What if Albus and Harry Dueled in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?
In the iconic world of Harry Potter, where magic and tradition intertwine, the Elder Wand holds a significant place. Its allegiance can shift only under specific circumstances, such as conquest or the act of disarmament. But what if Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter engaged in a friendly duel during the events of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Let's explore the ramifications of such a scenario and the realities of wand allegiance.
Harry Potter Breaking the Elder Wand in Two
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2), Harry Potter, frustrated with the Elder Wand's history and the potential for it to bring more trouble, throws the wand in half. This act symbolically ends the spell of the wand's power and signifies the end of a tumultuous chapter in the Potter saga.
However, in the book adaptation, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, we see a different narrative. Here, Harry repairs his phoenix wand, formerly bound to the Elder Wand, and decides to keep the wand with the deceased Dumbledore. This decision ensures that the wand's allegiance will cease when Dumbledore is no longer alive, thus preventing its power from transferring to anyone else.
From a logistical standpoint, The Cursed Child implies that Harry does not possess the Elder Wand. Therefore, in the sequence of events within the play, nothing of the scenario proposed would occur. The Elder Wand would not side with Albus even after a friendly duel because Harry no longer holds the wand.
Wand Allegiance and the Mechanics
For a wand to change allegiance, it requires a specific set of actions:
Forceful Taking: The wand must be taken by force from another wizard. Merely holding the wand up or engaging in a friendly duel does not result in the wand changing hands. Conquest: The wand must be taken from the original master in an act of victory. The ritual of disarming an opponent, even in a playful manner, does not satisfy this condition.This is exemplified in the Order of the Phoenix, where students practice disarming each other in dueling practice. Despite many duels taking place, the wands do not change allegiance because the acts are not considered conquerors.
Conclusion
To answer the original question—what if Albus and Harry engaged in a friendly duel in The Cursed Child? Nothing would happen. The Elder Wand's allegiance does not change hands through a friendly duel, act of disarming, or any non-conqueror scenario. Therefore, Albus obtaining the Elder Wand's allegiance would be impossible.
Understanding wand mechanics and the intricate world of Harry Potter adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making the story even more compelling and rich for fans.