January 10th 2003 - December 16th 2007
From Hogwartsnews to The Final Horcrux
The end of the journey, the end of an era.


Little did I know, when I first picked up Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, where it would lead me.
From addicted Potter fan to webmaster of a small but popular web presence, it has been a journey.
I have met some incredible friends and fellow Potter fans over the years.
Through all the changes, all the sites, all the arguments and all the issues a true few have been there all along for the ride.
I think it only right to say a big thanks to the most loyal, the ones that saw the site evolve, grow, diminish and rise throughout that time.
Emz and Andrew - you both are quite simply the best - of all the things I leave behind from the Potter world, you will both be missed the most. You made the site what it was, gave it a presence and warmth, humor and intellect and you both hold special status in everything we did over the years.
Crooky - I could not go without saying thanks to you also, loyal member from the start through to the end. Once again, you hold special status.
To all staff of the sites that helped out over the site generations, you are next in-line with the thanks. I could list you all by name but would make for a huge email - instead you know how you are or were - you have my thanks and wish you all the best.
Finally, the most important ingredient, the members. Chat portals live, thrive and die by its members - I like to think I had some of the best on the net. Your ideas, thoughts and predictions were what made the sites visited by so many people around the world - and to this day still bring people in to read.
My thanks to each and every one of you - together with the staff you made the site what it is and what it was.


Now for me - if you are still reading this far down, you know this is the final good bye.
I kept the site open for a few months after the book in order to extend your platform to discuss. Personally for me, I had nothing left after the book was published. While I can’t say I was overjoyed at how it ended, I don’t think it was terrible either. The disappointment came from the fact it was the end, not the material contained within. I was happy to discover I was right about Harry being a Horcrux - that is my one claim to fame and vindicated why I called the site 'The Final Horcrux' - I knew it would be contentious!
As far as the site, it will be closed down. Right now, my plans are to remove access to post and leave the site as a reference. In time and traffic/visit dependant, I may close it down completely.


For those that still want to keep in touch, please email me: alz@thefinalhorcrux.com
While I am not always the quickest to respond - I will of course email you back. I may resurrect my instant messenger accounts and will be around still!
I have no other projects in the bag just yet but anyone that knows me will know it is just a matter of time!


I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, no matter where it takes you and wish you all the best, that you remain healthy and happy and you all live good long lives!
When thinking of the site and Harry Potter in general, I found this quote to be fitting

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”

My last thanks and biggest of all, Joanne Rowling, none of this would have been possible without your creative genius. Thanks for giving me the platform in which to have met so many great people around the world and also the enjoyment of reading again. You are still the best!

Alz
The Final Horcrux