We'd never bought a Harry Potter book on release date from a brick-and-mortar store (we didn't start reading until the fourth or fifth book was out, and Amazon covered book six). I figured it'd be a good time to do it since, well, there are no more. Unfortunately, the Borders HP "party" was, well, boring. At least by the time we got there (maybe 30 minutes before midnight). There were a lot of neat costumes, especially the Myrtle with the toilet seat around her neck. The camera crew, however, seemed focused on the Hagrid I never quite got a peek of. I also enjoyed one girl's "Cosplay Naked" button.

But really, it was just a bunch of standing in line and gawking at costumes. I have to admit I lusted a bit at various people's stuffed Hedwigs and fake time turners, but didn't see anything like them in the store. I thought about buying a chocolate frog, but they were nearly $4 each.

We did sit for a while and I had a yummy strawberry vanilla soda while we waited for our color armbands to be called. We were one of the last to get our book, but I don't think we were in line more than most anyone else because of the way they staggered things. Still, I think I preferred the ordering-from-Amazon way of things.

All in all it mostly reminded me of Christmas shopping, only with people dressing up. (Isn't that a grand idea?!)

Now to get through with rereading books 5 and 6 so I can start on the fun part!