Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (MOD Novelization)

13

Realizing the time for hesitation had passed, Harry's face hardened. The crowd was growing more agitated, their protests becoming louder. He began to mount the stairs to the stage, his hair tousled when Delphi held him back momentarily, fixing his hair with a quick spell. He gave her a grateful smile before joining Percival on the stage.

"Harry," Percival said, a note of expectancy in his voice.

Harry walked swiftly to the front of the stage, the last wayward strands of hair falling into place. He surveyed the crowd and raised his hand for silence. Instantly, the room quieted. He was surprised at how little effort it took. One of the younger witches genuflected.

Looking directly at Percival, deeply annoyed, Harry began. "Yes, Voldemort's former allies — former — have been showing a pattern of synchronized movement for a few months now. We've followed trolls making their way across Europe, giants starting to cross the seas, and the werewolves — well, I'm distressed to say we lost sight of them some weeks ago. We don't know where they're going or who's encouraged them to move — but we are aware they are moving — and we are concerned what it might mean. Your Minister is being... overly cautious by revealing something he believes to be accurate... for the benefit of transparency."

"But what do you believe?" an unknown wizard called out.

"Should we be worried, Harry?" asked a witch.

"No," Harry replied firmly. "Having just heard as you did, my opinion is that the Minister's statement is impossible. In the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, we pride ourselves on upholding the truth and seeking out answers through traditional, evidentiary means. We have no proof that Voldemort has returned. I know you have concerns. I'm willing to answer any of your questions, so let's begin." He changed his stance, in an effort to alleviate the tension. "Preferably nothing about George Weasley's missing ear, as it is a sensitive subject and the hunt is ongoing."

Laughter rippled through the room, the mood easing just as he had hoped.

"If you could raise a wand, we will hear everyone speak. First question," Harry invited.

"Voldemort... learned how to cheat death?" an unknown witch asked.

"Yes. Second question," Harry confirmed.

"Did he separate his soul?" an unknown wizard inquired.

"He did. That is how he was able to return after many years had passed. Third question," Harry continued.

"So, he's dead for good?" another witch asked.

"Easy question, easy answer: Yes," Harry stated confidently.

"How do you know for sure?" pressed another witch.

Harry looked thoughtfully at her. "Voldemort was always seeking to increase his power. One way to do so, he believed, was through extending his life, even making himself immortal. Like when he tried to steal the Philosopher's Stone created by Nicolas Flamel. But success — true success — came in the form of..." He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "During the second rise of Lord Voldemort, Albus Dumbledore learned that, as a boy, he had experimented with advanced Dark magic while attending Hogwarts. His pursuit of immortality succeeded in the creation of something that has been called the wickedest of all magical inventions — an object in which a person has concealed part of their soul — so that even if their body is destroyed, they cannot die. As a young student, Voldemort learned how to create...a Horcrux."

A gasp reverberated through the crowd. They hung on his every word. Harry glanced at Delphi, who nodded encouragingly.

"Voldemort was able to return the first time because part of his soul remained earthbound. Undamaged. The reason I know for sure that he has not returned once more is because I helped to discover and destroy his Horcruxes — prior to and during the Battle of Hogwarts," Harry explained.