The Harry Potter fandom is one of the largest in the entire world and, in my opinion, one of the most exciting. After reading the series countless times, I still discover new treasures each time I go back. Out of 4,224 pages in the entire series you would think there would be plenty of room for plot holes, but J.K. Rowling, one of the most brilliant modern-day authors, has an explanation and purpose for everything she's incorporated. For my fellow Potterheads, here is a list of some of the most important aspects of the story, widely loved characters, or just plain frustrating pieces. For any lost muggles that may have accidentally stumbled onto the wrong page, fear not! This list will surely suck you in and make you hungry for more.
A: Albus Dumbledore
There are not enough words to describe the love that everyone has for Dumbledore. I like to think of him as the "Jesus" of the wizarding world (despite all those questionable things he did in his youth). He knows literally everything, has so much kindness in his heart for people and magical creatures alike, and is willing to forgive people who have done horrible things.
B: Burrow, The
The home of the Weasley family is secretly my dream. From when Harry arrived the summer before his second year, to when it was set on fire by Death Eaters (a.k.a. the most heartbreaking moment), I've always imagined being there for summer and winter holidays after a term at Hogwarts.
C: Crouch
I think we can all agree that Barty Crouch Jr. is a seriously deranged man. Torturing Frank and Alice Longbottom, pretending to be Moody, and killing his father in the Forbidden forest are three too many immoral measures taken to please old Voldy.
D: Death Eaters
To this day, I have nightmares about this scene. They torture for the fun of it. They enjoy instilling fear in those weaker than them just because they can, and they're prejudiced parasites on the wizarding society. I seriously have angry butterflies in my stomach just looking at this picture. *shudders*
E: Expelliarmus
Harry's signature spell sure got him far. Who knew a simple disarming spell could help him learn the truth about Sirius, defeat the Dark Lord, and give away his position on his way to the Burrow the summer after his sixth year?
F: Firebolt
Poor Harry's Nimbus 2000 got destroyed by the whomping willow, but a "mystery" person comes in clutch and sends him a Firebolt. Suck it, Malfoy and your mediocre Nimbus 2001.
G: Godric’s Hollow
Imagine if Voldemort hadn't gone to kill Harry and he ended up growing up here with his parents, Dumbledore, and Bathilda Bagshot. Imagine the conversations that would have taken place.
H: Horcrux
Voldemort split his soul into seven to remain undefeated. Why would anyone as miserable as him want to live forever anyway?
I: Invisibility Cloak
The only cool thing Harry ever used this for was going to Hogsmeade, but even that wasn't that rebellious. I mean, visiting the restricted section of the library and wandering the castle at night to find Peter Pettigrew? Come on. Live on the edge, Potter!
J: James and Lily Potter
This picture gives me all the feels *sobs uncontrollably*. James and Lily's love story was so beautiful and their love for Harry is eternally infinite.
K: Killing Curse
Only one wizard has been known to survive this Unforgivable Curse. They Boy Who Lived.
L: Lestrange, Bellatrix
How can a woman who murdered Sirius Black and Dobby, tortured Neville's parents and Hermione, and loyally followed Lord Voldemort (among many, many other evil deeds) be so beloved to the HP community?! Something about her fearlessness and dark beauty makes her so hard to hate. Thankfully, it was Molly Weasley who killed her after she tried to hurt Ginny. If it was anyone else, they would not receive rave reviews.
M: Malfoy
Despite being the yummiest of villains, Draco Malfoy was a cruel coward and a spoiled brat, among other things. He deserved every moment of his horrifying fate: the most awkward hug in all of history.
N: Neville Longbottom
The most dynamic character of the series. It would be interesting to see how things would have turned out if Voldemort had gone to his house to murder him instead of Harry (the prophecy could have been about either boy). Nagini's death wouldn't have been nearly as satisfying, that's for sure.
O: Ollivander
He provided wizards with all of their wands, and provided (or didn't) Voldemort with information about the elder wand. I always loved his enthusiasm, passion, and intelligence when it came to wandmaking, but he was never brave in the face of evil.
P: Peeves
Why this scene was deleted, the world may never know. Peeves was the best part of the books and should have been a necessity in the movies. We all could have benefited from the comic relief amongst all the drama.
Q: Quidditch
Quidditch is so amazing that it's even been adapted to the muggle world. A sport where I can ride a flying broom and don't actually have to run and get all out of breath? I'm so in.
R: Room of Requirement
Just when you think you know all of Hogwarts' secrets, Neville discovers this gem. It doesn't even show up on the Marauder's Map. Hermione shows Ron who's boss, Harry kisses both Cho and Ginny and saves Malfoy's sorry butt despite his awfulness.
S: Sectumsempra
A lot of people are like "Aww, turns out Snape's a good guy; he was just emotionally damaged from James and Lily", but really??? He was still actually a terrible person. Even Harry's extreme hatred for Umbridge would not prompt him to invent this disturbing curse. Exhibit A: He continuously uses "expelliarmus" on an evil wizard trying to murder him.
T: Tom Riddle
Young Tom Riddle gives me the heebie jeebies. Like the orphan in The Orphan. When Dumbledore visits him he says, "I can make things move without touching them"--okay, Matilda, doesn't mean you have to go all psycho-killer on everyone that crosses you.
U: Umbridge
Being a good Christian woman I can't say the words that describe how I really feel about her, but I must not tell lies so I'll just say this: she makes my blood curdle.
V: Vanishing Cabinet
This was actually genius on Malfoy's part. Dangerous and evil, but genius. Imagine having one of these in your room for when your parents ask to see your report card...
W: Warren, Myrtle
I couldn't write a Harry Potter article without paying tribute to our good friend Myrtle Warren, a.k.a. Moaning Myrtle. Her crush on Harry is equal parts awkward and adorable, but whatever you do, DO NOT throw a book at her.
X: Xenophilius Lovegood
The Lovegoods were always very admirable because they never cared what anyone thought of them. Long after the Daily Prophet stopped printing the truth, The Quibbler still openly showed support towards Harry Potter. Despite their many oddities, they are my second favorite (Weasley's being first, of course) wizarding family.
Y: Yule Ball
This was like prom on steroids and every second was magnificent. Neither Ron nor Harry went with the girls that they wanted, and Hermione ended the night alone and in tears. I guess teenage wizards aren't that different from us after all.
Z: Zonko’s Joke Shop
A favorite for Hogwarts students, Zonko's joke shop provided plenty of material for Fred and George throughout the years. If it wasn't for Zonko's, they may have never been inspired to open Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
There aren't enough lists in the world to do Harry Potter the justice it deserves, so go back and read (or reread) the series! There has never been a more worthwhile task set before you.