J.K. Rowling updates Harry Potter story in online article

J.K. Rowling has sent Harry Potter fans into a spin by posting a story update online.

The author posted a 1,500-word article on her Pottermore.com website to give readers a glimpse into the adult lives of the main characters.

Written in the style of a newspaper article by fictional journalist Rita Skeeter, the piece focuses on the grown-up goings-on of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, played by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in the film franchise.

Rowling tells fans her title character is in his 30s and has a "couple of threads of silver" in his black hair, while Granger is now Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

Grint's character works at his brothers' company Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and his red hair is "thinning".

The article reveals Potter is married to his best friend's sister, Ginny Weasley, who is a journalist, and gives fans updates on their pals Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood.

The publication of the short story comes after it was revealed that Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is to be filmed at the Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden site in England, where all the wizard movies were shot.

The final book in the Potter series was released in 2007, while the last film hit cinemas in 2011.