The Top 10 Scenes We Hope to See in the New Illustrated Harry Potter

Now that the cover for the fully illustrated edition of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone has been released, I’ve moved from passive excitement to full-on daydreaming about getting my hands on this beautiful book. October 6 can’t come quickly enough, but in the meantime, here are the top ten scenes I really, really hope make it into the book’s collection of more than 100 illustrations:
1. The first years meeting Hogwarts’ ghosts for the first time. Can’t you just imagine all their adorable little 11-year-old faces in a state of shock? Especially the muggleborns, who’d never seen ghosts before. Plus, Nearly Headless Nick demonstrating one can, in fact, be nearly headless.
2. Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback hatching. One of Hagrid’s less brilliant plans, unfortunately—hatching a fire-breathing dragon in a tiny wooden hut. But Siriusly, I can’t wait to see how Jim Kay handles baby dragons.
3. Dumbledore looking in the Mirror of Erised. Harry may not see what Dumbledore sees when he looks in the Mirror, but I, for one, am dying to see Dumbledore holding a lovely pair of woolen socks.
4. Hermione’s hair, like, all of the time. This isn’t actually a specific scene, but Hermione Granger’s hair is a thing of beauty with a mind of its own. Hopefully, Jim Kay works it into as many of his illustrations as possible.
5. Dudley’s piggy transformation. I think we can all agree this is one of the most satisfying scenes in the book (possibly in the entire series). It’s right up there with Hermione punching Draco Malfoy in the face. The look of horror on Petunia’s face, Vernon turning the color of pickled beets, and Dudley squealing—priceless.
6. Harry’s wand choosing him. If you haven’t had a daydream about getting your own wand at Ollivander’s, we can’t be friends. And since the closest I’ll ever get to that warm, glowing, magic feeling is seeing it inked out, I’m hoping this scene gets its own two-page spread or so.
7. “Troll—in the dungeons–thought you ought to know.” I’m sure there will be several pages devoted to the official formation of the Golden Trio, but I still can’t wait to see Ron and Harry saving Hermione’s life with a spell that, let’s face it, they wouldn’t know how to say properly without Hermione’s help, anyway. Plus, Hermione’s first lie to a teacher. This is monumental stuff.
8. Professor Quirrell unwinding his turban. Honestly, who saw this coming when they read the book for the first time? And how huge must that turban have been to hide another face? And how bored must Voldemort have been, listening to first-years learn Defense Against the Dark Arts all day for an entire year? Forget Darth Vader—this is the most surprising plot twist of all time.
9. Draco’s terrified face in the Forbidden Forest. We already know Jim Kay can do wonders illustrating Draco Malfoy. But what’s even better than Draco Malfoy looking large and in charge? Draco Malfoy looking like a scared little Slytherin while serving a well-deserved detention with Harry and the gang. Plus, Fang.
10. Professor McGonagall’s face 90% of the time. And Snape’s. Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman were the perfect casting choices for these excellent characters, so I hope Jim Kay goes a similar direction with them in the illustrated edition. McGonagall’s constant stern look and Snape’s ever-present sneer? I can’t wait to see them printed on every page of this book.
Bonus scene: Vernon Dursley buried in Harry’s letters. Because any illustration with a raging Vernon Dursley is a good illustration.
What scenes do you most want to see in the illustrated Harry Potter?