Harry Potter Prequel Sells for 25,000 Pounds at Charity Auction, Video of Excerpt Now Online

Jun 10, 2008

Posted by: SueTLC

Uncategorized

Early reports are starting to surface tonight from the charity auction at Waterstone’s, featuring the special card from author J.K. Rowling. A new 800 word prequel to the Harry Potter series sold tonight for 25,000 pounds ($48,855) reports Bloomberg.com. The article continues to note the “buyer was an absentee bidder. More than 100 guests attended the invitation-only event, called “What’s Your Story?” and run by Sotheby’s auctioneer Edward Rising at the Waterstone’s branch in Piccadilly.” “ UPDATE: As reported previously, one of 13 cards donated for this charity event in London, England, AFP now has more on the prequel involving two of our favorite Marauders set 3 years before Harry was born. The article reports that the prequel story involves Sirius Black and James Potter who “are confronted by two policemen after a high-speed motorcycle chase, and evade the authorities using their broomsticks and magic.” ( Editor’s Note: A motorcycle! No word if that is indeed the motorcycle of later flying legend, but very exciting business indeed) J.K. Rowling is also quoted in the article as saying “I had great fun writing the card and I’m absolutely delighted that it has raised 25,000 pounds for two such worthy causes.” UPDATE 2 Lizo, now from BBC, has a new video report online, where he reads an excerpt of the prequel whichyou can watch via this link. In the excerpt, we hear a bit on James and Sirius as they are confronted by the two police officers in front of a dark alley. UPDATE 3: The video is now available here in our galleries.

We are working to find out more about the events at the auction, including the contents of the card,which will be placed online tomorrow for all fans to read via this link to Waterstone’s. This prequel will also be part of a book that will be published August 7th containing all 13 of the cards, proceeds to benefit charities English Pen and Dyslexia Action. You can pre- order this book from Waterstones (who will ship internationally) via this link. Stay tuned!





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.