Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC)

July 16, 2005

Edition: Final

Section: Front

Page: A1

Index Terms:

books

RITUAL CONTINUES FOR POTTER FANS

New book's release shows they're wild about Harry

Author: SHEENA JOHNSON def@heraldsun.com; 419-6617

Article Text:

Maybe it was magic (that would be fitting). Maybe it was luck. Maybe it was sheer perseverance.

Whatever it was, Ruthie Morris was first in line early today when The Regulator bookstore on Durham's Ninth Street opened its doors and started selling the long-awaited sixth installment in the hugely popular Harry Potter series.

"It feels awesome to be first in line," said Ruthie, 13, who had been waiting since 6 p.m. Friday.

She got what she came for: the first copy The Regulator sold.

With her in line were 15 to 20 kids from the Eno Commons co-housing community off Umstead Road in northern Durham County. That's where Ruthie used to live, before she moved to Arizona.

Their post-purchase plan: Go home and stay up all night reading the book.

But Ruthie was keeping her first-in-line mentality. She brought a flashlight so she could start reading on the drive home.

The Eno Commons crew was among 1,000 people The Regulator was expecting. By 11:55 p.m., the line stretched a full 10 storefronts up Ninth Street.

"I'm so excited to finally have the book," said Emma Tur, 11, who had spent the pre-purchase period jumping up and down excitedly. She immediately started reading it.

It was the same across the country -- at bookstores, on the Internet and in homes. Friday night was Pottermania.

People of all sizes and ages hit the streets to participate in the festivities and to nab a copy of the much-anticipated book.

Across town, the Barnes and Noble at New Hope Commons shopping center was transformed into Hogwarts School of Witchery and Wizardry. Partygoers arrived at Platform 93/4 to enter a land of magic and wonder.

Max Morgan came to the party very Harry Potter-esque -- complete with glasses, a robe, wand, Harry T-shirt and a lightning strike on his forehead to boot.

"When we were on our way over here, he asked why did it take her so long to get this book out," said Russ Morgan, his father. "He was very excited."

Other excited wizards had the opportunity to participate in the evening's activities, which included wand-making, wizard passports, pictures with a cut-out board and even an owl demonstration by the North Carolina Wildlife Refuge.

Sisters Jennifer and Heather Holp were decked out in their Hogwarts garb, counting down to the moment when they finally would have their hands on the latest copy.

Jennifer was also there to celebrate something else, her 28th birthday.

"Harry is just so human," Jennifer said. "You can relate to him. He has all the growing pains of a teen and has to deal with the struggles of good and evil as well."

The two said they had Hogwarts dinners at home.

"You can see yourself in the book," said Heather, 22.

Market Street Books in Chapel Hill also had a Harry party. It even had a Harry Putter golf station, where kids could putt into Harry's mouth.

Treats were also served and kids could participate in shrieking and costume contests.

If you didn't grab a copy of the Harry Potter book at the bookstore, you can check out a copy at the Durham Public Library.

The library has 105 copies: 90 in print, 10 compact discs and five cassettes. Forty-five print copies will be checked out as door prizes to wizards whose names are drawn out of the magical sorting hat.

Today, the Durham Public Library downtown is having a Potter party of its own. "A Royal Breakfast with Harry" will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Guests will have the opportunity to munch on some Potter inspired treats such as Muggle Muffins, Sorcerer's Scones Caldron Cakes, Dragon's Tears (orange juice) and Polyjuice Potion (coffee).

The two-hour event also will include a Magic for Muggles workshop with magician Jim Alberti for wizards 8 and up.

Record Number: 0490464490