Was Lily Potter Pregnant When Voldemort Killed Her? Debunking Fan Theories
Many fans of the Harry Potter series have pondered the possibility that Lily Potter might have been pregnant when she died. However, there is a stark contrast between these fan theories and the official storyline. In this post, we will delve into the evidence, fan theories, and official statements to provide a comprehensive analysis of whether Lily Potter was indeed pregnant during her death.
Official Claims and Canon Evidence
It is important to note that there are no official statements or confirmations from the author, J.K. Rowling, regarding Lily Potter being pregnant when she died. Throughout the series, there is no mention of Lily being pregnant.
Some fans, based on their studies and theories, claim that J.K. Rowling herself confirmed in interviews that Lily was pregnant with her second child when Voldemort killed her. However, these claims are often tied to fan fiction or blog posts and lack concrete evidence.
Examining the Feasibility
The time frame of Lily's death is challenging to reconcile with her being pregnant with a second child. In the series, Harry was about 15 months old when his parents died. If Lily had been pregnant, she would have been only a few months along, which would have required a very quick and unjustified reunion with James.
The supporters of this theory suggest that Lily might have convinced James to make peace with Snape and even wanted him to be the godfather of the unborn child. While this is a captivating idea, it is highly improbable given James's and Lily's complex relationship with Snape, as well as the fact that Sirius black, James, and Remus Lupin were all in the Order of the Phoenix and would have known about such a pregnancy.
Official Statements and Canon Warfare
Officially, J.K. Rowling has not confirmed or denied the pregnancy theory. In her interviews, she often avoids definitive statements about such details, leaving them open to interpretation. It's worth noting that in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. explicitly states that she was pregnant when she died, but this statement is predominantly from fan interpretations.
Moreover, J.K. has mentioned that Lily and James had a fraught relationship with Snape, especially considering his allegiance to Voldemort. Therefore, the suggestion that James would be willing to make Snape the godfather of his child is highly unlikely.
There is also the consideration of lupin and Peter Pettigrew, both of whom were in the Order of the Phoenix. It would be illogical for Lily to choose Snape over them as the godfather.
Conclusion
The idea that Lily Potter was pregnant when Voldemort killed her is a fascinating fan theory, but it lacks concrete evidence and contradicts the established canon. Based on the available information and official statements, it is more plausible to assume that Lily was not pregnant when she died. The fan theories add a layer of complexity and intrigue to the story, enriching the Harry Potter universe, but they should be approached with a critical eye, keeping in mind the official canon.