Herbology with Professor Sprout

Kathy Barham went all out for tonight's Potter party.

The 45-year-old Burlington woman made three costumes this week: One for herself and one for each of her daughters.

Barham, who says she drove to Greensboro because the midnight release party at Barnes & Noble is the best around, came dressed tonight as Professor Sprout, the Hogwarts herbology teacher. Thus far, she's the only one I've seen in that costume.

When I ask about her character choice, she leans close to me and says: "I found the material for a dollar a yard at Wal-mart."

She laughs.

"I though wow, it looks kind of Sprout-ish."

Her long taupe-colored robes come with a matching pointed witch's hat and a brown tote bag full of fake flowers and plants.

One of her daughters is dressed as a living picture frame, like the ones that populate the walls of Hogwarts castle. The other is dressed as Tonks, the auror who can change her appearance at will. This particular Tonks has pink hair, which she's given up on and is holding in her lap.

Barham is still sporting her long grey wig, but she says her head is getting hot fast.

She won't get to read the book until her daughters finish. The family is getting two copies, and it will be a race to see who reaches the last page first. Mom gets to read it last, she says.