DISCLAIMER: Spoilers Ahead
I have spent a lot of my adolescence hearing about Harry Potter. For some reason, even though my parents didn’t read me the books or take me to the movies, I seemed to attract Potterheads. I couldn’t escape it. One of my longest friends was obsessed with the series. We couldn’t escape each other from school to synagogue to camp, and I couldn’t escape her Hermione Granger-ness when it comes to the Wizarding World. Harry Potter would always be referenced in TV shows and movies that I watched, like Pretty Little Liars (Hanna wittily said “she can’t just disappear. This isn’t Hogwarts. there’s only so many halls and classrooms” in Season 4 when she was trying to lighten the mood while her mom was framed for manslaughter; Spencer once told Aria “So, Ezra is like Lord Voldemort” in Season 3 in reference to how her dad Byron tolerates their relationship; Hanna makes a reference to flushing herself down a toilet in order to make a quick getaway in a scene in a bathroom in Season 7; Jonny, the guy that stay in the Hastings barn in Season 5 said to Spencer “I know your mom loves the idea of shipping you off to Hogwarts”; when Spencer says “I need answers from a guy who spends his weekends pretending to be a Hufflepuff” in Season 4; plus Tom Felton co-starred in a movie with Troian Bellisario that she also wrote and produced called Feed), Gossip Girl (Blair “babysits” an rebellious 8th grader who’s mom says “as long as she has her Harry Potter book and a bowl of ice cream she’s as happy as a clown” about secretly devious daughter with the book in reference probably being Deathly Hallows based on this being 2008/2009), the To All The Boys series (Lara Jean said she and John Ambrose were both Hufflepuffs in the second To All The Boys film while they read Harry Potter in the treehouse; and the Coveys seem to be big Potterheads because Kitty basically breaks up with her long-distance boyfriend in the final film because he doesn’t like Harry Potter), The Vampire Diaries (Damon tells Alacric that he has know been employed in the “cursed faculty position” during the Season 1 1950s decade dance and also says that he let Liv and Jo Parker turn his house into Hogwarts in Season 6 when she was training for The Merge against Kai) and Legacies (They constantly reference Harry Potter, but some of the most memorable ones are how Lizzie constantly calls Landon a Muggle and once said “My sister’s supposed to be all about that Muggle life, not shopping around witch stuff,” in reference to her sister Josie switching schools and how Alaric said that he doesn’t have a welcome speech for the Salvatore School because he claims that “most people have seen Harry Potter“). Sophia Bush even compared the creator of One Tree Hill to Voldemort (the irony of Lucius Malfoy himself playing her TV dad in Good Sam). So yeah, Harry Potter references were inescapable, and now I can see why. Even at the aforementioned camp, they would have us watch Chamber of Secrets and The Half-Blood Prince on rainy days, not that I paid much attention (literally I remember from watching these films prior to watching the full series the name Tom Riddle who was somehow connected to Voldemort, that there are a lot of snakes in the Chamber of Secrets and that in one of the later movies Emma Watson runs out upset after Ron kisses some girl and everyone cheers, granted that when we watched Half-Blood Prince at camp I gave up about halfway through from pure confusion to go downstairs and play GaGa (for context, it was a Jewish sleepaway camp). However, in hindsight now that I have seen the whole series Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince are such odd and random choices to show a group of kids completely out of context. Prince more so as it’s so pivotal and has such a huge plot twist, but Chamber too because if you are gonna show that one, you might as well just show Sorcerer’s Stone instead). One year, our Maccabia (color war) theme was Harry Potter with each team being a (fairly obvious) Hogwarts house. And of course, with the internet, I saw things all the time. In fact, the first YouTube videos I ever watched were Harry Potter Puppet Pals’ eBay song and mysterious ticking noise. I remember as a kid seeing the commercials for Harry Potter marathons on TV (now that I am older, I realize that this was when only 4 or 5 of the films were out, which just shows how popular this series was that it was already getting syndicated. That’s pretty unprecedented. I don’t remember seeing The Hunger Games movies syndicated on TV until after all the movies came out in the late 2010s) and the only clips I really remember seeing from those promos for the marathons were the flying car shots (which now I know were a great comedic moment in the Chamber of Secrets). I remember seeing certain shots from the films growing up because of trailers and things, like the shot of Harry holding his wand for the first time in Ollivander’s and the shot as Fluffy stands up in front of the trio in Stone, Hermione punching Draco in Azkaban, Hermione’s grand entrance at the beginning of the Yule Ball in Goblet, the Hall of Prophecies in Phoenix (I think it was the shot of Ginny’s reaction to her Reducto Curse because I remember my friend saying “God, I hate Ginny” when it came on. I have no recollection of what year this was so I have no idea if Prince was out yet), Harry and Dumbledore are on the isolated rock by the cave in Prince and Harry and Voldemort’s bright final duel in Hallows. Obviously now with all the context, they are much more nostalgic, sentimental and powerful images to me than they were back then. Through these experiences and exposures, I picked up bits and pieces. Hermione had a crush on Ron. You can be either a Gryffindor, a Hufflepuff, a Slytherin, or a Ravenclaw. Butterbeer is a thing and a wizard’s drink of choice. Draco Malfoy deserved better (TRUE). You have to swish and flick. It’s LeviOsa, not LeviosA. All of this definitely intrigued me, but again, no one in my family was interested, and I didn’t know really how to talk about it since I never watched it. So, when the reunion came out, I finally decided to watch the full series. And here are my thoughts.
(Also, right after I watch the whole series for the first time, one of my favorite podcasts Chicks In The Office created a Harry Potter rewatch podcast called Chicks In Hogwarts. Check it out!)
I was truly surprised by how much I loved these movies. But the more I think about it, I may not be into Marvel, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Game of Thrones, etc., but I have always loved the fantasy genre. I grew up with Wizards of Waverly Place being my favorite show, which now I see was clearly Disney Channel’s attempt to capitalize on the Potter craze. Alex Russo literally made me the woman I am today. My favorite episode was when she went crazy for chocolate (very Lupin of her), because I, too, am a chocoholic. I read The Chronicles of Narnia series in 5th grade and fell in love with the movies (now, that’s a reboot I can get behind. Especially because they never finished the franchise out, only getting through the first three books). The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was even the movie I chose to watch one time when I got an MRI. Also, I know this is a controversial opinion, but I think Voyage of the Dawn Treader was the best film out of the three. I also liked the Percy Jackson movies due to my young fascination with Greek Mythology, but I never read the books and I haven’t rewatched the films since I was 10 (unlike Hunger Games, Narnia and even Twilight, which I have rewatched since my obsessive phase during my pre-teen years). I was very into The Chronicles of Narnia franchise when I was 11 and 12 (which was also clearly the Disney Studios’ answer to the Potter craze), and I still believe the rest of the books should have been given their film adaptions. As a college kid I started The Vampire Diaries freshman year, and am now obsessed with the whole The Vampire Diaries cinematic universe (I rewatch the show and the whole cinematic universe constantly as my mindless homework/comfort show). I also don’t like that medieval fantasy that Games of Thrones and Lord of the Rings employ. I like fantasy that’s grounded in reality. The characters go to school like in The Vampire Diaries and have real-world jobs like in True Blood. There’s the fantastical element that makes it fun and escapist, but then there’s the realistic element that makes it relatable and visceral. So, I guess if I am to like one iconic and beloved film franchise in this world, it would be Harry Potter. There is clearly a classically blockbuster epicness to these films, but they are far more cinematic and emotionally grounded then you would think, so they don’t always feel like a blockbuster most of the time you watch them. They are truly pieces of cinema which I feel like other film franchises can’t say, but also they are obviously very much blockbusters. No movie is perfect. No adaption is perfect. But these films are all truly good. Good acting. Good writing. Good storytelling. Good production elements. Good cinematography. The fact that I can say specific things in each film that I do and don’t like, as you will soon see, proves this.
Out of all those aforementioned franchises that I never liked, the one I liked the most was The Hunger Games. To be clear, I always liked The Hunger Games, but I never loved it. Sure, I found it entertaining, thought-provoking and fascinating, but I always felt like I was supposed to like the series, both the books and the films, more than I actually did (and as much as I love vampire shows like The Vampire Diaries and True Blood, Twilight just sucked in my opinion, but I do appreciate its iconicism and the memes). I never liked it as much as everyone else did. Sure, I loved Jennifer Lawrence, but I far prefer her other films like Silver Linings Playbook and Don’t Look Up. But it was the cool thing when I was in middle school, so I pretended to be as obsessed with it as everyone else when I only sort of liked it. I do rewatch them and enjoy them (at least more than Twilight, which is a film series I have never been able to get all the way through), but now that I have finally found a film franchise I genuinely enjoy and am officially obsessed with, I feel like I can know critically compare them, even though they are drastically different genres as one is fantasy and the other is a dystopia (although, to me, the Ministry of Magic eerily mirrored an authoritarian, dystopian government with or without Voldemort’s influence. Like that banner of Fudge has in Phoenix gives off “Big Brother Is Watching You” vibes very much). One thing that I like significantly better in The Hunger Games series was the costumes. They were so distinctive and vibrant and created such a unique, iconic aesthetic that no other film or series had at the time, and many since have taken inspiration from it. They even managed to get real designer clothing for the films straight from the runway fashion houses and designers like Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Schiaparelli. I will talk more about this later on, but Harry Potter had such lackluster costuming with every bland aesthetic, especially in the later films. The earlier films created so much potential in terms of costuming and aesthetics, and they just never built upon it. The costume designers often had great ideas in the latter films, but the execution was almost always off. Potter should have worked harder to have better costuming as it would have probably had a huge effect on fashion like The Hunger Games movies did, especially since it was the biggest franchise in the world at the time. Also, Toby Jones, who voiced Dobby, was actually in the first two Hunger Games movies.
Now that I have watched these films, I am honestly so upset that I missed out Harry Potter mania. That I didn’t race to get the next book or wait in line for the new movie (I REALLY want to watch these movies in the theatre). Also, as a pop culture connoisseur, I feel deeply ashamed that I hadn’t watched probably one of the most impactful and iconic stories of my generation. These films are a staple in pop culture overall, but especially in 2000s pop culture. It’s nostalgic for me even if I didn’t grow up with it just because it was such an iconic part of that era that I was still surrounded by it and picked up things about it here and there.
The thing is Harry Potter, The Vampire Diaries, The Chronicles of Narnia and Wizards of Waverly Place all deal with very similar themes like good vs. evil (the battle of good vs. evil was clearly the main theme, I mean that’s what the Battle of Hogwarts was all about right? Through parallels and metaphors for the real world, I think this theme of good vs. evil was done very well), life vs. death, light vs. dark, growing up, inequality, wisdom, loss of innocence, moral ambiguity, imperfections, flaws in humanity, the difference between the simple things of life and the not simple, the grayness of the world, living life to the fullest, prejudice, the power of youth, love, corruption, madness, enduring friendship through hardship and adversity, humanity (“We’ve all got both light and dark inside of us.” – Sirius Black), learning, things worth fighting for, strength and overcoming, and eternal love, whether that be familial or romantic. There are also just running themes throughout the series that offer interesting comparisons and parallels, like bad parents, love, the number 7 (Weasleys siblings, Quidditch players, Harry was born at the end of July AKA the seventh month, secret passages to Hogsmeade, number of times Voldemort failed to kill Harry, years at Hogwarts, Horcruxes, Harry’s Quidditch number, number of books, etc.), a new DADA teacher in every film, fears (Boggart), desires (Mirror of Erised), death, troubled childhoods, trauma and choices. The reason why I think I like the fantasy genre (magic-based fantasy), not the dystopian, sci-fi (except ET: The Extra-Terrestrial and the first two Back To The Future movies, obviously. Those are the best sci-fi entities ever, mostly because they take place in the 80s, and the only ones I really, truly love. I mean, I like Stranger Things too, but I love these films) medieval-aesthetic fantasy, action-adventure or any other blockbuster-y genres because it’s grounded in humanity and growing up, something everyone, no matter what age, can relate to (hence why I like E.T. and Back To The Future). Other blockbuster genres, at least in my opinion, aren’t. With fantasy, it’s already fantastical and epic, so the groundedness only amplifies that in a very natural way, while other genres amplify that epicness when its unnecessary and in forced ways, usually, in my opinion. Those themes are universal, no matter what age you are and no matter if you have magical powers or not.
The theme of family, especially found family, is a very important one in these films. If your blood relatives let you down, you find new ones and that’s exactly what Harry did. He found a family in Sirius and Lupin, his parent’s most trusted friends. And when he lost them as well, he found family within the only example of a family that he ever knew, the Weasleys. Hermione may have had a family, but they were Muggles, who didn’t understand the stresses of Wizard life, the Weasleys gave her a Wizard family. It also showed how accepting the Weasleys are. Harry and Hermione’s Mudblood and half-blood status wasn’t even a factor in their assimilation into the family. Ron and Ginny welcoming Hermione and Harry into their family and through marriage, all of them becoming an actual family was the most satisfying ending that could have happened. The first and only true family Harry ever had and knew.
However, out of all these themes, the theme of good vs. evil is the most prevalent throughout the story, after all, that’s what the final battle they are building toward for the entire series is all about. However, it tackles this theme in a surprisingly sophisticated way for a children’s story. It shows that good and evil are not absolute. It’s a choice and that means it can often be misleading. After all, Snape is seen as a villain, but by the end, he is revealed to not be, while Dumbledore has been seen as the heroic God when in reality the is the villain. This is foreshadowed in the first film between Snape and Quirrell. The trio thinks Snape must be the culprit because of his evil demeanor and menacing attitude, but in reality, it’s the cowardly Professor Quirrell who is an agent to Voldemort, not Snape, although we do find out later that Snape is a double agent (and later becomes a triple agent). This idea of don’t-judge-a-book-by-it’s-cover idea happens multiple times throughout the series, with Tom Riddle in Chamber, Sirius in Azkaban, Moody in Goblet and Snape again, in the opposite way, in Prince and even, you could argue, with Neville and Snape, again, in the finale (the way Snape has this idea center around his character at three different points in the series, in Stone, Prince and Part 2). This leads to plot twists, second chances, and redemption arcs throughout the series. This is reflected in Harry and his self-doubt through learning about his connections to Voldemort through her scar and through his ability to speak Parseltongue. He doubts his morality but realizes that Dumbledore (for once) is right. He had to choose to be good or evil and unlike Voldemort, Harry chose to be good. Dumbledore gave this same lesson to Draco on the Astronomy tower. However, this idea about morality and redemption is never more prevalent than in Snape’s arc and characterization. He is the most complicated, mysterious and multifaceted character in the entire series. On the surface, and due to the title, the story is of course about Harry’s morality, however in reality, by the end of the series, we realize it’s actually about Snape’s morality.
The films also had so many great messages for young kids to see in the cinema, both through the story and the character, my favorites probably being the plot of the Order of the Phoenix where Harry realized that the fact that he had love and friendship in his heart was gonna be how he will beat Voldemort and Hermione’s character and how she showed young girls that they are allowed to be the smartest person in the room and that being smart and outspoken is badass. However, I do love certain quotes as well. Mainly, Sirius’ “The world isn’t split between good people and Death Eaters. We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are (although the irony of Sirius saying this after he, an adult, although traumatized by Azkaban, continued to bully Snape in the Shrieking Shack isn’t lost on me),” Dumbledore’s “While we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one,” “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light,” and “For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own. Let him swim in the deepest ocean or glide over the highest cloud.” Never underestimate someone purely based on their age, because honestly, the children in these movies are so much more powerful, smarter and craftier than most of the adults. Harry’s quote in Phoenix saying “if they can do it, why can’t we?” is also an amazing message, as it can be translated to every ambition. Every legendary actor, politician, doctor, writer and artist started out as nothing more than a student, with enough drive, confidence and passion to achieve their goals. Life isn’t fair, as Snape so painfully proclaims to Harry. But it’s true. Life isn’t fair. No one knows that more or taught us that more than Snape. I also loved how Luna and Neville represented how your so-called “weaknesses” can become your superpower if you learn how to use them to your advantage. Violence is not the answer, disarming your enemies is (kill people with kindness, essentially). The world isn’t black or white, it’s grey and complicated shown through Snape and Draco’s complex arcs. Snape represents how you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover and how actions speak louder than words. It isn’t who you are, but who you grow to be. It’s our choices that matter far more than our abilities. Our choices reveal our true colors. It’s not about similarities or differences or actions, it’s about our choices, that’s what makes us who we are and what defines us. Right and wrong isn’t the hard choice, the hard choice is what’s right versus what’s easy (“the world isn’t split into good people and Death Eaters. We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on.” – Sirius Black). You can’t fight all alone. In unity, there is strength (yes, Harry Potter proved this to be true long before Jughead Jones and the Southside Serpents in Riverdale). Friendship leads to success, as seen from the moment Harry steps onto the Hogwarts Express and meets his two closest friends and during the DA meetings when they are all supporting each other as they become trained and skilled wizards. Chocolate solves everything. Facing your fears is important and one of the only ways to truly grow and improve. It may not be comfortable, as most fears are attached to some kind of trauma and facing trauma isn’t fun, it’s scary in itself, but this does help you become a stronger, better person. In a world of bullies and peer pressure, it’s a great message to show kids that it’s far more virtuous to stand up to your friends rather then your enemies. The story showed three boys, Voldemort, Snape and Harry, who all had troubled upbrings and showed how their circumstances and backgrounds weighed on them and impacted them, and how each turned into very different people in spite of that. Voldemort was born without any love and turned into the ultimate evil villain. Harry was born into love and had it ripped away from him and turned into an undeniably good guy and a hero, and Snape was born into love and was beaten down by the world, so first chose evil and then learned the error of his ways and made up for lost time and his mistakes. All three of them were also all abandoned by the people they valued most (whether it was their decision or not with Tom’s parents putting him in an orphanage, whether it was their choice, forced upon them or their last resort, or Lily sacrificing herself for Harry and because of Snape’s mistrust putting her in that situation) and their first true home was Hogwarts, which is probably the most central parallel between these three in the series. We are all human. We all have hearts that beat and brains that think. Because of that, we are all worth the same and all worth saving. Though a Snitch is small, it earns the most points when caught, which is symbolic of being small, but mighty. How being underestimated can be your superpower. Like fake swallowing Felix Felicis, believing in yourself is all that matters. Being rich with love, loyalty, family and friendship is far better and richer than being rich with wealth, status and money. The importance of rebuilding after tragedy and war, as seen with JKR’s decision to have Harry survive the Battle of Hogwarts, not just Voldemort’s execution of him. However, the biggest message of the series is that love conquers all. And this is shown through all different kinds of love from romance to family to friendship to unrequited love. This is proven when Lily’s death gave Harry the protection of love and how Snape’s love for Lily helped him protect her son after her death and gave him the strength to become a villain for the greater good (this represents a cycle of love conquering all in a way). Also, love is what ultimately helps Harry defeat Voldemort, as his mother’s love protection helped him survive the Killing Curse twice, with the second only killing the Horcrux that was inside Harry. It also helped repel Voldemort from Harry’s body in Phoenix with the power of love through friendship. Harry as a character also was a great message. Harry was a symbol of the triumph of good, the power of male vulnerability, the importance of understanding innocence versus naivety and that there is strength in determination, resilience, resisting and fighting. Love conquers all is the overarching message of the series. Love is the greatest and most important power of all in the series, as I have just explained, and that is metaphorical for real life as well. Whether it’s familial, like Lily, romantic, like Ron and Hermione, or friendship like the trio. That is all a really beautiful message. The thing about all these messages is that they are timeless and universal, which makes the story itself timeless and universal as well.
I also appreciated the films’ parallels to real life. The political subtexts include themes of oppression, survival, ending bigotry, questioning authority, not assuming the establishment and press are always telling the truth and ostracizing people who are different. Its prejudice against Mudbloods reflects racism and Nazism (can same goes for half-bloods with people of mixed race and faith), the Death Eaters are very much the terrorist of the Wizarding World (and the Muggle world too TBH because of that opening scene in Prince) and make the Taliban look as pathetic and petty as Peter Pettigrew and Lucius Malfoy, the corruption of the justice system in the Ministry of Magic eerily mirrors the judicial system in real life, especially in the U.S. (especially today with the near-Handmaiden’s Tale authoritarian control of women’s bodies), the “pure-blood mania” stuff was quite ahead of its time in how it reflects the conservative conspiracy and Christian extremism of everything from abortion to vaccines to the LGBTQ+ (yes, I know the irony by me saying that last part), the lack of knowledge, empathy and perceived danger causing a larger stigma werewolves and lycanthropy in this universe reminds me of how people treated AIDS in the 90s, government corruption and fake news (with these latter two being rather ahead of its time) paralleling the relationships between the government and it’s citizens all over the world throughout all of history, the Wizarding World has the issue of nepotism babies, specifically shown through Draco and Harry (Harry is probably the most worthy nepo baby in history. I mean, yes there is a prophecy that centers around him, which gave him the motivation get good at magic, but he was also skilled in his own right and went about in the right way because once he joined the Wizarding World, he found a great support system, unlike Draco who learned the hard way that power isn’t as important as a support system and skill), underage magic (LOL) parallels underage drinking and rebellion. While, it is a little, erm, interesting that the source material was written by You-Know-Who, at least she tried and make some sort of social commentary, especially given the 90s time period. It made it more relatable and digestible.
It’s also wild, at least within this world and this mythology, when you think about how Harry, specifically, but also Neville and Draco too have their family histories literally in the textbooks they are using in school, making their lives, relatives and pasts literally have historical significance. I mean, Harry is the only person ever to survive the Killing Curse, and does so TWICE! That’s historic in this world, because clearly, in a very rare way, it’s possible. Almost like Prince William and Prince Harry learning about British history in their classes and having it literally center around their family. Also similar to political families like the Kennedys or Old Money families in the U.S. Or like Klaus and the Mikaelson family in The Vampire Diaries universe, specifically in Legacies. Harry’s parents dying, putting an end to Voldemort and therefore the First Wizarding War is literally a historical event in this world. See! This world feels so real that it has me thinking this literally. That’s such a testament to how well done the mythology is. The events of these books/films, at least most of the major ones (especially the battles), are literally historical events, which is even more insane when you remember that these were literal kids, teenagers, fighting in these battles. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville all helped destroy Horcruxes and therefore end Voldemort, which makes them historical figures too within this world. Snape and his triple agent status plot twist is also a literal historical plot twist in this world, like many in real life (although I can’t think of any examples right now). Wizarding World history is so thought out and specific, probably even more so in the books, that it feels like the real history of a specific culture, not just the background context of a fictitious mythology. After all, the hysteria around witchcraft is rippled throughout European and world history, and that persecution seemed to influence the prejudices within the Wizarding World, as humans are naturally judgmental human beings. People find scapegoats in the real world, just like they do in this world. I am curious if this was talked about in the books, like if JKR connected them to the Salem Witch Trials or the witch trials in Britain or something. Also, the First and Second Wizarding Wars parallel the real-life World War I & II (which begs the question, what was the Wizarding World like during those Muggle World Wars or any Muggle war or government situation. Does it ever affect them?) When you think about that way, it’s quite wild. Also, as cool as this is, it’s so kind of distributing because like the Royal Family (at least until recent years) the manic pure-blood families are all probably inbred, especially if pure-blood mania has existed since Salazar Slytherin’s time, which was 1,000 years ago (the Mikaelson’s time in a different fantasy cinematic universe LOL, I guess these mythologies just love saying “a thousand years ago…” or that’s as far back as these creators can think of). Also, if these pure-blood families are somewhat inbred, does that mean that pure-bloods like Draco and Ron are distantly related in some capacity, and therefore Ron and Sirius (Draco and Sirius are clearly related because of Narcissa)? I assume that since Lily is Muggle-born and Harry is a half-blood that James was a pure-blood, does that mean that Harry is also distantly related to the Blacks, Malfoys and Weasleys, this fact being even wilder knowing that he ends up marrying into the anti-prejudice Weasley family through Ginny? I guess in British minds, this is normal due to the monarchy being such a big part of the country’s identity, but as an American, this is just odd to think about. From what I heard, The Cursed Child basically ruined the Harry Potter legacy. I feel like they could have used this idea and related it to Harry and Ron’s kids for a better, more interesting sequel. Like the dynamic between The Vampire Diaries and Legacies. Especially with how beloved worldwide the Potter-verse is, I think that would have worked better, from what I have heard.
Personally, I am very fascinated by the worlds of old money and old money families (like is it any wonder why Gossip Girl and Succession are some of my favorite shows?), so combining that with something else I’m fascinated by, villains and anti-heroes, through the Malfoy and Black families (especially with them being connected through Narcissa) was just a match made in heaven for me. I also liked how they used these old money families and made them villainous families because that’s how the world sees real old money families like the Vanderbilts and the Hearsts, who hoard money while the rest of the world suffers. This aspect parallels white privilege in a way, which is why I am glad they made those families white (even though, besides the Patils, Cho Chang and Dean Thomas, these films are very, very white. It was the 2000s after all, just look at the other films from that time. And while I find Zoe Kravitz’s casting in Fantastic Beasts refreshing as she is a Black American in a Harry Potter universe film, the fact that her character’s last name is Lestrange does make this white privilege parallel point mute which is both good and bad for a variety of reasons that would take a whole separate article to discuss, not to mention the fact that she is American), including the pureblood Weasley family. However, with that being said, I do like how they made the Weasleys the rare historic but not wealthy family because there are many families who aren’t extremely wealthy but have lived in the U.S. for 100s of years. This representation of historical families that don’t equate to wealthy families is rarely seen in the media. And before you say, this point about old money and white privilege Americanizing the franchise, it’s not. Just look at the British monarchy and Princess Diana’s family. Britain just has a much longer history that would take even longer for me to talk about and I am Amercian, so in a way, this is my only form of reference (even though I am educated about how it works in Britain due to my fascination with old money, monarchy and British history). One of the ways the Malfoys and Blacks realistically showcase their old money status is with their values and emphasis on tradition, status and loyalty. The latter two are obviously shown with how Draco only strategically defies his family in Hallows, not actually, as he clearly values his family, no matter how dysfunctional it may be, which is also shown when he kicks Harry’s head in on the train in Prince in his pathetic father’s defense even though Lucius is the reason that he will probably end this school year as a murderer, and with how Draco constantly finds ways to up his status like joining Umbridge’s Inquisitorial Squad and the Slytherin Quidditch team. However, one way the Black and Malfoy families showcase their value of tradition, something very important to old money families, is how many of them are named after stars. Bellatrix is a star found in the Orion constellation. Sirius is the name of a star system. Draco is the root of Draconis, which is a word found in many Greek star systems, especially in the Draco constellation. This shows the Black family tradition of naming their kids after stars, as even though Narcissa is named after the flower, she continues the tradition with Draco’s name.
Going back to Narnia, I kind of appreciate how it wasn’t some sort of portal fantasy into another world like the Wardrobe in Narnia. It was a world within a world. It’s a world of magic within a world of mundanity. Part of why I love this mythology so much is how mundane and old-fashioned it is despite being magical. They write letters, travel through fireplaces like Santa Claus and read books. there’s no internet or crystal ball face-timing (the closest we get to that is that glass shard in Hallows or that unnecessary time Sirius showed up in the crystal ball), or something. It makes it charming and easy to grasp as a world that really could exist. It made it, ironically, more realistic. like, this could exist? It kept the world grounded and relatable. Also, these mundane magical elements add a level of timelessness to the story, as they communicate with letters, no phone calls or texts, listen to the radio, write with quills and ink, use lanterns instead of flashlights (at least in Stone before Harry learns the Lumos spell), and research by reading, not Googling. The series’ use of practical effects also helped make it feel more real and like it could really exist, not like a portal fantasy. It made it easier for the audience to grasp on to, with the magical world being somewhat mundane, just with some sort of fantastical flair. They have paintings, but they move and talk. The Great Hall has a skylight, but it’s not a window, it’s a bewitchment magically showing the sky as if the Great Hall is roofless. The books bite readers, paper maps turn into a magical GPS and letters howl at their recipients, literally (this is one of the funniest scenes in the whole series and probably one of my favorites. I am using that monologue to try and learn a British accent). Also, in this universe, with brooms being a prominent mode of transportation, it’s really smart because with the world being hidden within the Muggle world, broomsticks, despite them having foot pedals and everything, for the most part, look pretty mundane, which don’t raise Muggle suspicions. That mundane-ness is also where a lot of the humor comes from the collision between the Wizarding World and the Muggle world, with the Dursleys, Mr, Weasley, Hermione and Ron utilizing this aspect of the series’ humor the most. That’s when a lot of British humor came out. I love British humor because of how sophisticated, satirical, dry, sarcastic, sassy, snarky and witty it is and it was fun to see that kind of humor in the early movies especially because the kids were so young. I had never seen such dry humor involve such young kids before on screen. It was great. I particularly loved the humor of Ron, Hermione, Snape, Harry, the Weasley twins, Neville and Luna. Honestly, probably one of my favorite things about these films is how they all have accents, and not just any accents, British accents, my favorite accent. If anything, I hope to just keep rewatching these films in order to teach myself a British accent, especially since there is such a variety of them. The closest to portal fantasy these films got to was the way they enter Platform 9 and 3/4 (which, at least for the Weasleys, doesn’t make much sense because don’t they live in the Wizarding World? Doesn’t Platform 9 and 3/4 exist in the Wizarding World, not some pocket train station-only dimension?), and how they travel, by Floo Powder and Portkey (which by the way, how the hell did You-Know-Who come up with that these means of traveling?). There are also no talking animals like in Narnia, unless you count that spider Aragog who told Harry that Hagrid was innocent and didn’t open the Chamber of Secrets. The closest to that is an Animagus.
Also, like Narnia, Potter also has religious symbolism, particularly Christian symbolism, which as a Jew, is surprising because I enjoy both series so much. Both source materials, AKA both book series, use magic as a portal of sorts to understand spirituality. They also both have the key theme of exploring good versus evil, particularly when it involves supremacy over people’s souls or a group of subjects, although Harry Potter’s is more consistent with the main evil always being Voldemort and his Death Eaters, while Narnia‘s constantly changed due to the mythology’s use of time jumps, with Jadis the White Witch being the only contact antagonist even though in the latter films she was also a spirit of sorts. Harry also parallels Jesus Christ as “The Chosen One,” which is ironic because Jesus was a Jew, and Jews are considered “The Chosen People,” (and in regards to Potter, this is an odd feeling when you realize how the design of the Gringott’s goblins are undeniably based on the Jewish stereotypes of wealth and big noses and how Voldemort’s half-blood status eerily mirrors the myth that Hitler was a Jew, especially because this proves how the idea of Jesus being a Jew showcases how hypocritical Anti-semitism really is). Harry is the one who provides hope in the Wizarding community just like Jesus did for his subjects and still does today. He also sacrifices himself and has Voldemort give an epic speech after his death, only for Harry to resurrect, like Jesus, after the speech. This is also really interesting when you remember how in the 90s and 2000s, the religious group held book burnings for the Harry Potter series for their “controversial” themes of occultism and witchcraft, being so-called ‘sacrilegious’ and seemingly reviving Satanic Panic. I remember religious extremists calling the books to be banned from schools, which was probably why I was given Narnia and not Potter as I was introduced to Narnia in school (like the teacher literally had us read it for a grade in 5th grade). This is also hilariously ironic, not just due to how religious extremists are now praising the series today due to JKR’s transphobic beliefs, but also due to its Christian themes. However, the Potter series proved to be a force to be reckoned with, never losing popularity, only gaining it with the final film being the highest-grossing of the whole franchise. The popularity was so large and strong, that it just proved further that the past negative connotations of witches (sexism, Salem, etc.) has dwindled and that Potter has cemented itself a permanent place in both just pop culture, but also British culture and American culture alike (as they were British stories, but American-produced films). This religious controversy wasn’t why I didn’t read the books when I was a kid in the 2000s or watch the films. I was just never introduced to them properly until I became friends with Potterheads in my teens and twenties. After all, in the 2000s, I did read and watch Narnia, and while it is about fantasy and magic, it’s not necessarily about witchcraft like Harry Potter. After all, it takes place at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. My parents just aren’t big fantasy fans, so I was never encouraged to read them or watch the films, which in hindsight was a mistake because as you can probably tell, I am now obsessed and genuinely considering reading the books, and as I have said, I am not a reader at all. If I was introduced to Harry Potter, as my 5th-grade teacher introduced me to Narnia, I probably would have become a reader very quickly. Or at least my mom could bargain with me in regard to the films and therefore I would become a reader.
Potter was also part of the rebranding of the witch genre from a spooky, seductive adult-focused genre (due to it being taboo and witchcraft often had negative connotations instead of intriguing ones) to a kid-friendly one, with Halloweentown, Twitches (which all spawned sequels and franchises) and Wizards of Waverly Place, all airing on Disney Channel in the 90s and 2000s (the witch genre was far more popular on Disney then Nickelodeon with many notably less unpopular shows like Every Witch Way and House of Anubis never really getting the same traction). However, Harry Potter was undeniably the most successful kid-friendly witch genre entity ever, and still is (but nice try Narnia). The books, the films and the mythology itself are all immensely popular worldwide and have become not just a franchise, but a multi-million dollar corporation. Its impact on the genre is undeniable, and based on how much I loved Halloweentown, Twitches, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Narnia, it makes total sense that I’d be into Harry Potter. Potter also was used as inspiration so much in these various franchises. Does anyone remember when the Russos went to that wizard school Wiz Tech? Remember how Alex said Justin looked like some famous wizard in glasses when he wore his uniform-required pair, but couldn’t remember the name? Potter was also unique because unlike Wizards and Halloweentown, which were on kid-friendly TV networks, Potter was its own entity. It wasn’t funneled through a channel geared toward a specific demographic. It was mainstream and therefore could reach a larger audience, and did, and not just a larger, global audience, but an audience of all ages and demographics, not just kids, even if that’s what it was originally geared towards.
There are also so many cinematic parallels between Potter and Narnia. Obviously, the characters and location were both in Britain and they both had huge impacts on British culture. Harry kills the Basilisk the exact same way Edmund kills the Seas Serpent in the Dawn Treader, both with an enchanted sword and a snake-like mythical creature. Also, that scene in the final Narnia film with the green mist showing the White Witch parallels Ron’s Horcrux dream sequence, both dealing with temptation, fear, insecurity, trauma and innermost thoughts. The dark island also reminds me of the Chamber of Secrets. The Durmstrung ship also reminds me of the Dawn Treader ship. Prince Caspian’s tragic life and appearance also remind me of Sirius in a lot of ways. The Pevensies take a train to the country in the first book/movie, which reminds me of how Hogwarts students take the Hogwarts Express from London’s King’s Cross to Hogwarts, which seems to be in the Scottish mountainous countryside. The school uniforms in the very beginning of the Prince Caspian film with their striped scarves, not to mention the train station setting magically giving way back to Narnia for the Pevensie siblings had major Potter vibes. Also, the snow scenes particularly in Azkaban, especially the Draco snowball scene, give major Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe vibes. Also, the Book of Incantation being the catalyst for a teenage girl’s insecurities in Narnia with Lucy reminds me of Hermione with her insecurities and passion and skill when it comes to spells. Draco kind of reminds me of Edmund, with how both are selfish and arrogant but eventually, they learn from their mistakes, and they learn from them because of being traumatized, Draco by the Death Eaters and Edmund by the White Witch. Also, the character of Eustace Scrubb reminded me of Dudley Dursley with how nasty and biased he is toward things in Narnia. The White witch used Edmund as bait to lure his siblings and stop the prophecy, similar to how the Death Eaters used Sirius to lure Harry to the Hall of Prophecies. Father Christmas had a very similar look to Dumbledore in the Narnia films, far more similar than to the commercially used Santa Claus. The Juice of the Firefly Father Christmas gifts Lucy works similarly to phoenix tears, Susan’s horn for help is similar to the red sparks used during the maze in Goblet and of course, Peter’s sword is very similar in importance and legacy to the Sword of Gryffindor. The professor has a similar purpose to Dumbledore, although he is a far better father figure for the story as a whole then Dumbledore. The White Witch turns traitors into stone similar to how the Basilisk petrified Muggle-borns, making them as still as stone. Pevensie is literally Pensieve with a few letters switched around. Both stories take place in the U.K. in the 20th century. All the characters and actors are British. There is also a character in Narnia named Diggory Kirke (who was actually played by Slughorn actor Jim Broadbent in the movies) whose name mirrors that of Cedric Diggory. The Wardrobe reminds me of the Vanishing Cabinet from Half-Blood Prince. And of course, Aslan’s colors are red and gold, as those who are loyal to him wear those colors, and he is a lion, which is very similar to how those are Gryfinndor colors and their mascot is a lion.
Wizards of Waverly Place also had clear comparisons to Potter, which isn’t a surprise as it came out after at least 4 of the film were out, especially the episodes that took place at Wiz Tech, the Wizard Boarding School. It was clearly a parody of Harry Potter, poking fun at the inevitable criticism (I was too young at that time but as an adult, I am certain it was there) that the show is just Disney Chanel’s way of profiting off the Potter craze. The headmaster, Professor Krums, has a long beard just like Dumbledore, wore a witchy, sleepy pillbox cap and were just as confusing and vague with their advice, which honestly could be a satirical commentary on Dumbledore’s character as a whole, although I doubt anything Disney ever did was that deep. Krums was a parody of how confusing Dumbledore is, always speaking in vague riddles. Professor Krums almost satirizes Dumledore’s hypocrisy and encouragement of rebellion, causing his students to be put in danger. They also wear black robes with yellow details, making them all look like Hufflepuffs. They also wear circular glasses with the uniform, which Alex Russo even makes a subtle joke about in the episode. Wiz Tech itself was a castle. Justin’s rival is also named Jerko, which obviously references Draco. Also, both Mason Greyback and Fenrir Greyback are werewolves.
Harry Potter’s importance in people’s lives seemed ridiculous to me prior to watching, but now I get it. It’s one of the healthier forms of escapism and obsession. It’s magical and cinematically stunning to watch. The impossible is possible. Unlike things like Gossip Girl or American Horror Story, which are fun with high stakes, or reality TV shows like Keeping Up With The Kardashians or Selling Sunset, which are fun and mindless, but don’t have as positive of a message overall. Those shows are guilty pleasures, Potter is more of a community, a sense of belonging and camaraderie. It’s escapism. It’s precious and beloved. After all, some people are obsessed with drugs or booze, so being obsessed with series is far less toxic when you look at it that way. It’s also a comforting, nostalgic obsession, even for me who just watched just because it was such a formative part of the era I grew up in. Harry Potter is a literal fantasy, not a hypothetical one (like Gossip Girl or Selling Sunset). After all, it’s about magic. However, it’s always rooted in reality and real-life issues. It’s about kids growing up right in front of our eyes. While the circumstances and overall situations are fantastical, the nuances are eternally relatable. It was also about the misfits. Harry may have been famous and popular, but he didn’t feel that way. Hermione may be wicked smart, but she was teased. Ron may have been a pureblood wizard, but he was ridiculed just like his friends. However, their flaws became their biggest strengths by the end of the series. It’s a comforting message. The mythology you-know-who (LOL) created was so rich, vivid, intriguing, detailed, vibrant and thorough that it was easy to escape into. It’s insane that this whole world came from one woman’s mind (it would be such a powerful feminist stance if she wasn’t such a transphobe). Even with the life or death stakes, there is something comforting about it. It’s reliable and gives you a sense of belonging, even if it’s fictional. Why? Because it’s about characters who don’t belong and they end up finding each other and winning against all odds. It makes people feel less lonely. It’s almost therapeutic in that sense. It gives you security in an unpredictable world, and that’s such a relaxing feeling. It may be fantastical, but it’s still relatable at its core.
The series is so relatable too, despite being a fantasy series. First and foremost it’s a coming-of-age series. In the same vein The Vampire Diaries, both series have a perfect balance of fantasy drama and coming-of-age drama. Between crushes, first kisses, friendships, fights, rivalries, classes, insecurities, confusion, school dances, hormones, dating, standardized tests, family drama, sibling drama, teachers, extracurriculars, sports and hanging out with friends (like in the common room, at Hogsmeade or in the dorms like that scene in Azkaban with the Gryffindor boys and the animal noise candy) it’s very relatable and just like you grow up with the cast, you really do grow up with the characters and what they are going through too.
The Harry Potter series is also so impactful. Especially the latter films like Goblet, Phoenix and Prince being more young adult focused, it helped spawn the YA boom, proving that stories centered around youths taking matters into their own hands for the greater good aren’t niche but rich, deep, interesting and viable. There would be no Divergent, The Hunger Games, After, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before or even the teen drama boom like The O.C., Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars and Glee. They also kicked off the fantasy boom. Without Potter, there would be no Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, True Blood, Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones (even though medieval fantasy isn’t really my thing). Obviously, these started out off as children’s films, but they became young adult films, and it happened naturally. It’s also so rare for a series to so expertly and seamlessly transition from a children’s story to a young adult story, and they succeed at it mostly because the characters themselves grow up at a natural pace. The transition of that during Azkaban, Goblet and Phoenix is perfectly timed because just as the series is maturing, going from a children’s story to a YA story, so are the characters, they are going from children to young adults during that time too. I mean I remember Pottermania in the 2000s. The films’ premieres were full-on events. The lines and craziness to get the new book was worse than on Black Friday. There were posters and cardboard cut-outs all over the movie theater. The trailers were on TV constantly. Every time a new movie or book came out it was all over Good Morning America and The Today Show. It was like Rocky Horror or a Taylor Swift concert with how people would dress up and be so theatrical about it, like Comic-Con or a sporting event or Halloween or something. It was insane. I never felt pressured to hop on the bandwagon though because none of my immediate or extended family members were on it. So, I didn’t judge it, I didn’t partake in it. I just didn’t think much about it. I was indifferent. Now I realize how naive and stupid that was. Pottermania still exists. That’s how strong it is. Between fanfiction and (like any fanbase) shipping and social media and fan sites and fan films and fan tours (personally, I’d just save my money and do it on my own as I did for Gossip Girl in New York, but I digress) and even something literally called Wizard Rock with student bands called Harry and The Potters and Draco and the Malfoys (which even performed at Horace Mann prep school in NYC). It’s clear that Pottermania was, and still is, a force to be reckoned with. I mean, Radcliffe, Watson and Grint were the It-kids of the 2000s (like Henry Thomas in the 80s with E.T. and Mara Wilson in the 90s with Matilda). They were global celebrities, dare I say the most famous teenagers in the world during the 2000s. They were so popular and famous that they were included in Vanity Fair’s iconic It’s Raining Teens magazine spread (and the photo, as seen here, is clearly during the filming of Azkaban as their hair looks the same as in that film). I grew up in the 2000s. I saw on the news the Black Friday-esque chaos when the new Harry Potter books as released on the news or how much of a phenomenon and spectacle it was to go to the midnight showings at the movie theater. I remember having so many friends who loved reading because of Harry Potter, while I hated reading, probably because I wasn’t introduced to Harry Potter. These stories helped turn digital-age kids into readers, saving reading or pleasure from extinction. These stories kept reading cool and fun, and now that I have seen the films, I realize how much I was missing. I was missing out on these amazing characters, stories and world. Now, I actually do have a desire to read because I am just itching to know more, even though I know how it ends already. I want my boatload of questions answered, and maybe most of them are in the books. This franchise can never be replicated. Not the world (score, set, atmosphere and tone). Not the perfect casting (There are also so many actors who are irreplaceable as their characters. Mainly, Snape, no one else can ever play Snape in my mind. I truly can’t even fathom anyone else in that role. The trio of course, but also Hagrid, McGonagall, Bellatrix, Lucius, the Twins, Neville, Luna and Draco are such great castings that I truly can’t imagine anyone else in those roles. One of the series’ greatest strengths was its supporting characters. It says so much about how well-developed and well-written their relationships with Harry were, the story was and how talented and perfectly cast the actors were. Also, these movies got MANY absolute acting legends to play supporting or often times minor roles which is very unprecedented. Most projects are not lucky enough to get one acting legend let alone have a huge portion of their cast be one. The caliber of legendary British acting talent in these films is insane. The cast, both establishing and new, and how perfectly each of them fit their roles was one of the series’ greatest strengths, a strength few ensemble-based franchises, series and films have managed to achieve to quite the same standard). I was around when these films were coming out and I can say with certainty that they came out right time. This series was a pillar of 2000s pop culture. You can’t replicate that impact, that iconicism, that legacy. It’s so singular. They aren’t just a franchise. These films are truly part of film history. It’s truly an icon of cinema and pop culture. These films are like poetry. Despite having different directors and screenwriters, the story, the scenes, the dialogue and the cinematography all work off each other and often times parallel each other, making them visually rhyme or be written in a cohesive, full-circle manner. It’s satisfying, sentimental, profound, nostalgic, and poetic. Few film franchises execute this cinematic poetry so beautifully, effectively and brilliantly. That’s part of why it’s so impactful and beloved. It’s poetic, in every sense of the word. I didn’t even watch these films in the 2000s when they were coming out and I still get a rush of nostalgia when watching it. This series truly never gets old, proving how timeless, charming, good quality and universal it is. Also, I know that real Quidditch leagues exist, although I am very confused about how. I have no desire to play, but I would love to see how Muggles play the one sport I understand. For better or worse, authors became celebrities, like Rick Rioden, Colleen Hoover and Taylor Jenkins Reid are today. Also, from my understanding, fan fiction also didn’t really exist until Harry Potter, so there’s also that. However, I think the most important impact Harry Potter had was teaching the generation that grew up with it about tolerance and accepting people no matter how different they are. For however effed up JKR is, she did take typical discriminatory ideas of gender and race out of the equation and, frankly, brilliantly replaced it with something even more uncontrollable and ludicrous, blood. Everyone has blood. To the bigoted characters, they don’t care what other looks like, only what blood follows through their veins, the exact opposite of how racism works in the real world. That parallels undeniably helped this generation become more accepting (which makes JKR transphobic stances even more tragic, unfortunate and ironic).
Before we start, I do want to say what Hogwarts House I am in. Before I watched the movies, I took the official quiz and got Ravenclaw. I did my research on their traits and everything, and while I got consider myself an overachiever like Hermione (who as my friends say was almost a Ravenclaw) and creative like Luna, I just didn’t feel like that was the right one for me. So, I watched all the films and took the quiz again. I got Slytherin. Then I researched the traits, which are ambition and determination, and I think that suits me more. I identify with the individualism, wit, perfectionism, independence, completionism and creativity of Ravenclaw as I feel I do have those traits and qualities, but I feel like I am truly more of a Slytherin because I value determination, ambition and success a lot, hence my completionism and perfectionism. The irony is that I HATE snakes, but I still vibe the most with Slytherin, especially because I love more complicated, complex, anti-heroic characters like Draco and Snape in this series, but also in many other shows and movies (ex. Blair Waldorf, Maddy Perez, Jennifer Check, etc.). Also, Slytherins all have a flair for the dramatic. Draco’s swagger pre-Hermione’s punch. Narcissa’s intense stare during the Unbreakable Vow and calmly and slowly turning around just to say “dead.” Bellatrix’s brash and chaotic personality. Voldemort and Lucius slow-speaking. Snape’s sharp movements. I definitely vibe with that. Slytherins aren’t all villains though. Horace Slughorn is a Slytherin I found out, and he is a literal cinnamon roll of a professor. Draco is just a lost, damaged kid. And Snape turned out to be the hero of the whole series and the bravest man our main hero has ever known. They truly are just ambitious, cunning and determined, which I think I am. However, like Ravenclaw, I want to be satisfied with my own success, on my own terms, not on anyone else’s. My friend said that in the Harry Potter community, it is possible for people to be a combination of two Houses, so hell, maybe I’m a Slytherclaw. But to me, Houses seem to be more about values rather then personalities, because each Gryffindor and each Slytherin (the two main Houses) we meet each have very different personalities, but also very similar values. I also have a St. Bernard Patronus (I am a dog lover, so I definitely vibe with this, although I do wish I got the rarer West Highland Terrier since I actually have had them my whole life), and I have a Unicorn hair wand (the same as fellow Slytherin Draco Malfoy).
DISCLAIMER: there will be spoilers ahead. I also paused the movies a lot to look up information and loose threads on Google, specifically on Wiki Fandom and Pottermore/WizardingWorld.com, or whatever it’s called. I knew they couldn’t fit everything about this world’s mythology from the books in each two-hour and 30-minute movie and they go pretty fast. I wanted to understand it the best I could. I felt it was important because that world you-know-who is so rich and has so much depth. I’m not complaining. It’s that richness that made it so intriguing to watch. The mythology of worlds like these is part of the reason I love them (like with The Vampire Diaries or Greek mythology, for me). I found it endlessly fascinating. If anything, learning about Harry Potter‘s mythology was one of the most fun parts for me.
Expectations and Surprises
I understand why so many people have connected with this series on such a profound level. The world is so rich and wonderful. It has so much depth. Like I said before, the mythology is so intriguing and it’s great escapism. Because I found the mythology so fascinating, I enjoyed that the audience studies magic alongside the characters due to the story taking place in a school setting, which is so smart because we learn about the mythology as the characters do, especially through a character who grew up in our world, just like us. Also, thinking of Hogwarts as a real place, like “what if this was a real school?” is so cool because it truly feels real, which I think makes it stand out amongst other films and shows in the fantasy genre. It also helps that the characters are so relatable despite going to a magical school and having magical powers, they feel more like friends than fictional characters, which is honestly very, very rare. The series gradually transitions from childhood to adulthood as we grow with these characters. The tone and story also mature as the themes get darker and the stakes get higher. Also, I was surprised how the dialogue uses so many big words that I, a college student, had to look up, like loquacious and daft (I literally only had heard the word daft from the band Daft Punk, I’m afraid). Like do British people actually say such big words like that in casual conversation? After watching The Crown and this series, I think so. Reason number 5389 why I love British culture and wish I was British. I was also shocked at how complex this series is or a children’s story. The storytelling is very sophisticated for a young audience. Honestly, this is probably why all my Potterhead friends who grew up reading the books are so smart. They also filmed at a lot of real locations around England and more specifically London, especially at Oxford University, which I think is really cool, because you can visit it, and even cooler if you go to school there. Also, a lot of places they went to in Part 1 were real locations in England like Shaftesbury Avenue and the Forest of Dean, which was refreshing after such CGI-heavy prior films. And of course, King’s Cross station is a real place in London. I also found out you can go to the real film sets at Warner Brothers’ Leavesden Studios, the real studio they filmed at, in London. I would love to visit a Harry Potter World now that I am familiar with the mythology and just as obsessed as the lifelong Potterheads, but I think if I am going to go to any Harry Potter World, it would have to be the one in London for that authenticity, plus as an actor, I think it would be educational and so cool to see the real sets. It would be so cool. That is very rare and really the only other place I can think of that’s like that is the Warner Bros. lot with the sets of Gilmore Girls and Pretty Little Liars in Los Angeles. It’s so cool. It’s amazing how one person thought of all of this and came up with this world and now it’s one of the most beloved stories and mythologies in the world, enough to create multiple theme parks, communities, festivals, conversations, debates, spinoffs and merch (even if that woman has terrible personal beliefs). Stuart Craig did a phenomenal job bringing the Wizarding World and Hogwarts to life. The attention to detail in the sets is incredible. The way he created such an iconic world, one that is timeless and could also be built strong enough for a decades’ worth of movies just shows how brilliant and talented Stuart Craig is. I never read the books, and I maybe never will, but I hope the world he created matched the one people had in their heads because it was beautiful and breathtaking to look at. It was so detailed and vivid. The architecture of Hogwarts is also stunning. It really looks like a centuries-old castle and is also unique enough architecturally to buy as a magical school. His set design was stunning and has definitely inspired many sets since the films began (I mean, the quality in the special effects and set design between Sorcerer’s Stone and Deathly Hallows is night and day, but, in regards to Sorcerer’s Stone, that’s also the best part about it because gives it that 90s witchy charm that the Halloweentown movies and Hocus Pocus have that’s nostalgic and never gets old, and in regards to the later films, provided a benchmark for every fantasy genre project since). I mean, Craig’s set design was so good that 2+ theme parks were created, and they recreated the world he brought to life. That’s unprecedented and incredible. The world-building in this franchise was incredible, especially in Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix when we’re introduced to the international and political aspects of the Wizarding World, and accordingly, those mesmerizing sets too. The world of Harry Potter, the mythology and it’s sets also had an arc just like each film and the entire franchise. It went from the lens of childhood innocence to darkness and power. From the Reunion Special, you learn how they mixed special effects and practical effects like the candles in Great Hall were real candles (which was very dangerous, especially with kids around, but also very cool and will probably never happen again) and rigged spells like when Bellatrix blew up Hagrid’s Hut. From dipping my toe into Fandom Wiki, I have learned just how far back this mythology goes. How much it is thought out. How deep and vivid and rich it is. How much historical context there is for every little thing (although, I haven’t really read it. But just skimming it, it’s mind-blowing how deep this fictional folklore goes). Very few fictional mythologies are this fleshed out and tangible. It’s so interesting how far back its history goes and how many blanks have been filled beyond the confines of the series itself. I can just tell from the subheadings on the Fandom Wiki pages. It must feel like learning real history, not fan fiction or simply fictional mythology. That’s how well-crafted and well-written this world is, I know because even as a twenty-something who is fully aware of the real world, I am just as intrigued as a 10-year-old would be.
These films also had stunning cinematography, These films are so visually stunning, oftentimes making them look and feel more like prestige films rather than blockbusters. Sure, blockbusters are cool and epic to watch, but there are very few, at least from what I have seen, that truly have the prestigious cinematic quality that these films possess. It’s so cinematic and beautifully shot. Truly visually stunning. This cinematic and visual beautiful epicness is really what sets the franchise apart from other blockbuster franchises that are more VFX-heavy. Potter doesn’t let the special effects take over, it has great cinematic and stylistic balance. Honestly, some of my favorite scenes from a stylistic view are some of the scenes with very few special effects, not the duels or the battles. Many shots, mainly by Cuaron and Yates, were just so breathtakingly beautiful, especially in Prisoner of Azkaban, by far the most visually stunning film of the series. Alfonso Cuarón’s films always have great cinematography, so I would expect nothing less. These films undeniably set such a huge precedent for the fantasy genre and adaption franchises, however, one of the biggest things it did that for was it’s production quality. The attention to detail was impeccable and the cinematography was just amazing! It made the cinematic experience that much more magical. But I think another thing that makes this film series stand out among other series and films of the same genre is just how beautiful they are to watch. They truly feel epic.
While there are a few scenes I think did the actors a disservice editing-wise (audiences severely underestimate how much power the editor has when it comes to making or breaking an actor’s performance and crafting an impactful scene), overall editor Mark Day, the editor on all of David Yates Potter films, did a fantastic job, especially in Phoenix and Part 2. I clearly haven’t read the books, but I hope Steve Kloves, who wrote all the screenplays except or Phoenix, did a great job and I hope he did a great job adaption the books to screen. David Heyman also made very good decisions when it came to the continuity of each film in terms of their look, plot and tone. Of course, there were some minor issues continuity-wise as there always are in adaption and series, but nothing as too distracting.
The names in the story also seem very purposeful. Draco is the root of draconian, which means harsh and severe. Severus Snape sounds like “severe snake” when you say it too fast, which I don’t think is a coincidence. Filch sounds like fickle and Lupin being a werewolf is just ironic. There are so many flower names too. Lily. Petunia. Narcissa. Pansy. Lavender. Fleur is named after the French floral company, I assume, as well as the ornate flower Fleur-de-lis. It’s also ironic because Petunias symbolize anger and resentment, Lilies symbolize purity and innocence, Fleure-de-lis symbolize purity, Pansies symbolize love (furthering my suspicion that Pansy had feelings for Draco), Narcissus symbolizes awareness and reflection and Lavender symbolizes devotion and spirituality (as she’s a witch). Just by the characters’ names, you can tell how much thought was put into the story, which is why the repetition of names like Marcus with Marcus Belby and Marcus Flint for example, or how much Moody and Moony sound alike, is just a little jarring.
I expected Butterbeer to be a much bigger thing. I remember when secret menu Frappuccinos were a huge thing on social media and everyone raved about the butterbeer one. From my memory, the drink was barely mentioned. Pumpkin Juice (which isn’t that just a Pumpkin Spice Latte without the coffee?) was mentioned way more. Only once in the Half-Blood Prince. In fact, I had to rewind to make sure I actually did hear it. I heard of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs, but I was most familiar with butterbeer. Maybe they are all bigger in the books. The Pumpkin Pasties, Doobles and Sherbert Lemons (aren’t those just lemon drops?) I had never heard of it before watching the movies.
Now, I know I said that I love how vivid the mythology is in these films, proven by the monstrous length of this article, however, I also noticed quite a few plot holes that still didn’t even make sense to me when I googled them, hoping they were in books and someone put them online. I mean, it’s hard for any long-running, ever-expanding fictional mythology to be consistent, with perfect continuity all the time, and as The Vampire Diaries always says, there’s always a loophole, but honestly, these mistakes just prove how deep and rich everything in the world is and how real this world feels. Firstly, Why are some spells are spoken and others not? Are there specific ones that can be unspoken, or is it unlimited? Granted, this was either shown by the adults or by older students. Non-verbal spells were mostly used in the final movie, but was that just free up space in the script (screenplay scripts only have so much room, which is why you have to be as concise as possible) or is that an actual thing? Are there only certain situations when they can be used? Can they only be used by certain people? Are there any wandless spells in this universe? How are students chosen for attendance at Hogwarts? How does Hogwarts find them? I mean, the U.K. is small, but not that small. I am also a bit confused by how kids discover they are magical, because Harry didn’t have a wand when he took the glass away in the zoo scene in the first film. He did that with wandless magic. So are there some spells and magic that can be done wandlessly? Or is it only small kids, when they begin to show signs of magic, before learning to control their magic, that can do wandless spells? Or can wizards use magic without wands, but wands help them keep control of their magic? Then why is “the wand choosing the wizard” and wands breaking throughout the series such a big deal? For example, we never see Harry pull out his wand to blow up Aunt Marge in Azkaban, so clearly, it was a wandless spell, but it was one of immense power clearly as she had to be obliviated and literally flew into the sky. Does this uncontrollable magic only happen to wizards who live in the Muggle world when they are not at Hogwarts due to the underage magic rule? So, they can do wandless magic, but the wand makes it better, controlled and purposeful? Is that right? Like McGonagall uses wandless magic, just a gesture, when she says “sherbert lemon” and opens up Dumbledore’s office door in Chamber when Dumbledore says “happiness can be found even in the darkest of time if one only remembers to turn on the light” he uses wandless magic and Dumbledore uses wandless magic when he pushes Harry out of the way when he is dueling Voldemort at the Ministry of Magic in Phoenix, so can only really, really, really advanced, skills wizards use wandless magic? Do wizards just prefer wands then? Also, Harry blows up Aunt Marge without a wand. So is it just an emotional burst of magic, because Harry does that in a moment of rage after going to Hogwarts, while the snake glass debacle was an ignorant accident? Or is it only that way for kids, because kids have a harder time controlling their emotions and therefore do wandless magic more spontaneously or is it because McGonagall and Dumbledore do it purposefully, but they are well-skilled, well-trained adults? Is this what Dumbledore meant in that Tom Riddle flashback at the orphanage with how Hogwarts teaches you how to use magic and control magic? Also, Tom Riddle at that age and Harry were all kids and had never been to Hogwarts at that point, so they did that stuff instinctively without a wand, but once they get their wands, they never do wandless magic again, until Aunt Marge incident and when Tom Riddle becomes Lord Voldemort. Hermione also uses wandless magic when she does the Confundus Charm on Cormac (which seems especially impressive since she is young, it wasn’t accidental or strongly emotional, so either she has terrific aim or she’s Hermione and just super gifted and talented). Can house elves use wandless spells, because Dobby didn’t have a wand when they threw Lucius back in Chamber? Why don’t house elves use a wand? What about humans? Nobody, human or elf, seems to be able to teleport, or Apparate, without a wand. I know it was a big deal with Ron in the second film breaking his wand and Harry in the penultimate film, but wasn’t that just because Ron was young and Harry was on the run? What happens if you use multiple wands at once, which I believe happens at some point in the Malfoy Manor battle in Part 1? Did Voldemort and the Death Eaters simply not know about house elves’ unique powers and how they differ from a wizard’s powers (or seem like they do, I don’t know, do they?), or do they simply not care because they are extermely elitist, prejudice and have Kanye West-sized superiority complexes, because the Black family had Kreacher and the Malfoys had Dobby in Chamber, they had to know or have an inkling, right? Or do they simply just underestimate them because of their elitism and prejudice? Also, when Harry steals Draco’s regular wand in Part 1, does that in itself mean, that since Draco’s wand then became loyal to Harry, that without knowing it, how Harry became the master of the Elder Wand, without Draco even knowing it or ever touching it? Why and how, in the final film, did Crabbe’s fire manifest into different animals and Voldemort? I noticed the fire turning into a bird, a lion, a snake, which are the Hogwarts House mascots (I assume I just missed the badger), was that on purpose? Was that in the books or was that just an Easter Egg, like a Taylor Swift-level Easter Egg? That didn’t happen with any other fire spells shown. Also, who was the other boy in Prisoner of Azkaban that was in Draco’s entourage that wasn’t Crabbe, Goyle or Blaise? Is name was Pike, right (as I found out through a LOT of research thanks to my manic obsessive determined brain)? If Ginny terrorized the school because she was possessed, how did no one see her? how did Tom Riddle know when and which hallways were deserted or when and where a Mudblood was? How would Voldemort come back through Tom Riddle’s memory if baby form Voldemort is somewhere else? Would there be two Voldemorts then? Oh god! How does the Marauder’s Map know that Snape is a professor now? I get that he did that spell, but still, why wouldn’t have just said “Severus Snape”? Did Harry pass on his mother’s power of love, or give the power of love to everyone fighting for him when he died, defenseless just like Lily, because no one died when the battle resumed after he revealed himself? Why don’t wizards use Accio more often? It’s a Summoning spell. It’s like the ultimate laziness spell. We never even see Ron use it, who out of the trio, is by far the laziest. How exactly do Animagus work? Do you get to pick which animal, because Pettigrew as a rat, McGonagall as a cat (she’s an Animagus right? Or is it because she’s the Transfiguration teacher, she just has a superior talent at turning herself into animals, her favorite being a cat?) and Sirius as a dog are too perfect? Dumbledore tells the Filch to round up the ghosts to search through the portrait for the Fat Lady, so doe that mean ghosts can travel through and into the portraits too? Also, can we talk about how Dumbledore cares more for the Fat Lady than he ever did about Harry’s safety? Why does a radio work at Hogwarts in Phoenix and in the Wizarding World in the Deathly Hallows, but no other technology works in the Wizarding World or at Hogwarts? We never even see anyone talk on the phone or talk about the Internet, which did exist in the 90s. So, if McGonagall, being Head of Gryffindor house, was teaching the Gryffindors how to dance for the Yule Ball, that means that Sprout, Flitwick and of course, Snape were doing the same things with their Houses. I would literally PAY to see Alan Rickman play Snape as he teaches the Slytherins how to dance. Like imagine him using Pansy Parkinson in the same way McGonagall uses Ron (also Rupert Grint has bragging rights for life for having danced with THE Maggie Smith. What an honor!). I am confused, is Hagrid in the Order or not? Because he’s in that photo, and he helps transfer Harry during the Seven Potters ordeal, but he wasn’t at the meeting at Grimmauld Place in Order of the Phoenix. I get that he was with the giants and that he probably wouldn’t fit inside due to its narrow set design of it being crammed in between two buildings, but even Snape and Lupin made it and they are a professor and a werewolf. Also, is Snape in the Order? Is that why they had to switch to the Burrow and left Grimmauld Place abandoned after Dumbledore’s death? Also, why was Snape so disgusted by Harry and Sirius hugging at the Order’s headquarters in that flashback sequence when, from the expandable ears bit (which was so realistic, for kids to eavesdrop on the adults) we could hear Snape’s very distinctive voice. It was kind of confusing. Also, why wasn’t the Engorgement Charm used on the tent in Goblet of Fire used on Grimmauld Place? However, that’s more of a set design consistency issue. Speaking of the flashback sequence in the Order of the Phoenix, what exactly was Snape doing to Harry? I get that it was called Occlumency and happening because of his mind’s connection to Voldemort but what was it and why was it so invasive and brutal? Was it mind reading? Did it have to do with his vow to protect Harry and deceive Voldemort? At least, this mind-reading situation helped Harry realize both Snape and, especially, his father wasn’t perfect and that world is not black and white, but gray and complex, however, this hurts even more after Harry watches Snape kill Dumbledore in the following movie and not learn the truth of Snape’s efforts to protect him until after Snape’s death. What exactly is Fred and George’s age? Also, why didn’t Mr. and Mrs. Weasley come to Hogwarts when Ginny and Ron got hurt in the Chamber of Secrets and poisoned in Half-Blood Prince (also, can we talk about how Harry saved Ginny, Arthur AND Ron? and how the Chamber of Secrets brought both Ginny and Harry AND Ron and Hermione together? Harry really is a Weasley at heart)? I mean those are their children? Could they just not afford it? Even with Floo Powder and all the other magical mods of transportation? How do Thestrals work? How could Hermione and the rest of them ride them to the Ministry despite not being able to see them in the beginning of the film? Did they just fly on top of midair? Is there a spell to make them visible to someone who hasn’t seen someone die (that’s such a sad idea, only being able to see a creature after being traumatized)? What’s on Ginny’s shoulder on the Hogwarts Express in Half-Blood Prince? Is butterbeer really beer? If so, what’s the drinking age in the Wizarding World? Why did Snape fancy the Dark Arts so much? Because he was supposed to be an agent? Because he was a Death Eater? Why, exactly, did he finally get it in Half-Blood Prince? Also, how did Snape find out the prophecy? Did Voldemort tell him? I find that kind of hard to believe. Is it more clear in the book? Also, if Harry really believed Snape betrayed Dumbledore, then why did he act so mercifully while Snape was dying? I get that he’s “the good guy,” but he’s also the loyal guy. I mean, it was a great scene, but still. Also, we literally saw Fred get disarmed, then it cut to Mrs. Weasley listening to that creepy and cringy Voldemort voiceover and then the next time we see Fred, he’s dead. Was he killed right in front of Mrs. Weasley? That is unspeakably cruel! They both deserved better! Did Lavender and Pavarti (I assume so since she wasn’t in Part 2 at all, and we see Padma and Trelawney cover a corpse) die? Did Padma live? Am I confusing them for other characters? What year was Cedric in? Was he in the Twins’ year? How does the character of Greyback work? How is he always in werewolf form? Is that a choice because of his viciousness? Also, how is he a Death Eater? It seemed like most creatures, other then trolls (who were established as very dumb back in Stone) were on the Death Eaters’ side. Is Malfoy Manor basically “Death Eater Headquarters” in Part 1? It seems like it since the Death Eater meeting is there and the Snatchers take the trio there later on. Why does Ginny suggest the Shrieking Shack in Phoenix if it’s supposedly the most haunted building in not just the British Wizarding World, but in all of Britain (so it seems)? Obviously, Harry Ron and Hermione know it’s not as scary as it’s rumored to be after Azkaban, but does Ginny know about all of that? Why isn’t Harry’s eyesight ever fixed by magic? Instead, Hermione always just fixes his glasses. I get it’s his signature look, but still. How exactly do you get a portrait or painting at Hogwarts? Do only headmasters get them? Do only dead people get them? What about the Fat Lady (also, between this title and Aunt Marge, why so much fatphobia I guess shouldn’t be surprised with these being written by You-Know-Who)? What happened to Buckbeak after he escaped with Sirius? We literally never saw him again after that whole ordeal to save him. Did he live a happy life? Did he see Hagrid again? What happened to Mirror of Erised? We know that the Sorcerer’s Stone was destroyed, but what happened to the Mirror of Erised? What ever happened to Fluffy? What ever happened to Norbert? Does Hagrid still have him? If so, where does he keep him? Is it just me or are unicorns and Thestrals exact opposites of each other? Unicorns are seen as beautiful, their blood gives life but with consequences because it’s criminal to slay a unicorn and they are respected. Thestrals are seen as ugly, can only be seen when one sees death and are ostracized for being different despite being really sweet, lovable and helpful creatures. Does Dumbledore literally have a Griffin-door to his office? That’s definitely not that subtle. And he’s supposed to be the unbiased headmaster, LOL. So, the idea of dueling is introduced in Chamber with Lockhart’s dueling club, and the films remind us about it in Goblet, foreshadowing how important the skill will be in the future. However, both these times, it’s very formal with the walks away from each other and the bow. It happens during Snape and Lockhart’s duel, Draco and Harry’s duel and Voldemort even initiated formality during his graveyard duel with Harry. However, the duels we see later on are far less formal. They are almost all fights to the death and very impulsive and gritty. However, this informal dueling is never taught, unlike formal dueling (even if it was by the idiotic Lockhart while really being by Snape, it still counts). Not even during the DA, probably because Harry hadn’t learned either since his only two duels thus far have been formal, not informal. Shouldn’t the skill of dueling be more important, especially with an impending war? Like isn’t that what they should be teaching during DADA? Because its seems more to do with defending against Dark creatures, not Dark wizards. You still need spells to protect against Dark creatures, as seen in Azkaban and part of why the students are upset in Phoenix, but still? Is dueling even taught at Hogwarts? In DADA? Isn’t it an important enough topic to be it’s own class? After all, these kids need to be good duelists to protect themselves, like Hermione says in Phoenix, from all Dark creatures and wizards. How can these kids be good duelists if they aren’t trained and only had one lesson with a teacher as stupid as Lockhart? Why does Voldemort have bare feet in Goblet of Fire? Did Wormtails seriously not think to bring his master shoes? I never wanted to see Voldemort’s feet. The idea of it is so weird that Voldemort has feet because of his snake-like appearance. I would have felt better if he kept that illusion of floating under his raggedy black cloak up. It’s more eerie. I know Dumbledore said it was because of their twin wands, but seriously? And how did Cedric, that guy Voldemort killed at the beginning of the movie that was hardly ever talked about, and Harry’s parents appear out of their wands like ghosts during that scene? Which one was the Priori Incantatem that Dumbledore talked about? I tried googling it, but I was so confused. How is Harry’s broom already outside when the Order lines up to transport him to Grimmauld Place on Privet Drive, when they all walk him out together, also without a backpack or trunk or anything? Why does Sirius and the Order not tell Harry what the weapon actually is, when they clearly know because Mr. Weasley was attacked while in the Hall of Prophecies? Dumbledore probably. God, he’s such a hypocrite. Why wasn’t the fact that Ron and Harry took a flying car to school a bigger deal amongst the students? No doubt the Twins would be jealous and amazed, Hermione would be disappointed, but impressed, Neville would be in awe, and Draco would no doubt be snarky about it to try and hide his jealousy and desire for attention. Also, in Chamber, Sprout says “welcome to greenhouse three” so does that mean there is more than one greenhouse at Hogwarts? Then does that mean multiple Herbology classes are taught at once (and if so, by who?)? Or are there just so many plants and that’s why, but then why don’t they just use the same charm as they used on the tent in Goblet and Part 1? How did Draco know about the Vanishing Cabinet? Did Bellatrix know about it when she was at school? Did she put it in the Room of Requirement? Also, how was Harry in Nagini’s mind watching Mr. Weasley be attacked when it’s not Nagini’s mind he’s connected to, it’s Voldemort? How does Lupin know how to calm down the Whomping Willow in order to go into the tunnel? Why are the Weasleys and Harry covered in ash when use Floo Powder in Chamber but then all the other times Floo Powder is used, the characters aren’t covered in ash? Is it because with the Weasleys being poor makes their fireplace ashier then the average wizard, because they can’t afford to clean it as well as others, because no doubt Lucius and Draco also sued Floo Powder to get to Diagon Alley too. Also, does every shop have a fireplace for that reason? Also, is there a way for wizards to get to Platform Nine and Three Quarters directly from the Wizarding World without going through the Muggle exposed barrier like they do from Diagon Alley, not necessarily needing to go through the Leaky Cauldron to get to Diagon Alley as shown in Chamber? Also, what fireplace did the Weasley go through to get to Diagon Alley? Is there some random one in the middle of Diagon Alley or something that we didn’t see? Nymphadora looks like she literally just graduated Hogwarts in the Order of the Phoenix and then suddenly she’s dating Lupin, who looks like he could literally be her father? When and how did they start dating? How old is she? Also, does Hogwarts even have a graduation? Did Harry, Ron, Hermione and everyone else get the opportunity to go back and finish their degrees if they so desired? Did Fred, George and Percy? Speaking of, did Fred and George Apparate in Order of the Phoenix? I am so confused about how Apparition works. When it is even thought? We never saw them learn it or even talk about learning it, or what it is exactly, they just suddenly could do it. Because after Harry Apparated with Dumbledore for the first time in Half-Blood Prince, they could suddenly Apparate in the Deathly Hallows. If both the Weasleys and the Malfoys are pure-blood families, then why is one very poor and the other very rich? Does the pure blood status instantly mean wealth status like with the Malfoys and the Blacks? Is it a choice? I would like some clarification. Also, I did like how the Weasleys showed that not all pureblood families are extremists like the Malfoys, Blacks and Lestranges and raise their kids to be that way. The Weasleys let their kids make their own choices (Percy), unlike the Blacks, who disowned Sirius for believing differently. Why did Harry’s Expelliarmus spell throw Snape back like that in the Azkaban Shrieking Shack scene, when in all the other films, anytime Harry or someone else uses that spell, it simply just disarms their opponent? So, because swords also exist in this universe and are important to wizards (i.e. the Sword of Gryffindor), then why in Chamber is dueling only with wands, when for viewers, when I hear dueling I think of swords like in fencing or guns like in Bridgerton? So, in the Wizarding World, is dueling just with wands, not a sword? Are swords for something else? I get that a wand is the ultimate tool for a wizard, but if this is true it’s also their ultimate shield and weapon. Was James Potter pureblood? Did Harry really not have grandparents to stay with like Neville? Either, his wizard’s grandparents on James’ side or his Muggle grandparents on Lily’s side? It’s a miracle Harry turned out so good after how the Dursleys treated him and all the turmoil he went through. He’s strong and resilient as hell. That’s so inspiring (I can relate). Most people would be so bitter after having overcome so much adversity, but Harry’s resilience and hopefulness for the future is truly inspiring. I also thought the tape on Harry’s glasses in the first movie was so funny because are we really supposed to believe that the Dursleys would take the time to take him to the eye doctor? Did nobody notice when Hermione and Ron didn’t show up to Hogwarts, especially with Ginny going and them being Harry’s best friends? Why were there no consequences for this? Did Hermione ever see her parents again and un-obliviate their memories? Why didn’t the picture of young Dumbledore and Jamie Campbell Bower’s (god, this guy’s career is enviable? First Harry Potter and Twilight, which are two huge movie franchises with fanbases that are still very dedicated to this day, and now, soon, Stranger Things, as well. It’s just incredible. Most actors can’t say they were in one high-grossing movie, yet alone three high-grossing franchises) young Grindelwald move like all the other pictures in the Wizarding World? How did Harry know the password to get into the headmaster’s office if it was now Snape’s and he wasn’t at school that year, and he didn’t see him ask anyone for it between discovering that Fred, Tonks and Lupin were dead and him entering the headmaster’s office? Or since Snape was now dead, did the password just go away? Did Neville and Luna end up together because that was hinted at in the finale? Did Dumbledore ever have a funeral? Did Sirius, or because of the veil, his body was never retrieved? Did Harry’s parents get a funeral? Did Cedric? Did Snape? Snape deserved a funeral more than anyone who died in this series for all his heroics. Why wasn’t it a bigger deal, and more of a red flag, that Snape suddenly finally got the DADA job? Sure, the Slytherins applauded, but it was glossed over fairly quickly when it seems like a pretty big deal that he finally got the job he’s always wanted for some seemingly ‘mysterious’ reason. How did Snape come up with the name “Half-Blood Prince”? Since he met Lily before Hogwarts, as seen as they knew each other outside of Hogwarts before the Sorting Ceremony, he seems like he is actually a Half-Blood. It’s so weird to me that so many Half-Bloods are prejudiced towards part of their own identity as they are loyal, or at least at one time loyal to Voldemort. It reminds me of how some minorities initially voted for Trump, but then regretted it and voted for Biden in 2020. How does the technology work in the Wizarding World? Because they use owls, not telephones, but then at Hogwarts has a loudspeaker, which McGonagall uses in Chamber and Umbridge uses in Phoenix, they have record players, as seen in Azkaban with Lupin and Goblet with the Yule Ball practice scene, cameras (for moving wizard photos) like Colin Creevey’s and the many ones used in Prince, and they have 1930s-esque (not a 90s-esque stereo) giant light bulb radio communication device used in Phoenix (Fudge’s voice on the radio in Phoenix reminded me a lot of old FDR broadcasts from the 30s) and Part 2 when Neville tells Nigel to alert Lupin and the Order that Harry’s back (hilariously and brilliantly saying the little-too-obvious code “lightning has struck”). However, Ron listens for Wizarding World news on a portable 90s Muggle radio and then Hermione and Harry listen to a Muggle song on that same radio too. Did Ron’s dad bewitch it or something in his Muggle artifacts workshop where he talked to Harry in Prince? Is it more explained in the books why some technology works in the Wizarding World and others don’t? Is it a spell? But what about Muggle artifacts law, you know the office Mr. Weasley at, and continuously defies? Karkaroff seems to be the only non-British Death Eater, but are there more? Did Voldemort recruit Death Eaters from all over the Wizarding World? How did McGonagall know that it was Ginny show as taken into the Chamber of Secrets? How did she deduce this or how did she find out? Wait, because the prophecy said neither can live while the other survives, does that mean that Harry was immortal until Voldemort’s death, ending the prophecy and his immortality? After all, he was a Horcrux. he also survived many near-death experiences with pure luck. So, since Voldemort latched itself to Quirrell when he was only his soul, not his body, does that mean Quirrell was a temporary Horcrux? If he was then that means a Horcrux can destroy another Horcrux, as Harry he died at the hands of Harry, literally, right? Did Voldemort have that skeletal snake-like appearance when he killed the Potters or is it because of the concoct that returned him to full power, because even baby Voldemort has that flat nose? How does the Trace work? Is that how it can sense when students use magic outside of Hogwarts? How did it know, in Phoenix, that Dudley was present though? Why can’t it detect brooms, other flying transport and Thestrals? When did Voldemort get Nagini? While in hiding because she is there in the opening of Goblet or during his original rise to power? Why was Colin Creevey always taking photos? Was he on the Hogwarts newspaper staff or something? What are all the extracurriculars at Hogwarts besides Quidditch, choir and the DA? Did Mrs. Weasley literally just not care that Harry, Hermione and especially Ron just casually dropped out of Hogwarts? I mean Hermione obliviated her parents’ memories and Harry obviously has a lot going on, but Ginny went back, so why wasn’t it a bigger deal that Ron didn’t, especially with how much she heckled Fred and George about their choice of job? Did Draco ditch school like the trio in Hallows? Was he forced to become a full-time Death Eater? Honestly, the smart thing would be for him to be Voldemort’s eyes and ears in the student population, as Snape, supposedly, and the Carrows would be his eyes and ears at Hogwarts as a whole. What were the consequences for all of the missing school? Were they held back a year? Did they even bother completing their Hogwarts degrees after all this real-life experience? How do you make a Portkey? If Hermione can brew Polyjuice at 12, couldn’t she also figure out how to make a Portkey to get to the Ministry in Phoenix? Why is Harry’s scar shaped like a lightning bolt? Are all scars from powerful spells shaped like that? How did Lupin know how to stop the Whomping Willow? Clearly, he is a powerful wizard, but still, how did he know it would even respond to the spell and not make it angrier? How did Snape come up with the nickname “Half-Blood Prince”? I can assume that it’s because he’s a half-blood, but why “prince”? Knowing how detailed this universe is, I find it hard to believe that the name itself has no purpose. How is it that we, and Harry, saw Grindelwald actually steal the Elder Wand despite that being in Gregorovitch’s memory, not Voldemort’s? Wait, was Voldemort, who prides himself on being the most skilled wizard ever even though, as powerful as he is, his arrogance blinds him, doing the same Legilimens spell that Snape did to Harry in Phoenix when he was teaching him Occlumency? And did Harry’s mind connection piggyback onto that and therefore saw it too? Also, why did Mrs. Weasley have such a problem with Fred and George’s careers? They were smart and ambitious enough to start their own unique business that was already successful before they even left Hogwarts. Any parents should be proud and happy that their kids are financially secure, healthy and happy. How did Mr. Weasley feel about their business endeavors? I know he tried to hide his admiration or them taking the flying car in Chamber of Secrets, but that was only our real hint at his thoughts. I guess they were positive and proud, significantly more so then Mrs. Weasley’s. What did Ginny, Luna and Neville do to get captured by Draco and the Inquisitorial Squad? It just seemed a bit random and was never explained. Was it explained in the books? I mean its the trio that was caught in Umbridge’s office, what were Neville, Luna and Ginny doing? This makes me wish we got to see the “bizarre-o” trio (Neville, Luna, and Ginny)’s friendship more. When does Harry tell Ron and Hermione about the Horcruxes? After Dumbledore’s death when he has to or before? Does he tell anyone else? Ginny? Neville? Lupin, because he pushes him away from the Death Eaters at the wedding and towards Ron and Hermione? So, in Phoenix Fred and George escape Umbridge’s Hogwarts regime in an epic firework-filled way, but why don’t they come back and don’t they help in the Battle at the Department of Mysteries? Like, they could have met them at the Ministry, as they no doubt know how to get there with their dad working there. Where did the Twins go after leaving school anyway, because they definitely didn’t have that shop ready yet? Back to the Burrow? Did they literally just leave school forever (I wouldn’t put it past these boys)? Were there any consequences, because with the Twins basically being the Marauders’ successors, I can see them being good at avoiding consequences (after all, we never saw them get detentions, but we saw Ron and Harry get detentions). Also, how were the Twins able to afford that shop on Diagon Alley? it’s not like they could ask their parents for money. So, Pettigrew was in the Order of the Phoenix photo with Harry and Neville’s parents, so wouldn’t be able to help Voldemort find their headquarters after they reunited after Voldemort’s return? What about Snape after Half-Blood Prince, when they all thought he betrayed them? Why is the Defense Against the Dark Arts position jinxed? Is it just a running joke or a plot device or is there a specific reason? How did Neville get the gillyweed for Harry? In the previous movie he literally says his biggest fear is Snape and this is before he gains his confidence through the DA, so does he really steal it…? Why does Dumbledore pronounce the Beauxbatons as bow-bat-tons? Was Gambon just not told that that’s wrong? Did JKR ever tell him? How exactly do you become an Anigmigas because it seems very difficult, what with transfiguration being its own class and everything? How exactly does Wizard schooling work? The French school was girls-only, the Bulgarian school was boys-only, but Hogwarts is co-ed. Does it depend on the location? Is there one (or two) school(s) that every witch and/or wizard in each specific country attends? Does homeschooling and foreign exchanging student things exist (besides the Triwizard Tournament thing)? Speaking of the Triwizard Tournament, where did those other schools take classes, because they clearly didn’t combine with the Hogwarts kids? Does the whole school come? Is it always at Hogwarts? Where do they sleep? why are Time-Turners never used again? How old are Snape, Lily and the Marauders supposed to be? Did they get to school at the same time as the Weasley parents, the Malfoy parents and Bellatrix? How long have all of them been at Hogwarts? What were their jobs supposed to be before we meet them in the series timeline besides rich dickheads (Malfoys) felons (Bellatrix and unfortunately Sirius), animals (Peter) teacher by day and triple agent by night (Snape) and dead (Potters)? How do they keep track of House Points? Is there something in the magical ether that magically keeps track of these points just by saying “ten points added” or “ten points taken away”? I know England isn’t known for the heat, but do Wizards really have to suffer in the summer by wearing those robes? Is there a cooling spell or something? Also, I get that the Order wanted to use skill, goodness and love to defeat Voldemort, but why didn’t they use Voldemort’s malice and arrogance to their advantage? Hold Slytherins hostage, but treat them well? Say ambush Death Eaters by purposefully using Voldemort’s name? Like, come on! Kingsley and Lupin seem to be smarter then that. Snape invented Sectumsempra in school, but it begs the question of how are spells invented or created? If the wand chooses the wizard, then how did it affect Harry when his wand, a wand that literally fought a dragon, a Basilisk, Voldemort himself and Snape too, broke? Shouldn’t that have been a bigger deal, especially after Draco’s wand changed allegiance from Draco to Harry? After all, a wand is like a Wizard’s best friend. Like mentally, like the lack of a companion, what’s that like? Especially, with the whole twin core aspect of Harry’s wand connecting with Voldemort in such a unique way that it could actually save him, this should have a much bigger deal. He must have been counting on the protection so much in the battle against Voldemort, and his part in it. Also, if he needed a new wand, and had suddenly found knowledge of an unbeatable wand such as the Elder Wand, then wouldn’t he, like Voldemort (I see the irony of Harry and Voldemort wanting to possess the same wand), search for it endlessly? I know Hermione obligated her parent’s memories, but couldn’t the Death Eaters still track them down, regardless of their memories? My friend said that in the books, Hermione erases their memories and sends them to Australia, but what if they get a clue that Hermione existed? Is there also a spell to make them not care if a clue came up? Also, the fact that Draco’s wand switches loyalties to Harry also foreshadows Draco’s arc as a character. Literally, how did no Muggle see a dragon crash through a building in London and fly away and escape from said building? How did the Wizarding World hide that from Muggles? Given the regime, did they even bother? Because of things like this, and the Muggle deaths that were surely happening, is the British Prime Minister aware of the Wizarding World in order to protect his subjects? Is the Queen? When Snape threatens to send Harry and Ron back home on the train in Chamber, how would that work? Do they have to send an owl to the train conductor or something? Is there even a train conductor or is it just a magical train? Would they seriously send a full train for just two students, especially two known for rebellion, or is it a continuous roundtrip? If it is the latter, then why don’t adults visit their kids then during Hogsmeade trips? What about Portkeys or Apparition in that regard? How did Luan get back to Hogwarts after escaping Malfoy Manor to Shell Cottage? You can’t Apparate to Hogwarts, so did she take the tunnel that the trio takes a few days before them? What if Harry chose Draco’s friendship instead of Ron’s in the first film? Imagine that alternate universe for a second. How does Snape come up with the nickname “Half-Blood Prince”? Does Trelawney know that she made the prophecy about Harry and Voldemort? Is that why she keeps telling him that he’s gonna die? Did Dumbledore have a funeral for that white tomb or only the wand tribute? He’s the headmaster, a wrongly positioned figure of hope and the most powerful wizard of his time, wouldn’t that garner some sort of ceremony? Where is Dumbedore’s tomb? That lake island is so odd to me. Do you find out what Snape and Lily are falling out was in the book, I am really curious. Or was it simply Snape joining the Death Eaters and Lily joining the Order, and therefore falling in love with James? When and how did James and Lily fall in love, because she definitely knew that he was a bully and bullied Snape, and Lily doesn’t seem like the kind of person who would marry a Draco Malfoy-type? So, I am guessing it was when they both joined the Order. It also seems like a case of maturing and/or a girl making the bad boy good (which based on the fan fiction, people clearly wanted between Draco and Hermione). Did Neville know that Nagini had to be killed, because it does seem it he was just trying to save Ron and Hermione, he had no idea that by killing the snake, he would actually be saving the whole Wizarding World. Does Neville even know that he killed a Horcrux? Did Harry ever tell him the full story? Do werewolves not prey on animals? because Sirius turned into his Padfoot form to fight Lupin in his werewolf form to protect the trio, and even Snape, and Buckbeak protected Hermione and Harry from Lupin’s werewolf form, so it seems like it. Wait! Is that why Peter and Sirius became Animagus, to be with Lupin during his transitions? I am guessing they did this during their school days a this seems like an incredibly hard skill to perfect. So, is that how Sirius and eventually Lupin recognized Scabbers as Peter? Lupin only recognized that Scabbers was Peter after Harry told him about seeing his name on the Maraders Map, right? Can Dementors not sense animals, only humans? Is that how Sirius was able to escape? But why then exactly? Was Lucius one of the Death Eaters that wreaked havoc at the World Cup, because we do see him before that and we find out he’s a Death Eater at the end of the film? If so, the clearly he did suspect that Voldemort was coming back, right? Or was it just a cruel joke? Did Draco know, and under orders from his father to hide, so is that he was bragging about sitting with the Minister (despite us not actually seeing him there when we see Fudge begin the game) and Lucius stopped him, or was that just Lucius being a cruel dad as usual? Is all this more explained in the book? Because of Narcissa’s lie and betrayal, did the whole Malfoy family get off scot-free? It seems like it, as Draco seems successful and polished when we see him in the Epilogue. How did people find out about that? Harry must have said something in there defense. What was Lucius’ reaction to Narcissa’s lie, because he clearly still wanted to fight, as he turns back before running to catch up with wife and son, so he clearly still believes in the cause but could tell it was no use? Narcissa and Draco definitely deserve to not be punished as Narcissa barely protected Harry, as did Draco, and Draco was forced into that lifestyle and never actually killed Dumbledore. However, if this is all true, Lucius caught an incredibly lucky break, as he does deserve to rot in jail for putting his son and wife through so much. Did Narcissa even feel bad about Bellatrix’s death, or because of how she treated Draco, not so much? I feel like she didn’t really care, because to her, she seems to have lost her sister decades ago. Also, so the Marauder’s Map see-through people’s Animagus forms as seen with Pettigrew, is it the same way for Polyjuice? Then how did Harry, who still had the Marauder’s Map in Goblet as he uses it in Prince and Hallows, just not notice or both get suspicious about seeing Barty Crouch Jr.’s name, especially after seeing Dumbledore’s memory of Karkaroff’s trial? So, since Harry went to the Forbidden Forest to die and sacrificed himself, not fighting Voldemort back, did he give everyone he loved and was fighting with him the same love protection his mother gave him (as she was also defenseless when she was killed not dueling back at Voldemort, from the flashbacks shown at least), because no one seemed to die when the battle resumed, including Neville who was pretty powerfully stunned right as it was beginning again (and thank goodness he was okay)? Why didn’t James sacrifice protect Lily and Harry? It’s not like James had to be standings directly in front of them because Harry’s sacrifice didn’t involve people being there. Is it because a mother’s love is the strongest magically? Only women can cast the love protection unless a man received a woman’s love protection then they can pass it on? So, Harry was stabbed by the Basilisk fang in the Chamber of Secrets, and since that was also used to kill the diary, AKA a Horcrux, why didn’t the Horcrux inside of Harry also die from the venom? When Fawkes healed him, did he also heal the Horcrux, or is that simply a plot hole? In the ending scene of Phoenix, if you look in the background, Padma seemingly bumps into something as she and the other students walk widely around the carriage, are they avoiding the Thestrals? Is that what Padma bumped into? Once again, I am confused about how Thestrals work. Why does Draco call Filch a Squib when he caught him sneaking into the Slug Club? What is a Squib? Was this when Draco poisoned Slughorn’s mead, after seeing him in the Three Broomsticks? Because otherwise I have no idea when he would have done that and like the necklace, we probably had a hint before the mead incident, right? Also with all the stress Draco is under, he wouldn’t merely crash a party, right? Also, why is Draco sneering at Snape when he is caught? Does he know about the Vow Snape made with Narcissa? Narcissa also die if Snape broke the Unbreakable Vow, right? How does Ron know that you die if you break an Unbreakable Vow? I get he grew up in the Wizarding World, but he is also a kid. Is that Fawkes singing and flying as the trio watches on the Astronomy Tower? How did the Burrow get fixed after Bellatrix burned it at Bill and Fleur’s wedding in Part 1? I find it really hard to believe, knowing the Weasleys, that Charlie wasn’t at Bill and Fleur’s wedding or the Battle of Hogwarts. Was he there in the books, they just didn’t have the time to introduce another less pivotal character at this point in the story? How did the trio get Slytherin robes and uniforms for their first venture with Polyjuice in Chamber? Honestly, I barely noticed that at first, but it’s a good attention to detail for both Hermione and the costume department. Does Hogwarts have a laundry service or is there a laundry spell? Where are the showers at Hogwarts? I’m guessing they are communal. Is the firework that goes by Albus on the train in the Epilogue a Weasley firework? Do McGonagall, Harry, Hermione, Ron and Neville get Chocolate Frog cards? Is it just me, or does Polyjuice Potion reminds you of that gross drink you have right before a colonoscopy? Why does Polyjuice have to bubble during the transformation? That’s a terrible sight and I would imagine a horrible feeling too, like it looks like they are about to explode. The logic around disarming also confuses me because other times people disarm people and then their wand simply changes loyalties, but other times that doesn’t happen, and it’s not like any time is more powerful than the other. Like when Ron disarms Bellatrix, he doesn’t become master of her wand, same with Harry when Lupin disarms him in the Shrieking Shack as his wand doesn’t change loyalties, and neither does Lupin’s wand when he gives it to Sirius and then Snape disarms him, but when Harry simply yanks his wand, disarming him without any magic, and he becomes master of not just Draco’s wand and by proxy also the Elder Wand (awfully convenient). Also, sometimes wizards disarm someone and the wand simply flies out of their hand, like in Azkaban with Lupin disarming Harry and Harry disarming Peter and Draco disarming Dumbledore in the Astronomy Tower, but other times the wizard casting the spell catches the wand, like Ron when he disarms Bellatrix and Harry when he finally disarms Voldemort. So I am just very confused. How did they get Hermione’s wand back in Part 1 after the Malfoy Manor battle because Draco only had Ron and Harry’s wands (and his own), right? When Harry disarms Draco? But I thought the third wand was Draco’s, along with Ron’s and Harry’s not Hermione’s. And how did she get her beaded bag back too, because I thought one of the Snatchers said they had it. Why doesn’t Ron want Hermione to know that Snatchers are not that bright when he talks to Harry after Ron reunites with them in Part 1? How does Snape know about Lupin’s werewolf condition, because he clearly knows with all of his “out for a little walk in the moonlight?” teasing and poking at him? Also, if Dumbledore knows Lupin is a werewolf and he hires him as the DADA teacher knowing it’s cursed, does that mean he set up Lupin to be outed as a werewolf? He’s such a manipulator! That’s so cruel. Lupin doesn’t deserve that. Why can’t Voldemort grasp the idea of love? We learn about his backstory, but not that aspect of it? Was he conceived in a loveless way, like assault or something? I hope not, because this is a children’s story at its core. So, if Voldemort feared death so much and thought death was beneath him so much that he made himself immortal by making Horcruxes, then why would he mercilessly kill anyone who crossed him, if it was such a weak thing in his eyes? Why did he kill Charity Burbage, order Dumbledore’s death like a mobster and kill Snape and not simply imprison them if he thought so little of death? What kind of person would Tom riddle be if he did have love in his heart? Would be more like Snape, who is cold, or Harry, who is warm? Voldemort could have been a powerful wizard either way, honestly. Did Voldemort ever actually trust his followers? Like seriously, how much did he trust Snape, Lucius and Bellatrix? Who made those “Potter Stinks” badges? Cedric’s friends? Draco? How long had Dursleys House been being sent Hogwarts letters for Harry, because Hermione early had enough time to learn about magic prior to getting on the Hogwarts Express, while Harry just got his books the night before he boarded the train? What happened to Hermione’s parents after the Battle of Hogwarts? Did she ever return their memories? How could she, because Lockhart’s memories, based on that post-credits scene, could never get them back, but was that because of Ron’s wand being broken? If Hermione did restore the memories, how long did she wait? I hope they weren’t blindsided by grandchildren or something, even though it would be a pleasant surprise I am sure. I hope they remember both their time obliviated and Hermione herself because I am sure even their obliviated selves had good memories they won’t want to forget. Could they even tell something was missing? By those awkwardly framed or empty photographs now without Hermione in them or her bedroom? Did Draco go back to Hogwarts in Hallows, since he was at Malfoy Manor throughout Part 1, it doesn’t seem like it. Also, it would make more sense as he wouldn’t know what the Carrows would be teaching and therefore how reckless and powerful his friends, specifically Goyle, have gotten, hence not realizing he would send a Killing Curse at the trio or burn down the Room of Requirement. Also, I know Hermione adores school and studying as she adored it so much that she was eager and gutsy enough to ask for the privilege of a double workload, but wouldn’t her double workload in Azkaban due to the Time Turner cause her so much emotional exhaustion and mental distress? Did she also use it to give herself more time to study? Like, didn’t she have a lot of emotional weight on her, especially as a teenager? Honestly, how did Harry and Ron both not notice except for just class time? Wouldn’t that stress also impact her friendships with Harry, Ron and even Hagrid and the Buckbeak situation and leave them strained or in a strange place? I get that she’s resilient, eager, emotionally mature and tough, but she’s also human and a kid. She is not a perfect person, she has weaknesses and flaws. Also, even for a fanatics film, I find that hard to believe. The only time we really saw her lash out was when she punched Draco, but that was more (seemingly) because he used his dad’s status to get Buckbeak executed, not because of her stress. What happened with Percy after Phoenix, because he was with Fudge when he finally saw Voldemort? Did he realize that his loyalties were wrong because he suddenly and randomly shows up to the Battle of Hogwarts as if nothing happened, and wasn’t ever in the Order or even at Bill and Fleur’s wedding, from what we’ve seen? So, when did Percy make up with his family? How is Greyback still a partially personified werewolf, but not Lupin? Is it a choice? Does cruelty make him so scratched up that he began to look like a werewolf? In the Chamber dueling scene between Harry and Draco, how do these 12-year-olds already know such intense, violent spells? I doubt they learned them from Quirrell with his shy stuttering persona, and Snape only demonstrated Expelliarmus. Especially the Serpentsortia spell, how does Draco know such a dangerous spell? His dad thinks Draco’s a loser, so I doubt he taught him that. So, what happened to the Weasleys after Bill and Fleur’s wedding? Were they put into hiding? How was Ginny able to go to Hogwarts anyway that year? So, since the trio immediately starts to hunt Horcruxes after the wedding, was that always the plan do they get forced into starting it early because Hermione clearly had a gut feeling something would happen, as she “had the essentials packed for days”? So, did they just want one last hurrah at the wedding then they were off, but the Death Eaters slightly sped up that timeline? Then how did Hermione get her beaded bag? So, the Seven Potters ordeal was meant to transport Harry for the wedding, but since he no longer had the Trace on him, why couldn’t he just Apparate? Moody’s life could have been spared. When did the trio learn to Apparate? Who keeps track of the Trace? The Ministry, I know, but who’s job is it? Is the Trace on a child before they are even accepted into Hogwarts? Is that how they find Muggle-borns? I am still so confused about how it works. Wasn’t Ron leaving in Part 1 kind of dumb, not just immature, since he is a known “blood traitor” and associate of Harry, which means he was also wanted and could be used as bait? Did JKR only have Harry get with Ginny for convenience’s sake? Because she wanted Harry’s happy ending to be him officially joining the Weasley family and she was the only daughter and there’s no way her prejudiced ass (ironic!) would make Harry gay. If Neville and Dean are both apparently in the Order of the Phoenix, as we see in the Part 2 Great Hall scene, then why aren’t they are Bill and Fleur’s wedding or helping with the Seven Potters ordeal, as they were both before school starts? Was Tonks at the wedding? I assume so since Lupin was and she made it back to the Burrow, but we don’t actually see her. If Luna lived close to the Weasleys, then why didn’t we catch a glimpse of the Burrow before they went to the Lovegoods in Part 1? Such a missed opportunity! How big is Platform Nine and Three Quarters? Is it the whole train station or just a single platform with Platform Nine and Three Quarters is the only entryway? Are other wizard trains used there? Can they see Muggles through it? Were Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in the OG Order of the Phoenix, because they weren’t in that OG photo? So, were they friendly with Harry’s parents, or Sirius and Lupin before Phoenix? If so, why don’t they ever talk about them with Harry? Did they even find Moody’s body after he fell from the air in the Seven Potters ordeal? Did they ever have a funeral for him? Or Sirius? Or Tonks? Or Lupin? Or Fred? Or Snape? Or even Dumbledore? How the hell did Pettigrew find Voldmoert and therefore help him return to full power? How did Harry get into the headmaster’s office in Part 2 if it was Snape’s then and he didn’t know the password? Also, all the portraits are empty now, and seemingly so is Dumbledore’s, which was sleeping in Prince, so where are all they? Watching the battle like the other portraits? Wait, if Dumbledore had a portrait after his death, was he STILL puppet-mastering Snape through that? Did portrait Dumbledore know his and Snape’s plan? Besides that graveyard being where Tom Riddle Sr. is buried, what is the significance of that mansion Wormtail, Nagini and cripple Voldemort are hiding out at? Also, is it just me, or is that Muggle caretaker supposed to foreshadow Cedric’s death, not just show Voldemort’s ruthlessness, because both the Muggle caretaker and Cedric die the same way, by Wormtail on orders from Voldemort? Also, why did Dumbledore come down when Buckbeak was about to get executed? I get that future Dumbledore told Harry and Hermione to use the Time Turner, but still, he seems rather casual about Buckbeak not being at the pumpkin patch anymore, and he’s a massive manipulator, so I find the fact that he was clueless at that moment hard to believe. I think this was all a well-orchestrated plan, 12 years in the making with Sirius in prison all that time and Dumbledore no doubt knowing he was innocent. Also, Hermione and Ron never really make up for their fight about Crookshansk and Scabbers in Azkaban, they just kind of moved on from it, as true friends do, but we all know there was something else going on underneath. I wish e saw more of a reconciliation because all we saw was Ron choosing to bicker more with Hermione rather than apologize then Ron is in the hospital while Hermione and Harry save the day, then the next day they are sitting with Harry’s new Firebolt. I’m guessing this is more fleshed out in the book? Had Ron ever actually driven that Ford Anglia before? Had the Twins prior to going to Privet drive, because they seem to know what they are doing? Did Mr. Weasley teach them? If he is a pureblood, and therefore grew up in Wizarding Word, then how did he learn how to drive anyway too? What is a prefect? Why does Half-Blood Prince start right after the Battle of the Department of Mysteries when Phoenix ends with the students walking to the Hogwarts Express? That’s a rather odd choice. What exactly is that cringy and painful voiceover thing that puts so much physical pressure on the characters’ bodies and minds in the finale that Voldemort does? Is the fact the spiders don’t dare to speak the Basilisk’s name, or tell Harry specifically what the creature is, suppose to parallel how wizards don’t dare to speak Voldemort’s name? Was it supposed to be a hint that he is the Heir of Slytherin and that Tom Riddle, who Harry saw confront Hagrid, was somehow related to Voldemort? How did the Weasleys fit all their trunks and all the kids in the Ford Anglia in Chamber? The same charm as the tent from Goblet and Part 1? Wait, was that the same tent, just without all the decor, and a smaller Engorgement Charm in Part 1? So, was the Horcrux that Ron destroyed in Part 1, the one that taunted him with a making out Harry and Hermione, behaving similar to a Boggart? I know Ron’s Boggart in Azkaban was a spider, which makes sense for younger Ron., but he isn’t that same boy anymore. Can’t Boggarts change? So wouldn’t Boggart now be Hermione being in love with someone else, especially if that other person is Harry? That’s his biggest insecurity. Wouldn’t that also be his biggest fear too, because that also seems to be why he left Hermione and Harry during their Horcrux hunt, right? How did Sirius escape from Azkaban? Was it because of his being an Animagus? Do Dementors not sense animals like they do humans? They guard Azkaban, so is that how Sirius managed to escape? Did he train himself become an Animagus during his time in Azkaban then? But then how did he know and recognize Pettigrew’s Animagus form? If so, he is very smart, especially since not prisoner before him seemed to have figured that out. The concept of underage magic is so funny to me and also makes no sense. If there are so many people so prejudiced about magic, then are they restricting the next generation, especially if they grew up in the Wizarding World? It’s all very confusing and every time the phrase “underage magic” was uttered I let out a chuckle. Although, the actors did portray that ridiculous idea and the stakes of it very well. Why does Harry use magic to practice the Lumos Maxima spell (which honestly serves no point because it’s not like he uses that spell when he confronts Sirius, Wormtail or the Dementor) in the opening scene of Azkaban if underage magic is illegal outside of school, even for practice sake? After all, how can they tell if the students are using it for educational practice or for personal gain? Also, the Trace they talk about in Part 1 has to do with this underage magic law, correct? How does the Trace work exactly? Is it like a chip they get implanted or something when they start going to Hogwarts? Is there a charm that can for magical reasons only be used on somebody “of age” to remove the Trace? I am so confused. How does Draco already know about the Weasleys in the first film? Was it because of hearing about his dad making fun of their poverty and allegiance to Muggles or did Draco and Ron grow up together, like in Wizard pre-school or something (is that a thing?), Because Draco made fun of Ron and his Weasley-ness during their first meeting in the movies, and Ron would also be the one to tell the other Harry and Hermione that Draco wasn’t “worth it,” like with Hermione when she has her wand to Draco’s throat in Azkaban right before she punches him and holds Harry back from tackling Draco when they get off the train in Phoenix. Is this why, because they are both kids who grew up as wizards, unlike Harry and Hermione who are both new to the Wizarding World, having grown up in the Muggle world? Who do the Snatchers work for, the Ministry or Voldemort? I mean, I guess by Hallows, they are the same thing. Was Harry only almost chosen for Slytherin because of all being one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes, because his parents were both Gryffindors and Harry seems like the ultimate Gryffindor to me? Is that what they are hinting at in Chamber when they say that the only reason Harry doesn’t get Slytherin is that he asked? If so, then did Sirius do the same thing during his Sorting ceremony, because he didn’t want to follow in his family’s Slytherin footsteps? When Draco introduced himself to Harry in the first film, did he know that his parents are allies with the person who killed his parents? Like did Lucius tell him to become Harry’s friend, because as much the soap opera fan in me loves conflict and drama, Harry has enough going on that he doesn’t need that betrayal of friendship under false pretenses. Thank goodness Harry chose Ron, because at least his animosity with Draco, which stems from this rejection of friendship in the first film, is consistent throughout the whole series and just makes more sense as the series goes on. Harry didn’t need this betrayal on top of everything (Dumbledore has that cover later on). Are Crabbe and Goyle actually friends with Draco, or they scared on him just like how Lucius is scared of Voldemort? Oh, the irony if that is true. What ever happened to Grimmauld Place after the finale? What happened to the Potters original home? Did it stay how it was, like a historical landmark (because it is)? Like Anne Frank’s house or something? Or did Harry buy it and rebuild it? Or did he ever visit it again, maybe with his kids? If not his original home, did he move into Sirius’ place Grimmauld place? Or did Ginny inherit the Burrow? Or did Hermione and Ron? Or did another Weasley? How did Snape A) find Harry in the Forest of Dean B) send such a long-acting Patronus to him that found him and guided him to the Sword of Gryffindor and C) not reveal himself to Harry or Voldemort as doing this while he was Voldemort’s eyes at Hogwarts was incredibly risky? With or without Horcruxes, if the Heir of Slytherin looks into the Basilisk’s eyes, will he die? Or because they are the only ones who can control it, they wouldn’t. Why can Ron speak Parseltongue in the finale film to open the Chamber when he isn’t a Parselmouth? He said it was because of Harry, but if you can simply learn Parseltongue, wouldn’t many people be able to speak it? Also, can Harry still speak Parseltongue after Voldemort killed the Horcrux inside him or not? When Harry has his Hippogriff lesson with Hagrid and Harry and Luna talk and interact with the Thestrals, both those scenes are in the forest during the day. Is it the Forbidden Forest, or a different forest? Is there a different first? There must be because the Death Eaters walk through the castle and than through a forest after killing Dumbledore to Hagrid’s Hut, which is on the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest. How did they all ride Thestrals in Phoenix to the Ministry in London and in Part 1 from Privet Drive to the Burrow if they can’t see them? Only Harry and maybe a few others can. A spell, to make unseen things seen, like in Narnia? How and when did Mr. and Mrs. Weasley join the Order, because they aren’t in the OG Order photograph? Did Neville ever find out that the prophecy was also/almost about him? In Part 2, when the trio returns to Hogwarts, where are they? That doesn’t look like the Gryffindor or Ravenclaw common rooms, and those are really the only students there. It’s gray and rugged and filled with hammocks all the way up to the ceiling. Wait, if they did start the DA up again, as I hope, is it the Room of Requirement? Are portraits another form of travel even if you aren’t in a painting, especially for semi-close locations? Or am I right and it was the Room of Requirement and it built a secret passageway using the portraits? Does that mean Ariana has a Portrait in the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts? If those kids are in the Room of Requirement, then does that mean when the fire goes off in the hiding part of the Room of Requirement from Crabbe’s wand, it burns all of their belongings too? Or is the hiding part of the room the only room that’s destroyed? Did Hermione ever un-obliviate her parents’ memories? I know this is an awful thing to think about, but if Hermione did die in Hallows after obliviating her parent’s memories, would her parents have no chance of ever remembering their daughter because she would be the only one able to give them their memories back? Or is it like compulsion in The Vampire Diaries, when the person dies, the memories come back to the people they obliviated? Harry used two out of the three Unforgivable Curses throughout the series, the Cruciatus Curse and the Imperius Curse. However, despite Moody Crouch saying that any one of those curses earns you a one-way ticket to Azkaban, Harry doesn’t go to Azkaban for using them. Is it because he was using them for the greater good, because I assume like Aurors would (like police using force in a high-stakes situation. So are Aurors like wizard police?) be able to use them during high staked situations? Did Hermione, Harry and Ron ever go back to Hogwarts to complete their degrees or whatever? How did Luna get back to Hogwarts to reunite with Harry there after escaping from Malfoy Manor to Shell Cottage? How the hell did Fleur and Bill meet? Was Fleur and Bill’s wedding Harry’s first wedding? Based on how Harry’s life at the Dursleys consisted of him being like “I’ll be in my bedroom, making no noise, and pretending I don’t exist (LOL relatable but in a not neglectful way. More in a self-induced way),” I’m guessing it was. How exactly does the whole “traveling between portraits” thing work? Like when Dumbledore tells that portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black to go to Grimmauld Place in Phoenix, how does he get there? Doesn’t it make more sense for Dementors to be called Death Eaters, what with their whole “Dementor’s Kiss” soul-sucking business, and vice-versa, since the Death Eaters are truly demented human beings and don’t actually eat death? How did Bellatrix end up with a fake Gryffindor sword in her Gringotts vault? The only theory that I can think of is that Snape was ordered by Voldemort to steal it from Dumbledore, but Snape, being a triple agent, fashioned a fake one and Voldemort told Bellatrix to hide it with the Horcrux, which is extremely dumb if you I say so myself (why would he hide the thing that kills Horcruxes with a Horcrux?). Is this somewhat correct? If Harry found the Sword of Gryffindor after seeing the doe Patronus (which was sent by Snape as we find out in the final movie), does that mean that the real sword was sent by Snape, further proving this theory? Speaking of that scene, was the Horcrux choking Harry because it didn’t want it to get the sword because it could sense that it is the thing that would kill it? So does that mean, like wands, Horcruxes also have feelings, just dark ones given that they are a kind of Dark Art? How did Harry know he had to speak Parseltongue to the locket to destroy it? Was it because to enter the Chamber of Secrets, he had to speak Parseltongue, and since that’s where he destroyed the diary, which he mentioned in the scene that whatever was in Tom Riddle’s diary tried to kill him? Did he just assume because of all of that he needs to speak Parseltongue? He assumed right, but still, why couldn’t he just, open it, like he did with the fake locket? What if that was the real one? Also, If so, why was Harry, who is pretty resourceful and smart, dumb enough to leave it on while polar plunging for the thing that destroys it? To quote Ron, “are you mental?” Like I get he didn’t want to lose it or for it to fall in, but couldn’t he have just hidden it or something? How did Harry survive Avada Kedavra? His mom’s love protection? If Parseltongue exists, are there other secret languages that involve talking to animals? Does Hagrid have one of them? Is that why he thinks dragons are “misunderstood creatures”? I find it very hard to believe that Snape does conclude that Harry has his old potions book after he finds Draco bleeding the way he did and saves him the way he did. Why doesn’t he do anything about it? After all, Snape is a fiercely determined individual, so I find him doing nothing about this very odd. Also, the irony that the Sectumsempra spell was probably meant for Harry’s father because of him bullying Snape. Why don’t we ever meet Charlie? He’s only ever mentioned in dialogue, and not even by his own parents, just by Ron or Hagrid, who has clearly bonded with him over dragons. Not in Stone when Hagrid hatches a dragon named Norbert that we never see again. Not in Goblet when there is literally a full-on task about dragons. Not at Bill’s wedding in Part 1 or with his family at the Battle of Hogwarts in Part 2 where his brother literally dies. He’s also never mentioned again after Goblet. The fact that he’s basically forgotten about is very uncharacteristic of the Weasleys. Was Bellatrix ordered to marry Rodolphus Lestrange (who’s name is under her’s on the Black family tree so I assume they are married) by Voldemort? She seems almost horny for him at certain points, so I feel like Voldemort knew this was the only way for her to back off, not that cheating goes beyond her non-existent morals, but Voldemort is so arrogant and independent that he clearly thinks he’s beyond having a life companion that’s not a giant snake. How did Narcissa feel about Sirius going to Azkaban? How did she feel about him breaking out? Does Snape know about the Deathly Hallows? I feel like would at least know the story as the way he wandlessly flies the leave to Lily when they first meet suggest that he at least partially grew up in the Wizarding World. Are purebloods so manic and crazy because they are all inbred? I honestly find the logic behind the 1,000 years of blood purity kind of head to believe without a lot of inbreeding. I mean, I am sure that’s because of pureblood families ‘contaminating’ or dying off, but still, I find it hard to believe that even purebloods don’t have some Muggle blood, even Hagrid suggests so in Chamber when he is cheering Hermione up. If Voldemort went to Hogwarts 50 years before Harry and Bellatrix is around Sirius’ age does that mean that she is obsessed with a MUCH older man, kind of like a naive teenager? If Voldemort wasn’t a creepy predator before, he sure is now. How did the Twins figure out how to open and close the Marauder’s Map? And since it looks like a bare piece of parchment, how did they figure out what it is? How did the Marauders get it taken away by Filch or whoever was the caretaker was before him? Is the Forbidden Forest the only forest on the Hogwarts grounds, because it doesn’t seem like it. The Forbidden Forest looks very different from the forest that the students meet Buckbeak in, where Lupin and Harry go for their walk in Azkaban, when Hagrid and the trio go for a walk in Goblet and the forest where the Death Eaters walk through to get to the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid’s Hut, which is on the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest in Prince? Especially for that Prince example, why would they walk through the same forest only to change directions, after all, they are on the run, right, because they can’t Apparate from inside the grounds as they are the headmaster, and Snape isn’t headmaster yet? Also, the direction the Death Eaters are walking, down the hill towards Hagrid’s Hut, makes it seem like the crossed through one forest to get to another? Is the name of that other forest in the books? Snape knew about Horcruxes, right? He’s brilliant and educated about the Dark Arts, so I find it hard to believe that he doesn’t put two-and-two together after Dumbledore tells him that a part of Voldemort’s soul lives inside Harry. Harry says when he tells Ron and Hermione that he knows why he can hear the Horcruxes that he thinks he’s known for a while, and says that he thinks Hermione has known, is this expanded upon in the books? In a book, you get to hear a characters inner dialogue, so is this idea foreshadowed in the book? Why is Peter at Snape’s summer house (is that right?) in Prince when Narcissa and Bellatrix come to see him? They aren’t friends. Snape hates Peter as he is a Marauder, is the reason Lily died and he isn’t actually on his side (but honestly, is Peter even on his own side? He’s such a coward I doubt it). Which of Harry and Ginny’s kids got the Invisibility Cloak and/or the Marauder’s Map? Did he tell them the story behind it? I hope so! How did Sirius buy that Firebolt for him? Dogs can’t exactly go shopping. How did he know he needed a new broom, because we never saw them talk about that? Unless, Sirius watched his Quidditch games in dog form. That would be so sweet, but how would he know that he plays Quidditch? Also, in the Firebolt package, because Sirius can’t leave a note, he leaves one of Buckbeak’s feathers in the package so Harry knows who it is from, however, didn’t Hagrid warn Harry not to pull Buckbeak’s feathers? Also, we never saw Hermione or Sirius bow to Buckbeak like Hagrid teaches Harry to, and we saw what happens when you don’t do that with Draco, so do they bow to Buckbeak off screen or something? I get Hermione saved Buckbeak and save him an ‘offering’ of a “nice dead ferret” but what about Sirius? What if there were people in the hospital wing when Hermione and Harry use the Time Turner? Awfully convenient that it’s empty. As we saw when they return, they simply disappear like if they Apparated, but they are seemingly too young to Apparate as Fred and George can’t do it until their 7th year and the trio seemingly can’t do it until their 7th year, so wouldn’t them appearing out of nowhere alarm some people? How and when did Tonks get to the Battle of Hogwarts? Because she doesn’t arrive with the rest of the Order in the Great Hall, although Percy doesn’t either and when everyone steps forward to guard Harry from Pansy Parkinson, Percy is suddenly there for some reason. However, suddenly during that montage of everyone watching the barrier fall down, we see Tonks in the battlements with Lupin reaching for his hand. When Sirius attempts to break into the Gryffindor common room, he is trying to find Scabbers, right? I think this because he obviously cares for Harry, and he seems to already know Ron’s rat is really Pettigrew as he manically (and misleadingly) tells Lupin in the Shrieking Shack “let’s kill him!” However, how would he know that, especially since that seems to be the reason that he escapes? If he knew that Pettigrew was masquerading as the Weasley family’s rat all this time, then why did escape then and not before? Now that he knows where Harry is? But how would he know about Scabbers being in the Weasley family and Harry returning to the Wizarding World? How exactly do you make a Horcrux? I know you have to kill someone, but how exactly do you make one beyond that because Voldemort kills many people, but he only has 7 Horcruxes, so clearly there is more you need to do. Is this expanded on in the books? I’d assume so because when Harry touches the Horcrux ring in the Half-Blood Prince, there is a quick montage and in it there is quick shot of teenage Tom Riddle (the actor from Prince) screaming in a very disturbing way, which makes me think that was glimpse at what it’s like to make a Horcrux, as splitting one’s soul sounds incredibly painful, as its also very painful when those parts of the soul are destroyed as seen in Part 2. What happens if you die before you complete your Unbreakable Vow, but not exactly from it? Do Unbreakable Vows expire? Or when Draco becomes master of the Elder Wand, is it still active which is part of why Snape is killed? Dumbledore clearly manipulated the situation so Draco would disarm him, but since Voldemort believes killing is more powerful then disarming, he would only see Snape as the rightful owner, still saving Draco and keeping Unbreakable Vow. Dumbledore knew he was going to die that night, right? Snape clearly did as there is the shot of him preparing himself, too ashamed to look at us, also how else would he have known to go to the Astronomy Tower? The Astronomy Tower scene before Harry and Dumbledore go to the cave must have been when Snape told him as Snape is literally begging him to not force him to do this. Harry says that you can’t Apparate inside the Hogwarts grounds, but then how do kids learn to Apparate? How did they learn to Apparate? is it a skill they suddenly get when they turn 17, as we don’t see the trio do it until after Harry, seemingly the youngest of the trio, turn 17? Also, if you can’t apprate on the Hogwarts grounds, is it that only headmasters can, which is why Dumbledore can? after all, he does say “well being me has it’s privileges (he is so freaking concieted).” Okay, this might be a bit nit-picky (as is this whole article really LOL), but Hogwarts is called “Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,” but what exactly is the difference between witchcraft and wizardry? Is it just the gender of the person, so it was just saying that Hogwarts was a co-ed school unlike Durmstrung and Beauxbaton? It seems that “wizard” is a catch-all term for witches and wizards, so why are both wizard and witch in the school’s official title? It sounds cooler and more prestigious, but it’s not exactly simple. Is Lupin supposed to be poor because of his ostracized werewolf status, and his rough-and-tough robes? Was Aberforth in the Order? What was his and Albus’ relationship like? Based on what I know about Albus Dumbledore, he was probably a crappy brother to Aberforth. If Hrry’s parents didn’t die, would he have had siblings? I’m guessing James was an only child because Harry would have surely gone with his Wizarding relatives or literally any relatives other then the Dursleys? What about his paternal and maternal grandparents? Literally, just why the Dursleys? Did any of the teachers get in trouble for voting their opinions against the Death Eaters when they took over Hogwarts? If any of them would, I’m guessing it is Hagrid because he is not the most socially intelligent, but very loyal to Harry and Dumbledore. McGonagall would also be a little sassy about it, but Snape knows he needs her, especially as a triple agent. We never actually saw a funeral, so what are the Wizarding traditions? They clearly have tombs, but do they have tombstones? What are the Wizarding holidays and Christmas traditions, honestly besides using magic for decorum, i still looks like Muggle Christmas to me. How did Ravenclaw’s diadem become lost? If the Gray Lady, her daughter, knows where it is, then she must have been the one to make it lost right? Did she hide it or steal it? Why would she ever tell Tom Riddle (also LOL at her calling Tom’s name stranger, honey it only gets stranger)? How does the Fat Lady go into a different portrait in Azkaban? Why is there a ghost student taking a test when the trio runs in to see McGonagall in the first film? That was so distracting and confusing in such a hectic scene. So, if Arthur Weasley works in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts department and he’s a hobby of magically enhancing Muggle artifacts, isn’t he participating in the same crime his job attempts to prohibit? Obviously, it’s in a less effed way the Lucius, who pretends to be a stand-up Ministry official when he is actually a Death Eater, but it’s still lying. Are the Weasleyskids just good liars because most young kids have no filter? Also, if they are already poor, why would Mr. Weasley risk it? Even if it’s a smaller crime in the big scheme of things, could it get him sent to Azkaban if he is caught? And how is Molly Weasley okay with this? She seems to be a rule stickler, which is probably where Percy gets it from and why she treats Hermione like a daughter. Did Hermione and Harry ever tell Ron about the Time Turner? How exactly do Time-Turners work? Why are they never used again, to save Sirius again? To save Harry’s parents and Dumbledore (ew) and Snape and Fred and Lupin and Cedric? Can they only be used for certain things and to fix certain events, not including deaths? I understand that Hermione is a rule follower, and probably had to vow to Dumbledore and McGonagall that she would only use it to get to her extra classes, as the overly-ambitious, curious, excited student she is, and only used it to save Sirius and Buckbeak because Dumbledore told her too, giving her permission to use it for something other then taking two classes at the same time. But the begs the question, why wouldn’t Dumbledore use it to undue Harry’s parents deaths, Voldemort’s rise to power or tell Snape to use it to resurrect his selfish ass? Sirius claimed to resent his family’s deranged superiority complex, and get he acts that way towards Kreacher, who, granted, is just as nasty as the Black family, but is also an enslaved house elf, similar to a prisoner which Sirius of all people should have empathy for. It does seem a little hypocritical though, right? I know animals don’t talk in this magical universe, unlike Narnia, but do animals in the magical world sense each other and others? Like Crookshanks hated Scabbers, which is just the way the animal kingdom works, but is their a chance that Crookshanks could sense that Scabbers was actually the anigmias form of a human, and that’s why Crookshanks didn’t like him? How exactly do Animagus work? Do you get to pick which animal, because Pettigrew as a rat, McGonagall as a cat (she’s an Animagus right? Or is it because she’s the Transfiguration teacher, she just has a superior talent at turning herself into animals, her favorite being a cat?) and Sirius as a dog are too perfect? Animagus Why does a radio work at Hogwarts and in the Wizarding World in the Deathly Hallows, but no other technology works in the Wizarding World or at Hogwarts? We never even see anyone talk on the phone or talk about the Internet, which did exist in the 90s. So, if McGonagall, being Head of Gryffindor house, was teaching the Gryffindors how to dance for the Yule Ball, that means that Sprout, Flitwick and of course, Snape were doing the same things with their Houses. I would literally PAY to see Alan Rickman play Snape teaching the Slytherins how to dance. Like imagine him using Pansy Parkinson in the same way McGonagall uses Ron (also Rupert Grint has bragging rights for life for having danced with THE Maggie Smith. What an honor!). Wasn’t it kind of dumb for the trio, and Hermione Polyjuice’d as Bellatrix to use Bellatrix’s real wand in Part 2, when surely the ordeal at Malfoy Manor and the fact that they stole Bellatrix’s wand would have been making the rounds in the now officially corrupt Daily Prophet, inevitably revealing that this Bellatrix is an imposter (also, did Hermione, Ron and Harry ever take a moment to realize that they held the wand that tortured Neville’s parents and killed Sirius? Like that’s insane! And it’s honestly very odd and disturbingly satisfying in how full circle that fact is)? Is that why Harry used the Imperius Curse on the goblin, correct? His first time using an Unforgivable Curse and actually having it and wanting it to work (unlike when he tried the Cruciatus Curse on Bellatrix after she killed Sirius in Phoenix and it didn’t work (also, LOL at the full circle of it all with Hagrid said in the first movie the first time Harry ever went to Gringotts how the Wizard bank is the safest place other then Hogwarts and in this film he broke into both as a fugitive, and both being extremely well-protected wizard locations)? Did Draco try and help Luna while she was held hostage at Malfoy Manor? They stand next to each other before Draco walks over to his parents in the courtyard. He definitely bullied her at school, but he would never want to actually kidnap her like the Death Eaters did. Did he try? Also, in that courtyard scene in Part 2, Draco’s head shifts toward Luna, who is standing behind him, almost ashamed that she specifically has to see this. Maybe before this scene, before the Hogwarts sidewalks out to see Harry’s body and the Death Eater army, they were talking and he was apologizing and trying to ask her if she’s okay. Luna also looks so remorseful and sad when Draco is called over and when he actually does walks off. Speaking of the Malfoy Manor incident, what exactly was Bellatrix and the Malfoys’ punishment, because you know there was one? If the trio saved Ollivander, the series’ wandmaker, in Hallows, then why couldn’t he fashion Harry, who broke his wand, a new wand as a thank you? Aren’t they made of wood and things found in nature anyway, and that kind of stuff was all about Bill and Fleur’s cottage? This also begs the question, how exactly are wands made? Nature and enchantment, or just having the wizard channel their magic into nature, just in a different way then Bonnie on The Vampire Diaries? I am confused, is Hagrid in the Order or not? Because he’s in that photo, and he helps transfer Harry during the Seven Potters ordeal, but he wasn’t at the meeting at Grimmauld Place in Order of the Phoenix. I get that he was with the giants and that he probably wouldn’t fit inside due to its narrow set design of it being crammed in between two buildings, but even Snape and Lupin made it and they are a professor and a werewolf. Also, is Snape in the Order? Is that why they had to switch to the Burrow and left Grimmauld Place abandoned after Dumbledore’s death? Also, why was Snape so disgusted by Harry and Sirius hugging at the Order’s headquarters in that flashback sequence when, from the expandable ears bit (which was so realistic, for kids to eavesdrop on the adults) we could hear Snape’s very distinctive voice. It was kind of confusing. Also, why wasn’t the Engorgement Charm used on the tent in Goblet of Fire used on Grimmauld Place? However, that’s more of a set design consistency issue. Speaking of the flashback sequence in the Order of the Phoenix, what exactly was Snape doing to Harry? I get that it was because of his mind’s connection to Voldemort but what was it and why was it so invasive and brutal? Was it mind reading? Did it have to do with his vow to protect Harry and deceive Voldemort? At least, this mind-reading situation helped Harry realize both Snape and, especially, his father weren’t perfect and that world is not black and white, but gray and complex, however, this hurts even more after Harry watches Snape kill Dumbledore in the following movie and not learn the truth of Snape’s efforts to protect him until after Snape’s death. How could Harry go to Hogsmeade in the later movies without his permission slip (why does a Wizarding school have a permission slip? That’s so Muggle of them)? off-screen, does Sirius or the Dursleys ever sign it? Does Harry use his privilege and fame (a rarity for Harry) to get special permission from Dumbledore? What exactly is Fred and George’s age? Also, why didn’t Mr. and Mrs. Weasley come to Hogwarts when Ginny and Ron got hurt in the Chamber of Secrets and poisoned in Half-Blood Prince (also, can we talk about how Harry saved Ginny, Arthur AND Ron? and how the Chamber of Secrets brought both Ginny and Harry AND Ron and Hermione together? Harry really is a Weasley at heart)? I mean those are their children? Could they just not afford it? Even with Floo Powder and all the other magical mods of transportation? How do Thestrals work? How could Hermione and the rest of them ride them to the Ministry despite not being able to see them in the beginning of the film? Did they just fly on top of midair? Is there a spell to make them visible to someone who hasn’t seen someone die (that’s such a sad idea, only being able to see a creature after being traumatized)? What’s on Ginny’s shoulder on the Hogwarts Express in Half-Blood Prince? Is butterbeer really beer? If so, what’s the drinking age in the Wizarding World? Why did Snape fancy the Dark Arts so much? Because he was supposed to be a triple agent? Because he was a Death Eater? Why, exactly, did he finally get it in Half-Blood Prince? Also, if Harry really believed Snape betrayed Dumbledore, then why did he act so mercifully while Snape was dying? I get that he’s “the good guy,” but he’s also the loyal guy. I mean, it was a great scene, but still. Also, we literally saw Fred get disarmed, then it cut to Mrs. Weasley listening to that creepy and cringy Voldemort voiceover and then the next time we see Fred, he’s dead. Was he killed right in front of Mrs. Weasley? That is unspeakably cruel! They both deserved better! Did Lavender and Pavarti die? Did Padma live? Am I confusing them for other characters? What year was Cedric in? Was he in the Twins year? How does the character of Greyback work? How is he always in werewolf form? Is that a choice because of his viciousness? Also, how is he a Death Eater? It seemed like most creatures, other then trolls (who were established as very dumb back in Stone) were on the Death Eaters’ side. Is Malfoy Manor basically “Death Eater Headquarters” in Part 1? Why does Ginny suggest the Shrieking Shack in Phoenix if it’s supposedly the most haunted building in not just the British Wizarding World, but in all of Britian (so it seems)? Obviously, Harry Ron and Hermione know it’s not as scary as it’s rumored to be after Azkaban, but does Ginny know about all of that? Why isn’t Harry’s eyesight ever fixed by magic? Instead, Hermione always just fix his glasses. I get it’s his signature look, but still. How exactly do you get a portrait or painting at Hogwarts? Do only headmasters get them? Do only dead people get them? What about the Fat Lady (also, between this title and Aunt Marge, why so much fatphobia I guess shouldn’t be surprised with these being written by You-Know-Who)? What happened to Buckbeak after he escaped with Sirius? We literally never saw him again after that whole ordeal. Did he live a happy life? Did he see Hagrid again? Does Dumbledore literally have a Griffin-door to his office? That’s definitely not that subtle. And he’s supposed to be the unbiased headmaster, LOL. Why does Voldemort have bare feet in Goblet of Fire? Did Wormtails seriously not think to bring his Master shoes? I never wanted to see Voldemort’s feet. The idea of it is so weird that Voldemort has feet because of his snake-like appearance. I would have felt better if he kept that illusion of floating under his raggedy black cloak up. It’s more eerie. How are magical plants bread or whatever? How the hell did Expelliarimus manage to block Avada Kedavra? I know Dumbledore said it was because of their twin wands, but seriously? And how did Cedric, that guy Voldemort killed at the beginning of the movie that was hardly ever talked about, and Harry’s parents appear out of their wands like ghosts during that scene? Which one was the Priori Incantatem that Dumbledore talked about? I tried googling it, but I was so confused. Nymphadora looks like she literally just graduated Hogwarts in the Order of the Phoenix and then suddenly she’s dating Lupin, who looks like he could literally be her father? When and how did they start dating? How old is she? Also, does Hogwarts even have a graduation? Did Harry, Ron, Hermione and everyone else get the opportunity to go back and finish their degrees if they so desired? Did Fred, George and Percy? Speaking of, did Fred and George Apparate in Order of the Phoenix? I am so confused about how Apparition works. When it is even thought? We never saw them learn it or even talk about learning it, or what it is exactly, they just suddenly could do it. Because after Harry Apparated with Dumbledore for the first time in Half-Blood Prince, they could suddenly Apparate in the Deathly Hallows. If both the Weasleys and the Malfoys are pure-blood families, then why is one very poor and the other very rich? Does the pure blood status instantly mean wealth status like with the Malfoys and the Blacks? Is it a choice? I would like some clarification. Also, I did like how the Weasleys showed that not all pureblood families are extremists like the Malfoys, Blacks and Lestranges and raise their kids to be that way. The Weasleys let their kids make their own choices (Percy), unlike the Blacks, who disowned Sirius for believing differently. Why did Harry’s Expelliarmus spell throw Snape back like that in the Azkaban Shrieking Shack scene, when in all the other films, anytime Harry or someone else uses that spell, it simply just disarms their opponent? Yes, it throws Lockhart back when Snape fires an Expelliarmus spell at him in Chamber during the dueling club scene, but after Azkaban, this getting thrown back idea goes away, so I am just confused. Like is it the certain amount of power you have when you fire the spell or what? I am so confused. So, in the Wizarding World, is dueling just with wands, not a sword? Are swords for something else? I get that a wand is the ultimate tool for a wizard, but if this is true it’s also their ultimate shield and weapon. Was James Potter pureblood? Did Harry really not have grandparents to stay with like Neville? It’s a miracle Harry turned out so good after how the Dursleys treated him and all the turmoil he went through. He’s strong and resilient as hell. That’s so inspiring (I can relate). Most people would be so bitter after having overcome so much adversity, but Harry’s resilience and hopefulness for the future is truly inspiring. I also thought the tape on Harry’s glasses in the first movie was so funny because are we really supposed to believe that the Dursleys would take the time to take him to the eye doctor? Did nobody notice when Hermione and Ron didn’t show up to Hogwarts, especially with Ginny going and them being Harry’s best friends? Why were there no consequences for this? Did Hermione ever see her parents again and un-obliviate their memories? Why didn’t the picture of young Dumbledore and Jamie Campbell Bower’s (god, this guy’s career is enviable? First Harry Potter and Twilight, which are two huge movie franchises with fanbases that are still very dedicated to this day, and now, soon, Stranger Things, as well. It’s just incredible. Most actors can’t say they were in one high-grossing movie, yet alone three high-grossing franchises) young Grindelwald move like all the other pictures in the Wizarding World? What the hell were those creatures in Half-Blood Prince that come after Harry and Dumbledore from the lake inside the cave? Also, why would they Apparate to the rock island miles away from the cave and not just the cave itself? For a cinematic quality, but ntohing else? Did Neville and Luna end up together because that was hinted at in the finale? So, since there seem to be multiple kinds of dueling spells and repairing spells, do spells come in and out of popularity like fashion trends because so many of these spells are so similar? That would make sense because in the real world, there are different social media and security trends too and this seems like the Wizarding World equivalent. Did Dumbledore ever have a funeral? Because of the veil, was Sirius’ body ever retrieved? Did Harry’s parents get a funeral? Did Cedric? Did Snape? Snape deserved a funeral more than anyone who died in this series for all his sacrifices. Did Mrs. Weasley literally just not care that Harry, Hermione and especially Ron just casually dropped out of Hogwarts to go on the run and hunt for Horcruxes? Did she even know that was what they were doing? Did any of the Order members? Did they know how dangerous it really was? I mean Hermione obliviated her parents’ memories and Harry obviously has a lot going on, but Ginny went back, so why wasn’t it a bigger deal that Ron didn’t, especially with how much she heckled Fred and George about their choice of job? Also, why did Mrs. Weasley have such a problem with Fred and George’s careers? They were smart and ambitious enough to start their own unique business that was already successful before they even left Hogwarts. Any parents should be proud and happy that their kids are financially secure, healthy and happy. How did Mr. Weasley feel about their business endeavors? I know he tried to hide his admiration or them taking the flying car in Chamber of Secrets, but that was only our real hint at his thoughts. I guess they were positive and proud, significantly more so then Mrs. Weasley’s. So, Pettigrew was in the Order of the Phoenix photo with Harry and Neville’s parents, so wouldn’t be able to help Voldemort find their headquarters after they reunited after Voldemort’s return? What about Snape after Half-Blood Prince, when they all thought he betrayed them? Why is the Defense Against the Dark Arts position jinxed? Is it just a running joke or a plot device or is there a specific reason? How exactly does Wizard schooling work? The French school was girls-only, the Bulgarian school was boys-only, but Hogwarts is co-ed. Does it depend on the location? Is there one (or two) school(s) that every witch and/or wizard in each specific country attends? Does homeschooling and foreign exchanging student things exist (besides the Triwizard Tournament thing)? Speaking of the Triwizard Tournament, where did those other schools take classes, because they clearly didn’t combine with the Hogwarts kids? Does the whole school come? Is it always at Hogwarts? Where do they sleep? I know England isn’t known for the heat, but do Wizards really have to suffer in the summer by wearing those robes? Is there a cooling spell or something? Snape invented Sectumsempra in school, but it begs the question of how are spells invented or created? If the wand chooses the wizard, then how did it affect Harry when his wand, a wand that literally fought a dragon, a Basilisk, Voldemort himself and Snape too, broke? Shouldn’t that have been a bigger deal, especially after Draco’s wand changed allegiance from Draco to Harry? After all, a wand is like a Wizard’s best friend. Like mentally, like the lack of a companion, what’s that like? Especially, with the whole twin core aspect of Harry’s wand connecting with Voldemort in such a unique way that it could actually save him, this should have a much bigger deal. He must have been counting on the protection so much in the battle against Voldemort, and his part in it. Also, if he needed a new wand, and had suddenly found knowledge of an unbeatable wand such as the Elder Wand, then wouldn’t he, like Voldemort (I see the irony of Harry and Voldemort wanting to possess the same wand), search for it endlessly? I know Hermione obligated her parent’s memories, but couldn’t the Death Eaters still track them down, regardless of their memories? My friend said that in the books, Hermione erases their memories and sends them to Australia, but what if they get a clue that Hermione existed? Is there also a spell to make them not care if a clue came up? Why can’t they say Voldemort’s name? Why couldn’t they say it even after he was gone between wars? I get after Goblet it being too dangerous, even with the Ministry’s hysteria, but I still don’t really get it. Is it something magical? Is it like a magical tracking device? It was just really unclear and not explained. It was just the way it was. But then some people said his name, especially in the first through fifth movies, when they were brave enough, mainly Harry, Dumbledore, Hermione and McGonagall. The wand chooses the wizard, right? So, does the wand also decide how powerful to make their wizard? Or is the wand only as powerful as the wizard who uses it? Or is it about the harmony of the right wizard with the right wand making the wizard’s abilities fully actualized? Also, the fact that Draco’s wand switches loyalties to Harry also foreshadows Draco’s arc as a character. Literally, how did no Muggle see a dragon crash through a building in London and fly away and escape from said building? How did the Wizarding World hide that from Muggles? Given the regime, did they even bother? Because of things like this, and the Muggle death that were surely happening, is the British Prime Minister aware of the Wizarding World in order to protect his subjects? Is the Queen? So, was the Horcrux that Ron destroyed in Part 1, the one that taunted him with a making out Harry and Hermione, behaving similar to a Boggart? I know Ron’s Boggart in Azkaban was a spider, which makes sense for younger Ron., but he isn’t that same boy anymore. Can’t Boggarts change? So wouldn’t Boggart now be Hermione being in love with someone else, especially if that other person is Harry? That’s his biggest insecurity. Wouldn’t that also be his biggest fear too, because that also seems to be why he left Hermione and Harry during their Horcrux hunt, right? How did Sirius escape from Azkaban? Was it because of his Animagus? Do Dementors not sense animals like they do humans? They guard Azkaban, so is that how Sirius managed to escape? The concept of underage magic is so funny to me and also makes no sense. If there are so many people so prejudiced about magic, then are they restricting the next generation, especially if they grew up in the Wizarding World? It’s all very confusing and every time the phrase “underage magic” was uttered I let out a chuckle. Although, the actors did portray that ridiculous idea and the stakes of it very well. Also, LOL at how underage wizards aren’t just allowed to do magic outside of school, but also how there are some bars their not allowed in, like in Azkaban. Also, the way it took 6 films to see Dobby again. I wish we got to see him more. Is he used more in the books? What is Priori Incantatem? I am really confused about that and his parents coming back, and being aware (also LOL at the Muggle guy coming back too. Poor guy must have been so confused). How does Draco already know about the Weasleys in the first film? Was it because of hearing about his dad making fun of their poverty and allegiance to Muggles or did Draco and Ron grow up together, like in Wizard pre-school or something (is that a thing?), Because Draco made fun of Ron and his Weasley-ness during their first meeting in the movies, and Ron would also be the one to tell the other Harry and Hermione that Draco wasn’t “worth it,” like with Hermione when she has her wand to Draco’s throat in Azkaban right before she punches him and holds Harry back from tackling Draco when they get off the train in Phoenix. Is this why, because they are both kids who grew up as wizards, unlike Harry and Hermione who are both new to the Wizarding World, having grown up in the Muggle world? Who do the Snatchers work for, the Ministry or Voldemort? I mean, I guess by Hallows, they are the same thing. Was Harry only almost chosen for Slytherin because of all being one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes, because his parents were both Gryffindors and Harry seems like the ultimate Gryffindor to me? Is that what they are hinting at in Chamber when they say that the only reason Harry doesn’t get Slytherin is that he asked? If so, then did Sirius do the same thing during his Sorting ceremony, because he didn’t want to follow in his family’s Slytherin footsteps? What ever happened to Grimmauld Place after the finale? What happened to the Potters original home? Did it stay how it was, like a historical landmark (because it is)? Like Anne Frank’s house or something? Or did Harry buy it and rebuild it? Or did he ever visit it again, maybe with his kids? If not his original home, did he move into Sirius’ place Grimmauld Place? Or did Ginny inherit the Borrow? Or did Hermione and Ron? Or did another Weasley? Did Hermione, Harry and Ron ever go back to Hogwarts to complete their degrees or whatever? How did Luna get back to Hogwarts to reunite with Harry there after escaping from Malfoy Manor to Sheel Cottage? How the hell did Fleur and Bill meet? Was Fleur and Bill’s wedding Harry’s first wedding? Based on how Harry’s life at the Dursleys consisted of him being like “I’ll be in my bedroom, making no noise, and pretending I don’t exist (LOL relatable but in a not neglectful way. More in a self-induced way),” I’m guessing it was. How exactly does the whole “traveling between portraits” thing work? Like when Dumbledore tells that portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black to go to Grimmauld Place in Phoenix, how does he get there? Doesn’t it make more sense for Dementors to be called Death Eaters, with their whole “Dementor’s Kiss” soul-sucking business, and vice-versa, since the Death Eaters are truly demented human beings and don’t actually eat death? How did Bellatrix end up with a fake Gryffindor sword in her Gringotts vault? The only theory that I can think of is that Snape was ordered by Voldemort to steal it from Dumbledore, but Snape, being a triple agent, fashioned a fake one and Voldemort told Bellatrix to hide it with the Horcrux, which is extremely dumb if you I say so myself (why would he hide the thing that kills Horcruxes with a Horcrux?). Is this somewhat correct? If Harry found the Sword of Gryffindor after seeing the doe Patronus (which was sent by Snape as we find out in the final movie), does that mean that the real sword was sent by Snape, further proving this theory? Speaking of that scene, was the Horcrux choking Harry because it didn’t want it to get the sword because it could sense that it is the thing that would kill it? So does that mean, like wands, Horcruxes also have feelings, just dark ones given that they are a kind of Dark Art? How did Harry know he had to speak Parseltongue to the locket to destroy it? Was it because to enter the Chamber of Secrets, he had to speak Parseltongue, and since that’s where he destroyed the diary, which he mentioned in the scene that whatever was in Tom Riddle’s diary tried to kill him. Did he just assume because of all of that he needs to speak Parseltongue? He assumed right, but still, why couldn’t he just, open it, like he did with the fake locket? What if that was the real one? Also, If so, why was Harry, who is pretty resourceful and smart, dumb enough to leave it on while polar plunging for the thing that destroys it? To quote Ron: “are you mental?” Like I get he didn’t want to lose it or for it to fall in, but couldn’t he have just hidden it or something? How did Harry survive Avada Kedavra? His mom’s love protection? My friend told me that when Sirius says that the Longbottoms had a fate worse than death, it’s that they were tortured into insanity. Are they in a wizard mental hospital? Do they ever get visitors? Neville? Order members? If Parseltongue exists, are there other secret languages that involve talking to animals? Does Hagrid have one of them? Is that why he thinks dragons are “misunderstood creatures”? Is Lupin supposed to be poor because of his ostracized werewolf status, and his rough-and-tough robes? Was Aberforth in the Order? What was his and Albus’ relationship like? Based on what I know about Albus Dumbledore, he was probably a crappy brother to Aberforth. If Harry’s parents didn’t die, would he have had siblings? I’m guessing James was an only child because Harry would have surely gone with his Wizarding relatives or literally any relatives other then the Dursleys? What about his paternal and maternal grandparents? Literally, just why the Dursleys? Like what does that “the only family he has” excuse Dumbledore uses to justify this have to do with anything? And why did he always have to return to the Dursleys after school ended? Why couldn’t he just stay full-time with the Weasleys? Molly even said that he’s just as good as his son. Did any of the teachers get in trouble for voting their opinions against the Death Eaters when they took over Hogwarts? If any of them would, I’m guessing it is Hagrid because he is not the most socially intelligent, but very loyal to Harry and Dumbledore. McGonagall would also be a little sassy about it, but Snape knows he needs her, especially as a triple agent. We never actually saw a funeral, so what are the Wizarding traditions? They clearly have tombs, but do they have tombstones? What are the Wizarding holidays and Christmas traditions, honestly besides using magic for decorum, i still looks like Muggle Christmas to me. So, is the Resurrection Stone the new lost diadem after Harry drops it in the dark, smokey Forbidden Forest? I mean it’s tiny and black, it’s gonna be impossible to find in that gigantic forest. How did Ravenclaw’s diadem become lost? If the Gray Lady, her daughter, knows where it is, then she must have been the one to make it lost right? Did she hide it or steal it? Why would she ever tell Tom Riddle (also LOL at her calling Tom’s name stranger, honey it only gets stranger)? How does the Fat Lady go into a different portrait in Azkaban? Can portrait people die, otherwise why would the Fat Lady have any reason to be scared? Also, Sirius was a Gryffindor, wouldn’t he know what simply cutting the portrait (not the magic-proof wood door?) wouldn’t break down the magical portrait door? Why does Slughorn unironically wear a graduation cap? What exactly is in the Department of Mysteries? What is its job and its purpose besides being very ominous? To document prophecies? What is the purpose of that veil room? Are there any other rooms? Is its job simply to explore the Wizarding World’s greatest mysteries, like time, Muggle-borns, the power of love and Horcruxes? Do people actually work in it? Is it like the secret service or the CIA or FBI? If the Ministry is against the Order in the fifth film, then how does Arthur Weasley get in there, and why? Because he works for the Ministry? But he works with Muggle artifacts, not with prophecies? Why can Harry and Luna hear voices in the veil (Harry is always hearing voices. First with the Basilisk behind the wall in Chamber and then with the veil in Phoenix)? Since they can both see Thestrals and Sirius gets engulfed in it when he dies, are they hearing the dead? Isn’t also hypnotizing them in a way? Is the reason why for the same reason they can see Thestrals? Does the veil have something to do with death? Even though Hermione says it’s an empty archway, it clearly has some sort of elements within it. Sirius was already dead when he fell into it, but what happens when you are alive and you fall into it? If the power of love is a shield, like a Patronus, then can it shield anyone from Avada Kedavra? When Voldemort and Harry duel in the battle of Seven Potters, he isn’t using his twin core wand and against Harry, that’s why Harry could block his Killing Curse, how is he able to then? The power of love? Is the power of love the only thing that can shield you from the Killing Curse? Not a Patronus? If Amortentina is a love potion, can it also protect you from the Killing Curse? Wait, in Prince, when McGonagall and Harry talk in Dumbledore’s office, there’s a moving portrait of Dumbledore sleeping…because he’s dead? Aren’t all those other portraits of dead people too? I’m very confused. Also, did that portrait exist before he died or just after he died? Who paints them? How are those moving portraits, especially of the headmasters created? So, can Harry and Snape still technically talk to him? So, when Harry watches Snape walk around the headmaster’s office on the Marauder’s Map in Part 1, is that what Snape is doing, talking to Dumbledore’s portrait? Does that iteration of Dumbledore know about their plan? Is that why Snape had the Sword of Gryffindor and gave it to Harry? Did Snape get a headmaster portrait? If Harry cleared his name (which he clearly did as he named his son after him) then he should have had a portrait made too. Also, since living people can also have portraits not just dead people, as Lockhart had one of himself painting himself, then when you die, is it a way to pass on but still have a connection, unlike a ghost who obviously can’t pass on? So, did Harry get portraits of Sirius, Lupin, Lily and James too? What is in those jars at Grimmauld Place? Dead house elves? That’s horrible. What is the life expectancy of a house elf anyway, if they are meant to serve a master all their lives? Can they mate? How, what if each family only has one elf? Did the Weasleys know James and Lily? Were they friends? Mrs. Weasley does say to Sirius “he’s not James” through the expandable ears. Does that mean that Ron and Harry would have grown up together regardless? When did the Dursleys find out he can’t use magic outside of school? How does the Gemino spell actually work? It sounds like thins only multiply if you touch them, but eventually, they stopped touching everything and it kept duplicating. Also, does it duplicate it’s value too because then why wouldn’t all those rich families duplicate everything they own then? Also, it seems deadly, as the trio is almost suffocated by the duplicating spell. Almost drowned in it. But since this is Bellatrix’s vault, that doesn’t surprise me at all. When did she put that spell on her vault? Before or after she suspected the trio broke into it? How does Lupin know the spell to stop the Whomping Willow? Also, the spell he uses is Immobulus, which is the same spell Hermione uses on the Cornish Pixies in the previous movie, so why doesn’t she think of that? Both were high-stakes situations. While it was a fun, and cinematic sequence (far more fun then the dragged-out tasks in Goblet), it just didn’t seem necessary. Also, the spell seemingly lasts long enough for Snape to follow Lupin (How? I get he is suspicious of him, as he told Dumbledore in that Great Hall scene, but why did he decide to follow Lupin right at that moment?) and for all of them, including Snape, later to leave the Whomping Willow hole, so how long does the Immobulus spell last? So, Voldemort brought all the goblins to Malfoy Manor after the Gringotts escaped and after he massacred them all, but Bellatrix wasn’t there? So, when did she find you? Did she ever? Or was it really Voldemort’s vault under Bellatrix’s name? After this, did Voldemort go to check on all his Horcruxes? The cave for the locket? The diary at Malfoys? Is that why he took the goblin there? Wherever Dumbledore found the ring? Obviously, Nagini is fine. Is that why he heads to Hogwarts at the same time as Harry, to check on the diadem? or kill Harry before he gets the chance since the Gringott’s break-in is where he figures out that Harry knows his Horcrux secret? I’m also so confused by the fact that the Dursleys, who hate Harry, are trying desperately to prevent him from going to Hogwarts. If they hate him so much, wouldn’t they rather someone take him off their hands? I get that they don’t want him trained in magic, but isn’t that a worthy sacrifice to make in order to get him off their hands, in their eyes? Is that random, stormy, remote shack the Dursleys go to in the first film in an attempt to hide from the owls the same place they go to hide from the Death Eaters in Hallows? Since Hagrid was once expelled from Hogwarts, is that why he does magic with a pink umbrella in Stone and Part 1, not a wand? Is his wand hidden inside and can only be used sparingly because we almost never see him doing magic, because he never got his magical degree from Hogwarts, right? But since Hagrid never graduated from Hogwarts, how is he allowed to teach in Azkaban? I mean his name is cleared, but he still never finished, but then again neither did the trio, but that was a special circumstance. What year was Hagrid expelled? Does that have an effect on it? Because the trio dropped out between their sixth and seventh years, and Tom Riddle and Hagrid seemed to be around that age too. Are Tom Riddle and Hagrid the same age then? Why is the fact that they went to school together, and seemed friendly, never brought up again? How does the Leaky Cauldron work exactly? Can Muggles walk in? Do they ever walk in accidentally? It seems like a purgatory of sorts to the wider Wizarding World, especially to Diagon Alley, the major shopping area. It is also a hotel, pub and middle ground of sorts. Right? How does the burning work in regard to Quirrell, because when Quirrell touches Harry he’s fine, but when Harry touches him, he burns? Is that why Quirrell doesn’t shake his hand at the Leaky Cauldron? Because Harry instigated it? How does the Diagon Alley entrance from the Leaky Cauldron actually work? Does Diagon Alley just dead end at that brick wall? When the Death Eaters broke through it in Prince, did it just stay that way? When Harry tells Cedric about the dragons, he says Fleur and Krum know, but he knows Maxine knows because she was there with him, so that is safe to assume, but how does he know Krum knows? What’s the point of the brick wall anyway, besides a grand entrance, if only wizards and Muggle parents to wizards-in-training go there? Also, are Muggle parents able to do a currency exchange at Gringotts to pay for their children’s school supplies? Is that why Hermione’s parents go with her to Diagon Alley in Chamber? That, and also her being 12-years-old? Does anyone ever clean Gringotts, because there are cobwebs everywhere, especially on the chandeliers? What does goblin-made actually mean? What do goblins make? I am very confused. Why do certain creatures seem to have certain jobs? Was the Ollivanders set refurbished into Flourish and Blotts for the following film, because the stairs look to be in the exact same spot and everything looks the exact same except instead of wands in the next movie there are books? If Ollivanders has existed since 382 B.C, the Wizarding World was very advanced back then? Also, does that mean Ollivanders is one of the oldest wizarding families? If wizards need wands then how do wizards find out they are wizards at a young age and go to Hogwarts, or do they only find out if they are in a wizarding family or get there Hogwarts letter? After all, Harry removed the glass at the zoo and blew up Aunt Marge without his wand, so it seems that wandless magic is possible, just isn’t preferable. Or is because Harry is young and a wizard-in-training and it’s impulsive and strongly emotional magic, as in the Prince’s Tale, young Snape wandlessly flies a leave over to Lily, and before that Lily wandlessly makes a flower bloom, clearly coming from a strong emotion of happiness and camaraderie. Why do they still not speak Voldemort’s name in Stone? Isn’t he long gone? If phoenixes are technically immortal due to how they die and are reborn on an endless circle, is the fact that both Voldemort and Harry have a phoenix feather in their wand meant to symbolize that, since their whole rivalry is about life and death? Did Snape know about the Deathly Hallows? Did he know Dumbledore had the Elder Wand, that his wand was the Elder Wand? Why couldn’t Tonks use her powers of metamorphosis to turn into Harry for the Seven Potters battle? How is she a Metamorphmagus, like is it an inheritable thing? How does Snape feel about his status as a half-blood? Resentful because he did at one point voluntarily join the Death Eaters? Indifferent? Did the locket Horcrux affect Umbridge or because she was already so sadistic it had no effect? Why were all those girls screaming in the Great Hall in Part 2? Why do only women seem to have their heads hurt by Voldemort’s magical voice amplifying (except Molly Weasley and the Death Eaters, I guess)? So, when Hagrid picks Harry up and they go to Diagon Alley, do they eat dinner and sleep at the Leaky Cauldron and leave for Hogwarts the next day? It wasn’t that explicitly clear. Is there a way for wizards to enter Platform Nine and Three quarters without going through the barrier? Like to go to it directly through the Wizarding World? Like with the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley? So, how did Hagrid go back to Dumbledore and Hogwarts to hide the Sorcerer’s Stone after dropping off Harry at King’s Cross? Did he Apparate, or his he took big to do that? Why don’t the Hogwarts students hug Hermione and Ron too and welcome them back to Hogwarts in Part 2, only Harry? I get that Harry is the Chosen One, but don’t they also miss their friends Ron and Hermione too? It’s just weird to me. How can the Basilisk go between the walls of a centuries-old castle? It’s a big snake, after all. Also, literally how did Ginny write that on the wall? It’s so high up? Like did she have a ladder? How did no one see her if she did? Or because Voldemort possessed her, did she fly because he can fly through that black smoke thing? Also, when that first message “the Chamber of Secrets has been open, enemies of the heir beware” happens, where does everyone come from? The Great Hall for dinner? What happens after the Battle of Hogwarts to Greyback? Death? Azkaban? Is there a death penalty in the Wizarding World for people, not just creatures? How do Dementors affect werewolves, in and out of werewolf form? Did Harry help destigmatized lycanthropy after the Battle of Hogwarts in Lupin’s memory? He meant a lot to Harry, I doubt that he just moved on, especially because Lupin, in a way, parallels pioneers and trailblazers like Rosa Parks who stood up against the stigma put on them and helped their race gain acceptance and kindness, something impactful and textbook-worthy. Lupin deserves a legacy like that, and so does his kid. Why is Luna barefoot in the forest with the Thestrals? I get she’s ~loony~ and people steal her shoes, but at least wear socks, girl, aren’t your feet cold? Did Harry take over for Oliver Wood as Quidditch captain? How much older is Wood? Are he and Percy in the same year? Do the Dursleys not know Mrs. Figg knows about Harry and his magical abilities, because the way Vernon waves to her, it seems like it? If Harry was expelled in Phoenix, what would have happened to his wand? Would he have to use a magical umbrella-like Hagrid? When did Tonks get to the Battle of Hogwarts? She just randomly showed up. How the hell did Percy get there and why was he standing with the Ravenclaws when everyone stood in front of Harry to protect him from Pansy? Did Robert Pattinson have to come back for those dream shots and that smiling photo of him in the DA room or were those residual from the Goblet film (because those Harry shots are straight from Goblet, but those Cedric shots are from a different angle)?Why don’t they use the Time-Turner to save Harry’s parents or Sirius or Snape? Are their rules with the Time Turner and that’s why they don’t? We see the Time Turner go backward in time, but can it also go forward into the future? If the Time Turner works by wearing it like a necklace, how many people can that necklace if around comfortably? The Time Turner is only just that, a Time Turner, not a teleporter as well right? Why does Hermione constantly have the Time Turner around her neck in Azkaban, even when she’s not in classes? Like why did she wear it when she went down to visit Hagrid upon Buckbeak’s execution? How long of a distance can you Apparate? Like from continent to continent? How does the Order know about prophecy anyway? How does Dumbledore? Snape? Did he hear Voldemort talk about it and that’s when he switched sides and agreed to be Dumbledore’s slave? How did Voldemort find it out? He only knew part of it right? isn’t that what they kept hinting at? How didn’t know the full thing, only Dumbledore did. Because of Dumbledore publicly announcing Snape’s status as a spy in Goblet, did the Order know he was a triple agent and then thought that he decided to betray that by killing Dumbledore? So, if the prophecy is the weapon Voldemort didn’t have the last time and the Order knew that, which is why I assume Mr. Weasley was there, then why didn’t they simply tell Harry that instead of letting him worry about some ambiguous weapon all year? That could have saved Arthur and Sirius! It also would have saved Harry so much rage and anguish and pain because of the Occlumency and the nightmares. If Harry was given all the facts, he wouldn’t have fallen for the fake Sirius vision. I don’t think it was Sirius or the order who wanted to keep Harry in the dark, it was definitely Dumbledore. It’s obvious. It also led to the destruction of thousands of other prophecies, putting students in danger, and while Voldemort revealing himself was a plus, it was definitely not worth Sirius, Harry’s only family left, dying. Also, why did Harry just rush to the Ministry and not check Grimmauld Place, where Sirius is clearly hiding out, beforehand? Aren’t they both in London anyway? Also, if the Department of Mysteries and the Hall of Prophecies is so classified, then where is the security? Why is it that Order members, Hogwarts students and Lucius Malfoy can simply walk through there? Why is there not a guard at its door or something? How do the Death Eaters and Snape do the black smokey flying thing in Phoenix, Prince and Hallows? Why can the Order do the white smokey flying in Phoenix and not in any of the other moving (I do love the symbolism of how the black smoke is for the villainous and evil and the white smoke is for the good and pure)? What is this smokey flying technique? How does the floor powder channel at the Ministry work because the trio uses them in Part 1 and Bellatrix uses them in Phoenix but none of them give a location like the Weasleys and Harry do in Chamber? Hermione and Harry talk about how Umbridge is watching all the fireplaces in the castle for Floo Powder transportation except hers, does that mean students can use the Floo Network at school to go home if they need to? How do you attach a fireplace to the Floo Network? Where do you buy Floo Powder? Is Floo Powder how Hermione gets to the Weasleys in Goblet because she hates flying and hasn’t used a Portkey before as she freaks out when they say to let go mid-use? Did Harry feel left out because everyone was getting letters from their families and the Dursleys unsurprisingly never sent him one (and I am guessing they never really helped him make friends either, right? Really what did Harry’s Muggle life look, like ins school and socially, before he got his Hogwarts letter?) and Ron felt bad, so he asked his mom to send him a Christmas present? Is it just me, or were the Twins in that Eygptian trip photograph in the newspaper appropriating Eygptian culture? I get that it was the 2000s and they were jokesters, but still. Also, what prize did they win in order to go to Eygpt and get into the Daily Prophet (that moving photograph of them is so cute though)? Also, is it just me, or did you notice how all Slytherin men at Hogwarts usually go by their last names, and some even call others by their last names? Draco goes by Malfoy. Snape. Slughorn. Crabbe. Goyle. Blaise and Pansy (except for McGonagall calling her “Ms. Parkinson”) are the only ones to go by their first names. Lucius, Draco and Snape also call Harry “Potter” (Snape does this no doubt because he is determined to see James Potter the most in Harry as self-sabotage and self-punishment, he sees Lily Evans in him the least, only in moments of vulnerability), Ron “Weasley,” Hermione “Granger” and Neville “Longbottom.” Must be the whole family legacy thing that’s so important to Slytherins. Why is there a ghost student taking a test when the trio runs in to see McGonagall in the first film? That was so distracting and confusing in such a hectic scene. So, if Arthur Weasley works in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts department and he’s a hobby of magically enhancing Muggle artifacts, isn’t he participating in the same crime his job attempts to prohibit? Obviously, it’s in a less effed way the Lucius, who pretends to be a stand-up Ministry official when he is actually a Death Eater, but it’s still lying. Are the Weasleys kids just good liars because most young kids have no filter? Also, if they are already poor, why would Mr. Weasley risk it? Even if it’s a smaller crime in the big scheme of things, could it get him sent to Azkaban if he is caught? And how is Molly Weasley okay with this? She seems to be a rule stickler, which is probably where Percy gets it from and why she treats Hermione like a daughter. Sirius claimed to resent his family’s deranged superiority complex, and get he acts that way towards Kreacher, who, granted, is just as nasty as the Black family, but is also an enslaved house elf, similar to a prisoner which Sirius of all people should have empathy for. It does seem a little hypocritical though, right? I know animals don’t talk in this magical universe, unlike Narnia, but do animals in the magical world sense each other and others? Like Crookshanks hated Scabbers, which is just the way the animal kingdom works, but is there a chance that Crookshanks could sense that Scabbers was actually the anigmias form of a human, and that’s why Crookshanks didn’t like him? Why does Bellatrix have a curved wand? For such an impulsive witch, doesn’t the curved wand even more dangerous for as it affects her aim even more? She’s so wild and remorseless, I doubt she even cares about proper aim. Also, is it just me, or does she have romantic feelings for Voldemort, like in the same way as women who love serial killers? When Snape says “I may vomit” when he sees Sirius hug Harry in the Occlumency flashback, wasn’t he there? wasn’t he at the Order meeting? Or did he leave immediately after? Why would Dumbledore choose the Black family home for the headquarters to the Order when three of Voldemort’s most prominent Death Eaters are in the Black family? Why is it so common that so many families always get the same Hogwarts House? Of course, there are exceptions, what with Sirius’ family being a bunch of Slytherins and him being a Gryffindor, but still. I get that values often have similar values and therefore they feed into the values of each House, like the Weasleys value generosity and bravery, like Gryffindor, and the Malfoys value ambition and determination, like Slytherin, but there has to be more to that because the Weasley family members have such different personalities. I mean, the Twins and Percy are polar opposites, but they are both brave and ambitious in different ways (ironically making them both work for both Gryffindor and Slytherin. So, it is more about values then priorities and motivations, and that’s how so many personalities get the same House and how families become loyal to one House? Was Harry how she found out Lily was dead? What if Snape told Petunia about Lily’s death, since besides James, Snape is oddly the only other wizard she has a connection to, and James is so dead, so…? What was Harry’s reaction to literally seeing himself and Hermione makeout right in front of him? Wouldn’t it be weird to watch yourself makeout with someone who is like your sister, especially when you in love with someone else? Even if it’s not real and meant to manipulate you, why was Harry not making a disgusted, sarcastic comment or something about how effed up that was? Is the Resurrection Stone supposed to be the antithesis of the Sorcerer’s Stone? Instead of a stone that can make yourself immortal, a stone that can reverse death if a loved one so seeks it? Are there other Invisibility Cloaks besides the one Harry has, which is a Hallow (as says Fandom Wiki)? We never see another one in any of the films? Are they in the books? How did things like Salem and European witchhunts influence the Wizarding World? Is that why they have to live in secret? How did they avoid the more recent prosecution? Honestly, shouldn’t this persecution show pure-blood maniacs that all wizards should be treated equally, or is this past persecution of their kind their reasoning for hating Muggle-borns, like some sort of revenge? Does anyone ever get motion sick from the traveling methods wizards use like flying, Floo Powder, Portkey and Apparition, because I definitely would? Dumbledore seemed to hint at it when he appeared with harry for the first time in Prince? Apparition seems to basically be squeezing with the will to travel to another location, so do people ever break bones? How do Harry’s glasses not break then? In that case, is Apparition actually healthy? Why are there so many dangerous modes of travel in the Wizarding World? That’s doesn’t necessarily make it easier, now does it? What exactly were the portraits doing in the Battle of Hogwarts? What could they do but watch like they are rowdy spectators at a wrestling match? You can see in many shots the people in the portraits running around as chaotically as the Hogwarts students. I get that they could yell out suggestions and tips, but wouldn’t that be more distracting? If phoenix tears can heal people, why don’t other wizards bring their pet phoenixes to the Battle of Hogwarts to heal people? What if a phoenix doesn’t want to save someone with its tears? Is it like house elves, if their master says to save someone, they must? Also, how does a phoenix cry on cue? Are they empaths (like for real, not the toxic, red flag kind, like Dumbledore is) and do injuries and close-to-death circumstances immediately make them cry? How did Crouch Jr. escape Azkaban? What is up with his weird tongue thing? Is it a Wizarding World condition that’s stigmatized just like being a werewolf? With Trelawney giving the “neither can live while other survives” prophecy, was that in actuality for convenience’s sake? Also, why is the Azkaban prophecy she gives in the Prince’s Tale when that wasn’t the important one that killed Lily? Also, is it just me or is the order and placement of the house table really inconsistent? Like I feel like while Gryffindor is always in the middle, it changes which middle at some points. The only one that seems to change the least is Slytherin, which seems to be the wall except in, I believe, Azkaban? I am guessing this is because of the inconsistency in the directors because I believe Columbus and Yates had the same House table placements in both of their respective films, Stone and Chamber & Phoenix and Prince. Did George name his future son after Fred? Did he hate a son? No doubt he named that son after Fred. Narcissa Malfoy seems very smart, so did Narcissa figure out that Voldemort was certain Horcruxes? She’s from a Dark wizard family, so she’d be educated on that sort of thing and her husband and sister both had ones in their possession, and since Bellatrix is Sirius’ cousin and Narcissa is Bellatrix’s sister and Regulus is Sirius’ brother that means Regulus and her were cousins, and a locket Horcrux was with him as he stole it. We also didn’t see her check for Harry’s pulse, just whisper to him, so how else would she know or suspect that he’s still alive? If she did figure it out, she clearly kept it a secret, but when did she figure it out? Between wars? Before or after her sister was in Azkaban? Did seeing what happened to Regulus inspire Narcissa to save Harry in order to protect Draco? Because Regulus died trying to do the right thing and she knows Harry is trying to do that too. Did Hermione know about the Yule Ball before it was introduced, because she seemed to in that Ron’s dress robes delivery scene (also that scene and the trio’s teasing at Ron was such a great moment where they are just kids being kids. But also LOL at Harry searching and finding the bonnet), but how? Why does Harry ask out a random Muggle girl in Prince if he’s already supposed to be crushing on Ginny, as he is clearly awkwardly smitten when he first gets to the Burrow? Is it just me or do the Hogwarts grounds and Hogwarts castle change with almost every director and in almost every movie? This makes sense with the inconsistency of directors, but still. Where did that stationary grand staircase come from in Part 2? It doesn’t seem like the moving staircases just magically paused, they seem permanently still. Also, the courtyard and number of them seem different from movie to movie as well as the bridges and the number of them from movie to movie. Also, the Whomping Willow is by the castle in Chamber but far away from the castle in Azkaban. How did Harry’s glasses not break since Chamber? Not while fighting the dragon, dueling Voldemort or falling into the courtyard with him in the finale. How? Why don’t wizards use the Accio spell for everything? That’s like the ultimate laziness charm. Especially Ron, that seems like it would be his favorite charm. Do non-Death Eaters like the trio know Nagini’s name, because when the trio is after the snake in Part 2, the final Horcrux, they just keep calling her “the snake,” not her name? What happened to the Malfoys after the Battle of Hogwarts? Did Narcissa’s betrayal of Voldemort grant them leniency, or just her and Draco? Were they punished? Did Harry ever get other birthday presents from his friends and found family in the Wizarding World? I know Hagrid gave him a cake when they first met and Ron and the Weasleys saved him from the Dursleys for his birthday, but what about his other best friend Hermione? What about Lupin, and Sirius, and Neville and Luna? What about during his later years at Hogwarts? Did he ever celebrate or get birthday gifts? This seems important, especially because of how the Durselys neglected him. I think it would have been really cool to show how gets more and more gifts as the movies progress showing how he is finding his family and his support system within the Wizarding World. Lupin and Tonks had a son, right? What happened to him? I think I read on Fandom Wiki that Harry took him in because he became his godfather (watch him try to be the cool, reckless godfather Sirius was to him with miserable failure because, unlike Sirius, the trouble finds Harry, Harry doesn’t find the trouble). Is that true? Because it is, it would be so full circle as his father was a Marauder and was the godson of another Marauder, and Harry later took in another son of another Marauder. Was he going to give Lupin’s son the adopted life he was deprived of with the Dursleys? What a tragic but also slightly heartwarming full-circle moment! James and Lily died for a greater cause just like Tonks and Lupin, and both couples orphaned their son as a result. At least, hopefully, Teddy had a happier childhood than Harry, full of love and joy. What is the significance of some metal object being “goblin-made”? Does homeschooling exist in the Wizarding World? Then why don’t the kids just do during the so-called Second Wizarding War? I understand being sstrong and holding your ground, and that it’s also much more interesting with the kids still going to school with Hogwarts being the most important location in these films, but doesn’t the safety of these kids matter most? Why isn’t that even a conversation? I mean, in Phoenix and Prince, Ron, Ginny and Seamus say that their families thought about not sending them back to Hogwarts due to the state of things, but then what’s the alternative? Just dropping out? In that regard, can students be held back a year? is that why it’s by year and not by grade? What if their is late bloomer or something? That would make the most sense, right? So, we see Hermione’s bedroom right before she obliviates her parents’ memories of her (which is a great bedroom for her. Organized. Clean. Nostalgic. Bookish. Cozy. Feminine.), but then how does that explain how her parents have a perfectly furnished feminine bedroom? Is it just oblivious to them? Is it magically sealed until she puts the memories back? Is that even possible? And what about her Muggle neighbors and friends? She only took her parents’ memories away, not everyone they have ever met. Also, just because they don’t remember Hermione doesn’t mean the Death Eaters can’t still track them down, right? Did Hermione alter her parents’ memories as well as convince them to move away or go into hiding, just obliviating them as an extra precaution, otherwise, just based on what happened with Neville’s parents, who were purebloods, the Death Eaters could still torture Hermione’s parents if she just left them there without the knowledge of their daughter, basically giving her parents as a death sentence, which I don’t think Hermione is dumb enough to do. So, there must be more to it than that. Is it explained in the books? I know we kind of hear about the Carrows’ wicked ways, but seriously, who was crueler to the students than Umbridge? The Carrows just seem to teach the kids Dark Arts rather the DADA and have them duel each other with little experience or remorse, which is horrible, but it doesn’t seem to have long-lasting scars the way Umbridge gave all these kids. Mental scars, sure, but still. Obviously, Death Eaters are incredibly sadistic and cruel, so I can only imagine what the Carrows did, but I wish we actually saw some of it, as we did with Umbridge, so we can understand the extent of it more. Also, is it just me or are most Death Eaters cowards? Lucius? Pettigrew? The Carrows actually seem cowardly. Draco behaved cowardly, although he had more subtle moments of bravery like not revealing Harry’s identity. Bellatrix seems ballsy, but not necessarily brave. Narcissa seems like the only brave one TBH. What does Apparition actually feel like? How is described in the books? It seems like the weirdest sensation. Actually, all the magical forms of travel seem like such odd sensations. How the hell did Draco know that serpent-shooting-out-of-wand spell? That seems really dangerous and he’s like 12 at the time. How exactly do you make an Unbreakable Vow? How does it work? Is having a third-party witness like Bellatrix absolutely necessary? Also, is an Unbreakable Vow only one-sided like it is for Narcissa and Snape or can it be two-sided too? Like a pact? If it is two-sided, both would die instantly, right? Also, are you immortal until the vow is completed or failed, so can you die earlier? Also, in terms of Narcissa and Snape’s vow was it only if Draco failed or only if he died trying? I mean, either way, Snape completed it and survived it, but is it specified in the books? How exactly do Horcruxes work? I know they split up your soul through death, but how exactly? Because Voldemort kills so many people, but not every person he kills causes him to create a Horcrux. Are their any lasting effects or residual effects of being stunned, because it seems like the good guys use it way more than the Death Eaters? If it doesn’t cause much lasting harm, then no wonder it’s one of the good side’s most used spells in combat, rather than the bad side’s, who genuinely hope to harm and torture. Hermione petrifies Neville, Neville petrified a Death Eater and Draco Petrifies Harry but Luna gets him out of it awfully quickly, so how long does a spell-induced petrifying last compared to a Basilisk stare? Also, can Mandrakes also help with getting someone out of the Petrificus Totalus spell? Was the fire Dumbledore conjured in Prince different from the fire Goyle conjures in Hallows or because of Dumbledore’s experience, he was just better at controlling the magical fire then a teenager like Goyle? How do Time Turners actually work? With the Legilimens spell Snape uses to teach Harry Occlumency, does it have to be so violent or can he dot it automatically, because if so, that would make him an even better spy for Dumbledore as he could get inside Voldemort’s mind? Is it just me, or is the Imperius Curse the least dangerous of the Unforgivable Curses? I mean, it’s violating, but clearly it’s not as deadly or physically harmful? How well known if Sectumsempra if Snape invented it and seemingly only kept it in his old potions book? When Bellatrix tortured Hermione, she’s crazy and clearly isn’t afraid to use the Cruicatus Curse to get answers, as she did that with the Longbottoms, so why did she decide to scar Hermione instead of crucio-ing her? Are the effects to the Cruciatus Curse log-lasting because when it happens to Harry by Voldemort in the graveyard in Goblet, he seems to heel instantly, only stressed due to the situation, not really in actual physical pain? Can Aurors use the Unforgivable Curses in high staked situation, but because they are the good guys, they prefer not too? What was the Ministry like when it was such Pius Thicknesse AKA Death Eater control? We only saw it’s propaganda and procedures, but not it effected employees, especially blood traitors like the Weasleys. Would Harry be a powerful wizard if he wasn’t forced to be due to Voldemort making him the Chosen One, basically forcing him to have expertise in DADA? I think so, especially because of his bravery, boldness and flying skills. I don’t think age defines power, I think virtues, what you strive for and your goals and motivations are what define your power. Does the obliviate spell work differently for wizards versus Muggles, because Hermione took away a specific memory of her parents and the Ministry took Aunt Marge’s memory of the blow-up incident, but Lockhart basically gave himself anemsia? Or wait, was that because of Ron’s broken wand? Also, is it just me, or does modifying someone’s memory seem far too easy? Like how a single spell manage to alter someone’s complex mind any way you want? How exactly does Hogwarts enrollment work? Can kids drop out and be fine, or they must graduate in order to be sufficient in the Wizarding World? It seems like it since the trio basically drops out in Hallows and the Twins fly away in Phoenix. Or are their late bloomers in terms of magic, so are their being ‘held back a year’ or not always in the same year as their age group? How are students found or recruited, specifically Muggle-borns? Is it the Trace? I still am confused about what that is exactly and how it works. Does it matter if Wizarding World adults die, then are Muggle-borns ‘chosen’ to have powers to keep attendance up? How does all that work? I am so confused. Also, some students have British accents while others have Irish accents, is their a certain quota for Irish versus British students that attend Hogwarts? What is Hermione’s favorite subject? I’m betting it’s Magical History since she’s always talking about it or Charms since as Ron says, she’s the best at spells out of the trio. Or Defense Against the Dark Arts, since, while she isn’t as good as Harry, she is very skilled in it and very passionate about it as the DA was her idea. What is Hermione’s GPA? I bet she was Valedictorian. Does Hogwarts even have GPA and Valedictorians? After all that hype, what did the trio get on their O.W.L.s? The Weasleys are the most prominent “blood traitor” family in the series, and palso probably the biggest due to their abundance of children, but are their any others, besides the Lovegoods and Neville and his grandmother, of course? Did Hermione ever write to Krum? Is the old magic that is talked about in the graveyard scene in Goblet of Fire the love protection from Harry’s mom, that Voldemort breaks by using Harry’s blood to bring him back? Did James really leave Dumbledore the Invisibility Cloak or did Dumbledore insist he hands it to him because of James’ rebellious streak? Is this even discussed in the films that it was Dumbledore who gave it to him (I googled it)? How does Dumbledore find out about Harry having the Invisibility Cloak if it’s not? I mean, Hagrid only knew because 75% of the time, they were using it to sneak over to his hut. Speaking of Hagrid, when did Hagrid tell Harry that he always wanted a dragon during their first meeting in the first movie? Harry has a line later on that says that, but we never saw it. Was it a deleted scene? All we see are the people helping Harry who are against Voldemort, but I am sure, like in real life, there were people who were against Voldemort, but still skeptical of Harry for the fact that he is a kid or the fact that he is on the run and not on the front lines? Why don’t we get to see this grayness on the good side, only the grayness on the bad side (through Draco, Narcissa and Snape)? Of course, it’s not as interesting, but its still complex just in a different way, and is a realistic part of rebellion, power and oppression. If Harry is “Undesirable No. 1”? then who are the other Undesirables? Muggle-borns like Hermione? Blood traitors like the Weasleys (if that is the case then why can Ginny go back to school?)? Why did they mention that werewolves live in the Forbidden Forest in the first film, when we learn 2 films later that they are actually normal wizards, just with a strange mutation-like disease? Knowing how far ahead JKR planned in regard to the plot and mythology of the series (as I have heard from my friends) I find this small flaw a bit odd. Wait, Greyback and the Death Eaters pick up Ollivander before they destroy the bridge, so was Ollivander there as they’d destroyed it? Can Muggles see the dark Mark, because that office building full of Muggles in Prince seemed to? How does Polyjuice work in regard to clothing and hair? Because when Hermione and Fleur Polyjuice into Harry, when they come out of it their hair is still in the ponytails they had earlier? What about when Lupin transforms into a werewolf, what happens to his clothes? And Draco still had his clothes when he got out of ferret form in Goblet. I get that this is a kids/YA series so having them fall out of their clothes and be naked like in The Vampire Diaries or True Blood is very weird, but how are they able to keep their clothes on and hairstyles? How did Ron, Hermione and Harry eat and shower when they were on the run in Part 1? I don’t think it’s as easy as “magic”? And after Harry fought against his feelings of isolation in Azkaban, Phoenix and Prince, Ron, Hermione and Harry, all together (not just Harry like in all those films, although Harry’s poor leadership in Deathly Hallows due to Dumbledore not telling him anything about hunting Horcruxes probably still made him feel isolated in some way), were truly isolated from the rest of the world, and not just the Wizard World, all of the world. They may be best friends, but that has got to effect people. We saw how that affected Ron, he couldn’t handle it well and in a heat of frustration, he left, but what about Harry and Hermione? It surely effected them too. What does Voldemort mean when he says that he can “bring Harry’s parents back” in Sorcerer’s Stone? Was he serious, or just manipulating him? Was it because of the Resurrection Stone? Does he actually want to work with Harry? How did Harry’s parents have so much money to leave him? What job did James and Lily have besides being Order members? Were James’ parents rich, because if Petunia had that kind of money, being Lily’s sister, then the Dursleys surely would have lived in a manison, right? How exactly do house elves work? What happens after they are free? How are they able to Apparate when other wizards can’t? Did the Malfoys and Voldemort manipulate Dobby into helping them and that’s why he is at Malfoy Manor? What about Kreacher? Doesn’t he belong to Bellatrix since she was Sirius’ cousin? Why is Harry trusting him, especially because Sirius never liked Kreacher? As much as I appreciate how devastating and beautifully well-done Snape’s death scene is, we have seen just how much Harry hates Snape for killing Dumbledore on numerous occasions, so why would he care about Voldemort killing him? I understand that he is a kind, good-hearted, noble person, but I feel like it still needs more explanation, right? How old is McGonagall if she sorted Lily, James, Sirius and Snape into their Houses? How long has she been a teacher at Hogwarts? Did she have a kid with an M name because, in the first film, it said on James’ Quidditch trophy that one of his teammates was an M. McGonagall? Is it possible for Hogwarts professors to have children because none of them seem to? Literally, what did Lily ever see in James if he bullied her childhood friend? She is so smart and kind, and he sees kine a quintessential jerk athlete. Is this explained more in the books? Like did Snape, because of his Dark Arts fascination, have a falling out with Lily and James swooped in, pissing Snape off even more? If the supposed rumored Harry Potter TV series does get made, it better focus on the Marauders, Lily and Snape because this all needs to be explained. I am so intrigued! So, Dumbledore says that Snape, like Lily and James, put their faith in the wrong person. I know for the Potters that is in reference to Pettigrew, but for Snape, is that in reference to Voldemort? Snape isn’t naive enough to think that Voldemort would show mercy to anyone. Snape is a half-blood, hence the nickname Half-Blood Prince, so he wouldn’t have followed Voldemort because of his pureblood mania, but because of his fascination with the Dark Arts, right? So is Dumbledore actually talking about himself, in one small moment of accountability (that never actually amounts to anything in typical Dumbledore fashion)? Is this explained more in the books? How did Snape see Lily’s last conversation with Harry if he showed up after she died? Why is that shown in the Prince’s Tale if it’s all supposed to be from Snape’s memory? How did Griphook get captured by the Death Eaters and brought to Malfoy Manor? What did he do? Do the citizens of the Wizarding World know who Voldemort’s inner circle Death Eaters are, either by the Daily Prophet or having gone to school with them? Since Hagrid and Tom Riddle went to Hogwarts together, were they in the same year? And if Hagrid was friends with a young Voldemort, then how did he not notice it was him selling him a dragon egg and asking him about Fluffy? I assume the Dursleys starved Harry a lot, and I assume that when Hermione, Ron and Harry were on the run in Part 1, they had some days without food, as I can imagine that they couldn’t exactly go to the grocery store or cook a lot, so was Harry, like, used to starving because of the Dursley’s inhumane cruelty? I wonder how Ron was with that starvation, what with his well-documented appetite throughout the series and the fact that, while very poor, his mom always had food available for everyone so it seems? Could Dudley not see that Dementor in Phoenix, only feel it? Who is that guy at the beginning of Goblet of Fire? What is his significance? None? It seems like it. I am guessing that Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs are the Marauders, as the map was literally called “The Marauder’s Map,” Wormtail is what they call Pettigrew many times, even Snape calls him that before he slams the door in the high face in Prince (which I bet after his friends bullied him in high school was extremely satisfying in the same way that success is the revenge), we hear Lupin be called Moony when Harry goes inside Snape’s mind in Phoenix, and Moody (which shame on JKR for not finding him a better name after establishing the nickname of Moony in the film right before Mad-Eye’s introduction) calls Sirius Padfoot when he is in his dog form at the train station before saying goodbye to Harry and Harry uses Sirius’ Padfoot nickname to give Snape a coded message in front of Umbridge, both in Phoenix. I’m guessing Moony is Lupin based on how werewolves turn on the full moon and how his Boggart was a full moon although when he does his Patronus on the train it doesn’t take the form of an animal) and that James was Prongs passed on how his Patronus was seemingly a stag based on how Harry was certain he was the one to drive the Dementors away in Azkaban (also, how does Harry find out his dad’s Patronus is a stag?). Fandom Wiki confirmed this, but if my Hermione-ness didn’t feel the need to google so much, I would have been so confused. I hope this is all better explained in the books. Is the whole point of the Deathly Hallows that they are the only thing that could be a match to Voldemort’s Horcruxes? So, if Dumbledore never gave Harry that mission or told him about the Horcruxes in Prince, at the very last second as he knew he was going to die at some point that year, the final two movies wouldn’t be about the hunt for Horcruxes, but a race to obtain the Deathly Hallows? In the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, did the trio really think that a pile of unconscious bodies, even though they were hidden, wouldn’t be spotted by someone and bring up suspicions? Why didn’t Voldemort become Minister of Magic after the Ministry fell? Who was his puppet who took on the Minister of Magic if it wasn’t himself? Pius Thicknesse? Yaxley? This may make me sound like Death Eater but how do Muggle-borns become wizards? Like is it some religious thing or do they have to have some distant wizard relative? Is Voldemort/the Ministry declaring Harry as “Undesirable No. 1” in the press in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 them trying to spin the story that Harry is the prejudiced one? Harry is “The Boy Who Lived,” so he is the ultimate symbol of hope against Voldemort. So, wouldn’t it make sense for the Voldemort-controlled Ministry to twist the story? To create confusion, uncertainty, fear and hysteria? Like during the Red Scare or the Holocaust (also that horrifying Muggle statue at the Ministry gave me total Holocaust vibes, in the most dehumanizing, disgusting way, not in a memorial way. It seems so realistic that if Hitler was a wizard he would have pulled a Medusa-like this. It’s absolutely hateful and disgusting. Also, Emma Watson’s voice when she said “Muggles. In their rightful place,” was so devastating. The voice crack and all)? Am I on the right track here? How did Narcissa get the “honorable” job of checking if Harry is alive or not after Voldemort fires the Killing Curse at him again? Why was she qualified? Also, since Voldemort only killed the Horcrux part of Harry, is it safe to assume that another way to destroy Horcruxes is by the make itself destroying it or is that just because this Horcrux happened to be a person? And this, a person becoming a Horcrux since they are made by killing people, is a unique thing, right? Unprecedented? So, how did Dumbledore deduct this? How did Voldemort hear about the Deathly Hallows if it stems from a Wizarding children’s story, one he would have never heard in a Muggle Orphanage? If he knew about the Deathly Hallows, which makes someone the “Master of Death” then why did bother with the whole ordeal of making Horcruxes? Did he know that the Elder Wand was a Hallow? How did he hear about the Elder Wand? Did even know about the Deathly Hallows? Is Harry’s Invisibility Cloak the one from the Peverall story? Is he a descendant from the Peveralls? Is that why the Potters lived in Godric’s Hollow? I am really confused about how Dumbledore’s hand became to decayed. Is that why he told Snape to kill him, not necessarily because it was Draco’s mission? How did Lucius break out of Azkaban, because the mass breakout in the same movie where he broke the law to get into Azkaban? Why did Voldemort choose Malfoy Manor as the Death Eater HQ? Because of Lucius’ failure? So it was repayment or to make amends? The Malfoys don’t seem happy with the arrangement. Is this why they begin to question their loyalties and turn even more fearful? Did Draco ever meet his aunt Bellatrix before he became a Death Eater or before her breakout of Azkaban? Did Narcissa ever take him to visit her? Can you visit someone at Azkaban? There are a few plot holes in the story in Azkaban regarding Pettigrew, his betrayal, Sirius being framed, the Marauders, Animagas, the Potters deaths and the Shrieking Shack, right? I am thinking this is all explained in the books, correct (I have a feeling that if and when I read the books, this will be my favorite, especially if it fills these plot holes)? Fandom Wiki said that Tonks is related to the Black, and that Bellatrix is her aunt. Since she’s a Metamorphmagus, does that mean that ‘gene’ or whatever is in the Black family? Is that why it was a bit easier for Sirius to become Padfoot? Or is it not on the Black side but on the other side of Tonks’ family? Did she know about Sirius or had met him prior to joining the Order? How old is she? Had she ever met Bellatrix prior to the Battle at the Department of Mysteries? If Draco and Tonks are both related to the Black family (because Narcissa is technically a Black as she is Bellatrix’s sister and they now have different last names then Black, showing that Bellatrix is married, but we never met her husband.This is what I have collected from reading about it on Fandom Wiki), then did they grow up together or ever meet, or because Tonks died in the Battle of Hogwarts, they never actually met or knew the other existed (my god, the Black family tree is insane)? Why do first years arrive to Hogwarts on boats, but every year after they take the Thestral-drawn carriages? In Half-Blood Prince, what is on Ginny’s shoulder on the train when she’s talking with Dean and Luna hands her a Quibbler? How exactly did Dumbledore’s hand get all black and rotten? Was he really so dumb to put on that Horcrux ring, fully knowing it had Dark magic and that’s how it happened (then why doesn’t that happen when the trio puts on the Horcrux locket?)? And Dumbledore’s supposed to be the all-knowing wise one…sure. Did Harry ever get to grieve Sirius properly? How exactly do Patronuses work? I thought they were supposed to act like some sort of shield, like in Prisoner of Azkaban, but then at the wedding, wasn’t that a Patronus that communicated that the Ministry fell? How did that Patronus speak anyway? Also, that was Snape’s Patronus that checked on Harry in the forest. How does all that work? How do you send a Patronus somewhere? How is it different then sending an Owl? Also, Snape managed to do a non-verbal Patronus in that flashback scene in Dumbledore’s office in the final movie. Based on how non-verbal spells weren’t really used by students until the later movies and how hard Patronuses were for Harry to do in the third film and for Dumbledore’s Army to do in the fifth film, that seems very impressive. Like the trio, did Draco not go back to Hogwarts in the Deathly Hallows despite Snape being the headmaster now? Why is the first film called Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S., but Philosopher’s Stone everywhere else? Why or how didn’t Fred and George ever notice Peter Pettigrew on the Marauder’s Map? Didn’t they notice some weird, never-before-seen Peter guy next to their brother at all times, especially if he was seemingly always in Gryffindor tower? Did they just accept a faceless Gryffindor at face value? I don’t believe that. How do Patronuses change? How exactly does the so-called “power of love” work? It seems like for harry it’s more physical and tangible, but for Snape it’s more emotional and motivational. Right? Don’t other Death Eaters have kids at Hogwarts, not just the Malfoys? Crabbe and Goyle were mentioned by Voldemort in the Goblet graveyard scene. I get why Harry’s side didn’t keep these Death Eater children hostage or anything, because that’s not who they are and what they’d they don’t stand for fighting fire with fire, they stand up defending the good against the bad, plus they know that wouldn’t stop Voldemort and the Death Eaters know the good guys wouldn’t ever actually kill them and knew Voldemort would if they defy them because he is a ruthless, selfish sociopath, however a cynic like Seamus or someone could have suggested it, since it is a realistic and understandable suggestion. So, McGonagall transfigured the statues into soldiers, Slughorn took his Felix Felicis potion (and I hope tried to brew some more ASAP to give to other students, right? Although, self-preservation is a Slytherin trait. How long does Liquid Luck take to brew? I bet shorter then Polyjuice, right?), Hagrid lured magical creatures out of the Forbidden Forest it seems and Flitwick used his expertise in Charms to protect Hogwarts, but what about Trelawney, Sprout and the other professors? Sprout surely could have used those Mandrake plants to kill Death Eaters as their cries are fatal to anyone who doesn’t wear earmuffs (as long as she gave every student and good guy a pair in the vicinity) and Trelawney seems like an underdog who is actually very good at spell-casting. Why is Snape teaching Harry Occlumency? I assume it’s because he had to be skilled at it because in Part 1 we see Voldemort perform what I assume is the Legilimens spell Snape was doing on Harry during his Occlumency lessons in Phoenix on the wandmaker (as Hermione tells us) Gregorovitch, because how else would we, and Harry see Grindelwald stealing the Elder Wand? So, since Voldemort knows how to do mind invasion, Snape needed to be skilled at it in order to hide his triple agent status. Did Dumbledore know he was going to die that night? Snape clearly knew the Death Eaters were coming, so did he tell Dumbledore? If so, that is so effed up of Dumbledore, because then he manipulated the whole situation to have Harry be once again traumatized by his death. What House is Trelawney? She seems like a Hufflepuff to me. I know Ravenclaw is the creative, eccentric house, but she just seems not as bright as some of the other characters, but then again Lockhart is a Ravenclaw, so…? What House is Tonks in? Gryffindor probably, since all the Order members seem to be in Gryffindor? What about Mad-Eye Moody? He definitely seems like a Gryffindor. Hagrid is in Gryffindor, right? He was so happy when they won the House Cup and support them at their Quidditch Games. So, each Hogwarts House has a color, a founder, a mascot and individual traits, but do each have an element too, because nature is very important in witchcraft, at least in most cinematic witchy mythologies like in Vampire Diaries and also in the religion of Wicca, which is the real-life occultist religion for Witchcraft, or at least the most mainstream and modern one. And knowing how much of this world is clearly inspired by other folkloric stories like werewolves and other known mythologies like the hippogriff from Greek Mythology and how nature is involved in creating wands, it makes sense. I would assume that Gryffindor is fire, Ravenclaw is air, Hufflepuff is Earth and Slytherin is water (after all, Ron and Hermione are basically waterboarded in Salazar Slytherin’s Chamber of Secrets). Does this exist in the books? In Prince, Draco notices the bag move above him in his compartment on the Hogwarts Express, while his friend don’t notice anything. We know that Harry threw Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder and can deduct that he is using his Invisibility Cloak, but how did Harry get up there to the overhead compartment with the passengers’ bags while under the cloak with no one noticing, nothing dropping or hitting something? What happens to Hogwarts in the summer? Where do the Hogwarts professors stay during the summer? Is that Snape’s “summer home” we see in Prince when Narcissa and Bellatrix go to visit him? Why is Wormtail there (Snape slamming the door in Wormtail’s face, his former school bully’s accomplice who is now a weakling must have felt good)? When and how did Harry find out where he was born and where he would have grown up if his parents were never killed? Dumbledore certainly never told him? It would be hilarious that, since his story has such a historical significance in this world, that he found this out in History Class or Hermione pointed it out to him while she was reading her History textbook (Hogwarts surely has a history class, right? I mean this world has such a rich history already. It only makes sense)? How did Voldemort plant the fake vision of Sirius in Harry’s head, the one that ultimately led to Sirius’ death in Phoenix, when the rest of the visions Harry sees from Voldemort’s mind are real? Where do Hogwarts professors, besides Hagrid, and particularly the Heads of Houses, sleep? Where do they stay? Snape is so smart and calculating, I can’t help but think that if he wasn’t so suspicious of Harry, he would have caught onto Moody-Crouch, as Snape was immediately suspicious of Quirrell in Stone? Then yet again, the fact that Snape wasn’t suspicious of Moody-Crouch, probably due to Moody’s reputation of being an odd, paranoid, intense Auror, is just hard to believe. Why is Harry’s scar shaped like a lightning bolt? Are all residual magical scars shaped like that, or something similar? I know the Weasleys are considered “blood traitors” to pure blood maniacs, but why are they so hated by the Ministry too? I get government corruption, but why give them the job in the first place? Like Percy and Arthur both work for the Ministry and seem very good at their jobs as Percy literally chooses it over his family before the Battle of Hogwarts and Arthur is intensely passionate about Muggle artifacts with how he magically enhances a Ford Anglia. The idea of Boggarts and the Mirror of Erised was so clever, but why weren’t either ever used again? Them being used in the same movie would have brought an interesting conversation of our desires versus our fears. After all, one forces us to face our deepest desire and the other forces us to face our biggest fear. Especially with the stakes in the latter movies being so high, it would have provided an interesting dialogue and would be a cool callback to the early movies. Did Snape simply have too much going on in Prince that he never heard around school how suddenly good Harry was at potions and get suspicious that he found his old potions textbook? Or was the only time he got an inkling when he found Draco and recognized the effects of Sectumsempra in the bathroom (and therefore foreshadowing to the audience that he is in fact the Half-Blood Prince)? So, clearly Dumbledore knew that Sirius was innocent, although he clearly didn’t care, but what about McGonagall? Besides, Snape, McGonagall was Dumbledore’s right-hand woman. Wasn’t she in the Order too? What ever happened to Mrs. Cattermole? Did her family flee for safety? Did she divorce her husband after he caught her cheating with a Polyjuice’d Ron? I love how Patronuses are the characters’ spirit animals in a way. A noble stag matches Harry very well (and I am sure the fact that it’s James’ stag and not Lily’s doe pisses Snape off even more. What was Snape’s Patronus before it changed to a doe, or was it always a doe?) Hermione’s otter is adorable and symbolizes how she wants to be seen as playful and fun, but just can’t help her rule-following ways. What is Ron’s Patronus? Also the fact that all these 15-year-olds succeed at a Patronus in Phoenix says so much, especially about how great of a DADA teacher Harry is. Does he become the Hogwarts DADA teacher after the series? That would be a great arc for him, so full circle. Hogwarts was his first home, Lupin was his favorite teacher, and the DA helped him gain confidence in her abilities. Also, we find out when we saw a young Lily’s Sorting ceremony that she was a teacher when Lily, Sirius, James and Snape were at school, so clearly she knew Sirius. He may have been wild, but did she really so easily believe that he was capable of murder and betraying his two best friends? Out of all the teachers, she is the most protective and loyal, and she is very outspoken and isn’t afraid to openly disagree with Dumbledore’s decisions, as we see in the Goblet of Fire after Harry’s name is called. I find this very hard to believe. Also, can we just take a moment that this is his first time seeing the night his parents died, and he literally sees his own parent’s dead bodies? Like, imagine the psychological toll that takes. I get that Harry’s death and why it needs to happen is the point of the story, but why couldn’t there just be a line acknowledging this? Does the Dark Mark give the Death Eaters the power to black smoke from place to place? How exactly do owls work? Can they read the address on the envelope or does the sender have to verbally communicate the letter or package’s destination? Do owls understand human speech? Does it depend on the location and breed? Hermione doesn’t have her own owl, so does she just use Harry’s or Ron’s? Since Hedwig is Harry’s, does it work better for Harry since she is Harry’s companion, and not as well or a different wizard, like, say, Hermione if she borrows her? Or does Hermione have both an owl and a cat in the books, like Ron has a rat and an owl, but the owl is technically his family’s, right? Is the place Harry asks out Cho to the Yule Ball where the owls live when they aren’t sending letters or packages or giving them to their owners/recipients? Does this mean that Voldemort, Umbridge, and the Ministry have the mean to magically track down Harry, Sirius and many more through the owl communication system? What about the Floo Powder system, like is the tracking why they couldn’t simply use that to transport Harry to the Burrow in Part 1 by Floo Powder or Portkey? Can Portkeys be tracked too? Then how did they not realize that Moody-Crouch manipulated in Goblet? Why didn’t Ginny help Harry leave Privet Drive in Part 1? She is his girlfriend after all. If the entire Weasley clan did and Hermione, then why not her? I get that she’s the youngest, but even that could have added so much to her character, reminding us that she is brave and loyal just like everyone else, not just a plain, quiet girl who kisses Harry at ill-times. Why is the Forbidden Forest so feared when it really doesn’t seem that bad? That may make me sound as oblivious as Hagrid, but these are wizards who deal with prejudice, I am sure that they can get more creative with punishments, or at least have them be productive. After all, telling kids something is forbidden probably usually only makes it more alluring, so this would be more of a thrilling thing for a kid then something they dread. These are kids, have them do chores and volunteering (not including Lockhart having Harry organzie his autographed photos). What about being a Candy Stripper in the Hospital Wing and helping with all the insane magical injuries that occur? What about cleaning out the Room of Requirement because that seems like the most stressful, daunting task ever. Anything would make more sense then going into a forest that students with the right skills and Hagrid’s guidance can survive through easy-peazy, except the Umbridge self-harming quill and the Cruciatus Curse that she threatened to use. The most danger we ever saw in the Forbidden Forest and it’s creatures who call it home was in Chamber when Aragog told his so-called children to eat Ron and Harry, and that was without Hagrid and in their second year. Who is Ron badly disguised as when they break into Gringotts in Part 2? What kind of spells did, I’m guessing, Hermione uses to create this disguise (LOL I would have loved to watch that scene)? So, does this mean there are hair-growing spells, since all that seemed to change about Ron was his hair, new beard and rough clothes? However, in the previous movie, Hermione told Harry to never let her cut his hair again, so are there both magical hair removal and hair growth spells? These seem to be the few spells Hermione doesn’t have absolutely perfected, which I may be stereotyping against my own gender, but is hilarious for the only girl in the trio because we all know Ron and Harry would have done an even worse job. This magical cosmetic surgery also begs the question; is a Wizarding World equivalent of plastic surgery? If there is, I assume it’s only temporary as none of the people look like supermodels. Also, what are the Wizarding World beauty standards? The only reason the Sorting Hat would have put Harry in Slytherin was because it could sense the Horcrux inside him, right? Since the Sorting Hat can speak, even when it’s not on someone’s head, does that mean it could have told Harry he was a Horcrux way back during their conversation in Chamber? When Harry walks into the Great Hall during the opening feast in Prince, Ron says something about the Sorting Hat giving the Great Hall a message, what? I am so confused? Was that just an awkward line to fill in for something the Sorting Hat did in the books? Also, since Harry talked to the Sorting Hat without it on his head in Chamber, does that mean that when the hat repeated after him hollering “not Slytherin, eh!” that everyone, including all the Slytherins, heard Harry basically belittle their House? No wonder they all hate him. Not a great first impression, Harry! Also, what kind of magic does the Sorting Hat use? Does it look inside the students’ brain, like Snape was doing to Harry in Phoenix, or is it some other spell that has to do with essence or aura? But if it can read the students’ mind, then isn’t that kind of violating, since it yells out the students’ deepest values in some cases for an entire room of strangers to hear? What classes did the Carrows teach? Because they murdered the Muggle Studies teacher and because of the curse on the DADA position, I’m gonna guess Muggle Studies and DADA, but with really effed curriculums? What happened to that dragon that escaped Gringotts with Harry, Ron and Hermione? Could it even sense the trio riding it? Did Ron alert his brother Charlie, the dragon tamer who we never met, to find the rogue and abused dragon? What is the potion Sirius is talking about when Lupin is in the middle of his werewolf transformation? To stop the werewolf transformation like moonlight rings in The Originals? I don’t think it would stop the transformation, because then there wouldn’t be as much (because it’s clear wizards in the universe love to be prejudiced) of a stigma, right? So, does it let him keep his human mind while he’s a wolf so he doesn’t “kill his best friend he crosses his path”? Why are their talking heads from Azkaban never used again? And why do they have a Jamaican accent (is that a racist undertone in a story where the pure-blood extremism is literally an allegory for racism in the real world I mean, is pure-blood mania the only form of racism in this world? Are people like Dean and Cho also discriminated against just on a far less prominent scale, oddly It’s kind of hypocritical if that is true)? Draco’s all-black suit in Prince mirrors Voldemort’s Platform 9 3/4 dream sequence in Phoenix eerily due to his white-blonde hair. Am I supposed to get that vibe, because he is now a Death Eater? Why did Snape never get the DADA job? Why not until Prince? because he had to kill Dumbledore, and he knew after that he wouldn’t be able to return to Hogwarts? By giving him the position, Dumbledore basically forced him to him (god, this is so manipulative if I am right!)? In Azkaban, why does Hermione randomly, definitively and incredibly seriously say “I think they’re funny” at the beginning of Hagrid’s first Magical Creatures class scene? It’s so random and comes out of nowhere, as she doesn’t seem to be responding to any line that we have heard, at least any line that would make sense for her to say that line that way. She isn’t the kind of person to think Neville’s monster book mishap is funny, she would help him, and she would especially not say it in that serious tone. Was that Pavarati who Padma was covering in Part 2 or the body of the dead Lavender we saw Greyback feeding on earlier? If it was Pavarati, then why wasn’t Padma crying? That was her sister. Did I hear that right, in Goblet of Fire during the Pensieve sequence, that’s when Harry finds out about Neville’s parents, not when Neville tells him himself in Phoenix? I wish Neville was given more time to deal with that trauma. And did the other trio member ever find out the truth about Neville’s parents? Did he tell them? After all, it is his story to tell. I will say I love how Harry held Neville back when he finally came face-to-face with Bellatrix in Phoenix. Why does Moody-Crouch transfigure Lucius’ son into a ferret if they are both Death Eaters? I get that he has to keep his cover, but why like that? The DADA position is jinxed right? Then why wouldn’t the fact that Hogwarts can’t keep a DADA teacher to save its life alarm Lupin and make him suspect that it would out his werewolf status, like it ultimately does? He’s a smart guy, wouldn’t he be able to figure this out? Obviously, Lockhart was too cocky to figure this out, Lupin, really? I get that he loved Hogwarts because it reminded him of his time with the Marauders, but shouldn’t he be more worried about his werewolf status with the stigma? I get wanting to defy a stigma, but not if the consequences are even worse, by doing so, like getting fired. Why is the DADA position jinxed anyway (I found this out on Google BTW)? Also, can we talk about how JKR and/or the screenwriter had name repetition between Marcus Belby, the ice cream-loving kid from the Slug Club and Marcus Flint, who was a Quidditch player from Slytherin in the first two films? For how thought out and this fictional world is, I understand names can be repetitive, but this feels very odd, even for such minor characters. Why don’t they just give the students their robes later along with the rest of their uniform, as we clearly see Harry’s Gryffindor scarf and sweater on a chair next to his bed during his first night at Hogwarts? I think visually it would also help make the first years look even more out of place, then once they are sorted, they could be handed a robe by the Head of House as a welcome of sorts, and then join their House, now looking like they belong. This is more of a theory, but after finding out the truth about Snape’s feelings for Harry, what if Harry was put into Slytherin and had Snape as his Head of House? What kinds of layers would that have added to their dynamic? Is it just me or is the deluminator like the dumbest magical invention ever (however, Dumbledore did use the Deluminator in the very first scene on Privet Drive, which was a cool nod)? You have a wand, use it! I was also really confused with how a deluminator, something meant to create and take away light helped Ron track down Harry and Hermione in Part 1? Like am I suppose to believe that that thing is also like a magical cell phone tracker? The rememberall is also a pretty stupid invention. What’s the use of it just tells you you have forgotten something, but not what you have forgotten? Like Neville totally speaks the truth in that scene by saying “The only problem is, I can’t remember what I’ve forgotten” (also, it was great on the costume department’s fault to have him not wear his robe in that scene, having that be the thing he’s forgotten, only being in his sweater while everyone else has their robes on)! I know that people make fun of how Harry, a wizard, needs glasses, but in the first film, he has tape on his glasses that Hermione fixes. But are we supposed to believe that Dursleys really took Harry to the doctor? They barely fed him. When was Quidditch invented? At the same time as Hogwarts, so 1,000 years ago? So, like the Olympics, it’s basically existed since the beginning of civilization, or Wizarding Civilization in this case? Was that Fawkes, Dumbledore’s Pheonix from the Chamber of Secrets, flying in the final scene of Half-Blood Prince? The train station for the Hogwarts Express is in Hogmeade, correct? So, does that mean that Wizarding Families can take the Hogwarts Express during Hogsmeade Weekends and see their kids at school? I wish the Weasleys did that. I know the whole series is basically about how Muggle-borns are people too, so I don’t mean to sound like a prejudiced Death-eating asshole, but how do Muggles come to possess magical abilities? A distant relative? Are they simply a “Chosen One”? Also, I hate to say it but JKR choosing the word “Mudblood” as the derogatory word for Muggle-born is just so good, because it’s so childish and rolls off the tongue better than “person with dirty blood (as Hermione defines it in Chamber)”, although it’s still incredibly cruel. Another thing that the story gives a big disclaimer that I can’t help but ask about is the Dark Arts. I understand that teaching students to defend themselves is important and part of educating them on defending against the Dark Arts is also knowing about the Dark Arts, but clearly, if Voldemort, Lucius and Snape are any inclinations, clearly this reverse psychology only makes teens’ fascination with whatever thing is banned greater. And there is clearly a restricted section in the Hogwarts library, clearly showing how Hogwarts is trying, and failing, to hide these dark things from students. Now, obviously, if this story teaches authority figures anything, its that they should not hide the truth. However, this information should still be harder to get, but this has clearly been an issue at Hogwarts for decades. There should be more restrictions. A test. An age limit. Faculty permission. Something. Also, the distinction between characters who are interested in the Dark Arts, like Voldemort, who defend against the Dark Arts, like Lupin and characters who are interested in both like Snape is very intriguing to me. I get that in order to defend yourself against the Dark Arts, you have to be educated on them, and since they were all students at Hogwarts, they all learned about the Dark Arts from the DADA class, but how did Snape and Voldemort have access to Dark Arts knowledge beyond that at Hogwarts? The restricted section? So, after the final battle, do they finally change this curriculum to try and stop students’ facsination with the Dark Arts and more focused on fending themselves? Maybe by taking the term “Dark Arts” out of the course’s name? You have to be able to be fascinated by the Dark Arts and not get intoxicated by them because an Aurors whole job, as Moody-Crouch puts it, is to think as Dark wizards do and that’s how they catch them. If there was a Horcrux at Hogwarts because Hogwarts meant everything to Voldemort just like it did to Harry (despite them, mainly Voldemort, being willing to let it crumble if it meant he could murder Harry), and Voldemort put Horcruxes in places that were meaningful to him, like the cave from the photograph at the orphanage, then why didn’t Dumbledore figure out that there was one at Hogwarts, trying to find the one at Hogwarts or even bother trying to find it? Like, it’s literally right there! Why doesn’t Voldemort that sense Harry is a Horcrux? can’t he sense his own soul? Does Snape like his job? When did he become a teacher? After he made his deal with Dumbledore? So, does he actually like teaching or does he only do it to stay close to Dumbledore and Harry? He was such a skilled wizard in so many fields, probably one of the most skilled and best wizards of the whole series, and dare I say the franchise. He had so much to offer. If he actually enjoyed teaching and didn’t have a cold demeanor as his defense mechanism to scare off the students, he could have been the best teacher at Hogwarts. How are Muggle-born treated in the Wizarding World today? Is there still prejudice, just not as much? What about werewolves? Did Lupin become a martyr after this death or something? He deserves greater recognition. How do Muggle-borns find out they are wizards? How does Hogwarts find Muggle-born students or young wizards in general? Do Muggle-borns get just an extra-long Hogwarts letter explaining everything? Does a representative from the school come to them to explain to their parents, because my parents would have a monster truck full of questions if a wizard tried to recruit me to a magical boarding school? Who came to Hermione’s parents to explain? What writes the Hogwarts letters? A quick-quotes quill or a spelled quill? Because it seems pretty tedious. What is up with that Ron and Harry skin conversation in Prince? Please tell me that’s not in the books. But if it’s not, why the hell is it in the films? What was the point of it besides uncomfortable and weird comedic relief and to basically objectify the already bland film interpretation of Ginny? Speaking of Harry and his relationship with Ginny, when did Ginny and Harry officially start dating? When Ginny whispers “about time” to Harry in the hospital when they are at Ron’s bedside after he utters Hermione’s name in his semi-conscious state, are they already dating then or no? Was it made official before or after Ginny comforts him he attacks Draco by saying “you have to get rid of it, today” an they go to the Room of Requirement together? It’s so unclear and comes off as very random, especially because Ron seems oblivious to their romantic feelings for each other, like, does he find out they are together when Ginny comforts Harry over Dumbledore’s dead body? That’s so weird. That’s also the next time we see them together after their kiss, which makes their dating timeline even more unclear. It especially feels random because why would just him and Ginny go to hide the book and not Hermione to Ron. What were they so busy doing when they couldn’t help Harry? It’s so weird, both because that’s uncharacteristic for the two of them and we have never seen a Harry and Ginny one-on-one scene prior to this, which makes it all feel so random. Also, did they keep it a secret from Ron because eits seems like it? Why? For how long? So, yeah, I am very confused on Harry and Ginny’s relationship timeline. Also, how was their relationship affected by Harry literally leaving her for months in Hallows? They didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye, and we never saw them talk about it? I am sure Ginny was fine with it as, like Ron, she is pretty chill, but that still does put a strain on a relationship. And what was Ron’s reaction, especially compared to her relationship with Dean, as the protective big brother? How did it affect him and Harry’s friendship, because it’s very unrealistic, even in a magical world, that that kind of development wouldn’t affect their friendship in some way, good or bad? All we got was Hermione telling Harry that Ron’s okay with it, but, like, Ron can speak for himself, so it was just odd. Like, what was Ron’s reaction, really? Like, why did the screenwriter have Hermione speak for Ron when he can speak for himself? I highly doubt it’s like that in the book, and I also highly doubt it’s glossed over like that too. Also, is it just me or does Harry’s romantic interest in Ginny seemingly come out of nowhere? Like there were a few hints of her crush on him in Chamber and Phoenix, but it’s other was far more development between him and Cho, then him and Ginny, when on paper he and Ginny should be the more interesting, passionate and complex (but the passionate part fails miserably). How did Ginny get on the Quidditch team? How did she get so good, good enough to become captain with Harry in Prince? Is that how they get together, and when the book verison of her character comes out when she yells “shut it!” at the other perspective teammates during tryouts? Why don’t we ever her see her fly on a broom? Even that could have added so much to her character and her personality. A green flash comes from Ron’s wand when Nagini lunges at him and Hermione in Part 2, and since in the last green has come from the person’s wand when they cast Avada Kedrava, because we didn’t what Ron say due to the loud score music, did he cast the Killing Curse at the snake (thank GOD it missed Neville if he did!)? So, like Harry asked not to be in Slytherin, are we supposed to assume that Sirius did the same, but more so as a classic child rebellious act against his parents? Also, from my understanding, the only reason Harry was gonna be put in Slytherin was because of how the Sorting Hat could detect that he was one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes, therefore filled with Dark magic and could speak Parseltongue like Slytherin himself, right? Because of his parents and just who Harry is, he is undeniably a Gryffindor (however, if the House are all about values, how does Harry share the same as his parents if he never actually met them? This brings nature versus nurture into the getting sorted into a House, good vs. evil debacle and that is just far too complicated for me to sort through right now)? Is Luna handing out her quirky magical kaleidoscope-like glasses, Spectrespecs, with the Quibbler magazine, supposed to hint at Sectumsempra, because they share the same root word? Ginny did horrible things because of the diary Horcrux and Ron did something so out of character because of the locket Horcrux, so were the Dursleys also extra cruel to Harry because he was a Horcrux? But then if the Weasleys, due to them being kind folk who mean no harm, seem to be susceptible to falling victim to the evil Horcrux magic, then why isn’t Ron affected when he’s around Harry? Or does it just depend on what part of Voldemort’s soul is in what? Do British people really say “brilliant” this much? Why does Sirius choose then to escape Azkaban and not prior? Is how he escaped due to him being an Animagus? Similar to how other animals can have an equal fight to a werewolf, as seen with Padfoot and Buckbeak against Lupin in werewolf form, can Dementors not sense animals, only humans? Also, while Sirius is manic, he’s not as crazy as Bellatrix, which only makes me think more that Dementors don’t sense animals. Also, if Bellatrix was so insane because of Dementors by the time we meet her then how insane was she before Azkaban, as she was obviously a psychopath based on what she did to the Longbottoms? If Pettigrew was perceived to be dead, and Lupin and Sirius hadn’t seen each other until the Shrieking Shack, then how did Sirius know he was still alive? Does Azkaban prisoners get the Daily Prophet and since Scabbers was in that Weasley family photo of them in Eygpt, is that how Sirius found out and why he escaped then specifically? If they do, then there must be other people who work there, not just Dementors, especially because Ron sent Azkaban an owl to get Hagrid out on Dumbledore’s (ew) request? Also, why would prisoners be given a newspaper if Azkaban is for the worst of the worst? Also, why does Slughorn just casually wear a graduation cap? That makes sense. Is that in the books? Are there better and more distinctive fashion details in the books? Did they translate most of them, or completely ignore them? Based on their laziness, I am guessing, unfortunately, the latter. If werewolves exist in this universe then do vampires also exist? In most mythologies like The Vampire Diaries and True Blood, they both exist. Is it only talked about in the books? Is this question even answered in the books? I would have loved to see one. Did You-Know-Who make up her own language for spells, or are they all Latin? There don’t seem to be any poetry-like spells like in Narnia, at least none that are real spells (Ron’s magic mishaps in Stone and Chamber being examples), most if not all seem to be Latin, similar to Latin words or Latin-sounding. I know the spell Incendio, the spell for fire in Potter, means fire in Latin because it is also the fire spell in The Vampire Diaries universe is, similarly, Incendia. Also, Leviosa shares the same root as levitating, Lumos shares the same root as illumination, Confundus has the same root as confusion, Protego shares the same root as protection, Imperio shares the same root as imperiously, which means expected to obey, Stupefy (probably my favorite spell purely for how fun of a word it is to say. Like, no wonder they used that spell so much!) shares the same root as stupefying, which is a synonym for astonishing, shocking or (obviously) stunning, the root in Immobilius is mobile, which isn’t just a phone, it also means movement, Gemino shares the same root as Gemini which is a word for twins or duplicates, Reparo’s root is obvious repair, Aguamenti shares the same root as the Spanish word for water which is agua, Leviosa has the same root as leviating (*cue Dua Lipa*), Reducto comes from the root of reduce, Imperio has the same root as imperialism (the irony of this being a British film I am well aware of), and the root of Expelliarmus is the same root as expel. So, Dumbledore’s password to his office is non-latin as its Sherbert Lemon, but the password the Gryffindor Common room password in Stone is Caput Draconus which means dragon’s head in latin. Does this relate to the latin versus non-latin spells thing, even though these are passwords? Does it matter? Why do Fudge, Minister of Magic, and McGonagall tell Madame Rosmerta, a random bar owner, seemingly very important information about Sirius Black randomly? Also, why doesn’t anyone tell Harry that Sirius was his godfather? Was McGonagall under Dumbledore’s orders, because otherwise I can’t imagine her not outright telling Harry that, and that being why he needs to be safe and stay at school and not go to Hogsmeade, which is probably why McGonagall and Dumbledore don’t give him special allowance (due to him being an orphan in an abusive family) to go Hogsmeade, but can in thw other years, because Sirius Black is no longer a threat (although they already knew he wasn’t, and in other years Voldemort was a threat, so…?). Why couldn’t Harry always see Thestrals? He did watch his mom die as a baby. When you Apparate with more then one person, do all of the people involved have to know how to Apparate? Because Harry said it was his first time Apparating with Dumbledore in Prince and even asks if Apparition is what they just did, clearly not having learned how to do it yet. Is there a class at Hogwarts about Apparition? What year? 7th year it seems. Why didn’t we get to see Seamus and Neville inevitably struggle with it in the most hilarious manner? I am right, and only one person needs to know how to Apparate, if you just hold on, like Harry does with Dumbledore? Who teaches Apparition then? I bet that class is so interesting because, and as a history buff this pains me to say, but I am honestly more interested in this fictional world’s history than the real world’s, probably due to my obsession with escapism. How is Hermione able to Apparate after she is tortured by Bellatrix, clearly weakened, while Ron couldn’t Apparate when he was splinched? Is it because Apparition is what caused Ron’s injury? What exactly is splinching anyway? I am so confused what the Leaky Cauldron actually is and for? A restaurant? A pub? A hotel? A off-site office for the Ministry? A sort of purgatory between the Muggle world and Diagon Alley? All of the above? Also, is it just me, but besides The Gray Lady, are the ghosts only in Chris Columbus’ films? Did Snape ever find out about Neville turning his Boggart into himself wearing tack taxidermy? God, I hope not, because his wrath would only make Neville fear him more. He also didn’t seem to corner Neville about it during the “turn to page 394” scene so I assume he didn’t find out, not even from his favorite student Draco, or at least not at that specific moment. How do you get into the other Houses? Do they all have passwords? Do the Heads of Houses know each others passwords for safety purposes? Can members of other Houses go into each others’ Houses’ common rooms if accompanied by one of that House’s members? Does the Head of House also live in their House just in their own room? This might be a really dumb question but does a Head of House have to belong to that House? It seems like it? If Snape is the Head of Slytherin House and he seemingly betrays Hogwarts by killing Dumbledore and then becomes headmaster, then who takes over as Head of House in his place? Slughorn? The Slytherin kids probably hated his jolly demeanor, as they seemed to hilariously and ironiclly love Snape’s cool demeanor. So, was Dumbledore Head of Gryffindor House before he was headmaster? So, did McGonagall take over for him after he became headmaster? How does the Mirror of Erised work exactly? Does it just show you want you want to see or does it reveal your true deepest desire, even if think it’s actually something else, either forcing you to accept your destiny or proving you wrong and confront your denial? In comparison, a Boggart feeds off your fear and brings it to life, emphasizing it right in front of you, forcing you to no longer deny what you fear the most, right? It literally brings a person’s greatest fear to life. It may have been a fun and comedic sequence in Azkaban, a great showcase of how great of a teacher Lupin was, but if you strip all that away, the actual idea of a Boggart is truly terrifying. How do all the students and staff not hear the Death Eaters enter the castle in Prince? Like McGonagall is clearly awake and psychopaths aren’t exactly quiet beings? Since we know Snape knew this was going to happen, did he like put some sort of auditory muffler or silencing spell on the individual Houses? Also, shouldn’t Ollivanders the place where “everyone got their wands” from as Hermione said in Prince, be busier in Stone when Harry walks in? Like at least a parent with their fellow first year getting situated and leaving as Harry walks in or something? Also, with the shop existing since biblical times, should they have developed a less chaotic way of testing wands now? I get there wizards and can fix it, but still. It seems very odd to me. Why are the Weasleys and Hermione at the Leaky Cauldron the day after Harry get there? Did Harry or the Minister send them an owl and they came running to make Harry feel less alone? If that is the case, they are such good people and they really are Harry’s family, the family he also wanted and deserved (it makes the fact that he married Ginny that much more satisfying. And makes me wish that their relationship was filled with more spark and less blandness). What about Hermione? Was Hermione at the Burrow like she was in Prince when Harry arrives after meeting Slughorn? When did the DADA job curse start? What is the different between a spell, a charm, a hex, a jinx, a curse, a bewitchment, an incantation and an enchantment? What happened to Grawp? Did he just stay in the Forbidden Forest forever (also LOL at how in the first movie Dumbledore is like the Forbidden Forest is dangerous don’t go in there and we literally go in it every single film)? What happened to the Ford Anglia from Chamber? Did it just stay in the Forbidden Forest? If Thestrals live in the Forbidden Forest, does that technically make them Dark creatures and the same with a unicorn? That makes nos sense? Thestrals ride the students to schools and unicorns are unicorns. They seem harmless in actuality. How did JKR come up with the name Harry Potter, in actuality, the name is quite ordinary, not iconic like it is today. Why didn’t the Twins bring their joke tools to the Battle of Hogwarts? That would have been such a smart thing to do and something the Death Eaters wouldn’t have expected. It also would have brought everything full circle with how like Sirius says, there is both light and dark in things, even war. How does the Knight Bus work exactly? How does it find stranded wizards? And seriously, how do wizards possibly keep on that enchanted bus? A sleeping spell? What happened after the Fat Lady after she saw Sirius Black? Did she just go back to the portrait or did someone take over, because she seemed terrified? So, when Harry’s Horcrux dies, so does his psychological connection to Voldemort and his ability to speak Parseltongue (even though Ron learned it through Harry so he probably still knows a few words) dies too right? That’s why his scar is gone in the Epilogue, because that was the physical manifestation of that connection, which is why it burned when he was close to Voldemort or felt Voldemort’s emotions, right? What happened to Fenrir Greyback? he is a full-time werewolf, so was he put in Azkaban or was he executed? Did he ever survive the finale? Who killed him? I hope it was Harry or Bill (he almost became a werewolf right? because he and Lupin joked about it in Part 1). Is the Leaky Cauldron a restaurant bar, a hotel or a satellite office for Ministry? Or is it all three? Why does Draco randomly eat an apple in the Buckbeak introduction scene? Ollivander’s wand shop says that it’s been open 382 B.C., which means that the Wizarding World has existed since then. Hogwarts opened 1,000 years ago, which would be AD times. So, if Hogwarts opened that long ago and the wand shop existed that long ago, then how did students get to Hogwarts before that? Did wizards invent the train and eventually some Muggles took the credit? Does the same go for plumbing in the 1,000-year-old Hogwarts castle, which is how the Basilisk got around somehow in the Chamber of Secrets? So, in Prince, when Filch catches Draco crashing the Slug Club Christmas party, he calls Filch a “squib.” I googled what that meant, assuming it was just Wizard slang like “Merlin’s Beard,” but it said that it’s a child born of a wizard family who doesn’t possess the gift of magic. That is such an interesting layer to this pureblood mania plot point in the series. Since, Mrs. Figg lived in harry’s neighborhood and knew Dumbledore, is she a squid who assimilated into Muggle life? I doubt Dumbledore would just ask some random Muggle to keep an eye on Harry. So, Harry doesn’t begin to have Voldemort-connected vision until Goblet, hinting at Voldemort’s return and they don’t truly become a problem until Phoenix when Harry gets Occlumency lessons and gets lured to the Department of Mysteries by Voldemort. But this isn’t just happening because Voldemort has returned to his body because they happened in Goblet before he returned to human form. How? Also, how did that baby-form Voldemort find enough resources to disappear after he killed Harry’s parents? How exactly did that happen? I know it is because the curse rebounded by really there are so many logistical plot holes that I am curious about. Also, is it just me, or is the Malfoy being the Heir of Slytherin theory the trio has in Chamber, while the obvious choice, doesn’t make any sense because since “the whole lot of them have been in Slytherin for centuries,” why would they choose to open the Chamber now, at the exact moment? What are the raids Mr. Weasley talks about during his first scene in Chamber? How do DA members know when meetings occur? They couldn’t exactly just put the date and time on a bulletin board or something. I’m sure Hermione figured out some brilliant idea. Did Umbridge even allow Quidditch? We didn’t see it once in that whole film. Where did Hagrid return from in Phoenix? How does Harry know his dad’s Patronus is a stag? Did Lupin tell him and we just didn’t see that? Or did he see himself across the lake and because he looks like his dad, he thought it was James producing the Patronus? How did Snape see that Patronus (because Hermione said she overheard him talking to Dumbledore about it)? Did he run after Harry and Sirius? When Hermione is watching Harry and Sirius get attacked by the Dementors before Harry does the Patronus, she says that they both died, so are they resurrected then, so Harry could save them by going back in time? Also, was this supposed to be foreshadowing? What ever happened to Amos Diggory? Did he ever ask Harry about what happened to Cedric? What was his reaction to the Ministry’s smear campaign about Harry and the Second Wizarding War? Does the Ministry really think their subjects are so stupid and gullible that they’ll believe Cedric’s death as an “accident” as Umbridge says on the Ministry’s behalf in her first DADA lesson in Phoenix? Why in the POV shot when Harry is in the hospital in Chamber is his vision not blurry? He doesn’t have his glasses on yet? Is that confirming that magic did fix his eyes, but he just likes glasses? Why doesn’t he forgo them then when he’s on the run as a security precaution? What House was Hagrid in? Gryffindor? He seems like a Hufflepuff to me, though. In Goblet, when Harry goes back to talk to Sirius in the fireplace after Ron interrupts them, the camera pans up and in the background, you can see Ron walking back to the dorms on the upstairs balcony, so couldn’t have just spied on Harry or waited for Harry to be done up there instead? Also, if Sirius is such a rebel, why didn’t he just stay in the fire to finish the conversation? It was just Ron, but still? Why would he leave a terrified Harry hanging like that, even if it was a risk, a huge part of Sirius’ character his is love for risk-taking? What do Hermione’s parents think about her spending all her time with the Weasleys? We know they have met, as we see that in Chamber, but this is a foreign world to them. I get Hermione is wise beyond her years, but still. They clearly support her, but they seem smart. They are dentists and Hermione even says they can tell something is going on the Wizarding World in Prince, what do they think about Hermione’s involvement, especially with Harry? My parents would literally pull me out of school and force me to assimilate. Also, how the Pensieve sequences are filmed throughout the series are really inconsistent. In Goblet, he falls in as a ghost almost (someone’s arm goes through him in the same way Myrtle’s arm went through Ron in Chamber). In Prince, however, Dumbledore and Harry don’t fall in, it seems like they are watching it like a movie, just like us. And it’s the same way in the Prince’s Tale sequence. It just confuses me. Also, they have to pour in the Pensieve in all the movies, keeping the memories in viles, but in Goblet, Dumbledore merely places them in the bowl and already has one in there when Harry sees into it. It’s confusing. Also, why would Dumbledore be watching Karkaroff’s trial if he is supposedly friends with him now? When does the trend of now saying Voldemort’s name start back up again? It seems like it only starts back up again after the Death Eaters take over the Ministry, but he’s been back since in Goblet, and many characters say his name between then and Part 1, so when does it become, I don’t know, taboo or whatever again? Moody-Crouch says that the use of any of the Unforgivable Curses would “earn you a one-way ticket to Azkaban,” but Harry uses them and doesn’t got to jail (and both times was when the Ministry was against him too), and he had the Trace on him the first time. Can the Trace detect an Unforgivable Curse or the exact spell? Does use an Unforgivable Curse for harm, necessity, protection or to a deserving target, like Bellatrix, make it forgivable? Like, I am sure the real Moody, and Auror, have used one once or twice. What did Dumbledore teach when he was just a professor at Hogwarts? If there are wizard schools all over the world, then is there one in the U.S.? I want that spinoff! With American actors and characters and great plot and character parallels. Cast me in it, please! How does someone become a ghost? Why doesn’t Voldemort just choose that path? How and why are Lupin, Tonks, Fred, Moody, Snape, Dumbledore, Sirius, Cedric, James and Lily not ghosts? I never really thought about spells being ‘invented’ in magical mythologies, but I guess they are, and since they what kind of freaking psychopaths invented the Unforgivable Curses? Also, is it just me, or is a Killing Curse a little too simple? Kind of like chearing. I mean the fact that it can be used by anyone anytime including a literal child (Goyle) is certainly a freaking terrifying idea, which I understand is the point, but still. How did Hermione know what the word “Mudblood” meant before Draco called her one? Who told her what it meant? Who else previously called her that? She should punch them too. Literally, how did Trelawney get the Divination job if she can rarely ever actually do divination (except, thankfully when it really matters, and only about Harry, of course)? Like did Trelawney actually give the prophecy about Harry and Voldemort, or was that just for production’s sake? Was she one of Dumbledore’s favorite past students, so favoritism? Did he not believe in her and saw her as a wreck-loose unable to take care of herself, so he took pity on her? Did Harry ever clear Sirius’ name posthumously? Did Harry ever clear Snape’s name posthumously in order to repay him? He obviously changed all of his opinions about him by calling him the bravest man he had ever known in the final scene. In that establishing shot right before the Yule Ball, why is there light coming out of the Durmstrang ship? Wait, are those things the other schools traveled in where they sleep and study because we don’t actually see any of them in any of the Hogwarts classes or staying in the various Hogwarts Houses? Do they use a charm or something, like the one the Weasleys did with their tent at the World Cup (also why did the Weasley kids look at that tent confused? Didn’t they grow up in the Wizarding World and are used to stuff like that? At least they acted that once they got inside the tent, making themselves right at home. Makes me wish we saw the Weasley kids interact more with the Muggle world in the same hilarious way we saw Mr. Weasley, with such endearing ignorance and hilarious fascination). Are Chocolate Frogs chocolate-covered frogs or are they just chocolate that’s transfigured or bewitched to jump? How can you each a transfigured food, that seems questionable, like a potion in some way? Speaking of Chocolate Frogs, did any of the heroes in this series get one because Harry being a living legend by 17-years-old certainly deserves one. Ron and Hermione do too for helping. Snape also deserves one for his bravery and sacficing his life and reputation. Dumbledore’s should be revoked. Also, speaking of Chocolate Frog cards, Dumbledore is on Harry’s card at first then leaves, and Ron is like “well you can’t expect him be there all day,” like what? Is that actually Dumbledore or just his picture, and it acts like portrait moving from frame to frame, photo to photo? It still doesn’t make sense to me how Voldemort was supposed to come back through Ginny because of the diary Horcrux. He has no connection to Ginny besides the Horcrux. The Tom Riddle personifed in the Chamber isn’t Voldemort’s soul it’s Tom Riddle’s memory. Would the diary still be a Horcrux if Tom succeed? Would there be too Voldemorts then, the baby one Pettigrew carries in Goblet and Tom Riddle? Would baby Voldemort be able to sense this? Did baby Voldemort sense the diary being destroyed? Did Ginny, the Weasleys, Luna and Neville know what the trio was actually up, hunting Horcruxes, or not? Why do first years ride on boats to the castle, but every other year goes by carriage? How do those boats work, because they have no paddles? Magic, yeah, but what spell? How? Did the Weasleys tell Ron to befriend Harry, knowing that they would be in the same year? I hope not, and I think not, but if so, did Molly just not recognize him or see James and Lily in him when she first him? Weren’t the Weasleys friendly with the Potters through Dumbledore and their mutual friends and shared beliefs. Why are Mrs. Norris’ eyes red? Why are the students wearing their school robes to the Sorting Ceremony if they aren’t sorted yet and are gonna put their House color on the inside and the crest on their left side? Why not just gift them their robe and uniform after Sorting, as like a prize of sorts? Is Gryffindor the ‘hodge podge’ House? Because that’s the House we see the most and meet the most characters from, and yet each character is so different from that House. Hermione’ studious. Ron is easygoing. Harry is modest. Fred and George are hilarious. Ginny is athletic. Neville is introverted. Of course, not everyone is a clone of one another in every House, but this makes me think even more that Houses are about values, not necessarily personality. When the Sorting hat is talking to Harry during his Sorting, can everyone hear that or just Harry, because if they talked during Hermione, Ron and everyone else’s Sorting, we didn’t hear that, but that also could be more about script room and screentime? How does the food at Hogwarts work? Especially with it just appearing out of nowhere like it does in Stone? We don’t see that again, but is that still how it happens? It appears so randomly. Is it bewitched? Where does it come from? If food can be conjured out of nowhere, like water as seen with Aguamenti spell, then why isn’t the trio eating three-course meals while they are camping in Part 1? Why didn’t Ginny go on the Horcrux hunt with the trio? She’s Harry’s girlfriend, Hermione’s friend and Ron’s sister. I get the trio is always a focal point, but still, it does make sense. Besides with Umbridge in Phoenix, has Hogwarts’ curriculum ever evolved since its founding? I would hope so. Was Snape injured by Hermione setting fire to his robes at the Quidditch Match in the first film? The kid who the snake Draco conjured during his duel Harry tried to attack, Justin Finch-Fletchley, was he Muggle-born? Is that it was such a big deal? I know Harry asked Hagrid and he answered, but really, what was Hagrid doing in Knockturn Alley in Chamber? I find it hard to believe that the only place he could get a Herbology product is in such a dark, sketchy area. Did Harry and Ron actually get Special Awards for Services to the School in Chamber? Because it was never talked about again. Also, Hermione deserves one too, because she actually solved it, they just acted on it. What exactly was Mr. Weasley’s punishment for Ron using his bewitched flying car, because he clearly didn’t get into enough trouble to lose his job? Did Ginny get any input on her children’s names, because all of her kids with harry seemed to be named after people Harry valued, not her? Due to how reserved they made her out being in the films, making her look more like a pushover than a sentimental, heartwarming wife. How did Lucius Malfoy get Tom Riddle’s diary in the first place, because he had it before Voldemort returned? Also, why did he give it to an impressionable girl then, specifically, and not earlier? Also, why does Seamus Finnegin advertise that he’s a half-blood during the opening feast in Stone? If he is a half-blood, then he must have somewhat grown up in the Wizarding World, which means he knows about the prejudice. Dangerous (and honestly kind of obnoxious) way to make friends. Why don’t we ever see the ghosts again after the first two movies, until we meet The Gray Lady in the final film? Also, Hagrid was expelled from Hogwarts, but how does he not know how to spell, proven by the cake he gifts Harry and how he literally says so in the Leaky Cauldron scene, both in Stone? Also, is it just me or did the entrance to the Gryffindor common room change over the course of the series, from a corridor to directly from the moving staircase tower, or does it have multiple entrances? How do the moving portraits work? How do they move between portraits? Is it like that episode of Wizard of Waverly Place where they go into Alex’s fairytale storybook? So, when Snape becomes headmaster in Hallows, does he change the moving siarcase into a non-moving grand staircase going in multiple directions? Or did Snape paus it magically or something? Or did they just change it for the final film to make it less visually chaotic and complicated? Why did Voldemort hide one of his Horcrux’s in Bellatrix’s Gringotts vault anyway? Sure she is one of his most devoted followers, but after he trusted his diary to Lucius, why would he risk it, especially since they are family. God, Voldemort is so incredible arrogant. Did Lucius know that the diary was a Horcrux? Did Bellatrix know that the Horcrux Cup was indeed a Horcrux? Was Fred and George’s joke shop still open after the Death Eaters crashed the wedding causing the Weasleys to go into hiding? When Harry saved Fleur’s sister in Goblet, was she actually in danger, or would he have been able to get out of the Black Lake eventually? How did Bellatrix and thso escaped Death Eaters get their wands back in Phoenix? Hermione had her expandable beaded bag in Part 1 when the Snatchers come after her, and one Snatcher says they went through it after they grabbed them and that’s how they got the Sword of Gryffindor, but Hermione also has it in Part 2 when she’s Polyjuice’d as Bellatrix and goes to Gringotts, so how did she get it back? She was so exhausted when she Apparated from Malfoy Manor? How did she hide it? Did she Accio it off screen or did Ron? Also, is it just me or did the trio get incredibly lucky that Bellatrix’s hair stayed on Hermione’s sweater and didn’t fall or blow off in Hallows? Also, why wasn’t the fact that they were holding the wand that killed Sirius and tortured Neville’s parents a bigger deal? Like that doesn’t seem like the type of the thing the trio wouldn’t acknowledge. With the trio each switching off wearing the locket, we saw how it made Harry angry and made Ron’s insecurities boil over, but we never got to see how it effected Hermione. When she wore it she seemed like her normal self, so how did it effect her? I know the Basilisk can petrify victims, but can other creatures? How do people become werewolves in the universe? How is being a werewolf possible? Is it a curse like in the Vampire Diaries universe? What happened to Bill Weasley? He is scarred and jokes with Lupin about taking his steaks on the raw side now, but it’s never explicitly said, is he a werewolf or just had wolfish tendencies since being attacked by one? How exactly does Greyback work because even when it’s not a full moon, he still looks like Mason Greyback in werewolf form from Wizards of Waverly Place? After Lupin’s death, did Harry work in his memory to help stop the werewolf stigma? Especially after Greyback no doubt died or went to Azkaban. Also, why did they have Neville so panicked when Harry didn’t come up for air during the Second Task when non of the other champions came up anyway? It’s not like Seamus and Dean could see through the lake (literally called the Black Lake) anyway. It was a funny moment that I found endearing, but still. Did Neville ever get the chance to tell Luna that he liked her? Did they end up together? Why did Dumbledore and Harry Apparate to that rock in Prince and not just to the cave? Just for cinematic scenery? Did Ginny get any input when it came to naming her children? It TBH makes her seem even more like a quiet, weak pushover. Did anyone get Chocolate Frog cards after the Battle of Hogwarts? Harry no doubt got one, but Hermione, Ron, Neville and McGonagall should have gotten them too because they certainly deserve it. I wish we saw at least Harry’s when Hermione and Ron’s daughter opened her’s in the Epilogue. It would have made that scene even more full circle. So, the Snatchers say that they found the Sword of Gryffindor in Hermione’s bag, but then when she’s in Bellatrix form, she has the beaded bag? How did she get it back? What is the black smoking thing the Death Eaters, Voldemort and Snape do? What about the white smoking the Order does in Phoenix? What is that? Is it the same thing or different? Why is it never used again after Phoenix, the white smoke? While the black and white visual is very symbolic of good and evil, as seen during the Veil Room battle, especially the smokes fighting and intertwining around the room? What House is Tonks in? Why isn’t anyone doing anything when the dragon breaks the chains and chases Harry around the castle during the First Task in Goblet? The students and even Dumbledore and Fudge are just looking around in curiosity rather than concern. It just seems very odd to me . Where are the dragon tamers, like Charlie? It could have been an opportunity to introduce Charlie. Seriously, why isn’t anybody doing anything? Also, what happened to the dragon? Did it die? Isn’t dangerous now that a dragon is freed or on the Hogwarts grounds? Sure, a dragon got loose in Part 2, but it was abused and in a moment of desperation, there’s a difference. Also, since the Order showed up, why didn’t Mr. and Mrs. Weasley too? How did Griphook know to lie to Bellatrix? It’s not like Harry told him to lie. Did Narcissa know about Horcruxes? How else would she thinks he could ask Harry about Draco? Sure, she probably checked his pulse, but still. Also, she’s Black, her cousin was Regulus, who found the locket and Lucius once own a Horcrux, the diary. I’m guessing things like “git,” “blimey,” “thick,” “bloody” and “rubbish” are British slang, right? I know “rubbish” and “bloody” is (“bloody” is used very often with the Mikaelson family on The Originals, both ironically and unironically)? I am also guessing “Merlin’s beard” is wizards’ slang, is there other wizard slang that I didn’t notice? Also, so was Merlin, as in the legend of Arthur Merlin technically a wizard in this world, hence “Order of Merlin” and “Merlin’s beard”? In the Prince’s Tale, we see Snape and Dumbledore have many conversations about their plans and deals in Dumbledore’s office, but we know from Phoenix and Prince that the headmasters’ office is filled with portraits of past headmasters that they can travel through other portraits, and we see the portraits filled in the background during these conversations, so since they are listening in on Snape and Dumbledore’s secret plan, doesn’t that risk exposing their plan since they can travel to another portrait and tell someone? Is there a spell Dumbledore or Snape does to not let this happen? How does the portrait traveling work then? When Ron says “frankie first year” to Hermione, in the scene when they return to Hogwarts in Part 2 and it’s the first time the trio sees Ginny since Part 1 and Ron’s upset that Ginny is more excited to see her boyfriend than her brother (however TBH she doesn’t look thrilled to see Harry at all), what does Ron mean when he says she’s treating him like he’s a “frankie first year”? Hogwarts legend turned inside joke? British slang? The Black family is very large and expansive with cousins and siblings, and it’s the same with the Weasleys with their 7 kids, but since the Malfoys are also an old Wizarding pureblood family, shouldn’t they be expansive too? They seem oddly small, like does Lucius have siblings? Or is that the point? Are the Malfoys like the elite of the elite, like Caroline Astor ruling all of high society in the Gilded Age? Did Dumbledore know about Scabbers actually being Pettigrew? He was a professor during the Marauders era and recruited Peter Pettigrew to be in the original Order, as seen in that photo (where he is eerily standing between and behind James and Lily, looking very guilty and uncomfortable). So, wouldn’t he know Pettigrew was an Animagus, and recognize his form while Ron and Percy carry Scabbers around school (and he said literally nothing!)? How did the Time Turner not accidentally spin when it hung around Hermione’s neck day in and day out? How flimsy is it? Did the Twins know about the Invisibility cloak because they catch Harry while he’s using it and they know it’s him in Azkaban and did Neville know about the Marauder’s Map because he doesn’t ask what it is when Ron mentions it when they are in the tunnel going to Hogwarts in Part 2 and Neville knows about the secret passage ways and how else would he know about those if he didn’t know about the Marauder’s Map? When did the Twins and Neville find out about those things? When and how did Harry and/or the trio tell them? So, if the Marauders Map shows the 7 secret passages ways out of the castle, can’t the trio and the Twins go to Hogsmeade anytime they like then? Is that why the Twins don’t go on that Hogsmeade trip? Did Harry ever let the Twins borrow the Marauder’s Map after they give it to him? Did I hear that right in Phoenix, was the Marauders’ bullying nickname for Snape “Snivellus Greasy”? I get he has greasy hair (just look at that horrible wig they gave Rickman in the first film) but he never wipes his nose once, clearly not having the snivels or allergies, so I don’t get the first part besides it sounding like Severus. Did Harry tell the world about Snape’s notes in the potion book? He basically corrected the whole thing. I mean, we never actually see Ginny hide it, so maybe she still has it and it didn’t burn in the Room of Requirement fire (it would parallel Ginny and Harry’s relationship to Tom Riddle’s diary in a way) and gave it back to Harry after Snape’s death to publish. It is Snape’s legacy in a way and a symbol of how morally gray he is as it brilliantly corrects the literal school textbook, but also has a very violent spell inked into it. He could also ink it out for cautionary reasons. I get how the world is better without Sectumsempra, especially with how the one person who knows how to correct it and save someone (Snape as he saved Draco because it’s his spell he invented) is dead, but it is his legacy and is far better then Avada Kedavra, especially for an Auror as it stops criminals, but doesn’t kill them. What is splinching, what Hermione says happened to Ron after the Ministry in Part 1? In Part 1, is that the same tent as from Goblet? How convenient that their tent is the only one to survive if it is, but it looks less luxurious and way smaller. We can easily guess what Bellatrix’s relationship with her cousins Sirius and Regulus was like, but what about Narcissa’s relationship with them, what was that like? What was Sirius and Regulus’ relationship like? Did Sirius know about what Regulus did (and therefore know about Horcruxes?)? Did he tell anyone, like Dumbledore or James? Is that how Dumbledore found out? Why didn’t he tell Harry if he did? If Sirius didn’t know though, that’s so sad because he would have been so proud of his brother. How the hell did Salazar Slytherin get that giant Baslilsk into Hogwarts? How the hell did Hagrid get Fluffy into Hogwarts? What ever happened to Fluffy, Nobert, Buckbeak and Grawp after their respective movies? Does Narcissa love or hate her sister Bellatrix? Did she even care that she went to Azkaban? What was her reaction to her release? Did Bellatrix force her to let her join her when they went to visit Snape in Prince? Did she even care when she found out Bellatrix was killed after the Battle of Hogwarts resumed? I ask because of Draco, and how callously and horribly Bellatrix treated him. Also, did Draco ever find out about Narcissa lying to Voldemort and covering for Harry? Is it just me or does it seem like the Dark Mark tattoo the Death Eaters have move (kind of like portraits), especially in Goblet, but not really in the later movies? Also, other tattoos on wizards with tattoos like Sirius and Lucius don’t appear to move. Why don’t the Death Eaters, even the proudest ones like Bellatrix, show off their Dark Marks, why do they all hide them? I get why Draco, Narcissa, Snape and even Lucius do, but why Bellatrix? Karkaroff showed his Dark Mark coming back to Snape in Goblet, does that mean it goes away when Voldemort goes away either by death to by body destruction? How did the Potters get so rich? Why does Harry start driving Hagrid’s bike during the Seven Potters battle? Was he stunned? That wasn’t very clear because he didn’t fall back, but he probably didn’t because he’s a freaking giant. Why was the trio, Ginny, Neville and Luna going to the Department of Mysteries and successfully fighting Death Eaters, not a bigger deal? Wouldn’t that be like the talk of the school or something, especially because that battle also had Voldemort reveal itself to Fudge? Like what did the parents and teachers think about that too? Is Teddy Lupin a werewolf or has the ‘gene’ like in Vampire Diaries, or not? How does that work with a werewolf having an offspring? If a female werewolf gets pregnant, does she still have to turn on the full moon or not, like in The Originals? What’s the difference between a wizard, a warlock and witch? So, Dumbledore’s office door is a literal griffin-door, so does the mascot to the headmaster’s office change depending on their house? So, did it became a snake when Snape became headmaster?How long were the Weasleys and Hermione at Grimmauld Place before Harry arrived in Phoenix? The whole summer? If that’s the case, how did Hermione feel about Dumbledore basically holding their daughter hostage from them? Why did Lily and Snape lose touch? James? Taking different sides, initially? How did James and Lily get together? Why, exactly, did Snape always love Lily? My assumption is it was because he was bullied, and she was the first person to see the goodness in him and be kind to him. How did the Potters get all that gold? Like, seriously, Jesus Christ, that is A LOT of gold. What was James’ relationship with Vernon and Petunia? Did they ever meet? Did he try and make nice with them, but failed because of their prejudice and James’ sense of humor and (I assume because he’s a pure-blood) ignorance about the Muggle world by growing up in the Wizarding World? What about Lily and Vernon? I bet Lily tried to be kind to him, but he was his usually dickish self. Where did James and Lily’s wands go when they were killed? Why didn’t Dumbledore save them for Harry (oh wait, he doesn’t give a sh*t about them)? Why can’t Voldemort understand love? Both he and Harry were orphans, and while Tom was actually cared for in an orphanage with a bed and turned out hateful, Harry slept in a cupboard under the stairs in a place where he was neglected and turned out loving. Is it magic related? Was Voldemort born through artificial love or something, like Amoretentia? How did Snape get to the Potter’s house that night? Did he run into Hagrid trying to save Harry or was he the one to pass Harry off to Hagrid to bring to the Dursleys? So, Snape once met Petunia and knew how awful she was, and we are supposed to believe that he was okay with Lily’s innocent baby boy going to live with her after Lily’s death, under Dumbledore’s orders? that he didn’t object at all? Sure. Why didn’t Harry try and track down his childhood home when he went to visit Godric’s Hollow? I am sure that it’s some historical landmark, like Anne Frank’s house, or something. After all, the Potter’s deaths are in the history books in this world, like Princess Diana or John Lennon. Also, how did Dumbledore hide the Potters exactly if they lived in Godric’s Hollow when Harry was born and when they died? Did they tell people they left, but cast a protection spell, like the ones Hermione uses in Part 1, and actually stayed put, and that’s how they were protected, and since Pettigrew was in the Order, Dumbledore’s secret society, at that time, and I assume the Order was tasked with protecting the Potters, that’s how he knew where they were and betrayed them. Am I on the right track because I am sure the logistics of all of this are explained more thoroughly in the books? Or maybe I am thinking Dumbledore was really noble man he pretended to be and actually tried to protect the Potters and not simply promise Snape he would, forcing him to live the rest of his days 100% devoted to him (how is he better than Voldemort again?) and then actually didn’t do what he promised Snape he would protect the Potters. Maybe because he knew that was how the prophecy would be put in place, and that the prophecy is the only way to officially defeat Voldemort. He decided to play the long game, and after all, he said right after the Potters died “the Dark Lord will return” to Snape, but how else would he know that? God, either way, he is so manipulative and egocentric. How exactly did Harry survive the Killing Curse…twice? Love? But seriously, how? And how does the protection of love work when it comes to physical touch? Especially with how Quirrell refused to touch Harry, and then Harry burned him to dust by touching him and defeated him and expelled Voldemort from Quirrell’s body and then with Voldemort using Harry’s blood to return and then proclaiming “I can touch you now” and touching Harry’s scar and burning him now? When did Quirrell get to the Mirror of Erised room? Was he like…waiting for Harry? For how long? What exactly is Priori Incantatem? Like how exactly did Harry see, and speak, to Lily, James and Cedric that night? How is that different from when he saw his parents and parental figures with the Resurrection Stone? would that Lily and James remember being with Harry at the graveyard that night? Why didn’t Harry die when Voldemort killed him in the final movie? I get it was just the Horcrux that died, not Harry, but how? Love? If Avada Kedarva simply kills a Horcrux, why didn’t the trio ever try that? Or is that only the creator of a Horcrux can simply destroy one with the Killing Curse? How does Voldemort get inside Harry’s head and give him imaginary visions exactly? And how does Harry get inside his head? Do Muggle-borns ever get Slytherin? I know half-bloods do because Snape is a Slytherin and the Half-Blood Prince, but what about Muggle-borns, or did Salazar Slytherin manipulate the hate not to? What about after the Dark Lord fell? How long do wizards live because the trio says Dumbledore is 150 years old in Half-Blood Prince? But is that because of the Sorcerer’s Stone and the Exliar of Life? Also, what happened to Nicolas Flamel? Was he alive throughout the whole season to did he die? Is Nicolas Flamel the only truly immortal wizard, without Horcruxes, but with Sorcerer’s Stone (until it’s destroyed)? Why would Voldemort need the Sorcerer’s Stone if he has Horcruxes? Don’t they do the same thing but one is ‘noble’ and one is ‘dark’? Can any fans actually tell Fred and George apart? Can the characters themselves? I get why Mrs. Weasley is always confused, after all, she has like a million kids, she probably calls Ron by Percy’s name daily even if they are polar opposites. Why do goblins hate wizards so much? I get wizards can be extremely prejudiced, but it’s like Russians, they may have a stern stereotype, but that doesn’t mean they are all that way. Why are goblins so untrustworthy? Yes, I get the spite. goblins are treated with unconscious bias by many wizards, especially because, unlike Muggle-born prejudice, goblins actually look different, so it’s, unfortunately, easier for wizards to be prejudiced. Which side were the goblins on? Harry’s right, as Griphook, helps him? Why do they keep hinting at Harry crushing on Luna, with him mentioning Nargles before kissing Cho for the first time and inviting her to the Slug Club, it’s just so subtle, and yet so obviously hinted at. Who exactly forced Draco to become a Death Eater? Because his dad was in Azkaban, so was it Bellatrix or Narcissa or Voldemort himself? Was Narcissa even a Death Eater herself, was she just loyal to her husband and sister, and by proxy the Dark Lord? She never seemed that passionate about the Dark Lord’s goals, only her son’s safety and of course his blood purity. Also (LOL) but did Narcissa even care that her sister died? I would believe it if she thought “good riddance” when she heard the news because how Bellatrix was okay with the possibility of her son dying due to his mission for the Dark Lord, as Bellatrix said that she and Draco should be “honored.” Azkaban seems like a prisoner for the worst of the worst. Murderers. Torturers. Users of the Unforgivable Curses. But is there another prisoner for petty criminals? Are all Azkaban prisoners there for a lifetime or are there shorter sentences? Literally, how did Sirius escape Azkaban, because from that establishing shot of Azkaban, it seems to be on an island, right? Is he like an Olympic swimmer or something? And why then? Why not earlier, if he was always an Animagus? So, werewolf Lupin runs away after Buckbeak intercepts him when he goes after Hermione and Harry, so do werewolves only hunt humans, not other animals? Is that why Sirius and Peter became Animagus? Did James too? What was his animal form? Why wouldn’t werewolves simply lock themselves up during the full moon to transform like in The Vampire Diaries to avoid fear, exposure and the stigma? Do they? Is a werewolf considered a half-breed, a beast, a being, a creature or a Dark creature in this universe, because wizards clearly love their labels? I have heard that Dumbledore is supposed to be gay (can we talk bout the irony of JKR making a character LGBTQ+ but not accepting that the T is valid and exists?)? Why does Lupin have a cane at the end of Azkaban (him saying to Harry with a slight smile “I’ve looked worse, believe me” after the full moon is such a touching and tender moment)? So, is queerness accepted in the Wizarding World? What about racism in terms of Asians like Cho and Blacks like Dean? or is racism, in this universe, strictly about blood purity (because it’s meant to be a commentary or something, right?)? What about gender equality, because Hermione or Bellatrix are treated the same as Harry and Lucius, if not better in terms of gender, and Luna isn’t an outcast because of her womanhood, but because of her eccentricity? So, Snape clearly went back to the Death Eaters after Goblet to start his work as a triple agent, but what was his excuse to Voldemort of why he didn’t go to the graveyard, because Bellatrix was imprisoned in Azkaban and that’s why she wasn’t there? Was his excuse that he was pretending to be loyal to Dumbledore, telling him that he learned the error of his ways, which is actually true, but he told Voldemort it was a cover, and that’s why he took him back without any punishment? So, basically, knowing how arrogant Voldemort is, cementing his triple agent status was his excuse? Does that make sense? Am I right? Did Narcissa get Bellatrix sent to Azkaban? Because the Malfoys managed to get off scot-free (probably because they used the Imperius Curse as their excuse which is no doubt why Moody-Crouch attacked Draco in Goblet, out of anger and resentment), but people knew Bellatrix and Narcissa were sisters. Bellatrix attacked the Longbottoms and to protect her family, which is Narcissa’s top priority, did she turn her back on Bellatrix after she took things too far (as the Longbottoms had a son who was Draco’s age, unlike Lucius who didn’t think twice about trying to kill Draco’s classmate Harry) and attacked the Longbottoms, sending her to Azkaban? What happened to the remaining and surviving Death Eaters after Voldemort died? Were they executed or sent for life sentences in Azkaban? Is Azkaban only for life sentence or do people have shorter sentences then that? Wait, so if Harry was the true master of the Elder Wand the whole time, then once the final Horcrux was killed, Nagini, did Voldemort feel it and panic and that caused his Avada Kedavra spell coming from the Elder Wand to rebound again and concave into him, not being able to kill its master, and kill Voldemort instead? So, did he kill himself? Death by arrogance, because he searched and searched for the most powerful wand in the world, the notorious Elder Wand, which is supposedly unbeatable for its master, but he was dueling it’s master, so yet again, Voldemort failed? Am I right? Why, in Phoenix, does one of the Twins stare at Harry when he walks into the common room? The Twins were at Grimmauld Place, aren’t they on his side? Are Seamus and Dean supposed to be best friends, because they are almost always together? Someone, I assume a woman, named Andromeda, her face is burned out on the Black family tree next to Bellatrix. The camera focuses on the two of them, so obviously she is significant in the history of this universe and this family and this story, but why is her face blacked out? Is she Bellatrix’s sister, since their names are next to each other? If so, then is that Tonks’ mom? Is that why Tonks are so distant from the Black family? What happened? Wait, is Tonks a half-blood? Is that why? Also, the name Rodolphus Lestrange is under Bellatrix’s name on the Black family tree, is that his husband? She is married?! Did she murder her husband for Voldemort because that sounds like something she’d do and we never seem to meet him (unless that’s the guy she sits next to during the Death Eater meeting in Part 1)? Also, that’s why I assume Bellatrix’s maiden name is Black, especially because Narcissa’s is a Malfoy? Why do we never meet Charlie, especially in Goblet with the dragon task? The dragon task seems like the perfect time to meet Charlie, even if it’s for like 2 seconds. He could have talked to Ron about making up with Harry. We also actually hear about him prior to Goblet. I don’t think we ever get a mention of Bill until Part 1 (maybe in Azkaban, but my memory is fuzzy). If pureblood maniacs like Voldemort were so prejudiced why did they let werewolves like Greyback join their ranks? Bloodlust (he said in Part 1 to Bellatrix that a quality he likes is bloodlust)? Also, Bill says that the reason he is scared was that he was attacked by a werewolf named Greyback, so does that make him a werewolf? He and Lupin seemed to have bonded over it. Bill also said that he hoped to return the favor to Greyback so after Greyback killed Lavender, did Bill kill him? I wish e could have seen Lupin and Bill team up to kill him. Maybe that’s how Lupin died, aww. So, Flitwick is the chorus teacher, so besides Quidditch, the DA and choir, what other extracurriculars are there at Hogwarts? If the Weasley family and Malfoy family kind of grew up together, just hating each other, wouldn’t Narcissa, like Draco, have recognized Ron when they come to Malfoy Manor, and since she would, wouldn’t she know the other two were Hermione and Harry, as he son would have certainly told her about them, especially Hermione and her ‘Mudblood’ status. So, does that mean Draco AND Narcissa both cover for Harry when they are at Malfoy Manor (not Lucius because he is a power-hungry coward who just wants to make right with Voldemort as soon as possible)? This would mean Narcissa would have saved Harry’s life twice. Why does the Sorting hat present the Sword of Gryffindor to the worthy Gryffindor who needs it two out of the three times it’s presented to a Gryffindor in the series? Also, how does such a large sword fit into a hat small enough to fit onto at 11 year old’s head? The same charm as Hermione’s bag? How does it not fall over a first year’s eye and swallow them whole hen? And how does it teleport and disappear and reappear? Did Godric Gryffindor spell it to do that? Literally how did Lily become friends with the Marauders, besides all being Gryffindors? Like, she was in the Slug Club and is constantly praised for her kindness even posthumously. Also, can we talk about how impressive of wizards the Marauders are to be Animagus? That seems like a very difficult skill as Krum has trouble converting himself into a shark in Goblet and we don’t see any other students trying to become Animagus. This also makes me hate Peter Pettigrew’s character even more because if he wasn’t so pathetic, he could have actually been a decent wizard. Why is Harry scared to fight a dragon in Goblet when he literally fought the Chamber of Secrets’ notoriously dangerous monster, the Basilisk, in Chamber? Also, how does Harry come up with the idea to stab the diary? Smart kid! Probably one of his best decision of the series TBH, as he could thank himself later as that decision helped him and Dumbledore figure out that Voldemort split his soul into Horcruxes. How does Harry find out he was born in Godric’s Hollow? History books about himself? How do these wizard towns like Hogsmeade and Godric’s Hollow exist? Are they hidden from Muggles? What about the Burrow and Luna’s house? What about Hogwarts? Do these places have those protection charms Hermione did in Part 1? I assume Snape started working at Hogwarts both because of his deal with Dumbledore and the fact Dumbledore wanted him close and to sell himself as to Voldemort when he returns and become a triple agent, meaning that he would spy on Voldemort for Dumbledore by making Voldemort think he is spying on Dumbledore for him (so, brave, brilliant and incredible), right? Am I correct? Why didn’t they just petrify Pettigrew and levitate him back to the castle after the Shrieking Shack instead of risking his escape? All of these characters are very smart, and they are so determined to get justice for Lily and James, like come on! Although, since this moment is an example of how something they forget that they can do magic, even Muggle-raised wizards like Hermione and Harry, I do appreciate this because it shows how as powerful as they are, they aren’t heavily reliant on it, which I guess in a world where magic is normal, I guess that’s refreshing. However, this situation is an incredibly stupid one for that to arise. Did Lily know that Snape told Dumbledore to protect them? Did she die never finding out? What exactly is the Department of Mysteries? What exactly is the Hall of Prophecies? If prophecies are a spiritual law of the universe or telling of the future, how is a prophecy tangible, able to be physically picked up? How did all those spiders open or break those windows in Chamber? What are they doing in the castle and Hagrid’s Hut if all these magical talking spiders live in the Forbidden forest? And if spiders are scared of the Basilisk, that doesn’t explain why they run away in such an oddly orderly fashion. Also, why don’t the spiders get angry and attack Harry and Ron for stepping on them when following them into the Forbidden Forest? Also, is the Forbidden Forest also called the Dark Forest, because Ron calls it that in Chamber? What ever happened to that Ford Anglia (my friend told me that this is the car that Mr. Weasley turned into the flying car)? Did it just become another peculiar phenomenon that lives in the forest? How does Draco get so good at DADA and dueling in Hallows despite not being in the DA in Phoenix? Did Narcissa or Bellatrix train him? Why don’t any Order members, who all seem to be the closest adults to Harry (like the Order member are really Harry true family) ever confront the Dursleys about their poor treatment of Harry? Why didn’t any of them threaten them? They are all very protective of Harry, but somehow don’t care about how the Dursleys treat him. I don’t believe that. Ron was horrified when he saw the bars Vernon put on his window in Chamber. Am I really supposed to think he didn’t ask his parents to talk to them on Harry’s behalf, especially because they really do treat Harry like a son? Plus, Mr. Weasley is an expert on Muggles, so I am sure he knows how to talk to them. Moody and Sirius have a temper, and due to Sirius’ past in Azkaban and Moody’s terrifying appearance, they definitely could have scared the Dursleys off. Why are Ron and Harry smiling so big in the busy hallways before McGonagall calls Harry over in Prince? I bet it’s explained in the books. Also, I just realized this, but it seems like Hufflepuff is the only Hogwarts House common room we never visit in the series. We technically only see that Ravenclaw has their own outdoor area and courtyard, which I think is really neat. Clearly, Rowena Ravenclaw had a passion for nature and the outdoors. So, Neville was terrified of Snape, no doubt due to his constant belittling and taunting due to his forgetful and shy nature. However, since Snape knew about the prophecy when he went to Dumbledore to ask him to hide the Potters, did he also know that the boy could have been Neville and not Lily’s son, so is that possibly the reason why he picks on Neville, making him become Neville’s worst fear because if Neville became the Chosen One then Lily would still be alive? When Sirius broke into Hogwarts and slashed the Gryffindor portrait door, how did he know Harry was in Gryffindor? Did he just assume because James and he were? The fact that, for weeks, in Part 1 the trio just had, and wore Voldemort’s soul, wouldn’t that be a bigger deal? Like their enemy’s soul is literally with them? Why didn’t they ever talk about how creepy the idea is to fathom? Why does Harry tell everyone Voldemort killed Cedric when it was very clearly Wormtail with Voldemort’s wand? Sure, it was on Voldemort’s orders, callously saying “kill the spare,” but shouldn’t he tell the whole truth, not just the most important parts? Or is it because saying it was someone other then Voldemort would only encourage Fudge’s denial? The final film hinted at Neville and Luna’s potential romance, with Neville saying, while on a high, that he is “mad for her,” despite never having a direct conversation within the films. Did Neville and Luna end up together? Did they ever actually date? It’s clear that Snape is very skilled and passionate about both DADA and potions, which means we would excel at teaching both subjects, however, it’s unclear whether or not he would really want the DADA job if it wasn’t jinxed or not. Would he still want it anyway despite it being cursed and therefore will end his deal with Dumbledore? Potions also seem like a mix of precise measurements found in cooking and pharmacy, so are potions used in the Infirmary a lot? Does that mean Madame Pomfrey is also skilled at potions? Also, what the hell did Narcissa see in Lucius? She genuinely seems to hate her husband, and with good reason. Did they divorce after the finale? Despite them both being from pureblood families and valuing their blood purity, I can’t see how they feel in love with each other at all, and it’s not because of their lack of chemistry, it’s purely because of their characters. Did they only marry to keep their families’ blood pure? It seems like it. It seems very loveless. Their relationship is very complicated between being Death Eaters, their questionable morals, how Lucius treats Draco, Lucius’ failure, Narcissa’s crazy sister, and their prestigious familial reputations which makes their relationship intriguing and compelling, but it was definitely an arranged marriage, right? Like just because Narcissa was sort of upset about Lucius being put in Azkaban, it seemed like she was more upset because of how it affected Draco, not because she actually missed her husband (LOL love that for her!). Hermione was not a common name when the books first came out, so did fans fully butcher her name when they first came out? Also, Umbridge’s reasoning for not teaching the DADA defensive spells is because Voldemort isn’t back, but most of the past DADA classes are mostly about defending themselves against Dark creatures, not Dark wizards, so why did Hermione or Harry never bring up that point? Also, how ironic that Umbridge’s excuse is “who do you imagine would want to attack children like yourself?” when not just her, but also Moody-Crouch, Quirrell and Lockhart all attacked or harmed (or tried to harm) children, usually Harry? Did Narcissa know about Voldemort’s Horcruxes, and now that Harry was one? She asked if Draco was alive, not even bothering to check his pulse or ask him if he was alive. Her husband also one had one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes in his possession, and as a Black, was educated about the Dark Arts from a young age. Also, Luna was held captive at Malfoy Manor, but seems unharmed for the most part, which could be in part to Narcissa’s kinder, and maternal nature in comparison to Lucius or Bellatrix, plus she knew Luna was taken as collateral damage not because she was guilty of something. If she knew about Horcruxes and somehow came to the conclusion that Voldemort used a relic from each Hogwarts founder to make one, that would mean that she thought Luna, being Harry’s friend and a Ravenclaw, could lead him to the Ravenclaw one. She could also assume Harry was hunting them since he was on the run already and is the Chosen One. If this is all true, she is highly underrated. Did Narcissa even care that her sister was imprisoned, or care that she was killed when the Battle of Hogwarts resumed? Why does Moody-Crouch randomly ask Neville about his passion for Herbology? It’s so inorganic. I get it’s supposed to hint at him giving him the Herbology book, but Neville tells us that later, we didn’t need that awkwardly placed line from Moody. Can Voldemort, a powerful but Dark wizard, produce a Patronus? Can Wormtail, Bellatrix, Lucius, Narcissa or any other Death Eater or Voldemort follower (if any Death Eater besides Snape can produce a Patronus, due to how much of a protective mother she is, I’m betting it’s Narcissa)? What are their Patronuses if they can? If they can’t due to their dark nature, what happens to them if they try to produce one? Could all the goodness kill their hateful hearts? How morbidly fitting! If this is true, then that means that Snape is the only Death Eater or person with the Dark Mark able to cast a Patronus successfully, and that itself proves how Snape isn’t evil at his core. If that’s true, can Draco, since he’s not evil at his core either? Does Draco, in his lifetime, ever even try? What is the black, smokey flying thing the Death Eaters use to travel? How and what is it? Even Snape can do it in Part 2. Can Bellatrix? Why did Lupin never stand up to James and Sirius and their bullying? Peter is a coward, but lupin is outspoken and confident in his own right, and I think Sirius and James had always respected him. He also is a strategic, kind person, while I can buy Sirius being a childhood bully due to his wealthy background and reckless personality. It just makes me wonder. mean, Lupin even defends Snape later on when harry accused him of being shady in Prince after he overhears that he made an Unbreakable Vow, so clearly, he never shared the same deep hatred towards Snape that his best friends and pseudo-nephew felt. When and how did Lupin exactly put together that Sirius was good and Wormtail was bad? We never actually saw that light bulb moment just his reaction to Harry by tentatively saying “that’s impossible,” seemingly confirming through his eyes that he always hoped that there was more to the story of Pettigrew’s disappearance and Sirius’ capture. I’m sure, if he was presumably the smartest of the Marauders, that he had a feeling that if any of them were to be a traitor, it would be Pettigrew, not Sirius. I mean, Lupin lost all of his best friends in one fell swoop due to a chain reaction started by Voldemort. That must have kept him up for nights on end. It would have for me. Also, since he confiscated the Marauder’s Map from Harry, is that how he saw that Sirius, Pettigrew and the trio were in the Shrieking Shack? Is the Shrieking Shack technically on the Hogwarts grounds then? Why and how are the Marauder’s Animagus? Was James too? Wait! was it because werewolves are not violent towards animals and when they found out that Lupin was a werewolf (I’m sure due to the stigma he kept it a secret for as long as he could) they didn’t want him to be along? That’s adorable and so sweet! They really were just great friends and a packaged deal just like the trio. Screw Pettigrew for ruining it all! Harry, Hermione and Ron would never! This also begs the question, was Lupin a werewolf when he came to Hogwarts, or did he become one while he was there…under Dumbledore’s watch (once again putting students in danger, not just if this happened, but also for the larger student body in general. Lupin didn’t deserve this)? What’s so sad about the Boggart scene too is that the Boggart wouldn’t have turned to Voldemort anyway as Harry doesn’t even know how Voldemort looks as he was a baby at the time and doesn’t remember, and we don’t know how he looked back then either as Voldemort was in a black cloak in the flashbacks we’ve seen and with Voldemort have a flattened nose when he’s on the back of Quirrell and then no nose, just slits for nostrils like a snake when he officially comes back. His only encounter with Voldemort was through Tom Riddle’s memory and through the back of Quirrell’s head, so wouldn’t it have just turned into Quirrel or Tom Riddle? But then again, how would Lupin know that? That’s probably why he blocked him. How does Bellatrix know that Hermione is a Muggle-born? I understand that she would recognize them from the Departament of Mysteries, but who does she know hat their blood status is? Is there like a log or something? Umbridge did have a file on Hermione, but the only reason she knew about Hermione was because of her time at Hogwarts (which also begs the question why didn’t Umbridge try and expel all the Muggle-borns if she is so prejudiced, infuriatingly giggling as the new Death Eater regime takes over the Ministry). Did Umbridge tell Yaxley who told Bellatrix? Is it just me or does the point system make absolutely no sense? House points are supposed to be an incentive for good behavior that is rewarded with the House Cup, which in reality is just bragging rights as the House Cup is frivolous more than actually impactful. It seems very arbitrary and inevitable to cause favoritism as many teachers abuse it by giving their House more points and other Houses fewer points, mainly Snape. Also, what is the gumball machine-looking contraption with one of the four machines each having ‘gumballs’ with House colors in the far corner of the Great Hall behind the staff table that is visibly in the scene where Harry’s name is called in Goblet and the scene where Harry confronts Snape in Part 2? Is it for House Points? Also how they kept up with? Is there a charm on Hogwarts that whenever a professor saying something about points they are added or subtracted? The prophecy said that “neither can live while the other survives” so does that mean that Harry is immortal after Voldemort’s death? or was he immortal while he was Horcrux as he could only die at Voldemort’s hands? I get that Harry is destined to be good and skilled at DADA due to his fate with Voldemort, but is it actually his favorite subject? Because every DADA teacher seems to attack him or attempt to. Quirrell strangles him and jinxes his broom. Lockhart tried to erase his memories. Lupin attacked him his werewolf form. Moody-Crouch tried to get him killed during the Triwizard Tournament. Umbridge physically assaulted him, multiple times and sent Dementors to attack him. And of course, Snape, while he didn’t attack him in the film where he was the DADA teacher, did attack his mind in Phoenix and forced his head down in Goblet, whoever that was always for his own good. Also, every DADA teacher had a dark secret. Quirrell had Voldemort on the back of his head (that is truly a bonkers sentence to type). Lockhart was a fraud who cowardly stole other’s accomplishments for his own gain. Lupin was a werewolf. Moody was really Crouch Jr. Umbridge sent the Dementors after Harry. And Snape was the Half-Blood Prince. Was Quirrell a temporary Horcrux? But it was Harry’s touch that simply killed him, not Basilisk’s venom. So does that mean that the power of love can destroy Horcruxes? Can a Horcrux not touch another Horcrux? But then why didn’t the locket become destroyed simply by Harry wearing it around his neck? Was it because Voldemort took in Harry’s blood in Goblet? Because since Voldemort could now touch him, not could his soul? How the hell did Umbridge get that job at Hogwarts? I swear to god if Dumbledore hired her. Hermione did say that “the Ministry is interfering at Hogwarts,” so was it Fudge’s doing? But he doesn’t control Hogwarts? Do British people really say brilliant this much? It kind of loses its effect, huh? Did Snape know about Horcruxes? Is that why he goes to rely on Harry for that message during the Christmas party, because you know he would hate being an errand boy? How did Voldemort react to Snape being a known spy for Dumbledore, as told in Goblet, when he returned? Find out? Skeptical? Did Lucius put the diary in Ginny’s caudlron because Harry was at Hogwarts? Is that what Voldemort told him to do? But Voldemort wanted to kill Harry? How long had been since the last Triwizard Tournament? Did Dumbledore and the Ministry really think that it was wise to bring it back if as Sirius says “people die in this tournament”? Was Dumbledore already headmaster during the Marauders era? It’s clear that he was at least a professor when they were at school. Did Neville get to keep the Sword after the Battle of Hogwarts? For how long? Until another Gryffindor needed it? Since Dumbledore willed it to Harry, did he let Neville keep it as a showcase of his gratitude and their friendship? How long does one stay petrified for because Harry got out of it awfully quickly on the train in Prince when Luna came and did the spell to reveal the Invisibility Cloak? How does Sirius do that head-in-the-fire thing he uses to talk to Harry in Goblet and Phoenix? Floo Powder? where does Crookshanks go when Hermione goes on the run with Harry and Ron? How does Ron feel about Crookshanks after he starts dating Hermione? What kinds of people chose to become Death Eaters? Pure blood maniacs like Bellatrix? Dark Arts aficionado like Snape (originally before switching sides)? Psychopaths? Chaos lovers? Murderers? Crime junkies? Obviously, it’s people who strive for power and relish in the worst parts of themselves. Was Harry really the most talented wizard of his year, because despite being THE Harry Potter, I would say, and not just because people always said it, but Hermione was no doubt the most skilled in Harry’s year. Not that Harry wasn’t skilled or intelligent, obviously he conquered one of the most dangerous wizards ever as a teenager, obviously he clearly was, but just not the most skilled or intelligent. Why did Lupin take the train to Hogwarts if he is a professor? How do professors get to Hogwarts anyway? Also, why is he sleeping? Was there a full moon the night before? Why when Lupin does his Patronus in the compartment when the Dementor attacks Harry did it not take animal form? What is his Patronus animal? I’m guessing a wolf, unfortunately. What would his Animagus be if not a wolf? Was Snape jealous that Lupin got the DADA job or was it exactly what they hinted at, he suspected Lupin had something to do with Sirius’ escape and due to his deep resentment, kept a close eye on Lupin’s whereabouts. Also, how di Snape find them in the Shrieking Shack? I highly doubt Lupin is dumb enough to just leave the Marauder’s map out like that, for Snape to walk in and see. Also, how does Snape know that Lupin is a werewolf? Wait, he’s the potion master. The potion Sirius mentions that Lupin forgot to take? So, did he actually leave the Marauder’s Map out and Snape went to give him his potion and saw all of them at the Shrieking Shack on the map, and decided to go follow Lupin and be the hero (as he should! an protect Harry)? The thing is, Lupin doesn’t seem this dumb and impulsive to me, at least compared to Sirius. He seems to be someone more like Hermione, who is capable of quick thinking but prefers to think things through. So, I find this hard to believe. So, did Snape see Lupin rush off and decide to follow him, suspicious? Also, we don’t see either of them actually holding the Marauder’s Map. So, is this correct? Also, can we talk about how impressive of wizards the Marauders are to even get the idea and created the Marauder’s map? How did they even do that? The Weasleys, assuming that they always had the plan to open a joke shop due to other joke toy trunk businesses in Phoenix, should have studied how they made it and made a few more for not just Harry, Ron, Hermione Ginny and themselves as well. Lee Jordan is supposed to be Twins’ best friend as my friend told me? Then why don’t we see him join Dumbledore’s Army in Phoenix? He seemed like the type of kid to be totally down with that kind of rebellion, especially as the Twins’ BFF. When Harry met Slughorn, did he think that he was hired to be the DADA teacher, not the potions teacher,? I mean it was never explicitly said what subject he taught. Also, if he taught Lily potions, that means he also taught Snape, with his Advanced Potions Book, the one he labeled “The Half-Blood Prince.” The same one Harry finds in his sixth year. Do goblins work at the Ministry too, not just Gringotts, because we see one in the elevator when Harry is on his way to his trial in Phoenix? So, the most powerful wand in the Wizarding World was given to Harry just because he simply snatched his wand, Draco’s and Bellatrix’s from Draco? Am I the only one that finds that too easy and ironic? When you transfigure a human into something also alive and active, like an animal, do they remember everything they witnessed while in that form, or even in an inanimate object form? Then why don’t they use transfiguration to spy on people? Also, if people do remember what they witnessed when they are transfigured then can we talk about how traumatizing that must have been for Draco when he went into Crabbe and Goyle’s pants while in ferret form in Goblet? If Draco is technically a Black, did he ever meet Sirius or find out that he is innocent? There is a robo-voice that says “Department of Mysteries” in Phoenix, but why is it never used again like when the trio invades the Ministry in Part 1? Is it just for the Department of Mysteries? Did Arthur and Molly break the cycle in their pureblood families in terms of not being prejudiced against Mudbloods? What pureblood family is Molly from? Literally, how did Fawkes carry Ginny, Harry, Ron and Lockhart out of the Chamber of Secrets? And where is that opening? How has no one found the Chamber that way? That looks like a much easier way, all you need is a broom. Also, couldn’t the professors just Apparate into it when it was opened earlier and no one knew where it was? Problem solved! Did Hermione share a room with Ginny when she stayed at the Burrow like Harry did with Ron? I wish we could have seen their slumber parties if that is the case. If they used a magical expanded tent in Part 1, why didn’t it seem to have kitchen or a bathroom at the very least? Or a shower? How did Voldemort find out that the Triwizard Tournament was happening because how the hell would Pettigrew and Crouch Jr. know? Pettigrew’s Animagus form? What is up with Draco and green apples? He randomly snacks on one before he confronts Buckbeak in Azkaban and then he uses one again when repairing the Vanishing Cabinet, which some mystery person takes a bite out of. However, I do appreciate that the prop team used a green apple both times, as Slytherin’s color is green. So, my friend said that Ravenclaw’s mascot is actually an eagle, not a raven. That is so confusing. What ever happened to the Cattermoles? Did they flee? Where they okay? I hope they didn’t die or something else horrible. Why did Dumbledore wait until the very last moment to award points to Gryffindor in the first film? Also, his bias is very much showing through but in this case, I am okay with it because this scene is adorable. How are moving photos created? A bewitched camera? Are they developed like film photos or with a potion? Are Muggle cameras ever used, especially when reporting on Muggles in the later films? Is it just me, or do Hermione’s teeth look very odd in the final scene of Sorcerer’s Stone? How do Muggles simply not see people on brooms, people walking through the King’s Cross barrier and so much else? It’s not like they are invisible prior to doing those things. Where is the hammock room the DA slept in in Part 2? It made the same noise as the Room of Requirement right before Ginny ran in, so was it the Room of Requirement? It is the only room that seems to be able to create that tunnel to Aberforth’s too. Also, when did Hermione, Ron, the Twins, Bill and Fleur officially join the Order anyway? When did Neville and Dean join the Order, as they walk into the Great Hall with them in Part 2? If Harry didn’t name one of his kids after Hagrid, is Hagrid at least one of their godparents?How do you fix it when you mess up a Transfiguration, like Ron does in Chamber by turning a rat into a cup? However, if that rat was Scabbers, he should have just kept him in cup form. If you are an animal and while you are in your antigas form when someone transfigures you, can you get out of it at will? What if the person who transfigured you dies? Does an animgas have to be an animal or can it be an inanimate object? In the first film, the DADA classroom we see in that quick shot of Quirrell looks very, very similar to the potions classroom in that same film, are they the same sets just with different set dressing? I know the classrooms look completely different in the later films, especially the DADA and potions classrooms, but that’s fairly normal, especially in TV with TV pilots. In fact, the DADA classroom seems to completely change between the first and second films. How exactly does the House Points system work? Like is there some charm or jinx all over the school to something that when teachers give points or take away points it automatically somewhere in the magical stratosphere calculates it? What are the actual stakes and prizes of that? Just bragging rights? I get pure-bloods and half-bloods having the Trace, but how do Muggle-borns get the Trace? How does the Trace work exactly, because it sounds like some magical chip the Ministry puts inside each other students, which is so odd to me. How does a Pensieve work exactly? What spell is it that can extract information like that, you know the silver thread thing that Dumbledore and Slughorn do? Isn’t it dangerous to do that because someone can manipulate it or steal memories if you just have them lying around? Also, with Dumbledore’s case of memories, wouldn’t some expire or run out of something? Is there an age limit with it, because only Snape, Dumbledore and Slughorn give memories, never anyone younger? Also, clearly, it doesn’t just have to be the magical thread that come out of Slughorn and Dumbledore’s head, right, Harry was able to use Snape’s DNA, his tears, and didn’t just get one memory like with Dumbledore and Slughorn, but multiple and many ones. So, is using DNA more power than the magical thread or whatever that was, then no wonder Dumbledore does that because he wants to give Harry as little information as possible. Did Quidditch always allow female players? Are their all-male and all-female leagues or are they all co-ed, because if so, I love that game even more? Love gender equality! Are Harry and Dudley the same age, or is one older then the other? When Hermione uses Penelope Clearwater’s name when they are caught by the Snatchers, how does she know that she is a half-blood? I know a Clearwater was called out by Nearly Headless Nick in Chamber, I assume Penelope as it’s a girl who was walking with Percy Weasley (how unfortunate for her), so she was a student, but did Hermione grow close to her or something off screen? Also, when the trio was at Malfoy Manor, did Draco cover for Hermione and Ron just like he did for Harry? Was Bellatrix aware of Hermione and knew that was who she was torturing, not Penelope Clearwater? I assume so, since she craved Mudblood into her arm (*sheds tear*). Literally, how did Hagrid’s bike not wake up all of Privet Drive? That thing is loud. Also, how did the Order not wake up Privet Drive in Phoenix and Part 1 or the Weasley boys in Chamber? What was in that Penelope Dumbledore tucked in Harry’s blanket when he first dropped him off at the Dursleys? I know Hagrid was in the original Order, as he is in that photo with James, Lily and Sirius (also, LOL at how long Lupin’s hair is in that photo. H is literally the only Marauder to not keep the same haircut his whole life), but was he actually good friends with the Potters, and that’s why he picks up Harry, drops him off and then introduces him to the Wizarding World? When did Hagrid tell Harry that he was the one who brought him to the Dursleys as a baby? Part 1 certainly wasn’t the first time. Who writes the Hogwarts letter? I am sure their hand hurt if they had to hand write with parchment and a quill each of those 1000s of letters sent to the Dursleys in the first movie. Knowing how paranoid and obsessive the Dursleys are, why didn’t they theorize that someone was spying on them? And if there was, was it McGonagall in her cat form again, like in the first film’s opening? If you are an Animagus, can you pick what animal or breed you turn into? Is it the same as your Patronus? Was Hermione actually good at potions when Snape was the teacher? Did she prove herself to him intelligence-wise, just her friendship with Harry contained his loathsomeness for her? Can Muggles technically make potions too, since most of the ingredients seem to be found in nature and they don’t seem to necessarily need a cauldron, just a stove and a pot…? So, since the first film is, or some odd reason, called the Sorcerer’s Stone in the United States, but the Philosopher’s Stone everywhere else, did they have to reshoot every sign mention of the Stone in the script, with children?! That sounds like such an unnecessary pain. Why couldn’t they just keep the name Philosopher’s Stone? What’s the big deal? It’s not like the name of the Stone actually hints at it’s properties and purpose anyway with either name. When and how exactly did the Order show up at Hogwarts to confront Snape? Aberforth’s tunnel? I know Neville had Nigel, I believe, send them a coded message, but is that how? The tunnel? Did Lupin ever take part in the Marauders’ bullying of Snape? Because in the Shrieking Shack scene, he seems to be trying to defuse the situation, not make it more hostile. Did Pettigrew take part in it? I feel he didn’t as he is SO cowardly, he just sees bullying equating to power, I think. Also, how did news spread that the Battle of Hogwarts was happening, because we see Oliver Wood fly in with I assume other former Quidditch-loving students wanting to help defend their alma mater? But how did word spread? I get that Nigel alerted the Odrer through that radio and that’s why they showed up, although how exactly is a mystery, but was he also alerting other people who were on Harry’s side? I mean that “lightning has struck” code is fairly obvious? So, Bellatrix Avada Kedavra’d Sirius and he died, but not instantly, because he looked at Harry and then became engulfed in the veil and it took his body? So, did the Killing Curse or the veil kill Sirius? Or both? Because, the other times we saw someone get Avada Kedavra’d, they died instantly. Does the veil kill you or just engulf you and pull you into the afterlife, because Harry is held back by Lupin from chasing after him into the veil? If you simply touch the veil, are you killed, or do you have to be fully consumed by it? Also, there may have been a guy with a long silver beard and long hair at that Order meeting Harry walked in on, but it was clearly Sirius and Lupin leading it, so why the hell was Dumbledore not at a meeting of his OWN Secret Society? Also “secret society” seems like a very loose term as Snape openly talked about at the Death Eater meeting in Part 1, but then that could have been Dumbledore’s plan all along, and therefore openly putting his loyal allies in danger (even with their consent, that’s horrible. How does Dumbledore sleep at night?). Also, McGonagall is in that meeting and she sorted the Marauders, did she really not question Sirius being framed? He probably made her life a living hell, but he was loyal to a fault. Come on! How did the school react when it came out that Ginny was the one to open the Chamber of Secrets? Were they mean to her about terrorizing the school, even accidentally, or did they feel bad for her? Why was Wormtail with Snape when Narcissa and Bellatrix come to visit him? Snape hates Wormtail for MANY reasons. Did Hermione and Harry ever hang out outside of Hogwart, as they live in the Muggle world when they aren’t at school with the Weasleys? Did Ginny ever meet the Dursleys? Do some Hogwarts students live in Hogsmeade? Did Sirius ever get a memorial or something, because he deserves one, even if they couldn’t get his body? After all, the way Sirius just disappeared and didn’t even have a body to be buried like Cedric or Dumbledore made it that much more heartbreaking and Sirius deserved a memorial and Harry deserved some closure. When Bellatrix throw the knife as they Apparate out of Malfoy Manor, was she aiming for Harry or Dobby? Dobby right, because he dared to disrespect his former Master, Narcissa? Where did Hermione sleep when she stayed over at the Weasleys because Harry stayed in Ron’s room? Ginny? If so, another reason why we should have gotten more development when it comes to their friendship. How the hell was Sirius able to buy, or honestly probably steal that Firebolt for Harry? I get that maybe it could have been in his dog form, but still that’s so ridiculous, even for a fantasy series. Also, did Harry ever get his Hogsmeade permission slip signed (I’m guessing they have something magical to tell if a signature is a forgery)? Because it’s such a big deal in Azkaban, but then by Phoenix it’s no big deal. Did Dumbledore just let him because he’s Harry (then why didn’t he let him to begin with if this is the case)? Did Sirius sign it and Dumbledore, knowing he’s innocent, allowed it? I find it hard to believe the Dursleys did unless he confundused them. Also, can we talk about the irony of Bellatrix calling Harry a “filthy half-blood,” when her master is a half-blood? Does she even know? If the professors have left over school supplies, as shown with the Half-Blood Prince’s potion book, then why don’t they have left over wands for Ron to use when he breaks his in Chamber? Is the flying Ford Anglia STILL in the Forbidden Forest? What happened to it? How the hell did the Baslilsk get around? If the giant snake at Hogwarts since 1,000 years ago, that is way before plumbing was created (unless wizards are just very, very advanced. Like did they always use the trains too or that wasn’t until trains were invented in the 1500s and 1800s?), so the castle, unless expanded with magic, has very rigid, thin walls, as old buildings do. Also, if it does travel through the pipes, then how does it poke it’s giant head out to petrirfy or kill? Like I get never seeing it, like Voldemort, only adds to it’s sinister and fear-inducing hysteria, however, I just need to understand how? How? How?! Honestly this is part of why Chamber of Secrets is so low on my ranking, besides the abundance of snakes. Also, since Ginny isn’t the Heir of Slytherin, only possessed by him, then how did she control Also, why did they have to wear it? Why couldn’t they just keep in Hermione’s beaded bag? Basilisk? Because she was a pure-blood? Also, how does the Baslilsk know who’s a half-blood, pure-blood or Muggle-born? I would just like to know the logistics of how the Baslilsk does it’s horrific job. How are we supposed to remember Hagrid can do magic with his pink umbrella by Hallows when the last time he used it was in the first film? So, Hermione obliviates her parents memories and then just leaves with her wand and beaded expandable bag. So, did her parents just ignore the girl’s bedroom in their house? When Hermione did the spell, did it become magically enclosed? If they don’t remember her, that wouldn’t stop the Death Eaters from finding them and torturing them, they still needed to go into hiding (after all, Hermione did say in Prince that her Muggle parents could sense something was going on), so did she convince them that they were different people? Come on, Hermione doesn’t half-ass anything. She would have made sure all her I’s were dotted and all her T’s were crossed. Was there more of an explanation in the books? Did she hunt them down after the Battle of Hogwarts and restore their memories? I doubt she’d have kids and everything and not have them meet their Muggle grandparents. What was Neville doing while staying up late in the Gryffindor common room when he caught the trio sneaking out in Stone? We know from his pride in Goblet that he is not one to stay out and up late, so why was he still up in the vacant common room? Who became the leader of the Order after Dumbledore died? Moody, as he leads the Seven Potters battle (if I am right, that makes his death even more tragic and a true blow to morale and hope)? What about after he died? Lupin? Kingsley? Both of them, as they prepare the battlements together during the finale. Also, Neville says “alert Remus and the others that Harry’s back” to Nigel when Harry return to Hogwarts in the finale and Kingsley stands front and center when the Order walks into the Great Hall in the finale. How did Hagrid buy Fluffy? How did he bring him into the school (like the Basilisk)? Where did Fluffy go after the first film? Are three-headed dogs normal, like is there more than one? Also, is it just me or does Devil Snare remind anyone of snakes? Is that supposed to be foreshadowing? How exactly did the Stone get into Harry’s pocket? I know because of Dumbledore’s “more brilliant ideas (ew)” but how exactly? Magic, sure, but how exactly? Also, what was the point of the Mirror of Erised in that scene? Why were both hidden in the same place, and why wasn’t the mirror hidden with the Stone form the beginning? It’s like Dumbledore wanted to taunt Harry with it on purpose, which is disgusting. Also, why didn’t Harry see his parents in it the second time he looked into it, with Quirrell? Why did the sword fall when Harry checkmate during the Wizard’s Chess scene in Stone? The Weasley clock is also so interesting to me, because it’s like wizard Life 360, at least the way my family uses it. Also, I love how the Twins and Ron’s photos in it react to the hand moving (also, is just me, but where are Ginny, Molly, Percy and the other Weasley’s hands? Like why aren’t Ginny, Mrs. Weasley and Percy’s hands also pointed to home?). Also, why does Slughorn not know what a dentist is, Hermione’s parents’ occupation, when the Weasley clock has a dentist on it, showing how dentists exist in Wizarding World? Why wasn’t the fact that a fully formed Patronus comes in animal form was never fully explained, just assumed? It was especially confusing as we see the stag comes and save Harry and Sirius, but when we see Harry do the Patronus, which from past Harry’s POV comes in the form of a delicate, majestic stag, we see it come as a wave of bright light. They really couldn’t have added a signal line where Lupin explains this? I get why Lupin didn’t do his full Patronus, as he didn’t need to in the small train compartment and with a Boggart, but why couldn’t he explain it when he was teaching Harry how to do one? So, when Hermione obliviates her parents, it’s the same spell used on Lockhart that makes him not remember anything, but that was also with a broken wand, so is the Memory Charm, not absolute? Is it malleable to the users intent? Like Hermione takes away her parents’ memory her and she also takes away the Death Eaters’ memory of seeing the, but didn’t take away their full sense of identity and the world, like what happened to Lockhart with Ron’s wand (even though his intention was to make it seem like Harry and Ron went insane for his own person gain)? Also, if obliviation can be reversed, can it only be reversed by the person or wand who casts the spell, so only Hermione can un-obliviate her parents and the Death Eaters, and only Ron’s broken wand can restore Lockhart’s memories? So, Slughorn says only one of his past students managed to brew a perfect Draught of Living Dead (also LOL at Slughorn being so jolly and chill about 16-year-olds brewing such a deadly potion, “one drop would kill us all”) to receive the prize of Liquid Luck, was it Snape, since his instructions in the Half-Blood Prince’s potions book helped Harry claim the prize and he was Slughorn’s student as he and Lily were in the same year (and if so, was Snape in the Slug Club with Lily? Why isn’t he in that photo, or pointed out then? If he is a Slug Club alum then is that how he gets into the Christmas party, while Draco had to gatecrash and Neville had to work it?) and he also became the school’s potions master? Or was it Tom Riddle as he is an evil genius (and if he was, did he use it when he asked Slughorn about Horcruxes?) and was also Slughorn’s student? Why is the first film/book called Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S. but Philsopher’s Stone in the U.K.? In Part 1, Bellatrix asks to see what Hermione’s last spell was, thinking she did a spell to distort Harry’s face (which she did), however how it that possible? Voldemort wand only did that because of Priori Incantatem, and it was only who he killed, he certainly did other spells in between those murders. When did Bellatrix and Crouch Jr. torture the Longbottoms, before or after the Potters’ death? Because it seems like they did it on behalf of Voldemort, but that doesn’t make sense if he already decided to mark Harry as his equal, not Neville. So, was it after, and since they were friends with the Potters because they were Aurors and Order members, they thought they knew where Voldemort disappeared to, like the Order kidnapped him or something? And the Longbottoms didn’t kidnap him and didn’t know where Voldemort was (which is why this act of cruelty is almost twice as heartbreaking as what happened to the Potters). Am I on the right track here? When Bellatrix and the other Death Eaters escape Azkaban, how do they get their wands back? No doubt the Ministry would take their wands away, right? Why don’t the other Quidditch matches in the later films not have an announcer, but the first two do? If any character should have been an announcer it should have been Luna. That would be hilarious. In the first film, Seamus is trying to turn water into rum. Are they seriously teaching literal children a charm involving alcohol. I know the drinking age in Britian is 18 and I don’t know what the drinking age is in the Wizarding World, but I highly doubt it’s 11. Since mail is delivered during meal times, do the owls ever poop in their food or on their homework? Like this seems very unsanitary. Like that Owlery set in Goblet is filled with poop, probably poop from the school’s founding is still there. That’s disgusting! Also, how the hell did trio manage to get themselves out of Bellatrix’s vault while getting drowned by the Gemino charm? And how the hell did they not loose their wands and the cup Horcrux while being drowned by the Gemino? How did they get out of there? We never relay saw it. Also, is it just me or is the rememberall so dumb? Like what’s the point if it doesn’t tell you what you’ve forgotten. However, it is fitting that it’s Neville who gets it, and even smarter with how he is the only Gryffindor not wearing his black robe, with that being what he had forgotten. At least he remembered it by the next scene, as it’s what saves him when he drops off his broom. How do Harry’s glasses never break during his Quidditch matches? Is there some kind of spell for that? Why do the Weasley parents never come to support Harry, Ron, the Twins and Ginny at the Hogwarts Quidditch games, but of all people, Lucius comes to watch Draco? While it makes sense that Hogwarts would keep leftover books for less fortunate students (do the Weasleys do this? Especially the DADA curriculum changing every year), I find it really hard to believe that Snape would be dumb enough and careless to leave his potions book behind with such a violent spell in writing on the inside and especially with him being the potions master for 5 movies. What are the NEWTs that McGonagall mentions to Harry in Prince? Why is Slughorn unironically wearing a graduation cap, with a tassel in Half-Blood Prince? Why was the locket in the cave so well protected, but the cup and the diadem which just simply hidden in daunting, overcrowded hiding places? Arrogance or just stupidity? So, are Slytherins just naturally good at potions, because both potions masters in the series are Slytherins? DADA teachers are different because Lockhart was a Ravenclaw, Lupin was a Gryffindor and Snape was a Slytherin. How does Lucius get out of Azkaban to go to the Part 1 Death Eater meeting fi that is before the Death Eaters officially take over the Ministry? Snape gives Voldemort the date when the Order is transferring Harry from Privet Drive, but he isn’t in the Order anymore, so how does he know that information? The traitor Mundungus? Who killed Fred, Lupin and Tonks? Bellatrix? The Carrows? How the hell did those spiders manage to crack all those windows open in Chamber? Or does Hogwarts just have horrible quality windows? Also, how the hell did Hagrid sneak a giant spider in and out of the castle, because even if Aragog wasn’t as big during Tom Riddle’s time, he was still way bigger than a normal spider? If you have to bow to a Hippogriff before you approach it, how come Buckbeak doesn’t attack Hermione when she saves him because we never saw her bow to Buckbeak? Does Buckbeak remember Harry because he never bowed to Buckbeak when he and Hermione saved him? How long is a Hippogriff’s memory? So, Snape says in Harry’s first Occlumency lesson “it’s unclear if the Dark Lord knows this connection,” but is it though? He strategically gives Harry memories to lure him to the Department of Mysteries. However, the Mr. Weasley memory was from Nagini’s POV. is that because Nagini is also a Horcrux? But Voldemort doesn’t know Harry is also a Horcrux, so was that intentional? Is Voldemort a snake Animagus? If so, then why does he need Nagini? I only ask because Harry saw through the snake’s POV during the attack of Mr. Weasley, but his mind isn’t connected to Nagini, it’s connected to Voldemort. In the Shrieking Shack scene in Azkaban, why the hell would Sirius place Scabbers on the piano while trying to do the spell that force him out of his Animagus form? Like that chase scene, while exciting, just seems kind of stupid and Sirius and Lupin seem smarter then that. Where does Harry’s Occlumency lesson take place? Snape’s office? It does look very similar to the potions classroom in Prince, aesthetically. It looks different from Snape’s office in Chamber, which isn’t surprising as MANY of the sets have changed since those first two films (just look at the potions classrooms in Stone versus Phoenix). Did Harry ever wonder why Snape would teach him Occlumency and also kill Dumbledore? I’m sure he thought Snape did it to use these memories against him on behalf of Voldemort, but in truth, it was the opposite. How exactly was Harry able to use that Protego spell to overpower and rebound Snape’s Legilimens spell? Snape is a very skilled wizard and that Legilimens spell seems to be very difficult as Snape was the only one who could teach Harry Occlumency, despite being his most hated teacher. When Ginny looks at Harry while the trio is studying in Chamber, is that Tom Riddle’s diary she is writing in? Is it possible to Apparate with the Invisibility Cloak still on? How do young wizards, especially Muggle-borns figure out they are magical? I remember Hagrid asking Harry “ever make something strange happen, anything you couldn’t explain?” which is obviously referencing the zoo incident from earlier which foreshadowed his Parseltongue abilities, but I am still curious about when and for how long? Also, if they are doing this before they get their wands, then clearly wandless magic is possible. What happens to Crookshanks when Hermione does on the Horcrux hunt with Harry and Ron? Did her parents take care of it? Did she bring the Wizarding World-bred cat to a Muggle shelter? I’m saying this because since Crookshanks, who clearly could sense Scabbers falsity as an Animagus, was used to the Wizarding World, therefore cats in Muggle and Wizarding worlds must be very different. Also, if Sirius can transform into a dog, then are dogs also pets in the Wizarding World? Also, the British slang in this film like “blimey,” “the lot,” “git,” and “thick,” was great, but is “Merlin’s beard” also British slang, or is that Wizarding World slang? It would make sense that the Wizarding World would have its own slang. So, why is the Portkey to the World Cup a boot? Can they be any object? Is it a spell or an object to be purchased? If it’s a spell, then why can’t they just do it at any time? It seems like a spell since Moody-Crouch managed to do it on the Triwizard Cup. How do you specify the location though? What happened to pure-blood mania after the war? It’s like just because there is no Nazi army anymore doesn’t mean antisemitism doesn’t exist. Who took over the Ministry, since Voldemort killed Pius in a moment of rage? Kingsley, I’m guessing, as he seemed to be high ranking in the Ministry as he was in Dumbledore’s office as a triple agent during Dumbledore’s ‘arrest’ in Phoenix and Harry did say in Part 1 that Kingsley was tasked with guarding the Muggle Prime Minister, so that makes me think he is very high-ranking in the Ministry. Is the Ministry still corrupt? How did he rebuild it, if I am correct? How exactly does the Daily Prophet work? Like does every wizard, even children have a subscription? Do you have to pay for it? Does Hogwarts get an abundance to hand out to students?Ron got a new wand in Azkaban, was it a brand new wand, or another hand-me-down? Also, if the wand chooses the wizard, then isn’t it unwise to give your kid a wand that didn’t choose them to learn magic on? I get that the Weasleys had no choice, but still, it seems like something important to bring up. Maybe it’s in the books. Wouldn’t Dumbledore know the truth about Sirius, since he is a God-like figure and was the one who put the Potters in hiding in the first place? And yet, he sat idly by and let an innocent man rot in the worst place on earth, and yet he’s kind and noble? No! I also find it really hard to believe that Lupin believed Sirius was guilty. These were his three best friends and he lost them all in one fell swoop. You know he thought about it constantly over the ears, and since he knew Peter and Sirius well, did he really never suspect that the true story is the opposite of what he’s been told? In the Azkaban Quidditch match in the rain, can’t these wizards create some sort of weather dome or something, as they did with the barrier in the finale film, love the Quidditch Pitch during crazy weather like that? Also, when they talk about the Grim in Azkaban, it’s actually Sirius, right? So, is the Grim also a dog? That’s so sad. Is it like the Grim Reaper in dog form? Why is it never brought up again when SO MANY PEOPLE die in this series? What are NEWTs? Like AP classes? Does it have something to do with that Newt Scamander guy from Fantastic Beasts I keep hearing about? So, Snape looks absolutely horrified when Dumbledore tells him he has to murder him, but Snape was clearly once a high-ranking, trusted Death Eater, so it’s safe to assume he probably had to do some heinous things to get that honor, but were those things not including murder? Was Snape purely high ranking for his intelligence because that says so much about how crafty and truly how smart Snape is? Also, what is the life expectancy of a wizard? Because Dumbledore is apparently 150 years old in Prince, but that’s impossible for humans. Was it because of the Exliar of Life? But the Sorcerer’s Stone was destroyed (or at least Dumbledore said it was) in the first film and from my understanding because Dumbledore said “he has enough time to turn his affairs in order) it seems like to have to continue to take doses of the exliar to stay immortal, it’s not just one and done. So, how the hell is he 150? So, Voldemort gave Lucius his diary Horcrux and Lucius just randomly gave it to Ginny Weasley? I find that hard to believe. Did Voldemort also give him instructions for it, to give it to Harry to a close friend of his when he finally attends Hogwarts? But Voldemort wanted to kill Harry? Do either destroy Voldemort manages to contact Lucius (which is unlikely because Voldemort was most pissed at Lucius in the graveyard for not searching for him) or Lucius, now that Voldemort was on his hiatus, was getting cocky and just wanted to cause some chaos, which was incredibly stupid as he clearly knew the Dark Lord would return one day (as he explains in the graveyard scene) and therefore would be angry at him? Also, did Lucius know it was a Horcrux? Was he actually trying to get out of his Death Eater lifestyle based on his behavior at the Department of Mysteries I find that hard to believe. It’s not subtle and layered like with Snape, it’s very obvious that he is loyal to Voldemort and hates Harry. Did Narcissa know about the diary and therefore figure out it was Horcrux, after all if Regulus Black was Sirius’ brother, that means he was also her cousin. Maybe he told her and that’s why she asked Harry if Draco was safe. She brilliantly deduced that the Dark Lord vanished because he accidentally made Harry a Horcrux. If this theory is true, Narcissa is probably one of the smartest characters in the series TBH. Also, did Narcissa even care when Sirius was sentenced to Azkaban or when he died? What was their relationship like? Also, Ron’s spider nightmare in Azkaban, what was the point of that? We know Ron is scared of spiders and they reminded us of that with the Boggart scene, they didn’t need to do that again. How did the Marauders come up with their group’s name? Their nicknames for each other were based on their Animagus and Lupin being a werewolf, right? Once Hagrid’s name was cleared in Chamber, was he finally allowed to do magic? If so, why doesn’t he get an actual wand and not keep using his pink umbrella as he does in Part 1? Ron has a point, what the hell is a three-headed rottweiler doing at a school filled with children? Where did it go after the first film? How did Harry know that he had to open the locket Horcrux with Parseltongue? Did he ever try to open it beforehand? With the trio saying how it felt like Voldemort was there with them, like the Horcrux was alive with the heartbeat-sounding score music playing (almost ticking away that Harry has left, similar to the time-ticking score in Azkaban) during those scenes, when they had the locket, then what was it like to wear it, wear it so close to their hearts, which are capable of love? Did it sting? Is that why they always had it between the layers of their clothes? Also, why did they have to wear it? Why couldn’t they just keep in Hermione’s beaded bag? I get that after Ron destroyed it, it was obvious because it was all blackened and burned, but was it obvious or not? Also how did Regulus Black make a decoy of the locket? I’m such it was a similar charm to the Gemino spell used in Bellatrix’s vault, but wouldn’t that be more difficult to do on a Horcrux? Also, how did Regulus figure out Voldemort’s secret of the Horcruxes? Also, it said in the first film that students are allowed to bring an owl, a toad or a cat, then why was Ron allowed to bring a rat? Also, since Owls also act as a form of communication, why wouldn’t you want to bring an Owl? It’s like a Wizarding World iPhone or smartphone. Every kid should and would really want one until it’s almost second nature, like today, so why would a student even bother with bringing a cat or a toad? Why would a parent even spend the money on it when an owl is more useful as both a companion and a means of communication? How heavy was that beaded bag Hermione had on during Part 1 with all the stuff that was in there? Was it magically weightless? Also, how did she get it back after Malfoy Manor, because she has it when she Polyjuices as Bellatrix, but the Snatchers said something about taking her bag? Was there a spell used to make it weigh less or be weightless? Also, how did she get it back after Malfoy Manor, because she has it when she Polyjuices as Bellatrix, but the Snatchers said something about taking her bag? Wait, if Hermione dropped Yaxley off at Grimmauld Place, then he was delivered to Kreacher, and Kreacher knew that they were looking for a locket, and Yaxley shares Kreacher’s pureblood beliefs the Blacks instilled in him, so did Kreacher tell Yaxley about the locket and is that how Voldemort found out that they were hunting Horcruxes, since Yaxley is an inner circle Death Eater as he was at the meeting at Malfoy Manor in the beginning of Part 1? But also, what stopped Kreacher from running into Bellatrix or Narcissa, who are also Blacks, and telling them what is going on with Harry as Blacks are his masters, not Harry? That’s why them using Grimmauld Place as HQ for the Order and the trio hiding there when they are visiting on the run is so dumb to me. Why did Hermione tie her scarf around a tree in Part 1 before Apparating with Harry? For Ron if he came back? What would that do? Also, did Hermione (the planner and also the only Muggle-raised person of the trio who had loving parents who clearly brought her camping) like, plan and find remote locations before leaving? How did they know about all these locations? What is a Squib, the thing Draco calls Flich when he drags him into the Slughorn Christmas party? Did Dumbledore know that Tom Riddle was the original one to open the Chamber of Secrets, and still let Hagrid take the blame, because the way he asks Tom “is there anything you wish to tell me, Tom?” in Chamber, although flashback is formed Tom Riddle’s perspective, is a little too telling. Can Dementors be killed? If so, how? Also, is it just me or did the Sorcerer’s Stone hint at the Elder Wand? because with both, only someone who wanted it to save others, not for personal gain, was worthy of it, one of Dumbledore’s “more brilliant ideas.” Harry got the Stone because he wanted to save others from the return of Voldemort. The cloak was passed down to him by his father, making him the rightful owner. He never seemed it out. He had the Resurrection Stone, not to use it selfishly to drag his loved ones back form the dead, but to take to them to give him the strength to sacfrice himself for the greater good. And he not only became the owner of the Elder Wand due to him taking Draco’s wand right out of his hand, but he also sealed that fate by beating Voldemort as when the Horcruxes were gone, so was his protection. He became the Master of Death and therefore came back from the dead to finish Voldemort off once and for all. After all, a Master of Death can resurrect himself, right? While he definitely grew up a lot over the series, his core maintained the same; good, kind, humble and heroic. He’s also Also, why did they have to wear it? Why couldn’t they just keep in Hermione’s beaded bag? titular hero, so of course he gets it. Do we know Harry’s birthday but when are Ron and Hermione’s? Why didn’t the teachers get the Sorcerer’s Stone and hide it before term started, not right as term started, as seen with Hagrid taking Harry to Gringotts and then leaving him at King’s Cross all alone? I just feel like that’s not the smartest thing to do as a school staff and while taking care of an 11-year-old who is joining a literally foreign world, although it a very entertaining, and very, very Hagrid. Hagrid says he’s getting flesh-eating slug repellent in Chamber when he runs into Harry at Knockturn Alley, but what is that exactly? Why is that? That sounds terrifying. Was Quirrell like a temporary Horcrux, because with Voldemort on the back of his head, wouldn’t that mean that he has his soul inside him, or I guess s just a piece of it? Could the Order members and DA members who fought at the Department of Mysteries battle see Thestrals afterward, because they did witness Sirius’ death, right? How could the DA members who haven’ts been death see Thestrals in order to fly to London? Is there a spell or something? Is it only if wizards see death or can Muggles see them too afterward? Also, does it count if your the one who caused it, like can Death Eaters see Thestrals even though most of them are murderers? Can the people who survived the Battle of Hogwarts see Thestrals afterwards? Can Harry still speak Parseltongue after the Battle of Hogwarts? I assume not, but also it’s clearly also a language that can be learned as Ron uses some that he picked from Harry to open the Chamber in Part 2? What does Harry think Hermione saw in Borgin & Burke’s in Prince when they talk on the train? It’s not clearly explained? Draco’s Dark Mark? Because Harry is trying to convince them that he’s a Death Eater now. That is the only thing that seems sensical to me. How does one get a Dark Mark? I know through Voldemort, but still. How does it work? Did they disappear after Voldemort’s death, because that is what seemed to happened when he first disappeared? How exactly did the Stone appear in Harry’s pocket, and why did Harry see it in the mirror if he didn’t desire it, he only desired to stop Snape/Quirrell from getting it? I know it’s because he’s a Horcrux, but really, how was Harry able to speak Parseltongue and not know it? And how did Ron learn it in order to open the Chamber of Secrets in the finale? Is Godric’s Hollow named after Godric Gryffindor? Is that also why they think the Sword of Gryffindor is there? How exactly do wizards live side-by-side Muggles? Do they Confundus Charm them or something? Like the area the Weasleys, Diggorys and Lovegoods, Hogsmeade and Godric’s Hollow with the Potters and Bathilda Bagshot, how do they hide their communities, with their weird houses and even their cemeteries from Muggles? What about Hogwarts castle? With those protective enchantments Hermione used in Part 1? How is that dust tornado disappearing thing Voldemort does at the Department of Mysteries in Phoenix different from his black smoking thing? Why isn’t Neville at Bill and Fleur’s wedding? He’s in the Order and his parents were in the Order, which means he’s no doubt family friends with the Weasleys. If Luna is there, and she isn’t in the Order (but is apparently their neighbor as Xenophilius says), then Neville should be too. Just give Neville more to do then that one scene in Part 1! How long were the Weasleys at Grimmauld Place? All summer? Also, the DADA job is cursed or jinxed or whatever, right? And Percy tells Harry in the first film that Snape has been after the DADA job for years, and because of his villainous demeanor and reputation, we are meant to perceive this as him simply wanting a job that better suits his interest, not just the things he excels at like potions, dueling, Occlumency, etc. but Dumbledore doesn’t let him have the job. It seems like it’s pretty well known that the job is jinxed which is why Dumbledore is forced to resort to horrible people like Lockhart and Umbridge for the job, and yet Snape still asks for it every year. Is this because he is trying desperately get out of his deal with Dumbledore? He fully knows that it would either mean he’d leave Hogwarts for good, his home or die, showing how little he actually values his own life and how miserable he is during his enslavement to Dumbledore that he’d rather die and be with Lily then alive with Dumbledore and her son, and Dumbledore take full advantage of that. And then finally, Snape gets the job in Prince as an added layer of force by Dumbledore to force Snape to kill him. Where did the photo of the OG Order of the Phoenix go after Umbridge blew up the Room of Requirement? I hope Neville or Harry saved it. Also, since Umbridge blows up the Room of Requirement, how does it get fixed for Prince and Hallows, as it’s pretty important in both those films? Since it forms into whatever a person needs when they truly need it, if someone just need it fixed, so it fixed itself? If some repaired it, did they do the same after the fire in Hallows? How exactly is Lupin’s werewolf status outed, because he managed to hide it until the night of the Shrieking Shack and the people who found out about aren’t the type to blab, unless it was Snape and his pettiness? How and why is the DADA position cursed or jinxed or whatever? Also, can we take a minute to realize that the DADA class, probably the most important subject at Hogwarts, is the one that’s cursed? If people invent spells, then what psychopath invented the Unforgivable Curses, especially the Killing Curse? Also, is it just me or is a Killing Curse a little too easy and reckless, kind of like cheating? I feel like there should be some limitations on how you use it. It shouldn’t be that easy. Like Goyle, a literal child, shot it at a classmate. That’s horrible. Did they really have to refilm every scene that mentions the Sorcerer’s Stone with takes that also say the Philosopher’s Stone? That’s so tedious. How did Chris Columbus not blow his brains out? Why do Americans make everything so difficult? Can Muggles technically make potions too because how there herbs and animal parts are also found in the real world as well as similarities to facets of science, and chemistry, or is it because it must be brewed by someone of magical heritage? After all, Snape says “There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class.” Also, speaking of silly incantations, is he talking about those turning-yellow and water-to-rum spells the first years do in the first film that isn’t in Latin? Why wasn’t it ever brought up how strange it was that Ginny, a pureblood, was taken down the Chamber of Secrets and not a Mudblood? When exactly do the Dursleys find out that Harry isn’t allowed to use magic outside of school, because they don’t actually say so until Azkaban? How did they find out? Are Ginny and Luna in the same year because we never see Luna in any of the trio’s classes, but we do see many of the other characters? When did Ginny join the Quidditch team? When Ginny comes in late to the Slug Club meeting and Hermione says she’s been crying because she’s been fighting with Dean again, what were their fights about? Also, if both Hermione and Harry couldn’t go to the Slughorn Christmas Party with who they wanted to go, then does that mean Ginny went with Dean? Then why is she standing alone when Filch drags Draco in? Did they have another fight? Why the heck was Seamus, an 11, and Hogwarts itself teaching children, let alone an 11-year-old a spell to turn water into rum? The only reason why this bit is okay is because of Hermione’s stunned reaction to it, it reeks of Ron Weasley and is so quick. Why are the Twins and Angelina studying with the trio and Neville in the Great Hall during Snape’s study hall or test or whatever in Goblet when the Twins are two years older than Ron? Who cursed or jinxed the DADA position? Dumbledore? Voldemort? So, we know Hogwarts students can’t be out and about in the castle at night, but is this like a curfew thing? What about studying and extracurriculars? Also, the common room is only so big (although it does seem empty a lot of the time hilariously enough), what about studying? Is it different as you age up, like the privilege of going to Hogsmeade in your third year? When was Bill attacked by Greyback? Is he a full-fledged werewolf now or not? Ginny was still technically with Harry in Hallows right, as they kiss in both movies, but she doesn’t wish him luck on his journey or even talk to him about it either (yet another example of the series’ disservice to his relationship)? Was that the Killing Curse Ginny blocked from Bellatrix in Part 2 because that is a very impressive, badass move from such a young witch? Is it just me, or does a Killing Curse seem a little too easy, almost like cheating? When Neville’s broom malfunctions in the first film, was it actually bewitched by Quirrell thinking it would be Harry’s, not just Neville’s unlucky and clumsy nature acting up? Or am I reading too much into this? Did the Malfoys just get off scot-free in the end? By the time we get to Phoenix, did everyone just conveniently forget that Ginny was also once possessed by Voldemort? Like if there was just one scene in Prince where Harry and Ginny talked about that, it would have made their romance make so much more sense! Was the Room of Requirement destroyed because of what Crabbe did with the malfunctioned fire spell in the finale, or just that facet of it? Because it so, thanks for ruining it for the rest of them Crabbe! So, it’s clear that Voldemort’s biggest fear is death. he was so scared of death that he tapped into the darkest magic possible in order to outrun and inevitably ran right into it anyway. However, if he was so scared of death, why didn’t he just become a ghost? It’s clearly possible. How did Quirrell meet Voldemort? Was he manipulated or was he a Death Eater? Did Voldemort know that the DADA position is cursed and knew that Dumbledore was desperate for it to be filled every year, so he told Quirrell to apply for it? Are we really supposed to believe that Sirius and Snape have had the exact same haircuts their entire life? I understand this is a film and visually they need to be recognizable (I also really can’t imagine Snape with any other haircut), but still? Why not a different part or length or something? In Chamber, Hagrid says that there isn’t a wizard alive today that isn’t at least half-blood or less, and with the Malfoy and Black families being so old, does that mean if you go far enough, they do have some Muggle blood in them? Do goblins have magic, like house elves? Wandless magic? Fandom Wiki says that the court Harry and Karkaroff having trials in front of is called the Wizagamnot. Is that like the Wizarding World Supreme Court? Do wands work underwater, because Harry and Cedric use them underwater during the second task? If you lose your wand, can you Accio wandlessly to find it? Also, if you transfigure into a water animal, does that mean you an breathe like one, like Viktor Krum does during the second task? In the second task, all of the Hogwarts students that are ‘treasures’ are Harry’s friends, so how does he figure out that Ron is meant for him? Process of elimination? How come the Basilisk’s venom didn’t affect Harry’s Horcrux? Is it possible that Fawkes’ tears healed both Harry and his Horcrux? Are the moving staircases hazardous? Like do kids ever fall off them? I’m surprised that never almost happened to Neville in the early films TBH. How big and deep is the Black Lake because it literally looks deep like the ocean when the champions are swimming in it during the Second Task? What is the history between Karkaroff and Moody in Goblet? Is he the person who turned Karkaroff in? Why did Fleur retreat during the second task? They made her look so weak when she seems like a badass and even looks like one during the final battle. How did the four ‘treasure’ people get down to the Black Lake anyway for the second task? Also, the fact that they forced those kids down there, and none of them covered? Were they just about to let those innocent students drown? Were they spelled to be asleep until the reached the surface? Anyway, it’s really effed up. Also, why do all the “treasures’ from Hogwarts (3 out of the 4 of them BTW) have their Hogwarts robes on? Ron and Hermione didn’t have their robes on when Moody called them away. How does Harry know that Ron and Gabrielle won’t sink when he sacrifices himself so they can make it to shore? Sure they were tied down, but they also seem to be sleeping, so…? In Part 1, Lupin interrogates Harry to make sure it’s the real him by asking what creature was in his classroom the first time they had a meeting in his office and he said a Grindylow, which is seemingly a water creature as Hermione says in Goblet that Fleur never got past them during the Second Task, but we never see anything like that, or see them talk about it in that film, so was this shown on screen, or in the book? Which Marauder came up with the “I solemnly swear I am up to no good” entrance and “Mischief managed” exit for the Marauder’s Map? How did Fred and George figure it out when they clearly had no idea who the Marauders were, and especially that giving it to Harry would be passing on their legacy, and therefore his father’s legacy? Also, did Harry ever tell them the truth about the Marauders? Is that why they let him keep it, because the Twins only gave it to him so he could to go Hogsmeade in the first place, which he doesn’t need it for in the later films? How did Harry not actually die when Voldemort killed him? I know he only killed Harry’s Horcrux, now making Harry’s soul all his own, therefore taking away his mine connection to Voldemort and his Parseltongue ability, but that still doesn’t make sense because it’s a Killing Curse. It can’t be that his loved ones were there with him, because they are already dead. Was it Lily’s love again? Or Voldemort used Harry’s blood to return and be able to touch him without burning, so is that why? Is it similar to how the Elder Wand can’t kill its master, a person’s love protection, which Voldemort transferred to himself, can’t kill him either? Also because Harry was forced to live with Petunia, Lily’s blood sister, and Lily gave her blood son the power of love, and Voldemort used Harry’s love to return, but love is toxic to him as seen in Stone and Phoenix, so does that have something to do with it? Harry was also the Horcrux he never met to make, making his soul so unstable by that point, so is that a reason why Harry survived? The Horcrux part of him actually saved him? The Hogwarts Express goes from King’s Cross in London and stops in Hogsmeade, right? Are there any other stops along the way? McGonagall asks Harry whether it’s still his ambition to become an Auror in Prince. Is that true? I really hope he became one because he would be a great one and has a TON of hands-on experience with defense against the Dark Arts. If he does become one, the fact that he wanted a wizard job just proves how much he belongs in the Wizarding World. Also, why that hell did Moody have Mundungus help the Order in the Seven Potters ordeal? Moody doesn’t seem that desperate, oblivious and stupid. He is also the reason for Moody’s death, so when he had him help, it was basically his death sentence. The Malfoys cut ties with Voldemort after this downfall, claiming they were under the Imperius Curse, which can not be proven to disproven. Bellatrix remained loyal, so much so that she tortured the Longbottoms. Narcissa was kept out of Azkaban, but Bellatrix wasn’t, she went to Azkaban, which I kind of assume was Narcissa cutting ties with her sister as well, which begs the question, did Narcissa snitch on her sister? If she did, I don’t think Bellatrix knows that. Narcissa seems to hate Bellatrix and is only staying with her, especially after the events of Half-Blood Prince, to protect Draco from her. How did the Battle of Hogwarts change things for the wider Wizarding community? Were Muggle-borns finally respected, for the most part? Did the Ministry get rid of the corruption? Did Azkaban change or get worse for people like Umbridge (hopefully)? Are house elves still enslaved? Did Crouch Jr., Umbridge, Moody, Quirrell and Fudge go to Hogwarts? What Houses were they in? Okay, this might sound bad, but I get why Ron is infatuated with Hermione, her smarts, charisma and badassery, but why is Hermione infatuated with Ron? Does she just simply see the best in him, in a way he doesn’t see in himself? It’s never fully shown, at least not as much as Ron’s feelings toward Hermione. I hope it is explained better in the books because it is clearly a writing issue, not an acting issue because Watson and Grint’s chemistry is great and they played their characters’ developing and confusing feelings for each other very well. Where in the U.K. is Hogwarts located exactly? England? Scotland? Ireland? I really hope Harry spread the story of Snape’s heroism to the Wizarding World and the truth about why he did everything he is. Did Harry make sure that Snape got a portrait in the headmaster’s office (maybe replacing Dumbledore’s…? Probably not know how he reacted to seeing him in the afterlife)? He certainly deserves one. If Harry did do this? Harry talk to it about his memories that he saw? Also, how exactly was Snape able to show Harry so many memories, as in the past, Harry only sees one in the Pensieve However, those other times Harry doesn’t use someone’s DNA, just their magical memory thread thing, so is DNA more powerful in that regard? Also, Snape was literally on the brink of death, so how exactly did he decide and was able to give Harry so many specific memories and not accidentally one of him grading papers or something? After all, he didn’t know he was going to be killed. He thought he would be able to actually tell Harry all of this. Where is that opening that Fawkes flies Lockhart, Ron, Harry and Ginny out of the Chamber of Secrets? It’s clearly on the Hogwarts grounds, but am I really supposed to believe no one found this giant hole in the ground for 1,000 years? Also, it just proves that Salazar Slytherin really didn’t give a crap about the students of Hogwarts, because that giant hole is really dangerous. Wait, is that hole in that rocky abyss below the bridge that Seamus and Neville blow up in the finale that Scabior and the Snatchers fell down? If so, why wasn’t there a scene of Hermione and Ron, as they walk out of the Chamber, running into their dead, mangled bodies, sort of as a call back to how Lockhart wanted to leave Harry and Ron down there like that? In Chamber, before confronting the trio and the Weasleys in Flourish and Blotts, Draco rips out a page from a book and stuffs it in his pocket. Hermione later rips out a bag from a book and Harry later finds it in her petrified hand and that page tells him what the monster in the Chamber of Secrets is. However, Hermione loves books, and doesn’t seem like the type to defile one by ripping a page out, but Draco certainly does. So, between Dobby spending the whole film tentatively defying his master, which is Draco’s dad Lucius, and a ripped page from a book ending up with Hermione, who was coming from the library, did Draco find out what his father was planning and due to his shallow friendship with Crabbe and Goyle never told them, and worked with Dobby to protect Harry? Is this how it goes in the books? So, if a first or second year need new school supplies or something do they have to ask an older student to buy for them since it seems like only third years and older are allowed to visit Hogsmeade, right? How do they get to Hogsmeade from Hogwarts castle? The carriages? Or do they walk, even in the cold? Are they more like supervised field trips, since they need a permission form? Why doesn’t Harry just forge Vernon’s signature? Is there a spell to something to catch that? With the secret passageway the Twins show Harry, doesn’t that mean they can just visit Hogsmeade anytime they like? I am sure the Twins did that all the time. Why does black smoke come out of the Vanishing Cabinet when the Death Eaters come in Prince? It’s not like they are flying? Can Muggles see the black smoke? Did Cho and Cedric date officially? Did she and Harry? If they did date officially, then for how long? Why can Harry only see Thestrals after he sees Cedric die, when he watched his mom die? That’s a consistent thing throughout the whole story. Is it because Harry’s mind was more developed when he saw Cedric die, therefore he’s more consciously traumatized rather than when his mom died in front of him, he was only a baby? What is it like for a human to transfigure into someone or something else? That must be such a weird feeling. I can’t even imagine. Also, what were the Ministry and the Daily Prophet telling the world about Cedric’s Death? How did they paint it? As an accident, sure, but what was the full false story? Why is there a weird tracking shot on the Beauxbaton girls’ butts in Goblet? I get that Goblet is a PG-13 film, but I really hope that wasn’t reason why. I hope it was the darkness, horror and intensity that garnered that rating because these films are still kids’ films, especially at this point in the story. The sexualization is just so jarring. The Hogwarts Express is a train, but is it just a normal train or a magical train? It does have a conductor, because Lupin says he needs to have a word with the driver after Harry is attacked by a Dementor (the way that’s the first time he meets his best friend’s son. Did he ever try to get in contact with Harry at the Dursleys? Did Dumbledore, Petunia or Vernon stop him?), but also the Death Eaters magically stopped the train in Part 1, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a magic train. So, in Part 1 we find out the menace to society that is Rita Skeeter actually did a good thing and wrote a salacious, tell-all biography about Dumbledore called The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore, seemingly exposing his past. But after the war, did she write any other biographies? About Harry? Or Snape? Or Neville? Or the Weasleys? or Ron? Or Hermione? I mean, they all have very big impacts and very interesting stories. They all made history in this world. Their impacts are all in the history books and are well known. They are also all very complex people, and just like JFK or Queen Elizabeth II, they have complex histories that a gossip writer like Rita Skeeter would no doubt find ravishing. Are people in the Wizarding World prejudiced towards Metamorphmagus like they are towards werewolves? Is that how Lupin and Tonks found common ground? How did Tonks become a Metamorphmagus? Because it seems different from being an Animagus, as they can turn into multiple things at will, not just one thing. Is it hereditary? Does Teddy Lupin have that ability then? So, in Goblet, Harry is actually in the Pensieve scene we are watching, we see him watch it. But in Prince and Part 2, we are watching it from his perspective, seemingly, we don’t actually see him watching it like we are. So, does that mean something about how the Pensieve works or is it just a stylistic and/or directorial choice? Snape knows about Horcruxes, right? She’s brilliant. He’s knowledgeable about Dark magic. He definitely put the pieces together about Harry being Horcrux even if Dumbledore never actually used that word. But did he figure out that Voldemort had multiple Horcruxes? So, when Snape tells Harry to take his tears to the Pensieve, was that the same Pensieve as Dumbledore or does each headmaster get a new Pensieve for each of their own memories? I am just very confused about how the memories and the Pensieve and everything involving that works. Like can memories be rewatched? How do you siff through them in the Pensieve? Do Pensieves only work for one persons’ memories, or multiple, because Dumbledore put Slughorn’s in his Pensieve? Also, how is Snape, on his death bed, able to siff through all his memories to put them in a single tear in order to give Harry the information he needs? The mind is complex and layered, just ask anyone with mental illness. And Occlumency also seems to showcase that. So, magic is definitely not the easy answer to this. It has to be something more. Like are those memories always at the top of Snape’s mind because he knew he had to tell Harry? If he wasn’t killed, what was his plan to find Harry and tell him, as Dumbledore told him he needed to do that, especially because at that point he knew Harry despised him? Was McGonagall technically the headmaster while Dumbledore was away in Chamber, because she is the one on the loud speaker to call the faculty to see Heir of Slytherin’s message concerning Ginny (which, did she write that message herself, and then through her possession by Tom Riddle go down to the Chamber herself? Is that what we are supposed to assume, or was Tom Riddle strong enough by then to lure her down there and right the message himself? Also, how did Ginny get the blood to write those messages?) and seems to have the final word when it comes to telling Lockhart to handle it and that they have to close Hogwarts? Also, is it just me or does Amoretentia seem very dark, like the wizard Date Rape Drug? Like with Romilda with Ron and Harry, innocent, but say Bellatrix with Voldemort, dangerous. Also, Liquid Luck seems like wizard laughing gas with how energetic and optimistic Harry is, like a literal fire has been lit under his ass. And the Imperius Curse seems like a more dangerous hallucinating, because you are truly out of control and completely in someone else’s? And the Imperius Curse is so confusing to me, because how do control the person? When Ron and Harry (I just realized that Hermione is the only one of the trio to never use an Unforgivable Curse, wow) use it during their Gringott’s break-in, it seems like they have to use the spell every single they want Bogod to do something, which seems really tedious to me? Also, what if you need someone to do something but your not there with them? I am very confused. Who was on the Chocolate Frog card Hermione and Ron’s daughter had on the train to Hogwarts in the Epilogue (also it’s so perfect that it’s Ron’s daughter who has the Chocolate Frog as we know from the first film hoe much he loves them)? I wish we got more of Pansy’s backstory because she seems really interesting to me. Like does she come from a family like Draco’s or a more loving wealthy family? Are her parents Death Eaters? Was she ever officially Draco’s girlfriend? Did Neville know that Moody, the same Moody who gave him that Herbology book and forced him to watch a spider get put under the Cruciatus Curse was Crouch Jr., the same Crouch Jr. that tortured his parents? Wait, so did Slytherin House win the House Cup the year before Harry’s first year? is that why the Slytherin banner is up in the Great Hall before the points are announced in the first film? What tattoo was Ron-Harry talking about as they were getting dressed for the Seven Potters battle that Ginny lied to him about? Why weren’t Neville and his grandmother invited to Bill and Fleur’s wedding? Give Neville more to do before his epic evolution! Harry also stuns Lucius with three wands in Part 1, how did that possible? That must have hurt. Did Snape hand baby Harry off to Hagrid so he could bring him to the Dursleys or did he sneak off before that? Did Snape go to the Potters’ funerals or ever go to Lily’s grave, or because it was also James’, he couldn’t bare it? Did Snape or Hagrid or even Sirius have to clean up the Potters’ bodies? Did Harry redeem Snape and tell the wider Wizarding World the truth about him? It seems like it, since he named his son after him. Did Snape get a headmaster portrait? If so, I hope Harry talked to his portrait and told him how thankful he is, how much he understands, how he forgives and how he redeemed him to the rest of the Wizarding World. Does Draco still believe in Muggle-born prejudice after the finale or is he more like Narcissa who just quietly and classily keeps his distance? What does he teach his son to believe when it comes to Muggle-borns, what he learned from his parents or what he learned from Hogwarts? Did Harry get a new wand after the Battle of Hogwarts? Did Draco? Is it just me or is the Seven Potters idea so tedious and dumb? With all respect to Mad-Eye Moody, based on his appearance he is clearly great at his job, but this was not his best plan. Why is smarter for 6 people to Polyjuice as the one person who they are all trying to kill, putting a target on more people’s backs, rather than all of them Polyjuice-ing as random people, including Harry, to make everyone decoy and make it even more confusing? Or just have Harry use Polyjuice and his invisibility cloak and use the London trains, which clearly after Prince he is very familiar with, and Mr. Weasley, who respects Muggles, aren’t, so the Death Eaters, unless someone said “Voldemort” definitely wouldn’t be either? Honestly, this is a very Dumbledore plan of Moody to do because in typical Dumbledore fashion, it puts the most people in danger while being disguised as brilliant. Wait, did Dumbledore’s portrait suggest it? Did Hagrid know Harry’s parents personally? They were both in the Order and Hagrid, despite being the sensitive gentle giant he is, was so emotional when he dropped Harry off at the Dursleys. How close were they? Was that Tom Riddle’s diary Ginny was writing in when she catches Harry’s gaze while Harry is distracted by everyone staring at him while studying with Ron and Hermione in Chamber. How do Portkeys work? How do you make a Portkey? Because the three times we hear about them are the boot to the World Cup, the Triwizard Cup and the graveyard and when Dumbledore says the Weasley kids will arrive at Grimmauld Place by Portkey after Mr. Weasley is attacked by the snake, while Harry has to stay and have Occlumency lessons with Snape. Clearly, you can either make one easily with a spell or buy one, and clearly they are made to look like random objects. Or is it some kind of dust, like Floo Powder? Where do you get Floo Powder? What’s the difference between Flooowder and when Sirius talks to Harry through the fire, because both happen with fireplaces (those Floo Networks at the Ministry are technically fireplaces, right?)? Wait, so Dumbledore said that only the person who wanted to find the Stone but not use it, therefore want the glory like a true Gryffindor but not the power like a true Slytherin, would be able to find the Sorcerer’s Stone, so if Harry simply stated in his dorm, Quirrell-Voldemort would’ve been able to find the Stone anyway, right? What Hogwarts House is Tonks in? Gryffindor? How much time does Hermione spend with her parents after she gets accepted into Hogwarts? Because she only seems to spend Christmas with them in Stone and Prince and she seems to spend most of each summer starting in Azkaban with the Weasleys. It’s clear by her obliviating her parents’ memories that despite her never seeing them since joining the Wizarding World that she still loves them, but I am curious just how often she sees them prior to that scene, to what they tell people about her absence. I’m sure they say she’s at some prestigious boarding school because she is Hermione after all. How did the school treat Ginny after everyone no doubt found out she was the one to open the Chamber? We never got to see that aftermath, especially after the Hufflepuffs were so mean to Harry about it. Also, is it just me, or do Hufflepuffs, despite being branded as the kindest House, sort of seem like assholes, between the Chamber stuff where they gossiped about Harry and the Potter Stinks badges, they are kind of culty and mean, aren’t they, at least in the movies? So, I know when Draco was in the Three Broomsticks he gave Katie Bell the cursed necklace and I assume because she doesn’t seem like an idiotic pushover that he Imperius’d her, but is that also where Slughorn bought the bottle of Mead that Draco poisoned? It’s bar and Draco was there, after all. Wait, so we see Myrtle said that someone threw the diary at her, but in the flashback, we see Ginny run into a bathroom stall and throw it into the toilet (Ginny Weasley, the girl who threw Voldemort’s soul in the toilet. Icon!), but Harry finds it on the wet ground of the bathroom outside the stalls? So, did she get rid of it twice, or just have the bathroom flood to get rid of it? Also, did she know about Myrtle? The Chamber is in her bathroom. Did she know someone was witnessing her? Why didn’t Myrtle simply tell Harry and Ron? Myrtle definitely lied to them about knowing who threw the diary, as Ginny was clearly in that bathroom multiple times. Also, how did Hermione know about Moaning Myrtle in the first place? Did Harry know about the Knight Bus before Azkaban? Why didn’t he tell it to go to the Burrow? Also, can we talk about the irony of Dumbledore telling Harry that “curiosity is not a sin, but you schedule exercise caution” when Harry is only curious about his own fate, which he has every right to know? Did Harry and Hermione ever tell Ron about the Time Turner, because Hermione and eventually Harry kept joking about “how can someone be in two places at once?”? How was Snape able to lie to Voldemort’s face ever since his return in Goblet and officially becoming a spy? Was it because, unlike most Death Eaters, Snape was capable of love and since Voldemort couldn’t understand it, he never noticed it? Or was it because Snape knew Occlumency, which is why he teaches Harry, and since Voldemort is very skilled at the Legilimens spell, as we saw with Gregorovitch, that was his protection? Or both, because even if he did have a slip, Voldemort still wouldn’t be able to understand it? So, is it the same way for Narcissa, since she loves Draco? Or is it because of grief combined with love, because Harry’s grief for Sirius and love from his friendship is what expelled Voldemort when he tried to possess him, and Snape loves and grieves Lily? Is it because even can only grieve for someone that they loved? Does the castle magically expand and contract depending on how many students in that age group or year develop magical abilities in the U.K. and therefore are accepted into Hogwarts? Because between wizard families and Muggle-borns, how can they control or predict the number of students emitted each year? Where the Weasleys and Hermione staying at the Leaky Cauldron, and he knew? In the Shrieking Shack scene in Azkaban, why the hell would Sirius place Scabbers on the piano while trying to do the spell that forces him out of his Animagus form? Like that chase scene, while exciting, just seems kind of stupid and Sirius and Lupin seem smarter then that. Did Harry clear Sirius’ name after his death and after everything? Did Slughorn know Sirius was innocent or did it come out after Sirius’ death now that Fudge was out of office? If so, that sucks. Sirius deserves better. Slughorn is very neutral when he mentions Sirius’ death, despite him not being in Slug Club, although every Black was. Wait, so was Narcissa and Bellatrix in the Slug Club, because clearly Regulus was too? Is it just me or is the idea of wizards having trials when they literally have the ability to make a truth serum seem so tedious and dumb? How does the Knight Bus work exactly? Picking up? The beds? Only at night? Dropping off? All of it? I am so confused. Also, how the hell do people sleep on the wild, rambunctious ride? When did Hermione get Crookshanks? How does Harry know that that cat is Hermione’s when it chases Scabbers in the hallway? Also, how does he know it’s Ron’s rat? Ron’s don’t look that different from one another. Did Hermione share this in a letter or something? How the hell do Ron and Hermione get their pets back after they are running down the hallway and the next scene they are in their owners’ arms? Were they running towards the staircase to the pub? Is the Leaky Cauldron a pub, a purgatory of sorts between Muggle London and Diagon Alley, a hotel or all of the above? I know Hermione is using the Time Turner to take multiple classes at once, even hiding that fact from her friends because it’s such a privilege, but how exactly did she get to the classes because it’s not a time freezer and it doesn’t seem like she knows how to Apparate at that point as it wasn’t introduced until the 5th film? Also, because Harry and Hermione had to retrace their steps when they used it later on, they weren’t teleported right to Hagrid’s Hut. Also, doesn’t that overload of classes weigh on her at all? Like sure she’s enjoying it, but also doesn’t that cause her more stress and take her away from her friends? Like how does she even have the time to help Buckbeak and Sirius? Or does she use the Time Turner to give her more study time too? Why didn’t Harry go to stay with Harry at Grimmauld Place after Sirius escapes? Why does he go back to the Dursleys in Phoenix anyway? After all, Sirius offered him another housing option, and Harry isn’t stupid and is miserable at the Dursleys, why didn’t he take him up on his offer? There must be a reason, and not just “it makes good storytelling” because that’s lazy. Do werewolves remember everything they did while in their werewolf form, but just can’t control it? Is there a flying charm put on broomsticks to get them to fly or something? So technically could any household broom be made into a mode of wizarding transportation? Pettigrew is literally the most cowardly character, so how they hell is he a Gryffindor? How did he have any friends? What did they ever see in him? How did Dumbledore ever trust him and make him n Order member? So, Snape came to the Potter’s house just after Voldemort came, so did he give Harry to Hagrid to bring to the Dursleys? Did he ever hold Harry as a baby? Or did Hagrid run into Snape? Did Hagrid ever have an inkling about Snape’s loyalties because of this? Why are there carriages to the Yule Ball, when they all live at the castle? What were the Carrows’ jobs under Snape at Hogwarts in Hallows? DADA teachers? Or I guess just Dark Arts teachers given that they are allied with the Dark Lord. What exactly happens when you are stunned? How long are you out for? Also, is it just me, or does the Chamber of Secrets and the way it opens seem WAY too modern to be built 1,000 years ago? It seems like was built in the 1700s-1800s at the absolute latest. Also, the way it was always wet from the bathroom plumbing made no sense if it was built 1,000 years ago before modern toilets. Maybe that’s why the Basilisk never came out until the 1940s. Ok, so there is a radio in Phoenix and Part 1, but other than that, we really don’t see any other modern technology in the Wizarding World, despite it taking place in the 90s when landlines and computers existed. Is there a reason for this, between owls and Floo Powder, being a wizard doesn’t necessarily seem to be any less of an ordeal or an easier, per se, way of living than being a Muggle? How did Harry summon his broom all the way from the castle? Like did he open a window or something and hide it outside, because it came swooping in awfully fast? When did Hagrid tell Harry he’s always wanted a dragon when they first met? We never heard him say that during their whole trip from the Dursleys to the Leaky Cauldron to Diagon Alley. Was it a deleted scene? Why are the Shrunken Heads used in Azkaban, but we never see them again? Also, what is the point of them and why do they all have Jamaican accents? Also, if Sirius Black inherited the Black House at Grimmauld Place, but he was in Azkaban, wouldn’t it have gone to the Malfoys, making some of Voldemort’s highest-ranking minions access to the Order’s headquarters? Also, can we talk about the irony of Harry and his allies plotting a rebellion against pureblood maniacs in the house where so many of them were born and bred? That’s brilliant honestly. Do wizards get, like normal human illnesses like colds or the flu? Do they have magical remedies for that? If so, really cruel of them not to share that with Muggles TBH. I get prejudiced but come on. If you are so prejudiced then feed those stupid gullible Muggles some story. So, Snape isn’t stupid and definitely is smart enough to figure out that the only way Harry would know about Sectumsempra is from his old potions book, so why doesn’t he bother tracking it down after the Draco incident? Where did Harry get that shard of glass he carries around all of Hallows? Also, is it just me, or do the tables for each House change every movie? I feel like the Slytherin table stays the same most of the time, but the Gryffindor, and especially the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff I feel like are always in a different place every movie. Ravenclaw is usually at the far end, opposite of Slytherin, but then in Phoenix, it’s between Gryffindor and Slytherin. I don’t know why I am so fixated on it, but I like consistency and it just confused me. How was Lucius and all those other Death Eaters free and able to come to the graveyard in Goblet? Where they the ones Moody-Crouch was hinting at when he said some wizards claimed to do You-Know-Who’s bidding under the Imperius Curse? So, was Draco friends with Crabbe and Goyle before their first year of Hogwarts because their dads were all Death Eaters, because Voldemort calls two Death Eaters Crabbe and Goyle in the graveyard? How did Snape find out when Harry is being moved in Part 1, because he was correct? Also, what is the timeline for that because we see the Dursleys leave and Hermione leave, but then we are Death Eater meeting and Snape makes it sound like Harry’s being moved in the future? I’m confused. Also, Voldemort being like “spoken like a true politician,” when Pius speaks at the Death Eater meeting, why didn’t he just become a politician himself? So, Patronuses can deliver packages (Snape delivering the Sword of Gryffindor) and audio messages (the message at the wedding) too? I am so confused! Is it just me, or did it look like people were coming out of the wedding Patronus (very Hunger Games IMO)? Was that Patronus Kingsley’s voice? Why don’t we actually get to see the fake Sword of Gryffindor when we go to Bellatrix’s vault? How did Snape get the real Sword of Gryffindor? Is that a sign that he isn’t meant to be a Slytherin after all? When does the part in the Prince’s Tale where Dumbledore tells Snape to kill him and the truth about Harry take place in the timeline of events? It clearly happens in Prince, but when exactly is unclear? Before or after the Unbreakable Vow? Before or after Dumbledore introduces Harry to Slughorn, because his hand is rotten by then and contained to his hand by then, so it seems like before? But then, the Unbreakable Vow scene is after Harry and Dumbledore’s venture to Slughorn, so yeah, I am just very confused on the timeline of all of this. It would make sense for the Unbreakable Vow to happen both before in some ways and after in other ways (personally, I think it makes more sense for the Unbreakable Vow to happen after, but that makes the timeline of Dumbledore’s rotten hand not make sense so I digress), so I don’t know. Since you can’t apparte inside the Hogwarts grounds, is that why the Death Eaters run off after killing Dumbledore? Why not just use the Vanishing Cabinet again? Did Snape run into Hagrid when Hagrid picked up baby Harry to bring to the Dursleys, or did Snape sneak out before then? Or did Snape hand off baby Harry to Hagrid? Did Hagrid see Lily and James’ bodies too? Who took care of their dead bodies and organized their funeral? probably Dumbledore just to save face. Also, what about James parents, or does he have siblings? Why couldn’t they take Harry? Or Lily and Petunia’s parents? Why couldn’t Harry have grown up with grandparents like Neville? Are they dead? When Ron says during the Chocolate Frog scene in Stone “you can’t expect him to hang around all day” in regard to Dumbledore in the Chocolate Frog card, what does he mean? Is that supposed to be the real Dumbledore or just his picture, like how portraits can move between pictures? So, could Horcruxes be killed by Voldemort himself, as well as Basilisk venom and magically-intense fire? Since Harry was a Horcrux and therefore could only be killed by Voldemort, does that mean that the Horcrux made him immortal, able to be injured but not die, as well as because of the prophecy? The thing, Harry nearly died multiple times, by Quirrell, Aragog’s children, the Baslisk, the Dementors during Quidditch, the Hungarian Horntail, the squids in the second task, the creatures from the lake in the cave, and somehow was always saved either by pure luck or help. So, is there a way he was immortal until the Horcrux inside him died, then, like Voldemort, he became mortal and therefore able to die? So, I know Harry did detention with Lockhart after the flying car incident because we saw it, but what about Ron, what did he do for detention in Chamber? Did Pettigrew ever bully Snape with James and Sirius, or did he observe them but never stop them, like Lupin? How does Sirius deduce that Scabbers is Pettigrew if he’s been in jail this whole time? How did Ron feel about the fact that he has been sleeping next to a murderer every night? We never really see him process this. Did he even tell Percy? Probably not. Do Animagus get to pick what animal they can turn into at will or no? Because a rat for Pettigrew and a dog for Sirius fits them both so perfectly. How do you become an Animagus? It seems really hard as it’s by will, no incantation. It’s clearly a form of transfiguration, as McGonagall, the Transfiguration teacher is one as well, and Ron uses an incantation when he tried to transfigure Scabbers into a water goblet in Chamber, (which TBH he probably shoulder have just left him that way forever, unless can an Animagus transfigure back at will if their Animagus form was further transfigured?), so clearly it’s ana advanced kind of transfiguration. Did Pettigrew ever once untransfigure himself during his time with Weasleys, just to stretch his legs or something? In Prince, the Death Eaters fly around London, causing chaos in the Muggle world and then in the Wizarding World, but do Muggles just not see them? How? How is that possible? Like how do they simply not see wizards go through the barrier to Platform Nine and Three Quarters? Wait, was Regulus Sirius’ older or younger brother? How old was he when he joined the Death Eaters and die? I assume that he died before Sirius went to Azkaban, because it wasn’t said or explained that news of his death, even if they were estranged no doubt, shocked Sirius. So, if Regulus was his younger brother, does that mean that Narcissa saw history about to repeat itself with Draco becoming a Death Eater, with her now motivated to do anything possible for him not to end up with a fate like Regulus’? So Hogwarts has an Astronomy Tower, which we don’t see until Prince, conveniently. So, what is it usually used for? Is Astronomy a subject at Hogwarts? Also, you see once on the Marauder’s Map, that there is a classroom labeled for Arithmancy, so you are saying that wizards’ have to take math too, it’s just has a fancier name? Screw that! Where, how and why does Draco have a green apple in the Buckbeak introduction scene (at least it’s a green apple. Very Slytherin)? How long did Harry fly on Buckbeak for, because Hermione and all the students were in their robes before lift off and when he comes back Hermione and a lot of other students now had their robes off? So, Scarlett Bryne plays Pansy in the last three films, but then who is that girl on the Inquisitorial Squad in Pheonix with the other Slytherins, to that banged-bobbed-haired girl in Azkaban who hangs out with the Draco and his cronies, particularly in the Buckbeak introductions scene? Are they also supposed to be Pansy? Why didn’t Tom Riddle use his charisma, good reputation in his youth (as he was in the Slug Club) and charm to become Minister of Magic, if he wanted power so badly? Plus with his drive for immortality, I don’t know how terms work for Ministers, but it could mean he’d be Minister for eternity which is still a huge threat knowing his bigoted and ruthless beliefs. He also could have placed his supporters like Lucius and Bellatrix in all the high-ranking positions and tried a change everything so no one can oppose him. TBH, that would have been the smarter thing to do. In a way, not doing this makes him look dumb, instead of a genuine evil genius. Also, when the Death Eaters did take over the Ministry, why didn’t he simply become Minister for Magic? I get that he is arrogant, and entitled and values his fear-inducing mystique, but that also makes it easier for rebels to get by unscathed. In Azkaban, the Fat Lady’s painting get slashed, but how does that work? Does it kill a painting unless they escape like the Fat Lady? Like what if you light it on fire? How do you make a new one, and make it that person’s painting? And is the wood behind the painting spelled so it’s break and an intruder can’t get into the common room? Then why have the students bother sleeping in the Great Hall? Where, how and why does Draco have a green apple in the Buckbeak introduction scene (at least it’s a green apple. Very Slytherin)? Which of the Marauders came up with “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good” and “Mischief managed” quotes for the Marauder’s Map? It’s so iconic and brilliantly showcases what I imagine their dynamic and energy would be as a group before Peter ruined it for the rest of them. Did Cho and Cedric ever acting date or were they just Yule Ball dates because whether friends or more she seemed deeply upset and traumatized by his death, understandably? Also, what did both Cedric and Harry see in Cho, because she doesn’t seem to have much of a personality, sort of like the films’ portrayal of Ginny? If Voldemort also could have gone after the Longbottoms, were they put into hiding too, because Snape never asked Dumbledore, he never did anything to protect them, even though they were in the Order and therefore close to Dumbledore? I wouldn’t put that selfishness past Dumbledore. Since they weren’t in hiding, I’m guessing that’s why Bellatrix and Crouch Jr., Voldemort’s two most loyal followers, went to the Longbottoms and tortured them. So, if this is true, that means Dumbledore singlehandedly made two baby boys orphans. That’s horrible. Seriously how is see seen as a good person? Did Voldemort try and make the Sword of Gryffindor into a Horcrux? Because based on the snake S locket, I assume that’s a Slytherin heirloom that he somehow found as the Heir of Slytherin and obviously, there is the Ravenclaw diadem and I assume the cup has something to do with Hufflepuff since it’s gold and process of elimination, he made Horcruxes out of a relic from each Hogwarts found, also showing how despite his cold heart, did does have a soft spot for the school that as his home as an adolescent. So, did he try to make the sword into a Horcrux but due to how it takes in what makes it stronger due to it being goblin-made, what that means, it would only take in the Dark magic, not preserve it like the other relics? Why is it such a big deal when Hermione utters “Voldemort” in the DA recruitment scene when she literally said his name in the first film saying “we’re forgetting one thing. Who’s the one wizard Voldemort always feared? Dumbledore. As long as Dumbledore’s around, Harry, you’re safe. As long as Dumbledore’s around, you can’t be touched,” and then she gives a reassuring smile, making Harry feel better? It was a pretty pivotal, but small scene. So, in Part 1 the locket says that Ron was the least loved by his mother who always craved a daughter, so does that mean the Weasleys kept having kids until they had a daughter? It seems like it. My friend told me that in the book Ravenclaw’s mascot is an eagle, not a raven and their colors are blue and gold, not blue and silver, so why did they bother changing it? Like how does that impact the story? So, in the first film, the students wear black velvet cone hats during the Sorting Hat ceremony and the end-of-the-year feast, but they are never used again. Why? When Draco gets out of bed before going to the Astronomy Tower in Prince, the bed looks like a major downgrade from his no doubt lavish room at Malfoy Manor. Is that the Slytherin dorms, because if so, why does the House full of wealthy, entitled pureblood maniacs have such a crappy dorm, or is it the hospital wing, with him recovering from the Sectumsempra? It’s unclear. Also, Draco is in his PJs, and then the next time we see him he’s in his suit. Am I supposed to believe he took the time to sneak out of the hospital, go back to the dorm, sneakily put on his suit and go to kill Dumbledore? Honestly, now that I think about it, that is just the kind of dramatic thing a Slytherin would do. I would do that (not for murder obviously, but you get the point). Does Hagrid’s pink umbrella have magic in it, because he uses it to make a fire and open the brick wall to Diagon Alley in the first film, but we also don’t really ever see him cast spells or hold a wand later on in the series? Also, if he was expelled from Hogwarts and therefore doesn’t have the best magic skills, then why does he do the supposedly advanced non-verbal spell when he lights a fire at the Dursleys’ hideaway (which to me looks like if the Burrow was placed on the dark, scary and moody rock Dumbledore and Harry stand on when they arrive at the Horcrux cave in Prince. It also doesn’t look like anywhere a Muggle would realistically go to or be able to go to) when he first introduces himself to Harry when he first picks him up. If the Weasleys have a magical flying car, then how do they possibly fit all nine of them, plus Harry and Hedwig, in there to drive to King’s cross? Expansion charm? That must look so clownish to Muggles LOL. How did Ron and Hermione also not notice Quirrell muttering a curse either at the Quidditch match in Stone? I get that with Snape’s cold demeanor they thought he was the one hurting harry instead of saving him, but still, how did they not notice that? Is it just me or did having the DA actually sign their name on a paper to sign up without some protective enchantment, like with Tom Riddle’s Diary or the Marauder’s Map, very dumb, and very un-Hermione, who would take every precaution necessary even with the rebellious spirit of the idea? Did she do something like this in the books? Did George (or Fred to before he died) ever figure out how to map a Marauder’s Map, and sell them to Hogwarts students at their joke store? It wouldn’t surprise me, as they would want every Hogwarts to be as mischievous as they are and it could have been a tribute to James, Sirius and Lupin too. So, when Luna and Harry were hearing voices in the veil, those were the dead right, that’s why it engulfed Sirius, pulling him it’s the afterlife, right? Luna can hear it because she watched her mom die, while Harry can hear it because he watched Lily and Cedric die, right? It also seems quite hypnotic, which makes it seem even mro dangerous and deadly. Does Harry eventually ever actually learn the repairing spell so he can fix his freaking glasses himself? is there an advanced, non-verbal spell to do Apparition or is it more of an advanced skill? Can you simply teleport an item to someone or do you have to use an owl for literally everything? I mean, this is a magical world, right? They really couldn’t find a better way to communicate. I get it’s better for a story, but come on! Why isn’t “Accio,” the Summoning Charm, used more? That’s like the ultimate sell for lazy people? It also seems like the kind of spell that would be Ron’s favorite (his Expelliarmus)? Seriously, what are all the purposes of a Patronus? is it a shield or a messenger or both? I will say, I didn’t fully understand that a Patronus came in the form of an animal until Phoenix, because when we see a Patronus in Azkaban we only see a white-silvery light when Lupin does it on the train, in the Boggart scene and even when Harry yells “Expecto Patronum.” We only see a random white-silvery horned creature that seemingly trots over to where Harry, Sirius and the Dementors are, and no explanation that it was a fully formed Patronus. I was very confused, especially because Harry reacts to that by saying “I saw my dad,” which I didn’t really get until I found out Snape’s Patronus is the same as Lily’s, so it makes sense that Harry’s is the same as his dad, but then again, that’s never explicitly sad. So, I was very confused about Patronus, and still kind of am, obviously, while watching this series a lot of the time. Does Voldemort know about Dumbledore’s rotten hand? Was that the Horcrux ring Dumbledore was wearing during that Department of Mysteries flashback in the opening of Prince? But his hand wasn’t rotten in Phoenix at all? Did it only become rotten after he took it off? Is part of the reason he was unusually cruel (like on a surface level, not hidden under layers of false honor like usual) to Harry in Phoenix because he was wearing the ring, and it affected him like the Locket affected Harry and Ron? Yeah, I am very confused. If that panning shot that focused for too long on Dumbledore’s embrace of Harry and the rings he’s wearing (which I don’t think matches the ring. It’s gauddier and tackier. Maybe they just changed it though later or halfway through filming, LOL) wasn’t supposed foreshadow that, then what was the point of the lingering shot? Just cinema? I hate cinematic shots just for cinematic’s sake. I like symbolism and meaning. Cinematography without that just feels shallow and forced.Was that Percy at Harry’s trial, working for Ministry? Screw him! That’s someone who is like a brother to three of his brothers and his sister’s biggest crush. How exactly did James evolve from a schoolyard bully to the love of sweet Lily’s life? I get a woman changing a guy through the power of love trope, after all, I love couples like Blair and Chuck from Gossip Girl and Elena and Damon from The Vampire Diaries. I would have just loved to see and hear how exactly it happened. The whole whirlwind romance, especially because Lily, from what we know about her, doesn’t seem like the type to condone bullying from what we know about her, and I am sure Harry would have loved to hear that story too. Do Mr. and Mrs. Weasley ever actually find out about Ginny being taken in the Chamber of Secrets by Tom Riddle? Because Tom Riddle is hidden as a memory in the diary, do all of the Horcruxes have a memory within them, even if we don’t see them? If that is the case, I’m guessing Harry’s Horcrux memory would be his parents dying, which is so sad. Does Neville ever find out that he could have had Harry’s fate? Hagrid came to pick Harry up on his 11th birthday, so do Muggle-borns always find out about the Wizarding World on their 11th birthday? How much do wands cost? They are a necessity, and yet Ron’s family can’t afford to send him a new one, even though it wouldn’t have chosen him, when he breaks his in Chamber? How do Azkaban escapees get their wands back, because they definitely didn’t have them with them in prison, as that would make it too easy for them to escape? Did Lucius kept Bellatrix’s wand while she’s in Azkaban? What about Sirius, because even Lupin thought Sirius was somewhat guilty? Who exactly know where James and Lily were hiding? Obviously Dumbledore, Hagrid and Peter, but what about Sirius and Lupin? Did Dumbledore tell Snape where they are after they made their deal, and as a Death Eater/new triple agent, knew what night the Dark Lord was going to them, and that’s why he knew when and where to go? What made the Dursleys finally give Harry his own room in Chamber? Him growing? Harry’s magical abilities scared them? Fandom Wiki said that the Slytherin common room and dorms are in the dungeon, which while fitting, seems kind of like a punishment despite their entitled and wealthy reputation, but then why did Dumbledore send all the students back to their Houses, including Slytherins, when Quirrell found a troll in the Dungeon? Wouldn’t that be putting the kids in danger? Not surprising coming from Dumbledore, but still. Why didn’t Sirius use his skills as an Animagus to escape Azkaban sooner? How does underage magic (LOL) work exactly? Are they able to track wizards even before they get to Hogwarts, like Harry and the glass at the zoo? How? They seem to be able to track what spell the underage wizard uses, but how? That’s so violating. Why wasn’t having Bellatrix’s wand, the wand that killed Sirius or tortured Neville’s parents (which Harry knows about because Neville told them and Hermione and Ron found out about when Neville finally came face-to-face with Bellatrix at the Hall of Prophecies, but did Neville ever tell them the full story?), a bigger deal for the trio? Also, Harry blew up Aunt Marge and made the glass disappear wandless, but the Ministry knew about the Aunt Marge incident, and they brushed it under the rug. The Trace and underage magic is just really confusing to me. I get that these kids are wizards-in-training, but wouldn’t them not using their magic all summer, espeicllay in magical families, only hold them back instead of help them improve? Like in moderation, it would be fine. It justs seems really dumb to me and another showcase of how corrupt the Ministry is. Like does the Trace exist in Bulgaria, France and other places? How is the Trace put on the child anyway, because it’s clearly a spell, but with Muggle-raised wizards, how do they get that? Once they go to Hogwarts? I am so confused. It seems so inconsistent and like it’s only used when it serves the child to the Ministry, which is icky. Why couldn’t Harry see Thestrals all along, since he saw his mom die as a baby? How did Fred and George not notice Ron sleeping next to a guy named Peter Pettigrew every night on the Marauder’s Map, especially at home in the Burrow? Why didn’t they poke fun at Ron or tease him about it? Did they know who Peter Pettigrew was, because I don’t think so, especially because of this? Harry saw Peter Pettigrew at the Marauder’s Map because he ran away from Ron to save himself, right? He clearly didn’t do a good job. Also, how did Hagrid catch Scabbers? What was the aftermath of the Burrow fire? How quickly did they use magic to rebuild it? Even as wizards, shouldn’t that have had major repercussions? Where did they sleep that night? Since the Blacks, the Malfoys, the Potters, and the Weasleys are all purebloods, are they all distantly related in some way? So, with Voldemort’s death, did the Slytherin line die off? I hope so. What about Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor’s heirs? Why didn’t Sirius use Polyjuice Potion to hide while he was on the run? I mean, he manage to buy a Firebolt, he surely could have gotten the ingredients for Polyjuice as well, right? Why didn’t the Ministry simply use Veirtaserum on criminal or perceived criminals like Harry and Sirius? They could have saved everyone so much time and tediousness. Honestly, sometimes being a wizard in this world seems so much harder than being a Muggle, especially with the Seven Potters ordeal, because why couldn’t they save so much time and lives by just having Harry Polyjuice himself into another wizard? Then it would look less like a mission and more like just a group of wizards taking a flight at night. It also would have save many more lives. Of course the Seven Potters ordeal was fun and exciting, but it seemed way more dangerous and tedious when there were clearly other resolutions. If Hogwarts is the safest place in the Wizarding World, then how did Sirius get in when he tore the Fat Lady’s portrait, and how did no one see him? I get he’s an Animagus, but still seeing a random dog in the Hogwarts corridors is kind of strange, even for a magic school? Also, Dumbledore and McGonagall were professors during the Marauders’ era, so they know their skill set, right? On the Weasley Clock, they had dentist on their, but then Slughorn asks Hermione if her parents’ jobs, as dentists, are dangerous, clearly having no knowledge of the practice. Am I the only one who noticed that? Slughorn is smart, so I find this hard to believe and small, but really odd. So, in Chamber and Part 1, the people who Polyjuice into other people keep their voices, but when Moody Polyjuices as Crouch, he has Moody’s voice? Did he just learn his exact accent or something because if so, you gotta admire his commitment? Why didn’t Slughorn hand out Liquid Luck to the students before the Battle of Hogwarts? He clearly took it before he helped Flitwick and McGonagall with the protection charms. How does it take to brew? Did he only have one dose? It was a cute nod, but still shouldn’t a teacher give that to his less experienced students? Clearly, it worked, as Slughorn survived and looked the cleanest, not that I doubt his abilities otherwise as he is a Hogwarts professor. Literally, how does Sirius, a fugitive, manage to get Harry a Firebolt? It’s not like he can buy it or even steal it in his dog form? Also, how does he even have money to pay for it, he may be a Black, but still. Did the Twins ever find out that the Marauders of the Marauader’s Map are James, Lupin, Sirius and Peter (it’s just too perfect that the Twins, basically the Marauder’s successors gifted it to Harry)? When did Snape join the Order? Right after Cedric’s death, along with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, who like him, aren’t in the OG Order picture? Why don’t they use Veritaserum for justice and innocent until proven guilty? Like why didn’t they simply give Sirius Veritaserum? In Azkaban, when did Hermione get Crookshanks? I know Hermione and Ron would fight all the time because of Crookshanks (really? What kind of name is that? How did she come up with it? Is it some famous Wizard storybook author or something?) going after Scabbers, including when Ron full on blamed Hermione for Scabbers disappearance, claiming Crookshanks ate Scabbers, not even apologizing when Scabbers is found alive by Hagrid. But in hindsight, with Scabber being Peter Pettigrew, wouldn’t it have been better if Crookshanks really did kill Scabbers (I swear I am an animal lover)? It would have stopped the Dark Lord from returning. Also, while Scabbers disappeared, what was Peter doing? Because you know he was turning back into a human at that time (seriously, doesn’t it hurt the person who is an Animagus to be in their animal form for too long?), but to do what? How does someone become a ghost? Why can’t Harry’s parents, Sirius and everyone be ghosts, but Moaning Myrtle and Nearly Headless Nick can? Is Crouch Sr. even upset when he sends his son to Azkaban in Goblet because he looks so ruthless? Also, the way he sends his son to Azkaban without any evidence, just him trying to bolt out of the crowded, overstuffed (literally why is this courtroom so cluttered, it looks like a storage unit or a newspaper archive), no wonder Moody-Crouch wanted to kill him (not justified, but understandable). How did the traumatic Battle of Hogwarts effect everyone? Hagrid was kidnapped by Death Eaters. Ron lost his brother. Harry had so many important people to him die, like Lupin, who had a baby son. There was snow another orphan just like Harry. So many people died during the Battle of Hogwarts Were any of them given a memorial or a funeral? Or a memorial or special cemetery built on the Hogwarts grounds, like for military, wars or the Holocaust? Why are those girls screaming before Voldemort’s cringy voiceover in the Great Hall, but not before any of his other vocieovers later on? Also, why are only girls effected, like only girls scream during Voldemort’s vibrations and cover their ears during his amplified voiceover? Since the DADA position is cursed, it’s very hard for Dumbledore to find people to take it on, but that mean it’s common knowledge that it’s cursed, right? Were any of them given a memorial or a funeral Did Sirius, Cedric, Snape, Fred, Lupin and/or Tonks ever get a funeral or memorial? Was Snape in the Slug Club? He is very talented at potions clearly and is a very brilliant and skilled Slytherin. So, he being a Slug Club alumni how he got into the Christmas party, or just because he is a fellow professor and a fellow Slytherin as he is Head of House (also LOL at them not casting a young girl to play teen Lily. Some of those guys look like they could be a young, happier Snape before his and Lily’s falling out. Was it a Hogwarts Slug Club meeting or an alumni meeting?)? Also, it seems like an exclusive event as Draco had to sneak in, so it seems like Snape was invited. How does Snape know that Lupin is a werewolf in Azkaban? Did he find out during their school days? How long has Lupin been a werewolf? How do you become one? I assume it’s not hereditary like in Vampire Diaries or Lupin definitely wouldn’t have had a kid. It seems like everyone in the Order knows about Lupin’s condition, especially Tonks and the Weasleys. So, but I clearly Snape knew about it prior to Voldemort’s return. Also, is it just me or did Ron get over the fact that a complete stranger, a deranged sociopath, had literally been living with him and his family and watching them for years in the form of a pet rat awfully quick? Also, how did parents, especially of the young students, react to their kids basically being soldiers in this battle? Were parents upset or proud of their kids, or both? How many barely trained first years lost their lives? Could some students opt out of fighting? Where did they go? To the dungeons with Slytherin House? Did all of Slytherin House go to the dungeons or did some sneak out (how?), because Draco Apparates and grabs Blaise and Goyle, was that in the dungeon? Also, how can Draco Apparate into Hogwarts? I thought only the headmaster could? Also, why does he? Was he told by his parents to find Harry as he is his classmate? Is that why Narcissa gave him the wand? Based on how hard she fought for him, I find this a bit odd, logically speaking. Is it more explained in the books? Not all Slytherins are Death Eaters’ children, so did some of them, like Slughorn, choose to fight? Pansy Parkinson is all for sending Harry off to Voldemort to save her and the school’s own skin, is her family a Death Eating, pureblood manic family too? I know Voldemort is a half-blood himself as he grew up in a Muggle orphanage and is the heir of Slytherin, so is that why he let other half-bloods like Snape join his ranks? Could Muggle-borns too, if they for some insane reason desired to if they were just that intrigued by the Dark Arts? Bellatrix is almost more bigoted than Voldemort as she is violent at even the sight of a “Mudblood,” like when she pulls Hermione aside to torture her in Part 1. But does she know that Snape and, especially, Voldemort are half-bloods? Is that why she’s suspicious of Snape in Prince? If Dumbledore is such a manipulative control freak, then why wouldn’t he come back as a ghost to make sure all of his plans are put in place correctly? This “wand choosing the wizard” thing is very confusing. Like what if it breaks, like Ron? Or is stolen, like Draco? Or do they die, like Dumbledore? Is the disarming only for the Elder Wand or for all wand, because it is all wands then almost every villain’s wand belongs to Harry (I mean, everything belongs to Harry. The books are literally called Harry Potter. Plus, he’s “The Chosen One” and “The Boy Who Lived.” Of course, if something big happens, it’s more likely than not to, for, or because of Harry). Ron really had no idea how right he was when he said (that TikTok sound) in the first film “not me, not Hermione, you! when it really was always him. He is the Chosen One. I get that a lot of the answers to these questions is simply magic and may not be as complicated and intricate as I am making them out to be, but what I am saying is I am very intrigued to see how these things are created because they are such interesting concepts and ideas. I’d love to actually see how they are created. And I am sure new and more questions will arise over time and as I rewatch the films and eventually read the books. Maybe some have no answer. I am sure as I rewatch the films, I will find more. Maybe, this is all explained in the books. Maybe my curiosity and newfound adoration for this series will inspire me to become a reader and read the film’s source material for more information and to fill the plot holes. Maybe I just didn’t look hard enough on Fandom Wiki. At the end of the day, these plot holes weren’t distracting, so they are forgivable. I still enjoyed the films immensely. I honestly hate it when people overanalyze cinematic mythologies, films, shows, characters, story and try to put logic into escapist TV and movies, but honestly, in this case, with the mythology being so deep and the characters being so realized, the fact that I do have so many questions proves how much I enjoyed these films, because of how invested I already am in the Potter world as a new Potterhead. It’s a testament to how amazing the writing (of both the story and the book source material, and the eventual screenplays) and creation of the world and it’s characters is. I am so intrigued to learn more about these characters and this world. Bad films are just bad for no good reason or excuse at all. Good films make you itch for more, and these are good films. (also, a lot of these questions were recently answered for me by the MovieFlame Youtube channel. Check them out here!)
From #DracoTok to the internet-obsessed Dramione fan fiction (yes, I knew about this before I watched the movies. They are two of the best, most complex and interesting characters in the entire series, at least out of all the student characters. And they were played by two of the best actors out of the young cast. And I do love a good bad boy-good girl, enemies-to-lovers trope, Damon and Elena-type relationship, so I understand the appeal. It would be an interesting dynamic and great for Draco’s arc in particular with him going from being a racist like his dad to choosing good and learning from his mistakes alongside his classmates. I think it would have a way to more obviously show that arc, instead of the internal way it was presented in the films, which was still successful due to Felton’s great performance but overall the storyline could have been written better. However, I do feel like it would be a step backward for Hermione in some ways as she is someone who has clear morals and boundaries, and I think dating Draco would cross all of them. Even in a world of magic, I think this is long-shot. But that’s what fan fiction is for, right? Both actors are big scene stealers in the franchise with their charismatic performances, so I can see why some fans ship Dramione, although I think it’s more people loving Felton and Watson’s fantastic chemistry and charming, profound friendship IRL. Also it was so cute hearing about their brother-sister, protective, vulnerable relationship in the Reunion. See girls and guys CAN be just friends people, and have very deep, profound friendships. Like did these people just skip over Part 1? It’s just like that dance scene. It’s a deep friendship not anything romantic) to just a random tweet on my timeline, the character I heard the most about prior to watching, besides the core three, Snape and Dumbledore, was Draco Malfoy. I was shocked to see how little he is actually in the movies. In fact, the only major storyline he has isn’t until Half-Blood Prince, the sixth movie in the eight-movie franchise. I wish we got more of him because he was the character I was most excited to see. His bad-boy-gone-good storyline was more riveting than most of the other sub-plots and could have been written so much better, even if Tom Felton gave a scene-stealing performance by doing so much with so little, the producers should have recognized that and written more to highlight his skills. It was honestly criminal because to me Draco was far more interesting than Ron (Sorry, but it’s true). He deserved a more satisfying arc and MUCH more development and screentime.
I also expected the Houses to play a huge part in it and it doesn’t really. I love the idea of the Houses and find it so fascinating. It encourages family and a sense of belonging, which is such a big theme in these films. Also, it kind of reminds me of Astrology as the more you learn about your House, the more you learn about yourself and how each person in each House is not a cookie-cutter copy of each other, just like a zodiac sign. I find the individual personalities of each House so fascinating because each is so complex. They are so complex that so many characters fit into multiple Houses and yet the one they are actually in makes perfect sense. There are so many examples of this. I feel like Cedric fits Gryffindor due to how he died like a true Gryffindor, but I guess someone had to be a relevant Hufflepuff. Plus, he is very selfless and kind. Luna seems like she could fit Hufflepuff because of her kindness and Gryffindor because all of her friends are in that House and she’s brave too. How the hell is Lockhart as Ravenclaw and not a Slytherin? He isn’t intelligent, he just ambitious, admittedly resourceful and completely and totally self-interested. Also, how the hell did Pettigrew get into Gryffindor? He is the most cowardly character in this whole series. Honestly, I don’t see him in any house, but I guess due to his future alliances, Slytherin would be the one for him. Also, how is Snape not a Gryffindor in comparison to the cowardly Pettigrew when Snape is the bravest man Harry’s ever known (it also seems like the set decorators believe Snape belongs in Gryffindor too because there is a Gryffindor scarf behind him during his death scene). If any Weasley had to be in Slytherin, it would be Percy. He is ambitious and determined. I mean, the Twins are also ambitious (and so is Ron in many ways too) but Percy undeniably takes the cake in that department. Dumbledore should have been a Slytherin. Like Narcissa played the long game to protect Draco, Dumbledore played the long game to sacrifice Harry, and they both did anything they needed to do to achieve these goals, for Narcissa it was lying to Voldemort and protecting Harry and for Dumbledore it was serving James, Lily, Sirius and Snape to death on a silver platter. Also, similarly to how Pettigrew gives off major Slytherin vibes in the worst possible way, Lupin also seems to fit Ravenclaw, as the brains behind the Marauders (there is no doubt in my mind that he was a key player in creating the Marauder’s Map). He was also much more reserved and individualistic than his friends. He was very brilliant when it came to DADA, a great teacher and mentor and just had so much various Wizarding World knowledge. He also loves to pass on wisdom, which Ravenclaws notably value. Mr. Weasley could have been in Ravenclaw with his creativity and individuality. Dumbledore should have been a Slytherin. He was the most ambitious character besides Voldemort (which BTW ambition isn’t always a negative trait. I would describe myself as ambitious, hence why I identify with Slytherin, but in Dumbledore’s case, since it comes from a place of greed, it is bad), but Dumbledore was the unsolicited puppet master of the whole series, and he just sucked. He shows ambition through wanting the Deathly Hallows, he shows cunning through the way he talks to Draco on the Astronomy Tower and he shows self-preservation throughout the entire series by having people do his dirty work, until his own stupidity gives him a death sentence (self presevration isn’t always a bad thing, there’s a difference between self-love and selfishness though). Dumbledore also plays the long game, as he did that with Harry (and IMO with the Marauders), which is a very Slytherin trait. Yes, Snape is determined, resourceful and ambitious, but he is also the bravest man Harry knew, and bravery is a key Gryffindor trait, showing how in a different world, maybe he and Lily could have been in the same House. I mean, he lied straight to the Dark Lord’s face and dedicated his life to protecting Harry. Snape also had the Sword of Gryffindor, which he delivered to Harry through his Patronus. Also, how else would he be able to have the sword if he wasn’t a true Gryffindor? And during a shot in his final conversation with Voldemort in Part 2, there is a Gryffindor scarf behind him, which I don’t think was a coincidence on the set decorator’s part, I think it was very purposeful. Yes, he is very much a Slytherin. He’s determined, cunning, resourceful, calculating, dedicated, and plays the long game. But, like I believe maybe that I am a Slytherclaw, maybe Snape is a Slytherdor? Harry, Ron and Hermione were all brave and chivalrous in true Gryffindor fashion, but it is clear that Harry was the Slytherin, Hermione was the Ravenclaw (although with her determination, resourcefulness and drive for success, she does seem to have some Slytherin in her) and Ron was the Hufflepuff of the group (although he too has some Slytherin with his egocentric insecurities, but at least the Sorting Hat saw his potential like it did for Harry and Neville), which is probably why they all worked well together, they were all very similar in many ways, but also all very different in many, very clear, ways. Gryffindor’s bravery is challenged by Pettigrew. Ravenclaw’s intelligence is challenged by Lockhart. Hufflepuff’s perception of weakness is challenged by Cedric. Slytherin’s reputation for villainy is challenged by Snape and Slughorn. I appreciate that JKR shows how their are exceptions to these House guidelines. It makes the whole idea more complex and interesting, making me wish this was explored even more in the series. Houses and sorting seem to be more about a person’s values rather then their personality because of this. This is because while Hermione values her intelligence, she admires the trait of bravery most, Luna may be brave but she values her creativity more, Harry may have a lot of drive but he values his chivalry and nerve most, Neville may start off a pure and good but becomes brave and daring, Ron is good-hearted but he wants to be brave and Draco may be daring and has a lot of nerve but values his ambitions most. Also, Neville begins as a shy Gryffindor. In Goblet we see Hufflepuffs be mean to Harry. Snape is the best example of a brave Slytherin. Also, Lockhart is stupid and he’s a Ravenclaw. So, if this doesn’t prove that it’s values over personality, then I don’t know what does. That also makes it make more sense how so many families and generations end up in same Houses as they pass down their values, with the Weasleys its bravery and chivalry and with Slytherin it’s cunning and ambition. All the Weasley kids have very different personalities, Ron’s easygoing, Ginny is (supposed to be) sassy, the Twins are humorous, Percy is ambitious and Bill is noble, but all value bravery. Same with the Blacks. Bellatrix is psychotic, Narcissa is loyal, Lucius is pathetic, Draco is conflicted, but they all value ambition. Hufflepuffs seem to value the work and their relationships more than their ambitions, glory or intelligence, unlike the Houses. Slytherin are perceived as villains because they are ambitious and determined, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, however like Potter says over and over it’s about the choice to use those qualities for good to for evil and while Voldemort, Lucius and Bellatrix decide to use those qualities for evil, Draco, Narcissa, Snape and Slughorn decide to use those qualities for good. But also traits aren’t exclusive either. Take the impulsivness of Gryffindors and Hermione. While she is a quick thinker, each of her actions has a reasoning and purpose, unlike most Gryffindors who often make rash decisions like Ron and Harry. In fact, oftentimes, she tames them. That’s another reason why I think Houses, and specifically sorting, is more about what a person values rather then their personality, as the traits commonly associated with each House are their values, and the stereotypical personalities are less exclusive and absolute as their are so many personalities in each House. Gryffindors’ personalities are often impulsive, present, trusting (a little too much as seen through Harry and Lupin, especially when Harry tells the Order that he trusts all of them after Moody dies. Luckily they each deserve it, but still, it’s risky), positive, joyful, pasisonate, funny, playful, kind, stubborn, and have a strong moral compass that guides everything they do. However, they value bravery, chivalry, and nerve. Hufflepuffs’ personalities lean towards being hard working, honest, loyal, genuine, giving, accpeting, good-natured, compassionate, dependable, patient, but they value dedication, oyalty and fairness. Slytherins’ personality tend to be self-reliant, driven, charming, goal-oriented, assertive, determined, cunning, benefit-focused, attention-grabbing, and value opinions of select few by having an inner circle, but they value ambition, cunning and determination. Ravenclaws’ personalities are curious, individualistic, witty, observant, inquisitive, independent, self-entertaining, unique, academic, but they value intelligence, creativity and wisdom (so clearly Ravenclaws are more then just being smart. That’s why Hermione, Lily, Snape and Percy aren’t Ravenclaws, but Luna, who is more known for her quirkiness then her intelligence, is a Ravenclaw). The Houses were what I heard the most about prior to watching, so I was shocked to see how little they are relevant to the larger plot. I mean, every film the trio proves how much they are true Gryffindors. They encounter trolls, Basilisks, werewolves, spiders, unhinged Death Eaters, giants and even the Dark Lord himself. If Houses are like “your family” while at Hogwarts, as McGonagall says, then it really horrible how the Ravenclaws don’t accept Luna. While Luna has Hufflepuff energy with her selflessness and purity, if she wasn’t a Ravenclaw, she would undeniably be Gryffindor, after all, they are the only ones who treat her with kindness and genuity. Is it possible to switch Houses? If so, Luna should switch to Gryffindor, because those are her only friends and the only people who accept her? After all, everyone who went to the Department of Mysteries in Phoenix was a Gryffindor, except Luna. It’s also funny to me how Gryffindor seems to be the most prestigious house when really it’s sort of the throw-away house. What I mean is that there are so many personalities in that house, that it’s not as distinctive personality-wise as the undeniably good Hufflepuffs, smart Ravenclaws and ambitious Slytherins. The Gryffindor house seems to be more of a melting pot than any of the others, which is both good and bad. The Twins are creative like Ravenclaws. Harry is determined like Slytherins. Ron is fair like Hufflepuffs. Hermione is a strive like Slytherins and intelligent like Ravenclaws. Neville is hard-working like Hufflepuffs. They all have very distinct and different personalities, but all seem to value bravery, which makes them all have something in common and bleed Gryffindor. Ron is the Hufflepuff of the group with his unwavering loyalty and dedication but lacks Hufflepuff’s work ethic. Hermione is genius and very wise, but it takes her a while to become creative and open-minded in terms of knowledge, which Ravenclaws naturally are. Harry has Slytherin traits of determination, resourcefulness, independence and ambition, but is far to caring and selfless and wouldn’t have gotten along with the self-preserving students in the House, proven many times throughout the series due to his hero complex. Ron’s good-intentioned impulsiveness, Hermione’s strong moral compass and Harry’s chivalry and nerve are what make them all true Gryffindors though. Like I said, Houses seem to be more based on values rather then personalities. The only person that makes me think the Hogwarts House system is full of crap is Peter Pettigrew because he is the least brave character of the series and doesn’t even value it, he values self-preservation. So it doesn’t match his personality or his values, mostly because he doesn’t have very many values besides selfishness. I understood that the Slytherins and the Gryffindors had a rivalry, but what about the Hufflepuffs and the Ravenclaws? Was Hufflepuffs really that good? Because in Goblet of Fire they were pretty snooty toward Harry. I mean, I get they wanted to support one of their own like Cedric, but they didn’t have to be obnoxious about it, although that is what kids do. I also think it’s more about what you seek out of life. Gryffindors seek glory (the Weasley twins both say “wicked” after Dumbledore says eternal glory is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament and Ron even hopes to enter when he’s of age, while Harry replies to him saying “better you than me” as he has a hero complex that results in glory but more because of trauma rather than an actual striving goal) and family. Slytherin seeks power and success. Ravenclaws seek skills and intelligence. Hufflepuffs seek camaraderie and teamwork. Gryffindors want to be the hero. Slytherins want to be the leader. Hufflepuffs want to be good team players. Ravenclaws want to be satisfied within and help others when they can. These points are why I wish they showed more of the high school hierarchy and politics. After all, that’s what makes so many teen-centric films so relatable. I am saying I want cliques like in Mean Girls, but I think this could have helped the audience connect more with the films in a much more interesting way than having them wear Muggle clothes (more on that later). It also could help articulate the social commentary, racism and classism the films already comment on in society, and show how that behavior starts in high school, especially with Draco and the Slytherins. The trio proves in every film that Gryffindor is a well-deserved placement. Despite all the trouble and danger, Harry finds himself in, Ron and Hermione never leave his side. They encounter trolls, spiders, werewolves, manic crazy trees, even the Dark Lord himself and so many other near-death experiences. Their friendship only got stronger over the course of the series, to the point where their teamwork was so seamless in the finale. They are true friends. They would rather die together than leave each other. Also, both Slytherins and Hufflepuffs are highly selective with who they give their loyalty too, while Ravenclaws and Gryffindor sare more open or inclusive with their loyalty, as seen with how Harry naively says he trusts everyone in the Order after Moody’s death. Also, I think the fact that Hufflepuffs and Slytherins seemed to be looked down upon (as we literally meet one prominent Hufflepuff and almost every villain seems to be in Slytherin, which inspired Harry to beg the Sorting Hat not to put him in Slytherin) reveals a double-edged sword in Wizarding society. Hufflepuffs value hard work, relationships and fairness, but are looked at as losers and the nice guys who finish last. Meanwhile, Slytherin value ambition and cunning, which means they are seen as cutthroat, nasty and mean. However, hard work and ambition are both qualities that people who have a drive for self-betterment and success employ, just look at Hermione. Also, this takes place in a world of magic, this gives the assumption that Hufflepuffs are frowned upon because they are willing to do the work in spite of having magical abilities, while Slytherins are frowned upon because they take advantage of their magical abilities too much. However, both Hufflepuffs and Slytherins value their relationships and ambitions. Where Hufflepuffs are kind, Slytherins value their legacy. Where Hufflepuff work hard, Slytherins are laser-focused on their goals. The two Houses have similar ideals, just different ways of getting there. Meanwhile, Gryffindors use magic to be chivalrous and heroic and Ravenclaws use magic for discovery and creativity, both being in the middle of the spectrum. Gryffindor and Slytherin are the two Houses we are most familiar with, as these are the Houses with ‘main character energy’ as they strive for power and glory, hence they are two sides of the same coin, just Slytherins are strategic, calculating and cunning while Gryffindors are impulsive, impatient and action-oriented, like, all Draco wants the satisfaction of shaking hands with the Minister of Magic, while Harry wants to hear the people in the Quidditch cheer for him. Gryffindors are natural leaders, passionate, loyal, trustworthy, competitive, courageous, confident, adaptable, fair, inclusive, just, adventurous and good friends. Slytherins are more exclusive, only putting their faith in as few people as possible, which is why trust is often Gryffindors’ downfall. Slytherins are visual people with big goals, value having an inner circle, value family and legacy, very protective, ruthless when crossed, investigative, question authority and are badasses. Gryffindors blindly trust authority, just look at Harry with Dumbledore, while Slytherins question authority, just look at the Death Eaters (even though they are in the wrong, it’s still an example). Also, both Gryffindors and Slytherins value loyalty greatly, just in different ways. Gryffindors are more inclusive with their loyalty. They aren’t naive or reckless with it, you still have to earn, but it’s much easier to earn. Once you prove yourself, that’s it, which is why they often trust the wrong people, like Dumbledore, Moody-Crouch or Quirrell. Rather than Slytherins who value family over everything, due to their emphasis on status. This also causes them to have a smaller circle, a smaller group of which they are loyal to and who are loyal to them, hence making their status greater due to the exclusivity. Gryffindors are inclusive with their loyalty, hence why Harry meets more and more loyal friends on his journey like Luna, Dobby and Slughorn, while Slytherins are more exclusive with their loyalty, hence why even though Draco hates his dad, he is still loyal to him, which is why he stomps on Harry’s face on the train. Meanwhile, we meet very few Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff characters, showing their individualism, value of community and independence. Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws are both very kind, but Ravenclaws are free thinkers and don’t care if people think they are crazy while Hufflepuffs value others’ opinions and want to make sure everyone is included, just look at Cedric and how he is always around a group of friends and goes out of his way to make sure Harry is okay. Ravenclaws encourage others to think outside the box and that’s how they help others, with their own individual idea of right and wrong, while Hufflepuffs help others by constantly checking in and being aware and are very selfless people always thinking of others first, doing generally what’s right. Ravenclaws and Slytherins are both rebellious, independent, curious, inquisitive, perfectionistic, completionists, individualistic and innovative, just in very different ways. Luna is quirky and a free thinker, caring more about her own individual achievement, taking her time to master a Patronus and making a lion head just because she wants to, compared to Draco who is entitled and thinks the rules don’t apply to him, cares more about how he can use his achievements to get ahead, but still similarly thinks outside the box by using a Vanishing Cabinet, something that has shrunk in popularity so much it is now hidden in the Room of Requirement (or Snape with him inventing spells). They both are completionists, question authority and will do anything to achieve their personal goals, Slytheirns are just motivated by status, while Ravenclaws are motivated by knowledge. Ravenclaw and Slytherins independence and individualism is shown in different ways, however. Ravenclaws just want self-statsifaction, whether it’s through knowledge, creativity or learning. While Slytherins believe in self-preservation. Not necessarily selfishness, as Narcissa showcases self-preservation by giving her son her wand during the Battle of Hogwarts, as to her, protecting her son is to protect herself. Although, it can be interpreted that way as seen with Peter Pettigrew turning into his Animagus just to avoid Azkaban, Voldemort just by Voldemort-ing and Bellatrix with how she slides herself into he Floo Network immediately when Dumbledore show shismelf at the Department of Mysteries in Phoenix, letting her master who she is endlessly devoted to fend for himself. Basically, it’s putting your own needs before someone else’s. So, if they to watch the world burn, they will do anything possible to achieve that. But fi they want their loved ones to be safe, they’ll do anything possible to achieve that. Ravenclaws and Gryffindors are both brilliant, but Ravenclaws are more individualistic with their knowledge, not necessarily prideful, just more independent, while Gryffindors are chivalrous with their knowledge and are willing to share it, hence having a moment of glory due to their brilliance, this is why Luna and Hermione are almost foils of each other. I also wish we got to learn more about the founders of the Houses and of Hogwarts. It seems so fascinating. Based on my fascination with Houses and this world’s mythology, can you tell how much of a history buff I am? I will say, I appreciate how they presented characters that subvert the stereotypes of each House’s traits. Pettigrew was an evil, cowardly Gryffindor. Slughorn was a pure-hearted, overall good Slytherin. Cedric was a courageous Hufflepuff. Lockhart, obviously was a hysterically idiotic Ravenclaw.
The number of snakes was very terrifying. Snakes are personally a huge fear of mine. I could handle the spiders, but the snakes I had to hide under my covers. Like I barely watched the final battle in Deathly Hallows: Part 2 because Nagini was too terrifying. I wish I had been warned that snakes were in almost every movie. I had watched Chamber of Secrets out of context before and remembered snakes had a huge part to play, so I was somewhat prepared for that film, but not for the others.
I had seen some of the actors’ past, or I guess post-Harry Potter work. I love Emma Watson. I am a huge fan of her and her films The Bling Ring, Little Women and The Perks of Being A Wallflower are some of my favorites; so she was really the only main actor I was super familiar with. I know Rupert Grint had worked with Ed Westwick and Phoebe Dynevor in Snatch, but I haven’t watched it. I hadn’t really seen anything Daniel Radcliffe has done, though I know he was in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying on Broadway. I know it’s controversial, but I actually loved the addition of the Heretics in The Vampire Diaries, and one of them was played by Scarlett Byrne who plays Pansy Parkinson, who I wish we got to see more of. As Draco’s girlfriend (right? sort of?), we could have seen his softer side. It was also cool to see Eva from Gossip Girl in the role (BTW Tom Riddle actor Christian Coulson played Ivan in one of Clemence Posey’s episodes of Gossip Girl, in fact they starred in the episode “Touch of Eva” together, even sharing scenes. And Coulson’s character is very different Tom Riddle) she is known for playing, although Fleur Delacour was a very similar character, and Edward Cullen, erm, Robert Pattinson pre-Twilight as the tragic Cedric Diggory.
I had heard a lot of quotes prior to watching, from “yer a wizard, Harry” to “I’m going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed, or worse, expelled.” I first heard “I solemnly swear I am up to no good,” in the song “Salty Sweet” by MS MR which was used in a season three episode of Pretty Little Liars. It was also in the Instagram bio of someone I follow a while back. However, it’s literally said twice, and once was before the end credits, which was a bit disappointing. It was also a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment, which I did. I had to rewind. I knew what a Muggle was before watching, which also shows how impactful this series is, as it was so referenced so much that it blurred the lines of fiction and reality and just became common vernacular, especially in other fantasy universes like The Vampire Diaries universe.
I also appreciate how, as much as the story revolves around Harry and the trio, you can tell that Hogwarts itself didn’t revolve around them. Harry tried his hardest not to grab attention, just he would just naturally get it because of the legend surrounding him. The trio kept to themselves but weren’t exclusive. They included Ron’s siblings, Neville and Luna when they could and when it was safe enough. That inclusivity proves how they weren’t popular, unlike someone like Cedric Diggory, who almost always had an entourage around him. Like Harry, he never tried to be popular, but naturally was. Unlike that, Harry wasn’t popular, just famous. There’s a difference. Fred and George seemed like the popular ones, as they had the most friends, as they were seen talking with Lee, Angelina, Oliver, Neville and of course the trio. I also appreciate how there isn’t a social hierarchy at Hogwarts, to at least an obvious one throughout the series between the students and the Houses. There isn’t a cool House and a loser House. While the students have their insecurities and bullying occurs, they also all seem to just do their own thing. I really appreciate that in this series. It’s really different and sets it apart even further from other teen media. The Vampire Diaries is similar in that, but I feel like with Houses system in itself showing the characters’ different values and personalities, Potter portrays it more strongly.
I also loved how their photographs are like videos or boomerangs. It makes the Wizarding World differ even more from the Muggle world. Like in the newspapers and the pictures in the book Hagrid gave to Harry in the first film, it was so cool. It’s like Harry Potter had the first gifs (Draco’s animated drawing from the note he flew over to Harry in Azkaban could also be categorized as a gif). Like how the Marauder’s Map is like the first Gossip Girl map or Snapchat map.
As someone who hates sports, I actually really liked Quidditch. I like how there isn’t one goal. Every player has a different goal, which makes for a more dynamic game with higher stakes. It was really thrilling to watch. I may think all sports are just glorified running back and forth, but I would genuinely love to see a Quidditch game and real life. It’s the only sport I understand, and it’s fictional. I think that says a lot about how cool and fun those scenes were.
I loved their use of the anti-hero in a children’s story. It was quite sophisticated for children’s literature and cinema. Good and evil are choices rather than inherited traits. Harry gives people second chances when they make mistakes and characters are either more evil than they seem or seem evil, but are later given redemption. This is mainly true for the character of Snape. Snape is THE anti-hero of the series. He’s layered, complicated, mysterious, multi-dimenisonal, complex and contradictory in all the best and most fascinating ways, and that’s exactly what an anti-hero is. Just look at iconic TV anti-heroes like The Sopranos‘ Tony Soprano, Mad Men‘s Don Draper, Euphoria‘s Rue Bennett and The Vampire Diaries‘ Damon Salvatore. In the first movie, Harry views Quirrell as good and Snape, who has a very off-putting appearance and demeanor, as malicious. However, it’s actually the opposite. In that particular instance, Snape is good and Quirrell is bad. And Snape figures out the truth about Quirrell and immediately puts the pieces together when he first sees him and spends the rest of the school year protecting Harry from him, despite being constantly being mean and cold to Harry. This pattern continues with Moody in the fourth film and Snape in almost every movie, especially the first, third and final. Snape isn’t good or bad, he’s complex and multifaceted. On the surface, he is scary, cold and intense. Someone you don’t want to upset, cross or oppose. However, underneath, he has very complicated motives, especially toward Harry. He looks just like his school days’ nemesis, Harry’s dad James (it also doesn’t help that Harry is very close with James’ school best friends Lupin and Sirius), but Harry’s heart and eyes are like his mother Lily, who Snape has always loved wholeheartedly (interpret that as romantic or childhood, lifelong friendship, however, you wish. I see it just as love, not necessarily romantic but not necessarily platonic, just pure and simple, the most pure and simple thing about the complicated man that is Severus Snape). He wants to protect Lily’s son, but he wants to hate anything associated with James. He was also a triple agent because of this. The school bullying drove him to become a Death Eater. However, when he found out they were going after Lily’s son, he panicked and was heartbroken and guilt-ridden when he found her dead. To honor her, he vowed to protect her son, even if that meant risking his life and being hated and feared. And that’s exactly how he spent the entire series. To do that successfully, he had to convince the person threatening Lily’s son, Voldemort, that he was on his side and will spy for him, when really he was on Harry’s side the whole time (he was furious when he found out Harry had to die). Snape is the ultimate anti-hero of the series. Some may consider Snape a tragic hero, which he clearly has elements of due to his gut-wrenching demise and posthumous redemption, but I think anti-hero is a more accurate term because he did do some pretty cruel things like murdering Dumbledore, bullying students when they literally did nothing wrong and hitting his students, even if we learned that deep down, underneath the cold demeanor, he was good all along. Tragic heroes have one key character flaw, and Snape, honestly, had many (cruelty, bias, resentment, trauma, anger, stress, etc.). He also has the anti-heroic arc of having disappointment after disappointment, between his nemesis winning Lily’s heart to many people beating him out of the Defense Against The Dark Arts professor position to being forced to become a murderer and ruin his reputation forever. His clear annoyance for his circumstances, shown through lines like, “Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don’t want to do this anymore?” makes his anti-heroism even more apparent. He was brave enough to be the bad guy to protect Harry, who he had complicated feelings for on top of everything. It’s just brilliant. Snape is literally the perfect anti-hero.
It was also the same for Draco Malfoy. Showing a kid as an antihero is very rare, and doing it well is even rarer, but Tom Felton did an amazing job of showing the depth and hardship Draco dealt with that made him act out at school. He was privileged and wealthy and thought that equaled success, mainly because his father expected excellence always. He was practically forced to be a Death Eater. He even said when he was about to kill Dumbledore that he didn’t want to do that, he had to. Draco may have had parents, which is more then Harry can say, but what Harry had was love, from the Weasleys and the Marauders, which Draco can’t really say the same (except Narcissa who did genuinely love him, but she was still babied him). Draco had bad role models and bad parents. It’s nature versus nurture, and all Draco wanted was some of what Harry had. Harry may not see that (at least for the majority of the series until Prince), but the audience does. And what was Draco supposed to do? Not stand with the Death Eaters with Voldemort right there? He would have gotten killed in front of all his classmates. It was great writing, but we still deserve his redemption and to see him and Harry reconcile more than just a passive nod at Platform 9 and 3/4. Keep in mind that these books were written before the age of Tony Soprano, the ultimate TV anti-hero, which makes all this anti-heroism in Potter very of the times. Gotta love anti-heroes.
I also appreciate how the series matured as it progressed, and along with its characters. As the kids grew up and saw the realities of the Wizarding World, much like it’s the audience and the cruel realities real world, it became progressively darker over time. This made perfect sense. The characters weren’t kids anymore. The audience wasn’t kids anymore either. It couldn’t stay a wide-eyed tale of magic for very long, especially as it went from a children’s story to a coming-of-age story. The series aged and matured alongside the characters, the actors and the audience, similar to the TV show Stranger Things, with that probably being the modern-day equivalent of that kind of aging-as-series-progresses idea, both through the people and the story. The first film was a celebration of magic, youth, adventure, innocence and wonder. With the ending of Sorcerer’s Stone including Harry melting a guy’s face off, it made sense that Chamber of Secrets would lean into that with the ominous threat and use of the two scariest animals ever; snakes and spiders. The Prisoner of Azkaban was the first tonal shift when it sent from innocent to dark, but still kept the adventurous wonder and youthful energy of the first two films. And while Goblet Of Fire started wonderous and fun, its ending became the biggest plot twist of the series, going from light and adventurous to dark and deadly, raising the stakes with one flick of a wand. It was a rude awakening and was the moment our favorite Hogwarts students officially became young adults. The next two, which had the second biggest and darkest tonal shift, were the kids dealing with the harsh realities of living during wartime, and being so young and also on the frontlines, just like wartime IRL. The penultimate film were about preparation, focusing on character development and relationship development, so the final film could be as satisfying, epic and emotional as possible. It reminds me of a Taylor Swift album, they grow up with their audience and come out just at the right moment, especially when you remember that these movies came out yearly to bi-yearly. It makes me wish I watched them as they were released. It would have made what was already a spiritual experience all the more magical. And just like how they got progressively darker in visually, in the color palette, tonally and aesthetic, but the overall quality got better too through the special effects, acting and production design. This was probably (and obviously) because of how much technology changed between 2001 and 2011 and how much the actors have grown.
I will say, I loved the score music in these films. They were really well done. The score music in these movies is very specific for each scene and each movie, making each distinctive and sonically identifiable. They were very distinctive to each film and matched each movie’s “theme” very well. I loved how the music theme in Azkaban resembled a ticking noise (oh, the unintentional Harry Potter Puppet Pals reference, the only thing that would have made it better would be if it was a Euphoria-esque score with lyrics that sang “Snape, Snape, Severus Snape,” although I didn’t watch that video until 2nd grade, which was 2007, which was when the Order of the Phoenix film was released and the final book came out and Azkaban came out in 2004, so), mirroring its repetitive clock imagery and the importance of the Time Turner in the story. Personally, my favorite film, score music-wise, is Azkaban with how distinctive and symbolic it is. Between the cinematography and the time-ticking score, this film really stood out among the rest aesthetically and sonically speaking. Between the jazzy score during the Boggart scene to the medieval-sounding triumphant score during the Great Hall scenes to a middle eastern chiming score throughout the film to a choral one during the Patronus scenes to a flute-sounding one during the more tender moments to the time-ticking score use throughout the series, it kept this rather dark film light, fun and adventurous. And the score music during Lupin’s werewolf transformation and how it changes in tone once it zooms in on his eye and then zooms out as he begins to transform. It was so well-done and built the tenison really well. Now the main ticking score is my favorite of the series, but the more upbeat ones that are used in Hogsmeade, the Boggart scene, and when the ghost crashes through the window are also good too. Then the joyous, uplifting score in Phoenix used to juxtapose Umbridge’s cruelty and support how the teens are taking matters into their own hands by practicing defensive spells in secret in the DA meetings. Phoenix‘s use of the score was smart because it leaned more towards the cheerful side, the DA’s side, rather than the sinister Umbridge side. However, due to her perky mannerism, it didn’t feel awkward when it played in her scenes, just artificial, which was the point. The opening score music in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 that played while Hermione obliviated her parents’ memories of her, Harry watched the Dursleys leave and Hermione walked away from her childhood home was also amazing. You could literally feel the emotions and the stakes getting higher and higher. It was so impactful and powerful, especially for Hermione. It was such a difficult and brave thing for her to do and the combination of Watson’s performance and the music made the emotional weight of the scene so palpable. Then the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was so eerie and ominous, giving the audience the feeling that things were definitely gonna change by the end of the movie. The scores that played during the overview shots of the Battle were especially good (like when we see the Quidditch Pitch burning down, when Oliver Wood and other I assume alumni fly in on brooms, or as the trio run through the castle and courtyard on their way to Voldemort in boathouse and encounter many beasts and characters from their past, etc.), as well as Lily’s Theme playing during both during Snape’s opening and scene and subtly during his death scene, not to mention the fact that the score being played both times is literally named Lily’s Theme, all of this just makes those moments even better and even more emotional and heartbreaking. Also, the score music during the Prince’s Tale the part as it goes back and forth between Snape walking through the Potter house post-Voldemort and Dumbledore telling him the truth, ugh, it makes an already heartbreaking and powerful scene that much more powerful. And Hedwig’s Theme playing during the reunion scene was just the cherry on top, so nostalgic and joyous. The Hallows films score was done by Alexandre Desplat who also did the score for The French Dispatch, The Shape of Water, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women and Moonrise Kingdom. The music theme used in Potions scene where they all attempt to brew Living Death and in the scene with Draco and the Vanishing Cabinet, among others such as when Harry spots Ginny in the window when he arrives at the Burrow, in the Half-Blood Prince were also good and memorable, especially in the potions class scene, in my opinion. The score in Part 2 was so good because it felt like a majestic war movie. It built the tension and anxiety, but it was also breathtaking, which after all 7 films, is exactly what this battle should be and sound like. While looking up the scores on Tunefind, I discovered that this ominous theme music was called “Lily’s Theme,” which gives a whole new meaning to it playing while Snape stands in the window frame at the beginning of the movie, looking down as the students march into the school and during his death scene. The final score in Stone as the train pulls away was also so good. John Williams did the score music for the first three films. Williams’ score had by far the biggest impact on the series, however. Hedwig’s Theme was used in, I believe, every single movie and helped define the overall tone sonically for the rest of the series. “Hedwig’s Theme” is the iconic Harry Potter theme that we all know and love, created by John Williams. Williams is a composing legend. He did so many iconic scores for Jaws, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, E.T. and Indiana Jones. This piece of music manages to work for all the movies, which is part of why it is so iconic and impressive, as not all the books and scripts were written yet. The score music in Stone was so great at encapsulating that wonderous, 90s witchy charm. And it continued into Chamber too, especially in the beginning of that film. I specifically love when “Hedwig’s Theme” plays when Harry finally returns to Hogwarts in Deathly Hallows: Part 2. It makes the scene so fulfilling, full circle, nostalgic and sentimental, especially because its a reunion between the trio and their friends, and seeing how loyal they all are to Harry.
The one main thing I had a MASSIVE problem with in regard to these movies are the costumes. Frankly, they suck. They had so much potential to be used as a nuanced storytelling device and it just looked like they barely even tried, despite the huge budgets you know these films had. There is no story being told when there was so much opportunity to create such iconic, character-revealing looks since they have such interesting, witchy subject matter. They just could have done so much more with it. Judianna Makovsky was the costume designer on the first film, which by far was the film that had the best costumes of the whole series. She was also the costume designer for the first The Hunger Games movie and many Marvel films. Lindy Hemming worked on the second film, attempting to continue Makovsky’s work with little originality or memorability. Meanwhile, Janet Termaine was the costume designer in the last six films, which is when the costumes really went downhill. That’s not to say Termaine did a bad job, it was probably mostly the production team’s (which was mostly men) ignorant requests and approvals of certain looks which made it mostly go downhill, however, there are some things Termaine could have really fought for, or showcased to the production team, that she clearly failed to do, which was a disservice to the franchise and it’s aesthetic impact and storytelling. The best example of the loss of potential and ride downhill with the costumes is when comparing the establishing shots of the Wizarding background actors and their wardrobe in the Sorcerer’s Stone Diagon Alley scene versus the Order of the Phoenix Ministry of Magic scene. Honestly, the comparison is like night and day, literally. The Diagon Alley scene was filled with actors in vibrant and whimsical costumes, while the Ministry of Magic scene just looked like a New York train station filled with mid-20th century Muggle businessmen. It’s honestly so sad. Honestly, the Hogwarts staff have the best costumes purely due to their iconic looks and classic witchy details, not because they are actually good or original. McGonagall’s costume with the stereotypical witch’s hat and Dumbledore’s heavily-detailed cloaks, while they were all very predictable, not very original, nor gave us an insight into their characters, at least they gave us more witchy aesthetic goodness than the majority of the franchise did. Also, why do they dress McGonagall like a villain? She wears an emerald green cloak in the first two movies, which is Slytherin’s color, not Gryffindor’s, and she’s a Gryffindor. Seriously, why, for the first two movies is McGonagall in those emerald green velvet robes with gold embroidery? Isn’t she Gryffindor’s Head of House? She is also one of the most pour characters. It makes no sense to me visually to associate her with Slytherin. However, she also wears black robes in the other movies, which also makes no sense to me because she is one of the more wise, kinder characters. Shouldn’t she wear a color more similar to Dumbledore’s silver robes? At least McGonagall finally stops wearing the emerald robes in Azkaban, but the pointed shoulder cloaks she wears in the rest of the movies still make her look like a villain instead of the stern, but nurturing force she really is. While dressing McGonagall as a stereotypical witch is fine (but predictable) more welcoming colors like purple or maroon, which are also witchy, would have fit her character better, especially maroon as she’s a Gryffindor. While the emerald velvet with gold embroidery is pretty (and also brings out Maggie Smith’s eyes), it just makes no sense symbolically or visually. I do like how her costumes, out of all the professors, seemed to change the most, and so did her accessories. She had brooches (like the yellow diamond one she wore in the first two movies) and different witches hats with different detailing like feathers, which she wore in Stone and Chamber. However, they all kept he looking like a villain, especially her final looks in Prince and Part 2 with those point shoulders and popped back-of-neck collar which made her look like an evil queen. It was such a disservice to her character because while she can be strict, she is also one of the kindest and most supportive characters in the whole series. Now my friends say McGonagall wears an emerald cloak in the books, which was a bizarre choice on the author’s end as green is not Gryffindor’s color, it’s Slytherin’s, and she’s Gryffindor’s Head of House. Honestly, if they had to dress any good character like a villain (besides Snape due to him having to become a villain to hide his triple agent status), it should have been Dumbledore, because at least it would make sense as he is the true villain of the series. Put him in the emeralds and pointed shoulders, because at least those motifs also usually symbolize power, so even if the crew and production team didn’t know how the series would end, it would still be symbolic and also be some accidental foreshadowing (also proving just how little thought was put into the costuming not just by the wardrobe team, even though they definitely screwed up big time, but also by JKR). Personally my favorite McGonagall costume was the one she wore in Goblet, which had large silver and black pendent and simple black robes, mostly because it was her least villainous but still eye-catching look, in comparison to her all-black, but boring looks in Azkaban and Phoenix with a cinches turtleneck. Although her green robes to Yule Ball, while it had gorgeous sleeves as seen when she is dancing with Dumbledore, also makes her look like villian (oh, the irony was she’s dancing with the series’ biggest manipulator). However, Maggie Smith looks freaking adorable in McGonagall’s little plaid green capped-ear hat she wears at Quidditch games. While constructionally, McGonagall’s costumes are beautifully constructed and very, very detailed, with her long bell sleeves, pointed shoulders, cool textures, and glittering pendants, however, they still dress her like a villain, which is so distracting and just does a disservice to her character as one of the only truly protective main professors of the series. Now, the high neck I don’t have a problem with that, as that does show her sternness, however, a maroon color would just work better, as it’s authoritative, as shown with how Dumbledore wears the color in the first two movies (which could also show her allegiance to him), it’s a warm welcoming color, which is why it’s often seen during the autumn, and its red, which is the color of Gryffindor, the House she’s head of. It would just make more sense. Now, for all I know, her emerald cloak could be straight from the book, but in a visual medium like a film where colors and shapes are associated with certain attributes, a maroon would just work so much better. I feel so passionate about this because she was one of the most consistent and maternal character and her costumes should have shown that. It’s such a disservice and something, while watching, I just couldn’t get past it. Umbridge’s costumes were good because the pink color made her look sweet and the silhouettes made her grandmotherly, while in reality, she is one of the most wicked characters in the series. However, I do think, if not purely just for this movie, that it was cruel to make Hermione’s signature color pink, which she does wear in this film because that immediately compares her and visually associates her with Umbridge, which is just nasty and Hermione doesn’t deserve that. Hagrid’s costumes made perfect sense. They were TBH very timeless and the browns helped make him blend in, which for his HUGE character actually served the character as he is always trying to not make his size an issue. Also, LOL at Hagrid one dressy outfit with the yellow polka dot tie, and the flower he adds to his lapel during his dragon date with Madame Maxine when Harry third wheels. Even Fudge’s capelet pinstripe suit in Goblet and Phoenix is honestly brilliant because structurally it matches the whimsical, visually dominant wardrobe of the Wizarding World, but the pattern is one we as viewers associate with businesswear and professional clothing, which makes it a great blend of the two worlds. Why couldn’t they do that with the rest of the characters in the series? Rita Skeeter also had such a great 90s-inspired witchy look. Her satin lime green dress suit with purple fur and red buttons matched her character so well. And in the tent scene for the first task, her snakeskin jacket (as she is slithering into the off-limits champions’ tent for a scoop) with her dragon-inspired pointed earrings and headband. I also like her Marilyn Monroe-esque bob in the Goblet Pensieve sequence. The fact that a character that was only in one film had one of the best, most visually dynamic, era-appropriate and whimsigothic costumes just baffles me. Kingsley had a GREAT costume. It was eye-catching and perfectly whimsigothic. It gave me an Ancient Eygpt vibe, which I hope was an Easter Egg from the book I just didn’t understand because otherwise, that is kind of odd. Lockhart even has decent costumes with his haute couture-esque three-piece suits with a cape blazer and Spanish matador-inspired dueling look (which the Durmstrang suits also had a similar look to them LOL) with a quilted fencing pad and half cape. Even Sirius has a witchy, velvet, regal, more mature and sophisticated wardrobe in Phoenix with a quintessential witchy color palette. While it doesn’t really make sense, as he may be a Black but he isn’t really a Black and doesn’t share their values, proven as he is a Gryffindor not a Slytherin, I would prefer him in a more relaxed look, a velvet brocade button-down he wears with a few buttons undone (like if Spicoli from Fast Times was a witch, costume wise, obviously Sirius is a very, very different character) rather then in 3 piece suits he wears the whole film. Dumbledore’s costumes in the first few movies, with Richard Harris, were great because of the visual dominance and autumnal color scheme making him come off as warm and inviting. However, Gambon’s Dumbledore is seen in silver robes, no doubt to make him come off as a God or an angel (LOL ew). While both have a whimsigothic vibe, Harris’ Dumbledore gave off those vibes far better then Gambon’s as it was more eye-catching and nurturing. Maroon also symbolizes spirituality and wisdom, which makes it perfect for Dumbledore. And with the brown, gold, orange, black and purple accessories and accents also make him pop more on screen. While Gambon’s Dumbledore faded into the background and also helped his manipulative side, which I am just biased toward because I hate his character. Harris’ Dumbledore used colors and visual dominance to command every room he was in, while Gambon’s Dumbledore’s costume makes him fade into the background with his silver satin robes. Trelawney’s costumes are also decent. They are baggy and disheveled which matches her character, and have many scarves and shawls and layered necklaces. However, her classroom set should have been the inspiration for her costumes, as the scarfs and shawls used in the set design of her classroom were far more whimsigothic then her costumes, when we saw her costumes way more. While the rugged and offbeat pieces work for Trelawney, her wardrobe was far too earthy and put together. A fortune-telling character like herself should have exemplified the whimsigothic vibe with magenta and golds and Stevie Nicks-esque layered scarves and shawls and long flowing fabrics. It would have also made her pop more on the screen. While Trelawney is dressed very typical witchy bohemian with peasant skirts, draping, chunky layered jewelry, headwraps and pendants, it’s very dull in color and very basic. It has her visually fade into the background and doesn’t bring anything new to the table. Also, Aunt Muriel honestly had a great witchy meets British costume at Bill and Fleur’s wedding with the deep, dusty purple, shimmery details and matching fascinator, a British trademark. It’s ugly, matching her gossip-y character, but it works and is far more story-driven then most of the costumes. Even Flitwick in the first two movies and Sprout in the second film had decent wardrobes with her tiny, thin witches hat (which looks like a sprout aww) and velvet leaf-like peter pan color and dirt brown cape coat, and I actually kind of liked Lockhart’s suit with the waistcoat and blazer cape. It was almost like a Muggle haute couture look, and the uniqueness it had, especially during a time when suits were very conventional, made his fame a bit easier to buy, especially with, like Snape, his cape created some visual dominance for him, and the tan color symbolized how he is only surface-level, there is nothing deep about him. Also, just because the adult costumes may have been decent (or at least far better and more distinctive than the majority of the students’ costumes), they still could have been WAY better. I mean, even the extras had better wardrobes than the main characters, especially in the first two movies, specifically in the first film’s Diagon Alley scene. Even that woman next to Snape in the final scene of Chamber had great costume design, with delicious gothic and witchy chic vibes. The first two films honestly had the best costume design of the whole series, which I thought was only gonna get better, but instead, I was left feeling like a clown, and even with that being said, they still weren’t that cool or thought-provoking. The first two films had their own distinctive aesthetic costume-wise that matches the genre so well and I really missed that in the latter films. In the first two films, directed by Chris Columbus, there was obvious Medieval, Renaissance and Middle Ages influence and traditional folkloric and Salem influence, but that’s fairly common in wizardry-fantasy stories. There was also abundant use of colorful velvet, a fabric that undeniably reeks of whimsigothic vibes. There was purple, burgundy, burnt orange, olive green, mustard yellow, cobalt blue, emerald green, golden yellow, maroon and brown used, with many also having symbolism for their characters in some way too. Dumbledore wears deep maroon-ish red velvet robes and hat, symbolizing his godly nature and Gryffindor’s loyalty. But honestly, knowing how lazy the costumes were overall, it probably wasn’t that deep. Just look at the Wizards of Waverly Place, Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings. I wish there was a bit more original, but I am not that mad about this influence because it at least makes sense and viewers will easily be able to connect the dots without any extra thought. The Diagon Alley scene in the first movie was probably the only scene in the entire franchise that showed how wizards truly dress in the Wizarding World. Why couldn’t they continue this trend and create a really unique aesthetic through clothing, that no doubt would have had the potential to inspire every witchy post-Potter? There was an odd amount of green in the first film, which I think would have made much more sense of the Chamber of Secrets, with how much the film focuses on snakes and Slytherin. However, I did like how the group of girls walking out of the Reptile habitat in the first film all wore emerald green Madeline-esque outfits, as a hint of how significant snakes would be to the series and how it’s the mascot for the green House of Slytherin (although it’s hilarious how those outfits/uniforms have more of a witchy vibe than the Hogwarts uniforms). I do appreciate how the uniforms are functional though, with multiple components, with more layers for the colder months and less layers for the warmer months. The variety of pieces and styling is why the personalization idea in Azkaban was great in theory, in was just done poorly (to have a masterclass in school uniform personalization through escapism, watch Gossip Girl instead). Also having the cast do the costume personalization, not the costume designer, who is or at least should be trained on storytelling through clothing, just makes the costuming and newfound personalization fall flat as a storytelling device. I also do appreciate how you can tell the Weasleys’ uniforms were hand-me-downs due to their economic status, especially with how Ginny wears pants in Phoenix instead of a skirt due to how she is the youngest sibling of all brothers, showing that even at school she is growing out of her uniforms (even though it begs the question, aren’t their clothing spells for situations like this?). These were great ideas, but they seemed obvious and unoriginal. There could have been so much more originality and uniqueness! I did like how in that one scene in Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry sees Ron and Hermione after leaving the hospital, Hermione is wearing a headband (was Hermione wearing her headband during her and Ron’s reunion scene after Harry gets released from the hospital in Stone). Headbands are usually worn by more preppy, studious, feminine and driven women in cinema, and that’s who Hermione is. I wish they kept the headband as part of the costume instead of never seeing it again. I mean, she could have worn athletic headbands too for when they were on the run in the Deathly Hallows, unlike Ginny wearing them in Order of the Phoenix, which made no sense for her athletic, tomboy character besides her being a girl (unless they were athletic ones she wore because of Quidditch, but I don’t think they were, and since she didn’t play Quidditch in Phoenix, it just made no sense for her tough, tomboyish character). Hermione’s bangs in the first two movies are so cute and fit her bookish, proper character so well. However, having them not be as prominent in Azkaban was a smart move because that was the movie where Hermione really from movies from a bookworm to badass. Then completely forgoing them in Goblet onward after that, as Hermione moved even more towards badass and away from the obedient child, also showing her belief that she’s beautiful, her confidence and her self-worth (not that people with bangs don’t deserve love, but in media, bangs tend to symbolize a rebirth from a mistake or an impulse). I also think Hermione’s ponytails and buns in Azkaban work better for her studious character, and when Ginny’s hair was in a ponytail, like during the other school’s introduction scene at the opening feast in Goblet, it worked for her love of athletics (also, Bonnie Wright just looks so effortlessly pretty in a ponytail). Also, Hermione’s twisted pigtails during the first task in Goblet and in Ron and Harry’s make-up scene when she goes “boys” were so cute. They fit her characters’ femininity meets one-of-the-boys vibe by being more coquettish and not too tomboyish like Ginny, setting them apart. I also love Hermione’s braid during the final battle. It’s perfect for the character and the circumstances. Its haphazardly and messy, showing how focused she is on the task at hand rather then her looks. However, it’s also feminity and badass, like her personality. Also, the french twist bun hairstyle she had in the Epilogue is great too, as it’s mature, maternal, pretty and poised, just like I imagine older Hermione to be. I loved Hermione’s bangs in the first two films. They were sweet and matched her studious character. However, I appreciate that they let her grow them out for the later films because it showed visually her maturing. I think it would have been a disservice if they kept them (also, was Watson referencing her bangs in the first film by having bangs in the Reunion?). I do like Ginny’s cute face-framing braids she has in Chamber and Azkaban. It matches the 90s time period and has clearly stood the test of time as a popular hairstyle today. It also works for her character, being girly enough but also tomboyish enough for the little sister with 6 older brothers. She also did it way before Cassie Howard from Euphoria made it trendy. I also liked her half-up-half-down in Goblet during the scene at the river bank. I also liked Hermione’s updos in Azkaban, like her bun in the Boggart scene and her ponytail in the courtyard scene where she calls Ron’s accusation that Crooskhanks killed Scabbers “rubbish.” With two movies where her hair was always down, her updos show how she is gaining confidence, as she’s showing her face, it’s not getting lost within her wild mane. I also like Hermione’s low bun at the very end of Goblet, and although Emma Watson looked adorable in those twisted pigtails, they were a little too childish and cutesy for her character. I think they worked better for Ginny in that movie, with her braided pigtails in the Champion-picking scene, just because she looked young than the rest of the cast in that movie, as seen with her dress in the Yule Ball scene. Also, Hermione’s hair being randomly crimped in the flying lesson scene in the first film didn’t work for her character either. Sure, its her character’s signature bushy hair, but crimped hair is usually associated with wilder, more carefree characters, which makes it work better for Luna than Hermione. While Watson looked cute in it, as someone who loves analyzing the storytelling behind a character’s appearance, it was a bit jarring. Harry’s best hair in Azkaban. It matches his characters’ youthful, rebellious and easygoing personality, is age appropriate and also just looks best on Radcliffe. Also, from what I have heard, it’s also the most accurate to the books. While, in Goblet it’s just distracting, in Prince he looks like an overgrown middle schooler, and in Hallows it’s inconsistent continuity-wise and is far too clean for his character’s roughing-it journey. Hermione’s best hair in her younger years is in Chamber and her best hair as a young adult is in Prince. The ringlets in both fit her perfectionist character so well, however, they also are bushy and big which matches her characters’ description of her appearance. Ron’s best hairstyle is also in Azkaban. Is it great? No, honestly it’s terrible. but it matches his youthful, poor, messy, easygoing and awkward character. His hair in the early films is too clean and proper for his socioeconomic status to translate on screen, his hair in Goblet is obviously terrible and his 2010 Justin Bieber haircut in the later films is just so inaccurate to the 90s time period, and is also not well kept as it often covers his eyes, which is a such disservice to performance. Draco’s hair is best in later movies, from Prince onward. It’s accurate to the 90s and the 2000s, and it also helps translate his wealthy, elite upbringing. Bonnie Wright definitely has the best hair in the series. Ginny’s hair never not looks good, even during the Battle of Hogwarts. Every film, every scene, it looks good (however, personally, I don’t like her hair in Phoenix. The only scenes I like it in the Department of Mysteries battle, when she makes the defense statue crumble and in the Patronus scene during the DA meeting. For the majority of the film I either think it doesn’t fit the character or it’s just not my personal taste). Also, if I were to ever die my hair, would be a dark, maroon-ish red like hers. Ginny’s wardrobe in the latter films reminded me of Elena Gilbert’s wardrobe in the early seasons of The Vampire Diaries, which makes sense as those early seasons were airing at the same time as Prince and Hallows (so yes, Ginny has some Elena Gilbert core in her, but she is still a Weasley, which means patchwork, knitwear and color). I found that a bit ironic as Elena is the “everywoman” in TVD, and Ginny falls for the “everyman” in Potter. However, this parallel shouldn’t even exist because again, this series is supposed to take place in the 90s, not the 2000s. I also liked how they made Narcissa’s hair both black and white to represent her allegiance to both the Black and Malfoy families, as well as her internal struggle between good and evil. It was a brilliant visual choice. The band members that performed at the Yule Ball oddly had some of the best costumes, seamlessly mixing boho-chic with Muggle hair metal rock star. The black fur vest with no shirt underneath worn by Jarvis Cocker of the band Pulp was a great choice for a whimsy rock star, whose name is apparently Myron Wagtail (he also wrote the song “Do The Hippogriff” for the film through a submission process). Apparently, he came up with his character’s witchy glam-rock costume himself after he was disappointed with the original costume design. I wish other actors took matters into their own hands in regard to their costume design the same way, especially Emma Watson because she is considered quite the style icon now. The Death Eaters also had some of the most quality costumes, with Lucius, Bellatrix and Narcissa’s being very representative of their personalities. Bellatrix’s costumes was messy, chaotic, strappy and tough, just like her, And Narcissa was a wealthy wife, who dressed with the sort of dark sophistication you would expect from someone of her social standing (although I wish they leaned more into the femme fatale aesthetic with her since it is very associated with witches already). Lucius’ costumes, especially in the second film, were at least distinctive and creative. The black color and suit silhouette fit his character, and you could immediately how falsely powerful he was and how he thought he was superior to everyone else in the room. Just like McGonagall’s costumes, Lucius’ costumes are very well constructed. However, the black textures, intricate stitching and color actually makes sense here, as he is a minion to the literal Dark Lord. The intricate detailing also showcases his wealth. It is also good because we see his arc from a wealthy manipulative father with his large, visually dominant cloak to a cruel minion and fallen-from-grace influential figure in a more structured, tighter, detailed ensemble. All were very polished, but the size is what matters, as the less and less layering and fabric show Lucius gradually losing his power, however, the color of black and the menacing details make it clear that he is always gonna be a villain. I, personally, like Narcissa’s wardrobe best between her, her sister and her husband. her best look was that large, dark green tweed-looking overcoat he wore to visit Snape in Prince. I loved the visual dominance, Slytherin green and how the tweed told the viewer just how wealthy and polished she is, as that is a fabric (although it’s not really tweed, just looks like a more villainous version of tweed) we associate with the lifestyle, like with the Chanel suit for example. I like the long black velvet cloak she wears over her floor-length nude dress. She literally duels in this floor-length look. What a badass!) as it is very luxurious, homey (as this scene takes place at her home) and menacing, however, I don’t like the nude dress underneath. It just doesn’t make sense and isn’t cohesive. Having her wear dark green again would have been, as it would have been more visual, and since that was the same color she wore during the Unbreakable Vow, it would hint at how far she is willing to go to protect Draco, even lie right to Voldemort’s face. I also like Narcissa’s hair, as it’s black to represent the Black family and blond to represent the Malfoy family, while also representing her moral ambiguity. Also, the men, mainly Bill at his wedding and Sirius in Phoenix, wear Regency-inspired velvet overcoats (literally the Duke of Hastings wears them in Bridgerton), which are very whimsigothic and far more interesting than a suit, dress robes or waistcoat. Why couldn’t they have all the men wear suits like this at the wedding or Slughorn’s Christmas party? Kingsley, similar to Dumbledore, was probably the only character with a fun, vibrant whimsy-witchy wardrobe that I hoped from this franchise. The royal blue fit him perfectly since its a powerful saturation, but a calming color, just like his character. He popped on the screen (unlike Dumbledore’s signature silver which faded into the background especially combined with his silver hair) and had such a unique look that was lost costume-wise in the later films. Snape, ironically enough, had probably the best costume of the series because it was iconic and every aspect was so perfect for his character. Snape’s costume never changed throughout all 8 films (the only main change was when he was in or out of his robe) and that lack of originality and consistency (which while a lot of costumes in this series, mainly the professors, remained consistent for multiple films, Snape’s was the only one that was truly the exact same throughout all 8 films) actually makes sense due to his stressful, mysterious, solitary lifestyle. He needed some comfort in his life as a triple agent. The cloak was like his security blanket, like an animal’s defense mechanism. Making him big, off-putting and scary, and therefore making people leave him alone. That large, visually dominant cloak was perfect for his character. And the monochromatic use of black, literally from head to toe, represents how mysterious his motivations were. His costume showed that he is a creature of habit, that his emotion walls have been up for so long that they are basically permanent, basically tattooed to his body at this point. His top was even a long, structured black tunic, also honing in on that rigidness and darkness. Even though the black color made him a wallflower, his costume was the most effective as a storytelling device, which is even more impressive when you know it stayed the same throughout all the films. The flowy, billowing, large, dancing cloak also represented how important to the story he was, with how he was such a grand, unmissable presence on screen in that cloak, foreshadowing his inner depth and how he has a lot going on underneath the surface and how the reason for that is a mystery for the majority of the series. It’s honestly really impressive how Snape had the same costume for the whole series with all the costume designer turnover this series had. Even Dumbledore and McGonagall’s costumes changed from director to director and designer to designer. However, with all the others there really wasn’t an excuse. Harry wears the same blue shirt for multiple movies. It’s a pale blue with a navy rim, which is very 70s and 80s, making it seem like he has had this shirt for a while. He has worn it since Azkaban all the way until Hallows. It’s his favorite and wears it multiple times in each individual film as well as multiple of the film’s posters. There is also two versions of it, a short sleeve and a long sleeve. I have since seen the memes online. While many costume design lovers would say this proves how lazy and unoriginal the costume designers were, and it does, I think it shows just how much the odds are against Harry. He has so much pressure on him. He is a neglected orphan, only given Dudley’s outgrown hand-me-downs as we saw from his oversized clothing in the first film. Even though he’s not alone, he feels that way. He’s isolated. He loses every parent he ever has. This shirt gives him consistency and comfort. It’s his security blanket (this also visually shows how much Snape and Harry have in common as Snape also has a security blanket of sorts through his costume, as aforementioned). So, I actually don’t mind that choice for Harry. Also, maybe it was his dad’s, or he convinced himself that it was, so it gives him security. It’s like Rue’s maroon hoodie in Euphoria. However, in terms of the rest of the costumes, there really isn’t any excuse. I mean these movies had ALL THE MONEY. Also, I didn’t even know the series took place in the 90s until I noticed how the dates on Fandom.com’s Harry Potter Wiki (the website I’d often get linked to when I paused to Google for further explanation. Damn, there is A LOT to absorb. It’s fascinating) don’t match up with the date of films’ release. The 90s had such great fashion and such a diverse scale of aesthetics from Matrix looks to model-off-duty. Now, I’m not asking for Ron to dress like Kurt Cobain or Hermione like Cher Horowitz, but they could have done so much more to show the time period through costume and make the characters more distinctive than just dressing each character very plainly. Maybe British 90s fashion was different (I don’t think it really was though because of how much British fashion and pop culture influenced American trends during that time), but I just saying. Also, the Muggle clothing takes you right out of the escapism of the series, which is one of its biggest appeals, which causes the majority of costuming to be more of a disservice to the series rather than a storytelling device used to enhance the story, like good costuming does. Also, if you aren’t going to fully commit to the wizardy looks and have the characters in Muggle clothes, then at least make it timely and distinctive. I mean, Hermione was seen wearing low-rise jeans, when high-waisted, mom jeans were actually on trend in the 90s, low-rise jeans are quintessentially 2000s. The jeans Hermione wears are also poorly fitted or skinny jeans, which is just terrible, unflattering and not 90s as again baggy mom jeans were popular in the 90s, while skinny jeans weren’t popular until the 2000s. Hermione’s practical wardrobe reflects her practical personality, but that often makes for pretty boring looks. Also, in Slughorn’s moving photo of Lily’s Slug Club, the people are in peasant dresses, whimsigothic 70s vests and 70s collared shirts, which makes sense as, I found out on Fandom Wiki, Lily, Snape and the Marauders went to Hogwarts in the 70s, however, if they can have the people in that photograph dress era-appropriate, then why not all the other actor and main character in the current, 90s timeline? It’s really not an excuse. It’s the same thing with that original Order of the Phoenix photo, with Lily’s peasant to and Lupin’s shaggy hair, it’s very 70s. Why couldn’t make the main timeline be era-appropriate too? Also, in both the 90s when Slughorn is teaching and in the 1970s photograph with Lily, he is in a unique whimsigothic suit, just slightly different to reflect his youth and the time period (however, Slughorn randomly wearing a graduation cap in the present timeline, complete with a tassel, for no reason at all was so jarring and insanely odd), if they put so much thought into that single photograph, why couldn’t they do that for the rest of the series? There really isn’t an excuse. Especially since the 70s AND the 90s were both eras when the whimsigothic aesthetic was thriving, with both decades taking inspiration the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Regency periods.. And in the Goblet of Fire, in the scene where Ginny, Ron and Hermione meet up with Neville and Harry at the river bank and Hermione screams “I’m not an owl!” Ginny literally wears a peasant skirt and tall Uggs, which were both trends that are near-synonmous with the 2000s, not the 90s. This film came out in 2005, but takes place in 1994. Termaine truly has no excuse for this. Something as simple as that could have made all the difference. I do appreciate how the costume designer of Sorcerer’s Stone had Ron and Harry wear flannels and baggy jeans, which are very 90s, in the saving-the-Sorcerer’s-Stone sequence, however, it was much easier for her as 1999 was only a year before filming actually began. But that’s still not an excuse for the later films. Hermione could have worn a velvet shrug over a button-down or a top, which was on trend in both the 90s and 2000s with high-waisted jeans and is very witchy. And they could have had flannels be more of a mainstay in Harry and Ron’s wardrobe, not just the first few films, as grunge was a huge 90s trend, and in colors like maroon and emerald, could have matched the witchy vibe. Like it was honestly easier to be witchy rather than not as it was already hugely popular. It’s inexcusable. A young Emma Watson herself even wore a unique, youthful, and fantastically 90s whimsigothic lime green ensemble to one of the premieres of Sorcerer’s Stone. At 11, she even knew what the right vibe was, by didn’t any of the costume designers. Her Halloween-esque Dior dress she wore to the 2016 Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year awards also proves how much more understanding she had for this aesthetic, something every costume designer for the films severely lacked, and her own love for it, showing how much of a perfect fit she was for these films. Ugh, if only Pinterest existed in 2001. Also, in the Goblet of Fire Daniel Radcliffe wore a fantastic whimscial Sirius Black-esque emerald velvet three-piece suit with an extra long blazer and Rupert Grint wears a periwinkle velvet blazer, and with velvet being a very witchy fabric, that also just goes to show how well actors knew this universe, and emphasized just how much all the costume designer did not. Hermione is preppier, often wearing knit sweaters, blazers, collared shirts, layers and henley shirts. Harry and Ron were typical teenage boys and would wear blazers, flannels and t-shirts. Ginny is tomboyish and often wears henleys and layered tops a la Elena Gilbert core. But none of this attempted distinction was executed well. Draco, Neville and Luna were the only student character who seemed to have the best-executed distinctive style, and that’s not saying much. Draco wore all-black suits to show off his status and darkness. Neville was always dressed very preppy and cozy, showing his nerdiness and being raised by his grandmother. And Luna’s style was quirky and eccentric. In fact, only the Chris Columbus-directed films had good distinction due to their youthful nature and wizardry details. The first two films had Hogwarts dress robes (which by the way can we talk about how confusing it is visually in the final film with the Hogwarts students and the Death Eaters both wearing black robes in the Deathly Hallows: Part 2?), the house’s signature colors scarves, and other accessories, and pointed hats for big events, although those pointed hats are later used to symbolize Death Eaters (which could be a way to further draw a comparison between Death Eaters and the KKK, but I don’t know. These are British films and that’s an American hate group. Also, mixed with Day of the Dead-like masks, it isn’t great). Also, during the Second Task in Goblet, Seamus and a bunch of Hogwarts Students are wearing black sweatshirts with the Hogwarts crest and black puffer coats. That is not witchy or 90s. In fact, it’s ahead of its time. They look like Pete Davidson. Ginny’s style has a very weird evolution. It starts off as a more youthful version of her mom’s with bright-colored knitwear and patchwork giving an appropriately witchy, crafty, makeshift look, that’s very 90s in a lot of ways. This is seen during her first scene at King’s Cross in the first film, the Burrow and Flourish and Blotts stuff in Chamber, the World Cup stuff in Goblet and especially when they are walking to the train at the end of Phoenix (although again the headbands she wears in Phoenix do not fit her character at all and would have made more sense for the academia, highstrung Hermione). Then it transforms into a more Elena Gilbert core look that’s very modern and uninteresting. The only witchy element to her later style is her dress at Bill and Fleur’s wedding and the one pattern cap sleeve she has on a t-shirt she wears when she force-feeds Harry during Christmas. She wears a sequin LBD to the Slughorn ice cream social thing which is cute but too dressy and boring, because Hermione is in a white button-down top with a small sequin embellishment, which personally I think is Hermione’s only casual character-appropriate, accurately 90s costume in the entire series. Then she wears an emerald dress to the Slughorn Christmas party which makes sense as it is Slughorn’s House color and she wants to make a good impression (however, the black piping with the studs is so 2010 it hurts), but that seems like more of a Hermione thing to do, who is in a bright bubblegum pink dress, which while that’s her character’s signature color, is an odd choice storytelling-wise since Hermione is supposed to be miserable and trying to hide from Cormac, you’d think she’d wear a less eye-catching color, and emerald would be that as well. And since at this point, Ginny is the apple of Harry’s eye and a love interest for him, it would make sense for her to wear a pink dress, as it is out of character enough that would also tell the audience that she is now interested in Harry, as we never really see her offically break things off with Dean. Therefore, Ginny and Hermione’s dresses should be switched, with Hermione trying to appeal to Slughorn and trying to fade into the background and Ginny trying to get Harry’s attention (although Wright’s red hair pops in the emerald dress and Watson looks great in that pink dress, it’s constructed very well and is very flattering on her). I was also confused because in the first few films, they have pointed hats for special occasions, but in later films, starting with Azkaban, they have pointed hoods on their robes. Was this also part of the Azkaban costume change-up and they just kept it this way for the rest of the films (sort of like how Azkaban started the darker cinematography, and that undeniably became a mainstay for the rest of the series). I also like Draco’s winter clothing. Like, the cossack hat he wears when Harry attacks him in the snow under the Invisibility Cloak in Azkaban was just too perfect for his abrasive and cocky character. I also loved how Harry’s wardrobe while at the Dursleys in the first movie was all oversized to reflect that they were Dudley’s hand-me-downs. Alfonso Cuarón started the trend of the youthful characters wearing more Muggle clothes or the men wearing more traditional suits (Draco never wearing casual clothes and always wearing suit, and having them always be all black, was a very good touch (although I wish them and it more structurally interesting because it looks like a Muggle suit and he’s now a Death Eater) because it represented his wealth and his darkness and supposed allegiance to it). Only during school times did they wear their robes. Even the Yule Ball dresses, including Hermione’s, weren’t very 90s. They were not enchanting in a wizardry/witchy way, and they were just ugly, including the dress robes for the men (especially Ron’s, obviously). While I appreciate that Hermione, Ginny, Fleur and Cho’s Yule Ball dresses each, for the most part, match their characters, with Ginny’s being doll-like, Fleur’s being ethereal and simple, Hermione’s being regal and Cho’s taking influence from classic Asian culture, they could have been better. Ginny’s dress with the mint green, hot pink and peter pan collar is just hideous. I get that she’s the youngest main character at the Yule Ball, but they didn’t need to dress her so saccharine. I do think the doll influence works for her usually knitwear-heavy and patchwork-filled wardrobe, especially with the peter pan color, but Ginny still didn’t deserve such a hideous dress. The hot pink also associates her with Hermione in this scene, which I think does a disservice as this is Hermione’s princess moment, not Ginny’s. Personally, Fleur’s Yule Ball dress is my favorite of the main girls (honestly, some of the extras in the background are better dressed then the main characters). Fleur’s look is perfect for the wintery ethereal vibe of the occasion with the dress being light purplish-gray with silvery-gold floral embroidery and mixed it with classic French simplicity by only having simple earring and a sleek snowflake-inspired hair accessory. Some may say her dress is boring, but I think it’s the most timeless and classic. It holds up the best and looks beautiful on her. I also love how she included a shawl, which also matches the wintery occasion. I just wish they committed to the purplish color by making it lavender, helping it to stand out more. It’s the look that’s more fitting and perfect for this occasion. Hermione has been associated with pink since Azkaban, so her wearing a very princessy dress, as this is her princess moment, in that color is very sensical and just too perfect. Plus, it makes her stand out on screen against the Yule Ball’s silvery decor. Also, pink symbolizes feminity and that moment symbolizes Hermione becoming a young woman. Plus, the Yule Ball has decor that is icy blue, which is very similar to the periwinkle color it’s described in the books as I’ve heard. That means, if it was blue, it would get lost in the background and have to compete for attention due to the blue decor. The pink color, a color that’s on the opposite side of the color wheel, helps make Hermione stand out visually on the screen (also the Patil twins while they sit with Ron and Harry, making the viewer draw their eye to the quartet sitting off tot he side rather then the dancing kids in the majority of the shot). While blue is more on theme, it’s not best as a storytelling device, which is why they probably picked pink. Especially because we have spent the film associating the Beauxbatons with powder blue with them due to their uniforms. So, even if those girls aren’t wearing bleu in that scene, having seen them in that color before, would reduce the wow factor, because it would look like their uniforms. Also, if you notice, they strategically don’t have Hermione wear her signature color until that grand moment in the film (except for the moment when she yells “I am not owl,” but its far less obvious as it’s under a jacket and it would feel odd for her to not wear her favorite color until the Yule Ball, making it more natural). Also, with the cape sleeves on Hermione’s gown, if it was blue, it would love like the Beauxbaton school uniforms, making it less of a Cinderella moment and more of Hermione pretending to be someone she’s not, having the audience view the moment from Ron’s perspective, not Hermione and Harry’s. Hermione’s most worn color in the film series is undeniably pink as she wears it at least once in every film since Azkaban and is even a prominent color in her main look in the final film. It’s the color we most associate with her character as she wears it the most. It’s symbolic because she is the ultimate force of girl power in the films and the unique feminine voice she brings to the series and pink is a symbolically feminine color. Also, compared to Ginny and the Patils, Hermione got off easy, but it still looks too mature, more for a 40-year-old (okay, maybe that’s mean. Really, more like a twenty-something coming into her own) rather then a 14-year-old coming into her own. However, it is SO cruel how they make Umbridge’s signature color pink and also have Hermione were it as much as she did in Phoenix, making us visually associate her with Umbridge. That’s just cruel and Hermione does not deserve that association, especially because the DA was Hermione’s idea. Now, with all that being said, there’s no denying that Hermione’s Yule Ball dress moves beautifully. When she’s dancing, descending the stairs, walking out with Krum or walking and fighting with Ron, the sleeves and ruffles move beautifully. While Cho’s dress, although the Asian influence is kind of stereotypical, matches the vibe of the Yule Ball with the metallic silver color. The sleeves are also so unique, whimsigothic and gorgeous. I do appreciate how Cho’s look FINALLY gave us a quintessentially 90s hairstyle with her very of times updo. They also somewhat stereotyped with Padma and Pavarati’s costumes for the Yule Ball as well. While representing different cultures and great, and makes sense for this movie, these kids are at school and are dealing with pressures of popularity and coolness, and am I really supposed to believe they didn’t feel the pressure to not wear a normal ball gown instead a cultural gown? Also, the colors used for the Patil twins, orange and pink, take away from Hermione’s grand entrance and princess moment because she is also wearing pink. This is Hermione’s princess moment, not the Patils (they have a miserable time), so it just does Hermione’s moment a disservice. I get there’s a hot-button debate about the color of Hermione’s dress, and I do like the color pink for her, it seems to be her favorite color as she wears it every movie, as blue is Harry’s and Ron’s is red. This pink also makes her stand out more than blue would, it’s still an ugly dress (not as ugly as Ginny’s, but still). It’s too much fabric and too maternal for a teenager. And the use of pink is very stereotypical, being that she’s the biggest female character in the series, and pink is a stereotypically feminine color. I mean, compared to the Patils and Ginny, Hermione got off easy. It’s not a bad dress. It’s pretty, but for a 27-year-old, not a 14-year-old. It’s too mature and matronly, mostly because of the sleeves, not youthful, pretty and grown up. However, it is well-constructed because, despite all the fabric and ruffles, Watson is wearing the dress, the dress isn’t wearing her, thank god (which can often happen with dresses that have a lot of fabric). The ruffles and the sleeves help the dress move beautifully when it’s in motion, like while she’s dancing or running after Ron to call out his maltreatment of her. Her dress is also very 90s, it reminds me of Bianca in 10 Things I Hate About You and what I imagine she would wear to a ball (not that awful school dance dress from the film). I also don’t like Hermione’s Regency-inspired hairdo. It’s princessy and Emma Watson looks good in every hairstyle, but it’s just not my taste. I prefer Fleur’s or even Ginny’s hairstyle. Ginny’s was very childish when it was more of a young adult event, which could have worked with Ginny being and looking significantly younger then everyone else, but you would think Ginny as a character would want to appear older. With the mix of hot pink and mint green, she looked like a Marie Antoinette cake, not a girl going to a school dance. Also, Ginny’s makeup, especially her lipstick, was very reminiscent of the 90s, which I appreciate. I will say that her dress at Fleur and Bill’s wedding was a bit better because it was age appropriate and the color popped on screen and looked great on Watson. However, it was a bit boring and plain, and more 2000s than 90s, and wasn’t uniquely witchy in any way, especially for a Wizarding World wedding. However, I LOVED Fleur’s wedding dress. It was ethereal and unique. Actually, I was on Vogue Runway the other day and was looking at Alexander McQueen, a very prominent British designer who is a personal favorite of Kate Middleton, collections from the early 2000s, and while looking at their Fall 2008 Ready-To-Wear collection I found Fleur’s dress, just a tea-length, strapless version of it and the runway version has peacocks on it, while Fleur’s had phoenixes. Personally, I far prefer Fleur’s version TBH, even though I love Alexander McQueen. However, it’s still kind of annoying that they if they were going to rip off a designer’s hard work, and they could have at least ripped off a design from the 90s, not the 2000s, however it would show how ahead of their time the Wizarding World, which I am okay with in this case as it’s formal, avant grade clothing, not normal everyday clothing. At least it was a British designer they ripped off, because at least that makes a little bit of sense as the story does take place in the British Wizarding World with how Muggle culture inevitably feeds into and influences Wizarding culture, like other cultures do. After doing further research, I found out that the costume designer was actually accused of stealing the design for the 2010 film, which Diet Prada would have gone crazy for if it existed back then. I am honestly surprised no celebrity Potterhead has taken it out of the archive yet. Maybe if their ever a fantasy/witchy Met Gala theme. However, I still don’t think it’s very cool that they ripped off any designer, British or not, a 2000s design or not. It’s even more unfortunate because this was honestly the best costume of the entire series. I loved the detailed black embroidery of two phoenixes, which gave it a whimsigothic vibe that I had been CRAVING from the series. The silhouette and ruffle details are also stunning. It was realistic enough for Muggle audiences watching to recognize that it was a wedding dress, but it was also fantastical and unique enough for the audience to buy that that’s how more simple, classic wedding dresses look in the Wizarding World. It was great. I also loved her Yule Ball dress the best and out of all the school uniforms we saw in the series, I like Beauxbatons’ blue caplet ones the best. The Beauxbaton uniforms honestly make them look like Disney characters with their morsel hats and blue, candy-like colored uniforms. They all remind me of Cinderella. Honestly, Fleur was the best-dressed character in the whole series, and due to the fact that she was in only three of the films and with very small parts, and the fact that it comparison to the first two films and what they actually should have done in regards to the witchy aesthetic, that still isn’t saying much. Madame Maxine’s wardrobe is also grand and luxurious, with the colored giraffe print, fur details and Anna Wintour-esque hairstyle. It’s not sure that the two main French characters are also two of the most stylish, with France being one of the most influential countries in the fashion world, with brands like Chanel, Saint Laurent, Dior and Givenchy being huge parts of French history and culture. Fleur’s sister also has a cool witchy look with silver velvet, fittingly on-theme flame details and matching silver velvet flame-shaped lapels (also LOL at her wearing velvet underwater during the second task. Also, is that the younger girls’ Beauxbaton uniforms because otherwise why is she wearing something different?). She wears this design in a leotard in the Beauxbaton entrance and in a robe form for the second task. Fleur also looks like such a chic badass in the Battle of Hogwarts, with her leather blazer-inspired jacket and braided hair. It’s so different from her cottage look earlier in the final film too, showing how she knows how to dress for the occasion and still keep her personal, classic and chic style. However, Fleur’s worst outfit by far is what she wears to the Dursley House. It looks so great from the waist up. The blue, paying homage to the color we associated with her the last time we saw her but the marker shade tells us she’s mature. The structured jacket is very Parisian timeless but the unique shape of the buttons makes it very witchy and whimsical. However, then you see a full body shot and she has a t-shirt under her jacket that reeks of Ed Hardy with a grayish tone and red rose design and it’s a tunic length, so it goes over a pair of gray jeans, that is a different shade from the shirt. They are 2000s skinny jeans that don’t fit her well at all due to how scrunched up they are at the end of her legs. It ruins the whole thing and also is a disservice Fleur’s character because just because she is now a Weasley doesn’t means he suddenly has bad taste (the Wealsey may be poor, but they don’t have terrible costuming. Most of the time, it’s the most witchy costuming out of anybody, except Ginny’s Elena Gilbert-esque looks in Prince). She can still keep for chic, ethereal, classic style sensibilities with a more Weasley whimsical twist. A poncho would have been a great way to show that as it’s whimsical and very Weasley but in a solid neutral shade that could have kept with her style sensibilities. The think with Fleur is that she knows how to dress for the occasion, which is something my favorite style icon excel at. Just look at her Shell Cottage look. Its beachy and relaxed with a blue dress and sandy cardigan (however those black pants underneath are unnecessary and so 2007 it hurts). Her hair is very Fleur with the prim and perfect half up half down hairstyle, which looks great on her. However the beachy outfit and prim and proper hairstyle make the look really incohesive. Her hair down and straight, her natural hair, would have been better, while the half up half down would ahve worked better for her wedding, as she wear a curlier verison of the hairstyle there with a black headpiece (headpieces are like the one uniquely wizardy accessory wizard women wear, and it’s only at dressy ocassions. As Hermione, Fleur and Cho each wear hair accessories and headpieces to the Yule Ball, with Fleur’s being the most extravagant then, and her black one at her wedding also being quite extravagant and avant grade. Maybe it’s a British Wizarding World thing, as these sparkely headpieces the women wear could be the wizard equalivalent of fascinators. Other then headpieces, there is nothing truly unique about clothing in the wizarding world except for a few abnormal touches here and there). Fleur may look so effortlessly beautiful in this relaxed look, but from a storytelling perspective it falls flat. Fleur’s outfit in the Battle of Hogwarts is much better. While her skinny jeans are still era-inappropriate and unflattering the combat boots, blazer-inspired leather jacket and French braid keep her classic, chic style sensibilities but make then a badass, battle-ready twist. Also, her wearing a necklace shows that she’s still a glam girl at heart. While I think Fleur was the best-dressed character because her taste and mine are more similar with her girlish, classic, simple style, Luna is also one of the best-dressed characters, as he clothing actually adds to her character. I particularly love the metallic tiered silver mini dress she wears as Harry’s date to Slughorn’s Christmas Party. It’s very futuristic, whimsical, ethereal and witchy, exactly what the aesthetic of the ultimate wizard franchise should be! This is actually one of the few pieces from the franchise I would actually wear. I also love the lettuce hem detail, as it is very 90s as well. Also, from what I have heard, Evanna Lynch made those radish earrings that Luna wears throughout the series that remind me of the Sugarfix earrings that Target sells. That extra effort Lynch put in just shows how passionate she is and how much she understands the character as those are exactly the kind of random, quirky and odd accessory some as one-of-a-kind as Luna would wear. Tonks had a cool edgy wardrobe that worked for her character but made her seem more like a teenager not that much older than Harry and his friends rather than old enough to join the Order (is there an age requirement?). I liked her frilly skirts, waistcoats, blacks, leather jackets, stripes, deep reds, striped tops, chokers, and bohemian tops, which matched her cool character, but again they were very youthful. I much prefer her outfit in Prince with her edgy mullet, deep red pinstripe strip top, black bohemian dress, black and gold scarf and black tights. It was edgy and perfectly whimsigothic. It matched her cool, alternative character well (proven by her badass unnaturally colored bright hair) and was more adult. It also keeps her style sensibilities from Phoenix with the black, pink and stripes, which gives her a more distinctive look. If only all the characters would be given that same level of distinction and whimsy. Part of the reason I wish we got to see more of her character was also just because she was one of the best dressed and one of the few characters who actually understood the whimsigothic assignment, especially later on. She is also one of the few characters who dressed era-appropriate, as her edgy style matched the rocker, punk riot grrl aesthetic that was popular in the 90s, as well as 90s whimsigothic. Somebody told me that Umbridge’s costumes are meant to show her rise in power as the shades of pink she wears become darker as she gains more control of Hogwarts. However, I don’t really see this happening. She wears dark shades of pink throughout the whole movie. This never really translates. This is an example of how the costume designers on these films had great ideas, just poor execution. Also, we have associated pink with Hermione since Azkaban, so having her wear it in her very first scene of Phoenix before we met Umbridge, when Umbridge wears the color in almost every outfit we see her in after her first scene, it’s just so cruel because it makes us associate Hermione and Umbridge together visually, like they are on the same side, like how all the Death Eaters wear black, when Hermione and Umbridge aren’t just opposites as characters and in personality, but they are also on opposite sides. Hermione does not deserve to be visually likened to Umbridge. This also happens with Luna in Prince, the following film. In her very first scene of the film, Luna is wearing a pink tweed jacket, a color, and fabric, we associated with Umbridge in the previous film. Even though this is a separate film, it’s still a continuation of the same story, and Luna, one of the brightest lights in the series, being visually likened to the vile Umbridge is just plain criminal. Luna deserves better then that. Pink has a feminine sweet connotation so having it be Hermione’s color and the color Umbridge uses to mask her sinister nature makes sense, but the least the costume designer could have done was have Hermione take a break from pink in this movie, because that association to Umbridge is just cruel to Hermione and does a disservice to her character, not to mention that pink striped polo is just so 2005 that it takes so out of the story, which as I have said before, takes place in the 90s. Ginny’s dress to Bill and Fleur’s wedding is FAR better than her Yule Ball dress (TBH her Yule Ball dress was just cruel). It honestly might be my favorite dress of the whole series. It’s more my personal style. It’s white with a black sheer overlay and black floral, sequin and lace details. While Emma Watson looks gorgeous in that ruffled dress at Bill and Fleur’s wedding, it’s way too casual compared to what Ginny, Fleur, Mrs. Weasley, Aunt Muriel and even Luna (they both have kinky long hair, however, it does fit Luna’s dreamy character better, where it makes Hermione look more casual and doesn’t match her rule-following character who ould no doubt dress appropriately for the occasion. Luna is also a guest while Hermione is there as part of the family in a way after everything they’ve been through and how they have opened up their home to her, therefore, like Ginny and Mrs. Weasley, she should be more dressed up) are wearing, especially with kinky curly hairstyling. If she had an ethereal side braid or even her hair perfectly straighten, which Hermione has never had before, could have made it much more interesting especially as it would have really honed in on the fact that this is the trio’s last happy moment before the Horcrux hunt. I will say though, I appreciate the gothic necklace she is wearing, with that one necklace being the most witchy thing she wore in the entire series. The red color also looks amazing on Watson. I appreciate how they made Hermione’s costumes feminine (cementing how her intelligence and feminity don’t cancel each other out) and practical because that very much matches her personality and purpose in the story, the low-rise jeans and Muggle-influence just ruin the escapism of the series. It takes you right out of the fantasy of it all. Now, with Muggle-borns joining the Wizarding World, it would make sense that they would bring some of their culture with them, but not all of it. They could have made the fashion distinctive to the Wizarding World and relatable to the audience in a much better way. I get that robes are the big wizard wardrobe piece, but you could have had way more fun with it. You could have made more causal robes like bathrobes and kept the more proper robes like cloaks. They also could have kept the mro proper robes be cotton and the more casual ones be velvet and use color symbolism and embroidery to visually show the emotions the character is feeling. All of this would have still created a very unique look for the films while also being relatable and even spawning real-life fashion friends as underneath is when they could really have fun. Characters like Draco and Pansy could be more prim and preppy while characters like Ron and Harry would be more disheveled, showing their economic status. They could have also used the clothing to show comfortable Harry and Hermione are becoming in the Wizarding World as it makes sense that all they have to wear in the first film are Muggle clothes when they aren’t in their robes because they are Muggle-raised, but in the later films, that doesn’t make sense as they would have had time now to buy clothes that are fashionable in the Wizarding World. Not doing any of this is just such a waste. But also, they couldn’t do this because everyone wears Muggle clothes, even the villains, which just proves how the costuming does absolutely nothing to help tell the story. I wish I could say that Prisoner of Azkaban did a better job at personalizing their uniforms stylistically to show off the characters’ personalities more by wearing their shirts tucked or untucked and the ways they wore their ties, but in actuality, it just wasn’t very well done overall. Some aspects were okay, like Hermione’s was more feminine, Draco’s was more proper and edgier and had symbolic Slytherin accessories, and Ron’s was very relaxed. I see what Cuarón was trying to do (make it more relatable for the viewer). Although, I don’t think Hermione’s really matched her personality. I think Hermione would have definitely kept her uniform top tucked in, not untucked (although maybe Watson just wanted to be more comfortable). Hermione would tuck in her shirt. An untucked shirt for a character who wears a school uniform symbolizes a rebellious spirit and Hermione is rigid and loves the rules, therefore she would wear her uniform properly (also they really overdid the pink in Azkaban like the pink shirt on top of the pink hoodie is just too much. Also, can we talk bout how she wears a pink hoodie in both the finale and in Azkaban?). Just look at how easy breezy Serena wears her uniform untucked versus how prim and proper Blair wears her uniform tucked in in Gossip Girl. I mean, at least he fully committed to this by having the extras personalize their uniforms too, not just the main characters. However, in my opinion, that should have been as far as the personalization has gone, or at least show us how kids in the Wizarding World dress when they aren’t in school (not like Muggles, like we saw during the Diagon Alley scene in the first film). That I feel like would have made more of an impact, and even make the film trendsetting in some ways. Honestly, the personalization of the uniforms in the first film, with Hermione’s being perfect and proper, Ron’s being, loose, oversized, lazy and messy and Harry’s being proper but in a more relaxed way, was way better than in Azkaban. It at least made sense for the world AND the characters, it wasn’t forced or jarring like in the third film. Ron’s robes, especially in Chamber, are more faded then the more saturation black of Hermione and Harry’s robes, also showing how they are hand-me-downs. Also, the dress Hermione wears as Bellatrix is probably the best dress of the series from a storytelling perspective. For one, it looks amazing on both actresses, who both have very different body types. Another reason is how it matches both of their aesthetics. For Hermione, it has a capelet, a smaller, sexier version of the Hogwarts uniform robe and it’s very conservative with the long skirt and the wrists cuffs, reminiscent of a men’s dress skirt. However, the look itself is gothic and slightly sexual, which are qualities found in Bellatrix’s look as a villain and someone completely infatuated with the Dark Lord. The look has a chest cutout and a corset belt shows this aspect off, not to mention the black color. Bellatrix’s wardrobe made a lot of sense for her character too. They mixed the gothic villainess aesthetic with subtle BDSM motifs of leather corset and lace-up detailing (makes me even more convinced that we are supposed to assume that she is creepily horny for Voldemort which I think is disgusting and sad, and only makes me compare her more to women who fall in love with serial killers) to show her confidence and her evilness. The costumes are also just such a boring visual. Black is so overused in these films that it just begins to feel lazy. Black only makes for a cool visual when it has symbolic meaning in my opinion, and it’s just not used that way in these films. Black is literally my favorite color, but it just bored me these films. Even when they added the House colors to the robes in Azkaban, it was still very boring to me. This was only cemented for me during that courtyard scene in the finale, when there’s no visual difference between the Hogwarts side and the Death Eater side. Whimsigothic is such a colorful aesthetic and lends itself to storytelling so much more. It seriously would have only enhanced this series if they went further in that direction after Stone. I will say I did like Hermione’s final battle look because it epitomized her style sensibilities. The layers of the pink hoodie and denim jacket showed her pragmatism, but the pink kept her favorite color and feminine sensibilities alive and well. However, it was not era-accurate. I also love Hermione’s braid in the finale because it matches her character so well. Badass, pretty, practical and feminine. Also, starting in Azkaban, due to Cuaron’s push towards Muggle clothing, Harry appeared in a blue shirt as his main outfit during Azkaban, however, he wears that same blue, navy-rimmed shirt at different points throughout the rest of the series. Harry wearing the same blue shirt in every movie is also kind of realistic with him being a neglected orphan who has been given unflattering hand-me-downs that don’t fit. The witchy aesthetic is so fun and dynamic already, and as the quintessential witchy franchise, they should have capitalized on that. Plus, fans don’t tune into Harry Potter for reality, they tune in for escapism, after all the series is about magic. The audience connects with the character’s reliability for growing up, but the story itself is pure fantastical escapism, and part of building that escapism is having good costuming, and honestly the Muggle clothing was, unfortunately, kind of distracting from the escapism Potter prides itself on, which is a shame. While, it wasn’t a dealbreaker due to the great writing, acting and direction making up for it, it was obviously a huge disappointment for me. The only time it really made sense was in Deathly Hallows, when the trio tried to blend in due to being on the run hunting for Horcruxes. As an admirer of costume design, it was quite disappointing. However, I do like how Prince showed the boys wearing dress robes to Slughorn’s Christmas Party and women wearing dresses, mirroring the more formal Yule Ball. It helped me understand wizarding traditions, however, they didn’t wear dress robes to Bill and Fleur’s wedding, which I think you are how sensical it is either way because while it’s a wedding, it’s also a family affair. The black robes, while very unifying for a school uniform, are just so boring and also very confusing with the Death Eaters’ main color being black as well. Like in that courtyard confrontation scene in the finale between the Death Eaters and the Hogwarts side, they almost all looked the same. I get that the original costume team had no idea about Death Eaters at the time for the first film, but they could have just utilized their sweaters and cardigans more, especially as the characters age and get more comfortable at Hogwarts. And with the House Colors, they could have shown off their House pride more, by having students age into different uniforms after their OWLs or something. And the House Colors thing, while segregating, would also just be a great visual for film, and also show more House pride, which as someone who hates school spirit due to cheerleading trauma, that’s saying a lot, but for a visual medium that actually works so much better and would be really cool, especially with the emerald, sapphire, maroon and mustard deep jewel tones they decided to use, they aren’t so in-your-face and tacky. Now, I understand that having a bunch of students on-screen in multiple colored robes would be a very chaotic visual, but the black robes can stay the same, they just shouldn’t wear them for the Battle of Hogwarts because A) that’s a lot of fabric for battle and B) the Death Eaters also wear black and it also symbolizes darkness so while for Hogwarts it’s neutral, the black visual for the Death Eaters actually makes more sense due to the color’s symbolism. This is why the sweaters and ties that the characters wear under their uniforms should have a bit more color. It would have made much more symbolic visual during that courtyard scene in the finale film when Harry’s body is revealed to see the evil Death Eaters in all black and the accepting Hogwarts side look like a rainbow. However, even though dark jewel tone House color robes could be chaotic visual, it would also be a very satisfying visual too like in the Great Hall meal scenes as they eat with their houses (except at breakfast in later films? bc of rules or Yates?). Now, the better decision would be for the colors to not be that saturated (that would just be cheesy and jarring), but instead to be in darker, muted autumnal jewel tones, to keep the moodiness alive. That visual would have been way more symbolic, dynamic and interesting than the confusing black versus black, which wasn’t just confusing, but also boring. Maybe even gray-colored uniforms would have been better, still with the House color accents, as it would be a more yin-yang visual in the Part 2 courtyard scene with the Death Eaters being the dark and Hogwarts being the light, obviously. A gray, instead of white, would also symbolize the moral ambiguity of Hogwarts. However, gray is a very boring color visually, especially because Hogwarts itself is gray and brown, and combined with the gray sweaters, sweater vests and cardigans the students wear under their robes, it would be an incredibly unremarkable visual. However, this brings up another costume confusion for me and that’s the sudden introduction of new sweater forms throughout the series. In the first few films, there is only a sweater. However, by Phoenix and Prince, they had cardigans and sweater vests. Why? It’s not like it adds any personality to these characters or makes a more dynamic visual. It’s just senseless and sudden, which isn’t good from a storytelling perspective. Is it because as the students age, they are given more liberty with the uniforms and more additions to their uniforms? Then poorly executed Cuaron’s emphasis on personalization completely ruined that costuming arc. The uniforms, espeically in regard to personalization, could have also been symbolic of each House’s personality. Ravenclaws are smart and creative, and therefore their uniforms could be quirky with a thirfty influence. Gryffindors are athletic and could be influenced by athleisure wear. Hufflepuffs are relaxed and therefore could be a bit nonchalant with their wardrobe. And Slytherin value luxury, which could be reflected in their accessories (which the costume designers did attempt to do with the idea of having the Slytherin wear tie pins as family heirlooms, but it is so unnoticable that it falls flat as a distinctive storytelling device). Also, why do the boys not wear dress robes to Bill and Fleur’s wedding and instead dress shirts and waistcoats and Victorian-meets-witchy overcoats? This inconsistency when it comes to costumes once again ruins the escapism, however I do appreciate how the color palette for each of the boys waistcoat and button-down and blazer combo, while seemingly random does make for more whimsical color palette. That’s more then I can say for most of other costumes the main men of the series wear. Although, I did appreciate how the villains didn’t dress like Muggles (although Draco was still in Muggle-esque black suits in the latter films, but I guess that could be interpreted as showing how he really isn’t prejudiced like his dad at all). It made their prejudiced beliefs and superiority complex even stronger. It makes the fact that Harry’s allies and Muggle-born wizards wear Muggle clothing more impactful. I mean, I’m sure they had the characters wear Muggle clothes in an attempt for the viewers to relate to the story more, but the story was already so well-written, they didn’t need this. I really wanted some original, fun and witchy looks. I was very disappointed. I mean, they did employ some aspects of the dark academia aesthetic, way before it was actually a thing. However, I mostly think that’s through the set, vibe and character, particularly Hermione. I don’t really think that it shows through in the costuming. I mean, the preppiness and autumnal vibes are there, but overall, it’s just not there. The dark academia aesthetic takes a lot of inspiration from gothic architecture and imagery, like castles and old stone buildings, which we definitely see in Potter. It also takes inspiration from gothic literature, both the look of the book and the book itself, and the Hogwarts library definitely has a gothic vibe. Occult, lunar themes and witchcraft are also inspirations within the aesthetic, which is obviously very Harry Potter. The message of dark academia is about finding beauty within the darkest places, which relates to Sirius’ quote “we’ve all got both light and dark inside us.” The whimsigothic aesthetic also places with similar dark and (obviously) gothic themes, and also similarly deals with finding the light within these dark themes, however, the witchy, bohemian, spiritual and colorful aspects are far more present, using occultism, the bohemian vibe, spirituality and the supernatural as major inspirations. While dark academia focuses on natural colors, whimsigothic focuses on color, using burgundy, purple, deep blues, gold accents, jewel tones, orange, black and green. You see elements of both dark academia and whimsigothic within Potter, mainly dark academia in the architecture, look and atmosphere of Hogwarts and Whimsigothic in the atmosphere and look of Diagon Alley (especially in Stone). However, you don’t see dark academia anywhere in the clothing and the whimsigothic aspects of the costuming are very lazy, half-assed and boring. This is a total disappointment as combining these two aesthetics could have made for such a unique look as Potter is a series about coming of age at boarding and discovering a world filled with magic and witchcraft. Also, both these aesthetics were popular in the 90s, which also makes them era-appropriate. Dark academia was worn by iconic 90s supermodels like Cindy Crawford, and celebrities like Gwenyth Paltrow and Carolyn Bessette under the idea of quiet luxury, model-off-duty and gothic or edgy preppy style. However, whimsigothic was actually huge at the time due to the overhaul of witchy media like Hocus Pocus, The Craft, Halloweentown and more. Dramatic sleeves, velvet, embroidery, witchy motifs, lace, nature motifs, bohemian elements inspired by the 70s (which could have paralleled the Potters and Marauders’ wardrobe during their school days), lunar motifs, rich colors and jewel tones (could have really used color symbolism in the same way Euphoria expertly uses it), ethereal motifs, historical influence from the Victorian age, the Renaissance and the Middle ages, celestial motifs mixed with edgier elements like dark floral prints, gothic motifs, corsets (which Bellatrix does wear), and elements of the grunge movement like combat boots, slip dresses and tights were all popular in the 90s. In fact, Helena Bonham Carter was a style icon for 90s girls who love the aesthetic as her personal style during this era was very whimsigothic (which makes her casting even more perfect). Now, if these films were made now, they would have definitely utilized these popular aesthetic. Both whimsigothic and dark academia are aesthetics today that take notes from the 90s, so by fully utilizing these aesthetics in the costuming, it would have it inherently 90s, which proves the lackluster costuming to be an even bigger missed opportunity. Also, the choice to have Voldemort’s robes get dirtier as his Horcruxes are destroyed makes no sense as it wouldn’t be his clothing deteriorating, it would be himself. Also, his billowing cloak isn’t tailored, unlike Snape’s who’s billowing cloak is. Which is confusing to be as Snape is miserable teacher and Voldemort is a all-powerful terrorist, wouldn’t he value his apprenace more? like sure it’s visually dominant, but it literally looks like a black bed sheet over him. Although, Snape’s being more tailor does represent how he is the one with the true power the whole time, not Voldemort, but I doubt the costume designers knew that when they were designing their costumes, which both don’t seem to change over the course of the series, so honestly it’s just lazy costume design. Also, if you notice, the Hogwarts uniforms change between the first two films and the third. In the first two, the Hogwarts ties have thicker stripes, mirroring a barbershop swirl, something quaint and innocent, but when the series takes a dark turn so does the tie, becoming more of a pinstripe pattern, which both more mature and complex, reflecting how the series is taking a similar direction. Also, in the first two films, the robes are all black with the only House identifier being the House crest (however in the Sorting Hat ceremony scene, and Hermione in her very first scene, they wear a plain black robe, plain gray sweater and plain black tie with the Hogwarts crest on it, which young Lily, Snape, Sirius and James are also seen wearing during their Sorting Ceremony in the Prince’s Tale. The fact we only see the trio and their classmates only wear these uniforms once makes it that much weirder to me that they have to buy their uniforms before they get to school. Like, wouldn’t having them all wearing their normal clothes, then once they are sorted be handed their robes and uniform by their Heads of House, going from looking out of place to looking like they belong been so much interesting and symbolic?), while from Azkaban onward the robes also have their House colors on the inside of their robes as shown in the sleeves and the hoods. I prefer the Azkaban version personally as it’s a much more dynamic visual and a great visual identifier, especially because the student characters we meet from that point on don’t have their Hogwarts House explicitly stated in the script, but it’s still a pretty boring design, especially when it comes to the Battle of Hogwarts, where both sides wear black. Also, a cool Easter Egg is that the Hogwarts uniforms change over time. Tom Riddle in the Chamber of Secrets wears a slightly different uniform then Harry, with a Hogwarts crest instead of just the Slytherin crest, a slightly different tie and a blue scarf-like thing. However, in the flashbacks with Snape, Lily and the Marauders, their uniforms are the same as Harry and his classmates, which makes in logical to assume the school re-designed their uniforms in between Tom’s time and James and Lily’s time. From what I have heard, many people sight Harry Potter as a major inspiration for the dark academia aesthetic. However, while I definitely see that in the aesthetic of Hogwarts and the look of the series overall (especially Stone, Azkaban and Prince) especially when it comes the sets, specifically the library, the Great Hall and the courtyards, that is not true at all for clothing. The clothing is very basic, very generic and very boring. Dark academia actually would have worked very well for Hermione as she is an academic girl with a darker, fiercer side to her and she has seen a lot of darkness, but this clothing aesthetic also didn’t really exist in the literal sense when the series was coming out, so it couldn’t really take inspiration from it. Between dark academia and whimsigothic, it was just a total missed opportunity clothing-wise all around. The Twins’ costumes were also such a disservice for their characters. In the first 4 films, they are always wearing identical clothes, which is such an overdone Twins trope on screen and always does those characters a disservice. In the case of the Weasley twins, it especially does them a disservice because they are identical twins who always have the same haircuts, we don’t need them to be more identical then that, especially in visual media. As much as they are a packaged deal, especially knowing how their story ends (which I understand they did not know about while making the first 4 films), that doesn’t mean they need to dress that way (except in their Hogwarts uniforms obviously). A smarter choice would be for them to dress complimentary, showing that they are packaged deal, but also allowing them to develop their own individual identities. To me, while they are both witty and comedic, Fred is the most rambunctious twin, while George is the more savvy twin, making them the perfect team. Why not show this through clothing? Have them wear the exact same outfit just in different colors (In my mind, Fred in warmer colors to show his energetic personality and George in cooler colors to symbolize his brilliance). They attempt to do this the later movies, particularly in the scene when they comfort the Gryffindor boy and Umbridge interrupts them in Phoenix and then in their whimsical suits while at their joke shop in Prince and during the holidays. However, since we have been so used to seeing them in identical wardrobe and don’t have colors associated with them, this new individualistic effort is a failure due to it’s inconsistency, as in they don’t try to give each twin a favorite or signature color by mixing it up too much, and jarring start, as it makes sense their mom would dress them identically, but not themselves once they get to Azkaban). In my opinion, the only times they should have dressed truly identical with while they are in their Hogwarts uniforms. Also, the costuming not creating any distinction between one Twin from the other makes Fred’s death far less impactful as all we can tell is that one Twin died, but we don’t know which one until Neville’s speech. That’s such a disservice to their characters. Again, while they both looked like badasses in those dark, gingham (a very smart, subtle Weasley touch) bomber jackets in the Battle of Hogwarts, the fact they are in different colors, creating individualism, fails because we don’t know which twin is which because we don’t have a color associated with each one. Also, in Part 1, Hermione is dressed far too nice for being on the run. Like why is she wearing peasant tops, belts and peacoats? And she’s not alone, Harry’s wearing blazers, like in the diner scene and in the scene right before they take Polyjuice to infiltrate the Ministry (as well as in the final scene in Phoenix, which just seemed like an odd costume choice to me). Shouldn’t they just be in t-shirts, henleys, (like Ginny’s Elena Gilbert core. This is when that would make sense for Hermione) flannels, sweatshirts, and sweaters? They do wear all of that, but why not keep that consistent, especially because wearing that stuff is realistic when you are roughing it and camping (especially in the Muggle world and they are wearing Muggle clothes anyway)? Harry’s final battle look is a little too nice too. Like at least Hermione’s is feminine, but also comfortable and practical. Harry’s is comfortable, but a little too put together in my opinion. Also, Harry, Ron and the boys (except Elphias Doge, who is in like 5 layers which even for the Wizarding World, is ridiculous) are all in button-downs and waistcoats for Bill and Fleur’s wedding, in whimsigothic colors like mustard yellow, maroon and purple (Bill’s purplish-maroon velvet overcoat looks like it as Sirius’ which is so sweet and also very whimsigothic and cool), with is good, and is clearly Wizarding World wedding attire (which is strangely different from the more formal dress robes they wear at the Yule Ball and Slughorn’s Christmas party but whatever), and while it is (finally!) whimsigothic, the fact that all the body are wearing the same silhouette makes it become boring and reptive after a while. Also, personally, I don’t like Harry’s hair in the final two films. It makes sense that they’d have a more mature, longer haircut as he’s grown up and on the run, (I also think it’s hilarious how Hermione gave Harry a haircut, when it was really Ron and his 2010-era Justin Bieber haircut who really needed it, then Harry’s hair grew back so fast by Part 2), but it definitely wasn’t his best look, but at least it was better than his longhair in Goblet or his overgrown middle schooler look in Prince. Also, the clothing for the Muggle characters wasn’t much better, or era-appropriate. The best example of this is Petunia’s 50s-inspired summer mini dress in Phoenix. It also doesn’t make sense for her character, as Petunia would surely be the kind of woman to judge any woman for dressing age-inappropriate or showing too much skin. I get that it was supposed to be a heat wave, but the block could have at least had her outside sunbathing in that sunroom from the Azkaban Dursley set. It looked like a 50s bathing suit anyway. Also, the spectator boys’ outfits while watching the second task in Goblet of a Hogwarts crest sweatshirt and a puffer vest are way too modern. Not even for the 2000s, more like the 2020s. Seamus literally looks like Pete Davidson in that ensemble. It’s laughable. However, Slughorn unironically wearing a graduation cap for some reason makes no sense to me. Is that in the book or what? My friend told me that Harry is supposed to be dressed similarly to Lupin, his favorite teacher while at Hogwarts, during the DA meetings, but I just don’t see it, because Lupin was also in cloaks, button-downs and always had dirty roughness to him, while harry wear cardigans and looks very put together and clean. It just doesn’t translate the way it should, because it is such a great idea in theory. The only time I really see this is in the blazer he wears in the very last scene, which is very young teacher-like and definitely gives off a Lupin vibe, but I still don’t remember ever actually seeing Lupin in a soft-fabric blazer like that. Now, I am sure the kids were happy to be out of those wool, no-doubt itchy uniforms, especially in more physical scenes, especially Watson because she had to wear tights for “lady-like modesty” (and they weren’t even fun fashion tights like in Gossip Girl. Now that’s how you personalize a uniform, with brooches, jewelry and accessories too), and knowing Watson, she surely wanted to subvert stereotypes of feminity, especially through a character like Hermione who already subverts so many feminine traits, but there was surely another way to do this that still kept with the witchy aesthetic, and not create such a disappointing, lackluster visual. Also, were jeans really that much better for physical scenes? Denim is a very rigid, rough material. There are so many better materials out there that are still comfortable and mobile and would have helped translate the witchy vibe. I mean, hello velvet and latex! However, I did appreciate how Harry and Neville dressed like their fathers in that Order of the Phoenix photo during the Battle of Hogwarts. It was a great parallel, and I love a good costume nod. But seriously, having the majority of the costumes not be era-appropriate and whimsigothic really sucks and is a total missed opportunity.
Casting
Now, the casting in these movies was phenomenal. For any British cinephiles, they must have been freaking out when the cast was first announced. I mean, can we talk about how intimidating it much have been to direct all these legends? These movies had the crème de la crème of British actors. Also, what’s so mindblowing and impressive about the casting in these films is that huge, legendary talent like Imelda Staunton, Emma Thompson, Gary Oldman, Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, John Cleese (Nearly Headless Nick) and John Hurt took on roles of small side characters that normally they would never take on, which just shows how important and impactful this series is. It’s a multi-generational franchise, which few YA series achieve. This casting only helps make it more apparent. These films had such legendary iconic British actors. The fact that they got so many literal acting legends to play supporting and minor roles is so remarkable and unprecedented and just shows how powerful and amazing this story is. The acting talent in these films too was also a major draw marketing-wise, and frankly brilliant as it really honed in on its universal, timeless and multi-generational appeal. In fact, two of them have starred in The Crown, including Imelda Staunton, who played Dolores Umbridge, as Queen Elizabeth II in the final two seasons, and Helena Bonham Carter, who played Bellatrix Lestrange, as Princess Margaret Seasons three and four.
Umbridge, while a terrible person, was undeniably fun to watch. The way Staunton would deliver her wicked lines with a permanent sweet smile was just genius and so impeccably acted. Her wardrobe and office set was almost exclusively pink and very ladies-at-lunch proper, a great juxtaposition to her sinister character. It was a great example of expert use of color in costume design and a masterclass in opposite acting choices. Great characterization! And Staunton’s performance was so infuriating (which for this character is a good thing. That’s what the audience is supposed to feel) and phenomenal. All the mannerisms and the details, so specific and purposeful. The eyelash flickers. The head tilts. The shoulder shrugs. The entitled sighs. The sickly sweet smiles. It was so well done. Imelda Staunton has starred in films like Shakespeare in Love, Maleficent and the adpation of Much Ado About Nothing. She is also a prominent musical theater actress, starring in Sweeney Todd, Gypsy, Wizard of Oz, Guys and Doll, and Into the Woods. She has also won a SAG Award. Her performance in this series was so brilliant that my friends say that they can’t wtach her in other projects because all they can see is Umbridge. Like she managed to even traumaitze the veiwers with her performance. That’s very impressive TBH.
While watching the Reunion after my first binge, Bonham Carter said how playing Bellatrix was very freeing, and seeing her performance, you could see how much fun she was having. Bellatrix is so playful and impulsive, much like actors have to be, and the best kinds of characters require that not only from an actor but as a character. Bonham Carter thrives in these theatrical, villainous roles, as seen from her work in Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland, which also featured Alan Rickman’s iconic voice as the voice of the Caterpillar as well as Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton and Johnny Depp who is in Fantastic Beasts (I believe Johnny Depp and Zoe Kravitz are the first Americans to be major roles in the Wizarding World franchise), Charlie In The Chocolate Factory and Les Miserables alongside Fantastic Beasts‘ Eddie Redmayne. After all, she is known for her collaborations with (former husband) Tim Burton on films like Corspe Bride and Big Fish. She was also good at not forgetting about the layers of Bellatrix and Sirius Black being related, and her being the one to “Avada Kedavra” him. Many other actors wouldn’t have brought those layers to someone as unhinged as Bellatrix. You could also see how much fun she was having playing her. The duality in Bonham Carter’s portrayal is why fans love Bellatrix, even though she is so monstrous and unforgivable, she is damn fun to watch. She is also a BAFTA and SAG Award winner. She has starred in Cinderella, Fight Club, Ocean’s 8, Dark Shadows and the TV series Burton & Taylor where she played Elizabeth Taylor. I especially loved how child-like she was in her portrayal of Bellatrix, especially in the Unberakable Vow and Malfoy Manor scenes. It was a brilliant choice for the ruthless character. In her early career she was referred to as an English Rose, which Emma Watson later became. Honestly, it would have been highly disappointing if not one English Rose was in the entirety of this series. However, Bonham Carter herself was uncomfortable with the label. Watson also followed in her footsteps even more as Bonham Carter also worked within the fashion industry due to quirky and dark style, with brands like Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwood and took inspiration from Marie Antoinette. I did love seeing how close her and Daniel Radcliffe are in the Reunion. Them exploring the Gringotts set together and running like quirky, whimsical dwarfs to each other was adorable (“you be Harry Potter” LOL). I also loved hearing about her playful and unhinged approach to Bellatrix. It was fascinating and just shows how fearless she is as an actor.
I had no idea there were two Dumbledores until the reunion when I Googled it. I was SHOCKED. While costume, hair, and makeup certainly helped, being that Dumbledore is covered in thin white hair, Richard Harris and Michael Gambon had seamless performances and even had similar dialects. Incredible! Richard Harris has won Oscars, a Golden Globe and even a Grammy. He also starred in films like Gladiator, Camelot and Cromwell. He also was a skilled Rugby player (so maybe he really would have been a badass during Dumbledore’s fight scenes as Rugby looks very violent). Michael Gambon is a renowned Shakespeare actor (so no wonder he is so godo at delivering those confusing riddles that Dumbledore loves to say), starring in Hamlet, Othello and Macbeth, and has even been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, which is very impressive (literally had no idea that was even still a thing. what an honor). He has won BAFTAs and SAG Awards, and starred in films like Amazing Grace and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Richard Harris was a great Dumbledore, and honestly my favorite, mostly because he didn’t betray me as Michael Gambon’s did, although that’s not an insult to either’s performance, just the story. They were both amazing Dumbledores and gave impeccable performances. Harris had a much slower pace to him, which made Dumbledore seem grander. His raspy, deep voice and slow, delicate delivery made him feel wise and trustworthy just from the sound of his voice. However, Michael Gambon’s interpretation of the character gave the character more depth and dimension beyond just being the alluring headmaster. I did like his acting in his final scene of Goblet of Fire when he gives his tribute speech about Cedric, especially in the beginning where he doesn’t know were to start. Although from what I have heard from my friends, Harris’ portrayal was more accurate to the books, with it being calmer, cool and collected, while Gambon’s was more energized, which you could argue may have worked better for film because of all his physical work. However, character-wise, the calmness, delicacy and lightness of Harris’ performance worked better to showcase and translate Dumbledore’s more experienced, wise and larger-than-life character. Dumbledore was supposed to be a character that provided calmness and comfort, making even the most fearful, high-staked situation casual and nonchalant. I didn’t really get that from key moments of Gambon’s performance. Literally, the Astronomy Tower scene is Gambon’s best scene acting-wise in the entire series in my opinion. The delicacy in his line delivery seems to be more accurate to how Dumbledore is supposed to be portrayed, from what my friends tell me about book Dumbledore, who always speaks with an air of casual calmness my friends tell me. However, I think his best-acted film was Prisoner of Azkaban. My friends have told me that there is a joke in the Potterhead community about this, especially in regard to the Goblet of Fire movie. Apparently, in the books, Dumbledore asks Harry if he put his name into the Goblet of Fire calmly, but in the movies, Gambon runs in frantically and practically attacks Harry. While that could be more of a direction issue rather than a performance issue, it’s still hilarious. Also, he is just so loud and angry in that movie, which doesn’t seem very Dumbledore to me with what has been establsihed about the character in the prior films. So, you can argue either way. Also, even in Azkaban, he basically bursts up the moving staircase to inspect the Fat Lady’s disappearance. I feel like Dumbledore would be less frantic, and I think Harris would have portrayed it that way. Personally, I prefer Harris’ both because of his characterization and because his Dumbledore didn’t betray me. But both Harris and Gambon are good actors. (Side note: I love Harris’ clap when Hermione is sorted into Gryffindor in the first film’s Sorting Ceremony was so adorable, showing how much precision and detailed characterization he put into the role, much more than Gambon.)
Alan Rickman was a phenomenal Snape. There are only a handful of times when I can’t imagine anyone else playing a certain role, but truly, I can not imagine anyone else playing Snape. Only Alan Rickman. Dare I say, this might be one of the best castings in cinematic history, as well as one of the best-developed characters in cinematic and literary history. Seriously, never has a role been so perfectly cast. Alan Rickman is truly such a brilliant Snape. His performance, dare I say, is the best of the entire series, and dare I say, his performance in specifically the last film, is definitely the best of anyone in the entire series. He is also one of the very few actors who can make sob my eyes out with just a simple facial expression (it’s literally just him and Candice King. I don’t know how to explain it. The second Caroline stops the car in The Vampire Diaries finale I am a sobbing mess from that point on). Literally every scene Snape has in Part 2, I am on the brink of tears due to how painful and powerful his performance is. Now, that’s a powerhouse performance by a powerhouse actor. He portrayed every aspect of Snape so perfectly from his dry wit to his alarming sneer. He is an actor known for playing villainous roles very well between Hans Gruber in Die Hard, Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Jude Turpin in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (which also starred his Harry Potter co-stars Helena Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall and Jamie Campbell Bower) and even Harry in Love Actually (as he plays Emma Thompson’s cheating husband, so that’s kind of villainous), and he is SO phenomenal at it. Like if there’s an actor to beat when it comes to playing a complex villain it’s Alan Rickman (Ralph Fiennes had his work cut out for him playing opposite him). This is proves that type casting isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when your type just so happens to be the most complex, interesting character in those stories because villains and ahti-heroes are always the more interesting characters. Villians and anti-heroes are roles that inherently show off an actors’ range, which is why he was also able to believably play non-evil, although leaning more antagionistic, character in filsm like Love, Actually and Sense and Senibility, and clearly Rickman had a boundless versatlity and abyss-deep emotional range. He was also in Kevin Smith’s Dogma, Uli Edel’s Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny and Anthony Minghella’s Truly, Madly, Deeply. While many actors make careers out of playing villains, it’s very rare for an actor to make a career out of playing anti-heroes, and that’s what he did through Snape and many others. His first big role was even the anti-heroic character of Le Vicomte de Valmont in Dangerous Liasions, which got him a Tony nomination. It’s honestly speaks so much to his talent and brilliance that even though he played so many atagionists that he still has such a charming screen presence. He was the definition of a scene stealer as Snape. He may not have been the main character, but as the kids say, he brought the main character energy, which especially worked out in his favor based on how his arc ends in this series. Rickman also does this in many of films as he is often the supporting character, but the scene-stealing one like in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Sense and Sensibility. It’s also so brilliant how portrayed so many of his characters, but especially Snape, in a way that left them up to audience’s interpretation, and didn’t let the writing speech for itself, no matter if they were stone-cold evil or just misunderstood, he made audiences love them. That’s a very singular, rare thing to be able to do so consistently as an actor. I never read the books, so I don’t know if he was supposed to be so cold and stoic (However, in all honestly, I can not imagine Snape being anything other then cold and stoic. It just wouldn’t be Snape), but Rickman was so great at being such a subtle actor that even his stoic delivery still spoke volumes. He was a master at specificity, precision, line delivery and balancing verbal and non-verbal cues (he is such a great lineless actor). And as much as he is amazing in every role he took on, Snape was clearly his masterpiece. He was so brilliant, captivating, breathtaking, intimidating, anxiety-inducing, exciting, scary and anticipating as Snape. You can tell every nuance from his quick hair flip like when he turns to face Lupin while he’s confronting Harry about being out of bed in Azkaban or turns away from Lockhart fiercely after he tells him that Harry was helping him with his fanmail to his inquisitive, interrogative eyebrow raises like when he confronts the trio about being “up to something” in Stone or when Harry tells him that he wasn’t hungry after the first message from the Heir of Slytherin appears and Snape obvious doesn’t believe him to his understandable and snarky eye rolls like when he says that Veritserum is “regrettably forbidden” in Goblet, and of course, his wicked sneers that he does at least once every movie, so piercing it might be the best of any actor I’ve ever seen (some of my favorite times is against Sirius in the Shrieking Shack, when Bellatrix calls him a coward in Prince, and after Harry invades his memory in Phoenix). All of this also showcases one of my favorite Slytherin qualities, their dramatic flair, and Snape’s is by far the best out of all the Slytherin characters. His sharp movement like head turns, body turns and wand positions, all of this is presented in the Chamber dueling club scene, not to mention his billowing cloak making him a grand presence. So, also the mannerism he brings to Snape, it’s just brilliant. He is genius in this role. With Rickman’s performance in this role, the eyes are truly the window to Snape’s soul. And that’s so powerful and symbolic for so many reasons. For one, Rickman’s ability to communicate so much emotion, usually complex and contradictory emotion, through just his eyes is incredibly impressive, powerful and impactful. However, in this series eyes are such an important thing, especially within Harry and Snape’s relationship, as Harry’s eyes are the one aspect of Lily he constantly sees in Harrry, constantly reminding him of his duty to protect him. So, Rickman’s ability to show so much emotion, even contradictory, complex, layered emotions through his eyes just shows even more how perfectly cast he is as Snape. The way Rickman can masterfully showcase two distinctly different, and often times completely contradictory, emotions and subtexts simultaneously all while keeping a stoic face and piercing eyes is truly insane. This is an incredibly rare quality in an actor, and it’s one of the reasons watching Rickman in this role is absolutely breathtaking and leaves you holding onto your temples, holding your breath, crying your eyes out and completely awestruck. Acting is truly his superpower. Rickman plays Snape with such poised specificity and stoic charisma, it was just brilliant. His line delivery was also so precise and well-paced, which is a very singular compliment to give an actor. You can sense that every word spoken was piercing and purposeful. Even the more casual lines, they never felt casual in the slightest coming from him. You genuinely hang onto every word he says, even if you know or think you know what he’s about to say. That is such a rare quality in an actor, to have the audience on the edge of their seats simply by delivering a line of dialogue. My friend said the JKR told Rickman Snape’s true backstory before the final book was written and before they started production on the first movies, and Rickman, being a great subtle actor, used it to greatly to his advantage and have some of Snape’s best, most powerful, telling, brilliant nuances. He needed to know Snape’s full story in order to do the character justice, and boy did he succeed in doing that, and then some. Every facial expression, odd glance, sharp movement, and subtle look, his whole portrayal, every detail, obvious or subtle, big or small, was all precisely, specifically and meticulously thought out by Rickman because of this. Even his line delivery, it’s so specific, perfectly paced, piercing and precise for maximum emphasis that it’s so impactful to watch. Even if you can guess what he eventually going to say, you hold your breath and hang onto every word, every space, every pause. I have never experienced watching an actor bring that kind of reaction out of me. It’s so powerful. It was thrilling. Also some of his nuances as Snape just make his character that much more moody and comedic. Like his look of disdain at Lockhart when he says that Harry was helping him answer his fanmail, him walking up to the dueling runway with his arms crosse like an angsty teenager or his stare at Harry before he walks off without a word in Prince. It brilliantly gives so much lightness to such a dark, cold character and it’s very well-placed and such a great instinct. Alan Rickman is a brilliant actor. Dare I say, Snape is the most perfectly cast character in the series. He has the rare ability to keep a stoic, stone-cold face and still be able to show a wealth of emotions with the subtlest of nuances. That is a profound ability and it makes him the only person who could have played a character with such mystique, complexity and moral ambiguity like Snape. That is stoic charisma if I have ever seen it. And that’s a very rare ability for an actor to have, especially as effective and impactful as him. It’s breathtaking to watch him perform and is truly one of the most impactful actors I have ever seen. Very few actors make me consistently viscerally laugh, wince with anticipation, hyperventilate, and tear up, but he can. Now, that’s a powerhouse of an actor. And Snape is truly is tour de force. And his expert line delivery is just astounding, like only he can make a line as simple as “let them unfold” (as he says to Dumbledore in Goblet after Harry’s name comes out of the Goblet of Fire) so chilling and memorable. His acting, especially in this role, isn’t just an acting master class, but a masterclass in line delivery. The specificity. The pacing. The precision. How to build anticipation with even a line as simple as “don’t lie to me (which he says in Goblet too).” Also, I loved how he used the trademark Slytherin flair for the dramatic, shown through his sharp movement and head turns. Out of all the Slytherins, Snape’s dramatic flair was the best executed. Also, he adds dry humor to the role in the most brilliant ways, one of my favorite examples being that Goblet study hall scene where he keeps pacing behind the trio, eavesdropping and messing with them. And the way he played buried pain, hidden shame and masked guilt was breathtaking. Also, his deep, magnetic, booming voice is so iconic. and naturally fits Snape so perfectly (also his character’s name in Love Actually is Harry LOL and the movie was made while working on the Potter series. Also after reading his Wikipedia page, apparently his voice mixed with Jeremy Irons’ is the ideal male voice, but okay?). His performance in this series gave a masterclass in vocal precision, line delivery and subtle acting, from the slow phrasing to the dramatic pauses to his sharp, specific gestures to his impeccably well-placed pauses to his dry delivery, it was just perfection. His distinctive way of talking from the proper language in the writing to Rickman’s expert delivery, it was amazingly thrilling to watch. He has won a BAFTA, Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award (and I seriously can not believe that he never won an Academy Award, that is criminal). Also, he gave up on having the job security through his own graphic design company and decided to become an actor full-time, which is very risky, but clearly massively paid off. At his core, he is clearly an artist at heart. In the Reunion, it was revealed that Rickman was the only one who knew what the ending was gonna be. This makes sense since we don’t really learn Snape’s motivation until literally the last possible second. This needed to happen because otherwise, Rickman’s endlessly intriguing performance wouldn’t be what it was. And looking back, you can see it all through Rickman’s nuanced, complex and dynamic performance (it was also so cool hearing Daniel Radcliffe recall Rickman telling the directors “I’ll tell you later” when they asked why he made certain acting choice. I also liked hearing his impression of Rickman. It was so good, no doubt due to all the time they spent together). I seriously can not say enough (clearly) how incredibly well-acted every single moment and every single scene (he was in) was performed by Rickman. Brava!
Gary Oldman was such a great Sirius. He got every color of the character. His charisma. His madness. His kindness. His cruelty. His strength. His trauma. His sincerity. His warmth. His fire. His boldness. His fierceness. His grandeur. His confidence. All of it. Also from what I heard, he made Sirius much more likable than he was in the books (how could JKR make Harry’s only other family besides the Dursleys also unlikable? That’s horrible. Did she, like, hate Harry or something?) which only made his death more tragic. Few actors could make a character this brash and complicated so likable, and Oldman did it flawlessly. Gary Oldman has starred in The Dark Knight, True Romance, The Fifth Element, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Leon: The Professional, Mank, The Darkest Hour, JFK, Mank, The Laundormat, State of Grace and been in music videos for David Bowie and Guns & Roses. He was also in Friends, in the two-part episode involving Monica and Chandler’s wedding and played three roles in A Christmas Carol. He was also part of what was called the “Brit Pack” in the 80s with Colin Firth and Daniel Day-Lewis. He is has won an Oscar, Golden Globe and a BAFTA for screenwriting and is known for his big, expressive acting style and villainous characters, which why he plays Sirius’ mania and rage in that Shrieking Shack scene so well. It’s also probably why they casted him, as Sirius is painted as a villain, but really isn’t, playing off his type-casting (although, like Rickman, who cares about type-casting when your type is this fun and complex, right?). His co-stars Jason Isaacs and Daniel Radcliffe have also both said that he is one of their biggest influences, which is also incredibly ironic due to Oldman’s Anti-semitic remarks. What sucks so much about Oldman playing him however is as a Jew, I really have a hard time liking anything Oldman does. But you have to separate the art from the artist, and Oldman did a fantastic job with Sirius. Personally, I like to see the best in people until they do something completely unforgivable (looking at you Trump, Kanye and every sexist Christian extremist). It seems to me like Oldman simply isn’t educated. I don’t think he meant any malice when he defended Mel Gibson’s antisemitism opinions (or rather this right to have an opinion, even if that opinion is wrong), just like when Helena Bonham Carter defended JKR (she said that JKR has a right to her opinion too). It’s a more ‘they have a right to their opinion’ defense rather than a ‘their opinion differs from mine’ thing. To me, (Bonham Carter sounds very naive) Oldman sounds very ignorant. Jason Isaacs, Bonham Carter and Daniel Radcliffe are all Jewish, and based on the Reunion, Radcliffe has always and still very much looks up to Oldman, so I hope that like he publicly condemned JKR’s beliefs on behalf of his work with The Trevor Project (as well as Watson, who publicly condemned it on behalf fon his feminist activism as well as Grint and many other cast members), I hope Radcliffe (and Isaacs) educated Oldman on why him saying Gibson has a right to his opinion is very ignorant. I will say, it sucks that Oldman has a sort of JKR-esque downfall due to his anti-semitic comments and alleged abuse because he was so good in this role and is such a great actor. It would be better if he just kept his mouth shut or apologized and educated himself, but he did not, but at least he didn’t rant about it like JKR, although he did play a Jew in Mank which was odd and uncomfortable, to say the least. I am only mentioning this because it’s important. It’s just sad because like JKR, he was such a pivotal character in a franchise that’s so important to so many young people, many of those being Jews or kids watching these films as escapism from abuse.
Now, I have heard that the Marauders, Snape and Lily are all supposed to be in their upper 20s-mid 30s in the books and a big qualm people have with the films is that obviously, that isn’t the case. However, personally, I would gladly sacrifice that kind of age accuracy for the cast we got, each who embodied their characters so insanely perfectly and gave breathtaking performances. Also, for a decade-long commitment and project like this, you want people who are going to be reliable, and people in their 20s and 30s are starting families during that time, so casting people in their 30s, 40s and 50s, who no doubt have kids who are little more grown up, makes more sense from reliability and continuity. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with that, however, that could be a problem when it comes to scheduling and other conflicts. Also, that’s also the age where you’re building your career, while young kids and older adults have a bit more flexibility, while people in their 20s and 30s could get antsy and rebellious. Also, having many legendary actors in these roles not only gives the kids the best acting teachers and mentors in the world, but also truly makes these films for all ages, as while the kids, the target audience, watch the films due to being fans of the book, the characters and the world, the parents can watch it to see their favorite actors from Fight Club (Helena Bonham Carter), Die Hard (Alan Rickman) and Dracula (Gary Oldman). It would also help hone in on this story’s timeless, cross-generational appeal.
It was so great seeing Emma Thompson in this wacky role. I have only seen her in Love, Actually, where she is basically crying the entire time. So, this role was great to see her in. Viewers may not realize, but roles like these take so much vulnerability from the actor. You can’t be the tiniest bit insecure when you are playing such a wacky role. Thompson did that flawlessly. Emma Thompson is known for her iconic role as Nanny McPhee in the Nanny McPhee film series, which also starred co-star Imelda Staunton. Like Maggie Smith, she was also made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth. She has won Academy Awrads, BAFTA Awards, Golden Globes and an Emmy. She has also starred in Stranger Than Fiction, Saving Mr. Banks, An Education, and the TV adaption of Angels In America. I wish we got to see more of her because Thompson is such a talent. However, I think it just speaks to the quality and popularity of Potter that a legend like Thompson took on such a small role. Also, thank god she had no notable scenes with Helena Bonham Carter or Kenneth Branagh (aka Lockhart) because Thompson and Branagh were married, and then he had an affair with Bonham Carter and divorced Thompson, which is unfortunate but undeniably ironic due to how very in character is was for Branagh and Bonham Carter. But also, this just shows us again how truly small of a world British Hollywood is. Also, BTW, the Thompson-Branaugh-Bonham Carter triangle happened in the 90s, way before the film series even started production. Also, I am ashamed to say that I often confuse Emma Thompson with Gillian Anderson. I’m so sorry.
Robbie Coltrane was the perfect Hagrid. The gentle giant energy he brought to Hagrid was so genuine and authentic. You can tell that his friendship with the young cast, especially the trio, was so genuine. His warmth, enthusiasm, innocence, sensitivity kindness and fierceness were infectious through the screen. Robbie Coltrane has starred in Mona Lisa, Nuns on the Run, Eat the Rich, Message ina Bottle, The World is Not Enough, The Bogie Man, From Hell, Cracker, and The Pope Must Die. Coltrane didn’t just make Hagrid come to live, he made the “it’s not Hogwarts with you, Hagrid” sentiment come to life. The warmth he brought to the character is best shown through his first journey with Hagrid as he introduces him to so many elements of the Wizarding World, the scene where he comforts Hermione after she’s called a Mudblood and the scene in the woods with the trio in Goblet. His sensitivity is shown by how distraught he is when shared with the trio that Buckbeak was sentenced to death and during Aragog’s funeral. However, the moment that shows these qualities he brought to Hagrid most was the scene where he is carrying Harry across the bridge in the finale. The shock. The numbness. The pain. The dread. The trauma. It was written all over his face. It was heartwrenching and beautiful.
Ralph Fiennes and Jason Isaacs did an amazing job with their villains. From what I’ve been told they had a lot of say in Voldemort’s and Lucius Malfoy’s appearances and it definitely paid off. The inhumane, nearly snake-looking look of Voldemort was creepy AF, with his flat nose with slits for nostrils and double pointed tongue (is this what happens when you make Horcruxes? Worst plastic surgery ever), and Lucius looked like a Star Wars character even if I have never seen Star Wars. They both looked very non-human which made sense because they are both annoying, racist assholes (also the irony of Snape being a Half-Blood and their “friend” and also the irony of this being written by J.K. Rowling). I loved how, like Alan Rickman, they spoke very slowly as their evil characters. It was never rushed, which made it even creepier. He was also Adam Groff’s uncle in Sex Education (which is GREAT casting as he really does look like he could be the brother to the actor who plays headmaster Groff), which is so cool when you think about how Asa Butterfield and his co-stars seem to be the next generation of big British actors. Isaacs portrayed Lucius’ menacing aura, pathetic cowardice and flair for the dramatic so well. Also, Isaacs, based on his Wikipedia page, voiced the Basilisk in Chamber which is cool (but also kind of confusing because, like what? Do they mean the voiceovers that Harry heard through the walls? Isaacs did those? That must be what they meant. But actually, that’s such a cool Easter Egg because Lucius was the whole reason the Chamber opened in the first place and the Basilisk was let out again) Also, the fact that Jason Isaacs now plays Sophia Bush’s dad in Good Sam is a fact I still can’t get over. Obviously, actors aren’t their characters, but the irony is hilarious to me. Jason Isaacs has starred in Peter Pan, Abduction, Sweet November, Star Wars Rebels, The OA, Green Zone, Armaggedon, Dragonheart, the Star Trek franchise, The Death of Stalin, Look Away, Hotel Mumbai and Divorcing Jack. On his Wikipedia page, their is a hilarious quote about him becoming a fan of the series saying, “I went off and read the books after the audition and I read the first four books in one sitting – you know – didn’t wash, didn’t eat, drove around with them on the steering wheel like a lunatic. I suddenly understood why my friends, who I’d thought were slightly backward, had been so addicted to these children’s books. They’re like crack.” So clearly, this kind of quick, new obsession once you join the Potter craze is somewhat normal, no matter what age you are. As you can probably tell by the length of this article, that comfort me a lot. Ralph Fiennes had his films but in Wuthering Heights, and went on to star in Maid in Manhattan (LOL), Schindler’s List, The Hurt Locker, No Time To Die, The King’s Man, Clahs of the Titans, Grand Budapest Hotel, The English Patient and The Duchess. He has also won a Tony for his role as Hamlet in, obviously, Hamlet. He is also known for playing many villainious roles, so it’s no wonder they cast him as the main antagionist in the series. Fiennes was great as Voldemort. The way he moved and spoke was truly bone-chilling, which was perfect for the character. Fiennes also portrayed Voldemort’s theatricality and flair for the dramatic perfectly. You could tell he was taking inspiration from the correct charismatic culty dictators. It also showed how insecure Tom Riddle really was. He desperately wants attention and is addicted to the spectacle of it all. It was very smart. Ralph Fiennes did an amazing job as Voldemort. He didn’t let the makeup make the performance, he made so many specific choices that his performance speaks for itself. His cold voice and slow line delivery were bone-chilling. The grandeur in his movements was also an effective choice. It made for an effective and scary performance, and everything someone who goes by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named should be. Fiennes played Voldemort almost inhumanly, which was very fitting. He’s a reptile with the most extreme superiority complex ever. And Fiennes played so brilliantly because he didn’t even make the audience sympathize with him like with Snape or Draco. It honestly just made you pity Tom if anything, and hate him even more. I think that visceral feeling is a testament to his theatrical and specific performance. I also loved hearing about Fiennes and Isaacs approaches to playing their respective characters in the Reunion. It was very fascinating and just shows how great of actors they are. Also, I love how Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, his nephew, played young Tom Riddle in the Orphanage flashback in Half-Blood Prince. Yes, Hardin Scott from After.
I have heard of Dame Maggie Smith many times. She is a legendary British actress. However, I am American, therefore I hadn’t seen many of her films, and the fact that I’ve never been across the pond means I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing her in a live theatre performance. Maggie Smith is an icon, to say it frankly. She is a Dame by Queen Elizabeth, one of few few who have the Triple Crown of Acting and has starred in over 70 plays and films. She is also a renowned Shakespeare actor and has won Oscars, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Emmys and a Tony. She has starred in The Secret Garden, Hook, Death on the Nile, Tea With Mussolini, The Lady in the Van, The Prime of Jean Brodie and California Suite. She is perfect as McGonagall. She plays her sass, her sternness, her consideration, her leadership and her assertiveness so flawlessly and brilliantly. When I had seen pictures of the teachers, she looked scary, so I expected her to be a mean teacher, basically like Umbridge (I am ashamed to say). However, Smith used her character’s harsh appearance to her advantage and used her skills as a nuanced actor to make McGonagall’s caring nature show through at all times, even when she’s being disciplinary. She was so good in this role. Honestly what’s most amazing about Maggie Smith as McGonagall is you can tell how freeing it was for her as an actor. For an actress her age, they rarely get to play such sassy, badass women, and yet that’s exactly who McGonagall is alongside her sternness and kindness. They aren’t mutually exclusive. Smith did a brilliant job with that balance. She is truly one of the greats.
Like I said before, Emma Watson was the only actor, specifically out of the young cast, that I was really familiar with. The Bling Ring is one of my favorite movies and I absolutely love her transformative, fabulous and amazing performance in it, especially because it seems like the exact opposite from how she is in real life it just shows how good of an actor she is that she played a California teen so realistically. I also love her in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. She gives such a good, transformative, powerful and fun performance that is so different from Hermione Granger. And of course in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, where she is truly the perfect Meg, so kind, caring, optimistic and thoughtful. I was always a fan of her and her feminist activism, but now I am a HUGE fan of hers. I understand why she is such a role model to so many people (and now one to me)! She’s hardworking, ambitious, kind and smart. I mean, she went to an (Ivy League!) college while filming these movies, became a style icon and is a feminist activist. (*Chandler Bing voice*) Could she get any more inspiring? We love an iconic overachiever! Love her! Now, she is a role model and huge inspiration of mine. She is also the rare child actor who never had an overtly sexual period. Maybe her film The Bling Ring is the closest she ever got to that place. Not that sexual celebrities can’t be great role models, it just makes her more unique when there are so many young female celebrities to admire. It also didn’t feel forced or conscious, that’s just who she is. She has also worked on multiple movies at the same time, which shows how great of a work ethic she has, how passionate she is and how focused she is. She is so admirable and inspiring. Emma Watson is also just gorgeous. She has such a unique sense of style that mixes masculinity and feminity in such an elegant way. I love her classic, sophisticated and timeless but also experimental style. She also promotes sustainability in fashion which I love. Also, her role choices are very inspiring as someone who wants to be an actor. She challenges herself with roles that are very different from her, but are also pop culture gold, which means they will be good business decisions due to their commercial success (The Bling Ring and The Perks of Being A Wallflower), but she also knows her star quality through picking blockbusters and epic productions with prestigious directors like Darren Aronofsky’s Noah (I’ve only seen a few of her scenes from thiss movie on YouTube but her acting in it is phenomenal). Both of these prove how much of a smart a businesswoman she is. However, she also chose roles that, similar to Hermione, relate to her feminist activism by picking roles that subvert female stereotypes like Little Women and Beauty And The Beast. She said many times while promoting the latter that she loved playing Meg because it showed that there’s not one way to be a feminist (which is 100% true) She didn’t wear corsets in either film, which as a fashionista frustrates me because corsets are essentially an undergarment and without wearing one, these period looks don’t look quite right (although Watson has been seen in corsets many times in her own life, like the Louis Vuitton one she wore when she went to Glastonbury, her golden Bottega Veneta dress to a Deathly Hallows: Part 2 New York premiere and her whimsigothic Harry Potter-esque Dior dress she wore to the 2016 Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year awards). However, as an actor and feminist, I adore Watson’s stand on this. She used her creditability and voice as an actor, woman and feminist and spoke out about the modern way she wanted to portray Belle. Go her! Watson is a UN ambassador for gender equality and an advocate for sustainable clothing. As aforementioned, like Bonham Carter, Watson is considered an English Rose, which unlike Bonham Carter she doesn’t seem to mind. She is also very involved in the fashion industry, favoring brand like Chanel, Burberry, Prada and is even on the board of Kering, the parent company for Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Gucci. She has also won awards for her fashion like Best British Style from the British Fashion Awards and the British Elle award for being a style Icon, which was presented to her by no other than Vivienne Westwood. She has also combined her activism and fashion sense by wearing a jaw-dropping Calvin Klein gown made out of recycled plastic bottles at the 2016 Met Gala. She also became one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2015. She is so inspiring and definitely an inspiration to me as I head into the professional acting world (I am still trying to nail my Hermione impression though, but mostly my British accent. I want to do one so badly. Besides how much I love this series and characters now and am newly obsessed with it, learning how to do a British accent is probably the majority of the reason why I will keep re-watching these movies. Honestly, a huge part of how enjoyable I found these movies is because of all of their British accents and the movies’ impact and status in British culture. Seriously, the fact that they all have accents, specifically British accents, makes these films 10 times better). Also, side note: but her and fellow media witch Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star Kiernan Shipka are literally doppelgangers. They need to play sisters.
This cast was so good at doing so much with so little, and in such a subtle way too. As an actor, it was very impressive. Obviously, they couldn’t fit every detail of these massive books into these films, but you could tell each actor was genuinely passionate and knowledgeable about the material. That made their ability to do so much with so little that much more meaningful. Also, there are so many actors in this series known for playing Villainious characters, like Rickman, Oldman, Fiennes and Isaacs, but in my opinion, Rickman is far superior and the best at it.
It was so fun when you realize how connected the cast was, both before and after Harry Potter. The acting job that impressed Chris Columbus (who made his directorial debut on one of my mom’s favorite Chicago-based 80s movies Adventures In Babysitting) enough to bring Daniel Radcliffe in to audition for the role of Harry Potter was the 1999 film David Copperfield, which also starred his future Harry Potter professors and British acting icons Imelda Staunton and Dame Maggie Smith (Radcliffe seemed to be the only one out of the trio with professional acting experience as the whole reason Chris Columbus wanted him to audition was because he watched him in David Copperfield on the BBC, as he said in the Reunion. Grint has never acted professionally and had only done school and local theatre and Watson went to a part-time theatre-based school through Oxford but never acted professionally. So, clearly, they all had an interest in acting prior to the series, it wasn’t just a hell mary ‘I want to be in a movie’ thing). Staunton’s daughter is Bessie Carter, who plays Prudence in Bridgerton (which also stars Freddie Stroma AKA Cormac McLaggen as Prince Friedrich). Rupert Grint and Alan Rickman also worked together again in the CBGB movie, where Rickman played the iconic club’s owner. And as aforementioned, Alan Rickman notably played Emma Thompson’s husband, or ex-husband I guess, in Love, Actually. However, they were frequent costars, working together in Ang Lee’s Sense and Sensibility, among others. I wish we got to see Snape and Trelawney have a scene together, not just because it would be hilarious as they are SO different, but mostly because I would have loved to see Rickman and Thompson act alongside each other in the series as they clearly had a very special friendship. Imelda Staunton and Gemma Jones (Madame Pomfrey) were also in that iteration of Sense and Sensibility (Emma Thompson also wrote the screenplay for this adaption). Also, Richard Harris is Jared Harris’ father, as in Lane Pryce from Mad Men and King George VI from The Crown. I love that fact so much. Of course, there can’t be a successful 21st-century movie franchise with some nepotism, and Domhnall Gleeson AKA Bill Weasley is Brendan Gleeson’s son AKA Mad-Eye Moody and Sophie Thompson, who played Mafalda Hopkirk, who Hermione Polyjuices in Part 1, is Emma Thompson’s sister. Helen McCrory, who plays Narcissa Malfoy, is also a frequent costar of his and has worked with Rickman on many films like A Little Chaos. Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Redmayne and Toby Jones were all in My Week With Marilyn. Fantastic Beasts star Zoe Kravitz worked with Robert Pattinson, AKA Cedric Diggory, in The Batman. Jamie Campbell Bower, you played young Grindelwald in like an one second clip and a moving photo, was in the Twilight franchise, alongside Pattinson, if you live under a rock. Timothy Spall, who played Wormtail, Staunton, Bonham Carter and Rickman were all also in the live-action Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through The Looking Glass (the latter was Rickman’s last film before his death, posthumously released). Helena Bonham Carter will star alongside David Thewlis (Remus Lupin, Thewlis was also in a film called Separate We Come, Separate We Go produced by Bonnie Wright’s production company Bon Bon Lumiere) in Enola Holmes 2, while Bonham Carter starred alongside Fiona Shaw (Petunia Dursley) in the first Enola Holmes film. Emma Watson and David Thewlis co-starred in 2015’s Regression. Timothy Spall and Jim Broadbent also starred in Topsy Turvy together. Broadbent was also in another film adaption of a classic British children’s series, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe as Diggory Kirke (hint Diggory hint). Emma Watson starred alongside Gemma Jones and Richard Griffiths in Ballet Shoes, Watson’s first film that wasn’t Harry Potter, and her first film character that wasn’t Hermione Granger. Richard Harris and Helen McCrory starred alongside each other in the 2002 adaption of The Count of Monte Cristo. Michale Gambon, Timothy Spall and Helena Bonham Carter starred alongside each other in The King’s Speech. Michale Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Julie Walters (aka Molly Weasley), Jim Broadbent, and Brendan Gleeson also all starred alongside each other in the Paddington movies. Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon both starred in Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut Quartet. Ralph Fiennes and Michael Gambon starred alongside each other in the Coen Brothers’ film Hail, Caeser! Bonham Carter, Coltrane and Fiennes also starred alongside each other in Mike Newell’s (who also directed Goblet of Fire) adpation of Great Expectations. Imelda Staunton and Maggie Smith have worked together in the Downton Abbey series. Staunton and Toby Jones starred alongside each other in The Girl. Thomspon and Coltrane starred in Tutti Frutti together. Bonham Carter and Imelda Staunton also starred alongside each other in the film adaptation of Twelfth Night. Smith and Harris were fixtures of the Royal National Theatre in the 60s. Fiennes and Coltrane were both players in the other most notably British film franchise, James Bond. Smith and Bonham Carter starred alongside each other in A Room With a View. Walters and Coltrane starred in National Treasure together. Branaugh directed Coltrane in an adaptation of Henry V. Thompson, Coltrane and Walters all voiced characters in Disney’s Brave. Jones, Broadbent and Smith starred in A Boy Called Christmas together. Fieenes and Isaacs starred alongside each other in The End of the Affair. Broadbent and Isaacs starred in The Dead Spit of Kelly together. Richard Griffith and Daniel Radcliffe also starred in the controversial stage play Equus, for which there was an Easter Egg for in the diner scene in Part 1 as you can see the poster for the play on the wall. Emma Thompson co-starred again with Emma Watson in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, with their characters Mrs. Potts and Belle getting along far better than their Potter characters. Goblet of Fire director Mike Newell even plucked Harry Potter stars Robbie Coltrane, Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes for his adaption of Great Expectations. Fiennes and McCroy were in Sam Mendes’ Skyfall. Robbie Coltrane worked with Emma Watson on The Tales of Despereaux. The list goes on and on. Hollywood, itself, is quite a small world, but it seems that British Hollywood is an even smaller world.
It’s also funny when you recognize the extras. I am a HUGE Margot Robbie fan, and I know she’s a Potterhead (she also starred alongside Matthew Lewis AKA Neville Longbottom in Terminal and Domhall Gleeson AKA Bill Weasley in multiple movies including About Time, Peter Rabbit and Goodbye, Christopher Robin). Apparently, her husband Tom Ackerley was one of the Hogwarts students Draco pushes out of the way in the Buckbeak scene in the Prisoner of Azkaban. A very young Julianne Hough was an extra in the Quidditch game in the stands next to Dean Thomas in Sorcerer’s Stone, which is incredibly odd given that she is American, not British, at least Ackerley is British (also, was Derek Hough one too? Where? When?). Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page was also an extra behind Emma Watson in the scene at Fleur and Bill’s wedding when it’s announced that the Minister of Magic has been assassinated. He was very young and had a dreadlocked ponytail.
It also seems like the cast is unexplainable and grateful for the experience and the opportunity to be a part of these films. It seems like, while they did have hard times, most of those hardships seemed to be introspective and personal, overall they all seemed to have had very a very educational, fun time filming these movies. They speak very highly of the experience from what I have seen and they are also as big of fans of the books as the fans are of the movies. They embrace being a part of the franchise and its legacy, as they should. It shows that the people who made these films are truly good people (notice how I said films, not books?). There didn’t seem to be any toxicity, it seemed to be a very positive, fun and lighthearted on-set environment. They all look back on filming very fondly and describe the experience and the people they shared it with as a foundational part of their lives and growing up (I mean, as they should. Many of them grew up on these sets from kids to young adults). The cast also all seem to genuinely love each other and enjoy each others’ company. They were all so tender, loving, happy and affectionate in the Reunion. It’s so comforting to see as a fan. The cast all seem to genuinely be Potterheads too. Obviously, the young cast grew up with it, reading the books, just as the fans did. But the adults also seem to be genuine fans, no doubt because of their kids. Also, that fact that they cast 9 kids (Radcliffe, Watson, Grint, Felton, Lewis, Wright, James and Oliver Phelps and Evanna Lynch) who all managed to embody their respective characters so well starting at such a young age and having it stay that way for a decade is so impressive. These actors didn’t just grow up alongside their characters, but also alongside the audience. The adults in these films basically raised these kids into the people and actors they are today. Emma Watson said it best in the Reunion, “it’s almost like we did the most extreme form of method acting.” The bond of the main trio is the kind you can’t fake. And it makes so complete sense as they are the only ones who understand what it’s like to lead an incredibly popular, worldwide phenomenon from ages 11 and up. That kind of experience is bound to bond you for life with someone. In the Reunion they talked about how each of the trio fit their characters so well, with Watson’s enthusiasm and brilliance, Grint’s sense of humor and Radcliffe’s “haunting quality” and the Alfonso Cuaron essay writing assignment where Watson went above and beyond like a true overachiever, Radcliffe simply did the assignment as he no doubt had the easiest job as at this point there were 3 books written about his character with all of his internal dialogue, and Grint didn’t do it at all, it’s clear that these actors weren’t just perfect actors for their characters, they were these characters (especially Watson with Hermione and her sharing their passion for justice as Watson is a UN feminist activist, leaderships as showed by Watson leading the conversation in the Reunion, brilliance as Watson went to the Ivy League school Brown and kindness because well duh they are both insanely sentimental and compassionate people). You can tell how much love and trust they have with each other. They are all still willing to talk about and even embrace it. Also, as an actor I just have to say, the actors’ commit meant when it comes to using a wand (they no doubt got many arm spasms due to holding it so fiercely even though in reality nothing was happening) and how committed they are to authentically and casually say such ridiculous things like “did you get my owl?”, “I’m not an owl!” and “my bones grow back.” is so good. That absurdity is very difficult to fully commit too. It can feel silly, embarrassing and dorky, but they fully commit to what’s ‘normal’ in this world with ease and effortlessness. I am sure there were plenty of bloopers laughing at the ridiculous of using a wand and nothing happening and other things, but nonetheless, their commitment to the world itself is undeniable, especially the young actors. They were so young, especially in the first film, and they just dropped into the world so effortlessly and naturally well, which is harder then you would think. On the one hand a child’s vibrant and active imagiantion certainly helps with that but on the other their no doubt short attention span does not help with that, so it’s truly remarkable. And it only gets better, throughout the series, a perk of a decades-long project. Seriously, the committed way they deliver those lines really helps make the world feel real and grounded. While internet trolls may preserve that as a signal of unemployment, (which I think is pure jealousy and stupidity) I see it as them being grateful and proud of where they come from, and it just goes to show much of a positive experience these films were to be a part of. What is wrong with embracing where you come from? After all, these films are part of film history. I don’t care what Scorcese or Tarantino has to say about blockbusters, these films are truly cinema. They are truly film history. Never before or since has there been a film series that has followed its characters and actors grow up, and the viewers have grown up with them (similar to how the kids of Stranger Things grew up with their characters and their audience). Especially for the young actors who played the Hogwarts students, it’s almost like the most extreme form of method acting in a sense because we as the audience grew up with these actors and characters, but the actors literally grew up with these characters. They really got to grow up and slowly see the big differences and big similarities between themselves and their characters. This can be positive and negative, but for this cast, it seemed mostly positive. You only get that kind of growth with a TV cast like in teen dramas or shows like This Is Us or Modern Family that focus on families and generations. Rarely do films, even film series, get that kind of camaraderie, love and sense of family (the 2014 film Boyhood, which was filmed over the course of 12 years, is probably the only exception, with it being the closest cinematic experience I can think of just in a more A24-esque, indie scale, but I think a series like this is more impressive because it’s a series that took a decade-long to film, so you spend more time with these actors and their characters and it’s more timely, as you literally see the actors and characters grow up alongside each other and the viewers. It’s a very rare, singular thing). TV show casts are usually the only ones who get that because of coming back year after year. And if films do have that aspect, it’s never for a decade long like with Harry Potter, and never with people going from childhood to teenagerhood to adulthood right before our eyes. That’s what makes this series truly unique, historical and one-of-a-kind. The audience grew up with these characters movie after movie. They are so attached to them, and now so am I. Also, the cast seems to genuinely admire each other and genuinely be friends and mentors to each other. The seasoned actors admire the youngsters and the youngster have some of the best mentors in the business. The actors who played the students also grew up together. It’s like a high school reunion. It’s sweet and heartwarming to see and hear about.
Film Ranking
(Please, don’t take offense. I really didn’t hate or dislike any of these films. These films are now some of my favorites of all time now. I genuinely loved every single one, just for very different reasons. I will be rewatching these movies for years and years to come. They are so magical, wonderful, enjoyable and comforting. So this could change over time, although my top 5 are all my top favorites, although the order of those 5 may or may not change passed on the day. My top 2 are also pretty equal for me TBH. Anyways, they are all amazing!)
8. Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Compared to all the other films this one had the least amount of action (I’m speaking like I’m an action movie fiend when I’m not). It’s the slowest-paced and seems to keep dragging on. However, I can see why it’s a necessary film and why they split the book into two films. This movie clearly inspired the trend of blockbuster film adaption series splitting their finales into parts, which is an incredibly bold movie, but I think it was the right one despite being such a slow-paced movie, especially for a penultimate installment, which is meant to set everything up for the epic finale. It also is the only film that doesn’t take place at Hogwarts, which was kind of disappointing because I love the high school coming-of-age aspect of these films and although there is definitely teen angst in this film among the Golden Trio, this movie felt more in the vein of the summertime show Outer Banks than prep school drama Gossip Girl (For the record, I do like both of those shows, but I LOVE Gossip Girl), and without the mutual setting of Hogwarts, it just wasn’t the same. There was only one scene on the train that reminded us that it still existed and that school was in session. I wish we had more, if not for the other characters and supporting actors to grow and develop, especially after learning skills from Harry in The Order of The Phoenix. It could have given them more time to develop. Part 1 was a great film, it just didn’t feel like a Harry Potter film, which both good and bad. Overall, the stakes felt very low in this film, when it was actually the penultimate film. Its goal was to get us ready for the finale, and instead, it just felt like it was dragging on. We knew the stakes were high, but without the Hogwarts settings and community, it wasn’t felt through the screen. It also was very boring to watch. This film that the worst pacing out of all the Harry Potter films. It draaaaggggggedddd on story-wise. It’s also so low energy. While the stakes are high, they don’t always feel high. I expected this film to feel like being on the verge of an anxiety attack for two hours, but that wasn’t the case. I wasn’t holding my breath, I was bored some of the time. The handheld camera work during Part 1 was also such a smart choice, as it helped the movie stand out stylistically and really helped translate that ‘roughing it’ quality to this film to the viewer. This film was all about character development, which as an actor, must have been a blast because of all the action sequences and the opportunity to dig deeper into each of the core three characters and into the mythology in general. The acting in this movie was phenomenal. Watson’s delicate determination. Radcliffe’s pain and focus. Grint’s anger, jealousy and apologeticness. Felton’s anxiety and internal struggle. This film really showcased how good for actors the young cast has become over the years. This movie really showcases how close the trio has gotten and how much they are like family now. They have gone through such scary and traumatic situations together. One of those would bond you for life, let alone all of them. Their friendship is deep and forever. The trio has always been brave and inseparable, but this film shows that the best because when Ron does leave, Harry and Hermione don’t find any Horcruxes or the Sword of Gryffindor. It’s not until he comes back that they do. That proves how much they balance each other out. Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is also a fantastic showcase of how well-balanced the trio is. Hermione is more often then not the true hero of the group as the brains behind the operation, with Ron even saying they wouldn’t last long without her, however, while she does thrive as a leader, she doesn’t need to always be one. What she values more then leading is helping, and that’s why she stays with Harry. She knows he needs her help, not just for himself but also for the greater Wizarding World. Ron is the light of the group, and when he leaves, the film gets significantly more depressing, which reflects that. It’s not until he returns that the light grows a bit brighter, proving this. And while Harry is smart and funny, those weren’t his defining traits. He’s a natural leader, and while not a perfect one, he always knows how to rally up the troops, which his dance with Hermione showcases. They each have traits and skills the others lack, which helps them work as a team, solve problems and get out of trouble (or into it). They are stronger together. Like in Phoenix, it’s about unity. While they aren’t perfect, if one wasn’t there to do their part for the others, they would never be able to solve all the complex mysteries they encounter throughout the series. And in several cases, they would rather die then separate. While the trio has relied on each other in every film, they have also collectively relied on others. During this film, all they have is each other, no one else, and between their difficult Horcrux hunt, their stress over the war worsening and the possibility of loved ones being harmed, tensions run high, which makes for some great character and relationship development. Unlike other films, which focus on mysteries and the development of side characters, this film centers around the trio from beginning to end, especially Hermione, who is the key to the success of their Horcrux hunt just like Chamber, Azkaban and pretty much every single film of the entire series, but especially this journey. Besides Azkaban, this is Hermione’s movie! Also, Emma Watson did such a good job showing how Hermione missed her parents acting-wise, but they also did such a great job showing that in the script, as Hermione continuously took the trio and took places that she used to go to with her parents, usually impulsively and out of immediate necessity (as usually Hermione is a planner but is clearly capable of quick thinking too). Clearly, they are on her mind. It just shows how thoughtful and caring she is. Rupert Grint did such a great job showing Ron’s infatuation with Hermione, and did so linelessly, like the way he looked at her across the wedding and the way he looked at her as she taught him piano, it was so telling about how much he loved Hermione. Also, Ron’s monologue about the deluminator to Hermione was some of Grint’s best acting in the whole series. He made a slightly cheesy monologue so powerful, and Watson had such great reactions to it. That scene was also so well-written and well-acted with how it goes from happy to angry and unintentionally comedic (Harry running from Hermione was so funny to me as he genuinely seems more scared of his “brilliant but scary” best friend than of Voldemort and Watson’s delivery of “you show up here after week! And you say hey.” was so specific and good) for Hermione and fear for the boys to emotional and powerful. It was so well done. Grint turned an easily cheesy monologue into a great and profound piece of acting for him, one of his best moments in the series. The whole trio did a very good job acting-wise in that scene, but especially Grint and Watson. Grint’s genuity, enlightenment and liberation he radiated throughout the monologue and Watson’s lineless reactions, hidden warmth and sentimentality masked by anger and snark and attentive listening. It was so well-acted. This movie definitely stands out from the rest of the films purely due to the non-Hogwarts-centric plot and also its very well-done animation sequence of The Tale of Three Brothers. The animation matched the coloring and tone of the rest of the movie, so it didn’t feel out of place. Also, Emma Watson’s narration was very captivating. The animation design was also very beautiful and timeless, especially the transitions from scene to scene, it was really cool. Overall, this film almost felt like a different film, not a Harry Potter film. It was a true journey filled with high stakes, dread, anticipation and determination. This film is the appetizer to the main course, the finale, and while it does drag on, it is still interesting due to its emphasis on acting and cinematography and gives us very important information and context we need for the finale. Also, can we talk about how good of friends Ron and Hermione are for accepting the risks and helping Harry with his hunt for Voldemort’s Horcruxes, fully knowing that it could lead to their deaths, imprisonment or torture? Those are two FANTASTIC friends. It must have been such a great refresh from Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grunt, but as a viewer, it just felt like the movie that would never end, especially in the middle. It was also sort of lackluster from the action-packed nature we have grown accustomed to and having it in between the climatic film that killed off Dumbledore and the climatic film that killed off Snape and Voldemort. It was by far the best-acted film from the core trio, but honestly, Emma Watson carried this movie on her back. She saved the movie for me and kept me attentive the entire time. If it weren’t for her, I probably would have fallen asleep. I think the best parts were her subtle and amazing performance throughout the film, especially Hermione obliviating her parents’ memories of her and how it affected her (I also appreciate how they hinted at this in Half-Blood Prince when Hermione mentioned that even her Muggle parents had an idea about what was going on in the Wizarding World), her uncomfortable, disturbing and terrifying torture scene with Bellatrix (my gosh Bonham Carter and Watson’s performances in that scene were amazing! If you told me that David Yates just rolled the camera and let them go and improvise, I would believe you. That scene had a terrifying freedom to it that both actors thrived in. It was so scarily beautiful, visceral and impactful), and that adorable dance scene between Harry and Hermione. Speaking of that dance scene, I personally viewed it as two close friends trying to cheer each other up during an incredibly dark, stressful and intense time in their lives, not romantic at all (the same goes for when they hold hands while running away from the Dementors and werewolf Lupin in Prisoner of Azkaban). It was a little bit of light in such a dark movie with a slow-burn pace. There were so many unsaid things in that scene and yet was beautifully raw and well-communicated between the two characters. It was also a GREAT song choice. It’s “O Children” by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. The song is perfect for the scene, the film in general and the circumstances the characters are living in. The song is the perfect song for that moment for many reasons. Firstly, the song has very fitting lyrics like “They’re gathering ’round with all my friends/We’re older now, the light is dim/And you are only just beginning,” representing how this moment is kids being kids but these kids are older now and no longer innocent and are aware of the dark time they are living in, “We have the answer to all your fears/It’s short, it’s simple, it’s crystal clear/It’s round about and it’s somewhere here/Lost amongst our winnings,” this represents the fact that they on the Horcrux hunt, the key to ending the war, “O children/Lift up your voice, lift up your voice/Children/Rejoice, rejoice,” this represents how it’s the kids who will win the war for the greater Wizarding World, symbolizing the power of youth, “Hey little train, we are all jumping on/The train that goes to the Kingdom/We’re happy, Ma, we’re having fun/And the train ain’t even left the station,” this no doubt is representative of Harry and Hermione’s nostalgia during this time, laughing like they often did at Hogwarts, dancing at the Yule Ball, and of course, riding on the Hogwarts Express to Hogwarts castle, their kingdom, “Hey little train, wait for me/I once was blind but now I see/Have you left a seat for me? Is that such a stretch of the imagination?” while this is the line of the song that can be interpreted as romantic and therefore prove that this is scene romantic, I think it’s more that Harry and Hermione are at such a low, miserable point and were blinded of all hope an flight and this moment helped remind them what they are fighting for, their friends, their friends who they miss dearly, “Hey little train, wait for me/Was held in chains but now I’m free/I’m hanging in there, don’t you see/In this process of elimination,” this is representative of how the Death Eaters are after both Harry, the Chosen One and Hermione, a Muggle-born, but they are surviving, defying and fighting and “We’re happy, Ma, we’re having fun (ooh, children)/It’s beyond my wildest expectation (ooh, children),” this line represents how much fun they both having in moment, which as we can see by Hermione’s apprehenison at the beginning of the scene was very surprising nd much-needed. The repeating of the line “Hey little train” is also so representative, as it is a callback to the beginning of Harry and Hermione’s friendship, which started in the first film aboard the Hogwarts Express, which is a comforting idea to them during this miserable, uncertain time. The dance scene was also a great example of how good these actors are at lineless scenes, saying everything the scripts couldn’t (This cast was incredibly good at lineless acting. They had to be with such massive source material from the books and so probably being cut out. But it was genuinely very good). There was so much unsaid, so many meaningful, heartfelt, genuine things unsaid. It was such a beautiful scene, and just proves how you don’t need dialogue to have a truly dynamic, emotional, productive, and impactful scene. Harry and Hermione are perfect examples of characters (and actors) who have electric chemistry, but no romance. It can be even more impactful than romance, and the dance scene is a great showcase of that. Also, the Hallows films are shot from multiple perspectives. Throughout most of the series, we have only seen Harry’s point of view, very rarely others. In Part 1, we get to see each of the trio’s POV. Hermione’s with the Snatchers and Ron’s with the locket. So, with that established way before the dance scene, it’s clear that that moment isn’t romantic because Ron isn’t there, we aren’t seeing it from his insecure perspective. Also, this was really smart to establish in Part 1 with just the trio specifically because the finale involves so many people’s perspectives, not just Harry’s. We get Snape’s, Kingsley and Lupin’s, Neville’s, McGonagall’s, Ron and Hermione’s, and mainly Voldemort’s. So, by establishing that multi-POV concept subtlety in Part 1, it makes it less jarring and even more impactful in the finale. We also get Snape’s perspective and Neville’s perspective in this film, as seen with the opening Malfoy Manor scene and the train scene. However, I think these perspectvies could have been GREATLY expanded upon as it would have helped the pacing astronomcially and we could have seen Snape’s regime at Hogwarts and develop their characters more, which would have made their impactful development in Part 2, which is some of my favorite character development of the whole series, that much more impactful as we could have seen Snape’s self-loathing disguised as turning a blind eye to his students’ suffering and Neville’s leadership, as it seems like when the trio returns in Part 2 that Neville sort of restarted the DA as the same people who were in it last time, like Dean, Seamus, the Patils and Cho are waiting for him along with Lavender and Cormac, who we met in Prince, and it seems like they are in the Room of Requirement, as Neville says that the tunnel they are using didn’t exist until that year and from what Seamus says about Aberforth’s cooking, it seems like the reason it leads to his place is because he is feeding those kids who are conspiring against the new regime at Hogwarts. It was just such a missed opportunity. I know a lot of fans ship Harry and Hermione, and this scene no doubt enforces that, but I think that is too predictable and common. I like how Harry is a third wheel in a way because it makes the dynamic between the trio more unique compared to other similar cinematic and literary trios and friendships, and makes Ron far more than just a BFF-sidekick and Hermione far more than a simple female lead. Also, it’s a Muggle song. Both Hermione and Harry grew up in the Muggle world. This gives them comfort in a way during a time of such uncertainty and darkness. They remembered to turn on the light even in the darkest of times. Because of that Muggle world connection, it’s something Ron would never be able to understand. Ron’s weird fantasy of Harry and Hermione making out was unnecessary and uncomfortable (also, LOL at Harry’s most passionate kiss being with Hermione). This is essentially a children’s story, so why did they have to be suggestively naked (seriously, they were clearly in clothes while taunting Ron, why couldn’t they just stay clothed instead of really honing into the sexual aspect of the scene, making it’s like the least necessary sexual scene ever) and in a sort of intense makeout? They were also very young when filming that scene and seem to have a brother-sister-like relationship off-screen too. What’s even weirder about that Horcrux kissing scene is that Harry and Hermione have clothes on while they are taunting Ron, but then no clothes when they make out. Like, what was the point of that besides making it even more disturbing than it already was? Ron was honestly just annoying for the majority of this film. Like I get you are worried for your family, but so are Harry and Hermione, the only family Harry has ever known. It felt very out of character because is a very loyal friend to Harry, and at the end of the day helping Harry find Horcruxes would help his family. That balance of caring for his family versus Harry could have been written better or given Rupert Grint the opportunity for some more vulnerability as an actor, instead of showing angry Ron again, when all Ron has done for the past 7 films was complain. The best part about him during this film was his awkwardness while ordering a cappuccino. It was nice to see his awkwardness in the Muggle world as opposed to his father’s fascination and it paralleled Harry’s fascination with the Wizarding World in the early films. I did enjoy that transition from when they Apparated from the wedding landed in front of a double-decker bus and got at out of the way just in time to not become roadkill. It was really quick and anxiety-inducing, but in a fun way where knew the action was really starting (although, that never actually really happened. Only the hilarious Ministry of Magic Polyjuice fiasco (which it was very dangerous for them to do obviously, especially for not just Harry, but Hermione. After all, she is Muggle-born. Gotta admire her loyalty and bravery. This platonic friendship is proven in Azkaban. Hermione curls up into Ron when Buckbeak is seemingly executed wanting his comfort, while Harry, being the chivalrous Gryffindor he is, rubs her back for consoling her (also LOL at Harry’s third wheeling in this moment), but clearly as a friend. While later in the film, Hermione curls up to Harry after Buckbeak saves them from werewolf Lupin and says “that was so scary.” This isn’t romantic, this is survival. They hold hands while running away also they see the Dementors on their way to Kiss Sirius, which I always thought was odd, but maybe they were so focused and scared that it made them find comfort even within these impossibly high stakes. That is shown when they are still in an embrace when they see the Dementors coming, thinking more about their mission than their relationship. Harry and Hermione are always focused, while Ron and Hermione always have something else going on outside the mission to deal with. That torture scene between Bellatrix and Hermione was very well done. Bonham Carter was so convincing in portraying Bellatrix’s cruelty and Watson didn’t even seem like she was acting, her reactions felt so tragically really. Her face was so scared and in so much and it’s hard to fake those kinds of powerful screaming and shakes of terror. Also, after the torturing, Hermione’s face looks so lifeless and exhausted. It’s so heartbreaking. But props to those two actresses for such a powerful scene and performances. I actually, and surprisingly, liked how the story had them go to Godric’s Hollow and have the realization that it’s Christmas, because it gives us, as viewers, a clear timeline, which is how the holidays worked in all the other films as well. It was also so much more meaningful with Harry seeing his parents’ graves for the first time on this holiday, with it probably being one of his happiest times if his parents had survived, instead of being succumbed to the Dursleys and (based on how shocked he was in the first film that he had presents) present-less holidays. It also makes sense that they would lose track of time and all the days would blend together, much like quarantine, because they were isolated from the rest of the Muggle and Wizarding World and media. also, with how legendary and historic Godric’s Hollow is and Harry’s parents’ deaths are, you’d think there’d be some sort of memorial to the situation, like Harry’s old house as a historical landmark or something. Also, why didn’t Harry bring his Invisibility Cloak to the Ministry?) and the Malfoy Manor debacle qualify, and those moments were very far apart from each other). However, I wish they were wearing dress robes instead of Muggle suits to the wedding because that juxtaposition between Muggle society and Wizard society in that scene, especially in the middle of the hustle-and-bustle would have been a great opportunity for humor before the danger really starts. Also, LOL at Snape giving Harry the real Sword of Gryffindor but still being his petty self and putting it at the bottom of a frozen lake. I love pettiness in cinema. Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson’s acting in the Potters’ grave scene is so well done too. Harry’s quiet sadness. Hermione’s delicate comfort. They took their time with each moment and each beat and really lived in it. Radcliffe also had the right balance of emotion. Yes, this is a big emotional moment for Harry, but he’s also older now. He’s lived his whole life without his parents. They have always been dead. Yet, this is his first time at their grave. It was beautifully emotional but not too much so. Also, Hermione was so gentle and kind in this scene. It’s a side of her that we see often, but in a stronger way, while here she is gentle and delicate. However, I do think the Potters’ house scene was a bit too rushed. The fact that the town of Godric’s Hollow has left the Potters’ house untouched as a monument of sorts is so important, and yet the moment was very rushed through when that’s a huge moment for Harry. That house represents the life that was stolen from him. A happy childhood. Friends. Holidays. Siblings. Memories. And the moment was just brushed over. That’s when there should have been a monologue really showing how Harry’s lack of a childhood, even while he was at Hogwarts because everything he’s gone through, has been stolen by Voldemort. How he isn’t just fighting because of his friends and his destiny, but also for himself and the life Voldemort ruined (it’s also worth noting that even though Neville didn’t get Harry’s fate his childhood was also stolen from him by Voldemort due to his followers giving his parents a fate worse than death). Harry deserved to live in that pain and vent about it for much longer. It would have made his duel with Voldemort in the last film even more satisfying than it already was. Also, this movie does an alright job at showing how traumatized Draco is becoming as a Death Eater (at least if the viewer is not an idiot and pays attention). His reaction to Charity Burbage’s death is heartbreaking (he no doubt hated her at school, but he was clearly horrified to watch her die). The stress he immediately got when his dad started to whisper to him and he touched his neck when he tried to tempt Draco into telling the truth about Harry was palpable. Also, you see in the background of that shot of Bellatrix walking back over to Hermione after interrogating Griphook that Draco is sitting hunched over at a desk not daring to look in Hermione’s direction, clearly not wanting to look at his classmate being tortured, even though he once called her a racial slur. His mom Narcissa is standing behind him, so their duel with Harry and Ron clearly doesn’t come out of nowhere. Also, before Lucius calls the Dark Lord you can see him looking desperately at Narcissa, silently begging for her help. Also, he pathetically fights the wands from Harry’s grip. Chamber Draco would have fully fought Harry, but now he is just so scared. It’s sad, honestly. Also, Draco’s face as his father is about to use his Dark Mark to call Voldemort is just so sad. He despises his current circumstances. His head is down so ashamed, anxious, dreadful and scared for what he knows is about to happen, while Narcissa’s face is greatly anticipating, she looks excited, but from what we know about her late ron, she just wants it to be over with so everything can go back to normal, by any means necessary. Also, LOL at Bellatrix hiding behind a giant pillar when Harry stuns Lucius with three wands and then ducks and hides behind the pillar when Lucius is thrown back. I chuckled so hard at that it was so funny. Also, LOL at Narcissa being more shocked and kind of impressed then worried for Lucius’ well-being when he is stunned by Harry. She literally ahtes her husband. Also, can we talk about how hilariously naive it was for these on-the-run literal kids to try and infiltrate the Ministry, a place that is more complicated and confusing then catacombs? It’s also hilarious that a supposedly powerful and impenetrable government building got broken into (twice) by a bunch of children, both at very dangerous times. I can assume that this took weeks to plan, even if they don’t show it, as we learn in Chamber that Polyjuice takes a month to brew, and clearly they had a plan about what to do to get in, but they were clearly making it up as they went along once they got into, especially because it was obvious that they didn’t even research their disguises jobs, even Hermione who you just know was at the helm when planning this. And you know they were priding themselves son the carefully concocted plan, and as Harry so brutaly puts it, all hell broke loose, but the trio is resourceful if nothing else, so of course, they succeed. Just the irony is uncanny. Going back to Watson and Hermione in this film, that shot of Hermione walking away from her childhood home after oblivating her parent’s memories might be one of the saddest shots in the whole series. I also loved how in this film we really got to see Hermione’s preparedness and the fact that she is a planner, how she had “everything packed for days.” Her overachieving nature was established but hadn’t really seen this prepared type of way yet. I really related to this because I am the same way. I, too, am an overachiever and really value always being prepared and having everything planned out. Something I think could have helped immensely with pacing in this film is if they showed us what life was like under Snape’s regime at Hogwarts. With Ginny, Neville and seemingly Luna too, before she was kidnapped by the Death Eaters, still being at Hogwarts, I would have loved to see them wreak havoc and make Snape’s life a living hell, because you KNOW they were. After all, they have been watching the trio and the Twins do it for 6 movies. Plus, they all really thrived in the DA, why didn’t they start it up again? It would also give Snape, Ginny, Neville and Luna more to do and more development, in order to make how their stories ended even more impactful. Rickman would have portrayed Snape’s hidden guilt so brilliantly, I just know it. Bonnie Wright would’ve finally got her time to shine. Neville would get his time to shine as well as a leader for the first time, taking up the mantle in Harry absence, making his development in the finale that much more impactful then it already was. It would also be such a great full-circle moment for Neville because as we find out in Azkaban, Snape is his greatest fear, since his Boggart turned into Snape, and so to see him defy Snape and stand up to Snape, that would have been such a great moment. And Luna would finally get to show her smart, self-assured side, rather then just her dazy, peaceful side. Also, the Hallows movies are already from multiple characters’ perspectives unlike the past films which are almost entirely from Harry’s perspective, so it would make sense to show Neville (as he took Harry’s place at Hogwarts during his absence as we find out in the following movie) and his journey leading Hogwarts students in a rebellion. Also, the way both Neville and Snape have one scene in this whole movie, and yet have the most powerful, impactful and amazing moments in the following film. I wish they were utilized more in this film. Hermione was instrumental in Harry’s success in the final two movies, especially in regard to finding Horcruxes and evading capture from their enemies. I did love that we got to see Harry and Hermione’s chemistry and have that ironed out, making her end up with Ron all the more satisfying. Sometimes people have great chemistry, but that doesn’t mean it’s romantic chemistry. Friendship chemistry and vulnerability with another person are just as, if not more important than romance (also proven with Snape and Lily’s relationship and his unbreakable loyalty to her even in death, through dedicating his life to protecting her son, who he also despises is). This is also shown in previous films as Hermione is also so supportive of Harry’s romantic endeavors (although he didn’t necessarily seek out her support or advice or help), but gets moody and angry when Ron likes someone else, as proven in Phoenix with Harry and Cho (saying that Cho couldn’t take her eyes off Harry in their recruitment meeting and nipping Ron’s teasing in the bud when Harry debriefs with them after his first kiss with Cho) and mainly in Prince with Harry and Ginny (when she tearfully calls out the way he looks at Ginny after Ron kisses Lavender and when she advises Harry to “keep the snogging to a minimum” with Ginny when Ron’s around). Unlike, I presume, many people, I actually like Harry and Hermione’s dance scene. This movie is so slow, sad and intense that we needed a moment of lightness, and so did those characters. Also, there chemistry in the scene, while electric, it was very clearly friendship chemistry. I never got the feeling for a second that they were about it kiss (that’s probably why that Horcrux version kiss was so cringy in my opinion. They are very clearly friends. Brother and sister. While Ron and Hermione have that friends-to-lovers chemistry perfectly where no matter what the conclusion, it would be electric either way). Their chemistry is like that of siblings, not lovers. It demonstrated their closeness. It’s like slow dancing with your brother or sister at a wedding. It was also performed so naturally and authentically. So much was unsaid about how much their friendship means to each other. It was a beautiful moment of friendship and comfort in times of uncertainty. I really loved the scene where Ron and Hermione reunite and just when you think she will jump into his arms, as he thought, she started pushing him and hitting him and punching him, then saying something like “you’ve been gone for weeks and all you have say is ‘hey’?” and then going after Harry for her wand (Harry is literally more scared of angry Hermione then he is Voldemort, and that just shows how close these characters are), It was a great scene. And Rupert Grint’s monologue and Emma Watson’s attentive listening were just great. The destruction of their first Horcrux and Ron’s reunion with Harry and Hermione was probably one of the best-acted sequences of the whole film. I do wish there was a bigger reunion for Harry and Ron then just destroying the Horcrux. About how Harry loves Hermione like a sister, not like how the Horcrux portrayed it to Ron’s tortured, insecure mind. How, now that Ron has had his hero moment, he has finally realized that heroic moments aren’t all that cool, as he thought when he heard about Harry’s heroics. It would have been a great moment and a great thing to show within male friendships on screen. Showing boys that open conversations between two boys are important. I will say, the scene where Hermione walks in, right before she suggests they go visit Luna’s dad, was a little weird. Was that supposed to show how Hermione still resents Ron for leaving? It was an odd way to translate that to the screen. The handheld camerawork in Part 1 was a brilliant choice because it really helps hone in on the grittier, earthier tone of this film. It helps the audience feel the stakes, the tension, the emotional weight and the discomfort (due to the characters and the audience not being at Hogwarts). There is a lot of handheld camera work in The Hunger Games, which is very rare for blockbuster franchises, but Part 1 definitely proved to The Hunger Games producers how effective it is for a gritter blockbuster. The handheld camera work really sets Part 1 apart from the films in the series, in the same way, it sets The Hunger Games apart from other blockbuster franchises because it’s grittier. I also have to say that the scene with Seven Potters due to Polyjuice Potion was hilarious. Daniel Radcliffe’s comedic and fully committed acting was great in that scene, it really had me believing that that was each character dressed up as Harry, not the other way around, which is props both to Radcliffe’s acting and the decision to have each character keep their own voice (although oddly not their eyesight?). That must have been such a weird thing for Harry to experience and Radcliffe to watch, although I imagine it’s similar to seeing a bunch of Harry Potters on Halloween minus the doppelganger aspect of them literally being Daniel Radcliffe. I also loved that shot of Ron and Hermione falling asleep feet to head at Grimmauld Place with their fingers centimeters apart. Especially knowing what happens between them later on in this film and how they end up together in the next movie, it was such a great shot and moment. So symbolic. Also, it just proves how good and brilliant of an actor Daniel Radcliffe is because similar to how I forgot it was Nina Dobrev playing both Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce in The Vampire Diaries, I forget that it’s Daniel Radcliffe playing multiple (already established, only making it more impressive) characters. You can also see how well the trio know each other right from their first moments together on screen. In the pre-Seven Potters scene Harry refuses to let them do it and Hermione, very matter-of-factly and sarcastically says “I told you he’d take it well,” and then later on Ron jokes that they have never risked their lives for him before. Their loyalty is palpable even within a room with other characters loyal to Harry. Also, I don’t know if this was intentional, but I like how the trio’s biggest clue about the Deathly Hallows and it’s connection to Dumbledore was from a children’s book, a subtle Easter Egg about the origins of the Harry Potter universe, how it began as a children’s chapter book and turned into a deep, vast, wonderful franchise that’s beloved all over the world. It was a sweet nod. I liked that subtle radio (a Muggle electronic?) announcement of Snape being the new Hogwarts headmaster and that their fellow Gryffindor student Dean Thomas, who is apparently also a Muggle-born (or at least a half-blood) was also on the run. I wish we got to see Snape more in this role and maybe the trio meet up with Dean along the way. So, in Part 1, Godric’s Hollow left the Potters’ house as is, burned and destroyed, but didn’t label it or anything? No landmark status or memorial flowers or anything. Come on! Hermione went through the emotional wringer in this movie. She had to make her parents forget about her to protect them. Her love, Ron, abandoned her. Bellatrix tortured and traumatized her. This is by far Hermione’s bravest film and Watson did an AMAZING job portraying every minute of it. Like the lifeless look on Hermione’s face after she’s tortured, her eyes glazed over with tears as Bellatrix holds a dagger to her throat with a look of quiet terror, resilience and strength on her face, and the tearful relief on her face when she sees Dobby on the chandelier, it’s just heartbreaking. Also, the fact that she was strong enough after getting tortured to carry Dobby to his grave says so much about her resilience (it was also a great nod to that S.P.E.W. I keep hearing about). Also, the fact that she musters enough strength to barely run under a falling chandelier into Ron’s arms, and the fact that once he catches her he doesn’t dare let go of her until Dobby’s funeral. Also, when Bellatrix hints at killing the now lifeless and exhausted Hermione, Ron wastes no time, impulsively running past Harry as he tries to take him and successfully disarms Bellatrix, like a badass (one of his more badass moments even though it’s kind of forgotten because it happens to fast). Also, Hermione’s face with the dagger to her throat is just heartbreaking. You can tell how terrified she is. She’s paralyzed with fear. And you can also tell how exhausted she is. The look of subtle relief when she sees Dobby on the chandelier is also just heartbreaking in an oddly comforting way. And as Lucius begins to call the Dark Lord (being obnoxiously slow in his usual pretentious way) during the battle at Malfoy Manor, Draco has his head down, so ashamed. He also gives a desperate glance to his mother before his dad walks up, clearly silently begging her to do something, as compared to Lucius and Bellatrix, who is the only sane adult in the room. It’s so sad. Also, seeing the Order and the Weasleys, his found family, in the Dursley house in Part 1 must have been so trippy for him. I know Ron has been there, but neither him or Hermione (unless Hermione, being a Muggle-born ever visited him during the summer. I highly doubt that though because there’s no way the Dursleys would have left that happen. I mean, in Chamber Dudley literally laughed at the idea that he had friends) have ever been inside of Harry’s home hellhole. That must have been weird for all of them. Also, fun fact: the Forest of Dean and Shaftesbury Avenue are real places in England, not made up for the story. It adds a sense of realism, especially in regards to the series’ relation to the Muggle world, and is also a good tool to remind us that Hermione grew up in the Muggle world, and shows us rather then tells us (the #1 tool of good writing) just how much Hermione is missing her parents and hoping that they are okay and that precautions she put in place are working, especially since she is a known Muggle-born associate of Harry. The Death Eaters would definitely torture her parents for information like they did the Longbottoms (However, obliviating them would almost be a death sentence for them knowing the Death Eaters. Hermione wasn’t just hurt by Ron leaving because she was in love with him, she was hurt because he and Harry were the only family left and now one of them was gone. Did Hermione also alter their memories and identities? I heard from a friend that she convinced her parents to do to Australia under a new identity. I wish that was translated better in the film because that is a way better and more effective precaution. Did she ever track down her parents and un-obliviate them after Voldemort is destroyed?). Also, Tonks’ one line at the Dursley house was so weird and not just because Moody cuts off what I assume was going to be her pregnancy announcement. It’s so weird that the actress, who has played Tonks assertive and confident in the past, delivers it uncharacteristically timid, which just shows how weirdly the line is written as it’s clear she knows her character well enough due to that past consistency. I also love the parallel of Harry opening up the cupboard under the stairs one last time before he leaves Privet Drive forever. It’s clear how much he has grown as he is too big to climb in there now. He sees the toys he was playing with in the first film. It’s a lovely, nostalgic and melancholy way to start of this film. Also, LOL at Hermione’s awkward step forward during the scene when Moody (LOL at his excitement for Polyjuice Potion, BTW. Great acting choice on Gleeson’s end. A great and ironic callback) is explaining the Trace to Harry. What was that? But I do love how this scene when Harry is adamant about no one risking their lives for him Hermione sarcastically says “I told you he’d take it well” and Ron sarcastically says “never done that before, have I?” because it’s just too perfect. It showcases their friendship so well. Everything they’ve been through. Ron and Hermione have been by Harry’s side since the beginning, they’d know better then most. It was also great because it’s before the Horcrux hunt, it was a great set-up with only a few lines of dialogue. Very well-written. Daniel Radcliffe’s acting in the Seven Potters scene was phenomenal. You can tell how hard he studied everyone’s mannerisms. They were so specific. Radcliffe is just brilliant in this scene. That panning-in-a-circle shot to reveal the 7 Potters was also so well done and impressive special-effects-wise. Each of Radcliffe’s mannerisms in that shot too was phenomenal and so specific. The Twins’ energetic charisma still radiated. Mundungus’ disdain was palpable. Fleur’s utter discomfort and embarrassment were so apparent even before she uttered a word (also LOL at her calling her Harry self “hideous” right in front of Harry himself and Bill’s concerned face is just as hilarious). Ron’s casualness and shock, even after all the adventures he’s gone through Harry was very visible and Hermione’s subtle apprehension was so apparent as well. Also, despite there being 7 Harrys when they were all changing you could clearly tell who each was without them even speaking (also the attention to detail with the glasses is hilarious). The Twins took forever. Mundungus went fast, but not fast enough, dreading it. Fleur took her time because she’s a proper, polite French lady and had her back turned to her future husband (also can we talk about how loyal and gracious Fleur is to want to participate in this the day before her wedding). Ron is more focused on joking with friends than the battle. Hermione is the first to be ready, belittles Harry for his eyesight like a best friend would, then anxiously wait for further instructions. And Harry tries to change to the very back for the most privacy. And also Harry’s face watching everyone, especially in the Dursley house of all places, and also causally they were changing too, the look of utter bewilderment on his face as he takes this all in, is just hilarious. This moment was very much needed before such a dark movie. And it didn’t stop there, Radcliffe’s expert specificity continued when everyone was lining up for take-off, just look at how Harry-Fleur is holding onto Bill Weasley with such affection and warmth, it would be comical if the absurdity of the situation wasn’t so high stakes (I mean, it’s still pretty comical). I also love the trio’s reunion after the Battle of Seven Potters. The way Hermione is so worried and desperate for her two best friends to be safe, and she looks at the real Harry and it hits her that the Harry that just arrived is Ron (and is hilariously dragged by Tonks to Burrow like a misbehaving child. Why couldn’t they have had a badass entrance like Bill and Fleur on the Thestral?) and the look of relief on her face as she turns back to Ron and runs up to him. It’s so sweet (and I love how she takes his glasses off. She really is the mom of the group). And I love how Harry let’s the two of them have their moment before running up and tackling them into a hug, relieved that his two best friends are okay. Although, LOL at Ron transforming back into himself while in the embrace with Hermione, although the look on his face, his big child-like smile, is so priceless and endearing. I loved that quick scene on the train that reminded us that indeed Hogwarts is still in session. I also loved how Neville was the one to stand up to the Death Eaters who invaded the train, daring to call them losers. It just shows how far he’s come and foreshadows how far he will go. Hermione’s bedroom was also very well done. It was very clean and perfect, had shelves and shelves of books, had a 90s stereo and had a feminine color palette and flower motifs (remembering that she is never here and that this has probably been her room since Stone, the flowers very much foreshadow her renewal on life as she enters the new Wizarding World). It was very well-thought-out and characteristic for such a barely used set. It just shows how the sets had such profound attention to detail whether it sets used since the beginning like Diagon Alley or the Great Hall or newer or lesser used sets like Grimmauld Place or the Ministry of Magic. Also, LOL at the trio calling their Ministry plan “completely mental” and then doing it anyway. What a true friendship! Also, the look on Snape’s face, pure shock and utterly horrified, when he walks into the Death Eater meeting at Malfoy Manor in Part 1 and sees Charity Burbage, his former colleague, beaten and hanging upside down unconscious, pure shock and utterly horrified. And then his utter disdain for Yaxley as he tries to railroad his seemingly traitorous message to Voldemort about when Harry is being moved. It’s clear, ever so subtlety, how miserable Snape is by being there. Only made more apparent when Charity awakes and begs Snape for help and Snape just stares at her, keeping himself collected, ten Voldemort kills her and Snape’s mask falters for a quick second, and we see a glimmer of sorrow and pain, a glimmer of the truth that we will find out about in the following film. I love Hermione and Ron’s “always the tone of surprise” bit, especially because it foreshadows their Chamber of Secrets scene in how Ron is such a leader and Hermione is the underdog, both for the first time since Wizard’s Chess really. It was also a callback to Ron always stepping on Hermione’s foot in Stone and Azkaban and Ron always wiping things off Hermione’s face in Prince (which also happened in the diner in Part 1). Also, LOL at Harry going from The Chosen One to No. 1 Undesirable. That just says so much. Also, Snape’s entrance in this film is so dramatic and badass, I love it. The way he sticks the landing after black-smoking in and does his dramatic flair immediately ready to take action, causally walks through the freaking gate, like literally through the gate, then we see a close up of him as he walks into Malfoy Manor, with his dreadful game face on (to me, it parallels his face and the way it’s framed parallels when he walks through the castle with the Death Eaters after killing Dumbledore). And the way Voldemort so gracious welcomes Snape, besides him clearly being late, and saying how he save him a seat. It’s so disturbing see Voldemort be gracious towards someone, and it’s even more painful (and after Part 2, frankly ironic) how it’s towards Snape, showing how what he did to Dumbledore did gain his trust. Also, the look on Snape’s face, pure shock and utterly horrified, when he walks into the Death Eater meeting at Malfoy Manor in Part 1 and sees Charity Burbage, his former colleague, beaten and hanging upside down unconscious, pure shock and utterly horrified. And then his utter disdain for Yaxley as he tries to railroad his seemingly traitorous message to Voldemort about when Harry is being moved. It’s clear, ever so subtlety, how miserable Snape is by being there. Only made more apparent when Charity awakes and begs Snape for help and Snape just stares at her, keeping himself collected, then Voldemort kills her and Snape’s mask falters for a quick second, and we see a glimmer of sorrow and pain, a glimmer of the truth that we will find out about in the following film. Also, the fact that Alan Rickman has only one scene in this whole film is just so criminal. Besides pacing and Neville’s arc, that’s mainly why I wish we got to see Hogwarts at this time. I understand why they didn’t show us Hogwarts, the closest we get being the Hogwarts Express. It was so we the finale and the return to Hogwarts could have the biggest impact as we are finally returning home and the reveal of how much Hogwarts has changed, but I do think that out of all the impactful moments of that film, returning to Hogwarts was not one of the most impactful, so I think it still could have worked seeing Hogwarts and Snape’s regime in this film. Also, LOL at Ron miming antlers with the sword and the locket Horcrux in hand after the pulls Harry out of the icy pond. Leave it to Ron to lighten the mood. Also, the Snatcher chase scene was very well done as it focused on the characters breathing in order to add intensity rather than adding some forceful score to it. That helped translate the anxiety and stakes so much better, especially because have seen how hard the trio has worked to not have this situation happen and how many times they have also gotten caught. Also, LOL at Harry asking Hermione how long she is gonna stay mad at him and her answering “I am always mad at him.” Hermione and Ron’s relationship is so realistic and that line just proves it. I also love how before that Ron is like ‘how long will she stay mad at me?’ and Harry’s jokes about him counting to talk about the light in his heart. It’s so sweet. I also love how that scene shows how Hermione is the mom of the group, with how Harry does the Engorgio spell with the fire (really, Harry?) and Hermione snaps offscreen ‘what was that?’ and like two children Ron and Harry said nothing. The opening (not the weird and disturbingly intense speech from Scrimgeour, a character who we have never met before) was so good and set the eerie ‘this one will be different’ mood so well. I love how it focused on each of trio individually, seeing exactly what’s at stake and what they sacfricing. Ron is looking out at the view from his home one last time, risking their well-being by going on the run with Harry. Harry sees the Dursleys for the very last time, risking their lives simply by association (even if they are horrible people, they don’t deserve a fate like the Potters or the Longbottoms, especially since they are Muggles). But before all of this, we see Hermione’s home for the first time. Feminine. Clean. Perfect. We see her parents. Kind, loving and innocent. They are the most at risk as they are the Muggle parents of a witch daughter, and Hermione protects them by obliviating their memories, knowing that if she dies during her impending journey, they won’t ever remember her. She by far makes the biggest sacrifice of them all (at least Ron’s family can defend themselves and the Dursleys are terrible). Then we see one of the loneliest, saddest shots of the whole series, Hermione walking out of her house, ever so quietly whimpering, turning back continuously as she walks away from her home, possibly forever, on a long lonely, isolated road as the camera pans up and wide, making Hermione’s loneliness ever more apparent. Also, that shot with the back of Scrimgeour facing the camera when he first arrives at Burrow in Part 1, with his black cloak and bobbed brunette hair, in the shadowy lighting, it looks like Snape, just is so disgraceful and confusing. Disgraceful because Hallows is such a big story for Snape, and confusing because Scrimgeour literally pops out of nowhere and we have no idea who he is because we only met him once, right in the beginning of the film (that opening bit was uncomfortably intense. I’d rather they just have an emotional opening with the trio at each of their homes and that amazing score) and we have really no idea who he is then either, and we don’t find out until after we see him at the Burrow, with his back still facing camera who he is, the Minister of Magic Scrimgeour, not Snape. I remember thinking ‘what the hell is Snape doing there, daring to show his face to the Order?’ just find out it’s that intense weirdo from the beginning, not Snape. Snape as a character and Rickman as a performer deserves better than that. I also liked the nod to Stone when Harry looks into the cupboard under the stairs one last time, and this time it’s clear that he can no longer fit in there, and then Harry fiddles with the toy soldiers, just as he did in Stone, so miserably. It’s so representative of his arc into a strong man. It was a sweet, nostalgic, slightly sad parallel. Also, LOL at how unhappy the Malfoys are for having their mansion be Death Eater HQ. Karma’s a bitch. Although, Bellatrix seems to be hilariously and insanely thrilled. I love how Harry lets Ron destroy the first Horcrux on their Horcrux hunt. Ron has been there for Harry as he’s been the hero and saved the day countless times, but Ron hasn’t been given that chance since the first film. It shows how Harry sees the best in Ron even though Ron doesn’t see the best in himself. That’s what everyone deserves in a friend. Someone who believes in them even when they don’t believe in themselves. It was a beautiful moment for their friendship. I love how by the time we get to Deathly Hallows, it’s clear that the trio is a packaged deal. They go on the Horcrux hunt together. they break into Gringotts together. Even when Ron leaves, you can tell that it’s just not the same. That’s when the movie slows down and begins to drag. Also, the closest Harry gets to dying during this whole film is when Hermione and he go to Godric’s Hollow, without Ron, further proving how the trio needs to be complete to work. Everyone needs to do their part (just like how even with Hermione absent in Chamber, they couldn’t figure out what the monster was, doing her part even in comatose and with Ron in Azkaban with how his rat was the key to finding out the truth about Sirius, even with a broken leg, his part was integral), with one completely out of the situation, as Ron is here, the other two are either frozen at a standstill or in immense danger even greater then it would have been otherwise. The Deathly Hallows are a metaphor for the three abandoned tragic heroes of the story. The Elder Wand represents Voldemort, orphaned by choice (as he was sent to an orphanage which is never a good thing), who seeks power and fear death above all else. Snape, abandoned by his love because of death and wanted to bring her back, represented the Resurrection Stone, seeking forgiveness and fearing her lasting legacy, Harry, would be hurt. And Harry, orphaned by tragedy, who only wanted normalcy and family, and fearing fear itself, represents the Invisibility Cloak, which is passed form son to son. Dumbledore is the metaphor for death. The mastermind. The puppetmaster. He had all the Hallows at different points in time, making him the Master of Death, before Harry became the Master of Death at the end of the final film. He manipulates Voldemort’s and Snape’s deaths and then eventually greets Harry in death as an old friend. Also, every time Harry has a close brush with death in every film, he talks with Dumbledore. In the hospital in the first film. Then in his office. Then after the final task in the dorms. After the Department of Mysteries. And after the cave, leading to Dumbledore’s actual death. This whole idea proves how deep, rich and detailed this story, these characters and this mythology is. It’s brilliant! Also, I wish we got to see more of Ginny, Neville and Luna at Hogwarts under Snape’s regime. After how they helped the trio in the Order of the Phoenix, it seems like they would be almost the bizzare-o version of the trio, as aforementioned. After all, Ginny and Neville are friends, they went to the Yule Ball together (which was adorable, I wish we got to see Ron’s reaction to that and Neville’s awkwardness while asking her out), and we found out in the finale that Neville has a crush on Luna. I would have loved to see that, I also think that would have helped tremendously with the pacing of the film. Even if that wasn’t in the books (because I assume the books are from Harry’s POV), for a visual format, it would have been better and made the film more dynamic and interesting. I would also have loved to see Snape as headmaster. I just know Alan Rickman would have portrayed that hidden guilt, deep self-loathing and subtle anxiety phenomenally. Speaking of Snape, why wasn’t that doe Patronus mystery a bigger deal? That Patronus could have exposed Harry’s location if it belonged to the wrong person, effectively giving him away to Voldemort. Why wasn’t that a bigger deal? Shouldn’t he have immediately hollered for Hermione? I mean, I get that Patronuses are shields in a way, and therefore they mean safety, but in a time with such high stakes for Harry, shouldn’t that kind of exposure be a bigger deal, especially because someone could be using a symbol of safety in such a manipulative, opposite way (and yes, I get the irony of my theory and the doe Patronus being sent by Snape, who was a triple agent)? Also, Hermione is so panicky and crying, when she usually has a very practical and cool head, when Ron gets splinched, whatever that means. She was terrified for him. It’s oddly so heartwarming even though it’s so scary. Watson also played it so well, not forced, just truthful and committed. Also, LOL at the awkward way Harry as Runcorn walks out of the elevator after running into Umbridge because he’s so stunned, and also Hermione as Malfalda’s terrified ace as the elevator goes off. Also, LOL at Harry using Vernon Dudley as his alias when the Snatchers come for him. At least he’s kind enough not to use Dursley, but it’s still hilarious to me. Also, Dudley makes so much more sense as a last name, and clearly even Harry thinks so. There are very few scenes in the series that aren’t from Harry’s perspective. Only a few for context (my favorites being the opening scene where Harry gets dropped off in the first film, the Malfoy Manor scenes in Hallows, the scene with the professors in Dumbledore’s office in Goblet, Narcissa and Snape making the Unbreakable vow, Neville saving Ron and Hermione from Nagini and Voldemort and Snape’s final conversation. My most favorite scene that’s not from Harry’s perspective, however, is the Unbreakable Vow scene without a doubt. Great characters. Phenomenal acting. Good writing.). However, this film really could have benefited from a second POV, especially for pacing. Personally, I think Neville’s, because it would parallel nicely with Harry’s with them both being the Chosen Ones in different ways. It also would have kept Hogwarts active in the film because the lack of Hogwarts in this film impacted its charm and appeal immensely. Also, Emma Watson’s face, when Bellatrix has a knife to her throat, is just so heartbreaking. Part 1 (but also Part 2) also really showcases how far these actors have come as actors, particularly in their ability to say so much without saying anything. For example, the way Hermione looks at Harry when he asks for his wand after Godric’s Hollow. She looks so apprehensive. You can tell how much she does not want to tell him the bad news, that is wand is broken. She feels terrible, and she didn’t even have to say anything. I will say, after watching Part 2, I saw a lot of parallels between the Peveralls, the Deathly Hallows and Voldemort, Snape and Harry. Like the eldest Peverall brother, Voldemort died for power. The middle Peverall brother, like Snape, died for love, whether that be romantic love, puppy love or friendship love. And the youngest Peverall brother died willingly, like Harry. There is also the parallel of all three of these boys being half-bloods; one deeply resentful (Voldemort), one indifferent (Snape) and one proud (Harry). Also, the three Deathly Hallows parallel the trio too. Based on the story, it’s clear which one each of the trio would want. Hermione would want the Cloak because as the story proves, it’s the most logical and useful. Ron would want the Elder Wand, as would any wizard who grew up hearing the legend of the Peveralls, although he would be smart enough to not boast about it. He is also insecure. And Harry, of course, would want the Resurrection Stone, so he can see his parents and Sirius again. It made sense how this important Wizarding World version of a Grimm’s Fairy Tales (the Grimm’s Fairy Tales are based on real-life people and events too just like the Peverall’s involvement in the story) would be such a central part of the final story of the series. In many ways, the entire series has let up to this. It made so much sense. This movie was definitely the strongest we have seen in the trio’s friendship yet. That was essentially the arc of the whole film. It was all about testing their friendship. Harry even said that he doesn’t want them to risk themselves for him, but Ron and Hermione are persistent. That’s true friendship. This is also literally a two-second moment, but I really liked that shot of grown-up Harry looking into the cupboard under the stairs before the Order picks him up. It was a very full circle moment that bittersweet. I also love Ron and Hermione’s “always the tone of surprise” bit. Also, Dobby died, which is unacceptable.
7. Chamber of Secrets
It was a great transitional film from a children’s story to a dark story, but as I said before, I hate snakes and they play a huge part in this movie since we find out Harry can speak in Parseltongue. I swear this is the scariest movie I’ve ever seen because of the snakes and the genuinely creepy plot. Maybe it’ll get less creepy when I rewatch it and know how it ends and knows when the snakes come up. However, I did like how we learned Voldemort’s backstory. It was fascinating. I remember watching at camp about Tom Riddle. Even without context, I thought was interesting, and even more so with context. This truly begins the series-long theme of good vs. evil, partially when it comes to Godric Gryffindor, the good versus Salazar Slytherin, the evil. It is also much darker in tone, making it a great transition between the bright and wonderous Stone and the dark and moody Azkaban. This film is very underrated due to its impressive balance between child-appropriate innocence and darker subject matter. Chamber still had that 90s witchy charm to it, especially in the beginning with the Dursleys, the flying car, the Weasley house and Diagon Alley, but as the story moved forward, it progressively shifted into a darker tone, much like how this film is that transition from the more storybook films into the more action-adventure films. However, it smartly wraps up this innocent charm by having a more innocent and charming ending, representing how the series is now saying goodbye to the more storybook tone. It’s actually very, very smart. I enjoyed the mystery in this film more than the mystery in Sorcerer’s Stone; however, my fear of snakes made me miss some of the biggest moments in the movie because I was so scared I covered my eyes. So, that’s why this film is second to last because I missed most of it. It was a genuinely interesting and intriguing story, but the number of snakes was very unnecessary. Also, the usage of spiders was scary, even though I’m more scared of snakes than spiders. Between snakes and spiders, this movie is terrifying no matter what you fear. It was also highly unrealistic that every person the Basilisk encountered was just petrified and not killed. Especially since no one knew about it and therefore how to protect themselves ahead of time. Someone had to die. I get it’s a children’s story, but come on! Although the film still had the bright saturation cinematically as the first film (still directed by Chris Columbus), it still had a slightly darker look and feel which made sense for its newly dark subject matter, especially right of off Sorcerer’s Stone where Harry burned his professor’s face off at the end. While Sorcerer’s Stone was more fun and adventurous in town, with its dark moments like the troll scene and the Quirrell reveal scene, Chamber of Secrets was more dark and fun and sinister in tone. Also, for this, at this point in time too (with it being only the second film) them still being kids and focusing on a kid’s audience, the subject matter was incredibly dark. I mean, it dealt with serial murder, racism, and monsters. That’s pretty dark, and at lets with this specific film in the franchise, I get why parents raised their eyebrows a bit, especially with really young kids. Ron and Harry’s friendship takes center stage in this film, and because of this, we get to see their ability to be an iconic, dynamic, comedic duo on full display through moments like when Ron shrieks “my wand” and Harry replies “be thankful it’s not your neck,” in the most matter-of-fact, British, dry way. This film also gives us more historical context as we the audience, along with the student characters, learn more about the history of Hogwarts and the founders, which I find really fascinating. Wizarding World history is so interesting and complex, it makes it feel so real. It was also our introduction to Dobby, who I absolutely adored. He is so relatable and brought so much light to this film. I also thought it was funny how at the end of the movie, after everything that happened in regard to Tom Riddle’s diary, when Harry asks Dumbledore to borrow it, Dumbledore gives it to him (which could be one of the first hints at Dumbledore really not giving a crap for Harry). But also that freeing-Dobby-work-around with the sock in the diary, knowing Lucius would arrogantly hand it to his servant from Harry was some Hermione-level brilliance. Clearly, they are great influences on one another. It was also so sad to figure out why Dobby thinks self-punishment and self-harm is okay. He’s abused. I hope that self-harm humor wasn’t triggering for anyone. Also, was Lucius about to use Avada Kedavra on a literal CHILD?! The same age as his son? He literally is the worst father ever. Worse then Bart Bass. Also, LOL because all I could think during that shot of Harry’s back as he looks into the Chamber of Secrets for the first time was that Harry is in his Reputation era, what with all the snake statues lining the walls of the Chamber. It reminded me of Karyn the snake from her tour. Also, Tom Felton’s age difference, looks-wise, from the first and second films is insane. It’s almost like in two films he went from a 10-year-old to a 13-year-old, which thankfully worked for his bullying character, especially in that Flourish and Blotts scene. The only major age difference, looks-wise, for the trio, in my opinion, was from the second film to the third film. It’s the same thing as with Felton just one movie later, it’s like they went right from 10 straight to 13. Since then, their aging wasn’t as stark and seems to move along accordingly with each film and each character. The thing is, as we learned in his movie, Hogwarts wasn’t just the first place that felt like home to Harry, but it was the way for Voldemort, as seen through his desperation towards Hogwarts not closing down. Ron and Harry are also amazing comedic duo in this movie. They are sassy, sarcastic, dry and assertive. This movie is the best showcase of their friendship, to be honest. The best showcase of this is the flying car scene. It’s absurd and hilarious. They are a team and work to solve a problem together, without Hermione, which is a major theme in this film. It shows that while they are capable, they are far more capable with their favorite witch, especially because Ron’s wand wouldn’t have broke if she was there. Also, the way the Chamber of Secrets opens, with that magically metal life-like snake is just so creepy. However, I did appreciate the grandeur through the camera work, set design and score music of the Chamber’s reveal. After all, we have been waiting for it the whole film, For a 2002 film about magic, it was worth the wait, like the reflection of a shot of the Salazar Slytherin statue and Ginny’s body, was so cool. Also, the Chamber of Secrets gives the same vibe as the Wizards’ Chess set. If you told me they just repurposed that set, I’d believe you. They executed the Chamber reveal, the Tom Riddle reveal, Ginny’s rescue, the Basilisk reveal and especially the killing of the Basilisk, the diary and the memory of Tom Riddle so well. I hope it matched the book well because they did such a great job setting all that up for the later movies since that whole sequence, especially with the sword and the diary, are especially important later on, and these scenes were filmed back in 2000/2001, way before the last book was even released in 2007. The Chamber of Secrets is also a great name for a hidden place. Chamber, while its still very clearly a fantastical children’s story, is also significantly darker, foreshadowing how dark the series will become. It takes the concept of Harry Potter and turns it into a tense thriller mystery. There’s an unseen, unknown force trying to take down Harry and of course, the main mystery, who opened the Chamber of Secrets (also among all the other interrogatives). It also had a good twist, as Ginny was quiet and reserved all film (which ended up being her exact personality during the whole series LOL), which isn’t out of the normal as she is always shy around Harry at this point in the story is from Harry’s POV, however, it was because she was the one to open the Chamber. She lost time and unknowingly unleashed the Basilisk. It was a very good test and one I didn’t see coming. It was surprising but makes so much sense when we saw it as she did have many smaller scenes which gave her obvious screentime for hinting. I also love how Ron’s first instinct after Draco calls Hermione a Mudblood is to protect her, even with a broken wand and a questionable spell, his heart was in the right place (even though Hermione could definitely hold her own). Also, Hermione’s stare of shock, subtle offense and confidence at Draco after he calls her a Mudblood was so good and complex, which is impressive for Watson’s age. At least Hermione gets her revenge in the following film by punching him in the face. I also thought it was so funny to me how low Hermione’s faith in these boys was. She is even proven right multiple times in this film as they fly the Ford Anglia to Hogwarts (I wish we got to see Hermione question where they are on the train to her reaction, the Twins and Ginny’s too to see the car outside the window) and Ron stupidly tries to use his broken wand to save Harry from the rogue Bludger at the Quidditch match. But then by the end, she was so impressed with them and praised them for their intelligence. It was a great arc, despite how underused, she was in this film. It was also a very important arc as it limited her know-it-all tendencies more and made her trust the boys more than ever. It’s hilarious and ironic because then she makes it down to the Quidditch Pitch and stops it herself. But I get it, if you want something done right, you got t do it yourself. A very underratedingly well-acted scene is when the Slytherin and Gryffindor Quidditch teams face off and Draco calls Hermione a degregotary term. Oliver Wood’s acting is good. Hermione’s smirk after she says that the Gryffindor got onto their Quidditch teams due to their “pure talent” is also great. And then the way Draco turns to face Hermione and takes his time insulting her by calling her “filthy little Mudblood.” That’s honestly more insulting then the actual words themselves. Also, it’s a great Ron and Hermione moment as Ron tells Draco to “eat slugs (clearly not even a real spell which in the wise words of Hermione Granger ‘is that a real spell? Well, it’s not very good is it?’)” after he insults her and then when it inevitably backfires due to his broken wand, Hermione is the one to ask him if he’s okay, while the Gryffindors merely run to check on him, Colin takes pictures and the Slytherins just chuckle at him. I also like how this movie shows Ron and Hermione in a different light than they are seen in all the other movies (although I don’t think this needed to be achieved by completely sidelining Watson, although maybe her character’s popularity is just too big for its own good). Ron is seen as a smart hero, helping Harry save Ginny, stand up to Lockhart and get into the Chamber. He also sees right through Lockhart’s foolishness, while Hermione, “the smart one,” notably falls for it as Lockhart says, “books (the things she values most after her friendships) can be misleading.” Hermione also accidentally turns herself into a cat with Polyjuice, not her smartest moment. It shows that while Ron isn’t the smartest of the trio, he isn’t stupid, and while Hermione is the smartest of the trio, that doesn’t make her flawless and perfect. Also, I hate to say it, but I kind of scrunched my face in confusion when I saw that Harry POV shot as he ran across the wall, because it was just so unnecessary to me and was very awkward. The way this is Ginny’s most important movie until Prince and she STILL barely gets enough screentime despite playing a huge role in this movie. They should have used her more by foreshadowing it more. Also, LOL at Draco’s insults in this movie, like “training for the ballet, Potter?” It’s so not funny that it’s funny. Grint’s performance in that spider scene was amazing. The duality of his fear and humor shining through was such a comedically complex performance, making it very mature for how young he was at the time. Also, so you are saying that Hagrid was FRIENDS with Tom Riddle? If that doesn’t prove Hagrid’s bad judgement, I don’t know what does. You could also tell that the young actors were way more confident in being on a set and in their acting abilities. I enjoyed the flying car and the hilarity involving literal 12-year-old driving it. Also, the flying car reflection shot of the Muggle noticing it was very smart. I also thought it was hilarious showing how different Ron and Harry grew up, with one being in the Wizarding World and one in the Muggle world, with Ron ignorantly flying the car right from the King’s Cross parking lot, not driving it away first, and then Harry says in his stellar frank humor “Ron, I should tell you. Most Muggles aren’t accustomed to seeing a flying car.” It was just such a great moment of cultural clash through the wide-eyed lens of wonder of children. The first of many Polyjuice fiascos in order to trick Draco was quite funny too. I love how the previous film ended with Harry saying “I’m not going home, not really” and then when this picks up with Harry pleading with Dobby that “Hogwarts is my home” and Ron even says “welcome home, Harry” when the flying car finally reaches Hogwarts. That fact never changes for Harry. Even though he’s in danger there,e it’s also where he is happiest because it’s where he has friends and love (if it weren’t so genuine it would be quite toxic, but thank goodness Hogwarts loves Harry as much as he loves it, as shown with how the Room of Requirement helps him with DA. He even says “it’s like Hogwarts wants us to fight back”). I also thought it was funny how one of the first things Hermione says when she reunites with Ron and Harry was “congratulations. I can’t believe you solved,” LOL her minisicul faith in these boys. She knows they’d be lost without her (I mean, they even confuse her smartie brain, as seen when she whines “boys” after Ron and Harry make up in Goblet).The Howler that Mrs. Weasley sent Ron was iconic and hilarious and I wish they used them more. It was such a great scene and so well-acted by Rupert Grint (his face in that scene will live in my mind rent-free. He needs to do more comedy. He is so natural at it). It really played to his strengths as a young actor. The only other time they were used was when Harry got “expelled” in Order of the Phoenix. Also, the kids’ acting in the Howler scene is great, which is very impressive because you know that Howler is all CGI. Watson and Radcliffe’s reactions when the Howler zooms up to Ron’s terrified face and Grint’s scared cross eyes face. It’s so well done. I also love how Ron nods obediently and is scared at the Howler like it’s really his mom yelling at him. And even Ginny looks so embarrassed when the Howler turns to her, awkwardly smiling like “I don’t want to be a part of this narrative.” Also, why did Mrs. Weasley have it blow a raspberry (Harry’s Howler form the Ministry in Phoenix didn’t do that after it delivered its message)? That’s her son (LOL), he deserves it, but still. Honestly, the Howler scene and Dobby were the best parts of this film. Also, the transition between Mrs. Weasley’s yelling “Ronald Weasley! How dare you steal that car! I am absolutely disgusted! Your father’s now facing an inquiry at work and it’s entirely your fault! If you put another toe out of line we’ll bring you straight home!” and the Howler directed itself at Ginny saying “Oh, and Ginny dear, congratulations on making Gryffindor. Your father and I are so proud,” is so well done and hilarious (however how does the Howler know where Ginny is sitting? Can it sense it?). Also, Ginny’s face is hilarious, like ‘i do not want to be a part of this narrative.’ I also love how when Harry first visits the Weasley house, Ron, fully knowing the socioeconomic of the Wizarding World and having grown up in it, says “it’s not much, but it’s home,” and Harry gives a big, mesmerized smile and says “I think it’s brilliant.” This shows how good of a friend and person Harry is. After all his trauma and hardship, he could care less about riches and fame, even if he has that. All he wants is a family and a true home, and that’s what the Weasleys have, and even better, a truly magical home. I really enjoyed how much they used Maggie Smith in this movie too. McGonagall’s care and concern for her students were apparent throughout the whole movie and I loved getting to know her better. I liked how the whole school was involved, paralleling the finale. Ron is in a mood when he proclaims that butterflies are better than spiders. I also love how this scene shows Harry and Ron’s differences. Harry is focused and brave, more like Hermione. While Ron, yes he’s brave, but it doesn’t come as easily to him, which is okay and doesn’t make him less of a Gryffindor, because like Neville, it’s still a big part of him and who he grows to be. Like when Ron is like “Harry, I don’t like this” and Harry just shushes him, like a good friend (LOL), focused and wanting to get answers. Like Neville, Ron’s arc similarly goes from more fearful and hesitant to brave and confident. But also, I think Ron was also like Hermione in this scene, as he was the realist. I, too, would be terrified, panicking and whining in fear while being surrounded by spiders, and I wouldn’t say I’m scared of spiders I just don’t like them, but I’m not said, and neither is Ron (and naturally Rupert Grint’s priceless horrified facial expressions are also scene-stealing in this scene). I also liked how Ginny was introduced and that her first year was memorable just like Hermione, Ron and Harry’s. I do wish, because she was such a central figure in this movie, that she was used more. And that it was foreshadowed more than just putting a diary in a cauldron. Also, the lack of Hermione, who is honestly the best character of the core three, was actually criminal. This is clear by how it was her tip that caused Ron and Harry to discover what the monster is and put the rest of the pieces together. At least Emma Watson made every second of screentime she did get count, with examples of her great acting in this film being the scene where she gives instructions to the boys about the Polyjuice scheme during Christmas at the Great Hall and the scene in Hagrid’s hut after Draco calls her a Mudblood (which was our first introduction to pure blood prejudice against Muggle-borns, and how Draco didn’t fully understand what his and his family’s prejudice meant). And honestly, Ron and Harry’s success at finding the Chamber of Secrets was just dumb luck without Hermione, especially that duel with Lockhart. While Emma Watson was in so little of this movie, she took full advantage of every second she did have, which is quite impressive given how young she was. She had great comedic timing, like when she said “she’s little sensitive,” a great bit of dry, snarky British humor after Myrtle screamed because Ron didn’t know who she was and casually flew into a toilet. Hermione was still a badass in her very few moments, like with how effortlessly she stopped the Cornish Pixies, and was, as always, the brains of the operation, like with how she brewed Polyjuice (at 12-years-old) and figured out how to get the real Crabbe and Goyle out of the way, despite being vastly underused in the film’s third act. Harry also tells Ginny in Chamber to save herself and get out and find Ron, sacrificing himself for her. This heroic foreshadowing of their romance (the way both Ron and Hermione and Ginny and Harry’s most romantic moments happen in the Chamber of Secrets), by ironically being their most romantic and passionate moment (these kids are 11 and 12 LOL). After all, what’s more romantic in cinema then a hero? Harry also shows his bravery and foreshadows how he greets death like an old friend when he says “you were brilliant Fawkes. I just wasn’t quick enough,” like he is completely at peace with dying. This also just shows how if anyone is capable of withstanding this insane journey is about to go on in all the following movies, it’s Harry. Also, LOL at Riddle saying the Basilisk venom will kill Harry in a minute, and yet Harry had time to climb down the Salazar statue, walk back to Ginny, kill the diary, wake Ginny up and talk to her, all before Fawkes the phoenix flies in and saves Harry (to be able to cry on cue like a phoenix). Also, can we talk about how good and impressive Fawkes cry aim is? And can we talk about the irony of Dumbledore’s phoenix saving Harry just so he can “die at the proper moment”? That’s so effed up. While Fawkes in Dumbledore’s office is clearly a robot, Fawkes in the Chamber of Secrets is clearly CGI. I prefer the robot, although I do understand that there was really no way to use that robot in this scene. Practical effects are always better because it gives the actors, especially child actors, more to interact with. Chamber is also our introduction to dueling, which is very important throughout the rest of the series. I also really like the moon phase design on the dueling runway. It was a great ethereal, witchy set choice. If only the costumes matched that aesthetic. Also, “Voldemort is my past, present and future,” is such a good line, because it symbolizes both Tom Riddle’s journey throughout the series as well as Harry’s because every aspect of Harry’s life throughout this story is affected in some way by Voldemort. Also, why did we never see dueling lessons or practice after this movie? Is it in the books more? I feel like, especially knowing how these films end, dueling is a defensive skill all these students need to learn. I also find it weird as dueling isn’t really important in this film. It’s not important until Goblet, two films away, and they don’t remidn us of it until that very scene when Harry has to duel Voldemort. Maybe it’s more important in the books and they just cut it out, but if they did, then why keep this? I sure there was another way to reveal Harry’s Parseltongue abilities. Also, Draco and Harry’s duel is TBH very impressive for 12 year olds, like they are literally throwing each other across the room and Draco unleashed a snake form his wand. That’s insane for their age, especially when he see later what they become capable of. I also liked the parallel of Draco falling in front of Snape after being thrown back by Harry and he looks up at him so sad and embarrassed, wanting some comfort, and Snape just sneers at him, wanting him to beat Harry in a way he can’t as a staff member and because of how he’s Lily’s son but also wants the revenge on James her could never get, and Snape drags him up by his robes and pushes him forward to try again, both as a malicious and petty stage parent of sorts and an encouraging but temperamental teacher. I also love how when Harry first meets Dobby he repeats to him that he belongs at Hogwarts and that it’s his home. It’s so heartwarming and full circle. Also, the whole jelly arms thing that Lockhart does to Harry is just so disgusting. Might be one of the grossest sights of the series. I do have to admit, I let out a chuckle with the whole “grow my bones back” bit due to its pure absurdity. I also thought the Cornish Pixies scene was…interesting. For one, Lockhart is a dick and should have never been allowed to teach children. He literally let CHILDREN handle this? Harry, I get he’s famous for being a powerful baby or whatever, but he barely knows Ron and Hermione. Why them three? And second, it was hilarious for multiple reasons. One; the fact that Hermione, a 12-year-old, could figure out how to stop the Cornish Pixies and not a fully grown wizard, really honing in on how dumb Lockhart really is (how the hell is he a Ravenclaw?), of course Hermione, a child, can do a spell a grown wizard can’t even think of. What an icon. And two; I did let out a chuckle for some reason when Harry whack a Pixie with a book to get it off of Hermione’s hair and when the Pixie stole Lockhart’s wand, karma’s a bitch. Also, LOL at that post-credit scene of post-obliviated Lockhart and his next ‘book’ “Who Am I?” with his moving cover image having him in a straitjacket. Also, can we talk about how Potter did a post-credits scene before they were cool? Once again showing how Harry Potter was ahead of its time in many ways. If there is an upside to Lockhart getting obliviated besides getting him out of Hogwarts was that Ron finally got to get a wand that chose him, not just a hand-me-down wand, which I can assume as everything he seems to have is a hand-me-down, which Draco cruelly points out. I also liked how this film began to explore the similarities between Harry and Voldemort. How they are both orphans and both speak Parseltongue. I also really liked that Dumbledore asking Tom Riddle in the past and Harry in the present “is there anything you wish to tell me?” and they both answer “no, sir. nothing,” and Dumbledore replying “very well,” only enforcing this comparison. However, it also showed us how different they are, Tom Riddle uses Harry’s kindness and relationships against him, with Hagrid and Ginny particularly (honestly when you look at it this way, it’s actually not surprising that he eventually developed romantic feelings for Ginny). However, Harry uses his pure nerve and determination to stop Tom Riddle once and for all. Also, the voice cracks Ron has as he says “they’re heading to the dark forest” and “why spiders? Why couldn’t be ‘follow the butterflies’?” was just so great. So committed and natural. So fearful and anxious. So genuine and authentic. And most importantly, so hilarious. Also, LOL at the Weasleys being so nonchalant about Harry missing Diagon Alley when he first used Floo Powder. Like, he’s a child and the target of so many dangerous things. Why aren’t they more worried? Why are all weird modes of transportation so dirty and violent? Also, why are Weasleys so dirty after using Floo Powder, but the Malfoys and Lockhart, who no doubt use similar systems aren’t? Because they can afford to clean their fireplaces? That’s the only reason I can think of because the trio doesn’t look dirty like that after they use the Floo Network to escape the Ministry in Part 1? Although it’s a little too soon for a callback, I do love how the first time Hermione sees Harry again, she fixes his glasses like she did when they first met and Harry says both times “gotta remember that one (yeah, Harry, you really do. Especially in this film where Hermione is barely there).” Also, that shot of Harry after the Basilisk passes him showing how far down the tunnels of the Chamber go is so cool and looks really symbolic because it looks like an eye at the end, watching Harry. Daniel Radcliffe’s acting alongside Dobby was also so good, especially for child actor acting off something that was clearly CGI (and pretty decent CGI for the time period). This movie has a lot of emphasis on eye imagery symbolism just like Azkaban uses a lot of time and clock imagery and symbolism, with all those close-ups of Harry’s face as he bursts his eyes open. It’s symbolic because of how the Basilisk’s eyes kill and petrify with just a glance, and how Harry always has eyes on him, as not only is he the Boy Who Lived, but in this film, he is rumored to be the Heir of Slytherin as well, despite being the baby to defeat Voldemort, the real heir of Slytherin and a Gryffindor. Also, the way that literally all of Gryffindor house is at Harry’s bedside after the Quidditch game from hell, Hermione, Ron, Dean, Semus, Colin, Neville, the Twins, even Oliver, who also crashes, and Harry is just content and happy, meanwhile, Draco is moaning in his bed with only Crabbe, Goyle and two other at his bedside, not even Lucius who was at the game. That is such a great representation of Draco’s insecurity and why he hates Harry so much, he’s jealous. This film also brings up the interesting idea of what would Harry’s arc be like if he was placed in Slytherin. He’s ambitious but would being surrounded by Slytherins make him overly ambitious? He’s independent, but would he come even more isolated? It seems like if he was put in Slytherin, Harry would have relished in all the worst parts of himself, unlike Draco, whose best attributes like his determination to succeed are celebrated in Slytherin. Also LOL at Ron and Hermione being so grossed out by the Polyjuice Potion that they simply drop and smash their cup and run to the toilet to puke. Not even Hermione gives a crap about leaving evidence, that’s how you know it’s bad. I also feel so bad for Hermione. She did something so impressive for her age, by brewing the complicated Polyjuice Potion and while her friends got to reap the benefits of her success, she was stuck as a humanoid cat. It was humorous but pitiful. This especially sucks as the boys are always freaking out while Hermione, being the badass woman she is, always swoops in and saves the day. This movie is the only one where the boys really have to fend for themselves, although Hermione is still the key to their success. At least Hermione didn’t overreact when it went wrong, she was patient, sacrificial and mature, which makes the situation even more unfortunate because Hermione deserved to bask in her success. I am also impressed by how well one of the ADRs for the Polyjuice Potion sequence was, especially with technology at the time being so new and how complex the whole concept of Polyjuice is as an actor. Also, LOL at Ron running into Percy in the hallway while Polyjuice’d as Crabbe (him saying “I’m a prefect” so holier-than-thou. Like, shut up! Does he not realize he’s a student too?). Also, LOL at Draco accusing Crabbe and Goyle of “pigging out in the Great Hall all this time” and Crabbe-Ron nodding nervously. So, is Draco also a bully to his friends? And then Draco calls out Goyle’s glasses and he looks at him suspiciously and is like “I didn’t know you could read,” and Goyle-Harry nods and Draco smirks. While hilarious, it is kind of bittersweet because it shows how Draco doesn’t really have true friends, unlike the trio and the Gryffindors. This scene also shows that Draco bullies all the Weasleys, not just Ron. I wish we could have seen Ginny stand up to him at school, not just her withering glare at him in Flourish and Blotts. Lucius manages to insult Weasley’s economic status and blood acceptance all in one go. However, by the end of the series, this is humiliating for Lucius because, despite the Weasleys’ poor upbringing, their capacity or love and kindness is what helps them (or at least most of them unfortunately) survive, and not just physically, but emotionally. The Malofys are left embarrassed and shame,d while the Weasleys have nothing to fear, they are saddened due to Fred’s death, but are still the kind and good people they have always been, and this time that is combined with strength and heroism. I also loved how Snape defended Harry and his friends when they were caught red-handed by the Heir of Slytherin’s message and then quickly (somewhat) took it back. I was so petty and so very Snape. Also, LOL at Draco teasing Harry at the beginning of the film, calling Ginny his girlfriend as a cruel nudge, when he was actually predicting the future since Ginny and Harry would end up together (It makes the look Draco and Harry, with Ginny in tow, exchange at Platform Nine and Three Quarters in the Epilogue that much more ironic. Maybe Draco was a secret Divination prodigy because it was oddly prophetic). Also, LOL at Hermione fixing Harry’s glasses in Chamber the first time she sees Harry again just like she did the first time she met him in Stone. It’s a bit too soon for a callback, but it was really sweet, and yes Harry, you do need to remember that one. Also, Harry telling Ginny “it’s just a memory” after both of them are saved in the Chamber of Secrets, is so sweet and ironic. Sweet, because it’s the first true moment this couple shared and they are really the only two who understand and ironic because, just like Hermione and Ron’s first kiss, their first full conversation and because it was just a memory because the fact that Ginny was possessed was never talked about again, just how Harry destroyed the diary and saved her. making her seem more like a damsel in distress than a victim. Ron and the Twins are such great friends. They risked getting in huge trouble (not that the Twins would care) by stealing the flying car to personally remove Harry from his toxic environment and celebrate his birthday. That’s true friendship. That’s family. This scene cements Harry being an honorary Weasley, made official when he marries Ginny (which based on how forced their relationship is in the film feels like it is only for convenience’s sake to make Harry a Weasley as she’s the only girl, when from what I’ve heard in the books, it’s much more natural). Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint’s performances in this film were fantastic. They were more dynamic and bouncy. I think besides Phoenix for Radcliffe and Part 1 for Grint, this film has some of the best work of the series. This film had a lot of really well-acted moments for the trio with various adult members of the cast, however the most layered, dynamic and well-acted scene of the whole film was at the ending between Dumbledore, Harry and Lucius in Dumbledore’s office. Lucius’ reaction to Voldemort’s name was so well done and his reaction to Dumbledore holding the diary and Dobby tugging on Harry’s robes and eyeing Malfoy, having him put the pieces together about Malfoy, was so good. And of course, Harry frees Dobby and Harry responds to Lucius’ sarcastic “let us hope that Mr. Potter always be around to save the day” comment by saying saying “don’t worry, I will” were just good (it also encapsulated the series so well).Those moments were so well-acted, especially the “Mr. Potter always be around to save the day” exchange. From what my friends say, there was a lot of improvisation in the office scene too, with those two lines being improvised (“let us hope that Mr. Potter always be around to save the day” said Lucius and Harry replies “don’t worry, I will”, impressively enough, as it shows just how good and in tune with his character Radcliffe was at such a young age as this is only the 2nd film in the franchise) and Lucius kicking Dobby being improvised too. The freeing Dobby scene was also well-done, and showed off Harry’s intuition, smarts and bravery (Honestly, Hermione would have been so proud of him for how cunning he was in this scene). He puts the sock in the diary, he shoves the book into Malfoy’s hand knowing Malfoy would be superior and ignorant enough to hand it to his servant, retroactively freeing Dobby, all while exposing how he put the diary in Ginny’s cauldron at Diagon Alley after Dobby helped him put the pieces together. I also love how confidently Harry confronts Malfoy, showing how much he has grown in such a short amount of time, and also how much understanding he now has for the Wizarding World. Lucius’ rage-fueled, childish trantrum-like reaction “YOU LOST ME MY SERVANT” was also great. The specificity Jason Isaacs had in this movie, in his portrayal and in his characterization of Lucius was so good. Although, did Lucius literally almost use Avada Kedavra on a literal child, the same age as his own son? That’s the moment he officially went downhill. I mean in this movie, he was the cold, intimidating wealthy villain, but in all the other movies he was a cowardly, insufferable follower. At least Dobby got his revenge on Lucius by throwing him back and saving Harry (his little sassy arm-crossed nod was so cute). Funny how Lucius’ most badass scene was his own house elf taking him down. Also, Dobby promising Harry not to save his life ever again and then keeping his promise in Part 1 and that promise being what ultimately causes Dobby’s death, it’s just so heartbreaking. Another one of the most well-acted scenes in this whole film was the scene between Tom Riddle and Harry in the Chamber of Secrets where Tom finally reveals his true identity. It was also so well-written with the line “Voldemort is my past, present and future” and showing how Lord Voldemort is an anagram. It was really smart and dynamic. I loved Daniel Radcliffe’s snarky smile when he says “I bet Dumbledore saw through you.” However, LOL at Harry called Dumbledore the greatest sorcerer in the world. More like the greatest liar in the world. At least that ironic proclamation called Fawkes, is the only thing that can really help Harry and Tom Riddle did have one of his dreams come true, becoming a wizard whose name everyone was too scared to speak. And I wish Tom Riddle was right about how Dumbledore was run out of the castle due to the memory of him and fear of his return, and not because the school board hated him and was trying to manipulate a way to fire him. Either way, Dumbledore is still a selfish coward for abandoning his students. Although, I do appreciate the foreshadowing of the line “Dumbledore will never be gone. Not as long as those who remain are loyal to him.” But honestly, one of Harry’s dumbest decisions of the entire series was to leave his wand on the ground far away from him when he runs to Ginny’s cold body in the Chamber, readily available for Tom Riddle to snatch. At least he learned his lesson, because in the future films, he held onto his wand for dear life. In Chamber, Wright’s eyes are the window to her soul. They tell you everything you need to know. She’s aware of her surroundings and impulsive. It’s clear that when given the chance, she can handle what is given, but nothing is ever given to her that is meaningful and purposeful in the future, and that just does a disservice to both the actor and the character. Also, Daniel Radcliffe’s reactive, impulsive and specific acting with Dobby, who was clearly CGI was so good, especially for a kid. It really felt like Dobby was there with Harry, not just CGI. As good and innocent as his performance was in Stone, you can clearly see how much comfort he has gotten in the time between the first and second films. Also, LOL at Ginny throwing Voldemort’s soul down the toilet. Ginny being the one to open the Chamber of Secrets was a good choice that I didn’t see coming, especially since they had established her as so shy, especially around Harry who is in every scene. She is a young girl, the only daughter in her family and the youngest for that matter, which makes her underestimated and an easy target. Therefore, I didn’t see it coming, but after finding it out, it made a lot of sense and was a really good choice. Also, part of why this film is so low, besides the central motif of snakes, is because of how, as riveting as the mystery is, the resolution doesn’t make any sense. How does the Basilisk travel from the Chamber of Secrets to the rest of the school through the pipes if plumbing didn’t exist 1,000 years ago? How does the Basilisk petrify or kill students since the walls into the castle are stone? How does it poke it’s head out? Literally just what are the logistics of how the Basilisk works? It got to the point where it was honestly distracting (at least until the riveting Tom Riddle-Harry Potter confrontation. I couldn’t look away form that) because I was like ‘this makes no sense.’ And I don’t blame Hermione. I just hope this is better explained in the book. Also, I understand that at this point in the franchise when it’s still innocent and adventurous, having a student die would be a bit harsh (and also make Cedric’s death far less impactful), however, I find it a little too easy that no student died due to the Basilisk. Like how convenient. Having someone die always makes the stakes that much grander, so while it was a fun mystery, it didn’t have as high of stakes until Ron’s sister was taken (honestly, Hermione merely getting petrified was more of an obstacle for Harry rather than something that grows the stakes). Also, how the Prologue score from the first film, that played during the letter montage, is also sued in this film, particularly in the Weasleys rescuing Harry scene. That score just exemplifies 90s witchy charm, it’s so wonderous and great. I wish we got to hear Mr. Weasley’s conversation with Hermione’s Muggle parents during the Flourish & Blotts scene. That must have been such a hilarious conversation. I also love how we get to see Hermione interact with her parents in that Flourish & Blotts scene, even though they don’t actually speak. I mean, Hermione was only outside and they still hug her and help her with their books. You can tell how much they love their daughter, which makes her obliviating their memories to protect them later on that much sadder. Also, Harry’s smile as Mrs. Weasley’s maternally wipes off his robes while relieved that he is alright (also LOL because clearly, they didn’t try that hard to look for him even though it was his first time using Floo Powder). I also thought it was so funny how Mrs. Weasley kept fixing and priming her hair as Lockhart walks out and begins to talk (and LOL at Ron “mom fancies him” and Mrs. Weasley hitting him). I also love the use of dutch angles (crooked, diagonal framing in shots) in this film. It really helped with the mysterious, ominous and spooky tone. Also, LOL at the first thing Hermione says after she reunites with the boys being like “I can’t believe you solved it.” Her faith in these boys is so low. Also, I don’t know how Lockhart won that “most charming smile” award. No offense to the actor but his smile isn’t that great, especially when compared to how adorable Radcliffe, Grint and Watson’s smiles are, even as adults. Also, I love that they shot Hermione’s reunion with the boys. How Ron pops his head out first then Harry. It’s not only so adorable, encapsulating the innocence, friendship and child-like wonder of the first two films, but it also hilariously foreshadowing Harry about to become a third wheel in his own series (which is cemented by how Hermione hugs Harry like a brother and awkwardly shakes Ron’s hand). Also, LOL at Hermione stoping the bewitched Bludger when there are so many upperclassmen and professors around who don’t. She’s a productive, protective badass from the get-go. Also, LOL at Harry’s reaction to Floo Powder, and also the Weasleys’ reactions, who are used to it. Also, is it just me, or does the Floo Powder, the look of doing it, remind you of the Wizard of Oz? Fame and attention is also interesting theme brought up in this film. Lockhart is obviously their most famous DADA teacher. Harry’s story is legendary. They’re the famous story about the Chamber of Secrets. Draco is jealous of Harry’s fame, which he thinks he’s more entitled to as a wealthy Pureblood. Dobby and Colin Creevey fan-boy when they are in Harry’s presence. This film continues throughout all the films, most prominently later on in Goblet, but its a major player and something at stake in this film, which I think is very interesting. Also, LOL at Hagrid’s ‘subtlety’ while telling Harry and Ron to follow the spiders while they were under the Invisibility Cloak while Hagrid was escorted out of his hut. Also, LOL at Snape’s moody arm-crossed walk onto the dueling runway like a angsty teenager. Also, LOL at the idea of having to grow your bones back. Also, LOL at tactless Ron telling Myrtle that if someone threw something at her it would go right through her, despite Hermione’s warning about her sensitivity. This is prove when Myrtle punches through Ron’s stomach and head after saying this during her immature little tantrum (also this was proven later in Azkaban as Nearly Headless Nick walks straight through Dean Thomas). Also, is it just me or did that Ron and Hermione’s awkward handshake, that awkwardness, it comes out of nowhere, right? This movie also shows us the Weasley home and our first wizard household. It’s so fascinating to see. The location clock. The self-knitting needles and self-cleaning dishes. It’s exactly what you’d expect and so, so, so charming. It only makes you love your family more. I loved the scene in Hagrid’s hut after Draco calls Hermione a Mudblood and Ron tells him to “eat slugs” in her defense. Hagrid can relate to Hermione being called a Mudblood as he’s a half-giant (right? as he is a giant, but also can do magic as seen with the pink umbrella), who no doubt also gets discriminated against (also, the irony that Hagrid says that there isn’t a wizard alive who isn’t half blood or less, with pureblood Ron literally puking right there). Emma Watson’s performance in that scene was really well done. It had so many layers, with her going from sadness to anger to disappointment to shame to joy, which is very impressive for an actor at her young age. The scene was also so well-balanced, with Ron’s puking in the corner not being too distracting from Hermione’s vulnerability and Hagrid explaining what pureblood prejudice is and trying to cheer up Hermione, which says a lot about how well-written and well-directed this important scene is because it could have easily fallen flat with one wrong directorial, dialogue or acting choice. This was also one of my favorite Hagrid scenes of the whole series. I love how he says “they’ve yet to think of a spell our Hermione can’t do,” as a reference to her then, and always, being the best at spells among the trio, and she gives a big, sweet, thankful smile in return. It was a great moment. Also, LOL at Hagrid’s solution, not to bring him to Madame Pomfrey, but to just sit and wait for Ron to stop puking. The trio’s reunion is adorable too. Harry and Hermione’s run-into-each-other’s-arms hug was so sweet, and Ron and Hermione’s awkward handshake was cute (but admittedly came out of nowhere. We go no clues before this way too on-the-nose one that they had crushes on each other. It was adorable and a cute beginning to their slow-burn romance, but the awkwardness came out of nowhere. But at least it made Hermione grabbing Ron’s hand in the Buckbeak scene in the following film make more sense. This was the fastest part of their slow burn because it came out nowhere). I also love how Harry gives Hermione her well-deserved credit. He does the same in the latter movies. His humility is balanced with confidence as the movies go on, but his humility always dominates. He’s such a good protagonist. Also, this has to be mentioned, but Tom Felton looked significantly older than himself in the prior film (like, honestly, at least two years older, not one) as well as the rest of the child cast, who looks maybe a few months older then themselves in the Sorcerer’s Stone (but that’s mostly, I think, due to evolving their hairstyling and re-styling their uniforms). However, I think this worked well because him towering over the other characters worked for his bully persona as a character. The only other child character that seemed age as significantly as Draco is Ginny AKA Bonnie Wright. Also, can we talk about how Holocaust-like Salazar Slytherin’s idea (specifically in Chamber of Secrets) of cleansing Hogwarts of Muggle-borns, basically saying some people belong in the magical world and others don’t that’s so effed up? However, their insecurities of Hermione, even though she seems proud to be Muggle-born but not naive about it, show how her work ethic is in some way rooted in her having to prove her worthiness to study magic. However, Hermione also just has a hard-working personality, but because of this prejudice, thank goodness she does, as she proves so many people wrong with her skills and smarts. I love how fascinated Harry is when he visits the Burrow for the first time. The wonder as he looks at the dishes magically self-cleaning and the self-knitting needles. The clock has moving photos of all the Weasley kids showing their locations like home, school, Qudiditch and even prison and mortal peril (I’m guessing all of them were pointed there during Hallows). He’s amazed and mesmerized, which a big smile. And then Ron eats a roll and says “it’s not much, but it’s home” and Harry says meaningfully “I think it’s brilliant,” showing how it’s not riches that matter to Harry, it’s the simple things; family, friends and love. Also, LOL at Ron and the Twins looking down at their rolls and hiding them behind their backs when Mrs. Weasleys runs to and hollers “where have you been?’ I also love how Hagrid gives Hermione her rightful credit too when he comes back from Azkaban. I also love how the last line in the film is Harry saying “It’s not Hogwarts without you, Hagrid,” and then that comes full circle in Azkaban when Hagrid actually becomes an official professor, cementing his place in the Hogwarts community. Harry saving Ginny in Chamber was also great foreshadowing for their romance. between that and the Chamber being where Ron and Hermione have their long-awaited first kiss, it seems Salazar Slytherin’s place of evil is actually oddly and ironic romantic. Also, the way Draco is angrier at that Mandrake for biting his finger (also, LOL at his arrogance for stupidly putting his finger inside a Mandrake’s mouth), than he is at Harry or anyone in this entire series. Literally, the chemistry between Tom Felton and that fictional plant is electric, it’s hilarious. The fact that they nailed the destroying the diary scene before the rest of the books were written. It set a great precedent for the future quality and success of the film franchise as it set up vital plot points for the future in the fifth, sixth and final two films. Also, the special effects when Harry gets pulled out of Tom Riddle’s diary is probably one of the worst special effects moments of the series, TBH. Also, Harry literally shoots out of that diary and almost falls back out of the chair. That must have taken a million takes. Also, LOL at Harry scaring Hermione by telling her that in the month it takes to brew Polyjuice that Malfoy would be able to kill half the Muggle-borns in the school by then. However, her response is very brave. She could just be helpless, but at least she’s showing patience and taking action. It’s very admirable. Also, the scene at the beginning of Chamber when Harry looks at the book Hagrid gave him at the end of Stone and he sees the moving photos of him as a baby with his parents and of him with Ron and Hermione laughing and then each photo is reflected in his glasses in a closeup of his eyes (his mother’s eyes). The moment, especially the shot with the reflection of both photos on his glasses, is so symbolic, meaningful and beautiful. I am not a horror movie fan. I like more campy horror or horror comedy like American Horror Story, Scream Queens, Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, but not true horror films like The Conjuring and Insidious. And with a huge fear of mine being snakes, this movie is definitely one of the scariest films I have ever seen as this is the film where snakes play the biggest role. I am not as scared of spiders, but I don’t like them, and the use of them in this film as well also makes it that much more scarier. And on top of all of that, there is a terrifying, deadly mystery going on now which makes things even scarier, especially since these are kids who we have just started to fall in love with. The politics and classism of the Wizarding World are also introduced in this film and further expanded upon in Phoenix. Part of the reason why this film is so terrifying is that the reason why these particular students are being targeted is over things they can’t control, their blood status, which majorly affects the way wizard society treats them. It’s an interesting parallel to real life that’s just plain terrifying and horrible. And Radcliffe’s very matter-of-fact delivery of “I’ll be in my bedroom making no noise and pretending that I don’t exist” is just so perfect. It’s very relatable while also being very unintentionally funny, which makes you feel happy, but “sad about it.” It’s the same thing when Ron is pleading with Harry during the Aragog scene and Harry turns to Ron and says a frustrated “what?” it’s unintentionally funny in its domineeringness due to the crazy circumstances, and also showcases Harry’s confidence so well. Also, Draco’s grand reveal of being Slytherin’s new seeker was a little comedic, as you can clearly see his bleach-blonde hair during the wide shot of the two teams walking up to each other, making that grand reveal more comical than ominous. I also love Hermione’s smirk after she says “no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way, they got in on pure talent.” Way to call out privilege and nepotism Hermione! I love seeing a young girl put a bullying boy in their place, especially in defense of a friend, in this case, Ron’s unhealthy upbringing. It is also made even more badass due to how Draco responds in the simplest, cruelest and most calculated way he could, physically turning to look Hermione right in the eye, silent for a few beats, ten puncturing in the same he has seen his father puncture so many other, by calling her a “filthy little Mudblood.” Also, Snape is a bit more visibly expressive in this movie (which honestly, given how little he gets to do, I think is mostly just Rickman being his brilliant self and just trying to have fun with his portrayal as Snape. Even experiment and see what kind of things work and don’t, but honestly, every instinct he has is just brilliant). Between that eyebrow raise at Harry (one of the actor’s signature mannerisms, further proving how perfectly cast he is in this role) when he can tell that Harry just lied to him after the first Heir of Slytherin message is found, how visibly angry he is at Harry and Ron when they fly the Ford Anglia to school and when he smirks questionably at Lockhart and puts his hands in a questionable gesture when he suggests Malfoy to duel Harry instead of Ron. Also the think the scene when Snape questions the trio about first Heir of Slytherin message, in my opinion, mirrors the scene when he confronts them in the corridor scene in Stone as Hermione still can’t lie to a teacher and Harry covers for all of them bravely against Snape. Also, LOL at Harry not giving two craps about how terrified Ron is in the Aragog scene, just focused on getting answers from Aragog. That’s very Hermione of him. Also, LOL at Snape, after lecturing Ron and Harry over the flying car, him pointing to Harry and Ron when Dumbledore walks in as if he were a tattling child saying “these boys flouted the Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry.” I love how angsty Snape is in this movie. It’s such a mood. Also, while that call back in Hermione’s first scene in this film to her first scene in the first film where she fixes Harry’s glasses the same way is cute, I personally think it’s too soon for a callback like that, especially one so on the nose (also, did ever actually remember that spell because he doesn’t seem to actually need it in the future, LOL). Also, LOL, did Ron really use Muggle tape to fix his broken wand? I there not a wand repairer at this magic school? How did he get Muggle tape? Also, that was such an unnecessarily grand entrance to Dumbledore’s office, when McGonagall walks Harry to it, my gosh. Dumbledore does not deserve that. Also, LOL at McGonagall’s ‘yeah right’ smirk to Lockhart when he said that he knew the countercurse that could have saved Mrs. Norris. All these professors could see right through Lockhart and see that he was a fraud (even Dumbledore leans his head in a condescending way stares at him like ‘yeah sure’ during this). Why wasn’t there a scene with the professors questioning Dumbledore’s judgment in hiring him? You KNOW McGonagall was interrogating him every day about the decision to hire Lockhart. Draco’s little smirk right before he begins to duel Harry, he is so excited and thrilled, while Harry is just so confident and fierce, not scared or angry, just determined, shown before the send a spell at one another or even before Draco says “scared Potter?” and Harry replies “you wish.” Also, LOL at Ron saying that it’s annoying how Ginny has been talking about Harry all summer. Ron really can’t take a hint. Such a boy! Also, I love the way Daniel Radcliffe smiles as he says “I bet Dumbledore saw right through you” to Tom Riddle. It was a good opposite choice and shows how much more comfortable he is acting-wise and in his character. Also, LOL at Mr. Weasley working in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office while also committing that exact same ‘crime.’ No wonder he got in trouble with Ron using the flying car. Now we know where the Weasleys get their rebellious spirit! Man, I wish we got to see the Twins, Percy, Neville and Hermione’s reactions from the train through the window and afterward of Harry and Ron using the flying car to get to Hogwarts. The Twins would be so jealous. Percy would probably have the same reaction as his mom. Neville would be impressed. While Hermione would just be happy they are safe and didn’t get expelled. Such a missed opportunity! Also, LOL at the first ever Floo Powder scene going so wrong for Harry and the reactions of the Weasleys watching it happen from their fireplace are so intense and difficult, while every time it’s used in future films, it’s so normal. Harry gets used to that awfully fast. I also enjoyed the parallel of the scene in Snape’s office after the Ford Anglia incident where Snape is furious and how the two boys think they are getting expelled, but don’t, then later after the Chamber of Secrets incident where Dumbledore is calmly and seemingly angry with them (Ron looks hilariously terrified then) and again they are sure they would be expelled, but in reality, Dumbledore is proud of them (he’s completely okay with child endangerment). It’s a great parallel or microcosm of how different Dumbledore and Snape are and how unlikely their later alliance is. It really begs the question, what does it take to get expelled from Hogwarts (obviously Harry only gets expelled temporarily in Phoenix because Fudge is out to get him)? The scene in Dumbledore’s office also just shows how perfect Harris is in this role. The way he says all those angry, accusatory lines to Ron and Harry so calmly and casually. Harris’ line delivery during the scene this scene was also brilliant. This way of delivering Dumbledore’s lines makes him feel wiser and God-like the way Gambon does it. Gambon also made Dumbledore more like Snape with his quickness and sharpness. Harris showed how polar opposite Dumbledore and Snape are, while Gambon was more in the middle. Also, the fact that Harry and Ron got special awards while Hermione, who literally was the one to find out the key piece of information (what the monster is and how it travels) while still comatose, doesn’t get any credit from Dumbledore? Yeah, that’s fair. Like, what does Dumbledore have against Hermione? She deserves the honor too. At least, Harry, Ron and Hagrid give her the credit she deserves. I also love how Dumbledore started the applause for Hagrid, then McGonagall, the professor Hagrid is most opposite from, then the trio and then the school (all while Malfoy is bitter). I can imagine some might say it was a cheesy ending, but I think it worked well for the innocent place the series was somewhat still at during this point in time. It also was great to have a lighthearted ending after a somewhat dark murder mystery-esque storyline. The thing is, why was there no foreshadowing that it was Ginny who opened the Chamber? She never tried to confess to Ron or Harry. There were never any “Ginny is acting weird” comments. Nothing. That would have made the mystery work even better, I think. Also, Madame Pomfrey and Professor Sprout had their biggest work and screentime in this film, and that deserves to be mentioned and deserve more credit. The ending scene is also so charming. Its the perfect ending not just for the film and for Hagrid, with him, finally getting the love and recognition he deserves, but it’s also perfect for saying goodbye to the more innocent, wondrous, storybook films. It’s beautiful, visceral and heartwarming. Overall, the stakes rose significantly in this film. It got a little darker and it was the first time there was a confirmed danger, not an assumed danger. This film was also less of an introduction (obviously) and instead have events that would remain relevant throughout all the rest of the movies. It was also Richard Harris’ film swan song. RIP!
6. Goblet of Fire
This film was by far the most energetic film of the whole series, tonally, and also because it was the most action-packed film in the series (which is ironic because, much like dystopian and sci-fi, I usually hate stuff in the action-adventure genre). It was a theatrical, bombastic extravaganza, but it also had a mature sophistication and darker complexity to it that showed just how far the young actors, the young characters and the series itself has come. It was the biggest turning point of the series. Gone were the innocent, risky adventures and here come the truly life-or-death stakes. These films were always about good vs. evil, but now they also became about life and death, despite it’s adventurous, spirited central storyline. This film’s storyline is also far more sophisticated and matures for a children’s film (and also in its dialogue with students saying words like “loquacious” even if that student is a brainiac like Hermione). I think its tone has a lot to do with that well-done balance with it being both fun and high-stakes.The young wizards finally saw how truly dangerous it is to be a wizard with the Triwizard Tournament and Cedric Diggory’s tragic death. It was also the most epic in my opinion, even more so than the finale, dare I say. This is because of the sports games, the tournament, the Yule Ball, and two more schools joining the film. This film also expanded the world more then any other film so far in the series. We were introduced to the Wizarding World on an International level and got to know more about how the Ministry works. The tournament itself reminded me of the Family Wizard Competition in Wizard of Waverly Place. We also got introduced to the evilness of the world through the introduction of Death Eaters and Unforgivable Curses, which makes sense for the age the trio was at in these films. But really, Harry really can’t catch a break, man. He thinks, with the Triwizard Tournament, finally someone else can be the center of attention, after a Chamber of Terror and the hysteria of a mass murderer in his two previous years. However, he’s Harry Potter, the titular character, and until the Dark Lord is really defeated, that will never happen, and hence; he becomes the unprecedented fourth champion in the Tournament. While it was fairly obvious in one way or another that Harry would be forced to participate in the Triwizard Tournament, the way the actors played the stakes so convincingly and it clear that anything could happen. With the teen drama and Yule Ball, this film was a last hurrah of sorts in terms of having a lighter tone, but the true unexpected turn was how Voldemort, with the help of Barty Crouch Jr. masterminded the whole thing, making this movie for from a fun adventure to a dark thriller. This film is the most blockbuster-y in the already blockbuster series as this film basically centered around the Wizard Hunger Games (“people die in this tournament”). One complaint I have about this film is that we had to see Voldemort’s disgusting feet. Like, was it really such an ordeal for Wormtail to get Voldemort some shoes? I mean, props to the makeup team for the attention to detail, but honestly, just ew. And his nails too, are disgusting. Honestly, it probably made me so uncomfortable because of how inhuman and reptile-like Voldemort’s appearance is and how Fiennes’ plays him, so maybe my discomfort is the whole point. Also, Voldemort having the hateful audacity to step on Cedric’s face (ew) AFTER he ordered Wormtail to kill him, like SCREW YOU! Also, LOL at Voldemort saying “Harry, I almost forgot you were here,” like he didn’t us his followers to manipulate the entire plot of the movie. Although, his preceding quotes of “word is you are almost as famous as me these days” show his arrogance and “I can touch you now” is slightly comedic and cringy. I love a good school dance, and finally seeing these kids let loose and dress up, even Ron (lol), was wonderful. Also, it was fun to gain some insight into what Wizarding pop culture looks like their the rock band that played at the Ball. It was the perfect balance of character-driven storytelling and grandeur and spectacle. This movie, to me, also marked the transition from kids to teenagers for all the students we have come to love in the three previous films. It was the start of Harry Potter becoming more of a coming-of-age film series and less of a children’s story, which as someone who loves some good teen drama, I absolutely loved. The coming-of-age aspects of this film were some of my favorite parts, from asking girls to the dance to the cliquey teen angst of Harry versus Cedric (the Potter Sucks buttons were so accurate it hurts). It was endearing to see that even the famous Harry Potter still gets awkward, unremarkably so, which is rarely seen from a heroic character. It makes the hero relatable and empathetic, instead of larger-than-life, which was a smart choice, being that it’s a series for kids. I also loved Hermione’s ugly duckling, Cinderella-esque transformation. I mean, I may not have loved the dress choice or the hairstyle, and Emma Watson is gorgeous no matter what, but it was such a great and well-acted moment. Every girl has that moment and dreams of that moment, when the people closest to her stop seeing them as a child and starts seeing them as a mature young women. I also loved how outspoken and confident she is by saying to Ron “next time there’s a ball pluck up the courage to ask me before somebody else does.” It was also a great example of adolescent miscommunication. Hermione had her Cinderella moment, a night she has such high expectations for, and Ron was ruining it (I can relate). It was also great to see a young woman so self-assured, especially with how bossy and smart-ass she was in this film, she didn’t seem to care if people were making fun of her about it. I loved seeing that confident side of her because it’s very relatable to young women. Also, when she wakes Harry and Ron up in the beginning of the film, warned the Weasley twins that the aging potion won’t work and when she told Harry and Ron to go to bed at the Yule Ball. It was such a realistic depiction of female adolescent anger, especially in a world where women are told not to be angry, and when we are, whether its through sleep deprivation to genuine rage, we (as teens) don’t know how to handle it, especially when that rage stems from a newly formed crush (a crush on Ron in Hermione’s case, and she, and Ron too, don’t know how to handle it). Emma Watson did a great job portraying that anger with layers of sadness and lost hope as well. Why don’t Krum, Fleur and Cedric actually have a personality? Fleur seems like she’s a sweeter version of Pansy Parkison, but still with a holier-then-thou attitude. These Queen Bee vibes are shown in a shot during the scene where Harry says he’d rather fight a dragon then ask a girl out when she’s leading a pack of girls through the courtyard. However, she is clearly a kinder Queen Bee, just authoritative and very, very French, it seems. Krum seems tough and brawny, but a bit of a cocky nut too. He seems cocky from the way he acted at the World Cup, but also that could be some sports spiritedness that si just foreign to me as someone who hates sports. He does seem like a good guy though. I mean, he literally could have taken any girl to the Yule Ball, and he chose Hermione, who definitely wasn’t the coolest girl in school (although she was definitely the coolest girl in the series). And Cedric, while he was the only one who we really got to know, but still not really. He seemed kind, courteous and popular, but besides that we don’t really know him very well. I wish they all got more development. I wish we got to see Harry interact with each of them one-on-one more. Especially Fleur, because despite her being in two more movies after this, we don’t really get to know further, except for seeing her sweeter side when joining the Order after marrying Bill Weasley (which is surprising after she was presented as a judge Queen Bee, because Bill seems very grungy. If anything, she seemed to match Percy more then Bill, which I hate to say because Percy sucks and Fleur is actually intriguing). The direction was also kind of off in this movie. Particularly in the scene where Ginny brings Ron into the common room him looking loopy and he says that he asked Fleur Delacour out (LOL the irony), and he told the story, making it sound calm, casual and nonchalantly, and then Ginny outed him being like “actually he sort of screamed at her.” It seems like it was supposed to be a classic sibling tattletale moment, when really it came off so flat and too serious for how funny the scene was, especially with Ron being like “I’m not cut out for this Harry.” One Hermione scene in this film that I particularly love is the scene where she rolled her eyes and opened a book to read while everyone was watching and cheering on Fred and George’s fight after the Age Line debacle. That was such a mood. I love the “you do you” energy in that moment. I loved it so much, because that’s literally me in so many situations (just with art and drawing instead of reading, although honestly based on how much I love these movies, I am truly considering reading the books which is a big deal for me. However, in order to not give JKR movie I’d probably try and find these iconic and globally beloved books as PDFs online, which I am sure exist knowing the internet). God, I love Hermione so much and relate to her so much. I also love Emma Watson’s sing-songy delivery of “it’s not going to work” in that scene. It reminds me of her know-it-all tendencies from the first film, but with more humor, showing her growth. I also thought it was funny how the band that plays at the Yule Ball is called “The Weird Sisters” when that’s the name of the group of popular mean girls in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I wonder if that was in the comic or it was an homage to Potter. I also loved how they used real British rock stars from Pulp and Radiohead. This film’s pacing is also a bit off, and I think the main reason is that they dragged out the tasks and cut the Quidditch World Cup, which didn’t make it feel well-balanced, especially with how jarring the cuts involving the World Cup and the Golden Egg are. Also, the fact that Lucius swears he didn’t know Voldemort was planning a comeback and yet he was conveniently at the World Cup, which had the first Death Eater attack (I assume) in 13 years, and he swears that his disowning Voldemort was his “true mask” makes no sense to me. It’s a big coincidence to make. It’s just confusing to me. Also, some things within the timeline make no sense. Like why have that sense where the kids watch the other schools arrive, in the daylight (in all the other films, the kids arrive at Hogwarts at night) and then cut to the opening feast where Dumbledore announces the Triwizard Tournament and other schools coming and the students aren’t like ‘oh, that’s what that was’ they are just surprised and oblivious, forgetting what they just watched mere hours ago? It makes nos sense to me. The blocking in the Harry and Hermione bridge scene is a bit weird, what with Hermione jumping over from one side of Harry to another (it doesn’t translate very well that she is trying to get him to look at her with that ultra-tight the close-up and how little we see Harry’s reactions to what Hermione is saying), I did think it was a sweet moment between the two, showing just how much Hermione cares for Harry and how good of a friend she is. But also LOL at Hermione saying he got by the dragons mostly on never, then Harry visibly showing that Hermione is getting on his nerve. I will say, the Moody actually being Crouch Jr. twist was truly shocking and something I did not see coming, though in hindsight is a bit too obvious. It was clear that something was going on with Moody, but I thought it was the Imperius Curse, that the Crouch guy did that to him, not Polyjuice. However, once Snape ridiculed Harry for stealing ingredients, that’s when I sort of started to put the pieces together. However, I thought it was Karkaroff who put Harry’s name in since we literally him sneaking into the room and then saw him go in with Krum, and he was a little too upset about Harry getting his name called. However, that moment of Karkaroff sneaking in just ended up being pointless, just to throw the viewer off in a frankly very lazy way. I also love how the water that runs in the prefect bathroom is each a different color, each the color of a Hogwarts House. I also love how the stained glass windows are animated with the mermaid playing with her hair and the water actually moving. I also appreciated the callback to Chamber and foreshadowing with Myrtle saying she found Polyjuice Potion in a drain the other day. Maxine’s relationship with Hagrid was cute, but honestly, it was so adorable to see that chivalrous lovey-dovey side to Hagrid, who is basically the series’ giant teddy bear. It was so endearing. But honestly, Maxine just seemed stoic, cold and no-nonsense, and not in an intriguing way like Snape, more so in a very eye-roll-inducing and side-eye-inducing cringy way. Ron was particularly infuriating in this film, between his fight with Harry and his mistreatment of Hermione and Padma Patil, making the former cry and the latter feel unwanted, he was just a jerk all around. Also, Ron wasn’t just a jerk to Hermione this movie, he was kind of rude to Neville, especially it came to how he got a date to the Yule Ball before him (and Harry didn’t help this with him being like ‘well he can just take himself,’ that was definitely his James arrogance coming through). At least he got his ass handed to him with Neville’s date being Ron’s little sister. However, Grint being the charming actor he is saved Ron from being completely insufferable due to how hilarious he was in this movie, between his “murder me” request due to his dress robe embarrassment to his insecurity and obliviousness when it comes to finding a Yule Ball date in the study hall scene and Snape smacking him continuously to him saying “Harry, you’ve slayed dragons. if you can’t get a date, who can?”. I also thought Ron making up some elaborate lie to tell Harry about the dragons was such a teenage thing to do. And the way Neville looks at Moody-Crouch when he comes to check on him like he’s literally the last person he wants to see right now and the last thing he wants to do is to have tea with him, but he is a good, polite, obedient person and does what he’s told. I wonder how he felt when he found out it was actually the person who tortured his parents who he had tea with. Matthew Lewis’ performance during this whole Unforgivable Curse sequence and the aftermath on the stairs was so good and shows off how good of a lineless actor he is too because he literally only speaks 4 words in the whole sequence. Like, not only is Neville’s arc great, but Lewis’ arc as an actor from the first film to the last is insane, although the nervousness I am sure he felt during the first film actually worked for his character, which is why his performance in that film is just so charming. I will say, once Harry and Ron get over their fight, especially at the Yule Ball, they are a great comedic duo. They make a very realistic teenage pact to both have dates by the end of the day and they are the definition of how misery loves company while watching their classmates have a blast while they watch from the sidelines all depressed. Then, of course, there is the part before the Yule Ball where Ron is pissed at Harry for his non-hideous robes, telling him to “murder me.” Also, that shot of the Daily Prophet headline “Teenage Tragedy” being consumed by the fire after Harry talks with Sirius. It’s so sad and the double meaning is so symbolic and great foreshadowing. Also, I do have to say that I sort of chuckled at Harry’s stunned “not this sh*t again” face when Crouch Sr. officially declares him a Triwizard champion and then the wide shot of all the teachers all with vastly different expressions, Karkaroff scolding him like a pouty teen, Snape completely speechless, McGonagall terrified, Maxine scared, Dumbledore terrified (LOL), Crouch like “f*ck” and Moody-Crouch just cold. I also loved how Neville had the confidence to be the first boy to get up during dance lessons. And then seeing him so happy and excited, loving to dance. It was great (and a little homophobic in the undertones with Harry and Ron watching awkwardly in the doorway of their dormitory). I also loved how he went with Ginny. Ginny is so sweet to go with him, and it was great so all the Weasley kids could reminisce about it. Also, the opening score music with the Warner Brothers’ logo reminds me of a horror movie, which is fitting for the film’s PG-13, the first time any film in the series was given this rating and due to how traumatizing this film no doubt was for little kids. But also, why must this movie opens with a shot of Nagini? Why?! However, it is pretty smart to foreshadow the graveyard with the winged Grim Reaper (why though?) and the tombstone of Tom Riddle Sr. right in the beginning, especially because we have spent 3 movies opening with Dursleys, so it’s jarring, intriguing and confusing, finally making sense at the very (although, I think it would have made more sense to see Crouch Jr. walking through the graveyard to the abandoned mansion because that Muggle guy literally served zero purpose. We have already seen Voldemort and the Death Eater’s ruthlessness and prejudice, we didn’t need this). Hermione’s bossy side is also shown in this film, between how she wakes up Harry and Ron at the beginning of the film to how she sends Harry and Ron to bed at the Yule Ball. However, while this is seen as a very negative quality in women, especially young women, these situations clearly show Hermione’s security in her emotions. In the beginning of the film, she’s exhausted. It’s clearly very early. And at the Yule Ball, she’s angry and has no shame in expressing it, mostly because it’s 100% justified. Because of this, it makes her confidence in her emotions very inspiring. One thing about this film that I thought was truly criminal, however, was how little they gave to Alan Rickman. The Veritaserum threat scene was like his only big scene, and while it was a great, well-acted scene, especially with Rickman’s delivery of the lines “the use of it on a student is regrettably forbidden” with his perfectly timed eye roll and his precise, piercing articulation as he said “do. not. lie. to. me,” the editing did Rickman’s part of the scene a great disservice, which was very disappointing. Another line he delivered phenomenally was “…we should for the time being let. them. unfold…”, it was just amazing (Also McGonagall’s response by saying “offer him up as bait? Potter is a boy, not a piece of meat?” foreshadowing that that’s exact what Dumbledore has been planning to do with Harry all along and Snape’s line when he finds that out. Literally had me yelling “one more time for the people in the back!” If only McGonagall knew. She always put the safety of her students first. She was always so protective of them). However, when he was on screen he took full advantage, from his controlled anger to his subtle eye rolls. Also, the scene itself foreshadowed Umbridge’s use of it, which I thought was clever. Although, I do love how it’s Snape who first notices the Goblet of Fire acting weird during the, what should I call it, reaping scene (like in The Hunger Games? I mean, this movie really does give off wizard Hunger Games vibes), not to mention his controlled and hidden fear as he looks at Harry as Harry walks up by after his name is called, and how him and Harry eye each other when they discover it was Moody-Crouch stealing the Polyjuice Potion ingredients. I also liked Rickman’s menacing stare and use of the wand prop when watching Crouch as McGonagall alerts Azkaban and Snape was a total comedian in that study hall scene between eavesdropping behind his book to pulling up his sleeves to harrass Harry and Ron (love his flair for the dramatic). However, Snape being the first to notice that the Goblet of Fire is acting weird was a brilliant choice and such great foreshadowing. Also, his face when Harry walks past him after his name being chosen, his complete terror (for Lily’s son, especially because that POV shot has him looking into her eyes) and anxiety hidden behind his cold-stone shock, it’s brilliant. Also, McGonagall’s maternal and concerned pat on Harry’s back, ugh it’s just so painful. Also, the fact that Snape says that they should “let them unfold” in regard to letting Harry compete in the Triwizard Tournament, only for it to cause him more stress by it being the reason Voldemort comes back. But seriously, how could he know? Also, the subtle-but-not-so-subtle hints about Polyjuice Potion were very well done as they were given to the right people. Snape is the potions professor and it made no sense how they got the Polyjuice Potion ingredients in Chamber so it was a subtle callback hinting at how maybe Snape suspected them before (like does that happen in the book?), as was Moaning Myrtle’s return and her mentioning it during that predatory and creepy scene with Harry. Also, the moment when Ron tries to ask out Hermione and starts off horribly by stating the obvious “Hermione, you’re a girl” while she replies wittily “well spotted” and Harry is in the background scared for his life (LOL because he was never this scared for Voldemort) both by Hermione’s dry response and Snape coming back for a second slap on the head. It was such a typical teen friendship moment that was very well-acted and well-written. Also, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe’s acting in that Hermione-being-Ron’s-messenger “I’m not an owl” scene was so good. That scene shows off their chemistry and comedic timing so well (it also foreshadows how Ron and Ginny just stand in the background so much in the later movies). Also, LOL at when Hermione’s done with the scene, she pulls Ginny away and leaves Ron there to just stare at Harry. She’s such a mood. I also love the exchange Harry and Neville have as they walk to the boat dock and head to the Second Task where Harry walks backwards looking for Ron and Hermione and Neville says “you seem a little tense, Harry?” and Harry snarkily replies “do I?” I don’t why I love it, maybe it’s Harry’s attitude and Neville’s innocence, but I just do. I also love how through Ron and Harry’s fight, Harry leans on and turns to Neville. They have so much in common on a much deeper level then Ron and Harry (you know, if Ron and Harry hadn’t been through so many near-death experiences together). I love their friendship so much. Yes, Neville is geeky and sometimes annoys Harry, but Harry is kind and not judgmental at all and doesn’t let this completely small annoyances take over his view of a person, especially one as good-intentioned as Neville. I also think he sees Neville’s potential, but as peer he doesn’t know how to help him, that is until Phoenix. Also, when Ron and Harry are fighting, Ron is stuck with Seamus, so Harry clearly wins by getting Neville. Also, LOL at the Twins turning the Triwizard Tournament into a sports betting gig. Their business savvy is so underrated, so with how hard they worked to try and trick the Goblet of Fire, at least they are making the most of a bad situation, at least in their own way. We also see Hermione rub off on Harry a bit in this movie, with how he solves problems by taking matters into his own hands, by turning to Neville and going to the Prefect’s bathroom. He’s also observant like her (after all, she was the only one to notice the trapdoor Fluffy was guarding in the first film), as he notices how Hagrid spruced himself up for his dragon date with Maxine, which Harry hilariously third wheeled on. Also, I find it funny how Harry stands when Dumbledore calls his name from the Goblet of Fire then regrets it and sits back down because he has no idea what is going on and is an awkward boy, then Hermione pushes him towards Dumbledore looking terrified. It was a great way to show Harry’s thought process and show Hermione’s loyalty to Harry and her rule-following nature. Also, why is Dumbledore so energetic in this film? Like, chill dude. Also, isn’t he suppose to be really old? Why is he acting like a man in his 40s or 50s. Dumbledore’s best acting in Goblet was his baffled speech about Cedric’s death at the end of the film. Also, LOL at Fleur and Cedric’s bubble masks. Maybe that’s how wizards survived COVID. Also, that shot of the spider getting killed by the Killling Curse and then the camera focusing on Harry’s face during the Unforgivable Curses scene was so symbolic, as Harry is the only person known to have survived it and by the end of the film, he will have seen somebody be killed by it. Also, LOL at Hermione yelling at Harry during the first task,”your wand, Harry, your wand!” Like, one, he’s a little busy right now, and two, he probably can’t hear you anyway because of how big that stadium is. Also, the lack of Sirius, especially after his epic introduction in Azkaban, was so disappointing. like, you have Gary f*cking Oldman and all you give him is a voiceover and a scene where he is talking through a fireplace? That is so disappointing. I know this movie is jam-packed, but you could give Oldman one significant scene? However, the writing in Sirius’ one scene was very…interesting. Sirius was simultaneously trying not to scare Harry by telling him his visions of Voldemort were just dreams, while also telling him that people die in the Triwizard Tournament and saying that he know has enemies at Hogwarts who put his name in the Goblet of Fire, retroactively terrifying Harry. Like I get Sirius wouldn’t want to sugar-coat anything or scare Harry too much, but come on, at least give Oldman a more well-written scene. I will say, for as much as I despise Dumbledore, I did like his line “you have friends here. Remember you are not alone, Harry” at the end of this movie. It was a great segway into the next movie, when Harry feels excluded and lonely. However, then Dumbledore shatters the whole scene by asking Harry if he saw his parents that night in the graveyard, Harry smiles “yes,” and Dumbledore ruins Harry’s happiness by stating the obvious that nothing can waken the dead. Harry’s backflips (in and out of the water) throughout the second task were pretty badass, have to say. Also, Cho being Cedric’s ‘treasure’ must have hurt Harry so much. Neville is also so comedic and adorable when he turns away from the lake during the second task stunned and terrified like “I killed Harry Potter” and missing Harry’s epic flip out of the water as Dean and Seamus laugh in amazement. Neville is so me. Impatient. Panicky. Matthew Lewis and Emma Watson’s acting in the Unforgivable Curses scene was great. Neville’s pain of seeing his parents in the tortured spider and Hermione’s horrifidness of Moody teaching the students Unforgivable Curses, it was all so well-done. Also, the shot of Avada Kedavra-ing the spider in focus then the focus changing into focusing n Harry, cementing how he did the impossible and survived the spell, reminded us that Harry watched his mom die in a similar way he watched that spider and foreshadowing Cedric’s death. Also, I know its a spider, but Moody-Crouch literally had no business killing ANYTHING in front of a bunch of students. Hermione was 100% right, to do that in a classroom is just awful. At least, she was kind enough to check in on a horrified Neville. Hermione’s kindness is very underrated. Unlike most Type-A people, she wasn’t competitive, she was genuinely kind. To my surprise as someone who hates sports, I actually loved seeing the Quidditch World Cup and all it’s spectacle. I wish we got to see more of it. I also thought it was sweet seeing Hermione enjoy it because I always got the impression that she went to Quidditch games to support her friends. The scene where she sits in reads while everyone cheers on Fred and George’s fight seemingly confirmed this to me. It was also ironic seeing her clap for Krum knowing that she doesn’t become one of the girls at Hogwarts that obsessively stalks him, but ultimately ended up doing to the dance with him. However, I do think it’s odd that they had Ginny ask the boys questions about Krum and not Hermione, as Ginny is a Quidditch fan and grew up with all brothers, she would know these things. Hermione is a Muggle-born and likes Quidditch but doesn’t love it, and with her storyline with Krum throughout the film, it would just make more sense if they gave that part to Hermione. it just shows how just because they give Ginny material, doesn’t mean it is purposeful to make sense, especially because those lines are meant to explain to the audience more so then the other characters, so why not have the Muggle-born bookworm be the one ask the questions, as he is the character in this scene who’s perspective is most similar to the audience’s. I also thought it was such a boy thing for Ron to adore Krum for his athleticism, but the second he shows interest in Hermione, he claims to hate him. Good on Hermione for calling him out on that double standard. Also, that Krum shark head thing, the way it was shot, gave me such a jump scare, until I saw his feet, then I chuckled. Also, Ron’s awkward wave to Cedric when he puts his name in the Goblet of Fire, because Ron’s is younger and wishes he could do the same and therefore admires Cedric. It was so funny, and proves once again how good Rupert Grint is at comedy. Going back to the Quidditch World Cup, I loved seeing Ginny and Hermione’s playful excitement while walking trhoughout the grounds of the World Cup and laughing while in the tent. I wish we got to see more of their friendship throughout the series, especially because they need up being sisters-in-law by the end of it. Also, I love the scene where the boys are all messing around inside the tent. It was like a glimpse of what life at the Weasley house is like on a daily basis, and it just looks like so much fun. I also love how they show this by having Harry just observe them off to the side, it’s really the Twins, Ron and Ginny interacting, like real, relatable siblings. Teasing each other. fangirling together. It’s so lovely to see, and a great stark contrast to the horror that we find out is happening outside the tent. Also, seeing Draco and Lucius’ faux power flex, especially Draco’s bragging and then Lucius shutting him up, much to Draco’s embarrassment, was very interesting when it’s revealed at the end of the movie that one of the Death Eaters that invaded the World Cup could have been Lucius himself. Did Draco know that? Also, all Draco was trying to do in that World Cup scene was support his dad and brag to his classmates, he wasn’t trying to embarrass Lucius, and yet that’s exactly how Lucius made him feel in return because it was in front of his classmates that he was jealous of, reminding us again how toxic their father-son relationship is, which was especially interesting because once again like in Chamber, it paralleled the loving relationship between the Weasleys and their father, and how their father teaches them to love, not to hate like Lucius teaches Draco. Also, Harry falling into the Pensieve to watch Karkaroff’s trial reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. Also, I loved how fire-face Sirius’ (you have Gary Oldman for Christ’s sake and yous serious make him act through awkward fire animation?) parting words to harry are “keep your friend close” just as Ron is coming down the stairs, while they are still fighting. It was so ironic and meaningful, especially in following him, Ron has learned his lesson that Harry will always be honest with him, and therefore stands up for him in front of the whole common room when Seamus is interrogating him in the following film. Also, is it just me, or does Hermione not cast a single spell in this whole movie, once again underusing both Watson and Hermione? She’s a genius and very skilled. Why couldn’t there have been a scene where she helps Harry prepare for either the first or the third task, not just the second, as those were the tasks which needed the most skill in defensive spells? I did appreciate how there was at least one woman contestant in the tournament. In the second task, there was at least some sort of equality with Fleur being in a one-piece swimsuit and the boys not being shirtless, though the unequal sex appeal was a bit odd, because, why couldn’t Fleur just be in a scuba shirt instead (also, what do Wizard swimsuits look like? Are they the same as Muggles)? Although, that could just be Clemence Posey’s beauty (she’s gorgeous!) and skinny privilege showing through. Also, speaking of the second task, LOL at Harry’s…graceful? dive into the Black Lake (also LOL at Harry’s unpleasant look while chewing the gillyweed and pleasant shock at its effects). Also, poor Neville, he finally finds something he’s good at, then his self-doubt falls through and he says “oh my god. I’ve killed Harry Potter” with his back turn missing him epically flip out of the water (Neville honey, you end up SAVING Harry Potter. Never fear). Also, Neville’s face when Harry shoots out of the water onto the platform is so thrilled and relieved. He’s so supportive. Unlike the stereotypical gorgeous mermaids, like on the stained glass in the bathroom in that creepy Myrtle scene (I love how the stained glass windows also move like painting and photos. They even cry, like that one Neville stares into after he sees the spider get the Cruciatus curse. That’s so cool!), the Black Lake mermaids are cruel and ugly, which I think was unique subversion of the trope that was an intriguing surprise. Also, Harry’s hero complex really shines through in the second task. Like, would they really let one of the “prizes” drown in the Black Lake even though they never asked to participate (honestly, I wouldn’t put it past Crouch Sr. or Dumbledore)? However, I did love that he sacrificed himself in the squid attack part of the sequence, because that just cemented that Harry did this not for glory or being her was an overachiever, (because it wasn’t really clear how and why Fleur never finished the task. Of course, they have the woman fall short *eye roll*) but because he is a genuinely good person who wants to make sure everyone is okay. But also LOL at Ron saying at the end of the second task when they are on the dock back on the grounds “even when you go wrong, it goes right.” That should be Harry’s tagline for the whole series. The thing is, Harry heard in Goblet that Snape “at great personal risk” was a Death Eater and then traded sides and became a spy, so he already knew that when he learned Snape’s story, he just didn’t know why, and neither did we, the audience. These clever Easter Eggs were so brilliant. I do appreciate the subverted stereotypes, especially with having that mermaid stained glass, by having the merpeople be vicious and ugly with iridescent skin and rope-like hair. Also, Viktor Krum’s shark head was framed making it look like Harry was about to be attacked by a shark was such a jump scare. Cedric’s death was so devastating. he was so kind, brave, good and young and did not deserve that at all. He even admired the Portkey with a smile on his face, in awe of its brilliance, before Harry made him realize that the situation is dangerous. Knowing Harry, he must feel so guilty for Cedric’s death as he was the one to suggest taking the cup together, not knowing it was a Portkey to Voldemort. Cedric’s death was instantaneous and happened in a split second. Harry and Cedric both had no time to try and stop it. It was cold-blooded in the most usually cruel way. It didn’t even take Pettigrew a second thought, he just did as his master said, showing his obedience, cruelty and cowardice. While Cedric’s death was painless, it’s still underserved and tragic. And he was so young which makes it that much more heartbreaking and ruthless. Also, that scene of Harry crying and clutching Cedric’s body as everyone applauds them is one of the saddest shots of the series (but the saddest shot of the whole series is Snape clutching Lily’s body as baby Harry cries in his crib). Cedric’s death is the darkest moment in the series yet. Yes, people have died already like Lily, James and Quirrell, but we didn’t really get to know those characters. He knew that it could happen, but someone we really truly have grown to care about hasn’t died yet, that is until Cedric. Cedric was needlessly killed by a callous peter Pettigrew, right in front of the boy who he’s already traumatized and destroyed enough. And then the was Amos Diggory wails with pain as a crowd of now traumatized students watch was just such a heartbreaking moment. And that shot of Harry wailing over Cedric’s body is just incredibly tragic (a close second to the shot of Snape holding Lily’s dead body). It’s even more tragic with how the band is playing a cheerful song and the crowd is applauding, not yet realizing how tragic the situation is. That juxtaposition only makes it more painful, especially when they highlight how Amos Diggory is one of the people who are cheering. And when Harry cries out “I couldn’t leave him, not there,” it’s just so heartwrenching. Also, LOL at Harry’s “spectacular” response to Cedric, due to how clearly he is polite enough not to be outwardly rude to the guy who unknowingly stole his crush from him despite his frustration and resentment (which he no doubt feels guilty about due to how this film ends). Also, LOL at Hermione’s confused “boys” remark after watching the absurd way Harry and Ron make up, also props to the Twins for being good brothers and not giving the boys’ reconciliation an audience. Also, LOL at Arthur saying “that clear your sinuses, eh?” after Harry’s first venture with a Portkey (wouldn’t wizards have a spell to help with sinuses though?). As someone who struggles with sinus issues all the time, I had a lovely chuckle. I am upset the scene got cut though because I would have loved to see professional Quidditch players in action not just school athletes, and that’s sayings something coming from me who see most sports as glorified running back and forth. I also love the big smile Harry gives when he walks into the tent at the World Cup and says “I love magic,”, especially with how tragically this film ends, it just shows how despite it all, Harry still loves the Wizarding World and in a way will always be that wide-eyed boy he was when he first visited Diagon Alley. The romantic tension between Ron and Hermione that began to be hinted at during the end of Chamber came to a head at the Yule Ball when Hermione didn’t just arrive dateless, but in a breathtaking ensemble and had the most sought-after bachelor escorting her. Ron was stunned and jealous but didn’t know how to communicate that. He couldn’t process it, that Hermione was seen as a romantic interest to someone other then him (he couldn’t understand that truly until Prince and even then, he was quite oblivious). Viktor treated Hermione like a true gentleman, with chivalry, something she values being Gryffindor, kindness, politeness and respect. To Ron, it felt like a betrayal, even though Ron only asked her as a last resort, treating her horribly even though to him it was a kind gesture as he rudely thought it was pathetic for a girl to go to a dance stag (I know Ron didn’t mean it that way, but that is still such an awful thing to say. Honestly, Ron had clear moments of sexism toward Hermione in this series, but it’s clear that it’s more just society and his insecurities speaking, not really himself). Also, LOL at Hermione being like “no, of course” after she finds out Ron asked Fleur Delacour out and Harry asks what she said. She’s still hoping he’d ask her, even though she’s going with Krum. Awww. This movie was so awkwardly paced. Like at times it would be so fun and vibrant, but then the action sequences for each task would just drag on to the point where I felt tempted to skip over the majority of it. The dragon task did not need that castle fight sequence (also, how the hell did they repair the castle after that? Did it magically mend itself or something? Then why didn’t it do that for the Battle of Hogwarts? And why is everyone just mindlessly looking around instead of panicking? That’s so dumb) and the Black Lake task just dragged on with a few too many obstacles that felt unnecessary, like the squids for example. That could have been cut in my opinion. Also, that Triwizard labyrinth was a really cool idea, but the scene itself just dragged on too. Like I didn’t need all those shots of Krum looking crazed, especially because they never amount to anything. We never really got to see the things Fleur was screaming at, just the maze attack them. The psychological aspect was cool, but not well executed. I hope its better in the book. Also, if you look closely, Moody-Crouch discreetly points Harry in the right direction once he gets into the labyrinth, but it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment. Also, some of the editing and dialogue is just awkwardly translated. Like when Harry says “hey my eyes aren’t glistening with the ghost of my past!” If you aren’t an idiot, you know he’s reading that off of Rita Skeeter’s notepad, but we don’t actually see that. Also, Rita doesn’t say it, so the line just comes off as oddly placed and random. One thing about the Yule Ball part of the film that I felt was a huge missed opportunity was that I wish we got a getting-ready montage with all the witches for such a dressy and exciting occasion. It would have been a great opportunity to show Ginny and Hermione’s friendship. I love when Hermione anxiously peaks her head out at the top of the stairs and plays with her fingers right before she descends the stairs to the Yule Ball. You can tell how much that moment meant to her. Her entrance as she walks down the stairs is so well-acted by Watson. She plays Hermione’s subtle excitement and trying to take it all in so well. You can tell she is trying to hold back smiling as big as possible, trying to be mature. And I loved Harry’s reaction to seeing his best friend for the first as a woman. It’s like seeing your sister on her wedding day, he’s awestruck. Also, Ron’s attempted nonchalance, denial and puppy dog-like wistfulness as he sees Hermione walk into the ball with Krum was so well done. You can tell how he felt like such an idiot, and rightfully so as Hermione is a great girl that any guy would be lucky to have as a date. I also liked how when Harry finally gets out of the Black Lake and onto one of the platforms, Hermione kisses his head, proudly, friendly and platonically. It just shows that even if a girl and a guy are just friends, doesn’t mean they can’t be affectionate, when the appropriate occasion arises, towards one another, like when she curls up into his shoulder after watching Ron kiss Lavender and at Godric’s Hollow, it’s sweet and loving, but not romantic. Also, the way the graveyard scene is the first time Harry gets to talk to his parents and hear their voices (besides his mothers’ screams due to the Dementors in Azkaban) but they can’t even take it in because the situation is such high stakes. This film is exciting, surprising, energetic, and unexpected. Harry’s whole unwarranted involvement in this tournament is to bring back his nemesis, which is hinted at repeatedly, although it all comes together in an incredibly twisted, shocking and tragic way. So many pivotal and transformative events happen that change the series forever. The Yule Ball, which is the true kick-off to Ron and Hermione’s bickering will-they-won’t-they romance. Cedric’s death motivates the Hogwrats students to fight until the very end. Voldemort’s return officially changes the series from a fun adventure to a dangerous mission. However, despite it being energetic, engaging, exciting and jam-packed, this film is also forgettable for me, especially since it’s sandwiched between two of the most important films and two of my favorite ones from the franchise. The part that I remember most, the Yule Ball, is the only reason why it stays with me. The big events are either cut too short to drag on or too long, with the World Cup being an example of the former and the dragon task being an example of the latter. It makes it bizarrely paced. The Yule Ball segment from Ron getting his dress robes to Neville returning to his dorm, is what truly saves this film for me. It was fun, memorable, great for character development and helped show the character’s confidence, growth, and maturity, foreshadowed their future development and was also just so epic, different from anything we have seen before and beautiful. Sure, the return of Voldemort was cool, but I found it a little too long and honestly, Voldemort didn’t seem that scary at that point. Honestly, I feel like the movies he wasn’t in were scarier than the films he was in, like Chamber and Prince, purely due to his followers’ performances or other versions of himself. He was at his most fearsome in Phoenix in my opinion, with how he taunted Harry and fought Dumbledore very impressively. I also love the scene with the trio as they walk through the woods with Hagrid after the second task and they are talking about how far they have all come and how they are a bunch of misfits. It’s so adorable. They have found such a sens of belonging with each other, and that’s, in essence, is what these films are about. It’s why these characters feel so much like friends. I will say Goblet did a good job dropping hints that Moody-Crouch was the one to put Harry’s name in the Goblet of Fire, like when Moody says that a fourth year like Harry couldn’t produce a powerful enough Confundus Charm on the Goblet, when that’s probably what he, himself, did. Everyone, kid or not, watching this film can relate to it. Obviously not the tournament or the magic, but the romance, awkwardness, friendship difficulties, crushes and dances. Pretty much the only negatives in this film are Cedric’s death and the boys’ god-awful long hair. I mean, Voldemort’s return is a negative for the characters, but for the story it’s amazing. I did like how after the first two tasks were more physically challenging, the final, and probably supposed to be the most difficult task, was more psychological, with the maze being almost like a labyrinth of mental anguish, which I think foreshadowed Harry dealing with his trauma in the following movie. Also, the very first shot of this movie was of a snake, so in my opinion, not off to a great start. Also, having every main boy in the series grow his hair out for this film wasn’t a great choice. Neville, Ron, Harry, the Twins, almost none of the main boys were safe from the overgrown hair syndrome in this movie. At least, they were smart enough to not force Robert Pattinson and his popular, attractive character to grow his hair out. Luckily, Tom Felton didn’t have to suffer from that overgrown hair syndrome (he got his bad hair treatment in the first two films with that bad dye job. I much prefer the even white blonde and short side-parted hair he had in the later films to the slicked-back blotchy hair he had in the first two films). Also, LOL at Moody-Crouch catching Seamus putting the gum under his desk. How does gum exist in the Wizarding World (I guess Seamus is a half-blood, but still, how would Moody-Crouch know what it is?)? Also, the way Dumbledore basically tackles this poor kid when he says, or rather screams “did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire,” like my god, hasn’t he been through enough terrifying situations already? The best acting choice Gambon made in this whole movie was having Dumbledore seating when beginning his speech about Cedric dying. He is speechless and so distraught that he doesn’t even have the energy to stand, then eventually does when he feels empowered enough. He’s at a loss for words. Although, all of this could have been avoided if he didn’t simply tell Harry not to worry about his visions, he is still compassionate enough to call Cedric’s death a terrible loss and praised his fierceness, kind, hard-working nature and bravery. He also thought the students had a right to know how he died, claiming the opposite would be an insult to his memory and telling them very frankly that he was killed by Voldemort. This makes it Dumbledore’s best moment of the series. This is who Dumbledore should have been, not a hypocritical manipulator. This is the guy everybody needed. I will say, except for one very out-of-character (and frankly ironic moment due to how Harry is pissed, but quickly gets over, the fact that Ron and Hermione never wrote to him all summer) moment from Ron (he would not write to Harry and Hermione unless Dumbledore in his cloak of fake nobility told him to for Harry’s safety, which is just bullcrap), the ending scene of the movie was very good. Although kind of odd, being a happier ending for such a transformative, tragic film (literally Cedric just died no less than 10 minutes ago), it is oddly satisfying. Hermione, Ron and Harry all meet up after saying goodbye to their international friends (Viktor Krum gives Hermione his address and Fleur kisses Ron goodbye on the cheek, ironic based on how she’s engaged to his brother the next time we see her, but very French nonetheless), and they do it all very in character. Hermione girlishly swings around into the frame. Harry simply walks in and jumps out of Ron’s way. Ron, in very Roman Roy fashion, jumps through the window asking the question on everyone’s mind “can we ever just have a quiet year at Hogwarts?” and Hermione laughs at his seemingly ridiculous notion and says “no.” Then he looks at Harry and says “what’s life without a few dragons?” a callback to his line to Harry earlier “you’ve slayed dragons. If you can’t get a date, who can? (to which Harry hilariously replies “I think I’d take the dragon now).” As Ron and Harry begin to walk off, Hermione stays back, unable to be joyful anymore and as the boys notice the paralyzed state she says “everything’s gonna change now, isn’t it?” and then looks down so melancholy and scared. Then Harry walks back up to her, places his hand on her shoulder and says “yes” which instantly comforts Hermione as she nods back, as long as they have each other, they’ll be okay. And then they walk to watch the other schools leave, with the final shot of them being the trio, with their backs facing the camera (paralleling Prince, where the ending is also the trio coming to terms with how “everything’s going to change now,” that time due to Dumbledore’s death, because as Hermione said in Stone, as long as Dumbledore’s around, the only person Voldemort ever truly feared, Harry’s safe and can’t be touched, which is ironic because Voldemort does exactly that in Goblet saying “I can touch you now” due to using his blood to come back and as we learn in Part 2, Dumbledore is a puppeteer). Also, but the way each of the trio walks into their final scene of them in the movie fits each of their characters so well. Harry walks into frame. Ron hps through the window. Hermione gracefully swings into frame. I just love it. And then Hermione says “everything’s gonna change now” and Harry nonchalantly answers yet, wise enough to know it’s true, but naive enough to underestimate just how much, it was just great, although after how tragic the ending of this movie really is, is a little awkward to digest the first time around. But also LOL at Hermione making Harry promise to write that summer, and then in the following movie you find out no one wrote to Harry all summer.
5. Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was a great ending to the series. Also, what was so great about this film was that, like Phoenix, there was such a theme of unity, however, it wasn’t just with the Hogwarts students, it was with all our favorite characters. Like in Part 1, this unity theme was shown through multiple perspectives, not just Harry’s mainly McGonagall, Snape’s, Ron and Hermione’s, Draco’s, George’s (as Fred dies, so not both of there’s), Lupin and Kingsley’s and Voldemort’s. And the editing helps these multiple points of view flow together seamlessly, not feeling choppy or uncomfortable. It makes more more exciting story and builds anticipation. It was very effective and made the ending even more satisfying. Part 2 is like a war movie, and as someone who hates war movies and finds them very boring, this makes Part 2 my favorite war movie of all time. It answered a lot of questions, mainly about Snape, Voldemort, Dumbledore and Harry, and was also very sad and satisfying. The whole movie takes place during an intense battle at Hogwarts. The stakes are higher than they have ever been, but you also see students who have been written off in past movies have time to shine and prove themselves, mainly Neville. His arc in this series was amazing. The editing and special effects in the film are also phenomenal, especially during the action sequences. The editors clearly understood the assignment of “epic finale.” This film also had the best acting, mainly from Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Matthew Lewis, and Alan Rickman. This was truly Neville and Snape’s film. Snape and Neville are also two of the bravest characters in the entire series. Their performances had me tearing up due to joy, satisfaction and sadness. You could feel how real Watson’s emotions were in that goodbye scene to Harry because, in a way, she was saying goodbye to the series. The way Hermione grabs Ron’s arm when he tries to run after Harry walks by on the stairs. And then Harry calls her out for suspecting the truth the whole time, and her faces, when she realizes it was true, is just heartbreaking. The one of the only times she did not want to be right. It was heartbreaking. And when Harry pulls away from their hug, she does not want her best friend to go. It’s devastating. You could really see how confident Radcliffe has become as an actor in this film. He was a great child actor in the first film, but his skills have only grown by the final film, and he took full advantage. Radcliffe’s performance as Harry in this film was so assertive and confident, especially in those Shell Cottage scenes with Griphook and Ollivander, that Hog’s Head scene with Aberforth and that Great Hall scene with Snape and McGonagall. This film really shows cases how much of a leader Harry has truly become and Radcliffe plays it with such confidence. Also, his face when he lifts out of the Pensieve is priceless. The look of overwhelming shock and disbelief on Harry’s face as he rises from the pensive after hearing the Prince’s Tale, I can’t even imagine. Daniel Radcliffe portrayed that beautifully. Also, Radcliffe’s delivery of the line “I never wanted any of you to die for me” during the Resurrection Stone scene is just so heartbreaking. You can tell how much of a heavu burden this for him to carry and how traumatized he is. Like, it’s not just James, Lily and Sirius and Lupin who died for him, but also Cedric, Dumbledore (sort of), Hedwig, Moody, Dobby, Snape, Fred and Tonks. That is no doubt the hardest part for him throughout all of this, that burden and survivor’s guilt. Also, his acting in that Ron and Hermione goodbye scene, Radcliffe played how painful that conversation was for Harry so well. How he just kept walking until they basically force him to stop, it was heartbreaking. Lewis and Neville both found their confidence in this film and it was a great sight to see. Neville’s arc was truly one of the best parts of this film. He deserved that victory. I mean, Neville was the ONLY one who was brave enough to step up and speak up against Voldemort when he and the Death Eaters brought Harry’s body back. Not Ron. Not Hermione. Not Ginny. Neville. The Neville from the first film wouldn’t have even left his dorm to fight. That’s an incredible arc! However, in my opinion, Rickman’s performance as Snape in this final chapter was the best part of this movie, truly. In my opinion, it was the best performance of anyone in all the films in the entire series, and he literally only had 4 scenes. That’s so impressive. This was Snape’s movie. Every one of his scenes left me speechless. That Pensieve montage had me bawling and Alan Rickman’s reaction to seeing Lily’s dead body was so heartbreaking. He was good the whole time. It was Dumbledore who was the fraud. He risked his life every day and Harry never even knew. It was like a gut punch. Those layers made me absolutely love Alan Rickman’s performance as Snape and appreciate his performances in the prior movies way more. The “Prince’s Tale” as I am told it’s called by a friend, was the best part of the final movie. It’s one of, if not the best scene of the entire series. Not only is Snape’s backstory sequence so emotionally impactful, eye-opening and powerful, but it’s also so nostalgia as it shows so many moments from the previous films. It’s honestly the most perfect moment of the whole finale. If that was the whole finale, I would have been satisfied, TBH. The Prince’s Tale and Snape’s death were the most impactful and powerful scenes of the series. Between seeing Snape literally cry (the way he only shed a tear when his eyes matched Harry’s, AKA Lily’s, it’s just so powerful) to seeing him desperate and small. It was impeccably done. Also, that shot of having us see Snape embrace Lily’s dead body was by far the most powerful, sad, and impactful visual of the whole series. The only bad thing about the Prince’s Tale, and it’s pretty minor, but also not really, is that the actress who plays young Lily, her eyes are brown while Harry’s are blue, which completely ruins the whole “you have your mother’s eyes” thing. They also make this eye inconsistency so obvious with that tight close up of her face. Like how, hard would it be to at least have the correct eye color though, especially with how big of a point it is, especially in regard to Snape’s complicated feelings toward Harry? Also, while the actress is adorable, but she also has fiery red hair like the Weasley boys, when older Lily, and even Ginny too, have darker red hair. Also, Snape’s duel with McGonagall was so well done. The way this is the very first time we see Snape not be confident says so much about how bad he feels about everything he’s been forced to do. Also, Snape and McGonagall are clearly good friends before everything goes down. They are standing together watching the other school’s entrances in Goblet (which was honestly such a dumb directorial move because it looks like the professors don’t respect Dumbledore, as in all the other movies they are sitting at their seats listening to his speech, but also Dumbledore doesn’t deserve their respect, especially Snape and McGonagall’s so maybe it’s genius) and they team up to humiliate Lockhart (although very irresponsibly) by telling him to handle to Ginny-being-taken-into-the-Chamber incident, fully knowing he’s full of crap. So, that makes their duel even more epic, and makes McGonagall’s motivation even stronger as in that moment it’s finally her time to get revenge on her friend who betrayed her (I wonder her reaction when she heard the truth about Snape because she no doubt did). Also, again, this is also one of the first times we see Snape unconfident and scared, proving how much he doesn’t want to duel McGonagall. Yes, we saw him scared for the first time during the Unbreakable Vow scene and we see him anxious and terrified for the first time during his death scene (although while curiously studying Voldemort before Voldemort and Nagini do the deed, he is still confident) and when he is begging Dumbledore to save Lily in the Prince’s Tale, but he is still confident throughout all of this. It’s a glimmer into Snape’s sensitive side, basically foreshadowing the twist involving his character. It’s brilliantly acted, written and mapped out. Also, the fact that between his one scene at the Death Eater meeting in Part 1 and his four scenes in Part 2, Snape was literally in five scenes total in all the Hallows movies and yet he is one of the most powerful parts, if not the most powerful part of the entire Hallows story. It also just proves how much of a powerhouse Rickman is as an actor. Neville had the best arc of the entire series, from starting out as the scared, accident-prone boy to a tough, compassionate leader. He was also the only comedic relief this movie really had besides the Weasley twins and Ron, so thank you for that Neville. Thank you for showing that even in the darkest of times, there is light and humor. He was finally given his time and boy did Matthew Lewis take full advantage. He really came into his own. I just wish it was him who killed Bellatrix, so he could avenge his parents, but killing Voldemort works too. Also, the way he quietly processes Harry’s death as Voldemort gives his obnoxious speech, realizing how now that Harry is dead, he has to take over for him just like he did with DA. He’s writing his speech in his head. And as he gives it passionately, the proud look on Ron and Hermione’s faces says it all, if Harry can’t, Neville will. And he does, fearlessly. Neville finally had his badass moment and it was epic, even if I could barely watch it because it was against a snake. Neville finding the Sword of Gryffindor in the Sorting Hat was also such a great callback to the second film (also, as we see in Part 1, the Sword of Gryffindor doesn’t only come from Sorting Hat. Also, Neville’s humble, proud, satisfied, stunned look on his face with the Sword of Gryffindor next to him after the Battle finishes in the Great Hall. And then Luna sweetly sits next to him. Neville truly got the ending he deserved. His parents would be so proud of him. Also, Ron and Hermione FINALLY got together (TBH, Yates isn’t that good at portraying romance in these movies, but in my mind, I like to think he saved all his romantic energy for Ron and Hermione’s epic kiss, because besides Grint’s head being awkwardly angled and blocking the epic moment from the camera, it was well worth the wait, perfectly epic, well-acted, despite the actors’ swearing it was the worst experience of their Potter run, and well-timed, so at least he saved all of that for when it mattered most, because this would have been so disappointing if this moment was just as flat as all the other romantic moments). Their chemistry has always been amazing, but that scene was so palpable and wonderful. I also loved their laugh after their kiss, sort of like ‘what was all the fuss about?’ and then Hermione’s slight smile and running into an instant stop when Ron chases Goyle yelling “that’s my girlfriend you numpty” was just so satisfying. It is such a great blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but I love it because it represents why they are fighting so hard and how happy Hermione is that she and Ron finally figured things out. Its so adorable and small but lighter moment that was much needed. Ron and Hermione’s relationship is meaningful, and also very complicated, right from the beginning. They are the definition of opposites attracting, not just as romantic interests but also as friends. They start out annoyed with each other, become friends, and their felling grow into crushes, but they don’t know how to handle it, especially Ron. That’s very complicated, but especially or kids who are already dealing with a lot to deal with. After all the hints, like Hermione grabbing his hand when they first meet Buckbeak, their awkward handshake in Chamber of Secrets after Hermione is unpetrified and Hermione cuddling into Ron instead of Harry when Buckbeak is ‘executed,’ this single kiss was so worth it. It was epic, cute and portrayed with a lot of dimensional and authenticity by the actors. What I realized is that we never really get to see Hermione and Ron be a couple. These scenes are always with Harry, almost never just the two of them. So, when they finally get the chance in this movie to have an epic, climatic moment with just the two of them, and they survive it together. It makes sense that that would be the moment they finally give in to their feelings. I loved their awkward and argumentative turned romantic and opposites-attract relationship (Also, LOL at Ron being the one between Ron and Hermione to know how to get to the Chamber of Secrets when they go in the final movie and that being Hermione’s first time going there even though she was the one to figure it out in the first place), especially when compared to Harry and Ginny’s circumstantial, lackluster, stiff and honestly quite forced relationship (I hear it’s more developed in the books, so we deserved to see more of it, and more of Ginny overall. Like that kiss in the middle of the Battle of Hogwarts? That was the least passionate, life-or-death situation kiss ever in cinematic history. It made the moment seem ill-timed, not epic. They had absolutely no chemistry, which is hilarious when you remember these kids who grew up together and knew each other for years before having to kiss on screen. The awkwardness was at least somewhat realistic in Half-Blood Prince because it was the beginning of a new kind of relationship for them and that can be tricky to navigate, but in Deathly Hallows? There was no electricity whatsoever! This must have been so disappointing for book fans because, with Harry being the titular role, they should have been the ultimate couple of the series, and that just didn’t work out. However, I don’t think this is strictly on the actors, I think it’s a mix of writing, character development, especially in regard to Ginny’s character, direction and issues. Also, Ginny and Harry’s reunion is so awkward. Harry barely even seems happy to see her, which again, seems like a directorial issue as Radcliffe seemed like he was holding in an impulse to run to her like any normal in-love teenager would do. The direction seemed way more focused on Ron’s quip to Hermione than Harry and Ginny’s epic reunion, which honestly makes Ron’s witty line fall flat as well. Also, Ron and Harry just stare at each other during the trio’s goodbye scene as he hugs Hermione. You could tell Grint was holding in an impulse to join them, but couldn’t, which again seems like a directorial issue. Ron literally sacrificed himself during Wizard’s Chess and fought like hell to get out of Death Eater and Inquisitorial Squad’s grasps when Harry was in danger in Phoenix. Ron and Harry deserve their goodbye, as they truly think this is the last time they’ll see each other. It’s such a disservice to their friendship). Ron and Hermione had a great slow-burn, an opposites-attract relationship that was well-acted, realistic for teenagers and impactful. They have their argumentative banter, showing how bad they are at communicating their emotions, as teens are (personally, I love Hermione’s withering glare at him when he interrupts his reading in Sorcerer’s Stone and Part 1. The distance between it also shows that even though they do get together in Hallows and are the definition of “opposites attract,” that their banter has gone from immature taunting to a love language. Like I am sure as a married couple, she still glares at him every time he interrupts her reading). Watson and Grint also portrayed Ron and Hermione’s jealousy, longing and awkwardness so well throughout the series. Their chemistry was amazing and felt so natural. But also LOL at Rupert Grint and Emma Watson being the only two who had passionate kisses of the trio.So, there character’s kiss really paid off mostly because of how well they portrayed their slow burn relationship. I mean, her face when Ron screams “that’s my girlfriend, you numpty,” was just so satisfying after all this time. For however bad David Yates was at portraying Ginny and Harry’s romance, he saved all of his passionate, romantic direction for when it really mattered most, Ron and Hermione’s kiss. Ron and Hermione’s kiss is also so symbolic because it’s a pureblood and Muggle-born kissing in front of Salazar Slytherin’s statue. After all the hate and prejudice and literal torture, it’s just so powerful. And that scene where Hermione and Ron walk in holding hands and see Harry, that was another moment that showed how great this cast is at lineless acting, although I do wish we got to hear Harry’s thoughts on his two best friends dating because that can get very complicated. Also, LOL at Harry basically being the third wheel in his own series for its entirety. Also, LOL because who knew the Chamber of Secrets, a place literally built out of hatred, could be such a romantic place, between Harry & Ginny and Ron & Hermione? McGonagall leading the spells to protect the school was just so heartwarming and perfect. Out of all the teachers, protecting the school and it’s students never stopped being her top priority, while the other professors always had distractions like Dumbledore’s traveling, Snape’s grudges, Slughron’s secrets and Flitwick’s choir. The “Pierotum Locomotor” moment was made for her. It makes me wish even more that e got to see her officially as headmistress. I also liked the final confrontation between Harry and Voldemort. Harry successfully leads him away from his loved ones. Harry lets Voldemort beat the crap out of him because he has another plan up his sleeve. Voldemort beats Harry, physically letting out all the anger he feels toward him. When Harry pretended to be dead,d he had time to think about why he was not dead, and he realized how unnecessary Snape’s death was and who is the true master of the Elder Wand. Then Harry and Voldemort fly around their mutual home of Hogwarts and hurt each other and morph into one and plummet to the courtyard were it’s just them too. They duel as Neville kills his final Horcrux. He’s finally mortal and Harry finishes him off. Finally proving how disarming is far more powerful than killing. the Elder Wand finally lands in his rightful owner’s hands. His Killing Curse rebounds again and hits himself, his mortal self, and kills him. He’s mortified to die, his biggest fear and what he sees as the biggest weakness ever, and flakes into oblivion, symbolizing how unstable and fragmented his soul is. He doesn’t move on, he just disappears. It was brilliant. And Harry smiles watching it. He hates that someone had to die even if it is Tom Riddle, because he’s good, but he’s also so proud that after all this time, he did it. He killed Voldemort. He survived. He sacrificed himself, but Voldemort still failed to kill him, even though Harry let him willingly. He’s not immortal, but his goodness made Voldemort unable to kill him and that arrogance killed him anyway. Harry’s sacrificed also notably made sure that no one died (at least not that we know of) when the battle resumed. his sacrifice, so it seems, gave everyone who survived the first part of the battle the same love and protection his mom gave him, passing the love and protection on. I love how Neville is McGonagall’s right-hand student during the Battle of Hogwarts, as he leads the DA. It was such a great arc for not just Neville, but also their relationship. Also, before the Battle of Hogwarts officially starts and McGonagall is telling Neville and the DA the battle plan, you can see Slughorn walk out of the castle in the background and take a tiny potion, which is probably Liquid Luck, right? What a great little nod. He also survives the war unharmed with barely even a scratch, which further proves my theory (not that he’s not skilled enough of a wizard to not survive. I am sure he is a she is a Hogwarts professor). Lupin and Tonks’ deaths are even sadder when you realize they left behind an orphan. They managed to find love in a time of such despair and darkness and were repaid with death. That’s heartbreaking. It’s senseless and cruel. Harry seeing that Tonks and Lupin died, knowing they have a son, knowing there is now another baby just like him, it’s too much for him and he leaves, not wanting to see anyone else who died for him. It’s so heartwrenching. Honestly, good casting for baby Harry as the baby in the finale looks very similar to baby Harry from the first film. Also, this film, the final film, has Harry’s first and only conversation with his parents, through the Resurrection Stone, and with Harry’s only true planets Lupin and Sirius also there, the scene is just so heartbreaking, tender and emotional. Also, that tunnel scene where the trio is catching up with Neville is great (and WAY too short) for a number of reasons. One, it’s one of the more comforting scenes we have seen in a very long time as Neville has been their friend from the beginning and it feels kind of like the return of some normalcy. Two, it is so comforting to hear them catching up in such a casual way even though it’s about very dark things (even though it’s kind of one-sided. Why isn’t Neville asking them about Gringotts, which no doubt made the news even if it is Death Eater controlled or what they have been up to all this time?), And three, it slightly foreshadows how by the end of Hallows, all four of them will have destroyed a Horcrux and therefore Voldemort (which is why they all deserve Chocolate Frog cards). Also, it was kind of pathetic and hilarious how Bellatrix was yelling at all the ‘cowardly’ Death Eaters black smoking away after Harry reveals himself. Clearly is very very, very loyal to Voldemort. One thing I wish we got to see more in the finale was the Slytherin students, not just Draco but also Blaise, Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle’s moral battle over whether to join their parents or defend their school with their friends. It could have given these minor characters more development, especially Pansy, as she is the one I personally find most fascinating as she’s the only female Slytherin we meet and she barely speaks and she actually spoke out against Harry to his face, showing how self-preservation is a priority for her, but maybe we she saw all the devastation right in front of her eyes during the break in the battle, she, being a kid like Draco, changed her mind. I also think it could have helped with the stigma that Slughorn and Snape helped defy, that all Slytherins are evil, when that is not the case. Salazar Slytherin and Voldemort are just powerful, prejudiced wizards who happen to be Slytherins. They aren’t all bad, that’s just the stereotype. I may be biased as a Slytherin, but whatever. I think, as an actor and for character development, it would have been an interesting moral quandary. Also, Rickman’s delivery of the line “any person found to have knowledge of these events who fails to come forward will be treated as…equally guilty,” gave me chills, due to the impeccably well-paced line delivery itself and the subtle way we see how much Snape hates himself and his position in that moment. He looks exhausted, miserable and terribly unhappy. I wish they actually showed Lily, James, Sirius and Lupin around Harry, with him when Voldemort ‘killed’ him. It would have been a great, powerful visual. Such a missed opportunity. Also, the fact that the trio pulled off breaking into Gringotts, which as Hagrid said in the first place, is the safest place in world after Hogwarts, just shows how skilled and smart each of them are, and how good of a team they are (it also parallels nicely with how the Death Eaters broke into Hogwarts in Prince). I will say, honestly, those spooky, amplified Voldemort voiceovers were kind of cheesy and cringy. I laughed watching them when I think they were supposed to be more about building up the tension and stakes. The editing in this film was also incredibly good, from the fight scenes to (especially) the Prince’s Tale. All of it was really great and really served the tension-building of the story. I love Molly Weasley’s badass mama bear moment when she goes “not my daughter, you bitch (also LOL at Aunt Marge and Mrs. Weasley both saying bitch in a children’s fantasy series, and the irony of them being totally opposite characters),” and killing Bellatrix. This film also did a great job of showing how strong the core trio’s friendship has become, with made the Epilogue extremely satisfying. They were so in sync during the battle that they basically read each other’s minds. This also hilariously showed how used they are to crisis and getting themselves out of high-stake situations together, knowing which of them has which strength and which weakness. The perfect example of this is the scene in the Room of Requirement, particularly the part where they escape. Also, Hermione may hate flying, but she was a badass while flying on that broomstick in the Room of Requirement scene, and she was a decent flier too. Harry, Snape, and Voldemort also parallel the Deathly Hallows themselves as Voldemort wanted an unbeatable wand and sacrificed everything for power, Snape pined after a girl who he had lost to death and spent the rest of his days dedicated to protecting the only thing she left behind, her son, and therefore keeping her alive in memory, and Harry wanted to live a normal life, and only ever could in the Wizarding World when he was under the Invisibility Cloak, although he often used it for grander and productive deeds, and he eventually treated death like an old friend, going calmly to Voldemort and seeing Dumbledore, who I guess represents death (how ironic) like an old friend in the afterlife. One thing that I didn’t like in this film was the return of some of Yates award direction. Particulalrly in Ron and Ginny’s scenes, which is very similar to Prince despite those characters having important roles in both films. With Ron, it was the trio’s goodbye scene. Hermione and Harry share a special moment, but like in Prince, Ron stays back, merely sharing eye contact with Harry. You can tell through Grint’s physicality that it was his instinct to run up to them and join their hug, and yet he couldn’t, which is a clear since of a directorial issue. It’s just so awkward and such a disservice to Ron’s character because we have clear evidence from past films of just how hard Ron fights for his friends, especially Harry and Hermione. Also, he just lost his brother Fred, and now he’s about to loose his best friend, who’s like his brother. The trio truly thinks this is the last time they’ll see each other. Even though Ron finally has Hermione as his girlfriend, it’s not worth his best friend or brother dying or anyone dying. Hermione would surely agree. He’s just, merely standing there us such an un-Ron thing for him to do. It’s an example of how in tune Grint was with his character and how distant Yates was from Ron. The other awkward directorial moments have to do with Ginny. The first is her reunion with Harry in front of the DA. There’s no epic kiss or embrace, they just merely stand there staring at each other, which is so awkward. You can tell that Radcliffe didn’t know what to do or how to play that awkward direction because his face is literally so empty and blank, not exactly the emotions you’d feel when finally see your girlfriend after months or separation. The directing is more focused on Ron’s sassy comment to Hermione then what’s actually going on in the scene (should’ve saved that focus on Ron for his goodbye to Harry not this). In the scene on the stairs when Harry runs into Neville, the camera work is great, with that swift panning around as Neville runs off to Ginny and Harry’s (completely impassionate) kiss, but before that moment we see Harry grab Ginny’s arm at such a weird place and in such a weird way, more like she was his kid in Target rather then his girlfriend who he didn’t want to leave. The same awkward grab happened in Prince during the Burrow Death Eater fight scene, Harry held onto Ginny so awkwardly placed on her arm, like she was a child in the supermarket, not his girlfriend. Like Ginny can handle herself, otherwise, hold her like an actual human being. It’s so weird. However, the worst directorial choice involving Ginny in this movie was in the courtyard scene when Harry’s body is revealed. Ginny runs forward distressed, heartbroken and distraught when it’s confirmed, which she does greatly. Her cry is heartbreaking. But when her father grabs her, she doesn’t right him, and her face isn’t sad, heartbroken, scared or angry, it’s stunned. Stunned! A teenage girl who just found out her boyfriend is dead, especially one as (at least in the books) sassy as Ginny would fight like hell to avenge her boyfriend, just as Harry tried to do for Sirius in Phoenix. She would fight her dad, Also, it’s a wide shot, when a close-up, showing the nuances of Ginny’s heartbreak would have been so much more powerful and given Wright a chance to really shine, which she deserves after being served absolutely no good material for the majority of her time on the series, as well as a direction that actually served her and helped her shine, not be a disservice to her, because Wright is clearly capable of good acting work, just not given the opportunity to show it in a profound way in the entirety of this series. I also love the moment when McGonagall turns to Harry for instructions. It such a beautiful thing to see the professor now look tot he student for guidance. And then she says “Potter, it’s godo to see you’ with a look that genuine and also says ‘I wish it was under better circumstances.’ Also, LOL at realizing that the Malfoy parents only have one wand, and therefore useless, at the Battle of Hogwarts since Lucius’ wand was given to Voldemort, but then he got it back because Harry disarmed him at Malfoy Manor, but Narcissa gave her wand to Draco. I also loved how people from past films came back during the Battle of Hogwarts, showing how news spread and the whole wizarding community came to fight and defend their school and the good side. I saw Oliver Wood for like half a second and of course, Slughorn and Trelawney were there and I’m sure alumni and parents came even if we have no idea who those people are. Dumbledore isn’t a mentor, he’s a righteous manipulator. This is proven by how he obtained all the Deathly Hallows or at least knew where all of them were, and still ended up dying, unlike Harry who got them all and ended up surviving. This is because like Voldemort, Dumbledore wanted them for power, while Harry wanted them to defeat evil for the greater good. That’s why it is a miracle Harry ended up as good and noble as he did after idolizing such a selfish manipulator. Dumbledore is also dead in the Deathly Hallows parallel between Harry, Snape, and Voldemort. Harry grated him as an old friend. However, death has not been kind to Harry. Death took away almost everyone including Harry’s family and loved ones. James. Lily. Sirius. Lupin. So, Dumbledore isn’t a calming force in this parallel, he is just as tragic and manipulative as he’s always been. Also, can we talk about how impressive it is that the trio was able to break into Gringotts, especially since Hagrid said in the first film that there is “no place safer” other than Hogwarts? This just shows how much they have improved as wizards and how far they have come. I also loved the parallel of Harry saying “not as long as those who remain are loyal to him” about Dumbledore in Chamber and then Neville says in the finale “I’d like to say something. Doesn’t matter that Harry’s gone. People die every day—friends..family. Yeah, we lost Harry tonight. But he’s still with us…in here. So is Fred, Remus, Tonks…all of them. They didn’t die in vain! But you will! Cause you’re wrong! Harry’s heart did beat for us! For all of us! It’s not over!” to Voldemort’s face about Harry. It’s a great representation of Neville’s arc, his loyalty to Harry and how much Harry inspires him. It’s also an incredibly courageous thing to do because his side, Harry’s side, was losing and Voldemort’s was winning. The easy thing to do would be to join Voldemort, especially as a pureblood, but he refuses and instead takes the opportunity to give a powerful and inspiring speech to Voldemort’s face, and that’s even before he courageously kills Nagini, the final Horcrux, and saves Hermione and Ron. I love how Neville taunts the Snatchers when they can’t get past the barrier, yelling “yeah! You and whose army?” If only Stone Neville could see him know. Taunting to hundreds of Death Eaters. Such a badass! The Battle of Hogwarts gave so many minor characters their moments to shine, like Mrs. Weasley and Narcissa, but no one shined brighter then Neville. He helps Harry defeat Voldemort, barely confronts the Death Eaters and Voldemort himself, defends Harry after he is perceived to be dead, inspires the Hogwarts army to keep fighting and kills Nagini. What a badass! He also learns from harry’s mistakes and lets people help him, mainly Seamus Finnegan who helps him blow up the bridge as the Snatchers chase him. Of course, in classic Neville fashion, he has impeccable timing, and by that I mean impeccably bad timing, as he taunts them just as Voldemort obliterates the barrier, enraging them just in time. Luckily, the most unathletic character runs for his life from hundred of irritated and angry Death Eaters, and triumphs, managing to outrun them and survive the bridge falling down into the rocky abyss. Also, Harry’s death scene was very well done. Voldemort relishing the moment, but also not hesitation. Harry’s face with anticipation, determination and anxiety, but not an ounce of fear. Bellatrix waiting in between them like a tennis match with anticipation, jubliation and thrilled excitement. Mrs. Weasley’s “not my daughter, you bitch!” moment was epic, and well-deserved. her satisfied and empowered smile after she obliterated Bellatrix was also great. What could have made it better s is if George, who we say watching in the background, would have said one of the Twins’ classic one-liners, like a wide-eyed, “go mum!” or something. Also Ginny and Mr. Weasley’s reactions would have been great too, especially because Ginny’s face was so enraged while blocking Bellatrix’s curse. I wish we didn’t just see Mrs. Weasley and Ron fight like hell after the battle resumed, but all the Weasleys. Mr. Weasley. Ginny. Bill. Fleur. Percy. George, especially. They all deserved to avenge their fallen son and brother, and Fred served that too. I wish we got to see Fleur, Bill, the Twins, Neville, Dean, Ginny, Cho, Seamus and even Percy duel Death Eaters though. It would have been great to see just how skilled they are. It also would have been great to see the rest of the Slytherins in the middle of the battle and what they do. That internal struggle would have been so interesting to watch. Also, the way the Battle of Hogwarts was basically an all nighter and then it continued into early morning. Like, damn. That’s wild, especially because, while everything was no doubt leading to this moment, to the people at Hogwarts, this seemingly comes out of nowhere, and based on Filch running in yelling about students being out of bed, this clearly happened in the middle of the night. Also, LOL at Neville and Luna having more chemistry throughout their various two-second interactions in Phoenix and Part 2 than Ginny and Harry had in the entire series. Also, the bit of almost every new wizard Harry encounters in the series who knew James and Lily told Harry that he had his mother’s eyes, and that leading up to how Snape’s final act was to finally be the one to tell Harry the truth and his final request is to have Harry look at him, so he could see Lily’s eyes one last time before his death. Ugh! That was heart-wrenching. Dumbledore saying “I should never reveal the best of you, Severus.” Ugh! If anyone deserves to let the best of themselves be told to the world in this story it’s Snape! This is insanely noble of Snape. And it certainly makes for an incredible story and plot twist! Can we also talk about how some of the most iconic lines from the series, and this movie in particular, are literally just one single word (“Anything,” “Always,” “Dead”)? It speaks volumes about the writing, the direction and mostly, the quality of the acting (Also, it’s worth noting that 2 out of the 3 examples I gave are from Snape. What an iconic portrayal by Rickman!). The final film had so many great parallels to the first film. Like Harry and Draco’s first full-on confrontation during their first flying lesson where Harry discovers his skills with a broom and surpasses the lifelong Draco by a million in terms of Quidditch potential, and in the finale, his flying skills, which Draco no doubt resents because of this, is exactly what helps Harry save Draco’s life, and therefore his own due to Narcissa later covering for him. This film was almost like Phoenix, but on steroids due to it also having an overarching theme of unity. However, it wasn’t just the students that were unified, it was the teachers and parents alongside them. The acting, action sequence, direction, writing and score music was all amazing. It was a very satisfying ending to the impactful, legendary and staple franchise. The editing in this film too was phenomenal. Specifically in those establishing shots of the Battle of Hogwarts, Mr. Weasley and Kingsley’s badass duels with Death Eaters, the intercutting of Ron, Hermione and Neville with Nagini and Harry and Voldemort’s final duel and of course, the Prince’s Tale. The Prince’s Tale is by far my favorite scene of the whole series. Also, as my friend pointed out, the core trio easily dodges cornish pixies, Dementors, trolls with broken Quidditch rings as bats, spiders and werewolves, all creatures they encountered in the first 3 movies, showing how far they have come. The trio also encounters creatures they confronted in the first three movies and gets past them easily, showing how far they have come. The creatures are cornish pixies, trolls, spiders, werewolves, Dementors, and even a dead Lavender Brown, laying in a similar position to Cedric when he died in the Goblet of Fire. They also confront these creatures somewhat in order of when they confronted them throughout the story. They ran into a troll first like in Stone, then spiders like in Chamber, then Greyback the werewolf like in Azkaban, then dead Lavender Brown like in Goblet, then Dementors like in Phoenix then finally meeting up with Snape, who was perceived as a monster after the end of Prince when he seemingly mercilessly murdered Dumbledore. The creature montage is also such a great showcase of the trio’s teamwork and growth. How Harry catches Hermione. How effortlessly they fire spells. How Ron merely runs away from the spiders, but not by screaming hysterically. I loved that sequence of the trio getting past the creatures in the courtyard so much. It was exhilarating to watch. They also barely cast spells audibly in this film, which I guess means that inaudible spell casting is an advanced skill, also being used to show how far they have come. I think that says a lot though, about how advanced and skilled they were, to begin with by bypassing those Dark creatures so early on in their magical lives. They even hide behind a Wizard’s Chess piece when dodging the troll, as well as the trio escaping the blazing Room of Requirement by broomstick. Such great nods to the first film! There are so many harrowing shots. Lupin and Tonks bodies. The Weasley family grieving. Greyback eating Lavender. Goyle falls into an inferno of his own making. Snape is being attacked by Nagini. We knew going into this film that it was going to be deadly and horrific, especially after the horrific Bellatrix-Hermione torture scene, but man these shots were just painful to watch. Also, happy Voldemort is such an uncomfortable sight. Like that’s the point, happy, cordial Voldemort with his cheering and laughing and hugging Draco is supposed to be cringy and disturbing, but it was very uncomfortable. The only time it made sense was when he had the audacity to laugh at Neville during his inspiring speech (also the very little Matthew Lewis in the Reunion was criminal. I wanted to hear him talk about Neville’s arc more, not just throw in there for a 2-second soundbite at the end). But also cordial Voldemort is so weird. The fact he hugs Draco welcomingly and is like ‘yes, Neville, please join us’ is so weird and distrubing, especially because less than 45 minutes prior we literally saw him mercilessly kill Snape, Pius and Harry. But also, seeing Voldemort struggle to be diplomatic when Neville says he wants to say something, especially because Voldemort has been waiting 17 years for this moment, that art was genuinely funny. Also, the fact that Hermione, a Muggle-born destroys a Horcrux in the Chamber of Secrets right in front of the Salazar Slytherin statue, and that her and Ron’s first kiss is also right in front of the statue is so profound and symbolic. Slytherin’s legacy is so hateful and cruel, and the fact Hermione destroyed the evilness he created right in front of him, as Voldemort is the Heir of Slytherin and Hermione being a Muggle-born and Ron being a pureblood kissing right in front of him, it’s just so powerful and inspiring. Also, I love how Lupin was able to find humor in such a high-stakes situation by quoting himself saying “It’s the quality of one’s convictions that determines success not the number of followers.” He’s a character that’s very serious all the time, so it was nice to see a more lighthearted moment from him especially during such a dark situation, especially knowing how his storyline in this film ends. I love Lupin’s ability to look on the bright side. We saw it during his goodbye scene with Harry in Azkaban, but this movie shows this quality really well, not just in the aforementioned scene but also in how he responds to Harry during the Resurrection Stone. He died. His son is now an orphan. And still, he has enough grace to have faith that one day, like Harry, came to understand his parents’ sacrifice, and Teddy will one day understand his and Tonks’. It’s such a noble trait in Lupin and even though his death itself was very anticlimactic, at least in regard to character development he went off on high notes. Speaking of characters’ final moments, unlike Lupin’s, Fred’s was not satisfying at all, which I guess is also the point. It’s so sad how Fred and George’s most serious, dark and terrified moment was also their last. The anxious look on their faces as they watch the barrier, and then the next time we see them it’s George crying and Fred dead. What would be so full circle is if Lily now took Fred under her wing in the afterlife just as Mrs. Weasley has done for Harry. Daniel Radcliffe and Alan Rickman’s acting in the Great Hall scene is phenomenal. The look of hidden, authoritative self-loathing as Snape gives his speech. The well-placed pauses as he forces the words out of his mouth. Harry’s fiery snark, boiling anger, ferocious disgust, unapologetic rage, and fearless ferocity as he confronts Snape. Snape’s look of desperate apologeticness, stunned disbelief and ever-so-subtle admiration and relief as he watches Harry yell at him. The dry sass as he says “you’ve still got a bit of a security problem, headmaster” and the utter disgust at Snape perceived audacity as he says “how dare you stand where he stood,” it’s very well delivered. Radcliffe’s vocal work and Rickman’s lineless acting is at an all-time high in this scene. There are rare occasions when Snape doesn’t know what action to take, but this is one. He impulsively, very un-Snape-like raises his wand, knowing that he needs to still protect his cover, but when McGonagall protects Harry, he falters and attempts to stand his ground. We have only seen Snape this scared and anxious once before, during the Unbreakable Vow scene, however, he still manages to keep a strong stance then. Here, he is anxious the whole time, because he is ganged up on, by Harry, by McGonagall, by the Order, by all of his former allies. However, in reality, he’s on their side. When McGonagall begins to fire spells at him he merely blocks them, ricochets them to knock out the Carrows and knowing that he’s cornered and needs to protect cover, he leaves. We think to alert Voldemort, but no doubt the Snatchers in Hogsmeade already did that. We have no idea where he goes, but the next time we see him, his final conversation with Voldemort, it’s even more apparent how much he loathes his position. Throughout the series, Snape is always an example of actions speaking louder than words, and this scene is a perfect microcosm of that quality in Snape. He’s giving such a threatening speech and yet his face is filled with dread and anguish. When he fights McGonagall, he’s not fighting back. It’s clear that though Snape’s words are evil and concerning, his actions are remorseful and noble. As Snape black-smokes out of the Great Hall, McGonagall hollers “coward” at him, when reality, being a coward is just a facade, in reality, he’s one of the bravest characters in the series. McGonagall also shows how much she respects Harry as she turns to him for instructions, she’s not the one to give them to him. It’s such a comforting exchange. Also, the way the Prince’s Tale reminds us that Harry saw the doe in the Forest of Dean in the previous film right after Snape’s “Always”, ugh! The Prince’s Tale is by far the best scene in the entire series. Also, the way that it was seeing Lupin and Tonks dead bodies, knowing that there is now another orphan just like him, that overwhelms so much he has to leave the room and do what Snape told him to do. Also, can you imagine if that vile with Snape’s tear broke, my god! Also, the fact that it was seeing Harry’s eyes, Lily’s eyes, that made him instantly calm down from the reality of actually dying, as in many ways he’s been waiting his whole life to die, valuing his life so little that he asks for the DADA knowing it’s cursed, pledges his life to Dumbledore and makes an Unbreakable Vow. And then he sheds a tear, the tear Harry needs, from the realization that he’s going to see Lily again. Also, I love Neville for always adding a dash of humor even when it’s a moment of such high stakes, like with his “that went well,” after the bridge crumbles. That was such a badass moment for Neville, especially because Stone Neville probably wouldn’t be that resourceful and probably would have fallen to his death. I love Neville’s arc so much. Also, the way “Hedwig’s Theme” plays when Harry returns to Hogwarts and reunites with his friends is such a special moment. He hugs Seamus, who he fought with in Phoenix. He hugged Dean, who is Ginny’s ex. He hugs Cho, his ex. Cormac and Lavender cheer, despite their pasts with the trio. It shows how much history these kids have, how much they have been through, and how strong their bonds are. It’s a moment of such unconditional unity and it’s beautiful. My only complaints about this scene are that no one hugs Ron and Hermione, which is very weird to me as they desire just as much recognition as Harry (especially Hermione), and how Ginny and Harry just awkwardly stare at each other, and not even with momentary smiles, just blank faces. Both of these elements make no sense to me. This scene also adds some humor and lightness right before the battle starts and it’s go, go go. Ron quips. Seamus pokes fun. The banter is well-paced and refreshing. The kids all put their heads together and Harry leans on his friends for help. Neville shows off his leadership and confidence, joking about no one killing Harry before You-Know-Who and directing Nigel to alert the Order (LOL at Harry’s code being “lightning has struck”). Luna uses her out-of-the-box thinking to prove everyone wrong and literally save the day. It’s so great and comforting, and also works as a reminder for what they are fighting before the battle begins, it’s very symbolic and parallels Harry’s final line about having “something worth fighting for” so beautifully. It’s such a heartwarming moment to have before there’s so much destruction. Also, I’ve realized that, in a way, Harry invading Snape’s mind in Phoenix foreshadowed Snape giving him his tears to take to the Pensieve, giving Harry his consent to look inside his mind and to learn the truth about his heroism. The King’s Cross scene really pissed me off. Why wasn’t Harry furious at Dumbledore? Also, Dumbledore still treats him like a child, speaking in riddles and ordering him around. I wish Harry got to talk to Snape or his parents, not Dumbledore. Also, Fred did not a that blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of him getting disarmed by a Death Eater and looking for his wand like one of the three blind mice. He deserved a more epic death scene then that (I assume he was killed after that as the next time we see him, he’s dead). It’s so odd and unnecessary. It would have been better just to shot of the Weasley family surroudning his lifeless body. Also, having Mrs. Weasley seemingly have to watch Fred get killed is just cruel. Also, LOL at Voldemort being so pissed that Harry is alive that he doesn’t even bother torturing him with his wand, he just physically beats him up. It just shows that underneath all the evilness, grandeur and power, Voldemort is still just a pathetic, quick-tempered, insecure little boy. Also, that scene really just shows how stupid Voldemort is. Harry takes every punch and slap and doesn’t even fight back. Like Neville’s speech and Snape consistently throughout the series, he fights back with his words explaining Voldemort’s flaw in his plan, and Voldemort has no idea how to respond, the words being true or not, but to fight those words with violence because its all he knows. It’s pathetic and desperate. Also, that flying sequence of Voldemort and Harry around Hogwarts Castle before their final duel is just so disturbing, but that’s also kind of the point, especially when their faces morph into one. The special effects in this film are amazing. It’s night and day compared to the first film. The scenes that I think show this best is when the Death Eaters invade the battlements and duel Mr. Weasley and Kingsley, the Room of Requirement fire and the Chamber of Secrets water scene. That small moment in the battlements is especially cool because of how the Death Eaters just pop in out of nowhere. It’s also just such a badass moment for Mr. Weasley with how effortlessly and strongly he holds his wand while dueling that Death Eater. The coolest special effect in that scene, however, is when Kingsley stuns a Death Eater while he’s still in black-smoke form, he freezes and then gets sent back through the window from which he came. It’s so epic. The fire in the Room of Requirement scene is so cool that it forms into animals, a bird, a lion, and a snake. It’s so cool. Also, that scene is so cool because it shows how well the trio works together versus how poorly the Slytherin boys work together. The trio has been in similar near-death situations like this and knows how to think fast and be resourceful, while the Slytherins are panicking and terrified damsels in distress. Luckily, like Draco, the trio aren’t murderers, so they save Draco and Blaise, but the comparison is very interesting. The ending is also such a great moment of teamwork. Harry saves Draco, making them even and being a full circle moment for their contentious relationship, especially with it involving a broom as the only reason Draco became Seeker was to battle Harry. Ron saves Blaise, dreadfully but knowing it’s the right thing to do, choosing what’s right over what’s easy. Hermione opens the fire up so they can fly through. Then when they get out and the Slytherins run off, Hermione throws Harry the Basilisk fang, Harry stabs the Diadem and Ron kicks it into the Room of Requirement and the fire destroys and the room itself contains it (a great showcase of the trio’s teamwork and rhyme). Also, LOL at during the Room of Requirement fire scene, firstly it’s the last time we see a terrified screaming Ron Weasley, which never gets old (honestly, the first time really since Azkaban, which says a lot about his character growth) and LOL at how he runs in between Harry and Hermione and just grabs Hermione, his now girlfriend, as they run away, and leaves Harry, who then sees the fire snake and then runs after them. It’s just such a great, very telling moment. The way the Chamber of Secrets looks the exact same, just better quality, is so amazing. Also, the Basilisk skeleton is in the exact same position as when we last saw it (although I don’t understand why there is no shedded skin around it. Also, Ron and Hermione, do they take more than one Basilisk fang afterward? Hermione doesn’t seem like the type to put all her eggs in one basket and neither does Ron). I love how Ron encourages Hermione to destroy the Cup Horcrux and gives her the confidence to do it, just as Harry did for him, and she does it in front of the Salazar Slytherin statue, which is badass and symbolic on so many levels as she’s a Muggle-born. And later after the Room of Requirement fire, he repays the favor and encourages Harry to find Voldemort and Nagini, showing how much Ron has grown. Also, a Mudblood killing a Horcrux right in front of Salazar Slytherin’s statue is just so symbolic. The way reminds me of the water sphere Dumbledore entraps Voldemort in during the Department of Mysteries battle. The special effects are gorgeous in this scene. Also, that kiss between Harry and Ginny on the stairs is the least passionate life-or-death kiss ever. And the way she was distraught and hysterical for like two seconds then just looking at Voldemort intensely the rest of the time. A teenager in love would be hysterical and bawling her eyes out if she had to see the body of the love of her life being carried right in front of her. The writing is clearly there as she’s in denial, asking Neville what Hagrid’s carrying, she runs forward distraught having to have her dad catch her, but the payoff it’s there. Part of this is because there are no close-ups so we can’t really see the anguish on Ginny’s face, but that’s still a directorial issue. Seriously, what does Yates have against Bonnie Wright? What happened between them before Phoenix and Prince was that she had some solid, but subtle moments in Phoenix and then it all went out the window Prince. It’s so disappointing because there is small evidence capable of way more than they give her. The happy, jubilant Voldemort makes me so uncomfortable in that courtyard scene, but that’s also kind of the point. The only time his big smile made me comfortable was when he was laughing at Neville during his speech because that made sense. Also, it was hilarious watching Voldemort get so frustrated forcing merciful words out to let Neville speak during his big moment, the moment he has been waiting for for 17 years. It just shows how insecure and pathetic Voldemort really is. The Resurrection Stone scene is so powerful. You can tell how hard this is for Harry to do, and finally, his parents and parental figures can be there for him when he needs them more. It’s so heartbreaking though because, just like how he couldn’t feel his mother’s hand during the Mirror of Erised scene, when she reaches for him and he rushes to her, she can’t feel her. And Radcliffe’s heartbreaking delivery of “I never wanted any of you to die for me” and how he turns to Lupin, knowing all the pain that now awaits his son. Also, how Harry turns to Sirius when he asks if being killed hurts, because he watched Sirius die with his own eyes. What’s most heartbreaking is how Sirius and Harry’s exchange parallels the time Sirius told Harry “the ones we love never really leave us. And you can always find the in here” and touched his heart during their goodbye scene in Azkaban and this time he points to his heart. This scene overall parallels Luna’s line “the things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect.” And then they top it off with the most heartbreaking exchange of all, when Harry asks his mom to stay close to him and she says “always” just like Snape. I also really liked How Lupin was included in the Resurrection Stone scene because it proves how much he meant to Harry, because technically, he’s not actually his family like James, Lily and Sirius (as his godfather) are. This is also proven by the fact that it was seeing Lupin and Tonks dead bodies, knowing there is now another child orphaned like him, that overwhelmed him so much that he had to leave, not Fred’s who is literally like his brother. I wish that we saw Harry’s loved ones stand by him as he walked to his death. It would have made a powerful image that much more powerful. One of the most comforting things about the Resurrection Stone scene though, besides Harry finally getting to say goodbye to Sirius and Lupin and them all giving him the strength to be selfless, was that at least we got the satisfaction that the Marauders, at least the three good ones, are all reunited in the afterlife. Also, I know he dropped the Resurrection Stone earlier, but why couldn’t he have dropped it right before his death? It’s a dark stone and Voldemort would be too prideful to notice. Also, there is the parallel of a stone being vitally important in the first film, the Sorcerer’s Stone, and a stone in the final film, the Resurrection Stone, both owned by Harry, and both lost forever because of him. Also, Ron, Hermione and George’s faces as they listen to Neville’s speech. Ron’s tough and strong, you can tell he is thinking ‘you’re absolutely right, Neville.’ It’s written all over Hermione’s face how much his speech means to her. And George looks like he’s on the brink of tears, especially when Neville mentions Fred (while Percy looks disgusted LOL even though he fought on the right side he’s still such an asshole). Also, the shot of Hermione as she walks away from her house in the opening scene of Part 1 cinematically parallels the opening scene in Part 2 with Snape in the window frame looking out onto the Hogwarts ground, because they both are alone with their back turned to camera. I love this parallel because it’s between my two favorite characters of the whole series (when the only direct interactions they have really had is when Hermione caught Snape when werewolf Lupin tried attacking him in Azkaban, when Hermione turned in her schoolwork in Goblet in that study hall scene in the Great Hall, both these featuring the only two shots of only them together in the whole series, when Snape confronts the trio in the hallway in Stone and Hermione is at a loss for word because she’s packing about lying to a teacher and when Snape insults Hermione during DADA class in Azkaban). In Part 1, Hermione is officially turning her back on the Muggle world and choosing the Wizarding World, for better or for worse, knowing that it needs her to end Voldemort. In Part 2, Snape is still ashamed to look the audience in the eye, especially once we see what Hogwarts, the place we have called home for 6 movies, has turned into, and Rickman plays the scene so beautifully because he has the beautifully complex and confusing balance of satisfaction and self-loathing. Voldemort is such an idiot because if Snape really was the master of the Elder Wand, then he wouldn’t have been able to use it to kill him, making Snape’s death basically pointles which he does not deserve. Lupin and Tonks deserve so much more then a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it death reveal, however I do appreciate how seeing Lupin and Tonks death, realizing that his fathers’ other best friend is dead (and later we find out that another kid is an orphan) is the death that effects him most and forces him to leave. It says so much about Harry’s heart and values. It’s so sad though, how when the dragon escapes Gringott’s it has trouble taking off at first because it’s been so tortured and abused. Just look at how majestic it is once it flies off (although did Muggles see this? The dragon literally climbed through a building and hopped on the roof of multiple houses before taking off, how the hell did they cover that up? Given the regime did they even bother? Was anyone home and were they hurt?). Also, LOL at Harry’s blunt sass “Hermione when have any of our plans actually worked? We plan. We get there, all hell breaks loose.” Love to see this determination and fierceness! That dragon escape scene is so badass, especially for Hermione. The way she just runs and doesn’t even tell the boys what she’s doing while curses are being fired at her, and she hates flying. It’s such an underrated moment of badassery for her. What I also liked about Neville’s heroism in this film is that it’s not perfect. The first time he tries to use the sword he runs toward Voldemort naively and gets stunned so hard that he flies over Kingsley, Harry, Hermione and all the Weasleys. But then he wakes up and sees the sword still next to him, still believing in him, and because of that confidence, not self-doubt, he is able to use it insanely successfully the next time. Also, that moment of him waking up with a bunch of dueling happening behind him was so comedic, but not too stark in that way. Also, the intercutting of Hermione, Ron and Neville with Harry and Voldemort’s final duel was so well done and greatly edited. Ron holds Hermione for dear life as they think Nagini is about to kill them just like they heard when Snape was killed, then Neville comes out of nowhere and saves them, and without realizing it, Harry and the Wizarding World too. Then Voldemort and Harry feel it, falling to their knees, and Harry gives a slight smile and Voldemort looks fearful and terrified, and the duel resumes and Harry finally disarms Voldemort and he flakes into oblivion. It was so well done. The opening scene of Snape is so powerful. First, it’s accompanied by a score literally called “Lily’s Theme” which also plays when he dies, reuniting with her. The scene starts with his back to us in solitude, just like the last time we see him before the Astronomy Tower scene in Prince, still ashamed of all he’s done. Then we see what he is watching, Hogwarts students marching in like a military. It’s clear, like Neville says later, that “Hogwarts has changed” since the last time we saw it two films ago (it also foreshadows how we are going back there). Then we see his face and while his face is, as usual, stoic and cold you can still see in his dark eyes and in the nuances on his face how ashamed, self-loathing and guilty he feels. It’s so powerful and it is played so beautifully by Rickman. It’s the first of the many scenes he absolutely nails in this film. It also foreshadows how impactful Snape is in this film and how much of a powerful transformation he goes through in this film. Also, Snape is literally only in four scenes in this whole film; this scene, the Great Hall scene, his death scene and the Prince’s Tale. It is a testament to how phenomenal Rickman is as an actor and in this role that he gave this powerful of a performance with just four scenes (five scenes total in all the Hallows films). Also, we know that the Sword of Gryffindor presented itself to Harry in a moment of need, just like how it did in Chamber to him and to Neville later on in Part 2, however, we learn later in Part 2 that Snape used his doe Patronus to give Harry the Sword. Griphook says that a fake Sword of Gryffindor is in Bellatrix’s vault and it was placed there that previous summer by Snape (with Bellatrix’s knowledge clearly). Griphook telling the trio that Snape put the fake sword in Bellatrix’s vault under the pretense of it being the real one foreshadows how he is a triple agent in a very brilliant way, as it’s immediately confusing as Prince seemingly confirmed to us that all our worst ideas about Snape are true. This confuses us even more, preparing us for the twist, the best plot twist of the series in my opinion. One foreshadowing Easter Egg that I love in Snape’s tragic death scene is how there is a Gryffindor scarf behind him in one of the shots, foreshadowing how despite that being one of the things that separated him and Lily and he still ended up being the bravest man her son had ever known. It’s a brilliant Easter Egg and also enforces my theory that maybe they sort too soon. Also, Neville’s exhilaration after the bridge incident with Harry and Ginny on the stairs when he’s saying how he could spit fire and how he wants to tell Luna that he likes her, despite there being a literal battle going on (although this scene is partially ruined by Harry holding Ginny wrist like she’s a rambunctious child in Target, although the camera movement is really cool). Also, Grint’s acting when Ron discovers that Fred is dead, as well as Oliver Phelps, the Twin who plays George, is just so heartbreaking. George basically jumps onto Ron when he arrives at the scene. George’s face when he pulls away from hugging Ron, it’s like a gut-punch. He just lost his other-half. And that fact that’s his real life brother and he had to actually imagine that, my God. Then the part when Ron crouches down over Fred’s lifeless body and bawls his eyes out and his mom strokes Fred’s and Ron’s hair as he wails. It’s just such a painful, heartbreaking sight. We know this was Ron’s greatest fear throughout all of this, losing one of his family members, and his reaction is just heartbreaking. They both all played it so well. Some of their best acting of the whole series. Also, Mark Williams, who plays Mr. Weasley. You can tell how distraught and speechless he was put knew he had to be the one to stay strong, and hated it. Why did it have to be Fred? Why couldn’t it be Percy? Fred’s death was truly like the light of series diming. Also, if you notice, Rickman is wearing de-aging anti-wrinkle makeup for Snape during The Prince’s Tale for the far back flashbacks like when he begs Dumbledore for help, is at the Potter house and finds Lily’s body and confronts Dumbledore after her death (also, slight LOL, but also good attention to detail because it’s barely noticable, only to a trained eye, AKA women and makeup users). Also, if you notice, Harry starts calling Snape “Professor Snape” after the pensive sequence, showing how much respect he now has for him, foreshadowing him naming his son after him. Also, it’s interesting to think about how everyone who strived for the Elder Wand and used it died. Harry and Draco, who both didn’t know they were master of it or didn’t want it in the first place (Draco must have been so pissed when he no doubt found out how he was master of it but never got to use it), both owned it but they never used it. Clearly, Death knew exactly what he was doing in making the wand because it seems to be a magnet for death, more of the Death Stick than an Elder Wand (named after both the wood it’s made from and its belonging to the eldest brother apparently). This also represents how Harry and Draco are more alike than they are different. It’s very interesting. Harry has power but doesn’t want it. Draco wants power, but once he gets it he hates it. I love how when the trio is running down the stairs at the beginning of the sequence as they venture to the boathouse to see Voldemort, Ron and Harry are the ones to duel the Death Eaters, while Hermione runs behind them. It’s such a nice arc from Chamber, where literally even petrified she still basically did all the planning and hard work like discovering that the monster is a Basilisk and working out all the logistics for the Polyjuice scheme. Now, the boys have their crap together and are effortlessly taking down Death Eaters, without Hermione needing to be their queen in shining armor. I love that arc for the trio. I also love Hermione’s reaction to seeing Lavender’s dead body get eaten by Greyback. She yells “no” and fiercely stuns him out the window. After the way Lavender and Hermione fought in Prince and how terribly they treated each other, it was such a noble thing for Hermione to do that really shows her compassion and grace. Also, LOL at Bogod though, it seems like the Imperius Curse is just like magically getting another wizard high of their ass for your personal benefit. Also, Narcissa and Snape are the only two people to ever successfully lie to Voldemort, which is very badass and part of what makes them two of the best, bravest Slytherins and two of the best examples of good, noble Slytherins. Also, LOL at the trio’s faces watching Bogod get burned to crisp by the dragon, Hermione looking physically in pain, Harry just angry at the fact they were betrayed (the fact that he’s so focused reminds me of how little he cared about Ron’s fear during their talk with Aragog in Chamber) and Ron in utter shock. It matches their personalities so well. Hermione was a badass with that escape though. That might be one of her most badass moments of the whole series. I love how she didn’t even tell them the plan, just ran for it, and she hates flying. Women get sh*t done! Love to see it! The one thing I hate in the film is Dumbledore and Harry’s conversation in the afterlife. What the hell as that? How was Harry not an ounce angry at him for lying to him for his whole life? Why didn’t he yell and scream and punch him in the face? He certainly deserves that, and then some. Also, since that didn’t happen, the whole thing just feels unnecessary too. Also, Snape’s final conversation with Voldemort is so well done. We get to see what his and Voldemort’s dynamic is like in real life. Snape is very obviously acting abnormal, with his repetitive “my lord” comments and simply agreeing with everything Voldemort has to say, we know Snape is far more assertive and argumentative then this. It’s only made better the part when Voldemort is telling him how he has to kill him since he killed Dumbledore, we see the Gryffindor scarf hanging behind him, all while he calmly reacts to the news that he’s about to die, merely studying Voldemort, a very brave response especially because it happens in such a brutal way in typical Voldemort fashion. It’s one of the best Easter Eggs of the series because it clearly foreshadows how by the end of the film, Snape will become the bravest man Harry has ever known. Neville also gets brutally stunned by Voldemort and literally goes flying back, over the trio (it’s adorable how Ron holds Hermione back and holds onto her for dear life) and the Weasleys as he bravely attempted to run toward Voldemort with the Sword of Gryffindor in his hands. That has got to hurt, and yet he survives, the sword conveniently lands beside him (although that shot of him waking up delirious with a battle going on behind him is slightly comedic in my opinion, but that also matches Neville’s character perfectly so I don’t mind it), ready for him to use it to kill Nagini. Despite Neville getting shot back, it was so brave and badass of him. Also, the moment at the edge of the battlement when Harry says “come on Tom, let’s finish this the way we started it, together” and he grabs him and pulls him over the edge is so badass of Harry and so brave, as he knows Voldemort wants to save himself but still pulling him over a rocky abyss is risky. Also, that shot of their faces combining is the stuff of nightmares, oddly mirroring the grotesque image of Voldemort being on the back of Quirrell’s head, which is, oddly, full circle. Also, the look on Hermione’s face as she looks at Bellatrix’s hair, her eyes are sad, exhausted, anxious, resentful, tough, strong and glazed over. Watson manages to show so much emotion in one look and all through her eyes, it’s so powerful. It’s also a very powerful shot, with how close up it is on Hermione’s freshly traumatized face. Also, the fact that Hermione managed to keep that shed of Bellatrix’s hair on her after running under a falling chandelier and Apparating to safety in the previous movie is just wild. Also, it’s so weird to think that Snape knew Petunia. It must have been so weird and cruelly satisfying for him when he was teaching Harry Occlumency in Phoenix to see how bitter older Petunia was, which we may not have seen on screen during the Occlumency scenes we saw, but you know he definitely saw those memories in their lessons in between their first one and last one, AKA the ones we see on-screen. Also, can we talk about how Hermione literally voluntarily Polyjuice’d into Bellatrix, the very person who traumatized and tortured merely hours prior? That is incredibly brave of her to do and just shows how strong Hermione is. After all, it’s not like Polyjuice is gendered as her and Fleur Polyjuice’d into Harry, so it could have been Harry (probably safer TBH) or Ron, but she still did it. Also, LOL at the thought of Bellatrix finding out a ‘Mudblood’ Polyjuice’d into her. Also, clearly Harry made a great choice when choosing his favorite spell, the disarming spell, Expelliarmus, as it is literally what saved his life in more ways then one when it came to his duel with Voldemort. I always thought it was so weird and naive of Harry to use Expellarimus against Voldemort’s Killing Curse, however it was actually brilliant and ended up having the biggest pay-off. Through Draco disarming Dumbledore, Snape killing Dumbledore, Harry snatching Draco’s wand and Voldemort killing Snape, it all led to Harry becoming the master of Elder Wand, and clearly, like the sire bond in The Vampire Diaries, it can’t kill it’s master. This means that Voldemort was once again arrogant and made his biggest mistake, Snape was killed for literally no reason and Draco had more power at one point then he ever realized. This was foreshadowed with how Ollivander said Draco’s wand’s loyalties have changed. Then during his final duel with Voldemort, once again Harry fires Expelliarmus and Voldemort fires Avada Kedavra, however, once the snake is killed, the power of the Horcruxes can’t repel Harry’s spell any long and the Killing Curse concaves into Voldemort causing the Disarming Charm to hit him, Harry finally get the Elder Wand and Voldemort finally dies. Once again, kindness wins over evilness, as disarming is a far kinder spell then killing, but clearly equally powerful. The person who lost the most throughout the series finally looses his life for no reason, Snape, who lost his freedom and the love of his life. And Draco’s demonstration of skill by quickly disarming Dumbledore and decision to disarm him rather then kill helped finally carve his own path, as he may have been trapped a Death Eater but it’s clear from that point on that at his core, he isn’t one. The sequence of Harry and Voldemort’s duel combined with intercuts of Nagini going after Ron and Hermione and Neville saving them is also so well done. Combining them makes two already intense, exhilarating, high-stakes scenes even more powerful and exciting, especially because Neville saving Ron and Hermione and killing Nagini instantly changes the whole dynamic of Harry and Voldemort’s duel because now they are equal footing and Harry is able to actually and finally kill Voldemort as now all of his Horcruxes are destroyed, so he’s mortal now. The two scenes play off each other with so much harmony and rhythm, which is entirely due to the editing. I also love how Neville basically comes out of nowhere to save the day, far more then he actually realizes. It makes the whole sequence all the more thrilling and Neville’s arc that much more impactful. Also, that powerful shot of Tonks (suddenly there?) and Lupin as they reach for each others’ hands as the barrer crumbles, only for the next time we see them for them be dead alongside each with their hands so close, but still not touching. That’s so powerful and tragic (and would have been even more so if their relationship actually had development and didn’t just come out of nowhere. I wish it as Snape who visited Harry in the afterlife, not Dumbledore. As, Snape could actually explain his backstory and feelings for Harry himself. And then what would be amazing is if his parents walk in on their conversation and both Lily and James thank him for protecting their son, and even Lily saying that she always loved him too, just obvious was never in love with him like she was with James, and James even apologizing for his past behavior. I am literally tearing up thinking of that. Now, that would have been powerful. Not Dumbledore doing his same old manipulation and talking in riddles (oh my god, how ironic, Dumbledore talks in riddles. Tom Riddle. The irony! They seriously are so similar). That’s just pointless. I also think, because we don’t really see Harry process all the Snape’s done for him and why he’s done, just the stunned and overwhelmed look on his face after he finds out he has to die and that fact that he appreciated Snape’s sacrifice so much that he named his child after him. So, I think this could have helped Harry process all of that, and therefore actually be purposeful, instead of just Harry seeing his mentor how f*cked him over again. Also, I liked that Harry’s POV shot of him looking around the Great Hall after his final duel with Voldemort. We see Slughorn, whose Liquid Luck clearly works (you see him take it behind McGonagall and the DA as she gives Neville instructions), and finally has the weight of all that guilt lifted. We see Ginny, exhausted and still beautiful (jealous!) looking at Harry with so much grief but also so much pride and understanding. We see Cho, smiling sweetly, knowing she’s not his person anymore but is still his friend. She’s okay and is happy he’s okay, especially after everything with Cedric, she’s definitely very relieved and knows she made Cedric proud (Cedric’s death no doubt was a huge motivator for the DA and the Hogwarts side too, and they definitely made him proud). We see Dean, once the subject of Harry’s jealousy because of Ginny much like Harry’s resentment towards Cedric because of Cho (Dean’s survival no doubt lifts the weight of guilt over Cedric’s death off Harry’s shoulders too especially because unlike Cedric Harry and Dean have been friends since their first year), and Seamus, who was at odds with harry during his hardest year at Hogwarts, laughing with Dumbledore’s brave, righteous and cynical Aberforth, all laughing, finding the light even after war and destruction. It’s such a symbolic, beautiful message about life after war. And his hug with Hagrid, after Hagrid was literally forced to carry his presumed dead body, and the look on his face was just numb despair and stunned shock, it was so satisfying, and so full circle as Hagrid hugged Harry at the end of the first movie and same here, and each time Harry still looked insanely tiny in comparison. Also, Hermione and Ron walk in, hand-in-hand and they look at Harry smiling proudly and Harry looks at them smiling just as proudly, both for many reasons, they did it, they achieved it and also how Ron and Hermione finally got together. To me, it parallels that adorable reunion scene after Harry gets released from the hospital in Stone, but it also shows how much has changed since then, the trio’s arc itself, especially the part where Hermione and Ron looking down at their hands clasped together and then up at Harry with shy, genuine smiles. Also, LOL at the trio casually changing in front of each other after they drop off the dragon. Especially Ron because of how he covered himself with the blanket when she woke him up in Goblet. It’s an arc of sorts, LOL. But also LOL at Hermione trying to get out of her dress then giving up and just wrapping herself in a towel. I hope that was really because the dress being so complicated and not for sexist movie rating reason. Also, Helena Bonham Carter’s acting as Emma Watson playing Hermione playing Bellatrix was so good. She got Hermione’s slightly annoyed, youthful mannerisms just right, especially in the scene on the Shell Cottage beach right before they Apparate to Diagon Alley. It just shows how good and transformative of an actor Bonham Carter is. Also, the dutch angle shots used during the Prince’s Tale scene was such a smart choice too. Also, Snape literally died for no reason as he was never master of the Elder Wand. Snape deserves so mcuh more then a pointless death. He deserve a heroes death, which he only semi-got (as he still died keeping his triple agent cover a secret from Voldemort, and Voldemort died never finding out as Hary smartly and conveniently left that part out during his explanation on the battlements). He deserves a full hero’s death. He died because of a wand that he wasn’t even the master of. While he had a death sentence since the moment her pledged his life to Dumbledore and value his life so little, this is not the way he deserved to die. Ugh! He deserves better. Also, that shot of the trio at the very end of the main timeline, right before the Epilogue, their hands clasped together as their backs face Hogwarts and the destruction and they look out towards the world. They did it. They defeated Voldemort. Everything is okay now. They are still together, just like they were when they first came to Hogwarts. They close their eyes, finally at peace. It’s so beautiful, symbolic and emotional. Just typing it makes me tear up a bit. That moment where Harry, at the edge of the battlements over a rocky abyss with his archnemesis is like “come on Tom, let’s finish this the way we started it, together” and then pulls him over the edge so fearlessly, knowing that he would survive if he held onto Voldemort because of his current immortality. It was so badass and brilliant. Daniel Radcliffe’s acting in the Shell Cottage scene with Griphook is so good. He’s so strategic, calculating, assertive and strong. Harry is clearly no longer the innocent boy from Stone or tempermental boy from Phoenix, he’s all grown up, and they confirm that for the audience from his very first scene and very first line (he assertively says “I need to talk to the goblin”) in this film. He even added a touch of humor in the scene with his matter-of-fact delivery of “it’s complicated.” I also loved how see get to see a glimpse of Neville’s leadership, like when he whispers to Nigel to alert Lupin that Harry is back and when he stops everyone from crowding Harry and gets down to business about that Harry needs help with. It’s also so sweet how willing everyone is to help Harry, and how willing Harry is to let them. It shows not only Harry’s growth as he is not isolating himself anymore, but also just how much Hogwarts truly is his home and how they people there are literally living in a messy, makeshift dorm with hammocks up to the ceiling because they believe in him so much and despite rocky histories, are loyal to him. It’s so heartwarming, especially given all that Harry has gone through from being an orphan to nearly dying multiple times. Also, LOL at how Harry’s glasses didn’t break (they haven’t broken since Chamber) during the whole flying thing, when their faces creepily morph into one or when they slam into the ground (although I do love this symbolism there, Harry on the Hogwarts side, and falling next to a dead person, as so many people have died for him, while Voldemort falls on the Death Eater side, alone). Also, the Resurrection Stone scene with Harry and all of his, now dead, parental figures where he says “I never wanted any of you to die for me,” right before he confronts Voldemort and Lily utters Snape’s iconic line “Always,” after his redemption montage, that was just cruel! The section of the movie, from Snape’s death to the Resurrection Stone scene, was probably the most heart-wrenching and well-acted 10, 15 or so minutes of the entire series. It’s so powerful how Snape tears up at the sight of Lily’s eye and he uses it to show Harry his memories, the truth about everything from his loyalties to his motivations. I can’t get over it all. I just can’t, and I think it’s obvious. I will say the Epilogue was for the most part satisfying, giving the audience security that there is a happy ending. I especially loved when harry called Snape the “bravest man he ever knew” and the full circle moment of a Chocolate Frog jumping on the window of Harry, Ron and Hermione’s kids’ Hogwarts Express compartment just like how a Ron and Harry ate Chocolate frogs when they went on the Hogwarts Express for the first time, right before they met Hermione. However, I did have a few qualms. The first is Harry’s children’s names. Why is it James Sirius Potter and not Sirius James Potter? After all, Harry actually got to know Sirius, he never got to know James. He still could have paid tribute to him, but I just feel like Sirius, who actually got to know Harry, deserves the bigger honor. And why, oh, why did Harry name his kid Albus Severus Potter? Dumbledore betrayed him, while Snape risked his life for him. Snape deserves the bigger honor of a first name. Also, did Ginny have any say on her childrens’ names? Like, they only seem to be named after people important in Harry’s life not her’s. And two of them are her former professors, which just seems so weird for her. It makes her seem even more like a pushover which just sucks as that isn’t true at all. I did like that Harry’s scar was gone and that he called Snape “the bravest man he ever knew,” showing just how much Snape’s backstory and protection meant to him. Also, the Sorting hat anxiety from Albus is so realistic and understandable (Sorting Day would put me in an absolute tizzy too). Like, imagine having every member of your family be a Gryffindor and then getting Slytherin. At least, Harry gave him really great advice, showing how his view of Snape has completely changed. A satisfying parallel however is that the first film ends at a train station, Hogsmeade train station, and the final film ends at a train station, King’s Cross. Also, I wish we got to see Harry or Neville or McGonagall on Hermione and Ron’s daughter’s Chocolate Frog’s card in the Epilogue. Especially Harry’s, it would have made it all that much more full circle. Also, please tell me that the firework that goes over Albus’ head as he goes into his compartment on the train is a Weasley firework. Also, I love the way Harry hugs his son so tightly before he boards the train, giving his son the fatherly hug he never received. It’s so heartwarming and bittersweet. Also, LOL at Harry sending his kids to the same school where he almost died every year. It was the first home he ever had, but still, he nearly died, every! goddamn! year! I wish we got to see if Harry cleared Snape’s name and told the world how much of a hero he really was after his death, especially because of how prejudiced he was against Snape due to his loyalties to Sirius and his father. I also wish we got to see if Harry and Draco ever reconciled. It seems like they did from their quick glances, but I wish there was a nod or a “Hi.” I heard that their sons became friends in the Cursed Child, so why not a handshake, showing how cordial they are now. I would have really loved that. It’s also a good message for kids that you don’t have to like everyone, but you do have to respect everyone. These characters have been through so much and sacrificed so much, so to see them find love, contentment, and happiness at the end was very satisfying. They may have had their fights and disagreements over the years, after all, what friend group doesn’t? However, when push come to shove they are always there for each other. It also completed the series arc, that love conquers all and to appreciate the power of youth. In regard to the former, it was very full circle, especially with the scene being at King’s Cross, where it really all began.
4. Sorcerer’s Stone
This film is just so charming from start to finish. It had so many iconic moments. Moments that I had heard many times before, just out of context, from “yer a wizard Harry” to “it’s LeviOsa, not LeviosA.” While it was a great starting point and definitely sucked me in, it felt a little slow-paced. It felt more like a TV pilot in many ways than a feature film, which makes sense because it was introducing us into the world of wizards and witches. However, you did get the sense that it had the potential for a sequel, unlike how the first Twilight felt. This film was incredibly charming. Maybe the most charming film ever made, and that’s because of the 90s, nostalgic witchy vibe that is equally comforting and intriguing, which makes it perfect for all ages. Sorcerer’s Stone is the ultimate feel-good movie of the franchise. It’s fun, nostalgic, charming, fantastic, light-hearted, endearing and exciting. It’s very storybook. Chris Columbus had a HUGE task in this film. He not only had to cast it and create the world but also make them strong enough and quality enough to set the framework for 7 more films. He also had the added task of teaching rambunctious children how to act and getting them to fall in love with acting. And the thing is, he succeed on all fronts, and beyond. This film is so endlessly charming. I also liked how the kids were really just being kids and in their performances, they acted like real kids. It added a level of authenticity to the film, which is part of why it was a great start to the series. It was also very cinematic, in a way many children’s films aren’t. Especially that first shot of Hogwarts as the first years ride the boats up to the castle, and they all have jaw-dropped expressions due to the stunning view (like how Sirius says in Azkaban that he has always admired Hogwarts for the castle’s beauty). It was a great scene and a truly breathtaking shot, because the audience is having the same reaction as the kid characters. All the kids’ faces when they first see the Hogwarts castle. They all so mesmerized and entranced by it’s grandeur and beauty, and so was I. It was gorgeous. That panning shot to reveal the Hogwarts castle for the first time was truly magical (pun unintended). Also, LOL at Hermione being like “that thing has a name” when she is also the one to notice it as guarding something. What a cute little multitasker. Also the reveal of the Great Hall was also amazing, especially with those hanging candles, which from the Reunion were really lit and hanging, not CGI, which is insane and very dangerous. There is also CGI in the winged key scene and the trolls scene with Harry, which is fairly obvious, but still manages to not be distracting and be charming. This film did a great job balancing grandeur with charm, which successfully made it come off as child-like wonder. This film is also a great lesson to kids about not judging a book by its cover, a lesson that keeps happening, and therefore reminding the audience of it throughout the series. When Harry first locks eyes with Snape, his scar burns, but it’s actually because of Quirrell (I wonder if Harry’s scar burned during his DADA classes during his first year), who is sitting next to Quirrell and facing his back to Harry so Voldemort can see him through his turban. Harry also finds out from Percy that Snape has been after the DADA job for years. That incident, combined with his menacing appearance and demeanor makes Harry convinced that he’s the enemy, when really it’s Quirrell. It makes for a great story, for all ages. Also, after years of not being able to celebrate his birthday, Harry got the best birthday present ever for his 11th birthday by finding out he’s a wizard. It was also interesting to see how all the characters met and started out, especially the core trio. I didn’t expect that to be how Hermione, Ron and Harry became friends. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t that (with such an epic series, I expected their first meeting to be more epic and profound, but it was so organic and natural, which I honestly loved better because we, as a Muggle audience, can connect to it more), but it was cute, sweet and realistic and I loved it. It reminded me of camp. How you get so close with people so fast because you live, eat and sleep with them. However, I love how the trio’s personalities are all very clearly defined from their first interaction. Harry is modest and kind. Hermione is assertive and smart. Ron is witty and the bright light of the group. They already balance each other out so well and all of this leads them through the rest of the series. The trio complements each other so well because they each have qualities and talents the other lack. Hermione is logical and prepared, while Ron and Harry are action-oriented. Ron is laid-back, while Hermione and Harry are focused and fixated. Harry is a good listener, while Hermione and Ron are more abrasive. The combination of these traits helps them solve problems quickly, even more quickly then a skilled professor. None of them are perfect. Hermione is a know-it-all. Ron is dramatic. Harry has a hero complex. Hermione is the best at spells since the first time, and even her first introduction as she fixes Harry’s glasses in her very first scene. I love how terrified Harry looks when Hermione first points her wand to his glasses, but the she fixes them successfully, which is very impressive as she is Muggle-born and hasn’t even had her first magic class or have been sorted yet. I also love her snark disdain when she politely says “pleasure” to Ron after her introduced himself. Even from their first meeting they are so different, which makes their enemies to friends to lovers arc so great. Hermione, Ron, and Harry definitely had that bond and they balance each other out very well. I really loved the troll scene, because at least to me, that’s when their friendship is cemented. Although, I do find it funny when Ron looks under his cloak and around when Harry asks him to help when the troll has him upside down. It was well acted for a kid, but the exchange that for an adult, it wouldn’t be. And when Hermione is hiding under the sink scared, but not too scared to remind Ron of the swish and flick. And I love how Hermione took the blame, it showed that even though Ron didn’t like her, she was still a good friend and loyal to her classmates. (And Snape’s reaction to Hermione taking the blame was quite funny). Also, it’s hilarious how the one spell they have learned so far is one that unexpectedly helped them. It’s incredibly good luck and good irony. Even from his first night at Hogwarts, you can tell just how at home Harry feels, especially at that moment when he is looking out the window of his dorm with Hedwig. He is the most peace we have seen him. One of Emma Watson’s best-acted scenes of the whole film is after the trio sees Fluffy and she tells them what she noticed; the trap door. She is very confident in saying that it’s guarding something and saying her defining and brilliant line “now I’m going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed, or worse, expelled.” She’s so relaxed, natural, spunky and confident in this scene and shows Hermione blossoming as a leader and Watson’s potential as a scene stealer (she is really one of the biggest scene stealers of not just this film, but the whole series). Also, Grint’s delivery of “she needs to sort out her priorities” was just comedic gold. So sardonic and charming. Another one of Emma Watson’s best acting moments in this film was when Hermione calls Harry a great wizard and he says he’s not as good as her and she replies “Me? Books and cleverness. There are more important things. Friendship and bravery.” That was such a great Hermione scene and such a defining scene for her character because as much as her intelligence defines her, it’s her loyalty and courage that make her memorable and beloved. The three-headed dog scene is also so great because, besides the troll, it’s one of the first times the trio is faces with true danger and they each act in the same way they will for the rest of the series. Harry is internally theorizing, Ron is complaining and inquiring and Hermione is too busy looking at the surroundings to actually be as scared as she probably should be, in this case noticing what the dog is standing rather then being terrified that the dog is gonna eat them (sure she screams at first, but Hermione is a multitasker, obviously, which also something she does in future high stakes situations). Also, can we talk bout how full circle it is that the reason Hermione was crying in the bathroom when the troll came in was because of Ron’s rude comments about her, and then in the end he was the one who saved her? How full circle (it also parallels greatly with their will-they-won’t-they romance) and adorable! One of Emma Watson’s best-acted moments of the whole film is the scene on the stairs in the Gryffindor Tower as they walk back to the dorms after running into Fluffy. She’s confident, determined, showing off her smarts and leadership and is unapologetic. She tells the boys that it’s guarding something, factually, in a very certain way. Then she says one the best Hermione lines ever with such impressive specificity and commitment for an actor of her age “now if you two don’t mind I’m going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed, or worse…expelled!” Such a Hermione line! It is also such a good line to show her arc throughout the series, because by the last two films, she puts her school work aside in order to risk her life to help Harry, showing how now she thinks death is worse then school. I love Hermione in that post-Fluffy encounter scene. She is such a leader. Assertive. Confident. Intelligent. Observant. Especially in her delivery of “it’s guarding something” It’s such a great Hermione moment because since she is like that from the beginning, it’s great to see how she not only becomes more of a leader, but also a more inclusive, valuable team member. And of course, her iconic line now if you two don’t mind, I’m going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed, or worse…expelled,” which not only encompasses her character so well, as she values rules and education but also showcases her bravery, as she would rather be killed then not stand up for her believes.” And Ron’s line in response “she needs to sort out her priorities,” is not only such a great line, but almost prophetic, because by Hallows, she does. The scene in Ollivanders is great. I have seen that wand shot so many times in the past, but seeing the arc of the scene and John Hurt and Daniel Radcliffe’s meaningful performances made it even better. Also, Harry’s face of wonder and curiosity as he watches his wand glow for the first time is truly so magical. Also Radcliffe did a great job at showing Harry’s sass in the most subtle ways in this film, from his eye rolls and headshakes to his sassy quips like “I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks.” The Sorting Hat scene was also great. I love how the Sorting Hat was barely on Draco’s head before hollering out Slytherin, and then Draco’s satisfied smug smirk. It was such a fitting moment. Also, LOL at Dumbledore”s top of fingers to bottom of fingers delicate little clap. Richard Harris is THE BEST Dumbledore. He made great character choices and set such a high standard that Gambon could just never come close to reaching. I honestly think I would have forgiven Dumbledore if Harris played him all the way through. I also find it so funny how Hermione is portrayed as the proper, refined, polite character, and yet her hair is huge, tangled and messy. Her bushy hair later on works much better, still brown and big but more clean and refined. The broomstick lesson scene is also so adorable. It’s great because it’s the first time we see how much Harry belongs at Hogwarts outside of his new relationships. I also love Hermione’s pissed look she gives Harry when the broomstick goes “up” for him immediately and not for her. It’s so her. It also shows how she’s not competitive, she just wants to be good t things for her own validation, which I relate to a lot, shown with how she doesn’t ask Harry how he did it, she just keeps trying (although she does ask how he made a successful potion later on in Prince, probably because unlike this flying lesson which is other of their first times, with potions they have both been in the same class for years and Hermione seems to always be better then Harry, so she is understandably weirded out by him suddenly doing better then her). Also her “what an idiot” delivery is terrific. Hermione is such a mood. Also, LOL at Draco challenging Harry being the whole reason he became the youngest Seeker in a century in the first place (however, Draco won’t go down without a fight, as he becomes Slytherin’s Seeker in the following film). I also loved Draco’s smug nonchalant face when it immediately goes for him, as he has clearly ridden brooms before as grew up in the Wizarding World, and grew up rich, so him already knowing how to fly isn’t surprising, so when Ron’s smacks him in face despite him going up in the Wizarding World, this difference only adds to how different those two characters are and how different they grew up. Draco’s love is directly connected to his success, while Ron is loved no matter if he’s successful or fumbles for the first few times before he ultimately succeeds. Even though Draco has been a broom prior to this first flying lesson, as seen with his impressive takeoff and how he can do flips, Harry can do flips his very first time on a broom, which I think just shows how much of a natural he is. Also, the way Neville was so traumatized by this flying experience that he didn’t ride a broom for the rest of the series says so much. I wish we got to see him improve. Why didn’t Harry teach that during DA meetings? After all, broom riding is what saves the trio, Draco and Blaise in the finale. I really liked how distracted Harry was during his first Quidditch match because it’s realistic. It’s not only his first game as a player, but it’s his first game ever, and it’s such an overwhelming thrilling game as a spectator, it must be twice as much as a player, so it makes sense that he would be distracted. Also, how creative is it that JKR had Harry catch his first ever Snitch in his mouth, almost swallowing it. Like, how did she think of that. Also, the editing, how it built anticipation, was very good at that part. Also, Harry’s smile when he realizes that he won his very first Quidditch match ever, it’s so endearing. he finally get his moment of glory, which as a orphan from an abusive family, he much, much, much deserves. I also love how you can see the Twins high-fiving their Beaters bats behind him as the camera circles around him as his fellow Gryffindor players congratulate him. Also, as someone with anxiety, Sorting Day seems incredibly stressful, especially for a Muggle-born who is completely blindsided by the idea. Like, that’s insane. Another one of Watson’s best acting moments is when she tells Harry that he’s a great wizard and gives him the strength to finish off their mission by saying that “friend and bravery” are the most important things (revealing why she is indeed a Gryffindor and not a Ravenclaw as even though she values her intelligence, she sees being brave and loyal as much more important qualities). Watson is so genuine and sweet in that scene. You can tell she means every word she is saying. That scene almost doesn’t feel like acting, it feels real. It’s a beautiful moment. McGonagall and the Gryffindor students look so sad when House Points are announced. I particularly love Hermione’s unamused slow clap, respectful, but pitiful. It was perfect for her character. And then when Slytherin wins again and she lazily has her hand at her cheek so uninterested and bored. It’s so unlike her, but also so in character as she is one of the most loyal and strong characters. It was great and just showed how much potential Emma Watson has to be such a scene-stealing force in the series. Draco’s sneer at Ron and Ron turning around so unamused and Harry is clapping while looking so sad and shy. Also, when Slytherin does win for like two seconds, Snape’s fast clap is so funny to me. He doesn’t even look that happy and is just trying to get it over with as soon as possible, which makes it even funnier when Dumbledore is like “recent events need to be taken into account” and he turned to Dumbledore like excuse you WTF are you talking about? What’s great about the part where Dumbledore rewards each of the trio and Neville with their points is how it shows their strengths, and pointing them out like this foreshadows how each of their strengths will help them succeed throughout the series. Hermione’s “cool use of intellect when other are in grave peril,” is exactly why she is so invaluable to the trio and save their lives on numerous occasions. Ron’s wizard chess skills being acknowledged represents how his growing up in the Wizarding World, and being the only one of the trio to have done so, is one of the biggest reasons why he is so valuable to the group. Harry’s courage and nerve are exactly why he ends up surviving and inspiring others. And Neville underestimated bravery and ability to both stand up to and for your his friends is what makes him a great leader. And each of the quad’s reactions to their points is so adorable. Hermione’s big, humble but happy smile. Ron’s utter shock being like “me” and Harry being his endlessly supportive friend “you.” And Neville’s utter shock and disbelief, as if he had never won anything before, when he gets the points that makes Gryffindor beat Slytherin is just adorable, and that shock at his greatness always stays with him, until the very last movie. And then their Draco and his lackies, who are so confused, jealous and angry, with Draco taking his pointed hat off and slamming it on the table, so defeated and filled with FOMO. McGonagall’s maternal and proud smile at Harry and then her hilarious ‘where are you going with this?’ look to Dumbledore when he awards the last few points to Neville, but proud and happy nonetheless. I also love how much of a math queen Hermione with her being able to calculate all those points in her head to figure out, very fast, that they are tied with Slytherin before Neville’s points are announced. If Dumbledore did one thing right in this entire series, it was praising Beville for his braver and standing up to his friends. I also love how all the Gryffindors cheer for Neville, you can tell how foreign he is to this kind of attention and praise, but everyone is so proud of him. You can tell he finally feels like he belongs. It’s the sweetest thing. I also love when Hagrid is like “yes!” then remembers he’s an adult and calms himself down because that’s so relatable. It’s also very in-line with his character who is basically a big child. This scene is also one of the only times, besides him fighting on the correct side in the finale, that Percy seems like a genuinely kind person. He’s not being a rule stickler or pretentiously yelling “I’m head boy,” he’s cheering on Harry and Neville and so happy for Gryffindor, just like everyone else. I don’t know how the characters were described in the books, but these actors, especially the kids, really encapsulated each character’s needed essence perfectly and effectively. Harry’s curiosity. Ron’s hilarity. Hermione’s intelligence. Neville’s doubtfulness. Draco’s cruelty. Snape’s mysteriousness. Dumbledore’s prominence. McGonagall’s authority. And honestly, when it comes to casting, essence is far more important then appearance. The innocent child-like wonder vibe which turned into the threatening darkness by the end of the film, what with harry burning off someone’s face and all, the beginning of the darkness that would be a mainstay throughout the series, and it was very well done, being horrified, but not too horrified for it too completely loose the child-like wonder that dominated the film. Ron’s confidence in the Wizard’s Chess scene was amazing to see after his insecurities, challenged by Hermione’s smarts and skill, were shown throughout the movie. Rupert Grint played that confidence very well too. You can tell that the actor was much more comfortable at that point both as an actor and as the character. Another moment I love is when Hagrid gives Harry the picture book and it has probably the only picture he has of him as a baby with his parents. His only family photo. And the way he looks at it, with just as much bittersweet sorrow as he does joy and heartfelt-ness. It’s such an adorable moment. The final scene is so symbolic with the trio and Hermione saying “feels strange to be going home, doesn’t it?” and Harry smiling tenderly and saying very matter-of-factly “I’m not going home. Not really.” You can tell at that moment that these kids and these actors’ lives changed forever. It’s so beautiful and heartwarming. That scene of Harry during his first night at Hogwarts, looking out the window with his first ever pet and companion, completely at peace for the first time in his life, and one of the only times in the whole series. He definitely struggles while at Hogwarts, but he also has a home, a place where he belongs now, and it’s a hell of a lot better then the neglect he got while living on Privet Drive. Also, if you notice, in the scene on the moving staircase right before the trio meets Fluffy for the first time, Hermione looks over her shoulder at the moving banister, but really she is looking at a portrait (moving or not, I don’t know) of Anne Boylen. I presume this a supposed to be a reference to her being rumored of participating in witchcraft (she was not beheaded for this however, she was beheaded for treason) while also trying to blend the British Muggle world with the British Wizarding World. As someone who loves British history and found the story of Henry VIII and his wives fascinating, I loved this Easter Egg. The first years’ reactions to Nearly Headless Nick, especially Hermione’s with her know-it-all interrogating and disgusted expression after Nick shows her how he is nearly headless, were so realistic and adorable. My friend told me that Susan Bones, who is sorted in Hufflepuff in the Sorting scene, is actually director Chris Columbus’ daughter, and is only in the films her directed. LOL at Harry thinking for even a second about staying with the Dursleys, but also LOL at Harry willingly going with a stranger (I’m guessing the Dursleys never taught Harry stranger danger?). At least it was Hagrid. I guess the fact that he knew his parents helped make him credible (thank god it wasn’t Peter Pettigrew). I love how full circle it is that Hagrid dropped Harry off at the Dursleys, introduced him to the Wizarding World and flew him away from the Dursleys for the last time. I also love how Harry stands up to Draco when he made fun of Neville after Neville’s broom malfunctioned, just like he did for Ron. Harry seems like a very reserved, down-to-Earth kid at his core, without all his fame and legacy, so the fact that he stood up to Malfoy, especially at this point in story, says a lot about Harry and how he is finding his place at Hogwarts, with or without his fame. He’s gaining confidence from his sense of belonging and that helps him stand up to Malfoy, especially because after growing with Dudley, he has no tolerance for bullying. The moving staircases are such a cool, and very anxiety-inducing idea to me. Also that moving staircase tower looks insane. Like 500 feet. Also, all of the kids are so cute but Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe are particularly adorable. Emma Watson’s natural spunkiness and moxie she brings to Hermione is just so charming and that scene where she and Ron reunite with Harry after he gets out of the hospital and goes “never better” just makes me smile due to how freaking charming her delivery is. And Daniel Radcliffe’s smile is just so infectious. You can’t help but smile when Harry smiles, especially because of how tragic his life is, seeing him happy is just so heartwarming. I also really enjoyed that corridor scene between the trio and Snape. It was such a good scene and revealed a lot about so many characters. We saw Hermione’s value of rule-following as she trips over words and struggles to lie to a teacher, especially Snape’s intimidating face. We see Harry’s assertive, confident leadership as he successfully lies to Snape and then says to Ron and Hermione assertively that they are going down the trap door tonight. We also see so many of Snape’s mannerisms that will be consistent throughout the series, especially during his line “people will think you’re…up to something,” specifically the “up to something” part. he pauses before he says it and turns to Harry, who is squint at him disdainfully, and he looks into his eyes, Lily’s eyes and gives a piercing stare and furrows his brow almost fearfully, responding to the disdainful look Lily’s eyes are giving him. It’s brilliant. And then there’s the ominous shot of Snape walking away from the trio, and the camera, in an empty corridor with his cloak billowing grandly behind him, looking like a supervillain running from his crime. It was a very well-acted, well-directed and well-edited scene. Also, LOL at Dumbledore literally terrifying everyone by saying not to go into the Forbidden Forest unless you want to die, and then having four 11-year-olds spend their detention in there. However, that line does foreshadow what happens when Harry goes in there in the final film. Also, LOL at when Hedwig drops the Nimbus 2000 package down in front of the trio, they are like ‘what is it?’ when it is clearly wrapped in the shape of a broomstick. But also, it’s so sweet that McGonagall bought it for him, and worked with Hedwig to gift it to him since, as an orphan and a first year, he probably wasn’t getting a lot of letters and packages. And the way she smiles at Hedwig and then Harry, almost puffy-eyed from tears of sentimental joy, it’s so sweet and just speaks volumes to how kind and supportive McGonagall is. Also, LOL at how Harry’s first Hogwarts letters literally are addressed to “the cupboard under the stairs.” I love how loyal and kind Harry is to Ron is, as seen when Harry rejects Draco for Ron, even though they have only known each other for a few hours. I think that says a lot about how much goodness is in Harry and I think that meant a lot to Ron as he knew the reputation of his family before attending Hogwarts. The flying keys to a locked door obstacle reminded me of Alice In Wonderland. Also, did it seem to foreshadow Harry getting attacked by Dementors while going after the Golden Snitch in Azkaban, since the reason Harry was able to catch the key in the first place was because how good he was as a Seeker? Also, Hermione rolling her eyes annoyingly when Harry and Ron are late to Transfiguration in such a mood. I am seriously such a Hermione. Like, if Neville and Hermione were in one person, that person would be me. The first film also hints at so many important things throughout the series. Snape’s hidden protectiveness. Voldemort’s striving for immortality. The trio’s friendship. Hermione’s smarts. Ron’s sarcasm. Neville’s bravery. Also, the two faces and conjoined ears was so creepy looking TBH. Also, LOL at Hermione’s nonchalant, casual, unphased expression after petrifying Neville. So young and already so confident in her skills, even the scary ones. What a badass! At least she said sorry before she did it (also I love how in Phoenix Neville uses this same spell to take down a Death Eater at the Hall of Prophecies. It just shows how much he has grown and improved). Also, LOL at Harry’s introduction to the Weasleys through Mrs. Weasley’s line “packed with Muggles, of course,” while they are the most inclusive family towards Muggles in the series. It’s ironic because, at first glance, that line seems very prejudiced when really it’s just matter-of-fact. Also, the way Draco is so transfixed and entranced by Snape’s speech during the first years’ first potions class (and the way we have to remember this when we get to Prince, the sixth movie, and they don’t remind us once, is insane). I wonder if he is actually good at potions or if it’s just Snape’s favoritism. When you first watch this potions scene and you see and watch Snape badger Harry while he’s just trying to take notes like a good student, and ignore Hermione who obviously enthusiastically knows the answer, you just think he is a cruel teacher who likes toying with his students. However, by the end of the series, you look at that scene so differently. Snape is aware Harry didn’t grow up in the Wizarding World. He is also aware that he is famous because of his parents dying, one parent he hated and one he loved dearly. You can Snape dealing with this complexity when he pierces Harry with questions and then gives him the final blow “clearly fame isn’t everything,” it pierces Snape just as much as Harry because Harry wouldn’t be famous if Lily wasn’t dead, it’s also ironic because Snape ultimately becomes famous for killing Dumbledore and taking his place as headmaster, however like Harry, Snape was famous for something that wasn’t truly who he was. Harry is an athlete, down-to-earth and kind, but he’s famous for tragedy and being a hero. Snape is brave, smart and heroic, but he is famous for being a villain. I also love how Hermione nudges Harry when she notices Snape is looking at him while he’s taking notes. She is literally me when I was in grade school. The first time Harry feels like he is something special is the first time he is on a broom, not just since entering the Wizarding World and finding out he’s famous but also in his whole due to the Dursleys’ belittlement. It’s such a joy to see because, for the first time, he isn’t just an orphan or a legend, he is a boy who found something he enjoys and is good at. So, it’s no wonder his first instinct when he is learning how to do a Patronus in Azkaban is to think of the first time he was on a broom. It’s the first time he saw himself as something more than people’s expectations of him. Also, the fact that this is his first time on a broom ever and he is amazing at it is so impressive. Also, when Harry flies up on his broom for the first time after Hermione warns him, her hair blows in the broom’s wind, which shows it’s practical effects, and the production’s attention to detail. Also, poor Ron. He literally grew up in the Wizarding World and is from a family of Quidditch fans and his broom whacks him in the face. I find it hard to believe that unlike Draco (like even though Draco was at the World Cup with his dad and was a seeker in Chamber, he doesn’t seem like that big of a Quidditch fan in comparison. He mostly just uses it for power, especially since Harry loves it) he wouldn’t have some experience on a broom. The way Ron’s face drops after Harry introduces himself. I love how Harry smiles with how impressed Ron is by his ‘badass’ scar saying “wicked” despite being a bit apprehensive to mention it. It’s one of the first times in Harry’s life that it seems that his peer is impressed by him. It’s so sweet and innocent. Also, the way Harry clocks Ron’s sweetly embarrassed face as he holds up his sad sandwich and feels for him so Harry burst with enthusiasm saying “we’ll take the lot,” using his newfound riches in a childish, generous. It’s so adorable and fitting for their friendship. Ron likes to indulge and Harry is just happy to have some good company. Also LOL at McGonagall not even being upset with him and just like ‘yes, we can finally beat Slytherin’ instead (because we see on the Quidditch plack next to James Potter’s name that M. McGonagall was also an impressive Quidditch star when she was at school (however, it doesn’t make sense that she is on the same plack as James since we see later on that she sorted him, Lily and Snape their first year, unless McGonagall has a sibling with a first name starting with M). I love how full circle it is that the whole reason Hermione was in the bathroom was that she was crying over what Ron said, then Ron went with Harry to make sure Hermione wasn’t hurt by the troll since she didn’t go to dinner to hear the announcement, and the Ron ended up being the one to save both Harry and Ron as they were indisposed. I love how that’s how they became inseparable. It’s so sweet. What’s so impressive about the child actors in this movie is how subtle and natural they are, unlike most child actors who are really energetic and big (think Disney Channel actors), especially Daniel Radcliffe and Tom Felton. I also think that is a microcosm that shows the difference between British actors and American actors. I think it’s even more thought-provoking when you realize how young and green they were in this film. Also, Hermione’s proud evil smile after igniting flames to Snape’s robes at Harry’s first Quidditch match was so adorable. Also, LOL at how Harry is the youngest seeker in a century and yet he took forever to grab a single one of those Hogwarts letters when they invade the Dursley house, not even bothering to bend down and pick one up on the ground. I get that it was such a wondrous and joyful scene for him and that the letters are supposed to be like confetti it that way and him jumping for joy within it shows that, it’s still pretty hilariously ironic in hindsight. I also love Malfoy’s rude awakening with how he gets the trio in trouble by breaking the same rule. The second time his ass is handed to him in this series, after Harry’s rejection of friendship. Also, LOL at the whole idea of House points being completely erased from the later scripts. Very smart that they didn’t would just waste time and space, but it’s just funny to me because that was such a big thing in the first film. Although, with that film being more childish and innocent, the blown-out-of-proportion idea of House Points works, and would make less sense for a 16-year-old to be obsessed over. One blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment that I loved showing how fast and true Harry and Ron’s friendship is was when Gryffindor wins the House Cup and they all celebrate and one of the Twins starts to show his brother Ron affection by rubbing his head and messing up his hair and then Ron starts to do the same thing to Harry and Harry does the same thing to Ron in return, showing how they are already like brothers to one another after just a year of knowing on another. He is Harry’s first friend ever and they will be best friends forever. It’s so endearing and adorable. Also, LOL at Hermione being like “I know a spell when I see one” as a first-year who is brand new to the Wizarding World. She’s honestly so impressive. Also, LOL at Harry realizing he’s famous. Can you imagine leaving your sad world to enter a new unknown one and suddenly everyone in that one sees you as a hero, and you are only 11? Like, imagine being just a normal kid, and not just that, an abused orphan, and then suddenly find out you’re a famous wizard and everyone in a different facet of the world that you have just discovered knows your name because of some historical event that involved a psychopath killing your parents and trying to kill you but all you came away with was a scar. That’s insane. And also, imagine having the reason you are famous to this world is because your parents died? That’s wild. Harry honestly takes this new surprisingly well, no doubt because it was Hagrid’s genuine, warm self telling him the truth (at least Hagrid believed Harry deserved the truth). I also liked how in that scene in the Leaky Cauldron, Harry being polite (which is surprising based on the cruel family he grew up around) reached out his hand to shake Quirrell’s after Hagrid says that this strange, nervous man is going to be his teacher and Quirrell, masked as nerve, rudely doesn’t shake Harry’s hand and hilariously and ironically says “fearfully fascinating subject, not that you need it,” foreshadowing their battle at the end. I loved how we got to see how, despite only meeting Harry once and (knowing them) despite his fame, the Weasleys were already starting to take him in (also, despite Mr. Weasley never having met him at this point) by giving him one of his first-ever Christmas presents (the Dursleys never gave him birthday presents, so they certainly never gave him Christmas presents). It was so sweet, and the scene itself just showed how innocent Harry is, how he still gets excited for Christmas and presents, like any kid, despite you know, being Harry Potter. I love when Harry comes out from behind the corner after Hagrid breaks into the Dursleys’ hideaway and reveals himself to Hagrid and Hagrid looks at him and says “well, of course, you are,” knowing that he sees James and Lily in him immediately. It’s so precious. Also, LOL at Hagrid fully breaking down the door, not even bothering to knock. I also like the choice to make Harry skeptical that he is a wizard. It shows his smarts and guts. The scene also shows how much he values his normalcy, even before realizing he’s famous, with how is repeatedly like “I’m Harry, just Harry.” I also love how proud Hagrid is of his mess of a cake (it’s the thought that counts, and Harry, despite growing up around the menaces to society that are the Dursleys, still manages to be polite and say “thank you”) by saying “baked it meself, word and all.” Also, LOL at the restricted section being so easy to get into that a Muggle could do it. I also loved the exchange where Hermione hinted at the boys to look in the restricted section over holiday break and Ron being like “I think we’ve had a bad influence on her.” Also, the way mail is delivered at Hogwarts, with all those owls, that just seems so overwhelming and chaotic, and kind of gross that that happens during meal times. I think I would have a panic attack every mail call because of how chaotic it seems. Also, LOL at Hagrid telling Harry who just found the truth about his parents dying that the person who killed them is still alive, just in hiding. Scare the kid, why don’t you? But at least it was Hagrid and not someone less comforting like Snape or Dumbledore. Also, LOL at Hagrid leaving the poor orphan new wizard at a train station all alone. Also, Harry’s sadness and melancholy when he says “how can it? My parents are dead” after Ron suggests that the Mirror of Erised shows the future is just so adorably sad. Also, that two faces thing is absolutely horrifying. I’m an adult, and this is in a children’s movie and I am still so disturbed by that grotesque image. It’s truly the stuff of nightmares. Also, I loved how Snape saved Harry at the Quidditch match even though the game was against his own House. I wish there were more clues and instances throughout the series of Snape protecting Harry. I mean they were with him protecting the trio from Lupin’s werewolf form in Azkaban and helping the Order in Phoenix, but honestly, those were quite small. I wish there was something like Half-Blood Prince, a whole storyline with Snape protecting Harry, though it’s perceived as reluctantly as Snape did for Draco in Half-Blood Prince. They sort of gave us that in Phoenix with mind-reading thing, but I feel like they could have used that dynamic in a better, different way, but then again then the ending twist of Snape’s loyalty wouldn’t be as impactful (And side note: but one of those CGI Quidditch players looks like it could be a teenage Ginny circa Half-Blood Prince). I also thought it was funny how in that Quidditch scene a literal 11-year-old Hermione thought she could help Harry when his broom was jinxed. Granted, her solution was quite clever and successful, but it’s still funny especially after seeing how far Hermione has come with her spell-casting and just how complex of spells she became able to do, like obliviate, in the latter films. I also thought it was hilarious the point Ron made about Hermione saying “it’s spooky. she knows more about you then you do,” because it seems like once she found out she was a wizard, she researched everything she could about the Wizarding World, and of course came across Harry, furthering proving how, like the Royal Family, since he was a baby, he was a historical legend, so much so that he is literally in the history books (I will say, if my school was as fascinating as a magical school like Hogwarts, I would have probably done the same thing as Hermione). It’s similar to how the characters in Legacies read books in the library about the characters from The Originals and The Vampire Diaries. It’s wild to think about. Also, the (very ahead-of-his-time) shot of Draco flying around his classmates then them parting and him flying through them and then flying for some reason gave me Wizard of Oz vibes, especially when accompanied with that score music they used. Neville’s fantastic arc throughout the series is also foreshadowed in this movie, as he is the one to finally put Gryffindor over the edge and beat Slytherin for the House Cup. I love that for him. When you first meet Nevile, you are shocked by how he could have possibly gotten Gryffindor and not Hufflepuff. After all, he is forgetful, accident-prone, and insecure, not heroic, brave and strong like the other Gryffindor characters we get to know well in the first film. But by the end of the first film, you begin to see that there is a lot of untapped bravery underneath his shy nature. Over the course of each film, that bravery and Gryffindor-ness comes to the surface more and more, to the point where it’s impossible to think Neville belongs in any House other than Gryffindor. I love the scene where the Dursley’s house becomes infested with Hogwarts letters, the school being magically determined to have Harry come before we, as an audience, even completely understand why. And Harry begins to jump up to try and grab one f the letters, with the biggest smile on his face, the first true smile we see from him so far. This is like one of the first times in his life, probably, that he felt true amusement and joy, especially because they are his letters, unlike the Dursleys, there is somebody out there that actually wants him in their lives, somewhere he belongs. Someone and somewhere so determined that they are spending 100s of parchment letters to Harry’s house. It was such a beautiful moment. I especially love the bird’s eye shot as the letters fall and Harry jumps towards the camera to catch one (also begging the question why doesn’t simply bend down to grab one as we can see that he is surrounded by them on the ground? But whatever, it’s a cute moment and a great visual). Ron bringing his own sandwich on the train is such a frugal mood. I do the same thing when I take the train back to school. Although, I love how when Harry sees his tragic sandwich he spends his newfound riches on a crap ton of candy for him and his new, and maybe first ever, friend. This shows how from the moment Harry and Ron become friends, their bond is irrevocable and Harry’s days of loneliness are officially gone. Also, the child actors must have loved filming this scene with all the candy. The Hogwarts Express is a very beautiful set too. It reminds me of the train from The Beatles “A Hard Day’s Night” movie. I also love how Neville’s reputation for forgetfulness starts before we have even met him, with Hermione is being the one to come in and ask if anyone has seen a toad that belongs to a boy named Neville. Also, I wish we got to see Hermione, who at this point in the story has a bossy tone, and a holier-than-thou, know-it-all attitude covering her kind and brave heart, sitting with the timid and fearful Neville on the train to Hogwarts. I would have loved to see Hermione and Neville right to Hogwarts in a compartment together during their first year and how intimidated Neville would no doubt be by her. I also wish we got more of their friend overall because we didn’t really get to see their friendship at all. They seemed more like two people with mutual friends rather then actual friends. I love how she is the first of the trio that the shy version of Neville meets, and I wish we got to see it, because, besides Harry’s fame and legacy, Hermione is undeniably the most intimidating person of the trio. Hermione is such a mood in this movie too, between her eye rolls, smirks and rule-following protests. I especially loved Watson’s delivery of “what. an. idiot” when Harry flies off after Draco, right after she warned him about Madame Hooch’s wrath and reminded him that he doesn’t know how to fly yet, right before Harry proves how much of a natural he is on a broom. I love the scene where Harry meets the Weasleys for the first time. How he shakes his head in disbelief when Percy goes through the wall to Platform 9 and 3/4. Ginny sweetly told Harry good luck, knowing that she fell for him at first sight, before she even knew that was THE Harry Potter. The shot of Harry running through the wall then turning around and seeing the Hogwarts steam train for the first time was great. It reminded me of the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy opens the door to Oz for the first time and it goes from black and white to technicolor. Emma Watson was definitely too young of an actor at the time for this to be a purposeful, conscious choice, but her nonchalant wave to Hagrid at the end of the film was physically very Ron of her, which coincidentally may have hinted at their future romance. But in all seriousness, Emma Watson was seriously such a great physical actor at such a young age, which I can’t tell was her idea or Chris Columbus’ direction. In the opening feast scene, she is cutting her food and eats it in a very proper way, with a knife and fork and putting it in her mouth with the fork upside down (which is the proper etiquette BTW), which perfectly matches her put-together, polite character, especially at the beginning of the series. She’s not eating like a kid, she’s eating like an upper-crust society girl, which is an impressive choice for such a young actor (I always think this is the only time we actually see him eat besides the butterbeer mustache in Prince). I also love how the Sorting hat is a literal witch’s hat. it would be really disappointing if it wasn’t. The Sorting Hat’s animation and expressions are also well done, which is impressive given the time period this was filmed in. It’s mouth and eyes are expressive and has wrinkles as well. I would be so stressed for Sorting Day, especially because it seem like these kids, unless they are like Ron and Draco and have siblings or parents that went to Hogwarts, the kids have no that this will happen. That’s so stressful, especially because it happens in front of the whole school in your first few minutes at the school. That’s wild and so anxiety-inducing. That make me have a full on panic attack. Also, Dumbledore lifting his goblet to Harry after he was sorted in to Gryffindor, is less tender and more like ‘step one complete!’ Also, LOL at the book screaming at Harry when he ventures into the library’s restricted section because that’s a mood. I also loved Hermione’s equally proud and humble smile when she expertly and easily levitates the feather in the “Wingardium Leviosa” scene, but LOL at Ron fighting his feather with his wand. But it was so sad how Hermione runs past Ron and bumps into him after he naively calls her a friendless “nightmare”…like just you guys wait. I love how when Oliver Wood releases the Golden Snitch during his one-on-one Quidditch lesson, Wood immediately loses sight of it and Harry never takes his eyes off of it, foreshadowing how good of a Seeker he will be. Why, I think, I like Quidditch more than any real-life sport is that it’s more sophisticated and dynamic. In real-life sports, every play runs back and forth to around in a circle all after one ball, which is, frankly, childish and boring. In Quidditch, each player has an active role to play in winning the game. Every player has a job to do and it’s different from what the other players are doing. It’s also fast-paced and exciting, unlike real-life sports that pause every 10 seconds or are all about speed and time. I also think it says a lot about me that my favorite sport is a fictional one (and yes, I know there are real-life Quidditch leagues. No, I won’t ever play on one. I don’t even know how that works). I do have to say the CGI in the Quidditch scenes was hilariously obvious, but you gotta appreciate it for what it is, 90s special effects. It’s obvious and a little distracting, why charming to say the least, right? I like that the first mention of magic from Harry is theoretical “it was like magic” and Vernon snaps “there is no such thing as magic,” fully aware of Harry’s magical heritage. It was smart writing. Also, does anyone think it’s hilarious, fitting and so random how the Dursley’s hideaway from the Hogwarts letter is a spooky, stormy, remote house on an island? It looks like a cozier Azkaban, honestly. At least Hagrid found Harry and save him. The Dursleys deserve to live in that dusty shack (also, LOL at Vernon kind of being right in calling Dumbledore a crackpot in the first film). Also, the fact that the only birthday cake Harry probably got in his whole life, before Hagrid’s was that one he drew in the dirt on the ground (they had a child sleep in the dirt?!) is so sad. I also love Hagrid’s happy face when he says “yer a wizard Harry,” you can tell he’s just as excited as Harry is. Also, the fact that he brought Harry a cake and spelled it “happee birthdae,” is so adorable. It’s the effort that counts. Also, Harry’s politeness in saying thank you despite its obvious inedibility (although Dudley seemed to enjoy it LOL), when all he’s been taught is cruelty, says so much about him too, especially as the Durselsy disrespect Hagrid and his world when they meet him. Harry growing up with them, no matter how badly he was treated by them, still could have easily learned their cruelty, but luckily, Lily’s kind DNA won out. We are also introduced to our first wizarding terms in that scene, and quite possibly the most important; Muggle. Also, imagine being one of those Leaky Cauldron patrons to be one of the first to see the famous Harry Potter as he returns to the Wizarding World. That’s like bragging rights for life. Harry is so weirded out by all the attention, especially after all the neglect he had while growing up (maybe that’s why he tends to isolate himself. he was used to being alone and somehow thinks in a twisted way he’s better off that way). Its like cultural shock. But also LOL at Harry being weirded out by Quirrell due to him acting like a fangirling tween then finding out he’s a professor and being his polite self. Also, I hate to say it, but as a germaphobe, what a mood that Quirell doesn’t want to shake his hand (but in reality, if he does, it’ll burn him). It’s good subtle foreshadowing. Also, can we talk about how adorable all the child actors are in this film? Harry. Hermione. Ron. Neville. Draco. They are all just so adorable. It only adds to it’s charm. I love how when Hermione and the boys sneak out and they run into Neville, they still petrify Neville, but as they walk by they are like “sorry,” showing how pure they are. That scene is just adorable. I also love Grint’s delivery of “brilliant, but scary,” it’s just great! I love how Neville is already beginning to show his capacity for bravery in this scene as well, by standing up to the trio and threatening to fight them, fully knowing that he is too shy to do so. The fact that he was ever willing to speak volumes. Also LOL at us never actually seeing Quirrell, and therefore Voldemort, actually teach a DADA class except for him randomly holding an iguana when McGonagall calls Wood out of class. Also, LOL at the fact that they were small enough to stand under the Invisibility Cloak in this movie and then by the finale, only Harry piggybacking a goblin could fit under there comfortably. They grow up so fast! Also, I love how Ron steps on Hermione’s foot while under the Invisibility Cloak and that becoming there a thing as he also steps on her foot in Azkaban on the Hogwarts Express when the Dementors search the train. You can already see their love-through-bickering relationship show through in this movie, like the snarky smirk Hermione gives Ron when they are in the Devil’s Snare and Ron is being his dramatic self and yells “kill us fast. Oh, now I can relax.” It also shows how those characters, even as children, flip gender roles as Ron, the boy, is being dramatic and freaking out and Hermione, the girl, is being mature and staying calm. You can also tell that the Devil’s Snare was practical effects as the actor’s reactions and interactions with it are so authentic, which is impressive for the time period, and also made it easier to get the best performances possible from the young actors. It was quite an underrated and impressive achievement. Also, LOL at this being the first time Hermione saves Ron, but already, like, the hundredth time Hermione saves the day. Also, I may be reading too much into this, but was the reason JKR decided on a three-headed dog so there would be one for each of the trio? Also, the slobber from Fluffy that falls onto Ron’s shoulder looks just like the gross troll boogies that got on Harry’s wand, ew! I do appreciate how Fluffy snores and heavy breaths, like a real dog (just times a million). What I love about the obstacles in this film is that each one places to each of their strengths. As Ron says in Part 1, Hermione is the best at spells and more textbooks-based subjects like Herbology (Herbology is particalarly ironic after she saved Ron in Stone and Harry dryly says “lucky Hermione pays attention in Herbology”) and Charms. She also stays the calmest in a crisis and saves the day the most, because she is the one that pays the most attention in school. Harry is the best flyer, not just out of the 3 of them, but out of their whole grade level. In the winged key room, the broken-winged key is like a Golden Snitch for him, and as the youngest Seeker in a century, the obstacles play to his strengths. And Ron grew up in the Wizarding World, and grew up playing Wizard’s Chess, which makes him a great, and very underrated (as this is one of the only times in the series his skill set and strengths are used, seen as useful or even bothered to be explored) strategist. Each obstacle is seemingly made by each professor. Hagrid, the gamekeeper and future Care of Magical Creatures teacher uses Fluffy. Sprout, the Herbology teacher, does the Devil’s Snare. Flitwick, the Charms teachers, bewitched the keys. McGonagall, the Transfiguration, like she does with the statues in the finale, transfigures the chess board. And, conveniently, Snape doesn’t seem to have an obstacle, which is smart as it only enforces the trio’s theory, even though Hagrid says he is one of the teachers tasked with helping protect the stone, but as we find out later, he was a triple agent, which probably means that he is the one to actually move and hide the Mirror of Erised. Also, how ironic is it that Snape’s first line in the series is “there will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class,” basically belittling the art of magic, however, he ended up being one of the most skilled, talented, brilliant and strategic wizards and duelists in the series? I also love how before the even go down that literal Sorcerer’s Stone rabbit hole, Harry tells Hermione and Ron, for the first time, that if something goes wrong for him then they should save themselves. From the very beginning, before he knew how bad things could really get, he was already a selfless, protective person and that drives him throughout the rest of the series. You can also tell that the Wizard’s Chess set was with practical effects, as they couldn’t do some of those shots without the pieces really being there. It made the whole scene feel more grand and real. The pieces also really moved with practical effects, like robotics rather then CGI, as you couldn’t make those camera moves if they didn’t really move. You can also tell the horse statue Ron ride son is practical and moving mechanically. Also, the fire and candles around the board seemed real, which is insane as those are children. Rupert Grint’s best acting in the whole film was in the Wizard’s Chess scene. For most of the movie, Ron was wide-eyed, naive, hesitant and worried, but in this scene he is self-assured, confident and being a leader (for like the first and only time in the whole series). I mean, he is so confident and is such a good friend that he sacrifices himself, knowing that while he seeks glory, this is Harry thing to do, not his. The heavy-breathing and anxiety on Ron’s as the queen moves toward him, as the most nervous of the trio, this was a huge moment for his character and Rupert played it greatly. Even after he sees what this life-sized magical chessboard is capable of, he uses his fear and turns it into loyalty, determination, strength and shows his capacity for true friendship. This is also the scene that starts the cinematic trend throughout the series of isolation. When they realize the chessboard is real, there is a shot that separates Ron and Hermione from Harry. There are many of these isolated shots throughout the series, especially in Azkaban and Phoenix. Also the way Hermione immediately wants to check on Ron when he sacrifices himself, but can’t, is the first seedling of their slow-burn relations, with others being their awkward handshake in Chamber and Hermione grasping Ron’s hand while watching Harry with Buckbeak in Azkaban. Also, that moment when she tries to move, but Harry stops her reminding her that they are still playing, shows again the beginnings of him as a leader. Also the whole “not me, not Hermione, you!” scene heart-wrenchingly parallels the trios’ goodbye scene in the finale as Harry heads off to the forest (which also makes the fact that they never gave Ron and Harry a moment to actually say goodbye in the finale and just stare at each other even weirder because Ron, from day one, has always fought like hell to protect Harry and Hermione). This scene also hints that sometimes when you are going for the win, it requires sacrifices, which is something Harry learns throughout the series and eventually does in the finale. Another moment in the Wizard’s Chess scene that shows Harry fitting into a leader’s shoes very naturally and comfortably is when, before he leaves Hermione with a knocked-out Ron, is when he directs her to go to the Owlery and send a message to Dumbledore once Ron wakes up (why doesn’t Ron go to the hospital wing with Harry?) because he needs to go on on his own. It’s also the beginning of his hero complex. This moment also parallels the trios goodbye before Harry goes to the Forbidden Forest in the finale as Hermione offers to go with Harry both times and both times he refuses and says that he needs to do it alone. Both times, Harry also is a leader and gives Hermione and Ron instructions, in the first film to go to the Owlery and in the last to kill Nagini. Harry’s first look at a broomstick, in amazement, as he walks past all the kids staring at the Nimbus 2000 in the window, foreshadowing his love for Quidditch, is also just so endearing. The Diagon Alley set is just incredible. The crookedness and cobblestone. It’s so gothic, charming, whimsical, wonderous, old-fashioned and quaint. Stuart Craig did an amazing job (TBH it reminds me of the set from the Les Miserable movie a bit. Maybe because from the Reunion, you see that they really built it up, it wasn’t CGI). I love the POV shots of Harry taking everything in. The bats hanging out on the storefront signs. The costumes with robes, cloaks and hats, and all those costume colors of olive green, purple, burnt orange, turquoise, maroon, emerald green, teal, magenta, brown, lime green and burgundy. The attention to detail on every detail and every store front, even the ones they didn’t film in, but we only saw from the outside in incredible. The practical effects in this movie, especially with it being in the 90s-early, early 2000s, are really impressive for the time period (not impressive by today’s standards). It gives it old-fashioned 90s charm (in the same vein as Halloweentown) and is more tangible. You can tell they only used CGI when they absolutely had to like with the troll and in Quididtch scenes. The only scene where it’s hard to tell if it’s CGI or practical lighting is when Harry gets his wand and it lights up and it’s this grand, magical, epic moment, which honestly is a good thing, because that only makes it more magical. The iconicism of this film is also so charming. That image of Voldemort on the back of Quirrell’s head was just so grotesque and disturbing, even for a kids’ film. It’s effective in that way, but just such a discomforting sight (however that’s the point). Also, is it just me, or do goblins look like if house elves smoked a lot of crack and their teeth are really creepy? I love how Hagrid is the one to buy Harry his owl Hedwig. That’s so sweet, but also makes his death in Part 1, by sacrificing himself for Harry and Hagrid, that much more heartbreaking. Also, the way Ron turns to Harry and says “mental, that one, I’m telling you” and Harry nods in agreement. Not the kindest thing to say to your friend who literally just chose you over Draco, and also it shows Harry’s innocent, naive desire for friendship, even when it hurts someone’s feelings, similar to how he laughs when Ron calls Hermione a “nightmare” later. I also love how Ron calls Hermione a “nightmare” and Harry laughs in agreement, then they realize Hermione heard them. And Neville tells them that Hermione has been crying in the bathroom all afternoon and when news of the rogue troll comes out, on their way back to the common room, Harry realizes that Hermione doesn’t know, so he runs off, and Ron does too, very recklessly and bravely. And when they run into Hermione and the troll, Harry tries to fight it but fails, and it’s Ron who ends up saving them, including Hermione, making them friends from then on. It’s quiet beautiful really, especially because that’s only the beginning of Ron and Hermione’s relationship arc. Also, LOL at the costume team dressing Voldemort up like a Grim Reaper in the killing Lily flashback sequence. For Stone being such a kid-friendly film, that two-faces twist is freaking terrifying. Truly the stuff of nightmares. It’s also so unfathomable and unexpected, not only making it fun to watch as a film itself but also making you excited for what the rest of the series has in store. Also, Hermione’s facial expressions in the House Cup scene are great. Her unamused slow clap as Ravenclaw gets their points. Her upset, withering glare as she stuffs her adorable cheek into her hand leaning on the table watching Slytherin cheer as they win the House Cup (also Snape’s very frank, straight-faced, unamused fast clap like he just wants to get this over with is slightly hilarious, but then Dumbledore begins to say that a few last minute points need to awarded and he stoically turns to him like ‘what the hell are you doing?’ again, slightly hilarious). Her subtle, shocked fast blinking as Dumbledore shouts her out as Harry and Ron (especially, he already looks in love with her at this point, aww) smile at her admiringly. Then her sweet, humble, shocked smile after Dumbledore praises her. It’s so sweet. Also he doesn’t just stand up for others because of him finding himself as a leader, she stands up for others because he belongs in the Wizarding World, and even from the first film, that gives him confidence. In Stone, Harry chooses Ron over Draco because Draco insults Ron and he doesn’t want anyone to be treated the way Dudley treated him because luckily he inherited his mother’s kindness and didn’t become as damaged (although definitely traumatized) and bitter as Snape and Voldemort. Harry also does the same for Neville in the broomstick scene. I will say, for however lackluster this mystery was in the grand scheme of things, even with the young actors playing the stakes impressively well and the twist of Quirrell having Voldemort on the back of his head that was truly bonkers and I didn’t see coming. Truly out of Greek Mythology or something (which seems to be a trend as a three-headed dog and a hippogriff are both creatures from Greek mythology). It was also very shocking as he was just some cowering teacher the whole time, with Snape being a very believable villain. I appreciated the twist, especially for a kids’ film, because usually, films like these are very cookie-cutter, but this certainly wasn’t. It also made me that much more intrigued by Snape’s character because now he isn’t just a villainous teacher, he has some good in him which means there is so much more depth to him (however that depth has to do with Lily I did not see coming at all). Also, there was no payoff. The Stone was just destroyed, off-screen. Luckily, because (ironically) the Sorcerer’s Stone wasn’t the main purpose of this film, getting acquainted with Hogwarts was, so the film still manages to end very satisfyingly because that was the main focus with the Hosue Cup and the trio reuniting, while the ending of the Sorcerer’s Stone mystery just seemed lazy, unsatisfying and odd, in my opinion (and it’s mostly Dumbledore’s fault and I think I have established how much I hate him so yeah). Also, LOL at Hermione constantly being like “you don’t use your eyes, do you?” and “honestly, don’t you two read?” throughout this film. It makes how low she thinks of their intelligence in the next film and how impressed she is of them with what they achieve next film makes that much more sense, although, with the former quote, LOL at her ridiculing them for being more scared than logical, even though she screamed too. Honestly, that aspect of her, even as an 11-year-old makes her a badass already. Also, I love how properly and politely Hermione was eating during the opening feast dinner. Clearly, her parents raised her with proper etiquette and class. This detail is adorable and makes her headstrong, badass side even more impactful. Also, LOL at Hagrid saying to the Muggles on the Muggle side of King’s Cross “what are you looking at?” like his height and size is normal. Also, the transitional shot of baby Harry’s fresh scar to the title card to 11-year-old Harry’s scar is really well done. Daniel Radcliffe’s best performance in the first film was definitely the Mirror of Erised scene. He portrayed all the longing, hope, and melancholy so well. The performance was delicate, slow and natural, which is especially impressive for a young, no doubt, rambunctious child actor. It was so impressive how good of a lineless actor he is even at a young age, all the wistful wonder and innocence as he looks at his parents smiling at him for the first time. He took his time and took it all in and it made the scene so moving even without much dialogue. Especially the part where he sees Lily touch his shoulder, he swallows down his tears and tentatively touches his shoulder only to feel his sweater instead of her hand. Then the looks back at the mirror, confused, not knowing what kind of magic this is, not knowing if it’s magic or him going crazy, and yet he doesn’t care, he just smiles, at peace and happy seeing his parents surround him for the first time in his life, no matter if it’s real or not. It’s a very powerful scene that is so naturally translated through the acting, the score, the editing, and thd direction. Also, LOL at Hermione’s maniacal and villainous smile after successfully setting fire to Snape’s robes at the Quidditch match. This proves how much of a loyal and dedicated friend she is. Also, does the Devil’s Snare scene remind anyone else of the vines from the Upside Down in Stranger Things? I loved how Hermione, the woman, was calm, and the boys were freaking out, because stereotypically it’s usually the opposite. And if you need proof of that, just look at Hermione’s smirk at Ron when he screaming “kill us faster. Oh, well now I can relax!” Also, the fact that Harry was already so confident on a broom and in Quidditch that he felt he could stand on it to catch the Snitch in his first game ever. That’s so impressive. Also, is it just me or is Hagrid playing the main Harry Potter theme score music on the flute when Harry goes to interrogate him about the dragons? It sounds like it. Also, LOL at an 11-year-old caring about a bank vault, like Gringotts, being broken into to, only the trio would. This movie is also kind of lackluster compared to the other movies and has the least satisfying storyline in terms of its central mystery. I thought Harry burning Quirrell’s face-off was more funny and cringy than intense and scary. This film had a lot of setup for the other movies, which I honestly preferred over the mystery, although the Wizard Chess and three-headed dog scenes are great and iconic. Although, I did like how the adventure in this movie played to each of the kids’ strengths; Hermione’s masterful ability at doing spells and encyclopedia-like brain, Harry’s flying skills (with the broken-winged key being like a Snitch) and Ron’s expertise at Wizard Chess (also, why is this the one time Ron’s unique skills and smarts explored in literally the entire series? Why aren’t they explored and developed more in the other movies? Hermione, Harry and even Neville’s are. Ron deserves the same treatment). Also, isn’t it funny how the Voldemort on the back of Quirrell’s head kind of looks like Ralph Fiennes despite him not being cast until Goblet of Fire? I also thought it was hilarious how, at least it seemed like, the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students also threw their pointed hats in the air when Gryffindor won the House Cup, almost as if saying “anyone, but Slytherin better win this.” It was also hilarious because it reminded me of graduation when people throw their caps in the air. I enjoyed learning about the mythology, the houses, the characters, spells, magic, and the ins and outs of wizarding life, the wizarding world, and Hogwarts more than the mystery. Learning about the Wizarding World’s mythology and the characters was the best part of this movie. I love the final exchange of the movie with the trio and Hermione says “it feels strange to be going home, doesn’t?” to Harry, the person who she can relate to most saying this as they are both returning to the Muggle world. And Harry replies so effortlessly sure of himself “I’m not going home, not really” and looks at Hagrid, smiling at him, the person who introduced him to the Wizarding World, is new home. The place he belongs. It’s such a perfect ending to the first film the the franchise. It’s satisfying, but also makes you yearn for Harry’s next adventure. I also love how after Hagrid gives Harry the picture book, he reaches his hand out for a handshake and Harry is like, no and runs into a hug with his favorite big, friendly giant. It’s adorable. Especially because it parallels their last interaction in the final movie, as it also feature Hagrid and Harry hugging, with Hagrid still being a monsterous size even compared to a now fully grown Harry. Also, Hagrid encouraging Harry to get revenge on the Dursleys by threatening to use magic on them is so (concerning but also) sweet. It just shows even more how much Harry belongs in the Wizarding World. The thing about Stone and why it’s so charming is that, despite coming out in 2001, it’s really the only film in the whole series that that that 90s witchy charm. I can just tell that despite this being a book adaption and already having a huge audience, it would have been an instant classic regardless and it’s all because of that intangible charm. Overall, It was a fantastic, wonderful, amazing start to the series.
3. Half-Blood Prince
This, in my opinion, is THE coming-of-age movie of the series (Goblet of Fire is a close second with the first dance awkwardness and Harry’s first crush on Cho Chang). This film also has a big emphasis on romance and focused on two of my favorite characters; Draco and Snape, especially in the case of Snape and how he seemingly double-crossed both Harry and his (ew) mentor Dumbledore (although we find out later that there was more to the story). You get to see Ron and Hermione’s relationship come to a head when he starts dating Lavender Brown, although Lavender and Ron had no chemistry. Ginny and Harry’s relationship begins (although in my opinion, it is very surface-level and boring due to their non-existent development and chemistry, but TBH it was like that with all of Harry’s romances. Like them fighting Bellatrix together at the Burrow could have been such an epic moment, but the execution was so lackluster due to their lack of passion and chemistry. Although, I did like how she encouraged him to hide the potions book and went with him for support. I also admittedly chuckled when she said “I can stay in here too if you’d like?”, a line where she actually showed a bit of her sarcastic personality that I have heard she has in the books although it juxtaposed her character’s reserved film persona oddly, then she disappeared once Harry opened his eyes, and then in the next scene Ron said, “Did you and Ginny do it?” LOL! Also, we should have gotten Ron’s reaction to Ginny and Harry’s relationship. After all, it is his only sister and his best friend and we saw how protective he is of her in Chamber of Secrets and earlier in this film when she’s with Dean in the Three Broomsticks. However, the kiss itself was just awkward. I mean, it somewhat made sense with that probably being the first time they kisses someone other then their first kiss, which were Cho and Dean, but it’s also a film. Weren’t there conversations and rehearsals? Especially in a fantasy series like this, give us the fantasy, not the awkwardness! We can still get the relatable awkwardness through relationship navigation, but awkwardness in kisses themselves just makes the actors seem insanely uncomfortable, which in term makes the audience uncomfortable and makes us cringe. It was such a tight close up and they almost completely missed each other’s lips in that peck. It was clearly supposed to be a subtle, romantic moment, but those moments still need some spark, and this had zero spark). But mainly, Draco Malfoy gets his time to shine, and boy did Tom Felton take full advantage. What I really like about these movies, and especially Tom Felton’s performance in this film, was that when dialogue wasn’t necessary, they didn’t use it. They trusted their actors to convey the right emotion without any words and Felton thrived with it in this film. Draco also never once smiled, not even when he tortured Harry, which from previous films we know caused him enjoyment. Whether that was a conscious choice or not, it was brilliant, showing just how much Voldemort’s and his family, mainly his father’s, expectations were weighing on him and he was doing his best to show a brave face and write it off (that train scene with his Slytherin friends is the perfect example). Felton was always charming and charismatic in this role, and even through Draco’s depression, he was still stealing the show, even in scenes where he has no lines and in those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shots. This film is really the first time Draco’s character is fully fleshed out. He’s given his time and for once he is actually involved in the main storyline besides just faking an injury and getting spied on due to Polyjuice Potion. Tom Felton did such a great job portraying Draco’s anxiety. In all of those lurking-in-the-shadow, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shots he literally looks like he’s about to burst. Also, I think Draco’s self-induced isolation in Prince parallels the lesson Harry learns in Phoenix, that he isn’t alone. However, Draco doesn’t have any real friends like Harry does. Draco’s friends aren’t true friends. This shows even more reasons why Draco is jealous of Harry, and it’s quite sad and lonely, because he also doesn’t have any siblings to bond with about his parent’s cruelty. He could also be jealous of Harry because Harry may have a tragic life with pressure, but t least he doesn’t have his parents putting the pressure on him like Draco experiences. Draco literally spends the majority of the movie brewing over how he was forced to become a Death Eater, depressed and ashamed. He was never truly bad. Also, when Characters spend most of a movie moping, it’s usually not that interesting, except in this case, which is a testament to Felton’s on-screen charm and the storyline, the mystery associated with why he was so depressed and isolated. What’s also so sad about what Draco goes through in this film is that his friends barely notice what’s going on with him. Pansy checks on him once on the train, but never again. Not in the Great Hall or in Potions class. Crabbe, Goyle and Blaise don’t either. It shows how frivolous and surface-level all of Draco’s closest friendships are, which reveals that his constant torment of the trio might be due to jealousy, not prejudice and superiority. This is also foreshadowed in Chamber when he asks Goyle why he’s wearing glasses (because he was really Harry under Polyjuice Potion) and hilariously says, “I didn’t know you could read (which apparently was improvised by Felton, showing how in tune and confident he is as an actor with this character, especially at such a young age it’s very impressive).” While that line is witty, it is also quite sad, as it hints at Draco not really having any true friends. We also see Draco interact with Dumbledore for I think the first time ever. In this season, Gambon, for once, portrayed Dumbledore in a similar manner to Harris, gentle, calm and delicate. He wasn’t scared or anxious by Draco, he was impressed by his gumption and assertiveness, and how he managed to sneak the Death Eaters into the castle (RED FLAG!). He treated him like a child, in a way, how Draco wishes Lucius treated him when he was a child, proud of his accomplishment and reversing his bravery, which is probably why he lowers his wand. he realizes how wrong he is been, he’s regretful, and he is finally getting the praise and admiration he has been craving for his entire life. Also, that plot twist at the end with Snape. Heartbreaking, but once you watch Deathly Hallows: Part 2, it’s oddly heroic. The main highlight of this film was Draco. We finally gained empathy and sympathy for this kid we had seen bully Harry for years. We finally got to see his complexity and I loved every second of it. In fact, I wish we got more of it. We got also many blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shots of Draco alone and brooding when he is usually always surrounded by an entourage. It was so depressing, despite being so established as a bully. From what I heard, my opinion on how much I love the teen drama in this film (and Goblet for that matter too), but let me come to its defense. As a teen drama fanatic, I loved this film because it reminded us, right before the big epic battle of the final two movies, that these characters are kids. They are teenagers and they didn’t ask to be soldiers in this larger battle. In that way, this film is a last hurrah in many ways. It was a darker callback to the innocence and fun of the first two films, just in a more mature way with it’s darker cinematography and higher, deadlier stakes. This is the last time the story can focus on relationships, as the final two films are so task-focused and action-focused. And in order to have Ron and Hermione’s epic kiss, we needed this development to make that as impactful as possible. Hermione and Ron’s fight might seem frivolous in light of everything, but it’s realistic (When I say realistic in fantasy series, a genre where genuinely anything is possible, what I mean is that if you took the circumstances, the characters and the relationships into a different world stripped of magic, would they still make sense? Would the characters still react that way? Would that relationship dynamic shift or stay the same? Realism in this context is based on character and behavior and reactions, not on the fact that a dragon or a giant is realistic. I hope that makes sense). Just because the stakes are high, doesn’t mean your feelings and personal conflicts go away. After all, there would be nothing worth fighting for, as Harry says at the end of Phoenix. Honestly, both Ginny and Dean & Ginny and Harry come out of nowhere (really, what did Dean see in Ginny anyway? What does Harry see in her anyway too?). Also, LOL at Harry hilariously standing when Ginny walks into that first Slug Club ice cream social or whatever. So awkward! The thing is this would never happen if this was a series originally made for the screen. I am sure their relationship is more fully developed in the books where it would be a gradual arc of them ending up together, not coming out of nowhere. I can’t imagine how disappointed people were when they saw their chemistry together and how flat it was. it honestly isn’t even the writing either (although that “shoelace” scene is freaking terrible and pointless). The lines were there, but the scene was staged and directed with such low energy that all the passion was gone. And that also isn’t the actor’s fault either as it’s the director who sets the tone for the seen, not the actors. The actors play off that tone, and a romantic scene with low energy just doesn’t work, especially when the actors don’t have electric chemistry. The thing is, these actors grew up together, so they clearly had chemistry, but when Yates saw how badly it transfers to screen, he should have directed the scenes with more energy, much like other scenes in the film like Quidditch, Hogsmeade, the Slug Club and the cursing scenes. It’s honestly not that hard to fake passion, as long as there is energy. But there is no energy within those scenes. Slow scenes like that are effective to build suspense, like during the Unbreakable Vow or when Harry follows Draco, but not during a romantic scene. Wright and Radcliffe and Harry and Ginny both deserved better because I would be so embarrassed if this was the result. I also appreciated how they foreshadowed the use of a love potion, both at Fred and George’s shop and in Slughorn’s first potion shop, making it more and more obvious that it had something to do with Ron that wasn’t too on the nose as we first see it in his brother’s shop and the Hermione clearly thinking of him as she smells it as she says to her smells like spearmint toothpaste, which he wiped off her mouth earlier at the Burrow. It also hints in that seen that Romilda Vane is the concoctor of it, and later also hinted during that library scene. I thought those Easter Eggs were very smart in their indirectness and mutual obviousness when you look back on it. This film also featured some great comedic moments, like the Romilda Vane love potion debacle with Ron, Harry getting high on Liquid Luck and Aragog’s funeral. Ron finally got his time to be on top in this film, due to his success on the Quidditch field and how he got his first official girlfriend. This movie he became less of an insecure kid and more of a confident young man, which was really great to see, although, honestly, it didn’t really amount to much, mostly due to that extremely awkward ending scene with the trio. Also, Harry’s most cocky moment is in this film. It’s when Hermione says that Romilda Vane is only interested in Harry because she thinks he’s the Chosen One and Harry says he is the Chosen One and Hermione proceeds to whack the cockiness back out of him for that momentary lapse of conceitedness. It was a great moment and honestly, showed that Harry is just a normal teen who may be humble, but is still capable of being blindly by attention and glory. But I appreciate how this was only one, small moment, because it just added more dimension to Harry’s character, not make him completely change. He was humble and naive and now he is humble and confident. Why does Harry have a momentary lapse of cockiness being like “I am the Chosen One” when he sees Romilda Vane in Prince, when he’s supposed to be crushing on Ginny? Ugh, teenage boys. They are all the same, emotionally idiotic, even Harry Potter. I will say high Ron Weasley is the best Ron Weasley, whether that high on attention or high on a potion, it’s truly hilarious and provides great lightheartedness. I loved seeing the Twins’ successful business so much. It was so statisfying and made Fred’s death that much more tragic in Part 2. Also, the Twins “hello ladies” when the love potions were introduced was very, very Steve Harrington of them. It was great. What’s also very interesting about Prince are Ginny’s brothers’ reactions to her becoming a romantic interest. Fred and George naturally tease her and Ron is naturally insecure and bothered on too many levels, but it is also telling of how supportive they are of her and how they are good brothers to their little sister, caring about her life and happiness. I also loved how they continued the trend of Ron reacting with comedic relief during high-staked situations, probably due to growing up around Fred and George. The best example in this film is after Harry saves him from the poisoned mead Slughorn gives them and he says “these girls are gonna be the death of me.” I also loved the layered dynamic of Ron and Hermione’s fight in this book (although I hate when they fight), especially since they become so much closer in the next two movies. Hermione was upset about the luck potion even though she did the Confundus Charm at tryouts (which was great at showing how contradictory Hermione is sometimes, even though she was doing it for her friend/crush and wanting to help him succeed). She was upset that Ron was happy and on a high but not because of her, and then she felt even worse when Ron kissed Lavender. She wanted Ron to notice her and appreciate her. Every teen girl can relate to that feeling of never being enough. I mean, just look at Hermione’s face when she sees Lavender’s window art on the train. You can tell she is at her last straw. But I love how proud of herself Hermione is for confundus-ing Cormac too. She’s so loyal and determined and selfless. I just love her! this is also such a realistic thing for a magical teen to do, even if that magical teen is the rule-loving Hermione. It’s the one time Hermione is rebellious just for herself, not for the greater good. Just to help her friend, and her crush. It added a lot to her character. Also, LOL at Ron later telling Hermione that Cormac has a thing for her. Like, don’t hide it, so do you and she has a thing for you back. Oh, teenagers and their lack of emotional communication skills. Also, I’m sorry, but Harry’s hair looks like a middle schooler in this film with et short bangs and a middle part. Also, seeing kids carry messenger bags and backpacks at a boarding school is just odd to me. I don’t know why, it just hits differently. Also, LOL at Harry blocking Ron from leaving potions class, such an authentic bromance moment, like “we are in this together sucker.” Another bromance moment in the scene is when they fight over the clean potions book. In the Potions Class scene, you can tell Hermione is in her element. She’s poised and focused. You can see her being frustrated even before the potions contest begins as she eyes Lavender who freaks a bit when Ron enters the room. When Slughorn asks someone to name all the potions he’s laid out, her hand shoots up and she confidently walks up and names them all. And then when Slughorn gives her an assignment with a reward, she’s determined to get it. This is her Quidditch; academic excellence (and yet Harry wins anyways LOL). It’s clear that Dumbledore knew he wasn’t going to make it through the night as it seems like that’s what Snape and Dumbledore were discussing on the Astronomy Tower when Harry arrives. He doesn’t seem at all surprised when Draco ambushes him, especially because he told Harry to stay below. However, what does seem to surprise him is the Death Eaters coming. He seems genuinely shocked, and impressed, by Draco using the Vanishing Cabinet. He begins to taunt Draco, calling him out for his weak attempts at killing him, despite seeing the visible stress it’s causing him. However, when he finds out about the Vanishing Cabinet, he switches stalling tactics, as he’s stalling for Snape. despite calling out Draco’s weak attempts at trying to kill him prior, clearly using his cruelty to his advantage then before switching tactics. He uses that to manipulate Draco using his desire for praise and attention, which he knows because he knows everything, and especially Slytherins with how many Dark wizards are after him. So, he gives Draco the attention and praise he’s been craving, using it to stall for Snape to come, and the shock of the Death Eaters invading the castle despite his barrier and security measures is the perfect way to do that, despite calling out Draco’s weak attempts at trying to kill him prior, clearly using his cruelty to his advantage then before switching tactics. The scene where Harry Sectumsempas Draco is also so interesting because for the first time, the roles are reversed. Harry is the bully and Draco is the victim, and even worse is that this isn’t just schoolyard bickering and taunting, but physically harming someone. Draco was crying and vulnerable and still Harry was blinded by resentment and hit him. This makes Sirius’ quote about people having both light and dark in them hit especially close to home, as Harry never thought he would be capable of such destruction, callousness and irresponsibility. He knew it was a dangerous spell as it was labeled “for my enemies (no doubt those enemies being Snape’s bullies James and Sirius)” and used it anyway, not realizing just how dangerous it was until it was too late. Draco’s pureblood status and wealth make him see himself as Wizarding royalty. He doesn’t just bleed confidence, but cockiness, but all of that is stripped away in price. In that film he is damaged, are, struggling, damaged, stressed and depressed. He garners true empathy for the first (at least since Chamber when we first met his father). Draco looks so sad in that Potions class scene. He’s so depressed and staring emotionless at the ground. This used to be his favorite class too because Snape taught it, and now he is so melancholy. It’s so pitiful. But then he perks up when Slughorn says “one sip and you will find that all your endeavors succeed” while talking about Liquid Luck. He definitely would have won it if Snape was still the teacher, not Slughorn. I also love how Ron whips toothpaste off of Hermione’s face early on in the film, then in the Potions scene, she smells spearmint toothpaste when she smells the love potion, hinting at her romantic feelings for Ron, which is especially obvious with how weirded out her reaction is when smelling it. I also found it funny how the girls in the scenes, Lavender, Romilda, Pansy, Katie and Leanne all inch toward it, entranced and hypnotized by it, walking wide-eyed with such synchronicity. It’s very stereotypical but was a cute, feminine moment in the series nonetheless, it was also a great showcase of all the minor female characters used in this film. I also liked how Lavender looked so defeated when Slughorn put the lid on, while all the other girls looked more embarrassed, showing how well that actress knew her character. I also love how at ease Neville is in this potions class with Snape gone. form the position He must be so relieved. I also love how Dumbledore’s wand tribute foreshadows Hogwarts winning the war, with all the wands providing enough power to make the Dark Mark disappear. Also, seeing their headmaster dead, must have been so traumatizing for those students. I also like how the camera focuses on the burning Daily Prophet in the middle of the trio laughing about Dumbledore’s oldness, and as it turns and focuses us on Draco’s sad and disgraced picture in the newspaper, then cuts to Narcissa and Bellatrix on their way to Snape. It’s so much foreshadowing and symbolism in one tiny moment. I will say that I liked how Ron complained about the attention (the chapped lip comment made me chuckle) because it showed that wanting to be at the top and being at the top are two very different things. I really liked seeing Christmas at the Weasley, Harry’s true family. It was like for the first time in the series, we got to see how wizard families really celebrate Christmas. Not at Hogwarts or the Yule Ball or Grimmauld Place or on the run like in Deathly Hallows. I love the enchanting ice skating decorations. However, Ginny and Harry’s chemistry in those scenes was awkward, like when Ginny fed Harry (although it was hilarious when Ron sat in between them oblivious) and when she tied his shoe (??). It wasn’t sweet or realistic, it was stiff and cringy. While Dumbledore tried to guide Harry in this film (very manipulatively), Harry really ended this film in a similar place as in the Goblet of Fire. He was alone, but not like in Order of the Phoenix. He learned in that film that he has a support system, but now there’s no one to protect him from Voldemort. The only person that can is himself. His mom, his dad and Sirius all protected him his whole life, but they are gone. Also, Neville must have been so upset by Snape becoming the DADA teacher. He had just improved so much with Harry teaching him that now there is no need for the DA, as Snape is the Easter Bunny compared to Umbridge, and now the class is being taught by his worst fear, professor Snape. However, now he has a bit more confidence, so maybe he could have held his own a bit more I wish we got to see that, and also Snape’s misery in his new position. This movie showed Harry that he is the only one who can protect him now. However, he is lucky enough to have many people in his corner willing to help him achieve his goal. I also liked that we got to see Harry make a massive mistake with life-and-death consequences, especially after his good vs. evil struggles in the Order of the Phoenix. He recklessly used the Sectumsempra spell on Draco when he didn’t actually know what it did. Harry knows better, especially when it said “for my enemies,” and yet he took the risk anyway. It reminded us that while he has a hero complex (I mean, he literally saved Wormtail, who is the reason his parents are head. Granted, it was because he’d rather he get the Dementor’s Kiss then have his dad’s two best friends become murders, but Harry or Lupin and Sirius could have at least stupefied Wormtail), as we see when he uses the spell again on Snape AKA the Half-Blood Prince after he kills Dumbledore, he is also still a young man learning and growing up. Also, just like Draco was overcompensating for his parents’ effed-up approval and Ron’s was overcompensating for his insecurity due to his inferiority complex, Harry’s hero complex could be rooted to him trying to make up for the fact that his parents died protecting him. He wants to make their sacrifice, as well as Sirius’, later on, worth it. I also love how in the hospital after Ron’s poison potion, Harry looks at Hermione holding Ron’s hand after he says her name in his sleep and says nothing and Hermione still says “shut up” and can’t help but smile. It’s a great moment where Harry kind of gives his approval for their relationship. Also, Snape’s face as Dumbledore says “oh, to be young and feel love’s keen sting.” You know he’s thinking of Lily, with Harry, her eyes, right there. There are also establishing and transitional shots with birds in this film, no doubt referencing Draco using them while repairing the Vanishing Cabinet, but it also reminded me of Azkaban with all those establishing transitional hot of the Whomping Willow through the seasons. Also, Dumbledore tells Harry that it’s imperative that he stays below, knowing that it’s most likely Draco who is there, and who needs to kill him. He literally sent Harry to watch him die, on top of all the trauma Harry has dealt with. Also, Snape’s face as he walks through the castle after killing Dumbledore. He already loathes himself so much, but you can also see how strong and tough he is. And Draco watching his aunt Bellatrix destroy the Great Hall in celebration is absolutely horrified. Poor kid. I wish we got to see close-ups of Snape and Draco’s confrontation after Draco crashes Slughorn’s Christmas party, because just by how powerful, specific and confident their voices are, you can tell how amazing the acting was in that scene and it really does both actor’s such a disservice as we rarely got to see them interact one-on-one and they are two of the best actors of the series. The direction’s emphasis is more on artistry than a powerful story making what surely had the potential to be such a profound scene kind of forgetful, which is just horrible. Also, LOL at Ron falling off the couch behind Harry and Slughorn. Also, Rickman’s delivery of the line after Harry accuses Malfoy of cursing the necklace that Katie Bell saying “how grand it must be to be the Chosen One,” was so chilling, well-paced and layered. It was so good. Prince was an emotional rollercoaster with teen drama and emotional turning points. Prince was a last hurrah of sorts for the kids to enjoy the last of their teen years, and therefore deal with classic teen angst and problem like romances, classes, Quidditch, and relationships. Prince was also more mature in tone due to Harry and Dumbledore’s private lessons, all on borrowed time. The mystery of Snape and Draco also adds to this film’s maturity along with the emotional weight of themes like grief, betrayal, love, anxiety and guilt that are dealt with in this film. While the series has gradually matured since Goblet, which ends with it’s most mature storyline yet, and Phoenix shows the character’s maturity through the students taking matters into their own hands, Prince is truly where the series matures, due to those complex themes and heavy emotional weight, which is performances excellently by the actors, mainly Radcliffe, Grint, Watson, Felton, Rickman and Gambon. Snape especially, as the film is named after his alias, “The Half-Blood Prince,” setting up for his backstory and twist in the finale. Also, Luna and Harry’s exchange as they walk to Hogwarts in Prince where Luna says “it was like being with friend” and Harry replies stunned by the sentiment “I am your friend, Luna” and Luna calmly says “that’s nice.” It’s just a bittersweet exchange because while it shows Luna’s individualism, independence and security, it also shows her loneliness which is incredibly sad. It makes how she supports her friends with a lion mask and how they accept her and all her quirks wholeheartedly that much more heartwarming. Also, LOL at Hermione’s tryouts versus game logic. Although, she sort of has a point. Also, LOL at Harry awkwardly playing with the seat (since when can the seats on the Hogwarts Express do that?) while Lavender draws her window art for Ron. Also, LOL at Hermione’s reaction to it. What a mood. Very understandable. And LOL at Ron saying that if you break an Unbreakable Vow you die and then the camera focuses on Lavender’s window art dripping away. A bit too on the nose there, huh? I liked the moodiness of it, combined with the score music, but I did let out a chuckle. The opening to this film (not the Department of Mysteries flashback with a traumatized, numb Harry with the paparazzi. While it was cinematic and visually stunning, and I deviously enjoyed seeing Dumbledore awkwardly comfort Harry like the fake role model he is as well as the foreshadowing the cursed ring, it felt unnecessary when I’d rather have seen a monatge of him grieving Sirius. His rage and sadness) with the Death Eaters flying around London, causing chaos in Muggle world and then in the Wizarding World was so cool, especially the parts when the camera was in point-of-view of the flying Death Eaters. It was such a thrilling entrance into the film, when usually they start off very slow. The coolest part of it is the part where the camera is from the Death Eaters POV. It was such cool concept to have the camera be the Death Eaters rather then showing us the Death Eaters, making the audience not just question what’s about to happen, but what we are about to do. The only thing I didn’t like about it is how we literally have to remember that Ollivander was kidnapped in Part 1, when that is literally in the beginning of Prince, a film where so much happens and so much changes. As much I loved this film, I do have to admit that some of the directorial choices were very odd, to the point where some of them were distracting. The girl in the diner during Harry’s first scene was more creepy and odd, with her unexplained fascination with Harry Potter. It was supposed to come off as flirtatious, but it really just came off as awkward and nonsensical (although I did chuckle when Harry said “no one” when the Muggle girl asks who Harry Potter is after reading the headline of his Wizard newspaper. That’s so Harry. Always the humble one who seeks normalcy and anonymity above all else). It also makes no sense that he asks her out because isn’t he supposed to be smitten with Ginny already? Honestly, part of why Ginny and Harry’s relationship falls so flat is just because of the timeline. When does Harry start developing feelings for her? It seemingly comes out of nowhere despite Phoenix setting up a great foundation. When does Ginny break up with Dean? She doesn’t seem like the type to cheat. She’s a Weasley for crying out loud. Why is Harry interested in Romilda Vane and that diner girl if he’s already supposed to be crushing on Ginny? I get that settling is a thing and that teenage boys are indecisive idiots, but he also seems genuinely surprised that they are attracted to him and also cares too much about girls being attracted to him despite being the literal Chosen One with a lot of burdens he’s shouldering. Also, LOL at Harry popping in a mint after talking to that diner girl and Dumbledore casually in his wizard robes in a Muggle train station and extra LOL at him having the audacity to say that Harry has been reckless this summer when he’s been reckless gambling with Harry’s life and Snape’s loyalty. Also, in the scene in the Three Broomsticks when the trio goes in for some butterbeers, why does Harry direct Ron and Hermione where to sit? I get that’s either so he can keep an eye on Slughorn or Ginny with Dean, but the way it plays out and is directed is just awkward, unnecessary and weird. Also, why, in the Quidditch tryout scene, is Ron standing awkwardly and nervously in front of the group of rowdy players alone in front of Harry and his little sister? This is his first time trying out, right? So, I get that he’s nervous, but the staging is just so weird. I get that these are awkward teens. We have seen their awkwardness in many movies before this film, specifically Goblet and Phoenix, and especially involving romance. However, there is one thing for the actors to play it awkwardly, and it’s another to stage it awkwardly. That just goes to show how impactful the art of filmmaking can be on an audience because you have to choose one or the other, have the actors play it awkward or film it awkward, doing both just makes it borderline cringy, and that’s problem here, Yates wanted it both ways in these moments and it just didn’t work, making it feel forced and bland instead of endearing and comical. Another awkward scene is when Ron is just awkwardly sitting there while Harry and Hermione talk on the Astronomy Tower (also why there? Sure, it looks cinematic but isn’t Harry traumatized? isn’t it too soon?)? He doesn’t even feel left out, he’s just sitting there like a child in a timeout, especially when Hermione says that Ron approves Harry’s relationship with Ginny. That is so weird. He can speak for himself, and he’s literally right there. That’s such an important moment for Ron and Harry’s friendship, and it’s so weird that that pivotal moment doesn’t even involve Ron himself. At least give him a line, make him jealous (to justify or foreshadow his action in the next film) or make him sitting there have an actual point. It’s just awkward and makes no sense to me. The writing in Prince was also questionable at times. The “shoelace” scene and Ron being poisoned scene, only to be fine, then end up in the hospital, it all didn’t make much sense. However, these are pretty minor qualms in the big scheme of things. Also, shouldn’t Slughorn taking over for Snape as Snape became the DADA teacher be a bigger deal, and especially more of a shock to Harry as one of Harry’s first scenes involving Snape involved him finding out that he sought after the DADA job and he is a big reason Slughorn decided to return to Hogwarts? That was all brushed off pretty quickly, especially because we never got to see Snape actually teach a class in that movie. And shouldn’t the Burrow burning down be a bigger deal? That’s so many characters home, and yet they move on from it as if nothing happens and in the next film the Burrow is suddenly back, no doubt restored and rebuilt thanks to magic, but still. The fire isn’t even brought up again after the scene, it’s almost completely forgotten about. There’s no grief, sadness, anxiety or even consequences. I just think that’s strange. Why are Harry and Ron smiling so big watching the chaotic corridor before McGonagall beckons Harry over to tell him about Potions Class in Half-Blood Prince? They look high when they haven’t even been introduced to Liquid Luck or Amoretentia yet, and when McGonagall tells them to go to potions, they don’t seem happy about it, even though Snape is no longer the potions teacher. It’s also so odd how the movie starts just after the Department of Mysteries, but the last film ended with the students walking to the Hogwarts Express. Like we don’t need to see that again, especially Harry getting attacked by the paparazzi right after Sirius’ death and seeing that manipulator Dumbledore comfort him. It should have just started with Death Eaters wreaking havoc in the Muggle world and that fast-moving, intense Death Eater POV shot as it black smokes to Diagon Alley to kidnap Ollivander. That would be such a thrilling and exciting introduction to such an important and pivotal film. It also would have let us know the stacks right from the get-go. We didn’t need that paparazzi reminder of Harry’s pain. Let Radcliffe do that through his performance. It’s almost as if they didn’t trust their lead actor when the rest of the film proves how skilled and talented he is. Also, why are there so many wide shots? This cast is so talented and I really think so many of their performances suffered because we couldn’t see the nuances of their performance on their faces. Sure, it was cinematic and beautiful, but when that those things don’t actually help the story, it just feels shallow and unfortunately pretty boring. This was especially criminal when it came to Snape’s scenes, like how dare they waste Alan Rickman’s talent like that, especially in such a pivotal film for Snape’s character. This happened in Snape and Draco’s argument scene and when Snape talks to Dumbledore on the Astronomy Tower and says “Have you ever considered that you ask too much, that you take too much for granted? Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don’t want to do this anymore?” Those are two very important scenes with so much double meaning. Both Snape and Draco are terrified, but trying to disguise that from each other. Snape is pleading with Dumbledore to not have to kill him, but it comes off as Dumbledore telling him to be nice to Harry at first glance. It’s just such a shame. Also, the Astronomy Tower wide shot especially makes no sense cinematically and story-wise as we the audience, from Harry’s perspective, are supposed to be walking in on this conversation, so wouldn’t a more intimate wide shot focusing on both Dumbledore and Snape’s faces make more sense? However, despite all of this awkward direction, I still immensely enjoyed this film which I think says a lot about how good the acting and the story are in this film. Also, this film focused on so many of my favorite characters; Snape, Draco, Hermione, Bellatrix; so how could it not be one of my favorites? However, I am very aware that out of the 4 movies in the series that Yates directed, I think this was his weakest one directing-wise, which is sad because this one had the most potential and intrigue. Also, I think the fact that it is still one of my favorites speaks volumes about how good the acting, story and writing are in this movie (excluding that “shoelace” line). Now Yates, is not a bad director. Clearly some of his films are my favorite in the franchise. But no director is perfect. No film is perfect. All of this is a clear example of that. I think that despite the awkward direction and iffy writing, the storyline, pacing, character arcs and acting in this film saved it and that’s why it’s one of my favorites, which shows how important those things are to a film. However, one way the direction really worked well however was by showing Draco’s isolation. That moment of Draco on the Astronomy Tower, both foreshadowing (especially honing in on this foreshadowing since he talked about jumping off the Astronomy Tower on the train earlier) the battle and with the wide angle and Draco’s blonde hair popping on the scene, him being so lonely and sad. Then there are a couple of split scene shots of the camera drifting off, showing Draco’s self-isolation, one of Draco hiding and contemplating and another with him walking to the Astronomy Tower while a few schoolmates hang out and act like kids. These shots are very impactful and very sad. And with the previous film being the last of Harry’s self-isolation (in the future he is isolated, but along with Ron and Hermione), this film the roles are reversed and Draco, who usually always has a entourage, wallows in his self-induced isolation and justifiable depression. It’s surprising and sad. I also liked how Harry’s perception of Draco changed a bit in this film. He begins to see him as a more complex person than just his school rival. We see this through Harry’s point of view of Draco during the Astronomy Tower scene. He can clearly see all the despair and dread on Draco’s face, making it clear to Harry how “it was always Snape.” However, he begins to see cracks of this during that bathroom scene, which obviously doesn’t end well, because Harry doesn’t see Draco’s mental breakdown for what it is, he is blinded by his animosity and only sees it as false. It’s not until the Astronomy Tower that he realizes just how wrong he was. Also, the fact that Snape was the one to save Draco after Harry cast the spell for the first time was such a brilliant hint because we were so distracted by the knowledge of his Unbreakable Vow. Also, Rickman’s delivery of “I’m the Half-Blood Prince” is chilling. Wow! It’s brilliantly well-paced and well-delivered. Also, Snape going down such a dark path due to the relentless bullying with learned he experienced in school from James in Phoenix pushing him down a dark path (and presumably his path to becoming Death Eater only to thankfully backtrack later) and literally create a spell as brutal and violent as Sectumsempra. Like, wow! Snape’s smarts are so underestimated and underrated. I mean, his notes in the Advanced Potions book just prove how much of an (evil) genius he is between his advanced skills, probelm-solving skills, meticulous attention to details through recognizing flaws in potion recipes (and recognizing the details in Qurriell’s hella suspicious behavior in Stone) and literally inventing his own spells (literally, how does one invent a spell? or discover a spell?). I love Harry’s snarky grin to Malfoy when he calls Harry out when he and Luna arrive walk up Flitwick. We also don’t get any update on Harry’s grief over Sirius. Phoenix did such a good job showing Harry’s trauma and grief over Cedric and yet he was not that close with him, but he was with Sirius. It makes no sense to me. We only see a slight moment when Slughorn mentions how Regulus was in the Slug Club (this is our first mention of Regulus, foreshadowing R.A.B.’s note and Regulus stealing the real Horcrux) and how Sirius wasn’t and how he died a few weeks ago (!!!). But otherwise, we don’t see him grieve. No conversation from Ron or Hermione or even his new girlfriend Ginny which would have been such a great opportunity to better show their connection. Also, LOL at Ron being like ‘I can’t watch my sister be with her boyfriend,’ with Harry right there. I love how Luna and her magical sectruspectes is the thing to save Harry when Malfoy petrifies him. Once again, her quirkiness and uniqueness save the day! Just like with the Thestrals in the last film. Snape’s arc in this film, in many ways, is the exact opposite as in Stone. In Stone, he seems villainious, when he reality he’s protective. In this films, he is still protective, but that culminates in villainy, especially because he continiously tries to help Harry and his allies in this film by inspecting the cursed necklace and telling Harry to stay quiet on the Astronomy Tower. There are even scenes in both films where he pushes someone up against a wall because he’s so determined to succeed in his goal. In Stone, it’s Quirrell, which Harry sees, and sees his fierceness and dominating nature and perceives it as villainy, especially against the stuttering Quirrell. In Prince, it’s against Draco, which because of how he says that he swore to protect him, it comes off as more mysterious, but leaning more towards good as protection is seen as a good thing. And by the end of both these films, our view of Snape completely changes. In Stone, we see him as good. In Prince, we see him as bad. And we don’t find out what he truly is until the finale. It’s honestly so brilliant as it only cements his mystique and moral ambiguity. Also, if you notice, in the potions class scene, Hermione says that she smells spearmint toothpaste when she talks about what she personally smells from the Amoretentia love potion, and that’s what Ron wipes off her face at the beginning of the movie. I like how their bit together n the later films is how Ron is pointing out or wiping things off Hermione’s face, like in the diner scene in Part 1 or the Three Broomsticks scene later on. In the earlier movies like Stone and Azkaban, it was Ron stepping on Hermione’s foot, while this is a bit more intimate, symbolizing their arc. I also loved how Hermione blushes and gets shy, flustered or embarrassed when Ron does it. Also, LOL at Harry’s confusion when Luna tells him on the train that his head is full of wrackspurts. In my opinion, Hermione’s best hair is in Prince. It’s pretty and grown up. It’s still bushy at times, but she’s growing up. No hairstyle can look Emma Watson look bad though, even her huge hair in Stone or her crimped hair in the Stone broomstick scene. Also, can we talk about the irony and foreshadowing of Draco saying “I think I’d pitch myself off the Astronomy Tower if I thought I had to continue on for another two years.” Geez! Also, that wide panning shot of Draco in solitude on the Astronomy Tower, as it pans away from Ron and Lavender kissing that’s also such great foreshadowing. Especially because it somewhat parallels the shot of Draco walking to go let the Death Eaters in and kill Dumbledore. In that shot, it’s framed so half the screen is his fellow classmates making out, hanging out and laughing and the other half is Draco, alone, walking away from the camera and us, turning his back on his childhood and innocence. That shot in particular was so symbolic, and the reason why it parallels that panning shot is because both times, he is distancing himself from his childhood, innocence and happiness. The roles are reversed, as during Chamber, Azkaban and Phoenix, we saw Harry’s isolation from his friends, loved ones and happiness, now he see Draco’s isolation. Both isolate themselves because of guilt, but for Harry it’s through compassion, wanting to protect his loved ones, but for Draco it’s through anxiety, which is disguised as pride. I do appreciate how in the Tom Riddle orphanage flashback, we see 7 rocks on his windowsill and a picture of the cliffs, foreshadowing the first location Harry goes to during his individual Horcrux hunt and the number of Horcruxes there are, which is confirmed in Slughorn’s “key” memory. Ron starts winning and gaining a lot of confidence in this movie. Hermione and Harry help him become a Quidditch star. He gets the clean, new potions book, which in hindsight is the safer one. He starts to see himself as an attractive, romantic person as he gets his first girlfriend, and that gives him confidence, a little too much even. It’s been 5 movies and this 6th film is literally the first time really since Wizard’s Chess that he’s had confidence and won, and he was the one to sacrifice himself during the Wizard’s Chess game, remember? This is LONG overdue. Also, I liked the foreshadowing moment of Harry coming into Dumbledore’s office after his death and picking up his wand, the Elder Wand. Literally holding it in his hand, having no idea how much he’ll need it next year. The trio in the common room after Ron makes the Gryffindor Quidditch team and Hermione asks Harry for the potions book, that shot was really well-framed, with the triangular shape and Ron at the center and higher up, when he is rarely the center of attention or has a moment to shine, and well-done. Ron wins over Harry for the clean potions book (which in hindsight, really was the better book). I also love how Dumbledore’s wand tribute foreshadows Hogwarts winning the war, with all the wands providing enough power to make the Dark Mark disappear. Also, seeing their headmaster dead, must have been so traumatizing for those students. I also like how the camera focuses on the burning Daily Prophet in the middle of the trio laughing about Dumbledore’s oldness, and as it turns and focuses us on Draco’s sad and disgraced picture in the newspaper, then cuts to Narcissa and Bellatrix on their way to Snape. It’s so much foreshadowing and symbolism in one tiny moment. Also, LOL at Ron falling off Slughorn’s couch. I audibly chuckled. Slughorn and Harry’s reactions were great too. That Unbreakable Vow scene took my breath away. Narcissa’s cold stone, determined face combined while visibly having her eyes water with tears. Snape’s stunned face of fear and shame, trying to hide it all but clearly being in such distress. It was such a powerful scene, especially how Helen McCrory, who barely had anything to do in these movies but proved herself to be a fantastic actor, even without lines, in this scene. And of course, it’s written all over Rickman’s stoic face, proving his acting abilities to be just as powerful, if not more powerful than the most expressive actor who exists. Literally, no one else could have ever played Snape. I pity the person who plays Snape in a remake, a prequel to a sequel. I mean, that Unbreakable Vow scene is a masterclass in subtlety and lineless acting. I also loved the double meaning behind Snape saying in front of Voldemort’s most loyal follower (Bellatrix) “Over the years I have played my part well. So well I’ve deceived one of the greatest wizards of all time.” Snape spends the whole Unbreakable Vow looking like he can burst into tears. He looks dreadful and scared, but strong. It’s clear he does not want to do this, he does not want to sign his life away again, as he had already done exactly that before with his pledge of eternal servitude to Dumbledore with a single word (“Anything”). Meanwhile, Narcissa stares at him in intense, fierce desperation. And Bellatrix is taunting Snape as she initiates the Vow with such sinister childishness (I also loved Narcissa’s very old-money-woman snotty, smirk as if saying ‘see, told you’ at Bellatrix as she turns around in shock at Snape after he says “take out your wand.” It’s clear that she is starting to resent and even hate her sister). And then Narcissa pulls her hand away from Snape’s (and twiddles it with a slow, very Slytherin dramatic flair) and looks at Snape with thankful intensity and sheds a powerful tear. While, Snape just looks at his hand like ‘what have I done?’ It’s so breathtaking. It’s so powerful. This scene also has so many layers to it, particularly for Snape, as up till this point, we have never seen Snape visibly scared before, only fierce and confident even when he’s defeated. In this scene, he is still tough, strong and confident, not truly faltering for a second, but you can visibly see the fearful nuances in his face and eyes and see how scared and stressed he is (due to his triple agent status). As a viewer, this makes us more confused over Snape’s loyalties than ever before because he is clearly terrified and dreading it, but he still goes through with it. And Alan Rickman is just such a good actor and plays this internal struggle so beautifully. Also, Snape slamming the door on Wormtail’s face must have felt so satisfying, both because of his past as a Marauder and how he was the reason Lily died, as his being in the Order meant he found out the truth about Sirius (whether he liked it or not). I wish there were close-ups during that Snape and Draco confrontation scene when Harry is eavesdropping. Just by their fiery voice acting, you can tell it was such an impactful well-acted scene, I just wish we could have actually seen them and their reaction and all the nuances on their faces. That Draco and Snape hallway scene was an example of such powerful voice acting because I could feel everything without even seeing there faces. It was such a missed opportunity for two of the series’ best actors and most interesting, complex characters. It was also the only scene where Snape and Draco really got to interact one-on-one, and we were deprived of having that scene be as impactful as it definitely could have been with the lack of close-ups. Really, that quick scene could have been some of the most impactful of the series if they just added two over-the-shoulder angles. They also did a good job dropping hints that Snape is the Half-Blood Prince. Obviously, we know he is exceptional at potions as he has been the potions master during all the previous films. Also, when Harry uses the Half-Blood Prince’s Sectumsempra spell against Draco, Snape runs in and know exactly how to save Draco, which only someone who knows the spell intricately would know how to do (who knows if Madame Pomfrey would’ve been able to save him). That scene essentially revealed to the audience (not Harry since he left before Snape could save Draco) that he is the Half-Blood Prince. That’s, frankly, brilliant because it’s not obvious at all, unless you already know. Also, McGonagall trying to comfort Harry in Dumbledore’s office after he died was so sweet (even if she meant it when she said that Dumbledore cared about Harry, which she probably did because from his perspective it was probably true, as we found out in Part 2, Dumbledore was full of sh*t). I also love the moment when the trio is blissfully walking through snowy Hogsmeade and Ron and Harry finish Hermione’s sentence when she said she went to the library to look up the Half-Blood Prince (with little success). It just shows how close they are at this point. Finishing each other’s sentences is a surefire way to prove that. I also love how when they walk back through snowy Hogsmeade Hermione is in the middle and puts her arms around Harry and Hermione. That also, visually, shows just how close they have gotten. They’re her boys, and she’s their girl. But of course, the calm, peaceful snowy walk doesn’t last long as the sh*t hits the fan when inevitably they encounter a classmate who got cursed by a necklace filled with Dark magic. Another moment that proves this is when Hermione tells Harry to “shut up” after Ron mutters her name in the hospital even though he didn’t say anything, just looking and smirking at the two. Also, I’m sorry but Radcliffe’s haircut in Prince has to rival his in Goblet. They are both equally as bad. Also, the fierce rage in Harry’s voice as he yells at Snape “Snape! He trusted you!” and then again when he yells “fight back. You coward, fight back!” after he kills Dumbledore. Daniel Radcliffe’s acting and vocal work is so good and powerful in that scene. You can literally feel Harry’s rage because of how powerful and deep his yelling is. I also love how Hermione whacks both Harry when he has a rare moment of cockiness and Ron when he’d rather stuff his face than worry about Harry in this movie. I love female rage and I love Hermione’s more outlandish moments because it adds so much to her proper, rule-loving character. Emma Watson also plays these moments so well. She doesn’t over do it, but still makes them impactful and fun. There are a lot of second-long moments where it’s quad of Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny, and with those characters being two major slow-burn relationships of the series, I wish we got to see that quad interact more impactfully and purposefully because they really balance each other out well (not that the trio doesn’t balance themselves out, the quad just does in a different way). Also, Hagrid and Slughorn being drinking buddies is just too perfect. Also, the shot we see of Snape right before he goes to the Astronomy Tower to kill Dumbledore is so powerful and symbolic. He stands in solitude looking out on the grounds in the light and slowly the light dims and turns into darkness, symbolic of how the next time we see Snape is the moment that commits him to the dark side, and his back is turned to the camera revealing his shame in that, the fact that he can’t even face us. I will say, Harry’s suspicions about Malfoy could have been portrayed better. They made it seem that since Malfoy quieted down on his bullying that Harry was suspicious of him because of that and felt like something was up. This is mainly because he didn’t seem to confide his suspicions to Hermione to Ron, just keep them to himself, which is very odd for Harry to do. He trusts his friends with his life, and Draco has also always been an antagonist to them, so why keep it a secret? My only real qualms with this film is how so many scenes had so much potential, but often the execution wasn’t there, particularly in regard to almost every one of Ginny and Harry’s scenes, as I aforementioned, and unfortunately the ending scene. It felt half-assed and almost like they didn’t know how to end it. Also, why was Ron just awkwardly sitting there not saying a word? And Why was he standing behind them in the final shot and not on the same level? Maybe it was foreshadowing how Hermione and Harry were on the same wavelength in the next film and Ron was the odd one out, but that’s still sorted of a weird thing to foreshadow after the events of the film. Out of all the films, this film’s ending is the least satisfying, but that was also kind of the point. It felt like the finale of a season of television. It’s not necessarily a cliffhanger, but it’s still intriguing. However, almost all the other films, even the tragic-ensued Goblet manage to have an uplifting ending. This film’s ending was more melancholy. It left things up in the air, leaving you begging for more and antsy for the grand finale. I do like that, however, as I have sort of explained, the execution sort of lacked. However, this movie still manages to be, in my opinion, one of the best of the series. Although the final scene is awkward, I think it says a lot how Hermione and Ron (I guess we are supposed to assume Ron too because he’s there and Harry’s best friend. God, they really should have given him a line) want to leave school to help harry hunt Horcruxes. Hogwarts is just as much their happy place as it is Harry’s (despite danger always finding them LOL). Hermione loves academics and Ron’s family is there. they would both be sacrificing so much. It just says so much about how good of friends they are. However, while awkwardly executed, it was a beautiful moment. Hermione reminds Harry of the lesson he learned in Phoenix, that in unity there’s strength. That he does need others’ help, their help, in order to defeat Voldemort. I also love how it ends with them admiring Dumbledore’s Phoenix singing (right?) and the beauty of Hogwarts. That was honestly the most fulfilling and satisfying part of the ending. The scene at the Astronomy Tower in which Draco confronts Dumbledore, Harry hides and is told by Snape to be quiet, and the Death Eaters join Draco and then Snape joins them and Dumbledore says calmly “Severus, please,” which to everyone, the other characters in that scene and the audience, at the time, thinks that it’s Dumbledore pleading for his life, but in reality, as we find out later (since Dumbledore was forcing Snape to kill him) it was Dumbledore giving Snape permission to kill him. Writing-wise and acting-wise, this scene is phenomenal and just might be the best of the entire series. And hearing the truth behind Snape and Dumbledore’s alliance when it comes to protecting Harry and why Snape agreed to do it in honor of Lily, just adds a whole new layer to that whole Astronomy Tower scene with Snape running into Harry under the Astronomy Tower and shhhh-ing him, basically telling Harry to stay down and that he’ll take care of it, then going up and obeying Dumbledore’s orders to kill him, knowing that Harry is underneath watching. Ugh! It’s just heartbreaking, and it was performed so beautifully as well. The Astronomy Tower scene might be one of the best scenes of the entire series.
2. Order Of The Phoenix
Phoenix was an emotional rollercoaster, balanced perfectly with joyous empowerment and sadistic dread. I loved the storyline in this film. This film had the intriguing, complicated layer of politics within the Wizarding World, as well as the power of youth and the call for rebellion. As someone who loves the coming-of-age genre, since this film has many coming-of-age moments, I adored it. For example, we see Harry’s first kiss (Also, LOL at Harry randomly word-vomiting about Nargles before his first kiss and the screenwriter and director wanting it to land as sweet and romantic, but instead, it’s awkward, unnecessary and cringy. Also, LOL at Harry describing his first kiss as “wet,” it’s not like she was crying about her dead boyfriend or anything) and the kids overall learning how to use their voice and speak up for what’s right, an important lesson for anyone growing up to learn. The idea of the kids of Hogwarts fed up with not learning how to defend themselves and taking matters into their own hands and starting a rebellion, and then battling the darkest wizards by the film’s end and proving the Ministry wrong about Voldemort’s return, definitely made it one of the most satisfying films of the series (except for the finale with Bellatrix killing Sirius Black, obviously). Phoenix was no doubt Harry’s most difficult year at Hogwarts. No one believed him. Dumbledore ignroed him. Umbridge. OWLs. Trauma. Voldemort. Harry could never catch a break during any of his years at Hogwarts, but especially this year. The thing I really love about the end of this film is how, the whole film Harry feels so isolated and in the ending battle, there is such unity. His friends are there for him, fighting with him, unlike in the previous films where he always had to fight Quirrell, the Basilisk, the Dementors and Voldemort alone. He finally didn’t need to fight alone. This exactly what he needed to not just motivate him, but also motivate the Wizarding World against Voldemort. Phoenix had by far the most satisfying ending since Stone and the most complete ending since Azkaban. You can tell how much pain Harry is in because he snaps at Ron after he and Seamus fight (that must have been awkward with them still being dormmates, right? That must have been really awkward during Prince too with Dean and Harry both liking Ginny) and Ron doesn’t deserve that. Phoenix was Harry’s worst year of school by far, which was also impeccable timing (and by impeccable I mean terrible). After Voldemort coming back and watching Cedric die, the last thing he needed was a sadistic teacher, Dumbledore immaturely ignoring him and Sirius dying. Also, I think this was the most relatable and realistic (at least for the fantasy genre) out of all the films, due to the coming-of-age themes that were so centric to these films. I love the coming-of-age aspects of Phoenix and Prince. There are more common room scenes. Teen rebellion in Phoenix. Teen relationship development in Prince. Teen empowerment and independence. It was more politically themed. At this point, we knew how Hogwarts operates, but not really the Wizarding World as a whole, and as these kids grow up, it makes sense that we would learn about the world and the politics within the world along with them, just like real-life teenagers. It reminded me of the National School Walkout for gun violence and how the Parkland survivors were so fed up that they took matters into their own hands and started March For Our Lives, which is still making strides today. It’s so inspiring seeing these kids take matters into their own hands and stand up for what’s right, and it only makes their success during the Battle of Hogwarts that much more satisfying. The underground rebellion of Dumbledore’s Army and seeing so much strength and unity between Harry and his friend was great. They also had standardized tests, which every high schooler can relate to the stresses of. Because of this, and the fact that almost every film, but especially this one, deals with difficult teachers, this was probably the most relatable film of the whole series. This film had by far the biggest shift aesthetically, becoming significantly darker visually than the past 4 films, which was needed after the turning point in the Goblet of Fire. The cinematography went from light and mysterious to dark and moody, which matches the scale in action and magic, especially after the Triwizard Tournament, helping show how astronomically high the stakes are and the incredibly intricate complexities the later films dealt with. I also really liked the use of newspaper montages, giving us important information really quickly (honestly, a little too fast, I had to pause to read them sometimes). It broke up the film really nicely and was also a great film device to save the viewer a lot of time and tie up a lot of loose ends. It made the film feel better-paced than any of the other films and made it go by faster (which isn’t a complaint, just an observation). The newspaper format also matched the political themes of this film, with the press playing such a huge part in politics. We also got to see Neville grow and see his common ground with Harry of being innocent victims of the Death Eaters’ first reign of terror, and why when Ron and Harry got into a fight in The Goblet of Fire, he turned to Neville. That was very heartwarming to see. I see why this film isn’t as high on many fans’ rankings as it is on mine, similar to how Deathly Hallow Part 1 is sort of a letdown after the plot twist in Half-Blood Prince, but I really enjoyed this film because it was the film were the relatable core of these movies shined through the most (Half-Blood Prince is a close second). What’s so great about Phoenix is how it perfectly it balanced lightness and darkness, making Sirius’ iconic quote the perfect tagline for the movie. It may have a theme of government corruption, impending war and horrid teachers, but it balances all these dark things with lightness and hopefulness. The cheery score music also symbolizes this. During the montages of the DA and Umbridge around the school Umbridge is being so cruel, and yet the score is so cheery symbolizing the rebellion of the DA, which makes Umbridge’s cruelty that much more infuriating because it’s like ‘why are you ruining the vibe?’ This is why it’s a great transitional film from the adventure films of the first half, to the dark films of the second half of the series. Goblet and Phoenix go hand-in-hand in that way, as they encapsulate that transition. They remind us of Voldemort and Harry’s mind connection continuously throughout the story, through transitions and by constantly showing us Harry twitching, both similar to how we are constantly reminded about the Whomping Willow in Azkaban. However, the best reminder of Voldemort and Harry’s mind connection is on Platform Nine and Three Quarters when Harry sees Voldemort and he just stares breathing anxiously. It’s so intense and not a single word is uttered. It also shows us our signal for Voldemort’s mind connection acting up, the neck twitch (giving Phoebe Dynevor a run for her money). The most powerful montage of Phoenix is the one that occurs while Voldemort possesses Harry. It’s so nostalgic. You can tell each moment was chosen very specifically. Also, the arc of the montage is so interesting as it starts with all of Harry’s most painful moments, as Voldemort is taking over, and then it transitions to his happiest moments, his moments with Ron and Hermione and Sirius, as he finds the strength to expel Voldemort out of his body. Phoenix also introduced some major and important sets and locations, like the Room of Requirement, the Ministry and Grimmauld Place. I can’t help it, but between the Floo Powder green fires and black tile, the Ministry reminds me of the Wizard’s room and the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz. We also met so many fun new characters in this film. Luna is probably my favorite. We needed her light and optimism in this one. Imelda Staunton’s performance as this film’s awful DADA teacher Dolores Umbridge (this name fits her so well BTW. I’m sorry to anyone who really named Umbridge) was so riveting and I loved hating her so much. I especially loved the innocent and sweet nuances and delivery of lines. We also met Tonks and Kingsley, who I think deserved more screentime in the series as their appearance was some of the most fascinating and loud. your eyes are drawn to them when they are on screen due to their bright and edgy wardrobe, but there wasn’t much to watch. Kingsley looked bored and Tonks looked tense. It was a disservice not to use that. This film gave so much screentime to two of my favorite characters; Hermione and Snape. Harry also got his best and fullest arc since Sorcerer’s Stone. I also loved seeing the fighting spirit begin to blossom. The Twins also got their time to shine, which makes sense as rebellion (for the greater good) is such a theme in this film. This film was also the major turning point in the young actor’s performances. You can see how much fun they were having and how they really wanted to be pushed as actors. They wanted more scenes like the bouncy fencing match that was the Shrieking Shack in Prisoner of Azkaban. They finally felt confident enough to hold their own against the veterans and wanted to be challenged, as actors, by them. This film had the best overall message too. It shows that Harry is strong because he’s capable of love and friendship, and uses that unity to fight on and take action, while Voldemort is just power-hungry, selfish and spiteful, which makes him weak because it causes tunnel vision when it comes to planning and motivation. He’s insecure, but Harry, especially over the course of this film, gains confidence (not be confused with cockiness). Overall, this film featured the best arc for Harry. He started how only, angry (Harry gets angry and has outbursts directed at Dudley, Draco, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore and Bellatrix, with this one being the only one that’s 100% justifiable, everything else is due to his trauma and self-isolation), traumatized and isolated, and ended the film learning that what really makes him powerful is his ability to love and accept help from his friends and support system. That is a really beautiful message, especially for young people. Also, Harry feels so guilty for how he treated Cedric after he got with Cho. In the scene where Cedric gives him the hint about the egg, he is standoffish and sarcastic. That’s the last time we see them interact before the maze. That’s not the best interaction, so, of course, Harry would feel guilty about that on top of his trauma and self-loathing side as this idea to grab the cup together. It’s even more powerful when you remember how Voldemort was tempting him to come onto the dark side the whole movie (all while dealing with trauma from Cedric’s death and even after the shock of Sirius’ death). He chose goodness. He chose love, and that’s how he beat Voldemort in the end. The people who died because of their love for him helped him survive the Killing Curse once again, and how Hermione, Ron, Luna and Neville were all the secret weapons to end Voldemort. It also gave him the confidence to fight back against Voldemort, because he now has the upper hand with Voldemort possessing him actually causing Voldemort pain, like when they destroy a Horcrux (hint, hint). Also, LOL at Moody with his metal leg, scars and Mad-Eye causally walking through the Muggle side of King’s Cross. The dream sequence of Harry seeing Voldemort on Platform Nine and Three Quarters was very creative, very cool and very well-editing and well-acted. Harry’s anxiety perfectly executed both by Radcliffe’s performance and the editing. I also liked how we saw Voldemort’s neck twitch as that mannerism was our visual sign that Voldemort’s mind was effecting Harry throughout the film. Also, in the final Voldemort possession, seeing Voldemort in Harry’s hoodie was just so freaking weird. I understand that was the point, but still. Also, speaking of that possession scene, I like how they used flashbacks to show Harry’s arc of getting out of it. At first, he is flooded with all his worst memories, like Sirius dying, his mother dying and Cedric dying. Then his friends come out and he thinks of all his happy times with them, like laughing after he beat Draco with snowballs and when the boys reunite with Hermione and Ron after finding the getting the Sorcerer’s Stone, being at the Burrow, laughing in the common room and him hugging Sirius at Grimmauld Place. It was very beautiful. Also, LOL at Snape saying to a literal 15-year-old boy “control your emotions. discipline your mind” No teenage boy can control their emotions. No teenager can at all. Harry also really comes into his own in this film, not just because of his destiny, but as a kid figuring out who he is under immense and insane circumstances. This is mostly because, TBH, Harry was basically the DADA teacher in Phoenix, as he was only in it for a year (like the jinx) and he at least had one good teacher during his time (Lupin) to take inspiration from. Also, at this point in the story, especially after we see the memory of Snape getting bullied by Harry’s dad, Snape seems to be on the one acting childish, which is worse since he is an adult. He is seemingly still holding a grudge against James’ son, because James is dead. He’s biased. We, of course, find out in Part 2 how much deeper this situation is for Snape. The irony is just undeniable for so many reasons. However much this film revealed Lucius to just a mere minion and pathetic failure, the delicately mocking way he said “you really should learn the difference between dreams and reality,” was chilling, it was basically putting salt to Harry’s wound of falling for Voldemort’s manipulation. Also, Phoenix is the first time you really get to see the frankly, shocking, parallels between Snape & Harry and James & Draco and their relationships with each other. I wish we got to see more of Harry’s reaction to realizing that his dad isn’t the perfect, idealized man he built up in his head. I think that would have been really relatable for a lot of viewers. We also got to know Sirius better in this film, especially in regard to his rebellious spirit and how much his friendship with James meant to him and how much he misses him. Also, the way each of the Order members reveals themselves in the Veil Room battle is so fitting. Sirius and his coolness simply strut in. Lupin has his game face on. Kingsley is in a powerful, superhero stance. Tonks fanatically looks around ready for action. Moody simply stomps his staff and stuns the Death Eater, like a badass. It’s all so characteristic. The Ron and Hermione stupefy scene is so well done. Ron has the best of intentions and Hermione is justifiably offended by his condescending act. When they prepare Hermione has her game face on with fierce determination and Ron is just acting, not cocky, but casually. Then when Ron is about to fire Hermione beats him to it and stupefies him and he lets out a tragic weep. After the way he treated her in the previous film, it’s satisfying for both us and Hermione. However, it’s the characters watching this scene that really makes it fun. The Twins make a bet against their brother, and after their betting in Goblet, this is hardly surprising. It’s also so funny when Ron walks up to them afterward trying to cover for his embarrassment and being like that was “completely intentional” just like any normal teenage boy would. Luna securely walks into the line while the girls around her giggle, showing her individualism and foreshadowing how, while she no doubt is impressed with Hermione’s skills, she doesn’t feel the same need for camaraderie, to congratulate her, as Hermione’s fellow Gryffindor, who surround her and giggle with her after her success. That’s probably why she’s not a Gryffindor. While she has required her brain to always see the bright side of things, she’s also desensitized to camaraderie, both as a defense mechanism no doubt and also just because her individualism is who she is. And then when Hermione succeeds, she is crowded by a bunch of girls and they laugh and talk, which I loved seeing as we never see the girls hanging out, only the boys or boys and girls. I wish we got to see more of that, especially when it comes to Ginny and Hermione’s friendship. Then there’s Neville, who as the students separate like the Red Sea to watch Hermione and Ron’s duel, Neville awkwardly steps between them, realizes what’s going on then returns to the sidelines. Then Neville gives Ron a small punch in the air of encouragement, but when Ron fails, Neville quickly covers. It just shows how comedic Matthew Lewis is, even without speaking. What’s even funnier is how unintentional it all is. I love how the DA is somewhat inspired by the Order too, just the student version. This is also proven in how in the DA practice room, Harry put up the picture of the original Order of the Phoenix that Sirius gave him. It’s a focal point in that tender and touching scene between Neville and Harry when they bond over sadly loosing their parents (just in different ways, obviously). It also makes the title of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix feel more complete and purposeful, when the other more complete and purposeful ones, in my opinion, being Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I also liked how when Sirius talks to the trio in the common room (how does he know it’s empty? It doesn’t seem like this was planned, like in Goblet), when his voice first booms, Ron and Harry instantly look at fireplace, having both (I assume Ron, since he grew up in the Wizarding World, had an inkling what Harry was doing) seen how you can communicate through it in Goblet, however Hermione doesn’t, she looks aware from the fireplace, as she’s not familiar with this way of communication. I liked that attention to detail, whether is was a acting choice or directorial choice. This short moment shows how there are still some aspects of magic Hermione isn’t familiar with. She’s still learning like everyone else. I think that especially works for this films with the introduction of Dumbledore’s Army. Also, LOL at how Harry and Cho kiss and then the next time we see them like are sharing a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it laugh in the crowded courtyard before Hermione and Ron pull Harry away to Hagrid’s and then after that Cho’s seemingly betraying him even though we find out later she was drugged by Umbridge. It’s such a strange development. I also loved the Patronus scene. The fact that Lupin explicitly said how challenging this charm is and all these students are doing it exceptionally well is just a testament to how talented they are as wizards and Harry is as a teacher. I wish we got to see the Twins’ Patronuses, especially as such big lights in the series. Also, are their Patronuses the same? I also loved how the animal Patronsues had sound effects. Ginny’s horse neighed and Ron’s dog barked. I loved Ginny’s big smile after she did her’s and Harry big reaction “fantastic Ginny (such great set-up for their romance only for it to all become impassionate and flat)!” I loved how Hermione’s otter hopped around her (the actors’ reactions to their Patronsues, especially with nothing there, were so authentic). Ron managed to a Jack Russell Terrier Patronus so powerful that he lost control of it and had it trip Neville (I want to see Neville’s Patronus!). I also loved Luna’s hazy look as Harry tries to encourage them to spells earlier, but then she does her Patronus and her bunny rabbit, gives a satisfied smile and has it hops all over the room, being the most dynamic and long-lasting one, showing how powerful she is. It was such a great scene that showcased how talented these kids are and was such a joyous moment before Umbridge causes even more despair and literal destruction (her wicked, sickly sweet smile as she delicately said “Bombarda Maxima” when there are literal kids present made my blood boil). Also, I loved the scene when Neville finally did a successful Disarming Charm He’s stunned, until Harry pats him on the back and praises him, then he smiles and begins to finally take in everyone around him, praising him. It reminds me of the House Cup scene in Stone, because he has the same reaction. It just shows how the more things change the more they stay the same (in the sense that the more confident and skilled he becomes, the more he surprises himself. It’s so endearing). It makes me love Neville even more. Phoenix wasn’t cinematically dark, at least the majority of it. Cinematically, it was really great at visually symbolizing Sirius’ quote “we’ve all got both light and dark inside us,” really helping hone in on the hopefulness and light at the end of the tunnel messaging of the film (the first truly dark film was Chamber, but in terms of cinematography, it was Azkaban, but honestly there wasn’t a truly dark film cinematically until Prince, then from then on the cinematic tone was eerie and moody. Also, Harry takes the fact that he has to kill someone, even if that person is Voldemort AKA the guy who killed his parents, surprisingly well, depsite the fact that he is only 15 years old. Like, he has to kill someone to be killed himself. Destiny says so. That’s an insane. Also, LOL at Snape’s stoic WTF faces when Umbridge stands up after Dumbledore introduces her. I love how he hates her just as much as the students do, for once, they are on they are equal playing field (and TBH, it foreshadows how he’s been on the good side all along). Sirius’s last words being “nice one, James,” how parallel to Snape’s memory and how he doesn’t even realize he said it, and Harry quickly looks at him confused like ‘did he just say that?’ reaction is just great. It was such a great homage to Sirius’ friendship with James and relationship with Harry. However, it also made even more heartbreaking when Bellatrix short her Killing Curse at Sirius. Harry has the biggest smile on his face, so impressed with his godfather and in an instant, that smile does away. And as the veil engulfs Sirius he gives Harry one last weak smile and Harry looks at him with such dreadful anticipation. It’s heartbreaking, even more so when Lupin holds Harry as he screams and cries in agony. I also appreciate that they decided to show Harry’s first experience with romance and his and Cho’s development as awkward and new instead of what many films do and make it have a few awkward moments, but mostly like an epic whirlwind romance. Portraying it is awkward, though cringy at times, making it relatable and realistic. Another element of this film that I really liked was that we got to find out how exactly the people closest to Harry’s parents have protected him all these years, through the Order of The Phoenix. Even Snape was in it (which I am sure pissed off and confused a lot of people and made many people suspicious, especially Sirius), and Dumbledore (unfortunately) founded it (although, LOL at the Order being a “secret society.” It’s clearly not that secretive, and it’s members aren’t that much either, but I guess that’s also kind of point, but still). Snape, Sirius, and Lupin were willing to (somewhat) put their difference aside to work together despite their past to fight against Voldemort and protect Harry (hint, hint for Snape, I wonder if Lupin and Sirius ever had the slightest suspicion about Snape and his love for Lily). It felt like everything was coming together and the pieces of the puzzle began to come together, which was satisfying after the ending of the Goblet of Fire. I also thought the way they used montages and sound in this film was really smart. In terms of the montages, we got a lot of information really effectively and quickly and I think the other films could have benefited from something similar. Neville really transforms in Phoenix. He is still his timid, reluctant self in the beginning and by the end, he is a confident, brave hero. It’s wonderful to see. The theme of identity is really prevalent in this film. As Neville finds confidence in him, Harry begins to question his, due to him confusing his mind connection with Voldemort for him turning evil due to his traumatic past. Many teens can relate to that kind of identity crisis and questioning, just thankfully not in this exact way. The Twins firework scene is great for so many reasons. Of course, it is a bitch slap to Umbridge. Also, Harry isn’t enjoying it like everyone else as much as he is enjoying Umbridge’s appalled reaction, especially when she’s being chased by the firework monster, Harry’s big smile is infectious, just like when he was a kid. I also love Ron’s face while he watches what his brothers are doing, both in the Great Hall and in the courtyard. He’s not jealous, he’s so proud (also, where’s Ginny? because there are clearly other students besides the ones taking OWLs running out?). I also love how in the courtyard Hermione is applauding and cheering. It’s so sweet because, in the previous film, she was so annoyed by their jokes and pranks. It not only shows her growth but also her priorities. Hermione would have usually hated having exams interrupted for some childish prank, but she would much rather piss off Umbridge than get an A on her exams, and that says so much about how she is as a person. I also thought it was hilarious how the Twins managed to bewitch the sparks to go after the Slytherins. The way Draco’s scared face was sparkly imprinted on the wall was hilarious. I will say, as much as I despise Dumbledore, he was a badass in that duel with Voldemort. This duel, in particular, was creative, resourceful and visually dynamic, which made it much more exciting than any duel between Harry and Voldemort as those are usually just them simply holding their wands at each other. This had a snake of fire, a sphere of water, shattered glasses falling down like snow, great and impactful sound effects, and epic shields, and felt more like a dance to death than a duel. Also, with Dumbledore being the only person Voldemort feared this confrontation was very long-awaited, and it was worth it. The look on Voldemort’s face when Dumbledore revealed himself was priceless. As I have said before, I am not a huge blockbuster person, so the action scenes and duels really aren’t my favorite parts of the series, but this duel is by far my favorite, maybe my favorite action sequence in a movie ever. I wish we got to see Neville use his newfound DADA skills more, especially against Bellatrix. It would have been so satisfying as a viewer and for the character of Neville as we get to see how he’s improved and how much he’s grown. Also, I hate/am very proud to say it but I did chuckle and audibly yell “no sh*t!” when Umbridge said to Harry and Hermione in the Forbidden Forest “you know, I really hate children.” Also, the fact that Umbridge has enough self harming quills for the entire DA so that she can have them all write lines using them in detention after their rebellious club is discovered is just so cruel, psychopathic and sadistic. And her sick smile as she watched them, literally enjoying having these kids hurt themselves and seeing it as a genuinely rightful punishment, like she’s seriously deranged. Also, LOL at Hermione’s face when Sirius punches Lucius, like she has never punched a Malfoy. Also, LOL at Sirius just forgetting he’s a wizard and punching Lucius. This film also really proves how Harry’s friendships with Neville and Luna should have been shown more because while I love the core trio, in this film it’s really Neville and Luna who get harry to understand and feel less alone. Neville relates to him because of their parents and Luna gives him the positivity, light and kindness he desperately needs. However, I love how Harry is like “I don’t want to give Umbridge the satisfaction” when Hermione discovers the scaring on his hand. It doesn’t show that Harry is spiteful as much as it shows his resilience and strength, as this is a terrible form of abuse, but after everything he’s been through with Voldemort, the graveyard and the Dursleys, he’s been through worse. And when Hermione tries to be a good friend and tells him to report it, it reminds me of Maeve supporting Aimee in reporting her sexual assault in Sex Education. Phoenix was the first of the character-driven films that focused more on emotion, psychology and ideology and less on the past and the future. Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is the same way. Because of the visual format of a movie, it requires strong acting performances, and Daniel Radcliffe particularly excels in this movie (while Watson and Grint have their moments to shine in Part 1). The other character-driven films, like Azkaban and Prince, focused more on the past with the Marauders and Tom Riddle and the future with Snape’s Unbreakable Vow and the Horcruxes. Goblet also focused more on world-building, while Stone, Chamber, Azkaban, and Prince focused more on mythology. However, Phoenix focused on both; world-building through the introduction the Ministry and the Order and mythology through the introduction of Occlumency and the Room of Requirement. Neville’s furious, determined face after he reads that Bellatrix has escaped Azkaban. You can tell that was the fire under this ass that he needed to really motivate him to work even harder during his DA meetings. He’s so determined that he’s even risking Umbridge’s wrath by practicing during her class when Stone Neville would be terrified to even attempt that. That just shows how well-done Neville’s arc is in Phoenix (not even including how good it is over the course of the whole series. And that’s not all, because Bellatrix holds Neville in the veil room, no doubt similar to how she held his parents while torturing them, and he is still brave enough to yell at Harry not to give in, despite literally being trapped by his worst nightmare, the person that took away his parents. The possession scene is also such a great showcase of Harry’s values, goodness and strength. He values friendships, stands with the good and is strong enough to survive Voldemort’s torture. All of this is strong enough to repel the selfish, arrogant, power-craving, egotistical Voldemort. It’s also so powerful because he pities Voldemort at this moment too, showing his compassion, even towards the worst people on the planet. Honestly, most of the series is a master class in showing not telling when it comes to storytelling and lineless acting (for the younger actors, you can see them getting better at this throughout the series). This scene proves it. Also after all the trauma Harry has endured, this film gives us a peek into his mental state, which was much needed. It makes sense that after all he’s been through, he would have had to come to a breaking point, and that happens throughout the film, until he finally finds a healthy way to cancel his frustration, with the DA. This arc gave such a better understanding of our hero in a way we haven’t really gotten since the first film. However, in that film we met a wide-eyed kid, he’s not that kid anymore. He is now lonely, confused, regretful, guilt-ridden and frustrated. It also makes sense that this would all come to a head the film right after his archnemesis returns. We also get to understand the full extent of Voldemort and Harry’s connection. We have known it’s existed since the first film, with how he burned Quirrell’s face off, and in the second, with his ability to speak Parseltongue, but we didn’t really understand how, but we begin to int his film, which has the added benefit of raising the stakes to full on danger and horror. The Order is also so helpless when the regroup after Goblet. Sirius is in hiding as people think he’s a mass murderer. Lupin is a werewolf and therefore seen as untrustworthy. Mr. Weasley works for the Ministry. However, Dumbledore, their leader, is using them all to do his dirty work, even though it’s far more dangerous for them. Yes, it’s their choice, but Dumbledore doesn’t even care. Also, Harry got over being isolated and excommunicated by his friends and people who are like family to him awfully quickly. Of course, they are like family, and Harry does realize how there are bigger things at stake now than his subtle grudge against his friends for isolating him, but still. You would think Harry would be a bit more furious. However, the Twins Apparating into the room and shocking Harry was probably what defuse the situation. They have impeccable timing, both comedically and literally, and always know the right humourous thing to say or do in a volatile situation. Honestly, thank goodness for them. They probably saved Harry from himself and from saying something he would have regretted. Also, Sirius telling Harry “I was always welcome at the Potters” during the Black family tree scene parallels how Harry is always welcome at the Weasleys, revealing how his parents would be welcoming the same way Ron’s family is towards him, if the roles were reversed. Also, LOL at how Moody never formally introduces himself, or Tonks, or Kingsley to Harry, also how Harry calls him “Professor Moody” despite him never actually being his professor. I also liked how this movie knocked James off his pedestal because it’s grounded and realistic for kids who lose a parent to idealize that parent as perfect even though they were definitely flawed. This is shown when Snape says “you are just like your father. Lazy. Arrogant.” and Harry replies “don’t say a word against my father.” And Harry gets extremely angry in this scene, possibly angrier then ever before, in defense of a man he never actually got to know, especially when Snape calls James “weak” and Harry yells “I am not weak (which is true)!” However, Snape’s response is incredibly ironic, with him saying “then prove it. control your emotions. discipline your mind” when he may be able to discipline his mind, but definitely not control his emotions as he constantly lashes out through taunting and bullying Harry and his students. Also, LOL at two of the best characters always saying they need to vomit when they see affection; Snape when he sees the memory of Sirius and Harry’s hug at Grimmauld Place in Phoenix saying “I may vomit” and Hermione when she sees Lavender and Ron in the hallway in Prince saying “excuse me I have to go vomit.” The trio’s friendship is also very strong in this film, which is refreshing after there was so much teen angst between Harry and Ron and Ron and Hermione (in hindsight kind of pushing Harry and Hermione on each other and thus forcing his biggest fear to come true, as a defense mechanism of sorts). Their friendship is stronger then ever before, with each showing their capacity for leadership, loyalty, and maturity with some truly heartwarming and touching moments. This film is one of the few in the series with a distinctive theme throughout the whole film, which is unity. The first half, Harry’s friends are trying to convince him of it’s importance, and in the second half Harry’s unity with his classmates is what saves the day, makes him realize that that is exactly how he will win the war. Phoenix undeniably has a darker tone, which makes sense after the last film ended with Cedric’s tragic death. The last thing these kids need is a sadistic, cruel tyrant like Umbridge while they are grieving for their classmate, but actually, there all have the same motivation and a common enemy unites the students like never before, which really paid off during the Battle of Hogwarts. The DA showed unity and so did the Battle at the Hall of Prophecies. The kids helped each other and fought alongside each other, and each came out alive, while Lucius was sentenced to Azkaban and Voldemort was revealed to the Ministry. That’s a pretty badass and impressive accomplishment for all of them, especially Ginny, Neville and Luna, who had never been in a situation close to that before, while Ron, Hermione and Harry have. Despite Sirius’ tragic death and Umbridge’s horrific, sinister corporal punishment this film was also well-balanced with lightness and humor, thanks mostly to the Weasley twins and their new Weasley Wizard Wheezes business and to the DA scenes. The kids’ first full-on battle is in Phoenix, while Harry has battled a Basilisk and Voldemort himself in past films. The kids did so well. They survived and Ginny, the one we know the least well, destroyed the Hall of Prophecies. Clearly, Harry is an amazing DADA teacher. Also, Harry saying “I’m sorry professor, but I must not tell lies,” when he pleads with him to save her from the centaurs has to be one of the best sassy comebacks of the entire series and was brilliant on the screenwriter’s end. So, full circle (and there’s a callback to this comeback when the trio steals the locket off of Umbridge in Part 1 and Harry repeats the iconic “I must not tell lies” statement to Umbridge and before she can react to Harry’s surprise appearance, she gets stupefied). I love it when characters turn their trauma into something empowering, and in this scene, Harry turns Umbridge’s hypocritical and deceptive sentiment into a snarky moment of karma and revenge. It was so satisfying seeing him scold her as she is desperate and cowardly. He triumphs, but not in his typical action-oriented, heroic way, but by being calm, composed and using his words. He did the right thing because she 100% deserved that. It couldn’t have happened to a better woman. One thing I didn’t like about this film, and honestly it’s pretty minor as it only comes up in the last 30 minutes for like a total of a little less than 5 minutes (which shouldn’t define an entire film), was Grawp. I thought he was kind of unnecessary. The centaurs finished off Umbridge and all he did was have a creepy crush on Hermione. Any Dark creature in the forest, trolls, spiders, etc. could have finished Umbridge off. Honestly, Hagrid’s storyline as a whole in this film also felt very thrown in there and unnecessary, which I hate to say because like Harry said in Chamber, its not Hogwarts without Hagrid (because of this, him being in Part 1 even a little made it feel more like a Potter movie which is why they probably forced him into this movie too). I also completely forgot he was gone because it was a very quick mention that he was away and then suddenly he’s back and you are just so confused, so including his mission just felt unnecessary and thrown in there, like his stuff with Norbert in the first film. I still like Hagrid and hate to say this, but he just didn’t serve a purpose in this film and his and Grawp’s storyline could have easily been cut for a more cohesive story. Especially Grawp’s stuff. All of that could have been cut to give us more time with Harry and Sirius or the DA, especially because, like Norbert, it’s not like Grawp comes back in any of the later films or serves a purposeful later on. Another thing I don’t like about this movie is how fast Harry got over Sirius’ death. It’s like after they left the Department of Mysteries, he was already done grieving. After all, Harry has been through, after how fiercely he tried to save him proclaiming “he’s the only family I’ve got left”, after how much anger he’s felt during the whole film, after the agony he felt watching Sirius die, I find it hard to believe he got over it so quickly. Why wasn’t there one scene after the battle where he had an emotional breakdown, like after Dumbledore’s death when Ginny held him, a moment to breathe or let out his rage? He clearly needed it not just because of his grief for Sirius but also his range throughout the whole film, and no lashing out at Bellatrix in my mind doesn’t count because it was reactive and impulsive, not a way of coping. However, as aforementioned, this film was also really well-paced, and the montages had a lot to do with that and breaking the story up in new and interesting ways instead of just having to establish shots of the Hogwarts grounds like the past films (especially in Azkaban, because those Hogwarts grounds shots worked especially in that film due to that film emphasis on building the world of Hogwarts grounds). The flashback montages in Phoenix are so powerful, especially the ones when Harry is possessed by Voldemort. It’s so nostalgic and reminds you of just how far these kids have come, starting out as plucky, adventurous kids and now being resilient, brave warriors. Honestly, that flashback montage is way more powerful than when things like that are shown in other shows because you can tell that each individual clip was meticulously chosen to be shown at that moment and that specific shot and moment. It was such a beautiful, full-circle moment. The newspaper montage was a really smart idea. They were productive, detailing a lot of important information for plot development and foreshadowing in a very timely and interesting fashion. They also worked on the politically focused themes the film focuses on. The sound design, specifically in the Voldemort fight scene and when Harry’s agonizing scream after Sirius dies and Lupin holds him back, being silenced was so powerful. Almost representing how his agony was painful that hearing it could be detrimental to the audience. Also, the moment when Harry is helping Cho with her wand and he glances at Ron who is smiling at him, and then Cho drops Nigel after being distracted by Harry, that’s just such a teenager thing to do. I also love how Neville takes down a Death Eater by petrifying them, the same way Hermione did to him in the first film. What a great nod that shows how much Neville has improved. Also, the transition in between the trio meeting Grawp and Harry’s Occlumency lesson with Snape, with a close-up of Harry on the left and then it fades to the close-up of his father James from the Mirror of Erised scene in Stone was very well done and shows how they really do look so much alike, making Snape’s anger towards James in that Occlumency scene make so much sense. Snape taunting in that scene too with “feeling sentimental?” when he walks into the Mirror of Erised memory and “I may vomit” in the hugging Sirius at Grimmuald Place memory, it has so many double, triple, quadruple meanings. Also, the way the Mirror of Erised memory was cut using the original shot but making it look like Harry was looking at Snape, not his parents was so cool and insane. Harry is not only angry and upset that it’s Snape doing this, but he’s also so desperate and in so much pain. He is forced by Dumbledore to be vulnerable to the person he trusts least at Hogwarts. He is angry, but he is also subtly scared of both Snape and the Dark Lord. Snape’s smug sarcasm looking at him like ‘this is the Chosen One? this is the Harry Potter?’ after Harry snaps “stop it” and “that’s private” and he replies “not to me” so villainous, almost like he is enjoying this, which he probably is for complex reasons involving each of the individual Potters. But then his dedication to Harry creeps in and he continues “and not to the Dark Lord if you don’t improve.” It’s so well-written and well-acted. The way Snape hates Harry for reminding him of James, but also getting to see Lily again through invading his mind, and how scared he is at Harry failing Occlumency because he is so desperate to keep him safe but can’t explicitly say that because of his triple agent status, the latter part about his desperation to keep Harry safe is proven by him saying “every memory he has access to is a weapon he can use against you. You wouldn’t last two seconds if he invades your mind (which Harry does survive as seen in the finale of the Department of Mysteries battle). But he expresses this angrily, still struggling about how to handle these complex emotions he feels towards Harry. Also, in this scene, Harry is lashing out, provoking Snape unintentionally. Harry and Snape’s argument about his father made Snape vulnerable and so when Harry recklessly lashed out, he accidentally got inside Snape’s mind (which is honestly impressive if you think about). This was clearly not Harry’s intentional, but it still happened. However, as skilled of a wizard as Snape is, he isn’t perfect. Based on what we know after Part 2 and seeing Voldemort use the Legilimens spell against Gregorovitch in Part 1, Voldemort is clearly good at getting into peopel’s minds. So, due to his triple agent staus, Snape needed to learn this skill to protect himself, however, if he slipped, Voldemort can’t comprehend the idea of love at al, which is Snape’s main motivation to be a triple agent, so it still protects him (the power of Lily’s love doesn’t just protect Harry from Voldemort, it also protects Snape from him too, at least until Part 2). However when Harry does it, he does comprehend love, so if Snape wasn’t so angry about Harry’s father, there is a chance that Harry could have seen his love for Lily, which terrifes Snape as then his status would be revealed and everything would unravel. And Snape’s reaction to this is insane. He walks up to Harry and grabs his shirt. His bright blue eyes flash at him, Lily’s eyes and that motivates Snape to simply say, through gritted teeth, that their lessons are over and order him to get out. And as Harry runs out, Snape’s face is utterly stunned and eyes are deeply saddened. Also, this moment would have confirming to Snape how much Harry is like James, in his mind “lazy, arrogant…a swine,” so if he wasn’t so loyal to Lily, he probably would have given up protecting him at this exact moment due to his reckless violation. Harry is also angry because he has been through enough and that out of everyone in the world, Dumbledore is forcing Snape, his least favorite teacher after Umbridge, to invade his mind. You can also see fleeting moments in this scene of how Snape believes Harry deserves to know the blunt truth about how Snape is protecting him, but he can’t say it because it wouldn’t just put Harry in jeopardy, but also himself as his triple agent status is vital with Harry’s protection. An example of this is when Harry asks to rest and Snape runs at Harry (which is similar to Dumbledore tackling him in Goblet, but unlike that moment, it actually makes sense) forcing Harry to back into the table, Snape is clearly terrified for Harry, desperate to be able to protect his mind, but can’t actually say that, because of him being a triple agent and how he would completely despise Harry if he wasn’t Lily’s son. This also reveals his reluctant similarity to Sirius, as they both believe Harry deserves to know the truth, but Dumbledore continues to keep this kid in the dark about his own fate, despite Snape looking disgusted at Harry as he says “you and Black are two of a kind.” This last Occlumency lesson is honestly Radcliffe and Rickman’s best scene together (besides the “you have your mother’s eyes” scene in Part 2). It’s impeccably well-acted, very well-written, well-directed and just so impactful. Especially the part between the second “legilmens” sequence and Snape’s memory of the Marauders. The best line of the scene is when Snape says to Harry “[You and Black] two sentimental children forever whining about how bitterly unfair your lives have been, well it has escaped your notice, but life isn’t fair, your blessed father knew that, in fact, he frequently saw to it.” It’s so multi-faceted. And the deep-seated pain he has as he yells “in fact, he frequently saw to it.” Also, if anyone who aware of how unfair life is besides Harry, it’s Snape. He’s enslaved by Dumbledore and in the next film, his ‘master’ forces him to become a murderer. It’s ironic and heart-wrenching. You can see all the deep resentment and pain he is in, but he just can’t help it. And Snape only gets even more pissed after Harry persists “my father was a great man.” This pushes Snape over the edge and he physically pushes Harry back into his chair forcing him to learn how to protect himself, because as much as he is his father’s son, he is also his mother’s son ho he swore to protect. He is unable to communicate his loyalty and resentment because of his deal with Dumbledore and is traumatized due to his history with James, so he lashes out and yells “your father was a swine.” This also how and why his worst, most traumatic memory of James was at the top of his mind, and how Harry rebounded Snape’s spell with his protection spell and got inside his mind (also Harry gets out his wand ridiculously fast especially compared to an incredibly skilled wizard who already has his wand out). Also, the kids laughing at the toilet paper on Snape’s foot is so stupid, kids are cruel. However, the most revealing part of that Snape mind invasion bit was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of young Snape curled up on the floor, crestfallen and alone. it’s clearly not at Hogwarts as the room is white, in stark contrast to the gothic castle of Hogwarts. So, it’s save to assume that it’s Snape’s home. And seeing how sad and lonely he is, it’s clear his home life wasn’t a happy one, which makes the fact that he was bullied at Hogwarts, is home, so much worse. Honestly, if anything, this just shows how much Harry and Snape surprisingly (but not really) have in common. Although, I do love hearing young James yell “come on. Moony. Padfoot.” Awww, Snape has so much trauma. Phoenix dealing with Harry’s PTSD is much needed, especially at that point in time. Someone innocent died right in front of him, as a conscious, mindful more grown-up person, not a bay. His arch-enemy has returned. He needs to confront and overcome his own demons that he has put aside in order to gain the confidence to take down Voldemort for good. I also love how much this film parallels Chamber. Harry’s found family rescues him from the Dursleys, the Weasleys in Chamber and the Order in Phoenix (also, LOL at Harry calling Moody ‘Professor Moody’ when he comes to pick him up, when the real Moody was actually never his professor at all. How ironic). The scenes are also written the same, with Harry saying the name of the people who are saving him (at least the ones he knows, as Harry, and us, haven’t met Tonks or Kingsley at that point. We also don’t really see them formally introduce themselves to him, so yeah) and asks what they are doing and then Ron in Chamber and Moody in Phoenix say “rescuing you, of course.” I love that parallel. Also, Harry saves a Weasley in both, Ginny in Chamber and Arthur in Phoenix. And the school is terrorized by something in both films. In Chamber, it’s the Basilisk and in Phoenix it’s Umbridge (however, I can’t figure out which is worse as the Basilisk kills but Umbridge traumaitzes). Harry’s sassiest moment was also one of his best because it’s when Umbridge asks to be saved from the centaurs and Harry says calmly “sorry professor. I must not tell lies.” Also, the set design of Grimmauld Place is very smart with how dark and narrow it is, what with it being the residence of one of the darkest wizard families and is realistic with it being stuffed between two Muggle buildings. But it also begs the question, these wizards are very wealthy, so why wouldn’t they use the same charm that they used on the tent from the Quidditch World Cup to enlarge it? Also, why would these blood purists decide to live amongst Muggles? I love how when Voldemort is possessing Harry taunting him and Harry is having a very difficult time fighting him until his friends show up, and they give him the strength he needs to expel Voldemort from his body. It’s not Dumbledore, It’s his friends. I also love Harry’s quote while walking around DA practice room “every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more than what we are now. Students. If they can do it, why not us?” It’s so inspiring, especially coming the kid who is literally destined to become a great wizard. It just shows that he still sees himself as a normal student just like them and if he can believe in himself, they believe in themselves, and that he believes in them. It’s so inspiring, endearing and heartwarming. It’s also true, every great actor, singer, politician, businessman started out as a student and grew up to be do great things (as in Ollivander’s ambiguous defintion of great). I also loved how we got to see the kids being kids in this movie, like in that scene in the Gryffindor common room where Fred and George are sampling their joke treats on, I assume, first years from their Weasley Wheezes trunk and Ron is asking Hermione to help him with his essay all while rock music is playing (the song is the British punk song “Boys Will Be Boys” by the Ordinary Boys. BTW also fun fact: “One More Day” from Les Miserable is sampled in the score played during the introduction to the Ministry of Magic set. Eddie Redmayne, who is in Fantastic Beasts and Helena Bonham Carter are both in the movie musical adaptation of Les Miserable). It’s just so nice to see the kids be kids before the sh*t hits the fan, and see that same childish spirit throughout this film even through the difficult moments. I also just love seeing their day to day life and them just being kids. It’s relatable and again, make you feel like your their friend. Ron is so in love with Hermione by Phoenix, and trying to make up for how he treated her in Goblet (and failing especially by Prince LOL). You can tell in that walking sequence while the Gryffindors are hanging out in the common room where he tries to convince her to write his essay for him, he values her intelligence so much, which is such a great thing to show kids on-screen. It’s also a really underratingly well-written, well-acted, well-framed and well-shot scene. The kids using the expandable ears to eavesdrop on the adults is so realistic for teens with magic to do. I love this movie because it shows realistic things kids with magic would do. Eavesdrop with magic. Taunt teachers with magic. Prank people with magic. So realistic! I also love what we hear through the expandable ears. Snape and Sirius’ fighting. Molly says that Harry is “as good as” her son. It’s great. I love how it was Neville who found Room of Requirement. The scene is so symbolic as it starts with Neville just minding his own business walking down a corridor when Draco’s friends purposefully bump into him, he walks away defeated but then something odd happens on the wall, and what is revealed is the Room of Requirement. As Hermione says, the Room of Requirement only appears when a person has real need of it, so because of that, this foreshadows how transformative the DA is going to be for Neville’s fantastic character arc. Also, LOL at how when Hermione explains that Room of Requirement only appears when a person has real need of it, and Ron hilariously makes the connection that it would turn into a restroom if he needed, and everyone looks at him so confused, even the Twins, and Hermione is just like “charming, Ronald.” It was so funny. Also, is it just me, or does the special effects when it comes to Sirius talking to Harry through the Gryffindor common room fireplace become way better in Phoenix versus in Goblet? You can actually tell it’s him as it reminds me more of the wizard in the Wizard of Oz, instead of that weird talking-through-the-coals thing. Also, LOL at how Ron still has a grudge against Crookshanks, saying “Hermione, I cat your cat,” when it eats the Expandable Ear.. Harry’s face as he looks at the Howler expelling him. So lost and shocked and sadden. Hogwarts means the world to him. And he needs it now more then ever after what happened in Goblet. Lucky for him, his hiatus from Hogwarts doesn’t last long. Also, Harry gets his revenge on Malflada eventually. Also, I just have to say that it’s brilliant on the animator’s part for them to use the stamp color as the Howler’s lip color. Red in Chamber and an eggplant purple in Phoenix. I wish we got to see McGonagall’s sass towards Umbridge much more, especially in the montage where Umbridge observes the teachers. They are polar opposite when it comes to discipline. McGonagall simply punishes, while Umbridges cruelly abuses. That dynamic, especially combined with McGonagall’s dry humor, would have been fun to se more, especially in the juxtapositional cheery and demonizing montage. The only thing that really confused me in this film is why and how Ginny, Luna and Neville are caught by Umbridge and the Inquistorial Squad. It comes out of nowhere. What did they do? It seemed forced, but it was so minor in the grand scheme of things. This also just proves how no movie is perfect. No Harry Potter movie is perfect. Also, the scene where Harry gives Snape the coded message about Sirius in front of Umbridge (and keep in mind that this is after Harry saw into Snape’s memory) was also so well played. Snape turns to face Harry, who has a desperate look on his face as Snape is his last hope due to the circumstances. And seeing Lily’s desperate eyes in Harry, Snape plays it clueless by saying “no idea” with his expression also noticeably less stoic and more wide-eyed and expressive than his usual demeanor, and when he subtlety shifts his gaze to Harry, Harry is able to smile with relieve, knowing he got the message. Harry knows that despite Snape’s hatred for Sirius, he knows, at least at that point, that stopping Voldemort is most important, especially because he knows Snape is in the Order with Sirius after hearing them bicker through the Expandable Ears. Snape may resent what Harry did, violating his trauma like that, but he also knows that protecting Lily’s son is the top priority, and at least now Harry understands a bit more of why Snape is that way, without him knowing the full truth (in typical Dumbledore fashion). This also makes Snape’s supposed betrayal of Dumbledore, and by proxy Harry’s trust so much more painful in Prince, before we actually learn the truth. Also, Hedwig poor squeal as Harry punches the wall in a heat of rage after Harry is expelled. Even she knows how unlike himself he’s acting when he’s angry. But I do like how his fit of anger causes the photo of his parents to fall to the ground. It’s such a good transition, shown as he apologizes to Hedwig for scareing her afterwards. I love Sirius and Harry’s reunion hug. It’s long overdue and they both have the biggest smiles on their faces. And Lupin watches them proudly (why doesn’t Harry hug him too?). That’s what Harry’s life should have been. Also, LOL at Flitwick during the Twins’ epic exit. First he just stands there because he is too short to see what’s going on and is in the middle of a gigantic crowd, but eventually he figures it out, and similar to Hagrid when Gryffindor won the House Cup in the first film, he has a moment of excitement then settles down. It’s adorable. Also, LOL at how two of my personal favorite characters, Hermione and Snape, both say they want to vomit when they see acts of love with people that are mad at, with Hermione its Ron and Lavender in Prince and with Snape its the flashback of Sirius and Harry in this film. Now while it’s well established that Hermione is upset when she says this, and similarly with Snape, it’s still a little different with him. It’s one of his more immature moments. He knows Harry is in distress and in a lot of pain from Occlumency, and the comment is almost word vomit itself as it comes off like Snape is trying to get a rise out of Harry, when what he is actually doing is trying to help him. Maybe trying to communicate of the severity of his situation, but doing it poorly attempting to keep his cover, but also not being able to resist trashing Sirius due to his bullying trauma. Sirius’ death was such a sick form of cruel and unusual punishment in this film. You brought him back and made us love him even more, just to rip him away in the end, and not even give Harry time to grief him properly or get any closure. It’s especially sad because all Harry was trying to do was save Sirius’ life and it ended up causing Sirius the exact opposite fate. Not that it’s Harry’s fault, to Sirius’, it’s 100% Bellatrix’s. It’s even more heartbreaking when you remember how action-oriented Harry is and how he couldn’t do anything to even try and save Sirius, the closest thing he ever had to a father and a brother. They also gave him no time to process it either. He immediately tried to torture Bellatrix, taking action, but was in such shock that he couldn’t and was good at his core, knowing that no matter what it wouldn’t bring Sirius back. Even though Harry is no stranger to losing, this one, besides Dumbledore, undeniably hurt him the most, but this trauma also motivated him to defeat Voldemort and his Death Eaters once and for all. I do like how when the Order members white smoke into the battle, their entrances each kind of match their characters. Tonks’ is frantic, matching her seemingly wild and rebellious personality. Moody’s is quick, almost blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, as he’s a fierce soldier. Kingsley holds grand, strong pose. Lupin is serious, ready for battle. That original Order of the Phoenix photo is so revealing, symbolic and layered. For one, it’s clear that it was the 70s when they took it as Lupin (appropriately and ironically) has shaggy long hair and Lily is wearing a 70s-style peasant top (which makes sense in comparison to James and Sirius’ more Wizarding World style costumes as she’s a Muggle-born). For two, McGonagall is standing in front of Hagrid further proving that they are both in the Order as well as McGonagall’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot at Grimmauld Place walking behind Sirius and Lupin when Harry arrives and Hagrid flying Harry during the Seven Potters battle. Moody is also in it, showing how he has been in the Order since the beginning, and knowing how well Dumbledore knows his members, based on how he instantly remembered Lily’s Patronus when Snape shot it out, he should have noticed how odd Moody was acting in Goblet. Also, Lupin looks very exhausted, so he seems to already be a werewolf by then. Sirius is smiling so big, blissfully unaware of the hell he is about to start living. Peter is standing behind and in between James and Lily looking very guilty, foreshadowing how he is about to stab them both in the back. Dumbledore looks very serious and suspicious, foreshadow his villainy and God complex. And Alice and Frank are so sweet looking and happy, which makes their fate all the more tragic. It’s a very interesting Easter Egg to dissect. I loved the scene on the bridge with the trio, Neville, Ginny and the Twins so much. One thing I love about this movie is that we don’t just see kids being kids, but kids working together and empowering each other, and this scene really represents that. However, the best part of the scene was when Hermione said “It’s sort of exciting, isn’t it, breaking the rules?” and Ron replies, awestruck “Who are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger?” It was great! Also, LOL at Snape telling Harry to prepare himself before his first experience with the seemingly painful Legilimens spell and Harry’s utterly clueless and confused reaction. I also loved how, while the Order of the Phoenix is barely in the film, it is undeniable that it was the Order that inspired the creation of DA, which is basically the Hogwarts, wizards-in-training equalivalent. I love that so much, because it just represents how much Sirius and Lupin mean to Harry as Sirius is truly who makes Harry feel comfortable with the Order and Lupin is who he inspires his teaching around as he is his favorite teacher. The great thing about Phoenix is that everyone got their time, despite Harry, more the usual (even with him being the titular character), being the main arc of the film. Hermione, Ron, Neville, Ginny, the Twins, Luna, Cho, Draco, Snape, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Lupin, Sirius, Mr. & Mrs. Weasley and even Crookshanks for Christ’s Sake. Everyone had their moment to shine whether it was through the Order, the DA or just personal growth in general. This is really the only film where that happens, which shows how well-balanced, well-paced and well-written it is. Also, the way the whole battle of the Department of Mysteries seemingly stops, or at least pauses when Sirius dies. That’s wild. Also, the fact that all 6 of those kids survived says so much about their teamwork, determination, friendship, loyalty, resilience and skill, and also how good of a mentor Harry is. I also don’t like how they never gave Harry time to process that his father bullied Snape, and Snape’s whole memory in general. He never asked Sirius or Lupin about when they were actually there too. They just glossed over that, when realizing your father, who you put on a pedestal, isn’t perfect after all is a tough pill to swallow for any kid, nonetheless an orphan. I find this very difficult to excuse too because Harry knows what bullied is like, he grew up with Dudley and has to deal with Draco all the time, so him finding out that his father has made someone feel the same way he has must hurt immensely. We also don’t really see Harry process Sirius’ death either, not in this film or even Prince, when that was such a traumatic thing for Harry to go through. Also, can we please talk about the irony of Draco, Crabbe and Goyle being chased by Fred and George’s fireworks (hint hint)? I love how Fred and George high-five while they are flying in the Great Hall during their epic exit’s like a “we pulled it off!” high five. I also like how Sirius comes out of nowhere, not white smoking in like the other Order members, and just calmly says “get away from my godson,” before fully punching Lucius. It’s so ominous. Also, it was so brave of Sirius to go to the Ministry as the people there are the exact people who want to put him back behind bars and are using him as a scapegoat. Also, the fact that Lupin, who lost his best friend at the same time as Harry lost his godfather, had to rush in to hold Harry back. That whole sequence and shot was just so heart-wrenching. Both Lupin and Harry can literally never catch a break throughout this whole series. By the end of this film, Harry is finally able to grasp that has people who love him because he’s kind and loyal, and therefore receives that in return, and that’s how he is going to beat Voldemort. Unlike, Voldemort’s followers aren’t loyal because they like him, except Bellatrix, they are loyal because they fear him. This is hard for Harry to grasp because he is an orphan. He’s been isolated all his life. It’s not that doesn’t think he deserves love, isn’t scared of love or isn’t capable of love, it’s that hasn’t experienced it until he found his friends and family at Hogwarts. That’s why he self-isolates. He doesn’t know how to handle it, all he knows is he doesn’t want to lose anyone else like he lost his parents, and he has been taught that the only way to do that is to be alone and do things alone. After all, old habits, they die hard. Harry is obviously physically isolated because of Dumbledore’s immaturity and misjudgment, but he is also emotionally isolated because he is traumatized. No one can relate to the trauma of what happened at the graveyard, only him. That emotional isolation is the main theme, and while hopefully, it’s not due to trauma like this, many angsty teens can relate to feeling emotionally isolated. Phoenix also has Daniel Radcliffe’s best acting of the series, particularly in the Battle at the Department of Mysteries and in his conversation with Sirius in front of the Black family tree. The latter scene between Harry and Sirius is phenomenally well-acted and well-written. Luna telling Harry “well, if I were you-know-who I’d want you to feel cut off from everyone else because if it’s just you alone, you’re not as much of a threat,” and then by end of the film, Harry learned that the exact opposite of this is the reason why he will beat Voldemort, it’s such a great full circle moment. The ending also is the perfect balance of satisfaction and sentimentality, as it’s not too cheesy to cheery given all that happens. It’s very matter-of-fact in how it’s portrayed and that helps it tug at your heartstrings rather than cringe in your seat. Also, unlike in Goblet when the cheerful ending is stark and awkward after Cedric’s death, the satisfying and positive ending in Phoenix isn’t jarring, even though Sirius just died. It feels natural in comparison because it cements Harry’s epiphany from when Voldemort possessed him, rather then feeling random like Goblet‘s lighter ending did. This film not only comes full circle story-wise, but also cinematically, as the first shot we see of Harry is him walking to a playground alone, isolated and depressed, and this final shot is him walking with Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna around him, united and inspired. I loved how the film ended with Harry saying “even though we’ve got fight ahead of us, we’ve got one thing that Voldemort doesn’t have – something worth fighting for.” It was also full circle, and similar to how the Sorcerer’s Stone ended with an equally ambiguous, satisfying, and sentimental line. The first film and Phoenix‘s ending also parallel each other as they both end with the Hogwarts Express, at Hogsmeade Station and a shot of Hogwarts in the distance. It was the most satisfying movie since Azkaban. It was a great scene and made Harry’s arc in the film feel satisfying and complete. Overall, this was genuinely just such a well-made film.
1. Prisoner of Azkaban
Directed by the great and Academy Award-winning Alfonso Cuarón, AKA the director of Children of Men, Gravity, Roma, and Great Expectations, Prisoner of Azkaban is an amazing film from start to finish. This isn’t surprising, with Cuarón being probably the most prestigious director of this series. It was the darkest film and yet and stylistically the most sophisticated. There was a huge improvement in the special effects (literally it was night and day between Chamber and Azkaban, you could have rethought they were 5 years apart instead of only 2). Due to Cuaron’s interpolation, the series earned its first Oscar nomination in the visual effects category but unfortunately didn’t win. In the Reunion, the young actors said that Azkaban was the film when they really became more confident in their acting abilities. Asking questions. Making suggestions. Becoming involved. And you can definitely tell through their performances. It’s part of the reason this film is one of the best in the series. It also makes sense as Stone and Chamber were filed back to back. Giving the kids time to breathe, reflect and focus, really helped their performances. In my opinion, this film was probably the most well-directed film of the series. Honestly, Azkaban felt less like a blockbuster and more like a piece of actual cinema. A prestige film. TBH, choosing a director like Curaon, due to his artistry and directorial, was one of the best choices the franchise made. This film not only sticks out against others in the franchise stylistically but also other young-adult franchises and blockbusters, due to how it seems more artistic than commercial. The cinematography made this film feel like a rollercoaster in the best possible way, one I never wanted to end. Cuaron definitely made his mark on the series and succeed on making it stand out against the rest of the films in the series in all aspects. Azkaban is also the only movie where Voldemort isn’t the main villain, which I think helps it immensely as, again, it stands on its own and helps it feel refreshing and singular. It’s the most visually stunning of all the films with some truly breathtaking shots and camera impressive camera movements. It was really well-paced due to how he kept showing us the Whomping Willow which acted both as a piece of foreshadowing and as a way to break up the story (however, is there more than one Whomping Willow, the one inside the grounds in the Chamber of Secrets and the one outside the grounds like in this film? Or are they supposed to be the same one, the filmmakers just changed the location?). The film also utilized (really well done) long takes, although they didn’t feel long due to the well-timed and well-choreographed camera movement. The camera work in this film is amazing and very creative. The way Cuaron uses it doesn’t just tell the story, it makes us feel and experience the story. The way this movie is filmed, you can feel the emotional weight of every moment, which really helps make feel less like blockbusters and more like cinema. The long takes are especially impressive when they are in the Leaky Cauldron when Harry reunites with the Weasleys and the Great Hall when news that Sirius has been sighted breaks. They are huge scenes with a large location and a lot of cast and extras, which is incredibly challenging, but it’s done seamlessly. Also, the way they use long takes to go from very wide to super close up on Harry is so effective, as it helps you feel Harry’s emotional weight. The mastery of these long takes are also an excellent showcase of just how much these young actors, especially the core trio, have improved as actors in just three films. The long takes in Azkaban just show how much the actors have improved since the first film, especially because they spend a good chunk of Reunion talking about how hard it was to get through a single take on the first film. One particular scene that’s so impressive is when Harry reunites with Weasleys at the Leaky Cauldron. It starts off wide with a bunch of magic happening and gets tighter and tighter as Mr. Weasley tells Harry the truth about Sirius Black. Then it ends with Mr. Weasley in the dark and Harry in the light, but isolated when he finally asks “why would I go looking for someone who wants to kill me?” and then it jump cuts to a close-up of Scabbers on Platform Nine and Three Quarters. This scene is roughly two minutes, and it’s all one take. It has the whole Weasley family (at least all the ones that appear in this film), Hermione, extras and magic. That’s so impressive. Also, the through-glass shots are so cool. The Boggart scene ends and begins with it and it’s so trippy, and continued to be used by Yates later on (it was also done at the end of Chamber). Many of the through-glass shots involve the clock tower, foreshadowing the future use of the Time Turner. It’s brilliant! It had a darker, less saturated color palette which made it feel more moody and mysterious. It also had really innovative camera work and symbolic blocking. This film also utilized the geography of Hogwarts really well, which makes sense as this was the film that introduced the Marauder’s Map. This film was great for world-building in terms of getting the audience as familiar with the Hogwarts grounds as possible, which was especially important to do right before international Wizarding communities were introduced in the following movie the Goblet of Fire. This ability to familiarize the audience with Hogwarts in this film really helped the school feel like a real place, which also made it so much fun to watch. I also liked the use of POV shot in this film. POV shots have been used in the series since the first film, especially during scenes where Harry and Co. wear the Invisibility Cloak, but this film really had fun with it. They made Harry’s “everyman syndrome” feel more tangible and visceral, which helped immensely with translating the emotional turmoil Harry deals with in this film to the audience, especially when translating to the subconscious for viewers who aren’t as familiar with the artistry of film. We learn more about Harry’s parents’ past and get an idea of what his life could have been like if tragedy never strikes the family. He would have had cool uncles, one of them being his godfather, the person he was meant to live with, not the Dursleys. We also learn about the Marauders, sort of (It’s mostly confirmed in later films for some reason with Sirius and Peter being called Padfoot and Wormtail which is so weird) which is so interesting. It was probably the best-directed film for the franchise, the best score music of the franchise and also had some great comedic and emotional performances from the actors, especially the trio. All my favorite characters either get their time or get introduced in this film. Hermione. Neville. Snape. Draco. The Twins. Sirius. Lupin. This film had the best and most riveting mystery. I didn’t want it to end. It had great plot twists. In my opinion, besides Sorcerer’s Stone, the Prisoner of Azkaban is the most rewatchable movie due to its singularity. I feel like, for the most part, you can watch it without much context on Harry Potter lore (as my friends told me it’s called, which is honestly a great name. So mythic and official), after Sorcerer’s Stone, this film is the next film with the most mythology expanding (in my opinion, Chamber of Secrets is more about gaining historical context and more about Hogwarts mythology, not Wizarding World mythology). This became you learn the more new stuff about the world’s mythology in this film, between werewolves, Azkaban, Animagus, as well as a more currently relevant historical context specific to Harry and his own history. Honestly, after watching these films, I am shocked that my summer camp decided to pick Half-Blood Prince and Chamber of Secrets for the campers to watch out of context because Prince has a HUGE plot twist to the overall story and Chamber I feel like you need all the context from Stone in order to fully grasp the world and storyline. And while I think that Phoenix has the best arc for Harry, I feel like you can’t fully grasp it or its importance without proper context. It also gave Draco some more material and FINALLY gave Hermione her time to shine. I loved how this film was very character-driven; it was the start of the character-driven films in the franchise, and as you can probably tell, those are my favorites (Them being Prisoner of Azkaban, Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince). This was also the start of the series’ tonal shift from bright and fantastical to dark and scary. The kids really come into their own in this film, especially Hermione. She went from simply being an intelligent, bookish secret weapon to an unapologetic, outspoken badass who should not be trifled with. I mean, she was responsible enough to be trusted by the Ministry and Dumbledore with the privilege of time travel, and only used it to innocently go to more classes like a true overachiever, and the extra studying is the only reason Harry saved Sirius. The girl’s got confidence and an incredible work ethic. I love you, Hermione! She is a badass! Honestly, sassy Hermione was the highlight of this film, from storming out of Divination, a SCHOOL class to punching Draco. Hermione and Harry’s friendship takes center stage in this film, and after her disappointing lack of screen presence in Chamber Of Secrets, it was delightful to have her play such a huge role in this film. This movie was also the first time since Sorcerer’s Stone really that we got to see the kids be kids, between that animal noise-inducing treats scene with the Gryffindor boys (and Seamus and Dean have scarves and ties around their heads for some reason) to the introduction of Hogsmeade trips (the latter showing how the kids, and the trio specifically, are growing up so fast). I loved seeing that, after all these films are essentially about coming-of-age. However bad the American prison system is, Azkaban is just plain inhumane. While people like Bellatrix and Umbridge certainly deserve beings ent there, Hagrid and Sirius don’t. The prisoner there succumbs to a lifetime of not just isolation, but also pain and torture. It’s like a dragged-out execution or drives them into insanity (hence why Bellatrix actually deserves it. Karma’s a bitch). they might as well just execute them then. Also, the moment when Snape runs out of the Whomping Willow after Harry expels him, he’s rightfully pissed, sneering at Harry angrily, but him grabbing Harry like that also reveals how relieved he is that Lily’s son is okay, that is until he hear a roar and sees a literal werewolf behind him. However, his first instinct isn’t to run off, it’s to shield the three students behind him, finally getting a hero moment, although a far less grand one which no doubt angers slightly due to his his Slytherin flair for the dramatic. Also, when Harry runs after Sirius’ dog form, Snape calls for him, wanting to protect him, and grabs Hermione and holds her back from following Harry. He wouldn’t have done any of that if she didn’t care about his students. The Knight Bus sequence was a fun, quirky sequence to get us used to the tone of the movie as the cinematic quality of the sequence, and the whole film, is very starkly different from the past two films. It was also a great comedic sequence, although I found most of the characters in it, like Stan Shunpike, Ern and the Shrunken Head (which are only used in this film for some reason), kinda annoying. The funniest part was the bus stopping and Harry running into the window, in my opinion. The camera work that leads into Lupin’s werewolf transformation and as he transforms is so cool. Hermione calls for Harry and Sirius’ attention, and as she points in the direction of Pettigrew and Lupin, the camera follows her and goes to Pettigrew as he follows the direction she’s pointing and then goes to Lupin as he follows the direction she’s pointing and the goes to a shot of the full moon. Then it zooms in on Lupin’s look of despair and dread as he looks at the moon and zooms in tightly on his eye as we see the full moon’s reflection and his eye change into a more sinister look and as the camera zoom out we begin to see the horrific transformation. It’s so well done. Also the way Hermione uses the calm and effective Aholomora spell in Stone and then the brash and loud Bombarda spell in Azkaban to break Sirius out also shows her maturity, as sometimes you don’t just need to do what’s right, but also want will cause the least damage. A bit ironic as she blows the door off it’s hinges, but in actuality it’s smart. It’s so they couldn’t put Sirius or anyone else in there again. Also, one of the funniest lines of this whole film is “so you’re gonna suffer, but your gonna be happy about it,” that is basically me watching this whole series. Also, even though he is one of my favorite characters and one of the characters I am most fascinated by, I did love how much Draco gets beaten up in this film. First, he fakes being hit by Buckbeak, causing his execution. However, then he is attacked by Harry in the invisibility Cloak, basically gaslighting him (also, him having his Slytherin cronies fend for themselves by pushing them aside while he runs away just says so much about how fake those friendships are, differing from Harry and his many true, real friendships. This is also shown in the hospital scene in Chamber after the Quidditch match where Draco is moaning in pain for attention while basically all of Gryffindor House is at Harry’s besides making sure he is okay. That says so much about Draco’s values and Harry’s values and the differences between themas Draco is a wealth kid who seemingly has everything and Harry is a neglected orphan with almost nothing, and also Draco’s unlying jealousy and insecurity towards Harry. Like Ron and even Hermione too, everyone is insecure around Harry due to his fame and experience, when Harry is humble about it all, however, Draco is also jealous of the love and friendship in his life, unlike Voldemort and the Death Eaters who are incapable of it. Draco is, and that’s the difference), then, right before Buckbeak’s execution, Hermione fully punches him in the face, fully proving how karma is the biggest b*itch of all. Poor Harry, he is so happy, with the biggest smile on his face when he tells Hermione that it was his dad who did the Patronus that saved him and Sirius from the Dementors and when Hermione is real and honest with him, he snaps in a heat of uncharacteristic, yet understandable anger. It was a great moment of acting for Radcliffe that was impulsive and dynamic but also so revealing of Harry’s character and his vulnerability, reminding the viewer that no matter what happens, he is still just an orphan who misses his parents desperately. I loved the bit of Ron constantly being like “did you see her come in?” which worked both as foreshadowing how Hermione solves the conflict in the end and showed how Ron is always aware of Hermione, whether she’s around to not. I particularly love in Divination when she says “what a load of rubbish (very characteristic of her to think Divination is rubbish as it can’t be learned from a book. Luna probably loved it. I love how much Hermione uses “rubbish” in this movie. Like when she calls Ron’s theory of Crookshanks killing Scabbers “rubbish.” It just shows how confident and definitive she’s become. Or is just the fact that I love Hermione in this movie so much. Either way)” and Ron asks her when she came in as she puts something down her cloak unassumingly. It’s obviously the Time Turner in hindsight, but it just looks like she’s flustered because of Ron in the moment. It’s just a tiny sweet moment. Also, can we talk about how genuinely scary Boggarts are? They manifest your biggest fear and no one knows what they look like (so how does Lupin manage to capture one?) which as we know from Voldemort, the mystery only creates more fear. That’s so scary. That’s also why this scene is so great, because Lupin made such a scary idea so fun, lively and joyful. It was such a symbolic juxtaposition, both on Lupin’s end and Cuaron’s end directorially. Sirius and Harry’s final goodbye scene was so well-written and well-acted. Sirius tells Harry not just what he needs to hear at that moment, but what he’s needed to hear from a parental figure his whole life. It was so well done. Also, I love how, I believe in this movie, Hermione begins to call Ron “Ronald” not just showing how she’s the true hero of the film and the mom of the group, but also her growing feelings for him as the only other person who calls him Ronald (probably) is Mrs. Weasley, the other most important woman in his life (Ginny no doubt has some weird nickname for him even though we never hear it. It just seems like something that book Ginny would do). I also love how when Harry sneaks Hermione’s wand out of her pocket while in the Shrieking Shack, Ron grabs her sleeve, the visual showing their teamwork and unbreakable bond. It’s so sweet, especially because it’s such an intense moment. Also, LOL at Hermione being appalled when Harry disarms Snape, as in his eyes his presence is just making the already complicated situation so much worse as he has no idea who to believe, and Hermione, ever the perfect student, flips out when Harry dares to attack a teacher, reminding us once again how Hermione, as Ron says so frankly, doesn’t always have her priorities straight, as values her academics over her life, at least until Hallows. Also, can we talk about how Dumbledore’s solution to Sirius Black possibly breaking into Hogwarts was to have all the students sleep on the floor in the Great Hall like sitting ducks? I just thought that was the most Dumbledore thing ever, to disguise stupidity with safety. Hermione and Ron’s bickering is at it’s highest peak yet in this film, but thankfully adds humor to the film, like when they find the only semi-open compartment on the Hogwarts Express and Ron asks who the guy sleeping is and Hermione says “Professor R. J. Lupin” and Ron says “Do you know everything? How is it that she knows everything?” and Hermione very frankly says “it’s on his suitcase Ronald.” I don’t think a single scene goes by where Ron doesn’t attempt to poke fun or notice Hermione, which can be interpreted as him beginning to blossom feelings for her. I love how Hermione doesn’t just punch Malfoy, but she punches him with her whole body. Bringing her arm behind her for full force, fully leaning into it and with no hesitation. It’s wonderful. I also love the innocent, proud and slightly timid grin she gives Harry and Ron when she says “that felt good,” it was so perfect for her character and just proves how perfect Watson was for the role. And Ron, always her admirer praises her by saying “not good. Brilliant!” praising not just her intelligence, but also her moxie. There is a lot of world expansion in this film as well, with the Knight Bus and Hogsmeade, which is great. Also, why Pettigrew is truly repulsive to look at, that transition of the rat turning into Pettigrew while going through the hole right up to camera was really cool and very impactful. Also, LOL at Hermione trying not to laugh as Ron is trying is read his tea leaves to Trelawney. Also, I love how Ron and Hermione’s first moment in this film is their bickering because it’s the perfect way to reintroduce their relationship after their awkward handshake at the end of Chamber. They are kids who don’t know how deal with their feelings and we see them miscommunicating that by bickering all movies, even from the first moment we see, or rather hear them. While I don’t like fighting, it’s a very sensical reintroduction to their relationship after that hinting in the previous movie. Also, LOL because Hermione looks like she is about to burst with annoyance and anger when Trelawney does her theatrics. Also, LOL at Trelawney glasses basically being an oversized, magnified version of Harry’s circular glasses. Seamus’ least annoying moment was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment in Azkaban as we walks into the common room with Harry after the Fat Lady harassed all the students and holts them coming in. They complain about her delusional singing skills and it’s honestly so great to see Harry have a normal conversation with someone for once. Also, can we talk about how Hermione overheard Snape telling Dumbledore that someone conjured a Patronus that could have only been done by a very powerful wizard, and that wizard is Harry, which means that Snape indirectly complimented Harry?! Oh, the irony. Azkaban is also the only film in the series without any deaths, in fact, everyone with the risk of death weighing on them ended up being saved, making it not just one of the more satisfying endings, but also one of the happiest. Also, LOL at Buckbeak playing with himself with birds and animals as Hermione and Harry wait for themselves to come out of the Shrieking Shack. He reminds me of my dog. It’s so sweet. I also loved the “turn to page 394” scene so much. The way Snape struts in with casual swagger and yet commands the room and it has so much grandeur to it, it was kind of badass. Also, the way Rickman delivers “turn to page 394” like he’s piercing his target and twisting a knife, it’s just so good! Only he could make such a mundane line so iconic. However, Hermione’s saddened, shameful face in response to Snape’s insult, calling her an “insufferable know-it-all” is just so heartbreaking. She always has good intentions. Also, Emma Watson’s sad, ashamed, ‘I didn’t mean to offend you’ face and reactions as Snape belittles and calls her “an insufferable know-it-all” is just so good and so sad and pitiful. Hermione is the true hero of Azkaban. She is smart enough to realize that it’s Harry under Invisibility that is messing with Draco and his cronies, while Ron doesn’t being very scared when his hat strings begin to move. She is responsible enough to be given the privilege of a Time Turner. She saves Harry from Lupin. She protects him from Sirius. She figures out Lupin is a werewolf and has the decency to keep it a secret until she thinks he’s evil. She helps Sirius escape from his cell. She keeps Harry from meddling with time while they hide behind the pumpkins. She also comforts Harry after he discovers the ‘truth’ about Sirius Black (although this scene is so weird because like in the Part 2 goodbye scene, she grabs Ron beforehand, which makes sense, but then when Hermione walks up to Harry and takes his cloak off and supports him as he cries and screams, Ron is shown still standing far, a little too far back, like the awkward ending scene of Prince). Also, clearly JKR really enjoyed combining the number 3, 4 & 9, with Platform Nine and Thre Quarters and the “turn to page 394” line. Also, LOL at Snape’s three stone-faced claps when Dumbledore introduced Lupin as the new DADA teacher. That was such a great unintentionally funny choice by Rickman and great foreshadowing for his bias against Lupin and the Marauders. One thing, that’s real, really minor, but I couldn’t ignore is that Harry and Sirius (creepily enough) hold Hermione’s hand for an unnaturally long time. Harry when they run to Sirius after Buckbeak saves them and they see the Dementors fly over them and Sirius after helping Hermione get off of Buckbeak. This, in my opinion, was Gambon’s best performance as a whole in any of the films, and seemingly most accurate to the books from what I have heard. He was more soft-spoken, wise and profound, not scheme-y, loud and manipulative. Despite him moving in some scenes at a speed no man that old can realistically move no matter how many magical potions a wizard can concoct, it was Gambon’s most authentic and natural performance as Dumbledore (although Harris’ work in those prior two movies combined was still better). I love how the audibles of Hermione, Harry and Sirius when they are each flying on Buckbeak are so perfect for each of their characters. Hermione screams as she is the practical, safety-and-security-first type of person, and flying that high on Buckbeak is definitely not any of that. Harry hollers “woo hoo” as he loves flying as a premiere and stellar Quidditch player. He is also pretty laid-back as if he wasn’t Harry Potter, he has showcased (usually during Ron and Hermione’s fights) that he is a pretty easygoing guy, just along for the ride. And Sirius laughs carefree and almost manically because he is thrilled to finally be free, and flying is something fun that he hasn’t done in 12 years and his personality, as we come to know is wild and reckless. I loved the running joke of “how can someone be in two places at once?” because it made the trio’s friendship seem more authentic and relatable, mirroring the audience’s relationships with their friends (I am guessing). Also, LOL at Ron and Harry falling asleep while looking into their foggy crystal ball. Its seems like Divination is Hogwarts’ ultimate easy A class. I love how in this scene Hermione tests Trelawney by saying that she possibly sees the Grim. While it’s not her kindest moment, I think it does show how unapologetic and confident she’s become in this film. It’s very Fred and George of her. Also, Emma Watson’s scolding expressions at Trelawney as she grabs her hand and obliviously insults her seems lethal (while Luna and Trelawney are very similar due to their bluntness and obliviousness, Luna is at least aware she’s like that and owns it, Trelawney is oblivious to her obliviousness, and that’s why she can be a bit annoying and frustrating. Plus, Trelawney is an adult, it’s just not as endearing. I mean Trewlaney literally calls Hermione “old” and “dry” and then is expecting Hermione not to get offended? That’s not the most redeemable behavior, although she certainly doesn’t deserve what Umbridge does to her in Phoenix. I also think that’s why Hermione likes Luna and not Trelawney. Trelawney is a fraud, Luna owns quirks and Hermione respects that). Her unapologeticness and confidence are cemented when she pushes the crystal ball off the table and storms out of the class, which gives way to her badass and warranted punch at Draco. This cements it more than her punching Draco in my opinion though because while punching Draco is out of character for her, walking out of a classroom without permission or fear of punishment is even more unlike her, and yet it’s totally Hermione as it shows that she is becoming more confident and bold and empowered, more than she already was. She knows who she is. She knows what she excels at and since she is using the Time Turner to take multiple classes, why not spend her time on those other subjects, not somethings he already sees as a waste of time? I also really enjoyed the Boggart scene, despite the two second shot of the giant snake. Rickman’s acting in the Boggart scene is so great too. How he struts so sly and confident then flips out when he turns into Neville’s grandmother. You can see his smugness and his weirdness, even through his stoic face, it was hilarious and you can tell how alarmed Snape is at every moment. And his robotic, frantic, rigid, almost, dance, after Neville transforms him into his grandmother’s hideous wardrobe, is just so great and definitely one of Snape’s funniest moments (his conversations with Harry and Cormac during Slughorn’s Christmas party is also just as funny to me). You also visibly see Draco use his ‘broken’ arm to push Neville out of the way, revealing to the audience that he is indeed faking his injury, proving how he used his Slytherin qualities of determination and self-preservation and saw Buckbeak as an opportunity to garner sympathy from his ruthless father, no matter who ends up as collateral damage. While it’s not kind or great, after meeting Lucius in the previous film, it is very understandable. Also, LOL at Draco’s witty snark in the Boggart riddikulus scene when he says “this class is ridiculous (and LOL at Crabbe’s obedient nodding in response). Leave it to Draco to say what everyone is thinking (and Slytherin’s in general like with Snape saying “you’ve been raising him like a pig for slaughter”). When Neville does the riddikulus to put Boggart Snape into his grandmother’s clothes, it was freaking hilarious. Rickman’s acting was also great. His stoic confusion was so un-Snape, as you know he would have been furious if it wasn’t a Boggart, which makes it even funnier. Hermione’s heroics are also shown in how she comes to Draco’s defense, someone she hates and was just scolding earlier in the scene, when Buckbeak attacks him, telling Hagrid that he needs to be taken to the hospital. She may hate him, but not enough for him to have determinantal pain. However, she does hate him enough to give him retribution, which is why she punches him later after he is so pompous about Buckbeak’s execution. She knows it won’t cause him long-term damage, but he also deserves a punch to the face 100%, not only for Buckbeak’s sake but for everything he’s done to the trio at that point. This micro-arc in Azkaban for Hermione doesn’t just reveal her morality and values, but also her boundaries when it comes to right and wrong. It’s also kind of sad how the Boggart scene is so fun and lighthearted, despite being a dangerous and fearful class and creature, and then Harry walks up, and since tragedy basically follows harry throughout the whole series, what starts off as innocent fun ends up in disastrous terror with Lupin once against having the day. It’s also a tale as old as the time of one person ruining it for everyone, but with Harry, it’s very unintentional. Like Phoenix, Azkaban also has a theme of isolation. However, it’s less on-the-nose and more symbolic, almost as if Harry isn’t fully aware of his isolation, while in Phoenix it’s self-induced. This is proven when he’s left out of going to Hogsmeade with his friends. There are many shots where he is separated from the other characters, like when Hagrid tells the trio Buckbeak’s been sentenced to death (also LOL at Hagrid skipping rocks and not pebbles) and when Lupin reveals to Harry that he knew his parents. Also, I don’t know if someone who isn’t a theatre or English major would pick up on this, the song Flitwick’s choir sings during the opening feast ‘Double Trouble” written by John Williams, who also wrote the iconic Harry Potter score took the lyrics straight from William Shakespeare’s Macbeth (Also, LOL at that Hufflepuff girl in the second row singing so intensely. Clearly she’s the Hermione Granger-Sharpay Evans of the Hogwarts choir). Some of the play’s most iconic lines are double, double toil and trouble” and “something wicked this way comes.” They also hinted at Lupin’s werewolf condition really well. Between his sleeping on the Hogwarts Express to his Boggart being the full moon to him hiding his cane under his cloak during his nature walk with Harry. Then you see him use it again in his final scene with Harry as he walks out of the DADA classroom and Harry watches him with so much melancholy and longing, as Lupin isn’t just his best DADA teacher ever but also a connection to his parents. The cane also highlights the stark difference between Lupin and the Malfoys. Lucius has a staff for prominence and to visually trick people into thinking he has power, not just status. Draco he brings Lucius’ staff to Hogwarts when Lucius is put in Azkaban as a reminder and source of comfort and protection. However, Lupin uses it out of necessity, not power. And yet, his condition has the stigma of making people believe he is evil, like Greyback, when really he is anything but evil. Also, LOL at their solution to Sirius Black breaking into the castle is to have every student sleep in the Great Hall like sitting ducks. Honestly, Dumbledore just revealed that fact that he knows Sirius is innocent with that dumb plan, but it just goes right over everyone’s heads. Daniel Radcliffe’s acting in this film was also so good (I don’t think it’s a coincidence that two of his best-acted films in the whole series focus on Harry’s relationship with Sirius so heavily. Clearly, Radcliffe and Oldman had such a meaningful relationship off-screen and great chemistry). The way he screams “EXPECTO PATRONUM” is just so intense and forceful and determined. It’s fully epic, and combined with the acting, music and vibrating camera movements, it’s so impactful. For example, in the scene where Snape forces Harry to read what’s on the “bare piece of parchment” that is the Marauder’s Map, Harry reads it, then stops when he sees the offensive thing it says about Snape, knowing Snape won’t like it, then Snape forces him to read it, and Daniel Radcliffe makes the brilliant choice of having Harry subtlety relish in Snape basically giving him permission to insult him by looking up from the parchment and right at Snape’s face as he delivers the Marauders magical diss at Snape, “…and keep his abnormally large noise out of other people’s business.” It’s so well-acted and the transition from casual to apprehension to confidence is very smooth. It just shows how much they have improved. Not to mention all the long takes, where everything was natural and made the audience feel like they were there at Hogwarts with these characters. This is the movie, for me when these characters became not just movie characters anymore, but more like good friends. As someone with anxiety, I often rewatch things for comfort because I know what happens next and the characters are like my friends. There’s a comforting familiarity especially when a lot of my anxiety is rooted in the unknown. This movie really cemented the rewatchable quality of this series for me. These characters are like friends to me now. Especially the kids, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville, the Twins, Ginny, Luna (eventually) and Draco. They also did a good job at hinting at Lupin’s lycanthropy, with him sleeping on the train no doubt exhausted from a full moon that happened the previous night, hiding his cane under his cloak while walking with Harry through the forest (which by the way is confirmed to be a cane as Lupin uses it openly during his last scene of the movie. Also, he’s not pretentious enough to have a walking stick, unlike Lucius), and with how Snape talks over this class, and conveniently teaches the class about werewolves hoping someone would put the pieces together (which works as Hermione figured it out). What makes this film one of the most satisfying of the whole franchise, isn’t just the happy (-ish, Pettigrew still escaped) ending, but also the fact that everything we discover and everything the kids learn in school eventually has a purpose. This film moves slowly, but not in a way that feels dragged out and boring, like with Part 1. This is because of how well-paced it is. The movie is riddled with fun and exciting scenes like the Boggart scene, the Buckbeak introduction scene and the “turn to page 394” scene. It’s like a rollercoaster. There are ebbs and flows all leading up to the epic climb and exhilarating drop. It works because it builds a lot of anticipation for when it matters most. When Scabbers bites Ron’s finger and runs away, from that point on, it’s a non-stop adventure. This is helped by each new discovery throughout the film influencing what happens. The bit of Hermione appearing out of nowhere foreshadows the Time Turner. Buckbeak obviously foreshadows his own importance later. The Grim foreshadows Sirius’ dog form, which Harry saw while waiting to the Knight Bus and during Divination class. Divination class links to the prophecy, that foretells Pettigrew’s escape and how that will be what helps Voldemort comes back, which even leads into the next film, also providing a subtle cliffhanger. The Boggart is what helps Harry be able to conjure a Patronus, and therefore save himself and Sirius. The werewolf lesson foreshadows how Lupin is a werewolf, which also foreshadows Snape’s involvement in all of this as he teaches it and also comes to the Shrieking Shack. The Twins giving Harry the Marauder’s Map and Harry telling Lupin that he saw Pettigrew on the Marauder’s Map leads him to doubt himself. The continuous shots of the Whomping Willow foreshadow it’s importance. Of course, most films and stories do this, but I feel like out of all the Potter films, this is the one that connects all pieces best. It had me shouting to myself “oh, that’s what this thing was about,” making the overall experience all the more thrilling. It all comes together in that third act, and has the added benefit of not feeling rushed or forced because this has bene what we’ve been waiting or. It’s thrilling and exciting. Also, it’s so sad how Lupin’s Boggart is the full moon. It just shows how much he despises his condition, but he can’t control it. I did enjoy how he turned it into balloon with the “riddukulus” charm, as that sequence was very entertaining. Also, LOL at Snape literally doing three claps then stopping while the whole Great Hall applauds when Dumbledore announces Lupin at the new DADA teacher, a position he notably desires (and would excel at obviously as he has deceived one of the greatest wizards of all time). Petty Snape is the best TBH. What a mood! Also, his annoyed stoic face at the fact that the nicest of his childhood bullies (like, unlike James and Sirius, it doesn’t seem like Lupin was a tone to outwardly bully anyone, but he also never seemed to stop them, as seen in the Pensieve flashback, as we know he is there since James or Sirius yells out his nickname Moony) is seated next to him. Of course, no film is perfect, so there are obviosu some things I did not like, but in comparison to many of the other films, they are pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. For example, Hermione yelling “I trusted you and all this time you’ve been his friend” is so weird to me because it makes it seem like Lupin knew that she knew about his condition, however as we find out like one second later, Lupin did not know that she knew he was a werewolf, so this line just seem awkwardly written. Something “no, I kept your secret and all this you’ve been his friend’ would have made more sense, especially because she outs him as a werewolf during her next line. Also, the Grim in the clouds during the Quidditch match just makes no sense to me because it’s the Grim actually just Sirius in his dog form? It’s a coincidence, right? So, this just seemed unnecessary, but it doesn’t add or take anything away from the plot or the purpose of the scene, so I just think it was more a waste of special effects money then anything else. I feel the same way about that moment when Sirius appears in the crystal ball and whispers to Harry. Like it’s unnecessary but not distracting. Then there’s the awkward line from Sirius when he is holding onto Lupin as he transforms, which is as dumb as it is useless, saying “you know the man you truly are, Remus. This heart is where you truly live. This heart. Here. This flesh is only flesh.” Not only is it useless and awkward, but it also sound more like a line from a confusing Shakespeare play then a modern film. Like, not even Gary Oldman can make it sound natural and not comedic, even in a high stake situation. However, as a viewer, you re so focus don what’s going on that you barely pay attention to the line. Also, LOL at Neville crouching down and hiding behind the rock in the Buckbeak introduction scene when Hagrid asks how ants pet the hippogriff. Reason number 5621 is why Neville is me and I am Neville. Neville may not get a lot of screentime in this film, but the few scenes he is in, you really begin to see him evolve. He’s gaining confidence and a support system and it’s lovely to see, like in that animal noise candy scene with the boys. However, you really get to see it in the Boggart scene with Lupin. He is so fearful, even looking around for someone else to go first instead of him when Lupin calls on him, but due to Lupin’s encouraging nature and complete faith, Neville succeeds. He is beginning to gain confidence in his skills, and by the time we see him in the next film he finds his true passion, Herbology. This is when DADA begins to click for Neville, which Harry only brings out more through the DA in Phoenix. Also, I love how after Hagrid’s new position is announced, especially after how the last film ended with Hagrid returning for this stint in Azkaban and with him giving Hermione her due credit, she hollers “woo hoo” when Hagrid’s job promotion is announced. The editing in this film is also really smart. One example is when Harry says “why would I go looking for someone who wants to kill me?” and then it cuts to a close-up of molly running with Scabbers, who is actually Pettigrew who did try to kill him, multiple times. Also, Harry must be so frustrated with how the Dementors effect his so much and everyone else so little. Just another way his trauma and tragic past effect his daily life. It isolates him even more then he already is. Also, LOL at the Leaky Cauldron’s maid’s magic broom at the Leaky Cauldron literally brushing the dirt under the rug. The set design of Trelawney’s Diviniation classroom is great. The puff seats, bleachers, tapestries, and Middle Eastern influence. If only Trelawney’s costumes also had the same vibe. Although I hate how Petunia and Marge reduce Harry’s dad to an unemployed drunk right in front of him, I do like how this exchange foreshadowed how much James’ legacy, as a Marauder, is a big focus of this film. Hermione punching Draco was one of her best moments in a film where she already stole the show. The way Harry smiles and Ron is shocked and impressed and she innocently, humbly and proudly utters “that felt good,” trying to hide her satisfaction at such violence and then Ron, impressed, replies, “not good, brilliant” with brilliance being something Hermione values. I also just love her sweetly proud smile. It’s a great moment. It’s also our first time seeing Draco as a coward, similar to how Hermione disarms him in the Room of Requirement in the final film. When Draco got jealous of Harry and strutted up to Buckbeak rudely and he attacked him, Draco clearly wasn’t hurt that badly. When he was hurt, he saw it as an opportunity to garner sympathy, and it worked. His dad ordered Buckbeak to be executed in Draco’s defense, which is why he is so thrilled by it. he doesn’t care about hagrid, or the Trio, or Buckbeak, he cares that his dad is treating him with affection, which as we saw in Chamber, is a rarity. However, even if you don’t see Lucius in the film, we know him well enough to know that he doesn’t actually care about Draco, he cares about obtaining power, which he sees the situation as an opportunity to do. While the initial situation is comical in a ‘karma’s a bitch’ sort of way, it is disastrous or would be without Harry and Hermione’s heroics. Also, is it just me, or did was Azkaban the only film with no deaths in it? Quirrell died in the first film, Tom Riddle and the Basilisk died in the second, Cedric died the fourth, Sirius died in the 5th, Dumbledore died in the 6th and many people died in the last two. Buckbeak almost died but actually didn’t and they tried to kill Pettigrew but he escaped them. Also, LOL at the panic in Hermione’s eyes as she sees Dumbledore and Fudge leave Hagrid’s Hut while seeing trying to lure Buckbeak away. Breaking the rules is still clearly not her comfort zone. Also, LOL at Gambon literally sprinting up the stairs to check on the Fat Lady when Dumbledore is supposed to be 150-years-old. It’s also so unfortunate how in this film Harry unintentionally and accidentally helped Voldemort return by letting Peter Pettigrew slip through his fingers, giving him the freedom to find Voldemort, which he does and succeeds at bringing back, by mutilating Harry when the two come face-to-face again. Also, Scabbers was Percy’s rat and he’s undeniably the worst Weasley, so it makes so much sense. Hermione’s smile as she holds up Buckbeak’s feather when the Firebolt is revealed to Harry, and Harry’s smile, releasing that it was Sirius who got it for him, his godfather. It’s so precious. Azkaban is also the only movie where Voldemort isn’t the main villain, and also the only film where Harry unintentionally helps Voldemort. He has mercy on Peter as it would actually save Sirius and Lupin from Azkaban and Sirius from the hell he’s been living, but when sh*t hits the fan and the full moon rises, Peter takes it as a time to make a break for it, making Lupin feel even more guilty about his condition no doubt, although thankfully, he looks on a bright side of it, as now he has one of his best friends back with him and a relationship with one of his best friend’s son. While this is one of Lupin and Harry’s more irresponsible moments, in one fell swoop Sirius’ freedom and Harry’s escape from Privet Drive goes up in flames, it did help save Sirius from getting his soul sucked out of him, which is hugely positive, just like Lupin says. This isn’t Lupin’s fault of course. He can’t control it, but it is unfortunate, which is why his ability to look on the bright side is so heartwarming. He doesn’t let his condition define him. That’s inspiring. The scene where the Twins give Harry the Marauder’s Map is just so sweet. First, they very much treat him like a brother, physically dragging him into privacy. Then, they are so kind and selfless by literally giving him “the secret to our success” (although little do they know that it actually rightfully belongs to him) because they believe he needs it more then they do, and then show him all the way to open and close it. It’s so sweet because it just shows how much of a honorary Weasley Harry has become. Also, LOL because I love how one of the Twins say “we owe them so much,” about whoever the Marauders are (how ironic). Also, LOL at Ron being missed that they never told him about the map. Also, that shot as Hermione uses the Time Turner was so cool. The special effects were cool, but the coolest part is the fact that it’s all in one shot. Hermione apologizes to Ron for leaving him out, puts the Time Turner around her and Harry’s necks, slaps Harry hand away when he tries to touch it (LOL) razor focused on the task ahead, uses it which involves a lot of special effects and has the camera pan out then back in, then stops it and takes the Time Turner off of the two of them, then they run out of the hospital wing and the camera moves through the gears of the clock, through the glass and a bird’s eye view of the courtyard as Harry and Hermione run across it, all in (seemingly) one shot. It’s so cool and impressive. I also love how Lupin gets Harry chocolate toward off the aftereffects of a Dementor attack. As a chocoholic, I love it so much. Also, LOL at how Hermione and Ron never officially made up. I mean, in typical trio fashion, there was mortal danger, and that just caused their frivolous fighting to be forgotten about. TBH, that’s true friendship, and now clearly they both have their priorities straight. Also, when Harry asks what’s next after saving Buckbeak, fully knowing that their goal at the beginning of all of this was to save Sirius, just shows how much faith he always has in Hermione, proving her to be the true leader. However, even the brains of the group still need to be quick thinker, as shown by how she replies “no idea.” I also like how in that moment she is the first run-off to save Sirius leaving Harry standing there for a few moments, inquisitive and confused until Hermione reveals that she actually has no idea what she’s doing, meaning that they’ll have to figure this out together and get going now. Also, Daniel Radcliffe’s acting in this movie is so underrated. His emotional transition from inspired and happy to rage and frustration when he snaps at Hermione after telling her that it was his dad who conjured the Patronus, at her for disrupting his fantasy and being realistic, it was just so good. The framing of that Hagrid skipping rocks and telling the trio about the hearing is so good because it represents Harry’s isolation and Ron and Hermione’s sort of isolated storyline centered around their animosity and bickering. Also, the pain in which Hagrid announces “Buckbeak’s been sentenced to death,” it’s just too tragic. Poor Hagrid. Also Hermione and Ron look so sad when McGonagall tells Harry he can’t go to Hogsmeade, but at least Harry is selfless enough to not ruin their fun and encourages them to go. This film is by far the most cinematic and visually stunning of the whole series (even though the series overall is visually stunning. this film is truly beautifully shot. There are so many specific shots that I enjoyed. I thought, special effects-wise, one of the coolest scenes (maybe special effects-wise of the whole series) was the Whomping Willow scene with Hermione and Harry, especially that shot of Hermione getting thrown across the frame. The most well-acted part is Harry’s face when he realizes Hermione has grabbed his shirt and he is about to go flying. Many of the Great Hall scenes were filmed in one shot, like the one where Draco exaggerates his injury then it moves to the Gryffindors reading the Daily Prophet article about the Sirius Black spotting and the final Great Hall scene of the film when Harry gets the Firebolt. I also liked the POV shots in this film. POV shots have been used in the first two films, but the ones in this film just felt unique and creative, particularly the shot from Harry’s POV in the hospital when he wakes up and sees all the Gryffindors crowded around his bed inspecting the damage done to him because it’s honestly so comforting to see how Harry has so many people who care about him after growing up as an abused orphan) and the POV shot from the Boggart jack-in-the-box’s perspective, the latter of which being like no POV shot I have ever seen in prior films (although, it did reminds me slightly of the POV shot from Hedwig’s perspective when Hedwig flying into Great Hall to deliver Harry his Nimbus 2000 in Stone). It was such a cool choice. Also, this film featured by far the coolest Quidditch sequence, with the rainstorm making all the more intense and thrilling (although having these kids play an already very dangerous game in a literal lightning storm is very questionable). It also matched the color palette, style and tone of the film so well and very naturally. I also loved how we get to see how much of a good, selfless friend Hermione is at the Quidditch game. We know Hermione would much rather be in the library with a good book, especially on a stormy day like that, and yet she is in the stands cheering Harry on so loudly. It also helped make the fact that she goes to the World Cup in the following film make more sense as, clearly Quidditch isn’t her favorite thing in the world, but at least now it’s clear that as much as she is there to cheer on Harry or, in the case of the World Cup be with her friends and experience another aspect of the Wizarding World as a Muggle-born, she does genuinely enjoy the game as she is very into this game, cheering so loudly. It’s a very endearing quality to her. I also appreciate the cinematic consistency of this film with the fade-ins to black and fade-outs from black, the shots of the Whomping Willow helping break up the film while also showing how time is passing through the season and foreshadowing it’s later importance. Also, there was the consistent cinematic symbolism of clocks, representing how important time is in this film, with many of Harry’s most isolating shots in the film featuring a clock or clock motif. Between the Whomping Willow and the clock symbolism, it made the whole film feel very cinematically cohesive, helping with the overall satisfaction you get from the film, meaning that the film is both satisfying cinematically and satisfying story-wise, making it highly rewatchable. The use of through-glass shots also helped the film have none-stop feel and natural flow. I also think they are quite symbolic. The glass represents Sirius, and Harry thinks of him one way throughout the film, until he passes through the ‘glass’ (aka learns the truth) and once he’s on the other side is free to finally have a true family. The cinematography helped with the pacing too, keeping audience interested and engaged, because honestly the film does move slowly story-wise at certain poinst throughout the film, only really starting to gain true momentum at Buckbeak’s ‘death’ scene when Scabbers bites Ron to make a quick getaway. But the cinematography helps it feel like a fun ride, not too fast or too slow, it’s not confusing and doesn’t drag on, but overall just a fun and thrilling ride. Also, the momentum in the third act makes you appreciate the slower moments even more, especially because many of them are just kids being kids, like the animal noise candy scene with Gryffindor boys or the snowball scene with the trio and the Slytherin. However, personally, I love those kids being kids scenes. I love seeing them have fun and hanging out. It’s relatable. While, as a soap opera fan, I think just watching people sit around and talk is boring, in this case, it’s so refreshing and actually purposeful as it provides balance. Also, helps remind us what they are fighting and that they really are just kids. It helps balance out all the hardship and tragedy. But it’s also just so fun. This also shows how important cinematography, especially purposeful and symbolic cinematography, is to a film. Also, LOL at Hermione saying “is that really what my hair looks like from the back?” It’s so relatable, especially for a 13-year-old girl. Also, LOL at Harry response to Ron’s random unnecessary tap-dancing spider nightmare, “you tell those spiders, Ron.” I also love the once the trio and Sirius are out of the Whomping Willow and Sirius stares out at the Hogwarts castle and Harry joins him. And Sirius takes in it’s beautiful, looking forward to walking into he castle as a free man (which he never gets to do. so sad!). Then he tells Harry “that was a noble thing you did back there [saving Pettigrew]. He doesn’t deserve it,” and Harry replies “well, I just think my dad wouldn’t have wanted his two best friends to become killers, besides dead the truth lies with him. Alive, you’re free.” Then Sirius tells Harry that he’s his godfather, and the longing and sadness on his face as Sirius says “I can understand if you choose to stay with your aunt and uncle (LOL), but if you ever wanted a different home…?” and Harry says “what? come and live with you?” and it’s clear that Sirius isn’t expecting him to want to, not trying to guilt him or anything based on how he over emphasizes how he understands if he wouldn’t want to (unlike Dumbledore doesn’t overemphasize but also speaks in riddles so that they will do what he wants them to do), but it’s also clear how much he selfishly wants to be a family with Harry, but he loves his godson, who he just meant and proved his innocence too, that he can’t be selfish with him. He just met him and already he is is a protective, loving godfather. I love how Hagrid asks Harry how he’s doing during his first class. He values Harry’s opinion so much. It’s so sweet…and then Draco has to sabotage it of course. Also, that Hermione-Ron hand grab during the Buckbeak introduction scene is adorable. Ron’s expression is great, like ‘did she really just grab my hand?’ and Hermione being like ‘oh crap’ and unclasping it. Also, the introduction of Sirius Black and the Marauder’s Map was great. It completely changed the dynamic in the films with all the characters, now that Harry has a parental figure and a secret weapon (besides an invisibility cloak). I wish we got to know more about the Marauders because I feel like it could have provided some great parallels and a lot more historical context, especially since we find out later that James, Snape, Sirius, Pettigrew and Lupin were all in school together, and also more explanation about their Animagas. I loved the introduction of Hogsmeade trips. It expanded the world of going to school at Hogwarts and showed that the kids were growing up. It also gave them more free time to scheme, which of course, is always fun to watch. I wish they utilized them more because it gave an interesting dynamic and was more relatable for viewers, as kids could relate to going to a certain areas with shops to explore and hang out at (with the Muggle version in the 2000s, the time these films came out, being the mall). The way Harry yells “EXPECTO PATRONUM” with such conviction and power and produces that powerful of a Patronus just shows how good-hearted and skilled he is, regardless of his legacy. Also, can we talk about how Snape indirectly called Harry “a really powerful wizard” without meaning to, which we find out about when Hermione played messenger to Harry when they are talking about the Patronus that saved him and Sirius from the Dementors while waiting for them all to get out of the Shrieking Shack (Reason number 72892 why Snape is better then Dumbledore. Dumbledore was only ever directly cruel, selfish and honestly murderous, while Snape was only ever indirectly complimentary)? The conversation between Harry and Lupin on the bridge is also a great long take. It’s simple, but it makes you feel like your really there with them, and the blocking and acting is what helps make it such a tender moment for the two, as Lupin gets choked up and walks away from Harry as he talks about how close he was with James and Lily then walks back to Harry when his monologue focuses back on him. It was good choice to keep the cinematography simple in that regard, only moving to zoom in on Harry’s reaction as Lupin talks about his parents. Another simple long take is when the Gryffindor boys are playing around with animal noise candy. It’s all one take, but it doesn’t feel like it because much like the Leaky Caudron scene, it creates so much dimension through zooming in focusing on many people all leading up to Harry. It starts with a wide shot of all the boys with Seamus making monkey noises, and as it zooms in they toss Neville a candy (which he catches. I feel that is very important as we have only known so far as a clumsy nerd. However he is wearing a sweater vest over his pajamas which I think is very weird) and when he takes it he makes elephants noises. Then Seamus tosses Ron a candy and the camera pans to him as he growls like a ferocious lion (Ron must have really loved that). Then Ron tells Harry to try one and he takes one and as the camera zooms in on him smoke comes out of his ears and there is a sound of a horn (this is confusing though as this is not an animal noise). It’s so dynamic and really makes you feel like you are there with them. Also, the boys acting is amazing, because it’s really so believable that they are actually making these nosies, even though they obviously weren’t when they were actually filming it. They really act with their whole bodies to make it convincing, especially Matthew Lewis, who has to pull this off while sitting in a weird position and then moving up, and does it convincingly and flawlessly. I also love the moment when Sirius and Harry carry Ron out of the Shrieking Shack and Sirius apologizes to Ron about his bite tells them about how he usually has a sweet disposition as a dog and that James once joked about how he should make thebut Sirius couldn’t stand the fleas, which makes Harry smile. This is the first time he get to see Sirius just be a simply godfather to Harry. He’s kind, personable, and funny. It’s so sweet. Also, the fact that we never see Ron process how he has been slepeingnext to a lietral murderer every night AKA Scabbers AKA Pettigrew. Also, Sirius and Pettigrew’s Animagus forms really do find them so well as Sirius’ facial hair does make him look like a dog and Pettigrew really does look like the human embodiment of a rodent and he is also a literal rat as he ratted out James and Lily. I also appreciate how they made Sirius’ Animagus form madded and dirty in this film and while still a mutt, visibly cleaner in Phoenix the next time we see Padfoot. I also liked it when Snape so fiercely said in the Shrieking Shack “I could do it you know,” foreshadowing what happens in Prince. This also reveals just how much he was affected by Sirius and James’ bullying, as he was literally willing to kill one of them as retribution for his pain, when in comparison to Prince, he dreaded becoming a murderer (although admittedly that murder would have painted him as an evil murderer to the greater Wizarding World while killing Sirius would have painted him as a brave hero to the greater Wizarding World, despite Sirius really being innocent, a fact I am sure Snape hated). It also shows just how much he loved Lily, as he was willing to save James in the Prince’s Tale, as he knows that would make her happy, while he is willing to literally kill Sirius, when both Sirius and James bullied him. Also, Rickman’s delivery of lines like “quarreling like an old married couple (also, I find this line very ironic with Ron and Hermione standing right there as that is basically what they have been doing this whole film up till this point)” and “But why deny the Dementors? They’re so longing to see you. Do I detect a flicker of fear? Yes, the Dementor’s Kiss. One can only imagine what that must be like toe endure. It’s said to be enarly unbearable to witness, but I’ll do my best” is just so well done. The sneering. The deep-seeded pain and resentment. The relishing satisfaction. The fierceness. You can tell how much Snape was enjoying finally having a leg to stand on when confronting his grade school bully. As someone who was bullied, I completely udnderstand that statisfaction. However, what makes the delivery of these lines so great is how specific and delicate they are. Snape is simply sneering, seething, not outwardly taunting or bragging. It’s such a great acting choice that any other actor besides Rickman would have played boastfully instead of coolly like he does. Also, the fact that Snape literally desires to watch his bully get the soul sucked out him, while understandable, just shows how traumatized he was by how they treated him (however, it seems like Lupin was always the peacekeeper, based on this scene and how Snape focusing his energy on Sirius rather than both him and Lupin. Lupin also has a very neutral reaction to Snape being Neville’s biggest fear. He understands it and chuckles, but isn’t a dick about it like Sirius and James would be). This scene, in my opinion, also parallels Harry’s scene with Vernon at the beginning of the film, in which he finally has a leg to stand as well, representing that the two actually have some things in common. I also love how the Shrieking Shack is also literally shaking, almost shivering, the visual equivalent of shrieking. It made that scene only more intense and thrilling, and made me dizzy, almost motion sick, but in a way that a thoroughly (and oddly) enjoyed. Also, it made the over-the-shoulder close-up shots, when you see the Shack swaying the most, far more interesting then they usually are. Sirius and Lupin’s 12-year reunion was also well written (although, In my opinion, they’re hug is more awkward than the kind of hug you would give your best friends after being apart for 12 years). Everyone gets there time in this movie. Harry, Ron, Snape, Draco, Neville. Two of the best and most important characters are introduced, Sirius and Lupin. However, Hermione truly takes center stage in this film. Hermione is honestly the true hero of this film. She basically singlehandedly saves Sirius, all Harry did was disarm Snape and conjure a powerful Patronus. Hermione used the Time Turner, saved Buckbeak, stopped Harry from his worst impulses when it came to Pettigrew, and saved Sirius by doing the badass “Bombara” spell at 13, literally blowing a door off it’s hinges (aka the more powerful version of her Aholomora spell from Stone. Also notice the “Maxima” NOT on the end? Screw you, Umbridge!) and was resourceful enough to use Buckbeak to save help save Sirius and free him. She’s a badass! Just more prove that women get sh*t done! Besides Part 1, this is Hermione’s movie! Also, Harry is his sassiest yet in the film. And in that regard he starts off incredibly strong and empowered when he shoves his wand in Vernon’s face after blowing up Marge and Vernon tries to knock him down by saying “you’re not allowed to do magic outside of school” and Harry confidently replies “yeah, try me.” Like go Harry! Yes! Go off! It was so great seeing him stand up to Vernon like that, and actually have the upper hand, compared to Stone when he tried to stand up to the Dursleys, but was always shot down becaus the didn’t have a leg to stand on. Harry getting the Firebolt, while a heartwarming ending, it felt very much thrown in there. Almost like they forgot about it but had to throw it in there because they remember what happens during the First Task of the next film. However, I love the fact that Sirius risked exposure just to get him a new broom. It represents how even though Sirius has barely been in Harry’s life, he’s still always there for him, and also represents how close they have gotten in their short time together, as it gives the assumption that off-screen Harry told him about his love for Quidditch, to maybe that he watched his games in his dog form. It was so sweet. It also no doubt makes Harry remind Sirius of James even more. I also loved how excited everyone was for Harry. Like they all follow him out to the courtyard, past Draco and the other Slytherins are talking and are like ‘what’s going on?’ Then all of Harry’s friends, and his enemies, watch him fly off on his new super-fast broom (it gives me similar vibes to the Fred and George epic exit scene in Phoenix TBH). It just shows that Sirius’ reasoning for having Harry not join him is true, he belongs at Hogwarts. It really is his home. His family. It’s so heartwarming, especially since this film focused so much on the life Harry was deprived of. Also, the opening scene showing Harry using magic out of school, when other key parts of the opening before they get to Hogwarts involve Harry breaking the rule of underage magic by blowing up Aunt Marge, just seems lazy and forced to me. Also, while the betrayal and the map was explained well, the Marauders, their relation to the map (it got answered in later films with Sirius being called “Padfoot,” which Harry calls him when he’s giving the coded message to Snape in Phoenix showing how he found out the Marauder’s Map is connected to his dad and his friends off-screen, Lupin being called “Moony,” in the Snape memory in Phoenix, and Peter being called “Wormtail,” which even Snape calls him in Prince. However, wouldn’t have it been smarter to just explain in the film of which it’s most relevant to the plot?) and Patronus (particularly how a fully formed one comes in the form of an animal that’s unique to each person) could have been explained better. They felt like plot holes, I had to look them up on Fandom Wiki or ask friends. That POV shot as Harry wakes up in the hospital off all his friends waiting for him to be okay, it’s so sweet. Also, the Twins’ banter is at its peak in this movie, especially in the scene where they gift Harry the Marauder’s Map. You can tell how genuine their off-screen sibling relationship is and how telepathic they truly are because they don’t even need to look at each other to go back and forth. It’s authentic. You can’t fake that kind of synchronicity. It makes me love the Twins even more (also I love how they were, from my knowledge, the only Weasley kids who had to dye their hair for the roles, as they are both brunettes in the Reunion. It just shows how right for the part they are). I also love how Sirius compliments Harry’s nobility for not letting him kill Pettigrew even though he doesn’t deserve it, and Harry replies that he doesn’t think that his dad would want his two best friends to become murders. It’s just such a beautiful scene. Also, LOL at how once they get out of the Whomping Willow Hermione comforts Ron and to seem cool he says “they might chop it.” Oh, Ron. Also, LOL, of course Lupin is force dto babysit that rodentkiller that is Peter Pettigrew, shown when Pettigrew begs Ron to help because he was gdo pet. Also, LOL at Draco’s random green apple in the Buckbeak scene. What the heck was that? So random. At least the props department was smart enough to have it be a green apple, Slytherin’s color. Also, the kids really thrived acting-wise. You could tell that they were very comfortable and confident in their characters and they began making choices that stayed with them for the rest of the movies. This is also the only mid-series movie I feel like you can show a non-Harry Potter fan and they wouldn’t be completely lost, they’d still understand the story just fine. It seems very rewatchable and seems to still make a lot of sense out of context, but obviously even more sense in context. It’s very satisfying and intriguing from start to finish. It has one of the more statisfying, cohesive endings in the series. The only loose thread in this film has is Trelawney’s prophecy about servant and master being reunited once more, as that doesn’t happen until the next film as Pettigrew escaping in this film makes that happen in the next. I also really enjoyed the plot twist with Sirius Black, despite me seeing it from a mile away (I am really good at guesisng plot twists, although I did not see that Pettigrew twist coming) the scene was still very thrilling, exciting and enjoyable. The Shrieking Shack scene is incredibly well written. It goes from Harry finally letting out all his rage by tackling Sirius, who he believes is the reason his parents are dead, only for Sirius to infuriate him even more by manically laughing at him and saying “are you going to kill me, Harry?” when Lupin bursts in and disarms Harry. Harry is thinking that Lupin is going to save them, when really he puts his wand down and pulls Sirius up and hugs his long estranged friend. Then, because of this seemingly be a betrayal, Hermione outs him as a werewolf. And Sirius is so desperate for retribution and freedom that he crazily stops this werewolf detour conversation and yells “let’s kill him,” and Lupin hands him his wand and says that “Harry has the right to know why.” At this point, Harry still thinks Sirius wants to kill him, not Scabbers AKA Pettigrew. So, he calls them out on it. However, Lupin stops him and says “It wasn’t him. Somebody did betray your parents but it was somebody that until quite recently I believed to be dead,” who Sirius says is “Peter Pettigrew.” When Sirius begins to manically taunt Peter out of hiding, Snape rushes in, trying to have his hero moment, which as we find out in Part 2 he certainly deserved to have before he wasskilled, but that sadly never happened. Snape disarms Lupin’s wand out of Sirius’ hand and finally is able to stand his ground against his high school bully, even making Sirius fearful. Lupin watches this, trying to calm the situation despite Sirius continuously baiting Snape with quips like “he can’t help it [being a fool]. It’s habit by now,” proving how while he was never the one to outwardly bully Snape, he also didn’t try to stop his friends, which is not good but not necessarily bad either. And when Snape tries to save Harry and his friends, Harry expels him, bravely choosing to risk hearing Lupin and Sirius’ story then go to safety, and risk Snape’s wrath. Harry orders Lupin and Sirius to tell him about Peter Pettigrew. Lupin proceeds to tell Harry that Pettigrew was their school friend. Harry doesn’t believe them because Pettigrew’s dead, so how can they prove this? However, Lupin says that he thought so too until Harry told him about seeing Pettigrew on the Marauder’s Map, the map that doesn’t lie. Sirius begins to tell Harry how Peter is actually Scabbers, and he can tell because one of his toes is cut off, similar to how Pettigrew’s finger is chopped off, which he did so everyone would think he was dead. Harry tells Sirius to prove it, and so, Sirius and Lupin chase the rat around the shack until the de-transfiguration spell works and Pettigrew appears, and interrogating his pathetic ass confirms their story to Harry. And when Pettigrew runs up to Harry and tells him how much he looks like James, Sirius runs up to Pettigrew, instantly protecting him, calling Pettigrew out for his audacity to talk about James in front of him. Then Lupin and Sirius corner Pettigrew about him giving up James and Lily to Voldemort, and he has the audacity to turn to Sirius and ask what he would have done. And the fierceness and rage as Sirius yells at him “I would have died” scares the cowardly rodent man and he climbs under the piano to escape but Harry blocks him. When Pettigrew has the audacity once again to plead with Harry for mercy and using James as an attempt to persuade him, Sirius and Lupin pull him off of Harry as Sirius tells Pettigrew that he should have known that if Voldemort wouldn’t have killed him then they would. Harry then yells no, knowing that if they did kill Pettigrew then the closest connections to his parents would go to jail and Sirius would never be free, even if Pettigrew deserves to die. Pettigrew is relieved, but Harry says that he is giving him to the Dementors. There are like 50 plot twists in this one scene and the acting, cinematography and editing, they just executed it all beautifully. That whole scene was so chaotic and even more so visually with it taking place in the Shrieking Shack that is literally shrieking, or rather swaying. The scene was so bouncy and dynamic and each actor in this very complex scene hit every beat perfectly. That scene was like watching a tennis match. Dare I say, it might be one of the best scene of the entire series. Brava!
Character ranking
DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter isn’t on this list because he’s the titular character and is actually a good one, and therefore, he doesn’t count. If I ranked him too high, it would controversial. If I ranked him too low, then it would be controversial (I mean, my whole list is probably controversial, but still). Harry is an everyman, or I guess an everychild. This means that besides his constant battle between good and evil, his fantastic Quidditch skills (BTW I think Quidditch is the first and only sport I actually fully understand, and I think that says a lot), his father-inherited arrogance and his bravery, which is inevitably a Gryffindor-must, Harry doesn’t really have any definite character traits. Like main characters like Elena Gilbert (who Harry is similar to on multiple levels due to the whole “parents died” thing before the series first started and we first meet them, although Elena does have the privilege of not going through it all alone. At least she had a brother) and Bella Swan, (who coincidentally are also main characters in the fantasy genre) they don’t have definite character qualities, so everyone watching can find a way to relate to them. That’s not inherently a bad thing. Their trademark goodness is inherently relatable because we all aspire to be good people. With that being said, Harry is a genuinely good person and has this great vulnerability, which is rare to see in young male characters and just male characters and male protagonists in general. So, the fact that Harry Potter is such a famous literary character and is a young male written with that amount of (good) quality, complexity and vulnerability, I think is really important. He also subverted male stereotypes, with his Cinderfella-like upbringing (I mean, he literally grew up in a closet), paralleling nicely to Hermione subverting the stereotype of women not being able to be intelligent. Harry is kind of the male version of Cinderella. He has an abusive, neglectful childhood and is forced to clean up after people who are cruel to him (the Dursleys) and yet he still manages to foster kindness. That’s incredible, especially we see how Snape and Voldemort turned out with similar upbringings. Snape is bitter and Voldemort is pure evil. Harry Potter is a great hero and had an amazing arc. He was all the things a hero needs to be. Kind. Strong. Brave. Smart. Loyal But he also brought something new to the table. He was resilient, vulnerable, and humble. Unlike most ‘everyboy’ characters who are more of a blank canvas, so everyone can project qualities onto them, Harry is a well-rounded character with definite qualities everyone can relate to. I personally relate to his resilience a lot. Throughout the series, Harry learned a lot, overcame a lot, formed vital relationships, defeated many dangers, and chose goodness above all else. Yes, she was flawed, he was impulsive, headstrong and sometimes very stubborn, but he always had good intentions. He achieved a lot at such a young age, but he remained humble thought the whole story and continued to be the wide-eyed kid we met in the first movie throughout all films at his core, just with layers of resilience, love and toughness on top. I also appreciate how they made him humble and hate for being famous, because that I think was a key part of how likable he was compared to Lockhart and Voldemort. I mean, Harry is undeniably powerful in his own right. He is the only one who go up against the Dark Lord and live, both as an untrained baby and a skilled wizard. Also, it could be seen as an ahead-of-its-time commentary on society’s hunger for fame, even when its because of tragedy (like school shootings and true crime podcasts). Like, yes Harry peaked in high school, but if it wasn’t for his fame-by-tragedy, it would have been because of his Quidditch skills. At least the tragedy gave him some depth and empathy instead of the stereotypical jock. He is a very humble kid. He also didn’t choose this. If he had it his way, he would just play Quidditch and be happy. He relished in feeling normal, like when he was with the Weasleys and the simple moments when he was at school, especially in Goblet before his name way called. His humility and thirst for normalcy are truly what made him so endearing and such a great protagonist. Harry is also an impressive wizard in his own right. He was one of the only wizards to go up against Voldemort and live to tell the tale (with Dumbledore being one of the few others). He also could produce a Patronus at 13 and taught his 15-year-old friends how to as well. He was also a skilled flyer, skilled enough to use it to conquer a dragon and was a Parselmouth. He is proof that age doesn’t define power. He managed to become not just the Boy Who Lived and the Chosen Wand, but also the true Master of Death, and even better, he didn’t care. He discarded the Resurrection Stone and broke the Elder Wand. He also let neither his fame or his Quidditch skills define him. He wanted to be defined by the people he surrounded himself with and his choices, not his past or his status. I respect that. I wish more kids who peaked in high school got that message from these films. Harry also showcases his cockier side, but is extremely rare for him to do so. Particularly when he tells Hermione “but I am the Chosen One” after she tells him about Romilda Vane. Luckily she snaps him back into reality. It also shows that even after everything he’s been through, fame and popularity can still get to him just like it can to everyone, which is a very Gryffindor trait as seen with Hermione at the Yule Ball and Ron during the Quidditch match. I also think it’s so funny how so many adults are starstruck by Harry because he, as a baby (at least in the beginning of the series when he meets new people) became a historical legend for the most tragic reason. You could tell he got used to it, but you could also tell that he didn’t love the attention. The thing is Harry’s life is incredibly and insanely tragic that it’s honestly a miracle that he didn’t turn out villainous and bitter, because he had every reason to become that way. Maybe it he never went to Hogwarts, that’s who he would have become. I mean, his parents died, the closest family he had treated him like crap, ostracized him, belittled him (because of his presumed Wizarding heritage, I assume), then he came to a school where he was almost killed every year and the closest people to his parents, who became like family to him, who gave him insight into what his life could have been like, they both died. That’s so tragic. Like the psychological and emotional toll that takes, Harry is incredibly strong. Like he literally showed no anxiety or fear when literally walking through the Forbidden Forest to his death. He was so calm and brave, when I would have been sobbing. Granted, he had the comfort of his dead parental figures being alongside him as seen during their Resurrection Stone conversation. Also, like Elena Gilbert, Harry is always willing to sacrifice himself, so his friend and family and others don’t have to die for him. That’s why he self-isolates because he doesn’t want that to happen, even though no matter what, it’s bound to. I wish we got to see him deal with trauma more (instead of having it just packed into Order of the Phoenix), especially after the Battle of Hogwarts. He obviously has a lot to process and sort through. I mean he was abused by his family his whole life, but was still compassionate (as seen with his forgiveness for Snape), loyal (how he stood by Dumbledore even after his death), honest (how he never lied to the Dursleys, even though he had every right to), noble (how he spared Pettigrew in order to clear Sirius and give me a proper punishment via the Dementors), protective (how he endlessly helped his friends and sacrificed himself for them) and kind (how he genuinely was friends with Neville and Luna despite their nerdiness and weirdness). He defend and stood up for those who deserved it (unfortunately Dumbledore was one of those people) and spent his life protecting others, as seen with his Jesus-like sacrifice in the last movie. He never wanted anyone to die for him, but people were willing to anyway. He would gladly sacrifice himself. Just like Elena Gilbert in The Vampire Diaries. That is so powerful, especially for a children’s story. That also just goes to show that in comparison to Voldemort, and even Snape, how much of an anomaly Harry’s goodness is, not just in the story, but also for parallel situations in the real world (although any examples escape me at the moment). Harry is always willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good, it’s others who don’t let him. An example of this is how he let’s go of Ron and Gabrielle when the squids attack them during the second task to save them before himself, just as his gillyweed is running out. That’s so noble and brave. That’s why it’s Harry’s shining moment during the tournament, not luck or tragedy like the other two tasks. He is also so exhausted from doing this that he has to shoot himself out of the water, not having the energy to swim, which while some may call this attention-grabbing, it’s actually very smart because he exhausts himself more, he might have actually drowned. Also, like Elena, tragedy didn’t make him bitter. He was still very kind as a person, but over time he became less naive (and mesmerized by the newness and coolness of the Wizarding World) more realistic, not cynical. Like it’s honestly a miracle that he is capable of love after everything he is been through because most people would turn into a cynic. And in Harry’s case, in the very beginning of his time in the Wizarding World, one his first discoveries was finding how he was very rich. That his parents left him a vault full of, what I believe are called Galleons (Is that Wizard currency?). But that didn’t change Harry. Finding out he had money didn’t make him suddenly turn into a cocky guy. He also didn’t spend it all in one place (like any kid realistically would have, Ron would have spent in on Chocolate Frogs and Brooms), which is quite impressive for a kid. That shows that Harry truly is a good guy, not just a good guy because he’s the hero of the good side of the battle. Harry spent the whole series fighting for the safety and well-being of his loved ones. He had the burden of being the ultimate target to the most dangerous wizard and put everyone around him in danger because of this, which is why he often retreats and isolates himself from his loved ones to keep them safe due his trauma as an orphan and his neglectful life at the Dursleys causing him to gain tendency toward self-isolation. Everyone who was loyal to him or associated with him was put in danger, and Harry couldn’t control it, even if it was their choice. I also really enjoyed seeing the parallels between Harry and Voldemort and Harry and Snape. Of course, Voldemort and Harry’s similarities was because of how Voldemort killed his parents and tried to kill him, but Snape and Harry’s are very interesting because they are both extremely resilient and brave, but Snape turns evil and eventually learned the errors of his ways, while Harry always was more good than evil. Snape was more gray. It’s just interesting to think about. Harry was well-suited a leader because he never sought power, he sought justice. Leadership was thrust upon him and his motivation for justice gave him the drive to take in stride. They didn’t chose it, they must do it, and their pain is what helps them ear it well. It’s the same with Neville and his parents. It’s the same with Snape and his guilt over Lily even. Voldemort and Dumbledore are the opposite, they seemed power, and in the end they ended up murderers, and dead themselves. Harry was forced to grow up very fast due to his abused upbringing, his parents’ death and all the hardships he’s had to deal with throughout his school years, even before Voldemort officially returns. Harry is also a deep thinker, which shows his maturity, as shown when Lupin tells him “what you fear the most is fear itself. that is very wise,” also showing his bravery and how if anyone had to be the Chosen One, thank goodness it’s someone as strong as Harry. Harry is so kind. When he tells Ron “Lockhart may be useless but he’s gonna try and get into the Chamber, at least we can tell him what we know,” proves. He could care less about how smart or dumb Lockhart is, his main focus is the greater good, and in that case, it was the truth about the Chamber and saving Ron’s sister. He also literally army crawls to try and save Ron from the black dog pulling him down the Whomping Willow. Like, that’s such a good friend. I also really liked the choice to have harry not be okay with people sacrificing themselves for him and risking their lives for him, from his parents to Seven Potters ordeal. It really gave the sense that he really is undeniably good, but it was still balanced out with the flaw of him having a hero complex, although being a heroic figure was also forced upon him due to his parent’s death. I liked that dynamic a lot. Another way they showed how Harry The Hero isn’t perfect is how there are so many times were he wouldn’t have survived if it wasn’t for his friends. The best example of this is how Ron saved him from the pond in Part 1 while he stupidly polar plunged to get the Sword of Gryffindor with the Horcrux locket still on (he left his wand on the edge of the whole, but not the Horcrux? Not your brightest moment Harry) and the Horcrux senses the thing that can destroy it so it attempts to strangle and drown Harry. He would have died if not for Ron. I also like this moment because it is Ron saving his life, having not really done so since the Wizard’s Chess scene (it’s almost always Hermione who saves him if not both of them in some way, shape or form). It’s also even more meaningful when it’s Ron’s return after he left due to a heated fight between the two where they both said things they regretted. It shows how heroic Ron is and how when push comes to shove, they will always be there for each other. They are brothers at this point. However, it also shows us how desperate, stupid and helpless our hero can be, which makes him even more relatable. However, Harry is also a lot smarter and more trustworthy (here’s looking at you Dumbledore) than people give him credit for. He suspected Draco was now a Death Eater and was right, although he was shocked to see how miserable it made Draco, and he could deduct that Draco was planning something, though no one believed him (except Snape ironically but as we know it’s far more complicated than that). I loved how Harry found a found-family in the Wizarding World. I mean, his found-family was so supportive and protective of Harry, and well-aware of how awful the Dursleys treated Harry that they literally “rescued” him from their place, both in Chamber with the Weasleys and in Phoenix with the Order. I also loved how the writers didn’t make Harry perfect. He made mistakes and had his moments of pettiness and dramatics. He had pride, stubbornness, had a temper and he could definitely hold a grudge. He also unwisely used Secsumspempra on Draco without knowing what it would do. With all this being said, I am happy to say that I relate to Harry. Life has not been easy for me. I have been through a lot of adversity and hardship, and like Harry is has made me a stronger, kinder person, not bitter and cruel. I am not perfect. Like Harry, I get frustrated and angry at the hand I have been dealt, but also like Harry, I am determined and resilient. I think this just shows how well-crafted this “everyboy” is. The way Harry has been so brave when literally every od has been put against him. He is an orphan and had a miserable childhood. He had to save multiple people close to him and watch many of them die too. He had to fight multiple creatures. And he literally never asked for any of it, and yet he handled it, give or take a few mistakes and blow-ups, amazingly. That’s insane! I do appreciate that they didn’t make Harry a perfect protagonist or leader, especially because it made sense. Hermione’s smarts and confidence made her a natural leader. Neville’s arc made him a great leader. This whole situation was forced upon Harry. He never asked for it. Also, he was under an insane amount of pressure put on him as the Wizarding World’s “Savior,” “Chosen One,” and “Hero.” It makes sense that since he was forced into this, he would struggle, even after everything he’s been through, but that doesn’t necessarily make him a great leader. In Phoenix, he was because he was genuinely more experienced, and he knew he had the knowledge his classmates needed which gave him confidence. However, in Part 1, on their Horcrux hunt, he was aimless. Dumbledore told him nothing except that the Horcruxes were the key to Voldemort’s demise. Since he himself was lost, so was leadership, so it makes sense that Ron got furious at him as Ron’s family is at stake as Order members and “blood traitors.” Hermione, herself, is in just as much danger as a Muggle-born as Harry, so even if she was frustrated, as her intelligence and confidence helped her be the leader and mastermind in most of the trio’s schemes during their time at Hogwarts, so she was no doubt frustrated with Harry’s leadership due to her past experience, however, she is smart enough to know it’s better and safer to stay and help Harry then fend for herself. However, Harry is undeniably good. This story wouldn’t be as powerful if Harry wasn’t wholeheartedly good, but also imperfect. A moment that shows just how good and moral Harry is is when he chooses to be friends with Ron instead of Draco in the first film. When Draco offers his friendship then proceeds to insult Ron when Ron chuckles at Draco’s pomposity, Harry doesn’t see Draco as a new alley, but rather as someone like his cousin Dudley, while Ron has been kind and open to him since the moment he met him. He also knows he is well-known at his point, and based on the first thing Draco says “so it’s true then, Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts” Harry gets the vibe that Draco is only after his newfound notoriety, while Ron’s been kind to him since before he knew he was Harry Potter. Harry has also been treated so poorly by Dudley, and his kind heart would never want anyone to be treated as badly as him. Another moment that shows Harry’s genuine goodness is when he tells Cedric about the dragons. There’s absolutely nothing in it for him, as we can see prior that the whole school is rooting for Cedric not him, and yet he has no ego to jealousy, he knows it’s simply the right thing to do. Even Cedric is suspicious about it, but greatly respects the gesture and tries to repay Harry by telling people not to wear the badges (although he makes it seems like he already told people, when clearly he didn’t. Although, people seem to have stopped wearing them later on in the film, so it seems like Cedric kept his word) and hinted to harry about the egg. Also, Harry’s goodness is also shown in how he can’t do an Unforgivable Curse. Unless it’s absolutely necessary for the greater good, like in Part 2, he can’t do one successfully when, from what we’ve seen, he usually picks up spells rather quickly. That proves how pure-hearted he is. As we see with Luna and Neville, Harry treats everyone with kindness. It takes only true evil for Harry to actively dislike someone, and his first impression of Draco is something associated with evil, bullying. So, he chooses Ron, which was undeniably the right choice. I also think that the way Harry throws Snape back in the Shrieking Shack scene, immediately believing Lupin and Sirus about Sirus’ innocence says a lot because it just shows how family-oriented he is even without ever having one, as he would rather believe James’ best friends, rightfully so, then anyone else, especially a professor, who he knows is skilled and smart and respects that, but he also hates. Despite Tom Riddle saying that Harry was just “a baby with no exceptional magical talent” in Chamber, Harry is actually an impressive wizard in his own right, regardless of fate involving Voldemort. He could produce a Patronus at 13, and not just Patronus, one big enough to defend himself against “about 100 Dementor at once,” as Ron says in Phoenix. He taught other defensive spells at 15, showing his expertise already at such a young age. Also, Harry manages to survive Avada Kedavra not just once but twice (yes, because of Voldemort’s arrogance but still), that’s wild! And he freaking defeated the most powerful Dark wizard of all time (which he was destined to do, but still). That’s insane! He is also savvy. He may not know every spell in the world, but he knows how to use the ones he does know to his advantage. Harry is a born fighter. He had to overcome so much adversity in his life. But he didn’t do it alone. A key part of Harry’s arc was him learning that he can’t hope for survival and success all on his one. Finding friends who will stand with him, do what’s right and overcome what needs to be overcome was necessary for his success. When you look at it this way, Harry may have been the Chosen One, but all of his friends and classmates were the Chosen Generation in a way. They all had their part to play and that’s how they won. They had been fighting since they were 11, and by finding their strengths and working hard, they were able to win. In fact, being forced to fight from a young age is one of the first things he and his peers have in common. They had to fight the Chamber of Secrets, Sirius Black, the Triwizard Tournament and Umbridge. Each event that led to Voldemort’s ultimate defeat helped prepare them. Neville’s bravery. Seamus’ affinity for fire. Ginny spell casting. Fred and George’s lightness. Luna’s creative thinking. Cho’s kindness. Dean’s loyalty. Hermione’s smarts. Ron’s awareness. It all helped them defeat Voldemort. They all went through this traumatic, heartbreaking fight together. It’s a story of unity in that way and the power of young people, as they were the key to Voldemort’s defeat. Also, can we talk about how Lupin barely let Harry try out the Boggart, and he ended up ruining it for everyone, because he was scared Voldemort would materialize? That’s understandable but so unfair, and just shows how what happened with Voldemort affects every aspect of Harry’s life, and as someone who went through something that affects every aspect of my life, I can relate. Harry is also such a good friend. It was his idea to find Hermione when the troll got out in Stone, he is one of the only ones to believe in Neville’s DADA skills, finally giving him the relaxed, nurturing environment he needed to thrive in that subject matter, sees Ron as cool even though Ron doesn’t see that in himself and genuinely thinks Luna is cool too, while everyone else thinks she mad. I love how selfless Harry is. He knows the Death Eaters are after them when they interrupt the wedding and even in the mist of all the chaos, when he sees Ginny, who with Bill is fighting off the Death Eaters and seems to be doing it rather well, Harry rushes over to help her and it takes Lupin catching him and pushing him away for him to save himself by Apparating away with Hermione and Ron. And when he says in Chamber, after he gets Basilisk venom in his system “Fawkes you were brilliant. I just wasn’t quick enough,” he doesn’t even seem scared. He seems content, because he achieved his goal and saved Ginny. That’s an insanely profound thing for a kid to do. Also, Harry was willing to die for Ginny way before he fell in love with her. That just shows how much he values his relationship with the Weasley family. And he comforts her too by saying “it’s over. it’s just memory.” It’s so sweet and speaks volumes of his good-heart. And Ginny is even allowed to hug Harry while Fawkes flies them out of the Chamber as a gift for surviving this Chamber of Secrets ordeal. How sweet. She must have been thrilled! Also, can we talk about how Radcliffe was given a HUGE task to take on at such a young age, to lead a huge and highly-anticipated multi-million-dollar franchise and took it with stride? That’s insane. But he really proved himself. The wonder and joy he had in harry in the first film were great and you could tell by Chamber and Azkaban that he was becoming so much more comfortable and confident in his acting abilities, particularly when he improvised one of Harry’s most badass lines “don’t worry, I will” in Chamber in response to veteran actor Jason Isaac’s improve as well and in the scene where he threatened to kill Sirius after finding out the ‘truth’ and telling Ron and Hermione in Hogsmeade. Harry didn’t just love the Weasleys for their hospitality, but also for their inclusivity. They were accepting, nurturing, kind, generous, patient and loyal, and those are all qualities Harry craved. It was so different than his life at the Dursleys and made him realize that there not only is something better out there but that he deserves that. He never experienced what is was like to be around people who liked him and valued him until he met Ron and his family, which is a stark contrast to the Dursleys who thought of him as worthless and unpleasant (that’s also what made the fact that he is famous so uncomfortable for him). He was shocked by the Weasleys’ love for him. He values the comfort and peace the Weasleys give him, so it’s no wonder he fell for Ginny in that case. The Weasleys’ acceptance and love for him motivated him and gave him something worth fighting for. Harry has also been trained by the Dursleys to be self-reliant, which only helps in his self-isolation. He is not just depressed because of how the Dursleys treat him, but also because of the fact he’s an orphan. That resilience is both heartbreaking and inspiring. However, this self-reliance is also a superpower for him as he is the only one to save himself and Sirius from the Dementors, the literal personification of depression. He realized then that he is capable of much more than he realized and how strong he truly is. His years of abuse only made him stronger and tougher. He stood up for himself and others and became a true leader and hero. Harry also shows his strength and resilience when it comes to how he deals with Umbridge. The fact that he doesn’t “want to give her the satisfaction” proves it. Harry has been through so many near-death experiences, traumatizing ordeals and manipulations, Umbridge may be barbaric, but after everything Harry’s been through, he can handle it. He doesn’t deserve at all, but he can handle it. Harry is also so emotionally strong. He has been through so much, and yet he still remains a kind person until the very end. That’s amazing. He is also so so so so so heroic. He confronted Quirrell on his own at 11, defeat both Tom Riddle AND a terrifying Basilisk when he was 12, seemingly tackle the person who killed his parents, got through the Triwizard Tournament AND fought Voldemort even though he was blindsided by his return, fought Death Eaters and watched his godfather die, and eventually killed the guy who made his life a living hell. That’s insane, especially because he wasn’t even in his 20s yet doing all of this. I also love how Harry defended Luna’s father to Ron after he used the jinx “Voldemort” word to lure Death Eaters to snatch Harry. It just shows how selfless and compassionate he is, understanding that Xenophilius didn’t just betray them, he did what he needed to do to protect Luna, just like his own parents did for him. Harry is also very underratingly insecure because he feels like he owes it to his parents, Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, Fred, Mad-Eye, Dobby, Hedwig, Cedric and so many others that they have to make their sacrifices worth it. They died for the boy who lived, and they have to make that worth it. That’s a huge amount of pressure, so it makes sense that he makes mistakes along the way like hurting Draco and saving Sirius only for him to end up dead. Harry’s two biggest flaws are his anger, justifiably as an orphan who has had to overcome so much unimaginable adversity and his arrogance, which rarely ever shows but is clearly capable of. This is shown with him soaking up the glory during his first Quidditch game (although this moment is more endearing because this is one of the first moments of his life he has felt truly special and beloved) and after the first task in Goblet. However, mostly this capability for arrogance is shown when he attacked Draco in the middle of his mental breakdown in Prince. This is by far the worst thing Harry ever does in the series. He is so certain that Draco is in the wrong that even in a moment of vulnerability when Draco is literally having a panic attack, he still attacks him, and very irresponsibly with a spell he doesn’t know about, except that it’s labeled “for enemies,” which isn’t exactly a good sign. This reckless and callous mistake also seemingly proves to Snape everything he wants to think about Harry, that he is lazy and arrogant just like his father. Also, Harry and Voldemort are both arrogant. But for Harry, it’s more of immaturity and juvenile thing that like his father he will no doubt grow out of, while Voldemort never grew out of it, he just fostered it even more. That’s the difference. However, I chose to look at these flaws as a positive because so often characters are written to be perfect and righteous when flawed people are way more relatable, and that’s truly what makes Harry such a great hero. Also, Harry just isn’t a very romantic character. He’s awkward and has bigger things on his mind. He’s not a romantic person, which honestly, for a hero, is kind of refreshing in a way. In most stories, the two are mutually exclusive as heroes are usually the perfect Hercules dreamboat, but here it’s not. He’s flawed and awkward, as kids are. Also, has the heavy burden of knowing that so many people died for him. Family. Friends. Strangers. He struggles with an immense amount of survivor’s guilt, which is also why he isolates himself, especially in Phoenix after Cedric. That has got to be hard for anyone, but especially a kid who has never known any different his whole life and is famous because of all this death and tragedy. I can’t even imagine. I also thought it was funny how Daniel Radcliffe had to spend 8 movies wearing glasses, when the films are literally about magic (Daniel Radcliffe has even forced to wear circular glasses to the first press conference as seen in the footage showed during the Reunion). Although, as a lover of costume design and storytelling, I appreciated the commitment and distinctive look. Harry says (or behaves in a way to tell the audience) that he wants to kill a lot of people throughout this series. Sirius before he realizes he was framed. Bellatrix after she kills Sirius. Snape after he kills Dumbledore. But he never actually does. Both he and Draco are not capable of murder, and that just shows how much they are two sides of the same coin. Harry isn’t the perfect hero. He lashes out at his loved ones but also trusts them completely. He can be a bit too decisive, but he is also open-minded. He despises arrogance and cruelty and reveres loyalty, honor and bravery. He is traumatized, but also very strong, having to endure all that adversity. Even without Lily’s love protection or Voldemort’s connection, Harry is very talented and powerful in his own right. He’s a great flier, practically a prodigy when it comes to DADA and a very skilled duelist, managing to evade Voldemort multiple times. He trusted his intuition, but that also made him impulsive and reckless. He was very emotional, but he was also a teenager and an orphan. He took his commitments to others very seriously but also wasn’t afraid to lie to others. She is compassionate, but he also uses that compassion in a way to nab some glory. Harry’s matter-of-fact sense of humor and Daniel Radcliffe’s dry delivery of those comedic lines is vastly underrated. Harry also has a sassy side, not just a dry, sarcastic side, to his humor. This is best shown when he goes “I must not tell lies” to Umbridge when she is pulled away by centaurs in Phoenix and at the Ministry in Part 1. Harry values Hermione’s opinion and intelligence so much, with her almost always being the first person he goes to when he has a problem to a question. Harry has a huge burden on his shoulders, and especially after Phoenix, but even before, he realizes how others around him have strengths he lacks, and that he needs their support to help him on his journey, one of the most important people in his corner was Hermione. Ron and Harry balance each other out as best friends so well. Harry has had a very tragic life, while Ron has had a life filled with light. This has caused harry to be strong, smart and serious, while Ron is nervous, silly and immature, and they both bring out those qualities in each other. This also made the quite the comedic duo. Harry is also so easygoing and chill. Like if didn’t have to be the ultimate savior, he would be the most laid-back guy ever. Many moments throughout the series prove this, but especially his balancing his friendship with Ron and Hermione after the former begins dating Lavender in Prince. Also with how he obediently obeys Hermione in Goblet when she yells at him to go to bed at the end of the Yule Ball, lashing out due to her anger at Ron. He doesn’t even really care that he’s being yelled at (probably due to his trauma with the Dursleys), he just knows not to mess with and so be hilariously obeys (I also thoroughly love how he is more visibly scared of angry Hermione then he is of Voldemort. that just proves how close they are and how much he respects her). Harry is also insecure, like any kid. He expressed to Ron and Hermione that he thought he was gonna make a fool out of himself when he officially joined the Gryffindor Quidditch team. This moment is only made more endearing when Harry gains his confidence from seeing his father’s plack (it reminds me of Ron with the Liquid Luck in Prince). Also, Hermione once said “we’re forgetting one thing. Who’s the one wizard Voldemort always feared? Dumbledore. As long as Dumbledore’s around, Harry, you’re safe. As long as Dumbledore’s around, you can’t be touched,” but in Goblet, Voldemort could touch Harry, and by Prince, he died. But at that point, Harry has grown and improved so much. He is able to succeed now without Dumbledore’s help. All he needs is his friends and the Order to support him. Not Dumbledore. Harry is also so polite, proven by how he calmly and hilariously tells Dobby “not to be rude or anything, but this isn’t really a great time for me to have a house elf in my bedroom.” Harry’s dry, blunt wit combined with politeness seems to be his signature, as he thanks Myrtle for offering to share her toilet with him if he dies in the Chamber of Secrets or Ron when he comforts Harry by saying how Sirius was the first person to escape Azkaban and is a murderous lunatic. And Radcliffe plays it so well. Harry’s sass and sarcasm is very underrated, especially because they often reveal a deeper meaning. Like during his exchange with Cedric on the bridge. Cedric cordially asks him “how are you?” and Harry, always polite but also assertive and sassy answers “spectacular” due to how Cedric unknowingly beat him to Cho (not that she’s an object and not a human being with feelings and a heart and brain) and how Cedric knows better then most how stressed he is due to the Triwizard Tournament. Then there are time he attempts to kill Draco with kindness, and by that I mean don’t call him a pathetic asshole. However, especially in the Stone flying lesson scene and in before the Buckbeak introduction scene in Azkaban, Harry standing up to Malfoy in this manner is usually him standing up for himself or others, like Neville, Ron or Hermione (who all can stand up for themselves, like Ron says “shut up, Malfoy” to Draco right before the snowball scene just like Harry did in the Buckbeak scene I am talking about). This reveals just how much Harry has grown. When he was told he is a wizard in Stone, it gives him newfound confidence and strength. Now he can stand up to Dudley and the Dursleys, and he can fight to make sure he’s not treated that way or anyone else. And when he learns how legendary he is, instead of acting how most kids would act, soaking all the fame in and relishing in it, he uses it for good, by standing up for what’s right, for himself or someone else (like Neville in Stone when he is taken to the hospital). And the best part is, is that it’s so natural for him. It’s not some epiphany, it’s just who Harry is. This realization is cemented in Stone when Draco introduces himself and asks Harry to be his friend (which he did a terrible job at admittedly) and stretches out his hand for a shake and Harry takes one look at it and replies “I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself thanks.” Ron’s been nice to Harry and he didn’t just leave one bully to become friends with another, especially because he has been bullied his whole and knows exactly how that feels like, he wouldn’t want to put someone else through that, even if he is famous, isolated and orphaned. This is also shown in the beginning of Azkaban when Vernon confronts Harry and throws a tantrum about him blowing up Marge and Harry rightfully proclaims “no, she deserved what she got” and then he lifts his wand to Vernon and he trembles and tells him “you’re not allowed to do magic outside of school” and Harry replies “yeah, try me.” Harry no longer lives submissively at the Dursleys. He will put up with being their psuedo-butler and their usual quirks, but not their orders and demands beyond that. And as a viewer, you can’t help but say “good for him!” Another way he shows sass is by playing dumb through sarcasm or acting like a smart-ass, like when Snape confronts him in the potions ingredients closet in Goblet and he asks him what something is and Harry answers “bubble juice, sir,” either way you look at it, its comically sassy. Harry’s sarcastic humor also lends itself to bluntness, like when he tells Neville “No offense, but I really don’t care about plants,” when all Neville was trying to share his passion and enthusiasm with his friend, trying to cheer him up. Another comedic moment that shows his matter-of-fact sense of humor is when he runs into Slughorn while on his way to Hagrid’s after getting high on Slughorn’s Liquid Luck and Slughorn is like “Harry!” and Harry replies “sir!.” Radcliffe’s delivery of that is just so funny to me and shows his comedic timing so well. I also greatly appreciate how they didn’t make Harry the perfect Hero. He’s a kid. He makes mistakes. Also, having him be good and likable, but flawed, makes him more relatable to the audience. He holds grudges against people, like the Ministry. He is snarky to the people who have wronged him and upset him. He can lash out, like does at Neville when he tells him he doesn’t care about his passion (although he is kind enough to warn Neville by saying “no offense”). He name-calls when he’s angry, like when he calls Ron stupid in Goblet, knowing that he is insecure about his inferiority to Harry. Also, Harry is very naive when saying how he trusts everyone in the Order after moody dies. And while at least that time he was right to, his track record, between Tom Riddle and Moody, shows him to have poor judgment from time to time, although sometimes his instincts were good (but never quite as good as Hermione’s). He can also be blunt in a more cruel way, like when he describes his awkward first kiss as “wet,” while debriefing with his best friends (at least he has enough Gryffindor chivalry to do it when no one else is around), not sweet, but wet due to her tears about another boy, which isn’t exactly flattering in both ways. He also has a single moment of arrogance and cockiness when he tells Hermione “I am the Chosen One” when she tells him about Romilda Vane’s crush on him. He also wasn’t exactly sympathetic to Ron in Chamber during their confrontation with Ron’s biggest fear, spiders, and when his wand broke during their rough landing in the flying car. He also hilariously and uncharacteristically violently snaps at Dobby “you better clear off before my bones come back or I might strangle you,” which while understandable since Harry could have died due to Dobby’s attempted ‘protection,’ it still wasn’t the kindest reaction (also LOL still loving Quidditch after almost being killed at two matches during his first two years playing the sport. Damn, he’s brave and committed. I would have quit 100%). One of Harry’s cockiest moments however is when he asserts his dominance and superiority to Voldemort in Phoenix. He pities him and essentially brags about how he is capable of love and friendship. This is the kind of cockiness I am okay with. This is the kind of cockiness a hero should have. Harry’s biggest weakness is his hero complex, and it makes sense. His parents and so many others sacrifice his life for him. he wants to make their sacrifice worth it. Also, so many people think of him as a hero, and it’s a classic case of when people tell you something constantly, you start to believe it. This weakness is also part of why he is a true Gryffindor. It’s also not a bad thing, it shows how selfless he is. It can just be a little frustrating as it sometimes leads to mistakes and impulsive decisions, as shown in Phoenix when the Death Eaters successfully trap him. I think it says a lot how my favorite films in the franchise are the ones where Harry is at his angriest. In Azkaban, he is angry about Sirius’ supposed betrayal. In Phoenix, he is angry and frustrated due to his trauma. In Prince, he is furious at Snape. I think I like because it makes sense. Harry has every reason in the world to be angry at the cards he’s been dealt. However, he always gets pulled out of that angry due to his loved ones, and that’s really beautiful story about not letting your hardships bitter you. Harry was truly fearless. He had full conversations with spiders, dueled the greatest Dark wizard ever multiple times, ran after a werewolf and dared to go into the Ministry when he was their number one most wanted person. Also, as Harry ages, he gets more comfortable with his anger. He gets angrier and angrier. In the first two films, between the Dursleys and the attention he gets from everyone at school due to his fame and the Chamber, he’s just frustrated and annoyed. However, when it has to do with his isolation and trauma, that’s why he gets angry. It’s why he’s angry at Sirius before he learns that real truth in Azkaban (particularly after he overhears Rosmerta, McGonagall and Fudge’s conversation and vents to Hermione and Ron and when he, admittedly kind of justifiably due to his anger, trauma and teenage hormones but also kind of hilariously, physically tackles Sirius in the Shrieking Shack before learning the truth), why Harry angry, frustrated and determined for a beat when he hdies behind the grave stone (one of Radcliffe’s best lineless acting moments) while Voldemort is taunts him about wanting him to look him in eye when he kills him because he wants “to see this light leave your eyes” in Goblet, why his connection to Voldemort gaslight him into thinking he’s turning evil by continuously showing him the door to the Department of Mysteries (which he doesn’t remember, but when he does he remembers it because he saw Lucius and Fudge standing in front of it, two of his enemies) in Phoenix, why he is furious at Snape after he watches him kill Dumbledore and run away with the other Death Eaters seemingly like coward (which isn’t the truth at all) in Prince, why the locket Horcrux effects him more then Hermione (but less than Ron) in Part 1 and why he yells at Snape in the Great Hall in Part 2. Daniel Radcliffe also portrays Harry’s anger so phenomenally. These scenes are some of his strongest acting-wise in the whole series. It’s one of the emotions he is best at playing. I knew Harry Potter wasn’t going to die. If he truly died, I probably would have heard about it before watching and many of my friends would have been scarred for life. This in a way takes the emotional weight off that scene, even if it was filmed in the most intense, suspenseful, exhilarating way. It’s kind of funny to me how Harry Potter’s own death in his own series isn’t even the most impactful, for me personally. Also, I know Lupin says that Harry inherited James’ talent for trouble in Azkaban, but it seems to me that Harry doesn’t really go looking or trouble, it just seems to find him. The only time he really goes looking or trouble is in Stone, otherwise in the other films it usually finds him, he’s trying to save someone or get justice. It seems like Harry really just wants normalcy, and quietness. He likes glory, like a true Gryffindor, but not just mindless, frivolous attention. So, it seems like he doesn’t actually find trouble like his dad, it just finds him. Now, all the kids are adorable in these first two movies, but Daniel Radcliffe is especially adorable. His big bright smile throughout the first two films, his wave as the train pulls away at the end of the first film, and his smiling applause for Hagrid at the end of the second film. Adorable! Absolutely adorable! Filling the titular role at a young age in such a huge franchise can not be an easy task, and yet he made it look easy. Also, the fact that Harry only found out and joined the Wizarding World at age 11, and was a famous kid, a literal living legend, even before he knew about the Wizarding World, and then SO MUCH happened within his first 7 years in the Wizarding World. How he had a more singular experience than most kids his age as he had access to the Ministry, the Order, Hogwarts, and even honestly the Death Eaters, (not to mention that he thinks this is normal and doesn’t know the Wizarding word without this access), it’s insane. Anyway, so, he’s not on here at all. Though, clearly, I liked Harry. I don’t think you could watch this series and not like Harry. That would be a very, very bad sign.
(Also, I will be rewatching, so this list could change, but my top 5 probably won’t. My top 10 could change order, but will probably stay somewhere in that vicinity)
50. Nagini
Nagini is a snake and we already established that I despise snakes. Although, I really can’t think of a better animal companion for Voldemort then a terrifying gigantic snake.
49. Albus Dumbledore
Okay, I know this is controversial. I liked Dumbledore in almost all movies and he has some of the best and most iconic quotes in the series. However, when he talks to Snape in Deathly Hallows: Part 2 about how Harry had to die, my opinion completely changed. I felt lied to for seven movies. I literally thought “he was raising him like a pig for slaughter” during the beat right before Snape said it. And then Harry named his son after him after his betrayal and didn’t confront him about it in the afterlife? What was that? I would have slapped him in the afterlife. He is dead. He can’t have become more dead. Dumbledore seriously might be the worst mentor and leader in cinematic history. He’s not kind, he’s manipulative. He’s not noble, he’s sneaky. He’s not benevolent, he’s deceptive. He’s not kind, he’s selfish. He’s not quirky or eccentric, he’s a liar and he uses people. The Order is literally an organization he created so he could always have people at his disposal to use for his dirty work. Like, SO much of this could have been avoided, lives could have been saved (mainly Snape’s and Sirius’), if Dumbledore just had a frank, honest conversation with Harry, about his OWN fate mind you. Dumbledore uses Harry as a pawn in his master plan, much like a supervillain would, putting him in dangerous situations and encouraging his recklessness, despite raising him like a pig for slaughter. Honestly, with how Vernon doesn’t want what Harry to go to Hogwarts in the first place so he doesn’t end up in the same lifestyle as his parents, Dumbledore makes Vernon look like a hero in an odd way. He is the biggest puppet master in cinematic history. Harry deserves the truth, so why is Dumbledore so determined to keep it from him, literally going out of his way to keep Harry in the dark about his OWN life? And yes, I get that people probably wouldn’t want to know when and how they die in the future, but Dumbledore didn’t have to seek Harry out and become a mentor to him. He could have treated him just like every other student. That’s honestly what he would have preferred until Goblet of Fire when he undoubtedly had to accept that he was the Chosen One (even though he didn’t have that nickname yet). He was literally fattening the pig for slaughter with care, special treatment and a false sense of security, and while I may be no vegetarian, I still have a heart. Like Dumbledore saying “I didn’t want to cause you any more pain. I care too much about you” in Phoenix is such BS. He literally taunted Snape about caring for Harry in Part 2, like Snape’s face when Dumbledore says “rather like you” when they talk about Lily’s death, that’s just so cruel to say to a strong man who is in very visible agony. If he truly cared about Harry, he would have treated him like Sirius did and would have been honest with him, not play puppet master and spin this whole web of lies. Dumbledore is the worst kind of empath, the one that uses kindness and nobility as a facade for manipulation and greed. We also never learned about his backstory. He learned about Harry’s, Voldemort’s, Sirius’, Snape’s and even Draco’s, but never Dumbledore’s (except for him being friends with Grindelwald, that his sister Ariana died and that he has an estranged brother, but none of that really redeems him, it just makes look even more like a terrible person as clearly whatever reason Grindelwald is in prison, it’s not good, even though based on what Dumbledore did to Sirius he could be in there because of Dumbledore which is why he helps Voldemort as posthumous revenge and Aberforth’s estrangement from his brother is probably his brother’s fault) despite him being so admired by all the characters. That’s so sketchy, TBH, because we also don’t know why seeks such power, but not enough to be Minister (which is probably a strategic move in order to keep up his humble reputation). All we learned is that his brother and him have an od sort-of falling out (I assume since we never hear his name or meet him until the final film) and his sister seems toe be dead, but we don’t know why or how all this happened, what Albus’ involvement as and how it effected him. Sure, he was never outwardly proud or vain, but he was so manipulative. Dumbledore disguises his heartlessness with wisdom, and it’s honestly infuriating. He was extremely immature towards Harry in Phoenix when he ignores him the whole movie, while he’s supposed to be the wise adult, especially after Harry sees Mr. Weasley attacked and needs an adult the most and Dumbledore still has the audacity to ‘comfort him by avoiding eye contact and literally turning his back to him while questioning him, it’s incredibly selfish and immature, especially for an adult to do nonetheless an adult leader and mentor. Now, I am all for flawed heroes. After all, that’s why we all love anti-heroes (as aforementioned, I LOVE an anti-heroic character). However, the appeal of characters like those is the fact that they behave badly and know it. With Dumbledore, everything is masked by nobility which in reality just makes him selfish and entitled and as a viewer its mind-blowingly infuriating. It’s honestly hilarious how little Dumbledore deserves his pedestal. He has the worst judgment of any character in this series. He constantly puts his students in danger. Like, instead of the Ministry sending him to Azkaban for threatening a coup (as they thought when they discovered a little something called Dumbledore’s Army), they should have sent him to Azkaban for child endangerment (does the Wizarding World even arrest and give trials for Muggle-esque crimes like these? Things like assault and murder are crimes and both worlds, so surely aren’t things like child endangerment are as well? Is there a less high-security prison then Azkaban for crimes like these?) Like, Dumbledore gave Hermione a coded message in Azkaban about using the Time-Turner to save Buckbeak and Sirius, but why couldn’t he just outwardly tell them what to do? Because keeping his God-like, noble reputation was more important than saving Sirius and Buckbeak. He also let children do it instead of himself, even though he was the so-called greatest wizard of his time. Mr. Wealsey even says in Chamber “Dumbledore must know you’re here, Harry. Doesn’t miss a trick, that man,” when Harry gets his Hogwarts letter while at the Weasleys, which shows how God-like and all-knowing Dumbledore is, however he uses that quality for manipulation, not nobility. Literally, how the hell was Dumbledore ever allowed to be a f*cking headmaster of a school? He left Harry to be raised by an abusive, neglectful, awful family (McGonagall even said in the very first scene of the series that the Dursleys were “the worst kinds of Muggles imaginable,” and she’s a WITCH and Dumbledore was like “okay! they sound perfect,” like RED FLAG #1! Leave it to McGonagall to spit out the facts. Even Hagrid hated the Dursleys, effortlessly contorting Vernon’s gun and says “dry up, Dursley you big prune, right when he sees them at the hideaway. And Dumbledore literally never cared. Never interfered. Never did anything to help make Harry’s life more tolerable. Dumbledore didn’t give a sh*t about Harry from day one), to sleep under a freaking staircase without a second thought and live unaware that he was loved, live unaware that he was important (it’s miracle this kid didn’t have child depression or PTSD, although I doubt J.K. Rowling would even put in the effort into focusing on his trauma pre- and post- discovering he is a wizard), and live unaware of his destiny, which was totally unfair to put a child in that position, which he never asked for and his parents would probably disapprove of, might I add. If he was actually the kind-hearted God-like figure he was supposed to be, he would have stepped in on Harry’s behalf, not only when Harry came to Hogwarts. Like if you really wanted Harry to have a good life until his imminent death, then why force him to live with such an abusive family? Frankly, Dumbledore caring for Harry was BS. He thought of Harry as nothing more then a tool to get him what he wanted, which of course is better than killing a literal child like Voldemort wanted, but it’s just as selfish, power-hungry, traumatizing and manipulative. He also treated Harry’s friends, Ron and Hermione, the same way. He reeled them in by giving them things in his will. Dumbledore’s ability to speak casually and calmly in very high-stakes, anxiety-inducing situations (except that one scene where he uncharacteristically yelled at Harry in the Goblet of Fire) makes him a master manipulator, literally disguising his altruism with narcissism. He made Harry do his dirty work in Half-Blood Prince despite being the wise, God-like figure who could no doubt get the memory from Slughorn himself with his manipulation talents. I mean he was literally like “I will give you an answer about your destiny if you will give me what I want.” That is so manipulative. While Dumbledore may be ‘the most powerful wizard of the series’ he is also the worst decision-maker in the series, a series that is about kids and teenagers. He left Harry a huge mess to clean up, that mess being to find Horcruxes without knowing where or what they are or how to destroy them, not even telling them they exist, but having him do his dirty work to figure it out for himself at the very last minute (because Dumbledore knew he was dying soon). That is proof he never cared about Harry, he was just his naive, determined, ill-fated puppet. Harry literally risked his life again and again on Dumbledore’s orders or with Dumbledore’s guidance or knowledge, and Dumbledore never even did something as simple as thank him. Literally, WHAT THE F*CK! Like at least Voldemort was complicated. We didn’t sympathize with him, but we understood him, especially after hearing his backstory in Prince. Also, Dumbledore brought back the Triwizard Tournament, definitely aware of the possibility that “people die” (as Sirius said, yet again proving how much better he is then Dumbledore) in the tournament, endangering his students yet again, and this time someone did die, making Cedric another person who’s death he is indirectly responsible for. Dumbledore is just selfish and cruel and masks this empathy and altruism. I can’t unsee this after watching the finale. It’s impossible for me to see Dumbledore as anything other than a manipulator, a puppeteer or the ultimate villain of Harry Potter. The ultimate don’t judge a book by its cover, but unlike with Snape and Sirius where you are relieved, with Dumbledore, you feel cheated and lied to. His “for the greater good” mentality was actually him always willing to sacrifice others for his own selfish gain, until he made a stupid mistake and tried to pull as many others down with him, mainly Snape and Harry. Dumbledore also left the school in the hands of freaking Umbridge, an abusive, horrid, reckless night terror in a tweed suit, just to avoid Azkaban, where he honestly belongs anyway. He is so selfish. Also, the way Dumbledore had a Muggle (Mrs. Figg) keep an eye on Harry instead of an, I don’t know, trained wizard for the Order! Sure, yeah, he definitely cares about that poor traumatized kid. Also, the way Snape literally says “hide them, hide them all, I beg you” with the most strong but desperate look in his eye, so determined to protect Lily that he is even willing to protect the boy who made his school days a living hell. He also isn’t beating around the bush about his intentions and requests and he is literally begging Dumbledore, when Snape is usually a very strong, resilient, tough person, and Dumbledore still has the audacity to ask “what will you give me in exchange?” proving how callous and cruel he is. He is also such a hypocrite. In the first film, (literally my only issue with Harris’ depiction of Dumbledore, and its more story and writing based then acting-based) he said in his very first scene that the Forbidden Forest is off limits because of how dangerous it is, and then lets Hagrid, who is literally blind to danger, lead four first years into the first for detention, where Harry was literally put in danger as he was put face-to-face with Voldemort for the first time because he was feeding off of the unicorns (good creature choice on JKR’s part as Unicorn’s are such a precious, unproblematic animal), which was a trend I’m sure Hagrid alerted Dumbledore to, which Dumbledore clearly didn’t care for, showing his true colors and lack of compassion. It’s also so disgusting how Dumbledore is like “you need to shave, my friend. you know, at times I forgot how much you’ve grown. At times, I still see the small boy from the cupboard.” One, shut up! Two, stop pretending to care about him. And three, this proves that be knew Harry was abused at the Dursleys and did nothing. Also, the randomness of this line makes me think even more that his manipulative ass called Harry to go to the cave with him that night specifically because he selfishly wanted to traumitize him again by forcing him to watch him be killed, AKA he knew he was going to be killed that night. Also during this scene it is hypocritical on too many levels for him to say “just like your mother you are unfailingly kind. A trait people never fail to undervalue.” And then a few seconds later he makes Harry vow to do whatever he says, basically cementing that he’d watch his death (as I believe, I don’t know if that’s true. Is it more obvious in the book?) and is his normal holier-than-thou, pretentious self saying “well being me has its privileges,” like shut up. And then he is so condescending and clearly buying time (if my theory is correct) by patronizing Draco (although admittedly, this shows how cunning Dumbledore is as he knows being cared for and paid attention to like this is what Draco carves) by saying “years ago I knew a boy who made all the wrong choices (obviously that boy is Voldemort, but it also makes no sense because we literally spent the film seeing how Voldemort came to the way he is).” Dumbledore is also hypocritical because he both favors Harry and manipulates him. He also basically willingly traumatized Harry by having him watch him die, which we realize later when we find out Dumbledore told Snape to kill him. Like, hasn’t this kid been through enough? Also, Dumbledore foreshadows Umbridge by saying in Chamber “one hopes that no one of Lord Voldemort’s old school things should find their way into innocent hands, the consequences for the one responsible could be…severe.” Like, RED FLAG! Dumbledore always screws people over, but always indirectly, so he’s not the obvious culprit and his falsely noble reputation stays intact. It’s disgusting and terrible. Also, honestly Dumbledore’s look of pure shock after Snape does his Patronus and it’s the same as Lily’s, being so self-interested that he literally forgot the reason why Snape is doing all of this, it’s actually comedic, TBH. Like it just proves how selfish and therefore stupid he is. Also, Dumbledore allowed his school to be involved in the Triwizard Tournament where “people die in this tournament” (and guess what, someone did die). Dumbledore also put the Sorcerer’s Stone at Hogwarts, clearly showing how little he cares for his students’ safety. Even if Hogwarts is the safest place ever, that can only mean so much, as shown in Prince. Dumbledore literally has the cruel audacity to ask Snape “what will you give me in exchange, Severus?” which is when Snape, a usually stoic man, is literally the most visibly emotional and desperate he has been in his entire life, willing to protect not just the love of his life, but also her son and her husband, his childhood bully, because he knows how big and fierecly protective her heart is. This cemented when Snape answers Dumbledore by saying “anything,” as in genuinely, truly anything. Protecting the son of the person who traumizted him in his youth. Pledging his life to servitude for Dumbledore, which is basically a death sentence. Continuing to work with Voldemort on Dumbledore’s behalf as a triple agent. And Snape does all of this, not just help Lily, but makes sure, because he failed to protect her, that she didn’t die in vain. And the look of pure misery, callousness and determination as he says “anything” just tells you everything you need to know. It’s so powerful. Also, the way that in the beginning of this whole conversation Snape is literally on his knees yelling “don’t kill me,” basically foreshadowing how he is about to become a servant to Dumbledore. Even the Weasleys subtlety hint at Dumbledore’s God complex, however they are still blinded by his nobility and fall for his honorable facade. This is proven when Harry gets his Hogwarts letter while he is staying at the Weasleys for the first time in Chamber and Mr. Weasley says “Dumbledore must know you’re here, Harry. Doesn’t miss a trick, that man”, and in Prince when Harry randomly shows up at the Weasleys with no warning, and is, of course, greeted welcomingly, but Mrs. Weasleys still says “That man. But then, what would we do without him?” But I guess at the Weasley house, Harry, or any of their friends, randomly showing up is just another day, with how wild it seems. Also, in Prince, the way Dumbledore is like, “You’ll not be going back to Little Whinging tonight, Harry,” and packing his trunk and Hedwig without his knowledge or consent, it’s not alluring or mysterious or grand, it’s cruel and controlling. I would HATE it if someone did that to me, even if it was to somewhere I’d enjoy being. And then he had the audacity to call Harry “reckless” before this because he spent his 6th summer since finding out about magic with the Dursleys, the terrible family you forced him to grow up with, riding around on trains, which is nostalgic and comforting for him, while he’s at a place he hates during a difficult time as there is a war that on his shoulders to win and his godfather just died, because it’s the same mode of transportation that takes him to his favorite place, Hogwarts (no thanks to you, who put him in danger and tries to get him killed every year, despite the fact that he has to die “at the proper moment”). A sane person would think he’s a psychopathic loser for enjoying riding around on trains if they didn’t know the backstory as to why and the escapism it provides him, he even says “it takes my mind off things.” Like, STFU, Dumbledore, no one asked for your opinion! Dumbledore also manipulated Snape by putting Sirius, his high school enemy, in prison for seemingly being the reason that Lily, the love of his life was killed, knowing that Snape would instantly believe it because of his hatred for Sirius, despite the fact that Sirius is actually innocent. Snape must have been so pissed when he found that out that not only that Sirius is innocent but that Dumbledore used him, and now he’s stuck for eternity as his slave. Dumbledore also clearly doesn’t care about his students’ safety and well-being because in the first film, he lets Draco, Ron, Harry and Hermione have detention in the Forbidden Forest, despite literally warning us in the beginning of the film to not go in there unless you want to die a very painful death. Also, it was honestly so despicable of Dumbledore to withhold the fact that he and Harry are both from Godric’s Hollow. Like Harry could have really found comfort in that and hoenstly it was stupid for a manipualtor like Dumbledore to not use that to gain his trust. He also didn’t even try to fight to stay and protect the students when the Chamber of Secrets, left without a second thought, also showing how little he cares about his students and he did the same in Phoenix when they had freaking Umbridge, who was literally physically assaulting said students. He is also so arrogant about his intelligence, not believing anyone could be smarter then him, when Hermione and Snape aren’t just smarter then he is, but also much kinder, which is saying a lot when it comes to Snape. Also, when Sirius tells Harry not to worry about his scar, it’s because, while he can suspect it has to do with Voldemort, he doesn’t know for sure, while Dumbledore does, and still tells him to ignore it, in a way making it Dumbledore’s fault that Voldemort came back, due to not realizing Moody wasn’t Moody and not telling Harry the truth about his scar, which he had every right to know. Dumbledore was not truthful or noble, he was deceitful and manipulative. And he wasted so much time sending Harry on a wild goose chase with Slughorn and getting the memory in his final few months, something that could have easily been done with Veritaserum or the Imperius curse, instead of training him for his impending battle. He also clearly knew about Horcruxes before Harry found the memory, it just confirmed his suspicions, and he found that cave and locket awfully quickly and randomly, clearly having it ready for when Harry finally ‘proves himself’ or whatever. Dumbledore also left the school when the Chamber opened. Yes, because of Lucius Malfoy’s manipulation, but he also didn’t fight it or anything. He clearly could care less about his students. I mean, even Aberforth knew Dumbledore was full of sh*t. That the noble God-like man everyone looked up to was actually a manipulative liar. Even though sibling relationships are complicated, you can’t hide things from, and Aberforth saw right through Dumbledore, even though Harry’s description of him, he knew that Dumbledore manipulated him, but Harry, rightfully so since he is in a very dangerous solace, was in denial, holding onto what Dumbledore told him (naively) for dear life. He also gave Harry so much useless information and things. Like, why couldn’t he simply give Harry the Resurrection Stone and just tell him to keep it safe, and that he’ll need it while hunting Horcruxes? Why did Dumbledore have to make Harry climb through so many hoops? And don’t say, it was to protect Harry or some object, because Harry trusted Dumbledore enough to do whatever he asked regardless, he didn’t need to send Harry on the wildest goose chase ever, with no map or explicit instructions either. Dumbledore gave nothing out for free, he was also bargaining and manipulating, when the stakes were too high to do that. That is such a villain move. Dumbledore also turned a blind eye to Umbridge when she was literally scarring his students. He did nothing to help them. That’s horrible! He always preaches about doing what is right versus what is easy, but that’s exactly what he does. He chooses what’s easy (which is usually wrong), to not tell Harry about his own destiny, instead of doing what’s right, which is telling Harry the truth. And unlike Snape, he doesn’t do this for the greater good. Unlike Sirius, he doesn’t do this because he cares about Harry. He didn’t even attempt to praise it to Harry as a necessary deed for the greater good. He just lied, kept secrets and circled around the truth. This isn’t even contradictory and morally gray, showing his complexity like Snape, it just shows Dumbledore’s villainy and hunger for power, like Voldemort. The difference between Dobby not letting his friends write to Harry versus Dumbledore is also very different. Dobby wants to protect Harry from Lucius and Voldemort, while Dumbledore wants to isolate Harry and keep him in the dark about his own fate. One’s considerate, protective and good-intentioned, the other is avoidant, cruel and selfish. It’s clear that Dumbledore knew he wasn’t going to make it through the night, however, what’s especially cruel about the situation is that he conveniently chose tonight, the very last minute, to go hunting for Horcruxes with Harry, knowing he’d traumatize him again with his death, especially because he told him to stay below and get Snape, AKA get Snape so he could kill him. I also read on Fandom Wiki that he was the one in the books to tell Harry about Neville’s parents. That is against student confidentiality. That’s fireable. That’s horrible! Lily seems like a very gifted witch. I mean, she was in the Slug Club, and Slughorn only seems to accept the Hermione’s of the world (and Ginny for some reason). Sure, he took the credit for Dumbledore’s Army, but he basically used it to ditch his responsibilities at the school. His good deeds are always morally questionable underneath. Dumbledore was also more impressed by Draco using the Vanishing Cabinet then concerned, which while is strategic and makes sense with the fact that he is cornering him and trying to kill him, is still a pretty big red flag from an authority figure. Honestly Dumbledore is worse to Draco the Lucius in some ways because while Lucius is entitled and holier-than-thou (Dumbledore is also holier-than-thou though this scene isn”t a good example), Dumbledore is condescending with him saying “I knew a boy who made all the wrong choice (which is also hypocritical coming from Dumbledore).” He is clearly biased against the Slytherin as he makes himself seem weaker in front of Draco, strategically playing right into Draco’s hands for his own gain, but also treating him like a child, when he is in his 6th year of Hogwarts, he’s clearly skilled. And while to point out, this is great for Draco because he finally gets the praise he deserves, Dumbledore is using that insecurity and weakness in Draco against him, manipulating him while he’s already clearly distraught and terrified. It’s just despicable. Dumbledore also endangered every student by having them all sleep in the Great Hall when Sirius Black broke into the castle like sitting ducks, which is very dumb, especially because it as a cover for his knowledge of Sirius’ innocence. Like either way you look at it, that ‘sitting ducks’ approach is just pure lunacy.. Also, it’s not Dumbledore who gave Harry the strength to expel Voldemort from possessing him in Phoenix, it was Harry’s friends. Just saying! I mean, sure he was the only one Voldemort truly feared, which is why he wanted him killed in Half-Blood Prince, because then Harry would no longer be under his protection, but Harry was never truly protected by Dumbledore to begin with. Dumbledore also isn’t just absolutely not helpful at all, but he’s also not generous at all. Snape is literally begging and pleading with Dumbledore to save the Potters’ lives, including his school bully and Dumbledore is selfishly and greedily like “what will you give me in return, Severus?” He won’t even try to save an innocent family’s life without something in it for him, and for Dumbledore, that’s gaining a slave to risk his life for him. That is truly villainous. He gambles with people’s lives and loyalty. He’s a terrible person. Not noble, just a villainous in a good guy’s clothing. He’s also not an anti-hero. An anti-hero is someone who struggles with good and evil and is aware the things they are doing are bad. Dumbledore does bad things and he genuinely thinks they are for good reason when they aren’t. That’s a villain, and not even a fun one because everything is painted as good when it’s really cruel. That’s manipulation and that’s infuriating. I am sure Snape got so good at keeping a cool head with Harry mostly because he was forced to due to his loyalty, or rather slavery, to someone as infuriating as Dumbledore. Dumbledore literally makes my blood boil. Also, he borderline treats Snape like a house elf, possibly worse then, which is horrible. Like at least Dobby was freed. Snape never was. Dumbledore’s excuse of not telling Harry the truth is BS too, because he says in Phoenix that he has just grown to care about Harry and wants to protect him, but in reality, he is raising him like a pig for slaughter, which makes that whole ‘i was protecting you’ thing complete BS. Also, Dumbledore plays dumb in the most wicked ways. Yes, Harry plays dumb, but that’s because he’s kid, being sarcastic, and usually doesn’t have all the facts, like with Snape in the potions cupboard in Goblet. Dumbledore plays dumb at the expense of other people. That’s the difference. A perfect example of that is how Dumbledore goes about protecting the school from Sirius Black. He knows that Sirius is innocent. After all, much like he got Snape off from Death Eater charges and how prior to Phoenix him and Fudge seem to be good friends, he definitely could have gotten Sirius off, either by suggesting they give him Veritaserum or even just being a character witness for him like he did when Harry was on trial in Phoenix. But no. He doesn’t do any of that and uses Sirius to get Snape’s loyalty because he has some weird vendetta against Sirius for no reason. Dumbledore has the students be sitting ducks, all sleeping in the Great Hall when it seems he’s broken into the castle and tried to break into the Gryffindor common room (which is kind of hilarious because since the was a Gryffindor, wouldn’t he know that’s not how it works?). He does this because he knows Sirius isn’t really a threat. He does this to cover his tracks, instead of taking this opportunity to finally clear his name. He clearly knows Sirius is innocent based on how he doesn’t even question it when Hermione and Harry tell him, however, because he needs to save face he has these two 13-year-olds do his dirty work. And when Sirius is free in Phoenix, he’s forced he hole up in his traumatic childhood home which he generously let Dumbledore borrow as headquarters for the Order. However, Dumbledore was so determined to kill him for literally no reason that he ignored Harry all year instead of helping him through his trauma and with his mind connection to Voldemort, which he clearly knew about as he told Snape that they can’t wait any longer. He knows Sirius is the closest person to Harry and knows that’s who Voldemort would use to manipulate him, and he knows how reckless and fiercely protective Sirius is. He clearly orchestrated his death, all while sitting back with a butterbeer I’m sure. Also, does Pettigrew honestly look like a loyal, trustworthy, innocent person? Hell no (and don’t even say that he looks like that because he’s been in rat form for 12 years and therefore has on the same exact clothes then and hasn’t showered because he looks the exact same in that original Order of the Phoenix photo from the 70s when Lupin and Sirius look very different)! So, the fact Dumbledore got everyone to believe this just proves how much power and influence he has that he does not deserve at all. Also, when he gives Harry and Hermione the instructions on how to save Sirius, once again letting other people do his dirty work even though he’s the “greatest sorcerer in the world,” but also in reality he is sending them on a wild goose chase because he is still planning to have Sirius killed anyway, eventually, he is so condescending and hypocrite. Like when he says “I’m sorryto say the word of three 13-year-old wizards will convince fewothers. A child’s voice, however honest and true, is meaningless to those who have forgotten how tolisten,” he is incredibly hypocritical because so many people advise him on what to do, like Snape and McGonagall, but since they were his students (McGonagall seems much younger then him), he still refuses to see them as anything else, especially Snape since he is his slave. So, he is basically practicing what he is preaching, and what he’s preaching is not a good thing, it’s an inconvenience to Harry’s goal. Then he says his iconic lines, “Mysterious thing, time. Powerful. And, when meddled with… dangerous,” and “If you succeed, more than one innocent life may be spared tonight” which are both really funny coming from the man who literally plays God with so many people’s lives, including Harry and Sirius. Also, another really hypocritical thing that Dumbledore does is invites Harry to Hogwarts despite the Dursleys not wanting him to go, but then refuses to let him go to Hogsmeade in his third year because the spiteful Dursleys refuse to sign his permission slip. Dumbledore always favored Harry, and Harry definitely could have asked him to sign it, however, he shouldn’t have to, Dumbledore should have given him permission as he is under more unique circumstances the other students. This opportunity to show favoritism actually makes sense. But of course, Dumbledore would rather force Harry to feel isolated than normal and happy. Honestly, when you put it that way, Dumbledore is a bit like Umbridge in terms of manipulation. Also in Goblet of Fire when he says “Personally, I’ve never had much time for heroes” in the Barty Crouch Jr. reveal scene, like what a hypocrite. Clearly, your ego and reputation as a great wizard is all you have ever cared about, you greedy asshole! Everyone believed Harry deserved to know the truth. Dumbledore was the only one who wasn’t. Hagrid. He told him why he is famous, who Voldemort is and how his parents really died, arguably the most important truth of the series besides the one Dumbledore kept from him. Lupin and Sirius told him the truth about Pettigrew. Sirius told Harry the truth about Fudge’s smear campaign, Voldemort looking for “a weapon” and that a war is coming. Even Slughorn and Snape eventually told him the truth. Dumbledore never did. He sent him on wild goose chases and gave him bits and pieces of the truth through the context of something completely unrelated like prophecy or the Chamber of Secrets. The only people who tried to shield him was Mrs. Weasley in Phoenix and Sirius in Goblet, but Mrs. Weasley was doing it out of motherly concern, not wanting to burden him more then he already is and then he tells her that he can handle it, and Sirius only shields him because he is talking to him through a freaking fireplace and that’s not exactly the best way to have a tender conversation. Dumbledore only ‘shielded’ him for selfish reasons, and told himself it was to protect Harry. That’s not protection, that’s cowardice. Snape was the one who was brave enough to finally tell Harry the truth, and did it on his deathbed. Dumbledore is also a known rule breaker, and not in a fun way, in a selfish way, shown when McGonagall calls him out on it in Goblet and how he can Apparate on the Hogwarts grounds, and yet when the rules put Harry in danger, like in Goblet, he doesn’t try and break any to help the poor kid. So hypocritical! Like, Dumbledore was clearly distracting and stalling Fudge and the executioner by pointing out strawberries, strawberries that weren’t really there, to give Harry and Hermione time to steal Buckbeak. He’s clearly a puppeteer, as he told Hermione and Harry to use the Time Turner AFTER this, unless he saw them and just went along with it, which I highly doubt because we never saw that and Dumbledore isn’t that transparent at all. While this is an example of him using his status as a puppeteer for good, for saving Buckbeak and Sirius (the latter of which is long overdue because he clearly knew the truth about Sirius otherwise why would suddenly help Harry save him, when the whole movie he has been trying to keep Sirius out of Hogwarts? It’s now that Harry knows that he gives up and finally saves him, but by forcing Harry to do due his dirty work, not by actually clearing Sirius’ name). When Harry first arrives at Grimmauld Place in Phoenix and the adults are having that meeting, why isn’t Dumbledore there? It is his organization, right (although I do love Sirius’ soft smile to Harry when they first see each other, a few scenes before their official reunion and hug)? Once again, letting others do his dirty work. Who kept Sirius and Snape from going at each other’s throats then (little did Sirius know it was also with Harry’s best interest at heart. I wonder Sirius’ reaction would be. What would James and Lily’s be? Also, did Sirius know about that mind-reading thing Snape was trying to teach Harry? Was he okay with his godson being tortured, even though it as for his own benefit, it was because of Snape.)? Lupin? Dumbledore may suck, but at least in smaller situations (not when it really mattered, of course, or disrupted his master plan) he was a peacekeeper. Dumbledore also sent all the students to their houses when a troll was found in the dungeon, but by doing so puts the Slytherins in danger because their House is in the dungeon, which shows how reckless he is with their students. he also doesn’t have the Heads of House escort them, but prefects, who from my understanding are students, like Percy. Maybe Lucius was right, maybe the governors should force Dumbledore to resign. Also, Dumbledore AND Sirius tell Harry not to worry about his dreams about Voldemort in Phoenix, but they have two very different motivations. Sirius genuinely cared for Harry, and wanted to protect him for as long as possible. Dumbledore just didn’t want the inconvenience. That’s the difference, and it’s very telling. Dumbledore literally refuses to tell Harry anything, until Half-Blood Prince, which is literally the very last second because as we found out in the finale, he knew he was going to die then. I mean, in Azkaban, even Snape, Harry’s sneaky ultimate protector, although we didn’t know that at the time, suggested Dumbledore tell him about Sirius Black being a threat (or so he thought), but Dumbledore refused and said some noble BS instead as an excuse. Although Snape did suggest letting the events unfold as they may in Goblet, despite Harry being to young to compete, ad Dumbledore agreed. However, then Dumbledore orders Moody (who was Crouch in disguise via Polyjuice Potion) to keep an eye on Harry, but of course doesn’t let him know, claiming he must be anxious as is, when really he just was too lazy to explain anything to Harry. Another example of manipulation disguised as nobility. Like in Goblet, when Dumbledore says “I put you in danger this year, Harry. I’m sorry” like screw you. You are Dumbledore, you knew what you were doing. He is the personification of the dichotomy of what is right vs. what is easy. It’s so manipulative. I mean, in the first movie, in the first scene, Dumbledore tells McGonagall “I’d trust Hagrid with my life,” and Hagrid is known for being a loyal, but also a very spacey, child-like, head-in-the-clouds character. That should have been our first red flag. So, why was Voldemort so afraid of Dumbledore? Couldn’t his ego tell that Dumbledore sucked? He also treated Lupin terribly. Knowing how much turnover the DADA teaching position had, hiring a werewolf was probably his last resort, and Lupin was obviously the best for the job how smart he is too, but was it really a coincidence that this happened the same year that his former best friend Sirius escaped from Azkaban? He was no doubt hoping to manipulate Lupin, when between his lycanthropy, James’ death, Peter’s presumed death and Sirius’ arrest, the guy has been through enough. And speaking of Sirius, Dumbledore clearly knew that he was innocent, as he tells Hermione and Harry to use the Time Turner to save him (once again letting literal children to his dirty work), so that means he let Sirius, go to Azkaban for a crime he did not commit, while he said nothing for 12 years. That’s horrible. Dumbledore is also such a coward. He selfishly avoided arrest and going to Azkaban in Phoenix, leaving the school to fend for itself, instead of going to Azkaban, unlike Sirius who stayed there for 12 years when he could have escaped any time for a crime he did not commit. Dumbledore is also indirectly, as always, responsible for outing Lupin as a werewolf as he definitely know about the curse on the DADA and definitely knows about Lupin’s werewolf condition as he was a member of the OG Order of the Phoenix. It’s so selfish and cruel, and very manipulative too because it was conveniently when Sirius, his best friend, escaped Azkaban, and as James is dead and Peter is in rat form, which he definitely knew about, Dumbledore clearly wanted to keep Lupin close to him, not giving a crap what the consequences might be. Not caring for Lupin at all, just like he doesn’t care about Sirius. Seriously, is Dumbledore’s goal to kill off all the Marauders? Also, Dumbledore putting Sirius in jail also prohibited Harry from ever having a relationship with his godfather (luckily Dumbledore partially failed in that regard), and conveniently everyone who knew Sirius is Harry’s godfather was also loyal to Dumbledore so they all kept it a secret from him, until Harry took matters into his own hands. So, basically Dumbledore decided to put Harry with his horrible, abusive blood relatives, the Dursleys, rather then a loving home with his godfather purely for his own personal gain. And that personal gain was no doubt Snape’s loyalty, as he hated the Marauders, so having one dead, one presumed dead, and one imprisoned due to helping orchestrate Lily’s death, the love of his life, is definitely a way to gain the loyalty of a man as spiteful as Snape. Dumbledore’s ego, stupidity and arrogance are best exemplified in the fact that the Elder Wand was buried with him, thinking the equally arrogant and egotistical Voldemort would not dare to defile his tomb, when his arrogance and egocentrism is exactly why he would. Or maybe that was why he did that, because he knew Voldemort was that vile. Ugh, the way Dumbledore was still pulling the strings, especially of Snape and Harry, from even beyond the grave just disgusts me. Hermione and Ron were lucky to not be as close with him as Harry was. The most him and Hermione had was when Dumbledore willed her The Tale of Beedle The Bard. The most Ron had to do with him was after Harry and him conquered the Chamber of Secrets and Dumbledore told Ron to send Hagrid’s release papers to Azkaban, which Ron did with his nutty owl, as cutely revealed when Hagrid came back he commented on it and Ron eyed Dumbledore inquisitively and Harris’ Dumbledore smiled at him. No wonder Hermione was the best of trio, she interacted with Dumbledore the least, despite being the smartest of the three. That says so much, not just about Hermione and also Dumbledore’s influence. Dumbledore also asked them, Harry’s two best friends, not to write to him over the summer after he was literally traumatized by Cedric’s death, which is his fault too by the way. I mean, he literally tells Ron and Hermione to ignore Harry after he was fully traumatized. And not just ignore his questions about the Wizarding World, but completely cut him off. That’s horrible! He made Harry even more isolated, angry, frustrated, upset and hurt than he already was. Harry looks up to Dumbledore so much, proven by how he quotes him at the end of Phoenix and his ignoring him in Phoenix only reinforces Harry’s tendency towards isolation, this time to protect his loved ones from his supposed newfound evilness. This proves how selfish and hypocritical Dumbledore is, because he ended Goblet telling Harry that he’s not alone, then has the audacity to isolate himself from Harr in order to protect himself. It’s so immature, especially from a 150-year-old. Also, it’s when Harry sees his friends that he is able to expel Voldemort from possessing him in Phoenix, not Dumbledore. They give him strength and make him realize is the biggest power over Voldemort, not Dumbledore, never Dumbledore. He rudely ignored Harry, when he needed his guidance most, and in this singular film, he could have actually used it. As he and Harry are both being painted as liars. It’s incredibly selfish, immature and hurtful. This is a horrible thing to do and the best example of him being an egoistical, manipulative puppet master. He made Harry feel isolated, stuck with his abusive family, when he needed his friends the most. That, in itself, is more emotionally abusive then anything the Dursleys did to him. I get that it was to protect the Order, but these are children who are already being forced to grow up fast by living and fighting in a literal war. Let them keep the minuscule childhood they still have left, you cruel bastard. It was always obvious that Dumbledore knew more then he was letting on, from his very first scene. However, it was given to us through the sense of wisdom and nobility, when instead it was honestly stupidity, manipulation and ego. The best example of this is in Phoenix, when he flat out ignores Harry after he was traumatized and forced his friends to ice him out all the summer. That is the first clue that he is keeping vital information from Harry, when Harry has every right to know the truth and make his own decisions about his own life. Dumbledore may have been God-like due to his wisdom, but he had no right to play God with Harry’s life or anyone else. Dumbledore also made so many dumb decisions, mainly the choice to not be honest with Harry until the very last second, and even then he barely told him anything. He wasn’t as wise as we were meant to believe. To Dumbledore, it is his way or the highway, and that led to so many people’s deaths. And it’s honestly so infuriating how people still honor him and love him. Like he ignored Harry all of Phoenix, and the just showed up during Harry’s battle with Voldemort and the Death Eaters at the Ministry and duels Voldemort in harry’s defense and everyone thinks it’s amazing, but where was he before this? All of this could have been avoided if Dumbledore wasn’t so childish towards Harry and just fessed up about what was really going on. Like Voldemort may have been obsessed with power, but Dumbledore was obsessed with glory. At least Voldemort was honest about it, Dumbledore was just manipulative. Even Harry said in Goblet that he doesn’t want glory, he just wants normalcy and love, which is why he is a million times better then Dumbledore and deserves a better mentor. He also didn’t deserve that wand tribute in Prince, or Harry’s tears. We see that Dumbledore has the Elder Wand in multiple movies before we actually learn what it is in the last two movies. So, in Azkaban when Harry falls from the literal sky, why doesn’t he use the most powerful wand in existence too, I don’t know, save the poor kid and not just point at him? Also, when Harry tells Dumbledore about his dreams in Goblet, he clearly knows what they mean and that they are important and actively lies to Harry saying that he has nothing to worry about, effectively making it his fault Voldemort came back because he did nothing to help. Such a lazy puppetmaster! While Hermione and Harry’s fixated nature is charming and relatable, with Dumbledore’s ulterior motives, his fixated nature comes off as puppeteering. Like when he keeps obsessively looking through his old memories claiming that every time he gets close to an answer it slips away and it’s maddening, but it’s so hypocritical. He says this to Harry and Dumbledore does this exact “maddening” thing to him in almost every movie. Honestly, he was the one dumb enough to put on that Horcrux ring and poison his hand, and if he was just honest with Harry, maybe Draco would have never been given that mission. Also, if Dumbledore is the Headmaster of Hogwarts and Harry’s Hogwarts letter was literally addressed to “the cupboard under the stairs” then that means Dumbledore knew how abusive the Durlseys were to him and did nothing. Never once intervened. That’s horrible! And in the scene during Snape’s the Prince’s Tale when Snape is pleading with Dumbledore, more emotional and desperate than we have ever seen him before, asking Dumbledore to help save Lily and her son, and hide them and Dumbledore literally responds by asking Snape what he will do for him in return? Seriously, he is so selfish! This is a high-stakes situation, Voldemort is literally after his love’s baby and you find some way to make it about him (he is FAR worse than Elena Gilbert)? I get that, at that point, Snape was a full-fledged Death Eater (right?) at that point, having full faith in Voldemort and his preachings until it directly affected someone he loved and therefore finally saw the light and Voldemort’s cruelty for what it was, and so this sudden switch up of loyalty seems suspicious, but Dumbledore (and the writers) could have phrased it differently. And then Snape answers “anything” and Dumbledore precedes to have him do his dirty work and become a triple agent, and therefore risk his life every day, while Dumbledore just gets to lay back and live a stressless life when he is such a puppet master? Ugh! It infuriated me. He basically gave Snape a death sentence. And then Dumbledore has the audacity to interrogate and semi-taunt Snape about caring for Harry. This was extremely infuriating, especially after finding out about his betrayal. Snape was literally his right-hand man, willing to ruin his reputation for the greater good and is regretful enough for his part in Lily’s death, and Dumbledore literally lied to him about Lily’s son’s fate. If I were Snape, I would be SO pissed. He literally forced Snape to become a murderer and lied to Snape saying that they would work together to protect Harry when he was really waiting for Harry to die at a specific moment. Snape was completely devoted to Dumbledore. So loyal and committed to him that he dedicated his life to being a spy for him, by spying on the most dangerous wizard ever, and it cost him his life, all to do Dumledore’s bidding. Snape was doing it all for love, but Dumbledore was doing it all for credit. Snape deserves better then to be Dumbledore’s ultimate pawn! I mean, Snape literally calls Dumbledore out and tells him straight “have you ever considered that you ask too much. That you take too much. Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don’t want to do this anymore?” and Dumbledore casually replies “whether it has or it hasn’t is irrelevant. You agreed. Nothing more to discuss,” showing that he literally has no remorse for the impossible position he forced Snape into. This exchange proves how much better Snape is than Dumbledore. Snape was literally his slave. This is also such a well-written scene with so much foreshadowing, hinting, and layers of double meaning. It hits so differently after watching the finale. He also liked to know every aspect of people’s lives, like the nosy control freak he is, but we never got to know him (until Fantastic Beasts, it seems). Also, Dumbledore didn’t even fight on Hagrid’s behalf when he was sent to Azkaban for a crime he didn’t commit, much like Sirius, despite him “trusting Hagrid with my life” and Hagrid being nothing but fiercely loyal to him. That’s so selfish and despicable. Another moment that proves how nosy he is is when he is questioning Harry about his possible romance with Hermione and creepily complimenting that Muggle diner girl flirting with Harry. Why is Harry’s dating life any of his business? It wasn’t Snape’s business during his Occlumency lessons, but he was trying to help Harry and as violating as that was, it was for the greater good. Dumbledore has no right to ask Harry about his dating life when he isn’t even honest with him about his own life and fate. Like, Ron was right about how Dumbledore told Harry literally nothing about how to handle the Horcrux hunt. Sure, he told him about Horcruxes, their existence and how they are the key to Voldemort’s demise, but not where they are, what they are, or how to destroy them, which are all the most important parts, which makes the whole meandering, dragged-out mission virtually pointless. It’s so dumb and immature. Now, I get to an extent the professor-student boundary requires Dumbledore to not be that open with Harry, but his relationship with Harry is so much more then that. He makes Harry vulnerable and safe, while making the aspect of their relationship one-sided. But with Sirius, Lupin and Hagrid, they are as vulnerable with Harry as he is with them. Dumbledore also didn’t even notice that his supposedly close friend and the new teacher he hired was actually a Death Eater, and he’s supposed to be this God-like man. This isn’t just a mistake or flaw, this gave Voldemort a way to come back. If he realized the second Moody-Crouch arrived that year, he would have saved Cedric’s life and Harry so much pain. And yet, even if he had an inkling that Moody was acting odd, he ignored it. While I appreciate Dumbledore didn’t let his age define him, as a dueled effortlessly in Phoenix and ran like the wind with Azkaban up the stairs and in Goblet to confront Moody-Crouch, he still is far from the wise man he was painted as, if anything he is a wise guy, like a mobster wise guy. He wasn’t wise beyond his years or even wise because of his years, he was not wise because he never learned from his mistakes and kept repeating them. he is so dumb. He injured himself by putting on a ring he suspected to be Horcrux and a Hallow. And while some would say that he sacrificed himself so that Draco wouldn’t scar his soul by murdering, he let Snape’s soul be scarred instead, when we have no knowledge if he ever killed prior as a Death Eater or not. He traded one life for another. An emotionally wounded kid for an emotionally wounded adult. That’s just as cruel. He also unapologetically endangers his students in Azkaban when he tells Harry and Hermione that time is a mysterious and dangerous thing to meddle with, and then proceeds to tell Hermione and Harry to use the Time Turner, not him, the great and powerful wizard (also LOL at Harry and Hemirone being resourceful enough 13-year-olds to manage to beat every complication, danger and make no mistakes while using the Time Turner). He also caused Sirius’ death by not telling Harry the truth about what’s going on with him and what the weapon is in Phoenix. Dumbledore is at fault for Harry losing the last of his family, and he didn’t even apologize for that, but everything else, just to maintain Harry’s trust. So manipulative! And while this Battle causes Voldemort to finally reveal himself, it’s not worth Sirius’ life, especially for how much misery Dumbledore already caused him by not helping him get out of Azkaban. Seriously. Dumbledore is smart. Am I really supposed to believe that he didn’t have an inkling that it was pathetic Peter, not loyal Sirius who gave the Potters to Voldemort? Especially since he had such correct instincts (aka his puppeteering) all series long. Dumbledore also willingly and knowingly traumatized Harry, when he is fully aware that this kid has been traumatized enough, by having him watch Snape kill him, fully knowing Harry’s hatred toward Snape and fully knowing Snape’s complicated feelings towards Harry. That is SO manipulative. I know I have said this a million times at this point, but it’s true! Dumbledore also made Peter Pettigrew, a true weakling, an order member, roving his terrible judgment. Dumbledore took the biggest risk of the series by not telling Harry the truth and because of that Sirius, Snape, Fred, Lupin and Tonks died, people he supposedly “valued.” That’s terrible! Honestly, it seems like being the only wizard Voldemort truly feared gave Dumbledore a monster truck-size chip on his shoulder. He also betrayed Harry by reeling him in and gaining his trust only to literally serve him on a silver platter of death. Like the freaking audacity! Did he really think Harry was better off living with an unloving family than manipulating a way for Sirius, someone who actually cared about him, to get out of Azkaban, which Dumbledore could have definitely leveraged? Literally, HOW did Harry not furiously yell at him in that King’s Cross dream sequence and WHY did he honor this man by naming his son after him? Harry should be angry as hell at him. Like he knowingly let Harry sleep in an effing cupboard under the stairs? That’s terrible. Dumbledore was just as tempted by power as Voldemort. He seeked it most of all. But he went about it a far more manipulative way. Voldemort allowed himself to be the villain. He never pretended otherwise. While Dumbledore painted himself in a light of nobility when he is anything but. And if you want any more proof that Dumbledore doesn’t give a crap about his students, then look no further than when he unnecessarily presses on Ron’s broken leg in the hospital in Azkaban. What kind of adult does that? Like he’s the hospital for Christ’s sake! It’s honestly incredible how many people Dumbledore was able to get to blindly trust in him and be loyal to him (with Harry and Snape being only the greatest of examples. Lupin and the Order as well, with the fact that he created an organization simply to garner misleading trust and loyalty, and have a community to do his dirty work), unlike Voldemort who used his fear and intimidation to manipulate. Dumbledore once said that kindness is a trait that “people never fail to undervalue,” when he is literally the biggest character in cinematic history to advantage of it. What a hypocrite! Dumbledore also claims that Harry must go to the Dursleys because they are “the only family he has,” but you already saw what happens when a kid grows up in a miserable setting with Voldemort, and he is voluntarily forcing that similar fate onto Harry, which is TBH very risky. Like clearly you never learned your lesson. Like “only family he has” my ass! It’s pure luck that Harry grew up to be so different from Voldemort at his core. Sure, Dumbledore claims that he’ll be “better off growing away from all that (fame),” but that fame is people expressing their love and admiration for him. How is that better then living in a neglectful, abusive household and being raised to think you are an unspecial, worthless human being? That’s horrible! Also, when Harry lands on the platform after completing the second task, he is gasping for air and spitting out water and Dumbledore is just like ‘he’s fine.’ He’s clearly not fine, he almost died…again! Harry’s backflips (in and out of the water) throughout the second task were pretty badass, have to say. Also, Cho being Cedric’s ‘treasure’ must have hurt Harry so much. Dumbledore also set Harry up for failure at Occlumency by having Snape, the only teacher besides Umbridge that he hated the most, teach him, when Dumbledore, being the most powerful wizard of his time, no doubt could have done it himself, but yet again nats someone else, his slave, to do his dirty work. It makes no sense for Dumbledore to do this unless it was for selfish manipulation, especially because if Dumbledore’s intention was to read Harry’s mind by teaching him to shut it, why would he have not taken matters into his own hands and do it himself rather then have it be funneled through Snape? Also, having Harry’s least favorite teacher teach him this would make him resentful and lazy, not to mention he was an emotional and traumatized teenager, causing him to fail and therefore fall for the Sirius trap. So, because Voldemort arrogantly and accidentally revealed himself at the end of the film, maybe Dumbledore hoped that due to their mental connection, Harry’s teenage volatile emotions and impulsive nature would rub off on Voldemort, especially with Harry’s brain getting meddled with a vulnerable due to it being invaded by both Voldemort and now Snape, two people he hated, and this would cause Voldemort to make a mistake, AKA reveal himself at the Ministry. So, basically, Dumbledore indirectly caused Sirius’ death due to his selfish manipulation of Harry, but also finally helped the Ministry see the truth, so of course, that’s all that’s remembered from this battle. Voldemort’s reveal, not Harry losing his godfather. Dumbledore is such a puppetmaster for this reason. Half-truths are worse than lies, and that’s what Dumbledore thrived on. He lied about Voldemort’s plans, Horcruxes, Harry’s destiny and Snape. Dumbledore only told people what they needed to know on an as-needed basis when they have every right to know the truth. At first, he was a benevolent mentor, but really he is a shameless hypocrite. He’s not complex, he’s selfish, greedy and a liar. Dumbledore keeping Harry’s inevitable death secret is just so cruel. Harry should be able to make the most of his time, not be sent on wild goose chases by Dumbledore, the only person who knows his time is limited. He’s horrible and shameless in how he treats Harry. I really don’t understand why Harry didn’t punch him in the afterlife at King’s Cross. He seemed like a more removed but helpful mentor at first but in reality, he was a puppeteer and a manipulator. He regularly withheld information to get what he wanted. He never did any of the work and always got all the credit, and Snape, the Order and Harry were the ones risking their life or running around doing all the hard work, and yet Dumbledore was God-like figure of praise and admiration. Dumbledore used Harry like a pawn in a game. If Harry wasn’t such a well-developed strong character, he would have been seen as so weak and like a pushover due to his loyalty to Dumbledore. At least Snape tried to stand up to him, being on a little more of an equal level to Dumbledore, but Harry was a kid. He deserved better. Dumbledore kept so many professors that treated this student terribly. Quirrell, Snape, Trelawney, Lockhart, Moody-Crouch, and worst of all Umbridge all treated students terribly. Quirrell and Crouch tried to kill Harry. Lockhart tried to wipe his memories, but Trelawney told Hermione she was a failure and was oblivious to that cruelty. And Umbrdge literally and figuratively scarred her students. And when his students needed him most, he left the school, when the Chamber opened, during Umbridge’s reign of terror and at the beginning of Voldemort’s return to chaos in Prince. He kept Snape on a leash for his own gain and didn’t care if he bullied students and allowed Moody-Crouch to teach the students the Unforgivable Curses and it got to the point where Goyle dared to use the worst one on another student in the finale. I get that because the DADA position is cursed, which is why it’s hard for Dumbledore to find people to take it on, which is why he has to resort to such horrible people, but seriously, there is seriously no one else? Not even a recent graduate or just a sweet person, just not someone vain or cruel or manipulative? That just says so much about Dumbledore, that these people are his last resorts. Dumbledore’s ignorance planted that seed, He groomed Harry for slaughter and gave him nothing to give him a fighting chance except confusing riddles, the definition of a Horcrux and a few random objects in his will. The way he raised Harry for the slaughter was the biggest and most terrible thing he ever did, and he was shameless about it, disguising it as a mentor relationship when really it is a liar and basically raised him for the ultimate sacrifice and didn’t even tell him. From the beginning, Dumbledore took Harry under his wing in a very kind, innocent way, when really it was calculated and strategic. A true mentor is honest and helpful, even when it’s tough. In that sense, Dumbledore is one of the biggest cowards in the series. Also, Dumbledore definitely knew that Sirius is innocent right? I mean, he was the one to hide the Potters upon Snape’s request and would know exactly who knew of their location, and also knows Sirius to be loyal to fault as they must have been close as he accepted Sirius into the Order. So, he let an innocent man go to prison and didn’t think twice about it, even keeping up the ruse once that man escaped, which he also knew how he that because no doubt he knew Sirius, being that he was in the original Order, was an Animagus too, right, not to mention he was a professor while the Marauders were at Hogwarts? So basically Dumbledore sacrificed three Order members (James, Lily and Sirius) in one swoop. However, Sirius lived to tell the tale. But not for long, because just like Dumbledore manipulated James and Lily’s death to get Snape to become his slave and to raise Harry for slaughter, AKA in order to play the long game, he also puppeteered Sirius’ death by ignoring Harry, making him run right into Voldemort’s hands and provoke Sirius to follow him in order to save him, but really he just ran him right into death, traumatizing Harry even more. Like why the hell does he hate Sirius so much? We especially assume this because during the Prince’s Tale, when Dumbledore is talking to Snape about how Lily and James put their faith in the wrong person, they are talking about Sirius, only enforcing Snape’s hatred of him, when really it’s Pettigrew, which Dumbledore definitely knows, thus manipulating Snape even more, despite him being in visibly deep agony over Lily’s death, using Snape’s hatred for Sirius and exploiting for his own gain. It’s so callous and cruel. It’s villain behavior. Also, Dumbledore was a professor while the Marauders were at school, right? And accepted Pettigrew into the Order, so he no doubt knew he was an Animagus and what is form was, so he definitely recognized Pettigrew when Percy and then Ron was holding him around school, right? And yet he said nothing. I mean, he recognized Lily’s Patronus immediately, he definitely would have recognized Scabbers. So, he just enjoyed the bitter, disgusting irony of Harry’s best friend literally carrying around the person who betrayed his parents in his pocket. That’s disgusting and cruel. Also, Dumbledore seriously laid a traumatized baby on a Muggle doorstep? What if it woke up and started crying? What if Vernon opened the door to work and hit the baby? Like, why not just knock on the Dursleys’ door and explain what happened? Like, the least Dumbledore could have done was check in on Harry over the years and keep an eye on the Dursleys and how they treat Harry, but he never seemed to step in once, he just turned a blind eye to Harry’s neglect and emotional abuse. Dumbledore also completely ignored Hermione’s efforts in Chamber of Secrets, only awarding Harry and Ron, conveniently forgetting about Hermione’s help in all of this (because you know Harry and Ron told him) just because she was comatose (at least Ron was included and it wasn’t just THE Harry Potter). Just like how Hermione took the blame for the troll in the previous movie, while Ron and Harry get applauded (she literally doesn’t get fully appreciated until Azkaban finally! Then from that point forward she made it known that she was a force to be reckoned with). Dumbledore prides himself on being a good judge of character (which makes him look like a total idiot in Prince before we learn the truth in Part 2), however, he makes the worst hiring decisions ever. I understand that with a jinxed position it can be difficult, but seriously, was there no one else besides Quirrell, Lockhart and Umbridge? He also uses the position to give himself power and manipulate people, which is exactly what he did with Lupin and Snape. He knew Lupin would be outed because of the jinx and of course later we find out he put Snape in the position forcing him to go through with committing murder. Dumbledore is also so nosy, proven when he asks Harry in Prince if he is dating Hermione when it’s none of his business. Dumbledore says all these profound, seemingly wise things like “it does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live,” “happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only member turns on the light,” “don’t pity the dead. pity the living and above all, those who live without love,” “curiosity is not a sin, but we should exercise caution with our curiosity (oh the irony),” “it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to our friends,” and “words are, in my not-so-humble (LOL) opinion our most inexhaustible source of magic,” however they are all incredibly vague. Sure, they are great quotes to live by, but they don’t ever help Harry in the situation he’s in, they only complicated things for him. An advisor is supposed to give advice, not confuse their mentee even more. This makes Dumbledore a terrible mentor. Dumbledore played the long game, which is very Slytherin of him. He did so with Harry through raising him like a pig from slaughter, Sirius’ through making him imprisoned in Azkaban and then Grimmauld Place, and Snape’s through his enslavement and being forced to kill him, and all of their deaths. If that doesn’t prove how manipulative he is, I don’t know what does. Also, in some ways Dumbledore raising Harry like a pig from slaughter is very ironic because as we see in Prince, he’d rather send him on a wild goose chase then use the valuable time he has left to guide and help Harry with what lies ahead. Dumbledore also made terrible hiring decisions. Like why the hell did he hire Quirrell, Lockhart and Umbridge? Also, Dumbledore forces Snape to work in the place that reminds him most of both Lily and his bullying trauma, just to keep him close as his slave. That’s just plain cruel. Also, the way that each time Dumbledore confirms to Snape in the Prince’s Tale that Harry must die, which he does twice, he doesn’t seem to care at all. He’s so callous and casual about it, when you are literally saying a young kid who never asked for any of this, your mentee, has to die. He’s only focused on ending Voldemort, which is all fine and good, but he could at least pretend to care. I do appreciate how Gambon finally got to show Dumbledore’s flaws in this scene, and clearly took full advantage of that, but still. Also, can we talk about the irony of Dumbledore screaming in Goblet about Snape “today he’s no more a Death Eater than I am!” and then proceeding to force him back into Death Eater-hood in a very Voldemort-esque manipulative move? It’s honestly hilarious how much of a villain Dumbledore is. The fact that Dumbledore wasted Harry’s time, especially in Prince, is made even worse because in Prince, Dumbledore was too on borrowed time. He should have used that time wisely, just like how he’s curated his reputation, but instead he uses his last few months manipulating and letting others do his dirty work. Harry was on borrowed time since the night his parents died, and even when Dumbledore finally got at a taste of what Harry’s destiny was like, one Harry conveniently had no idea about because of Dumbledore, he still couldn’t resist behaving selfishly and using Harry as a pawn, even more then usual. It’s disgusting. Also, the irony of Dumbledore’s last words to baby Harry when he drops him off at the Dursleys in the opening of the first film saying “good luck, Harry Potter,” like he isn’t about to puppeteer is entire life. It makes me sick. I honestly hate the King’s Cross dream sequence purely because Harry doesn’t yell, scream, berate or slap Dumbledore in the face. What Dumbledore should have done is sat Harry down and tell him everything and then begin to find the Horcruxes together. It would have been far more productive and been very interesting to see a mentor regain their mentee’s trust and a hero contemplate their inevitable death (not that what happened wasn’t interesting and thought-provoking and not that the plot twists isn’t great, clearly I just despise Dumbledore). Dumbledore also clearly became friends with Karkaroff, a former Death Eater, after his trial where he tried to throw Snape, Dumbledore’s slave (although he did stand up for him in that scene when Karkaroff does this) under the bus, showing both his poor judgment and disloyalty, despite having most everyone else’s. Cedric’s death is also Dumbledore’s fault because if he never brought the Triwizard Tournament back he’d still be alive. Also, LOL at Dumbledore thanking Harry for showing him “real loyalty” in the Chamber. He’s so greedy and entitled. And the fact that a literal child could find the Chamber and the all-powerful Dumbledore couldn’t (“greater sorcerer in the world” my ass!). So, Harry’s proclamation of loyalty to Dumbledore (and him saying “not as long as those who remain are loyal to him, which is some major foreshadowing for Deathly Hallows BTW) is why Fawkes flew down to the Chamber to help Harry, once again showing how Dumbledore has someone else do his dirty work. Also, if this proved to Dumbledore that Harry will always be on his side, why couldn’t he just tell him the truth then or at the beginning of the following year. Now, I understand that without all of Dumbledore’s manipulations, we wouldn’t have this story, but we would have had just as an interesting story. Harry’s stress over the anticipation of taking on Voldemort. Having Snape’s complexities fully fleshed out. Neville, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, the Twins and Luna training and finding their strengths in order to help their friend. We could have moved things along and included so much about the world, the school and the characters. Literally, almost everyone Dumbledore grows close to, Lily, James, Sirius, Lupin, and especially Snape and Harry, would have been FAR better off if he left them alone. Dumbledore is honestly so much like Voldemort. Just like Voldemort ordered Draco to become a murderer, Dumbledore ordered Snape to become a murderer. Yes, ordering a child to kill is way worse than ordering an adult, which is why Snape went through with it, but still, either way you look at it, it’s a terrible thing to do to anyone. At least Voldemort owns being the villain. Dumbledore disguised this as a noble thing, when it’s still cruel (even if it’s for the right reasons in a really effed up way). Also, any comparison to Voldemort, the main ruthless villain of the series isn’t exactly a good thing or a compliment. Also, yes Dumbledore did tell Harry that when Voldemort gave him his scar he also gave him some of his traits, hinting at him Horcrux, which clearly Dumbledore already knew, however this happens in Chamber, how is he, or we, suppose to remember this by Prince, especially after all the trauma Harry ahs gone through since then? Why couldn’t Dumbledore, I don’t know, remind him?! This would have been the time to speak in riddles Dumbledore, especially because your coward ass doesn’t want to tell Harry the truth that he has every right to know. Also, Pettigrew escaping in Azkaban was probably such a lucky break for Dumbledore as so did Sirius’ proof of innocence. However, the fact that more people now know that he’s innocent puts a wrench in his evil plan to take out Sirius for literally no reason. Like, he doesn’t even suggest that Sirius takes Veritaserum, which is introduced in Goblet, in front of Fudge to prove his innocence. Also, LOL at how Snape tells Dumbledore that he asks for too much just after Dumbledore tells Harry “once again I must ask too much of you, Harry” and Dumbledore’s last words to Harry on the Astronomy Tower were “trust me”. Oh, the irony! Voldemort finds out about the prophecy and is convinced it’s about Harry and Snape goes to Dumbledore after hearing that and begs for Dumbledore’s help in protecting Lily and her family, including his school bully. Then Dumbledore asks Snape what he will give him in return for protecting Lily and James, who were in the Order of the Phoenix, his own secret society, and return and Snape says “anything” and Dumbledore takes this opportunity to make Snape devote the rest of his life into servitude for Dumbledore and therefore must become a triple agent against the darkest wizard of all time, which is incredibly dangerous and basically a death sentence (playing the long game like Voldemort’s intentions with Draco), even if it is the right thing to do. Dumbledore ‘helps’ the Potters go into hiding and takes away James’ invisibility cloak as a ‘precaution’ but really because he wants all the Deathly Hallows (eventually gives it to Harry in the first films, as my friend told me, not because Harry was it rightful owner but to clear his own conscience). Dumbledore keeps Snape out of jail by telling everyone that he was a spy for their side, going against his promise that “no one can know,” while also keeping Sirius in jail despite knowing his innocence. And on top of this, he betrays Snape again by raising Harry like a pig for slaughter the whole time instead of actually helping him, training him ad protecting him. Dumbledore also makes Lupin the DADA teacher fully knowing that the position is cursed and it will mostly out Lupin’s werewolf status, which it does.Voldemort finds out about the prophecy and is convinced it’s about Harry and Snape goes to Dumbledore after hearing that and begs for Dumbledore’s help in protecting Lily and her family, including his school bully. Then Dumbledore asks Snape what he will give him in return for protecting Lily and James, who were in the Order of the Phoenix, his own secret society, and return and Snape says “anything” and Dumbledore takes this opportunity to make Snape devote the rest of his life into servitude for Dumbledore and therefore must become a triple agent against the darkest wizard of all time, which is incredibly dangerous and basically a death sentence (playing the long game like Voldemort’s intentions with Draco), even if it is the right thing to do. Dumbledore ‘helps’ the Potters go into hiding and takes away James’ invisibility cloak as a ‘precaution’ but really because he wants all the Deathly Hallows (eventually gives it to Harry in the first films, as my friend told me, not because Harry was it rightful owner but to clear his own conscience). Dumbledore keeps Snape out of jail by telling everyone that he was a spy for their side, going against his promise that “no one can know,” while also keeping Sirius in jail despite knowing his innocence. And on top of this, he betrays Snape again by raising Harry like a pig for slaughter the whole time instead of actually helping him, training him ad protecting him. Dumbledore also makes Lupin the DADA teacher fully knowing that the position is cursed and it will mostly out Lupin’s werewolf status, which it does. Also, the fact that Dumbledore immediately recognizes Lily’s Patronus when Snape shoots it out shows how close he was to her, especially because she was a member of the Order. So, the fact that he helped orchesrate her death by seemingly putting her in hiding is just vile and despicable. Dumbledore played the long game, which is very Slytherin of him. He did so with Harry through raising him like a pig from slaughter, Sirius’s through making him imprisoned in Azkaban and then Grimmauld Place, and Snape’s through his enslavement and being forced to kill him, and all of their deaths. If that doesn’t prove how manipulative he is, I don’t know what does. Also, Dumbledore clearly manipulated the situation with the Astronomy Tower with Draco so that he would disarm him, and since he knows that Voldemort’s arrogant ass believes killing is more powerful then disarming, he would only see Snape as the rightful owner as he ordered Snape to kill him, proving how he orchestrated Snape’s death for no reason, selfishly finishing off his own servant for no good reason. Dumbledore is honestly so much like Voldemort. Just like Voldemort ordered Draco to become a murderer, Dumbledore ordered Snape to become a murderer. Yes, ordering a child to kill is way worse than ordering an adult, which is why Snape went through with it, but still, either way you look at it, it’s a terrible thing to do to anyone. At least Voldemort owns being the villain. Dumbledore disguised this as a noble thing, when it’s still cruel (even if it’s for the right reasons in a really effed up way). Also, any comparison to Voldemort, the main ruthless villain of the series isn’t exactly a good thing or a compliment. Also, Dumbledore clearly and most definitely knew about the Horcruxes before Harry got Slughorn’s memory. That was clearly a way for Harry to ‘prove he’s worthy’ which is total BS because he is literally the Chosen One. His hand got rotten because of his idiocy when it comes to the ring before Harry’s 6th year, so he obviously knew how to find it. It’s almost as if Dumbledore was waiting until the night he would die to bring Harry to the cave to find the locket (I have no idea if he knew the locket was a fake, but he probably did, which is horrible and so manipulative). He also told Snape that a part of Voldemort’s soul lives inside Harry sometime before the beginning of the school year, as he finally gets the DADA job at the start of the year (the unclear part is if it happens before or after the Unbreakable Vow). Like that moment when Dumbledore is speechless after they see Slughorn’s real memory is the definition of *pretends to be shocked*. Also, Dumbledore seemingly conveniently left out the part about just the Horcrux inside Harry dying when he dies, not Harry himself when he tells Snape that he must die, which he definitely knew about because of how much he knew about the situation, despite into being at the Potter house that night in Godric’s Hollow (no, that was Snape who got traumatized). Dumbledore literally has zero remorse for Harry and Snape and cares so little about either of them. That is villain behavior. He honestly treats Snape worse then Lucius treats Dobby, like at least Lucius was upset when he lost his servant, Dumbledore feels nothing. That’s sociopathic and psychopathic behavior. That says so much. Also, while it makes sense that Dumbledore had Snape teach Harry Occlumency as he knows from their deal that Snape is very skilled at it, as he had to be as a triple agent, it’s still incredibly manipulative of him to do because he knows how complex Snape’s feelings are toward Harry and how much Harry doesn’t trust Snape, despite Dumbledore saying he can (why is this literally the only time Harry doesn’t believe Dumbedore?). Dumbledore knows how Harry feels, and uses that to his advantage, when he himself is to cowardly to even look Harry in the eye. Once again, he is having Snape be the brave one and do his dirty work, when he already has so much to stress about. Also, Dumbledore clearly knew that that night as going to be the night he dies. I assume that’s what Snape and him were discussing before Harry, and us, walked in on their conversation. And I assume Snape knew because of how he has been watching Draco like a hawk. So, the fact that Dumbledore orchestrated all of this, just to traumatize Harry again with his death, is just so cruel. He also clearly knew he was gonna die then because of the condescending way he talks to Draco. He is cunning enough to know that what Draco craves is attention and praise, and due to him being a puppeteer, he also knows that if Draco disarms him, Snape would die because of the Unbreakable Vow as he knows how arrogant Voldemort is and how he sees killing as more powerful then disarming, hence how Harry becomes the Master of Death and beats Voldemort, also showing how little Dumbledore cares for the name he has literally enslaved. So, Dumbledore uses what Draco craves and his posthumous end goal and has Draco disarm by taking out his wand uncharactistically slow for the so-called “greatest sorcerer in the world.” He does all of this to buy Snape time. What he clearly doesn’t know is that Draco found a way to get the Death Eaters into he school without being detected (like that hilarious establishing shot in Prince of the Death Eaters trying to fly through the barrier around Hogwarts only to be swatted away by the magical barrier like a bug), as he is shocked by the presence of Bellatrix, Greyback and the others. However, he is cunning enough to disguise his shock by being overly impressed by what Draco accomplished (which is quiet impressive), proven with how he praises Draco like he is a little boy, but is stern, calm and stunned when Bellatrix appears. He uses all of this to manipulate Draco, guilt him and therefore by Snape time to come up their and kill him. It would be brilliant if he wasn’t such a manipulative asshole, but it is some brilliant writing. Also, in Snape and Dumbledore’s final talk before Snape kills him, Snape is literally begging Dumbledore to not force him to do this, saying “has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don’t want to this anymore?” and Dumbledore is not the slightest bit empathetic or remorseful towards the fact that by the end of the night, Snape is going to be a murderer, he is just focused on the task at hand, not the emotional weight, or who will have to pay the consequences as he’ll be dead. He merely replies, “Whether it has or hasn’t is irrelevant. I will not negotiate with you, Severus.” That is incredibly cruel and insensitive. It reminds me of Logan Roy from Succession and Cal Jacobs from Euphoria. Logan uses people’s sensitivities to manipulate them, all while focused completely on the larger goal, just like Dumbledore. And Cal Jacobs does terrible things because he’s forced to bury all his emotions and feelings, like Snape. Both is villainious behavior, but one is clearly better then the other, and that’s Cal and Snape’s. Also, Dumbledore, despite being a master manipulator, a puppeteer and playing God with so many people’s lives, is also kind of a failure. Voldemort knew about the Order, which means his secret society as not-so-secret after all (I get that Skull and Bones and things like that are known secret societies, but still, the Order is more of a secret rebel force, which only makes the stakes higher). Snape literally mentions the Order when he is telling Voldemort about how the Order plans to transfer Harry in Part 1, and he says it in a way that implies Voldemort already being familiar with the Order. However, knowing Dumbledore, this was probably his plan all along, so that he would be protected by an army of loyal followers. Remind me how he’s a better man than Voldemort again? Like at least Voldemort owns that he’s evil, Dumbledore truly thinks he is doing the right thing and that what he wants is the right thing, no matter how pays the cost. Also, Dumbledore tells Harry that he has to either kill someone or be killed very casually, like this is a 15 year old you are telling this too. One who has been though enough as is. He does not need this. He has absolutely no remrose for the situation. Like yes, Voldemort deserve to be killed, but this is an isnane thing to tell a teenage boy. And he seriously couldn’t muster an ounce of remorse, especially after ignoring him the entire film. He clearly doesn’t care about Harry at all. Dumbledore was a true puppeteer and a master manipulator in all the worst ways. It’s impossible to see him as anything other then the true villain of Harry Potter after you finish the final film. He isn’t even a fun villain like Snape, Bellatrix or even Voldemort, he’s the infuriating villain like Umbridge, who genuinely thinks what he is doing is for the greater good when in reality he is willing to sacrifice individuals for his own benefit and its disgusting. First, the prophecy is made that says a baby has the power to vanquish the Dark Lord, which basically let’s Dumbledore off the hook for doing anything about Voldemort as he was famously (I assume, because Hermione, a Muggle-born, knew this in the very first film) the only person Voldemort ever really feared, so therefore he was pressured to do something about it as the most powerful sorcerer of his time, This is insanely immature for a adult to do. That’s an innocent baby who never asked for this. You are a powerful adult, get off your ass and do something. That would be for the greater good, not letting the prophecy run it’s course (although, what happens if you manipulate your way out of a prophecy successfully?). Then Voldemort decides that the prophecy is about baby Harry and Snape finds out Lily’s son is in danger. Knowing how fiercely protective Lily is of her loved ones, Snape goes to Dumbledore, his former professor and his master’s worst enemy, and begs (literally the most desperate we have seen him in the whole series and the most visibly emotional we have seen him so far in the series) for his help, for him to protect Lily, and not just Lily but Harry and his childhood bully who traumaitzed him, James (an incredibly honorable thing for Snape to do that proves just how desperate he really is because as we know from the 8 films, he despises James). But Dumbledore doesn’t oblige because he is a noble man, no. He sees this as an opportunity. For him to get a loyal servant. For him to make certain the prophecy is cemented. You can even see the calculating, studying look on Dumbledore’s face as Snape enlightens him that Voldemort thinks the prophecy is about Lily’s son. It’s disgusting. So, therefore he asks “what will you give me in exchange, Severus?” despite the fact that Lily and James are Order members and should have already been worthy of protecting. And Snape, the brave, determined man he is, more desperate then he has been in his whole life, says “anything” and Dumbledore takes that one word and forces Snape to live by it for the rest of his life, basically making him his slave (eventually forcing him to freaking murder him in the name of Lily, yeah, like a sociopath). Snape is now beholden to Dumbledore for the rest of his life, as servant and master, not equalized as friends, and while yes this is the right thing to do as Snape is clearly always reluctant and miserable (probably as a form of self-punishment due to what happened to Lily), he’s also that way throughout his servitude because it’s a death sentence (even if he values his life so little, he still doesn’t want to die in the name of the person who enslaved him, who in reality isn’t Voldemort, it’s Dumbledore). Then Dumbledore ‘borrows’ James Invisibility Cloak (it was so obvious that he knew Harry had it in Stone, even if it wasn’t fully explained. Then Fandom Wiki confirmed this for me), not to stop James from sneaking out (he is a Marauder after all) but just so he can greedily have one of the Deathly Hallows, as we find out later, which is obvious because he has clearly known James for years, so why does he chose now, when the Potters are in the most danger they have ever been, does Dumbledore decide to ‘borrow’ his Invisibility Cloak? Then Dumbledore chooses to keep Snape out of jail, because he vowed his life to him, rather then protect the innocent Sirius (like Dumbledore could have easily persuaded the court to give Sirius Veritaserum for the truth and yet he didn’t. I mean, just look at how he shut everyone up during that Karkaroff trial scene in Goblet), even though he definitely could have protected both but didn’t even bother trying to protect Sirius even though because he was the one who put James and Lily in hiding, he definitely knew Sirius was innocent, and yet he just played dumb, let Sirius go to Azkaban, the worst prison imaginable no problem and let his reputation be ruined. However, Dumbledore no doubt did this because he was trying to lure Snape even further into doing his bidding knowing how brilliant but also how spiteful Snape is. So, putting Snape’s childhood bully, Sirius, in prison was definitely sued to get Snape to join him willingly. Then when Sirius eventually escapes, Dumbledore still continues the ruse, even though he knows Sirius is innocent. In fact, he hired Sirius’ childhood best friend Lupin to be the DADA teacher, knowing about his werewolf condition and knowing that the DADA position is cursed, knowing full well that Lupin will probably be outed as a werewolf because of it (so basically Dumbledore is indirectly responsible for outing Lupin as a werewolf, making his already difficult life even harder). And then the biggest one of all, he raised Harry like a pig for slaughter. This is truly psychopathic behavior. He is also the reason (or at least part of the reason) James, Lily, Cedric, Sirius, Snape AND Harry died. He is the true villain of the series. Screw you, Dumbledore! You’re the worst! I will die on this hill! The only two thing Dumbledore did right in this whole series was praise Neville for his bravery in Stone and keep his word to Snape to “never reveal the best of” him (which was Snape’s one condition, therefore with his consent).
48. Peter Pettigrew/Scabbers/Wormtail
A creepy, insecure, weak, cowardly follower who killed innocent Cedric Diggory for absolutely no reason and is the reason Harry’s parents are dead. He is a pathetic puppet, a disloyal coward, a selfish follower, a weak traitor and literally the worst character in the entire series. He sucks! Like the way the least Gryffindor character (aka the least brave character in the entire series as bravery and courage are the House’s core values) in the entire series is actually a Gryffindor just baffles me. Peter Pettigrew is the worst friend in cinematic history and one of the most pathetic characters ever. Ron didn’t know how right he was when he called Scabbers pathetic in the Sorcerer’s Stone. At least Voldemort knows he’s a coward, not exactly a loyalist. Pettigrew also literally mutilated a CHILD. Hasn’t he ruined Harry’s life enough? Wormtail is the least redeemable character of the entire series and is the one true character who deserves to rot in Azkaban forever. He is so focused on self-preservation that even he knows that he is an awful coward. Also, I hate rodents and the fact that it was Peter Pettigrew didn’t help. Plus, he has such a (frankly, too perfect) ratty appearance that just made him the most unappealing film character ever. Pettigrew is the most pathetic character in the whole series. He is also one of the most disloyal, driven more by fear and desperation than anything else. His impact on the series to way too big then what he deserves, both in regards to the Potters’ deaths and Voldemort’s return. He deserves to be treated like the pathetic toddler he is, if not worse. He used his Animagus powers for evil too, not good like Sirius or McGonagall. Pettigrew fell off the face of the earth and had no remorse for framing Sirius. That’s unforgivable. It’s so disgusting how when he finally gets out of his rat form in the Shrieking Shack, how he is like “my old friends” like stop playing dumb you idiot, you were already squirming in Ron’s hands, you know you’ve been caught, why bother trying? Also, like Lupin, Peter didn’t outwardly bully Snape, however, it would have made his betrayal make that much more sense. However, unlike James and Sirius, he isn’t confident, even as an adult. Peter clearly believes that bullying equates to power, as first he befriends the Marauders during their bullying school days, and then joins the ultimate and deadliest bully, Voldemort in his adulthood. Not only did Pettigrew frame one of the few people that were kind enough to take his pathetic ass under his wing, but he is also responsible for another one’s death and also the death of multiple innocent Muggles, all to save his own skin. He’s the definition of selfish which is even more infuriating because he is literally the most unremarkable character in the entire world. He has no talent. He is resourceful, but for selfish purposes, not because he’s actually smart. He’s a pathetic coward. The fact Pettigrew is so desperate to save his pathetic life that he cut off his own finger. That’s truly psychopathic. Also, his audacity to beg Sirius, the man he put in jail, Harry, the boy he orphaned, and Ron, the boy who’s family he infilrated for mercy is just sickening and pathetic. Like the fact that he works so hard to protect his pathetic ass is disgusting. Pettigrew escaping in Azkaban to find Voldemort basically confirmed Sirius’ fate of never being able to get freedom, dying as someone who most people believe to be criminal. Honestly, knowing about Pettigrew’s betrayal before it was really confirmed how the Marauders bullied Snape had so much complexity to the Marauders and Snape dynamic. James may have been a bully, but Peter, the weakling as the true villain in the group, was never really James, as schoolyard bullying, while traumatizing, is a far cry from betraying your friend so they can die. Also, is Pettigrew even on a side? He’s such a coward and seems to just gravitate towards whoever is more powerful and therefore can protect his weak ass more, no matter how they treat him. It would be sad if he wans’t so traitorous and pathetic.
47. The Dursleys and Aunt Marge
They suck. They were mean to Harry when he didn’t deserve it. They were nasty, disturbing, abusive, neglectful and cruel when Harry has already been through enough. Like they seriously have his room be the closet under the stairs and they force him, an 11-year-old, to cook and serve them food, but we never see Harry eat any of that food? Screw them! They presented their household to the outside world as wholesome, happy, loving, and perfect, when in reality they are completely ignoring and abusing their nephew. It’s also so cruel of the Dursleys to not tell Harry about his wizard heritage. Even if they didn’t approve of it, they had no right to keep it a secret. I mean, they did provide some good comedy (in most of the films, notably excluding Phoenix and Part 1, and they weren’t even in Goblet, Prince or Part 2) before the mystery or dark central story of each film really took off, but they were still annoying. They were extremely biased, unfair and just flat-out bullies. Like these adults were bullying their nephew and encouraging their son to do the same. That’s horrible. At least it was realistic how much Dursleys hated Hedwig. To Muggles, an owl is a weird pet. Harry’s isolation is no doubt rooted back to the Dursleys. It’s one of our few showcases of how his upbringing traumatized him. The Durselys are truly despicable. They encourage Dudley to bully Harry. That’s horrible. That’s the worst kind of role model and is the reason Dudley becomes a spoiled, insufferable brat. The Dursleys never treated Harry as an equal or a member of the family. He may have lived with them, but he was treated as an outsider. He had to serve them their meals, even at the age of 11 (including stovetop food which is dangerous for a child that young). They also forced him to sleep in the cupboard under the stairs which is frankly just inhumane and cruel. The Dursleys isolated him constantly, making him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs, threatening to not send him to Hogwarts and instead to a public Muggle school and not letting him send letters to his friends through Hedwig (I mean, the sorrow in his voice and face when he says “I haven’t gotten any messages from any of my friend. Not one. All summer” in Chamber). Harry has been trained to isolate himself. However, he is very lucky that it only got to that point and not depression or suicide, which it easily could have if the Wizarding World never rescued him (although, he did almost die every year since the joined the Wizarding World). Vernon gritting his teeth when his nephew is literally expelled. He’s so evil. Vernon is 10 times more cruel then Snape and Draco. Vernon is also so pretentious. Like he says that kindness is giving harry Dudley’s second bedroom (*eye roll*) and raising his niche was a bay. Yeah, you did that because of how he can do magic, even though it’s illegal, and you abused him and neglected him since he was a baby. That’s not kindness or goodheartedness, that cruelty. It’s so effed up. Also, the scene where the Dursleys walk to the car is just so pretentious. Petunia ‘acting natural’ by tie toeing and Vernon hiding Dudley’s traumaitzed face from the neighbors. They are so pathetic. I mean, the way Ron and the Twins have to literally had to “rescue” Harry from the Dursleys says so much. However, I do think it’s interesting how Daniel Radcliffe said in the Reunion that Richard Griffith’s death affected him the most. It’s comforting to know that even though Vernon and Harry had a terrible relationship Griffith and Radcliffe enjoyed each other’s company off-screen. The one semi-good thing about the Dursleys especially in Stone is that they give off major 90s horrible-family-in-a-children’s-film a la Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, but especially Matilda vibes, which fit the time period so well. Espeically the scene where Vernon holds Harry’s ear, throws him into the cupboard under the stairs and yells “there’s no such thing as magic.” Also, can we talk about how the Dursleys are so genuinely cruel that hate the fact that Harry has magic, when any family and kid like Dudley would actually be so intrigued by someone with magic? This makes me think that the Dursleys would definitely be Trump Supporters if it took place in Amercia, because this behavior sounds very Trump Supporter to me. Also, Fiona Shaw completely transforms into Petunia. I didn’t even realize that was her. Although, Fiona Shaw and the actress who plays Lily really do look like sisters, so good casting (also I loved how both Petunia and Lily are named after flowers. It makes them seem like sisters despite never sharing a scene together in the present timeline. Petunias, ironically, symbolize spirituality and growth and Lilies symbolize innocence and purity, which is perfect for symbolizing Lily’s significance in the series). She looks so different from her character in True Blood. Is the reason Petunia was so cruel Harry because she is grieving her sister? From that flashback in Deathly Hallows, it seemed like Petunia always resented Lily, and then took that out on Harry, who was completely innocent. She could have been redeemed if she literally showed any ounce of kindness towards her nephew. At least Harry eventually did find family in the Weasleys and the other Marauders. Just proves that blood doesn’t equal family. The way Harry’s first time seeing his own parents’ grave was in Part 1. Petunia was also clearly jealous of Lily, and only became more jealous when she found out she was a witch. It’s clear from that speech she gives in the hideaway shack in the first film when Hagrid comes. Also, the way she so callously says that Lily got blown up, is just so hateful. Like, that’s her sister! Also, Petunia seemed to hate her husband just as much as Harry, which I find hilarious. She only loved her son, much like Narcissa TBH. The fact that Petunia never visited her sister’s grave or took Harry to see it. That just proves how cruel the Durselys where to Harry, who as already hurting so much as an orphan. Also, the irony of young Lily telling Snape not to be mean to young Petunia, when she will later abuse her own son after she dies needs to be mentioned. Also, LOL at Petunia knowing Snape when she was little. That’s so weird to think about. I wonder if Petunia ever made a slip and it only clicked for Harry when he learned the truth about Snape’s past with Lily. Vernon was just cruel. Like how he got genuine pleasure from burning Harry’s Hogwarts letters while Harry watched, knowing that those letters could lead him to get away from the Dursleys (which came true!). That’s just cruel! I wonder how Harry would have turned out if he decided to stay with Dursleys instead of leaving with Hagrid. WIth all their neglect and abuse, how would that effect his mental health? How did it effect his mental health? I mean he was obviosuly very mental strong, but having to deal with that trauma on top of almost dying and being traumatized every year while he’s at Hogwarts, his brain must be made made of steel. Like Vernon’s evil smirk while burning Harry’s Hogwarts letter, relishing in it right in front of Harry, literally watching his future and hope go up in flames (he may not know what’s in those letters, but he can tell by how hard the Dursleys are working to make sure he never reads it that it could be life-changing, but they want to keep him miserable for their own selfish amusement), it’s just so cruel and slappable. Also, you can’t even argue that Dudley isn’t that bad. Yes, like Draco, he is a product of his circumstances, but unlike Draco, he doesn’t learn from his mistakes. Even after his magical encounter in the fifth film, he still remains an unsympathetic, spoiled brat. Draco’s bullying was at least rooted in jealousy, Dudley’s had zero depth. He had a posse like Draco that he used to bully Harry (man this boy really couldn’t escape bullying anywhere he went could he? So sad. He doesn’t deserve it. But with Dudley, it was especially misunderstood, as seen when Harry pulls his wand Dudley and Dudley freezes, but his friends laugh), but he also acted that way, like a bully, in front of his parents, not like Draco who literally turned into a completely different person, quiet, not confrontational and shy, not confident, when he was in front of his parents, showing how much depth he really had. Dudley didn’t have anything like that. Honestly, he sort of deserved that Dementor attack. We should have seen it really affect him. That could have provided him a redemption arc similar to Draco’s and maybe he and Harry could have found a way to be cordial to each other. My friend told me that that does happen in the books and there is a deleted scene that shows that. I would have loved to see that, but honestly, if it was between Draco’s redemption and Dudley’s, I would have chosen Draco’s. Draco is more important and instrumental as a character. Dudley really isn’t in the grand scheme of things. That also could cause Dudley to be higher on this list. And as for Aunt Marge, she fully deserved what happened to her, although I don’t condone the Fatphobia (which was very apparent due to Hagrid saying “I haven’t been you since you was a baby Harry, but you’re a bit more along then I would’ve expected,” when he first met the Dursleys, which wasn’t necessary and with a character literally being called “the Fat Lady.”). You can be ugly and not fat. You can be fat and not ugly. They are two very different things. The Aunt Marge blowing up like a balloon bit was so chaotic, and so well deserved, she was such a cruel woman. Like, her audacity to walk about Vernon’s orphan nephew that way right in front of him, like were the Dursley adults just born cruel? Also, what did Dudley use his second bedroom for? And why didn’t Harry let out a chuckle when Vernon said “we gave you Dudley’s second bedroom out of the kindness of our hearts? That’s hilarious because, especially Vernon, is not kind (and he’s also heartless, but more like the Grinch, less like Voldemort). The only understandable thing about how the Dursleys treated Harry is how they acted toward Hedwig, at least to a point. While the fact that they basically imprisoned her is awful and clear animal cruelty, it is understandable as to a Muggle, an owl does seem like such a strange pet. Also, Hedwig is just such a sweetheart, so screw them.
46. Bartrum Crouch Jr./Sr., Pius Thicknesse, Yaxley, Scabior, Karkaroff, Mundungus Fletcher, Griphook, Greyback, Kreacher, Gellert Grindelwald, Dawlish, the Dementors, Macnair, Rookwood, Avery, Nott, Rowle, Gibbon, Travers, Dolohov, The Carrows, Rodolphus and Rabastian Lestrange and any other one-off hella suspicious white man/creature or Death Eater
Junior was creepy and his tongue thing was like a reptile, which I obviously didn’t like. As for Senior, He had a creepy Hitler mustache which was a…choice, especially for a non-villain. Overall, it made me very confused. He still seemed like a villain to me. David Tennant was a great Barry Crouch Jr. and I genuinely thought he was James Patrick Stuart from General Hospital. They look so much alike. But obviously, his character obviously sucked and was basically the whole reason Voldemort came back (well him and Wormtail). Barty Crouch Jr. is so deranged, fierce and determined that he murdered his own father, who rightfully put him in jail, just because he himself slipped up in front of him. However, Crouch Jr. is very underestimatingly gutsy, talented and strategic. While Junior is one of the few Death Eaters who is actually courageous and loyal, his cruelty and lack of fun and intrigue just makes him merely purposeful and not that fun. Junior also tortured the Longbottoms along with Bellatrix, as we find out in Goblet and Phoenix, causing Neville to grow up without his parents too. So, he sucks! But I will say, he deserves more credit for pulling off such an epic scheme, even though its a cruel one. You do have to give Crouch Jr. some credit though because he is the definition of an evil genius TBH. He is almost Hermione’s evil counterpart in terms of work ethic, cunning, intelligence and meticulous planning. Pius was just creepy. Yaxley proved to never trust a 40-something bright blonde white man who wears his hair in low feminine hairstyles (like Lucius Malfoy). Scabior sucked. He was a Death Eater and just a greedy nobody. Karkaroff sucked. Also, literally, how did Karkaroff become a headmaster after he was a Death Eater and why, oh, why was he such a good friend to Dumbledore? Especially after that trial scene. That should have been my first major Red Flag that Dumbledore sucked. Karkaroff is creepy, selfish and manic. He was the first Death Etaer that we know of to become a headmaster of a Wizarding school, which kind of shows how much of focus Durmstrung has on DADA that Hogwarts clearly doesn’t have due to all the employee turnover in that position. Mundungus was a bigger wimp than the Malfoys. At least they have enough balls to let Voldemort make their home his headquarters and were also trusted enough to have the Dark Lord want to use Lucius’ wand. Mundungus was just a coward and super selfish. Mundungus is probably the least loyal character in the whole series (besides Pettigrew), and with loyalty being such a valuable quality in this series, that just makes him so hatable. Mundungus is a pathetic, cowardly, annoying, cheating traitor. Griphook was sort of there in the first movie but really screwed Harry and Co. over in the last movie. You watched this boy grow up. he’s the good one. I get that in wartime you sometimes need to be self-preserving (cough Katherine Pierce cough), but that was just cruel. Screw you! Griphook betrayed the trio for his own selfish gain, instead of helping the, which would have helped the greater good. Also, with how kind Harry is, he could have asked him to help make wizards more empathetic towards goblins, but instead, Griphook took the selfish route, and ended up dead because of it. Served him right. One thing about Griphook however is, since knowing the same actor played it as Flitwick, Warwick Davis. You know he was having so much fun playing the manipulative Griphook. You can tell by how calculating and ominous he is in his portrayal, especially in the impeccably well-acted scene at Shell Cottage. The back and forth between him and Radcliffe was so well done. Assertive Harry, calculated Griphook. It was palpable. And Greyback, while he had the same name as Mason Greyback, Alex’s werewolf boyfriend in Wizards of Waverly Place, he sucks. Even if he was a permanent werewolf, (which is one aspect of this very fascinating mythology that I don’t understand, how is Greyback always a werewolf, but Lupin isn’t?), he behaves like a Death-eating white man. so, he sucks. Kreacher just didn’t make a big impression on me. I mean, he was a constant reminder of Sirius’ awful family (my friend told me about Hermione’s S.P.E.W. from the books and how Sirius doesn’t hate house elves. In fact, he encourages Hermione’s organization. He just hates that Kreacher is a reminder of his awful family). He seemed more like a moody teenager than any of the actual teenage characters, especially more than angsty Draco. At least he cemented Dobby as the best house-elf ever. I didn’t think much of Grindelwald, especially since he helped Voldemort and was Dumbledore’s old friend, who we already established I don’t like, but my friends told me that he is a central character in the Fantastic Beasts movies and that since he was in the Deathly Hallows, I should put him on here. Dawlish seemed like an idiot in a haute couture-esque capelet trench coat. The Dementors are creepy as hell. They were haunted ghost-like creatures who guarded the most dangerous, disgusting prison on Earth and are known for sucking the life, happiness and soul out of people. It also seems like they personified depression, as they act like a dark cloud coming over somebody to steal all their hopefulness and cheerfulness away. Like a symbolic depression-causing monster. Terrifying! The Dementors are also a really good personification of depression, as someone who struggles with it. The way the characters describe what it’s like to be around them like you’ll never be happy or cheerful or lighthearted again. Like all the color has drained from the world. No more light, just darkness. Like the world is only black and white now, not in color. That’s what being clinically depressed feels like. It’s a great parallel. At least JKR got something right, Chocolate does cure depression, or at least I like to think it does. However, I also love how Dementors can be defeated by joy, by thinking of your happiest memories. Just like Boggarts can be defeated by laughter and funniness. It’s symbolic of the series as a whole, that light always defeats darkness. Voldemort uses Harry’s pain, trauma, grief, anger and loss against him, but it’s Harry’s capacity for love, friendship, kindness, happiness and goodness that gives him strength and defeats him. The Dementors are genuinely so creepy. It’s also worth noting that the fashion label Balenciaga has (probably unintentionally) been using Dementors as inspiration for their 2020s vibe with multiple collections throughout 2021 and 2022 giving faceless Azkaban prison guard, which I find utterly hilarious (also LOL at Balenciaga fave Kim Kardashian using Harry Potter characters as fashion inspiration with her Draco look at Paris Fashion Week at the Balmain Fall 2015 show, her Patronus look at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscars Party, while wearing Balenciaga, her numerous long bleach blonde all-black outfit looks mirroring Lucius and her 2021 Met Gala Balenciaga look giving Dementor). Macnair, Rookwood, Avery, Nott, Rowle, Gibbon, Travers, Dolohov, the Carrows, Rodolphus and Rabastian Lestrange, who are the only other Death Eaters who were in the films that I can find online. They are prejudiced Death Eaters, so they obviously suck. Especially Macnair, because apparently he was the executioner sent to kill Buckbeak, so he really sucks! Also, apparently Rodolphus is married to Bellatrix? She’s married! She seems selfish as well and also very devoted and infatuated for the Dark Lord, almost horny for him (I know it’s said in the Cursed Child that Voldemort and Bellatrix have a kid together, but I find that unfathomable, and since the story has the double-edged sword of JKR not being involved, I don’t think the play is canon, just successful and horrible fan-fiction).
45. Gilderoy Lockhart, Rita Skeeter, Aunt Muriel and every other obnoxious adult jealous of Harry Potter
Lockhart is arrogant, stupid, self-obsessed and idiotic. He knows absolutely about the subject he claims to be ane expert in and is hired to teach impressionable students. Every lesson he uses purely to boost his own ego, not educate these children. Is is also more fake then a Los Angeles housewife’s face. He hasn’t actually done with of the deeds he constantly brags about. He is even cruel enough to wipe the memories of the people who have actually done those things. It’s annoying and eye-rolling inducing. Even worse, he puts it in a book that he uses for his students to study, basically giving him false information to take a fact. That’s terrible. Lockhart was so annoying, but interesting to explore the idea of celebrity in the Wizarding World, even if he was a fraud. However, at the end of the day, he obliviated himself and the whole thing was quite pointless. However, that post-credit scene of Lockhart advertised in a straitjacket in Chamber was quite funny, and well-deserved. Karma’s a bitch. Lockhart’s fate is so perfect too because as seen when he yells “this is just like magic” when Fawkes flies him and others out of the Chamber, he has the mind of a child now, but he has always been childish. This fate just fits his character so well. and really, anemnsia could not have happened to a more deserving person. Literally, Lockhart was so determined to keep his reputation unblemished that he was willing to obliviate CHILDREN into insanity. That’s insane! How did this guy get a job to teach children? Also, LOL at the irony of Lockhart saying “you may find yourself facing your worst fears in this room. Know only that no harm can befall you whilst I am here,” when he literally runs like a coward and tries to obliviate two 12-year-old boys for his personal gain. Also how Lockhart in the dueling scene after Snape tells him that he should teach blocking first, stealing his thunder and authority, says “let’s have a volunteer pair,” but doesn’t even let anyone volunteer, he just calls Harry and Ron up, probably because they were two out of three (again not giving Hermione her deserved credit) who took down the Pixies, which he no doubt took credit for. Also, the way Lockhart volunteers to fix Harry’s arm when he knows very well that he sucks at even the most basic magic, he clearly couldn’t care less about these kids (honestly, no wonder Dumbledore hired him). Also, the way Lockhart interacts with a moving portrait of himself painting himself, an the portrait stops painting him when Lockhart starts to speak, entranced and hanging onto every word, LOL! Lockhart, like Ron’s “turn this fat rat yellow” and Seamus’ “turn this water into rum,” he uses poetic non-latin spells in the Cornish Pixies scene saying “pecky pixie,” but those kids are first years, not fully grown wizards. Like seriously, how many red flags does Lockhart have to give before Harry figures out he’s a fraud? Lockhart is dramatic but in a childish way, which is just more endearing in a child character like Ron then a fully grown adult. Lockhart should have never been around children. He literally tells Harry “good luck” during his first duel with Malfoy, not any advice or anything. Like, at least Harry is cordial enough and thanks him, but seriously that was just horrible. Also, Lockhart makes Snape’s quote “clearly, fame isn’t everything” in the first film even more ironic, especially when you take into account their duel and how Snape beat him with complete and utter, almost hilarious, ease. Lockhart seemed like he would be the worst kind of Influencer in a 2020s Muggle world. He has villain energy in the most boring way possible. He’s a conman and not even in a fun way, as he made a name for himself through his vain, cunning manipulation. A good villain has a backstory that is intriguing, understandable or sympathetic. A boring villain is just bad for no reason. I wish Rita Skeeter got her comeuppance as well. Rita Skeeter was nosy, invasive, annoying, cruel, manipulative and just plain immoral. Literally, how does that woman sleep at night? I mean, compared to the other villains, she’s just frivolous and petty, but honestly, that’s kind of worse since she is on the good side, just with very bad morals. It’s infuriating. Although I loved the introduction of the Daily Prophet and found the idea of Wizard Press fascinating, I hated Rita Skeeter. Rita literally personified fake news, clickbait and everything else I hate about the media. She made my blood boil more than Voldemort or Umbridge combined. Harry and Hermione are children. Leave them alone, woman! Although, I did chuckle when she said that the Triwizard Champion were a “charismatic group,” LOL. Also, is it public knowledge in the Wizarding World that the Muggle family Harry stays with forced him live in a cupboard, because Rita tells Harry “you must feel right at home” when they have their uncomfortable interview (also Rita is so creepy in that scene, flirtatiously calling the cupboard “nice and cozy,” although the way Harry awkwardly and matter-of-factly says “it’s a broom cupboard” is so innocent and effectively shuts the idea down, thank god). The one good thing Rita Skeeter did was expose Dumbledore for the liar that he is (even if it wasn’t his biggest lie because clearly only Snape knew that) with her book The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore. So, on behave of all the Dumbledore haters, thank you for that Rita! Anyways, she was a good commentary on the media, especially when you remember how back in the 90s and 2000s, JKR made authors a form of celebrity for possibly the first time ever, which of course attracted the media. It also offered an interesting parallel with the kids learning how to navigate the media just as Harry was learning how to. Also, speaking of Wizarding Press, I loved that element in Azkaban, Goblet and Phoenix. It was a great way to expand the world and make it feel more like it could really exist. It’s interesting how the press works in the Wizarding World. Sirius is painted for a crime he did not commit and therefore is subjected to folklore and rumors. It’s similar to mythic Hollywood scandals like Joan Crawford and Bette Davis’ feud and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s soap opera-like relationship, but of course, these were fun and at the end of the day harmless, Sirius’ life was ruined, his reputation destroyed and he died before ever being able to make up for lost time or clear his name to the global Wizarding World. That’s horrible. Rita is annoying, infuriating, unethical, deceptive, egocentric and power-hungry. She also wrote these fabricated stories mostly about children, which is horrible. However, I do with someone with more creditability would have written the posthumous book calling Dumbledore out on his crap. That gave her a bit of redemption, unfortunately, purely due to how much I hate Dumbledore, even though she doesn’t deserve it. All I have to say about Aunt Muriel is that she provided some great stereotypical Jewish grandmother representation, despite not being Jewish and my own Jewish grandmothers not being anything like her. Muriel was essentially an unnecessary caricature.
44. Cornelius Fudge and Rufus Scrimgeour
I thought he was okay until the Order of the Phoenix. Like, hasn’t Harry been through enough? Like yes, he’s a kid, but doesn’t all he’s been through make him a uniquely reputable and reliable source? It’s ridiculous. Also Fudge says “it will not be canceled. I will not be seen as a coward,” when a coward is exactly what he is. Oh, the irony. Also, Fudge talking to Lucius outside the Department of Mysteries in Phoenix was hella sus. Looks like corrupt politics to me. Also, he was perfectly fine with creating a Smear campaign against a literal traumatized child. He is the classic, hypocritical politician who will do anything as long as it serves his own interest. Like in Azkaban when Harry used underage magic by blowing up Aunt Marge, Fudge just brushed it off saying that kids don’t go to Azkaban for a simple matter like underage magic, but then in Phoenix, the second Harry used a spell, one that was quite necessary and saved him and his cousin’s life, Fudge then tried to get him expelled. Like what the hell? Fudge is literally such a hypocrite. He is in cahoots with a literally Death Eater, as he goes to Hagrid’s Hut in Chamber and Lucius meets him there, and talks with Lucius literally outside of the Department of Mysteries’ door in Phoenix. It’s so sketchy and infuriating! Fudge literally created a smear campaign against a traumatized child, and he saw with his own eyes how in pain Harry was after the final task, just so he could keep his job. He didn’t give a crap about the greater Wizarding World, only his status. He’s a selfish idiot. However, admittedly, it’s an accurate portrayal of politicians and how they say they are for the people but are friends with sketchy 1%-ers. Fudge spearheaded the downfall of a traumatized child and kept the public mind denial of the greatest danger in wizarding history. That’s horrible. Also, can we talk about the irony of Fudge putting Umbridge in Hogwarts to make sure there wasn’t a secret army, and her presence is exactly what caused a secret army to be formed, but because of the Ministry, because of their denial to face the truth. Also, literally way they literally sent Hagrid to Azkaban despite knowing he is innocent just because he was the original scapegoat for opening Chamber 50 years ago, when even Dumbledore, who is a reliable source apparently but actually is in this case, said he didn’t. Also, Fudge having a huge banner of himself in Phoenix in the main epicenter of the Ministry is so pretentious and conceited (how is he different from Voldemort again?) and gives off major Big Brother vibes. Fudge is literally the definition of how politicians only believe in certain policies for personal gain. He got Harry out of trouble so he could be in favor with the Boy Who Lived, then ruined this traumatized child’s reputation for his own personal gain. Also LOL at the irony of Fudge saying in Azkaban that they don’t send people Azkaban for underage magic, and then he literally has a full criminal trial for Harry when he commits the same crime in an, even more, dire situation in Phoenix. What a hypocrite. Scrimgeour was just irrelevant and didn’t really do anything. I really don’t see how he was an improvement from Fudge. His scenes with the Golden Trio were good and served his purpose, but it could have honestly been anyone. They both seemed okay with child ostracization and abuse, both turning a blind eye to Harry’s struggles in the latter films. And, Muggle world or Wizarding World, that is unacceptable, from anyone, but especially a government official who is supposed to be a representative of the people.
43. Lucius Malfoy
He was a pathetic coward, manipulated his own son and was loyal to a literal psychopath. A true villain is no minion or follower, but a flawed, badass, fear-provoking leader. Lucius, you thought you were the sh*t, but really you just suck. Lucius definitely deserved having his wand taken away by Voldemort, like a freaking toddler. The Malfoy patriarch was so weak, a puppet, a coward and basically forced his family to be followers to a racist psycho, so screw them (except Draco who never signed up for any of it, and before you say he was a Death Eater, he didn’t choose his parents). Lucius is such a failure. He failed to get the prophecy in Phoenix and failed to capture Harry in Part 1. And instead of trying to do better, he takes it out on his son. Screw you! He’s toxic and a loser. Though Jason Isaacs was phenomenally terrifying in this role, making him so much for interesting and dynamic than the character actually is, especially during his debut in Chamber. Particularly his reaction to Dumbledore telling him that it was Voldemort in the scene in his office at the end of the film. That scene was so well-acted by Isaacs. If another actor played Lucius, he wouldn’t even be on this list. The only reason Lucius chose his family over Voldemort, in the end, was to save himself from imprisonment or embarrassment, especially when he realized Voldemort was doomed, not because he was a good family man. He’s a selfish and terrible father no matter what way you look at it. Also, Lucius’ hairstyle of a low ponytail with a black bow in Chamber of Secrets made me chuckle because I wear my hair like that a lot. Muggles wear bows, Malfoys shouldn’t if they are so superior. He did serve his purpose, however, showing why Draco was such a bully. Showing the cycle of cruelty, as Lucius ruthlessly bullies his own kid, so that’s all Draco knows. Luckily, by the end of the series, Draco breaks that cycle. Also, him foreshadowing at the beginning of Goblet by saying “do have fun, while you still can,” was good writing, but just plan cocky cruelty, in classic, superior, terrible, rich person fashion. He was built up in Chamber as a powerful, well-connected villain pulling the strings and masterminding steps for Voldemort’s return with giving Tom Riddle’s diary to Ginny. However, starting with Goblet, we quickly learn that Lucius isn’t that powerful, he is just a cowardly, fearful follower, only an important Death Eater due to his wealth and status, proven by Voldemort sending him to the Ministry multiple times in Phoenix and using Malfoy Manor as his HQ in Hallows. With all that being said, however, I do appreciate his existence. The point of his character was to reveal why Draco is such a bully. It’s because he is a product of his environment. His family is toxic and puts so much pressure on him. Any kid would lash out with that kind of demented pressure, from growing up around evil prejudices and from being raised to have a faux-superiority complex like that. He wasn’t a bad person, he was just surrounded by bad people, which is even harder when those are your own family, and you can’t choose your family. It’s similar to how the sons and daughters of infamous conservative politicians sever ties with their parents. I wish we got to see Draco stand up to Lucius in a similar way. I am sure many viewers could at least relate to Draco and Lucius’ contentious and toxic father-son relationship and the whole Malfoy family dynamic of the terrible dad, the impressionable and confused son and the mom who just tries to keep the peace. Although, it does seem that Jason Isaacs and Tom Felton have a great and close relationship IRL. Lucius is another example of karma being the ultimate bitch. His failure in getting the prophecy exposed him as a Death Eater, after he lied and schemed in order to save his family’s legacy. He was put in Azkaban as a result, which is honestly safer as he did fail at his mission and denounced the Dark Lord after the Potter’s death in order to avoid jail time. However, as true punishment, the Dark Lord forced Draco to become a Death Eater, along with Bellatrix, and tasked him to kill Dumbledore because now he is the only Death Eater with excess to Dumbledore through him being a current Hogwarts student. And then this whole scheme backfires on itself because Narcissa, the only rational adult in this whole situation, is understandably worried for her son’s safety because she knows what he’s up against between her sister, the Dark Lord and Dumbledore (because she went to Hogwarts too right? As a Slytherin I’m guessing). This causes Narcisssa to ask Snape for help since he is Draco’s Head of House and Bellatrix, who loves to cause chaos even when it involves gambling with her own nephew’s life, doesn’t trust Snape and forces him to make the Unbreakable Vow, which means it’s not fulfilled, Snape would die, saving Draco. However, the Dark lord wanted it to be Draco, so now that he fully trusts Snape (LOL), he is even more pissed at the Malfoys, so he chooses their Manor as headquarters. LOL! If Lucius just stopped being a stupid, selfish coward for two seconds, all of this could have been avoided. Lucius was one of the first true Death Eaters we were introduced to, and also one of the most pathetic. He may have not actively searched for Voldemort in his absence, but still did his dirty work by giving Ginny Tom Riddle’s diary after he first met Harry. Lucius also said in the graveyard that the facade he’s been presented in order to stay out of Azkaban for being Death Eaters is his “true mask.” So clearly, he has always and will also be a bigoted dickhead. Also, the Death Eaters, including Lucius got to the graveyard, in their Death Eater uniforms, awfully fast, so they must have been anticipating his call forth, especially since it doesn’t seem like a coincidence that the first time Death Eaters presented themselves was at the World Cup that year, which Lucius also attended. So, this seemingly confirms that one of those Death Eaters was. Him (this also makes the fact that he said that if there were any sign of Voldemort’s whereabouts he would have helped not make any sense). We see him be a sort of leader in Phoenix and fail miserably. This wasn’t just his downfall as a terrifying but intriguing villain, but he also fell out of favor with Voldemort, making him and his family that much easier to manipulate. He never put his family over Voldemort, he only put himself over Voldemort, but unlike him, his wife was smarter and cleverer, and he only has her to thank for his survival. Also, Lucius is a high-ranking, trusted Death Eater before he screws himself over by being his pathetic self at the Department of Mysteries, so clearly he had to do some pretty heinous things in order to gain that status. Also, that scene where Voldemort takes Lucius’ wand in Part 1, and inspects it as Lucius trembles nervously, it just makes me laugh. Voldemort is so curious and Lucius is so pathetic. And then when Voldemort gets angry at his pretentiousness with the silver snake head don the wand, it’s just so funny to me. Also, that scene in the final film of Voldemort literally abusing him, slapping him just shows how weak and cowardly he is, and proves why Draco acts that way around him. And I honestly chuckled when Voldemort asked him “how can you live with yourself Lucius?” and Lucius replies “I don’t know. Like how pathetic. He literally has the exact opposite arc of Neville Longbottom and this scene proves it, going from powerful and fierce to pathetic and cowardly. And honestly, it couldn’t happen to a better guy (maybe Dumbledore, but I digress). Lucius uses his own son to make himself feel superior. That’s toxic masculinity at its finest. It’s so disgusting and sad. He is honestly one of the most irredeemable characters in the whole series because of this. He should just free Narcissa and run off with the only person weaker than him, Wormtail. Also, Lucius tried to Avada Kedavra Harry at age 12, which sounded more like he was coughing out a lung, in Chamber during his childlike tantrum after his own arrogance freed his house elf, but luckily Dobby intervened once again and saved Harry once, while Lucius, a father of a fellow second year and supposedly on the school governing board, has been conspiring to kill Harry all year, despite knowing his master Voldemort ebing indisposed and that fact that Voldemort would have been pissed because to Voldemort, Harry is his to kill, proving how Lucius values himself more then his family or his master. Him and Pettigrew are just two pathetic losers who deserve each other. Also, Lucius clearly still wanted to fight, as he turns back to what the battle before running pathetically to catch up with wife and son, so he clearly still believes in the cause but knew it was no use. That’s horrible. He clearly just tried to save himself. Lucius is also so pathetic and cowardly when Voldemort takes his wand. It’s honestly hilarious, especially when Voldemort is questioning him about it and ripping his pretentious snake head off of it. I will say, Jason Isaacs’ portrayal of Lucius is a big reason why Lucius isn’t on Dumbledore and Pettigrew’s level. The way choices he made for the character were so effective. The sneering. The cruelty. The precision. The elitism. The flair for the dramatic. The commanding screen presence. The voice. The slow way he delivered his lines (honestly a signature of the more villainous characters in the series as Snape and Voldemort also both speak very slowly, also showing how much Isaacs understood the character and his place within the story). It was so well done that Felton even compared him to Jekyll and Hyde in the Reunion special. Lucius also literally tried to kill Harry, who is his own son’s age in Chamber after throwing a tantrum like a child over losing his house elf, which he treated horribly. This proves how much he hates children and only cares about himself. Lucius, being a pathetic failure, and therefore forcing his innocent son into undertaking an impossible, irreversible and unforgivable mission is inexcusable and irredeemable. He is also such a coward, choosing not his family and not his loyalty to the army, but himself, proven by how he debates this decision for a decent amount of time, in the finale. Plus Lucius was a high-ranking Death Eater, so you know he did some terrible, horrific and shady stuff in order to get that honor (and if not, it was probably his old money status that Voldemort valued, before realizing that he’s a loser. I will say, I wish we got to see more of Malfoy Manor (And I don’t just say this because of the squint-inducing dark cinematography). We could have seen more about the true complexities of high society in the Wizarding World, pure blood mania and families. We could have also gotten more of Draco’s backstory, which I find very intriguing, as well as Dobby’s backstory and whether Draco told him to protect Harry from his father in the Chamber of Secrets or not, redeeming Draco and further developing the complexities of Lucius. Honestly, he deserves to be so low on this list simply for abusing the sweetheart that is Dobby. He literally kicked him out of Dumbledore’s office, Dobby squealed, and that still wasn’t enough because he also poked his staff into his head very aggressively right after. Lucius also brought Snape to his death, unknowingly but still. So, he sucks. The only good thing Lucius ever did was try and force Dumbledore to resign from Chamber, but of course, because it was Lucius, it failed. Honestly, the only reason he is higher then most of the villains in their series is because of how well Jason Isaacs portrayed his dramatic flair.
42. Argus Filch
He was kind of creepy and had a weird cat fetish. Are we not gonna discuss how disturbingly affectionate he was with that cat? Also, why is he so cruel? I get kids are annoying, but seriously, why are you so hateful, especially in Phoenix when he teams up with Umbridge, when all the other teachers clearly despised her? He was such an unpleasant, eye-roll-inducing character. At least Filch had his moments of unintentional humor, however, I think that’s mostly due to David Bradley’s smart and specific performance, not because it was written as such. However, the Twins and the DA making his life a living hell in Phoenix is the one exception. That was hilarious and he definitely deserved all of it for standing by Umbridge.
41. Professor Quirrell
Honestly, he was just kind of pointless. But he was our first Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, so there’s that. He is also a lesson in not judging a book by the cover. His stutter was a great camouflage and definitely looked the more threatening-looking Snape look more villainous. This is, like, the rare example in this series of judging a book by its cover, and it ending up terribly, instead of how it went with Snape and Sirius and it ended up way better than we could have thought. Quirrell also seems like such a cowardly Pettigrew, even though we didn’t really get to know the real him due to his stuttering facade, which BTW was a terrible choice by JKR. She perpetuated the stigma of people with stutters. Quirrell not only was the least impactful DADA teacher because he was only in the first film, but we also didn’t really play a big part in the only movie he was in. He was honestly in like 10 minutes total, or, probably less. Quirrell was truly a “blithering idiot.” Even though this was a facade, he is still overzealous and idiotic. Also, literally how the hell did he get the DADA job? What did Dumbledore see in him? Talk about red flags. However, besides being the first DADA teacher, he didn’t really have a major impact on the entire series, unlike other DADA teachers like Lupin, Moody, Umbridge and of course Snape.
40. Crabbe, Goyle, Blaise, Pike and Marcus Flint
Draco’s “friends” were more just there than anything else. Even in Chamber of Secrets, they were just sort of there. We only got to know them when they were Harry and Ron during the first use of the Polyjuice Potion. It wasn’t actually them. Their parents were also Death Eaters, so that sucks. Blaise is a cool name though. Also, one of them, Goyle I believe, got arrested in real life for using a Molotov cocktail, so talk about taking their characters’ meanness a bit too seriously. Pike literally just stood there and did nothing. I honestly didn’t even notice it was another boy other then Crabbe and Goyle until my friend told me. At least Goyle inadvertently destroyed the Diadem Horcrux with his chaotic fire in the Room of Requirement helping destroy the person he was fighting for (proven by how he dared to recklessly use the Killing Curse at his classmates), even though he almost killed his friends and classmates, destroyed a very valuable room in Hogwarts and killed himself. Karma’s a bitch. Marcus Flint was also just such a prick. Like it’s a game, stop turning it into The Hunger Games. His teeth were also disgusting. Who’s choice was that? Was that necessary? Was that in the books? Flint is such a dirty player and just enforces more how Slytherin is full of bullies when that clearly isn’t the case. They are ranked a little higher out of all the more cowardly/uninteresting villains because they are kids. Like Draco, they had bad role models and didn’t know any better, especially because Crabbe and Goyle’s parents were Death Eaters too. Also, the way Blaise had a decent amount of screentime in Prince and Part 2, and yet never had a line just says so much. Also, I hate to say it but I admittedly let out a loud chuckle when Crabbe fell into the pit of fire he created. Honestly, the best scene Draco’s entourage ever had was the invisibility cloak snowball fights scene in Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry deserves to mess with them like that. It was hilarious. I know so many kids could put themselves in that satisfying place of messing with and embarrassing their adolescent bullies.
39. Crookshanks and Trevor
The cat was cute and a perfect pet for Hermione, but Crookshanks ate that ear device in Order of the Phoenix, so bad kitty! Crookshanks also shows how, like Harid, Hermione cares for creatures. Crookshanks proves himself to be a menace, attacking Scabbers, although rightfully and eating the expandable ear, but Hermione still treats it with love, as heard when she says “it’s all right Crookshanks. You just ignore the mean little boy” after Ron insults the cat in the Leaky Cauldron. Trevor provided a cute introduction to Neville’s character, but did he die? Did Neville lose him (I would put it base Neville, at least the Neville in the first few films)? We literally never heard about him or saw him again.
38. Moaning Myrtle, Nearly Headless Nick, The Gray Lady, the Fat Lady, Phineas Nigellus Black, the Peverall family, Regulus Black, Ariana Dumbledore, Nicolas Flamel, Runcorn, Cattermole and Malfalda Hopkirk, all the other ghosts and portraits & all the dead characters we barely met, but were very useful
Myrtle was the better comedic relief in the Chamber of Secrets, when Lockhart was more just annoying (although she was still pretty annoying. It’s so weird how the humor in Chamber was so slapstick and American. I prefer British humor, dry and witty). I get that Myrtle was tragic and unlucky, but she still creeped me out. In Goblet of Fire, she was just creepy and annoying. I mean, Myrtle is a tragic character. She was killed while crying over being bullied and fated to spend the rest of eternity in a bathroom for all places, but she’s still overly, insanely dramatic, making her unsympathetic and very creepy. Myrtle’s sexual frustration as a ghost would be hilarious and understandable if it weren’t so predatory and creepy. The nature of that scene is so alarming on multiple levels. She’s a dead ghost nearly 60 years older than him. This is also, despite its PG-13 rating, a kid’s film, which makes this even more icky. Also, Myrtle definitely knew more then she was letting on in Chamber and Goblet, and selfishly just wanted Harry to keep coming back to her that she withheld, which is very manipulative and very Dumbledore of her. I get she’s dead and miserable, but why not be heroic in death rather then force your misery on others? Also, with Myrtle’s glasses she looks like a female Harry Potter, which makes this even more disturbing. Myrtle and Harry, with their dark hair and round glasses, literally look like they could be siblings, which makes it even creepier. Although the Basilisk did kill her and she is now forced to live eternity in a bathroom (between Myrtle’s death, Hermione’s tearful and violent encounter with a troll, Ginny with the diary and Katie Bell with Draco’s cursed necklace, is this the answer to the age-old question on why girls don’t go to the bathroom alone?), that’s sad, so I guess I sort of understand why the teenage ghost is very depressed all the time and a little horny, but for a children’s film that latter element is just a bit weird and awkward (maybe it’s one of those Disney adult joke tricks?). She is very relatable though. I, too, am always crying in the bathroom. At least Nick was good comedic relief and The Gray Lady saved the day, but honestly, none of them really served a purpose. They could have used the Pensieve or a teacher’s knowledge for all the information they gave. The Gray Lady is so freaking angry, but I get it. She was manipulated by Tom Riddle, just like Slughorn, and felt responsible for all his cruelty. At least she redeemed herself by helping Harry in the end. The Fat Lady was kind of annoying (did they recast her after the first movie?). My god, they completely changed the Fat Lady’s personality too. In the first film, she is snarky and deadpan, almost like Snape, but in Azkaban, she is dramatic and obnoxious. I personally prefer her personality in the first film. I also preferred her Gilded Age-esque pink dress with pearl details rather than her Grecian Goddess-esque look. Also, what’s with fatphobia? Why is she labeled as fat, why not “the annoying lady.” At least Phineas helped the Order and Arthur Weasley, knowing the Black family probably reluctantly, but still. The story of the Peverall family was interesting, especially with how well it paralleled 3 of the most prominent male characters in the series, Voldemort, Snape and Harry. It was also interesting hearing a Wizarding World folk tale, something that parallels our own folk tables, as answers to profound questions about humanity. Its also interesting when you finally make the connection that Harry and James are distant relatives of Ignotaus Peverrall, the Invisibility Cloak brother who’s grave Hermione finds in Godric’s Hollow with the Deathly Hallows symbol on it. Regulus Black and Ariana Dumbledore were two dead people who were actually very helpful to the plot, so thanks to that they are on this list. Out of those two, I wish we could have met Regulus because the fact that another Black defied his family’s pure-blood mania beliefs and stole one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes was such an underrating interesting idea, especially with the Black being Sirius’ own brother. That is such a Sirius thing to do. If Sirius could have been alive to figure that out, I think, he would have been proud, even though from what we know about Sirius’s family, they probably didn’t get along. It’s just thought-provoking. Regulus was clearly very brave and heroic. Also, how did Regulus find out about Voldemort’s Horcruxes? Did he tell Dumbledore? The only thing I really have to say about Nicolas Flamel is that I find it funny that this apparently very important, immortal, famed alchemist was literally never mentioned again after the first film. What happened to him? Did he live long enough to see Voldemort die? And all I have to say about Reg Cattermole, Mafalda Hopkirk and Albert Runcorn, AKA the people Harry, Ron, and Hermione Polyjuice’d into in infiltrate the Ministry (surprisingly easily, like do the Death Eaters simply not know what Polyjuice Potion is or severely underestimate them by not knowing that Hermione literally brewed it successfully at 12-years-old?) is that I do appreciate the Easter Egg of Mafalda Hopkirk being the one do send Harry the Howler in Phoenix expelling him from Hogwarts and that Ron-Cattermole was the funniest part of that whole thing, but also doesn’t that transforming back to himself kiss count as assault, and isn’t that also the weirdest sensation ever for that poor woman (also her really husband coming back in his underwear and not giving a crap about Ron kissing his wife says so much, but also he was probably still groggy)? Also, Harry-Runcorn’s awkward, stunned walk out of the elevator after he and Hermione-Malfalda run into Umbridge on the elevators is so funny to me. Also, Runcorn is played by David O’Hara and the only reason I am saying this is because the other day a film of his was on at my gym and he was walking through a office building just as he did in Part 1. It was one of his many films alongside James McAvoy.
37. Viktor Krum
He barely had two lines and his infatuation with Hermione came off more creepy than endearing. I also despise big-headed people, and he seemed cocky, I mean his first scene involved him punching the air while everyone, even the monitors, cheered him on. However, he also seemed to have deep self-loathing due to his fame and the pressure that’s put on him. You could tell he dreaded putting his name into the Goblet of Fire, especially with Karkaroff literally walking him up the Goblet of Fire. He was just kind of there and didn’t do much in the grand scheme of things. He served his purpose. I’m just indifferent about him. Viktor and Hermione had no chemistry, but that also makes sense. Krum is a very stoic, hard, cold guy, who you can tell wants to be a Golden Retriever, but due to his pressures as a celebrity and form Karkaroff can’t. Their lack of chemistry makes sense due to that, especially because Hermione doesn’t actually like him, only as a friend. Also, their age gap is concerning as Krum is 17 at least and Hermione is 14. Although, I wish Harry and him became friends as two famous kids who seem to have no interest in fame. They actually seem to have a lot in common. I don’t think Krum and Hermione really had anything in common. I do think Krum is a good guy at the end of the day. He literally oudl have gone with any girl to the Yule Ball. Girls were following him around like lost puppies, and he chose to ask Hermione, they only girl who, from what we see, doesn’t fawn over him. So, even though it’ comes off as a little creepy, you can tell that his intentions are only pure and good. He also seems mature enough to know that while she likes him, she doesn’t like him in the same way he likes her, as she was the only one not fawning over him. But he still makes his move and asks her to write to him (did she?), because at the end of the day, if he can’t have her as a girlfriend he at least wants her as a friend and be in her life even a little bit (this dynamic also oddly parallels Lily and Snape and how if she was still alive, this would be the kind of relationship Snape would no doubt strive to have with her).
36. Charlie, Percy and Bill Weasley
I honestly didn’t notice them much. Bill seemed kind, protective, helpful, responsible (as older siblings tend to be), accepting, honest and tough, but it was very random that Bill suddenly married Fleur. While Percy was definitely the black sheep of the Weasley family, Bill seemed like the ultimate cool older brother, which I think is mostly due to how charming of a presence Domhnall Gleeson is on screen (TBH Bill should be higher on this list but he just didn’t have that much character devlopment, so I thought placing his with his other underdeveloped brothers made sense). He’s brutally honest, helpful and loving. Bill seemed cool and laid back. We never met Charlie, but I feel like Bill is the brother Ron is most like because of that laidback personality (but his coolness makes Ron feel inadequate and Ron seems closer to the Twins than Bill purely because of their age gap). Charlie seems like the borderline junkie-dare devil type, due to his job with dragons. Because of Bill being attacked by Greyback, I wish we got to see him and Lupin’s friendship more. They both could have really used someone to relate to in regards to the lythcanthropy, but especially Lupin, since he lost all his friends through death or betrayal. We never really met Charlie, so I just have to assume since most of the Weasleys are good folks who mean no harm, and are not assholes, except Percy, that he is too. Charlie seemed brave, as he was no doubt a Gryffindor and literally worked with dragons, but since he’s the only Weasley we never met (was he even in that family photo of the Weasleys in Eygpt in Azkaban?), I really don’t know what to make of him. Like, they seriously couldn’t give him one line in Goblet during the First Task? Going back to Percy, what is with the stick up his ass? His parents and siblings are great people, so why isn’t he? His blind ambition makes him the closest Weasley to Slytherin but in all the worst ways. Like you can be ambitious and still be a kind person. When Percy was in the 5th film, he chose his career over his (amazing!) family and didn’t even have a single line to convey his betrayal (which he deserved). Percy bleeds a superiority complex. He was a pompous and self-centered dick and an annoying rule-stickler in all the most annoying ways (at least Hermione, also a rule-stickler, has selfless, good intentions and is willing to break the rules when it was necessary for the greater good, like Phoenix with the DA or in Prince when confundus-ing Cormac. And Hermione’s know-it-all tendencies may have been annoying sometimes, but she was always mostly right and incredibly useful. As Ron learned in the first film, you want that girl on your side). In real life, everyone would hate his holier-then-thou attitude. Percy is such a pompous asshole. Percy also betrayed Harry. Percy knew Harry wasn’t the person the Ministry was making him out to be in Order of the Phoenix, and yet he supported the evil Umbridge. And unlike the Ministry. He knew Harry. Harry stayed at his house in the Burrow, they went to school together and they were in the same Hogwarts. That is such a dick move. He betrayed both Harry AND his family for his career and his own selfishness. Sure, Percy may have been misunderstood by his rambunctious family, but he also had zero chill, despite growing up in said rambunctious household (Also did Rick Riordan just rip off this uncommon name for Percy Jackson?). And when it mattered most, he betrayed them. That’s a major slap in the face and deserves a bit of a grudge (that should have been held until Fred’s death for good story purposes). Percy has a superiority complex and is very arrogant. He’s also selfish, in how he clearly valued his career over his own family. Percy full-on betrayed Harry by joining Umbridge and Fudge’s side, clearly caring more about his own career ambitions than someone who is like a brother to his brother and like a son to his parents. Maybe it stems from jealousy, but Percy seems too self-centered to be jealous. He was truly the black sheep of the Weasley clan due to his superiority complex when the rest of the Weasleys are always kind and generous people. His disloyalty and snobbery are not just unlikeable, it’s unlikeable in a way that is far from fun, unlike Bellatrix or Snape. If you told me the Weasleys adopted Umbridge’s long-lost son and it was Percy, I would believe you. He’s truly insufferable. He honestly made himself look more like a true Slytherin (hence the blinding ambition) than Draco. TBH, Draco looked like a Gryffindor compared to Percy. I hate to lump Charlie, who based on what Ron said seemed nice, and Bill, who seemed very quintessentially Weasley, in with his dickhead of a character, but they just weren’t developed enough. Also, of course, Scabbers was Percy’s rat. Of course, his rat ended up being a human made the worst, most pivotal betrayal of the whole series. Just of course! Also, his none stop “I’m head boy” spiel in Chamber was so freaking annoying. Like, shut up! He’s just a traitor. The only times Percy is actually tolerable and not a pretentious asshole is when he cheers on Gryffindor for winning the House Cup in the first film and when he fought with his family in the Battle of Hogwarts. Honestly, he should be up by Fudge, Filch and Lockhart, but he doesn’t even deserve his own individual ranking. At least he had enough decency to be on the right side of the Battle of Hogwarts and support his family and Harry, who is literally like his brother at that point with how close to Weasleys he is. He has stayed at their house for nearly 7 out of the 8 movies and is literally his brother’s best friend and his sister’s boyfriend. At least he came around in the end. But he’s still a dick.
35. Xenophilus Lovegood, Aberforth Dumbledore, Garrick Ollivander, Bathilda Bagshot, Gregorovitch, Elphias Doge, Charity Burbage, Frank Bryce, Bogrod, Firenze, Bane, Norbert, Aragog, Mrs. Norris, Errol, Grawp, Stan Shunpike, Ernie, Amos Diggory and every other (wo)man/creature who was on the good side, but only served one purpose
Oh, Mr. Lovegood, thank you for telling us what the Deathly Hallows were and doing absolutely nothing to help the core trio obtain them or stop He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named from getting them (if anything, helped the Death Eaters almost catch the trio). At least he combated fake news and was a good dad to Luna. But he’s also a hypocrite. He used the Quibbler to voice his support for Harry and tell everyone to help Harry in the fight against Voldemort, then when he had the opportunity to help Harry, he was selfish. Granted his daughter, innocent Luna, was taken hostage due to his outspokeness, but still! I get that during that time in Hallows that anyone Harry contacted was put in danger, but it was still really cowardly of Xenophilius. I understand that Xenophilius lost his wife and that he gave away Harry to protect his daughter, which are both terrible places to be in, but he still kind of weirded me out. Luna seemed sweet and caring, while her father was invasive and creepy. I keep going back to how awkwardly close he was to harry while whispering to him at the wedding. Like there’s an oddball and then there’s a creeper, he seems very creepy to me. However, it does provide some context on Luna. She clearly got her sweetness to from her mother and her uniqueness from her father. However, did Luna ever learn that her dad is full of sh*t? Aberforth was at least honest with Harry about the fact that Albus was a liar. He kept an eye on them in Part 1 and told Harry that he was on a suicide mission, which is better than Albus ever did. Ollivander is a very important character throughout the series. While he only appears in three films, he is responsible for one of Harry’s most important items, his wand, with a twin core to Voldemort. Wands are very important in this series, and Ollviander is the story’s expert when it comes to that aspect of magic. His expertise also helped Harry defeat Voldemort in the end. He is also loyal and resilient, as shown when he is tortured by Voldemort. While his calling both Harry and Voldemort great wizards is a bit questionable (although kind of true), especially to an 11-year-old who had his parents murdered as baby, he was still a vital character for the series, which I appreciate, but the whole “terrible, but great” line was hella sus. I do feel bad for Ollivander though. That suspicious comment came back to bite him in the ass and he was tortured and traumatized by Voldemort. Also, John Hurt’s return in Hallows was so comforting. It has been 7 movies since we saw him last. He helped Harry begin his journey with Voldemort and now helped him end it. John Hurt portrayed that scene with Harry at Shell Cottage so well, especially the part where Ollivander was recounting his trauma from Malfoy Manor. You can tell how profoundly that experience was for him. Ollivander deserved better. I hope that he re-opened his wand shop and lived a happy wand-filled life. Bathilda Bagshot was apparently a genius and the author of a History of Magic textbook (which is a class at Hogwarts because I noticed that McGonagall mentions in passing in Half-Blood Prince) based on my research, but she creeped me out. Also, was she under the Imperius curse? How did Nagini, a snake, gain her identity? All I have to say about Gregorovitch is that he definitely did not deserve what happened to him. First Grindelwald stole from him, the Voldemort tortured and killed him. Poor guy! Elphias Doge was just kind of there but deserves a better long-time friend then Albus Dumbledore. Although the Joey from Friends amount of layers he wore to Bill and Fleur’s wedding made me chuckle, like could he BE wearing any one more layers? RIP Charity Burbage. She deserves better. And the looks on Snape and Draco’s faces. They felt so bad! Apparently, the name of the Muggle man who, in Goblet, Peter Pettigrew ruthlessly killed on Voldemort’s orders (paralleling Cedric’s death at the end of the film) was Frank Bryce. He did not deserve that and was like the definition of an innocent victim. However, he served his purpose and eventually helped Harry escape Voldemort taking cues from the other dead people coming out of Voldemort’s wand (being a Muggle he must have been so confused. At least he followed everyone’s lead), so there’s that. Bogrod served his purpose, but his Imperiused self was quite Luna-like in his dreamy obliviousness, however far less charming and funny. Anyways; Firenze was a good character, but he just wasn’t as developed. Again, he served his purpose. The same goes for the centaur who I think was named Bane. Norbert was at least cute, but Aragog was okay with his followers or whatever eating children, and that is horrible. He is also a gigantic spider, which is creepy. He was loyal to Hagrid, but only had so many boundaries, which was very suspicious. TBH, his best scene was his funeral because it was kind of hilarious. Mrs. Norris was a very creepy cat with an incredibly creepy owner. However, i do appreciate how it wasn’t a black cat, as that is such a cliche of the genre. All I have to say about Errol is that of course the Weasleys have a clumsy owl and that “bloody bird’s a menace” is a great line for a British 12-year-old. As for Grawp, I just thought he was kind of unnecessary and creepy. If we are talking bout Hagrid’s backstory and character, why not talk bout how it’s humanly possible for a half-giant, half-wizard to exist. All I have to say about Ern is is that he is a terrible driver. Stan Shunpike was just very off-putting to me, andrude, bossy and creepy, but again, he served his purpose. I do feel bad for Amos Diggory. His reaction to Cedric’s death, like it would be for any parent, was heartbreaking. However, during his goodbye to Cedric before heading into the maze, which is heartbreaking to watch when you know what happens next, but if you look closely, you can also see Harry clocking the exchange, wishing he had the same thing, adding another layer of melancholy. Also, the parallel of Arthur Weasley yelling “that’s my boy” when Ron, Hermione and Harry are caught after the Death Eaters invade the Quidditch World Cup camp (that scene was so chaotic, BTW. My god. Also why is Hermione yelling Harry’s name and not Harry AND Ron’s name?) and then Amos yelling that when he sees Cedric’s dead body. Ugh, that’s so sad.
34. Seamus Finnegan, Colin Creevey, Lee Jordan, Nigel and every other one-off, usually Gryffindor boy
Seamus was kind of annoying and his blowing stuff up a bit got old fast. Although, I guess it did become useful at the Battle of Hogwarts. It might be mean to pack him in with the other one-off male students, but he was honestly just there, like the rest of them. Seamus’ one good moment is when he helped Neville blow up the bridge, and that was more of Neville’s moment (thankfully and deservingly) than a Seamus moment, but at least his annoying blowing-stuff-up bit finally paid off. Also, Seamus’ audacity to ask Harry to ride his Firebolt before he even gets it, like chill dude. Of course, he is kind and aware enough to say Harry can first, but it’s still pretty off-putting, like wait a bit. Seamus needs to gain some common sense. Also, his speech in the opening feast scene of Sorcerer’s Stone about being a half-blood was so cringy and unnecessary. Maybe it was foreshadowing for how important that debate and prejudice were going to be to the series later on, but also if you are a half-blood, don’t you know about the prejudice even as a kid? It just made him look kind of dumb. So many of his lines could have been cut. Especially his “blimey, that’s a big woman” when he sees Madame Maxine. That was just unnecessary. Seamus was like all of Ron’s worst qualities chucked into one character, and it was so eye roll-inducing. Seamus also isn’t that loyal. He believed Fudge and the Daily Prophet rather the Harry in Phoenix, and didn’t join the DA like many of his friends (when exactly did they patch things up?). However, his thing is being annoying and blowing this up, so maybe that tracks. He didn’t serve a purpose other than to complain and be annoying. At least Colin had some Basilisk action and Nigel was in Dumbledore’s Army. At least Colin being the first year during Harry’s second year to fan girl over Harry was somewhat realistic. Although, it was hella dangerous for him to try and take photos during a Quidditch match, in the playing area of all places. Although, his annoying camera that was always plastered at his side (like a kid from 2020) did save his life, so at least there’s that. Seamus just complained or had unnecessary dialogue that could have easily gone to the more compelling Dean (because he dated Harry’s crush Ginny) or Cormac (Gryffindor’s Draco). The only other male Hogwarts students I could find online that were in the films were Justin Finch-Fletchley (the kid Harry was trying save in Chamber that revealed his Parseltongue abilities and bewildered everyone), Terry Boots, Zacharias Smith, Bem, Roger Davies, Marcus Belby, Anthony Goldstein (at least there was one Jew in this universe that wasn’t a goblin, which based on their noses and bank day jobs were obviously supposed to be antisemitically inspired by the stereotypical physical traits of Jews) Ernie MacMillian and Michael Corner.
33. Dolores Umbridge
She SUCKS! Her head is bigger then the actually famous Harry Potter and she is so drunk on power that it’s almost vomit-inducing. She is literally perfectly okay with causing physical and emotional abuse to CHILDREN! Like Bellatrix, she took genuine pleasure in inflicting pain on people, particularly children. However, unlike Bellatrix, she was more infuriating to watch, while Bellatrix was more fun to watch in a more guilt-pleasure-like way. However, she was a fascinating and the most realistic villain in the Wizarding World. These were children and she was treating them like prisoners. These were kids living during a dangerous, uncertain time (sound familiar?). They now more than ever needed to learn how to protect themselves and she failed them. She was biased, prejudiced, bigoted and racist towards half-bloods, blood traitors and half-breeds. Honestly the title of “the most hated Harry Potter character” couldn’t go to a better character. Umbridge’s characterization was brilliant though, that’s why she’s reasonably high on this list. The juxtaposition of her sweet and grandmotherly appearance being a face for her cruelty and sinister nature was the best characterization of the series, besides Snape (his stone-cold demeanor was a brilliant and intriguing choice for his complicated, mysterious loyalties). It subverted expectations visually and made her even more hatable and disturbing to watch. Also, the fact that she surrounds herself with kitten motifs and almost exclusively the sugary sweet color of pink, which also makes her present a sweet grandmotherly image, when really she is vicious and horrendous, subverting expectations. TBH, though, it’s brilliant. Umbridge is one of the most infuriating characters in cinematic history. She was abusive and heartless. I usually love bitchy characters, like Blair Waldorf or Maddy Perez, but whenever Umbridge does her bitchy little looks and says bitchy things like when she tells Hagrid not to bother unpacking (Hagrid’s face during this scene too, like he’s never heard such cruelty and audacity. We haven’t been him like this since he encountered the Dursleys in the first film), it makes me absolutely infuriated. That’s because she has no irredeemable qualities and there is no reason why she acts that way. With most “bitchy characters” act that way because of inner pain, struggles and insecurities, but Umbridge has none of that. However, I am not blind to the fact that, while elderly bitchy characters are not that rare, like Emily Gilmore from Gilmore Girls or Bunny from Sex and The City, these characters always have good-intentions, they aren’t villains, just oppose the character we are meant to root for. However, Umbridge is a straight villain and genuinely enjoys harm, so I did that subverison of the trope and refreshing new take on elderly female characters. She just hates children and genuinely wants to harm them. That scene where Umbridge is just sweetly and sinisterly smiling while watching the whole DA write lines with the self-harming quill (she literally has MULTIPLE of those things. What the actual hell! That’s genuinely psychopathic) is just disgusting. However, most bitchy characters are always young women, so the fact that Umbridge is an elderly bitch, breaking the stereotype, I do have to reluctantly applaud. Also, she is so pretentious, like when she steps out of Hagrid’s Hut and smells something odd and sprays her perfume then walks up. Like just leave. I get being neurotic, but Umbridge is just psychotic, and incredibly entitled (also LOL at Ron walking out and then seeing Umbridge and being pulled back Hermione. Oh, Ron). What makes Umbridge so truly evil is that she strives for order in the cruelest ways. It’s subtle and painful and literally scarring. She was honestly worse than Voldemort, at least his ego prevented him from massacring every single person at the Battle of Hogwarts. I did like her characterization of wearing the happy, innocent color of pink and delivering every line with a smile and a girlish, childlike, sweet chuckle no matter how sinister. That made me hate her even more, which was honestly part of the fun of watching her. Like she was was so slappable in the way she delivered lines, but I also wanted to applaud Imelda Staunton for doing such a phenomenal job. But, again, she was an adult and I repeat, these are children! I mean, she is so careless when it comes to the students. The well-being of the students is her very last priority, which, like McGonagall, it should be her very top priority. She deserved a worse punishment than being kidnapped by centaurs. She deserved to go to Azkaban, honestly. To be honest, I wanted Umbridge dead more than Voldemort. Voldemort may be murderous and cruel, but he’s also just so pathetic, and at least has an understandable backstory. Umbridge is just plain despicable. Umbridge is the worst teacher in cinematic history. The way she finds genuine pleasure in children’s pain is so disgusting. The nuances Imelda Staunton uses in her portrayal. The head tilts. The smiles. The eyelash flickers. The shoulder shrugs. It’s just infuriating because these are all mannerisms little girls use to get what they want, and what Umbridge wants is to be a dictator over all these innocent children, but that’s also what makes Staunton’s portrayal so brilliant. What Bellatrix did to Hermione is very similar to watching Umbridge did to Harry. However the difference is Umbridge was a teacher, and Bellatrix is just a psychopath. Neither is acceptable, but one is significantly more excusable than the other. Umbridge also basically drugs the students into a confession. That’s horrible. That’s like a college professor giving a student the Date Rape Drug. That in itself deserves jail (and McGonagall thought Moody’s transfiguration punishment was bad). Umbridge also tried to give Harry the Dementor’s Kiss, something she not only had zero right to do as she is just a Ministry employee (if the Ministry controls Dementors, then I assume that means its the Minister himself who controls them, right?)but also is just plain terrible as he was a traumatized child telling the truth. Her teaching methods were truly barbaric (far more than Wizard’s Chess or dragon cruelty and I think Hermione would agree). She kept saying that she desired order, but what she really desired was power. And while that’s empowering as a woman, she gives that idea such a terrible connotation. Also, can we talk about how Umbridge has multiple of those self-harming quills (I really wish Warner Brothers would put a trigger warning on this film today as this can be very triggering)? She’s a psychopath! Also, just like Bellatrix, Umbridge, recklessly and callously used a literal explosion spell around so many students who could have all gotten seriously hurt, and did it with a sweet smile, making it seem like she enjoyed it. That proves even more then the self-harming quill how little she actually values these students’ lives, cementing how she is the worst person imaginable to be headmaster of Hogwarts after Cedric’s death (I mean, at least Dumbledore was distraught and speechless after they found out, showing his capability for empathy). She is also so reckless, and not in a fun way like Sirius. Sirius is a thrill seeker, which makes him endearing, but Umbridge is a power seeker, which makes her egocentric and genuinely dangerous. Like she tried to use the Cruciatus Curse on Harry, which is SO much worse than Mad-Eye simply transfiguring Draco without his consent as a punishment for trying to blindly curse Harry, which is bad, sure, but at least it wasn’t traumatic. Like Dumbledore disguises his manipulation with nobility and wisdom, she disguises her sadistic nature with her girlish sweet delivery. However, it’s less manipulative to the audience and more fun to watch because its obvious to the audience and the other characters that she’s evil. With Dumbledore, it isn’t until the audience, and Harry, finally get the full story. That’s the difference. Umbridge’s motivations also weren’t very clear. Was she being cruel because of the Ministry (whether they knew what she was doing and turned a blind eye or told her to act that way) or because of her own selfish, unknown agenda, just taking the Ministry’s agenda way too far (the things she did were clearly fireable and illegal). That’s what made her not fun to watch, but certainly intriguing and infuriating. The only reason she is ranked higher than some of the “good” characters is because of how fascinating she was and her brilliant portrayal by Imelda Staunton. That Umbridge classroom scene is so symbolic of her reign of terror. It starts with the kids just being kids, Padma enchants a paper bird to fly, as a bird symbolizes peace and freedom, Hermione is busy preparing her pre-class notes, Dean watches as Seamus playfully smacks the flying bird (as boys do?), everything is good and normal like these kids deserve after the horrific end to their fourth year. The bird flies around the chandelier majestically and peacefully until Crabbe hits it with his slingshot, the Gryffindors are appalled, but the Slytherins laugh, symbolic of how the Slytherins are the ones to join Umbridge in her reign of terror as they will do anything to disturb the chaos and have some power, and just as it flies over Harry, Ron and the Patils, it burns to crisp and falls to the ground, burning all the light, laughter and peace from the room, just as Umbridge does with everything, and then she smiles her condescendingly saccharine grin, and it makes you want to vomit (however one thing that makes me chuckle in this scene is when Umbridge walks down the aisle on desks condescendingly spelling out Ordinary Wizarding Level Examinations” and the Patill girls lean over their desk to stare at the back of Umbridge’s feet and the look at each other with bewilderment). Umbridge is also so freaking condescending. She speaks to these 15 year old like they are 5. For when she literally spells out what OWLs stand for in class, even Harry and Ron smirk at each other at her condescending nature. And then she says “study hard and you will be rewarded, fail to do so and the consequence will be, severe” and she says this (brilliantly by Staunton) like she telling an enticing fairytale to 5-year-olds, with her juvenile chuckle and shoulder shrug. Its infuriating. I would honestly watch her villain origin story. Something must have really screwed her up. However, her social-climbing skills deserve more credit, like damn. The one thing Umbridge ever said that I agree with is how she said the students’ past experience with the DADA curriculum is “disturbingly uneven,” because, well, duh, but other than that she is truly heinous. I do have to say, she did have her comedic moments, although unintentionally, which only made it funnier. The most obvious one was when she said “how lovely to see all your bright, happy faces smiling up at me,” and without missing a beat it cuts to a wide shot of the Great Hall with all the students starring at her blankly. I did let out a chuckle. Also when she said “you know, I really hate children,” like no sh*t! Honestly, the only reason she’s this high on this list is because of Staunton’s amazing portrayal and her brilliant characterization. If it wasn’t for that, she’s be right below Pettigrew.
32. Voldemort/Tom Riddle
A great villain. Honestly though, if he were really scary, he would have taken over both the real world and the Wizarding World, not just the Wizarding World. I loved the Tom Riddle twist, though honestly, his existence just became exhausting. He just came at the end of every movie to remind us that he’s a problem. Tom Riddle even says in Chamber “How is it that a baby with no extraordinary magical talent was able to defeat the greatest wizard of all time?” when the reason is love, something he can’t fathom or comprehend. Also, his backstory didn’t really tell us why he is evil, just that he has some parallels to Harry. There could have been so much more depth. Maybe there is in the book. But a great and iconic villain, nonetheless. He was incredibly arrogant, with the ultimate example being how he hollered “I want you to look at me when I kill you” in the graveyard scene. Like, screw you. Although, he was admittedly very smart. He knew that he didn’t need to show himself to scare people. Mystery only creates more terror, and Voldemort’s reign of terror was very successful in creating hysteria and fear amongst the Wizarding World. Honestly, the best part of Voldemort’s whole character was Tom Riddle and his connection to Harry; however, he is so obsessed with killing a kid, it’s like just grow up, dude! It’s sort of sad and hilarious, honestly. Like he is obsessed with murdering a literal child. What a lunatic. He also targeted a school full of innocent children. I understand that it was meant to be a parallel of how both Tom and Harry viewed Hogwarts as their first true home, but the fact that the Wizarding World used literal children instead of an army they no doubt probably have is just insane, however, it also shows just how sadistic Voldemort really is. Voldemort’s goal is to be feared, as proven when he says “I fashioned myself a new name, a name I knew wizards everywhere would one day fear to speak, when I become the greatest sorcerer in the world,” which makes it even more pathetic and disturbing when he is so creepily inviting and joyous when he returns to Hogwarts with his army and Harry’s body. Also, he literally killed Snape for no reason, and then had his redemption be posthumous (Snape deserved to see his redemption in the eyes of the greater Wizarding World for himself). It just made Voldemort even crueler. That might be his cruelest act of the entire series just because of how ego-driven and unnecessary it was. Voldemort is honestly just like a teenage girl. He has a diary, a tiara, a pet he adores, and is obsessed with a famous teenage boy. It just proves how pathetic and insecure he is. What I also appreciate about Voldemort and Harry’s final duel and Harry’s explanation about it later on with Ron and Hermione is that we finally understand why Harry always used the disarming spell to counter Voldemort’s killing spell. I always thought it was a little odd and naive of Harry, but in actuality, it was foreshadowing because Voldemort never got to Elder Wand because he underestimated the power of simply disarming someone rather than violently killing them. Harry never underestimated that and knew that there was a better, kinder way, of killing someone, and eventually it worked and made him victorious. This was Voldemort’s biggest failure honestly. This was the series’ biggest karma’s a bitch moment. Honestly one of Voldemort’s cruelest moments only indirectly involves murder because, in my opinion, it’s how he forced Hagrid, his former classmate who he framed as the one to open the Chamber of Secrets, to watch him kill Harry. Hagrid had his education taken away from him, almost his freedom, and now the boy he had watched grow up. While murder is terrible, this is just plain cruel. Also, disarming proved to be more powerful then killing is the reason why Voldemort never becomes master of the Elder Wand and the reason he is ultimately killed, once again proving how much of a pretentious failure he is. Also, Voldemort failed killing Snape. He sliced Snape’s throat with the Elder Wand, which if Snape really was the Master of it wouldn’t have been able to do, and tells Nagini to finish him off, but Nagini doesn’t. He’s still alive, but barely, and so he has time to see Harry when he and the others walk in, and gives him his memories, including the truth about his fate. If Voldemort truly let Nagini finish Snape off, that would have never happened. Also, LOL at Voldemort being the Heir of Slytherin but also having the Heir of Slytherin’s Basilisk venom be what destroys all of his Horcruxes. Yet again showing how much of a failure Voldemort is. He failed to become master of the Elder Wand. Also, is just me or is it kind of a little too easy to become master of the Elder Wand? Like, Draco doesn’t even duel Dumbledore on the Astronomy Tower, just simply disarms Dumbledore and that’s how he becomes the master of it. And personally, I find it hard to believe that Dumbledore has never been disarmed prior to that moment (because like Lupin doesn’t become the master of Harry’s wand when he disarms him in the Shrieking Shack, so clearly simply disarming someone doesn’t always cause a wand to change it’s loyalty). And then at Malfoy Manor, Harry merely snatches Draco’s wand from his hands, not even disarming him magically, and only disarming his own and, which by proxy somehow made the Elder Wand change masters too. So, honestly, when you put that all into consideration, it just makes Voldemort look even more like a pathetic failure with how, since it’s clearly kind of easy to become master of the Elder Wand, that he still failed to become it’s master after all that. If only he wasn’t a murderous lunatic. Also, he is basically calling Harry a coward because he is able to love and have friendships when he is the actual coward. he is so scared of connection that he basically created a cult. He also has the audacity to call Harry a coward because he let his friends fight for him instead of sacrificing himself, trying to guilt Harry. However, in reality, his followers all follow him out of fear and cowardice. Voldemort is the real weakling. Like he is so insecure and power-hungry that he pushes the troll, which was already out of his way, over the edge of the bridge to make his “triumphant” entrance. So obnoxious. In my opinion, obnoxiousness is probably the worst quality a villain can have because it’s often just annoying, not fun. Hilariously enough, was more fun and interesting until Deathly Hallows, when he just got infuriating and annoying, which I guess works being that the whole point of those movies is to defeat him. I mean, even those he was super arrogant with an ego the size of Russia, you got to admire his ballsiness, especially when he showed up to the Ministry in the Order of the Phoenix. Like he gets so drunk on his ego and so intoxicated by how power-hungry he is, that he gets caught by the Ministry in Phoenix and gets distracted and gives Harry the time he needs to plan his escape from the graveyard in Goblet. Voldemort is also isolating and lonely, and similar to Harry it’s self-induced. However, unlike Harry, Voldemort isolates himself because he thinks it will make him feared and powerful, while Harry isolates himself out of fear that he will hurt people. Eventually, Harry learns that unity is the key to defeating Voldemort, however, Voldemort never learns that unity is strength. The whole series, despite having followers and an army, that’s all they are to him. He still sees friendship and unity as a weakness, and even uses this belief to manipulate and guilt Harry into giving himself over in the final battle calling his dishonorable for letting his friends fight for him instead of facing himself when in actuality, Harry’s friends wanted to, he never asked them to. And ultimately this loveless entitlement ended up being the key to Voldemort’s downfall, and good riddance! He is literally so incredibly arrogant, like the whole “he will come to me” bit in Part 2. people who are ambitious in an admirable way take matters into their own hands, like Snape who worked his butt off every day to be successful at his job, unlike Voldemort who let others do his dirty work. Voldemort and Harry are very similar and this is a theme explored a lot throughout the series, mainly in Chamber and Phoenix. They both had isolated childhoods that led to habits of isolation, they both viewed Hogwarts as their home (that is why Tom Riddle framed Hagrid after all), they are natural leaders, have very Slytherin traits and obviously both speak to snakes (although they last one Harry can only do because of the Horcrux inside of him). However, in the grand scheme of things, they are hugely different. They both have different attitudes about death as Harry welcomes it, willing to die for those he loves while Voldemort tries to outsmart it, just like the eldest brother in the Deathly Hallows story. Harry doesn’t seek power, but Voldemort does. Voldemort has minions who see treats without an inch of gratitude, while Harry has friends and allies that he genuinely respects. Voldemort desires to be different, while Harry desires to be normal (or as normal as you can be as a wizard). But the biggest difference is that Harry is able to love, while Voldemort can’t even comprehend the idea of it. That’s his downfall. Also, when we see young Tom Riddle in the orphanage, we see that he steals things from people, like trophies, which kind of parallels his Horcruxes, which in a way is equivalent to how serial killers keep trophies from their victims, especially since you have to kill people to make Horcruxes. Also, Voldemort was stopped by a 17-year-old boy, another aspect of how the series shows the power of youth, showing how age is but a number when compared to just plain right and wrong. Voldemort made so many dumb choices too due to his arrogance. He gave his cocky, loyal and pathetic minion Lucius a Horcrux, and not just that, a Horcrux with a tangible memory of him. It’s clear that Voldemort does not understand or comprehend love. He underestimated its power constantly. He even calls the love protection Lily gave Harry “old Mgaic,” showing how he thinks it’s beneath, despite the fact that if it weren’t for his Horcruxes it would have killed him. He even says in that same graveyard scene in Goblet that he should have foreseen it, a moment where he uncharacteristically sees himself as flawed. Of course, the fact that he used Harry’s blood to come back, which has love protection so now since it’s inside Voldemort he is able to touch him and not burn to death as Quirrell did, which lucky for him didn’t affect him as he was only a vessel so he could escape. This proves to him that he is more powerful than love. However, in the next film, we see that love is toxic to him, as it is exactly was expels him from Harry’s body when he possesses him. However, he taunts Harry about being a “fool” after being expelled from his body, still not understanding the power of love. Also, LOL at Voldemort breaking his soul apart so much that one piece went rogue and got lost into his greatest enemy. He is a truly pathetic failure. The prophecy itself foreshadows Voldemort’s hypocrisy, arrogance and ignorance by saying “the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. And the Dark Lord shall mark him as his equal but he shall have power the Dark Lord knows not” This is because Voldemort himself is a half-blood, just as Harry is, making the Dark Lord a hypocrite, and arrogant and ignorant by underestimating the power of love, the power Harry has that the Dark Lord knows not (except in the graveyard scene in Goblet it’s clear that he does know, he just underestimated it, and that in itself makes him even more arrogant). Also, the fact that Voldemort takes the wand of one of his followers, so callously, which must be such an offensive thing to do in the Wizarding World as a wand seems to be like a part of you, like a companion, just shows how little he values his followers. How the doesn’t see them as equals or friends, but as soldiers. Voldemort’s biggest mistake was thinking that killing was more powerful then disarming. That is exactly what led to his downfall as he thought it was Snape killing Dumbledore that made him the master of the Elder Wand, however, as we see clearly during his duel with Harry that if that was true, then the Elder Wand wouldn’t have been able to kill Snape. That’s exactly what happens to Voldemort. He uses the Elder Wand to try and kill Harry and the Killing Curse rebounds yet again, causing it to concave into him and have him finally be hit with the Disarming Charm, Harry finally getting the Elder Wand and Voldemort finally getting killed. Honestly, his ego is bigger then Kanye West’s, and that’s saying something. Also, LOL at Voldemort saying about Charity Burbage that to her the mixture of Muggle and magical blood isn’t an abomination, basically calling himself an abomination. While Ralph Fiennes was an excellent Voldemort, I think the best Tom Riddle was Christian Coulson, who played him in Chamber. He portrayed him with such charisma, rage, charm, intimidation, fury, hunger, determination and specificity. Although the actor who played teen Tom Riddle in Prince was great in that scene with Slughorn, Coulson’s performance in Chamber undeniably takes the cake. The specificity and subtle cruelty with which he delivered his lines, puncturing Harry with every word and nuance was great. It was especially amazing since Fiennes hadn’t even been cast yet, and yet you can really see his portal of Voldemort in Coulson, which also shows how Fiennes really worked hard to have his portal be as cohesive, interesting and accurate as possible. He is a charismatic leader due to his thearticality, which makes him even more Hitler-like. He is obviously compelling, as psychopaths tend to have an intriguing background (just look at the crime documentary craze). Also, he is undeniably clever, ambitious and cunning, however he used all of these good qualities in the worst possible ways. I mean, he found out what Horcruxes were when he seemed to only be 14 or 15. Tom Riddle’s smarts are clear from our first time meeting him. He knew he wanted to rid the school of Muggle-borns, but he was an orphan and knew that if the school closed, he would have to go back to it, so selfishly he framed someone, and he strategically showed that memory to Harry because out of context, it made him look like the victim and hero, instead of a villain. However, he knew he needed to complete is the goal, even if he wasn’t at Hogwarts anymore (despite creating Horcruxes to become immortal while at school as shown by him wearing the ring in the Prince flashback with Slughorn) so he used one of his Horcruxes, the things that made him immortal, to continue is the malicious goal, not just in the wider Wizarding World, but also Hogwarts specifically. I love how Voldemort gets defeated by a mother’s love for her son twice. The first is, obviously, when Lily sacrificed herself for Harry, and the second is when Narcissa covered for Harry by telling Voldemort that he’s dead. The orphan who became a villain because of his lack of love, especially from his parents, especially his mom who’s blood makes him a wizard, is the one to ultimately be defeated by motherly love. Also, Mrs. Weasley, one of the biggest sources of motherly love in the series, kills his most loyal follower. What a great karma’s a bitch, full circle moment. Voldemort was so arrogant that he literally killed Snape for no reason because he thought he was the master of the Elder wand because he killed Dumbledore. He couldn’t fathom that a wand can be won simply by disarming, not necessarily by killing. And that ultimate act of arrogance caused the wand to be loyal to Harry, and therefore unable to kill his master and instead killed the person attempting to kill his master. At least it was a fitting last mistake. But also, you gotta admire Voldemort’s determination and drive to never give up when it comes to killing Harry. It’s honestly hilarious. Voldemort is also so petty, which isn’t necessarily one of his more ruthless traits as he pettily takes Lucius’ wand for the Seven Potters battle, which to him is his reparation for Lucius failing to get the prophecy. Voldemort being like “he will come to me” and not even bothering to fight in the Battle of Hogwarts also doesn’t just show his arrogance, but also his hypocrisy with him refusing to fight and letting his Death Eaters fight for him, while belittling Harry for fighting alongside his loyal companions. It just shows how truly twisted Voldemort’s logic is. Harry was the Horcrux Voldemort never meant to make because he wanted to split his soul into 7 pieces, one of which still being inside himself. However, ended up with 7 Horcrux, and 8 pieces of his soul. Once again, this proves how much of a failure he is. Voldemort is also so callous and ruthless as he literally murders Lily in front of her baby son, traumatizing him, as shown when he encounters the Dementors in Azkaban. Of course, he thinks he’s about to kill him, but it’s still so disgusting and cruel. I will say, it’s hilarious when you realize that Voldemort always seems to come after Harry toward the end of the year. At least he values education, even though it is cruel to that during finals. Aren’t these kids stressed enough? Even without all his Voldemort-ness, Tom was a powerful wizard in his own right. He was a good student, excelling at Dark Arts (obviously) and history (as he was fascinated by Dark wizards). If only he didn’t transform into an unrecognizable, feared Dark wizard. Tom Riddle’s cowardice, hunger for power, ambition, prejudice, superiority complex, entitlement and inability to learn from his mistakes and value kindness ended up being his downfall. Karma’s a bitch! While Voldemort’s loveless and unhappy life makes him a sympathetic, complex, and understandable villain, that doesn’t explain his arrogance and entitlement. All I can include about that is his ambition for power is why he garners those qualities. However, as seen from the orphanage flashback, he’s always been cold and creepy and combined that with his audacity for thievery, which helped him get the gumption to attempt to pull off his take-over-the-world plans. It’s honestly kind of impressive that Voldemort managed to gain all the power on his own when he never trusted anyone or leaned on anyone. It was pure determination and ambition. Voldemort’s great weakness besides his ego and arrogance is how he underestimated his adversaries. He underestimated, house elves, Draco, Snape, Harry, and most of all Narcissa and Neville. Voldemort also isn’t as much of a magical genius as he thinks he is. This is proven by how wrong he was about who truly is the master of the elder wand and by how much he doesn’t understand the magical power of love. Voldemort is also a hypocrite, because he preached blood purity, when he himself is a half-blood, which he is clearly ashamed about as seen with Tom Riddle in Chamber. Honestly, that’s probably why he goes after Harry and not Neville, not just because he values blood purity more, but also because it mirrors himself, which he despises, making Harry’s survival even more infuriating for him. It also what makes them truly equals, as the prophecy that concerns them both states. Also LOL at how Voldemort is basically like a teenage girl. He has a favorite cup, a secret diary, a special necklace and ring, has a tiara, a pet, and has an obsession with a teenage boy that doesn’t feel the same way back. It’s pathetic, as he’s basically a middle-aged man. Voldemort also seems so arrogant because he never bothered to protect his precious Horcruxes in a Gringotts vault and in the Room of Requirement, thinking he’s the only one who could possibly be smart enough to know how to sneak into both those places. That is probably his biggest showcase of arrogance, because it cost him his life, the one thing he valued above all else. This is especially true in regard to the Room of Requirement. It obviously exists and is filled with a 1,000 years worth of stuff, and he really thought he was the only person to know about it by hiding his Horcrux in there? That’s so dumb. Voldemort is so ignorant and arrogant that he didn’t realize that love, innocence, loyalty, family, house elves, and even a literal children’s story have more power an importance then he does. Voldemort is so pretentious and arrogant when he tells Snape in their final conversation together “no. I am extraordinary, but the wand resists me,” yes, because it must be the wand and not your own stupidity and arrogance. Also, LOL at how ironic it is that Voldemort’s arrogance literally caused him to choose his own murderer, and then either boy did help murder him because while Harry did it like the prophecy stated, both him and Neville, the other boy, killed his Horcruxes. Dumbledore, even though he is so villainous, is undneiably much smarter and more cunning then Voldemort. He made zero Horcruxes and lived to be 150. Voldemort made 7 Horcrux and died under 100, so Voldemort is clearly the stupidest, most arrogant wizard and the most magic-dependent wizard ever in the series, and that’s really sayings something in a series literally about magic. A t least people like Harry and Hermione, who grew up with Muggles, and the Weasleys who are very familiar with Muggles aren’t reliant on magic all the time. And it actually helps them as they are capable of love and acceptance. Voldemort could have lived to be 200 years instead of wasting time destroying perfectly good jewelry and priceless artifacts and murdering others. Like if he wanted to kill Harry, if he didn’t disregard the power of love, he could have just dropped baby Harry out the window to kill him TBH. Honestly, besides Ralph Fiennes and Christian Coulson’s performances, the only thing I actually genuinely liked about Voldemort was his theatricality, which Fiennes played so well. I really love how Rickman’s portal of Snape kind of set a precedent for so many of the villains in this series being so calm in their evilness. It was a great choice because it makes them all the scarier,a s they seem genuinely desentsized to their harm (the only villain that isn’t like this is Bellatrix which makes complete sense as she is completely unhinged and so Bonham Carter’s performance should be too as it still showcases how sensitized she is, but in a more fun way that makes her stand out from the rest of the villainous character). Voldemort however combines Bellatrix’s theatrics with Snape’s coolness to make him extra creepy. After all, Slytherins are known for their flair for the dramatic, but most show with a sharpness and specificity, while Voldemort shows it with gradeur. That’s his version of theatricality, and it’s very unique compared to the rest of the villainious character in the story. This is particularly showcased in the graveyard scene in Goblet and in the Death Eater scene in Part 1. I will say, seeing happy Voldemort after he walks back to Hogwarts after killing Harry was such an uncomfortable sight. I mean, the fact that he found enjoyment in a literal orphan child’s death, especially since he himself is an orphan child as well, is just so effed up. I mean he literally put a bounty on a child’s head just because he made him a less powerful murderer for 14 years without meaning to because he was a freaking baby, so maybe he still is that disturbing orphan child. This sight of happy Voldemort was only made more cringy when he hugged Draco. Seeing Voldemort attempt to be cordial is just so disturbing after everything he’s done (much like Dumbledore). I seriously don’t know what’s cringier, Voldemort hugging Draco, his amplified voiceovers in Part 2 or Ginny’s “shoelace” line. Honestly, the only reason he’s this high on this list is because of how amazing the performances are from all the actor’s who played him. If it wasn’t was that, he’d be much lower.
31. Mad-Eye Moody
He honestly didn’t do it for me. Mostly because the majority of the time we get to know him it wasn’t even him. He was also kind of annoying in my opinion. Like how he was yelling at everyone in Part 1, like just chill. Maybe if he wasn’t so serious and let the group take a minute to enjoy their reunion before setting off to the Burrow, he would have survived the Seven Potters ordeal. Moody did seem like a good leader and soldier, even if he was too paranoid, severe and desperately needed to chill out. He was clearly traumatized both from his appearance and behavior. But honestly, he just didn’t do it for me. I will say, his backstory sounds very interesting. And he had some great comedic moments, like the scene in the courtyard when he transfigured Malfoy into a ferret and when McGonagall asked him what he was doing he said “teaching” and then when McGonagall asked, horrified if the ferret was a student he answered “technically its a ferret” without missing a beat (also LOL at it being a white ferret to match his white-blonde hair. Also, please tell me Draco’s true friends, if he has any, never let him live this down). Then he purposefully and energetically stuck his tongue out at McGonagall like a toddler. Moody seemed like a pretty selfless friend and soldier through. I mean he fought and destroyed his own body, and also seemingly his sanity, and eventually his life for the greater good. He seemed to genuinely care for Harry through the Order in Phoenix in Part 1, just had a more intense, reserved way of showing it. Also, him simply stomping his staff and throwing the Death Eater back during the Battle at the Department of Mysteries was pretty badass. His death was kind of anticlimactic (although I do think it’s ironic how his son IRL was the character to announce his character’s death to the group). I understand the purpose of his death; if the strong, resilient, tough Auror can be taken down by a Death Eater, then how are the rest of them expected to survive this?” However, since his movie, the Goblet of Fire, mostly featured him as Moody-Crouch (although played brilliantly by Gleeson), not just Moody, so we really didn’t get to know him well, just what other people’s perceptions of his character based on what other characters told us about him. That made his supposedly tragic, shocking death fall flat, at least for me. But also, you gotta admire Moody’s dedication. He literally lost an eye and a leg because of how devoted he was to his job, and it didn’t even seem to bother him. He seemed to wear it more as a badge of honor (and yes, I mean him because this was shown during the Karkaroff trial flashback). I hate saying Moody needed to chill, because right after all this he dies, but it’s true. Clearly, this is a dangerous mission. let Harry say hi and catch up with everyone for like 2 seconds then they can get down to business. Honestly, those two seconds could have saved his life. He was such a good Auror that “half the cells in Azkaban” are filled because of him. That’s a lot of criminals, and therefore very impressive. He is clearly very tough and resilient, not just because of his career, but also because he survived being held hostage by Crouch Jr. He’s resourceful, strategic and smart. Moody-Crouch seemed eccentric, unpredictable, perplexing and wild, and we really won’t know if some of these qualities are Moody or Crouch as Moody. Moody throughout the rest of the series seemed tough, decisive, strong, guarded, determined and dedicated. Also, Moody always standing in the background is kind of creepy. I get that in that scene in Dumbledore’s office with the professors in Goblet, he was Crouch, but why was he like that in Phoenix, when he clearly a renowned Auror? I will say Moody, but mostly Moody-Crouch, had a lot of comedic moments, however, I mostly think that was due to Brendan Gleeson’s ability to find the humor in the script, not because it was written to be comedic, with the moments he turns Draco into a ferret being the one exception. Maybe if we got to know him better in the other films, it would be more obvious when watching Goblet back that Moody was an imposter. Brendan Gleeson was so good in the role, especially in Moody’s more flamboyant moments. However, I do wish we got to know Crouch Jr. and Moody as their separate entities so that Gleeson’s ability to hint at us that Moody isn’t all he seems would have been far more effective. Also, imagining Succession‘s Brian Cox AKA Logan Roy in the role instead of Brendan Gleeson is just hilarious to me.
30. Kingsley Shacklebolt
I only noticed him because of his royal blue, classically witchy dress robes. My friend said he was a big deal in the books and told me to include him on this list. At least he was Team Harry. The way Kingsley duels the Death Eater army singlehandedly as the Hogwarts side runs back into the castle when the Battle of Hogwarts resumes is very impressive though. Like damn, he’s powerful and a good duelist. I did love it when he said “Dumbledore’s got style,” although Dumbledore doesn’t deserve that praise even if it is true. Honestly, that was Kingsley’s best and most relevant moment. He does seem like an impressive wizard though.
29. Cormac McLaggen
From Bridgerton to Lucy Hale’s adaptation of A Cinderella Story, Freddie Stroma seems to be Hollywood’s favorite British rich boy. He was definitely supposed to be a kinder version of Draco, but I honestly thought he was more annoying because he had no depth. He truly was a “wait till my father hears about this” kid in comparison to Draco who was a “my father is scary and will do anything to be seen as powerful and I’ll do anything to get his attention” kid. Honestly, his best moment was when he threw up on Snape’s feet during Slughorn’s party. That was hilarious and was played so well by the actors in that scene. You could tell how hard it was for Harry not to laugh. At least he joined Dumbledore’s army in the finale! He was a bit boring, but I just love a rich bad boy. It’s the fact that my favorite show of all time is Gossip Girl.
28. Professor Filius Flitwick
I’m sort of indifferent about him. Flitiwck is clearly bright, talented and funny. He did have some great comedic moments like when Hagrid stabbed him with a fork and when he had to pretend to not know who Harry was, but then called him by his name. I do FAR prefer his old man-ish appearance in the earlier films to his dark bowl-cut in the latter films. It matched the witchy vibes better. I also liked how the professors were very old, like in their 60s and over, showing how much they have studied the subject they’re teaching, and therefore making Snape even more of an impressive wizard due to him being the only consistent professor on the “younger” (he seems to be 40s-50s) side, not like Lockhart and Lupin, who were DADA teachers, so they inevitably wouldn’t last longer than a year. Also, apparently, the same actor played the goblin Griphook, so that’s cool I guess. I did find it funny when Hagrid accidentally stabbed him with a fork in Goblet. That was great comedy. I will say, he thankfully made dwarfism mainstream before Peter Dinklage, who I have a grudge against because he just couldn’t let someone else win Outstanding Supporting Actor at the Emmys, could he (although, representation is great!)? Flitwick did have his iconic moments. He is the one responsible for “swish and flick” which was abandoned by the second film. I do love the moment where Hagrid accidentally stabs him and he’s like “you idiot.” Also, I love how they gave Flitwick more to do by making him the chorus teacher, especially because he’s the Head of Ravenclaw house, the most creative house.
27. Sybill Trelawney
I love wacky and melodramatic Emma Thompson. She’s eccentric and quirky. She deserved better. Trelawney is messy, chaotic and theatrical, but she clearly isn’t a bad person. She deserves more credit than just being the wacky teacher. After all, she was the one to foretell the prophecy about Harry and Voldemort that the entire series is based around, as well as the one about Pettigrew reuniting with Voldemort for his return. It also makes sense that Hermione doesn’t like Trelawney. The woman literally told her that she’s going to be a failure at Divination when failure at school is one of Hermione’s worst fears, and in Azkaban, she has such a heavy workload that she’s like, ‘why bother with Divination if I am gonna fail anyway?’ and honestly I don’t blame her because there’s nothing more hurtful then being told you’ll fail before you even begin. Also, it’s even worse when Trelawney is so in her own world that she doesn’t even realize how cruel she was to Hermione. Also, Hermione is clearly smart because she tests Trelawney’s falsity by saying she saw the Grim (which even if she did, it was probably actually Sirius as Padfoot), and Trelawney then combats her. However, Hermione doesn’t hate Trelawney, showing how kind she is, because she clearly did feel bad for how Umbridge treated her. Trelawney is actually decent comedic relief in Azkaban, but not really in Phoenix. I feel bad for her, and all she really does is panic and cry (understandably) and deliver the ~vitally important~ prophecy. Trelawney really didn’t deserve to be humiliated like that in front of the whole school by Umbridge, though.
26. Buckbeak, Fawkes, Fluffy and Fang
Talk about a scary creature with a sweet disposition. I adored Buckbeak’s soft spot for Harry. We should have seen more of him. Especially since he worked so hard to save his life. I also loved when Hermione was like “at least someone’s enjoying himself” while watching Buckbeak play with the birds. Buckbeak is literally like a dog. Like Golden Retriever. A gentle giant likes Hagrid. It’s adorable. Buckbeak is also such a mood and so smart, only following orders and being lured away when the incentive is food, even if its gross ferret. Buckbeak is like a big dog, trying to steal the ferret food hanging on Hermione, all while she’s carefully trying to get away with saving him. My dog does stuff like that all the time. It’s innocently adorable and frustrating. Buckbeak is like a dog. He reminds me of my dog. The sweet, independent, stubborn way he behaves. They both have a mind of their own and are so comedic and adorable. Also, Harry’s smile the first time he pets Buckbeak, he’s really like a dog, Buckbeak is. I also loved when Hermione was like “at least someone’s enjoying himself” when a gang of birds flutter past her and Harry and Buckbeak, and Buckbeak is jumping up catching them and playing with them, seemingly enjoying his freedom. it not only shows Hermione hatred for waiting and impatience (Mood), but also is a delightful moment that shows how sweet Buckbeak is. As much as hippogriffs are proud creatures, they are also so lovable and adorable. Also, the fact Buckbeak was so taken with Sirius that he let him rip out one of his feathers to put in the Firebolt package, something Hagrid specifically warned the students not to do, is so heartwarming. Also, the fact that Sirius risked exposure after everything just get do the godfathery thing and get Harry a new broom, already knowing how much he loves Quidditch. It’s so sweet. It’s a reckless and kind gesture that’s so very Sirius. Why didn’t he fight in the Battle of Hogwarts? And the same goes for Fawkes. He could have healed all of them. When Dumbledore died, did Fawkes have, as it’s called in True Blood “the true death,” as well? Phoenixes also seem to be really cool creatures. They are immortal and symbolize rebirth. They can carry very heavy loads, which is why Fawkes can fly Lockhart and Ron and Harry and Ginny out of the Chamber of Secrets. They have healing tears, which is just such a beautiful thing. They also have teleportation powers, as they helped Dumbledore (ew) escape arrest in Phoenix. Fawkes deserved a better companion then Dumbledore. Fluffy was sort of pointless in the long run. I mean, where was the three-headed dog moved to? He was just used to add some scary stakes in the first movie, which was needed, but did it have to be a dog? No wonder so many of my friends were scared of dogs when I was little. Although I find it funny that a three-headed, Greek mythology-inspired dog was named something as innocent as Fluffy (I also name my Grandma’s stuffed animal Fluffy in the 2000s without ever seeing these movies so personally it’s just ironic). I love dogs and Greek mythology with makes me a sucker for Cerberus (the Greek name for a three-headed dog, which was also in Percy Jackson), even if it’s freaking terrifying. I really hope Fluffy was seen as a kid-friendly monster rather than the reason I had too many friends who were scared of dogs growing up. I also liked the bit where Fluffy’s snoring was so powerful that it blew the Invisibility Cloak right off of the trio. Also, maybe I’m reading too much into this, but if you notice, there is basically a head for each of the trio. As for Fang, he was such a great companion for Hagrid. And his breed was so realistic for someone like Hagrid to own. Also, LOL at Hagrid calling Fang a coward, with a name like Fang.
25. Hedwig
What a great companion. Talk about dying for your partner. Wish it was impactful though. I mean, that was Harry’s pet. I would have been a wreck. Also, the fact that Harry had a snowy owl figurine hanging above his crib as a baby, as we see during the Prince’s Tale, foreshadowing how Hedwig was always meant to be his owl, is just too sweet. I love how it was Hagrid who bought him for Harry. And his last act saved Harry’s life (also, can you imagine a dead snow owl randomly falling out of the sky onto someone’s car or something?). Hedwig symbolized Harry’s innocence and childhood, and his death in Part 1 symbolized the loss of innocence and childhood, while still showing his loyalty as he died sacrificing himself for Harry. Also, the way Hedwig died not just protecting his companion, but the person who gave her as a present to her companion, Hagrid, makes it both even more tragic and sadly full circle. Hedwig symbolized the end of Harry’s teenagehood. She has been one of the few constants in his life and has been there with him the whole time he has grown up in the Wizarding World. It’s a very underappreciated and tough loss. RIP Hedwig!
24. Dean Thomas
The only time he was useful was when he dated Ginny and it made Harry jealous, but mostly because Hermione told the audience it did. Not because we actually saw it. Otherwise, he was just sort of there as the stereotypical “Black friend.” He seems like he was unfortunately (I hate to say this) added just to add diversity to the franchise, even though he didn’t really do much. He deserved better. Also, I found out the actor was in How To Get Away With Murder, so that’s cool. Alfred Enoch clearly made an impact even with the little development he was given as he was pretty prominently featured in the Reunion, mainly in a hilarious conversation with Tom Felton and Matthew Lewis. Dean seems loyal, honest, good-hearted, supportive, fun-loving and reliable. It also seems like Dean is a Muggle-born, as he didn’t know what an Auror was in Goblet and I believe I heard his name come up on the radio as someone on the run in Part 1, although clearly when everyone started hiding in, what I assume to be the Room of Requirement, he somehow snuck back to school, probably with Aberforth’s help as he was laughing and drinking with him and Seamus after the Battle of Hogwarts. I wish we could have seen them struggle with this, maybe meet up with the trio while they were all on the run. I wish we could have seen him and Hermione, and even Harry too, bond over Muggle stuff. We also barely got any development between him and Ginny, unfortunately pretty much an equal amount to her and Harry which is absurd for too many reasons. He seemed to have a lot of potential, especially with Alfred Enoch seemingly having such a successful career post-Potter. It just seems like a waste or a situation are they didn’t see his potential and very much regret it now. Honestly, his best acting as Dean was the tough and pissed look on his face as he watched Draco walk over to join the Death Eaters in Part 2. That just sucks. He deserved more to do. He was clearly capable of it. The scene where Harry walks into the common room to find everyone and stares at him, this time because he is being painted as a liar rather than just for being the legendary Harry Potter. Harry is used to the stare though, he has been receiving them since first arrived at Hogwarts, so he takes up a conversation with his friends Dean and Seamus, and Dean being the kinder of the two answers him kindly, but honestly, Seamus is more abrasive and blunt. This scene is sort of why I find Dean more interesting than Seamus. Seamus is like if you take all of Ron’s weaker and more annoying qualities (complaining, lazy at spells, stating the obvious) and stuff them into one character, and while he receives more screentime and more to do, Dean is still more interesting to me as he seems more like Harry, easygoing and kind (and they obviously both dated Ginny), which is why I wish we got to see their friendship develop more. Also, Seamus was just annoying in my opinion. Dean’s quietness, and sparks of quiet strength especially in Part 2, gave him mystique where I want to learn more about him. There was so much potential with his character that was just wasted. They could have developed a frenemy relationship between him and Ginny to make Harry’s jealousy more apparent, especially because it could contrast how so many people of jealous Harry and now he’s on the other side or it and also the complexities of frenemies versus straight enemies like Harry’s relationship with Draco. This would have made Prince so much better because not only would it have enhanced the teen drama, make Ginny and Harry’s relationship development more impactful and but also give Harry even more to do on to everything else, making the fact that his happy place the Burrow burned down, and having that push him and Ginny closer as it was her childhood home, means that much more, instead of just be brushed over. Basically, making Dean have more to do in Prince would have made an already interesting story that much better, especially because it could have helped us see why Ginny is such a hot commodity and why Harry likes her.
23. Nymphadora Tonks, Madame Pomfrey, Madame Hooch, Madame Maxine, Madame Rosmerta, Professor Sprout, Amelia Bones, Mrs. Figg and every other woman that only served one purpose.
Tonks seemed like a badass. Tonks really does deserve her own section, and to be higher on this list, but because of how little screentime, development and lines she has, I just can’t justify it. Her colored hair, punk outfits, and nose-changing abilities were cool. I liked when she winked at Harry and when she was using her supposed Metamorphmagus powers, as my friends told me, to make Ginny laugh with her different animal noses (I wish we got to see their relationship more, from what I know about book Ginny and from what my friends have told me about Tonks from the books, they seem very similar. Both tough and bold. Tonks could have been like the big sister Ginny never had). From what I know about Ginny from the books and from, but I didn’t really feel much for her romance with Lupin. Maybe, if we got to see more of her, she would be higher on this list, or not be grouped with these other women. I feel like she was just one of many characters who weren’t given their time. It’s a shame. She seemed cool. They should have given Tonks more time. She seemed like a cool character. Her fierce stare at Moody after he mansplains to her and calls her her real name as she yells “don’t call me Nymphadora!” and how her hair changes as she does so to her Metamorphmagus power. Then she shakes her head to change the color back to the original color after her moment of rage and rolls her eyes as Moody explains the instructions for their flight to Grimmauld Place. Her wink at Harry as she passes him once they arrive inside. The actress clearly really understood her character really well, and yet we barely got to know her, and in the later films was given very odd lines, especially her one line in the Dursley house before everyone transforms into Harry, it was so awkward, and Tonks doesn’t seem like an awkward character. I wish she could be higher on this list, or even have her own section, but they seemed to just not do her justice, so unfortunately, here she is grouped with a bunch of other single-purpose women from throughout the series. I love how Tonks’ hair color changes when he gets angry at Moody. It reminds me of a mood ring. Tonks is obviously an impressive, brave witch, as she is in the Order. She clearly has rare, unique abilities. I will say that she parallels Lily really nicely and tragically. They both married Marauders and died alongside their husbands fighting Voldemort and leaving their sons as infants (she and Lupin did have a kid, right? That was only vaguely talked about in the films. I googled it and it seems like it. Harry took him in after the final battle as the Dursleys took him but obviously treated him a million times better. Almost as if it was his duty to pass on his, what ended up being, good fate). It’s so tragic. Tonks seemed to be an important person to the characters, so it’s upsetting that her death, along with Lupin’s, was so underwhelming, especially when they are continuing the cycle of orphaning children in order to take down Voldemort. It’s just so tragic. Madame Pomfrey deserves more credit. She saved the trio’s lives multiple times. Good for her! Madame Hooch’s eyes creeped me out. Although, I do appreciate how they made a woman in charge of Quidditch at Hogwarts. We love female athletes! Also, Madame Hooch orders Neville to “come down this instant” when his broom was malfunctioning like this is his first flying, hasn’t this kind of malfunction happened before during the first year flying lesson? Madame Maxine was…interesting. I did chuckle when she whacked the chandelier out of the way in Goblet and when Harry stuck his tongue out while Hagrid was flirting with her while they watched the dragons. Madame Rosmerta literally served one purpose, when that scene could have literally involved anyone, so why her? Also seems like Ron’s version of Lockhart as Hermione had a crush on him and Hermione said that “Ron fancies her” in the following movie. Professor Sprout was just sort of there. She was only useful in the Chamber of Secrets. Same with Amelia Bones. She was only useful in Phoenix, as she was the only one to voice her belief in Harry during his absurd trial. Mrs. Figg was very cute in that elderly woman kind of way with her rainy-day bonnet, however, why and how exactly does she know about the Wizarding World? I mean, I wouldn’t put it past Dumbledore to just choose some random lady to keep an eye on harry, given how reckless he is with Harry’s life, but it’s still weird. As for the other women, they served their purpose. After all, women get sh*t done. That’s the only reason they are this high on the list. Honestly, the women in this series stole the show. They were the smartest, most strategic, loyal, daring and productive. They are some of the most powerful and impressive characters in the story, just based simply on their skill level.
22. Oliver Wood
He could have been a great mentor to Harry as his guide in Quidditch. At least he was always honest with him. More than Dumbledore could say. Also, I imagine a lot of girls in the 2000s loved that actor. He seems like a heartthrob especially because of how he played a kind, cool, athletic character.
21. Lily and James Potter
The start of it all, but we really don’t know anything about them. I just felt like I had to include them. They seem kind and like they would have given Harry a great childhood. Lily seemed very dynamic and intelligent, but James was portrayed as basically if Ron Weasley took a Draco Malfoy-like turn in high school. At least from Snape’s POV and that flashback in the 5th movie, it seems that James definitely had a chip on his shoulder, which Harry definitely does not. All Harry and James seemed to have in common were their natural Quidditch skills. Maybe if James had survived, Harry and Draco would have been friends instead of him and Ron. Guess we’ll never know. I guess opposites do attract. Just look at Hermione and Ron. They parallel James and Lily way more than Ginny and Harry. Harry is so much like his parents even though he never even met them. Like Lily, Harry was always willing to sacrifice himself for his loved ones, sharing her courage and selflessness. This is even more full circle with how he makes the same noble sacrifice his mom did in the final film, dying so Voldemort would not kill his loved ones (as well as following Dumbledore’s horribly cruel orders). Both Lily and Harry’s deaths helped triumph over the Dark Lord in an effort to protect those they love most. And like James, Harry really values his friends and puts a lot of faith in them, however, luckily Harry is a better judge of character the James was, as Peter Pettigrew just looks untrustworthy from the sight of him. But James wasn’t just a bully. Similar to Draco (although through far less traumatic means), he learns the error of his ways, earn Lily’s heart and becomes a dad, which he would no doubt be great at due to his Marauder mischievousness and fierce loyalty. I am interested to hear about how Lily fell in love with James because based on what we know about her, she seems very kind and compassionate, that she doesn’t seem like the type to condone bullying, especially against someone like her friend Snape (was this how her and Snape fell out of friendship? It seems pretty clear that they had some sort of falling out because of her joining the Order and him the Death Eaters and her marrying his worst enemy). So, I am very intrigued by their love story. Lily seems like a very gifted witch. I mean, she was in the Slug Club, and Slughorn only seems to accept the Hermione’s of the world (and Ginny for some reason). Also, the fact that Lily was killed in Harry’s room, protecting him makes me think that he was trying to buy Lily more time to save Harry, by courageously confronting Voldemort solo, which is very admirable and incredibly selfless, loving and brave, truly showing his redemption (which makes the arc of that redemption backward which is very interesting as we first meet him as an idolized father, then a bully, then reminded of his sacrifice in the finale. That’s a very unique arc when it comes to redemption). I wish we got to see how Harry was affected after seeing Snape’s memory of James. He put his dad on a pedestal, and at least in his youth, he wasn’t a kind guy. Harry got a rude awakening when he found out through Snape’s memory that James wasn’t the idolized saint he made him up to be. He was flawed, which is both heartbreaking for him, and relieving, as it also lifts some pressure off of Harry to be as heroic as his dad, since clearly there is also some villain in his dad. Now, no one is perfect, not even parents. But seeing Harry come to terms with his dad’s imperfection, especially with him being dead, at least for one scene, could have been really interesting. James seems decent and definitely flawed, not a perfect savior in the slightest, but wasn’t the kindest and most caring character. Sure, maybe he grew out of that and I’m sure he would have been a great dad to Harry, as shown when he saves Harry from Voldemort in the graveyard in Goblet, but I am also just shocked the pure and kind Lily even saw good in him and didn’t in Snape. His mom, at least, seemed to deserve her pedestal. Everyone from Slughorn to Lupin to Snape praised her. That dichotomy is very interesting. I mean, Lily must have been a really exceptional person if she could melt Snape’s icy heart. Both Lily and James seemed very brave and selfless, which are very Gryffindor qualities and qualities that Harry Potter values very much. I also that his parents, especially Lily would be pleased to know that her sacrifice of love was worth it. Lily seemed like a gifted witch, very courageous, loyal, protective, determined, strong-willed, brave, devoted and like she would be an amazing mother. I mean, she already was an amazing mother as she did the ultimate act of love and sacrificed herself to save her son. Also, Lily is especially brave because when Voldemort came into Harry’s room, she knew it meant her husband was dead, and she didn’t have any time to process that fact because all that mattered was saving Harry, and she died not knowing if she did or not, probably until the Priori Incantatem in Goblet. Like goodness christ, all of that is a lot. One thing about Lily I thought was very interesting was how usually when a woman’s arc (yes, I mean arc, even though she is dead) centers around only men, Harry, James and Snape, it’s because of more objectifying and misogynistic ideals, however this time it was because of who she is, not what she looks like. Her kindness, bravery, heart and brilliance make us intrigued by her and garners praise and admiration from the other characters, not her beauty, which is very refreshing. Lily also seems very much like Hermione, as she is revered for her bravery and kindness just as much as her brilliance (TBH just like Hermione gives off a Ravenclaw vibe, Lily does too, but clearly due to her very, very, very important scarce, she is clearly a true Gryffindor). I also think that if the war ended in a different way and she lived, she would have found a way to forgive Snape and become friends with him. She had to know from watching over Harry what Snape was doing all that time. Lily is often praised throughout the series for being brilliant, talented, brave, beautiful and kind. Lily also seems so much like Hermione because of how bright she is, as she was in the Slug Club, seemingly the brightest witch of her age just like Hermione, showing how in a way Harry’s two best friends mirror his parents, making it make even more sense how Ron and Hermione end up together (also Ron and James both weren’t in the Slug Club, so there’s that. I also think that Lily would be happy to know that she wasn’t the only mother to save Harry. Narcissa, his archnemesis’ mom and Mrs. Weasley, the closest thing he ever got to a mom, both saved him and fought for him. That’s really beautiful. Especially in Narcissa’s case, because even though she and Lily were very different, they were both mothers, and that means something more important than good vs. evil. I also think it’s interesting how it’s the reasons why he’s like James that Harry is punished or hated, like his Quidditch skills and magnetism for trouble. However, the reasons why he is similar to his mother, like his kindness, bravery and determination are why he is loved. An example of this is how Snape hates Harry because he looks like his dad and is annoying in the same way as he also causes trouble, however, Slughorn reveres him for his talents and bravery. Lily is also the reason why they both work to protect him, not James. Slughorn’s admiration for Lily is why he ends up giving Harry the memory after Harry tells him that if he doesn’t then Lily’s brave and noble sacrifice would be for nothing. Snape couldn’t save Lily’s life and show her that he wasn’t really a Death Eater at heart, so he works his butt off back sure her son is safe. I think that says a lot about both James and Lily, and their legacies. Lily certainly deserves hers, but James, not as much. Lily and James’ death is one of the cruelest, most heartbreaking deaths of the whole series, especially because of all the layers. The prophecy. Sirius. Peter’s betrayal. Dumbledore hypocrisy. Snape being the first to see all the destruction. But we also wouldn’t have this story without their death. Their death is the beginning of it all, so it’s bittersweet. James and Lily were the deaths that started it all. But the thing is, every death in this series, while tragic, are all purposeful. Cedric’s death showed Voldemort’s callousness. Sirius’ death cemented Harry’s lack of parental figures and guidance in his life. Dumbledore’s death showed that the death of the leader doesn’t stop the war, only furthers it, and also revealed obviously for the first time that he isn’t a God and isn’t perfect. Hedwig’s death represented the death of Harry’s innocence and childhood. Mad-Eye’s showed us that the toughest people, soldiers, aren’t exempt formed death. Dobby’s showed that even smaller characters can die a hero’s death. Fred’s represents how some deaths you just can’t get over and that’s okay and human, and how some deaths just don’t have a purpose, they just happen. Bad things happen to good people. Tonks and Lupin’s death re-established the orphans of war like James and Lily’s. Snape’s symbolized that you can always change your ways, even in death, and just because you lived as a villain doesn’t mean you can’t die a hero. There would be no story with Lily and James, but especially Lily. Her tragic death began everything. Everything always came back to her sacrifice. Honestly, if Snape is the bravest man Harry ever knew, Lily is no doubt the bravest woman he ever knew (although tragically barely). James and Lily’s established the story. Without them, there would be no domino effect. They are the ultimate catalyst for the timeline of the series, and that makes them both tragic and important.
20. Horace Slughorn
He was quite funny, which was refreshing and needed in Half-Blood Prince. However, I didn’t like his favoritism (middle-school trauma coming out right there) and his covering up for Tom Riddle (it was also such a red flag how he willingly gave Tom the instructions and knowledge about Horcruxes). Slughorn feels so terrible for what he did, but he couldn’t have known He blames himself for everything. That’s got to count for something. He was kind of annoying. However, at least he proved himself in the Battle of Hogwarts. He even took Liquid Luck! Also, LOL at Slughorn’s failed jolly applause for Snape when he’s announced as the DADA teacher. Part of Slughorn’s charm is his jolliness and his awkwardness, truly. But it’s also why I understand why people either like him or are annoyed by him, never in between. Slughorn was encouraging, cheerful, positive, and good-hearted. He was also incredibly passionate about the subject he was teaching. I also did appreciate how he was literally our only example of how not all Slytherins are bad and villainous. I wish we had more examples of how not all Slytherins are guaranteed villains or are Death-eating lunatics. I mean, I guess Snape is another example due to his triple agent secret, and Draco too due to his family brainwashing him. But they still did some pretty villainous things, and honestly favoriting students isn’t that villainous. I really appreciated Slughorn’s example of a “good” Slytherin, subverting the stereotype of all Slytherins being bad or Death Eaters (with Draco and Snape further helping subvert this stereotype, just in a more complex way as they realized the error of their ways. We don’t know Slughorn’s backstory, but seemed to always be good, he never had a rude awakening like Snape and Draco, although his longtime friendship with Dumbledore is still a red flag of him being totally good as Dumbledore sucks, but like Sirius said, people are both light and dark). That’s honestly why he is this high on this list. It’s much needed. I wish we got more examples of this. I mean, he was so non-villainous that he would rather camouflage as a chair than become forced to be a Death Eater. Slughorn deserves more credit. Sure, he lived much of his life in fear, but once he gained the confidence to tell Harry the truth about Tom Riddle, he was very brave. He survived the battle of Hogwarts and fought to protect his students. Of course, he felt guilty, if he never told Voldemort about Horcruxes, he would have saved so many so much pain, but no one is perfect. No one can tell the future. He lived a life in fear because of him knowing Voldemort’s big secret and fearing for his life, not because he was selfish and power-hungry. Like many Slytherins, he valued self-preservation. However, eventually, he realized that self-preservation isn’t worth much if it will make you ashamed of yourself, and with Voldemort killing another one of his students Lily, Harry’s mother, convinces him to be brave for the greater good. Slughorn, while he did make a huge mistake telling Tom Riddle about the Horcruxes, he felt so bad and ashamed about it. He made a mistake and spent his whole life trying to run away from it and eventually make up for it. Also, he is the one truly good Slytherin because as much as avoidance, exclusivity, lying and favoritism aren’t great things, at least they aren’t prejudice and bullying. Slughorn isn’t a terrible person. He made a mistake and spends his time in the series trying to make up for it. He was one of the few pure and good Slytherins. Also, his face when he was watching Voldemort/Tom Riddle give his creepily happy speak after killing Harry in Part 2 was just painful. That was Tom Riddle, one of his students. He told him about the Horcruxes. That must have been so guilt-inducing and awful for him to witness. He feels responsible, when it’s completely Voldemort’s fault. being intrigued is one thing, after all Horcruxes are an interesting concept. Doing it, making them, that’s a completely different thing. Jim Broadbent was great in the role. I don’t know if Slughorn’s awkwardness and quirky, cheesy mannerisms were in the book but the overtness to them was a great choice for the guilt-ridden, exclusive professor. The choices he made with his mannerisms for the character, the squinting, the head-in-the-clouds and delayed reactions, the forceful jokes, they were very effective in giving Slughorn that lovable but annoying grandfather vibe that Harry definitely saw him as (obviously Harry does not see Slughorn as a pseudo-grandfather, in the same way, Ron is a pseudo-brother but you get that point). His, confusingly written (like who is Francis? Is that what he named the flower or fish or whatever was in the bowl?), monologue about Lily and the bowl was so well acted by him (honestly to deliver such a confusing monologue so poignantly is such a talent, but he is a British actor and Shakespeare which I am sure is trained in is insanely confusing). However, his best acting in that scene was his lineless acting as Harry delivers his reply monologue. Also, the way his hand was trembling as he gave Harry the memory and Harry holding it still, was such a beautiful moment.
19. Cho Chang, Lavender Brown, the Patil girls, Pansy Parkinson, and pretty much every other one-off, usually Gryffindor, girl
Cho and the Patil girls were the only Asian characters. When you remember how much of the British population is from Asia, it’s quite unrealistic even in the Wizarding World. Cho was just sort of there to be Harry’s crush so he could have someone to talk to or make out with, in order to grieve Cedric. Cringy and forgotten and honestly kind of pointless in the long run. Also, Harry finally nabbing Cho only because of Cedric’s death is not the best start to any relationship, but at least they eventually became friends, as seen when they hug when Harry returns to Hogwarts in Part 2. She is also the reason Umbridge found out about Dumbledore’s Army because she got caught. Gotta be more stealthy, Cho! Like, is it just me, or does Harry seem to just like soft-spoken, quiet girls? Wouldn’t he want a badass? No wonder his relationship with Ginny seems more sensical (Cho literally never has a badass moment in the whole series. When she does spells in the DA scenes she seems very anxious and apprehensive and we don’t ever see how exactly she fought in the Battle of Hogwarts even though she survived) and why movie fans seem to ship him with Hermione. Now, unlike Ginny’s lack of development, Cho’s makes a little more sense as she was in a smaller role and only in 3 of the films, while Ginny was in every film and we still barely got to know her. That’s a huge difference, but we still know the exact same thing about each other them; they have no personality. That’s so lazy and unfortunate. There was also so much build-up for Cho, with Harry’s crush on her all throughout Goblet, only for them to have one kiss, share a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it laugh and then break up (while arguably Ginny’s romance came out of nowhere, but that’s mostly due to Harry’s interest in her coming out nowhere, whereas Ginny’s interesting in him has been clear since Chamber, so that makes it a tad more natural, but still barely. Both Ginny and Cho’s relationships with Harry came off as very rushed). I know Hermione said “Cho spends half her time crying these days,” but of course she does. She saw the corpse of her boyfriend (they did date officially right?) right in front other. She’s traumatized, just in a different but equally valid way as Harry. She’s grieving and desperate for comfort, which Umbridge certainly won’t make it better. It’s no wonder she and Harry find each other during her reign of terror. I mean, Cho seems sweet, reserved (I guess in the films Harry just likes more reserved women?), soft-spoken, reassuring and kind. Cho seems so timid and soft-spoken, even when she’s saying her spells like in the DA scene during Phoenix, but I think that is more because she was in a fragile state and nervous around Harry as she is clearly skilled as she survived the Battle of Hogwarts. While Cho was just kind of there, I did feel bad for her. She liked Harry, then dated Cedric, then he died and she still had feelings for Harry and acted on them, and then made a mistake that was seen as an act of betrayal. It makes sense that a teenager dealing with moving on from tragedy would make impulse emotional decisions, but she was clearly, not ready to start something romantic with Harry (also, did her and Cedric and her Harry ever actually officially date, or did they just have a fling? This was never explicitly said). While it makes sense that Cedric’s loss would bring Cho and Harry together, it’s still a little odd to have them kiss right in front of Cedric’s life-like photograph, although I love how is photograph is in the DA room as a source of motivation for the DA members. Cho seems very loyal to Harry. She clearly liked him before Cedric asked her out as she always smiled at him and felt really bad and was very apologetic and when she had to say no to Harry due to already committing to going to the Yule Ball with someone else. She also stood by him after Cedric’s death, believing him, when she over everyone else had every reason to believe the Ministry and the Daily Prophet about Cedric’s death. As for Ron and Lavender, it was a classic case of someone being less into the other. However, it was interesting that they wrote Ron like that. It wasn’t that he was being a dick, he was just naive and didn’t know how to handle it. In his one dickish moment, he was delusional and withdrawing from a love potion. Come on Lavender. You don’t need to be so desperate. Sad she died before she could prove that to herself. Ron honestly treats Lavender horribly. He kept her hanging on even though he clearly stopped liking her way before he accidentally broke up with her in the hospital. I understand why he didn’t tell her his feelings changed because he had never been seen as a hot commodity before and he’s insecure and a naive boy who doesn’t know how to handle a situation like this, but that’s still not an excuse. Also, LOL at Ron’s kiss with Lavender being more passionate then any of Harry and Ginny’s. Also, the hilarious thing is that Ron and Lavender did have chemistry, but it wasn’t electric. If was one-sided due to Lavender’s excessive clinginess, which is what their relationship was, so it worked, unlike Ginny and Harry who were supposed to be epic but always fell flat. Lavender was obsessive, clingy, and jealous, which aren’t the best traits. But she always has good intentions, and is also loyal and brave, as shown by how she fought in the Battle of Hogwarts and sadly lost her life. However, Lavender was important for Ron’s development. She helped him realize that he is an attractive guy. And then Lavender was killed by Greyback. She deserved better. I wonder how Hermione and Ron felt about her death because Hermione was kind of mean to her, because of jealousy, but still. But also Lavender was kind of mean and insecure about Hermione and her friendship with Ron, so there’s also that. At least Hermione somewhat made it up to her by stunning Greyback to stop him from eating Lavender. I know Hermione clearly won as she survived and married Ron and Lavender was kind of annoying, but she still deserved way better. As for the Patil girls, I barely noticed them. They hit the jackpot by getting to go with THE Harry Potter and his best friend to the Yule Ball, and (while it is mostly the boys’ fault) it ended up sucking. I feel bad that the Patil sisters were treated so poorly by Ron and Harry at the Yule Ball. They seem sweet and deserved to go with guys who liked them and actually wanted to go with them, not be someone’s last resort. I felt bad for them, but they were also just sort of there. Although, Padma does seem like an impressive witch, as she showed up to the Battle of Hogwarts and fought with Dumbledore’s Army (Pavarati noticeably didn’t but that could be more about the actress not the character). Same with (and I had to look up these girls) Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson (she went with Fred or George to the Yule Ball, right?), Romilda Vane (can we talk about how this girl literally tried to drug the Chosen One into falling in love with her? Like he is a bit busy, hun. That was actually so immature and selfish) and many others I don’t remember or couldn’t find. With how male-centric these films were, with the exception of badasses Hermione and Luna, at least one of these girls should have been given more to do. Especially, since they wasted Ginny’s character, who seemed to be the other main girl, but always fell short. The least they could have done was make one of these girls more interesting. As for Pansy Parkinson, she was the Slytherin mean girl we needed. We should have gotten more of her because if they wanted this to feel like a real school there would always be a mean girl to Draco’s bad boy. I also wish we got to see them interact more, and scheme more. She should have been introduced in Phoenix so Draco and her could have schemed to catch the DA. I mean, Draco had a small circle as is, as seen when he is moaning for attention in the hospital after the Quidditch match in Chamber, when Harry practically has all of Gryffindor house around his hospital bed. I wish we got to see more of him and his inner circle, especially through Pansy because while Draco is clearly a guy’s guy, it would have been nice to see the Hermione to his Harry. Wish we got more of her. At least Scarlett Byrne-Heffner proved herself as a mean queen as Nora Hildegard in season seven of The Vampire Diaries. We should have gotten more of Pansy. I love a mean girl, and since girls are more ‘nurturing’ she could have been a person of comfort for Draco, especially in Prince. She clearly cared about him and was close with him and saw that he was acting weird on the train. Also, Scarlett Byrne is a good actor and could have really thrived in this role if she was given the chance, just watch her play a different mean girl witch in Season 7 of The Vampire Diaries. Also, it would have been nice to have more female Slytherins, especially female students who are Slytherins. With Slytherin being so contentious if could have added more layers to what being a Slytherin means. But, I also might be biased as mean girls are one of my favorite archetypes and I am a Slytherin. The only other female Hogwarts students I could find online that were in the films are Leanne, Susan Bones, Alicia Spinnet, Gabrielle (Fleur’s sister), Eloise Midgen (who did not deserve Ron’s unkindness in that dance scene. At least karma was a bitch and he had to endure the humiliation of dancing for McGonagall in front of the entire House of Gryffindor. And yes, I have heard about the memes of imagining Snape doing the same for Slytherin House from my friends. We were deprived of that scene. It would have been hilarious. Another reason why we should get these stories from Draco’s more complex POV), Penelope Clearwater (which is the same name Hermione gives the Snatchers when they are caught), Millicent Bulstrode and Hannah Abbott.
18. Cedric Diggory
HE! DESERVED BETTER! This is literally the most unnecessary death in cinematic history (besides Enzo in The Vampire Diaries.) Cedric is literally such a sweet, decent, polite guy as he pulls Harry aside to thank him and repay him for alerting him about the dragons. It was also so heartbreaking how they foreshadowed it when Cedric said to Harry “for a moment I thought you were gonna let it get me” right before they grab the Portkey Cup together. Like No! The foreshadowing! And then he smiles at the brilliance of the cup being a Portkey. Cedric’s death happens in a split second. It’s impulse. An order by the ruthless Voldemort to the cold-blooded Pettigrew with no remorse or second thought. Cedric deserves better than to be collateral damage. At least he died as a brave man, staring his killer right in the face, ready to duel. Its so heart-wrenching. Cedric was kind, athletic, loyal, courageous, modest, selfless, popular, good-looking (he’s Robert Pattinson, duh), brought up well, smart and strategic. I do think the one ‘off’ thing about Cedric was how he laughs at his fellow Hufflepuffs while they are making fun of Harry, but then 10 seconds later tells Harry that he asked them to stop wearing the Potter Stinks badges and making fun of him. I did like that scene though, because it showed that Cedric was a popular, beloved guy at the school, making his death even more sad and impactful. While he may have seemingly lied about telling people not to wear the badges as all his friends were wearing them and he was laughing about it, he did seem to keep his word as people seemed to stop wearing them after that conversation and First Task, clearly showing fair play and kindness, true Hufflepuff traits. He clearly greatly respected Harry’s chivalry, a true Gryffindor trait. He also clearly seen as very attractive, as Hermione and Ginny clock each other when Cedric shows up while they are on their way to the Quidditch World Cup, mostly from Hermione’s soft smile, not Ginny’s flat glance (I wish we got to see more of Ginny and Hermione’s friendship). Also, on the other side of the Portkey, Cedric helping Harry up, hinting at their camaraderie and foreshadowing how Harry helps Cedric later on, it was just so…uneasy (also Cedric, Amos and Mr. Weasley causally running in mid-air as they land from the Portkey, I have to admit, I let out a chuckle. Then Mr. Weasley said “bet that cleared your sinuses, eh?” If it does, can I try a Portkey please?). I wish we got to see how it affected his close friends. But I don’t think that was a character issue as much as it was a writing and directorial issue. I also wish we got to see more of Harry and Cedric’s camaraderie and friendship, as they are really the only two who can understand the pressure of the Triwizard Tournament. We saw how the trauma of the situation affected Harry, but what about him grieving his friend? What about that? Cedric was clearly a good and talented wizard too. While Cedric’s death was undeniably impactful, I wish Cedric got more screentime because it would have made his death that much more impactful, especially with them focusing so much on Harry’s jealousy of him over Cho, it made it seem like he didn’t entirely like him. If we saw more moments of friendship and camaraderie, it would have made his loss that much more profound as then we would be even more emotionally invested in his character, while in this case, we only feel bad because he was an innocent bystander and a kind person. Also, the fact that Robert Pattinson was in two of the most iconic book adaptation film series of all time and is now a superhero. This boy just keeps peaking when it comes to movie franchises. He also clearly has a thing for characters who jump out of trees. Also, Daniel Radcliffe and Robert Pattinson really need to do one of Variety’s Actors on Actors interviews. It would so fascinating as they both have worked together and both led hugely successful film franchises.
17. Narcissa Malfoy
At least she cared for her son’s well-being by making the Unbreakable Vow with Snape. She was a protective mom, but she did marry a literal abusive psycho and baby her son a lot. Although she doesn’t do much, she is the reason Snape killed Dumbledore, which sucks. Seemed scary, but she is just an obedient follower, which is honestly more sad than scary (sound familiar?). However, after watching the final episode of Chicks In Hogwarts I realized that Narcissa was the one to cover for Harry and that he was alive and just Horcrux-less now, after he confirmed Draco is still alive. So, she clearly had a heart, it was just as cold as ice (as I doubt she is now for Muggle rights or whatever). Also, you can hear the quiet desperation in Narcissa’s voice as she crouches down to ask Harry if Draco is alive, and Harry nods ever so subtly, barely noticeable on screen it’s ever-so-slight. It was a very pivotal, underrated and powerful moment. I wonder if Harry ever thanked Narcissa for saving his life despite being on opposite sides. Yes, Narcissa clearly spoiled Draco. After all, Lucius clearly didn’t love him and he needed to get that cocky attitude from one of his parents, but it seems to be more like Dudley being spoiled by Petunia than Lucius simply jus telling Draco that he’s a Malfoy and therefore better than everyone else. Narcissa is SUCH a good name for a villainous (or in Narcissa’s case morally gray and morally ambiguous character) female character and an even better name for a villain who sees the error in their ways. It makes the name ironic as she’s actually the least narcissistic villain in the whole series. All she cared about was that her son was okay. She didn’t care if she needed to risk her life to lie to Voldemort to do it. When Voldemort falls down and Bellatrix tries to help, Narcissa takes it as an opportunity to check on Harry and ask if Draco is okay. She’s resourceful, level-headed and a devoted mother. You’ve got to respect that. The Malfoys are literally such selfish cowards as they don’t even bother fighting in the second part of the Battle of Hogwarts on either side, they just leave, showing how their hearts weren’t really in it anyway. However, this moment also proved how Narcissa is the bravest Malfoy, as they wouldn’t even be able to walk away if she hadn’t stood up and lied to Voldemort after he ‘killed’ Harry. And luckily, Draco is the same way. Unlike Lucius, Draco eventually saw the error of his ways, like Narcissa. Notice, how when they left, Draco was walking with his mother? Also, notice how Draco didn’t walk over to the Death Eater’s side until his mom calmly called for him? He’s his mother’s son, thank god. Like Snape, Narcissa had a cold demeanor, but underneath was very loving and devoted, especially to the person he loved most, which was her son Draco. Like Snape, it was a defense mechanism to survive in the Death Eater world. This made her fiercely protective and ruthlessly determined, making her the bravest Malfoy, as she lied right to Voldemort’s face. Narcissa is like the wife of a mobster. She’s cunning and manipulates things behind the scenes to make sure her children are okay. She’s doing it out of love, unlike Dumbledore who is doing it selfishly. Narcissa played the long game in order to protect Draco. She was calculating, strategic and patient in all the best ways, and always calm, cool and collected. This is all best exemplified in Prince because due to Lucius’ failure at the end of Phoenix, Draco is forced to become an official Death Eater, and due to his unique place as a Hogwarts student, and therefore his close proximity to Dumbledore, Voldemort’s greatest fear other then death, Voldemort tasks Draco with the mission to murder Dumbledore, something, due to his cowardly father and also the fact that he’s a child, he knows Draco isn’t able to pull off. Narcissa knows the son she raised too. She knows that despite being raised in a world full of evil, he has a good heart, and as she says “he’s just a boy,” she knows he’s not capable of doing something like this, murdering someone, let alone one of the most powerful wizards ever. She can tell the Voldemort is playing the long game with Draco, setting him up for failure, and inevitably death, as the ultimate punishment for Lucius failing at getting the prophecy he was so desperate for. However, the cunning and loving Narcissa turns to someone else at Hogwarts, Snape, her son’s favorite teacher, to protect Draco while he’s at school, as she can not. She doesn’t care how and if Dumbledore dies, only that Draco is safe, and therefore she makes the Unbreakable Vow with Snape. Now, Narcissa may have babied Draco, but that is the exact opposite extreme of how Lucius treated him, which was with verbal cruelty, belittlement and resentment as nothing Draco did was ever good enough for Lucius unless it was an opportunity for power, like with Buckbeak and the World Cup. She’s so underutilized and underappreciated. I wish Narcissa got more screentime because she was such a fascinating character. And also, like Pansy, she is one of the few female Slytherins we met who, unlike Bellatrix, clearly had so many more layers to her that weren’t fully fleshed out at all. Narcissa is also a symbol of the power of being underestimated. Voldemort never suspects that her love for her son overpowers her devotion to him, and she uses that to her advantage. She is very underestimatingly smart and I think she deserved way more screentime and WAY more credit. The Malfoys decided to retreat and not fight when the Battle of Hogwarts resumed, even after they went there defenseless with Draco having their one wand. However, this decision was led by Narcissa. She dragged Draco away to safety and Lucius went with them as self-preservtation. It may come off as cowardly at first, but honestly, it’s very strong of them. They are united, at least Narcissa and Draco are. Draco is safe, after everything he was put through in Prince and Hallows and how much anxiety Narcissa had about it, he was finally safe. They may have made the selfish choice, but it is also a underratingly noble one. They finally realized that the pureblood fight, to this extent, just isn’t worth it. After all, believing in awful things is one thing, but fighting for hatred and evilness is another. I am sure Draco’s basis that he grew up with still influences and I am sure Narcissa and Lucius still want Draco to marry a pureblood, but speaking out about these beliefs clearly doesn’t matter to them anymore, especially Narcissa. While at that time, it’s pretty clear that Harry is gonna be victorious due to him faking his death, there is the slimmest chance Voldemort could survive, therefore making this an incredibly brave thing to do, especially after Voldemort punished them so hard before. Narcissa also, while clearly prejudiced as she’s a Death Eater, a Black and a Malfoy, isn’t as in-your-face about these beliefs as her husband. Even though they are horrible things to believe in, she’s classier about, a woman of her wealth and status should be, unlike Lucius and Bellatrix who take every opportunity to belittle someone for their blood status and blood betrayal. Also, like Snape and Harry, Draco is deeply traumatized by his time as a Death Eater. His childhood home became Death Eater headquarters. He sees Dumbledore die right in front of him brutally and she’s the Hogwarts Muggle Studies professor Charity Burbage, a teacher the no doubt hated, die even more viciously right in front of him, inches away from him. Narcissa can’t protect him at this point because Voldemort has taken over their house, he needs to play her part, so that when it really matters she a protect Draco, which she has no doubt with the way things are going it will eventually go downward. Plus, there’s nothing she can do, or her husband, if he was a caring father in the first place. Narcissa saying “he’s just a boy” just shows how maternal and loving she is, especially to Draco. It’s such a poignant and revealing line. Like any good mother, she still sees Draco as a little boy, and not the man he’s growing into. She also sees that despite him growing up, he’s not capable of something this grotesque task. She knows the boy she raised, and he’s not capable of this. She is also expressing self-loathing as she is so guilty and ashamed that she allowed Lucius to take things this far, that now her baby boy is in danger and she has no one to turn to for help, not even her own sister, who is watching her like a hawk. Also, McCrory’s delivery of that “he’s just a boy” line, so timid, desperate, delicate and poised, reveals so much about Narcissa’s maternal instincts and love for Draco, as one part of her strong due to her status and the presence of the sister and other half of her is terrified for her son, not giving a crap about herself or her status, completely selfless, proven by how she makes the Unbreakable Vow because if Snape fails, she’ll die too. The whole “he’s just a boy” thing also makes me think that Narcissa is meant to be a narrative foil to Mrs. Weasley, just as Luna is one to Hermione. Mrs. Weasley says “he’s just a boy” to stop Sirius from telling Harry too much in Phoenix, trying to protect him from his inevitable cruel reality. This is her maternal instincts coming out (unlike Dumbledore, who claims to protect him but is actually raising him to be a pig for slaughter). She knows Harry needs to know this information, but because she looks at him like a son (because we hear her say “he’s as good as” her son in the Expandable Ears earlier), she can’t bear it. Meanwhile, Narcissa uses the same line in Prince when she begging for Snape to help protect Draco, knowing how helpless she is in the situation (as she’s just a housewife and he’s a Hogwarts professor and will be there with Draco every day as his Head of House and favorite professor). She uses it to defend Draco’s innocence in the same way Mrs. Weasley does with Harry, in Lily’s place. And how they deliver this line says a lot about how they are foils. Mrs. Weasley is loud, impulsive and brash, like a true Gryffindor, while Narcissa is calm, piercing and delicate, like a true Slytherin. Narcissa may not have a lot of screentime or many lines, but she is in very pivotal scenes, like the Malfoy Manor battle in Part 1, and she does pivotal things, like the Unbreakable Vow and lying to Voldemort about Harry. Her impact on the series is underrated, but huge. She deserves more credit. And Helen McCrory really understood the assignment, by giving a calculating, compelling, impactful and subtle performance and making it a powerhouse one, despite having so little screentime and dialogue. I also love Narcissa’s flair for the dramatic, with how she intensely and convincingly duels Ron, when her look at them after Bellatrix is revealed to have a knife to Hermione’s throat is so remorseful and with how she slowly turns to face the Death Eaters and calmly proclaims “dead”. It’s so dramatic. I love it. Narcissa doing a dramatic whipping around wand movement to buy time but in a convincing way when she tries to curse the trio, Griphook and Dobby as they leave but Dobby disarms her just in time. See, she’s strategtic and cunning, and uses the Slytherin dramatic flair (notice how Slytherin’s are always the ones to do dramatic wand movements, while other Houses are just focused and productive. It’s not bad, because sometimes it is distracting, but it’s just a technique I noticed that’s unique to them) to buy them time, her reaction is purely because she was shocked it was Dobby, not Harry, Hermione or Ron. Narcissa saving Harry is also very full circle, as Lily saving him began the series and Narcissa saving him ended the series. There’s also an arc to it, with his mom being the beginning and his rival’s mom being end, showing how people grow, people change and people are a lot more than how we first see them. Also, LOL at Narcissa grabbing Draco and leaving the Battle of Hogwarts, never even bother to turn around and see if her husband is joining them. She literally hates him and rightfully so. It’s honestly hilarious. Also, if you told me that Harry would be saved by a mother’s love for her son twice in the series, in the first film and in the film, and you told me that mom would be Narcissa, Draco’s mom, Harry’s biggest rival, I would not have believed you. She deserves way more credit. Obviously, Narcissa isn’t a perfect person. She’s very flawed and complicated. But she’s also very smart, level-headed and caring. She’s human. Narcissa is also standing behind Draco, who is sitting at a desk not daring to watch Hermione being tortured, protecting him as Bellatrix interrogated Hermione and Griphook. Also, when they duel Ron and Harry, it’s clear that they are merely blocking. However, Narcissa has been in this game for a long time, her face is wicked and determined to show commitment, while Draco, who is new to the game, is noticeably more anxious as he duels. However, you can tell that it’s all an act for Narcissa due to how remorseful her face is as she looks at Ron and Harry once it’s revealed that Bellatrix has a dagger to Hermione’s throat. She’s a mom. These are children, the same age as her son (unlike Lucius who literally tried to Avada Kedavra Harry when he manipulated Dobby’s freedom in Chamber conveniently forgetting that Draco is his age). Also, when Lucius begins to walk up to call the Dark Lord, Draco looks at his mom with a desperate, scared, pleading, pitiful look before subtlety jumping with anxiety as his dad walks up, clearly showing how much of a mama’s boy he is and how much he values and loves her. You can kind of see how much disdain Narcissa has for Bellatrix. She is so annoyed with her when they go to see Snape in Prince, like when Bellatrix says “you should be honored Cissy, as should Draco” and Narcissa turns her head to Bellatrix and Narcissa so fearful and annoyed looks at Snape like ‘see what I have to deal with?’, when Snape goes “put it down Bella, we mustn’t touch what isn’t ours” and the fiercely annoyed side eye Narcissa gives her, and when Bellatrix, like a child who just got yelled at, sits back in her seat after Voldemort tames her and Narcissa side eyes her with such distaste and looks nervously at Voldemort, hating how he’s physically in her home, close to her son, especially when Voldemort asks to borrow someone’s wand, she side eyes Lucius like ‘what have you done?’ because it’s all his fault Voldemort has taken over their home. Also, I love how Narcissa sits next to Lucius as Voldemort takes his wand, staring forward, completely unbothered, love it! She knows he deserves it. She’s anxious, but so relieved it’s not Draco. Also, the delicate way she says “he’s just a boy,” with a motherly smile, truly remembering him as a little boy. It’s so powerful. And the fierce, fiery glimmer of desperation and hope in her eyes after Bellatrix suggests the Unbreakable Vow (which Narcissa would die too if it was broken, right?). Also, LOL at Narcissa’s look at Snape during the Unbreakable Vow scene in reference to Bellatrix basically saying to him, without any words ‘see what I have to deal with?’ I literally chuckled. Also, LOL at Narcissa’s more shocked than concerned face when Harry stuns Lucius with three wands (Lucius is so freaking pathetic. He cares more about the grand gesture of taking out his wand than doing the freaking spell itself, just to flaunt the little status he has left). She clearly hates her husband so much. God, I hope after the Battle of Hogwarts Narcissa divorced her loser husband. She deserves better. You can kind of see how much disdain Narcissa has for Bellatrix. She is so annoyed with her when they go to see Snape in Prince, like when Bellatrix says “you should be honored Cissy, as should Draco” and Narcissa turns her head to Bellatrix and Narcissa so fearful and annoyed looks at Snape like ‘see what I have to deal with?’, when Snape goes “put it down Bella, we mustn’t touch what isn’t ours” and the fiercely annoyed side eye Narcissa gives her, and when Bellatrix, like a child who just got yelled at, sits back in her seat after Voldemort tames her and Narcissa side eyes her with such distaste and looks nervously at Voldemort, hating how he’s physically in her home, close to her son, especially when Voldemort asks to borrow someone’s wand, she side eyes Lucius like ‘what have you done?’ because it’s all his fault Voldemort has taken over their home. Also, I love how Narcissa sits next to Lucius as Voldemort takes his wand, staring forward, completely unbothered, love it! She knows he deserves it. She’s anxious, but so relieved it’s not Draco. You can see in Helen McCrory’s performance that she wants to protect Draco, but between the place her husband put their family in, her crazed sister rand Voldemort’s ruthlessness, she can’t. She proves that she is willing to do anything to protect her son, even make an Unbreakable Vow, which she can die from not Just Snape which is very underappreciated, or lie straight to Voldemort’s face. Put in that circumstance, she had no choice but to let her son be traumatized, that’s why the second she gets her son back and the traumatic battle resumes, she takes him by the hand and makes a break for it, not bothering to see if Lucius, the man who effed them over in the first place is behind them, all that matters is that he has her son back and he’s safe. She clearly loves her son more than anything else in the world. More then her husband (you can tell that she literally hates her husband by the end of the series. I hope she divorced him). More than her sister. More than her beliefs. To Narcissa, Draco’s safety was the most important thing other. Nothing else matters except that. Despite being a Malfoy and a Black, she was not a terrible person. She genuinely loved her son, unlike Lucius who treated Draco terribly and did Voldemort’s bidding (we don’t actually see Narcissa do anything for Voldemort, only defy him by lying for Harry). Lucius led Draco right into Voldemort’s hands, literally, while Narcissa protected him at all costs. Also, Narcissa still clearly believes in Mudblood prejudice, however, it’s clear that she does not approve of how Bellatrix acts out against it. It seems that Narcissa simply believes what she believes, and expects her son to believe the same clearly as Draco was very prejudiced in Chamber (however his journey seems to be the boundaries of what that means for him, as they mean something very different for his father compared to his mother. By the end of the series, he seems to be leaning more toward his mom). She doesn’t want people killed over her beliefs, she just doesn’t want to be associated with those people, which is honestly very realistic wealthy, classy, prejudiced, white woman behavior. Like she has Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Waldorf, Lily Van der Woodsen, Emily Gilmore energy, if they were villainous femme fatale types. It’s clear that Narcissa still believes in blood purity, but she does not believe in murdering them. She just doesn’t want be associated with them, which is very ‘wealthy aristocratic white woman’ behavior. Her believes may suck, but at least she had enough class to not go flaunting them everywhere, a far cry from her sister and husband. Narcissa is also one of two people to successfully lie to Voldemort, by looking at him in eye and pronoucing him dead, which is one of many reasons he deserves far more credit. She is incredibly brave. She selflessly gives her wand to Draco during the battle of Hogwarts, leaving her wandless and defenseless during the battle. That is such a selfless and maternal thing to do and shows just how good of a mom she is. Also, we never saw Lucius get his wand back from Voldemort, so he’s also defenseless, however that wasn’t his choice. Also, it’s clear that Draco adores his mom. He only walks over to the Death Eaters’ side when his mom asks him, not when his father does, showing how while he started the series praising his dad for his power and status, he now sees him or the pathetic loser he is. He’s clearly a mama’s boy. Narcissa clearly hated Voldemort. Her sister’s devotion for him made her go to prison and put Draco in danger and not even care for her nephew’s safety. Voldemort took over her home. Voldemort put Draco in danger. He also ruined their family’s reputation. However, she’s a Slytherin, and clearly cunning and calculating. She plays her part well and when she gets an opportunity to finally save Draco once and for all, she does. When Draco, I assume, is sent inside Hogwarts to try and recruit the Death Eater children, Narcissa is terrified for him and gives him her wand. Draco takes it as an opportunity to get his wand back, as he is also scared for his mom’s safety and her not having one. So, when no one dares to check on Harry to see if he’s dead, she knows that Darco wouldn’t be able to resist confronting his school rival during the battle and asks if he’s okay, he says he’s okay and to thank him, Narcissa announces that Harry is dead, when in reality, the only thing dead is her loyalty to Voldemort, as her lie ensured that Harry would finish the Dark Lord off once and for all. However, she still has to physically get Draco back. When they come back to Hogwarts, Lucius desperately orders his son over, but he doesn’t move until Narcissa calmly, maternally and almost kindly calls for him. She embraces him, and waits patiently for Harry to reveal himself, and when he does, she grabs Draco and walks away, turning her back on Voldemort, and her sister, and choosing her son, choosing motherly love over all else, not even caring if Lucius is with them (LOL). Narcissa also literally turning her back on Bellatrix, shown when she drags Draco off as Bellatrix scerams for her fellow soldiers to stay, not even caring if she is okay. She is only focused on Draco. Honestly, I doubt she was truly that sad about Bellatrix’s death, more like ‘she chose that life. she got what she deserved’ *Kim Kardashian evil smirk*. Between what Bellatrix put Draco through, being completely fine with him becoming a murderer and her enthusiasm about using Malfoy Manor, Narcissa’s home not Bellatrix’s (she no doubt opened up her home to Bellatrix after she escaped Azkaban, but not to Voldemort too by proxy, even though Voldemort clearly used it to punish their family), as Death Eater headquarters, I think Narcissa didn’t really care about Bellatrix’s death, after all, it seems like she really lost her sister decades ago. Also, of course, Narcissa babied Draco. It would be any good mother’s first instinct when their child has to grow up in such a twisted, dangerous lifestyle. While letting Draco fend for himself a bit maybe would have made him gain tougher skin, loosening the reigns must have been so difficult or Narcissa to do with Draco’s father being the cruel Lucius Malfoy. Both Lucius and Narcissa were overbearing, but Narcissa’s methods were far less traumatic which makes him instantly better. After all, being babied is far better than being forced to become a Death Eater, which is clearly what happened to Draco as his dad was imprisoned, his aunt is a lunatic and Narcissa clearly resents the lifestyle, claiming “he’s just a boy” when he is given his mission. She clearly doesn’t want this life for her son. Helen McCrory plays Narcissa so beautifully too. She is so captivated, nuanced and strong in her portrayal. Narcissa barely speaks and is a very cold presence, similar to Snape, but also like him, she is capable of warmth, and like the source for Snape is Lily, that source for Narcissa is Draco. McCrory is able to show all of this while having less than 10 lines in the whole series. It’s brilliant and much a masterclass in subtlety and lineless acting. That just proves that good acting doesn’t necessarily need lines at all. Also, much like Rickman, she can communicate a lot through her eyes, especially in that Unbreakable Vow scene. Although she gives so little screentime, when she is on screen, you know it will be vitally important, as she is an integral part of some of the story’s biggest plot twists. Also, when she is on screen, she captivates you, even with Bellatrix being an unhinged maniac in the same frame, Narcissa’s subtle nuances and cool demeanor still reigns supreme, which is just a testament to how amazing McCrory is in the role. It was so sweet how choked up Tom Felton was getting while talking about Helena McCrory and all she taught him in the Reunion. It’s clear that they had a great relationship off-screen. Narcissa, in my opinion, seems to be one of the most underrated characters in the whole series, as well as one of the most complex and fascinating. I wish she could be higher on this list, but because of how little screentime she gets, I just can’t justify it. Is Narcissa a perfect mother? No. But neither is Mrs. Weasley or even Lily for that matter. Is Narcissa still a good mother? Yes. Narcissa is such a selfless mother, much like Lily. She gave Draco her wand to defend himself in the Battle of Hogwarts and went without one, making her defenseless, and she still lied to Voldemort’s face about Harry’s life status after he told her Draco was okay. That makes her one of the most underrated characters, especially in regards to her determination and bravery (which honestly makes her seem more like a Gryffindor then a Slytherin, which she no doubt is as a Black and a Malfoy). Like Snape, Narcissa first chose darkness, but then had an awakening and found her light and used it smartly and when it mattered most. I wish Narcissa was given more development because I’m sure she’d be much higher on this list.
16. Fleur Delacour
I wish we got to see more of her, especially because she is the ONLY woman in the Triwizard Tournament (while also being from an all-girl school) and they had the energy to bring her back after everything but gave her literally nothing to do. She seemed sweet, I guess. Although, it was a little weird that she married Bill after that whole storyline of Ron having a crush on her, even for a series about magic. Also, Fleur participated in a freaking brutal war battle the day before her wedding, which was also ruined because Harry was there and Death Eaters were after him. That is such grace and loyalty. Also, LOL at Fleur kissing Ron’s forehead at the end of Goblet, then marrying his brother three movies later. Fleur Delacour is also just such a beautiful and cool name. And as I said before, she was by far the best-dressed character of the whole series, which I very much appreciate. Fleur was as beautiful as her name (literally, what a cool name). She was also so loyal, pure-hearted, brave and kind, the latter shown by how accepts the Weasleys not matter how rugged and messy they are, especially Bill with his scarred face, when you know Fleur could get any guy she wanted, she still chose scarred Bill Weasley. This showcase of love at the beginning of Hallows was a great reminder that love conquers all, and that’s exactly how they win the war (and they remind us of that again with Part 2 beginning at Bill and Fleur’s beachside cottage. The fact that she was the Beauxbaton student chosen proves that she was brave and smart, at least when compared to her classmates (although the film sexistly portrayed her as the weakest of the four champions, so that really doesn’t paint Beauxbaton in a good light). I wish we got more of her though because she is fascinating to me. I wish Fleur was more developed because then she’d be higher on this list I’m sure. I love the arc of seeing prim and proper girly girl subvert expectations and be a total badass. However, while that arc is assumed, it’s never shown. I wish it was, because then I could justify her being higher on this list (honestly the only reason Fleur is higher on this than Narcissa is just because I couldn’t justify it due to Fleur having far more importance and screentime then Narcissa, but honestly for me I do find Narcissa a bit more fascinating, so I would like to swap their order but am fascinated by them both, so).
15. Rubeus Hagrid
The definition of a gentle giant. He is like a Great Dane, as he is too big for his own good. Hagrid is eccentric, kind, lovable, naive, and enthusiastic. He is one of the most consistent characters in the whole series and he is Harry’s first connection to the Wizarding World. Hagrid is a big child. Naive, pure-heart, good-intentioned and filled with wonder. He sees the best in all people and creatures. Also, the way Hagrid loves Harry from the moment we first meet him. Harry doesn’t even know who he is and Hagrid doesn’t even really know him, as he’s a baby, and yet he is so emotional dropping him off. It’s so precious and speaks so much to how pure Hagrid’s character is. He was always there for his students (okay, maybe not Draco) and especially Harry (so much so that he sent letters to Harry during his first year so he wouldn’t feel left out). He may have favored the core trio, but they were also the only students who didn’t tease him. They trusted him and took him seriously. Hagrid was the first wizard Harry was ever made aware of (he had clearly known his parents, Sirius, Lupin, Hagrid, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape as a baby). That caused them to always have a very special bond. The way Hagrid says so enthusiastic, ominous and excited “if you know where to go” after Harry asks if he can find all his school supplies in London during the first movie, just proves how wonderfully childlike he is. I am glad it was Hagrid who told Harry the truth about how his parents died, his scar and why he is famous (if not him, Mr. Weasley and Sirius would also be great, proven by that Leaky Cauldron scene in Azkaban and that Black family tree scene in Phoenix). It had to be someone who truly cared about Harry, and Hagrid loves Harry like a friend and a son, even if this is his first time seeing him in 11 years. Hagrid was always honest with Harry. He told him the truth about his past, how his parents died, how he got his scar, why he’s famous and who Voldemort is in Stone, and warned him about the war in Phoenix. Also, LOL at Hagrid being like “there’s no safer place, except perhaps Hogwarts” in the first film, and then Harry precedes to almost die every year he’s there. Hagrid is so sensitive. He was so emotional, crying his eyes out while dropping Harry off at the Dursleys. He’s also so sentimental, being adamant about being the one to fly Harry away from the Dursleys too. It’s such a sweet quality to him. Hagrid is so belittled (despite being a half-giant) and underestimated through the series, by Lucius, Fudge, Umbridge and Draco, however, he proves himself many times to not be the dumb giant others think he is. He may be sensitive, but he’s also incredibly tough and assertive, knowing when to use his size for maximum effects, like with Dursleys in Stone. He also told Harry the most important knowledge he needs of the Wizarding World, that not all wizards are good. Hagrid knows that Harry deserves the truth, which is far better than any advice Dumbledore ever gave Harry. He believes and trusts Harry so much, even from a young age, that he has a tough conversation with him about how Voldemort didn’t just kill his parents, but also tried to kill him. that’s a horrific way to introduce a child into a new world,d but at least it’s honest and now Harry can prepare himself, which is better then having him live in ignorance. Hagrid loved Harry, but Dumbledore never did. No one is more passionate about the subject they are teaching than Hagrid. His burning passion for all magical creatures, no matter how dangerous, stigmatized, scary or “misunderstood,” just shows how kind and accepting he is, even if at times it can be a bit naive, as seen with his obliviously dangerous affinity for dragons. Hagrid was impressionable, reckless, irresponsible, dedicated and protective. While he can get carried away sometimes, puts students in danger and is a bit irresponsible, he never has malice as his intention which makes him more like an oversized child than one of his very own scary beasts. Hagrid is kind, generous, good-intentioned, caring and fiercely loyal. Also, Hagrid could be a badass. This is best shown when he flies Harry to the Burrow on his already badass motorbike in Part 1. Hagrid was fearless and determined. It was great to see such a loving, sweet teddy bear of a character so badass, especially because Hagrid already subverted stereotypes by being that way, it was satisfying for there to finally be a moment where Hagrid’s intimidating, domineering appearance matched what he was doing. Honestly, we haven’t seen him this badass since he bent Vernon’s pistol and gave Dudley a pig’s tail in the first film. Good for him! Also, Hagrid’s face when he is forced to carry Harry’s presumed dead body back to Hogwarts, all the shock and agony and sorrow. It was breathtaking and dreadful. Hagrid is definitely not the best professor, but he is more important things. Loyal. Kind. Helpful. Comforting. Curious. He may show favoritism towards certain students, but that’s also because they put in the effort to get to know Hagrid, unlike other students and other teachers. Also, LOL at the 11-year-old being the responsible one and reading the supplies list, not the adult. I also loved his catchphrase “I should not have said that” in That just proves that good acting doesn’t necessarily need lines at all. first movie. It was so relatable. I also liked how he stopped saying it in the latter movies because it was just his personality trait at that point and showed how much he trusts and values the trio. I loved seeing his softer side in the fourth movie with Madame Maxine. I also loved his adorable love for all magical creatures, even the scariest, most stigmatized and dangerous ones (who he always earnestly viewed as misunderstood) and his refreshing optimism. I mean, you know a creature is dangerous when even Hagrid is apprehensive about it, like with the Hungarian Horntail in Goblet (of course Harry gets the toughest dragon). Hagrid is so underappreciated and underestimated. Like, the lightness he brought to the series was so important and deserves more credit. Hagrid is also very irresponsible. I mean, he literally left Harry at King’s Cross in the first film to fend for himself, especially with Platform Nine and Three Quarters being hidden and never telling him how to get to it. Hagrid also put the trio in danger by having them meet Grawp, his less-than-social giant brother. Grawp literally gave Hagrid bruises and scabs and yet still introduced him to the trio. That’s not very responsible, even if his intentions were noble. I will say, despite Hagrid being lovable, endearing, kind and silly, he was kind of problematic with how he was completely oblivious about how dangerous these creatures are, especially in having the audacity and nonsense to teach literal children about such dangerous creatures, even if they weren’t necessarily Dark creatures like the ones Lupin lectured about (even though all these creatures seemed to live in the dangerous Forbidden Forest? But that also begs the question why is there something called a “Forbidden Forest” at a school? Don’t these teachers know how alluring the word “forbidden” is to impressionable minds?), they were still dangerous and irresponsible. However, I, more so, blame this Dumbledore being a biased, careless and selfish headmaster, no doubt using Hagrid’s cluelessness and affinity for dangerous creatures as a distraction from his schemes. While Hagrid does have his red flags, like in Stone when he constantly tells Harry during their first meeting “don’t mention this.” If it wasn’t the lovable Hagrid, that would definitely be some stranger danger, and when Hagrid literally left Harry, a child, alone on a train platform for literally no reason (like the Sorcerer’s Stone business couldn’t have happened after Harry at least got to platform 9 and 3/4? Come on!) after revealing him he’s a wizard and that Dark wizards exist. At the end of the day, Harry really was right in the 2nd film, it’s not Hogwarts without Hagrid. When he was on screen, you knew no matter what, things were going to be okay. Thank you for that, Hagrid! I think a moment that proves this the most is when he carries Harry across the Hogwarts bridge in the final movie after Voldemort kills the Horcrux inside Harry. It was such a biblical visual, but because it was Hagrid, so we knew it was gonna be okay (plus, the story is meant for children and is literally called Harry Potter. She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named may be cruel IRL, but I doubt she’s cruel enough to actually kill off Harry Potter). Hagrid also values the kids’ innocence, proven when Hermione, always caring and loyal, offers to stay with Hagrid while Buckbeak gets executed and Hagrid absolutely refuses to allow that. Hagrid is also fiercely loyal. Like, Harry, he never gets angry, but when Vernon insults Dumbledore, he utilized his intimidating giant nature and terrified the Dursleys in Dumbledore’s defense by saying coldly “never insult Albus Dumbledore in front of me,” retailing by giving Dudley a pig’s tail (how did they get that off? Was it only on his pants, and not on his skin then?). I wish we got to see Hagrid and Luna interact because of their mutual fascination for magical creatures and comedic obliviousness. I did like the ending scene in the first film where Hagrid told Harry how to mess with Dudley. It represented Hagrid’s complexity so well because as much as he cares for the trio, he is also kind of a bad influence, but in the sweetness, most endearing way that makes you forgive him. I also liked how he gave Harry that (moving) picture book with a photo of him as a baby with his parents, alive and happy, as well as a picture with his best friends Ron and Hermione (as we find out in the following movie). It just shows that Hogwarts really is Harry’s home, and those people really are his family. That was truly the beginning of it all. I also loved how in the first film, when he’s at King’s Cross he yells “what are you looking at?” at a Muggle, like it’s completely normal to be a humungous 6-foot-10 human being. Although he did leave Harry, a literal child, alone at a train station, so clearly Hagrid isn’t the brightest Potter character ever, especially for a teacher. I mean, he is smart when it comes to magical creatures and incredibly loyal (like when he says “don’t insult Albus Dumbledore in front of me” in his very first scene) he had terrible judgment (no wonder Dumbledore was so fond of him). He literally befriended Tom Riddle in his youth, and after we find that out, it was never discussed again. I mean, no wonder he can’t sense danger to save his life. It actually explains a lot. He also doesn’t take his own advice, which is shown the most in the first two movies. He advises the trio to keep their nose out of dangerous business, but then gets excited when the trio tells him about their adventures, therefore encouraging them. He also uses magic illegally, as he uses his umbrella to use spells, when he was expelled from Hogwarts, and tells Harry not to tell people when he does use magic. Hagrid also tells Dudley to threaten Dudley with magic, even though he can’t use magic outside of school, which is such a big brother move. While that’s not the best thing to encourage in a child, it’s such an adorable exchange that’s very true to their relationship. He also buys dangerous magical creatures on the wizard black market. I mean, is it any wonder Harry always took Hagrid’s advice with a grain of salt? But Hagrid still did all of this with a child-like naivety that just made him so endearing, which is all thanks to Coltrane’s wonderful performance. Regardless, I do love his child-like wonder, which is probably why the trio developed such a great relationship with him and why he was their favorite faculty member, even if they clearly didn’t enjoy Care of Magical Creatures. I mean, this endearing childishness is apparent from his first scene with Harry, which opens with his first line being “sorry about that” which he hilariously and endearingly says after casually knowing down the door to the Dursley’s hideaway. Although, because of Coltrane’s performance, this child-like innocence is so endearing, and honestly that’s why he’s so high on this list.
14. Ginny Weasley
Ok. I really wanted to like Ginny. Like, really bad. But I just couldn’t. She was clearly supposed to be the “great woman” behind Harry’s “great man,” but she fell completely flat. I mean she has her moments, particularly in Chamber of Secrets (although her big moment was so minimized that I completely forgot that she was once possessed by Voldemort), but I just didn’t connect with her like I thought I would, or did with the other characters. The writers gave her literally no personality, and when it’s not simply on the page (the foundation), it’s difficult for any actors to find that. I hate calling actors bad at their jobs because as an actor, I understand how hard it is to convey emotions and needs, and Bonnie Wright has had a great career after these movies, (she has her own production company and has directed multiple films that went to Cannes and Tribeca film festivals. While I have no idea what made Wright decide to change from acting to producing, I really hope it wasn’t the Potter production team’s lack of faith in her, because she clearly had so much potential. She seems like a very impressive producer and clearly, she has gotten so much success from it) but her acting in this film series just didn’t do it for me. I understand every actor and every person varies in having a certain amount of expressiveness on their face, but she literally had the same voice inflection and facial expression when she was kissing Harry, fighting the Death Eaters and when her brother died in The Battle of Hogwarts. Come on! I do like Bonnie Wright though. From the reunion, she seems like a very kind, smart person. She is also absolutely gorgeous and has a very graceful energy about her. I think this is more disservice on the screenwriters’ side rather than on the actors because from what I’ve heard Ginny is a badass in the books and her and Harry’s relationship has actual depth instead of just surface-level infatuation. Wright’s unemotional, expressionless acting isn’t because of her lack of talent, preparedness or effort, it’s because of her lack of development through the direction and writing, plain nd simple. She was caught in the middle of some of the most emotional and intense scenes. The Hall of Prophecies. The Veil Room. Dumbledore’s tribute. Fred’s death reveal. Harry’s death reveal. And yet her face looks emotionless in the majority of the scenes. Now, that could be interesting as Ginny’s stronger exterior, shock and toughness show through, but as the person who helped Harry become more vulnerable and also with her being a teenage girl who is the youngest sibling and who is in love, I highly doubt that. I mean Ginny has been through so much. She was possessed by Tom Riddle, which somehow everyone conveniently forgot. That must have been so traumatic. She was so troubled at that time that she tried to flush the diary down the toilet and ransacked Harry’s room, because she cared about him so much and knew that it was connected to the person who killed his parents, just to get it back because she’d rather her be possessed then him knowing that he wouldd be in far more danger then her. At 11-years-old. She also blames herself no doubt as writing in it about her crush on Harry didn’t just made her vulnerable to Tom Riddle’s possession, but also put Harry in danger. This is all incredibly brave and selfless, however we don’t actually see any of this because she is completely wasted in the series. Both Ginny and Bonnie Wright deserve better. I also think that while Ginny isn’t written justly, Wright did a better job with her than I think people give her credit for. While Wright’s face is pretty deadpan and expressionless most of the time, she did have her moments of great lineless acting, particularly in Part 2 where she is looking out the window the barrier crumbles. She looks so anxious, determined, scared, shocked, amazed, angry and most of all, ready. it was great. Another great moment of lineless acting for Ginny is when she first sees Lockhart walk out in Flourish and Blotts in the second film. Her face is expressive, lively and energetic, and so is the character. So, clearly when Ginny is actually doing something and not just standing there, wright gives a good performance. I also think that unlike Watson whose subtlety is what makes her acting so powerful, because of Wright’s naturally less expressive face, even when she’s big and energetic with her dialogue and emotions, it doesn’t come off as overacting, as it would for Watson. I also think that’s why her performance suffered so much in latter films because with films that have a darker tone, they often are translated through subtle performances to make the bigger and more imperative moments that much more impactful, and the more wonderous, energetic films like Stone and Goblet, or even Chamber and Phoenix were Ginny actually had things to do it just wasn’t much, her performance is far better and more impactful. Another moment where Wright does some great lineless work is when she is leaning on her mom’s shoulder at the end of the battle and looking at Harry, so empty, exhausted and relieved (also, so jealous of Bonnie Wright. I wish I looked that effortlessly beautiful when I am beaten and exhausted), but since it’s a POV shot and she’s looking straight to camera, that means she’s looking at Harry and you can see glimmers of how relieved she is that he’s safe and how proud of him she is. Also, Ginny’s face when Dumbledore ominously proclaims Tom Riddle’s name during his opening feast speech is so subtly bothered and uncomfortable in Prince. Honestly, that small but effective reaction was probably her best acting in all of Prince, as it shows just how well Wright knows her character despite not being given any quality material, but is also incredibly disappointing because it was such a big movie for her character. It was also clearly an acting choice, not a directorial one, showing how well Wright knows her character and little she is able to show that. Ginny’s eyes blow up like balloons when she first sees Harry at the Burrow and again when she sees his Basilisk wound in the Chamber of Secrets. Also, she gives a withering, menacing, determined glare at Draco when he confronts Harry in Flourish & Blotts. I am also not saying Wright didn’t try to do a lot with the little she was given. The best movie that showcases this is Phoenix, where if you look closely at Ginny in the bridge scene after Hog’s Head when Hermione says “Cho couldn’t take her eye soff you, could she?” or as she leaves the Room of Requirement before Christmas and she sees Harry stay back to talk to Cho, you can see how heartbroken, wistful and jealous she is about Harry’s attraction to Cho. It was some of Wright’s best lineless acting, and I just wish she was given the opportunity to do that in Prince where she plays her biggest role since Chamber because the skill of acting is there, the material she was given just didn’t serve her, or Ginny, and it affected her performance immensely, which is just so disappointing. I think something that would make her and Harry’s romance even more impactful in Prince was if we saw more of them as friends in the prior films. Even if Prince stays the exact same and the prior films added a scene or two where Ginny supports Harry one-on-one, that could have helped immensely. Ginny feeding Harry and saying “don’t you trust me?” is so cringy. A scene like that only works if they were already dating. Also, LOL at Ron sitting right in between Ginny and Harry afterward, like read the room buddy. That’s honestly the only extent the awkwardness of ginny and Harry’s relationship should go, when it involves her brothers because that’s realistic (when I say something is realistic, I am fully aware of how weird that sounds with this being a fantasy series. What I mean is that it makes that moment ground in reality and therefore relatable for the audience. These moments are needed in, in my opinion, interesting and successful fantasy series because they help the audience grasp the world and the characters more. Even if the overall story is pure escapism, these grounded moments are still needed for the character’s growth, humanity and audience connection). The other stuff is just cringe-worthy. And when Ginny walks out of the castle with the Hogwarts side and her dad and asks Neville who Hagrid is carrying, in denial that it’s really Harry, and then when it’s revealed, she screams and runs forward as her dad catches her. You can see that Wright was clearly capable of giving an emotionally impact performance, but the director just did her dirty (if you want to see proof that Bonnie Wright is capable of bringing book Ginny to life, watch her clips in the movie The Philosopher’s, which also starred Freddie Storma). The girl in love with Harry Potter, especially someone brave and confident like Ginny, would fight like hell out of her father’s arms, and yet the next time we see her she is just standing there, not even crying when any girl seeing the love of her life dead would be bawling her eyes out from anger and grieve and sadness. We don’t even get to see her relief when Harry resurrects. This is yet another example of how much of a disservice they not only gave to Ginny’s character but also to her and Harry’s romance. This is clearly a directorial issue because as aforementioned there are small, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments of proof of Wright being such a capable actor. Her director didn’t help her flourish and develop, which led to a mediocre, unimpactful performance, probably the least impactful of all the main characters, which is so unfortunate. It just shows that having a lot of screentime doesn’t mean your performance is instantly impactful. Like in comparison. Helen McCrory is given very little screentime and yet gives a powerhouse performance. Now, it’s not exactly fair to compare the two actresses as McCrory has decades more experience then Wright, but Wright’s director should have guided her on how to do so much with so little, just like he did with Draco, who is a better comparison, which is a stark comparison especially because they grew as actors at a more similar time, and Draco did have a lot of screentime in the later films he had far fewer lines, which meant he had to say so much with so little, which Felton thrived in. Wright didn’t, or rather couldn’t, because she rarely had close ups or well-framed shots and when she did, she wasn’t given much to do, which makes it difficult to deliver a impactful performance, especially with poor direction. It’s clear Yates favored other characters’ developments over Ginny’s, because while the “shoelace” line is awkward, the well-written lines are there, and with the right conviction could have been powerful and impactful, and yet they all fell flat because of the poor direction, as she is clearly a capable of actor, just guided wrong. In comparison, Columbus was able to bring out so much from in Chamber to deliver an impactful performance with such little development at such a young age. You’d think now that Wright’s all grown up, it would only gotten better, but the director screwed her and didn’t have faith it her. It just sucks all around. We also never really have any scenes with Ginny and Harry one-on-one, except for their kiss and the few lines exchanged here and there that add nothing to the story or their relationship, especially with how poorly, unenergetic and unpassionate those scenes are directed. That makes for terrible and jarring relationship development. Why not have them compare notes about Voldemort possessing them? Why not have them talk about Ron and Hermione’s fight? Why not have them talk about Fred and George’s shop? Something! Anything but freaking shoelaces and pastries please! Ginny has also been through so much. I mean, she was possessed by Voldemort at 11 years old after her innocent, naive, impressionable self found an empty, magical, conversational diary. She made herself vulnerable to it and talked about her crush on Harry to it. That’s so impactful, and yet it was never brought up again and even in that movie, they did take the time to do the trauma justice. Ginny deserved better development and treatment. When Bonnie Wright was given the opportunity for depth and development, like in Chamber of Secrets, she gave a good and decent performance. Especially in the scene with Lucius Malfoy and when she saw Harry at breakfast, she did a really good job. I think if the writers gave Bonnie Wright a chance and gave her more to do than just stand there as another friend of the “Golden Trio,” as I’m told the core trio called, she could have given a much better performance. When Ginny wakes up in the Chamber of Secrets and her eyes shoot open after Riddle is expelled, her hair is wet and she’s so out of it, she can’t even process that Harry, her crush, is in there too, then gets shocked when she notices his wound and her eyes blow up like balloons. Unfortunately, it’s some of Wright’s best acting in the entire series, and yet it isn’t even close to some of the other major characters; best moments, which is sad because clearly Wright was capable of it from a young age. And when she watches the phoenix tears heal Harry, her eyes blow up again in subtle shock like it’s the first time she’s ever seen magic. She isn’t a blank face emotional like she is later on, she’s nuanced and emotional. It’s subtle, but its effective and translates. That doesn’t happen later on due to how little she is given and how the writing and directing puts her at a disadvantage. When your character doesn’t have much motivation except for just standing there, it’s hard to have anything else written on your face. Ginny’s bland personality didn’t just do her character a disservice, but also Harry’s character (aka the main character!). By making Ginny lack any definitive personality, it also limited the amount of development for Harry and his more romantic, teenage side. I think that’s what really and this is so disappointing. Her lack of development is why she and Harry’s relationship is so flat and boring when it could have been iconic and amazing. Honestly, and I hate to say it, but I don’t think I have ever truly understood what poor on-screen chemistry means until I watched Ginny and Harry. Like the way that scene where Harry zips up Ginny’s dress and they kiss and George walks in on them is literally the most unelectric, least sexual tenison-fueled romantic scene I have ever seen, and that’s saying something. And what was that “shoelace” exchange? How did they move the story forward? What was the purpose of that other than to just be awkward and have Ginny and Harry in a scene together? This lack of development just makes it seem like Ginny and Harry were put together to make Harry officially part of the Weasley family because she is the only girl, therefore it seems forced and inorganic, unlike Ron and Hermione which has building throughout the whole series. But honestly, I blame it more on the writing and lack of development then the acting, because I am sure they could have created some chemistry (although by no means electric), rather then just flat chemistry if the writing was more developed and purposeful. It’s not even that Ginny was just badly written, it’s that they barely even tried. Like in Goblet when she tells Fred and George “don’t be so mean” after they try and get bets saying “four go down — but do four come up?” The line just seems careless thrown in there and doesn’t really make sense. Something like “that’s not funny!” as they were basically hinting at one of the contestants drowning would make more sense. Like even in the small opportunities where she could show the fun, outgoing side of Ginny, it just false flat because for the entire series, she has been forced to play Ginny one way, making it more difficult for her to play her the way she was originally written. An example of this is when she grabs the Advanced Potions book from Harry, which is supposed to be a sort of teasing situation, but it just ends up feeling flat, over-rehearsed and a little forced. Ginny snatching the potions book from Harry when Hermione is chasing and interrogating him could have been such a great moment of her teasing Harry and Harry blushing, but because of her lack of development, Wright doesn’t know how to play it and it falls flat. She finally gets her time in Prince, but every opportunity and scene, almost every single one falls flat because she’s been wasted since Chamber, like imagine growing up with a character, and when that character finally gets her time, you feel so lost because she hasn’t been given anything. Of course, she could use the book for inspiration, but I think the fact that’s not even on the page speaks volumes. An actor’s job is to take what’s on the page and bring it to life, make it dimensional and vibrant, and Ginny’s writing is the opposite of vibrant, which makes Wright’s task near impossible, and while she undeniably could have done more with the little she’s been given, that’s when I blame the director for not giving her a chance or enough time to collaborate and develop her character. The few lines she does get like “that’s ghastly” in Goblet after seeing Ron suggests his dress robes are her’s (it’s sassy and in a very classically sisterly way only adds to Ron’s embarrassment, but also LOL at the irony because her dress is also “ghastly”) or when she screams “shut it!” to the rowdy potential Quidditch teammates at tryouts when Harry is failing at getting their attention (why is she standing with the, again? They aren’t a power couple yet and isn’t this her first time trying out for Quidditch too? Since when did she become co-captain or vice-captain? It makes complete sense that Harry is captain suddenly after he became the youngest seeker in a century and well, he’s Harry freaking Potter) are no more than two words, and its hard for any actor to show as much personality as possible with only two words, and somehow these are her sassiest and most-accurate-to-the-books moments. It’s a true shame the writers couldn’t do Ginny or Wright justice. She was seriously one of the characters with the most potential and the least development. Ginny still had a decent arc, going from a sweet, impressionable arc to a loyal, powerful young witch, but she still deserves more development for a more complete, satisfying arc. Her arc with her relationship with Harry also mirrored this. While decent, going from a shy school crush to him reciprocating her felling, its lack of development made it more jarring and less satisfying. However, I will admit, while Wright clearly does have evidence of potential, she was definitely not the strongest actor of all the kids. With or without development, of the 7 of them (the kids who went to the Department of Mysteries + Tom Felton) Wright was definitely one of the weaker ones. One moment that proves this to me, and how it clearly wasn’t a directorial issue is when the Death Eaters take hold of Harry’s friends in the Veil Room. His best friends Ron and Hermione are fighting to get free, Ron is angry and Hermione is worried. Luna is not fidgeting, which makes sense for her dreamy character. Neville is focused on the situation itself, and while brave, is still noticeably uncomfortable. However, Ginny is just standing there, looking more annoyed and exhausted than anything, when if she is as loyal to Harry and as forceful as she’s supposed to be, she would be fighting like hell just like Ron and Hermione. Now, with long shoots, I am sure Wright was exhausted, but that’s not an excuse for not doing your character justice. However, the exact opposite argument is proven by the rage-filled, fierce and determined face Wright gives while blocking Bellatrix’s spell in Part 2. So, it’s clear, like all actors, that she still has the chops for a good performance, just had a director that didn’t help her flourish for some weird reason. Also, besides that “shoelace” exchange (the worst writing of the whole series was that exchange for so many reasons I don’t even think need explanation), Ginny wasn’t terribly written. If Wright was directed well, her lines could have been passionate and brash, however, due to poor direction they were quiet and calm, which is such a disservice to the characters’ personalities and also Wright’s acting abilities. While Wright does seem confident and kind like Ginny, she is a more soft-spoken presence and Ginny isn’t, which makes Ginny more opposite from her in that way. However, it seems that a major part of Ginny’s character which means that would be a challenge for her which makes it even more clear that it was a directorial issue because they made the character more like Wright and less like how she was supposed to be, which is such a slap in the face to the actress as clearly the director didn’t believe in her when there are small moments of evidence that she is capable of so much more. From what I heard, she has a great personality in the books. Skilled. Confident. Strong-willled. Athletic. Tomboyish. Protective. Rebellious. Easygoing. Strong. Romantic. Charming. Friendly. Kind. Nurturing. Likable. Feminine. Headstrong. Blunt. Talented. Impressive. Tough. Energetic. Forceful. Outspoken. Relatable. Indignant. Fierce. Open-minded. Smart. Funny. Bright. Capable. Beautiful. Bold. Sassy. Gutsy. Attractive. Fun. Popular. Sarcastic. She was also a very impressive witch, which was sometimes shown in the films with her Patronus and impressive defensive spells during the Department of Mysteries battle in Order of the Phoenix and managed to block Bellatrix’s curse in the final movie (the one which caused Bellatrix’s death by Mrs. Weasley), and we all know Bellatrix isn’t one for weak spells, but I think, besides her love and friendship for Harry, that was really only element from the books, from my research, that was used in the movies. Clearly Ginny is a hot commodity as she dates Dean and harry, and yet they don’t give her the personality to justify it. To the viewer, it’s purely based on her beauty, when it’s clear from her Reducto Curse and her reassuring nature that he has so much to offer and so much potential. She also seemed more like one of the boys than Hermione, as she was raised around multiple brothers and was an athlete (but they are both one of the boysas Ginny is a tomboy and Hermione is just more of a guy’s girl than a girl’s girl. But they are both feminine and empowering in their own right. I appreciate how they show this balance of girliness and tomy-ness in two very different ways with two very different girls). You can even see her excitement for the Quidditch World Cup when she sprints to the Portkey boot, not any of the Weasley boys, her. I wish we got that confident, empowered version of Ginny from the books, not the quiet reserved version of Ginny the movies gave us. I think it would have also been better for storytelling too I think, because she is so different from Hermione. She’s an outgoing tomboy. However, they also have a similar spunk and sense of humor. I would have loved to see their friendship. We should have gotten this Ginny, not the complete opposite: shy, quiet, reserved, flat, deadpan, bland and serious. From the Reunion, it also seems like Bonnie Wright’s personality in real life is more similar to book Ginny than movie Ginny. She seems outgoing, independent, tough, smart, strong, confident and witty. That’s what makes this even more disappointing. obviously, it’s more interesting as an actor to play characters more different from yourself, but if it makes for a better story and does the character justice for you to be more similar to them, then who cares? It’s better to be right for the part than to do a disservice to the character, and they definitely did Ginny a disservice, which such for such a major and important character. She was definitely painted in the best light in the Chamber of Secrets and a little bit in Order of the Phoenix but was wasted for the majority of the series, so when she was given a good amount of time in the Half-Blood Prince, she was awkward, and so was Wright’s acting, because she barely knew the characters she had been playing for 6 years because she was rarely ever given anything to do prior, unlike her counterparts. Like, that scene where Ginny practically shoves a cookie down Harry’s throat was so cringy, even before Ron sits down in between them. It was incredibly cringy, and kind of hard to watch, which says a lot for someone who still watches Riverdale. The thing is, it’s clear that Ginny has had a crush on him for years (also, LOL at the fact that Draco joked about Ginny being his girlfriend in Chamber in Flourish and Blotts, and then they ended up getting married), since the moment she first met him when she didn’t even know he was Harry Potter. Ginny didn’t just like Harry because he was the Chosen One, she liked him because of who is is as a person. That’s really what made Harry fall for her. She may have liked him at first purely because he was the famous Harry Potter, but eventually those feelings became more real and mature then a simple schoolgirl crush. But the thing is, this is never executed well in the series. I only figured this out because I am an actor and understand how stories and characters work, and I am not an idiot. Their relationship deserved to be written and directed better because it really could have been epic. Also, during that DA statue circle scene, Ginny was badass when she performed that Reducto Curse on the statue, making it crumble into dust. The scene was only made better by her brothers’ shocked, impressed and awkward faces and Ginny and Harry’s gleaming proud smiles, setting up a great foundation for Wright’s acting abilities being showcased, Ginny’s development and their relationship, which was just wasted in the following film. Ginny also did that extremely powerful Reducto at the Hall of Prophecies causing the whole thing to crumble (clearly Reducto is Ginny’s signature spell). Wright, Radcliffe and Grint’s reactions to that spell were all great, showing great potential for her character’s development and her relationship development with Harry and Ron, but again it was wasted. This also impacts Harry and Ron’s relationship as it was clear how nervous Harry was about Ron finding out about his crush as he uncharacteristically lied multiple times, and yet there was no scene of approval, only a line, by Hermione, which made no sense, showing how Ginny’s lack of development halted many other characters’ development, not just her’s. Also, the fact that Ginny and Harry end up together isn’t satisfying as a viewer because of their lack of development. It comes off as forced and convenient rather than sensical and passionate. And Radcliffe and Wright’s chemistry may be more fizzle then sizzle, but that’s also because the writing of their relationship arc was rushed (even with the emphasis on teen drama in Prince). It didn’t get any time to breathe and happen, it was basically forced. If the actors were given a scene to actually explore the layers of Ginny and Harry’s relationship, I am sure it would have helped immensely with bringing their love story to screen, making it purposeful and passionate instead of rushed and bland. It’s clear from Chamber that she has always been intrigued and infatuated with Harry. Ron said that she has been talking about him all summer, since finding out that the boy she said “good luck” to at King’s Cross was THE Harry Potter and has become best friends with her brother. Then to her surprise when she comes downstairs to ask her mom for her jumper and happens to see THE Harry Potter and gets wide-eyed and embarrassed and runs away after Harry, with his Gryffindor chivalry, says hi to her. Then when he saves her life, it, obviously only grows, Then naturally at some point, she begins to stop the childish fawning and just starts to become his friend, while those feelings are still clearly there even as she dates other guys like Dean. But the fact that those feelings still remain just proves that she doesn’t just like Harry because he’s Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived and the Chosen One, she likes him for who he actually is as she got to know him as a friend. And I know this, not because this arc was shown well in the films, but because I am not an idiot. I’m an educated viewer with critical thinking skills and common sense. And that’s the issue. It should have been shown to us. I wish we got to see more of her sense of humor. The only time we really got to see that shine was in Goblet when she called Ron’s dress robe “ghastly” and said “I think you’re in love Ron” when he was praising Krum after the Quidditch World Cup. She did joke in Prince “I could stay in here too if you’d like” but it didn’t really land. I wish we got to see her sassy sense of humor more. Ginny seems popular, as she has a bunch of witches around her as she casts her Patronus and she is an impressive witch as she casts her Patronus successfully, as we can see from her big happy and shocked smile, while her older twin brothers are having trouble with there’s (despite being two of the brightest lights of the series). She deserved more screentime. Ginny is also kind and comforting, as we saw her comfort Harry over Dumbledore’s body in Prince. Harry could have used more of that, so why didn’t they at least give Ginny more scenes to do that? She and Hermione could have been such a great female comedic duo. Like, can you imagine a scene like the one the boys had in Azkaban of the girls gossiping and having fun in their dormitories? Even a stereotypical pillow fight could have been such a fun scene, like that scene with the feathers between Bonnie and Elena in The Vampire Diaries. I wish we got that. I get that these films should focus on harry, as he is the titular character, but for the largely female audience, and for a visual medium, this would have been great to include at least one point in the series. Because of her lack of development, she had virtually no personality and no chemistry, even with her family (except she did have good chemistry with Mrs. Weasley), when based on the fact that they all worked together for a decade, it’s clear that it has nothing to do with Wright and everything to do with the screenplays themselves. There was very little build-up to Ginny and Harry. It happened suddenly. we knew Ginny had also liked Harry and are reminded of that subtlety in Phoenix. However, in Prince, Harry goes off as very possessive due to his sudden interest in her and his jealousy of her and Dean. Their scenes are also so awkward when they have known each other for years. Hermione and Ron have awkward moments too, but they are always charged with some kind of passion, Ginny and Harry’s awkwardness is just plain awkward and nothing more. Even their romantic moments are awkward as hell. She’s also the youngest of a big all-boy family. It’s realistic that she would be strong and loud (stereotypically masculine qualities) not quiet and awkward. They could have been like sisters, especially because eventually that what they became. They should have used her to balance out the positive female representation along with Hermione, not wasted her. They should have given the two girls time for a dynamic, impactful female friendship and camaraderie that the series completely and undeniably lacked and so desperately needed. Ginny also didn’t have a sister, and Ginny and Hermione could have had a great sisterly relationship, especially with them marrying besties Ron and Harry. I wish we got to see Luna and Ginny’s friendship more (they are the same year, right?). They seem very opposite, Luna is very whimsical and bright and Ginny is either shy and quiet or confident and brash. I would have loved to see that opposite personality friendship shine through. Basically, if the writers decided to make any female friendship prominent, it would have added to Ginny’s character so much, because the main ones (besides Luna and Hermione) all involve her. This is why her lack of screentime and development is so disappointing. Like seeing Emma Watson, Evanna Lynch and Bonnie Wright interact on the train in the Reunion had me going ‘This is the content we deserve’ (same with Watson and Matthew Lewis too). Ginny’s awkwardness in the first few movies, especially around Harry makes sense. Children are awkward. But by Half-Blood Prince, it makes no sense. They went to the World Cup together and spent many holidays together. They may not be best friends, but they definitely wouldn’t be awkward, even as they navigate their new feelings for one another. It was way more awkward than it really would be. Now, Harry and Ginny seem to have similar personalities, if Harry was “just Harry” not Harry Potter. They both seem reserved, easygoing and athletic. So, I understand that, but that doesn’t seem like enough for a passionate romance. This is shown in Goblet after the World Cup game when Ron and the Twins are messing around inside the tent with Ginny is even teasing Ron, as little sisters do, and the whole time Harry is just hanging out off to the side, observing, teasing and laughing. In terms of Ginny’s shyness, it makes sense in the first couple of films. Harry is this child legend and she barely knows him at that point. But later on, it doesn’t. By Azkaban, he has saved her life and he’s friends with her brothers and like another son to her parents. It makes sense that she would be more comfortable around him by that point, but instead she’s still more reserved and quiet, despite there being proof (by proof I mean small little moments) that that isn’t who Ginny is. It’s just such a disservice to her character, her romance with Harry and Bonnie Wright’s acting abilities. Ginny’s lack of character development, so her romance with Harry feels superficial and surface-level. Now, Ginny isn’t the only one to blame for Ginny and Harry’s lack of spark, so is Harry. He wasn’t a very romantic individual, which in a way makes sense as he was rightfully more focused on saving the Wizarding World and surviving adulthood. However, why couldn’t Ginny serve as a motivation or momentary distraction? Their lack of epicness and passion in way lowered the stakes, making it a major disservice. Honestly, Harry had more romantic tension with a Disarming Charm than with Ginny (Also, the fact that we never saw Daniel Radcliffe and Bonnie Wright talk during the Reunion, or interact at all, I think says a lot. Not that they hated each other, I’m sure that’s not the case. However, it shows that they weren’t as close so the chemistry wasn’t there, not that that friendship and on-screen chemistry are mutually exclusive). It’s just disappointing. Also, if there is one thing that made Ginny opening the Chamber of Secrets worth it, it was getting exams canceled during her first year of Hogwarts. Sure, it was for a bad and traumatic reason, but it was still very lucky of her. At least her classmates could thank her for that, despite traumatizing all of them without realizing it due to her being possessed. Ginny’s lack of sass and humor also make her feel less like a Weasley as her brothers, especially the ones closer to her age like Fred, Geroge and Ron, are some of the funniest characters. Ginny also seems very secure with herself. Like, she’s dating THE Harry Potter, and as we saw with Romilda Vane, every girl wants him due to his fame and legacy, however, Ginny likes him for him, not his fame (although maybe when she was younger she liked him for his fame). She also doesn’t seem to be jealous over the attention he gets, probably because once, she was just like those fans before she became his friend and family. However, because they wrote her as such a quiet, reserved person, this doesn’t shine though in the way it should. Ginny is also fearless, proven when she doesn’t even have a second thought as she jumps through the fire and runs after Harry who is running after Bellatrix, all in her freaking bathrobe. However, yet again, none of this is well executed as we don’t really see Ginny do anything from this. When she comes face-to-face with Greyback, she just stares at him with fear, when based on how well she fought in at the Hall of Prophecies, you know she would really try to fight back. But no, she does nothing. No epic Reducto Curse like in Phoenix. Then there’s that awkward thing with Harry when they are back to back and he grabs her arm puts it on his waist, which can be interpreted as him knowing she’s safe, but it’s just so odd and weird and forced and unnatural, like him holding onto his child in a supermarket. I get that it’s a high-stress situation, but he also knows how skilled Ginny is. Plus, you can hear her breathe? Ginny is also very loyal, which actually is an element shown decently well in the films. She is always loyal to Harry. Yes, is originally stemmed from her crush on him, but that’s also just who she is as a Weasley, shown by how she stands up for Harry against Malfoy in Flourish & Blotts. She even risks her life to go to the Department of Mysteries with him, that’s loyalty. Ginny is also reassuring. We see this when she helps Harry get rid of the Half-Blood Prince’s book. However, that’s really the only time we see this clearly. Not during the finale. Not with her son in the Epilogue. That’s proof of how underdeveloped she is. Ginny did have her badass moments, particularly in Phoenix and Prince, but without much personality to back them up, those moments fall flat too, and they aren’t impactful to the audience, unlike Neville who had an arc or Hermione who’s smarts and work ethic gave her motivation and excuse. She is also clearly able to produce very strong, powerful and difficult spells, as she blocks Bellatrix’s no doubt violent spell and managed to fully destroys the Hall of Prophecies with a single Reducto charm. That’s insanely impressive (even Ron’s face was awestruck at his younger sister’s power and skill). Also, Ginny being Harry’s girlfriend makes her a huge target for the Battle of Hogwarts and yet we don’t see her be a badass and duel off Death Eaters. The only time we really see her duel intensely is at the wedding while dressed up all sparkly and pretty (like a badass), and even then the shot is framed to Ginny barely appearing at the edge of frame, and she’s fighting her brother Bill (which is cool, but loses the effect due to the framing, making her seem weak then badass). Of course, she blocks Bellatrix’s spell, but it’s such a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, which doesn’t translate well. She deserved to have her badass moment, especially in support of her now-broken family and the boy she loves. I wish we got to see her just occasionally included in some of Hermione, Ron and Harry’s adventures (although I love the trio, it is always nice to see Neville, Ginny and Luna especially mix up the dynamic). It would have given Ginny more to do and made the Epilogue more comforting. They had that a little in Half-Blood Prince when Harry and Ginny first started dating, but it wasn’t as clear. Maybe it is more in the books. I mean, Ginny is a very skilled, powerful witch. She blocked Bellatrix with determination and ease, she fought Bellatrix in a bathrobe, she can do a Patronus and none of the kids would have gotten out of the Hall of Prophecies without her extremely powerful Reducto curse. She deserves more credit…and more development. Now, the easy solution would be to just give Ginny more screentime, but when they gave her more in Prince, it wasn’t purposeful, meaningful, and it didn’t add any development to her character or the story. They needed to give her more meaningful screentime, not just have her stand in front of a camera. Also, how did Fred’s death affect, Ginny? She looks more shocked then sad (more emotionless than emotional) when the family surrounds Fred’s body, refusing to look down at his lifeless body until Ron arrives, but how did his loss really affect her? Like throughout all of this, no matter what, the Weasleys always had each other. They remained a family, and now one of them is dead. That has had to have a profound effect on all of them. The thing is no matter how skilled, kind, clever, reassuring, fun, witty, strong, bold and how good of a leader Ginny was, which there are small pieces of evidence of throughout the films, none of this is obvious or well-executed. However, Ginny has been through so much and serves to be appreciated. She rebelled against Death Eaters, shown at the wedding with her and her eldest brother Bill both battling them together. She also became Voldemort’s puppet during her first year, a stark contrast to Ron’s heroic first year, which was no doubt traumatizing and probably only encouraged her to be more reserved (no doubt the screenwriter’s excuse for not giving her justice) instead of her supposed outgoing self, which would have been a better choice, showing her resilience (that quality also being in so present in harry would have made their romance make more sense as it would be a quality they have in common and respect in one another). She was also in the Slug Club, which is clearly only for impressive, talented wizards (Ron didn’t even make the cut despite being heroic himself and eventually destroying and Horcrux), however, we never see why she was accepted into the club or how, especially because we literally never see her interact with Slughorn (however, we know Hermione well enough to know whys he made the cut and Neville well enough to know that he is a Herbology genius, but clearly due to him not making the cut Slughorn doesn’t have as much respect for that subject). She also survived literally every battle that was caused by Harry and Voldemort’s rivalry and put up with so much BS. Like she deserves so much credit, but because none of this was well-executed in the writing, not giving Bonnie Wiright much to do besides standing there, all of this is forgotten about. Also, it’s worth noting that the Potter boys seemed to have a thing for redheaded girls. Like father, like son, it seems. Also, despite a lot of hardship, she was lucky enough to have the legend that is Harry Potter fell in love with her (which is especially lucky given how dull she is in these films) and her first year at Hogwarts exams were canceled because of the Chamber of Secrets debacle, which while she was unlucky enough to be mildly at fault for that, she still didn’t have to study for exams. I just wish we got to explore her character more because I would really love for her to be higher on this list. I heard inklings that people didn’t like her character, but I just thought it was jealousy over how she dates Harry and how no one could possibly be good enough for him. I really wanted to think otherwise. I was surprised to see how underdeveloped she was, and that’s why people don’t like her. I think she deserves to be higher on this list, but the execution just wasn’t there. I will say, it was very impressive watching her make it look easy and not stressful at all running in a robe. I wish she could have been higher on this list.
13. Ron Weasley
He has some of the best one-liners in the series. If Rupert Grint knows how to do one thing, it’s how to deliver a witty one-liner. Some of my favorites are “can we panic now?” (relatable!) and “so you’re gonna suffer, but you’ll be happy about it” (even him Polyjuice’d saying “we have to flush ourselves in” was hilarious. Such a great voice actor too!). I love the self-deprecating, self-sabotaging, masochistic humor. He has a good sense of humor, despite his insecurity, often leaning towards the dry side, no doubt due to his close bond with his older twin brother, even though their humor was more joke-based. But besides being great comedic relief, Ron just didn’t do it for me. When he wasn’t being funny, he was complaining (usually rightfully, but still). I didn’t hate him, I liked him, but didn’t love him as much as I love some of the other characters. I liked Ron because, while I personally related to characters like Hermione, Luna, Neville and Harry more, Ron, I think, is the most universally relatable and realistic teen character. He is insecure, laid-back, jealous, emotionally immature, chill, unintentionally hilarious (which only made him that much funnier), dramatic, overshadowed and moody. He is also lazy and nonchalant, avoidant and angsty. But all of this doesn’t mean that Ron isn’t a great wizard, he is, just in a way more realistic way which I much appreciate especially for this generation, as the modern teen is a notorious couch potato. However, Ron is lazy without technology. I mean he has magic, which makes so many things more convenient, and he’s still lazy. This shows how Harry Potter is relatable for all time periods, generations and ages. Also, Ron pretending not to remember choosing Hermione while unconscious in the hospital is such a realistic teenage boy thing to do. Grint also portrayed Ron’s relatable laziness so well, probably because he was a teenage boy at the same time Ron was (it also makes so much more sense when Grints says in the Reunion how the lines started to be blurred between himself and Ron). As aforementioned, maybe if his skills and smarts were explored and developed just like Hermione, Harry and Neville’s, maybe he would have been higher on this list. I wish he could be higher on this list, like I wish for Ginny. Out of the main trio, he was the least realized and the least developed, therefore we got to know him the least out of the main three. Examples of this that were completely nonsensical and out-of-character to me is when he literally just sat their watching Harry and Hermione talk at the end of Half-Blood Prince and when he didn’t hug Harry goodbye after the Prince’s Tale and before he went off to the Forbidden Forest in Part 2. He’s also jealous. An example of this is when he calls the Twins “weasels (LOL, the irony)” after Harry tells him they gave him the Marauder’s Map, further feeding into his inferiority complex, especially in regard to Harry. Ron is also very dramatic, often overreacting (hilariously and in moments of terror very justifiable, but still). I feel bad that he was sort of pushed to the background because he was a main character. At least with Ginny, it made a little sense because as much as was a very important character that deserved more development, she was a supporting character, some movies she had a lot to do and others not so much, like many of the supporting characters in this insanely large ensemble, but for Ron being a main character, they treated him like a supporting character. I understand that they needed to reel in the female demographic by developing Hermione more and that characters like Neville have a bit more built-in depth to them, but these movies are already lengthy. Would it really have been that big of a deal to add a couple seconds for Ron to hug Harry or a couple lines here and there to show Ron’s endless support and loyalty to his best friend? I don’t blame this at all on Rupert Grint, he did the best with that he was given, and the lack of material honestly made him a great lineless actor because from other things I have seen of him, he does often stand in the background and have few lines, the screenwriter is too blame for this in my opinion. From what was developed, his laidback personality seemed to balance out the trio very well, what with Harry’s anxiety due to his unsolicited fate and Hermione’s fixated and determined nature. His insecurities added complexity to this dynamic. He is also a great example of how jealousy doesn’t make someone a villain, its you human. He was a great friend to Harry, like when he saved him and Harry even with his malfunctioning wand, faced his fear of spiders to help Harry and drove a flying car to Hogwarts, determined not to miss the first night’s feast. Also, honestly, Ron’s sense of direction is a very underrated quality of his. He also finally gave Harry the family that he craved. Ron was ALWAYS there for Harry. Even when they were in a fight in Goblet, he still told Harry about the dragons, which is a very good friend move (however doing it via absurd, elaborate, unnecessary false saga, not so much, but it’s a very realistic, immature teenager thing to do). He was such a dedicated friend that he eat slugs in their defense, by accident, but still. His braveness, loyalty, skill, dedication, and smartness were very underestimated. I mean, he sacrificed himself in the Chess game in the first movie to save Harry, and he was freaking 11 then, and he also saved Harry in Part 1 when Harry tried to get the Gryffindor Sword at the bottom of the frozen pond (Ron’s parents would be so proud of him if they knew). Also, Ron fights like hell when Hermione is tortured by Bellatrix and can’t control his instincts when Bellatrix hints at murdering her, impulsively running out and successfully disarming Bellatrix and dueling Narcissa. It just shows how underestimated in terms of skill and how fiercely loyal Ron is. He also survived the Battle of Hogwarts, which is impressive in itself. So, he deserves more credit. And he was so desperate to hear that his family was okay while searching for Horcruxes. That was so sweet. The Wizard’s Chess scene is literally the only time we see Ron as a leader print the whole series, and this was in the first film! That’s insane. After seeing him so fearful, anxious and insecure, it was so great to see him be so confident and brave in that scene. And he and Hermione both helped Harry learn and get comfortable with the Wizarding World. Although, I am a bit confused about why Ron was portrayed as kind of dumb and unintelligent when he’s the only one who actually grew up in the Wizarding World. I get that Hermione is a genius, but maybe some of the more frivolous aspects of the Wizarding World that Harry was confused about could have been given to Ron. I mean this kind of happened in the first film with Ron explaining Chocolate Frogs and Every Flavor Beans, but that stopped in the later films, except when Hermione was gifted The Tales of Beedle the Bard by Dumbledore and Ron explained to her and Harry that it’s a Wizarding World children’s book that Ron’s mom read him when in was a kid in Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Other than all of that, most of it was all given to Hermione. Speaking of Hermione, I loved how in Azkaban it was Ron who always noticed Hermione showing up to class suddenly, often saying “When did you get here?” or “When did you come in?”, hinting at their slow-burn romance. He was the only one who was constantly aware of her presence (as insecure, anxious teenagers are), was always concerned for her and her well-being and always took notice of her. I will say, I do appreciate how JKR subverted expectations by making Hermione fall for Ron when any other brighter would have made her fall for Harry, which honestly would be too easy as they are a little too similar, while Ron and Hermione are so opposite that they balance each other out well as a romantic couple. They always had a great loving, yet snarky banker, from the very beginning, like in the Devil’s Snare scene were Hermione says “you have to relax, if you don’t, it will only kill us faster” and Ron angrily replies, “kill us faster, well now I can relax” and Hermione responses with a snarky smile. It was so well-done by those young actors, and set the tone for their banter even within scenes with high stakes. I also thought it was hilarious and ironic how in Goblet Ron covers himself up when Hermione wakes him up at the beginning of the film and in Part 2, he strips in front of her carelessly. I liked seeing Ron’s maturity, and how he knows there’s a time to be a teenage boy and a time when things are bigger than his insecurities. While Ron is a very loyal friend, in some ways, he resents Harry. How he has all this fame, fortune and glory and he doesn’t. It makes him insecure and sometimes he behaves poorly. Ron gets even angrier with Harry when he says, particularly in Goblet, that he doesn’t even want eternal glory, but he also is the one that always receives it (also LOL at Ron laying in silence in this scene thinking of a good comeback and then a few seconds later saying “piss off,” with that being the best he could think of). The locket in Part 1 says it best. Ron is overshadowed and insecure that he’s not good enough. While Harry never experienced love, Ron has but doesn’t believe it. he feels inadequate due to being overshadowed by his family and also unintentionally by Harry. However, despite all this insecurity, Ron had a good arc. In the beginning, he was tactless, angsty, insecure and had a hard time empathizing with others, but by the end of the series, he became the hero he always wanted to be and he finally got with Hermione. He was a good friend. He’s a kid, so of course, he made mistakes, but at the end of the day, he was a great friend. He was insecure, which caused him to lash out at times due to jealousy over Harry’s praise, (sudden) wealth and fame, but that was very realistic and I am sure many kids watching could relate to that. The line that’s best example of this is in Goblet when Ron says “that’s me, Harry Potter’s stupid friend.” Compared to Harry, Ron feels interior, especially when Ron is often left out of Harry and Hermione’s productive banter through the Horcrux hunt in Part 1, but Harry and Hermione don’t view him that way. It took Ron the whole series to stop viewing himself that way, which is a great and very relatable arc. However, he didn’t just feel this way because of his lack of academic and athletic prowess or fame, but also because of his economic status. Harry was an orphan and when he came into the Wizarding World, he also became suddenly rich. However, Harry used it to help Ron, an example of this being right when they met when Ron couldn’t afford and treats from the Hogwarts Express trolley, so Harry used his newfound money to buy “the lot.” Harry also never flaunted his wealth like Malfoy. Harry would rather spend time at the rustic Burrow then buy his own mansion, which he could clearly afford. It was clearly his favorite place. Harry could have also afforded the luxury treatment at the World Cup, but would rather go with the Weasleys then be a VIP because to him, its the people and experience that’s important, not the status of the experience (though I hope he did pay for his own ticket because he could have clearly afforded it and the Weasleys probably could barely pay for themselves to attend). The money never mattered to Harry, only his friendship with Ron and the Weasley clan. After all, Ron had something Harry never had, a loving family, and luckily Ron was generous in sharing that family with Hermione, but especially with Harry, who never experienced that before (honestly, Harry’s upbringing with the Dursleys made him so humble when any other kid probably would be been cocky like Cormac McLaggen). Friendship was the most valuable and meaningful thing Harry found at Hogwarts, and that all began with Ron (it’s also what really set Harry apart from Voldemort, who didn’t have friends, but minions and followers). Ron was Harry’s first friend, maybe ever. He was the first person to resemble family to him, as a brother, and then Ron was Harry’s window into the Weasley family, which became the first family to resemble family to him, before actually becoming his family by marrying Ginny. Ron lived in a crowded house with an oversized poor family, and he and his family never thought twice about Having Harry stay with them and feeding him, as well as anyone else like Hermione, Lupin and Tonks. That is incredible. Ron was also raised very well. Like his parents, he was generous with so little, always offering Hermione, but especially Harry a place to stay and family to go to for security, guidance and the holidays. However, unlike his very kind parents, he could be quite mean, to his classmates and to the emotional and outcasted Hermione in the first film, although he was a very young child then, it was the first time he was on his own at a very intimidating school and he barely knew her then. Also, Ron is capable of being a jerk, but that’s never his intention, he’s just a oblivious teenage girl. Ron agreeing with Snape during that Azkaban “turn to page 394” scene that Hermione is “an insufferable know-it-all” seems very out of character, but he’s also a kid, and this is also two years after he called her a nightmare, and is clearly starting to develop feelings for Hermione. He’s confused and scared about those feelings, so this definitely a moment of denial and insecurity for him, rather than what he actually thinks of Hermione. The only thing I thought was truly screwed up was how Ron and Harry didn’t even hug goodbye before Harry went into the Forbidden Forest in the last movie. 11-year-old Ron would have fought tooth and nail to help Harry. It made no sense. Another thing that didn’t really make sense to me is when Ron left Hermione and Harry on their Horcrux hunt, when he literally said before they left that he knew the risk, the consequences, and what he was getting in for. Ron is a known associate of Harry, so that was a pretty rash, dangerous thing to do, not just for him, but for his friends and family as well. Or because he was a pure-blood, he was protected from the dangers that people like Hermione would be subject to (which still a weird thing for Ron. He may strive for importance and status, as we saw in the first film when he looked into the Mirror of Erised and saw himself as Quidditch Captian, something Harry became, but he isn’t egocentric like Dumbledore)? However, the Weasleys are known “blood traitors,” so would he really be safe? It was just a very confusing thing, however, it did remind us that the trio are still kids, and like Neville and Ginny, they should be a Hogwarts right now. The worst thing Ron does in the series is how he takes Hermione and Harry for granted, first in Half-Blood Prince with how he treats Hermione’s jealousy (in a very semi-offensive way mind you) and how abandons Harry by leaving during their Horcrux hunt in Part 1, forcing Hermione to choose between Harry and Ron, when usually they are a packaged deal, with Ron convinced at their romantic chemistry due to how seamless and rhythmic their putting-the-puzzle-pieces-together is. Ron is so consumed with jealousy, isolation and homesickness that this is understandable, and everyone makes mistakes, but this was still a little too far, especially his character who is known for his fierce loyalty. Ron does treat Hermione pretty horribly in Goblet and Prince. he literally has the audacity to say “doubt it” when she says she can take care of herself while they are storming out of the Yule Ball (he says this because he doesn’t know how to say that he wants her to need him, but it comes out terribly) and he obliviously breaks Hermione’s heart by kissing Lavender back right in front of her. Granted, this is all because Ron is a teen boy, and therefore isn’t the brightest when it comes to relationships and signals, but that’s still not an excuse. He’s Hermione’s best friend. He should know better. I also really appreciate how Ron and Hermione’s relationship is a subversion of how expectations as any other winter would have put the leading man and leading lady together, not the leading lady and the second-string leading man. Also, as good of chemistry as Harry and Hermione have, it’s not passionate. Ron and Hermione’s consistent bickering throughout the series reveals their passion or one another, which makes for a much more interesting romance as they challenge each other. And as much as Harry and Hermione challenge each other, it happens in a far less interesting way, at least for an entertaining film. Ron can also be spiteful and hypocritical. You could tell that he didn’t actually like Lavender, but knew Hermione was jealous. Also, Ron telling Hermione and everyone his true feelings with just one word while he’s unconscious in the hospital then when he gets better Hermione questions him about it and he clams up and denies it. Such a typical boy move. He also admired and praised Krum, until he began to show interest in Hermione, and then he bad-mouthed him, and Hermione justifiably called him out for his hypocritical belief that she was fraternizing with the enemy by attending the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum. The thing is, when he left in Part 1 and realized his mistake and betrayal and came to make, he took full accountability for his awful behavior and did everything he could to make it up to Hermione because of how hurt she was by it after everything he did to her. He complimented her. He agreed with her. He tried to make her laugh. He fought like hell when she was taken and tortured by Bellatrix. He was willing to basically die to make it up to her. That just shows how much he has matured, especially since Goblet. You can really tell by Part 2 that after his jealousy over Krum and insecurity that went along with Lavender, both times causing him to treat Hermione terribly, he has really matured. After he returns to the others, he works overtime to make it up to Hermione, being at her side and even showing his leadership with how he comforts Harry after the fire-fueled duel in the Room of Requirement and encourages Hermione to destroy the Horcrux cup. Ron is skilled, but like Luna, in unconventional ways. He plays what Dumbledore called “the best game of chess that Hogwarts has seen these many years,” which is high praise as Hogwarts has existed for 1,000 years. Also, he, a 12-year-old wizard child (I mean, his Muggle-obsessed father doesn’t even know what a rubber duck is), knew how to drive a Muggle car all the way from London to Hogwarts, which I am guessing is a great distance as it needs as a steam train ride that seemingly takes all day as the kids usually get there at night. I mean, that must mean Ron has an excellent sense of direction. All of this happens in the earlier films however, which makes it forgettable in the grand scheme of things and with him being overlooked as his best friend is the literal Chosen One, but it’s still very impressive and makes Ron very underestimated and underrated. Out of the trio, Ron is the least brave, however, that mostly stems from his insecurity toward his inferiority towards being a good son, a good friend, a good boyfriend, a good student, a good wizard and a good Quidditch player, or fear of spiders, not because he isn’t brave. His anxieties about not being good enough or wealthy enough or smart enough or cool enough consume him, but when push come to shove, he is clearly brave. He is so confident in the Wizard’s Chess scene. He bravely goes into the Chamber of Secrets with Harry. He goes to the Department of Mysteries with him and on the Horcrux hunt with him (and he left because of his own insecurities towards Hermione, not because he was scared). This is very realistic, as insecurities, especially when you are a teenager, do instill fear and anxiety in you. Out of the trio, he may be the most fearful and the least brave, he is still brave in his own right, in his own unique, individual and frankly underrated way. Another reason why Ron is definitely one of the more realistic characters in the film. I wish we got to see Ron’s smarts more, especially in regard to the ins and outs of the Wizarding World, because out of all the trio members, he is the only one to have grown up in the Wizarding World. Like in Hallows, when Hermione is always surprised by Ron’s sudden smarts, like when she was relieved when he survived the Seven Potters ordeal (although I did love their “Always the tone of surprise” bit in Part 1) and when she was shocked when he remembered how the Room of Requirement doesn’t show up on the Marauder’s Map and how he knew a few words in Parseltongue, helping them open the Chamber of Secrets like he hasn’t spent the past 6 movies listening to Hermione read off textbook pages she memorized. His smarts haven’t really been useful in any mission since the Wizards Chess scene in the first film. It makes Hermione almost act as the audience, forgetting that Ron is actually smart and useful and not just Harry’s sidekick best friend, as he believes himself. At least we finally got to see his full arc in Hallows and he became the secure, strong, fearless soldier he was always capable of being. But it also begs the question, if Hermione was so infatuated with Ron and she values intelligence so much, then what did she see in him? I get opposites attract, but still. Ron and Hermione’s slow burn is so endearing because they went from sort-of rivals to best friends to deep crushes to happily ever after. Their feelings deepened over time and it’s adorable. But it’s also ironic as Ron called Hermione a “nightmare” and “mental” and Hermione was always shocked by Ron’s smarts due to how he is a bit lazier compared to her bookish determination. Then they become best friends and while they fight all the time like an old married couple, they are very loyal to one another. And then Ron treats Hermione horribly on multiple occasions and Hermione reacts, immaturely, but justifiably, most notably in Goblet with the Yule Ball, in Phoenix with their duel, in Prince with Lavender and in Part 1 with Ron leaving. However, all that seems small when they are literally fighting enchanted Horcrux water (or whatever) and they have that epic moment. It is such a well done arc (and while this relationship does perpetuate the whole toxic idea “if a boy is mean to you it means he likes you,” at least Ron learned the error of his ways and became better for it, unlike most boys). It’s a great arc and makes them probably my favorite romantic relationship in the whole series. Insecurity and jealousy are always an undercurrent to Ron’s character, and while it’s existed since the first film, it comes to a boiling point in Goblet with how Ron explicitly expressed his desire to put his name in and Harry explicitly said he’d rather not, but then Harry’s name is called anyway. Ron feels betrayed. Everyone is flabbergasted that this happened as it’s unprecedented. It makes sense. However, Ron eventually learns that glory isn’t always glorious, sometimes it’s dangerous and scary, and that’s when he goes back to Harry and makes up with him. He knows he was in the wrong and in every movie after that, he stands by Harry. It comes to another boiling point in Hallows because just because he’s learned his lesson doesn’t mean his insecurities have gone away and these securities are what the Horcrux locket preys upon. Ron’s two most heroic moments are on opposite ends of the series because their when he sacrifices himself during Wizard’s Chess and when he destroys the locket in Part 1. In the latter, he showed off his smarts, courage, loyalty and confidence, while in the former, it was symbolic of him finally destroying all of his insecurities, which and him feel inferior, so he could move forward and helps have the Wizarding World and his loved ones. It’s also even more impactful when you release how strong he had to be to overcome and destroy the locket making his self-esteem widdle away. These are both huge moments of growth and also showed how much of a team player he is, helping them achieve their goals while also growing himself. Ron is insecure about being overshadowed by his siblings, who each have their own thing. Bill is the oldest. Charlie sounds like a daredevil, due to his job with dragons. Percy is a pretentious know-it-all. The Twins are rambunctious jokesters, and Ginny is the youngest and the only girl (which gives me the impression that they were just trying for a girl all along, which definitely puts Ron in a weird position). Ron’s just Ron. He hasn’t found his thing yet. And while at first being THE Harry Potter’s friend is cool, eventually it stops being so fun and his insecurities catch up with him. It’s just another person to overshadow him. However, Hermione sees the best in him, and that terrifies him because he’s doubtful and has the desire to live up to it, and those two things combined only create more insecurity (honestly, he and Neville should have bonded over this self-doubt. All of the items Ron pokes fun at Neville were no doubt due to this insecurity combined with his Weasley loudness and bluntness, that comes with living in a wild household). So, that insecurity, combined with being a hormonal teenager, that’s bound to cause someone to make mistakes. But Ron also no doubt loves and is thankful for his siblings, especially after befriending Harry. I mean, his household seems so fun. He seems especially close with the Twins and Ginny. For example, the Twins not doubt helped Ron develop his tendency to lighten the mood, like in Part 1, the Twins just try “to defuse the tension” before they all transform into the Seven Potters in the beginning and then towards the end when Ron returns and saves Harry he eases the tension by miming antlers while having a literal sword and a Horcrux in his hands (slightly symbolic, slightly foreshadowing). While Ron made mistakes due to his insecurities, when push comes to shove, he was an incredibly loyal friend, proven when he stands by a deeply traumatized Harry when everyone is against him in Phoenix, standing up to all the Gryffindors in his defense. Even despite Harry lashing out at him, he learned his lesson from the previous year and now it has nothing to do with him, it’s Harry’s trauma speaking, showing his maturity. Ron never lashes out at Harry that whole film, just standing by him and supporting him. While Ron has average magical ability compared to Harry and Hermione, despite him being the only one to have grown up in the Wizarding World, this is mostly due to his laziness. He’s not arrogant, he just doesn’t apply himself, probably because he grew up around it and is often overshadowed, which shrinks his morale for learning, meanwhile, Harry and Hermione strive to prove themselves. However, this aspect of Ron is very realistic for a teenage boy, proving yet again how Ron is one of the most realistic characters, despite him being the only born and bred wizard. One thing that Harry and Hermione have in common is their fixated, focused nature, which helps them come up with a plan with ease as they are both determined to achieve their goals. Ron is more hesitant in these situations and thinks the risks through, however, this is a good thing because it helps the trio look at the situations from all different perspectives, making sure they have every possibility squared away. Ron may be the most fearful of the trio, but he is still incredibly brave. He faces his biggest fear, spiders, multiple times. He is always willing to be at Harry’s side during the dangerous situations they find themselves in like at the Hall of Prophecies and the Horcrux hunt. It’s very underrated, but he’s clearly a Gryffindor for a reason. Also, the scene in Chamber where Harry and Ron interrogate Arargog, was such a great showcase of Ron’s bravery, that despite him crying from fear, he still stayed by Harry, showing how Ron, for him, loyalty far outweighs his fear, which is an incredible bravery dynamic to have. Ron’s arc in Hallows alone is amazing and really mirrors his arc in the whole series. In the beginning, he’s insecure, doubtful, scared, cautious, and worrisome, much like in Stone and Chamber. Then he lashes out and acts immature, making up his own story about what he’s viewing, even though it’s the Horcrux that’s distorting this perspective, mirroring how in Goblet, the rumors surrounding Harry clog his judgment. Then when he comes back, it mirrors how in Phoenix everyone is against Harry again however unlike in Goblet, he stands by Harry, learning his lesson. His coming back to Harry and Hermione show how he has learned his lesson and that he needs them as much as they need him, after all, they didn’t find another Horcrux or the sword or destroy a Horcrux until he came back, revealing how important he is to there dynamic and how in many ways, he’s the glue that holds them together. However, that’s not the only lesson he learns. it finally hits him how horribly he has treated Hermione. How he has let his insecurities prohibit him from getting something really wants, like at the Yule Ball in Goblet and his admiration for Krum quickly turning into jealousy due to his interest in Hermione, making him come off as a hypocrite, and how in Prince when Lavender was interested in him, he took her up on it because he didn’t think Hermione really liked him, even when she explicitly told him so throughout Prince. Remember, he even questioned Harry about it, making sure he heard Hermione correctly in the Three Broomsticks right before Katie Bell was cursed. Him leaving in Part 1 was finally the wake-up he needed to realize that Hermione really does like him romantically. However, he knows that this must take a backseat during the Horcrux hunt, showing his maturity, knowing that if and when they survive what’s ahead, then it will be meant to be. However, he still takes every opportunity to make it up to Hermione all while he’s visibly mad at him, rightfully making him work for her forgiveness. He instantly agrees with her to go to the Lovegoods house, even attempting to crack a joke with the voting bit. He corrects Hermione when she’s reading The Tale of Three Brothers, but then realizes his mistake and backs off. And what really seals the deal is how he gives her confidence and encourages her to destroy the Cup Horcrux, right in front of the Salazar Slytherin statue in the Chamber of Secrets. And this changes everything as this is what makes them finally kiss. And I just love their laugh after their kiss, because it’s as if they’re laughing at ‘what was the fuss all about?’ and how easy their kiss was for them. It’s adorable and so heartwarming. Their arc and how to Ron, Hermione goes from being a “nightmare” to his best friend to his crush to his girlfriend to his wife, is just so beautiful. Rupert Grint also has impeccable comedic timing. He has done so much drama and horror, post-Harry Potter. Please do more comedy! His facial expressions are great for comedy. Grint’s face is literally a meme, especially in Stone, Chamber, the getting high on love potion scene in Prince and the Room of Requirement on fire scene in Part 2. For example, that Howler scene. That might be one of my favorite scenes of the whole series. It’s so iconic and I am now using that monologue, which I already have memorized, to help them learn how to do a British accent (haven’t really succeeded yet). The chemistry between the core three was fantastic from the get-go, though. They all really did feel like best friends. Like found family. They were safe enough to bicker, but always there for each other no matter what, and everything came from a place of love. You can tell they really did enjoy each other’s company IRL too. I also thought it was funny how he was trying to garner sympathy from Hermione and be macho at the same time when he says “they might chop it” after Padfoot bites his leg in Azkaban. That gave me a chuckle. Also, I can’t tell if I love or hate to say it, but Ron screaming in terror never gets old. From the first film with Fluffy to the last with the fire, it is never not funny and is honestly a great juxtaposition to some of the more scary moments of the series. You can always count on Ron for bringing the humor in the most intense times, like in the final film when he screams “if we die for them, Harry, I’m gonna kill you.” Little did he know how ironic that was gonna be at the time. That aspect of his character is honestly what saved him from being one of the more insufferable characters, TBH. I also thought it was funny in Chamber when he used his broken wand and simply yelled “eat slugs,” which based on the “turn-this-fat-rat-yellow” spell Hermione was making fun of him for when they first met in Stone, this fake spell combined with his broken, it was a recipe for disaster. I also loved how he responded to Hermione’s punch and her saying with innocent pride and relief “that felt good” by saying “not good, brilliant.” It was a great moment, but it was also great because it showed all the boys watching that it’s okay to admire a woman’s tenacity. What makes Ron’s humor different from the Twins though is that, while not slapstick, the Twins are more jokesters and pranksters, strategic and smart, while Ron, due to him growing up around them and being influenced by their witty humor, he has a more snarky, sarcastic, dry sense of humor. I love both because they are the Twins and Ron are both very, very witty, but that’s the stark difference. It’s also not Ron’s biggest personality trait, although within the trio he is the funniest. For Twins, their defining trait is that they are funny. Ron was always in awe of Hermione’s intelligence, which is a great thing for young male viewers to see within a male-female relationship (Also, LOL at Ron being like”what are Nargles?” to Hermione and he is like “no idea.” To Ron, if Hermione doesn’t know something, that means it’s concerning). Hermione also saw the best in Ron, always encouraging him and over the course of the series trying, and usually failing as teenagers due to a lack of communication, to get him to see himself in the same way she saw him; as a hero. Ron is lazy at school, which is relatable to a lot of kids watching because many are the same way. Grint is the exact opposite of Watson as an actor, expressive and energetic, while Warson was more subtle and specific (ironically, Wright’s was subtle when it really needed to be more expressive for Ginny’s motivations and emotions to fully translate, to help her do more with the little she was given, and yet the director even helped her get there when she clearly had potential. If only Grint was her elder and not just her peers. They could have helped her in the way Oldman guided Radcliffe). Both styles fit their characters perfectly and help make their scenes more dynamic and bouncy. Ron is honestly the perfect representation of a typical, multi-faceted teenage boy. A scene that shows this well is the scene in Three Broomsticks in Prince when Ron sees Ginny and Dean kissing. As her brother, he is understandably uncomfortable, and when Hermione calls him out on his immaturity saying “what if she looked over here and saw you snogging me? You expect her to leave?” blatantly telling him that she wouldn’t be uncomfortable with the idea of him kissing her, but of course, Ron doesn’t realize, seeing it more as a hypothetical question then anything else. One thing I think doesn’t make sense about Ron’s character is how little he knows about the magical world despite being the only one in the main trio to have grown up in it. I get that Hermione reads and Harry is experienced, but Ron has lived his whole life in the Wizarding World. Wouldn’t he be just as knowledgeable as they are? Yes, he tells Harry the stakes of an Unbreakable Vow and reminds Hermione how the Room of Requirement doesn’t show up on the Marauder’s Map, but these are, frankly, very rare moments throughout the series. Hermione is such a great influence on Ron. She sees the best in him, past all his insecurities and sees him for the kind, a good-hearted hero he is. However, it’s not all about that. She also helps him be better at school. While that may have been one of Hermione’s qualities that annoyed him most in Stone, after all, he called her a nightmare after her Leviosa comment, she ended up being a great influence on him and helping him be a far better student, as seen with how he asks for her help with his homework in Phoenix and how they are all in the same NEWT potions course (which I still have no idea what NEWTs are but it seems like AP or something). I will say, I loved how in the first film Ron’s parents forced him to bring his own sandwich on the train to save money. It was so relatable because my parents make me do the same thing when I take the train back to school. Ron is also such a good brother. In Chamber, he is absolutely terrified for his sister and the fact that he was taken down to the Chamber of Secrets. My sister would be throwing a party. I wished we got to see how Fred’s death affected him long-term, because when he reunited with his family and found out about it, he was a mess. It was so heartbreaking, and honestly should have given more time because besides Snape and Lupin, Fred’s death was undeniably the most heartbreaking death of Hallows. He and George were such much-needed bright lights in the series, and he was so young. It was so sad and undeserved. George’s reaction was also so heartbreaking. His hug with Ron was just a gut punch. It made me realize that, while Ginny and Ron were surely close since she went to the Department of Mysteries with him in Phoenix and they both deeply cared for Harry and brought him into the Weasley family, the brothers Ron was undeniably closest with were the Twins. It was so heartbreaking.
12. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley
They are such great parents, especially honorary parents to Harry. They were everything Vernon and Petunia should have been to Harry. The thing that distanced them most from the Dursleys was their obsession with appearances, always concerned with what the neighbors or the people that visit their ugly-ass house will think, while the Weasleys focused more on love and goodness, literally living in a shack. However, they are very much just there. They didn’t have very much to do except being parents, other than the protective adults guarding Hogwarts with the professors in the final movie. I did love Mr. Weasley’s fascination with Muggles. From his confusion at the train station to his curiosity about a rubber duck, it added some fun humor. Plus, their overall friendliness with Muggles, as they were catching with Hermione’s parents in Chamber. The Weasleys give Harry the first family he has ever known, and the second true home he has ever known (the first being Hogwarts). The thing that makes the Weasleys tough and strong is that you have to earn their kindness, generosity and loyalty. They don’t just hand it out for free, proven by how they (strangely) are scared of Sirius at first, but by the 5th film, they take him in, even celebrating Christmas with him. They are a family of heroes. The Weasley family doesn’t just seem like a good, generous, loyal, kind and happy family, but they also seem like such a fun family. There is always something fun going on, especially with the Twins. You always have someone to have fun with and laugh with. The scene I think that shows this best is the scene in Goblet after the World Cup where Ron, the Twins and Ginny are all celebrating and messing around. Their chemistry and teasing as siblings are so authentic and it’s such a lovely showcase of life in the Weasley household. It’s great. I wish we got more of that. I am sure there are so many fun Weasley family pranks and fun moments in the books. The Weasleys are so accepting and inclusive, in stark comparison to the entitled and exclusive Malfoys. I mean, the Weasleys took in a Muggle-born (Hermione), The Chosen One (Harry, an orphan and you know what they say, it’s lonely at the top), a werewolf (Lupin) a perceived felon (Sirius) and a Metamorphmagus (Tonks), which while all these people do have a special abilities/traits in a world of special abilities, this series proves that even those who are different can still be prejudice and unaccepting and gain a superior complex, like the Malfoys and the Blacks, which makes the Weasleys and their kindness, openness and generosity towards these ‘outsiders’ even more comforting. The Weasley family are so inclusive, accepting and caring. They take in Harry as their own. They celebrate Christmas with Sirius, and then Lupin and Tonks, despite at one point seeing one as a criminal and the other being a werewolf. It’s heartwarming and wonderful. I do see the Weasley parents’ flaws though. Arthur can be a little too irresponsible and Molly shows a lot of favoritism, and most of the time it’s to Harry who isn’t even really her son. However, we have to keep in mind that we are seeing this story from Harry’s POV, so of course it’s gonna look like she favors Harry. Also, raising 7 rambunctious children can’t be easy. One woman can only give her attention so sparingly. Also, her favoritism is not as bad as Dumbledore’s to Snape’s. All she wants is the kids’ safety and security, much like McGonagall. Both of them are kind, but also know where the limit is. That is a good mom. The Weasleys were fueled by love and always generous enough to open their open, kitchen and hearts up to those who need it, especially Harry and Hermione, who are basically like their seventh son and second daughter. I wish they gave the Weasley family overall more to do, but as Ron and Ginny are the most prominent Weasleys, definitely them the most. Ron’s biggest moments were Wizard’s Chess and destroying the locket, which were 6 films apart. Ginny’s biggest moments were in Chamber, a film she was barely in, and in Prince, where all of her scenes were meaningless. Sure, she had that amazing Reducto Curse in Phoenix, but that was one spell. Hallows showed their family in their most powerful and badass light, with Ron destroying the Horcrux, their whole family fighting the Battle of Hogwarts (I assume Charlie was also there even if we never met him), and Mrs. Weasley destroying Bellatrix. As the most comforting and consistent family of the whole series, we deserved to get to know them all as the powerful wizards they are. While Mrs. Weasley is overprotective, it makes sense. Harry is a child struck by tragedy. This is time struck by tragedy and she never wants her kids to deal with that. However, she is strong, dedicated and loving, which is what these characters need most right now. She is also a skilled witch. She freaking killed Bellatrix, one of the most ruthless Death Eaters, that’s insane. Also, we met their family in Chamber, when the Malfoys belittled nothing more the poor blood traitors, but by they end they proved how strong they are, as a family and individually and also, they were definitely not poor by the end of this series. George (and Fred) had a successful store. Hermione no doubt became successful, and Ron certainly did as well. Ginny married Harry, who is very rich but also Ginny probably become successful on her own and so did Harry with or without his wealth. Percy of course became successful at the Ministry and Bill and Charlie both seem to have good and dangerous jobs. Arthur and Molly must be so proud. Also, now all the money Arthur makes is just for him and Molly, because his kids can support themselves, which means they are no longer poor. The Weasley family was great comedic relief. At least Mrs. Weasley killed Bellatrix. The one time a Weasley parent was a badass. (*Jessica Walter’s voice*) Good for her! She had just lost one child, she was not gonna lose another. Like, imagine losing your child and having this unhinged woman try and kill your daughter not even like an hour later and have the pride of her deflecting it but also rage about her audacity because she’s laughing the whole time you’re defending your daughter. She is the maternal, nurturing witch we, and Harry, desperately needed throughout this series. She could sometimes be overprotective, especially over Harry, despite not being her son, she always had his best interest at heart. She fiercely loved her family and Harry. She’s also a badass because she birthed and raised 7 children (and sort of an 8th too, with that being Harry), with two of those being the chaotic and troublemaking Fred and George. She didn’t even hesitate when she killed Bellatrix. And she didn’t have remorse either, but not like Bellatrix. She didn’t have remorse because killing Bellatrix was actually for the greater good as she was a walking grendade. Killing Bellatrix saved lives, and that’s what makes Mrs. Weasley such an underrated hero. She dueled one of the most devoted, powerful, and definitely the most unhinged Death Eater and came out victorious, which shows how powerful and skilled she is too. We also rarely saw Mrs. Weasley actually do magic, which made this duel with Bellatrix even more epic. Sure, she falters because of this, but in the end, she goes down as the person to stop Bellatrix Lestrange. Yet another showcase of just how powerful a mother’s love can be. It’s also so much more impactful because this is so uncharacteristic of Mrs. Weasley, but her protectiveness certainly is. She’s fierce when someone she loves is put in danger. Mrs. Weasley finishing Bellatrix off once and for all gave her the outlet she desperately needed for all the pain and grief she had after Fred’s death. She, like Narcissa and Lily, would do whatever necessary to protect her children, and is far more then the simple maternal archetype. Although, Mrs. Weasley is by far the bets, most loving and kind mother figure in the series (that we actually got to know well. We didn’t really get to know Lily that well). She is also such a skilled witch. So many people went up against Bellatrix and died because of it, but she was the one to destroy that psycho once and for all. It’s just another example of how powerful a mother’s love is. She is also a scary badass in the same way as Hermione when Ron calls Hermione “brilliant but scary,” as Mrs. Weasley terrfies her children when she yells at them, as seen in Chamber when the Twins and Ron come home after picking up Harry and scare the daylights out of them, but, like Hermione, she intentions are always good. They both have tempers and are not to be trifled with, but they are also so caring and helpful (also showing how Hermione is the mom of the trio). They are also both two witches with outstanding skill. While it may have seemed like Mrs. Weasley loved Harry and gave him more attention then she gave her children, the thing is, we only ever saw her when she was with Harry, we never saw the Weasleys as just as family on their own. Also, Harry is an orphan. Of course she wants him to feel valued and loved, and wants him to see herself as a motherly figure, like any kind mother would for their son’s orphaned best friend. I also love it when Mrs. Weasley snaps back at Sirius when he says “he’s not your son” over the Expandable Ears and says “oh, he’s as good as,” because it’s true. She was instantly maternal towards him when they first met in Stone, took him in instantly again in Chamber, made sure he was comfortable and situated at the Leaky Caludron in Azkaban, welcomed him to Grimmauld Place in Phoenix and was overjoyed when he arrived at the Burrow (similar to in Chamber) in Prince. Mrs. Weasley was brave, kind, nurturing, stubborn, fierce, gentle, warm, protective, loving and generous. She never let her family’s financial limitation affect their happiness, and that misfortune never made her, or her husband, ashamed or nasty. While she is known to lose her temper a bit (examples being when the Weasley kid returns from picking up Harry in the flying car, the Howler she sends to Ron and when the Twins Apparate to dinner in Phoenix), her intentions are always pure, and after all, she is justified in going off the handle sometimes what with having to raise 7 children and two of them being Fred and George. She is the first, and really one of the only (with the only other maybe being McGonagall) to give Harry the motherly love he craves. Her one cruel act. From the moment Mrs. Weasley met Harry, she took him under her wing and was caring and nurturing toward him and treated him like he was a son of her own, when she already had a plethora of them. Mrs. Weasley is kind and nurturing and Mr. Weasley is wise and gives great advice (way better than Dumbledore, and is also always honest with Harry, like how he is the one to tell him the ‘truth’ about Sirius Black at the Leaky Cauldron). They were also so incredibly generous to Harry and Hermione with the little they had. They were so poor compared to the other Wizarding families we got to meet, especially Pureblood families, and yet they always offered them a place to sleep and a meal. They made their home, the Burrow, Harry’s happy place because the Weasleys treated him, and Hermione too, as part of the family, their honorary Wizarding family. It’s very admirable. But also, Harry saved Ron in Half-Blood Prince, Ginny in Chamber of Secrets and Mr. Weasley in the Order of the Phoenix, either way, they have a lot to thank Harry for, not just for being the hero against Voldemort, but also on a personal level. But also, they should be very proud of Ron saving Harry in Sorcerer’s Stone and Part 1. The Weasleys really did feel like a real family. The relationships between the siblings and the parents felt very realistic. Same with the Malfoys, just in a very different way. It was also seeing the parallels between the kind, loving and inclusive Weasleys and the holier-than-thou, prejudiced and cold Malfoys. Harry has so many idealized father figures. Dumbledore (ew), Lupin, Sirius, Hagrid and even his real dad James completely idealized him to be a flawless hero, but none of them were actually experienced fathers. Mr. Weasley wasn’t just a father figure to Harry, as seen when he tells him about Sirius Black and Vanishing Cabinets, but he also really was a father, which made him Harry’s true second dad, and eventually his father-in-law. Mr. Weasley was truly the father of the series, way more than the manipulative Dumbledore. He is also the only one, besides Hagrid, to survive the series. While Sirius was Harry’s godfather, Arthur Weasley was his true pseudo-father. He took him to the Ministry for his hearing (although it was only because Sirius couldn’t due to his reputation as a mass murderer and Arthur does work at the Ministry) and, like Sirius, was always honest with him. He was nurturing, but he wasn’t hiding the truth from him much to Mrs. Weasley’s dismay and unlike Dumbledore. And what makes this even more true is that Arthur Weasley (and only Hagrid really) were Harry’s only two father figures to survive the end of the series, and Harry literally became his son-in-law. Mr. Weasley, despite his family’s poor living, is also very classy, far more than the Malfoys. This is proven when Lucius tries to belittle him at Flourish and Blotts in the second film by calling his family a disgrace to the name of wizard and Mr. Weasley calmly, and strongly “we have a very different idea about what disgraces the name of wizard” and Lucius steps closer and tries to get a rise out of him saying “your family could sink no lower,” but Mr. Weasley merely bite his tongue smiles at the kids and at Lucius, killing him with silence and kindness, and Lucius gives up and walks off. That is just a microcosm of how the Weasleys raise their kids, to be strong, but respectful, even to those who might not always deserve it, because it will save you in the end. Arthur also seems like a very skilled wizard as he is able to expertly modify Muggle artifacts, which is a very frowned upon hobby by both the Ministry and pureblood maniacs, but deserves more credit for its creativity and impressiveness. Also, he must be skilled at memory jobs as his job, I assume, requires him to alter Muggles’ memories of bewitched objects. Arthur is kind, caring, level-headed, calm, smart, protective, helpful, talented and wise. Also, the way he dueled that Death Eater who black smoked into the battlements so effortlessly in the final film was so badass. I love his excitement, enthusiasm and optimism, especially when it’s a good balance against Mrs. Weasley’s more protective, realistic mindset. I also love how fascinated he is by Muggles, especially with how prejudiced the society he lives in is. The way he thinks of Muggles as “genius” and sees them with respect and admiration just shows how kind-hearted and warm he is. However, one thing I didn’t understand is if the Weasleys were in the Order with Sirius, then wouldn’t they have known the truth bout how Sirius wasn’t really the one who betrayed the Potters? I was a little confused by that, but I’m sure it’s explained more in the books. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley also always try to look on the bright side, which is an element that is very Weasley (despite Ron being a worrier) as the Twins are also two of the biggest bright lights of the series. A moment that shows this best is when Hagrid and Harry are the first to arrive at the Burrow in Part 1. You can tell Mrs. Weasley is terrified since her husband and four of her sons still aren’t back yet, and yet she tries to think positively by saying “thank goodness you are two are all right.” That is a very strong and maternal thing to say, which was needed in that moment. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley’s introduction to the series also reminded me of Hagrid’s and Luna’s, as they are such comforting bright lights throughout the series, for Harry and the audience. Plus, they are quirky, unapologetic and caring too. The Weasleys are so kind, accepting and generous, not just of Harry and Hermione, but also with how they openly and enthusiastically talk to Hermione’s parents when they go with their young 12-year-old daughter (like good parents) to Diagon Alley in the second film, even though they are Muggles and how they don’t exclude Lupin, but take him in at Christmas during Half-Blood Prince, despite his werewolf status, not caring that it’s stigmatized, not just being tolerant because he’s an Order member, but also genuinely being his friend. I wish we got to see the Weasleys, especially Mr. Weasley due to his fascination with Muggles and the Twins due to their pranks, interact with the Dursleys. It would be so entertaining to see how kind and accepting (and innocently humorous in regards to the Twins and their jokes) the Weasleys are, even of Muggles and how cruel the Dursleys are to the wizards, despite being Muggles and no doubt discriminated against in the Wizarding World (which is sadly ironic when you remember how Petunia is fully aware of how cruel those Muggle-hating wizards are because they murdered her sister). I would also love to see Sirius and Lupin (due to their history with Harry’s parents and protectiveness of Harry) interact with Dursleys, along with Weasleys, in defense of Harry, especially through intimidation due to the Dursleys’ fear of magic. It’s so sweet how the Weasleys, a pureblood family, genuinely don’t care about Hermione and Harry marrying into their family, now ending their pureblood lineage. I will say, their family as a whole had a great arc. They went from being labeled as “pureblood traitors,” disgraced and poor because of their loyalties to their kids and in-laws being historical legends (like, you know Ron, Hermione and obviously Harry are in the texts after everything that happened in this series) and a successful business owner on Diagon Alley (Mrs. Weasley always seemed so annoyed by the Twins pranks and jokes, but that ended up being what made them some of the most successful members of the Weasley family).
11. Remus Lupin
He was by far my favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher (and the best). He really cared about his students and wanted to help them. Lupin is the best DADA teacher too, truly a gifted one (the way the best DADA teacher was only kicked out because of something he couldn’t control, not because he was a fraud or a racist or under Polyjuice Potion. That just speaks volumes). I wish the job wasn’t jinxed because it seemed like he would exceled at the job long-term. Lupin is the kind of teacher every kid wants. Someone kind can understand you, can see your potential, encourages you and makes school a fun and pleasant place to be. He’s smart, caring, strong, tough, understanding, patient, empathetic, resilient, compassionate, kind, makes learning fun, encourages more timid students like Neville and also genuinely knows his stuff, unlike Lockhart, Quirrell and Umbridge. Ugh, why did he ever have to leave? These kids deserve more teachers like him! He always saw the best in his students. Unlike Snape, he seeks underdog students out to have them shine, not embarrass them, particularly by when he seeked out Neville in the Boggart scene to try and ridicule the Boggart first (which was ironically Snape) and for probably the first time he succeed in Defense Against the Dark Arts (and took down Snape, even though it was a fake Snape, he still faced his biggest fear, the first step down the path to bravery). The way Lupin lost his job, a job he thrived in and excelled at, because of something he can’t control is heartbreaking. Lupin is also one of their more creditable teachers. Quirell was a poser, Lockhart was a fraud, Umbridge was a power-hungry sociopath and while Moody-Crouch was a due Dark wizard, no one understood how to truly defend against the Dark Arts like Lupin, mostly due to him being an actual Dark creature and through his work with the Order. While Moody-Crouch was an ironically effective teacher as part of learning to defend against the Dark Arts means you have to be educated on what the Dark Arts, Lupin was undeniably the best at teaching the students how to defend themselves, very clearly being a huge inspiration for Harry with his approach to leading the DA. Lupin was literally the only DADA professor who was actually against the Dark Arts. He was the only DADA teacher who was not an evil, dark person (although he was a Dark creature). One brilliant way they show how Lupin relates to the students is by using his record player, both in the Boggart scene and when Harry and he have their sentimental goodbye. He taught students more than just what was in the textbooks. He taught them life lessons, which is what a good teacher does. Lupin is a very hands-on, passionate ad encouraging teacher, and that’s what made him so popular with the students. That’s why Harry, who has a habit of isolating himself, turns to him for help (turn to a mentor for help for the first time, and with Lupin being his father’s best friend, it only makes it that much more comforting for him and heartwarming for the viewer) and why Hermione keeps his werewolf status a secret until their wires get crossed. Lupin believes in his students so much, mainly Neville and Harry. He gave Neville confidence and had so much faith in Harry that he taught him a super advanced spell, the Patronus Charm, one that saved his life multiples times and was powerful and impressive enough to garner praise from Snape, and became so good at that he passed his expertise along to all the kids in the DA, who also managed to produce such an advance spell perfectly. Lupin was cool, kind, could relate with the kids, as he does with Harry, encouraged them and brought out the best in him, as seen with how he makes Neville feel more confident. And his werewolf status also makes him one of the most tragic characters of the series. I also feel so bad that because of the jinx, Lupin didn’t even bother fighting to keep his teaching position. He just quietly left after being outed for his condition. The students and staff would have stuck by him as he was by far Harry’s most competent DADA teacher (besides Snape). It’s so sad that Lupin didn’t even perceive it as a worthy fight, and if someone as strong and brave as Lupin thinks that, that says so much. Honestly, Lupin’s best trait is that he always has chocolate on him, and gives it to people who need perking up. It’s both generous and a major green flag. He was also a great voice of reason, not just for the Marauders and the Order, but also Harry, helping him view the world in new ways, but he is definitely the moral compass the Marauders needed, with him, I’m guessing, being the one to inspire James to turn around from bad boy to good husband and father. However, his blind loyalty to Dumbledore and the whole “Dumbledore trusts Snape therefore I do” literally cost him his life and his child his parents, like Harry. That really sucked, (not the full-circle moment we asked for) but at least it opened the door for more stories to be told. He was also so kind despite all he’s been through (his childhood friends either dying or turning evil and becoming a werewolf). It showed that just because you’ve been through a lot, that doesn’t mean you have to become bitter from it. Lupin was far wiser than Dumbledore though. He practically led that meeting at Grimmauld Place where they finally told Harry about Fudge’s smear campaign against him, proving how much of a voice of reason and a source of wisdom he is, not just to Harry, but also to the Weasleys and the Order. He is also incredibly empathetic and understanding. Due to his condition, he knows what it’s like to be burdened, lonely, ostracized and frowned upon, which makes his being an ally for people like Hermione and the Order very unsurprising. Unlike Greyback, who uses his misfortunate of being a werewolf to terrorize, Lupin turns lemons into lemonade and tries to make the Wizarding World a more accepting place, because of how he knows how Muggle-borns feel. Lupin is also so strong. Not just because of his werewolf condition, but also because just like Harry, he watched Sirius, his best friend, die and he still has enough strength and sense to grab Harry and hold him as he screams with agony when he probably wants to scream too. Lupin was definitely the most serious Marauder, but part of why I like him so much is despite his condition and tragic life, he is always able to look on the bright side. Instead of dwelling on Pettigrew’s escape, he tells Harry to be happy that Sirius is safe from the terrible fate of getting the Dementor’s Kiss. Instead of being concerned about the size of Voldemort’s army during the finale, he focuses on their side’s determination and smarts. Instead of grieving the life he can never have with his son, he has faith that one day Teddy will understand. Also, he deserved more of an emotional death. That blink-and-you’ll-miss-it (literally) shot was just so underwhelming and he was such a big part of Harry’s growth. He deserved to be recognized for that. And we deserved to see just how much Harry was affected by his death. He is the last of the Marauders, and now Harry really does only have the Weasleys. Lupin was literally all Harry had of his parents after Sirius died, and JKR cruelly had to rip him away too. It makes for a good story, sure, but it’s still cruel and so tragic. Lupin deserved better! He was also the person to really help get Harry in touch with his bravery, by showing him how to be strong through adversity and how to protect himself via a Patronus. I’m sure finally meeting his parents’ best friends and seeing Lupin’s difficult life made Harry feel far less alone, and in turn helped him see himself as the powerful wizard that everyone else did (even though he was a literal baby when he stopped Voldemort, but okay Wizard World…). Lupin also gives great advice, especially when it comes to eating chocolate or just eating in general “eat, you’ll feel better” (a bit triggering as someone with eating issues, but still I love chocolate). Lupin is also very heroic. Despite not being able to ever catch a break due to being forced to turn into a werewolf every month against his will and therefore finding himself as an outcats in the Wizarding World and definitely the Muggle world as well, he wasn’t bitter. He was kind and brave. He worked hard to guide, inspire and protect Harry, although he seems to never really get the proper credit for it. He died trying to help Harry and make the world a better place for his son. That’s an insanely heroic thing. His son can be at peace that his parts died heroes, just like Harry’s parents did. Lupin’s Boggart lesson is also a great message for life. When you have to face your fears, try and turn them into something funny. He is also really admirable because although he is a werewolf, which makes his life harder and makes people crueler to him, he never let it define him. He remained good and noble. He is a great voice of reason and offers a sense of clarity to the other characters, and definitely the impulsive Harry and Sirius and had an immense amount of inner strength. He’s very inspiring and admirable. I wish we got to see more of his friendship with Sirius (and just the trio of Lupin Sirius and Harry). If James was the Harry of the Marauders, then Lupin must have been the Hermione of the group, with his academic-focused mindset and going along with trouble for good reason (or with plausible deniability). I would have liked to see those parallels more. Honestly, I would have loved to see more of the Marauders. My friend said that a series on the Marauders is one of the most requested expansions of the Harry Potter Cinematic Universe by fans. I would love to that see all the parallels between the Marauders and the Weasley twins, James and Harry and see Sirius’ backstory. From what we know, the Marauders seemed like the class clown, popular kids at Hogwarts at the time. Wormtail was the weakling of the group and Lupin was their smartie pants secret weapon, similar to Hermione. That would be so cool to learn more and develop it more, and also see Snape and Lily’s involvement, the similarities between James and Snape’s feud and Harry and Draco’s and how Lily and James got together. I hope Warner Brothers makes this happen and finds the right people to bring the younger versions of these characters to life. The Marauders balanced each other out. Lupin was the brains. I’m guessing since James was a Quidditch jock, he was the brawn. Sirius was the spirit and Peter was the obedient, insecure follower. This is different from the trio, they are all brains, brawn, spirited and obedient, just in different ways and that’s how they balance each other out. Lupin is very selfless, brave and skilled. He lost all of his best friends in one fell swoop. Two returned, as a traitor and the other as someone in hiding who’s life was cut short. He lived a tragic life and yet he wasn’t bittered by it. He made many sacefrices and was a huge inspiration to our story’s hero. I will say he was a little blinded by loyalty. I mean, he really couldn’t put the pieces together that Sirius was innocent until Harry saw Pettigrew on the Marauder’s Map? He was smart enough to get the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, like come on! And also him saying “Dumbledore trusts Snape, therefore I do.” Seriously? Come on, Remus! Dumbledore is a human being who can make mistakes, and also has a history of trusting the wrong people, how Grindelwald was apparently his friend, but then helped Voldemort. He was also a manipulator. I guess his blind loyalty is the one character flaw, which makes him a tragic hero, much like Sirius, one of two of Harry’s only living fatherly figures. The thing is, Lupin was also betrayed by Dumbledore as he indirectly outed him as werewolf due to DADA job curse, which Dumbledore definitely knew about (also, Lupin is smart and was at Hogwarts as a students, so wouldn’t he also know about the curse, or have heard about it? Why would he even risk it then? Oh, poor Lupin. I feel so and for him. He doesn’t deserve this). Also, can we talk about how tragic Lupin’s story is in Phoenix because it’s very underrated? He literally watches the last of his true and best friends die right in front of him and can’t even process it because he has to hold Harry back from his worst impulses and stayed strong for him. That so immense emotional strength, a trait he no doubt got from the fact he is ostracized as a werewolf. I wish we got to see Lupin be more of a father figure to Harry, especially after Sirius’ death and especially because he doesn’t survive Deathly Hallows, because as much as Mr. Weasley is a great father figure to Harry, I don’t think it’s ever confirmed or denied that the Weasley parents knew or were friends with the Potters. Lupin is one of Harry’s parental figures and Harry’s last connection to his parents, as one of their best friends. Like Harry, Lupin’s son never got to know his parents and they died for him to live in a better world. Like, thank GOD Harry is his godfather. He’s the only person in the world who would understand that. Hopefully, he grew up in a happier, more loving household too. Lupin deserved a more heroic death. He represented such a great story about someone who is different in finding love and family in a difficult time. Also, to me, it seems like Lupin never actually took part in the Marauder’s bullying towards Snape. He just didn’t stop it, which isn’t bad, but it’s also not great. Understandably, Snape resents the fact that Lupin never tried to stop his friends from humiliating him. All of this is proven to me by how he acts in the Shrieking Shack scene, as he tries to defsue the situation, not team up with Sirius to taunt Snape. Also, Lupin is such a comforting character, especially in the 3rd film where he’s constantly like “eat, you’ll feel better.” Mood! Especially with it being chocolate. He also became a leader and a mentor when his werewolf status, at least to the rest of society, and him anything but. That’s such an inspiring story. Lupin is also a really impressive wizard. I mean, he manages to do a non-verbal Patronus several times in Azkaban. Lupin was also the only instructor (besides Snape although we never got to actually see him teach the subject except for in Azkaban when he subbed for Lupin) who was actually skilled and knowledgable about DADA and could actually relate to and understand the students and gain their admiration and respect. One thing I was confused about with Lupin is how he believes like everyone else that Sirius is guilty with him telling Harry “gambling with their sacrifice by wandering around the castle, unprotected, with a killer on the loose seems to me to be a pretty poor way to repay them,” however that conversation ends with Harry telling Lupin that he saw Pettigrew’s name on the map and then suddenly he puts the pieces together that Scabbers was Pettigrew, knowing Pettigrew’s Animagus, and seemingly never discussing this with Sirius prior because this seems to be their first time seeing each other in 13 years. Also, Lupin isn’t stupid, so has this theory of Sirius’ innocence really never crossed his mind, especially with him knowing how weak Pettigrew is and how loyal Sirius is. Also, I get that Lupin was grateful that Dumbledore offered him the DADA job, but why didn’t he tell him Sirius was an Animagus? Lupin is a very smart wizard, and I am seriously supposed to believe he didn’t put two-and-two together? If he trusted Dumbledore so much, then why didn’t he tell him, even if, at the time, he believe Sirius murdered his other best friend (which in itself is very unbelievable because Sirius is tough and loyal, but from how McGonagall describes Pettigrew when Harry spies on her under his Invisibility Cloak in Hogsmeade in Azkaban, he always seemed like a shy follower)? At least Lupin died a hero. Like his parents’ heroic deaths gave Harry peace, it will also give Teddy peace. Lupin was also fiercely loyal. To James. To Sirius (I am sure he still believed Sirius was innocent despite everything the world said about him, despite not having a way to prove it until Harry reunited him with the Marauder’s Map). To Tonks. To Harry (he treated him like a family member. Like a son. The only son he really had since he died before Teddy ever got to know him). To Dumbledore (although misguided). To the Order. I also loved how Lupin is well aware that food, especially chocolate, makes everything better. That’s literally in his first scene of dialogue. That was always a promising sign that he would be one of the best characters.
10. Minerva McGonagall
While her costume design was reminiscent of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, McGonagall is anything but wicked. She may be stern, but she also truly cares about her students and will protect them and the school itself at any cost. I mean, she was protective of Harry before he was ever her student, but fully knowing he will be her future students, as a baby when she fully called out Dumbledore’s decision to send Harry to live with “the worst kinds of Muggles imaginable”) and you can tell she fought for her life in the final movie because her hair was a mess. I know because even when we saw her bedhead, she had no flyaways. This is proven when she stands up to Umbridge in the 5th film and Snape in the final film. I love seeing her in this leadership role (I have heard that she needed up headmistress after the final battle and she DESERVED this. I wish we got to see her thrive in this position). She was fair, graceful and got sh*t done! Go her! She was truly the mother of the whole series. Her constancy throughout the films provided much comfort and security, which was much needed as the series progressed. I also loved the moment in the first film when McGonagall gifts Harry Nimbus 2000 with the help of Hedwig (I loved seeing how big of a fan she was of Quidditch and the Gryffindor team), in the final film when she said “it’s good to see you” to Harry and in the sixth film when she told Harry how important he was to Harry (which was later revealed to be a bunch of BS, although I am sure McGonagall really did mean it). he was nurturing, supportive, encouraging, caring, stern, tough, kindhearted, adorable, and comforting. If Lupin is the teacher every kid wants, McGonagall is what a teacher should be, disciplinary but with the students’ best interests in mind, after all, kids need discipline in order to learn and grow. McGonagall is also the only professor to stand up to Umbridge and try and protect her students from her wicked wrath. The safety of Hogwrats and the people who call it home are always her top priority, unlike Dumbledore, which is why she would be a phenomenal headmaster. These moments show just how much she really cares about Harry (not Dumbledore). McGonagall was literally the only one concerned for Harry on the night she dropped him off at the Dursleys with Dumbledore, who literally didn’t give a crap, and Hagrid, who was so overwhelmed with emotion that he was too sad about saying goodbye to Harry and the Potters and he couldn’t even process what they were actually doing. She knew how much Harry had just suffered and didn’t want to continue his misery by sentencing to a childhood with the world’s worst Muggles ever. McGonagall regresses, which is probably why she goes above and beyond to make sure his first year at Hogwarts made it home for him, by getting him a broom and helping him get on the Quidditch team. Her first priority was Harry’s well-being. It was pure and genuine and she was both nurturing and stern with him, trying to give him that normalcy he craved (even if it was often by punishment) while also protecting him when she could. She was also second in command. She led the school, with the help of Neville, during the Battle of Hogwarts after Snape block-smoked away. She was also seemingly in charge when Dumbledore left in Chamber. She also stood up to Umbridge, when Dumbledore never even bothered. She may have been stern, both in personality and in appearance, but she also one of the most comforting and consistent characters. Like McGonagall is the only professor Harry passes after his name is called from the Goblet of Fire that isn’t just visibly shocked, but visibly scared. She pats him on the shoulder trying to comfort him, but you still see how concerned she is for him (although I do love the foreshadowing in this part without this sequence ends zooming in on Moody smirking at the camera AKA at Harry). McGonagall tries to comfort Harry after Dumbledore’s death by saying “in light of what’s happened, should you need to talk to someone…,” but he’s an isolated teenager, so he doesn’t, but it still proves how much she cares for her students. I also love the scene where the professors, McGonagall, Snape and Moody are all in Dumbledore’s office after Harry’s name comes out of the Goblet of Fire debating with Dumbledore if Harry should participate in the Tournament or not, and they all say that Harry needs to compete and McGonagall is the only one sticking up for Harry and his safety and when Dumbledore puts his foot down that Harry needs to compete she walks away, so done with these men. It’s a great, very underrated McGonagall moment that EVERY woman can relate to. She also calls Dumbledore out saying that Dumbledore is known for not following the rules, but of course, when Harry is put in danger, he’s like “uh, let it be.” That scene also proves how she always has her students’ best interests at heart. She also doesn’t lie to her students unlike some (cough Dumbledore cough). In Chamber, even though she was scared, she told them the truth about the Chamber of Secrets when they asked about, it because they deserved to know what was threatening their education. If she knew the truth about Dumbledore’s schemes, you know she would have ridiculed him for it. I love how McGonagall was the only one to question Dumbledore’s judgment to his face. She does this in Goblet and she does this in the very first scene of the series by asking Dumbledore “you think it wise to trust Hagrid with something as important as this?” knowing that Hagrid may be big, strong and loyal, but he isn’t the brightest, and Dumbledore replies with his signature masterful earnest manipulation “I would trust Hagrid with my life.” She also calls out his judgment for bringing Harry to the Dursleys saying “I have been watching them all day (in her cat form). They’re the worst sort of Muggles imaginable,” and Dumbledore simply replies “the only family he has,” like why does that matter if they are gonna make him grow up in the most miserable setting? Also, she had some great comedic moments like when she demonstrates slow dancing with Ron in Goblet of Fire and when she says to Ms. Weasley “I’ve always wanted to do that” in Deathly Hallows: Part 2. She is a major voice of reason throughout the series and one of the few professors to actually always have Harry’s best interest at heart, not pretend to (cough, Dumbledore, cough). Even when he has to punish Harry, it’s only to teach him and keep him safe. I also love how she calls Filch a “blithering idiot,” because, fact! I also loved her cheeky foreshadowing in the Half-Blood Prince where she said “Potter take Weasley with you. He looks far too happy over there.” That was hilarious for literally no reason. And when she said “Potter is a boy, not a piece of meat” to Dumbledore in Goblet basically five movies before Snape says a very similar thing to Dumbledore when Snape is told the truth about Harry’s fate by Dumbledore in Part 2, basically foreshadowing this reveal five movies prior (it’s ironic and also another example of Snape and McGonagall’s friendship and connection, but Snape had to keep his villain cover, so he had to disagree with her, plus he does hate Harry for being like James in many ways). You can say that again, McGonagall! What a queen! You suck, Dumbledore! McGonagall is part of the Order too, as we saw when she walked behind Sirius during the meeting, proving how loyal and committed she is to Dumbledore and defeating evil, but she’s the only professor in the Order (that we saw or know of, besides Lupin) that actually cares about the students. McGonagall definitely seems like she was the Hermione of her generation, she was the brightest witch of her age. She is capable, knowledgeable, skilled and very talented. She has a strong moral compass, and like Hermione was willing to break the rules for the greater good, as seen when she deals with Umbridge and prepares for the Battle of Hogwarts. She was a great voice of reason, especially when compared to the infuriatingly falsely noble Dumbledore. Also, can we talk about the underrated arc of McGonagall and Neville’s relationship? It starts off with nervous Neville finding his lost toad and sweetly and innocently looking up at McGonagall and McGonagall gives him an appalled, stunned, unamused, stern, pitiful stare in response, but by the end of the series, Neville is her right-hand student, the student she puts her trust in the lead his classmates in the Battle of Hogwarts. That’s seriously such an amazing arc. McGonagall never hated Neville, she pitied him. And her putting her trust in the previously accident-prone kid just shows how she has always seen his potential and now he’s living up to it. McGonagall isn’t perfect. She did take away many points from her own House in Stone and bought Harry an expensive broom when other students, like the Weasleys, are wearing hand-me-down robes using broken wands throughout the whole school year, but at least it’s because she genuinely cares, not because she’s trying to entice him like Dumbledore does. She also helps students reach their goals, shown by how McGonagall personals weeks Harry out to change his schedule to take classes to help him become an Auror, his life ambition. She didn’t have to do, especially to harry was has enough going on, but she has faith in him, not just in his potential, but also his survival against Voldemort, enough faith to remind him to think about his future (also knowing how close she is the Dumbledore maybe she knows the prophecy). Also, LOL at McGonagall’s face after tapping on Draco’s shoulder before the first years walk into the Great Hall and watching him walk back to his friends with such despair, like ‘I know what you are.’ Maggie Smith is just so good in this role. Also, McGonagall being a huge Quidditch fan is adorable. Her thrilled look when she tells Oliver that she found him a senior and her proud smile after Harry catches the Snitch is just so endearing. I wish we got to learn more of McGonagall’s backstory too. McGonagall is proof that age has nothing to do with badassery. She is an incredibly skilled witch as an Animagus and a fierce dueler. McGonagall is one of the many don’t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover characters that are more subtle than the other because at first glance, she’s stern and strict and eventually, you realize how spunky and caring she is. She is so admirable, as Ron comedically expresses in the first film when he and Harry are late to class. She is also so kind that she buys Harry his own broom with her own money, something his parents should have been able to gift him. And their smiling exchange across the Great Hall is so endearing. This gesture also shows how much she believes in Harry’s skills and capabilities. Also, McGonagall seemed to be the only notable female character who didn’t like Lockhart and saw through his facade, further proving how smart she is and how great of a professor she is. She saw him for what he was; obnoxious, vain, annoying, attention-hungry, incompetent, nonsensical and foolish, not the image of the skilled, handsome wizard he projected (that even Hermione fell for, although she is a child, but still he is her 40-year-old teacher, so that’s kind of icky). She hated him so much that she agreed with Snape, who was also perceptive enough to see through Lockhart’s foolishness, to send Lockhart to the monster, just to rid him of teaching the students nonsense, because TBH I hate to say it, but that would be for the greater good. Of course, this is kind of out of character for her, but it wasn’t like she was really ending him to his death. He was just getting him out of the way so she could come up with an actual plan and not have his bragging as an obstacle. After all, she can probably decide that this isn’t the first time he has been in a situation like this and he always finds a way to get out of it, so it seems. She’s smart, caring, stern, skilled, protective, talented, soft, witty, no nonsense, strong, well-respected, good, funny, strict and fair. McGonagall disciplines her students, but not beyond necessary, unlike Umbridge or even Snape who punish students who only make minor mistakes. McGonagall doesn’t close things out of proportion and disciplines in a way where the punishment fits the crime. She sees the best in her students and all their potential. She teaches them valuable things like curiosity, responsibility, punctuality, reading the room and understanding others. Sure, she is stern about it and sometimes embarrasses her students (as seen when Ron and Harry are late to her transfiguration class on the first day of school), but she is dedicated and devoted to Hogwarts and the well-being of her students. She looks out for her students WAY more than Dumbledore does. Also, how ironic is it that McGonagall said “only a parent or a guardian can sign, and since I am neither it would be inappropriate,” when she is literally the parent to the guardian of all the students and the entire series, the only one to really care about them, especially Harry? At least she clearly feels bad for Harry that she can’t give him permission, he hates seeing him be given yet another hardship, no matter how frivolous it is in the big scheme of things. She is also very smart, proven by how masterfully she makes a plan to protect the school in Part 2, proving her potential of how amazing of a headmistress she would be (is she Hogwarts first headmistress in its 1,000-year history because that actually proves just how effed up the patriarchy? It seems from the past headmasters’ portraits in Dumbledore’s office that they all seem to be men, although that could be the set designer’s fault, which sucks because everything else in regard to set design in this series is so detailed). Honestly, my only real qualm with McGonagall is how she ridiculed Ron and Harry when they were late to her class on their very first day at Hogwarts. Sure, being punctual is important, but this is their very first day at Hogwarts and it’s huge, chaotic and intimidating. Cut them some slack. It takes time to get used to. I also love when McGonagall shakes her head at Harry and Ron as they walk to Potions class in Prince like she’s a parent who just has no idea what to do with her sons (LOL). I also loved how she said in that film “why is it, when something happens, it’s always you three?” and Ron’s perfect response to it, after all the core trio attracted trouble and mystery as much as they seeked it out. They couldn’t exactly resist it, what with DADA professor turnover, Death Eaters and Malfoy, they were almost destined for trouble, mystery, and rebellion every school year, always forced to relay the events in the most chaotic way to Dumbledore, Snape or McGonagall, and McGonagall’s bluntness to the situation in Prince was just too perfect. That was such a great exchange and almost like a summary for the entirety first 6 movies. McGonagall is so dry, savage and quietly sassy, which are all my favorite kinds of humor. McGonagall is not a wicked teacher, despite how they costume her. I also love how after Ron and Harry get in trouble for the flying car incident and Ron thinks they are getting expelled and McGonagall’s response is “not today.” This parallels her “why is it always you three?’ exchange with Ron in Prince so well (honestly, Ron and McGonagall’s friendship is very underappreciated, between these two moments and Goblet). Also, her sass, particularly when directed at Umbridge and sometimes at Harry, was great, and a rarity for older female characters (unless it’s in the Golden Girls, or played by Betty White). Maggie Smith can do no wrong. *chef’s kiss*
9. Bellatrix Lestrange
Look up “fiercely loyalty” and you’ll find a picture of Bellatrix Lestrange. She is capital D Devoted to Voldemort, my god. I love a good, unhinged, badass and angry female villain and Bellatrix was a GREAT one. I mean she spits out Unforgivable Curses, particularly the Cruciatus Curse and the Killing Curse, like Harry spits out disarming spells and Hermione spits out stunning spells. She enjoys using her magic to taunt, torture and maim, which is horrible and disturbing, but boy does Helena Bonham Carter portray it in a way that makes it so fun to watch. She was the love-to-hate character this series really needed and I love characters like that, because it immediately makes then so complex. Bellatrix was like a child when it came to her evil personality, which provided great juxtaposition for her character. She was playful and was Bonham Carter in her portrayal. The way Bonham Carter delivered her lines sometimes, like a taunting, teasing child, it’s just brilliant, particularly in the scene where she has a dagger to Hermione’s throat taunting Harry, when she chants “I killed Sirius Black” in Phoenix and Prince and taunts Snape while she is initiating the Unbreakable Vow. She was so desensitized to the world and evilness around her and the evilness she does, so obviously I don’t root for her (she does HORRIBLE things) like I would with some of my favorite anti-heroines and female rage characters like Jennifer Check, Harley Quinn and Amy Dunne, but she was still just as much fun to watch. In this case, her psychoticness, naughtiness, and childishness made her all the more disturbing, and, therefore, all the more fascinating. Bellatrix is by far the most blindly loyal, devoted and bravest Death Eater, willing to do whatever it takes to please, whether it’s impulsively and mercilessly killing someone or being a good, obedient little girl. Her intense devotion and feelings are her driving motivation, constantly vying for his attention and praise, like a child. It’s honestly pathetic because if she wasn’t so evil, she could be an amazing witch. Bellatrix was a witch with impressive skill, no conscience and manic delusions, which made her one of the most dangerous characters of the series, maybe even more so than Voldemort, but that’s also what made her so damn fun to watch. She’s skilled, menacing, crooked and honestly, more thirsty with bloodlust then Voldemort because unlike him, who somewhat values the lives of purebloods, calling their deaths a “waste,” but Bellatrix doesn’t care either way, as long as achieves what the Dark lord expects of her. I loved her characterization too! Her unpredictability and wildness, both as the character and in Bonham Carter’s portrayal, was so thrilling to watch and must have been so fun to react off of. Bellatrix also brings out the worst in others. She inspires Harry to use his Unforgivable Curse for the first time, tempts Draco on the Astronomy Tower (worst Aunt ever!) and lures Mrs. Weasley into killing her. That makes her a great love-to-hate character, especially when combined with the brilliantly wild way Bonham Carter plays her. She was a force to be reckoned with and probably Voldemort’s only prominent Death Eater who was brave enough to actually risk her life, and not turn into a coward, which she has to be credited for. In many ways, Bellatrix was far more ruthless than Voldemort. Bonham Carter is a master at these wicked, wild and theatrical roles, and Bellatrix just might be her tour de force. She steals every scene she’s in and played every moment perfectly. I mean, the way Bellatrix seems to actively try and make everyone not have a family, the Weasleys, the Longbottoms, the Potters, even her own family with the Blacks, just proves her cruelty. She tries to kill Ginny, kidnap Ron and tortures Ron’s soon-to-be girlfriend Hermione. She tortured Neville’s parents into madness. She supported Harry’s parents’ murderer and killed his godfather, who was also his cousin. She also killed Dobby. She’s a bloodthirsty, merciless lunatic, no denying. But she at least has fun being the villain, which some ways makes her even more terrifying. It’s also hard to believe that Bellatrix is capable of love, for Voldemort or even Narcissa, just because she is so ruthless and heartless. Unlike Snape, whose ability to love makes his villainy more understandable, Bellatrix’s capability of love only makes her scarier and more irredeemable. However, Bellatrix is one of the only characters who genuinely seems to have fun being the villain, with Draco being the close second, but that’s mostly due to him being a school bully, not a true villain, making this confident cruelty the only quality he shares, or once shared, with his aunt. Bellatrix is the only one who doesn’t take her villainy too seriously. Yes, she’s fierce and ruthless, but she also has fun with it, which only makes her scarier. She performs curses callously and recklessly and laughs and taunts when people try and stand up to her. Unlike her sister Narcissa (LOL at her calling Narcissa Cissy as an adult. Bellatrix is such a child) Bellatrix embraced darkness fully and brought it to new levels through her unhinged and crazed personality. I also liked how she was just evil to be evil and it made sense. I didn’t need a backstory for her, although I’d love one, because of her childish nature. Unlike Voldemort who definitely needed one. It’s easy to believe that she just never grew up, had bad role models and turned evil like the rest of the Black family (except Sirius, obviously). Bellatrix is so desensitized to her wickedness that she literally celebrates killing her own cousin by chanting “I killed Sirius Black” in Phoenix after his death and in Prince. Bellatrix isn’t just chaotic, she’s unhinged. She’s a fun villain, even if you don’t root for her, which is very rare in villains. I am curious about how deranged Bellatrix was before her time in Azkaban. Clearly she was pretty insane as she tortured Neville’s parents, but we know Azkaban can alter people’s mental state due to the coldness and cruelty of the place. So, I am curious at how much that affected Bellatrix, if at all. If it was just physical, with her looking very skeletal during her first scene at the Azkaban breakout and then more alive later on. Bellatrix is unpredictable and ruthless which is a deadly combination in any character. She is eager to torture and kill, and her servitude to Voldemort only validates her violent tendencies. Props to Helena Bonham Carter for pulling that off. For example, in the scene where Bellatrix ambushes Dumbledore’s Army at the Department of Mysteries and first meets Harry Potter, and she’s taunting him, Neville and their friends, not only is Bonham Carter’s performance crazed, unpredictable and impulsive, but so is Bellatrix herself, which makes it even more fun to watch, because both the character and the actor clearly are having a ball. Villains like Ursula in The Little Mermaid have a sympathetic motivation, which makes us kind of root for them at times, especially as we get older. But with Bellatrix, yes she’s fun, but I don’t want her to win. I just want to watch her craziness and watch it be her downfall (which is a bad message, but you can’t deny that due to her murderous, merciless rage, she deserves that downfall). She’s unpredictable! What is she gonna do next? She murdered Sirius, made Neville’s parents go insane, and burnt the Weasley house down. That all sucks, but it was intriguing to watch. Bellatrix’s wicked and chaotic energy is just riveting to watch on-screen. she isn’t controlled by her inhibitions, has no filter and enjoys wreaking violent havoc, as opposed to someone like Sirius who is wild, but not deadly. She’s fanatically devoted and disturbingly playful. She has a flair for the dramatic, which is no doubt influenced by Voldemort’s love for spectacle too, showing how much she feels a sense of belonging when she’s with him and the Death Eaters. They all have a theatrical streak. Bellatrix’s best showcase of this is when she destroys the Great Hall to celebrate Dumbledore’s death (honestly, kind of mood because he sucks). Bellatrix was ruthless, vicious, insanely devoted and truly deranged. Also, her devotion and loyalty to Voldemort is just like Harry and his friends’, it’s just far less admirable and shows just how deranged, as Sirius describes her, she really is. Like, Bellatrix freaked the hell out when she suspected that the trio broke into her vault. Beside her lack of impulse control, she wouldn’t have been that furious if didn’t regard the Dark Lord so highly, like a God. She is constantly yearning for his praise and validation, which also shows how insecure she is. she worships him like a God and everything she does is motivated by her devotion to him. It’s honestly sad because Voldemort could care less about her, than about any of his followers. Almost like an influencer, all he wants is a high number of followers, he doesn’t care who they are (shown by him laughing at Neville when he seemingly limbs towards him in Part 2, at least from Voldemort’s perspective. He doesn’t reject him, just mocks him). Bellatrix was really the only villain who had fun being a villain. She didn’t take it as seriously as Voldemort or Lucius. While Umbridge clearly had fun being evil, her unclear motivations, to hurt children on behave of the Ministry, made it not fun to watch and she also took it seriously while still enjoying it visibly, while with Bellatrix, her motivation wasn’t necessarily cruel, but understandable and simple, her devotion to Voldemort, but the persons he was devoted to, her personality and actions made it cruel. The reason why I am saying that Bellatrix’s devotion to Voldemort is sad is best exemplified in Harry’s death scene. Voldemort falls down after killing Harry and Bellatrix tries to help him up but he pushes her off of him, showing just how little he actually respects and values about her, while she adores him. It’s sad, but definitely doesn’t garner any sympathy. It’s like people who fall in love with murderers or prisoners. Or impressionable people who join a cult (after all, the Death Eater army is honestly nothing more then a cult of supervillains). However, out of all of Voldemort’s cult followers, Bealltrix has bought into it the most. It would be so tragic if she wasn’t such a mad hatter herself (Alice In Wonderland reference intended, because as aforementioned, she was in it with a lot of her Potter co-stars). She has a glimmer in her eye every time she sees Voldemort, has a highly visible thirst for blood, a zealous fanatical attitude and undisguised contempt for others she deems beneath her, like Hermione, Harry and Dobby. Bellatrix is so fiercely loyal to him that she’d rather suffer in Azkaban then ‘wear a mask’ as Lucius Malfoy so poetically says and pretend to denounce him (although, honestly, her life sentence probably saved so many lives in hindsight regardless). She’s frightening, manically devoted and ruthless. Bellatrix’s devotion to Voldemort honestly borders on brainwashing because Lucius and Narcissa believe is the same things she does, and yet they are’t unhinged, but Bellatrix is powerful, ruthless, dangerous and deadly. I also like how Bellatrix celebrates Dumbledore’s death by throwing the Dark Mark in the sky and screaming in joy and then dancing on the tables celebrating. I know she’s evil, but he is literally me celebrating his death, even though he is still pulling the strings from beyond the grave. Also, LOL at Bellatrix saying to Narcissa “the Dark Lord is mistaken,” when they go to Snape in Prince, like “how dare you defy your master,” Bellatrix! Bellatrix’s name is so cool though. Actually, all the Blacks have such cool names. Bellatrix. Sirius. Narcissa. Their names are all cool, tough and strong, just like them. Their names also give off a slightly questionable and menacing vibe, which is very accurate for all of their characters. There’s no denying that Bellatrix isn’t just bad or villainous, she’s heinous, cruel and sadistic. She is responsible for taking Neville’s parents away from him by torturing them into insanity. That is irredeemable, unfathomable and unforgivable. And the worst part is, she didn’t feel remorse about it. She genuinely thought it was the right thing to do as it was for Dark Lord and when she taunted Neville about it, she was so callous and casual about the appalling crime she committed. Like Sirius said, she is truly deranged. While, like Umbridge, she genuinely likes inflicting pain, her maniacal nature makes fun, while Umbridge’s sweet demeanor just makes your blood boil. Bellatrix killed two of the series’ most beloved and disadvantaged characters, Dobby and Sirius Black and she was just a terrifying presence on screen. You always know with as bad, but intriguing, when she was on screen, even when it was Hermione pretending to her. She was so strong, ruthless and powerful that even Harry Potter couldn’t defeat her (thank you Mrs. Weasley!). The reason why Bellatrix is so high on this list is, well, I love villains, and her character, while a complete villain with no redeeming qualities, is just so much fun. She doesn’t take things to seriously while many of the other villains do. She is the character that shows that being the villain is fun, mostly due to Bonham Carter’s performance. You can tell she’s having so much fun playing the villain. Bellatrix genuinely loves causing mayhem and wreaking havoc. She is the definition of having zero manners, as seen during the scene where she and her “Cissy” meet with Snape. She’s also wild, but definitely not a sympathetic, layered villain. It’s official: Helena Bonham Carter can do no wrong.
8. Dobby
What a great arc! Dobby is a free elf! He also did not deserve to die. We deserved to see more of Dobby. I wish we got to see his dynamic with the Malfoy family more too, especially him and Draco. At least Dobby standing up to his old masters in Part 1 was a great full-circle moment. Also, he died keeping his promise to Harry. So heartbreaking! He was also so relatable. Like on a spiritual level, I relate to Dobby’s lovable determination and self-loathing. Dobby is so charming, endearing and comedic. He may behave weakly, but he is very tough, and that quality in him is very underrated. Dobby is one of the more fantastical characters, but also one of the most relatable. He was such a bright light despite being tormented and tragic. Seeing how happy he is to gain his freedom is so heartwarming and inspiring. He is also so underappreciated for his bravery, I mean saving so many innocent people from his master’s mansion was so courageous. His death is also one of the most heartbreaking. He goes through so much trauma from the Malfoys and by traumatizing himself and yet he still remains a positive light in the series. Also, at least Dobby felt bad about making Harry almost die (despite that not being his intention, that could have clearly been the result. Oh poor oblivious, anxious Dobby, you have a heart of gold), and making him feel isolated, shown with how literally ironed his own hands, while Dumbledore couldn’t care less because he genuinely thought he was doing the right thing. Dobby was such a bright, positive light even though his livelihood was so pathetic and oppressed. He was a beacon of kindness, hope and goodness. He did have a tendency to be annoying, but he always managed to be more charming then frustrating. Dobby’s last act was saving Hermione’s life, as well as Harry, Ron and Griphook. A true hero! He was the definition of undying loyalty. What’s so endearing about Dobby is that he does quite antagonistic things like bewitch a bludger, isolate Harry, get Harry into trouble and kidnap Mundungus, but he always does so with good intentions and is fully aware that if it wasn’t for his desperation, these would be terrible things to do. He feels so bad, and he punishes himself for it. It’s more adorable then hatable. Also, he was a slave to a cruel family, so cruelty and misdeeds are all he really knew and could take inspiration from. He genuinely didn’t know any better. He was sweet, innocent and naive when it came to thing villainous deeds, but because he felt genuinely bad about everything, he became one of the most endearing characters. Dobby’s last words too were so telling, “what a beautiful place to be with a friend. Dobby is happy to be with his friend.” Dobby is a bright light in the series (that should have been used way more, especially since it was 5 films since we last saw him) and his quote reminds you to look on the bright side in difficult times, like his own death. It shows how much his friendship with Harry meant to him. Dobby is always willing to help Harry, even if he ends up frustrating and angering him instead. His intentions are always good and Harry is always appreciative nonetheless. Dobby reminds me of my dog. The mannerisms and his sweet but wild personality. It’s adorable. Also, the way his very first line and his very last line were both “Harry Potter, UGH! It’s so sad! I wish he got to see Harry defeat Voldemort. Dobby is fiercely loyal to Harry and he is just one of many who died for the Boy Who Lived. It’s so tragic how Dobby literally died in Harry’s arms, the person who saved his life multiple times, and sometimes in questionable ways. Also, the way Dobby broke his promise to Harry from Chamber to never save his life again, and died doing so, like a true friend and hero, just makes his death even sadder. At least he died a beautiful and heroic death, he saved Harry one last time, even though he promised never to do so again, and died with a smile on his face and with his last words calling Harry Potter his friend.
7. Sirius Black
What a great character. Charismatic. Intelligent. Skilled. Witty. Strong-willed. Clever. Wise. Impulsive. Strategic. Committed. Brave. Bold. Eager. Witty. Protective. Cunning. Loyal. Mischievous. Devoted. Energetic. Resilient. Dedicated. Charming. Had an enviable about of nerve. He was also involved in so many great plot twists. Gary Oldman was so good as Sirius, especially in the Shrieking Shack scene in Prisoner of Azkaban and the dinner table scene in The Order of The Phoenix. I mean, the pain in his voice when he hollers “I did my waiting. 12 years. In Azkaban,” it was heartwrenching. And the manic joy in his voice and eyes when he hollers “let’s kill him” for Pettigrew and his betrayal of James, Lily and Sirius was excellent. Sirius was his much-needed father figure. He was the tragic hero of the story, whose endearing wildness ultimately led to his own death. He was probably one of the most devastating deaths of the whole series (besides Snapes and, I’ll admit, Dumbledore too). At least Harry could be at peace knowing that Sirius died the way he would have wanted to die, protecting those he loved and fighting for the greater good. Also, Sirius’ last words being “nice one, James” to Harry, how he doesn’t even realize he said it, Harry’s subtle reaction to hearing it, it just made his actual death that much more of a gut punch. They were subconscious and became heartbreaking. It also shows yet again how much of James he sees in Harry. It’s also so sad because even though Sirius is freed in Azkaban, he is never really free, which sucks for him, but also Harry because Sirius is also Harry’s one chance to escape Little Whinging with him saying “when we free him, I’ll never have to go back to the Dursleys,” and even Sirius says in Phoenix that after all of this “we’ll be a proper family” and Harry begins to plan out the whole thing, with them living in the country, no doubt neighbors with Weasleys. However, this dream never happens, for either of them (I wonder if Harry ever told Sirius this), and it’s just so sad because they both deserve it so much. Sirius is also one of the most loyal characters in the series. I mean he remained loyal to James and Lily even after their deaths and his torturous time in Azkaban. Even though the whole world thought he was a murderer, he still made it his mission to protect Harry at all costs, which led to his death. Once Harry discovers the truth and Sirius’ innocence, their bond is unbreakable and ironclad. He was both the parent and older sibling Harry never had and gave him advice on life, love and identity. Sirius was far from perfect, but his number one priority always was protecting Harry, and combining that with his bold personality, made him one of the most fascinating and dynamic characters in the series. He was committed and devote to Harry until the very end, helping him live as normally and happily as he could. Sirius was Harry’s only true family, the closest thing to the family he should have had. Then he died, and luckily Harry still had the Weasleys, but there will always be a hole in his heart where his parents and Sirius should be. Sirius is a flawed, charismatic, passionate man who is loyal to a fault. Sirius is also incredibly strong and resilient. He freaking survived Azkaban, the worst place ever imaginable, and escaped remaining a kind and considerate person (even if he was a little manic and reckless at times but he’s also a Black so there’s that). It makes a lot of sense when you think about how both Harry and Sirius never became bittered by their unfortunate circumstances and why they would form such an unbreakable bond. He was also a very impressive wizard. He was a great duelist, as seen by how effortlessly he fired spells at Lucius at the Department of Mysteries. He is also an Animagus, which seems very impressive, and this skill saved his life as he could escape Azkaban and see Harry. He is also so strong, choosing to stan dup to his family’s terrible beliefs and stand with the light and the good. He was extremely loyal to James, even in death and made it his mission to protect Harry at any cost, with this fact making it clear how he and Snape had more in common then we give them credit for. People don’t often talk about it. Sirius protected Harry because he is James’ son and Snape protected Harry because he is Lily’s son, both by any means necessary even if they it means ruining their reputations, which they both did without question or regret, showing how loyal they are even in death. If only they could have found a way to reconcile due to this fact. Maybe in death. Sirius’ life was also tragic. He was disowned by his family for choosing goodness over evil, sent to prison after being framed for the death of his best friend, escaped only to spend two years in hiding and then two years after he escaped he got mercilessly killed by his own cousin. Just tragic. He was the only true parent Harry ever had. He told him that “when all this over we’ll be a proper family” and then later on in the Order of the Phoenix he died, and never gave that proper, well-deserved, long overdue family to Harry. Just heart-wrenching (it was truly a form of cruel and unusual punishment how we started hating Sirius, then fell in love with him, had him back only VIA a fireplace in the next movie, then got to finally actually see him again, only to have him ripped away by the end of that same movie. However, I forgive it because it was brilliant storytelling. Good storytelling gives you what you don’t expect in a way that twists your heartstrings, after all that’s why The Vampire Diaries is one of the most successful fantasy TV shows. And Harry Potter is great storytelling, but it was still so tragic). He may have been a risk-taker, but he was also cunning, smart and caring. His recklessness was his character flaw, which made him a tragic hero, the ultimate tragic hero of the series. Sirius was one of the loyal characters of the series, staying loyal to the Potters even through death and imprisonment. He was also a great wizard, not just because of his Animagus powers but also, because his duel in Phoenix was so badass and very fast-paced. Honestly, despite despising each other, Sirius and Snape both have a lot in common. They are both lessons in not judging a book by its cover. They both dedicate their lives to protecting Harry on behalf of someone they love that’s now gone, for Sirius it’s James and for Snape it’s Lily. However, only one of them truly loved Harry, and that was Sirius. And they both instantly start protecting Harry from the moment they meet him. For Sirius, it’s when Pettigrew runs up to Harry and starts talking about James in the Shrieking Shack and Sirius pushes Pettigrew away from him and yells “how dare you” at him for his audacity. And for Snape, it’s seeing Harry’s scar hurt him, and seeing Quirrell acting suspicious next to him. Sirius has so many touch moments with Harry where his loving and kind side shines through, showing how he isn’t just reckless or impulsive. He was very heroic in how he dedicated his life and sacrificed so much just to keep his best friend’s son safe. Despite being a fugitive on the run and fugitive on house arrest, Sirius still did everything he could to help Harry, even if it was something as simple as a hug or a letter. One of the main reasons Grimmauld Place, his no doubt traumatic childhood home (Sirius even said in front of the Black family tree when he points to his name now burned out of the Black family tree and sarcastically says “my mother did that after I ran away. Charming women. I was 16″ It’s so sad, but at least Sirius is the kind of person to find humor in even the most difficult circumstances. That’s no doubt a quality he and Lupin share), was a far better prison than Azkaban, besides the obvious, is that he could be with Harry while he was there, the person he loved most. Honestly, the one of the saddest parts about Sirius’ death is that he tells Harry “We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are,” in their last real conversation, but that message doesn’t really soak in for harry until after Sirius dies and his friends give him the strength to expel Voldemort from his body. At that moment, Harry had a choice, to choose the light or the dark, and he chose the light, and acted on it, and the sad thing is, that he learned this lesson from Sirius posthumously. The other saddest part of Sirius’ death is that during his and Harry’s last real conversation, they parted with Sirius saying “when all this is over, we’ll be a proper family,” and that never got to happen when both Sirius and Harry deserve that proper family so much. It’s so heartwrenching. Sirius also isn’t a perfect godfather. He is reckless, daring to come out of his Padfoot form for even a second to say goodbye to Harry. He also waits a good amount of time to tell Harry the truth in the Shrieking Shack, more focused on getting his justifiable revenge on Pettigrew than enlightening Harry. However, Harry has already idolized his father, he doesn’t also need to do that for his godfather. It also makes their relationships far more interesting as it’s more of a mentorship of equals. Harry teaches Sirius to have faith, as Harry is the one to have mercy toward Peter Pettigrew (which did in hindsight end up being a HUGE mistake) and Sirius teaches Harry what love is as he has never felt the love of a parent before Sirius (I don’t think he really looked at the Weasleys as his parental figures until Sirius died, because they were all he had left, which part of why the burning down of the Burrow was so tragic). Sirius is also undyingly loyal and values friendship more than anything else, proven through Oldman’s painfully passionate delivery of “I would have died. I would have died rather than betray my friends.” Sirius and Harry got close in an incredibly short amount of time. I mean, think about it, they only really spent time with each other that one night, and for most of it, they were separated. Then the next time they are actually together is at Grimmauld Place and after that during Christmas. The fact that they cultivated such a profound bond just says so much about how much Sirius loved him and how much Harry needed him, making Sirius’ death all the more tragic. Also, I thought it was interserting how Sirius’ Padfoot form is so nasty and scary in Azkaban, matching his rugged, dirty appearance in human form, and then in Phoenix, Padfoot still very much a rough little mut, but there is a friendliness to him, showing how much healthier and happier he is. Also the dog’s big smile, as Sirius is finally able to leave on confines of Grimmauld Place, is just adorable. I love doggy smiles. Daniel Radcliffe and Gary Oldman also had fantastic chemistry. You could tell that Radcliffe admired Oldman just as much as Harry admired Sirius and vice versa from Oldman and Sirius deeply caring about Radcliffe and Harry. Their relationship felt very authentic, and it’s nice to see Oldman putting in that effect as an established, renowned actor. It was also cool to see how Radcliffe could hold his own opposite such a skilled actor (as well as all the other skilled legends in this franchise, while simultaneously being the lead and having this whole franchise on his back. That is so impressive). One of their best scene one-on-one was that scene in front of the Black family tree where Harry asks about his dark side and at the end of the conversation, Sirius says “when this is all over, we’ll be a proper family,” and by the end of the film Sirius is dead, and that never happens. That’s gut-wrenching. It was also interesting having that conversation in front of the family tree because being a part of that family and their “pure blood mania” and his friendship with James was how Sirius learned the exact lesson he is teaching Harry. It was a very beautiful thing. He always stood up for the ones he loved and would rather die then betray them, making him one of the most loyal characters. While he may have been a childhood bully, his time in Azkaban and losing his best friend helped him mature, gain wisdom and empathy and become a resilient man, and all of the inspired Harry and he was a great role model for our titular hero. He still had bad habits and flaws like impulsivity, rebelliousness, recklessness, anger, and despite disregarding his families’ pureblood beliefs, was still a bit prejudice, especially towards house elves, while Harry never was, and neither were Ron or Hermione. Sirius spent over a decade of his life imprisoned in the worst place on Earth for a crime he did not commit and then died two years after he escaped. That’s so tragic! Sirius’ death also could have been avoided if Harry hadn’t played into Voldemort’s hands, which must have caused him immense guilt (although we never see that). That’s what makes it even more tragic. Sirius’ death is particularly devastating because there wasn’t even a body, he just disappeared, and also Harry saw the whole thing. Without a body, his death is even harder for Harry to process (even though we don’t really ever see that, knowing Harry, we just know it). Harry is in denial and runs after Sirius and if not for Lupin grabbing him, Harry would have died too. I also love how Sirius in Azkaban and says “the ones that love us never really leave us. You can also find them in there” and he puts his hand on Harry’s heart and then in the final film, Sirius keeps his word and does that exact thing when he comes back to Harry through the Resurrection Stone. I love how, even though Sirius couldn’t keep his word about being a proper family when it was all over, he could at least keep his word in terms of that. It was a lovely parallel. Sirius is also a great example of why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. He was born into evil, and unlike Draco, who was raised by villainous cowards, Sirius became an outspoken member of the Black family (which apparently are connected because Bellatrix and Narcissa are sisters and Bellatrix is Sirius’ cousin), stood up to his family and chose goodness. However, his consequence was being framed for murder and painted as a murderous psycho, when he was really the exact opposite. Then he was cooped up in the same house where all his bad familial memories lie with the literal creature he hates most in the world because it reminds him of his family, and then he died. He deserved better! And poor Harry. First, his parents, who he never actually got to form a relationship with, died, then his godfather, who actually did form an endearing and close relationship with (just t have it ripped away, God I don’t know which way is worse) and then his father’s best friend. The kid just can’t catch a break. He really deserved that happy ending. We also deserved to see more of how Sirius’ death affected Harry. He was pretty much his only parent left. We should have gotten more of that. Sirius was like a father and a brother to Harry. That must have been the most devastating death for him, especially because he can remember every second of it, unlike his parents who he didn’t even remember. He got a taste of life with Sirius. they made future plans and developed a camaraderie, and it was ripped away without any goodbye. I’m sure losing your parents as a baby is a rough thing to go through, but this much has been just completely, utterly heartbreaking. I get why Sirius is suspicious of Snape, beyond their long and treacherous history because in Goblet he said “no one stops being a Death Eater,” but Snape did, and he doesn’t know that he is a triple agent. If only Sirius could have learn just how much Snape protected Harry, maybe then they could have reconciled a bit, or at least become cordial in a similar way to Draco and Harry. Sirius treats Harry both as a son and a brother, as an adult, an equal. He gives him tough love, and genuine comfort, as seen during the fire conversation in Goblet and their talk in front of the Black family tree in Phoenix. I wish that Sirius was given the opportunity to be a godfather to Harry because he barely was, and based on his affectionate and amazed (no doubt at how grown up Harry is having not seen him in person and not through flames since Azkaban, two years ago in this timeline) look at Harry when he first arrives at Grimmauld Place during the Order’s meeting and Sirius’ huge smile when he and Harry are officially reunited and have a massive and loving hug (probably the first fatherly hug he’s ever gotten), he clearly has so much love for Harry. He would have been an amazing godfather and deserved to have the opportunity to be one. Despite being locked up in Azkaban and in Grimmauld place for years, Sirius is such a good duelist, especially when he is dueling Lucius in the Veil Room. I also loved how during that duel with Lucius, we see Sirius’ bit of a dramatic flair, which is clearly his Black-ness (a Slytherin family) coming out. Sirius is an incredibly strong and resilient character. I mean, he freaking survived Azkaban and came out of it still a kind person. His resilience is really what him and Harry have in common, besides their Gryffindor traits, love for one another and James. Also, I think the fact that Sirius was a childhood bully proves that as much as he is good and a Gryffindor, there will also be a bit of Black-ness in him, a bit of his blood family in him, just as much as his found family through James. Harry and Sirius also bonded over the fact that they were iced out by their real families and forced to find a found family, and they found it in each other despite all the obstacles in their way and only having such a short time together. Sirus and Harry were really the only families they had left, and they never really got to become one due to Sirius being in hiding and his death. It’s so sad. Also, the way the Black family tree is painted on the wall and takes up an entire room, and they literally burn the faces of those who ‘betray’ them just goes to show their status, how seriously they take it, and how ruthless they are, and Sirius does have a ruthless side to him, as seen when he is hellbent on killing Pettigrew in the Shrieking Shack (rightfully so because he spent 12 years in the worst prison imaginable for a crime he didn’t do, but still). Poor Sirius, imagine going to jail for a crime that you didn’t commit, and that crime being the death of your best friend. That’s unfathomable. Also, it’s so brave that Sirius goes to the Department of Mysteries in Phoenix to help Harry. It shows how much he loves him as going there, much like Harry in Part 1, is incredibly dangerous as those are the exact people who want to put him back in jail. It just shows how dedicated he is to Harry, which makes the fact the never walks out of the Ministry after that battle that much more tragic. Also, I love seeing Sirius’ mania in the Shrieking Shack scene. Obviously part of that is due to his trauma from Azkaban, proven by the stark difference between that mania versus his mere natural recklessness and charming charisma in Phoenix, but it also makes me believe that it’s also his Black-ness coming out. This is because when he manically chants “come out Peter, come out come out and play,” it reminds me of Bellatrix chanting “I killed Sirius Black” in Phoenix and Prince. The way Sirius tells Harry “I’ll never forget the first time I walked through those doors [to Hogwarts castle]. It’ll be nice to do again as a free man,” and he never gets to do that. That’s so tragic. The last time he was in there, he was still seen as a criminal. Sirius deserves better. When Pettigrew runs up to Harry and tells him how much he looks like James, Sirius runs up to Pettigrew, instantly protecting him, calling Pettigrew out for his audacity to talk about James in front of him. Sirius instinct is to protect Harry from the beginning. The Marauders seem very much like the Weasley twins with how they were both brilliant and incredibly mischievous, and that combination can make for some of the most fun classmates, surprisingly wise people, and greatest characters. I also loved Sirius told Harry “nice one, James,” when they are fighting Lucius in Phoenix. Sirius is focused and Harry looks so much like James that it just slips out and it’s also such a great callback to that flashback scene. It was just such a great moment as it showed Sirius undying loyal, right before he actually died. One thing I don’t get about Sirius is why he ever made the mistake of trusting Dumbledore again after he came back. Sirius’ biggest flaws are his recklessness and vengefulness, as seen during the Shrieking Shack scene in Azkaban when he is in full manic revenge mode, so since he knew Dumbledore knew he was innocent and still let everyone believe he was guilty, basically chosing Snape over Sirius as seen in Goblet when Dumbledore defends Snape fiercely during Karkaroff’s trial, I find it very hard to believe that Sirius wasn’t livid at Dumbledore for all of his suffering. And yet Sirius re-joined the Order and opened up his childhood home for the Order’s headquarters (he obviously hated being imprisoned in his traumatic childhood home but still). But Sirius is a smart guy, you’d think he’d put two and two together. And Dumbledore didn’t try to make it up to him in anyway, at least not from what we saw. He just continued doing what he did, which was ignore Harry, and since he chose self-preservation instead of helping Harry, he let him run right in Voldemort’s hands which provoked Sirius out of hiding to protect his godson, ever the loyal one, which Dumbledore knew was his weakness just like what happened when James and Lily were killed, and then Sirius died, making it indirectly Dumbledore’s fault that Sirius died. Sirius deserves to get his revenge on Dumbledore. This also must have made him hate Snape even more. Also, as much as Sirius despises Snape, he did try and save him by protecting him from Lupin’s werewolf form. Of course, he did that mostly to protect the trio, but still by the time he fought against werewolf Lupin, he was also protecting Snape, as Snape was guarding the trio by then. I love how Harry always wants to be around Sirius. In Azkaban, he asks to come with him as he escapes and in Phoenix, he asks to stay and help Sirius battle the Death Eaters. But Sirius refuses to let him stay with him, knowing that he belongs at Hogwarts and with his friends, just like he did when he was a kid. You understand both perspectives. To Harry, Sirius is his godfather and the closest thing he has to a family, a father and his parents because of that, and to Sirius, Harry is the closest thing he has to James, his best friend, but as a godfather, he also wants him to express everything he got to while at Hogwarts, which we see from their first real conversation In Azkaban when they stare at the Hogwarts castle and Sirius offers to have Harry live with him after his name is cleared (the fact that this NEVER happened is just too sad), was both of their happy places. It’s also so full circle when Sirius tells Harry “the ones we love never really leave us” and then touches his heart, and when Harry needs his parents most, they, Sirius and Lupin return to him in the end, just like Sirius said. I also love how in Order of the Phoenix all magic just went out the window and Sirius just punched Lucius instead (I love how two of the best characters, Hermione and Sirius, and also two of the most skilled wizards of the series, both punched the Malfoys in the face for very justifiable reasons).
6. Luna Lovegood
They should have introduced her character earlier on. She is such an underrated and underestimated character, in and out of the universe. I loved her unintentionally and sporadically blunt commentary, her risky fashion sense (although it’s not my taste, I can appreciate it), her eternal optimism and how she’s not afraid to be her quirky self. Luna is also, strangely, a voice of reason. Luna’s first scene is just perfect to introduce her character, between the line “you’re just as sane as I am” to her holding the Quibbler upside down. You can just tell immediately that his girl is quite the individual. I loved her friendship with Harry. It just shows how accepting and kind Harry is, as he doesn’t discredit her like so many others do for her uniqueness and quirks, but all he sees is her intelligence, lightness, creativity and loyalty. I mean he literally could have asked anyone to Slughorn’s party and he chose Luna, not because she is cool, but because he genuinely enjoys her company. I love that. She added so much light and had this sweet energy to her that was very much needed in the later films. I also loved how unapologetic she was about her quirkiness and her school spirit is so endearing. She showed that our quirks and differences can be our superpowers. Many characters represented this message, but Luna represented it best. This bullying also never dulls her sparkle, which is also a great message. Luna is very brave, loyal and a very good friend, as seen when she is willing to go to the Ministry to help save Sirius, even being the key to finding a way there. Luna doesn’t flaunt her abilities. Her humility is part of her charm, but her “looniness” is what makes her underestimate which makes her relatable. Her uniqueness and weirdness are just her greatest strength with is so inspiring. She isn’t afraid to take risks, go against the grain and be loyal to people when everyone is against them, as shown in her series debut film Phoenix. Luna is eccentric, witty and one of the most likable characters of the series. If any character n this universe is a true unicorn, it’s Luna. Thank goodness she is introduced in Phoenix (although I wish she was introduced much sooner) because we really needed a bright, positive light like her. She’s comfortable in her own skin despite everyone telling her she’s loony. One of Luna’s saddest quotes is when she tells Harry “it was like being with a friend,” revealing how she doesn’t have many. Luckily Harry is flabbergasted by this casually sad proclamation and reassures her that he is her friend. She reacts calmly, but you tell how much it meant to her. Harry, Ron, Neville, Ginny and even Hermione, who she is most different from (but Hermione sits between Luna and her lion head and Neville at the Quidditch game, showing that they are friends), are her true friends, all Gryffindors she became close with through the DA. They appreciate and love Luna for exactly who she is, quirks and all, revealing their kindness as well (or frankly, their ability to prioritize that the fat Luna believes in Nargles isn’t that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things with Voldemort back and everything). Luna is also a very underrated badass. The spells she did in Phoenix were so stronger and her boldness to be herself, while it may not be in-your-face as badass, is still pretty badass. Despite only being introduced halfway through the series, she was one of the most impactful characters of the series. Like the Twins, she brought light to the darker turn the series took, but while the Twins did that through humor, Luna did it through kindness and creativity. She is also extremely helpful. She helps Harry come to terms with his trauma and emotion and is instrumental in helping Harry destroy one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes (and one of his most hidden in a way because while it was extremely dumb and arrogant hiding it in the Room of Requirement, having it be something literally called “The Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw” is pretty smart TBH). Luna has a whimsical, dreamy and ethereal energy to her that matches the magical world of Harry Potter so seamlessly. Luna is capable of taking things seriously but doesn’t care much if others take her seriously. She understands Harry in a way few others can. His pain. His resilience. His light. She’s used to being picked on, just like Neville, and while he is greatly impacted by that, she inspires him to brush it off and focus on the bigger picture and his own passions. Also despite being the biggest outsider and loner out of the student characters, she also seems to be the least awkward and insecure. She is confident in the sense that he doesn’t care what people think of her. She doesn’t care if she’s perceived as weird or “loony,” as seen when Hermione accidentally calls her that to her face in their first meeting and Hermione is awkward and anxious about and Luna behaves most nonchalantly. Luna is relatable because many kids feel like no one understands them, but part of what makes Luna so inspiring is how much she doesn’t care about what others think and whether or both people understand her, which for many is easier said then done. Luna could also be very assertive and forceful when the occasion arrives. This is proven when she hollers at Harry “Harry Potter, you listen to me right now!” during Part 2. It even takes Harry aback. This shows how underestimated and perspective Luna is, that despite her dreamy, innocent aura, she’s incredibly strong and tough. She knew how high the stakes were and knew Harry needed this information and she wasn’t just going to patiently wait for his attention, she was gonna get it, as she knew it was the key to his success, which is so very Luna as it’s something no one else considers, only Luna would as she is our favorite out-of-the-box thinker. Also, Lynch’s delivery on that line was so great. It was still very Luna, but also not at all. It shows how much she understood her character.She is also so kind. She’s kind to animals, with how she shows Harry the Thestrals and treats them very sweetly (when will she meet Buckbeak?). She is also the only one we see say something to the tune of “I am sorry for your loss” to Harry after Sirius’ death, not even Ron and Hermione are shown saying that to him, showing her kindness. It’s no wonder Luna became such a fast friend to Harry as, despite her bluntness, she is trustworthy, kind and incredibly loyal. She thinks outside the box, as it is her idea to use Thestrals to get to the Department of Mysteries (why couldn’t they just use their Quidditch brooms or something, but okay), a creature the majority of the people going can’t even see. It was also her idea to speak to the Grey Lady, something no student would of as clearly, since we haven’t heard much about from them since the earlier movies, are clearly an element of Hogwarts students very much undervalue. I also love when she skips away from Harry at the end of Phoenix after she gives her condolences for Sirius’ death, further cementing how much of a bright light she is for the series. Her embarrassing honesty, oblivious bluntness, and dry, British humor were also such great highlights. Her oblivious frankness specifically was so funny. An example is how she says she wears shoes to bed. While that’s so gross to me, it’s so, so, so Luna. But Luna is also confident, as seen when she helps Harry find one of the Horcruxes. Luna wasn’t afraid to be herself and showed others that that’s okay. She has a unique sense of style, a unique way of viewing the world and believed in things when others did not. She didn’t care if people thought she was odd and weird. She marched to the beat of her own drum. This is also why her introducing Harry to Thestrals is just way too perfect, because like Thestrals, she also avoided due to being perceived as different. She is eccentric, open-minded, playful, kind, unapologetic, unique, compassionate, inclusive, creative, explorative, curious, artistic, bold, accepting, wacky, gutsy, outspoken, has her head in the clouds, has a heart of gold and was never persuaded by peer pressure. The thing about Luna is she clearly knows that people think she’s odd, but she just doesn’t care at all. She’s quietly confident and underestimating strong and tough. She stays true to herself no matter what obstacles are thrown her way, even if they are dangerous and cruel like getting kidnapped by Death Eaters. She peacefully and matter-of-factly acknowledges how mean people are to her, but doesn’t hold a grudge against them. Luna never judged anyone and didn’t care if people judged her. She is also bold enough to believe in the unimaginable and impossible, like wrackspurts and nargles. While others think she is crazy, she is certain. She doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her, no matter how “looney” she is. She just keeps marching to the beat of her own drum. She views the world with endless possibilities and wonder. She is also so inspiring because, like Lupin, despite all the tragedy she’s been through, she’s still compassionate, optimistic and helpful. Luna saw her mom die when she was young, which is why she can see Thestrals. It’s quite ironic, like Fred, how one of the most joyful and happy characters has such a tragic aspect of their life. Luna is also most desensitized to cruelty, completely rewiring her brain to only look on the bright side. While this could come off as naive or weak, with Luna it’s the opposite because even though she refrains from giggling with a group of girls like Gryffindors do with Hermione after she stuns Ron during a DA meeting, it’s malicious and selfish, it’s just not who she is, and that’s okay. Luna is independent and individualistic, which is what makes her such an inspiring character, it also makes her lonely, which makes her friendship with the trio, the Weasleys (the Lovegoods and Weasleys are family friends, right?) and Neville all the more satisfying. I also loved the dichotomy of feeling and for her and pitying her, but she doesn’t feel that way about herself. She is sweetly oblivious to all of that negativity. Like you pity her, but you also relate to her and wish you could handle your insecurities and walk through life with the dreamy optimism she does. Her bluntness also made her an unexpected voice of reason, an example of this being when she tells Harry “because if it’s just you alone, you’re not so scary.” She’s such a great, refreshing character. Luna is eccentric, down-to-earth, kind, sweetly unpredictable and inspired the audience, Harry and the other characters to think outside the box. Hermione was logical. Luna was creative. Hermione was academic. Luna was individualistic. She helped the characters see things from a different POV and often times that quality was the key to their success. One of my favorite Luna scenes is when her and Harry walk through the Hogwarts gates after she saves him on the train after Draco petrified him and Luna said “it was like being with a friend” and Harry assured her “we are friends, Luna” and Luna nonchalantly responded “that’s nice,” but clearly based on her saying “like being with friend” Luna has never had a true friend before. But Harry was one for her, probably her first one. She also had Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Neville as friends after they all had the singular experience of fighting in the Battle at the Department of Mysteries together. Obviously, Luna has a carefree aura to her, but you could tell that meant a lot to her. It was a very sweet exchange that I wish could have been fully fleshed out. Luna is also such a gifted witch. She can do a Patronus and sends that Death Eaters skyrocketing into the black hole of a ceiling in the Department of Mysteries. She is a fast learner and very underestimatingly talented. She is also very calm and collected. She’s not very emotional, but if she was, she’d be very honest about them as she is always true to herself, which seems to be less of a choice and more of an impulse. Luna has a dynamic of being both aware and oblivious. Proof of her awareness is at Bill and Fleur’s wedding when she walks up to Harry and notices how she has just interrupted a deep thought. She can read people, but she is also aware enough to know when to talk about, possibly by helping to comforting them, and when not, which is a very underrated quality in her. However, she is also oblivious with how when Hermione accidentally insults her during their first scene together, Luna is blissfully ublviious to this, while everyone else winces.Evanna Lynch was so perfectly cast for the role. Her dreamy demeanor and cutesy voice gave Luna her much-needed ethereal and fantastical vibes for the visual portrayal of the character. She honestly reminded me of Saorise Ronan, who my friend said auditioned for the role. I love how Harry’s “cool” person that he asks Slughorn’s Christmas party is Luna. So many people think she is odd and quirky, the opposite of cool. But Harry values and respects her. The cut to her in the silver dress meeting up before the party places as comedic, but Harry, while he has his comedic moments, doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to the people he cares about, so it’s clear how much he values Luna and genuinely thinks she’s cool. So many people, like Romilda Vane, would die to accompany THE Harry Potter to Slughorn’s party, but Harry decides to go with his friend Luna rather than anyone else. They are both outsiders, have a strong understanding of one another and have a lot of shared experiences, not even including the Department of Mysteries battle. He values her out-of-the-box thinking, refreshing positivity and loyalty. Also, unlike Neville who gets down in the dumps about people bullying him, no matter how much people tease Luna, she is always in good spirits, not even really caring if people tease her or not. She sees it all as harmless fun. So many people wish they could rewire their brains to think like that. Strangely, it makes Luna probably the most secure character in the series, which is surprising but mainly refreshing from such an oddball character. I would have loved to see more of their friendship because they are so different. Ginny and Hermione are also different, with Ginny being an athlete and Hermione being more studious, but they are both sassy and one of the boys, Luna is more of a loner and heading the clouds. The only thing Hermione and Luna have in common besides their mutual friends is their independence and individuality. I would have loved to see them bond over that. As much as I love opposites attract romances like Ron and Hermione, I also love opposites attract friendships like Luna and Hermione. They are both intelligent, so they have that in common as Ron and Hermione have their loyalty in common, but Hermione and Luna are just smart in different ways. Hermione is book-smart. She’s like “give me a book” and she solves the problem by herself, showing her independence, then goes back to the group and presents her findings, receiving the validation that seeks. She’s not intellectually insecure by any means, but she thrives off being validated, much like entertainers. Needing validation and feeling insecure isn’t inherently a bad thing. It’s a natural, human thing, especially when you are young. Luna is surely insecure about some things too, they just don’t shine through as much as other characters. She doesn’t wallow in that like some of the other characters. Hermione loves to share her knowledge. she thrives off of it. While, Luna is satisfied individually simply by knowing it, only sharing it when it’s actually useful. Hermione’s smarts are all based in logical and practicality. She’s a realist, which is both useful and ironic in a fantasy series as she brings other characters and the story back down to Earth. While Luna is more creatively smart. Obviously, she’s a quirky character, which shows this visually, but also she doesn’t particularly mind being with a group or by herself because she doesn’t seek anyone else’s validation but her own, but she also isn’t precious or selfish her intelligence, willing to use to it to help others and solve problems. This is shown through her calm demeanor and quietly strong presence. That difference in how they present their intelligence could offer such a unique representation of not just female intelligence, but also how it comes in more than just one form. They are also both very good problem solvers, but they both have blind spots, so they are a great balance for one another. Both Luna and Hermione are brilliant, brave and academic. The thing is, Hermione is very practical and logical. She thrives off of going to the library, reading a book, solving a problem and sharing her knowledge with others, bringing her glory through her intelligence and work ethic. While Luna is very smart and she couldn’t care less if people want to know about, care to know about or don’t know about. She does it for herself. She’s not precious and will share if it will help, but she doesn’t share it as openly as Hermione, however, while not necessarily gullible, she also believes that anything is possible, helping her look at things from a unique perspective, while Hermione is very much by the book. Luna is satisfied simply by having the knowledge and will share it if someone requests it, while Hermione loves having the knowledge and showing people he has it, which is why she first comes off as a know-it-all and is eager to answer questions in class, while Luna does things at her own pace, as seen during the Patronus lesson during the DA meeting when she almost looks hilariously high because she’s in such an observant, calm daze. While Hermione needs that validation, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It shows that she knows her worth and is imperfect as insecurity is natural and human, while Luna doesn’t need validation, but she also isn’t selfish and is willing to share when the situation rises. I wish we got to see Luna and Hagrid form a friendship. They are so similar. They both love magical creatures, so matter how stigmatized or different and they are both very heads in the clouds. Luna’s security in herself also doesn’t come off as isolation or entitlement because she just such a joyful and refreshing presence. That dynamic is very rare in humans, I think, nonetheless in characters, and if it is in characters, they are usually far less interesting. However, Luna is interesting, because her quieter, more content side is balanced out with a fiery, tougher side to her. I love how in Prince, Hermione, fully aware of Harry’s legacy and current status, not just at Hogwarts but in the Wizarding World as a whole, is like “you just can’t ask anyone, Harry” and Harry assures her that he will ask someone “cool” and that cool person is Luna. I love how this scene shows that coolness isn’t popular, it’s uniqueness, and I love how someone like Harry admires that in Luna. Luna telling Harry “well, if I were you-know-who I’d want you to feel cut off from everyone else because if it’s just you alone, you’re not as much of a threat,” shows how underestimatingly smart and wise she is. I also love Luna’s love for pudding. It speaks so much to her innocent, childlike nature. Luna is compassionate and has a calm aura to her that was much needed in the later films. She shows kids that it’s okay to be different. Even if her calmness made her always give off a dreamy aura and the vibe that she was always in a daze, you can still see how smart and she was and her confidence in that. That security in being unique is really inspiring. She sees the world full of endless possibilities, and Harry really needed someone like that after Voldemort came back. as much as I wish she was introduced earlier, she was introduced at the right time. And just because she saw the world a little naively, doesn’t make her any less brilliant. She showed that you can be optimistic and brilliant, they don’t cancel each other out. Luna was also so relatable. She always knew how to lighten the mood with her hilarious bluntness, brutal honesty and dreamy aura. You can even see how much of a bright light she is visually in that courtyard scene after Harry’s death. Everyone is either in black Hogwarts robes or muted tones, but Luna is in a bright blue and purple outfit, showing how she’s such a light in the series and for her side in the battle. No matter what, she always spoke her truth, almost oblivious to the idea of anyone ever having a filter being possible, even though she is very good at reading people, always sensing when Harry is anxious,s focused, or awkward. Her love for pudding as such a mood. No wonder Ron was so fond of her (I wish we got to see their friendship more). Like Hermione, she’s a great role model, showing kids, especially girls, how to accept themselves and have confidence in their quirks, and how those quirks can be your biggest strengths and most powerful traits. Luna was also a very skilled witch, doing a Patronus and throwing Death Eaters very, very far from her in the Hall of Prophecies. Luna was brave enough to stand up for what she believed in, dared to be different and didn’t let people’s criticisms of her tear her down. It’s honestly mind-blowing that she isn’t a Gryffindor, especially because all her friends and the only ones who seem to accept her are Gryffindors, as the people who most likely steal her shoes and belongings are her fellow Ravenclaws, which is just so sad and she doesn’t deserve that. Luna is also very underappreciated for her toughness and assertiveness. After all, she was the one to help Harry in the finale in finding the Lost Diadem, and demanded his attention to do so, which is a side of Luna we never see. She’s capable and smart. In some ways, Luna is Harry Potter‘s manic pixie dream girl, however she is so much more. She’s not a romantic character either, subevrting the stereotype before it even really became a thing.While she seems free-spirited, dreamy and absent-minded on the surface, she’s really resilient, kind and incredibly loyal. Her tragic, bittersweet backstory only made her positive light that much bright and more effective and inspiring. She’s kind, unpredictable, quirky, creative and unique, which is why she reeks MPDG, but in many ways, she’s also not one at all. she lives in her own world, and yet she doesn’t believe the world revolves around her. That’s a really refreshing dichotomy. She also looked like an honorary Gryfinndor in that lion costume. I also loved Lynch’s delivery of “you’re just as sane as I am,” it was the perfect introduction to Luna. Luna is also one of the best-dressed characters, although, besides her silver dress to the Slug Club Christmas Party, it’s not to my personal taste. Although, I can appreciate and admire her individuality, confidence and risk-taking when it comes to fashion. Although I did love those kooky glasses, I hear are called Spectrespecs (and that no doubt took inspiration from those red and able 3D glasses). They aren’t my taste, but they are so perfect for her character and I love how she is wearing them so casually and unapologetically. Also, they also showcase how inconveniently smart Luna is because they may be weird, but they ended up saving the day due to them seeing the wrackspurts (LOL) inside Harry’s head while under the Invisibility Cloak. Luna is so devoted and supportive of her friends. She, a Ravenclaw, literally dresses up as a lion unapologetically to support Harry and Ron, and even sits with Lavender, the Patils, Hermione and Neville in the bleachers (we should have had her interact with Neville and Hermione more) with a hug smile on her face. It’s so precious. Especially because this shows how Luna’s only true friends aren’t even in her own house because they are all in Gryffindor. Even the quirkiest and most creative House has boundaries for how quirky is too quirky, while the Gryffindors accept her for all of her quirks and treat her with empathy and kindness. Also, her smarts are very underestimated. Without her, Harry would have never found Ravenclaw’s diadem or figured out a way for the crew to travel to London to get to the Department of Mysteries. She helped hone in on Hermione’s message of young girls not apologizing for their intelligence, and that, given that she is a Ravenclaw, there isn’t one way to be an intelligent young woman. I also loved her infectious positivity. Her optimism was definitely needed in the latter half of the series, especially in relation to her friendship with Harry. he needed someone like her to help him see the bright side of things. Love you, Luna!
5. Draco Malfoy
Okay, he may be Draco “wait until my father hears about this” Malfoy, but he deserved so much better and deserved a redemption arc. Draco is much more complex then a mere schoolyard bully. My friend sent me this video of his would-be redemption arc and I felt robbed. If you haven’t seen it, basically, it takes place after Draco walks over to his parents (which still could have included that awkward improvised hug from an uncomfortably happy Voldemort) when Harry reveals himself to be alive. Draco chucks Harry his wand and runs back over to the Hogwarts side with his classmates and the Order of the Phoenix (Since they decided not to keep the part where Draco throws his wand to Harry, would that be Narcissa’s wand because harry now has his? But also, where did Harry’s wand go? Did Dracos teal it back then? Did they accidentally trade it during the Room of Requirement scene? Is that another deleted scene?). It was literally two seconds. Those two seconds could have changed everything. Why didn’t they film a separate scene for just Narcissa and Lucius leaving the Battle, not including Draco? Literally, just that could have been enough! WE WERE ROBBED! Apparently, JKR didn’t like how fans loved Draco due to Felton’s charm and charisma in his portrayal, but I think she herself misses the point. Draco is a kid. He deserves redemption, especially if she tried to give one to Dudley (as my friends told me). Draco is a sadder character then people realize. He was forced to become a Death Eater, forced to kill Dumbledore, he’s insecure due to the pressure his father put on him, he’s lonely and doesn’t have any true friends (which is why he is jealous of the trio for their close bond), he was so guilty and stressed that he started to have panic attacks (and Harry was the one to almost kill him in the middle of one, when Draco would have just taunted him if the roles were reversed). He wasn’t evil or wicked, he was flawed, as we all are. Draco is a surprisingly sympathetic character. He is a child who was raised in a world of evil and hatred, and therefore only it taught that. While Harry, even though he was neglected, he wasn’t actually taught cruelty. And Harry did find people to love him, while Draco didn’t even know how to find that. You feel bad for Draco. Yes, part of it is a ‘karma’s a bitch’ situation, but becoming a Death Eater and a would-be murderer is a far try form jealous, attention-seeking bullying. Draco also knows how to hold a grudge. he hated how he was forced to go into the Forbidden Forest with him in Stone, so when he ended up in a position to make Hagrid look bad in Azkaban, he milked the situation for all it’s worth. Draco doesn’t idolize Voldemort like his father does. he doesn’t want Voldemort’s affection, (that’s why that hug is so damn awkward because it’s nice affectionate Voldemort and an uncomfortable terrified Draco) he just wants to survive. He isn’t a fan of Voldemort and dreads his presence. It sucks even more when Voldemort turns his childhood home into the Death Eater HQ. No matter how dark his childhood was, it symbolizes his loss of innocence just as much as Hedwig’s death symbolizes that for Harry. The fearful, anxious energy around Draco at this time is palpable and just feel so bad for him, despite his baby boy past. Draco isn’t as bad as the story makes him out to be. At first, he did try to become Harry’s friend, although he did it in the most entitled way possible, his first introduction to Harry was with good-intentions, not malice. He proved incapable of murder, both directly, like on the Astronomy Tower with Dumbledore, and indirectly, like when he didn’t reveal Harry’s identity in Hallows. Draco’s not even clapping when Snape is announced as the new DADA teacher, that reaction is night and day compared to how mesmerized and excited he was during his first potions class. We also see him completely break down in the bathroom in Prince, revealing how he clearly has a heart, it’s just shielded by pride and coldness (similarly to Snape). Draco may not get his full redemption, however, he did become humanized and therefore partially redeemed when he didn’t kill Dumbledore. It’s clear that Draco does not want to kill Dumbledore through Felton beautifully nuanced delivery of the line “I don’t want your help. Don’t you understand? I have to do this. I have to kill you. Or he’s gonna kill me.” It’s written all over his face how much he doesn’t want to do this despite everything he’s saying (make some wish we could have seen his face in that hallways scene between him and Snape that Harry eavesdrops on even more. Such a disservice to two great actors and two of the best characters). The internal struggle. The dread. The stakes. The pain. The anxiety. And the way his focus cracks as he says “I have to kill you. Or he’s gonna kill me.” And the tearful, fearful, dreadful look of realization on his as he finally says the stakes of his situation out loud. The poor kid is absolutely terrified in every way. It’s heartbreaking, and Felton plays it so poignantly. Draco strived to carve his own path but was under immense and suffocating pressure. He wasn’t a simple school bully, but a complex kid, like the rest of us. He was under an insane amount of pressure that he never asked for, just like Harry in some ways. We see from the moment we meet Draco that he is entitled. He thinks that Harry will automatically be his friend, not Ron’s, especially after he trashes Ron right in front of him. He steals Neville’s rememberall. He flies expertly even after Madame Hooch ordered all the first years not to. But we don’t find out until Chamber why he is that way. He received absolutely no affection from his father and very little from his mother (but significantly more from his mother than from Lucius as shown in Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows). This can cause lashing out and deep, intense internal resentment and anger. That complicated balance can only end in self-destruction due to the never-ending battle of wanting to please his overbearing parents, mainly his father, who will never be satisfied with anything Draco does. This ends up driving him insane, because he doesn’t want to do mean-spirited things, but he doesn’t know any different. He was also manipulated by his father and practically forced to become a Death Eater. He didn’t know any better. He may have been a privileged, rich boy, but he was also just a kid trying to discover who he is and do what he thought was right, just with terrible parents and role models. He was troubled and grasping for attention and admiration at every turn. I wish we got to see his arc more in-depth of going from the desperate seeking of his father’s approval to him realizing that he wants to be nothing like his father. He was raised on hatred, not love and care. And he seriously chose his parents in the end? Why? Because he was an insecure, lost kid having his parents holler at him in front of all of their evil minion friends and the entire school. Draco’s also a kid. When you were a kid did you fully understand complex ideologies like racism, classism and bigotry? Probably not. Draco’s only role models were his parents, especially his hard-to-please father, and that’s what they taught him all of that without him fully understanding the weight of believing in that. He also grew up rich with lines like “wait till my father hears about this’ and “this is servant stuff,” and used to getting everything he wanted, so when he was rejected, he took it personally and acted out, like any kid would. Draco is also an only child, and therefore had only child syndrome, which was only enhanced by his wealthy, spoiled upbringing and high expectations from his parents (in comparison to Hermione, who was also seemingly an only child and Neville. Hermione seemed to put her perfection pressure on herself, not from her parents. Her supportive upbringing helped her not be more kind and genuine, while her indepedence and know-it-all tendency is where her only child syndrome manifests, which in the greater scheme of things is harmless. Neville had high expectations put on him due to his parents bravery ad his grandmother, it seems, but wasn’t spoiled as a child. While also Harry was an only child, but didn’t grow up that way, with Dudley as his awful pseudo-brother). So, when he is rejected, for probably the first time in his life, by Harry, and in front of all his new classmates as well, he’s embarrassed, takes it personally and is out for revenge. Tom Felton played that internal struggle of staying on the Hogwarts side or going over to the Death Eater’s side so well and moment with Voldemort really beautifully, despite that awkward hug. You could tell how much he didn’t want to go over there. He also didn’t walk over to the Death Eaters until his mom called him over, which shows that he values his mom Narcissa way more than his abusive, strict father (also in that scene he literally looked like he was about to start sobbing from humiliation because of how his Death Eater parents were literally calling for him like a toddler in front of the whole school. That says so much. He looked so ashamed and embarrassed having to walk over to his parents in front of all his classmates. I thought it was brilliant how in the first film the Sorting hat Draco got Slytherin immediately. The Sorting hat was barely on his head when it shouted Slytherin, and then he gives a smirky little smile. It was just perfect. Also, aren’t Crabbe and Goyle’s parents Deather Eaters? Why weren’t they called over too? Also, Draco’s face as he watches Charity Burbage get killed. He’s traumatized and horrified. He’s clearly not evil. Draco was a lost, aimless, confused, brainwashed, misunderstood, struggling young boy who was raised around hate, violence, darkness, wealth, status and cruelty. When you are raised around all of that, it’s really difficult not to become those things. However, his internal struggle with light and dark and moral ambiguity makes him so interesting. And when Draco has his wand to Dumbledore in Prince and the Death Eaters, including his aunt Bellatrix, surround him, Draco’s painful face is just heartbreaking. This wand hand is shaking too, showing how anxious he is and how much he does not want to do this. Then he hears Snape’s booming voice say “no” and he gasps in relief, a effortlessly quick emotional transition, and steps out of the way as Snape walks into frame. The last time we saw Snape and Draco together, Draco was proclaiming how he doesn’t need Snape’s help, now it’s clear to both him and the audience just how much he does. And Draco’s distressed, traumaitzed, anxious face as he walks through the castle after Dumbledore’s death, he is clearly damaged, horrified and shocked. Yes, his decisions to bully classmates, hurt animals and become a Death Eater were not great, but he’s a kid. Do kids always make great decisions? No! He had terrible role models and was a product of his environment and strived to be better under dangerous and horrible surroundings. Tom Felton was also such a great lineless actor, especially in The Half-Blood Prince, which is very impressive at such a young age (dare I say, he gave Millie Bobby Brown a run for her money). It was also so sad in Half-Blood Prince how he didn’t have his usual smug swagger and cocky superiority that he had in the other films, truly showing just how much this mission was hurting his confidence and mental health. This loud confidence turned silent isolation also mirrors his scenes with his parents. When he’s away from them, he’s talkative and outgoing, but when he’s with them is reserved and he barely speaks. That’s quite significant and just shows how good Felton is in this role. And as much as sneaking into Death Eaters into Hogwarts is bad, he didn’t really have a choice, and that still doesn’t mean he deserved to have Harry Sectumsempras him. Felton also did a phenomenal job showing Draco’s rude awakening because of how his father taught him that being evil was being cool, and now he’s beginning to realize that it’s the opposite, however it’s too late because he’s an official Death Eater now, with the Dark mark and everything. We finally got to see just how much the pressures of his life affect him deep down, not just how he behaves and reacts because of it (by lashing out at Harry), shown by how clearly and subtlety Felton shows us how much Draco doesn’t want to do what he has sworn to do, much like Snape. This also showed us a different side to him in the sense that in the past he has been a quick-witted, quick-tempered kid who makes rash decisions, but in Prince he was patient, dedicated and a strategic planner, shown with how he rehabilitates the Vanishing Cabinet. He also did try to be friends with Harry at first, but his villainous demeanor when he insulted Ron right in front of Harry, causing Harry to stand up for Ron, choosing him over Draco (as Harry is strongly against bullying after be forced to endure Dudley’s all his life) thanks to the environment he was raised in made Harry reject him and since Draco was privileged, he had never experienced rejection before and since he was a kid, he didn’t know to respond because he was never taught that you can’t always get what you want. I mean, Draco’s face is completely stunned when Harry rejects him in their first confrontation. He was also used to be the one who is sought-after and fawned after, so he was envious that all that attention was now gonna go to The Boy Who Lived. Like I assume many people were at Hogwarts (including Ron at some points) he was jealous of Harry (proven by his line in Chamber, “bet you loved that didn’t you, Potter? Famous Harry Potter. Can’t even go into a bookshop without making the front page.”), and he masked it as hatred. He lashes out and acts superior because he doesn’t know any better. That’s exactly the behavior he’s been taught by his parents, and especially his father. He didn’t actually hate him for the reasons he’s been trained to hate him (pureblood bias), he hated him because he was an accomplished, famous peer. That was very realistic, especially from the most privileged student within the story. And at such a young age, fame can only provoke envy. Draco didn’t always hate Harry. He wanted to be his friend initially, however he was an entitled kid and that pushed Harry away from him and toward Ron. Plus, Lucius pushed the rivalry into it as well. Also, during this first confrontation, between his introducing himself with his last name first, “Malfoy. Draco Malfoy,” to being deeply offended by Ron chuckling at his name, we get our first insight into how important family is to Draco, despite learning in the next film just how dysfunctional it is. Sure, being a bully isn’t a good thing, but Draco is the poster child of how bullies are that way for a reason. Also, in Goblet, everyone is bullying Harry for sneaking himself into the tournament, however, Draco’s bullying it’s Harry the hardest because of all their animosity and history and how deep it runs. However, Draco didn’t wear a Potter Stinks badge in Goblet (but Crabbe did), which can be interpreted as him thinking that singling Harry out isn’t as fun when everyone else is doing it. This eases up slightly on bullying Harry, as he only does it outwardly twice in the whole film, with everyone being against Harry, it’s not as fun for Draco anymore, however, we also see how much of it is second nature to him, primarily in that hilarious courtyard scene where Harry and Draco have a tense confrontation then Moody turns Draco into a ferret to stop him from lashing out at Harry (despite Moody actually being Crouch Jr, who no doubt resents the Malfoys for not being brave enough to go to Azkaban). It’s also clear that by the end of the series, Draco is no longer the casually cruel bully he once was. he still has a habit of unkindness, but he also grown up and found restraint and impulse control. I mean, there’s no denying Draco was a bully. He pushes around Neville, taunts Harry, belittled Ron and discriminated against Hermione. He even passed or rather blew, Harry a note with a moving drawing of him on his broom getting electrocuted by lightning while playing Quidditch. That’s really nasty. But at this point in the story Draco is merely a schoolyard bully, while his actions are mean, they are harmless in actuality (although definitely get under the trio and Neville’s skin and reduces their self-esteem). It”s not until later, when he gets a rude awakening about the realities of evilness in the Wizarding World, that he questions his morality, but old habits die hard. After all, he did support Umbridge during her reign of terror, and while that was horrible, it’s obvious, especially from knowing his dad, that he did that to garner praise from him and for more power, at school, something many Slytherins seek, not because he actually condoned what Umbridge was doing. While turning a blind eye isn’t good, it shows Draco’s self-reservation and boundaries. It’s not okay, but it also makes his transformation in Prince that much more stark. He obtained so much power in Phoenix and it all went away by Prince and he was served an even worse fate. That made him question everything, and realizing you were wrong is better then never learning from your mistakes. And while old habits die hard, as seen with the Room of Requirement battle in the finale, it’s clear that Draco’s motivations weren’t to harm, just preserve himself by getting back his wand, he just didn’t know how to communicate that without being threatening. He also didn’t know how to do that without being seen as powerful, which is why he recruits his past cronies to join him, hoping to will give him strength, not realizing how powerful and cruel they have gotten in their absence since being taught by the Carrows. Draco is quietly brave, as seen with how he doesn’t reveal Harry’s identity. He’s not actively brave like Harry, as shown with how he runs away when Hermione disarms him. He’s not assertive, not unless he has power on his side. But he’s not necessarily cowardly either, at least not as much as his father, who he now sees him for the pathetic man he is. Like Snape, he is stressed dove the situation he’s found himself in, but unlike Snape who is brave, Draco is avoidant, only being brave when he absolutely must, when he must save someone’s life. Draco is misunderstood. He also doesn’t have any true friends. He’s jealous of the trio, and that’s why he relentlessly bullies them. Draco also had a somewhat good arc. He started out a basic bully whose goal was to make every Gryffindor’s life difficult and became a complicated young man who doesn’t let his biases justify being okay with murder. He, like his mother, rebelled against the most powerful Dark wizard ever and eventually grew a much-needed conscience. While that arc deserved to be better, more satisfying and more complete, it was still good. Draco was under so much pressure and scared of his own father. He was doing the best he could under unbelievably difficult familial circumstances, made even more difficult because he didn’t have anyone to turn to for help. I’m not blind. Draco wasn’t a saint, but he wasn’t satan either. He was a flawed, troubled, damaged and scared kid. He made many mistakes, but he always strived to do the right thing, even if that was the wrong thing in the grand scheme of things. He was morally ambiguous and morally questionable, which is very sophisticated for a child’s character, and Felton performed it amazingly. I mean, I hated how he sent Buckbeak for execution in Azkaban, as he certainly deserved that punch from Hermione, but I do understand how he saw that as an opportunity to receive love from his father, and with his father using his status and connections at the Ministry to get Buckbeak executed, Draco was just happy to get his father’s attention, instead of his unattainable expectations. Also, it is terrible that Draco decided to join Umbridge’s Inquisitorial squad to help her stop “rebellious” behavior around the school, but it was probably something he decided to do because he saw it as an opportunity to have power, something he felt he was entitled to based on his wealthy upbringing, like his dad taught him, and something he decided to do to make his dad proud since Umbridge and Lucius believed in a lot of the same messed up things. Draco is clearly enjoying it before the Twins’ last hurrah goes after Goyle and then he runs away, showing how he didn’t actually agree with Umbridge’s regime, he just wanted power and to make his dad proud, and that was a way to do it. He is also an animal hater, as he uses a bird as a test subject when he’s repairing the Vanishing Cabinet in Prince (he should have just stopped there and let it kill Bellatrix. Would’ve saved Dobby’s life) and how he fakes an injury for so long (very poorly might I add as we literally see him use his supposedly injured arm to push Neville) in order to get Buckbeak killed for his own amusement, only because his entitled cocky ass wanted to one-up Harry and failed miserably in Azkaban, which is terrible, but he only does all this in an attempt to get his father’s praise and approval. I mean, the pressure his family causes him literally got to such an impossibly high point for him that we actually saw the tough, entitled exterior shatter in Half-Blood Prince when he was in the bathroom crying his eyes out due to the insane pressure this CHILD is put under by his new master (that even his mother isn’t okay with, but his aunt is. This was probably the moment Narcissa begins to question her loyalties, and therefore saves Harry in the finale), showing that he does have a heart and that he is just a kid. I mean, look at Draco in Azkaban compared to Prince. He is filled with bouncy charisma and cocky swagger in the former film and subtle boiling rage and timid anxiety in the latter. It’s like night and day, and keep in mind how Lucius is involved but not actually in both of those films too, but one he is trying to get his approval and in the other, he is paying his debts. It speaks volumes. Also, we see in the first film, from his big smile when Snape is talking in his first potions class that Draco loves and admires Snape as a teacher. And in Prince, when Snape finally gets the DADA position, Draco doesn’t even clap for him. That just shows how much his mission is affecting his happiness and mental health. Tom Felton’s acting in that bathroom scene was so good and the quick transition from depressing anxiety to defensive anger gave me whiplash. As someone with anxiety, I can relate to hopeless panic attacks like this (and while Harrys is really a jerk for fighting him at his moment of vulnerability even if they are enemies, they were still in school at this point. They were kids and Harry didn’t have the full story) and one could only have extreme anxiety when put in a situation like the one Draco finds himself in. He didn’t end up killing Dumbledore, he never wanted to (he was scared and lowering his wand), but he still let Death Eaters like Bellatrix into Hogwarts. Once again, he’s not perfect, but he is trying his best. This moment also proved how morally gray he is, as well as how he isn’t capable of taking a life, unlike his family (as Bellatrix is a literal serial killer and Lucius literally tried to kill Harry in Chamber). That crosses his boundaries. Lucius’ prejudices rubbed off Draco because it was all he knew until he was exposed to different people at school, much like going to college. He didn’t know it was wrong. And did you see the horror on his face when his aunt Bellatrix (Also, imagine having Bellatrix as your aunt. Poor Draco. Maybe in another life. Harry and Draco could have bonded over having awful aunts like Bellatrix and Aunt Marge) was destroying the Great Hall in Half-Blood Prince? That just shows that Draco wasn’t truly evil. He hated seeing Hogwarts torn into pieces. That was where he grew up. It was where he could escape his father. He also looks so terrified while working on repairing the Vanishing Cabinet, horrified at what it can, and what it eventually will do. This small moment proves that Draco isn’t evil at heart. And at the beginning of the movie, during Dumbledore’s opening speech for the school year and Katie Bell’s return, he just looks so terrified and sad as well. So melancholy and overwhelmed. It’s so sad to see all that swagger drain from him, even if he used it to bully others. It was lashing out, in actuality. He also didn’t reveal Harry’s identity in the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 in front of all those Death Eaters, including his own family (also, isn’t it hilarious how Draco, the CHILD of the Death Eaters was the only one who really knew what Harry looked like. That says so much.), which actually saved both his and Harry’s life in the long run because Harry questioned Draco in the Room of Requirement in the final movie about not telling Bellatrix it was him, and because of Draco not revealing his identity, he saved him from Crabbe’s fire of doom and saving Draco meant Narcissa would cover for Harry surviving Voldemort’s Killing Curse for the second time. Draco showed shocking compassion to those who seemingly hated him, and though the high stakes terrified him, I think he still would have covered for Harry regardless, because, at his core, he is good. This domino effect is proof Draco was never truly bad, he just was raised badly. He was trying his best. Draco is not a killer, especially not a merciless one like his relatives. This also proves that he wasn’t the selfish kid we assumed he was all along. When the stakes are high, he was capable of selflessness and bravery, particularly in covering for Harry in front of Bellatrix at Malfoy Manor, that lie could have cost him his life, but he still did it anyway. He took a risk, proving how different he is from his family, who are prejudiced cowards. He proved himself to be brave and good. Is he the bravest character in the series? Definitely not. But is capable of bravery, even quietly? Clearly. I do find it interesting how when Harry calmly asks Draco why he didn’t tell Bellatrix it was him, Draco doesn’t know how to answer him. It also parallels their first meeting, with how Draco doesn’t how take Harry’s rejection. This time, Draco doesn’t know how to take Harry’s gratitude or inquiry, and just like how he was put under pressure at Malfoy Manor by being surrounded by his Death Eating family, he is under pressure now, but now it comes from a place of embarrassment as Blaise and Goyle used to be his cronies, and Draco doesn’t want to loose that power, he clearly enjoys having it back, but he also doesn’t know how handled Harry’s newfound cordiality toward him, he’s speechless, stunned. Goyle just makes this worse by peer pressuring him, that’s when he falters and gets anxious, just like how he was during that Malfoy Manor scene that Harry is bringing up. You can’t deny that by the time Draco becomes a Death Eater, he also grows a conscience. He is so deep into his own stress, guilt, shame, wallowing and depression that he stops lashing out and bullying others. He becomes lonely and introspective, much like how Snape is. He keeps Harry’s identity a secret at Malfoy Manor with his lunatic aunt over his shoulder. His face during that scene shows how scared he is about what will happen if he confirms Harry’s identity. He grew up with the trio and he knows how inseparable they are, and knows all too well that through that distorted face, that is indeed Harry Potter. That Hermione and Ron wouldn’t be caught without him. It may come off as a moment of weakness for Draco, but in reality, it’s one of his strongest moments. He knows how dangerous the people who surround him are and how desperate and furious his father is, and he still dares to save Harry. He may hate Harry, but not enough to wish him death. That’s why in the Room of Requirement scene in the finale, he doesn’t threaten Harry, he simply wants his wand back, but due to his pats bullying habits, old habits dying hard, and no doubt being peer pressured back into those old habits with him being flanked by Goyle and Blaise, he requests his wand back in a familiar threatening tone. He only holds his want out as a precaution, he never once fires a spell at Harry. It’s Goyle who no doubt took Draco’s place as the school’s star Slytherin and bully in his absence who literally tries to Avada Kedavra Hermione (a CHILD! What were those Death Eaters teaching these kids, between that and the fire?). In the early films, Harry and Draco had an almost equal amount of nerve, showing how Harry would fit Slytherin in another life during Chamber‘s story arc, but as he begins to questions the Death Eaters mission and his family’s loyalties, Draco’s nerve changes from confident bravery to fearful anxiety. He’s not a coward, like his father, he just had a change of heart and is scared about what that means for the situation he finds himself in. He is still a kid and still has a ton of potential for skill and a morality change. Is Draco the bravest character in this series? Definitely not. But is he capable of bravery? Hell yes! After all, Dumbledore does say in the first film “it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to our friends” and that’s exactly what Draco ends up doing in the finale, expect more impressively because it’s too his family and very cunning, going right udner his father and aunt’s noses. He quietly (and safely) stands up to Bellatrix by not revealing Harry’s identity. It’s not as epic as the trio’s braver moments, but it was instrumental throughout the rest of Hallows. Also, the fact that Draco was standing next to Luna while his parents call for him to come to them in the final courtyard scene, makes me suspect that Draco tried to make sure his classmate Luna wasn’t tortured as badly as Ollivander was when she was held hostage at his house. He no doubt bullied her while they were at school, but he also didn’t believe in true torture, like the Cruciatus Curse, which seemed to be done to Ollivander based on how traumatized he seems. Also, the fact that Draco became the master of the Elder Wand by disarming Dumbledore while Snape killed Dumbledore had no effect on the wand’s loyalty, just shows that may Harry was onto something by using Expelliarmus against Voldemort’s Avada Kedavra. Clearly, in some ways, disarming is more more powerful then killing. Also, Harry didn’t handle his and Draco’s rivalry well either. Harry did use Polyjuice Potion to pretend to be one of his friends to get information out him. He also did so without Crabbe and Goyle’s consent (same with those Ministry workers in Part 1), which could be categorized as assault. Draco did attack Harry on the train in Prince for causing his father to go to prison (which he should be happy about honestly, but of course, he isn’t because it only put more pressure on him as the man of the house and his family), but only because Harry was using his Invisibility Cloak (why wasn’t Draco like, “how did you get an Invisibility Cloak?” if they are so rare, as we find out in Hallows) and Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder to spy on Draco, similar to how he used Polyjuice to spy on him in Chamber. And Harry did use a spell he didn’t really know the effects of (Sectumsempra) on Draco during their bathroom duel in the same movie. And Harry thought that Draco wanted to capture him to bring him to Voldemort in the Room of Requirement scene in the finale film, when in reality Draco simply wanted his wand back. It’s clear that when he is talking a good game to Snape about becoming a Death Eater and “not needing” his protection that he’s trying to convince himself more than Snape (crystal clear even without close-ups, which just shows how good Felton and Rickman’s voice acting was in that scene). After all, being a bigoted, insulting, teasing schoolyard bully is a far cry from a minion to one of the evilest, dealiest, ruthless and most powerful wizards of all time. Like Dumbledore says (ew) it’s our choices that matter, and in the moments that mattered most, Draco decided to not become an evil person just like his elders. He learned the error of his ways, and by the time he did, it was too late. He was trapped and had to find a way to survive. Like when he cornered Harry in the Room of Requirement. Maybe he was trying to take Harry to Voldemort, or maybe he was simply just trying to get his wand back, and just didn’t know how to simply ask for that because he had never been taught that kind of cordialness. And Harry saw that behind Draco’s withering sneer and decided to save him, which later saved his life in return. Also, seen in the Room of Requirement confrontation before the battle ensues, Harry does seem to sense Draco’s inner turmoil. He doesn’t feel rage or disgust towards Draco, and isn’t defensive, he’s casual and calm, taking a page out of Dumbledore’s book (slightly mirroring Dumbledore’s conversation with Draco right before his death). Since going to Malfoy Manor and witnessing how he was incapable of killing Dumbledore one the Astronomy Tower, Harry begins to understand why Draco asks the way he does and all the pressure he’s under, and in a way, can relate to it. This epiphany makes his animosity towards Draco go from hate to pity. He doesn’t like Draco now, but he understands him now. He sees him as damaged and flawed, not wicked, which is quite similar to Harry himself in many ways. The thing is, Draco’s good heart was hinted at way before Prince. He is very loyal to his family. That’s part of why he’s entitled, he thinks of the Malfoy name like royalty. But we see how protective of his family he is. Of their legacy. Even if he hates his dad for the pressure he puts on him, he still protects their family. Draco’s pressure became extreme duress by Prince, and it culminates with Draco on the Astronomy Tower with Dumbledore. He doesn’t want to die, but also doesn’t want to fail his family after their fall from grace. The same dichotomy happens when Harry comes to Malfoy Manor. Draco is also jealous. A moment that shows this is when he taunts Harry in Flourish and Blotts by saying “bet you love that, didn’t you Potter? Famous Harry Potter can’t even go into bookshop without making the front page,” despite Harry’s visible discomfort with the fame and attention, which only infuriates Draco more as he actually wants it, craves it. Also, obviously, Draco’s blatant racism is not a good thing whatsoever. However, based on how terrified he is of the lifestyle he was so desperate to join once he’s joined it, it’s clear that when he was racist to Hermione, had no idea the true weight of what he was saying and how he was behaving. He may have hated the trio, but he didn’t want them truly dead. And when he said that he hopes the monster from the Chamber of Secrets goes after Hermione, it is clear that he is just trying to save face in front of Crabbe and Goyle as they are his lackeys who give him power, that is until Part 2 when Goyle peer pressures Draco. Draco only behaves in this bigoted manner because that’s how he’s been raised. He is a product of his environment. He sees that it gives his dad power and he desires the same. However, going to Hogwarts helps him see that that isn’t always true, and by the time it hits him, it’s too late. It’s like when kids go to college, they are exposed to new things, Draco dealt with the same thing. However, being in Slytherin, with like-minded kids only made him more confused and lost because of this, as he didn’t know how to change. Draco’s open bigotry is a way to get power and his father’s approval and attention. he doesn’t realize how meaningless his approval is until he’s already trapped in the Death Eater lifestyle. We see this with how he only goes over to the Death Eaters’ side when his mom calls him over, not his dad. It’s like when conservatives’ kids denounce them online. Obviously, we don’t know this for sure, but I believe Draco didn’t raise his son with the same hate he was. I am sure whoever that wife of his is also a pureblood, but I feel like after everything, He wouldn’t preach about the importance of blood purity, he’d just tell his kid to treat everyone the same. Also, LOL at how Felton always emphasizes the “P” in Potter. That kind of specificity and delivery is probably a huge reason why Draco is so iconic and Felton’s portrayal is so beloved. Also, Draco clearly witnessed Hermione getting tortured and feels terrible about it. It’s revealed when Bellatrix walks back to Hermione after interrogating Griphook we see Draco slumped over a desk and Narcissa standing behind him. He heard Hermione’s screams but couldn’t dare to watch. This just shows how, like Snape, Draco’s actions speak louder than his words. He may have called Hermione a Mudblood in the past but he doesn’t think she deserves physical harm. He can’t bare it. That just shows how he’s flawed and complex, not purely evil. This also happens again when Lucius walks up to begin to call for Voldemort, Draco looks at his mom like a sad puppy dog, non-verbally pelading with her to help, knowing that if Voldemort is called, that his classmates would die. He may hate them, but not enough to think they deserve death, and he knows that his mom is capable of kindness because she acts that way towards him, so he begs her through his eyes to help. Seeing how much Draco relies on his mom, it’s clear he how much he truly loves her. He’s clearly a mama’s boy, in all the very best ways (because we all know, most of the time, that’s a red flag). He also beelines to her when he’s forced to join the Death Eaters side in Part 2 and humiliated by being awkwardly and distrubingly hugged by Voldemort, clearly seeing his mom as the only brightside of doing joining them. She’s his safety and security. It’s honestly such a sweet and endearingq quality to him, and truly shows how truly “he’s just a boy.” Also, there are many parallels between Draco and Harry’s father, and Harry and James’ biggest bullying victim Snape. Draco and James were both pureblood wizards and (I assume) only children. They were bullies with an entourage of friends, although unlike Draco, James’ were true friends, and focused their bullying on a specific person, for Draco it was Harry and for James it was Snape. They also both married women who (seemingly) made them better people (as Draco doesn’t confront Harry at King’s Cross simply looks at him cordially) and had one son. Now, I’m not saying his redemption would have made him and Harry friends, and TBH I don’t really want that, but the enemy of my enemy is my friend, right (Also, I kind of see now why people ship Draco and Harry in fan-fiction, which besides Dramione, is the other fan-fiction ship I had heard about prior. Draco did focus very heavily on Harry and those closest to him, with the only other person he focused on similarly closely being Neville, who was Harry’s friend)? They could have had a complex, mutual understanding, which would honestly be way more interesting. Do I think Draco and Harry became friends after the Battle of Hogwarts? No! But did they at least find respect for one another and find a way to be cordial? Definitely! At least the Malfoys were the complex, dysfunctional family these films needed, I just wish we got to see their dynamic more. Honestly, Draco’s creative side is very underestimated. His insults were very witty and I don’t know who’s idea was it to use the Vanishing Cabinet in Prince or even know that it’s twin is at Hogwarts, but if it was Draco, it was very creative and smart of him. Very Hermione and Luna of him. Draco’s friendship with Crabbe and Goyle isn’t a true friendship like the trios. It’s mutually beneficial, transactional, for convenience and circumstantial. Crabbe and Goyle needed a leader, as they clearly weren’t the brightest, and Draco wanted power. When push came to shove like during the snowball fights scene in Azkaban or the fire in Room of Requirement, each would fend for themselves. Physically pushing the other aside so they could get to safety, unlike the trio who would risk their lives for each other, as seen on countless occasions. Draco was also very underrated with his witty humor from the “I didn’t know you could read” line in Chamber to the perfectly witty “this class is ridiculous” line in the Boggart scene in Azkaban where the students learn that the spell to repel a Boggart is Riddikulus. That was great. Draco begins by seeking his father’s approval. Behaving like him. Calling the Weasleys “an embarrassment to the Wizarding World,” echoing how Lucius called Mr. Weasley a “disgrace to the name of wizard.” He bullies Harry because his father hates him because he is the reason the Dark Lord vanished. His father also treats him poorly, not necessarily abusive, but belittling, and that pain has to boil over at some point, and Draco directs that at Harry and his friends. However, there is also the dichotomy of how even though he resents his dad for his cruelty, he also desperately wants his approval since he has been raised a certain way, a way Lucius embodies completely. However, when he finally gets a chance to prove to his father his worth, it’s actually a rude awakening of how awful the Death Eater lifestyle is. He didn’t just hate Harry, he envied Harry. And he no longer strives for his dad’s approval, he only resents Lucius. After Prince, he doesn’t follow a single of Lucius’ orders ever again. His focus is on self-preservation and trying to survive in the deadly circle he has joined. Fearing his aunt, with his only true ally being his mother, who is observant and subtle, not outwardly maternal like Mrs. Weasley. It’s a sticky situation that any kid would have difficulty navigating and Draco is no different. He is scared, but he’s also tough, and like his mom, he shows that through subtlety. By protecting Harry’s identity, and staying on the Hogwarts side until he must join his parents to save face. By the end, his loyalties are clear, they are only to his mom and his school. His mom is the one to convince him to join their side, with her calmness, subtlety and warmth, while Lucius is frantic, pathetic and desperate. His parents also spoiled him, I mean he says in the first film in the Forbidden Forest “Wait until my father hears about this (his first time saying this). This is servant stuff,” clearly showing how he was raised in a sheltered, spoiled environment. Narcissa spoiled him by babying him, in a similar way Petunia does with Dudley, as seen when she holds his hand like a child in a supermarket while they leave the Battle of Hogwarts. While Lucius taught him entitlement and bullying, as we see Draco say things like “this is servant stuff” in Stone, but by Chamber when we meet Lucius, we see why Draco is that way because his father is that way, if not worse. Lucius only cares about his own power and is cruel enough to use his own son to get it, however, he’s also a pathetic coward who never once earns his power, as seen with his arc from powerful to pathetic in Chamber. While Narcissa’s arc is more empowering, going from a submissive, wealthy wife to a determined, strategic woman who will do anything for her son. She only babied Draco because it was the exact opposite treatment he got from his father, and both taught him entitlement (Narcissa’s influence is shown through Petunia and Dudley as well). Draco is a product of his parents, in good ways, like Narcissa’s determination, and in bad ways, like their entitlement. Draco is not a bad person, he’s a flawed person. There’s a difference. There are many moments when he garners, and deserves, sympathy. In the Death Eater meeting, Draco is terrified. He barely looks at Voldemort, only staring forward, or at Snape, comforting him as a reminder of Hogwarts, where he’d rather be. Then the look of shock and horror on his face as Charity Burbage is murdered and drops on the table right in front of him and watches a tear run down her lifeless face, so disgusted, anxious and saddened, desperate trying to stay strong, but in reality, he’s traumatized (what kid wouldn’t be? Even Harry, as strong as he is, is still traumatized by watching Cedric, Sirius and Dumbledore die right in front of him. It just shows how being privileged, babied by his mom and belittled by his dad did not prepare him for the Death Eater lifestyle or the realities of war at all). Also, remember, Luna is held hostage at Malfoy Manor, a classmate Draco no doubt bullied, but didn’t truly want to harm. He must be so stressed by that fact. I wonder if he tried to help her. Also, Malfoy Manor looks like such a dreadful place to grow up. I feel so bad for Draco. Even after seeing for 5 films as a ruthless bully, you just can’t help but feel bad for him. Also, the exchange between Draco and Harry in the Forbidden Forest with Harry says “if I didn’t know better, Draco, I’d say you were scared,” and Draco says “you’re too stupid to be scared, Potter, growing up with Muggles. If you were from a real wizard family, you wouldn’t be laughing,” clearly showing how their different upbringings help show their difference, and hence why they have such great animosity. Also, unlike his selfish father and ruthless aunt, Draco does have a heart, which clearly makes him a mama’s boy as he most certainly got that from his loving mother, who risked lying to the Dark Lord’s face to save her son. Draco having a heart is proven by how he never kills Dumbledore or reveals Harry, ultimately never sending anyone to their deaths (unless you count Goyle which he did coincidentally, not knowing how powerful and reckless his cronies have gotten since the Death Eaters took over Hogwarts). He may be nasty and mean, but he would never purposefully cause anyone serious harm or kill anyone. This proves his goodness. He dreams his whole life of becoming a Death Eater like his dad, but once he does, he realized it wasn’t for him and that he didn’t like it, mirroring people in college. It’s relatable and understandable, just with way higher stakes, like life and death stakes. Draco was also used and manipulated just like Harry was by Dumbledore. Lucius used Draco to make him more sympathetic, while Voldemort used Draco to make his parents behave and also to have eyes on the Hogwarts student body. Neither Lucius or Voldemort actually valued Draco or thought he was useful or powerful, he was just a pawn in their schemes, just like Harry was a pawn for Dumbledore. When you look at it that way, Draco and Harry actually have a lot in common. And honestly, that didn’t work in any of their favor as Draco never helped the Death Eaters in their fight at the Battle of Hogwarts. He merely wanted his wand back. He also had no idea how much daring and dangerous skill his friend Goyle has gained since the Carrows took over. He clearly had no idea what the extent of the battle would be and how it would escalate. Although, we didn’t see him after the Room of Requirement battle so we had no idea what he was doing between then and the courtyard scene where Harry’s body is revealed, whoever, he was on the Hogwarts side, which means that he didn’t retreat with the other Death Eaters when Voldemort gave the order. He stayed with his classmates, proving how he believes in their fight way more than the Death Eaters (and also proving how little Voldemort values Draco as only his mother realizes he’s not there, not the Dark Lord). However, his not showing up worried Narcissa and thus gave her the motivation to protect Harry, so either way it all worked out. Harry won. Voldemort lost. The thing is Draco had the wrong idea about being a Death Eater. He romanticized it because of how he perceived his dad to be this powerful, unable-to-please guy, when really it’s a life of cowardice, stress and risk. He only thought of Death Eaters of pure-blood fanatics, which is what he’s been taught, not murderers, which is what he’s been ordered to do. He is smug about it and his family’s beliefs from the beginning, between calling Hermione a Mudblood to despising Harry, who is the reason Lucius’ master went away. However, once he becomes one himself, he realizes it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. On the Hogwarts Express, he brags to Pansy and Blaise about how much better he is than Hogwarts and how he’s not coming back next year, and how he tells Snape he doesn’t need his help and how honored he is to have the opportunity to finally prove himself, however, it’s clear the whole time through Felton’s amazing performance that Draco is trying to convince himself of his greatness and honorability just as much as the people around him. Also, Draco has two very different reactions when both his parents call him over in Part 2 in front of all the Hogwarts side and the Death Eater army. When his father pathetically and desperately calls him over, Draco is disgusted, disappointed, angry and more confident than we have seen him in the past few films (but still nothing like he used to be). He shifts his eye contact trying to stay strong and keep his strength but then he hears his mom call his name and his face ever so subtly jumps with surprise and desperation. In an instant, Draco resorts back to the scared little boy he was back in Chamber when his father was around, you can see the little boy Narcissa has been protecting all this time, and he looks like a sad puppy dog desperate for love, comfort, security and protection, and he knows his mom is the only one who can give that to him, especially right now. However, he is still deeply insecure and ashamed that this has to happen in front of all his former classmates, so he pouts, puts his head down and walks off, only to be greeted by the likes of Voldemort, the man who literally ordered him to become a murderer (like Dumbledore did for Snape) with a cringy, awkward hug, and Draco couldn’t look for miserable and dreadful. And Draco walks right past his dad and beelines to his mom, finally safe. This whole sequence is an amazing moment of full body and lineless acting for Felton, and the fact that he doesn’t utter a single word and still manages to give this complex of a performance so young is so incredible. In the scene when Draco and Dumbledore are on the astronomy, Dumbledore is clearly buying Snape time, by calling Draco out saying “I can not help feeling these actions are so weak that your heart can’t really have been in it” and Draco, trying to convince not just Dumbledore but more so himself (like in that scene with Snape after the Slughorn Christmas party) that “he trusts me, I was chosen” and he flashes his Dark Mark, but the look on his face a she looks it tells us everything e need to know, that he hates it and is terrified of it. Then Dumbledore, with false generosity, casually takes out his wand literally saying “I shall make it easier for you” and Draco quickly disarms him to which Dumbledore says “Draco, very good,” clearly hoping that’s what he would do, baiting him, especially because a wizard as skilled as Dumbledore wouldn’t have done that so slowly if his intention wasn’t to be disarmed. And Harry sees all of this, but his loyalty to Dumbledore blinds him from seeing what’s actually going on. However, he does see Draco’s face, and even from his point-of-view, the despair on Draco’s face makes it clear that he does not want to do this. Also, the way Draco brings his dad’s staff to school in Prince, as a way to give him comfort and remind home hy he’s doing this, both in a self-punishment kind of way because the fact that Lucius put Draco in this position no doubt led to Draco finally realizing how pathetic his father really is, but also because maybe having it would help him feel power, even false power, just like his dad. This is all seemingly confirmed when Draco stomps Harry’s petrified head in on the train and says “that’s for my father.” It clearly shows that in typical old money and Slytherin tradition, he is fiercely loyal to his family no matter how dysfunctional it is, but also he is pissed about the position his dad has put him in and needs someone to lash out at, and Harry certain fits the bill for him. In a way, Draco doing this to Harry gives Harry the green light to attack him during his panic attack, however based on how their duel in the bathroom ends, those two events were clearly not the same thing. Draco’s sass is very underrated TBH, from his “I didn’t know you could read” comment to his sardonic pun “this class is ridiculous.” Felton is truly a scene stealer as Draco, with such a charismatic and charming screen presence. He is an endlessly conflicted character, which is rare to see in such a young, especially male character. He strives to be good, but he was never taught how to be anything other than evil. But, as proven multiple times throughout the series, he was always good at his core (this also makes me realize how similar he is to Sirius as they both rebelled against their pure-blood families and strived for goodness. It’s a shame he never got to meet Sirius and learn from him in that way because that could have been great, and a great way for him and Harry to reconcile). Draco wanted to carve his own path, but he was trapped between the most dangerous wizard ever and his overbearing parents. I hope that Harry saving Draco like Draco saved Harry made them even and able to move on from their animosity, especially since they both have been through so much trauma and hardship. You can tell throughout Prince just how much Draco doesn’t want to do what he feels he has to do. His isolation. His depression. The dreadful look on his face as he waits for the Death Eaters to come out of the Vanishing Cabinet (also, LOL at how the second he sees the black smoke come out of the Vanishing Cabinet, Draco leaves, not even waiting for the Death Eaters. However, that also clearly shows how he regrets and hates associating with them). The terrified look on his face and his voice cracking as he tells Dumbledore that he has to kill him or “or he’s gonna kill me.” This all proves that Draco isn’t evil, just lost, entitled and damaged. A typical bully. Bad, but harmless, unlike Lucius and Bellatrix. Draco isn’t a bad person, he’s flawed. Felton is so good in this role. You can tell how much empathy he has for Draco and he’s just so naturally charming in this role that only adds to the characters’ intrigue and allure. Also, in the Reunion, Felton tells a story about how during the audition process, they put all the kids in a room to mingle and ‘seemingly’ left the room, but kept a guy with a boom-mic there, and young Watson asked “what’s that?” and young Felton answered “it’s a mic, duh?” and that’s such Draco thing to do (TBH, a much kinder version of something Draco would say but still). It just proves how perfect he is for the part of Draco. Draco was just such an interesting character and I just wanted more stories from him and A REDEMPTION ARC!
4. The Weasley Twins
They are two of the most likable characters in the series and honestly one of the best parts of the series, which is why their ending is so tragic, if not the most tragic of any character. The Weasley twins were the best comedic relief of the entire series. Their pranks, jokes and inventions were superior and such a breath of fresh air. Their triumphant trickery, endless cheerfulness and joyful plotting were the bright light this series desperately needed. The Twins are literally the definition of double trouble, but in the best way. We needed characters like them to value and provide us with a laugh to remind us as the audience and the characters that there is a light at the end of a tunnel of hardship. A moment that comes to mind is when they disguise themselves as old men to put their names in the Goblet of Fire. They were also very realistic when it came to sibling relationships. For example, them saying McGonagall’s line “babbling, bumbling band of baboons” five times (between this scene and naming their shop “Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes,” the Weasley twins certainly enjoy their tongue twisters) and when they promise Harry to make fun of Ron dancing with McGonagall. They were also so intelligent in how they used their mischievousness. Their smarts, business-savvy and ambition are extremely underrated. I mean, Hermione may be a booksmart genius, but the Twins are also geniuses in their own right. Just look at all things they invented and the thriving business they created even before they left Hogwarts. Their business was one of the few Diagon Alley shops to stay open during Voldemort’s return. And they just graduated from Hogwarts. That’s so impressive (and sort of eerie to think about in an almost post-pandemic world). They were also very good brothers, which I think we should have seen more of. They really don’t get enough credit for this. They knew when to tease and joke, and when it was needed too, and they knew when to not to that when the stakes were too high, like during the Seven Potters ordeal (although, there jokes before and after were must needed and so wonderful. Also, poor George Weasley. First he looses his ear, then he looses his twin, his other half, literally. That’s so sad). The Twins in Goblet also rallied the rest of the Gryffindors away to give Harry and Ron the ability to reconcile without an active audience. They were supportive of Ron and even acted like brothers to Harry in a way Dudley never was to him. The Twins are also so selfless shown when they gift Harry the Marauder’s Map being “his needs are greater” then there’s, as he can’t go to Hogsmeade with all of his friends because the heartless Dursleys didn’t sign the permission slip (LOL @ wizard students having to turn in a permission slip). Their kindness is very overlooked. They may have been rulebreakers, but they did have boundaries and were very kind, supportive and encouraging people, although sometimes that encouraging quality meant they could be bad influences. These boundaries are proven by the fact that it never seemed like the Twins were ever at risk of expulsion, despite their notorious troublemaking antics. They clearly loved Hogwarts and knew were the line was. They just wanted to make people laugh and keep them entertained, they didn’t want to really do any rambunctious damage, unless it was warranted like with Umbridge and Filch. This desire to purely bring joy and happiness to their classmates makes their business that much more perfect, as now they can bring joy to the whole Wizarding World, but also makes Fred’s death all the more tragic. Also, it seems like from the Reunion that the Twins were pranksters in real life, convincing Rupert (with who they seem to have a genuine brotherly relationship IRL) that there was an entire dance routine, one he never learned, on the day he shot his dance with Maggie Smith (Rupert Grint has bragging rights for life for that one). I also love Fred and George’s exchange after comforting that crying student and being crudely interrupted by Umbridge with them agreeing that they “always felt that our future lay outside the work of academic achievement,” and then they proceed to have an epic and no doubt, legendary exit from Hogwarts. It was such a great sequence of events for the Twins showing how great of characters they are. Kind. Loyal. Hilarious. A positive light even in the darkest of times. I also loved their soft spot for Harry. They treated him like he truly was their brother, and honestly at some point notably better than they treated Ron (LOL). The Weasley twins are very underratingly ambitious. I mean look at the successful business they created, that literally started as a trunk and products they would (unethically) test on first years. The Twins are also very honest, like they may have scared the daylights out of Harry by telling him how brutal Quidditch is, but at least now Harry knew what to expect. The Twins proved that an affinity for chaos and mayhem doesn’t have to be villainous, it can simply be fun. They both also proved that you don’t have to use your brilliance for school, you can use it for fun and joy. The Twins, after all, are the definition of a comedic duo. The Twins may be goofy, but they also understand how the world isn’t always, shown when one of them points out how expensive their Hogwarts textbooks will be in Chamber, showing that while they are silly, they don’t live in their own world and understand that in reality, there are real struggles in the world. I do love their brotherly moments, especially the whole five galleons, ten galleons (galleons, from my understanding, seem to be Wizarding World currency, right? Is that the same currency everywhere just only in the Wizarding World, or just in the British Wizarding World?) was so realistically and hilariously brotherly. The Twins constantly toy with people and wreak havoc throughout the series, but they are just harmless class clowns, they aren’t villains, like Bellatrix, who also wreaks havoc as we see after Dumbledore’s death in Prince. This harmless fun is what made them relatable, as every kid watching knows has a class clown at their school, and so endearing, making their tragic ending (Twins separated by death with one dying and one surviving the final battle) even more painful. I think it says a lot about how Fred and George, at least from what we see, never seen to get in huge amounts of trouble despite being the biggest rebels and class clowns of the series. We never see them get detentions, ridiculed by Snape, threatened with expulsion or punished really at all? Either, they are really good at not getting caught or we were simply deprived of seeing them evade punishment and were just meant to assume that happens, which I think is unacceptable. Fred and George are some of the most endlessly entertaining characters in this series (they deserve a spinoff TBH like if this was made today they’d have their own spin-off web series or something) and this is in large part due to their rebellious, devil-may-care attitudes coupled with their intelligence and their ability to seemingly never get into trouble. The Wizarding World is pretty odd when it comes to rule-breaking, and by odd I mean usually pretty evil about it, however, the Twins always did it in a fun, frivolous, and unique way. I want to see the methods to all of the Weasley twins’ madness. How far they go. How they avoid punishment or getting caught. I want to see all of this brilliance. I mean, it makes sense Ron and the rest of the trio would get caught despite his older brothers’ influence. He isn’t known for pranks and jokes after all, but as someone who just loves these characters, I just want to see it for fun, for more lightheartedness to balance out the turmoil and terror. So, the Weasley twins notably had a difficult time with Patronus during Harry’s lesson on them during the DA meeting, while Ginny and Ron excelled at them, despite the Twins being two of the most joyful characters in the series. However, since they never could, was George ever able to, or definitely not because of how a wizard’s powers are often related to their emotions, which is essential in a Patronus and so much of George’s joy also involved Fred? If so, that is an insanely heartbreaking thing as it proves that George’s light dulled significantly without his twin brother by his side, especially since they were two of the happiest lights of the series. The fact that the actors were really Twins and not just a Parent Trap situation I think really helped make George and Fred so memorable. You can’t fake that kind of synchronicity. Their effortless comedic timing and bouncy chemistry were palpable through the screen. Part of why the Twins were so charming was because of James and Oliver Phelps and their very underrate performances and authentic, bouncy chemistry, especially with their many rapid succession dialogue scenes. Their line delivery was impeccable. Like, I loved, in their very first scene of the series, how they jokingly switch up to confuse their mother (a classic twin moment), when their initials are clearly on their trunks (also the actors’ facial expressions during their switcheroo trickery were great). It was both foreshadowing for the joke and so relatable if you have ever met a pair of identical twins. I loved how in the introduction the Marauder’s Map scene one of the Twins perfectly says “we owe them so much” wittily after Harry reads the cover with the names Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs (it also symbolizes how much the Weasley twins as a packaged deal are like the Marauders, and the hilariously ironic way that George and Fred are actually more mature then the Marauders as they aren’t cruel bullies, just class clowns, and also how they don’t even know those guys include Harry’s dad, Sirius and their new DADA teacher. I mean, James and Sirius seem like they were basically the Fred and George of their time, with a bit of Draco Malfoy mixed in, sadly. I wish we got to see Fred and George pull pranks around Grimmauld Place with Sirius in Phoenix, because after all the Twins “owe them so much” for inspiring their modern-day jokester spirit). It was so perfectly timed and well delivered. Fred and George barely have to speak to be funny. An example of this is when George sneaks in on a (supposed to be) romantic moment between Ginny and Harry right before the wedding as Harry zips Ginny’s dress in Part 1. George literally puts his toothbrush behind his (now) one ear and sips his tea, literally, with only his presence being what’s chuckle-inducing, not Harry and Ginny’s fizzle chemistry. Now, granted, selling joke treats and toys to fellow classmates is probably very dangerous (I don’t never want to know how many fellow students they sent to the Hospital Wing), it was a nice relief for the audience and the characters to laugh at something as frivolous as magical pranks, and also added an element of realism as it’s very easy to buy that kids with magic powers would use their abilities to prank others. I enjoyed their epic exit for Hogwarts in Phoenix. They do seem like the type of kids to pull off an epic senior prank like that, only made more epic with magic being involved and the deserving Umbridge as their terror target. Also, the Twins’ reference to terrorizing Umbridge by making a “I must have order” toy of her in Prince (also what a great business tactic to create caricature toys of Hogwarts’ most hated teachers. I don’t know if there is a competitive joke store market in the Wizarding World, except for that Hogmeade Zonko’s Joke Shop which is mentioned like once in Azkaban, especially outside of England, but it seems like Fred and Geroge would have a unique perspective as they know exactly what kind of products the Hogwarts students want, like and use.) It was also great to see their broom skills during their epic exit in Phoenix because while they have always been on the Quidditch team, until Prince, we never really got to see them play as much as Harry, Draco and Oliver Wood (we also never got to see Ginny play with her supposed ‘captain-level’ skills). It was epic, iconic, memorable and just so perfect for their characters. I also loved how it was during exams, because every kid watching could relatable to that feeling of, like when the fire alarm goes off during your math test for something. The way Fred and George not only made their mischievousness their legacy at Hogwarts, especially after their grand exit, but also their careers through their successful joke shop. It was such a success it was the only shop to survive on Diagon Alley, besides Gringotts during the Second Wizarding War, giving people joy and laughter when they needed it most. Now, was it great that Fred and George seemed to give their joke treats to what seemed like naive first years in Phoenix? No, definitely not the most ethical but you got to admire their commitment to joy and laughter even during Umbridge’s reign of terror. The moment when Fred arrives at the Burrow with his dad after the Seven Potters battle when he realizes, based on everyone’s silence, that something happened to George is a great moment for the Twins. it’s honestly the only time we get an idea of what the Twins’ relationship is like, not just Harry’s idea of their relationship. Fred sees everyone’s apprehension and doesn’t waste a second, just runs in to see his brother while his father still waits for a response (not really until he sees his son running that something is wrong). It just shows how underneath all the jokes and pranks, they are genuinely each others’ best friends and other halves. It makes Fred’s death in the following film all the more sad. When Fred walks in, he consoles his bleeding brother, so sacred and concerned for him. And then when Fred asks how he is, in classic Weasley twins fashion, George replies by cracking a joke “I’m holey, Fred, geddit?” and Fred smiles and calls him pathetic for his mediocre ear-related joke. This is one of the few times that we see them tease each other, not other people. It truly shows us how much Fred and George rely on each other and how they are truly partners-in-crime, which makes Fred’s death that much more tragic. First George loses his ear and then his other half. It’s tragic. While Bellatrix was chaotic energy in the most unhinged way, the Twins were chaotic in a light, frivolous way, which was much needed to balance everything out. Whenever they were on-screen, it was a breath of fresh air, which is why their being separated by death was so tragic at the end. With how smart Fred and Geroge are, I wonder what their grades were. Did they not apply themselves like Ron or were they one of those kids who don’t study and still get straight As? I can see them being either, but definitely not the bookish Hermione-type. Also, the Twins are so underratingly selfless. They literally give up “the secret to our success” just so Harry can go to Hogsmeade with his friends. That’s so kind and selfless, even if (little do they know) Harry is it’s rightful owner as it’s his father, godfather and mentor’s legacy. I also appreciated how humble and down-to-earth Fred and George were. They downplayed their intelligence with humor and ended up being true geniuses by the end of the series with their most prominent quality, their humor, being their key to success. They are sneaky, gutsy and strong, and also have some of the best lines in the series, often saying exactly what the audience was thinking. Also, the Twins aren’t bullies, like most of the Marauders (as Lupin wasn’t a bully, but Sirius and James were, and Peter was a traitorous murderer). They just cause trouble to bring light into the world, to get a laugh, not to feel powerful and belittle others for superiority. They were troublemakers, but they weren’t cruel. They were intelligent and kind as well. They disregard rules and conventions and made their own, which made them some of the most fun characters to watch. The Weasley kids are experts at making dark and uncomfortable situations lighter and more humorous, but the Twins and Ron (who no doubt learned from them) do it best of all. The Weasley twins are also self-assured, confident and secure. they don’t care what others think, and that’s part of why they are so loveable as characters and as classmates and people in the story (everyone cheers them on like in Goblet and the age potion scene and in Phoenix and that quick courtyard joke toy scene before Umbridge callously and casually puts a stop to it). Also, their arc is great. They started out as mere class clowns and ended up becoming very successful businessmen, with a legacy both at Hogwarts and the greater Wizarding World. They were true to themselves, and their sense of humor became their legacy. It’s a great and admirable arc. The Twins brought light to the darkness throughout the series, and they turned that into their legacy, both at Hogwarts due to them making a memorable exit during Umbridge’s reign of terror and in the Wizarding World, as their shop brought happiness to the Wizarding World during a time of such anguish and fear. As seen with how poorly Ron treats the people around him sometimes, the Weasleys aren’t perfect and are capable of being mean. As troublemakers, the Twins could possibly be seen sometimes as mean, however, they always have good intentions and try and be funny, even if that humor occasionally takes things a step too far. After all, how don’t deal with miscommunications in their youth? Like when they are teasing Harry about being the Heir of Slytherin, they are just trying to get Harry to see his predicament with some humor, not to get a rise out of him, like Draco no doubt would. Honestly, Fred and George were one of the best and most entertaining parts of the series. They kept the childlike wonder throughout the whole series and were always a joy to see on-screen. Their rebellious ways and devil-may-care attitudes reminded me of Alex Russo. They treated the magical world in ways most kids realistically would have if they found out they were a wizard. They took full advantage and used it for fun, laughter and convenience. Unlike the Death Eaters, who broke the rules for evil, the Twins broke the rules for joy and fun, which made Fred’s death and George’s grief that much more heartbreaking. My gosh, growing up in the Weasley household, especially the younger Weasleys with Fred and George around, it must have been such chaotic fun. From the first moment the Twins, Ron and Harry sneak into the Weasley household, you can tell. It’s so heartwarming too, especially when they take Harry in as their own. Why didn’t any of the Weasleys, except Ron, Mrs. Weasley and George, seem to care that Fred died? Like that’s a DEAD CHILD! Come, on! Another one of cinema’s most unnecessary deaths! And Fred and Goerge’s last scene together was so underwhelming. Like come on, give us something more than just two lines that could have gone to any other two characters. They are two super hilarious, super close twins. The movie was already heartwrenching. Why not just keep going in that direction? Also, it’s so sad when you realize that Fred and George only got grow old together once during that aging potion, age line fiasco in Goblet of Fire (Hermione was such a mood in that scene. I related to her on a spiritual level in that scene). Except for everytime he looks in the mirror, besides only having one ear, every time he sees himself he also sees Fred, and therefore as he ages, he sees Fred age. Its heartbreaking. Also, if you look closely, you can see George turning to where Fred would be standing in the scene where Harry reveals himself to be alive, but he’s not there. That was such a quick moment, but so sad. Fred deserved a more epic death rather than just seeing his dead body with his family around him crying. Fred was such a bright light. It would have really shown the stakes if we actually saw that bright light go out forever. Even better would be if it was while he was saving Percy or making up with Percy after everything. For one, it would actually talk about Percy’s rift with his family instead of alluding to it and two, it would just be a great moment for both characters to show how much family means to both of them. I wish we got to see how Fred’s death affected George. His death was so shocking and devastating (watch the Troian Bellisario and Tom Felton film Feed about one twin dying and one twin surviving to really understand what I am talking about). I feel so bad for George. He literally lost his other r half and no brother, best friend or spouse could ever take his place. That must have been a lifetime of torture and no doubt dulling his humorous sparkle, or at the very least just making his humor even darker. Either way, the reason is so tragic and I just wish we got to see how he dealt with it. George, and Fred, deserved that. It also must be so painful because every time George looks into the mirror, he is reminded of Fred because their identical twins (besides the fact that George has one ear after the Seven Potters battle). That’s truly the most heartbreaking idea. Fred’s death, honestly, might be the cruelest death of the whole series. The Twins were the light of the series, and as that asshole, Dumbledore says, “happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light,” and that light was the Twins. With one dead, that light just got dimmer. They are a packaged deal. It’s just so painful. It’s also so painful that their last conversation was so underwhelming. They deserved better. At least Fred and George’s mischief was managed due to the overall success of the Battle of Hogwarts (my heart breaks just typing this).
3. Neville Longbottom
He is so underrated! The ultimate unsung hero! He is honestly one of the most likable characters in the whole series. Neville had the best character arc in the whole series. It was truly incredible! He started as such an irrelevant loser and ended the series as a courageous leader who was the guy to literally kill Voldemort (I mean, Nagini, but to kill Nagini is to kill Voldemort, but of course, Harry gets all the credit). WOW! I mean who would have thought that shy, nerdy, forgetful and uncoordinated never would be the one to end the Dark Lord? If you told me that while watching the first film, I wouldn’t believe you. But during the Battle of Hogwarts, the students needed a leader with a good heart, loyalty, strength, passion, courage and the ability to inspire his peers, and that person is definitely Nevill. He was able to level with the more skilled students through his training with the DA and he didn’t discredit the underdogs, because he himself was one. He was always brave, even in the first film, he was brave enough to stand up to his classmates and therefore gave Gryffindor enough points to win the House Cup, but he was still timid. It wasn’t until Order of the Phoenix that he started to gain more confidence. He even stood up to the Death Eaters when they stopped the Hogwarts Express in Deathly Hallows: Part 1. At first Neville is the comedically clumsy side character, but quickly becomes one of the most inspiring and compelling characters in the series. He’s one of Harry’s closest allies and friends, has the biggest heart, and plays a key role in the final fight against Voldemort. Matthew Lewis made Neville into a scene stealer with his great comedic timing and subtle nuances. Like Ron, he is brave despite having many anxieties and fears, willing to risk everything to stand up for what they believe in. Harry inspires Neville so much, not just because of the DA, but also with how he stands up to bullies, particularly Draco, which Harry does for the first time (unless you count Harry choosing Ron over Draco) in Neville’s defense in Stone. Harry isn’t a pushover and isn’t one to let people walk all over him (unless your name is Dumbledore), however, Neville begins the series as a pushover, and aspires to be like Harry. Neville wishes he could have that confidence, but after Harry helps him become more confident, he begins to stand up for himself and others, and not just to schoolyard bullies, but to Death Eaters. My friend, who told me about Fandom Wiki, said that the prophecy had to do with Neville as well as Voldemort and Harry. That he easily could have been in Harry’s place, but because he’s a pureblood Voldemort spared him and decided to go after the half-blood Harry. That makes it even more ironic that he was the one to point out Harry’s prophecy at the Department of Mysteries. No wonder Voldemort laughed when he saw Neville walk up to him after killing Harry. In Voldemort’s messed up mind, he was merciful enough spare Neville, and now he has the audacity to ridicule him despite, in his mind, officially becoming the most powerful wizard ever. His timid bravery turns into actual bravery and he ended up being the MVP of the whole series. His parents would have been so proud of him. (Frank and Alice deserved WAY better) Good for you, Neville! I mean, he really tried to be brave in the first few movies, specifically when he cutely said “I’ll fight you” while holding fists and threatening to fight Ron, Harry and Hermione in the first film when they were exiting the Gryffindor common room. That even got Gryffindor enough to win the House Cup, but Hermione still defeated him within seconds. He always had it in him, the DA just gave him the confidence and the supportive atmosphere he needed to let the insecurities go and thrive. That is so relatable, especially to someone like me who is similarly insecure and anxious when it comes to going to the gym or presenting in front of the class (playing a character, fine, being myself in front of people, not so much). He gained the confidence he needed so that when he finally faced off against the person who tortured his parents, Bellatrix Lestrange, he had the confidence to stand up to her, but unlike the action-oriented Harry, he used his words; “better no that they’re about to be avenged.” They weren’t empty, they were strong and confident, very un-Neville. Sure, he tried to go after her, and Harry stopped him, but that taught him that words are just as, if not more powerful then actions and spells, which the lesson he needed to stand up to the Death Eaters in the final movie. I mean, his quote “he’s still with us!” parallels one what one the bravest and most confident characters, Sirius Black said to Harry in Azkaban. His words were inspiring, meaningful, showcased his calling as a leader and helped inspire everyone to not give up on the fight against evil. Also, side note, but the trio saying “sorry” as they walk past his petrified body on their way out of the common room was so cute and sweet, and showed how sweet and good-hearted they are. I also thought it was funny how he was light enough for the Cornish Pixies to carry him up to the chandelier in Chamber. And then him saying “why is it always me?” ME! That is so relatable. That’s the most relatable line of the whole series. Neville is me. I am Neville. It’s always me who is humiliated and has bad luck. It’s always me who is genuinely shocked when I do something that’s good or impressive, like how he got the points to help Gryffindor win the House Cup. Despite growing up in the Wizarding World, Neville had a hard time with magic, especially in finding where his strengths lie. He was poor at casting spells and flying, However, Herbology allowed him to find his strengths and let them shine. He was so good at it that Sprout and Moody-Crouch (unfortunately ironically) praise his talents. And when Lupin and Harry were his DADA teachers, both men being encouraging, kind, and inspiring, and created a relaxed environment for him, he thrived. It was when he had teachers that scared him when he resorted back to his fearful self. He was clearly capable, and all that mattered was being surrounded by people who celebrated his capabilities for them to thrive, so much so that he became the leader of the DA in Hallows. He created the accepting and inspiring atmosphere that he needed and valued. Neville went from one of those characters who was so unfortunate and got the short end of the stick. He was in the shadow of his friend who were “The Boy Who Lived” and “The Brightest Witch of her Age,” which made him a total underdog.This is what made his character so endearing, and even more so when he started to develop into a more confident, strong leader. He was so relatable from the beginning to the end because of that. Neville is proof that hat doesn’t kill you and makes you stronger. Like Harry, he’s has to overcome so much adversity and it only makes him better, stronger person. All his bad luck and hardship made him a stronger, tougher, kinder, braver and more inspirational person. The Neville in Stone and the Neville in Hallows are almost two completely different people. He becomes so confident that he alone faces a massive group of Death Eaters and manages to taunt them even. He started off as one of the weakest links in the series and became one of the strongest, bravest and most resilient characters. Gryffindors are so accepting, as Neville proves. Despite his forgetfulness and shyness, Neville’s friends accept him for exactly who he is, which is also the same reason they accept Luna. Gryffindors see the best in Neville and Luna. They see and support their strengths and potential, and don’t belittle them for their flaws and weaknesses. However, unlike Luna, Neville was under an immense amount of pressure. Due to his parents being brave Aurors and dying as heroes, this pressure caused him to have a lack of confidence causing him to perform mediocre magic as to Neville, he had an impossible standard to live up and thought there was no way he ever could. However, he proved everyone wrong and became one of the bravest characters in the series, mostly due to his friends believing in him, helping him and inspiring him. Anyways; Neville may not have been the Chosen One or a Triwizard Champion, but he was a hero and a champion in his own right. His arc was definitely a pleasant highlight of the series. He is such an underrated, underestimated character. He deserves WAY more credit, from the characters in the series and the fans. He was also the honorary fourth member of the core trio, especially in the later films. Harry and Neville also each had a destiny. The prophecy stated that a boy born at the end of July would have the power to defeat the Dark Lord once he marks him as his equal. Neville was so close to having Harry’s fate, but Voldemort chose the half-blood rather then the pure blood, Neville being the latter. Harry was fated from that point to kill Voldemort, but Neville helped immensely, leading an army of his peers and killing Voldemort’s final Horcrux, inevitably killing Voldemort himself. Harry and Neville’s biggest difference is their interests and expertise. Harry is more extroverted and athletic, hence why he excels at Quidditch. However, Neville is more introverted and is perfectly okay being on the sidelines until he’s needed, which is why he excels at Herbology. Both are good at DADA, but Harry has always been good at, Neville wasn’t good at it until he finally had a great teacher, which was Harry, then he found confidence in it. Also, Neville, Hermione, Harry and Ron all killed one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes. That must have bonded them. I wish we got to see Harry thank him for killing Nagini and thereby helping him kill Voldemort and save the entire Wizarding World. Yes, she isn’t the most skillful when it comes to spells, but he has at least elsewhere which are just as important (or they wouldn’t be a class). Eventually, he works hard enough and his biggest weaknesses become strengths, which gives him confidence. He gives a scathing speech to the Dark Lord of all people in front of all his Death Eaters and everyone at Hogwarts. Not many people would have the confidence to do that, and no way I ever thought that was going to be Neville. He became a leader in the Deathly Hallows, from calling out the Death Eaters on the Hogwarts Express in Part 1 to fetching the trio from Aberforth’s to telling one of his classmates to alert the Order when Harry finally returns to Hogwarts (LOL at the code being “lightning has struck” in reference to his iconic scar) to being brave enough to man the Hogwarts bridge alone, facing ALL of the Death Eaters. Also, his face when he won the points to get Gryffindor the House Cup in the first film. How shocked he was, it was so sweet. Everyone cheered for him and was so proud of him. The Weasley twins were so happy for him. It was adorable. I loved seeing a look at Neville’s leadership in Hallows when the trio arrives back at Hogwart and are greeted by their former classmates. Like when he whispers to Nigel to go alert Remus that Harry is back (LOL at that code “lightning has struck. It’s so perfect but honestly so obvious) and stopping everyone from crowding Harry and initiates getting down to business and helping Harry. He was such an underdog throughout most of the series, and he helped instrumentally with winning the war against Voldemort by killing Nagini. He also saved Hermione and Ron’s lives, as Nagini was lunging at the two of them when he sliced his dead off, probably unaware of how important killing Nagini actually was and how he was saving the whole Wizarding World (or was he? How does it go in the book?). He also, as my friend revealed to me, was just one choice shy of being the Chosen One instead of Harry. However, his childhood was affected by Voldemort just like Harry’s, but he had the love of his grandmother, and Harry didn’t have any parental figures. That’s just wild to think about. Maybe an alternate universe has the “Neville Longbottom” franchise. However, in a way, Neville was a “Chosen One” because due to the Death Eaters at, mainly Bellatrix, attacking his parents, paralleling how Voldemort chose Harry by killing his parents, sentencing Neville to a lifetime of fear and anger because Death Eaters tortured the soul out of his parents. His fate was finding a sense of leadership within himself during his time in Dumbledore’s Army and fighting alongside harry in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries. That helped him gain the confidence to lead an army of Hogwarts students, the DA and the freaking Order of the Phoenix when it really mattered, in the Battle of Hogwarts, proven when he, alone, facing a whole crowd of Death Eaters on the Hogwarts bridge, and nearly falls to his death when it crashes, but due to his newfound confidence and resourcefulness, he lives, when Neville in the early films would have surely panicked ad fell (you Ginny watching this happen probably thought the same thing, I wish we got to see their friendship more. They go way back, as they were each others dates to the Yule Ball and in the DA together). Harry was chosen for a solo mission, but Nevile was chosen to be a leader in the battle for Hogwarts and the larger Wizarding World’s soul. The each had their fate sealed, which was equally their destiny and their burden. In essence, Harry was the Chosen One, while Nevile was the Chosen Leader. He fought against any collateral damage by Voldemort and his Death Eaters due to how his parents ended up tortured as collateral damage. Neville was the Chosen One for his lived experience. He showed how you don’t need to be the main character to be the hero, you can be the underdog. In a way, he symbolized how because of Harry, his generation was all the Chosen Ones. They were the Chosen Generation. They were all chosen to fight in this battle. It also begs the question: what if Harry wasn’t athletic, and famous? What if he was just a normal kid with a traumatic past, like Neville? Harry is leading Ron and Hermione off on a dangerous mission, while Neville is leading a literal rebellion, a literal army back at Hogwarts. He risked the same torture as his parents every day and kept morale and the spirit of the war effort alive at the castle, and no doubt in his mind, he was doing this to help Harry, as he couldn’t help him directly, but he could help him indirectly. He could make sure their friends were prepared for when the day comes and Harry returns. The Battle of Hogwarts couldn’t have been won and the Horcruxs couldn’t have been destroyed without him. All his suffering and bullying made him humble and kind and combined with the confidence he got from Harry and the DA made him an excellent leader. In essence, both Harry and Neville were the Chosen Ones in a way because, similar (or rather the exact opposite) to the prophecy itself, neither could have succeed without the other. They were both normal kids with traumatic pasts and were strengthened and became resilent after being victim to tons of bullying. Harry was Neville’s motivation. He was so inspired by him. Therefore, while Harry was leading Hermione and Ron on their Horcrux hunt, Neville took it upon himself to keep the spark of the war alive at the castle, basically embodying a ‘what would Harry Potter do?’ mentality in order to keep morale and people’s spirits and hopes up. This was to facilitate the trio coming back, which he had full faith would happen eventually, and defeat Voldemort. Its clear, the war could not have bene won and the Horcruxes could not have been defeated without Neville’s courage, kindness, leadership and resilience (all of which he gained after years of suffering, self-doubt and being bullied). This sort of means that he may not have been tapped by Voldemort as the Chosen One (the irony that Voldemort basically chose his own murderer LOL) but he grew into one just by being the kind kid he is. This makes Neville the ultimate unsung hero of the series. I mean, the series would be so different if Neville was the Chosen One. Harry would either not be an orphan or have his parents alive but tortured into madness. Snape would still be a Death Eater as he only had a change of loyalty when he realized Lily was at risk. The Muggle world would be far less involved as Neville was a pureblood. Hagrid would probably be closer with Neville than Harry. Sirius would have never gone to prison. Draco would not be the Chosen One’s archrival, although they still probably wouldn’t get along. Neville would probably be stronger from the get-go, because he would have known the truth about magic the whole time, unlike Harry who only found out about it on his 11th birthday. Ron wouldn’t have Scabbers. Harry would have killed Nagini, as he would have Neville’s arc in the DA, probably. However, Neville’s parents would have probably died, which means he would have been an orphan. I wish we got to see Neville and Harry’s friendship more. They obviously have a lot in common, between living up to their brave and absent parents to being involved in the prophecy. Neville and Harry both lost their parents. If they didn’t, they could have had siblings. They probably would have grown up together as their parents were friends through the Order. I wish we got to see them dream about that together (do teenage boys do that?). They could have been like a support group for each other in a way Ron could have never been for Harry due to his happy family. Harry and Neville had a deep understanding, and I just wish we could see their bond more. One of my favorite scenes in Goblet was the scene at the river bank where Harry and Neville were hanging out just the two of them. It only lasted a few seconds, and made Harry seem annoyed to having to resort to Neville as his closest male friend when they were fighting, when we know from how Harry is a kind character and from their past interactions, that Harry likes Neville. I wish that got to be a full conversation before Hermione, Ginny and Ron walked up to them. Like, I loved the scene in Phoenix where Neville reveals to Harry that his parents were tortured by Bellatrix and Harry said “we are gonna make them proud, Neville. That’s a promise.” And then they did! 100% they did! It was a great moment, but I wish it could have been a full scene that focused on how alike they are and their camaraderie. And it’s so touching that Neville is so inspired by Harry and trusts him so much that he tells him this, knowing that he’s probably the only person who would understand, never mock him or tell anyone. In a way, Neville’ story is even more tragic because, at least Harry’s parents are at peace now, they’re suffering is over. Neville’s parents aren’t, and he has to live with that (this right, correct? Neville’s parents are alive, but just driven into insanity. They are basically vegetables, as if they had the Dementor’s Kiss. soulless. Are they in a wizard mental hospital or something because of this? Does Neville visit them with his grandmother? Who is his guardian, right? Ugh, at least he had someone who loved him, not people like the Dursleys. That kind of makes him and Harry even, not that tragedy is a competition). I love how when Neville told Harry about his parents that he says that he is proud of them and proud of being their son, but how he isn’t ready for everyone to know yet, and Harry respects that, because he wishes he had the same courtesy when it came to losing his parents. This scene was also great for Neville’s character growth, showing his strength, confidence and most importantly, his vulnerability. But also, THANK GOD the screenwriter of Phoenix knew that it should have been Neville who told the story of his parents to Harry, not freaking Dumbledore (sure, Sirius hinted at it, but at least he had enough tact and respect for the Longbottoms to know it was Neville’s place to tell Harry, especially now that they are friends, Dumbledore clearly didn’t). Another moment is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment in Half-Blood Prince when Neville sneaks into the Slug Club’s Christmas party by being a cater waiter (which BTW this is too perfect. This is so Neville) and when Harry meets up with him Harry fiddles Neville’s uniform for him. It’s so cute and just shows how good of friends they are. I wish we got to see that more. Another thing Harry and Neville have in common is that they both have doubts about how the Sorting Hat sorted them. My friend told me that Neville asked to be a Hufflepuff, but the hat put him in Gryffindor, while Harry asked not to be in Slytherin, so it put him in Gryffindor. However, the Sorting Hat itself revealed the Sword of Gryffindor to both of them during the series, which only presents itself to a true Gryffindor. I really love that parallel. Also, the fact that the Sword presented itself to Gryffindor, just as it did to Harry, when he needed it most, especially during such a huge battle where it literally could have gone to any Gryffindor, just shows how much he is a true Gryffindor. And him using the sword to kill Nagini saved so many people’s lives. Another moment that is just classic Neville is in Goblet when he uses literally the one subject he excels at, Herbology (I’m sorry Neville, but Herbology would probably be my least favorite class at Hogwarts. I’m guessing either History of Magic or Charms would probably be my favorite I’d assume), to help Harry with the second task. However, it doesn’t act up as quickly as he taught and he panics and says “oh my god, I’ve killed Harry Potter!” That moment is also so precious because Neville has finally found something he is good at it, and when something goes wrong, he of course doubts his skills. And to make matters worse, all he was trying to do was help a friend, but he feels genuinely concerned about the results. It’s so endearing, so relatable and so very Neville. I also ironically loved seeing his cocky side, because in Neville’s case it just shows how confident he’s become from the self-doubting nerd, when he, solo, taunted a massive pack of Death Eaters saying “Yeah! You and whose army?,” although his cockiness backfires as he almost dies by being chased by that Death Eater stampede, although he thankfully survives by in this undeniably Neville moment and perseveres. Neville is a very good, loyal friend to Harry and always helps him when he can, he is one of Harry’s closest friends, and even his roommate at the Gryffindor House, so when his passion for Herbology could actually help Harry succeed, of course, he will help, but this was a great moment within the transition of nerdy, clumsy Neville to brave leader Neville. Neville is there to lend a helping hand to Harry, down to the very end. I particularly loved how he was the one to help Harry with the gillyweed. Although Neville is the key to Harry’s success in the second task, I do have to agree with him, magical plants sound very boring (although this moment with Neville also shows how Harry is capable of unkindness and darkness, shown more in Phoenix and Prince). Sorry, Neville. One thing I loved that the Goblet of Fire hinted at was Harry and Neville’s friendship, I wish they showed us more of it. I also love how we got to see his love and passion for Herbology through him helping Harry and him hanging out with Harry more in this movie. It’s great to finally see the shy, nerdy guy discovering his strengths and passions. Neville, as the pseudo-4th member of the core trio, show all the different ways someone can be brave, and therefore worthy of the Gryffindor name. Harry is traditionally brave, standing up to evil despite fear. Hermione is the more intelligent way to be brave, thinking things through, but also being flexible enough to think on your feet when the situation calls for it. Ron may have a fearful nature, but he can set it aside when the stakes require it, especially if someone he loves is in need of help. But Neville shows a more realistic approach to bravery, how many don’t see themselves as brave, but as we grow and experience more things, we find the bravery, and therefore the strength within us. Neville had so much pressure on him due to him having to live up to his brave Auror parents, which caused him to be doubtful, shy, fearful and nervous, but even the Sorting Hat saw his potential for courage and greatness, and became the ultimate true Gryffindor by the end of the series. Being bullied had the opposite effect on Neville that it did on Snape. Snape wallowed in it and that led to a lifetime of resentment and striving for retribution. Neville never once tries to seek retribution and maintains his kindness and empathy. For both of them, bullying made then tougher and stronger, but for Snape, it made him bitter, and for Neville, it just made him realize his full potential, even though he was a late bloomer. Like Snape was bullied by the Marauders, Neville was bullied by not just Snape, as he was his biggest fear, that is its seems until Hallows when he gains his confidence and also because as he tells the trio he in the tunnel he hardly ever sees him, but also mostly Draco and his cronies. This is seen in Stone and in Phoenix, when Draco’s cronies bump into Neville while he is minding his own business walking down the corridor. However, that film is also when he finally finds his confidence, and from that point on he isn’t afraid to stand up to anyone, whether it’s Snape or one of Draco’s cronies. However, I do love how we see Tom Felton and Matthew Lewis’ friendship in the Reunion. They seem to have a great friendship. I loved seeing Neville’s adrenline after the bridge sequence in Part 2. I mean, he’s so confident and exhilrated that he wants to ask out Luna. I know he asked Ginny to be his date to the Yule Ball, but that was as friends, he actually wants to date Luna. I love that growth for him. Neville and Luna are definitely my comfort characters in this series, so if they really did get together after the series ended, that would make me very happy. I love the arc of Neville being so visibly uncomfortable by Luna when he first meets her on the carriage, especially when she leans towards him and talks about Nargles to him saying he’s “mad for her” and her sitting with him after they win the war, with the Sword of Gryffindor on one side and his crush on the other. It’s so sweet and adorable. Neville was also incredibly loyal. I mean his passionate speech to Voldemort in the last film proved that with his final line saying “Harry’s heart did beat for us, for all of us,” showing how he and Harry are two sides of the same coin, both in terms of personhood and in their place in the overall story, because Harry also had a nerdy appearance like Neville and how if Voldemort chose Neville over Harry, he would have had his fate. Neville goes from the kid who just can’t seem to get anything right to the kid with the most impeccable timing of the whole series. Neville is very smart in ways his classmates aren’t thinking out of the box, much like Luna. He doesn’t fully reach his full potential until he joins the DA and then is where he gains the confidence that drives him through the rest of the series. His dormant strength finally comes out and ends up saving not just Ron and Hermione, but also the greater Wizarding World. Neville also becomes so courageous, and even a little reckless, that he fully charges at Voldemort with the Sword of Gryffindor. Of course, Voldemort brutally has him go flying backward over the Weasleys’ heads, but it’s still an incredibly brave and badass thing for him to do. Also, I loved seeing how excited he got over Herbology. It was so great to see him excel at something when he was painted as the biggest klutz ever. It was great to see his passion flourish, even though plants sound insanely boring to me. Another passion of his I loved to see was only shown once, and that was dancing during the Yule Ball moments in Goblet (however, knowing JKR’s beliefs and the y2k time period, was this a subtle hint at Neville possibly being gay or LGBTQ+?). It was so great to see a klutz love to dance (in classic Taylor Swift “Shake It Off” fashion). He found such a love for it and had so much fun with ginny that he was the last one back to the dorms, waking Harry. He was shocked that him, a nerdy guy, was out that latest, which is so relatable, because like Neville, I am not one to stay out late and party. So, I loved when he said so excitedly and innocently “I just got in. Me!” It’s so relatable to me, his excitement about being the last one to return to the dorms, because like Neville, that is rare for me too! Neville, what a relatable king (that’s so underrated). The deaths of their parents affected them in countless ways and they both grew into fierce pillars of bravery, love, strength, justice and leadership. They overcame the adversity and tragedy of their youth and became legendary leaders. They let their tragedy motivate them in to triumph and always strived to make their parents proud, which they definitely succeed. Also, having him have Trevor the toad as a pet is just too perfect and symbolic (But why don’t we ever see Trevor again after Sorcerer’s Stone?). Neville spent the first half of the series doubting his intelligence and abilities, but the second half feeling more confident, empowered, assertive and outspoken. That’s a very relatable and beautiful arc. He came into his own and became a force to be reckoned with, proven tremendously in the finale. Neville went from one of the weakest characters to bravery being his legacy within the series. Neville is worthy of both sympathy and empathy, and he is also one of the most empathetic characters especially towards Harry, as he probably understands Harry’s pain as an orphan better than anyone. Also, similarly to Snape TBH, Neville knows that his greatest weapon, or in this case greatest power, is his words, shown by his passionate speech to the Hogwarts side and Voldemort. He keeps the series grounded in reality due to his underdog appeal and reliability. He becomes an assertive leader who is daring and brave. One thing that I think is a very underappreciated moment of bravery for Neville is the fact that he asked out Ginny to the Yule Bal as friends, something that Ron and Harry were both having trouble doing. This is also the same film where we first heard about his love for Herbology, which means that finding his passion gave him confidence,e enough confidence to ask out a girl to a school dance, even if it was as friends, This confidence, chivalry and bravery shouldn’t be overlooked, especially not for a boy like Neville. He goes from a bullied, insecure, submissive boy to a confident, strong, capable man. His arc and history make him tough and complex. His arc is so refreshing and inspiring. And by the end of the series, he finds strength in jsut being himself, an underdog as well as a leader. In the beginning, Neville garnered sympathy due to his innocent and pathetic nature however later he garners sympathy due to his tragic backstory, something that drives him to excel at DADA and win the war over Voldemort. He is one of the characters who keeps the story grounded in reality due to his relatability. He also knows that magic isn’t the only thing a wizard needs to prove themselves, they can use their words too, which is exactly what he does iwth his epic speech in the finale, but he still ends the series as one of the best characters and wizards of the series. Neville always seem happiest when he’s with his friends in Gryffindor House or enjoying Herbology, which is a bittersweet contrast to his past with bullying and when the fate of his parents is revealed, showing just how difficult Neville’s life is. Also, in the first film Dumbledore says “it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but just a smooch to stand up to our friends,” and while Neville does the latter in the first film, he was always scared to do the former, that is until he joins Dumbledore’s Army, then he tries to do that in Phoenix and actually does that in the finale. I do love how Ginny was Neville’s date to the Yule Ball (also how ironic as they are both technically the Chosen One, just in different ways). I wish we got to see their friendship more because they clearly had a good one. Another thing I wish we got to see was Neville’s flying skills improving like his magical skills. We only saw him fly one in the first film, and his broom malfunctioned. What if he improves? Also, Draco and Ron grew up in the Wizarding World, just like Neville, and were clearly somewhat familiar with riding brooms. Was Neville simply not allowed because of his seemingly strict grandmother? Poor Neville. It gets better, hun. Neville is really caring too. He’s compassionate and always there for his friends. He values kindness and loyalty. He also it’s vengeful, he’s just. He’s been bullied and he doesn’t want to pass that harassment on, but he also wants to stand up for justice and goodness. He may be soft, spoken, but once he gains confidence, he is very outspoken, daring to give a passionate speech right to Voldemort’s face. He’s introverted, but he’s not afraid to be himself, shown as he genuinely enjoys dancing while all the other boys dread it. He’s values his relationships and other’s goodness and kindness, and passes that on. Neville goes from an awkward, forgetful boy to a badass, inspiring leader. He’s just as heroic as the main trio, if not more in some ways. Also, the way the only time we see Neville in a Herbology class is when he passes out, and it ends up being his best subject. That’s so unfair. we deserve to see Neville thrive, and be the Hermione of Herbology. Even though, I personally find the idea of Herbology incredibly boring, seeing Neville’s passion, enthusiasm and excellence at the subject is so heartwarming. I also wish that we got to meet Neville’s grandmother. Like Lucius did for Draco, it would have added so much to his character. Neville doubts himself constantly, and is shocked when he actually succeeds at something, like when he gets Gryffindor to win the House Cup and when Harry takes forever to get out of the water after he takes Gillyweed upon Neville’s suggestion during the second task but because of Neville, Harry got second place for the task. Neville was crucial to Voldemort’s defeat. If the Sword didn’t come to him and grew from his work with DA, he couldn’t have had the confidence to save Ron and Hermione and kill Nagini, luckily with the one thing that can kill a Horcrux, which Nagini was. Herbology also doesn’t seem like the flashiest subject, unlike DADA or Charms. It’s gritty and dirty, which shows how Neville is unafraid to get his hands dirty, literally, for the greater good. Also, his passion for the subject is so endearing, nerdy and adorable. However, his DADA skills are very underrated. There’s a reason he thrived in Lupin’s class and in the DA, and a reason why he was a hero in the Battle of Hogwarts, it may not be his favorite subject, but he certainly has the capability, especially with a good mentor by his side guiding and inspiring him. Neville was constantly made fun of and was seen as an easy target to his nerdy and timid demeanor, however, all that made him kind and gave him a thick skin, making him resilient and bold enough to take on the Carrows. Also, the Unforgivable Curse lesson where Hermione begs Moody-Crouch to stop doing the Cruciatus Curse in defense of Neville who is clearly distressed watching the tortured spider because, as we find out later, his parents tortured by a Death Eaters Bellatrix (as we found out in Phoenix) and Crouch Jr. himself (as we find out later in this film). It was so well-acted by Lewis and Watson. Lewis’ wincing, anxiety, trauma and obvious discomfort, as to everyone else, it’s just a spider, but to Neville it’s his parents. And Watson being so fierce when it comes to Hermione protecting Neville and so cool-headed and subtle as Moody kills the spider in front of her. And then Moody-Crouch has to ‘comfort’ Neville after literally triggering him, on purpose. That’s just cruel. I wish we saw Neville’s reaction to finding out the person who tortured his parents has been his teacher all year and gifted him his precious Herbology book. Ugh, I would be so disgusted. I’m guessing Neville’s worst subject is potions due to Snape being his biggest fear and his accident-prone nature, but that is really ironic since potion ingredients seem to come from plants, and Neville excels at Herbology. He went from an anxious, doubtful, accident-prone kid to a courageous, rebellious, inspiring leader. He killed the last Horcrux, without even seemingly realizing it and helped the trio return to Hogwarts. He is a very committed and dedicated person, especially when it comes to protecting the goodness of people and the Wizarding World. The fact that he stood up to the sadistic Carrows shows that he’s brave enough to always fight to the greater good, even if it makes him scarred and bruised. He went from a shy kid to a tough badass. I’m happy they took the time to develop Neville (even though he deserves even more time) because as the series goes on you realize how damaged, complex, and interesting he is, just like Harry. He’s way more than just some nerdy, anxious kid. He’s brave, kind, loyal and determined. He may not look like the cool kid, but he has more important virtues inside of him like devotion and courage. He always has the best intentions, but he is also accident-prone. At least, for once, he wasn’t the one to expose Dumbledore’s Army, Cho was. Also, Neville hardly ever seeing Snape around the castle during Hallows as he says in Part 2 was probably very helpful in him gaining his confidence and bravery as he didn’t have to face what was once his greatest fear, his literal Boggart. Neville also clearly became a leader in those movies, as we saw on the train with him standing up to the Death Eaters, and no doubt about how he stood up to Snape and especially the Carrows and him saying that a refused to do the Cruciatus Curse on first years (understandably, for multiple reasons) when he updated the trio as they walked back to Hogwarts through the secret tunnel and of course during the Battle of Hogwarts, planning with McGonagall, being the one who was presented with the Sword of Gryffindor, not the “Chosen One” Harry and killed Nagini and by proxy killed Voldemort. He was also a great source of comedy, literally from his first scene yelling for his pet Trevor (why don’t we ever see Trevor again? Did he die?), not to mention is sweet, innocent glance up at the stern and unamused McGonagall after him and Trevor are reunited (who got Trevor off that train, anyway?), to him climbing up the broken Hogwarts bridge and saying, without missing a beat “that went well.” Also, him hanging helplessly from the sword statue like he helplessly hangs from the chandelier in the Cornish Pixies scene. Aww, Neville. But his saying “why is it always me?” was so relatable. Like on a spiritual level, so relatable. That was the moment Neville became one of my favorite characters, his arc only cemented it. Neville also doesn’t seem to get the same recognition as some of the other characters, which I think is just criminal (but also ironically matches his character as the unsung hero of the series). I love how energized and proud of himself Neville is when stays out late the night of the Yule Ball. That is so me. I love how we are both self-aware homebodies. And the spinning to bed and little finger twiddle goodnight to Harry, he is on such a high. It’s adorable. He may not be the best at spells due to his clumsy and self-doubting nature, but he has what really matters, a fighting spirit, passion and fierce loyalty. Neville is so relatable and charming in that way. He is also unintentionally funny, which makes it even more amusing as his comedic moments come from a place genuity. Neville was such great comedic relief, but also in the most relatable way. My favorite lines are his ones that are more unintentional and filled with self-doubt; “why is it always me?” “oh my god, I killed Harry Potter,” “I just got in, me!” He is also a great lesson on not judging a book by its cover because he was the only one brave enough to taunt the Death Eaters and give a passionate speech of undying loyalty and strength to all the Death Eaters in the final film. Just because someone may look weak doesn’t men that don’t have the potential for strength. That’s incredible! Honestly, Neville is one of the bravest and most inspiring characters. Neville took up Harry’s gigantic place at Hogwarts as the hopeful, inspiring and brave leader in his absence and took it in stride. This is both ironic and full circle. He went from a clumsy, nerdy kid to an inspiring leader. His parents’ fate motivated him, as well as a thirst to prove himself to his grandmother (who based on how she sent him the remebrall, the Howler and had Snape dress like her in Azkaban). But by the end, there isn’t any doubt that he made his parents and grandmother proud as Neville proved himself to be the ultimate true Gryffindor.
2. Hermione Granger
She was by far the best out of the core three, the trio’s MVP (I mean, Neville may be the MVP of the series, but Hermione is the MVP of the core trio without a doubt). The books and movies may be called Harry Potter, but Hermione is the lead in my mind. She is the mastermind and the key to winning the war against Voldemort, both for Harry and the Order and the good side in general. He may be The Boy Who Lived, but Hermione really is The Girl Who Made Sure He Stayed Alive. She’s the real hero of the series. I mean, Mrs. Weasley never has to worry about finding Ron under the “mortal peril” moniker on their magical location clock with Hermione in his corner. Because of this, she is truly one of the most underrated characters of the series. She is one of the most powerful, gifted and skilled witches of the series. Also Emma Watson basically led the trio’s conversation during the Reunion, which just shows how perfect Watson is for the part and naturally the trait in Hermione comes to her. Also, the Reunion followed her from getting her Hogwarts Letter invitation (she looked genuinely so happy) to arriving at the Yule Ball (this time going significantly better than last time), not Daniel Radcliffe, proving not only that she is the biggest name of the young breakout stars of the Harry Potter series but also that Hermione is the true hero of the series. Emma Watson even led the Reunion. We followed her journey from getting the letter, walking on Platform Nine and Three Quarters (which I don’t think she ever had a scene on until the Epilogue), found a compartment to sit in with Bonnie Wright and Evanna Lynch (the content we deserve!), enter the Great Hall and reunite with cast members like Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis and Tom Felton. She even led the conversations with Radcliffe and Grint, just Grint and Coltrane. We honestly didn’t even see Radcliffe for like 5 minutes straight and Grint doesn’t even get a special introduction like the other two, he just suddenly appears. That in itself just proves how impactful Watson’s presence was to the series and how she is by far the biggest breakout star of the series, even though the series is literally called Harry Potter, who she did not play. Even the trio’s screentest was a scene where Hermione takes the lead. As seen in the Reunion, it was the scene in the library when Hermione shows them Nicolas Flamel’s name in the book and they discover his importance, a scene where Hermione is a leader, and Harry barely has one line (also the three of them giving the biggest smiles after they finish that take during the screen test is adorable). Hermione is the perfect embodiment of the harmonious balance of head and heart. She’s the voice of reason for her friends, especially Harry. Hermione is such the mom of the trio, especially when she’s begging Harry to work on the Golden Egg after the Yule Ball in Goblet. Also, if you notice, the spelling of the name Hermione is awfully similar to the spelling of the word heroine, which I don’t think was a coincidence on JKR’s part, I think she always knew Hermione was the true heroine of the series. I also love how she used big words like loquacious (also LOL at being annoyed by a hot commodity like Krum just because he watches her study. Love her independence!) and says things like “it’s impregnated” so casually. What a gem! She’s brilliant, savvy, wise, poised, capable, assertive, intelligent, talent, brave, spunky, driven, dedicated, hardworking, committed, meticulous, responsible, sensible, righteous, frank, sassy, clever, fiercely loyal, wicked smart, had great instincts, and her education-obsessed nature and love for learning and knowledge (combined with all the other traits I just mentioned) made her the most competent of the trio and one of the most talented witches of the series, particularly at spells, charms and strategy. Hermione was more often than not the one to save the day, always proving how useful she is and how the trio wouldn’t have gotten far without her. Hermione is the brain of the operation, and honestly, that makes her the true hero. She comes up with plans and is always prepared for the worst. She is honest and realistic, even when it hurts. She’s loyal, fierce, empathetic, clever, capable and exactly what a best friend should be. She is the only one to remain by Harry’s side no matter what (Ron can’t say the same) and is so dang likable and endearing, in large part due to how charming Watson is as an actress. Dare I say, Watson’s star power and Hermione’s badassery is a large reason why the series is so successful. Like Watson, she was also a feminist, even if she never explicitly said feminist ideology, her character and her actions prove that she was. She took matters into her own hands, spoke up for herself and others and was fearless. That’s all very feminist, because those are all these stereotypes in men, not women, but they are Hermione, even from the first movie, with how she is the one to discover the meaning of the Sorcerer’s Stone and how she speaks up against rule-breaking, showing young girls to use their voice. I mean, she was the ultimate heroine of the Prisoner of Azkaban. She shielded Harry from Sirius when they came face-to-face with him. She understood Dumbledore’s coded message about the Time Turner. She liberated a falsely convicted man. She lured Buckbeak away from execution, saving his life. She also (hilariously) improvised and saved Harry’s life from Lupin’s werewolf form. She saved Harry from Umbridge’s wrath in Phoenix. Also, Hermione was the one, in Part 1, to figure out the backstory to the Deathly Hallows and how the Sword of Gryffindor destroys Horcruxes. She is also the one who was smart enough to pack the essentials in her small, but expansive beaded bag days ahead of time in case they needed to make a break for it. She also prepared accordingly and obliviated her parents’ memories, making sure they were safe. She also strategized how to keep her and Harry safe for months while on the run, and solved all of the many, many problems that they encountered on their Horcrux hunt. She was honestly more of a leader then Harry, because while Harry led the DA, with Ron and Hermione clearly as his pseudo-TAs as they stand next to him during the recruitment meeting and final meeting before Christmas, and as he got final say during their Horcrux hunt as they were helping with a mission that Dumbledore sent Harry’s specifically on (AKA doing his dirty work, even in death), Hermione was the leader in most of the trio’s plans, with her intelligence and passion for preparation being exactly what they need to pull off their plans (despite Harry’s hilarious summary of their plans in Part 2 saying how they plan, get there, and all hell breaks loose, but I think that’s specifically in Hallows, because most of their plans prior, especially in the early films, actually work out despite the few obstacles along the way). She leads them in planning and just in normal conversation, being assertive and confident enough to always take the lead, which is very inspiring and a good message for young female viewers. She is always the one focused on putting the pieces together and is consistently working towards their goal, with Phoenix being the best example as she was the one to come up with the idea of Dumbledore’s Army, how she encouraged Harry to lead it due to him having more hands-on defense against the Dark Arts experience then her, admittedly, and she is also the one to get rid of Umbridge through the Forbidden Forest and Grawp. She is an incredibly hard worker and very committed to achieving her goals (honestly her ambition, determination and drive make her a believable Slytherin). I relate to her antsy perfectionism, spikey impatience, value of fairness, caring nature, desire for success and good-intentioned anxiety on a spiritual level. Not only is Hermione a leader in regard to the trio’s schemes, but she is also a leader in how she stands up for justice and what’s right, especially when it’s in regard to prejudice and cruelty, like when she bravely and consistently speaks out against Umbridge, calls wizard’s chess “barbaric” even though it’s literally what the game is created to do, destroy each other’s pieces and protect animals and half-breeds like centaurs and hippogriffs from cruelty (if she stayed in the Muggle world she would have loved PETA and the humane society). Hermione was undeniably the biggest hero of the series, besides Harry and Snape. She’s one of, if not the most talented witch of the series. Even though she’s “highly logical” she also can be very detailed-oriented, as seen by how she does notice the Deathly Hallows symbol repeatedly in Part 1. Her desire and love for knowledge save her and her friends’ lives time and time again. She deserves so much credit for helping tame the impulsive Harry and Ron and always being the key to their problems, missions and mysteries. After all, Harry’s journey to defeating Voldemort without his friendship with Hermione. She was the brains behind all of the trio’s schemes and the best at spells, the most obvious and basic skill for any wizard, managing to do them with impeccable timing even in the most high-staked situations and beginning at such a young age. She saved the boys from Devil’s Snare, being the only one to remember what they learned in class, because she’s the only one who cares to pay attention and not be blinded by “oh, cool, I am a wizard,” but actually acres how to be a skilled one, unlike Ron was born into it and Harry who only likes certain subjects and professors. She deserves SO much more credit. She was focused and ambitious enough to read, and memorize, every textbook and lecture, even reading them before term begins, as shown when she, a Muggle-born, is already quoting Hogwarts, A History before she is even sorted into her House. Hermione is the only reason they found the Basilisk, and she was in a magical comatose. Also in Chamber, she brewed Polyjuice Potion successfully for the first time, and both the Polyjuice brewing and finding out about the Basilisk were both done offscreen. She saved them from death many times with her perfectly timed enchantments. Hermoine was also always prepared, especially in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (I relate to that on a spiritual level). Also, Hermione so me with how she acts before she gets sorted. The way she’s like ‘ugh, come on’ when she’s the first one called. Then takes a beat and gives herself a pep talk, “okay, relax.” That’s so me. At least it all worked out as based on the big smile on her face when she’s sorted into Gryffindor, it’s clearly what she wanted. She was also deeply caring, of her friends and all magical animals too. She was so loving that she erased her own parents’ memories of her to protect them. That is an incredible sacrifice (that honestly they sort of glossed over). That is an incredibly brave, tragic and traumatizing thing to do. But she’s also not a weakling or a pushover. She was a complete badass in Prisoner of Azkaban, from punching Draco to using the Time Turner (LOL at the Hogwarts staff casually trusting a 13-year-old with such a dangerous magical object. It says a lot about Hermione, and her maturity and responsibility, that she was trusted with one at such a young age). She was the only one who really paid attention in school and was the most eager to learn, and therefore she was the biggest ally/weapon Harry could ever have. Without Hermione, they all would have surely died by the fourth movie (I mean, even comatose, like in Chamber, she was incredibly helpful to the trio then anything either of the boys could have ever do). Ron even says it himself in Part 1 saying “leave Hermione? are you mad? we wouldn’t last two days without her…don’t tell her I said that (the last part is so ironic based on how the Hallows films end).” I mean, the fact she brewed Polyjuice Potion in her second year, which is apparently a very difficult and advanced potion, speaks volumes for how intelligent she is. We love a powerful heroine! And when she notices Harry’s hand in Phoenix and tells him to report it, but Harry says no and that she doesn’t understand and Hermione, genuine and concerned says “then help us too.” She is such a helpful friend. I also loved how she got progressively sassier and more confident and outspoken as the movies went on. I felt that growth was her most relatable quality as a young woman. Hermione, like Emma Watson herself, is a great role model for young girls, which is also a reason why she is so perfect for the part. Ron was right, she is brilliant and scary, and that made her a badass who should not be trifled with. That’s such an inspiring message for the young girls watching (also, side note: but the repetitive bit of Ron always stepping on Hermione’s foot was kind of cute and funny. It happened in the first film and the third film, and probably others that I’m forgetting. Was that a thing in the books? Why is it a thing? Also they always told each other when something was on one of their faces. This was a thing between them from their very first scene together on the train, with Hermione telling Ron he had dirty on his face. Then it happened twice in Prince with Ron telling Hermione she has toothpaste on her face, and then later on telling her she has a butterbeer mustache, and then in Hallows after they almost get caught at the diner, Ron wipes something off her face. It’s so sweet and such a great way to have them show affection, and have it be subtle enough to also show their evolution from friendship to romance). Also, aren’t all women “brilliant, but scary?” She also proves that young girls can be badass, tough warriors, not just delicate, sweet little princesses, although Hermione does have her kinder, gentler moments (and admittedly does have her princess moment in Goblet with that very princessy dress at the Yule Ball). Lupin and Sirius were right, she really is one bright witch (maybe the brightest in the whole series)! I understand why so many of my friends love her and aspire to be like her. Hermione shows young girls that they can be intelligent, and that they should not apologize for it. I mean, she was so unapologetic about her intelligence that she literally couldn’t suppress the urge to answer questions in class or educate the trio or fellow classmates on something, showing how her intelligence gives her confidence, when society tells girls that it shouldn’t. That’s an amazing thing to showcase in children’s media. That’s such an important lesson to show young girls. It gets to a point when if Hermione doesn’t know something, it shocks other characters. That’s when you know something is suspicious. Hermione also showed that smart, bookish girls can be badasses, which I think is amazing. She may be a very skilled, gifted witch, but her intelligence is her true superpower. If anything, it shows that these types of girls are the most badass because girls like this are basically feminine personifications of how knowledge is power. Without her, we probably wouldn’t have characters like Spencer Hastings or Nancy Wheeler. Although, I don’t know any girl who would be upset about exams being canceled like Hermione in Chamber, but it was so cute and well-acted how sad she was, but also trying to hide her pain because of how her classmates were reacting, however, it also makes complete sense as she was in magical comatose for most of the spring semester, and education as genuinely her favorite part of school (besides her friends) and she is known for studying and getting ahead, which was probably a waste of time now that she didn’t even have to take exams (however, this was no doubt useful in the future, even if we don’t know it. Maybe this is the year they learn bout the Room of Requirement, and no one was paying attention due to the attacks, buts he read ahead. Who knows?!). Hermione is also such a great role model for young girls due to how she handles being bullied by Draco and even Ron in Stone. She is the bigger person to Ron when they both, and Harry, encounter a troll, trying to help him defeat instead of letting him fend for himself. She also chooses to feel empowered by Draco’s Mudblood remark instead of humiliated, no matter how hurtful it is, she still holds her head up high. I also loved how Hermione proves that you don’t have to be competitive to strive for excellence. Hermione wants to be the best for herself, because of the pressure she puts on herself and the worth she puts on her work. I am that same way. It’s not selfishness, it’s discipline and knowing your worth and strengths. In the beginning of the series, Ron may have mocked her for her know-it-all tendencies, and Snape mocked her, however, Hermione never lost her confidence when it comes to smarts. She remained curious and determined and she was often the one to save the day and be the key to the trio’s success. Proof of Hermione’s determination is visible when her already bushy hair only gets bigger, messier and fuzzier when she is brewing her Draught of Living Death in potions class. She isn’t afraid of getting dirty when it’s for the greater good, or for perfect grades. Also, Hermione is finally learning how Ron and Draco feel when he beats her and becomes the top of the class in potions, when usually, presumably, Hermione is always the one at the top of her class in every class, except DADA because I assume that’s Harry. Harry Potter, the titular character, always wins everything. Quidditch. The Triwizard Tournament. The Elder Wand. But he is the titular character. I’d be more shocked if he didn’t, and not necessarily in a good way because he is the titular character. Although, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the one time Hermione doesn’t get to experience that inferiority and insecurity compared to Harry, like Ron and Draco have felt so many times, Hermione was actually in the right the whole time, further proving how good Hermione’s instincts are. She prided herself on her intelligence, but it also it’s swallowing her whole. Hermione prides herself on her intelligence. It’s how she validates herself. She’s a perfectionist. If she’s not good at something, she doesn’t pursue it, like flying. So, when Harry wins Slughorn’s potions contest over him, she is not a gracious, carefree loser. She takes it personally, especially when Ron keeps pointing it out. She also urges him to get rid of the book, not just because of his obsession, but also to get her back on top (although in hindsight, Harry really should have listened to her). She was adamant that he should either share his knowledge, especially since she always did with him and Ron, or turn it as she considered it cheating, and as we have known from the first film, she is very against cheating. This shows how much she is like all the other characters. She is capable of being selfish and insecure, but those aren’t her defining traits. She prides herself on intelligence and brilliance, and she is a perfectionist, so of course, when something happens that affects her sense of self, identity and worth, she feels threatened. It makes complete sense and humanizes her very skilled and put-together character. She only gets that way when something impacts her defining traits, like her intelligence or her bravery. She still remained a kind and loyal person despite the fact that she has an abyss of knowledge in her brain that many of her friends lacked. Her desire for success never blinded her from what was really important. Hermione being the only student to excitedly open up her textbook and therefore the first to call out Umbridge was so satisfying and characteristic. Hermione has a very strong moral compass and despite being Muggle-born she is incredibly knowledgeable about the Wizarding World, from magic to Hogwarts. Without Hermione, Harry would have probably never defeated Voldemort. She figured out how to destroy Horcruxes, after all. She was always glad to lend a helping hand and while she knew her worth, never settling and never being a pushover whenever Ron begged her to write his essays for her, she was still probably one of the most selfless characters in the series. This is shown with how even though she undeniably belonged in the Wizarding World, she seemed to spend far more time with her friends then her own family, including during holidays and summer breaks, which I think says a lot about her loyalty to her friends. Hermione and Harry’s relationship was clearly like siblings. He walks out of the Quidditch common room afterparty to comfort Hermione after Ron kisses Lavender right in front of her, knowing how she feels about him. Harry isn’t selfish enough to do something like that for personal gain. It also shows how, while he isn’t the most tender person, as he clearly has no idea what to say to her, he knows just being there supporting her is good enough. It also shows how good of a friend to her he is. Hermione and Ron’s romance was literally the only one that was fully developed, mostly due to how they are the only two leads who date. This also helped Watson and Grint have phenomenal chemistry, as they had been working together for years and had both been given the opportunity to get to know their characters outside of their infatuation for each other. I also appreciated how they didn’t make Hermione perfect, that they explored her flaws too. She strived for perfection, she wasn’t perfect. She was hard-working but skeptical. She was fearless, but ruthless on occasion. She was loyal, but stubborn. She was kind, but judgmental. She was logical, but rigid. She’s empathetic, but spiteful. She is compassionate, but she’s also has a temper. She was passionate, in good ways and bad ways. She’s wise, but presumptuous. She was smart, but a know-it-all and a show-off (with the latter most being when she was younger, as she got older she either only did it in school, due her passion for her studies or when people specifically asked for it, instead of being tactless and unrequested inserting herself into conversations, showing her newfound social awareness and gradual maturity, which notably and realistically occurred before Harry and, mostly, Ron, as seen when she reluctantly plays messenger between Harry and Ron in Goblet). She was helpful, but nosy (specifically in regard Harry’s potions book in the sixth movie). She was determined and persistent, but annoying. She was hypocritical and contradictory, but she was also always striving to do good and make the world a better place. She was an annoying know-it-all, but also a human textbook. She was a rule follower, factual and realistic, but she was also close-minded. Similar to how Spencer Hastings was smart, but obsessive. Hermione is booksmart. That’s why she’s good at things like spells, potions, history and herbology. She reads something, memorizes it, and uses it to help her and her friends succeed. However, all of this made her character that much more complex, and therefore that much more interesting. It provided a great balance that made her even more realistic and relatable because being contradictory and inconsistent is a very human thing to be, and these qualities made it especially relatable for Type-A people like myself. She has a great work ethic. She studies Hogwarts’ history, spells, Polyjuice Potion, helps Harry with the second task and comes up with the idea for the DA. it’s very admirable. Hermione also, like Harry isn’t a perfect hero. The things she does don’t go unscathed. An example of this is how she saves Harry from Nagini, who was creepily disguised in Bathilda Bagshot’s corpse (literally WTF. That has got to be the most bonkers thing to ever happen, and this is a fantasy series so that’s saying something). She saves Harry, but doesn’t save his wand, his truest protection from Voldemort due to their twin cores. Another moment that shows how Hermione wasn’t perfect is that she used Cormac’s gross, but real attraction to her for her own benefit to make Ron jealous. This was probably one of the more immature moments, but yet Cormac’s arrogance deserved this wake-up call and after the way Ron treated her, he certainly deserved it, so at least she chose the right moment to be immature. Sure, sending her spell-created birds at Ron was one of her more immature moments, just she was upset and her feelings were valid. They also didn’t actually hit him and evaporated once they hit the wall. But she was in pain, and she owned it. She allowed herself to be in pain instead of bottling her feelings up like many people, especially young girls, try to do, and I think that’s very inspiring. Proof of Hermione being a rule stickler is in Stone when Snape confronts the trio in the hallway and Hermione is at a loss for words because she’s panicking about lying to a teacher and in Half-Blood Prince when Harry begins to crush his potion ingredients and Hermione is like “the directions specifically say to cut!” I love that aspect of her because it really gives her so much dimension, as she is at her core, a rule follower, but we see many times throughout the series, especially in Phoenix, that she does have a rebellious side to her when occasion and goal require it. She set Snape’s robes on fire to save Harry’s life (which in actuality just put him at more risk, as Snape was muttering a counter-curse, but she didn’t know that) as she sees him muttering and not blinking, thinking he’s jinxing Harry’s broom. This is another moment showing how Hermione is willing to break the rules, or risk punishment, for the greater good (also her stealth in regard to this scene is very underrated). Hermione also personifies Dumbledore’s (in his case hypocritical) quote about choosing what is right or what is easy, and Hermione always chooses the former. She also encourages Harry to turn in the Marauder’s Map when she first finds out about it, having no idea how useful it will be for them in the future. It balances her out really realistically and well. She may have been heroic, but she could also be morally questionable, an example of this people when she “improvises” by luring Umbridge into the Forbidden Forest knowing the kinds of dangerous creatures in there, especially the half-breed creatures, like the inevitable centaurs they come in contact with, and that Umbridge, being Umbridge, would cause those said creatures to be forced to defend themselves aggressively against her prejudice ass. She also ventures to the restricted section of the library quite often, even influencing Ron and Harry to do the same in the first film during Christmas break (I love how Hermione leans forward all ominous, clever, and mischievous when she hints at Harry and Ron to check the restricted section and then stands and says “Happy Christmas” like nothing happened. It was such great specificity work from a young Emma Watson), which even Ron says it is odd saying “I think we’ve had a bad influence on her.” And Ron repeats that similar sentiment in Phoenix after Hermione says “it’s sort of exciting isn’t it? Breaking the rules?” after their first DA meeting (also LOL because Hermione you have broken the rules 100s of times at this point) and Ron replies “who are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger?” impressed and admiring. The thing is, Hermione never did stuff like this, unlike the person she was doing it to 100% deserved it, and Umbridge 100% deserved that, and then some. Hermione only lacks ethics when the person it involves 100% deserves it. This just goes to show that, like Harry,s he may be good, but she is also human, with both light and dark, like Sirius says. The best example is when she lures Umbridge into the Forbidden Forest to the Centaurs and Grawp. Her intentions were good, as she saved her friend Harry from the Cruciatus Curse, but this was still not the best thing to do. However, Umbridge 1000% deserved it. In fact, she deserved much worse, but again, Hermione isn’t evil, she’s just smart and resourceful and thanks to Hagrid, knew the Forbidden Forest well and knew the creatures in there could handle Umbridge. Sure, she doesn’t have remorse for whether the centaurs kill or don’t kill Umbridge, but honestly, if these terrible emotions deserve to be subjected to one character in this series, it’s Umbridge, so in typical Hermione fashion, she was practical and logical when it comes to rage and revenge. She brought Umbridge into the forest to scare her with Grawp, but ended up running into centaurs, which honestly worked in their favor as Umbridge was her usual bigoted self and insulted the centaurs, enraging them causing her to kidnap them. But it also begs the question, why didn’t Hermione think of doing this sooner so this call could be avoided? You can see why Hermione loves Hagrid so much despite his ditziness. They both care deeply for creatures and their well-being, shown through Buckbeak and the centaurs. Hermione’s kindness and caring nature are shown through her loyalty to Harry, but also her love and care for magical creatures. Hermione always sticks up for her friends too, as seen when she begs Moody-Crouch to stop showing Neville the spider under the Cruciatus curse. And on the stairs, when Neville is staring at the stained glass window in a daze, paralyzed, sacred, melancholy, anxious, and sad, Hermione is the one to check on him and try and console him, showing her kindness. Hermione deserves so much more credit then she gets. While Hermione had her irresponsible moments, like Polyjuice-ing into a cat, her planning and prepared nature made her the most responsible of the trio. No doubt Hermione’s best plan was Dumbledore’s Army. It gave the students unity, drive, confidence and strength. It was the ultimate catalyst for Neville’s wonderful character development, which led him to become a hero and a leader. It also got Harry out of his isolation and depression after being branded as a liar and made him realize that his friends are why he will beat Voldemort. It helped Harry and his classmates gain the fighting spirit they needed to defeat the Death Eaters and trained them for success and survival in the Battle of Hogwarts. A close second is the Polyjuice Potion plan in Chamber. It may not have ended well for her, but it did help them get the information they needed for the Chamber of Secrets mystery. It also revealed her daring and rebellious side as the punishment for brewing the potion could have been expulsion, which at that point, to Hermione, that as worse than death. After all, the fact that she was able to cook an effective Polyjuice Potion in the first place speaks to that. She’s organized, and diligent and even though she prides herself on her logical nature, she does pay attention to detail, as seen with how she pointed out the Deathly Hallows symbol multiple times throughout Hallows. She also came up with the idea for the DA and she prepped for the Horcrux hunt, after all almost every location was somewhere she once went to with her parents, also showing how much she misses them and hard it was for her to obliviate them. Hermione’s imperfections also helped her balance out the trio, the best example being when Snape confronts the trio in the hallway in the first movie and she attempts to answer his question of what they are doing, but gets too intimidated, but then Harry answers for her. Teachers don’t just show favoritism towards Harry, but also Hermione, proven by how she was granted the privilege of a Time Turner. It shows how responsible, mature, trustworthy and honestly truly just how smart she is. She also learns from it, as she doesn’t use it in future years, learning to prioritize (LOL she finally sorted out her priorities) and manage her time better. I also love how she is a rule-stickler unless it was for the greater good. She was willing to break the rules for a better, safer world and to protect others. She knows that corruption can only be remedied with a bit of rebellion for the greater good. She learns to love the course of the series and her friendship with the more disobedient Ron and Harry that sometimes following the rules isn’t what’s always right, that history isn’t made without some rebellion, and nothing changes if things stay the same. That’s really where her character grows the most, it’s in her boundaries when it comes to following and bearing the rules, that they aren’t the end-all, be-all. But when Hermione is breaking the rules, we know it’s for a good reason and for the greater good. It’s not hypocritical, it’s brave, righteous, daring and loyal (all very Gryffindor traits). The best example of this is of course in Phoenix, explicitly said when she says “Who cares? It’s sort of exciting, isn’t it? Breaking the rules” and Ron replies “Who are you and what have you done you done with Hermione Granger?” It was such a great scene, but that moment specifically was the highlight of it, especially when Ron replies “you are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger,” impressed and awestruck, and falling even more for her. That scene was also so great because of how there’s such a joyous high, such unity and such thrilling empowerment for these kids. But there are also so many other examples throughout the series. In Chamber, she says that their Polyjuice Potion scheme is “very dangerous” and will break “about 50 school rules,” but ends up doing it anyway and brewing it successfully, her only mistake was putting cat hair in her’s instead of Millicent Bulstrode’s head hair. Also, Hermione obviously had to steal the Polyjuice Potion ingredients from Snape in Chamber, even though we never actually saw it (I wish we did. Is it in the books?), which meant she had to break the rules and dare to steal from a professor, which is especially hilarious when during the Shrieking Shack scene in the following film she was appalled when Harry “attacked a teacher.” In Azkaban, he also said that Harry should turn in the Marauder’s Map to McGonagall, before ever relaxing about how useful it will one day be for them. While Ron distanced himself from Harry due to jealousy and the whole school was spreading rumors about him and treating him like a pariah, Hermione stuck by Harry, helping him strategize for his tasks, always believed in him, was always in his corner and giving him the confidence that he’ll make it through. Hermione is a dedicated perfectionist, proven by how she perfectly brews the intricate and complex Polyjuice Potion at 12. She is also a capable, fierce, resourceful, smart, quick and strategic duelist, as seen during that seen with the Death Eaters in the diner in Part 1. Hermione is a great quick thinker, but she prefers to think things through, as shown when she tells Harry in Part 2 when she says they need to go to Hogwarts “we’ve got to plan. we’ve got to figure it out,” to which Harry bluntly says “Hermione, when have any of our plans ever actually worked?” It’s a tough pill to swallow for Hermione, but she understands what he really means, and doesn’t argue as she sees how antsy it is, knowing important it is. Hermione loves learning, sharing her knowledge with others, answering questions and even studying. She prides herself on her intelligence and talent, which is why losing Slughorn’s contest to Harry rattles her so much. She has a knack for academics and is like a sponge with how she is always soaking up information. She also has the work ethic to apply it and master it. She is incredibly hard worked, so much so that she decided to double up on her school workload during her third year. She loves going to the library and using he knowledge to help her friends on their adventures. She put in all her effort and energy to everything, from her schoolwork to justice to her relationships. One of Hermione’s best arcs is that being expelled is in fact not a worse fate than death. When the series began, she flat out said this with a withering stare to Harry and Ron, however by the end f the series she put school aside because the most important thing was to save the Wizarding World from destruction and evilness. She eventually sorted out her priorities, and while she still loves school, as she held onto books while on the Horcrux hunt for comfort, she knew that the mission itself was what was most important. Hermione also became more open-minded by the end of the series. In Azkaban, she dismisses and condemns Trelawney’s delusions, even daring to bait her, which backfired as Hermione was so angry that she, the girl who thought expulsion was worse than death, stormed out of class. However, by Prince and Hallows, she respects and welcomes new perspectives in order to achieve her goal, as seen with her friendship with Luna (she watches Harry and Ron’s Quidditch game with her) and going to Xenophilius for answers about the Deathly Hallows. This mainly happens in Phoenix, as that is the film where Luna is introduced, and so is the prophecy around her friend Harry. Hearing the prophecy and also seeing it was Trelawney who gave it (Did she say it in the books too or was this just for convenience?) helps her become more open to other ideas and perspectives, especially one of those “rubbish” prophecies now affects one of her best friends in a life-or-death way. It’s “rubbish” anymore, and that helped change her mindset when it comes to curiosity, learning and knowledge. Hermione is also realistic, blunt and brutally honest even when it’s hard. She doesn’t beat around the bush. Hermione never stops supporting Harry no matter how tough times get, when she could have easily decided to distance herself from him and even return to the Muggle world, as that would probably be safest, especially with all the prejudice. But no. She stands by Harry and stands up for all the Muggle-borns just like herself. She even accompanied him on such a dangerous mission, knowing that being associated with Harry along with being Muggle-born would only put a bigger target on her back. She still stood by him throughout all of this. That’s an amazing friend. She is also a great friend from the beginning. After Harry’s checkmate in Stone, she gives Harry the encouragement he needs to go forth and also stays by Ron, making sure he’s okay after his sacrifice. This part of Hermione never changes, only grows stronger. She’s very straightforward and truthful. Proven by how she immediately tells Harry about his broken wand in Part 1 and tells Harry in Chamber that even though she believes him hearing voices still isn’t a good sign no matter if its in the Muggle world or Wizarding World. I also think it says a lot how Hermione, the only girl in the trio, was the least dramatic of the trio, once again showing how the character subverted sexist feminine stereotypes (maybe it’s a showcase of how of how girls mature faster than boys). This is proven by how we don’t see how the locket affected her, making us assume that effected her the least, despite undeniably sacrificing the most out of the trio to go on the run and how she gets them out of the Devil’s Snare in the first movie with her level-headedness and practicality. This shows how emotionally strong Hermione is, and how she isn’t just academically intelligent, but also emotionally intelligent. It also shows how level-headed she is. Now, they were all teenagers and immature, but Hermione was by far the most emotionally put-together and, honestly, one of the most mature characters of the series (the best example being how Snape’s grudge against the Marauder’s even into adulthood was incredibly spiteful and immature). Sure, she whacked Ron and Harry with a book a couple of times, especially in Prince, and hilarious as it was, it only showed how close she was with them, it wasn’t really showing her immaturity, but rather her comfortability with them. Sure, she had her moments were emotion clouded her judgment like any teenager, but she was also very goal-oriented and focused, when Ron and Harry would often get distracted with their rivalry with Malfoy and with their crushes. I also loved her very matter-of-fact sense of humor, like when she said “well spotted after Ron, making a terrible attempt to seemingly ask her out pointed out the obvious that she’s a girl…before getting smacked in the head by Snape hilariously. Hermione is brave and may have her fearless moments, but she’s not fearless. She is scared of flying but does it anyway when it’s needed like on Buckbeak, Thestrals, dragons and brooms. However, she is never scared of standing up for what’s right. She fights for justice and stands up for her friends through the DA and standing up to authority like Umbridge and Scrimgeour. She was also always striving for success, which I can relate to, through her driven spirit and overachieving nature. This determination is not often attributed to women, showing again how this character subverted stereotypes, which is even more important when you remember, again, that the target audience for these films were children and young people. Hermione also knew her worth, unapologetically showing how savvy and capable she was through each film with her encyclopedia-like brain and spunky bravery and not settling in her love life, especially in regard to Ron. Hermione knowing her worth in regard to her romance with Ron and the way he treated her in Goblet and Prince is an amazing message to show young girls. And while Hermione may seemingly deserve better then the way Ron treated her, she loves him, and she’s confident in that choice, to the point where is absolutely miserable when has to choose someone else like Viktor or Cormac, and tells you everything you need to know, plus eventually, Ron learns the error of his ways, with him coming back to her after leaving in Part 1. Part of why she balanced out the trio so well is because Hermione was a planner. Harry was the daring one and Ron was the loyal one, but someone needed to come up with a plan to actually pull off whatever they needed to do, and that was Hermione, due to other intelligence and determination. Hermione also provided a different point of view for Harry, more realistic and logical. While often caused her to disagree with him, she always had good intentions and was usually right with her instincts. It helped balance out the trio with the action-oriented Harry and smart but not necessarily brilliant Ron. She doesn’t believe Draco has indeed become a Death Eater and thinks Harry should get rid of the potions book. While the former she was wrong, showing isn’t perfect, her instincts were right about the latter. Plus, as much as you want friends who you have things in common with, you also want to have friends who can give you a different perspective on life, not just a carbon copy of yourself. Hermione does have nerve and courage, but her best and most useful qualities are her preparedness and brilliance. This is proven by how she comes up with every aspect of the Polyjuice plan in Chamber and how she “had the essentials packed for day” before embarking on their Horcrux hunt. She’s always thinking ahead and thinking smartly. Hermione’s logic, while may have made her blind in some instances, for the most part, helped keep Harry and Ron from making mistakes due to their darkest, most impulsive nature. With Harry especially when it came to the Time Turner. He wanted to kill Scabbers when he saw him through Hagrid’s window, but Hermione was able to tame him and tell him that unfortunately their mission isn’t to stop Pettigrew, but to save Sirius, something much more important (although in hindsight that’s debatable). She was also smart enough not to tell Harry about the Time Turner ahead of time, knowing his and Ron’s affinity for rule-breaking (something Ron no doubt got from his twin brothers) and impulsivity. She’s the trio’s secret weapon. While Hermione is a planner, she is also the one to take action and stand up for justice, which is why she comes up with the idea for Harry to run the club Dumbledore’s Army. She decides that the students need to stand up to Umbridge and she recruits loyal and eager students. This shows her determination, ambition and leadership. She knows that to be a successful hero, it’s not just about the glory, it’s also about putting in the work. Hermione, being besties with Harry, was well aware of how now more then ever these kids need to know how to defend themselves, so with the rebellious spirit Harry and Ron have inspired, she uses her fierce personality and boundless bravery to find Dumbledore’s Army. She was also sad that Umbridge was “taking over the entire school,” and as we all know Hermione loves school. So through immense courage and strong determination, she helped herself and her friends take matters into their own hands and improve their skills, making them all so impressive that they fearlessly went face-to-face with Death Eaters and lived to tell the tale. Hermione tests Ron’s romantic interest in her multiple times throughout the series. In Goblet of Fire, at the very end Viktor Krum asks Hermione to write to him and then in the next scene Hermione asks Ron if he will write that summer, and he says no. In Prince, she hypothetically talks about her and Ron snogging. She also says that she wants to ask him to Slughorn’s Christmas party right before the Quidditch game when he starts dating Lavender. But being a teenage boy, it goes right over his head. She also showed that there were more then one way girls can be intelligent. While is obviously very book smart, she also had a near-photographic memory and was emotionally intelligent too. While Hermione was by far the smartest of the trio and one of the smartest characters, she still had her blind spots when it came to her intelligence. She didn’t really know how to play chess like Ron and Harry (when did Harry learn? Dudley and Vernon certainly never taught him). She had so much information in her head that, like any human, she would forget things, like when she forgot the Room of Requirement doesn’t show up on the Marauder’s Map, but Ron did. Harry thought that him and Hermione would go as friends to Slughorn’s Christmas party, but she made other arrangements with Cormac, regretfully telling Harry “why didn’t I think of that?” However, the one that sticks with me was when Harry outsmarted her when she thought he put Felix Felicis in Ron’s drink before the Quidditch match, but later revealed to her that he just tricked her and Ron. Hermione is a know-it-all, Harry and Ron (especially Ron) acknowledge that, and (eventually Ron) admires her for it. Even professors are aware of this, like McGonagall and most notably to Snape’s annoyance as he lashes out at her 13-year-old self saying “do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all?: However, these tendencies are her biggest superpower and end up being the key to Harry’s success in the end. While Stone Hermione was a bit more tactless and a showboat with these tendencies, she eventually realized that not the best way to behave if she wants to form true friendships, which as we know from her quote later in the film, she values friendship more then cleverness (which is really saying something for Hermione), and while she certainly never apologizes for her intelligence, she does learn that being showboat and being helpful are two very different things, and she grows immensely by getting her priorities straight and choosing the latter. She stays true to herself but also learns a more, let’s say, attractive way to do that, and at the end of the day, everyone had qualities within themselves that need to be tamed from time to time, and for Hermione, it’s being a know-it-all. As seen in the greenhouse scene in Chamber, Hermione gets so excited when she gets the opportunity to show off her intelligence and knowledge, as you see when she smiles with excitement and enthusiasm about giving the definition of a Mandrake. She still struggles with in Azkaban as seen when Snape calls her an “insufferable know-it-all” because of her inability to contain her knowledge. However, by Goblet, Phoenix and Prince, she learns to wait until she’s called on, showing how she has learned how to reel it in, but still be herself unapologetically. Now she is just aware of how to be herself in a way that doesn’t push people away or get her feelings hurt, which is a very realistic thing to learn as you grow up. I had to learn things like that too. It’s relatable. She is still unapologetic about her intelligence, just in a way that’s more socially attractive, acceptable and more inviting. Hermione also isn’t afraid to stand up to authority, even from a young age. She stands up to Lucius, Snape, Umbridge, and Scrimgeour when he was the freaking Minister for Magic. She isn’t afraid to call out corruption and wrongdoing and calls things as she sees them and as they are. One Hermione moment I think is very character-revealing in the first movie is the scene when Hermione says goodbye to Harry and Ron before Christmas when Harry and Ron are playing Wizards Chess and she sees how brutal this (at least in this way) stake-less game is and she says “that’s totally barbaric” and then a few moments later she tells the boys that they haven’t looked in the restricted section, and Ron says I think we’ve been a bad influence on her.” It just shows that like Weasley twins are troublemakers with boundaries, Hermione is a rule-follower with lines that she’s willing to cross. Hermione is truly the mom of the group (or I guess the mum of the group). Nagging on Harry to figure out mysteries like the Golden Egg and the Half-Blood Prince. Packing and prepping for their Horcrux hunt. Nursing Ron makes to health in Part 1. In the first 4 films, this may come off as bossy, but honestly, she came off as more so confident and beings self-assured because she genuinely has their best interest at heart and is incredibly focused on the task at hand at all times (especially in Goblet, as one of the trio needed to keep their sh*t together amongst all that was going on and Harry has no reason to have put together and that’s just not Ron’s personality. She literally had one breakdown while Ron and Harry had many. Her was towards Ron at the end of the Yule Ball and her breakdown was also the most justified). Ron is right, they really wouldn’t last two days without her. They barely survived Chamber, only with pure nerve and luck, and that’s proof. Hermione is also selfless. She stays behind when she messes up her portion of the Polyjuice Potion and tells the boys not to waste time in Chamber, when you know if that happened to Ron he would make such a big fuss about it. I also loved how, even in the first film, they gave her character so much dimension (which is very rare for a girl, child character) with her quote “me, books and cleverness. there are more important things. Like friendship and bravery.” This is her defining quote. It shows that even though her intelligence is her defining characteristic, within the series and for the audience, she is aware that there are more important things within life, the story and her character. Hermione is the perfect combination of head and heart in a character, and this quote proves it. This quote also proves that Hermione is a true Gryffindor. That scene in Sorcerer’s Stone is one of the best Hermione moments and one of the best moments of the first film. It also says a lot about how that moment and quotes are used to encourage Harry and give him the confidence he needs to save the Sorcerer’s Stone. Without Hermione, Harry would have not made it through the first film, much less the series as a whole. Her friendship and generosity was the key to Harry defeating Voldemort. She proved to care for him and save his life countless times. Hermione and Harry always saw the best in each other. They were supportive of one another and admired each other’s skill and brilliance. This is proven by Harry’s utter terror when Hermione is angry at, her because he is fully aware of how powerful she is, and he respects that aspect of her. Hermione will always be Harry’s biggest cheerleader, and this is the first moment in the series we see it. It also shows how much Harry values Hermione and her voice and opinion, which is a good thing for little boys, and boys of all ages, to see. Hermione is so compassionate too. She makes sure Neville is okay after Moody-Crouch triggers his trauma. She tries to help Buckbeak and the centaurs. She kept Lupin’s secret, until she thought he was unworthy of her trust, before the truth came out. Also, Hermione always asks Harry where he has been, in Goblet, in Prince and in Part 2, just shows how much of a mom she is, how caring she is and how good of a friend she is. She’s so selfless, always wanting to make sure everyone is okay and included. Hermione is also such a good friend and incredibly loyal. From when she comforts Harry in the first film to being the only one to stay with for the entirety of the Horcrux hunt. She is also such a good friend because she literally endured torture from Bellatrix, the cruelest, deadliest witch of the series, so that Harry wouldn’t be given to Voldemort. If that doesn’t prove how good of a friend she is, I don’t know what does. And in Prisoner of Azkaban when she steps in front of Harry when Sirius reveals himself and says “if you want to kill Harry, you’ll have to kill first,” showing her utter bravery, maturity and unbreakable loyalty. And Goblet of Fire, where she is determined to help him with his tasks for the Triwizard Tournament, like when she helps Harry in the library after he discovers that the next task requires him to hold his breath for an hour underwater, not sugar coating anything with lines like “potentially problematic.” She consoles him after he snaps at her because of this due to fear and anxiety, loyal and helpful until the end. Even in one of the scenes before when she says “these tasks are designed to test you. In the most brutal way, they’re almost cruel. And I’m scared for you.” That vulnerability, determination, helpfulness and honesty are what makes her such a great friend. In that scene we also see how well she knows him, noticing how his avoidance in figuring out what the Golden Egg means was very strange for the action-oriented Harry. She is also the only one who seemingly believes Harry, that he did not put his name in the Goblet of Fire. Another scene in Goblet that showcases this is when Hermione sneaks into the tent before the first task then bursts into a hug out of fear for her friend, then when Rita sneaks in a photo of the pair, Hermione sneers at her with a look at that could kill. Proving that she is equally a sassy teenager and a protective friend (also, side note: but Dumbledore saying “what are you doing here miss. Granger?” never fails to make me laugh). Those scenes are also very well-acted by Watson and Radcliffe, with their platonic, electric chemistry impossible to conceal. She also takes the risk of even attempting the advanced Polyjuice Potion to discover the true Heir of Slytherin and clear Harry’s name in Chamber, and help Harry defeat Tom Riddle even when she was unable to speak or move. Hermione is also an incredibly motivating and encouraging character, always trying to bring the best out of everyone, especially Harry and Ron. She proves this when she sneaks into the champions’ tent in Goblet to check on Harry before the First Task and when she gave Ron the confidence he needed to save Harry and Hermione from the troll by (hilariously) reminding him about the “swish and flick” wand technique during the high takes situation. Another moment that shows how good of a friend Hermione is how she is the only one to notice that Harry is basically passing out during Fred and George’s epic exit from Hogwarts in Phoenix. While everyone is cheering, she’s crouching down to him and making sure he’s okay. I wish we got to see this encouraging side to her during her interactions with Neville, because, especially in the earlier movies, he really could have used a cheerleader like Hermione. The whole part at the beginning of Part 1 with Hermione is so tragic. She reads the Daily Prophet with a headline and non-moving photograph of a Muggle family that got murdered, while standing in her childhood bedroom as her mom calls for her. Her voice cracks as she says “coming, Mum!” with a sadden look knowing what she has to do. Then when she goes downstairs and sees her parents, you an see in her eyes how much she doesn’t want to this. She delicately whispers “obliviate” and you can see in her glassy eyes how hard she’s fighting back her tears. And you can see her heart break as she actually watches her memory disappear, as she watches herself disappear from all their family photos. Then she walks out of her childhood home, keeps turning back for one last look and puts her head down and walks off into the lonely road, with only her beaded bag in hand. It’s heartbreaking and a great showcase of just how emotionally strong Hermione is. Hermione is also very self-aware, best represented in her line “actually I’m highly logical which allows me to look past extraneous detail.” Also, with Hermione’s hand raising during the classroom scenes, there is also an arc. In the first film, she is excitable and enthusiastic, but as the series goes, on she is more casual, confident and calm, which I think represents her maturity and comfortability in herself and at Hogwarts. In the beginning, she unintentionally pushed her classmates away with her upstaging academic talents and unsolicited fun facts and advice, but then once she grew some tact and showed people that while she values intelligence he doesn’t value it more then friendship, she became their secret weapon. She goes from having a slightly holier-than-thou tone when talking about reading Hogwarts, A History, which comes off as annoying and entitled to her peers, to learning to, somewhat, restrain herself for the right time to share her knowledge. It just shows how much she’s matured. Also, Hermione’s shameful face as Snape calls her “an insufferable know-it-all” during the “turn to page 394” scene is so sad (especially when Ron agrees with him, still oblivious to Hermione’s feelings and his own, trying to convince himself otherwise). This is clearly insecure about coming off as too abrasive when she only has good intentions and only wants to help. That’s what makes this arc so satisfying. While she still has a tendency to give out unsolicited facts, like she does when she tells Harry about a Snitch’s flesh memories, she has gained enough tact to pick and choose her moments when Stone Hermione would have definitely said that fun fact during their meeting with Scrimgeour (Hermione even somewhat says that herself in that same scene). Obviously, its a process, which is why she looks so saddened, ashamed and guilty when Snape calls her “an insufferable know-it-all” during the Azkaban “turn to page 394” scene when she is only being curious and paying attention to the lesson, she didn’t mean any malice and snottiness by it. It’s a relapse of sorts, as in Phoenix and Prince, she is better at reading the room (even with Umbridge, at least in the beginning. Later on her quote “no need to think’s more like it” is a clear example of how little respect she has for Umbridge which is rare for Hermione as school is her favorite thing behind her friends and justice). An example of her arc when it comes to her intelligence is the difference in how she says “it’s not real the ceiling. It’s just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts, A History” in Stone and in Chamber when she smiles proudly preparing herself before giving the memorized textbook definition of the Mandrake root compared to in Phoenix when she says “the Room of Requirement only appears when a person has real need of it and is always equipped for the seeker’s needs” or when she talks about Snitches having flesh memories in Part 1. In Stone and Chamber, she has a slightly bossy, holier-than-thou tone, when her intention is just only to educate, not flaunt. In Phoenix and Part 1, she has learned that over the course of her time at Hogwarts and she says this information at more appropriate times, when people ask for it or when the time is appropriate, showing her maturity and growth. Hermione is also very resourceful, as seen in Part 1 with how it’s her idea to use the abused dragon to escape Gringotts, basically killing two birds with one stone as she was appalled at the dragons’ maltreatment due to her love for animals, and in Phoenix with how she distracts the Death Eater chasing them through the Hall of Prophecies by making the orbs fall on him, all while running, which also shows her great multitasking. Hermione also has great instincts. She believed Harry should turn in the Half-Blood Prince’s book, and she was right, he should have (although part of her motivation was partly selfish as the book also helped Harry get ahead of her in class). She also had the instinct that things were only going to get worse at Hogwarts in Phoenix, and knew they have to act. And usually her instincts are right, which of course she loves. However, there are a few times she wishes she was wrong, when she thought Voldemort was using Sirius to trick Harry and when she thinks Harry is a Horcrux. She is right both times, but she wishes she wasn’t. Another moment that shows Hermione’s compassion is how even after she and Lavender fought throughout Prince, she still knew she didn’t deserve to be eaten to death by Greyback, so she stunned out the window, letting her lifeless body finally die in peace. It was such a noble, empowered thing or her to do. Hermione is also so resilient. After Bellatrix tortured her she gathered enough strength to run into Ron’s arms, while a chandelier was about to fall on her. Then she had enough strength to carry Dobby to his grave and was brave enough to Polyjuice into the literal person who traumatized her. That is a very underappreciated moment of immense resilience and courage, between the stakes and the trauma. She also overcame her fears constantly, like her fear of flying and fear of breaking the rules, especially when it was for the greater good. Hermione also fears a lack of control and the unknown. She’s a planner and values preparation, and when she can’t do that or does it and it’s still not enough, it is difficult for her. For when she makes Polyjuice and accidentally puts cat hair in the potion instead of human hair, or when Harry says they need to go to Hogwarts in Hallows, she says they need to plan, and Harry refuses, from that point on she is deeply nervous and reserved. I am the same way, and I relate to Hermione a lot in this way. Hermione is also a great friend because even when she is furious with her friends like she often is with Ron, she still stands by them when they need her most, like when Ron is in the hospital in Prince. Due to her crush, she panics when Ron and she are estranged, shown by how depressed she is after he leaves in Part 1. Hermione isn’t always a planner though, shown when Harry asks her what’s next and how to pull off saying Sirius during their Time Turner timeline in Azkaban and she replies “no idea.” I do love how the friendship between Hermione and Harry is a great example of how girls and boys can be just friends, especially for kids, specifically boys, showing a young boy who respects a woman’s intelligence and personhood. I loved their friendship so much. Even when Hermione says in Part 1 “don’t ever let me give you a haircut again,” just goes to show how their friendship is more siblings then lovers. That also just how show committed to the Horcrux hunt Hermione is (but also begs the question, why didn’t she cut his hair in Goblet). This is why it was so hard for Hermione in Goblet and Part 1 when Ron and Harry were finding and when Ron left them, because her loyalties were divided and she no control over the situation, and a Type-A person, that’s torture. She also took the blame for the troll in the first film, proving how much of a dedicated friend she is. It struck a chord so much with the boys that they were inseparable form from that point on. Also, she went out of her comfort zone and broke the rules in order to show her loyalty to the boys numerous times, even before they created Dumbledore’s Army, like brewing Polyjuice Potion (which she said herself broke about 50 school rules and I mean, the way Hermione says herself that it’s “dangerous” and “it’s tricky. I’ve never seen a more complicated potion” and still manages to brew it perfectly at 12 years old, despite her putting the wrong hair in her potion, is wild and incredibly impressive) and using a Time Turner to help Sirius. And if none of these moments prove that Hermione is a good friend then when she was tortured by Bellatrix and never uttered a word about Harry or his plans will prove this to you. She was tortured to an exhausted, nearly lifeless point. She also obliviated her own parents’ memories in order to help Harry with his Horcrux mission. The emotional strength and bravery it must have taken to endure both of these events in Part 1 are unfathomable. Hermione’s worst friendship moment towards Harry is her jealousy over him in potions in Prince. Her rigidness shines through when Harry is going off book and not following the instructions when cooking his potions and coming up with a better result than her, while she is following the directions exactly, and failing. This intellectual inferiority is new for her, as since day one she’s also flaunted her intellectual superiority (although became less showy and forceful about it over the course of the series). However, when it comes to the book itself, she is in the right. She may have thought the book was bad news for selfish reasons, but she was still right. This shows that, putting her own feelings aside, Hermione has great instincts, proven with how quickly she cushioned the drop when they fell through the Thief’s Downfall in Part 1. Honestly, the only bad instinct she had in the series was when she called Dumbledore a genius by saying “So, a genius like Dumbledore couldn’t possibly be fooled by a dodge as pathetically as dim-witted as an aging potion.” He is a genius, but a manipulative, evil genius. Hermione is the true genius, even she caught onto Dumbledore’s secret of Harry being a Horcrux himself before Harry did (LOL that’s the true Secret of Dumbledore). Unlike Ron, who is allured by people with fame like Harry and Viktor Krum, Hermione doesn’t care about fame. Her version of glory is smaller, through knowledge, but not through notoriety. And Harry doesn’t even really want it. Hermione was one of the few people, especially girls, at Hogwarts who didn’t obsess over him, as seen when he first walks into the Great Hall and that scene where he walks past the trio while a mob of girls follows him. Both Krum and Harry are attracted to Hermione’s carelessness to their fame, however, Harry finds it comforting as a friendship, while Krum finds it comforting as romantic. However, she also isn’t blind or oblivious to their fame. She’s gritty while she’s Krum’s date at the Yule Ball and she bluntly tells Harry in Prince “you have to realize who you are, Harry,” she just likes them with or without their fame. I’m not saying Ron uses Harry for his fame, obviously, he’s insecure about it, but he does think it’s cool, while Hermione couldn’t care less. I also loved how much she balanced out the trio. While they were all brave and courageous in their own right, willing to take risks and choose what’s right over what’s scary, the boys could be a bit reckless. Hermione thought things through and was a quick thinker when she needed to be. This is shown especially in Chamber, as even as a Muggle-born she was fearless when standing up to the Malfoys, who we find out are some of Voldemort’s most well-known followers (or at least, formerly until they realized how much of a dick he really was). She’s also so brave. She wiped her parents’ memories to protect them, fully knowing that she might die and never get a chance to restore them. That’s one of the bravest things to happen in the whole series and is so underappreciated. She showed off her quick thinking again in Part 1 when the trio was being chased by the Snatchers and she knew that Harry was the one most at risk so she cast a spell to make him ugly and unrecognizable. This fast thinking under pressure is very impressed with the super high-stakes situations the trio found themselves in (again, what would Ron and Harry ever do without her?). Even though she is a meticulous planner, she is also capable of being flexible with her quick thinking. Hermione’s quick thinking also doesn’t automatically equate to her intelligence and preparedness. this is proven when she howls to distract Lupin in his werewolf form and save Harry’s life, but Lupin then goes after them. Hermione even admitted it herself “Yeah, didn’t think about that. Run!” Hermione is also totally the mom of the group. She nags them. She forces them to behave. The Horcrux hunt shows how they are sometimes scared to get caught by her (clearly he has not changed from her “brilliant but scary” self from Stone, only grown more confident with that side to her). It just shows that while Hermione has a tendency to be bossy, she never has bad intentions. She is just protective and caring. A few Hermione scenes that I particularly loved was when she preferred to read when everyone was cheering on Fred and George’s age potion-induced fight and when she was crying in the Half-Blood Prince after seeing Ron kiss Lavender and was casually practicing a bird spell for comfort and in that same movie when she hide behind a curtain at a party and literally crawled away to avoid a single person. I loved those moments so much because I particularly identified with them. I do all those things too. I would rather do something more creative and stimulating then something rowdy. I enjoy a small bit of spiteful revenge even if I should be the more mature one, especially if they are coincidental (Hermione directing birds to attack Ron was definitely not coincidental). I consider myself to be an assertive, outgoing person, but not when I am put in an awkward situation like Hermione finds herself in during Slughorn’s Christmas party, I turn into my introverted shell. I also really liked how Hermione only asked Cormac out just because it “would annoy Ron the most” and then has a miserable time because of it. I self-sabotage like that all the time too, girl. That scene with the birds also showed her vulnerability. That, yes, she’s a genius and a badass, buts he’s also a teenage girl underneath it all. That scene also showed her anger, what with her sending those said birds after Ron because of her how hurt she was. That was just such a great scene. It also showed how great Harry and Hermione’s friendship is. How he comforts her, how she lets him. It’s more brother-sisterly, then romantic. That whole scene was a great moment (its also funny how Hermione in the scene asks Harry how he feels about Dean and Ginny saying “I see the way you look at her” when literally Harry and Ginny have zero spark whatsoever). I love how Harry and Hermione’s relationship is like a brother-sister type of relationship, especially shown through Hermione whacking him, in Azkaban when she puts the Time Turner necklace around the two of them and Harry, being a curious child, tries to touch the Time Turner and Hermione slaps his hand away and begins to fiddle with it and when they are talking about Romilda Vane and Harry being the Chosen One in Prince and she whacks him in the head. It’s clear that they are close enough to act this way. They barely argue (unlike Ron and Hermione) and when they do disagree it is civil (while with Ron and Hermione, it’s petty because of poor teenage communication). One thing that I think is interesting about Harry and Hermione is that they both had words cut into them. While the whole DA was subjected to the self-harming quill (which that psycho Umbridge has multiple of apparently), Harry had private detentions with her, meaning that his rebellion caused him to have the deepest scars among his peers. This is proven when Fred and George comfort a first year over him getting that barbaric punishment, one of the Twins tells him that the scar is fading, showing how there’s don’t run as deep because they hadn’t had to do it as many times. Hermione’s scar is just as deep as her’s was carved into her by force and to torture and scar her for life both physically and mentally. Both scars run deep and are forever on their bodies to remind them of their darkest times. It’s something else Harry can bond over with her. Hermione is also really could at reading people. She can tell when something is troubling Harry. In Chamber, she could tell how worried McGonagall and all the teachers were about the Chamber being open. Hermione deserves way more credit. She figured out the truth about the Chamber of Secrets, despite getting petrified, and didn’t even get a Special Award for Services to the School, which Ron and Harry did despite only acting on her information, not finding it. She was the key to it. She is also the true heroine of Azkaban, helped Harry with his tasks and came up with the idea for the DA. I will say, I love how observant Hermione is, after all, she is the only one of the trio and the only student to recognize the signs that Lupin is a werewolf. However, her powers of observation do come into question a little bit when she says to Harry “I see the way you look at her” about Ginny. How does he look at her? Like he looks at his wand? But I don’t think that’s as much of a character issue as it is a writing and directing issue. I love how much of the character she shows in her first few scenes, without even speaking much. In the scene right before the Sorting Ceremony how she runs up the stairs to be right in front of McGonagall as she speaks to the first years, like a true goody-two-shoes, teacher’s pet. I also loved how in so many scenes but particularly in the potions scene in Sorcerer’s Stone and Half-Blood Prince, how she was almost physically incapable of not showing off her smarts with her anxious hand raising and blurting out correct answers. It shows how confident and unapologetic she is about her intelligence. I love that. She was also very calm under pressure, as proven through her on-her-feet thinking when it comes to living saving spells (like when the trio + almost fall to their deaths in the Department of Mysteries in Phoenix and in Gringotts in Part 1). Even Dumbledore (ew), her “cool use of intellect” while under pressure in the first film, due her ability to stay calm in the Devil’s Snare scene and save Harry and Ron from it with her intelligence (while the boys, especially Ron was freaking out, subverting more stereotypes of women being the dramatic ones). I also love how Hermione is the ‘good, obedient little girl’ and it’s balanced out with her bossy side, which in reality, is just her being outspoken, decisive, passionate, ambitious, driven, self-assured, determined, confident and assertive. It makes her rule-breaking not seem entirely out of character. Her bossiness also turning into one of her strongest traits and one of her traits that leads to her success is also an amazing message for young girls. Many young girls, including myself when I was little, are called ‘bossy’ just for asking for what they want and having a clear vision to achieve their goals in their heads that they want to bring to fruition. Hermione’s arc and being unapologetic about this quality in herself is so inspiring and helps subvert female stereotypes, especially when it comes to young girls. It’s also so relatable, because her arc isn’t that she stops asking for what she wants, it’s that she learns how do it in a more kind and less off-putting way. When you are young, you have no tact, but you gain it as you get older. Hermione’s arc shows that, especially when it comes to her unapologetic bossiness. She teaches young girls to embrace their bossiness, and not let society tell you differently, just maybe be tactful with it so people don’t despise you and instead cheer you on and value you. I also love how she wasn’t a big sports fan. She enjoyed it because she was a good friend and loved experiencing everything the Wizarding World had to offer, but she would rather read a book and do something else. I can relate to that (just maybe not the reading part). I am not the biggest sports fan either (actually, that’s an understatement. I am not a sports fan at all), so I relate to that. Hermione wasn’t a perfect friend. She had her immature moments, like sending the birds after Ron, being jealous of Harry over the potions book, lying to them about the Time Turner and asking out Cormac out of spite, but she’s a teenager, of course she acts out and makes mistakes. Hermione was very focused and dedicated, not just to her studies, but also to solving the problems the trio got themselves into. She always knew the answers to any question, studied ahead and the knowledge saved and helped her friend on multiple occasions. Her constant hand-raising also managed to come of as loveable and sweet rather then annoying due to Watson’s charming portrayal. Even some professors, like Snape, found this annoying, she never stopped speaking her mind and confidently showing off her smarts, as a scene in the first film’s potions scene and the “turn to page 394” scene in the third film. Hermione greatly valued knowledge and learning, and she loved the satisfaction of knowledge bringing her praise and validation. This is shown by how many of her students dread homework and exams, but she thoroughly enjoys them. She enjoys studying. A moment that shows this is when all the students are cheering about exams getting canceled in the Chamber of Secrets, while Hermione frowned, pouted and mouthed “no” to herself. Also, she loved school so much that she convinced the staff to let her double up on classes, and be granted the privilege of a Time Turner to do so, at only 13, proving how impressive of a young witch she is. Her value of school and education is the main reason why she genuinely thought expulsion was worse then death, which is why her deciding to go with Harry to hunt for Horcruxes instead of going back to school (which was no doubt the better choice as a Muggle-born) was such a big decision for her to make. Hermione expertly and effortlessly applies the things she learned in school to the trio’s adventures, which is why Umbridge’s theory-based curriculum hits her extra hard. She isn’t just intellectual when it comes to memorizing the facts from her studies (honestly based on how perfect Watson was for this role, I would be surprised if, like her character, she memorized the whole script, not just her lines) and applying them to her life and experiences, but she is also two kinds of smart, logical and entailed-oriented. She proves both of these in Part 1. She keeps noticing the triangular symbol, but also looks past the details and understands the logic of how the Sword of Gryffindor can destroy Horcruxes. Hermione isn’t just an impressive witch because of her intelligence, drive and work ethic, but also because she is Muggle-born. Not that that’s her fault or makes her less than others, but it’s impressive because unlike Ron or Neville, who are still smart but significantly less than Hermione, she didn’t grow up around magic or wizardry. She only became a witch or understood her abilities once she got accepted into Hogwarts. She clearly took it in stride. The second she got her books, she read through all of them to gain all the knowledge she felt she ended before heading to school, so by the time she finally went to Hogwarts already knew how to do simple spells and knew many fun facts about the Hogwarts school. She knew all about the wizard culture and practices. She made sure that she was knowledgeable and prepared to enter this new world, which could be perceived as her overcompensating, but as we learn throughout the series, preparation is just who Hermione is. Hermione is a quick thinker. An example of this is the trio’s escape from the Ministry in Part 1 where she is redirected through the Floo Network from Grimmauld Place after Yaxley caught onto them, however, the sad thing is even when she made the right choice quickly, things can still go wrong, like Ron getting splinched, which just shows how she’s no perfect by any means. Hermione is just brainy and beautiful, but she is also bold. She is unafraid to speak her mind. Her sassy disposition, her bluntness when it comes to others’ ignorance or stupidity and her educating others with a blunt tone. She also doesn’t just use her words, but also her actions, as she punches Draco Malfoy when she sees him watching Buckbeak’s execution like a spectator at a sports game. She is also not one to be pushed around, as seen when she yells “i am not an owl” after Ron and Harry try to use her as a messenger when they are fighting. Hermione is also so down-to-earth. She is feminine, but she is also one of the ones (not that those qualities are mutually exclusive). She also helps bring her friends down to Earth, as seen in the library when she whacks some sense into Harry in Prince when he says “but I am the Chosen One.” She is also self-deprecating, calling herself stupid for not realizing Nicolas Flamel’s name was in a gigantic book she once read and his un-award worth performance as Bellatrix during their Gringotts escapade. She also isn’t afraid to call people out on their BS, like Draco for buying his way onto the Slytherin Quidditch team in the same position as Harry and Trelawney’s falsity when it comes to Divination, which she precedes to react by literally throwing a crystal ball off the table and storming out of class. She was the female voice of the series we so desperately needed. Like when she explained why Cho is so emotionally conflicted with Ron because he has the emotional range of a teaspoon or when she was shocked that her hair looked like that from the back. Icon! She kept the boys in check, which they (mainly Ron, Harry basically raised himself and turned into a pretty kind, considerate person) definitely needed. I loved seeing her bossy side in Goblet of Fire. Women are often belittled, ridiculed or ostracized for being ‘bossy’. But Hermione showed young women it’s okay to be outspoken, bossy and ask for what you want. Again, Ron was right about Hermione (once again proving how iconic and amazing their slow burn was). They wouldn’t last 5 minutes without her. The entire plot of Chamber of Secrets is an example of that. I also love in Chamber when she singlehandedly called out nepotism by telling Draco “at least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in. They got in on pure talent.” Good for her! I also love Hermione’s angry, cold, deadly looks she gives Ron when he interrupts her reading, like in Stone when she finally remembers where she heard of Nicolas Flamel and in Part 1 when she begins reading the story of the Peverrall brothers at the Lovegood house. It’s so Hermione, and such a great microcosm of the two’s dynamic. Hermione is also very clever and witty, proven by how she uses these qualities to deceive Umbridge and get her away from Hogwarts for good. I also loved her love for animals. Her Patronus was an otter, one of the cutest animals. She fought for animal rights, what with her quest to save Buckbeak and stop Umbridge from torturing the Centaurs. Also, my friend said in the books that he really fought for the rights of house elves like Dobby and Kreacher. She also had so many iconic lines like “what an idiot,” “I am not an owl” (messenger Hermione is a comedy queen. This scene alone proves that Emma Watson needs to do more comedy. If you have seen The Bling Ring or Perks of Being a Wallflower, then you would agree. Comedic and sassy Emma Watson is the best!), “well spotted,” and “YOU! You foul, loathsome evil little cockroach (I also love how Draco is more scared of her wand than her fist, fully knowing how skilled she is at spells. His “come to enjoy the show” cockiness faded real quick when she whipped her wand out. I love how Ron always tells Hermione and Harry that Draco “isn’t worth it” since Ron grew up hearing all about the vile Malfoys). And I love her line “is that really what my hair looks like from the back?” because it just shows how relatable she is. Sassy Hermione truly never gets old. Also, Hermione’s bluntness (another attribute she shares with Luna) is vastly underrated, shown when she finally learns Fluffy’s name and says “that thing has a name?” despite also being the one observant enough to realize it was not accidentally placed there and is guarding something. Also, LOL at Watson’s hilarious delivery of “do you ever stop eating?” and “will you stop eating?” while whacking Ron, glaring at him sort of resentfully before she does so, as well as Grint’s reactions both times. It’s hilarious. I loved her wit. “Well spotted,” ICONIC! Also, Hermione may always want to be right about everything, and usually is, but there were at least two times she did not want to be right, when she thought going to the Department of Mysteries was a trick in Phoenix and the fact that Harry himself is a Horcrux in Part 2, and both times she was right and both times it was devastating, showing how intuitive and compassionate she is. Also, Hermione feels terrible when she accidentally calls Luna her mean nickname “Looney” right in front of her. It’s written all over her face. All she was trying to do is be herself, which is someone very enthusiastic about sharing knowledge, and she completely puts her foot in her mouth, showing how she isn’t perfect, even when it comes to her compassion and intelligence. She does try to make up for it by complimenting Luna’s “interesting necklace,” who seems completely unaware that she was just insulted at all. Also, LOL at Ron whispering to his human encyclopedia of a friend asking “what are nargles?” after Luna mentions them in that scene and Hermione saying “no idea.” To Ron, if Hermione doesn’t know, then clearly something weird is going on. Hermione is also so inclusive, anxious about where Harry is on the train in Prince when they arrive in Hogsmeade, wanting to make sure he’s okay and that all her ducks are in a row (she’s seriously such a mom). She is also inclusive towards Luna. She may not believe in the same things she does, but she still accepts her for exactly who she is, going to Quidditch matches with her and still sees her, and even her father, as smart, just in a different way, but in a way she still has respect for. I loved how Harry really valued her opinion. When Hermione said that being expelled is worse than school, he didn’t question her. That’s probably why Expelliarmus is his signature spell and not Avada Kedavra, which further show’s how different he is from Voldemort and just how strong and deep Harry and Hermione’s friendship really is. This is proven when Harry is defensive of anyone who belittles Hermione’s skills, as he tells Slughorn “one of my best friends is Muggle-born. She’s the best in our year,” when he says something about his mom and her impressive skills that is at first perceived as prejudice before he himself meets and become impressed by Hermione. Harry is well aware of how lucky he is to have Hermione in his corner, even from the first movie when he says “lucky Hermione pays attention in Herbology” after she saves them from the Devil’s Snare. Also, the comparison between how scared Harry is of angry Hermione (I love a good feminine rage moment and Emma Watson played it SO well. I love fiesty Hermione! The trio’s chemistry in this scene was also GREAT!) when Ron returns in Part 1, physically running away from her and how calm he is when facing Voldemort, and his death, in Part 2, literally and voluntarily talking towards Voldemort (although, it was part of Voldemort’s ultimatum) is just hilarious. Don’t mess with Hermione! She’s a force to be reckoned with! Even Harry freaking Potter knows it. Even when she is angry the previous films, usually because of Ron, Harry knows better then to try and change her mind (Harry also had enough conflict going on, so he didn’t need to create more of it. Besides his fated conflicts, Harry was generally unprobelmatic and avoided arguments when possible). He knows the best thing he can do is listen and let her vent. The movie that shows this best is Goblet of Fire, although it’s also shown well in Half-Blood Prince. Their friendship was also complex, as similar to Ron, Hermione was also insecure due to Harry, just on a smaller, rarer scale. Hermione was insecure of her academic prowess being threatened whoever Harry one-upped her in school. This is especially shown in Half-Blood Prince with Harry excelling at potions due to obtaining the Half-Blood Prince’s Advanced Potion book, however it’s also shown in the first film with Harry immediately excelling at flying on a broomstick, while Hermione struggled, although she did eventually as we see her decent broom skills in Part 2‘s Room of Requirement fire scene, although we see in Azkaban, as she flies on Buckbeak, that she prefers other forms of travel, like Apparition or Portkeys, rather than flying (which I get as someone who get motion sick, but also Floo Powder and Portkeys sound unenjoyable as well), although she was oddly calm on the back of that dragon while making their escape from Gringotts. I mean, she is known for her calmness and poise under pressure, but she is also known for not being a huge fan of flying, unless it’s absolutely necessary. However, this also shows how much Harry and Hermione, skill-wise, balance each other out really well, as their strengths are both vital to defeating Voldemort, but they are very different, with Hermione’s being more textbook-oriented and through being the best at spell casting and Hary’s being how good he is at DADA and flying. She was also very nurturing, encouraging Harry to vent and be emotionally vulnerable with her about things like Cedric’s death (strangely not Sirius’ death or Dumbledore’s death, although with the latter he had Ginny as she consoled him over Dumbledore’s dead body in Prince) and his nightmarish recurring dreams in Phoenix. Also, she kept Harry in check from his darkest and most dangerous impulses, with an example being how she held him back from going after Pettigrew/Scabbers outside Hagrid’s Hut after they use the Time Turner in Azkaban. He could have made a terrible, dangerous decision and ruin everything, but Hermione held him back. Although she could be judgemental, she is very underrated for her kindness. Something that shows Hermione’s kindness is how, starting from the train I presume, she begins to put the pieces together that Lupin is a werewolf, especially after Snape does his “turn to page 394” lecture on the subject. She is “the brightest witch” of her age, so while doing the homework Snape assigns, she finally figures it out. But being Muggle-born, she understands how cruel the Wizarding World can be. She’s also not prejudiced, so she keeps her mouth shut, even from her friends who she knew wouldn’t mind, but knowing it’s not her place. But when Lupin seemingly betrayed Harry, before they get the full story, she outs him, and Lupin isn’t even mad, just impressed, showing how kind Lupin is as well, and how much they are alike too. Also, she not only defended and helped her friends and those in need, like Sirius and Harry, but she was also very kind to animals like Buckbeak and the centaurs. She fought against inequality, especially against Muggle-borns as it was a situation undeniably close to her heart as she was one. She always stuck up for what’s right. Hermione was also incredibly brave, probably her bravest moment of the series (and one of her most underappreciated). Like her obliviating her parents’ memories in Part 1, that is such an underrated act of bravery. She’s a teenager, emotional and scared and she was willing to do such a difficult act to protect her innocent Muggle parents, especially since she is the closest Muggle-born friend to Harry, and because of that fully aware of the danger she and her parents are in, and as we know from Prince, her parents could sense that something as going on. Part of why Hermione doesn’t like flying is because she’s not as good at it as Harry or Ron, who play Quidditch, and she prefers to put her time and energy into things she’s actually good at, things that she can do to the library and study and practice. She only flys four other times in the series, on Buckbeak, which she screams “I don’t like flyiiiinnngggggg,” on a Thestral to the Ministry in Phoenix and we don’t hear her scream that time, on a Thestral during the Seven Potters battle with Kingsley, where she not only had to fly but also fight and she survived and then we actually see her fly on a broomstick for the first time in the finale in the Room of Requirement. Another great Hermione moment is when she womansplains to the oblivious Ron about Cho’s complicated feelings towards Harry. The long explanation addresses multiple pivotal events, Cedric’s death, Umbrige’s sadistic regime, typical teen angst, and even after all that Ron still doesn’t understand how Cho can feel so many emotions, so Hermione tells Ron that he has the “emotional range of a teaspoon.” The scene not only provided some much-needed comedic relief for the film and was a great moment of lightness for the trio during a time of such hardship, but it also was a great moment or Ron and Hermione’s relationship, revealing how good Hermione is at reading people, and how bad Ron is at reading people. Hermione is also such a good friend as she is always at Harry and Ron’s Quidditch matches. Rain, snow or shine (which is all weather they play in over course of series), she’s there cheering them on. That’s a supportive, good friend, especially because you know if it was up to her, she’s been in the library. Hermione’s thoughtfulness is also shown by how she keeps taking the boys to places she used to go to with her parents during their Horcrux hunt, showing how they are always on her mind even after she bravely obliviated their memories. Hermione obliviating her parents’ memories also shows how despite choosing life in the Wizarding World even with all the risks, she still loves them completely, which is such a beautiful thing. One arc that Hermione goes through is that books can’t teach her everything. At the start of the series, she is heavily reliant on them, and while she’s aware that things like friendship and bravery matter more in the grand scheme of things, it’s still hard for her to let go of her books. While she does still spend a lot of time in the library in the later films, it’s clear that she is more focused on her friendships. She helps Harry with the Triwizard Tournament, founds the DA and supports Ron and Harry at the Quidditch game. Would she rather be reading in the common room? Totally, buts he knows helping her friends is much more important. Especially when Voldemort officially takes over. Schoolbooks certainly won’t help her with that battle or the sacrifices she’d have to make during it, like Hogwarts and her family. However, she is able to use all she’s learned to help Harry beat him. Hermione truly is the brightest witch of her age. I mean she fixed glasses, levitated feathers and unlocked doors at 11, brewed Polyjuice Potion at 12, used the Time Turner at 13, fought Death Eaters at 14, used a Confudnus Charm during Quidditch tryouts at 16 and planned a dangerous mission at 17. That’s insane! Not to mention, memorizing so many complex spells, stories and ideas. She’s a human Wikipedia almost for the Wizarding World. Hermione is also a total badass. She is the one to always get the trio out of any problem, even those as simple as unlocking a door, singlehandedly saved Buckbeak and Sirius (literally the only thing Harry did was the Patronus charm, Hermione did everything else), creating the DA and fought Death Eaters multiple times, went on the Horcrux hunt and destroyed the Cup. Also, that dragon escape in Part 2 was such a badass moment for her! Don’t underestimate a bookworm because she’s THE badass. One thing about Hermione that confused me a bit was her close-mindedness, often perceived as her holier-than-thou complex (ironically similar to Draco) of thinking her way is the only way and the right way, which is odd because of how she’s a Muggle-born, so the Wizarding World is all new to her, so if she’s not judgmental about “weirdness” of the Wizarding World and sees it with the same wonder, excitement and fascination as Harry, then why is she so close-minded about other things. Although, this inconsistency is also what makes her so interesting, so in a way, it’s not nonsensical. Another moment that shows how compassionate and brave Hermione is when Snape is shielding her, Ron and Harry from Lupin’s werewolf form and Lupin tries to attack Snape. She doesn’t jump out of the way as much as she tries to catch the falling Snape, who ends up bringing her down with him. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment and was definitely more of an acting choice rather than a direction (maybe even a mistake or blooper), but it was so perfect and revealed so much about both characters. I loved it. Another arc of Hermione’s that I love is how in Goblet, she is so annoyed by the Twins’ jokes and pranks and then by Phoenix, when they do their most legendary prank ever, in the middle of exams, which she loves, she couldn’t be more thrilled. And as we know Hermione loves exams as seen in Stone “I’ve heard Hogwarts’ end of the year exams were frightful, I found that rather enjoyable” and in Chamber when exams are canceled and Hermione like ‘no!’ while everyone else is cheering, so it shows so much growth, maturity, and her newly sorted priorities. It shows again how while she loves school, she values her friends and bravery so much more and she admires the Twins for their bravery and how their last hurrah is revenge on Umbridge for all the things she’s done to their friends. It’s a great arc. It also makes the fact that Fred died even sadder because then we can’t see more of this. I also thought a comedic moment during the Shrieking Shack scene was when Hermione was appalled by Harry Expelliamus-ing Snape and she yelled “you attacked a teacher,” when there are clearly other things going on that are more important. This blurt-out line shows how even she gets distracted even though she is one of the most focused characters and how clearly she is still a rule stickler at heart. Also, we know from the first film that Hermione’s worst fear is to give up on school. She truly believes that expulsion is a worst fate then death, and yet she does exactly that to help Harry in Hallows. That’s such a beautiful arc for her and is incredibly brave for her, even if to someone else it seems frivolous and ridiculous. It also shows Hermione’s confidence in how strongly and definitively she believes that (it’s a very Luna thing for her do which says a lot as in so many ways Luna is her foil, but this huge aspect of Hermione’s character is her being a free thinker in her own unique way). Hermione’s overachieving nature no doubt comes from a place of insecurity and a deep desire for self-statisfaction and success, which is very relatable for me and I am sure a lot of people. While, we don’t get much insight or learn about hermione’s life before she joined the Wizarding World, and while some of this probably just who she is at her core, this overachiever aspect of her personality is probably even more enhanced by the fact that she’s a Muggle-born and feels the need to prove herself, on top of personal satisfaction. Her desire for self-perfectionism, learning and sharing her knowledge satisfies her, which is probably why in the beginning, she has to learn that this sometimes come off as condescending and annoying, when her compassion, which is also a huge part of her personality, proves that is never her intention. This is all so relatable, at least to me. I really see this quality and this dynamic in myself. I really see myself in Hermione. Anyway, I now have an Emma Watson obsession. She’s amazing! In terms of her performance in the series, she was a very animated actor as a child, which many can interpret as forced or exaggerated, but I think it was more her excitement for being in the films shining through and in typical Hermione fashion, her trying to give a performance as perfect, accurate, specific and vibrant as possible. Also, the specificity in which she delivered her lines as a young actor in the first two films worked for her overly intelligent, wise beyond her years, very proper character. However, out of everyone, she is the actor whose craft grew the most and clearly that hard work paid off because in my opinion, went on to have the biggest career post-Potter, and I think it’s well-deserved. She seems like a kind and caring person with an incredibly admirable work ethic. Her performance in Prisoner Of Azkaban was wonderful. Hermione came into her own by becoming more bold, more independent and more outspoken, and Watson came into her own as an actor as well. She stole the show in this film. She was such a committed and professional actor as a child too, shown in Chamber when Ron’s owl almost smacks her in the face after it drops off the Howler and Watson is calm and barely even flinches, but still notices it, but reacts with subtlety. She wasn’t scared, which Hermione wouldn’t be as she has spent a year in the Wizarding World at this point and is now used to owls. It was a great moment and showed her potential to be one of the best young actors in the series. Also, it was great to see such a young actress be so professional, proven by the simple fact they could get a take like that in the first place. I also assume because of this that those owls were robots or something, not CGI, as an actor, especially a young one like Watson, couldn’t have faked such a great serendipitous reaction like that). Emma Watson is a fantastic role model for young kids and mainly young girls, just like Hermione. Despite all the fame, school was always her top priority. She is very specific about the projects she picks whether it’s acting, fashion or activism. Similar to Hermione, she values kindness rather then glory, which is why she opted out of Little Women press and instead hid copies of the novel in public spaces for strangers to take. She also shows how fashion isn’t just a tool for glamorous, but a tool or confidence and making difference, as she’s a huge promotor of sustainable fashion, even wearing a dress made out of recycled plastic bottles to the 2013 Met Gala. She expertly expanded her career beyond just acting in a way that’s creditable, authentic, genuine and admirable, which few celebrities accomplish. Hermione showed girls that it’s okay to be bossy and studious and nerdy and assertive and bold and badass. The bossiness and assertiveness is the part that I think is most important because girls are taught from a young age to be submissive and quiet, but Hermione showed girls’ that they can be leaders and ask for what you want, as well as be nurturing and kind, that the two ideas aren’t mutually exclusive. She was also probably the first little girl characters that I can think of to be that way as before Hermione they were always very stereotypically sweet and innocent. The character of Hermione spawned the idea the badass, intelligent little girl characters since (hello Rory from Gilmore Girls and Eleven from Stranger Things). Emma Watson is also just such an adorable kid. They all are but she is especially with her tenacity and strength, she is just such a refreshing presence on screen compared to other little girl characters I’ve seen. Watson is also just such a cute kid. She’s just so sweet, which makes her feistiness so much fun to watch. Emma is literally the most relaxed actor I have ever seen, even from a young age. She is literally so calm when the howl delivering Ron’s Howler almost bitch slaps her. Like, I would be flinching in terror. It doesn’t even look like she is trying (because you can tell it’s no CGI, which is wild!) to stay calm, it’s just natural and effortless. She is so in touch with her instincts as an actor, never doing too much or too little, always what feels right (and if it is awkward, it always seems more like a directorial issue than an acting issue TBH). In that scene, she is tense, but it doesn’t come off as fear towards the owl, after all, Hermione the character would be used to owls at this point, but it comes off as Hermione, the brightest witch in the series, knowing what’s coming because she can tell it’s a Howler and Ron is about to get screamed at. She doesn’t want to be the one to break the news to Ron (Neville and his humorously blunt terror is the bearer of the bad news, adorably, instead. He seems deeply traumatized by his Gran’s Howler, poor thing). Usually, anticipation isn’t good in scenes because it shows that the actor isn’t present, but in this case, it works for the character and the scene. It’s great! However, in the Deathly Hallows films, her performance was the most effortless and seamless, and honestly, she was the true lead of Part 1 (which is why it’s so sad for me to say it was my least favorite), giving one of her performances I have seen of her in that film. She was the scene stealer of the trio, in my personal opinion. My eye was always drawn to her in their scenes. Hermione clearly changed the game for young, empowered, multi-faceted female characters, as I can’t think of many as dynamic as her before Potter, but I can think of many after. A lot of that has to do with Watson and her performance, as much as it is JKR and the writing. Emma Watson’s quiet charisma and spunky subtlety as an actor are exactly what a savvy and bold yet polite and caring character like Hermione needs in the actor portraying them. Emma Watson is such an effortless actor. You can tell she is also committed and connected, and yet she makes it look so easy. Nothing is forced, also truthful. There’s a quietness to her spunkiness and subtlety to her assertiveness. One scene that thinks shows Watson’s effortless acting abilities is the ending scene in Chamber, which is the second film. Not only is her reunion with boys very well done and dynamic, but when the Great Hall is applauding Hagrid, Hermione has the biggest smile on her face and yet she sheds a tear, one of joy. Watson is naturally so committed that she’s crying to the visceral sentimentality of the scene that she cries. For such a young actress, that is so impressive. Another similar scene where this happens is during Dumbledore’s wand tribute. She’s straight-faced and saddened, and yet you can see all the overwhelming pain and sorrow she is feeling, and then she effortlessly sheds a tear. It’s incredibly powerful, especially because you can tell it wasn’t forced. It’s an excellent showcase of how subtle and impactful her acting abilities are. She was genuinely just working off the energy of that scene. Another shot is the tight close-up as Hermione stares at the shed of Bellatrix’s wild hair. She shows so many emotions through her eyes all at once. Anxiety. Determination. Sadness. Exhaustion. Pain. Resentment. It’s a quick shot, but because of how complex, effortless and subtle Watson’s stare is, it’s so powerful. Watson is also good at both hiding Hermione’s emotions and showing them very clearly, especially when it comes to Hermione’s feelings for Ron. She was so good at subtly hinting at Hermione’s underlying feelings, whether it was her romantic feelings for Ron or her anxiety about school or the trio’s adventures. She was also so good at showing Hermione’s empathy, brilliance, assertiveness and quiet enthusiasm. Also, there is a clear arc to Watson’s acting trhoughout the series, and luckily it matches Hermione’s too. In the first two films, she over-enunicates her lines and is very expressive, which matches Hermione’s overactive know-it-all tendencies at that point, but as the series goes on she becomes much more subtle and nuanced, mirroring Hermione’s maturity. The way she acted in the early films is perfect for her age and her character, but her acting matures, and she ends up delivering subtle, quiet, but powerful performances in the later films because of that improvement, confidence and maturity. This change also mirrors the tonal evolution of the films, which just proves how in Watson stayed the perfect Hermione for the entire series. Despite Snape thinking Hermione was an “insufferable know-it-all,” it was so sweet to hear Emma Watson talk about how much she appreciated the way Alan Rickman treated her and how he took her seriously even as a child. As, now, two of my favorite actors in the series, I really loved hearing bout their relationship off-screen. Also, Emma Watson just might have the prettiest crying face in cinematic history as seen in Chamber at the very end and Prince when she cries about Ron and Lavender. Like seriously, her crying during that last day on set footage and at the end of the Reunion, she still looks so pretty. Emma Watson is truly so gorgeous, on the inside and out. She has great style and such a kind, helpful heart. Also she can really pull off any haircut. Like even ugly hairstyles on their own, she still looks flawless in. Like how? Hermione was a hero, and honestly the true hero of the series. She may not have ever used Gryffindor’s Sword or fight off over 100 Dementors, but her ability to conjure spells on a moment’s notice, use her intelligence to save her friends in literally every movie (and also the greater Wizarding World) and stand up for justice makes her one of the most heroic character, right up there with Harry Potter himself. Overall, Hermione is definitely one of two of my favorite characters in the series. I really wish I had her when I was younger, but the fact that she inspires even as a twenty-something I think speaks volumes. I am very inspired by her unapologeticness, compassion and fierceness. I also relate to her so much. I too am a perfectionistic, completionist overachiever. I too find comfort in preparedness and planning and get anxious about spontaneous, although I do find myself capable of it sometimes. I love Hermione and I love Emma Waston. Just a great character and a great performance overall!
1. Severus Snape
Snape is the ultimate anti-hero. The ultimate morally gray character. He wasn’t a saint, but he wasn’t the devil either. He was a vindictive bully, but he was also a virtuous hero. His whole existence was a big contradiction, which made him all the more fascinating. Snape is by far one of the most complex, strong, resilient and brave characters in the entire series. His central contradiction had to do with two things: love and anger. While Alan Rickman did SO much with so little in the first four movies, it wasn’t until Order of the Phoenix that I really started to love this complicated character. I was always intrigued by him, but it wasn’t until that movie that I become hungry for more. I needed more. And I could tell there was more to the story. I knew he was one of the most notable characters from the series. He just seemed strict and creepy, but I felt that he was just that strict, scary teacher that’s very much needed in a story and a school like this, but you could definitely tell that there was plenty under the surface. Snape had you wondering if he was a friend or foe right until his very end, which ended up being bittersweet and tear-jerking, and that’s when he became my favorite character. I always tend to lean towards characters that are incredibly complex with a flair for the dramatic, and that’s exactly who Snape is. After Sorcerer’s Stone and Prisoner of Azkaban, I realized he wasn’t all that bad. He protected Harry during that Quidditch game and protected the trio from Lupin’s werewolf form, despite knowing how he and his appearance were perceived by them, he protected them, especially Harry, at all costs. Then in Half-Blood Prince, all our suspicions of Snape’s villainy are seemingly confirmed when he made the Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa, protected newly-minted (or forced) Death Eater Draco, and murders Dumbledore. But then saw his true depth, firstly (and smartly placed as we are now halfway through the series at this point) in the Order of The Phoenix, and then, especially, in Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Frankly, I was shocked. The reveal was phenomenally brilliant. It made me look at everything differently and absolutely love his character. I did NOT see that Lily-and-Snape twist coming at all. I was absolutely floored (I’ve heard many people say that the Azkaban twist is the best twist, but I saw that Sirius-Black-not-being-what-he-seems plot twist coming a mile away, but not because of Scabbers being Pettigrew. That shocked me, but not as much as the Prince’s Tale twist). Snape was such a bitter man for so much of the films, so I did not expect him to be capable of so much love and sentimentality. Like I said before, I knew there was more to the story, but I didn’t expect that. He was always an extremely complicated, complex and multifaceted character, which I thoroughly enjoyed and was intrigued by. He had very complicated feelings toward Harry because he looked just like his childhood bully, but he is also the son of the love of his life. He swore to protect Lily’s son, but not his nemesis James’ son. It was a brilliant dynamic and plot twist. And I seriously can’t say enough how phenomenally, breathtakingly well-acted every moment and every scene of the series was performed by Alan Rickman. Snape doesn’t become just a simple double agent. No, that’s far too simple for a complex, badass, brilliant anti-hero like Snape. No, he becomes a freaking TRIPLE agent. When he begs Dumbledore to protect Lily and her family, Snape says he will do “anything” in exchange for their protection. and Dumbledore (cruelly) takes that single word and runs with it, and makes him risk his life every day as a double agent, meaning that to the outside world, he is still his villainous, cold self as everyone is aware of how fascinated he is by the Dark Arts and how he once was a Death Eater before he betrayed Voldemort and became a spy for Dumbledore at the end of the first war, as we find out from Karkaroff’s trial in Goblet. So, this image or facade is not difficult to keep up, especially because it does come from a place of truth as he is only cold due to his trauma of being bullied as a kid. However, when Voldemort comes back in Goblet, which he knew he would eventually as predicted during the Prince’s Tale and only seemingly suspected when his and Karkaroff’s Dark Marks started to reappear, Snape is forced to level up to become a triple agent, meaning that he would do what he did before the end of the first war and be a spy for Dumbledore against the Death Eaters, however, to cover his tracks, he would also make Voldemort believe that he is a spy for him against Dumbledore and that the reason why he began working at Hogwarts was (I assume this is true) to spy on Dumbledore for when Voldemort would come back which he had faith he would. However, in reality, he took the job at Hogwarts to be close to Dumbledore, his master and he was close to Harry when he eventually got to school, making it easier to protect him. However, the entire time, he wasn’t just loyal to Dumbledore, after all, he was his slave, but he was loyal to Lily, and did so by protecting her son at any cost, even if that meant teaching him Occlumency during his free time, which we know he’d rather spend alone and killing Dumbledore and thereby destroying his reputation and (complicated) relationship with his allies. Snape is also an example of how powerful unrequited love can be. It’s an incredibly human thing. Lily was dead, and married to another man when she died. But he still risked his life every day for her son. It doesn’t come off as creepy to me, mostly because how it had nothing to do with her beauty or feminity, it had to do with her heart. You can see from the flashback, that she made him kinder and better. Snape was a courageous triple agent who honored Lily by being a triple agent with the Death Eaters for Dumbledore (the “good” guy, I guess, but he still sucks!) in order to protect Harry. He risked his life every day for the son of his childhood love and the boy of his school bully (also when you realize that when Snape first saw Harry, during that very significant exchange they had after he’s sorted into Gryffindor in Sorcerer’s Stone, it was the first time Snape looked into Lily’s eyes since her death, ughhhh! That is just so painful and beautiful! This realization made all those at first glance, melancholy and repetitive “you have your mother’s eyes” reminders 100% worth it). I mean, his Patronus was even the same as Lily’s, a Doe, because he cared about her so much. It was redeemable, admirable, and heroic (or anti-heroic, because he’s an anti-hero), and Alan Rickman played every moment beautifully. He was so stoic and stern in the first seven movies and then in the eighth movie he had all this emotion in the Prince’s Tale which made it even more impactful and poignant. He was terrified of possibly causing Lily’s death due to his mistrust to Voldemort, every cell of him was regretful and he was desperate to make it right, and in that scene, showed us our first glimmer of his vulnerability and sensitivity, then he failed to make it right, and when he saw with his own eyes what had happened to Lily, he was a crumbling mess and the tough as steel wall was suddenly shattered. It’s written all over his face. The pain and agony and misery and sadness and regret and heartbreak and guilt. It was beautiful, powerful and heartbreaking to watch. Snape is literally willing to do “anything” to protect Lily, even become Dumbledore’s slave, and it still wasn’t enough. He failed. Now he’s made this deal and has to pay his dues, and all he can do now is try to make it up to Lily by protecting her son. However, he was being used by Dumbledore the whole time, because taking down Voldemort was more important to Dumbledore than protecting Lily’s son (Grindelwald was put in jail, why couldn’t Voldemort, especially in his baby, broken soul form?), and Dumbledore held Snape on a leash of false hope only to screw him over in the worst way, making him a killer, making him despised and getting him killed. When you put it that way, who looks like a villain and who looks like a noble hero? Dumbledore is the villain, the traitor, and Snape is the hero, the betrayed. Although Rickman did do a great job at conveying so much emotion through Snape’s straight-faced, stoic, serious, and sometimes hilarious deadpan delivery, it made his facial expressions, emotions, desperation and distress in the final movie that much more impactful. The stoic charisma in his presence on-screen, controlled rage and edge-of-your-seat-inducing line delivery made his performance so unforgettable. He played Snape with such finesse, ease, delicacy and gentleness that it really showed how calculating Snape is, both in his villainy and in his heroism. That’s what made him such a hatable character, but also such an empathetic one at the same time, which is due to every element of his characterization, the writing, the source material and of course, the acting. His biggest regret was joining the Death Eaters because it caused Lily to hate him I assume as she married James and joined the Order. This decision backfired due to the prophecy, which pointed towards her son, and he hated himself for his choices and how he failed to make them right, which is even more of a reason why he lashes out continuously. Snape clutching Lily’s body after she dies as he cries hysterically and baby Harry cries from his crib watching is the saddest, most powerful and heartbreaking shot of the whole series. I will say, personally, I don’t view Snape’s hidden love for Lily as some kind of creepy and immature obsession like I am sure it can be perceived. I view it more as a reveal of showing how big his heart is underneath the cold disposition and nearly deadly sneer. Snape’s love for his childhood best friend saved him from completely succumbing to the dark side. In a way, due to his Slytherin roots and resentment for Lily’s other friends, she was pushed into the dark side, but her mortal peril and loss changed everything for him, and he spent the rest of his life trying to make that up to her. Honestly, the most tragic part of Snape’s death isn’t even how unnecessary and callous it is, it’s that Harry never found out about Snape’s true motivations and loyalties until after he died. He never got to thank him or forgive him or rebuild their relationship into something less contentious and complicated. At least he got to honor him in some way by naming his son after the Slytherin who is “the bravest man” he’s ever known. If only he could have told Snape that to his face (this is why I really hope Snape redeemed Snape’s reputation as an evil traitor in the Wizarding World and helped him go down in history as the complicated hero he is). Snape’s last words are even a testament to his love for Lily and dedication to Harry, by finally saying something he’s no doubt wanted to say for years, telling Harry how he sees his mother in him, just as much as his father. It’s even better when you realize how despite everything Snape has done to Harry, killing Dumbledore and bullying him, he is still compassionate enough to sit by him as he dies, which is something Lily would have done, cementing even further how Snape’s final moment was a testament to him recognizing the traits Harry and Lily share. Snape’s last words of the series, not just of his life, also represent his love and dedication. It took a single word to answer all the questions surrounding Snape’s character. If he’s good to bad. If he’s loyal or a traitor. If he’s a wounded hero or a petty villain. If he’s morally questionable or simply flawed. One word and six letters answered all of this, making it one of the most profound and powerful lines of the series (which is insane as it’s literally one word). The fact that Snape can do a Patronus in the first place reveals his capacity for love and the fact that it’s the same as Lily’s, also representing that the only reason he can do a Patronus is that Lily is his happiest memory, even over a decade after the death, just proves how much a devoted man he is. Also, Snape doesn’t seem like a romantic, but he does seem like someone who feels things really strongly (but he’s not an empath. He’s sensitive. Empaths are manipulative. Like Dumbledore, they use their sensitivity in selfish ways. He’s just petty and traumatized. There’s a difference) and this combined with his traumatic past has caused him a build up a cold demeanor as a defense mechanism, however, that ability to love is still there, and his undying love for Lily is what drove Snape and influenced every decision he made throughout the whole series. Not James’ bullying, but his affection for Lily. It gave him an abyss-deep, unexpected depth, which we knew he clearly had but we didn’t know in what way, and I was not expecting this, but it makes perfect sense, and that’s in large part due to the perfect casting and performance. The intimidating and icy reputation was all a facade for the bravest, most noble act of the entire series. Maybe it’s explored differently in the books, but that’s just my opinion. I, personally, don’t interpret Snape’s love for Lily as romantic. I just see it as pure and simple love. Not romantic, but also not platonic. Snape is such a complex person, I think his love for Lily is the most simple part of him. She was the only one who ever really cared about him. He clearly had a terrible home life, as seen during that blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of young Snape curled up on the floor, sadden, in a run-down white room when Harry invades his mind in Phoenix. The Marauders bullied him so badly that he created an extremely violent, dangerous spell to protect himself. Slytherins are the Hogwarts House who values true friendship the least, preferring independence and/or power, so that definitely doesn’t make them the friendliest or most welcoming. Lily was the only person he could ever truly count on. The only person to ever truly be his friend. So, he loved her genuinely, truly, madly, deeply (pun unintended). And they may have had a falling out, but those feelings, especially for someone as lonely, secluded and individualistic as Snape, don’t just go away, which reveals is sentimentality and capacity for kindness and thoughtfulness. It’s honestly so endearing and sweet when you realize that, but knowing how Snape and his life turned out, it’s also so sad and heartbreaking. Also just because Lily was the love of Snape’s life doesn’t mean he was Lily’s. Clearly, James was, which no doubt pissed Snape off and made him resent him even more. Rickman is a genius as Snape. There are very few actors where I am like “no one else could have played this role,” but with Rickman as Snape, I truly can not imagine anyone ever playing Snape. Honestly, Rickman’s casting might be some of the best, most profound and brilliant pieces of casting I have ever seen and his performance might be one of the most detailed, brilliant, impactful and nuanced I have ever seen. When I say I have had a single actor’s performance impact me as much as Rickman’s as Snape, I mean it. Truly, one of the main reasons I enjoyed is because of how powerful and effective his performance is. Snape was the most morally ambiguous character for much of the series, but by the end, he was by far the most complex character. From what I heard, Snape sucks in the books. He constantly bullies students by telling Hermione her teeth are big and name-calling students, but I’m a movie person and Snape was the most fascinating to watch (also, you can’t deny that Ron did deserve some of those slaps to the head). I mean his school trauma and stress definitely doesn’t justify this behavior towards his students (especially his bias towards the students of Gryffindor with his biggest school bullies, the Marauders, being Gryffindors, but you do have to remember that he was pretending not to be a hero, remember? So, what’s a better cover than being a villain? He already knew he had a gothic, menacing appearance, years of resentment and was a Slytherin, which made it that much easier to believe. Harry also made it easy by looking just like his school nemesis, and therefore Harry’s friends were also caught in his crossfire, with Ron and Neville being the easiest targets out of all of Harry’s closest friends due to their insecurity. It makes sense. Also, Snape continues to insult Harry’s father, calling him arrogant and a swine, and while its distasteful to insult the idea, I am sure it’s painful for your bully who tormented and humiliated you to go down as a kind, clever, heroic wizard. Now, I am not blind. Snape is not a saint, but he’s not the devil either. He’s flawed. I am aware that he is more of a sinner than a saint, however, most of his sins were because his enslavement to Dumbledore forced him to commit sins. He’s morally questionable and morally ambiguous. He does good things for bad reasons and bad things for good reasons. The thing is, this is all very human. That’s why he’s so fascinating. That’s why he’s so complex. That’s why he’s an anti-hero. And you know what, this all makes him the most human character in the series. There are many very well-written characters (Harry, Hermione, Sirius, Neville, Draco, Ron and Luna are in my opinion some of the most well-written), however, Snape is by far the best-written character in the whole series, only made better by how brilliantly he’s portrayed by Rickman. Bullying can leave you disillusioned, unpleasant, to push people away as no people, no risk of bullying, vengeful, deeply dissatisfied and lead you to become “a foul, evil, loathsome little cockroach.” Although Snape did taunt his students, he still cared about them. Seamus is a great example of how truly annoying children are. I can imagine there were many, many more. Snape was just blunt and honest. He had so much going between being a triple agent and his complicated feelings towards Harry due to him being both his love’s son and his bully’s son, and those difficulties were bound to boil over at some points. Was it immature? Yes. But was it hateful? No. Plus, it can also be linked to him lashing out from the pressure of his double life, even when Voldemort was gone (plus Harry didn’t exactly make it easy on Snape either). It’s an undeniably difficult and frustrating situation to be a good guy, but be perceived as a bad guy, and having no choice but to keep up that charade for the greater good. I mean, James did abuse Snape (the irony of his son ending up in an abusive household like the Dursleys too. Karma’s a bitch), verbally and physically, causing him to be humiliated. This could only lead to a breaking point at some point where all you see in the world is anger, especially after it snowballed over years. Harry, Neville, Hermione and Ron all had their breaking points eventually too. Of course, there are reasons why this torment rolled off Harry, Hermione, Neville and Ron’s back easier then Snape, as he clearly held a grudge for decades, but either way, it is understandable, especially as someone who has been bullied. Harry also had enough going on, which Snape mostly knew about, he didn’t need Snape’s spiteful bullying on top of it, especially because he was the adult in the scenario, but he just couldn’t help him. Sometimes traumatic childhood forces you to grow up fast like it did with Harry, but other times traumatic childhoods make you immature as an adult, and Snape is an example of that. Snape was spiteful. He hated that Neville wasn’t the Chosen One, which is an awful thought but understandable coming from him and how powerful his unrequited love was. He hated how much Harry resembled his father. None of this is okay, but it’s also incredibly human. Snape had to be a triple agent too, and no human being can have a thick skin about everything all the time. Lashing out and breaking down is inevitable, and that’s not a bad thing. While Harry does have to shoulder the burden of defeating one of the darkest wizards ever, Snape has to shoulder the more mentally draining task of manipulating said Dark wizard, which made him susceptible to lashing out at Harry for his complaining of his fate, when Snape was doing all he could to make Harry’s fate that much easier without him knowing. Examples of this are when he says things like “clearly fame isn’t everything, isn’t it, Potter? (when in reality, Snape should be able to empathize the most with Harry living a double-edged sword life)” and “you astonish me with your gifts, Potter. Gifts mere mortals could only dream of possessing. How grand it must be, to be the Chosen One.” Also, the delivery in which Snape says “how grand it must be to be the Chosen One,” piercing Harry with each word of this impeccably well-paced line. You can tell how much he resents this fact because if Harry wasn’t the Chosen One, Lily would still be alive. Also, just because Lily would be alive, doesn’t mean she and Snape would have found their way back to each other. This also proves how selfless Snape is. He doesn’t care if Lily hates him, as long as she was alive and happy, which is why he asks Dumbledore to protect James and Harry too, despite hating James himself. In the Prince’s Tale, Snape saying that “no one can know” basically meant that he (somewhat, because his enslavement to Dumbledore) voluntarily ruined his reputation for the greater good. Like only the Slytherins cheered for Snape when he was announced as the DADA teacher, not the other staff or the other Houses (also, the look on his face when it’s announced. He dreads it. After years of vying for the position because of his passion, knowledge and so he can be free from Dumbledore, and now the only reason he gets it is so he can become a murderer, it’s just tragic). He was always seen as a villain. Honestly, being willing to be seen as the exact opposite of what you really are might just be the bravest part of Snape’s character because I don’t know many people who would want to false narrative to surround them voluntarily. The thing is, everyone Snape focused his bullying, at least from what we saw, he find out eventually that he had a very understandable, complex reason why. Snape no doubt despised Lupin and pettily held his werewolf secret over his head because due to Lupin being best friends with James, he was in Lily’s close circle right before her death (Lupin did insinuate that Lily was one of the kindest people to him in spite of his condition), which he no doubt resents. Snape no doubt hated Hermione because she was Muggle-born, but not because he is still prejudiced but because Lily was an exceptionally brilliant Muggle-born too and he no doubt hated Ron too because of his red hair, much like Lily’s, and them being friends with Harry only made all that worse and more apparent. Now, is any of this okay? No. But is it understandable and something viewers can empathize with? Definitely! After all between Snape’s bullying trauma and self-loathing over what happened to Lily, he is a clear personification of how hurt people hurt people. The difficult relationship between Snape and Harry and their distaste for each other is even more interesting when you remember how just like Harry was always suspicious of Snape’s villainy, with not even Harry being proven wrong in Stone and in his involvement with the Order of the Phoenix changing his mind, and his hatred for Harry is proven right seemingly in Prince, however to Snape his cruelty and suspiciousness of Harry was more than just trying to out his scheming around school, every scheme Harry went through with was a reminder of James and the Marauders in Snape’s mind, especially with how much Harry looked like James. While Snape bullying literal children constantly isn’t okay, he was clearly stressed and traumatized, but he was also creating a facade to hide his status as a spy. The students Snape seemed to bully most were Harry and Neville, and bother for unfortunate but understandable reasons. Harry is the spitting image of the person he hates most with the eye of the person he loves most, that’s incredibly complicated. Since he clearly knew about the prophecy from Dumbledore, he must have also known that the Chosen One could have Neville, and if it was Lily would still be alive, so even despite Neville’s clumsiness, he still very much resents him. Snape does favor students from Slytherin, mainly Draco, who he goes above and beyond for, however, this could be interpreted as him punishing himself or trying to convince himself that the fact that he’s a Slytherin is a good thing, because since there is a capacity for love in his heart, unlike many Slytherin (only Draco, Narcissa, Slughorn, and Pansy, Draco’s supposed girlfriend, seem to be the other Slytherins capable of it), maybe if he wasn’t tempted by his Slytherin housemates (after all, McGonagall said “your House will be like your family”) into joining the dark side in the first place. Yes, Snape is biased against Gryffindors. He canceled their Quidditch practice without much notice in Chamber and physically harassed them (mainly Ron) in Goblet when they weren’t focusing on their studies in the Great Hall. However, while his methods are terrible and unethical as bullying innocent children is unacceptable, his reasoning is understandable. Gryffindors made his life a living hell when he was at Hogwarts, so it makes sense that he would still have resentment against the House filled with the people who made his life a living hell (you know, before Dumbledore and Voldemort cemented his life as hell on Earth). However, everything at Hogwarts reminds him of Lily, as that’s where he spent the most time with her, and he is trapped there due to his deal with Dumbledore. That much be so difficult. It’s no wonder he lashes out. And so, taking that frustration out of Gryffindor, her House, and therefore she no doubt shares traits make sense, especially if those people are close to Harry, her son as well as James, the main reason he hates Gryffindor. Hermione is caring and brilliant just like Lily. Ron has red hair, just like Lily. Neville could have been the Chosen One and Snape resents that he wasn’t. And most of all, Harry has Lily’s eyes with James’ face, the literal embodiment of his already complicated feelings for her son. Also, one of the things Draco and Snape have in common is that they both sure can hold a grudge. Draco holds one for Harry and Snape holds one against James, however since he’s dead, Harry gets that burden, which is even more complex as he is also Lily’s son. Also, Snape usually only harassed his students, like Harry and Ron, to get them to focus on their studies. While that’s kind of questionable and definitely snarky, it is good-intentioned (and TBH very funny especially with it being accompanied by his signature stoic face), he is a teacher who wants his students to succeed. He also compliments and sticks up for Harry sarcastically, wishing him luck on his first Quidditch match and complimenting his performance during the second task. At his core, he always had the best intentions, proven through all the times he saved, protected and cared for Harry and his students, knowing it was for the greater good, not his own personal agenda. Snape also saves Draco and Harry multiple times in Prince. He saves Harry by telling him to stay quiet. He saves him again when Bellatrix stuns him, covering it by telling her he’s for the Dark Lord. He saves Draco from becoming a murderer, by becoming one himself. Then he tells Draco to go on while Harry runs after them furiously. Snape also saves Harry from himself, by simply blocking his spells not fighting back, just like he does during his duel with McGonagall in Part 2. After all, he wasn’t ever truly a murderer until Dumbledore forced him to be one, much like Draco was never a murderer until Voldmoert forced him to become one, and Snape saved him then. Also saving his students, especially Harry, was no easy task, between all the forces trying to take him down and his knack for trouble. The DADA position seems to be common knowledge, and since Snape is Dumbledore’s slave, he no doubt knows it’s cursed either way because he’s perceptive and brilliant. We find out in the first film that “everyone knows it’s the Dark Arts [Snape] fancies, been after [the DADA] job for years,” hinting at how he has always applied for the job every year, which is reiterated to us in Phoenix when Umbridge condescendingly interrogates Snape. Because of Snape’s villainous, menacing disposition, we assume that’s because he just simply fascinated and passionate about the Dark Arts (and TBH he probably has a really unique perspective and a lot of knowledge about the subject as a former Death Eater, which makes me wish we saw him actually teach the subject even more), even when we do gain sympathy for him, we still think this because after all you need to know about the Dark Arts in order to defend against the Dark Arts. However, in reality, because of the curse on the position, this was actually Snape trying to get out of his deal with Dumbledore, as anyone who becomes the DADA teacher is either forced to leave the school like Lupin or killed like Quirrell. Because of the possibility of the latter, it tells you just how little Snape values his own life, how miserable he was due to his servitude to Dumbledore and being a triple agent and how desperate he was to get out of Dumbledore’s control. It’s so tragic. Especially because he eventually did get the position, but only because Dumbledore used it against him, used it to force Snape to kill him and therefore force him to leave the school and continue to do his bidding even in death, cementing his triple agent status, but worse now because at least Snape had Dumbledore then, who was a terrible comfort as his master but at least he was someone besides himself who knew the truth, now Snape truly has no one and is all alone. His life of solitude just got even more lonely and depressing now. Also, the fact that it was seeing Harry’s eyes, Lily’s eyes, that made him calm down from the pain and panic of dying before making sure Harry knew the truth, and then Harry walks in and goes to him, and he sees her eyes, realizing he is about to finally see her again, “after all this time,” and this causes him to shed a tear, the tear Harry needs to finally learn the truth, and then he communicates that he can trust him by saying “you have your mother’s eyes,” ugh! My god! It’s so freaking powerful. This moment and the Prince’s Tale are by far the two most beautiful scenes in the series (with a close third being that scene where Harry expels Voldmeort from his body after his friends give him strength in Phoenix). They are just heartwrenching and jaw-dropping. I wish we got to see Snape as a DADA teacher because honestly there is no one better than a reformed Death Eater teaching students growing up in the middle of a war how to defend themselves. She also doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He’s cryptic and cruel, due to his cover, but he gives his students the cold hard truth when they needed most, knowing that they deserve it and need it to succeed, showing how much he cares about them underneath all his spite and resentment. It would also be interesting to see his self-loathing, dread and anxiety. Snape was clearly passionate about potions too, as shown during that first potions scene in Stone when he calls potion making a subtle art form and a type of intricate science, but you could tell there was always some resentment there over not getting the DADA job, especially when it was given to Lupin, the best friend of his childhood bully, and Umbridge, the only teacher he and his students hated alike. Snape risks his life continuously to protect, try to help and save Lily’s son, and the son of the classmate who traumatized him. Now, I am not saying Snape was looking out for other students, as clearly Harry wasn’t a bully and Snape wasn’t that kind, plus Harry’s scheming also put him in danger, which Snape didn’t want as he was Lily’s son, but Snape would rather Harry get in trouble for something frivolous than lose his life to Voldemort or another Death Eater. Even from the first moment, he was on screen and he saw Harry, you could see his complex feeling for Harry with just his stare. It was so impressive. Hatred, protection, and a tempting responsibility to keep him safe. It was all said without saying one word. He instantly sees how much Harry resembles his father, his school bully, then he sees Lily’s eyes staring back at him, for the first time in 11 years. Then Harry’s scar coincidentally starts burning and Snape, with his background as a former Death Eater, he is suspicious of Quirrell as he has just taken over as the DADA teacher, a position Snape wants, but knows that his extensive knowledge is as useful as its dangerous, which is his cover as a triple agent. Quirrell wears a turban, which even for the Wizarding World, is a weird choice. And he begins to get suspicious and put the pieces together, due to his instincts, smarts and experience. And it’s all said in one glance. Incredible! He already despises Harry, but he is also Lily’s son, and he couldn’t save her from Voldemort, so he dedicates his life to making sure her son is safe, as he is the only thing that’s left of her. It doesn’t even require an after-thought, Harry is in danger from the moment he comes to Hogwarts (despite undeniably belonging there), and Snape must do everything he can, even be painted as a villain and die, to keep him safe. In his first potions scene too, you can sense his bias towards Harry, but it’s still pretty vague what exactly that bias is, although it’s obvious it exists. After all, he clearly needed to chill because Harry was taking notes like a good student when Snape decided to quiz him spontaneously in his first potions class ever. And with him using words like “celebrity” and “fame,” its clear that his bias may lean more towards negativity, but as we know by the end of the movie, that’s not the case in actuality. Although, we really don’t find out why Snape protected Harry until the very last movie when in between we are given so many examples of his cruelty and mysteriousness (especially in regard to Dumbledore’s odd trust in him). But this whole complicated dynamic, which is planted from the very first movie, is what makes his character so intriguing, what makes his whole arc that much more satisfying, brilliant and wonderful. Harry and his friends also believe that Snape, due to his villainous demeanor, cursed his broom at his first Quidditch match when really it was Quirrell, while Snape was trying to protect Harry from Quirrell’s jinx, and was very skilled at doing so as he wasn’t blinking as Hermione points out. It’s one of Snape’s smaller heroic moments, but not forgotten. Snape is one of the most complex characters in the whole series. So much so that we never learn his true loyalties until after his death. This paradoxical relationship between Harry and Snape is also so unique and original. I really can’t think of anything else similar in media, both before and after. Navigating love and hatred is complicated enough, but this situation Snape is in is uniquely complete, as most times he hated Harry, but he still couldn’t help himself from having him since he couldn’t save Lily. It’s a constant, endlessly intriguing and entertaining struggle. This paradox of tenderness versus disgust was just so impeccably done, I can’t say it enough. Harry’s attack on Draco also proves Snape right. In Phoenix, Snape calls him lazy and arrogant. His laziness is how he didn’t bother to research Sectumsempra (besides causally asking Hermione) which Snape knows based on it’s his spell, he seemingly told no one about it and how recklessly and callously Harry used it. It also shows Harry’s arrogance as Harry is so stunned he is paralyzed and doesn’t try and save Draco, both translating to Snape his guilt but also based on Snape’s bias and his selfishness. My friend, when I was reading my character ranking to them, told me that JKR actually planned Snape’s backstory and arc ever since she wrote the first book, and even revealed it to Rickman (him being the only cast member she spoiled the story apparently as said in the Reunion by Radcliffe) to convince him to take on the role, which is why they both brilliantly hinted at it throughout the series. In fact, the whole story is based on it, which just shows how important and crucial Snape’s character and his arc is. As an actor, Rickman knowing Snape’s full story makes perfect sense. He needed to know in order to play Snape in the most ambiguous way, for the viewer to interpret themselves. As perfectly cast and good of an actor he is, his knowing Snape’s truth and his backstory no doubt made his performance go from good to exceptional. My friends also informed me that this arc was coined “The Prince’s tale” (in reference to Snape’s alias as the Half-Blood Prince) in the books. I mean, the Advanced Potions Book was a good hint in Prince at Snape’s inner darkness, which is seemingly confirmed at the end of the film. It’s tangible evidence of Snape’s fascination with the Dark Arts in his youth and how it probably led to him becoming a Death Eater. I think that hint and connection was really smart and adds a whole new layer to the plot of the movie. He may have a tendency for cruelty (which can be perceived as a defense mechanism due to his childhood trauma and lashing out due to the stress of his double life), but he truly had his students’ best interests at heart, proven when he saved Draco from killing Dumbledore, defended Harry (and Ron and Hermione) when he was being blamed for petrifying the student body in Chamber, took the time and tried to teach Harry Occlumency to protect his mind from Voldemort’s influence, offers to get rid of the snake Draco shoots at Harry during their duel in Chamber, protected the Golden Trio from Lupin in his werewolf form (unlike Umbridge who backed up behind Harry and Hermione when the centaurs confronted them like a giant-sized coward), alerted the Order when Harry and Co. got in trouble with Umbridge, told the Order that they were heading to the Department of Mysteries, told Bellatrix to stop cursing Harry and smartly disguising it by saying “he belongs to the Dark Lord” in order to keep his cover when the Death Eaters are escaping the Hogwarts grounds (because they can’t Apparate on the Hogwarts grounds, right? Only Dumbledore can because he’s headmaster. Does that mean once Snape is headmaster, he can too? Is that how he goes to the Forest of Dean to send his Patronus to watch Harry and give Harry the Sword of Gryffindor?), he doesn’t fight back when Harry fires curses at him after he kills Dumbledore, just simply blocks them, obviously everything he did for Harry from the first film with Quirrell like protecting Harry from Quirrell’s jinx on his broom during Harry’s Quidditch match (I mean, he made his own House of Slytherin lose in order protect Lily’s son), and of course, when his last act on this Earth was to give Harry his DNA and therefore his memories so he FINALLY could have the full story and ensure his victory, through the Prince’s Tale. In these scenes, of course, he protected Lily’s son, but he also protected Harry’s friends and the Hogwarts student body, proving that underneath all the snark and resentment, he did genuinely care for the children’s safety. A clear example of his is how he stood in front of the trio, all of whom infuriated him, to protect them from Lupin in his ferocious werewolf form. In stark comparison, when Umbridge came face-to-face with the centaurs while in the Forbidden Forest with Harry and Hermione, she stepped back behind them, using her students as a shield to protect herself. That’s the difference. And keep in mind, Harry despised both Snape and Umbridge at this point, but only changed his view of one of them by the end of the series, Snape. Yes, Snape mostly did that to protect Harry, but when Lupin’s werewolf form tried to attack him, he got out of the way, and pulled Hermione down with him, while she was also trying to catch him. In the next shot, we see that Snape practically fell on top of her, shielding her. So, clearly, he didn’t just shield the trio to protect Lily’s son, but also all of his students in danger at that moment. Also, when Snape holds Hermione as she tries to run after Harry who is running after Sirius in his Padfoot form, and he yells for Harry as he does this. Snape wouldn’t have done this if he truly didn’t care about his students. He would have run away and let them fend for themselves, like Lockhart or Umbridge. But no, his first instinct is to protect them. Yes, there are million times he saved Harry. The Quidditch Match in Stone. In the Shrieking Shack in Azkaban. By teaching him Occlumency in Phoenix. By telling him to stay hidden in Prince. But he also saved other students too, mainly Draco. Snape clearly values his own life so little, which is so sad and heartbreaking, however he knows that he has to live to keep Harry safe. And part of doing that is keeping Draco safe too, which is why he makes the Unbreakable Vow. He dreads it. He’s terrified. But not for himself, for the fact that if he screws up he might fail Lily again. Saving Draco from becoming a murderer and becoming one himself by proxy also saves Harry (which is ironic as Draco is one of his favorite students and in his House and Harry is one of his least favorite and in his least favorite House), because his surviving the Unbreakable Vow means that he’s the only one left who knows the truth of how to help Harry, because their way, Dumbledore is as good as dead between the mission and his rotten hand. Even during his death scene, it’s not that he doesn’t want to die, it’s that he panics that he failed Lily once again, because once he sees Harry’s eyes, her eyes, he instantly calms down and basically welcomes death because now he is finally free, and he can die knowing that Harry will be okay. Snape may have known how to hold a grudge better then anyone, but he still knew that the safety of the students was a professors’ top priority. Snape’s care for Harry was meticulously and sneakily hinted at throughout the series. Also, of course, he favored Slytherins, the whole House system was basically asking for favoritism. This is best realized in the classroom scenes and in the dueling scene in Chamber, where even though Malfoy fails miserably, Snape is still on his side, whether the Gryffindor chosen was Harry or not (but the fact that it was Harry just added an extra layer to the situation). And if you need any proof that Snape really is “the bravest man” Harry’s ever known, so basically one of, if not the bravest person in the series, then the fact that he was brave enough to literally make an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa should simply prove it, which he didn’t even do when he pledged his life to Dumbledore. That just shows how brave and loyal he is, even reluctantly, but also how little he values his own life, making him even more like the middle Peverall brother who simply killed himself to be with the girl he loved. Also, Snape spent too long of a beat having a staredown with Harry while Draco was bleeding out from the Sectumsempra spell, rather the saving Draco, who he magically vowed to protect without failure otherwise he’d die, also showing how little he values his own life. Also, Snape was pissed when Harry and Ron almost got expelled in Chamber for flying the Ford Anglia from King’s Cross to Hogwarts, yes because of their idiocy, but because it meant Harry wouldn’t be around which means it would be twice as hard to protect him, not to mention it would make being Dumbledore’s slave twice as stressful as now it would be harder to keep his eye on Harry, but also a part of Snape wanted him expelled so he didn’t have to see his face, James’ face, every day. However, conveniently, Dumbledore walks in with McGonagall, no doubt telling her not to expel Harry and Ron, Snape uses that anger to hide his relief. Also, reason number 2839 why Snape is better than Dumbledore is that he was the one to FINALLY tell Harry the truth about his own fate. It was his final act before he died. He knew that Harry had the right to know, while all Dumbledore did was manipulate the system to sign Snape’s death sentence, as killing Dumbledore meant the Elder Wand would belong to him and Voldemort would have to kill him to get and Harry’s as this whole plan ended with Harry’s enviable temporary death. I also thought all of these moments were clever Easter Eggs at Snape’s true motives and loyalties, but this is especially apparent in the Goblet Barty Crouch/Karkaroff Pensieve sequence when Karkaroff tried to out Snape as a Death Eater during his trial, but Dumbledore defended him saying that Snape was essential in bringing down Voldemort and “turned spy for us,” essentially spoiling the Hallows twist five movies earlier, although due the circumstances of the scene, it went right over all our heads. It was brilliant! Snape is the definition of not judging a book by its cover. In the Prince’s Tale when Dumbledore tells him that eventually, the Dark Lord will come back and that Snape needs to protect Harry with him and Snape says “no one can know (the way he said this line gave me chills. How absolute and certain he was in his delivery. my gosh),” showing how seriously he took his triple agent role. This proves how he was also the definition of how actions speak louder than words. This reveal of Snape’s true motives also makes the scene of him killing Dumbledore and the fact that he knew Harry watched him kill Dumbledore that much more heartwrenching (for Snape and Harry, not Dumbledore). He was doing what he needed to do to protect Harry, and with Harry not having the full story and watching, and Snape knowing that he’s watching, it just adds an even more tragic, heartbreaking, devastating layer to this whole situation. Also, not only he protecting Harry, but also Hogwarts, showing how behind his cruel exterior, he really did care about his students. Like THANK GOD he took over as headmaster during Voldemort’s reign of terror. He was able to keep his Death Eater persona believable while still keeping his students as safe as possible from any true, deadly harm (although the casual practicing of Unforgivable Curses is pretty alarming). When Hermione asks Neville how’s Snape as headmaster and Neville says that he hardly ever sees him, it’s because Snape is so ashamed and is quietly protecting students. He’s ashamed because he was forced to kill someone he didn’t want to kill, even if he was literally keeping him enslaved. He is ashamed that he ruined his reputation nd everyone thinks he’s a villain. In this case, it’s easier to isolate himself, keep his cover and quietly protect the students by not risking his cover, knowing that whatever they are going through is not nearly as bad as what Voldemort would do if Harry doesn’t beat him. It’s selfish, but it’s also looking at the bigger picture. He can’t show his face both because the students are in danger, and as annoying s some of them are, they don’t deserve this, but if tried to stop the Carrows, then his cover would be blown. At that point, it’s easier to stay in the headmaster’s office and plan and plan and plan to make sure every circumstance possible, even his own possible death, is squared away. It’s incredibly noble, but in typical Snape fashion, in the gray-est, most ambiguous, complex way possible. His willingness to be the villain, to never let Harry or the world know the best and caring and bravest parts of himself, only Dumbledore (ew), for the greater good, to make up for his mistake of trusting Voldemort (really how did he get mixed up with the Death Eaters. Was it the bullying that sent him down that dark path?) and in honor of his childhood friend. That is so incredibly admirable, and as you can probably tell from what I have said repeatedly, Rickman played all these complexities beautifully. Honestly, I dare you to find a character in cinema that’s more complex then Severus Snape. Snape is an equally reactionary person, as seen so many times during his interactions with Harry, just as much as he is strategic, and collected person, as seen since the beginning of the series as he has kept up this villain facade the whole time, but especially during his final conversation with Voldemort. And even when he is reactionary, he’s still poised and collected, revealing how that’s his default state. He’s only reactionary when the situation allows it, like when he needs to defend himself or when Harry or another student is being a smart ass with him. This dynamic also reveals how he is constantly in fight or flight mode and how emotionally strong and resilient he is because as he navigates his trauma, he still has to think about protecting his tripel agent status, his top priority, at any cost. Also, the look on Snape’s face as Harry yells at him about Dumbledore’s death in the Great Hall in Part 2, he clearly feels terrible and trapped. He’s enslaved, even if Dumbledore is dead. TBH, Snape wasn’t just a triple agent, but a triple agent. He spied on the Death Eaters for Dumbledore and convinced Voldemort that he was spying on Dumbledore for him, when really he was just protecting Harry and the Order the whole time. That is incredibly stressful, so it is no wonder he lashed out, especially with kids being as immature and annoying as they can be. Snape also has an insane amount of willpower, between his triple agent status and controlled rage towards Harry and Dumbledore. Snape is incredibly strong. He has been through so much trauma and agony, and yet he still finds the strength to protect Harry. He is so resilient. This strength and resilience also shows just how much he and Harry have in common. Also, Snape’s sharp, specific mannerisms when he does magic and uses his wand are also so good and a GREAT acting choice because it tells us how skilled and determined he is without uttering a single word. The dramatic flair also shows how much of a Slytherin he is. Also, the fact that Snape can even do a Patronus, which is a shield that only manifests itself through happiness, joy and love, proves how he is not evil at his core. Yes, he’s flawed, but nobody is perfect. This reveals how sensitive, sentimental and big-hearted he is deep down. The fact that he is capable of love is what protected him and motivated him to get through this, as love was his ultimate protection against Voldemort who knows how to invade people’s minds as we see with Gregorovitch and Harry and love is something Voldemort can’t comprehend and Harry’s eyes motivate him as every time he sees them, he’s reminded of Lily, the reason why he is doing all of this. Also, the fact that his Patronus manifests itself as the same one Lily has is also so meaningful, as Lily was the only light in his life, the happiness, joy and love of his life, even when they were estranged. Now, that she’s gone, there’s only darkness, with Harry and her Patronus being all that’s left. It’s cements how much Snape truly loves her, as I assume your Patronus taking the shape of someone else’s and Patronuses only manifesting through love, must mean that you love that person wholeheartedly. Also, it’s clear just how deep Snape is into his self-loathing when Neville, who once said that his biggest fear in the world was Snape, says that he hardly sees him around the castle while telling the trio how Hogwarts has changed in Part 2. Not only did this certainly help with Neville’s bravery and leadership as he didn’t have to face what was once his timid past self’s greatest fear AKA his freaking Boggart, but the fact that he doesn’t even show his face proves how ashamed he is of what he is doing proving how much he cares about his students, that he can’t even witness their pain but still has to do his job to protect Lily’s son, although it probably comes off as him turning a blind eye to his students’ suffering at the hands of the Carrow, but as we see with him rebounding McGonagall’s curse to knock out the Carrows, it’s really his shame and guilt. Also, Snape created the Sectumsempra spell, a very messy, violent spell, obviously while he was still in school as it’s in his old textbook, which is very impressive, and reveals just how much pain he was in. With the words “for enemies” being written next to the spell, and knowing how the Marauders bullied him, the spell was no doubt created and meant to be used against Harry’s father, which is ironic on so many levels. Also, the fact that Snape created such a violent spell just shows, not only how wickedly brilliant he is, but also truly how much being bullied affected him and how fiercely determined he was to stand up for himself and if he can get retribution or get even. Unfortunately, this kind of thinking is very realistic, and in some ways relatable. But that’s is a very dark conversation. Overall though, this kind of thinking is so sad and tragic. No one deserves to get to that place. Snape’s death scene is so powerful. the way Snape is freaking out when Harry walks up to him as he’s dying and the second he looks into Harry’s eyes, Lily’s eyes, he instantly calms down, comforting him as he dies, not just because they are Lily’s eyes, but for the first time he sees Lily in Harry beyond just their eyes, as comforting him as he’s dying despite everything he’s done is exactly the compassionate act Lily would have done. Then, he sheds a tear when his eyes matched Harry’s, when they match Lily’s and begs Harry to take them to the Pensieve. And the way he gasps after saying “you have your mother’s eyes” like he can’t believe he’s finally uttered the words to Harry, and Harry’s face, it’s like all his questions have been answered even before he gets to the Pensieve. And the way Snape closes his eyes as he takes his final breath then turns his head as he dies, as if not watching it have Lily watch him die, then he turns to meet her in the afterlife. Man, if they do ever make a series or a prequel about Marauders, the actor who plays Snape has HUGE shoes to fill. There will never be another Snape as good as Alan Rickman. Snape also believes in justice, to a point. While he never forgives the Marauders, he does tell Quirrell “we’ll have another little chat soon, when you’ve had time to think things over and decide where your loyalties lie.” This is probably because of how the Marauders were the ‘good guys’ but behaved like bullies toward Snape, while Quirrell, like him, just put his loyalty to the wrong person and wants to give Quirrell the same chance, which ultimately fails. He also does it in a very threatening way, which is what it is, learning from Dumbledore to not disguise ultimatums with fake nobility. Snape was literally Dumbledore’s slave. Also, as much as Snape ‘pulled the trigger’ so to speak with Dumbledore, he doesn’t get enough credit for saving Draco by doing so. When Bellatrix showed up, it was clear she was trying manipulate him into doing the deed, until Snape killed Dumbledore, following orders, saving Draco, impressing Bellatrix and proving his ‘loyalty’ to Voldemort. Snape saved Draco from the lifetime of self-loathing and guilt that Snape understands all too well, as well as Draco’s future, soul and humanity. He was also very caring, just the stress of his life and his childhood trauma made him show it in a funny way that causes misunderstanding and intimidation. The hidden terror on his face as Harry walked past him as he walked up to Dumbledore after his name comes out of the Goblet of Fire (although he did suggest to “let them unfold” in regards to Harry’s participation in the Triwizard Tournament). He saved his favorite student Draco’s fate when every one of the Death Eaters, but Narcissa, viewed it as an honor (even Draco’s aunt Bellatrix) and he helped Harry save Sirius (or so he thought) by covering in front of Umbridge in the fifth film. He agrees to protect Harry as long as no one will know so “no one will know the best part of him” and so his triple agent status would be protected, and therefore Harry would be protected. This came to a climax when he took Dumbledore’s status as Hogwarts headmaster after killing him (I do wish we got to see more of him as headmaster from Neville, Ginny and Luna’s perspective). While he held the position, he used his Patronus, which was, again, the same as Lily’s, to check on Harry while Harry was on his quest for Horcruxes and on the run, showing how caring he really is underneath the intimidating disposition and defensive cruelty, all while he was supposed to be Voldemort’s eyes at Hogwarts. And I can’t say enough how impeccably every moment was performed by Rickman. Also, did you see how fast Snape moved when Filch told him in the first film that a student is out of bed, after finding the lamp in the restricted section? At first, he is cold and confused, but then he runs fast to catch them. While some way perceives this as Snape thrilled by the opportunity to punish, obviously that lights out rule is there for the children’s safety which Snape values. Also, when Snape is yelling at Ron and Harry about the Ford Anglia ordeal and Dumbledore walks in and Snape tells Dumbledore what rules the boys had broken and Dumbledore says that he wrote the bylaws himself and Snape gives him a withering, snarky, childish glare, especially now knowing the full story and how forceful Dumbledore was towards Snape, it was a great moment. Snape, and Rickman, have very underrated comedic timing. The best example of this sardonic humor isn’t even a spoken line because it’s at Slughorn’s Christmas Party when he just stares at him for a beat then walks away. Snape had done exactly what Dumbledore asked him to do, relay a message to Harry. Since his job was done, he left, but in the most tactless, hilarious way possible and it was played by Rickman so well. Also, Snape’s sass towards Umbridge in Phoenix proves that he is on his student’s side. Also, I like Snape’s smart-ass humor, like when Lupin runs into him in the dark corridor at night as he interrogates Harry and he says to him “out for a little walk in the moonlight?” hinting at his knowledge of his werewolf condition. Snape could also be in such a mood in the most hilarious way. An example is when he relays a message to Harry at Slughorn’s Christmas Party (because Slughorn, of course, invented the Head of Slytherin house, right?) from Dumbledore that he is traveling and Harry asks where he is traveling to and Snape merely stares at Harry for a beat then walks away and when he claps for Lupin three times exactly then stops when he is announced as the new DADA teacher in Azkaban. I loved all of that. It also shows Snape’s confidence so well. I also love in Phoenix the wide-eyed way Snape says “no idea,” playing dumb after she questions him about what Padfoot means in the coded message Harry gives him. When he hears it, he turns around, looks at Harry, at Lily’s eyes, and decides to help him, because it’s what Lily would have wanted, even if it also means helping Sirius, his childhood bully. And then he looks at Harry and Harry, for the first time, gives a satisfied smile. This moment confirms to use once again that Snape is on the good side, only or him to seemingly chose darkness in the following film. Snape is also such a skilled and gifted wizard. He was a master at potions, DADA and Occlumency. He had to be, especially Occlumency. He was a triple agent. He needed to hide that from Voldemort, who as we saw during that scene with Gregovitch (I assume, as otherwise I don’t know how we, and Harry, could have seen young Grindelwald steal the Elder Wand) that he is skilled at doing the Legilimens spell. Seeing how painful learning Occlumency is during his lessons with Harry, Snape becoming a master at that skill just shows how dedicated he was to protecting Harry and his triple agent status, it also makes his desperation during those scenes where he is teaching Harry Occlumency so much more clear. Of course, Snape made himself vulnerable during his argument with Harry during that one Occlumency, so when Harry recklessly invaded his mind by accident (Harry didn’t know that was going to happen. How could he?), not only was he understandably violated and angry, but all the trauma came flooding back, just look at the sadness and despair on his face as Harry leaves. However, what’s no doubt more concerning to him is that, unlike Voldemort, Harry understands love. So, if he looked into his mind and saw another memory, it could have jeopardized his triple agent status and his protecting Harry behind-the-scenes, which scares him as the success of his and Dumbledore’s plan is based on the fact that “no one can know.” So much of Snape’s dialogue has a double meaning, especially his dialogue in Prince, which makes sense as that is the film where his loyalties and motivations are more mysterious than ever. For example, lines like “Over the years I have played my part well. So well I’ve deceived one of the greatest wizards of all time” and “no! he belongs to the Dark Lord” to stop Bellatrix from firing spells at Harry. However, I think one of his best and most layered lines is to Dumbledore on the Astronomy Tower when he says “have you ever considered that you ask too much, that you take too much for granted? Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don’t want to do this anymore?” This is their last conversation before Snape kills Dumbledore, and we only hear part of it because Harry, the audience’s main perspective (which makes the wide angle make even less sense cinematically), only walks in on it at the end. At first, we have no idea what they are talking about, but knowing how much Snape hates Harry, we can assume that he wants to be mean to Harry and since at this point Dumbledore is a heroic character, we assume Dumbledore is taming him. This is seemingly confirmed when Snape and his billowing cloak leave and he runs into Harry on the stairwell. They have a staredown and then Snape continues on. However, in Part 2, we find out that this conversation was really Snape begging Dumbledore to not force him to go through with killing him. Snape is calling Dumbledore out on his selfishness, entitlement and, reluctantly, his brilliance. However, Dumbledore rudely dismisses Snape’s desperate pleas and says “Whether it has or hasn’t is irrelevant. I will not negotiate with you, Severus.” It’s clear, after we know the truth, that Snape desperately does not want to become a murderer. He does not want to ruin his reputation more than it already has been ruined. He is exhausted and burnt out from being a triple agent and Dumbledore’s slave. It also reveals that despite his stoic disposition, snape is incredibly sensitive on the inside, and due to his trauma and stressful and unfair life, that often manifests in petty antics, like leaving the Sword of Gryffindor at the bottom of a frozen pond (LOL). It also shows us again how little he values his own life, as he knows, due to the Unbreakable Vow, what will happen to him if he doesn’t go through with it. Then when he stomps off like an angsty teenager, he runs into Harry, paralleling how they will run into each other again before Snape kills Dumbledore, and Snape stares at him, and now we can conclude that he is looking into Harry’s eyes, Lily’s eyes, reminding himself of why he’s doing all of this in the first place. And it gives him the strength and bravery to actually go through with it. I love how during Snape’s tragic death scene, there is a Gryffindor scarf behind him in one of the shots. It foreshadows how he soon becomes the bravest man Harry has ever known (and it was after Snape died, so technically he only knew him as the villain and a hatable man, not the brave noble hero. It’s just so tragic). It also kind of gives me the idea that maybe he was sorted into the wrong House, that maybe he is actually a true Gryffindor after all, which means everything between him and Lily could have been different. Also, he did have the real sword of Gryffindor at one point, and as we know from Chamber, that only shows itself to a true Gryffindor, like it did for Neville in Part 2. One moment during this time in the series that is so chilling, especially after finding out the truth is in the very beginning of the final film when Snape is watching the Hogwarts students march into the school from the window combined with the chilling score music, even though his face is his signature stoicism, you can still see how much pain he is in, because while it is a be very brave and noble act to be willing to destroy your own reputation, for a better world, and it’s completely eating him up inside. Snape literally died thinking everybody hated him, when he was the bravest and most tragic person of them all. Snape was also so lonely. He lived his life in solitude. Almost in solitary confinement as self-punishment for his life-altering choice to become a Death Eater and his part in Lily’s death, as well as his depression over his servitude to Dumbledore. It’s so tragic. Snape’s scenes, especially the Prince’s Tale in the finale, are the only scenes that brought me even close to shedding a tear. I was so incredibly satisfied at the end when Harry named his son after him, showing how much his view of Snape has changed after discovering the truth (which I wish we saw more of on a more deep, profound level), how he grew to admire him after all their turbulent history and how grateful he was for his sacrifice and bravery, after all, Harry does say that Snape was “the bravest man I ever knew.” Although, like James Sirus Potter, I think it should have been Severus Albus (if we must pay tribute to that manipulator) Potter. Also, the irony of Harry calling Snape a coward after Dumbledore’s death, then calling him the bravest man he had ever known in the final scene. Ugh! That just makes me emotional. Snape is the definition of don’t judge a book by its cover. This is mostly because our view of him is constantly changing throughout the series, the definitive times to be specific. In Stone, he comes off as a scheming villain, when in reality, he is working fearlessly hard to protect Harry. We begin to realize that while he may be snarky and cold, he does have the capacity for kindness. This moral ambiguity continues throughout the rest of the films, coming to a peak in Phoenix, when he gets a glimpse of why he is that way, that hurt people hurt people, but that still doesn’t answer why he has protected Harry multiple times, in Stone‘s Quidditch match and form Lupin in his werewolf form, for example. We also are reminded of Snape’s goodness as he plays dumb on Harry’s behalf when he gives him a coded message in front of Umbridge about Sirius, his childhood enemy and fellow Order member. Then comes Prince, where by the end of the film, he fulfills his Unbreakable Vow and kills Dumbledore, which we see as criminal and heinous. Then when we get to the finale, and finally learn the truth, we learn how much of a brave hero he really is. All he has done. That besides his deep pain, trauma and bitterness, he has really been good all along. I always wondered why Snape protected Harry in Stone. But in reality, it was great foreshadowing. All these moments were so meticulously placed and balanced out by showing his cruelty and bitterness, to our view of him even more complicated. However, with the ending showing how, like in Stone, he was really the hero all along, it’s so full circle, very satisfying and well deserved. Snape was also so underestimating smart. He was skilled at not just Dark Arts, but also a defense against the Dark Arts, as well as potions and spells. I mean, he invented a spell in school (Sectumsempra). That’s really impressive, I imagine. I mean, Harry, nor Hermione, nor the Weasley twins, ever did anything like that. His deceitfulness against the Dark Lord and his strategicness also shows how smart he is. His intelligence was above-average and he is definitely one of the greatest and most skilled wizards of the whole series. He also had confidence in his wizarding abilities, whether he was dueling or teaching. Rickman portrayed Snape’s smarts as sharp as his movements. He was also the school’s ultimate problem solver from the mystery of the cursed necklace in Prince to how Harry’s name got into the Goblet of Fire to who was petrifying the students in Chamber. He was also great at decoding things, as seen when he understands Harry’s clue right in front of Umbridge in Phoenix, a clue that’s about his nemesis Sirius, and it also shows his dedication to the good side and the Order that he sent a message to the other order member to go to “the place where it’s hidden (how did Harry come up with that code? How did Snpe immediately get it? If they got along, they would be one smart dynamic duo)” despite his hatred for Sirius, he knew the fight against Voldemort was more important. While Snape at a villainous aura, he never used his magic for evil, he just liked to know he could. After all, we have no evidence that he actually used Sectumsempra against the Marauders). When he wanted to hurt someone, he used his words and insulted them or used his intelligence to punish them or outsmart them. Yes, Snape was a very powerful wizard, but honestly, his words were his biggest weapon. This is because of how so many of his lines have such complex deeper meanings and how precise Rickman is with his expert line delivery (seriously every scene he has dialogue is like a master class in line delivery for an actor). He did that to Harry and Voldemort multiple times, even if they didn’t know it. He was also more socially intelligent then he gets credit for, knowing when to be rude and when to be protective. His villainous, childlike temper due to his divided loyalties and biases is part of what made him have the best arc and plot twist of the whole series. This villainous cover for his deal with Dumbledore was brilliantly portrayed by Rickman. The precise and meticulous delivery and specific glances, a moment that shows this best is when he is suspicious of the trio in the first film and says “you ought to be careful, people will think you’re…up to something.” The tonal shifts and the shift where he directs his eye contact from the other two straight to Harry as he says “up to something” is so effective and well done, especially in translating the back-and-forth suspicions between him and the trio, which remains throughout much of series (however unknown to them, Snape is suspicious because he wants to protect them, while they are suspicious of his villainy). His disdain for his students was clearly out of jealousy for how simple their lives are, and how complicated he is. The writing for Snape is also so good because so many of his lines have so many layers and double meanings. It really hones in on how morally gray he is and how for the majority of the story, he has no idea where his true loyalties lie. The dialogue is cryptic and mutually specific and broad. When you think about some of his most iconic lines, at first, they seem snarky, but in reality, they’re just cryptic, coded ways of Snape showing his dedication, protectiveness and care. It’s so brilliant and shows how clever Snape is, and how good the writing is because, from the Reunion, only Rickman knew Snape’s whole arc and backstory, not the screenwriters or directors. It’s so amazing and impressive. Also, the fact Snape knew that Harry (therefore Lily’s eyes) watched him kill Dumbledore, ugh! You can also see how passionate he was about what he was teaching. It may have been hard to see, but it’s there. He admired “the subtle and science and exact art that is potion-making” and while he may have been fascinated by the Dark Arts, he eventually found a passion for defending against them, which was made completely clear by not just his expertise and skill-level but also his willingness to be a triple agent, the ultimate and most dangerous way to defend against the Dark Arts. His affinity for the two subjects did not go noticed and also showed how committed he was to his job, even though in hindsight it was far less stressful than his real job (and who wouldn’t get annoyed with lazy, immature students, right?). He was a very dedicated professor, very devoted to Hogwarts because like Harry, it is his home. The editing in the Prince’s Tale is just brilliant. After Snape agrees to protect Harry only if no one finds out, there is a shot of him outside what we know to be the destroyed Potter House, clearly freshly destroyed as Dumbledore literally says his best and most honest line of the series “I should never reveal the best of you, Severus.” We know whatever is going to happen next isn’t good, and it’s not because this is when Snape, and us, find out that Dumbledore has been raising Harry like a pig for slaughter. When we overhear Harry and Snape’s argument from Phoenix when Snape calls James “Lazy. Arrogant” and Harry naively proclaims “my father was a great man” and Snape says “your father was swine” we see Snape pass over James’ dead body on the ground. This part is also intercut with the ring, the ring that made Dumbledore’s hand rot. Then a few moments later Dumbledore begins to talk about something Harry will need to know later, but at the last possible second (*eye roll*). And we flashback to Snape in the Potter house, having just past James’ body, there’s desperation and curiosity in his eyes with his face in the light and in an instant, his face is flooded with darkness, foreshadowing his tragic discovery. Then Dumbledore says that the curse rebounded and latched itself onto the only thing that was alive, Harry himself, we see Harry, with his fresh scar, in his crib (with a snow owl mobile foreshadowing and symbolizing Hedwig always looking over him). And then when Dumbledore confirms that “the boy must die” we see Snape finally walking into the destroyed room and he sees Lily’s dead body. Overwhelmed with pain, agony and heartache, he crumbles to the ground, and although we can’t hear it, like Harry’s scream for Sirius in Phoenix, we know he’s wailing in pain, with visible and utter misery and despair written all over his face. A few seconds later, we cut to Snape as he says “you’ve kept him alive so he can die at the proper moment” with a look of utter disgust on his face, then calls Dumbledore out on his crap and says “you’ve been raising him like a pig for slaughter” with calm rage, then when Dumbledore has the audacity to ask “don’t tell me to know you’ve grown to care for the boy?” and Snape looks profoundly offended by the accusation and projects his Patronus, and as the doe runs around the office he looks at with such wistfulness and longing. And as Dumbledore says “Lily? After all this time” we have the most powerful shot of the series, baby Harry in his crib crying as he watches Snape hold Lily’s dead body in his arms absolutely wailing beyond belief and then it cuts to Snape with so much pain and dread in his eyes as he says “always.” It’s just brilliant. So powerful. So heartwrenching. The Prince’s Tale is truly the best scene of the series, and this is the best part of it. The Prince’s Tale scene is so brilliant because it takes two characters we have known from the very beginning and completely twists the way we few both of them forever, making us view their past scenes and the actors’ past performances in an entirely new light. It’s brilliant. We have thought since the beginning that Snape was the villain and Dumbledore is the noble hero, when in reality, it’s the opposite, Snape is the noble one and Dumbledore is the manipulative villain although both are still very morally ambiguous it’s undeniable that Snape is a far more heroic and honorable person then Dumbledore ever was. Snape was determined to only see James in Harry, not Lily, because he felt so guilty. This is proven by his voiceover quote “he exhibits no measurable talent. His arrogance rival even that of his father. And he seems to relish in his fame.” He was saying this, at a point we don’t know when and to someone we who we don’t see, but can assume is Dumbledore, to convince himself just as much as the person he was speaking it, similar to Draco talking to Snape in the hallways in Prince and to his friends on the train. He needs to convince himself in order to not be crumpled by his grief and guilt, especially now that he is forced to see Lily’s son every day. Also, there is an interesting parallel of Lily getting sorted, the Gryffindors welcoming her and young Snape watching and then later in the montage we flashback to Harry getting sorted, the Gryffindors welcoming him and adult Snape watching. He his one condition was that “no one can know” was just as complex. Even though, because of the trial scene in Goblet, people clearly knew Snape became a spy, he still needed to save face, as even though he values his own life so little, he knows he’ll never be able to make it up to Lily if he died. Also, people know he was bullied by James, as seen by all the people laughing at him during the Phoenix flashback sequence. No one knows how much he loved Lily except Dumbledore and doesn’t want his protecting Harry to be perceived as being for James, not for Lily. That’s why he never saved Harry from the Dursleys, I think. Snape would rather be painted as a villain than a pushover, which is why Dumbledore so delicately (and frankly manipulatively coming from him even though it was nobly Snape’s one condition when it came to their deal and his enslavement) says “I should never reveal the best of you, Severus.” Also, Snape must have been so pissed when he found out Sirius was actually innocent because we know that when knew of his escape came out he thought “Vengeance is sweet. How I hoped I’d be the one to catch you,” not just because of him being his high school bully but also because the reason he went to jail was because he was made to believe that he was person who betrayed Lily and James and is therefore responsible for Lily’s death. So finding out that he was innocent must really suck because now, he’s trapped as a slave to Dumbledore, the man who put Sirius in jail, and Sirius, the person he hates just as much as Lily’s husband James, is actually innocent, when it would have been so much easier for him if he was guilty. And that Shrieking Shack is when Snape finally thinks he’s going to get his hero moment. He tells Lupin how he suspected he was helping Sirius into the castle and Sirius, as usual (I assume) when it comes to how he speaks to Snape, taunts him by saying “brilliant Snape. Once again you put your keen and penetrating mind to the task and as usual, come to the wrong conclusion.” This pisses Snape off and for a quick second he falters, resorting back to the bullying victim the Marauders made him out to be before snapping back into his confidence and shoving his wand at Sirius’ throat with a big, withering, rage-fueled sneer, and when Sirius still manages to taunt him by telling him to run along and play with his chemistry set, Snape digs his wand in deeper into Sirius’ throat with what might be his most vicious and wicked sneers of the series on his face and says “I could do it you know,” proving to Sirius just how strong and assertive he’s become since the last time they saw each other. And now having the upper hand, he now taunts as newly fearful Sirius. And you an tell how long Snape has waited for this and how satisfying this is for him, only proven by how literally says that he would want to be there as Sirius gets his soul sucked out of him. Clearly, he wants to witness this, not just because he bullied Snape, but also because he believes he is the reason Lily is dead, proven by how before he forces Sirius out of the Shrieking Shack, he tilts his head to Harry to go, wanting to protect him first, as protecting her son is always his first priority. However, Harry, not necessarily betrays him, but definitely makes the riskier decision on many levels and disarms Snape having him go flying backward and interrogating Sirius and Lupin instead. The fact that Snape is the bravest man Harry has ever known could not be more true as he was the only one brave enough to dare to become the villain in order to become the hero. He was the only one brave enough to lie to Voldemort and be a spy against the most dangerous wizard ever. The saddest part is, he never got to live a life that wasn’t trapped. he was trapped by his traumatic childhood. Then trapped by the Death Eater lifestyle. Then trapped by Dumbledore. He was never free. He never got actually make it up for everything he’s done. He never got to see a world where people knew he was a hero. That is so tragic. Also, the way Snape cries and tells Harry to take his tears, finally letting him see who he truly is, who he is truly loyal to and what his true motivates are. It’s so powerful, especially because he only sheds it at the sight of his eyes, Lily’s eyes, and his Lily-inherited compassion. Snape deserves to be redeemed. He was enslaved to the biggest hypocrite in cinematic history, which was basically a death sentence. He was bullied and traumatized and spent a lifetime getting the short end of the stick by ruining his reputation and becoming bitter and alone. He risked his life every day just to make it up to the love of his life, that certainly deserves redemption. And while I believe Neville’s character arc is best in the whole series, Snape’s redemption arc is definitely the best storyline.One of the things that makes Snape so intimidating is that unlike the wild Bellatrix or the ruthless Voldemort, he hurts people with his words, not his actions, piercing them with each pause and punchline. Part of it is Rickman’s amazing delivery however another part of it is that actions mean more the words. Snape’s words may be cruel, but his actions are courageous and for good. And after all, they do say that actions speak louder then. Snape is a man of few words, but each one he does say is piercing, calculated and purposeful in the most complex and layered ways. Snape has a very prickly personality. We see numerous times how one sentence can just set him off, however even when that happens he is still cunning enough to keep control, as protecting Harry is his top priority and the only way he can do that is if he controls himself and keeps it a secret. His controlled but quick-tempered, thorny and irritable personality is very understandable due to all we know about Snape and his backstory. He picks and chooses what to lash out at, which is why he picks on his students for the most harmless things, because he truly understands how difficult and unfair life is, and to him, this bullying is frivolous, even though he knows better then anyone the lasting effects of bullying. It’s a great personification of how hurt people hurt people. He’s like a porcupine in that way, using his prickly personality as self-protection and a defense mechanism. Also, Snape’s look of sneering rage, agonizing speechlessness and fierce offensiveness at Dumbledore’s audacity when he has the nerve to ask if he’s grown to care for the boy. And the wistful and delicate look on his face as he admires the doe’s beauty as it frolics gracefully around the room and out the window. It’s so symbolic too of how Snape always admired her grace and beauty, and then in an instant, her light went out and she was gone, leaving him forever longing. And look of exhaustion, sadness, tearfulness, piercing assertion, wistful melancholy, delicate poignancy and quiet confidence, fierce disdain (for Dumbledore’s audacity that he thought it would be for any other reason while simultaneously also looking like he could burst into tears at any second) as he says “Always.” It’s all so powerful, impactful, heartbreaking and symbolic. Also, Snape’s face when he runs into Harry under the Astronomy Tower about to kill Dumbledore, a just stunned looks of ‘no’, so much despair over having Lily’s son, and her eyes, witness what he is about to do. And then Snape shhh-es Harry and eyes Harry ‘please’, hoping that this somehow communicates that he is trying to keep him safe, despite what he is about to do looking like the opposite of that. Also, Snape is one of the only people to successfully lie to Voldemort, and didn’t just lie to him once, he lived his lie every day, and although Voldemort killed him, it was not because of that. That just shows how dedicated, cunning, amazing and brilliant Snape is. Also, the fact that Snape can produce a Patronus, which is only manifested by joy and happiness, proves that he’s not evil at his core and how sensitive and loving he is underneath all his trauma, coldness and bitterness. One of Snape’s biggest contradictions is the fact that the reason he targeted Harry was because of how his father James relentlessly bullied him in school, despite also working fiercely hard to protect him. However, Snape is quite the bully, after all, Neville’s Boggart literally personifies as Snape (I wish we got to see Snape’s. It probably would be Harry dying, proving how seriously he took his status as a triple agent). However, he is bullied because he was traumatized as a child due to the bullying and is under a lot of pressure as a triple agent, therefore he lashes out in moments of snarky rage. Sure, he should have become the kind of person who never wants anyone to be treated the way he was, but the way Snape turns out is more interesting, because it’s not simple, it’s layered. James turns his first true home, the first place he ever belonged, Hogwarts, into a war zone, and that’s what Snape did during Harry’s Hogwarts years, but it as also the best cover for his triple agent status. It helped him avoid questions and close relationships, that would compromise his greater goal, keeping Harry safe. This dynamic is just brilliant and so fascinating! Snape also proves that fear can also garner respect, as Harry hates him, but also can respect his intelligence and skill (even before he found out the truth) when it comes to magic, unlike Voldemort who is just feared. On top of naming his son after him and calling him the bravest man he’s ever known (posthumously though, ugh!) finding out the truth about his motivations, it’s clear that despite their animosity that Harry has always secretly respected Snape (although he did lose all respect for him for a short time between Dumbledore’s death and Snape’s death). Also, if you notice, he almost entirely stops calling Snape simply professor or Snape and starts calling him Professor Snape after he learns the truth, a way of subtlety showing us his newfound posthumous respect for Snape, something that has been subconsciously hinted at since Snape saved him in the first film and since Snape’s (brilliantly dramatic and effective) use of Expelliamus in front of Harry, being the first time he heard his soon-to-be signature spell (and the spell that would be the key to his success against Voldemort and kill Voldemort and save his life). The pose Harry does as he duels Draco in Chamber also shows that he respects Snape’s skills and abilities (or at least more than Lockhart’s) because he does the same defensive and dramatic pose as him, showing how he is looking at Snape for guidance, not Lockhart, even despite his hatred for him, showing how Harry is aware that there are people worse than Snape even before he learns the truth. Also, Snape’s disdain for Lockhart, subtlety but not so subtlety telling him how to teach during his dueling demonstration, nearly taking the trio’s side when they are caught red-handed and letting Lockhart ‘save’ Ginny from the Chamber (irresponsible, but still very much hilariously petty). Now, obviously, this dynamic isn’t ideal, but it is more interesting and complex, especially for the case of storytelling. I also think Harry always secretly respected and admired Snape, at least Snape’s skill and brilliance, because the first time Harry ever heard his signature spell, Expelliarmus, was when Snape uses it effortlessly against Lockhart in the dueling lesson scene in Chamber (and it’s hilarious the same spell Harry uses to attack him when he confronts Sirius and Lupin in the Shrieking Shack in Azkaban). Also, I hate to say this because I like Lupin a lot, but Snape was so petty for giving that werewolf lesson (especially after realizing how purposeful it was when Hermione says “we aren’t meant to start nocturnal beasts for weeks”). The villain, bad bitch inside me deeply admires that level of pettiness in Snape. Snape is a very bitter man. He holds on tightly to his grudges. But this is also because he’s traumatized and stressed, not because he’s evil. Besides Rickman’s acting in Prince and Part 2, the part between the second “Legilimens” sequence and Snape’s memory of the Marauders where Snape and Harry argue is some of his best work in the entire series. Specifically, the line “[You and Black] two sentimental children forever whining about how bitterly unfair your lives have been, well it has escaped your notice, but life isn’t fair, your blessed father knew that, in fact, he frequently saw to it.” The look of disgust he gives to Harry before he says it. The complex layers of him saying to Harry “well it has escaped your notice, but life isn’t fair.” The irony of him saying this to Harry, who is an orphan, who’s mom is Lily, the love of Snape’s life, and how Snape is enslaved to Dumbledore because of how hard he fought to protect Harry’s family and he failed, but still is destined for eternal enslavement to Dumbledore. And the deep pain and trauma in the way he looks at Harry and in his voice as he says how Harry’s father “frequently saw to it,” AKA by bullying him. You just feel so bad for him, especially after seeing his memory of it. If any two characters know how unfair life can be, it’s Snape and Harry, revealing how much they actually have in common, only adding more complexity this scene and that line. And the quiet and sneering lividity after Harry jumps out of his mind. He stomps up to Harry and grabs him by the shirt angry, not just because of the understandable violation he must feel but also because Harry put his triple agent status at risk by recklessly invading his mind. But then he looks into Harry’s eyes, Lily’s eyes, and is reminded why he is doing all of this and simply tells Harry to get out. And as Harry runs out of the room, Snape has the most sad, exhausted look on his face. Snape’s redemption arc was also very cleverly hinted at throughout the series, like when he saved Harry during the Quidditch match in Stone, when he protects the trio from Sirius and Lupin’s werewolf form in Azkaban and when he gave the Order the coded message about Voldemort taking Sirius in Phoenix. Subtle but obvious moments of hints of where his true loyalties lie are meticulously placed throughout the series, only to be twisted in Prince and twisted again in Part 2, the latter of which revealing all the details of why he deserves better and is redeemable. It’s truly the best storyline of the whole series, and so incredibly well-acted by Rickman. Snape is a failure, just like Lucius and Voldemort. However, he is only a failure when it comes to his own personal goals, like his desire for retribution against Sirius in Azkaban and protecting Lily, with her ending up dead despite all he tried to do to protect her, However when it comes to protecting Harry, something he does reluctantly with his only motivation to do it is to try and make it up to Lily, he undeniably is successful, making him the hero he always wanted to be. This dynamic shows how selfless he is, as he doesn’t work as hard on his own goals as he does to protect Lily’s son. Also, Snape’s face when he sees Harry speak Parseltongue, absolutely stunned, slightly scared, speechless and confused. Not horrified or astonished like everyone else in the room. He is no doubt thinking ‘Lily, what the hell is going on with your son?’ because at this point he doesn’t know Harry has Voldemort’s soul inside of him. He is stunned because this is the kid that he has sworn to protect, and based on the previous year, Voldemort’s impending return and now this, it’s clearly not going to be an easy task. However, the look on Harry’s face as he looks at everyone’s reactions to him, totally clueless that he just spoke a different language and that that language is associated with evilness, however to Snape, this communicates to him just how little Harry knows about his own destiny, and therefore how helpless he is, especially right now as a 12-year-old. It’s another reminder to him of just how much Harry needs his protection. Also, this makes the fact that Harry expels Snape in the following movie, Azkaban, when he is just trying to do exactly that, protect him, that much more shocking to him, and also incredibly ironic as he literally just taught him that exact spell in the previous film. As much as Snape does prove himself to be a hero, it’s clear that he’s an anti-hero, as he does do some questionable things, even involving his protecting Harry. Particularly how in Chamber he believes Harry should be expelled for using the flying car with Ron, undeniably being how pissed he is at Harry’s recklessness and insufferability as all he is trying to do is protect him, and even though he doesn’t know that Snape is a bit insulted by Harry’s recklessness. Also, in Goblet, when he believes that they should let the meaning of Harry’s name coming out of the Goblet of Fire unfold naturally by letting him compete. Of course, the meaning of it is Voldemort’s return, which is the last thing Snape wants as then he has to officially become a triple agent and really start risking his life every day. However, based on how Snape has sworn to protect Harry, it’s rather odd that he would be so keen to expel him from Hogwarts, as that would make it even harder to protect him than it already is, or have him compete in such a dangerous competition, as he could literally die (and almost does multiple times). However, this is actually quite smart of him. People know how much he hates Harry and thinks he’s insufferable and arrogant and they also know how much resentment he has for his father James. So, if Snape were to be so obvious in the manner of which he protects Harry, like advocating for him not to be expelled or stopping him from competing in the Tournament, it would raise suspicion. Even when he slips in Chamber, whispering to Dumbledore “perhaps, Potter and his friends were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time,” when the first message from the Heir of Slytherin is spotted, when he clocks the trio’s exchange of confused, shocked looks due him coming to their defense, he backtracks and calls out Harry for not being a dinner, thus playing devil’s advocate and covering his tracks. All of this just shows his cunning, strategicness and brilliance even more. Also, the way Snape never got to return to Hogwarts, the place that was his home just as it was Harry’s despite being the place he was bullied and enslaved, as a free and redeemed man is just so tragic. That’s where he spent most of his time with Lily. Even when they grew apart (I assume), I am sure seeing her in the halls comforted him. Everywhere probably reminded him of her, basically making Hogwarts his prison just as much as his home. Hogwarts s also the place he was bullied ruthlessly, only making it worse. It’s so sad that he never got to walk through Hogwarts as the person who saved her son’s life, as he died before he could. Also, Snape is such an underrated comedian. I love dark, dry, witty, sardonic, sarcastic humor and that is exactly what Snape’s is. It’s bone-dry and hilarious. His comedy is such a mood too. He doesn’t even have to necessarily speak to be comedic. One moment that shows this dry humor is when Umbridge questions him and he is annoyed and only gives very monotone one-word answers. Umbridge makes Snape look like the Easter Bunny, and even he knows that. It’s even funnier when after Umbridge leaves, he smacks Ron in the hand, both because of his snickering and because Snape hates Umbridge and her condescending cruelty just as the students do. It’s so well-acted, well-timed and just hilarious, especially because while it’s not nonsensical for Snape to lash out at his students, this time we actually share his frustration. Even Pavarti laughs even this happens, showing how for once the students and Snape are on an equal playing field, which no doubt angers Snape even more as the skilled, courageous wizard he is. Also, Snape was Harry’s only DADA teacher to not attack him to attempt to (yes, including Lupin). The only time Snape attacked Harry wasn’t even in the movie where he was the DADA teacher as it was in Goblet and Phoenix, and both were for Harry’s own good. I think that says so much about how dedicated he was to protect Lily’s son, because as seen when he forces Harry’s head down in Goblet and attacks his mind in Phoenix, he is very aggressive, both because of his hatred for James and his desperation to make it up to Lily. The sudden burst of realization, disbelief and shock written all over Snape’s face after Dumbledore tells him that a part of Voldemort lives inside him, and Snape takes his time to process and steps toward Dumbledore, curious, in need of clarification, and says “so when the time comes…the boy must die,” asking him to confirm is worst theory. And then Snape’s face as he says “you’ve kept him alive, so he can die at the proper moment” with such pure disgust for Dumbledore and the anger in his voice as he says “you’ve been raising him like a pig for slaughter.” Snape is a master at a poker face, you can see it in so many scenes but especially in Prince and Hallows. And Rickman gives a masterclass on how to portray a wealth of emotion through a character’s poker face. Also, the way his voice trembles looks so anxious underneath his calm and collected demeanor as Snape says “Avada Kedavra” and kills Dumbledore. He clearly does not want to do it. He also doesn’t dare to look Dumbledore in the eye until Dumbledore says “Severus…Please (a brilliant line and a brilliant acting choice by Rickman).” Snape is clearly dreading this. And he does it so fast, showing how just wants to get it over with. And Snape’s face after he finally kills Dumbledore. He is equal parts saddened and relieved. He finally did it, it’s over. Then his eyes suddenly and subtly shift and he’s stunned, shocked he actually did it. Even though in my opinion, Dumbledore deserved to be taken out of the equation, killing Dumbledore was very difficult for Snape to do, which proves that he does have a soul and a big heart underneath all his anger, pain and resentment, despite that fact that he’s enslaved to him, which also shows that as cruel as he is, he is far more heroic than villainous. This was an immensely brave thing for Snape to do, as this cemented people’s perception of him that he’s a villain when he’s actually a hero. I also love the piercing way Rickman delivers the line “you dare use my own spells against me, Potter? yes, I’m the Half-Blood Prince.” The snark. the disdain. The twisting of the knife. But all filtered through him using this line to tame not just Harry’s anger towards him, but also try and translate his misery and anger at what he’s just done, as you can sense through his tone just how much he wants this night to be over. Also, the look of pure agony on Snape’s face when he sees Lily’s dead body on the ground. Even though you can’t hear him wailing, when he’s on the ground when he first sees her and when he holds her dead body, you can tell just by seeing how much visual pain he’s in, the usually stoic man now just a wealth of overwhelming agony and misery he’s in, that he wailing uncontrollably loud. The fact that we can’t hear it, only attempt to imagine it only makes it that much more heartwrenching. I also like how upset Snape is at Dumbledore’s recklessness for putting on the ring and rotten his hand after he contains the curse to his hand. He storms off in a heat of rage, but is stopped by his master who stops him with false kindness (I also love how we hear Draco whisper the Vanishing Cabinet spell from Prince when Snape stops at Dumbledore’s request with his back still facing him, foreshadowing what Dumbledore is about to ask of Snape), then Dumbledore proceeds to tell Snape that he needs to kill him and stabs Snape with the truth about Harry, which only makes Snape resent him more. Also, the look on Snape’s face as he walks through the castle after killing Dumbledore, the perfect blend of a stoic game face and pure shock that he actually went through with it. The way Rickman can perfectly showcase two distinctly different emotions and subtexts simultaneously all through the mask of a stoic face never fails to baffle me. My god! Also, the way Snape asks Dumbledore to confirm again that “when the time comes, the boy must die,” wanting to be absolutely certain he understands, as this is all for Lily, and he can’t stand that the person she loved most will have to die, especially because Dumbledore conveniently leave out that his death will only be to the Horcrux not actually himself. And Snape’s final look at Dumbledore, he squints at him as if saying that he doesn’t even recognize him anymore after hearing this, staring at him utterly stunned in disbelief. I also think one of Snape’s most underrated traits, and also one of his most important is how he is an amazing problem solver. He always seems to have a resolution for everything. Snape and Harry’s relationship is symbolic of how bitter enemies aren’t absolute, they are layered and complex, how enemies can find common ground, mutual understanding, be forgiven and redeemed, which Harry did for Snape by making him as comfortable as he could as he died and Snape did for Harry by using his tears to tell him the truth about everything. Also, his dry wit and frank sarcasm is great, and Rickman delivers those lines, as always, amazingly. Also, his pessimistic (or I think more realistic), moody nature is highly relatable, as I, too, have a similar sense of humor that sometimes comes out wrong. One line, that you barely even hear him say (you don’t even see it, you just barely hear Rickman’s iconic, booming voice) “how touchingly paternal, Black. Perhaps Potter will grow up to be a felon, just like his godfather.” Of course, it centered against his animosity with Sirius (even though both guys have been through enough), with Snape clearly trying to provoke Sirius now that they are on equal playing field, or rather Snape is on higher ground unlike their school years, when Sirius supported James attacking him when Snape was just minding his own business, so you know Snape was enjoying the power and the ability to taunt him. Anyways, it was still a great, darkly witty line. Another comedic Snape moment is when, after repeatedly shoving Ron’s head down to do his work, in a last-ditch passive-aggressive effort he prepares his cuffs and shoves both Harry and Ron’s heads down into their schoolwork, or before he does this, while Fred is confidently pantomiming as he asks out Angelina, and he holds up a book to cover his face pretending to read, but it’s so awkwardly and lazily done that it looks more like Snape is eavesdropping on the teen drama, which I find hilarious because it seems like a hilarious acting choice from Rickman rather then a directorial choice. It just shows how nuanced his approach to the character is, as you know having an innocent school dance is probably something he wishes he had in his childhood, and he wishes Lily would have been his date (during the quick shots of him being miserable at the Yule Ball you know that’s what he’s thinking about, dancing with Lily). Another great example of Snape’s dry, unintentional humor, is when Umbridge is interrogating him in the middle of his potions class and asks him about being unsuccessful at securing the DADA position, and Snape’s face is dreadful and annoyed due to Umbridge’s condescending, belittling bragging and questioning and he just says “obviously” then when Umbridge leaves, out of anger because of Umbridge’s condescending nature, his newfound equalization to his students (who he has a love-hate relationship with due to his resentment but also his longing) and how he is reminded about his enslavement to Dumbledore since he still doesn’t have the DADA position he smacks Ron in the head for chuckling (which then causes Pavarati to struggle while holding in her laughter, just like the audience does). It is a small moment, but a very well-written, well-timed and well-acted one. I’m chuckling just thinking about it. Also, Snape must have really regretted agreeing with Dumbledore that Harry should compete in the Triwizard Tournament as his competing is exactly the reason his Dark Mark came back and he had to officially start being a triple agent, making his life even more miserable then it already was. Also, Harry competing puts him in danger, which he clearly knows as he’s very perceptive and knowledgeable. So, the fact that he agreed with Dumbledore just proves how he truly is enslaved and how good he is at hiding his deal with Dumbledore, especially because McGonagall, his friend, is the one fiercely advocating for Harry and the fact he’s too young to compete. One of my favorite things about the Slytherins in the series is their flair for the dramatic. Voldemort and Lucius’ slow whispering. Bellatrix’s childish mannerisms. Narcissa’s women of few words for maximum effect. Slughorn’s squinting dad jokes. Draco’s cocky taunting. However, no one’s flair for the dramatic is better than Snape’s. This element Rickman fully understood and took full advantage of with his sharp movement and quick hair flips. It was brilliant and only helped show Snape’s intensity and severity. This is best showcased with how he whips his wand around as he emits his Patronus during the Prince’s Tale. Rickman’s ability to clearly show so many nuances through the mask of a stoic face is impossibly impressive and part of why he is the only actor who could play this character. His knowing Snape’s full story from the beginning and this rare ability helped him show Snape’s redeeming qualities even when he was his notably unpleasant self. Also, Snape shows that he cares about his students by being disciplinary toward them just like McGonagall. Obviously, McGonagall’s methods are far better and less aggressive, but Snape is capable of more McGonagall-like discipline shown with how he assigns homework during a Quidditch game. At least Snape understands that athletes shouldn’t be exempt from their educational commitment, wish the Muggle world would catch onto that. Snape is also the one to tell the trio, Ginny, Neville and Luna that Cho was on Veritaserum when she outed them, she was forced. He wouldn’t have done that if he didn’t care about his students, and supported what they were doing with the DA. He also covers this with villainy by saying he’d be fine if Umbridge poisoned Harry, protecting his triple agent status. He also is the faculty member running the fastest down the hallways when McGonagall calls the entire staff to a hallway to see the newest message from the Heir of Slytherin, the one that says a student has been taken down to the Chamber of Secrets, clearly anxious and terrified for his students’ safety, proving yet again that underneath his spiteful disposition, he is a sensitive person. Of course, immediately after that he irresponsibly suggests that Lockhart, who he clearly knows his a fraud and whom he is very annoyed by the presence of, takes care of it, with McGonagall agreeing (which is seemingly out of character for her), which inevitably puts those said students in danger. However, you can assume that this was to kill two birds with one stone, get Lockhart out of the way in one way or another so that the competent teachers can figure out a game plan without his bragging getting in the way. Obviously, them sending Lockhart to his possible death isn’t good (after all, they don’t exactly know that he will run away like a coward, right?), but they are smart enough to know that thsi isprobably not the first time Lockhart has been in a situation like this, and he always manages to weasel his way out (however, LOL because these brilliant professor probably couldn’t have even guessed that his cowardly escape would be stopped by two 12-year-olds). Also, one of his first lines was about bottling fame, brewing glory and putting a stopper to death, all of which helped Harry on his journey, foreshadowing his protectiveness of him, but that scene also showcases his complex feelings towards him. That’s brilliant writing, especially if that was in the book, especially since JKR knew the ending and told Snape’s secret motivation to Rickman before they started filming the first movie, which my friends said she did, although she hadn’t written it when the first film came out as the last book was released in 2007. This clue she gave him is part of why he portrays Snape’s calculated and specific nuances so seamlessly. It was the biggest secret of the whole series. It’s also so ironic for so many reasons, how Harry tells Hermione that it was never gonna be Draco, that “it was always Snape.” Most obviously, the word “always” is in the sentence. Also because, Harry doesn’t know it at the time, but there are so many truths to that sentence. We find out in the Prince’s Tale that Dumbledore forced Snape to kill, which means that yes, it was always Snape. However, at this point in Prince, Harry thinks Snape had been playing Dumbledore all along, when that’s not the case as we come to learn. At this point, Harry is blinded by his loyalty to Dumbledore, his trauma and his grief. However, it’s also meaningful because “it was always Snape” who protected Harry. Not Dumbledore. Yes, Snape bullied him and believed that he should compete in the Triwizard Tournament (which ended up biting Snape in the ass as Harry competing in the tournament ultimately led to him officially becoming a triple agent), but he also protected him in every movie. He only bullied Harry because the looked like his father and as cunning and perceptive as Snape is, how was he supposed to know that the tournament was an orchestrated plan for Voldemort’s return (after all, it’s Dumbledore who should have realized something as up with his friend Moody, not Snape)? The times he protected Harry and saved his life far outweigh the times he was cruel to him, both numerically and in importance. Snape’s private conversation with Voldemort, AKA his death scene, gives us a glimpse into just how good of a triple agent he is. He is obedient and tells Voldemort exactly what he wants to hear, or so he thinks, by saying “you have performed extraordinary magic with this wand, my lord, in the last few hours alone.” But it’s clear by Voldemort’s response about how the wand resists him, the truly extraordinary thing, that this response was wrong. But then Snape tells him “tonight, when the boys come, it will not fail you. I’m sure of it,” and the casual, quick way he spits out “I am sure of it” trying to hide how he truly feels about the fact Lily’s son is dying tonight, how he hates that fact. Also, the way he keeps eye contact with Voldemort this whole time, shows his confidence despite literally talking to the most dangerous wizard ever. Then he studies Voldemort and sees how Voldemort is staring at him fiercely, studying him and he says “it answers to you and you only” trying even further to give Voldemort security in what he is inquiring, but then a wide-eyed Voldemort calmly, and creepily, smiles and asks “does it?” clearly knowing something Snape does not. And Snape looks at him confused but covers it by giving a slightly offended smirk that Voldemort doesn’t believe him and tries to play into his ego by asking “my lord?” Snape repeatedly saying “my lord” when we as viewers know he is no blindly obedient, helpless little lamb just shows how good he is at his triple agent status, even before we find out about it, as this is him playing into Voldemort’s ego. Voldemort then begins to circle Snape, and Voldemort begins to play into Snape’s ego and insecurity, trying to make him second guess himself, calling him a “clever man” and falsely showing how much he values his opinion. But Snape doesn’t falter. He continued to keep a cool-head and plays into Voldemort’s ego by saying “with you, of course, my lord,” but although it’s subtle, not too obvious, you can tell Snape is anxious and panicking a bit. Also, as he says this, there’s a wide shot with a Gryffindor scarf behind, which I don’t think is a coincidence. It hints at him becoming the bravest man Harry has ever known by the end of the film. The scarf is also seen behind him s Voldemort tells Snape that the Elder Wand belongs to the wizard who killed his last owner and Snape realizes that he’s finally about to die. And the look on Snape’s face as Voldemort tells him “while you live, the Elder Wand cannot truly be mine.” He lifts his chin up, still confident, still looking Voldemort in the eye, still brave with the Gryffindor scarf behind him, but you can see in his eyes the sadness, despair, anxiety, fear and, honestly, the little bit of relief he is feeling. Then Voldemort has the audacity to say “you’ve been a good and faithful servant, Severus (LOL, the irony), but only I can live forever.” Snape stares at Voldemort with a stoic face and anxious eyes and calmly says “my lord…?” and then Voldemort mercilessly slices the air, cutting Snape’s throat. The amazing thing is, throughout this whole part where Voldemort is taunting and enlightening Snape, he is very calm. He is not begging for mercy or showing any obvious sign of anxiety to panic. Merely studying Voldemort. It’s incredibly brave, making the Gryffindor scarf behind, with bravery being their most notable virtue, that much more symbolic. And the fact that the trio, especially Harry hears all of this. How calm and obedient Snape is being, which from Harry’s perspective, after hearing the Prince’s tale, has a whole new meaning. Also, hearing how mercilessly and cruelly it happened, with Voldemort ordering Nagini to finish Snape off, no one deserves such a cruel death, not even the person who killed who in Harry’s eyes is the ultimate good guy. After all, Snape did save them, multiple times. Also, the arc of emotions Snape goes through all before even saying “so when the time comes, the boy must die?”, from stunned disbelief to wide-eyed shock to confusion to disgust as he steps toward Dumbledore to the look of stunned sadness on his face as he asks him to confirm what he is hearing. And the disgusted look on his face and nostrils flaring as he says “you’ve kept him alive so he can die at the proper moment” and the biting anger in his voice as he says “you’ve been raising him like a pig for slaughter.” And Snape even asks Dumbledore a second time “so when the time comes, the boy must die?” for absolute clarification, and both times, Dumbledore is not remorseful to sensitive to the situation. The first time Dumbledore”s eyes shift away from Snape’s before he confirms that yes, Harry must die, a very cowardly move compared to Snape, who never once looked away from Voldemort’s eyes as he literally talked about killing him. And then during the second time, Dumbledore is more focused on the fact that it has to be Voldemort who has to do it rather than the fact that he is literally ending an innocent teenage boy who never asked for any of this to the slaughter. It’s despicable. And then the final shot of the Prince’s Tale is Snape looking at Dumbledore with a look that says ‘I don’t even know who you are anymore.’ I know this is a controversial thing to rank Snape as number 1 but he let Harry and the whole magical community believe he was a simple murderer, when he was actually one of the biggest heroes of them all. I mean, can you imagine how stressful and isolating it was for Snape while he was headmaster in Deathly Hallows fully knowing how Dumbledore’s insane plan was working, but that everyone, including the Order of the Phoenix and Harry, thought he was a trader, and he was forced to only be around insufferable, cruel people. I mean, for how stressful and isolated Harry felt, it was probably nothing compared to Snape’s anxiety at this time. I wish we got to see some of that in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (especially because it would have DRASTICALLY improved the pacing in that film) because Rickman’s would have played it amazingly. I hope he eventually got the credit he surely deserved after his death. I also wish we got to see a scene of Harry really coming to terms with finally getting an explanation for all of Snape’s contradictory actions. I have to say that the shot of Snape as a sobbing mess holding a lifeless Lily in his arms while baby Harry cries behind him, turning the bitter, stoic man into an emotional wreck was probably the best-acted and most emotional single frame of the entire series. And if you want proof that Snape is not truly evil, just simply a bad guy, then look no further than his Patronus, not just that it takes the same form as Lily’s, but also the fact that he can produce one at all, because when you think about it, we never see any of the Dark wizards able to cast a Patronus. Rickman never rushes his dialogue. He says each word with specificity and purpose. He takes his time when saying his lines. The best example of this is his speech before Harry reveals himself in the Great Hall scene in Part 2. I love Snape’s flair for the dramatic. From his sharp movements and specific vocal inflection, seen brilliantly in the dueling club scene in Chamber to his badass entrance in Part 1. I don’t know if this was in the script or in the book, but if they weren’t they were brilliant acting choices by Rickman and if they were they were portrayed so well by him. Also, I can’t get over the fact that Snape was literally killed for no reason. The Elder Wand literally never belonged to him, if it did, Voldemort’s arrogant ass wouldn’t have been able to kill him with it in the first place. Snape despises being called a coward, and rightfully so as that is the farthest thing from what he truly is, and yet part of his villainous facade is having to come off that way, which to him, just might the worst part of his facade. When Bellatrix taunts Snape about doing the Unbreakable Vow, you can see it on his face, through his stoicness, that it’s as if he resorts back to his traumatized, bullied younger self, but trying to stay strong, knowing what’s at stake. Then Bellatrix stabs him one last time by casually blurting out “coward” at him and Snape sneers fiercely, offended and now, officially, challenged, and through gritted teeth he orders “take out…your wand,” not just to prove her wrong, but also because he knows it’s the right thing to do, for Harry and for his plan with Dumbledore. Then at the end of Prince, after he completes the Unbreakable Vow. And when Harry is throwing spells at Snape angrily after he kills Dumbledore and Snape merely blocks them effortlessly. This makes Harry even angrier so he yells “fight back, you coward, fight back” and the look of stunned sorrow and shame on Snape’s face, it finally hitting him that this is the way people will look at him forever, desperate for Harry to understand but knowing it’s too soon (as Dumbledore forced him to believe, despite him now being dead but still pulling Snape’s strings from beyond the grave). Also, in my opinion, Harry calling Snape a coward in Prince, something he definitely isn’t, sort of parallels Snape calling Harry weak in Phoenix, something he definitely isn’t. The thing is, Harry is a hormonal child who has the luxury of lashing out, and Snape is an enslaved adult who is forced to keep his emotions inside (causing him to bully his students), when he was clearly a very sensitive guy as seen when he finds Lily’s body and shoots out her Patronus. Then as Snape black smokes out of the Great Hall in Part 2 after dueling McGonagall, McGonagall yells after him “coward!,” because she assumes he’s going to Voldemort, when in fact, he just couldn’t bare Harry, his old teammates at the Order and the whole school standing against him, when he just trying to help them. Also, Snape’s quote “over the years I’ve played my part well, so well I’ve deceived one of the greatest wizards of all time” is such a great line. Not only is it impeccably well delivered but it was also well-placed within the story, as in Prince, we are more confused than ever about where Snape’s loyalties lie. We only find out later in Part 2 how brilliantly brave it was for Snape to say this in front of Bellatrix as it has such a deep double meaning to it. This line encompasses his cool-headed portrayal of his stressful triple agent status so well. Snape is a man of very few words, but the words he does say are insanely powerful, punctuating and purposeful, only made better by Rickman’s precise and impeccable delivery and performance. And when Dumbledore is talking about how Lily and James put their faith in the wrong person (who they think is Sirius, only enforcing Snape’s hatred of him, but is really Pettigrew, which Dumbledore fully, definitely knows) and Dumbledore has the audacity to add “much like you” when Snape is already very visibly in deep pain, distress, agony and is very distraught. And then Snape’s reaction to this gut-punch is even more heartwrenching as he closes his eyes in shame and guilt and turns away as if to say ‘don’t,’ avoidant, unable to take any more agony, almost sinking into himself in shame. Also, the way Snape sneers his most vicious sneer of the entire series when Dumbledore suggests that Snape has grown to care for Harry, more pissed about that accusation than anything else Dumbledore’s told him or forced him to do. The accusation leaves him speechless, as this is only the second time we have seen him like that, with the first being when Harry reveals himself in the Great Hall scene earlier in the film. Then the way Snape looks at the doe Patronus gallop around then through the window, so wistfully and awestruck by it’s breathtaking beauty, much like how he feels towards Lily. And then he just stares down Dumbledore with such fierce determination that slowly sinks into such deep agony, subtlety offended at Dumbledore’s audacity to think it’s for any other reason, and then Snape says “always.” He also looks kind of exhausted as he says this, which is symbolic of how out of anyone, he has done the most, sacrificed the most to keep Harry safe, and it’s all been for one reason, for Lily. Then the next time we see Snape, he is looking at Dumbledore absolutely horrified and confused, as if he doesn’t recognize the person he is looking at. Also, the score music during the Prince’s Tale is also so powerful. I am well aware that Snape was far from perfect (although he was the perfect anti-hero). Snape was not a straight hero, but he also wasn’t a straight villain. He was moral ambiguous, which makes him all the more intriguing and fascinating. Yes, he join the Death Eaters, an anti-Mudblood terrorist group and betrayed Lily by doing so. But his Slytherin housemates, Lily choosing to be loyal to Gryffindor (which she had every right and reason to do) and being traumatized no doubt pushed him into that corner. Obviously, it is incredibly selfish and hypocritical that once the Death Eaters set their sights on Lily and her family, that he questioned his loyalties, however at least that was the wake-up call he needed. That just shows how sentimental, big-hearted, loyal, brave, sensitive and noble he is. It also didn’t work. He failed, and he never forgave himself. He spent the rest of his life trying to make up for all of that, and that’s got to count for something. Also, all of this proves how much of a better person Snape is compared to Dumbledore. Dumbledore selfishly manipulated everyone, including Snape, in order to keep his noble reputation. Snape dared to have his reputation ruined more then it already was just to make it up to Lily posthumously. And the fact that Lily was always his motivator for everything he did, even 17 years after her death, just shows his boyish sensitivity, undying loyalty (that once you have his loyalty, you’ll have it for eternity) and, based on his stressful and dangerous triple agent status, his resilience. Also, Snape clearly never believed in the anti-Mudblood stuff, but the fact that he is knowledgable about the Dark Arts, brilliant, vengeful, bitter and a Slytherin, well, it seems to be a case of surrounding yourself with the wrong people and the pitfalls of impressionability. After all, Snape is a true anti-hero. Vengeful, but protective. Fierce, but sentimental. Cruel, but sensitive. Strong, but sad. Resilient, but desperate. Sardonic, but anxious. Cunning, but loyal. Brilliant, but bitter. Brave, but individualistic. Resentful, but determined. Tough, but lonely. Also, can we talk about how Snape was forced to spend every day in the place that no doubt reminds him both of his bullying trauma and of Lily due to his enslavement to Dumbledore? This no doubt gets even harder for him when Harry finally comes to Hogwarts. Like that in itself proves just how strong Snape is. Rickman can literally show so much emotion through a mask of stoicism. Even contradictory emotions. Anger and terror. Fierceness and desperation. Confidence and anxiety. Pettiness and protectiveness. All filtered through a mask, that at first glance seems deadpan, until you learn the full story, then it speaks volumes. That’s so powerful and impressive. That’s stoic charisma, and it’s the main ingredient for his brilliant performance. Also, the three best scenes of the entire series, in my personal opinion, all involve Snape; the Shrieking Shack scene in Azkaban, the Astronomy Tower scene where Dumbledore dies in Prince and the Prince’s Tale in Part 2. Like, no wonder why Snape is my favorite character. However, the Prince’s Tale is truly the best scene of the entire series. The acting. The music. The writing. The editing. It’s powerful. It’s mindblowing. It’s breathtaking. That, in itself, shows just how amazing his character and his portrayal is. The Prince’s Tale is truly the best scene of the entire series. The part with Snape walking down the hallway, you can see the anxious, apprehensive, fearful look in his face (also, if you consider the fact that with only Harry alive in that house, the fact that he only hears silence or a baby crying isn’t a good sign, only adding to his anxiety). We saw that he saw the destroyed Potter house, so he knows that whatever he finds won’t be good. And the choice to have lightning flash throughout the scene (because as we see, it’s not raining) also symbolizes how the light of his life, Lily, has gone out, and he’s about to see that for himself. The fact that we as viewers were put through the fact of seeing Snape discover Lily’s dead body mere moments after we learned of how much he loved her is incredibly cruel, incredibly heartbreaking, incredibly tear-jerking and incredibly, insanely powerful. The way Snape fell to the floor visibly crying the moment he sees Lily’s dead body, it’s just heartwrenching. And the look on his face, so much agony and his despair and sadness and misery and shock and heartache. And then they manage to top even that by giving the saddest and most powerful visual of the entire series, by having us see Snape embrace Lily’s dead body, visibly hysterically crying, holding onto the lifeless love of his life, it’s as if they took out our hearts and stomped on them until they were flatter than a pancake. And an aspect of that shot that makes it even sadder is that the lightning flashes, bringing light into the room, then goes out, darkening the room never lightning for the rest of the shot, symbolizing how the light of Snape’s life out, and will never come back. It’s heartbreaking. Many of Snape’s scenes play with the light turning into darkness theme, like the shot of him right before he goes to the Astronomy Tower in Prince, symbolizing his shame in choosing the dark side, and while he’s walking down the during and at first the lightning flashes on his face, revealing his apprehension, then the lightning goes out, symbolic of how he is walking towards the darkness of spending the rest of his life without Lily being alive, only cemented by the fact that when we see other shots of him in the hallway later, it’s still dark, no light, we can’t see Snape’s face at all. The Prince’s Tale on his way to find Lily The Prince’s Tale is also flawlessly edited. Each moment is purposeful, powerful and full of meaning, like when we hear Dumbledore tell Snape that “and I should never reveal the best of your, Severus” while we see Snape standing outside the destroyed Potter house, foreshadowing how our opinion of Snape is about to change completely and it has something to do with what happens when he gets inside the house (aka us seeing how visibly heartbroken he is over Lily’s death proves just how much he loved her and how big his heart actually is), and when we hear Dumbledore say “when your risk your life everyday to protect the boy” we see Harry get sorted, which we know is the scene where Harry first sees Snape and Snape finally sees the boy he meant to protect, and when we flashback to Snape teaching Harry Occlumency, but in between those shots we see Snape walking up the stairs of the Potter House and pass James dead body as we hear Harry yell his line from Phoenix “my father was great man” and then we sees Snape’s reaction and reply to it from Phoenix “your father was swine,” reminding us just how much Snape hates James, however we soon figure out that no matter how much Snape hates James, he loves Lily more, continuing the theme of love conquering all. That’s why Snape has done all of this. Because he loves Lily, not because he hates James, but he uses that hatred to hide all of this from Harry until this very moment. However, the most powerful aspect of the editing in the Prince’s Tale is when they combined Snape walking into the destroyed nursery at the Potter House and Dumbledore telling him about how a part of Voldemort’s soul lives inside him so he must die. When Dumbledore mentions how a part of Voldemort’s soul latches itself onto Harry when the curse rebounded, they show Harry in his crib, now bearing the iconic lightning-shaped scar. When Dumbledore confirms to Snape that “the boy must die,” it cuts to Snape walking in and seeing Lily’s dead body, as he crumbles to the floor in agony. And when Snape admits his eternal love for Lily by producing his Patronus, which is also her Patronus, we cut to the most tragic shot of the whole series, Snape holding Lily’s lifeless body, in between the most powerful and iconic five-word exchange in cinematic history “Lily? after all this time?” and “always.” This is truly flawless writing, flawless editing, flawless acting, flawless execution and flawless storytelling. The Prince’s Tale is by far my most favorite scene of the entire series. Some people may argue that Snape is someone who is constantly stuck in the past and can’t move on, from Lily or his trauma from being bullied. In one way, he is stuck in the past, holding onto the memory of Lily as motivation to get him through the day and on the other he is stuck in the past due to his trauma and stressful lifestyle. It’s clearly hard for him to move on from all of that, but my question is, why should he have to? When you are traumatized, any feelings you have are valid. Retribution. pettiness. Holding a grudge. Resentment. Anger. It’s all valid, and Snape feels all of this towards not just Harry, but all Gryffindors. Obviously, it’s not great that he deals with it by bullying his students like Harry and Neville, but it’s a clear showcase of how hurt people hurt people. Harry and Neville defy this idea by growing into kind leaders through the DA, however, not everyone is that lucky to be surrounded by good people who encourage them and Snape is a clear example of that. Also, on top of the unimaginable stress of being a spy against the most dangerous Dark wizard ever and being a triple agent to protect Harry, Snape also has to be a teacher, grade papers and deal with annoying students on top of all the other, more life threatening stressors in his life. So, yeah, no wonder he lashes out, especially at Gryffindor, the House he has the most resentment toward due to his former bullies all being Gryffindors and Lily, who is dead. If anything, the fact that he has such a hard time moving on from his trauma just shows how much bullying can affect people and how it can be a lifelong scar. So him holding a grudge against the Marauders and their kids, is completely understandable. Also, his life is stressful and his enslavement is a constant reminder of how he failed to protect Lily, basically reminding him that he’s the loser the Marauders said he was. That has got to be so hurtful. Also, you got to attempt, his pettiness is quite funny. It’s probably one of my favorite aspects of his dry humor. And it’s understandable, after all, don’t small petty antics against people you don’t like make you feel a little better and more satisfied? It’s shameful, but so freaking true. Manifesting your resentment in petty antic is one of the most satisfying, anti-heroic guilty pleasures ever, so of course, Snape employs it, like when he gives Harry the Sword of Gryffindor, but puts it at the bottom of a frozen lake, no doubt knowing that the sword can’t be simply summoned by the Accio spell or when Harry continues asks him questions about why Dumbledore can’t meet with him during Slughorn’s Christmas party and Snape just walks away without even a final word. What I find really interesting are the moments we see Snape’s triple agent status affect him right in front of us. Even at the points, we don’t know about it, once we do, it’s obvious. The first time we see this is in Stone when Snape sense that Quirrell is putting Harry in danger after seeing his scar bother him during their first stare-down. Of course, from Harry’s perspective, and therefore ours, it seems like Snape’s stare causes the scar to burn, quite the coincidence. However, it was Quirrell, who’s turban was conveniently facing Harry so Voldemort could see him (through the turban? Could Snape hear Voldemort through it, because we, AKA Harry, could hear it during the climatic scene?). For the rest of the film, Snape works behind the scenes to protect Harry, from the troll on Halloween, during his first Quidditch match and confronting the trio in the hallway, which Harry perceives as a threat, especially after seeing him bully Quirrell in the hallways under the Invisibility Cloak. However, in reality, as Harry discovers, Snape is protecting him. This is the first time we see this, but not the last. The moment in Stone he is most desperate to save Harry’s life is during the Quidditch match, as he fiercely utters his incantation without blinking. This is the first glimmer of desperation we see from the usually stoic professor. The next time we see a glimmer of this fierce protection towards Harry is in Chamber. It’s filtered through anger at Harry and Ron’s recklessness in flying the Ford Anglia to Hogwarts. Of course, throughout the film, he, along with the other professors are desperate to protect the whole school and its students, but this moment is specifically towards Harry, as if he isn’t at Hogwarts, it would be twice as hard to protect him (which is probably what McGonagall and Dumbledore were discussing before they walked in, Dumbledore telling McGonagall not to expel them). We continue to see glimmers of this fierce desire to protect him, like in Azkaban, in the Shrieking Shack and against Lupin in his werewolf form, which starts off as him being both pissed at Harry for expelling him and relieved that he’s okay before turning to see the werewolf and is also our first glimmer at Snape being terrified, after all, he’s not stupid and werewolves are scary, and in Goblet with Snape’s terrified stare at Harry. We also continue to see glimpses of his inner pain and fear, like in the Shrieking Shack when he falters for a second when Sirius tries to belittle him, resorting back to his younger bullied self, but quickly re-asserts his confidence by jabbing his against Sirius’ throat with a fierce sneer, although these moments are very short, they come as quickly as they go, but it reveals that as good as Snape is at keeping his triple agent status a secret, he’s not perfect by any means and his trauma and pain still can get the better of him and make him impulsive and reactionary, as also seen when he nearly insults Harry wickedly while in the corridor when Harry reads the Marauder’s Map insult toward Snape and during his last Occlumency lesson with Harry when he says his father was a great man (but notice how both these moments he’s alone with Harry, at least until Lupin comes in that one scene and he cools down. It’s clearly his complex feelings for Harry boiling over). The next time his desperation through frustration really shines through however is in Phoenix during his Occlumency lesson with Harry as he pleads with Harry to “control your emotions. discipline your mind,” knowing that the Occlumency could save his life, as he knows firsthand that it has protected his own life just so he can protect Harry with his knowledge. This is the first time his desperation to protect Harry is visible, not hidden completely behind his stoic exterior. However, the first time we see Snape truly terrified is when he makes his Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa in Prince. However, throughout all of these films, Snape is still poised and confident. Even through frustration, desperation, anger, fear, and terror, he is still confident and collected. Including when he kills Dumbledore and Harry confronts him about it at the end of Prince and during his one scene at the Death Eater meeting in Part 1. This confidence never falters. We may see it on his face that he’s scared and anxious, but due to it being filtered through his cool-headed stoicism, it’s not obvious to us until we learn the truth in Part 2. And ironically, Part 2 is the first time we see be unconfident. In the Great Hall scene when Harry appears and McGonagall steps forward to duel him, Snape is desperate and scared and anxious, but for the very first time, he isn’t poised, he’s panicking, unconfident and truly nervous. He falters for a solid second, but tries to re-assert himself, though unlike when he faltered and re-asserted himself in the Shrieking Shack against Sirius, this re-assertion doesn’t also help him gain back his confidence, he’s still anxious and frazzled. This isn’t the only time we see him visibly desperate in this film, with the scene basically foreshadowing us discovering Snape’s big heart later on. He is terrified when he is bleeding to death, and desperate once Harry appears. He is the most terrified and desperate we have ever seen him when he begs Dumbledore to help protect Lily and her family during the Prince’s Tale with the fearful, panicky and desperate look on his face as he says “hide them all, I beg you,” to Dumbledore. I also loved McGonagall and Snape’s duel in the finale. they are both dueling to protect the students, just Snape is doing it under the falsity of being a loyal Death Eater. I mean, he protects them by not simply blocking McGonagall’s spells but using them to knock out the Death Eaters behind him (The Carrows?) and he also grabs their wand before black smoke-ing away through the window of the Great Hall. It was a great scene because it showed how much they protect their students, just in very different ways. It is also a great showcase of how powerful and skilled the two professors are because they fight each other so effortlessly, making it look easy. Snape’s strength is honestly so inspiring. Like he went through a terrible childhood, being bullied and forced to spend everyday in the exact place he was bullied and becoming slave, and he still manages to put someone else, someone he hates, above himself for someone he loves. That takes incredible courage and strength. He is so incredibly strong. Also, the fact that two of his most iconic lines are just one word (“Anything” and “Always”) is incredible an adjust proves how amazing his character and Rickman’s portrayal is, and having Snape’s last words be “you have your mother’s eyes” was just cruel. It was equally haunting and heartbreaking. Insanely powerful and impactful. And the last thing he ever saw was the embodiment of the person he hated most combined with the person he loved the most. The last eyes he ever looked into were Lily’s. It was so well written and impeccably acted. It’s sympathetic and so heartbreaking. Snape’s last words being “you have your mother’s eyes” makes his death even more of a gut punch. His gasp after the utters the words, finally saying the words he’s always wanted to say. Harry’s face, it’s as if all the questions have been answered before he even face-plants into the Pensieve. The last thing Snape sees are Lily’s eyes and then he turns his head as he dies as if turning to look at Lily’s face in the beyond. It’s also so profound and layered how he wanted Harry, the boy he both protected and despised, to be the last thing he saw, because he wanted Lily’s eyes before he died, having her with him in a way during his final breath. Literally, Snape is the character in this series who most deserves a redemption arc (if not in cinematic history TBH). Seriously that Snape-has-actually-been-the-hero-all-along-because-of-his-love-for-Harry’s-mom plot twist affected me more than any plot twist ever. It was amazing! So, if you can’t tell, I am a Snape apologist. Yes, I see his flaws, but I will also defend him forever. He is clearly more of a hero than a villain and he deserves so much better than the miserable life he lived. He will always be my most favorite character in this series. Snape is literally the perfect anti-hero. Honestly, the only anti-hero to even come mildly close to the brilliance of Snape is the quintessential TV anti-hero Tony Soprano (but in my controversial opinion, Snape is better). I just hope Harry helped him be redeemed in the eye of Wizarding History because he deserves to be remembered as the complicated hero, not a Death Eater. Honestly, in many ways, the story isn’t really about Harry at all, it’s about Snape, and how he works tirelessly behind-the-scenes to protect Harry, the boy who just can’t seem to avoid trouble no matter how hard he tries. This is only enhanced by Rickman’s scene-stealing, powerful and endlessly impactful performance. I think it’s obvious at this point, but I really can’t get over how well-written, well-told and well-acted Snape’s story is.
Congratulations on making it to the end of this semi-manic, stream-of-consciousness article. If you can’t tell, I am very happy that I decided to watch this series. It’s one of the most beloved and iconic adaptions and franchises of all time, and now it’s my favorite film franchise of all time. If this very, very, very long stream of consciousness of an article doesn’t prove it, then I don’t know what does. Now, will I watch Fantastic Beasts? Probably. Eventually. Since all the movies aren’t out yet (my friend says there will be 5 in total), I am not in any rush. The fact that it’s a prequel centering around one of my least favorite characters, Dumbledore, isn’t that appealing because it will probably just give me more reasons to hate him or understand why he is the way he is, which will make his actions in Potter even worse. Now, if it was a prequel centering around Snape, Lily and the Marauders, I’d be SO down for that. The one thing that is fascinating to me about Fantastic Beasts is that from what I have heard, it takes place in America, and I am very intrigued about how the American Wizarding World works because if it’s anything like the Muggle world it’s plenty effed up. Will I see the Cursed Child? As a theatre kid, I would love to see it, but do I think it sounds like a good sequel? Hell no. It sounds like really bad character assassination and fan fiction. So, I would love to see it, but mostly for fun, not because it’s canon. However, I really don’t care about Fantastic Beasts, as apparently, it focuses on my least favorite character Dumbledore (although I love Eddie Redmayne and would love to see him as Newt Scamander), or Cursed Child, which from what I’ve heard just sounds like really bad fan fiction and disgraceful canonical material, I’d just rather have a Marauders era spinoff that focuses on Lupin becoming a werewolf, how they became Animagus, Lily and Snape’s friendship and falling out, Snape and James’ rivalry, Sirius’ history with the Black sisters, Peter’s backstory and Lily and James getting together. Lupin, Sirius, the Black sisters and Snape are some of my favorite characters and it’s a time period we know about vaguely, so I would thoroughly enjoy it (also please cast me as Lily, Narcissa or Bellatrix. I promise I’ll get my British accent by then and I am willing to dye my hair red). Or a series about the Black family growing up. About the Black sisters, Bellatrix and Narcissa, and the Black brothers, Sirius and Regulus, and their relationship as cousins and navigating a pureblood, old money family, how the men rebelled and the women didn’t, and why. It could also explore the beginning of Narcissa and Lucius’ relationship (and what she ever saw in him), the story about who Andromeda is and what happened to her to get her face burned out on the family tree like with Sirius, the First Wizarding World (which could be such an interesting perspective on this because we have only heard about it from the Order’s side, not the pureblood maniacs’ side), their schooling, the perspective of a wealthy wizarding family, the beginning of Bellatrix’s devotion to Voldemort and Sirius running away to James’ house. Or, and I am well aware of how near-impossible this is with all the actors having aged a decade, but I’d love to see these films from different POVs, like Chamber or Prince from Ginny’s POV, Azkaban and Goblet from Hermione’s POV, Phoenix and Hallows from Neville’s POV, Part 1 and Prince from Draco’s POV, and honestly Stone, Prince and Part 2 from Snape’s POV. Or honestly, I would love to see Part 2 from the POV of the other Slytherins; Pansy, Blaise, Crabbe and Goyle, or Chamber (the Heir of Slytherin, once again their House is frowned upon), Goblet (jealousy of Harry), Phoenix (Inquisitorial Squad) and Prince (Draco acting weird). As much as I love Harry and find his perspective interesting, that doesn’t mean the other characters aren’t just as interesting. Will I read the books? Honestly, I am thinking about it. I probably will, I just really don’t want to give money to JKR, so I will either find the PDFs I know are probably online or buy the book set used on eBay or something (get it, eBay? Puppet Pals?). This world and these characters are so fascinating to me and I would love to learn more. I will no doubt read the books with these actors in my head as the characters. My mom is really gonna regret not getting on this Potter bandwagon in the 2000s, because I have never wanted to read a book, let alone multiple books, in my whole life. I am well aware that these films are not canon, so I would love to read the canonical material, even though I am a movie person and I will always love the movies no matter what. As I said in the Azkaban section, very early on, these characters became less like film characters and more like friends. And honestly, that is very rare, at least for me. I can really see why this series is so beloved for that reason. I am glad I have finally seen the light. These are definitely my comfort movies now. So, I will definitely be rewatching it over and over and over again. I look forward to seeing my friends again. I am officially a Potterhead! Accio Hogwarts Letter!