10 Harry Potter Book Arcs Guaranteed to Hit Harder in HBO’s Reboot

As the series gets a fresh start, it has a real opportunity to recapture its former success. While the films are fan favorites, some parts of the story haven’t been fully explored and could benefit from a modern retelling. Several compelling storylines from the original saga would be even more impactful as a TV series, allowing for more in-depth development.

Popular storylines from the Harry Potter books – like the history of Dumbledore and his ultimate sacrifice, the friendship between the Marauders, or even the romance between Ron and Hermione – could be huge hits if explored further. These stories weren’t given much attention in the films, but fans already enjoy them, so expanding on them would be a great idea.

Percy’s Fallout With the Weasleys Is a Painful Consequence of the War

After Percy Weasley was promoted at the Ministry of Magic, he stopped speaking to his family. He even blamed his father for potentially harming his career because of their beliefs. It took three years, but Percy eventually realized the Ministry was corrupt and returned home to join his siblings in opposing it.

Because he wasn’t as central to Harry’s story, this character’s development was largely ignored in the movies. The new series has a chance to delve into his motivations and show him as a complex person who simply wanted a good life. Doing so could powerfully illustrate the damaging effects of a society torn apart by conflicting beliefs.

Neville Longbottom’s Story Is a Tragic Tale

Neville Longbottom began as a somewhat comical character in the series, but it was later revealed he nearly had Harry Potter’s fate. His parents were members of the Order of the Phoenix, and while they survived, they were driven insane by torture and lost all memory of him.

Viewers are excited to see Neville grow into a hero throughout the series, and the show has enough time to explore that journey. Including the heartbreaking story of Alice and Frank Longbottom, and Harry’s visit to St. Mungo’s to learn what happened to them, is sure to be incredibly emotional for the audience.

The Consolidation of the New Order of the Phoenix Would Add to Their Legacy

Because the Harry Potter books are told from Harry’s point of view, readers miss out on things that happen outside of what he experiences. For instance, when he first arrived at 12 Grimmauld Place in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the Order of the Phoenix was already meeting. The story doesn’t always have to show events this way.

This group is a fan favorite throughout the series, and a TV reboot could delve deeper into their roles and what they were up to. There’s a lot of unexplored story potential regarding their actions that Harry, Ron, and Hermione weren’t aware of.

The Show Could Bring A New Perspective on Ron & Hermione’s Romance

Each character has a particular strength, but the latest movie largely ignored the romantic relationships within the series, disappointing many viewers, and the books don’t offer much more in that regard. Harry is so focused on his own problems that he doesn’t even notice his friends developing feelings for each other.

The show has a great chance to really explore the connection between Hermione and Ron. By focusing less on Harry’s point of view, the series could beautifully depict how their relationship grew, leading up to their first kiss. It’s a love story that would instantly captivate audiences.

Kreacher’s Loyalty to Regulus (& the Golden Trio) Was Incredibly Touching

At the start of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry, Ron, and Hermione hide out at 12 Grimmauld Place. While there, they learn about Sirius Black’s life and that Kreacher, the house-elf, was his most devoted servant. Seeing that the teenagers are working towards similar goals, Kreacher softens his initially unfriendly attitude towards them.

Before setting out to destroy the Horcruxes, Harry, Ron, and Hermione temporarily live at Grimmauld Place with Kreacher, the house-elf, who surprisingly becomes a helpful and kind companion, often cooking for them. This sweet part of their story was left out of the films. A TV show could really highlight the emotional impact of this peaceful time being shattered by the war to come.

Harry & Sirius’ Relationship Will Break Everyone’s Heart

Throughout the Harry Potter series, Sirius Black fills a fatherly role in Harry’s life. After a memorable first meeting, they begin sharing thoughts and feelings through letters, especially in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. In Order of the Phoenix, Harry and Sirius reunite and join forces with the Order of the Phoenix, but their time together is tragically cut short when Sirius is killed by Bellatrix Lestrange at the Ministry of Magic.

This storyline is crucial, so the show will likely explore it in depth. The films glossed over key parts of their connection, like their correspondence and the meaningful gift Sirius Black gave Harry before his death. The HBO Max series has the opportunity to fully develop this important, yet tragic, father-son dynamic.

The Ministry’s Smear Campaign Against Harry Truly Affected Him

Following Voldemort’s return in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the Ministry of Magic wrongly distrusts Harry and Dumbledore, choosing to deny the Dark Lord’s return rather than believe Harry’s warnings. This creates a challenging year for Harry, as he faces attacks from both the Ministry and the Daily Prophet. Because most people trust the Ministry, Harry’s schoolmates begin to doubt him, and he also becomes the focus of Dolores Umbridge’s unwelcome attention.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a lengthy book, but that allows for a thorough exploration of the story’s events. The book really lets us see how Harry struggles during this difficult time. For instance, we see how the negative press about him and Dumbledore affects his relationships, like when an angry Seamus Finnigan distances himself and even his mother almost prevents him from returning to Hogwarts. This illustrates how the smear campaign impacted Harry in even small, personal ways.

Ginny’s Evolution Into a Heroine Deserves a Complete Season

Ginny Weasley is a popular character in the Harry Potter series, but many fans feel the movies didn’t do her justice. She was much more than just a quiet, shy girl or Harry’s love interest. Ginny was a skilled duelist, a brave fighter during the Battle of Hogwarts, and a talented Quidditch player.

The movies didn’t focus much on Ginny because no one anticipated her becoming such an important character. Now, the upcoming TV series will draw from the entire story, which should finally allow Ginny to get the in-depth character arc she deserves. Ideally, a whole season could even be dedicated to exploring her story.

Hogwarts Time Under Death Eater Control Was a Dark Era

For most of the Harry Potter books, Hogwarts feels like a safe haven. As long as Dumbledore is headmaster, the school is protected from real danger. However, after Snape kills Dumbledore in The Half-Blood Prince, that sense of security disappears. With Voldemort in power, Death Eaters take over as teachers, and the students face harsh and unfair treatment.

Because Harry spends most of this book away from Hogwarts, we don’t get much insight into what things were like for the other students during that difficult time. The story could be richer if it showed events from multiple perspectives, revealing just how frightening things were at the school.

Snape as a Double Agent Isn’t a Surprise Anymore

The story prominently features Severus Snape, who secretly works as a spy on both sides. For much of the series, Harry—and readers—believe Snape is a villain. But Dumbledore always has faith in him. In a final act, Snape shares his memories with Harry, revealing the truth: his deep love for Lily Evans drove his dedication to protecting Harry.

With the revelation of Snape’s heroism now widely known, the upcoming TV series doesn’t need to treat it as a secret. This is an ideal opportunity to explore Snape’s perspective, showing viewers all his hidden efforts to protect Harry, even before Harry started attending Hogwarts. His complex relationship with Dumbledore promises to be particularly moving and poignant.

2026-02-08 23:11