Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice In The Harry Potter Franchise

Introduction

Curious and ready to dive into the magical world of Harry Potter? Today, we're going to explore the top 10 things that may have flown over your head when you were a young buck reading or watching the Harry Potter franchise. Brace yourselves for some mind-blowing moments and let us know if we missed any in the comments below. Get your wands ready, because here we go!

Section 1: Hufflepuff, the Chillest House

Hogwarts is divided into four houses, each with its own distinct traits. Gryffindors are brave, Ravenclaws are smart, Slytherins are cunning, and Hufflepuffs... well, let's just say they have a reputation for being chill. As a kid, you might not have picked up on the fact that Hufflepuff house is full of kids who like to "light one up," but the evidence is there. Professor Sprout, head of Hufflepuff, is the herbology professor, and their common room is conveniently located right next to the kitchens. So, it's no surprise that Hufflepuffs enjoy munching on midnight snacks when they've got the munchies.

Section 2: The Dark Side of the Wizarding World

While Harry Potter is an incredible adventure, as adults, we start to notice some darker elements in the story. One such example is the Dementor's Kiss. In the Wizarding World, Azkaban prison guards called Dementors have the ability to suck out a person's soul, leaving them as a mere shell of their former self. Death is already a difficult concept for kids to grasp, but the severity of this punishment might have gone over our heads. The Dementor's Kiss is a reminder that the Wizarding World doesn't hold itself to the same standards as the Muggle world when it comes to cruel and unusual punishment.

Section 3: Love Potions and Consent

In the Wizarding World, love potions exist, and they're not treated as seriously as they should be. As adults, we start to question the casual attitude towards drugging people and the lack of emphasis on consent. Kids in the later installments of the franchise experiment with a love potion called Amortentia, which produces feelings of obsession rather than genuine affection. Ron even accidentally takes a love potion meant for Harry, causing him to act foolishly. The fact that Fred and George sell love potions in their joke shop also raises eyebrows. It's all a bit too casual and accepted for our liking.

Section 4: Vicious Body Shaming

While it's easy to hate the Dursleys for their mistreatment of Harry, there's one glaring issue with the portrayal of the Dursley family as adults. The books and movies seem perfectly content to fat shame Dudley and Vernon relentlessly. In the first movie, Hagrid even gives Dudley a pig's tail to make a point. While there are plenty of other shameful things the Dursleys do, the franchise keeps coming back to this fat-shaming narrative, which doesn't sit well with us as adults.

Section 5: The Time Turner Conundrum

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban introduces the Time Turner, a magical object that allows the user to travel through time. While it's an exciting concept, as adults, we can see the problematic implications of introducing time travel into the story. Time travel becomes a device that could easily solve most of the characters' problems, yet it's rarely used to its full potential. We can't help but wonder why they didn't just go back in time to fix things and avoid unnecessary trouble. Time travel in any story is a slippery slope, and in Harry Potter, it's a conundrum that raises more questions than it answers.

Section 6: Background Checks for Teachers, Anyone?

While we all love the beloved characters who teach at Hogwarts, there's one glaring issue that only adults notice: the lack of thorough background checks for these teachers. From Professor Quirrell having the literal Dark Lord attached to the back of his head to Professor Lockhart lying about everything, and even Professor Moody being a Death Eater in disguise, it seems that Hogwarts doesn't prioritize background checks. We can't help but wonder why proper assessments aren't conducted before granting these individuals access to impressionable young minds.

Section 7: Moaning Myrtle, the Creep

At first glance, Moaning Myrtle may seem like a harmless ghost, but as adults, we can't ignore her creepy behavior. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Myrtle stumbles upon Harry in the bath, and instead of apologizing and giving him privacy, she proceeds to make unwanted advances towards him, even though Harry is visibly uncomfortable. This scene becomes increasingly uncomfortable to watch as we grow older and realize just how inappropriate and unsettling Moaning Myrtle's behavior truly is.

Section 8: Dumbledore, the Not-So-Great Wizard

Professor Albus Dumbledore, the wise and powerful wizard, becomes a cornerstone of the Harry Potter series. However, as adults, we start to question Dumbledore's decision-making and wonder if he really was the best choice for a mentor. From withholding vital information from Harry to not informing him about the true nature of Snape or even the fact that he himself unintentionally made Harry a Horcrux, Dumbledore's actions leave us scratching our heads. We can't help but think that if Dumbledore had been more forthcoming, Harry's journey might have been a lot smoother.

Section 9: Hogwarts, the Questionable School

When you take a step back and look at the events that occur at Hogwarts throughout the series, one can't help but question the school's safety standards. From a possessed teacher getting killed by an 11-year-old student, to a giant snake trying to murder students, and even a government-sanctioned teacher torturing students in detention, it's astonishing that Hogwarts is still considered the safest place to be. As adults, we can't help but wonder why the school remains open despite these disturbing incidents. Where are the school inspections when you need them?

Section 10: The Acceptance of House Elf Slavery

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Hermione starts an organization called the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W) to advocate for the rights of house elves. While this is an admirable cause, what surprises us as adults is the lack of support and concern from the other characters. Instead of being horrified by the literal slavery of these creatures, most characters brush off Hermione's efforts or even make fun of her. It's jarring to realize how passive and accepting the Wizarding World is when it comes to such a heavy and appalling crime.

Conclusion

And there you have it, the top 10 surprising details in the Harry Potter franchise that only adults notice. From the casual drug use in Hufflepuff to the questionable safety standards at Hogwarts, these details add layers of complexity to the beloved series. As we grow older, we discover new depths to our favorite stories, and Harry Potter is no exception. So, next time you dive into the magical world of Harry Potter, keep these details in mind and see how they shape your perspective. Remember, there's always more to the story than meets the eye.