Hey everyone,
Welcome to another installment of Harry Potter Theory.
Today we’re going to be diving in to FOURTY- that’s right, FOURTY, Harry Potter Plot
twists.
And when I say Plot Twists I am of course referring to unexpected turns in the story
that surprised us.
Moments that challenged the assumptions and expectations that had been built up throughout
the narrative.
And when it comes to the Harry Potter story we have to give credit where credit is due-
there are a LOT of twists and turns.
From relatively mild to MAJOR, each of these plot twists contributed to a compelling story
that left us full of intrigue and suspense.
Before we get started be sure to comment some of YOUR favourite plot twists down below.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at 40 of the moments that left us guessing (in
no particular order).
Snape's true allegiance
Kicking things off with a BANG, who could forget the moment when we discovered that
Severus Snape was actually one of the good guys all along?
After years of what seemed like dubious morality on Snape’s part, it turned out that his
love for Lily Potter and his guilt over her death motivated him to protect Harry and work
against Voldemort.
Scabbers the Rat
Just when we thought Ron's pet rat Scabbers was a harmless side character, we learn that
he's actually the Animagus form of Peter Pettigrew.
This shocking revelation changed the entire course of the story, as Pettigrew was responsible
for betraying the Potters and framing Sirius Black.
Scabbers spent a disturbing amount of time with the trio as well as the Weasley family.
Pettigrew brings new meaning to the term ‘rat’.
The true identity of R.A.B.
In "The Half-Blood Prince," we learn about the mysterious R.A.B.
who stole one of Voldemort's Horcruxes.
It's not until "The Deathly Hallows" that we find out R.A.B. is Regulus Arcturus Black,
Sirius' younger brother, who turned against Voldemort and sacrificed himself to protect
the secret.
Dumbledore's tragic past
Dumbledore always seemed like a wise and kind-hearted mentor to Harry that was capable of harming
no one, however it’s revealed later in the story that he actually had a very dark past.
The revelation that Dumbledore was once close with the dark wizard Grindelwald and shared
his ambitions for power added a new depth to his character with some sinister undertones.
The Elder Wand's true master
The epic battle between Harry and Voldemort reaches its climax when we learn that Harry
is the true master of the Elder Wand.
This twist comes as a surprise because, unbeknownst to Voldemort, Draco Malfoy had disarmed Dumbledore,
making him the wand's master.
When Harry later disarmed Draco, he became the true owner of the powerful wand.
Harry is a Horcrux
One of the most jaw-dropping revelations in the story is that Harry himself is an unintentional
Horcrux.
Voldemort accidentally transferred a piece of his soul into Harry when he tried to kill
him as a baby.
This explains the psychic connection between them and adds a heart-wrenching layer to Harry's
final sacrifice.
Neville's importance to the prophecy
Neville Longbottom, the lovable underdog, turns out to be just as important to the prophecy
as Harry.
The prophecy could have referred to either Harry or Neville, but Voldemort's choice to
target Harry sealed their fates.
Neville's growth throughout the series and his role in destroying the final Horcrux is
a testament to his true bravery.
Snape is the Half-Blood Prince
The mysterious copy of Advanced Potion Making that helps Harry throughout his sixth year
at Hogwarts turns out to belong to none other than Snape.
This revelation not only connects Snape to Harry's success in potions but also adds another
layer to his complex character.
The truth about Ariana Dumbledore
The tragic story of Ariana Dumbledore, Albus' younger sister, is revealed in "The Deathly
Hallows."
The accidental killing of Ariana by one of the three young wizards (Albus, Aberforth,
or Grindelwald) during a duel adds a deep sense of guilt and remorse to Dumbledore's
character.
It also helps to explain Dumbledore’s deviation towards a path of good.
Tom Riddle's Diary
In "The Chamber of Secrets," we learn that the diary Harry stumbles upon is no ordinary
diary, it’s actually a Horcrux containing a piece of Voldemort's soul!
This revelation marks our first introduction to the concept of Horcruxes, setting the stage
for Harry's quest to destroy them all.
Sirius Black's innocence
In "The Prisoner of Azkaban," we initially believe that Sirius Black is a dangerous,
murderous criminal who betrayed the Potters.
However, we later learn that he's innocent and was framed by Peter Pettigrew.
This twist transforms Sirius from a demented wizard into a beloved character and a father
figure to Harry.
The true nature of Thestrals
At first, Thestrals seem like eerie, invisible creatures that only Harry can see.
However, we later learn that they're only visible to those who have witnessed death.
This revelation adds depth to Harry's character, as it highlights the emotional burden he carries
after Cedric Diggory's death.
The Triwizard Tournament's sinister purpose
The excitement of the Triwizard Tournament takes a dark turn when we discover that it
was manipulated by Barty Crouch Jr. (disguised as Mad-Eye Moody) to transport Harry to Voldemort.
This twist not only shocks us but also marks the return of the Dark Lord to his full strength.
Ginny Weasley's role in opening the Chamber of Secrets
In the second book, Ginny Weasley is revealed to be the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets
under the influence of Tom Riddle's diary.
This twist not only shocks us but also highlights the sinister power of the Horcrux and the
vulnerability of young witches and wizards.
The true identity of Bathilda Bagshot
In "The Deathly Hallows," Harry and Hermione visit Godric's Hollow, hoping to find information
about the Deathly Hallows.
It’s here that they meet Bathilda Bagshot- author of ‘A History of Magic’ and Grindelwald’s
great aunt.
However, it’s later revealed that the old woman wasn’t Bathilda at all, but instead
Nagini, Voldemort's snake, in disguise.
Barty Crouch Jr.
One of the most shocking twists in "The Goblet of Fire" is the revelation that Barty Crouch
Jr., a devoted Death Eater, has been impersonating Mad-Eye Moody throughout the entire school
year.
This twist not only highlights the lengths Voldemort's followers will go to but also
raises questions about trust and identity.
I still think Barty Crouch Jr was one of the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers.
The Silver Doe
In "The Deathly Hallows," a mysterious silver doe Patronus leads Harry to the Sword of Gryffindor.
We later learn that the Patronus belonged to Snape, who was secretly guiding and protecting
Harry throughout his journey.
This moment adds depth to Snape's character and further emphasizes his love for Lily.
The Tale of the Three Brothers
The story of the Deathly Hallows, as told by Xenophilius Lovegood, introduces us to
the idea that the Elder Wand, Resurrection Stone, and Invisibility Cloak are actually
all connected.
Hermione's Time-Turner
In "The Prisoner of Azkaban," Hermione's ability to attend multiple classes simultaneously
baffles everyone- transcending even her OWN reputation as an incredible student.
The big reveal of her Time-Turner not only explains her mysterious schedule but also
plays a crucial role in rescuing Sirius Black and Buckbeak.
The true nature of the Marauder's Map
The Marauder's Map, initially just a cool magical artifact, turns out to be a creation
of James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew.
This twist connects Harry's father and his friends to the map and adds a layer of sentimental
value to it.
The Vanishing Cabinet
In "The Half-Blood Prince," we learn that the seemingly innocuous vanishing cabinet
in the Room of Requirement is linked to its twin in Borgin and Burkes.
This connection allowed Death Eaters to infiltrate Hogwarts and ultimately led to Dumbledore’s
death.
Kreacher's Tale
In "The Deathly Hallows," Kreacher, the Black family's house-elf, reveals the story of Regulus
Black and his efforts to destroy a Horcrux.
This twist not only provides crucial information for Harry's quest but also changes our perception
of Kreacher, who turns out to be fiercely loyal to his late master.
Hagrid’s Expulsion
Throughout the series, we know that Hagrid was expelled from Hogwarts for a crime he
didn't commit- that’s why he doesn’t have a proper wand.
In "The Chamber of Secrets," we learn that it was actually Tom Riddle (young Voldemort)
who framed Hagrid for opening the Chamber and releasing the basilisk.
Dumbledore's Injured Hand
Dumbledore's blackened hand in "The Half-Blood Prince" is a mystery until we learn that he
was injured while destroying Marvolo Gaunt's ring, which was a Horcrux.
This twist underscores the danger of Horcruxes and foreshadows Dumbledore's impending death.
The Deluminator's guidance
In "The Deathly Hallows," Ron uses the Deluminator, a gift from Dumbledore, to find Harry and
Hermione after he leaves them.
The Deluminator's ability to guide Ron back to his friends is an unexpected twist that
speaks to Dumbledore's wisdom and foresight.
Percy Weasley's return to the family
Percy Weasley's estrangement from his family is a recurring subplot throughout the series.
His return and reconciliation with the Weasleys during the Battle of Hogwarts is a heartwarming
twist, emphasizing the importance of family and unity in the face of adversity.
The truth about Moaning Myrtle
The ghost Moaning Myrtle, who haunts the girls' bathroom, is later revealed to be the victim
of the basilisk in "The Chamber of Secrets."
This twist adds a tragic backstory to her character and provides crucial information
for solving the mystery of the Chamber.
The Sword of Gryffindor's Power
In "The Chamber of Secrets," we later learn that the Sword of Gryffindor has horcrux destroying
capabilities after absorbing the venom of the Basilisk.
This twist sets the stage for the sword's vital role in the series' climax (when Neville
uses it to kill Nagini).
The Fidelius Charm
In "The Prisoner of Azkaban," we learn that the Fidelius Charm was used to protect the
Potters, and that it was actually Peter Pettigrew who acted as their Secret-Keeper.
This twist not only explains how Voldemort found the Potters but also further implicates
Pettigrew in their betrayal.
The Peverell Brothers
In "The Deathly Hallows," we learn that the Peverell brothers, who are mentioned in the
Tale of the Three Brothers, were actually the original owners of the Deathly Hallows.
This twist connects the Hallows to Harry's lineage, as he is a descendant of Ignotus
Peverell, the youngest brother.
The Taboo Curse
In Harry Potter, few are brave enough to utter Voldemort’s name.
In "The Deathly Hallows," it's revealed that the Death Eaters have placed a Taboo on Voldemort's
name, allowing them to track anyone who speaks it.
This twist adds a layer of danger to the story, as the trio must avoid saying his name to
evade capture.
Lupin the Werewolf
In "The Prisoner of Azkaban," we eventually learn that Remus Lupin is a werewolf.
This twist not only adds depth to his character but also explains his mysterious absences
and his connection to the Marauders.
Neville’s Parents
In "The Order of the Phoenix," we learn that Neville's parents, Alice and Frank Longbottom,
were tortured into insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange and her fellow Death Eaters.
This tragic twist adds a heartbreaking backstory to Neville's character and strengthens his
resolve to fight against the dark forces.
The Golden Snitch
In "The Deathly Hallows," we learn that the Resurrection Stone, one of the Deathly Hallows,
is actually hidden inside the Snitch that Dumbledore bequeathed to Harry.
This twist not only connects the Hallows to Harry's journey but also provides a poignant
moment when Harry uses the Stone to see his loved ones before facing Voldemort.
Tom Marvolo Riddle
In "The Chamber of Secrets," it's revealed that Tom Riddle, the mysterious character
from the diary, is actually a younger version of Lord Voldemort.
It’s also explained that the appellation "Lord Voldemort" is derived from an anagram
of his name: TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE → I AM LORD VOLDEMORT.
The Mirror of Erised
In "The Philosopher's Stone," Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised.
When he first looks in to the mirror, he becomes immediately excited when he sees his family
staring back at him.
In this moment, Harry believes that seeing his parents once more is attainable.
However, it’s later revealed that the mirror merely shows the viewer the ‘deepest desires’
of their heart- effectively eliminating any notion of Harry being reunited with his family.
The Bloody Baron
In "The Deathly Hallows," we discover that the Bloody Baron, the ghost of Slytherin House,
was actually once a suitor of Helena Ravenclaw- eventually killing her in a fit of rage before
taking his own life.
This twist adds a tragic backstory to the Bloody Baron's character and deepens the history
of Hogwarts.
The Three Broomsticks' owner
In "The Half-Blood Prince," Katie Bell is viciously cursed and no one knows who’s
responsible (though we suspect it’s Draco).
We later discover that it was Rosmerta, the owner of the Three Broomsticks, who was responsible-
having been placed under the Imperius Curse by Draco Malfoy.
Harry Surviving
After Harry encounters Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest, he’s shot ‘dead’ by Voldemort’s
killing curse.
What was initially unclear, however, is that Voldemort’s spell only killed the PIECE
of his soul inside of Harry, and not Harry himself.
This allows Harry to return to the land of the living.
And that’s it for today.
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Which plot twists did I miss?
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Until next time
Remember
It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live