Harry Potter Magic

Unless you have been living under a rock these days, you undoubtedly know that the final book in the Harry Potter series was released on July 20, 2007. All you had to do was turn on any news channel in your local (or National for that matter) viewing area to hear the story and feel the excitement build across the globe. Being a paranormal researcher, you would think I would have read all of the Harry Potter books by now, or at least seen one of the movies. But I have a confession to make-I haven't done either. Considering the fact that such a mystical and magical book series is right up my alley, it even shocks me that I am not a Harry Potter fan- yet. On that spectacular day of July 20th, I was volunteering at a local Opera House in Howell, Michigan, helping out with tours in the historic building. Each time the city has an event (which is often), the Opera House takes people throughout the building for a free tour. The even that was taking place on July 20th was a city-wide Harry Potter bash to celebrate the final book's release.

As I entered this downtown historic district through the growing maze of cars lining the streets, I noticed people walking about dressed up in various Harry Potter style. From tiny tots to grown adults, there were wizards and warlocks and other creatures roaming through this small-town city of Michigan. I couldn't believe my eyes as I drove the final distance to the parking lot behind the Opera House. "All of these people are here to celebrate a book? No, it can't be!" - I said to myself in disbelief. Well, I was wrong, because they were there to celebrate Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and there were thousands of them. One man from the Board of Directors at the Opera House stated to me that the event would draw anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 people- in one night.

As I stood upstairs on the third-floor of the Opera House talking to people who were visiting for the tour, I would glance out the windows every now-and-then. People lined the street to participate in craft events for the children, costume contests, prizes, food and more. And at 11:15pm at the bookstore on the next block, those same people lined up and waited for the witching hour- 12 am. By 12 am, the group of patient and not-so-patient fans was so huge it continued around the corner of the bookstore to the next street. Just before 12 am the count-down began and when the clock struck 12, the cheers and screams filled the street with joy.

So what is it about the Harry Potter series of books that caused such behavior? What type of book can draw readers young and old? Is it the mystical qualities of the book's characters? Is it Harry Potter himself? Perhaps the charming and cute names in the book? I am not sure of the answer to those questions, but I can guess that it might be because the world is one of rules, money, chores, hardships and other events that aren't always much fun. It could be that by immersing yourself in a book that carries your imagination to such new heights, you can forget just for one second about 'real life', and fly away to a magical place. Yes, I really should start reading those Harry Potter books...