I THINK that I bought The Philosopher's Stone in a supermarket. I had heard so much hype around this 'Harry Potter book' that I had fear of missing out, and wanted to find out what all the fuss was about.
I read 10 pages, and couldn't get excited about the book. I can't remember why I didn't connect with the story first time round, it must have been down to my frame of mind at the time. Over 20 years later, I am delighted that I gave it a second chance. I was hooked – and queued to buy the rest of the books on day of release.
Back in the early 2000s, I had convinced myself that I might have seen JK Rowling writing the books in an Edinburgh coffee shop when I lived there in the late 90s.
I am one of those people who enjoys watching the Harry Potter films all over again between Halloween and Christmas. Year in, year out. It is fortuitous that I live in a house full of Harry Potter fanatics – which is great.
Last week, we re-lived the magic of the books and subsequently the films, when we watched the 20th anniversary reunion documentary. I didn't know what to expect from watching it. I certainly didn't think that I would find it emotional, but I did. I was just as emotional when I walked out of the cinema after watching the last film.
Harry, Hermione, Ron and the rest of the characters have been part of our lives for over 20 years now. The three young actors – who are still very young – spoke about how they grew up with the characters and how their lives were interlinked in so many ways.
Their conversations with each other gave candid insight into the practical and emotional on-screen development of the beloved characters. It also became evident that they might have been at a real life school of acting, given that as child actors they were surrounded by the likes of Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, Imelda Staunton, Emma Thompson, Brendan Gleeson. The cast is awesome.
Hearing Helena Bonham Carter tell how she came up with the treatment for the vile Beatrix Lestrange and how Jason Isaacs was on eggshells when he had a scene with her, such was her unpredictability when in character, was fascinating.
I also enjoyed Ralph Fiennes explaining how he wanted to portray the Dark Lord Voldemort, and deciding that he should whisper when he spoke.
In a very intimate conversation between on screen godson and godfather, Daniel Radcliffe revealed to Gary Oldman that the late, great, Alan Rickman had the inside line on the ending for years, but he never told anyone.
I would have loved to hear Alan Rickman's thoughts on the making of the films all these years later. I think that I have finally decided that Rickman's Snape is my favourite performance in all of the films.
Order of The Phoenix is my favourite book because the bonds of friendship, loyalty and sacrifice for loved ones are strengthened and taken to the next level.
Now, my task with the youngest in the house is to make sure that she has the books read to her or that she reads them for herself before she watches any of the films. That will take a lot of effort, but I can't wait to experience the magic of Harry Potter, of friendship and love, all over again, through her eyes.
I didn't make any resolutions again this year, but I promised that I would do one thing this year, after reading a tweet from a complete stranger on Twitter. The suggestion was for anyone who was looking for a solid resolution: "why not give blood – if you can, not everyone can – it's so easy to do, you basically lie down for a bit, and get snacks and praise and do lots of good".
The comments below her tweet are reminders why blood donation is important. From emergency C-sections to someone who wouldn't be here but for blood and platelet donations.
Many already give blood regularly, but if you're like me, it's something you intend to do but never seem to get around to it. Donation sessions must be booked at the minute, but they are available right across Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.
