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Hogwarts Express: Albus's Journey

The scene opens at King's Cross Station where Albus Potter and his family prepare to board the Hogwarts Express, highlighting Albus's anxiety about being sorted into Slytherin. Upon boarding the train, Albus meets Scorpius Malfoy, who faces rumors about his lineage, while Albus grapples with his own identity and the expectations tied to his family's legacy. The interaction sets the stage for their developing friendship amidst the pressures of their family histories.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
269 views10 pages

Hogwarts Express: Albus's Journey

The scene opens at King's Cross Station where Albus Potter and his family prepare to board the Hogwarts Express, highlighting Albus's anxiety about being sorted into Slytherin. Upon boarding the train, Albus meets Scorpius Malfoy, who faces rumors about his lineage, while Albus grapples with his own identity and the expectations tied to his family's legacy. The interaction sets the stage for their developing friendship amidst the pressures of their family histories.

Uploaded by

Jash Shah
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ACT ONE, SCENE ONE

KING'S CROSS

Abusy and crowded station. Full of people trying to go somewhere. Amongst the hustle and bustle, two
large cages rattle on top of two laden trolleys. They're being pushed by two boys, JAMES POITER and
ALBUS POITER, their mother, GINNY, follows after. A thirty-seven-year-old man, HARRY, has his daughter,
LILY, on his shoulders.

ALBUS: Dad. He keeps saying it.

HARRY: James, give it a rest.

JAMES: I only said he might be in Slytherin. And he might so ... (Off his dad's glare.) Fine.

ALBUS (looking up at his mum): You'll write to me, won't you?

GINNY: Every day if you want us to.

ALBUS: No. Not every day. James says most people only get letters from home about once a month. I don't
want to ...

HARRY: We wrote to your brother three times a week last year.

ALBUS: What? James!

ALBUS looks accusingly at JAMES.


GINNY: Yes. You may not want to believe everything he tells you about Hogwarts. He likes a laugh, your
brother.

JAMES (with a grin): Can we go now, please?

ALBUS looks at his dad, and then his mum.

GINNY: All you have to do is walk straight at the wall between platforms nine and ten.
LILY: I'm so excited.

HARRY: Don't stop and don't be scared you'll crash into it, that's very important. Best to do it at a run if
you're nervous.

ALBUS: I'm ready.

HARRY and LILY put their hands on ALBUS 's trolley - GINNY joins JAMES 's trolley - together, the
family run hard into the barrier.
ACT ONE, SCENE TWO

PLATFORM NINE AND THREE-QUARTERS


Which is covered in thick white steam pouring from the HOGWARTS EXPRESS.

And which is also busy- but instead of people in sharp suits going about their day- it's now
wizards and witches in robes mostly trying to work out how to say good-bye to their beloved
progeny.

ALBUS: This is it.

LILY: Wow!

ALBUS: Platform nine and three-quarters.

LILY: Where are they? Are they here? Maybe they didn't come?

HARRY points out RON, HERMIONE, and their daughter, ROSE. LILY runs hard up to them.

Uncle Ron. Uncle Ron!!!

RON turns towards them as LILY goes barreling up to him. He picks her up into his arms.

RON: If it isn't my favorite Potter.

LILY: Have you got my trick?

RON: Are you aware of the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes-certified nose-stealing breath?

ROSE: Mum! Dad's doing that lame thing again.

HERMIONE: You say lame, he says glorious, I say- somewhere in between.

RON: Hang on. Let me just munch this ... air. And now it's just a simple matter of ... Excuse me if I
smell slightly of garlic ...

He breathes on her face. LILY giggles.

LILY: You smell of porridge.

RON: Bing. Bang. Boing. Young lady, get ready to not being able to smell at all ...

He lifts her nose off.


LILY: Where's my nose?

RON: Ta-da!

His hand is empty. It's a lame trick. Everyone enjoys its lameness.

LILY: You are silly.

ALBUS: Everyone's staring at us again.

RON: Because of me! I'm extremely famous. My nose experiments are legendary!

HERMIONE: They're certainly something.

HARRY: Parked all right, then?

RON: Idid. Hermione didn't believe I could pass a Muggle driving test, did you? She thought I'd have to
Confund the examiner.

HERMIONE: I thought nothing of the kind, I have complete faith in you.

ROSE: And I have complete faith he did Confund the examiner.

RON: Oi!

ALBUS: Dad ...

ALBUS pulls on HARRY's robes. HARRY looks down.

Do you think- what if I am- what if I'm put in Slytherin ...

HARRY: And what would be wrong with that?

ALBUS: Slytherin is the House of the snake, of Dark Magic ... It's not a House of brave wizards.

HARRY: Albus Severus, you were named after two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin
and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew.

ALBUS: But just say ...

HARRY: If it matters to you, you, the Sorting Hat will take your feelings into account.

ALBUS: Really?

HARRY: It did for me.

This is something he's never said before, it resonates around his head a moment.

Hogwarts will be the making of you, Albus. I promise you, there is nothing to be frightened of there.
JAMES: Apart from the Thestrals. Watch out for the Thestrals.

ALBUS: I thought they were invisible!

HARRY: Listen to your professors, don't listen to James, and remember to enjoy yourself. Now, if you don't
want this train to leave without you, you should leap on ...

LILY: I'm going to chase the train out.

GINNY: Lily, come straight back.

HERMIONE: Rose. Remember to send Neville our love.

ROSE: Mum, I can't give a professor love!

ROSE exits for the train. And then ALBUS turns and hugs GINNY and HARRY one last time before
following after her.

ALBUS: Okay, then. Bye.

He climbs on board. HERMIONE, GINNY, RON, and HARRY stand watching the train - as whistles blow
up and down the platform.

GINNY: They're going to be okay, right?

HERMIONE: Hogwarts is a big place.

RON: Big. Wonderful. Full of food. I'd give anything to be going back.

HARRY: Strange, Al being worried he'll be sorted into Slytherin.

HERMIONE: That's nothing, Rose is worried whether she'll break the Quidditch scoring record in her first
or second year. And how early she can take her [Link].s.

RON: I have no idea where she gets her ambition from.

GINNY: And how would you feel, Harry, if Al - if he is?

RON: You know, Gin, we always thought there was a chance you could be sorted into Slytherin.

GINNY: What?

RON: Honestly, Fred and George ran a book.

HERMIONE: Can we go? People are looking, you know.

GINNY: People always look when you three are together. And apart. People always look at you.

The four exit. GINNY stops HARRY.


Harry ... He'll be all right, won't he?

HARRY: Of course he will.


ACT ONE, SCENE THREE

THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS


ALBUS and ROSE walk along the carriage of the train.

The TROLLEY WITCH approaches, pushing her trolley.

TROLLEY WITCH: Anything from the trolley, dears? Pumpkin Pasty? Chocolate Frog? Cauldron Cake?

ROSE (spotting ALBUS's loving look at the Chocolate Frogs): Al. We need to concentrate.

ALBUS: Concentrate on what?

ROSE: On who we choose to be friends with. My mum and dad met your dad on their first Hogwarts
Express, you know ...

ALBUS: So we need to choose now who to be friends with for life? That's quite scary.

ROSE: On the contrary, it's exciting. I'm a Granger-Weasley, you're a Potter - everyone will want to be
friends with us, we've got the pick of anyone we want.

ALBUS: So how do we decide - which compartment to go in ...

ROSE: We rate them all and then we make a decision.

ALBUSopens a door- tolook in on a lonely blond kid- SCORPIUS - in an otherwise


empty compartment. ALBUS smiles. SCORPIUS smiles back.

ALBUS: Hi. Is this compartment ...

SCORPIUS: It's free. It's just me.

ALBUS: Great. So we might just - come in - for a bit - if that's okay?

SCORPIUS: That's okay. Hi.

ALBUS: Albus. Al. I'm- my name is Albus ...

SCORPIUS: Hi Scorpius. I mean, I'm Scorpius. You're Albus. I'm Scorpius. And you must be ...

ROSE's face is growing colder by the minute.


ROSE: Rose.

SCORPIUS: Hi, Rose. Would you like some of my Fizzing Whizbees?

ROSE: I've just had breakfast, thanks.

SCORPIUS: I've also got some Shock-o-Choc, Pepper Imps, and some Jelly Slugs. Mum's idea - she says
(sings), "Sweets, they always help you make friends." (He realizes that singing was a mistake.)
Stupid idea, probably.

ALBUS: I'll have some ... Mum doesn't let me have sweets. Which one would you start with?

ROSE hits ALBUS out of sight of SCORPIUS.

SCORPIUS: Easy. I've always regarded the Pepper Imp as the king of the confectionery bag. They're
peppermint sweets that make you smoke at the ears.

ALBUS: Brilliant, then that's what I'll - (ROSE hits him again.) Rose, will you please stop hitting me?

ROSE: I'm not hitting you.

ALBUS: You are hitting me, and it hurts.

SCORPIUS 's face falls.

SCORPIUS: She's hitting you because of me.

ALBUS: What?

SCORPIUS: Listen, I know who you are, so it's probably only fair you know who I am

ALBUS: What do you mean you know who I am?

SCORPIUS: You're Albus Potter. She's Rose Granger-Weasley. And I am Scorpius Malfoy. My parents are
Astoria and Draco Malfoy. Our parents - they didn't get on.

ROSE: That's putting it mildly. Your mum and dad are Death Eaters!

SCORPIUS (affronted): Dad was - but Mum wasn't.

ROSE looks away, and SCORPIUS knows why she does.

I know what the rumor is, and it's a lie.

ALBUS looks from an uncomfortable ROSE to a desperate SCORPIUS.

ALBUS: What - is the rumor?

SCORPIUS: The rumor is that my parents couldn't have children. That my father and my grandfather were
so desperate for a powerful heir, to prevent the end of the Malfoy line, that they ... that they used
a
Time-Turner to send my mother back ...

ALBUS: To send her back where?

ROSE: The rumor is that he's Voldemort's son, Albus.

A horrible, uncomfortable silence.

It's probably rubbish. I mean ... look, you've got a nose.

The tension is slightly broken. SCORPIUS laughs, pathetically grateful.

SCORPIUS: And it's just like my father's! I got his nose, his hair, and his name. Not that that's a great thing
either. I mean - father-son issues, I have them But, on the whole, I'd rather be a Malfoy than, you
know, the son of the Dark Lord.

SCORPIUS and ALBUS look at each other and something passes between them.

ROSE: Yes, well, we probably should sit somewhere else. Come on, Albus.

ALBUS is thinking deeply.

ALBUS: No. (Off ROSE's look.) I'm okay. You go on ...

ROSE: Albus. I won't wait.

ALBUS: And I wouldn't expect you to. But I'm staying here.

ROSE looks at him a second and then leaves the compartment.

ROSE: Fine!

SCORPIUS and ALBUS are left - looking at each other - unsure.

SCORPIUS: Thank you.

ALBUS: No. No. I didn't stay- for you - I stayed for your sweets.

SCORPIUS: She's quite fierce.

ALBUS: Yes. Sorry.

SCORPIUS: No. I like it. Do you prefer Albus or Al?

SCORPIUS grins and pops two sweets into his mouth.

ALBUS (thinks): Albus.

SCORPIUS (as smoke comes out of his ears): THANK YOU FOR STAYING FOR MY SWEETS, ALBUS!

Common questions

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The narrative addresses generational change through the evolving dialogues between parents and children, reflecting changing perspectives on identity and legacy. Parents like Harry and Ginny offer reassurance and encourage open communication, showing a shift towards understanding and supporting their children's fears and aspirations rather than imposing their own expectations . The narrative contrasts this modern approach with the weight of legacy, as children like Rose and Albus navigate the influence of their parents’ history and reputations . Furthermore, Albus's friendship with Scorpius defies inherited biases and exemplifies a generational shift towards individual judgment over familial prejudices . These interactions highlight a thematic progression, illustrating how each generation reshapes identity and interpersonal dynamics in response to inherited legacies and contemporary values.

Rose's perspective on friendship distinctly reflects her parents' influence and the pressures of legacy. Her initial hesitation to associate with Scorpius Malfoy stems from her awareness of historical tensions between their families, reflecting her absorption of her parents’ experiences . Her assertion that being a "Granger-Weasley" confers social advantages indicates a sense of inherited prestige, highlighting her awareness of expectations and the pressure to uphold her family's reputation . This pressure manifests in her caution regarding social associations, as she feels a need to maintain the legacy of her parents' achievements and values. Rose's approach to friendship, therefore, reveals an internalized standard for maintaining this legacy while navigating her personal development.

The narrative challenges Slytherin stereotypes by presenting characters who defy traditional perceptions of the house as solely associated with "Dark Magic" and cowardice. Harry counters Albus's fear of Slytherin with Severus Snape's bravery, illustrating that courage isn't limited to Gryffindor . This defies conventional stereotypes by showcasing the noble qualities within Slytherin through a historical perspective. Furthermore, Albus's growing friendship with Scorpius Malfoy emphasizes breaking away from inherited biases and evaluating individuals on their own merits, not their affiliations . By exploring these themes, the narrative promotes a broader understanding and challenges simplistic views, encouraging readers to look beyond superficial attributes to understand character and integrity.

Humor in Ron's character serves to diffuse tension and maintain familiarity within the complex dynamics of family and legacy. His playful interaction with Lily using a "lame trick" not only provides comic relief but also reinforces the theme of innocence and familial connection across generations . This humor contrast with the serious concerns about legacy, such as Albus's fear of being sorted into Slytherin . Ron's anecdote about passing a Muggle driving test humorously challenges Hermione's doubts, subtly highlighting themes of competence and self-belief beyond magical abilities . These humorous elements allow the narrative to balance the weight of legacy with levity, making the heavy themes approachable.

The Hogwarts Express is a symbolic setting that represents transitions and new beginnings, pivotal for character development. It becomes a space where Albus and Scorpius can form their bond separate from familial identities and historical baggage . The train journey marks a physical transition into a new chapter of life for Albus, away from the immediate influence of his family and more open to making individual choices in companionship . For Rose, the Express is a reminder of her parents' history, yet she struggles with her own preconceived notions, which demonstrates her development as part of the younger generation grappling with legacy and personal identity . This setting symbolizes the journey from childhood into adolescence, with the eventual arrival at Hogwarts offering a metaphorical arrival into a world where their personal choices and actions will shape their futures.

Ginny and Harry address Albus's concerns delicately by affirming his individual choice and reassuring him about the sorting hat's consideration of personal preference, showing an understanding of his fears without imposing their expectations. Harry provides a personal anecdote, mentioning that the sorting hat took his feelings into account . This exemplifies a supportive parenting style, encouraging their child’s autonomy while providing emotional support. Moreover, Ginny and Harry avoid perpetuating stereotypes about Slytherin by emphasizing the bravery of Severus Snape, a Slytherin alumnus . Ron, on the other hand, uses humor and candidness, reflecting a more relaxed approach, perhaps to ease tension .

The interactions underscore the theme of forming one's own identity apart from family legacies. Rose is initially wary of Scorpius due to his family's history, reflecting inherited prejudices . Albus's willingness to befriend Scorpius despite warnings illustrates breaking free from familial biases and stereotypes. His decision to stay with Scorpius is based on his own judgment rather than succumbing to preconceived notions, indicating a theme of personal choice in friendships overriding inherited prejudices . This decision challenges societal expectations and highlights the importance of individual choice in forming relationships.

The interplay of humor and tension characterizes the Potter-Weasley family dynamics by balancing lighthearted familial interactions with underlying anxieties. Humor, primarily through Ron's antics and jokes, serves to ease tension and express affection, emphasizing the warmth and closeness of the family . Simultaneously, moments of tension arise from concerns about the children's futures, such as Albus's fear of being placed in Slytherin, which reflects deeper anxieties about living up to their family's legacy . Ginny's reassurance about writing letters demonstrates parental support amidst these uncertainties, revealing the familial love that underlies their open concerns . This nuanced interplay underscores the family's effort to support individuality while acknowledging the burden of expectation.

Concerns over Slytherin reveal the broader struggle with self-identity and acceptance. For Albus, the fear of being sorted into Slytherin symbolizes the anxiety of not meeting familial expectations and societal approval, especially within a family celebrated for bravery . Harry's reassurance that "the sorting hat will take your feelings into account" reflects an acceptance that personal values and choices help define one's identity rather than external associations . This theme highlights the conflict between imposed identities due to family and history, and the desire for self-definition. Albus's journey encompasses the internal conflict of reconciling his lineage with his own identity, representing the universal journey towards self-acceptance in the face of external pressures.

Albus's decision to stay with Scorpius, despite Rose's disapproval, signifies a pivotal moment in character development, representing his choice to embrace individual judgment over familial influence. This decision reflects his willingness to define his identity independently rather than conforming to familial expectations or societal pressures . By choosing to remain with Scorpius, Albus challenges pre-existing biases and demonstrates a commitment to authenticity in his relationships. This choice also marks a critical step in his journey towards self-acceptance and courage, as he rejects inherited prejudices against the Malfoys and seeks personal connections based on mutual respect and understanding . This decision embodies his growth into an individual capable of independent thinking and highlights the narrative's emphasis on the power of personal choices.

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