“I Almost Destroyed the World”: In Defense of Albus Potter

In honor of Middle Child Day, I thought I’d defend one of the more controversial middle children of the series: Albus Severus Potter. He may have tried to resurrect Cedric Diggory, but he ended up changing the world for the worse. However, he managed to fix his mistakes in the end.

First of all, he was really young. Who among us hasn’t made a mistake or two? Albus learned from his and did what he could to correct them.

ALBUS: I almost destroyed the world.
HARRY: Delphi wasn’t going anywhere, Albus — you brought her out into the light and you found a way for us to fight her. You may not see it now, but you saved us” (Cursed Child 524).

 

Albus often found himself being compared to his siblings and felt he failed to live up to them. He was different from James and Lily, which, occasionally, made it hard for him to get along with the rest of his family. This certainly left an impact on him.

HARRY: Well, there are times I wish you weren’t my son” (Cursed Child 71).

Not only was he compared to his siblings, but he was also likened to his father. In the eyes of his peers, he failed to live up to Harry’s potential. Understandably, it would have been incredibly difficult to be constantly compared to someone who saved the wizarding world.

Oh Merlin’s beard, how humiliating! He really isn’t like his father at all, is he?” (Cursed Child 36-37).

Additionally, Albus, just like his father, was influenced by his surroundings. For Harry, it was a note scribbled in an old textbook that got him in trouble. On the other hand, Albus was influenced by Delphi, someone who convinced him that she was his friend and could be trusted.

DELPHI: Of course I’m sticking around, we’re friends, aren’t we?” (Cursed Child 165).

Not only was Albus isolated at home, but he was also singled out at school. He was Sorted into Slytherin, making him the only one in his family to be so. This singled him at school, ensuring that he never had a place where he felt completely comfortable.

It [Hogwarts] turned out to be terrible after all” (Cursed Child 178).

Albus definitely had it hard, which helps explain why he tried to change history. Ultimately, he righted his mistakes and helped bring his family together.

What do you think of Albus Potter and his actions? Do you think what he did was inexcusable? Let us know in the comments!

Also, don’t forget that tickets to MuggleNet Live! 2017: Nineteen Years Later are still available for purchase, and we would LOVE to meet you in Orlando for an amazing Potter fandom experience! Check out our website for details and then get your ticket to have a private, magical evening with MuggleNet and the awesome talent from the Potter films!