At midnight Friday, some fans will finally have their hands on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the last book of the seven-part Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Security measures are in place at bookstores and libraries worldwide to ensure the fate of Harry and his friends is kept secret until that moment.
For some, the wait for answers that will be revealed in the last installment of the much-hyped series has been unbearable: Will Harry live or die? Is Snape good or evil? Will Ron and Hermione ever get together?
Across Boston, free events have been planned to help fans celebrate the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”
Hogwarts Square
Harvard Square in Cambridge will be transformed into “Hogwarts Square” for what organizers call “the Best Harry Potter Party ever.” Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, shops and restaurants around the square will feature special Harry Potter-themed menus, windows and events. The festivities end at midnight when “the need to read sends everyone on their merry way,” according to the Harvard Square website. The wizard rock bands Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys and the Hungarian Horntails will perform starting at 7 p.m. Fans will be able to pick up “Deathly Hallows” at one of several local book stores, including The Harvard Coop, The Harvard Bookstore, Curious George Books and Toys and Newbury Comics.
Book store parties
Large crowds will fill the Prudential Center Barnes ‘ Noble Booksellers and the Borders at 511 Boylston St. as both stores host events for the big night. Other area stores will also feature similar events to commemorate the release of the last novel in the series. The seventh book will be available at midnight at all locations to those who pre-ordered. Pre-orders are still being taken online and in stores.
Borders’ Grand Hallows Ball begins at 9:30 p.m. While the night’s “wizardly activities” and “fantastical games” are geared more toward the younger Harry Potter fanbase, college-age fans can participate in a costume contest as well as pick up free glow-in-the-dark wands and posters.
Barnes ‘ Noble’s Midnight Magic Party begins at 7 p.m. and features different events like a bean counting contest.
– Jessica Torrez-Riley, News Staff
