A new survey by the Leaders in London international leadership summit found J.K. Rowling to be considered the third most influential woman in the U.K., preceded only by Margaret Thatcher (second) and Queen Elizabeth II (first).  1,000 business leaders were questioned for the survey.

Waterstone's limited edition postcard book is now available for pre-order. The book, due out in August, will include JK Rowling's prequel as well original works by 12 other authors; remember that all 13 of these works are being auctioned off on June 10.  The works will also be online starting June 11. 

JK Rowling has updated her site to say that the Harry Potter prequel she wrote for charity "takes place around 3 years before Harry is born."  She adds, "Although I did feel a bit like a relapsing addict as I sat down to write - the words poured from my pen with frightening ease - I am NOT working on a prequel. Indeed, I've written that clearly at the bottom of the card itself" (as seen over at Newsround).

JK Rowling has written an 800-word prequel to the Harry Potter series for a charity auction benefiting English Pen and Dyslexia Action. The prequel is said to feature "the fictional wizard's father James and his friend Sirius Black in their younger years." A copy of the prequel will be available online after the auction (June 10), and will also be sold in a book containing all 13 auction contributions come August.

Karl Bishop, an unemployed 21-year-old, was remanded in custody today after appearing at Bexley Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Robert Knox and five counts of wounding with intent.  His next court appearance is set for September 2 at the Old Bailey.

The Guardian has a new article online recapping tribute which has been paid to Robert Knox by his family and friends these past few days. Of interest, the article quotes Robert's parents as saying that they hope Robert's death will help shed light on - and subsequently curtail - knife crime.

Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter films) celebrates her birthday today.

During last night's airing of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it was revealed that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will premiere on ABC Family on July 6.  In related news, no Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince footage was shown.  Remember that POA will be re-broadcast on ABC Family tonight.

Please help us in showing how much the Harry Potter community cares about the death of Robert Knox by submitting a message expressing your condolences at this link. After five days Harry Potter Fan Zone will compile all of the messages and send them to Robert's family.

The Telegraph is reporting that 18-year-old Robert Knox (Ravenclaw student Marcus Belby in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) was stabbed to death last night outside of bar in Sidcup, London, after trying to protect his younger brother from several men.  Warner Bros. said in a statement: "We are all shocked and saddened by this news and at this time our sympathies are with his family."

A reminder that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will air on ABC Family tonight at 8 PM EST, and tomorrow night at the same time.  While there is currently no word on whether Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince sneak peaks will be shown, none of the commercials have indicated that there will be. 

Jim Broadbent (Prof. Slughorn in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) celebrates his birthday today.

Fans can now pre-order Scholastic's special anniversary edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - due out September 23 - over at Amazon.  The site is offering a 34% discount on the book, meaning you need only pay $19.80 as opposed to $30.

A small new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince promotional image showing the trio in the Gryffindor Common Room has been leaked online.  The image is very similar to this official promotional image, but shows the trio from a different angle.

A UK tabloid is quoting John Hurt (Ollivander in the first Harry Potter film) as saying: '"I didn't spend a lot of time on the Harry Potter film but I might be spending more time there next time," he smiled. "We'll see."'  We will let you know if John is officially cast in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Rhiannon D. of Australia has been named the winner of Amazon's "Beedle the Bard Ballad Writing Contest".  She and a friend will be flown to London to spend a weekend with JK Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard.  You can read the winning submission here.

According to Emma Watson's official website, principal photography on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince wrapped last Saturday, May 17.  The site also notes that Emma is currently studying for her A-level exams now that filming is complete.

Fondation Émergence, a homosexual lobby group based in Canada, has awarded JK Rowling their "Fight Against Homophobia" award.  Rowling reportedly won the award because of her announcement last fall that Dumbeldore was gay.  Three homosexual fans of the books will accept the award on her behalf.

Over the past couple of weeks, Oclumencia has been posting fantastic new images from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix which include studio shots, movie stills, and behind-the-scenes photos.

Scholastic has announced that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone will be released in a special anniversary edition on September 23.  It will feature "exclusive bonus material from J.K. Rowling as well as new cover art and a four-color frontispiece by Mary Grandpré."  The new cover art can be seen here.