaisa wo khud hai" (The luckiest person shall be the one, who is able to see himself in the mirror as he is). The first Quidditch game and the glorious Golden Snitch. The fight in the Chamber of Secrets with Kaaldristi (Basilisk). Or yet another wisdom from Dumbledore at the Great Hall , "Aap jante hain khushiyaan aapko mil sakti hain bure se bure samay main bhi, agar tham ke rakhein roshni ka daman" (We all know you can have happiness in the darkest of times, if you have hope in heart).Voldemort vs Dumbledore face to face in Order of Phoenix. Harry Potter addressing Voldemort while the latter enters his body, "You are the weak one. And you will never know love, or friendship. And I feel sorry for you." Umbridge learns an important lesson, "One mustn't tell lies". The time travel in Prisoner of Azkaban, the breathtaking Triwizard Tournament, the fireworks by Weasley twins during the exams, the mighty Hagred regretting why he told Harry and his friends the mysteries and other important information every single time... Oh God ! I am in deep love with the trilogy ! People criticized The Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince, calling them boring. I had been involved with the series in such great respect and love that I have looked beyond numbers, reviews and opinions. I never disliked any part, neither would I rank them. I only knew one thing, they were all beautiful and I was thrilled every time.
Harry Potter was calm, courageous, popular, winner, discovering new dangers and adventures in and around something like Hogwarts with the best of friends. I always wanted to be him. I remember clearly I would inquire people what would they ask if God were to fulfill their one wish, and I would hardly listen what they answered before I yell out mine, "I wish the world of Magic becomes a reality and I should be a significant part of it, just like Harry Potter !" It was sheer madness about the trilogy that motivated me to do things like the one you see to your left, and I feel extremely sorry for this now !
For me it all ended today at 1:00 am today morning. A wait of years, a relentless dedication, a wonderful attachment, all came to an end in the most beautiful manner. Its not that the attachment would vanish, its just that there is nothing to wait for, which is very sad. Harry Potter gave me reasons to smile and as Neville Longbottom said, Harry Potter will always be alive in our hearts. I don't think I will ever find something as fascinating, but who knows my kids might stop on POGO for Albus Severus Potter and his friends !
In fond memory of an epic- Harry Potter ...
1. The beautiful Hedwig's theme song -
2. A lookback through those seven glorious years and love of a lifetime (I didn't make it, just found it !) -
Love.
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