Happy Birthday, Hermione Granger!

"Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself."

Dear Hermione,

Today is your 37th birthday Ms. Granger, or should I say Mrs. Weasley. Let me be clear, you are not defined by a name. Today on your fictional yet all too real day of birth, you have been my inspiration for fifteen years.

I’ll admit: I was apprehensive about you at first. After all the books you were created in had Harry Potter a part of every title. In my naivety, I figured it was all about Mr. Potter, but I am glad you proved me wrong.

In fact, in my mind, you became the main character by the time I reached the final book in the series. You became the main character because you showed me, and shaped me, into the female I am today. You showed me how being smart is not invaluable nor should it be viewed by others as a stepping stone. That even in the midst of two boys you showed your importance. You had, and still do, a voice.

So, on this fictional day of birth, I want to thank you. Thank you for being the woman I always wanted to be. Even when I go back to the books year after year I will never forget what you have instilled in me.

I may sound insane because I am speaking to a fictional character, but I often find, as a teacher of literature, that the books and characters we hold most dear to us should not be overlooked.

Nonetheless, thank you JK Rowling for creating, shaping, and defining Ms. Hermione Granger.

Sincerely,

An early 90s Harry Potter fan