I Open at the Close
Submitted by hannah, who says:
My mom read me the first 4 books before she passed away & Harry Potter was always our thing. Then when the 5th book came out, I didn't want to read it because I had always associated it with my mom and she wasn't there to share it with me. But then the 6th book came out, and I picked up the 5th one, read that and then the 6th, and there was no looking back. I remembered why I loved Harry Potter so much. When the 7th book came out, and I read the part about Dumbledore, my mom's favorite character (and one of my own haha), leaving Harry the snitch in his will, and the message left on it, I knew that this was something special. It always kind of toyed around with it in the back of my head. So then I went for it, and got it, and I love it. It reminds me of my mom, and Harry Potter, and the things she didn't get to read, but I know she would have loved.
"The Snitch I caught in my first ever Quidditch march?" said Harry. "Don't you remember?"
Hermione looked bemused. Ron, however, gasped, pointing frantically from Harry to the Snitch and back again until he found his voice.
"THat was the one you nearly swallowed!"
"Exactly," said Harry, and with his heart beating fast, he pressed his mouth to the Snitch.
It did not open. Frustration and bitter disappointment welled up inside him: He lowered the golden sphere, but then Hermione cried out.
"Writing! There's writing on it, quick, look!"
He nearly dropped the Snitch in surprise and excitement, Hermione was quite right. Engraved upon the smooth golden surface, where seconds before there had been nothing, were five words written in the thin, slanting handwriting that Harry recognized as Dumbledore's:
I open at the close.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Follow Contrariwise
November 17th, 2008 - 13:03
i don't know what you believe, but this also reminds me of the afterlife – in a way saying that you'll see your mom again.
November 30th, 2008 - 17:40
I really like this and had been thinking about doing something similar actually.
I like how this came out and the meaning that it has for you though, and I'm with the previous comment, she's right.
April 1st, 2009 - 15:55
I've seen several Harry Potter tattoos, but this by far is the best. It has beautiful meaning behind it-and I agree with Heather.
April 3rd, 2009 - 11:22
I understand what you wanted it to say and the very special meaning it has to you. Unfortunately, this is one of those tattoos that – largely because of the placement – can take on a quite different meaning if one is not aware of the backstory. The words "I open at the close" above someone's butt makes me think of someone getting laid once the bar has closed.
July 12th, 2009 - 16:16
@DC that's a really stupid thing to say.
it's a great tat, hannah
July 14th, 2009 - 14:56
Well, that placement -is- usually called a tramp stamp. I'd have loved it if it was on the shoulder, upper arm, neck or something. Now it's sweet but in an unfortunate spot.
July 15th, 2009 - 07:02
I have to agree a bit with DC. Lower back is not a good place for tattoos.
Also love the Tat, but it would be better in a different location.
Still, it has a meaning, a good one!
July 17th, 2009 - 04:11
I think it's far too high to be called a tramp-stamp or a slag-tag. A term which is extremely offensive, well done for introducing it to the conversation. I doubt if Hannah were to bend over or crouch whilst wearing jeans & a top this would be on direct display, right above or along with her underwear/arse….that -is- normally the position defined for a tramp-stamp.
July 17th, 2009 - 10:34
Didn't know it was that offensive, I'm not a native English speaker but we use that English phrase in ordinary conversation when we discuss tattoos. You might be right, btw, those are possibly a bit lower. Anyway: sweet tattoo, I'd had put it on my upper arm or shoulder.
August 1st, 2009 - 18:29
Lovely tattoo & great meaning; love the afterlife reference.
DC – "tramp stamps" are usually over the sacral dips, at least ~4 inches below the position of this one.
August 6th, 2009 - 18:39
I love this. I have often considered having this tattooed on me. I still may do it one day. I sobbed when I realized what the phrase meant in that book. It's so epic, so sad and so beautiful.
Congrats on a fantastic tat. I cried when I read about what it means to you. Losing a parent is incredibly painful. However, I am sure that you will agree- it makes you much stronger.
Gosh, I really, really love this. :)
August 7th, 2009 - 12:15
It's a cool tattoo.:D I think I would get it in a thin, slating handwriting as described though. You know, as a tribute to Dumbledore as well.:D
August 4th, 2010 - 00:09
Hey listen this song!
Open At The Close – Oliver boyd and the Remembralls… it’s so beatifull. I Don’t know if you listen that before :/ ….very nice your story, you made me cry :(
congratulations for find so beatifull meaning to the books
PS: i don´t speak english… so sorry.
June 4th, 2012 - 17:07
The scene in the book that this comes from is amazing and brings a tear to my eye even now. This is not only gorgeous, it says so much about your relationship with your mother. The fact that Harry said these words and got to see the Mother he loved so much makes it perfect. I’m sure somewhere, your mother knows and is proud of you for going on with your life and is touched by this perfect tattoo.