SCORPIUS
Albus, for obvious reasons, I’m not a massive fan of Time-Turners . . .
ALBUS
When Amos Diggory asked for the Time-Turner my father denied they even existed. He lied to an old man who just wanted his son back – who just loved his son. And he did it because he didn’t care . . . because he doesn’t care. Everyone talks about all the brave things Dad did. But he made some mistakes too. Some big mistakes, in fact. I want to set one of those mistakes right. I want us to save Cedric.
SCORPIUS
Okay, whatever was holding your brain together seems to have snapped.
ALBUS
I’m going to do this, Scorpius. I need to do this. And you know as well as I do, I’ll entirely mess it up if you don’t come with me. Come on.
He grins. And then disappears ever up. SCORPIUS hesitates for a moment. He makes a face. And then hoists himself up and disappears after ALBUS.
ACT ONE SCENE ELEVEN
THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS, ROOF
The wind whistles from all angles and it’s a fierce wind at that.
SCORPIUS
Okay, now we’re on the roof of a train, it’s fast, it’s scary, this has been great, I feel like I’ve learnt a lot about me, something about you, but—
ALBUS
As I calculate it we should be approaching the viaduct soon and then it’ll be a short hike to St Oswald’s Home for Old Witches and Wizards . . .
SCORPIUS
The what? The where? Look, I am as excited as you are to be a rebel for the first time in my life – yay – train roof – fun – but now – oh.
SCORPIUS sees something he doesn’t want to see.
ALBUS
The water will be an extremely useful back-up if our Cushioning Charm doesn’t work.
SCORPIUS
Albus. The Trolley Witch.
ALBUS
You want a snack for the journey?
SCORPIUS
No. Albus. The Trolley Witch is coming towards us.
ALBUS
No, she can’t be, we’re on top of the train . . .
SCORPIUS points ALBUS in the right direction, and now he can see the TROLLEY WITCH, who approaches nonchalantly. Pushing her trolley.
TROLLEY WITCH
Anything from the trolley, dears? Pumpkin Pasty? Chocolate Frog? Cauldron Cake?
ALBUS
Oh.
TROLLEY WITCH
People don’t know much about me. They buy my Cauldron Cakes – but they never really notice me. I don’t remember the last time someone asked my name.
ALBUS
What is your name?
TROLLEY WITCH
I’ve forgotten. All I can tell you is that when the Hogwarts Express first came to be – Ottaline Gambol herself offered me this job . . .
SCORPIUS
That’s – a hundred and ninety years. You’ve been doing this job for a hundred and ninety years?
TROLLEY WITCH
These hands have made over six million Pumpkin Pasties. I’ve got quite good at them. But what people haven’t noticed about my Pumpkin Pasties is how easily they transform into something else . . .
She picks up a Pumpkin Pasty. She throws it like a grenade. It explodes.
And you won’t believe what I can do with my Chocolate Frogs. Never. Never. Have I let anyone off this train before they reached their destination. Some have tried – Sirius Black and his cronies, Fred and George Weasley. ALL HAVE FAILED. BECAUSE THIS TRAIN – IT DOESN’T LIKE PEOPLE GETTING OFF IT . . .
The TROLLEY WITCH’s hands transfigure into very sharp spikes. She smiles.
So please retake your seats for the remainder of the journey.
ALBUS
You were right, Scorpius. This train is magical.
SCORPIUS
At this precise moment in time, I take no pleasure in being right.
ALBUS
But I was also right – about the viaduct – that’s water down there, time to try the Cushioning Charm.
SCORPIUS
Albus, this is a bad idea.
ALBUS
Is it? (He has a moment’s hesitation, then he realises the time for hesitation has passed.) Too late now. Three. Two. One. Molliare!
He incants as he jumps.
SCORPIUS
Albus . . . Albus . . .
He looks down desperately after his friend. He looks at the approaching TROLLEY WITCH. Her hair wild. Her spikes particularly spiky.
Well, as fun as you clearly look, I have to go after my friend.
He pinches his nose, he jumps after ALBUS, incanting as he goes.
Molliare!
ACT ONE SCENE TWELVE
MINISTRY OF MAGIC, GRAND MEETING ROOM
The stage is flooded with wizards and witches. They rattle and chatter like all true wizards and witches can. Amongst them, GINNY, DRACO and RON. Above them, on a stage, HERMIONE and HARRY.
HERMIONE
Order. Order. Do I have to conjure silence? (She pulls silence from the crowd using her wand.) Good. Welcome to this Extraordinary General Meeting. I’m so pleased so many of you could make it. The wizarding world has been living in peace now for many years. It’s twenty-two years since we defeated Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts and I’m delighted to say there is a new generation being brought up having known only the slightest conflict. Until now. Harry?
HARRY
Voldemort’s allies have been showing 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. So we’re asking – if anyone has seen anything? Felt anything? If you could raise a wand, we will hear everyone speak. Professor McGonagall – thank you.
PROFESSOR McGONAGALL
It did look like the Potions stores had been interfered with when we returned from summer break, but not a huge amount of ingredients were missing, some Boomslang skin and lacewing flies, nothing on the Restricted Register. We put it down to Peeves.
HERMIONE
Thank you, Professor. We shall investigate. (She looks around the room.) Nobody else? Fine, and – gravest of all – and this hasn’t been the case since Voldemort – Harry’s scar is hurting again.
DRACO
Voldemort is dead, Voldemort is gone.
HERMIONE
Yes, Draco, Voldemort is dead but these things all lead us to think that there is a possibility that Voldemort – or some trace of Voldemort – might be back.
This gets a reaction.
HARRY
Now this is difficult but we have to ask it to rule it out. Those of you with a Dark Mark . . . have you felt anything? Even a twinge?
DRACO
Back to being prejudiced against those with a Dark Mark are we, Potter?
HERMIONE
No, Draco. Harry is simply trying to—
DRACO
You know what this is about? Harry just wants his face back in the newspapers again. We’ve had rumours of Voldemort coming back from the Daily Prophet once a year every year—
HARRY
None of those rumours came from me!
DRACO
Really? Doesn’t your wife edit the Daily Prophet?
GINNY steps towards him, outraged.
GINNY
The sports pages!
HERMIONE
Draco. Harry brought this matter to the attention of the Ministry . . . and I, as Minister for Magic—
DRACO
A vote you only won because you are his friend.
RON is held back by GINNY as he charges at DRACO.
RON
Do you want a smack in the mouth?
DRACO
Face it – his celebrity impacts upon you all. And how better to get everyone whispering the Potter name again than
with (he does an impression of HARRY) ‘my scar is hurting, my scar is hurting’. And do you know what this all means – that the gossipmongers once again have an opportunity to defame my son with these ridiculous rumours about his parentage.
HARRY
Draco, no one is saying this has anything to do with Scorpius . . .
DRACO
Well, I, for one, think this meeting a sham. And I’m leaving.
He walks out. Others start to disperse after him.
HERMIONE
No. That’s not the way . . . come back. We need a strategy.
ACT ONE SCENE THIRTEEN
ST OSWALD’S HOME FOR OLD WITCHES AND WIZARDS
This is chaos. This is magic. This is St Oswald’s Home for Old Witches and Wizards and it is as wonderful as you might hope.
Zimmer frames are conjured into life, knitting wool is enchanted into chaos, and male nurses are made to dance the tango.
These are people relieved of the burden of having to do magic for a reason – instead, these witches and wizards do magic for fun. And what fun they have.
ALBUS and SCORPIUS enter, looking around themselves, amused, and – let’s face it – slightly scared.
ALBUS and SCORPIUS
Um, excuse me . . . Excuse me. EXCUSE ME!
SCORPIUS
Okay, so this place is wild.
ALBUS
We’re looking for Amos Diggory.
There is suddenly total silence. Everything is instantly still. And slightly depressed.
WOOL WOMAN
And what’you boys want with that miserable old sod?
DELPHI appears with a smile.
DELPHI
Albus? Albus! You came? How wonderful! Come and say hello to Amos!
ACT ONE SCENE FOURTEEN
ST OSWALD’S HOME FOR OLD WITCHES AND WIZARDS, AMOS’S ROOM
AMOS looks at SCORPIUS and ALBUS, irritated. DELPHI watches the three of them.
AMOS
So let me get this straight. You overhear a conversation – a conversation which was not meant for you to overhear – and you decide, without prompting – in fact, without leave – to interfere, and interfere hard, in someone else’s business.
ALBUS
My father lied to you – I know he did – they do have a Time-Turner.
AMOS
Of course they do. You can move along now.
ALBUS
What? No. We’re here to help.
AMOS
Help? What use could a pair of undersized teenagers be for me?
ALBUS
My father proved you don’t have to be grown up to change the wizarding world.
AMOS
So I should allow you to get involved because you’re a Potter? Relying on your famous name are you?
ALBUS
No!
AMOS
A Potter who is in Slytherin house – yes, I’ve read about you – and who brings a Malfoy with him to visit me – a Malfoy who may be a Voldemort? Who’s to say you’re not involved in Dark Magic?
ALBUS
But—
AMOS
Your information was obvious but the confirmation is useful. Your father did lie. Now leave. The pair of you. And stop wasting my time.
ALBUS (with power and strength)
No, you need to listen to me, you said it yourself – how much blood is on my father’s hands. Let me help you change that. Let me help correct one of his mistakes. Trust me.
AMOS (his voice raised)
Did you not hear me, boy? I see no reason to trust you. So go. Now. Before I make you leave.
He raises his wand ominously. ALBUS looks at the wand – he deflates – AMOS has crushed him.
SCORPIUS
Come on mate, if there’s one thing we’re good at, it’s knowing where we’re not wanted.
ALBUS is reluctant to leave. SCORPIUS pulls him by the arm. He turns and they walk away.
DELPHI
I can think of one reason why you should trust them, Uncle.
They stop.
They’re the only ones volunteering to help. They’re prepared to bravely put themselves at risk to return your son to your side. In fact, I’m pretty sure they put themselves at risk even getting here . . .
AMOS
This is Cedric we’re talking about . . .
DELPHI
And – didn’t you say yourself – having someone inside Hogwarts might be a massive advantage?
DELPHI kisses the top of AMOS’s head. AMOS looks at DELPHI, and then turns to look at the boys.
AMOS
Why? Why do you want to put yourself at risk? What’s in it for you?
ALBUS
I know what it is to be the spare. Your son didn’t deserve to be killed, Mr Diggory. We can help you get him back.
AMOS (finally showing emotion)
My son – my son was the best thing that ever happened to me – and you’re right it was an injustice – a gross injustice – if you’re serious . . .
ALBUS
We’re deadly serious.
AMOS
This is going to be dangerous.
ALBUS
We know.
SCORPIUS
Do we?
AMOS
Delphi – perhaps if you were prepared to accompany them?
DELPHI
If that would make you happy, Uncle.
She smiles at ALBUS, he smiles back.
AMOS
You do understand even getting the Time-Turner will risk your lives.
ALBUS
We’re ready to put our lives at risk.
SCORPIUS
Are we?
AMOS (gravely)
I hope you have it in you.
ACT ONE SCENE FIFTEEN
HARRY AND GINNY POTTER’S HOUSE, KITCHEN
HARRY, RON, HERMIONE and GINNY sit eating together.
HERMIONE
I’ve told Draco again and again – no one in the Ministry is saying anything about Scorpius. The rumours aren’t coming from us.
GINNY
I wrote to him – after he lost Astoria – to ask if there’s anything we could do. I thought maybe – as he was such a good friend to Albus – maybe Scorpius might want to stay over part of the Christmas break or . . . My owl came back with a letter containing one simple sentence: ‘Tell your husband to refute these allegations about my son once and for all.’
HERMIONE
He’s obsessed.
GINNY
He’s a mess – a grieving mess.
RON
And I’m sorry for his loss, but when he accuses Hermione of . . . well . . . (he looks across at HARRY) Oi droopy drawers, like I say to her all the time, it could be nothing.
HERMIONE
Her?
RON
The trolls could be going to a party, the giants to a wedding, you could be getting bad dreams because you’re worried about Albus, and your scar could be hurting because you’re getting old.
HARRY
Getting old? Thanks, mate.
RON
Honestly, every time I sit down now I make an ‘ooof’ noise. An ‘ooof’. And my feet – the trouble I’m having with my feet – I could write songs about the pain my feet give me – maybe your scar is like that.
GINNY
You talk a lot of rubbish.
RON
I consider it my speciality. That and my range of Skiving Snackboxes. And my love for all of you. Even Skinny Ginny.
GINNY
If you don’t behave, Ronald Weasley, I will tell Mum.
RON
You wouldn’t.
HERMIONE
If some part of Voldemort survived, in whatever form, we need to be prepared. And I’m scared.
GINNY
I’m scared too.
RON
Nothing scares me. Apart from Mum.
HERMIONE
I mean it, Harry, I will not be Cornelius Fudge on this one. I will not stick
my head in the sand. And I don’t care how unpopular that makes me with Draco Malfoy.
RON
You never really were one for popularity were you?
HERMIONE shoots RON a withering look as she aims to hit him but RON jumps out of the way.
Missed.
GINNY hits RON. RON winces.
Hit. A very solid hit.
Suddenly an owl is in the room. It swoops in low and drops a letter on Harry’s plate.
HERMIONE
Bit late for an owl isn’t it?
Harry opens the letter. Surprised.
HARRY
It’s from Professor McGonagall.
GINNY
What does it say?
HARRY’s face drops.
HARRY
Ginny, it’s Albus – Albus and Scorpius – they never made it to school. They’re missing!
ACT ONE SCENE SIXTEEN
WHITEHALL, CELLAR
SCORPIUS is squinting at a bottle.
SCORPIUS
So we just take it?
ALBUS
Scorpius, do I really need to explain to you – uber geek and Potions expert – what Polyjuice does? Thanks to Delphi’s brilliant preparation work, we are going to take this potion and be transformed, and thus disguised we will be able to enter the Ministry of Magic.
SCORPIUS
Okay, two points, one, is it painful?
DELPHI
Very – as I understand it.
SCORPIUS
Thank you. Good to know. Second point – do either of you know what Polyjuice tastes of? Because I’ve heard it tastes of fish, and if it does I will just vomit it back up. Fish doesn’t agree with me. Never has. Never will.
DELPHI
Consider us warned. (She knocks back the potion.) It doesn’t taste of fish. (She begins to transform. It’s agonising.) Actually it tastes quite pleasant, yum. It is painful but . . . (She burps, loudly.) Take it back. There is a – slight – (She burps again and turns into HERMIONE.) Slight – overpowering – fishy residue.
ALBUS
Okay, that’s – wow!
SCORPIUS
Double wow!
DELPHI/HERMIONE
This really doesn’t feel how I – I even sound like her! Triple wow!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two Page 4