One of the Funniest Lines in the 'Harry Potter' Movie Series Was Improvised

By Natalie Zamora | Dec 31, 2018, 1:43 PM EST

Although there are many heartbreaking, suspenseful, and even straight up terrifying scenes in the Harry Potter movies, the Hogwarts gang also shared countless sweet and lighthearted exchanges, making for the perfect family series. Even the most villainous of characters had their moments—Harry’s school nemesis included.

Arguably one of the funniest scenes in the whole film series is occurs in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Draco Malfoy nearly catches Harry disguised as his dutiful cohort Gregory Goyle, thanks to the help of some Polyjuice Potion. When Draco asks why he’s wearing glasses, Harry (as Goyle) has to think quickly and responds by saying they’re for reading. After a brief moment of silence, Draco replies, “I didn’t know you could read.” Of course, this turns the scene extremely silly, showing the light side to the group of bullies who are so mean to Harry.

What makes this scene even funnier is the reveal that Tom Felton, who played Draco in all eight films, actually improvised the line. The actor later shared in a Q&A that it was one of his favorite lines in the series, explaining he had made it up.

Draco’s line is definitely a highlight in the film series as a whole, as it shows the comedic side to one of the biggest antagonists.

This article also appears on Mental Floss.