Potterpalloza!

Marian and I had our books reserved, well ahead of time. We had discussed going to Upstairs on the Square for their special “Harry Potter” feast, but unfortunately, when I went to make reservations, we realized, that we had missed the opportunity as they were booked from 5pm – 1am!
Friday, we began our endeavor. We met up surprisingly at Downtown Crossing around 4:45pm. We walked out the doors and on to the side walk of Hogwart's Square (aka Harvard Square) at 5:05pm and the line for our reserved wrist band had already formed from the Coop’s Alley entry, towards Border Café, around to the Body Shop and down in front of the Main Entrance of the Coop. We, of course, were quite towards the end. The rules clearly stated no line could form before 4:30, but I highly doubt that is what happened. While in line, we tried to befriend those in front and behind us. It was going to be a long wait, why not be friendly. However, the guys in front of us smelled something awful and the kids behind us had no interest in talking to us.

The line moved in spurts due to the tyrannical nature of the Movie Theatre which “needed” 15 feet of space clear so that patrons could get in to the theatre. Sorry folks – no one is going to see your movies today!

At this same time, we kept calling Crimson to see if we should pick up her wrist band. She never responded. We called a lot of times. And then we started to text message.

FINALLY, we made it to the wrist bands. We had to pass men with too much power that kept yelling stay to the left (which I whole-heartedly ignored) and the very l-a-r-g-e man who told us which line to go in (which I whole-heartedly listened too, he could’ve killed me with his fist). Marian got her wrist band and Crimsons, I got mine, and we were off to find food. It was now about 7:40pm. Crimson finally got back to us, letting us know she was in NH and would hopefully make it by 12

We ate at Flat Patty’s which I must say, I don’t hate, but I don’t love. They had a nifty cheesecake burrito thingy that was scrumptious. We then had our complimentary hand treatment at LUSH and then decided to get some dessert before we needed to get on line again at 10 to actually get our books at 12:01. Finale was having special Harry Potter products such as “Dark Lord Decadence” and “Magical Molten something”. Unfortunately the waitress wasn’t so in to this theme and called them by their regular names. They were wonderful and rich and fantastic, and yummy…. At 9:40pm we figured we should head over to prepare to get on line.

By the time we went from Finale to the Coop, the line was already from the Coop’s main entrance down to the Body Shop. I kept saying, “at least we haven’t turned around too many corners. It’s almost a straight shot!” We did make friends with those behind us, Joanna and Emily. Very nice girls and we had fun doing the HP puzzles and what not. Crimson had arrived around 11:30ish – maybe a little later – with her beau. He’s not a huge HP fan so he wanted out as soon as possible. He wandered around by Curious George and other book stores and then called Crimson and said “I think the news stand is selling them”. We all laughed it off.

12:01 struck and there were 4 count-downs because no one has the correct time! The line moved a little bit as fans rushed in to buy their books. At 12:10 (maybe) the Beau appeared with 2 tote bags containing 2 books each! He had gotten them from the new stand!!!!!!

Marian and I, although excited, were also quite frustrated. We had stood on line for 5 hours!! And they had been at the news stand! What?! But we had our books, so we were happy as well. It was quite a confusing time. We left our new friends and Beau drove us home where we both promptly began reading.

I feel asleep about 30 or so pages in. At 8:00 am I felt awake enough to continue the 759 page book. I finished at 1pm. Marian finished at about 8pm. Both of us having been drained from reading so much headed to IHOP for some grub and then hit the sack as soon we got home.

I know you are asking was it worth it? I have to say, I might never do it again, but the experience was 100% worth it. There is nothing else like it. Seeing people so dedicated to something they love so much. Yes. It was worth it.

And the book was great!