Potter-related News of a Disappointing Sort

From the School Library Journal website I bring you this tale of Rowling and woe.

Excited Harry Potter fans rushed to their computers on April 6 hoping to discover a possible clue to J. K. Rowling's seventh book. But all they found were grades to a quiz they took on the author's Web site the week before.

From March 31 to April 4, Rowling temporarily removed the "do not disturb" sign that normally hangs on the door of her site's "Room of Requirement." Potter enthusiasts were expecting to uncover book excerpts and other exciting tidbits as they have in the past. But this time all they got was a four-part, 25-question test called the Grade 1 W.O.M.B.A.T. (Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude test). The purpose? To find out how well "Muggle" test-takers—ordinary mortals completing the quiz—would survive within the magical world.

After completing the test, frazzled fans were issued an ID card necessary for viewing their score and a vague promise that they would find out the test results in a few days. True to her word, Rowling placed a new portkey on her homepage, where eager Potter fans received either a failing grade or scores that ranged from "outstanding" to "dreadful."

Fans were left scratching their heads—wondering what the test had to do with the seventh Potter book.

Those amongst you who sneer at the Potter phenomenon will undoubtedly find this news less than impressive. To you I have only one word to say: Poo