After 10 years and eight films, Harry Potter is nearing its end.
At Thursday's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II premiere in London's Trafalgar Square, Emma Watson looked elegant as ever in an Oscar de la Renta ball gown. Speaking to reporters, the 21-year-old actress — who shot to fame as the brainy Hermione Granger in the first Potter flick — admitted that the event was bittersweet.
"I will really miss Rupert [Grint] and Dan. I'll just miss being Hermione. I just love being in her world. How can you top this?" Watson said.
As the crowd began to chant her name, Watson held back tears before addressing her fans directly. "It's overwhelming to try to find the words to say what I want to say, but I have been so privileged to play this role and be a part of these films," she said. "Thank you so much for all of your love and support, and for embracing all the work that we did. I've had the most amazing 10 years of my life. Thank you so much."
Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the titular character, was the last to greet fans at the film's premiere. "This will never happen to me again. It's pretty amazing," he said, smiling from ear-to-ear. "You just have to let yourself revel in it and enjoy it while it lasts, because it won't happen again. There is a bit of sadness, but generally speaking, it's a day to be elated."
Though the final Potter flick doesn't premiere until July 15, Radcliffe promised it's the best work he's ever done. "I am so proud of this film and the way we have gone out," the 21-year-old actor said. "We could not have made a better version of this film. It is staggeringly good."
Like Watson, author J.K. Rowling, 45, was visibly moved by the impressive turnout. "How can I be anything other than very, very emotional? This is incredible," the Oscar de La Renta-clad writer said. "They fans have given me so much. I have to say thank you. Who could have asked for more?"
