This might hurt, just a little!

It was mixed emotions Friday as muggles across the land lined up to buy their tickets. Yes, we got in line. For some reason, reserving my seat via smartphone didn't seem right. I wanted this one for the scrap book.

Yes witches and wizards, the end is near. We've watched the film's stars grow to be mature and attractive (dare I say sexy? Double-dog-dare I say sexual?!) adults, and though we've waited with baited breath over the years for opening day of each film, we seemed to take it a little easier this time.

In the past, it was like the day after Christmas- you've got a pocket full of cash with no end in sight... so what's a new sweater, three cups of coffee at Starbucks, a new pair of jeans, etc. But when you get down to that last $20 or so, we tend to think harder about our purchases- try to savor every last penny.

So is the case with Potter. Before, it seemed like the movies were a kind of Christmas gift that came every year. New and exciting, the films left us exhillerated and counting down the days until the next one was released.

This time, the thought of the next film being released actually releases nothing but a dull sadness. It is like realising that childhood is over...again. For the next film will in fact be the last.

We knew it was coming. Those of us who are a few years above the proper H.P. demographic when the books were first released have sort of a nurturing relationship with Harry and the gang. We love them, we cheer them on, we wish we could be their older brothers and sisters, or maybe their teachers at Hogwarts! Kids (now in college) who grew up with the books, well, I have to say I can't imagine what they are feeling.

They've got it worse. They read about the death of beloved Dumbledore, then had to witness it on screen a few years later. I still haven't read the last book, but saw the tears streaming down my sister's face as she flew through the pages of the seventh book. These kids don't know a world without Harry Potter. (Author's note: my sister has been given fair warning, on several occasions, that if she tells me even one hint of a detail from HP7, she will be flogged.)

As I took my seat and anxiously waited for that awesome, rusty version of "WB" to appear from the blackness, I knew I was in for a treat, but I knew I had to make it last.