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From the Book
- Ron, Fred and George showing up to rescue Harry from Privet Drive and bring him home. If that's not real friendship, then I don't know what is.
- When Ron, Fred, and George bring Harry to the Burrow for the first time, while Molly is furious with her boys for sneaking out and taking the car to get him, she immediately welcomes Harry into her home and offers him breakfast.
- Not to mention, she mentions that she and Arthur were seriously considering going to get Harry themselves. If anything, Ron and the twins just ripped the bandage off.
- The most surprising thing about the Burrow, to Harry, is that everyone there likes him. Molly dotes on him, Arthur wants to learn all about Muggle life, Ron is his best friend, Ginny's got a crush on him, and the twins just love to goof off with him. To someone who's only really known a home life of cruelty and abuse, this must have been the most amazing thing in the world.
- Harry's interactions with Ginny, especially with the knowledge that they end up together in the end. Despite being a bit embarrassed by her crush on him, Harry always treats her with kindness and sticks up for her like he does the other Weasleys. Even before he fell in love, even before they became friends in book 5 and he only knew her as his best friend's sister, Harry's been on her side since day one.
- At Flourish and Blotts, Harry is recognized by Lockhart and dragged to the front for a photo-ops. Harry hates this and immediately gives all the free stuff he's given (a complete collection of the Lockhart books needed for his class) to Ginny and resolves to buy his own as he can afford them and the Weasleys can't.
- Ginny also sticks up for Harry against Malfoy, the first thing she manages to say in front of him.
- Arthur Weasley's and Lucius Malfoy's brawl in Flourish and Blotts. For context: Lucius Malfoy says something nasty and racist about Hermione's parents in Arthur's presence. Arthur, who had so far spent the whole time weathering Lucius's insults about himself with steady dignity, responds to this by dropping everything he's doing and leaping on Malfoy, fist-first.
- Keep in mind Arthur treats Hermione as another daughter, especially with the knowledge that she end up marrying his son Ron in the end.
- While it's mostly funny, Fred and George doing their "Heir of Slytherin" routine when people think Harry's the Heir of Slytherin. Especially since it actually cheers Harry up a little bit, since he knows that Fred and George are being sarcastic and are among the group who don't think he's the heir.
- Justin Finch-Fletchley is a very friendly guy, indicated by the fact that he introduces himself not just to Harry, but Ron and Hermione, too, and seems genuinely just as glad to meet them — he specifically mentions Hermione's excellent grades and the fact that it was Ron's flying car that crashed into the Whomping Willow (which, bear in mind, nearly all the students think is awesome).
- When Malfoy calls Hermione a Mudblood for the first time, the reactions of all the Gryffindors present (sans Harry and Hermione, who don't know what it means). Fred and George have to be held back from throttling Malfoy on the spot, Alicia screams, "How dare you?!", and Ron tries to hex him. Fantastic Racism won't fly here, Ferret Boy!
- A very brief moment, but Percy gives some simple, sincere advice to Harry when the latter is choosing his course list for the third year; no condescension and almost no bluster. Granted, Harry doesn't consider it helpful, but points for trying.
- While the exact circumstances aren't clear, Sir Nicholas is implied to have tried to shield Justin Finch-Fletchley, who isn't even from Sir Nicholas' house, mind, from the Basilisk. While both of them still end up petrified, he at least ensured that Justin wasn't killed by the Basilisk's attack.
- When Harry gets called to talk to Dumbledore after the attack on Justin and Nick, he worries he's going to be accused. Apparently, Hagrid had the same worry because he immediately bursts in swearing up and down that he was with Harry only minutes before the attack, and he'd swear in front of the Ministry itself if he had to. Granted, that's not at all what Dumbledore wanted, but it's still sweet.
- After it's revealed that Harry is a parselmouth, Ron and Hermione drag him away to have a serious chat. While they're worried about what other people will think about it, they are not worried for a moment that Harry might actually be the Heir Of Slytherin and dangerous. The idea that they might not stand by their friend? Doesn't come up at all.
- Dobby and Harry's relationship. Dobby can't turn against his master, and will have to punish himself for everything he'll do to help Harry, even if they don't know about it, and will do it himself. He still does it, going as far as going the closest he can to reveal who the culprit is the very first time he meets Harry. Without Dobby, Harry would have started reacting too late, Voldemort would likely have been resurrected that year, and the basilisk would still have been alive and at his orders; what stopped him was the humblest of creatures ready to face all the pain he'd have to endure to help a little child. And then, there's how Harry repays him. Not only Harry's very survival helped Dobby (house elves' lives are horrible, but Dobby reveals they were much, much worse under Voldemort), but he also treats Dobby like a person. Keep in mind, not only he doesn't know him, he doesn't even know what house elves are, and still, he treats him as his equal from the very first time they met. That's what earns Dobby's Undying Loyalty that will last through the whole series. Not too mention that, despite everything Dobby put him through and made him endure, Harry still took the first chance he saw to grant him freedom.
- Fred and George protecting Harry from the rouge Bludger.
- While also a tearjerker, the fact that Colin had tried to sneak into the hospital wing to bring Harry some grapes.
- You have to admit, it's rather sweet that Lockhart gave Hermione a Get-Well card following the mishap with the Polyjuice Potion.
- A small one, but a mix of Heartwarming, Funny, and Awesome in a really dark point of the books: after Dumbledore has been removed by the school governors and Malfoy makes a crude comment about hoping the next Muggleborn to be attacked dies, callously calling it "a pity it wasn't Granger", Ron snaps and tries to lunge at him. Only Harry and Dean Thomas intervening and the end of class stop him from getting to Malfoy and getting into trouble with Snape for it because it's pretty clear he's prepared to pummel Malfoy to a pulp for such an offensive remark about Hermione.Ron: (as Harry and Dean drag him away) Let me at him… I don't care, I don't need my wand… I'm gonna kill him with my bare hands!
- When Harry tells him they need to follow the spiders and enter the Forbidden Forest, Ron, who, mind you, is absolutely terrified of spiders, steels his resolve after looking at Hermione's usual seat, which is empty due to her petrification.
- Aragog doesn't consume human flesh in respect for Hagrid. You may wonder why this is Heartwarming other than, you know, friendship? Simple. Aragog doesn't consider Hagrid different for being a giant — he's just human to Aragog.
- Hagrid's friendship with Aragog is often overlooked in how the series theme of The Power of Love: Acromantulas are one of the most dangerous animals on the planet, and attempts to raise or domesticate them are seen as suicidal, yet just by being a kind and loyal friend, Hagrid inspired one to not eat human flesh. The reality of his friendship with Aragog stands in stark contrast to how Harry and (especially) Ron perceive it, which is as Hagrid's most insane, delusional folly.
- Mr. Weasley's car saving Harry and Ron, especially since the last time they saw it, it seemed pretty hacked off with them after they crashed it into the Whomping Willow.
- Subtle one: when they want to go out and look for spiders in the forest, Harry and Ron are annoyed at having to play Fred and George at exploding snap and wait for them to go to bed. The Twins don't usually hang out with Harry and Ron but are presumably keeping an extra special eye on them and trying to cheer them after Hermione's been petrified.
- Ernie Macmillan is one of the most outspoken of the students who believe that Harry is behind the attacks on Muggle-borns. However, he changes his opinion entirely when Hermione Granger is attacked, acknowledges that he was wrong, and sincerely apologizes to Harry for it.
- This was a small one, but when Harry and Ron are about to sneak away from class, they run into McGonagall. Harry tells her they were going to see Hermione, who is still petrified, and McGonagall lets them go. McGonagall, one of the sternest, strictest, no-nonsense teachers at Hogwarts, tears up and lets them go see their friend. And in the end, it is this visit that helps them solve the enigma.
- Fred and George are only serious for one time in the series: when the Heir of Slytherin has kidnapped Ginny. Harry notes that they can't make any quips while waiting in their dormitories for the teachers to have answers. This strengthens his and Ron's resolve to go to Lockhart and reveal what they know.
- Harry telling the man who murdered his parents and is about to murder him and his best friend's sister that Dumbledore is a better wizard than Voldemort. That is demonstrating courage worthy of Gryffindor House.
- At the end of the novel, Ginny of course blames herself, despite the fact that this is in no way her fault. And Dumbledore tells her as much, getting her some hot chocolate and assuring her that she's not the first (or, sadly, the last) to be conned by Lord Voldemort, and that no punishment will come to her. She should spend a night in the hospital win as well.
- Chocolate is the cure for a Dementor attack, ie having something feed on your soul... which is exactly what Riddle did to Ginny. That mug of hot chocolate probably did more than just reassure her.
- Dumbledore and Minerva's reactions to when the boys return from the Chamber of Secrets, covered in muck and with a crying Ginny and obliviated Lockhart. Minerva has Anger Born of Worry about how they risked their lives. Dumbledore reassures the boys he has to eat his words about expelling them if they broke more rules; they get Special Awards.
- When Dumbledore finally learns that Harry has been Wangsting that he was only fit to be in the house of Slytherin, the so-called "house of villains." That moment, when Dumbledore proves to Harry that he is better than he gives himself credit for, is a truly magical one.
- Several moments from the impromptu feast at the end, including Hermione waking up and being overjoyed that Harry and Ron solved the case, Justin running over to Harry and apologizing endlessly for suspecting him, and Hagrid returning from Azkaban.
- What does Molly Weasley send Harry for Christmas? "a new, hand-knitted sweater [...from Mrs Weasley...] and a large plum cake"; she knows he probably doesn't get fed well at home or clothed well, so she sends him both, like a good mother.
From the Film
"There's no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid."
- It's a small moment, and some may disagree, but Argus Filch's reaction to seeing that his cat, Mrs. Norris, has been petrified is actually kind of heartwarming when you think about it. Filch may be unpleasant and unkind, but there's no denying he has a soft spot for his cat. His reaction to seeing her is so sad, and he's ready to kill a student when he thinks they're responsible.
- Snape has an I Can't Believe I'm Saying This expression when he asserts that Harry can't be responsible for what happened to Mrs. Norris because a child doesn't have that much magic in them, let alone Dark Magic, so more likely "Potter" was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Lockhart quickly jumps to Harry's defense as well, saying that the boy was serving detention with him so he has an alibi.
- Minerva sees all the students are shaken about what happened to Mrs. Norris. When Hermione asks her about the Chamber of Secrets, she stops the lesson. Then she tells them about Salazar Slytherin's legend. Unlike Professor Binns in the book, McGonagall all but says the Chamber is probably real.
- It's a small one, but the scene where Hagrid comforts Hermione after Draco Malfoy calls her a mudblood.Hagrid: Don't you think about it. Don't you think about it for a minute.
- Made extra heartwarming, when we later find out he suffers from prejudice on both sides, for being half giant.
- It's not small at all. It's a microcosm of the point of the entire series. Where we came from doesn't matter. Our choices do.
- Ron, who is pureblood, calling it disgusting.
- Made extra heartwarming, when we later find out he suffers from prejudice on both sides, for being half giant.
- Dumbledore's reaction to Fawkes being reborn is adorable. It's basically how everyone reacts to a puppy. The cooing sounds Fawkes made just made things more heartwarming.
- Minor Pet the Dog moment, but Lockhart wishing Harry luck during the dueling club was the most genuine thing he ever did.
- While disguised as Crabbe and Goyle, Malfoy makes a malicious remark about how he hopes Hermione dies. Harry has to physically hold Ron back.
- In a way, Ron's line: "Where's Hermione when you need her?" when he and Harry are about to be eaten by spiders. It says a lot about how much Ron values Hermione's skill that he thinks she, a twelve-year-old witch, would have a chance against a hundred Acromantula.
- It's Hermione - she successfully put a curse on parchment that not even Madame Pomfrey could remove. She'd win against the Acromantulas.
- Ron's determination to get Lockhart to go down to the Chamber and save Ginny. Bonus points since he's the one that pushes Lockhart down to the Chamber.
- It's a small moment, and some may disagree, but Harry's look of concern when Ron knocks Lockhart out with a rock.
- There is at least one scene that the movie does better than the book: In the book, Harry kills the Basilisk, is poisoned, and is then saved by Fawkes. Voldemort comments on Phoenix's healing powers before Harry destroys the diary. In the movie, Harry destroys Voldemort before Fawkes heals him; Ginny wakes up to see him still wounded. He ignores the fact that he's dying, and tries only to calm her down and get her out of the chamber safely. Because that is the kind of a person Harry is.
- Dumbledore told Harry, who had been doubting that he truly belonged in Gryffindor, to look at the sword he had taken from the Sorting Hat. Engraved upon it was the name Godric Gryffindor.Dumbledore: "Only a true Gryffindor could have pulled that out of the hat, Harry."
- And, when Harry admits he worried that the Hat should have put him in Slytherin:"It is not our abilities that define us, Harry. It is our choices."
- And, when Harry admits he worried that the Hat should have put him in Slytherin:
- Harry tricking Lucius Malfoy into freeing Dobby, and Dobby's reaction to his freedom:
- Dobby: Master has given Dobby a sock... Master has presented Dobby with clothes! Dobby is free!
- In the movie, there's the added scene of Lucius trying then to cast a spell on Harry (the killing curse, no less). Dobby, who so far had been completely afraid of him, immediately turns against his former master, sending him flying away, and makes very clear that you don't mess with Dobby's friends. Doubles as a Moment of Awesome.Dobby: You shall not harm Harry Potter!
- At the final feast of The Chamber of Secrets, Hermione races the length of the hall to hug Harry and has an awkward reunion with Ron. Then, Dumbledore makes his speech — but, what's this? A door opening! Who dares to interrupt the great and Powerful Dumble— Oh, It's Hagrid! Carry on! Cue the biggest load of tears (up to this point!) that anyone will ever give, as the first thing Hagrid does is walk up to where Harry and Ron sit, thanking them for helping prove his innocence. Harry then stands up and looks at Hagrid with a smile.Harry: "There's no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid."
- Doubly touching when you remember that to Harry, Hogwarts is the first true home he's ever had. And without Hagrid, it couldn't possibly be the same...
- Completed with a big hug afterward. Professor Dumbledore is the first to applaud, but Professor McGonagall is only two seconds behind the former to clap Hagrid's return; Madam Pomfrey is beaming with joy; Professor Sprout — the take-no-shit-when-her-school-is-in-danger teacher of Deathly Hallows — is crying with joy! Cue the massive joyous celebration from the entirety of Hogwarts as the music swells. note By the time you finish this scene, you might need some tissues or hug the person who's watching with you.
- Could also be a tear-jerker: when everyone is cheering for Hagrid and Harry, there is a close up on Hermione who you could see is crying tears of joy at the sight of Hagrid getting the celebration he deserves. This is even more heartwarming when you realize that Hagrid was the one who helped Hermione get over Draco calling her a "mudblood" and she is overwhelmed with the fact that everyone realizes he is a good person.
- During the celebration, we get a shot of Hermione who waves at the camera as a thank you for watching. Made way more adorable if you see this shot in slow motion.
- Bonnie Wright admitted in a reunion interview with the rest of the cast that she was crying joyfully while filming this scene.
- Hagrid himself wipes away a tear, it's kinda adorable.
- John Williams did a pretty good job with the score for this scene. It's the sound of victory and the battle finally over.
- At the end Filch can be seen standing in the Great Hall during the feast, ignoring the usual clamor to cuddle his cat.
- The first thing Ron says after freeing Harry from the Dursleys? "By the way, Harry, happy birthday!" The smile on his dark haired friend's face is worth it.
