We've loved playing Harry Potter's hearties

There's more to the all-conquering Harry Potter films than the three main characters and the stars who play them.

While the focus is undeniably on Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint), we mustn't forget the unsung heroes who have been Harry's loyal supporters.

Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood and Ginny, Fred and George Weasley all make up part of Dumbledore's Army, a student organisation which aims to stand up against Voldemort and his evil Death Eaters.

The characters get their opportunity to shine in the final instalment of the franchise, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 2. So now's the time to find out more about the actors and actresses who play them.

:: Bonnie Wright plays Ginny Weasley

The youngest cast member when she joined at the age of nine, Wright, now 20, again takes the part of Ginny Weasley, Harry's girlfriend and future wife.

The youngest of the Weasleys, she first developed a unrequited crush on Harry. Then her possession by Voldemort in Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets gave her an unbreakable bond with our hero.

Wright says: "When I started, Ginny was seen as Ron's younger sister, but as she grew into herself she found a more outgoing and stronger character within her.

"The Chamber of Secrets changed her perspective and awakens her to the threat of Voldemort. That understanding connects her to Harry - that makes her respect him, and how much danger he is in."

The London-born actress has enjoyed playing out the romance between Ginny and Harry.

"Their relationship was founded in a pure way, not like most young teenage romances with giggles and fancying someone. She has become so close in a sub-conscious way to him," she explains.

Wright, who is engaged to fellow Harry Potter actor Jamie Campbell Bower, promises the second instalment of the final film will satisfy fans of JK Rowling's books.

"We all go to town in the second part of this film - anything we have never done and we've never exploded, we are going to do in this last film," she hints.

"By the end of the film, there is almost nothing of Hogwarts so it's quite an emotional rollercoaster."

Wright says she will miss the friendships she has formed on set. "I miss being surrounded by friends I've made, and the energy and dynamic we have on set.

"There's such a sense of belonging. It's something that will never be replicated - it was so special."

:: Matthew Lewis plays Neville Longbottom

There are big changes afoot for Longbottom, Harry's fellow Gryffindor student, who leads Dumbledore's Army in Harry's absence for the final instalment.

Lewis, 22, is almost unrecognisable as his alter ego is transformed from a chubby, bullied student into a hero.

The actor says: "I got to wield the Sword of Gryffindor, which was ace! Neville's changed a lot this year.

"He's a reckless resistance leader who wants to go and fight, and do the right thing. He's become more heroic, he's got heart, courage and loyalty.

"He's still not perfect, but he comes through where it counts. There's a wicked scene where he stands up to Voldemort - that is his defining moment."

The Leeds-born actor recalls his last days of filming as emotional. "After the official wrap, with the destroyed courtyard and bodies everywhere, Emma (Watson), director David Heyman, Tom (Felton) and I felt sad as we looked around," he recalls.

Lewis remains humble about the life-changing success of Potter. "It's pretty surreal, you know. I never expected it at all," he says.

"I'm not sure if there'll be anything like this after. As a fan of the books as well, I've been really proud to bring it to life on screen. I couldn't imagine what my life would be like without it."

What will he miss most about Potter? "I'll miss not having a job," he laughs. "But I will miss the cast and the crew and, although I will still see them around, I'll miss going to work with them and all the jokes."

:: Identical twins James and Oliver Phelps play Fred and George Weasley

Ron's elder brothers, the Weasley twins, initially brought laughter and light relief to the Harry Potter films with their pranks.

But things change in the finale. "Before, they were seen as the comic relief for the movies, but they've now grown up and are ready for battle," says Oliver. "They're not pratting around any more, they have turned into men.

"In the final instalment there were not a lot of laughs from Fred and George. I think that's the first time you see them scared."

The 25-year-old twins from Birmingham will miss chilling out with the cast.

James says: "To not see the cast is odd for us. We've been with each other for 10 years so it wasn't like going to work - it's just like hanging out with your pals and then shooting a movie at the same time.

"Dan, Rupert and Emma aren't huge stars to us - they are our friends."

Oliver adds: "In our downtime, we hang around in Rupert's dressing room. We would have a table tennis tournament every day. Emma's quite good, and Dan's good as well. He plays it quite a lot."

Describing their last day on set as "surreal", they admit the end of Harry Potter hasn't hit them yet.

"It will once everything is completely done. They normally send us around the world, so when we're on the flight back home after the last world tour, that's when it will kick in," says James.

The twins, who have also played twins in TV series Kingdom, want to continue acting.

"The safety net is going to be taken away. So now that's gone, it's time for us to prove ourselves," says Oliver.

:: Evanna Lynch plays Luna Lovegood

Irish actress Lynch is better known as loopy Ravenclaw student Luna Lovegood, who helps Harry defeat Voldemort in the epic battle. When Harry and Ginny welcome their daughter, they name her Lily Luna, in her honour.

"There's a lot more to Luna than just comic relief. She's a very spiritual person, and Harry needs that, to a degree," says Lynch.

"Even though she's bullied she's never inclined to change. I think she's more settled so that makes her happy."

The 19-year-old actress admitted her last day of filming was a tear-jerker.

"It was a really strange experience. I burst into tears because I knew the cast and crew so well, so there was gratitude and sadness all rolled in together," she recalls.

"It's such a nice group and it'll never be the same again. You'll make more films with new crews but you see the people on Harry Potter all the time so it's like a family."

Harry Potter was Lynch's first acting job, and the experience has made her want to pursue more roles.

"I like the idea of being someone else. When I'm Luna it's like a relief," she says.

"I'd like to do something where there's a bit more conflict. I would have liked to play Dumbledore, or Bellatrix - she's so cool. She's sexy but evil at the same time."

Extra time - Post-Potter plans

Now that the wizarding saga is coming to an end, what will the actors do?

:: Wright will be going back to school: "I've only done one year of a three-year degree in film and television at the London College of Communication, and I never wanted to stop studying, even when I was filming."

:: Lewis will be hitting the auditions trail: "I need to get another job soon!"

:: James Phelps will hit the road: "I hope to do a bit of travelling for a month or so."

:: Lynch plans to get behind the wheel: "I'm doing silly things my friends all did when they had time, like learning to drive. I'd like to study English in a few years."

:: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 2 is released in cinemas on Friday, July 15.

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