When the Harry Potter story officially ended, it seemed like the Wizarding World had closed its doors to new books and films. But in 2016, the London stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child introduced fans to the next generation of wizards.
Whether or not the play is considered canon remains a hot debate among fans, but one thing is certain: Scorpius Malfoy, Draco’s son, became one of its most intriguing characters.
What is he like? How does he differ from his father? And why is he one of the most fascinating characters in the story? Let’s break it down — especially since his only appearance in the films was a brief moment in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
Scorpius Malfoy and Albus Potter
Like Harry once did, Scorpius meets his future best friend on the Hogwarts Express. But instead of Ron Weasley, fate pairs him with Albus Severus Potter, the son of Harry. The biggest surprise? They both get sorted into Slytherin. Yes, Albus Potter — the son of the legendary Gryffindor Harry Potter — becomes a Slytherin. And that’s just the beginning of the twists.
A Kind-Hearted Slytherin
The Malfoy family is known for its belief in pure-blood superiority, disdain for Muggle-borns, and a strong sense of entitlement. But Scorpius breaks that mold completely. Unlike Draco, who grew up in a household that encouraged hatred toward Muggles, Scorpius was raised in a more accepting environment. Draco changed after the war, and that transformation influenced the way he raised his son.
Why Scorpius Grew Up in Isolation
His childhood was far from easy. Living at Malfoy Manor with little contact with other children, Scorpius had to invent an imaginary friend — whom he named 'Whirlwind' — to keep himself company. However, even that friendship didn’t last, as they had a falling-out over the rules of Exploding Snap.
A Huge Fan of Harry Potter
Here’s a great dose of irony: Draco Malfoy spent his school years hating Harry Potter. His son, on the other hand, idolized him.
Scorpius read about Harry’s adventures in magical history books and admired him as a hero. This stark contrast between father and son makes Scorpius an even more compelling character.
Scorpius Fell for Ron and Hermione’s Daughter
If Draco had known that his son would fall for Hermione Granger’s daughter, he probably would have been speechless. But that’s exactly what happened. Scorpius developed a crush on Rose Granger-Weasley, though she didn’t feel the same way. By their fourth year, she rejected his offer to date, making for an awkward and heartbreaking moment.
How Is Scorpius Malfoy Different from His Father?
Draco Malfoy: Arrogant, privileged, and dismissive of Muggle-borns.
Scorpius Malfoy: Kind-hearted, shy, and accepting of all people.
Draco as a student: Obsessed with proving himself and blindly following his father’s ideology.
Scorpius as a student: Longing for genuine friendship and staying true to his own morals.
Although Scorpius and Draco look almost identical, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Scorpius had no interest in maintaining his family's elite status — he just wanted to find a place where he belonged. In doing so, he shattered the long-standing stereotype of the Malfoys, proving that a pure-blood wizard can still be a good person.
