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WAVING WANDS TO BUY THE BOOK

By Josh Saul

Muggles and wizards packed Union Square at midnight this past Friday. They were wearing capes and black glasses, and every one of them was itching to start reading. Unless you’ve been under a spell, you know that Friday night marked the release of the last Harry Potter book, and it’s an understatement to say fans were pumped.
Two girls worked the crowd selling wands they made themselves. “They take about an hour with the wood-whittler,” explained Alma Jennings. “We’ve sold seven or eight so far.”

In a scene reminiscent of the recent iPhone-mania, two massive lines—which started at the main entrance of the Barnes & Noble on 17th Street and snaked around the block to meet again on 18th Street—buzzed with confusion and rumors.

Over the past few weeks, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has stirred up considerable controversy. The book’s ending was kept under tight wraps, but Internet sites and even a New York Times book review gave away some of the secrets.

“I read the Times review, but it didn’t tell you too much,” said Rose Mary Heath, sweeping her cape back over her shoulders.

“It’s been spoiled a little bit,” said Brian Sullivan through a (fake) long white beard. “But there are still lots of surprises left.”

Potter fans may have been tired after staying up all Friday night to buy the book, but they relaxed the rest of the weekend taking in the full 759 pages. At a birthday party in a Midtown bar, one couple said goodnight earlier than usual, explaining they needed to get back to their reading. A peek inside the girlfriend’s purse revealed two copies of Deathly Hallows, reserved from the Brooklyn library over a year ago.

But some found all the commotion silly. “Is the book going to change in the next couple of weeks? No,” said Irvin Andrew, leaning against a light post and watching the line of people happily stretched along the building and wrapped around the corners. 

Tyler Chase (pictured): “We’ve been in line since 3:30 in the morning, and this is so worth it!” 
Grace Fried (far right): “It’s the seventh book: How could you not wait in line?”

Rachel Goddard (left, middle): “I worked at a camp when the sixth book came out, and we had a rule saying
nobody was allowed to talk about the ending.”

Lenore Kubie (far right): “I made my costume at work when my boss wasn't looking.” Chris Jacob (far left): 

“I’ve already read number six, but I’m reading it again right now so I can get into number seven fresh.”

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