at WorldCon

[A.J.]

I had to (or, say, got to) attend a scifi con in Boston to perform 
with my group.  I thought I'd bring along my robes just in case it 
seemed wise to change afterwards.  After our performance and having 
lunch, I felt out of place _not_ in robes, so I went to the ladies 
room and put on full Hufflepuff uniform.  (It went over well-- I even 
found enamel House pins for sale, and everyone thought I was Harry or 
wanted my photo.)

The funny thing was during the costume presentation, which I and 
friends watched (not participating).  One entry for Young Fans, Self 
Made was "Harry Potter and the Dementor."

A young boy came out (in standard-bought Gryff robe, an argyle vest, 
and a magician's wand) and stood midstage saying, "Gee, it's getting 
cold here."  That was cute and funny.  Then a very short Dementor 
entered from stage right, holding its arms out, unnoticed by the 
boy.  "What was that?" said the boy, and the audience laughed.  The 
boy turned, said, "Expecto Patronum," and the Dementor turned around 
and walked back offstage.

The people around me were nudging me and so forth.  It was terribly 
cute.  The kids sat down near us later, and I shook Harry's hand in 
solidarity.

A.J.