"Good morning, Director Columbus~"
"Oh, Isabella, good morning. Why are you all wet? Did you run into trouble on the way?"
"Yeah, it rained today, and the roads were really congested. Luckily, my mom chose the highway, so we came around from Heathrow Airport. Otherwise, I might have been late on my first day on set."
"That was a wise choice. But don't worry about being late today—there's no shooting scheduled."
Columbus smiled at the young girl and asked, "Did you bring a change of clothes?"
"Of course, they're with my mom."
"Okay, go change then. Wet clothes are uncomfortable. Once you're changed, just come find me. Today's task is very simple—so simple that you can't even start it on your own."
In Hollywood, an actor joining a set usually signifies the official start of a project.
But that's only the standard procedure, and it applies mainly to adult projects.
For child-led films, the first task after joining the set is actually just getting to know each other.
Children's social skills aren't as developed as adults', after all.
Adults can meet each other with smiles, even if insincere. Children, however, can't. If kids aren't allowed to become familiar beforehand, the awkwardness can be magnified by the cameras, resulting in endless disasters on screen.
So before formal filming, Columbus, like a newly minted kindergarten principal, held a little tea party. By the time Isabella changed out of her wet clothes, Ron had already arrived.
Not only that, he was deep in conversation with the director.
"Yeah~ I've played Peter Pan in a school play."
"But I actually don't like him much because he's too perfect. He never grows up and always lives in his own world. That ability is beautiful—I like it—but at the same time, it's impossible, isn't it?"
Rupert and Columbus exchanged glances across the table.
He spoke confidently, like a well-behaved student.
But…
"Oh~ Rupert~ how did you turn out like this?"
Isabella approached, greeting Columbus while speaking. "If I remember correctly, you didn't talk like this the first time we met. That day, it was your scream that put me in the spotlight."
"Isabella?? When did you get here???"
The tea party was held in a room resembling a classroom.
A rectangular room, with the director sitting against one wall, tables and chairs arranged in front.
Isabella entered from behind. Unless she made a loud noise, people one-on-one with the director wouldn't notice her.
So when she spoke, Rupert jumped like a startled rabbit.
The next second, he regained composure.
"Isabella~ I told you that day~ it was an accident. I really didn't expect to meet the legendary person on the final day of auditions, so…"
"Oh~ Okay—"
Seeing him trying to repeat himself, Isabella decisively interrupted:
"Rupert, can we discuss something? Could you not mention things from before the final audition again? Because saying that might make people think I got the role through connections."
"Although… my connections are solid. Aunt Rowling likes me, you know."
Isabella winked at Rupert.
"???"
The self-revealing remark stunned the boy.
He admitted that the surprise he felt that day did include some genuine shock.
After all, hearing the voice without seeing the person was outrageous. Everyone was going step by step through the casting process, and then you just appear on the final day?
Wow~It's like being born with a tattoo on your back saying 'CHOSEN·1'.
This is the chosen one!
Even if he thought that, his upbringing wouldn't have allowed him to say it, yet now…
Why did she just say it?
It embarrassed him.
Rupert didn't know how to respond immediately, while Columbus silently laughed, resting his chin in his hands.
That's the main purpose of a tea party.
Both Rupert and Isabella were lively, but Isabella was clearly more mature.
Columbus believed that if Rupert were an adult, he could handle Isabella's self-mocking remarks, but as kids… this was just part of the process of getting acquainted.
When the conversation stalled, Columbus picked it up, teasing Isabella with a smile before changing the topic. Meanwhile, the third group arrived.
It was Daniel Radcliffe and Maggie Smith.
They came together.
At first, Isabella thought it was a coincidence.
But when they sat down and she listened to them chat with the director, she realized Radcliffe and Maggie Smith had known each other for years—literally many years.
"Uh… yes… we've known each other a long time. Daniel's mom works at the BBC, like Susie, as a casting director. We've worked together often…"
"And last year, didn't Daniel star in the BBC-produced David Copperfield? In that movie, he played the young Copperfield, and I played his great-aunt."
Since this wasn't a secret, Maggie Smith said it openly.
Hearing this for the first time, Isabella thought to herself:
'Oh my goodness! The boy who survived so much is pure-blood both on set and in the story!'
Surprised, but she didn't show it. She smiled and extended her hand to Daniel.
"Hello, I'm Isabella Haywood. I play Hermione Granger in the film."
"Hello, I'm Daniel Radcliffe, playing Harry Potter."
Daniel was confident, shaking Isabella's hand and smiling: "I've heard about you from Maggie. She said you're great, learn acting faster than I do, and have a lot of ideas."
"It's an honor to receive Maggie's recognition."
Isabella beamed at the compliment, but then asked: "So you call her 'Maggie grandma'?"
"Yeah~ why?" Daniel didn't understand.
Isabella frowned: "Oh no, this is bad."
"I call her Maggie teacher, but you call her grandma? Then that makes me your uncle?"
"You better not call me Aunt Granger later, that'd be awkward."
"???"
Even someone as worldly as Daniel was confused!
Rupert, intending to greet Daniel politely, widened his eyes in shock!Daniel was a big name in the production, the author, a VIP!
And she opens her mouth saying I'm your aunt?
Oh! My! God!
Are you going to be on equal footing with the director?
Rupert was speechless. Columbus and Maggie Smith nearly laughed themselves to tears.
Exchanging a glance, they instantly agreed—
With Isabella's mischievous personality, there wouldn't be major conflicts on set.
Because any problem she mentions would probably turn into a joke.
As others arrived, Isabella met more "connected" people.
No disrespect—just neutral terminology.
For example, Tom Felton, who plays Draco, had known Columbus since 1995.
He debuted in 1995, and in 1997 starred as the male lead in Pete Hewitt's The Borrowers.
He performed well, was introduced to Andy Tennant, and played the female lead's son in Anna and the King, with Chow Yun-Fat and Jodie Foster.
The collaboration wasn't the focus—what mattered was that Andy Tennant started as an actor, worked as an extra for years, and eventually met Steven Spielberg in 1979 to shoot 1941, written by Robert Zemeckis.
Yes, Draco's resume went straight to the director.
And he initially auditioned for Harry Potter, just not as high a priority as Hailey Osmond.
Similarly, Sean Biggerstaff, who plays Oliver Wood, came with Professor Snape—his teacher and agent.
As always, in human society, connections matter.
But most roles in HP were cast normally.
Rupert, who plays Ron, was normally cast;Bonnie, playing Ginny, also.
HP also rejected people—for example, Richard Harris, who played Dumbledore.
Those who know HP know he took the role because his granddaughter liked it.
He even wanted a part for his niece to fulfill his granddaughter's wish for the whole family to be involved.
But even Rowling couldn't grant that request.
So today, he brought his niece along to indulge her a little.
In her previous life, Isabella's first thought hearing this gossip was: Dumbledore's niece is really bad, otherwise she'd have a minor role. Makes no sense, right?
This time, hearing the old man's regret, she felt something was off.
Not only because HP's crew respected personal connections—directors and Snape could bring people—but also because when she looked at Dumbledore's niece, she seemed familiar.
She approached carefully to ask her name.
When Isabella learned the niece was Annabella Wallis, she was even more confused.
Because in her past life, this person had been an actress, starring in major films: the Annabelle segment in James Wan's Conjuring Universe and the female lead in The Mummy (Tom Cruise's girlfriend).
Though these were future works, it showed she had talent. So…
Why didn't HP welcome her?
"That's because Joanne was keeping her out."
Today, Columbus paid the most attention to Isabella.
Seeing the girl who could bring endless laughter frozen to the side, he came over and calmly explained: "Anna was born in the UK but moved with her parents to Portugal at age one, and has lived there since."
"If Joanne had accepted Anna, the crew wouldn't have been 'pure.' Anna isn't much different from a Portuguese kid."
Isabella understood.
So it was still a matter of power struggles!At the same time, she felt a little embarrassed.
Although everyone in the world knew Columbus and Rowling had their differences, was it really appropriate to talk about it so openly?
And besides, she—Isabella—was the one Rowling had recommended.
And you, Chris Columbus, were directly involved in the matter!
So?
"Oh~ you're even more mature than I expected~"
Isabella's silence made Columbus smile.
He stopped talking about the awkward stuff and got straight to the point: "I came to ask you for a favor."
"What favor?" Isabella replied decisively. "Director, don't worry. As long as it's something I can do, I'll definitely help."
"You can certainly do it…"
Columbus said, "I heard from Sir Maggie Smith that you've already read through the script?"
"So, you're ready to become Hermione Granger from now on?"
"I want to take everyone through the script…"
Previously, Maggie Smith had explained to Isabella that the Harry Potter film scripts differ somewhat from the original books. Since movies and novels are different mediums, some side plots unrelated to the main story needed to be condensed.
Isabella didn't need to know all the details beforehand; she had done her homework to get familiar with her role. Now, Columbus wanted her to help him bring everyone up to speed.
Yes, Columbus was going to explain the differences between the script and the novel to the young actors.
The reason was simple: everyone present had read Harry Potter, or at least anyone auditioning had. Without clarifying the differences before filming, the set could end up flooded with endless "why" questions from the kids.
This wasn't paranoia—it was hard-earned Hollywood experience.
If children's curiosity isn't satisfied, shooting might come to a halt.
Especially when all the kids know each other, you can't just say "No" to their curiosity.
Originally, the plan was for the screenwriter and director to handle this, explaining from a cinematic perspective. If any young actor had questions, Rowling would be consulted.
But Columbus thought his partner could be swapped out…
"Let's play a game now. It's a quiz with rewards. Each correct answer earns a point. The highest scorer can make a wish. For example, if you love Harry Potter and want to take home your character's costume as a souvenir, that's fine—I'll allow it. After filming, you can wear it home."
Once everyone arrived, Columbus had everyone introduce themselves.
Then he started a small game, and the rewards he described made everyone's eyes light up.
"Oh~ can any wish be granted?"
Matthew Lewis, playing Neville Longbottom, raised his hand first.
"Why don't you make a wish first so I can hear it?" Columbus smiled.
"I want all the wands. Is that okay?" Neville asked.
Before Columbus could answer, Draco rolled his eyes: "All the wands? Next, you'll want Hogwarts itself! The first person in trouble won't be the director—it'll be Warner, because the movie can't be filmed without the wands."
"Hahaha~"
Those cast normally might not know that David Heyman planned seven films, but the "connected" kids did.
So Draco's comment sent everyone into laughter.
Neville felt embarrassed, but Columbus loved the atmosphere: "Okay, if you win first place and insist on that wish, I'll let you take your own wand home. Deal?"
"Oh—Yeah~" Neville cheered.
Seeing him settled, Columbus continued: "Then the game officially begins."
"First question: who can tell me the title of the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?"
Swish—
Before Columbus finished, the huge room was filled with raised hands.
This question was extremely easy for everyone.
However—
"The Boy Who Lived."
While everyone expected Columbus to pick someone, the blonde little girl in the front row had already answered.
Everyone froze, and Columbus nodded in satisfaction.
"Correct, 'The Boy Who Lived.' Ms. Haywood, one point."
He clapped his hands, confident in the result.
Before anyone could protest, Columbus added: "But since Ms. Haywood didn't raise her hand before answering, five points are deducted and a warning given."
"If you act recklessly again, I'll revoke your participation rights."
Another clap—like a yellow card.
Isabella looked regretful, while the other kids thought it was perfectly fine.
The approving expressions made Columbus and the adults who understood his intentions quietly chuckle.
Columbus then asked several simple questions, calling on different children to answer. The fair distribution of questions kept everyone excited, and Columbus revealed his playful side—
"Now, who can tell me from whose perspective the chapter 'The Boy Who Lived' is told?"
Hands shot up all around.
This wasn't difficult, but Columbus called on four kids in a row, all of whom answered incorrectly.
"No, not Dumbledore."
"No, not Professor McGonagall."
"No, not Harry's aunt."
"No, not Harry's uncle either."
The repeated denials left everyone confused.
"Director—it can't be! There are only these people in the chapter. So what's the answer?"
Rupert, playing Ron, was puzzled.
Columbus' gaze landed on Isabella, who hadn't raised her hand after losing points.
"Ms. Haywood, do you know?"
"If you say all their answers are wrong, then there's only one possibility."
The blonde little girl answered calmly: "I guess you mean the Dursleys. The chapter begins with Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and Dudley, described in third person."
"Yeah~"
Columbus was pleased: "Congratulations, Ms. Haywood. Correct answer."
Everyone frowned, confused by the abstract answer.
Aren't Harry's aunt and uncle part of the Dursleys?
Columbus explained: "I asked this because this part won't appear in the film. In the novel, Rowling describes the Dursleys to emphasize their dislike for Harry. But since this can be shown later in the story, we cut this repetitive scene after discussing it with Rowling."
"Oh—"
Everyone understood.
"I see. I think I understand how this game works now."
The kids were eager to earn more points.
Unfortunately, the following questions were trickier.
For example, Harry and Draco's first meeting in Madam Malkin's robe shop doesn't appear in the script.
Normally, Columbus could have asked the location to highlight the differences between the book and film.
But he didn't. He wanted to strengthen their memory, so he asked—
"Does anyone know Draco's first line when he met Harry?"
Draco himself knew:
"Draco asked Harry if he was going to Hogwarts too!"
"No."
Columbus shook his head.
"Ah?"
Gasps from below.
Columbus looked at Isabella—
"Hey."
She replied casually:
"Yeah~ just 'Hey.'"
Columbus was delighted.
"Malfoy in Rowling's book is arrogant, at least in the first film. He always feels superior, so 'Hey' is the answer I wanted."
"I asked this because this scene won't appear in the film, just like the other cuts. In the book, it reinforces character, but in the film it's unnecessary."
"…."
The selected children were smart.
After a few more questions, everyone understood Columbus' intention.
This was a script lesson.
Even though Columbus was serious, many couldn't help but focus on the young girl working with him.
Isabella casually leaned on the chair.
Her posture wasn't ladylike or elegant, but everyone could sense her effortless charm.
Especially when answering Columbus' questions, she made it seem like she had written the script herself.
She knew all the differences between the script and the book!And she even seemed to know why!
And this…
"Wow… did they really find a Hermione?"
"Did she read through the whole script before filming?"
Draco was stunned.
He muttered under his breath.
The next moment, Professor Snape, realizing what the director was doing, turned his head and in his iconic British accent said, "Draco Malfoy, listen carefully. Do you want Slytherin to lose points?"
Draco froze on the spot.
Isabella, witnessing all this, smirked.
Yes, she was the instigator of the moment, the reason Draco got scolded.
But she felt no guilt.
Although even she thought Columbus was being meticulous in a Hollywood environment focused on business.
Because he wasn't just explaining the script—he was helping everyone get into character. This approach, though unusual in film production, was all about striving for perfection.
If she didn't like Harry Potter, she might have found Columbus annoying.
But she did.
So…
"Now I declare Ms. Haywood the winner of the game. Let's congratulate her."
"Clap clap clap—"
By noon, the game ended.
When Isabella went on stage to receive her award at Columbus' invitation, she could clearly see the applause-filled audience. The children's eyes sparkled with admiration, and the adults… many were smiling.
Isabella felt radiant.
And she thought being Hermione seemed quite fun.
Being noticed, praised, and admired felt pretty great~