After a decade, “the end” debuted Friday just after midnight as millions of Harry Potter fans poured into theaters across the nation.  Taking in $43.5 million from its midnight shows alone in North America, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” is on track to rack up the biggest opening box office weekend in movie history.
And fans of the boy wizard in Statesboro were no exception. Whether it was through reading the books as a child, a teen or an adult or seeing the films on the big screen, fans of all ages began lining up five hours before midnight Thursday at the Carmike Cinema to make the Deathly Hallows a smash success locally. In all, 1,345 people filled the 12 theaters to watch the midnight showings.
“I’ve been a Harry Potter fan since I read the book in fifth grade, so we grew up with Harry,” said Christine Hansen, 21. “I’m looking forward to the whole experience and the fact that it’s going to wrap up everything. It’s like you can’t go through all of them [the movies] and see the first part of the last half without seeing the end of it all. So coming to the midnight premiere seemed like an opportune time.”
Fans of the series came from all over to see the final installment of the series, creating lines that stretched around both sides of the Carmike Cinema as well as back into the parking lot. Some went dressed casually, while others opted for a more dramatic approach and showed up in full Hogwarts attire. 
“I’m super excited about seeing the movie,” said Rabon Calhoun, who was dressed in a Hogwarts gown trimmed with the signature burgundy and gold colors of the Gryffindor house.  “I’ve been Harry Potter fan all my life ever since I read the books.  I love the books more than the movies, so we came out dressed up tonight because we felt that with the last movie we should go out with a bang.
“It’s a bitter sweet movie because I’m ready for it but I’m sad to see it end. I’m going to cry the whole time,” said Calhoun.
Arriving as early as 7 p.m. to be the first in line, fans made their presence known at Carmike by showing up carrying wands, popcorn buckets, and Harry Potter shaped 3D glasses. A combination of excitement and sadness filled the theater as some movie goers expressed intense anticipation for the final moments of part two while others were saddened to see their favorite characters leaving the screen.
“It’s a good night, with a good movie, and good friends. I have been a fan from the beginning. I have followed the books from the start,” said Maggie Dunstan, who also arrived in Hogwarts attire along with the signature lightning scar made famous by “the boy who lived.”
“They’re exciting, they’re sarcastic and witty, both the books and the movies. I was not expecting this many people to be here, but it’s exciting. It’s the last one, so it gives me a good excuse to dress up during the summer,” Dunstan said.
Most fans were not surprised by the massive turnout, calling the film the “end of an era” and the “end of a generation.”
“It shows you how much of an impact this movie has had on people’s lives as well as the power reading still has with people,” said Romona Evans a recent college graduate. “I grew up with these books and these characters. It doesn’t surprise me at all to see this many people.”