Issue 73; Vol. 2; November 6, 2007

Owl Post: Bringing you the best in Harry Potter

The Official Newsletter of LeakyNews.com!
BandB

New Book Written by J.K. Rowling to Be Auctioned for Charity

Some amazing news came this week from author J.K. Rowling who announced on her website she has written a new book, however there is only one to be made available to the public, and it will be sold for charity. On her website, Jo states this new book is based on a tale that is mentioned in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." The book that is to be auctioned is one of seven handwritten by the Harry Potter author, the other six will be given to people she wanted to honor privately, with the final copy going on auction at Sotheby's in London on December 13th 2007. The book, leather-bound and embellished with silver and different semi-precious stones, "will be on display to the public for a short period before the sale, and catalogues will be sold, all profits going to the Children's Voice." Readers will remember this is the charity that Jo founded several years ago; more information on this group, here. The Children's Voice charity (formerly Children’s High Level Group (CHLG)) aims to stamp out cruelty, neglect and abuse of young people, especially in Eastern Europe. JKR made a moving visit to the area several years ago, and has remained dedicated to helping these children.

Sotheby's has a short description about the book itself (Note: A special 48 page catalogue previewing this will soon be available for sale to the public and includes a message from Jo about the creation of the book). "Autograph manuscript of "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" translated from the original runes by J.K. Rowling. Individually handwritten and extensively illustrated by the author, c.160 pages written in an Italian hand-made notebook, bound in brown morocco embellished on upper cover by Edinburgh silversmiths Hamilton and Inches, with five individually hand-chased hallmarked sterling silver ornaments and mounted moonstones." Sotheby's officially released to the press three new photos here, here, and here.

Some additional information about this remarkable event can be found via the following: (Please note, if you have not yet read the final Harry Potter novel, there are spoilers.) The BBC has released video of an interview with Jo, giving more details on this subject. To watch this video, click here.

Dan Rad Parkinson

Confirmed: Dan Radcliffe, Richard Griffith in "Equus" Broadway Production Fall 2008

Several months ago actor Dan Radcliffe said he very much wanted to reprise his role in the play "Equus" for a production to be held on Broadway next year. Our Order partner DanRadcliffe.com has confirmed the play with Dan in the lead role is set to happen, with "Equus" due to open here in the United States September of 2008. Along with Dan, fellow Harry Potter star and Tony Award winning actor Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon) will return again in the play which was such a success in London’s West End earlier this year. The Daily Mail is also reporting that the play will go into rehearsals in New York City starting August of 2008. No ticket information is yet available, and we will update with more on this exciting news when we can.

More Big News...

New From Noble Collection: Luna Lovegood Jewelry, Voldemort Bookend and More
Jason Isaacs Hopes to be in "Deathly Hallows" Film
Harry Potter Lexicon Makes Statement Regarding Suit
Questions and Answers with WB and RDR; Lexicon Responds
J.K. Rowling Updates "Companion Books" Article; RDR Books Responds
J.K. Rowling and WB File Suit Over Unofficial Encyclopedia

What's HOT in the Leaky Lounge

With the production for the next Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," now underway, discussion of what we hope to see in the latest flick has increased. Our Argent Scrim's Film Emporium on the Leaky Lounge features these topics in its many threads contained in that section. You can join other fans and talk about the latest news about the filming and even join in on speculation about the final film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Check out this section of the Leaky Lounge today!

New from PotterCast

This week, the 124th episode of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast, is back to its regular format with the latest in Harry Potter for your listening pleasure. In this episode, the PotterCasters theorize on the Dursleys in a new ‘Canon Conclundrums’ while our Scribby 5 girls talk about an essay from their 19th issue of Scribbulus. We continue our series of discussions on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" with fans in a new ‘Bit-by-Bit,’ where we sort out the many Harry Potters in the next chapter of the book. We also get into a moment shared by Harry in Luna from the "Order of the Phoenix" film in a new ‘Phoenix Files’ in addition to bringing you the latest "Half-Blood Prince" filming reports from our readers in the UK and much more.

The latest in HP essays!

The 20th issue of Scribbulus, Leaky's premier essay project, was released this month containing five essays, three of which on the subject of "Changing Concepts of Characters." Specifically, the characters of Neville Longbottom and Severus Snape are discussed, along with an essay on a number of characters from author J. K. Rowling's series. Additionally, we have an essay this month on parallels between Harry’s fight against Lord Voldemort and our own fight against global warming. Finally, a look at the seven steps of research and how they were applied by the Trio in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" rounds out our November Issue. Enjoy!

New and featured items

Hogwarts students are pulling out their woolen hats, scarves, and gloves to protect against the cold weather that is slowly approaching the castle. Chances are many are experiencing the same around the world, so the Cauldron Shop would like to present to you some of its finest winter fashions. Our shop features some Hogwarts Benies in very house color, including this most delightful Hufflepuff cap, perfect for those falling temperatures. We also have a very wide array of Scarves and Coats to bundle up in this fall. Check out these items and so much more in our Cauldron Shop today!

 

Jingle Spells: Leaky's Sixth Get A Clue Fundraiser Now Open

JS Leaky’s sixth Get a Clue fundraiser, our yearly efforts which have raised more than $30,000 to date to aid literacy around the world, is now under way, and it’s a doozy this year.

The holiday season is nearly upon us, so we asked 14 of the biggest and best wizard rock bands around to donate a Christmas or Holiday themed song for a very special compilation album. They all did so with enthusiasm, and what we now have to offer you for our fundraiser is one of the best holiday albums any of us has heard. It is all-new music, from 14 different bands, and buying the album is the only way you can hear the music on it. It’s a perfect gift for yourself or anyone else you know who loves Harry Potter. It’s for a good cause. It’s a holiday gift and a holiday good deed, all rolled into one. Every penny of profit on this album will be donated to Book Aid International, to aid in their effort to install libraries in the places in the world that need them most.

The album is selling for $15, including shipping (there is a $3 surcharge for orders outside the U.S.), and is now available for pre-order at this link. All pre-orders will be shipped out in mid-November, and the album will only be available (and only as a physical disc) through Dec. 10.

 
  New Pictures
"The Tales Of Beedle The Bard" Pictures

BBC Interview with JKR on "Beedle The Bard" Book
Reader E-mails

Dear Leaky Cauldron,
Now that the series is over, I'd love to get together with other fans and discuss. Will there be any more conferences?

-A Devoted Reader



Dear Devoted Reader,

There are several conferences scheduled for next year. Convention Alley will be in Ottawa, Canada in June. In the U.S., Portus is planned for Dallas, Texas in July, followed in August by Terminus in Chicago, Illinois. Last but not least, Accio will take place in July in Oxford, England. Want links? Click here.

-Kristin for TLC