On Our Way To Crazy

This is my friend Becka.

Two years ago for my birthday, Becka gave me a set of Harry Potter books 1-5 in paperback.

I read them very, very fast. Then I made my sister overnight me her copy of book six so I could be caught up.

Then I waited two years. I know this is nothing compared to people who have been reading them since the beginning, but still. Two years is a long time. I reread the first four in time for the Goblet of Fire movie, then reread the last two just to finish out the story.

Then the Order of the Phoenix movie came out. I reread the first five in preparation for the movie, and Becka and I went to see it at midnight when it came out.

We waited and waited, amusing ourselves with Becka’s assorted Harry Potter merchandise.

We even hung out with the closest thing to the real Harry Potter we could find. He had a broom.

Then, just two weeks later, we got to go to the midnight release party of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was the last time we wouldn’t know how it ended! This was something not to be missed. I may have even bailed on a church campout to be there. Maybe.

We met all kinds of characters.

Quidditch players…

A somewhat shady Dumbledore, who had freakishly long toenails and a crystal ball…

Professors Umbridge and Sprout were there with a former headmaster…

And a very realistic Harry Potter himself, who was hopefully casting a shield charm to protect him from Becka, ifyouknowhatimean.

Then it was time to get in line. A friend of a friend had staked out position early, and we were right up front. Look how close we were!

My receipt seriously says 12:01. I just checked it for you.

It has all been so much fun. My friend Becka is super awesome for introducing me to these books. Also she is just kind awesome all the time.