Editor's Note: Interview originally posted in November 2005

There's been another British invasion of pop icons in New York over the past week, and like Beatlemania, the teen stars of Harry Potter are going over big in the Big Apple.

And while their gig, unlike the Fab Four, has nothing to do with music, they're still being treated like rock stars.

"Every time I go out of my hotel room, there are always people -- and people in New York like screaming," Emma Watson told me, laughing, during a recent @ The Movies interview. "It is quite crazy at the moment."

But Watson's embracing the craziness, because it signals the release of the long-anticipated fourth film in the Harry Potter film saga -- "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," where she once again stars as Hogwarts' star student, Hermione Granger.

Without question, Watson, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) and Rupert Grint (Ron) have to be considered among the hardest working performers in show business, considering they've taken the rigorous paces to complete four "Harry Potter" films since 2001.

"One of the reasons why it was such hard work was that we were also juggling school work at the same time -- taking exams, promoting the film and moving on to the next one," Watson said.

Directed by Mike Newell, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" finds Harry, Hermione and Ron returning for a fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It's there Harry is mysteriously entered into the dangerous but prestigious Triwizard Tournament -- and where Harry, Hermione and Ron's seemingly unbreakable bond of friendship is put to the test.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle for Watson and company to make "The Goblet of Fire" burn bright, was the idea of keeping the continuing story of the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry fresh. And while each book by author J.K. Rowling gives the cast new and exciting material to work with, Watson well knows that nobody can rest on their laurels in bringing the entire Harry Potter experience to life. That's where she expressed the importance of the person at the helm.

"One of the things that keeps me interested and keeps me challenged is that we have a new director every time and I really, really like that because it does keep it fresh," Watson said. "He normally has a new vision and the way he sees it and I learn something every time from them."

Plus, Watson said, it helps that the characters are growing with the story -- and the actors are maturing in real life.

"Progressively we're getting older and that brings new things to each of the characters," Watson said. "There's a lot in this film that I definitely can relate to that Hermione is going through."

In fact, not only did Watson consider the film a learning experience, she says there is plenty for young viewers to take way, too -- making this Harry Potter once again a film that's just as much informative as it is entertaining.

"There are so many amazing messages that Harry Potter puts out, like how important friendship is," Watson observed. "And there are so many wonderful lines that Dumbledore puts out in every single film. I loved the one, 'A lot of people have a choice in their life between what is right and what is easy.'"

As for Hermione's effect on people, Watson is thrilled that young people continue to look up to the character.

"I think she's a great role model for lots of children," Watson observed. "She's got power, she's intelligent and she's not afraid of the fact that she's intelligent. She's determined, she's loyal and she's kind -- there aren't very many heroines like Hermione nowadays, they're all blonde and beautiful and bubbleheads. There are stories of how they get away with it, but Hermione? She's intelligent."

In a recent conversation with Daniel Radcliffe about playing Harry, the actor told me that he's doesn't bring any of his own ideas to the role simply because it was so clearly defined by Rowling in the first place. Watson feels the same way about Hermione, and realizes that she has a responsibility meet the expectations of the fans so endeared to the characters.

"These books and these films mean so much to so many kids," Watson said. "We have so many crazy fans -- kids that just live and breathe these books. I've heard so many amazing stories about what Harry Potter has done for kids. It's got kids reading again, and they so love the characters and the stories. They're just behind all of it, so I definitely feel a sense of responsibility.

"I'm a huge fan of the books myself," Watson added. "So I feel a responsibility to make the films true to the books, just to live up to everybody's expectations."

While fulfilling those expectations, Watson has to draw the line somewhere as far as safety was concerned. Case in point was during the pivotal Triwizard challenge, where she was submerged along with Ron and two fellow students in the Black Lake.

It looked awfully real, but was it?

"Actually, no," Watson said, laughing. "That was a model of me."

After all, we do need her around for three more movies. And if movie magic is available to use, where is there a better place to use it than in a "Harry Potter" film?