Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (MOD Novelization)

7

The sound of whistles echoed off the high wrought iron ceilings of King's Cross Station as a new school year beckoned. Platform Nine and Three-Quarters teemed with activity—students dragging heavy trunks, parents exchanging last-minute advice, and the occasional owl hooting from its cage. Ginny Potter hurried onto the platform, her fiery hair tousled and cheeks flushed, closely followed by James and Lily.

"Well, what are you all waiting for? Come on, hurry up," Ginny urged, glancing anxiously at her children.

"We have fifteen minutes, Mum," Lily pointed out calmly.

"We do?" Ginny grabbed James's wrist to check his watch. "Oh! Okay, then."

James smirked. "Slithering Slytherin, stop with your dithering. Time to get onto the train," he called out teasingly.

"Unnecessary, James," Ginny admonished, though a hint of a smile played on her lips. It was short-lived. Her face fell when she saw Harry and Albus approach.

At that moment, father and son emerged from the throng, their expressions tense. It was clear they were in the midst of an uncomfortable conversation. 

"Hogwarts is a big place. That's all I'm saying," Harry remarked, trying to keep his tone light.

"That's not all you're saying!" Albus retorted, his eyes flashing.

"Have you actually tried making more friends? Without Ron and Hermione, I wouldn't have survived Hogwarts. I wouldn't have survived at all."

Albus stopped and crossed his arms. "Ron—you mean Uncle Ron, the one you don't get on with anymore?"

"That's putting it mildly," Ginny muttered under her breath.

"Ginny, you're not helping," Harry said, a note of irritation creeping in.

"I don't need a Ron and Hermione," Albus insisted. "I've—I've got a friend. A best friend. Scorpius Malfoy. And I know you don't like that, but he's all I need."

Harry hesitated. "The other kids being unkind? Is that it?"

Around them, parents began to whisper, casting furtive glances their way. Ginny noticed and gently pulled her children closer. "We should probably stand somewhere else," she suggested softly.

Harry looked flustered as they moved a little distance down the platform. Ginny positioned herself between them, looking lovingly down at her son.

"Second year, Al! When I was your age, we had just returned from a month in Egypt to visit your Uncle Bill—and my face was absolutely covered in freckles."

"Is that when Poppy won the Galleon draw?" asked Albus, his curiosity momentarily piqued.

"Yes. And that's the summer your Uncle Percy became Head Boy, James," Ginny added, turning to her eldest.

"Mum, do adjust your expectations," James replied with a grin.

An owl swooped over the platform, catching Harry's attention immediately. It carried a letter, and as it drew near, Harry's demeanor changed entirely. He scratched absently at the scar on his forehead, eyes fixed on the approaching bird.

James nudged his father. "Dad was in his third year, right?" He looked to Harry. "Is that when you fell off your broom during the match against Hufflepuff?"

But Harry didn't answer, his gaze still locked on the owl. Albus noticed the silence and frowned.

"That's right," Ginny interjected. "A boy named Cedric Diggory caught the Golden Snitch soon after. He wanted a rematch because of what happened with your father. He had many admirable qualities, Cedric."

"Does that boy still play Quidditch?" Lily asked innocently.

Ginny's smile faded. "He died, sadly. You know old Amos? Who lives over the hill? Cedric is... was... his son."

"That's so sad," Lily murmured.

"It is, isn't it?" Ginny agreed.

"That's when the Nimbus 2000 was destroyed by the Whomping Willow, yeah?" James chimed in. "Those are expensive now. Can't come upon one o' them anymore."

"I made your dad a get-well card that sang when you opened it," Ginny recalled, a fond smile returning. "Took me all afternoon. Professor Dumbledore helped with the charm, actually. It was rather complex."

Harry took the letter and tore his gaze from the owl, as he forcefully swatted away a drifting feather. "He did? You never told me that."

"Dumbledore thought it would bring a smile to your face," Ginny said.

"Is that when you fancied Dad?" James asked mischievously.

Ginny replied in a sweet voice, "I have always fancied your dad."

Lily looked up at Harry. "Is that when you started fancying Mum?"

A tense silence followed as Harry looked forlornly after the departing owl. "Go on. Get out of here!" he muttered under his breath.

"Fan mail, Dad?" Albus asked smartly.

"Huh? Yeah," Harry replied distractedly.

Just then, a figure emerged through the barrier that re-captured his attention. It was Delphi. She was older now, more put together, her long brown hair perfectly styled, her makeup flawless. Ginny noticed how keen Harry seemed at Delphi's arrival and instinctively ran her fingers through her hair, straightened her robes, and applied a quick swipe of lip gloss, determined to look better in comparison.

Ginny pulled him back into the conversation. "Fan mail? That can't be true," she said to her husband, a note of skepticism in her voice. "Owls aren't permitted to reach you directly, with your position."

"It... it was from Percy," Harry said hastily.

"I don't believe you," Ginny retorted.

Harry waved, catching Delphi's eye. "Then trust me, instead."

"You're not making it easy," Ginny muttered.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry asked, genuinely confused.

Delphi approached, smiling at the Potters before looking gravely at Harry. He immediately left Ginny's side and pulled Delphi away.

"I'll be right back," he told Ginny in an afterthought.

She pursued them a few steps. "It's news about Teddy, isn't it?"

Harry slowed and looked over is shoulder, his expression hardened . "Ginny, you know I can't. It's..."

"...confidential," she finished for him harshly.

"I'm sorry, but it is," he insisted, stopping to face her.

Ginny's patience snapped. "You're not sorry at all. You're the one who decides what's classified, Harry!"

"I'm doing this to protect you," he argued.

"I will never understand why it's necessary to—"

"This is what we signed up for, Ginny. I cannot tell you."

"But you can tell her," she shot back, glaring at Delphi. Frustrated, Ginny marched back to the children. 

Delphi looked at Harry, guilt etched on her face. "I shouldn't have come," she said quietly. "I'm causing problems."

"There were already problems," he sighed, before immediately regretting his words. "Forget I said that."