The final chapter of Harry Potter was unveiled to the world in November 2011 when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was released. However, 18 years after the very first book was released, Granite Bay High School students still share a passion for Harry Potter, a series that promises a reawakening.

  Emily Schofield, a junior at GBHS, said she has held a passion for the Harry Potter series since elementary school.

  “I started reading Harry Potter because my mom would read the books to all my older siblings and I started reading them myself when I was seven,” Schofield said. “It intrigued me so much.”

  Schofield added that she has read the entire series 14 times, and owns every movie on Blu-ray.

  She also said Harry Potter makes such an impact on her and others because of the series’s relatability.

  GBHS senior Nicole Infantino said she also finds connections between the series and her life.

  “It’s relatable because it follows kids growing up, just like we were,” Infantino said.

  Schofield said that the book also made such an impact on her because they covered issues that many people must deal with and overcome.

  “Stuff like dementors, that symbolize depression, hits close to home because a lot of people have to go through painful things that are discussed in these books,” Schofield said.

  While Harry Potter covers topics that are very real, the series stands out in the complex fantasy world that J.K. Rowling created.

  “There’s always something whimsical about a magical tale,” Infantino said.

  She also said that the element of magic is what makes Harry Potter so appealing to many people.

  Schofield said that she agrees, and likes the books better than the movies because they allow the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter.

  “It’s a whole world just inside your head and you can have it any way you want and nothing gets left out,” Schofield said.

  Although years have passed since the last movie was released, a new movie is set to be release in November 2016, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which will possibly revitalize the Harry Potter franchise.

  The new movie will be a prequel, and features completely new characters living in New York.

  “I know that the book the movie is based on was written by J.K. Rowling, so it’s still going to have the same integrity,” Infantino said. “I feel like the movie won’t hurt the Harry Potter series because it’s not the same characters.”

Schofield said she thinks the new movie won’t be as good as its predecessors, but is still excited for it to come out.

  Harry Potter, despite its aging audience, has remained close to the hearts of GBHS students and those around the world.

  “Harry Potter has touched the hearts of so many people, literally around the world,” said Schofield. “I know it’s very important to millions and millions of people.”