Before writing the fifth Harry Potter book, J.K. Rowling created a seven-page handwritten outline of her original vision for the plot, offering an unprecedented glimpse into her writing process. In these early notes, there are noticeable differences in the characters, terminology, and plot, culminating with a different ending, in which Sirius's fate is not brought about by Bellatrix.

Three of the essays in this collection focus on the ramifications of specific changes, such as the outline's original much darker tone, the lack of Bellatrix Lestrange, or the different designation for the Order of the Phoenix. Another takes a more holistic view, looking at the changes in the book's characters. Two essays use the outline to highlight the development that must have happened both before and after it was written. The final essay looks at how outline could be interpreted had one never seen the published book.

Together the essays explore the manuscript in detail, offering a new perspective on Rowling's creative process and deepening our understanding of the published book. This collection also includes detailed guidance to help fans interpret the outline themselves.

Essays by Louise M. Freeman, Alice Arganese, Irvin Khaytman, Asher Scheiner, Beatrice Groves, John Granger and Patricio Tarantino. Edited by A. Ibid.