This fan theory will completely change the way you read the third book...
We aren't exactly short of fan theories when it comes to Harry Potter.
Just last month our minds were blown when this theory as to why Harry really survived in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows emerged. And before that there was also this very plausible explanation as to why Snape really hated Neville Longbottom.
Now we're back with another one for you, and this time it's to do with a young Harry Potter, Voldemort and those dark and disturbing Dementors.
As we all know, Harry has his first encounter with the Dementors when he's on the Hogwarts Express heading into his third year at the wizarding school of witchcraft and wizardry. Due to the affect they have on him, Harry passes out and is forced to relive his worst memory - the death of his parents.
Well, Reddit user Starzajo's theory behind Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban gives the third book a rather dark new twist, but it's certainly an idea we can definitely get behind.
Starzajo suggests that the memory Harry is forced to relive isn't actually his own, but is instead Voldemort's. Before your minds are completely blown, read on.
'Harry was 15 months old when it happened. I find it difficult to believe Harry could remember this event, no matter how traumatic,' says Starzajo.
'However, as Dumbledore says, to speak of minds and souls, regarding Harry, is to speak of the same thing. This is why Voldemort can see into Harry's mind and vice-versa. A fragment of Voldemort's soul remains inside Harry,' the reddit user explains.
'I propose that the memory primarily comes from Voldemort. This was the event where he was ripped from his body and came closest to death.'
'The reason Harry blacked out during the Dementor attacks is because this act of selfless love by Lily causes Voldemort unendurable pain whenever he experiences it. Like when he tried to possess Harry.'
'Harry blacks out because one part of his soul is in agony while the other is not. The Dementors bring up this the memory of this act of love, which Voldemort cannot stand,' concludes Starzajo.
In short, Starzajo's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban theory is suggesting that it is the fragment of Voldemort's soul that has attached itself to Harry that reacts to the Dementors, not Harry himself.
Plausible, hey? As we all know, J.K.Rowling often likes to discuss fan theories, having recently spoken about the meaning behind Hermione's patronus. Here's hoping she'll weigh in on this latest speculation, too.
