Magic Number Seven

The magical hour is almost here, and everyone is itching to know what happens. Is Severus Snape an evil double agent who murdered Albus Dumbledore in cold blood, or is there some greater reason for his betrayal? What will happen to Hogwarts? For that matter, what will happen to Harry, Ron and Hermione? Can Harry find the lost Horcruxes in time to make a difference? Will Voldemort finally be defeated for good?

Clearly, excitement for the seventh and last book in J.K. Rowling's masterpiece series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is at a fever pitch. The book goes on sale tomorrow, but if you simply can't wait that long, then make magic at one of the many Harry Potter parties taking place at local bookstores and libraries tonight. As the clock strikes midnight, you can obtain your copy of the tome and get to reading!

Head to the Colfax Avenue (2526 East Colfax Avenue) or Highlands Ranch (9315 Dorchester Street) Tattered Cover locations for face-painting, potion-making, quizzes, raffles and more; visit www.tatteredcover.com for information. The Boulder Book Store (1107 Pearl Street, www.boulderbookstore.com) has transformed each of its rooms into a Hogwarts House — Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor — so fans can complete tasks, such as contributing to a butcher-paper tapestry that will be sent to author Rowling, while the Colorado Raptor Society will present live owl shows. The Bookies (4315 East Mississippi Avenue, www.thebookies.com) will also feature live owls, plus a costume contest, balloon animals and butterbeer. And three Douglas County libraries are hosting parties; at the Parker Library, 10851 South Crossroads Drive, ten lucky readers will be the very first to check out the book at midnight. Visit www.douglascountylibraries.org for information; full listings for all of the Harry Potter parties are at www.westword.com.
Fri., July 20, 10 p.m.-midnight