Harry Potter And The Book Seven Spoilers?

(CBS)  You could call it "Harry Potter and The Leaking Plot."

With the concluding novel due out 12:01 next Saturday morning, would-be spoilers are already on the loose, claiming to know how the series will turn out. CBS News correspondent Anthony Mason reports.

In Philadelphia this week, a convention of Harry Potter fans recreated the Hogwarts dining room. At a New York toy store, a crowd strained to catch a glimpse of Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley in the films.
Less than a week away from the release of the seventh and final Harry Potter novel, the anticipation is building.

"I hope that Harry kills Voldemort," says 5-year-old Erin Allen.

In the U.S. alone, 12 million copies of "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows" have been printed.

The contents are so carefully guarded that the publisher wouldn't reveal the locations of the printing plants. Author J.K. Rowling, did reveal the final word in the series was "scar" — but now says she changed her mind, and declines to share the new final word.

Only a handful of insiders have actually read the last novel. One of them is actor Jim Dale, who recorded the audiobook for Scholastic.

"It is probably, of all the books, the most exciting book of all the series," he says.

Dale has been sworn to secrecy. He says that he will be "skinned alive" if he leaks the contents, and he's not kidding. When Dale jokingly told a reporter Harry "would probably be killed off or become pope" in book seven, "the lawyers from J.K. Rowling were on the phone to us in America saying, 'You know, we want Jim Dale to retract this statement," Dale said.

But now some details may have leaked out. On Friday, The-Leaky-Cauldron.org, a fan site received what appear to be actual pages, says Melissa Anelli, the site's webmaster.

"Somebody scanned the first pages of several chapters and the summary of the book and just sent them to us, knowing full well our policy on spoilers, how we don't want them."

Anelli refused to post the pages and immediately turned them over to the publisher.

"It's our job to act as Scholastic's sentries. To act as sentries for her publishers and help stop this from happening," she says.

Because many hardcore Harry fans don't want to know the secrets — until they read them for themselves:

"It's like trying to go and find out what all your Christmas presents are before Christmas," says Keith Davis, a Harry Potter fan. "You'll be sorry you know."

And that's why, when it's all over, some fear the outbreak of an epidemic: "Post Potter Depression":

"It's almost the anticipation of the thing is better than the thing itself," says Emerson Spartz, of mugglenet.com. "Because as soon as we finish that book, it's over."

[mbpfrance]

As mid 50's guy without children I originally scoffed at Potter books! Then by chance I ended up reading the book with a 8 year old daughter of a friend who declared it would take 'forever' to read 776 pages! I was hooked! But not only in the stories, which are pure magic - but at the ability of the writer to craft a story so well written that 8 year olds around the world cannot wait to read it!I am thrilled that they have discovered the joy of reading! What treasures and mysteries lay ahead for them I do not know- but I do know they are better prepared by being able to read! For this the author can keep all the treasure she has deservedly earned!

[hihavaniceda]

I would like to thank the writer for a well written artical. I am from Australia and I am shocked to see the replies/comments. Harry Potter books are beautifully written .... sorry I cannot say the same for the comments here. Anyone with any intelligence can see the masterful web of ideas and story plots. I am sad for you all. You obviously will not be enjoying Book 7 with millions of us worldwide. Stay were you are ... don't come downunder!

[likeitis5050]

SharnCedar & bobgee_1999 why all the passion for something you obviously detest? You are amazed adults are 'moistened in public' over this? I am amazed you go to such lengths to describe everything you dislike. But I felt the same way about the last Bond movie. If the disappointment is in the movie not living up to the book...stop seeing the movies. If the disappointment is in the way the movies are made...stop seeing the movies. Win-win for everyone. And the fact that JR has kids reading is good, whether you like it or not. No one is trying to make her into the greatest author of the 21st Century. But she does get credit for getting many kids into reading. Being a reader means you have the ability to educate yourself on a hundred different levels. Learning to read is one thing. Liking to read is another. Many kids like reading Harry Potter. Bravo. Move on.

[rashid821]

I hate children's book now that I'm an adult. But i guess, even as a kid, I wouldn't read this Harry Potter thing since it delved into make believe and fantasies.
But I have great respect for the author since she manifested that her works were loved by million of kids around the world and earning millions for her work is icing on the cake.

[likeitis5050]

Reading is good. A child reading is great. A child reading something that makes them think is excellent.

JR was inspired by this entire concept. It is right up there with every great mystery series. What she has woven into her writing will keep children wanting to read more for the rest of their lives. Being the catalyst for life long learning...now that's an achievement!

[Missfaye]

Any book that encourages young people to read and to use their imagination is a good thing, Joanne Rowling was a single mother who has worked her but off in order to give her kids a better life and she has done it in style, it strikes me that you two people above are jealous of her success and popularity. She deserves her money, fame and recognition, going by how utterly awful you have come accross in your posts I expect you are poor, unattractive and have no friends, I truly hope you learn to be kinder and maybe hapiness will find you.



And yes I am BRITISH and very proud of it!

[max_grandeur]

Apparently neither of you have actually read any of the books for yourselves. There over I million readers, both children and adults alike, who have said that Harry Potter is the best!