It seems that Scorpius is the only one truly capable of guiding and influencing Albus—until Delphi appears, and a hidden rivalry forms between them. This competition is for influence over Albus, as if Delphi and Scorpius are like an angel and a devil sitting on his shoulders, constantly arguing over which path he should take.
Delphi’s advantage over Scorpius lies in her sex and age. Albus is encountering a girl—and an older one at that—for the first time, and she shows him positive attention. This creates deep confusion within him because, during adolescence, attention from the opposite sex—especially from someone older—is seen as a social advantage and a mark of superiority. This very fact prevents Albus from properly recognizing his true friend, Scorpius, and the genuine intimacy they share. It doesn’t matter how much Albus loves Scorpius or how important he is to him; at this moment, under Delphi’s influence, he temporarily forgets about him.
This relational dynamic is reminiscent of the concept of “toxic masculinity” that Jack Thorne—the co-writer of this play—explored in the series “Adolescence.” Although presented here within a more fantastical and child-friendly framework, its traces are clearly visible. Albus, unlike his father Harry—who had numerous friends, was also friend with a girl (Hermione), and had good relationships with others like Neville, Seamus, and Dean—lives in complete isolation. He has only one same-sex friend.
Albus sees himself as “ostracized” in many ways: the name his father chose for him (Albus Dumbledore)—compared to the names of Harry’s parents chosen for his siblings—seems indifferent and random to him, and not as significant as his siblings’ names. It’s as if his existence was superfluous from the very beginning. This feeling is reinforced by intensified societal rumors—especially by Rita Skeeter —that his brother pushed him, his father was inattentive to him, and he is rejected by others at school. Even starting a romantic relationship seems impossible for him, which is seen as a “complete failure” among his peers. His only remaining refuge is Scorpius.
If you consider the consequences of this, according to that line, “Leave him and Voldemort’s child to it, I say.” or "Albus Potter. An irrelevance. Even portraits turn the other way when he comes up the
stairs." you will understand the situation. It’s not unlikely that things like: “Useless Potter, no girl looks at him,” or “Potter, is Malfoy your boyfriend too?” or “So pathetic you couldn’t even find a girl,” etc., have also been said to him. This likely turns into internalized homophobia and toxic masculinity, and if he has any feelings of love for Scorpius, he most likely tries to run from them and ignore them. Delphi arrives and aids in this endeavor.
Delphi exploits this emotional isolation and Albus’s vulnerability precisely. By creating an artificial intimacy—an imitation of the real relationship between Albus and Scorpius—she tries to usurp Scorpius’s place. Delphi constantly belittles Scorpius and affirms Albus’s rash opinions, which gives Albus a false sense of confidence. He comes to believe that the root of his problems is Scorpius, and that if Scorpius weren’t there, he wouldn’t be a loser. The line—“without you holding me back — I can make a proper go of it.”—shatters Scorpius’s heart.
Interestingly, Delphi had been corresponding with Albus before this, but it seems that without Scorpius’s presence—as the main catalyst—she was unable to advance her plan. She even tells Albus that she can do it himself, and this underestimation of Scorpius ultimately leads to Delphi’s downfall.
However, when Albus sees Scorpius’s deep hurt after their fight, his eyes are opened to the truth. He realizes the mistake he has made, and returns the Time-Turner, which he had taken from Scorpius’s bag without permission, back to him. He begs him for them to hide together, otherwise they will be separated forever.
When Scorpius tells Albus he’s been indifferent to his mother’s death, Albus’s behavior wasn’t out of selfishness. It was because Scorpius himself had asked Albus not to talk about it after Astoria died, and Albus didn’t want to upset him further by bringing it up. Albus then apologizes and only then realizes how much Scorpius, in that emotionally heavy moment, had needed to talk.
Finally, unlike the initial attempt to escape the train—where Albus told Scorpius that he’ll entirely mess it up if he doesn’t come with him.—this time he tells him: “I can do it without you — but I want you there. Because I want us to do this together. Set things right together.” He asks Scorpius if he wants to come or not, and tries to respect his opinion and make up for the past. Fortunately, Scorpius agrees to come, otherwise the outcome would have been disastrous. This shift in attitude demonstrates Albus’s character growth and his deeper understanding of the meaning of friendship and responsibility.
ALBUS: I liked her, Mum, you know that? I really liked her. Delphi. And she was — Voldemort’s daughter?
GINNY: That’s what they’re good at, Albus — catching innocents in their web.
