Despite the fact that the first Harry Potter [1] book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, was released more than 20 years ago, Pottermania hasn't lost its charm (or stamina) over the years. Magical tattoo ideas [2] and Harry Potter-themed gifts [3] still dominate the internet, the most devoted followers of the series still re-read the books, and millions of fans flock to Universal Studios every year to wander the streets of Hogsmeade and the halls of Hogwarts at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter [4].
Still, it's been a minute since Potterheads last lined up to await midnight releases of the beloved books (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was released in 2016, but we're not counting that). To look back on that simpler (and awesome) time, we've gathered our favorite images of Harry Potter book parties all across the world filled with cosplays [5] and props that'll make the lavish Slug Club gatherings pale in comparison. Prepare to say "nostalgia managed," because these pictures will fill you with so much joy.
When This Potterheaded Absolutely Needed Three Copies of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
When Even New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark Couldn't Help but Read the Book Aloud
When This Gryffindor Student Was So Excited to Buy Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
When These Young Witches Gathered to Celebrate the New Book
When This Young Fan Came Ready With a Wand For a Book Release in Cape Town
When This Fan Wore an Adorable (and Punny) Shirt For a Book Release in London
When J.K. Rowling Held Up Her New Masterpiece at Edinburgh Castle
When These Fans Couldn't Help but Stop and Admire the Books in Pakistan
When New York Fans Gathered Around the Scholastic Headquarters to Await the Latest Book Release
When the Knight Bus Came to New York to Celebrate the Release of the Seventh Book
When These Fans From Berlin Couldn't Wait to Get Their Own Copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
When This Fan Went to Great Lengths to Match the Book Cover
When This Dumbledore Fan Wore His Best Getup to a Book Release
When These Fans in Russia Were Determined to Leave With Every Single Copy
When These Potterheads Snuck in a Quick Read Before Getting Their Books Signed
When Fans Swarmed the Queen Herself
When This Fan Wore Her Heart (Hogwarts) on Her Sleeve
When Lifehouse Performed at Borders For the Release of the Seventh Book
When Lucky Fans in Australia Boarded a Train to a Secret Location For the Unveiling of Book Seven
When These Cosplayers Went All Out
When a 20-foot Whomping Willow Popped Up in New York For the Release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows
When Fans Listened to Jim Dale, the Harry Potter Audiobook Narrator, Count Down to the Book's Release at Midnight
When Fans Packed This Barnes & Noble in New York to Grab Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
When These Fans in London Lined Up For Hours Aheads of the Book's Release
