nightline

Trivia: There's been some discussion whether Lucius Malfoy starts saying "Avada-" or "Vera-" after Harry freed Dobby. It's not so easy to decide in the English version, although the DVD subtitles say "Vera-". In the German version, it's a lot easier, he says "Avada-" without any doubt. So it seems either the translators did not read the original script, or Malfoy does say "Avada-" in the English version (and they tried to cover it up for some reason by using a different subtitle). For those who have not read past book three, "Avada" is the first part of the spell "Avada Kedavra", a powerful killing spell that is highly illegal in the wizarding world. This is why this piece of trivia is important - many fans are perplexed as to why dear Lucius was performing such a spell directly outside Dumbledore's office. Jason Isaacs was not told what spell to use for the scene, so he improvised and started to say the first one that came to mind. He did, indeed, say 'Avada', the first word of the killing curse.

nightline