London, Sep 20 (IANS): A "Harry Potter" fan is set to auction the boots that author J.K. Rowling wore while writing the first book of the series.

Emily Waldo was just a 10-year-old student when she wrote to the novelist for a school project.

She asked Rowling to answer a shoe questionnaire. But she was stunned when Rowling also sent her a pair of well-worn black boots she had worn while drafting "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", reports dailystar.co.uk.

Waldo is now selling off the shoes and plans to use the funds to help pay for her college education. She would also donate some of the money to her former school and a cancer charity.

Waldo, now 22, recalls: "I walked into the school office where there was a package addressed from England with about eight stamps in the corner. I knew exactly what it was. I vividly remember skipping up the steps to my classroom with a smile from ear to ear. I couldn't believe it. I had the author of Harry Potter's boots!"

"I read the questionnaire aloud but her handwriting was a little difficult for me to decipher. And it took me years to understand how witty it actually was. I am indebted to J.K. Rowling for providing me with an experience that has enriched my life."