Harry Potter– The Magic That Changed the World -Abdus Salam

There are books that you read, and then there are books that grab you, shake you, and refuse to let go. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling is one of those books. From the moment I opened the first page, I felt as though I had stumbled into a world that was both wildly different and strangely familiar—a world where magic isn’t just in fairy tales, but hides just around the corner, waiting to be discovered.

The story begins with a boy named Harry Potter, who, at first glance, seems like any ordinary child. He lives under the stairs in his mean aunt and uncle’s house, unaware that he is far from ordinary. On his eleventh birthday, a letter arrives that changes everything: Harry is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And that’s when the adventure begins. Suddenly, the world is full of possibilities, strange creatures, and spells that can do things ordinary humans can only dream of.

What makes Harry Potter magical isn’t just the magic spells or flying broomsticks—it’s the feeling that anything is possible. The books make you believe that you could discover a hidden world behind your own, filled with mysteries to unravel and secrets to uncover. I remember reading about Diagon Alley, with its cobblestone streets, quirky shops, and cauldrons bubbling with unknown potions. I could almost smell the fresh parchment in the bookshops, hear the clinking of potion bottles, and feel the excitement of picking out my first wand. Rowling’s writing has this incredible ability to make the fantastic feel real, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in it.

The characters are another reason why Harry Potter became a book that changed me. Harry, with his messy black hair and lightning-shaped scar, is someone you can root for from the very first chapter. He is brave, curious, and kind, but he’s also scared and unsure at times—just like any of us. Then there’s Hermione Granger, who is fiercely intelligent and unafraid to stand up for what’s right, even when others doubt her. And Ron Weasley, whose loyalty and humor make him the perfect friend. Each character has flaws and strengths, which makes them feel real. Reading about them taught me that heroes aren’t perfect—they’re people who choose to be brave, even when it’s hard.

The plot is filled with twists, mysteries, and discoveries. Every time I thought I knew what would happen, something surprising would turn the story on its head. There are magical creatures like the three-headed dog, Fluffy, and the giant troll that sneaks into Hogwarts. There are puzzles and secret passages, hidden chambers, and riddles that need solving. And, at the heart of it all, there’s the struggle between good and evil, friendship and betrayal, love and hate. Rowling doesn’t shy away from making the stakes high, and the way she does it makes every challenge feel important, every victory hard-earned.

What’s truly remarkable is how this book, written for children, is layered with lessons that stay with you long after you finish it. Friendship, loyalty, courage, and the importance of standing up for what is right are all woven into the story. But there’s also the idea that it’s okay to be different, that even those who feel alone or powerless have the strength to make a difference. Harry’s journey isn’t just about magic—it’s about discovering who he is, facing his fears, and understanding that choices matter.

Another thing I loved about Harry Potter is how it makes ordinary things feel extraordinary. Even the simple act of going to school becomes an adventure. Imagine attending classes where you learn to fly on broomsticks, mix potions that bubble and hiss, or read magical creatures in Care of Magical Creatures class! The sense of wonder is everywhere. It made me think about my own school and the everyday routines I sometimes take for granted, imagining what it would be like if magic were hidden in the corners of my own life.

The world Rowling created is also rich with details that make it feel alive. From the portraits that move and talk in Hogwarts to the ghosts wandering the hallways, from the House Cup competition to the Quidditch matches that fill the air with cheering, every page is packed with magic. Even the smaller details, like the way witches and wizards eat chocolate frogs or how the Sorting Hat can talk and think, show Rowling’s imagination at work. It’s this attention to detail that makes it so easy to lose yourself in the story.

Reading Harry Potter also made me see the power of storytelling. The book inspired me to dream bigger and imagine worlds of my own. I realized that books are not just stories—they are gateways to experiences, emotions, and lessons that can shape who you are. I found myself thinking about courage and friendship in ways I hadn’t before, and I started noticing the magic in ordinary life: the kindness of a friend, the thrill of solving a puzzle, the excitement of discovering something new.

One of the most exciting things about this book is that it’s just the beginning. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone opens the door to a series that grows with you. As the books continue, the characters face tougher challenges, the stakes get higher, and the story becomes darker and deeper. Reading them is like growing up alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione—experiencing joy, fear, and triumph as they navigate a world full of magic and danger.

In conclusion, Harry Potter is not just a book—it’s an invitation to believe in the impossible, to embrace imagination, and to find courage in yourself. It’s a story about friendship, bravery, and the choices that define us. Every page makes you feel like you are part of something bigger, something magical. For children and teens, it’s the kind of book that can change the way you see the world, spark your creativity, and make you dream of adventures you never thought possible.

For me, Harry Potter wasn’t just a story I read, it was a world I lived in, a place that inspired me, and a reminder that even in ordinary life, there is magic waiting to be discovered. If you’ve never opened this book, get ready for a journey that will make your imagination soar, your heart race, and your mind open to endless possibilities. Magic is real—at least, on the pages of Harry Potter, and that is more powerful than anything else.