Yes...

I fully understand that I'm making up my own rules here. But it feels to me that for this to be a true MOD (modification) of the original and not just a fan edit where I can do whatever I want, an architecture of laws needs to exist. And no matter how disappointed I was with the script, I don't think it would be fair to Thorne, Tiffany, and JKR for me to not respect their work in such a manner. Anyone can take a red pen to someone's story and make it better. Despite any previous statements, I really don't want to insult all the effort that went into HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD. I need to do this in a way that both honors the original and respects the fans expectations. The following guidelines will help me achieve that goal in the most considerate way possible.

1. I cannot change the title.

2. The original pitch must still be applicable.

It's HARRY POTTER and the Cursed Child. As a modification of the original, it must fit within these parameters first and foremost. Whatever I come up with needs to align with this theme.

3. I have to use at least 50% of the original text.

It's a MOD, so it cannot be all new content. But there's wiggle room. The original text doesn't have to be from the same point in the story, in the same scene, spoken by the same character, or even involved in the same circumstance. I may, if I so choose, use the text as raw data to be organized in whatever means necessary to tell this story. Open to interpretation, let's say. Regardless, I have to incorporate a majority of the content that was provided in the source text.

4. It must be in play format.

Oh, how Mike would love to write a novelization of this play!

Seeing as they are more than likely planning to publish an adaptation in the future (once the cow has been properly milked), my version could be seen as competing with the market value of the original. I'll go into detail on this soon, but rest assured that I've done the research and am taking the right precautions to avoid a cease and desist letter.

5. It must be two parts – same overall length.

6. I can't introduce too many new characters.

7. I can't introduce too many new settings.

8. The original plot points and themes must remain intact.

The story must revisit the past, etc. Whatever makes this quintessentially "Cursed Child".

9. Harry must be the main character.

10. Ron and Hermione are secondary characters.

11. Ginny and family are tertiary characters.

12. It must be worthy of carrying the mantle of the 8th and final Harry Potter story.

Whatever I create, it must conform to that concept. When finished, it should feel like the 8th story. Although it's a play, this must be treated as if there were always going to be eight stories. And that means it has to make sense within the context and confines of JKR's seven novels.

13. The 7th story must feel like the penultimate conclusion.

The events of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS need to read like the first of two conclusions. If this play is the final part of the series, the saga was supposed to end here. Just like any good finale, it is imperative that the story should have the appropriate resolution and make perfect sense to every reader and viewer. The MOD must be interpreted as a story that needed to be told and we were just waiting for it... because every book was leading directly toward the events of Cursed Child.