J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter have been in my life for about a decade, now. I started reading the books when I was nine years old, and I quickly became hooked. Since then, I've read the entire series about 15 times, possibly more. My mom read them to me in the hospital after surgeries, and the night before freshman move-in when I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep. I've seen all the movies multiple times, too, although the books are clearly superior. I've taken the sorting-house test several times, mostly I've been sorted into Ravenclaw and sometimes Slytherin. Beyond that, I've even sorted all my friends an family. In fact, the first question I ask after I find out someone's a Potterhead is: "What house are you in?" I'll happily spend hours discussing favorite quotes, moments, characters, and conspiracy theories. So, yeah, I'm fairly deep into the fandom.
When Pottermore was announced, I spent every waking moment attempting to gain early access. I even asked my mom if I could stay up all night (she said no, obviously.) Although I did eventually manage to make an account early, I didn't find it as fun as I originally thought I would. The concept was interesting, but it took too long to find and unlock everything. Whenever Rowling posts a new short story, I just look it up somewhere else on the internet; it just takes too much time to find it on Pottermore itself. Me, and most of my other Potter-obsessed friends, think that at this point she should just publish a book with all the new, extra information in it. After all, it would be much more convenient if it were all in one place.
So, when "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" was initially announced, I was beyond psyched. We've only been asking for a sequel for eight years now, ever since the last book was released in July of 2007. It's about damn time, Jo! However, a cursory look at the story's information revealed that it would not be a book, but a play. It was written by Rowling in conjunction with two other guys, whose names I don't care about. Okay, fine; I wanted a book, but a play is fine, as long as JKR is involved. Plus, it will give the continuation of the story a new feel and perspective. I'm okay with this. Next, I look at when it will be released: summer 2016. Seems logical. Where will it be playing? London. My first thought was: "Are you [bleep]ing kidding me?" After all these years, she finally gives the people what they want, but only a select group of people will be able to see it.
One of the greatest things about the Harry Potter series is how accessible it is. Even if someone can't afford the books, they can always borrow them from a friend, or check them out from a library. However, the only way most Potter fans will be able to see this play is if they sell their soul or their firstborn child. But, never fear, I do have some solutions: either record the play and broadcast it on TV and stream it on the internet, print the screenplay and sell it, or adapt the screenplay into a novel. Bottom line is: I've waited too long for this to happen.
