How Did We Miss These Harry Potter Mysteries and Plot Holes?

By Kate Row · December 19, 2022 · 6 min read
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We’re about to enter the captivating world of Harry Potter, where magic is real, and Hogwarts is the school of our dreams. But even in this enchanting universe, some mysteries and inconsistencies remain. Can you unravel the 15 biggest plot holes and unsolved mysteries of the Harry Potter series?

From Harry's poor eyesight to the presence of dementors at Hogwarts, read on as we dive into the magical world of Harry Potter. Here’s hoping you can unravel the mysteries we’re about to reveal!

Was Dumbledore Really That Good?

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Dumbledore, the all-powerful and wise wizard, isn't without his flaws. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore ignores Harry when he seeks guidance and support. This raises questions about Dumbledore's actions and motivations. Is he really the wise and all-knowing mentor he appears to be, or is there more to his character than meets the eye?

Since Harry witnessed Voldemort's return, why would an intelligent Wizard ignore his cries for help? Many fans believe Dumbledore wanted Harry to face certain battles alone, as he knew how things would pan out. What do you think?

The Problem with Polyjuice Potion

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The mysterious Polyjuice Potion, capable of transforming anyone into the physical embodiment of another, is a staple in the world of Harry Potter. Yet, if witches and wizards were taught to brew it at age 12, why did they not use it more frequently as adults?

Given the power of the Polyjuice Potion, Voldemort could have simply disguised himself as a Hogwarts teacher to get close to Harry and take him down. Maybe the creators of the Harry Potter franchise knew that if this were the case, there wouldn't be much left to write about in the succeeding books. Do you have a better explanation?

Limited Magical Powers?

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As they flee from Voldemort and the Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Ron, Harry, and Hermoine struggle to find enough food to sustain themselves. It would be logical to think that, considering their magical abilities, they would have no trouble conjuring up a delicious feast.

The least they could have done was use magic to catch their food and cook it. We’re surprised Hermoine didn’t think of these solutions, but we’ll give the famous trio a pass since they were under immense stress. 

No Backup?

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During the Triwizard Tournament, we saw wizards and witches from far-flung places like France and Bulgaria come to Hogwarts to compete. So where were all these international magical folk when it came time to take down Voldemort? Did they all get lost on the way to Hogwarts?

Were the wizards and witches of other countries too scared of He Who Shall Not Be Named to lend a hand? Or did Dumbledore decide to keep the dire situation under wraps to avoid alarming the international community?

Hogwarts Is Hazardous To Children

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Hogwarts was supposed to be a place where parents sent their kids to learn magic safely, or so they thought. Little did they know, the school was filled with dangerous creatures like Fluffy (the three-headed dog) and roaming packs of dementors. 

Who knew that even some of the teachers at Hogwarts could be evil? In just a few short years, Dumbledore hired both Voldemort and a werewolf as teachers. Time for some serious HR changes at the school, don’t you think?

House Elves Have Rights Too

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Poor house elves – always getting the short end of the wand. It was a fan favorite moment when Harry freed Dobby from the clutches of the Malfoys. But it's telling that even supposed "good" wizards and witches kept house elves under their control. We say it’s time for some elf liberation!

In the Harry Potter universe, house elves are often used as cheap labor, running errands and doing housework for their magical masters. But couldn't these witches and wizards use magic to complete these tasks just as easily? Why would unfair labor rights exist in a world where the wave of a wand can get menial tasks done?

The Notorious Camera Of Colin Creevey

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Colin Creevey is a young student who can't get enough of Harry's Quidditch skills. So he follows him around with a camera. Well, it turns out that little device is a bit of a plot hole in the series. 

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, we learn that muggle technology doesn't work at Hogwarts. But wait, didn't Colin Creevey have a camera with him earlier in the series? That was a mistake JK Rowling failed to foresee.

How Did Peter Pettigrew Hide?

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How Did Peter Pettigrew Hide For So Long?

Peter Pettigrew was a coward who spent years hiding as Ron Weasley's pet rat, Scabbers. But how did he manage to pull off this disguise? Even if he was talented at pretending to be a rat, Fred, George, and Harry each saw something that should have given him away.  

 

 

 

It’s a mystery how Peter Pettigrew was able to hide with the Marauders' Map in existence. You'd think Fred and George, who had the map before Harry, would have noticed Peter hanging out in their brother's room.

How Could the Crowd Watch the Triwizard Tournament?

How Could the Crowd Watch the Triwizard Tournament?
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The Triwizard Tournament was apparently the most exciting event in the wizarding world in centuries! But, it seems like there was actually not all that much for the spectators at the event to enjoy. 

In the second and third tasks the contestants are underwater or hidden in a giant maze. So, there really isn't anything for the spectators to watch and enjoy. Did they just wait for hours in the stands to see who came out victorious? It’s not like it was televised like a football game.

The Relationship Between Dumbledore and Fawkes

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We are introduced to Dumbledore’s trusty companion, Fawkes, in The Chamber of Secrets. The previously wild phoenix is obviously very close to Dumbledore. The bird is absolutely devastated by Dumbledore’s passing and is never seen again after the great wizard’s funeral.

But, we never get the backstory on how this relationship began or how it grew. We know Fawkes was wild before and it’s not an easy feat to tame a wild phoenix. But if anyone could do it, it’s the all mighty Dumbledore!

Harry’s Glasses

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15 Harry Potter Plot Holes and Unsolved Mysteries

This is one of the plot holes that Harry Potter fans have debated since the beginning of the series! With this incredible world of magic, surely there must be a spell that can correct Harry’s eyesight with a simple flick of the wand.

And yet, the poor wizard has to wear his glasses through every conflict with Voldemort and suffers them breaking on more than one occasion. I guess he wouldn’t be as iconic without those circular specs!

How Big Are the Pipes at Hogwarts?

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A major plot point to the Chamber of Secrets is that the Basilisk (that giant snake that belongs to good ole’ Voldemort) is hiding in the pipes of the school. It can leave its lair through the plumbing in the girls’ bathroom.

But if you really think about it, those pipes must be huge to host that giant creature. This was no garden snake. Regular pipes could never fit the Basilisk, but then again this is Hogwarts we’re talking about. Maybe they’re magic pipes!

Money in the World of Magic

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The economics of the wizarding world are difficult to wrap your head around. Firstly, how do you make money as a wizard? We know that some wizards work in shops, some teach at Hogwarts, and some work in the Ministry of Magic. But other than that, what kind of career opportunities are available to make money?

Plus, if you have magic, couldn’t you just use it to make millions of dollars? Then this would cause a real inflation problem. Maybe there are unspoken laws against this practice? Or maybe it’s a huge plot hole in the Harry Potter franchise.

Education in The Wizarding World

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We all know that Hogwarts is the most esteemed wizarding school in the wizarding world. And, how could it not be with Albus Dumbledore as headmaster? But, is there no elementary school before Hogwarts attendance or university after Hogwarts?

How do children learn basic math, reading, and writing? Do witches and wizards inherently know these things? Because we are sure that while they’re learning about defense against the dark arts they are certainly not learning how to divide and multiply.