Why Doesn't Harry Have Any Relatives? | Harry Potter Film Theory

[@SuperCarlinBrothers]

Seriously tho what kind of name is Linfred of Stinchecombe?

[@coolnerdlll6053]

The name you get from hitting a keyboard with a boxing glove.

[@magicsdolbear19]

I've got a quidditch TV series I'm writing and it's amazing I'd love for you guys to read the first episode

[@emberandfriendsanimations2454]

The kind of name you get from asking a kid to make a fancy sounding name

[@morrigankasa570]

The reason Lupin looked so shabby/aged was because of being a Lycanthrope and the stresses related to that. As for why Sirius seemed aged more then normal for being in his 30s was Azkaban. The reason for Snape seeming aged more then normal was heartbreak with Lily and the stress of being a spy.

[@zainrahman1088]

Who knows

[@marshallm0992]

You could also argue that when Harry died, for that brief moment the entire Potter line was wiped out and thus there was no more curse, ending it that way as well.

[@agentwashington4790]

thats what he say near the end

[@petersascha2217]

Credans is the son of Albus Brother and the blodbond gets destroyed because grindelwad try’s to kill creadens at the end of the movie and dumbeldoor defends him the courses cross and the bloodpact gets destroyed creadens goes him with abliste brother I know this becaus in Germany the movie is already in theaters.

[@r3t1k0]

What about petunia though

[@marshallm0992]

@@r3t1k0 I don’t think she really counts, plus she’s a muggle. That’s my logic behind it at least

[@belrevan1986]

@@r3t1k0 Petunia is not a Potter.

[@tieranalexander4475]

Wasn't Petunia the only option because she was the only relative of Lily? It was her blood protection not James so some distant cousin of his wouldn't have protected him.

[@oguzer7]

Amazing how they missed this basic plotline lol

[@mienfu9824]

Yeah, it's really simple. The Potter line has nothing to do with this.

[@broccolihighkicks708]

I just commented the same thing, you beat me to it!

[@darkroselight3835]

That was how I understood it. The Potter's could still be Cursed by Death, but even if one had been alive Harry would have ended up with Petunia.

[@Ranger1812]

Exactly. That's why it's called the "Bond of Blood Charm". "The Bknd of blood was the strongest protection I could give you." - Albus Dumbledore

[@jonathanfranco8547]

You know, it makes perfect sense that the Potter family made Slick Eazy's hair potion. Harry definitely got his untameable hair from them, so it makes sense they invented a potion that would help with their....HARRY problem. I'll see myself out.

[@MercuryA2000]

Really, its more ironic that Harry doesn't use it. You'd think SOMEONE would have passed him a bottle at one point.

[@TheBrothergreen]

@@MercuryA2000 It's probably really expensive. Name brand, hand crafted by an all goblin workforce, blah, blah, blah.

[@JuanMataCFC]

@@TheBrothergreen ur probably right considering Fleamont was able to quadruple the Potter family's already massive fortune using it.

[@nemasisdemarini8339]

@@TheBrothergreen I'm pretty certain that, that brand IS HIS. He should just be able to get some. Which means that the real problem isn't that he doesn't use it. It's that no one told him about it during the entire story.

[@evasivecookiv5870]

@@nemasisdemarini8339 ever tried claiming patent rights at the MOM? I hear its what had Flamel drinking elixir all this time, just waiting for his patent to come through

[@gamer708886]

I have a different theory. That death, having been defeated by the third brother, found a worthy pawn to defeat a future foe. Since death is probably a magical being, he knew that one day Voldemort would challenge his law. Perhaps death did not feel cheated by the brothers but instead chose to test them; The third being the only survivor, the only one whose lineage stood a chance of avoiding death until the real threat emerged. Because it is known in death's lore IRL that he is supposed to be fond of games, so why would death in the books be any different. And what better game than using humanity to keep the wicked at bay by acting as his pieces in the most grand game of chess ever played. And against Voldemort, who would try to become immortal, Harry was simply his knight. Checkmate.

[@christianheichel]

It is unlikely that death as a cosmic being existed. If he did all you'd have to do is build a bridge to get his attention. I don't hear any other stories involving death. It also seems fair to point out that in the books it is pointed out that the Deathly Hallows were most likely made by the Peverells and death was just a fairy tale made to embellish the story. It seems possible that a 4th witch or wizard in jealousy could have cursed the Peverells causing death to happen more often. But no cosmic being called Death.

[@susantindall8711]

I like your theory but I prefer to think Voldemort chose the person who would be best equipped to kill him. We all know he could have chosen Neville. We also know that had Alice refused to get out of the way it would have made no difference at all. She would have died Neville would have died because Snape didn't ask Voldemort to spare her. I'm not sure I like the thought of adding in death pulling the strings

[@SicFromTheKush]

I'd like to believe Rowling's a better worldbuilder than to have the cosmic entity that is Death, do anything to try to thwart Voldemort. It would all come out in the wash anyway. You could say that Death was trying to gain tools/pawns, but I'm gonna scoff at the notion of any thought of Voldemort specifically

[@hmp4uaug27]

As people have already mentioned it was Lilly’s sacrifice that put the protection on Harry so it had to be a relative from Lilly’s side so Petunia seemed to be the only one. So I feel we need to see what happened to other relatives on her side. But as her sister Petunia and Lilly’s blood is close as Dumbledore mentions that as to why it had to be Petunia.

[@brianblum9361]

I think the exact words were “so long as Lily’s sacrifice dwells in the place you call home, you will be protected”. Which actually implies he could have lived with Mrs Figg. The sacrifice lives through his blood and he’ll call Mrs Figg’s house home. Or Grimmauld Place. Or anywhere. The wording is vague enough to allow for an exception

[@petersascha2217]

Credans is the son of Albus Brother and the blodbond gets destroyed because grindelwad try’s to kill creadens at the end of the movie and dumbeldoor defends him the courses cross and the bloodpact gets destroyed creadens goes him with abliste brother I know this becaus in Germany the movie is already in theaters.

[@AngelArcher17]

@@brianblum9361 Maybe Dumbledore meant to say “Ya gotta live with the closest blood relative on your mom’s side due to some blood protection spell she casted on you at the very last minute”. Maybe the reason for Dumbledore’s vague wording is due to many factors and flaws: He might have underestimated exactly how badly the Dursley’s are treating Harry, he’s getting very old and keeps loosing brain cells after every traumatic thing he’s witnessed in his life, he purposely uses vague wording to sound “wise” but fails somewhat, and lastly, Dumbledore’s personal definition of a “Home” is probably different to Harry’s personal definition. Dumbledore probably saw home as simply a house with relatives in it that you are obligated to return to when needed, while Harry probably viewed home as a safe and happy place with people who care about you and treat you nicely. Another reason is that due to lost brain cells, Dumbledore might have also misinterpreted the spell and genuinely believed that Harry was required to stay with Petunia for the blood charm to stay valid.

[@Ranger1812]

@@brianblum9361 It clearly isn't. Clearly he had to live with Petunia.

[@Ranger1812]

@@AngelArcher17 Lily didn't intentionally cast the spell. It's a piece of magic that isn't cast. They didn't need to be the closest relative, Petunia was simply the only one left. Dumbledore hadn't "lost brain cells", or tried and failed to sound wise, or misunderstood the requirements of the Bond of Blood Charm, or a different definition of a "home" than Harry.

[@uberian22]

Harry doesn't leave the cloak he sticks it in his robes. He pulls it out and uses it to hide himself when Neville decapitates nagini.

[@Trachitol]

Pauzed the video to post this, indeed he only drops the stone, not the cloak.

[@66Louii99]

was thinking the same thing. it was stuffed in his robe with his wand. But dropped the stone.

[@GRIPLOCK-PS90]

@@Trachitol I was just about to come say that

[@richardbarton4266]

Yeah I thought that too, but doesn’t that almost grant more creditability to what is said? He keeps the cloak and therefore evades death he doesn’t have to be the master of death just needs to hide from death

[@loudd]

@@richardbarton4266 that’s a good point. In the end it was the brother with the cloak that lived a long life and willingly took off the robe and greeted death.

[@richardgunton9564]

Imagine if Mr. and Mrs. Evans died in a car crash. That would make Petunia so cruel for saying that’s how Lily and James died.

[@satsujin-shathewitchkingof6185]

Would probably hurt Petunia just as much,they were her parents

[@s6r231]

It's just a bit too convenient that Lily, a 21 year old muggle born was an orphan. Slightly more believable on James' side as his parents were old when they had him and they died of dragon pox.

[@nellebolton7910]

My theory was always that the Death Eaters killed them and made it look like an accident when Lily started becoming a problem for them. It would give Petunia a solid reason to hate her and hate magic but also to hate/fear Voldemort and what he could do to her son. (See He reaction to Harry telling her Moldy was back) she has first hand experience of the war. That's why she doubles down on the "all wizards are evil freaks" thing.

[@tahraethestoryteller6079]

@@nellebolton7910 a lot of her hate was because she was jealous that Lilly was powerful and more beloved by her parents Especially when she was outed for begging Dumbledore to let her into Hogwarts

[@prancescoblue1046]

This is an interesting theory. Yet, it doesn't have good foundations. You assumed everyone in the Potter line died, because Harry is sent to Petunia. While it's true that Mcgonagall asked Dumbledore if there was any other family member and he said there wasn't, you have to take a few things into account. First, Dumbledore wants *Lily's* blood relatives. She sacrificed herself, only her blood can keep the protection alive. Hence, no need to make any assumption about the Potters. Second, even if we include James's family for some reason, Dumbledore is looking for *family*. And I'm quite sure there's a limit to whom can be considered family. Harry's 21st cousin 46-times removed would harly be considered family, even if they're Lindfred's grand-...-grand-child. Even if James's family was an option, how much blood would Harry actually share with such a cousin? And if there were no limit to "blood distance", Harry could just go live with Voldemort. They're both descendants of the Peverell brothers, so they're nth cousins sth-removed too. And it would be hilarious: "Harry, whatever he does, just keep calling 'home' the place where he lives". Living with the man who tried to kill you prevents him from successfully killing you 😂 Third, just as the Peverll family did, the Potter family could have "become extint in the *male* line" except for Harry. Maybe the Potters had tons of daughters and few sons. And I've got the impresion that having children is not that common in the wizarding world, as most of the adult characters don't have chiildren, and we hear about and see some elders who never had children (Bathilda Bagshot, Aunt Muriel, Elphias Doge, Neville's uncle Algie). So I get the impression that in wizarding families among many siblings one or two tend to have kids, the others don't. If that was the case, the Potters would have less descendants than expected. Also, some might have moved abroad, during those 8 centuries. So, if we consider the males in the Potter family who actually had children, and then we rule out those who moved outside of the UK, how many have we got? And how many of them are involved in the public life, rather than living in a small isolated village, with barely any contact with the larger wizarding community? I know Dumbledore knows a lot of things, is wise and skilled, but I'm not expecting him to know every single Potter in the UK, nor every single person who despite not having a Potter last name is a Potter descendant. In the end, this doesn't prove your theory wrong, but a new argument is required.

[@Andre-vw4yw]

U make a good point, but look how many times Harry spent summers away from his aunt. So that means he probably could have stayed at any family's home. And yes, I do think Harry is related to the Wesley family by blood on their father's side since their father is a black through his mother. And I think one of Harry's unknown ancestors might have heen a black. Which would explain why James' parents took Sirius in after he ran away from home.

[@KyeGuard]

@@Andre-vw4yw The movies don't show it, but in the books Harry always began his summers at the Dursleys, even if he eventually went elsewhere for the rest of the summer. Meaning, he still had to call that place home, still had to spend some time there each year in order for the protection to hold. Otherwise he could've, and would've, easily moved in with the Weasely's or, when an option, into Grimwauld Place. He would've been welcome in both households.

[@PhilBagels]

And the theory has another very shaky element in its foundation: That the Tale of the Three Brothers is literally true - that there really is a conscious entity that is the Personification of Death, who willfully put a curse on the descendants of one of the brothers out of his own (Death's) resentment at being "cheated". IIRC, the books strongly imply that the story is not literally true - that the Hallows were most likely created by the Brothers themselves, and the legend grew around them over time - as most legends do. Dumbledore wanted Harry with Aunt Petunia for three reasons: 1. The blood protection from Lily, as you mentioned. 2. So that Harry would grow up away from all the fame he would have had if he was raised in the wizarding world by his fourth cousin on his father's side. 3. It's the generally accepted common practice - even among muggles - to send him to his closest living relative. An aunt - his mother's sister - is far closer that anyone on his father's side would have been, even if there were plenty of them still alive.

[@JuanMataCFC]

the idea of Harry living with Voldemort just so he can be invulnerable to Voldemort is the funniest thing i've seen in a while! :D

[@prancescoblue1046]

@@PhilBagels I agree, Dumbledore himself doesn't believe to the idea they actually met Death. And you've added some good points there, protecting Harry from fame is an important one.

[@Zzwins]

Harry drops the stone, the cloak is in the front of his robes. Says so in the book, he never dropped the cloak, he just wasn't wearing it. He removed it.

[@GiantProcrastiNation]

When he wakes up after being hit by the killing curse he mentions feeling his cloak next to his wand or something like tbat

[@Zepe89]

Plus he uses it to become invisible and scare the death eaters and voldy further. When he jumps from Hagrid's arms and everyone thinks his body vanished

[@futuresonex]

@@Zepe89 Harry never actually jumped from Hagrid's arms in the book. Hagrid laid him on the ground, but it was Hagrid who first noticed that Harry had disappeared.

[@benjaminkenney3706]

Either way he takes it off which is kinda the point he’s making🤷‍♂️

[@AlunKahul]

To be fair the protection came from Lilly’s blood specifically. Meaning James’ relatives were out of the questions. And Petunia was picked out of Lilly’s relatives because since they were sisters the blood was close so the protection was strong. If Harry was sent to say Lilly’s cousin then the distance in the blood would have made for much weaker protection.

[@franklinfleming1237]

Weak lol the distance... the blood part sounded cool. But i think they chose her because she was blood yes but also because she was muggle.

[@franklinfleming1237]

Also to teach harry not to be like dudley or his relatives and to be a goid person.

[@insaincaldo]

@@franklinfleming1237 I really doubt that, in fact that is the worst part of Dumbledore's choice. It's a fact that hardly any come out of abusive homes just right. Best case, troubled life, hard time relating to others, therapy. Worst case "He was always a quiet guy, never would have thought he could do something like this."

[@franklinfleming1237]

@@insaincaldo voldemort was a racist do you think he would have looked in human homes 4 the wizard who can defeat him

[@insaincaldo]

@@franklinfleming1237 Yes, if he had any idea where to start. In fact given time if he came back and didn't already know of Harry going to Hogwarts. He would have probably gone on war on muggles to find him. Exactly because he thinks they are lesser.

[@markbrown2640]

Speaking of missing cousins, shouldn’t there be many more Weasley's at Hogwarts? I thought that Malfoy pér strongly implied that large families are a Weasley tradition. Also, one of Arthur's brothers thought Harry's pollyjuice form at Bill and Fleur's wedding was his son, which implies that there are other teen Wesley's around.

[@atk05003]

I just re-read the chapter The Wedding. They disguised Harry and introduced him as a cousin, but the only other mentions of Weasley cousins are both around Auntie Muriel. (This statement is wrong. See my correction below.) First she says "Another Weasley? You breed like gnomes." Later she takes a chair from "Another redheaded Weasley cousin", but the age of that cousin isn't mentioned. It's possible that all of the Weasley cousins are too old or too young to be at Hogwarts while Harry is there. I have some first cousins that are 20+ years older than me. (It's also possible Rowling just never thought about the ages of the Weasley cousins.) Correction: I missed the line about the drunken uncle. However, since the uncle was drunk, we can't be sure how similar Harry looked to that son, so the age still could have been very different.

[@s6r231]

@@atk05003 It's possible also that they don't live in the UK and therefore went to different wizarding schools. Actually, you can still go to Durmstrang at least while living in the UK. Lucius considered sending Draco there, but Narcissa put her foot down as she didn't want her son so far away.

[@raineredacted161]

Yeah i dont think JK put to much thought to the size of any of the pureblood families when she was writing.

[@jessemontgomery8987]

Most of the Weasleys died in the first Wizarding war. So no there should not be more Weasley

[@jehu1313]

"We like to use full names here." 10 seconds earlier- Calls her Ginny.

[@MrSpannners]

Ginnstepher

[@anastajiiaa]

Ginerva Molly Weasley, I think

[@s6r231]

@@anastajiiaa Ginevra

[@ibaadiqbal6180]

For a few seconds after read this comment I was confused and then I remembered her real name is Ginerva

[@s6r231]

@@ibaadiqbal6180 Ginevra

[@sarahlewis2866]

"The pure-blood Potters weren't related to ANYONE, which we know they weren't, because if they were, Harry would have had *anywhere better to go!*" Guys. I love you. I love your videos. But as you can see, a lot of us are confused by this, because we all know it was Lily who died and left the old magic protection for her son. Dumbledore tells him, as long as he goes "home" to Number 4, once a year, the magic will last, but the moment he leaves Petunia's house for the last time, Lily's final act will break, will leave him vulnerable. Right? I mean I'm asking seriously, SCB, because you're the experts. That hasn't been somehow retcon'd, right? If it IS correct... Then this line of the video is really where I had to stop and take a second, read the comments. Because it doesn't matter if he had over 9000 cousins on the Potter side, none of them shared the blood of muggle-born witch Lily Evans. Right? Just felt like a strange side road to take on what I personally saw as a REALLY strong theory about the Potters and death.

[@banabasaveabadu3189]

visiting number 4 once a year would not have been an issue even for lovely Petunia if Harry had somewhere else to stay.

[@limiv5272]

@@banabasaveabadu3189 Harry had to 'call it home', not just be a visitor

[@armadillolover99]

@@banabasaveabadu3189 To seal the Bond of Blood, Harry had to not only visit Petunia’s home but also consider it his own home.

[@BRDoriginal]

I like this theory. But the real question: Is Death an entity that can be hidden from or does the cloak grant immortality?

[@reubenoakley8967]

"A curse that has destined each family member to DEATH!!!" Ah yes, the curse of mortality

[@marcuswillbrandt5901]

Or the obvious solution: Dumbledore lied. Having Harry grow up in a muggle family fits the goal of making him as humble as he needs to be to later do what he has to do. In an environment where he is celebrated as a hero even as a child would spoil him, worst case he ends up with some pure blood idiots (Potters intermarried with Blacks, so it would be possible)

[@Tytoalba777]

when in doubt, assume Dumbledore's lying

[@akitaho1]

It's almost as if he wanted to make him have an obscurus, I just don't see how this would have helped Dumbledore

[@whaddup691]

More importantly it had to be lily side not James’ bc the sacrifice

[@Blasterman1129]

@@Tytoalba777 the only true answer that always works

[@shannons9634]

Also for a period of time, the Deatheaters were on the fence about whether Harry was actually their enemy, or the New Dark Lord. if his closest paternal relative to take him in was a Deatheater or a sympathizer to their cause, he would have grown up VERY differently. Like Very.

[@andycarter6001]

If this curse followed the Potter family, and technically their bloodline, does that mean when Voldemort was resurrected in Goblet using Harry's blood he was a part of that curse too?

[@norakropp_]

You guys always help me through hard times, thank you! To put it lightly, I’m kind of struggling right now and your videos always made me smile :)

[@sylvy16]

hope things get better for you. sending virtual hugs

[@norakropp_]

@@sylvy16 aw thank you!!

[@blueninja2944]

Yeah

[@Sarah-ws5gx]

I hope you are doing well!

[@mentallybizare]

Sweet 🥲

[@krystaLuvin]

I love how Harry's grandpa Linfried made the Skelegro Potion that Harry benefited from so often and that's why Harry's rich to begin with. lol

[@cjg8763]

So often, as in once?

[@krystaLuvin]

@@cjg8763 Isn't it also used to heal broken bones? He's certainly had alot of those in his time at Hogwarts. XD

[@cjg8763]

@@krystaLuvin no. Madam Pomfry can heal broken bones in an instant, but growing them back..... It's very nasty business.

[@paulbunion6028]

​@@krystaLuvin your half right he made one that helps grow back bones not heal them lol

[@broccolihighkicks708]

Harry couldn’t have lived with anyone else but the Dursleys, Petunia carries Lily’s protection.

[@icyada_plays3492]

Depends, as J pointed out the only ones of the Evans family we know is Lily, Petunia and their parents. For all we know there could be other Aunts, Uncles and cousins on either Mr. or Mrs. Evans side of the family and Rowling just didn't feel like going the extra mile having Dumbledore go seeking for them

[@prigg88]

@@icyada_plays3492 no, Lily an Petunia were only two that the Evans had. There could be grand uncles and aunts on Evan's side, giving Harry second cousins. But my guess is that even if there was more family on either side, the love protection charm might be weaker if Harry stayed with them. Lily shares 50% of her DNA with Petunia and their parents & Harry. Dudley and Harry share 12.5%. The further out you go, the less you have in common. I can imagine that maybe protection gets weaker, the less related you are. If the cloak didn't work on muggles why didn't Mr and Mrs Evans live long lives?

[@sarahmichelle473]

That’s not what that was for. Dumbledore put a protection on him that was tied to living with a blood relative to renew it. That was in addition to lily’s protection

[@jar-jarsforceghost1352]

@@sarahmichelle473 nope. If dumbledore was capable of preventing Voldemort from getting to Harry, he could have and would have done the same for Neville and other children of order members. The protection mentioned throughout the book is directly from Lily’s sacrifice

[@jar-jarsforceghost1352]

He could have lived with whoever. They’re just all dead, we see them in the mirror of erised

[@perkinsat]

I always love the way you read the passages from the book. I imagine that, someday, the audiobook will come out read by you.

[@mandipandi303]

I thought Harry had to go with the Dursleys because it was his mother whose love protected him, so he had to stay with people who were physically related to her to keep that protection. Am I remembering wrong?

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

That's pretty much it. Haven't watched the video yet but the comments seem to show this video had a couple mistakes or logical leaps, maybe

[@MerkhVision]

No you’re exactly right!

[@briancs9771]

... or, to put it simply... Since Lily was the one who sacrificed herself and created the protection, it would have to be someone from her bloodline.

[@carloszapata847]

Lily Evans was kind of like Jonathan Joestar in that regard.

[@nicholeginsberg8601]

Something that occurred to me if the Gaunts had the stone and it was passed down in a straight line. Wouldn't Harry and Valdamort be cousins?

[@coolnerdlll6053]

I've been wondering that for years.

[@mikehenry1488]

Very....Very distant cousins yes. They only share the Peverells Brothers parents as shared ancestors.

[@AustynSN]

I've always questioned if the Gaunts were actually descended from the Peverells. It's always been my understanding that Cadmus wouldn't have had any children. The love of his life died young, and I doubt he would ever have been with another woman if he was completely obsessed with her shade to the point of committing suicide to be with her.

[@mikehenry1488]

@@AustynSN I hadn't stopped to consider that. Slytherin did live about 200 years before the Peverells. So Harry would also be an heir of Slytherin if they were related via the Peverells (So Harry could have given orders to the Basalisk). Marvolo Gaunt did say Peverells ring had been his family's for centuries though. So it is possible Harry and Tom Riddle are in no way related. But if they are its 700 years separation, so it doesn't matter.

[@jlack1985]

@Mike Henry No, they are absolutely related, Deathly Hallows states that, I believe. That said, that doesn't mean that Harry is a descendant of Slytherin. The Gaunts, and Voldemort himself, could have been related to Slytherin through another of their ancestors that wasn't a Peverell some way down the line.

[@TheAwsomeness324]

Every now and then I take a brief moment to take a good look at y’all’s background to spot any new things you’ve added to the collection. Always a pleasant surprise noticing how beaten it was before and how packed with items it is now. Takes me back to the days y’all hadn’t hit a million subs yet. Always quality content from both you brothers and your team.

[@cathycarroll3788]

Petunia is the closest family member to Lily who actually made the sacrifice. Harry's protection was fostered by the sister's blood connection. Dumbledore also wanted him away from the wizard world.

[@davenclawthehobbit2842]

There is a simpler reason why Harry went to the Dursleys... Petunia is Lily's only blood relative... Even if everyone in the magical world was a Potter, James didn't trigger the protection, Lily did

[@nickpanther8833]

Even if Harry had living relatives if they weren't tied to his mother directly through blood then the protection wouldn't have worked

[@Acerthorn]

When Dumbledore chose the Dursleys, he chose them for the bond of blood. In order for the bond of blood to form, the new house owner has to be blood-related to LILY, not James. James didn't bestow sacrificial protection onto Lily or Harry. So any of James' relatives wouldn't have been good enough to make the bond of blood.

[@iball36]

If we're gonna talk about how few relatives Harry has, I'd also point out how many other wizarding kids are only children, including muggle borns: Harry, Hermione, Malfoy, Dean, Seamus, Neville, Lupin, Mcgonagal, Snape (imagine if he had a sibling), even Dudley. For reference, only one of the people in my life is an only child.

[@a.r11384]

i think pottermore mentions mcgonagal has a sister. i could be mistaken buti dont think i am. Dean has half siblings. its mentioned in the deathly hallows and neville, well thats just mean..his parents were too busy being tortured to have another kid

[@iball36]

@@a.r11384 I guess I made a few mistakes. My point still holds true for the most part though, does it?

[@RavenclawsUnite]

This is explained though, i don't remember where. Molly mentions it. Harry's generation was born during a war, so less people were having kids.

[@claidan]

Lily’s bloodline was the source of the magical protection. That’s why Petunia was the only option

[@earthbloodelf5289]

I am now realizing we're getting close to the 10 year anniversary of SCB, I'm sure you guys have some great things planned!

[@thestorysaurus]

At 10:09 when he said The Invisibility Cloak, I literally gasped out load, it all clicked in my head XD

[@jimmygregory8047]

Harry did have at least one living cousin, Voldemort, but I’m guessing Dumbledore might not have wanted to leave Harry with a vapor form of Voldemort to raise him

[@amberherrod6110]

I always think this. Slytherins locket IS the resurrection stone so Voldemort could well be Harry’s relative. Not many people think this and it’s never mentioned that the resurrection stone is passed down the family lines and Salazar is a distant peverell. It could also be that the 2nd brother had no kids with his love being dead (unless they had kids before). But it is possible and I’m surprised no-one ever mentions this

[@davidioanhedges]

Film Seen in in flashback @ 21 Lily Potter : 34 Geraldine Somerville is 13 years older James Potter : 43 Adrian Rawlins is 22 years older Adrian Rawlins Seen in 2nd film @ 33 Remus Lupin : 39 - David Thewlis is only 6 years older than the character he is playing Severus Snape 55 - Alan Rickman is 22 years older ...

[@pendragonfan42]

I don’t know why i expected the brothers’ encounter with death to have been so long ago but going from that to the 1980s in less than 10 generations seems rather intense to me

[@vladimiramatejova1796]

it is not 10 generations to the 3 brothers it is 10 generations to the first/last peverel in the potter family

[@verylostdoommarauder]

I like how both guesses for Lily’s parents are Pokémon characters

[@Alex-cw3rz]

This is a bit weird for me if my parents died when I was younger, I only have an auntie alive, I have other much more distant family but they are estranged (I don't mean like Beatrix), and I'm pretty sure I don't have a curse from Death themselves on me. So maybe it was just the potters had drifted away, I imagine Lily's parents would be weirded out by her new husband etc.

[@thesimslover82884]

Lily's parents weren't against her being a witch. They were excited for her, and amazed. Her sister was the jealous/prejudiced one.

[@AustynSN]

They were probably gone by the time she married James. This is especially likely given that they were gone by the time Harry was orphaned and he was only a year old when they died.

[@dudaoliveira2601]

so the thing is... it doesn't matter if james' family were alive or not, harry would have to stay with lily's family, cuz it was her death that stopped harry's. but its a really good theory for how no one came to visit or something/ why harry was the chosen one

[@Charlie-fi5cv]

We not gonna talk about the fact the family that took Harry in had to be Lily's blood relative? Her parents were older, like James's I believe, and while James's parents were probably killed by death eaters, Lily's parents died of an unknown illness. So Petunia was the only known blood relative of Harry's left.

[@foodofthegods]

Fleamont and Euphemia Potter died of dragon pox.

[@kinga3731]

Yes! But I'm sure that if Harry actually had any relatives on James' side left, they would definitely provide some kind of support, at least in the wizarding world - they'd definitely know about his existence after what had happened.

[@mentallybizare]

Everything u guys r saying just makes so much SENSE

[@sylvy16]

here’s my theory for the evans’ deaths. They were called on to a reality show that was actually a surprise magic show with a “pretend” wizard behind a mask who “accidentally” killed them under “mysterious circumstances” and the wizard was actually voldemort.

[@drishalballaney]

I don't think Voldy's plans might be that extensive lol

[@angiepangie1989]

Harry had the cloak with him after he died. When Hagrid carried him back to Hogwarts and Neville killed Nagini, Harry hid under the cloak to move towards the castle unseen. Hagrid yells out “where’s Harry?!” In the middle of all the chaos. Harry finally whips off the cloak for his final battle with Voldemort. 14:29

[@missjessilla]

Didn’t Harry have to live with the Dursley’s because it was Lilly who cast the protection spell on him, and by staying with Petunia (who was Lilly’s sister) he reinforced its protection? Thus is why he had to stay with her. Also, as Petunia wasn’t related to the Three Brothers she was in no harms way of Death.

[@avi3022]

OMG I FINALLY FOUND THE CHANNEL THAT I WATCHED LIKE CRAZY A FEW YEARS BACK WHEN I WAS OBSESSED WITH HARRY POTTER FOR THE 2ND TIME AROUND!! I AM FINALLY WATCHING FANTASTIC BEASTS AND I REMEMBERED THEM! THE INTRO HIT ME WITH SOME WEIRD NOSTALGIA AHH

[@g.p.s-yourfunishere6635]

Yas! Finally here when one just drops! Woohoo!

[@garethbaird650]

Finally get to watch this one 10 days after it being uploaded 😁 I just binge watched everyone of the supercarlinbrothers harry potter play list

[@Chikararyoku]

I noticed your mistake. Harry did not drop the cloak, he stuffed it in his own clothes. when he got up, in the books, he put on his cloak he dropped his cloak when he faced Voldemort for the final time

[@thepuzzleoracle6760]

Yes!!!!! The final battle started with Neville beheading the snake and Harry disappeared in all the mayhem. But that’s just in the books, unfortunately.

[@karlisalandi7891]

Just came into comments for this exact thing :D

[@collinmadden4874]

@@karlisalandi7891 same

[@Chikararyoku]

@@thepuzzleoracle6760 and another part about this theory, Harry needed a blood relative of his mother since she gave her life to protect him, not a distant relative of his father

[@air1fire]

It feels so good to see clips from actually good movies ☺️

[@yaroslavpanych2067]

Other Potters? Do they realize 5 generations and that is it, you basically do no aware that those people are your family. They are strangers! Original 7 Potter children could be very reproductive, but they too far away from from bottom of tree to be associated, unless there is very noticeable trace. Last name can be even lost immediately due to daughter only children. For all we know, Fudge might be relative or Diggory, or Goyle.

[@AmyraCarter]

(before video-sees title) Unnn...that'd be something I'd consider just a matter of course; *_Talamiura grants her blessings to very few..._* Oh, wait, you mean the *_Reaper,_* and *_NOT_* the *_Governess of Death/Darkness._* My mistake... ... Lily provided a shield, not James; having Harry be with a relative from James' line would of been less protective. That said, I don't think that the shield would of diminished that much, if any significant amount at all, had Harry lived anywhere else. It was Albus' plan to further shield Harry from the 'wizarding world', by having him live with non-sorcerels, for numerous reasons, including neutrality. I've always believed that Albus never intended for Harry to ever start attending Hogwarts or any other academy that specializes in sorcery, but his hand was forced by his so-called friend, the master alchemist, the documented first successful creator of the *_Philosopher's Stone._* That is what I believe, and the *_evidence to support this is rather substantial._*

[@coolnerdlll6053]

Is there anything in this series that doesn't have to do with Death? Next you'll be saying Hedwig had a run-in with Death. ...Wait a minute.

[@SuperCarlinBrothers]

😱

[@mentallybizare]

Lol

[@MDev1997]

Thank god you finally did a theory on this cuz this is something I've spent YEARS wondering about

[@jonasfilmstudio]

10:09 THE WAY I GOT LITERAL GOOSEBUMPS when I realized where this is going!!! Ofc it makes so much sense. Only the one with the invisibility cloak was able to escape death 🤯🤯

[@sonjaimmonen6610]

Many comments here point out the fact that Harry had to go be with Lily's family for the protection to work. But imagine the reaction of the Potter side of the family if their dead cousin's child was adopted outside of the magical world. Would they accept Dumbledore's plan? This explains why there aren't family members fighting for custody.

[@vladimiramatejova1796]

at some point in the books it is said many wizarding families wanted to raise him as their son. it is not mentioned if they were related but giving that the purebloods intermarried probably some of them were related.

[@randomperson2777]

4:04 “Today’s a fun day, isn’t it?” 🤣

[@iball36]

8:55 - 9:19 An explanation for this could simply be that we just don't know about the other relatives. How many of you know about your 27th cousins?

[@atk05003]

Even in circles where family history is popular (like my family), knowing all of your cousins past about 4th cousins is very rare (4th cousins share just great-great-great grandparents).

[@R4yn3N3r3id]

Most Solid theory you guys have come up with. I kinda got chills at the end of this vid!

[@person5576]

Actually I think that Harry went to the Dursley’s because Dumbledore wanted him to live a somewhat normal life for at least a little, and make sure that he wasn’t arrogant and spoiled when he went to Hogwarts but whatever doesn’t matter I guess. Love your videos!

[@carilabok6319]

True. He definitely wanted Harry with a muggle family to grow up humble, and even if there were distant Potters, Petunia would still be his only non-magical family member.

[@CarlyTfa]

Dumbledore even said that to harry at the end of order of the phoenix! He tells him he didn't want him to become this spoiled little prince. Intention = good. How it was handled = meeh 😂

[@morrigankasa570]

It was necessary for him to live with the Dursley's to ensure the Love Charm held to protect him.

[@gadylan1]

@@morrigankasa570 exactly cause a potter would not have been able to continue the charm only an evans could and the only one who would be able to know and understand what Harry was, was Petunia. Unfortunately☹️

[@morrigankasa570]

@@gadylan1 Besides if neither of Petunia & Lily's parents had siblings that reduces the Evans family line especially if they come from a long line of only children. An even bigger potential proof of that is Dudley was an only child (technically) and I'm pretty sure it's fairly common for only children to beget only 1 offspring. So that too can be a factor. Additionally the way I understand the Love Charm thing is for it to work it has to be a close blood relative, so even if Lily & Petunia had cousins that bond isn't close enough unless they are first cousins.

[@jacksonmcnuggets7488]

Would love to see you guys review some of the Harry Potter games

[@treequux3996]

If Sirius dyed his hair, would his fur be that color when he transforms into a dog?

[@DonDueed]

Yes, but only the fur on the top of his head. Even the ears would have his normal black fur.

[@ashtonwolgamott3526]

Me just trying to figure out if the potters were cursed by death. You: trys to sell me underwear

[@sylvy16]

one thing important to realise is that dumbledore wouldn’t want to drop harry off at james 6th cousins 2nd uncles sons house even if they are kind people. Most of their family tree wouldn’t even know who harry is, and also due to all the muggle and wizard wars, their family just wouldn’t be that big when harry’s parents died.

[@bhavens9149]

Well to quote the great Simon R Green "you're only immortal until you die, then you were just very long lived."

[@mikehenry1488]

I don't know about this one J. Normally I love your theories, but I think you're reaching here. Are we really going on the premise, that the Hallows were actually gifted to the Peverells by Death? And I also think its not unreasonable to think that the Potter family was thinned over the years or even nearly wiped out. Especially a family with a fortune to inherit. So possibly some family squabbles over the gold lessened the number of Potters. Perhaps they died in the First Wizarding War, or the Goblin Rebellions. Even regardless of the Potters, The Wizarding World is incredibly unpopulated from what we have seen. Where are all the Wizards J? How are there not 30,000 Weasleys? The Pottermore article did say that the Potters married neighboring wizards and muggles. So maybe some of the Potters joined the muggle world. And even if there were others, Lily only shared blood with Harry and Petunia. Plus as what we think we know of Dumbledore's big plan. Harry needed to be a caring, completely humble person upon entering the Wizarding World. Dumbledore had to make sure Harry did not grow up with a fame ego. I can 100% get behind that their was simply no other option.

[@ericacook2862]

The prophecy was about both Neville and Harry. Neither boy could live while the other, Voldemort survived.

[@boltingvulture9970]

When did Fleamont and Euphemia die? We know Sirius moved in when he was 16- which means there was less than a 5 year window between their deaths and James & Lilly's.

[@caitlinpechman3148]

I think it was a month or two after Harry was born

[@AlexMason-45]

​@@caitlinpechman3148 no they died Shortly after James and Lily married as it's said they didn't live long enough to meet their grandson

[@mienfu9824]

Interesting idea but I think you're completely wrong here. Harry had to live with Petunia because she was Lily's blood relative, the Potter line wasn't. They might be some distant Potters still alive but they wouldn't matter because they're not connected to Lily in any way.

[@ComeBackKat]

on the topic of todays video - wasn't Euphmia Potter a Black by birth? the Potters were related tot the other purebloods - how else could they have remained pure-blooded? Harry ended up with the Dursley's because of Lily's blood protection. This theory is really cool, but there are some rather big holes.

[@AlexMason-45]

No Euphmia was a pure blood witch but not a black you are thinking of Dorea Black who married Charlus Potter who is either the brother of Fleamont Potter or brother of Henry Potter making him either Great Great Uncle or Great Uncle to Harry

[@maddenboseroy4074]

But how did Harry break the curse? He will still have (and become) extended family through his children.

[@chrisventimiglia3763]

The charm protecting Harry was sealed from LILLYS blood .... had zero to do with the Potter line .... this whole video is flawed....

[@johneubanks6005]

Thank you for this video. I have been wondering about this for awhile.

[@charitylady7389]

First off, did it have to be a relative of Lily for the magic blood protection thingy to work? Second, Doubledore tells McGonagall in book one chapter one "The Boy Who Lived" that HP would be better off growing up away from the wizarding world - where he will be famous where, as McGonagall had said, "there won't be a child in our world that doesn't know his name!" Might leaving him with people who would help him grow into a decent human being (admittently, by showing him how not to be) and not having a super over inflated ego have been all part and parcel of "Dumbledore's Big Plan"??

[@CKHoofTalk]

For everyone pointing out the blood protection, and that being the reason Harry had to live with the Dursley's, I'd like to point out that it's a moot point as far as this theory goes. The point still stands that Harry has no other blood relations. NOT ONE. As a very famous wizard from a well known and respected family, I find it utterly remarkable that no one came forward as a second cousin four times removed. As Sirius points out, even the fanatical Black's are related to the blood-traitor Wesley's. And yet, there's not a single other Potter in Europe. I agree that J emphasizes Harry having to live with the Dursleys too much in this video, but that doesn't change the meat of the theory.

[@jossposs3400]

But Hardwin's(?) siblings family lines would be _very_ distant relatives. I mean, is it normal to know such distant family?

[@TheAnalyticalEngine]

Plus, who knows how many of them still carry the name of Potter - they probably married into a bunch of other magical lineages

[@jossposs3400]

@@TheAnalyticalEngine yes, that too. It would be hard to find them.

[@kristachapis2488]

Petunia is an Evans not a Potter, so she would not be part of the Potter curse in addition to being nonmagical

[@leoweller15]

Petunia was the only option because Lily's protection would live on with Petunia, which Dumbledore even stated, which meant he could not go to any relative of James

[@ririrommie2045]

Well, here is my theory: As we all know that IT WAS LILY'S LOVE that protected small harry and it carried on for many years...i mean so many people have so many reasonable theory but what if lily's protection for harry carried for as long as people whom lily loved the most in her life? I mean see for yourself, lily always loved petunia the most even if they weren't on good terms and then came james. Dumbledore wanted harry to be under dursley's roof so that he will be under every protection that could save harry from all the danger at any possible rate. So had james been alive (which didn't happen) maybe it would have protected harry and next to him i guess lily loved petunia the most, even though two sister doesn't seemed to get along at all after a point, but LOVE is what made her protection so powerful so maybe this is the reason harry had to stay with dursely's. Also, if harry had grown in a household of some distant cousin of his father side, it was highly possible that devotees of Voldemort(like malfoys', lestrange and blacks')would have killed harry if they knew his whereabouts. Just last theory which i think is total rubbish but since i have it in my mind here we go... Lily's love for harry was purely based on her unconditonal motherly love for him. Again he has to stay with dursley because of petunia's motherly love for dudley and protecting lily's love for her son. So as, whenever harry visited weasley's he stayed there without interference because molly's motherly love her children and so again harry was saved at the end by unconditional motherly love of narcissa malfoy for draco....this means that harry couldn't be in danger as long as he is under unconditional love of a mother for their children. Again it is my theory and i guess this is something that JKR should have cleared for HP fandoms because there are so many questions in her novels unanswered by her that at some point one can't argue which one is more becoming💁‍♀️

[@R_Beam55]

Here so early the next Potter hasn't died yet.

[@SuperCarlinBrothers]

but it cant be far off right?

[@l393ndjean]

ooop, they've died now

[@alisonremusandlil]

I always thought because it was Lily's sacrifice, the strongest protection was specifically her closest relative, and that's why it had to be Aunt Petunia.

[@followeroc2]

All this talk of genealogy had me wondering if Hogwarts will ever have a Dursley attending. The Evans family has already produced Lily, maybe Dudley an Evans descendant will have magical children.

[@ItBe_Kanti]

7:07 funniest thing ive seen all week. woke up the house laughing lol

[@Alex-cw3rz]

I think one question is are you saying it killed off all families including Marriages and in laws?

[@Zapporah85]

Honestly, I think this is one of the better theories you guys have ever come up with.

[@iamagamer2349]

First, also I've been watching you channel for the last 10 years and I love your videos

[@joshkay8996]

Shouldn’t the question be why are the Dursley’s Lily’s only relatives because it’s Lily’s love which saves Harry not James?

[@christymayhew844]

This could also also play into the theory of Harry being THE CURSED CHILD.

[@AbstractlyDelen]

Literally if the author had just made James and Lily 30 when they died, it would have just made things make more sense. The casting is literally LITERALLY perfect for the movies, and having had them die off so young felt like something she did and regretted writing, because it creates plot holes at times

[@Camphorous]

The books were written at a time when 30 was considered very old for a first pregnancy. 21-25 was much more normal and 36 was thought to be too old for more children period. It was also a time when contraceptives were banned in some places and the housing market was good, people would finish school at 18, date for a few years, marry at 20/21 and immediately start a family.

[@BlackHoleForge]

I always thought that death left petunia alone as a way of tormenting Harry.

[@jameskirk4692]

It fits very nicely! Thank you for the video! It is very interesting as always.

[@smittysmee]

Um I hate to break it to you J, but everyone dies. That's not a curse, it's a fact says it right there in coco.

[@wolverinefangowings]

14:30 Incorrect. He shoves it under his tshirt. That's why he has it in the final battle. He leaves the Stone behind.

[@aumathewarriormouse2549]

Lily -There's a lot of different lillies and the species should matter. Asphodels are the ancient Greek flower of the underworld of course but Easter lillies are the flower of resurrection so... As for James being a super common male name, I think HP may have single handedly shrunk those numbers 😂

[@matthoward222]

Harry doesn't drop the invisibility cloak in the forest. He even puts it on again right when Neville kills Nagini and stays hidden under it watching the battle continue until all of Voldemort's followers are defeated, and then he reveals himself for the final showdown with Voldemort.

[@SatyrGurl2680]

Technically, the Potters are related to the Blacks through the Cadmus Peverall who is their ancestor

[@dr521]

6:52 “Wizemagot” lol

[@vanguardbreaker8826]

"Let's start today's video off by building a family tree and then promptly burning off pretty much all of the branches'- best quote.

[@l393ndjean]

I'm really early! I love all your theories but Ben! If you're reading this, embrace the Ravenclaw! You actually do seem to have some Ravenclaw energy, with all the theories you come up with. Love you guys, bye!

[@futuresonex]

One correction, Harry did not leave the Invisibility Cloak behind. He hid it under his robes. That's how he had it available to him when he decided it was time to stop playing dead and get back into the fight. Also, he was unconscious, not dead.