‘The first time Harry gets to open Christmas presents’: Harry Potter fans discuss the real magical moments of the series that make them feel like home

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Jul 21, 2025 11:00 AM EDT

One question many Potterheads are asked is–How is it that they can still enjoy a book series written mainly for kids? What is it about the Harry Potter books that speaks so much to them, even as full-grown adults?

And if we're being completely honest, that is an extremely valid question. 

Sure, the books were a phenomenon, and very unique for their time, but that still doesn't explain how we are able to re-read them time and time again, almost 30 years since they were first published. The thing is, there is no right answer, and every fan can provide their own detailed explanation as to why they still feel so connected to a children's series about a kid who finds out he is a wizard. 

However, one thing I think we could all agree on, that keeps us coming back, is the focus on the found family that we all wish we could have for ourselves. It's not just about fantasizing about a world with magic in it; it is about the very realistic and strong connections the characters form with each other.

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  • If you need a reminder of that, or if you just want to understand what moments other fans feel most at home with, keep scrolling to read this heartwarming discussion among fellow Potterheads.

    After that, check out this silly collection of magical Harry Potter memes.

  • 01
    The real magic of series wasn't the spells; it was the feeling of a lonely boy finally finding a home. What's the one moment that always gets you?
    via TheSelfMadeElf
  • 02
    The real magic of series wasn't the spells; it was the feeling of a lonely boy finally finding a home. What's the one moment that always gets you?
    via TheSelfMadeElf
  • 03
    Nuclear_Niijima The first time Harry gets to open Christmas presents.
    via Nuclear_Niijima
  • 04
    flooperdooper4 Mrs. Weasley giving Harry her brother Fabian's old watch for his 17th birthday. She was all nervous that he might not like it because it
    via flooperdooper4
  • 05
    was secondhand and a bit battered, but honestly the fact that it belonged to someone in Molly's family probably made Harry like it even more. Not only did he receive the "traditional" 17th
    via flooperdooper4
  • 06
    birthday gift, but he received a family heirloom from the family that took him in. Very sweet moment!
    via flooperdooper4
  • 07
    ZooplanktonblameSea4 When Mrs. Weasley hugged Harry. 'It wasn't your fault, Harry,' Mrs Weasley whispered. 'I told him to take the Cup with me,' said
    via ZooplanktonblameSea4
  • 08
    Harry. Now the burning feeling was in his throat, too. He wished Ron would look away. Mrs Weasley set the potion down on the bedside cabinet, bent down, and put her arms around Harry.
    via ZooplanktonblameSea4
  • 09
    HE HAD NO MEMORY OF EVER BEING HUGGED LIKE THIS, AS THOUGH BY A MOTHER. The full weight of everything he had seen that night seemed to fall in upon him as Mrs Weasley held him to her.
    via ZooplanktonblameSea4
  • 10
    I was adopted just before I turned 5 after being in foster care for years. My adoptive mother was sitting in a rocking chair and I asked her if she could hold me and rock me
    via ZooplanktonblameSea4
  • 11
    because no one had ever done that for me. At least I had no memory of being held and rocked by a mother before. It broke my Mom's heart. So this scene always gets me.
    via ZooplanktonblameSea4
  • 12
    Gabriela M11 The one moment that never fails to make me ugly cry is in GoF when the champions' families come visit them, and Harry, totally expecting to be the only one without any
    via GabrielaM11
  • 13
    family there, is surprised when Mrs. Weasley and Bill are there to cheer him on. That really drove home that Molly and Arthur always saw Harry as just another one of their sons, and not just a celebrity
    via GabrielaM11
  • 14
    Cheezburger Image 10527688960
    via wanderluster
  • 15
    Ranger 1302 Harry: 'Sorry I made you miss the carriages, by the way, Luna.' Luna: 'That's alright. It was like being with a friend.'
    via Ranger_1302
  • 16
    Harry: 'Oh, I am your friend, Luna.' Luna: 'That's nice.'
    via Ranger_1302
  • 17
    Dumbledore has a few, too: 'You know at times I forget just how much you've grown. At times I still see the small boy from the cupboard.'
    via Ranger_1302
  • 18
    Harry: 'You still look the same to me, sir.' Dumbledore: 'Hah. Just like your mother, you're unfailingly kind. A trait people never fail to undervalue, I'm afraid.'
    via Ranger_1302
  • 19
    swiftbene23 "I, Sirius Black, Harry Potter's godfather, hereby give him. permission to visit Hogsmeade on weekends."
    via swiftbene23
  • 20
    Penny_Ji Also this one cuts me deep (after stealing the car to get Harry): "You keep your mouth closed while you're eating!" Mrs. Weasley snapped.
    via Penny_Ji
  • 21
    "They were starving him, Mum!" said George. "And you!" said Mrs. Weasley, but it was with a slightly softened expression that she started cutting Harry bread and buttering it for him.
    via Penny_Ji
  • 22
    Penny_Ji Sirius Black: "He's not your son." Molly Weasley: "He's as good as."
    via Penny_Ji
  • 23
    Boffleslop Harry sitting in the window of Gryffindor tower just stroking Hedwig. His own bed, a best friend, connected to his parents world for the first time, no fear of what's to come.
    via Boffleslop
  • 24
    jdjtbgs When Hagrid first went to pick up Harry and gave him the birthday cake. There will always be someone who cares for you, even if you haven't met them yet.
    via jdjtbgs

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wand geek hogwarts students Harry Potter voldemort hermione granger horcrux discussion owls entertaining magical hedwig Ron Weasley Dobby potterhead reddit thread Reddit Hogwarts
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