Right, so it's been a lot time since the whole Harry Potter franchise started. In fact, it's been 21 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone came out. Not sure about you guys, but that certainly makes me feel old.
Anyway, since then, it's become a global phenomenon and gone on to produce loads of movies, merchandise, and - most importantly - crackpot fan theories.
However, one theory has managed to make it full circle and reach the attention of the franchise creator, JK Rowling:
When asked about which of the madcap theories she actually likes, this is the one.
Not familiar with the theory? Ok, here's the back story.
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Here we go. Remember 'The Tale of the Three Brothers' story, as detailed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? Right - well, for those who don't, let me explain.
There were three brothers back in the day who were wizards, they were trying to cross a dangerous river and conjured up a bridge to help them out.
This angered Death, because he thought he was about to claim three juicy souls all for himself.
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However, being the clever (and slightly smarmy) character that he is, Death actually went to congratulate the lads on their river crossing abilities. He offered them each a reward for their deeds.
One asked for a powerful wand - the Elder wand, obviously - another got the Philosopher's Stone - which comes replete with the ability to resurrect the dead - and the final brother (the smart one) asked for Death's own cloak of invisibility.
These three items make up the titular 'Deathly Hallows' and, if in possession of all three, allow the holder to be master of death.
There was a catch though - Death isn't dumb, let's not forget.
The first brother was killed for the wand, silly. The second brother killed himself when he resurrected a dead lover and found that it could never be the same as when she was first alive.
The third brother hid, and then after a long and happy life, removed the cloak, gave it to his son, and 'greeted Death like an old friend' - remember that bit.
So, the theory goes, Voldemort is the first brother. He loves power, he wants to most powerful wand to kill his enemies. He ends up being killed by it. Simple.
The second brother is Severus Snape. He really loved Harry Potter's mam, Lily, and that led to his death. So far, so obvious.
The third brother is Harry. He has the invisibility cloak, he takes it off to greet his death during the final book, you get the drill.
So, the bit where it becomes interesting is Death.
The only person in the books, based upon that analysis, that could be Death, is Dumbledore.
Think about it.
He gives Harry the cloak, he meets Harry in the fake Kings Cross Station after he has been 'killed' and Harry greets him like an old friend (told you to remember that bit).
Spooky.
Well, JK agrees, so there you have it. That's as close as we'll ever get to a confirmation.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Harry Potter, Books, Entertainment, TV and Film, J.K. Rowling
