Happy April Fools'! We hope you enjoyed our prank this year. Judging by the comments, if it showed one thing, it's that most people will read Book 7 spoilers if they can get their hands on 'em (though, admittedly, we did make our "reviews" somewhat hard to avoid)!

Check out the joke at the link below.

Tonight, the Harry Potter series won in the category of "Favorite Book" at the 20th Anniversary of the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Always a favorite at this slime-filled ceremony, Harry has also won in the category of "Favorite Movie" in past years.

The series beat out How to Eat Fried Worms, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Magenta Comstock

1895 - 1991
Experimental artist whose portraits' eyes not only follow the viewer around the room, but also follow them home.

JKRowling.com has been updated to wish our favorite pranksters, Fred and George Weasley, a happy birthday this April Fools' Day (when else?).

A new portrait of Sirius Black has appeared online. Thanks to HPX!

Scholastic previously announced that the US edition of Deathly Hallows would be 784 pages long, leading fans to believe it is the second longest book in the series (behind OOTP's 870, and ahead of GOF's 734). However, on Tuesday, Bloomsbury revealed that their edition of Book 7 would contain 608 pages, making it the third longest book (behind OOTP's 766, and GOF's 636).

Even though the US editions have always comprised more pages than the UK ones because they use a larger typeset as well as chapter images, there is still a discrepancy between the numbers noted above. So either Scholastic has increased their typeset or Bloomsbury has decreased theirs.

We have contacted both Scholastic and Bloomsbury on the matter and will update you as soon as we have a response.

Last September, Entertainment Weekly caught up with the actors on the Order of the Phoenix set, where they were in the midst of shooting the climax Department of Mysteries sequences.

Director Yates recently watched the "Detention With Dolores" scene with a test audience in Chicago, and he said: "The theater went very, very still. Dolores does it with a smile and a cup of tea. That's what makes her really horrifying."

The trio is growing older, and by the time the Deathly Hallows movie comes out, Dan's expected to be 20 and Rupert 21. According to Dan, "And people come up to me and say, 'Do you not think you're getting too old for the part?' It's lunacy." But even Radcliffe admits that he and his castmates certainly look dramatically different. "I saw a bunch of continuity photos from the first film the other day. It was quite incredible. We've changed so much, it's unreal."

View them together right here or individually below:

- Harry (holding prophecy), Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, Luna in the Ministry
- Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the Forbidden Forest
- Harry sitting at the Ministry hearing
- Harry and Sirius in conversation

Portraits:
- Cho
- Harry
- Ginny
- Hermione
- Lucius
- Luna
- Ron
- Umbridge

Enjoy!

For those of you who are planning on coming out to see me at the Magic Tree Bookstore in Oak Park, IL this Saturday, the event has been moved. The bookstore staff had so many RSVPs that they scheduled two sessions, at 1 PM and 3 PM, but they still don't think the bookstore will hold enough people, so they have moved the location to what I'm told is a mansion that is supposedly very Hogwarts-esque, which is cool. Here's the address:

Pleasant Home
217 Home Ave. at the corner of Pleasant St.
Oak Park, IL 60302

We'll be posting dates and information on our summer book tours in the next couple days, so stay tuned!

Okay, you're free to get back to drooling (or not) over the covers.

NEW LAYOUT: Dylan, our graphics designer, has created a Deathly Hallows-themed layout for you to use. A UK Children's theme layout will be up shortly.

Scholastic and Bloomsbury today both revealed the covers for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

- United States Children's Edition - view here
- United Kingdom Children's Edition - view here
- United Kingdom Adult Edition - view here

You can also view a high-res version of the entire US jacket HERE.

Bloomsbury also announced today that the UK edition will be 608 pages long. As previously announced, the US version of the book will have 784 pages, making it longer than GOF. However, the UK page count makes DH shorter than the British GOF (which is 636 pages long). We presume this is due to an increased font size for the US version.

Help spread the word by digging this story on Digg.com, a social-bookmarking site.

UPDATE: Arthur Levine, the US Potter editor, spoke this morning on the TODAY show about the American cover:

"We're seeing Harry in a very interesting situation. Readers will find out exactly what the situation is.

"When I was reading it, I had both the excitement and the power of the book, and the plot, driving me forward. But I was also feeling a little sad. It's the last time."

When Levine admitted he "sobbed and sobbed" while reading Deathly Hallows, he was asked the following:

"That means someone we like dies, doesn't it?"

"Well, it means it is a very, very emotional book," he responded.

Because there are a huge number of non-English-speaking Harry Potter fans, we're excited to announce that MuggleNet's news will now be translated into five main languages of our visitors! Each day, a bilingual translator for Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Dutch will manually - that is, no vague computer-generated translations - translate each news post in order to accommodate the speakers of those languages.

At present, there are few posts translated, but our news in foreign languages can be seen at the links below:

- Spanish
- French
- German
- Italian
- Dutch

You can also reach our news in other languages via the flags above the news. Please note that we plan on adding additional languages shortly. Enjoy!

Big thanks to our coder Michael for his hard work on putting this system together.

It was announced today that the US Deathly Hallows audiobook will be released on July 21st - the same day as the book itself.

The Listening Library (which creates the audiobooks) also said that the story will run over 21 hours and will retail for $79.95. The first print was not announced, but a representative at Random House was quoted as saying it will "definitely" be higher than the HBP print of 635,000.

A listing on Amazon.com has revealed that the Order of the Phoenix Soundtrack will be released on July 10th at a price of $18.95. You can pre-order it on Amazon at the link above. Thanks to Andrew for the tip!

EA has sent us this new screenshot of Sirius Black from the upcoming Order of the Phoenix video game.

The number seven: it's been seen as the answer to several aspects of the Potter series, and finally we touch on a few of them. We can't promise they're as in-depth as the ones you'll find around the Internet, but Jamie, Laura, Eric, Micah and I believe they're pretty solid. Also in this week's edition of our Harry Potter podcast:

- Is 784 pages too short? (No!)
- It's an all-voicemail show this week!
- Did Harry love Cho?
- Would Harry kill Ginny if she were a Horcrux?
- Would Harry sacrifice himself to save a friend, even if it meant Voldemort could never be defeated?
- Was Dumbledore just being himself before he died, or is there something more to his very careful wording?

All that and a lot more can be found on this week's episode! To download, we recommend subscribing (for free) through iTunes. You can also find full shownotes and download links at the MuggleCast website. Enjoy!

Daniel Radcliffe last night made an appearance on "Friday Night With Jonathan Ross," a UK late-night talk show, to discuss Equus and the Order of the Phoenix movie. We have a video of the interview for your enjoyment, but beware of language that is unsuitable for children in parts.

Thanks to staffer Nick for capturing this clip!

Warner Brothers announced in a press release today that Dan Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are all officially signed on for the Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows films. Each of the three actors, along with Producer David Heyman, were quoted in the release.

From Dan:

"Playing the role of Harry Potter has been an immense privilege, and I look forward to completing the series. I feel a huge sense of loyalty to the character of Harry and the fans who have supported these films over the years. During filming, I have learnt so much, made lots of friends and met people who have changed my life. I am indebted to J K Rowling, Warner Bros. and David Heyman for giving me this fantastic opportunity."

From Emma:

"I could never let Hermione go - she is my hero! I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me. I am excited and honoured to be finishing what I started and playing her in all seven of the films."

From Rupert:

"Ron Weasley has become a big part of my life and not just because we've both got ginger hair! I've been so proud to play him and loved every second of being part of this world. I'm really looking forward to filming the last two films and being back with my 'Weasley family' and, of course, to seeing my good friends Emma and Dan. Thank you to everyone for being so supportive over the years; we couldn't have done it without you."

Jo Rowling's only son, David Rowling-Murray, came into this world four years ago today. We wish him a terrific birthday and a wonderful day!

We're delighted to announce that MuggleNet's official CoS Forums, the ultimate Potter community, reached the 70,000 member mark today! With Deathly Hallows (not to mention the OOTP movie) mere months away, it's definitely a must-visit for the latest and most in-depth theories. If you're not already a member, we suggest you sign up today!

A group of six youngsters recently caused £50,000 worth of damage to the Hogwarts Express used in the Potter films. The group members, some as young as 10, broke into the West Coast Railway depot at the former Steamtown site in Carnforth, England, and destroyed the train's windows, using its emergency hammers.

Patricia Marshall, managing director of West Coast Railway, said, "It will take at least a month to repair, because so much damage was caused."

Thanks to Martin for writing in.

Magical Tours, Alivan's Master Wandmakers, and MuggleNet have teamed up for an exciting contest! Magical Tours is providing the grand prize: a free spot on the second annual MuggleNet tour of Britain (airfare included) for the MuggleNet fan with the most creativity.

Just submit the best T-shirt design for the participants on this summer's tour of Britain for MuggleNet fans by Magical Tours: Illuminating Harry's Wondrous World. For complete details on this and other great Magical Tours, click here. To enter, check out the contest rules and prizes and start designing! The deadline for entries is April 15th, 2007.

The Alivan's prize packages will include the following: Second place can choose between Classic Collection Wand and matching set of Regal School Robe, Scarf, and Tie. Third place can choose between Classic Collection Wand and matching Scarf and Tie.

Good luck!

Scholastic announced today that the US edition of Deathly Hallows will contain 784 pages, making it the second longest book in the series behind OOTP!

Since the US versions of the books are published in a larger font and contain chapter pictures, this should mean the UK version will be around 700 pages long.

The US version of the book will have an initial print-run of 12 million, and the publisher has also revealed that each of these copies "will be printed on paper that contains a minimum of 30% post-consumer waste (pcw) fiber."

The President of Scholastic Trade Publishing and Book Fairs said, "Scholastic worked hard with our suppliers and the Rainforest Alliance to secure this extraordinary amount of recycled and FSC certified paper for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. As a company with an ongoing commitment to protecting the environment for this generation and generations to come, we believe producing this book and our future reprints of Harry Potter books with a minimum of 30% pcw recycled paper is an important publishing decision."

Yesterday we told you that Waterstone's was listing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as having 688 pages. Bloomsbury has informed us that a page extent for the UK edition of the book has not yet been confirmed.

This week's episode of our Harry Potter podcast is now live! This show (hosted by Jamie and me at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London) was recorded on Saturday in front of a live audience. We talk about some recent Potter stories, have a listener debate, and discuss whether or not Harry and Ginny should be together in Deathly Hallows.

Unfortunately, a recording problem prevented the first 20-25 minutes of the show from being released. We were very happy with how the event turned out, though, and we're looking forward to doing more of these in the future! Big thanks goes out to Alivan's for providing us with some great prizes!

To download, we recommend subscribing in iTunes to have the show downloaded automatically to your computer each week. You can also get full shownotes and direct download links at the MuggleCast website. Enjoy!

British book chain Waterstone's is currently listing Deathly Hallows on their website as having 608 pages. If correct, this would make the US edition around 688 pages long.

However, it should be noted that the site also lists Half-Blood Prince with 608 pages, so Waterstone's could simply be using that page count as an estimate for Deathly Hallows. In addition, generally this type of information is released to the public (via JKRowling.com or her publishers) first.

Please consider this very much a rumor for now, and we will update you with more information as soon as possible.

Thanks to Tom for the heads-up!

The Order of the Phoenix video game is slated for a release one week before the July 13th release of the movie. The game's senior designer has said, "You're going to see all of Hogwarts based on the blueprints from the movie. It's all there and it streams without loading. We're showing some places that have never been seen before like Grimmauld Place where Sirius Black lives."

A number of months ago, Emma Watson expressed uncertainty about returning for the sixth and seventh Potter films. Over the weekend, several UK tabloids reported that she wouldn't return for the movies, and also - we presume - misquoted co-star Rupert Grint.

Fortunately, a WB spokesperson retorts, "We're extremely confident that Emma will be back for films six and seven." The actress is reportedly set to sign her new contract soon.

We will update you with more on this story shortly.

Earlier this week, US Potter publisher Scholastic announced a multi-million dollar marketing campaign for Deathly Hallows, but Raincoast, the Canadian publisher, has yet to reveal its plans. "It's still a little early for us to be announcing details," said the company's marketing vice president, Jamie Broadhurst.

He continued, "The last time, in 2005, [there were] something in the order of 300 events and parties on the opening weekend across Canada. This time, we're expecting probably about 400-plus."

Thanks to Ryan for the tip!

David Bradley (Argus Filch) spoke in a new interview about doing some sound recording for Order of the Phoenix recently:

"In the studio, I had to record sounds to match my on-screen antics. Filch spends most of his time chasing Harry, so it was mainly grunts and heavy breathing. It felt like I was dubbing a porn movie."

Other HP actors are also expected to enter the studio over the weekend and into next week.

Thanks to those who wrote in!

"This traditional British-styled dinner will take place in Lancaster, CA, on Saturday, June 9th. Featuring presentations by two well-known Harry Potter authorities, it is the first CA event of its kind. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter phenomenon, this is an event you won't want to miss."

Click here to visit Sonorus 2007's website.

CBBC has opened a new contest giving the winner a chance to see how the Order of the Phoenix video game is made. To enter, simply answer two questions and fill in the form here. Good luck!

GeekMonthly has posted the second part of their interview with Order of the Phoenix director David Yates. Check out a snippet below:

Right at the beginning, you always have these rehearsals with any actor you work with. With Dan, in particular, who had to go through this quite complex journey. We sat down several months before we started shooting. We would meet every week and we would talk about what Harry was dealing with. One of the things we did, and it sounds quite intense for a family film, is we brought in a bereavement counselor to talk to us about how Harry Potter dealt with witnessing the death of Cedric [Diggory]. This woman came in to talk to both of us about how people deal with quite intense emotional and disturbing experiences. She deals with people in the police and the rescue services who every day witnessed trauma and death, and she kind of showed us how people process that and deal with that and what it does to them.

EA has sent us two new screencaps from the Playstation 2 Order of the Phoenix video game. Each provide a glimpse of the exterior of Hogwarts. View them here in our gallery!

Early this morning, Scholastic announced "There Will Soon Be 7," a multi-million dollar marketing campaign for the seventh and final book. Deathly Hallows will hit shelves on July 21st, with a record-breaking print run of 12 million copies, breaking the previous record set by Half-Blood Prince (10.8m).

"There Will Soon Be 7" launches on April 17th and includes the following:

• 7 Questions of Harry Potter campaign - Beginning on April 17 and ending on July 7, 2007, Scholastic will release one question every two weeks. These are the big questions fans debate at great length online, at book clubs and in everyday conversations, and that they hope J.K. Rowling will answer in this final installment. The questions will be posted on scholastic.com and released through advertising and publicity outlets.


• Knight Bus National Tour - On June 2nd, exactly seven weeks prior to publication, a touring Knight Bus based on the unique vehicle in the Harry Potter books will take off from New York City and travel to 40 libraries in 10 major metropolitan areas across the country. In each location where the bus stops, fans will be invited to visit the Knight Bus and share on video their thoughts and feelings about the Harry Potter books. Select video clips from each location will be uploaded for viewing and sharing on www.scholastic.com/harrypotter


• Retail Promotions - Scholastic will send "There Will Soon Be 7" table-top easelbacks and millions of collectible bookmarks to retail accounts and libraries throughout the country. Both the easelbacks and the bookmarks will feature one of the seven questions as each is released. Between June 2nd and July 7th, "There Will Soon Be 7" countdown standees (a five-foot corrugated promotional piece featuring Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows cover art and a countdown to July 21st feature) will land in retail accounts and libraries. And finally, to celebrate the big day, Scholastic will distribute numerous tattoos for giveaways at what is sure to be a record number of Harry Potter midnight parties.

In a great new interview with GeekMonthly, Order of the Phoenix director David Yates offers his thoughts on the themes of the fifth book:

Jo's work is full of really interesting thematic stuff. In our story, Harry's having to deal with the whole issue of whether or not he's being corrupted and been made bad by this connection he has with Voldemort. It's classical. Anyone who's ever been through those very turbulent, difficult teenage years where you find yourself growing angry and frustrated and those years are really formative, will be able to identify. They're the years that can sometimes define you as a person. Some people can take that and develop in a positive way, and some people start on a route that ultimately leads them to difficult years.

Read more...

Ain't It Cool has two new spoiler-packed reviews from early screenings of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Please note that the reviews don't always use child-friendly language.

A new survey asking 4,000 UK residents which books they couldn't finish found Goblet of Fire at #2. Just under a third of adult Britons admitted leaving some of the book unread.

EDIT: If you're having a problem with the show on the feed, try downloading the show directly at this link (which is the low-bandwidth version).

The latest episode of our weekly Harry Potter podcast is now available! Join Jamie, Eric, Laura, Kevin and me (Toots) for a discussion on the recent Order of the Phoenix movie reviews. Plus:

- Reminder: Live show in the UK (sponsored by Alivan's)!
- MuggleNet Book tour dates.
- Andrew goes "back to the future."
- We chat about the OOTP advanced screening reviews.
- Which actors don't get enough screen time?
- Fun things we wish were left in.
- Condensing the plot: Good changes and detrimental ones.
- Everyone loves Evanna Lynch!
- PokeCast!

All that and more can be found by downloading this week's episode. We recommend subscribing through iTunes to automatically have the show downloaded to your computer whenever it is released. You can also find complete shownotes and alternate download links on the MuggleCast website. Enjoy!

According to a report by Variety, Harry, Ron, and Hermione will appear on a special set of 10 stamps created by the French Postal Service and Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

"To be immortalized on a postal stamp ranks among the highest of honors," said Brad Globe, president of WB Consumer Products.

Partially because of the book's high cost, over a quarter of independent booksellers in the UK have chosen not to stock Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The book's sticker price, $34.99, is roughly twice the $17.99 cost of Sorcerer's Stone when it was published by Scholastic in 1999.

Independent booksellers are also unable to offer the extraordinary discounts being advertised by major retailers (Amazon is offering 46% off, Costco 50% off, Borders 40% off and Walmart 49% off.) To these retailers, Deathly Hallows is what is called a "loss leader" - it drives traffic to the store. The companies' profits take a big hit from the actual sale of the book, but they make their money from the sale of other items customers purchase while shopping.

As it is now March 10th, JK Rowling has updated her official site to wish everyone's favourite werewolf a happy birthday!

As we reported previously, JK Rowling is suing eBay for allowing illegal and fraudulent copies of her works to be sold on the auction site. Jo has managed to obtain an injunction which prevents eBay from listing illegal copies (namely e-versions of her books), which is binding until a May 23rd hearing.

Not only is Jo losing out from the auctioning of illegal books, but fans are being hoodwinked and wasting their money.

Marjorie, webmistress of the MuggleNet-affiliated collectors' advice site JKR's Army, contacted Neil Blair (Jo's lawyer) asking how fans can lend their support. Marjorie has set up a petition, which we strongly encourage you all to sign. We will soon have more ways you can help, but for now, visit this page for additional info.

Mary GrandPre, illustrator of the Scholastic editions of Harry Potter, has donated two items to a cancer charity, including a sketch from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The Herald Tribune reports that the piece is valued at $7,000 - "A nice donation for a nice cause," says GrandPre.

The auction will be held tonight in Sarasota, Florida.

A detailed review of the new NECA action figures has been published online, along with some close up images of the products. Ratings are given for different aspects of the products, including packaging, sculpting and accessories. The reviewer awards the Voldemort figure three and a half stars overall, but Harry, the Death Eater and Dementor only three.

I really, really wanted to love these figures. In the package they blew me away, It wasn't until I had them open that some of their more glaring faults came to surface. In the end, I placed a lot of weight on the sculpt and paint, and didn't take off as much for articulation, value and accessories as I might have.

The figurines will be released this spring.

Jo Rowling was named a billionaire last year by Forbes, and this year she makes the list again at #891 of the world's billionaires. JK has an estimated net worth of $1 billion and is the only career author billionaire.

Thanks to everyone who emailed!

For their 2008 Harry Potter wall calendar, Borders is offering Harry Potter fans the chance to vote for the images that will appear in it. You can select five images from the Potter movies, including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which is due out this summer. Voting ends March 15th.

Thanks to Helena, Karthika and Heidi for letting us know!

The actor who plays Professor Flitwick in Harry Potter spoke in a brief new interview about his character, the OOTP movie, and Deathly Hallows.

"I was into J.K. Rowling's books about Harry Potter long before I was offered the part of Professor Flitwick and I've loved reading every one since then. So, yes, I'm is really looking forward... like you... to the next book."

The Hermione Granger actress has donated some generous items to the Wild Trout Trust auction: a Hogwarts Express train set signed by herself, Rupert, and Daniel, and a tote bag issued to the film cast and crew which includes a thank-you message from David Yates and the producers.

Thanks to those who emailed!

The Harry Potter series has received a nomination under "Favorite Book" at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Click here to vote.

Jo Rowling has been nominated for the NCH Scotland Women of Influence award, which will take place in Glasgow on Sunday. She is one of five influential women in the category which recognizes those who have worked hard to improve the lifestyles and education of children.

A former winner of the title said, "These awards mark the significant contribution women from diverse communities make to our national life. In our mothers' and grandmothers' time women received very little recognition. Today, it is a very different story. The awards also highlight the vital work NCH does to support Scotland's children and young people and raise an incredible amount of money to support that work."

Good luck, Jo! Thanks to Suruchi for letting us know.

As reported yesterday, items from the Potter films were sold at the Bonham's auction along with memorabilia from other films, such as Star Wars, Titanic and the Bond series. Though only expected to sell for £3,500, Gary Oldman's (Sirius Black) grey linen coat, worn in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, sold for an amazing £15,600 (around $30,000). The price at which the navy linen cape, worn by Zoe Wanamaker (Madam Hooch) in Sorcerer's Stone, sold for was £950.

Cards Inc. has released some great new shots of the Snape action figure, due out this summer.

Remember that these action figures, and other Order of the Phoenix merchandise, will be posted on MuggleShop once available.

One of Europe's biggest ever auctions for TV and film costumes is taking place today in London. Among the 400 special items are Sirius' overcoat from Prisoner of Azkaban, and Madam Hooch's robe from the first Potter film.

MuggleNet readers Enyafreak, Triwizard, and Zeenat all recently saw a test screening of Movie 5 and have sent us their reviews. They contain several new details and are full of spoilers, including details on deviations from book to movie.

-Enyafreak | Triwizard | Zeenat

If you attended a screening of the film as well, please let us know.

For the past few years, Warner Brothers has screened each Potter film in the Chicago area for lucky moviegoers. About a week ago, WB screened Order of the Phoenix at the AMC River East, and one of the first reviews is online now from Ain't It Cool News.

As with all reviews, this one has several spoilers. AICN gives the film a B+ and notes a running time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

This week's episode of our Harry Potter podcast is focused on the literary device of book parallels. It's good timing too, since our guest co-host this week (Alex Carpenter of the Wizard Rock band The Remus Lupins) is an English major. He joins Ben, Eric, Laura, and Micah to discuss:

- The latest OOTP pictures.
- What Jo has been up to lately.
- Andrew and Jamie announce their MuggleCast meet-up!
- Listener Rebuttals touch upon Wormtail, Phoenix feathers, and the next leader of the Order.
- Ben jumps on the "Harry must die" bandwagon.
- Alex defends his good pal Remus Lupin.
- What if... Harry had shown Snape the HBP Potions book instead of Ron's?

All that and much more can be found on this week's show! To download, we recommend subscribing through iTunes to have the show automatically downloaded to your computer each week. You can also get full shownotes, alternate download links and much more on the MuggleCast website. Enjoy!

MuggleNet is operated by a team of over 100 staff members located in various parts of the world. In honor of their hard work and dedication, I'd like to take the time now to wish several of them happy birthday:

Emily Ogle, our news and content editor, celebrated her birthday on February 25th.

One of MuggleCast's transcribers, Cindy, celebrates her 23rd birthday on March 8th.

Sara Greer, who works for our Editorials section, will celebrate her 26th on March 14th.

Last, but certainly not least - senior staff member Ciaran, who tirelessly scours the net for news and manages, among other things, our gallery, celebrates his 18th today.

Happy birthday to all of them!

We would just like to remind you that our cover contest for Deathly Hallows will be closing on Sunday, March 11th. Thus far, we have received around 300 entries, so if you're still interested, get cracking! We look forward to viewing any and all submissions in the next week - please note that entries sent past 12:00 AM EST will not be considered.

If you missed the contest announcement, or just need a refresher, please click here to view the contest guidelines.

Good luck!

We are pleased to announce details of MuggleCast's first live podcast in the United Kingdom! On March 17th, MuggleCast will be podcasting at the School of Oriental and African Studies at Vernon Square in London. The podcast will be followed by a two-hour meet and greet in a function room where we'll have some great activities and prizes to give away! The podcast is strictly limited to 150 places; please check out MuggleCast.com for more details!

A new report by Variety discusses what is expected to be the biggest summer in film history. Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, Warner Bros' international prexy of distribution, talked about Order of the Phoenix, just one of the major flicks coming out this summer:

"The opening date is not an obvious choice on the domestic side, but it really does put our best foot forward internationally. With 'Harry Potter,' we're going day and date everywhere except in the Middle East and a few minor markets, because most are going to be in holidays at that point, so this date really maximizes our opportunity."

With so many tentpoles, the battle for screens will be intense.

"We'll have between 6,000 and 7,000 on 'Ocean's' and over 10,000 on 'Harry' but that's going to be a challenge because there are so many incredible films coming."

In other HP film news, Dame Maggie Smith (McGonagall) mentioned her return to West End stage in a new interview, and also how the first Potter film is her favorite.

Thanks to Evie for the tip!

HP Fan Trips now has a few exciting trips available for anyone eager to celebrate the Deathly Hallows release in your choice of London or Edinburgh. The Book 7 Release Trips are now taking registrations, and can be added as extensions to your existing trip that run through July 18th.

Also don't forget that the Fan Trip for MuggleNet.com Fans still has open spots for a few more people. Reserve soon if you're interested in going!

A publicist for Daniel Radcliffe has confirmed the actor will reprise his role in both the Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows movies. He is set to begin shooting on Movie 6 in September. There is currently no word on whether Rupert and Emma will return for the last two films, but Rupert has already expressed a desire to do so.

Thanks to DR.co.uk!

Rupert Grint, along with his on-screen twin brothers, James and Oliver Phelps, attended the NME music awards in London last night. Some photos of them can be seen here, with Rupert sporting rather long hair.

Ben and I will be making appearances at bookstores near Cleveland, Philadelphia and New York City this month to talk about Harry Potter and promote our new book, MuggleNet.com's What Will Happen in Harry Potter 7. We hope you'll come out and see us if you're in the area - we'd love to hear your theories and what you think of the book! And as always, we'll be giving away tons of free stickers. Specific dates and locations are below, with more to come!

Monday, March 12 at 6:30 PM
Barnes & Noble Eton Shopping Center (216-765-7520)
28801 Chagrin Blvd
Woodmere, OH 44122

Wednesday, March 14 at 6:30 PM
Barnes & Noble (610-524-0103)
301 Main Street
Exton, PA 19341

Saturday, March 17 at 2 PM
Barnes & Noble Country Glen Center (516-741-9850)
91 Old Country Road
Carle Place, NY 11514

In addition, I will be in the Chicago area later in March:

Saturday, March 24 at 1 PM
The Bookstore at the Lighthouse Place (219-879-3993)
601 Wabash Street
Michigan City, IN 46360

Saturday, March 31 at 1 PM
Magic Tree Bookstore (708-848-0770)
141 N. Oak Park Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60301

In other book-related news, check out this article in today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

UPDATE: Check out The Chicago Tribune's article covering the Oak Park event above.

UPDATE #2: Another event has been added!

Thursday, March 15 at 7pm
Barnes & Noble Paramus III (201-445-4589)
765 Route 17 South
Paramus, NJ 07652

Tilden Toots

1959 - present
'The wizard with three green thumbs' Celebrity herbologist and radio personality

Today is World Book Day, and a poll has been conducted to find the ten books readers can't live without. Harry Potter made the fourth spot on the list:

1) Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen 20%
2) Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkein 17%
3) Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte 14%
4) Harry Potter books - J K Rowling 12%
5) To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee 9.5%
6) The Bible 9%
7) Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte 8.5%
8) 1984 - George Orwell 6%
9) His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman 6%
10) Great Expectations - Charles Dickens .55%

Thanks to Liz and Ali for letting us know!