8 Harry Potter Book Moments We Hope HBO’s New Show Will Include

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With HBO’s new Harry Potter series in development, fans are excited about the possibility of seeing storylines from the books that were left out of the movies. The show has a unique chance to expand the Wizarding World with more detail than ever before, and even include beloved characters like Peeves the Poltergeist, who weren’t featured in the films.

The first season will cover Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and the show is planned to last at least seven seasons, potentially over ten years. This longer format will allow for a more detailed and in-depth adaptation of the books than previous attempts. With HBO’s cast now bringing the world of Harry Potter back to life, fans are excited to see beloved scenes from the books finally realized on screen.

Hermione Solving The Potion Riddle

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Hermione is clearly very intelligent, but her skills truly shine when she figures out Professor Snape’s puzzle protecting the Sorcerer’s Stone. This happens after the chess game and right before Harry’s unexpected encounter with Professor Quirrell. However, the movie leaves out Hermione solving the riddle; she stays with Ron after he’s hurt during the chess match instead.

The riddle is the main challenge protecting the hidden stone, and it’s actually the most crucial one. This is the first time we see Hermione face a truly high-pressure situation, where she successfully answers a difficult riddle created by a Hogwarts professor who is much older and wiser than she is.

It’s remarkable that she achieved this at only twelve years old. She demonstrates resilience and quick thinking even when facing challenges, showing she’s more than just academically gifted. Hermione truly becomes a vital member of the core trio and plays a critical role in ultimately defeating Voldemort.

Draco & Harry’s First Meeting at Diagon Alley

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Harry first encounters Draco while they’re both getting robes fitted at Madam Malkin’s shop in Diagon Alley. Their first conversation isn’t as dramatic as it’s shown in the movie. Hopefully, we’ll see Madam Malkin in the series as well.

Harry accidentally hears Draco talking to his mother and making prejudiced comments about people who aren’t magical – though Harry doesn’t understand the term yet. This moment reveals a lot about Draco’s character and foreshadows the hostile relationship he’ll have with Harry throughout the books. It’s a subtle detail, but it’s important for understanding their dynamic.

At this point, Harry overhears customers discussing the famous “Harry Potter” – unaware it’s actually him! This gives him a quick glimpse into the magical world he’s about to enter and how significant he’ll become. It would also be great to see more of Diagon Alley, a key location in the Wizarding World, and have its details explored further on screen.

Peeves The Poltergeist

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The mischievous ghost, a prominent character in the books, was completely missing from the films—there wasn’t even a passing mention to acknowledge he existed. He’s particularly important in later books, notably playing a key role in the dramatic way Umbridge leaves Hogwarts in The Order of the Phoenix.

Peeves is important because he captures the playful spirit of Hogwarts. Though mischievous and annoying at times, he’s fundamentally fun-loving and enjoys a good joke. Encountering him in the books was a fantastic way to be introduced to Hogwarts, perfectly reflecting the joyful feeling of discovering the magical world for the first time.

Ginny’s Fiery Personality

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This is a big moment for readers! Ginny begins as a timid, starstruck girl around Harry, and the first two movies showed that really well. As she matures, she becomes confident and sharp-tongued, likely because she grew up as the only daughter in a large family with six brothers.

I’ve always been drawn to characters with fire, and this one definitely has it! She’s incredibly driven and doesn’t back down from a challenge, which really pulls you into the story. Especially when Harry, Ron, and Hermione are battling Voldemort, she’s right there with them, more than capable of handling anything thrown her way. It’s fantastic to watch her stand her ground in such intense moments.

Ginny often comes across as shy and introverted in the movies, and while that might have been fine at the beginning, even early on, we should get glimpses of her strong personality. Her assertive side is actually a key part of what attracts Harry to her, so it’s important to show that as their relationship develops.

Harry’s Obsession With The Mirror Of Erised

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Harry didn’t just visit the Mirror of Erised once; he became quite fixated on it, frequently sneaking out at night to look into it. And it wasn’t just his parents he saw in the mirror—the books reveal he also saw several of his ancestors, all appearing alongside him.

It’s understandable that he was curious about his past, considering he knew almost nothing about it. But his curiosity quickly became an all-consuming obsession, and each visit was driven by a deep yearning to find his family. He had lost touch with reality and was living in a world of his own making.

Dumbledore eventually explains to Harry the importance of facing reality, and their conversation is a key turning point in Harry’s development. This moment also sets the stage for his later struggles with the resurrection stone in Deathly Hallows. Ultimately, it highlights that despite his fame, wealth, and magical abilities, Harry is still a child deeply missing his parents.

Charlie Weasley Saving Norbert

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Although Charlie Weasley isn’t seen in person, he’s important in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. After Hagrid’s dragon, Norbert, grew too large and even bit Ron, the groundskeeper realized Norbert couldn’t be kept as a pet.

Ron finally contacts Charlie, who specializes in dragons, for assistance. Charlie arranges for some colleagues to transport Norbert from Hogwarts to Romania, resolving the issue.

If the upcoming HBO series closely follows the book, Bill Weasley, the second oldest Weasley sibling, likely won’t appear. However, it’s probable the show will make changes, and that would be a great opportunity to finally include Charlie Weasley in the story. Even if he doesn’t show up, this storyline provides a good basis for how Charlie could be involved in Goblet of Fire.

The Hogwarts Portraits

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While the movies show the portraits can move and talk, they don’t fully explore how involved these portraits are in the students’ daily lives. The books, however, spend a lot of time detailing these interactions – the portraits offering guidance, having casual conversations, and recounting memories from their past lives.

The portraits aren’t essential to the main plot, which explains why the movies didn’t focus on them much. Still, they’re a charming detail that really captures the whimsical and unpredictable spirit of Hogwarts.

As a movie fan, I think giving this series a little more time would be fantastic. It would let us really dig into how these characters connect with their students, and even with each other. Plus, we’d get to see more of The Fat Lady – she always cracks me up, and honestly, more of her is always a good thing!

The Centaurs Bane & Ronan

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Harry’s first encounter with centaurs happens when he meets Bane, Ronan, and Firenze, which helps to build a richer picture of the magical world. During detention in the Forbidden Forest – with Hagrid, Hermione, Neville, and Draco (Ron stepped in for him in the film) – Firenze rescues Harry from a dangerous confrontation with Voldemort.

Bane and Ronan didn’t approve of Firenze’s friendship with humans, particularly his willingness to let Harry ride him. This suggests there’s disagreement among centaurs and that their relationship with humans is complex.

Including Firenze’s appearance now would be a clever way to hint at his future role at Hogwarts. Even a short appearance in the new Harry Potter show could be a great opportunity to explore the world of centaurs and how they interact with each other.

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2025-12-27 15:01