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20 Things to Do Before the Final 'Harry Potter'

20 Things to Do Before the Final 'Harry Potter'

After a decade, the very last Harry Potter film is almost upon us. We know the Potterphiles are alternating between giddy excitement and abject sorrow that this will indeed be the very last one, and so in preparation for our final go-round with the boy wizard, here are 20 fun things you can do to see the series out in style.

By Tara Bennett
1. Read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Since the last book was split into two movies, it's a good time to go back and read or revisit the entire Potter finale again to get immersed in the epic emotion of the series conclusion and get reacquainted with what didn't make it into the movies.
2. Get Sorted and Learn Spells

With the official Harry Potter Spells App (in iTunes for iPad and iPhone), you can get sorted into your official house and then start learning spells like Expelliarmus and Petrificus Totalus to use against other wizards in a dueling game.
3. Play Harry Potter Scene It

The second edition of the DVD trivia game covers questions from the films up through Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. See who earns the bragging rights of Potter-Know-It-All amongst your friends. (Available on Amazon)
4. Visit Harry Potter: The Exhibition

If you're local to the east coast, New York City's Discovery Times Square is now hosting this traveling show until September 5, 2011, when it will leave North America for an international tour. It features tons of props used in the films and fun interactive exhibits.
5. See Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway

Daniel Radcliffe is already moving on to his post-Potter career as the lead in the Tony-winning Broadway revival, How to Succeed in Business without Even Trying. Tickets are on sale or you can just buy the cast soundtrack and listen to Harry sing.
6. Bookmark Pottermore

Out-of-the-blue, J.K. Rowling announced a brand new website called Pottemore, that launches in October. You’ll finally be able to buy Potter e-books and read Rowling’s never-released Potter material. Check back on July 31st to get a chance to enter the site early.
7. Watch all 7 movies on DVD or Blu-ray

You haven't seen all the movies yet? What are you waiting for? All of the Potter movies are available in pan and scan, widescreen and deluxe Blu-ray editions with hours of extra features and material to keep you busy until July. (Available on Amazon)
8. Dissect the Last Trailer

It's the last Harry Potter movie trailer ever and it's legitimately epic. Watch it on a loop to pick out some of the most anticipated scenes including the Battle of Hogwarts and Harry vs. You Know Who.
9. Test Your Potter Knowledge

If your Potter knowledge lies more towards the books, then Rowling's publisher Scholastic has a fun Wizard's Challenge that allows you three strikes until you have to start again.
Photo Scavenger Hunt

You've found a photo that's part of our Photo Scavenger Hunt! Enter for a chance to win a Harry Potter Prize Pack, and check out our 8 Days of Harry Potter giveaways for more cool prizes.
10. Play Harry Potter LEGO

Set to John William's iconic score, the Harry Potter LEGO videogame lets you play the characters from the first four films in block form as you travel around Hogwarts learning magic, battling foes like trolls and collecting bricks. (Available on multi-platforms including Apps)
11. Get Matched to Your Wand at The Wizarding World in Orlando

You've still got some time pre-movie to visit Universal Studios Orlando to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The theme park features Ollivander's Wand Store where the wizard will match you to your own unique wand (for a charge, of course).
12. Collect Points to Gain Potter Swag

The official WB Harry Potter website is hosting a game called The Quest where you collect points to buy Potter swag and other fun stuff.
13. Meet New Muggle Friends

No one understands your Potter pain like your friends, and you can make some new pals at this website meant to connect like-minded Muggles.
14. Load Up on Potter News

The Leaky Cauldron is one of the oldest and most respected fan sites on the web, and it covers everything Potter related (including all the latest news). Head over there and see if you missed anything good.
15. Host a Potter Party

Celebrate the opening of the last movie in style by inviting your friends and family to a party feast featuring chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Cauldron Cakes and homemade Butterbeer.
16. Read "The Tales of Beedle the Bard"

Dumbledore bequeathed a copy of this fairy tale book to Hermione after his death. In 2007, Rowling released it to readers and it features five stories with original illustrations by the author. (Available at Amazon)
17. Learn More about Harry's Creator

The author's story is just as fascinating as her boy wizard so explore J.K. Rowling's personal website to discover her story; get new project news, and the real story on any rumors swirling.
18. Follow the cast on Twitter

@pindippycave (Plays Lavender Brown)
@EmWatson (Plays Hermione Granger)
@WarwickADavis (Plays Professor Filius Flitwick)
@chrisrankin (Plays Percy Weasely)
@James_Phelps (Plays Fred Weasley)
@OliverPhelps (Plays George Weasley)
@Mattdavelewis (Plays Nevlille Longbottom)
@TomFelton (Plays Draco Malfoy)
@WillDunn_ (Plays James Sirius Potter)
19. Read our exclusive set visit reports and interviews

We've been to Hogwarts and returned to tell the tale. Check out our Deathly Hallows: Part 2 coverage: Set Report: Ready for the End? and the final set visit interviews with Daniel Radcliffe.

Deathly Hallows: Part 1 coverage: Set Visit, Daniel Radcliffe interview, and Matthew Lewis interview.
20. Turn Back Time

When all else fails, buy yourself a Time Turner. In the best case scenario, it may enable your denial as you try to turn the clock back from July. Worst case, you'll have an excellent memento for your room or office.
Photo Scavenger Hunt

You've found a photo that's part of our Photo Scavenger Hunt! Enter for a chance to win a Harry Potter Prize Pack, and check out our 8 Days of Harry Potter giveaways for more cool prizes.
Check out these popular galleries:
- Harry Potter Character Guide

Harry Potter Character Guide