Jun 11, 2008, 11:40 GMT
J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' prequel has sold for £25,000.
British author J.K. Rowling waits onstage prior to the start of Commencement exercises at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts 05 June 2008. Rowling will receive an honorary degree during the ceremony. EPA/MATT CAMPBELL
Rowling's 800-word handwritten story was one of 13 cards decorated by authors and illustrators for Waterstone's Booksellers 'What's Your Story?' charity auction yesterday (10.06.08).
The story card prompted a bidding frenzy from fans of fictional teen wizard Harry Potter.
Speaking at the auction, Rowling said: "I had great fun writing the card and I'm absolutely delighted it has raised £25,000 for such a worthy cause."
The story is set before Harry Potter is born and features the wizard's father, James Potter and Harry's godfather Sirius Black.
James and Sirius are forced to make a hasty retreat using broomsticks, drumsticks and a little magic after getting into trouble with police.
Proceeds from the auction were donated to the writers' association English PEN and the Dyslexia Action charity.
Copies of the 13 cards - also produced by Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing, playwright Tom Stoppard and novelist Margaret Atwood - will be made into a book which will be available in August.
Rowling, who has earned an estimated £560 million from her seven 'Harry Potter' books, has previously ruled out writing another full-length novel in the series.
Your Talkback on this Story