Fans celebrate final Potter film

LONDON – Harry Potter’s saga is ending, but his magic spell remains.

Thousands of fans from around the world massed in London on Thursday for the premiere of the final film in the magical adventure series.

They thronged Trafalgar Square, where the stars walked a rain-sodden red carpet, and nearby Leicester Square, where the movie was being shown in a plush movie theater, braving the inevitable London rain with umbrellas and good cheer.

Sun broke out as cast members – including leads Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint – and Harry’s creator J.K. Rowling began arriving on the red carpet.

Speaking from a stage erected in Trafalgar Square, Radcliffe told fans Harry’s story would never end.

“Each and every person, not just here in this square but around the world who have watched these films for the last 10 years, they will always carry the films with them for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Rowling wiped away tears as she thanked the actors for “the amazing things they did for my favorite characters.”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” depicts Harry’s final confrontation with the forces of evil Lord Voldemort.