What is it about Harry Potter that has everyone feverish with anticipation for the last book? This morning we had a large crowd - both on our plaza for the Big and Rich concert, but also across the street gathered in front of a large, triple-decker, bright purple bus. They were there because they, like millions of others, have caught the Harry Potter bug. The Knight Bus is the newest addition to the countdown to J.K. Rowling's seventh and last installment of Harry Potter and is modeled after the bus first mentioned in book three, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Why have these stories caught the attention not only of children and young adults, but old adults too? Five children were in traditional Harry Potter garb today for the reveal of the bus, and I caught up with them to get their take on the magical world of a marked wizard.
Q: Why do you love Harry Potter?
Karizma: I love Harry Potter because the books just make me feel like I'm sitting right there next to all of the characters.
Lily: I love the Harry Potter books because they take me to a different place.
Danny: I love Harry Potter because it has so much adventure and action.
Q: If you had a choice between getting an amazing present and meeting J.K. Rowling which would you choose?
Karizma: I would choose meeting J.K. Rowling because I think she's a genius.
Samantha: I would choose to meet J.K. Rowling because she has so many great ideas and I would love to know how she comes up with these stories.
Lily: I would definitely meet J.K. Rowling because you can get your favorite present later on.
Q: If you could meet any of the characters, what would you say to them?
Karizma: I want to say to Harry that it's amazing that even though he's lost so much he's gained a lot.
Samantha: I would want to meet Hermione and I would ask her how did she learn to spell so well and I would just like to tell her that she's the greatest witch of her age and I think that she's really spectacular.
Lily: I would probably like to tell Harry that he's just so amazing.
Danny: I'd ask Harry what he thinks is going to happen in the seventh book!
Jake: I would probably ask Ron, because he's a little bit foolish and...ask him, because he's not exactly the best wizard, how has he survived in all these Death Eater attacks?
Remi: I'd ask Ron how does he feel being best friends with Harry and Hermione and how that really affects his life?
Q: Are these your favorite books?
All: Yes!
Do these books get your imagination running too? Why do you think the series has caused such a stir for people of all ages? What's going to happen in the seventh book? We want to hear your thoughts!
Harry Potter fans test out the new wheels on the plaza.
From left: Lily, Jake, Remi, Danny and Samantha on board the Knight Bus.
Jake checks out the countdown - 51 days left!