You've probably heard mixed reviews on the script for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." Many are not happy with the latest installment of the Harry Potter series, while others feel as though this is just what Potterheads needed. As a rookie fan of the boy who lived, I am here to say that I am happy with how JK Rowling chose to officially end the series.
I'll admit, I was skeptical after "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" ended with Albus Severus asking his dad, "What if I am put in Slytherin?" What would it be like for a Potter to be placed in Slytherin, the same place that housed the very dark wizard his father defeated 19 years ago? Well, it certainly wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for Albus Severus.
His first three years were clouded with doubt and embarrassment as he found that he couldn't live up to his father's name. He wasn't a fantastic wizard, he didn't play Quidditch—he didn't even like it—and he only had one friend: Scorpius Malfoy.
That's right, Malfoy. As in, Draco Malfoy, arch nemesis of Harry Potter and once-death eater.
During his fourth year, Albus gets into some trouble with Scorpius and a time-turner. I won't spoil the plot for you, but it just reinforces the idea that changing history is never a good thing. The alternate realities we see after Albus uses the time-turner show us two dark worlds, one without Rose Granger-Weasley and one where Voldemort rules the wizarding world.
Although Albus and Rose are cousins, they don't get along well. With Rose being in Gryffindor and Albus being in Slytherin with Scorpius, they just don't run with the same crowds. They try to pretend in front of the parents, but the sad reality is that they just aren't like their parents when it comes to friendships.
Speaking of friendships, it seems as though Draco and Harry are finally not at odds with one another, Draco even states at one point that he was jealous of the trio's friendship saying, "I always envied you them, you know—Weasley and Granger." The duo works together alongside Ginny, Hermione and Ron to save the wizarding world once again, as well as Albus and Scorpius. It seems though, that Albus and Scorpius had a fair share in that, too. Maybe they won't have to worry about not living up to their father's names after all.
The scene that gave me the most closure of all, however, was when we were taken back to Godric's Hollow in 1981. The group watches as Hagrid goes through the remainders of the Potter household, only to find Harry. In an emotional moment for even the rookie Potterheads like myself, Hagrid tells Harry in his signature thick accent, "I'm gonna be yer friend whether yeh like it or not. 'Cos yeh've had it tough, not that yeh know it yet. An 'yer gonna need friends." Oh, Hagrid, you have never failed us or Harry.
So, you'll have to form your own opinion on "The Cursed Child," but I'm content knowing that the Malfoys and the Potters are finally cordial to one another, that history is staying in its rightful place and that we can always depend on our favorite half-giant.
Now about that 9th book, Rowling.
