Chapter 14: “Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback” Is a Malfoy Family Reunion

by · July 8, 2020

After a short hiatus, the chapter reads of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone/Philosopher’s Stone for Harry Potter at Home have continued. Americans celebrated their independence with Chapter 12 read by Matthew Lewis, Helen Howard, and Imelda Staunton. Yesterday, we enjoyed the soothing sounds of Hugh Bonneville, and today we’re treated to a Malfoy family reunion!

Tom Felton, Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), and Helen McCrory (Narcissa Malfoy) called a family meeting to read the latest chapter, “Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback.”

Isaacs commented on his relationship with the Harry Potter books.

I’ll confess that when I was first asked to play Lucius, I hadn’t read any of the books. I was confused why so many of my adult friends – not to mention everyone on the tube – were reading children’s books. I cracked open the first one just to get a flavour and lost myself in a world that, luckily, I’ve never had to leave. Decades later, my life is still enriched not just by the intoxicating magic of Jo’s stories and the timelessly human struggles and triumphs they bring to life but [also] by getting to meet and hear from the endless tides of people (and now their kids) whose lives were profoundly affected – sometimes literally saved – by the struggles, love and friendship of Harry, Ron, Hermione and mostly, obviously, the inspiring and heart-warming heroism of the entire Malfoy family. Or maybe I’m biased…

Tom begins the video by introducing himself as Emma Watson and explaining that he played Hagrid in the films. We see you, Tom.

Tom also mentions that he “gets the backing up of” his movie parents, and McCrory says she’s here with her “son and [her] husband” to read the chapter. We couldn’t love this more.

Enjoy the Malfoys’ reading!