Why, yes…yes I am.

I woke up feeling crappy. I’ve had a crappy last several days in terms of general attitude. I’ve been a bit down, a bit anxious, a bit stressed and all of this makes me eat non-stop which quadruples my negative mood. (SO WHY DO I DO IT?) I was trying to think about how to write an upbeat entry this morning when I was feeling so…down.

AND THEN I FOUND THE POTTERMORE CLUE!

Pottermore was going to start offering “beta” type accounts on July 31st to prep for the October opening of the website. No one knew how these 1 million beta accounts were going to be chosen, but we knew it would be “hunt” related. They revealed the method this weekend here. One clue every day for seven days.

There will be a new clue every day, and each clue will relate to a different book in the Harry Potter series. On Day 1 the clue will relate to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, on Day 2 the clue will relate to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and so forth. The clues will also vary in difficulty. On Days 1-3 the clues will be harder, and on Days 4-7 the clues will be easier.

To find The Magical Quill, you need to solve the clue and add the answer to the end of the web address http://quill.pottermore.com/ This will lead you to a website where The Magical Quill will be located while early access places are available. The Magical Quill’s location will change every day.

I was DETERMINED to find it on Sunday since I would have to work this week. Since it became Sunday in the UK early Saturday here, I started looking Saturday night. I was up until 11pm and then woke up around 5am Sunday and BAM! I had missed it. The clue had been up and then registration was closed for the day. WHAT? I was so depressed!

But then I woke up this morning and BAM! There was the clue. I looked up the answer, plugged it in, found the quill and registered. It said I could receive my confirmation email in 48 hours but it only took about 10 minutes. I clicked the link to “complete” the process and was taken to the screenshot below.

BEST. MONDAY. EVER.

My birthday was great, I’m slowly (but surely) making it through all of my birthday comments, so I will get to yours eventually! Thank you all so much. The internet make yesterday one of – if not THE – best birthday I’ve ever had.

Of course, it had a little help from a little movie that came out last night! You know, I’m not a big fan of crowds. I hate shopping around Christmas, I hate eating at restaurants on the weekends and I hate seeing bands in crowded bars.

But crowds at the midnight releases of my favorite movies? BEST. CROWDS. EVER. If for no other reason but the costumes, which are always brilliant. E gave a Dobby his sock which is the grossest and MOST AWESOME gesture ever.

If you are really anticipating a movie, seeing it with the type of fans that go to midnight showing is the best way to do it. There was a chattering group behind us last night, but once I gave them the Basilisk look of Death, they didn’t bother me. (Evidently people further down the aisle were still bothered.)

The crowd SCREAMED when the opening credits rolled. They then cheered when the best parts from the book were re-created. I heard sniffling all around as I was crying silently myself. And the funniest part to me was when a certain character almost dies. (During this film EVERY character either A) Dies or B) Almost dies so that’s not a spoiler.) This character has a big part in the end of the book so this moment was probably not as tense for those of us who read it. We kinda assumed they’d survive.

But when they did? There was cheering from about….10 people in the theater. It cracked me up because it totally showed who didn’t read the book. It was just a funny moment because in a normal movie, one NOT based from the book, the entire audience would have been cheering. But last night? Most of us were like, “Yeah. We kinda saw that one coming.” Except for those 10 people who realized about 1.2 seconds into their cheering that they had just outed themselves as MOVIE fans but not BOOK fans. Heh.

We’re taking Nikki today, so I’ll hold off my final “review” until after I see it the second time. I like to see these things twice because I tend to spend the first viewing thinking about the difference from the book. The second showing? I simply enjoy it. But rest assured…I adored it. Just not sure where it ranks amongst the previous 7 yet.

Did you see it last night? Did you love it?

Now. Since you’re doing something for ME, I thought I’d do something for YOU. This is – by far – my favorite idea I’ve had as a Mother. EVER. SO GLAD I THOUGHT OF IT.

For my birthday, my E humored me and let me follow-thru on this crazy idea I had to re-create the photo we had done before the FIRST Harry Potter movie. I came up with the idea this weekend so we didn’t have time to try to actually re-create the outfits, but we had plenty of Harry Potter shirts to choose from an a portrait studio in town with a cloud background. WIN.

Kudos to E for being the most TOLERANT teenager EVER. There is no way in one-million YEARS that I would have done something like this with my Dad at 16. Well, by 16 I think I had grown out of my embarrassment of my Dad, but STILL. I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t have allowed this. So, thank you E for humoring me. You rock. Thank you, Harry. For helping make all of this happen.

Thank you, Harry. For being a comfort back in the Spring of 2000 when I needed it most. I came home from a trip to the bookstore having splurged on the first three books in the series because I needed a distraction in my life. I was struggling as a single working mother finishing her college degree and those three books – which I finished in one weekend – brought me the joy I needed most during those anxiety-filled days.

Thank you, Harry. For introducing me to the world of Midnight Events as a fan. My first midnight book release was on July 8, 2000 and I was immediately sucked into a kingdom of fans I’d be part of forever. I’ve been to every midnight book and movie release since. Several times in costume. And always – since that first one – with E in tow.

Thank you, Harry. For giving E and I something to share. When the Order of the Phoenix was released, he was finally old enough to have read several of the books and to be part of the enthusiasm surrounding the fifth. He has been anxiously waiting for each book and movie by my side ever since.

Thank you, Harry. For teaching me about bravery and loyalty. About mistakes and forgiveness. About love and the power of good. And about how heroism can come in the strangest of packages. Sometimes in a small (but free) elf, other times in an awkward teenager.

Thank you, Harry. For giving me the gift of anticipation again. As an adult, I do not find myself excited with anticipation like I did in my youth looking forward to things like prom, or graduation, or first dates and first kisses. You have given me something to dream about, which I might have forgotten how to do otherwise. Even now, before the final film, I find myself looking to the future with Pottermore, and to enjoying you with my younger children who have already learned to love you as E and I do.

Thank you, Harry. For helping me make friends in other adults as swept away by your world as I am. I have found kindred spirits who are willing to attend midnight premieres, even though it’s way past our bedtime. Friends who brings me edible treats from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, knowing I’ll never eat them and simply display them on a shelf for years to come. Friends who get Harry Potter tattoos and can’t wait for me to finally decide on my own. Friends who have cried when I have cried. Laughed when I have laughed. And held your stories close to their hearts as I have.

Thank you, Harry. For being such a big part of the life of my oldest child. He has grown up with you and I have been able to be there to enjoy it every step of the way. He has helped me bring his younger brother and sister into your world so that we can watch them grow up with you as well.

Thank you, Harry.

Surely you’ve heard about Pottermore, right? Well, I’ve seen enthusiasts excited for the new information Rowling’s going to share, I’ve seen E-Book lovers excited over the possibilities this lends to the future of reading digitally, and I’ve seen complaints from people on every side because it’s not what they wanted. But you know what I haven’t heard? Anyone talk about how awesome it’s going to be for those of us Potterphiles with small kids.

What? That didn’t seem obvious?

Here’s the thing. Harry Potter is a huge part of our life in this house. We have parties, do midnight movies, own all the DVDs and have built in the lexicon into our daily conversations. Early on I had to decide if I was going to let Nikki in on the world before reading the books, or try to shield her from it until she read the books. I decided shielding her would be impossible, so she has seen all the movies and we talk the world of Potter all the time. Now, I’m constantly reminding her that the books are better and that she’ll get to learn new stuff when she reads them, but I was always worried she wouldn’t be motivated.

UNTIL NOW.

This is how SHE is going to read the books. Via Pottermore. And it will be interactive. How awesome is that? When she reads about Harry being sorted? She’ll get to be sorted too. And when Harry goes to Diagon Alley to buy school supplies? She’ll get money from Gringotts too and will get to spend it. She now has all the motivation in the world to read the books, because she gets to PARTICIPATE.

Oh, and of course I’ll be re-reading that way them too. Duh.

It’s going to be a slow reveal, with the first book coming out in 2011 and Chamber of Secrets in 2012. In theory, she could be reading them as they come out. Just like E and I did. And she and I will be experiencing it together. JUST LIKE E AND I DID. This is a dream come true for me, as a Mom who desperately wants her daughter to love Potter as much as she does. Does any of this mean she WILL love it? Eh. Who knows. She’s often stubborn and just wants to do opposite of what I want JUST BECAUSE. But she already loves the world of Harry Potter, she randomly shouts spells and often says, “BLOODY HELL!” I’m hoping she won’t fight the pull and hopefully Pottermore will be something we can enjoy together.

I can’t wait.

I was looking forward the release of this trailer last Wednesday. And then the power went out. AND THEN EVERYONE KEPT TALKING ABOUT IT. As soon as life settled down with power, internet and food…I watched this trailer OVER and OVER again. And I cried like a little baby.

Yes…there are obvious changes. But you know what? There have been in every movie. I’ve learned to trust the producers, directors and most of all: Steve Kloves over the years. He has written the adaptations for 5 of the other books and I’ve been satisfied with all of them. Some of the changes he made I had to learn to appreciate. But I always do. I have learned to be a fan of the movies separate from the books. I actually usually look forward to the changes, to be honest with you. JK Rowling and Kloves are actual friends…and I use that friendship as my crutch to trust Kloves and the rest of the production team.

THAT SAID…OH MY GOD. I cried. Fred. Molly. Ginny. TONKS AND LUPIN. All of those glimpses from all of those scenes…melted my heart. And then the voiceover from Harry? How he didn’t want anyone to die for him? ::SOB::

Your thoughts?

Also…this is an entry I wrote awhile back but felt it was a little short for my normal blog entries and figured I’d save it for a day when my brain was not functioning at proper blogging level. TODAY IS THAT DAY.

At the Harry Potter Premiere party we had, my friend Beth’s family brought me goodies from one of their trips to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I was so excited by these edible treats that I immediately put them on display on my Harry Potter shelf, vowing to never open them. THEY ARE TOO AWESOME TO OPEN. I keep seeing Dumbledore eating out of that box of Bertie Botts in the first movie while he’s visiting Harry in the hospital wing. I walk by this shelf several times a day and just smile. If my house were burning down and my family was safe? This would probably be my first stop out the door. This shelf.

Now…let’s fast-forward to last night. When people finally started arriving everything was perfect. I got it all done in time, I was in costume and ready to go. The kids loved the games and the adults seemed to enjoy the conversation. We had loads of fun. Then it came time for the movie. Everyone headed their own ways and suddenly I felt ill. Like I was hungover. I was dizzy and queasy. We got to the movie and it just got worse. 5 minutes before the movie, the exhaustion took over and I could barely funtion. I puked in the bathroom at the theater and then stumbled to the van where I slept for the entire movie. Trying to get my body to quit revolting over my lack of sleep.

So…Party? GREAT. BRILLIANT. FANTASTIC. Movie? I’m still crying because I missed it.

We’re going tomorrow, and I’m going to try my best to get a good night’s sleep to prepare. I’m still a bit groggy but I don’t feel drunk or hungover anymore. I guess I’m too old for two late nights in a row?

Anyway – I didn’t take any pictures during the party itself because I just got so into it all. But here are some more of the prep and games and ONE picture I had someone take of me and E before the party. It’s the only proof I have that people were actually there that night. Glad other people took pictures or else it would look like I did all that work for myself!

Made by E, it hung below the attic door.

On the bathroom door

More spell banners for the Spell Hunt game

My movie memorabilia on the fridge

One of the horcruxes. They were each hidden with a trivia question for the Advanced Fans, and a letter for the younger fans who just had to figure out the word jumble after finding all six horcruxes

More horcruxes and trivia

Certificate given after the Spell Hunt, OotP Membership card given after the Horcrux hunt. When you got both? You could pick something off the prize table!

Some spell hunt pages

All in all, if I had to be sick for one part of the evening I would have rather missed the movie than the party. It was tons of fun. I just need to remember I’m not in my 20s anymore and I can’t do more than one sleepless night in a row without paying terribly for it. I’m still not 100% today, hesitant to eat anything too rich. This is a very good thing considering how many pumpkin brownies and muffins I have in my house right now.

Tonight? It’s PARTY TIME. E and I finally put together a Harry Potter Party which we’ve been talking about doing for every book and movie release since we got into them a decade ago. And tonight? It’s finally happening. I’ve put a lot of thought and effort into the details and I thought I’d share a few with you since I got only three hours sleep last night working on some of it. I’ve had SO much fun it’s not even funny. Wait. Did that make sense? Anyway…Harry Potter Party Prep? FUN.

I made 10 of these spell banners around the house. It’s part of a Spell Hunt Game I made. It has a beginner version where you get a handout with the EFFECTS of the spells on them and you just find the spell around the house that fits, and the advanced where you just tell me yourself what they do. I did it this way for the younger fans and the “I Haven’t Read The Books In Five Years” fans like my husband. If you complete it successfully? You get this:

OOPS. I spelled “Conjunction” wrong. Didn’t I? Crap. Well, you get the point. I’ll print more of those up later. DAMMIT. This is what happens when you type at 2am.

ANYWAY…I printed THAT on this great scroll paper so it looks all magical and such. (Good thing I have extra for the reprint.) Here are some other teaser photos of snacks and favors and decorations.

Magic Wands!

Buttons from Evie Tees Stickers from Electrik Pink Pirate

Oh…and one more thing: I DYED MY HAIR BLACK. It’s just temporary but it’s for my Bellatrix Lestrange costume. I can’t wait to show you all of the pictures after it all comes together. If all goes well tonight? We may have another party around Christmas because I’ve had so much fun putting all of this together I’m already wondering what excuse I can come up with for another gathering. I’m thinking Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!

I’ve read each of the Harry Potter books no less than 5 times. Some, like Goblet of Fire, I’ve read at least 10 times. And when I say “read” – I mean physically held the book in my hands and turned the pages. I’ve done Midnight release events for all since Goblet of Fire, although I didn’t actually leave with one in my hands that first night because I didn’t know I had to pre-order. I just showed up at midnight by myself to get the book. Once I realized I wouldn’t get one, I left and returned when the store opened the next morning. The last three – however – I pre-ordered and drug LilZ along with me. I think the most hysterical picture I have on flickr tagged with Harry Potter is this one. I remember ORDERING LilZ to take the picture as the transaction occurred for the last book. You know, because I wanted to capture that moment for posterity.

For the record? I only have like 2 photos of MrZ and I together at our Wedding Reception. Those moments were evidently not as important.

I have all of the books on CD. I can’t tell you how often I’ve listened to each of them because it’s too often to recall. I also would sometimes skip parts I didn’t like (Not because they were bad, but because they upset me in some way. Like when Harry searches out Nearly Headless Nick in Book 5 desperate to find Sirius as a ghost.) so I didn’t always listen to the stories all the way through. Some time last year I finally imported all of the CDs into iTunes and now can listen to the books on my iPhone. Here’s the kicker: I actually made a running playlist out of my favorite parts of Book 7 to get me through my last half-marathon. YES…you heard me correctly. I listened to random and disconnected tracks of Jim Dale reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when I ran a 13.1 mile event – and I liked it.

I really enjoy listening to the books on walks and such with the dogs so I started from book 1 when we bought the house and decided to not skip too many parts and try to really listen all the way through. I do this about once a year (that’s how often I listen to these books) – I try to “read” them cover to cover. And it’s funny – after reading and hearing these books SO MANY TIMES, I still discover things I didn’t catch before. Sometimes I’m guilty of skimming scenes I don’t feel are “important” or tuning out if I think I know them well enough. This time around? Two things new I have caught so far:

• In one of the early books a suit of armor laughs at Neville when he falls. I don’t think I realized they had personalities, I just know they were ordered to fight to defend Hogwarts in book 7. But the fact that they could react on their own to a situation? I didn’t realize.
• In book 6 when Slughorn introduces the love potion, before Harry realizes it’s a love potion, he makes note of smelling a flower he thought he had smelt at the Burrow before. And then, after the class is over, he mentions smelling it again in the hall before Ginny walks up. He doesn’t make the connection in the book (he hadn’t quite realized his feelings at that point yet) but knowing what I know it was cute to discover that.

I’ve been thinking about Harry Potter a lot as we gear up for the last movie. It has been such a big part of my life, and I’m sure it always will be. But I wonder, how different will it be for Nikki and Wes? To enjoy it…after the fact. I’m so glad E has been the perfect age throughout all of this to really allow us to enjoy it together. He re-read the books (the old-fashioned way) cover-to-cover recently too, to prep for the final movies. We take this Harry Potter stuff very seriously, you know. And we’re about at the end of the anticipation part of it all. We’ll always enjoy reading the books and watching the movies, and I’m sure I’ll have the books memorized by the time I die. But that anticipation part – the excitement of the upcoming book/movie release? That’s less than a year from being completely over. And that makes me a little sad.

Me (a curly-headed Tonks) and Professor Sprout