Harry Potter: 10 Most Underrated Chapters

Chapter Synopsis: Harry and Dumbledore dive into the Pensieve and observe a young Voldemort during his post-Hogwarts years.

This is another moment that failed to make it into Harry’s on-screen adventures. ‘Lord Voldemort’s Request’ focuses on two memories. The first involves a young Voldemort going to visit Hepzibah Smith, a distant descendent of Helga Hufflepuff. Here, Voldemort gets his first look at Hufflepuff’s cup, which he later turns into a Horcrux.

But the real joy of this chapter comes from the second memory. After several years of travelling and building up his followers, the young Voldemort returns to Hogwarts and asks Dumbledore if he can teach at Hogwarts. It’s fascinating to see the embodiment of good face off against the ultimate villain at this early stage. There’s no action, of course, but there doesn’t need to be. And in many ways, this short conversation is more intense than a duel.

What’s more, we finally learn why the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher changes every year. Ever since Dumbledore refused to give Voldemort the job, no professor has ever lasted longer than three school terms. In other words, the job is cursed.