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From bright young things to bona fide adults, we’ve watched the Potter clan grow up for better or worse. And now, nine years after the seventh book in the Harry Potter series was released, fans were given a reason to get excited all over again.
The series author, JK Rowling, just released Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, picking up years down the track as 37-year-old Harry juggles raising his three children with a tiresome job at the Ministry of Magic.
Cues outside bookstores this morning ran around the block; many stores have even confirmed they have sold out of all copies of the novel.
With the release of Cursed Child, Rowling– who turned 51 this week– confirmed the franchise is now well and truly over.
“I’m thrilled to see it realised so beautifully but, no, Harry is done now,” she told Reuters.
From beginning the series on a delayed train J. K truly did rise from rags to riches to become one of the most influential women in the publishing world.
The British novelist stepped into the spotlight with her very first book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and followed it up with a seven-part series that sold more than 450 million copies worldwide.
To mark J. K’s birthday– and the final installment of her treasured series– let’s take a look through Dumbledore’s Pensieve and see how her beloved Harry Potter characters changed through the ages.
JK hasn’t aged a day! She looks bewitching at age 51.
Miss Watson has grown up glam! Since beginning the Potter films, she has graduated from Brown University, represented several global brands in their fashion and beauty campaigns, and has helped launch a UN campaign for gender equality. Hermione would be proud.
The man, the myth. He began his acting career as Cedric Diggory, but launched into worldwide fame as Twilight’s Edward Cullen in 2008. You may not know: he also composes and plays his own music, some of which featured on the Twilight soundtrack.
Remember the bright-eyed wise-cracking protagonist Ron, Harry’s best mate? No longer 11, Rupert Grint has become one of the most widely recognized young adults. Since Potter, he has stayed mostly away from film roles, and opts for theatre shows instead, as well as the now infamous cameo in Ed Sheeran’s music vid.
Felton has moved his headquarters from Snape’s office to Youtube- now laying down tracks under the name “Feltbeats.” Tracks don’t sound quite like what you’d expect from a young Slythern however. His tracks entitled “Hawaii” and “When Angels Come” won’t buy him many Malfoy accolades.
“You’re a wizard Harry!” Hagrid echoes, and little Daniel Radcliffe marches through Platform 9 3/4 away into global popular culture. A lot has happened since then. Including even having a gay sex scene in Kill Your Darlings, riding a horse naked around a stage in Peter Shaffer’s Equus, and a rap battle on Jimmy Fallon. You know, the usual.
Young Ginny Weasley, the modest love interest of Harry himself, has jumped behind the camera recently. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in film production she directed her first film, premièring at Cannes. She now has her own production company, Bon Bon Lumiere and is working on several music videos.
Neville Longbottom has grown up over the years! From the awkward adolescence of highschool, Matthew Lewis has grown his acting career and you can catch him headlining a film this 2016. He’s gained a lot more fans since his pet toad Trevor.
The Weasley Twins are portrayed by real life twins James and Oliver Phelps. Not too dissimilar from their characters in the Potter flicks, they are often seen in at sporting events. However, now they solemnly swear that they are up to lots of good. They recently completed a charity skydive for cancer research in Australia.
