LONDON (July 24) - The author of the international best selling "Harry Potter" series disclosed that she is expecting her third child.

"I am really delighted to say that I am expecting a third baby, who is due next year," J.K. Rowling, 38, said on her internet site Saturday.

"I always wanted three children, so I could not be happier."

Rowling, whose five books about the boy wizard have sold more than 250 million copies, already has a son David, born last year, and a daughter Jessica from a previous marriage.

"Let me reassure you that book six remains well on track and, fingers crossed of course, I don't foresee any baby-related interruptions or delays," she said.

"I still can't say for sure when it will be finished, but I have written a lot and I really like it."

The sixth book will be entitled "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince."


07-24-04 15:52 EDT