Photos, Video: Final Potter Film Draws Midnight Crowd

Wizards, Goblins, Death Eaters. They were all present and accounted for in Deer Park on Thursday night.

No, they weren't seeking deals at the Tanger Outlets. They were eagerly awaiting the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 at Regal Cinemas. It's the final film in the Harry Potter series, a landmark movie collection that’s grossed more than $6 billion worldwide. This film alone had $25 million in advance sales.

It drew hundreds to the theater, as fans lined up hours in advance, looking to score just the right seat. They came from all over, many dressing as their favorite Harry Potter characters and noting the film marked the end of an era.

"I've been growing up with Harry Potter my whole life, and I feel I'm graduating along with him in a way," said Nicolle from Massapequa, dressed as Bellatrix Lestrange.

"It's the last one, probably the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me," said Lauren Asfour of Dix Hills, aka Luna Lovegood. "It's pretty much the end of my childhood, I've been with the whole series since I was a kid and I just love it."

An entire generation of fans devoured the J.K. Rowling series. For many it’s been a family experience, with parents reading the books to and with their children, and watching the movies together.

"I am not as big a fan as my daughter; she’s obsessed, but I’ve become a fan because she makes me watch them," said Lauren's mother, Joanne.

That fan base was out in full force at the midnight showing, some taking escapism to a whole new level.

"I have to ask the Dark Lord," said one young female fan about an interview request. "I’d have to call him here, and there might be a massacre of Muggles."

Well, that’s unnecessary, especially with kids around, so moving on to Amanda Dolan of Commack who said: "Everybody wishes they were a wizard. Everybody wants to be a Harry Potter character."

As midnight approached fans from near and far kept filing into the theater, including 11-year-old Julianna Zaccagnini, all the way from Florida to visit family. She dressed as Harry.

"At first my family made me [watch them], then I started liking them," she said.

Julianna's not alone. Books, films, merchandise and perhaps a game of Quidditch thrown in for good measure. All of it was part of the Harry Potter experience, all on display in Deer Park, all at midnight. One last ride for the wizard and his fans.

Take a peek through the for highlights of opening night.

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