Huzzah!

The Keeper survived Harry Potter weekend!!

For those Fortress Fans outside the loop, your friendly neighborhood Keeper recently took a part-time job at a gigantic, soulless bookstore conglomerate.

(Yeah, it’s Borders. So sue us. At least the employee discounts are good … )

At any rate, your humble host was scheduled to participate in the madness of Deathly Hallows’ midnight release, an event that nearly matched the insanity of a Beatles concert circa 1964.

Hundreds and hundreds of people lined up throughout the day for the privilege of receiving a colored wristband that guaranteed access to the seventh, and final, chapter of the Harry Potter saga.

Others milled about, hoping there would be enough copies left over after the pre-reserved customers grabbed their booty.

The tension grew as the night progressed. Such activities as costume contests, storytelling, wand-making and great Snape debates barely distracted the growing crowd from their overwhelming desire to possess Deathly Hallows.

Happily, there were more than enough books to avert any possible violence. (Yes, it was that nuts …)

From midnight to 2:30 a.m., the store shoveled out books to fans who literally shrieked with joy and excitement once they received the coveted item.

Others shouted out “Harry! Harry” and waved their free, promotional posters about triumphantly. Some even asked if they could take the empty shipping boxes home.

After the last customer was served, your worn-out friend in the Fortress dragged himself home. Surely the worst was over, right?

Wrong. There were just as many fanatical fans throughout the weekend grabbing copies, discussing whether Harry would survive his final duel with Lord Voldemort and arguing over the perceived betrayal of Severus Snape.

Still, we must admit the excitement was contagious. As a reward for surviving the onslaught, the Keeper even picked up a copy of Deathly Hallows for himself.

Why should fanatics have all the fun?