The news is 'hardly' surprising. = The news is 'hardly' a surprise. [=the news is not surprising at all]
“Is this a new idea for a movie?” “'Hardly'! I've seen dozens of movies just like it.”
I could 'hardly' believe my eyes. [=it was difficult to believe what I was seeing]
(..) off, before the start of the year. This is the only way in or out, now. The grounds are crawled with Death Eaters and Dementors. How about Mr. Snape as Headmaster? Hardly ever seen. It's the Carrows who's watch out for. Carrows? Yeah. Brother and sister. Incharge of discipline. (..)2011 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
(..) I speak stupid. Okay. Let's do it. I wish to enter my vault. Identification? I hardly think that would be necessary. Madam Lestrange. I don't like to be kept waiting. Harry... What do we do, Harry? (..)2011 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2