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Harry Potter fans keep guessing
DUBAI — Recent comments made by JK Rowling in response to ‘Save Harry’ online campaign urging the author to extend the Harry Potter series has sparked off speculation among fans in Dubai.
The campaign, launched by British bookstore Waterstone’s, remains undeterred despite Rowling’s previous declarations on how her forthcoming book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is to be the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series. It hopes to get a million signatures in a petition by July 21 in order to persuade Rowling to “one day return to the world of Harry Potter,” according to its web-site.
Their efforts may even pay off as a statement released by Rowling through her publisher, Bloomsbury, on Monday quoted her as saying “never say never,” hinting at a possible sequel to the series. This, although the author has already disclosed that “two characters will die,” making it unlikely to continue if one of them happens to be Harry himself.
“This is wonderful news!” gushed 15-year-old Sarah Beck. “I was upset about the release of Deathly Hallows because I wouldn’t have anything to look forward to after it. I love the characters and feel like I’ve grown up with them. Even though it’s [the petition] nothing definite, if enough people sign it, she’ll definitely take notice and understand that her fans aren’t ready to give up.”
Similar comments were echoed by 10-year-old Noel Garden, who hopes that a sequel would come out but he also admits to being more unhappy about the series ending on the big screen. “I’ve loved every Harry Potter movie and I don’t want to see it end. I think the special effects are amazing and hope that she continues because I’d love to see him fight evil as an adult.”
Adults, too, were caught up in the excitement, including Miram Asmari, who noted that Harry Potter encouraged her daughter to start reading. “I think many parents agree that their kids have benefited greatly by Rowling’s magical world. It has sparked their imagination and also made my kids eager to read more books with similar themes. I really hope that she continues the series because it encourages a healthy worldwide activity, and I fear that another series may not have as much of an impact.”
Mia Santiago, marketing manager at Magrudy’s, acknowledges the positive impact of a continuation of the series on book sales but admits that everything must come to an eventual end. “This would be great for business, but it’s really all in Rowling’s hands. Personally, I probably wouldn’t mind seeing it end. I think its success is due in part to the number of its sequels as it creates anticipation and excitement. Perhaps another series could be just as popular. Then again, in the world of witchcraft, who knows what can happen?”
Magrudy’s currently charges a Dh25 deposit to reserve one copy of Deathly Hallows. The deposit will be adjusted against the price of the book on purchase.
Those interested in signing the petition can do so by July 21 at http://www.saveharrypotter.co.uk/.
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