So a couple weeks ago I mentioned that I would focus on the symbolism and themes that are in Harry Potter. It really is surprising how many deeper meanings J.K. Rowling slid into the books. As a third grader I never realized what was going on, but as I got older I was able to pick up on more.

One of the most obvious themes in the series is love. Harry's mother died to save his life, she sacrificed herself for him, the most absolute sign of love. It is her love that in fact saves Harry's life from Voldemort when he tries to kill him, the curse rebounds off of him at gets Voldemort instead, who doesn't have an ounce of love in his life. Lily Potter's love is the reason Voldemort is unable to touch Harry, the love that saved him runs in his blood. This is why Voldemort used Harry's blood in his resurrection in the fourth book, which we haven't covered yet. He wanted to take the thing that defeated him so that he was invincible, or at least that's what his plan was.

After Harry's parents died, he lived a loveless life. The Dursleys were horrible to him, they treated him poorly and made sure he didn't feel like part of the family. When he went to Hogwarts he found the family he never had. Ron, Hermione and Harry created a bond that was thicker than any blood relation, and their love and bonds never wavered. Ron's family welcomed Harry with open arms and made him feel welcomed in their home. Dumbledore and the other staff members, helped Harry grow and learn.

Love is powerful and dangerous, and J.K. Rowling does a beautiful job of illustrating this theme.