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What to expect from 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'
As the latest (and final) installment from the franchise, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a major commercial success. So, what to expect from the script-book?
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A production photo of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. (www.harrypottertheplay.com/-)
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s the latest, and final, installment of the franchise, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a major commercial success. The play stole the spotlight from Tony-winning Hamilton and the book sold more than 2 million copies over two days. Potterheads who are unable to catch the magic on stage can at least rely on the book, which is the rehearsal script for the play, to experience the latest fantasy.
So what to expect from the script-book? (beware, spoilers ahead.)
First, remember that it is a script-book and not an actual book. There are none of the long, descriptive paragraphs by Rowling that we know all too well, thank you very much. Descriptions are minimal, so much so that people have called the script "fan-fiction".
Second, it’s time for readers to move on from the boy who lived. The Cursed Child follows the story of Albus Potter, the second son of Harry Potter, who now works at the Ministry of Magic. Entering his first year at Hogwarts, Albus is plagued by doubt that he can live up to people’s expectations as a son of Harry Potter. Or worse, placed in Slytherin House. To everyone’s surprise, Albus quickly becomes friends with Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Draco Malfoy.
(Read also: ‘Cursed Child’ is last of Harry Potter franchise, says Rowling)
Third, You-Know-Who is not entirely gone. Scorpius Malfoy has to battle rumors that he is an heir of Lord Voldemort. Rumor has it that Draco’s wife, Astoria, was sent back to the past to bear an heir to the Dark Lord.
Fourth, yes, there is time travel. The Time-Turner first introduced in the Prisoner of Azkaban will be pushed to its limits, going back so far not only so one can arrive in time for classes but years before the story takes place. As a consequence of this time travel, alternate universes are also present.
Fifth, and most importantly, read this wholeheartedly. The story takes place years after Harry graduated from Hogwarts and now is a parent and working nine to five. The characters we knew in the original series have grown up, so there are differences. There will be times when faithful readers may feel betrayed when their beloved characters undergo unexpected changes, or when they are not mentioned at all.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child captures the magic we grew up with. It is a short read, but still a magical one. Do not be too swayed by the critics. After all, we read and accepted the first Harry Potter book with all our heart. Why ruin the magic? (kes)
