Hollywood Zenith

The interview was set a few days later. Reporters from all over the world rushed for the opportunity to cover such big news. The studio arranged a large hall for it to take place.

Rowling's books were the talk of the town and, with the latest release, immediately took the seat at the helm of the children's book category. It surpassed the leading Hobbit book due to its existing fanbase.

A series of many genres, including fantasy, drama, coming-of-age fiction, and the British school story, which includes elements of mystery, thriller, adventure, horror, and romance, the world of Harry Potter explores numerous themes and includes many cultural meanings and references.

According to Rowling, the central theme is death. Other significant themes in the series include prejudice, corruption, and madness.

On the day of the interview, Samuel and his cast members were waiting for their cue to go on stage. Director Columbus stood beside them as he would be joining them.

The author and the production team explained their struggle with adapting to such a large project. They mentioned some of the set locations and the small details about the in-house studio in London.

" You don't look nervous?" Emma asked Samuel, who was sitting calmly.

" Don't I? I guess I have a knack for interviews."

" There are hundreds of people outside. I fear I would fumble on the stage." Rupert also expressed his discomfort.

" Well, You know what they say. Picture funny faces on the people sitting in the front; they can calm your nerves." Samuel advised.

​ " Everyone knows that, but it never works. I still remember my first casting interview." Rupert dispelled the idea.

" At least you have some experience. On the other hand, I never sat in front of a crowd, much less in front of this many people." Emma's knees were shaking due to stress.

" Just do what you did when we first met at the casting. Be like Hermione, and you will be fine."

Columbus said from the side. He was no stranger to such events, but as an adult, he could handle the pressure.

Someone called Columbus, and he proceeded to go on the stage. He was responsible for setting the tone. He was about to sit down but saw the height of the chairs beside him.

They were too short for children as they would usually be drowned up to their heads if they sat down. He returned with seat pillows and placed them on the three empty chairs.

It was a small gesture, but the media caught it as well as the parents. They were relieved to see this side of him as they knew he would not let anything happen to their children.

" Looks like Emma is in good hands." Her mother said to her husband.

" At least he is reliable. But I don't know about the others. This will change our daughter's life permanently." Her husband said with a worried expression.

Rupert's family also shared the same concerns. Was it right to let young kids on the stage? They felt like they were pushing their kids to enact their own agenda. Being in the industry came with long-lasting burdens.

Samuel, Emma, and Rupert walked onto the stage; Samuel took the center seat while the other two took the seats on either side of him, with Director at the far right corner. Columbus briefly introduced three of them before proceeding.

The crowd became unsettled when they witnessed Samuel for the first time; his short black hair and bright green eyes gave a sense of security; he also wore the round glass prop to portray Harry.

" Thank you so much for coming. You could ask your questions." Columbus said, which quieted down the reporters.

Inevitably the first question was for the boy who would play Harry Potter.

" I hope you are not nervous."

" Ah, I am fine."

" This may be presumptuous, but I would like to ask you what your favorite subject is?"

Everyone chuckled at his silly questioning line, but Samuel nonetheless answered it. But he didn't like his mocking tone. He could feel that the reporter held some degree of resentment toward him.

" Others might disagree, but I find history very fascinating. It is a very inspiring subject.

" I was not expecting this answer. Most kids your age would say something like science or English. It is hard to believe that you could read it, let alone understand it."

" I am not most of the kid."

" With that reasoning, you suggest that you are special?"

" Quite the opposite; strange doesn't equate to being special. Different is a good fit."

The reporter wanted to continue, but the staff snatched the microphone off his hand. Later it was found that he was not an actual reporter but the parent of one of the kids auditioning for the role of Harry.

It was a bizarre coincidence or dumb luck, but somehow he got permission to ask the first question. After exhausting all his chances for the rest of the interview, he was carefully watched to not cause more incidents.

The next question was directed at Emma.

" Is there something you had to change in life for the role?" A female reporter asked politely. She felt the death stare from across the room. She resented the first reporter for pointing a target at her back, but as an experienced reporter, she held her composure.

" I don't want to change. Uh-"

" Maybe not your personality, but what about your whole life? Your lifestyle in general?"

" Well, so far, it's sort of turned things upside down." She said as everyone chuckled lightly. She continued-

" I don't know; I have never had anything happen to me like this before. I have never done anything, and it's just going to be so amazing to see how things are done. But, phew! I don't know what to say."

Samuel and Rupert looked from the side, smiling; seeing her lose her nerves and blabber her mind in front of the crowd was fun.

The next question came for Rupert.

" How was your experience during the auditions?"

" I was really scared. Well, because it's my first ever film audition, it was, so I was very nervous, but not as nervous as I have been before this press conference."

Being naturally funny had its advantages. His humor worked perfectly to calm everyone.