Emma Watson ‘Fell in Love’ With ‘Harry Potter’ Co-Star and On-Screen Rival But Claims Nothing ‘Ever Ever Ever Ever Happened Romantically’
English actor Emma Watson became famous in 2001 when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone debuted. At just 10 years old, she slipped on her robe and made a name for herself as Hermione Granger, daughter to two Muggle dentists and ultimately a close friend of Harry Potter.
During this first movie, she “fell in love” with co-star and on-screen rival Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy). However, the two recently set the record straight that they never dated.
Emma Watson ‘fell in love’ with Tom Felton on the ‘Harry Potter’ set
For years, fans speculated about whether Watson and Felton dated. The actors set the record straight with the release of HBO Max’s special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.
The two talk openly about their affection for one another. However, for most, it isn’t the expected love story that some imagined.
Watson says that the young actors drew what they believed God looked like during a tutoring session. “Tom had drawn a girl with a backward cap on a skateboard,” she said (via Insider). From then on, she looked forward to the days when they would be working together, stating, “I used to come in every day and look for his number on the call sheet. It was number seven. And if his number was on the call sheet, it was an extra exciting day.”
Felton shared love for her, but in a different way. Due to their age difference, he thought of Watson more as a little sister. Even knowing that she had a crush on him, he says, “I became very protective over her. Yeah, I’ve always had a soft spot for her, and that continues to the day.”
During their time at Hogwarts and beyond, Watson sums it all up quite nicely, “Nothing has ever ever ever happened romantically with us,” she explained. “We just love each other. That’s all I can say about that.”
Emma Watson played Hermione Granger in ‘Harry Potter’
When Watson stepped onto the big screen, she gained appreciation for exhibiting the qualities of the strong lead character, Hermione. The brilliant witch for her young age and perfect “pal” for Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint).
Full of spunk, Hermione stands up to some other wizards and witches. One of her biggest nemeses was Draco Malfoy, a pure-blood wizard who did not like half-bloods or Muggle-borns, like Hermione.
Now, the days of Hogwarts are behind Watson. She continues to act and champions important causes like Hermione did on screen. In fact, she has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world and one of the highest-paid young actors.
Tom Felton portrayed the villainous Draco Malfoy
Conversely, Felton began acting before the first Harry Potter film. He appeared in The Borrowers (1997), the voice of James in the TV series Bugs (1998), Second Sight, and Anna and the King (1999). However, the role of the sniveling Draco Malfoy made his name a household one.
As Malfoy, he worked against Harry and his friends at every turn. This began with competition on the Quidditch field before escalating to taking different sides in the film series’ eventual war. However, Draco and Harry eventually mended fences, more or less.
Related: Emma Watson Reveals Why She Wanted To Quit ‘Harry Potter’
