July 24, 2007

HARRY Potter left Muggles feeling magical on Friday night.

As the witching hour drew nigh, thousands of Muggles - that’s non-magical folk - flocked to the launch of the seventh, and final, instalment of the boy wizard saga.

Titled Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the book went on sale at one minute past midnight, and entranced fans staked their place in the queue at Asda Dumbarton from 9.30pm.

While at Loch Lomond Shores, Potterites got into the mood by watching a movie version of an earlier book with Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore and half-giant Hagrid.

Readers brought the wizarding world to life by dressing as their favourite characters, and there were more than a few Harry lookalikes among the crowds, while owls like Harry’s companion Hedwig stood by at both sites.

And many of those present had their own theories on how the drama would unfold.

Burgh sisters Abby, Hannah and Katy Bowles donned suitably witchy outfits for the big night. Abby, nine, thought Harry “might get killed”, while Hannah, six, hoped her favourite Ron would survive.

At Asda, six-year-old Ryan Clifford was head of the queue after winning the Reporter’s book contest.