Book Vault’s Birthday Contest Riddle

Welcome to the next leg of The Book Vault’s birthday book riddle contest! For more information on the contest, go here: http://the-book-vault.blogspot.com/2008/08/birthday-contest.html
Each correct answer counts as an entry into the drawing on August 29th!

Here's today's riddle: The main character, a boy wizard, whose name is also part of the title, outwitted the villain who tried to kill him numerous times.
We learn an interesting story and truth behind an oversized canine in this novel—what book is this?

Know the answer? Send Dominique an e-mail at bookvault@yahoo.com with:

“BDAY CONTEST” in the subject line and:

Name:
The Riddle: The main character, a boy wizard, whose name is also part of the title, outwitted the villain who tried to kill him numerous times.
We learn an interesting story and truth behind an oversized canine in this novel—what book is this?
Answer: (full book title + author)
The name of the site where you found the riddle: Presenting Lenore
Your site’s URL: (if you have one)

Please send a separate e-mail for each riddle you answer!

Good luck!!