As much as we consider ourselves to be the biggest Harry Potter fans, we learn something new about the beloved franchise every day.
And we were really taken by surprise by this deleted scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One.
As the Dursley clan are getting ready to flee from Privet Drive, with Voldemort and the Death Eaters on the search for Harry Potter, Harry and his Aunt Petunia have a particularly tender moment.
You can watch the scene below.
While this scene was cut from the final version of the films, it is a brand new addition, as we don’t see this interaction between Harry and his aunt in the books.
Harry and his relationship with the Dursely’s has always been fraught, and in the novels, we see Harry’s aunt, uncle and cousin Dudley leave their house behind.
Despite their numerous rows, Dudley gives Harry quite an emotional farewell, while Petunia briefly pauses by the front door before leaving. This could suggest Petunia is sad about leaving Harry, her last connection to Lily, behind, possibly to die.
Thankfully, JK Rowling has explained just what that final scene between Aunt Petunia and Harry was meant to imply.
Writing on the Pottermore website, Rowling explained: “I wanted to suggest, in the final book, that something decent (a long-forgotten but dimly burning love of her sister; the realisation that she might never see Lily's eyes again) almost struggled out of Aunt Petunia when she said goodbye to Harry for the last time, but that she is not able to admit to it, or show those long-buried feelings.”
We have to admit, we’re gutted this scene was cut out the films!
Many people have previously questioned by Petunia had such intense feelings of dislike towards her nephew.
However, many have suggested they’re long lingering feelings of jealousy that she’d clung on, after Muggle-born sister Lily was born with magical powers and she was not.
Discussing on the r/HarryPotter Reddit thread, one person said: “I don’t think Petunia hated Harry. I think she resents him and all that he reminds her of.”
Featured Image Credit: Warner BrosTopics: Harry Potter, TV And Film, Books
Kimberley Bond