10 Questions for Daniel Radcliffe

How different are you from Harry? — Atra Oshana, Des Plaines, Ill.
I think I am probably quite different from Harry. [But] I think we're both quite reserved in terms of how much we show our feelings. Neither of us particularly wears our heart on our sleeve. The value of friendship in both our lives is immense. And I also think we have a shared curiosity. (See pictures of Daniel Radcliffe's career.)

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What do you think has been Harry's greatest misstep or failure in judgment? — Susan Bevins, Winter Park, Fla.
Susan Bevins, you have asked a question no journalist has ever asked me. I think the way he treated his friends a couple of films ago was quite questionable. They're always there for him, and he was a little bit ungrateful. I think Harry is a flawed character. He can be quite selfish and really manipulative. He's not all sweetness and light. (See pictures of how the Harry Potter cast has grown up during the series.)

The Harry Potter films have given you a chance to work with an extraordinary number of British acting royalty. Which ones have had the greatest effect on you? — Frank Hibrant, Cincinnati, Ohio
The two that have had the biggest effect on me would be Gary Oldman, who I became very close to, and Imelda Staunton. They're both wonderful people and wonderful actors.

Both Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows are quite different from previous installments. How have you prepared yourself for the plot's darker, deeper scenes? — Josh Hertzel, Omaha, Neb.
To be honest, that's the kind of stuff I like doing and gravitate toward naturally. It probably comes easier to me than the comedy. On those days, I generally try to be as isolated as possible and listen to lots of music that will hopefully kind of depress me or get me into a less exuberant state. (Read a review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.)

If you could use any of the magical spells from Harry Potter, which would you choose? — Sohini Desai, San Diego
It's not a spell, but if I could choose any magical thing, it would definitely be the lucky potion. If you have too much, apparently, it screws you up, but the idea of having that perfect day is just so wonderful.

Are you a Harry Potter fan? — Rochely Candaten Droves, Porto Alegre, Brazil
I am a fan of the books, certainly. In terms of the films, I enjoy watching everyone but myself very, very much. I don't like watching myself. I don't think many actors do. But, yeah, I am a fan. If I weren't, I would've stopped ages ago. (See pictures of the excitement surrounding a Harry Potter book release.)

What do you think about the way J.K. Rowling formed the plots of the books? — Frances Taylor, Sarnia, Ont.
Obviously, it's inspired. Otherwise, they wouldn't have done nearly as well as they have. They have taken the best bits of different kinds of literature. It's the latest in a long line of orphan literature. There's the English boarding school. There's the good-vs.-evil thing. The fact that she came up with the entire thing on one train journey is pretty remarkable.

How would you advise someone to prepare for the role of Alan in Equus? — José Pérez, Barcelona
Study the script, develop an incredibly trusting relationship with your director and just lose your inhibitions. No one's thinking about the nudity. You'd be mad if you're not worried about that — it's quite a scary thing — but you're doing a job. (Read TIME's review of Equus.)

Do you plan to go to college? — Lindsay Carpenter, Milwaukee
No, I don't. I am continuing my education. I have two weekly tutorials with a friend of mine who is also an English teacher. He comes on set and we talk through plays and books and poems. It's a privilege.

Would you ever commit to the lead role in a movie series again? — Danielle Higson, St. John's, Nfld.
It would be very hard to do that in a hurry. I think it would be a while, at least, before I did that. It would have to be very good.

See a recap of all the Harry Potter books.

Watch TIME's video "Harry and the Potters Will Wizard Rock You."

Visit RottenTomatoes.com to read an interview with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince director David Yates.