If you are like me, a devoted Harry Potter fan since the first books came out, then you are both dreading and anticipating the Part One release coming up in two weeks. This film marks the beginning of the end and there are a lot of fans out there that are really unsure of what that means. 

Harry Potter is more than a book series or movie franchise: for many people Harry Potter is their friend, something they looked forward to and relied on. So what do we do now that its all almost over?  The only thing left to do is to cope.

Below are my “Five Stages of Grief”--modified of course, to help those deal with the loss of our beloved lightening bolted friend:

1. Denial That It Is Really Over

While we all know the end is coming the decision to split the movies has allowed Harry Potter fans to essentially push back and deny the reality that it is over. It is hard to believe that there will be a time, a generation, that will not experience Harry Potter in the same way we did. No one will ever experience waiting in line at midnight for the books to come out--not knowing the end or even what happens next. We aren’t denying that is is going to end; we’re just glad its not happening yet.

2. Angry That There Isn’t More

I’m sure if you’re as big of a fan as I am than you have asked yourself countless times “why?” Why won’t JK Rowling make a prequel? A sequel? Anything! Many fans felt angry with her for sticking to her seven book plan, and many more were angry with the film studios for continually shortening the films. It is easy to feel angry that there isn’t more to it, that there are pieces missing or changed in the films, but the truth is--anger won’t keep Harry in our lives. 

Anger won’t make the stories go on. Anger does nothing but keep you from enjoying what little we have of Harry Potter left. 

3. Bargaining Your Loyalty

This is the one I have been having the most trouble with---many Harry Potter fans have also increasingly become Twi-Hards. It is as if the fans sensed the nearing end and instead of handling the loss like everyone else have instead latched onto another phenomenon: Twilight. While I read the books and watch the movies as well, my loyalty to the series is nothing in comparison to Harry Potter. There is no bargaining with me, it is not like “if I love Twilight more will losing Harry Potter hurt less?” No. Because then you lose both. There is no replacement for Harry Potter, so stop trying to make it happen.

4. But Now I’m Depressed It’s Over?

Aren’t we all? There comes a time when you realize how hard it is to let go. My suggestion? Rediscover the series you love; read the books again from first to last, watch one of the movies every night leading up to the November 19th release of Part One. Honestly, be sad it is over--it is the end of a childhood, an era. Be depressed, allow yourself to cry when you think about losing Harry, be sad for all the kids now that will never understand the anticipation of waiting, the excitement of not knowing. It may all be ending, but be glad we experienced it in the first place.

5. Acceptance

This one is key. Once we accept that there is no replacement, that there won’t be more to come, that he has touched our hearts--once we accept all these things we can finally enjoy and accept the end. The tagline on all the poster reads “It All Ends Here”--and while that may seem true, its not. It doesn’t end because the last films are approaching. Harry lives on in us--in the countless times we read the books, watch the movies, he lives on when we pass the books to our siblings or kids or cousins. By accepting that this isn’t the end we create a new beginning. 

Harry Potter might seem trivial and goofy to most people but it is something we grew up with, and it really is like saying goodbye to our childhood. On November 19th we will experience heartbreak, laughter, and lament--there are scenes to look forward to and scenes we won’t forget, but all we can do is enjoy them all while they’re happening because two weeks from today the end begins. 

 

Reach reporter Tina De La Torre here.