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Infiltrating The Ministry
The Moment: Having learned that one of the Horcruxes is in the possession of Dolores Umbridge, the newly appointed head of the fascistic Muggle-Born Registration Commission, Harry, Ron and Hermione disguise themselves with polyjuice potion in order to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic and retrieve it. Chewed fingernails all round…
Better On Film? The infiltration is one of the best sequences in the film, with the presence of Peter Mullan’s snarling Yaxley ensuring the tension remains at fever pitch throughout.
We Are The Champions
The Moment: Amid all the histrionics and bloodshed of the later books, its easy to forget the simpler pleasures of the early novels, such as Gryffindor’s last-gasp capture of the House Cup at the end of book one. Neville Longbottom bags the winning ten points for his willingness to stand up to Ron, Harry and Hermione over their persistent rule-breaking. “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies,” says Dumbledore, “but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.” Indeed.
Better On Film? The substitution of Slytherin colours for those of Gryffindor is nicely done, as is Hagrid’s barely concealed delight at the outcome.
The Godfather
The Moment: Having spent much of the book labouring under the impression that Sirius Black is out to kill him, an invisibly-cloaked Harry secretes himself beneath a table in The Three Broomsticks as Hagrid, McGonangall, Flitwick and Fudge reveal that Sirius and James were boyhood friends, Sirius is Harry’s Godfather and that he supposedly murdered Peter Pettigrew. The full story has yet to be revealed, but as twists go, it’s a belter,
Better On Film? It works quite nicely, although some of the backstory is trimmed in order to keep things ticking over.
Slughorn's Story
The Moment: When attempting to extract a memory from Horace Slughorn, Harry is treated to a wistful story from the old potions master that reveals a little more about his mother. “One spring afternoon I discovered a bowl on my desk,” he begins, “just a few inches of clear water in it. Floating on the surface was a flower petal...as I watched, it sank...just before it reached the bottom, it was transformed, into a fish. It was beautiful magic, wondrous to behold. The flower petal had come from a Lily, your mother. The day I came downstairs, the day the bowl was empty, was the day your mother....I know why you're here...but I can't help you. It would ruin me.”
Better On Film? It only happens in the film! The memory extraction is a device from the book, but Slughorn’s story only takes place on screen. Delivered with panache by Jim Broadbent it’s both beautiful and impossibly sad.
Hermione vs. Malfoy
The Moment: Having suffered Malfoy’s “Mudblood” taunts in silence for the first two books, Hermione finally snaps in book three, slapping him round the chops after his scheming lands Hagrid in trouble.
Better On Film? She really catches him in the film, Malfoy’s head snapping back against the stone behind him. And thanks to her time-turner, she then gets to rewatch the incident later on. Bonus!
You Say: “Favourite Potter moment would have to be Hermione punching Draco in the face in Prisoner Of Azkaban.” – Dan Pennacchia (@pennooch)
Obliviation
The Moment: Aware that the Death Eaters are now attacking Muggles too, Hermione obliviates herself from her parents' memory in the hope that they can distance themselves from the danger she has put them in. A heart-rending reminder of the sacrifices being made across the Order Of The Phoenix in the face of Voldemort’s advance.
Better On Film? It’s beautifully rendered, with an audible tremble in Emma Watson’s voice as her Mum calls her down to tea, and she proceeds to bid her parents farewell.
You Say: “At the start of Deathly Hallows when Hermione removes her parents’ memories of her. It’s a really moving scene that goes to show what everyone has to lose and the sacrifices they have to make.” – Mandy Willoughby
Enter Severus
The Moment: Having thus far been confined to scowling down from the teachers’ table at the Great Feast, Severus Snape finally comes into his own in the gang’s opening potions lesson, unleashing a volley of unconcealed disdain at Harry from the get-go. “Pity,” he sneers, when Harry is unable to answer a question. “Clearly fame isn’t everything, is it Mr. Potter?”
Better On Film? Alan Rickman is the undoubted star of the film series, his drip-feed cadence investing even the sunniest of sentences with a gleeful malice.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
The Moment: In order to inject the film adaptation with a little more action, David Yates inserts this heart-pounding opening sequence in which the Death Eaters wreak havoc upon Muggle London, culminating in the spectacular destruction of the Millenium Bridge. Take that Boris!
Better On Film? It’s a truly sensational sequence, particularly the preceding rollercoaster-ride through London, as seen from the perspective of the Death Eaters.
You Say: “The Millenium Bridge moment or the fight in the woods in Hallows” – Tom Arnold
Lupin's Lesson
The Moment: Professor Lupin’s first Defence Against The Dark Arts Class pits his pupils against a boggart, a nasty little blighter that assumes the form of its opponent's worst fear. However, armed with the “Riddikulus” charm, the class set about transforming their nightmares into various figures of fun in one of the most enjoyable lesson sequences in the entire series. Oh and there’s also a hint to Lupin’s condition when his nightmare is revealed to be a glowing, silver orb. “I wonder why Professor Lupin’s frightened of crystal balls,” remarks Lavender…
Better On Film? The film does boast the considerable advantage of a miffed looking Alan Rickman dressed as an old woman, courtesy of Neville’s transformation of Snape into his Grandmother’s clothes.
Dumbledore's Escape
The Moment: Umbridge storms into Dumbledore’s office with Minister Of Magic Cornelius Fudge in tow, intending to have the headmaster banged up in Azkaban. Dumbledore however, has other ideas: “Ah,” he says genially, “I thought we might hit this little snag. You seem to be labouring under the delusion that I’m going to, what was the phrase…come quietly?” Cue Fawkes the Phoenix, and a fiery escape into the ether.
Better On Film? This one is all about the writing really, although Michael Gambon captures Dumbledore’s quiet authority perfectly.
