Among Harry Potter fans, few books are as pivotal or as emotionally charged as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. As the concluding volume in J.K. Rowling’s best-selling fantasy series, every page carries emotional weight and narrative significance. However, over the years, fans have noticed a curious inconsistency that appears on page 759 of the U.S. edition—an error that has sparked discussion, fan theories, and even confusion. What exactly is the “Page 759” error, and how should it be fixed to maintain continuity and logic in the story? This article explores that issue in detail.
The Nature of the Page 759 Error
The “Page 759” error occurs near the end of the book during the chapter titled Nineteen Years Later, which takes place almost two decades after the final battle between Harry and Voldemort. On this page, a seemingly minor inconsistency with character details creates a ripple of confusion for attentive readers.
The error involves the character Teddy Lupin, the son of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. In this epilogue, Harry refers to Teddy as being “snogging Victoire,” and it’s clear that Teddy is frequently spending time with the Weasleys. What causes confusion is Harry’s reference to Teddy living with his grandmother, Andromeda Tonks, while also stating that “he comes ‘round for dinner about four times a week.”
So where’s the error? The problem lies in the implied logistics of guardianship and Teddy’s close relationship with Harry’s family. Some fans feel the scene contradicts earlier inferences that Harry might raise Teddy in the absence of his parents, echoing his own experiences of growing up orphaned.
Why This Error Matters
At first glance, this seems like a negligible issue—after all, Teddy is alive, well cared for, and clearly loved. However, from a narrative and thematic standpoint, the implications run deeper:
- Character Development: Harry, having lost his parents so young and suffered abuse from the Dursleys, would plausibly take a more active role in Teddy’s life.
- Thematic Resonance: The series often emphasizes chosen family and overcoming one’s traumatic past. Harry raising Teddy would underline those points strongly.
- Continuity: Earlier dialogue in the book hints that Harry expected to take on some responsibility for Teddy. Sirius Black, Harry’s own godfather, died trying to care for him as family. Shouldn’t Harry return the favor now?
Possible Interpretations
To give Rowling the benefit of the doubt, the passage could be interpreted in multiple ways:
- Harry supports Teddy emotionally but doesn’t have legal guardianship: Andromeda is Teddy’s legal guardian, but Harry acts more like a beloved uncle.
- Shared parenting: Perhaps Andromeda and Harry worked out an arrangement where Teddy spends significant time with both families, though the sentence in the book doesn’t clarify that.
- Oversight in Epilogue Condensation: Given that the epilogue summarizes nearly 20 years in a handful of pages, it’s possible this nuance was lost in a brief reference.
Despite these interpretations, the ambiguity creates an unresolved tension for fans who desire clear closure.
Suggestions to Fix the Error
Correcting the “Page 759” error doesn’t require a major rewrite. Instead, subtle textual clarifications could fix the inconsistency while preserving the narrative’s integrity. Here are a few suggested edits:
1. Clarify Guardianship Role
Add a line indicating that Harry remains closely involved in Teddy’s life—perhaps something like:
“Though Teddy lived with his grandmother Andromeda, Harry had been there from the start, playing a father-like role in his godson’s life.”
2. Mention Time Spent with the Potters
A small touch, such as referencing Teddy having his own room at the Potters’ house or joining in on family holidays, could reinforce the closeness:
“Teddy practically had his own room at the Potters’ by now. He’d long since become part of the family.”
3. Emphasize the Godfather Role
Since the series holds godparents in high regard (as seen with Sirius and Harry), reaffirming that Harry took his role seriously can offer emotional payoff:
“Harry had sworn never to let Teddy feel the same loneliness he once did. True to that vow, he was there for every birthday, every quidditch match, and every scraped knee.”
Fan Reaction and Community Response
The Harry Potter fan community has long debated this inconsistency, with some fan fiction authors even rewriting the epilogue to better emphasize Harry’s dedication to Teddy. Numerous forums, such as MuggleNet and Reddit’s r/harrypotter, feature threads where fans share theories and alternate readings of the passage.
In fact, several fans have speculated that Rowling purposely left the detail vague to allow readers a sense of open-ended closure, similar to how readers can imagine their own futures for the surviving protagonists.
J.K. Rowling’s Commentary
To date, Rowling has not directly addressed the page 759 inconsistency. However, in various interviews and on Pottermore (now known as Wizarding World), she has stated that Harry remained actively involved in Teddy’s life. This external material supports the theory that the text fell short in making this involvement explicit.
Conclusion
The elusive “Page 759” error in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is not a major plot hole, but rather a missed opportunity to underscore a powerful character arc. By adding a line or two of clarification, the text could better reflect Harry’s growth and honor the recurring themes of found family, sacrifice, and love that define the series. For readers who were emotionally invested in Harry’s journey, a more heartfelt acknowledgment of his bond with Teddy would elevate the poignancy of the conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Page 759 error in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?
It refers to a perceived inconsistency where Harry mentions that Teddy Lupin lives with his grandmother but also visits frequently, leading fans to question whether Harry took on a father role as previously implied.
Why is this considered an error?
Many readers expected that Harry, as Teddy’s godfather, would raise him, especially given Harry’s traumatic childhood and desire to be a better guardian. The epilogue’s wording is vague and doesn’t confirm or deny Harry’s deeper involvement, creating confusion.
Is Teddy Lupin officially adopted by Harry?
No, the book does not state that Harry adopted Teddy, only that he visits often and is close to the family. Pottermore content confirms Harry was actively involved, though this isn’t stated in the book.
Has J.K. Rowling acknowledged this error?
She hasn’t addressed the specific line on page 759, but she has confirmed in interviews that Harry was significant in Teddy’s life. Still, this detail isn’t explicitly stated in the novel.
What’s the best way to fix this error?
The best fix would be to add a line reinforcing Harry’s ongoing emotional and perhaps fatherly role in Teddy’s life. This would fulfill both narrative expectations and thematic closure for fans of the series.