Web abuzz with Harry Potter sequel rumours
By Mark Schliebs
November 09, 2007 12:50pm
Article from: news.com.au

Site counting down to start of "new Potter project"
"Elder's Crossing" possibly an elaborate hoax
Warner Bros yet to confirm or deny links

HARRY POTTER-mania has gone into overdrive over a new website counting down the release of a mysterious project called James Potter and the Hall of Elder’s Crossing. The internet is abuzz with speculation that an eighth Harry Potter novel is about to be released because of the “harry potter book 8 secret test marketing” website. The Elder's Crossing website features a short teaser clip and sketches of characters, focussing on Harry’s father James Potter.

A spokesman for Warner Bros, the company that brought Harry Potter to the big-screen and were believed to be behind the website, has not yet confirmed or denied their involvement in the “secret test marketing” after being contacted by NEWS.com.au. But excited Harry Potter fans have poured their opinions about the mysterious website on forums all over the internet. Many fans believe that James Potter and the Hall of Elder’s Crossing may be the eighth book of the series – but written by someone other than author J.K. Rowling. Rowling has previously stated that she would not be writing an eighth Harry Potter book. On one site, user “slytherin360” said that she was surprised by the mysterious “James Potter” project. “I swear it made me so excited… I actually think she might write about James Potter,” the user said.

On Digg, submitter “georgezilla” said that the series could continue. “Publishers deny involvement, but the cinema-quality media and design of the site (and the leaked YouTube vid) have led throngs of Potterphiles to hope for an official HP8,” the user said. “Uncovered last week, the password protected site has created a furor in the online Potter fandom. “Could be a plot to create a buzz for an as-yet unannounced series continuation.

” Blogger “rachel-sh” (http://rachel-sh.livejournal.com/ ) posted her thoughts on the website yesterday. "If it's a hoax, then it's a very professional looking one,” she said. “If it's not, then I wonder what it is? A prequel, explaining how James got his hands on the invisibility cloak maybe? Might not even be a book - could just be a Warner Bros film.” “Again, I say, bizarre!”