London - Harry Potter fans braved thunder and lightning in London Tuesday to catch a glimpse of stardom at the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the film of the sixth and penultimate adventure in JK Rowling's seven-book series.
Undeterred by hailstorms and heavy downpours, fans held out to cheer the star trio of Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione) and Rupert Grint (Ron) with cries of "Harry Harry" and "Oh my God" as they emerged from their limousines.
Shielded by large umbrellas, the teenage actors managed to give autographs to the adoring crowds in London's Leicester Square, which had been decorated with life-size photos of the stars for the occasion.
The presence of thousands of fans, many in Harry's trademark round spectacles, cloaks and pointed magicians' hats, underlined that the world-famous series has lost none of its magic since the first book was published in 1997.
The cast and crew of the new film wore white ribbons on their wrists as a mark of respect for teenage actor Robert Knox, who had a minor role in the film, but who was killed in a knife attack in London in May, 2008.
"I was totally grabbed by the first book, and I read all the others," said 18-year-old Benny Wielewicki, who had travelled from Weimar in Germany for the launch.
Natasha May Bowles, 9, has Emma Watson (Hermione) as her idol. "She is so clever and beautiful and does brilliant magic."
But just as the acting trio has grown into smart and wealthy teenagers, performing in jeans and open-neck shirts, the dark plot of magic, lethal potions and intrigue has been adapted to the progress of time.
While HP6, as the film has become known, sets the scene for the final conflict, it has also been adapted to contemporary tastes by including steamy kissing scenes, a love triangle, jealousy and heartbreak.
Radcliffe, 19, is certain that the steamy kisses and suspense will not alienate younger fans.
"I'm sure they'll be able to cope. And if they don't like it, just close their eyes and then open them again in about a minute or so," he advised.
The film takes the Potter saga in a dark direction, as Harry accepts his role as the Chosen One and sets about preparing to destroy the evil Lord Voldemort.
It sees the boy wizard ad his mates trying to extract a memory from an old teacher at Hogwarts school - and with it the secret of how to defeat Voldemort.
A brilliant opening scene shows evil sweeping into the normal world in explosive black trails of smoke, creating dark storms over London and destroying the city's landmark Millennium Bridge.
The Daily Telegraph newspaper Tuesday described HP6 as an "elegant addition to the series", while rating Radcliffe's acting as "better than ever, displaying new maturity and subtlety."
The Harry Potter films, the first five of which have earned around 2.7 billion pounds (4.3 billion dollars) at the box office, are based on Rowling's seven-book series which has sold 400 million copies worldwide.
There will be eight films in total, with the final volume, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, divided into two.
"We are working at the moment on Deathly Hallows, and I think we are all aware that this great juggernaut is reaching the end of its journey in a way," director David Yates said.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince goes on general release on July 15.
