Magic at the box office is one thing, but Harry Potter the franchise, consisting of seven books and films, continues to cast a spell on Cochrane residents, young and old. Potter-mania is once again running rampant world-wide as fans excitedly await another mystical trip through the hallowed halls of Hogwart's, the fictional school that exists in the enchanted world of Harry Potter. Part one of the seventh and final installment in the series Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, premieres at a red carpet event at the Cochrane Movie House Nov. 18 and is officially released Nov. 19 in theatres.

Fiona Gilbert, a manager at the Cochrane Movie House, thinks the premiere will be well attended thanks to a dedicated fan base of both the books and film adaptations. J.K. Rowling, the author of the bestselling books, invites children and adults alike to share in the make-believe adventures of a teenage wizard and his wizardly ways. Harry Potter continues to be a pop culture phenomenon across the globe.

"I think that's what makes it a fabulous movie or a franchise set of movies. It does relate to the younger ones but then on a deeper level you've got the adults there too, who want to believe in a magical world and get drawn into a fantasy. I think adults are kids too at heart," said Gilbert.

It has been over 12 years since the first Harry Potter book was released and the books have been translated into 69 languages. Children of all ages and ethnicities have grown up and been bewitched by the bespectacled character and audiences have grown with it. Locally, the movies have been a huge success.

"We were looking back at our sales numbers here and our biggest November of sales at the movie theatre was in 2001 and it was all due to Harry Potter," said Gilbert.

Literally speaking, the books have become an introduction to reading for all ages. David Larsen, head librarian at Cochrane's Nan Boothby Memorial Library, believes that the Harry Potter books and films are a unique series that kids and adults can relate to.

"Harry is a very identifiable character, in that he's kind of the classic underdog. The kid that was picked on finds out that there is something about him that's special and he becomes the hero," said Larsen.

The Harry Potter series books have resurrected reading among children, teenagers, and young adults. Parents and scholars would agree that any reading is a positive.The length of some of the books and yet the young age of the kids that can get through them really speaks to the readability of the stories. It amazes me how young some of these kids are, how easily and quickly they seem to get through even the longer volumes."

"Certainly adults have been just as interested in the books and movies. It speaks to the wide audience that the books attract and maintain. I think the movies are also a great introduction to the stories for people and a lot of people who haven't read the books yet go see the movies and then want to read the books," said Larsen.

Children and teenage series books and their many genres have shared space on bookstore and library shelves throughout history. From The Wizard of Oz to The Chronicles of Narnia to Twilight, series books are here to stay and have always been a part of growing up.

"Series' have been a great way for kids to begin reading and then maintain their interest so they keep reading. I grew up with the Hardy Boys. That got me reading and kept me reading," said Larsen. One interesting thing about series books and film adaptations is that each series seem to have a distinct group of devoted fans, as Gilbert points out.

"The Twilight series is geared more towards teenage girls and women. I think it's more of a female audience, whereas Harry Potter I think is totally inclusive of males, females, younger, and older. Twilight is a romance, a Romeo and Juliet kind of story, whereas Harry Potter has more of the adventure and mystical side of things."

Cochrane Harry Potter fans eagerly anticipate and await the two-part release of the final chapter of an unforgettable franchise. Or is it? Years ago, a movie was produced based on one of the world's most famous and beloved wizards from the literary realm. Along with its release, a hero was born, spreading the magic of reading throughout the land.