Harry Potter castle launch has children spellbound
The magic of Harry Potter came alive for millions of fans across the globe today as the hotly-awaited sixth book in the series was finally unveiled in a witching-hour spectacle.
For a few thousand awestruck children in Edinburgh, the night was that little bit more special as they got within sight of author JK Rowling and saw the city’s famous castle transformed into Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Multi-millionaire Rowling gave bookworms the first glimpse of what awaited them by reading from chapter six of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at one minute past midnight at a castle ceremony to mark the widely-anticipated edition’s worldwide release.
The release of the penultimate book about the boy wizard had been shrouded in secrecy and copies of the volume were being guarded with military-style security.
The latest adventure, which has topped book sales charts for months before being published, is expected to become the fastest-selling book in history.
Its publication today will also bring to an end months of speculation about the plot, accidental advance sales and even gag orders.
Publisher Bloomsbury claims the book charting Harry Potter’s adventures at Hogwarts with his friends Ron and Hermione is a pivotal book, unlocking the key to the whole series.
Bloomsbury promises it will be a “satisfying and thrilling read, full of JK Rowling’s trademark humour, eye for detail and sense of drama”.
In Rowling’s adopted home city of Edinburgh, 2,000 youngsters watched Rowling arrive outside the castle on the Esplanade, wearing an all-black Chloe jacket and skirt.
