Harry Potter Conferences Updates: New Wizard Rock Contest, Sectus 09 Canceled and More

We have a mix of bad and good news today regarding some of the upcoming Harry Potter conferences:

First the good news, as Terminus has announced a new Twenty-Fifth Band Competition for their Wrock Chicago event, the all-day wizard rock festival that will be heldContinued...

Updated: JKR Discusses the Role of Death in the Series, Religion, the US Presidential Election and More in New Interview (Complete Translation Now Online)

Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling has given a new interview to Spanish language newspaper El Pais in which she openly discusses many subjects including her series, inspirations, real-life heroes, and even the upcoming United States Presidential election. ThanksContinued...

RDR Books Files Response to JKR/WB in Lexicon Suit

RDR Books has filed its response to the full request for an injunction to the Harry Potter Lexicon book filed by WB and J.K. Rowling three weeks ago. There are in all declarations from six people and several hundred papers of exhibits, most of which are copies of text from books (including almostContinued...

Lexicon Article Updates

A couple of quick updates in the Lexicon case, in which J.K. Rowling and WB are trying to stop publication of an unofficial encyclopedia based on the Harry Potter Lexicon web site:

First, Steve Vander Ark, editor of the Lexicon, wrote Ansible, a prominent British fan zine, in defense of RDR Books’ case, saying, amongContinued...

Presenting the Leaky Login

We’re happy to introduce to you today a brand-new feature from Leaky – the Leaky Login. This is the one, all-purpose login you need around Leaky and our forums – one login gives you access to post on our forum, Leaky Lounge, in our image, video and fan art galleries, and will include many more featuresContinued...

Entire Scribbulus Essay Collection Up-to-Date

As we have mentioned previously, our entire Scribbulus staff have been working to update their entire essay collection as part of our latest site redesign. They have now completed the transfer and every essay from the twenty-plus issues of our premier essay project is available to read in the ScribbulusContinued...

Filming Continues at Gloucester Cathedral for "Half-Blood Prince," Video Now Online

UPDATE: There are two new photos now online, of actor Dan Radcliffe and Rupert Grint departing after completing filming. In addition, the BBC has new video of the filming at the Cathedral, including footage of David Yates (who says filming is going really well) and Alan Rickman departing the set. To watch,Continued...

Harry Potter Book Series Nominated at Kids' Choice Awards

The 2008 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards is scheduled to take place soon, and the nominees for their various awards have now been announced. The Harry Potter series has been nominated yet again in the category of Favorite Book along with such novels as ” Diary of a Wimpy Kid,”Continued...

PotterCast 137: There Should Be Cushions!

The 137th episode of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast, is now online and complete with a special interview with Lisa Wright DeGroodt, author of The Quest Series. During this interview Lisa speaks with Melissa, Sue, and John about her series, her writing process, as well as her plans for the future booksContinued...

"Half-Blood Prince" Filming Underway in Gloucester, Contest for Photos

UPDATE: Further our report below, This is Gloucestershire is reporting that actors Alan Rickman (Professor Snape), Tom Felton (Draco) and Dame Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall) are now on set at the Cathedral for filming as well as Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Rupert GrintContinued...

Lexicon Update; Schedule Moved, RDR Request for JK Rowling's Notes Denied (Updated)

An update containing JKR/WB’s response to RDR’s requests for information is at the second half of this post.

A few things of note today in the case by JKR/WB against RDR Books and those who wish to publish a print version of the Harry Potter Lexicon:

Firstly, the schedule has beenContinued...

Audie Award Nomination for Jim Dale and "Deathly Hallows"

Actor Jim Dale has been nominated for his audio recording of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at the 2008 Audie Awards. Recognized for his voice work in the category of “Solo Narration-Male,” Jim Dale is nominated along with Edward Herrmann, narrator ofContinued...

Happy Birthday, Arthur Weasley!

The calendar on Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling’s website has been updated for February 6th to celebrate the birthday of Arthur Weasley. Happy Birthday, Arthur! Cheers!

J. K. Rowling Discusses Inspiration for Minister of Magic and More in New Interview

Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling is the subject of an interview which ran this past weekend in a number of Spanish language publications as part of the XLSemanal section. This interview first took place a number of months ago and features Jo speaking of her inspirationsContinued...

Six Nominations for "Order of the Phoenix" at Empire Awards

The BBC is reporting tonight the “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” film received a total of six nominations at the upcoming Empire Magazine Movie Awards. The fifth film in the series was nominated for Best Film while actors Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Emma WatsonContinued...