Most magic is inherently deceitful. Alohomora spells unlock locks that aren't meant to be broken. (Why else would they be locked?) Transfiguration spells and Polyjuice Potion change a person's appearance more than the most expensive makeup from Sephora ever could. And love potions force people into situations of dubious consent.
So it's no surprise that wizards and witches play fast and loose with the truth. In Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Harry lies about the Time-Turner to Amos Diggory. Hermione hides it in her office. Scorpius says he lost it at the bottom of the lake.
Maybe the Time-Turner needs to be renamed to Time-Travel-and-Lying-Device, because everyone lies about it.
Questions About Lies and Deceit
- Why does Harry paint a rosy picture about his past to Albus? Is leaving out the bad details the same as lying?
- Why does Scorpius lie about losing the Time-Turner?
- What makes Harry the best candidate to pretend to be Voldemort?