Isabella admitted that she had a premonition she would land the role of Hermione Granger.
It wasn't arrogance; she simply had advantages others didn't.
In life, she truly had a family to support, and coincidentally, Rowling was not just a writer but also a mother. In terms of acting, Isabella had a natural talent, able to understand Maggie Smith's guidance and faithfully reproduce what was required.
Even though she thought her success was a combination of divine blessing and focused effort, she couldn't help her heart pounding when the good news actually arrived.
Especially when her mother embraced her and her sister collided into her—an instant rush of heat and excitement surged through her body.
After all, Harry Potter is one of the most successful IPs in film history.To put it bluntly, if she could choose her path upon arriving in this life, and if fate offered her either £50 million or the role of Hermione—but not both—she would have unhesitatingly embraced Harry Potter, embraced little Macaulay.
Playing the entire series wouldn't earn her £50 million, but fame would unlock infinite possibilities.
And now…
Woohoo~Taking off!
The three hugged for quite a while before separating. Sitting down again, each had slightly red eyes, but it didn't stop them from happily finishing their dinner. Afterwards, they wandered around the mall. Usually, Vivian would indulge her daughters with shopping during happy times, but today…
Just window shopping.
Money is made and saved; being able to earn shows skill, but being able to save shows real toughness.
Eating well was a gesture of gratitude, a little celebration—but luxury goods? No need.
After digesting until 8 p.m., they returned home. After a busy day, Vivian told the daughters to rest early. But before Isabella even returned to her room, her sister called her and dragged her into the art studio.
At first, Isabella thought Catherine wanted to paint a celebratory picture, but when she saw the colored little Macaulay, the fresh, cute style and adorable girl in the painting made her smile.
"Oh~ Kesha~ you've finished it already?"
"Yes, do you like it?"
"I like it, it's beautiful."
"Then it's yours."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"This painting was always meant for you!"
Catherine put her hands on her hips. "Before I even picked up the brush, I decided this painting had to be finished before you got Hermione, and I'd give it to you the day you got the role. Because I believe in your success and wish you the best."
"Don't underestimate this painting—it witnesses your choice and your beginning."
Catherine's words touched Isabella, and she felt a bit guilty.
"Kesha, you're making me feel awkward."
"What's wrong?"
"I upset you again this morning."
Catherine laughed.
"Wow~ that's rare. You know, sometimes your jokes leave people speechless, right?"
"Yes, yes." Isabella nodded.
"So will you stop doing that in the future?" Catherine asked, satisfied.
"Yes, yes, yes." Isabella nodded even faster.
"???"
Her self-deprecating, unrepentant nod left Catherine bewildered.
Isabella grinned, grabbed the painting, and bolted.
"I'm off, sis! I'm going to hang it in the music room! Good night~ rest early~"
Her playful words snapped Catherine out of her thoughts.
She sighed heavily and rolled her eyes.
The end of casting meant the beginning of signing contracts. Compared to casting, the latter was long and tedious.
Long, because the contracts contained countless clauses that alone took time to review.
Tedious, because the legal knowledge involved was so complex that a layperson couldn't manage it.
Fortunately, Isabella's late father Eric had a long-term law firm he worked with, which continued to assist Vivian after his passing, following his will. So when Vivian realized she needed legal help, she called them.
Of course, for a fee.
At first, the firm responded calmly—lawyers are notoriously cold-blooded in Western society; a hint of compassion would ruin a career. But when they learned the former employer's daughter had landed Hermione, their attitude did a 180—they happily accepted Vivian's request.
This was Harry Potter!The world's most popular novel at the time!
The film was backed by Warner Bros.!The largest media conglomerate in the world!
With the bald, strong-haired lawyer Valentin O'Connor organizing, all details of the Warner contract were presented in plain, easy-to-understand language to Isabella and her family.
"Our first discussion point is the number of films in the contract."
Valentin pushed up his glasses. "Warner wants to sign Isabella for seven films at a fixed price. Since the Harry Potter story is to be told in seven books, when the film project was initiated, producer David Heyman planned for all seven."
"This offer is legally permissible and has precedents, but personally, I think it's too exploitative. Signing seven films at once leaves Isabella no room for negotiation in the future, so…"
"What do you think?"
Of course, she couldn't sign!
Signing seven films at once—what's the difference from child labor?
She couldn't accept such capital exploitation.
Before she could speak, Vivian asked in surprise, "Is David Heyman really that confident?"
Realizing something was off, she added, "I'm not saying Harry Potter can't reach seven films, but filmmaking is like gambling. No one can guarantee success. How could Heyman dare plan all seven at once?"
Valentin had the answer.
He was prepared.
Taking someone's money to solve their problem.
Smiling, he said, "Mrs. Haywood, the answer is simple: David Heyman is no ordinary person. His parents are seasoned entertainment industry veterans."
"His parents were producers working with Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Marlon Brando, Bob Hoskins… resources were never a problem for him; he just needed a project that would make him famous."
"And Harry Potter was that project, which we all understand."
At this point, Valentin clapped his hands, not elaborating further.
Although J.K. Rowling's writing was excellent, even the best work needs exposure.
Harry Potter's global fame relied on aggressive marketing. Praise from The New York Times, endorsements from celebrities, even Spielberg's attention—all orchestrated by David Heyman.
With the ability to push the novels to global success, it was natural he had confidence in the films, and planning seven installments was part of his schedule.
So…
"Do we have room to negotiate?"
Vivian's eyes sparkled at Heyman's presence.
It wasn't surprising—now, they were the ones who needed Harry Potter.
"Well… previously no, but now yes."
Valentin reviewed the documents. "According to our information, Daniel Radcliffe's parents didn't want to sign for all seven films either."
"If Heyman can't get Daniel's parents to commit, Hermione signing for seven films is a small matter."
"Oh—so you can handle the negotiation?"
Vivian exhaled.
"Of course, Mrs. Haywood. Please trust my expertise." The bald lawyer smiled. "Eric and I have always collaborated on multiple fronts, providing legal and business support."
"Okay, next." Vivian nodded.
She didn't just trust the lawyer—she trusted her late husband.
After so many years of marriage, he had never let her suffer.
Except…That one shocking jump.
The discussion continued; the second item was salary and compensation.
Warner offered Isabella a salary of £300,000 for The Philosopher's Stone alone. Converted to dollars, that's around $480,000—almost hitting the current high end for a lead actress in a Hollywood commercial film, which is about $500,000.
Indeed, in the European and American entertainment industry, female actors' pay can't even compare to male actors'.
Differences of several times, tenfold, or even more are very common.
For example, Jennifer Lawrence earned only $250,000 for X-Men: First Class, even though she was already somewhat famous and had an Academy Award nomination. Later, when she exploded in popularity with The Hunger Games, her pay was still just $6 million—while male actors with similar achievements easily earned $15+ million, plus 15% of North American box office.
cough
Hollywood has called for pay equality for years, but female actors' salaries haven't caught up.
It's black humor, really.
So Warner offering £300,000 to Isabella was already very generous.
On top of the high salary, Warner also covered all of Isabella's educational expenses during filming.
"According to UK law, minors of school age engaged in acting work must still receive education each day, at least three hours, but the law does not require the employer to cover these costs," Valentin O'Connor explained.
"So when Warner voluntarily covers tutoring costs, for whatever reason, it's good news. UK law also stipulates minors cannot work alone; a guardian must be present during filming. Many guardians, however, have legitimate jobs."
"Thus, Warner added in the contract that Isabella's guardian would receive allowances: a one-time resignation allowance of £50,000, regardless of employment status, plus £200 per day during filming, essentially a daily on-site salary…"
Isabella and her mother exchanged a glance.
Both saw the satisfaction in the other's eyes.
On the surface, Warner's allowance seemed small, but in reality…
Last year, the UK's per capita GDP was only £12,796.
A one-time £50,000 resignation allowance was already a huge sum! Plus, £200 a day, five days a week—that's £1,000 weekly, over 52 weeks more than four times the per capita GDP. Even if filming lasted only half a year, it was still double. This money could cover most of their family's current living expenses!
"I have no major objections to this clause," Vivian said. "Valentin, you know, this money is actually the most important thing to me."
"Yeah~"
The bald lawyer understood. "Isabella's salary will go into a trust account, I get it."
Although Isabella kept saying she needed money to support her family, at this stage, the money for the family wasn't her actual salary.
It wasn't reluctance—it was British law:
Minors' earnings must be deposited into a government-regulated trust account. Guardians can withdraw only normal living expenses; the rest is released once the minor reaches adulthood. In general, the withdrawal limit is 20%.
So after taxes, Isabella's 20% share wasn't much—less than Warner's guardian allowance!
Of course, if she really wanted more, the trust account could be accessed, but the procedures were cumbersome.
Some parents in this world are just unreasonable.
Besides the number of films and salary, the contract had many other clauses.
For example, any brand endorsements Isabella received during the contract had to be reviewed by Warner first; only with their approval could she accept.
Even with Valentin's summary, Vivian still spent two hours reviewing her daughter's entire contract.
She pulled out clauses she wanted to negotiate and entrusted Valentin to handle them.
Perhaps due to time pressure—or maybe Warner knew some clauses were unreasonable—most disputed terms were quickly revised. Only the film contract quantity was firm: at least two films, and the next film's salary could vary but could not exceed twice the first film's pay.
At £300,000 for the first film, that meant a maximum of £1.2 million for the second.
The exact increase would depend on the first film's box office.
If the global box office exceeded $500 million in the first month, the maximum raise would be triggered.
Although Isabella couldn't recall the first-month box office of The Philosopher's Stone, she was confident the clause would activate—it was Harry Potter. After consulting with her mother, they accepted Warner's revised contract.
On the 22nd, the agreement was officially signed.
Since others were still negotiating with Warner, Isabella was the only one signing that day. Even so, Warner arranged a small signing ceremony with everyone, taking a photo together.
Judging by the faces, everyone was happy.
"Isa~ congratulations~"
After the photo, Rowling opened her arms to Isabella with a smile.
"Oh~ Aunt Anne, congratulations to you too."
Without hesitation, Isabella hugged Rowling.
"Hm?"
Rowling didn't understand her meaning.
Isabella smiled, "Congratulations on choosing me! I'm awesome, right?"
"Hahahaha~"
Rowling laughed heartily.
Producer David Heyman also laughed.
"Isa, though this is our first official interaction, I believe you will bring endless joy to the crew."
"Of course~"
Isabella accepted the compliment. "I'm adorable~"
"Hahahaha~"
Everyone laughed again. Meanwhile, Isabella's gaze met Chris Columbus's.
Honestly, she wasn't sure how to face the Hollywood director, given his differing stance and past conflicts with Rowling.
So when their eyes met, she felt slightly awkward.
But Columbus wasn't as fearsome as media reports suggested. After nodding to Vivian, he approached Isabella, squatted down, and extended his right hand.
"Hello, Isa, I'm Chris."
"Hello, director, I know you."
With his goodwill, Isabella extended her hand decisively.
"You know me?"
Columbus was curious. "Because of Home Alone?"
"Oh~ I've seen Home Alone, it's a wonderful movie! My sneaky inspiration came from it, but…" Isabella shook her head repeatedly, "What impressed me most was The Goonies. It's amazing."
The Goonies was co-written by Columbus and Spielberg, directed by Richard Donner, released in 1985, and made the North American top ten box office. It's about seven kids on an underground treasure hunt.
By 2025 standards, it was a bit formulaic.
Isabella knew the film because one of the kids was Asian—Ke Hwee Guan.
Yes, the same Wymond from Everything Everywhere All at Once.
She had watched it out of curiosity after Guan won his Oscar.
Since it was recent, the impression stuck.
For Columbus, The Goonies was a relatively obscure work; he had already written Little Monsters and directed Home Alone. So when Isabella expressed her delight…
"Thank you."
Columbus smiled, his face creased with joy. "You're amazing too. I look forward to working together."
"Oh~ me too~"
Everyone was busy, so the signing ceremony lasted only fifteen minutes. Before leaving, Rowling told Isabella to rest for the next few days; filming would officially start in September, and then there would be no leisure.
The little girl thanked Rowling for her concern. But just as she was about to leave, Columbus leaned over and smiled, "Oh~ Isa~ I don't think you'll get much leisure time from now on."
"What? Why?" Isabella asked, confused.
Others also looked puzzled.
Columbus didn't answer, just smiled mysteriously.
This playful act left everyone bewildered. That night, Isabella received the answer to the riddle.
"Oh Isa—did you audition for Harry Potter?"
"You auditioned for Hermione Granger, right??"
"And you got it???"
"Oh—oh—oh—this is unbelievable—"
"Why have you never told us such a big deal—"
8 p.m.
Just after finishing piano practice, Isabella received a call from a classmate.
Their pig-like squeals of excitement reminded her of one fact:
Harry Potter is not obscure.
In the British Isles, it shines like… the sun?
So she had officially signed with Warner?
Oh~~~
No need to wait for the film release—or even filming—she could already become famous!