The Greatest Threat to Harry Potter: Voldemort or Fantastic Beasts?

The world of Harry Potter has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions, with its intricate plotlines, incredible characters, and immersive settings. However, one might wonder if there's a greater threat to its integrity than the dark wizard himself: is it Voldemort, or the Fantastic Beasts movies?

Is Fantastic Beasts the Greatest Culprit?

Many fans of the Harry Potter series are still dealing with the aftermath of the Fantastic Beasts movie, which has been criticized for its numerous discrepancies and inconsistencies with the original story. The notoriously loyal fan community has been quite vocal about some oversights that are causing frustration. Just a few examples include:

Albus Dumbledore not having a brother, contrary to what the Fantastic Beasts movie revealed. The age of Minerva McGonagall being altered, making her an unlikely candidate for the Professor of Transfiguration at the age of 74. Dobby being intentionally misrepresented as a boggart, which goes against the character's established portrayal in the Harry Potter books. Nagini, Voldemort’s snake, being depicted as a male rather than the female as described in the books. Grindelwald and Tom Riddle not being shown as a pair but instead as arch-nemeses, contradicting the relationship portrayed in the original storyline.

These inconsistencies, among others, have led many fans to express their displeasure, with some even questioning the integrity of the Fantastic Beasts series.

But Is Voldemort Really a Lesser Threat?

While the Fantastic Beasts movies have certainly affected the Harry Potter fandom, it's important to remember that Voldemort himself still remains a significant threat. His goals and actions, particularly his ultimate aim to wipe out all those who are not pure-blood wizards, are as dangerous and widespread as ever. For many dedicated fans, the inconsistencies in the Fantastic Beasts are merely a minor distraction, while the fundamental story around Voldemort still holds true.

JK Rowling has carefully crafted the universe of Harry Potter to be a rich and detailed world filled with multiple layers of lore. While the Fantastic Beasts movies have taken some liberties with certain aspects, the core narrative of Voldemort and his relentless pursuit of power has remained intact.

Harry Potter's Perspective on Fantastic Beasts

Paying attention to the Harry Potter books themselves, it’s crucial to consider how Harry perceives the Fantastic Beasts series. In the books, there's very little direct mention of the Fantastic Beasts movies. However, one can infer Harry's opinion from his behavior. In the book Hogwarts, A History, Harry has listed “Hogwarts: A History” as his second-favorite book, only behind Famous Beasts of Far Away Lands. This Hitchcockian approach to reading Fantastic Beasts is a testament to how much Harry (and presumably his fans) value the detailed and magical world of the books over the films.

Conclusion: The Most Damaging Influence

While the Fantastic Beasts movies have certainly introduced some inconsistencies and changes, it’s the dark magic and the unwavering ambition of Voldemort that continue to pose the greatest threat to the Harry Potter story. While fans may be frustrated with the Fantastic Beasts movies, the core narrative and characters remain deeply rooted in the books, making Voldemort the paramount enemy in the world of Harry Potter.