The first Ministry of Magic Obliviator and inventor of Memory Modifying Charms, Mnemone Radford (1562-1649), is the new Wizard of the Month on JK Rowling's official site. Congratulations, Mnemone!

According to the New York Times, Yahoo! recently announced that Harry Potter will be the topic of one of their 100 new websites related to the top entertainment brands this year. The project, called "Brand Universe," will provide users with a wide array of information about the most popular toys, books, movies, television shows, and games.

Emma Watson has made Sweet 16 Magazine's list of the "16 Sweetest Stars 16 and Under." The list honors talented young celebrities who have avoided the Hollywood party scene and are great role models. Congratulations, Emma!

The Lucius Malfoy actor today made an appearance on Richard & Judy. Isaacs talks about some of his current acting projects, and a little about Potter:

"I'm waiting to see if I'll be in the seventh book with baited breath. I go to prison all the way through [Book] 6, so number 7, obviously I'm desperate to find out if I get out. I actually met JK Rowling at an awards ceremony and I went over and said 'I'm begging you' [and she laughed]."

A short video clip of this can be seen here.

Several steamy photos have been released of the 17-year-old from a recent photoshoot for the West End play "Equus."

Ladies, if you're standing up, you may want to take a seat before proceeding.

Dan and Jill (black and white)
Dan and a horse (black and white)
Dan leaning on a horse (black and white)
Dan, lying, and Jill (black and white)
Dan standing with a horse (black and white)
Dan surrounded by smoke (black and white)
Dan and a horse again (black and white)
Article about the photoshoot

Thanks to Jenna for some of the earlier scans.

In this week's episode of our Harry Potter podcast, Ben, Eric, Kevin, Micah, and I cover all the bases. Horcruxes, Voldemort, Crackpot Theories, and even apologies are accomplished in this episode. Plus:

- Is Ravenclaw's wand a Horcrux? And was it in Ollivander's shop?
- Main Discussion: Does Voldemort deserve to die?
- Should Harry give Voldemort what he fears most?
- Could Harry even cast the Killing Curse?
- Would the Death Eaters rally after Voldemort's downfall?
- More JKR Quotes: Umbridge, Snape, Lily, and graveyards.
- Does Harry's blood make Voldemort continuously weaker?
- Is Voldemort in debt to Harry?
- Will Voldemort die himself if he kills Harry?

For all that and much more, download the latest show now! We recommend subscribing through iTunes (make sure you press "Subscribe") to automatically receive each episode. You can also download the show directly by visiting the MuggleCast website. Enjoy!

The Guardian today writes about the obstacles faced by Harry Potter translators such as the invented words, prophecies, rhymes, and general wordplay. The article also notes translators come under pressure in countries where the quality of second-language English is high, causing many to buy the original versions instead. Thanks, Gemma, for the tip!

For the first time since she embarked on a relentless campaign to remove Potter from Gwinnett county's school libraries in August 2005, Laura Mallory has spoken out in detail about her motives. In a new article, she slams "myths" such as "this is a one-woman fight" and "witchcraft is just harmless fantasy." She writes that young children have been indoctrinated into witchcraft, causing their lives to be ruined. Furthermore, she implies that Potter is the reason for "violence, drugs, gangs, addictions, perversions" in schools nowadays, and that "we need God in America again."

In response to the question, "Do you believe Harry Potter promotes Wicca," JKR replied in a 2001 interview with this: "That's not true. Not once has a child come up to me and said, 'Due to you I've decided to devote my life to the occult.' People underestimate children so hugely. They know it's fiction. When people are arguing from that kind of standpoint, I don't think reason works tremendously well. But I would be surprised if some of them had read the books at all [Mallory hasn't].

"Witches and wizards are a huge part of children's literature; it'll never go away. Hundred years, two hundred years' time there'll be another kind of wizard story."

You can now contact Ms. Mallory at her website. Also, we don't plan to post anything Mallory-related until a verdict of her current case arrives.

Emerson's Comment: Winners never quit and quitters never win. But those who never win and never quit are idiots.

The BBC has announced that they will be launching a new reality series later this year in search of a "real" Harry Potter. The show will follow young students studying magic at a boarding school as they face off, showing their skills at varying card tricks and illusions. Someone will leave the show each week until only one remains and becomes the The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

Two pallets containing 3,000 copies of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages have been stolen. The books, which were due to be recycled, were taken from The Recycling Company at Port Talbot's docks in the UK.

Thanks to MJ for the tip!

We previously informed you that 2006 was Britain's best recorded year for filming with a total of 840 million pounds being spent. However, new figures suggest little of this is being used in Scotland.

Although Harry Potter is predominantly set in Scotland, only small portions of the film are actually shot there. Just $100,000 of OOTP's $150 million budget was spent in Scotland, where filming was mostly limited to Glencoe and Glenfinnan.

A few months ago, Dan Radcliffe's and Warwick Davis's guest appearances on the British television series Extras ran on UK TV. HBO will be airing this episode for the first time in the United States on January 28th at 10 PM EST, but if you have HBO On Demand you can watch it now for free.

Episodes usually do not appear on On Demand until the day after the episode airs, but for some reason - whether accidental or not - they've decided to premiere it early. Thanks to Ellen for the tip!

NOTE: This episode in particular includes mature dialogue and is not suitable for children.

The youngest Rowling-Murray turns two years old today. From all the MuggleNet staff, we hope you have a great birthday, Mackenzie Jean Rowling Murray!

The 73rd episode of our Harry Potter podcast brings two new people: guest co-host Mikey B. and a special interview with the biggest person to ever grace a podcast: Rubeus Hagrid! Plus:

- Some bright listeners point out a couple more "hallow/gallow" references in the books.
- Could Deathly Hallows come out on "Harry Potter Day"?
- We revisit the connection between the title and Arthurian legend for a closer look.
- Jo can't imagine Harry growing up, or it will "ruin the plot"; is this ominous, or just Jo trying to lead us off the scent again?
- What spell did Dumbledore use against Voldemort in the Ministry?
- Is the Ravenclaw Horcrux at Grimmauld Place?
- Win a piece of Jamie's suitcase! (No, we're not kidding.)
- Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul.

All that and much more can be heard by downloading this episode! We recommend subscribing in iTunes (for free) to receive the show automatically each week as soon as they're released. You can also directly download the show on the MuggleCast website. Enjoy!

TheArgus.co.uk has a lengthy new interview online with the actor who plays Argus Filch in the Potter films. Most of the discussion revolves around the upcoming play The Caretaker in which David appears, but towards the end he talks about Order of the Phoenix:

"I had a lot of fun up a 35ft ladder, clinging on with one hand and hammering proclamations into the hall wall with the other, while four crew guys shook the bottom. I'm not very good with heights."

Read the full interview right here on (interestingly enough) TheArgus. Caution to parents: there is some use of mature language. Thanks to TLC for the tip!

We'd like to remind everyone that HP Fan Trips, in association with MuggleNet, is still taking registrations for the upcoming Sorcerer Trip for MuggleNet.com fans this summer! Visit the United Kingdom with fellow fans of MuggleNet and explore different areas where the movies are filmed. Full details can be found on this page. Open spots on the trip are running out, so register soon if you're planning on going!

A new OOTP photo showing Daniel Radcliffe at King's Cross station was released today. Also, David Yates was quoted in USA Today recently as saying Order of the Phoenix is "the most emotionally complex one so far."

Forbes has placed JK Rowling at #2 on their list of the richest women in entertainment. They estimate her net wealth as $1 billion, and she is the only career author on the list. In first place is Oprah Winfrey ($1.5 billion).

Thanks to Amy for the tip!

Laura Mallory, the mother who has been crusading since August 2005 to remove the Potter books from the County's school libraries, is set to appeal to the County's Superior Court the decision Georgia state made in December to keep the books on shelves.

Mallory said, "We will take a stand for truth, and pray God will touch the hearts of this generation." For the past year and a half, she has vehemently preached that the books indoctrinate children in witchcraft. She hasn't, however, actually read the books.

Mallory says she is poised to take legal action and has apparently received "significant donations" from "supporters" in aid of this.

Emerson's Comment: Ever seen a fly crash itself repeatedly into a transparent pane of glass, never quite getting the hint? Yeah.

In a new interview, Daniel Radcliffe spoke about his desire to establish himself as someone capable of playing roles different from the boy wizard.

"I need to get as much work between now and the end of the series and the immediate aftermath of the series as I can to prove to people that I can do it. That's why I'm constantly on the look out for scripts and things to do. That's why I'm doing two things between Harry Potter 5 and 6, if and when that happens. I do feel a need to say to people that I am capable of more than Harry Potter."

This year, Dan is working on the West End play Equus and My Boy Jack.

Friday Night Shirt, a short film about the lives of single mothers in Yarmouth, has won a "Deffie" at a Hollywood film festival. JK Rowling, who struggled herself as a single mother some years ago, financed the poignant film.

Thanks to HPANA for the link.

A recent report by the UK Film Council stated that over £840 million sterling was spent on film production last year, an increase of 48% from 2005's total expenditure. As a result, 2006 was the UK's best recorded year for film.

Film minister Shaun Woodward commented, "These figures show that the UK is a great place to make a film. Two Potters - Harry and Beatrix - a Golden Compass and a bit of Stardust have helped the UK's film industry have one of its best years ever."

Thanks to Wasted for the tip!

Imelda Staunton (Umbridge) spoke recently about her experience playing the former High Inquisitor:

"Dolores is a vision in pink taffeta but a nasty piece of work. At first I thought, 'Ooh, a Harry Potter, that'll be fun'. But at the film's heart is real tragedy, and I found myself having four months of intense acting, followed by occasional wand-waving for the next six."

On this week's episode of our Harry Potter podcast, we continue our discussion on Deathly Hallows with Ben, Jamie, Laura, Micah and myself. In case you're wondering about the title of this episode, we're talking about the Yule Ball at Prophecy '07 - and Micah's plans surprise us. Plus:

- We tease about a special guest on next week's show.
- We give everyone at home a short cultural lesson about death and its place in the world.
- If the title is a reference to Halloween, does this mean spirits will return to earth?
- Could "Hallows" be the spirits of those Voldemort murdered to create his Horcruxes?
- Would they be able to help Harry kill Voldemort?
- Why are Fred and George allowed to use their wands, and Hagrid is not?
- Is Scrimgeour evil?

To download, simply update your subscriptions in iTunes (by first pressing subscribe at this link), or visit the MuggleCast website for direct download links and complete shownotes. Remember: no iPod is necessary to listen! All you need to do is download the MP3 file and double-click to listen. It's easy, painless, and we know you'll have a chuckle or two. Enjoy!

Warner Independent Pictures, the company behind the small film December Boys (starring Dan Radcliffe), has updated their website with a projected release date of August 2007. They also provide this description of the film:

Based on the classic Michael Noonan novel, "December Boys" is a story of four orphan teenagers growing up behind the closed doors of a catholic convent in outback Australia. For years the boys watch younger kids leave with their newly adopted parents and have come to the realization their time may never come.

Thanks to DanRadcliffe.com for the tip.

Mary GrandPre, the artist who illustrated the US Harry Potter books, recently said in an interview that she has no details on Deathly Hallows, and has therefore not yet decided on a cover color. She also noted that OOTP is her favorite cover. You can listen to this interview here.

Thanks to HarryLatino.com for the tip!

In a new interview, Movie 5 director David Yates spoke about how, having produced politically charged films like The Girl In the Cafe, he was surprised when approached to direct OOTP.

Yates, who had never read the Harry Potter books, said: "It was interesting to get the call. I wouldn't have put myself forward as an obvious candidate." However, after reading Order of the Phoenix, he realized the novel had strong political overtones. "And it's probably the most emotional of all the books. As I read the book, suddenly, I tuned into the kind of thing I have always been drawn to."

Yates also spoke a little about Umbridge, saying she is "quite damaged as a person. She basically abuses Harry and puts him through this horrific detention. It is horrific abuse."

Thanks, Andrew, for sending this in!

A recent survey indicated that 25% of independent bookstores may not stock the seventh Harry Potter book due to the fact that they cannot match the bargain prices of their larger competitors. According to one independent bookstore owner, "Independent bookshops are being discriminated against and being offered a lower discount and are being cut out of the market." This makes it impossible for them to compete against companies like Amazon and supermarkets.

Although a release date has yet to be set, a spokesperson for Bloomsbury said "We don't give extra discounts on Harry Potter to anybody. We are the largest independent publisher left in the UK and we will do everything we can to support independent bookshops."

Despite having to take a loss on sales, many other small shops still plan to stock the highly anticipated novel in order to maintain customer loyalty.

Warner Brothers has moved forward the release date of Order of the Phoenix in Spain to July 13th. According to HarryLatino.com, this decision was made in order to help prevent piracy (the original date was a week later on July 20th). This is the first time in Spain that a Potter film will be released on the same day as in the US and UK.

The March 2007 issue of Toyfare magazine has several photos of the new Order of the Phoenix action figures, which are set to be released in March. Alongside the photos is a new interview with NECA's Head of Product Development, where he talks about the new toys and discusses what's ahead. Pictures of this issue can be seen here.

Thanks to Tiffany for the scans!

Warner Brothers has integrated the OOTP teaser trailer and poster into the existing Goblet of Fire layout on HarryPotter.com. A full refresh of the website will likely appear in the next few months as the movie's release draws closer. Thanks to Pablo for the tip!

The first set of Order of the Phoenix T-shirts can now be purchased online. Currrently available are:

Swear Tee - $19.00
Brown Gryffindor Crest Tee - $19.00
No Mudbloods Allowed Tee - $19.00
Gryffindor Lion T-Shirt - $18.00
No Mudbloods Allowed Tee Plus Size - $21.00
Order Of The Phoenix Voldemort T-Shirt 2XL - $22.00
Hogwarts Crest Hoodie - $45.00

Jason Isaacs, Mr. Malfoy in Harry Potter, recently spoke about the closing scenes of the Order of the Phoenix movie, particularly the battle he shot alongside Gary Oldman (Sirius Black). Furthermore, the actor caught up with Jo lately and appealed for her to include his character in Deathly Hallows:

"I fell to my knees and begged. It didn't do any good. I'm sure she doesn't need plot ideas from me. But I made my point. We'll see. Like everybody else, I'm holding my breath to July to see what's in there. I just want to bust out of prison, that's all. I don't want to stay in Azkaban most of my life."

For clarification - although he says July as the release of Book 7, no date has been announced yet.

Lightning! Good work, Dylan!

Editor's Comment: Take a screenshot: this is the shortest post in MuggleNet's eight-year history!

Ben and I will be making an appearance at the University of Notre Dame bookstore (GO IRISH!) on January 17. We had meant to do this event later in the spring, because I just did an event nearby recently, but due to a scheduling miscommunication, the event will be next week. Ben will be traveling from Kansas for the event and I'm coming all the way from... my dorm, 500 feet away. We'll be giving away books, t-shirts, and, of course, stickers, so come on out and see us if you're in the area!

Wednesday, January 17 at 4:30 PM
Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore
Notre Dame, IN

If you can't come, you can still order the book online through our partner Alivan's.

Last September, we told you that Bloomsbury, in celebration of their 21st birthday, would re-release 21 books, including Philosopher's Stone. This new version of Book 1 is now available, and includes a short introduction by JK Rowling:

[Favorite] Children's Book
It's a three way tie between "The Story of the Treasure Seekers" by Edith Nesbit, for the character of Oswald, "Manxmouse" by Paul Gallico, for its wistful, magical tone, and "The Little White Horse" by Elizabeth Goudge, for its plain, vain heroine.

EDIT: Earlier problems with this episode (where it cuts off in areas) have been fixed.

Despite being a bit late, this week's episode of our Harry Potter podcast goes in-depth on a new theory concerning what Deathly Hallows could possibly mean:

- We discuss the hanged man and his significance to Deathly Hallows.
- "Hallow" is an archaic word for "gallow."
- Perhaps there is a greater meaning to James' hanging Snape upside down in OOTP than most of us realized.
- Will Hermione's ability to read Runes be useful?
- Debate: Jo should release Book 7 in July of 2007.
- Can someone transform into a younger version of themselves using Polyjuice potion?
- How is Hogwarts fighting childhood obesity without Phys Ed?

To download, we recommend subscribing via iTunes (for free) to automatically receive new episodes when they're released. However, you don't need an iPod to listen! If you don't prefer iTunes then you can always download the show as a free MP3 file over on the MuggleCast website. Enjoy!

JK Rowling's official website has been updated to wish our favorite nasty, greasy, evil (?) Potions teacher a Happy Birthday! May he be given lots and lots of shampoo.

Just eight hours after the title of Book 7 was announced, the novel hit the #1 spot on Amazon.co.uk's book chart. The staggering success of the book is further illustrated by the fact that it is now outselling all other books in the top 10 list combined. On top of that, the adult edition of DH is sitting at #2 on the chart.

Christopher North, Amazon.co.uk's Head of Books, said: "Thousands of people in homes and offices across the UK have been going online to reserve their copy. If the initial response is anything to go by, this could be the biggest selling Harry Potter [book] of all time. The fact that this is the final installment seems to have heightened the excitement and buzz around this Harry Potter title. Demand for 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' could well surpass that of previous releases and we expect more people to pre-order this time round."

Though no publication date has been revealed, you can pre-order your copy of Deathly Hallows here at Amazon.co.uk - including those of you outside of the UK.

UPDATE: According to a Bloomsbury spokeswoman, no firms have been given permission to accept pre-orders for DH yet.

With the first three Harry Potter DVDs now on moratorium, and Goblet of Fire being removed from store shelves on January 22nd, Warner Home Video has announced that the DVDs will be re-released later this year in high-definition format. WHV HD DVDs offer resolution six times higher than regular DVDs, as well as vibrant color, contrast, and sound.

Remember, you can still purchase the standard HP DVDs through our shop.

MTV has released a list of the top 10 must-see movies of 2007. Order of the Phoenix came in at the top, ahead of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and Spider-Man 3.

Thanks to everyone who emailed!

The first three Harry Potter DVDs are set to be removed from US shelves today, with the Goblet of Fire DVD coming off on January 22nd. Some companies, like Disney, do this so that longer and higher quality versions can be released later on.

You can you can still purchase the DVDs (while they remain in stock) through our online shop:

- Sorcerer's Stone
- Chamber of Secrets
- Prisoner of Azkaban
- Goblet of Fire

Get them now before they're gone!

Cards Inc. has released several pictures of a new Dumbledore action figure. This toy will be sold as part of an Order of the Phoenix action figure collection later this year.

Action-Figure.com says this figurine has a "3.75 inch scale, features an stunning Michael Gambon likeness, has 14 points of articulation and comes with his signature wand and headmaster's lectern accessories."

Thanks to those who wrote in!

Hey guys, for those of you in the South Bend/Mishawaka area, I'll be at the Borders on Grape Road on Saturday to talk about HP and our new book, MuggleNet.com's What Will Happen in Harry Potter 7. Come... there will be free stickers! Details:

Saturday, January 6th at 2:30pm
Borders
4230 Grape Road
Mishawaka, IN 46545

Hope to see you there!

HarryLatino.com has released a new interview with Daniel Radcliffe, conducted a number of months ago. In it, the actor discusses what his Boggart would be, Evanna Lynch, his desire to visit Mexico, and more.

Harry Potter has been revealed the fifth most searched term on MSN during 2006. With a movie (and possibly a book) out this year, we can expect it to reach the #1 spot (or close to) in 2007. Thanks, Matt!