'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' Midnight Release Party Saturday in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Harry Potter fans can rejoice -- this weekend will be the first time in nine years that a new Harry Potter book will be available at bookstores. The book, called "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," goes on sale Sunday.

The Potomac Yard Barnes & Noble store in Alexandria will be rolling out the welcome mat for Potter fans on Saturday with a countdown to midnight book release party, beginning at 8 p.m.

Located at 3561 Jefferson Davis Highway, the bookstore says:
"It’s a wonderful year to be a Harry Potter fan! We're inviting readers everywhere to join us for a series of events celebrating the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II, and the wonder of the wizarding world. All Muggles, witches, and wizards are welcome—so grab your wand, wear your house colors, and head to your local B&N store for games, giveaways, trivia, and more!"

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on Saturday, July 30.

A summary of the book says: "It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places."

PHOTO of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" book cover courtesy of publisher.