Entertainment
The Relationship No One Talks About in the Final Harry Potter Movie Is the Best Addition to the Story
Harry Potter may be on its way to a new HBO series, but the films are still a rare example of a good book-to-movie adaptation. While there are many departures from the books that fans will complain about, the films maintain the most important elements, and some of the additions even improve upon the source material. Specifically, one moment in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 adds a small subplot that makes a wonderful deviation from the story.
In a brief scene, during the chaos of the Battle of Hogwarts, Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) stops Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) to ask where Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) is, revealing that he hopes to confess his feelings for her before it is too late. Later, Harry notices them sitting together in the aftermath, suggesting that they had the chance to talk. Admittedly, it isn’t much to go on, considering Neville finds Luna off-screen, but these two scenes subtly pair them up in a sweet relationship that was never even hinted at in the books. This is unique to the films, and a quick look at the supplementary material available about the characters shows that they marry other people. However, the relationship is a worthwhile addition to the film, fitting into the story seamlessly while giving two beloved characters a moment in the spotlight.
Neville and Luna Work Well as a Couple
Though it isn’t explored much, Neville and Luna make sense together because they have similar experiences and values. Both characters are bullied throughout their years at Hogwarts, and, more importantly, they consistently fight for what they believe in. Beyond the courage to stand up to Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), they also share the distinction of being some of the kindest and most understanding people the golden trio encounters, which is why Neville and Luna become two of Harry’s biggest allies. These similarities make them a compelling match, suggesting that they can relate to one another in a way most can’t. That, and the bond they made fighting beside each other, explains why fans often imagine them together.
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Although the final film added a few scenes alluding to this pair becoming a couple, the relationship between Luna and Neville deserves more exploration. Yet, even so, this is a sweet moment to include, efficiently pairing off two fan-favorite characters and suggesting a happy ending for them. Not only is it a small way of highlighting these two in the final film, but it also fits the story. The romance between Luna and Nevill plays off the tensions of the battle, like Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione’s (Emma Watson) relationship, or Harry and Ginny’s (Bonnie Wright) kiss. Since they are already a natural fit for each other, Neville and Luna developing a relationship in the background of the battle is an upbeat inclusion that provides a light moment in a dark time, and both the characters and the film need that.
Neville and Luna Aren’t a Couple in the Harry Potter Books
Neville and Luna may make a lot of sense together on paper, but they are not written that way. The books never have Neville confess any feelings for Luna, though they spend more time together as friends. The two of them and Ginny even make up an unofficial alternate trio as they restart Dumbledore’s Army while Harry, Ron, and Hermione have their own mission. But it goes beyond the relationship’s failure to manifest as both eventually married other people. J. K. Rowling revealed on Pottermore that Neville married Hannah Abbott, a Hufflepuff girl from his year, who doesn’t have a notable role in the films, but is part of Dumbledore’s Army in the books. Meanwhile, Luna is paired off with Rolf Scamander, grandson of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them‘s Newt (Eddie Redmayne). Rolf never appears in the books, but if he is meant to be anything like his grandfather, he is a good match for Luna.
Though it is somewhat disappointing that Neville and Luna are never together in the books, despite how well they fit, even if their film relationship were accepted as universal canon, they likely wouldn’t end up together. Although it works out for Harry and Ginny, and for Ron and Hermione, the characters are young when the story ends. Luna and Neville could have dated for a time, only for it to fall apart. Even so, the film’s version of events is a heartwarming moment, especially for the fans who have long rooted for the pair. The inclusion of any relationship is a deviation from the original story, but it justifies itself by serving as an upbeat ending for the two who receive little conclusion, even if it is a temporary relationship.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 is streaming on HBO Max in the U.S.
- Release Date
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July 12, 2011
- Runtime
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130 minutes
- Writers
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Steve Kloves, J.K. Rowling
- Producers
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David Barron, David Heyman, J.K. Rowling
