Muggles of all ages said goodbye early Friday morning to a cast of characters that have been part of their lives for more than a decade.

Dozens of people gathered at Oak Harbor Cinemas hours before “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” made its debut to ensure they had a good seat for the midnight showing Friday.

“I’ve been at every midnight premier and book release,” said Brittany Johnston, 18, who will attend the University of Washington in the fall.

She, along with her friends McKenzie McCormick and Dacotah Cook, arrived at the theater at 6 p.m., early enough to be first in line to watch the final installment of the beloved movie franchise.

Johnston said Harry Potter had been part of her childhood. In addition to the books, she has a Harry Potter blanket, socks and a bedspread. She brought with her to the movie a wand that doubles as a pen.

Malory Hunt was wearing a Harry Potter cloak that she made by hand a year ago. Of course she and her friend, Sarah Richards, carried wands.

“Harry Potter has been a part of my life for the past nine years,” 14-year-old Hunt said.

“Harry Potter is a place I can escape to,” Richards, also 14, added.

Interestingly, the midnight viewing wasn’t the first time they saw the second part of the Deathly Hallows. They attended a free sneak preview last weekend at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. This time, however, they were more prepared.

“This time we arrived with tissues instead of napkins,” Hunt said.

By 9:30 p.m., the line of Harry Potter fans extended to the side of the building. Many people waiting brought chairs, sleeping bags and blankets to make themselves comfortable during the unseasonably cool July night.

One group of fans — Terri Dilley, Mike Dilley, Marti Deans, Carina Lundbad and Tessa Deans — brought a portable DVD player to watch “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” before going in to the movie.

“It’s kind of cool we’re seeing the last one together,” Terri Dilley said.

Tickets for the final Harry Potter movie went on sale about two weeks ago and the midnight showing sold out Sunday evening, said James Wiley, general manager of Oak Harbor Cinemas.

The staff decorated the cinema interior as well. The walls in the lobby were covered with a brick motif and Wiley said several employees planned to dress up in Harry Potter costumes.

“We do incredibly well with Harry Potter,” Wiley said, noting all eight of the movies have attracted large crowds to the theaters. He also added teachers have stopped by asking for memorabilia they can use in their classroom lessons.

He wouldn’t speculate on what would become the next signature franchise.

“Hopefully again it will be based on some incredible books,” Wiley said.