O CHILDREN

This is, I think, perhaps the most divisive scene in the entire Harry Potter franchise. One that was not in the books, I know people who hate this scene, and people who - like me - love it.

And I do love it.

It happens midway through Deathly Hallows Part 1. The necklace horcrux has taken it’s toll on our heroes, and Ron has left the group, leaving Harry and Hermione scrambling. Unsure where to go, who to trust, or what to do next.

The gravity of their situation never heavier.

This however, is an escape for these two friends. As Harry removes the necklace from Hermione’s neck, the weight of the world in momentarily lifted.

“Hey little train, wait for me! I was held in chains, but now I’m free.”

For this briefest of minutes they are two friends dancing to the radio, freed from the darkness that surrounds them

“We’re happy, Ma, we’re having fun. It’s beyond my wildest expectation.”

The scene, as with a lot of Nick Cave’s music, is both beautiful and dark. The beauty of the music and the lyrics. The awkward platonic love and the short lived, defiant, diversion from their task.

It is a scene that shows the best of the characters. That in the face of adversity the two are their for each other. To pull each other through, when they’re barely hanging on.

“I’m hanging in there, don’t you see? In this process of elimination”

The darkness of Nick’s rich, brooding voice, and the task ahead that the characters know they must face

And as the song ends, they embrace. Not just each other, but the moment. A fleeting moment of joy. Of light, pulled from the darkness, before it threatens to engulf them again.

“O Children, lift up your voice” reminding you that this is effectively what they are. Children. Or at least found adults who have had their childhood taken from them.

They are two people who have been burdened with a responsibility, and a maturity, far beyond their years.

There are, undoubtedly, problems with the Harry Potter films, and these “Harry on Camping” scenes in particular, but in the midst of that, it provides us with this.

It is, as I mentioned, divisive. It’s not in the books, it’s a little awkward, and Nick Caves music is not for everyone. But to me, it is the perfect embodiment of these characters pasts, presents, and futures.

It is a scene that lasts just two minutes, yet in that two minutes conveys, just with the music and the dancing, everything you need to know.

And is probably my favourite scene in the entire eight-film franchise.