1. Welcome to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes…
We always knew that seeing Fred and George’s shop brought to life on screen was going to be a treat, but this scene really did surpass all expectation. The cheeky music, the giant top hat being lifted on the outside of the shop, the twins’ matching sharp suits – it was perfect. And that’s before we even get started on the joy of seeing all their long-developed products on the shelves (watch out for the young wizard trying out Puking Pastilles!). You might have to watch this scene several times to take it all in, with the some of the most playful parts of magic whizzing across your screen.
2. Ron in love with Romilda Vane…
‘It’s beautiful isn’t it, the moon?’ says… Ron? He isn’t exactly his usual self in this scene and that is part of the genius of the exchanges between him and his best friend. Harry’s confusion between Lavender and Romilda is priceless, and we love Harry’s exasperation at Ron’s declarations of love: ‘Fine you’re in love with her. Have you ever actually me her?’ Lesson learned from this scene: in the wizarding world, it’s best not to eat a whole box of Chocolate Cauldrons that’ve been lying around…
3. Harry’s Acromantula impression at Aragog’s funeral…
We don’t know about you, but as soon as Professor Slughorn introduced Felix Felicis we started to dream about trying some, and Harry’s ‘devil may care’ attitude in this sequence makes it look like an absolute hoot. The way the effects of Felix Felicis on Harry are portrayed made us giggle something chronic, particularly when contrasted with the sombre atmosphere of Aragog’s funeral. The best part? When Hagrid laments – ‘Seriously misunderstood creatures, spiders’ – pay close attention to Harry’s Acromantula impression. It’s priceless.
4. Introducing Horace Slughorn…
With Voldemort’s return, the wizarding world feels like a much more dangerous place throughout Half-Blood Prince, including at the beginning when Dumbledore and Harry enter a dark Muggle house. It appears to have been the target of a wizard attack, all turned upside down and blood dripping from the ceiling. That is until Dumbledore sees right through Slughorn’s disguise. We loved the touch of Dumbledore prodding the wand into the armchair, as well as Dumbledore’s calm introduction of Harry without any comment that Slughorn has just turned from a nicely upholstered armchair into a man. Watch and enjoy…
5. Snogging at the Three Broomsticks…
A cosy fire, Butterbeers and a whole lot of wizarding gossip. We love any scene set at the Three Broomsticks, but this one is a real cracker. Things to look out for: Ron’s reaction to Dean and Ginny kissing is brilliant – ‘I’d like to leave’ –although so is his awkwardness when Hermione talks about snogging him! Of course, there’s also Harry’s cringe-worthy sucking up to Slughorn to enjoy, as well as a little moment between Ron and Hermione when she gets some Butterbeer on her top lip…
6. Luna Lovegood’s Spectrespecs come in handy…
Luna Lovegood might be a bit wacky, but she’s a Ravenclaw for a reason. This scene is so perfectly Luna it makes us grin every time. Decked out in her Spectrepecs, she opens the door of a Hogwarts carriage and somehow manages to spot Harry under the Invisibility Cloak, where he has been left by Malfoy. Harry can’t believe that she has been able to find him, but of course she puts it down to Wrackspurts! We love a Luna and Harry moment, especially this one when Harry says they’re friends and Luna kindly fixes Harry’s nose: ‘Have you ever fixed a nose before?’ says Harry. ‘No, but I’ve done several toes, how different are they really?’ If you’re a fan of Luna, this clip is well worth the watch…
7. Quidditch tryouts…
Is there anything better than a bit of Quidditch drama? This clip starts beautifully, with a shot of the whole Quidditch pitch and stands, before zooming in on the action. Harry is Quidditch captain and holding tryouts, though it’s Ginny who is able to get people to be quiet by telling them to ‘shut it’. Look out for the Quidditch uniforms – they’re ace, as well as that moment Cormac McLaggen catches a fly in his fingers. What we love the most in this clip though, is the playful music as Ron and McLaggen go head to head for the position of Keeper…
8. But I am the Chosen One…
This clip is an absolute treat. We’ve got Harry and Hermione in the library – who doesn’t love a scene where books are being magically being returned to their shelves? – some cheeky music for a sassy Harry, as well as Romilda Vane in background, checking out the Chosen One. When Hermione urges Harry to choose his date carefully for Slughorn’s party, he responds: ‘I’ll take someone I like, someone cool.’ Cut to Luna Lovegood in an absolutely fabulous dress. And listen out for her piece of Luna-style wisdom about wearing shoes to bed…
