By now it is common knowledge that theHarry Potterseries ends with an epilogue that has long had viewers divided, but at the very least, there is one epilogue detail that actually rings true. Before the release ofHarry Potter and the Cursed Child,the final note of Harry’s story came from theepilogue at the end ofHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.Set nineteen years after the Battle of Hogwarts, this scene focuses onHarry, Ron, and Hermione as they bring their children to Platform 9 3/4, preparing to send them off to Hogwarts.
Although theHarry Potterepilogue was likely intended to end the series on a positive note, it is prettycontroversial amongHarry Potterlovers.One reason is because it feels false. After seven years of near-death experiences, it felt too perfect that Harry and his friends would be completely healed. There was also upset about Harry’s son, Albus Severus, who was named after two men who did not always have Harry’s best intentions in mind. Overall,the epilogue is an element ofHarry Potterthat many like to forget about, but there’s one moment that shouldn’t be so easily overlooked.
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows' Epilogue Nails Its Moment Between Draco & Harry
Why Harry & Draco’s Moment Was Necessary
One moment in theHarry Potterepilogue that actually feels right is the moment shared between Harry and Draco. While waiting on the train platform, Harry sees Draco dropping off his own child, Scorpius. Despite their rivalry in school and Draco’s turn to Voldemort’s side, the men nod at each other. Though small,this gesture implies that Harry and Draco have overcome their differences.They are able to acknowledge that their feud had little to do with them, but with society and their peers. Ultimately, the nod signals that Harry and Draco have grown up and forgiven each other.
Harry Pottercould easily have endedwithout an epilogue, but this nod between Harry and Draco almost makes it all worth it. Arugably, an epilogue is supposed to show how things have changed for the characters once the story is over. While having children and getting older is definitely a big development for Harry, his emotional changes are even more important.Harry forgiving Draco is a much better hint that Harry has moved on from being the Boy Who Livedrather than having children or naming them after other people.
The Harry Potter Epilogue’s Draco Nod Makes Up For The Book’s Treatment Of Him
Harry Potter Should Have Done More For Draco
Another plus of the epilogue’s Harry/Draco nod is that it slightly makes up for the series' overall treatment of Draco. For most of the story,Draco is framed as a villain. He is a bully, self-absorbed, and eventually joins up with Voldemort as a Death Eater. Yet, despite all this, readers could see that Draco was not entirely to blame for his behavior. Based on what we learn about Lucius Malfoy and the general prejudice of pureblood wizards,it only makes sense that Draco would follow in the footsteps of those who came before him.
10 Draco Malfoy Moments The HBO Harry Potter Show Must Include
With the Harry Potter HBO show coming up, it’s time to address these Draco Malfoy moments from the books and movies that absolutely must be included.
AlthoughmanyHarry Potterfans can sympathize with Draco, the books themselves do very little to redeem him. Draco only gets the most subtle hints at being better. For example, the epilogue’s nod is a miniscule moment in a scene full of far bigger reveals. In a similar vein, Draco helps Harry evade Voldemort by lying and claiming that he doesn’t recognize Harry when he is in custody, but Harry himself doesn’t really linger on this or get a chance to actually talk to Draco about it. In this way, the nod was a very necessary addition to Draco’s story.
The Epilogue’s Most Believable Moment Is Instantly Ruined By Ron’s Reaction
Harry Potter Should Have Taken A Different Stance
Unfortunately, the epilogue’s perfect moment of clarity is promptly ruined immediately after it occurs.Ron notices Draco’s appearance and warns his children to stay awayfrom Scorpius. Suddenly, all the emotional growth that Harry has made is ruined in favor of grudges and judgment on the part of Ron. Honestly, this is less a criticism of Ron than it isHarry Potterat large. Like Draco, Ron is often given these moments of jealousy and pettiness that don’t quite line up with his kind nature. Even worse, Ron’s reaction proves that he hasn’t grown at all.
Although J.K. Rowling attempted to portray characters and ideas in a certain light, readers often disagreed, making their own read on the situation.
These details are proof thatHarry Potterdidn’t always get things right. Although J.K. Rowling attempted to portray characters and ideas in a certain light, readers often disagreed, making their own read on the situation.Draco was portrayed as a villain, but earned sympathyfor his youth and upbringing. Dumbledore was honored as a wise mentor, but wasn’t completely forgiven by audiences who saw his plans as deceitful. All in all, theHarry Potterepilogue is one of many places where the series doesn’t quite understand itself.
