Harry Potter: Coming to a Close (SPOILERS!)

I officially finished reading the last installment of J.K. Rowling's magnificent story of a boy wizard yesterday at 5:03 PM. I couldn't get on here to post because I was just a bit shaky and breathing rapidly...that sort of thing. But I did manage to write this kind of review/reflection after a bit of thinking. So I'll re-type it here:

"My first reation upon finishing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was this: 'How could she end it with 'All is well.'?' I sat there on my father's bed, contemplating the end of one of the greatest fictional works of all time. Did it work for me, this final installment of the Boy Who Lived's saga? I digested the book, all 784 pages, looking at each of the characters' fates. Deaths of Hedwig, Mad-Eye Moody, Dobby, Tonks, Lupin, Colin Creevy, and Fred were sad for me. I realized early on in reading that Rowling was killing characters left and right. And then there is the most monumental death of all: Voldemort's. It was almost like in slow motion. They attacked. And then there was Tom Riddle's lifeless body on the ground. I was like "Huh?"

"I must address theories. I applaud those who saw Dumbledore's 'other side' early on; I had been one of those that had never imagined him as anything but pure goodness and wisdom. Was I proved wrong! I also take off my hat to those who believed that Harry himself was a Horcrux. I didn't want to believe that theory; I had always associated Horcruxes as abjects that held great importance (Nagini included). Never did I suspect that that "part of himself in you" was really a piece of Voldemort's soul.

"Neville Longbottom is the character that has had the most transformation in the course of this saga. He became a strong and powerful wizard, one who brought joy and pride to his family. His character is one of the most endearing that I've ever read, and I'm glad that he was there to see his parents avenged (in a way).

"I want to give all my thanks at this point in time to J.K. Rowling. She was my first book. She introduced me to the wonderful world that is reading. Without her, I doubt that there would be a person such as I sitting here and writing out these contemplations. She is not only an inspiration to me, but an inspiration to many, many people out there in this unpredictable world that we call home.

"While Harry is set on his way in life, I believe that there is still a ways for me to go before I will be satisfied, like the third Peverell brother. This whole experience with Harry has set my world ablaze (figuratively, mind you). I have met or come into contact with so many other fans who would worship the books if it were not some sort of wrong (and those who do it anyway). I have made and lost friends, found and lost love, and maybe, just maybe, found and kept something that will bring me joy and consolation for years and years to come."

And there's me being a bit sentimental, I suppose. Hope I didn't bore any of you.