entertainment
compiled by luke swinney
As Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 hits theaters on July 15, it marks ten years since Harry, Ron and Hermione first appeared on the big screen. To celebrate this decade of magic, The Marquee picked the ten most memorable moments in Harry Potter history.
Wizard Chess This scene at the end of The Sorcerer’s Stone gave a unique look into the most impressive aspect of J.K. Rowling’s wizard world – magic. While most books have limited plotlines, chess pieces actually coming to life showed the magical possibilities are endless.
Hermione Punches Draco Malfoy
It’s awesome when a jerk gets punched in the face. It’s even better when it’s an arrogant jerk. And it’s even better if he’s getting punched by a girl. While this isn’t the most important moment in the books, it’s definitely one of the most hilarious.
The Epilogue: 19 Years Later Some fans describe it as “cheesy,” but the epilogue was a nice way to complete the series. Seeing everyone’s favorite characters all grown up was a simple reminder that life eventually got better. Sure, naming Harry’s kids Albus Severus and Lily Luna was a little ridiculous, but we’ll get over it eventually.
Introduction of Luna` Luna Lovegood is one of the quirkiest characters in the Harry Potter world, and introducing her character into the movies was a much-needed addition. The fifth movie might not have been the best, but Lovegood’s character certainly made it more entertaining. By the way, what are nargles?
The Sorcerer's Stone Opens November 2001 Breaking the record for highest grossing opening weekend of all-time with $90.3 million, the first Harry Potter film gave non-readers the chance to be immersed in Rowling’s wizarding world. The Sorcerer’s Stone movie increased the series’ popularity like magic. the marquee | may 20, 2011
Weasleys Leave Hogwarts
Every kid fantasizes about pulling a prank on a particularly nasty teacher, and it was great to see the Weasley twins actually pull it off. Not only did they explode fireworks throughout the entire castle, they interrupted an exam given by the fifth book’s evil antagonist, Professor Dolores Umbridge.
Harry and Ginny Even if this love duo was a disappointment to all the Harry/Hermione fans, it was great to finally see Harry and Ginny together. Seeing everyone’s favorite wizard truly happy and in love was a nice contrast to his depressing battle with Voldemort.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opens When Universal Studios first opened its Harry Potter theme park last June in Orlando, it opened an entire new way to experience the wizarding world. Now fans can visit the shops of Hogsmeade, take a ride on the Dragon Challenge thrill coaster or be sorted into their favorite house at Hogwarts.
Snape Kills Dumbledore Dumbledore’s death was a huge shock to readers, but the funniest part of this top ten moment was when people screamed “SNAPE KILLED DUMBLEDORE” to all the fans standing outside bookstores anxiously waiting to get their copy of the sixth book.
Voldemort is Defeated It’s over. The wizarding world is saved. Seven books of battling evil finally culminates into a war in the Great Hall at Hogwarts and ends in Voldemort’s defeat. This moment is what the entire series builds up to and gave closure to fans who “stuck with Harry until the very end.” design/art by nathaniel thornton 15