Pre order Party

[H.M.S]

Hi
Here in Durban, South Africa, I went to the closed party organised by
Exclusive Books.  I don't think the organisers realised how many adults were
also fans - not just wallets.  We were excluded from the fancy dress and
quizz sessions, even though some adults clearly wanted to participate.
There was also a magic show, "Fire dancing" and celtic dancers.

Once the lines started forming at about 12.45 however - proceedings were
very slick.  The people around me were definately there for themselves - not
for their kids.  We were checking the times in the UK and SA to make sure we
got our books on time (we are 1 hour behind).  So I got my book at 1.04am
and by 1.25 everyone had collected their books.  Apparantly about 800 books
had been pre-ordered and paid for.  Receipts were well organised - so it was
a case of hand over your slip with one hand and collect HBP with the other.

I had a bit of a private giggle - there was a very large chap in the que
behind me - not someone to meet around a dark corner, who kept insisting he
was just there to mark his girlfriend's place.  However, he also knew an
aweful lot about HP!!  Eventually he was so enthusiastic - he decided that
next time he would come as McNair the executioner.  I wanted to tell him he
was a natural for Hagrid!

Sharon - South Africa