Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 will be releasing next week, and it seems like everyone has come down with a bit of Harry Potter madness. And why not? It’s our last chance to really go HP wild. Sure, we have Pottermore the video game or whatever, but Rowling has already said that she’s not going to write any more HP books. It’s bittersweet for sure, but overall I think that’s a good thing—and we can all revisit Harry and company whenever we want (and, if you are like me, you can always just read to book five and pretend that Dumbledore never dies…).

So if you want to really get your Scarhead on this month, here are a few ideas you might want to use. Feel free to add your own!

·         Attend a premiere near you. Many theaters are showing both movies, Part 1 and Part 2, for one price. Others are showing full Harry Potter matinees, with either a full day of showing all of the series’ films—or showing a film a day until the big day arrives.

·         Dress up in costume. I’ve meant to do this every time we see a Harry Potter film and every time it just falls through. I think I’ll just wear my Gryffendor scarf; however, plenty of people will be going all out in full HP garb.

·         Participate in a flash mob type activity. It doesn’t have to be a full dance (though if you organized one, that would be downright amazing); you could just do what this Facebook group of people is doing and pull out a wand and say “Mischief Managed” once the final film is over.

·         Hold a read-a-thon. You still have time to read all of the books again to yourself, if you’re fast; however, if you want to read aloud or with a group, you should probably just try to squeeze one in.

·         Host a Harry Potter week. Whether this is at work or at home, with friends or just within your nuclear family, you can do so many activities! Get yourself a copy of The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook and prepare some recipes. Dress up in character and play quidditch. Have friends over to watch the movies in order at your own place, for a significantly cheaper price (and your own popcorn).

·         Wear a lightning bolt tattoo on your forehead every day until the big movie day (draw it in with eyeliner if you like). If someone is actually clueless enough to wonder what it means, just point your nearest ballpoint pen at them and yell, “Confundo!” At least then his or her blatant obliviousness will have an explanation.

·         Loan a set of HP books to a young family member, or buy him or her a set to keep the love of the series going. Offer to read it out loud together if you like (or read it aloud at a hospital or hospice for kids who could really use a friendly distraction).