The Harry Potter cast broke the rules—what they secretly took from set

You might think stealing is only for mischievous Slytherins, but it turns out the Harry Potter cast couldn’t help themselves when it came to leaving the magical world with a souvenir or three. The reality? Even wizards and witches can’t resist a little rule-breaking—especially when the prize is a piece of cinema history.

When Hogwarts Props Called to Their Owners

Let’s face it: who wouldn’t want a piece of the wizarding world to take home? Daniel Radcliffe—who spent his youth among the corridors, classrooms, and creatures of Hogwarts—was no exception. In a 2010 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Radcliffe admitted, with a mischievous laugh, “I stole the glasses!” before clarifying that he’d actually been given them after asking politely. He didn’t just settle for one pair. He owns two sets: one from the first film—which, like most childhood things, no longer fits—and the final pair he wore in his last days as the Boy Who Lived. But don’t go imagining these iconic specs gathering dust on his bedside table; Radcliffe said he keeps them somewhere safe (not at home, because, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t be scared of breaking them?), perhaps in a vault at Gringotts. Much safer than any muggle cupboard.

Outsmarting the Watchful Eyes (and Wands) of Props Teams

It wasn’t just Harry who longed for a relic. Props teams were notoriously strict—clearly taking their job very seriously—often preventing actors from sneaking anything off set. But where there’s a will (or a wand?), there’s a way. After all, we are talking about a cast of professional wizard impersonators. Unsurprisingly, a few magical items slipped through the cracks and found new homes.

• Emma Watson managed to outdo Radcliffe, nabbing not one, not two, but three treasures: Hermione’s wand, her Time-Turner, and her famous cloak. That’s some serious rule-breaking—Hermione might blush at her own handiwork.
• Rupert Grint, always the understated sidekick, took the number 4 from the front door of the Dursleys’ house at Privet Drive (because, really, who needs that number anymore?), as well as the Deluminator that Dumbledore bequeathed to Ron in the final instalment. He also tried to make off with a golden egg from Goblet of Fire but was caught before he could pocket his dragon-sized loot.

Not Just the Trio: Other Cast Members Join the Heist

It wasn’t just a main-character thing. The supporting cast had their eyes on keepsakes, too, proving everyone felt the magic long after the lights went down on set.

• Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) had a slightly unconventional memento in mind: the false teeth that defined his character. He candidly described them as a “real pain for years,” but, ultimately, he was happy to have them—despite their slightly off-putting vibe.
• Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), ever the quirky soul, took home several feathers from Fawkes (Dumbledore’s loyal phoenix), with the intention of crafting some delightfully odd earrings. If anyone could pull that look off, it’s her!
• The unforgettable Alan Rickman (Severus Snape) revealed in 2011 that he guarded Snape’s wand. But, according to Jason Isaacs, Rickman was a master of collecting: on the very first day of shooting Goblet of Fire, he reportedly helped himself to all the coins from Gringotts. If you can’t beat the goblins, join them.
• Jason Isaacs himself (Lucius Malfoy) once tried to sneak out with a copy of the Daily Prophet—arguing there were thousands lying around—but was caught red-handed as he left. David Yates gave him the green light to pick one, but Isaacs’s heist ended with a swift return when he was discovered.

A Legacy of Magic—and Just a Little Mischief

In the end, these tales prove that the magic of Harry Potter didn’t stop when the cameras stopped rolling. For these actors, props weren’t just props—they were tokens of years spent growing up, learning lines, and weaving magic on screen. Whether it was a humble number from Privet Drive or a coveted Time-Turner, each item symbolised not just a character, but a personal journey through one of cinema’s most beloved sagas.

So, next time you wonder what happened to all the treasures from the wizarding world, remember: they might be tucked away in a vault, made into earrings, or perhaps—just perhaps—waiting to be discovered at the bottom of a sock drawer. Because if there’s one thing the cast proved, it’s that sometimes, the spell that really lasts is the one you take home.