Scarpnotes for
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Scene Summary and Analysis - Act One

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Introduction

Although this is clearly a sequel, publishers are calling this "the eighth" book in the 'Harry Potter and the...' series. Perhaps due to Rowling's lack-luster sales of her last non-Harry Potter book; or, perhaps because it is solidly entrenched in the Potter wizarding world and it does have Harry as at least one character. However, in this work it is often difficult to categorize him – is he a protagonist OR an antagonist?

Just as clearly, the publishers are pushing the book to children, as just another book in the children's series – which it definitely IS NOT! (For the reasons below)

Critique

This is NOT a children's book! At least how most of us define children – i.e. not yet an adolescent. For one thing, the heavy convoluted plot is exceedingly difficult to follow for an adult, let alone a child. For another, it's just as "dark" as Deathly Hallows, perhaps even more. That fact alone makes it doubly unfit for children of young ages who tend to much more readily identify with age-matched characters and who in this case are heavily flawed.

In this book just about everyone is flawed: Dumbledore and Snape are pointed out as flawed, Harry is so flawed he's crossed to the dark place, Ron is flawed, Albus Severus is flawed, Rose is flawed, James (younger) is flawed… only Hermione (Rowling's admitted alter ego) isn't flawed [well there is that one thing].

Apparently Rowling's aversion to swimming so deep in the literary deadlines of the past has prevented her from wanting to spend the time necessary to add the massive amount of "color" to the story needed to make it a true book. It is a screenplay, which for true "potter books" aficionados, makes it a difficult read and a bit disappointing. Publishers are charging more at the book-stand in spite of the fact that the author's spent only a small fraction of the time to create it.

In the end, however, it is a Harry Potter story however Rowling (or whomever) chooses to tell it. As a book it's obviously not in its intended "space" or for its intended audience. On the stage… well, it's difficult for me to envision just how they even could perform it on the stage based on what we read. Fans will recognize familiar potter characters and should probably appreciate the sheer volume of added data and clarification. And, the look into the alternate world where Harry had lost the battle to Voldemort was… enlightening – even if it was only a time-turned existence.

This screenplay is for teens and above, not for children; and for teens, may be a difficult read. In my opinion, if the franchise had begun with a venue like this it wouldn't have had the drawing power to entrap readers through 6 books and into their young lives – thank heavens it didn't.

Extra Content/Helps

Specialis Revelio You'll notice in the sidebar to the right there are two spells. One my uncle discovered which is useful in revealing hidden magic and information; the other to extinguish active spells. That should be enough of a hint for you to realize that there is "magic in these here pages." The annotations from my private copy of the notes can be revealed in three categories:

Literus—literary aspects; to Parentus—parents guide material, and Heroica—the "hero's journey" correlations to that Muggle fellow, Joseph Campbell's work. He was the one who wrote a book that outlined all the steps for writers to make their stories memorable and was used by George Lucas (Star Wars), Christopher Vogler (Disney) and now Rowling. Eventually, all the previous book's SCARPnotes will be imbued with this ability as well and you can find a more full description at: The Hero's Journey in the "helps" section.

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First: Realize that reading a screenplay lacks a lot of the enjoyment that reading a book gives – details, background, narrative of thoughts and attitudes to mention just a few. In a play the point of view is your own, watching in your seat and you have no "insider" information from the narrator except what you see and hear. All that is supposed to come alive in the performance with the music, choreography, costumes, props etc. – reading the script… not so much!

Second: A play's goal is to entertain (and to make $/€), not really to worry about things like "foreshadowing" "motif" "theme" etc. which are so integral to literature. If you obtain anything resembling those items it'll be on the drive home from the theater talking about it with others, and what you read in a place like this.

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7 - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Pages: 327

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1

King's Cross Station

Just so die-hard Potter fans can reorient themselves after a near 10 year hiatus, the play begins exactly where the book Deathly Hallows ended: King's Cross Station. And, at exactly the same "when" the book ended as well. In this play you'll quickly realize that you need to ask "when are we" even more often than you ask "where are we".

King's Cross station was mysteriously crowded this September 1st, as it was every year at this time, much to the chagrin of the stationmaster who kept track of such things. Hundreds of families with exceptionally odd luggage came onto the platform. Hundreds of families exited the platform. But nobody seemed to board any of the trains. One of these days he would need to tell somebody about it, if he could only figure out who would be interested.

This was the second trip to the platform for Harry, as a father that is. He and his wife Ginny had come last year of course to deliver his firstborn, James, to the Hogwarts Express for his journey to matriculate at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This year it was Albus' turn but for some reason he seemed not to feel the grateful anticipation which was normal for 11 year old children in the wizarding world.

Perhaps it was due to the pranks James continually played on him like telling him to "beware of the thestrals" or that "the sorting hat is going to put you into Slythern", neither of which were either likely or true.

Lilly, their youngest, was astride Harry's shoulders as he explained the method needed to slip unnoticed onto platform 9¾ where the train awaited. Nothing to it. You just need to be confident you won't get smashed as you walk, or better yet, run into the wall. Which, as surprising as it sounds, is precisely what they all did… and disappeared.

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Literary Device: Thestrals, a type of magical creature which, in addition to being "right useful" also serves as one of the literary devices Rowling uses to define a wizard. First, the more pure blood a wizard's family tree is - the more pointy their noses are. In addition, there's the ability to see Thestrals. They're invisible you see to anyone who hasn't seen death. Harry could not see the thestrals drawing the carriage to Hogwarts castle until after he had witnessed the death of a fellow Triwizard Cup champion. Thestrals are winged, horse-like creatures who are a bit hard to get to know and temperamental but who have the ability (like owls) to automatically know where everything is located.
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Platform 9¾

The Potter family runs quickly into view on platform 9¾ seemingly through the wall. It's even busier than out on the main platform with many whole families, all dressed in robes, trying to find the words to say goodbye to children all anxious to begin their adventure… mostly all.

Witches and wizard families could barely be seen on platform 9¾ through all the steam pouring out from the ancient engine. Lily dropped from her father and ran to hug her uncle Ron and be tossed into the air as "my favorite Potter." He playfully was making a trick of stealing her nose when Albus timidly worried that "everyone's staring at us again." Ron responded without a moments hesitation: "It's because of me! I'm extremely famous. My nose experiments are legendary!"

Perhaps realizing that his time for asking questions was rapidly closing, Albus pulled on his dad's robes and asked the question he feared the most: "What if I'm put in Slytherin?" That was the first indication that Harry and Ginny's attempt at honoring two men they respected had gone awry. Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts headmaster and Severus Snape, Hogwarts potionsmaster, had both played a great part in defeating Voldemort and they had named Albus Severus Potter in honor of them. Harry's look said "what would be the matter with that" so Albus explained that Slytherin wasn't the house of brave wizards, it was the house of snakes and Dark Magic.

Harry knelt and explained something he hadn't told anyone, ever before. "Albus Severus you were named after two headmasters of Hogwarts, one a Slytherin and probably the bravest man I ever knew. But," and he lowered his voice further, "IF it matters to you… the sorting hat will take your feelings into account… it did for me."

Hermione admonished her daughter Rose to send Neville our love to which she emphatically responded "I can't give a professor love!" Ron, remembering the wonderful food at Hogwarts, said "I'd give anything to be going back." As the train pulled out, Lily ran after it and Harry compared family notes with Ron. "Albus is worried he'll be sorted into Slytherin," Harry said and Hermione responded "Rose wonders how early she can take her O.W.L.s" "I have no idea where she gets her ambition from," Ron quipped then added that Fred and George had actually taken bets with people that Ginny would be sorted into Slytherin.

Hermione asked if they could leave because people were looking at them. Ginny recounted that "People always look when you three are together… and apart… people always look at you."

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Hogwarts Express

Aboard the ancient and honorable Hogwarts Express, serving the wizarding students of Britain to Hogwarts and back again ever since… well… since there WAS a Hogwarts. Compartments align both sides of the corridor through each car. One contains the lonely Scorpius, Draco Malfoy's son.

Albus' fears about Hogwarts began to see fruition even before he arrived on its grounds in the form of his arrogant and bossy cousin, Rose Granger-Weasley and her warning that "we've got to concentrate" on choosing their life-long friends during the train-ride—like their parents had. That was where Harry had met Ron, on the ride to school. Albus, would rather pay attention to the Trolley Witch bringing sweets; but, resignedly he looked for other students while Rose explained to him that it would be easy and "exciting because you're a Potter and I'm a Granger-Weasley. We've got the pick of anyone we want!"

She decided for them that they should just start going through the compartments and sort of auditioning potential friends; so, Albus opened the first door and found a single student inside looking a bit forlorn and somewhat startled at having visitors—especially the two that he recognized. Albus politely asked if they could join him, offering his name, and the student awkwardly fumbled through several attempts at a positive reply. The more he fumbled, the more Rose screwed up her face in disgust. Apparently this wasn't the type she considered friend-worthy. "Hi Scorpius… I mean, I'm Scorpius. You're Albus. I'm Scorpius and…"

Scorpius offered them some of his candy but Rose summarily declined. Nervously he listed the candies he had and absently sung "Sweets, they always help you make friends," a song that his mother had sung to him, before he realized what he had done and added "stupid idea, probably." Perhaps beginning to recognize a kindred anxious student in Scorpius, Albus accepted some of the candy which began Rose's surreptitious attempt to dissuade him by hitting him when she thought Scorpius wouldn't notice.

Scorpius did notice though; so, exhaled and resignedly explained to the bewildered Albus that "she's hitting you because of me." Seeing he still didn't understand, Scorpius went on to explain that even though his father, Draco Malfoy, had been a Death Eater, his mother, Astoria, was not. He preemptively denied the rumor as a complete lie before he told them; then explained that he knew some people thought that, because his parents couldn't have children, they had used a time turner to go back… go back and…. Rose had to finish the sentence for him. "The rumor is that he's Voldemort's son, Albus."

It was Rose who then broke the thick awkward silence by quipping that it was probably just garbage because "look, you've got a nose"—referring to the fact that Voldemort's snake-like face after making horcruxes had no nose. Scorpius laughed a somewhat pathetic laugh and added all the other traits of his father, Draco, that he had too; finally adding "and his name." Watching intently through all this, Albus seemed to decide something when Scorpius added "father-son issues, I have them… but I'd rather be a Malfoy than the son of the Dark Lord."

Rose decided they should leave but Albus told her to go on ahead, he had decided to stay. After she had gone he added to Scorpius "I didn't stay for you. I stayed for your sweets." A bit knowingly, Scorpius replied "Thanks."

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Magical Transitions Between Events/Places/Times

In the theater they use a series of scene-snippets to represent a flight-of-fancy indicating the passage of time in a way that gives the 'flavor' of the developing depression and anger troubling Albus. For this scene two years is depicted of the increasing misery Albus is going through at Hogwarts and with his father, until that fateful year four when the unthinkable happens.

Dr. Scarpin: It's difficult to SCARPnote summarize a montage because the text is already condensed. This section is longer than it otherwise would have been.

A lot happens in 11-year-old Albus' life over the next two years that deepens his troubles even further. A troubled boy, marginalized from his father to begin with, is left to fate and self-parenting by the boarding-school system used in the wizarding world.

Hogwarts Sorting

Students at Hogwarts encircle Albus excitedly anticipating getting to know him. Even Rose claims "he's my cousin" to focus attention on herself. The sorting hat begins walking through the students and they spring into various houses. Coming to Rose he recites his yearly verse about how he works and proclaims "Gryffindor" as she was hoping. Scorpius is next and is pronounced "Slytherin" as he was expecting.

It was Albus' turn next and this time the hat pauses and turns, taking much longer in consideration, almost as if he is confused too, then proclaims, with obviously less bravado, "Slytherin" – into what became a profound and perfect silence… one that has damage within.

Scorpius is relieved and happy. Other students begin to disavow their previously positive comments and Rose stammers: "But, this is wrong… not how it's supposed to be…" as if trying to bargain it away. Albus, as if in a daze, told himself "right, yes" as he went to stand next to Scorpius.

First Year Flying Lessons

Madam Hooch stood with her hands on her hips wondering aloud "What are you all waiting for?" Rose's and Yann Frederick's broomsticks lept into their hands as they incanted "up" like they were instructed. On the second try all the other brooms lept up… except for the one next to Albus. Polly Chapman called it humiliating that he wasn't anything like his father, Karl Jenkins taunted "Albus Potter, the Slytherin Squib"

Year Two Platform 9¾

Embarrassed by the attention bystanders were giving his father, 12-year-old Albus asked if his dad would stand away from him. When Harry asked why, he replied "it's just… you're you and… and I'm me and…" As Harry finally gave in and signed a pestering wizards autograph he told Albus "They're looking at me not you" to which Albus replied, not quite under his breath, "At Harry Potter and his Slytherin son."

James rushed past them with his usual hurtful taunts before Harry could try to be helpful to Albus. He asked if the other kids weren't kind to him and suggested he try making a few more friends. Albus shot back "I've got a friend, Scorpius, and I know you don't like him but he's all I need" as he picked up his bag and made for the train.

Still stinging from Albus' remarks, Draco Malfoy came to him to ask a favor. Hesitantly he told Harry that his wife was extremely unwell and that the unrelenting taunting Scorpius was receiving was making both of their lives miserable. He merely requested that Harry have the Ministry release a statement that all the Time-Turners had been destroyed long before Scorpius' birth; but, Harry merely shrugged it off stating "If you answer the gossip, you feed the gossip"

Rose's Snub

Rose and Albus stood on the train in their parents view and spoke to themselves that they only needed to keep the pretense they were talking until the train left the station and they were out of sight. Scorpius ran onto the train and said "Hi" to Rose but she only stated "Bye" to Albus. Scorpius, who had obviously had a crush on Rose since their first meeting, seemed oblivious to the snub and claimed "she's melting."

Second Year Opening Feast

At the beginning of the yearly opening feast, Headmistress McGonagall announced that Rose had been selected as a Gryffindor's new quidditch chaser. Scorpius clapped and Albus reminded him that they both hated quidditch and she was playing for another house. All Scorpius would say was "I think she's brilliant"

Second Year Potions Class

Student's were again encircling Albus with taunts that he was "an irrelevance" claiming that even portraits turn the other way. Karl Jenkins proclaimed they should just leave him and "Voldemort's child" to themselves. Midst the resentment, Albus' potion unexpectedly exploded.

Year Three Platform 9¾

Remembering how bad he had felt in his third year when he couldn't go into Hogsmead without a permission slip his uncle wouldn't sign, Harry preemptively handed 13-year-old Albus his signed form with a flourish. Instead of being grateful, Albus said he hated Hogsmead because it was going to be full of Hogwarts students and magically burst the thing into flames with his wand. Harry called it stupid and chose the moment to express concerns over Albus' behavior McGonagall had reported to him. "What would you like me to do? Magic myself popular? Transfigure into a better student? Just cast a spell Dad… change me into what you want me to be, okay?"

Albus ran off before Harry responded and found Scorpius sitting on his case, numb with despair. Albus asked if it was his mum and Scorpius said that it was as "worse as it can possibly get." Albus asked if there was anything he could do and Scorpius merely said "come to the funeral… and be my good friend."

Lily's Sorting

Again the sorting had orated his yearly original poem about what he did and how he did it before he intoned "Lilly Potter, Gryffindor". Relieved, Lilly shouted "Yes!" then took her place. Scorpius nudged Albus and said "Potters don't belong in Slytherin" to which Albus responded "This one does" "I didn't choose you know," he said. "I didn't choose to be his son."

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Harry's Office in the Ministry of Magic (MOM)

Harry's office at the ministry has a desk piled high with unread messages and Hermione sitting behind it waiting for him to return from an arrest. We will learn what Harry and Hermione have been doing since the last book and where they are now (at age 39) in their profession.

We've known that Harry intended to enter the Auror profession. At age 39, he has an office in the ministry, a desk piled high with unread correspondence and Hermione sitting behind it waiting for him to return from a "Death Eater" investigation. He rushed in bleeding and carrying a time-turner he had confiscated from Theodore Nott when they arrested him; and, when asked, told her "no" he hadn't tried it out to see whether it was a "full" turner or one which was just an hour-reversal turner; and "no" it wasn't bad and "it will go with my scar."

Then he asked the questions, to which she responded that she was waiting to see what happened with Nott and to see if he was up on his paperwork as promised. "As it turns out, I'm not" Harry admitted which got him confronted with all the things in his piles that Hermione had read while she was waiting for him and why they were important. She reminded him of all the "allies of darkness" which they were still fighting and what it could mean if "the Head of Magical Law Enforcement isn't reading his files."

A bit resigned over having this conversation yet another time, he reminded her that he didn't need to read about it because he was "out there" hearing about it. "You don't need to tell me off," he advised her. Thinking better about where the conversation was heading, she abruptly changed the subject to candy in order to diffuse the conversation, then admitted she had done so when challenged. "You're not being told off," she finally said "just look at it now and then… consider this a gentle nudge from… the Minister for Magic." Receiving a nod she then inquired about his family. "I'm as good at fatherhood as I am at paperwork," he replied and inquired after her family. "I see more of my secretary than Ron," she replied then wondered with Harry if they had somewhere chosen between "parent of the year or ministry official of the year."

She told him to go home and spend the time with his family before the Hogwarts Express left for another year, then come back refreshed to… get the files read.

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Potter House - Harry and Ginny's

Not being able to sleep, Albus is sitting alone at the top of the stairs listening to Harry down below talking to Amos Diggory, now an old man in a wheelchair

Harry was barely home, exhausted and annoyed at the interruption; but, Amos Diggory, the father of Cedric who was killed by Voldemort after the Triwizard tournament and now an old man in a wheelchair, was being quite insistent (and probably more polite than Harry deserved.) Amos recounted having tried to go through channels and make an appointment for close to a year only to be told, after waiting two months each time, that Harry had been called urgently away and yet another appointment could be made for two months hence. Diggory wouldn't go for any of Harry's rationalizations and reminded him that he had been responsible for Cedric's death because Voldemort considered him only "a spare" compared to Harry – a completely needless death.

Amos was there, he said, because he had heard the ministry had seized a time-turner and wanted to beg Harry to use it to go back in time to let him have his son back. None of Harry's logical cautions or explanations would get through to Amos and Harry finally told the man that the Nott rumors were fiction. There was no time-turner – all had been destroyed when Voldemort tried to break into the ministry building years ago.

Unbeknown to Harry, Albus was listening to their conversation from the top of the stairs because he couldn't sleep, and jumped a mile when, from the dark below the stairs, a face appeared and said hello. The face was Delphini who introduced herself as not only the nurse for Amos at the home for seniors but the man's niece as well. She broke the ice by claiming she was once a "stair-listener" too.

Amos' conversation was at an end with Harry so he called "Delphi" and she turned to go. Before she left though she advised Albus "We don't choose who we're related to" and "It's tough to live with people stuck in the past, isn't it?" She said they lived at St. Oswald's Home for Old Witches and Wizards and to come and visit some time. As she wheeled Amos from the room, he introduced her to the "once-great Harry Potter, now a stone-cold ministry man. I will leave you in peace sir, if peace is the right word for it."

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Albus's Room - Potter House

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Hut-On-The-Rock (Dream)

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Bedroom - Potter House

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Hogwart's Express

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Roof - Hogwart's Express

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Grand Meeting Room - MOM

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St. Oswald's Home For Old Witches and Wizards

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Amos Diggory's Room - St. Oswalds

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Kitchen - Potter House

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Cellar, Whitehall

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Meeting Room - MOM

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Corridor - MOM

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Hermione's Office - MOM

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