Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released in cinemas in 2009, though it was originally set to be released in 2008. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 33 minutes (153 minutes) and is the third-longest Harry Potter movie.
In this post, we are going through the deleted and unreleased scenes from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. That includes the deleted scenes found on the home media releases, clips from behind-the-scenes documentaries and trailers, as well as scenes from the script.
If you want to learn about the deleted and unreleased scenes from the other movies, you can click here.
Diagon Alley
Ginny Joking with Molly Weasley
After seeing Hedwig at the Borrow, Ginny asks around to find out if Harry has arrived. A part of the conversation with Ginny and Molly were cut. This included Ginny joking about Arthur being kidnapped by Death Eaters.
Fred and George threatening customer
In Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Fred and George threaten a customer who tries to steal an item from the shop by revealing that they have eyes in the back of their heads.
Tattoo Man
In the Behind-the-Scenes video Close Up with the Cast found on the Home Media Releases of the film, we get some information about a Tattoo Man that was supposed to be in Knockturn Alley. Amanda Knight, the Make-Up Designer, talk about how his design was the biggest challenge for the sixth film. Emma Watson tells a fun story from the set of Knockturn Alley, where Dan and Rupert tricked her into looking at the Tattoo Man behind a curtain.
Trio in Knockturn Alley
In the script, the scene of the trio following Malfoy in Knockturn Alley is longer. Here we can read that Harry and Ron lose sight of Hermione, who manages to sneak up to Borgin & Burkes to get a good look at what is going on. Just as Draco is about to reveal the Dark Mark, Ron grabs Hermione which scares her.
Felix Felicis and Wool's Orphanage
Slughorn standing up in Great Hall
A shot of Horace Slughorn standing up in the Great Hall was filmed. This is when he is introduced as the new potions professor.
Slughorn remembers what Harry said about Hermione
In Slughorn’s first potion lesson, he remembers what Harry told him about Hermione. Slughorn quotes Harry, who confirms he is correct.
Slughorn reveals he has taken Felix Felicis
As is revealed in the book, Slughorn reveals why you can’t drink Felix Felicis all the time and also says that he has taken it two times.
Dumbledore’s arrival at Wool's Orphanage
In the script, Dumbledore’s arrival at Wool’s Orphanage was a bit longer. Mrs. Cole is surprised that anyone knew that Tom Riddle excised, and she tells Dumbledore that he is a funny boy. We also get a hint at the cave in the form of a photograph in the corridor (as opposed to Tom’s room in the movie).
Wool's Orphanage Dormitory
They filmed a shot of the orphanage boys in their dormitory, as seen in the Behind-the-Scenes image. The Wool’s Orphanage dormitory can also be seen on the paper model of the set created by Stuart Craig.
Dumbledore’s visit to young Tom Riddle extended
The scene where Dumbledore visits Tom Riddle had a lot of dialogue and small moments cut. This includes Tom holding a spider, more focus on the stolen items and Dumbledore telling Tom that an owl will deliver him a message.
Extended Quidditch tryouts
Seamus was supposed to be at the Quidditch tryouts. He wants to join the team as a beater, but the tryout doesn’t start well as he sends a Bludger straight towards Neville in the stands. The tryout also had Harry arguing with Cormac.
Hogsmead and Quidditch
the Trio meet Hagrid on their way to Hogsmead
On the way to Hogsmead and the Three Broomsticks, the Trio meet Hagrid who has bought stinksap for Aragog. He tells the trio that Aragog is sick and that he is hoping to nurse the spider to better health.
Slughorn at the bar in the Three Broomsticks
In this clip we see Slughorn standing at the bar in the Three Broomsticks. He has ordered a beer and is enjoying the conversation with the bartender.
Harry and Ron trying to help a cursed Katie
When Katie Bell is cursed by the necklace, she rises six feet into the air. Harry and Ron touch her ankles and she falls down rolling in the snow, nearly swallowing her tongue. In the film, this happens without Harry and Ron sprinting forward and seizing her ankles.
Neville in his bed
There are some promotional images of Neville Longbottom sitting in his bed. However, this scene is not found in the script and no other information of it has been revealed. It is unclear what this scene is about and where this scene would have been placed in the movie
Slug Club Toast
In the International Trailer, we can hear Slughorn say “A toast, to Hogwarts brightest and best”. In this scene Neville is also confused as to what spoon he is supposed to use for the soup. Hermione helps Neville with a grin.
Harry playing piano in Slughorn’s office
In this picture, we see Harry playing the piano in Slughorn’s office. This scene is not included in the script, so it’s unknown if it is an improvised scene or if it is just Daniel playing the piano between takes. If it is an improvised scene, Harry could possibly be playing the piano to impress Slughorn.
McClaggen confronting Ron before Quidditch match
As Ron is entering the Great Hall for breakfast before the Quidditch match, he encounters Cormac McLaggen. Cormac eyes Ron with disdain as he passes him.
«Apparently it’s his lucky day»
Before Ron kiss Lavender Brown, Hermione and Harry have a little chat. Hermione remarks that Ron is enjoying himself, to which Harry responds that it must be his lucky day, referring to the Felix Felicis.
A Very Frosty Christmas
Draco walking past Ravenclaw’s diadem
Draco’s entry into the Room of Requirement was shortened in the film. In the script, we can read that he takes a scarf from a bust wearing a tiara. This is the lost diadem of Ravenclaw that Voldemort turned to a Horcrux. We do not get to see the diadem until film eight.
Slughorn’s Christmas party
At the start of Slughorn’s Christmas Party, Slughorn tells Harry that Adrian the photographer was part of the Slug Club in 1978 and that he had hoped for more from him. Slughorn then has to welcome the new Minister for Magical Transportation to the party, who was part of the class of ‘67.
Luna talking to Eldred Worple and Sanguini the Vampire
During the Christmas Party, Luna Lovegood had a chat with Eldred Worple who mentions he once encountered a man called Lovegood who claimed to run a magazine. Sanguini the Vampire stand with them and listenes to their conversation.
Arthur and Harry in the Workshop
Some lines of dialogue from Arthur Weasley were cut from the film in the scene where he and Harry talk in his workshop. From a B-roll clip, we can hear the line “but I thought it best if I replied in person” when Harry asks if he got his letter. At the end of their conversation Mr. Weasley talk about how dark times can do funny things to people. This line is heard in the trailer to the movie.
Burrow Attack
The Burrow attack is quite different in the script comparing to how it is in the film. In the movie, Harry and Ginny run into the reeds after Bellatrix and Greyback. Arthur, Lupin and Tonks soon join in the chase. The five of them duel the Death Eaters in the reeds, until Bellatrix sets the Burrow on fire.
In the script, Harry and Ginny are tricked into the reeds by Bellatrix and Greyback. Ginny is attacked by Bellatrix and comes face to face with Greyback. Harry manages to attack Greyback just in time to save Ginny and the two of them run away. Greyback follows but is lifted into the air by both Harry and Ginny. Then Bellatrix and Greyback disapparate before Ron, Fred, George, Arthur and Lupin comes into the clearing. Nothing is written about the Weasley house burning.
Greyback dissarming Ginny
In the trailer there is a clip of Ginny getting disarmed. It is assumed that Grayback is responsible for this. This got cut from the film.
The Unknowable Room
Harry and Hermione walk through the Halls of Hogwarts (Extended)
This deleted scene is an extended version of Harry and Hermione walking together after the Christmas break. They talk about the Ministry’s knowledge of Dumbledore’s travellings and that Draco was looking at a Vanishing Cabinet at Borgin & Burkes.
Harry and Hermione Discuss the Marauder’s Map
This deleted scene takes place after Harry’s failed attempt to get Slughorn to reveal his secret. Hermione and Harry discuss how Draco sometimes disappears off the Marauder’s Map. Harry thinks Malfoy is leaving the castle, something Hermione says would be impossible these days. She thinks the map is wrong, but Harry is certain that it is never wrong.
Hint that Snape is the Half-Blood Prince
Harry takes Ron to Professor Slughorn’s office to get help removing the love potion in Ron. A cut part of this scene includes Harry seing a picture of himself and Slughorn on the shelf. In addition, the shelf also contains a picture of a young Snape holding his potions textbook, a clear hint to who the Half-Blood Prince is.
Fear of the name only increases fear of the thing itself
After curing Ron of the love potion, Harry and Slughorn have a brief conversation about the “misunderstanding” earlier that day. When Harry says Voldemort’s name, Slughorn asks him not to use that name. We then have some cut lines of dialogue where Harry quotes Dumbledore by saying “Fear of the name only increases fear of the thing itself”. Slughorn disagrees and argues that not all have powers so great that they can risk offending the Dark Lord.
Ginny reveals that she hid the diary in the Room of Requirement for a time
Upon entering the Room of Hidden Things (Room of Requirement), Ginny says that Fred and George showed her this room in her first year. She also reveals that she hid Tom Riddle’s diary in the room for a time, though she eventually returned to pick it up again.
Harry sneaking out after taking the Felix Felicis
A montage of Harry sneaking out of Hogwarts after taking the Felix Felicis was cut from the film. In the script, Harry walks past a Prefect on patrol, Filch and Mrs. Norris, and two aurors. He manages to do this with ease, all thanks to Felix.
Hagrid pushing Aragog into the grave
At the end of Aragog’s funeral in the script, Hagrid pushes the giant spider into his grave. This is confirmed in the Behind-the-Scenes clip from the Creature Department. Nick Dudman talks about how they created the dead spider and figured out how to move it into the grave.
Slughorn recognize unicorn hair in Hagrid’s Hut
Harry, Hagrid and Slughorn sit in Hagrid’s hut after the funeral. Slughorn tells the tale about his fish Francis, and after finishing the story looks up at the ceiling. To his astonishment he sees that Hagrid has stored Unicorn hair up there.
Horcruxes
“In my life I have seen things that are truly horrific”
After finding out about Slughorn’s secret, Dumbledore says to Harry “In my life I have seen things that are truly horrific. I know you will see worse”. This was cut from the film but can be heard in the trailer.
Dumbledore touches the ring
A scene of Dumbledore touching the Horcrux ring was featured in the trailer but cut from the film. However, this clip was used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Snape’s memories.
Extended Horcrux ring scene
When Harry touches the ring in the movie, we get flashing images of Voldemort, Nagini and the Cave. In the script however, there were also images of the Gaunt house (a house in a haunted clearing), an ancient cup in an old woman’s hand, as well as the clip when Dumbledore touches the Horcrux. After the ring stops spinning, Dumbledore looks strangely at Harry and touches his chest. This is possibly the moment he understands that Harry is a Horcrux.
The Cave
Harry, Ron and Hermione Discuss the Vanishing Cabinet
In this deleted scene, the Trio discuss the Vanishing Cabinet while walking towards the Astronomy Tower. Harry figures out that Malfoy is going to the Room of Requirement when he is disappearing off the Map. At the end of the scene Ron says good luck, and Harry responds with “I don’t need luck. I’ll be with Dumbledore”.
Harry and Dumbledore Arrive at the Cave Entrance (Extended)
In this deleted scene, Dumbledore tells Harry the story of how Tom Riddle lured two of his classmates into the cave. Professor Dumbledore says that what happened is unclear, but the children were damaged.
Harry tries to summon the horcrux with accio
Inside the cave, Harry suggests that they should try to use the Summoning Charm to get the Horcrux. Dumbledore welcomes the suggestion, but when Harry uses Accio something pale (an inferi) erupts out of the water before it quickly vanishes again.
Harry ask Dumbledore if he has taken Felix Felicis
As the boat is taking Harry and Dumbledore to the island where the Horcrux is hidden, Harry asks the headmaster if he ever has taken Felix Felicis. Dumbledore says he has only taken it recreationally, because he believes one creates one’s own luck.
Harry and Dumbledore Leave the Cave
When Harry and Dumbledore are leaving the Cave, Harry tells Dumbledore not to worry as they are nearly outside. Dumbledore then echos Harry’s words from earlier by saying “I am not worried, Harry. I am with you”.
Clouds Gather over Hogwarts as Professor Flitwick Conducts the Chior (Extended)
In this extended scene get to hear In Noctem by composer Nicholas Hooper played over the entire scene. The deleted scene starts with Professor Flitwick conducting the choir, as the sky darkens menacingly. We see Professor McGonagall telling students to go to their Houses while Snape looks out a window. Draco lies in his bed staring at the ceiling, and Ron and Hermione glance out the window in the Gryffindor Common Room.
Dumbledore closing apparition window
After apparating to the Astronomy Tower and asking Harry to wake Snape, Dumbledore closes the apparition window. Harry is confused by Dumbledore’s action and asks if he is praying.
Flight of the Prince
Extended scene on top of the Astronomy Tower
In the script, the scene with Draco and Dumbledore on top of the Astronomy Tower is extended. In the scene Dumbledore talks about whispers, and that saying things out loud can make something utterly mad sound sane. He asks Draco if Voldemort’s orders came as a whisper.
In this B-roll clip we can hear some of the cut dialogue from this scene. We hear Dumbledore tell Draco to “Say it again, Draco. But out loud this time” after Draco tells him he will have to kill him. This is in reference to his whisper lines, as he wants Draco to say it out loud and realise that he is making a big mistake. Bellatrix enters and we hear her comment that Dumbledore is wandless, alone and cornered in his own castle.
Snape’s last words to Dumbledore
In the trailer we see a shot of Snape at the top of the Astronomy Tower, where he says “It’s over”. This was probably an alternate version of Snape’s last words to Dumbledore, as in the script he says “I gave my word. I made a vow…”
Alternate shot of Snape killing Dumbledore
In the Deathly Hallows Part 2 trailer we see a different shot of Snape killing Dumbledore, compared to what is used in the Half-Blood Prince movie. The shot in the movie focuses on Harry’s reaction and we see the spell hitting Dumbledore from his perspective. The Deathly Hallows Part 2 trailer shot is seen from Snape’s perspective.
Snape killing Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 trailer
Snape killing Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie
Bellatrix scares a First year
As the Death Eaters are escaping from Hogwarts, they walk past students who are confused as to what is going on. Bellatrix laughs at them and scares a first-year student.
Extended montage of Death Eaters running away
In the script, there is an extended montage of the Death Eaters escaping. It includes a shot of Ron and Hermione running through a hallway, Filch getting injured by shards of glass and Draco hesitating to leave the castle as other students are watching him.
“Don’t ever associate that word and my name again”
Harry tries to use the Cruciatus Curse on Snape, who easily parries the spell. When Harry calls Snape a coward for not fighting back, Snape says “Don’t ever associate that word and my name again”.
Hagrid escaping from his burning hut
After Bellatrix sets Hagrid’s hut on fire, Harry tries to use Sectumsempra on Snape. When he reveals that he is the Half-Blood Prince, he says “You may have gotten your mother’s eyes, but you’re as dim as your father.
As the Death Eaters escape the Hogwarts grounds, Harry sees Hagrid stumbling out of the burning hut. Hagrid says that it will take more to finish him than that, and that Dumbledore will be able to fix his hut. Harry tries to tell Hagrid that Dumbledore is dead, but he can’t get the words out. Only when seeing the Dark Mark does Hagrid realise that something terrible has happened.
Phoenix Lament
Dumbledore’s funeral
Early in development of the Half-Blood Prince movie, Dumbledore’s funeral was supposed to be included in the film. Concept art of the funeral was created, as seen below. However ultimately it was cut from the script, and the scene was never filmed. Speaking to Hypable, the director David Yates revealed why it got cut:
It’s a beautiful picture. That scene was in and out, and in and out again… it was a rhythmic thing, it felt weirdly book-ended. So you would read the script and you’d get to Dumbledore’s death, and it felt climactic and moving. And then we went to the Great Hall and this austerity… it sort of felt weirdly complete. And then you got to this grand funeral, and it felt less about the man and more about the pomp of the ceremony, and it felt oddly less connected. So just rhythmically it felt wrong. But I love that scene, it’s a beautiful scene in the book, but it felt wrong in the movie.
In an episode on James and Oliver Phelps’ (Fred and George Weasley) podcast, Normal Not Normal, Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) revealed that she was not happy with the decision to cut Dumbledore’s funeral from the film. She even went to producer David Heyman and offered some of her paycheck so the scene could be in the movie. This is what she had to say about it:
You want to honour the characters that so many people love and have been on this huge journey with. That's why I was so upset that they didn't have a funeral for Dumbledore after all he did, all he meant to Harry, all he gave. When he died we all had to put our wands up and they CGI'd tears onto me because the scene wasn't sad enough, but we didn't have a memorial. I even went to David Heyman's office, as a fan. I thought, 'Right. I've got to speak up for my community.' I told him, 'Dumbledore really needs to have a funeral. In the books he has mermaids, he has centaurs. The whole wizarding community unites and gives him a send off'. And David Heyman was like, 'It's just too expensive.' And I actually said, 'Take some of my paycheck, because I think it's worth it.' And he was like, 'Evanna, it wouldn't cover it!'
Harry joins Ron, Hermione and Ginny in the Gryffindor Common Room
In this deleted scene, Harry stands in the Gryffindor dormitory and looks out the window. As he stands in the doorway, he looks back as if committing it to a memory, according to the script. He then walks into the Gryffindor Common Room were Ron, Hermione and Ginny sit. Ginny looks at Harry and gives him a soft smile.
Harry and Hermione discuss Ron at the Astronomy Tower (Extended)
In this extended scene, Harry, Ron and Hermione are in the Astronomy Tower discussing the locket and their future plans. The extended part of this scene is when Harry asks Hermione and Ron to keep the snogging to a minimum. Ginny is also with them in the script, but she doesn’t have any lines and was most likely therefore cut from the scene altogheter.
That was every deleted and unreleased scene from the Half-Blood Prince movie. What scenes do you wish they hadn’t cut? If I have missed any scenes, feel free to share them in the comment section or contact me to let me know.