We got to B&N around four and hung out in the cafe and watched while they put up all kinds of signs. The cafe became the Leaky Cauldron, the info desk was Flourish & Blott’s, and the media section was Platform 9 3/4. It was quite amusing. There were some folks there since 10am, but they were the kind of fan that buys all the crappy merchandise. There was a Moaning Myrtle who was (for a brief time) in the bathroom in addition to all the Harrys wandering around. And the employees were dressed up. Identifiable characters were Dumbledore’s brother and McGonagall. And there was some lady who claimed to be the leader of the Order. She had read feathers.
We left Sevvie and went out to eat and when we came back, the line was across the whole front of the building. We were tired and the store was sold out of everything except pre-orders anyway, so we stopped by Walmart. I had overheard earlier that they had HP books the last time around, and sure enough, there was a sign saying “first come, first serve.” Needless to say, we were some of the first people there. I think that was around 10.
I had spent most of my money, thinking that I wouldn’t be able to get a copy, so I was quite disappointed. Around 11:30 I went back to the car and felt sorry for myself. Then a cry went up from the crowd, and next thing I know Padfoot runs up and yells, “It’s only $16.17! Come on!” I stared blankly at her, having thoroughly resigned myself to death via seppuku with a plastic straw, then went with her to the line. More waiting. Then, they opened the doors. Then they took a picture. Then they opened the second set of doors and nearly got trampled. *feels bad for the poor employee who had a distinctly panicked look about her* Padfoot technically bought her book a moment before the rest of us, but I was a close second. ^.^ I had the book open and was scanning through it before I even left the store.
Then in the car I discovered who died. And I screamed and Neechan nearly drove off the road and everyone told me to close the book before they accidentally saw who it was. ^^;; I stared blankly into space for a bit. When we got home, I read. When I was done reading, I slept for two hours. Oddly enough, it was the most restful sleep I’ve had in months. I felt positively refreshed.
My opinion of the book itself is mixed. A lot of the things that happened I’ve read in fanfiction. The feel of the book was entirely different from the others, as though she’s no longer writing for the joy of writing. I was also a little upset at how the focus shifted off of school. Did you notice how little there was about their classes? On the other hand, we know so much more about Snape, a little more about the Potters, a little more about Wormtail, and I can solidify my thoughts on the Malfoys. You were right, Steph-san. But I cannot abandon my love of Draco! Even though he’s nothing more than a slimy git who’s being ignored by the author. *sigh*
Harry needs therapy. The boy has major emotional issues. Not that I can blame him, mind you. But still. At least Cho can grieve properly.
Paddy went to her mother’s for two weeks. *sniffle* And I didn’t get to see my Weasley. Dearie, you can borrow my HP5 anytime you want, if you haven’t gotten your own.
I was disappointed enough in the fifth volume that I’m already going back to fanfiction. I should re-read the Draco trilogy. I think I missed a lot of Veritas. What else to read… Perhaps re-read Irresistable Poison. Ah, the great classics.
