It has been years since the Harry Potter franchise came to a conclusion, but such is its popularity and appeal that fans continue to speculate and create theories about the magical world created by J.K. Rowling. Recently, a new fan theory emerged that seems to provide a rationale for why Harry Potter’s muggle relatives, the Dursleys, were such horrible people.
However, this theory seems to have left several fans scratching their heads with confusion, for the theory, although a bit plausible, is a paradox on its own. A contentious idea, the theory has yet again kicked off another debate within the fandom.
Contentious Harry Potter Fan Theory Explains Why the Dursleys Were Bitter to Harry
The world of Harry Potter has several bitter and vile characters featured across the seven books written by J.K. Rowling. While Professor Umbridge certainly occupies the first place as the franchise’s most hated character, Harry Potter’s muggle relatives, the Dursleys, are not far behind in the race. Forced to raise the champion of the Magical world, the Dursleys and their son, Dudley, treat Potter with utter abhorrence and hate.
While the books perfectly explain why they are so hateful towards the Magic folks, one fan theory suggests their disgusting behavior might have to do something with the Horcruxes. Horcruxes are dark objects, that a wizard creates to keep a piece of their soul alive and cheat death. Made after murdering another, the series antagonist, Voldermort, infamously created 7 Horcruxes (the most powerful number in the magical world) to become immortal.
However, unbeknownst to him, he created an eighth Horcrux aka Harry Potter, the night he murdered James and Lily Potter in Godric’s Hollow. As seen in the movies and the books, the Slytherin locket, a Horcrux, caused Harry, Ron, and Hermoine to turn negative. With this rationale, the fan theory states, that the Dursleys’ proximity to Harry might have amplified the Dursleys’ worst traits, resulting in their abusive behavior towards the bespectacled wizard.
Harry Potter Fan Theory Causes Uproar Among Potterheads
Seeing how Ron’s demeanor changed when he wore Slytherin’s locket in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, the above-mentioned fan theory does seem to make a bit of sense. Yet, on the other hand, it is not totally plausible given each Horcrux tends to have reacted differently in the series. While Marvolo Gaunt’s ring gave Dumbledore a curse and the diary ended up possessing Ginny Weasley, only the locket caused a change in the demeanor of its wearer.
Furthermore, while Ron was affected by the locket, it didn’t fundamentally change his nature, suggesting that the Dursleys’ sustained mistreatment of Harry goes beyond the mere influence of a Horcrux. And if the theory had any truth, it would make Hermoine, Ron, the Weasleys, and pretty much everyone around Harry Potter hate him too.
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So when the above-mentioned fan theory went viral on the internet, this is what several Potterheads had to say about it:
What if…. People read the book, so these “theories” can be properly answered.-@kerahiajb
Even before Harry came in this family they were mean. Minerva told it to Dumbledor, and Petunia hated her sis… -@clo_delp_37
With that logic shouldn’t Hermoine and Ron and the Weasleys all hate him too? -@_rose.johnson_
Not true, or everybody would be influenced by that. Dumbledore reminds us that We are not our abilities, but We are our choices. -@rayangaldin
Mcgonagall confirmed that is not true!! She watched them all day and said they were the WORST SORT OF MUGGLES IMAGINABLE. “THEY REALLY ARE!” Any Potter fan knows that. -@emaleesmommy
As fans continue to debate and more theories seem to emerge, the fan reactions confirm the enduring popularity of the Harry Potter series. Despite the series’ conclusion, the magical world continues to inspire passionate discussion and imaginative interpretations among Potterheads.
The Harry Potter movies can be streamed on Peacock.
