Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - Entertainment Weekly Portraits

Entertainment Weekly released nine portraits of characters from Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, each containing hints about what to expect from them in the film. 

So I thought I'd go through them each in turn and discuss my thoughts and theories on what I think we can expect. 

Firstly... Newt Scamander. He's shown in his new coat, with a curious Pickett peeking over the collar. The image says he's "wanted for questioning" which probably just refers to the task Dumbledore sets him in the film. We already know Dumbledore asks Newt to move against Grindelwald.

Tina is "on foreign assignment," which is presumably to tail Grindelwald which leads her to a reunion with Newt in Paris. Unless of course we see Newt deliver his book to her as he promised at the end of the first film.

Next up is Queenie. Immediately the first thing I notice is that she is facing the opposite way, which may be a sign to her inclinations in this next film. Her whereabouts are unknown, which sounds mysterious and perhaps hints at something happening between movies. Arounds the borders of all the images are MiniLima designs, and Queenie's design is a ring. Have Queenie and Jacob got engaged between movies?

My own little theory is that Queenie will be tempted to join Grindelwald. Perhaps he promises that in his new world he envisions she and Jacob can be together, free from the backward laws of wizarding America.

Jacob is said to be a "No-Maj of interest." It may be that Queenie's whereabouts are unknown because she's went into hiding with Jacob. It was left unclear at whether or not he retains his memories from his adventures in the first film. His little MinaLima design is a croissant, naturally. Has he opened a new bakery in Paris? 

Dumbledore is shown here with his original wand, and is said to be "under surveillance." This fits with what we saw in the trailer with the Aurors and Ministry officials interrogating him in his office at Hogwarts. There's some irony in Dumbledore being under surveillance in the 1920s, when we know from the Harry Potter books that he was also being watched closely by Umbridge and Cornelius Fudge, who was paranoid that Dumbledore was attempting a coup against the Ministry. So why is Dumbledore under surveillance in this film? Are the Ministry aware of his connection to Gellert Grindelwald? 

Credence is said to be "searching for [his] identity." We know that he's joined the Circus Arcanus, and this probably fits into his search for a sense of belonging in that he's seemingly choosing to be around other magical creatures and beasts. From the first trailer, we know that there's a Lestrange family tree in the Parisian sewers, and perhaps this indicates that the family tree was in fact created by Credence. 

On Credence's back is an embroidered handprint, which also features as his border design. 

Grindelwald's portrait speaks for itself. It describes him as a Dark wizard at large and we already know that he escapes from MACUSA custody at the beginning of the second film. His design is a skull with a tail-like wisp leading from it, ending in a flame. We've seen the ominous skull before in some earlier promotion material, but as for what it really is, I have no idea. 

I've said in the past that Leta Lestrange is the character I'm most intrigued by, so I'm thrilled with this new image and what it hints about her character. We finally know what her wand looks like; elegant and black with silver trimming. Her border design is a bird of some kind. An Augurey, perhaps? 

It says Leta is "implicated by prophecy," which I find fascinating. What prophecy is she implicated in? My theory is that it relates to the Lestrange family legacy. Will Leta somehow be vital to the downfall of Grindelwald? 

Finally we have Theseus Scamander, Newt's older brother. We know already he's a war hero and Auror, so it makes sense that he is "under Ministry orders." I believe he's tasked with following Newt, and I have a feeling it won't end well. And obviously we know he's engaged to Leta, already setting up the tension between the Scamander brothers. 

We're being spoiled with all the Fantastic Beasts news this week, and tomorrow we'll get the final trailer for The Crimes of Grindelwald. Expect a further post then... 

The Music of Cursed Child

On Thursday it was announced that the music featured in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is finally going to be released as an album. From Imogen Heap, The Music of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is due to be released on Friday, 2 November. 

The music will be four suites each containing music from the four acts of the play, which Imogen Heap has cleverly weaved together. 

The album is up for pre-order on Amazon, and will available on all major download and streaming service providers, such as iTunes and Spotify. 

I've been waiting since August 2016 for this, so I'm incredibly excited for the chance to finally be able to listen to the music all in one place. I pre-ordered my copy instantly. 

I'm excited to be able to hear Cycle Song as it is in the show, as well as Entanglement which is probably my favourite piece of music featured in the play. As sad as it is, I'm also looking forward to listen to the version of Climb to Sakteng used in the play, especially used in the transitional scene where Rose reunites with Hermione. 

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - Teaser Trailer

The teaser trailer for the Crimes of Grindelwald came out a couple of weeks ago and I just wanted to write a little something about a few things I noticed/theories and predictions I've made. I say 'a little something' but we all know I can't stick to that...

Firstly, here is the teaser trailer itself:

Naturally, I'll start with the sight of Hogwarts which opened the teaser, and with Professor Dumbledore...

A group of people are seen Apparating onto the bridge and entering Hogwarts, and are later shown in what appears to have been Professor Dumbledore's office in the 1920s. They appear to be Ministry officials, led by a new character named Torquil Travers. Altogether there are nine people shown surrounding Dumbledore, he appears rather relaxed by the situation. One of the wizards is Theseus Scamander, Newt's older brother. 

One thing to note is that Travers was the surname of one of Lord Voldemort's Death Eaters. 

Interestingly, Leta Lestrange is shown Apparating onto the bridge and entering Hogwarts also, but she doesn't appear to be present in Dumbledore's office.

Travers inquires about Newt Scamander, how there is a rumour that he intends to visit Paris on Dumbledore's orders. As the Minister for Magic at the time the film is set was a wizard named Hector Fawley, I presume that Torquil Travers was the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, and the witches and wizards with him are Aurors under his command. We already know that Theseus Scamander was an Auror. 


We know from an image released a while back that Newt has not been granted permission to travel after his little adventure in New York. One clip of the teaser appears to show Newt on top of the White Cliffs of Dover, accompanied by two figures. As another clip shows Newt underwater riding a Kelpie, I wonder if this is his rather unconventional (and untraceable) method of travel to the continent.

In another moment in the teaser, Credence is shown on a rooftop in Paris. Beside him is the character known only as the Maledictus, played by Claudia Kim. Credence appears to be dispelling some of his magic, as the Maledictus looks on in awe. 

Later on, Le Cirque Arcanus (The Secret or Mysterious Circus) is shown. Four people can be seen flying about in bubbles as a crowd, presumably of Muggles, mill about beneath them. There are two posters displayed on either side of the circus tent. One shows the Oni, a large, tusked creature with claws. This creature appears in Japanese mythology and is akin to a troll, or ogre. The second poster, on the left, shows a serpentine creature, with the word 'Maledictus' plastered across it...

Another clip shows a man in a trilby hat in what appears to be a large sewer system. He is staring at a wall covered in white names and markings, which is actually the Lestrange family tree. When the trailer was first released, I spent probably about an hour squinting my eyes and breaking my back, trying my best to decipher the names and markings. Then, of course, Pottermore went and published a HD still.

I am almost certain that Leta Lestrange and Credence Barebone are half-siblings, a theory that appears to be fairly popular right now. It seems that their father was named Corvus Lestrange, and indeed, they are descended from a long line of Corvus Lestranges. I'm excited to see where this will go, and what we will find out about Corvus, Leta, Credence, and the rest of the Lestrange family in this film. Who drew out the family tree? Is Credence researching his heritage? 

A Thestral-drawn carriage can be seen flying through New York in one clip towards the end of the teaser. Grindelwald is then shown in the back of the carriage, with two wands being pointed at him. I believe this to be his prison vessel, his transport taking him back to Europe so he can face the charges of his eponymous crimes. We know he escapes custody at the beginning of the film, and I assume this takes place immediately after these clips. 

A new Lego set is to be released of the above Thestral-drawn carriage. The promotion photo released appears to show Grindelwald duelling Madam Picquery. Some sources claim Seraphina Picquery stepped down from her post as President of MACUSA in 1928, but who knows what the true outcome of this duel may be...

The last few clips show a fight in a graveyard. Newt and Theseus are duelling alongside each other. One thing I noticed was how Theseus Scamander seems to hold his wand in his knuckles, between his index and middle finger, and uses his other hand to steady his aim. I'd expect nothing less from a celebrated war hero. 

Finally, shortly after the release of the teaser trailer, Warner Bros. released the first poster for the film. It shows Newt and Dumbledore back to back, wands out, while the sign of the Deathly Hallows is ominously lit up behind them.

One question I have though, is why is Dumbledore's wand different to the image previously released? 

I made a list of everything I'd spotted, enough for two blog posts, but no doubt there are countless things I've missed. Let me know what you think, and if there was anything obvious I've missed out! 

#WhyIGoBackToCC

I first saw Cursed Child on the 3rd August 2016. It was the first performance after the opening gala, the script had only been released days before, and I was nervous. 

I had first entered the wizarding world by way of the Philosopher's Stone film, aged just 7. I lapped up the books, poring over each page and every individual word, reading them continuously until the next instalment was published. I pre-ordered the last three books, booked tickets to see the film adaptations, and even skived off school to see the Half-Blood Prince before anyone else. Harry Potter was a huge part of my life.

Although there were differences between the books and the films, I was happy. A world I had invested so much in was brought to life before my eyes, and for the most part they stayed true to the story and J.K. Rowling's vision. 

I was also very shy. As a young child I had always been quick to hide behind my mother's legs when meeting someone new. In primary school I was too scared to put my hand up to even ask to go to the toilet, so much so that I had a few near-misses on numerous occasions. (... is that TMI?)

People sensed that weakness in me and bullied me for it. That coupled with the fact that I was a swot, made things pretty unbearable. But things would be alright as long as I could read or watch Harry Potter at the end of the day. 

Thankfully I had teachers who discovered my strengths and encouraged them, and helped me to find myself. I left primary school with a small group of friends, feeling happy and excited about moving on to secondary school. However, as it turns out, not all secondary schools are as accepting or encouraging as Hogwarts.

I became quite ill in my second year. I was diagnosed with pleurisy, an inflammation of the lungs, and was forced to take a number of weeks off from school. I've always had weak lungs. Starting with whooping cough aged 3, I was diagnosed with chest infections multiple times every year, and asthma plagued my life, so illness wasn't unfamiliar to me. But having pleurisy made things so much worse. 

I now know I developed social anxiety over that time. I was bedridden and had very limited social interaction. When I finally went back to school, people were eager to know why I had been absent for so long, and that terrified me.

It seemed to me that in the time I was off school, people had moved on. They had formed new friendships. I felt like an outsider in all things.

Whereas before I was occasionally off school thanks to a cheeky asthma attack during the night, now I found myself being unable to face anybody at all. The questioning looks or accusing glares from teacher and student alike was too much for me.

Of course, it's a cruel cycle of events, because I knew I would have endure this when inevitably I went back. It became far easier to say my asthma had flared up than to explain that I simply couldn't face people. It was a reliable excuse to me, but I imagine seemed disingenuous and unbelievable to other people.

Social anxiety is so much more than feeling awkward or uncomfortable around people. It's the fear of looking someone directly in the eye. It's your heart fluttering and sinking when you're home alone and the phone rings or someone knocks at the door. It's the never knowing quite what to say so saying nothing at all, knowing that the silence will deafen you too. It's the tight clenching knots in your stomach. It's the pain and bubbling in your temples like your brain is about to melt because you overthink and over-feel everything. And it is crippling. 

Though I hated every minute, school was a safety-net in many ways, however. There was a routine, a structure to stick to, and so naturally I panicked once I left. I became a recluse, which is no exaggeration by any means. The fear of going outside was too much, so I just didn't.

My family really looked after me during that time. They were understanding (for the most part) and I see now how much they went out of their way to help me feel comfortable. Spontaneity was (and is) a great fear of mine. If I was required to go anywhere, I needed at least a few days to prepare myself for it or I was a no-show. 

Family trips were easier. I would go with my sister to see touring productions of shows locally. Before long we'd venture down to London to see West End shows and concerts, because the city was the first place I'd felt at ease in public in a long time.

There's a certain anonymity about London, and I would frequently seek refuge in the hustle and bustle of busy people who wouldn't look twice at me in the street or smile at me on the Tube. 

And then Cursed Child was announced. 

Throughout the past few years when my anxiety was at its worst, Harry Potter was always there. I spent more time in that world than I did reality, which says a lot for J.K. Rowling's writing. The announcement of a theatrical production was like a dream to me. 

I booked the tickets way back in October 2015, and my hype and excitement had only built up since then. I remember carefully watching Twitter on 7th June, the night of the first preview, for just a glimpse that my beloved world was in safe hands. 

That night the official Cursed Child Twitter account tweeted a single photo; Cherrelle Skeete as Rose Granger-Weasley, who was about to be sorted. Seeing the house banners and the set for the first time settled my nerves somewhat, and I was content. And so I resumed counting down the weeks and days until I would finally see it. 

There was something comforting about turning up to the Palace Theatre and immediately seeing people wearing robes and house scarves despite it being a warm afternoon. People were brandishing wands, Time-Turners and Deathly Hallows symbols hung around their necks, and they hugged the freshly-published script close to their chests. It was like going to Hogwarts for the first time. 

Along with the entire audience, I whooped and clapped when the Sorting Hat introduced the show. It was a gentle reminder to turn off all Muggle devices, (we were in the quiet coach, after all) but the simplicity was powerful enough to transport us all straight onto the Hogwarts Express. Our journey was about to begin. 

I braced myself, suddenly overwhelmed with fear that Harry Potter would not work on stage after all, but all panic and doubt subsided as soon as Harry appeared. 

I knew instantly that Scorpius Malfoy was my new favourite character. It wasn't unusual for me to favour the underdog, the outcast or the pariah, or the one who was just a bit different, because I felt like that too. You always look for something to relate to. But something about Scorpius struck a very different chord with me. 

In truth, it was like looking in the mirror. The general awkwardness and limited social skills were so familiar to me (not to mention the failed attempts at humour which do us absolutely no favours.) The fact that he's a massive mammy's boy is another thing. The loss of Astoria early on in the play resonated so powerfully with me, as I came within an inch of losing my own mother only a matter of years ago. 

Anthony Boyle's portrayal of Scorpius really helped heal my heart. I wouldn't ever wish to sound trite, but it really changed my life. As a whole, the play helped me come to terms with a lot of my past experiences 

Seeing Cursed Child and meeting a character like Scorpius for the first time was also the first time I felt truly represented. I'd have to be incredibly stupid or ignorant to assume there has ever been a fight for representation for people like myself. I am very much aware that there are more than enough white male protagonist characters out there, but seeing a character like Scorpius had a profound effect on me. Representation, on all levels, is so, so important, and Cursed Child really helped me to appreciate that.

I stage-doored for the first time that night. As the show was still in its early days, it was more than hectic, but the actors handled it all with grace. To have them sign my programme felt like a real honour. 

I was desperate to see the show again, but living so far away and having limited resources was a struggle. I found and interacted with fellow fans on Twitter, and discovered a large amount of tickets went on-sale for the performances for the 25th January. I got the cheapest possible seats in the Balcony (ouch!) but I was just happy to be there and experience everything again. I even noticed things I hadn't on my previous visit. 

I stage-doored again afterwards, where I was able to meet some of the people I'd interacted with on Twitter. It was daunting for me, but I knew they were huge fans too, and of course we'd just experienced the same magical show.

Everything snowballed from then on. I made more friends, and we shared and bonded over the play's success at the Olivier's. We shared our stories, our love for some characters and dislike for others, memes (so, so many memes) and just really had a laugh. 

I helped set up @ScoroseUpdate, a since retired Twitter account where we'd report on Cherrelle Skeete's antics as Rose as she teased and flirted with Scorpius in Act 4, Scene 14. Interacting with her was a really fun experience. 

Soon the question about cast change cropped up. Would I be able to go? Of course I wanted to, but there didn't seem to be tickets anywhere and the cost of travel and accommodation was extremely daunting. Then the #GetCallumToCursedChild campaign happened. 

It started off as a joke, but ended up actually happening. My new friends offered to help pay for my ticket and the brilliant Caz offered up her sofa. That whole weekend was one of the best experiences of my life. 

It's obvious to me that I was a very different person pre-Cursed Child, and the change I've seen in myself has been phenomenal. The play helped teach me a lot of things about myself, and my group of friends have helped bring me out of my shell as our friendship has progressed over the months. They're the most amazing people.

Before Cursed Child I had resigned myself to loneliness. It's taught me that I'm an alright person. I'm likeable. There are actually people out there who find me funny. There are people who appreciate and accept my flaws, and actually find them endearing.

So to answer the question, I go back to Cursed Child because of it's warmth, it's ability to transform and transfigure people into better, stronger people. It's all about finding the family who love and care enough to bring out the best in you, and that's what Cursed Child is to me. Family. 

The Stag

"The Patronus is a kind of positive force, a projection of the very things that the Dementor feeds upon - hope, happiness, the desire to survive - but it cannot feel despair, as real humans can, so the Dementors can't hurt it."

- Prisoner of Azkaban, The Patronus

I've voiced my opinion on this subject in the past, and, after some encouragement, I thought I'd write about it in a bit more detail. Typically messy Ravenclaw here, but this should all make sense. Bear with... 

(Spoilers, obvs)

I think Albus Severus Potter's Patronus would take the form of a stag, like his father's and grandfather's before him.

I think it's quite important to note that even at the age of 11, Albus desperately seeks reassurance from his dad. Even at this early stage, Albus already feels odd and different, a real misfit in his traditionally Gryffindor family. James teases Albus about it too, which no doubt further adds to Albus's complex. 

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

- Cursed Child, Act 1, Scene 2

Albus first asks Harry to confirm it, asking whether his father has had an inkling too. It's a blunt question, one which Albus quickly rephrases. Instead he asks simply for reassurance, because Harry's opinion matters to him. It's natural to look up to one's parents and seek approval from them, but Albus has the added pressure that his dad is the saviour of the wizarding world.

Albus of course knows the dark history of Slytherin house, and so is naturally afraid of potentially being labelled and condemned if he is placed there. He is aware of the stigma that being in Slytherin carries, just as every other child in the wizarding world is, however Albus's situation is rather unique. 

Those who caused and defined the stigma, reputation and infamy of Slytherin, were all his father's enemies. They were some of the darkest wizards the world had known, and understandably Albus does not want to be seen to be on the same side as them. The thought terrifies him. In Deathly Hallows, the exchange plays out more intimately than it does in the Cursed Child:

"The whisper was for his father alone, and Harry knew that only the moment of departure could have forced Albus to reveal how great and sincere that fear was."

- Deathly Hallows, Nineteen Years Later

Albus's argument with his dad the night before he is due to start his fourth year at Hogwarts fuels the entire play, and much of the plot in Cursed Child is driven by Albus's desire to prove he is worthy - not only of the Potter name, but simply worthy of being his father's son. He acts honourably, but recklessly, desperate to live up to some silly precedent he believes Harry set before him. But it's a bit more than that. 

Albus says himself: 

'I thought Harry Potter wasn't afraid of anything.'

- Cursed Child, Act 3, Scene 11

He obviously holds Harry in high regard. I wouldn't go as far as to say that Albus hero-worships his dad, in the way that Scorpius arguably does, but it certainly comes close. It's different because Harry is his dad.

After Delphi forces them to go back in time to change the outcome of the Third Task, Albus and Scorpius come face to face with one Cedric 'Delicious' Diggory. They both know what must happen, and so send him on the path to Voldemort. As he goes, Albus calls Cedric back.

'Cedric - your dad loves you very much.'

- Cursed Child, Act 3, Scene 20 

It's a simple way to honour the promise he made to Amos Diggory, but it's also so much more than that. Albus is finally being tested, as Scorpius was before. Delphi could kill him, or worse still for Albus, Delphi could kill his best friend. He has never faced a greater threat, but Albus knows the way time must go, and in that moment he gives a small bit of comfort to a young boy he knows must die. 

It is then that Albus's true desire is revealed. He doesn't want his father's pride, though that would be nice, he just wants his love. He says to Cedric what he desperately hopes is true of himself.

Delphi then proceeds to then trap herself, Albus and Scorpius in the past, in an effort to change history right from the beginning. Even then, Albus thinks only of his dad. When he and Scorpius brainstorm and decide they need to get a message to the future, Albus is shown to have remarkable confidence in his father's abilities. Despite their difficult relationship, Albus has every faith that his dad is a hero.

'We get a message to Dad. He'll find a way to get back here. Even if he has to build a Time-Turner himself!' 

- Cursed Child, Act 4, Scene 5

When Albus's plan succeeds, he and Scorpius are joined by Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione and Draco. They spring into action, swiftly coming up with a plan to resolve the imminent threat. Harry volunteers, offering himself up to be transformed into his archenemy, Lord Voldemort. 

Draco Malfoy, of course, casts some doubts on the plan, but Albus has a quick, heartfelt response:

'Draco, trust my dad. He won't let us down.'

- Cursed Child, Act 4, Scene 10

In the final scene of the play, Harry confesses to Albus exactly what he is afraid of - the dark, small spaces and pigeons, amongst other things. Albus is shocked to hear that his dad is scared of such common, mostly irrational fears, but they only make Harry Potter more human, and that means everything to Albus.

If anything can be said about Albus Severus Potter it is that, when scared or afraid, he knows his dad will save him.

To get some proper perspective on Patronuses and the forms they take, I wanted to look back over at their introduction into the Harry Potter series in the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Harry is told by Remus Lupin that "each [Patronus] is unique to the wizard who conjures it." He's never explicitly told that a Patronus takes the form of an animal, but simply that it is a guardian who acts as a shield, effectively driving away the darkness. 

The first time we are made aware of what form Harry's corporeal Patronus takes is at the end of Prisoner of Azkaban. He also conjured one during the Quidditch match against Ravenclaw earlier, but the form and shape went unnoticed. The first time we actually see the shape that Harry's Patronus takes is right towards the close of the book. 

Sirius was weak from his scuffle with werewolf-Lupin, Hermione fainted as the wall of Dementors descended, and Harry was gripped by a Dementor eager to snatch away his soul. Then, through the drowning fog came a silvery light. The fog soon lifted, and the Dementors fled.

Before he fainted, Harry saw the Patronus, an unidentifiable animal, making its way back across the lake to the person who had conjured it - "someone who looked strangely familiar ... but it couldn't be ..." 

After they go back in time, Harry confesses to Hermione that he believes his dad conjured the Patronus. The powerful wizard across the lake certainly looked like his dad, but at this point in the story, James Potter had been dead for 12 years - it couldn't possibly be him.

Harry and Hermione watch the past play out again, this time from across the lake. They watch as the Dementors swarm around the past versions of themselves, but still James Potter does not materialise in front of them. It is then that Harry realises and conjures the Patronus himself. It has long been established that Harry and James look extraordinarily alike.

"It wasn't a horse. It wasn't a unicorn, either. It was a stag.

...

Slowly it bowed its antlered head. And Harry realised ...

'Prongs,' he whispered."

- Prisoner of Azkaban, Hermione's Secret

It is rather important, I think, to mention that prior to this point Harry had no idea his dad could take the form of a stag. He had only his dad's school nickname to go by, and it was a sudden realisation at that very moment. 

Dumbledore later makes an affirming speech to Harry, one which speaks volumes about Dumbledore's thoughts on love and loss, and on Patronuses too.

"'You think the dead we have loved ever truly leave us? You think that we don't recall them more clearly than ever in times of great trouble? Your father is alive in you, Harry, and shows himself most plainly when you have need of him. How else could you produce that particular Patronus? Prongs rode again last night.'"

- Prisoner of Azkaban, Owl Post Again

James Potter's association with his son's Patronus has always been known. Right from when Remus first teaches Harry the method required to summon a Patronus, James is present. Harry hears his dad's voice for the first time that night, in his final act of bravery. James took on Lord Voldemort alone, wandless, the last defence before he reached Lily and baby Harry. 

For Harry, his dad is an archetype of Gryffindor house. He was brave and chivalrous, a true protector and guardian. And so Harry's Patronus takes the form of a stag, like his dad's after the animal he could transform himself into. It is as if Harry is reaching deep inside himself, calling and mustering up what he himself defines as bravery and strength and light and happiness, and that for him is his dad, and so, of course, his Patronus is James Potter. 

In his dying words, James Potter promised to hold Lord Voldemort off, and he did, sacrificing his life to allow his beloved wife and child time to escape. Therefore, when Harry is scared and afraid, and in desperate need of some light in the darkness, he summons his father, because he knows his dad will always protect him. Just as Albus does. 

And for that reason, I believe Albus Potter's Patronus is a stag too.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Illustrated Edition

The illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was published by Bloomsbury on 3 October 2017.

As with the earlier books, Prisoner of Azkaban has been beautifully illustrated by Jim Kay. Every illustration is truly remarkable and a great insight into how Jim imagines our beloved characters and locations. 

As with the two earlier books, Prisoner of Azkaban is packed with hidden 'Easter eggs' and a few other interesting things to note. 

The picture of the Weasley family which appears
in the Daily Prophet.
Note Scabbers on Ron's shoulder.

For example, I quite like the little skeletal black bird perched on the rocks under Azkaban prison, Trelawney's saucer decorated with a cat and a rat, Hagrid's collection of pin badges, and the range of owls in the Hogsmeade Post Office. 

Like in Jim Kay's illustrations of Philosopher's Stone and Chamber of Secrets, there is a new teacher's portrait; this time of Professor Severus Snape.

Professor Severus Snape.

The portrait is in typical medieval style. Snape's hair is long, greasy, and lank, and his nose is rather large. He is sporting a Slytherin-green cravat, and a black cloak covers his shoulders, held together with a serpent clasp.

On the desk in front of him is a mole in a jar, clearly symbolic of Snape's work as a double agent. On the jar is a slug indicating his former membership of the Slug Club, but I think also as a throwback to the Marauder's snide taunt for him - Snivellus. 

There is also a pair of scissors, possibly in reference to Snape's forename of Severus. He clutches a glass flask with one hand, and finger is placed in a book marked 'HBP' on the spine. To his side is a sprig of lily of the valley.  

The Hippogriffs.

Latin also features a couple of times in this new illustrated edition. I'm no Latin scholar, but I've tried to best to research the terms and phrases Jim Kay has packed into Prisoner of Azkaban.

The kind of chocolate which Lupin gives to Harry seems to be named 'Somnus Leporinus,' with three joined hares as its logo. This appears to be in reference to an old belief found in many cultures around the world - that a hare lived in the moon. 

In these mythologies the moon was said to be like an ever-watching eye in the night sky, similar to a hare's. So it is no surprise then that the werewolf, Remus Lupin, should favour this brand of chocolate. 

In the illustration of the Three Broomsticks pub there is a crest above the mantlepiece of the eponymous three broomsticks. Above that again is a Latin phrase scribed into the wood - 'TRES FACIUNT COLLEGIUM' - meaning 'Three makes company.' There is no doubt that this is in regards to the Golden Trio; Harry, Ron and Hermione. 

Harry in Quidditch robes,
polished Firebolt in hand.

Cho Chang.

Carved into the top of the wardrobe in which the Boggart lives is 'IN GIRUM IMUS NOCHTE ET CONSUMIMUR IGNIS.' This is loosely translated to mean 'We wander in the night and we are consumed by the fire.' The phrase is often attributed to moths, which are drawn to flames and lights, and often burnt. 

If this meaning is agreed on, there are multiple examples of how this relates to the characters and events in the wizarding world. Personally I immediately think of Wormtail, of the Death Eaters and their branded Dark Marks, and also Voldemort himself.

I particularly like how Scabbers, or Wormtail, seemingly gets thinner as the book goes on. In that same vein, the Grim, or Sirius Black in dog-form, is spread over six pages to highlight his sheer enormity and how frightening he appears to Harry at first. 

Professor Sybill Trelawney.

Like Hermione, I don't have much faith in the noble art of Divination. A few tarot cards are featured in this book and as someone who loves detail, I just had to research their significance and possible meanings.  

There are six tarot cards shown. I believe they are:

The Tower - meaning danger and destruction.

The King of Swords - meaning a balanced, intellectual man with authority. (Dumbledore?)

The Four of Cups - meaning contemplation, self-reflection, and sometimes self-sacrifice. Often a person being forced into a bad situation. *cough* Harry *cough*

Death - bit obvious... 

The Five of Wands - meaning trivial disagreements and competition. 

Dumbledore in his Christmas hat.

The illustration of Sirius Black shows him as dark, dirty, and terrifying, much like the room in the Shrieking Shack he is standing in.

Above the doorway where he stands is a black jackal head; much like Anubis the Egyptian god of the afterlife. Of course, this is also symbolic of Sirius's animal form. 

Carved into the stone just beneath the jackal head is a small Ouroboros or rather, a serpent eating it's own tail. This often symbolises the never-ending cycle of life and death. The Ouroboros is later used as the symbol for the Time-Turner, though this time with a small hourglass with wings atop its head. 

The Time-Turner / Ouroboros.

Two stand-out illustrations for me are the ones of Harry's Patronus and the Dementors. The Patronus is stunning and powerful, in strong contrast to the black surroundings of the Forest. 

The Dementors are genuinely terrifying. "Slimy-looking and scabbed" hands, their hoods clinging to their faces, and a gaping hole in the middle of their faces which act as mouths. Harrowing.

My First Cursed Child Anniversary

3 August 2016 was a day I will never forget.

It was the day I saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for the first time. After a year of excitement, weeks of refusing to read reviews and staying well clear of spoilers, I was finally going to see it. 

And it was amazing.

I've written before of my nerves when I first entered the auditorium. Harry Potter had already been a part of my life for 14 years at that point. I had invested what felt like so much of my life in those children's stories. They were my childhood, and I honestly don't know who I'd be without their influence in my life. The characters, plot and themes will always mean a great deal to me.

I had been introduced to the films first, then the books, which I pored over and read constantly, often well into the early hours. I bought the later books on their publishing date, and booked to see the latter films on their release dates. I'd know instantly if the films deviated from the plot, changed things or added in moments, simply because I knew the books inside and out. I was a massive fan.

Jamie Parker, Sam Clemmett and Poppy Miller,
as Harry Potter, Albus Potter and Ginny Weasley Potter,
respectively.

But Cursed Child was different. It was a shock to the system, truth be told. I was going to be reimmersed back into a world I thought had been closed off years before. I had no expectations, no idea of the plot or themes. I went into the Palace Theatre completely blind, knowing only that the story concerned the second generation of characters, namely, Albus, the son of Ginny and Harry Potter. 

Alex Price and Anthony Boyle,
as Draco Malfoy and Scorpius Malfoy,
respectively.

I was blown away and captivated. It's just the most stunning story of friendship, and loss, and love in all its many forms. It's warm and moving and so, so beautiful. The play is just packed with heart, and it is no real surprise to anyone lucky enough to see it why such a huge sub-fandom has been built up around it. It touches people in a way they never would have expected, and brings together fans who experienced not only the play itself, but also similar life experiences. It did for me. 

I was exposed to the most stellar cast - truly some of the greatest actors and actresses of the age. They're just phenomenal. 

Paul Thornley, Noma Dumezweni and Cherrelle Skeete,
as Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Rose Granger-Weasley,
respectively.

No one is surprised at the record-breaking 9 Oliviers the play won as a whole back in April. It's nice to see the recognition of the play, the actors and the writer I love so much. Every award the play receives is totally justified and completely well-deserved. 

And now Broadway beckons. It was only announced yesterday that seven of the original cast going over to open the play there, the majority of them making their debut on those boards. The Tonys are certainly looking very exciting! 

Through this gorgeous play I have made friends with some of the most amazing people you could ever hope to meet. They're caring and kind, witty and intelligent, and just such good people. I'm so lucky. 

Cast change.

What a blessing this peculiar play about cursed wizards has been in my life.

Roll on the Hogwarts Express on 1st September.