'Harry Potter' Fever Hits Britain

LONDON, July 19, 2007 — -- "Harry Potter" mania has descended on Britain as crowds of costumed fans lined up outside London's biggest bookstore more than two days before the latest installment of the phenomenally popular book series goes on sale at midnight Friday.

"It's so much more fun than just getting the book," said Carina Lewis, a 16-year-old British high school student, of her plan to wait outside Waterstone's bookstore in London's Piccadilly Circus for two days and two nights until "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" comes out. "We're celebrating."

Yoni Hannis, 16, a student from Belgium, agreed.

"It's London and this is where Harry Potter was born," she told ABC News of her decision to await the book's release in the British capital. "It's the biggest party in Europe."

Hannis and two friends each paid more than $200 to travel by train to London from their homes in Belgium and the Netherlands.

They arrived at Waterstone's Thursday afternoon, joining about 40 other fans sprawled out on the sidewalk with their travel bags, blankets, umbrellas and "Potter" gear.

Wearing a simple maroon-and-gold scarf, the signature colors of Gryffindor, Harry's house at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Hannis seemed underdressed for the occasion, compared with her cohorts.

Carina Lewis, by contrast, sat on the sidewalk donning thick black lipstick, white makeup and a black lace top. A bird's nest of black hair rested on top of her head.

"I'm Bellatrix Lestrange," Lewis said, referring to a character in the "Potter" series known as a death-eater, a supporter of the evil Lord Voldemort. The character is played by actress Helena Bonham Carter in the latest "Harry Potter" film.

"She's the only female character I can pull off," said Lewis, whose six girlfriends were dressed as a range of other "Potter" familiars, including one of the Malfoys, the rich death-eater family, and Crookshanks, Hermione's pet cat.

"I back-combed my hair into oblivion," Lewis told ABC News of her hairdo. "It'll take me a week to get rid of it. I might just keep it."