An open letter to "Harry Potter": all the nice things they're saying about you

From Reuters: "[I]f you've been a devoted follower of the Potter saga in print and at the movies, you'll come away from this final chapter with a feeling of catharsis and, perhaps, a slightly damp handkerchief.”

And The Sun: “ 'Deathly Hallows Part 2' remains something to be cherished. A terrific movie and a great British success story. Unlike many other franchises, the quality of the Harry Potter films never dropped.”

While you ponder these glowing reviews (and consider continuing to share your story with another chapter, say, or another film, perhaps?), we’d like to remind you of the amazing ride you’ve had so far.

No one thought you would survive a cutthroat publishing marketplace back in 1995, when a single mum on a tight income and benefits penned “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone” in local cafes whenever she could get her daughter to sleep.

Well.

You’ve since become a global household name, a beloved boy, a teen heartthrob (and you've made your creator one of the richest women alive). Over the last 15 years, we’ve read about your story in seven brick-thick books, watched you in seven films (soon to be eight). Your story has sold more than 450 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 67 languages. The movies alone have so far have earned more than $6 billion at the global box office.

What’s more, you’ve become a close companion to lots of muggles, young and old, across the globe (we’re guessing you’re big in the wizarding world, too). And they don’t want to lose you, Harry.

With just a few words spoken during the premiere, JK Rowling, who brought you to life, gave us tremendous hope.

Will she bring you back?

“Never say never,” she said, adding, “It is my baby and if I want to bring it out to play again I will.”

We’re elated.

(But then this, from director David Yates, “Lightning doesn’t strike twice.”)

We’re optimists, however, so for now, we go to bed with Ms. Rowling’s words in our ears.

Whatever happens, you’re in our minds and imaginations and dreams, Harry.

Thank you for the magic.

Fondly,

Husna Haq is a Monitor correspondent.

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