Young Harry Potter’s epic, iconic journey begins with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first book of seven in J.K. Rowling’s beloved fantasy series. In this first instalment, we get to experience, along with Harry, what the wizarding world is like for the first time. Whether Harry’s getting his wand at Ollivander’s or meeting Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, this enchanting listen follows the origins of one boy wizard who will soon change the fate of the world.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve listened to the Harry Potter series hundreds of times or if this is your first foray into Hogwarts; the magic of this spellbinding story will delight you all the same. Reminisce on Harry’s first journey by listening in to 10 of our favourite moments from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in audio.
1. Hagrid tells Harry he’s a wizard
At the beginning of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry has no knowledge of his magical ancestry. But after repeated attempts to deliver his Hogwarts acceptance letter are thwarted by his aunt and uncle, the school’s keeper of keys and grounds, Rubeus Hagrid, takes matters into his own hands. He shows up in person to deliver the news, carrying a birthday cake for Harry with his signature lovable oafishness. It’s the start of a whole new life for Harry and the start of a great, lasting friendship between the unlikely pair as well.
From Chapter 4: The Keeper of the Keys
Performed by a full cast
2. Harry meets Ron and the Weasley family
After being thrust into the wizarding world nearly on his own, Harry must gradually learn the ropes. He’s quite confused, though, as to how to get to the train to take him to Hogwarts. While wandering the platform, he sees Molly Weasley and her cheerful crowd of red-haired children, including Ron. He works up the courage to ask her for help and, by doing so, earns himself a best friend and, truly, a found family. Not only does Ron become a wonderful companion to Harry, but Harry is often welcomed into Molly and Arthur Weasley's home later in the series. Their first meeting, however mundane as it may seem, is life-changing for the orphaned boy.
From Chapter 6: The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters
Performed by a full cast
3. Harry and Ron meet Hermione
The series’ beloved trio just isn’t complete without Hermione, and her personality comes through immediately upon her introduction. While on the train to Hogwarts, Hermione bursts into the carriage where Ron and Harry sit, Neville Longbottom at her elbow. Already, she’s proven herself to be a natural leader and problem-solver, trying to help locate Neville’s missing toad. Once in the carriage, though, she notices Ron attempting magic, scoffing at his attempt while being sure to tell them all of the books she has read and reminding them to change into their robes. It’s a perfect encapsulation of the brilliant young witch who will soon become one of their closest friends.
From Chapter 6: The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters
Performed by a full cast
4. Harry celebrates his first Christmas at Hogwarts
During his first year at Hogwarts, Harry opts to stay there for Christmas rather than go home like many of the other students. Ron stays behind, too, and the pair get to enjoy the holiday together on the mostly empty grounds. It’s particularly impactful because Harry gets his first Christmas presents, which include one given by an anonymous gifter. In a package with a vague note, Harry is given an invisibility cloak that once belonged to his father. Since he lost his father as a baby, it becomes the only thing he has of his dad's. Harry also gets his signature Weasley jumper, making him feel like part of the family.
From Chapter 12: The Mirror of Erised
Performed by a full cast
5. Harry is sorted into Gryffindor
The first Sorting Hat ceremony is absolutely iconic. It’s the first time Harry gets to see the Great Hall, with its floating candles, delectable food, and the entire school crammed into the room. It’s also when Harry is sorted into his Hogwarts house, which is his home at Hogwarts, offering him kinship and camaraderie. They live in the same common room, vie for the House Cup together, and play and root for the same Quidditch team, all reinforcing the tight-knit community.
From Chapter 7: The Sorting Hat
Performed by a full cast
6. Harry sees Hogwarts for the first time
Nothing quite prepares you for experiencing the majesty of Hogwarts for the first time. The castle’s looming architecture and its stone walls are a stunning reminder of the protection extended to all the young witches and wizards who enter its halls. It’s a symbol of home. After Harry, Ron, and the other first-years get off the train, Hagrid guides them by boat to the castle, and the first glimpse is stunning, as the new students catch sight of the castle across the great black lake.
From Chapter 6: The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters
Performed by a full cast
7. Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised
A lot of what makes Harry Potter so impactful is the emotional depth of Harry’s story. One such moment comes with Harry’s discovery of the Mirror of Erised. When exploring the castle under his invisibility cloak, Harry stumbles upon a mirror in an empty classroom. In the mirror’s reflection, he sees himself surrounded by family—his family, including his mother and father, who both died at the hands of Voldemort. It’s a staggering, emotional moment for Harry, one that allows him to see his parents for the first time in his young life. Dumbledore reveals the mirror’s powerful magic, explaining that it “shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desire of our hearts.” In a story of much adventure, this poignant moment grounds Harry’s journey in his search for a place to belong.
From Chapter 12: The Mirror of Erised
Performed by a full cast
8. Gryffindor wins the House Cup
Each year, all four of the Hogwarts Houses compete to win the House Cup. Students earn points through doing well in class or going above and beyond, while troublemaking and rule-breaking are sure to get some points deducted. Gryffindor is losing to Slytherin when it comes time to count the points at the story’s end. But with some last-minute point additions from Dumbledore, Gryffindor pulls ahead with not a moment to spare.
From Chapter 17: The Man with Two Faces
Performed by a full cast
9. Harry gets his Hogwarts letter
It all started with a letter through the post box. When Hogwarts first attempts to reach Harry about his admission to the school, it’s through relatively mundane postal means. After the letter is confiscated by Uncle Vernon, Harry believes all is lost—including the irresistible, mysterious allure of the letter’s contents. But Vernon is no match for magic, and before long, the letters keep arriving no matter what he does to stop them. His anger is iconic, as is the letter itself, and it’s a reminder that a destiny like Harry’s isn’t stopped just because there’s no post on Sundays.
From Chapter 3: The Letters from No One
Performed by a full cast
10. Harry Potter gets his wand
The day he steps inside Ollivanders, a storied wand shop located in Diagon Alley, Harry learns that it is the wand that chooses the wizard. After multiple fine wands prove not to be Harry’s match, Mr Ollivander hands him an 11-inch holly and phoenix-feather wand that, when raised, sends off bright sparks of lights. He learns from Ollivander that that particular phoenix gave only two feathers—one used for the wand that chose Harry, and the other used in the wand of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Harry getting his wand is a true step towards his future as a wizard, but it’s also a glimpse of the complicated battle that lies ahead.
From Chapter 5: Diagon Alley
Performed by a full cast
