Never having been much of a reader I owe my love for books and my career choice to this series. J.K. Rowling showed me that a book doesn't have to be just words on a page. I can enter new worlds and make new friends just by reading. I found myself captivated and the rest is history. A girl who hated reading is now an English Literature major who desires to be a book editor, and like millions of others out there I waited in line for hours for both the books and the films.
When Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first came out summer of 2007 I was able to avoid the sadness and the feeling that nothing would ever be the same that came along with the end of the series because I had more movies to look forward to. Harry Potter wasn't over yet. Two more movies still had to come out. Since at that time they hadn't announced that they were splitting Deathly Hallows into two films.
As the time drew nearer for Deathly Hallows part two to be released I found myself both excited and terrified. I would finally be able to see not just read the final battle. But then it would be over. No more waiting in line all day to see the next film. No more Harry Potter themed parties where I could be a total nerd and dress up.
At 12:30 in the afternoon my sister Josie and I got in line. Yes I was in line for twelve hours to see a movie. Why does everyone think that was such a bizarre thing to do. It was Harry Potter. As I started talking to the people in line with me I realized that everyone there was just as excited for the film as I was and wanted the day to move faster but at the same time we all found ourselves wishing that it wasn't ending. I discovered that I am not the only person that has gotten teased because of an obsession over a film/book series.
Most of the people I work with don't understand why I would take a night off of work just to see a movie. I would always explain that Harry Potter is my childhood. I grew up alongside Harry, Hermione, and Ron. They were my friends growing up and still are. Too which they would explain that they are just fictional characters in a book. And continue to tell me that I am a dork to which I would respond, "I'm not a dork, I'm a nerd there's a big difference."
Back to waiting in line. While waiting in line cars would honk at us as they drove by in their air conditioned cars and make fun of us calling us, and I quote, "Nerds, get a life". We actually turned into a fun game. The group next to me went and stood at the side of the road and "cursed" the cars that drove by with their wands. And we began laughing and saying that those people were just Twihards that are jealous because they don't have as awesome fans as Harry Potter.
We played board games, shared our favorite memories and moments about the films and books. And at about 10:30 we were escorted into our theater and got to wait another two hours sitting in the theater waiting.
As the film started I was actually surprised at how silent the theater was. At every other midnight showing I have been to the audience has started cheering and screaming their heads off. But not this time. You could feel the anticipation. The movie was awesome. Of course it was. A few minor things bothered movie but you can't please everyone completely. I was surrounded by the sounds of sniffling. It started when the Professors start to defend the school and got a bit ridiculous when Snape died. But that was one of the best parts. A bunch of teenagers and college students all getting teary eyed over a movie. It, was, awesome!!!
I am still a bit depressed that I no longer have anything Potter related to look forward to. I have tried to fill the void with video games and new books. But I have realized something. Nothing can take the place of Harry Potter. Nothing can be better than spending twelve hours in line for a movie. Or staying up all night so that I can finish reading the latest book.
Thank you J.K. Rowling for creating such a magical world. And thank you to all those involved in the films for doing such an amazing job of bringing the school I wish I had been able to go to to life.
