Harry Potter
has introduced some of the most interesting villains in pop culture, and you might be surprised to find out that there is much more to them than meets the eye. From the Dark Lord himself to the seemingly harmless Professors, fans have come up with wild, mind-bending theories that could change everything you thought you knew about them.
Ready for some jaw-dropping, eye-opening ideas that will have you looking at the Harry Potter
universe in a whole new light? You will not be looking at the films the same way again after you have gone through this list.
Crabbe and Goyle
In the wizarding story, Crabbe and Goyle are often seen as mere sidekicks, but what if there is more to their mediocre intellect and dull physical appearance? According to some fans, they could be the result of the darker side of pure-blood breeding. While families like the Weasleys are purebloods but considered “blood traitors,”
others like the Malfoys may have pushed their pureblood agenda too far, leading to genetic weaknesses in their children.
Crabbe, Goyle, and Malfoy in the Slytherin common room. pic.twitter.com/LzZdVVJvKS
— Harry Potter Universe (@HPotterUniverse) May 4, 2018
It is a theory that suggests Crabbe and Goyle represent the negative outcomes of magical inbreeding, where, unlike others such as Sirius Black, the genetic lottery did not work in their favor.
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Gilderoy Lockhart
While Gilderoy Lockhart appears to be a harmless, self-obsessed celebrity wizard, there is a theory that suggests Lockhart enchants his books to make readers fall for him. If you were to think about it, for example Hermione, who normally sees through deception, is completely smitten with him despite his obvious lack of magical ability. Then there is Justin, whose mother, after reading Lockhart’s books, suddenly believes having a wizard in the family is essential.
19 August 1992: Harry Potter met Gilderoy Lockhart in Flourish and Blotts. pic.twitter.com/AXfOoYX9LX
— Harry Potter World (@PotterWorldUK) August 19, 2016
With his fascination for charm magic and references to wizards who specialize in it, this theory might just explain Lockhart’s strange ability to win over even the most skeptical witches and wizards.
Dudley Dursley
In the Harry Potter
films
, Dudley Dursley’s pampered life may just have deeper roots than simple spoiling. One interesting theory is that Dudley was a “rainbow baby”
, a child born after a miscarriage or stillbirth. Petunia, who was struggling with grief, might have seen him as a special gift, which explains her obsessive indulgence in his every whim. The Dursleys’ desire for a perfect family may have made Harry’s arrival feel like a betrayal to Petunia, deepening her resentment.
June 23: Happy Birthday, Dudley Dursley! The only son of Vernon and Petunia Dursley and cousin of The Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter. pic.twitter.com/0DFzZqHLAd
— Harry Potter Universe (@HPotterUniverse) June 23, 2017
This theory also explains the strange choice of giving Dudley an expansive playroom and shoving Harry into a small cupboard. The grief and jealousy she felt towards Lily’s magical life may have fueled her rejection of Harry, making the strained family dynamic even more complicated.
Professor Quirrell
What if in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
, Professor Quirrell’s journey to Albania had unexpected twists that led to his transformation? This unique theory takes on how Quirrell goes to Albania to confront dark creatures to prove his worth as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher but instead stumbled upon the sinister Lord Voldemort who corrupts him.
4th June, 1992: Harry Potter learns that Voldemort lives within Professor Quirrell. pic.twitter.com/og9TcG0T3L
— Harry Potter Stuff ⚯͛ (@TheHPfacts) June 4, 2016
Barty Crouch Jr.
If you remember in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
, Barty Crouch Jr., under the disguise of Professor Moody, teaches Harry and his classmates the Unforgivable Curses by casting the Imperius Curse on Harry several times, saying it is to teach the students how to resist. But, there is a theory that suggests that here Crouch Jr. is testing Harry’s willpower to see if he can be controlled by the curse and how this is a critical part of Voldemort’s strategy to grab Harry later in the novel.
“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” – Barty Crouch Jr. #HarryPotter #TheGobletOfFire #DarkMark pic.twitter.com/pyG3jKTvsc
— Harry Potter (@harrypotter) October 26, 2015
Nagini
Switching to Fantastic Beasts
where Nagini is revealed to be a Maledictus, a woman cursed to transform into a snake permanently. However, some fans believe she was originally intended to be a Nāga, a mythical half-human, half-snake creature from Hindu mythology. This theory goes to say that J.K. Rowling initially planned for Nagini to embody this mythical creature, but later chose the Maledictus storyline to add more of a tragic dimension to her character.
Nagini used to be a woman with a terrible curse.
She was a ‘Maledictus’, a carrier of a blood curse which ultimately destined her to transform permanently into a beast. pic.twitter.com/FRiFVfXAqJ
— Harry Potter Stuff ⚯͛ (@TheHPfacts) September 26, 2018
Peter Pettigrew, Wormtail
While displaying the complete school secrets, The Marauder’s Map never displayed Peter Pettigrew’s name, even when he was Ron’s pet rat, Scabbers. This omission puzzled many, but a compelling theory suggests that the map was designed to conceal the identities of its creators to protect their privacy.
Trent Baalke is the equivalent of Peter Pettigrew aka Wormtail aka Ron Weasleys rat Scabbers. Convince me I’m wrong. And yes I’ve been on a Harry Potter binge kick of late. What do you expect-o patronum pic.twitter.com/5aix36Cw3p
— Bogan Huntley (@bogalicious88) January 27, 2022
When Fred and George Weasley used the map, they did not notice Pettigrew’s presence because the map did not reveal the names of the Marauders unless they activated it themselves. Another possible reason discussed is the deep immersion Pettigrew maintained in his Animagus form as a rat keeping him hidden on the map.
Gilderoy Lockhart
This particular theory goes deep into how the Ministry of Magic knew Gilderoy Lockhart was a scam artist but does not do much to stop it to keep up the Ministry’s reputation and providing a false sense of security to the wizarding community. His stories distract from real dangers, making wizards believe that charm and quick thinking can overcome any threat which allowed the Ministry to keep controlling and hiding dangerous facts from its public.
Happy 64th Birthday, Sir Kenneth Branagh! He played Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 🥳 pic.twitter.com/9j7uhureZA
— Daily Harry Potter (@TheDailyHPotter) December 10, 2024
The Dementors
In a chilling turn of events in the Goblet of Fire, as Harry nears the truth about Voldemort’s return, Barty Crouch Jr. is suddenly attacked by a Dementor, resulting in the Dementor’s Kiss. This sudden scene raised thoughts that the Dementors, who ally with Voldemort, may have orchestrated the attack to prevent Crouch from revealing the Dark Lord’s return, a strategic move showing their support for Voldemort.
The Dementors in Harry Potter are truly terrifying creatures 😧 pic.twitter.com/FVlcFZNyn8
— Daily Harry Potter (@TheDailyHPotter) November 19, 2021
Aunt Petunia
A compelling theory suggests that an encounter with Death Eaters caused Aunt Petunia’s hatred toward the wizarding world. According to this theory, the dark wizards targeted Petunia’s parents during the peak of Voldemort’s reign, where they tortured them for information regarding Lily and James Potter’s whereabouts. This has led some fans to speculate that Severus Snape, with his complex history with Lily, might have somehow intervened by informing the Order of the Phoenix of Petunia’s safety to avoid any further injury. This may also explain why Dumbledore knew exactly where to put Harry for safekeeping.
July 10: Happy Birthday, Fiona Shaw! She played Aunt Petunia Dursley in the Harry Potter films. pic.twitter.com/1xqgF21Dl5
— Harry Potter Universe (@HPotterUniverse) July 10, 2019
These mind-blowing theories about Harry Potter
villains have surely given you a fresh perspective on the wizarding world. Whether you believe them or not, they surely bring in interesting perspectives to the stories you thought you knew so well. So, next time you start watching the films, remember these theories, who knows they might just change the way you view these characters.
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What is your take? Which theory blew your mind the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!