Living Dangerously

I think I'm the only person in the whole country who has NOT pre-ordered a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Don't get me wrong--I'm buying a copy...somewhere. Wherever I can find one, if I can find one, on Saturday. But I held off on ordering one, even when BN.com sent me a warning on my last day to pre-buy, because I just feel like I'm rushing for it to be over with. And it's the last book. I've enjoyed this series since my little sister, who is not so little anymore, introduced me to it. I think she was ten, possibly younger. (Sus, do you remember?) It may have been the first time she made a book recommendation to me instead of the other way around, given the difference in our ages.

By the time I caught on to the magic that is Harry Potter, books 1-3 were already out. I promptly bought 2 and 3. And when Goblet of Fire came out, I pre-ordered two copies and took Susan to the midnight bookstore opening--the first time they ever did that--as she happened to be visiting us at the time. The guy at the store gave Susan free Hogwarts stickers with the house banners on them and included a set for "Mom and Dad," meaning Greg and me as we were the adults present at the time. I don't think we corrected him, but we laughed later. It's not the first time that has happened to me and Susan, being mistaken as mother and daughter, but it was the first time Greg got dragged into the mix. For the record, at the time, I was twenty three, maybe twenty four, and she was ten or eleven. But then again we both look young for our age and Greg looks older, so hey, it wasn't that far off base for the guy to assume what he did. I mean, who else would have a kid out at midnight?

It's a fun memory.

For book five, my brother and I stayed up until 2:00 am to get our pre-ordered copies at the bookstore because of rumors of a shortage. Greg goodnaturedly teased us the next day when we saw piles of the book everywhere. Oh, well. It was an event, and Michael and I had fun hanging out, waiting. But because of that, I didn't pre-order book 6 and still managed to get it the next day.

For this, the last Harry Potter book, I hope I get it on Saturday, somewhere, but I know if I do, I'll be done with the book and the series by Sunday afternoon...at the latest. And that's just sad. No more anticipation, no more wondering what happens. So, maybe it's okay not to get caught up in the rush, to have those couple extra days of anticipation and eagerness to find out, to contemplate all the possibilities and things that I want to have happen. (Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, the twins, and their parents must survive or I'm not a happy camper. Also, Ginny and Harry must end up together. If you know anything on either of these fronts--DON'T TELL ME). The end is there waiting, but I want to make sure I enjoy the last leg of the journey too, you know?

P.S. I say all of this now, but watch for the crazied entry on Saturday when I can't find a copy anywhere and every television station and internet site is blasting spoilers...then we'll see how philosophical I am! "Who cares about the stupid journey, just get me a copy of that book!" : )