Sisira Holbrook, first in line for the midnight release of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” smiles in anticipation as Octavia employee James Wilson hands her a copy of the book. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
The quiet corner of Octavia and Laurel streets became a hive of magical activity Saturday night, as hundreds wizard-hat wearing, magic-wand waving fans of Harry Potter (and their parents) gathered for a midnight release party for the series’ eighth book, “The Cursed Child.”
Interactive storyteller Frank Levy served as an emcee of sorts, leading the younger wizards in Harry Potter trivia and acting out scenarios involving characters from the books. Around the rest of the bookstore, too, the aisles were filled with other Potter fans, chatting or reading and waiting for the official release time for the book — 12:01 a.m. Sunday, July 31, Harry’s birthday in the series.
Octavia Books sold out their 120 copies of the book several hours before the party started Saturday, said owner Tom Lowenburg, clad in his own wizard robe, observing the long line that formed through the store as midnight approached. The store has ordered more copies of the book, which should arrive early this week, he said.
“We definitely outdid what we expected to do,” Lowenburg said.
The sealed boxes of “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child” insist that they not be opened until 12:01 a.m. Sunday, July 31. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Interactive storyteller Frank Levy enlists partygoers as princesses and a dragon as he weaves a tale during the Harry Potter release party. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Clad in costume, Harry Potter fans laugh and listen to Frank Levy’s story. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
A young fan acts out a scene as Harry Potter. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Octavia employees James Wilson and Mark Williams prepare the sealed boxes of “The Cursed Child” for their midnight opening. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Sisira Holbrook, Emma Rioux and Allie Flemington — all seventh-graders at Lusher Charter School — stand at the front of the line to receive the first copies of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” when it is released at midnight. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Octavia Books owner Tom Lowenburg casts a mischievous smile over the collection of wizards lined up for the latest Harry Potter book. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
