12 Moments From The Harry Potter Reunion That'll Make You Sob
The nostalgia!
by Ani Bundel
Nick Wall/HBO Max
It’s been 20 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone first hit theaters. To celebrate, HBO Max filmed a retrospective with the actors celebrating this Potterhead milestone. Here are 12 nostalgic Harry Potter reunion moments that healed fans’ hearts after all this time.
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The Screen Test
The flashback of Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe from their first screen test drives home how long it’s truly been. Seeing them as tykes reading a scene from Sorcerer’s Stone together for the first time is still as magical as it was 20 years ago.
Warner Bros. Pictures
The Burrow & The Weasleys
Seeing the Weasley siblings (and father) together in the Burrow for the first time in decades was a delight. Even better was James and Oliver Phelps (who played Fred and George) recalling how they would prank Rupert like he was their little brother.
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Tom Felton & Emma Watson
The memories of Emma Watson’s crush on Tom Felton and his big brother-esque love for her reminded fans that some bonds forged in the fires of Hogwarts stand the test of time. Now all fans need is for them to do a new film together.
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The Shrieking Shack Scene
One of the franchise's highlights is the Shrieking Shack scene from Prisoner of Azkaban, in which four of Britain’s biggest A-listers throw down in front of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Watching the actors relive the experience of that scene was golden.
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The Malfoys
There is no love like father and son, and Jason Isaacs (who played Lucius Malfoy) and Tom Felton (who played Draco) have a lot for each other. But it was Isaacs improvising kicking Dobby down the stairs that recalled what a perfectly evil father he really was.
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The Yule Ball
The dance from Goblet of Fire was recalled from all angles, including Grint learning to dance with Maggie Smith, Watson trying not to trip down the stairs, and how painfully uncomfortable dress robes really are.
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Dobby Is Free
Although the beloved CGI character wasn’t in attendance, his voice actor, Toby Jones, was. The beloved elf gaining his freedom is still a memorable moment today as it was when the cast filmed it.
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The “In Memoriam” Segment
A memorial roll call always tugs at the heartstrings, but the list of Potter alums who have departed, including Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, Helen McCrory, and Richard Griffiths especially brought tears to the eye.
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Everything Anout Helena Bonham Carter
Helena Bonham Carter was one of the biggest A-listers to join the franchise midway through. She recalled how much fun she had as Bellatrix, while Radcliffe revealed his crush on her.
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The Kiss Scene
Ron and Hermione’s love story may seem quaint now, but their big kiss at the franchise's end was a big deal. Watson and Grint’s recollection of it as a horror movie-style moment due to their sibling-like bond is hilarious.
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The Golden Trio In The Final Films
They started as children, but Grint, Radcliffe, and Watson were professional actors by Deathly Hallows. Their recollections of experiencing genuine artistic breakthrough moments will make you see the final two films in a different light.
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The Ending
Most of the memories come from the main leads. However, Matthew Lewis, who has become a star in his own right, tells a touching story of how Neville’s heroism, and the story's ending, was instrumental in his own life.
Nick Wall/HBO Max
The Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return To Hogwarts reunion special is streaming on HBO Max along with all eight Harry Potter films.