In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, a scene that does not appear in the book has caused debate among fans: the dance scene between Harry and Hermione.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: a grand finale divided into two films
To provide a finale worthy of the popularity of the Harry Potter saga, JK Rowling's latest novel, The Deathly Hallows, has been split into two films. This was necessary to be able to complete all of the characters' storylinesand stage the final confrontation with Voldemort.
In the first part, Harry, Hermione and Ron go on a search for the Dark Wizard's Horcruxes after Dumbledore's death. Voldemort has become all-powerful and threatens the balance of the wizarding world. The three Hogwarts students must therefore travel across the country to find and destroy the seven Horcruxes before it is too late.
But the task turns out to be complicated and moments of peace are rare. However, there is a relationship between Hermione and Harry that allows them to reconnect amidst the chaos. during a dance sceneon Christmas Eve while they are alone.
A controversial scene among fans
The scene takes place in a moment of desolation, with Harry and Hermione feeling isolated after Ron's departure. The outside world is threatening and the future is uncertain. It is in this context that the dance takes place – a spontaneous gesture by Harry to comfort Hermione. To the bittersweet notes of “O Children” by Nick CaveThey dance in an awkward embrace, a rare moment of calm before the storm that surrounds them.
For many, this scene epitomizes the unwavering friendship between Harry and Hermione. It illustrates their mutual support, a refuge of peace in the midst of turmoil, reflecting a deep complicity, free of any romanticism.
Others see a budding romance, an underlying tension that raises the question of what might have been. This interpretation is driven by physical closeness and shared emotional intensityand offers an alternative perspective to the trio's usual dynamic.
This scene also has important implications for the dynamic between Harry, Hermione and Ron. Ron's departure is significant, and his absence during this dance highlights the growing rift between him and his friends. For some, this heightens Ron's pain and jealousy, which are already evident in the novel.
Statements from Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows director David Yates and actors Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson shared their views on the scene. Yates emphasized his intention to show the strength of friendship and mutual support in a moment of despair, without implying romance. During the 2022 Return to Hogwarts reunion, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson mentioned this scene:
I was worried that she would be quite clumsy and had my doubts. But it has now become one of my favorite scenes in the entire saga. The complicity that we had in that moment, Emma, I don't think I could have shared a scene like that with another actor
had confided to Daniel Radcliffe, adding that it was a “relief of our characters.”
This scene is special. Imagine we were filming Harry Potter and suddenly the director for the final film asked us to slow dance to a Nick Cave song for five minutes. We wonder a little which movie we fell for, but why not.
concluded Emma Watson.