My room at school is kind of magical.
It’s decorated with a Harry Potter theme. I have a Diagon Alley backdrop behind my desk. Whenever I sit there to catch up on email, I blend in; people entering the room don’t even realize I’m there. When I speak, I startle them – next best thing to a Cloak of Invisibility!
Children from all grade levels, kindergarten through fifth, love to come by to look at my books and memorabilia. They share what they know about the series. They ask questions. They tell me which Hogwarts house they belong to (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin) and which houses their moms belong to. Always the moms. Every once in a while, a child will bring me a gift, like a Harry Potter pencil or sticker: “When I saw this, I thought of you, Mrs. Haley!”
My colleagues have done the same. I have been given a Hedwig owl hairclip, a Hagrid birthday cake topper for my water tumbler straw, Harry, Hermione, and Ron Pez dispensers, assorted little figurines, and Harry Potter Hershey’s Kisses (yum!).
These are more than random acts of kindness. They are gestures of love, and they humble me.
In the last couple of weeks, more magical treats materialized. A volunteer gave me Harry Potter gummies:
Note the word Alohomora! in the upper right corner: Open!
A colleague gave me a bag of Harry Potter Butterbeer Goldfish:
The moral of the story here is much like that of the series itself: It’s not really about magic, wizards, or witches. All that is just the backdrop. The real message is that sacrificial love and friendship – along with the courage to stand up for what is right – are more powerful than fear, hatred, and evil.
Thank you, precious gift-bearers, for the timely and delicious reminders.
*******
with thanks to Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge
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lit bits and pieces 
Oh wow, kids will remember you. I loved the line about the invisibility cloak. I think about that super power a lot and how fun it could– and how UNFUN– How great that people support your Potter-ance. Fun to read and very fun to imagine all the interactions at play behind the scenes and within them.
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I didn’t know all those Potter treats existed. I guess I need a trip to Hershey’s Chocolate World.
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I love all things Harry Potter and this post is fabulous. I appreciate how you used the word “backdrop” and I’m determined to find those butter beer goldfish! A few weeks ago, in the midst of tossing and turning due to current state of things, I suddenly thought, “Well, Harry Potter might not have risen to his full potential if Voldemort hadn’t existed.” Somehow I found comfort in that thought…as I do in your reminder “The real message is that sacrificial love and friendship – along with the courage to stand up for what is right – are more powerful than fear, hatred, and evil.”
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How cool it must be to be in your room. Little kind gestures are glimmers in a day. You didn’t have to decorate your room, the other people don’t have to bring treats, yet you did and they do, and this is the real magic that makes the world better day by day.
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Fran, your writing is a magical treat. I love how you paint with words a picture of your physical space, as well as its intangible effect on others. The invisibility cloak backdrop was clever; you also managed to tie backdrop into your final thoughts. Such a joy to read this deeply reflective piece. Loved this message- “The real message is that sacrificial love and friendship – along with the courage to stand up for what is right – are more powerful than fear, hatred, and evil.”
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A well written piece with an important message! I loved the line “When I saw this, I thought of you!” What an honor and true mark of an influential teacher. Good for you!!
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Love your message: The real message is that sacrificial love and friendship – along with the courage to stand up for what is right – are more powerful than fear, hatred, and evil. Your children are certainly blessed to have you as their teacher.
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The literal and metaphorical backdrop that centralizes the message of giving and love is powerfully magical here. I need to learn more about those treats – – I have grandchildren who would love these. You inspire me to send them some as a surprise today. Thanks for bringing the inspiration and keeping me in the know about these delicious things!
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I need to see photos of the room now!
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My daughter would have been a student who shared her Harry Potter treasures… the teacher and the place would have been magical for her! Great reflection of the deeper truths accessed through imaging and sharing.
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imagination and sharing!
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Your school is so lucky to have you. My 5th grader asked me shyly, “Can I borrow number 4?” I was overjoyed to let him borrow it. It may not come back but I’m ok with that.
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I love this, Fran. Your work room must be magical. This puts Harry Potter in a whole new light for me. I’ve always had him in a category with Lord of the RIngs and Star Wars, (massive hits whose worlds I’m not going to enter into). You’ve almost persuaded me otherwise! Although I don’t think any of those treats exist over here!
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I love this post even more, knowing that there are still groups of people who would like to see this series banned from children’s bookshelves. They don’t get that it reinforces the character traits we should all agree on–“The real message is that sacrificial love and friendship – along with the courage to stand up for what is right – are more powerful than fear, hatred, and evil.” Thank you for reminding us!
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Hi Fran, I apologize for not commenting in a long time. I noticed you took a break from blogging to be with your husband during his illness. I sent prayers for him to heal and prayers to you. I hope he is feeling much better. I have missed reading your posts of great writing. I am glad you are writing again. I remember how important writing is to you.
You hooked me at magical. I love the enthusiasm, “When I saw this, I thought of you, Mrs. Haley!” of your student. I also love that you sometimes “startle” some people. The kids must get a kick out of being startled by an almost “cloak of invisibility!” Thank you for the important and timely reminder of the message of Harry Potter.
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How wonderful to hear from you again, Gail! I did indeed take a break from blogging; my husband is doing well these days. His story is nothing short of miraculous, really. I so appreciate your thoughts on our behalf and in regard to the post – you are always so thoughtful, putting so much care into your comments. I am grateful. Please do not apologize for not commenting for a while – I know how hard it is to keep up! I hope all is well with you and that you are also continuing to write.
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After so many years, Harry Potter still brings people of all ages together. A teacher at my school also has a Harry Potter themed classroom, flying letters drawing you in. I concur with the invisibility cloak. I must find the butter beer Goldfish treats! It’s magical being able to form bonds with students and co-workers on such a great book series.
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When people recognize what you love and give you things that reminded them of you, that’s the kindest gesture of all! 🙂
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