M A I N   N E W S

Childline gears up for distraught Potter fans
Harry: RIP?
You’ll know it today

Washington, July 20
With the release of the last Harry Potter book only hours away now, helplines are gearing up to answer numerous calls from distraught Potter fans.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" hits the shelves at a minute past midnight Saturday (2301 GMT Friday) in a carefully orchestrated release designed to maximise suspense and sales from London and New York to Mumbai and Australia's Outback.

Childline, a free helpline for children and young people has asked its staff to work extra shifts prior to the launch of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on Saturday.

The helpline has predicted that many young readers will be left feeling flustered if one or more of the key characters in the novel are killed off. And to cope with this expected demand, the 24-hour hotline service has drafted in extra volunteers.

Senior ChildLine supervisor, Kate Tench said that the series about the adventures of a young wizard had become a "major part" of young people's lives. “Death and loss of any kind can make children feel upset, angry and afraid. The story could bring back unhappy memories for children who have lost friends, relatives or pets,” Contactmusic quoted Tench, as saying.

A recent review of the Deathly Hallows by an American newspaper unveiled that a number of characters die in the book. The review angered author J K Rowling, who appealed to the media and fans to keep away from spoiling the fun of the book for other readers.

The Potter saga, experts believe, will be the fastest-selling book of all time. — Agencies