Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (MOD Novelization)

19

Harry weighed the man's words, searching for deception but finding none. "So, you created a Time-Turner, I'm assuming from the remnants of what remained. The report states that it's not just an hour-reversal turner—that it goes back further."

"True, it could theoretically go back centuries," Nott confirmed. "It's not entirely different from the Time-Turner that was loaned to Hogwarts during your third year, although this device requires time to recharge during repeated use."

Harry's curiosity got the better of him. He reached for the Time-Turner, his fingers hovering above its intricate engravings. "How could it take you back centuries? The spinning alone—"

"The dials, the turning mechanism... they have always been unnecessary," Nott interrupted. "Those are but frameworks used to assist the mind of the user in performing wandless magic."

"Wait. You're saying that I merely need to think about—"

"Careful, Mister Potter. Shield your thoughts," Nott cautioned.

Harry withdrew his hand, sliding the Time-Turner to the edge of the table. He eyed it warily. "So, you used this to observe the past, present, and future?"

"Only the future, Harry. Despite my desires to witness the past, I would never allow myself such an indulgence. Observance of the past is too dangerous."

"Why?" Harry pressed.

"To avoid inadvertently altering the course of history."

Harry released a wry grin. "But you and I both know you can't change the past. Any actions taken during your travels would only fulfill the events of the past. If you can't change history and you can't change the future... you're what... simply observing time as a philosophical pursuit? No agenda to the contrary?"

The longest stretch of silence yet enveloped the room. Harry retrieved his wand, tapping it thoughtfully against the table. 

"Why were you watching my family at King's Cross Station?"

"I wasn't watching your family. I was watching you," Nott corrected.

"Why's that?"

"Because this is your finest moment, Mister Potter. Your ultimate challenge. Your greatest battle. Perhaps your cruelest defeat. And it all began on that day—the journey that only now is beginning to reveal itself."

Harry raised an eyebrow, a mix of skepticism and amusement playing across his features. "Is that right? And what sort of journey are we talking about here? Should I have packed a bag?"

"I have seen much. Everywhere—Everything—Everyone," Nott said, his voice taking on a distant quality. "And you, Harry Potter, in the coming year, must make some very difficult decisions... on matters that can shape the course of your life and the lives of those about whom you care most deeply."

"If this is supposed to frighten me, I promise you that I've heard a lot worse coming from that chair," Harry retorted, though a flicker of unease crossed his eyes.

"Heed my warning, Harry. For I have witnessed you falling as you rise and rising as you fall. The trials will be merciless and uncompromising. Until, alas, a day will come when you will be forced to make the ultimate choice."

Harry hesitated, his earlier amusement fading. "What choice is that?"

"The hardest of them all. To choose between life or death."

A heavy silence descended upon them. Harry leaned back in his chair, arms crossed tightly over his chest. This interrogation had veered far from his expectations, and he grappled with how to react, unsure of what to believe. Nott watched him intently, the persistent gaze unwavering.

"Life or death—who are we talking about here? What exactly have you seen?" Harry demanded, a note of urgency creeping in.

"We shall meet again, Harry. Twice, and at your lowest points. Only then will I answer more of your questions." Nott's eyes drifted past Harry, focusing on the door behind him. "For now, there is someone waiting for you in the corridor outside your office."