For anyone who didn't get to go to the FX Show in Orlando, I would like to tell everyone how truly awesome it was. Plus, I would love to thank the devoted mods and admins on SS for finding out about this spectacular event! I wouldn't have even known about it if it wasn't for you guys! Thanks so much for allowing me to be able to have a chance of going to this! It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I woudn't trade for anything. This is just one of the many reasons I love SS!

I'm sure most fans would jump at the chance to meet their favorite actors, and I'm glad I was one of the fans who did...because Stanislav Ianevski, Devon Murray, and Jamie Yeates were some of the most fun and humble people I'd ever had the pleasure to meet.

At first glance...the convention can be a bit frightening with some crazy people in crazy costumes, or hard core fans that would easily tackle you just to get ahead of you in line. It's a bit scary, but then you notice that everyone is there just to have fun; like you. And it's funny how it doesn't really settle in that you're ACTUALLY going to meet the VERY people you've seen on the movie screen; those who you've earnestly tried to find avatars and requested siggies of but it doesn't settle in until you walk up...and you see their faces...up CLOSE! Not just in a movie, or on a t.v., or computer screen, but IN FRONT OF YOU!

I couldn't even breathe, as soon as I saw Stan's face...I thought I was dreaming. It was INSANE! But, at the same time, wonderful and exciting! Your first thought, as well as mine was, I'm sure I will be something along the lines of: "Oh my gosh! What do I say? I hope I don't look stupid...I don't want to bug them so I'd better not ask too many questions." Then, as you actually come face to face with them, you seem to find the right words.

But, they were there...Stan, Devon, and Jamie (the three of whom I actually got to see and say a word to). Stan was so sweet, bless his heart, he had to stand up like 10,000 times for pictures. With tons of GIRLS of course. And his accent was nothing short of exasperatingly attractive. (hehe you can tell who was my favorite XP)

Then, there was Devon...I could be his best friend in a matter of minutes. He was SO friendly and warm. He acted like you were his friend, he was completely comfortable. He even listened to a Harry Potter ringtone one girl fan had on her cell and laughed. He even talked to me just a bit, even though the line was busy (which is why I didn't get to ask questions). He laughed with me...because I apologized like 5 times for making him get up to take a picture with me and the lady sitting beside him said, "Yeah, you should be! Making Devon get up!" and all three of us laughed. It was like laughing and having a good time with a close friend.

Then, Jamie was a total sweetie! He was so open and friendly. He just walked up to me and instantly put his arm around me for the picture with a big sweet smile. He's really cute, he may have played Marcus Flint, but he's a cutie!

There was also Tolga Safer (Karkaroff's Aide), Peter Mayhew(Chewbacca's voice from Star Wars), and David Carradine (from Kill Bill). But, it was so busy I didn't get time to see them. Even though I didn't get to see the others, I WILL DEFINITELY GO AGAIN. And I recommend this convention to any Harry Potter Fan.

-Ashley

It was something I will never forget. It was the highlight of my day, and perhaps my HP life. I. met. Stan. Yes, you read correctly. I’m talking about Stanislav, everybody’s favorite Bulgarian quidditch player. But I also met Devon Murray, who plays the bold and entertaining Seamus Finnigan, and Jamie Yeates, who portrays the horrid Slytherin quidditch captain, Marcus Flint. (Tidbit: those were not his real teeth. He is so gorgeous in person.)

Where were these highly famous actors at that someone like me might see them? At the FXshow sci-fi and fantasy fair, of course.

I read about the convention about three months in advance via the news on SS. (thank you, SS!) When I learned that it would be in Florida, only a few hours away from our home, I begged my mom to get tickets for my sister and me for Christmas. And she did.

It was an extremely surreal feeling seeing a face that was so familiar to me on screen, in actual real life. I bought one autograph from Stan, and one from Devon. Stan was quieter than either Devon or Jamie, and seemed to be a bit tired of sitting at a chair all day. But he always smiled kindly whenever someone came up to get his autograph. Both Stan and Devon had a female staff member sitting next to them.

Apparently, it was their jobs to keep an eye on them. Right before I got to Devon’s table, he got up and dashed off into the crowd. Apparently, he wanted to get a soda. Stan’s assistant started to freak out. She asked the girl next to Devon’s seat, “Can we let him go off like that? Can he go by himself?” It was really funny.

While we were waiting in line, a girl held up her cell phone to Devon’s ear and played the quidditch ringtone from GoF. Another fan had a picture that she had taken with Devon and Stan made into a t-shirt, and brought it over to show them. Devon thought that was cool as well. His personality was very friendly and made you feel welcome, as though he was just an extended part of your family.

After I got pictures taken with Stan and Devon, my sister and I went looking for other HP actors. Soon, we found Jamie Yeates. There were pictures of him as Marcus Flint on the table in stacks, waiting to be autographed. Did I mention how cute he is in person? I asked him if we could get a picture with him. He graciously permitted us. He was very nice and waved to my nine year-old sister and even winked at me. *fangirl squee*

I think the greatest thing I took home with me was the calming reassurance that they are normal. They are everyday people like you and me, who happen to have the talent to portray magical characters. They are not stuck up snobs who have to have people fawning over them every minute of the day. They are kind, friendly actors with a definite talent.

If Stan, Devon, or Jamie happens to stumble upon this article, thank you so much. From me personally for taking the pictures with me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And on behalf of every HP fan here at SS, you are truly gifted actors who work hard to make some of our favorite Harry Potter characters come to life. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and admired. Thank you.