The final cinematic installment of Harry Potter hits U.S. theaters on Friday and I’ve got almost everything I need: advance tickets, the $50 it will cost me to buy popcorn and Coke Zero, waterproof mascara, and an economy-sized box of tissues. All that’s missing is a grief counselor, because I’m not so sure I’m prepared to say goodbye.
If you haven’t actually read the books, the rest of what follows may include spoilers, but seriously, the book’s been out for four years. BTW, Snape killed Dumbledore, fool. Oh, and did you hear about Lindsay Lohan and all her legal troubles?
Our little Gryffindors are all growns up. *sniff*
Anyway, as Friday draws closer, I find myself plagued with ambivalence, vacillating between excitement and sadness that this weekend marks the end of cultural phenomenon which has been a touchstone spanning almost an entire childhood for people admittedly 7-10 years my junior. But still! Until now, there has always been a new Harry Potter book or movie to anticipate since the first book was published 14 years ago. Think about that. 14 years. Kids who were the same age as Harry was when he first set foot in Hogwarts are not just old enough to drive a car, but old enough to rent one from Avis. Can someone please hand me my walker and magnifying readers?
After Friday, it’s all over. I thought I was ready, and then I watched this video of farewell speeches from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Jo Rowling and, as I burst into tears 30 seconds into Emma’s speech, I realized I may have some serious separation anxiety.
I cried because, whether a fan or not, I don’t think anyone can deny the value of what Jo Rowling created, which stretches beyond a fantasy world with an epic struggle between good and evil. She helped give birth to a generation of kids who would line up for hours…to buy a book. I cried because the world has watched these tall and very talented actors grow from gawky 12-year-olds to elegant, poised, and very grown-up 20-somethings. Watching them tearfully say their goodbyes to a cheering Trafalgar Square is like watching a graduation ceremony. They’ve spent 10 years playing these iconic roles, and now the future that stretches before them is limitless. The combination of fear, relief, and delight they must feel is really palpable, at least for an emotional sap like me.
Plus there’s the movie to come, with an epic battle at Hogwarts, the near-death of Harry, and the redemption of Snape, culminating in the flash-forward to the adult versions of our heroes as they shuttle their kids to Platform 9 3/4 for their first day at Hogwarts.
I’m not at all ready for all of that, and I can’t wait.
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