Harry Potter at Harvard Square
On Friday we went into Harvard Square to observe Harry Potter festivities around 11:30, a half hour before the two bookstores in the square opened their doors to sell the last book in the series. We have never seen such a festive air in the square nor so many people, not even for the street fairs. There were people of all ages—from a newborn baby three weeks old to grandparents. At least half were in costume.
The line to The Coop which is directly across from Harvard Yard extended around three blocks. People sat on the sidewalk or stood around in little clumps. Some had lawn chairs, some had books. It was a great, mellow atmosphere—a very cool, lovely vibe.
Lots of kids showed up in costume. The girls wore short plaid school uniform skirts with knee socks. There were lots of boys in capes and Hogwarts scarves. And some in Quidditch uniforms. It was as if, for this one night, we were in Hogwarts itself. Such is the power of magic.
We all gathered around the front door to The Coop just before midnight and watched the giant clock on the bank across the street as we counted down. When the doors opened a great cheer went up and seconds later the first person emerged carrying a copy of the huge tome.
Afterwards we wandered around the square just soaking up the feeling of amazing fun. All for a book! And this was just one place. The whole world was celebrating right along with us. Magical.
Dear A, my better half, is a devoted fan. Our own copy arrived from Amazon by noon the next day and he set to reading. A party that night interrupted progress but he set to it again yesterday and finished all 850 or so pages by two in the morning last night. This morning, before breakfast and with my eager permission, he summarized the plot for me. Just great.
Millions of kids in the world have had the privilege of growing up reading this for the first time and will always have it as part of their lives. They believe in magic. So glad we ventured out to see. Here’s to J.K. Rowling. Brilliant.
Go Obama!
July 24th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
mdf, Same sort of festivities here in Penzance. Although Pz (as you know) is pretty much like Hogwarts all the time. Devoted fan myself, picked up my copy on Sat AM and finished it yesterday, Monday, then topped it off by seeing the new movie ‘Order of the Phoenix’ last night. I just LOVE it. Cannot believe Rowling’s imagination. Also, and here is why I think she is so clever, the 1st book really is a children’s book. Harry is 11 and finds out he’s a wizard. By the last book, Harry is 17, gone through puberty and all the confusing hell of being a teenager, discovers who he is etc. and it’s a full on, beautifully written, grown up book dealing with v. grown up issues. She has carried a whole generation along with Harry, and has introduced reading to millions of kids who otherwise would still be addicted to play stations. And on and on.
‘I do believe in magic….I DO….I DO…..I DO believe in magic.’
Kx
July 24th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Harry is an amazing phenomenon. Our tiny Village of Peninsula(population something like 470) hosted 5-6,000 people. The police reported no “incidents.” There was no litter. Phenomenon indeed!
Five teenage girls spent the night after we returned form our gallery (which had been Ollivander’s Wand Shoppe for the evening), book in hand. They went upstairs and read aloud to each other until they could no longer stay awake. When they awoke, 3 hours later, they sat around the kitchen table, munching bagels and cream cheese, sipping cranberry juice and reading Harry. Then back upstairs under the covers for more. Periodically I brought up food for them. they recognized no need for nourishment except Harry. Amazing stuff.
July 25th, 2007 at 6:08 am
mdf, KT– So fabulous that you are reading Harry Potter. Dear A is thrilled to hear as he too is a devoted fan. I fell out after the second book but have seen all of the movies. Just lazy. But — I believe in magic too!
Debra– That’s amazing! I hope you will write more on your blog. I’ve put a link here. You write such lovely things which I enjoy a lot. So head on over, dear readers!