So long, Harry

Who would want to go see a movie when they already know everything that happens in it?

Millions of people, apparently. And multiple times.

Fans of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" books have flocked to theaters to see the stories play out before them. Those fans and the thousands more the franchise has won over will head back to the cinema July 15 for the last chapter.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" will start showing in theaters at midnight Thursday and represents 10 years of premieres, 10 years of boarding a train for another year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, 10 years of a global phenomenon brought to life by filmmakers.

With each film, the commotion has grown. I admit it: I've been at the midnight showing for more than one of the movies. When "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" came out in 2010, some friends and I had butterbeer to celebrate. While killing time before the release of "Half-Blood Prince" in 2009, our newsroom intern insisted that we draw a lightning bolt above his eyebrow with eyeliner.

This year, you can celebrate a little early. The Discovery Playhouse will throw a Harry Potter pre-party from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday. It's geared toward the wizarding family and will have games, potions and Potter trivia.

For the older witch or wizard, go online to www.semissourian.com/events to find a few butterbeer recipes tried by yours truly.

Some people read the book again before a movie. I have friends who read the entire series before the movie hits -- OK, I only have one friend who actually does that.

If you don't want to spend that much time turning pages, head to Cape West 14 Cine next week for all seven movies leading up to "Deathly Hallows: Part 2."

However you celebrate, I hope you have fun saying goodbye to the Hogwarts crew.