By Mrudvi Bakshi

news@oxfordeagle.com

Harry Potter fans can barely contain their excitement. Nine years after the release of the final installment, “The Deathly Hallows,” of the illustrious franchise, news of an eighth part hitting the market has created quite a stir.

And while fans worldwide wait restlessly to get their hands on the new book, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” Off Square Books has hatched a plan to make the wait even more exciting for “potterheads.”

The bookstore will hold an exclusive release from 10 p.m. until midnight on July 30. The Harry Potter Magical Midnight Release Party is open to all fans, young and old. Those who wish to drop by are encouraged to emulate the attire of their favorite character and enjoy a night full of games, prizes, activities, as well as Hogwarts-themed refreshments.

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” is a two-part West End stage play written by Jack Thorne, based on an original new story by Thorne, John Tiffany and original Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling.

The book is actually the script and not a novel.

Harry Potter fan Disha Prabhu is just happy to have a new story to cherish.

“I have been a ‘potterhead’ through-and-through for nearly 16 years and the series has not only enchanted me but also taught me some really important life lessons,” said Prabhu, a graduate student at the University of Mississippi. “The epilogue written by Rowling in her final book leaves us wanting more, and hence the upcoming book, focusing on the life of Harry’s youngest son Albus, is causing great excitement all over. I have pre-ordered mine already and can hardly wait for it to arrive.”

Where the first seven books were a journey into the life and adventures of Harry and his friends at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the eighth will be his life after school. This time he dons the role of a husband and father of three, with his youngest son Albus finding himself intertwined in his father’s dark past.

Amongst the many goodies distributed, there will be limited edition Harry Potter-themed Square Books t-shirts available for sale at the party, while supplies last.

As space will be limited, pre-ordering the book at the stores will guarantee each person two spots at the party.  The remaining space will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Books will be distributed at midnight at Square Books Jr.

If you cannot attend the party but wish to pick up your book at midnight, come by Off Square Books and confirm the purchase before going to Square Books Jr. to pick up the book. All book purchases must be confirmed at Off Square Books before they may be picked up, including pre-orders. Purchases can be confirmed anytime during the party.

Contact Square Books Jr. at 662-236-2207 to pre-order “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”