POTTERMORE.COM continues the HARRY POTTER universe with new online material

The magical universe of Harry Potter will not end as expected on July 15th with the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Today J.K. Rowling unveiled the mystery behind Pottermore.com.

Rowling announced the news of the free website, which will have"extensive new material about the characters, places and objects in the much-loved stories." Sounds like fans will finally have that long planned Harry Potter encyclopedia in online form. There will be a store where registered users can eBooks and audiobooks of all the novels. There will be some cool new illustrations, and interactive "Moments," which allow users to "move through the chapters" and experience places like Hogwarts and Diagon Alley firsthand. 

Here is what Rowling had to say in a statement:

“I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new digital generation. I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have. Just as I have contributed to the website, everyone else will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment – Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site.”

Pottermore.com is set to go live on October 2011, with registration opening on July 31 (Harry's birthday). The first million fans to register on the 31st will get the chance to be part of an early beta-testing group of the site.

Check out the video statement below to see the Pottermore announcement yourself:

Many fans may be a bit let down because they were hoping for a continuation of the novels. Pottermore.com is better than nothing at all as far as I am concerned!