Since the Harry Potter series ended in 2007, J.K. Rowling has frustrated fans by revisiting the wizarding world in fits and starts, focusing more on background characters than on Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their allies and enemies. But now—inspired by the FIFA World Cup, of all things—Rowling has released a new short story set in the Potterverse, answering plenty of questions as to what our favorite trio has gotten up to in their thirties.
For everyone who was let down by the epilogue in Deathly Hallows, you’ll want to read this.
Just in time for the conclusion of the real-life World Cup, Rowling posted this Daily Prophet report about the Quidditch World Cup to Pottermore. (You have to be signed in to read it.) It’s written in the delightfully bitchy style of gossip columnist Rita Skeeter, who clearly relishes the chance to return to slipping innuendos and outright lies into her reports on the famous trio’s post-Voldemort lives.
It’s also a smart move on Rowling’s part to relate the story this way, loaded as it is with faux judgments and snarky asides instead of a more straightforward telling. At the same time, we learn plenty about what the characters’ adult lives are like.
Rowling’s spokesperson said the author had “no plans” to write any more about adult Harry. But this story has given fans more than enough fodder to get the fanfiction wheels turning all over again.
If you want to spoil yourself immediately, here’s a rundown of everything the story reveals.
Image credit: Warner Bros.
This “short story” did NOTHING to quench my thirst-like desire for a new series about Teddy Lupin! I think it’d have such potential–the part-werewolf, part-shafeshifter godson of the Chosen One…there’s definitely potential.
Not mention she put in so many great teases about what’s happening now…Harry has a new wound? Oh no! whatever could it be from?
Has she confirmed before that Ron took over Fred’s position at Wizard Wheezes? Because I don’t think I’d ever heard that, and it broke my heart a little with the feels.
The POV is what makes this great–well one of the things. I hate Rita Skeeter (as I am supposed to), and this enhances that dislike. Rowling’s showing genius here. Potter fans only believe an ounce of what Rita Skeeter writes–justifiably so. Which brings an interesting problem–how much of what Skeeter reports is true in the HP world? Makes you want to read more, doesn’t it? See what I mean? Genius.