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New York (AFP)
Decked out in pointy Hogwarts hats and wizarding robes, hundreds of fans on Thursday swallowed “Butterbeer” and posed in Hagrid the Giant’s shoes at the opening in New York of the world’s largest dedicated store. to the world of Harry Potter.
Hundreds of fans of the most famous sorcerer’s apprentice lined up for hours in the rain to be the first to discover the three floors entirely dedicated to the world imagined by JK Rowling.
“It’s really magical,” marvels Margaret Suarez, whose boyfriend arrived at 6 am, four hours before the scheduled opening.
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This 30-year-old fan quickly decided on the Witch Bellatrix Lestrange wand and action figures.
“In my heart, I am a witch,” she told AFP. “I really want to have a wand and customize it to experience my favorite fantasy world.”
Ruben Juarez, 27, and his wife, had traveled from distant Texas for the opening of this 2,000 m2 store, near the famous Flatiron Building.
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“We’re delighted to be here. I love everything about Harry Potter,” said the young man, a red and gold striped Gryffindor scarf around his neck.
Police officers had been framing the long line of fans since the day before, who continued to arrive all morning.
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Inside the store, many were taking selfies in front of the red phones supposed to transport wizards and witches to the Ministry of Magic.
Others tried on knitted Quidditch shirts, sipped “Butterbeer” at the bar, or leafed through copies of these novels, which sold half a billion copies worldwide.
“Butterbeer is like foam soda, more spicy. There is no equivalent, frankly,” said Emilee Rodriguez, 21.
The store had planned to open in 2020 but the pandemic had delayed the deadline.
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But the wait was worth it, said Alexandra Ewing, 19.
“It’s the best time of my life, I’m constantly trying to hold back my tears, I love it,” she said.
© 2021 AFP
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