If Harry Potter 9 were to happen, then it could (and should) retcon one of J.K. Rowling’s post-Hogwarts decisions. The future of Harry Potter is unclear, with it seemingly unlikely Fantastic Beasts 4 will happen due to the franchise’s middling box office returns. Warner Bros. Discovery will continue to explore Harry Potter in some way, but it’s more likely going to be a return to the mainline franchise.

It seems WB’s CEO David Zaslav wants more Harry Potter movies, which could mean a sequel to Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows. One option is Harry Potter & The Cursed Child, but its story received a mixed response and it’s lucrative on stage. A better option may be an all new Harry Potter 9 movie that brings back the original cast and offers a fresh Wizarding World adventure. Should that happen, then one of the many advantages could be retconning Harry Potter’s post-Hogwarts career. Though he became an Auror as planned, it would be better for his arc - and the franchise’s return - for him to teach at Hogwarts instead.

Related: New Harry Potter Update Means A Cursed Child Movie Is Even More Likely

Why Harry Potter Should've Been A Hogwarts Professor, Not An Auror

Order of the Phoenix; The Chosen One; Boy Who Lived

Harry very clearly expressed a desire to be an Auror, and was able to become one despite not completing school due to special dispensation for those who fought in the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry’s desire to be an Auror was understandable, but him becoming Hogwarts’ Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher would’ve better fit who he truly was. Harry had frequent clashes with the Ministry of Magic throughout his teenage years, and even with Hermione becoming Minister of Magic the idea of someone who is naturally reckless and a rule-breaker becoming the wizard equivalent of a police officer doesn’t quite sit right.

Harry’s work with Dumbledore’s Army showed he had great skill for teaching - perhaps even more so than his actual wizarding ability. It would’ve been a moment of growth for him to either not got the career he wanted but find an alternative he loves more, or realize that’s where his passion lay. Having Harry Potter as a Hogwarts professor would be the ultimate payoff to the curse upon the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, it would be him following in the footsteps of his hero, Albus Dumbledore, and it would mean he gets to not only spend more time at, but give back to the first place he truly called home.

Harry Potter 9 Retconning Harry's Career Is Better For Its Story

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter 9 retconning J.K. Rowling’s post-Hogwarts career choice for Harry would have another advantage for the sequel: having Harry around Hogwarts even more (without the more convoluted elements of The Cursed Child). It would give him a very clear place in its story, while still allowing for balance between new characters and the returning ones. Hogwarts is fundamental to the Wizarding World: it’s where kids (and adults) dream of going; it’s quite literally where the magic happens. Fantastic Beasts didn’t use Hogwarts much and, ultimately, it didn’t help the franchise - the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry should be central to the movies, and Harry Potter 9 can deliver that.

Next: What's Next For The Harry Potter Franchise?