Harry Potter's Birthday has finally come! Many wizards and witches across different countries have heard the stories about Harry Potter. He is most commonly known as the Chosen One, or the Boy Who Lived. This month, we remember his great sacrifice for the wizarding world, and the great life he lived despite the many challenges.

Harry James Potter was born on the 31st of July, 1980. He was born to James Fleamont Potter and Lily J. (Evans) Potter. Harry was a happy and healthy baby, and his parents loved him dearly. Unfortunately, shortly after Harry turned one year old, his parents were brutally murdered by Voldemort. However, Harry had been Voldemort’s actual target. A prophecy had been shared with Voldemort about a boy, whose requirements Harry perfectly fit, who would become powerful enough to destroy Voldemort one day. Without a second to waste, Voldemort dashed over to the Potter’s house as soon as he uncovered the truth from Peter Pettigrew, and struck James Potter with the Killing Curse. Lily rushed to Harry’s bedside to be a last line of defence, but she too was murdered. That was when the strange magic of love came into play. Voldemort attempted to kill Harry, but because of Lily’s sacrifice for Harry, Voldemort was unable to finish him off. This strange but beautiful act of sacrifice also weakened Voldemort, causing him to lose power and seemingly disappear.

Harry had many adventures during his school years. He saved the Philosopher’s Stone, defeated a Basilisk, rescued Sirius Black, won the Triwizard Tournament and escaped the newly risen Voldemort’s grasp in the same night. He also led Dumbledore’s Army, and battled against Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries. Harry had to deal with Dumbledore’s death, and then eventually he was tasked with destroying the seven Horcruxes so that Voldemort could be eternally defeated. During the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry made an important sacrifice, he sacrificed himself so that Voldemort could truly be vanquished. He finished Voldemort off in a ferocious fight. Voldemort was finally gone. The terrors that he had set upon the wizarding world were finally over, and everyone could finally be happy. Harry Potter became an Auror and settled down with Ginny Weasley; in the end, they had three children: Albus Severus, James Sirius and Lily Luna Potter. Harry Potter's life had flipped over.

This is why we celebrate Harry's birthday, because without his sacrifices and courage, the wizarding world would be very different. Harry is turning 44 years old this year! It’s crazy how much he has aged since we were first introduced to him at age 11. There are many ways we can celebrate his birthday - we could sing Happy Birthday to ourselves in hopes that Harry uses some type of Legilimency to hear it from a different place ; P, or we could simply put on one of the amazing Harry Potter movies, or read one of the books. Although the wizarding world means something different to each and every one of us, we feel great joy in being a part of it.

Let us all wish Harry Potter a good birthday and celebrate in any way we can!

Written by: Autumn Aschinger
Edited by: Marietta Oizys
Proofread by: Hazel Antler