Conventions??

[Tonks]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "lilollu" <lilollu at ...> 
wrote:
>
> Hello, I'm new here and actually I've never been to a
> convention of any kind. I really want to go this year
> either to Portus or Terminus 2008. I'm pretty sure I
> wouldn't be able to go to two so can I elicit your
> advice about which I should look into? I don't really
> know what's what when it comes to fan stuff. I'm
> worried about the total cost, but I just want to get
> the most out of my experience. Thanks for any advice
> you guys might offer.

Tonks_op

I have been to 4 conferences. I loved them all. Be sure to make or 
have someone make a Wizard/Witch outfit for you. Some of the college 
age folks dress as Hogwarts students, us older ones as other 
characters, or one of the Professors. The conferences can be rather 
expensive with the transportation, but worth every penny. The 
presentation are great, and there is so much going on, something for 
everyone. 

Some of the things I have enjoyed from the past ones are:
1. a reenactment of the grave yard scene from GOF. I understand the 
the Wizard Rock concert following that was invaded by a band of 
Death Eaters. I can't handle loud music so I missed that.

2. Seeing Mrs. Black in person with her picture frame. She stopped 
every few yards to yell at the people walking by. So funny!

3. Seeing all of the great costumes that people were wearing to the 
Ball. I even meant Rowena Ravenclaw. 

4. Taking over the town of Salem, MA and adding to the charm of the 
city. The regular tourist loved seeing us all there. It just 
seemed 'right' to see all of these witches and wizards taking over 
the town. 

I missed seeing Tom Felton, who had come to Salem to see a 'real' 
Quidditch match. It was raining so hard I didn't go out to see it, 
but they played anyway and he was there. The Quidditch team got 
their pictures taken with him!! (Reminds me of the time that Mother 
Teresa walked right past me early one morning while I was fiddling 
with my camera on a trip to Rome and I missed seeing her. If only I 
had looked up... Story of my life!)

5. The Room of Requirement that was made into a memorial for each of 
those who had died. And I brought a sock to place on Dobby's grave. 
Other had left items too at each of the shrines. Very touching.

6. There are different contest. I enjoyed watching the Wizard Duel. 
And there is always Quidditch, of course. 

7. The presentation are very good and thought provoking. Some of the 
speaker are people like John Granger and Steve VanderArk. 

You will love it. Find a way to go, even if you have to save all 
year to do it. You will never regret it. You will meet many 
wonderful people too who share your passion for Harry Potter. We 
love Professor Snape! I even heard of a young couple who met at a 
convention and later married. At their wedding they gave each guest 
a Harry Potter chocolate frog. ;-)

Tonks_op