Author J.K. Rowling expressed both sadness and relief on completing the final Harry Potter book as she joined fans at the European premiere of the latest movie about the wizard-in-training.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, shown Tuesday at the London premiere of the movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, says she's planning a long holiday.
(Ian West/Associated Press)

"Finishing it was very, very emotional. It was a combination of relief and sadness really," she said in London on Tuesday night about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, to be published July 21.

"It's been a hell of a month," said the 41-year-old author, who added that she plans to take a long holiday soon.

Fans pleaded for details but Rowling remained mute about the final outcome in which two main characters are slated to die. The author, now a billionaire, said she has even kept the plot from her family.

The book has become the most pre-ordered item on Amazon, reaching 1.6 million pre-sales. More than 325 million copies of the first six books have been sold around the world.

Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry, says his co-star Katie Leung, who plays Cho Chang, is a 'good kisser.'
(Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press)

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson — who star as Harry, Ron and Hermione in all five movies — were on hand for the premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Tuesday in central London. They greeted screaming fans, some of whom camped overnight at the theatre to get a good view of their stars.

"We're a big gang. We call it the Harry Potter family," said Watson, who believes the latest instalment is the "most genuine."

Watson noted the ever-growing number of fans at every premiere: "It gets bigger and bigger."

Other actors on hand at the premiere included Imelda Staunton, who plays Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Dolores Umbridge and Helena Bonham Carter, who plays Lord Voldemort devotee Bellatrix Lestrange.
 
Radcliffe said Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which opens worldwide next week, is darker but the 17-year-old said he enjoyed the challenge.

"That's what makes them more exciting for me as an actor," Radcliffe said. "That's a lot more fun to do than just the action side of things. While there's not actually direct comedy, there's some really heartfelt emotion."

The actor also had his first onscreen kiss with Katie Leung, who plays fellow classmate Cho Chang.

"She's a very good kisser," said Radcliffe.