At midnight tonight, thousands of children will line up for the book event of the summer: the release of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

It's a numbers game of vast proportion. The sixth in a series of a reported seven will have a first printing of 10.8 million copies - 4 million more than 2003's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, a publishing record. And that's not counting the 635,000 copies of the audio version that also will be available.

But while such figures have been widely reported, the plot might as well have been guarded at Fort Knox.

True, web sites have revealed general plot lines, such as: "Harry will have some time for romance" and "the wizarding world is really at war again." But we could have guessed that. Other leaked tidbits, such as the book's length (672 pages) and assorted chapter titles (Chapter 2 is "Spinners End;" Chapter 6, "Draco's Detour;" Chapter 14, "Felix Felicis") are barely worth nibbling on.

So although we can't tell you much about what's in the new book, we can whet your appetite for tonight's big event.

To stir the pot, today we offer plot synopses of previous books, an interview with Potter editor Arthur Levine, the results of a reader poll and a list of scheduled activities .

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Let the magic begin.

Asking Harry Potter fans to choose their favorite J.K. Rowling book is like asking kids to pick their favorite amusement park ride: Hey, they're all a scream.

But in our recent online poll, readers managed to come up with a clear winner: Book 4, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.

Out of the more than 100 who responded to the survey, nearly 43% preferred the story in which Harry enters the prestigious Triwizard Tournament only to wind up confronting the evil Lord Voldemort.

"It was a hard choice becaus I love them all but, I mad up my mind," wrote one fan, who we hope is too young to master the nuances of spelling. (Otherwise, we'd be mighty worried about the state of public education.) "The forth has a lot of mistery and action you get to learn more about Harry and Voldemort. Plus I love the dragons."

His was one of many comments we received in support of readers' choices. Here's a sampling, grouped by favorite title:

The Sorcerer's Stone

• "I love them all but the first one is my favorite because everytime I read it I receive so much joy watching Harry discover this wonderfully magical world he had no idea existed."

• "I think that the Sorcerer's Stone is my favorite Harry Potter book because it was the first in the series and really showed me another side to books and reading."

The Chamber of Secrets

• "I think that this book has the best action!"

• "Best and tightest story."

The Prisoner of Azkaban

• "I love the Prisoner of Azkaban because of all the elements that are introduced - Prof. Lupin and the Animagus, the Marauder's Map, and the fact that even though Harry doesn't battle Voldemort, the conflict is still exciting and intriguing!"

• "The Prisoner of Azkaban is our family's favorite because Professor Lupin is such a well-written character. We also enjoy the realization that Harry is not kinless in the wizarding world when we meet Sirius Black."

• "I love all of the books, but this one just makes my heart melt. Every time I read it I feel so happy because Harry has someone in his life, someone like a father. He is no longer alone."

• "(Books) 1 and 2 were geared more towards children. 4 and 5 were too long. In 3, she found that happy medium between children and adult oriented material. The story was excellent but not overtold like 4 and 5."

The Goblet of Fire

• "I liked this one the best because of the excitement of the Triwizard Tournament and the return of Voldemort and the battle between him and Harry."

• "I loved all the magical creatures introduced in this book . . . Also the resurrection of Voldemort is really cool, and knowing how dangerous the coming years are."

• "My favorite is The Goblet of Fire because that's where the action starts to pick up a bit. I find that with each new book that comes out I like the series more and more."

• "I loved being introduced to students from different wizarding schools. Was absolutely shocked at events towards the end of the book. Rowling has an uncanny ability to make you interested in the little details."

• "I couldn't read the last chapter fast enough - the build up and suspense were so intense!"

• "This was like 5 books in one. Plus I was actually scared in this one!"

The Order of the Phoenix

• "Choosing a favorite HP book is a bit like trying to choose a favorite child. In book five, Harry really starts acting like an angsty teenager. I think the reason we love Harry is because we can relate to him in a certain way."

• "The 5th book is when we start to get all of the details about why Voldemort chose Harry! It never has a dull moment!"

• "It is far darker than any of the other books. But I loved it when Harry and his friends founded the DA in covert rebellion to the Ministry's interference at Hogwarts. Every time a book comes out, I have a new favorite."

• "The fight between Dumbledore and Voltemort (sic) is great."

• "Harry is growing up and his emotions are more complex. The lines between good and evil are not so easily discerned, and the connections between Harry and Voldemort make the story unpredictable."

BOOK PARTIES GALORE

Harry Potter events will be going on throughout the metro area, with many stores staying open past midnight tonight to begin selling books at 12:01 a.m. Below, a listing.

ArmAzem Bookstore and Cafe: The Potter party starts at 5:30 p.m. today with a movie marathon; 10 p.m. sees wand-making, trivia and costume contests. Come in costume and receive a 10 percent discount. 3215 E. Colfax Ave., 303-398-2665.

Barnes & Noble: Events begin tonight and include, games and costumes. Call individual stores for times and details. 8555 E. Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, 303- 796-8851; 170 S. Abilene St., Aurora, 303-340-4475; 8136 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, 303-948-9565; 8374 S. Willow St., Lone Tree, 303-706-9660; 500 16th St., Denver, 303-825-9166; 960 S. Colorado Blvd., Glendale, 303-691-2998; 9370 Sheridan Blvd., Westminster, 303-426-7733; 2915 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-1665; 14347 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, 303-215-9060.

Bo Peep Books: Events start at 10:30 tonight and will include crafts, refreshments and a photo area. The party will repeat at 11 a.m. on Saturday for those who can't stay up late. Please call to reserve a spot. 8036 W. Jewell, Lakewood, 303-989-8127.

The Bookies: Party begins at 10 tonight and features Bertie Botts beans (as well as non-magical food), punch, a raffle, a magician, a balloon man and live owls. 4315 E. Mississippi Ave., 303-759-1117.

Borders: Celebrations begin at 9 tonight and feature games, giveaways and contests. Call individual stores for details. 6606 S. Parker Rd., Aurora, 303-680-4023; 241 W. 104th Ave., Northglenn, 303-920-1594; 8501 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, 303-933-6787; 9515 E. County Line Rd., Englewood, 303-708-1735.

Boulder Book Store: Potter-related giddiness begins at 9 tonight and includes a "grand feast," with food provided by Ideal Market, an all-age costume contest, a wand-decorating contest, raffles and prizes. In addition, aspiring artists can render their idea of the "Half-Blood Prince" in a drawing competition. 1107 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-447-2074.

Media Play: Stores will feature costume contests, games and refreshments starting at 9 tonight. 9150 Wadsworth Pkwy., Westminster, 303-456-1991; 13600 E. Mississippi Ave., Aurora, 303-338-1970; 8055 W. Bowles Crossing, Suite 3, Littleton, 303-933-7510.

Tattered Cover: Starting at 10 tonight the Cherry Creek and Highlands Ranch locations will offer Harry Potter trivia, prizes, Honeydukes treats, decorate-your-own potion pouches and more. 2955 E. First Ave., Cherry Creek, 303-322-7727; 9315 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch Town Center, Highlands Ranch, 303-470-7050.

Toys "R" Us: The Littleton store will open at 7 a.m. Saturday for a morning party that includes a magician, wizard hat-craft making, and honorary degrees from Hogwarts conferred upon those present. Other stores plan individual events; call for details. 5395 S. Wadsworth Ave., Littleton, 303- 972-8697; 9505 E. County Line Rd., Englewood, 303-790-8697; 13790 Mississippi Ave., Aurora, 303-745-8697; 5650 W. 88th Ave., Westminster, 303-426-8697.

WaldenBooks: The Cherry Creek store will hold a party, beginning at 10 p.m., with games, contests and prizes. The Aurora Mall location's festivities begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Arvada and Park Meadows stores' parties begin at 9:30 p.m. Friday. 3000 E. First Ave., Suite 221, Cherry Creek, 303-377-4432; 14200 E. Alameda, Aurora, 303-364-5312; 505 Park Meadows Center Dr., Park Meadows, 303-799-4099; 5240 Wadsworth Bypass, Arvada, 303-423-4202.

Jog your memory

With the series' many plot twists, large and small, readers may have forgotten the stories that have come before. Below, a brief synopsis of the last five plots. NEW HARRY READERS BEWARE: KEY PLOT TWISTS ARE REVEALED!!!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

A young orphan boy, mistreated by his adopted family, the Dursleys, discovers he is a wizard capable of magical feats. Sent to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry starts to learn his new craft, while coming face-to-face with the evil Lord Voldemort, the Dark Force responsible for killing Harry's parents years ago.

• Ending: In a nail-biting scene, Harry confronts Voldemort. The evil power is so weak he is living through the body of Hogwarts' Professor Quirrell. They battle - and when it's over, Quirrell is dead, Voldemort is hanging on by a thread in some ethereal state, and Harry is alive and well enough to see another book.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

On summer vacation from Hogwarts, Harry is warned by a house elf named Dobby that danger awaits if he returns to Hogwarts. He returns, only to learn that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened and someone or something is petrifying members of the Hogwarts community.

Harry also finds a secret diary, made by a long-ago Hogwarts student who calls himself Tom Riddle. Harry begins corresponding with Riddle through the diary - only to learn that Riddle is actually Lord Voldemort.

• Ending: Harry enters the Chamber of Secrets to find Riddle and a 50-foot snake called a basilisk. Riddle has been controlling the snake, which, in turn, is responsible for all the petrifications at Hogwarts. Harry kills the snake and uses its fang to stab Riddle's diary - which causes Riddle to disappear. Meanwhile, Harry and his friends are carted to safety by a phoenix. It's uncertain whether Riddle - aka Voldemort - has survived.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Wizard murderer Sirius Black has escaped from the prison fortress of Azkaban, and Harry believes Sirius is after him. This causes great concern, as Harry and his Hogwarts teachers believe Sirius is the one who betrayed Harry's parents, resulting in their deaths.

• Ending: Harry learns that it was Peter Pettigrew, not Sirius Black, who betrayed his parents. Pettigrew has been living in the form of Harry's friend Ron's pet rat and is in consort with Lord Voldemort. After a climactic scene, Pettigrew escapes, and Harry and friends go back in time to save Sirius, who turns out to be Harry's godfather.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry is chosen to participate in the prestigious Triwizard Tournament. To win, he must complete three difficult tasks. Meanwhile, the throbbing lightning-shaped scar on his forehead warns him that Lord Voldemort is near.

• Ending: Harry and his friend Cedric complete the tasks of the tournament and touch the winner's trophy at the same time. This creates a 'portkey' that transports them to another dimension, where Lord Voldemort is waiting. Voldemort's consort, Peter Pettigrew, kills Cedric. But Harry escapes - with help from his mother who appears in ghost form - and returns to Hogwarts, where he learns that a Professor Moody impostor was responsible for placing him in danger. Worse, Harry and the staff at Hogwarts now recognize that Voldemort is strong and lurking in the wings.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry, now 15, learns about the Order of the Phoenix, a secret group that includes his godfather, Sirius Black, and is dedicated to fighting Lord Voldemort. Meanwhile, at Hogwarts he contends with gossiping students, an insidious new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and increasingly powerful nightmares that lead him to believe that Voldemort is invading his mind.

• Ending: Harry has a vision that Sirius has been captured by Voldemort. He goes to Sirius, only to realize he's been trapped and is surrounded by Death Eaters. As members of the Order of the Phoenix come to his defense, Sirius is killed, and Professor Dumbledore reveals a prophecy that a child born to parents who had "thrice defied" the Dark Lord, would have the power to vanquish Voldemort. "Either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives." That child, says Dumbledore, is Harry.

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