Bookies close the book on Harry Potter

BOOKMAKERS are so certain Harry Potter will be killed off in the seventh and final novel of author JK Rowling’s series that they have stopped taking bets on the event.

London-based William Hill bookmaker has even shifted betting to the possible killers. Lord Voldemort, who murdered Potter’s parents, is the most likely villain, at 2-1, followed by Professor Snape, one of his teachers, at 5-2.

“Every penny was on Harry dying, and it became untenable,” said a spokesman. “People are obsessed about this book.”