In honor of “Bonfire Night” (November 5), we have a brand new contest for you! Here are the details: Fred and George have been so busy making anti-Voldemort devices they completely forgot to make the fireworks for this years Bonfire Night celebration. The wizarding community is determined to show You-Know-Who they’re not cowed by his …read more!

Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort) and Michael Gambon (Dumbledore) will headline the Sydney Festival in January 2007. As part of a collaboration with Ireland’s Gate Theatre, the acclaimed actors will take the stage in honor of Samuel Beckett’s centennary. Mr. Fiennes will perform a monologue dramatizing Beckett’s post-war novella “First Love,” and Mr. Gambon will reprise …read more!

We have told you in the past about rumors of directors being considered for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. There is a new one today, from Dark Horizons (via Access Hollywood): American Michael Hoffman, director of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Restoration” and “Soapdish.” The article says that “An official announcement is expected on the …read more!

Actress Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) will be switching on the Christmas lights display on the Marylebone HIgh Street at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 16. The festivities will begin at 4:00 p.m. with jugglers, musicians, Father Christmas and “food and shopping delights.” The illumination of the Christmas lights will be followed by a fireworks display. …read more!

As often reported here, in February Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley) will star in Equus in London’s West End. The Tony Award-winning play, written by Peter Shaffer, is a dark, spiraling psychodrama in which a young boy (played by Dan) undergoes therapy after blinding six stable horses. Leaky readers have been …read more!

There’s been another update at JKRowling.com. We have a new wizard of the month, Lorcan d’Eath, who is VERY appropriate for the Halloween season! 😉

JKRowling.com has been updated! In her new diary entry, Jo says that she is now considering a THIRD title for book seven, but that this doesn’t concern her, as some of the previous books have had several titles in the offing before one was settled on. Quotage: “Title three currently ahead by a short nose, …read more!

Eat candy, watch a spooky movie, dress up like a Dementor and scare your neighbors – have a happy and safe Halloween, everyone!

The calendar on JKRowling.com has been updated to recognize the birthday of Molly Weasley. Cheers, Molly — put on your sparkly midnight blue hat and take a turn with Arthur to “A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love!” We at TLC hope ALL your children are celebrating with you. 🙂

Our 61st edition of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast, is live: to listen, just hit the “Play” button on the right side of the page (—>), or use iTunes, or direct download.) More notes: -This week, Melissa has a ghoul in her computer, so it’s just John and Sue -Canon Conundrums: John, Sue, Guru and …read more!