The Harry Potter franchise, known for its thrilling adventures and magical world, has captured the hearts of millions through its thrilling movies. However, the books on which these films are based delve into darker tones and deeper narratives that were often left out. As the franchise pivots to television with HBO developing a new series, these untold stories are poised to return.
Let’s explore some of the darkest, most impactful scenes from the books that never made it to the silver screen. These moments not only add to the depth of the Harry Potter universe but also showcase the complex, multifaceted nature of the characters.
10 Umbridge Confesses That She Sent Dementors After Harry
The Move Was Shocking, Even For Her
Dementors are fearsome creatures, designed to extract every bit of hope from their victims. Hogwarts’ Headmistress, Dolores Umbridge, utilized these horrifying beings in a shocking manner. When Harry attempted to expose Voldemort’s return, she sent Dementors after him. This act was both cruel and morally reprehensible, showcasing Umbridge’s true sinister nature.
Dolores Umbridge was played by Imelda Staunton.
9 The Deathday Party Was Both Light and Dark
It Horrified the Living
Birthday celebrations are typically joyous events, but ghost birthdays, known as Deathday parties, are anything but. These gruesome gatherings involved ghosts reflecting on their deaths and consuming rotting foods. The living visitors found these events deeply unsettling. This darker aspect was omitted from the film adaptation, highlighting the nuanced nature of the cinematic choices.
8 Harry Lashed Out After Sirius’ Death
He Proved Just How Much Rage He Held
Harry’s bond with Sirius Black was profound, and the latter’s death dealt a significant blow. The books depict Harry’s anguish more intensely than the movies. In one particularly disturbing scene, Harry destroys everything in Dumbledore’s office, screaming his hatred towards the world in a fit of rage. This dark moment illustrates Harry’s vulnerability and the depth of his grief.
In one extremely dark scene, Harry lets his grief and his rage control him.
7 Harry Used an Unforgivable Curse on Amycus Carrow
No One Is Allowed To Spit at Professor McGonagall
The Unforgivable Curses are considered taboo in the magical world, reserved only for the most heinous crimes. When Amycus Carrow spat at Professor McGonagall, Harry, in an impulsive act of revenge, cast the Cruciatus Curse. This spell is meant to torture, and its use demonstrates Harry’s growing desperation and immersion into the dark side of the war.
Amycus Carrow was played by Ralph Ineson.
6 Umbridge Hospitalized Professor McGonagall
Four Stunners Severely Injured Her
Professor McGonagall is a respected figure at Hogwarts, admired for her bravery and wisdom. However, one instance saw her severely injured by Umbridge during a confrontation. When McGonagall tried to defend Hagrid from his unjust eviction, Umbridge retaliated with four powerful stunners, leaving McGonagall incapacitated and requiring extensive medical care at St Mungo’s Hospital. This scene, though omitted from the film, underscores Umbridge’s cruelty and the high stakes of the conflicts within Hogwarts.
The scene should have taken place in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007).
5 Voldemort Murdered His Own Family
He Then Framed His Uncle
One of Voldemort’s most heinous acts was murdering his own family. This dark flashback scene was left out of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The guilt over these acts drove him to frame his uncle for various crimes, revealing the icy depths of his malevolence.