'Deathly Hallows' satisfying to the end

Harry has come a long way from his cobwebbed cupboard under the stairs. Seven long years have passed since the hesitant 11-year-old boy entered Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He grew and matured, right under our very noses, as we opened each book in anticipation.

We laughed at Fred and George Weasley's mischievous antics. Our tears flowed with Harry's, as he witnessed the deaths of two fatherly figures. Our shouts of anger went unheard as toad-faced Professor Umbridge became headmistress Harry's fifth year.

And so, on July 21, millions of fans began to laugh, cry, and shout one last time. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" became the climax and falling action of the series.

Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, along with their lightening bolt-marked protagonist, abandon their seventh year at Hogwarts and begin their mission to uncover and destroy Voldemort's remaining horcruxes. Only then can Harry properly defeat his lifelong enemy.

As with any dangerous mission, deaths are aplenty. Rowling went all out for the final book. A death toll became necessary.

The murder in the first chapter foreshadowed the dark mood of the book. Deaths of beloved characters finally ceased after the blood bath of the final battle.

The book is not, however, a senseless excuse for a killing spree. The characters' love for one another prevails. Their means of handling the deathly effects of Lord Voldemort shape who they are and their choices in life.

As a result of the endearing characters' optimism, the "magic" of the series continues. New characters and settings are discovered, and old ones are rekindled in a new light. Loose ends are finally tied up, although some remained unanswered.

"The Deathly Hallows," in simplest terms, is a fun and emotional
read.

As the final pages dwindled, the feeling of accomplishment spread over me. I felt as though I had accompanied Harry on his journey, and shared his elated victory in knowing, in the end, all was well.