Cue No. 36

The strings creep in quietly as Harry initiates his conversation with Ollivander. Triplet figures in the harp and celesta outline chord changes as the frail old man examines the first wand. The music stops with him, and shivers when he says “unyielding”. Upon the announcement that this was Bellatrix’s wand, her theme plays in the clarinets, less threatening than if she were actually present. 

Upon inspection of the second wand, a slight sparkle in the texture emphasizes the moment Harry hands it over to Ollivander. The strings hesitate again, and move around, doing virtually nothing, waiting for the verdict. 

Ollivander reveals that this was the wand of Draco Malfoy, to which Draco’s theme plays. It is accompanied, however, by the falling motif associated with the Deathly Hallows. At this point in time, it is unknown to Harry why there is a connection made here. 

High strings play an interlude as Harry points out that Ollivander speaks about wands as if they have feelings. The wandmaker’s answer is from the very first film, and so required a re-statement of the Wand of the Phoenix to bring the listener back to that day long ago when Harry received his first wand. 

A stark mood change comes when Harry asks if Ollivander knows anything about the Deathly Hallows. The orchestral shivers return, and the Deathly Hallows Theme plays. This is its first full statement in the film, bringing the viewer back to the dark and treacherous road the trio, and the entire wizarding world, find themselves heading down. The theme plays out, and the harp concludes it with the falling motion. 

Chords crescendo and decrescendo over and over, reflecting the high stakes, dread, and ominous nature. When Ollivander realizes what he’s done in revealing to Voldemort the Elder Wand, a capella choir takes over the chords. The orchestra returns when Harry states that Voldemort has indeed located the wand, and it is in his possession. 

Ollivander knows if that is true, that Harry stands no chance. The 3-note motif comes in, followed by a sinister Voldemort 1. As Harry leaves the room, one last 3-note sees the trio out, as they embark on their horcrux mission with new information. 

A few woodwind chords play over the shot of Hermione examining a single hair she knows to be Bellatrix’s. In the very next shot, she has taken the polyjuice potion and now looks just like Bellatrix. Incidental music from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) is re-purposed here: this is mainly to take the feeling of lightness from the original film and put it over a moment between the trio that is genuinely endearing. They are tired and about to do something very risky, but they are still the trio through thick and thin. 

Bellatrix’s theme even plays here, but in pizzicato strings, to show the dark humor of the situation. The trio theme finally gets a light statement as they join hands, ready to embark on the next step in their quest to destroy Voldemort.