One change in Harry Potter movies had to make several changes to the original story in order to condense the long books into cohesive films. While many of the changes and retcons in the films didn’t quite work, some changes benefited the movies greatly and arguably made Harry Potter's story better than it already was. At the least, this was certainly the case with the scene in Deathly Hallows Part 1 that saw Harry and Hermione travel to Godric’s Hollow.
In the Deathly Hallows book, Harry and Hermione decide to visit Godric’s Hollow on Christmas in search of one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes. Hermione is extremely against the idea, thinking Voldemort would have set up a trap, given that Godric’s Hollow is Harry’s birthplace, and so Voldemort would expect Harry to return there. Hermione only agrees to visit on the condition that they disguise themselves with Polyjuice Potion and hide under the invisibility cloak. While their disguises don’t prevent them from getting attacked, the decision is logical. However, this is changed in the film adaption, which effectively improves the moment.
Harry's Return To Godric's Hollow Is Different In The Deathly Hallows Movie
In the film version of Deathly Hallows, Harry still begs Hermione to go to Godric’s Hollow, and she is still hesitant, though this time she gives in as she believes the lost sword of Gryffindor may be hidden there. However, when they arrive in Godric’s Hollow, the two look like themselves and are not under the invisibility cloak. Hermione says that she thinks she and Harry should have used Polyjuice Potion, but Harry says, “No. This is where I was born. I’m not returning as someone else.” Harry goes on to see his parents’ grave and his former home while still looking like himself.
Not Disguising Himself Makes Harry’s Godric's Hollow Return More Powerful
While the change was most likely due to the filmmakers wanting Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson on screen rather than other actors, it also makes this moment incredibly powerful. By not disguising himself as someone else, Harry’s return to Godric’s Hollow holds much more emotional weight. Godric’s Hollow was his first real home, the place where he lived happily with his parents before it was all cruelly taken away from him in one fell swoop. Harry looking like himself when he sees his destroyed house and the gravestone of Lily and James Potter allows the audience to witness all the emotions Harry is feeling, as he sees the last remnants of his former life.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 served as the setup for the final fight in Part 2, but it also served the purpose of showing exactly what the heroes are fighting for. Harry returning to see his old home and his parents’ graves in Godric’s Hollow was a significant moment for Harry, as it served as a reminder of why he needs to stop Voldemort once and for all. By giving Harry the courage to risk visiting Godric's Hollow undisguised, the movie adaptation makes the message more poignant and truly shows that Harry has something worth fighting for.
