Barnes and Noble Warwick was transformed into a magical alternate universe on Saturday night with nearly 1,000 guests visiting the store for the “Harry Potter Countdown to Midnight” event, which began at 8 p.m. and ended after midnight on Sunday morning. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two, a Special Rehearsal Edition Script Book,” went on sale at exactly 12:01 a.m., and the last book was sold at 12:45 a.m.

Guests arrived in all types costumes taken from the Potter series and were treated to a wide variety of activities throughout the night. Wizards, werewolves, owls, and other unusual characters were seen lined up for refreshments, relaxing in the café, reading in the aisles, and chatting together throughout the night.

Activities included live Quidditch games run by the University of Rhode Island Quidditch Club, special readings of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” by Vladmir Snape and other special character guests, unique photo opportunities, Harry Potter trivia, a Harry Potter character look-alike contest, House activities, a special Muggle Wall which allowed fans to share their favorite memories of Harry Potter, a Harry Potter Story Ball, and Harry Potter Heads Up. The Burrows Harry Potter Alliance, Harry Potter Club of Rhode Island, and RI Comic Con were on hand to assist with the activities.

Katie Rendine, community relations manager for the Warwick store, attributed the night’s success to the hard work put forth by her team in the days and weeks leading up to the big event, from transforming the store and dressing in costume for the event to manning the stations and keeping the lines moving.

“I have a great team,” she said. “It was a lot of people all working very hard that made this so successful.”

Fans were encouraged to return to the store on Sunday, July 31, to discuss the new book and participate in special Harry Potter-themed events and activities.

(Text and photos by Jen Cowart)