J. K. Rowling was introduced and we were all leaning forward to see her the first moment she came in. There was thunder and lightning and the prefects were leaning forward into our chairs and they made us more excited. J. K. Rowling finally came in and we were all clapping. She sat in the chair and started reading from the sixth chapter where Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were visiting Fred and George’s Joke Shop in Diagon Alley. I was almost in tears when she came in. She was wearing a black dress that came to about her knees and was also wearing a black jacket. Her voice was very friendly and it fit the book well. I was trying to listen to every detail. When she finished reading we applauded loudly and for a very long time. The photographers took pictures of her and we started asking questions and she wouldn’t answer some of them but she gave us some information. She had said that she would read us more of the book and so she continued for a while until the signed copies of the books arrived.

We were called up row by row to receive our copy of the book. She shook our hands and told us that we’ll meet again someday and gave us our books. Some people asked her for a hug, but I was too shy to do that. I heard some people say later that they were going to sell the book on ebay after a few years and I was horrified. J. K. Rowling left and we were called to our coaches and met up with our parents. I was in coach #1 along with everyone else in the same hotel. There were about twenty of us. I wouldn’t let my mother touch my book and I read the book as soon as I got back.

The cameras were turned off and that's when the fun really began. The books hadn't been carried into the room yet so Jo just talked to us all. That 20 minute period was the best part of the whole weekend.

At first Jo came across quite nervous, probably more nervous than any of us.

"So what did you think?" she asked. "Did you like it?"

"YES!" we all replied cheering.

"Oh good." She said smiling.

"So," she said looking around at us all "would you like me to tell you who dies?"

Everyone called out and she beamed at us.

"Well too bad, you'll just have to wait." She laughed. "Though I doubt you'll care much," she added as an afterthought; "Just some minor secondary characters." she said and waved her hand dismissively.

"And I'll bet you'd all like to know who the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is?"

More cheers and cries of "Yes!" .

"Oh but I can't tell you that."

Groans are heard from all.

"You'll want to know … who Harry's new girlfriend is."

Louder cheers.

"No, won't tell you that either." She smiled and I could tell she was enjoying torturing us. She paused to think.

"Oh! You will all want to know who the Half-Blood Prince is!"

This got the loudest cheer of all to which Jo responded with evil laughter and said "Nope, not telling!"

My hand shot up and when she picked me I asked if Ron would get a girlfriend in this book. She gave me a mischievous grin and looked as though she wasn't sure if she wanted to answer the question before she simply said "Yes". She was then asked is Sirius would make contact with Harry ("No, I'm afraid he doesn't , in any way.") and if Hermione would get a boyfriend (cheeky smile "Ah, can't tell you that, sorry").

Hi." Jo greeted me, handing me my book with one hand and shaking my hand with the other. Our photograph was taken together then I asked "So, What is it that you have to say to get a hug?" she grinned and replied "That, apparently." and gave me a cuddle I will no doubt remember for the rest of my life. The girl who had sat beside me during the readings came up behind me afterwards "How did you get hug!?" She asked.

When JK came into the room she was met with loud applause and the press conference began. Although it was only supposed to last one hour, I was told later by one of the group leaders that Jo had insisted on making it longer so that every child got to ask his or her question. Jo tried to answer every question and always apologised when she couldn't answer in fear that it would give too much away.